Review: Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Till Death
By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: February 28th, 2017

Publishers: William Morrow

Genre: Adult, Thriller, Suspense
Source: Bought 
Pages: 400
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .

It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.

First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.

But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.

The Review: It’s been a while since I’ve read anything by Jennifer and I’ve honestly been feeling so guilty because she is one of my favourite authors and whenever I do pick up her books, I absolutely love them and Till Death was no exception.

Till Death is a standalone adult romantic suspense/thriller novel and follows 29 year old Sasha Keaton who is still trying to get over the horrible events that happened to her 10 years ago. It’s when she moves back home to West Virginia that the past won’t stay in the past and everything that Sasha is trying to forget, the killings suddenly starts happening again and once again Sasha’s life is in danger.

This was such a good read. As soon as I started it, it was impossible to put down so much that I ended up going in between the paperback copy and the audiobook, just so when I was doing day to day chores I wasn’t missing out on the story. 

Sasha and Cole were such fantastic characters to get to know. I immediately liked them and was rooting for them from the start. And with everything going on, Sasha remained such a strong character throughout the novel. 

The story was interesting and exciting and I was fully engrossed in who the killer was. I have to say I did work it out before the big reveal but it didn’t stop me enjoying the story any less. 

All in all, Till Death is a fantastic read and one I’m so glad I read and I am looking forward to reading another one of Jennifer’s book very soon.

                                                                                     Rating: 5 Flowers - Amazing

{Review} Fire in You (Wait for You #6) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted by Donna
Release Date: November 28th, 2016 
Finished Date: August 12, 2017

Publishers: Hodder & Stoughton 
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 392
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

From the # 1 New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You and Be With Me, comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and, most of all, hope...

Six years ago, Jillian Lima's whole world was destroyed. The same night her childhood love Brock Mitchell broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by a stranger with a gun. After years spent slowly rebuilding the shattered pieces of her life, Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret and is determined to start living. The one thing she never expected was the impossibly handsome Brock walking back into her life...

Brock can't believe that the breath-taking woman standing before him now is the little girl who used to be his shadow growing up. Unable to stay away from each other, their tentative friendship soon sparks into something more and the red-hot chemistry sizzling between them can no longer be denied.

But falling for Brock again risks more than just Jillian's heart. When the past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they've ever cared about...

The Review: Being one of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s biggest fans I just knew I had to finish reading her Wait for You series because as much as I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters, I still wanted to see how all their stories ended.

Like all the previous books in the series, Fire in You features a different couple Jillian and Brock. These books can be read as standalone but because all of the characters’ lives intertwine I would highly recommend reading them in order.

Jillian and Brock’s story was a great way to end this series. Their story not only has struggles in their present story but it also has struggles from their past which makes this a very suspenseful read. I’ve always had a soft spot for stories where the character already know each another and Jillian and Brock’s story didn’t disappoint. Their story is a little heart-breaking because Brock feeling obligated to Jillian’s father for taking him in when he was a teenager felt like he could never be with Jillian. He broke her heart to protect her. But with Jillian struggling with her life changing trauma where she believes that Brock let her down in a serious way and the events of that night kind of leave Jillian broken, it’s only Brock that can help her overcome these struggles even though she really is trying on her own.

I loved these two character. I loved reading their back story and seeing what the present and future held for them. They were great characters to get to know and even with their struggles their story was very addictive. As a reader I could definitely relate to Jillian who loves reading books as much as I do so it was really nice to connect with her that way.

And of course all the other characters popping up through the story it definitely was a great way to end this series. Jennifer L. Armentrout really is a fantastic writer and I really need to get myself up to date with all of her other books. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 17th, 2016
Finished Date: September 18th, 2016

Publishers: Mira Ink
Genre: YA, Contemporary 
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 480
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

The Review: YA contemporary is one of my favourite genres so when I found out Jennifer L. Armentrout – one of my favourite authors – was writing one I was completely ecstatic. She always writes good stories that have amazing characters and smoking hot love stories and The Problem with Forever is no different. If you liked Katie McGarry’s Pushing the Limit series or Simone Elkeles Perfect Chemistry series then this book will be perfect for you. And if I’m honest, there just isn’t enough of these stories around so I’m really hoping that JLA decides to write more. 

The Problem with Forever is an emotional story about two teenagers who have terrible pasts after being in a group home together but found strength in one another during the dark days. Years later they are reunited and given a second chance but can they overcome the past and move on with their future?

I always love stories that can pull me in from just reading a few pages and The Problem of Forever did that. I was about two chapters in and I just knew I was going to love this book. From the get go your pulled into an emotional and dark story that was honest, raw and sad. It’s not all sad though. It’s also a story full of hope and about creating a future that was better than the past. Not only that but it has an amazing love story that is tangled up in all the hurt so prepare yourself for an emotional ride. 

I loved Mallory as a character. She was fantastic! She’s a survivor and she is trying to move on from her past. She does struggle but she also tries to push herself. The events from her past have left her feeling like she can’t speak up so she’s a very quiet person but like I said she’s trying to change that. She’s been in therapy and found ways to cope with her issues. But now she wants a future and she pushes herself to have a better life. I really came to respect her for trying, even though at times she fails, she still continues to try. But I found once she found Rider again that was a big turning put for her. She found the one person again that always believed in her no matter what and accepts her for who she is.

Rider was also a fantastic character. He and Mallory both handle things completely different and while Mallory’s issue affect her where she can’t talk, Rider seems to have no hope for himself. I felt sad for him at times. He’s such a protective character. He’ll do anything for Mallory or for the ones he cares about. He realises that this second chance they’ve been given is a good thing. He doesn’t want to lose any moments especially seems they’ve been apart for so long. I really admired Rider’s strength. He’s really is an amazing and supportive character. 

The secondary characters were second to none and I’m totally shipping a story for Hector and Ainsley. Seriously their story cannot be left that way. I need more! I loved how JLA added something personal about herself in this book as well – Ainsley’s medical condition. I have to be honest when I say I didn’t know anything about it before now and now I’m aware of it, I’m glad I am. I don’t want to say to much as it’s something Ainsley discovers herself throughout the story so I want you to experience it for yourself. But it’s an interesting one.

In all, The Problem with Forever was without a doubt one of my favourite YA contemporary stories for 2016 and at just under 500 pages somehow this book still wasn’t big enough. I urge you all to read it because if you haven’t guessed by now it is amazing! 

Thank you to Mira Ink for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} The Power (Titan #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted by Donna
Release Date: February 23rd, 2016
Finished Date:February , 2016

Publishers: Hodder & Stoughton
Genre: NA, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 400
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depo 

 

With any great change, there is always strife, and the Covenant University has become the frontline between pure-bloods who want the Breed Order reinstated and the half-bloods who want the right to control their own destinies.
Fate has other plans.

The violence is escalating and war between the races seems inevitable, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. Hyperion may be out of commission, but Josie and Seth know they have only earned a reprieve. Seth must get Josie fully prepared, which means controlling her newfound abilities, and they need to find the other demigods before the Titans do.
But the gods are sensing a greater threat.

Only one thing is more dangerous than a bunch of starved Titans, and that’s an out-of-control Apollyon. The aether in Josie is drawing Seth in deeper, and when lust mixes with love and gives way to power, he knows being close to her is not only dangerous to her, but to everyone around them, but letting her go requires a level of selflessness that just isn’t Seth’s style.

The paths taken in the past are becoming the roads of the future.

The Review: It’s no secret that I adore Jennifer L. Armentrout so with every new book she releases I find myself more and more excited. When the released for The Power book two in the Titan series came around I simply couldn’t wait to start reading especially with the Covenant series being one of my favourite series – anything in that world I think I’ll always want more even if it’s Seth’s story this time around. 

When I read The Return last year I honestly wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. That’s mainly because I had such a love-hate feeling with Seth during the Covenant series but, reading The Return definitely made me see him in a different light and by doing so made me start to love him more than hate him. And that didn’t change in The Power, if anything I’ve really started to enjoy watching the person Seth is becoming even with his odd mistakes along the way but hey, the guy has some serious issues he needs to deal with and I’m more than happy to continue reading his story. 

With the story being told in dual narrative we also get to see Josie whose life is just as much as a struggle as it was before. She’s trying to up her battle skills along with her powers so she can stand a fighting chance when the next God appears. I really admire Josie’s strength throughout this story. Like I said she has a lot to deal with her powers, her relationship with her father, trying to find other demi-gods and her relationship with Seth. I’m surprised she didn’t exploded but I felt she handled everything as well as she could do. And I’m honestly starting to look forward to her chapters now too. The relationship between Josie and Seth is at the front of the story as it’s one I absolutely love. It’s not without it’s struggles but their definitely a couple I’m rooting for.

The Power also brings old characters back into the story such as Alex and Aiden. Yay! It’s been too long without Aiden St Delphi and I’m so glad he’s back and Alex too. It great to introduce them to to this part of the story and they came at the right time too. I love how easy it was slipping back into these characters even if it’s not told from their point of view. It’s like being reunited with friends. And of course it was great seeing the old gang Deacon, Luke, Marcus etc… I don’t think this whole series would be the same without them. 

In all, The Power was a fabulous sequel to The Return. It’s action-packed and full of angst and romance and it’s definitely a series you should be adding to your TBR list!

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1) by J. Lynn

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 28th, 2014
Finished Date: August 16th, 2015

Publishers: Hodder & Stoughton
Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 172
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Madison Daniels has worshipped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering.

Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70's honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first...

The Review: Tempting the Best Man is the first book in the Gamble Brothers series by J.Lynn and it definitely started out with a bang! 

Madison Daniel’s has always been in love with her brother’s best friend since they were kids. And even though Chase Gamble has never shown any interest in her other than just friends – except for that one night four years ago, Madison still can’t help love him. But when they’re forced together at Madison’s brother’s wedding, they finally give into temptation once more. 

This is such a fab read I wish it was longer. By the time I’d read Tempting the Best Man I was seriously left wanting more. More pages, more Madison and Chase and definitely more adult stories by J. Lynn. 

I really enjoyed the plot of the story. I loved that the whole story takes place in a vineyard where all the family is staying too. It definitely made this story fun to read and I loved being able to get to know all the family all at once. Madison and Chase’s story while not completely unique – it’s a story I’ve read a few times before but J.Lynn adds her own spin to it and well it’s J.Lynn, you all know how much I love her work.

Madison and Chase were such great characters to get to know – they’re relationship is steamy and hot and I’m surprised they ever agreed on anything because they were both so damn stubborn. The banter back and forth was highly entertaining. I had quite a few laughs while reading this book and, the rest of the Gamble brothers….hello boys! Yes, I’m seriously looking forward to getting to know them better! 

In all, another fabulous read by one of my favourite authors and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the rest in the series.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

{Review} The Return (Titans #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted by Donna
Release Date: February 17th, 2015
Finished Date: October 17th, 2014

Publishers: Spencer Hill Press
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal
Source: Loan
Format: Paperback

Pages: 335

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

The Fates are cackling their bony asses off…

It’s been a year since Seth made the deal with the gods that pledged his life to them. And so far, the jobs they’ve given him have been violent and bloody–which is kind of all right with him. But now Apollo has something else in mind for Seth. He’s got to play protector while keeping his hands and fingers off, and for someone who really has a problem with restraint, this new assignment might be the most challenging yet.

Josie has no idea what this crazy hot guy’s deal might be, but it’s a good bet that his arrival means the new life she started after leaving home is about to be thrown into an Olympian-sized blender turned up to puree. Either Josie is going insane or a nightmare straight out of ancient myth is gunning for her.

But it might be the unlikely attraction simmering between her and the golden-eyed, secret-keeping Seth that may prove to be the most dangerous thing of all.

Because history has once again been flipped to repeat.

Book 1 in the new adult paranormal TITAN series, spin-off to the best selling COVENANT series.

The Review: The Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of my absolute favourite series ever, so when I heard that JLA was writing more based around Seth with a new series - The Titans, I have to say I was pretty damn excited. I've always had a love-hate relationship with Seth because if you've read the series you know why and if you don't, Seth was kind of a dangerous character so of course I went into The Return with caution. However, Seth is definitely not the same character we've met before and I was completely rooting for him throughout this book.

It's been one year since Seth made a deal with The Titans where he basically handed over his life to them to save the one person he's ever cared about. Now he's become their lackey, handing down punishment to the people that sided with Ares and his job isn't a nice one - it's violent and bloody but Seth's enjoying it because he knows it's what he deserves, especially with all the destruction he's done in the past. But when Apollo comes to Seth with a new task, he's now becomes the protector of a girl who has a massive role to play in trying to overthrow the escaped Itans.

Josie's life is suddenly turned upside down when Seth fills her in on her destiny - she's a demigod and her destiny is to defeat the escaped Titans, and Josie realizes that her crazy mother, might not be so crazy after all. Now she has to leave everything she's ever known and is thrown into a world of danger. But escaping with the hot stranger - Seth might not be so bad after all...right?

I honestly didn't know what to expect when I headed into The Return especially with it being a New Adult story but as normal JLA doesn't disappoint! It was easy to slip into Seth's head and get to know him more than what we have previously saw, especially with half the story being told from his prospective. Seth really wasn't how I knew him. He's definitely different and more aware of how his actions will affect people. If I'm honest, I just wanted to give him a big hug because he's suffered a horrible life when all he's ever wanted is acceptance and love. I really came to love him during this story and feel as though that was always JLA's plan.

With Josie being a new character and with her story being more surrounded the Titans, I enjoyed getting to know her and her story. It took me a little to warm up to her because even though she could see these strange things happening around her and of course it's explained what's her life will be like, it takes ages for her to really understand, for it to really in for her. It takes her a while and so she spends a lot of time thinking about Seth. I wanted her to focus more on her destiny, but once I reached the middle of the story, she changes and realizes that is real and she's needs as much help as she can get. I really enjoyed the connection she had with Seth - she sees the real him and so their story is quiet intense. They make a great team.

The plot of the story is engaging and intriguing, it's dangerous and exciting and did I mention hot? Oh yeah, it's hot! They story is also mixed with Covenant and Titan details and I loved that. It's was like getting the best of both world. And some of my favourite characters made appearances too - Deacon and Luke. It was good to see where they are at and how their world has changed since the event in Sentinel. And I'm hoping Alex and Aiden make an appearance soon. I'm eager to see how Seth will handle that.

In all, The Return definitely left an impression on me and I thoroughly enjoyed Seth and Josie's story and yep, I'm definitely left wanting more! Well done JLA for another fantastic story.

Thank you Kayleigh @ K-Books for loaning me your ARC copy!

{Review} Stay with Me (Wait for Me #3) by J.Lynn

Posted by Donna
Release Date: September 11th, 2014
Finished Date: September 20th, 2014

Publishers: HarperCollins UK
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 480

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Not all scars are visible on the surface

Calla Fritz is used to hiding. Hiding the scar that she believes mars her beautiful face. Hiding the burns that cover so much of the rest of her body. Hiding her past and her family secrets from her new college friends.

But when her mother clears out her bank account and disappears, Calla is forced to return home and face up to a life she'd rather forget about. What she didn't count on was meeting the one guy who seems to be able to see past her defences. Jackson James, known as Jax, is beyond smokin' hot – and Calla can't quite hide her feelings for a man who knows that beauty isn't only skin deep.

But with some dangerous characters looking for her mother – men who are perfectly happy to punish Calla for her mother's sins if she doesn't turn up soon – Calla and Jax have more troubling things to think about than the searing heat between them…

The Review: I absolutely adore the Wait for Me series so you can imagine how excited I was for the next instalment, Stay with Me. But I'm not sure what happen with this story because this was my least favourite of the series. 

Calla Fritz has never experienced the things normal girls do. She's hidden herself away from so much and doesn't allow herself to get close to anyone nor does she feel like she can tell the truth about where she came from. When her mother takes out a ton of loans in her name and leaving her in a mountain of debt, Calla has no other choice to return to the one place she hates - home, to try and track her mother down. What Calla doesn't expect is to find Jackson James running her mothers bar and suddenly she finds herself trying to earn as much money as possible, while her mother is MIA. 
But the attraction between her and Jackson is deniable but can Calla allow herself to get close to him while she's hiding so many parts of herself that she doesn't want anyone to see. 

I really excited to jump into Calla's story. From the previous books she's always been quite and I was interested to see who she really is. But like I said before, this was my least favourite in the series and I think it's because of the direction that JLA has taken the series. I guess I was kind of expecting and hoping we'd get another story at the college where Avery and Cam go to and yes, while Calla does go there, this story is very much out of the college life experience. It's becoming maturer, I guess I could call it that. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I just wasn't expecting  the series to go that way and nor have the next book being based on Roxy and Officer Reed. I also felt that Cam, Avery, Tessa and Jase's present in Calla's story felt a little forced. It was like they didn't really fit into her world because of how dangerous it is. 

Anyway, while I did have my issues with the story I still enjoyed it. I really enjoyed Calla and Jax's romance and I think that's what saved this story for me. It was nice to see their connect run deep and that they could overcome their fears together. 

In all, while Stay with Me isn't a favourite book from the series JLA as an author still is, so I'm always excited to see what she has next up her sleeve. 

Thank you to HarperCollins UK  for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

A Review for Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 10th, 2014
Finished Date: March 27th, 2014

Publishers: Hodder
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Thriller
Source: For Review

Format: Paperback
Pages:368

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

What if you had the chance to start again...but only if you promised never to look back? 

Samantha is popular, rich, and seemed to have it all...until the night she and her best 'frenemy' Cassie disappeared and only Sammy resurfaced, with no recollection of who she is or what happened. Sammy's a stranger in her own life - a life she no longer wants any part of. Losing her memory is a chance to start again. 

Then Sammy begins receiving mysterious notes warning her about that night, urging her to not look back. But she can't let it go. As she starts poking around in her past she begins to remember...and something sinister begins to surface.

The Review: A chilling thriller from one of the best YA authors around, Don’t Look Back is a fantastic story that keeps you guessing throughout.

Four days have passed since two teenage girls went missing, and then Samantha is found wondering the streets. Everyone wants to find out what happened the night both teens went missing, but Samantha has no recollection of what’s happened. Suddenly thrust into a life that she cannot remember, Samantha has to try and pick up the pieces, but she doesn’t like what she finds. As she tries to piece together that night, Sam starts receiving notes – Notes telling her DON’T LOOK BACK, but as much as Sam would like to forget, she knows she needs to find out the truth, even if it means putting herself in danger. 

At this point everyone and anyone have heard of Jennifer L. Armentrout. Whether you’ve read her books or not, I bet you’ve still heard the impressive reputation about her as an author. This woman can write. And she writes pretty damn well too. She continues to knock out stories that are unique and fresh. She has a knack for smouldering love stories as well as creating some super-hot guys for us to swoon over, but more importantly, the books I’ve read by her have left a big impression on me and, Don’t Look Back is the perfect example of that!

Intriguing and very compelling, Don’t Look Back is a book that I found very hard to put down once I started. The suspense of the story hits you in full force and within the first few pages all I could think about what had happened to the main character. I found the whole story enthralling to the point where I felt like I wanted all the answers before we were ready, but I held on and didn’t peek at the end – I’m known to do that once in a while – but I didn’t, and I’m so glad I didn’t because I would have missed out of the surprises that we’re about to happen. I thought the story was very well written and the plot was very exciting.

The characters were also a fantastic addition. Sam definitely had the most character development. I guess that’s to be expected because she is like two different characters. Obviously I liked Sam after the accident. I found her to be compassionate and loving.  She cared about her family and tried to be honest with herself. The Sam before the accident didn’t care what people thought and did everything in her power to make people as unhappy as she was. So in a way, Sam losing her memories wasn’t all a bad thing. She got the do-over she needed and became a much better person – or the better person she was before she ever met Cassie. 

Of course, the secondary character Scott, Julie and Carson were impossible not to love too. Scott was the best brother to Sam, even though she never treated him great. He was there for her whenever she needed him and, his and Julie’s relationship was really cute too. The same goes for Carson. Even without ever knowing that he was there for her, he always was. These two have a long history and it was great watching Sam trying to figure out how they fit into each other’s lives. It helps that Carson is incredibly hot and sweet. He just screams ATTENTION! It’s impossible not to love him. I love how much support he shows for Sam, it really does show how much of a great guy he is.

And the ending, which I must say was a shocking discovery. I really enjoyed the final outcome. There were so many hidden secrets that you never knew until that moment. It was a great ending.

In all, Don’t Look Back is another cracking story that we can add to JLA's pile of awesome books.

Favourite Quote: "I've loved you as long as I've known you, Sam. Just as much as I love you right now."

A Review for Be with Me (Wait for You #2) by J.Lynn

Posted by Donna
Release Date: January 13th, 2014
Finished Date: February 23rd, 2014

Publishers: Harper UK
Genre: New Adult
Source: For Review

Format: Paperback
Pages: 416

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

From the bestselling author of WAIT FOR YOU, prepare to be blown away by her next New Adult story of love, lust and longing

Did WAIT FOR YOU leave you gasping for more?

Did you leave one of the hundreds of online rave reviews for a book (and a man) that stole your heart?

Is Cam your new #bookboyfriend?

With a story linked to the bestselling WAIT FOR YOU, J Lynn’s second novel in her New Adult series is sure to set your heart racing again.

The Review: Be with Me is sweet, sexy and fast paced read that really pulls you in and tugs on your emotions. Not only is this a great read by one of my favourite authors, but it definitely leaves you craving for cupcakes – yes, you heard me, cupcakes. Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry…any different flavoured cupcakes….yum!

Teresa Hamilton has possibly just had her dreams of being a dancer crushed when she hurts her knee and realises she has no backup plan, if she finds out she can’t dance again. So she enrols in college where her brother Cam and his best friend Jase attend. The only problem is Teresa and Jase have a history, one that’s left Jase brushing Teresa off at every opportunity. Can Teresa start making new dreams but can she get the one guy she’s always wanted?

We all know Jennifer L. Armentrout can write a good book, but damn, I honestly believe this is her best NA book to date. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Wait for You but I loved Be with Me so much more. And I definitely believe that it comes down to the characters, because Teresa and Jase certainly didn’t have it easy. Their story was just so achingly beautiful. It wasn’t perfect because their lives were mixed up in so much hurt, but that’s okay, because together they really are the perfect couple.

Teresa was a very likable character; one that within a few chapters you could really sympathise with. She’s had so many hard times in her life and now her dreams of being a professional dancer is hanging by a thread. However, she still tries to be positive. She tries to make a plan B and I really admire her for that. Her relationship with Jase was complicated and for more reasons that one. Jase really does try and push Teresa away at every turn, and that’s because he’s hiding something – something, I didn’t see coming a mile away! I loved Jase though; I could see his reasoning’s but you could also see how much he cared for Teresa or Tess as he calls her. I love the two of them together; it was moving and really beautiful to read about their story. I loved that Teresa was willing to give Jase as many chances as he needed – not in a pathetic kind of way – but because she loved him that. And in the end, I only wanted happiness for them.

What I loved about the plot of this story was that there was other issues going on, leaving the story not always focusing on Tess and Jase’s relationship. We all know Tess’s past and her roommate was going through something similar. What I didn’t expect, that gave this story a bit of a thriller aspect with Erik. Even though I hated him, he gave the story that little bit extra spice and of course, he brought quite a few emotions too.

In all, Be with Me has to be one of my favourite NA reads this year, along with Samantha Young’s On Jamaica Street. I’m dying to know who book three will be about; I’m hoping Calla; Teresa’s friend at school that seems to have some secrets of her own hidden. Regardless of who the story will be about, you can bet I’ll be reading it!

Favourite Quote: “You know, I’ve tried staying away from you. I’ve tried ignoring how I feel about you, which isn’t how I should feel. But it’s like fighting a losing battle. And I don’t want to fight it anymore. I don’t want to ignore this.” – Jase

Thank you to Harper for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

UK Cover Reveal for Wait for You by J.Lynn

Wait for You by J. Lynn

Release Date: August 15th 2013

Buy: Amazon UK / Waterstones / The Book Depo

Some things are worth waiting for …

This is the book you’ve been waiting to read since you put down One Day and Fifty Shades of Grey.

Some things are worth experiencing …

‘Cam stole my heart’

‘One of the most endearing, touching and fun friends-to-lovers I’ve read’

‘Gripping … the sweetest yet hottest romance’

And some things are worth fighting for …

Avery knows she should stay away from Cam Hamilton: he might be the hottest guy on campus but she really doesn’t need that sort of drama right now. Love is best left in the past – along with her troubles. But sometimes, the last thing you want, is just the thing you need …

So what do you think? 

Donna's thoughts: Finally!! We have something different for a New Adult book. Don't get me wrong, I love most of the NA books but they covers all seem to look the same. Thankfully the UK publishers did us proud and created something that I believe with appeal to many readers. Hopefully it will intrigue people who wouldn't think to pick up a NA book before. 

A Review for Obsession by Jennifer Armentrout

Posted by Jess
Release Date: May 31st, 2013
Finished Date: June 8th, 2013

Publishers: Entangled
Source: Bought

Format: e-book
Pages: 370

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

He’s arrogant, domineering, and... To. Die. For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something... unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.

Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life… or is it Hunter?

The Review: “It wasn’t about the age-old battle of Arum versus Luxen. I wasn’t fighting to feed or to work off aggression. I wasn’t fighting because I was told or was obligated.

I was fighting for Serena.

She meant everything to me.

Knowing that, fully understanding what that mean, I was on a motherfucking warpath.”

Aaaaaaaand Jennifer does it again! WIN! My first reaction upon seeing this announced was Whaaaaaaat?! Another book by Jen set in the Luxen world?! That's awesome. This isn't about the Luxen. Nope, this is about their enemies the Arum. 

Let me just say, this book was awesome. Awesome. And this review is probably not going to be constructive in anyway what so ever. Obsession started out awesome, continued to be awesome and ended awesomely. Yeah that's a lot of awesome. It's written in the duel narratives from Serena and Hunter (HAWT!). I loved getting inside both of their heads, and both of them having to deal with the outcome of a Luxen being witnessed doing a very  very bad thing. Very bad thing indeed.

As always, JLA really has a way of really getting you sucked into the story, from the get go I couldn't get enough of this and I loved it. There was mystery and intrigue, humor and sexual tension. I loved the relationship between Serena and Hunter, it's very much a "Ugh. I hate you, but you turn me on so much" kind of start to the relationship, then over time it just kept developing and growing and eventually they gave in to their urges and. It. Was. Good! Whoa. Hot, hot, hot! There is great character development in this book that is seen from both Serena and Hunter.

The story itself, was thought out and to be honest when I read Obsidian and the ones following that, I was adamant I was on Team Luxen...now? Not so much. Obsession will make you rethink EVERYTHING you know and like about the Luxen, and I dare you not to fall completely in love with Hunter and all his Arum ways. 

Obsession is a stand alone, but the ending felt quite open for me so I'm hoping that JLA will see how much this will be loved when more people start to read and hopefully write a sequel, because to be honest, I want more. More Arum, more Hunter, more adult stuff within this book. 

Overall, really loved this book, same concept but told from the Arum side instead of the Luxen side, full of sexual tension, laughter, mystery and suspense. If you loved JLA Luxen series, then you're really going to love this one, and don't worry Daemon fans....he makes a small appearance in the book, but you won't notice because Hunter is yummy and will keep you going right through until the end. 

Note: This is NOT YA. Obsession has very adult themes and must only be read by people of 18+ years.

Just going to leave you with some quotes:

“Do you do this?” he asked. “Touch yourself?” His fingers stilled. “Do you pleasure yourself, Serena?” “How often?” I refused to answer him. “Once a week? More?” He pulled his hand away and turned me around. My breath caught in my throat. “I bet you do, and the next time?” He teased my nipple. “You’ll think of me.” -Hunter

“That´s an alien. I'm an alien. We´re aliens. Aliens everywhere, actually  which is why we have to leave. I'm sure someone called the police by now.”

“I smiled then—a big, toothy idiotic smile— and Serena didn't see it. Her eyes were closed, which was good, because I was turning into one big vagina.”

“Oh, shimmer down, Hunter. You're too testy. How many times have I've told you that you need to chill out, take a vacay. Disney World is really fun this time of the year. You should check it out.”

5 mindblowing stars from me! 

A Review for Wait for You by J.Lynn

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 25th, 2013

Publishers: HarperCollins 
Source: Bought

Format: Kindle

Pages:  336
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Some things are worth waiting for...

Travelling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago--an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe--please God--make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn't need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she's building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing...

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that's just so... so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet...

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she's has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for..

The Review: “F**k, Avery. You think I don't want you? There's not a single part of you that I don't want, you understand? I want to be on you and inside of you. I want you against the wall, on the couch, in your bed, in my bed, and every f**king place I can possibly think of, and trust me, I have a vast imagination when it comes to these kinds of things. Don't ever doubt that I want you. That is not what this is about.” 

Anything that J.Lynn aka Jennifer L. Armentrout writes, I'll read it. I don't care if it's a novella, a short story or a full book and I'll read it. She fast became one of my favourite authors and I'm hoping she'll continue knocking out fantastic books, like Wait for You.

Wait for You is a New Adult story and you all know how popular these type of stories have become in the last year, and by the looks of it, there's hear to stay. I'm a huge fan of it but what I find it sometimes, they can be a tad predictable. However, true to Jen's previous books, her work could never be predictable. 

Avery and Cam were such an enjoyable duo to read about. Their relationship is feisty, funny and so very steamy! There's an undeniable attraction between them that slowly builds over time and causes so much tension. Cam really brings out the best in Avery, but unbeknown to Cam, Avery's hiding a dark past that really can threaten everything they've worked for. I also loved the secondary characters too and I'm eager to see more of Cam's sister in the companion novel. 

In all, Wait for You is a hot and sexy read with a cracking story line and fantastic characters - what more could you want? I loved it and I'd highly suggest you read it!