Pulse by Gail McHugh

Pulse by Gail McHugh

 

Book Synopsis:  How do you keep existing when your heart is so splintered, so completely torn to shreds, your pulse is fading?

You’re … broken. How do you move forward when every breath is nothing more than a constant ache? Living becomes an insidious reminder that you threw away the single largest part of yourself. Your…soul. No amount of distraction can pull you from the torture of losing your … life.

Now that Emily Cooper has walked away from her first love, she finds herself running toward her only love. Unraveling fast, but clinging to hope, Emily risks all she has left on the man that has consumed her every thought and dream since the day they met. Will Gavin take her back? And if so, will their reunion be a collision of two hearts destined to complete one another and rekindle a love that knew no boundaries? Or will scars from their past rip open, tearing slowly at what each of them was meant to be? Can fate, the ultimate game changer, mend the shattered road it laid out from the start?

Only time will tell…

Tick-Tock…

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My review:  5 stars!!!!

I loved this book.  I really, really, really loved it.  I started this book immediately after finishing the first book.  The two books are seamlessly put together.  One leads you right into the other.  This was my first series by Gail McHugh and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for her books!!  She is an amazing author.

Let's just say in advance, you will hate and I mean HATE Dillon.  He is not a nice man.  I can't believe the things he did to Emily.

I really hate giving spoilers in my review, so I will keep this review short.  Just go buy the book.  It's a page turner, I didn't want to eat, sleep, or work because I wanted/needed to know what happened next.  It was definitely a "just one more chapter" book.

Go get this one!!  You will love it.

Happy reading!!!

Collide by Gail McHugh

Collide by Gail McHugh

(Book #1)

Book Synopsis:  A missed first encounter…

Colliding with a second chance…

On the heels of graduating college and trying to cope with her mother’s death, Emily Cooper moves to New York City for a fresh start.

While harboring secrets of his own, Dillon Parker takes care of Emily through her grief. Knowing he can’t live without her by his side, he’s sweet, thoughtful, and everything Emily has ever wanted in a man.

Until she meets Gavin Blake—a rich and notorious playboy who is dangerously sexy and charming as hell. Emily tries to deny the instant connection she feels, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is not inclined to let go so easily. Recovering from his own painful past, Gavin will stop at nothing to win Emily over.

This unexpected encounter compels Emily to question her decisions, forcing her to make a choice that will destroy friendships, shatter hearts, and forever change her life.

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My review:  5 stars!!!

This book sucked me right in.  OMG!!!  I loved it.

Emily moved to New York to be with her boyfriend, Dillon.  She just lost her mother, even though their relationship was strained, she was still her mother and her death left a void in her life.  Just for the record, I disliked Dillon from the very second.  You soon find out that he is cheating on Emily although she doesn't know it.  He is the worst kind of man and I wished Emily would catch him.  I really wished she would punch him out and drop his ass.  But I digress.  That doesn't happen.

Upon moving to New York with Dillon, and while waiting on a teaching job, Emily gets a job at a restaurant.  Delivering food to a local building, she runs into Gavin.  She just so happens to be delivering food to him.  Coincidence . . . I think not.  

Emily feels a pull to him instantly.  As does Gavin.  

Needless to say, the road to happiness is a very long road.  It has many twists and turns and many road bumps and maybe even a few potholes.  I'm not saying it was easy.  I laughed, and cried and actually yelled at the Kindle.  I was so very mad at Emily, I was even mad at Gavin.

I had already purchased the second book, and I immediately got into it.  I couldn't wait to find out the rest of the story!!

Go out and read this book!!  It's so worth it.

Happy reading!!

Miles of Pleasure by Stephanie Nicole

Miles of Pleasure by Stephanie Nicole

 

Book Synopsis:  Kaylee Miles works as an assistant to her brother's band, Miles of Pleasure. Ashton, the hard living lead singer, is intrigued by her, but they don't get along. This situation changes when he must come to Kaylee's rescue and prove his bravery. As Kaylee joins the band on the road, she is forced to make some life-changing decisions. Could one of them involve Ashton?
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My review:  2 stars!

Okay, so I'm pretty sure I bought this book because it was free.  Now, just for the record, not all free books are good and not all are bad.  This one was in-between.  I decided t0 read it because it was a standalone novel.  I was tired of reading a series, only to have it continue later on.  I was having to read a series, then re-read a series because a second or third book was coming out.  So, this one was all by it's lonesome.  I read it, I did.

Now, suffice it to say that I liked the book enough to finish it.  At first I was lost and wondered why I just felt I must finish the book.  I am not a mean person, I do not like saying bad things about anything really.  But, I just could not get into this book.

It was a cute read.  I liked the way it finished.  I was not drawn into the book.  It did not hook me from the first page. 

If it was free again, I would read it.  But, I'm not sure if I would pay money to read the book, if given the choice.  I'm sorry readers, my first "not good review."  Sorry, Stephanie Nicole, just not my cup of tea!

On to the next one . . . Happy reading!!

Girl On Tour by Caisey Quinn

Girl On Tour by Caisey Quinn

(Book #2)

 

Book Synopsis:  An up and comer trying to make a name for herself...

Kylie never expected to be stuck on a tour bus with a pampered princess and her boyfriend’s ex.

A troubled artist struggling to hold onto his career...

TRACE thought he was finally getting to do things his way. Until the label added co-headliner Gretchen Gibson, the only person in country music with more issues than him, to his No Apologies tour.

Surrounded by tabloid rumors and people they can't trust, Kylie and Trace need each other more than ever. But the choices they make will change everything.

Because chasing your dreams and following your heart don’t always lead you to the same place…

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My review:  4 stars!!

OMG!!!  I loved this book just as much as the first one.  I can't believe the cliffhanger ending!!

I cannot wait to find out what happens inthe next book.  I think it's coming out sometime in February 2014.

This book was Kylie going on tour.  You will NEVER believe who shows up being the co-headliners on the tour!!  OMG!! 

I'm pretty sure I cried in this book.  It's just so emotional and pulls you right in.  One minute I was laughing and having a good time and the next I was crying.  I love that about books.  The way they make you feel the emotions of the characters.

I would definitely recommend this book.  Now, I can't wait for the third and final book!!

Happy reading.

Girl With Guitar by Caisey Quinn

Girl With Guitar by Caisey Quinn

(Book #1)

 

Book Synopsis:  After Kylie’s dad dies in a freak accident, he leaves her with nothing other than her crazy step-mother, Darla, and the ability to play guitar. When Darla kicks Kylie out and she loses her job all in the same day, she hops a bus to Nashville determined to make her late father’s dreams come true. Waitressing and saving her pennies to record a demo, her big break comes when she’s asked to join a tour going down the tubes with once platinum album-selling country music superstar Trace Corbin. But touring with Trace is hardly a dream come true since he’s pretty much drinking his career down the drain. If Kylie can’t pull Trace out of his rut, he’ll pull her and her dreams down with him.

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My review:  4 stars!!

 

I really liked this book.  I thought it was well written and I live in Nashville, who doesn't like a book about the town you live in!!  I bought this book because of the reviews and it was $0.99!!  I love books under a $1.

 

I liked Kylie right away.  She's a little feisty.  She moves to Nashville with little to no money to pursue her dream.  Right away she meets Trace and puts him in his place (which I loved about her).  She has comebacks for everything and does not let people (especially Trace) run all over her!!

Trace is a drinking, hates live, loves music, kind of guy.  He doesn't like being on the road.  He drinks way too much and flakes out on performing, etc.  He's a bad boy who seems to have some problems committing, to well, anything really.  He can't commit to his job.  He can't commit to girls.  He's just a mess.  And Kylie is having none of it!! 

She pretty much tells him where he can stick it.  She thinks he is taking advantage of the talent he was given and shows him he can be better.  I loved Kylie!!

I couldn't wait to finish this book and read the second book.  I read, in fact, both books in one weekend!!

This was a great read.  I loved the story, it was a little different storyline.  But great writing (my first book by Caisey Quinn, in fact).  I would definitely recommend this book.

Happy reading!!

Ambrosia by Erin Noelle

Ambrosia by Erin Noelle

(Book Boyfriend #2)

 

Book Synopsis: After coming to terms with the tragedy that rocked her world, Scarlett MacGregor has returned to try to pick up the pieces of the broken relationships that she left behind.

Ash and Mason were left devastated and heartbroken following Scarlett’s sudden, unannounced departure. They are both ready and willing to forgive her and welcome her back into their lives with open arms. However, a lot can happen in 8 months…

 

Scarlett must learn to overcome the obstacles thrown in her path to prevent the past from repeating itself. Can she learn to fly with her own wings and discover the secret to eternal love?____________________________________________________________________

 

My review:  5 stars!!!

Okay.  So, I went out to Amazon and bought this book immediately after finishing the first one.  I had to know what happened to Scarlett and "the boys".  I can not believe the things that happen to Scarlett.  She has terrible luck.  She takes one step forward in her life and then something happens that puts her four steps back.  

 

Now, I'm not going to lie.  I do not know who I want her end up with.  I am neither team Ash or team Mason.  I just don't know if either of them are good enough for her.  Now I'm not saying she doesn't love them both differently.  They just both seem to screw up every chance they had with her.  I'm just not sure what I want to happen!!  I am torn.  I usually pick sides right away.  I just can't this time.  

I loved this series and I cannot wait for the third and final book!!  I don't know where Erin is going to take us, but I'm sure it's going to be a wild ride!!

Happy reading.

Metamorphosis by Erin Noelle

Metamorphosis by Erin Noelle

(Book #1 - Book Boyfriend series)

Book Synopsis:  Scarlett MacGregor has lived a very sheltered life courtesy of her over-the-top controlling parents. Having never been to a co-ed party, much less on a date, Scarlett has relied on her books, her music, and living vicariously through her best friend Evie to keep her sanity as she's patiently awaited her freedom from their rule.

When Scarlett and Evie go away to college, Scarlett quickly meets Ashton, Dylan, and later, Mason, and is thrown into a crash course of like, love, and lust. With Evie's help, she must figure out the difference in the three and which one she wants before she ends up without any of them.

Metamorphosis is the story of Scarlett's transformation from a young, naive girl to a strong, mature young woman and her search for self-discovery and true love.

**Recommended for readers 17+ due to sexual content and harsh language.**

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My review:  5 stars!!!

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.  I wish I could give this book 50 stars!!  It was so good.  I loved this book.  Although, I will warn you, it is very sad at parts, and you will need tissues!!

Scarlett is a young, sheltered girl.  She is moving to college and starts her life.  She has hard decisions to make.  She's never dated anyone because of her strict upbringing.  So, she is experiencing things for the first time.  It is a great book about living, loving and learning to grow up.  I laughed, I cried, it has hot and sexy parts.  This book has everything.

I was scared to read this because I knew I would be waiting until the third book was finished.  But, I just couldn't wait any longer.  I wanted to read this book.  So, wait I will.  And if I have to re-read the first two before reading the last one, well, it is what it is.  I don't mind reading the books a second time.  In fact, they were so good, I will probably read them a second time anyways!!

There is a second and third book.  The second book is done and I will blog about it.  The third book is not done yet.  It is set to be released in November.  OMG!!  I can't wait.  I don't know which guy to love more!!

Happy reading.

My Unexpected Forever by Heidi McLaughlin

My Unexpected Forever by Heidi McLaughlin

(Book #2 - The Beaumont Forever)

 

Book Synopsis:  I expected a life of music.

I expected to raise my son.

It took one look to make everything change.

I never expected happiness.

I never expected to find her.

I never expected to feel desire.

I never expected I’d be a family man.

I never expected to be loved.

I never expected to fall in love.

They say you should expect the unexpected, I didn’t realize my unexpected would be the forever kind.

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My review:  5 stars!!!!

Okay, I'm just going to be honest here, I was a little confused during this book.  I mean, it's not hard to follow, but I just didn't know what to expect.  First, the synopsis (above) didn't give you anything to go on.  I went into this book just a little confused.

However, despite my confusion (which might coincide with my blond hair, hehe), it was a great book.  As it turns out, this book is about Harrison (a member of Liam's band) and Katelyn (Josie's best friend).  In the first book, Harrison is invited to Liam and Josie's house for Thanksgiving and Harrison brings his son, Quinn.  He meets Katelyn on that Thanksgiving holiday. 

Katelyn is not in a position to love anyone at the moment.  She just lost her husband, the man she fell in love with in high school, went to the college with and married and then had twins with.  He was her everything.  How do you let someone like that go?  How do you move on and love another?  This is what Katelyn deals with all the while getting to know Harrison.  Katelyn takes a job with the band and is around Harrison more and more.  They become friends. 

Can they move past the friends stage in their relationship?  Can Katelyn let go of the grief of losing her husband?

OMG!!  This is a good book.  It has sad moments and brought tears to my eyes several times.  But, who doesn't love a tear jerker?!?!

Happy reading!!

My Everything by Heidi McLaughlin

My Everything by Heidi McLaughlin

(Book #1.5 - The Beaumont Series)

 

Book Synopsis:  When Nick Ashford lost his friend, Mason, he didn’t realize he was going to lose his family as well, but that’s exactly what happened. Alone and in a foreign country, Nick is working on rebuilding his life one patient at a time, that is, until a striking volunteer makes her presence known.

Can Nick finish his year in Africa without risking his heart being broken again, or is he willing to start a new chapter in his life before his return to Beaumont?

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My review:  5 stars!!!

This book is a short novella about Nick, who appeared in the first book with Josie. 

I liked Nick initially in the first book.  He was the doctor who was taking care of Josie and a child who wasn't his.  He was the all-American guy who loved Josie beyond belief.  When Liam returned into the picture and wanted to stay around and be with his son, Nick went a little crazy.  I was starting to not like him.  Then after he told Josie that they, Josie and her son, were moving to Africa to be a part of "Doctors Without Borders," I was furious with him.  How could he make a decision like that and not ask Josie.  I think he knew in his heart that she would tell him no and that was an easy out for him and he could blame her and not himself.

I was reluctant to read Nick's book, because quite frankly, I was pissed at him.  But, I knew it was a short book and decided to go ahead and read it. 

Awe, and Nick changed my mind about him.  He turned out to be a sweet, caring, loving guy.  I feel in love with him a little bit during this book.  You found out who Nick really was in this book.  And you realized that the relationship he had with Josie, was just not meant to be.  He is a completely different person in this book, and you will love him.

Read this short novella, it was definitely worth it.

Happy reading!!

Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin

Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin

(Book #1 - The Beaumont Series)

 

Book Synopsis:  I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

 

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I’m going back.
 

After ten years. 

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl.

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My review:  5 stars!!!!

 

This was a re-read of this book.  I read this book earlier.  But since I have read some many books since, I couldn't remember the story or the characters.  So, I figured I would just read it again.  I was not disappointed at all the second time.  I vaguely remembered the story and characters, but it gave me chance to fall in love with the book again.  Wish of course, I did.

 

I love the style of writing by Heidi McLaughlin.  She has a way with words that just draws you in and you feel what the characters are feeling and you can relate to the characters in the book.

 

This story is about Josie and Liam.  Liam was a high school football star.  He was destined to do great things in football.  He loved the lead cheerleader and they were to live the happily ever after.  But, he left.  He left to pursue music.  He wanted to be a rock star.  The only problem with that . . . he left Josie with a secret.

 

Josie thought she had the fairytale.  She fell in love with the quarterback of the high school football team.  She was going to college with her best friend, things were perfect.  Until Liam left, with no explanation.  He left before she had a chance to tell him the secret she was carrying around.  He didn't care enough to stay.  She was devastated.  She moved on as best she could. 

 

Liam returns home after 10 years under less than ideal circumstances.  He uncovers the secret Josie kept him from.  Does the secret change his life?  Does Josie forgive him for leaving her?

 

I loved this book.  I loved it just as much as the first time.  Go read this book!  You will not be disappointed.  I promise.

 

Happy reading!!

Stripped by H.M. Ward

Stripped by H.M. Ward

(Book #1)

Book Synopsis:  By New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling New Adult author H.M. Ward.

The V Card. Virgin. Most of us want to punch that sucker ASAP, and hide the fact until then, but not Cassie Hale. Three years ago she frickin' covered hers in glitter and laminated the thing, proudly telling me that she's waiting for the perfect guy.

So when I see her half naked, tangled together, rolling around on the floor with another stripper, I'm kind of shocked. Okay, that's an understatement. I'm enthralled. I have to know what cracked her picture perfect world and landed her here, and I hope it's something horrible-an event that broke her the way she broke me. Because, that's who Cassie Hale is--the woman who stole my heart and crushed it in her hand.

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My review:  5 stars!!!

 

No matter how many times I say, it can never be enough ... H.M. Ward is my FAVORITE author, possibly ever!!  See has a way of hooking you from the first page of her books.  And now, all of her books intertwine with each other, its fascinating.  I have to follow her books very carefully, because I don't want to read them out of order.  Because the characters appear in the others novels!!  I was only expecting to see Trystan Scott in this series, but, there's more!!  Hint:  read Scandalous.

 

This book I read in one day.  That's right ... one day.  I started it on Monday (Labor Day) at approximately 8:00 am.  I finished it by 10:30 pm.  Now, I didn't read straight through.  We went swimming, etc.  But, I just could not put this thing down!! 

 

If you keep up with H.M. Ward's books, you know this book is the story about Jonathan Ferro, the youngest Ferro brother.  (And apparently all three brothers are to die for gorgeous, hello!!) 

 

This is the story about how he met Cassie Hale.  She's a self-proclaimed, good-girl.  She's not looking for a one-night stand and she is saving herself for marriage.  Well, Jonathan is just sure he can get her to change her mind . . .

This book had me on the edge of my seat.  A definite page turner.  I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.  It was such a great story. 

 

There is a second book, which of course, why wouldn't there be!  It ends in a cliffhanger, in classic H.M. Ward style.  This might possibly be my favorite book of the summer.  I can not wait for the second book, Stripped 2.

 

Go fast ... get this book.

 

Happy reading!!

If You Leave by Courtney Cole

 

If You Leave by Courtney Cole

(Beautifully Broken seres, Book #2)

Book Synopsis:  26-year old Gabriel Vincent is a badass hero. Or he used to be, anyway. As an ex-Army Ranger, Gabe never thought he needed anyone. But after one horrible night in Afghanistan scars him in a way that he can't get past, he needs someone who can help him heal...even if he doesn't realize it.

25-year old Madison Hill doesn't need anybody...or so she thinks. She grew up watching her parents' messed-up abusive relationship and she knows there's no way in hell that she's ever letting that happen to her.They don't know it in the beginning, but Gabriel and Madison will soon develop a weakness: Each other.

But Gabriel's got a secret, a hidden monster that he's afraid Maddy could never overcome... And Maddy's got issues that she's afraid Gabe will never understand. They quickly realize that they need each other to be whole, but at the same time they know that they've got demons to fight. 

And the problem with demons is that they never die quietly.
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My review:  4 stars!!

As you read this book, remember there is a book before this one.  It's called If you Stay (Amazon link).  The books can be read as standalones, if you must.  But the characters from this book appear in the first book, well, most of them.  So, if I were you, I would read the first book and then read this one.

Okay, so we learned about Madison's family in the first book of this series.  So, we understand the drama her family put her through and how her dad was and what happened to them.  I really liked Madison immediately.  She's the older sister and reminds me of myself.  She was very easy to relate to and just wants to take care of her sister and her families dreams.  She's always serious, hardly ever lets her hair down and has a good time.  She does this time though, at least at first.  She knows almost immediately that something is wrong with Gabe, she just doesn't know what. 

Gabe is a military hero, although for him, it is his greatest failure.  He has issues he needs to work on, but he doesn't know how.  I want to warn you ... I was actually crying in this book.  It has a couple of really sad parts, just a warning, bring tissues!!

I loved this book.  I was very happy with the way it ended and I can't wait to read the next book in the series ... Before We Fall.

Happy reading!!

Sometimes it Lasts by Abbi Glines

Sometimes it Lasts by Abbi Glines

(Book #5 - Sea Breeze series)

Book Synopsis:  Cage York has to choose between a love of the game and a love of the girl in this sultry Sea Breeze novel from New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines.

After waiting for his big break, bad boy Cage York is finally called up to prove his worth in the college baseball arena. But when Cage’s girlfriend, Eva, mourns the sudden loss of her father, it’s not Cage’s comforting arms she runs to, but those of her former fiancé’s twin brother, Jeremy.

Torn between his baseball dream and the girl of his dreams, Cage must prove he’s worthy of Eva’s love, or risk losing her to Jeremy forever.

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My review:  5 stars!!!

 

I have said this before, and I will say it again.  I love Abbi Glines!!  Her books are so good.  I loved this book, just as I have loved the whole series!!  I really liked Cage.  Although, he put himself in a couple of really bad situations.  I wish he would have been more careful, because it caused a lot of people a lot of pain.  However, we all make mistakes and the lesson we learn from them is the payoff.  He learned his lesson, of that I am sure. 

 

Bless Eva's heart.  She just has the worst luck possible.  It seems like everything that could go wrong for her, does.  She is so strong it's unbelievable!  She makes the most of the situation and I am proud of her for that.  So people would just throw in the towel, but she doesn't.  She's amazing!!

 

I really liked this story.  I can't wait for the next book in the series!!  WooHoo Abbi.  Another hit!!

Meet the Author . . . J.A. Redmerski

Meet the Author . . . J.A. Redmerski

 

About Me:  J.A. Redmerski, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of THE EDGE OF NEVER lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her three children and a Maltese. She is a lover of television and books that push boundaries and is a huge fan of AMC's The Walking Dead.

 

Links:

 

Website

 

Goodreads

 

Facebook

 

Books:

 

The Edge of Never series

1. The Edge of Never
2. The Edge of Always

In the Company of Killers series

1. Killing Sarai
2. Reviving Izabel

The Darkwood Triology series

1. The Mayfair Moon
2. Kindred
3. The Ballad of Aramei

Dirty Eden

 

Song of the Fireflies

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I really like J.A. Redmerski.  I have read her book The Edge of Never.  I loved it.  I cannot wait until the second book comes out.  Just know before you read it, you will need tissues. 

 

I have purchased Killing Sarai, and I am trying to catch up on finishing a couple of series (the books just keep coming out), but I have it in my To Read list.  I cannot wait to read it!!  Then I'm sure I will purchase the second book in that series and read it.

 

Great author!!