Review: Beautiful Bastard

An ambitious intern.
A perfectionist executive.
And a whole lot of name calling.

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He's exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family's massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who'd been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he's never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe's so tempting he's willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they're willing to lose in order to win each other.

Title: Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Bastard ~ Book 1)
Author: Christina Lauren | Christina Hobbs Twitter | Lauren Billings Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website
Publication Date: February 12 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books 
Length: 320 Pages
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads
Buy It: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Source: Purchased (Kindle Edition)
Cover Love: Love the colors, also love that we can not see all of his face
Point of View: Alternating 1st person between both Chloe and Bennett

My Rating: 4 Stars

Holy HOT wow.

“The look in her eyes told me that under any other circumstances, I would either already be naked with her on top of me, or lying in a pool of my own blood on the rug.”

First things first.  Yes, this story started out as Twilight fan fiction. Yes, other than Bennett and Chloe, pretty much every other character is named after a Twilight character. Rosalie, Alice, Emmett, Jasper, Esme, Carlisle, okay you get the picture.  Does this take away from the story? No, however with that said would it have been difficult for them to change the names? I did find myself laughing a few times about this.

However, other than the names there is absolutely nothing similar.  I can't see why people get their panties (more on panties later) in a twist over fan fiction being published.  Yes, it used to be free. No, it isn't free any more.  I have no problem with this, which is probably why I enjoyed this book.

“If only he would keep his mouth shut, he'd be perfect.  A piece of duct tape would do the trick.  I had some in my desk that I'd occasionally pull out and fondle, hoping someday I could put it to good use.”

There is only one word to describe Bennett and Chloe.  HOT.  They end up spending about half the book hating each other, and you know what that means?  Hot, angry sex.  I will tell you what gets the brunt of the angry part... Chloe's panties. I can only remember a couple of times that these two have sex where they were not ripped off of her first.  I'm glad I am not the one paying for those, that's for sure.  Because there are many, many, many pairs that are ripped off.

“For some sick reason, fighting with this woman always ended with her panties in my pocket.”

Yes, there is a lot of sex in this book.  However, I thought there was a really sweet romance also.  Once Bennett and Chloe realize what it is they really want, they are positively sweet.  Bennett especially.  And him speaking French to Chloe... *sigh*  So romantic.

“I was terrified of what that meant but as she took my hand in hers, kissing it softly before entwining our fingers, I realized it didn’t matter.  I’d passed the point of no return and whether she wanted me or not, I was hers. ”

“Je suis à toi.”

Beautiful Bastard is part of a series, however there is an ending to it, so there is no need to worry about the dreaded cliffhanger.  So far there is a second book, Beautiful Stranger, that has already been published., and it appears to be following new characters.  There is also a novella, Beautiful Bitch, which is due out in June 2013.  This is back to Bennett and Chloe so that should be fun to see what they have been up to, although I have a good guess as to what they have been up to...

Then there is a third book, Beautiful Player, expected later in the year.  Along with a couple more novellas.  I wouldn't say you have to wait though, because it doesn't appear they will all follow on so they should have proper endings.

“I don't want to walk out that door and lose what we found in this room."

His simple words rocked me.  He wasn't declaring, he wasn't promising, but he said exactly what I'd needed to hear.  We might not know what was happening, but we wouldn't leave it unfinished.”

MORE QUOTES FROM BEAUTIFUL BASTARD

Cover Reveal: Heartstrings by Heather Gunter

Everyone thinks of me as this happy and upbeat person. What they don't know, is that I carry a deep, dark secret. Something horrible happened to me a year ago, and I have kept it quiet all this time. I was fine for a while, but somehow it’s chosen this time to come back, and it's eating at me--like a cancer.

I need to tell someone about it, I just don't know how. I'm pushing everyone I love away, including my mom and my best friend Charlie.

Then there is Will. Handsome, sweet Will. We went out on a date a while back, but then the incident happened leaving me crushed and him confused.

How do you tell someone you care about all of your secrets, and will they still want you when the truth comes out?

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list!

Expected Publication: September 2013

When not writing or updating her Into the Night Reviews book blog, you will find Heather curled on the couch reading, surrounded by her children and four dogs. Her cravings for music and books are insatiable. One of her favorite things to do is sing and used to have a dream of becoming a singer. The dream has since changed and is now to become a full time writer. She holds a strong anti-bullying conviction and voices it regularly. This is her second book in the Love Notes series. She resides in Canton, GA with her husband, 3 boys, 4 dogs, 1 cat and 2 ferrets.

Find Heather Gunter on: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

Swoon Thursday #28

Who doesn't love a good swoon?
The ladies over at YA Bound have created this hot and fun meme!
If you want to join in here's all you need to do.
From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling and your stomach fluttering?

Then pick a smaller portion of your swoon and tweet it, just don't forget to add the #YABOUND Hashtag to your tweet!

Okay, I am going to try to keep my complete fangirl moment to a minimum.  To say that I was over the friggin moon excited when Colleen Hoover sent me an early copy of Losing Hope... well excited just would not cover the emotions I was feeling.

Losing Hope was simply AMAZING.  It was everything I was hoping it would be, and so much more.  I have fallen in love all over again with Dean Holder.  There is so much that we never found out about him in Hopeless, and this is truly his story.  I have said it before and I will continue to say it... Coleen Hoover is a genius.  She amazes me over and over again with her books. 

So, without further ado I give you one of my favorite scenes from Losing Hope.  We all know what this scene was like from Sky's perspective, and now here we get Dean's.  *swoon*


Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads Expected Publication: July 9 2013 

I place my palm over her heart, then pull her hand to my heart.  I lower my eyes to her level, making sure she's completely in this moment with me.  "Fuck all the firsts, Sky.  The only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers."

She releases a breath of relief, then completely kisses the hell out of me.  I grab her head and lower her back onto the bed, climbing on top of her.  "I love you," I say against her lips.  "I've loved you for so long but I just couldn't tell you.  It didn't feel right letting you love me back when I was keeping so much from you."

She's crying again, but she's also smiling.  "I don't think you could have picked a better time to tell me you loved me than tonight.  I'm happy you waited."

I dip my head and kiss her.  I kiss her like she deserves to be kissed.  I hold her like she deserves to be held.  And I'm about to make love to her like she deserves to be loved.

What is your swoon worthy moment this week?

Feel free to leave your links below so that I can check them out and if you are a new follower be sure to let me know so that I can come and check out your blog in return!

Review: Tangled

Drew Evans is a winner. Handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. He has loyal friends and an indulgent family. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed?

He’ll tell you he has the flu.

But we all know that’s not really true.

Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. She refuses to let anything - or anyone - derail her path to success. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin. The professional competition she brings is unnerving, his attraction to her is distracting, his failure to entice her into his bed is exasperating.

Then, just when Drew is on the cusp of having everything he wants, his overblown confidence threatens to ruin it all. Will he be able untangle his feelings of lust and tenderness, frustration and fulfillment? Will he rise to the most important challenge of his life?

Can Drew Evans win at love?

Title: Tangled (Tangled ~ Book 1)
Author: Emma Chase | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Author Spotlight
Publication Date: May 21 2013
Publisher: Omnific Publishing 
Length: 254 Pages
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads
Buy It: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Source: Purchased (Kindle Edition)
Cover Love: Yep, that's Drew... perfect cover.
Point of View: 1st person, following Drew

My Rating: 5 Stars

“After this? Heaven's going to be a major disappointment.”

Where do I even begin with reviewing Tangled?  Because I am sure, unless you live under a rock (not that there is anything wrong with that), you have already heard all about how completely awesome this books is.  The last thing you need is for another book blogger to come along to tell you that you must read it.  Yeah well, guess what?  That is EXACTLY what I plan on doing because this book is one not to be missed.

So, just in case you are the one person who has not yet heard about Tangled.. yes you, you know who you are.. Think of this as a your own personal review.  A review written to get YOU to buy and read Tangled, because again.. you do NOT want to miss this.

“Then I flip Kate the finger.  Immature, I know, but apparently we’re now both functioning at the preschool level, so I’m guessing it’s okay.  Kate sneers at me.  Then she mouths, You wish.  Well—she’s got me there, now doesn’t she?” 

Tangled is so completely unique.  I mean yeah, we all know the story... the lifelong bachelor, player, womaniser who meets the beautiful, charming, sexy woman who he can finally see himself settling down with.  But what you have never read, what is so very unique about Tangled, and what makes it stand out from the rest?  The writing.  Plan and simple.  The writing.

  “Newsflash, ladies: We can’t read your thoughts.  And frankly, I’m not entirely sure I’d want to.  The female mind is a scary place to be.”

Drew's voice is so very authentic and just... real.  The way Emma Chase tells the story is unlike anything I have ever read.  The story is told in 1st person, following Drew but it is much more than that.  Drew is constantly stopping the story to point out something to you the reader.  Here is an example.

“I just got my MBA and start a new job on Monday.”

“Really? What a coincidence.  I’m a finance guy myself.  Maybe you’ve heard of my firm?  Evans, Reinhart and Fisher?”  We’re the hottest boutique investment bank in the city, so I’m sure she’s duly impressed.

Let’s just pause here again, shall we?

Did you see the rounding of this gorgeous woman’s mouth when I told her where I am employed?  Did you see the widening of her eyes?  That should have told me something.
  But I didn’t notice at the time-I was too busy checking out her tits.  They’re perfect, by the way.  Smaller than what I usually go for, no more than a handful.  But as far as I’m concerned, a handful’s all you need.

My point is, remember that look of surprise-that will make sense later on. Now, back to the conversation.

“We have so much in common,” I say.  “We’re both in business, we both like a good red...  I think we owe it to ourselves to see where this could go tonight. ”

See what I mean?  To me this is pretty darn unique, and I for one have never read a book like it.  It made Drew feel not only real, but like he was somebody I knew.  To have the character interact with the reader is pure genius.  I could easily see Tangled turned into a film.  The use of voice-overs where Drew stops the story.  You can just see the action playing out, then the entire scene freezes while Drew points out something to you, then the action picks up again.  Honestly, it made the story so entertaining and fun.

I can't even remember the last time I laughed and grinned like a crazy idiot this much.  I started Tangled immediately after work and finished it at 3:00am.  Yes I had work the next day, and no I didn't care.  There was no way I was going to be able to put it down.  My only problem was lying in bed next to my sleeping husband.  I was laughing so hard, I have no idea how I didn't wake him up.

“For those ladies out there who are listening, let me give you some free advice: If a guy who you just met at a club calls you baby, sweetheart, angel, or any other generic endearment?  Don’t make the mistake of thinking he’s so into you, he’s already thinking up pet names.

It’s because he can’t or doesn’t care to remember your actual name.”

And Drew... *sigh*  Drew...  He is something else.  A real cad, scoundrel, and whatever word you can use to describe him but in the end, as romantic, loving and sweet as they come.  My favorite kind of guy.  And Kate?  Oh, how I would love this story from Kate's point of view.  We all know how much I love the guy's perspective, and I absolutely love that this is from Drew's but I would love to get in Kate's head.  To see everything Drew was doing to win her over from her eyes, that would be so much fun.

“You’re not like anyone I’ve ever known.  I want to be with you…really be with you.  Only you.  I’ve never felt this way about anyone.  And I know I sound like a freaking Hallmark card, but it’s true.  I’ve never wanted all the things I want to have when I’m with you.”

So, as of right now Goodreads has Tangled listed as a series.  Yes, you have read that right, and I could not be any more excited.  However, what it does not mention is if Twisted, book two, will be following Drew and Kate or if some of the secondary characters will be getting their own stories.  Either way, I will read it.  Emma Chase has proven herself to be a fantastic author, and I have no doubt the follow-up will be just as amazing.  Plus, the secondary characters in Tangled were hilarious, so I am sure any of them would make for a great read.

“Old women have a thing for me.  And I don't mean a pinch-my-cheek, pat-my-head kind of thing.  I mean a grab-my-ass, rub-my-junk, why-don't-you-push-my-wheelchair-into-the-broom-closet-so-we-can-get-nasty kind of thing.

It's fucking disturbing.”

MORE QUOTES FROM TANGLED

Waiting on Wednesday #30

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is a perfect way to highlight books that we are waiting patiently to be released... it is also a sure-fire way to watch your TBR pile grow!

How do you move on when he’s every song you sing?

After Laurelyn Prescott walks away from the love of her life, she returns to Nashville to pursue the only dream she has left. Determined to find a distraction from the pain of losing Jack Henry, she immerses herself in her music. But with her old life comes old acquaintances and new expectations. When Laurelyn refuses her record producer’s outrageous demands, she finds herself without a career—until an unforeseen opportunity presents itself. From there it’s a rocket ride straight to the top where Laurelyn finds the success she’s always dreamed of. Will it be enough to bring her the happiness she so deserves, or will the absence of Jack Henry leave her wanting more?

Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love with Laurelyn Prescott—but he did. After he foolishly let her slip through his fingers, he spends three months searching for her, but their reunion doesn’t come easy. The woman he finds isn’t the same one who drifted away without a goodbye. No longer an insecure girl on an Australian adventure, this Laurelyn is a successful musician with a promising career. Her dreams are becoming a reality, and Jack is terrified his American girl won’t have a place for him in her new life. With only a month to convince her otherwise, will it be enough time to make her visualize a life beyond the glitz and glamour, a life that includes him?

Expected Publication: May 30 2013
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads

Why am I so eagerly awaiting this release you ask?

(takes a deep breath)  Okay, I am going to try to get through this without coming across like the biggest fangirl in the entire world.  Oh, who am I trying to fool?  I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. FOR. THIS. BOOK.

Thankfully it comes out TOMORROW!!!  How I am going to concentrate at work, knowing it is going to be on my Kindle... waiting... I may not be able to make it.

oooOOOooohhh... and shall we just mention that cover? Stunning.  Both covers from this series have been absolutely gorgeous.

If you have a few minutes, check out my review of book one in this series, Beauty From Pain.


What is your Waiting on Wednesday?

Feel free to leave your links below so that I can check them out and if you are a new follower be sure to let me know!

Top Ten Tuesday #16

Hosted by Broke and The Bookish

This Week's Topic is:

Top Ten Tuesday Freebie

Top Ten Books By Authors I Read For The First Time In 2013

 MY REVIEW OF FLAT-OUT LOVE

He was tall, at least six feet, with dirty blond hair that hung over his eyes. His T-shirt read Nietzsche Is My Homeboy.

So, that was Matt. Who Julie Seagle likes. A lot. But there is also Finn. Who she flat out loves.

Complicated? Awkward? Completely.

But really, how was this freshly-minted Boston transplant and newbie college freshman supposed to know that she would end up living with the family of an old friend of her mother's? This was all supposed to be temporary. Julie wasn't supposed to be important to the Watkins family, or to fall in love with one of the brothers. Especially the one she's never quite met. But what does that really matter? Finn gets her, like no one ever has before. They have connection.

But here's the thing about love, in all its twisty, bumpy permutations—it always throws you a few curves. And no one ever escapes unscathed.

MY REVIEW OF LOVE LOVE

Gabrielle Willis is smart. She's funny. And oh yes, she's a bit klutzy.

When Gabrielle left sunny California bound for the energy of Manhattan, she was willingly leaving the life she had known for the new life she would create. But was she really leaving something behind or was she running away?

On the outside, Gabrielle Willis has it all under control. A new life in Manhattan, a great roommate, and a good job. But she is haunted. Haunted by a memory she's tried to forget and by a family who's abandoned her. But what happens when what's on the outside is only an illusion and in perfect contradiction to what's buried deep within?

Enter Dane Rhodes. He's gorgeous, smart, and sexy as hell. Just what Gabby wants, or so she thinks. But when she meets Brad Dixon, the sweet guy with the crooked smile, he begins to make her see that the very thing she is trying to run from is the very thing that just may push her to see the light.

MY REVIEW OF CONSEQUENCES

Bartender Claire Nichols has always kept her customers at a friendly distance. But one serious lapse in judgment causes her life to take a drastic and brutal turn. She finds herself thrust into a life she never knew or wanted. She must depend on her intuition and adaptability. Yet she has difficulty trusting her own instincts. Now, every aspect of her livelihood depends on a tall wealthy dark-haired, dark-eyed businessman. Did fate bring Anthony Rawlings into her life? Or was it something more calculated? More sinister?

With very limited options, Claire attempts to endure a hellish existence that has changed her beliefs, her personality, her looks, and even her name. Actions have consequences. Will Claire be able to control the actions to accomplish her new goal—survival? Follow her tumultuous journey as she struggles to fight back and regain her freedom no matter what the Consequences…

 MY REVIEW OF CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE

135,789. That’s how many subscribers sixteen-year-old West Ryder has on his web vlog series. But he only has eyes for one of them.

As one of the internet’s most prestigious video bloggers, West talks about high school relationships under the name “Sam Green.” As far as he knows, no one from school, not even his best friend, Cat, has seen his videos. But the highlight of the whole thing is Harper Knight, who comments every day at exactly 2:02 in the afternoon. He doesn’t know anything about her aside from the occasional deep philosophical messaging on why pizza tastes so delicious, but as stupid as it sounds, he might be falling for her. So when they finally agree to meet in real life, West’s hope for romance seems more and more in reach. But that all changes as soon as he arrives at their meeting spot and sees Cat walking toward him, wearing the same “I <3 Sam Green” T-shirt Harper promised she'd have on.

To his alarm, West realizes he is falling in love with the best friend who has always been a sister to him

MY REVIEW OF LEO

Evie and Leo met in foster care as children and formed a bond of friendship. As they grew, their bond turned to love and they vowed to make a life together when they turned 18 and were no longer a part of the system.

When Leo unexpectedly gets adopted as a teen and he moves to another city, he promises Evie that he will contact her as soon as he gets there and come back for her in a few short years. She never hears from him again.

Now eight years later, in spite of the odds, Evie has made a life for herself. She has a job, she has friends, she's content. Then a man shows up out of the blue, claiming that her long lost love, Leo, sent him to check up on her. The attraction between them is undeniable. But, should she trust this sexy stranger? Or is he keeping a secret about what his connection to Leo is really all about and why Leo disappeared all those years ago?

MY REVIEW OF SINS & NEEDLES

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she's much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for - Camden McQueen.

Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie's counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she's not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time.

MY REVIEW OF THOUGHTLESS

For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart.

Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source – a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes...and none of them will ever be the same.

MY REVIEW OF BEAUTY FROM PAIN

They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries.

Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. He arranges relationships like business deals and they’re always the same. No long term relationships. No real names.

It’s his game and his rules. He’s content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy must change because this player is like none he's ever encountered. His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she’s exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer.

MY REVIEW OF THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER

 Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong.

MY REVIEW OF CONNECTED

What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?

Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.

When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soul mate.

Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift—but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.

But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?

So there you go... this weeks Top Ten! What is yours?

Feel free to leave your links below so that I can check them out and if you are a new follower be sure to let me know so that I can come and check out your blog in return!

I *Heart* Ryan: Going Under Blog Tour ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

SYNOPSIS

Brooke Wright has only two goals her senior year at Charity Run High School: stay out of trouble and learn to forgive herself for the past. Forgiveness proves elusive, and trouble finds her anyway when she discovers a secret club at school connected to the death of her best friend. She learns that swim team members participate in a “Fantasy Slut League,” scoring points for their sexual acts with unsuspecting girls.

Brooke, wracked with guilt over her friend’s death, decides to infiltrate the league by becoming one of the “unsuspecting girls,” and exact revenge on the boys who stole away her best friend. An unexpected romance complicates her plans, and her dogged pursuit of justice turns her reckless as she underestimates just how far the boys will go to keep their sex club a secret.

(This is a New Adult fiction book with mature themes. It contains graphic sex and language and an explicit description of sexual violence. Please take the content warning seriously.)

PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | Createspace | Kobo

ALL ABOUT RYAN

Full name: Ryan James Foster
Born: September 27 in Raleigh, North Carolina at WakeMed
Astrological sign: Libra
Stats: 6’2”; 180 lbs; brown hair; blue eyes
Favorite food: Steak fajitas
Favorite music: The Smashing Pumpkins, specifically their Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness album. (His older cousin turned him on to ‘90s alternative rock.)
Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones
Activities: surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding (he’s really hot when he snowboards), swimming, making out with Brooke
Favorite book: The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Favorite movie: Snatch (Hey, what do you want me to say?)
College degree: B.S. Business Finance
Current job: Finance manager for a chain of local skateboard and skateboard supplies stores in Chapel Hill, NC

EXCERPT

     I left the bathroom in a hurry, turning the corner for the foyer and slamming into him. The force of the hit was so great that I stumbled backwards, nearly falling on my bottom if not for his outstretched hand. I grabbed it before going down and wobbled on my too-high heels, clutching him as I worked to regain my balance.
     “God, I’m sorry!” he exclaimed.
     I looked at his face then, unprepared to see something so beautiful. I think I gasped. And then I averted my eyes out of sheer embarrassment.
     “I really should watch where I’m going,” he said.
     He still held my hand, and I let him. I couldn’t remember who I was or where I was going. I couldn’t remember where I had just been. I only knew that a very cute boy . . . no, he was more than cute. He was gorgeous. This very gorgeous boy was holding my hand, and I had only one thought. I wanted to make our handholding more intimate. I wanted to lace my fingers with his.
     “I think I should,” I mumbled.
     I chanced another look at him. I made a conscientious effort not to gasp as I took in his light blue eyes. I’d never seen eyes that color. Jared Leto had nothing on this guy’s eyes, and Jared’s eyes were the color of the Mediterranean. No, the eyes I looked into now were so light blue they looked translucent. I thought if I stared a little longer I could see right inside his head, to his brain, and I don’t know why that turned me on so much. I wanted to witness the workings of his mind, the firing synapses, information traveling safely inside neurons to different parts of his body. A few made it to his hand, and they must have told him to keep holding mine because he didn’t let go.
     I stared shamelessly, licking my lips at one point. He stared back just as boldly. I wanted him to like what he saw. I wanted him to think I was sexy. I wanted him to feel the same instant attraction I did. I’d never felt it before. Not really. Not even with Finn. It was unsettling, and I wondered how people functioned after being smacked upside the head with it. Instant. Physical. Chemical.
     Primal.
     Just rip my clothes off, I thought. Just rip my clothes off and do me right here in the hallway!
     He smiled and released my hand. I thought he did it reluctantly, like his brain ordered him to and he finally acquiesced. I smiled back, a flirty grin. I pulled my ponytail forward over my shoulder and played with the strands. I bit my lower lip. And then reality came crashing down like a hailstorm, large lumps of ice banging my head and screaming at me in unison.
     “YOU’RE AT A FUNERAL!”
     I looked at the gorgeous guy, and my face went white.
     “Oh my God,” I whispered.
     He stared at me for a moment before saying, “Are you okay?”
     I shook my head and started towards the sanctuary doors. He followed behind.
     “I’m awful, I’m awful, I’m awful,” I whispered over and over. I didn’t care if he could hear.
     What the hell was I doing? Trying to flirt with a guy at my best friend’s funeral? How could I even forget for a second that I was at a funeral? I was supposed to be carrying around heavy, black sorrow to match my black dress and black heart, not batting lashes and fantasizing about sex with a stranger. Was I so ridiculous that a hot guy could make me forget to have any kind of decency? Or shame?
     I rounded the corner and saw my mother waiting for me. And then I ran to her, threw myself into her arms, and burst into a fit of tears.
     “Brooklyn,” she whispered, holding me in a tight hug. “It’s okay,” she cooed as she stroked my hair.
     “I’m a terrible friend!” I wailed. I saw the fuzzy outline of a boy walking past us tentatively through the doors.
     “No, you aren’t,” my mother replied.
     “Yes, I am! I don’t even know why I’m here! Beth hated my guts! She wouldn’t talk to me all summer!”
     “Brooke,” Mom said. “I want you to calm down. Now, we talked about this. You knew it would be hard, but she was your best friend for all those years. Do you think she wouldn’t have wanted you here?”
     “No, I don’t!” I cried.
     “Yes, she would,” Mom said. “Now we have to go in.”
     “I can’t!”
     “Brooke, Beth was your best friend,” Mom said, trying for patience.
     “No she wasn’t! Not after what I did! I ruined everything! I’m a freaking slut!” I sobbed, shaking my head from side to side.
     “Sweetheart, don’t say words like ‘freaking’ and ‘slut’ in a church,” Mom replied.
     I only sobbed louder.
     “You can do this,” Mom encouraged.
     I stood my ground, shaking my head violently, refusing to go in.
     “Brooklyn Wright!” Mom hissed, pushing me away and grabbing my upper arm. She squeezed too tightly, and I squeaked in discomfort. There was no more tenderness in her voice. “Get yourself together. This isn’t about you. So stop making it about you. You’re going into that sanctuary and you’re going to pay your respects to your friend, and you’re going to make it about Beth. Do you understand me?”
     I swallowed hard and wiped my face.
     “Do you understand me?” Mom repeated.
     I nodded grudgingly, and she took my hand, leading me through the doors.

MEET THE AUTHOR  
S. Walden used to teach English before making the best decision of her life by becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Georgia with her very supportive husband who prefers physics textbooks over fiction and has a difficult time understanding why her characters must have personality flaws. She is wary of small children, so she has a Westie instead. Her dreams include raising chickens and owning and operating a beachside inn on the Gulf Coast (chickens included). When she's not writing, she's thinking about it.

She loves her fans and loves to hear from them. Email her at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com and follow her blog at http://swaldenauthor.blogspot.com where you can get up-to-date information on her current projects.

Find S. Walden on:  Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

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Review: Beauty From Pain

They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries.

Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. He arranges relationships like business deals and they’re always the same. No long term relationships. No real names.

It’s his game and his rules. He’s content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy must change because this player is like none he's ever encountered. His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she’s exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer.

Title: Beauty From Pain (Beauty ~ Book 1)
Author: Georgia Cates | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website
Publication Date: January 29 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Length: 377 Pages
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads
Buy It: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Source: Purchased (Kindle Edition)
Cover Love: Need you even ask?  This is one of the most beautiful and stunning covers.. ever.  Simply gorgeous.
Point of View: Alternating 1st person between both Laurelyn and Jack

My Rating: 5 Stars

“If I do this, something will go wrong and this man will hurt me.  I know it as sure as I’m sitting here next to him feeling how much he makes me want to say yes.”

Where do I even begin?  It is hard for me to remember the last time a book made me this giddy.  Now don't get me wrong, I read a lot of books and I love a lot of books.  But this is different.  I sat at work and couldn't stop thinking about Jack and Laurelyn.  My friend had already finished it the day before me so we eMailed, text, and chatted all day about it.  I rushed to a quiet spot on my thirty minute lunch break so that I could read as much as possible.  I rushed home immediately after work so that I could dive back into their story.  Even now that I have finished, I can not get enough of Jack and Laurelyn.  I have joined a Beauty From Pain support group on Facebook (no joke), and have found myself slightly obsessed with the teasers and fan art that the author has released.  In short... Hello, my name is Christine and I am a Beauty From Pain addict.

“I didn't love you the day I met you, or even a month later.  But somewhere between hello and the goodbye I'm unable to bear.”

So the question to be asked is, why did I fall so hard in love with this book and it's characters?  There is no one real answer to this but I will do my best to explain.  Let us start with the location, Australia.  This was a nice change of pace from having it set in America; I enjoyed reading about the new locations and places.  Also, the pace of the story was perfectly set, and it never felt rushed or hurried.  I didn't question the time frame given or the feelings that had developed in that time period.  I loved almost all of the side characters, mostly Jack's family.  They were warm, loving, and I just wanted to give his mother a big hug.

“We’ve shared countless kisses.  They were almost always heated and demanding, but this one is entirely different.  It tells me things he can’t or won’t say because it goes against everything he intends for our relationship.”

However, above all of these reasons, it is Jack and Laurelyn that make Beauty From Pain such an amazing story.  I simply fell in love with both of them.  I will be completely honest and admit that it is rare for me not to find something annoying with the main female character.  There is always some trait or action that causes me to find myself rolling my eyes.  This never happened.  There was not a single moment where I did not understand why the characters were acting, and or reacting in the way they were.  Every situation was handled in an adult manner, and honestly it was the single most refreshing thing I have read in a very long time.

“She has bewitched me.  And I want her.  She’s the one.”

It is so easy for adult contemporary romance/erotic novels to fall into the 'same ole same ole', but this story is so beautifully told that even if you look at the synopsis and think you know exactly how it will all play out, trust me... you are wrong.  This story has depth that will have you so wrapped up in it, that you will not be able to put it down.  In fact, I challenge anybody that would say they even remotely enjoy this genre, to read Beauty From Pain and not love it wholeheartedly.  I would have to think it an impossible task.  I honestly do not have even one single negative thing I can say about this book.

“..you don't always know the true worth of a women's love until it becomes a memory.”

And the ending?  Would I classify it as a cliffhanger?  Yes and no.  Yes, it ends in a location that makes you want to rip your hair out and curl up into a fetal position until the next book is out.  But no, because I went in pretty much knowing where the ending was going to have to be.  I refuse to give anything away from the story but I think that there is no way that Laurelyn and Jack would ever have been able to have a happily ever after if this book would have ended any differently.  This ending can only bring them closer together, and is exactly what they need to move forward.

It also helps that book two, Beauty From Surrender, is due to be released on May 30th 2013.  So, we do not have very long at all until we get to meet back up with Laurelyn and Jack.  I am a on major countdown to this book, and I am already wondering how I am going to concentrate at work knowing that it is sat on my Kindle all day waiting for me to start it...

I've known pain my whole life, but this is a new kind for me.  It isn't born of something wrong or ugly.  This pain is conceived out of beauty - my love for Jack Henry McLachlan.  I embrace it.  I clutch it as tightly as I can with both fists because I never want to forget the love I have for him.  Loving him will forever be my Beauty from Pain.

MORE QUOTES FROM BEAUTY FROM PAIN

Book Blogger Spotlight: Fluttereal Flight

Alrighty! My name is Emily Drema Tuallano, and I'm from Singapore, that weensy little red dot! It's so crazy hot over here, but sometime it's rainy here (I think the weather is experiencing mood swings). I'm fourteen this year. Anyway, besides reading and blogging, I love to do archery and play golf with my family! I'm also a Christian.

When and why did you become a book blogger?

I started off blogging in 2012. I'm a crazy bookworm and once or twice I tried to spaz with my sister over a novel I'm simply crazy about or this boy inside that I'm totally falling head over heels for. And I would always get a response which is like this .__.

So yes. I needed to find an outlet where I can freely express my load of 'feels' to the people who actually understand how I feel and can empathize with me. And that's how my Goodreads account started off!

As I roamed around the blogsphere, visited all the different book blogs. I really admired all their beautiful designs and I admired how there were so many such honest, down-to-earth reviewers. So I was inspired to start my own blog just this March!

How did you come up with the name of your blog?

Well, FlutterealFlight. I wanted my blog's name to be very special and unique. I think why I chose "Fluttereal" is because I love butterflies and anything that can fly just like hummingbirds. And I love anything that sounds ethereal.

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I love meeting new people and debating about books with them! The greatest thing about blogging is the exposure it gives you to meet all sorts of new people out there. You'll meet all sorts of people and the best thing about it is that you get to interact with them. I've met so many great people on my short journey in blogging, such as the awesome and sweet Lisseth from Read-a-holicZ, Giselle from Xpresso Reads, Hannah at Book Haven Extraordinaire, Jessi at Auntie Spinelli Reads! And now you! I've also got an opportunity to interact with many other fabulous bloggers. They've been so helpful to me, giving me advice and helping me along the way.

And of course, also it's the part where I get to share my view openly without getting judged by people who don't really understand.

What do you find the hardest about blogging?

Well, the hardest thing about blogging is tackling those negative comments and those haters! It can really get to my confidence and I know a lot of bloggers get hate mail too. It's also difficult to handle people who are being unreasonable. I mean your opinion is your own, and you should have the freedom to express it! If you want to disagree, you could do it in a polite manner.

Another difficulty is committing to post everyday. I know I can't because of school and other commitments, though I really wish I could!

Does your blog participate in any weekly features and if so which is your favorite?

Hmmm… My blog does participate in a series of features, though it's hard to choose which one is my favorite! I participate in Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, Feature and Follow Friday, hosted by Rachel at Parajunkee and Alison at Alison Can Read, and the Sunday Post hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Reviewer. I would say I like the Feature and Follow Friday Hop best. Meeting new people and getting to know more about them is definitely very fun and interesting. However, I haven't had the time to participate for the longest time!

What has been your favorite moment since you became a book blogger? Which review, interview or giveaway have you been most proud of?

I was so happy to receive the Secret For A Song ARC from Giselle at Xpresso Book Tours (Giselle is like a seriously awesome blogger, and I really really admire her) and I am so grateful. The Tour will be in June, so do look out for my review!

What kind of genres do you enjoy reading and reviewing the most?

My favorite genres are Dystopia and Mystery! They are so exciting and I really love the action and suspense that it is typically involved in the novels. They keep me on the edge of my seat constantly! And the world-building in exceptional Dystopia novels are… breath-taking and so realistic! I can feel myself immersed in them and sometimes they cause a chill to run up my spine (Divergent, Breathe and Under The Never Sky!). I also really love Historical Fiction and retellings of classic tales.

What is your favorite individual book or series? What makes you love it so much?

Now that is a very difficult question.

I really loved Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen. I have always loved the tale of Robin Hood and this fresh take on it was absolutely brilliant (did I mention that Scarlet was Miss Gaughen's debut novel?). I loved the characters (Robin and Scarlet *squee!*) and the romance was so sweet!

I also loved the 2nd to 4th book of the Need Series by Carrie Jones! The Norse Mythology was brilliant and Astley (uber sexy) was gorgeous! The characters were all quirky and full of spunk and the whole storyline was so driven and breath-taking.

Breathe by Sarah Crossan is also another of my favorites! The world-building is spectacular, the plot so full of action and the characters all so relatable.

The Books of Bayern were also brilliant and that's the type of fantasy that I fell in love with a long time ago.
Divergent was spectacular too.

Well, I can actually list at least another 10 more books/series, and that would probably take 365 days to blabber, so if you want to know more, just scroll down to my sidebar and you can see it all there!

Who is your favorite fictional male character, why and from what book or series are they from?

Oh no. That's a question no one should EVER ask me. I can go on for days.

There's actually a list on my 'About' Page (http://flutterealreads.blogspot.sg/p/about.html), but let me just tell you my absolute favorite.

It's ASTLEY from the Need series by Carrie Jones! He's so sweet, strong and gorgeous. He's also protective and loving, loyal and he can make compromises and he doesn't force anything on you. That said, he's not perfect either. He has his own personal demons, and he just does his best to hide them or not let them show.

I also really love Puck from the Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa, though I'm Team Ash. I really wish Puck could also find his happy ending. Puck is just roll-on-the-floor hilarious, expert dagger-man, and he makes sacrifices. Despite that not-a-care-in-the-world exterior, he also has a heart.

I'm going to stop here. Any further and I swear it's going to be a full-out spaz  xD

Who is your favorite fictional female character, why and from what book or series are they from?

My favorite female character has got to be Alina from Breathe. She's full of spunk and totally badass. She has a mind of her own and isn't one to go weak in the knees and googly-eyed when her love interest walks by.

I also love Zara from the Need Series. She has a very interesting personality and habits we don't find in many other protagonists. She's a pacifist, and yet she kicks butt when she has too. And she is another one of those crackers! She and Issie can really make me laugh.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Carrie Jones. She's just like Zara in so many ways. And she likes fudgesicles!

Gennifer Albin. Total genius in my opinion, and I love her wit.

If you could turn one book or series into films, what would you pick and who would you cast as the main characters?

Oh yes! If I were a producer, I would turn Need into a movie. I've been waiting and praying for so long! I'm not good at all for casting. Seriously.

Lucy Hale - Zara
Nicole Anderson - Issie
Nicholas Hoult - Devyn
Chace Crawford - Nick

What has been your favorite book of 2013? Why did you love it?

My favorite book is definitely Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen. It was such an exhilarating read! I loved all the characters so much, and the whole novel made me laugh and cry so many times! And the romance was so sweet.

I also really loved Crewel by Gennifer Albin. The idea of a world being built out of threads like a tapestry was simply a breath-taking experience. And the characters was so full of wit and humor.

What books are you most looking forward to in 2013?

So many! For one, it's all the sequels! Altered (Crewel #2), Resist (Breathe #2) and the sequel to Scarlet!

Paper books or ebooks?

Paper, definitely!

Where is your favorite place to read?

In my room (or in the toilet if I need some peace and quiet!)

Milk chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate?

Milk!

Coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate xD

Would you like to give any other details about yourself? How can others find you around the web? Such as Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc...

Blog: http://www.flutterealreads.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/emilydrema

Review: Love Notes

How do you cope when the people you care for hurt you the most? When the way you feel on the outside, smothers you on the inside. And when you are left to face your demons alone, will you learn that only you have the power to overcome them?

Charlie has never had it easy. Between the constant moving and the incessant fat comments and jokes from her father, her self-worth is non-existent. Her reflection in the mirror shows her nothing but a plain Jane. Music is the only thing that keeps her sanity in check.

Charlie catches the eye of the town star quarterback, Maverick. With her curves, her brunette hair, and the voice of an angel, Maverick has never met anyone like her. Everything that is different about Charlie just makes Maverick like her more. Unfortunately, Charlie doesn’t see it herself.

Proving it to her may deem harder than he thinks, especially when tragedy strikes and tears them apart.

Now standing on her own two feet she may finally learn exactly who she is, what’s she’s capable of and how very un-plain Jane she really is.

Title: Love Notes (Love Notes ~ Book 1)
Author: Heather Gunter | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website
Publication Date: April 30 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Tour Organized by: Word Book Reviews & Promotion
Length: 243 Pages
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads
Buy It: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Source: Direct from Author 
Cover Love: Cute, it matches the story.

Point of View: Alternating 1st person between both Charlie and Maverick

My Rating: 4 Stars

Wow.  What an emotional story this turned out to be.  I fully expected the angst that comes with books centered around characters in high school, but Love Notes was something altogether more than that.  You can't turn on the news nowadays without hearing a story about bullying.  This is a hot topic at the moment, but in Love Notes the bullying comes from the most unlikely of places.  Charlie's own parents.

“Self-worth: the sense of one's own value or worth as a person; self-esteem; self-respect.” 

I want to make this clear right off the bat, before I go any further.  I have never hated two characters more in my entire life.  Charlie's parents are straight from the pits of hell.  Her father, more so than her mother, but both are equally to blame in my eyes.  The emotional abuse that is thrust upon Charlie is more than anybody could ever handle, let alone a teenager.  And the sad part is that I can so see this type of scenario playing out in many families.  Maybe not all to the highest degree, such as in Charlie's case, but emotional abuse is a real issue faced by many people.  And Heather Gunter has managed to take a quite series topic, and find a way for her character to find acceptance and love through the help of others.  I truly hope that if somebody who faces this issue is able to read this book, and that it helps them to know there is life after the abuse.

“I pull my iPod out of my backpack and plug it in.  It's the first thing I do every time I get in it, like a ritual.  Music soothes the soul; at least it helps soothe mine.” 

Okay, now with the hard hitting message out of the way, let us talk about the characters.  Charlie and Maverick.  Charlie is so very sweet, kind and exactly what any well being parents would wish for as a daughter.  Maverick is also sweet, understanding, and considerate.  Even with him being the star quarterback, he is not what you would expect if you were to think of this type of character.

Together they are adorable, and they had me smiling on more than one occasion.  This is very much a Young Adult title and I am happy to see that nothing it taken too far.  I mean don't get me wrong, I love my steamy romances but I do believe there is a limit as to how far romance should be pushed for characters at this age.  And Love Notes has just the right amount of romance, and may I add it is so very sweet.  We are talking hearts, flowers and of course love notes.

“How is it that a kiss can say so much?

Saying I love you is huge, but to kiss someone who has told you that means everything.  A kiss speaks the truth, and I know.  I know in his kisses, that he means every single word.”

The side characters, Tori and Will are both loveable.  Tori is one hell of a friend to Charlie, and as soon as they met I knew they would be best friends for life.  They just click, and I was so happy that Charlie found that bond because God knows she has never had it before.  Will is completely smitten with Tori, but as we find out they did try to date once.  Something happened however, and their feelings for each other are a constant undercurrent in this book.  Thankfully they will get to tell their own story in Heart Strings, which at the time of this review is due to be published in September 2013.

“Shutting the door, I look around and see clusters of groups all over the parking lot.  Every school is different.  You generally have your skaters, preps, jocks with cheerleaders of course, nerds and over achievers.  I also see a heard of rednecks, it's Georgia after all.” 

Now for my only criticism.  Love Notes really could have benefited from being a bit longer.  I get the whole 'insta love' thing and to be honest it really doesn't throw me for a loop.  When I read I am the queen of suspension of disbelief.  I read for enjoyment, and as long as I am enjoying myself I do not find it hard to believe most things.  So, no... the fact that Charlie and Mav instantly fall in love is not my issue.  I just feel like the characters would have benefited from a bit more substance.

As mentioned above, the book really centers around a serious topic.  I think if it would have been made longer and the characters were introduced to each other at a bit more slower pace, it would have benefited the overall story.  Did the insta love ruin it?  No of course not.  These are just my thoughts on what would have improved an already great story.

 “Charlie looks at me, like she wants to say something, but she then seems to decide against it. "Maybe I'll see you later," she says as she walks by.

I holler back at her, "Oh, you'll see me.”

Overall, I really enjoyed Love Notes, and I truly believe it will go on to help people who face emotional abuse.  The story is heart warming, and in the end you will be happy with the journey it has taken you on.

MORE QUOTES FROM LOVE NOTES

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Review: Lost and Found

There’s complicated. And there’s Rowen Sterling.

After numbing pain for the past five years with boys, alcohol, and all-around apathy, she finds herself on a Greyhound bus to nowhere Montana the summer after she graduates high school. Her mom agreed to front the bill to Rowen’s dream art school only if Rowen proves she can work hard and stay out of trouble at Willow Springs Ranch. Cooking breakfast at the crack of dawn for a couple dozen ranch hands and mucking out horse stalls are the last things in the world Rowen wants to spend her summer doing.

Until Jesse Walker saunters into her life wearing a pair of painted-on jeans, a cowboy hat, and a grin that makes something in her chest she’d thought was frozen go boom-boom. Jesse’s like no one else, and certainly nothing like her. He’s the bright and shiny to her dark and jaded.

Rowen knows there’s no happily-ever-after for the golden boy and the rebel girl—happily-right-now is a stretch—so she tries to forget and ignore the boy who makes her feel things she’s not sure she’s ready to feel. But the more she pushes him away, the closer he seems to get. The more she convinces herself she doesn’t care, the harder she falls.

When her dark secrets refuse to stay locked behind the walls she’s kept up for years, Rowen realizes it’s not just everyone else she needs to be honest with. It’s herself.

Title: Lost and Found
Author: Nicole Williams | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website
Publication Date: May 7 2013
Publisher: Self-Published 
Length: 358 Pages
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads
Buy It: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Source: Purchased (Kindle Edition)
Cover Love: Cute and quite fitting
Point of View: 1st person, following Rowan

My Rating: 4 Stars

“Sometimes we just have to cut off the dead branches in our life.  Sometimes that's the only way we can keep the tree alive.  It's hard and it hurts, but it's what's best.”

What a wonderful, positive book Lost and Found turned out to be.  I tend to read a lot of books without ever even looking at the synopsis, and this was no exception.  I had noticed this book showing up on Goodreads, saw some other bloggers giving positive reviews, and decided to give it a go.  I really didn't know what to expect going in, but I have to say I came away feeling very happy with what I had read.  The stories and the characters touched my heart.

“I'd been labelled a goth, an emo, a druggie, a loser, and my personal favorite only because it showed just how ignorant people were: a freak.”

I fell in love with Rowan.  Her pain and disappointment in the life she has been forced to live was palpable.  She has built up so many walls, that she herself doesn't even know who she really is any more.

“Lily gave me a nod and a smile.  "I wish I could be more like you.  You're so confident in who you are."

I had to look away from her eyes full of admiration.  "I don't know who I am, Lily.  I'm just really good at pretending.”

However, it doesn't take her long to start taking those walls down.  All it takes is for her to see how a real family should treat someone they care about.  She has been so used to her absentee mother paying her no attention.  So, when the Walkers show her the respect she deserves, she opens up and starts to remember the Rowan she really is.

“Why don’t you want to know that I like you, Rowen?  Why don’t you want me to tell you I’m so damn attracted to you, I almost don’t trust myself to be alone with you like we are right now?  Why don’t you want to know that I care about you so much…?”

I will get to the Walker family in a minute but first I must talk about Jesse.  Giddyup cowboy...  I love me a book with a bad boy, but there is so much to be said about the good guys.  The down to earth, sweet, romantic, innocent, would do anything for you, good guy.  This is exactly what Jesse is, and I loved him.  He is not without his own difficult past, but he has refused to let his past define who he is now.  He is a constant rock for Rowan to lean on, and you never once doubt his intentions with her.

“When you open yourself up to people, you let the bad in with the good. I can't promise I won't ever hurt you, Rowen.  But it won't be on purpose.  I will never hurt you intentionally.  I can promise you that.”

Now, on to the whole Walker family.  They are simply perfect.  They are caring, sweet, kind, patient, and exactly what Rowan needed to find her way.  Rose, Jesse's mother, was my favorite.  Completely down to earth and so very real.  That is the only way to really describe it, she is real.  There is no sugar coating the situation with her, and she will tell you exactly how she sees it.

“Every morning we get a chance to be different.  A chance to change.  A chance to be better. Your past is your past.  Leave it there.  Get on with the future part, honey.”

This is a one off novel, so there is in fact a conclusion.  But, with that being said I  kinda wish there was a dreaded cliffhanger... because that way we would get more Rowan and Jesse.  I liked where they ended up, and have no doubts for their future, but there is room there for their story to continue.  I would love nothing more than to see one day that Nicole Williams has decided to turn this into a series.  And that is the highest form of praise, the wish to see more of the same characters even though it wasn't originally planned.  I will keep my fingers crossed for this to happen...

**Added Note** A huge thanks to Chelsea from Starbucks & Books Obsession for pointing out that Nicole Williams has officially announced that there will be a second book for Rowan and Jesse.  This makes me beyond excited.  As of the time of this added note, Near and Far is due to be published on July 30th, 2013.  Not a very long wait at all. 

“He can take a few pain relievers when he gets back to the ranch.  You're not dealing with your wussy city boys, Rowen."

"That's right," I said, rolling my eyes even though he had his back to me.  "I forgot you all are invincible gods."

Garth looked over his shoulder, "Nope, we're even better than that."  I could see his smile gleam.  "We're cowboys.”

MORE QUOTES FROM LOST AND FOUND