How can I do this review? I think maybe start by saying each book was great! The best part of the trilogy is that they are all there at once. Bingo instant gratification. So what if there is a cliffhanger, epilogue or a dreaded … You go on to the next one immediately  I don’t like to wait. In a small town, it’s hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart. That’s just what Briana has to do after Colin leaves her to follow his dreams. She focuses her energy into her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when she finally feels like she’s on the right path, he comes back to town.

Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. So this book started of with a big sigh and a WTF was that? How could he do this? I guess in his small pea sized man brain he thought he was doing the right thing. When he thinks he has moved on and she holds the biggest grudge they are thrown together in the town where it all started. Collin may have a redeeming quality after all. Well this is a short, to the point, knock down drag it out book. I loved Bree and her feisty attitude is one to read an enjoy.

There is a lot of the small town feel to enjoy. Lovers of chick lit will grab it up and put Briana up on a pedestal which is where I think she belongs. The other star of the book was Kent. Please read it and understand why I adore him. The name Kent is very cool too!

Up until now, Nicole’s life has been mapped out for her. She’d go to college, marry Jake and become the upstanding minister’s wife. Poor me I didn’t think arranged marriages went on and especially in Texas. I guess when ministry issues and money rule, they are arranged or do we say anticipated? Either way Nicole has the biggest set of **** and left. YOU go girl! She was not having it! Going to a new begining, she meets Kent. Yes my doll Kent. He is not really resistant but has some lingering feelings about being jilted. An exceptional read (as any lover of Kent would say)

He had a love for his twin sister Roni that was probably the most fierce I have outside of a Kristen Ashley book. If anyone looked, said, or gestured inappropriately he was all over it. Love that in a man.

So this is another home run in my opinion. The cast of characters is great and the fact that there was angst, but bearable angst. After a lifetime of learning to protect his heart, can he finally let down his guard? Oh my read it!

Roni’s dreams of becoming a contemporary dancer were smashed under the brutal rage of her ex-husband’s fists. WOW! This was by far the best in the series. I am such a fan! That being said, I am so going to rave about this one too! Getting divorced and starting over was not something Roni thought she would do. When she arrived in the last book, I sort of loved her and knew there was depth there. This was a much more emotional read than the others. I thought the plot and the suspense aspect added to the reveal so much that the outcome was fireworks!

Rich, a player with a heart puts all his cash into opening a Rec Center. Now here come the Roni that was hidden under the shell. She turns out to be fun, loving and open. Great character development. Now I know there are so many people I want to see in the next book. Is there a next book? Gosh I hope so. The characters and this small town vibe is too good to waste. PLEASE dont waste it. I want more!

Purchase Links:

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trust-in-me-bethany-lopez/1114511772?ean=2940016196398

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFFDEKW

 About the Author

Bethany Lopez was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. She went to High School at Dearborn High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she has set her Young Adult series. She is married and has a blended family with five children. She is currently serving in the United States Air Force as a Recruiter in Los Angeles, California. She has always loved to read and write and has seen her dream realized by independently publishing her novels through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

Author social media links:

IAN – http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/bethany-lopez.html

Webpage – www.bethanylopez.blogspot.com

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/BethanyLopez2

Facebook – http://on.fb.me/LypEaO

Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/bethanylopez2/

 Blurb-

After seventeen year-old Sophie’s mom dies in a tragic accident, she is so engulfed with guilt and sadness, she feels like she could literally, simply lie down and die. But a few months later, on the night she and her friends experiment with a Ouija board, things begin to change in unimaginable ways. Sophie begins to hear, and then see, Nick, a boy who has been dead for two years. This story tells of their blossoming friendship, young love, and how, through Nick, Sophie learns to live again. But even in the spirit world, happiness can’t last forever. There is a dark side to this otherworldly friendship. Not all spirits are good. Sophie’s dreams become haunting, scary nightmares. And soon these nightmares become reality, and lead Nick and Sophie into a battle against this evil spirit. They must fight for her life, but even if they can figure out how to fight a ghost, Sophie isn’t sure she wants to. If she dies, she could be with Nick forever.

FALLING grips emotions and keeps the reader turning pages late into the night.

Links-

Goodreads 

 Amazon 

  About The Author-

Lisa lives near the beach with her daughter and four dogs. She spends every spare moment at the beach, either reading, or surfing, or just sitting and watching the water. That’s also where she does most of her writing, in a notebook, with a pencil. Lisa is a school teacher, and a yoga teacher. She is passionate about dog rescue. As busy as she stays, she is most happy sitting on her sofa, cuddling with her pups.

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Twitter- @LisaRigsbee

 Giveaway Info-

$10 Amazon.com Giftcard

Signed Paperback Copy of ‘Falling’ by Lisa Rigsbee (US ONLY) 

Rafflecopter Code Link-

All the giveaways are listed here 

I want to make it known this is a gift from me. If I like a book and want to share it, I do it from my heart. That being said, the only reviews I will post are really good books that I personally have read and want others to enjoy. If you don’t want the book, then don’t enter to win a copy and cash it in for Amazon credit. This has caused me to again think of another way to show support to authors I love. When you do that it is a “return” and Amazon deducts from the author, not me.

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a Kindle copy of Talania by Crystal D Spears and A special Talania mug, postcards and magnets

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Nolan Lennox had things figured out. Named after a baseball legend, she enjoyed being the Tomboy, her closet filled with her brother’s hand-me-downs, cut-off jeans and soccer shorts. But when her first trip to high school results in a broken heart from the first boy to ever make her heart flutter and cruel words from an older girl she once thought a family friend, Nolan starts to question the very person she thought she was and wonders if her humble upbringing can compete with the afforded luxuries of her privileged peers.

Throughout the next four years, Nolan struggles to maintain herself throughout her path of discovery, learning just how cruel teenagers can be through the pressures of underage drinking, sexuality and class. And despite how life seems to continue to work against her, she still manages to listen to her heart, falling deeper and deeper for the guy the entire town adores, even if he only sees her as a friend. Can Nolan strike a compromise between her own integrity and the boy she loves? And can she make him notice her before it’s too late?

Reed Johnson came to Coolidge High School with a lot of fanfare. The son of a hometown football legend and the brother of a local football hero, Reed wore all the pressures of carrying a town without hope into the spotlight. Thankfully, he had the talent to back it up. But when he meets a girl who makes him think twice about exactly what being a hero means, he starts to wonder if following in his brother’s footsteps might be all wrong.

Nolan Lennox was everything that was opposite of expected. She didn’t flirt, she didn’t drink and she didn’t sleep around. Nothing about her was easy, but something about her made Reed want to try harder. Though she didn’t look the part, she seemed to be spending a lot of time in Reed’s thoughts, and he wondered if she could be the one who made it all worthwhile. But could Reed handle letting her down? And would breaking her heart break him beyond repair?

Waiting on the Sidelines explores young love to its fullest, exposing how real young heartbreak and passion is and how important it is to discover yourself and hold onto your own identity. The story follows two young characters as they deal with mature situations, including the prevalence of bullying and promiscuity in today’s high school setting. Ultimately, Waiting on the Sidelines is a story of hope, honesty and those powerful, first true loves—the ones worth holding onto at any cost.

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Meet Ginger Scott

Scott has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for more than 15 years. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://www.littlemisswrite.com.

Avalynn has been running from her past for a couple of years now….never very far but always extremely fast. With an alcoholic father, a void of a mother and a town full of gossip, she struggles to find her place in the world.The only thing that saved her on her path of self destruction is her beautiful little sister, her miracle. Desperately trying to save Abby from a life that Avalynn has been trying so hard to escape from, she plots to take Abby away.The plan going dangerously astray, leaving Avalynn beaten and broken in what once was the hallway mirror in her childhood home. Avalynn finally comes to in the hospital after nearly being beaten to death. Father-Dead, Mother-Missing, Abby-In foster care–Everything changing in the blink of an eye.

Avalynn immediately sets to work to get her life in order , receive custody of precious Abby and focusing every ounce of attention, giving Abby the the life she deserves. Avalynn, now a 22 year old Elementary School Teacher and New Mommy, struggling to raise a beautiful and feisty five year old whom was just diagnosed with Mild Autism Disorder. Lots of challenges for her to face in the midst. Avalynn is ready to go at them all head on if it means Abby is raised in a happy and healthy home. Abby is the only thing she cares about…not even caring about herself or her life…that is…until she meets him. The man that can shatter her entire world with one glance. Their relationship a roller coaster ride from start to finish. One that Avalynn never wants to get off of..but she may not have a choice. Her happily ever after coming to a screeching halt yet again. Heartbreak, love, loss and hope–This story has it all, In Spades.

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Meet the author:

I am 22 years young.
I love to read, write and sing.
I am an assistant manager for an assisted living program. I have high hopes to get my degree in Music Therapy as I enjoy helping people.
I have a crazy cockapoo dog that I consider my bratty child. I’m from MI born and raised, never really traveled anywhere else but would love to someday.

What others are saying:

“I loved this book, from start to finish, can’t wait for the next book. ”
Robert R. Azbell  
“It is a great book and well written. ”
Jamie Winston 
“The beginning starts out with a pretty brutal tragedy that makes you want to keep reading just to make sure Ava pulls through everything alright. ” Saralyn 

All the giveaways are listed here 

I want to make it known this is a gift from me. If I like a book and want to share it, I do it from my heart. That being said, the only reviews I will post are really good books that I personally have read and want others to enjoy. If you don’t want the book, then don’t enter to win a copy and cash it in for Amazon credit. This has caused me to again think of another way to show support to authors I love. When you do that it is a “return” and Amazon deducts from the author, not me.

CELEBRATE another California Theme giveaway

a Kindle copy of Talania by Crystal D Spears and A special Talania mug and book marker 

 ENTER to win 

 ###############

Want to read a funny and witty new book from Ellie Campbell??

I loved How to Survive Your Sisters so here is a chance to win all 3 of her books! 

Enter HERE

====[[[[====[[[====]]]====

&&&&&&&&&

ENTER

I am giving away an awesome mug with the logo (which I LOVE) of the book and a kindle copy.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

ENTER

Win this specially made charm bracelet from Jenna’s Jewelry

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

Enter to win a copy of After Math by Denise Grove Swank

and

a Tote Bag from her Merchandise store

Enter 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Enter to win a “Stormy Surrender” Silver Metal Book Marker

Stormy Surrender Kindle copy

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Crystal Donahue’s debut

You and Tequila I am gifting a few Kindle copies

and an awesome Book Marker specially made by Jenna’s Jewelry 

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click her logo to check all of her awesome one of a kind designs

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My Review:

Friends and Lovers was my favorite type of read! I love the romantic suspense so of course I would totally grab this one! What was the MOST appealing was the substance. It was not fluff both Lauren and Wes had really real back story history. Wes always the player had eyes for Sherry’s best friend.He promised his sister that he wouldn’t mess with Lauren. Wes wanted Lauren but Sherry threatened him and told him to leave her be. So for Lauren, she swooned over Wes big time and never said anything to Sherry either. The reveal of that was really enjoyable. I really liked the main characters. Wes was incredibly hot, Lauren was strong and someone you would admire, Sherry was the ultimate BFF. I enjoyed the entire group so, when the events started to unfold I felt much more invested. 

When the back story of Lauren comes out you will be SHOCKED!  I hope that you read it and get the entire impact of her family and the creation of present day Lauren. The book was loaded up with romance, some very swoon worthy moments and tons of bad guys with motives to hurt others. 

Lauren being the Director of the shelter, you sort of know that something from a residents past is going to come up, but the when and why is fabulous. There is humor, love, suspense, romance, family issues, trust and bonding. There were parts that were very thought-provoking. The author and her style are an exact match to my taste, so if you love the romantic suspense type novels this is totally for you! This is a must read!

Author Info:

 

Visit Tara Mills Romance or find me on Facebook ~ Twitter

There’s complicated. And there’s Rowen Sterling. That is an understatement! As with other Nicole Williams books, there is a really great character lead and the supporting cast is bigger than life. Rowen has just been bad news from the beginning. This is not a result of anyone other than her own mother. What an awful way to treat a kid. Her Mom sends her to live with a good friend in an effort to set her on the right path. Any other time, this would have been a great idea, now it is not. The anger and pain she exhibits is a direct result of her mother resenting her. The only thing Rowen wants is to go to art school so she agrees to go to Willow Springs Ranch to work so her Mom ill pay for her schooling. That right there is the only reason Rowen has to survive and exist. Thrive is not even part of her vocabulary.

After a long bus ride to Montana, Rowen is greeted by Jesse. He is her ride to Willow Springs. Right away he is intrigued and then you find out later it is her appearance She is sort of punk and goth and uses that to hide who she is. She even wears color contacts to cover up her bright blue eyes. Jesse actually wants to get to know her. At first I thought well Lord he is in Montana who else has he got to talk to right? He is lonely, then it comes to realization  he is genuine and a nice guy. The reveal as to why he is the way he is comes out. There is more than one reason.

The family owns a farm. Neil and Rose have Jesse the eldest, Lily, Hyacinth and Clementine. Very unique and adorable names. There is a part where Rose says that Peony was not an option. I laughed out loud over that one! Rose and Kate are college friends and complete opposites. Rowen doesn’t get how she can be best friends with her Mom. This woman loves kids, is nurturing and even home schools them year round.  Kate on the other hand is an evil mother   a new boyfriend every month. Other  than the men in her life she cares more about her clothes than Rowen. This a where the book gets really emotional. It deals with a lot of complex issues that have been brushed off.

All of her secrets do eventually come out. No spoilers but I will say there are a few reveals that make up for the unknown. The story behind Rowen is deep. She tries, but is not optimistic and thinks her future will be trashed. It goes to show that not everyone can be a mom and more importantly not everyone wants to be a mom.

 Yes Kate meakes me ill!

The character development takes a slow and steady pace throughout the book. The reveals are fabulous! You will see what shapes Rowen, Jesse and the minor characters like Josie. It was just a fabulous book and a must read. I know it will appeal to just about everyone. I know I took away another life lesson about how parenting is hard, and sometimes a little hurt wont heal. Be kind, loving and nurture your kids! PLEASE read this

READ IT

About the Author

I’m a wife, a mom, a writer. I started writing because I loved it and I’m still writing because I love it. I write young adult because I still believe in true love, kindred spirits, and happy endings. Here’s to staying young at heart *raises champagne glass* . . . care to join me?

Author social media links:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/nwilliamsbooks

Blog: http://nicoleawilliams.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nwilliamsbooks

  Big congrats

Brandelyn

and

Brooke

Brooke won the Notebook giveaway and a copy of

Color of Loneliness

and

Color of Forgiveness [Kindle Edition]
by Madeleine Beckett

Book Description
Publication Date: September 21, 2012
Myra Sommers, an attractive young copy editor living in Philadelphia, makes the tough decision to return to her family home in Nyssa, Oregon. A recent death leaves her with no remaining family, and she decides to heal and regroup there. Her decision to leave is solidified by recent revelations involving her cheating ex-boyfriend, Trent.

Myra parts ways with her only friend, Susie O’Connor, a zany woman who’s more than a little insane. In Nyssa, Myra finds little immediate comfort in her “new” home which is literally falling apart around her. She sinks into a deep depression, exacerbated by her feelings of loneliness and isolation in the small town.

News of Myra’s return takes no time to spread through Nyssa, and she quickly encounters several locals, some friendly, some not. Among the friendly faces is Jim, an elderly neighbor whom she begins to rely on for help and companionship. When she realizes that she’s going to have to hire someone to do repairs on her broken-down home, Jim gives her the name of a local contractor, Dylan Lawson, who has done work for him in the past.

When Myra calls Dylan for an estimate, she’s astounded by the contractor’s gruff, surly demeanor. But she trusts Jim and there are few other options in the small town.

Dylan can’t help but notice that Myra is young, single, and beautiful, which makes him suspicious of her real reason for calling him. The women in Nyssa pursue him relentlessly but he’s not in the least bit interested.

After Myra approves his estimate, Dylan begins the process of repairing her home. While he works, she begins writing a book; that is, when she’s not fielding insane calls from Susie who misses her like crazy.

Slowly, a reluctant friendship develops between the pair, followed by romantic feelings which neither of them can fight. However, their painful past experiences threaten to tear them apart. Can they move beyond their despair and open their hearts to love?

Book Description
Publication Date: March 15, 2013
Myra Sommers is just starting to get her life back on track when everything falls apart. Having had her heart shattered in the past, she hesitates to take a chance on her grumpy, attractive contractor but finds herself falling for him nevertheless. Though she knows the rough yet tender man is keeping his painful past hidden from her, she is stunned when the trust she was beginning to put in him is broken.

Dylan Lawson is fighting back from the darkness and barely existing when he meets Myra. But his inability to open up to her about his past catches up with him, and suddenly their new, fragile relationship is put to the ultimate test. With an inner battle of loss, grief and pain, will Dylan find his second chance and forgiveness in Myra or will he forever be trapped in his past?

A devastating secret is about to be revealed that could either end or strengthen their relationship. Myra could be the key to Dylan’s own healing and forgiveness but can his heart take another chance? With so many obstacles in their way, can they forgive themselves and each other and build a future together? Find out in this final installment of the Color series.