Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

“Are you here to save me?”

Perfection. Utter perfection. In fact, I think she may have been channeling her inner Tarryn Fisher with all the twists and turns this story was filled with. This book is definitely unlike anything Colleen’s ever written before. I loved every gut wrenching part. My nerves are officially spent. But I couldn’t stop reading. I have never stayed up til 2:30 reading a book before. I felt happy, then devastated, hopeful and then shocked. And then happy all over. Full circle.

SYNOPSIS
Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…

OMG!!! This story was filled with so many emotions. I had no idea what to expect. Colleen made me cry from the very beginning. I was totally caught off guard. Then throughout the story I was tearing up all over the place. Then there this underlying tension, that I couldn’t shake off. But then it was like BAM!! Then it all made sense. And let’s not discuss the ending. I swear she brought me full circle and I was bawling in the end.

I don’t feel lost in him at all, because it’s the first time I’ve ever felt like someone truly found me.

When Colleen said that she was going to combine art with her story, I thought, “Cool! If she can incorporate music, why not art?” But I was no where prepared for the hauntingly beautiful paintings that were going to be portrayed. They invoked so many emotions, and I only saw them in black and white. I bet seeing them in color will make me break down. But what makes this story even more emotional, is that these confessions are real. They were written by readers. My heart was twisted as I was reading them. There is so much hurt in this world, I just can’t fathom that.

Besides confessions, this story is about love. It’s about what you will do for those you love. How you will turn your life upside down, for those you love. How you will make the hardest decisions you’ve ever made, even if they’re the wrong ones, just to make your loved ones happy.

“I’m afraid if I listen to my heart once, I’ll never figure out how to ignore it again.”

“If only I could be so lucky.”

Colleen paints a picture of hope, forgiveness and taking a stand for what’s right, in the most beautiful way. But I’m wrecked now, so someone hold me, please.

Buy it. Read it. Love it.

~Melpomene

Release Date: March 10, 2015
Buy Confess: A Novel

Review: Burying Water by K.A. Tucker

Posted by Random Book Muses

Disclaimer: An earlier review of this book was previously posted to the blog. However, in light of the second part of the story being released tomorrow, I felt that another look at this wonderful story was needed!

Almost 2 am. That’s what time I stayed awake until in order to finish this book. And at my age, that doesn’t happen very often.

When “Jane” wakes up in a hospital, she has absolutely no memory of how she got there or even of who she is. With the help of the sheriff who found her on the side of the road and his surgeon wife who saved her life, Jane begins to build a new life. But there’s something about the sheriff’ son, Jesse, that niggles at her lost memory. There’s definitely an attraction but something tells her it goes deeper than that. Told from alternating perspectives, the story also switches from past to present. We hear Jane’s present-day story as she struggles to find herself. And then there’s Jesse’s story leading us up to Jane’s brutal attack.

Although I’ve seen this book described as a romance, I’d say it falls more into the suspense/thriller genre. The romance is there, most definitely. But that’s not what kept me awake reading to find out what was going to happen next! It’s also been mentioned as the first in a new series which interests me immensely as I’d love to see where the author goes next with these intriguing characters. This is the first book that I’ve read by KA Tucker, but it definitely won’t be the last!

~Thalia

Buy It Now: Burying Water: A Novel (The Burying Water Series)

Review: Becoming Rain by K.A.Tucker

Posted by Random Book Muses

“Guilt and happiness go to war inside of me as I fall. I wonder which one will win.”

Holy tension, Batman!!! I swear to God, I was nervous the entire time I was reading. I was not expecting that!! I was cringing and closing my eyes at some parts, and hoping for the best. Every time I turned a page, I had this overwhelming feeling of dread and angst, but I loved it!!

Synopsis
Luke Boone doesn’t know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he’s finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it’s not exactly legal, Luke’s never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she’s one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she’s just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast’s most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she’ll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle’s footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she’ll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she’ll even want to.

After reading Burying Water, I was a bit smitten with Luke. I knew he was tempted to follow his uncle into some not-so-legal activities, but I was holding out hope that he would make the right decision though.

I didn’t envy Clara one little bit. I understand her need to get the job done and do it well. But being close to Luke and not falling for him, is more difficult that working for the FBI. Slowly she realizes that she has no control over her heart and is dancing on the line of professionalism.

“I’ve been in this deceitful place before. And yet this time, it feels completely new and different. And somehow more dangerous.”

It was nice to revisit characters from the previous book, Burying Water, and see how they are doing. I missed them.

K.A.Tucker has created some of the most believable and perfectly flawed characters I have ever read. The torment is real. I love is real. The heartache is real. I feel like I could reach in and grab on to them and never let go. And this story is no exception. I felt like I was living this story and my heart almost couldn’t take it. But I held on to the very end and my heart is happy.

~Melpomene

Release day-March 3, 2015
Buy Becoming Rain: A Novel (The Burying Water Series)

Review: Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Posted by Random Book Muses

There are many ways to choose a book. By its cover, by a favorite author, bestseller lists, book review sites, blogs, write ups in popular media…My all-time favorite way to pick my next book to read, however, is by looking at and listening to the books my friends are talking about.

So there’s this Muse you may know. Her name is Melpomene. And she’s a bit of a book nerd, thus explaining why we’re friends. She also is slightly obsessed with the author Colleen Hoover. She’s read everything Colleen has written, stays up until midnight to buy and read new releases, travels to author events just to meet Colleen, and can quote anything from any book ever written by her.

I on the other hand had never heard of this author until meeting Melpomene. But of course, when someone I know and trust speaks so highly of an author, I’m intrigued. So my question was, which book to start with? The answer was Slammed, so Slammed it was. And what a great first read it was!

Let me preface the remainder of this review by stating that I am in no way, shape, or form what one would consider a fan of traditional romances. My fellow Muse, however, is exactly the opposite. So it was with a slight bit of trepidation that I began this book. Would I like it enough to finish it? Would it be too mushy for me? Would I have to lie about how much I disliked it to avoid awkward moments and hurt feelings? No worries on all accounts.

When 18 year old Lake’s dad dies unexpectedly, her family leaves Texas for Michigan searching for a fresh start. They are now a family of three, and Lake knows it’s up to her to hold it together for her mom and her brother Kel. So, as miserable as she is about the move, she puts on a happy face and gives it her best shot. She’s not counting on the handsome new neighbor, though. Sparks fly instantly, and suddenly Lake’s not missing Texas any longer. Alas, happily ever after is never easy to come by…

And that’s all I’m going to say. It’s hard to give much more away without ruining the story. But I will say that it’s an amazing story, one that made me keep reading even after it was lights out on a school night. Yes, it’s a love story. But it’s also a story of loss, of grief, of resilience, of trust, of moving on. It’s a story I won’t soon forget.

~Thalia

Buy It Now: Slammed: A Novel

Review: Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover

Posted by Random Book Muses

SURPRISE!!!!! Colleen Hoover has done it again. Well, that’s not really a surprise. The surprise is that she managed to keep this a secret for so long. This book is proof that Colleen can do no wrong.

Synopsis
When Warren has the opportunity to live with a female roommate, he instantly agrees. It could be an exciting change.

Or maybe not.

Especially when that roommate is the cold and seemingly calculating Bridgette. Tensions run high and tempers flare as the two can hardly stand to be in the same room together. But Warren has a theory about Bridgette: anyone who can hate with that much passion should also have the capability to love with that much passion. And he wants to be the one to test this theory.

Will Bridgette find it in herself to warm her heart to Warren and finally learn to love?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Now, I loved Warren, when I read Maybe Someday. He was the comedy relief that was needed, during that high emotional book. After reading this, I was in love with him. In my heart, I always knew there was more to him than just the goofiness we saw. And I was right. He was all heart, with a smidgen of sass.

Warren was comfortable with his life. He went to school, had a job, and was the manager of the Sounds of Cedar. His life was good. He was content. That is, until Bridgette walked in. That boy was in no way prepared for what she would do to him or how all these feeling about her would change him.

She’s so confusing. She’s so frustrating. She’s so damn unpredictable. She’s nothing I’ve ever wanted in a girl. And absolutely everything I need.

Bridgette is this angry mean girl, on the surface, but once you chisel at her defenses a little, you realize you were totally wrong. She’s just a girl who wants to find her place and be loved, just like everyone else. But she is determined to keep those walls up. She will let no one find a way in. Not even this crazy, smooth talking, roomie.

Every human has a weakness and I think I discovered what hers is. Me.

I went in with thinking that this was going to be non stop hilariousness. Boy was I wrong. I was pleasantly surprised at how much my heartstrings were being tugged on. Don’t get me wrong, the pranks were there. Heck, the very first page had me smiling. But this book was filled with so much more than that. The feels were flying non stop. And I may have even teared up once or twice.

Maybe Not is the perfect combination of comedy and romance, and whole lot of heart.

“The only difference between falling in love and being in love is that your heart already knows how you feel, but your mind is too stubborn to admit it.”

~Melpomene

Buy Maybe Not: A Novella

Get caught up and read Maybe Someday first. You’ll thank me for it.

Review: Burying Water, by K.A. Tucker

Posted by Random Book Muses

“And the truth pushed to the surface. Like water, buried.”

I have read, and loved, all of K.A.Tucker’s Ten Tiny Breaths series and was very curious as to how this one was going to be. From the very beginning, I was hooked. The prologue snagged me and made my nerves a wreck. I knew this was going to be good. I stayed up all night reading. I couldn’t put it down. Speechless. Sorry, I’m rambling. I’m just wowed. I wanted to read this so fast, but I knew I needed to savor it. But once I started it, I never put it down.

“Jane Doe” wakes up in a hospital room, with no memory of who she is or how she got there. She is battered and bruised from head to toe, but has no clue who would do this to her. But after staying months in the hospital, she no longer wants to remain a Jane Doe and decides upon Water, after the tattoo that she finds on her person.

After meeting a cranky old Ginny Fitzgerald, she is welcomed into her home for her recuperation. Water is hoping that with time her memory will return and things can go back to the way they were.

Jesse Welles, is trying to stay away from Water. Part of him doesn’t want her to remember who she is, but yet part of him does. He knows she’ll be happier and safer without those memories, but the more he comes around the better chance she will remember. So he tries to stay away, but that only lasts for so long.

The longer Water stays with Ginny, the more she is feeling comfortable. She finds a job, in the small town, and is slowly trying to piece together the flashes she sees. She is also drawn to the neighbor next door and feels a sense of recognition, and possibly trust.

I am lost and yet somehow found.
I am afraid and yet somehow comforted.
I am drifting and yet somehow…home.

This book made me all twisty as parts of Water started coming to the surface. I was devastated and my heart was racing like crazy. My emotions were all over the place. I can’t imagine waking up in a hospital, and having no memory of how you got there. I doubt I would handle it as well as Water did.

The characters were so welcoming and loving. Ginny was the best!! She was rough, but you knew there had to be a reason why. You just had to be patient. The entire Welles’ family was the perfect family to live next door to. They cared for her in the hospital, and continued to do so, even after she was released. being surrounded by such loving and caring people made her journey even more heartbreaking. But it was so worth it, in the end.

The truth is like water: it doesn’t matter how hard you try and bury it; it’ll always find some way back to the surface.

Ms. Tucker has done it again. This was another devastatingly beautiful story that will bring tears to your eyes and pain to your heart. But there is beauty in that pain. Beauty that I wish I could relive again, for the first time. How she manages to do this to me over and over, I’ll never know, but I think you for doing it.

~Melpomene

Buy Burying Water: A Novel

Review: All or Nothing, by Kendall Ryan

Posted by Random Book Muses

“Don’t make me fall for you…”

I have been most excited for this book, cuz it’s about Braydon. If you read the first book in this series, Working It, you will remember this sexy man. He participated in a very VERY hot scene and I nearly combusted. So when I heard Kendall was giving Bray his own book, I couldn’t wait to get my greedy hands on it.

SYNOPSIS
As one of the world’s most sought-after male models, Braydon is no stranger to the finer pleasures in life. The last thing he wants to do is limit himself, especially when it comes to women. His best friend, Ben, might’ve settled down, but Braydon doesn’t want to waste his youth on the messy complications of commitment. He wants fun. He wants easy.

Ellie isn’t looking for a casual relationship, but her tough and sassy personality instantly attracts Braydon, who proposes a “friends with benefits” arrangement. Unable to resist the powerful pull of the charming bad boy, Ellie eventually relents, though she longs for all-consuming love.

As the two spend more time together, Ellie soon realizes that Braydon’s posing skills extend off the runway. His carefully crafted façade masks a secret hurt that he’s reluctant to share with Ellie, even as they embark on a passionate affair that sends them hurtling toward a fate neither expected. Can Ellie risk her heart while she waits for Braydon to let her in, or will she be forced to demand all or nothing?

When two people set out, with a no strings attached, sex only relationship, things are bound to get muddled.

I loved Braydon. He’s sexy, funny, sweet and super loving. He had me swooning half of the time. Just when you thought he may say, or do something, he’ll regret, he pulls himself together and turns on the swoon. Seriously. He may seem like this super player, but he’s just afraid to love. That is, until he meets Ellie.

Ellie is the best friend, who is looking for love, but she isn’t sure she’ll find it in Braydon. But, boy is she wrong. Soon she finds herself in full on love with him, but he has no idea and still treats her like a sex only buddy. It’s hard to keep your heart in check. It does what it wants to do, and it wanted Bray.

This book was the perfect combination of sweet, sexy and all around fun. Makes me wish I was in the fashion industry. 😉

~Melpomene

Buy All or Nothing: A Love by Design Novel

Fall In Love tour: A Day in the life of a fangirl

Posted by Random Book Muses

To say I had fun this past weekend, is a complete understatement. I am still fangirling all over the place. My family is ready to kick me out. I just can’t stop talking about Saturday.

For those who don’t know, Colleen Hoover, Jamie McGuire and Abbi Glines went on a 10 city tour and I got to see them in Dayton. Meeting them doesn’t sound quite right, since I’m in all their fan clubs and get to talk to them, every so often. Seeing them, sounds better. It was like going to see old friends. Except, when I see old friends, I’m not nervous. I’m also not applying deodorant in the bathroom, before they come out either.

The weekend didn’t start very smooth since I never even packed til about a half hour before we were supposed to leave. And when we got to the hotel, I realized that I didn’t pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, straightener or blow dryer. This was not a good sign. But a trip to Target would rectify the situation. *sigh*

Anyways, at least I had all my books and things. So that’s all that really matters.

I’m gonna give you the photographic highlights, since so much happened. I can’t possibly say it all.

I arrived at 8:40 am, event though the signing wasn’t until 2. I really wanted to get a good seat. So I had plenty of time to chat with those around me. It’s kinda wild to meet people in line, that you’ve seen of FB, but have never met yet.

It was so nice reconnecting with people you met last year, when all three were here last. Who knew book signings would make friends out of strangers??

Thanks to my obnoxious, I mean enthusiasm, over these authors, I had people coming up to me and saying my name like we’re old friends. It was CRAZY!! But I loved meeting everyone. It made me realize how small this world really is. And it was soooo nice to see everyone leave their drama at home and just enjoy being surrounded by people who love the authors as much as you do.

By 1pm, when the numbers were about to be handed out, the place looked like this.

INSANE!!!!

And when the bus pulled up, let me tell you, the room hit a whole other level of craziness. Squealing and camera clicking were all the sounds you could hear.

Can I say how it makes a person feel when someone, who you admire, looks you in the eye and smiles or waves? Well it feels pretty darn good. You could different people squealing over that fact. It made me smile. They truly love their fans.

By the time we were sitting upstairs, I was seriously ready to freak out. I was so excited, but very nervous. They had a camera crew there and I was in the front row. Normally I’m a super chatterbox, shocking, I know, but with a camera there, I was silent… until they called me out.

That’s right, they called little ol’ non important me, out. I about died. Lately there have been quite a few Q&As with these authors and I tend to go all in and ask a million questions. But since I’m at home, at my computer, the questions tend to come fast. But when I was called out, I froze. Again, I died. It was wild. But I gotta say, to have your favorite authors know you by name and joke with you, like old friends, I almost started crying. I was so touched. I don’t think they realize the impact they have on us. They even started a singalong for some girl’s birthday. I bet she died in her seat. 🙂 I mean seriously, we all fangirl, and snapshot any and all “comments and likes” we get from them. I know I’m not the only one who does that. But when they call us by name, we light up. I saw it happen many times. It was magical.

So after that, the signing started. And every person was able to get a picture with them, if we wanted. That was the best part. The signed books are great, but having them pose for a picture was perfect. I can’t wait to put mine in a frame with the photo matte I asked them to sign.

This is all of the things I asked them to sign. Some will be gifts and giveaways. That’s another thing I like, they’ll sign anything. Too bad I forgot to ask them to sign my shirt. I’m so forgetful, when I get up there.

I waited around til the end, with some of the girls I met in various fan clubs. And were lucky enough to get group and individual pictures with each of them. They are so great to their fans. I am so lucky to have met them. Not many people get to meet their favorite authors. I am truly blessed.

I also may have gone a little crazy over the bus. I can’t help it. Sometimes I act like a child. I’m not ashamed.

And a few of us may have been invited to tour the bus, with Colleen. *faints*

Thank you, Atria Books for sharing our favorite authors with us. Thank you Colleen, Jamie and Abbi, for being the kindest authors out there. As I sat there and watched you guys greet each person, you did it with a smile. Even though you were on your millionth city, you treated us great and always smiled when you heard 3,2,1. 😉 Please come back and visit us. I promise to have a list of questions ready and waiting.

~Melpomene(AKA Crazy Jenn)

Review: One More Chance, by Abbi Glines

Posted by Random Book Muses

Abbi has done it again. This book actually bumped my current top AG book down a notch. I was very anxious to read this, after the ending of Take a Chance. I wasn’t very happy with Grant. he needed to redeem himself.

This was emotional and had my heart breaking and skipping a few beats the WHOLE time. Over and over I was blown away by heartaches and spent the last half of the book in near tears. But by the end, they were spilling over.

I am glad Grant was able to get back on track. He is my favorite Abbi Glines BBF. I have loved him, from the moment Blaire pulled the gun on him, a loooong time ago. I knew he was special. I’m so glad we were able to hear his story and see just how special he was.

I may regret saying this, but I may even be a Nanhater no more. She is still cruel, but we get to see a glimpse into what she could be, if she chose to change.

I can’t wait to read the next few books, in this series!!

~Melpomene

Buy One More Chance: A Rosemary Beach Novel (The Rosemary Beach Book 7)

But first, you must read Take a Chance: A Rosemary Beach Novel (The Rosemary Beach Series Book 6) It’s only $1.99 NOW!!!

Review: In Her Wake, by K.A.Tucker

Posted by Random Book Muses

Oh my, Trent. You poor broken soul. Let me start out by saying that even though this is a .5, you MUST read Ten Tiny Breaths beforehand. MUST!! If you don’t, you’ll kind of ruin the surprise in TTB, and you don’t want to do that.

Synopsis
Before you knew him as Trent in Ten Tiny Breaths, he was Cole Reynolds—and he had it all. Until one night when he makes a fatal, wrong decision…and loses everything.

When a drunken night out at a Michigan State college party results in the death of six people, Cole must come to terms with his part in the tragedy. Normally, he’d be able to lean on his best friends—the ones who have been in his life since he could barely walk. Only, they’re gone. Worse, there’s the shattered body of a sixteen-year-old girl lying somewhere in a hospital bed, her entire life ripped from her because of a case of beer and a set of keys.

Everyone assures him that they know it wasn’t intentional, and yet he can’t ignore the weight of their gazes, the whispers behind his back. Nor can he shake the all-consuming guilt he feels every time he thinks of that girl who won’t so much as allow him near her hospital room to apologize. As the months go by and the shame and loneliness festers, Cole begins to lose his grip on what once was important—college, his girlfriend, his future. His life. It’s not until Cole hits rock-bottom that he can begin to see another way out of his personal hell: forgiveness.

And there’s only one person who can give that to him…

This was a very fast read, but it still had all the emotions of a full length novel. K.A.Tucker has created a world around these characters that make you feel as though you truly know them. My heart was breaking for what Trent had to go through. I knew he felt guilty, but never on this level.

Trent had everything he wanted, until one mistake changed the rest of his life. Now he must move on and carry on. Easier said than done. Being the one left behind, and having no one to help him, he find that life is way too hard alone. The brokenness he felt, made my heart hurt. He had guilt, the size of mountains. The ‘What ifs” were almost too numerable to count. No amount of them would bring his friends back. So after months of desperation, he finds a way to come out from the fog and to move on.

I have always loved Trent. He was my favorite TTB character. But watching him like this, was a bit hard for me. I think guy’s POVs are always a bit more emotional for me. I guess, in some backwards ways, guys are supposed to be strong all the time. But it’s not true. This book shows that perfectly.

~Melpomene

Buy In Her Wake: A Ten Tiny Breaths Novella

Get caught up with the Ten Tiny Breaths series

Ten Tiny Breaths: A Novel

One Tiny Lie: A Novel

Four Seconds to Lose: A Novel

Five Ways to Fall: A Novel

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