Book Review: Without You by Reylynn Purdue

Without You

By: Reylynn Purdue

Published: January 29, 2017

Source:
eARC from the publisher for an honest review

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GR's Summary:

Roxanne Daniels was supposed to be spending her summer getting ready to head off to Julliard. That was the plan. But that was before-- Before she found her mother’s lifeless body-- Before she walked in on her boyfriend in bed with someone else. Before she knew what heart shattering pain felt like. Now all she wants is for the pain to go away. But it never does. Until him. A complete stranger who could end up being much more. But letting go and moving on is easier said than done.

My Thoughts:

Without You was an emotional read full of angst, heartbreak, and drama.  It was about how painful living can be at times, as well as how rewarding.  It was about loss, love, friendship, and trying to get through the motions of living, when you just want to give up.

Roxy's life is in turmoil.  Her mother died unexpectedly of a brain aneurism, and the day after her funeral, Roxy caught her boyfriend of four years in bed with one of her best friends.  She is in so much pain, that she can't physically get out of bed.  In order to drown out her feelings, she begins taking her mother's old prescription drugs.  Her father is a workaholic who is absent most of the time.  Her brother Ryan and his best friend Brent are trying to help Roxy, but are dealing with their own pain as well.  Her best friend, Tonya, tries her best to be there for Roxy, but no one seems to be able to make her feel better.  

Then, one day, Roxy meets Jordan.  He's good looking, sexy, charming, and sweet.  When Roxy is with him, the pain isn't as bad.  She warns Jordan that she is broken and does not want a relationship.  They can have a fun summer fling, but that is all.  However, as both of their feeling grow for one another, things get complicated, Jordan's patience is tested, and Roxy's trust issue's come to the surface...

Without You was a very addicting read.  I found myself crying throughout the book, because Roxy's heart-wrenching pain and suffering were palpable throughout the book.  At times, her actions seemed a bit immature for an eighteen year old, but she was under duress throughout the story.  I loved Jordan.  He was such a great character, who had a painful past, but had learned from his mistakes, and was very supportive of Roxy.  I loved how loyal and close Roxy and her best friend Tonya were, and enjoyed reading about their friendship.  I liked Roxy's older brother, Ryan, and his best friend, Brent.  They were way too overprotective and smothering, but they really cared about Roxy.  

I thought the story was really long and would have benefitted from being shortened.  There was a lot of back and forth between Roxy and Jordan which drove me crazy at times, but also kept me riveted to the story.  They had a passionate roller coaster type relationship.  Without You ended in a crazy cliffhanger, and has me dying to get my hands on the sequel.

My Rating:

I give, Without You, by Reylynn Purdue 4 Emotional, Heart-Wrenching, Tearful, Passionate Love Filled Stars!

Book Teasers:

Excerpt:

Full disclosure—my ex-boyfriend, who wrecked my world, is about to walk by. I’m begging you to please pretend to know me.” 

I knew how pathetic I sounded, but I would kick myself for that later. 

He slightly tilted his head to the right and gave me a confused smile. 

Then, he just stood there and gaped at me. 

I was now seriously doubting the whole honesty-is-always-the-best-policy idea. 

It sure as hell wasn’t helping me. 

“Roxy?” Kevin called out from a few feet away. 

My insides twisted into knots at the sound of Kevin’s voice.

Please just kill me now. I didn’t know what I was thinking. Oh, right, I wasn’t. 

 I stepped forward, wrapped my arms around the sexy stranger’s neck, and pressed my lips to his. 

Yeah, so this is way more than I asked from him. 

Please don’t push me away. 

I was trying to will this guy not to call me out. 

Surprise and relief flooded my body as I felt his arms wrap around my waist, and he returned the kiss. 

His tongue grazed my lips. 

I parted them, allowing him access. 

Wow… People shouldn’t just grab strangers off the street and kiss them, but damn, this guy could kiss.

About Reylynn Purdue:

Born and raised in California, Reylynn Purdue lives with her loving husband and three beautiful kids. A lover of books, she reads like crazy. She has also always enjoyed writing, but one day, she decided to take it to the next level. She started writing her debut novel in 2013. To say she had no clue what she was doing is an understatement. As of today, she still has no clue what she is doing when it comes to publishing a book, but she is learning as she goes. She loves her story and hopes you will as well. She also finds talking about herself in third person to be very strange, and she kind of hates it.

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Book Review: The Hustle by KJ Bell

The Hustle 

by 

K.J. Bell

Pub January 24^th, 2015

By Author Self Pub 

Summary 

Aidan Hunter’s heart has been broken twice. The first time was his mistake; Tori belonged to his brother. The second time, an entirely different kind of void remained.

After months of trying to understand how Maria perpetrated such heartless betrayal, the only thing Aidan has left is the desire to seek revenge. With everything in place to work the hustle of a lifetime, Aidan learns the truth and he’ll stop at nothing to get Maria back.

Only in an unexpected twist, Peyton Miles, a woman completely opposite of Maria, begins to worm her way into Aidan’s heart. She’s mature, sexy and confident, and she doesn’t need to be saved.

When an irreversible mistake is made, Aidan loses both women.

Fate has other plans and a second chance emerges. Can Aidan let go of the guilt he carries and allow himself happiness? Or will he continue to fight his feelings and intentionally sabotage any hope of a relationship?

Missing Pieces

OMG omg omg!! So as y'all know this is how Tug left me...

I loved Tug/ Aidan I totes wanted him to find peace and happiness. This review is going to be a hard one for me to write because.

I

Hate

Spoilers...

As a reader I love picking up a book and finding out all of the surprises myself...ups-Check, downs-Check, and especially that aha moment when everything starts to fall into place!

Moi

Yep thats right so I hate taking that away from readers. I will say this...Aidan finds the happiness he deserves. BUT "Come Easily, It Does Not" Ms Bell has a real knack for delivering the unexpected get ready for a doozy with this one. If you want fireworks you're going to get A-Bomb action. All of the great things I've come to love from this Author were all there. 

Relatable Characters-Check, Fun, Gripping, Engaging, Suspenseful Read-Check, Check, Check, and Check.

Oh! and my Fav... sleeplessness caused by a super addictive read. 

T-ug, with only one thing in mind life has once again become a complete void. 
H-elp, knowing the pain he is in Tug makes a decision he feels will bring him the peace he seeks.
E-cho, regrets and mistakes from the past continue to haunt Tug he will take the necessary action to make the pain stop. 

H-elpless, there are certain situations that people find themselves in that cause asphyxiation.
U-nrelenting, things no longer make sense but what has started cannot be undone. 
S-trength, Aidan has given his heart away for the last time now only one person holds it freely.
T-rust, defeating ones demons is a near impossible feat but all things done with love have brilliant results. 
L-ife, the road has been rocky to say the least but Aidan could not have achieved being so happy without taking a risk.
E-mbracing, through the pain many remarkable things have happened and Tug's transition into Aidan came at the perfect time.


Gah! There where so many moments that I balled like a baby and I could not believe some of those twists and turns. Get ready for a drama filled addictive page turner that will have you panting for answers. 

My Rating

4.0 Coffee, Lobby, Decorating, Raising, Con, Pink, Call, Funnel, Ocean, Texts, Okay, Dates, Javier, Maria, Peyton, Tor...Boys, the true meaning of unconditional love filled stars!

Tug Book Trailer

Trailer Created by 

Becca Manuel 

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Book Review: Falling For Jillian (Love Under the Big Sky #3) by Kristen Proby

Falling For Jillian

Love Under the Big Sky #3

By: 
Kristen Proby

Published:
January 27, 2015

Publisher:
Pocket Books

Source: 
Publisher

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GR's Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the third romance in the Love Under the Big Sky series, featuring a veteran struggling with PTSD and the one woman who can help him recover—and learn to love again. 

Jillian thought she was a city girl through and through; the fast cars, high fashion, and glamour—she loves it all. But when her ex tells her he’s having a baby with his new wife (after Jillian struggled for years to get pregnant), she hightails it back to Montana to cry on the shoulder of her best friend, Cara. 

But in truth, Jillian would rather be comforted by someone else…specifically Zach, Cara’s brother-in-law. Zach is a veteran of the Iraq War who came back to the family ranch to raise his preteen son after the boy’s mother took off. He’s struggling to re-establish a relationship with his son, and warding off the demons of PTSD, which still haunt him. The last thing he needs is bold, brassy Jillian…but why can’t he keep his hands off her?

Love Under the Big Sky Series:

My Review of Loving Cara Here

My Review of Seducing Lauren Here

*Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

I have enjoyed reading the Love Under the Big Sky Series, and getting to know this warm-hearted cast of characters.  Each book in this series is better than the previous one, with my ultimate favorite being, Falling For Jillian.  I was ready to go back to Cunningham Falls, Montana.  This is a small town where the community is close-knit, mother nature is beautiful, and family means everything.

In Falling For Jillian, we get Zack (Josh's twin brother), and Jillian's story.  Jillian lived in L.A. with her husband for several years.  She struggled to get pregnant, which put a strain on their marriage.  When Jillian, caught him in bed with his secretary, she filed for divorce, and decided to return to Cunningham Falls to be close to her best friend, Cara, and brother, Ty.  

Zack is finally home from Iraq, and raising his son Seth, after Seth's mother Kensie abandoned him.  Zack can't get Jillian off of his mind.  They had a one night stand months ago, and he decides to pursue her.  Things are going great with Jillian and Zack.  He is falling in love with Jillian and adores the fact that she loves his son too.  When an unexpected event challenges their relationship, they will both have to decide what they want.

Falling For Jillian was a romance that had me fully invested.  I adored Jillian and Zack.  They were adorable together, and had a great relationship.  They could be sweet, sexy, and goofy with one another.  Zack's son Seth has grown and matured a lot in this installment.  My heart broke when him and Jillian bonded over their dysfunctional and abusive childhood's.

It was wonderful to reunite with Cara and Josh, Tyler and Lo, and Jeff and Nancy as well.  There were many heartfelt moments shared among this group of friends and family.  My favorite moments included their Christmas together, and the end of the story, which had me smiling from ear to ear.  It was the perfect way to wrap up the, Love Under the Big Sky Series!

My Rating:

I give, Falling For Jillian, 4.5 Magical Christmas Memories,  Sexy Love, Heartfelt Romance, and Happily Ever After Filled Stars!

Book Teasers:

Purchase At:

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About Kristen Proby:

Kristen is the author of the Amazon and USA Today bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

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Blog Tour: Bringing Home the Bad Boy (Second Chance #1) by Jessica Lemmon

Bringing Home the Bad Boy

Second Chance #1

By: Jessica Lemmon

Published:
January 27, 2015

Publisher:
Forever Romance

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About Bringing Home the Bad Boy:

Creativity is his drug, painting is his escape, but she'll be the addiction that brings him to his knees. Evan Downey buried a part of his soul when put the love of his life in the ground. He knows he needs to get his shit together for the sake of their son, but escaping into his art is the only way he can begin to cope with Rae's death. When the chance to move back to Evergreen Cove, one of the few places that has ever felt right to him, he knows it's a chance he has to take. For his sake, and his sons. Charlotte Harris would give anything to have her best friend back. But if she can't have Rae, then she vows she'll at least be there to support the family Rae left behind. So when she learns that Evan is looking to move home, she does everything she can to help him and Lyon re-build their lives at the Cove. But when sparks start to fly between Charlotte and Evan it's the first glimpse of something bright and beautiful either of them has seen in far too long. And they start to wonder if fate has offered them a second chance at happiness-- if only their brave enough to take the risk and let love back into their lives.           

Second Chance Series:

Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

Evan Downey has been suffering tremendously for the last four years, after his beloved wife, Rae, died unexpectedly and left him a single father to their son, Lionel "Lyon."  Evan suffers from nightmares, and everything around him reminds him of Rae.  He decides to uproot himself and Lyon to Evergreen Cove, so that they can have a fresh start by creating new memories.  Also, they will be close to Lyon's maternal grandparents, and Charlotte "Charlie" Harris, who Lyon considers to be like an aunt.

Charlie was devastated when her best friend Rae died.  Her own mother died when she was young, and her father abandoned her and her sister.  She was closer to Rae than her own sibling, who is emotionally distant.  Then, her long-term boyfriend, Russell left her for another woman with children, who he then married, after telling Charlie that he never wanted to get married or have children.  Charlie is excited to have Evan and Lyon as neighbors.  She wants to take care of the Downey Boys, as she promised after Rae's death.

As Charlie begins spending a lot of time with Evan and Lyon, an attraction between her and Evan begins to grow.  Charlie has feelings of guilt like she is betraying Rae, and stealing her family.  However, Charlie makes Evan and Lyon really happy.  Will Evan be able to make Charlie see that she is not betraying Rae's memory, but rather her best friend's memory lives through her, and she brings healing, love, and joy in to Evan and Lyon's lives?

Bringing Home the Bad Boy was such a bittersweet romance.  It was really sad and difficult for me to read about Evan's pain as he mourned his wife.  My heart broke for him, and his son, who was just three years old when his mother died.  I almost died when my daughter was five months old, and this made me contemplate what my husband and daughter's lives would have been like, if I had not lived.  I loved the connection and special relationship that Charlie and Lyon shared.  It was very heartwarming.  The strong friendship between Evan and Charlie along with the new way Evan viewed Charlie, made for a great dynamic between the two of them.  The sexual chemistry between them was strong, and they both healed a broken part of one another.

I enjoyed getting to know Gloria "Glo" and Asher, and hope that the two of them will get a book in the series!  Asher has a lot of growing up to do, but he is a very likable and big hearted character!  Glo is a fun character with her blunt, take charge, sassy, and fun personality as well. 

This story had a lot of sexy times!  Especially, a scene involving paint!  There were some really funny times as well, my favorite of which was at the end of the story!  I was chuckling from a particular scene that is sure to make quite an impression!  

     

My Rating:

I give, Bringing Home the Bad Boy, by Jessica Lemmon, 4 Second Chance at Love, Endearing, Healing, Sexy Sigh-Worthy Filled Stars!  What an excellent beginning to a new series!  I can't wait to read the sequel, Rescuing the Bad Boy, which will be about Charlie's best friend, Sophie, and Donovan, Evan's good friend.   

My Favorite Quote:

"After bottling that longing, Evan had come along and shaken her up.  No wonder she'd exploded, all the want flooding over her like an erupting soda.  Now, imaginary, effervescent bubbles popped along the surface of her skin whenever she thought of him.  It was a great feeling; one her body wanted more of."  (eARC, Loc. 1936)

~Charlie

Book Excerpt:

     Know why I moved here?” he asked, keeping his voice low.        She wrenched her eyes from his and focused on a spot over his shoulder. 
     “Because you didn’t want to live in Columbus anymore.” That’s what he’d told her. That he wanted a change. That he and Lyon had outgrown the house. And, she imagined it’d be hard to live in the house where Rae had passed. 
     “But why here?” 
     “Um…” 
      His fingers grazed her jaw and turned her head, his palm moving to her neck where he cupped her nape and forced her eyes to his. 
      Reluctantly, she met them. 
     “Rae’s more alive when you’re around, Ace.” 
      Her heart, oh her heart. Kicking against her chest in a confusing, hectic rhythm. 
     “You bring her to life for Lyon—more than anyone else. I need him to remember her because he can’t remember her alive.” His hold stayed, his palm warming her neck, his gaze unwavering. 
      She tried to separate the two feelings she was having—one that she was now talking about Rae with Evan and two, that he was touching her while talking about Rae. 
      Before she could, his lips closed over hers. 
      Her thoughts short-circuited. 
      This wasn’t anything like a soft peck hello. This was his lips moving over hers, slanting over hers, warm and firm and then his mouth opened and— 
      Oh my gosh! 
      His wet, warm tongue slid along the seam of her lips and she stopped being passive and started kissing him back. When she would have touched her tongue to his, he relocated it, running along her bottom lip instead and tugging with his teeth
      If she’d been standing, her knees would have given out and dropped her right on her butt. 
      And then there was the palm on her neck, now spearing up through her hair and clutching onto a handful of it. He held her captive, his hand fisting her hair as he angled his mouth again. In response to the soft whimper escaping her throat, he swept his tongue into her mouth. He tangled his tongue with hers once, twice, and released her. 
      When he pulled his mouth away, a long, satisfied sigh escaped her lips. Because that was a kiss. A kiss to rival all other kisses. 
      She opened her eyes to realize A) she’d closed her eyes and B) she’d at some point wrapped both hands around his forearms where she was holding tight and C) Evan looked as please as she felt. 
     “God damn, Ace. Your mouth.” His eyes flicked to her lips. Lips still tingling from the rough scrape from the stubble surrounding his. 
      She concurred with that sentiment. Not that she said anything. She’d gone dumb; completely mute. 
      He backed away, but held onto her chin and tweaked it lightly with the rough pad of one thumb. “That’s the way this is gonna go from now on.” 
      Her breathing went shallow, her thoughts went muzzy and her head blurred as her heart palpated to the point of panic attack. 
      “Sorry, Rae.” 
      She didn’t mean to say it, and it had only been a whisper, but by the look twisting Evan’s face—the angry look twisting his face—he’d heard. And he hadn’t liked what he’d heard.
     “Sorry,” she said to him this time. “I should go.”
     Unbelievably, he leaned closer. She pulled her chin back until she realized she likely had a double chin, then settled her head on her neck in a more reasonable position. 
     Gosh. He was making her crazy.

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About Jessica Lemmon:

Jessica Lemmon has always been a dreamer. At some point, she decided head-in-the-clouds thinking was childish, went out, and got herself a job . . . and then she got another one because that one was lousy. And when that one stopped being fulfilling, she went out and got another . . . and another. Soon it became apparent she'd only be truly happy doing what she loved. And since "eating potato chips" isn't a viable career, she opted to become a writer. With fire in her heart, she dusted off a book she'd started years prior, finished it, and submitted it. It may have been the worst book ever, but it didn't stop her from writing another one. Now she has several books finished, several more started, and even more marinating in her brain (which currently resides in the clouds, thankyouverymuch), and she couldn't be happier. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want. (While eating potato chips.)

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