Book Review: Remind Me (Chasing Fire #1) by Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

Remind Me
Chasing Fire #1

By:
Ann M. Walker
Amy K. Rogers

Published:
April 21, 2015

Publisher:
InterMix

Source:
From the Publisher for a honest review

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GR's Summary:

First in a tantalizing new trilogy about reigniting a forbidden desire from long ago… 

As heiress to a media empire Alessandra Sinclair was raised to put family obligations first. But everything changes the night her first love walks back into her life and turns her whole world upside down. Haunted by the memories of a secret romance with a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, she can't seem to get Hudson Chase out of her mind. Once again torn between two worlds, Allie must decide how much she’s willing to risk to have the love she’s always longed for. 

Ten years is a long time to wait, but billionaire Hudson Chase didn’t become CEO of one of the country’s fastest growing companies by giving up on what he wants. Now that he’s got Allie in his sights again, he’s determined to make her regret breaking his heart. And this time, he’s going to make damn sure he’s not so easy to forget. 

My Thoughts:

Remind Me was the debut novel of author team Ann Marie Walker, and Amy K. Rogers.  When I saw the beautiful book cover, and read the intriguing synopsis, I couldn't wait to read this story!  Remind Me has a second chance at love theme.

This story is about wealthy heiress Alessandra Sinclair, and business tycoon, Hudson Chase.  One summer when Alessandra was just seventeen years old, and Chase, nineteen, they fell madly in love.  At the time Hudson was a poor guy from the wrong side of the tracks. Their romance ended abruptly, and Hudson always felt like it was due to his lack of money and social status.

Currently, ten years later, Alessandra is engaged to marry Julian Laurent, a social snob, and wealthy French Marquis.  Hudson moves to Chicago for business and is caught off guard when he runs into Alessandra at a charity event that she organized.  When the two reconnect, it's like no time has passed between them.  The sexual chemistry is intense, and unresolved feelings between them abundant.  

Julian is going away on business to Paris for two weeks, and in that time Alessandra and Hudson embark in a passionate love affair.  Alessandra plans on leaving Hudson for good at the end of the two weeks, but he's determined to prove to her that the two of them were meant to be...

The beginning of the story was a bit slow paced.  I had trouble connecting with Alessandra, because she let her parents control her life.  I wanted her to break away from them, and grow a backbone, instead of being the puppet that they pulled the strings to control.  I thought that Hudson deserved better, than to be treated as if he was second best.  I loved Hudson's character.  He was ambitious, hardworking, loyal to his younger brother, Nick, and would do anything for those he cared about.  Alessandra's best friend, Harper, was a great secondary character.  She was fun, down-to-earth, likable, and entertaining.

The plot of the story picked up in the middle.  Readers get a variety of plot twists that keep the story entertaining; passionate love scenes between the main characters, and a cliffhanger ending that I was not expecting.  It leaves us right in the middle of a climatic scene, yearning for more!

My Rating:

I give, Remind Me, by Ann Marie Walker, and Amy K. Rogers, 3.5 Dramatic, Endless Passion, Second Chance at Love, Anticipatory Cliff-Hanger Ending Filled Stars!  I am looking forward to continuing this story, and seeing how everything plays out in the next two segments of the Chasing Fire trilogy!!!

Casting by the Authors:

"Alessandra Sinclair"

"Hudson Chase"

Book Teasers:

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About the Authors:

Ann Marie Walker writes steamy contemporary romance and is co-author of the Chasing Fire series (Remind Me, Release Me, Reclaim Me) from Penguin Books. She and her writing partner Amy K. Rogers met instantly bonded over their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British supermodel David Gandy. Ann Marie attended the University of Notre Dame and currently lives in Chicago. 

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***

Amy K. Rogers writes contemporary romance and is co-author of the Chasing Fire series (Remind Me, Release Me, Reclaim Me) from Penguin Books. She and her writing partner Ann Marie Walker met online and instantly bonded over their love of alpha males, martinis and British supermodel David Gandy. You can find her on twitter as @Amy_KRogers

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Cover Reveal : Again (Fate, #4) by Elizabeth Reyes

Title: Again (Fate, #4)

Author: Elizabeth Reyes

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date:  Summer 2015

Organized by: As the Pages Turn

Cover Designed by: 

Amanda Simpson of Pixel Mischief Design

Synopsis

No regrets. Just lessons learned.

Having lived through the torment of losing his first love to someone else—all because he never spoke up—Sydney Maricopa vowed never to repeat that mistake again.

So when he finally admits he’s fallen for his new best friend, he refuses to lose her too, especially once he realizes his feelings for her might be requited. There’s only one problem.

Her perfect boyfriend.

Still, Sydney’s determined to fight for the girl he loves this time. He has what it takes to go up against Mr. Perfect. Most importantly, he and his new best friend have something even her boyfriend can’t compete with—their profound connection. One he intends to use to win her over.

Until he finds out what she’d be giving up if she chooses Sydney.

Something no one should ever give up. Would he dream of selfishly asking her to? Or should he do the honorable thing and sacrifice his own happiness for hers? Allow the girl he loves to sail off into the sunset with another man as he stands back and watches in agony . . .again?

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USA Today Bestselling Author, Elizabeth Reyes continues to answer to her calling on a daily basis. Since releasing her debut novel Forever Mine (Moreno Brothers #1) in 2010 she has now published 9 full length novels total and fast at work on the next. The excitement her Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, and Fate series have garnered has far exceeded her wildest dreams. It is with as much excitement that she’ll continue to put out books related to these series as well as introduce brand new ones very soon.

In 2014 she will take her next step in the exciting world of writing and publish her first traditionally published book with Simon & Schuster/Atria. But she will continue putting out self-published books as well.

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Cover Reveal : Immortals After Dark Series by Kresley Cole

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night

Immortals After Dark, #4

by Kresley Cole

Synopsis:

Her breathless kiss haunts him... 

Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed—until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive. 

His slow, hot touch is irresistible... 

Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go. 

No deed is too wicked for her seduction... 

If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul—or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?

*****************************

Dark Needs at Night's Edge

Immortals After Dark, #5

by Kresley Cole

Synopsis:

A raven-haired temptress of the dark...

Naomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers -- until she encounters a ruthless 

A vampire warrior consumed by madness...

To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth's brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own. 

How Far will he go to claim her?

Yet even if Conrad can win Naomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

Lift4Autism Giveaway Week 4

Lift4Autism:

The last week of LIFT is here! What an amazing ride the last month has been, raising awareness, acceptance and action on behalf of families living with Autism.

And if you missed the LIFT t-shirts, there’s still a chance! Reserve yours in our “round two” LIFT order today! Don’t be left out when we have LIFT selfie day!

This week’s MegaGiveaway highlights and benefits Autism Speaks, the largest Autism organization in the world, fighting for research, legislation and services for ASD families.

And our LIFT "anchor" authors, bringing it home this last week with amazing prizes:

A. Meredith Walters

Angie McKeon

Claudia Burgoa

Cora Brent

D. Kelly

Elizabeth Kelly

Freya Barker

Gypsy Rae Choszer

Jacinda Buchmann

Kemmie Michaels

Kennedy Ryan

Laurelin Paige

S.C. Stephens

Mega Giveaway:
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Good luck and #LIFTOff!

Book Review: Be Not Afraid by Cecilia Galante

Be Not Afraid

By:
Cecilia Galante

Release Date:
April 28, 2015

Publisher:
Random House Books for Young Readers

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GR's Summary:

Marin spends a lot of time avoiding things. She avoids thinking about her mother's suicide and what she could have done to prevent it. She avoids looking at people directly-because she can see their pain as bright, colorful shapes. And she avoids Cassie Jackson, who used her in a sinister ritual months ago, although Marin's not exactly sure why. 

When Cassie stands up at school, screaming, raking her nails down her cheeks, and pointing a finger at Marin, whispering "YOU," Marin's days of avoidance come to an abrupt end. Cassie's older brother believes that Marin holds the secret to Cassie's illness. So they team up to solve the mystery of what Cassie has unleashed. But as they look deeper into the darkness and things begin to go bump in the night, can Marin trust what she sees? 

Cecilia Galante, author of The Patron Saint of Butterflies, presents a chilling story with horror-movie thrills and nail-biting suspense. Perfect for fans of American Horror Story, Paranormal Activity, and The Exorcist, and readers who love to feel goose bumps.

My Thoughts:

I love horror stories, and it has been way too long since I've read one.  Be Not Afraid reeled me in, and hooked me.  I devoured this story.  I hadn't read anything written by Cecilia Galante, but after this story, I am looking forward to reading more of her work.  Let me tell you why!  For one, I love Ms. Galante's writing style.  Her prose are hauntingly beautiful, and there's almost a poetic feel to her writing.  The way she describes everything is perfect!  She doesn't over describe, where you get bored and bogged down by too many details, and she doesn't under describe.  She tells the story in such a way where you can picture the setting, and the events unfolding perfectly inside of your head; to the point where you feel as though you are a part of the story right alongside the characters.

If you are looking for a fast-paced, entertaining, and addicting young adult paranormal horror story, have I got one for you!  Be Not Afraid was superb!  I cannot gush enough about this supernatural story full of unexpected twists, and on the edge of your seat plot developments!

The main character, Marin, can see people's pain.  As she looks at a person she can see various colors that indicate to her if a person has any type of pain, from trace amounts, like a cut, all the way to more serious types of pain, like heart trouble.  She came in to this ability after her mother's tragic suicide.

Cassie, a classmate of Marin's that attends the same private Catholic high school, has a bone chilling, traumatic episode at mass.  Cassie's older brother, Dominic, seeks Marin's assistance in trying to figure out what is wrong with his sister.  Cassie is no longer herself.  She has been acting strange, and violent.  Dominic thinks that Marin might be the key to solving Cassie's condition, due to the fact that his sister singled out Marin at Mass, keeps begging for her presence, and her behavior changed after Marin visited her one day six months ago...

Be Not Afraid was a sinister story that was full of mystery.  Ms. Galante spoon feeds us bits and pieces of the puzzle, until we end up with the terrifying conclusion.  I loved every moment of trying to figure out more about Marin and her ability, as well as Cassie's condition, and what happened between the two girls six months ago.  The anticipation had me speedily turning the pages, as I tried to solve the mysteries.  

My Rating:

I give, Be Not Afraid, by Cecilia Galante, 4 Eerie, Insidious, Malevolent, Twisted, Mystery Filled Stars!  Fans of books and movies on demon possession, and exorcism, that involve horror and paranormal events will enjoy this creepy and chilling tale.

My Favorite Quote:

"You still have things to do, places to see.  But you won't be able to do them unless you make the choice again to believe in yourself.  To believe in your own goodness.  Because I'm pretty sure after all this time, that that's what God is.  The goodness in us.  That's his gift to us.  Our blessing."  (eARC, Loc. 3450)

~Marin

Purchase At:


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About Cecilia Galante:

Cecilia Galante was born in June of 1971. Raised in a religious commune until the age of fifteen, she subsequently settled with her family in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where she attended high school, and graduated from King’s College. A high school English teacher for several years, she went on to complete her MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College, Vermont, and is currently teaching fiction at Wilkes University’s Graduate Creative Writing Program. 

Cecilia honestly can’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing something. From very early stories (passed down from her father) about two baby bears named Ruby and Looby, to horrible poetry about sadness and chocolate cake in her teen years, she has pretty much found the time to write it all down. She didn’t set out to be a children’s author, either. That just sort of happened, the way a lot of things do in life. It also took her a long, long time to get published. Years and years. And then a few more years after that. She wanted to give up lots of times. As in too many to count. But she didn’t. For some reason, the burning desire to tell her stories was stronger than the worst despair on the absolute worst day. And so she kept at it. She’s glad she did. Now, she is the author of numerous young adult and middle grade novels, as well as a chapter book series for early readers.

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Book Review : Getting Lucky Number Seven by Cindi Madsen

Getting Lucky Number Seven

by Cindi Madsen

Release Date:
April 28th, 2015

Publisher:
Entangled:
Embrace

Source:
Publisher via NetGalley

eARC received in exchange of honest review

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Synopsis:

What's your lucky number? 

Lyla Wilder is done being the shy, chemistry nerd extraordinaire. While every other college student is out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well, she's played it "safe" quite enough, thank you. So she creates a "College Bucket List"―with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex... 

But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend. 

Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla's transformation would be subtle. Man, was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he's not careful, he'll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might just be her lucky #7...

Purchase links:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Review:

Getting Lucky Number Seven, by Cindi Madsen, was such a fantastic reading escape! I was really excited to read this book from the moment I saw it floating around my social media news feed. I read a lot of NA books and I needed one that was different. I wanted to enjoy a NA book that did not leave me emotionally drained. GLNS was a breath of fresh air that kept me glued to my seat from beginning to end!

I had a blast following Lyla on her journey. When she started writing a list of stuff she wanted to do to step out of her comfort zone, she had no idea that she would end up falling for her best friend. Beck as always been there for her since they met, but she never felt for him what she's feeling  now. When Beck takes a look at Lyla's list, he makes it his mission to help her out. What he did not know is that item number seven on the list would turn his world upside down. Beck knows that he's the person that could rock her world and he spends every moment showing Lyla what she's been missing. He can handle no strings attached, one-night stands and all the jazz that comes with his man-whore reputation, but what he can't handle is getting too close to Lyla. Every moment spent with her is fantastic, but the demons of his past have a way of making him take a step back from Lyla. Will he be able to forget about the past and give his relationship with Lyla a chance?

The blurb of this book does a pretty good job at describing Lyla and Beck's story. Shy girl falls for her hot and sexy best friend. Even if the storyline was predictable what made this book a fantastic read is that Lyla and Beck stole the show. From the first chapter to the last you won't be able to not fall in love with them! They have an incredible chemistry and their friendship is absolutely beautiful!!! This book was fun and sexy! Lyla and Beck are exactly the kind of friends I would hang out with. You could feel the strong bond that they had. What I loved about them is that I saw them slowly falling in love with each other. Their movie nights, the cute text conversations everything about the way they were around each other put a smile on my face and butterflies in my stomach!

Overall, this was a sexy, fun and captivating reading escape that I highly recommend! I love Lyla and Beck to pieces!! What I loved the most about this book is that it was light on drama and heavy on the romance. For most of the book you see Lyla and Beck in "friendship mode" and that was awesome! I don't think the flow of the story would have been the same if I would not have seen them around each other like that. Sexy times came later, but they totally have chemistry that will leave you wanting more! Fantastic work by Cindi Madsen!!

Rating:

I give Getting Lucky Number Seven, by Cindi Madsen, 4 swoony, flirtatious, best-friends-turn-to-lovers stars!

About the Author:

Cindi Madsen is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

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