Sy reviews: ARCHER'S VOICE by Mia Sheridan

Title: Archer's Voice
Series: Sign of Love Novel
Author: Mia Sheridan

** A Sign of Love Novel based on Sagittarius **

When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks. On her first day there, her life collides with Archer Hale, an isolated man who holds a secret agony of his own. A man no one else sees.

Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. The first three books in the series need not be read to enjoy this book. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Add on:

Purchase from:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo

~Review~

I feel like my heart is so ready to burst from too much emotion on this book. Like seriously, I think I'm going crazy. I feel like crying and smiling all at the same time. See? Crazy?!

This story and every emotion it has drawn from me was somewhat unexpected. I knew it was gonna be amazing. I knew it was gonna be deep. I just didn't know it was gonna be that amazing and that deep. If I'm not making any sense to you right now, pardon me, I'm still emotional after finishing Archer's Voice like 3 minutes ago.

This book has taken me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. One minute I was laughing, the next minute I was tearing up and the next I was hurting, my heart was hurting! What is it with Mia's men leaving to find themselves? Gosh, that was heartbreaking. Still, I loved how Archer has become a stronger and more confident man after he was gone. Also, can I just say that Bree's character was awesome. I mean, she wasn't weak at all and I love that for a heroine. I also admire how all characters in this story are so likeable. I mean, not Victoria, but everyone else. Even Travis! For some reason, I like Travis. Or perhaps that's just me and my thing for men in uniform, but hey, he came around in the end so all is well.

So here's the thing, I'm kinda emotional lately especially after reading this book so I may or may not have cried while writing these next words. I think Mia has great talent in creating these strong characters and in writing these stories that will surely tug at your heartstrings. I love how Archer's Voice is all about the underdog. How strong that underdog is and how stronger he even became towards the end. How everyone needs friends. How we can hear someone's pain and loneliness in silence. Most of all, I love how this story gave me hope.

~Playlist~

If you want to listen to Mia’s playlist, it’s here.

Here is my Archer playlist (sorry we don't have Spotify here in the Philippines!):

I Believe - Christina Perri
Demons - Imagine Dragons
You Fill My Heart - Jason Walker
Echo - Jason Walker

All these songs are my Archer song. Christina Perri's though could be my Bree song but I really wanna talk about Jason Walker's Echo. I'm not sure if I used this song on another review but when I listened to it again it was like I just had a come-to-Jesus talk and He told me that this is Archer's song. I could be over exaggerating here but just go listen. ;)

Rating:

PLATINUM RECORD (plus a nickel)

About the Author

Mia Sheridan is an avid reader, and now writer of romance and erotic novels. She live in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband who is a police officer and her biggest fan (not necessarily in that order). They have four children here on earth and one in heaven. When she's not sitting on her couch with her head buried in her Kindle, she can be found writing or doing anything creative from building a patio, to sewing pillows. The wild hairs she get know no bounds. She's the author of Sign of Love Series (Leo, Leo's Chance, Stinger and Archer's Voice).
Stalk her: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Nikki reviews: ARCHER'S VOICE by Mia Sheridan

Title: Archer's Voice
Series: Sign of Love Novel
Author: Mia Sheridan

** A Sign of Love Novel based on Sagittarius **

When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks. On her first day there, her life collides with Archer Hale, an isolated man who holds a secret agony of his own. A man no one else sees.

Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. The first three books in the series need not be read to enjoy this book. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Add on:

Purchase from:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo

~Review~

My alternate rating (diverging from our blog's usual): “Endless and forever” stars 

I was so lucky enough to read Archer’s Voice in its rough draft. And finally, three weeks after reading it, I think I had enough time to collect whatever part of me is left and try to write a review for it. I said I’ll try. Don’t get your hopes up so high because I am not sure I’d be able to do this book justice. 

Mia blew me away together with those dandelion seeds and brought me to a magical place where Archer and Bree exist. I almost don’t want to go back... Their story opened my eyes more to all the possibilities of how true love should be. It strengthened my belief that love, indeed, is for all. No matter who you are, no matter what you are, no matter the shit you’ve gone through and who or what you’ve turned out to be, you deserve to love and be loved. 

You can say that Archer’s Voice is your typical romance novel: girl sees boy for the first time, gets intrigued, asks around, the first meeting, the butterfly-in-your-stomach scenes, the falling in love. Really, all that there is in a romance novel, you can find it in this book. But I kid you not, it is far – SO FAR – from being a typical love story. It defies whatever romance novel stereotype (if it even exists) there is today. And it transcends the usual stuff that we, romance sucker, are used to. It. Is. Different. But different in an exquisite way. 

Anyone who has been following my book reviews would know by now that since Leo’s days I’ve already been Mia’s fan. She captured me with her stories, this sweet story teller of mine. I don’t want to repeat myself over and over again so I just went back and re-read my review for Stinger because I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned there a million times how much I love Mia’s writing and I found out I said these things: 

"I wanted to say that Stinger is the story I’ve been waiting for my whole life to read but I don’t want to swallow my own words when Mia release another novel for the Sign of Love series, so yeah, I wouldn’t push my luck on that one because I believe in the gift of this woman, and I know for sure that she’ll continue to alter my bookworm universe for as long as she writes." 

And boy did she alter my world with Archer and Bree’s story. I am so, so ruined. But the kind of ruin I am so willing to submit myself for if it means I’d be able to experience this again. Sure I read tons of books in a year, but it is not everyday that I could stumble upon something as unique and as moving as Archer’s Voice. I am in awe, as always, with Mia’s ability to make a story that’s so exceptional it would leave you breathless and wanting for more.

With all the things I’ve said, I feel like I can sum up this review in a sentence; that Archer’s Voice IS a genre of its own and that MIA HAS WRITTEN A GAME CHANGER.

~Cast~

Also, I was lucky (again!) to be able to work with Mia in finding my representation of Archer and Bree and it wasn't an easy feat!!! I know we all have our own Archer and Bree in mind but this is what I have in mine.

 Ladies, meet my Archer and Bree.

~Playlist~

If you want to listen to Mia’s playlist, it’s here.

Here is my Archer playlist (sorry we don't have Spotify here in the Philippines!):

Come Back Down - Lifehouse
Find Yourself - Brad Paisely
Words I Couldn't Say - Leighton Meester
Forever - Rascal Flatts
Awake - Secondhand Serenade
All Eyes On Me - Goo Goo Dolls
Collide - Howie Day
Better Man - Robbie Williams

~Teasers~

Some teasers I did for Archer. I enjoyed doing this! ❤❤❤

About the Author

Mia Sheridan is an avid reader, and now writer of romance and erotic novels. She live in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband who is a police officer and her biggest fan (not necessarily in that order). They have four children here on earth and one in heaven. When she's not sitting on her couch with her head buried in her Kindle, she can be found writing or doing anything creative from building a patio, to sewing pillows. The wild hairs she get know no bounds. She's the author of Sign of Love Series (Leo, Leo's Chance, Stinger and Archer's Voice).
Stalk her: Website | Twitter | Facebook

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.

Add on:

Purchase from:

Amazon | B&N | TBD | Kobo

~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

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

Sy reviews: SEARCHING FOR SOMEDAY by Jennifer Probst

Title: Searching for Someday

Series: Love Spells #1

Author: Jennifer Probst

Kate has given up on love—at least for herself. She is both blessed and cursed with the ability to sense a romantic connection between two people—a gift that her family passed down for generations. When Kate launches her own matchmaking company, Kinnection, with her two best friends in a cozy New York town, she has to put aside her own romantic disasters to make her business a success.

But when a furious man stalks into her office and accuses her business of being a scam, Kate is given the ultimate challenge to prove herself. Slade puts himself in her hands and asks Kate to find him love. Enraged at his arrogance but stubbornly eager to prove herself, Kate agrees, dedicating herself to the journey of finding him love...only to find herself falling for him along the way.

Add on:

Purchase from:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

~Review~

I'll start this by saying thank you for giving me a chance to get an advance reading copy of this book.

Searching for Someday is a story about Kate. She owns this matchmaking service called Kinnections. She believes in love and happy ever afters. This is also a story about Slade. He is a divorce lawyer. He on the other hand does not believe in love. Let's just say that Kate & Slade have opposite beliefs in love and that them being together spells a complete recipe for relationship disaster.

Kate, for me, is not really well-liked. Many times I felt so frustrated with her character. But there were also times when I felt really sorry for her. Slade on the other hand though, I felt is a strong character. I love how honest he has been. He had a lot of prick slash jerk moments on the book but that's the reason why I totally dig this story. I love how the author made these characters repel each other yet managed to still pull each other together.

I like how Jennifer continues to tell a side story about strong family ties. Yes, this is a story about love but just like in her other series (Marriage to Billionaire), I appreciate how she tells the readers how important a family's love is. She may not outright discuss it in her books but you always feel that it's there.

You know how they say, "ahh, the feels on this book." Well, I felt that here. And there were parts in this book that really tug at your heart. But my favorite would be where this line was mentioned:

Just because someone was broken doesn't mean they should be thrown away.

I think every person has felt broken at some point in their lives, I know I have so that line just hit it home for me. And when I got to the epilogue, that beautiful epilogue, I think my heart was torn in pieces and put back again at the same time.

Here's my Searching for Someday playlist:

I Knew You Were Trouble (Avril Lavigne)
Love Is A Verb (John Mayer)
Ho Hey (The Lumineers)

~Playlist~

All those songs are my Kate's song for Slade. There are some lines on each of those song that really fit them.

Rating:

PLATINUM RECORD

 

About the Author 

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again. She is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of The Marriage Bargain. She is published both erotic and sexy contemporary romance with Entangled, Decadent, Red Sage and TWRP. She has also written a children's book, Buffy and the Carrot, co-written with her twelve year old niece, along with a short story, "A Life Worth Living."
 Website |  Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Sy reviews: FOUND IN YOU by Laurelin Paige

Title: Found in You

Series: Fixed #2

Author: Laurelin Paige

Alayna Withers has only had one kind of relationship: the kind that makes her obsessive and stalker-crazy. Now that Hudson Pierce has let her into his heart, she’s determined to break down the remaining walls between them so they can build a foundation that’s based on more than just amazing sex. Except Hudson’s not the only one with secrets.

With their pasts pulling them into a web of unfounded mistrust, Alayna turns to the one person who knows Hudson the best—Celia, the woman he almost married. Hoping for insight from someone who understands all sides of the story, Alayna forms a bond with Celia that goes too far—revealing things about Hudson that could end their love for good. This is the first relationship where Alayna hasn’t spiraled out of control. And she might lose Hudson anyway...

Add on:

Purchase from:

Amazon

~Review~

I got an ARC for this book which I think I almost begged (hahaha) to get one and thankfully, Laurelin Paige was kind and generous enough to send one my way. I wouldn't get into details since the author knows this already but this book has kept me sane at a very trying time in my life and I couldn't thank her enough for that. Indeed, books and a great love story take people in a special place.

Found In You is the second installment of the Fixed series. And there may be a lot of billionaire series out there so I guess that's the in thing today but the Fixed series has something different to offer and for that I am totally digging it.

I love how Hudson is just the right kind of that perfectly imperfect character. And the secrets - I really believe that the secrets revealed on this book and those that were left unsaid were perfect. I didn't feel like it was too much or that I had to know more.

I also like how I lost count of how many times I'd like to strangle Alayna on this book. I actually am torn because one minute I love her then the next I'm hating on her because she had her stupid moments (sorry hehe). But in the end, I just gotta admire her. I love how honest she was with what she feels. Even in the first book, I bowed down at her honesty and kudos to Laurelin for creating a female character that is tough enough to voice what she feels. And even if I felt somewhat sorry for her at certain parts of this book, I didn't feel that sorry for her that long because, well, I really think she came out strong several times.

I also appreciate how playful Hudson and Alayna (especially H) have become on this book. I think I was missing that on Fixed On You but I'm glad I got that here. And what can I say, I had a change of heart when it comes to Brian on this book. No change of hearts for Sophia right there and damn I knew it Celia was a total fake. Ugh, that bitch!

This book has really delivered a great message on trust in a relationship. It was done in a way that every little and big secrets have build up until you yourself would say, "the shit has really hit the fan." And I think this book has stressed me out so much that that lesson would stick to me. Hahaha!

Here are some of my favorite parts of the book:

1. Spanking - Okay, I may like the whole Dom/Sub theme in some of the books I've read but I'm still not a big fan of spanking. The spanking on this book though was done in a light way. It showed Hudson's playful side so that makes it my favorite.

2. Library - Who wouldn't fall for a man who gives you your favorite books and DVD copies of the movies you wanna watch before you die? Yes, he's a hot billionaire but for someone who loves to read, a man giving you books is like a guy giving you hearts and flowers.

3. The un-Iloveyou - As you all know, I am a masochist so I kinda get my kick at being hurt so expecting Hudson to say I love you in this book and not getting it hurts me a lot but I like it. Haha! I'm weird that way.

I think the story ended so well. Even with the cliffhanger, I think it was the right kind of ending. I seriously cannot wait for Forever In You

So here's my Found In You Playlist:

Basket Case - Sara Bareilles
Only You - Matthew Perryman Jones
Need You Tonight - Ben Rector
What If I Told You - Jason Walker
I Won't Let You Go - James Morrison
Flaws - Bastille
Sweet As Whole - Sara Bareilles

~Playlist~

I think Flaws is the perfect song for Hudson and Alayna. Basket Case is my song when Hudson was in Japan after all the mess that happened in the penthouse. Only You is my Hudson's song for Alayna because just like Hudson kept on telling Alayna, it has always been her and that he's with her, always. If I Told You is my song for all their secrets (make that H's secrets). Need You Tonight and I Won't Let You Go are my other Hudson's songs for Alayna and Sweet As Whole is my song for Celia. Yup, you read that right. I couldn't find a song that would fit hatred towards a female so this would do.

Rating:

PLATINUM RECORD

 

About the Author:

Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by the wonderful Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency. Author social media links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Nikki reviews: ONLY FOR YOU by Genna Rulon

Title: Only For You
Series: For You #1
Author: Genna Rulon

“In its purest form love is self-sacrificing, eternal, selfless, enduring, truthful, forgiving and indulgent. It also feels an awful lot like a kick to the stomach when you try to fight it!”

All Everleigh Carsen wanted to do was complete her final semester at Hensley University and begin the life she carefully planned.

When a wave of violent crime seizes campus, Everleigh is persuaded to attend a school sponsored self-defense seminar by her best friend, where she meets volunteer instructor, Hunter Charles. After Everleigh’s biting sarcasm induces Hunter to eject her from class, a tempestuous relationship is born.

Everleigh is determined to forget the striking man, but fate—that fickle shrew—continuously intervenes. Unable to escape him, she declares Hunter an enemy combatant. The only complication…Hunter is resolutely pursuing vindication…by any means necessary. Verbal warfare ensues, and despite Everleigh’s ingenious efforts, in Hunter, she has finally found her equal.

Only For You is a compelling tale of friendship, desire, and redemption—brimming with intelligent characters, witty dialogue, unexpected twists, profound sorrow, unfettered hope, and love’s unassailable perseverance.

Add on:

Purchase from:

Amazon

~Review~

Soooo... First I need to say this before anything else: Thank you Genna for finding our little book blog! You don't know how I really felt when I read your email one day requesting us to review your work. Sy and I were so thrilled. Our blog isn't as big as those well-known book review blogs. We're not full-time book reviewers like those famous book bloggers but you found us and actually considered us writing a review for your debut novel. I think it was destiny. Fate had intervened for us to meet Hunter. ;-) Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It was a pleasure. And congratulations on your debut novel!

Only For You: Suspense, romance and friendship rolled into one.

Hunter and Everleigh, ohmygod. They are so cute together, and frustrating. Well frustrating because I didn't know what was happening  and why Hunter was acting like a douche so I was so frustrated (I sure as hell thought I have everything figured out, but then...). It's like I want to send them to a remote island, tie them to a tree until they admit to one another what their true feelings were. Really. I was ready to give up on them when Genna decided to drop a bombshit and I was like, "Uhuh, oh yeah. Wait, what?! Are you kidding me?!" HOLY SHIT. Oh yes, that was the exact words I tweeted. Of course Hunter has reasons and now I can't be frustrated with them. I can just swoon. Because, well.. because. Read it to know what the hell I am talking about. I know, I'm a tease.

As for the suspense/thriller part, who wouldn't love some kinda CSI to read?! I mean, hello people, solving a crime would always be a human fascination. The story revolves around Hensely campus with a psycho on the loose, every female student a target. The suspense was literally killing me while reading the book. And then the story got to a part where it was so hard for me to breathe, when Sam, Ev's bestfriend, was attacked. It was so so heart-breaking because I've grown to love Sam and unconsciously set my mind that she and Ev would definitely be spared from the horror of it all. To be honest, I was more affected to what happened to her than the direction of Hunter and Ev's relationship was going. I was in pain for her, and in awe on how strong she proved she was.

I was in love with Sam and Ev's friendship. How they've always got each other's back. And when the worst thing happened, I couldn't help but admire both women. Sam for going through all that and coming up on top by the end of it; Everleigh for going through all the horrible pain watching her bestfriend regressed but still chose to take care of her and be strong for the both of them. I am in so much awe with these women's strengths.

The emotions in this book were so tangible I could almost taste it. My expectations weren't high on this one and I wasn't expecting to be wowed. It wasn't what I was expecting at all, it was definitely more. The story's meant to make you think and make you feel, and it delivered. It will take you to places you didn't think of. You'd think you figured it all out and then BAM!!! Absolutely not what you have in mind. It was like Genna pulled out a taser on me rendering me stunned. And that, my friends, is how you should write a story if you're aiming for a  supsense/thriller kinda vibe. Absolute perfection. I am tempted to say this one's for the books but I am reviewing a book, aren't I? Haha! So instead, THIS ONE'S FOR A MOVIE! Oh yeahhh, Hunter on screen, what a sight! I can't wait for Sam's story on book two!!!

For my playlist, you might notice most of the songs are about a complicated love story because it was a indeed a complicated one. Complicated by CDJ is Ev's song for Hunter and their relationship; I agree with Sy on her choice of I Can't Make You Love Me. The song's perfect for when Ev thought her love is unrequited; Dreaming with A Broken Heart, just because I am a masochist and listening to this song while writing this review makes my heart weep so I am definitely including it; Thunder is Hunter's song for Ev. I don't know why, but I thought of them when I heard it. Haha; How To Save A Life because I need to include a The Fray song don't ask why. Haha; Angel by Leona Lewis because that's Hunter's endearment for Ev, need I say more?

And lastly, I chose two songs that I dedicate for Sam. (1) Full of Grace by Sarah McLachlan. After reading the book, I decided to listen to some music before I sleep, this song was played and I still had a major book hangover and I thought about what happened to Sam while the song was playing and hello waterworks brought to you by my tears. (2) Stand by Rascal Flatts for Sam showing how strong she is. You go girl! ;-)

Here's the list of the songs:

Complicated by Carolyn Dawn Johnson
I Can't Make You Love me by Bonnie Raitt
Dreaming With A Broken Heart by John Mayer
Thunder by Boys Like Girls
How To Save A Life by The Fray
Angel by Leona Lewis
Full Of Grace by Sarah McLachlan
Stand by Rascal Flatts

You can listen to the songs I mentioned in the widget below. I hope you enjoy the playlist.

 

~Playlist~

And I am ending this review with one of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Some people believe the strongest will cling through the storm with steadfast determination never wavering, but sometimes the strength is in letting go."

Rating:

PLATINUM 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

Sy reviews: ONLY FOR YOU by Genna Rulon

Title: Only For You
Series: For You #1
Author: Genna Rulon

“In its purest form love is self-sacrificing, eternal, selfless, enduring, truthful, forgiving and indulgent. It also feels an awful lot like a kick to the stomach when you try to fight it!”

All Everleigh Carsen wanted to do was complete her final semester at Hensley University and begin the life she carefully planned.

When a wave of violent crime seizes campus, Everleigh is persuaded to attend a school sponsored self-defense seminar by her best friend, where she meets volunteer instructor, Hunter Charles. After Everleigh’s biting sarcasm induces Hunter to eject her from class, a tempestuous relationship is born.

Everleigh is determined to forget the striking man, but fate—that fickle shrew—continuously intervenes. Unable to escape him, she declares Hunter an enemy combatant. The only complication…Hunter is resolutely pursuing vindication…by any means necessary. Verbal warfare ensues, and despite Everleigh’s ingenious efforts, in Hunter, she has finally found her equal.

Only For You is a compelling tale of friendship, desire, and redemption—brimming with intelligent characters, witty dialogue, unexpected twists, profound sorrow, unfettered hope, and love’s unassailable perseverance.

Add on:

Purchase from:

Amazon

~Review~

I want to thank Genna Rullon for considering our blog in reviewing her book. Me and Nikki were thrilled that someone noticed us and requested us to review her work.

Only For You is a story about a college student, Everleigh Carsen, attending Hensley University. Her bestfriend/destiny sister, Sam, is also attending the same university and they're roomies coz they're inseparable. Hensley is under a state of paranoia and panic because of series of attacks to female students that later on escalated to killings. The victims were unable to identify their attacker while police suspected the unsub (unidentified subject - yes, I watch a lot of Criminal Minds haha) is a student of Hensley since the attacks are mainly directed to Hensley students.

Enter Hunter Charles. He's a sensei. A hot sensei. Well, he teaches self-defense so as the women won't be too powerless if there's an attacker. Hunter is also a business student in Hensley. Aside from being an uber hot and attractive student slash sensei, he does something else which is a top secret. You might get frustrated with him, ehem sexually frustrated, but everything would make sense once the pieces of the puzzle fall together.

I had too many laugh out loud moments in this book. Hunter and Everleigh are too funny and witty whenever they have one of those verbal contests. The banters are too funny and you kinda anticipate who'd get the last word in. I tried to choose sides but I can't. They're really equally good. I love how Genna made me guess and suspect almost everyone as the attacker (or maybe I really just watch too much crime series). I think it's important for a reader to read something that's not so predictable. And I think Genna achieved that. I also like how she made me so attached to the characters that I feel like I'm one of them so I feel their joy, their sadness and their pain. I don't know how she does it but she built strong personality for each character that you love the characters that need to be loved and hate the characters that need to be hated fiercely.

I think though that the story was a bit slow to pick up but I guess that's also important in the overall ending of the book.

I love how each chapter started with a quote. I also appreciate that this book revolved around mystery and a story of great friendships between people. I have several favorites on this book but my ultimate would be at 96% when I totally swooned over Hunter. So as not to spoil anything, I'll just say one word: Forever.

Here's my Only For You playlist:

Almost Lover - A Fine Frenzy
I Can't Make You Love Me - George Michael
Strong Enough - Sheryl Crow
Hot - Avril Lavigne
King Of Anything - Sara Bareilles
Stupid Boy - Cassadee Pope

~Playlist~

Almost Lover is my Hunter and Everleigh song because Hunter is the unboyfriend of Everleigh. I Can't Make You Love Me is the Everleigh song for Hunter when she almost begged him to have a relationship with her. Strong Enough is also my Everleigh song for Hunter. Hot is dedicated to Hunter of course. King Of Anything is also a Hunter song. This is my version of the Sweet As Hole song in the book. Stupid Boy is for Hunter. I think the line "she laid her heart and soul right in your hands. And she showed you every dream and you crushed her plans" fit him.

Rating:

PLATINUM 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

Sy reviews: STINGER by Mia Sheridan

Title: Stinger
Series: A Sign of Love Novel
Author: Mia Sheridan

Grace Hamilton was the girl with a plan. She knew exactly where her life was going and prided herself on always achieving her goals. It was who she was, and how she lived her life. She never stepped outside the lines, and never considered what she might desire and whom she was actually trying so hard to please. Until him…

Carson Stinger was a man who didn't play by any rules except his own. Working in the adult entertainment industry, he didn't care what others thought, and took each day as it came, no direction, no plan. He knew what women wanted from him and believed it was all he had to offer. Until her…

When circumstances forced them to spend several hours together, they walked away changed. But for two people who never should have meshed, overcoming the reality of their vastly different lives wasn't possible. At least not yet…

Add on:

Purchase from:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords

~Review~

Hooray for Scorpio!!! Well since Mia Sheridan started her book by telling us about Scorpio's personality, I might as well start this review by saying hell yes that's how Scorpios do it! And yeah, I'm talking about Carson. And if you think I'm referring to his "skills" then I won't deny that. We, Scorpios, are also known for being passionate and I think we're like the sex sign or something like that and let me just say that the "lovemaking" here is just off the charts hot I even had a hard time pulling off a poker face while reading those parts in a room full of people. So Carson, for that, here's a fist pump for you for raising the Scorpion banner and making us proud. Woot woot!

So Stinger is a story about a girl (Grace Hamilton) who went to Vegas for a law students conference and a guy (Carson Stinger) who was also in Vegas but for a porn conference. Hehehe. I said porn. Hehehe. Anyway, so girl meets guy, girl was a bit uptight and driven by her "plans". And the guy, well, let's just say he simply lived by the phrase "Life is wild". They hated each other in the beginning but due to some "closed-space situation" they have gotten to know each other and their lives have simply changed after that.

I had several LOL moments in this book. I think most of them were Carson moments. I mean, my goodness, I'd have to google soon what Garfield, Flying Circus, Butterfly and Table Lotus positions are. Also, I can understand the fixation on Titanic. I'm with you there, Carson. You've made some really valid points. Hehe.

I'm a masochist so I got my kick here in this story when I also felt their pain when none of them wanted to let go but didn't really have any other choice at that time. And boy there were a lot of painful moments in this story. I was almost stressed out at some point.

I love how this book was written in dual POV. I have always been a big fan of men's POV so getting an insight of what Carson was thinking and feeling is a plus for me. I also love how even the minor characters in this book are very like-able.

You know how sometimes you read a book and the characters have gone through so much conflict and drama and hurt and you've been so hooked so you really feel what they're going through and you're almost on the verge of saying "enough of this, I can't take it anymore"? I felt that here, but when it also came to that part of the book where you know the plot's gonna change for the better you're just too happy and even if you know there'll still be drama you just feel safe and that everything's gonna be fine. I felt that here too. And that's what I really like about this book. I just felt too much emotion. It got me so hooked.

I've read a lot of books already and although most of them are stories about losing love and finding love again, I also appreciate it when it has other life lessons to teach me. I dunno, I might be crazy or shallow for resorting to books when it comes to life lessons but it just feels different when I read it in the book. It just sticks to me. And yes, this book has really taught some good lessons in life (aside of course from those positions I have mentioned earlier which I have yet to Google). Like living wild, not settling and being more. But my favorite would be Dylan's advise. For some reason, what he said to Carson just got me.

"What it comes down to is how much heart you have, and how you will give this your all, not because anyone will give you accolades, but on the contrary, because no one ever has, and you don't depend on that for your success. Those guys out there who have been coddled constantly, and cheered for their whole lives, they'll be the first ones to quit when they don't have anyone to depend on but themselves. But not you-because you've never known any different. And that sucks. But in this case, it's your strength."

God, I love you Dylan! Haha! Seriously though, I think this book has really taught me well about being strong amidst all. Finding that source of strength that is enough to help get you through every single day of your life. Like in the case of Carson, it's the sunrise

Here's my Stinger playlist:

This by Ed Sheeran
Weak by SWV
Sunlight by Kevyn Lettau
In My Veins by Andrew Belle
The Distance by Evan and Jaron
Flower by Amos Lee

~Playlist~

You know how I love some Ed Sheeran so when one of his beautiful songs fits a book I read and reviewed it just makes me so giddy. Anyway, This is my song for them when Carson propositioned Grace for the weekend and how it has changed them. I think this is my overall Stinger song as a matter of fact. Weak is my song for Grace because really, Carson had that effect on her. Hell, Carson have that effect on me too so I totally understand you, Grace. Sunlight is my Carson and Grace song. We all know how sunrise was essential to this story especially to Carson. In My Veins is my song for Carson. I remembered when he told Grace she's in his blood. Awww, isn't that romantic? That's also my overall Stinger song. The Distance is my song for Grace and Carson. This song really fits them after that weekend and when they went their separate ways. Flower is sorta like my Buttercup song. Go figure. ;)

Rating:

DIAMOND RECORD

About the Author

Mia Sheridan is an avid reader, and now writer of romance and erotic novels. She live in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband who is a police officer and her biggest fan (not necessarily in that order). They have four children here on earth and one in heaven. When she's not sitting on her couch with her head buried in her Kindle, she can be found writing or doing anything creative from building a patio, to sewing pillows. The wild hairs she get know no bounds. Leo is her debut novel, but her head is swimming with more… 
 Stalk her: Website | Twitter | Facebook