Beauty from Surrender by Georgia Cates

Book review of Beauty from Surrender by Georgia Cates.

The second book in the Beauty series.

Book synopsis:  How do you move on when he’s every song you sing?

After Laurelyn Prescott walks away from the love of her life, she returns to Nashville to pursue the only dream she has left. Determined to find a distraction from the pain of losing Jack Henry, she immerses herself in her music. But with her old life comes old acquaintances and new expectations. When Laurelyn refuses her record producer’s outrageous demands, she finds herself without a career—until an unforeseen opportunity presents itself. From there it’s a rocket ride straight to the top where Laurelyn finds the success she’s always dreamed of. Will it be enough to bring her the happiness she so deserves, or will the absence of Jack Henry leave her wanting more?

Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love with Laurelyn Prescott—but he did. After he foolishly let her slip through his fingers, he spends three months searching for her, but their reunion doesn’t come easy. The woman he finds isn’t the same one who drifted away without a goodbye. No longer an insecure girl on an Australian adventure, this Laurelyn is a successful musician with a promising career. Her dreams are becoming a reality, and Jack is terrified his American girl won’t have a place for him in her new life. With only a month to convince her otherwise, will it be enough time to make her visualize a life beyond the glitz and glamour, a life that includes him?

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My review:  5 stars!!!

I love, love, loved this book.  I literally could not put the book down.  I actually bought and finished this book in one day!!  It was such a good book.  This book picks up where the first book ends.  It's a seamless transition, which is a relief.  Sometimes authors feel like they have to "relive" the first book when writing a sequel.  This one is not like that. 

This book had me hooked from the very first page.  I couldn't wait to find out what happens with Laurelyn and Jack Henry.  There were lots of twists and turns and the book kept you guessing.  It was definitely exciting!!!

At the end of this book there is a blurb about the series.  The author says that she wrote this book as the end.  It ends great!!  But she did say that she is writing (or considering to write) and novella to accompany this series.  I think that's a good idea, because there are a few things you are left to wonder. 

I have to admit, I read a lot of books and this is one of my favorites!!  I really enjoyed reading this series and can't believe it ended already.  It was over before I knew it.  

Thank you Ms. Georgia Cates!!  I will keep an eye out for your books.  You are a great writer and I can't wait to see what comes next!!

Author - H.M. Ward

Author - H.M. Ward

About Me - NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY Bestselling author H.M. Ward is a native New Yorker living in Texas.

Ward was featured in the Washington Post for her debut novel Demon Kissed. Series by H.M. Ward include Secrets, Scandalous, The Arrangement, Demon Kissed, Vampire Apocalypse, and The Secret Life of Trystan Scott.

You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/demonkissed. Don't want to miss a release date: Text AWESOMEBOOKS to 22828 and get an email reminder on release dates.

Goodreads - link

Website - link

Facebook - link

Blog - link

Misc. - link

Book List - This list is quite extensive!!

The Arrangement Series

1.  The Arrangement 1

2.  The Arrangement 2

3.  The Arrangement 3

4.  The Arrangement 4

5.  The Arrangement 5

6.  The Arrangement 6

7.  The Arrangement 7

8.  The Arrangement 8 (coming June 2013)

Damaged Series

1.  Damaged 1

2.  Damaged 2 (coming June 2013)

Scandalous Series

1.  Scandalous 1

2.  Scandalous 2

Secrets Series

1.  Secrets Vol. 1

2.  Secrets Vol. 2

3.  Secrets Vol. 3

4.  Secrets Vol. 4

5.  Secrets Vol. 5

Demon Kissed Series

1.  Demons Kissed 1

2.  Cursed

3.  Torn

4.  Satan's Stone

5.  The 13th Prophecy

6.  Assassin

Demon Kissed Novella

1. Valefar Vol. 1

2.  Valefar Vol. 2

The Secret Life of Trystan Scott Series

1.  Collide

2.  Backdraft

3.  Riptide

4.  Shattered

5.  Untitled

Winter Kissed Series

1.  Christmas Kisses

2.  Valentines Kisses

Vampire Apocalypse Series

1.  Bane

2.  Catalyst

3.  Divergent

Twisted Tales Series

1.  Stone Prison

2.  Untitled

 Stripped Series

1.  Stripped (coming August 2013)

Tryst

Broken Promises (coming in December 2013)

Beauty from Pain by Georgia Cates

Book review of Beauty from Pain, by Georgia Cates.

Book synopsis:  They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries.

Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. He arranges relationships like business deals and they’re always the same. No long term relationships. No real names.

It’s his game and his rules. He’s content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy must change because this player is like none he's ever encountered. His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she’s exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer.

My review:  5 stars!!

I loved this book.  I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that it starts with the girls (Laurelyn and Addison) leaving Nashville, TN and going to Australia.  I live in Nashville and any book that involves Nashville just draws me in.  Maybe it's the familiarity of it all.  But, I was drawn to this book.  And second, maybe it's because it involves Australia.  I've never been, but I know a few people from there.  I even dated an Australian for a short time and just thinking about the accent and imaging Jack McLachlan talking with that accent is like nothing else.  Women in general are suckers for accents, believe me, I am one of them and I witnessed its allure first hand.

The man is this story is so amazing, you can't help but fall in love him.  And the woman is just a young woman who is trying to have fun and have an adventure she will never forget.  Boy does she ever!!

I couldn't put this book down!!  It ends in a major cliffhanger, so I was glad to see the second book was already out and purchased it immediately upon finishing the first one.  I will write a blog about that book next (I actually just finished it).  

Thanks again.

P.S.:  Keep your eyes out for the first "Meet The Author" blog tomorrow, H.M. Ward is up.  And she  does not disappoint ....

Authors I love and like . . .

     I plan on each week spotlighting an author that I have found and love.  I will tell you about that author, give you links for that author's Goodreads page, Amazon page, Facebook page and Blog.  I also plan on compiling a list of books by that author.  I'd like to pick one day, and keep the "Meet the Author" on the same day every week.  So, let's just say I will do this on Sunday, starting with this Sunday, June 9, 2013. 

 

     Since I have found a lot of new authors during the years scouring Amazon for books, this could potentially last weeks and weeks. 

 

     My reading genre is mostly romance novels, New Adult Romace, and such.  But, I do have other authors I love and will thrown them in to the mix as well.  I do plan on choosing the author on a random basis, and not in order of favorites.  There are just too many of them to pick a favorite, so keep in mind that the blog will not be listed in that way.  I will keep you up-to-date on that.

 

     I will start the first Meet the Author blog on Sunday, with the spotlight on H.M. Ward.

Jet by Jay Crownover

Okay.  So, for those of you following my blog, just a word of advice, this is my first one!!  Haha. 

 

So, I love, love, love Jay Crownover and her books.  This book, Jet (Amazon link to Jet), is actually the second book in the Marked Men series.  The first book, Rule (Amazon link to Rule), I read, but didn't review, but I can, if need be.  The books don't actually have to be read in order, although it would be easier to follow and understand if you did actually read them in order.

 

So, here goes . . . I started reading this book and got a little confused.  I actually had to go back and read Rule again, because I hadn't read Rule in a while and had forgotten who the characters were.  So, I went back.  I eventually caught up with Jet and realized I didn't actually have to go back, but nonetheless, I'm glad I did, because the books are worth a re-read!!

 

Official Book Synopsis - With his tight leather pants and a sharp edge that makes him dangerous, Jet Keller is every girl's rock and roll fantasy. But Ayden Cross is done walking on the wild side with bad boys. She doesn't want to give in to the heat she sees in Jet's dark, haunted eyes. She's afraid of getting burned from the sparks of their spontaneous combustion, even as his touch sets her on fire.  Jet can't resist the Southern Belle with mile-long legs in cowboy boots who defies his every expectation. Yet the closer he feels to Ayden, the less he seems to know her. While he's tempted to get under her skin and undo her in every way, he knows firsthand what happens to two people with very different ideas about relationships.  Will the blaze burn into an enduring love. . . or will it consume their dreams and turn them to ashes?

 

My review:  5 stars!!!

 

I loved this book.  Honest to goodness.  It was so good, I stayed up late and just couldn't put the book down long enough to work, sleep, eat, etc.  It starts off where Ayden and Jet are friends, they fight, they pick at each other and generally have a good time, while fighting the feelings they have toward each other.  I won't get in to what actually happens in the book and how it ends, but let's just say that every relationship has its ups and downs and this relationship (or non-relationship) is no different. 

 

Jet is a rock-and-roller and Ayden is a Southern Belle both with skeletons and crazy families to boot.  Ayden and Jet both go on a journey through their past in order to have a future.  Which is no different then our everyday lives.  You can't love someone fully until you know and understand that person and their past.  And in order to love someone you have to know their past and sometimes love them in spite of it.

 

It's all about balance and understanding, and Jay Crownover hit this one out of the park.  This book takes you through the emotional journey of living and loving entirely and completely.

As you read her books, you connect with the characters on a level only an avid reader can relate.  I am glad to announce that the next book in the series, Rome, will be coming out soon.  And I, for one, cannot wait until then.  I feel in love with Rome, a solider, who appeared in both previous books for different reasons.  Ms. Crownover, you rock!!  I cannot wait until your next book.

The ins and outs of Amazon Kindle book buying!

Okay.  So, here is what I have learned in the last three years of buying books for my Kindle.

There are lots of steps and I am obsessed with book buying.  So, if you don't want the hassle of searching and scouring Amazon for books, just follow my blog and I will keep you up-to-date with all the latest books I've read and take the guessing out of it.  LOL!!!

I log on to Amazon Kindle everyday.  The reason for this is because Amazon has a long genre list of Kindle books.  In each list, there are Top 100 Books (usually in line with New York Times Bestsellers) and Top 100 Free Books.  I tend to run through both lists.  The books I find I might want to read, I put in my Wish List (usually the books from the Top 100 list) and with the Top 100 Free Books list, I purchase any and all of the books I think I might ever read.  If the book is free, get it while you can, because usually the books are only "on sale" for a short time, and you should scoop it up while it's free.  If you don't want it on your Kindle, you can always delete it from your device, but leave it on the Cloud, because you can always download the book again later.  It never really disappears, unless you delete it from the Manage Your Kindle section of Amazon.

Also, once I have put the books I might read in the Wish List, I check that everyday. Amazon tracks the books for me, and if that book goes on sale, it will tell you.  It will be in red letters, and begins by telling you the percentage discount, then the new price.  I get a lot of books on sale that way too.  Sometimes the books will go on sale for one day only, and it's good to get it while you can.

I rarely pay more than $3.99 for a book.  In fact, I don't usually buy those books right away.  I will keep them in my Wish List and "monitor" it for sale prices.  Most of the time, the book will go on sale at some point, and I purchase and download it then.

I watch for pre-order books.  Amazon won't charge your credit card and/or gift card until that book is released.  So, I download the pre-order books as soon as I can.  It will be saved in your Manage Your Kindle account until the books is released by Amazon.  Then your card will be charged automatically and the book will download.

I keep on eye out for authors I already know and like.

I browse through my suggested reading at least once a day, and place books I might be interested in reading in my Wish List (you can always delete it later).  I read a lot of synopsis for books.  I usually just choose books at random, but I seem to have a hang of choosing books that are well worth reading.  I had no idea there were so many indie writers out there, and I have stumbled on lots of authors I would not have found, unless I had taken a chance on them.  Now, I have many authors I follow (on Goodreads and on their blogs).

Well, I think that's all I have for you right now.  I hope my lesson in Kindle book buying has been helpful. Any suggestions?  Any other tips you have found to help in selecting Kindle books?

Stay tuned for the first book review tomorrow.  I hope everyone enjoys reading the blog and the book as much as I did.

Thanks again.

Living, Loving, Reading and Writing . . .

 

I'M BACK (and better than ever) with a new idea. So, here goes nothing . . .

Okay.  So, it's been a while since I have posted anything.  It seems life tends to get away from you before you know it.  Whew!!  What else can I say. 

So, I have decided, I would like to try something new.  And by new, I really just mean combining two things I love, reading and writing.  I have a Kindle.  I received it as a Mother's Day gift about three years ago.  And of all the gifts I have ever received, I think this is my favorite.  I love reading, I've always loved reading.  It's something I take pretty seriously, and having a Kindle with access to as many books as you can imagine, is just unbelievable to me.  Now, don't get me wrong, I love the other gifts, I don't want to minimize my love for all gifts!!!  I just love having a book in my hand. 

 

My love for writing is something else entirely.  I loved writing papers in school and I loved writing articles for various school newspapers and such.  However, I was afraid of taking the "fun" out of writing by making the world of journalism a career.  So, I decided to stick with what I knew, and that was law.  But, just because I didn't pick a career in writing or journalism, doesn't mean I can't still write and enjoy it.  So, I have decided to combine those two loves.  I will start blogging about the books I am reading.  I tend to lean towards reading approximately 5 books a week.  I usually give recommendations to friends and family regarding which books to read and which books to avoid, and I feel that my talent in choosing books is good and getting better.  I know which authors I love and who I tend to follow.

I would like everyone who likes to read or knows someone who likes to read, follow me.  I will led you through a journey of books and hopefully you will love the books I love.

I am on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/melissa.russell.965), and on Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/Mel_2011).  I update Goodreads every day.  And I track books that I want to read and when release dates are expected.  I pre-order books when I can and I generally keep everyone (friends and family) updated on when to expect certain books, etc.  It's become my obsession, I think.  I love reading series books and it's like a scavenger hunt to find the next books in the series. 

Reading to me is a journey.  It's a temporary escape into another time and place.  If you can leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just enjoy the story of another, you and I are meant to be, follow me and my journey.  I will guide you and take the guessing out of reading.  I will tell you which books to read and in which order to read them.  No thinking or researching involved.