Month: July 2016

Blogger Recognition Award

6 Comments

I was nominated by the awesome Heartscentreads for this award! Thank you so much. Please check out this blog if you haven’t already.
Here are the rules:

  • Write a post to show your award
  • Give a brief story of how your blog started
  • Give two advice to new bloggers
  • Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog
  • Select 15 other blogs you want to give the award to

I started my blog as a place to keep all my reviews organized. I read a lot of books and sometimes a few months after reading them I can’t remember much about them. 😳 Goodreads is great and all, but I wanted my own record of what I’ve read. I also wanted to be able to share my love of all things book related with others! With the encouragement of my husband, I took the plunge. I’m so glad I started this blog as the book community has been amazingly supportive. It’s been so much fun. 

I’m a pretty new blogger myself as my one month blogiversary is actually today! 🎉 But my advice would be to not make your blog feel like work. It should be fun! Also, don’t focus on numbers too much. I’ve seen many bloggers bummed out because they don’t have a certain amount of followers. Of course it’s super fun to hit a milestone, I’m guilty of being excited about it as well. It’s so nice to know that actual, real live people are reading what I have to say. But don’t get too hung up on that stuff. I would rather have a handful of supportive and loyal followers than hundreds of followers who don’t really read my blog or engage. Though hundreds of followers would be pretty sweet! 

My nominees are anyone who wants to do this. Yes you reading this right now. Do this award and say I nominated you. I would love to read everyone’s advice and hear their perspective.

Book blitz/Giveaway: One More Time is Not Enough by Belle Ami

Leave a comment

One More Time Is Not Enough
Belle Ami
(The Only One, #3)
Published by: Soul Mate Publishing
Publication date: July 13th 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Adelia Lindstrom Bremen seems to have it all: Wealth, beauty, perfect twin children, two men in love with her, and a career she loves. But, beneath the veneer of success and prosperity lies disappointment, tragedy, and unending lies. Her parents were murdered, her marriage ended in a custody battle, and she is swept up in a love triangle. Now she has discovered the existence of a half-sister who wants nothing to do with her.

The only thing that could make matters worse is if she were to become the target of a serial killer—that’s about to happen.

Goodreads / Amazon

Previous books in the series:
20896217 22448601

—

EXCERPT:

When they returned to the cliff house, it was late. Adelia suggested they take a Jacuzzi and have a nightcap. While David changed into his swimsuit, she ordered a bottle of champagne and fresh strawberries. By the time he finished in the bathroom, she was in the hot tub, immersed in a cloud of steam, sipping champagne and nibbling on fruit.

“Come on, slowpoke, the water feels like heaven.” She eyed David’s muscled body. “The FBI Academy seems to have agreed with you. You’re a treat for the eyes, Agent Weiss.”

David sighed. “What am I going to do with you?” He slipped into the water.

“I don’t know. What are you going to do with me?” she goaded, handing him a glass of champagne.

Enjoying their playful repartee, she placed her feet in his lap. “This is bliss.” The intimacy of the hot tub was having its desired effect, she could feel the sexual tension mounting.

“You know I’m not going to make love to you.”

“Really.” She furrowed her brows annoyed. “Why not?”

“Because, Adelia, even all of this”—he spread his arms wide—“ can’t make the reality of our lives go away. You have an ex-husband who wants you back, children who’d be better off with both their parents. I can’t compete with that.”

She could sense his goading her into a confrontation. “You’re not going to spoil this perfect evening. I won’t let you.”

“Do you know what it’s going to be like for me, when this is over? Poor David, too bad his girlfriend went back to her husband.”

“It’s not true, you could stop it if you wanted to.”

“We’re fighting destiny, Adelia.”

Doubt plagued her, but it wasn’t within her power to stop what she was feeling. She stood and placed her glass on the side table. With determination, she reached out and took the champagne glass from him. Then, grabbing a strawberry, she sat on his lap, facing him.

He started to protest. “Adelia, stop . . .”

Without a thought, she placed the strawberry seductively between her teeth and brought her lips close to his.

He stared into her eyes. “Please, don’t do this.”

“Why? Don’t you like strawberries?” She could feel his erection beneath her bikini bottom. “Or, is it just me you don’t care for?”

He growled, then bit half of the strawberry off, his lips brushing hers. He tried to pull away, but her arms encircled his neck, and she deepened the kiss.

“If you keep this up . . . you might get more than you bargained for.”

“Is that a threat or a promise?” she whispered, her lips inches from his.

“You’re killing me.”

“Funny, am I the only one here who knows what they want?”

“What I want isn’t in question.”

“Oh, but I think it is. If you were honest with yourself, you wouldn’t pull away. It’s been such a perfect evening. What’s wrong with two people who care for each other, exploring their feelings? I dare you to tell me you don’t want this. That you don’t want me.”

“I’m trying to protect you . . . me . . . both of us . . . from making a mistake.” He smiled. “But you’re not cooperating. I don’t know how much more I can take.”

“Then surrender and let me win. I’m a big girl. If this is a mistake, it’s my mistake.” She pressed her lips on his, her tongue darting against his.

He rose with her in his arms. “I won’t blame you for what’s about to happen. You know how much I want you. I just hope we don’t live to regret it.”

He kissed her with a lust that turned her blood to fire.

“No regrets. I want this. Let’s take a shower,” she teased, kicking her legs playfully in the air.


Author Bio:

Belle Ami is an accomplished pianist, world traveler, skier and gourmet cook. She lives in Calabasas, CA and is currently finishing her sequel to The One entitled The One and More, the second novel in her (The Only One) series. She also has a self-published novel in another genre that was awarded Finalist for a major book reward.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

XBTBanner1

Cover Reveal: Last Chance by L. P. Dover

Leave a comment

Last Chance: A Second Chances Novel
L.P. Dover
Publication date: August 30th 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Suspense

One last chance.

That’s all Luke Collins, local bad boy and motocross champion, has to not only find his redemption, but win back the girl he lost. He’ll stop at nothing to make her his, even if it means playing dirty.

Lara Jacobs doesn’t want her heart broken again and refuses to give Luke a second chance. After he left her after their one night stand, she ran right into the arms of her close friend, Grayson Moore. He’s always loved her, and he’s determined to make her see he’s what she needs.

However, in life nothing goes as planned and tragedy strikes. After a fatal accident nearly claims Lara’s life, she’s left inside a world she can’t remember. Her memories are gone, including those of the men vying for her heart. Grayson sees her loss as a possibility to forget her love for Luke, but Luke sees it as an opportunity to start over. All he wants is one last chance to show her that she’s the one he’s been in love with all along.

*** An updated version of One Taste (prequel to Last Chance) has been included at the beginning of the book with all new scenes. ***

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes / Smashwords

**Pre-order today for only 99¢!**

Last Chance_Final


Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.

Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can’t forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols.

Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written over seventeen novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


XBTBanner1

Book Tour/Excerpt/Giveaway: Damage Me by Shana Vanterpool

Leave a comment

Damage MeDAMAGE ME by Shana Vanterpool

PUBLISHER: Swoon Romance

Publication Date: July 5, 2016

Ages: New Adult

Category: NA Contemporary

*** AUTHOR’S NOTE and CONTENT WARNING: This story contains triggers for rape victims and soldiers. I did my best to remain respectful to the healing process for both. Hillary’s feelings are hers alone and ONLY represent how she feels about her attack. Dylan’s emotions about his time at war are his ALONE. You are all strong and beautiful, and you will soar again! ***

A broken soldier …

Dylan Meyer lived his life fast and hard, doing anything to keep his emotions masked. In Crystal Gulf, Texas, women, drugs, and alcohol are in abundance. After all, it’s a college town. But eventually, his lifestyle caught up to him. The birth of his daughter, Aubrey, forced him to grow up and take responsibility for his actions. He let his vices go, cleaned up his act, and allowed himself to fall for Harley Evans.

But Dylan is a liar.

He lied to himself. To Harley. To his best friend, Bach. And then he lied himself right into a U.S. Army uniform. When he went to war, he left Harley with his best friend in hopes that he’d look out for her while he was deployed. Not in his darkest nightmares did he think Bach and Harley would fall in love.

A fallen angel …

Hillary Hayes is an eighteen-year-old sophomore in college who understands the importance of rules. She’s followed them her entire life. She gets perfect grades, avoids dating, and won’t stray from the future her mother mapped out. On the outside, she’s perfect. Inside, she’s drowning.

That carefully crafted future disappears when she downs a beer at a party. What’s left of that night is the wreckage of the girl she used to be.

Until she meets Dylan. Her brother’s best friend.

When Dylan returns from war, he can’t move past the betrayal. His daughter’s growing up without him. Flashbacks and PTSD from his time in Afghanistan consume him. He loses himself in a dark depression. There is no light in his darkness …until he meets Hillary. His best friend’s little sister is the only good thing among all the bad.

He’s her safe place.

She’s his light.

Can two damaged souls ever find peace, or is the damage too much to overcome?

Buy the Book

Buy on Amazon

Author Bio

When I walk into a book store I feel at home. When I smell the pages of a brand new book things make sense. When I read I am who I always wanted to be. I read to escape and I write so others can as well. My family, my actress dog Bella, coffee, and a steamy love story are a few of my most precious things. My Sweet Demise is my debut new-adult contemporary romance novel. Keep up to date with future releases by following on Twitter: @shanavauthor

Website: https://shanavanterpoolauthor.wordpress.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shana-Vanterpool-40467229639931

Giveaway

Win a $10 Amazon gift card and eBook copy of DAMAGE ME.

Excerpt:https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

 

I knew I’d be stuck there until I figured out how to free myself. No one else would free me, but me. No one would call my name or break the door down. I would crawl from that bed in my skirt and open the door myself. I would smile because I deserved to. I would let my nightmares exist in the darkness because I deserved the light. I would save myself because I deserved to feel safe.

Book blitz: Roman Rescue by Michelle Gilliam

Leave a comment

Roman Rescue: Who Will Save The Hero?
Michelle Gilliam
Publication date: May 21st 2016
Genres: Mystery, New Adult, Romance

Maggie has always been a sassy, headstrong Southern girl. But running off to Rome, Italy on summer break from college is the most impulsive thing she’s ever done. Her brother is in trouble, and she’s determined to rescue him- after all, he’s the older, wiser, military officer who has never needed her help before. Paul is in a mess with an Italian ex-girlfriend who has cut ties with him…but is pregnant with his child. Maggie thinks she can fix it.

After all, a break from her life would be nice, too. She just broke up with her long time boyfriend, and her estranged mother keeps hopelessly trying to reconnect with her. Italy sounds like the perfect refuge. Until she meets Paul’s best friend, Marine Sargeant, Luke Seager. He complicates things in every way. He persists to play tour guide and asserts his way into her plans at every chance. Maggie prefers to become a hero on her own, but as she digs into the truth about Paul’s predicament, danger builds around them. While the tension and mystery grows, so do her feelings for Luke- a man with his own shrouded past.

Nothing is as it seems when Maggie gets more than she bargained for with the girlfriend’s mafia ties, Luke’s dangerous connections, and unexpected guests from home. Finding out the truth lands Maggie in more trouble than she can escape. Who will save the hero now?

Look what People are saying about Roman Rescue: Who Will Save The Hero?

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

I strolled further down until I found a pizza place and dove in for a slice of basil, mozzarella, and sausage. I ordered a Coke, but it came at room temperature, so I changed it to water instead. But, pizza and water weren’t the right combinations. Maybe I tasted the tomatoes more, or the sauce’s bright red color made it look too eerie. Again, I blamed it on Fear whispering warnings of stares from unsmiling eyes. Wasn’t Rome the city of romance? Then why did I see figures in the shadows, taxi drivers with guns, and blood in the pizza sauce?
On the way home, I tried to ignore the shadowed alleys and drivers staring me down as they passed by. I double-checked that my debit card hadn’t fallen out of my bra. It was still there, safe from thieves.

The night air, fruity and moist, smelled unlike the air back home. I walked, taking deep breaths with my nose to the sky. Going through the park, a breeze whipped by, causing me to imagine the world before cars, a time when the Roman statues were real. I could see it. I could see me in it, wearing a long tunic. What did Dr. Francisco call it in English class? A stola, yes. I would look good in a stola, gold chains strapped around me. I imagined the horse dung in the streets and stopped romanticizing. I wouldn’t call it pessimism but realism. Life had taught me not to believe in the wonderful, magical, or romantic. Not that I hadn’t tried.

I pulled the key out of my bra and entered the apartment. I glanced around for a television and spotted the floating stairs. At the top of the stairs was Kayla’s and Luke’s bedroom, tidy and simple with a triple-tier shelving of masculine books: Shooter, Abraham Lincoln, and various spy novels. I also found a TV. I smiled and threw myself into a chair after emptying the clothes from it.

That is where Luke found me, asleep in his bedroom chair. His wide shoulders and his body blocked out the light. It alarmed me. Only a dark sketch of him stood there, looking down at me.

“According to this note, you must be Maggie.”

“Please, tell me your name is Luke, so I won’t have to kill you,” I managed to get out while stretching my arms and rubbing my eyes, barely awake—barely thinking—but not afraid.

“Yep, you’re Maggie. I’ve heard of your quipped tongue.”

I sighed. “Great, my reputation has preceded me all the way to Italy. At nineteen, I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”

“Nineteen, just a baby.”

That riled me. When I should have asked to stay on his couch, I couldn’t. I stood. “I’m not a baby.” I squinted at his dark silhouette and tried to look him straight in the eyes. I stood on my tippy-toes, but his eyes were still inches away, taller and higher, out of my reach. “Well, damn, are you six-four, or what?”

“Maybe six-three,” he said with pride.

I composed myself after a thick swallow. “Must be hard to be that tall.”

“Sometimes.” His insecurity showed. His voice wavered or his shoulders dropped; it was so subtle and so quick. I don’t know, I could just tell.

I took the clothes from the bed and put them back on the chair.

“You don’t have to mess with that.”

“I moved them; I’ll return them. What time is it?”

“Twelve-thirty.”

I took a deep breath, walked over to the top of the stairs, and looked back. That’s when I noticed Luke’s face: soft reddish-tan complexion and pool-water blue eyes. I paused, wordless for too long.


Author Bio:

Michelle Gilliam, BSN lives in Tennessee with her husband and three sons, two of which are college football players. She was raised by a southern mother and a British father and her accent is quite a mess with California, Florida, and Texas influences. She loves to read, analyze, and create. But all of that comes after a good cup of coffee and a conversation with a close friend or while treating her patients. That and her dreams are the source of her stories. She first began writing poetry and it is apparent when you see the use of descriptive launguage as she paints rooms, international settings, and people.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

XBTBanner1

Book blitz/Giveaway: Piper Dreams by Amelie S. Duncan

Leave a comment

Piper Dreams
AmĂŠlie S. Duncan
(The Dreams Trilogy #1)
Publication date: January 3rd 2016
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

She needs an adventure.
He’s looking for an escape.
Together, they just might find what they both need.

Journalist hopeful, Piper Rowe is searching for a story–the perfect lead to get her a coveted spot on a prestigious journalism team. Running into a cross-country biker group just might be the serendipitous happening she needs.

The only problem?

The sexy and protective gatekeeper, Brody Whitehurst doesn’t want her tagging along, refusing to let her document the trip. But after a threatening altercation riles him, Brody relents, suddenly feeling the need to protect Piper. As Piper and Brody begin their quest to realize their dreams, they discover running is never the answer. Can two people, one with a broken past, one with an uncertain future, find what they’re looking for on the open road?

This is Part One of a Three Part Contemporary Romance Trilogy. This story contains adult situations, themes, and explicit sexual content.

Goodreads / Amazon

13599638_10153989143524213_1339748821_n

—

EXCERPT:

“You think you’re too good for me?” he gritted.

I glared at him. Where the hell did that come from? I wanted to get away from him and to try to deflate whatever this was turning into. “No. I don’t, but don’t you already have someone waiting for you?”

“Why not you? Can’t you be waiting for me?” he said tightening his hold.

“Let go,” I said, my tone sharp.

“What if I don’t?” he said running his free hand over my hip.

I was stone cold sober now and had had about enough of Taylor. I twisted toward him and kneed him hard in the groin.

He bent but recovered quickly enough to grab both my arms roughly. “Why the fuck did you do that, bitch?” he said, shaking me.

I twisted around quickly and broke his hold. I let out a yell.

“Hey.” His eyes darted around.

This time, he wasn’t fast enough, or maybe he caught me at the end of this terrible day. I became a whirlwind of kicks, bites, and scratches. It was something my mother and father had taught me to do if someone ever tried to attack me.

“Fuck, that hurts,” he griped, shoving me away from him.

My back hit the wood panel wall, but it might as well have been the ropes in a boxing ring. I sprung forward ready to have at him again, but someone grabbed him first, slamming him hard against the space next to me. He twisted Taylor’s arm high up behind him.

“Hey, I was trying to get away. She was the one hurting me,” Taylor moaned between wheezed breaths.

“Asshole.” I spat at him, and my foot flew out and connected with his shin. That brought on a slew of nasty name-calling from his mouth. But coming from him, I didn’t care.

“I should let her continue kicking your ass.” A deep voice growled out.

I finally stepped back and looked at my defender, and my adrenaline surged. It was none other than Brody. His wild eyes stood out from the carved features of his face. His black t-shirt was slightly askew, showing off a beautifully etched tribal tattoo as his strong muscular arms held Taylor in place.

“I’m sorry, Piper. I’m going to leave. Please,” Taylor said, interrupting my gawking.

Brody tweaked his arm as he looked at me, and Taylor cried out.

I glowered at Taylor. “If he lets you go, you best get the hell out of here.”

“If I see you when I step back in there, I’ll fucking break your arm,” Brody added, shoving him hard. It didn’t stop Taylor from getting up from where he landed and running down the hall.

My adrenaline rush drained fast, and I leaned against the wall and sunk to my knees. I could feel the air on my left shoulder letting me know my shirt was stretched. I was probably flashing my bra, but I sat there, frozen to the spot. My hands were trembling. I saw Brody’s jeans appear in front of me.

“He’s gone,” he whispered.

His hands slowly moved to my thigh and gently took my hands in his. A blanket of goosebumps broke across my skin. His hands were large enough to cover mine. They were slightly calloused and warm. I found them soothing.

“I’m alright. I just didn’t expect that,” I rasped, taking in a shallow breath.

He carefully let go of one of my hands and quietly eased my shirt back on my shoulder. Then took my hands again, holding them and rubbing his thumb against the back of them. Sensations coursed through my body. I flicked my eyes up to his and my lips parted. His eyes were soft and framed in a thick layer of lashes. I gasped. Heady. He was stunning.

He leaned close to my ear. “Are you okay?”

I nodded and inhaled his scent. He smelled of cologne and polished leather.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“I didn’t do much. You kicked his ass,” Brody said against my ear.

I laughed. I was feeling better and turned my head to tell him. I moved too fast and collided with his chin. “Sorry,” I said reaching over to soothe it, but he was on his feet.

“Haven’t learned my lesson eh, Sprite?” He laughed and rubbed his jaw.

I sucked on my bottom lip and apologized again. He gave me a smile that showed off his dimples, and it sent a shiver up my spine. He held out his hand again, and I clasped it and climbed to my feet.

13599472_10153989155984213_1616118390_n


Author Bio:

AmĂŠlie S. Duncan writes contemporary, erotic romances with a dark edge. Her inspiration comes from many sources including her life experiences and travels. She lives on the West Coast of the United States with her husband.

Find out more about her books by going to her website at

http://www.ameliesduncan.com/

Want to be notified about new releases? Sign up for the mailing list and get giveaways, pre-release chapters, and bonus stories

http://tinyurl.com/ol3kytc

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

XBTBanner1

Review of Redemption Road by John Hart

6 Comments

Goodreads/Amazon/Author Website
Release date: May 3, 2016

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

Genre: Mystery/Thriller 

Goodreads blurb:

Imagine:


A boy with a gun waits for the man who killed his mother.


A troubled detective confronts her past in the aftermath of a brutal shooting.


After thirteen years in prison, a good cop walks free. But for how long?


And deep in the forest, on the altar of an abandoned church, the unthinkable has just happened…


This is a town on the brink. This is a road with no mercy.


Review:

I went into this book knowing very little about the premise or about the author, but I’ve heard great things about John Hart’s books. He’s been called a master storyteller and a gifted writer. After reading Redemption Road I can see why.

The story is told using multiple narratives including Elizabeth, a cop who is brittle, fragile and clinging to the edge of hope. Adrian is recently released from prison and just trying to heal old open wounds while battling current demons. Gideon is a young man who is desperate, broken and wounded. Channing is an eighteen year old girl who has lived through nightmares and isn’t quite sure how to make it through to the light of day. I always find it morbidly fascinating to get a glimpse inside the mind of a homicidal manic and Hart doesn’t disappoint.

All of these characters are so flawed and damaged and this is revealed fantastically by Hart. He creates characters that simply come alive in an honest manner that is heartbreakingly real. The town they live in is full of secrets, pain and betrayal. 

Hart also touches on a current tense and hot topic;  how race plays a factor in police investigations and procedures. It brought a sense of current events to the book as it also briefly discussed how the media’s involvement can ramp up the tension.

I really enjoyed the twists in this novel as they were believable but still surprising. There were just enough shocking moments to keep the reader engaged, but not so many that it seemed unlikely or contrived. 

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Review of To Have and to Hold by Lauren Layne

9 Comments

Goodreads/Amazon/Author Website
Release date: July 26, 2016

Publisher: Pocket Books

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Chick Lit

Goodreads blurb: 

Discovering her fiance is an international con man just moments before they exchange vows devastates celebrity wedding planner Brooke Baldwin’s business—and breaks her heart. Now a pariah in Los Angeles, she seeks a fresh start in New York City and thinks she’s found it with her first bridal client, a sweet—if slightly spoiled—hotel heiress. Then she meets the uptight businessman who’s holding the purse strings.
Seth Tyler wishes he could write a blank check and be done with his sister Maya’s fancy-pants wedding. Unfortunately, micromanaging the event is his only chance at proving Maya’s fiance is a liar. Standing directly in his way is the stunning blonde wedding planner whose practiced smiles and sassy comebacks both irritate and arouse him. He needs Brooke’s help. But can he persuade a wedding planner on a comeback mission to unplan a wedding? And more importantly, how will he convince her that the wedding she should be planning… is theirs? 

Review: 

This is my first Lauren Layne novel so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but it sounded cute. I love reading about weddings and wedding related stuff, so the idea of a novel about a wedding planner sounded fun! This is the first book in a new series, the Wedding Belles.

I have to say, I’m a huge fan of Layne’s writing style. It’s sharp, witty and a little bit snarky. I found myself laughing out loud while reading a few scenes. She captures a modern New York woman perfectly in a hip and fresh manner. 

The chemistry between Brooke and Seth was sizzling hot! They had the whole love/hate and hot/cold thing going on, but it was executed well. Their sex scenes were spicy, flirty and sexy without being smutty. Layne pushes the envelope a bit, but doesn’t cross any lines. 

I really liked both Brooke and Seth. She’s sassy, sarcastic and vulnerable. He’s cool, calm and controlled. They balanced each other out nicely and just made sense as a couple. They’ve both been damaged and hurt in past relationships and as a result are naturally skeptical of all things related to love. 

I read this book while on vacation and it was a perfect light and fun read for a relaxing trip! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series as the secondary characters in this book were fun and interesting as well. The second book in the series is called For Better or For Worse and will be released August 30, 2016.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to Netgalley and Pocket Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Review of Don’t You Cry by Mary Kubica 

7 Comments

Goodreads/Amazon/Author Website
Release date: May 17, 2016

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Publisher: MIRA

Goodreads blurb:

In downtown Chicago, a young woman named Esther Vaughan disappears from her apartment without a trace. A haunting letter addressed to My Dearest is found among her possessions, leaving her friend and roommate Quinn Collins to wonder where Esther is and whether or not she’s the person Quinn thought she knew. 


Meanwhile, in a small Michigan harbor town an hour outside Chicago, a mysterious woman appears in the quiet coffee shop where eighteen-year-old Alex Gallo works as a dishwasher. He is immediately drawn to her charm and beauty, but what starts as an innocent crush quickly spirals into something far more dark and sinister than he ever expected.  


As Quinn searches for answers about Esther, and Alex is drawn further under Pearl’s spell, master of suspense Mary Kubica takes readers on a taut and twisted thrill ride that builds to a stunning conclusion and shows that no matter how fast and far we run, the past always catches up with us in the end. 

Review:

I’ve become a huge Kubica fan as I loved both her previous novels, The Good Girl and Pretty Baby, so I was excited to finally get my hands on her latest thriller. 

This book is told alternately by Quinn and Alex, each chapter skips back and forth between the two of them. I love this style and it works well here. You are wondering how or if these two seemingly unrelated characters will collide which adds an additional layer of suspense to an already suspenseful story. 

The tempo starts out slower, still interesting but it is a slow boil rather than a book that grabs you instantaneously. It peaks the readers interest enough that you want more. It’s intriguing though and has a methodical build up where the action definitely ramps up as the story unfolds. By the end, the chapters grow shorter as the tension mounts. I found myself reading faster the further in I got.

I really found Quinn to be relatable. She is raw, vulnerable and sweet. Her desire for acceptance is apparent, especially the acceptance of her missing roommate and best friend, Esther. Alex kind of broke my heart. I wanted to be his mother as his desperation for a mom who would love him was heartbreaking. His loneliness was overwhelming, his greatest desire was to have someone to love, but even more so to be loved. That’s so relatable for anyone. 

Looking back now, there were a few genius clues and hints dropped throughout the book that made me go, A HA! I love that. Even with those, I never saw the twist/ending coming. It was perfectly executed and superb.

If you like twisted family secrets, mysterious letters and phone calls, and narrators that grab your heartstrings in mystery novels then give this book a shot. 

Overall rating: 4.5/5