Book Review: Hale Maree by Misty Provencher

Goodreads Summary: Hale Simmons dreams of climbing out of her impoverished life, going to college, and getting herself a titanium crash helmet, so she can eventually bust through the Plexiglas ceiling of her crappy life. But for now, she’s just a 18-year-old girl with a flimsy hope, barely getting by with her alcoholic father, Jerry. But for Hale, ‘crappy’ suddenly takes a nosedive, when Jerry becomes the sole witness to a horrible accident. It is an event which means to effect everyone, especially Hale, who wasn’t even involved.
While the depth of the accident has just begun to unfold, Otto Maree, a prominent business man and old family friend, stands to lose everything because of it. Otto is desperate for Hale’s father to stay quiet about what occurred the night the two men met for a drink. Out of mutual moments of desperation, the two fathers forge a deal. Jerry is desperate to gain financial stability for both himself and Hale, and Otto Maree is more than willing to pay to keep his secret just that.
But deals like this need to be made of the strongest vows and bound with the most faithful of loyalties. Otto proposes a marriage between Hale and his playboy-son, Oscar, in order to assure that the secret remains ‘in the family’. The mystery surrounding the accident continues to grow and Hale struggles against her own mysterious feelings that begin to develop for Oscar, who turns out to less of a playboy, but just as fiercely loyal and dedicated as his father.
As the pressure around her continues to escalate, Hale realizes that she’s got to decide if this arranged marriage is really just a big mistake or an amazing twist of fate that has been waiting around for this particular accident to happen.

Title: Hale Maree
Series: there will be a companion Full of Grace
Author: Misty Provencher
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: 19th November 2012
Format: Kindle eBook
Source: My Kindle Purchase
Challenge: Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge

I loved this book and had to read it as quick as I could. The writing style of Misty Provencher was fantastic and has such an easy flow that you don’t realise how quickly the pages are turning. The characters are interesting and you can’t help but pity Hale; her life isn't fun and gets even more complicated.

Hale Simmons aspires to improve her life and escape from poverty. She dreams of going to college on a scholarship and school is her priority. With a Mother that left when she was little and a Father that is an alcoholic, she does everything she can to keep food on the table and not let her Father waste all their money on booze.

One night, Hales’ Father, Jerry brings home a man, Otto and as she is preparing her tin of stew, they are talking about her and a boy called Oscar. They are talking about Hale’s pure virtue and her good looks and how Oscar will be able to take care of Hale. Hale is mortified and thinks surely they are not arranging a marriage for her…..that just doesn't happen anymore does it?

The next day, Jerry explains what is to happen and why. He wouldn't go into the details, says it is safer if she doesn't know them. Hale is to marry this man’s son, Oscar and it will seal the deal of trust and give them all motivation to keep the secret. Jerry witnessed a murder and as such, to prove he won’t break his promise, has offered Hale to marry Oscar.

Hale felt degraded and doesn't know what to do. She meets Oscar once, but isn't planning on marrying him. Jerry demands Hale marry Oscar and kicks Hale out of her house and into the arms of Oscar. They escape to Oscar’s family beach house and are to become acquainted before they marry.

Hale is having mixed feelings as the days go on living with Oscar. He is being sweet and trying extremely hard to make her feel comfortable. Slowly, very slowly, Hale is starting to like Oscar, but to marry him is still a thing of distress. Oscar invites his best friend to visit, and his friends girlfriend comes along as well. They all try to get along. With the secret still hanging over their heads, Oscar and Hale try really hard to get along in front of company, but everything is still so very strange.

As the pressure escalates, Hale needs to make a decision and when Oscar proposes, she is shocked at how easily he seems to be able to accept everything. Can Hale overcome her thoughts and go with her heart? Will they really get married? What happened with the murder and was anybody implicated? Will Jerry turn his life around with the help of Otto? Can life really go on for Hale if she’s married to Oscar?

This is a fantastic love story that had some shocking twists along the way. They betrayal Hale felt from her father was so vivid, that I was crying along with her. This is such a unique story for me that I want more from these characters; they are just so addictive and intriguing. I am glad to hear there will be a companion, Full of Grace and cannot wait to read it.

4 BOOKS - LOVED IT

About the Author

Photo by Laura Talacko

Misty Provencher writes everything that her brain can get its matter on. In late 2011, she released her debut, Young Adult novel, Cornerstone, and, in 2012, followed it with the sequel, Keystone. Also in 2012, Provencher released her Adult novel, Hale Maree, and a New Adult novel, Mercy, A Gargoyle Story. Writing across categories and genres, Provencher intends to provide readers with as much excitement, intrigue, and escape as they can handle.

~ courtesy of Amazon

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Book Review: Madly by M Leighton

Goodreads Summary: Madly is your average nearly-eighteen year old girl—for a princess, that is.Madly James is thoroughly enjoying her internship in the small town of Slumber when the unthinkable happens—there’s a prison break in Atlas, the magically-protected home of Madly’s race. A traitor has set free eight Lore, the spirits of what humans know as fairy tales, and they are making their way to Slumber to awaken their descendants.

In order to save her home, the lives of her family, and all of humanity, Madly must learn to wield her exceptional powers and recapture the Lore before it’s too late and all is lost. But Madly’s only help are her two best friends and the Sentinel, Jackson Hamilton, that threatens both her heart and her destiny. Madly has loved Jackson as long as she can remember, but he is the one thing even a princess can’t have. Can she resist love to become the queen she was fated to be? Or can she find a way to have both?
This novelette introduces you to Madly and prepares you for the quest of a lifetime.

Title: Madly
Series: Madly #1
Author: M Leighton
Publisher: Leighton Books
Release Date: 7th November 2011
Format: Kindle
Source: My Shelf
Challenge: TBR Pile Reading Challenge

I love Ms Leighton's writing style. After reading Down To You and as I already had this on my TBR list, I thought I would start this series. I realise now I should have started this a long time ago.

Even though this is a novelette, it still gives the reader an introduction into the life of Madly, a nearly eighteen year old that is a princess. Madly is attending school, has friends and does all the normal things, only she isn't normal, she is a mermaid.

During class, Madly feels pain, it doesn't make sense and she is goes to seek her parents and find out what is going on. Madly finds out that her parents are being held hostage.

A sentinel, Jackson, is assigned to protect Madly. He has known Madly since childhood and they seem drawn to each other, but don't want to acknowledge their feelings. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife, but this is only because Madly is betrothed to another.

Follow Madly's short introduction to find out who had kidnapped her parents and why. This is going to be a great series and I have already bought book 2 ready to delve into the action. The romance and adventure are just some of the great qualities this series will bring.

4 FUN BOOKS - A GREAT READ

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

A note from Michelle: I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I'm convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair.

~ courtesy of Amazon

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Book Review: Taken by Emma Knight

Goodreads Summary: Rachel Wood finally learns the secret that her new boyfriend, Benji, has been hiding: he is a vampire.
But Rachel refuses to believe it. Thinking he is crazy, she runs from him, and resolves to never see him again.
But despite herself, Rachel can’t stop thinking of him. As he comes to her in her dreams, Rachel can’t help wondering if maybe, just maybe, it is all true.
Meanwhile, Rachel is back in high school, the day after her dreaded homecoming dance, and is left to deal with the fallout of the brawl. Rob’s football friends were injured, but that doesn’t stop Rob from falling for Rachel all over again. And despite herself, she realizes that she just might still have feelings for him, too.
Rachel’s social pressures build from her group of friends, and she is forced to lie to her parents, and sneak out, in order to get out of being grounded and have any social life. Her sister, Sarah, covers for her, as those two start to develop a deeper bond.
But problems only escalate for Rachel, as Benji comes back into her life, bringing danger with him. She discovers his world at his ancestral home in the mysterious Lyndvia Castle on the Hudson River. But just as their romance is blossoming, Benji’s twin brother shows up with a message that just might mean the end for all of them. Rachel will have to decide just how much she wants to sacrifice to be with the love of her life.

Title: Taken
Series: The Vampire Legends #2
Author: Emma Knight
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: 21st December 2011
Format: Kindle eBook
Source: My Shelf
Challenge: Paranormal Challenge - Vampires

This is a total continuation from Sworn, book one and the first paragraph takes off from where it ended. I did like this aspect and it set the whole story for this book. The storyline is interesting, but a little typical of vampire stories, the characters aren’t yet fully explored and I am interested to read the next couple of books to see where they go.

Benji and Rachel escaped the school dance and Rachel is trying to get Benji to explain how he is capable of such strength and speed. Benji is frustrated and doesn’t want to share his secret, but knows Rachel has given him an ultimatum. Buggering it all, he spills the beans and this day is the beginning of all the trouble.

Rachel doesn’t believe what she hears and runs away from Benji. Arriving home she finds the police and worried parents. Telling them all she knows (except for the sworn secret), Rachel goes to bed worried and anxious.

School is horrendous; everybody is talking about the horrible fight from the dance the night before. Rachel is so embarrassed and her friends don’t really help; she is the focus of all the students and the football team is in hospital because of her.

The whole town is wondering who and where Benji is and trying to get answers. Rachel is becoming the bad girl, with the influence from her friends, but her relationship with her sister is becoming better and they seem to be closer than ever before.

This book does focus more on Benji and his story; giving some backstory and why he made the decision to tell Rachel. But there are always consequences and this one has been major. Telling the secret is forbidden and this has caused chaos with another coven. Rachel and Benji are now in danger.

There are some twists and turns along the way, the ending is left open in a huge cliffhanger. The introduction of Benji’s twin brother, Hunter is an interesting addition. He is a total opposite of Benji and I hope he continues to appear in future books. The book does focus on teenage angst and peer pressures, with the added fun of vampire life. I did rate it a 3, but will read the rest of the series.

3 BOOKS - GOOD

About the Author

Emma Knight is author of the bestselling vampire series THE VAMPIRE LEGENDS, consisting of four books and counting: SWORN, TAKEN, BITTEN and CHOSEN. Emma loves to hear from you, so please stay in touch and visit her website.

Book 1 - Sworn is currently FREE for Kindle.

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Book Review: Down to You by M Leighton

Goodreads Summary: The scorching tale of one girl, two brothers and a love triangle…that’s not. Olivia Townsend is nothing special. She’s just a girl working her way through college so she can return home to help her father run his business. She’s determined not to be the second woman in his life to abandon him, even if it means putting her own life on hold. To Olivia, it’s clear what she must do. Plain and simple. Black and white. But clear becomes complicated when she meets Cash and Nash Davenport. They’re brothers. Twins. 
Cash is everything she’s always wanted in a guy. He’s a dangerous, sexy bad boy who wants her in his bed at any cost. He turns her insides to mush and, with just one kiss, makes her forget why he’s no good for her. Nash is everything she’s ever needed in a guy. He’s successful, responsible and intensely passionate. But he’s taken. Very taken, by none other than Marissa, Liv’s rich, beautiful cousin. That doesn’t stop Olivia from melting every time he looks at her, though. With just one touch, he makes her forget why they can never be together. 
Black and white turns to shades of gray when Olivia discovers the boys are hiding something, something that should make her run as far and as fast as she can. But it’s too late to run. Olivia’s already involved. And in love. With both of them. Both brothers make her heart tremble. Both brothers set her body on fire. She wants them both. And they want her. How will she ever choose between them?

Title: Down to You
Series: The Bad Boys Series #1
Author: M Leighton
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: 20th September 2012
Format: Kindle
Source: My Own Shelf

**please note this book has mature adult content only (18+)**

Down to You is fantastic, such a page turner that I couldn't stop reading and finished this in one day. I just had to find out what was going on with the twin brother’s and Liv. M Leighton has a wonderful style of writing that is easy to read and the story was so very intriguing that I couldn't help but become addicted.

Liv is a typical college student, working as much as she can to pay the rent and live her life. Working as a bartender in a club two hours away, she struggles to make enough money to cover all the essentials; especially when her car starts playing up.

We start at a Hen’s party in a club and in walks the most handsome man Liv has ever seen. She assumes he is the entertainment for the evening and trying to help out her friend, initiates the undressing of the entertainment. Cash is only too happy to oblige and let Liv start when the door opens and in walks the real entertainment. Liv is horrified that he would allow her to do that and humiliated. Cash is the owner of the club is amused at how Liv is so timid and shy, but her courage came to the surface for loyalty towards her friend.

Liv is living with her cousin because at her last apartment her roommate left and Liv couldn't afford the rent by herself. Her cousin has a boyfriend, but Liv hasn't met him before and on the morning after the hen’s party, Liv goes for coffee only to find Cash in the kitchen with her cousin. BUT it’s not Cash, its Nash his twin brother. Liv is dumbfounded; there are 2 of these handsome men!

The twin’s and Liv all seem to be smitten with each other. Nash has tee’d up a job interview with Cash at his club so Liv doesn't have to travel so far for work. The tension between them all is thick you could cut it with a knife. One night Liv is visited by one of the Twin’s and there are no words spoken, Liv has no idea which one it could be. Embarrassed to ask the question, she goes on wondering which twin mysteriously visited her bed that night.

Can Liv work out which man visited her without having to ask? Would Nash really betray her cousin?  Can Liv overcome her attraction to the bad boy Cash and wait for the good guy Nash?

I am so glad that I don’t have to wait long for book 2, Up To Me which comes out early January. I loved the mystery revolving around the twin’s family and the big twists that keep you guessing. This certainly is a love triangle with a difference and is a must read for all adult romance readers.

5 FANTASTIC BOOKS

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

A note from Michelle: I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I'm convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair. 

~ courtesy of Amazon

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Book Review: The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines

Goodreads Summary: Sawyer Vincent is still heartbroken over his breakup with Ashton Gray - made worse because he lost her to his brother - but Lana McDaniel thinks she might just have a cure. Lana's lived in her cousin Ashton's shadow all her life, but now she's taking the lead and is determined to make Sawyer her man. But can she be sure that Sawyer's not just using her to get back at Ashton? And what if Sawyer sees through her new sexy version of herself and discovers the shy, geeky girl she used to be?
THE VINCENT BROTHERS picks up where THE VINCENT BOYS left off - with twice the fun, twice the excitement and twice the sexy.

Title: The Vincent Brothers
Series: The Vincent Boys #2
Author: Abbi Glines
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Release Date: 5th June 2012
Format: Kindle eBook
Source: my shelf-purchase

Please note this is not the NEW and UNCUT version.

**Please be aware there is spoilers for The Vincent Boys**

I loved this one just as much as The Vincent Boys. The Vincent Boys was an introduction into the life of Sawyer and Beau Vincent with Beau being in the spotlight more so than Sawyer. But The Vincent Brothers is a spotlight more so on Sawyer. Abbi Glines is a magician, just as I said in my review for book 1. This is the original version and I just loved the fast pace storyline with twists and turns along the way.

Sawyer Vincent is still coming to terms with losing the love of his life to his brother; even though he knows that Beau would never ever betray him if it wasn't real love. But that doesn't make the hurt any less painful, especially having to witness the love every day. Sawyer isn't himself and has decided the only way to take away the pain for a little while is to resort to drinking alcohol. It appears to everybody that Sawyer has turned into the bad boy Beau since the break-up.

Ash is still in la-la land and loving every minute she spends with Beau. This summer is going to be the best before everybody goes off to college. Ash’s cousin Lana is coming to stay for the summer too, she is trying to escape her now divorced Mother’s bitter tirades and to enjoy life. She has changed her image, her attitude and decided that this is her last chance to be noticed by boys; with one boy in particular in mind.

Lana goes to the Field party with Ash and is excited to see Sawyer again. Sawyer thinks Lana could be a great distraction from the hurt that Ash has caused and decides to start spending time with Lana. Every time he is with Lana, Ash doesn't even enter his mind. Lana doesn't know if Sawyer is spending time with her just to make Ash jealous or because he generally is attracted to her.

There is a tug of war of emotions in this book and nothing is set in stone. There is questionable behaviour from Beau which causes trouble for Sawyer and Ash and Lana is turned inside out. Will Lana ever get to be happy? Can somebody actually put her first? Will Sawyer be able to love somebody that isn’t Ash? Will Ash ever not be the centre of the Vincent Boys?

This is awesome! I wish there were more books coming to this story; I just loved the Vincent boys. In the first book, I was all Beau, but now having actually been inside Sawyers head, it is hard to be in love with just one of the Vincent Boys, I am torn between the two. The characters evolve with great intensity and the emotions that come out of the book will have you laughing, crying and OMGing along with Lana. After I finished reading this one, I had to purchase more books by Abbi Glines, I am now one of her biggest fans.

5 AMAZING BOOKS

About the Author

Abbi Glines can be found hanging out with rockstars, taking out her yacht on weekends for a party cruise, sky diving, or surfing in Maui. Okay maybe she needs to keep her imagination focused on her writing only. In the real world, Abbi can be found hauling kids (several who seem to show up that don’t belong to her) to all their social events, hiding under the covers with her MacBook in hopes her husband won’t catch her watching Buffy on Netflix again, and sneaking off to Barnes and Noble to spend hours lost in the yummy goodness of books. Her debut novel, BREATHE, can be found in digital format at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Existence, a YA paranormal, was released December 13, 2011 by Wild Child Publishing. She also released a YA contemporary romance, The Vincent Boys this Fall. She just released her first New Adult contemporary, Because of Low. She is currently editing the second book in the Existence Trilogy, Predestined. If you want to find her then check Twitter first because she has a severe addiction to tweeting @abbiglines. She also blogs regularly but rarely about anything life changing. She also really enjoys talking about herself in third person. 

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Book Review: The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Goodreads Summary: Beau Vincent is rude, bad, and dangerous to know. So why can't good girl Ashton Gray keep away from him? She already has the perfect boyfriend - her town's local Prince Charming, Sawyer Vincent. But Sawyer is away for the summer, and in the meantime Ashton is bored, and the heat between her and Beau is undeniable - as well as irresistible. Ashton is about to unleash her bad girl - but what will she do when Sawyer comes home? And how will Sawyer react when he returns to find his girlfriend in the arms of his best friend - and cousin?

Title: The Vincent Boys (NEW AND UNCUT)
Series: The Vincent Boys #1
Author: Abbi Glines
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Release Date: First published 11th October 2011 - revised NEW and UNCUT version published 12th November 2012
Format: Kindle
Source: Bought

WOW, where have I been and why haven’t I read this earlier. I couldn’t put this one down. I had seen this around the blogosphere for a while and decided to buy it. Thought I would give it a try in between reading review books and I have been blown away. Mind you, this is the UNCUT version that I picked up without realising. Abbi Glines is a magician; her writing style and characters are addictive and I instantly fell in love with Beau. **sigh**

Beau and Sawyer Vincent are cousins that have grown up together. Have forever been best friends and team mates and also the best friends of Ashton Gray. Meeting Ashton when they were just five years old, they all rambled around the town and into mischief together. The three were always joined at the hip and taking care of one another. Until things started to change, they grew older and the boys noticed that Ashton was changing; she was changing into a GIRL.

When they were fourteen, Sawyer built up his courage and asked Ashton to be his girlfriend. They have been together now for 3 years. BUT, Sawyer has gone away on a family vacation into the mountains. Phone reception and computer internet services are questionable at best and Ashton is left to her own devices. Ashton keeps running into Beau, since Sawyer and Ashton became an item, he was left out of the loop and they haven’t spoken since.

Now for some reason, Ashton has taken it upon herself to make friends with Beau once again and make things right. She remembers all the fun and good times they all had together and wants that back. Beau keeps testing her boundaries and causing Ashton to have little tingling’s and heart thrashing moments. He wants to test Ashton to see what her true feelings are. With each visit, their feelings return and they find they need to find ways to see each other.

What will happen when Sawyer returns? Small towns always have gossip, what is everybody saying about Beau and Ashton being seen together? Being the Preacher’s daughter, what will good girl Ashton get up to? Who will win the heart of Ashton in the end?

This book took me on a journey of an emotional discovery. I was crying with Ashton; laughing with Ashton and oohing and aahing over Beau. It travels through the teenage heart with self-discovery, hard life decisions, loyalty and betrayal. I fell so hard for this book that I had to buy The Vincent Brothers and start it straight after. Please note though, that the UNCUT version does have a few scenes with sexy detailing that would be aimed at the more mature young adult. Any-who, highly recommend to all romance readers.

5 AMAZING EMOTIONAL STARS

About the Author

Abbi Glines can be found hanging out with rockstars, taking out her yacht on weekends for a party cruise, sky diving, or surfing in Maui. Okay maybe she needs to keep her imagination focused on her writing only. In the real world, Abbi can be found hauling kids (several who seem to show up that don’t belong to her) to all their social events, hiding under the covers with her MacBook in hopes her husband won’t catch her watching Buffy on Netflix again, and sneaking off to Barnes and Noble to spend hours lost in the yummy goodness of books. Her debut novel, BREATHE, can be found in digital format at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Existence, a YA paranormal, was released December 13, 2011 by Wild Child Publishing. She also released a YA contemporary romance, The Vincent Boys this Fall. She just released her first New Adult contemporary, Because of Low. She is currently editing the second book in the Existence Trilogy, Predestined. If you want to find her then check Twitter first because she has a severe addiction to tweeting @abbiglines. She also blogs regularly but rarely about anything life changing. She also really enjoys talking about herself in third person.

~Website ~ Twitter ~ Amazon ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~

Katie