Friday, January 31, 2014

ARC REVIEW ~Song of the Fireflies by JA Redmerski~

Title: Song of the Fireflies
Author: J.A. Redmerski
Release Date: February 4, 2014

My Rating: 2.5 Stars
New York Times bestselling author J.A. Redmerski brings us a stunning and heart-wrenching new novel about a couple who find each other in their darkest moment.

Since they were kids, Elias Kline and Brayelle Bates have been inseparable. When Bray moves to South Carolina, separating the two for the first time, they both at last realize that their innocent childhood friendship has developed into something much more. So when Bray finally returns to Georgia—and to Elias—things between them couldn’t be more perfect…until one fateful night changes everything.

Desperate not to go to prison for a terrible accident, Elias and Bray decide to run. As they try to make the most of their freedom, the two find themselves relying on a rebellious group of people who tempt the duo into a wild and daring new life. But they can’t run from their troubles forever.

As the consequences of their past catch up to them, the couple must finally face reality. Even if they can make it through the unimaginable, Elias knows the truth about Bray’s painful history, and in the end he may not be able to save Bray from herself…
In short, this book had a lot of potential but, it didn't reach my expectations. Song of the Fireflies was a book where I could simply not connect with the main characters. I actually found myself drawn to one of the secondary couples more than Bray and Elias. This book, to me, was disjointed and had an odd mix of conflicts thrown together. The female lead, Bray, held no redeeming qualities. There are outstanding circumstances but, I wanted her to at least be likable or redeem herself. And in my eyes she was not able to achieve either. Elias on the other hand, held more promise as a character but, he's so wrapped up in Bray that it made me dislike his spineless demeanor. Truthfully, this review is painful for me to write. I still want to love this book. Maybe, if I weren't a hardcore romance junkie this book would have resonated more with me. But given as is, it had more dark moments than light. It was more heartbreaking reality than angsty, getting lost fiction. Don't get me wrong I love a dose of reality here and there. This book however, just made me sad. Not the ending... that is wrapped up a little too neatly, but the rest of the book was just bad decisions galore on the characters' parts.

Song of the Fireflies is a childhood friendship turned adult romance story. Bray and Elias have been two peas in a pod since they were very young. Bray being the reckless, mess of a person for no apparent reason. And Elias being her rock at every step. When they eventually try for a romantic relationship, it all goes down hill. In my opinion, they just weren't mature enough to handle the emotions and responsibilities that came with their relationship. Bray leaves Elias only to return with no word and he receives her with arms wide open. So, this sweet, if not confusing, story then hits a dark bump in the road only to fall off an even darker and steeper abyss. Soon, Elias and Bray are running from their home with almost nothing to their name. After a string of even more bad luck, they meet up with a group- Tate, Jen, Grace, Caleb and Johanna. I still question this whole groups morals right now. Sometimes, they were saviors, sometimes they just caused more trouble. Eventually the past comes back to haunt Elias and Bray. They have nowhere left to turn, and must return back to the problems they left behind. While we do get some explanation for Bray's problems, it was a secret that didn't really shock me, and also didn't help me sympathize with her either. I don't want to sound cold-hearted, but the way the characters dealt with it and the events following just left me in a funk.

Like I said earlier when it comes to the end it was wrapped up too neatly. There is all the drama leading up to the last chapters and then the skies clear and everything is perfect again. It made me feel like the rest of the book had just been a horrifying dream. I think the core of my problem with this book was the lack of connection with the characters. I feel like if I could have connected and felt what Bray and Elias were feeling I could have understood and rooted for them more. Instead, I was left feeling very confused. I understand that the situations presented in this book could, and do, happen in real life and I'm not being apathetic to those who experience it. I'm just saying that I felt like a piece or two of the puzzle was missing. Maybe I wanted more of a connection between Bray and Elias, other than just physical chemistry. Or maybe I wanted less of a twisted plot. I can't really say. All I know is that I really wanted to love this book and it just left me feeling flat, and put-off. As always though, it is highly possible that I'm just a weirdo and you may love this book. Which is great! I would love to hear your opinion on Song of the Fireflies. Whether it be the same as mine or completely different. This was just my opinion, how ever little that may matter :) With having said my piece about the book itself, I want to voice my opinion about the author. I think JA Redmerski is a fantastic writer. If It makes any sense I connected with the words, just not what they meant. I was captivated by her storytelling ability and her voice. And I will most definitely give her other books a go.

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author/published through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

COVER REVEAL + GIVEAWAY ~Crashed by K. Bromberg~


Title:  Crashed
Author: K. Bromberg
Series: The Driven Trilogy #3
Release Date: March 3, 2014
When life crashes down around us, how hard are we willing to fight for the one thing we can’t live without, each other?

Life is full of moments. 

Big moments. 

Little moments. 

And none of them are inconsequential. 

Every single moment prepares you for that one instance that defines your life. You must overcome all your fears, confront the demons that chase you, and cleanse the poison that clings to your soul or you risk the chance of losing everything.

Mine started the minute Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet. She made me feel. Made me whole when all I thought I could ever be was incomplete. Became the lifeline I never knew I needed. Hell yes, she’s worth the fight…but how do you fight for someone you know you don’t deserve?

Love is full of ups and downs. 

Heart stopping highs.

Soul shattering lows.

And none of them are insignificant. 

Love is a racecourse of unexpected twists and turns that must be negotiated. You have to break down walls, learn to trust, and heal from your past in order to win. But sometimes it’s the expected that’s the hardest to hold on to.

Colton has healed and completed me, stolen my heart, and made me realize our love’s not predictable nor perfect—it’s bent. And bent’s okay. But when outside factors put our relationship to the test, what lengths will I have to go to prove to him that he’s worth the fight?

Whoever said love is patient and love is kind, never met the two of us. We know our love is worth it—have acknowledged that we were meant to be—but when our pasts crash into our future, will the repercussions make us stronger or break us apart?
Links to Buy:
BOOK #1
Title: Driven
Author: K. Bromberg
Series: The Drive Trilogy #1
Release Date: May 12, 2013
Rylee Thomas is used to being in control. But she’s about to meet the one man that just might make her enjoy losing it…
I am the exception to the rule.

In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track.

Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.

I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?
Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?
Link to Buy:

BOOK #2
Title: Fueled
Author: K. Bromberg
Series: The Driven Trilogy #2
Release Date: August 25, 2013
What happens when the one person you never expected suddenly happens to be the one you’ll fight the hardest to keep?

Colton stole my heart. He wasn't supposed to, and I sure as hell didn't want him to, but he crashed into my life, ignited feelings within me that I thought had died forever, and fueled a passion that I never knew could exist.

Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet and into my life. Now I don't think I'll ever be the same. She's seen glimpses of the darkness within me, and yet she's still here. Still fighting for me. She is without a doubt the saint, and I am most definitely the sinner.

How is it the one thing neither of us wanted—neither of us anticipated that fateful night—has us fighting so hard to keep?

He steals my breath, stops my heart, and brings me back to life again all in a split second of time. But how can I love a man who won't let me in? Who continually pushes me away to prevent me from seeing the damaged secrets in his past? My heart has fallen, but patience and forgiveness can only go so far.

How can I desire a woman who unnerves me, defies me, and forces me to see that in the deep, black abyss of my soul there's someone worthy of her love? A place and person I swore I'd never be again. Her selfless heart and sexy body deserve so much more than I'll ever be capable of giving her. I know I can't be what she needs, so why can't I just let her go?

We are driven by need and fueled with desire, but is that enough for us to crash into love?
Link to Buy:
Meet K. Bromberg:
K. Bromberg is that reserved woman sitting in the corner that has you all fooled about the wild child inside of her--the one she lets out every time her fingertips touch the computer keyboard. She’s a wife, mom, child rustler, toy pick-er-upper, chauffer, resident web-slinger, LaLaloopsy watching, American Girl doll dressing multi-tasker of all things domestic and otherwise. She likes her diet cokes with rum, her music loud, and her pantry stocked with a cache of chocolate.

K. lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. When she needs a break from the daily chaos of her life, you can most likely find her on the treadmill or with Kindle in hand, devouring the pages of a good, saucy book.

Fueled is K. Bromberg’s second published novel and is the highly anticipated second book of “The Driven Trilogy.” Driven was her well-received debut novel and Book #1 of the series.Connect with K. Bromberg:

Connect with Colton:


BLOG TOUR: GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY ~Serendipity by Janet Nissenson

Title: Serendipity
Author: Janet Nissenson
Series: Inevitable #1
Release Date: December 10, 2013

SYNOPSIS

Was meeting again an unfortunate twist of fate? Or was it just serendipity?

Julia McKinnon was convinced she’d found the one – the man of her dreams, the most seductive, experienced lover she’d ever known – and the night they’d spent together in New York was the stuff erotic fantasies were spun from. But with the dawn of a new day came only heartache and betrayal, and her dreams were snuffed out like so much fairy dust.

Nathan Atwood felt like the lowest sort of life form after seducing the incredibly beautiful girl he met in New York, only to break her tender heart with the confession that he was already involved with someone else. Leaving Julia was the hardest thing he’d ever done, and the memory of their passionate night together haunted his dreams for months afterwards.

Now fate has brought them together again, and they are forced to work alongside each other. Will Julia be able to put aside the feelings she still has for her handsome boss and forge a new life for herself in San Francisco? And how long will Nathan be able to resist the gorgeous woman he’s never really stopped thinking about or wanting?

EXCERPT

“How did you find me?”

Julia’s head swung to meet his gaze in disbelief. “Excuse me?”

Nathan leaned back in his desk chair, regarding her across the wide expanse of mahogany, with an expression of barely checked anger. “Come on, Julia. You don’t really expect me to believe that you working here is some sort of wild coincidence, do you? The only logical explanation is that you somehow found out who I was and where I worked, and was lucky enough that there was a job opening. The only real coincidence is that you happen to be an interior designer and that I co-own an architectural design firm.”

She stared back at him, appalled by his arrogance. “Are you kidding? Even assuming that I was able to figure out who you were – Mr. No Last Name, No Occupation, No City of Residence – why would you think I’d want to see you again, much less work with you?”

He shrugged, but his composure looked a bit less cocksure than it had. “Revenge, obsession. Maybe a little of both.”

Julia smirked. “Really? You think I somehow managed to find out your name – by what means I have no idea – then stalked you several thousand miles across the country because I wanted to get back at you? Or worse, because I craved another fuck? Sorry, you weren’t that good.”

Nathan’s eyes narrowed and shot out sparks of light blue fire. “That’s not what you said that night.”

Enraged, she got to her feet, leaning over his desk. “As I recall, both of us said a lot of things that night. But one of us intentionally neglected to say the one thing that would have instantly put a stop to everything else – something along the lines of ‘by the way, I’m already spoken for’.”

He winced at the angry lash of her words. “I deserve that, I suppose. But that still doesn’t explain how you found me or why you followed me cross country.”

She let out a rather undignified hoot of laughter. “For real, Nathan? You’ve still got me pegged as some Fatal Attraction-like stalker? Well, think on this one. I’m normally not a vain person, but I’m not naïve, either. I know I’m hot. Men have been telling me that since I was twelve. If I wanted a man that badly all I’d really need to do would be to walk inside the nearest bar or club or even a grocery store, and let nature take its course. It would take little to no effort on my part to get whatever man I wanted. And he sure as hell wouldn’t be one who’s already taken.”

GUEST POST

Writing In First Versus Third Person
It seems that the majority of the books I read these days are told in first person, either strictly in the POV of the heroine or alternate chapters in the POV of the heroine and hero. I’m not sure when this trend started but it’s not one that I’m really a fan of, either as a reader or as a writer.

As a reader, I like to know what’s going on with both sides – no guessing games, no mystery, no wondering. It can also be somewhat emotionally exhausting to always be inside the head of just one person, especially if said person has a lot of angst and drama and stuff going on inside. It’s a nice break to read a different POV and get a better overall picture of the story. Maybe I’m just nosy, but I want to know what the hero thinks of the heroine, how he sees her, what he’s feeling when they’re together, etc.

In Serendipity, the story is told from third person, the style that I was most comfortable writing in and that I had done the majority of my reading in. I’ve been reading romance for a long time, going back decades, and cut my teeth on such notable authors as Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, and Judith McNaught, all of whom have always written in third person. When writing Serendipity, it just felt natural to write in third person POV, and gave me the flexibility to also include POV’s from additional characters beside the hero and heroine. Not only does this make – in my opinion, at least – an overall better-rounded story, but it provides additional material for the book without having to pad it with unnecessary dialog, characters, etc.

This isn’t to say that one day if the characters and plot seem right that I wouldn't consider writing in first person. But for now, at least, I’m perfectly happy being inside multiple characters heads and sharing their thoughts, emotions, etc. with readers.

Back to blogger:

I just wanted to thank Janet so much for stopping by and sharing her opinion on the Third Person POV vs. First Person POV debate! So for you guys: comment below with your opinion. I want to know what you guys think about the perspectives in books. Whether it takes away or adds something to the mix depending on the POV. 
Open internationally to readers 18+
Meet Janet:
Janet is a lifelong resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, and currently resides on the northern California coast with her husband Steve and Golden Retriever Max. She worked for more than two decades in the financial services industry before turning her focus to producing running events. She is a former long-distance runner, current avid yoga practitioner, is addicted to Pinterest, likes to travel and read. She has been writing for more than three decades but Serendipity is her first official published work. She plans five more books in the Inevitable series, with each one a standalone with new lead characters, so no cliff-hangers or waiting months to see what happens next!

TO FOLLOW THE REST OF THE TOUR CLICK HERE

Monday, January 27, 2014

ARC REVIEW ~Wulfe Untamed by Pamela Palmer~

Title: Wulfe Untamed
Author: Pamela Palmer
Series: Feral Warriors #8
Release Date: January 28, 2014

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release...

The most enigmatic and tortured of the Feral Warriors, Wulfe is haunted by the quiet beauty of a human woman who no longer remembers him. Once a captive of both the Mage and the Ferals, Natalie stole a piece of his heart before he took her memories and sent her safely back to her fiancé. But now the Mage are threatening her again, and Wulfe will risk anything to protect her.

Natalie Cash is stunned when she's saved by a wolf who shifts suddenly into a splendidly built, if badly scarred, man, a man with the kindest eyes. Swept into a world of intrigue and danger beyond her comprehension, she turns to the powerful Wulfe, finding a passion she'd only dreamed of. But when time runs out, they must trust one another and surrender to a wild, untamed love.

MY REVIEW

Pamela Palmer knows how to make shit hit the fan. Her Feral Warriors series is one of the most alluring paranormal series I have read to date. The fantasy world she builds is nothing short of immaculate. All too often in paranormal series the details fall through the crack. Not with these books. Every character is developed to their fullest and every emotion is communicated perfectly. Wulfe Untamed is the perfect addition to Ms. Palmer's Feral Warriors series.

Wulfe Untamed continues with the previous story arc from the books before. The evil of all evils is trying to rise and the warriors are doing everything in their power to stop it. Along the way many warriors have fallen prey to the women they now call their mates. Wulfe already experienced a mating once and it left him reluctant to try it again and doubtful he would even get another shot. His previous mating was for shear utilitarian reasons. There was no love lost. But hope sparks in Wulfe when the warriors save a group of innocents from death at the hands of the Mage. Natalie, one of the captives, calls to Wulfe. They connect on the most basic and emotional of levels. But he must send her back to her life with no recollection of their time together. All is well and good, until a good deed Wulfe executed comes back to haunt both him and Natalie. Once again Natalie is back at Feral house and under the protection of the warriors.  

Despite not remembering their previous time together, Natalie is once again instantly attracted to Wulfe. But now they must pay the price for Wulfe's actions. As the ferals are losing touch with their animals and therefore losing their strength and immortality, it is a fight against time to kill Inir and stop Satanan's escape. With Natalie's life in the balance, Wulfe must embrace his Daemon side to save the woman who has awoken his soul and heart. The only problem is that he has inadvertently made her the key to end this horror show but, it will also end her life. 

This book was SO good. As in I read it in one sitting and completely ignored the fluke, gorgeous weather we were having that day. I have wanted Wulfe to get his HEA from Book #1. He always seemed the most deserving of the ferals to experience happiness again. But this book was more than just Natalie and Wulfe's story. This was the end  all, be all of this story arc. Everything the past seven books have been leading up to came to head in Wulfe Untamed. It was dramatic, heartbreaking, and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. They looked like they were coming to a conclusion and I look down and I'm only at 48%. Then all hell breaks loose. If this book were a haircut, it's be a spiky mohawk- up and down, up and down. 

Wulfe, with his light and dark soul, and a horrendously painful past, has been shut off emotionally. He does his job and takes care of his fellow warriors and is kind but, he is hardened on the inside. Until Natalie. She gives him back his self-worth and shows him the love he has always deserved. And he reciprocates in kind. I love that Natalie got the greatest pleasure from helping Wulfe feel whole and love again. He was eventually able to offer his entire being to her- heart, body and soul, and she gladly accepted. While they still had that magnetic chemistry, that all the ferals have with their mates, Wulfe and Natalie are one of those easy couples. They're not combustible, they just... are. I read them together from the very beginning and it was understood, without being said that they were each other's perfect match. I love those couples. The ones that aren't all over the place, and can simply just be together without the hysterics. Suffice it to say, Wulfe's story delivered. Big time. I got the conclusion to this eight book story arc and my favorite character in the series found his mate all in one book. I call that a fantastic read! And I look forward to hopefully reading more about the unmated ferals in the future.

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author/publisher through in exchange for an honest review*

Friday, January 24, 2014

ARC REVIEW ~Bare Essentials by Jill Shalvis and Leslie Kelly~

Title: Bare Essentials
Author: Jill Shalvis and Leslie Kelly
Release Date: January 28, 2014

My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Naughty But Nice
by New York Times Bestselling Author Jill Shalvis


Lingerie model Cassie Tremaine Montgomery intends to have her revenge on the citizens of her hometown—starting with seducing the sheriff, Sean "Tag" Taggart. Tag, however, isn't cooperating. He's more than willing to set the sheets on fire with her, but he's asking for more than just sizzling sex…. He knows Cassie's not as tough as she pretends. And he knows she cares about him—even if she won't admit it. So he'll just turn up the heat until she concedes there's more between them than this red-hot passion.

Naturally Naughty
by New York Times Bestselling Author Leslie Kelly


Kate Jones, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, is home. And she's got an agenda. To get revenge on the man who humiliated her mother, Kate's going to seduce that man's son—the town's golden boy, John Winfield Jr.—and then leave him drooling in a puddle of lust. However, when she finds herself seduced by a sexy stranger named Jack, little does she guess that the tables have just been turned….
Naughty But Nice
The first story in the Bare Essentials duo begins with Cassie who is running back to her hometown to escape a stalker. Hilarious, because ten short years ago she was running from said hometown because of the stigma that the Tremaine women carry. So, she's back with big chip on her shoulder and hell bent on wreaking havoc among the townsfolk that had once made her life hell. Of course, the only one who can steady her speeding, and music blaring is Sheriff Taggart. A different Taggart than the one who inflicted emotional damage on the night of Cassie's prom but, his son none the less. Everywhere Cassie turns Tag is there. Trying to be helpful but, also hoping to explore the connection they have made. But Cassie is gun-shy in this town and can't justify letting her guard down until Tag gives her no other choice. And since she is staying in town to open up a upscale sex shop, Cassie will be having to deal with Tag on a regular basis.

Naughty But Nice is the same quirky, light-hearted, fun read you usually expect from Ms. Shalvis. The chemistry is steaming and the dialogue is quippy. Cassie is a hell-raising, stubborn heroine trying to prove her worth. And Tag is teaching Cassie a thing or two about preconceived notions. They have a lot to prove but, more to each other than to anyone else. I think my favorite parts were the scenes in the store. It was hilarious to see Tag confronted with abnormally large dildos and the like. But of course that also lead to the hottest sex in the book. These two did have a complicated journey to explore but, in the end it was a good story with equal parts hilarity, sweetness and heat. Meanwhile...

Naturally Naughty
The second part of this duo happens simultaneously. Kate Jones is a Tremaine woman by blood. Which means she was held to the same low standards as her cousin, Cassie. Kate has her own revenge to seek in her hometown. After the townspeople ran out her mother for having an affair with the married mayor for several year, which only came to light at his death, Kate has nothing but contempt for this town. Imagine her surprise when her first day back she falls into a stranger's arms and they steal a quick tryst before parting ways. So... why can't I find a hot guy like this? Totally, not fair. Anyhow, Kate returns back to Chicago not expecting to hear from Jack (yes, she did get his name!), even though he said he would call. Not the least bit surprised when he doesn't Kate doesn't dwell on it, until she returns to help her cousin open another branch of Bare Essentials. And this is where she gets the biggest surprise. She and Jack have just started their rough road, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel so far.

The story is much like the first. The female lead is hell bent on exacting some type of revenge on the town that mistreated her so much, although Cassie and Kate seem to be just fine with showing off their success and then leaving the town behind. If one it were that easy. For Kate, their new store and her budding relationship with Jack entice her to stay a little while. These two have some of the hottest escapades... let me just say one thing: Public orgasm with no touching. Yes, you're rushing to one click this right now. It was the best scene of Kate's book.

Overall
These are both full length books. So you definitely get a fully developed story with each. They are both funny, and light romances. Perfect for quick reading and enjoyment. These are the books that fall under the category enjoyable but, not captivating. While they held my attention and I loved reading them, I probably won't keep them on my re-read shelf. And they won't make my beat reads list either. But in between those angsty, emotionally draining books that I love so much, Bare Essentials is perfect! It's a great duo that just helped me escape for a little while, without totally getting lost in my head. So, I do recommend Bare Essentials if you're in the mood for a fun, steamy romance with a lot of humor thrown in. It definitely does the trick of making you laugh and swoon.

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the publisher/author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Links to Buy:
Connect with Jill:
Connect with Leslie:

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

REVIEW ~Before We Fall by Courtney Cole~

Title: Before We Fall
Author: Courtney Cole
Series: Beautifully Broken #3
Release Date: December 3, 2013

My Rating: 4 Stars
Sometimes, one dark moment is all it takes to turn your world black...

For 24-year old Dominic Kinkaide, that moment took place on the night of his high school graduation. One dark incident changed him forever. He's a hardened actor now, famous in the eyes of the world, but tortured in his own. He doesn't care about much of anything, except for losing himself in the roles that he plays.

23-year old Jacey Vincent doesn't realize how much her father's indifference has affected her. She is proof that sometimes it isn't one specific moment that wrecks a person, but rather it's an absence of moments. She's like a bird with a broken wing-strong yet fragile, as she tries to float through life, finding acceptance in the arms of random guys, one after the other... to fill the void that her father left in her.

Until she meets Dominic.

After jaded Dominic and strong-willed Jacey are thrown together, his secret and her issues create a dark and damaged energy that will soon turn their attraction to each other into an explosive storm.

Even though when the clouds have cleared and the dust has settled, both of them are almost obliterated... they've learned a priceless lesson.

Sometimes, before we fall... we fly.
This book has a list of attributes a mile long. To name a few: amazing, torturous, seductive, combustive, and captivating. Courtney Cole has made it onto my auto-buy list with this gem and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. In short, this book is about overcoming past heartache, uncovering devastating secrets, and finding the one person that can help you past all of that turmoil and make you see the good in life again. Dominic is a shell of a man when Before We Fall begins. He dwells on past mistakes, both his and others, that shaped who he is today. Jacey has her own awful history that will make you ache with grief. These two are thrown together in the oddest of circumstances. And even though Dom refuses to give any part of himself to anyone ever again, Jacey has him questioning the decisions he's made, and the principals he lives by.

Dom and Jacey enter into a ping pong match with one another. It's make and forth. Yes, I want to play around but, you can't have all of me. That's Dom's motto. He won't open up to Jacey and she has find out if she can live with that, or if it will just be repeating history for her. But rather than staying closed off, Dom's jealous side makes a surprise appearance and has him claiming Jacey as his own. But they have only scratched the surface. As they learn more about each other's pasts it will test their loyalty and tenuous relationship. Just when a big leap of faith is taken, the demons of Dom's past turn even uglier and become more detrimental to the progress he was making to try to heal. Jacey is right there with him, supportive as always. But she may not be able to save him from the truth and the devastating hurt it will cause Dom.

At times this book had me in such a dark hole of despair I thought I would never get out. The subject matter talked about from Dom's past is very heartbreaking and will leave you with a big hole in your heart. It was to the point where even in the end, I knew that the book may end there but, Jacey and Dom had a long treacherous road ahead of them. That being said, this book was so completely, fabulous! This is not your ordinary, cookie-cutter, new adult novel. This is a refreshing, deviously seductive book that had me glued to my ereader from the moment I started it. Dom isn't your average, angsty hero, and Jacey isn't a docile, helpless heroine. Their pasts have molded them into who they are, and you see the how their choices affected their lives. It was interesting to see how their stories were so similar yet, they turned out so different. But I suppose that's what makes them perfect puzzle pieces together. Before We Fall was a fantastic introduction, for me, to the Beautifully Broken series and I will definitely be going back and reading the previous books. If the other books can make me experience this many emotions, break my heart and put it back together in one fell swoop like Before We Fall did, then sign me up!

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author/publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Links to Buy:

Connect with Courtney: