Review: Promised

Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"His piercing blue eyes are burning into me. Deep, deep into me. My gaze drifts and takes in his open suit jacket, a waistcoat and pale blue shirt and tie, his dark stubbled jaw, and the way his lips are parted just so. Then I find those eyes again. They're the sharpest blue I've ever seen, and they're cutting right through me with an edge of curiosity. The definition of perfection is standing before me and it has me staring in wonder"

All I'm gonna say is that this book is an emotional rollercoaster. I cried, I mean I always seem to do, but this is the type of book where you sob uncontrollably because of the perfection of Miller Hart. Olivia Taylor first notices him when he walks into the coffee shop where she works. With his almost too perfect attire, and stunning eyes, she is almost too distracted to take his order. He walks out of the shop as if he did not feel any attraction, and she thinks she'll never see him again. But, as she cleans up, she finds a napkin with a note signed M...

All Miller Hart wants is one night to worship "innocent" and "sweet" Olivia Taylor. No strings attached, no feelings, just one night of pleasure. With all of her defense mechanisms, she refuses. He's obnoxious but well-mannered, a gentleman but unapproachable. Finally, though, she gives into her temptation, and their fascination with each other is monumental, an \d 24 hours is simply not enough.

"I want to feel this good forever, and I'm not sure that any other man will do it for me"

Although Olivia seems to have a care free and happy go lucky life, she has a dark past. For her own mother chose prostitution over raising her own daughter. In her past, she decided to give prostitution a try, and looks back on it with sorrow and regret. Miller alike has a dark and deep past that he does not wish to explain with Olivia, but she prods and prods and unveils his own secrets that no one is aware of.

"And in this moment, when he's worshipping me, feeling me, and taking me so tenderly, I conclude that Miller Hart does express himself. He's expressing himself right now."

"There are sparks... full on, electric sparks, and we're creating them... Don't deprive us of this... Please..."

This book like I said never disappoints. I cried, laughed, but most of all, I got annoyed with Olivia Taylor. She pushed Miller Hart back to his dark past and it tore him by the end. I cried so much at the end and I don't think I will ever forgive Olivia, but I think that she is now Miller's world, so I am happy for him. This book is so so so amazing that I am pumped to read the rest of the series. I hope you will love this book as much as I did!!

"I'll never do anything less than worship you. I'll never be a drunken fumble. Every time I take, Livy, you'll remember it. Each and every moment will be etched on that beautiful mind of yours forever. Every kiss. Every touch. Every word."





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Review: Come to Me Quietly

Come to Me Quietly by A.L. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It has been 6 years since Aleena Moore has seen her brother's best friend Jared Holt, the self-destructive bad boy she had secretly loved since the beginning. After he disappeared from her life after the dark and tragic event that shifted everyone's lives, Aleena lost sight of Jared as he plummeted into a endless pit of sorrow. She decided to move on and maybe even to give another guy a chance.

"I wondered how it was possible for a heart to be broken at fourteen. But my heart had, because it'd broken for him. Still it was something my young mind could never fully comprehend. My feelings for Jared had haunted me, left this hollowed-out place deep inside me..."

But after the arduous 6 years, Jared shows up at Aleena's home (who she shares with her brother Christopher), in which she is totally unaware of. She finds Jared crashed on the couch after she comes home from work, and she can not believe that this is real, that Jared is in her house. The following morning, Jared spats at her that he does not want to see her or talk to her, where really he is trying to just hide his feelings for her the only way he knows how. After the incident that repeats in his mind every day, he assumes that he does not deserve love or happiness or joy, and isolates himself from Aleena and Christopher; however, Aleena is keen to break through the wall he is closing himself in, and proves to be successful!!

"...He'd had the biggest heart of anyone I'd ever met. I could never forget the way his sharp ice blue eyes still managed to appear gentle when he spoke to me, or the way he was so interested in everything happening around him..."

Being back in his hometown, Jared finds the familiarity all too suffocating, and allows himself to find comfort with Aleena. Although he still believes he is wrong to take without giving back, he begins to talk and mend his friendships with Aleena and Christopher. Soon enough, he spends his nights sleeping in Aleena's room, without Christopher knowing, and he comes to a place where he is able to share his experiences and fears with Aleena, but still holding a lot back. Aleena's and Jared's relationship soon escalate to the edge of boyfriend-girlfriend, and he decides to end it, he runs away like he always does, and vows to not return to Aleena, for it will only break her heart even more.

"I don't think I'd ever felt intrigued by a girl before the way I was now, had never wanted to crawl inside someone's mind to dig through her thoughts, to find out who she was. Why she was..."

Aleena hides all of her love from the past in her notebooks that she and only herself are allowed to see, even including Jared. Jared is gone and she os heartbroken. He returns finally and mends their relationship, but when things get intimate and love starts to blossom, he is gone at the first moment. Aleena is fare more heartbroken than the last time because now Christopher knows about their relationship. After three months, Jared is constantly thinking of perfect Aleena and attempts to mend their relationship for the last time.

"Every cell in my body was screaming at me to get up, yo take her in my arms, to kiss her and jhold her and make sure she was real because I'd spent so many nights dreaming about her that I wasn't entirely sure what was real anymore..."

Jared and Aleena's story is so sweet and heartfelt that you cant help but cry. Their connection and how they balance each other out truly makes the novel a masterpiece. I will recommend this book to any reader looking for a romantic and devastating read!!



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Review: My Favorite Mistake

My Favorite Mistake by Chelsea M. Cameron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Taylor Caldwell can't decide if she wants to kiss her new college roommate or punch him.

"Dark hair buzzed so short his head was almost shaved, purposeful five o'clock shadow, piercing blue eyes and at least a foot on my five feet. And a cocky smile to top it all off"

Taylor had no idea whatsoever that her new roommate would be a guy, not to mention a guy she is attracted to from first sight. She continues to deny her feelings for dark and handsome Hunter Zaccadelli because of her dark past that I will not spoil. Taylor talks herself into doing anything and everything possible to get him out of her life before she falls in love with him.

"Those blue eyes seared into me. He was the kind of guy who could see things that other people couldn't-things that I'd spent my entire life covering up and hiding from the masses"

Hunter is like no other guy Taylor has met before; he is a HUGE flirt, and makes light of everything he can. He is the type of guy that has a big heart behind a facade of being a bad boy, tattoos, guitars, and all. But, Hunter has a secret just like Taylor, and he as well is not sure if he's ready to share it with someone.

"Most people wanted other people to like them so they tried and were overly nice. Hunter wasn't like that. He was what he was and didn't give a sh** if people like it or not. No matter how crazy he drove me, I had to admire that about him"

With Hunter and his sexual innuendos and sarcastic comments, and Taylor with her facade of a bad attitude, they seem to realize that what they share between each other, what Taylor though was annoyance, is actually deep romance. Soon, Hunter works, goes to class, and lives with Taylor, much to her "dismay". Hunter continually flirts with her, even making a few bets to try to go out with her. I truly believe that once Hunter shares his secret with her, Taylor realizes how much of the same person they are; they both have dark pasts and they both want to have a bright future with each other present. Oh, when Hunter finally kisses Taylor, a lightbulb moment appears in which she really will drop her secret to be with the one and only Hunter. :)

"Hunter was different. He'd seen through my exterior, seen through the wall of tangled thorns that guarded me. And here he was, asking me if I wanted to let him try to break through..."

Both Taylor and Hunter have different lucky charms throughout the book that truly make an impact on the entirety of the novel. There are so many sweet, comedic, sexy, flirty, and fun moments in this book that I don't want to spoil a lot of it. I am so happy to have come across this book, and Hunter will have a place in my heart.

"My love for him settled over me like a blanket fresh from the dryer on a chilly winter night. The tight feeling went away as I stepped into our bubble..."




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Review: I Never

I Never by Laura Hopper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book definitely was one that I will not forget. Janey King has never been in love, and to be totally honest, she hasn't even liked someone. With her time revolved around friends, family, and school, where's the time, right? Oh, and on this vacation, she found out her parent are separating. On the plane home from her vacation, handsome and popular Luke Hallstrom is also on board, and soon Janey's priorities start to shift. Luke actually likes Janey! Soon, Luke pursues Janey, tasing her out for ice cream, running alongside her at track practices... They are slowly falling for each other.

Janey has two questions: is she ready to make room for a boy? and is she ready to have sex? This book delivers a romantic, funny, and realistic portrait of a girl figuring out what a romantic relationship actually entails. Like all girls, she experiences self-doubt, jealousy, empowerment, and happiness- all that come with love!

"It doesn't seem like Luke is at all aware of the statement he is making. Luke does what feels right to him, and he's not going to worry about being judged. I love that about him. And I love holding his hand at school, and I love that we have nothing to hide, and I think I might love him"

I feel that this book could have had a different, more romantic ending, rather than Janey and Luke leaving for college, never to see each other again. This book was a heartfelt read, and I enjoyed the characters growing up and changing along the course of the novel.

"We know we made the most of our time together. We were kind and respectful and honest. I learned so much from Luke-about myself, about sex, about growing up and falling in love. Luke taught me how to be adored and how to be vulnerable"



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Review: The Red Bikini

The Red Bikini by Lauren Christopher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Giselle Underwood is recently divorced with a 5 year old daughter, Coco. She and her daughter flee to California for a two week getaway at her sisters beach house. Totally out of her element, suburban stay at home mom Giselle is surprised to meet 28 year old Fin Hensen, a celebrity surfer at a beach party with her daughter. With her self confidence at an all time low, she focuses on raising her daughter rather than finding the missing romance in her life.

"Giselle was enough of a surprise- her kindness, her humor, her patience with Coco, her curves, her softness. But he knew he'd be doing her a service by getting the hell out of her way as soon as possible. He wasn't a good person for her to have brought here. She should have brought someone with honor..."

Fin Hensen is escaping his pro tour for a season, attempting to lie low until all of the chaos over his past rolls with the tide. A woman who he surfed with for years, who he also called his best friend, was killed by surfing, and he blames himself for not noticing her disappearance. To cope with the loss, he strings women along (it sounds bad, I know), and only has one night stands, no long term relationships. But Giselle brings something out in him that he can't ignore. He is able to have honest, real conversations with her, but he is insecure about himself so much that he doesn't want Giselle to fall in love with a beach bum.

"...Giselle's beauty was different. It began at her spine, or maybe at her soul, and radiated from there. He'd read once that a pretty woman was only pretty when she was young, but a beautiful woman was beautiful her whole life. The line finally made sense to him"

Giselle contemplates about her love life, and decides to have a one night stand with Fin. This moment truly illustrates her love and awareness of herself as an individual, in addition to Fin. Giselle's ex never really shares the reason to which he divorced her, except that he cheated twice in their 10 year marriage. After the one night stand, with Fin and Giselle realize their love for each other, but they really aren't ready for it because of her ex, who completely degrades Giselle at any moment possible. At the end of Giselle's two weeks, Fin travels to South Africa for a competition, and realizes in the semifinals that his "perfect wave" is having a family, a wife, and most of all, love.

"He liked laughing with her. He liked talking with her. He liked seeing her with Coco. He liked how she smelled, how she smiled, and how she left him feeling whole, and absolved, and smart, and... like he mattered somehow..."

This book has so many feels, so many emotions that I cant help but wish that I had a Fin Hensen in my life. It had heart, sass, steamy romance, and laughter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will recommend it to any reader!! :)

"You asked me the night while we were watching the water if I'd been in love before, and I hadn't, but I couldn't help but stare at you and wonder if it was like that I was feeling right then for you. From now on, I'd have to say yes. I've been in love. With you."




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Review: A Walk to Remember

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodness gracious, that is all I can say about this book! My fourth time reading it, I cried too many times to count and was awestruck on Landon and Jamie's story. Landon Carter is a senior in high school and is excited for his future. At the start of the year, instead of taking chemistry, he decides to take drama; no tests, studying or stress, perfect for Landon. Landon becomes the president at his school, and with it comes decorating for dances (which he has to attend as well). His mother offers that she would accompany him to the dance, but he decides to bring Jamie Sullivan instead. Jamie Sullivan is also a senior in high school and Landon has been in school with her since kindergarten, but they never have truly talked to one another. Also, Jamie's father is a minister at his church, and never really hit it off with Landon because he would constantly make jokes and rumors about Hegbert.

"But it wasn't just the way Jamie looked that made her different; it was also the way she acted... Jamie carried her Bible wherever she went... [and she] seemed to enjoy it in a way that was completely foreign to me"

Jamie is the girl in town that everyone (that is the adults) have a soft spot for. She rescues animals, people, and helps with anything she can do. Her most significant volunteer work though, is her work at the orphanage, which is her passion. She believes everything that happens in life is in the Lord's plan, and even the challenges come from God. She goes to the dance with Landon, and she makes him promise not to fall in love with her. Landon shrugs it off like it is no big deal and even thinks that she is kidding.

Landon and Jamie go to the dance and it does not really turn out to what he believed it would be. Landon's ex gets drunk and pukes all over the bathroom. Jamie calms her down and she and Landon take her home. Through all of the hectic night though, Jamie still thanks Landon for a fun time. :)

After the dance, Jamie asks Landon if he would play leading role in the Christmas play. He reluctantly agrees, for he doesn't want to be seen with her more than he has to. PS, the play was written by Jamie's father, and is especially significant this year because of his daughter playing the angel. Landon begins to truly play his part in the play and goes out of his way to make it that much more special for Jamie.

Anyways, so the play comes up really fast, and Landon cannot get the part right when he sees the angel (Jamie for the first time. On the opening night of the play, he sees Jamie for the first time with her hair down, a trace of glitter in her hair, and light makeup. "She looked exactly like an angel... I'd nailed that line for the very first time". After the play is said and done, Landon finally sees the beauty inside and out in Jamie. I feel like I'm spoiling the entire book because I kinda am, but there is a really emotional part that I left out because it is one of my favorite parts in the book.

"Being in love with a girl like Jamie Sullivan was without a doubt the strangest thing I'd even been through. Not only was she a girl that I'd never though about his year, but there was something different in the whole way my feelings for her had unfolded... I hadn't done any of the things that I normally did with girls, yet somehow I'd fallen in love"

I am gonna fast forward a lot, but Landon comes to the realization that he loves Jamie. After Christmas and New Years, she shares with him that she is sick, and is dying. She has leukemia, and she had known since last summer. The weeks pass and it gets colder and Jamie gets weaker and weaker. Landon reads the Bible with her everyday, and she comes to the point when she cannot go outside anymore. This is the part in which I cant stop crying, but Landon's love for Jamie is so strong at 17, and he decides to marry her. The wedding is just like Jamie imagines, and it is purely just a beautiful day. She finally succumbs to the disease, and Landon still loves Jamie with all of his heart forty some years later. This is a heck of a long review for my all time favorite book!! :)

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Review: Airports, Exes, and Other Things I'm Over

Airports, Exes, and Other Things I'm Over by Shani Petroff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a senior in high school and off to college the following year, Sari Silver couldn't be happier. She has a loving family and boyfriend, Zev. When Sari meets Zev at a party and caught him kissing his ex, their romantic Florida vacation is ruined. As an aspiring guitarist and singer, Sari uses her music to pass the hard times, and while in Florida with her Grandmother, her guitar is the cure for her broken heart.

When she gets the call that she, Sari Silver, gets to play a gig a the prodigious Meta, she does everything in her power to fly home to NYC. Mother Nature is not in her side though. A storm is brewing that cancels flights all over the country. While with her Grandmother, she meets Captain America Fitz, who also turns to be at the airport, flying back to NYU. After hours of finding flights canceled and waiting for a flight, Zev appears at the airport. Zev is a really sweet guy that realizes his mistake, in which Sari doesn't know that his ex kissed him (not the other way around). Zev only wants Sari and him to rekindle their love for each other, but at this point, it is up to Sari. As mad as Sari is at Zev, she cant help but miss what she had with him, and she cant spend a few minutes without thinking about Zev.

"Only Zev would spin a story like that and wind up giving out a book recommendation while simultaneously taking the fall for me. He was such a dork. It was part of the reason I'd fallen for him"

Just because Sari needs to get somewhere, the last flight to NYC is cancelled. Fortunately Fitz's friend Dylan is able to pick them up; but only on downside, Zev has to come along too. Zev is still adamant to talk to Sari about their relationship, and after a minor car accident and spending the night in a hotel, Sari realizes that she has feelings for Zev still, just as he does for her.

"I'm not going to let you do that. You were the one who showed me that if something's important to you, you don't give up... You would have done almost anything for a shot. That's how I feel about you. I'm going to prove it..."

This book is so sweet because it honestly shows relationships true to life. Relationships are built on trust, and Zev and Sari show this to be true. This book has heart, sass, and you can't help but sympathize with Zev and Sari. I truly recommend this read!!! :)

"You're always beautiful, but when you're on stage, you light up."

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