Review: The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

The Start of Me and You
By: Emery Lord
Release Date: March 31, 2015

Description:
Following her pitch-perfect debut Open Road Summer, Emery Lord pens another gorgeous story of best friends, new love, & second chances.

Brimming with heartfelt relationships and authentic high-school dynamicsThe Start of Me and You proves that it’s never too late for second chances.

It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?

Review:

The Start of Me and you was emotional, sweet, endearing and just an overall experience of family, friends and dealing with loss and moving on.  The characters were real and relatable and the story was about as real as can be.  It was tough reading this in some parts because I just went through a loss of a family member not too long ago so I could completely relate with the main character and this book literally brought me to tears at some points.  I enjoyed it from beginning to end and couldn’t help but yell at the main character sometimes.

We meet Paige who had recently within the past year lost her boyfriend, they may not have been going out that long but it’s still something unexpected and at a young age it’s hard to deal with loss of someone your own age.  Well really, it’s hard to deal with loss in general.  Paige comes back to school with a set goal to make improvements in her life.  Some not so realistic but still those goals lead her to better things in life.  She forms new friendships, rekindles the strong bond between own friendships and learns to move on with her life, no matter how hard it is.

She meets Max, well he reintroduces himself back into her life, since he was there before but has moved back and with their new found strong friendship they build a bond with one another.  Although I will say a couple of times I had to yell at Paige and wonder how she could be so completely clueless to the way Max was feeling about her.  I think it’s her one tracked mind of trying to accomplish her goals for the year which included going out with Max’s cousin, Ryan.  But regardless of that between Max, Ryan and her already existing friendships they make quite a new group with one another and they all lean on one another.  It’s sweet and endearing and I wish I had a set of best friends the way she does.  They are necessary in life sometimes. 

There were some family issues as well that was dealt with in this book, not something that happens to often but it happens.  When two parents’ divorce and then start dating each other once again.  It’s hard to deal with but they do they best they can.  And can I say, grandma, love her.  You’ll have to read it to find out what I’m talking about but man is it worth the read.  Really heartfelt relationships in this book.  Will bring you to tears and make you smile with them all. 

Overall this book was great, it had a little bit of everything and all very relatable.  I love the cover although I think I would have put them more at the pool or something, just to relate to the book a little more, but I get it.  The cover is catchy and will definitely make you pick this up to read the description.  I loved it. 

Blog Tour: Before & After by Nazarea Andrews

Before & After
By: Nazarea Andrews
Release Date: July 30, 2015

Description:

Rike and Peyton fell in love in college.

A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, covered in ink and crooning in a bar is the last person a straight laced girl with a art major should fall for, but his rough edges made her jagged, alive, shaving away the coddled southern princess and revealing a soul wild and brilliant.

They fell in love, despite her family and his past and all the reasons why it wouldn't work--and with their best friends, they made a life. Everyone was supposed to live happily ever after.
They, more than anyone, knows that life doesn't go according to plan.

Rike and Peyton fell in love in college. A boy with a guitar, and a poet's heart, and a girl with freckles dusted over her nose, a perfect fucking fairy tale.

But what happens when the fairy tale doesn't fall apart--but is forgotten?

Add to Goodreads

BUY LINKS:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Inktera

Review:

Talk about an intense emotional roller coaster ride that I was not ready to get off of.  Nazarea Andrews introduced me to a group of people that pulled me into their lives from the very beginning.  When tragedy strikes there are only so many options for you to take, but sometimes even if it’s hard it’s all worth it in the end. 

I was mesmerized by the intensity of these characters, their strong bond with one another making the four of them one strong family that each other needed. A family that was made stronger because each of them chose one another and it wasn’t one made out of obligation.  We were first introduced to Peyton right after getting into an accident and losing all her memories.  Throughout the book it was told from perspective of before the accident and after.  It’s always tough when something tragic happens to anyone but I always believe it’s how you deal with it that matters.

Rike, Peyton’s man is trying really hard to give her space until the time she finally realizes who she is and what they are to one another.  It’s definitely not easy for him or Lindsey and Scott because they too were affected in this accident that happened to Peyton and Lindsey.  It’s just really tough all around.  I wouldn’t mind seeing this from Lindsey and Scott’s perspective either. Would be interesting to learn more about them and just hear it firsthand.

Not only were the characters and their story very intense but so were there intimate moments, very intense, strong, freeing for both of them.  I know I was very surprised when I first started reading those parts but still it was interesting and kept me more into the story because it really was true to each of their characters. 

Overall this was a great quick intense ride that you will enjoy and want more from in the end.  You just couldn’t help but root for these people to succeed after the hands they were dealt with in life.  Great book, first time reading this author and I would definitely pick up another one to see if it’s just as good as this one was.  

About the Author:

Nazarea Andrews (N to almost everyone) is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. Which means she writes everything from zombies and dystopia to contemporary love stories. When not writing, she can most often be found driving her kids to practice and burning dinner while she reads, or binging watching TV shows on Netflix. N loves chocolate, wine, and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, spoiled cat and overgrown dog. She is the author of World Without End series, Neverland Found, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. Stop by her twitter (@NazareaAndrews) and tell her what fantastic book she should read next.

Author Links:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook  | Street Team | Newsletter 

GIVEAWAY: 
Win a silver Ampersand necklace and a signed copy of BEFORE & AFTER. 

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Release Date Blitz: Before & After by Nazarea Andrews!

 

Today we are celebrating the release of BEFORE & AFTER by Nazarea Andrews. This book is a New Adult contemporary romance. Be sure to check out the giveaway below for a beautiful necklace and signed copy.

 

Click here to ADD THE BOOK TO GOODREADS

BEFORE & AFTER BOOK BLURB:

Rike and Peyton fell in love in college. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, covered in ink and crooning in a bar is the last person a straight laced girl with a art major should fall for, but his rough edges made her jagged, alive, shaving away the coddled southern princess and revealing a soul wild and brilliant. They fell in love, despite her family and his past and all the reasons why it wouldn't work--and with their best friends, they made a life. Everyone was supposed to live happily ever after. They, more than anyone, knows that life doesn't go according to plan. Rike and Peyton fell in love in college. A boy with a guitar, and a poet's heart, and a girl with freckles dusted over her nose, a perfect fucking fairy tale. But what happens when the fairy tale doesn't fall apart--but is forgotten?

 

BEFORE & AFTER BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO | INKTERA

     

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Nazarea Andrews (N to almost everyone) is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. Which means she writes everything from zombies and dystopia to contemporary love stories. When not writing, she can most often be found driving her kids to practice and burning dinner while she reads, or binging watching TV shows on Netflix. N loves chocolate, wine, and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, spoiled cat and overgrown dog. She is the author of World Without End series, Neverland Found, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. Stop by her twitter (@NazareaAndrews) and tell her what fantastic book she should read next.

AUTHOR LINKS:

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | STREET TEAM

 

Review: Team Tomas by Ally Adams

Team Tomas
By Ally Adams
Release Date: July 1, 2015
Series: The Saints Team #2

Description:
“I’ll remember, until my dying breath.”

Tomás Carrera didn’t expect Alice Peterson to rock his world.

Growing up with a single mom and as the eldest of five siblings, Tomás has had to be responsible all his life. Now his super star soccer status has provided for his family and allowed him to let his hair down… and that’s just what he’s doing.

Signed to the Santa Ana Saints, Tomás is catching up for lost time with fast women, a fast Ducati motorcycle and a bevy of adoring fans. That is, until he loses his heart to Alice and is torn with wanting her and his independence.

Next in the series: Team Niklas 

Review:

Ah the Saints, soccer players, hot men, and lots of deliciousness in this book that’s for sure.  It’s not like the first book in this series it’s on its own playing field but still just as good.  This was the steamy Saints, I mean what else you would expect from a Latin Lover!  It’s as if Team Lucas was just a warmup for this steaminess that is Team Tomas, well done!

We know from the first book that Alice definitely had a thing for Tomas, who knew it would be reciprocated so much, she definitely tamed the wild latin lover from his ways and it was entertaining to read.  The two of them definitely have some very steamy scenes together, and some really great moments but I wouldn’t have minded learning more about the two of them, it seemed like their relationship was revolved around Alice losing her virginity.  I mean I can completely understand because she just wanted to do it already and not have that hanging over her head, but it seemed like they just jumped into things a bit.  But I still loved it.

It was really great seeing Mia and Lucas from the first book, but I really enjoyed learning more about the other players and being introduced to new characters especially Sasha, love that name.  Looks like there might be something there, hopefully we’ll find out soon enough.  But there was also a focus more on the Russian, Ed and Nik at the end of the book.  Love all the characters and I can only imagine walking into the saint’s place with all the super-hot guys roaming around.  Girls dream come true that’s for sure!

Overall I liked the book, not as much as the first one but still enjoyed it from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down because I had to see what would happen next between the two of them.  But really wanted more story then just pure pleasure.  Love the cover though, very appropriate and sexy.

Can’t wait to read the next book about Niklas because he seems like this will be a good story.  Especially since his love interest will be Sasha … watch out now!

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Review: The Heartbreakers by Ali Novak

The Heartbreakers
By: Ali Novak
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Series: The Heartbreaker Chronicles #1

Description:

"When I met Oliver Perry, I had no clue he was the lead singer for The Heartbreakers. And he had no idea that I was the only girl in the world who hated his music."

Stella will do anything for her sick sister, Cara—even stand in line for an autographed Heartbreakers CD...for four hours. She's totally winning best birthday gift this year. At least she met a cute boy with soft brown hair and gorgeous blue eyes while getting her caffeine fix. Too bad she'll never see him again.

Except, Stella's life has suddenly turned into a cheesy love song. Because Starbucks Boy is Oliver Perry – lead singer for the Heartbreakers. And even after she calls his music crap, Oliver still gives Stella his phone number. And whispers quotes from her favorite Disney movie in her ear. OMG, what is her life?

But how can Stella even think about being with Oliver — dating and laughing and pulling pranks with the band — when her sister could be dying of cancer?

Review:

Have you ever read a book that made you feel super giddy inside?  Even brought back memories from when you were younger and in love with a boy band (mine was New Kids on the Block yes I just showed my age with that statement).  The happy carefree days when all you had to worry about was school, well this book bought back that feeling even though they were dealing with more life altering situations and decisions.  This is the first book I’ve read by Ali Novak, and I’m definitely picking up her debut novel because that’s how much I loved this book.

We first meet the triplets – Stella, Drew and Cara.  The three of them couldn’t be more different from one another but they have an undeniable bond (being triplets and all) and they would do absolutely anything for one another.  Even in Stella and Drews case waiting four hours in line listening to The Heartbreakers a band they both can’t stand just to get something signed for their sister Cara, who has cancer.  They want to out beat her in the birthday gifting this year.  This is where Stella accidentally meets the lead singer but doesn’t even know that she’s met him before.  It’s sweet, unexpected and you have no clue how many times I’ve wished when I was younger something like that would have happened to me.  Adorable to say the very least!

With their chance meeting, Stella and Drew befriend the band and a connection is made.  It’s so much fun watching their antics trying to have a good time, it’s as if the two of them bought life back to the band.  It changes everything for them without even realizing that they needed that extra push.  Stella has an opportunity but is torn what to do because she wants to be there for her sister.  Overall I think she made the right decision in trying to live her life to the fullest, even though at times she’s scared and still hiding behind things, so is Oliver (the lead singer of The Heartbreakers).  They both have a connection with one another but something is always holding them back from fully committing.  Fear.

I don’t want to give too much more away from this book but if you need a good book to read then definitely pick it up because not only is it funny but there are emotional parts and even a lesson to be learned.  Remember to live for yourself, it’s okay to be happy.  I enjoyed all the characters in this book, especially all the interactions with the band, JJ is just too funny.  Alec there is something going on there and I know it, but I can’t put my finger on it.  Hopefully one day we’ll find out and Xavier is just a sweetheart.  I know it says #1 in the series so I hope we get to learn more about the rest of the band in their own books. 

Can’t get giddy enough about this book, it’s great, pick it up, read it, love it!!! The writing was great and had me laughing, crying and very involved with the characters.  The cover is completely adorable and if I saw it in the store would pick it up in a heartbeat.  It’s sweet and really represents the book well.  Now can I find myself an Oliver please lol, but maybe without all the games? J

About the Author:

Ali Novak wrote her debut novel My Life with the Walter Boys when she was just 15 years old, and has since penned her next book, The Heartbreakers. First a hit on the online community Wattpad, her second novel has over 38 million reads and is loved by readers around the world.

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Review: Team Lucas by Ally Adams

Team Lucas
By: Ally Adams
Release Date: July 1, 2015
Series: The Saints Team #1

Description:
"Lucas Ainswright won’t even remember my name in a month’s time—but one occasional smile or a look from those searching eyes made me want to dissect him and put him together again."

Mia Carter never thought getting suspended from her part-time job for having attitude could be the best thing to ever happen ... maybe. 

When Lucas Ainswright—one of the world’s biggest sporting stars—needs a minder, it just so happens that attitude is what is needed to keep Lucas in line.

Now Mia’s job is to manage the sporting world’s bad boy and keep him at the top of his game for the season. Game on!

Review:

Talk about an amazingly fabulous debut novel that had me obsessed with some really fantastic characters from the introduction to the final word in this addicting story.  Can I say GOAL!!!! Soccer players were hot before but they just got hotter thanks to Ally Adams great story about the Saints Captain Lucas Ainswright.  Can I get one of those?

We are introduced to Mia who has the unfortunate job of being a Minder for the captain of the Saints soccer team.  What is a minder you might ask, basically she gets to live in a posh beach pad and has to randomly drug test this beautiful specimen of a man.  Tough job right?  Well it turns out it’s more mentally challenging than anything with his constant difficulties relating and trusting people, getting things from Lucas is just not that easy sometimes.  But the banter between the two from the very beginning was entertaining to say the least.  I love it when characters argue with one another back and forth, to me it’s just their foreplay and makes the anticipation grow even more for when they finally realize what they have.

Anticipation is definitely very apparent in this book though and that made me love it even more.  You are so used to characters falling into insta love right away and getting it on but these two had quite a while before their lives shifted, and I loved it.  Not only were the interactions between these two electric but it was entertaining and quite funny.  Don’t get me wrong there was definitely one moment well my heart went out to Mia, but I won’t tell you about it because really you need to pick this book up and read it, there are some great things in here that you will remember for quite a while. 

Mia and Lucas were fabulous, but there are also other characters, members of the team that I’m dying to get to know better.  Especially Pez (which thankfully he is the focus of the next book) and Niklas as well, he seemed to like to egg Lucas on a little when it came to Mia but indirectly with smug looks.  You’ll see what I mean when you read it.  Another great character was Harry, he’s new to the team and with new things come new experiences so I hope there is definitely a book about him (crosses fingers). Lets not forget Mia’s best friend Alice, I want to know what her story is too she seems to work too hard that’s for sure.

But I digress, back to the main characters.  Love! Can’t really say much more than that.  The story was great, humorous, engaging and when they finally give in to one another it was blistering and just all smiles all around.  This book had me smiling, laughing, tearing up and just overall happy I enjoyed it so much that I had to read it all in one day because I couldn’t put it down.  That’s how good it was.  I love the cover, because I’m totally Team Lucas and trust is a major thing in this book.  Trust, it’s hard to obtain but worth the wait.  Go read this series, I can’t wait for the next book!

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and Atlas Productions, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Review: Hands Off! The 100 Day Agreement by Candy J. Starr

Hands Off! The 100 Day Agreement

By Candy J. Starr
Release Date: December 3, 2014

Description:

When I got offered an exchange to the Italian art school of my dreams, I nearly cried. I could barely afford college expenses at home let alone in a foreign country but it’d break my heart to knock them back. Then my rich and uptight grandmother called with her offer. 

If I stopped screwing around, she'd foot the bill. So I agreed. I figured she didn't really care about my sex life, she just wanted me to keep my partying off the radar. 

I was so wrong.

The sexy but annoying Chad moved into my apartment to keep me under surveillance. Why wasn't Chad dying to get into my pants like every other guy I've met? He had secrets and he wanted me to fail. 

One hundred days is a helluva long time to avoid temptation – even longer when Chad becomes the temptation.

Review:

Sometimes you have to wonder if other people know what’s best for you and they just go about doing it the wrong way, or maybe they just like to start drama but are happy it all works out in the end.  That’s how I felt about this book and I loved every minute of it. 

We meet Lucy who is trying her hardest to earn money to go study abroad in Italy, but then in comes her grandmother with a proposition, you can only imagine things go downhill from there, or do they?  The terms, Lucy must behave like a proper young lady all the while keeping her new bodyguard Chad who also has a stake in this.  This all comes with grandmother’s 100 day agreement of course.  Either way someone will be granted a large amount of money.  But is it worth it?

The two butt heads at first but eventually when she’s down in the dumps Chad is there for her and the tables turn.  I love how Lucy will refer to him as The Chad.  There were a lot of great lines in this book but I think I was a bit biased because I always love it when there is a bit of foreign slang to my Americanized one.  Their friendship grew and it was cute seeing them develop feelings for one another.  Although Chad isn’t much of a talker in this book you still learn a great deal about him through Lucy’s snooping.  There were a lot of great moments between them and goes to show you that there are people out there that you can lean on even if they are getting paid for it.  After all we are all only human right?

This was a quick read with great characters that left you smiling and completely believable in every way because I could imagine this book playing out in real life.  As crazy as it was it was a fun read and definitely something to occupy yourself with.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I’m completely team Chad but I do have to say the incident that happens towards the end WOW lol, I can’t even fathom doing something like that but what must be done must be done.  Great story!

I really love this cover and would definitely pick this up to see what it was about but that is not how I pictured Chad at all, but still not too bad.