The Perfect Game by J Sterling
(Read October 11,2012) http://flirtyanddirtybookblog.com/2012/10/14/review-the-perfect-game-by-j-sterling/
I Love You to Death by Natalie Ward
(Read October 7, 2012) http://flirtyanddirtybookblog.com/2012/10/10/review-and-new-release-i-love-you-to-death-by-natalie-ward/
Fall Guy by Liz Reinhardt
(Read September 23, 2012) http://flirtyanddirtybookblog.com/2012/09/27/new-review-fall-guy-by-liz-reinhardt/
Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
http://flirtyanddirtybookblog.com/2012/09/14/review-taking-chances-the-debut-novel-by-molly-mcadams/
Chance Encounters by J. Sterling
(Read September 7, 2012) A great read! I really enjoyed Chance Encounters… it was funny, intense at times, sweet, fun and had moments that brought tears. This is a book that takes you away from the daily grind and lets you slip away for a little while. The characters are gorgeous, likeable and relatable. The story is easy to follow, flirty, sweet and hot!
The immediate attraction between Caroline and Jackson is a scorcher. They meet in a random situation and the heat is turned up. Jackson of course is gorgeous, considerate and sexy (just the way we love our book guys). Caroline of course is beautiful, taken and unsure. Making the two a perfect equation for any hopeless romantic’s story.
Can one chance meeting be enough to bring these two together or are the destined to go their separate ways?
J. Sterling does a great job of interweaving the characters and their individual stories. There is nothing over the top that makes this story unrealistic or impossible. I definitely recommend this book for some easy and fun reading. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from J. Sterling!!!! D. 4
Clash (Crash #2) by Nicole Williams
(Read September 4, 2012)Luce is attending Julliard, leaving Jude, the attack by Sawyer, high school and all its rumors and drama behind. She’s living her dream of dancing.
Then Jude waltzes back into her life and rocks her world. He is a category 5 storming through her mind, body and soul. Was loving someone supposed to be so hard? Were there supposed to be so many obstacles stacking against you? For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, it just seems that way. But something has to give. And Lucy knows it just might not be in their favor.
Lucy wants to remain her own person and dance like it is her life. Jude’s temper and bad boy persona do not leave a lot of room for that. Not to mention Jude’s conniving Spirit Sister.
Lucy knows she has to trust Jude but doesn’t know if she believes him or believes in them to ride out this storm that is their relationship. Seeing this, Jude’s Spirit Sister capitalizes on it and further drives a wedge between the couple and compounds Lucy’s insecurities. There times, that you feel like Lucy wants her insecurities to get the best of her and sabotage her relationship with Jude. I think with the murder of her brother and seeing how her parents fell into a fog, Lucy just can’t see that love can be enough.
Nicole Williams will take you on a roller coaster ride that is young, intense and uncontrolled love. I feel the characters did evolve and mature since Crash; even at times it not being so evident and obvious. Like Crash, she keeps the story raw, almost bitter yet tender and beautiful. Throughout the whole story, regardless of what is happening, you turn the page trying to get a glimpse of the hope that is Jude and Lucy.
Williams is a fantastic YA/New Adult writer. She knows how to grab her readers and not let go until she is done with you. Praise to Williams and praise to Clash. D. 5
Crash (Crash #1) by Nicole Williams
(Read September 3. 2012) Luce and Jude… a volatile duo that creates an amazing show of fireworks. Brilliant color, beautiful cascades but loud and dangerous if not handled with care.
Jude is beautiful, strong, says what is on his mind yet is a mystery. He is definitely from the “wrong side of the tracks” and not to be involved with if you aren’t ready to play in the game of your life.
Luce is forward, playful, gorgeous, compassionate, and ready to take on the world. Although seemingly unknowing to her wants someone to share the ride. Her family has been broken with tragedy but she isn’t ready to go down without a fight.
A secret so devastating is about to unravel the fraying rope that threatens to snap at any moment.
Together this uncommonly common couple will fight against all forces to love each other fiercely, with abandon and grit. Is it enough?
Nicole Williams balances Jude’s bad boy persona so well with his vulnerable side. The things he did that would make other boys/men seem like thugs made you hurt for Jude and want to take away all his pain.
Luce came out typical (NOT in a boring, overdone, or stereotypical way). She had the attitude to mask her insecurities and sadness. Yet she truly was a strong protagonist female without being in your face or incapable or above love, vulnerability, heartache and caring.
And although throughout the book, you felt like Luce and Jude’s relationship was damned if they did or damned if they didn’t, Williams had the reader turning the page with hope. Your stomach was in knots and you were ready to cry but you turned the page with that sliver that everything would right itself.
This book had all the rawness and intensity to keep you glued to the book. Yet the love and tenderness that melted your heart and made Jude your number one book boy. You just could not ever give up on him or Luce and his relationship.
Praise to Nicole Williams for a phenomenal read of tough love made harder. D 4
*** mature subjects***
Stalk Me (The Keatyn Cronicles) by Jillian Dodd
I wasn’t sure what to expect judging by the book cover. Looking at the picture of a young girl, I thought this novel might be too young for my reading taste. DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER! Stalk Me is a fabulous read!!! The story is about a teenage girl’s coming of age while being a member of a very privileged family. Keatyn is the main character and I absolutely love her. She is your typical teenage girl in a not so typical world. I felt that I could relate to Keatyn, dealing with peer pressure and first love. I also felt that a lot of time was put into the development of the characters in this story as I was instantly drawn to her family and friends. There is also has an added twist, it wouldn’t be called Stalk Me if it didn’t involve (drum roll please)… you guessed it, a stalker. The stalker story line is very well written and I really did feel my skin crawl during a few scenes. If I you are looking for a fun, mysterious, romantic, easy read that keeps you wanting more, you need to download Stalk Me. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out!! N. FLIRTY
(Read Sept. 1, 2012) Holy shizz…Stalk Me was totally unexpected! I knew this was YA novel (definitely a mature YA) but did not expect to be so drawn to the story. I could not put it down. Oh to be fly on the wall of Jillian Dodd’s mind. There are no lulls in this book–at all. This book goes from zero to hot sexy and bold right from the first pages!Keaton is the 16-year-old daughter of a famous actress. Her step dad is equally in the spotlight too. Keatyn enjoys the perks of being in a celebrity family. She just doesn’t want to be known for being in one. Keatyn just wants to be her own person who can get out from the very large shadow her parents cast. Or does she? Keatyn’s friends are all about climbing up the popularity ladder and will do almost anything to stay at the top. Keaton isn’t quite sure how she feels about this. On one hand she wants to remain popular. On the other, she does not want to be popular on bitch merits. Keatyn is gorgeous. She loves her designer wardrobe and fancy cars. She also loves her little sisters and her family.Keaton has finally broken up with her long-term boyfriend, and can now pursue the boy she has been in love with forever. But which boy is it? There’s B, who is gorgeous and spends his days surfing the best waves. She can be herself around him and just hang out, surfing and relaxing. He doesn’t expect her to behave a certain way or does he? Then there’s Cush, they’ve been friends forever. He sees her as Keatyn not her famous mother’s daughter. He’s a player and could never have any real feelings for Keatyn. Or could he?Through a series of events that could wreak havoc on a 16 year old’s social life and reputation, Keatyn finally thinks she has found where her heart belongs. She is finally going to be happy and start her junior year on her terms with the boy she knows is for her.But being a celebrity’s daughter doesn’t t come without its own drama and chaos.Keatyn has always written her life’s script. She is learning that there always edits and rewrites; and sometimes you just have to throw that script out and start over.Jillian Dodd wrote this story giving the reader lots to laugh about, lots to shake your head at, and even to cry about. Keatyn’s script is a comedy,thriller, trashy B movie, drama and romance all in one. Her characters were right out of a high school’s gossip circles. You fell in love with most and hated a few. The boys were deliciously sexy, the girls were gorgeous and bitchy. It equalled any given day of a teenage life– right? You will love the ride Dodd takes you on and will not want to stop. Every page has you engaged and wanting more. The Keatyn Chronicles are going to get even more interesting. Can’t wait for the next installment! What will Keatyn write for her next starring role? D. 5
*** Although the main characters are still in high school, there is mature content and suggestive scenes that may not be suitable for all YA readers.***
Lengths by Liz Reinhardt and Steph Campbell
I actually found out about this book today on Twitter. Several authors had recommended this Indie book so I thought, why not check it out…. I was glad I did. The story is about young woman who suffers a tragedy in her life and tries to make a fresh start on her own. She thinks she has everything figured out, but it can never be that easy….. right??? I enjoyed this story, it wasn’t complicated, was easy to follow and I liked the characters in. Unlike some of the others I have recently read, I did not feel strong emotions reading this book. N. 4
Noah (5th Street Series #1)
(Read August 25, 2012) ~ So, if you have read any other books by Elizabeth Reyes, you know firsthand her book boys are a whole lot of manliness and just radiate and epitomize sexy! They make the term Latin Lovers seem like a coffee lovers trip to Starbucks—you just gotta have ‘em. Noah is no exception.
Veronica has shut herself off from life after a tough couple of years. With the strong encouragement from her one and only friend Nellie, Veronica sees that it just might be time to reclaim her life. The first step is joining a gym.. Veronica is not to keen on this idea but shows up anyway. There definitely is an immediate current between Veronica and her new trainer Noah. Through a series of events, Veronica offers Noah a place to room. She’s not sure why she does it but feels it is the right thing to do. The only thing is she can’t stop thinking about Noah but he’s just too young for her.The more time she spends with Noah, the more her walls are coming down and the more she wants to give in to the temptation that is Noah.
This is a story of love in unexpected places and unexpected circumstances. Noah is a story of letting your past go and finding hope in your future..Noah is a strong, gorgeous, caring beyond measure and has a heart that he wants to share. Veronica is beautiful, loyal, giving and wants to let love in but just isn’t sure if she can.
Elizabeth Reyes makes you fall in love immediately. And you fall hard. There is no denying that she will have you rooting for the underdogs. Her stories of love and hope are real and hard. You can definitely connect with her characters emotionally and even on a life basis. What is common in all of Reyes books and Noah is no exception is the integral sense of family and loyalty. Whether bound by love or bound by life, her characters always fight for love and hope together. D 5
While it Lasts (Sea Breeze #3) by Abbi Glines
Absolutely LOVED this book! Right from Prologue I was hooked and couldn’t put this book down (I was reading until 3:30am but don’t tell my husband, LOL). The writing flows so easily and the characters are strong and loveable. If you are looking for a really good story but something light and easy to read, this is the book for you. N. 4
(Read Aug. 24, 2012) Cage has just become my favourite bad boy!!!!! The 3rd installment to the Sea Breeze Series is just as fantastic as the other two. While it lasts revolves around the growing relationship between Sea Breeze’s ultimate bad boy Cage York. Because of his bad boy actions, he landed himself a summer job being a farm hand at his coach’s brother’s place. He isn’t too impressed with the situation but his scholarship and ultimately his life’s path depends on it. Enter Eva— she is young, beautiful, cold, distant and shut down. Her walls are impenetrable or so it would seem. Life has dealt her a tough blow. And after 18 months of shutting herself off from the world, Cage York is about to storm in. she tries to not be affected by his ways but she can’t help but be drawn in to him. For the first time in a long tim, someone is able to make Eva smile and begin to live again. Cage wasn’t expecting his walls to come crashing down either. Together they will see another side to their life and all that it has to offer.
Such a great summer read!!! Abbi Glines’ boys are so tempting, beautiful, bad and ridiculously hot!!!!! D. 4
Reason to Breathe (Breathing #1) by Rebecca Donovan
I don’t know where to start!!!! This is the most powerful book series I have ever read. Rebecca Donovan tackles a very tough and touchy subject and she does so with ease. The story flows so effortlessly that you won’t be able to put this book down. Never has a book taken me on such an emotional roller coaster. I was awake until 3am reading this book and then had to start on the second book. N.
(Read Aug. 8, 2012) This book really hit home for me. By the end of this book, my whole body was shaking. I was so emotionally wrecked and charged. Rebecca Donovan wrote about a very real and unfortunately prominent issue. I love that she didn’t hold back and painted a very grave picture. However, in that picture, you always felt the glimpse of the sun and of hope. You weren’t always sure it would come out enough but you knew it was there. Rebecca Donovan did an amazing job of this. Can you imagine what this would transpire as onto canvas? This story is written like fine silk is woven– strong yet so beautiful and intricately woven.
Donovan, developed her characters so well that you felt everything in this book like it was your own. Even her secondary characters were so well done that without them, the book would be not nearly as good; which in many books is not the case.
Em is a strong young woman who never lost sight of her light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Every time she pulled up to her driveway, my stomach was in knots. Although she was withdrawn, she was smart, loving, loyal and she was not so broken that she would not allow someone to love her. But it is hard to love someone and try to protect from something that is a major wound to your heart.
Evan is an amazing young man. He is funny, loyal, an amazing friend, a protector and gorgeous. Sometimes it isn’t enough. He wants to be able to take all that hurts Em but is she too far gone, that she won’t let him in. He is frustrated because he thinks he can make things better. Evan wants Em to love him with all that he loves her.
Sara. She is Em’s best friend. She is the only one who even has the slightest clue as to what happens in Em’s life outside of school. She is loyal to a point of being unable to help her friend in ways that will stop the pain.
At times the book is very difficult to read but it was so well done and handled with such rawness and complete sincerity. You just know deep down that through the darkness will come light. This is going to be an amazing series!!!! D. 5
*** Note that this book deals with an extremely difficult subject nature and may not be suitable for all readers. (physical and emotional abuse, strong language)***
Barely Breathing (Breathing #2)by Rebecca Donovan
In the second book in the series, Barely Breathing pick right up where Reason to Breathe left off. Again, the emotions felt though the characters in this book are amazing. This is a book series that I will never forget. There is a third book in this series being written and I don’t think I can wait for it! N.
(Read Aug. 11, 2012) In this second installment of the Breathing series, Donovan picks up where Reason left off. Again, this amazing author did not hold back. She sat you down and held you there, making you feel the pain, the heartbreak, the denial, the confusion, and the heart. This book did not get soft it just got tougher. Again the characters are so incredibly real and bare. There is an introduction of a new character that I didn’t realize could throw this book into an emotional tailspin. A review of this book and series does not give Rebecca Donovan enough credit. She leaves me Barely Breathing! D 5
*** (physical and emotional abuse, strong language)***
Collision Course by S.C. Stephens
(Read July 20, 2012) Wow!!!! What an amazing story of love, forgiveness and understanding. S.C Stephens really knows how to grab your heart and not let go. So many emotions in this book. You feel like you are there with the characters. You can feel their pain and feel their healing. This read deals with all that one endures as they journey through their grief. This is raw and real — moving on and healing is never easy. There is no perfect process. We feel irrational, ugly and messy. We want to hold on to something that is safe and something that doesn’t feel like it will rip us apart. Somehow we can get through it all. Especially when there is someone there to pull you out of the ditch and bring you to safety. Amazing!!! D 5
*** (subject nature: death, grief. Strong language and some sexually suggestive content.)***
Easy by Tammara Webber
(Read July 15, 2012) Tammara Webber grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. Easy is a story of letting go, gathering strength and loving again. I loved this book and its journey. Lucas is broken, withdrawn and trying to find his way back. Jacqueline is learning to trust in herself. Together they will be able take down the wall that keeps them in the past and find their future together. I enjoyed the sincerity and the tenderness of this read. While I was reading, I felt like I was in a safe and loving hug. I also really enjoyed that both the main characters were somewhat unassuming in the draw they had towards each other. In a lot of books one of the characters is always stronger than the other. I felt like Lucas and Jacqueline weren’t necessarily taking the same journey but were meeting in the middle. They guided and helped each other without overpowering one another. Tammara Webber just gets it! D 5
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
(Read July 9, 2012) Jamie McGuire– a new up and coming author!!! She nailed it with Beautiful Disaster. An explosive story about the need and drive to love someone. The dependency between Abby and Trav is so raw and intense that in all their dysfunction you can’t all but hope and cheer for them along the way. Abby is trying to forget her past and make a new life for herself. Little did she know what meeting Travis Maddox would do to her plan. Travis has always just done what Travis does. He has never been in love and finds himself in a head on collision of emotions when he meets Abby Abernathy. Can their future defy their past? I love how McGuire developed Travis’ character. She shot him out of the blocks and didn’t look back. Throughout the entire book, although you loved Travis, you wanted to hate him. I also enjoyed the fact that I didn’t tire of their dysfunction. In many books, I find myself getting annoyed at the lack of emotional strength in characters. In Beautiful Disaster, this did not happen. You genuinely hope that somehow Abby and Travis will find that balance and hold on for the ride together. D 4
Slammed (Slammed #1) by Colleen Hoover
(Read July 4, 2012) Colleen has so aptly titled this book because she slams you head on, making you feel every emotion possible. You feel them so hard– sometimes you feel like you can’t breathe and then you feel like you can soar. This is Hoover’s debut novel. She nailed it. The poetry is so alive– it’s like it grabs you by the back of the head and makes you watch what’s in front of you. This book is about living and living through it all— the suck and the sweet!!!!! Colleen Hoover is going to invade the literary world!!! D 5
Point of Retreat (Slammed #2) by Colleen Hoover
(Read July 6, 2012) Butterflying bemazing!!!!!!
Point of Retreat takes up where Slammed left off. It is written with the raw bite that Slammed had– making you run through every emotion possible. I cannot do the book justice with a review. You will have to feel this book on your own. Yes, I said feel. These are not just words to paper. These are emotions that pull you from the inside out. Go read… D 5
Crossroads (Crossroads Saga #1) by Mary Ting
(Read January 12, 2012) Some very strong parallels to Twilight that I thought could have done without. I liked the Twilight series and this series has potential that she does not need to have so many parallels. Although I can see why when that sort of story line and character outline is very popular with many readers. That being said, I still enjoyed the characters and the story line. It is still worth the read. And I can’t wait to read Between so that I can have more of Michael, Davin and the crew. D 3
Between (Crossroads Saga #2) by Mary Ting
(Read January 25, 2012) This is even better than Crossroads. Mary really knows how to develop her characters. I was really surprised I enjoyed this so much. There have been so many books in this genre, I thought I would feel like “been there, done that” but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. You will laugh and cry. Usually in these YA novels, the girls in this story are wussy or are so “poor me” and homely and life is just going along with nothing special. Then comes this amazing guy who is so perfect. I liked that Claudia wasn’t that wuss and that the amazing guy(s) showed some weakness and vulnerability. The characters were funny too. Can’t wait for the 3rd installment. Get to writing Ms. Ting. So good. Just read the book already!!! D 5
City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5)
(Read June 3, 2012)ahhhh!!! the cliffhanger of it all… lot’s of action in this book. i also liked how the relationships between characters evolved. Although I hope that some of these relationships shift again. Clary is still kick ass even though she is reckless. Jace of course is Jace… even in this book….It was great to see Simon get more time devoted to his story– hopefully there is more in the next book. There things brewing with Magnus that I can’t wait to be revealed in the next instalment. There are so many thing going on in this book. I loved it, loved it, loved it!!! Book six is so far away!!!! D 5
Angel Burn (Angel #1) by L.A. Weatherly
(Read July 5, 2012) I enjoyed the depiction of angels in this story. Conventionally, aside from the fallen,angels are always loving, peaceful and good. Not so much in this book. They are almost what you would call parasitic. Alex is an Angel Killer– an assassin of angels to stop them from taking human souls and eventually taking over civilization. If he doesn’t get to an angel before they get to a human, the angels will feed of a human’s life force. It is this consumption of life forces, that is responsible for all the illnesses and death of humans. Only humans see it in the form of cancers, heart attacks, depression, and other sicknesses. Willow is unknowingly half human and half angel. She seems like a normal teenager but she is anything but. She likely holds the key to defeating the evil angels once and for all. Alex should hate Willow for her evil half of genetics. But he can’t. They are drawn to each other. Together, while being hunted, they will uncover some terrifying secrets and possibly deadly consequences.
This book was quite well written. Character development was done well. I enjoyed how this time the angels were not all “roses and butterflies” but rather something dark and sinister. The characters definitely appeal to the YA demographic. Alex being gorgeous yet troubled with a dark past. Willow being innocent, unknowingly beautiful yet a strong female protagonist.
Overall a decent read. Looking forward to reading the next installment in the trilogy. D 4
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