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Book Review – Love Square by Jessica Ingro

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Love Square
I read this one a few weeks ago, and was so distressed by the whole thing, that I huffed in exasperation and then set it aside until I could get “over” it. I didn’t know exactly what I could say in the review other than, if you are in the mood for the ultimate in romantic deception, indecision and maybe even “payback” (depends on how you look at it, and who you’re rooting for)… then this might be for you. And I stick by that.

It caught my eye when the author sent a review copy my way, and I was reminded of it when I added it to my bargain post a few weeks ago. By the title and synopsis, I was already anticipating what a romance-mess this would be (a la “The Opportunist” and “Avoiding Commitment”) so I added it to my list. And then… it continued to mentally tease me. Calling me. There were a few tried and true reader suggestions that I was sure I would love,  but when I received a few comments from our fellow readers about this one, I decided on it, for my next read:

Megan: Loved “Love Square” bought and read it this morning ….5 stars for me

Brandy: Read Love Lost, Love UnExpected and Love Square. Loved them all!!

I was excited!! I enjoy a messy love triangle. But this one was plain crazy. Must be ’cause it was a “square”. And boy did I get that mess.

Oh god… I’m one of those ridiculous heroines in all the romance novels that whines and cries and can’t make any decisions.

In the words of Scarlett O’Hara, “I won’t think about that now, I’ll think about that tomorrow.”

Ohhhhh it made me squirrrrm (at first, out of nerves because well, let’s face it… this is not an ideal love story) but then it made me REALLY uncomfortable. I was (reluctantly) anticipating that “oh no, there’s gonna be trouble” situation, but I had no idea it was going to drive me as crazy as it did. In fact, it bothered me so much that I ended up not really liking any of the characters. The cheating and lies were just so blatantly unapologetic. Someone had her cake and made sure to eat it all, too. Over and over again.

So what’s it about?

A married woman runs into her old high school player of a boyfriend. She thought she was over him but seeing him again (and his intense reaction to her) rekindled that spark. And his adamant pursuit of her begins. She tries to resist but her disappointment and loneliness in her current married life (with reason), has her playing with fire.

God I just want to scream, “Say something already! Please just tell me what is wrong with us!” But again… silence.

Let the games (and burns) begin!

I have an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. The angel keeps warning me nothing good could come out of spending time with Jacob while the devil keeps telling me it will be fun to catch up with an old friend and just go with the flow.

And in all of it’s craziness, I actually have a feeling parts of this story had a more raw realistic look into an affair which is probably why it gave me such bitter cramps. ‘Cause it didn’t always go like I expected it to. There was a certain seediness to their indiscretions that didn’t follow that “perfect sequence of romance-book events”. It actually surprised me, ’cause the “correct” thing to do, the lessons to be learned, well… they didn’t happen as I would have expected them to. Characters aren’t necessarily being “saved” in this one.

I feel utterly worthless thanks to the way he blew me off.

People get attached, people get hurt, people have expectations, people make ultimatums, people continue to be indecisive, and sometimes there’s a sort of “payback/downward spiral”. And it’s all here too, butttt…. there were just a few surprise reveals and consequences, that weren’t exactly as I imagined them to be.

Not everyone gets the right kind of payback. Not everyone gets what they deserve. And I can’t help but feel like not everyone “learned” as much as I think they should have. I felt sad for some, mad at others, and laughed a bit at the total switch that I was not expecting but was mildy pleased about. Just ’cause I was feeling bitter. 😉

And sometimes the characters surprised me. They would act (for the most part) one way, and suddenly, I’d be faced with a completely new side of them that would appear out of nowhere. But then again, considering the dire circumstances, personality changes are to be expected, I suppose. But either way, I just couldn’t “fall in love” with any of ’em. I couldn’t pick a “team” or feel connected to anyone because mostly, they were being such indulgent brats.

While there were certainly a few heart-wrenching scenes, there wasn’t enough depth or intensity for me to want… something, or anything in particular. Not enough for me to become completely invested in them. The back and forth and relentless duplicity drove me too crazy for me to truly connect.

And yet, it still entertained me. rolleyes wink I felt some of it. My heart stuttered twice. I hurt a few times, and that proverbial “slap in the face” sure did sting! And don’t get me started on the uncomfortable clinging. Eeeeep!

So I liked it well enough. But just not to the… “OMG I love this and I LOVED such and such” level. More like… if you’re in the mood to be mad, annoyed and irritated and if you like to read about characters that do some obnoxious stuff, and you’re curious enough to see where it all ends up, then… this.

4 stars for keeping me reading and 3 stars because I was just so irritated and couldn’t really connect to any of them. Or maybe I’m upset ’cause I wanted one thing and got another? *sigh* I dunno. Maybe I still don’t know what I want with this one. Just call me “Samantha”. No don’t! She makes me too mad. And so do some others… *smirk* 😉

And because of that, it’s gotta be an overall 3 stars from me.

P.S. Though… there will be a book #2, so… what do I know? Maybe there’s still a lot to come. I thought I “got it” until that extra epilogue came along. I’m just not sure if I can handle any more. 😉

 

Book Review – Present Perfect by Alison G. Bailey

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Present Perfect
Whoa. I don’t even know how to start this. *wipes eyes one final time with pajama top* Yes it’s 4:11pm and I’m still in my pajamas. I couldn’t help it! Plus it’s Sunday. Plus, I deserve to be in my comfortable pj’s ’cause this book tried to kill me, you guys.

It tried and tried, and I’d get back up, growl at it, or roll my eyes at it, or complain to my husband about it (at some points, I was so mad, that HE wanted to throw my iPad across the room). Or maybe it’s ’cause I kept interrupting his Call of Duty playing with my plaintive whining about the over-the-top, self-induced angsty character that was driving me batty. But even in all of my eye-rolling, my shrieks of “I wanna shake her!!” and “Can someone just please smack her? HARD!!??” (okay I actually said some way-worse things, here, but I’ll spare you ;)), I couldn’t put it down.

It tried to take me down, but I kept getting right back up, because there was just something so intense that had me coming back for more.

“This thing is confusing.”

“What thing?”

He pointed back and forth between us.

It’s so sweet. So falling-in-love worthy. So heartbreaking. The writing? Yep. My ability to connect even though, at times, I was so freakin’ frustrated with the main characters, I couldn’t contain myself. I was mad at myself that I couldn’t just… walk away from the book. It had a “je ne sais quoi” that wouldn’t let me go, even though my logical mind was mad at pretty much… the whole thing.

It’s amazing how in just a few hours my entire world came crashing down around me and I just stood there to watch it happen.

The moments of self-loathing… the self-deprecation. That’s when I realized. This sweet seemingly YA (but not for long – they become adults soon enough) love story/life story had a darkish side. A “gentler” dark side wrapped up in the precious yellow sunshine of a love story of hope.

“Thank you, Noah.”

He smiled. “I’ll always take care of you and make sure you have candy, Tweet.”

It was the first time he called me by the nickname that would stick with me forever.

Awwww I LOVED his name for her. “Tweet”. biggrin

It snuck up on me. It’s addicting, it’s unputdownable, and at times it’s simply ridiculous. It’s realistic. And then it’s so unrealistic.

I even thought to myself, wait… do people really think like this? Do people really act like that? I found myself exclaiming “Oh please… spare me the self-induced melodrama!! It’s ALL YOU!!!!” and yet, I loved the story (or the feel?) as a whole.

I didn’t know what to say, so I did what I usually do. I ran.

*sigh*. Yes. She did.

But I had to continue reading. *shrug* I went with it. I had to know where it was going.

There’s only one person in my life who reigns over whether or not I’m lonely. Whether I’m physically with him or not, knowing he’s in my life keeps the loneliness away. When he’s standing in front of me and I feel him slipping away, the ache of loneliness takes over and drowns me. Being that vulnerable to a person is frightening.

And like I’ve said before with characters like this girl… maybe there are people just like her who’ve thought the things she has thought and reacted in similar ways. Who am I to say different? I’m different from her (and them.. yes). And while I felt some of it was drama for the sake of drama, I must admit, as a young teen/college student I’ve had my bouts of melodrama, self-centeredness, self-sabotage and even self-sacrificing moments.

Noah’s happiness was the most important thing to me. I wanted him to be happy even if it meant I was miserable.

It’s what being human and being alive is all about. Fear. Insecurities. Control (hehe, not that kind of control – this is not that kind of “dark”). So even if I couldn’t 100% relate to her actions and her thoughts, I was still so connected to her.

This book made me feel things DEEP. I internalized a lot of it. Characters infuriated me. Scenes exasperated me. She exhausted me. The book kept coming at me, and then it tried to take me down, and then when I started sobbing, I knew it succeeded. I couldn’t believe the… direction it took. The surprises that came at me. A few of ’em. You just wait.

Oh I had the perfect “clever” start for this review (while I was still reading the book) that had me giggling.lol I crack myself up sometimes. rolleyes But suddenly, my clever/silly start to my review no longer had the right impact. Because when I came up with that “start” I was so sure I knew where the story was going so I had already started formulating my review notes. But the story took a turn, and I had to, also. It knocked me down, and I had to right myself. There was a certain depth to the story (what I learned, what I took in, and what I took from it) that knocked the “silly” right out of me.

So what’s it about?

Remember the original cover?

I won’t say much other than it’s about two absolute best friends (Noah and Amanda) that were raised together and had the most AMAZING beautiful friendship (from the very start) that I only wish I could have had (think… “Sweet Gum Tree” in terms of that soul-deep connection). But they grow up, you know. And while both come from truly loving, stable homes, this still goes to show you that even people from a “normal” childhood might have issues.

It’s not perfect, no. Again, some of the over-the-top “decisions”, personal introspection and character reactions could almost be toned down to a more relatable (less exaggerated, more natural) level. I’m giving that a pass though, since 1.) they were young, and 2.) there needed to be growth, and it would come with time. And I (er… I mean, she) needed something to compare it to. To learn from.

And in the deeper, more meaningful moments (the bulk of the story – for me) I wish there was more of that. Oh it’s intense, and it’s meaningful, but for as much feeling and time that the author took in the more “excessive” stages of this love story, I felt that there was slightly less… hrmmm… volume? in what to me, was the most amazing, touching, maturing part of the story. The growth. The character evolution. I’d say it felt a bit “rushed” compared to all of that… beginning part.

But… I loved it nonetheless.

My “logical side” wants to give it 4 stars (it can’t help but shake a fist at a few parts and it even wants to give some of those parts 3 stars). My personal notes were quite “ranty”. Yessss, I admit…. I indulged in some name calling. *blush*

BUT my feeling side wants to give it 5 stars (’cause it was so mad, so happy, so sad, so enamored, soooooo…. *my lips are sealed*). 😉 P.S. Not necessarily in that order.

Get your tissues ready!! This is gonna hurt. *wicked grin*

I’ll go with overall – 4 stars!! (with 5-star emotions!!)

P.S. The title of this book? Wow. Just WOW!!!! I didn’t get it. I do now.

P.P.S. This IS a standalone.

P.P.P.S. 😉 My husband actually purchased it last night for me (I like him to choose for me sometimes – I went into this not knowing a single thing) – and boy can he pick a read!

 

H.M. Ward – Damaged (The Ferro Family) Series Reading Order

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Teacher/Student teacher romance alert!!!! By the sound of book #1’s synopsis, this looks like exactly that.

NOTE: This series (which consists of full length novels) appears to intermix/with her very popular “The Arrangement” series (which is her “short serial” installment series).

The author says:

“… you don’t have to read the serials to know what’s going on. Each series is stand alone, which means they can be read independently of one another.” (you can read her entire blogpost where she explains why she writes a “serial” series, and why she also writes a full-length novel series).

She also explained on her Facebook that there are three series that all “intertwine” because they’re about:

One family, 3 brothers, 3 different series that intertwine – SEAN: THE ARRANGEMENT, PETER: DAMAGED, JONATHAN: STRIPPED

(You’ll notice the “Damaged” and “Stripped” books listed below on this post):

And here are some comments for our enthusiastic fellow readers!

Donna: Love this series and the crossover between the arrangement and damaged is great xx

Amy: I loved Damaged and Damaged 2 and can not wait for Stripped!!

Mary: Loved both. Did not need to read arrangement to understand I thought. Looking forward to third series about the third brother.

Denisa: Oh Maryse Damaged is Peters story, fab book There is also going to be “Stripped” which is the youngest brother Jonathan’s story. Absolutely love this series

About book #1:

Life sucks. And, as soon as Sidney picks up the pieces something always knocks her back onto her butt. It’s never pretty, but this time is different. This time pretty isn’t even the right word.

Peter is the personification of perfection. It’s like he fell off his angel perch in purgatory, because let’s face it–any guy that hot has got to be naughty. He was probably sent here to ruin her life.

Peter is beyond beautiful with his sexy blue eyes, dark hair, and toned body. Add in his charming wit and Peter is everything Sidney ever wanted in a man, but when things get hot and heavy Peter shows her the door. Sidney takes the walk of shame and leaves. It’s the end of the worst blind date ever. Her life couldn’t possibly reach higher levels of suckage, but it does.

The next morning everything comes crashing down. The insanely hot guy from last night, the one that saw her half naked, is teaching at the front of the class room.

   

P.S. A tidbit for the series reading order die-hards:

I did have some fellow readers give me the exact reading order if a new reader/”reading order purist” (which I am) wanted to read both series in the correct sequence. Here was the gist:

——————–

Susan: I read all of the Arrangement so far and both Damaged. I would read:

but that’s just my suggestion:)

Kristie: Reading order…Damaged: The Ferro Family, Arrangement 1-8, Damaged 2 then Arrangement 9

Laura: You don’t have to read them all, but I would. It’s really great to read the cross overs and to see how it all fits together. Can’t wait for # 10 and STRIPPED!

Mary: … Did not need to read arrangement to understand I thought. Looking forward to third series about the third brother.

Latest Bargain e-Books – August 9th 2013

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A very long list today, and so many look good, but there are already five that gave me that “shift-my-TBR-list” jolt. 😉 Okay, like… Josh and Hannah (look at the recommendations for it below and tell me it doesn’t make you wanna one-click), Beneath the Burn (the one I’ve been getting the most recs for lately), Raising Ryann (Bad Boy Reformed) (another that I keep getting a ton of recommendations for), Trouble (running away with the cage fighter/MC leader’s woman? I dunno but that sounds like it might be fun!) and Cake ’cause of the recommendations, ’cause I love cupcakes and the cover is too cute, and ’cause someone said she’s in love with her best friend and his feelings aren’t mutual. Oh I love that kind of book pain!

Plus, a bunch of others down there have me curious, too. A few that are already on my TBR list, and a few that I purchased awhile ago that have erroneously been moved down my TBR list that some of you just reminded me about.

Anything jumping out at you right now?

NOTE: bargain priced when I added them, but prices can change on Amazon, so make sure to check before you finalize your order.

Here are today’s latest reader recommendations and bargain ebook finds:

  • Relentless (Shattered Hearts) by Cassia Leo <— Jeannie found us these two deals! “Relentless and Pieces of You by Cassia Leo are both on sale – both with great reviews!”
  • Pieces of You (Shattered Hearts) by Cassia Leo
  • Edible (Exquisite Series) by Ella Frank <— Stephanie found this deal! “Edible (Exquisite Series) is on SALE …! Huge savings! I’ve been wanting to read this book!”
  • No Turning Back (The Kathleen Turner Series #1) by Tiffany Snow <— Ashley just discovered the awesomeness of this series (very popular amongst our fellow readers!!) saying: “I’m reading No Turning Back, and I’m loving it the way I love the Heller books. Ah. Know what has me super excited about this? There’s more books, I don’t have to end at this book!” (here’s the rest of the series reading order).
  • When You’re Ready by J.L. Berg <– (thanks Lori!) and Debbie liked it! “When You’re Ready by j. L. Berg was surprising. I was prepared to not like the book, but it was unexpected.”
  • Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans Book 3) by Kym Grosso <— (thanks Aimee!)
  • Stone Lover (Stone Passion #1) by A.C. Warneke <— a paranormal find thanks to Aimee!
  • Saving Dallas by Kim Jones <— Tricia found us this one: “Saving Dallas… Looks like it has a big cliffhanger though!” and Kandace cleared up the cliffhanger u saying: “Not a big cliffhanger…it’s a tiny one that is very easy to live with.”
  • Present Perfect by Alison Bailey <— Janet asked: “Anyone read this one? I just started it and I’m already getting squirmy.” and Jules responded: “I enjoyed it. It’s a tearjerker. More than a love story with great messages. 4 stars for me.”
  • The Agreement (The Unrestrained Series) by S.E. Lund <— oh I like the sound of this one!! “…an enticing letter from an anonymous Dominant to his new submissive.” and when she finally meets him, he’s her father’s friend’s son! Lori found it saying: “The Agreement is on sale …! I’ve heard this one is really good, anyone read?” and Kandace responded:  ” I did..although, I think it had a different cover. I really enjoyed it.”
  • Axel (Corps Security) by Harper Sloan <— new cover on this one and Kandace says: “Not sure if this is old news but I see Axel by Harper Sloan is on sale…. I also heard her second book Cage will be released next month (YAY!!). Those Corp Security boys are uber hot.”
  • South of Bixby Bridge by Ryan Winfield <— Nancy loved his other book “Jane’s Melody” so much that she picked this one up, too saying: “… so out of my ordinary read, but was so good that I wondered what others on here thought.”. Claudia and Emma loved it: “This book is a big 10!! Great ,great!” and “I read this one over a year ago and LOVED it. So raw, dark and incredibly well written. Highly recommend.”
  • Inescapable Desire (A Savannah Novel) (The Savannah Series) by Danielle Jamie <—  looks like an angsty rock star (er… country star?) book. Thanks Danielle!
  • Wounded by Jasinda Wilder <— (thanks Lorraine!!) and Kirsten says: “Loved this book.”
  • Cake by Nicole Reed <– Lori suggests this one: “Cake by Nicole Reed was really good – seems like it might be a good one to get over a slump.” and Kandace LOVED it!! “It was a fan-freakin-tastic book. I was rooting for Dray the entire book. I despise love triangles but this book really wasn’t your typical love triangle book. The last half was like…wow, I can’t believe the author did that. It was a quick and fun read.”
  • Mid Life Love by Whitney Gracia Willams <— January recommends this one: “Just finished Mid Life Love and it was sooo good. 40ishh woman late 20’s billionaire. Fabulous love story!”
  • Love Square by Jessica Ingro <–  I read it and was fairly entertained (mind you, I struggled to like the characters considering the circumstances, mind games, severe indecision and treachery going on… GAH! Made me squirm and feel bad). But if you like over-the-top angst, punishing love triangles of cheating, and self-induced agony, here’s one for ya! Review to come.
  • Scornfully Yours (Torn Series #1) by Pamela Ann <— Lori found us this deal: “All the books in the torn series by Pamela Ann are on SALE! You can get the whole series (5 books) …!! This is one of my favorite series, it’s really really good!”
  • Scornfully Hers (Torn Series) (Carter #1.5) by Pamela Ann
  • Frayed (Torn Series #2) by Pamela Ann
  • Blasphemous (Torn Series #3) by Pamela Ann
  • Scorned by Pamela Ann
  • Josh and Hannah (Redwood Falls #1) by Lynda Chance <— Joanna found us this one! “Read Lynda Chance’s new book last night and really enjoyed it. It’s more new adult than anything she’s written, really a coming of age book, and a full length novel. Thought I’d share!” and Neika agrees: “I enjoyed this book too. I loved Josh…swoon-worthy cant wait for the other characters story!” and

Sherri: Josh and Hannah by Lynda Chance. Bad boy,scars on his face,from cigarette burns.Boy is pure Alpha,Hannah is a rich 15 yr. Old.I’m gonna say it,I don’t want to but I loved this book more then Beautiful Disaster. 5++++++.

Kandace: 15 year old??

Sherri: Yea,but the book takes you thru 6 yrs.

Lisa: You got my attention when you said you loved it more than Beautiful Disaster, one of my all time favorites. I think I’ll give it a try.

Neika: Read and loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now in a book slump : (

  • A Taylor-Made Life by Kary Rader <— Chundra found us this one! “Maryse is you have not read this book then you really should” <— oh it looks like it could be tear-jerker. Eeeep!
  • The Fault in Our Stars by John Green <— Kelsey loved it (and so did everyone else for that matter ;)) “The Fault in Our Stars was incredible. Heartwrenching, humourous, insightful and made me sob like a baby. A hard subject matter and difficult read but oh so glad I have taken the plunge. This book will be forever in my heart . Truly wonderful.”
  • Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwin <— This one is making my TBR list antsy! I’m feeling a shift! Recommended a few times but this comment from Shannon sure helps: “Finally finished Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwin (why oh why didn’t I start this book at the beginning of the long weekend rather than the end?) and it was fan-freaking-tastic!!! Loved the strong female lead, who remained strong despite being imprisioned by a sicko, and the broken rock star who found inspiration with her. Great story. 4**” and Kate’s recommendation made me giggle: “Hi Maryse, have u read Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwin? If not u should check it out I just finished it and f**king loved it :)”
  • Tempted: The Dark Hart Chronicles (Book 1) by Alexandra Anthony <– Stephanie found us this one! “Tempted (Dark Hart Chronicles) is on sale for 99¢! Has really high ratings! It’s a rocker series ~ combined into a paranormal series! Looks good”
  • LOST BOY (The Lonely) by Tara Brown <— Kat reminds us of this one! Companion novel to “The Lonely” (which was dark and crazy!)
  • Raising Ryann (Bad Boy Reformed) by Alyssa Rae Taylor <— another one that makes me wanna shift my TBR list. Recommendations a-plenty and Tiffany says: “Big High Five to Raising Ryann…Waiting on book 2!!! It was that good!! … cliffhanger but not a bad one … more continuation of story!”
  • Every Breath (Every Life Series) by Tasha Ivey <— Lori found us this deal! “Every Breath by Tasha Ivey…! Great reviews”
  • Inky (The Leaves) by J.B. Hartnett <– Sandy recommends this one: “Hi everyone. I read this book and loved it!”
  • Fear of Falling by S.L. Jennings <— Dawn highly recommends it! “Im reading fear of falling. This book is awesome.!!! I read while im working out and while im sweating im crying too. I can totally feel her pain. Great read!!!!”
  • Just Good Friends by S.L. Siwik <–Debbie suggested it saying: “I enjoyed Just Good Friends. I am giving it three stars just because of the conclusion, but those who enjoy alphas will like this one.” and S. Camargo assures us that there are more to come in the series: “There’s supposed to be a sequel coming. Not sure when though but I know this was book 1 in the series.”
  • Lexi, Baby (This Can’t Be Happening) by Lynda LeeAnne <— Neika is hooked! “Just finished reading this weekend “Lexi Baby-Trish Just Trish both written by Linda Leehann and Josh & Hannah by Lynda Chance. And now im craving more Alpha. All 3 books had very controlling but sweet sweet alpha males…i want more!!!!!!”
  • Trish, Just Trish (This Can’t Be Happening Series) by Lynda LeeAnne <—
  • Viper (Sons of Sangue) by Patricia A. Rasey: Nancy found us this one! “Viper by Patricia A Ramsey is on sale for a limited time … Hot Bikers who happen to be Vamires & I just love when that happens.”
  • Trouble by Nadene Seiters <— Janet pointed this one out when it was free. No longer free but the synopsis is up our alley! “This fighter is much more than just a cage fighter; he’s the leader of a motorcycle gang. This woman is considered his property, and Caleb ends up leaving the facility with her on the back of his own bike.” Eeeeeeep!!!
  • Everything Changes by Shey Stahl <— Marsha loves it! “Finally read Everything Changes by Shey Stahl…..oh my word what a great book! I just could not put it down!!! Shey is the kind of author where i dont even have to read the book description any more….if she wrote it….im reading it” – this one’s been on my radar for awhile now considering he’s an “AMA Supercross racer” and there is that angsty synopsis that has me… Thanks Marsha!!!
  • Because of You: A Loveswept Contemporary Military Romance by Jessica Scott <— I just found another deal (until Sunday): “From the war-torn streets of Baghdad to the bittersweet comforts of the home front, two wounded hearts navigate the battlefield of coming home from war in this explosive eBook original from newcomer Jessica Scott.”
  • Before Now (Sometimes Never) by Cheryl McIntyre <—  Thank you Dawn!!

                                      

Book Review – Extinguish by J.M Darhower

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Extinguish
<— 266 pages!! Really? I thought this was considered a “short story” and I was SO impressed with how much emotion and meaning was packed into a book that really hooked me for a good few hours. But wow. It was longer than I thought, which means I must have really been enjoying it for me to have read it as fast as I did.

And I loved it.

Maryse’s Book Blog: Wow. I just finished J.M. Darhower’s book “Extinguish”. My heart. Review to come tomorrow but that’s a preview of it. Just… wow.

Joanna: That was my reaction to this book as well…

Maryse’s Book Blog: I was liking it well enough, but kind of uncomfortable and all that. But what. An. Ending!! Whoa. Love!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Oh! I know what it did to me. It haunted me. It’s haunting me. Yah, that’s it!

Joanna: It’s different. Really different… But incredibly good.

Gloria: Amazing cover. I just bought it. Thanks for the suggestion.

Melissa: I agree with feeling uncomfortable. It sticks with you though. Extremely captivating and interesting!

Cathy: I just bought it too! Will read your review when you post!

Kim: Oh I can’t wait for your review! I have it now I really want to start it like now!

Kat: Loved this book and of course I fell in love with the ‘bad’ guy

Maryse’s Book Blog: Ahhhhh I can really delight in a bad-guy, Kat.

Caroline: I loved this book. Waiting the sequel…

Maryse’s Book Blog: Caroline!! What what whaaaaaat!!?? There’s a sequel? YAY!!!!!! *happy dance*

Kat: Yay a sequel I was def hoping for one! Can’t wait

The “original” cover…

I knew I had to read it because this was from the fabulous J.M. Darhower, author of my beloved “Sempre Forever” which I loved with all of my heart way back when I was first starting in the indie-book world. But this wasn’t to be anything like “Sempre”. No “New Adult” bad boy feel/dark unconventional romance here. Oh wait. I take that back. YES!!! Plenty of dark “unconventional romance”. In fact, this is the ultimate in forbidden love and I squirmed with discomfort, worried that lightening would strike me with every ooooh and ahhhh that I breathed.

Lucifer appeared sturdy yet harmless, his dimpled half-smirk almost friendly. With just one look, one measured curl of his lips, he invited you in to stay forever. And there was no denying this charismatic creature.

And then I started telling my husband about it (yep, you know I’m likin’ it when I follow him around reciting parts) and he was allll…. “I don’t know if you should be saying that…” and I was all… “eeeeep! I know, I feel SO bad!!!” looking up again for those lighting strikes.

And then I thought, wait. If J.M Darhower wrote this before Book Bash, and I saw her there alive, and well, smiling and signing, then you know. I could read it and feel it, and surely not have any repercussions, right? *sideeyes the thunder clouds rolling overhead* Oh come on!! It’s fiction. *squeaks* fic….tion? confused Eeeep! I don’t really have sympathy for him. I promise!!! He’s evil. eek Don’t make me!!! 😉

Darn that awesome author that makes me feel things!!!

But I couldn’t help but power through it without putting it down once, and by the end I had goosebumps. It wow’d me. Made me go whoa. It made my heart tug low and bounce right back up again, and I knew THIS was what I had been craving, even if I don’t normally reach for the “paranormals” these days. Especially ones about fallen angels. I’d always been a vampire-girl first, Weres second and angels… well. Okay fine. I’d read those, too especially if they’re mixed in with the vamps.

Okay so what’s it about? Well it’s got all of that “paranormal” mystique but it has that intense connection and a lesson or two learned. And not just by the “obvious” choice.

God and the angels above are of course waging war on Satan, but when “Serah’s” brother “Samuel” becomes a fallen angel, she is tasked to confront Satan and request he cease his temper tantrums and be a good boy! Er… well… I “sweetened” it up a bit here. 😉 She doesn’t want to take on this job (and really doesn’t seem to have the skill set for it) but she is told by her “higher-ups” that God has requested this. And she’s an amazing angel. An incredible soul (or whatever angels are)…

It’s the basic things – love, respect and compassion – that make the biggest difference sometimes.

And so she goes to tentatively make contact with “Luce” (aka “Lucifer”) and deals with his infuriating ways. And sometimes his sad ways. His lonely ways. His evil (and oh so scary) ways. And *gasp* (cringing here)… his sweet ways.

This was his Hell: the inescapable torment he endured alone. He craved silence but was awarded chaos. Instead of light and vitality, he existed in utter darkness. His Archangel nature helped him take it all in stride, but it was never easy, even for the one the world saw as the enemy.

And that whole “tempting the devil” or the devil tempting her (you’ll see….) comes into play.

“Maybe I’m just misunderstood, and you’ll never know because you refuse to have an open mind about it.”

She scoffed. “You expect me to believe you’re the good guy?”

He barked with laughter. “F%ck no. Never think that. I’m not the hero here, angel, and I don’t want to be. But I’m not that bad guy, either.”

Eeeeeeep!!!! *sticks fingers in ears and squinches eyes shut* “Lalalalalalalallalalalalaalla…. I don’t see that. I’m not internalizing any of it!!!!”

Heheh. But of course, I did see that, didn’t I? I read it in one sitting, afterall… and I reluctantly felt every single moment that the author intended me to. GAH!!! It was hard on me, bein’ raised a Catholic and all. *sigh*

Wow. What a story! If you’re open to a paranormal/ “Sympathy for the Devil” read, this is for you! Yeah that’s right. That song played in my head the entire time. GAH!! Again… fictional sympathy. Never real. 😉

But the end. OMG… the end. Chills.

4.5 stars!

And the chills? 5 stars all the way, baby!

Sequel? Maybe (and not necessary but I’d certainly read it!!) Author J.M Darhower says: “A sequel is possible, but I’m focusing on wrapping up the Sempre series first”

P.S. Updated October 13th 2014: BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!!! The sequel (Reignite (Extinguish Book 2) was just released today!! ———->

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