Thursday, September 12, 2013

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!!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

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!!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

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!!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

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!!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

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!!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

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 fiancĂ©’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!!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

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:
 
 
 
 
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!!