My Top 13 Authors of 2013

My top 13 Authors of 2013

 

 

So let be start with Thank You's!!! I would like to thank my ex-boyfriend, if we didn't break up I would have never turned to book to get me through our break up. (he is a good guy don't hate him to much) I also want to thank Mary E. Palmerin for pushing my to start a book blog and helping me get it started. Also to my best friend Christine Schaefer for letting me talk your ear off about every book I have read and for actually reading them yourself.  I saved the best for last....Thank you to my baby boy Marky (sorry for calling you my baby, I know you are 12 but you will always be my baby) and for thinking I am the coolest mom ever for having a book blog!!!

 

I also want to Thank Mary E. Palmerin and Logan Patricks for allowing my to interview them for my book blog. I mean I am the luckiest girl ever to have her two favorite authors do an interview for me. You two are simply freaking amazing and you are ending my 2013 with a huge smile on my face.

 

 

I want to start out by saying yes I am a huge book nerd and I flipping love it. I have read 138 books this year! I am sure you are reading this saying.... "really is this girl for real".....YES I am. Out of all of the 138 books that I have read, there were only 2 that I didn't 100% love. To me that is pretty darn good, if you ask me. So enough about me being a nerd, here is my top 13 authors of 2013!!

 

 

1. Mary E. Palmerin (Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow, Secrets of a Broken Girl)

 

This author is an amazing, beautiful, strong, super-smart, and a very creative woman. I have the pleasure of being her fan and her friend. I fell in love with her (yes I said it) after reading her book. Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow is such an amazing story and I brag about this book to everyone. Lyla (the main character) has my heart, she is the definition of perfection. After reading this book, I feel beautiful and perfect in my own skin.

 

2. Logan Patricks (The Last Sins of Snow White, Semblance(book 1 of the Midnight Society)

 

I can describe this author in two words; Creative Genius! He plays the piano too, amongst other things I am sure. I also stalk him on Twitter. His two piano pieces Breathless and Echos are downloaded to my playlist. Whenever I am having a bad day I just sit back and listen to the beautiful sound. He also blows my way with his damn writing skills. I mean cheese and rice!!!!!!!! Semblance is super flipping good you have no idea....so do something about it and read it :) It is well worth it!

 

 

3. H.M. Ward (Damaged 1&2, The Arrangement 1-12, Stripped, The Proposition, A Little Christmas Romance)

 

She will put out books like it ain't nothing! She is the queen of cliffhangers and I freaking love every second of them. I am a huge fan of hers and I am so glad she has introduced me to the Ferro Brothers. I feel sorry for all you men out there, cause you have some HUGE shoes to fill. I even tweet her comments after reading her books and even during her books. I guess you can say I am little obsessed with them.

 

4. Sydney Jamesson (Touchstone for Play and Touchstone for Giving)

 

This author is wow! I liked every single character is this story, and 3 needs to hurry and come out. Sydney killed it! She created Ayden Stone....let me get out of my seat and bow down to you honey, cause this character is killing all the other book boyfriends that I have.  

 

5. Christina/Lauren (Beautiful Bastard Series)

 

Christina and Lauren wrote one of the hottest series out and they don't even live in the same state. I am still shocked on how they even made this series possible. But I am so glad that they did. I can't even walk in the stairway at work without thinking about Chloe and Bennett. Man oh man what a Beautiful Bastard!!

 

6. Jasinda Wilder (Stripped, Falling into you, Falling into us, Wounded, Big Girls do it)

 

Jasinda Wilder has yet to disappoint! Everything she writes is so darn good. My favorite is Falling into You, it was such a heart-breaking story but in the end it was perfectly perfect. I can't wait to read more of her books!

 

7. Rachel Van Dryken (Ruin, The Bet, The Wager)

 

This lady here made me sob like a baby while reading Ruin. She also made me laugh and fall in love with the characters from The Bet and The Wager. I have more of her books on my TBR list and I know I will love all of them. I am also totally jealous, she has the cutest grandmother ever!

 

8. Olivia Cummings (Sinners on Tour Series)

 

All I can say is this series is super smoking HOT and yes I did spit out my soda more than once while reading this series. It was amazing and I was so sad when this series ended. I mean for a minute there I really thought the Sinner's were a real band. Olivia Cummings did one hell of a job with these books for sure.

 

9. Cameron Lincoln (Perfect Pleasure)

 

Cameron Lincoln should be lucky he doesn't live anywhere near me, cause it will be all bad for both of us. I am officially in love with his writing, even his poems are amazing. I even stalk him on Twitter, just to see what he will come up with next. Even his random thoughts are crazy awesome. Hey I am woman enough to admit it. Trust me ladies.....you will be saying the same thing.

 

10. Katy Evans (Real, Mine, Remy)

 

I will start out by saying Holy Moly I want me a Remington Tate. While reading this story, yes I did tweet her while reading these books. Along with many of her other fans too. She did an outstanding job with this story. My favorite would have to be so far Remy,  reading this one made me cry and fall in love with his beautiful blue/black soul all over again.

 

11. Cheryl McIntyre (Sometimes Never, Blackbird, Before Now, Long After)

 

Cheryl McIntyre took me on an amazing journey with this series. Every character in these books were so easy to fall in love with. I cried, laughed, wanted to shank someone all while reading this series. I was said when I was finished each book, but was happy to start another.

 

12. Colleen Hoover (Slammed, This Girl, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Finding Cinderlla)

 

Colleen Hoover is crazy good! Everyone of her books are amazing. The realness in Hopeless and Losing Hope is completely mind-blowing. I cried and my heart broke for the character in this story. If you haven't read them then shame on you, cause you need to.

 

13. L. Maretta (Falling From Grace, Whatever it Takes)

 

When I think of L. Marette two words come to mind.....Shoe Queen! I also love her work. Whatever it Takes was an amazing story and in my opinion should be a self-help guide to marriage. I have told all of my married friends about this book. (I have yet to make the biggest move of my life) I had a whole lot of feeling and emotions going on while reading this story and I loved every minute of it.

I have to say this list was so very hard to write, cause there are so many authors that I really like!! So I can't wait to figure out my list for next year!!!

 

 

So Good-Bye 2013 and Hello 2014



Review for To Catch a Falling Star by L. Duarte

5 Stars!!!!!

 

 

Tim fisher and Melody Miller have been in love since they we in kindergarten. They had their first kiss at 13 years old, when Tim asked Melody to marry him while on a missionary trip. Then they for married at age 20. Tim was the only man Melody has even been with, let alone ever kissed. Then 10 days before their daughter Ella was born Tim was killed in Afghanistan. This left Melody depressed devastated, and not knowing how to go on.

 

Now Melody is left as a single parent. Her daughter Ella is the love of her life and the smartest little girl you will ever meet. Ella is aware that her daddy is in Heaven, but she so badly wants to see her daddy. The man that she never got to meet, or even hear his voice. Melody is beautiful, strong, stubborn, brave, and independent. Since her husband is no longer with her she has lots of jobs to keep the finances flowing. She is a police officer, belly dancing instructor, and a counselor for her father’s church.

 

Tarry the young rock and roll singer, 22 time Grammy winner, pop idol, sexy god has finally hit rock bottom. Tarry has been in and out rehab over the last few years. I OD and the courts put him in the care of Portia and Will. Portia is Tarry’s best friend, they have been friends since they were kids. Will is Portia’s husband, who is also Melody’s brother. Tarry has to counseling as part of his court order. He is not happy about seeing another therapist. He isn’t in the mood to be fix, he is ready for the end. Tarry hasn’t seen Melody in five years.

 

The last time her laid eyes on her was at Portia and Wills wedding. There was something about her, as if there was a magnetic energy pulling him into her. When he awaits for his therapist he is graced with Melody’s beautiful sexy face. He can hardly stand it, he is sitting across from her pouring out his soul. He feels like a whimp and no longer wants to be in these sessions with her. Melody sees him, it is as if she can see in his dark soul. She can tell he is broken, the drugs have taken his soul and took it hostage.

 

Tarry finds himself daydreaming about Melody, reminiscing the first encounter the two had many years ago. He once carved drugs, now he craves Melody. She is his drug, she makes him feel alive, and let’s face it when was the last time he was alive.

 

Can Melody save Tarry and help save his soul? Can Tarry save Melody from the grief of her husband?

 

I am a fan of L. Duarte! She wrote Chasing Stars and that is Portia and Will’s story. Their story is such a breath of fresh air. Chasing Stars is not like any other book, you will be stunned with how well this story is written. This story To Catch a Falling Star, is an amazing story. I fell in love with this story by page two and yes I was in tears by page two. This is a beautiful, broken, lovable, and vulnerable story. I hate to say this but I am so loving Tarry……I am so sorry Will. This story makes me believe that there is one person put on this earth for us, we just have to wait and be patient and he or she will come find us. Even if we aren’t ready for them, you better hold on tight and just enjoy the ride. Never stop or doubt fate.

 

Please read Chasing Stars before you read this book. You will grow to love every single characters in book of these books. I guarantee it J

 

Happy reading

Interview with Logan Patricks

 

 

I was so very excited about doing an interview with Logan Patricks. Why you ask....well let me tell you why!!! First, is because he is my #1 male author! Second, he freaking rocks at writing and he is a freaking creative genius! Third, he composes piano music that is simply beautiful. Fourth, yes I have a mini school girl crush on him. Damn his writing!!!! I swear he should totally have a seminar for men on how to swoon women. Hell I would even buy tickets for a few guys to go.

 

So a HUGE thank you to Logan Patricks for doing this interview for me. You totally made the ending of 2013 unforgettable. To have my favorite male author do an interview on my very own blog. (that is still very new ) Thank you!!!! Words can not describe how happy and excited I am at this very moment! So thank you!!! XOXO

 

1. What is your favorite feature on a woman? (yes I totally went there, first)

 

     Definitely her intelligence. There's nothing more satisfying than spending an evening with a woman and having meaningful conversations about love, laughter, and life from a brilliant mind.

 

 

2. When you are having a stressful day, what is your escape?



    

     I have several ways to unwind. The first is always holding my baby daughter. The look on her face while she studies my face gets me every single time. If I need some type of physical relief, I pound the weights at the gym or play basketball.

 

 

3. How did you feel the moment Semblance went live?

 

     It was stressful because originally Amazon didn't like my cover (the naked girl) and slapped the ADULT tag onto it which made it impossible to discover. I had to frantically rework the cover and get it out of that dreaded ADULT zone, which is kinda like the friend zone. Once you're in it, it's impossible to get out. I ended up republishing it all over again.

 

 

4. What inspired you to write The Midnight Society? (which is crazy awesome)

 

     I found that readers of the romance/new adult genre are the most wonderful, supportive, and enthusiastic in the literary universe, and thought it'd be awesome to write a book specifically for them. It's a departure from the usual genre I write in (fantasy and scifi) but I'm always interested in developing my skills and exploring virgin territory. For the Midnight Society series, I wanted to do something unique, write a book that's basically 50 Shades of Grey meets the Davinci Code. A Secret Society was the perfect setting for my sexy thriller to take place.

 

 

5. Which character in Semblance can you relate to most?

 

     As strange as this sounds, it's Aria, the leading lady of my book. She has my quirky sense of humor, love for the piano, and the drive to be succeed in whatever she sets out to do. The Midnight Society was such a fun book to write just because I connected with Aria so well right from the beginning.

 

 

6. How many books will be in The Midnight Society series?

 

     That's a good question. 3 definitely for sure, but I do have a lot of story to tell, so it may go to 4 for the main series. I also have a lot of ideas for smaller novellas with different members of the Midnight Society so I'll get to writing those once the second book is complete.

 

 

7. What are you wanting your fans to get out of this series?

 

     Pure entertainment! I want them to buy my book, read it, and think to themselves "Wow. I really enjoyed reading Semblance. It was worth every penny I spent on it"

 

 

8. If you had 3 wishes what would they be?

 

     1) for a billion more wishes

     2) for my daughter to grow up into a healthy, strong, independent woman that can accomplish whatever she sets out to do.

     3) for every dirtbag who can potentially break her heart to develop permanent warts on their face and genitals.

 

 

9. If there was 1 place you could go and have never been there before, where would you go? and why?

 

     I'd love to take my wife to Maldives to relax and unwind, and the reason for Maldives is because it won't be around to much longer.

 

 

10. If you could describe yourself in 1 world what would it be and why?

 

     Troublemaker- I tend to think outside the box quite frequently and it gets me into some of the weirdest scenarios. Everytime I tell my wife or my friends "don't worry, when have I ever let you down," they all start to worry.

 

www.loganpatricks.com

Twitter: @loganpatricks

Facebook: Logan Patricks

 

So can I say see why I have a mini crush on this man. Hello look at his answers. He had me at question 1. =) I also am totally game for starting a tally to see how wants the amazing talented author to have a seminar on how to swoon your girl. Wink, Wink, Hint, Hint. Just kidding(maybe) I hope all you of enjoyed the questions and answers as much as I have.

 

Thank you!!!!



 



Review for Semblance by Logan Patricks

 

5 STARS!!!!!



 



     I have to start out by saying that I am a huge fan of Logan Patricks. He is my number 1 male author, one would even say that I stalk him a bit on Twitter. (it is totally true, ooops) Logan Patricks in my book is a man of talent. For starters, he plays the piano and composes his own music. WOW! If you go to his website Loganpatricks.com you can hear his two pieces. Breathless and Echos are so beautiful, sad, enchanting in a dark way, and just simply amazing. (yes! I have them on my playlist) Then you have this mans writing!!! I mean a man who took a fairytale (The Last Sins of Snow White) and turned it into a sizzling hot adult fairytale. HELLO!! Who does that....oh yea that's right Logan Patricks does that. Now he comes out with Semblance Book 1 of The Midnight Society....

     Aria Valencia is a starving (literally) classical performance music student. She is very blunt, headstrong, full of pride, confident, beautiful, and very witty. She is very broke and trying to figure out how she will get her next meal, let alone survive her next semester. Then Aria got a job offer to play piano for just on evening at China White. (a super high end supper club) When Aria plays she is one with the piano, her hands are no longer her own. She is always at piece and loses herself in her music while playing this magical instrument.

     While playing at China White she is introduced to Calisto Tremaine and she is offered yet another job, that is too good to turn down. Calisto is offering Aria a chance of playing in front of the most elite exclusive group of individuals. The Midnight Society is full of power, influence, lies, betrayal, and many other things that are never spoken of or even have record of.

     After Aria plays for this elite society she is summand along with everyone else to take part of a very important ritual. That is when she locks eyes on Shadow. Shadow Tremaine is Calisto's brother. He is gorgeous, hypnotic, electrifying, and charming in a dark way. He is a ravishing angel, but can also be mistaken as a monster.

     Shaw Tremaine has chosen Aria Valencia for more reasons then you can imagine. Let's just say that they are drawn to each other and have more things in common than one would think, since their worlds are so very different. Aria finds herself getting lost in Shadow and she is drawn to him very fast. Knowing who he is and not knowing his secrets, can she handle all that comes along with loving someone as powerful as him? OR will she stand by his side and be the strong woman that he needs and wants.

     While reading this book I have the WTH look on my face. I have been sucked into this story as if the characters are real. I have been screaming "SOMEONE HOLD ME PLEASE". This book is literally that good! Once you start this book you will not put it down until you are finished. All I can say is this book is freaking amazing! I mean no offense but a MAN wrote it in a female characters first perspective and nailed it. I mean that says everything, when I say Logan Patricks is a man of talent.

     Enjoy this book! Let me know what you think. OH and FYI as of now this book is #6 on the Hot New Releases Gothic Romance and it has only been out since December 23. So that should you.....get the book cause you will love it.

www.loganpatricks.com
Twitter: @loganpatricks
Facebook: Logan Patricks

Interview with Mary E. Palmerin(Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow and Secrets of a Broken Girl)

 

 

 

 I had the pleasure of doing an interview with an amazing author of one of my favorite books. Mary E. Palmerin is the author of Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow and Secrets of a Broken Girl(novella). I am very excited that I get to do my very first interview with her. Enjoy!!

1. When and what was the best moment of your life?

    

     What a great question Cecily! I can't pick just one, so I will give you two that are equally the best moments of my life. Those happened to be when I gave birth to both of my sons, now 1 1/2 and 4. I instantly felt the love before I gave birth while pregnant with them, feeling them live and grow inside of me, but the inklings that followed their birth, those tics after were as if time stopped and the world halted turning. The emotions coursing through me were indescribable. I can not put them into any amount of words to relate how incredible my heart and soul felt as soon as I laid eyes on them, heard their cries and when they were immediately placed on my bare chest. Their crying ceased when we were skin to skin. Both of those moments will forever be ingrained in my mind. Truly a spectacular, miraculous, amazing, and awe-consuming feeling. I never thought my life could be directly changed, but it was, twice over! I am blessed and my world revolves around my boys. Everything I work for, all the goals I try to attain and the dreams I continue to chase, I do all of that for them. If I can teach them anything in life it would be to follow your heart and chase your dreams because life is far too precious and short to live it otherwise. I hope to teach them kindness and love, humility, and compassion as well.

 

2. If you were granted three wishes what would they be?

 

     Besides the typical answer of world peace, solving world hunger, and making evil people cease their hateful actions, I will give you three wishes that are dear to my heart. The first is making sure my children live a life of love, hope, humility, compassion, empathy, and understanding. If I succeed at molding my boys into two respectable young men, my life is complete. If I can be guaranteed that they will live their lives free of corruption and evil and make sure it is full of love and understanding that would be my main wish. Unfortunately, our world isn't free of evil or corruption. The second wish that I would want is justice. Justice for all things in the world that aren't fair. That is quite a broad wish, I know....but if you think about all the things in life that are unfair, all the events that happen to individuals in life, everything from loss to robbery of life, I wish for justice. I am a firm believer of karma...if I were to quote myself from my second novel, Everett Brown says "karma know no prejudice..." I believe that to be true. My third and final wish would be for all the Lyla Harper's in the world to see themselves as worthy and beautiful, because you are.

 

3. What is your favorite color and why?

 

     It depends on my mood! If you were to ask the same question to someone who knows me well, they would probably was PINK. Yes, I know most of you are thinking that it is a typical girly answer, but I love the color because any time I see it, it always makes me smile. Pink is such a happy color! Furthermore, if you were to ask my tattoo artist, she would likely say red or black. Many of the 15 tattoos that I have present those colors somewhere in the piece! In addition to that, most of my wardrobe is black! I love black pumps, cute black tees, black yoga pants, and of course...a hot little black dress. I think every woman should have a sexy black dress.

 

4. I love your book and I hold Lyla close to my heart(hint my #1 book), how were you feeling emotionally while writing her story?

 

     I will start out answering this question by telling you that when I decided to create her story, I had no intention of getting it published. I have always written because it is part of who I am. For as long as I can remember, I have been scribbling on notebook paper creating short fairy tales as a little girl, poetry through my teenage years, and various other pieces. I have kept every piece of work I created whether it was "good" or not. I do this because writing, for me, is an art and a way of self-expression. It is a creative outlet that I am extremely passionate about. People will love it, hate it, feel indifferent about it, and be moved by it. When I get into the mindset of writing, I try to live inside the character's mind. Lyla's story is extremely graphic and full of sorrow, but beneath all of that there is hope. That is a pretty amazing thing; a woman such as Lyla still having hope after everything she has endured. I created a tale that isn't typical. I am glad that I did because it is also real. Women have lived through situations like hers. I wanted to have a story centered on a woman that was wounded and fallen, but got back up, believed in herself, and found love...not just with a man and life partner, but love for herself again. I shed many tears while writing. Not just due to the ghastly details, but also out of frustration. There were times where I wanted to reach inside my story and shake her (Lyla) myself and say " Damn it! You are strong, lovable, worthy, independent, a survivor, and beautiful! See what others see!" So to put it in a nutshell for you, I felt a whirlwind of emotions while writing her tale. Similarly to how my readers felt while reading.

 

5. How are your fans going to react at the end of this series?

 

     I hope that they feel like I told the entire story well and fully. I also hope that they feel like I have told it with enough detail and answered all the questions that they may have about all characters. I'm not even sure how I will feel when I am done! I've fallen in love with this series. It's been a huge part of my life for close to two years. I can tell you that I am not nearly ready to part with it! I also wish for my readers to look forward to other pieces of my work. If you were to ask my bets/friend, Rebecca Sherwin, she would probably tell you that I have writer's ADD. I have a hard time not writing about something if I have the idea swirling in my brain. I wrote my novella in two weeks while working on edits for  book 2. I finally made myself put book3 on the back burner and focus solely on the novella and second novel! I think it will be a bittersweet feeling for me when I have completed this series of four novels and one prequel novella.

 

6. When writing Everett's character, who were you picturing?

    

     Ah,! Such a difficult but great question. I have asked fellow authors and readers who they picture as him. I have gotten many responses, but I can not tell you a particular man that I see when writing about him or through him. I have a unique and sexy man in my mind that I see while writing. Six feet something, muscular (but definitely not ripped), a tiny amount of chest hair, the sexy "V" that goes down south :), dark brown mused hair, emerald sparkling green eyes, pink full lips, stubble on his face, strong (and talented) hands, and an aura of loveliness. He exists, right?

 

7. If you were to turn the book into a movie, who would you chose to play Lyla and Everett?

 

     I love this question! I can not put a face to them, I know! I'm sorry! I will describe who I see when writing them. For Lyla, I see a five foot six woman with curves. She's a size twelve, and eventually learns to embrace her size, because she is freaking gorgeous! She has long curly black hair that rest about the backside that Everett adores so much :) she has tattoos that are described in detail in the first book and striking honey brown eye with thick black lashes. her lips are full and pink and her features slightly dark. She has olive toned skin, part of the Sicilian in her! And, of course, her belly is imperfectly perfect, part of her journey. Everett makes her see that she is gorgeous, scars and all! For Mr. Everett Brown, wow...I believe I described him in detail in the question above. So, let me as you Cecily, if you could pick an actress to play Lyla and an actor to play Everett, who would you pick?1

 

(Cecily) Well Mary I would have to be selfish and say I would pick myself to play to role of Lyla. (I know I am silly crazy) I am 5'3 but I can totally wear heels. I am Mexican/German but my skin is olive tone. I have kind of long hair, but hey they have extensions for that. As far as Everett well....Adam Levine from Maroon 5 minus all the tattoos. I would have to say we would make on hell of a couple as Lyla and Everett. (just saying and you asked)

 

8. Where and what do you see yourself doing ten years from now?

 

     I will always be a mother first. I see myself carting around two busy rough and tumble boys to and from soccer practice and school during the day, attending their activities in the evening, completing all of the mom duties then of course, writing at night. I will always write, despite anything that occurs between now and then. It is part of me that I will never give up. You don't have to have money or anything special to write. You only have to have one thing and that is an imagination. What a writer chooses to do with their work is completely up to them whether that is writing for a traditional publishing company, writing and self-pub, or sharing on their blog. I respect every writer. I hope to continue to share stories that will touch people's heart in some way.

 

9. Who is the most inspirational person in your life?

 

     This is a hard question! My life has been through many phases. I have had different people that have inspired me in one way or the other during my 26 years. One constant in my life is my mother. She is my best friend and loves me unconditionally through the proud moments and let downs. She is an amazing person and if I can be half the woman that she is, I would be content and proud. As a young girl, definitely my grandmother. I spent everyday of my life with her until her life ended on earth and started in Heaven. I always tell people that she was the closest person to a Saint. Truly a remarkable woman and I miss her every second. She taught me many things in the thirteen years that I shared with her. I hope that I make her proud. Then, there's my sister. Any woman that has a sister knows that there isn't anything to compare to. She's six years older than me, my best friend, protector, advice-giver, shoulder to cry on, and friend to laugh with. She is one of the strongest person that I know. My children inspire me to become a better person everyday, to enjoy the little things in life, and most importantly....love. My entire family inspires me. We are all extremely close and I have leaned on them at one time or another in my life, as they have also leaned on me. Then, there is the incredible women that I have met since releasing my book. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have become lifelong friends with a handful of women that inspire me. There's Becki and L, my betas who are more like sister. They have given me advice, hope, encouragement, and support during the chaotic process of book 2. Then there's my readers....you (Cecily), Kelly, Lauri, Blia, Olfa, and Paige. I am honored and blessed to share my work with you gals before publication. You've given me hope when I have felt like giving up and throwing in the towel (because let's face it, the publishing world is ruthless and raw...something I was not prepared for coming from nowhere, USA). I can not pick just one outlet for inspiration. It comes from many, including the small following of readers that I am lucky to have. I've heard stories from survivors that push me to continue telling the taboo story that I started. I'm eternally indebted to you all.

 

10. What is your favorite book and why?

 

     Again, impossible to name one. So, I will tell you what my favorite is right now! I read Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard in two days. His series is beautiful and passionate. The fluidity and uniqueness of his tales is awesome. Definitely my favorites. I'm currently reading a story that I feel strongly about. I am beta reading for Rebecca Sherwin's second novel that she worked so tirelessly to create. The message is a strong one that many can relate to. A favorite of mine for sure:) I've read it chapter by chapter with her and now I am reading it complied together. I am falling in love with it harder than I did the first time. Truly an emotional read that is told with sensitivity and grace. I am honored to be a part of her journey as well.

 

Thank you, Cecily, for the opportunity for this interview. Mostly, thank you for your friendship, support, and belief in Lyla's story! Xoxoxo!!!!!

    



Review for Secrets of a Broken Girl by Mary. E. Palmerin

 
Secrets of a Broken Girl
By Mary E. Palmerin
 

Lyla Harper's life has always been shadowed. With her childhood full of unpleasant memories that she tries to tuck away and forget about, she succeeds at putting on a happy front and convincing those around her that she is content. But she isn't.

Meet Lyla Elizabeth Harper, a teen whose journey is less than ideal. She experiences heartache, loss, bullying, but through it all she strives for hope. She counts down the days until she has the chance to start over in a new city, unaware of her past. A city far away from the recollections that have scarred her physically and mentally.

In this prequel novella to Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow, you will be faced with the ghastly and horrendous events that plague Lyla, starting on the day of her eighteenth birthday, a day that changed her forever. Lyla thought that she was broken before, but she was wrong. Davis Moore, a 22 year old handsome cop and also Rigdon's golden boy, steals something that is irreplaceable from Lyla on that fateful night on Brownsmith Road.

Others will challenge her will and strength, testing her and pushing her to the brink of giving up.

Will Lyla be able to trudge through the deep rut that she is stuck in to move to Chicago and start her life over? Or will the evil events consume her and leave her grounded, unable to lead a life free of pain?

My 5 star review

 

       I want to start out by saying that I love Mary E. Palmerin and I am so happy that I got a ARC for her novella Secrets of a Broken Girl. This book is so raw and real. I love Lyla and I know I have a piece of Lyla within myself.

 

 

     Lyla is a very broken but very strong woman. She was broken at a young age, due to the damage that her birth father cause her. Then growing up not being the typical girl such as skin tone, hair, weight, smile, breast size, and butt size. Getting mixed up with the wrong crowd shows her who her true friends really are. The girls at school no longer speak with her, she always hears the whispers behind her back. She is the definition of beauty and she can't even see it. Lyla runs from her mind by doing something horrible to herself so she doesn't feel the pain within her soul. She is just counting down her time in her small town, so she can escape and go off to college.

 

 

     Then the night of her 18th birthday something so horrible you can't even imagine happens to this beautiful young lady. Lyla has so much fear of what else people will say about her, she won't tell a soul. This horrible experience repeats itself and once again she is counting down her time. She is at the point in her life that she just wants to give up and throw in the towel, end the misery that she lives in.

 

 

     I want to go on and on about this book. Why.....because I love Lyla's story. It is hauntingly beautiful. Lyla has gone through so much crap in her life. It is enough to last a whole life time and she is only 18 years old. I am not a size 5. I am not skinny. I am not 5'10. I don't look like a model. I am a size 14 and only 5'3. I have never felt comfortable in my own skin until I read Lyla's story. Her story is so inspiring to me, like I said before curves/scars and all Lyla is simply beautiful perfection.

 

 

     While reading this story you will cry, so you better have some tissues next to you. I wanted to whoop some ass. I wanted to take Lyla under my wing and protect her. So enjoy this amazing story written by my favorite author. Once you are done with this novella, please read Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow. If you have done s yet. I guarantee you will love this story just as much as I do.

 

 

About the Author

 

 

I am 26 years young and I have been writing for as long as I can remember, scribbling fairy tales down on notebook paper as a young girl, writing poetry though my teen years, and many short stories (all of which I have kept).

I love to read, every writer was a reader first. I still remember how I felt when I read The Giver for the first time and the emotions of love, loss and heartache in Gone with the Wind. Being taken to a place away from reality is truly awesome!

I published my debut novel, "Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow" (book 1 of The Sorrow Series) in August 2013. I have been told it is boundary pushing and taboo, but that I wrote it with sensitivity and grace. It is centered around a woman that is all too real, having a dark past that she tries to disassociate herself from and forget about. She finds love, and to me, that is important giving women like her a voice. They deserve their place in the world of HEA. I just released a prequel novella, "Secrets of a Broken Girl" in December 2013 which tells the tale of being a survivor holding onto hope. It describes her journey near the beginning of the darkness, giving my readers insight into the heartbreaking path that she was taken on, the pain that she feels, and the drive that she has to survive, move on, and lead a life free from the memories that haunted her for so many years. My second novel, "Shadows of Scars and Sorrow" (book 2 of The Sorrow Series) is due to be released in April 2014. It is told from my male lead's POV.

I love telling a story that is raw and real. The beauty about writing is evoking various emotions; some people will love it, hate it, be moved by it, or feel indifferent about it. I will always write because it is part of who I am.

 

 

 



Review for Falling by E.K. Blair

5 Stars!!!!!!!

 

     I have to say that this story was very hard for me to read. Book 1 Fading(Candace's story) was the hardest to read but a very good intense book. Book 2 Freeing(Jase's Story) was heart-breaking but so good. This book is all about Ryan and his point of view. PLEASE read all three books, you will love this story. It is real emotional, raw, intense, heart-breaking, and so many more words can describe this story. It will be well worth it E.K. Blair did a fantastic job with this story. Good luck putting it down, cause you won't be able too.

 

     Ryan is hard-working, beautiful, strong, laid back, sexy, and very girls dream. Ryan has had a very rough abusive childhood. He has to endure beatings from his father and he also watched his mother take the emotional and physical abuse. Ryan used to use drugs as an escape from the real world, but now he uses women. He is always upfront with the woman, no strings attached. Ryan owns his own bar and has an endless string of one-night stands, he never commits to women. He is so afraid of becoming just like his father, so he doesn't bother to commit, says disconnected, and feels like he will never be a provider. Deep down he already feels like his father.



 

     Ryan is often told he is a work-alcoholic and can never stay away from the bar, but one night he was so happy to be working late. Ryan was in his office well after midnight and heard voices outside his office window. He didn't bother to check, because I mean come on it is a bar near the college campus. So he continued to do his work, but then he heard a woman scream " god no, please". Ryan stormed down the steps and out the back of the bar and witnesses something so horrifying.

 

     All Ryan felt at that moment was pain, sadness, anger, and anguish for this small beautiful girl. He beat himself up for not getting there any faster, for ignoring the first sounds coming from his very own window. So he made the 911 call and stayed with her. The police wouldn't tell him a damn thing, because he didn't know her. Ryan stressed over this Jane Doe for weeks, even months. All he ever sees is images of her bloody thighs and shredded fingernails. He can't even be with a woman and hasn't since the incident, because all he hears is her voice and sees images of her body.

 

     Then one day he stops to grab a coffee from this off the wall coffee shop and he is taken back by the girl on the stood studying her book. He feels like a perv, because he can't stop staring at her. He feels like he knows her from somewhere. She is so pretty, tiny, and not like the girls that would catch his eye before. He starts to think that she is the one....his Jane Doe, but he knows his mind is playing tricks on him. He needs to let it go, he needs to believe that his Jane Doe is safe and happy now.

 

     Ryan starts to hang-out with his friends Jase and Mark more, since he is no longer on the one-night stand prowl. He ends up face to face with the coffee girl again. She is friends with Jase and Mark and this makes Ryan so freaking happy. Candace is her name and he likes talking to her, but she is so hard to read. He is not use to women being distant and not falling all over him. He is intrigued by her beauty. She is so sweet, funny, athletic, small, tiny, soft, and a ballerina. Ryan wants to do everything and anything to get the know her, because there is just something about her and he isn't sure what that something is.

 

     I want to go on and on about this story, hell I totally can tell you every detail about all 3 books. I am so not going to do that, because you need to read this for yourself. Is Candace Ryan's Jane Doe, will he ever truly be happy, will his past of abuse stop suffocating his future. I know, but I am not telling you.

 

 

If you get a chance to read this book.....please leave a comment and tell me what you think. I am dying to hear it :)

Review for Second Chance Hero by Rebecca Sherwin

 

Second Chance Hero

 

By Rebecca Sherwin

 

'He owns me. Completely, irrevocably. He always has. My heart, body and soul belong to this man and I wouldn't have it any other way. I just hope I'm not too late...'

Two best friends. One Christmas. Unpredictable events that tear a perfect friendship apart.

Jenna Rivera changed after the night on the beach where her heart was broken and she lost everything she thought she had. Gone is the girl who was raised by the sea, replaced by the city girl she swore she'd never be.

Deacon Reid, owner of D R & Son Property Development and the town playboy spends his days avoiding everything his life was before the death of his father five years ago. After losing his dad and his best friend in the same night, Deacon went in search of the trait girls...

Five and a half years, countless one night stands and a stockbroker boyfriend later, Jenna and Deacon reunite. The past and present collide as they mask the all consuming love they feel for each other with a dangerous cocktail of anger, jealousy and lust.
Deacon makes it his mission to win Jenna back, to save her from the years of pain he caused. He swears to be her hero, grasping with both hands at their second chance at the kind of love many dream of .

In life nothing is certain, and every day must be treated as if it's your last. Can they save their love, and each other, before it's too late?

 

My 5 star review

 



     I have to start off saying that I truly love this book. I was blown away with how good this book was. Rebecca Sherwin is a very good writer, this book had my attention at page 1. Jenna the main character of this story has my heart, because I see so much of myself in her.

 

 

     Jenna is a beautiful, strong, hard-headed, independent, and a pain in the ass. She could never really get along with girls, but she was always one of the guys. Deacon is smart, sexy, delicious, and every other word you can come up that describes HOT!

 

 

     Jenna and Deacon have been friends their entire life. They played together as babies, had sleep overs, and even went to the same college. Deacon always took care of Jenna being the ultimate best friend ever. Then one night when they were both home visiting their family, something happened between the two of them. After that night their whole world changed.

 

 

     After 5 years of not speaking Jenna and Deacon reunite. Jenna has loved Deacon her entire life and tried her best to forget about him. Deacon has been in love with Jenna for years and he has been through so many trait girls to try and forget/replace her.

 

 

     Jenna and Deacon are so passionate, raw, beautiful, magnetic, and the meaning of true love. They test the limits of love....that is for sure.

 

 

     This book will have you saying What the Hell is she thinking and in the same breathe you will be saying What the Hell is he thinking. I mean I even tweeted the author and was like.....I am going to shake Jenna. This book had me biting my nails....YES it is just that good.

 

 

 

About the Author

 

 

I am a coffee drinking, music loving, full-time-mothering, writing insomniac. When I'm not writing, I'm reading and when I'm not reading I'm squeezing my eyes shut and willing sleep to descend.

I write about serious issues, giving the emotional turmoil a twist and adding a little humour and sarcasm. Primarily I write for myself, using the words and scenarios in my head to escape to a world where fairy tales, true love and men who don't leave their socks on the floor for days on end, exist.
My writing aims to bring problems and tragedies that people face every day, make them relatable and send a message.

If I can make one person smile, laugh or cry (with a racing heart) with my writing, then I have succeeded.

 

 

http://www.rebeccasherwin.blogspot.co.uk/

 

Twitter: RRSherwin

 

Review for Carter Reed by Tijan

5 Stars!!!!!

 

     I am so glad I read this book. This is the first book that I have read from Tijan and this book will not be the last. This book is full of intense sadness, death, love, loyalty, and a sexy man. What more do you need in a book?

 

 

     Emma has been through so much in her life, the death of her brother and being in foster care. She is truly a fighter and did what she had to do to survive. Emma is a protector by nature, but only for the people that she loves. She is a smart and beautiful young lady.

 

 

     Carter Reed aka "Stone Cold Killer" affiliated with the mob. Carter was best friends with Aj, who was Emma's brother. He is also a fighter and did what he had to do in order to survive. Carter Reed has done very good for himself, he is so very intense and he protects what is his no matter what.

 

 

     Emma did the unthinkable to save her friend, so she had to seek help from the only person she could trust....Carter Reed. Little did Emma know that ever since her brother's death Carter has always looked out for her behind the shadows.

 

 

     Again this book is so very good and these characters will draw you into their story. To be honest I was sad that the story ended, cause it is just that good. I want to tell you the whole story, cause there is so much more to say. BUT I won't.....you have to read it for yourself!





Review for Wreaked by Priscilla West

 

Release date: December 16th, 2013

5 Star Must read







      This is the first book I have read from Priscilla West and it will not be the last. This book is not what I expected and I am so glad I got the chance to read and enjoy this book.

     Lorrie has had to endure tragedy in such a short period of time. She is full of heartache, pain, loss, and she is trying to not be sucked into darkness. Lorrie is a recurring student at Arrowhart College. She has so much anxiety returning back to school aka "gossip capital". She doesn't want to be the gossip on the tip of everyone's tongue.

     Hunter is sexy, sweet, loveable, adorable, boy-like, and he is a cage fighter. He is the god of sexiness. He oozes sexuality with every step he takes. Hunter can get any girl he wants when he wants. His character is so easy to fall for.

     Lorrie and Hunters worlds collide in a freak accident involving a black cat. After the freak accident they collide once again, this time they walk away with a friendship. Lorrie is liking what she sees but knows of Hunter's bad-boy reputation. Hunter sees a little of himself in Lorrie's eyes and is willing to except her friendship if nothing else.

     Hunter and Lorrie have lots of skeltons in their closet and they never pry or poke at those secrets. The two are similar in a lot of ways. The question is can they save one another, if not themselves.

     Hold on to your seats, cause this book will keep you on edge the whole time. I couldn't put this book down until I was finished.



Review for The Proposition: The Ferro Family (The Proposition #1) by H.M. Ward

     This book has love, lies, betrayal, and blackmail. Thank you again to H.M. Ward for yet another must non-stop read.

     Hallie Raymond is drifting deeper and deeper into a dark hole within her being. She has had to endure the lose of her father, who was her heart, and her life has been completely turned upside down. Before this tragedy Hallie was a fly by the seat of your pants kind of chick. While in her black vortex she wrote a book with all her confessions of the past, so she could close that chapter of her life and begin a new chapter.

     Neil Schurtz is Hallie's long time boyfriend, who is studying to be a world famous shrink. Neil is a planner and has a bit of OCD. Neil brings order to Hallie's chaos. They are opposite in ways, but they work for each other.

     Bryan Ferro (can we say yummy) was and possibly still is every father's worst nightmare and every woman's favorite dream. At one time in Hallie's life she was in love with Bryan, he gave her what she needed when she needed it. Bryan was Hallie's best kept secret, due to the history of his family chaos.

     I want so badly to tell this whole story, because it is that good. The shock of what the flip is going to happen next. It is mind boggling and drives me crazy, but that is why H.M. Ward is on her game. AND all of her fans keep begging for more........

     Get ready cause I believe that Bryan is going to give Peter, Sean, and Jonathan some competition. So.....let the fun, stress, nail-biting, crazy/sexy cliffhanger reading begin.

5 star for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review for A Little Christmas Romance By H.M. Ward

     I have to start out by saying The H.M. Ward never disappoints her readers. Every single one of her books are without a doubt must reads. Once you pick up one of her books, you will want to devour them all.

     This story is so very cute and you will think that the characters are so adorable. This little story is a must read every year around this time.

     Brooke is a young woman who works as an elf in the mall. She is not found of Christmas and just wants to be alone for the holiday with nothing. Then on Christmas Eve she sees Chris. Brooke has been in love with Chris for years and has never told him.

     Chris is a handsome you man who sees Brooke and is determined to get a chance to talk to her and catch up on old times. Chris is full of holiday spirit and he is going to make sure Brooke isn't alone.

     This book is all about second chances.

     5 Stars!!!!!

Review for Whatever it Takes by L. Maretta

Whatever it Takes

by

L. Maretta

 



Gavin Fitzgerald is the perfect husband. His wife, Emma, was always able to brag to her friends about how caring, loving, helpful, and successful he was. Having been married five years, they have just put the finishing touches on their dream home and are ready to start a family. Everything seems ideal until one day Gavin confesses to Emma that he was unfaithful, turning their entire relationship from perfect to a total disaster. Suddenly Emma's carefully controlled world is chaotic and her future uncertain as she struggles to determine if she is able to forgive Gavin or have the strength to move on.

     My 5 star review

     This book is full of romance, life, love, reality, betrayal, forgiveness, and lets not forget fresh smelling towels.

     Emma is so perfectly perfect in her own corky way. She is such a strong amazing woman and you will fall for her right away. While reading this book, it was as if Emma was my very best-friend sharing intimate details of her own marriage. She is every husbands perfect wife, hell I am envious of her.

     Gavin is Emma's romantic, funny, lovable, sexy husband. He is every woman's dream man and she is so lucky to have a husband like him. He loves her flaws and all. Gavin thinks the world of his wife and often wonders how he go so lucky to be married to such an amazing woman.

     But unfortunately we are only human and sometimes the perfect marriage isn't always perfect behind closed doors.

     This book had me feelings as if I was on an emotional merry-go-round. I was angry, sad, happy, laughing, and feeling a little violent while reading this story. This book is heartbreaking and amazing all in one breath. This book will have you fighting for love forever and doing whatever it takes to get to the place you were once before.

 

About the Author

 

L Maretta, a full time educator, has a passion for many things but most of them have taken a back seat to writing. After writing for her own enjoyment since she was a teen, she finally decided to try sharing her work with the world, and her debut novel, Whatever It Takes, was published in June 2013. Her second novel, Falling From Disgrace, followed in August. She has a great love of books, and enjoys reading everything from horror to erotica.

She lives in Florida, where she thinks the heat is ridiculous, but survives it by lounging by the pool with her laptop and Kindle all summer.

L. Maretta's books are not only engaging romance novels, but they are also stories that people can relate to. These are not fantasy stories with billionaire playboys and sex goddesses. The content is real, centering on the true trials and tribulations of every day life, making the reader feel much more connected to the characters.



Review for Touchstone for Giving By Sydney Jamesson

     I was falling for Ayden and Elizabeth in Touchstone for Play and now I am 100% head over heels for them now!

     I am so impressed with this book. I did not expect to be wowed this much, I was engrossed with every page.

     So with that Christian Grey, Gideon Cross, Travis Maddox, Remington Tate, and Bennett Ryan please step aside, because you now have Adyen Stone to compete with and he is not going anywhere. He is here to stay!

     Ayden Stone is amazingly determined to conquer what he wants and that is Elizabeth Parker. Elizabeth Parker lives by her heart, mind, and soul. She is determined to show Ayden just how much he deserves to be loved and cherished. Their love is truly un-perfectly perfect.

     The characters in this story have at one time or another crossed paths. You will be 100% wowed just like I was. This book will put you through an emotional rollercoaster so buckle up, cause you are in for one hell of a ride.

     While reading Touchstone for Play and Touchstone for Giving you will be introduced to Ayden and Elizabeth's playlist of their love. I was downloading song after song while reading this story and all I can say is WOW!!! The songs that have been picked for each and every moment fits perfectly.

5 Star must read!!!!

Review for Touchstone for Play by Sydney Jamesson

     This story is so good that you will be begging for more! (There are 3 books) Hands down a 5 star must read book!

     Elizabeth Parker is a young English teacher and Ayden Stone is a multimillionaire. Once they meet their different worlds collide in the most beautiful, romantic, upside down way. But not all things beautiful are perfect.

     Elizabeth and Ayden are far from perfect with secrets and sins. Elizabeth has a way to bring Ayden to his knees whenever and wherever. They help each other in more ways than one throughout the story. They grow with, and into one another.

     Then there is Dan the former boxer who is determined to get what he wants regardless of who he has to step on to get it.

     This story and all of its characters will pull you into their world. You will want to scream at them, cuddle them, slap them, and love them. So when reading this story seat back and relax.....cause you are not going to want to stop until you are finished.

     So cheers to Memorable Days and Unforgettable Nights

Review for Discovering Us by Harper Bentley

     I have to start out by saying I am a huge fan of Harper Bentley and I am excited to be doing this review!!!

     Ellen Love shared her first semi Beauty and the Beast kiss with Jag Jensen when she was 5. Ellen fell in love and had her heartbroken by Jag at age 10. She was so heartbroken she wouldn't even speak or look at him.

     Then when Ellen was 16 she fell in love with Jag for real this time. She knew that he would be her last kiss. Then they grew up, college happened, career moves, and decisions had to be made. Their love for one another is tested in many ways.

     This story truly is all about Discovering Ellen Love and Jag Jensen.....I can honestly go on and on but I don't want to give anymore away.

This is a must read and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2!!!

5 Stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review for Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow By: Mary E. Palmerin

    

 

Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow

By Mary E. Palmerin

 

 

Lyla Harper is sure she will be alone for the rest of her life. After she leaves Kansas for college in Chicago, she hopes she will never have to face her dark secrets again. Four years later, Lyla lands an internship at a prestigious firm, hoping to plant her roots and close the door to her past forever. Unfortunately, Lyla is about to learn that the past has a way of finding her, no matter how well she hides.

After she is assigned to assist a marketing millionaire and notorious jerk, Lyla attempts to overcome her pessimistic view of the world and move on with her life. But after she lays eyes on her drop-dead gorgeous neighbor, Everett Brown, her secrets begin to resurface, prompting her to regress into her old coping ways. Led by curiosity and an undeniable attraction, Lyla pursues a passionate relationship with Everett and slowly begins to feel like a woman again. Now all she has to do is decide whether to tell him the truth.

In this contemporary romance, only time will tell if a young woman’s new lover will be able to save her from herself as her past emerges from the darkness to confront her once and for all.

My 5 star review


      Mary E. Palmerin is brilliant! This book is hands down on my top ten list, a must
read...Period. This book is raw, amazing, sad, loveable, heartbreaking all wrapped up in one. When reading this book.....scratch that when reading this story please make sure you have a box of tissue next to you. I felt like my friend was telling me this story. If I could choose one word to describe this story it would have to be BRILLANT!

     Miss Lyla Harper has been through so much in the past that she has felt the need to close herself off to everyone including her very own family. She has put on this big front so the outside world would believe that she is normal and happy, with hopes that her past will never happen again. Then she meets Everett Brown who lives in the same apartment building that she lives in. One brief glance can change someone's entire life.

     Mr. Everett Brown is a successful man who takes on good look at Lyla Harper and sees inside her soul. He wants to get to know her and he is so stubborn and will not back down no matter how hard she pushes him away.

     Lyla Harper has let Everett Brown in her heart and doesn't want to get hurt, but she realizes she deservers to be happy with a wonderful man like him. Things get in there way and Lyla's past comes back full force and she is brought back to encounter more heart break then she has ever experienced before......

     I am dying for book two to come out!!!

About the Author

 

 

I am 26 years young and I have been writing for as long as I can remember, scribbling fairy tales down on notebook paper as a young girl, writing poetry though my teen years, and many short stories (all of which I have kept).

I love to read, every writer was a reader first. I still remember how I felt when I read The Giver for the first time and the emotions of love, loss and heartache in Gone with the Wind. Being taken to a place away from reality is truly awesome!

I published my debut novel, "Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow" (book 1 of The Sorrow Series) in August 2013. I have been told it is boundary pushing and taboo, but that I wrote it with sensitivity and grace. It is centered around a woman that is all too real, having a dark past that she tries to disassociate herself from and forget about. She finds love, and to me, that is important giving women like her a voice. They deserve their place in the world of HEA. I just released a prequel novella, "Secrets of a Broken Girl" in December 2013 which tells the tale of being a survivor holding onto hope. It describes her journey near the beginning of the darkness, giving my readers insight into the heartbreaking path that she was taken on, the pain that she feels, and the drive that she has to survive, move on, and lead a life free from the memories that haunted her for so many years. My second novel, "Shadows of Scars and Sorrow" (book 2 of The Sorrow Series) is due to be released in April 2014. It is told from my male lead's POV.

I love telling a story that is raw and real. The beauty about writing is evoking various emotions; some people will love it, hate it, be moved by it, or feel indifferent about it. I will always write because it is part of who I am.