REVIEW: Where The Road Takes Me by Jay McLean

Where The Road Takes Me by Jay McLean

Released on February 10th

 Chloe has one plan for the future, and one plan only: the road. She’s made a promise to herself: don’t let anyone in, and don’t let anyone love her. She’s learned the hard way what happens if she breaks her rules. So she’s focused on being invisible and waiting until she can set out on the road—her dream of freedom, at least for a little while.

Blake Hunter is a basketball star who has it all—everything about him looks perfect to those on the other side of his protective walls. He can’t let anyone see the shattered pieces behind the flawless facade or else all his hopes and dreams will disappear.

One dark night throws Chloe and Blake together, changing everything for Blake. For Chloe, nothing changes: she has the road, and she’s focused on it. But when the so-called perfect boy starts to notice the invisible girl, they discover that sometimes with love, no one knows where the road may lead.

This book is rated ‘W’ for Well Done
5 HEARTS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Romance

She was invisible, unknown and waiting on her chance to be on the road…
He is visible, well known and he must make a choice… a life changing choice.
One night the visible collides with the unknown removing her cloak of invisibility. So whether she likes it or not… she just became visible, because knowing her changes everything.




She wanted to know about school; I told her about sports. She asked me about home; I told her more about sports. And then it struck me; why we were both so comfortable. Here; in this one night, as complete strangers.’

There is beauty in a story such as this one; it’s held within its characters when the author puts her heart in to her work. Told in dual points of view Where The Road Takes Me brings these two unlikely people together.
Chloe- closed off reluctant to form any bonds or connections
Blake- the very well known-rich-jock who put's on a facade in public.
After a chance meeting in the middle of the night puts her on Blake’s radar. A radar I should add she had managed to go undetected on for quite some time. As he naturally reaches out Chloe just as naturally closes herself off to him. You see, Chloe knows that once she graduates she’ll be gone…on the road.

When they are once again thrown together he runs with it. Knowing the road is ahead for Chloe does NOT deter Blake at all. Matter of fact he has a big decision to make regarding his own future.
Still, the more time he spends with Chloe the more he sees her in his future.

Always conscious of how much of herself she gives to people Chloe does continue to shut Blake down. He finds a way in. She tries to keep him at a distance but uh that’s not happening. Let’s just saaay he is not going for it.

 .






In the first 20% to 30% an intimacy and acceptance level is built between these two characters that only seemed to strengthen throughout the book. I think at one point Blake even threatens to leave her but in his mind he's like 'I'm lying I could never leave her' or something to that effect and it sent a flutter in my stomach it was so swoon worthy.

Their love is SWOON WORTHY!




The Characters
Chloe is a tough nut to crack. Most readers will most likely spend some time trying to figure her out, connecting with Blake before they do with her. But I’m telling you stick with her she’ll win your heart of this I am sure.

Blake will easily steal your heart. He is sweet, charming and in love with a girl named Chloe.
' Chloe—she was worth it. She was worth everything. '
That line is EVERYTHING!!!! Oh help me my heart just sped up!!

And then there is Josh, the best way to describe him is…is…you know as a kid when you get your favorite box of cereal and you’re already hype cause your mom remembered to get it for you right, and then you dig in and find the prize. Josh plus1 is the PRIZE! His character will easily get in to your heart. You can’t help but to love him, feel for him and want to know more about him.

My Thoughts
This book definitely has a different tone and flow than McLean’s More Series. Whereas the more series has a high impact 1,2 punch. Where The Road Takes Me moves to the beat of it's own drum. It delves deeper in to the characters and what they are facing at various points offering us more of who they are each time. Helping us the reader gain a better understanding of what has made them the way we now see them.
There are beautiful themes strewn throughout the book that appear at just the right moments. What I loved was how the themes took on a role all their own. GAH, you really have to read it to understand it sorry no spoilers here.

It's simple.. She writes. I read.

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable, Sweet and Witty
Writing Style- Strong, pulled at my heart in more ways than one
Plot/Storyline- Two teens meet one night and afterwards their lives change in ways they could not imagine
Steam Factor- Lo-Med-Hi I say Medium on a scale of 1-0 I say 7
Entertainment Level- High, the book held me captive from start to finish
Overall- I loved it! I recommend it to all NA lovers!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1s3Alrw

Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/wtrtmuk

Amazon AUS: Bit.ly/wtrtmau

‪#‎Turnmyworldred‬

Connect with Jay McLean HERE: 

https://www.facebook.com/jaymcleanauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4724550.Jay_McLean

Review: The Five Stages of Falling in Love by Rachel Higginson

The Five Stages of Falling in Love is a Contemporary Romance. 

Elizabeth Carlson is living in the pits of hell- also known as grief.

Her husband of eight years, the father of her four children and the love of her life, died from cancer. Grady's prognosis was grim, even from the start, but Liz never gave up hope he would survive. How could she, when he was everything to her?

Six months later, she is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and get the kids to school on time. Both seem impossible. Everything seems impossible these days.

When Ben Tyler moves in next door, she is drowning in sorrow and pain, her children are acting out, and the house is falling apart. She has no time for curious new friends or unwanted help, but Ben gives her both. And he doesn't just want to help her with yard work or cleaning the gutters. Ben wants more from Liz. More than she's capable of ever giving again.

As Liz mourns her dead husband and works her way through the five stages of grief, she finds there's more of her heart to give than she thought possible. And as new love takes hold, she peels away the guilt and heartache, and discovers there's more to life than death.

Wow, I absolutely loved this book!  The prologue hooked me right from the start and I was all in.  

This is a very emotional story and what Rachel does is not just tell us what is going on with the characters, she shows us and you will feel every heart wrenching moment as Elizabeth struggles to cope with her grief.

Elizabeth is left widowed after her husband Grady, the love of her life, passes away from cancer.  They have four beautiful, young children.  Together they were a team with wonderful dreams of a future growing old together, until it was ripped away from them.

I felt Elizabeth's pain, putting myself in her position and how I would feel if it had happened to me.  This grief completely overwhelms her and takes a firm grip on her life.  There is nothing rushed in the telling of this story.  Everything that Elizabeth and her children go through just felt so real to me and although it was a fictional story I could imagine that this is what happens when you lose your great love.

Then there is Ben. Okay, he is one of the best men I have met in book world.  He is so freaking sweet, thoughtful, patient, kind and gorgeous.  There are so many moments when this man's gestures brought tears to my eyes.  His interactions with Elizabeth's children are just...  I have no words, seriously.

I cried for this beautiful woman as she dealt with the feeling of still being in love with one man, having new feelings for another and her sense of betrayal to her late husband's memory. Rachel does an amazing job with this and I felt everything.  Damn if felt good though!  I also love that there wasn't a typical epilogue, rather it was like the voiceover at the end of a movie, really different yet perfect.

My favourite sob out loud moment:

"Did daddy send Ben to take care of us?" - Lucy (Elizabeth's daughter) 

This has been one of my favourite reads so far this year and I give it 5+ stars.  Be warned though, you may need tissues for this highly emotional read!

Amazon:
The Five Stages of Falling in Love

B&N:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-five-stages-of-falling-in-love-rachel-higginson/1120385752?ean=2940046187700

http://www.rachelhigginson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rachelhigginsonauthor

https://twitter.com/mywritesdntbite

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4728994.Rachel_Higginson

Review: Love's Suicide by Jennifer Foor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20932673-love-s-suicide

My heart belonged to Branch and Brooks Valentine since we were children, when we were all too naïve to know what that even meant. We didn’t understand that when we became adults, love would change us. I had to make a choice and when I did, it ripped our bond apart. Brooks left town, and he took half of my heart with him. It was difficult, but I coped and planned my future with Branch. I thought I’d made the right decision. I loved him and I always had.

Brooks showed up to be our best man the night before our nuptials. After drinks and too much reminiscing, I ended up in bed with the wrong brother. To avoid the humiliation and the fact that I’d ruined all of our lives, I left Branch and the only family I’d ever known.

That’s where my story should have ended.

Two years, one beautiful little girl and an abusive marriage later, I was standing there staring at the man that would always hold my heart.

The only question was…

Would I give it to him

I’m Katy Michaels and this is my story. 

The title of this book might make you feel  a bit hesitant to read it but when you really define the title then you will get a better understanding of what this story is all about:

Love's Suicide - the action of killing love intentionally.

Katy grew up next door to identical twins brothers Branch and Brooks. They may look the same but they are not identical in nature and personality.  Their parents are the best of friends and the families spend a lot of time together.  One of the boys realizes in his early teens that he is in love with Katy but too afraid to tell her and see her reaction.  The other twin figures thisout and in an effort to get one up on his brother, he makes his move.  This sets off a series of events that will change all of their lives forever.  

Katy is in a relationship with one brother but is in love with the other.  It all turns to custard the night before her wedding when she does something unforgivable, not just to her husband to be but to herself.  She ends up leaving them both and making a new life in a small country town, cutting off everyone from her life.For the next two years she stays away,  punishing herself for what she did to Branch, Brooks and their parents.  Katy just doesn't  have faith and trust in the people that love her because she is so caught up in her own guilt.  She tries to move forward with her life, with new friends and a heart that is still in love with one man.

There were times when I got so bloody frustrated with the choices she made, even if she thought she was doing them for the right reasons.  There were people that she had in her life that genuinely loved and cared for her. In the end she just caused  deep hurt and messed them up.  She seemed to make all her choices and decisions based on what she thought was best for the people around her but never considering want they may have wanted, had they the choice.

There are some really heart breaking moments in this story but there are also a lot of heart warming moments. This is quite a lengthy novel, which was in its favor as a lot happens in this book and skipping over important events would be doing an injustice to the characters.  I went through so many emotions reading this book and was completely wrung out at the end of it.  This a story you can sink your teeth into and get lost in.

Amazon:

http://www.jenniferfoor.com

https://www.facebook.com/JenniferFoorAuthor

https://twitter.com/jennyfoor

Book Blitz: All Of It by Kim Holden

Title: All of It

Author: Kim Holden

Release Date: Nov 24, 2013

Find on Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old VERONICA SMITH has it all: a loving family, a funky car named Jezebel, and a plan to go to college after graduation.

On the first day of senior year, she meets DIMITRI GLENN–a mysterious transfer student with gray eyes and a mischievous smile who seems determined to win her heart. But there’s something odd about Dimitri, leading Veronica to wonder if there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Before long she finds herself in a whirlwind romance that seems too good to be true–until a series of devastating events leaves her questioning everything.

It’s not until she chooses to think with her heart instead of her mind that she can rise from the ashes to learn the truth of their connection.

This is my first experience of reading a book by this author.  What I really loved about this story is that it was so different to others in this genre.  In a sea of young adult, contemporary romance books that are released each week, this story took me on an unpredictable sail across the lives of Veronica and Dimitri. 

Veronica is assigned to one of the new students coming into her high school in this, their senior year.  His name is Dimitri.  He is pretty good looking and has the most gorgeous grey eyes that seem to draw her in.  There is this connection between them, like he sees no one else but her, despite attempts by other girls to draw his attention.

It's not long before they are more than just friends and Veronica has this sense that Dimitri was too good to be true.  I too found him to be a bit mysterious but not in a bad way, there is just something. The bond they share is just incredible and Veronica begins to feel overwhelmed.

"It's funny how beauty radiates out of some people.  It's at the core of their being and
reveals itself bit by bit as you get to know them.  Dimitri is flawless on the outside,
 but it appears the real treasure is inside.  Where did he come from?" - Veronica

Being a teenager in that last year of high school is such a pivotal moment in a young person's life as you make career choices, leave the safety of the family home and begin the journey into adulthood.  You experience lots of firsts and falling in love is often on that list.  I don't think Veronica expected that to happen to her this young, to feel this forever kind of love with someone she has known in such a short time.

This year will have a huge impact on Veronica's life as she finds herself dealing with unexpected events and emotions.  All through this story you will be trying to figure out what it is about Dimitri that has you a bit guarded about him.  All will be revealed in the epilogue and it is beautiful!  Completely unexpected and I loved that it was so.  I loved how this story kept me guessing right until the end and when it ended I was left with a deep sense of satisfaction.

"I've learned that to love means giving everything, body and soul, and expecting nothing in return.  The beautiful thing is that if you're loved in return, it will all come back to you ten-fold."

I give this 4 stars.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Dimitri’s face is peaceful and angelic as he rises to help me put my coat on. “Thanks for coming over tonight, Ronnie. You don’t know what it meant to me. I feel like this is the first time I’ve been able to breathe in months.” He lifts his hand, but hesitantly stops just short of brushing my cheek. He smiles and lowers it. “Can I walk you to your car?”

My heart is soaring and my palms are sweaty. “I’d like that.”

We walk slowly down the long driveway, our bodies so close that our arms brush against each other. I think back to the first day of school and smile; personal space is so overrated.

He opens the driver side door and stands behind it at a safe distance so as not to make the situation awkward. I throw my bag through onto the passenger seat and stand with one hand on the door and the other on the steering wheel. When I look up at him he’s staring down at me. His eyes glitter in the streetlight.

It’s at that moment that my life comes into focus, like flipping a switch. The entire world tilts back onto its axis. Call it an epiphany; the rare type of realization that changes your life absolutely. I need this man in my life. I need him like I need air and water. He is part of me—my past and my future. Since the day we met I’ve given my heart to him ... piece by piece. And it’s at this exact moment that I realize he has all of it. My heart is no longer mine; it belongs to him and always will.

I can’t help but smile.

He returns the smile—his beautiful smile. “What?” he asks softly.

“Thank you for being you, Dimitri.”

Not much escapes him and I know from the look in his eyes that he understands. He nods humbly. “You’re welcome.”

I duck down into the driver’s seat and look back up at him. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.” I don’t know if it’s a question or a declaration, but it’s hopeful.

He winks. “You can count on it.”

Slowly he shuts the door and moves to the sidewalk. I wave and pull away, watching him in my rearview mirror as he begins to fade into the distance. He stands there glowing under the streetlight like an angelic statue. When I turn the corner, he’s gone.

Life is sometimes … an epiphany.

Some of my favorite things: reading, writing, the two coolest guys on the planet (my husband and son), my bicycle (my husband built it for me), Facebook (I'm fairly certain it's an addiction at this point), iced coffee (hazelnut), and music (LOVE the 1975, Dredg, the xx, Haim, Manchester Orchestra, Teenage Bottlerocket, and 30 Seconds to Mars).  I also love dreaming. Big. Writing a few years ago was an elusive dream until I grabbed ahold of it with both hands and refused to let go. Keep following YOUR dreams. Be brave and do epic!

Facebook | Website | Goodreads

Blog Tour: Whatever You Do by Stephanie Smith

Title: Whatever You Do (Try Again, #2)

Author: Stephanie Smith

Release Date: January 15, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

How do you trust someone who is everything  you’re trying to avoid?

 

Harper Lindell is having a bad day. You know, if a bad day consists of getting fired from your cushy job and then catching your boyfriend red handed playing hide the salami.

Sick of meeting the same guys over and over, Harper decides to try her luck at Internet dating. How bad could it be? Right?

Tate Washington wasn’t looking to meet anyone. Still dealing with the consequences of his one serious relationship, all he’s interested in is revamping his family’s behind-the-times café.

He didn’t plan on seeing the beautiful receptionist from Argo again, walking into his life to use his café as a dating hub, and using him as a BFF.

Can Harper really trust Tate, who is everything she thinks she needs to steer clear of?

Can Tate wait while Harper works through her insecurities and fears?

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and this story definitely lived up to my expectations. 

Harper is having the day from hell, she has just been fired from her job.  Seeking comfort and a sympathy she ends up at her boyfriend's house only to find he is busy giving another girl attention, of the physical kind.  This is not the first time she has been cheated on and this latest betrayal is the final straw.

Men are cheating bastards who can't be trusted and she obviously keeps picking the bad ones.  Harper decides to give internet dating a go.  The cafe she meets her dates at is owned by Tate, the hot guy who used to occasionally deliver her lunch at work.

Harper enthusiastically jumps into a series of dates and OMG it is like watching a comedy movie.  Seriously, I was laughing out loud at the situations she got herself into.  Tate is there on the sidelines giving her feedback and advice, just to add to the stress levels.

What if the person you are looking for is right in front of you?  Can Harper let go of her insecurities and preconceived notions about men and take a leap of faith with a man that would do anything to have her entrust him with her heart?  Maybe she is just destined to be a cat lady and live alone for the rest of her life.

This is a really funny, romantic and yet, very sexy read.   A story about letting go of the fear and just trying again.

For all of the Saxon and Brooke fans, you will be please to know that they regularly pop up in this story so you will be able to see what's happening in their lives now. 

I give this 4 stars.

Tate chuckles as he picks up a tomato and throws it to me. Thanking my quick reflexes, I catch it mid-air.

“Here, cut those,” he says, gesturing to the pile of tomatoes already stacked on the bench next to where he is preparing bacon.

I pop the tomato down and head to wash my hands. Once I return to the counter, Tate approaches me with an apron and wraps his arms around me as he ties the strings in front. We get stuck into it and work in companionable silence for the next few minutes.

“I’m sorry about the other day,” he says, not pausing for a second from the bacon he is cutting.

“I know,” I respond.

“I’m glad we’re okay.”

“Me, too.”

Silence descends once more, and we continue our tasks before Tate speaks again. “The other day, you said how you’ve never felt an instant connection with someone before.”

“Yeah?” I ask warily, wondering if I freaked him out.

“I didn’t get to tell you that I feel the same. When we’re together, it feels right.”

“Yeah … it does.”

Even though we don’t mention another thing about it, the silence doesn’t come again as the shots keep flowing and the music on the old radio gets louder and louder. We are laughing and carrying on and there is more ‘accidental’ touching on both sides.

‘Black Widow’ by Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora flows through the speakers and I sigh in happiness. “I love this song.” I leave my tomatoes behind to shake my hips all over the kitchen to the beat, singing along with the lyrics.

Warmth covers my back as two strong hands land on my hips. Tate pushes into me from behind and moves his hips along with my own or forces my hips to move along with his—I’m not sure.

“You’re so fucking sexy, Harper,” he whispers into my ear. “I won’t be able to keep this friendship platonic if you keep shaking your ass like that in my kitchen.” His warm breath flows over my collarbone as he nuzzles my neck and goosebumps break out across my skin. Tate must notice as he lifts his head and slowly peppers small, light kisses along the crease of my shoulder.

My head rolls back onto his shoulder, and my body liquefies at the intimate and sensual touch. He’s breaking down my walls. My common sense. He’s slowly softening me, melting me so he can mould me as he pleases, and it’s working.

As the realisation hits me, I jump out of Tate’s arms, grab hold of his hand, and pull him to the middle of the kitchen. I smile seductively at him and wink. “I’ll just have to keep you in line and focused then.”

He throws his head back and laughs, allowing me to ignore the moment and lead him around the centre workbench as we shake, shimmy, and wiggle to ‘Shake it Off’ by Taylor Swift, which is now playing on the stereo.

Wherever You Will Go (Try Again, #1)

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Whatever You Do (Try Again, #2)

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

I'm first & foremost a reader & fangirl, I will always be first & foremost a reader & fangirl. I am on street teams, I pimp and I brag. I LOVE my Authors!!

I have recently started writing as a way to relax and spend some time for me. My first novel Wherever You Will Go is due to release later this year. I'm having so much fun writing my first story and I'm looking forward to the journey it is taking me on.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted By: