Book Review: Toxic by Kim Karr

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Toxic
Author: Kim Karr
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: July 7th 2015
Review Source: NAL Trade

New York Times bestselling author Kim Karr turns up the heat in a smoking hot, emotionally compelling romance that takes you into the world of Manhattan’s elite.

Meet Jeremy McQueen, a sexy, intense, brooding entrepreneur who goes after what he wants, and Phoebe St. Claire, a socialite-turned-CEO who’s been drifting through life searching for something she thought she'd never find again—the right man to share her future.

Phoebe St. Claire has devoted herself to saving her family’s hotel empire—but her best efforts have not been good enough. With her whole world in turmoil, the tenacious go-getter turns to the once love of her life. Far from innocent, Jeremy McQueen was a guy from the wrong side of the tracks and her parents would never have approved. Their years apart have only made the sexy bad boy more irresistible than ever—and their reunion is explosive.

When she asks Jeremy to help her salvage her family business, he agrees immediately, with only one condition—he wants her in his bed.

But soon surprising circumstances leave Phoebe reeling. Was this fairy tale romance just too good to be true? Will Jeremy’s secrets pull them apart all over again?

When I read the synopsis I knew I had to pick Toxic up. I mean that tag line along had peaked my interest. I was loving getting to know Phoebe and Jeremy’s pass and see how it all intertwine to come full circle in the end. Karr does a fantastic job of bringing their story to life.

Jeremy McQueen and Phoebe St. Claire have history. Love fairy tales don’t always end with happily ever after. Theirs sure didn’t. Can a second chance bring them back together? Or will the past not be so easily forgotten?

It’s kind of hard to say where exactly I stand with Toxic. I enjoyed the story, but it left me frustrated a number of times. I am surely in the minority when it comes to this book because I know quite a few people loved it. I guess it was the fact that I really couldn’t connect with the characters. The unvarying bickering and mistrust was giving me way too much whiplash. It’s not to say that other won’t enjoy it, it just wasn’t for me.

I feel like the story was missing Jeremy’s POV. I think I would’ve been delighted to get inside he’s head at certain points of the story. I’ve never been one of those girls that is insanely jealous maybe that’s why I couldn’t really click with the actual characters. The title does the book justice because what Jeremy and Phoebe have is a toxic relationship of sorts.  The constant push and pull can only go on for so long before I pull my hair out, but if you love angst and need to go on a roller coaster of emotions Toxic is the book for you.

Book Review: The 27 Club by Kim Karr

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The 27 Club
Author: Kim Karr
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: March 3rd 2015
Review Source: NAL Trade

You don’t know when…
You don’t get to choose if…
When it’s time to join…you’ll know.

You might think you want to be a member—but trust me this is one club you don’t want to join. It’s not a place where people go to live out their deepest, darkest sexual desires—there are no handcuffs or blindfolds.

The 27 Club only admits those who die young and tragically. My brother was recently bestowed membership and joined many of our ancestors before him. I know I’m next. This is my destiny, and I was ready to yield.

But then I met Nate. He awakened a sensuality in me that had never been explored, never satisfied. I knew then I could no longer accept my destiny. Nate’s presence controls me. I’m overwhelmed by his touch, his words; my every thought is consumed by desire. I believe he was brought into my life for a reason.

Nate doesn’t believe in destiny.

But I do.

And if there’s a way to cheat it—I must.

The 27 Club was a delightful surprise to read. I am not sure why, since I've read the Connection series by Kim and quite frankly enjoyed them. I do have to be honest, this book did take me longer than usual. It moves at a slower pace than what I am used to.

All starts the night Zach Flower dies. Within weeks of his death,  Zoey Flowers moves to Miami. There she meets Nate, Zach's best friend. From the moment she meets Nate, Zoey begins to learns secrets her brother kept from her. Lies he told her. Which doesn't really help her since she is already superstitious. She believes death will come knocking soon and also will die at young age. I don't blame her, since her mom, grandfather and other members of her family, also died at the age of 27.

I was not expecting the story to turn out the way it did. There are many things that Zoey uncovers. But most of all, she finds a man that is willing to fight for her. Sure he wasn't all gentle, but he sure was sexy.

All in all this was a great read. I was happy to read the epilogue and loved how it all tied down.

Book Review: Connected by Kim Karr

Connected
Connections #1
Author: Kim Karr
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: February 4th, 2014
Review Source: New American Library | Penguin

What if a “Once in a Lifetime” could happen twice?

In Dahlia London’s world, happily ever after is a far cry from reality. Her soul has been left completely shattered by tragedy. But a surprising reunion with someone from her past is about to give her a reason to love again…

When rock star River Wilde comes back into Dahlia’s life, their super-charged connection runs deeper than either of them ever expected. The more time they spend together, the more intense their relationship becomes, and Dahlia believes at last she has found her soul mate.

But as old bonds fade and Dahlia’s grief begins to lift, her guilt and confusion remain. River desperately wants to be the one who mends what’s been broken—but with a past that refuses to stay buried, is it possible for their future to begin?

As you may know, I am a sucker for sad stories. Don’t ask me why, I just do. I am also a sucker for covers. Connected is a sad story with a beautiful cover. I mean just look at the cover! How can you say no to that?!It is stunning!! What I love most about this cover is the chemistry this couple portraits. It is the perfect shot that describes this book.

Connected is the first book of The Connections Series. This book starts off at a concert with Dehlia and her father years before this love story begins. This is where it is explained how close Dehlia and her father are. Going into the story, we learned that this is the last music concert she shares with him. She loses her parents to an accident. Her world would’ve shatter if it wasn’t for the help of her boyfriend, Ben. One night, she is taken to a bar and she meets this mysterious soon to be rock star, River Wilde. Oh the chemistry these two share! Feeling guilty, Dehlia leaves the bar but only to be re-united with River years after her fiancé, Ben is killed.

To say the least, this book left me a mess. Kim Karr cast a spell and bewitched me with her writing. Seriously, do no read this book on your way out. You will make yourself look like a fool. Trust me, I did this and my friend was laughing at me. I cried so much within pages into the story. Connected is so addicting! I didn't put this book down.

River and Dehlia are meant to be. Their love is one of those that only comes once in a lifetime. You will fall for them and their fate of being together,

Although, they are an amazing couple, River is holding out a secret. And this is no little secret. I couldn't believe the twist of this story! Seriously, addicting and unpredictable.

The book ends with a big reveal and HOLY MOTHER OF ALL SECRETS! You cannot end a book with such big reveal! You just can't! You will need the second book pronto. I highly recommend this book! So go and purchase your copy.

Cover Reveals: The Forever Song | Dazed | Dream Boy

There have been quite a few cover reveals in the bookish world lately. Here are a few that stand out.

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The FOREVER SONG

Blood of Eden #3

Author: Julie Kagawa

Release Date: April 15th 2014

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster?

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

MONSTER

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS LAST BOOK (even though I don't want the series to end)!!! I love love love this series, its in my top tens of favorites. With the Blood of Eden series you I get 2 of my favorite genres in one. PARANORMAL & DYSTOPIAN!!! Check out a teaser of The Forever Song (do not read if you haven't read The Immortal Rules and The Eternity Cure).

DAZED

Connections #2.5

Author: Kim Karr

Release Date: April 1st 2014

Publisher: Intermix | Penguin

In this dramatic new novella from the New York Times bestselling author of Torn and Connected, two people discover that even the truest love has ups and downs…

Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He needs to make a change, and the last thing he’s looking for is love…

Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her stunned, and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about him that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.

To keep from losing the one woman he can’t bear to be without, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…

Includes a preview of the next Connections series novel, Mended.

What a cover right? Check out our 5 star review of Connected! Karr shares an excerpt from Dazed (do not read if you haven't read Connected or Torn first).

DREAM BOY

Authors: Mary Crockett & Madelyn Rosenberg

Release Date: July 1st 2014

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

In this romantic contemporary fantasy, American teen-hood meets mystic folklore.

Like the small southern town where it's set, Dream Boy is edged by wilderness, mysticism and mystery. The bottle tree on the cover perfectly captures the novel's mix of dream and nightmare.

So what is a bottle tree?

Simply put, it's an ancient folk-magic practice intended to capture evil spirits. Southerners adapted the tradition—outfitting tree limbs with colored bottles.

In Dream Boy, the bottle tree creates a connection point between the real world and what lies beyond.

This cover is incredible. When I saw it I was immediately interested to want to read it.  Cant wait!

Book Review: Connected by Kim Karr

Connected
Connections #1
Author: Kim Karr
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: May 7th 2013
Review Source: Purchased
Publisher: Penguin | Intermix

What if a “Once in a Lifetime” could happen twice?

In Dahlia London’s world, happily ever after is a far cry from reality. Her soul has been left completely shattered by tragedy. But a surprising reunion with someone from her past is about to give her a reason to love again…

When rock star River Wilde comes back into Dahlia’s life, their super-charged connection runs deeper than either of them ever expected. The more time they spend together, the more intense their relationship becomes, and Dahlia believes at last she has found her soul mate.

But as old bonds fade and Dahlia’s grief begins to lift, her guilt and confusion remain. River desperately wants to be the one who mends what’s been broken—but with a past that refuses to stay buried, is it possible for their future to begin?

Have you ever read a book that left you absolutely mesmerized? I honestly couldn't put this book down. I was hooked from the very first sentence. Kim Karr is an absolutely BRILLIANT writer. I don’t think I have ever finished a book so fast. And that ending…WOW! What a fabulous read!!

Dahlia London has had a lot of loss in her life. Thankfully, she has a great support system, great friends and an amazing boyfriend, Ben. He is not only her boyfriend but her rock. Being childhood friends, they grew up together and his family took Dahlia under their wing when she lost hers.

The story kicks off with Dahlia meeting her best friend Aerie at Ben’s fraternity house. She and Aerie are going out to see a band at a campus bar. Once at the bar Aerie takes off for the crowd and Dahlia goes to the bar to grab them some drinks. Upon waiting for the bartender Dahlia scans the crowd to see where Aerie is. Instead she sees a gorgeous man that she can’t take her eyes off of. She feels guilty because Ben is waiting for her back at the fraternity house but for the life of her she just can't seem to look away. He makes his way over to her and starts a conversation. This is where we meet River Wilde. Dahlia engages in the conversation and is finding herself even more attracted to River as the minutes go by when he is called back to stage. Yep, he’s the lead singer in the band. That made River even hotter if there is such a thing. He asks Dahlia to stay after the set so they could continue the conversation but feeling guilty because she has a boyfriend, she bolts. She knows if she stays there she will do something she regrets.

After college Dahlia and Ben live together and just when Dahlia thinks her life is perfect another loss hits her like a brick wall and this time she doesn't’t think the devastation will come to an end. Will Dahlia find the happiness she once knew??

This book was truly amazing. It had me on the edge of my seat, ugly crying, laughing, swooning and panting for more. Trust me when I say I couldn’t one-click the second book Torn fast enough!!! I usually don’t like cliffhangers but I can say that this is by far one of the best I have read. Get the tissues handy and get ready for a bumpy ride. I guarantee you won’t regret it! I do have to mention that this book has adult situations and language that is suitable for ages eighteen and above. Enjoy!!!