Book Review: After We Fell by Anna Todd - #HESSA

After We Fell
After Series #3
Author: Anna Todd a.k.a Imaginator1D
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: December 30th 2014
Review Source: Gallery Books | Purchased
 

Book Three of the After series—now newly revised and expanded, Anna Todd’s After fanfiction racked up 1 billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. Experience the Internet’s most talked-about book for yourself!

Tessa and Hardin’s love was complicated before. Now it’s more confusing than ever. AFTER WE FELL…Life will never be the same. #HESSA

Just as Tessa makes the biggest decision of her life, everything changes. Revelations about first her family, and then Hardin’s, throw everything they knew before in doubt and makes their hard-won future together more difficult to claim.

Tessa’s life begins to come unglued. Nothing is what she thought it was. Not her friends. Not her family. The one person she should be able to rely on, Hardin, is furious when he discovers the massive secret she’s been keeping. And rather than being understanding, he turns to sabotage.

Tessa knows Hardin loves her and will do anything to protect her, but there’s a difference between loving someone and being able to have them in your life. This cycle of jealousy, unpredictable anger, and forgiveness is exhausting. She’s never felt so intensely for anyone, so exhilarated by someone’s kiss—but is the irrepressible heat between her and Hardin worth all the drama? Love used to be enough to hold them together. But if Tessa follows her heart now, will it be…the end?

 AT FIRST SIGHT:

• Bri: Oh my gosh! I loved the cover, I love all the covers that come with the After series though. I liked this one for the imagery. After We Fell to me, story wise, means someone(Hessa) is on the ground-which is kind of how I take the cover. The grass, we're on the ground but it's time to get back up. I also was happy with how thick the book was, one thing I find myself worrying over with this series is I do not want it to end. So the thicker the book, the happier I am!
• Yara: This is my favorite cover from the series. I love how they use the grass, it really makes the cover stand out. I would definitely be attracted to it if I saw it on a shelf somewhere. And if it says Anna Todd, I WANT IT! LOL! 

STORYLINE:

• Bri: What's not to love? It's what Anna has taught us to love about Hessa. They fight, they get together. There's always that will they stay together finally or not? And this book shows that there's a chance that they may be able to stay together, and they experience other problems which I absolutely loved! Tessa's dad is back in town, Hardin wants to fix his pessimism. It's not just about Tessa and Hardin not getting along, although that's not to say that they don't fight. They do, but we wouldn't love that as much if they didn't, would we?
• Yara: The story in After We Fell is probably the toughest to deal with out of the first 3 books. Its starts off right after After We Collied and doesn't slowdown at all. We continue to live and witness the fight Tessa and Hardin must deal with to see if they even make it as a couple. Sometimes love is not enough and it can even become toxic. An din this edition, Tessa not only has to deal with the decision of Seattle, she also is still handling her father returning into her life. But Tessa will go through something horrible that I still cringe at when I remember it in detail and this isn't something you can just brush under the rug. Now don't think Hardin is in the clear here, oh he has his own moments and they are going to shock you. Just be ready to take a ride with this book and hold on tight. 

HERO/HEROINE:

• Bri: As much as I hate it I think I'd have to say Zed. Zed and Molly actually. They both come in when they're the most needed, and they save the day. Although I can't stand either of them I have to admit that I was completely thankful for their presence during a specific scene...
• Yara: This name might shock you but I am going to say the heroine in this book is Molly. SAY WHAT! Yes you read the correctly. The "Molly" that Tessa would like to run over with her car and gauge her eyes out and feed them to piranhas. Molly gets this title because she basically save the day and when you read the book, you will know why I choose her. But just cause I give her this title doesn't mean I like her. 

FAVORITE SUPPORTING CHARACTER:

• Bri: Lillian! Or Tessa Number Two! I absolutely love her! She is every reader who wants to yell at Hardin, except Hardin actually can hear her and think about what she has to say! Of course he's Hardin so he doesn't completely listen to her, but he listens to her to an extent. And I love her for that, she seems to be able to smack sense into him. Love it! I also love Riley, the girl version of Hardin, who also tries to get him to come to his senses, but because he's so much like her he tries to stay away from her.
• Yara: In this book, Ill pick Kimberley  I love how she is not afraid to tell it like it is and how down to earth she is with Tessa and pretty much everyone. Kimberley really connect with me in this book. 

SOMETHING WE LOVED:

• Bri: Ugh this is hard! There's so many parts that I loved! But I think my all time favorite thing is the turn that Hessa's relationship starts to take. We see it in a state that we haven't seen it in before. It's almost like they're starting over, Tessa moving to Seattle did them good in more than one way! She finally did what she wanted, she didn't do what Hardin wanted-you go girl! But it also brought them to a state in their relationship where they had to talk on the phone about pointless things, and can I just say Hardin talking on the phone about working out, or just meaningless things-swoon worthy! I also loved Hardin making the effort to come and visit Tessa, it showed his growth!  Which is yet another thing that I loved in After We Fell. Hardin's growth, ugh it made me smile so much! If you couldn't tell I completely love Hardin...
• Yara: I LOVE that Tessa held her ground. She moved to Seattle even though every fiber in her body was telling her not to go. She didn't let her dream vanish because of Hardin, her mom or anyone else that had an opinion. 

SOMETHING WE HATED:

• Bri: Ergh....Steph....Zed...Lies! There's not much I can say without ruining some surprises, and well....I hated them.
• Yara: ONE WORD: STEPH

AN EVENT WE NEVER SAW COMING:

• Bri: There are two huge things that I honestly dropped my book into my lap and loudly gasped. I yet again don't want to ruin them, but once you read it (which everyone needs to read it) you will know exactly what two things I never saw coming. Although I had some inklings of one of them, I just wasn't completely sure of my guesses.
• Yara: Well really their are 2 BIG ONES I could mention but since one disturbs me so much, Ill leave it alone and not give it anymore credit than it deserves. The event that left me in SHOCK was towards the end of the book and it wasn't Hardin or Tessa that caused it. So imagine that. When you get to that event, you will remember my review at that moment and think to yourself "Yara was not kidding". 

CLIFFHANGER:

• Bri: UGH!!! I NEED AFTER EVER HAPPY! I just....the cliffhanger....it honestly left me in such a state of distress. Nothing filled the void that I felt after reading After We Fell. I wasn't prepared for this emptiness. It is SO rare for books to leave me feeling like this, so I was unprepared for this to happen. There's just...there's so many things I need closure on, and I need the closure ASAP!!! Is it time for me to read After Ever Happy yet?
• Yara: Yes of course their is a cliffhanger, it's Anna Todd we are talking about here. She has to leave us hanging so that we can't sleep or eat until the next book is in our hands. And people I haven't needed a book this badly since I had to wait on Breaking Dawn. After Ever Happy needs to be in my hands yesterday!!!

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT:

• Bri: YES! A million times over, YES! I have told so many people to read this series and I plan on continuing to push it onto people.
• Yara: ABSOLUTELY, I would recommend it. I have been pimping this series since I read the 1st book After. I was not one of the Wattpad readers, so my recommendations are purely based off these published version of Todd's series. 

FAVORITE QUOTE:

• Bri: "You're my better place, Tess." - Hardin
• Yara: "I never lost hope because Tessa is my hope. She always has been and always will be." - Hardin

 

Book Review: The King by J. R. Ward

The King
Black Dagger Brotherhood #12
Author: J. R. Ward
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: April 1st 2014
Review Source: Purchased

J.R. Ward's # 1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.

Long live the King…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle--with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything--and everyone--at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response--or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?

The 12th novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood arrived and after waiting a long year for this book, I was a tad (really small) disappointed. But as you can see it still got a 4 rating from me. The reason it didn't get the normal 5 rating I sully give all of Ward's books is because the book for me personally had a rough start. It was not the BDB books I have become obsessed with. But don't you worry because less than half way through the book, the pace changes to what we know and love. I can see what and why Ward did what she did with the beginning of The King, I just personally would have preferred in to happen in a different book not in Wrath's book. I am greedy and just wanted a book from page 1 till the last page about Wrath and Beth. That's not asking for too much. Regardless though fans will love and cherish Wrath's story in The King.

Be prepared because so much happens in this large book, we have a needing, a baby, a King and of course the Brothers. Beth and Wrath will struggle through some choices they don't agree on. Wrath as the King will have new challenges to face. The Brothers will have to step up their game. The past will be told and future decided.

Can't wait for next year's release. This series continues to be my favorite adult series for the last few years. Ward is just full of awesomeness. I would love to pick inside Ward's mine to see how she creates and comes up with what we read in these books.

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There are so many books that come across my Kindle or through the mail, that sometimes I get an overwhelming feeling of what should I read next syndrome. Blog Tours may dictate what is next to be read, but every so often there is a book that you’ve waited for a year, to be published. You finished the last page of the previous book, dreaming for the next one to immediately arrive. In many cases the wait is unbearable and then before you know it, 12 months have passed and the time is now. That is how I’ve felt with J. R. Ward’s series. If you have never read any of her books then you must start with book one and read your little heart out to catch up.

In The King, we are coming to a full circle with more about our beloved Beth and her hellran, Wrath, the King. The Blind King and ruler of the vampire world, and head of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. J.R. Ward provides the reader with so many story lines in one novel, that at times I almost found myself not being able to keep up. However, I got over it quickly and worked out a system! The main focus is centered around Beth’s desire for a baby. Unfortunately, Wrath’s feelings are not mutual. However, his love for Beth is. The reader is truly taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions with everything going on. I’m going to give you a huge heads up, J.R. Ward leaves the door wide open for lots more to come with this already very addicting series.

Have you read the Q&A from J. R. Ward's The King signing event yet? CLICK HERE to view all the questions and answers from that day. 

Book Review: Bound by Lorelei James

Bound
Mastered #1
Author: Lorelei James
Reading Level: Adult Fiction 18+
Genre: Romance | Erotica
Released: February 4th, 2014
Review Source: New American Library | Penguin

FIRST IN A NEW SERIES

In the new Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a woman’s desire to shatter her inhibitions leaves her unprepared for where that erotic journey will take her….

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession…

At First Sight:

• I must admit that I wasn't über excited about the cover. The orange is pretty and definitely my favorite color, although it didn't really jump out, screaming READ ME!! However, the cover does not at all take away from the story within. [Michelle]
• When I first received this book, I couldn’t stop staring at the cover. Why? Well, the cover looks like a rose. But when I stared at it for so long, I noticed it’s not a rose. It looks like more of a rope or some type silk veil. [Leydy]
• I really love the cover. It’s beautifully simple but at the same time the color makes it stand out. It would definitely catch my eye on the stand. [Heather]

Storyline:

• This is a story about martial artist Master Ronin Black and his student, Amery Hardwick. The two instantly have a connection .. A very strong connection. Ronin and Amery each have internal issues that they struggle with. They start unraveling each other's insecurities through adult play and discovery.  Amery struggles with trust, which is why it is so hard to grasp the fact that she is falling for this God like creature of a man. It seems as though Ronin may just share those same feelings. [Michelle]
• The story follows the journey of Amery Hardwick. She is a responsible young woman when it comes to her career but she is lacking experience in the love department. As one of her friend gets attacked, she helps her out by signing up for a self-defense class. On the first day, she meets the lovely Ronin Black and life after their meeting is never the same for her! [Leydy]
• Bound is about a small town girl that moved to Denver to pursue graphic design. She goes to a self-defense class to support one of her best friends and ends up having to sign up for the class herself and meets the mysterious, sexy Master Black. [Heather]

Hero/Heroine:

• I am thrilled giving this title to Ronin. He is so romantic, faithful and gorgeous, yet mysterious. He puts all of Amery's needs before his own, which in itself made me love him. [Michelle]
• Amery is shy yet she is bold. I love that about her. I love how her character develops to this strong persona. She learns that with a little help, there is another person underneath the many layers of fears she owns. Ronin is behind this discovery. The question is - How? ;) [Leydy]
• Amery for finally being in control of her own life and learning with a little help from Ronin of course, to relax and really feel things. [Heather]

Favorite Supporting Characters:

• This was a hard one. I think that I will say it has to be Chaz. Even though he doesn't approve of the relationship between Ronin and Amery, he only wants her happy. The vibe I get from him is that he will stand by her side, through thick and thin. [Michelle]
• Emmylou is the type of friend that will always tell you the truth, even if you don’t want to hear it. Best of all, Emmylou is the type of friend that will stay true by your side no matter the circumstances. [Leydy]
• I can’t choose between Chaz, Molly and Emmylou. All of them were there for Amery which like in real life can be rocky at times but in all I think these three helped Amery tremendously in her struggles and were there for her in the end like true friends are. [Heather]

Something we loved:

• The passion behind Ronin's eyes when he looks at Amery. He see's her and only her. To Ronin, she is the most beautiful and amazing woman. The best part about this is that he tells her every chance he gets. He never fails to compliment her beauty. [Michelle]
• I love how they met. I love the stunt Amery pulled on their first meeting. It was funny and hot. I don’t know how she did it, I would’ve cried in front of Ronin. [Leydy]
• This is a hard one. I loved every moment of the book but what stood out to me the most is the love between Amery and Ronin. I also loved the tenderness of Ronin and the way he put Amery’s needs before his own. [Heather] 

Something we hated:

• The sheer distrust that Amery has in Ronin. It hurts reading the parts when she comes down hard on him. It hurts my heart!! [Michelle]
• My issue is how everything was going too fast between Ronin and Amery. [Leydy]
• I hated how secretive Ronin was. Don’t get me wrong, that is one of the things that kept me reading, but it just killed me! [Heather] 

An even we never saw coming:

• I can't go into detail without a spoiler, so ... The special club that Ronin belongs to. That whole thing blew my mind, knowing that there was so much interest in it. [Michelle]
• Ronin’s true identity! What in the world? I didn’t see it coming. [Leydy]
• When I learned who Ronin really was and who his family is. [Heather] 

Cliffhanger:

• Oh my goodness, the ending killed me. I yelled "seriously"??? I want more, I have to know more. Lorelei can't end it this way!!! This cliffhanger is a big one and I am definitely ready to read what comes next. I think you will feel the same way. [Michelle]
• Big time! When I learned the truth and how it is left off. WHY? I need the second book! I need to know what happens next. [Leydy]
• Since I can’t really give any details on the cliffhanger without spoiling the book I will say it left me saying, WHY?!?! This was a very good book and made me change my views on certain things. [Heather]

Would I re-commend it?

• Yes, a million times yes. Great story, and I fell in love with the two as a couple. I can only hope that it turns out the way that I want it to. Absolutely 2 thumbs up!! [Michelle]
• Who wouldn’t want to read a steaming hot story? Seriously, this book is HOT. My answer is YES!! [Leydy]
• ABSOLUTELY!! Not only is Bound a hot, sexy read it’s also about love and letting go. Amery let her demons of being sheltered go and learned how to live how she wanted to live. I am counting down the days until the next installment of The Mastered Series comes out. [Heather]

Favorite quote:

• "That one." He pointed to the picture of her glancing over her shoulder, hair in motion, her eyes sultry, her lips parted. "Is mine."
• "What?"
• "That look belongs to me because I put it there. It's mine." [Michelle]
• “Bold is not only an action. Bold is an attitude. Bold is a state of mind… Sometimes the boldest choice is to let go. It takes courage to trust someone else to give you what you need than it does to just rely on getting it yourself”. – Ronin. [Leydy] 
• "I know we need to talk. But first I need this.: His mouth came down on hers. Kissing her as if he might never get another chance. [Heather]

Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary | Inspirational
Released: January 10th 2012
Review Source: Purchased
Publisher: Dutton Children's

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

I must begin by saying that my 17 year old daughter Meghan, requested this book for Christmas. She started reading it as soon as she unwrapped it, and finished in a day and a half. Surprisingly, my 13 year old non-reader daughter Payton, read it after her sister, in 2 days. WOW!! That in itself was a HUGE feat and I just knew that I had to read it. I am extremely happy that I did.

The two young characters in this book are Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters. These children both have life threatening, although different types of cancer. Hazel and Augustus are beyond wise, beyond their time, although down to earth, normal life living teens.

The two start off as friends and that friendship turns into one amazing, phenomenal love story. Augustus would do anything for Hazel Grace. He would give his life for her. Augustus knows that the one thing at the top of her list, her dying wish is to meet her favorite author. What Augustus does to make her wish come true is exuberant. It's extraordinary and he thinks of it as just making her happy.

Augustus does what every man who is on love would do. That is to make Hazel Grace happy and to see her smile. I am not going to lie ... This story is heart breaking, yet a heart felt read. I HIGHLY recommend that everyone read it. After you have read it, pass it onto a friend and let them read this beautiful, feel good love story.

If I was able to, this book would be rated a 10 by me. Please read this book, you will be very pleasantly surprised by the intelligence of these children and the incredible love that they feel toward one another. I know that it has been out for quite some time, but I am glad that I finally broke down and read it. I dare say this is my favorite book of 2014. Even though the year has just begun, I must say it's going to be very hard to beat. Well done Mr. Green!!

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The Fault In Our Stars is a tear jerking story that involves two brilliant teenagers, Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters. Hazel and Grace met in a support group meeting for cancer patients. It was the illness that brought them together and it then grew into a beautiful and powerful romance. Hazel doesn't like to be called Hazel Grace, but accepts it as long as it is Augustus that is saying it.

One of their lives were deprived due to the illness that took control of their body. Augustus's love for Hazel Grace is so strong that he used his only wish to fulfill her life long dream. His wish took them on an adventure to Amsterdam, where they had their first kiss. This is where they realize that what they feel for each other is true love.

Author John Green is brilliant. He writes his characters as very intelligent teenagers. He incorporates real life dilemmas that most people can relate to. The message that John Green portrays is to love the people in your life and not take life too seriously, or for granted. You just never know what tomorrow holds.

This story is so great that I didn't want to put it down and I hated that it was over. The only thing I didn't like was the ending. I needed closure and didn't feel that I received that.

I recommend this book to anyone, young or old. It will capture your heart. Be prepared with a box if tissues because you will need it!!

Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay
If I Stay #1
Author: Gayle Forman
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Released: March 24th 2009
Review Source: Purchased

Summary: (from goodreads) The critically acclaimed, bestselling novel from Gayle Forman, author of Where She Went, Just One Day, and the forthcoming Just One Year.

On a day that started like any other,

Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, admiring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. In an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the only decision she has left. It is the most important decision she'll ever make.

Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting, and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving.

If I Stay is a beautifully written YA novel, it will break your heart in many ways. The characters are likable; they will capture your attention right from the start. Mia, the main character, is a talented musician. Her character is described as being close to her family. I mean who wouldn’t with such amazing cool hip and supportive parents? There are many parts of the books which will describe their relationship and it will bring you warmth and comfort. She has a brother that loves and look up to her. Not only does she have the perfect family but a perfect boyfriend, Adam! He is also a musician, a rock-star.

Mia and her family go for a drive and from that moment her world is turned upside down. The life she had, the perfect parents and brother are taken from her. Mia is trapped; she is unable to do anything but watch the lives of those that care for her. One of most shattering moment is when she finds out her brother is also gone. The story switches back and forth between past and present, which usually is confusing but not in this story. You will be able to keep up and make sense of what is going on.

Oh Adam, when he finds out – his heart is just destroyed. One of my favorite lines is:

“Please Mia," he implores. "Don't make me write a song.”

I personally love this book. Is a reality check, it makes you think how things can go wrong within seconds. Live is very valuable, one should cherish every moment. The story is realistic and one can relate from the life and death experience to the struggle of trying to survive. I also love her parents – such supportive characters.

This book will definitely will bring you tears. This was a personal experience Gayle went through and she channels her pain through the book. I read online that her and her husband’ close friends and children were involved in a devastating car accident and none survive. Soon after, a friend and co-worker fell ill and passed away – weeks before September 11.

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I agree with everything Leydy mentions in her review of If I Stay. I was able to review it in audio format and was blown away by it. The story itself was powerful but to actually listen to Mia tell the story, just raised the bar even higher. I recommend both books in the series to be listen to as well as read. They will connect with you and stay ingrained long after you finished.

Book Review: Frigid by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)

Frigid
Frigid #1
Author: J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: July 15th 2013
Review Source: Spencer Hill
Available: Amazon

Summary: For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn’t anything new. They’d been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the ‘man’ in man-whore. He’s never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn’t want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she’s perfect and she’s everything. But the feelings he has for her, he’s always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they’re stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor’easter, there’s nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

Jennifer L. Armentrout (J.Lynn) is and forever will be an auto buy author for me. That being said any guy that she creates will go straight to my book boyfriend list. Which let me tell you, is never ending, especially at the rate she writes. Armentrout can do no wrong, how she manages to write so many books within a year is still beyond me.

Sydney and Kyler have been friends since Kyler pushed her away for trying to kiss him (hello she had cooties back then). And in return she forced him to eat a mud pie. Sydney has been in love with Kyler for quite some time, that goes double for Kyler. Only thing is that Kyler is somewhat of a man whore and he has had Sydney up on a pedestal where he knows she is not to be touched. He doesn't want to taint someone as beautiful her. When they get snowed in at his moms ski house in Snowshoe a lot of tension soon starts to surface. Can they fight off what they feel or will they give in? Neither one wants to cross that line because once they do, they know things will never be the same. Do you take that leap and potentially destroy the best friendship you've ever had or do you stand back and let the person you've been in love with your entire life slip right through your fingers?

I love the fact that Armentrout/Lynn decided to switch up the perspective because you have a better understanding of why they each don't want to take that big risk and why they've never actually acted on their feelings. You can also see that their relationship has developed over time and it wasn't just something that happened overnight.

I have no clue where Armentrout/Lynn gets her imagination from because the guys that come out of her mind are to die for. Can we please build a clinic where Jennifer goes to put in their information and they just pop out as clone so we can all have a piece of her wonderful creations? Please!?

Frigid was an absolutely fantastic read with mature and relatable characters that felt very realistic. It doesn't hurt that Kyler was oh so swoon-worthy! I highly recommend putting this on your future TBR.

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Cover:
When I saw this cover, I knew this would be another bestseller for JLA. Just looking at the cover models, there would be a swoon-worthy guy and the setting was going to be magical in the snow. This book has made a permanent home in my library.

Romance:
Yes there was and plenty of it to warm up all that snow that was falling outside in the setting of this book. I love to read JLA books when she has no restrictions since its was not a YA book. So the romance is hot and heavy of course since its been pent up between Kyler and Sydney.

Something(s) I Loved:
The mystery/thriller parts written in the story. It wasn't just a book where 2 people hooked up and had some relationship drama, nope. The book gave you a thrill ride, someone is out to get Kyler and Sydney why they are snowed in.

I also liked that we got to read the book from both protagonist. So you got a feel and understanding how both of them really though and what they were keeping to themselves.

This story also felt real, yes the guy is super hot but regardless their our many guys out there in the real world that are hot. It just finding the ones that have a brain to go along with the hotness. But yes, reading Frigid felt realistic and not like I was stuck in a fairy tale world.

Recommended?:
Of course! All of JLA books should be automatic buys or downloads.

Book Review: Lover at Last by J.R. Ward + Giveaway

Lover At Last
Black Dagger Brotherhood Series #11
Author: J.R. Ward
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: March 26th 2013
Review Source: NAL Hardcover/Purchased
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

AT FIRST SIGHT:

• When this cover was revealed, I think the squeal I made was heard all the way in China. This cover represent so much about the story. When you hold the book and look at Qhuinn, you know his time has arrived!!! (favorite cover of the series to date) - Yara
• My favorite cover to date! The photo online doesn't do it justice, you have to hold it in your hands to get the true beauty of this book in all its glory! - Jennifer
• The cover portrays an extreme sense of passion, fear, and worthiness, with eyes compelling the viewer to begin the journey that readers have longed for. - Deitre

STORYLINE:

• In Lover at Last we are captured by Qhinn and Blay's struggles with their past, present and future. You follow along as each male begins to understand and discover themselves, you can even say its sort of like a rebirth of sorts. Love conquers all! - Yara
• This is the story most of the BDB Community has been waiting for, the union between Blaylock and Qhuinn. More so, this is the story of Qhuinn figuring out who he is and acknowledging that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being with Blay, the love of his life and also allowing himself to finally put behind him all of the crap that his family and the glymera imposed on him all his life. - Jennifer
• This installment of Black Dagger Brotherhood is all about life changes for Blaylock and Qhuinn. - Deitre

HERO/HEROINE:

• Qhuinn takes the hero award in Lover at Last. When he saves the life of my favorite brother Zsadist, I knew Qhuinn was a male with worth. Payne takes the heroine award, she sacrificed herself not knowing the outcome to save a life when she offered the chance to Layla. - Yara
• Blay for helping Qhuinn to finally see who he truly is and for showing him that love is universal and that there is nothing wrong with who he is and how he feels, or who he chooses to love. - Jennifer
• Although the obvious heroes are Blay and Qhuinn, in so many different scenes throughout the storyline, it is Blaylock's mahmen (mother), who makes a life changing revelation. - Deitre

FAVORITE SUPPORTING CHARACTER:

• Layla would win the Oscar. She stood up to a brother going against all she has ever known. That showed me the devotion and love she has towards her young and father of her child. You Go Girl!!! - Yara
• Layla! Because she defends Qhuinn against Phury and won't let anything happen to the father of her young. - Jennifer
• Layla had a distinct purpose in the last novel "Lover Reborn," however in this one "Lover at Last," she is the nucleus of the novel, the lifeline of all who surround her. - Deitre

SOMETHING WE LOVED:

• Hands down I fell in lover all over again with Wrath. As King he did an act that truly shows why he is King. - Yara
• Qhuinn talking to the baby in Layla's tummy. I just loved this tender moment with Layla pointing out that he can touch her tummy all he wants, what's in there is half his after all and we get a quick glimpse of the doting father that Qhuinn will be. - Jennifer
• It's the big things that we remember most in great novels, but when given an avenue to bring some attention to characters that might not get it else where, the winner would be Fritz. He's everywhere in each novel, but in this one he truly stands out, with the little things that he does, that have such greater impact on lives when completed. - Deitre

SOMETHING WE HATED:

• All the many pages dedicated to Xcor self loathing, Sorry you tried assassinating The King, shame on you and I have no desire to learn more about you. This fan will never feel pity for you Xcor. One thing he does have right, He doesn't deserve someone like Layla. - Yara
• Too much back story and side story relating to Trez and iAm. I felt more time should have been given to Blay and Qhuinn since it was their story. - Jennifer
• I must admit that I found myself reading very, very quickly through the filler stories of other characters, but in regards to the Brotherhood mansion, my eyes read the pages very, very slowly, devouring every life changing moment. - Deitre

AN EVENT WE NEVER SAW COMING:

• This is serious spoiler if I say exactly what it was so I ll just say that someone that was suppose to have been dead for a long time is back and shock the heck out of the brothers and myself. - Yara
• Zsadist being the one that opens up the most to Qhuinn and is most in favor of him being inducted into the Brotherhood. -Jennifer
• Payne is more than just a great a fighter, thus allowing a twist in the story to truly mold the direction of the novel. - Deitre

CLIFFHANGER:

• Wow where do I begin. A good cliffhanger was the mating ceremony at the end, I would have liked to follow it all the way thru. Now I'm curious as to what happened next. A cliffhanger that is not good because it has to do with Wrath keeping the throne as King, was the new information that was uncovered about his first born young. - Yara
• So many cliffhangers ... The one I'm hoping to see is the mating ceremony of Blay and Qhuinn and subsequently the ceremony for the young after she is born. I am desperate to know if both males will be marked during the mating ceremony and if they will both get the young's name below their mates later. - Jennifer
• Through my "reader's lens" there is so much going on in this novel, that any direct mention of anything could possibly spoil it for you. So I'll end with this, J.R.Ward yet again has not disappointed her readers. She writes with such great passion and love for her characters, that you sometimes get a since that there is a Wrath, Qhuinn or Xhex silently dematerializing through the hemisphere watching and protecting us from the evil Lessers. Now, that is good writing. - Deitre

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT:

• This answer will always be YES. I have been recommending this series since I picked up the first book back in 2007. This is my favorite adult paranormal romance series ever!!! - Yara
• Absofreakinglutely! - Jennifer
• Of course, however if you haven't read the first book, you must start with the story of Wrath and Beth in Book 1, and read them all before this one or you will cheat yourself out of one of the best reading experiences ever. - Deitre

FAVORITE QUOTE:

• "Because I was, and I remain, utterly and completely and totally...in love with you." ~Blay - Yara
• "Best.Compliment.Ever" ~Qhuinn - Jennifer

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