Summer Giveaway Hop!

I am such a sucker for giveaway hops and since summer is one of my most favorite season how could I resist not joining in on another great Hop by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Bookhounds?

This hop is all about the summer reads and below I have a few reads I have loved over the summer or am really looking forward to coming out.

To see a full list of all the blogs participating in this great hop please go HERE and make sure to check them all out and see what they have to offer!

First up an e-book copy gifted through Amazon of A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard:

Second up I have an ARC paperback copy of Stalked By Death by Kelly Hashway:

Third up, an ARC paperback copy of Becoming Bryn by Angela Carling:

Fourth up, Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay:

Fifth choice, an e-copy of Infinityglass by Myra McEntire:

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Good luck to everyone who enters!!

Blog Tour Stop and Author Interview: Motive For Murder by Marlene Bateman

Today on the blog I have mystery writer Marlene Bateman to tell us a little about her new book. Motive For Murder.


Title: Motive For Murder
Author: Marlene Bateman
Published By: Covenant Communication (June 1, 2013)
Genre: Mystery


Book Description:

Meet Erica Coleman—a gifted and quirky private investigator with an OCD-like passion for neatness and symmetry, a penchant for cooking, (ten terrific recipes are included), and a weakness for chocolate.

Erica imagined that her trip to Florida would be a slice of heaven—a chance to get away from it all and catch up with her best friend, Wendy. But one day into her vacation, all hope of fun in the sun is dashed when she stumbles, literally, over a dead man on Wendy’s driveway. With police closing in on her friend as their main suspect, Erica must find the real killer before Wendy ends up behind bars.

With Erica’s skill, solving the mystery should be a piece of cake but then a second homicide-attempt hits close to home and generates a whole new list of suspects. There’s no way to sugarcoat it, a murderer is on the prowl, and no one is above suspicion.

As the plot thickens, it appears Erica may have bitten off more than she can chew, but she forges on, sifting through mounting evidence until she hones in on the killer who has a surprising motive for murder. With a dash of romance and some surprising twists, this thrilling mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

*Amazon*Seagull Book*Deseret Book*

Book Excerpt:

“As she drove back to Wendy’s house, the headlights cleaved the darkness and shone through the rain, which was falling harder now. Erica parked across the street and was nearly to Wendy’s door when she stopped suddenly, catching herself as she nearly fell over something.

It was the still figure of a man lying face down on the driveway. He was strangely unmoving. The light from the porch illuminated a puddle alongside him, which was growing bigger by the second. A chill shivered down Erica’s spine as she noticed that the puddle was streaked by dark red threads that ran and merged with rivulets of rain.”

Thank you so much for being here today Marlene!
Do you have your book planned out before you begin to write?

Since I write mysteries, I have to know how the book is going to end before I can start the first chapter. I write a rough draft of the last chapter, then the first chapter, and go on from there. I have to plot very carefully to keep up the tension and so that all the clues are in place. Plotting can be hard, but its very important and actually saves time in the end, since you don’t have to rewrite and add important information that should have been there in the first place. Once you get your storyline laid out, you have a structure to follow. A contractor would never begin building a house without plans, and to my way of thinking, a mystery writer would never write without having a basic plot down on paper.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is Motive for Murder part of a series?

I have BIG plans. Motive for Murder is the first in a series that feature Erica Coleman as a private eye. In fact, the next two books in the Erica Coleman series have already been accepted. In future books Erica continues ferreting out clues, and annoying people with her OCD even

though it helps her pick out clues that others miss. At times, Erica will be in danger, and have to work to overcome her fears as she works to uncover the murderer.

Also, I hope to do a sequel to my non-fiction book, Gaze Into Heaven, which was published earlier this year. Gaze into Heaven is a collection of 50 near-death experiences in early Church History. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from readers, and that has been very encouraging.

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?

First, I want readers to be entertained. That’s why, after all, people read—to be entertained by an engaging story. Second, I like to explore specific problems, such as in relationships or moral issues, the kind of thing all of us face. In Light on Fire Island, I had the main character deal with a fractured relationship with her father. She felt he didn’t love her, but he was just a crusty old sailor who didn’t deal well with relationships. They both needed to learn to forgive and accept others for what they are. In Motive for Murder, there is conflict between Wendy and her teenage daughter, Megan. So often teenagers think the world revolves around them. But we also see things from Megan’s point of view and come to understand why and how Megan feels that her mother’s actions indicate a lack of caring toward her children. It’s interesting to see how each person sees the same thing differently and each character has valid points.

Did you plan to be a writer or did it just happen?

It was definitely meant to be. I’ve wanted to write ever since I was young. I started writing stories in elementary school. When I married and had children, it was hard to find time to write, because let’s face it, you can’t do everything. I concentrated on writing for magazines and newspapers and as the children got older, and I had a bit more time, began writing books.

Do you have to be alone or have quiet to write?

When does a mother ever have the luxury of quiet? I learned early on that if I was going to write, I had to be able to write while the hubbub of family life went on around me. I had to train myself to come back to my thought when my daughter came to tell me the baby needed it’s diaper changed, or if my son broke a glass in the kitchen, or if another daughter wanted to tell me what happened in history class that day. It also meant I had to learn to shut out undone chores, put those dirty dishes and laundry out of my mind, and concentrate on writing the next scene. Heaven only knows, the dishes would be waiting for me when I got back to them.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Never. Give. Up.

People don’t fail because they can’t write, they fail because they stop trying. I have a yellowed newspaper clipping by my computer that says; “For most of us, it isn’t that we don’t have the ability to write, it’s that we don’t devote the time. You have to put in the effort.” Another way of saying that, is if you want to write and be published bad enough, you’ll work for it. And if you work at it, your writing will gradually improve and you WILL be published.




Author Biography:

Marlene Bateman Sullivan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She is married to Kelly R. Sullivan and they are the parents of seven children.

Her hobbies are gardening, camping, and reading. Marlene has been published extensively in magazines and newspapers and has written a number of non-fiction books, including: Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines, And There Were Angels Among Them, Visit’s From Beyond the Veil, By the Ministering of Angels, and Brigham’s Boys. Marlene also wrote the best-selling novel, Light on Fire Island.

A busy writer, Marlene is set to have three books published this year. Gaze Into Heaven, a fascinating collection of over 50 documented near-death experiences in early church history, was published earlier this year. Next is Motive for Murder, the first in a mystery series featuring the quirky Erica Coleman. In July, Heroes of Faith, a collection of stories about people who risked their life for the gospel, will be released by Cedar Fort Inc.

Website

Thanks for stopping by today Marlene and letting us get to know you and your book more!

Review: The Coicidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

Title: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

Author: Jessica Sorensen
Series: Book One in the Coincidence Series
Published: December 13, 2012
Source: Purchased
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4 Stars!!


Book Description:
There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.

Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.

For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.

Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

My Thoughts and Review:
Heartbreaking.
Tragic.
Beautiful.

If I had to sum up my feelings about this book, those words would work perfectly. Beautifully.

I can't really even begin to describe all the emotions that went through me as I read this incredibly real, incredibly raw story about two very hurt and broken people just trying to find reasons to live. Reasons to live each day and move on with their life. A reason to be happy, to let go and to be something and someone they never thought possible before.

Callie and Kayden felt so very real to me, so much so that my heart went out to them. I felt their pain, their loss, their struggles and their love. It was no secret from the very beginning what these two fought  through every day to survive.  Ms. Sorensen laid it all out there in the open from the very first chapter for the most part. Instead of keeping it all a mystery and leaving you wondering, she focused on the raw emotions that these two lost souls had to struggle with every single day and their battle to move on and to be strong and to really live again and maybe not just again but for the very first time ever. To feel something about each other that they never thought they were capable of. To find themselves in one another. To be stronger together than they ever could be apart.

This was a beautifully tragic story and I loved how strong both Callie and Kaysen were. How good they both were even though neither one of them knew it or believed it about themselves. They saw something in each other no one else ever did. In essence, they saved each other from a life of heartache and pain and it was lovely. 

Luke and Seth are amazing secondary characters. Not only are they great characters but their friendship and love for Callie and Kayden are what friends should be. They have each others backs, they help each other and they support each other, especially Seth. So many times I wanted to reach through the pages and high five him. He offered Callie so much love and support it was amazing, not to mention he was the humor this story needed so it never got too dark or depressing. I really hope in the next book they both play as big of a role as they did in this one, it would be a shame if they didn't. 

The ending is a killer and it made me so very thankful that I have the next book in the series to read so that I can find out what happens next and I am also glad that it isn't the end of their story, of their growth and their love. I want see them blossom and shine. 

I can't wait to see what is in store for them next. I know it will be as equally heartbreaking and beautiful as this one was.


Once again Ms. Sorensen has shown me why I love her books so much and why I will continue to read them and buy them. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author. I was not compensated for this review*

Blog Tour and Book Review: Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Title: Truly, Madly, Deadly
Author: Shannon Jayne
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Sourcebooks (July 16, 2013)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Thriller/Mystery


Book Description:
Sawyer Dodd has it all. She's a star track athlete, choir soloist, and A-student. And her boyfriend is the handsome all-star Kevin Anderson. But behind the medals, prom pictures, and perfect smiles, Sawyer finds herself trapped in a controlling, abusive relationship with Kevin. When he dies in a drunk-driving accident, Sawyer is secretly relieved. She's free. Until she opens her locker and finds a mysterious letter signed by "an admirer" and printed with two simple words: "You're welcome."

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

About the Author:

Hannah is the author of the UNDERWORLD DETECTION AGENCY CHRONICLES from Kensington books and the upcoming young adult thrillers TRULY, MADLY, DEADLY and SEE JANE RUN available from Sourcebooks, Inc. When she's not battling the demons of the Underworld or tackling a murderer at Hawthorne High, Jayne kicks her feet up in her San Francisco bay area home and attempts to share couch space with two enormous cats.

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My Thoughts and Review:

The slightly dark, depressing opening of this book and the creepy letters found in Sawyer's locker shortly after her boyfriend's funeral sets the tone for this whole story. 

Constantly guessing who is leaving Sawyer the cryptic notes, what they mean and who is behind all the mysterious accidents of her loved ones, puts you right into the thick of it all leaving you on edge and ready to find out whodunnit.  

I have to say, I was so very wrong on who I thought the culprit was. I went back and forth and still wasn't ever 100% sure I was right until the very end. The author did an amazing job with keeping the suspense throughout the story and keeping me guessing.

I really liked Sawyer, Connor, and Logan and was constantly wondering if Sawyer was crazy or if one of her friends were behind the notes and accidents happening around her. I never completely warmed up to Sawyer but I did like her and I felt for her and the situation with her boyfriend. I do wish we would have gotten a better glimpse into Kevin. When did he start with the abuse and how long was it going on for? It isn't exactly glossed over but it certainly isn't a huge part of the story either but it does flash back once in a while to scenes throughout their relationship enough times that I just wish the author would have given us just a little more on it.

Overall this was a light mystery with slight creepy factors that had me loving it and guessing what twist was around the next corner.

*All Opinions are my own and I was in no way compensated for my review*

Indie Book of the Week and Giveaway: Ghost Hand by Ripley Patton

This weeks Indie Book of the Week is a fun one that I am so excited to share with you. Not only is this Patton's debut novel but the second book in the series will be released in just a few short months and I can't wait for it.

This weeks Indie title goes to Ghost Hand and for good reason. This series is going to be one to watch!

Title: Ghost Hand
Author: Ripley Patton
Series: Book One in the PSS Chronicles
Published: November 30, 2012
Genre: YA Fantasy


Book Description:
Seventeen-year-old Olivia Black has a rare birth defect known as Psyche Sans Soma, or PSS. Instead of a right hand made of flesh and blood, she was born with a hand made of ethereal energy.

How does Olivia handle being the girl with the ghost hand? Well, she's a little bit morbid and a whole lot snarky. 

Her mother thinks her obsession with death, black clothing, and the local cemetery is a bid for attention. But when Marcus, the new guy in Olivia's calculus class, stares at her like she's a freak, Olivia doesn't like it. And when her hand goes rogue, doing things she never imagined possible, Olivia finds herself running for her life with Marcus from a group of men bent on taking the power of her hand for their own nefarious purposes.

*Amazon*

About the Author:

Ripley Patton recently returned from a five-year adventure in New Zealand and now lives in Portland, Oregon with two teenagers, one cat, and a man who wants to live on a boat.

She has had numerous short stories published on-line and in print, and won the Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Short Story of 2009.

Ripley's first novel, a YA paranormal thriller titled Ghost Hand, was released in November 2012, and is the first of a three book series.

Ripley doesn't drink, or smoke, or cuss much. Her only real vices are writing and watching reality television.

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My Thoughts and Review:

I am always on the lookout for something distinctly new, fresh, and original. When you read as much as I and most bloggers do, we can't help it we are always on the hunt to discover the next really well written, well plotted out story. 

Although it seems like it can be rare to find, when we do find it, that something special, it is like a breath of fresh air after being trapped in a stale confined space for far too long.

Ghost Hand is that breathe of fresh air. It is a storyline completely unique with a concept unheard of yet so believable that you don't question it at all. The idea of PSS (Psyche Sans Soma) seems very much real because of the way the author brought it to life and simply made it a reality. It is hard to imagine that this is Patton's debut novel but it is, it left me constantly on the edge of my seat with the nonstop action, the riveting plot line and of course the underlining sweet romance that is bound to appeal to everyone.

Olivia is a character not to be trifled with. She is strong, brave and the girl has attitude. How could I not like a feisty, snarky heroine? 

Marcus too is strong and brave but not without his faults and even though the boy has some serious trust issues he was completely loveable and I found myself liking him despite his reservations about letting people in.

Patton has truly created something fun and original and I can't wait for the next book to come out so I can explore this series more. I think we can only expect good things from this author in the future and she will be one to watch for sure.

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author. I was not compensated for this review*

Right now the author is currently giving away 5 ARC copies of the next installment in the series Ghost Hold,  so be sure to enter for a chance to win one!

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Blog Tour, Book Review and Tour Wide Giveaway: Immortals by Ednah Walters

Title: Immortals
Author: Ednah Walters
Series: Book Two in the Ruins Series
Publication: Firetrail Publishing August 5, 2013
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Tour Host (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Tour Hosted By: Walking on Bookshelves and As You Wish Tours

Book Description:
Nothing can stop Raine Cooper when she wants something…

Raine finally knows that her gorgeous neighbor, Torin St. James, is a legend straight out of Norse mythology but that doesn’t stop her from falling hard for him. Torin is crazy about Raine too, breaking the one rule he lives by: Never fall for a mortal. The problem is he no longer remembers her or that she saved him by making a deal with Norns—Norse destiny deities—the same Norns who have now erased his memories of their past together to punish her.

So Raine comes up with a plan...

She will make Torin forget his one rule a second time and fall in love with her all over again. But before Raine can put her plan into action, the Norns return. This time, they demand she protects Eirik Seville, her best friend since childhood, from an evil so dark even the Norns are scared. 

But you know what they say about well-laid plans…

Caught between protecting Eirik and convincing the stubborn, cocky Torin St. James that the two of them are meant to be together, Raine's life slowly unravels. Friendships are tested. Enemies become allies. Desperate, Raine makes choices that could not only tear her and Torin further apart, but lead to the destruction of everything and everyone she loves.

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

  About the Author:
Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN.

Ednah also writes New Adult paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. She is presently working on book 2, IMMORTALS.


Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series. She's presently working on book six.

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My Thoughts and Review:
I fell in love with this series after the very first book, or maybe I just fell in love with Torin, either way, I was hooked.

I loved Runes and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Immortals so I could jump right back into Raine's world. I was heartbroken over the way Runes ended and couldn't wait to get more Torin and to see what happened next. I was expecting this to be great, what I wasn't expecting was to love it even more than the first. I couldn't put this down it is that good. 

Once again Torin was simply amazing and I loved him even more. He is the same cocky arrogant bad boy but his sweet loving protective side comes out so much more in this that you can't help but love him. If you thought he was hard to resist in Runes, just wait, he will steal your heart and take your breath away.

So much happens that I don't even know where to begin or what I can say that won't give the whole thing away. We get more Andris, Cora, Eirik, Raine, Torin and a few more people as well. Not only are all the characters better than ever but there are quite a few surprises with them and for them along the way.

To say this was better than the last would be an understatement. If I hadn't already loved and devoured the first book in the series this one surely would have left me hooked and quickly pushed it up my list of favorites. 

Raine is truly coming into her own and no longer the shy slightly awkward girl she was at the beginning of Runes. She takes action when action is needed and doesn't take no for an answer. She goes after what she wants and what she needs and becomes all the stronger for it. In a world full of things and people she still does not understand nor trust, she struggles to survive and protect those she loves and cares about while still being the person she wants to be. 


She pulls through this one shinning. Determined to hold on to those she loves and to be the best she can be, the girl kicks butt and takes names and I loved reading about ever minute of it.

Ms. Walters once again proves that she can write and why this series is such a fantastic one. I will forever read what ever else she has in store for Raine and Torin and all the Immortals.

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author, publisher or touring company. I was not compensated for this review*

Tour Wide Giveaway Sponsored by the Tours:

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Blog Tour, Book Review and Tour Wide Giveaway: This Time Around by Ellie Grace

Author: This Time Around
Author: Ellie Grace
Series: Book One
Published: July 15, 2013
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Source: ARC Copy Provided by AToMR Tours (in exchange for an honest review)


Book Description:
Nora Montgomery left home and heartbreak behind in South Carolina when she moved to New York City after her high school graduation. Now, four years later, she returns home and is forced to confront the past she left behind and the reckless boy who broke her heart. It’s not long before the pieces of her past begin to blur with the present and she realizes that the feelings she had for her first love never really went away. As old dreams resurface and new truths come to light, she begins to question the future she's always planned on.

Jake Harris has spent four years regretting the night he let her get away. When she finally reappears in his life, he is determined to win her back and prove how much he’s changed. She might never forgive him for that night, but if he tells her the truth about what really happened it will shatter the world she thought she knew. If he doesn’t, he might not get a second chance. He’s already lost her once and he won’t lose her again.

They come from two different worlds that are threatening to tear them apart…can they make it this time around?

*Amazon* Barnes and Noble*

To visit all the stops on the tour please go HERE.

About the Author:

I'm an avid reader and overall book lover. I love to write, and when a story popped into my head that I couldn't seem to ignore, I decided to take a shot at self-publishing with my first book, “This Time Around.” Now, much of my time is spent dreaming up new characters and planning for the next books that I hope to write. When I’m not writing, I’m usually curled up with my Kindle, reading book-after book-after book from all of my favorite authors (which is a very long list!)

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My Thoughts and Review:

Summer is the time for laid back reads that will get your blood pumping and your heart swooning. I have no idea what it is about these long lazy months that just screams romance to me. Maybe it has to do with the fact that as a kid this was the time to let loose and be free, with no school and later curfews, wild nights and that feeling that anything was possible. Or maybe it was that some of my best times and romances happened during these long summer months. Either way, summer, to me, is all about the romance. And what better way to get caught up in a romance than through a great read?

This is the perfect summer read. It was light and fun with engaging characters and a sweet happily ever after in the end. Yes it was somewhat predictable but you know what? That was okay because it was just what I needed after reading a few more serious action packed books. I needed something light and fluffy. I needed some good ole' (although this was rather steamy at times!) romance.  Exactly something that would get your heart thumping and your blood running.

Nora and Jake's story was a sweet one. It was all about second changes, taking leaps of faith and going after what you really want in life. I loved Susie and Ethan's story just as much as Jake and Nora's and I couldn't help but get teary eyed at their wedding, Jake's best man speech was beautiful. I loved watching Jake and Nora grow and I look forward to getting more glimpses of them in the next book  because I will definitely be picking it up. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author, publisher or tour host. I was not compensated for this review*

Tour Wide Giveaway:

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Review: My Totally Awkward Supernatural Crush by Laura Toffler-Corrie

Title: My Totally Awkward Supernatural Crush

Author: Laura Toffler-Corrie
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Roaring Brooks (August 20, 2013)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Middle School Paranormal
My Rating: 3 Stars!

Book Description:
While coping with middle school drama and costuming a teen production of Fiddler on the Roof, fourteen-year-old Jenna falls for Luke, an angel, and joins him in battle against demonic foe Adam, who wants Jenna's ancient pendant.

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

My Thoughts and Review:
When I initially started this I was expecting a cute read and while it was cute, I wasn't expecting how funny this would be. I loved all the backwards Twilight references (the Michael Jackson songs) and just Jenna's sense of humor. Some of the funniest moments in this book are when Jenna is babysitting David. David is hilarious and the things Jenna thinks about him and then spouts off to him in anger, even better.

I really loved David. He was such a funny character and really added a lot to the storyline. Seriously, I would babysit this kid in a heartbeat. 

Jared was pretty funny too. I don't even know how to describe his quirky slightly delusional lovesick personality. He made me laugh almost as much as David did but I also felt sorry for him too since it was so obvious Jenna was just not into him. 

And then of course you have the whole paranormal aspect of this whole thing.

This is definitely a cutesy read and while it is in the YA genre I would even say it is suitable for a younger audience.   It isn't too immature (although it did have its moments but in a humorous way), just a really clean (there are a couple of curse words but nothing terrible), fun read.

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review*

Blog Tour, Book Review and Tour Wide Giveaway: Undertow by Leigh T. Moore

Title: Undertow
Author: Leigh T. Moore
Series: Book Two in the Dragonfly Family Saga
Published: July 18, 2013
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Tour Host (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Contemporary



Book Description:
"Falling in love will pull you under..."

Bill Kyser has a plan to take the sandy farms of his hometown and turn them into a world-class tourist destination--and become a billionaire in the process. 
Alexandra "Lexy" LaSalle has a plan to change her life by becoming a world-famous artist. 
Meg Weaver has a plan to hold onto Bill no matter what she has to do.

Three friends, three dreams.
One fatal decision will change all their lives forever.

In Dragonfly, Bill Kyser gave Anna the three journals that held the story behind the powerful developer's seclusion and the damaged lives of his family members. 

Anna hoped to find a way for Julian to know the truth, but as she digs deeper into the tragic events of the past, she realizes silence could be the only option. 

Now she's in an alliance with the man she formerly feared. And if Julian finds out what she knows, she could lose for good the boy she's starting to love.

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

About the Author:

Leigh Talbert Moore is the author of the popular young adult romantic comedy The Truth About Faking, its companion The Truth About Letting Go, and the mature YA/new adult romantic suspense novel Rouge, a Quarter Finalist in the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.

 She is an award-winning journalist and editor, who has also worked in marketing and public relations for many years. Her writing has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the southeast and Midwest U.S., and she runs the popular writing-craft blog That’s Write.

 A southern ex-pat and beach bum, she currently lives with her husband, two young children, and one grumpy cat in the Midwest.

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My Thoughts and Review:

I was excited to start reading this after finishing Dragonfly. I knew this wasn't going to be Anna's story so much as it would be about Lexy, Meg and Billy and the secrets the three of them had, from each other, from themselves, all of it and I couldn't wait to get started on it. I wanted any opportunity I could to find out what made Jack and Lucy the way they were. I love Julian but I have to admit, a part of me loves Jack and all his brokenness as well. What can I say? I am a hopeless romantic.

I love how Moore handled the different points of view of each characters, by journal entries written, where it really all started, right after they each graduated high school and started their lives, separate and together. 

I thought I would love Meg, I really did, after all she is the one who was wrong, the one who so desperately loved her husband and children and while I did feel for her, I just couldn't love her. She was so very naïve and shallow and even superficial, I couldn't help it, the girl just didn't appeal to me and part of me thinks in a small way, what happened to her, was a product of her own doing. The lies, the deceit, it wasn't okay.

It is funny to see how each character perceives one another and then to actually get inside that character's head and see how they really are. Sometimes, it wasn't pretty, on either accounts, what others thought and what and who they really were.

I found myself sympathizing with Bill and Lexy (Alex) more than anyone else in the story and I honestly wasn't expecting that. It just goes to show how there are so many sides to a story and you never really get the whole picture until you know and feel what everyone involved felt and knew.

This was so well done and such a great addition to the story as a whole. It makes me even more excited for Anna and Julian's story to continue and grow in the next book. I know Anna has some pretty big and pretty hard secrets that involve Julian that she has to keep form him and I don't know how that will all play out,  but I really think they can work through it all. I am so rooting for this couple to be epic. I fell in love with Julian from the very beginning of book one and even though I like Jack, I just don't think he is the one that Anna should be with when all is said and done, of course, Moore has a ton of time to change my mind about that!

*All opinions and thoughts are my own and were not influenced by the author or tour host. I was not compensated for this review*

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