Short Review: Broken Beauty by Chloe Adams

Title: Broken Beauty

 

Author: Chloe Adams

 

Series: Broken Beauty Novellas #1

 

Publication Date: September 22, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

 

Source: Netgalley provided a copy for my honest thoughts and review

Description from Goodreads:

**Contains graphic content and the sensitive topic of rape and its aftermath. Not intended for teens under the age of 18.**

Sometimes bad things happen to beautiful people.

When socialite party girl Mia Abbott-Renou wakes up in a garden she has little recall of the previous night -- except that she is naked...hurt...terrified. Not only has she been raped, but she knows one of her assailants: the son of a wealthy politician who happens to be her own father’s political ally.

Mia wants and needs justice. Except this privileged boy has an alibi and her father forbids her from going to the police. It’s a critical election year, one that his party might lose if his image as a doting father is soured due to Mia being labeled a lush or worse, promiscuous.

Devastated at not having the support of her family, Mia finds herself in a tug-of-war with her conscience over what to do, especially since she can’t remember exactly what happened that night. Worse, the men who attacked her have hurt several other girls, and Mia may be the key to stopping them.

Mia tries to forget, until the unthinkable happens, and she’s left reeling once again, faced with a new challenge that will force her to take more control of her life.

Originally published in October 2012 as "No Way Back" by Chloe Adams.

 

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My Thoughts:

 

The bruises will heal, but I'll never be able to forget what happened.

FYI: Broken Beauty by Chloe Adams is the same story as No Way Back (Mia's Way #1) by Chloe Adams, but it has been refined. What do I mean that it has been refined? Chloe Adams takes a different approach for the rape scene in Broken Beauty. We don't get the whole rape scene as we did in No Way Back. Other than that I believe that it's the same as No Way Back.

Broken Beauty by Chloe Adams contains the sensitive topic of rape and how the main character, Mia, deals with it afterward.

This isn't some political game! This is my life!

Mia is the daughter of a politician, and she ends up being raped by two men at a party. I felt so bad for Mia's character, because she is young and she has no support from her own family. Since her father is a politician, and one of the men who rapped her is the son of one of her father's politician friends, her father doesn't want Mia to say who rapped her. So Mia has to deal with the aftermath of being rapped both physically and mentally without the support of her own father. I HATED Mia's father. How could he do that to her? The first time I the older version of Mia's story, No Way Back, I thought she was being a little annoying. But the second time reading her story, Broken Beauty, I didn't find her character to be annoying. What I interpreted as annoying was actually Mia's frustration that there wasn't any justice being done. Mia's character doesn't change much from beginning to end. But her way of thinking of what is right and what is wrong does start to change slowly.

 

He's the kind of person I've never had in my life.

Dom is the cop that finds Mia in the rape scene. Mia develops a strong connection with him, because his presence makes her feel safe and protected. I felt that Dom gave Mia the support she needed from her own family. He listened to what Mia had to say, and he gave her his full attention. So yes, I did love Dom's character because he is easily lovable. We don't really get a lot of Dom scenes in Broken Beauty as we did in No Way Back, because this is a novella. 

 

I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to think about it.

I am just going to address the rape scene difference between No Way Back and Broken Beauty, because I loved the way Chloe Adams integrated it in Broken Beauty. The only difference between the rape scene is that in Broken Beauty, Mia has flash backs of her rape. In No Way Back the rape scene is in the first chapter of the book, and it was intense. In Broken Beauty, Mia has only remembered a few parts of the rape, but they are not as vivid as the rape in No Way Back. So far this is how Chloe Adams has redefined the story, and I love it. Why? Because I just felt that the rape happening in the first chapter of No Way Back was so intense that the rest of the story felt like it was lacking something. 

 

All my bruises are gone, and I look...normal. But even without the bruises, I'm not me yet.

I can understand why some people might have issues reading Broken Beauty, because rape is a sensitive topic and isn't often addressed in books. But Chloe Adams knows how to integrate this topic in a way that readers will develop an emotional connection with Mia's character and her story. I do plan on reading the rest of the novellas, because I want to see in what other way Chloe Adams has redefined Mia's story :). Also, the ending is a cliff-hanger for those that haven't read No Way Back. Great way to end the first novella Chloe Adams :D!

 

Final Verdict: 4 Stars

 

 

Short Review: Unexpected by Faith Sullivan

Title: Unexpected

 

Author: Faith Sullivan

 

 Series: Stand Alone

 

Publication Date: April 2, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

 

Source: e-book provided by author in exchange for my honest thoughts and review

 

Description from Goodreads:

One day forever changes the destiny of college overachiever, Michelle Rhodes.

Shattered, confused and alone, no one understands the trauma consuming her until she meets Connor Donnelly.

A native New Yorker, he believes he can aid in getting her life back on track. But what if he's even more broken inside?

Offering her a chance at a fresh start, Connor convinces Michelle to move in with him. Hiring her to waitress at his bar, their mutual attraction only complicates matters.

As more details surrounding Connor's past emerge, Michelle uncovers the full magnitude of the loss he's trying to hide. Refusing to let her feelings for him hinder his recovery, she makes a decision that winds up hurting them both.

By sacrificing her heart, Michelle thinks she is helping Connor come to terms with his grief. Little does she know, Connor is gambling everything for the sake of having a future with her.

What happens is truly unexpected.

 

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My Thoughts:

 

I longed for some sense of security, but there was none to be found.

Unexpected is the second book I've read from Faith Sullivan- I've read Heartbeat during the summer and really liked it-and all I have to say is that I LOVED Unexpected! I loved the story, the characters, and I loved the way Faith Sullivan included 9/11 into her story. I know some people might not want to read a book that has this event in the book, but Faith Sullivan did such an amazing job that it was just beautiful and respectful the way she did it.

The story begins with this tragic event that we all experienced and remember. I felt like I was reliving the whole thing all over again-that is how much Faith Sullivan was able to impact me. The main character Michelle is in her apartment  when this happens, and she goes into a state of shock, because she lives by herself and doesn't know anyone in New York.

My moping, my fear, my insecurities- he must want to scream at me to snap out of it already.

The 9/11 event emotionally affects Michelle's life. The happy, out-going, dream-seeker, independent, and successful college student she was before 9/11 is gone. Michelle becomes depressed, fearful, doesn't want to complete her education, and has become insecure about everything she does in her life. Her character is an example of every person who wasn't related to the people that lost their lives, but she was still affected by how many Innocent people lost their lives in a matter of minutes. Michelle's character does overcome some of her insecurities and a little bit of her fear with the help of Connor. 

 

"We all need a light in the darkness to show us the way out."

We first meet Connor at a party Michelle goes to, and he is the mysterious and sexy guy. Connor is the guy that you wouldn't consider having a serious relationship with, because he has a reputation of a womanizer. But I absolutely loved Connor's character! What did I love about him? He is sexy, mysterious, deep, respectful, hardworking, and he is just an amazing guy. Connor was also affected by the 9/11 event and I can't say much more about this, because I don't want to ruin the book for all of you! Connor's character also overcomes his own emotional problems with the help of Michelle.

"I'm starting to feel like a stalker, but I'm not giving up on you, Michelle."

I'm such a fool. I can't stay away from him. It's pointless.

I loved how the relationship of Connor and Michelle develops in the story. At first I thought he was a jerk for what he did to her when they got to New York, but late on in the novel I understand what he did. If I can describe Connor and Michell's relationship in one word it would be anchor. They are both each others emotional anchor. They both bring each other out of the darkness that they've been emerged in since 9/11. Connor and Michelle have become one of my favorite couples, and yes I do find myself thinking about them :).

"Yes, we. It's you and me from here on out." He says it with so much conviction that I'm slightly taken aback. "Where you go, I go."

Unexpected by Faith Sullivan was a beautiful contemporary romance story. Faith Sullivan did an amazing job in adding the 9/11 event into her story, because it made it that much more emotional and beautiful. 

 

 

Final Verdict: 5 Stars

 

About the Author:

I really hate talking about myself. My goal is to have the shortest author bio imaginable. I would much rather have a conversation with my readers.

Are you able to escape within my pages?
Does my writing make you feel something?
Are there characters that you can't get out of your head?

Let me know!

Email me at faithsullivanwrites [at] hotmail [dot] com

Follow me on Twitter at @_FaithSullivan_

Read my blog at http://faithsullivanwrites.blogspot.com

 

Find Faith Sullivan:

Website

Twitter 

Goodreads

 

Review: HeartBeat by Faith Sullivan

Title: HeartBeat

 

Author: Faith Sullivan

 

Series: HeartBeat #1

 

Publication Date: February 5, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

 

Source: arc was provided by author for my honest opinion/review

 

Description from Goodreads:

Katie and Adam are afraid of love.

She carries the scars of a first kiss gone terribly wrong.

He uproots his life to flee the stinging betrayal of an ex.

When trust is no longer an option, all romance is suspect.

As a young paramedic, Adam rescues people for a living but cannot save himself. Katie, just out of high school, struggles with a tortured home life she cannot escape.

Everything changes when Katie hops into the front seat of Adam's ambulance. Overwhelmed by what they are feeling, neither possess the confidence to make the first move. They walk away from each other, full of regret.

To find her, Adam risks his future. To be with him, Katie sacrifices her security.

Little do they know, what little time they do have, is being measured by a heartbeat that is slowly dying out.

 

Add HeartBeat by Faith Sullivan to your TBR Pile--->Goodreads

 

My Thoughts:

Well, sometimes paradise isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Where do I begin? Heartbeat by Faith Sullivan was totally different from the other New Adult contemporary romance books I've read. It is just full of unexpected events. I loved the story, because it is just so different from what I've read. There is your typical helpless and broken girl falls in love with the sweet and caring boy, but the story itself does not make it seem like that. I know I am getting ahead of myself here, but the ending left me shocked. I had to re-read it twice to comprehend what had just happened.

Everything he does seems to draw me in.

There's some invisible force pulling me toward this girl. I can't explain it, but I can definitely feel it.

The two main character's, Katie and Adam, meet in a very unexpected circumstances. Who would ever think that you would have an instinct attraction and connection to a paramedic? The moment they lay eyes on each other, there is an instant connection that they can't explain. I enjoyed reading from both Katie and Adam's POV, but there were times in the story that it just felt that it was a repetition from the others POV. I mean it is obvious that they are feeling the exact same connection and emotions towards each other, but I really didn't like re-reading the same thing over.

It is second nature for me to shut people out.

I liked Katie's character :). At first she does come off as being snarky, because this girl doesn't live in a perfect world. Her mother is not in her life, her father is way overprotective and obsessive with having her be in his house, and the only hope she has in her life is her grandmother. I seriously hated her father, because he is just creepy, violent, and possessive of her life. I would have loved to know what happens with Katie's mother, because we really don't know a lot about her. As the story progresses, Katie starts getting courage and being a little bit more independents. But she is just so fragile that she can't live without having someone to take care of here. I loved that she stood up to her father, but I did not like how weak her character was.

I wanted a fresh start, free from any entanglement.

Adam's character is a whole different story. I also liked his character, and I think I liked him more than Katie. At first, his character did not interest me much, but as I kept reading I found out that he is a guy that any girl would fall for. Adam is just your typical good boy-protective, caring, loving, and would jump in front of a bullet to protect the girl he loves. But of course he has a few skeleton in his closest that catch up to him in the new life he is building with Katie.

She is mine, and I am hers. It's as simple as that.

Faith Sullivan delivered a story of love between two people that have an instant connection and attraction towards each other the first moment they lay eyes on each other. But there are a lot of obstacles and situations they have to face in order to be together. Katie and Adam's story is how one guy can help a girl conquer her fears by helping her bring her heartbeat back to life. HeartBeat is just one of those books that you can sit down and read in one sitting. You will never know what to expect and the ending is just one of those 'what just happened here' moments. 

 

Final Verdict: 4 Stars

 

 

Favorite Quotes:

"You don't need more heartache in your life. Just let him go. If he wants you, he'll make a move."

 

 Please turn around. Meet me halfway. Give me the courage I need to make this work.  

 

The sadness in her eyes rocked me to my core. All I want to do is kiss all that pain away. 

 

I'm all in, and I want her to know that I'm playing for keeps. 

 

Buy HeartBeat:

Amazon (Ebook & Paperback)

 Smashwords

Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

I really hate talking about myself. My goal is to have the shortest author bio imaginable. I would much rather have a conversation with my readers.

Are you able to escape within my pages?
Does my writing make you feel something?
Are there characters that you can't get out of your head?

Let me know!

Email me at faithsullivanwrites [at] hotmail [dot] com

Follow me on Twitter at @_FaithSullivan_

Read my blog at http://faithsullivanwrites.blogspot.com

 

Find Faith Sullivan:

Website 

Twitter 

Goodreads 

Short Review: Trying to Get Over You by J.D. Rivera

Title: Trying to Get Over You

 

Author: J.D. Rivera

 

Series: Trying #1

 

Publication Date: June 22, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

 

Source: Received e-arc for blog tour from author

 

Description from Goodreads:

Choices in life are hard.

College student Emily Reynolds has been in a three year relationship with Cooper Thomason but one awful night has left their relationship shaken. She soon finds out she is pregnant and Cooper can’t give up his partying ways. Emily leaves Cooper and tries to find a life without him. She finds out a life without Cooper is harder than she thinks. Will Emily be able to move on from Cooper and find a relationship with another man or run back to him?

 

 

My Thoughts:

This is another book I was super excited to read. When I got my e-arc copy for the blog tour I started reading it that same day. The beginning caught my interest right away but after a few pages it all went down hill for me.
I am going to keep this review short and simple. When I read a book I like to develop a connection towards the characters. If I can't connect with the character, or if they just get on my nerves throughout the story, then I will not be able to really get into the story. This was the case with Trying to Get Over You. I actually felt a connection with the main guys character, Cooper, then Emily's character. I know Cooper did wrong in doing drugs, but he changes when he finds out that Emily is pregnant. He learns his mistakes and he tries everything, and will give up anything to get Emily back. Emily give this guy a break! Everyone deserves a second chance, especially Cooper who was always there for her when they weren't even dating. I would have just left Emily to deal with her own problems, especially when she starts dating a new guy, Ben, to "try to get over" Cooper. This leads to my irritation with Emily's character. She just irritated the hell out of me right after she finds out she is pregnant and leaves Cooper. All of her actions are just wrong, she just keeps hurting herself and Cooper. At first I supported her actions in leaving Cooper, but I had to disagree with her actions further in the story because Cooper changes. Overall, I liked all the other characters, except Ben and Emily, in Trying to Get Over You by J.D. Rivera. The story in general is pretty good, but I think J.D. Rivera can take it up a step :).

Will I be reading the second book in the Trying series? Yes! I just have a feeling that the second book is going to be better than the first book. Like I said before, everyone deserves a second chance. I am going to give Emily's character a second chance, especially since I love Emily and Cooper together :D!  

 

Final Verdict: 3.5 Stars

 

The only reason I gave this Trying to Get Over You 3.5 stars was because I just loved Cooper's character, and I loved the ending :D! 

 

*I received an e-arc from the author for my honest opinion.

 

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About the Author:

I live in Oklahoma with my husband and two boys. My life consists of school projects, homework, cartoon shows, and little league sports. I love Diet Mountain Dew, the OKC Thunder, costume jewelry, the beach, and reading.

 

Where to find J.D. Rivera:

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Short Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Title: The Host
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Series: The Host #1
Publication Date: May 6, 2008
Genre: YA/ Sci-Fi/ Romance
Source: Bought

Description from Goodreads: 

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

My Thoughts:

 

I read Stephanie Meyers Twilight Series and enjoyed the books, but I have to admit that I loved The Host more. 

 

 

I loved all of the characters, especially Melanie/Wanderer and Ian. I also loved Jared, but he was a bit of a jerk most of the time. The love triangle between Jared, Ian, and Melanie/Wanderer was great, because it didn't feel like a love triangle to me. I did not hate it or get tired of it like I usually do with other love triangles in other book series, I believe the reason to this is that Jared loved Melanie and Ian loved Wanda (the host in Melanie's body). I absolutely loved Melanie's and the Wanda's characters. Stephanie Meyer did an amazing job at giving both of these characters their own personality. When I think of Melanie and Wanda, I think that it is sort of like us and our conscious in real life. Overall the characters were freaking amazing.

 

 

The beginning was a little slow for me. There was a lot of description and a few diaglouge. It's a great beginning, because Stephenie explains/describes why the souls came to Earth, and how they live their daily lives. I guess in other words a lot of world building for my own personal taste. Great insight in how Earth has changed, but not too interesting. It starts getting interesting once Melanie/Wanda leave society and go into the desert.

 

Like any other girl I love my swoon moments in books! There are not a lot of swoon moments, but it is not about the quantity in the host, it is about the quality. There are major swoon moments from both Jared and Ian with Melanie and Wanda. What more can a girl ask for? I have to admit that I love both Jared and Ian, because they are both hotties and great guys in their own way. If I had to choose between these two I would probably choose Ian :)!

 

I recommend everyone to read this book! It is still one of my favorite reads, and yes I would probably re-read this book again.  

Final Verdict: 4.5 Stars

The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was because the beginning was very slow for me. 

 

About the Author:

I was born in Connecticut in 1973, during a brief blip in my family's otherwise western U.S. existence. We were settled in Phoenix by the time I was four, and I think of myself as a native. The unusual spelling of my name was a gift from my father, Stephen (+ ie = me). Though I have had my name spelled wrong on pretty much everything my entire life long, I must admit that it makes it easier to google myself now.
I filled the "Jan Brady" spot in my family-the second of three girls. Unlike the Brady's, none of my three brothers are steps, and all of them are younger than all the girls. I went to high school in Scottsdale, Arizona, the kind of place where every fall a few girls would come back to school with new noses and there were Porsches in the student lot (for the record, I have my original nose, and never had a car until after I was in my twenties). I was awarded a National Merit Scholarship, and I used it to pay my way to Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah. I majored in English, but concentrated on literature rather than creative writing, mostly because I didn't consider reading books "work" (as long as I was going to be doing something anyway, I might as well get course credit for it, right?).
 

Where to find Stephenie Meyer:

Website (Keep Updated) 

 

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Where to Buy The Host:

Amazon (Ebook & Paperback) 

 

Barnes & Noble (Ebook & Paperback) 

 

Book Depository (Paperback)