Review: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

November 9 by Colleen Hoover
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: November 10th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?

My life is a legit mess right now. I feel like this happens every time I read a new Colleen Hoover book, so I shouldn’t be surprised. I finish a CoHo book, and I don’t even know what to do with myself anymore. She put me through the wringer with November 9, she really did. This for sure is one of my top reads of the year now. It’s a beautifully written story, gut-wrenching at times, but it’s also the cutest darn book I’ve ever read. November 9 has everything I love in a CoHo book – a unique storyline, lovable, unforgettable characters, and laugh-out-loud humor. I’m amazed that over and over, Colleen Hoover delivers another captivating read that will blow her readers away. I was stunned by November 9 – and I loved it so, so much!

“You’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else.”

For some reason, it’s always best to go in blind when you pick up a book by Colleen Hoover. It’s like when you put faith in CoHo, you know she’ll deliver her best. And you can tell she’s delivered her best with November 9 – it’s truly a brilliant book. She’s created characters who’ve spent mere hours together over the course of several years, and yet you can FEEL the powerful connection and love they have for each other. I’ll be honest, I was a bit wary I wouldn’t be able to believe in the love between Fallon and Ben – falling in love when you’ve only known each other for hours sounds unbelievable, right? But I believed it – Colleen Hoover’s exceptional writing and storytelling made me believe in it.

He laughs quietly. “You were just thinking dirty thoughts.”
“Was not,” I quip.
“Fallon, we’ve been dating for two hours now. I can read you like a book, and right now I do believe that book is full of erotica.”

Hands down, November 9 is the CUTEST book of Colleen Hoover’s to date. I was a giggling mess during the first half of the book – though honestly, I still had a couple of giggles even during the heart-wrenching parts, because I feel like that’s just the way Colleen Hoover writes. The humor in the book is absolutely brilliant and effortlessly incorporated. I don’t understand how CoHo is able to create such funny characters, but I love it! Ben is absolutely ridiculous, in the cutest, funniest, most adorable way. And Fallon’s sass and wit is the perfect complement to Ben’s type of humor. I fell in love with these characters first because of how funny they were, but as I read, I definitely grew to appreciate their other aspects that made them feel real to me.

It took four years for me to fall in love with him.
It only took four pages to stop.

But don’t let the humor fool you – to say that November 9 is a gut-wrenching story is an understatement. It almost hurt to read the heartbreaking moments, that’s how emotional I got. I’m so impressed with the way Colleen Hoover is able to provoke such powerful emotions through her words, to make me so invested in the story that I hurt when the characters hurt. This is the type of book that will have you feeling practically every emotion there is to feel… it’s brilliant!

A body is simply a package for the true gifts inside. And you are full of gifts. Selflessness, kindness, compassion. All the things that matter.

I was up until 2AM reading and finishing November 9 – I LOVED IT SO MUCH! I will admit that the plot twist was fairly predictable – but while I was able to guess what happened, I definitely wasn’t ready for the onslaught of emotions this book would make me feel. Colleen Hoover has a gift at making readers invested in her stories, and November 9 is no different. This book wrecked me, in the best and worst of ways. This is also the first time a book has ever make me cry tears of joy – I was crying and laughing and smiling as I was reading the last lines of the novel. This is a breathtaking, emotional, incredible read that I’d recommend to everyone.

Also by Colleen Hoover

Slammed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Hopeless: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Maybe Someday: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Ugly Love: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Confess: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
It Ends with Us: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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10Nov2015

Audiobook Review: Undertow by Leigh T. Moore

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Undertow by Leigh T. Moore
Series: Dragonfly #2 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: October 20th 2015
Length: 9 hours and 33 minutes
Narrated by: Christy Romano
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Falling in love will pull you under…. Bill Kyser has a plan to take the sandy farms of his hometown and turn them into a world-class tourist destination – and become a billionaire in the process. Alexandra “Lexy” LaSalle has a plan to change her life by becoming a world-famous artist. Meg Weaver has a plan to hold on to Bill no matter what she has to do. Three friends, three dreams. One fatal decision will change all their lives forever.

In Dragonfly Bill Kyser gave Anna the three journals that held the story behind the powerful developer’s seclusion and the damaged lives of his family members. Anna hopes to find a way for Julian to know the truth, but as she digs deeper into the tragic events of the past, she realizes silence could be the only option. Now she’s in an alliance with the man she formerly feared. And if Julian finds out what she knows, she could lose for good the boy she’s starting to love. A full-length new adult contemporary romance and family saga. Recommended for listeners 13+ due to mature themes and mild sexual content.

I liked Undertow so much more than Dragonfly! I felt like there was a much more solid story in this book than the previous one. All of the characters had more depth, and the plot was just more interesting. Christy Romano once again does an incredible job of narrating, especially since there are multiple POVs in Undertow. It picks up right after Dragonfly, with Anna discovering the history of Jack and Julian’s parents.

After listening to Dragonfly, I grew incredibly curious about Bill Kyser and Alexandra “Lexy” LaSalle. Why did they have an affair while Bill was married? How could Lexy betray her best friend Meg, Bill’s wife? How did Meg die? In Undertow, we finally discover the truth of what happened in their past through the journals Bill Kyser gives Anna to read. Bill, Lexy, and Meg all wrote their own journals, so we have all three of their POVs to explain what happened so many years ago.

I liked the way the author portrayed all three of these characters. On the surface, they seem like shallow people, but their journals give insight to just how human they are. I could feel the regret and pain that Bill, Lexy, and Meg experience – mistakes have been made, but there was never any malice in their intentions. I felt like I understood their motives by the end, and I just felt sad how their lives ended up, because none of them get their happily ever after, especially with Meg’s unfortunate death.

We don’t get much about Anna or Julian in Undertow, but I’m excited to see how their relationship will grow in the sequels. I’m also looking forward to what will happen with Bill and Lexy! The love between them is still very much alive, so I’m hoping they get their long-awaited HEA.

As an audiobook, Undertow was an intense one to listen to. Lies are told, secrets are revealed, and when the truth comes out, no one is left unscathed. Christy Romano narration was fantastic – she had distinct voices for Meg and Lexy, so it was easy to distinguish between the two of them. I do wish there had been a male narrator for Bill’s POV though. But overall, Undertow is definitely an improvement from Dragonfly, and I’m excited to see where the author will take the story.

Reading Order: Dragonfly series

#1 ~ Dragonfly: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Undertow: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Watercolor: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Mosaic: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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10Nov2015

Release Day Blitz + Excerpt & Giveaway: When I Was Yours by Samantha Towle

Posted in Giveaways, Spotlight by Lacey

Happy Release Day to Samantha Towle – When I Was Yours is live!

When I Was Yours by Samantha Towle
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: November 10th 2015

“Marry me.”
“What?” I stared back at him, unblinking.

He moved closer, taking my face in his hands. “I love you, Evie. I look into the future, and the only thing I see clearly is you. Marry me.”

What’s an eighteen-year-old girl who was madly in love with her nineteen-year-old boyfriend say?

Of course, I said yes.

Twenty-four hours later, I married Adam Gunner at a Vegas chapel to the sounds of “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Not the best omen. I get that now.

Then, exactly one week later, I left him. I walked out, leaving behind my wedding ring, annulment papers, and my heart, and he never knew why.

I haven’t seen him since. Not in ten long years.

Now, he’s here, standing before me. Looking at me with nothing but hurt and hatred in his eyes, he wants answers.

Answers I can’t give.

Buy Links:
Amazon Ebook • Amazon Paperback • B&N • iTunes • Kobo

Now here’s an excerpt from When I Was Yours! ❤

Adam POV

Making my way through the hotel, I exchange pleasantries with the staff on duty. When I reach the coffee shop, I push open the door and step straight into the past.

Evie.

She’s standing behind the counter. Her face is turned slightly to the right, her attention on the TV mounted on the wall, and her hair is pulled back into a ponytail.

But it’s her.

I feel like a speeding train has hit me, and I’m pretty sure my heart has stopped beating.

It’s really her.

She’s here.

“Evie?” I breathe out her name, like I’m taking my first real breath in a very long time.

Her body stiffens at the sound of my voice. And I watch as her face turns my way. Those big whiskey-colored eyes that I fell in love with all those years ago meet mine, and my world stands still.

New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author Samantha Towle began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn’t stopped writing since.

She has written contemporary romances, THE MIGHTY STORM, WETHERING THE STORM, TAMING THE STORM, TROUBLE, REVVED and REVIVED.

She has also written paranormal romances, THE BRINGER and the ALEXANDRA JONES SERIES, all penned to tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, and more of her favourite musicians.

A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

Two signed paperbacks and a $20 or £20 Amazon gift card
Paperback giveaway international
Gift card: UK and any country that can use a US dollar gift card

Enter Here

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10Nov2015

Blog Tour + Excerpt & Giveaway: Reaper’s Fall by Joanna Wylde

Posted in Blog Tours, Giveaways by Lacey

Happy Release Day to Joanna Wylde – Reaper’s Fall is live!

Reaper’s Fall by Joanna Wylde
Series: Reapers MC #5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 10th 2015

The New York Times bestselling author of Reaper’s Stand is back in her “uber-alpha rough world of MCs”* as one woman’s future is rocked by the man whose hardcore past could destroy her…

He never meant to hurt her.

Levi “Painter” Brooks was nothing before he joined the Reapers motorcycle club. The day he patched in, they became his brothers and his life. All they asked in return was a strong arm and unconditional loyalty—a loyalty that’s tested when he’s caught and sentenced to prison for a crime committed on their behalf.

Melanie Tucker may have had a rough start, but along the way she’s learned to fight for her future. She’s escaped from hell and started a new life, yet every night she dreams of a biker whose touch she can’t forget. It all started out so innocently—just a series of letters to a lonely man in prison. Friendly. Harmless. Safe.

Now Painter Brooks is coming home… and Melanie’s about to learn that there’s no room for innocence in the Reapers MC.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • Barnes & Noble • iBooks

Now here’s an excerpt from Reaper’s Fall! ❤

“You want to watch a movie or something?” she asked, nodding toward the TV. I had a decent one, too. Giant-ass flat-screen—homecoming present from the club.

“Sure,” I said, reaching for the remote. I didn’t have cable, but Ruger had set up some kind of box thingie for me so I could stream shit. “Whatcha in the mood for?”

“Not horror,” she said quickly, and I laughed again, remembering that first evening I’d spent with her at Pic’s house. She’d been so young and scared and vulnerable . . . I’d wanted to eat her up.

I still wanted to eat her.

“I can’t believe that you and Puck were supposed to be watching over me, and then you put in a slasher movie. That’s not how you make a girl feel safe.”

“No horror,” I agreed, although the thought of holding her for a couple hours while she was scared shitless appealed way more than it should. Watch it, asshole. “How about Star Wars?”

“You like Star Wars?”

I shrugged. “Everyone likes Star Wars. You know, I’m pretty damned sure Han Solo was a biker.”

She giggled. “You mean, like a space biker?”

“See, when you say it like that it sounds stupid.”

“I wanted to be Princess Leia. She’s badass,” she said, taking a deep drink of her beer. I watched as her lips wrapped around the neck, her throat swallowing. Oh fuck, that was good. She set the beer down on the coffee table with a clink, then let loose with the biggest burp I’d ever heard.

“Fucking hell,” I said, stunned. “I didn’t think girls could burp like that. Shit. Impressive, Mel. Very impressive.”

She grinned at me.

“We’re friends,” she told me. “And friends don’t need to worry about stuff like that. Let me guess—you’ve never had a female friend before?”

“Not really,” I admitted. “I’m think I’m a little scared.”

Scared and turned on, which was weird.

“You should be. I can do the whole alphabet.”

Damn. I kinda wanted to see that.

Reading Order: Reapers MC series

#1 ~ Reaper’s Property: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Reaper’s Legacy: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Devil’s Game: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Reaper’s Stand: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Reapers and Bastards: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Reaper’s Fall: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Reaper’s Fire: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Apr. 26, 2016)

Joanna Wylde is a New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Reapers Motorcycle Club series. She currently lives in Idaho.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

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9Nov2015

Early Review: Reap by Tillie Cole

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Reap by Tillie Cole
Series: Scarred Souls #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 10th 2015
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Raised as a prototype for the Georgian Bratva’s obedience drug, 221 fails to think, act, or live for himself; he’s his master’s perfectly-crafted killing puppet. Standing at six-foot-six, weighing two-hundred-and-fifty pounds, and unrivaled in to-the-death combat, 221 successfully secures business for the Georgian Mafiya Boss of NYC, who rules the dark world of the criminal underground. Until his enemies capture him.

Talia Tolstaia dreams to break from the heavy clutches of Bratva life. She dreams of another life–away from the stifling leash of her Russian Bratva Boss father and from the brutality of her work at The Dungeon, her criminal family’s underground death-match enterprise. But when she stumbles upon her family’s captive who is more monster than man, she starts to see the man underneath. A powerful, beautiful, damaged man whose heart calls to hers. But sacrifices must be made–blood for blood…life for life…souls for scarred souls…

I loved, loved, loooved this!!! Reap is an incredible, heart-pounding, romantic read I was utterly enthralled with. I’m such a fan of the way Tillie Cole writes – it’s dark, powerful, addicting. Her stories are riveting, and her characters are intense yet lovable. I had high expectations for Reap after loving Raze – and I’m so glad to say Reap is another winner from one of my favorite authors!

The Scarred Souls series is not for the faint of heart. It’s dark, gruesome at times, and yet I can’t stop reading it. Reap is the story of 221, also known as Zaal Kostava, and Talia Tolstaia. It could be read as a standalone, but I think it’s much easier to understand Reap if you’ve read Raze, because we also get some chapters in Luka’s POV, who was the main character in Raze. Reap is a bit of a continuation of Raze, though it is still firmly Zaal and Talia’s story.

For over 20 years, Zaal has been known as 221, an enslaved fighter who, under the influence of forced drugs, is a soulless killing machine for his ‘master’. He and his twin were abducted at a young age and forced into horrible, tragic circumstances. But it turns out that Zaal’s twin is none other than the one person Luka owes his life to, and Luka is determined to pay his debts by saving Zaal.

Talia, Luka’s sister, may be the daughter of one of the leading Russian mobsters, but she struggles with the responsibilities that come with the role. When she grows tired of the Bratva life, she runs away to a private beach house – but everything changes when Luka shows up with a feral, beast of a man and chains him up in the basement. Talia grows intrigued by Zaal, who’s the son of her family’s enemy, until her obsession with him grows and one day she can’t help but go to him.

Our desperate gazes met.
He took a deep breath.
Then he whispered, “You are … for me?”
And I knew I was done.
Trampled, heart-flattened, done.

This book kept tearing my heart open and filling it with love for the characters over and over again. My heart broke for Zaal, for the tragedy that happened to him and his family. I nearly wanted to cry, the story got so emotional sometimes. But then with Talia, Zaal finds family, love, again, and my heart would ache with happiness for the two of them. Tillie Cole has a talent at conveying such powerful love between her couples, and Zaal and Talia’s romance by far is my favorite.

“Zaal Kostava, you’ve stolen my forbidden heart.”

The Scarred Souls series is dark romance at its finest. The love story is stunning, written perfectly to balance out the dark parts of the book. I don’t know how Tillie Cole does it, but every time, I am just so blown away by the sheer brilliance of the writing and the gorgeous love between her characters. I have to admit, I loved Reap even more than Raze, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the third book (whose main character is one I’m SO excited for)!

“My heart, it is full, Talia. It is full, for you.”

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Scarred Souls series

#1 ~ Raze: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Reap: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Ravage: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Riot: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1-2 ~ Scarred Souls: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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