28 July 2016

Finale Review - The Year of Second Chances

The Year of Second Chances - Sunnyvale #3
by Jessica Sorensen








What they say: Isabella Anders isn't ready to accept that her mother is guilty of murder, and with the help of Kai, she might be able to find out the truth.


Over the last month, Kai’s feelings for Isa have grown. He knows he’s in love with her and will do just about anything to protect her. But by helping Isa, he’s putting his own life at risk.

Kai isn’t the only one in danger, though. 

Isa is being stalked by someone who knows what really happened the day her mother was accused of murder, and they’ll do just about anything to keep her from discovering the truth.


Add to Goodreads


Buy links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!


What I say: *Note* The Year of Second Chances is the concluding book in Jessica Sorensen's Sunnyvale/Isabella Anders series - you do need to read The Year I Became Isabella Anders and The Year of Falling in Love first. 

We get a lot of action and romance in this instalment which of course means lots of Isa, Kai & the always comical Grandma Stephy.

Isa has already gone through a lot of changes in the first two instalments but my favourite element of this book was getting to see her stand up for herself and demand answers. Isa isn't prepared to be lied to anymore and although she deals with events in typical Isa nice gal fashion, it was interesting to see her challenge the liars head on.

I'm a big Kai fan and kept hoping he'd FINALLY say something to her. I have to be honest and admit that he did test my patience at times - dude is certainly good at dodging questions but he's still a fab BBF...


Oh the drama! The story is full of angst, but we do get some answers. My cynical mind did find a few things a little convenient but I was pleased with the ending and have enjoyed Isa's story.


4 Stars in my Sky!


  Author Spotlight:

JessicaSorensenauthor pic_new

Jessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.




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12 May 2016

Oh The Feels! - The Ending I Want Tour & Review

The Ending I Want RDB Banner


THE ENDING I WANT
by Samantha Towle 

Is live!! Enjoy an excerpt below and a little note from Samantha along with my review (ahem *fan girling*)! Oh and make sure to enter the giveaway below too - Good luck!


BUY THE BOOK

*The Ending I Want will be releasing at $2.99 special from 10th to 13th May - Grab your copy!*




the ending i want ebook
Synopsis
Taylor Shaw had the perfect life—until she was sixteen. That was when everything changed. From that moment on, life went from bad to worse…to the worst.
After recovering from a brain tumor, months later, she suffers the tragic loss of her whole family.
Since that fateful day, she’s been coasting through life.
Now, the brain tumor has returned, and Taylor decides she’s had enough. She’s going to take her fate into her own hands.
No more hospitals. No more surgeries. No more anything.
She’s going to join her family.
It’s her decision.
What she longs for.
The ending she wants.
She just has a list of things to do before she goes.
First, go to England.
Second, kiss a stranger…
Only, Taylor didn’t expect Liam Hunter, the stranger—with his handsome face, his six-foot-three of gorgeousness, and his oh-so-hot English accent—to change things.
To change her.
To change the ending she wanted.
What is a girl, who is standing on the edge of nothing, to do when offered the chance of everything?


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A Note from Samantha: Writing The Ending I Want has been a cathartic and exhausting process for me, but I have loved every second of writing it. I relate to this story more than any of the stories that I’ve written before. Maybe that’s because there’s a piece of me in this book. And not in Taylor having a brain tumor, because fortunately I’ve never had to endure anything like that. But for me, it was the need to feel free from something that has crippled me for many years, just like Taylor is crippled by her own pain. Taylor wanted to die to be free. I never wanted to die, but I did want to be free, in a way that’s hard to explain. But now, after years of feeling trapped by my demons, things that have held me back in life, I’ve found a way to get the freedom I needed. I’m still a work in progress, but I’m working better now than I ever did before - just saying this cryptic stuff out loud is a big step for me. So, writing Taylor in the way I did was a big deal for me. I really hope that you love this story, and see strength in Taylor's choices rather than weakness.

The Ending I Want Teaser 1



I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!


What I say: As you can tell from the blurb, the book covers some pretty heavy topics so my thoughts kept ranging from wondering if I'd be anywhere near as brave as Taylor if I were facing a terrible fate, to planning my next touristy trip around London. Even as an ex-Londoner I love seeing people getting to explore the many wonders of my city. I particularly loved how London became almost like another character.

In a weird sort of way I really liked Taylor's somewhat macabre and honest attitude towards life and death. Taylor's accepted the rubbish hand she's been dealt but wants to complete her bucket list before she runs to meet her destiny - well sort of. Taylor's living with a whole lot of guilt and is trapped inside her own painful world of pain and blame (don't worry no spoilers).

Oh Liam! As a Brit I'm never gonna to be won over by his accent (come on, it's what I hear everyday) but pretty much everything else about Liam was a big fat HELL YES! He's everything I could want in a BBF and then some - don't worry Jakey I could never really move on from you, but Liam does know how to test a gal!

For me a good romance is always about balance - The Ending I Want is full to the brim with balance and meant to be... In theory Taylor and Liam really do work well together if only they could both learn to help themselves.  Their story is sweet, heartbreakingly sad, and kinda funny (yeah go figure)! It's also super naughty, so be prepared for Liam's alpha swagger and dirty words.

I really don't know how she does it, but Samantha Towle always manages to bring out the feels and make me ugly cry. I've just about recovered enough to tell you about the sexy, cute and super sad bundle of romantic joy that is The Ending I Want. I'm also hoping for a spin-off about Liam's friend please Samantha...

4.5 Stars in my Sky!


Excerpt
Go to England. Kiss a stranger. Have lots of sex,” his deep voice rumbles out the words I wrote.

He glances at me over his shoulder, a shit-eating grin on his face.

I don’t even bother with trying to get the list back now. What’s the point? He’s already seen it.

Bastard.

I fall back into my seat, my face feeling like a blowtorch went at it. “You’re an asshole,” I mutter.

He turns to face me, my list in his hand but still held out of my reach. “Aw, don’t be like that, Taylor, from Boston. I was just curious to read it.”

I’m pretty sure he’s going for contrite, but he’s failing miserably.

I glare at him. I’m going for death-by-laser stare.

It doesn’t work because he gives me a panty-dropping smile. I’d like to say I’m unaffected, but I’m not; however, I don’t let him know that.

“Curious? I don’t think so. An effing thief? Yes.”

He laughs. “I’m sorry. But you don’t need to be embarrassed. It’s a good list.” He looks back to my list. “Have sex with a stranger,” he continues on reading. “Have sex with a stranger outdoors. You do know I can help you with all of these, right?” He lifts a brow at me.

I give him the middle finger.

He laughs again and looks back to the list. Then, he stops laughing and stares at me with what can only be described as complete horror. “You’ve never had oral sex?”

F***.

Why the hell did I put that on my list?


Playlist


AboutTheAuthor
samantha towle

New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author Samantha Towle began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn't stopped writing since.
She has written contemporary romances, THE MIGHTY STORM, WETHERING THE STORM, TAMING THE STORM, TROUBLE, REVVED and REVIVED.
She has also written paranormal romances, THE BRINGER and the ALEXANDRA JONES SERIES, all penned to tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, and more of her favourite musicians.
A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.



Giveaway




The Ending I Want Release Week Special





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29 March 2016

The Ending I Want - Cover Reveal

the ending i want banner

I'm thrilled to share the cover for THE ENDING I WANT by Samantha Towle *fan girl squeal*! 

This book releases on May 10th and I cannot wait to read another Towle masterpiece!


the ending i want ebook
Synopsis

Taylor Shaw had the perfect life—until she was sixteen. That was when everything changed. From that moment on, life went from bad to worse…to the worst.
After recovering from a brain tumor, months later, she suffers the tragic loss of her whole family.
Since that fateful day, she’s been coasting through life.
Now, the brain tumor has returned, and Taylor decides she’s had enough. She’s going to take her fate into her own hands.
No more hospitals. No more surgeries. No more anything.
She’s going to join her family.
It’s her decision.
What she longs for.
The ending she wants.
She just has a list of things to do before she goes.
First, go to England.
Second, kiss a stranger…
Only, Taylor didn’t expect Liam Hunter, the stranger—with his handsome face, his six-foot-three of gorgeousness, and his oh-so-hot English accent—to change things.
To change her.
To change the ending she wanted.
What is a girl, who is standing on the edge of nothing, to do when offered the chance of everything?

add-to-goodreads-button

Release Date: May 10, 2016
Cover Designed by: Najla Qamber Designs

AboutTheAuthor
samantha towle

New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author Samantha Towle began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn't stopped writing since.
She has written contemporary romances, THE MIGHTY STORM, WETHERING THE STORM, TAMING THE STORM, TROUBLE, REVVED and REVIVED.
She has also written paranormal romances, THE BRINGER and the ALEXANDRA JONES SERIES, all penned to tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, and more of her favourite musicians.
A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.



the ending i want full wrap






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19 February 2016

Review - NAMELESS


NAMELESS - Broken City #1
by Jessica Sorensen




What they say:  I live in a world where freedom doesn't exist, and life is a battle for survival. Most people aren't even allowed to have names.

But I had a name once. I was Allura until the Wardens captured me.

They told me I was a Nameless. That I was no one, and my sole purpose was to obey them. And, for a while, I believed them.

I spent years living underground in the channels beneath the city, dreaming of being outside again. I never thought it would happen. That I'd die in the darkness of my cell.

But then three guys show up in the channels and my fate suddenly changes.

Blaise, Ryder, and Reece are part of a secret group working to take down the Wardens and help rescue the Nameless. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I might survive.

But the outside world isn't like how I remember. The city has become even more dangerous, especially for the Nameless. To survive, I'll have to learn how to trust the guys and live in a world full of crime where almost everyone is hunting for me.

Add to Goodreads


Buy links:

Amazon UK * Amazon US


I received a copy from Shh Mom's Reading in exchange for an honest review!


What I say: NAMELESS is the first instalment in Jessica Sorensen's latest YA series. The best way I can describe the book without giving anything away, is as a 'dystopian urban fantasy supernatural' crossover.

Allura is a Nameless. In her dark world Nameless are people with no freedom or control over their lives. They live in fear of the Wardens and are often trapped inside their own minds. When she is rescued she suddenly finds herself liberated but confused and frightened.

Allura has to learn who to trust and how to survive as something more than Nameless. Blaise, Ryder, and Reece offer her freedom but greater risk and danger. I really loved the concept and Sorensen's world-building really helped me to visualise this dark world and the different characters living in it.

There is a hint of future romance - I have a clear favourite when it comes to potential suitors for Allura, but I appreciated how the book is about far more than kissing and boy dramas.

NAMELESS serves as a solid introduction to a new series - it's full to the brim with potential. Plus I really liked the main characters.

4 Stars in my Sky!


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11 January 2016

The Year of Falling in Love - Review

The Year of Falling in Love -Sunnyvale #2
by Jessica Sorensen







What they say: Isabella Anders just found out Lynn and her dad want to send her to a reform school. But with the help of Grandma Stephy, Isa’s dad agrees to let her move in with her grandma. 

Isa is more than relieved to be moving out. And after going on an unofficial date with Kyler, she wonders if maybe her life is starting to turn around. But then she discovers the truth about what really happened to her mother.

Not ready to fully accept that her mother is a murderer, Isa turns to Kai for help. Kai is more than willing to help, but to protect Isa, he keeps some of the more brutal details about her mother’s case to himself until he can find out more.

But when a mysterious blue car starts showing up everywhere, and Isa receives a threatening text message from an unknown caller, Kai realizes someone is dead set on destroying Isa. And he might not be able to protect her.

Add to Goodreads


Pre-order links:
Amazon * Amazon UK


I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!


What I say: The Year of Falling in Love picks up right after the end of the previous book in the Sunnyvale/Isabella Anders series. Keeping this a spoiler free as possible (you will need to read The Year I Became Isabella Anders first): Isa has found out some devastating news but is about to uncover even more secrets.

A great deal happens, but Sorensen very cleverly manages to keep many details hidden, whilst posing new questions and theories. I loved Kai and am very biased towards him, so whenever Kyler appeared I found myself getting annoyed at him and I'm convinced he's somehow involved in the ongoing campaign against Isa.

Kai is a wonderful support to Isa, who is still extremely conflicted about her feelings for him and Kyle. I wanted to know more about Kai and his struggles. It was nice to see him interacting with Isa and certain other characters.


I said it in my review of the previous book, but I'm going to comment again on how horrible Lynn, Hannah and even her Dad are. Lynn takes things to another level this time around and I'm convinced she played a greater role in previous events...

I really enjoyed both instalments and am looking forward to discovering what happens next with Isa and Kai.



4 Stars in my Sky!

  Author Spotlight:

JessicaSorensenauthor pic_new

Jessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.



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8 December 2015

Teaser Tuesday - The Storm

The Storm
by Samantha Towle


Head over to Samantha’s Facebook page where she's giving away an eARC of the book!






STORM (noun)—a turbulent disturbance; a disruption or dispute.
Jake Wethers’s life is perfect. He’s married to the woman he’s always loved, and they have three beautiful children. The Mighty Storm is still going strong, and his record label is thriving.
Jake has everything—a life he thought he would never have and one that he didn’t think he deserved.
Not so long ago, Jake’s life wasn’t perfect. The unexpected and untimely death of his best friend, Jonny Creed, sent an already out-of-control Jake spiraling down further.
Drug addiction. Alcohol. Women.
Jake was in the fast lane to following Jonny to the grave until Tru Bennett walked back into his life and changed everything.
But now, the past that Jake left behind has come back to find him. And what the past brings with it is going to be one of the biggest challenges he has ever faced.


#TheStormIsComing Dec 23d #JakeAndTru @samtowlewrites




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3 November 2015

When I Was Yours - Teaser Tuesday

When I Was Yours
by Samantha Towle


Don't forget to head over to Samantha's FB page where she's giving away an eARC of the book!








Pre-order:






#WhenIWasYours is coming #Nov10th #AdamAndEvie #2ndChanceRomance #EpicLove @samtowlewrites


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20 October 2015

Teaser Tuesday: When I Was Yours

When I Was Yours
by Samantha Towle





Samantha is giving away an eARC of the book over on her FB page!








Pre-order:


#WhenIWasYours is coming #Nov10th #AdamAndEvie #2ndChanceRomance #EpicLove @samtowlewrites


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13 October 2015

Brooklyn & Beale - Cover Reveal

From the author of Hollywood & Vine comes another epic love story! 

Check out the cover and sneak peek into Brooklyn & Beale releasing on December 1st.


BBFCKINGcoverBABYeBook
Synopsis

The life of a session musician is rarely easy. After consecutive tour cancellations and a stack of unpaid bills, Chloe Bennett fears her dream has come to an end.
Then everything changes.
Indie rocker Reid Ryder needs a replacement violinist for his tour. For Chloe, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. For Reid, it’s a checkmark off his list. Already battling addiction, guilt, and his inability to write new music, Reid's hopeful that things are finally falling into place.
But life is never predictable.
When the tour begins, he finds himself drawn to Chloe. She challenges and inspires him. Their onstage chemistry is electric. To the outside world, they’re the perfect match. To those involved, however, it’s not so simple. When Reid’s no longer sure that the future he planned is the one he wants, a choice must be made.
Love...or loyalty.

Release Date: December 1st
Cover Designed by: Jada Lee Designs

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Excerpt
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She wasn’t supposed to have feelings for him, and he wasn’t allowed to look at her like his heart was breaking. Not when the words he sang and the emotions behind them were meant for someone else. Someone she would never be.

AboutTheAuthor
Olivia Author Pic

Olivia Evans is a dreamer by day, writer by night. She's obsessed with music and loves discovering new bands. Traveling the world and watching the sun set in every time zone sounds like heaven to her. A true Gemini, she follows her heart blindly and lives life to the fullest with her husband, son, and friends. Her other loves are: Chuck Taylors, Doc Martens, concert tees, gangster movies, sports, wine, craft beer and her shih tzu's.


Giveaway


READ THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL

Hollywood & Vine

*currently on SALE for a limited time for $2.99 (regular price $3.99)*





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10 October 2015

When I Was Yours - Cover Reveal

It's time to fan-girl...

Check out the GORGEOUS cover for Samantha Towle's newest book releasing on November 10th - WHEN I WAS YOURS! Add it to your TBR!

PRE-ORDER THE BOOK

*When I Was Yours will be available for pre-order for $2.99 and will go up to regular price of $3.99 after release day.*



When I Was Yours Amazon

Synopsis
“Marry me.”
“What?” I stared back at him, unblinking.
He moved closer, taking my face in his hands. “I love you, Evie. I look into the future, and the only thing I see clearly is you. Marry me.”
What’s an eighteen-year-old girl who was madly in love with her nineteen-year-old boyfriend say?
Of course, I said yes.
Twenty-four hours later, I married Adam Gunner at a Vegas chapel to the sounds of “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Not the best omen. I get that now.
Then, exactly one week later, I left him. I walked out, leaving behind my wedding ring, annulment papers, and my heart, and he never knew why.
I haven’t seen him since. Not in ten long years.
Now, he’s here, standing before me. Looking at me with nothing but hurt and hatred in his eyes, he wants answers.
Answers I can’t give.

Release Date: November 10, 2015

Cover Designed By: Najla Qamber Designs

add-to-goodreads-button


AboutTheAuthor
samantha towle


New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author Samantha Towle began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn't stopped writing since.
She has written contemporary romances, THE MIGHTY STORM, WETHERING THE STORM, TAMING THE STORM, TROUBLE, REVVED and REVIVED.
She has also written paranormal romances, THE BRINGER and the ALEXANDRA JONES SERIES, all penned to tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, and more of her favourite musicians.
A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.



When I Was Yours Full




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