IT ENDS WITH US BY COLLEEN

HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO COLLEEN HOOVER!

IT ENDS WITH US  


Sometimes it is the one who loves you who hurts you the most.

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened. 

With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all-too-human characters, It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price

*** MY REVIEW*****

This book y’all. It was like a hurricane of emotions! 
I was swept up in it right from the start. 
I went in blind, not knowing what the book was about.
Just let me say that I experienced all the feels possible!
It was real. Raw.
It made me laugh. Cry. Gasp. Shutter.
I fell in love and also had my heart hurt more than once.
I had hope. Hope for what I wanted the outcome to be as a reader.
It was just so much emotion for me. This story is definitely one that will make you think about life and the decisions we make and why. I feel like it will keep coming back to you long after you’ve read it.

In my opinion the storyline is well written and I applaud Colleen Hoover for writing such inspiring and real characters. Their relationships were so well written that I could somehow relate/sympathize to what they were experiencing even though I haven’t experienced it myself.
Lily is a very strong character.
Ryle is just wow!
Atlas is the epitome of a knight in shining armor.
I seriously believe Hoover’s writing gets better with with each book.

5/5  INFINITE STARS 

MISTRUST BY MARGARET MCHEYZER

I'm the popular girl at school. 

The one everyone wants to be friends with. 

I have the best boyfriend in the world, who’s on the basketball team. 

My parents adore me, and I absolutely love them. 

My sister and I have a great relationship too.

I’m a cheerleader, I have a high GPA and I’m liked even by the teachers.

It was a night which promised to be filled with love & fun until…

something happened which changed everything.

This is a darker, YA full-length novel:

Mistrust by Margaret McHeyzer - July 29 Release date!!

*****MY REVIEW***

Heartbreaking yet inspiring!!!

The blurb alone was enough to catch my attention! I truthfully didn’t know what to expect as I read, although the premise is a bit predictable. I did thoroughly enjoy sharing the journey with Dakota as she had to deal with her secrets partially alone. I know saying “enjoy” sounds sadistic, but what I mean is that Margaret McHeyzer pulled me right into the story and I was able to sympathize with Dakota on such a deep it level, it was kind of hard for me to keep reading the story at times. I felt the hurt, the pain and shared Dakota’s tears. I feel McHeyzer did an excellent job on tackling such heavy/dark issues that many teens deal with yet never speak about.

My absolute favorite characters were  Dakota’s sister, Sam and friend, Reece. Samantha was witty, strong-willed and so funny! Reece. What can’t I say about Reece? He was a supportive, patient, kind and understanding friend. Some of the things that came out of his mouth totally made me swoon for this high school boy lol.

“Feel the way my heart beats.” He presses my hand further to his chest. “It only beats for you. No one else holds it in their hand the way you do.”

“Have enough faith in me to get you through this until you find your strength again.”

**swoon*

The only thing I found hard to believe were Dakota’s friends reactions to things that happened in the story. I felt like after being such good friends for so many years, their reactions wouldn’t have been so dramatic. I do think teens will come away thinking “what would I do if I were in the same situation?”

With all this said I would definitely recommend this book! Great eye-opener for the young and old. 

5/5 STARS!! 

(A free copy of this book was received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

WICKED HEART - LEISA RAYVEN

Happy Release day for Wicked Heart - Leisa Ravyen!

The one guy she can’t have is the one she can’t forget.

Liam Quinn is one of the biggest movie stars in the world…and the only man Elissa Holt has ever truly loved. 

After being out of her life for six years, he and his gorgeous fiancé are set to star in the new Broadway show Elissa is stage managing. The only trouble is, when late night rehearsals bring Elissa and Liam together, the line between what is and what could have been gets blurred. Now one moment of weakness is about to create a scandal that will echo around the world. 

Elissa knows that falling for Liam again would be a tragedy in the making, but as any good romantic knows, love doesn’t always follow the script.

****MY REVIEW

OH MY STARS! Can you say intense? 

This book! It kept me up all night! 

I just couldn’t put it down! I was hooked from the start.

This book is about Elissa Holt, Ethan Holt’s sister, a stage manager on Broadway. I love how Elissa tells the story to her BFF, Josh, of how she came to know and love the now popular hollywood actor Liam Quinn years ago. I totally fell in love with Liam at the same time she did. You felt their love so deeply, it was definitely palpable. 

You will also hurt for her when things ended between them when he moved from NY to LA to further his career. My heart smiled and broke all at the same time. Liam. Oh Liam, how could you not fall in love with him? And though his secrets will be his downfall he still had my heart. <3

Now, six year later and famous actors, Liam and his fiancee, Angel Bell are interested in theater work on Broadway. Elissa and Liam’s path cross again and the connection they shared long ago is hard to break.

The sparks between them was off the charts, as well as the sexual tension. 

What happens next…well you’ll just have to read to find out ;-)

I think I was grinning from ear to ear almost the whole time I read. The character’s witty banter and sarcasm definitely kept the book interesting. Leisa Ravyen did an excellent job creating them totally lovable and relatable. I totally enjoyed this book! 

5/5 stars for sure!! 

ARC provided by Netgalley

Through Her Eyes by Ava Harrison

Through Her Eyes by Ava Harrison

One phone call changed me. 
Three simple words and I was shattered. 
Damaged. 
Broken. 
Alone. 
So I started over. 
And my journey of rediscovery led me straight into his arms. 
Chase Porter. 
The stranger who showed me life from a different perspective. 
But we both had secrets… 
His would destroy my world.





*****MY REVIEW

I know I’ve probably typed that before…but seriously. This book. It kept me coming back for more, it was so hard to put down.

Ava Harrison hooked me…reeled me in, made me fall in love, shattered my heart, then put me back together. And the twists??
I didn’t see them coming at all!!

Aria..poor Aria. She is lost and broken due to circumstances of her past. She embarks on this journey of “finding herself” and finds more than she bargained for.. in Chase Porter.

Can I just say this book brought out the feels! It’s emotionally heartbreaking as well inspirational and full of hope. I loved reading how the characters dealt with their struggles in life.

I won an arc and was so happy I did. I simply adore Ava Harrison’s poetically beautiful writing!

Don't forget to get out the instagram account linked with this book.
I will definitely read more from this author!
5/5 stars!

AUSTIN BOOK FEST (ABF) - 2016

Had so much fun in Austin this Saturday!

So I bet you're wondering,"Exactly what is  Austin Book Fest?

It's a book signing event, and an awesome place to connect with all your cyber book friends!

Loved meeting some of my all time favorite authors and especially my book buddies! 
Can't wait to do it again. Great Job Vilma Gonzalez & staff!!
‪#‎2016ABF‬ ‪#‎bookFriendsAreTheBestFriends‬

me and Renee Carlino
Amy Harmon
Rebecca Donavan



Me and Kim Holden
Vilma Gonzalez
Anna Todd




Me And K.A. Tucker
Amy Reichert
Tara Jenkins Reid

Me and M.E. Carter,

Rachel Hollis

Cathalin Shahriary, & Shirl Rickman

Me & Teagan Hunter

Kristann Monaghan

R.S. Grey

Me & Harper Sloan

Veronica Rossi 

Colleen Hoover

 BOOK FRIENDS~~

Me & Lin 
Alessia, Me & Brendan Reich(author)
Me & Kristin 


Me & Stephanie
Griffin Peterson & Adam G.
Me & Tina



Me & Alessia
Me & Tami
Jennifer & I

Me & Kayla, Sara Ney & Stacey Grice

Jerilyn, Me & Alessia, Me & Stacey

Kristin, Kristann, Stacey & I (Nurse squad)

Cathlin, Me, Sara, Shirl & Kristann

Kristen, Sara, Shirl, & Tami 

Cathlin, Tina, Me & Alessia

Here's to Forever by Teagan Hunter

Here's to Forever by Teagan Hunter

Moments are fickle. Sometimes all you get is a split second to make a decision. Other times you have what seems like an eternity and what you think is the right choice could be the biggest mistake you ever make. 

Rae Kamden and Hudson Tamell have lived in a perfect bubble since the day their relationship was almost destroyed. They’ve laughed, smiled, loved, and moved on from all that has weighed them down in the past. Or so they thought. 

After almost a year of bliss, things have suddenly shifted for the worse. Lies are being told, questions are gone unanswered, and nothing is as it should be. 

Can they mend their relationship and move forward together? Or will they give up on what they thought was their forever? 


This is a novella. Approx 40,000 words. 
It is highly recommended that you read Here's to Tomorrow first. 
Recommended for 18+ audience for explicit language and sexual situations.

****MY REVIEW

Loved this novella so much! Great ending to this series!
We all know every relationship isn't all hearts and flowers, yet Rae and Hudson's seem right out of a fairy tale.
But when trouble brews, the suspense of not knowing what will happen next keeps you reading all night long!
I enjoyed following Rae & Hudson's journey as they dealt with issues in their relationship. It was real. It was relative!
My favorite part of Teagan's books is Rae's unfiltered mouth! I love the witty, hilarious banter between the characters.
Teagan's writing is refreshing, fun and full of humor. This novella will not disappoint.
I recommend reading Here's to tomorrow first, so you can get better insight into Rae & Hudson. 
5/5 Stars!

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy Reichert

    The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy Reichert

You’ve Got Mail meets How to Eat a Cupcake in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities.

In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.

Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.

The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?

Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together.

************************MY REVIEW

Such a delectable read!!

I totally devoured this book from start to finish! Chick lit at its finest!

Lou, a chef, owns Luella’s, a French restaurant, in Milwaukee. On one of the worst days of her life, a food critic (Al) enters and the reviews of Luella's are less than stellar. 

Their identities (Lou & the  critic) are unbeknownst to either party, yet their paths cross more than once and the rest … well you’ll have to read to find out.

The food descriptions alone had me hooked!! I also enjoyed learning more about Milwaukee’s food scene.

I totally felt like I was watching/reading the foodie version of "You’ve Got Mail", which was totally okay, since that’s one of my absolute favorite movies. <3

This was such a delightful read! I loved watching the transformation of Lou and Al as they realize what they really want out of life.

The secondary characters were just as lovable and I’m hoping they show up again in another book!

I was so excited to see a recipe for coconut cake included at the end of the book! I can't wait to make it! Check out this read, you won't be disappointed.

5/5 stars!

November 9 by Colleen Hoover

 

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

I said this once, and I’ll say it again, Colleen Hoover never fails to deliver.

This book! Oh.my.word. THIS.BOOK! 

The feels, the smiles, the heartache, the healing, and the swooning is just wow! 

Fallon & Ben’s lives cross in the most interesting of ways and the journey they embark on will leave you speechless, breathless and falling in love with them.

My think my face hurts a little from the all the smiling and crying combined.

This storyline was so creative! The the plot twist? Oh my wow!! The twist, I didn’t see it coming!! LOVE THAT!!! I don’t now how she does it, but her plot twists always leaving me with my mouth hanging wide open! The connection you feel with the characters instantly makes you love them, all the while you are rooting, laughing and crying for them. 

 The quotes in this book are just mind-blowing! The feels are everywhere! 

Here are a few of my faves:

 “I like his attention. I’m only looking at him like this because…well..because he’s obviously a lunatic.”

“You’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else.”

“Sigh.” Did you actually say sigh? Out loud? Instead of actually sighing?”

“Eye-roll.”

“Why won’t you give me your phone number?”

“Because I actually like you.”

“I wish I could have this every day. Once a year isn’t near enough.”

“I wonder if he feels the same way? If thoughts of me consume him all day long like thoughts of him consume me?”

“I don’t want to be your first, Fallon. I want to be your last.”

“When she locks eyes with mine, it’s evident how much of her I just destroyed.”

Oh this quote just hurt my heart so bad.

“That’s what love is, Ben. Love is sacrifice.”

“For one day each year, I wanted to be this guy who was falling for this girl, because everything about you captivated me.”

Overall, I thoroughly, completely, highly recommend this book. 

FIVE THOUSAND STARS!

It’s now my favorite CoHo book ever, and I absolutely wish I could read it all over for the first time, just to be able to experience all the feels again.

Here's to Yesterday by Teagan Hunter

Here’s to Yesterday by Teagan Hunter
Can Maura overcome her perfect image and finally be true to herself and her heart? 

You ever realize that what you're doing and where you are in life isn't where you're supposed to be? 
I did. 
My name is Maura Doughers. I'm perfect. I have the ideal soldier boyfriend and all the money a twenty-two year old girl could dream of. My life is just like it should be. But it's nothing close to what I want. 
I'm beginning to realize the person I am isn't who I'm meant to be....and maybe the person I'm with isn't the one for me. Is what I feel love or lust? I don't know... 

What I really want is forbidden and most certainly not something my parents would approve of. But what about me? What about what I want? 

Well, I'm about to get it. No matter the consequences. 

*While technically part of the Here's To series, this CAN be read as stand-alone as each book will follow a different couple.* 
**Recommended for 18+ audience for explicit language and sexual situations.**


MY REVIEW****

If you thought Here’s to Tomorrow was a great read, wait until you get your hands on this one!
I really enjoyed meeting the characters in the author’s first book, but whoa, when you dive into their story, you feel the chemistry explode off the page!

I felt these characters to be very real and relatable. I loved reading about the journey they went through to find themselves, as well as one another.

Maura's story is sweet and touching yet heartbreaking. Her journey is full of heart and leaves you feeling all warm inside.
I love that Teagan's writing gives me the warm fuzzies. <3

This book had me smiling a lot and the sparks between the couple had me on edge! --Without giving too much away just know it was an awesome read!

I also love the life that Teagan Hunter brings to the other side characters. The book and music references were also a great bonus!

and OH, the cover is gorgeous! 

This book! I LOVED IT!! I think even more than the first! 

You won’t regret this purchase ;-) 

5/5 stars!

Awkward girl + awkward boy = double cute awkwardness!

A-Kiss-Like-This

A note from the author: This novel, along with all others in this series, is a standalone with no cliffhanger. You're welcome.
                            
ABIGAIL DARLINGTON IS AWKWARD...
She will never be "that" girl. You know the one: that girl on campus, confident in her own skin. Always saying the right things. Putting herself out there. Knows how to talk to a guy without stammering.

Nope. 

Shy but clever, and easily embarrassed, Abby is fine being the wallflower in her circle of outgoing, beautiful friends; she would rather read about a sexy book boyfriend than actually have a live, breathing one.

...BUT CALEB LOCKHART IS WORSE.
Star goaltender for the University's hockey team, Caleb is quiet and broody, preferring the solitude of his orderly, regimented life. He doesn't like, or need people--and plans to keep it that way. One more year left of hockey and he'll be long gone.

AWKWARD NEVER FELT SO GOOD. 
Both their lives change the day that Abigail falls for Caleb. Well, falls directly on top of him, to be accurate. Because sometimes we don't settle into love.

We fall there.

WARNING: This book contains cursing, also has sex.

MY REVIEW ***


When sweet, quiet Abby meets Caleb, the cute, introverted hockey player their awkwardness instantly helps them connect.

This book is definitely a page-turner that kept me laughing out loud and up all night!

I loved reading about the brooding, swoon-worthy hockey player finding love when least expected.

The hilarious banter between the main characters and all their friends is also well done.

I also loved that although both characters were introverts, the sparks ignite between them when they were together.

Overall, Sara Ney delivered a cute, funny read. The only hangup I had was regarding a

disagreement the characters had and I personally thought it didn’t warrant so much drama.

This book is an awesome 4/5 read for me :) Definitely worth checking out

Never, Never by Colleen Hoover & Tarry Fisher

Never Never, a novella series. Book one of three. 

Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen. 
Complete strangers since this morning. 
He'll do anything to remember. She'll do anything to forget. 

“Never have I had my mind blown reading a book like I have reading Never Never. It was intense, sweet, completely unpredictable and utterly fascinating. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!” ~Jen, The Book Avenue 

“Hoover and Fisher have combined their unique talents to deliver a deliciously twisted tale of deceit, love and friendship that keeps you guessing long after the heart-stopping end.” ~Vilma’s Book Blog 

“Twisted, sickly wicked, yet warming with a deep-layered love story. Tarryn and Colleen combine their forces for good. Alone they are talented. Together this epic duo is unstoppable.” ~Pam, The Book Avenue. 

"The evil queen and the good fairy of romance have come together, and the results are more than I could have ever asked for." ~Holly's Hot Reads 

This novella is recommended for readers age 16+ due to mild language and sexual content.

MY REVIEW***

Wow! wow! wow!
This was such an amazing, mind-blowing, extraordinary, story!
Intense.
Riveting.
Chilling, yet thrilling!
You are sure to get hooked when you read the first chapter.
The suspense had my heart racing! The mystery had me on edge!
I felt like was in a teenage version of LOST, trying to figure out what’s going on!
I don’t even know what genre this book is considered!!
The romantic parts were as always beautifully executed.

Silas:
He smiles. “I don’t care what our real first kiss was, he says. “That’s the one I want to remember.”

I love the sparks between Silas & Charlie, even when they are not trying to have any!

Charlie:
“I’m pretty sure you’ll be the first guy to ever compete with himself over the affection of a girl”

#best collaboration ever for Hoover and Fisher. I applaud their genius!
I will admit it hurt my brain trying to piece together what could be happening to Charlie & Silas.
It had my heart racing with each new chapter.

There is a cliff hanger that took me surprise!
I was like what? Noooo! I need more!! and I truly do need more.
I love this book so hard, I can’t wait for the next book! (May 17th 2015 ;-)
Hopefully there will be no references to polar bears, smoke monsters, or putting numbers in a computer every 108 minutes! lol

Still here? GO 1-click already!!! You won’t regret it! 
5/5 stars

Love Like Crazy by Megan Squires

Love-Like-Crazy-Megan-Squires

Relationships. 

Love. 

Life. 

All things that can be considered—and oftentimes are—just a bit crazy. 

With an alcoholic father and an absentee mother, seventeen-year old Eppie Aberdeen has learned firsthand that life’s circumstances aren’t always sunshine and roses. 

So Eppie doesn’t expect the fairytale, because reality certainly isn’t one. She’s not waiting on the handsome prince with his white horse to come to her rescue. But even though she’s not waiting on it, that doesn’t stop nineteen-year-old Lincoln Ross from driving straight into her heart with his teal and white campervan and his too tall stature and perpetually goofy grin. 

It’s difficult to believe in a happily ever after when a happy now is quite hard to find. But Lincoln gives Eppie hope that despite the odds, a true and unconditional love might actually be out there. A revised fairytale. A new kind of love story.  But then again, that might just be plain crazy.

(Sigh) Talk about a breathe of fresh air! Megan Squires has truly delivered again. 

This is a clean, sweet romance that definitely gives you some feels!

I loved Eppie & Lincoln! They were relatable as well as adorable. 

Their names alone are enough to have you grinning from ear to ear. 

Eppie had me laughing out loud and Lincoln had me swooning through the book. Without giving too much away I’ll summarize to say: Eppie, is quirky and somewhat of a loner. Life has not been the easiest for her, with an alcoholic father and an absentee mother. She was even accused of trying to killing herself by falling out a window when she was 9 years old.  In comes Lincoln, sweet, trustworthy, giving and so swoon-worthy. His family dynamics, have him on the outside rather than in, with his overbearing family. But once Eppie & Lincoln’s paths continually collide the sparks take over all that is lost between them, as they learn together to move on from the past.

"Thank you, Eppie. Thank you for this life and this love, the likes of which I never knew possible. You took a leap with me, and I'll forever be grateful you trusted me to fall with you.”  ~Lincoln

This is definitely a recommendable YA read! 5/5stars

(ARC received in exchange for honest review)