Take It All by Emma Grayson

Synopsis:

***Inspired by true events***

Judy Garland said it best, ‘For it was not into my ear you whispered but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed but my soul.’

If you asked her why she loved him, she would only be able to tell you it was because he was who he was and well, she was who she was.

Plain and simple.

All her life Lennox Ward felt incomplete. That her heart was always searching for that one special thing; that special someone she had yet to find.

Then Caleb Kingston came strolling back into her life unexpectedly, and little did she know her world was about to come crashing down around her; forever shattering it.

Is love enough to conquer all?

Will she be able to lead them out of hell and off their path of self destruction?

Or will Caleb take it all?



*This book contains mature subject matter and is not intended for those under 17 years of age.*

My Thoughts:

Take it All tells the story of two souls destined to be together but have all the odds stacked up against them. Caleb and Lennox were childhood best friends who secretly loved each other. They lost touch with one another when Caleb and his family moved away. As fate would have it, they meet again ten years later through a chat forum online. But they don't know who the other one is until they decide to meet for a date. When they realize who they've been chatting it up with all along, they decide they want to try and have a relationship.

Where to start? I am still sort of emotionally drained after reading Take it All. When I first started reading I was somewhat annoyed with Lennox. After all, characters like her usually annoy me. But Emma writes a note before you begin reading that the story is based off life events. So I stopped judging and ended up getting engrossed in a world that I am unfamiliar with. Such as the main character, Lennox.

Take it All deals with a very heavy subject matter. I repeat very heavy! This is not a light read about two people reconnecting and falling in love. Well it is about that but not so much a light read. It's dark and dangerous. It's opened my eyes into a lifestyle that I can't fathom being apart of.

Emma states that you don't know what a person would do for love and what you are capable of until you are put in that type of situation. I'd have to agree with her on that. The whole time I'm reading I keep wanting to hit Lennox upside the head and ask her what she is thinking. Caleb on the other hand I felt anger and resentment towards.

But as I read on, I started to feel for these characters. Caleb in particular. It was a complete 180 from how I had originally felt about him. For some reason I found myself shedding some tears for the situation he was in, then the compassion and pity came in. Like I stated above I can't even imagine being in his position! To the real Caleb out there, I'm sorry you had to go through what you did.

Before I said that it was an eye opener for me. And it was. I've never known anyone to be in the same predicament as Caleb. In a way, I am ignorant in that subject matter. But afterwards, when I finished the book, I feel like know a little bit more.

Even though Take it All has a somewhat depressing feel to it, it does have some great parts. Such as Lennox and her friends. Well, more like Raine. That guy is awesome. Lennox and Raine meet one night in a bar and the two decide to be friends. He is the epitome of what a good, no great, friend is. I think I loved him at first sight. The things he does for Lennox when she is in an emotional bind or when she finds out Caleb's secret, is just amazing.

Caleb and Lennox's love is wonderful. It's not what you would say is rainbows and unicorns. Lennox knows no boundaries. She is loyal, strong and such a good person for sticking by someone when they needed her the most. I'm ashamed to say I don't think I would have done the same. Which is why this story has had such an effect on me. I feel like if someone in my life is going through what Caleb is going though, I will think of this book and stick by that person. I will channel Lennox's strength to be compassionate to a person in need.  So i want to thank Emma, for making a person on the outside see how hard it is when you are put in a situation as hard as Lennox and Caleb.

I highly recommend reading Take it All. A book I thought I couldn't love has been bumped up to one of my favorites of the year.

*thank you to Emma for providing me with a copy for an honest review and for letting me be apart of the blog tour.
*also a huge thank you and shout out to Book Geeks Unite for being freaken awesome.

Peace out and have a lovely day<3

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Review:Powered by Cheyanne Young

Synopsis--

Maci Might's sixteenth birthday is supposed to be the day she's awarded Hero status. But thanks to a tiny anger problem and a questionable family tree, King City's elders think it's best if she doesn't join the Hero ranks. Determined to change their minds, Maci will break whatever rule it takes to prove she's Hero material. As her hair darkens and her anger grows, everyone turns against her except Evan; a childhood friend turned scientist who may be able to unlock the secrets hidden in her DNA.

When a villain attacks King City and her dad is held prisoner, Maci discovers a truth she refuses to believe. She may not be a Hero after all—but this time the Heroes of King City need her more than she needs them. And she won't let them down.

Powered is the first in a trilogy.

A look inside my brain--

Powered follows the life of Maci Might, hero in training. When we meet her, it's her sixteenth birthday and she is preparing for her hero examination that will determine whether or not she is hero material. 

When she finally receives her hero mission, shes more than ready, she just knows she is going to kick butt. But in the end she doesn't get her hero status and has to wait a whole week before she finds out if she will be made a hero or not. To make matters worse, everyone was expecting her to be hero because her father is the president and her older brother got a perfect score. 

I really enjoyed Powered and reading about Maci. She's an immature arrogant smartass. Not necessarily in that order! I loved her and her witty comebacks. She can also kick some ass, that's always a plus. 

The story was a little too slow in the middle for my liking. For a few chapters nothing happened and I got bored. But it picks up with some romance and action mixed in. 

Do you like a story about a girl coming of age story that deals with betrayal, love, action, and a crazy twist in the end? Then this book is for you! It's highly entertaining and fun. 

It debuts on November 28, 2013 and it will be apart of a trilogy. 

**book given to me by author for honest review**

Review:Lifeless by @jmlarocca1

Goodreads Blurb:

After graduating from the University of South Alabama, Scarlett Moore discovers her boyfriend of five months is actually married with a child on the way. Feeling used and heartbroken, she decides it’s time to take her best friend Jules’ advice to move to Atlanta and live with her. There, Jules helps her get a job at Entertainment Atlanta, where she works as an entertainment insurance agent. It’s not Scarlett’s dream job, but it’s better than not having a job at all, and who wouldn’t mind working with famous people, right?

Then she gets assigned to EA’s newest client, Kade Evans, rock star turned actor. Not only is he a drug addict, he’s also known for never dating the same girl twice. He’s tall, dark, and handsome, has an amazing voice, and good acting skills, but he’s also arrogant and intense.

At their first meeting, the chemistry between them is undeniable. 

The love that comes later is unexpected.

But Kade’s life is full of secrets. His past has now intruded on his present and when Scarlett finds out what his secrets are, the real deception begins.

My Thoughts:

I was so not expecting that!

I went info Lifeless not knowing anything about it. Judging by the cover, it seemed like a thriller to me. I don't know why but the cover girl looks freaky. Freaky as in scary. Ha

Anyways, I went into the book clueless. I was pleasantly surprised with the opening scene, it was nicely done. There we meet Scarlett and her boyfriend Trey, who just so happens to be married with a baby on the way. Gah, what a tool! Fast forward five months--Scarlett has moved in with her best friend, Jules, to start a new life in Atlanta working as an entertainment insurance agent. 

Here is where it gets really good! Scarlett and Jules go out to an opening of a club. While they are dancing, a sexy man starts dancing with Scarlett. She comes to find out that it's none other than Kade Evans, lead singer of the popular band Perfectly Damaged. 

Can I hear a hallelujah? 

My love for rock star romances is unhealthy. The first one I loved and still love is Kellan Kyle from Thoughtless. Mind you, this book has nothing in common with Thoughtless. I just love Kellan and the D-Bags. 

I pretty much loved Kade from the moment he walked into the picture. Of course this is my unhealthy love for a rock star again, I stood no chance. He is extremely sexy, with an adorable grin that would make any lady weak in the knees. 

Lifeless is full of romance, mystery, and a lot of sexual tension. A lot! By the end of the book my mouth was left hanging open! Be prepared for a book unlike any other. It's not your typical NA storyline. 

Great plot with even better characters, Lifeless will leave you wanting more. Book 2 comes out sometime this year? Not sure! But if you haven't yet read this book, I highly recommend you go and get it. 

Review:Choosing the Right Man by @VioletDukebooks

Goodreads blurb:

An Amazon & B&N Top 100 Bestseller!

Book Three of the bestselling NICE GIRL TO LOVE ( serial romance ) series

Connor’s back. Just when Abby’s life seems all but perfect, the infuriating man comes charging back in to wreak havoc on her emotions once again. And in typical Connor fashion, he has yet another proposal for her. But instead of a wild and fast fling, he’s proposing...forever. 

Brian’s not giving her up without a fight.Normally the tame one of the pair, Brian is holding nothing back in the battle for Abby’s heart. He has a decade-long head start in knowing and loving everything about Abby—but is that enough to break the intense hold his brother has on her heart?

In this third and final book in the bestselling Nice Girl to Love series, Abby must decide once and for all between the bad boy wanting to start a life with her and the good guy fighting for the life they’ve already built.

Print Length: 147 pages (Based on paperback edition, available August 19, 2013)

Note: This is the third and final book in the bestselling Nice Girl to Love serial romance series.

My thoughts:

Connor...Brian...wait Connor...no Brian...

Okay so in Choosing the Right Man we follow Abby,Connor, and Brian. It's starts where it left off in Falling for the Good Guy. Abby finds herself torn between the two men she loves. Connor is the infamous bad boy who realizes he is capable of loving and Brian is the best friend who realizes his feelings for Abby have gone beyond friendship. My,my how do you choose?!

Connor and Brian come up with a way for both of them to hang with Abby in order for her to choose which one she wants. I applaud both men because sharing her the way they did shows just how much they both love her. I feel like most men wouldn't even try. 

From 75% on I think I had tears running down my face. I may be a big baby but I found the story bittersweet. I wouldn't want to be stuck in between two men knowing that in the end I would end up hurting one of them. This is where Abby and I differ. She chose to date both men but I would have gave both of them up. I would feel way too guilty hurting someone but I wouldn't feel guilty if it was myself I was hurting. Sounds terrible...it's just the way I work unfortunately. 

As always the characters are awesome. They feel so real and going into Choosing the Right Man, they feel like family. 

There is a HEA with a fun little surprise in the end. (Well surprising for me!)

Lets just say I am happy and leave it at that;)

I fully recommend these books! They make you feel good and not to mention they are so sweet and romantic. Oh and also a little steamy! You'll see why. Go get the book and see what I am talking about. 

 

*i was given a copy by author for a review*

Review:Branded by @abiandmissy

Goodreads Blurb: 

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.

The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. 
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. 
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

My Thoughts:

If I could give this 100 stars I would. 

It's been awhile since I have read a dystopian novel. Lately, I have been knee deep in the New Adult contemporary novels. But I've been growing bored and I have needed something new and exciting. 

I have finally found it with Branded. 

I am not one to do recaps of the summary, the blurb is good enough. Plus, I feel like I might give something away and I don't want to!

You should buy this book for many reasons, one being the heroine, Lexi, isn't a weak and annoying lead. She has a tortured past yet she is so strong and compassionate. This is the kind of character that I believe younger girls should look up to, she is just that awesome. 

Our male lead,Cole, is just as strong as Lexi but in a slightly different way. He is also very loyal and brave. I loved his character! For once I wasn't too engrossed in the romance. I was more concerned with the storyline itself. 

Don't get me wrong, you'll love the romance! I just liked the action scenes a little bit more. Which brings me to the topic of this being action packed! I loved it and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. 

Some secondary characters to look forward to are Sutton, Alyssa, Zeus!, and Bruno. They all play a large part in the story as well. I am sure you will fall in love with them as I have. 

The world Abi and Missy have created is so scary to think about. A world where our system is not "innocent until proven guilty". An unfair world where people get thrown into a pit like hell for being a sinner. 

If you love dystopian novels filled with brave characters, romance, and lots of action, this is for you. You are so missing out by not reading this...trust me!!!

**book given to me by author for honest review**

Review: Sharing Harper by @vmurphy16

Goodreads Blurb:

“I’m not very good at sharing, especially when it comes to you Harper.”

A pain too hard to understand. 
A struggle too deep to reach. 
A love too complicated to work…but too intense to let go. 
Harper Mae ran as far away as she could from her abusive past. She went to a different city and numbed her pain by using men, never sleeping with the same guy more than once. 
Ryder worked at a coffee shop trying blend in with the rest of the world, desperately trying to live a normal life. After leaving a relationship and losing his family, he vowed never to fall in love again.

Until one day they are unexpectedly drawn to each other unable to let go.

Harper and Ryder’s turbulent relationship, two people who are struggling to find themselves, realize the answer lies within each other. 
Secrets, so deep, that both have, end up surfacing causing irrevocable pain. 
Will their love be strong enough to survive or will their pain be the downfall to their relationship? 
Will Harper open up enough to share her past with Ryder or will he be just another number on her list?

My Thoughts:

**review given to me by author for an honest review**

Sharing Harper is an emotional roller coaster. Don't go into it thinking its a light fluffy read. It's anything but. 

"You are who you are because of your past, but your past doesn't define who you are."--Ryder

*Dark and gritty. I don't recommend this book to anyone under 17! Has a scene where main character almost gets raped and intense domestic abuse.*

"It was so easy being someone else when you don't know who you are."--Harper

On a side note...wow. I absolutely loved this. Harper comes from a very troubled past and I immediately liked her. She is an independent and somewhat vulnerable girl who uses guys to get by. Now, I know what you're thinking, what a slut right? Wrong! Well I guess sort of right but that's beside the point. When you read you will see why she does what she does. Apart from her being promiscuous, she is a party animal! Which means girl knows how to have fun.

"I haven't stopped thinking about you. I needed to know who you were. You've captured my every last thought."-- Ryder

Ryder,our hero, is swoonworthy and perfect. I am serious! I love his wit and personality. He also knows just how to handle Harper. He's a great guy and is definitely the type of man that girls will be fan-girling over in no time. Get ready for your next book boyfriend! Ryder also has a dark and sad past. Although, I believe he has a slightly better outcome than Harper does. 

"I do. You and I are very much alike. We are two broken people looking to find something right in this world. We struggle to survive by placing large walls over our past selves, hiding from the outside world, but Harper Mae, you are my world and I wang to bear myself naked to you in every way possible."--Ryder 

The romance is absolutely delicious. That's the only way I can describe it! The intimate scenes are perfect and you will need to make sure you have a fan handy because it gets hot! Beach scene anyone? Lol

I believe the blurb speaks for itself. I think it's safe to say that a lot of NA books have been using the theme of a dark and twisted path. For awhile it got old and I found myself yawning over unoriginality. But Sharing Harper just really hit me in a new way. I found myself so engrossed in Harper and Ryder's story. I just had to know what happened next! 

Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this great book! It's all dark, sexy, and awesome all mixed up in one. Go make sure and grab your copy and see for yourself what a great book it is. It's definitely one of my favorite of the year. 

Review: Falling for the Good Guy by @violetdukebooks

Goodreads Blurb:

From the evil author who left you hanging off a cliff in RESISTING THE BAD BOY comes the second book in the NICE GIRL TO LOVE (serial romance) series: Abby & Brian’s story...

Abby Bartlett is well aware that everyone thinks she’s in love with her best friend Brian. He is, after all, the type of man a nice girl should be with—the polar opposite of the bad boy—the kind of guy who didn’t let his wife’s decade-long illness stop him from showering her with a lifetime of love every second until her dying day. Yes, Brian has been the yardstick against which Abby has measured all other men. But everyone’s wrong; she couldn’t possibly be in love with him.

Because she’s never once allowed herself that option. 

It’s taken a while but Brian Sullivan has finally come to terms with being a widower at the age of thirty, surviving the woman he spent half his life loving, a third of it losing. Truth is though, he wouldn’t have ‘survived’ any of it really had it not been for Abby—sweet, incredible Abby—the woman he’s never once had to picture his life without, never realized he couldn’t truly live without. Until now. Now that he’s finally able to love her the way she deserves, the way he knows she wants to be loved...by his brother.

Who’s giving him exactly one chance to speak now or forever hold his peace. 

Note: This is Book #2 in a three-book serial romance . The finale will be released in July.

My Thoughts:

WHAT!!

How could it end that way?! 

I adored the first book but Falling for the Good Guy blew my expectations right out the water. I fell in love with Brian & Skylar both. You are probably wondering what happened to Connor. Wells ladies and gents, this story has nothing whatsoever to do with Connor. And let me tell you...I don't know who to choose! Getting to know Brian was just what I needed. I like his personality and the way he treats Abby. His love for his daughter is very endearing as well. You can't help but fall a little bit in love. 

This book has an emotional scene that had me tearing up like crazy. I don't want to spoil anything be because the scene took me by surprise. 

But never fear, there was still tons of humor and quirky-like scenes to make the book fun and sexy just like the first one. 

My favorite character (this is hard) would have to be Skylar. She is absolutely adorable and wise for age. Once you read this book you will understand. Big muscles and a nice chest is a must;)

I can't wait for the third book!!! Hopefully it comes soon because I am not a patient person!

***This book was given to me by author for an honest review***