Review ~ The Year We Fell Down (The Ivy Years, #1) by Sarina Bowen

ebook downloaded for free on Amazon

Release Date: March 20th 2014

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
The sport she loves is out of reach. The boy she loves has someone else.
What now?

She expected to start Harkness College as a varsity ice hockey player. But a serious accident means that Corey Callahan will start school in a wheelchair instead.

Across the hall, in the other handicapped-accessible dorm room, lives the too-delicious-to-be real Adam Hartley, another would-be hockey star with his leg broken in two places. He’s way out of Corey’s league.

Also, he’s taken.

Nevertheless, an unlikely alliance blooms between Corey and Hartley in the “gimp ghetto” of McHerrin Hall. Over tequila, perilously balanced dining hall trays, and video games, the two cope with disappointments that nobody else understands.

They’re just friends, of course, until one night when things fall apart. Or fall together. All Corey knows is that she’s falling. Hard.

But will Hartley set aside his trophy girl to love someone as broken as Corey? If he won’t, she will need to find the courage to make a life for herself at Harkness — one which does not revolve around the sport she can no longer play, or the brown-eyed boy who’s afraid to love her back.

My Opinion

This is a first time read for me by this author, but I can guarantee it won't be the last, especially in this series. I'm so glad I caught this book when it was free on Amazon and finally made time to read it unlike so many other freebies that remain unread on my Kindle.

The Year We Fell Down was a touching and humbling read. It's not every day I read a book where the characters are disabled, and it was refreshing to read about. I also thought the author did it in a great way by making Corey a strong female who was a fighter. She didn't let her accident get the better of her when she could have easily given up. Right from the start she was fighting to get to university and her independence even though she's wheelchair bound. I felt for her, yet I never felt sorry for her. She was a likeable character you wanted to the best for.

As for the romance, I thought the build and progression was good. It had a steady friendship to more feel and I thought the characterisations were great. Hartley and Corey worked together. There was a click that just made their conversations flow, and it was easy to see he cared, but also got her. It was a sweet romance.


Overall, I was definitely surprised by this book. It was a great read that leaves you feeling humbled and grateful for what you most probably take for granted.

5

Review ~ Talk to Me (Public Lives, #1) by Clare James

ebook downloaded for free fr[om Amazon.

Release Date: June 9th 2014

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Finn Daley took the world by storm two years ago when he was drafted by the NHL. The young, handsome, high-scoring player quickly became a fan favorite. He had everything going for him: fame, fortune, a promising career, and his pick of women. But when he made an abrupt exit from the NHL last spring, everything changed and he’s been in hiding ever since.

Casey Scott plans to find out why.

After interning for free all summer at the top television station in the Twin Cities, Casey lands an on-air gig. Trouble is, the new role is Sports Girl—which means reporting from local bars and tailgating parties to create excitement for the hometown heroes. All while wearing tiny team jerseys that are so tight they leave little to the imagination.

But she has a plan. Uncover the biggest sports mystery of the decade, and she’ll be on her way. Question is, how far will she go to get the story?

My Opinion

For a freebie this was okay, even if it leaves you on a cliffhanger. It's a fast paced read, but for me it didn't really go anywhere. Talk to Me is like a build up. What's going to happen keeps being hinted at, but it never quite gets there. I'm assuming that comes in book two.

For me it was paced a little too quickly. There wasn't enough development with the characters or relationship. It all seemed too sudden so I couldn't buy into it. I think the author tried to create intrigue over too many questions. What was Finn hiding? Why did he retire? Would Casey betray him? What story did she sell? The list goes on. For me there were too many unanswered questions by the end of the book. Rather than make me want to read on I'm kind of left feeling what was the point in it as there wasn't the slightest resolve or answer.


Overall, I can't complain too much since it was free. It was an okay read that did hold my interest; the lack of answers was just disappointing.

3

Book Blitz + Giveaway ~ If I Told You by Jennifer Domenico

Title: If I Told You   

Author: Jennifer Domenico

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb:

He's the sexiest man I've ever seen.

He strong, confident, and loyal.

He's everything to me,

And I'd rather die than lose him,

Which is why Flynn Buchanan is my best friend.

But lately, things have changed.

We changed.

I can feel the shift--the difference.

Stirrings.

Questions.

Yearnings.

I'm starting to wonder...

What if I told him that what I need,

What I want,

Is him?

She's the sexiest woman I've ever known.

She's fiery, smart, and has my back.

She's been there for me through it all.

I can't imagine a second of my life without her,

Which is why Brooklyn Ames is my best friend.

The only woman I want,

And the only one I can't have.

But lately…

I'm starting to wonder...

What if I told her that all I want,

All I desire,

Is her?

Review

If I Told You is a first time read for me with this author. I'm a big fan of the friends-to-lovers trope so I started this as soon as it appeared on my Kindle.

Now that I've finished it I'm not sure what to make of it. It held my attention and kept my interest, but there were quite a few 'wtf?' moments where I questioned what I was reading.

If I Told You centres around Brooklyn and Flynn. They're best friends who live together, but are both denying their feelings for each other due to the fact they don't want to mess up their friendship. For the majority of the book they are in denial--about 60% actually. While the story held my interest there were times I wished they'd hurry up and admit their feelings. It seemed to be dragged out too much and it made them feel stupid after a certain length of time in my opinion. Also, I didn't quite get the situation with Rhys. He was a weird character I couldn't get my head around.

Anyway, overall it was still an enjoyable read. There are some strange moments and the pacing could have been a little better but it's still an okay romance.

3

One day, many months ago, Jennifer Domenico went to sleep and a beautiful love story played out in her dreams.

When she awoke, she felt compelled to write it down. So she did. The result was her first novel, Turn Towards the Sun and a writing career was born.

Ms. Domenico lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her very Italian husband, a dog that adores her, two cats that tolerate her, and a wicked sweet tooth.

Author Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/28Wtk2X

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6560238.Jennifer_Domenico

Web:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jendomenico

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjendomenico

Pinterest: pinterest.com/jendomenico

Instagram: jendomenicowords

Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jendsbelladonnas/

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/28WtHdM

Other books by Jennifer Domenico:

The Sunflower Trilogy -

~Book One: Turn Towards the Sun - http://amzn.to/295Odi4

~Book Two: After the Rain - http://amzn.to/292RLiR

~Book Three: Forever in Bloom - http://amzn.to/292RyfI

Have my Heart- A Novella - http://amzn.to/292S1yk

Beautifully Twisted - http://amzn.to/295OdP2

Chasing Desire - http://amzn.to/28ZlYik

Londyn Falls - http://amzn.to/295Orpg

Exposed - http://amzn.to/28YscR4

Break Me Down - http://amzn.to/28Z8aSY

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review ~ Defending Hayden (Second Chances, #7) by L.P. Dover

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 28th 2016

Publisher: Loveswept

Description:
No one’s tougher than Carolina Cougars linebacker Derek McLaughlin. But when a fatal car accident claims the life of his girlfriend, Derek finds himself caught in a destructive spiral of drugs, alcohol, and meaningless sex. But not even a string of one-night stands can ease the hurt. Football is all he has left. Then fate leads him back to the scene of the crash, and into the arms of a kind, gorgeous woman who sees past his façade to the man he once was . . . and can be again.

When a chance roadside encounter brings Derek into her life, veterinarian Hayden Hunter isn’t fooled by his bad attitude: All bark and no bite, he’s hiding a wounded heart beneath that gruff demeanor. And Hayden wants to be the one to kiss it all better. Soon they both find that a dose of passion is potent medicine. But when a hidden enemy lashes out at Hayden, Derek steps up to do what he does best: put his body on the line in the name of love.

My Opinion

I think this is the longest I've managed to put off reading an LP Dover ARC to wait until the release date was closer. Still, I couldn't wait any longer today and had to finish Defending Hayden in a matter of hours.

I don't think there's anything I can say I haven't already said about this author. She's one of my favourites and her books never fail to make a bad day better.

Defending Hayden is no exception. The easy flowing story and sweet romance kept me engaged with a smile on my face. The suspense element wasn't as strong in this book and it was quite predictable, but the romance pulled it through. Like always, LP's character are second to none and that's why I love her books so much.


Overall another great read and I can't wait for Luke and Lara's book!

4.5

Review ~ Seared on My Soul by Cole Gibsen

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 27th 2016

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Description:
She’s so young, so full of life…

I couldn’t let her die…

Even if she made the world’s worst coffee.

Emily Garret never asked to be rescued, let alone by a walking JCrew ad whose idea of fun is probably managing his stock portfolio and watching the nightly news. Then again, she never thought she would wind upside-down in a ditch after a night having a little too much fun.

Reece Montgomery never planned on being anyone’s hero, especially the foul-mouthed, bleach-blonde barista from the local coffee shop. He thinks there’s more to Emily than her tattoos, and lip ring, but getting close means letting her into his past and meeting his ghosts.

And he’s not sure she’s ready for that battlefield.

My Opinion

This is the second book by this author I have read now. As soon as I recognised her name and the characters I needed to read it. I loved Lane and Ash's book, and even though they can both be read as standalones, I was pleased to find the author kept Ash and Lane in Seared on My Soul a little bit.

I connected with this book brilliantly, especially Emily. I didn't expect to at the start, but by the end she tugged on my heartstrings. I think she grew and I liked reading about her journey. As for Reece, I couldn't help but feel for him. With PTSD and Survivor's Guilt he's been dealt a rough hand after leaving the military. I sympathised with him greatly and I wanted Em to help him through his pain.

I think the characters worked well in this. They were opposite but also similar. They helped each other without realising it at first until they found it hard to be apart. There was also the chemistry, but it was the emotions that made this a good read for me. The connection between the characters on an emotional level was intense and well crafted.

As for the plot, it's simple and an easy read about a couple helping each other grow through their pains to rediscover themselves. It held my interest well and I couldn't put it down.


Overall, another great read by this author. I will Definitely be look out for future work.

4

Blog Tour Review ~ Say You'll Stay by Corinne Michaels

eARC received via InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review.

Release Date: June 20th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
One word. 
Stay. 

It was all he had to do. Instead, he got on that bus and took my heart with him. 

That was seventeen years ago. 

I moved on. Marriage. Kids. White picket fence. Everything I ever wanted, but my husband betrayed me and I was left once again. 

Alone, penniless, and with two boys, I had no choice but to return to Tennessee. He wasn’t supposed to be there. I should’ve been safe. However, fate has a way of stepping in.

This time around, the tables are turned. It’s my decision. Second chances do exist, but I don’t know if we can repair what’s already been broken . . .

** This is a STANDALONE **

My Opinion

This was another great read by Corinne. I discovered her late last year through a signing I went to over the weekend. It was a shame she couldn't make it in the end, but I will forever be grateful it introduced me to her work.

Say You'll Stay has a powerful, heart wrenching start. In fact the emotional journey throughout the entire book is intense and a roller coaster. The author did a great job of creating characters I engaged with and fell in love with their story.

Presley and Zach were perfect for each other. The chemistry was definitely there, but the relationship was also grounded by the real problems they face. I won't say any more, but they were characters I rooted for and fell in love with.


Overall, a really great read. It was emotional, powerful, but also sweet and tender with the romance and second chance element. I can't wait for Wyatt's book. 

5

Review ~ Deadly Odds (Casino Fortuna, #1) by Adrienne Giordano

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 26th 2016

Publisher: ALG Publishing

Description:
At Casino Fortuna, stakes are high and the nights are hot…

FBI agent-turned-consultant Kate Daniels hit the jackpot with her new assignment. A cheat is cashing in on the Strip, and she’s hired by Vegas’ biggest name to ensure his glamorous casino isn’t a target. Fortuna is a high roller’s paradise, all gleaming marble and dollar signs. Even a single flaw in security could cost big bucks. Kate can’t afford distractions. Especially the tall, dark and perfectly chiseled kind. Business and pleasure don’t mix. And sleeping with the boss is a dangerous gamble.

Fortuna’s VP of casino operations, Ross Cooper, is gaming’s golden boy. He’s got a head for business, an eye for beautiful women, and a love for the Vegas lifestyle. When he spots a gorgeous redhead casing his blackjack tables, Ross is more than a little intrigued—he’s suspicious. But Kate is no thief…she’s working for him? Ross hates surprises almost as much as the idea of trouble in his casino.

Kate quickly proves she’s more than a pretty face. Her instincts and smarts are just as enticing. And when her investigation turns deadly, Ross will risk it all to keep her by his side.

My Opinion

This is a first time read for me by this author and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Deadly Odds kept me hooked the entire way through. I liked the Vegas and casino setting, and I thought the author did a great job of creating a believable environment for the characters. It was clear she'd done her research. I will admit not everything was explained well at times, especially when using technical terms. I'm not sure if there are different names for cons and such in the US, but I know quite a bit about sleight of hand and couldn't always imagine what was going on. Small complaint though.

For the most part I really enjoyed the story. I thought the plot was great, the characters were strong, and there was definitely a spark between Ross and Kate. The book was paced well and the relationships and events moved at a good speed. It wasn't too quick, and it didn't drag either. I also liked the banter between Ross, Don, and Marcia. Don put a smile on my face more than once. It added a little humour to the book.


Even if the cheat was kind of obvious, I still enjoyed this book. I'd definitely recommend it and will more than likely look out for this author in the future.

4

Review ~ A Measure of Love (A Pound of Flesh, #3) by Sophie Jackson

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 21st 2016

Publisher: Gallery Books

Description:
Life in New York for ex-con Riley Moore is pretty damn good, until a call from his mother shatters the calm: his father has suffered his second heart attack in two years and is in a critical condition. Leaving everything behind, Riley flies home to Michigan for the first time in five years to support his mother and do his best to make amends with his father. He also tries not to think about Lexie Pierce, the only girl he ever truly cared about, and who broke his heart.

When they inevitably meet, memories of their love make Riley yearn to reconnect, despite the pain they both suffered. Though she's wary, and has a secret she’s hidden from him for five years, Lexie has little willpower when it comes to Riley and she agrees. Besides, after all that has gone before, she owes it to both of them to find out if they can love each other again.

Can they both overcome their sorrow and secrets and finally share their life together?

A powerful new voice in modern romance, Sophie Jackson has crafted a passionate love story with unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

My Opinion

A Measure of Love was an adorable, heartwarming, and endearing read. I'm so glad I found this author when I did because all of the books in this series have drawn me in.

I didn't plan to read this entire book in one morning. In fact, I should have been working. However, I started one chapter and before I knew it I was at 70%. Kind of the point of no return right? No way was I going to put it down with only 30% left so I ended up spending the entire morning reading. I should feel guilty about that, but I'm not. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book.

The characters in this are great, Noah especially. It's paced well and the emotions tug on your heartstrings. For the most part it is a light, sweet read. It's written beautifully and definitely my favourite in the trilogy I think. I just loved Riley. He had a good heart and was always putting others first.


I'm not going to say any more, you'll have to read this book to find out what happens. I'd highly recommend every book in the series, but especially this one.

5

Review ~ Ramping Up (Mavrick Allstars, #1) by Zoe Dawson

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 21st 2016

Publisher: Loveswept (Random House)

Description:
Helena “Lena” Mavrick is ready to prove that she can play with the big boys. Working at her father’s internationally renowned agency, Mavrick Allstars, Lena sets her sights on one of the most coveted phenoms out there: a twenty-four-year-old surfer caught ripping it in a viral skateboarding video. Signing him would be a huge win—and his marketing appeal isn’t the only thing that makes Lena’s heart skip a beat. Trouble is, fraternizing with the client is against company policy.

Professional surfer Gunner Smith lives under the absolute control of his coach—until he takes the ultimate risk and starts over as a skateboarder. Gunner swore he wouldn’t give up his freedom again, but Lena’s out-of-the-blue offer makes him think long and hard. She’s smart, she’s bold, she’s got sponsors lined up around the corner—plus she’s drop-dead gorgeous. He’s just not sure his coach will let him get away that easily, because he’s not just Gunner’s coach, he’s also his father.

Gunner is used to hiding his tortured past. But when his steamy affair with Lena threatens their future, he must decide whether he will sacrifice everything for the woman who’s stolen his heart.

My Opinion

I have mixed feelings on this book. It was the skateboarding element that caught my attention since it isn't really a common sport that's written about, I was curious to see what line the author would take with it and how different it would be.

The skateboarding was definitely my favourite aspect of this book. It felt believable and the author clearly knows her stuff. Moreover, Dawson didn't make Gunner an all out stereotypical skater. He had a few quirks that come with the skater lifestyle, but he didn't come across as this badass who says f-you to society. I thought the author struck the balance well, and it was nice to read about a sport that wasn't MMA, baseball, hockey, or American football.

The part of this book that split my opinion is the romance. On their own Helena and Gunner worked as characters. I liked their personalities and strength. However, I just didn't buy into the chemistry between them. For me the romance wasn't there. It started too early and fast so there was no gradual build. It just didn't work for me.

As well as that I think the author rushed the ending. There is a lot going on in this book--from changing careers, to abuse, to alcoholism, and work place relationships. Some of the threads were well done, but it felt like the author bit off a bit more than she could chew. The ending was a rush to tie up all the loose ends and it seemed to happen in the last 10% without much detail. For me, there either needed to be less threads, or more book. It didn't give me the satisfaction I wanted.


Overall, this was a good read. I liked the skateboarding sections best and it was something different to relax over the weekend with in the sun.

3

Review ~ Off Sides (Off, #1) by Sawyer Bennett

ebook downloaded via Amazon for free.

Release Date: February 21st 2013

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Ryan Burnham is the privileged son of a U.S. Congressman and captain of his university’s hockey team. While he is on the verge of fulfilling his dreams to play in the NHL, his parents want him on a different course. One he is expected to accept for the sake of his family’s public image.

Forced her to abandon her music career after the heart breaking death of her parents, Danny Cross exists on the opposite side of the tracks from Ryan. She is struggling to make her own way, working two jobs, attending college part time and volunteering in a homeless shelter. She is on a mission to build her own success.

With a chance meeting, their vastly different worlds collide, causing each to evaluate whether they are truly on the correct path to self-fulfillment and happiness. Can their relationship survive? Particularly when others are against them every step of the way. A lot can happen in just ten short days...

My Opinion

I've never read anything by this author, but since I came across this while scrolling the free lists on Amazon I decided to give it a go. I love sports romances so Off Side sounded right up my street.

Off Side was a nice easy read I didn't have to think too hard about. Sure, it's pretty basic in its story line, things move rapidly--especially in the romance--and it's a little predictable, but it was sweet and it held my attention. It's one of those books you pick up as a light fluffy read after the end of a hard day. It makes you smile and that's all I ask from a book.


Overall, a short sweet read. I'll more than likely be checking out this author's other books.

3

Review ~ Tangled Bond (Holly Woods Files, #2) by Emma Hart

ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: July 30th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
One date with the sexier-than-sin Detective Drake Nash. Simple.

Until you take into account that my brother finally proposed to his girlfriend, so Nonna is on a warpath—and the crazy old bat has Cupid by the balls.

The upcoming mayoral elections has everyone running on full speed, and while I couldn’t give any less craps about the corrupt Holly Woods mayor’s office, a dead body in the middle of a campaign speech has me thrown right into the middle of it. The victim is close to the mayor, but all he cares about is minimizing the damage to his campaign, so he hires me to work alongside Drake to close the case as quickly as possible.

Bad news for our tentative relationship.

We disagree far more than we agree, but being at loggerheads won’t get this murder solved… Or deal with the arrival of someone from his past.
The mysteries behind the murder aren’t the only things unraveling, and despite being knee-deep in lies and corruption and bonds so tangled they’re almost indecipherable, I have to figure out if I’m willing to fight for Drake the way I do justice…
Or if he’ll be my one who gets away.

My Opinion

I started Tangled Bond immediately after finishing Twisted Bond, making this the second book I've read by this author.

Tangled Bond is a continuation of the story from Twisted Bond. There is a new crime to solve, but the relationship between Drake and Noelle is what carries over. Slowly they grow closer together in this book as they have to work together--and argue a lot--to solve the crime.

While this book was enjoyable and held my interest, I don't feel it was as good as the first. The whole suspense/murder side of things is good. Although I figured out the killer before the characters--because the set up was leading me in a too obvious direction--it kept me interested. The reason I don't think this was as good is because of the romance. I kind of expected things to progress more in this book and it was kind of more of the same from book one. I think the banter between characters is good, but it's just not moving fast enough for my liking.


Overall, it's a good follow up, it was just a little too similar for my liking. I may read book 3 when I clear my latest pile of ARCs but I'm not convinced just yet.

3

Review ~ Twisted Bond (Holly Woods Files, #1) by Emma Hart

ebook purchased by myself.

Release Date: June 11th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I’m an Italian-Texan woman in a family full of cops. I’m passionate and shoot before I think. You only f*ck with me if you’re stupid.

Photograph cheating spouses. Hand over the evidence. Cash my check.
That was my plan when I returned home to Holly Woods, Texas, and became a private investigator.
Finding the dead body in my dumpster? Yeah… Given the choice, I think I would have opted out of that little discovery, especially since all three of my brothers are cops. And my Italian grandmother is sure the reason I’m single is because of my job.
Of course, my connection to the victim is entirely coincidental. Until I’m hired by her husband to investigate her murder and shoved bang-smack into the path of Detective Drake Nash. My nemesis, a persistent pain in my ass, and one hell of a sexy son of a bitch.
Shame he still holds a grudge from that time I shot him in the foot twelve years ago, or we could have something. In another life.
So now all I have to do is avoid my nonna’s blind dates, try not to blackmail my brothers into giving me confidential police files, and absolutely do not point my gun at Drake Nash. Or kiss him. Or jump his bones.
All while I hunt down the killer.
Sounds totally simple—until a second body proves that sometimes things that start as coincidences don’t always end up that way…

My Opinion

I've never read anything by this author before and I've had these books on my kindle for a while. I won them from someone in a signing  group and since that signing is rapidly approaching I thought it was about time I gave them a go.

I have to I was pleasantly surprised. I found this author's writing to be a very easy read and engaging. It flowed well and I thought the characterisations were great. Noelle had a clear and strong personality. Even better was she stayed true to it and didn't compromise her integrity or beliefs. She was a badass and I liked her strength. 

As for the relationship with Drake I felt the intensity between them. There was definitely chemistry, I just felt it took too long to progress. I'm not sure what will happen in book 2, but I wanted a little more romance in this book.

With regards for the story I thought it was good. It was paced a little slowly for me, but it mostly held my attention. I couldn't predict who did it, but I did feel the resolution and revelation all came together a bit suddenly. I didn't really understand the motives.


Overall a good read. I'll definitely read more by this author and I'm moving to book 2 now.

4

Mini Review ~ Something Wild (Reckless & Real, #0.5) by Lexi Ryan

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon

Release Date: December 8th 2014

Publisher: Everafter LLC

Description:

Samuel Bradshaw is a man with a reputation—the kind of reputation that should have me running the other way. Instead, it has me searching for the shortest distance to his bed. I won’t be the starry-eyed girl who thinks she can change a man like Sam, and despite what he thinks, forever is not what I need. I need the things he makes me feel, the way he turns me on, and the promise of pleasure in his eyes. I need SOMETHING WILD.

My Opinion

It was okay, but didn't really hold my interest because of the length. Neither the plot nor characters were clear enough. Considering this is only a prequel, it wouldn't exactly make me run out to buy book one. However, since I got both copies when they were up free on Amazon I may give the full length book a go and see if I feel any different after.

2

Review ~ Toward the Sound of Chaos by Carmen Jenner

ebook purchased by myself

Release Date: May 18th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Jake Tucker is broken. At twenty-two, he went in to the Marine Corps a naïve, troubled youth. Nine years and four tours later, Jake finds himself back on US soil, though his mind remains firmly planted in the sands of Afghanistan with the men he left behind.

Wounded, chewed up and spat out by war, Jake has only his dog, Nuke, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt to keep him company. He’s lived every day for nine years wondering when it will be his last, but there’s little comfort in the fact that he’s still standing when his platoon isn’t.

Ellie Mason doesn’t have time for broken. She’s too busy trying to put food on the table. And keeping up with the demands of her autistic son, Spencer, is sometimes like fighting behind enemy lines. As if navigating the minefields of single parenthood isn’t enough, Ellie finds herself drawn to the quiet Marine who’s just as lonely as she is. But she’s loved damaged men before, and it left her wounded.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Fairhope, Alabama, Ellie and Jake find themselves running toward the sound of chaos.

Love is war.

Only the strong survive, and surrender is inevitable.

My Opinion

This is the first book I've ever read by this author. I had to pass over the tour due to the dates classing with other commitments, but seeing it on sale for 0.99 I couldn't resist, and I'm so glad I did.

Toward the Sound of Chaos exceeded all of my expectations. I didn't really know what I was going to get going in, but I was pleasantly surprised and the book sucked me in to the author's world for the few hours it took for me to read it.

One thing I really liked about this book was that the characters were far from perfect. The author dealt with some serious and real disorders in Toward the Sound of Chaos and I thought she portrayed each one brilliantly. There was autism, PTSD, abuse, and usually I would be saying there were too many and things needed to be cut down. That wasn't the case with this book. The balance struck between issues was great and the characters felt real. They had depth, personality, and I engaged with the extremely well. I felt for them every step of the way as they recovered and pieces themselves together.

The romance is pretty subtle in this book. It was a nice change from the possessive alphas I usually read about. Jake was a broken ex-marine who'd been through a terrible ordeal. He was in no state to play the possessive alpha male, but I liked how he slowly fell for Ellie and her son. They healed each other and the bond between then felt real.


I won't say any more, but I'd highly recommend this book. It exceeded my expectations, was beautifully written, and I loved everything about it.

5