Tag Archives: 4 stars

ARC Review: The Fine Line by Alicia Kobishop

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The Fine Line by Alicia Kobishop

The Fine Line by Alicia Kobishop
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: December 6th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

High school senior Liv Evans has one rule: No attachments. She’s lost enough in her life and has vowed to do whatever it takes to make sure she never again feels the emptiness of losing someone she loves. Boys are a fun distraction, but a serious relationship is something she’d rather live without. Her determination for a future free of pain and heartbreak is put to the test when she meets–and quickly forms an unexpected bond–with Logan Tanner.

Logan has always been a free spirit, but ever since a life-changing event took place, which left him doubting the integrity of those who are closest to him, he’s taken that term to a whole new dangerous level. Learning the hard way that life is too short for worries or work–and that women can’t be trusted–Logan has exchanged steady work for street racing. When Liv walks into his world, everything he thought he knew about life and women is challenged.

In The Fine Line, Liv and Logan will discover if it’s possible for true love to have a future, or if history is destined to repeat itself.

Ah, what a book! I had the best time reading The Fine Line. It has a wonderful set of characters, a fantastic story I was hooked onto from the first page, and one delicious street racing boy named Logan. It’s not the most perfect book, but if you want an exciting, heartfelt contemporary romance, then I highly recommend The Fine Line.

Olivia Evans is a high school senior who doesn’t do relationships. Like, at all. Sure, she’ll make out with guys and just have fun, but she won’t have a boyfriend. Because her whole life, people who she loved always left her. The people she grew to love and care about would always leave her in some way, making her devastated, and then one day, she decided it was enough. She wouldn’t let anyone get close to her heart again, because then, it wouldn’t matter if they left or not, and she wouldn’t be hurt. But then things change the second Liv meets Logan.

“You can’t live your life based on ‘what-ifs,’ Liv. And change is inevitable. It’s the one thing you can always count on. Stop worrying about what might or might not happen and follow your heart. How can you expect to ever be happy if you don’t?”

Oh, and did I mention I was really impressed with the writing? It flowed so well and smoothly. And I loved the little bits of humor that popped up here and there. The Fine Line made me laugh and grin, but then it would make my heart hurt, and I loved that.

When Liv and Logan meet, sparks fly. But… they don’t do anything about it. Neither of them are relationship type people and so they become friends, even with the tension building up between them. And throughout most of the book, it’s the whole, When will they finally get together? But even though I was just waiting for Liv and Logan to explode and get together, I really enjoyed reading their time together as friends. They get a little jealous over other guys and girls, but when they’re friends, Logan and Liv are so darn sweet together.

But no matter how hard Liv tries to push Logan away, he worms his way past her wall and into her heart. And Logan is just the sweetest! Here we have this badass boy who street races, and he’s so loving to Liv. My heart hurt so much for Logan, because he loves her so much, and yet Liv is so resistant to the idea of being in a relationship. Still, Logan doesn’t give up.

“Liv, I’ve never felt this way before. I’ve never wanted another human being as much as I want you. And I don’t just mean like this. I want to make you happy.”

There’s heartache and heartbreak along with the sweet and loving, and there is never a dull moment in The Fine Line. Liv learns to let Logan into her heart, even though there’s always a risk of losing him. Their journey towards finding happiness together is wonderfully written. And for those who like a little excitement and thrill in their romances, the ending part of the book won’t disappoint. I enjoyed reading this book so much! Thanks to the author for providing a copy to review!

4 hearts
lacey

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

Early Review: Elect by Rachel Van Dyken

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Elect by Rachel Van Dyken

Elect by Rachel Van Dyken
Series: Eagle Elite #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 10th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Forever) in exchange for an honest review

Would you die for the one you love?
Nixon Abandonato made his choice. And now he has to pay the price. Tracey is the We’vlove of his life, but being with him has made her a target of his family’s enemies. The only way to keep Trace alive is convince the world she means nothing to him.

Trace Rooks has fallen irrevocably in love with the son of her family’s sworn rival, and she knows in her bones nothing can tear them apart. Until Nix suddenly pushes her away and into the arms of his best friend… But Trace isn’t ready to give up on a future with Nix–and if he won’t fight for them, she will.

In the end, a sacrifice must be made. A life for a life. For what better way to cover a multitude of sins than with the blood of a sinner . . .

Okay, the first thing you should know about Elect is that it’s told in alternating POV! It was such a lovely surprise for me, because I had no idea that Rachel Van Dyken was changing things up a bit in Elect. We get to read from Nixon, Chase, and even Phoenix’s POVS! Hurray for male POV’s, and incredibly written ones at that.

There will be spoilers for those who haven’t read Elite, just FYI!

We found out in Elite that Tracey, Nixon, and the gang are all involved with the mafia in one way or another. And we finally get to know more about the mafia and dangerous people in it. If mafia/mob books are your type of thing, or you want to start reading those types of books, I highly recommend this series. Rachel Van Dyken skillfully integrates the mafia world into her book, and then suddenly you’re thrust into the world and you don’t want to leave. I had a fantastic time reading Elect. It’s fast-paced, thrilling, and so much fun to read. I couldn’t put the book down!

Since we get Nixon’s POV, we obviously get more information about the way the mafia works. Nixon is the leader of the Abandonato family, and he’s in charge of everything–the people, the money, etc. He doesn’t have a clean past, but he wants to be good enough for the love of his life, Tracey. And he’s the most caring, wonderful boyfriend in the world. He puts her above himself and all others, and he’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe and alive–even if it means he can’t have her.

As we get more POVs from Chase, Nixon’s cousin, right-hand man, and best friend, we also get to know Chase’s feelings for Trace. Because Chase is in love with Trace too. He feels guily for loving her, but he can’t stop. Chase is in charge of Trace’s safety, which means he’s around her all the time, and he can’t stop his love from growing. I felt so sad for Chase, because we know that Nixon and Tracey are it. They’re perfect together and they belong together, and it’s so painful for Chase to watch them that my heart was hurting for him.

But then… dangerous people become involved in their lives, and Tracey and everyone’s lives are in danger. We are introduced to the mafia family from Sicily, who are powerful people, and there’s a great mystery involved with Trace’s parents deaths. Unforeseen circumstances tear Nixon and Trace apart, and Chase is there to pick up the pieces. But is Tracey willing enough to let Nixon go and take a chance with Chase?

“Choose me,” I whispered. “Because my heart? My soul? My damn existence? Has already spoken, and it wants you, and only you–forever.”

Oooh, who could it be? Who does Trace choose? Nixon? Chase? AH! I really liked this love triangle. It helped that I didn’t need to read Trace’s POV, because if there were any chapters in her POV, then I would have gotten tired of the love triangle fast. There was no “Which one should I choose?” dilemma that I had to read. We only read from the guys’ POVs, and their POVs are so amazing! I was swooning and sighing a lot in this book.

“I feel lost.”
“Let me find you.”
“I feel sick.”
“Let me heal you.” I kissed her head.
“I feel sad.”
“Let me be your happiness.”

I was Awwwing so hard here! Nixon is just so. damn. sweet.

But anyways, besides the great romance in the book, Elect had so many twists and turns that had me reeling and being so enthralled in the story. There are things that Phoenix is hiding, and once the truth is set free, it changes everything for the characters. And as bad as Phoenix was in Elite, he really had a change of heart in Elect, and he’s such a complex, incredible character.

For fans of Elite, you don’t want to miss Elect. It has everything you’d expect from a mafia romance and more. 4 hearts!

“Besides, romance isn’t something you work at–not when you find the right girl. When you fall in love, when you take that leap, it’s as natural as breathing; it’s as simple as that. I’m romantic because my heart demands I be nothing less than one hundred percent, for you, day and night.”

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Eagle Elite series

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken Enforce by Rachel Van Dyken Elect by Rachel Van Dyken
Entice by Rachel Van Dyken Elicit by Rachel Van Dyken Ember by Rachel Van Dyken

#1 ~ Elite: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Enforce: Goodreads (Dec. 2014)
#2 ~ Elect: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Entice: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Elicit: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Ember: Goodreads (Feb. 2015)

Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: Gabriel’s Redemption by Sylvain Reynard

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Gabriel's Redemption blog tour

Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard

Gabriel’s Redemption by Sylvain Reynard
Series: Gabriel’s Inferno #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 3rd 2013
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Berkley Trade) in exchange for an honest review
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From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture and Gabriel’s Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

Buy Links:
Amazon Kindle • Amazon Paperback • Barnes & Noble Nook • Barnes & Noble Paperback
iTunes iBook • Chapters Indigo Paperback • Chapters Indigo Kobo

review

Gabriel’s Redemption was an absolute delight to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion to Julia and Gabriel’s heartfelt, enchanting love story.

“For you, my love, I would endeavor to pluck the stars from the sky, only to shower them at your feet.”

This third and final book of the Gabriel series picks up a few months after Gabriel’s Rapture, and Gabriel and Julia are married. In the beginning, they’ve adjusted to married life pretty easily, dealing with Julia’s upcoming lecture and Gabriel’s new job. Julia’s graduate program brings her much stress, but her husband takes it upon himself to ease her, and he does so very well. Gabriel shows his love so thoroughly and completely, and yet sometimes he still can’t accept that he’s been given a chance at happiness.

In Gabriel’s Redemption, all of Gabriel’s anxieties and fears come to light. Gabriel still has demons from his past rearing their heads, and they strain his marriage. Julia and Gabriel are in love–there’s no doubt about this, but Gabriel’s past–his biological parents, his past drug use and drinking problem–all of his flaws are all he sees in his marriage. He wants to have a child with Julia, but he’s terrified he won’t make a good father.

But no matter how deep into the darkness Gabriel falls, his love for Julia holds him strong. They support one another, as a couple should, and their marriage solidifies and grounds their love. Gabriel goes through much emotional growth throughout the series, but especially once he’s married. He has to deal with his family history, finding out more about his biological father and his family, and he finally gets his answers.

There’s quite a bit of religious undertones in Gabriel’s Redemption, and I felt SR handled it with skill. Mostly, it’s of keeping faith and believing in redemption for Gabriel. He’s lost his way, and truly believes he can’t be redeemed, but Julia lights his way through the darkness. Gabriel’s journey toward happiness is so heartfelt and heart-wrenching, but I also loved how all of the secondary characters are dealt with too. We get a solid conclusion for Julia and Gabriel, as well as for Paul and Christa. Loose ends are tied up, and SR does it all with his gorgeous writing.

“I love you more now than I did before we were married.” Julia wore a contemplative expression. “Marriage is the strangest thing. Almost without realizing it, I feel as if our lives and our hearts became knitted together. I don’t know how it happened.”

The Gabriel’s Inferno series is an absolute must-read. It’s beautifully written, and Gabriel and Julia’s love story is one of the best I’ve ever read. Gabriel’s Redemption was a perfect conclusion to the series, and I was really happy with how the story played out.

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Gabriel’s Inferno series

Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvain Reynard Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard

#1 ~ Gabriel’s Inferno: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Gabriel’s Rapture: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Gabriel’s Redemption: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

about the author

I’m interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition – particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I’m also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter account.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

giveaway

a pair of Christian Louboutins
15 sets of the Gabriel’s trilogy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Gabriel’s Rapture by Sylvain Reynard

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Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvain Reynard

Gabriel’s Rapture by Sylvain Reynard
Series: Gabriel’s Inferno #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: May 22nd 2012
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate, yet clandestine affair with his former student, Julia Mitchell. Sequestered on a romantic holiday in Italy, he tutors her in the sensual delights of the body and the raptures of sex. But when they return, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover. When Gabriel is confronted by the university administration, will he succumb to Dante’s fate? Or will he fight to keep Julia, his Beatrice, forever? In Gabriel’s Rapture, the brilliant sequel to the wildly successful debut novel, Gabriel’s Inferno, Sylvain Reynard weaves an exquisite love story that will touch the reader’s mind, body, and soul, forever.

I enjoyed this much more than the first book! Thank god Gabriel’s Rapture was shorter than Gabriel’s Inferno. I really liked GI, but it was just too long. But, GR being shorter wasn’t the only reason I loved reading it! This sequel perfectly captures the very essence of Gabriel and Julia’s beautiful love story. They have their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, these two are perfect for each other, and they belong together.

“The only tragedy would be losing you,” he said, kissing her lightly.
“You’ll only lose me if you stop loving me.”
“I’m a lucky man then. I’ll be able to keep you forever.”

Gabriel’s Rapture picks up right after Gabriel’s Inferno, and Gabriel and Julia have finally made love. They avoided this when Julia was still Gabriel’s student, but now Julia is done with his class, and they’re free to openly show their relationship. They’re so sweet and adorable together, and Gabriel is his usual smooth, classy, charming, and seductive self. And oh gosh, he says even more things that made me blush and fan myself. I really started loving Gabriel in GR. I wasn’t a huge fan of his in GI, but in GR, he really stepped it up, and I didn’t see him as a jerk anymore. He’s just so freaking sweet and loving to Julia!

But, not everything is rainbows and butterflies. When Julia and Gabriel come back from their trip to Italy, it’s the first time their relationship is out in the public in their hometown. And they get in trouble by the university administration. Christa, a vindictive bitch who wanted to get into Gabriel’s pants, has ousted their relationship, accusing them of having an affair when Julia was still Gabriel’s student. This causes complications for them and their relationship. Both Gabriel and Julia go through heartbreak and separation, and SR did an excellent job bringing out both of their heart-wrenching emotions.

“I’ll love you forever, Julianne, whether you love me or not. That’s my heaven. And my Hell.”

Gabriel’s Rapture’s writing is still as stunning as it was in the first book. I adore the writing, the feel the author gives the book. It perfectly matches Gabriel and Julia and their romance. The Gabriel series is truly one of the most beautifully written books and has one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read. It’s captivating and hooks you in from start to finish. You become invested in Gabriel and Julia’s romance, and you want them to have their happily ever after. And even though there is a third book, if the series had ended with GR, it would have been a heartfelt, incredible ending for Julia and Gabriel.

“I want to be your first and your last. I love you, Julianne. I offer you my heart and my life.”

4-hearts

lacey

Reading Order: Gabriel’s Inferno series

Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvain Reynard Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard

#1 ~ Gabriel’s Inferno: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Gabriel’s Rapture: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Gabriel’s Redemption: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Early Review: Before We Fall by Courtney Cole

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Before We Fall by Courtney Cole

Before We Fall by Courtney Cole
Series: Beautifully Broken #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 3rd 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Forever) in exchange for an honest review

Sometimes, one dark moment is all it takes to turn your world black…

For 24-year old Dominic Kinkaide, that moment took place on the night of his high school graduation. One dark incident changed him forever. He’s a hardened actor now, famous in the eyes of the world, but tortured in his own. He doesn’t care about much of anything, except for losing himself in the roles that he plays.

23-year old Jacey Vincent doesn’t realize how much her father’s indifference has affected her. She is proof that sometimes it isn’t one specific moment that wrecks a person, but rather it’s an absence of moments. She’s like a bird with a broken wing-strong yet fragile, as she tries to float through life, finding acceptance in the arms of random guys, one after the other… to fill the void that her father left in her.

Until she meets Dominic.

After jaded Dominic and strong-willed Jacey are thrown together, his secret and her issues create a dark and damaged energy that will soon turn their attraction to each other into an explosive storm.

Even though when the clouds have cleared and the dust has settled, both of them are almost obliterated… they’ve learned a priceless lesson.

Sometimes, before we fall… we fly.

I read Until We Burn, which is a novella told in Dominic’s POV, right before going into this, which is a good thing, because I might have balked a little at Dominic’s… darker side. He’s into some pretty intense stuff, and knowing more about him before starting Before We Fall helped a lot. So I’d recommend reading Until We Burn before reading Before We Fall, but you don’t really have to. It’s just to get a better background on Dominic, because Dominic is one huge jerk. If you thought Pax was bad, Dominic is even worse. And I can honestly say I loved reading his and Jacey’s story.

“… the best things in life are worth the greatest risk. Falling in love is one of those things. Can it break our hearts? Yes. Most definitely. But more often than not, before we fall, we fly.”

Dominic is a fascinating, enigmatic man. He’s a famous celebrity, but he’s a private one. He doesn’t let his fans know anything about him, and he never does anything to tarnish his gentlemanly reputation. We only get snippets of his haunted past, but we know that whatever happened to him broke him. It’s hard to like him at first, but Courtney Cole writes him in such a way that we want to know more about him, and we eventually care about him. To me, he’s the most broken of all the Beautifully Broken characters, and he’s the one who has to try the hardest to help himself. He feels he doesn’t deserve any happiness because of what happened in his past, but when he meets Jacey, she changes everything for him.

“You can have all of me,” I tell her simply. “I don’t know why you want it, but you can have it.”

I was really excited to read about Gabriel’s sister after reading If You Leave, and Courtney Cole doesn’t disappoint! Jacey seemed a bit weak in If You Leave, but she’s definitely more mature and tough in Before We Fall. And she has to be in order to deal with Dominic. Jacey and Dominic meet at Dominic’s rock star brother’s house, where Jacey is working, and they get off on the wrong foot. They’re attracted to one another, but they won’t do anything about it. Then when Jacey needs a ride home, Dominic has to give her one, but they end up busted and arrested after cops find some weed in Dominic’s car. They’re sentenced to community service together for 3 months, and during that time, they get to know each other better, though Dominic still hides his past.

I loved seeing Dominic slowly letting Jacey into his heart, because he’s got a wall of iron around it. Jacey manages to bring light into Dominic’s darkness, but his past still keeps them apart. Their story is beautifully written (Courtney Cole is such an incredible writer!), and there are so many twists and turns that you don’t see coming. Dominic’s past is dark and so heartbreaking, and we can feel just how much he broke after the day that changed everything for him. But no matter how despairing Dominic’s story is, I still had hope for him and Jacey. Dominic finds the truth, redemption, and finally happiness, and Jacey is the perfect girl for him. They need each other and they belong together, and even though there’s so much pain in Dominic’s past, I was smiling because of how sweet they are together. Their “Yes and No’s” are the most adorable thing ever!

Before We Fall is a heart-wrenching, gutting read that I really loved. It’s not an easy read, but you should read it anyway. You’ll be blown away by Courtney Cole’s writing, and the storyline will have you captivated and guessing.

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Beautifully Broken series

If You Stay by Courtney Cole If You Leave by Courtney Cole
Until We Burn by Courtney Cole Before We Fall by Courtney Cole Until We Fly by Courtney Cole

#1 ~ If You Stay: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ If You Leave: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Until We Burn: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Before We Fall: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Until We Fly: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads