Sy reviews: THREE BROKEN PROMISES by Monica Murphy

Title: Three Broken Promises
Series: Drew + Fable #3
Author: Monica Murphy

Genre: NA/Contemporary Romance

~Synopsis~

Commitment. That’s what I really want from Colin. Ever since my brother, Danny, died in Iraq, Colin’s done so much to help me, including giving me a job at his popular restaurant so I can leave my crappy waitressing job at the strip joint. But lying in bed with him every night to comfort him from his horrible nightmares isn’t enough anymore. I know he feels guilty about Danny’s death, about not going to Iraq, but I can’t keep living this double life.

I love him desperately, but he’s got so many demons, and if he can’t open up to me now, then he’ll never be the real partner I need him to be. I gave him a month, and now I’m out of here. If he truly loves me like he says, he knows where to find me.

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~Review~

 

Greetings of peace and love and joy!

Are you weirded out by that greeting? Me too. I just remembered that's how our school letters always begin. Hehehe.

Anyway, here's my 3-star review of Monica Murphy's Three Broken Promises. And I'm so sad I couldn't rate it any higher than that. *sighs* Oh well.

I was pretty excited when I got an ARC of this book. I'm a huge fan of Monica Murphy's One Week Girlfriend series and when Jen & Colin were introduced in Second Chance Boyfriend, I was dying to hear their story.

If you are the happy ever after kind of reader then this book is for you. I am a happy ever after kind of reader too. It's just that this story fell short for me. I guess I was looking for a little more challenge and issue between Jen and Colin's love story. I think some of their fights here were not that necessary.

Let me tell you though that Monica Murphy did not disappoint when it comes to writing the sexy scenes. Hee hee. I'm just gonna come out and say here that those were some of my favorite parts of the book. Okay, no judging now. I'm sure you liked them too. Haha! Having said that, I think there were more sexy scenes in this book than deemed necessary. Hey, not that I'm complaining or anything. It's just that I think it was just more than what it should have been.

If there's anything I really love about this book, it's how I felt Jen's sadness and pain. I think the real story, and everything really started to get interesting for me was when Colin found out what Jen had done in the past. And I guess the masochist in me is rejoicing when I got to that part when Jen left. Like I said, I'm a masochist, I get my kicks at these things.

So again, if you're a happy ever after kind of reader that does not really want to be so stressed out with how the characters in the books they're reading are doing, then this book is for you. The ending of this book is so good, by the way, it left me feeling warm and fluffy with love. :)

Here's my Three Broken Promises playlist:

I Never Told You - Colbie Caillat
Impossible - James Arthur
Clarity (acoustic) - Zedd

~Playlist~

I Never Told You is my song for Jen and Colin. How they both are too stubborn (borderline stupid hehe) to not tell one another what they truly feel. Impossible is my song for Colin. This is because Jen can really break his heart without her knowing it. Clarity-when I first heard that Monica Murphy is writing a story about Jen & Colin and I heard this song, I told myself (and I think I tweeted her this too) that this is my Jen & Colin song. There are other books that I almost put this song to as part of my book playlist for reviews but I kinda have grown an attachment to pairing this song and this book. Plus, I think the chorus speaks to Jen and Colin too.

Rating:

  GOLD RECORD

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author 

Monica Murphy is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series. She writes new adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She also writes romance as Karen Erickson. A native Californian, she lives in the foothills below Yosemite. I'm a wife, and a mom. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

Find Monica online: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Release Day Blitz + Excerpt: PIECES FOR YOU by Genna Rulon

Hello there people! So... Genna is back! This time with Sam and Griffin's story (with Huntleigh on the sides). And AGAIN, Genna didn't disappoint with this one! The story is fantastic and made it to our 2013 favorite reads!!!

If you want to read The Bibs reviews, click here for Sy's review and here for Nikki's.

Also, we want to share with you a funny excerpt from PFY to celebrate the release. Enjoy!

~EXCERPT~

I made my way to the kitchen where I spotted Everleigh perched on Hunter’s lap as he fed her an omelet. I grabbed a Greek yogurt from the fridge before joining them at the kitchen table.

“I think I liked you better when you were all reserved and aloof…this touchy-feely Hunter is kind of freaking me out,” I teased.

In reality, I was overjoyed to see my best friend finally receiving the affection and love she deserved. Ev and Hunter’s journey to couplehood had been fraught with secrecy and delayed gratification. At one point, I had debated drugging them both and throwing them into bed together to speed up the process. I was getting sexually frustrated just watching their self-denial…I’m not sure how Ev didn’t combust.

“You are just jealous you don’t have one of Hunter’s famous omelets. My man has many talents—big, impressive talents.”

“Are you offering me a sample of Hunter’s impressive talent?”

Ev nearly spit the coffee out of her mouth.

“Paws off lady, I don’t share.”

“You always did monopolize all the good toys when we were kids, never sharing your Malibu Barbie.”

“For the hundredth time, you had the same freaking Malibu Barbie, along with her Malibu mansion, convertible, coordinating wardrobe, scooter, and whatever other accessories Mattel had marketed that year. There was no reason for you to want my Malibu Barbie,” Ev returned with exasperation. This was an ancient debate, which may pre-date the conflict in the Middle East.

“But your Malibu Barbie had a couture hand-sewn wardrobe and Meme painted Barbie’s nails with that little marker—so stylish…so me.”

“And then mom sewed a coordinating wardrobe for your Barbie and painted her nails. There was no difference.”

“But your Barbie was the first, the trendsetter. Mine was just a copycat wannabe.”

Ev threw her hands in the air dramatically. “I give up! Fine, you want my Malibu Barbie? We can switch. Will that make you happy and finally end this ridiculous debate?”

“No need, I switched them during a sleepover one night. I’ve had the innovative fashionista for the last thirteen years.”

“Are you freaking kidding me? You stole my Barbie? What is wrong with you?” she asked, no longer pretending to be annoyed by our age-old dispute…oops, I probably shouldn’t have fessed up to that particular truth.

I shrugged. “Sorry, but you really didn’t appreciate her. You didn’t even notice when I made the swap—what kind of mother are you?”

Ev lunged across the table and would have caught me if Hunter’s arm hadn’t locked around her waist and hauled her back into his lap.

“Why you—“ Ev didn’t get the chance to finish what was sure to be a scathing reprimand because Hunter’s mouth was on hers in the blink of an eye, distracting her with what I can only say was impressive technique.

When he finally broke the kiss, Ev was glassy-eyed and breathless.

“Would you like an omelet, Sam?” Hunter asked as if he had not just laid a scorching kiss on my best friend seconds before. Bravo, Hunter, bravo.

“You are not preparing breakfast for that…that…Barbie snatcher. Come on, Mr. FBI Man, can’t you drag her down to headquarters and charge her with something? She may have even departed the country with Barbie at some point. That’s a federal offense—do something useful with that badge of yours.”

Hunter rose, somehow managing to hoist Everleigh over his shoulder, and started down the hall.

“Excuse us, Sam. Your best friend evidently needs a reminder of how useful I can be.”

I could hear Ev’s half-hearted protests as Hunter shut her bedroom door. I laughed aloud at their antics. Ev was one of the most determined people I had ever met. She could easily steamroll over most adversaries. It was divine intervention that she fell head over heels for the one man who could best her. He challenged her and she loved every minute of it. They were a unit, stronger together than their individual halves.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sy reviews: BEAUTIFUL DISASTER by Jamie McGuire

Title: Beautiful Disaster
Series: Beautiful #1
Author: Jamie McGuire

Genre: NA/Contemporary Romance

~Synopsis~

Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

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Purchase from:

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~Review~

I know I'm in the minority here when I say I didn't love BD as much as most readers did. Hell, my blog partner, Nikki, loved BD so much and she knows I've been stalling reading it for the longest time she practically gave me her copy and "semi-forced" me, actually, she, along with my other bookworm friends, ganged up on me to read it. So after 48 years of stalling, I finally did.

Here's what I think. I like the story. I like the plot. I like how the author was going as far as storyline is concerned. I love Travis! The only thing that spoiled me from giving this book a higher rating is Abby.

So BD, as I'm sure most of you know by now, is a story about this underground fighter, Travis, who happens to be a smart dude and a man whore too. :) On one of his fights, he saw Abby and to put it sweetly, he found his Home in her.

There are quite a few things I liked in this book. I liked Travis and Abby's friendship in the beginning. I love how playful they were, how they sort of become a unit without them realizing it. I'm a big fan of relationships that started as friendship. I love how the author was able to achieve a strong foundation of friendship for Travis and Abby. Theirs is a friendship that's beautiful. I like how Travis loved Abby in his own possessive way. I am a sucker for book boyfriends who were once a player but becomes this loyal and faithful guy once they meet the one for them.

I just didn't like Abby's character that much. I can understand if she tried to resist Travis but dude, you know you love the guy, whatever principle or reason you have, at least give the guy a chance. What did it for me was when she got jealous and all when Travis brought two girls home. Believe me, I hate it when guys in books cheat. Hate. It. But they were on a break, right? I mean they're not together. She practically shoved him away. And then she got mad when Travis fooled around? Girl, you brought it upon yourself so suck it up. I almost heard Ross (FRIENDS) shouting to Rachel, "We were on a break!" on that part of the book. :)

I love happy endings and even if this book (ehem Abby) frustrated the hell out of me, I'm glad Travis and Abby still got their happy ending.

Here's my Beautiful Disaster playlist:

A Fool To Love You (John Mayer)
Better Man (James Morrison)
Between The Lines (Sara Bareilles)

~Playlist~

Rating:

GOLD RECORD

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author 

Jamie McGuire was born in Tulsa, OK. She attended the Northern Oklahoma College, the University of Central Oklahoma, and Autry Technology Center where she graduated with a degree in Radiography. Her most recent novel, Walking Disaster debuted at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. She has also written bestselling contemporary romance Beautiful Disaster, and the Providence series. Jamie now lives in Enid, OK with her three children and husband Jeff, who is a real, live cowboy. They share their 30 acres with six horses, three dogs, and Rooster the cat.
Find Jamie online: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Sy reviews: TEARS OF TESS by Pepper Winters

Title: Tears of Tess
Series: Monsters in the Dark #1
Author: Pepper Winters

Genre: NA/Contemporary Romance

~Synopsis~

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.
Then it all changed.
I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

Add on:

Purchase from:

Amazon | B&N | TBD

~Review~

 

This book is not for the weak-hearted, let me tell you that. I wouldn't say I'm a big fan of books with dark stories or dark plots and I try to stay away from stories with rape in it. So going into this book, I can say I made a huge pep talk to my fragile heart to suck it up and read it. This is not the first time I read a dark story. I've read plenty as a matter of fact (see I'm not that weak after all). Tears of Tess though is the first dark novel I have truly enjoyed and did not leave me feeling like I needed major therapy and counseling session afterwards. :)

This came as a major shocker to me because the content in this book, the things that happened between Q and Tess were not at all easy to imagine and take. I think this even had the most outrageous and wild kind of Dom-Sub context. Surprisingly though I enjoyed it. I did not cringe on the rape scene. Q slapping Tess was a bit of a what the hell moment for me but even that wasn't really a big deal for me. *insert squealing-OMG Q is so hot!!!*

I guess the reason why I loved this story so much was because the characters have captured my heart from the beginning. I like Brax. I felt bad that he couldn't be what Tess wanted him to be, that he wasn't as
sensitive as a loving boyfriend should be, but I love his gentleness, his tenderness towards Tess. I like Tess for her fierceness. She's bold and she is just so badass I feel like standing up for her by shouting "you go girl!" so many times while reading this book. I love Q. Of course I love Q. He was so fucked up that I love him so much for that. I love how the author managed to make these characters so strong and so likeable that even if I was reading the rape scene I didn't stress myself too much and ended up having a migraine and asking the universe "Why? Why did this has to happen?"

Q is so mysterious and he may be damaged but you know and you believe deep inside there's a gentle monster in there (if there is such a thing as a gentle monster though).

I don't even know what more to say but I really love this story and this is the first dark story I gave 5 stars for. And for someone who loves a book with all sweet and happiness and fairy tale with swoon-worthy men (not that Q is not swoon-worthy, believe me, he is, more like swoon-worthy-drool-worthy-

panty-melting hot kind), for me to enjoy and love it this much, that's saying something.

Here's my Tears of Tess Playlist:

Bluebird (Sara Bareilles)
Sugar (Wanderhouse)
All This And Heaven Too (Florence and the Machine)
Between Two Lungs (Florence and the Machine)

~Playlist~

I picked these songs because they all have that air of dark and mystery in them. Also, some of the lines of these songs fit Q and Tess so beautifully. Plus, I love Florence and the Machine, they're my go-to music when I feel dark clouds hovering my heart. ;)

Rating:

DIAMOND RECORD

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author 

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex. She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. Her debut book Tears of Tess will be followed with Quintessentially Q. You didn’t think Q could stop so soon, did you? Her other two titles, Last Shadow and Broken Chance will be coming soon. She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters at gmail dot com

Find Pepper online: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Sy reviews: PIECES FOR YOU by Genna Rulon

Title: Pieces For You
Series: For You #2
Author: Genna Rulon

Genre: NA/Contemporary Romance

~Synopsis~

"The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies,
and still defying fortune's spite; revive from ashes and rise.” -Miguel de Cervantes

Samantha Whitney survived unimaginable tragedy only to discover she had been betrayed by a man who claimed to love her. Shattered, Sam spends months at a safe haven trying to piece herself back together. Ready or not, the time has come for her to return home.

As Sam struggles to resume a life that no longer feels familiar, she finds unwavering support in an unexpected, familiar face. Confronting Sam’s raw emotions and open wounds head-on, Griffin manages to take two steps forward for every step she retreats.

But when Sam is once again threatened, Griffin must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the woman he wants…knowing the cost of her safety is the risk of losing her.

Pieces For You is a captivating journey of survival, healing, and sacrifice—teeming with honesty, humor, unexpected twists, and love’s unsurpassed endurance.begin to plague Sam, it is Griffin she is forced to turn to.

Add on:

Purchase from:

Amazon

~Review~

 

I will start off by saying that Genna outdid herself on this book. I said it even before I read the book and I'm so so glad that my gut was right.

Pieces For You is the sequel to Only For You. This is Sam & Griffin's story and if you read OFY then you'd know that something dark and heartbreaking happened to Sam towards the end of that book. I will not say anything more about that because seriously you gotta read that, you wouldn't wanna miss out on Hunter I'm telling you. Anyway, back to PFY. This story is about Sam's healing and Griffin's chance.

If there is one word to describe this book, it's Unexpected. Going into the story of Sam I thought it'll be something dark. I even made a little pep talk to my self so I won't get so stressed out if a scene will be too much for me. Surprisingly, I found myself laughing more on this book. The story has its own sad and painful parts but I guess this book focused on the lesson of healing and moving on and letting go. And I loved how the author did that. There were so many things in this book I did not see coming. My guessing skills were truly tested here. I am not complaining by the way, I'm complimenting Genna, she's good on that keep-guessing-who-the-blank is stuff.

I love how all the characters came together and came out being better versions of themselves here. I think I even fell a little more in love with Hunter on this book. Ah, but Griffin is giving him a tough competition. I mean, how can you not fall in love with a musician who happens to be a barista and a bar owner and a psychologist too? Oh, did I fail to mention he's rocking an 8-pack too?! See? I told you it's hard to pick who the hottest alpha is.

There are also some very pleasant additions to the group which I will totally fangirl over in the coming days and weeks and months. Dear Genna, there might be some begging that will happen. Haha!

There are so many things I totally enjoyed and loved in this book. The banter, for starters, is still there and it's funnier than ever! Of course the 8-pack, how can I miss that? I love how the love and friendship between the characters are magnified in Pieces For You. Their friendship and love made me feel so good it kinda made me envy them too. Haha!

This is such a feel-good book. Yes it has its own heartbreaking parts but there are so much love and happiness pouring out of these characters you would feel like it has seeped into your pores. This book, it holds so much promise of many good, no, great things to come so for that alone I highly recommend this series.

Here's my Pieces For You playlist:

Now Is The Start - A Fine Frenzy
All Time Love - Will Young
Near To You - A Fine Frenzy
1000 Times - Sara Bareilles

~Playlist~

Now Is The Start is my song for Sam when she begins putting back the pieces of her life. All Time Love is my song for both Sam and Griff. Near To You is my Sam song. If you listen to the lyrics, almost every word screams Sam to me. 1000 Times is for Griffin. I can see him doing his own rendition of that song for his Little One.

Rating:

DIAMOND RECORD

 

About the Author 

During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna, inspired by her love of reading, fantasized about penning her own stories. Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursuing her aspirations of writing her own novels.

Genna was raised in Long Island, New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends. Married to a wonderful man, who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on, even feigning interest relatively convincingly! Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy's writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations.

Find Genna online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest