- Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover – expected release date August 5th 2014
- Lay It Down: A Desert Dogs Novel by Cara McKenna – expected release date August 5th 2014
- Truly (The New York Series): A Loveswept Contemporary Romance by Ruthie Knox – expected release date August 5th 201
- Opposition (Lux) by Jennifer L. Armentrout – expected release date August 5th 2014
- Blood Games: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel by Chloe Neill – expected release date August 5th 2014
- Dark Skye by Kresley Cole – expected release date August 5th 2014
- Taking it All (The Surrender Trilogy) by Maya Banks – expected release date August 5th 2014
- Collin (A Forever Trilogy Novel, #5) by Sandi Lynn – expected release date August 12th 2014
- Hard to Hold On To: A Hard Ink Novella by Laura Kaye – expected release date August 19th 2014
- Rival: The Fall Away Series by Penelope Douglas – expected release date – August 26th 2014
- Winning Love (Love to the Extreme) by Abby Niles – expected release date – August 26th 2014
- Ignited: A Most Wanted Novel by J. Kenner – expected release date – August 26th 2014
- On the Record (The Record Series) by K.A. Linde – expected release date August 26th 2014
- Stone Cold Lover (Gargoyles Series) by Christine Warren – expected release date August 26th 2014
- The Beautiful Ashes (Broken Destiny) by Jeaniene Frost – expected release date August 26th 2014
- Memory Zero: The Spook Squad 1 by Keri Arthur – expected release date August 26th 2014
- On the Record (The Record Series) by K.A. Linde – expected release date August 26th 2014
Book Review – Black Lies by Alessandra Torre
Black Lies (now re-released and titled as “A Divided Heart”)
You say you’re in the mood for a romance roller-coaster, do you? Well THIS. IS. IT! And I shouldn’t have expected anything less from this author. She rocked my world twist-wise (and while I’m at it, romance-wise), with her fabulous Sex Love Repeat, and she totallllllly did it again with this one. Two AWESOME standalones, that have nothing to do with each other, but are so clever and intense, and crazy and somewhat emotionally scary with the CRAZIEST twists that make you go whaaaaaaa!!?? NO. WAY!!!! Yep!!! They both have that “feel” that is… just right. Or is it Alessandra’s writing that has a “feel”? Either way, I LOVE that!
Now I’m just going to say… go in BLIND with this one, please!!! If you’re in the mood for a crazy, twisty romance story, then don’t even bother reading the rest of this review (for now). I gave it 4.5 stars (leaning on 5 stars), so just know that I loved it, so many fellow readers loved it, and it has a few *gasp-worthy* twists that most don’t even see coming. I don’t spoil anything below, but still…. just in case my review *sparks* creative “guesses” before you get it… don’t read anything below! 😉
Okay now for those of you that have read it, or want to know more?
This is a fantastic story, with fantastic writing, and characters you feel like you really know (but aren’t sure you like yet…).
Considering that start? I was already hating on a certain character. Couldn’t believe what I was reading, (the &%$#@!!!!) but I was SO IN!
That’s right. Turn and walk your pretty self away from this man. He will no longer touch your face. He will no longer make love to your body. He is mine. I will take your place.
Ooooooh… what the…? WHOA. Right??!
THAT is a hint at the feel of this story. Just a hint thought, ’cause it goes SO much deeper than that.
Dialogue (internal and external) all of that. Perfect. Nothing too over-the-top, even though it had that lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous soap-feel, but in perfect accordance to our reading tastes, you know? At times a bit “much”, but perfectly suited to where this story is going.
Maryse: Ooooooh funnnnn!! —> Black Lies, and I know I haven’t hit the part that has y’all freaking out so hard, but I’m almost there, and she’s just so BAD!!!! LOL!! *rubs hands together in anticipation* What am I in for!?? WAIT!!! WAIT!!! Don’t tell me. I love surprises.
Natasha: Best book ever, darling. You’re going to flip when you reach THE point in the story.
Claudia: Black lies…….WOW! Hurry and finish. Cant wait for your review.
Bethany: I’m at 50%. This chick is something else!
Rebecka: Mind F@(k Freaking Fabulous!!
Melannie: Ahhhhhh good luck!
Bethany Lopez I just finished a little bit ago. You are in for a wild ride!!!
Yafit: On the edge of my seat for you! Enjoy!
Catherine: Squeeeee!!!! That book had me panting in anticipation!!!
Emma: I read this one from 1:00am- till dawn… OMG… Good
Rachel: Just finished! It is so good.
Maryse: Oh yesss I think I have an idea now!!!!!!! GAH! Imagine!??
Catherine: Cccaaaarrraaaayyyyzzzyyyyy!!!!!!
Karen: I loved this one! what a ride!!
Nadja: I’m at 82%. The start was a bit slow for me. But now i can’t put it down! Love it ♡
Abby: Oh I am 35% in, I think I guessed it and I’m so curious if I’m right.
Summer: I read the sample and it didn’t really pull me in but maybe I should just give it a try. Hmmm
Chrissy: I started last night!!!
Yvette: Omg!!! I loved this one!! Wait for it…… can’t wait to read your thoughts!!!!!!
Renate: OMGOMGOMGOMG……how did I not see this coming????
Maryse: *oooooooof!!!!* FINISHED!! I was right, and that was WAY COOL!!! Review coming tonight…
Michelle: Just started this one today. You guys are making me nervous!
Amanda: I finished last night!! I was mind blown!!!!!!
And boy does it go crazy! No worries, it ALL makes sense eventually. But… I can’t tell you anything about it. That convoluted blurb? It’s like that for a reason. It wants you to go in blind, get strapped in, and scream in angsty delight (frustrated as you envision all sorts of “things”) as it takes you on a wild ride. At times you’ll be like… UGH!!! What is her problem!!??? Why is she so *&^%$#@?!!! How… what? WHY!???
Go ahead. Judge me. You have no idea what love entails.
I love two men. I f*@k two men.
If you think you’ve heard this story before, you haven’t.
Eeeeep!! Right? ‘Cause what the heck could that mean?
And at times you’ll be all…. UGH!!! What is his problem!!??? Why is he so *&^%$#@?!!! How… what? WHY!???
It didn’t make sense. He was too perfect. How was I the first woman to tie him down.
And then…
“He is not built for a relationship, does not have time for you. I’m coming here, woman to woman, to ask you to stay away.”
And that’s it. No more from me.
Okay a little more. 😉 I’ll give you a hint. Pure PURE sweet romance, love triangle (but of course, considering how she says she er… f@#ks two men ;)), deviousness, and innocence. Bad guys or good guys? Selfish, or altruistic? Erm…. I guess you just have to read it to find out. No worries, it may be crazy, but it sure is fun!
- Writing? Fabulous!
- Heroine? Being in her head? I had the perfect love/hate relationship with her! I was appalled. And yet, I felt as if I was her.
- Storyline? Allowed to progress naturally… coming in and out of scenes, or perspectives? I forgot I was reading it… instead I was living it!
- Romance? BIG! And at times, heart-hurty. 😉
- The twist? GASPWORTHY!!! And made the romance that much better when I reflected back on… er… stuff. 😉
4.5 stars!!! <— “WHAT what whaaaaaaat!!??” I’m hearing some of you exclaim. 😉 I know… so many have given it 5 stars, and will be blown away ’cause… you know… it is pretty much… 5 stars. I’ll never forget it, that’s for sure.
But due to:
- a *slight* distance in the romance part of it (I was feeling it, but it took awhile to REALLY feel it, you know what I mean?) and
- except for the fact that I was even more blown away by Sex Love Repeat‘s twist (’cause I was totally blind-sided by it, and I guessed this one earlier than I should have…
- and for the fact that while it was *almost* a straight-shot-read for me, but I was able to put it down a few times…
…I simply can’t give this one a higher rating than her other one. And I acknowledge that maybe it’s only my issue. Like guessing early, or not being as shocked as some were, that is. (P.S. there are a few twists so don’t get carried away with the “knowing”. It is surprising! And once the secrets are revealed, you still have NO idea how it’ll end…), but I can say it is ON the same level without a doubt.
Maybe… I was hoping for “guessing the twist”, thinking I was right, and then being blown away by being totally wrong. You know? I know… I’m asking for too much aren’t I?
Especially considering how awesomely this one played out. 😀
I was a stupid, self-assuming girl. Sitting at that table? Smug in my confidence of ownership? I’d never been so wrong. I didn’t have him. I only owned half of him. The other half? It was living a life I knew nothing about.
Latest Bargain e-Books – August 29th 2014
Tuesday’s latest new release list has proven to be a GREAT one ’cause I’m getting awesome feedback on some of the books you guys one-clicked. Therefore, I’m highlighting a few of them again, right here. With these recommendations, I don’t know how I can possibly not jump right in!
In fact, late last night I started Black Lies and it absolutely grabbed me right from the start. Yikes!!! This girl sounds like a load of trouble and I. Am. IN! Amazing writing and while I’m still only in the first quarter, I know I’m about to be taken on a wild ride. Eeeeeep! I can’t wait to see what all the fuss is about. I posted a bunch of that “fuss” below in the list. You’ll see. 😉 *rubs hands together with devious glee*
Plus, there are a bunch of AWESOME book-sales right now, and more reader recommendations that look promising (and some hot-guy recluses, to boot!). YAY US! Hehe.
P.S. Let me know if I’m missing any or if you loved any (from this list or elsewhere).
P.P.S. Don’t have a Kindle? No problem! Amazon offers various free Kindle apps and a free Kindle Cloud reader for any and ALL of us to use. You can either use the free Kindle App for your smartphone, tablet, AND your desktop computer (just like you’re using a Kindle, but right through your web browser <— No need to download anything! )
NOTE: bargain priced when I added them, but prices can change on Amazon, so make sure to check before you finalize your order.
Todays latest reader recommendations and bargain ebook finds:
- Beauty and the Mustache: A Philosophical Romance (Knitting in the City Book 4) by Penny Reid <— JUST RELEASED!! RECLUSE ALERT!!!! YAYAYYAYY!!!! (and here’s the series reading order). Getting RAVE reviews (just like her other books in this popular, funny series!) Kat says: “I read this the night it came out and I’m still trying to recover. I have a the worst book hangover and I’m super low on sleep. FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!! Recluse who looks like a Viking and writes poetry? YES PLEASE I’ve decided to give up and just to re-read it.“
- Empathy by Ker Dukey <— JUST RELEASED!! PLUS it sounds like quite the DARK read!! This blurb totally made me *eeeeeep!!* I’m scared… and intrigued! Lori says: “Yes it’s really good so far!'” and Tracie, too: “Loving so far!!” and Kelly: “Stayed up waaay to late reading this last night and finished at lunch. Liked it a lot. The end was a bit rushed for me. Could have had it drawn out a bit more but overall it was definitely a good read.”
- Being Neighborly: a novella by Carey Heywood <— JUST RELEASED!!
- Ordinary (Exceptional Book 3) by Jess Petosa <— JUST RELEASED!! I haven’t read the blurb yet, ’cause it’s the conclusion of the series…
- Unhinged: Book One by Nicole Edwards <— JUST RELEASED!!! “She’s supposed to be off limits to me. But that’s not a problem because I’ve perfected the art of breaking the rules. My name is Sebastian Trovato and this is the story of how I met the woman who unhinges me.“
- Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father by Andrea Randall <— JUST RELEASED!!
- Be My December by Rachel Brookes <— JUST RELEASED!! One of my fav authors (Aly Martinez) is reading this one and appears to be loving it! And it’s got quite the intriguing blurb… “The night my innocence was stolen, the night I made the mistake of saying no—a mistake I’d never make again. The dream of a ‘happily ever after’ was now a locked away myth. I promised myself that I’d never return to the place of my worst nightmare, that I’d never let anyone get close, but then again, I never thought I’d meet someone like him. The intense, confident and beautiful Ky Crawford.” <— but he doesn’t want to be her Prince Charming…
- LOL Romantic Comedy Anthology – Volume 1 – Thirteen All-New Romance Stories by Bestselling Authors by Elle Casey, Julia Kent, Blair Babylon, Rachel Schurig, N.M. Silber, Daisy Prescott, Juliet Spenser, Gretchen Galway, Victoria Wessex, Caitie Quinn, Cassia Leo, Mimi Strong, Kelly Harper <— Jennifer found us this recently released anthology! 😀
- Hard Knox: The Outsider Chronicles by Nicole Williams <— This one came out this month, too and Kimmie LOVED it! “Just finished Hard Knox by Nicole Williams. So good. You’ve got to read. New book boyfriend alert!!!!! Know and the girl Charlie has a slick mouth and is so sarcastic.” Ahhh yes!! College writer trying to uncover if campus “bad boy” is actually campus “bad guy” and then wonders if he isn’t. And then wonders if he is… 😉
- One Ride: Hellions Motorcycle Club (The Hellions Ride Book 1) by Chelsea Camaron <— BIKER BOOK ALERT!.
- Impulsively (Dante’s Nine MC) by Colleen Masters <— BIKER BOOK ALERT (and Stephanie found it for us today!). It’s a standalone! “The damaged bad boy, womanizer, and the newest member of the Dante’s Nine MC has set his sights on her and now it’s game over. She knows what’s at stake getting involved with an outlaw like Brooks, but giving up control and letting him take what he wants, even for just a moment, is worth losing everything.“
- Aspen by Rebekah Crane <— sounds cute and recommended by a few of our fav authors! “Katelyn may have died — but she didn’t leave. Her ghost is following Aspen around, and heading into senior year, it’s kind of a problem. Especially when Katelyn’s former boyfriend Ben appears to be the only person at school with a clue as to how Aspen feels.”
- Black Lies by Alessandra Torre <— This one is from Tuesday’s list and it is getting RAVE reviews. Considering how much I enjoyed other books by this author, I have no doubts this one is for me! In fact, I’m reading it right now. And Melannie is freaking out over it! “I think I saw somewhere that you were going to read Black Lies?? …… This is SO scandalous! At 42% and my face hasn’t changed it’s expression I love how different this story is! I’m also dying to know what Grant is hiding.” and Cheryl says: “Started Black Lies. Halfway thru and still don’t know exactly what is going on, but whatever it is, things are f*%@ed up!!!!” and Rebecka says: “Do yourselves a favor and DO NOT READ SPOILERS when reading Black Lies. You will go through many emotions and few gut wrenching moments, but trust me it will all be worth it!!” and Rosemarie says: “Two words. Black Lies! Okay three…whoa!” <— WOW. I’m so excited this is my next!
- Ten Below Zero by Whitney Barbetti <— MOVING STORY ALERT!! Here’s another one from Tuesday’s list that seems to be putting our fellow readers in a frenzy! Michelle says: “Just finished Ten Below Zero and what an amazing unique story! Such a great read if anyone is on the fence. I definitely cried but both sad and happy tears. Highly recommend this one!” Linh says: “35% into Ten Below Zero and I have to say I am digging it ALOT. Unconventional situation. Interesting characters. Great writing. It kinda reminds me of The Edge of Never and we all love that journey.” and then once she finished… “Ahhhhhh. I just finished Ten Below Zero and it was sooooooo fantastic. You have to read it Maryse. Characters, pace, storyline, writing…it was all great.“
- Be My Hero (Forbidden Men Book 3) by Linda Kage <— another one from Tueday’s list that we are enjoying! I read it (my review) and so did a few of my fellow readers! Kristi says: “Finished this today and loved loved loved it!”
- On the Record (The Record Series Book 2) by K.A. Linde <— From Tuesday’s list and Tessa loved it! “Finished On the Record and I absolutely loved it! My only grrr is I have to wait until Nov for book 3. I want it now!”
- I Want It That Way by Ann Aguirre <— OH YES!!! Grumpy-hot single father/neighbor alert!! Another from Tuesday’s list that appears to be a HIT! This was also put on my TBR when I first read that blurb, and with a recommendation like this, I’m on it!!! Tracie says: “Maryse I just read I Want it That Way by Ann Aguirre, it was on your Tuesday list, single, broody father? It. Was. Awesome. It was exactly what I wanted and I just fell in love with everyone! Their honesty was so refreshing, and their intimacy was just beautiful, the sweet words.. I want more. I never wanted it to end… I don’t know what it was, but this book just grabbed me, everything Ty said had me melting. I already pre ordered the next two books.” OMG I WANT IT!!!
- Degradation by Stylo Fantôme <— a recent release and highly recommended by Kelly: “Just finished Degradation by Stylo Fantome and it was fabulous. There are some risque sexual elements however they were not overly graphic so most people could get over it and enjoy the characters. Really, really liked it and can’t wait until the sequel in Sept! … I think you might like this one. I felt like the author really fleshed out the characters and that intensified the story for me”
- The Minaldi Legacy by Courtney Cole <— RECLUSE! Stephanie found us this one! Ah interesting blurb (although one commenter warns about some very dark subject matter). “I’m a monster, Eva. There’s no saving a monster. But I love that you want to try.” Okay from the blurb I’m getting that she’s hired by him to help his aging mother… “Eva Talbot moves to Malta to finish her doctoral dissertation in Psychiatry. When she meets Luca, there is a very real and instant attraction that she has never felt before. But even still, she senses the darkness that lives within him.”
- Apartment 2B by K. Webster <— Stephanie found us this deal today, too! She escapes her mother’s abuse and is finally free but terrified. “Sidney has rules. Routines. Structure. It’s the only way she can cope. When a handsome, yet mysterious stranger inserts himself into her life, Sidney begins to come apart at the seams. She’s having trouble sticking to her habits and it’s threatening to shred any hope of a normal life to pieces.”
- Take a Chance: A Rosemary Beach Novel (The Rosemary Beach Series Book 6) by Abbi Glines <—
- Knight (The Unfinished Hero Series) by Kristen Ashley <— Linda says: “KA just never disappoints!!! Love this series. Love every h/h!!! Every storyline!!! Creed was very stressful for me I must admit but I powered through!!! Cannot wait for Deacon. Let’s just tell it like it is. KA writes it and we read it!! No brainer.” and Michelle agrees! “I really liked her Unfinished Heroes series. They are a bit darker than her usual fare, grittier. Knight was my favorite of that series to date. The alphas are “you love to hate them” kind of guys – and they don’t get sweet (like Tate and Tack) – they stay that way – but you still end up liking them!“
- Creed (Unfinished Heroes) by Kristen Ashley <—
- Raid (Unfinished Heroes) by Kristen Ashley <—
- Merciless Love: A Dark Romance by Nicole Snow <— RECENTLY RELEASED/DARK READ ALERT and well, obviously the cover got me good, on this one! ;). “The girl with the rocking body I saved yesterday believes I’m some kinda hero. You’d think she’d recognize evil after staring it in the face all her life, but with me, Cassie’s completely blind. She doesn’t know this house is a prison. She doesn’t know the cartel’s got my son. She doesn’t know I’m a selfish, desperate, pissed off imposter, and I’ll do anything to get my boy home.“
- Unlit Star by Lindy Zart <— ANOTHER RECENT RELEASE! I know I enjoyed another book by this author (my review of Take Care, Sara <— very angsty), so I’m nervous as I check out this new blurb. Yep. OH GOSH. Yes. This book wants to drown me in my own tears, I’m sure of it!!! That blurb. GAH!!!!! “Rivers Young is the popular guy untouchable by reality. He is like a star—bright, consuming, otherworldly. The thing about stars, though, is that they eventually fall, and he is no different. He falls far and he falls hard. Delilah Bana is the outcast enshrouded in all of life’s ironies. Alone, in the dark, like dusk as it falls on the world. When Rivers hits the ground, she is the night that catches him. In the darkness, they meld into something beautiful that shines like the sun. Only, the greater the star is, the shorter its lifespan.“
- The Genius and the Muse by Elizabeth Hunter <— RECLUSE ALERT!!! Here’s another on and it too, sounds good! “For Kate Mitchell, finishing her master’s thesis on reclusive photographer Reed O’Connor was just another item to check off her list. She knew exactly what she was doing. Or did she?“
- Master of the Game by Sidney Sheldon <— Okay not really bargain priced, but it’s one from “Ten Books That Stayed With Me” reader lists. Julie considers it: “If were talking those books that stay with you forever and ever….”
- Nothing Left to Lose (Guarded Hearts Book 1) by Kirsty Moseley <— and here’s one from Marion’s “Ten Books That Stayed With Me” list. And it IS bargain priced! Oh it sounds scary and romantically angsty! She survives a kidnapping but comes out of it, damaged. (of course!) “Ashton Taylor is brought in to protect her. He’s a newly qualified SWAT agent, a bright spark, the agency’s new golden boy. He is assigned undercover, posing as her boyfriend. His job is to help her through college and keep her safe until the end of the trial in eight months’ time…” <— Wow. This one DOES look good!
- She’s Come Undone (Oprah’s Book Club) by Wally Lamb <— One from Jill’s “Ten Books That Stayed With Me” list. Not bargain priced, but good price nonetheless… “Meet Dolores Price. She’s thirteen, wise-mouthed but wounded, having bid her childhood good-bye. Beached like a whale in front of her bedroom TV, she spends the next few years nourishing herself with the Mallomars, potato chips, and Pepsi her anxious mother supplies. When she finally rolls into young womanhood at 257 pounds, Dolores is no stronger and life is no kinder. But this time she’s determined to rise to the occasion and give herself one more chance before really going belly-up.“
- The Witness by Nora Roberts <—- Eeeeep! This one sounds intense! One from Melinda’s “Ten Books That Stayed With Me” list, and wow. I DO love this author so I’m so tempted on backtracking to this book. “Daughter of a cold, controlling mother and an anonymous donor, studious, obedient Elizabeth Fitch finally let loose one night, drinking too much at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent to lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive…“
- Gerald’s Game (Signet) by Stephen King <— And Kristi is a girl after my own heart! This one sounds right up my freaked-out alley, and she says it’s “one of his best”. Just look at this blurb!!! “A different kind of bedtime story from Stephen King, as a game of seduction between a husband and wife ends in death. But the nightmare has only just begun…” <—- eeeeeeep!!!
- As You Desire: A Loveswept Historical Classic Romance by Connie Brockway <— One from Natalie’s “Ten Books That Stayed With Me” list, and it IS bargain priced. I know there are a bunch on here that love historical romance (I’ve loved quite a few myself!) so I think this one fits just perfectly… especially after you read this part of the blurb: “Kidnapped, drugged, and about to be sold to the highest bidder, Desdemona Carlisle is having a hell of a time maintaining her English pride. Then she sees the man in black, galloping through the Egyptian desert on a pure white steed. Desdemona could not have conjured a more dashing savior in her wildest fantasies. But an unlikelier hero would be impossible to find: Harry Braxton is a rogue, a scoundrel, and a born opportunist—who has already broken Desdemona’s heart once before…”
- Son of No One (Dark-Hunter Novels) by Sherrilyn Kenyon – expected release date September 2nd 2014
- Frayed: The Connections Series by Kim Karr – expected release date September 2nd 2014
- His to Claim by Opal Carew – expected release date September 2nd 2014
- Ghost Layer (The Ghost Seer Series Book 2) by Robin Owens – expected release date September 2nd 2014
- Wickedly Dangerous (A Baba Yaga Novel) by Deborah Blake – expected release date September 2nd 2014
- Love Bites by Angela Knight – expected release date September 2nd 2014
- Dark Blood (Dark Series Book 26) by Christine Feehan – expected release date September 2nd 2014
- Night’s Honor (A Novel of the Elder Races Book 7) by Thea Harrison – expected release date September 2nd 2014
- Keep Me (Twist Me #2) by Anna Zaires <— expected release date September 30th 2014
- Rock Courtship: A Rock Kiss Novella by Nalini Singh – expected release date September 30th 2014
Book Review – Be My Hero by Linda Cage
Be My Hero (Forbidden Men Book 3)
How sweeeeeet is this book?!!! It’s sweet, quirky, funny and fun. And at times, super-emotional! And even quite dark. Definitely explores some dark subjects, and very dark characters (the evil villains by way of family members), but overall a light, feel-good read that I throughly connected to. In fact, I absolutely LOVE these characters. I feel attached to them, and will be backtracking to book #1 (Price of a Kiss – he’s an escort!) and #2 (To Professor, with Love – teacher-student romance!!) to get their full stories.
While this one reads perfectly as a standalone, I kind of regret not having started at the beginning of this series (Forbidden Men Series) *waggles eyebrows* 😉 since the previous “couples” are very prominent in this installment. And I bet I would have gotten to know the couple from this book better as they too, have appeared in the past installments.
Mind you, I went into it thinking it would have a darker edge, a more serious feel to it, and I’ll admit, at first, I was a bit taken aback by the writing style. Oh it was good… just… I dunno. I guess my expectations for that “intensity” and that biting internal dialogue would be a huge part of it. After all, per the blurb, they are both coming out of very traumatic experiences, and now, she’s pregnant and single…
For the first time in years, I finally felt free. I didn’t have to worry about any male in my home trying to get at me. I could just live, focus on my baby, and begin the rest of my life. Except, now that I could finally be me, I felt lost.
I had no idea who I really was.
…and he’s on parole for defending another woman and helping her raise her baby, but still hoping to find the love of his life (and what a STORY that part is!!).
Did I love Tristy? God, no. Most of the time I didn’t even like her. We’d survived through hell together, though, and you didn’t just turn your back on a fellow survivor. They became a part of who you were and left you bound to always keeping watch over them.
Yep… pure angst-potential!
I knew this one could be crazy and angsty. And it was!! I just went into it thinking it would be darker, but once I got used to the “feel” of this one, I fell in love with it! You know… that awesome “family feel”, the hilarious antics…
“She’s probably never going to leave him alone until someone takes her out.”
Eyes lighting with intent, she grabbed my hands and squeezed them hard. “Oh my God, E. Let’s take her out. Together. We’re in a big ass Jeep.” Her fingers clamped even tighter around mine. “When she comes back out. let’s gun the engine, pop this curb and run her wicked ass over. Oops, total accident. What was she thinking by jaywalking across a busy street in the middle of the night? And then…” She nodded, as if coming to the best part of the story. “While the car’s lying on top of her and the only things poking out are her glittery red Christian Louboutins, I say we steal her shoes and run.”
Wow, what was this, the homicidal version of The Wizard of Oz?
While yes, I had to agree Mrs. Garrison, Mason’s rapist – er – I mean the rapist of Mason since she wasn’t Mason’s anything – was the Wicked Witch of Florida, that still didn’t mean manslaughter was a good option.
And hello, how had I turned into the rational one?
“Yeah…” I said slowly before shaking my head. “No, I think maybe we should shy away from anything involving … murder.”
*snort*!!!! LOL!!!!!!!! I mean… can you just see these two?! In that dark jeep, the one cousin all excited and frantic and the other one thinking… “Oh… I’m gonna be on the news…” (a little “Friends” throwback there ;))
But that’s just to give you an idea of the “feel”.
As dark as you *think* it sounded, it really isn’t. It’s out of sheer hilarious desperation between best friends/cousins. And I must tell you all, these are VERY sweet (and usually innocent) girls. I was snorting my way through this part! Pure comedic genius. Maybe you need to “read the rest” to get this in context. One of those “you had to be there” moments, but OMG this part will NEVER be forgotten. LOVED!!!
I loved the very obvious character traits (each one coming alive and having that special *something*), and yet, still with those dark pasts, tormented thoughts and obstacles to defeat. Evil… sometimes from those that should be the closest to you. I’d say it has that “Kerrelyn Sparks/Lynsay Sands” feel but without any of the paranormal stuff.
This book reminded me of those.
Eduarda: Which one are you picking Maryseeee ???
Maryse: Darn it! I can’t choose!!!! That “batch” that I listed up there in my “rambling” section… I still can’t figure out which. They all look equally good to me. I’m thinking one of the pregnant girls, ’cause I dunno. I think I’m in the mood for that situation. Er… not in real life mind you. LOL!!!
Maryse: Okay! I chose. Reading Be My Hero and it’s cute. I’m still “getting into” it, ’cause I think I was thinking it would be a bit more… serious or intense. Writing style is more light and quirky, but good so far. But 15% has me chuckling. A lot!
Maryse: Okay yah, if you go into this looking for funny and sweet, you got it! I’ve switched my reading “mode” into the right “mood” for this book, and I’m enjoying it.
Kandace: I’m 60% into Be My Hero. It’s a super easy read and I love how sweet he is. I thought it would be darker.
Maryse’s Book Blog: I thought it would be darker too, Kandace. I kind of regret not having backtracked and read #1 & #2 first since those characters are such a HUGE part of this one, but it read so well as a standalone anyway. Very cute and quirky and funny and fun and VERY emotional at times… good stuff! I’m happy with my choice.
Lauren: JUST finished Be My Hero before heading over to look @ this list….I LOVED it!!!! It had been a week or so since I’d read a book I didn’t skip thru. This one held me from beginning to end!!
Beverly: Loved Be My Hero by Linda Kage!
Michelle: Now I for sure need something light – picked up Be My Hero too and that sounds like a needed ‘cute’ read.
Amy: I must be in the mood for some single-mama angst ’cause Be My Hero and Surviving Love are realllllly looking good right now. 😉
Yep… I was totally in the mood for that, too!
And yet, as much as I giggled and highlighted entire pages of dialogue (GAH!!! These people are funny… but “just like us” kind of funny, ya know?) but I digress. As much as it has that comedic relief, it also had those deeply emotional parts that had me on the verge of tears. Absolute wet eyes, absolute believable pain, absolute sadness.
And that’s just to tell you, that it’s not lighthearted “fluff”. Because it made me feel the intensity, when it counted. Yessssss yes, at times it was way over the top. I mean… how much more could these people take!?? The amount of drama and crazies that comes at them is like… wow. Definitely fiction-like. Yikes!!! But if you just ‘go with it” you can have so much fun (and experience so many “feels”) with this anyway.
And you know what? I went with it. 🙂
It’s fiction, and it’s fun! Plus, I’ve read plenty of books/series that I absolutely loved where entire town is inundated with human-evil-doers, book after book, and still, I could totally connect. Because of that real-life friends-to-family feel. Like with this one!
4 stars!
Tillie Cole – Sweet Home Series Reading Order
I’m hearing this one is sweet and funny! AND!! He’s kind of a jerk, at first. Er… that can be fun, too! I love being infuriated by the “hero”. 😉 Plus, book #3 was just released!
Lee: I may have missed them on here but I can’t find any mention of Tillie Coles books here, “Sweet Home” & “Eternally North” I loved them both and can’t recommend them enough, “Rome” from sweet home is totally up there with Travis for me and “Tudor” from Eternally North is not far off either, both have stuck with me, hope you like them
Teresa: the last 5-star book that I read, which I actually finished this morning. The book was Sweet Home by Tillie Cole. I absolutely loved this book!! I’m off now to download anything else that she has written. It was crazy good!!
Christine: Eternally North by Tillie Cole. He is a jerk to her since first meeting. VERY funny book.
Nicole: Newest favorite: Rome from Sweet Home by Tillie Cole.
Cheryl: Started Sweet Fall. Really good so far and the author is so brave putting her own personal experiences into the h thoughts and actions. 😉
About book #1:
At age twenty, Molly Shakespeare knows a lot. She knows Descartes and Kant. She knows academia and Oxford. She knows that the people who love you leave you. She knows how to be alone.
But when Molly leaves England’s grey skies behind to start a new life at the University of Alabama, she finds that she has a lot to learn—she didn’t know a summer could be so hot, she didn’t know students could be so intimidating, and she certainly didn’t know just how much the folks of Alabama love their football.
When a chance encounter with notorious star quarterback, Romeo Prince, leaves her unable to think of anything but his chocolate-brown eyes, dirty-blond hair and perfect physique, Molly soon realises that her quiet, solitary life is about to dramatically change forever…