[Blog Tour] Swear On This Life

SWEAR ON THIS LIFE by Renee Carlino

Atria Trade Paperback | ISBN: 9781501105791 | On sale: August 9, 2016 | 320 pages | $15.00

eBook: Atria Books | ISBN: 9781501105807 | On sale: August 9, 2016 | 320 pages | $7.99

From USA TODAY bestselling author Renée Carlino (Before We Were Strangers), a warm and witty novel about a struggling writer who must come to grips with her past, present, and future after she discovers that she’s the inspiration for a pseudonymously published bestselling novel.

When a bestselling debut novel from mysterious author J. Colby becomes the literary event of the year, Emiline reads it reluctantly. As an adjunct writing instructor at UC San Diego with her own stalled literary career and a bumpy long-term relationship, Emiline isn’t thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of a young and gifted writer.

Yet from the very first page, Emiline is entranced by the story of Emerson and Jackson, two childhood best friends who fall in love and dream of a better life beyond the long dirt road that winds through their impoverished town in rural Ohio.

That’s because the novel is patterned on Emiline’s own dark and desperate childhood, which means that “J. Colby” must be Jase: the best friend and first love she hasn’t seen in over a decade. Far from being flattered that he wrote the novel from her perspective, Emiline is furious that he co-opted her painful past and took some dramatic creative liberties with the ending.

The only way she can put her mind at ease is to find and confront “J. Colby,” but is she prepared to learn the truth behind the fiction?

Renée Carlino is the author of Sweet Thing, Nowhere But Here, After the Rain, and Before We Were Strangers. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog, June. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next book, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.

Website: http://reneecarlino.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorReneeCarlino

Twitter: https://twitter.com/renayz

Instagram: @reneecarlino1

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[Blog Tour] It Ends with Us

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up. She graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant and has a total soft spot for Lily; and the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head, but Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his no dating rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan, her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.With this bold and deeply personal novel Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all too human characters, “It Ends with Us” is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price. 

All humans make mistakes. What determines a person’s character aren’t the mistakes we make. It’s how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.

This is probably going to be one of the hardest book reviews I’ll ever have to write. I really did like this book, but it hurt my heart and messed with my head. It Ends With Us brought back an abundance of memories that I like to keep hidden far far away locked in a box behind a wall  that no one gets to see or hear about.  It’s actually taken me quite a while to get up the courage to even write this review because I knew it would dredge up memories that I NEVER want to relive, and as I try not to cry writing this… I will do my best to do this review justice.

It Ends With Us is poignant and influential.  This novel presents on intense subjects, one in particular being abuse.  I will say this is not intended for the faint of heart. Yes, there is romance and you’ll still get all the feels that you normally would get within a CoHo novel.  However, this book is hard to read. I will not say that I loved this book, and I will not say that I disliked this book. I will say that I am proud of the characters in this story. I’m proud of Colleen Hoover and this novel. Although I have mixed emotions about this novel, I believe in its excellence.

Cycles exist because they are excruciating to break. It takes an astronomical amount of pain and courage to disrupt a familiar pattern. Sometimes it seems easier to just keep running in the same familiar circles, rather than facing the fear of jumping and possibly not landing on your feet.

This book reminded me that every decision I made to get out of the situation that I was in was indeed the best thing I could have ever done for myself.  As I sit here thinking about how to praise CoHo for this novel, the only thing I can think of is that hopefully one day, someone who is in the worst situation of his/her life will decide that it’s OK to take the first step.  I know from experience that the first step is indeed the hardest. Do not let your strength and courage waver.  Toxicity in relationships is just not worth it. I can’t even begin to tell you how many excuses I made for my situation. To this day, certain things may be said and I’ll still go to make an excuse for the way I was treated…. But I stop myself. Just like Lily in the book - I remind myself that what happened was not ok. No one deserves that and the actions are inexcusable.

 CoHo drives that exact point home in this novel. These characters are the definition of strength and courage. I do have to say… I don’t hate Ryle. In the end you’ll understand why I say that.  Not only does this book touch upon abuse, but I also believe it touches on PTSD. PTSD comes in all shapes and sizes, and needs to be handled efficiently.  I feel like there’s a stigma around PTSD that it really only has to do with soldiers (Bless their hearts), but it doesn’t. These are real life issues, and its amazing that they’re finally being delved upon. Make. People. Listen.  CoHo is doing just that. Advocacy is such a great thing and I hope this novel really opens up the eyes of those who are shall we say blissfully ignorant to two of biggest mental health conditions in this world today.

If you’ve never been through a situation of abuse, I recommend you read this novel.  You’ll definitely get a new perspective on what it’s like to be a survivor. Some people say that physical abuse is worse than mental abuse. I disagree. They’re exactly the same.  The person will live with it for the rest of their lives. They will battle within themselves continuously.  Just think about that before you judge someone. I hope this book makes you understand what it’s like to “just make excuses” and hopefully you’ll see the abundant amount of COURAGE and STRENGTH that is needed by that individual to get out.

Thank you CoHo, for the reminder of why I started my life over, and addressing that these subjects shouldn’t be approached lightly or disregarded .  As I near my One year anniversary of what I like to call freedom, or the re-birth of Bethany… which happens to be the day before the release of this book (YAY! for Coincidence).  To all you survivors out there, Stay strong. You made the best choice of your life. To those thinking about leaving… make a plan because your well-being is most important. Don’t be ashamed of what people will think or say. There are so many domestic violence advocacies out there, please use them! It’s a long road, but it’s worth it. 

      

      

 I write because I need to. 
I review because I want to. 
I pay taxes because I have to. 

If you want to follow me, my username is @colleenhoover pretty much everywhere except my email, which is colleenhooverbooks@gmail.com

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[Blog Tour] One True Loves

ONE TRUE LOVES by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atria/Washington Square Press Paperback | ISBN: 9781476776903 | On sale: June 7, 2016 | 352 pages | $16.00

eBook: Atria/Washington Square Press | ISBN: 9781476776910 | On sale: June 7, 2016 | 352 pages | $11.99

In her twenties, Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse. They build a life for themselves, far away from the expectations of their parents and the people of their hometown in Massachusetts. They travel the world together, living life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity for adventure.

On their first wedding anniversary, Jesse is on a helicopter over the Pacific when it goes missing. Just like that, Jesse is gone forever. Emma quits her job and moves home in an effort to put her life back together. Years later, now in her thirties, Emma runs into an old friend, Sam, and finds herself falling in love again. When Emma and Sam get engaged, it feels like Emma’s second chance at happiness.

That is, until Jesse is found. He’s alive, and he’s been trying all these years to come home to her. With a husband and a fiancé, Emma has to now figure out who she is and what she wants, while trying to protect the ones she loves.

Who is her one true love? What does it mean to love truly? Emma knows she has to listen to her heart. She’s just not sure what it’s saying.

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I don’t think that true love means your only love. I think that true love means loving truly. Means Loving Purely. Loving wholly.

One True Loves was a phenomenal read. I’ve read TJR books before, but this one has to be my favorite. The entire time I was reading I was always wondering what was going to happen next. I would jump to conclusions to be proved right and to be proved wrong. The entire premise of this book is unfathomable to me. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what I would do in this scenario. I mean who would you choose? How do you choose? I can’t even think about this story without getting teary eyed.  Writing a review for this book is almost unbearable.  The feels are real with this one.

I don’t know if there is a right and wrong way to grieve. I just know that losing you has gutted me in a way I honestly didn’t think was possible. I’ve felt pain I didn’t think was human. At times, it has made me lose my mind.

Honestly all I can say is that I loved this book, and it brings forth every emotion out of the bottom of your soul.  This is one of those books that make you think about what you would do in the situation, makes you connect with the characters on a deeper level. I felt so much heartache for each of the characters I’m not even sure I could tell you which one I would have chosen, or which one I thought was better off for Emma. I’m pleased with the way things turned out, but to say I wouldn’t have been happy with another ending would be false. Throughout the entire novel I felt everything.

The memory of you hurt so much at first. The more I thought about your smile, your smell, the more it hurt. But I liked punishing myself. I liked the pain because the pain was you.

TJR evoked some powerful emotions in this novel and I commend her something fierce for it. One True Loves was so breathtakingly beautiful and painstakingly honest.  The flawless writing, epic love story, and captivating heartbreak is just another reason to pick up this book.   

 I can’t wait for the next novel she writes.  I’ll forever be reading her new releases as soon as I can get my paws on them! TJR is one of those authors that you know you can trust to rip your heart out, over and over again, just to put it back in its place – safe and sound. This is ultimately a must read. 

Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author and essayist from Acton, Massachusetts. She is the author of Forever, Interrupted, After I Do and Maybe In Another Life. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alex, and her dog, Rabbit. You can follow her on Twitter @TJenkinsReid.

Website: www.taylorjenkinsreid.com

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[Blog Tour] November 9

"November 9 is yet another breathtaking novel by Colleen Hoover that's full of blushing, gushing, and heartache. I loved every page and breathed in every beautiful word."
—Anna Todd, author of the After series

NOVEMBER NINE

BY COLLEEN HOOVER

 

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day of her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?

What can I possibly say about November 9. Well let’s see, it’s a Colleen Hoover novel, so I obviously devoured it. I can’t explain it… but the way that Colleen writes just  begs you to keep reading.  It’s so hard to put a book down written by her.  I’ve been in quite the book slump lately too, and once I finally picked this up to read it, I couldn’t stop.  Every moment that I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about the characters and what was going to happen to them.  I mean seriously, Colleen. How do you do it to me!?  EVERY. TIME.  I can’t help but immerse myself in the stories that Colleen tells. 

November 9, I have to say was a little bit different from her normal works. I mean I could be wrong, but I feel  like this one was different. The premise was absolutely stunning – as always. There was so much angst and passion it was ridiculous. So obviously I fell in love with this novel. Who doesn’t fall madly deeply in love with a Colleen Hoover novel though? I mean lets be real. First of all, the names that she chooses for her characters… I can’t even.  Especially Benton and Fallon; I couldn’t love those names more. 

I can’t even begin to put into words my feelings towards this book. I loved and hated it at the same time. I loved the passion between the two characters, and the devotion to keeping a tradition going for any amount of years with a technical stranger. I hated what happened to both of them.  I hated the hurt and turmoil that  each of them went through. I hated the secrets.  The part that I hated most of all, is that I didn’t hate it. Not even a little. Not even at all. Yes… I am slightly obsessed with the movie 10 things I hate about you, thus the reference. 

Not once, through this entire novel did I hate the male character. I loved Benton.  Fiercely.  Honestly I think I loved him more and more throughout the novel, even after you learn his secrets.  I got mad at Fallon quite a few times for her reactions, but I completely understood where her emotions were coming from.  I just couldn’t help it though, I fell for Ben. Hard. 

The tears this novel brought to my eyes were relentless. I’m  probably a little over emotional  at times, but the agony…  I can’t.  If you’re not a Colleen Hoover fan, read this book. It’s definitely worth your time. If you are a CoHo fan, I don’t need to say anything because you’ve already read it.  I guarantee this will give you the feels, no matter who you are.  But alas, I can’t reveal anything  about this because I would be ruining the story for you. I will say there are some pretty huge revelations though. Some, if you’re like me… you’ll see them coming. Hope to hell that they’re not real, but you know deep down that it’s true. It happened. It’s happening.  Those are the moments I live for as a reader, and once again CoHo has not failed me.  

 

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Slammed, This Girl, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Finding Cinderella, Maybe Someday, Ugly Love, Maybe Not, and Confess. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys.

NOVEMBER NINE by Colleen Hoover

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[Blog Tour] Cam Girl

CAM GIRL

LEAH RAEDER

Vada Bergen is broke, the black sheep of her family, and moving a thousand miles away from home for grad school, but she’s got the two things she loves most: her art and her best friend—and sometimes more—Ellis Carraway. Ellis and Vada have a friendship so consuming it’s hard to tell where one girl ends and the other begins. It’s intense. It’s a little codependent. And nothing can tear them apart. Until an accident on an icy winter road changes everything.

Vada is left deeply scarred, both emotionally and physically. Her once-promising art career is cut short. And Ellis pulls away, unwilling to talk about that night. Everything Vada loved is gone. She’s got nothing left to lose.

So when she meets some smooth-talking entrepreneurs who offer to set her up as a cam girl, she can’t say no. All Vada has to do is spend a couple hours each night stripping on webcam, and the “tips” come pouring in.

It’s just a kinky escape from reality until a client gets serious. “Blue” is mysterious, alluring, and more interested in Vada’s life than her body. Online, they chat intimately. Blue helps her heal. And he pays well, but he wants her all to himself. No more cam shows. It’s an easy decision: she’s starting to fall for him. But the steamier it gets, the more she craves the real man behind the keyboard. So Vada pops the question: Can we meet IRL?

Blue agrees, on one condition. A condition that will bring back a ghost from her past.

Now Vada must confront what she’s been running from. A past full of devastating secrets—those of others and those she’s been keeping from herself…

Leah Rader has easily become one of my new favorite authors. The intensity and gritty truth that she puts into her novels  Is undeniable and refreshing. The fact that she broaches on subjects that aren’t in the “norm” is just  one of the more admirable qualities that she has as well. I will never hesitate to pick up a Raeder book, because I know I’ll instantaneously fall in awe with the passion behind her words. 

         With that being said, this is one of those hard reviews to write. I’m not exactly sure where my emotions lie with this novel. Did I love it? Yes. But putting into words the feels that you get from reading this is unexplainable in words. I have to say that all of Leah’s works are the same way for me. I’m literally blown away with every page I read from every novel that she writes.  As I come out of reading one of Leah’s novels I feel like I’m left in a haze of confusing emotions. There is literally no connection from my brain to my mouth to tell you how I feel.

        The way that Leah transforms words to art and art to words is stunning. I literally can’t even.  I’m not really understanding of art, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it and dabble in things myself. The way that the art is described in this novel is exquisite. I felt like I understood everything. The colors and the meaning behind the artful phases that I never in a million years could think I could relate to, I related to. The simplicity of the imagery is astonishing, because it’s not at all simple; it’s complex. However that doesn’t stop you from loving every word. 

Honestly, there’s nothing I can tell you about this book that wouldn’t be spoiling it. So for that reason, all I can say is that I loved it, and that you need to read this. The raw emotions that run through you because of these characters is incomparable to anything.  I will say that I definitely had my issues with some of the characters, but everyone is entitled to have their moments. At times I hated Vada, but then I couldn’t get enough of her.  Read this. You’ll see what I mean, or what I haven’t said… and you’ll understand why I haven’t said it. 

        Leah Raeder, I swear to god you make me question my own sexuality with every book you write. That’s probably one of the more significant things that I adore about you. Not only is she challenging and bold, but artistic and not afraid to push the limits or boundaries on subjects that aren’t so widely talked about.  My imaginary hat tips off to you. 

Leah Raeder is a writer and unabashed nerd. She is also the USA Today bestselling author of Unteachable and Black Iris. Aside from reading her brains out, she enjoys graphic design, video games, fine whiskey, and the art of self-deprecation. She lives with her very own manic pixie dream boy in Chicago. Visit her at www.leahraeder.com.

http://www.leahraeder.com/

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