Sunday, April 28, 2013

Twisted by KA Robinson


Twisted (Torn, #2)

Twisted Book 2 in Torn Series by KA Robinson 3 Stars

GoodRead Synopsis:
Chloe and Drake have found their happily ever after... Almost.
When Chloe's mother comes back into her life with a bang, it sets off a chain of events no one could have ever expected. 
Everyone has their demons, and Chloe and Drake's hit them with a vengence. 
Sex, drugs, money, a crazy ex, and Rock n Roll.... Can they survive it all?
Things are beginning to feel a bit... Twisted

Overview: This book was a decent ending to the book Torn, and if you read Torn you will likely feel the same way about Twisted as you did Torn. If you loved Torn you will love Twisted. I didnt love it, but I appreciated the work and was happy with the ending. 

Cover: Not good 
Rating: PG 13 
Overall: 
Page Turner: Not really 
Series Cont.? 2nd one. Next one is a POV from another character, new story line
Recommend: If you read the First one yes. 
Book Boyfriend: Drake
Genre: New Adult Romance Novel
Characters: Drake and Chloe
Sex Scenes: Yes. Tame ones 
Setting: Beach and Tour Bus 

Plot
Jordan
Logan
The plot in this one was hard for me to get interested in. I was only interested in this one, because I read the first one, and I like finishing out my book series. Unfortunately I was a little let down. Especially in the beginning. I couldnt recall who was who, and what was going on. Obviously the first book didnt stay with me and I only read it a couple months ago. Not a good sign to start. The plot was interesting. I read a few other reviews and disagreed, I didnt think too much was going on. However I did think that it seemed contrived, the flow didnt feel right, and the characters felt a little raw, insincere. While the plot kept me interested, it was only because I wanted to know what happened in the end. I likely wont read Logan's POV since Im not that invested. 

I was irritated with the author, I dont think she did her research. I dont think she accurately showed an abusive relationship, or drugs. I was annoyed frequently with things continued to play out, though I did like the ending. I thought that at least she put things to a good end and made everything understandable. More realistic too. 

Characters-
Drake
Chloe
I think the author made Drake out to be quite the bad guy. I found myself rooting for Jordan instead of Drake. And hoping they were wrong about Kady. I liked Jordan a lot actually. I think he was my favorite. LOL. I also enjoyed that Chloe was able to stand her own a bit more this novel. She was more unstable in the last novel. But she seemed to find her own a little more here. Although I think she relied on Jordan far too much. She could have been stronger. She was strong enough to give Drake an Ultimatum but not strong enough to take on her mom. Just a little bizarre. I dont think Drake and Chloe made a believable couple either. Drake was always bi-polar to me even before drugs. He was way more attached and Clingy to Chloe than most guys in that position. I just found their relationship weird. Who moves in with someone after 3 months and having never been in a relationship before. Im glad with the end result of the characteris, but did care for the book overall. 

That said, I was able to finish it, and it wasnt poorly written or anything, it just wasnt my cup of tea.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Effortless by SC Stephens

Effortless by SC Stephens 4.5 Stars, Book 2 of Thoughtless Series

Effortless (Thoughtless, #2)GoodReads Synopsis: After being caught in the middle of a love triangle which led to a devastating betrayal, Kiera pledged to learn from the mistakes she’d made. She was determined to never again inflict that kind of pain on anyone, especially the soulful, talented man who held her heart. But life offers new challenges for every relationship, and when Kiera’s love is put to the ultimate test, will it survive? Love is easy . . . trust is hard 






Kellan
Cover: Beautiful
Kiera
Rating: R 
Overall: LOVED IT!
Characters: Kellan and Kiera
Page Turner: Not as much as the first
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: YES
Book Boyfriend: Kellan
Genre: New Adult
Sex Scenes: Yes
Setting: College

This book was amazing. I freaking LOVE SC Stephens. She is such an awesome author! I LOVED this book!!! I think this book is absoultely wonderful, even better than the first. I am in awe of SC Stephens and her amazing ability to write such raw, sincere characters and such a wonderful story. This book is all about trust. Given Kiera and Kellans history its no wonder that they have a hard time trusting one another. Kellan and Kiera are not able to be together throughout this novel as Kiera is in school and Kellan is working on his music career. I think this book is a realistic in the sense that most people can relate to having trust issues in a relationship. 



Kellan and Kiera love never ceased to amaze me. Their relationship may not be roses all the time, but Kellan is so sweet, and so thoughtful. He was so romantic!!! It was obvious throughout the book that there were numerous tests and struggles regrading trust and what can love withstand. Does a passion like theirs remain and continue through time and space? What can they withstand over the course of their relationship? It may start with love but it ends with trust. 








I think what I liked the most about the novel was that the tests that their relationship went through seemed typical given their situation. I also really enjoyed getting to know the other characters in the novel. Though the characters are in book 1, the reader really gets to know the other minor players a lot better, specifically Kiera friends at home. I loved Abby. She is so fierce and fun! I think it is a good depiction of other women too. Not all women are these faithful lovers, so are a bit more unruly. It was nice to see how that type of role plays out. I cant wait for the next book!




Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Going Under by S. Walden

Going Under by S. Walden 4.5 Stars

Going Under


GoodReads Synopsis Brooke Wright has only two goals her senior year at Charity Run High School: stay out of trouble and learn to forgive herself for the past. Forgiveness proves elusive, and trouble finds her anyway when she discovers a secret club at school connected to the death of her best friend. She learns that swim team members participate in a “Fantasy Slut League,” scoring points for their sexual acts with unsuspecting girls.

Brooke, wracked with guilt over her friend’s death, decides to infiltrate the league by becoming one of the “unsuspecting girls,” and exact revenge on the boys who stole away her best friend. An unexpected romance complicates her plans, and her dogged pursuit of justice turns her reckless as she underestimates just how far the boys will go to keep their sex club a secret. NOTE: There is a graphic rape scene in the novel, do not read if you cannot handle. 

Overall Review- There are really no words to describe this amazing book. It was raw, beautiful, scary, sad, painful and so much more all mixed up into one crazy whirlwind, unforgettable, inescapable journey for Brooke. It is true that no summary or review out there can give this book the justice it deserves. This book is an experience. Theres no other word for it. Unfortunately this book hits home for many women, and is incredibly honest and real on subject many try so hard to avoid. S. Walden is an amazing writer, controversial yet well written. This book with leave an impact. So be warned. 


Ryan
Cover: Seductive and intriguing
Brooklyn
Rating: R 
Page Turner:  Yes
Series Cont.? No
Recommend:  YES
Book Boyfriend: Ryan
Genre: New Adult Novel
Characters: Brooke and Ryan 
Sex Scenes: Yes (Please note- there is also a rape scene)
Setting: High School in North Carolina

Oh my goodness. Where do I even begin. This book. Wow. I am so blown away I cant even write, thats how amazing this book was.
WHAT?!
This book is absolutely amazing, and fantastic. Totally got my out of my book funk. It is a rollercoaster. It is not your typical love story or romance novel. Its not your page turner in a crime novel either, where you need to find out what happens or who did it. Going Under is truly different. If you have read Almost by Anne Elliot, its similar to that novel, but more gritty like Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts. Its a passionate, thoughtful but dark romance.


The book is like a tornado you cant hide from!
I could not have predicted what happened in this book. Even when Brooke sets out on her mission, as you get to know the characters, I still hold out hope that she's wrong, but I never quite saw the ending coming which is unusual. One of the things I loved about this book, is the authors writing style. She wrote so genuine and so easy. Some books are overly descriptive, and drag out through the book, but this book moved easily. The book flowed in an easy way, I followed the heroine unsuspectingly, learning with her and intrigued to figure out how the end would turn out. It was brillant really. I plan to read the authors other works to see if they are just a awesome!


The Plot--I would say this plot is a strange one, in the the wake of her best friends suicide, Brooke sets out on a plan to take down her best friends rapist, and uncovers a sex game far more sinister, all the while, falling in love. I wasnt sure about the plot at first, but all the reviews were so good that I decided to read the sample. (I ALWAYS do this) I read the sample and I wasnt "convinced" but I was enjoying the book nonetheless, mainly because the plot was so damn intriguing, so I bought the book and I was not disappointed. I was taken on a self discovery journey, a quest, and an incredible story about love and loss. I think most of what occurs also felt raw, real and sincere. (Well almost see below for dislikes) Really the book moved a good pace (not too slow or too fast) with the story line moving at a good rate, meaning the timing of everything felt accurate, and the storyline moved appropriately with the events occurring at a normal pace. The rape scene is graphic and disturbing. There is no doubt about it, and I will not lie, I cried frequently during these chapters.( I dont want to say much about it as to not give away the book, but it was emotional, and the author did an incredible job of making the scene emotional and raw, not sexually explicit and erotic.) In the end this book is quite moving, emotional, and wonderful, everything about this book was great, but its not for anyone who cannot handle the sexual nature of the topic within this book.

The Characters--Wow. Brooke is tough and strong and brave and so many things. Like most teens, she is coping with figuring out how to forgive herself for the mistakes shes made which is not easy for anyone but especially during our teen years. While I couldnt personally relate to the situation, I could most definitely relate to her personality and her emotions, and thats what made Brooke a great character. She was genuine, raw, but strong and brave, though I dont think she always knew that she was so strong. In the end I think she was brave and yet weak (which lets be honest, most of us are. Forgiveness is always the most difficult emotion to give and get) However, I was glad to see she overcame her fears and decided to take the high road. Cal, wow what a character. I think the author was extremely well written when it came to Cal and the swim team boys. Especially Brookes description of a predator. A predator is not one you notice from far away, they arent the ones you think they would be, they are the ones who truly "prey" because they act nice at first, and attack when you least expect it. I think Cal was exceptionally written, his evil ego often covered by a facade, had Brooke not known going into the book he was the bad guy, she may have seen him differently, and I think thats the point the author was trying to convey.

Last minute thoughts---
Cal and the Swim Team
The Swimming pool scene was intense. It kept me on edge and I was SOOOO nervous...little did I know what was coming...
The rape scene- I have to admit while crying through this one, why the boys were so careless.
Parker- Why did he hate Brooke so much, since the moment they met he hated her, but it wasnt explained.
The ending- I felt the the last chapters were a little rushed, and left a little to be desired. After the slow build up and the crazy climax, the actual ending left me wanting a little more, not a lot, maybe even a chapter or a couple of pages more, instead it felt like it was rushed to conclude.

There were a couple of things I didnt like....specifically I didnt like that Brooke was reckless in her crusading. I thought that why her heart was in the right place, she was making an error in judgment. Then again, there is a lot to be said if I thought that was her only error in judgment throughout the book. To be honest, she makes a lot of them! But thats what makes her character so great. She is not flawless. The negative of this specific portion of the book that Im referring to, it just seemed a bit too unbelieveable that she would do this part, though many of the other parts did in fact seem genuine, though reckless and I think there is a difference, which is important to note. Also, as my as I liked Ryan. I didnt love him like I thought I was supposed to. I did like that their relationship built over time, and I liked how it grew, but some of the scenes which we sexual in nature, didnt seem "normal" Im not sure how else to say that I didnt agree with parts of his personality. Okay so thats about where my dislikes end. :-)





Monday, April 22, 2013

Chicken Tortilla Soup


Chicken Tortilla Soup 



So being that I lived in Texas for a while, Im a HUGE fan on BBQ and Mexican food. (Ill share my Pulled pork recipe sometime its to die for) I also LOVE my crock pot (my mac and cheese is sooo yummy! Ill share that too!) In the winter time, I use my crock pot at least once a week. Usually on Sunday and then I take the left overs to work for the next week! I really love tortilla soup and Ive been looking for a good recipe, they are hard to find! I decided after a few tries though that I needed to change it up. So I decided to do a traditional tortilla soup but I added a few non traditional ingredients (black beans and corn) There are tons of variations to this staple recipe, so dont be afraid to add or omit something, pretty much EVERYTHING goes with this type of soup! If you are familiar with the original, it has more vegetables in it than this and is very broth based. If you're afraid to change a recipe too much you can always take small parts and change them in a different pot. (or per bowl!)

Ingedients--

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes in juice
1 Cup diced onion 
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/2 cup Jalapenos 
1 Lb Chicken (can be frozen if doing crock pot) You will shred it later. 

1 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional)
handful of cilantro for serving

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
Grated Cheddar Cheese f
or serving
Avocado for serving 

Directions

Basically put everything but the avocado, cheese and tortilla strips into the crock pot and let cook for 6 hours on low. (You can use frozen chicken if you want!) About an hour before you are ready to serve shred the chicken. Let cook for about 30 min to an hour on low to allow the spices to be soaked up by the chicken. 

Serve with tortilla chips/strips, cheese and avocado. 

***Some people may want to use tortilla strips in the soup which is also ok, I personally dont like that method, so I out crushed tortilla chips on top. Its up to you though. 

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Broken At Love by Lyla Payne

              Broken At Love by Lyla Payne 3.5 Stars 


Synopsis: When a knee injury ends twenty-year-old Quinn Rowland’s pro tennis career, he’s not only dumped by his hot Russian girlfriend but ordered to attend college by his disinterested billionaire father. A rich kid who’s not used to being disappointed by life, Quinn and his sociopathic half-brother Sebastian create a frat house game intended to treat girls how they see them—as simple game pieces to be manipulated for their pleasure. College sophomore Emilie Swanson knows Quinn’s reputation—after all, he did send one of her sorority sisters into therapy earlier in the semester—but the game and his charm bring them closer together and soon she starts to believe there’s more to Quinn than people think.
Quinn and Emilie might be falling for each other, but there are secrets he’s not ready to tell—and lifestyle changes he’s reluctant to make. She willingly stepped on the court, but if Emilie finds out she started out as nothing as a pawn in Quinn and Sebastian’s twisted game, she might never forgive him. To his surprise, Quinn finds that he might finally care about someone more than he cares about himself…even if that means letting Emilie walk away for good.
Authors Pick for Emilie
Authors pick for Quinn


Genre: NA Romance Novel
Characters: Quinn and Emilie

Cover: Appealing
Rating: PG-13 
Overall: Interesting, at times intense
Plot: Unbelievable and predictable, but somewhat sweet
Page Turner:  At times
Series Cont.? Yes
Sex Scenes: A few...
Setting: Florida University
Recommend: Yes 

Overall- I enjoyed the book generally, but I did find some of the plot unrealistic and annoying. The characters while charming and strong, lacked some of the genuineness of a character that I fall in love with. But I think the story kept me interested, even though I knew how it would turn out, and while I was interested and intrigued I wasnt glued to the book dying to know the endings. I liked the characters more than the plot though and thats likely what kept me going through the book. And the writing was pretty good.


Plot--I think the plot was a little over the top for my liking. which is interesting considering I read a similar type book except the player was a bad guy and not the guy she fell for. Perhaps thats what I disliked about this book. I understand the "bad boy" appeal in books, and the players image, wanting to change that guy for the better etc. But what I didnt like about this was the over the top nature of everything. The overly planned plot of Quinn and Sebastian, the distance between the parents and their kids, emotionally speaking. Emilie seemed somewhat real, except that she was bit braver than most women. Brazen even. Going into a frat house full of guys to yell at the notorious player....I dont know something about this plot got to me. I think while Emilie was very brazen she was also somewhat foolish. And the ending felt way too methodical. In the end, I liked the book, but I didnt love it and I would recommend it to someone looking for a light read thats not too deep or emotionally attaching. 


Characters--I LOVED Quinn and Emilie. I loved their interactions, she was so fiesty and he was so irresistible. Their chemistry was really amazing too, and the author really developed the characters. I didnt like the immediacy of their feelings, but at the same time, I understand that in college (or high school) thats sometimes what happens, (though in my experience it never works out quite as well as it does here!) I found Emilie to be sexy and confident but sweet and kind hearted, down to earth. I liked her a lot, possibly one of my favorite book heroines of a romance. She went into this thing knowing what could happen and that takes a lot of courage!!

My Quinn
Now Quinn on the other hand, hes quite the pill. His type though is typical of rich spoiled frat boys. But he sure was hot! And as much as he didnt want to admit it he was a good guy, with a romantic streak. You cant bed that many women without a little charm, or loving characteristics.  I think Quinn is broken more than anything (granted its in the name of the book) . I think the mother thing was a little weird, and unexplained, but I think his character really did just need someone to love him, and show him that they can love him over his faults. I think a lot of his bad choices was him try to forget the pain he felt, and that makes sense. So he may have been the bad guy sometimes, but he was also a good person underneath it all and showing the reader his perspective on certain topics made it easier to understand where he was coming from. He's a sexy bad boy with a good heart, but broken and in need of fixing. While its fun to read about, Im not sure I could have handled it the way Emilie did!







Friday, April 19, 2013

Penne Pasta with Balsamic Butter


Penne with Balsamic Butter 

I love a good staple dinner. Something I can throw together in a jiffy if need be. And this is one of my favorites!!! Its easy, not time consuming and I typically have everything I need on hand. 

    Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter
  1. 1 pound asparagus OR Broccoli 
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 2 teaspoons salt
  4. 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
  5. 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  6. 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  7. 1 pound penne
  8. 1/4 pound butter, cut into pieces
  9. 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  1. Heat the oven to 400°. Snap the tough ends off the asparagus and discard them. Cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. Put the asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Roast until tender, about 10 minutes.
    --If you use broccoli you can roast it instead. OR if you dont want to waste time roasting, you can boil the broccoli along with the pasta, when Im short on time, this is what I do. 
  2. Meanwhile, put the vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer until 3 tablespoons remain. Stir in the brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove from the heat.
  3. Cook the penne in a large pot of boiling, salted water until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with the butter, vinegar, asparagus, Parmesan, and the remaining 1 3/4 teaspoons salt. Serve with additional Parmesan.
    Some Changes:
    --I dont usually use 4 Tablespoons of Butter, I try to use 2 instead. --I do not usually make the whole pound of pasta either.
    -- I also use more than 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar to sweeten it up just a little
    --I add garlic.
    --Additionally I use 
    Mozzarella cheese AND Parmesan 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Thoughtless by SC Stephens


Thoughtless by SC Stephens 4.5 Stars

GoodReads Synopsis: For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart.
Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source—a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes...and none of them will ever be the same.


Cover: Pretty
Rating: R 
Characters: Denny, Kiera and Kellan
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend:  YES
Book Boyfriend: Kellan and Denny 
Genre: New Adult Romance 
Sex Scenes: Yes
Setting: College in Seattle area 





Review Overview- I really loved this book. It was recommended to me after I read Beautiful Disaster. And I could not put this book down,it was fantastic. It was a roller coaster of emotions and a beautifully written novel. I fell in love with all of the characters. The ability of the author to get her readers to attached and involved in the story line and characters, her attention to detail amazes me. I felt every emotion the characters felt, and the end result was perfect. This is a must READ!!!

This was an emotional and drama filled novel, a love triangle, a rock god, a down to earth girl and an Australian hunk! I thought that the love triangle was not over the top, and developed over time. 

I admit that Kiera, the main girl, is somewhat immature and annoying at times, however she is supposed to be that insecure girl, who is not sure of who she is yet, and is becoming her own person, and more confident.  This is part of what makes Kiera so natural, raw, sincere, believable  I want to read more because her emotions, and thought are what a normal girl would be feeling and thinking. As Kiera gets to know Kellan and falls in love with him, I find myself thinking damn, how is Kiera going to pick and dont think I could have done it. The guys are so wonderful I was concerned with how the author might end it. But I think, SC Stephens did an amazing job of perfecting the ending to make it more realistic. 


Denny is Kiera's boyfriend, and its no wonder Kiera fell for him, he is amazing. He is genuinely a good guy. He is down to earth caring, loving, sweet, and kind hearted. I love that we get to know Kiera and Denny's relationship before the drama ensues. I think what Denny and Kiera have though is explained so well by the author, and I dont want to give it away but its an honest depiction of emotions for someone you love and truly care about. Unfortunately in this novel, things dont always pan out the way its planned and Denny is out of the picture for a while, leaving Kellan and Kiera to get to know one another, and no one ever thought theyd fall in love...



Kellan is a man of mystery and sex appeal. He is every womans dream when it comes to looks, but a complete womanzier. He comes from a broken home, and doesnt really want to fall in love. The reality is that he doesnt want to get hurt, which is why he has always steered clear of relationships, but when he meets Kiera, his best friends girl, he begins a friendship which ultimately leads him to have feelings for the one girl he cant have. As the reader, from Kiera's perspective, Kellan is a great guy but uses women, and its easy to see why Kiera falls for him.



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As they begin to get to know each other and fall in love, the reader begins to see that Kellan is much deeper than he appears and that they have a connection like none other. But both parties know that they arent supposed to be together. Their feelings are wrong. What makes this plot good is that the love builds over time, and that they dont jump into bed because of it. Instead they become friends and fall in love. And recognize over time that their relationship is beyond a true friendship, which is where things get messy. 




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Overall I love the characters in the book. I think they develop throughout the novel. Leaving the reader to fall more in love with each of them as we get to know them.

The book starts off a little slow, but its in a purposeful way, and it doesnt truly feel that its moving slowly. The only thing for me was that I struggled with the beginning because I knew something was coming, so be patient its worth it! Over the course of the book, the reader not only gets to know the characters but the plot continues to develop. Instead of everything happening all at once, the story builds, moving forward with every thing has a purpose. SC Stephens writing abilities amazed me, she wove together this beautiful yet saddening story. A love triangle is hard to do tastefully, but I think it was well written in this particular novel. I was amazed as to how much I liked this book and it started my downfall in the new adult romance world!


Sunday, April 14, 2013

Unbroken Cedar Cove by Melody Grace


Unbroken (Cedar Cove, #1)

Unbroken (Cedar Cove) By Melody Grace 5 Stars

"Mom always told me there are two kinds of love in this world: the steady breeze, and the hurricane. Emerson Ray was my hurricane...."

Overall ReviewI Absolutely loved this book. I cannot describe it. This book is for anyone who has ever been consumed by love and wanted a second chance at that love story. I never cease to be amazed to how an author can draw me in and keep in on the edge of my seat, simply hooked by the chemistry she has created with her characters and the passion infused in her writing. 

Goodread Synopsis
Juliet McKenzie was an innocent eighteen-year old when she spent the summer in Cedar Cove—and fell head over heels in love with Emerson. Complicated, intense Emerson, the local bad boy. His blue eyes hid dark secrets, and just one touch could set Juliet ablaze. Their love was demanding and all-consuming, but when summer ended, tragedy tore them apart. Juliet swore she’d never go back, and she’s kept that promise… Until now.

Four years later, Juliet’s done her best to rebuild the wreckage of her shattered life. She’s got a great boyfriend, and a steady job planned after she graduates. Returning to Cedar Cove to pack up her family’s beach house to prepare it for sale, Juliet is determined that nothing will stand in the way of her future. But one look from Emerson, and all her old desire comes flooding back. He let her go once, but this time, he’s not giving up without a fight. And Emerson fights dirty. A heartbreaking history. An unstoppable passion. Torn between her past and future, Juliet struggles to separate love from desire


My Jules
Emerson

Cover: Sexy
Rating: R 
Overall: LOVED THIS BOOK!
Characters: 
Plot: Intense, Sexy, Alluring 
Page Turner: 
Series Cont.? No
Recommend: YES!!!
Book Boyfriend: Emerson
Genre: New Adult Romance Novel
Sex Scenes: Yes
Setting: North Carolina Beach

Plot- Wow. This book was intense. I could not put this book down. To be honest, the characters are really what drove this book forward more than anything else, I was interested in knowing what happened to my characters. This book is about a young woman in college going back to the beach town where her mom died to pack up the beach house to be sold but along with going back, she begins to relive her memories from that fateful summer and all the feelings that she left behind four years ago. 

The plot is nothing new or different. Generally speaking its not anything different in the plot. Whats great though is the way that the author writes this novel is exisquite. I loved going through the story with the characters. Every emotion was raw, genuine and I felt every single moment that I was reading this book. As I read the book I became invested and inspired and thats the kind of book that invigorates me and keeps me interested. I think the authors writing abilities and style was perfect and well suited for this type of novel. I didnt feel as though there were pieces of information missing, instead the story played out, filling in the holes I didnt always know where there. For instance, the way her mom died. Its painfully obvious that her mothers death affects her, but the author doesnt make you recognize the impact until later in the book, when so much more of the death is explained. 

The book moved at a natural speed too, not to slow not too fast and considering the history all the characters had, the events made sense as they occurred. To be honest I havent loved a book this much since Beautiful Disaster and Thoughtless. Unbroken, broke me, I was touched to the core as to the love and passion and the beautifully written words of the author. She did a fabulous job of expressing love and passion into print and making the reader feel every word of it. I am in awe. LOVED this book.

Characters-- 
I absolutely love Emerson. I love him. I want him as my own. He is so sexy and beautiful and sweet and caring. And even though he's mean he has his reasons (what guy doesnt!) When I first met Emerson I wasnt sure what to think, and as I continued reading I realized that he isnt a bad guy but he has some secrets, though it was never clear what those were (until the end of course) regardless he made you fall for him because of how Jules sees him, how her heart aches for him. I think for anyone who has ever loved so passionate, like a hurricane, then you understand that love never dies. The love that Emerson and Jules shared was so amazing too, because it was raw, it was passionate it was ever changing to the core of the person. 


Daniel is a great guy, he means well and he obviously loves Jules, though I admit, from the beginning though that as the reader you love Emerson, because you can tell Jules' heart still loves him. But I totally understand Daniel, hes the sensible guy, and just as the beginning quote says theres a hurricane and a steady breeze....I liked Daniels character,  I think anyone with a broken heart understand this one. 

Juliet- I LOVED Juliet. I didnt like that she was a little whiny, but I think thats part of what made her real. Truth be told, most girls that age are unsure of themselves at time or self conscious or miss that one person that made them truly feel alive and I think that she was actually brave at times. I think her actions made sense though, maybe they were rash and maybe they were emotional and crazy but they were real and honest and thats what makes a characters relate-able and genuine. Someone I connect with, makes me more invested in the book and more interested in the outcome. 
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At the end of the book though, I admit, I did not expect the turn of events. The passion that the characters have is quite amazing. It was like beautiful and magical and made my heart ache in a way that made me happy for everyone involved.