{Review} Scarred Love by M.S. Brannon

Scarred Love
by M.S. Brannon
Pages: 416
Source: Provided by Author via Reading Addiction Blog Tours
Available as of June 6, 2013
Read: July 2013
Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Darcie Claiborne spent several years of her young life living with a monster, always fearing what he would do next. Clasping onto her last ounce of hope, Darcie releases a scream. It’s her final attempt to live; to survive the villain of her reality. Sweeping her up in his arms, Darcie’s knight in shining armor rescues her from the hell she’s been living; from the stepfather she's feared for all those years.

Reggie Evans has been forced to grow up before he’s ready when his mother dies of an overdose, leaving him responsible to raise his younger brothers. One fateful night, Reggie jogs by an old, run down house and discovers a young girl clinging to life as she screams for help.

Three years later, Darcie is healing and always protected by the man who saved her, but now she's fighting with something she isn't prepared to face. The growing love for the man who saved her life three years ago, the same man who’s nine years older. All the while, Reggie fights to protect Darcie from the demons of her past and new ones of her present.

**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content**

M.S. Brannon has a way with words that will keep you enticed regardless of if you can guess how her story ends. It was dark, exciting, and captivating. A read you won't want to miss out on.

Darcie comes from a dark, tainted past. Rescued by Reggie, her life begins to brighten, but will she ever be able to move past the abuse, the darkness?

I loved each of the Evans brothers. In some way, they each held a special light in Darcies life. To say that Darcie was a rambunctious, foul mouthed devil would be an understatement. She was spunky and fearless.

The only reason this book isn't 5 hearts for me is because not 25% through, I could tell you exactly what was going to happen in the end. I kept reading because there were a few questions I wanted answered about Reggie's past and to see if my prediction was correct...it was. I loved that we have parts from Darcie's past, and some scenes from Reggie's point of view. 

Overall, Scarred Love was a fun, exciting, and captivating read that kept me hooked regardless of my assumption on how it would end. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good romance and a girl with a dark past. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*

{Review} The Promise of Paradise by Allie Boniface

The Promise of Paradise
by Allie Boniface
Source:  e-book courtesy of Reading Addiction Blog Tours
Available as of February 12, 2013
Amazon

Ashton Kirk, youngest daughter of a prestigious senator, fiancee of a hotshot attorney, and fresh Harvard graduate, is headed for a promising law career when scandal breaks apart her family. To escape, she rents an apartment in the sleepy town of Paradise, New Hampshire, where no one knows who she is.

Ashton hopes for solitude, but all bets are off when Eddie West, the town’s most eligible bachelor, moves in downstairs. Eddie likes his women and his cars shiny, sleek, and fast, and when he meets his new housemate, he wastes no time getting friendly. While he's looking for a no-strings romance, though, he gets more than he bargained for in Ash, who sees through his bravado to the pain of a loss too fresh to mention.

Can two people from different worlds find common ground, a place to fall in love and build a future? Is it possible to find your soul mate in the place you least expect?

What originally drew me into this novel was the the cover. It is gorgeous and a wonderful story was buried inside. Allie Boniface kept me on my toes and dying to know how it would all end.

Ashton Kirk recently graduated from Harvard Law School. After her father was arrested for a number of illegal activities, her boyfriend/fiance broke up with her. Now she has set off on a path of her own to make a name for herself, but the name she uses isn't her real one. Not everything can be kept buried and secrets always find their way to the surface. 

I must say that I was head over heels for Eddie. Even though he was a complete and total player, you could tell by the way he acted around Ashton that he was more than willing to be a one woman man if the right woman walked in. Ashton was this intelligent girl who makes a few mistakes, but in the end she knew that she had two options and only one would get her what she wanted. 

The Promise of Paradise had everything I expected of a New Adult book. There was a hott guy, a main character fresh out of college and a plot with a few steamy scenes. I love that the story just pulled me in. I found myself making time to read this book even if I was with friends. The characters were well developed and had back-stories that affected how they lived their lives. I also loved that we got to see the events unfold from both Ashton and Eddie's points of view. 

Overall, I loved The Promise of Paradise. I cannot recommend it enough for those who love New Adult novels. It was juicy and held my attention from page one.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*

{Review} Desert Flower by Angela Scott

Desert Flower
by Angela Scott
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Source:  e-book courtesy of Reading Addiction Blog Tours
Available as of January 24, 2013
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Bodies have a canny way of finding Samantha Jean Haggert. The first, the dead body of her mama. The second, a naked man in the middle of the Arizona desert. For Sam, dealing with one dead body in her lifetime is more than unfair. Two, is downright cruel.

Seven years after running from West Virginia, Sam's now a young woman of nineteen, trying to put the pieces of her life together with the help of her family—Jacob, Boone, and Laura. But the naked man in the desert spirals her world out of control, resurfacing past hurts, revealing old secrets, and pitting her between two men who via for her heart. Carson, her friend, her first kiss, and the one man who knows everything about her past and loves her despite it. And Turner, the stranger who knows nothing, but who excites and frustrates her all at once.

When bad choices made as a child leads to more bad choices as a young adult, Sam finds herself at a crossroads and is forced to face her demons head on if she plans to have any future at all—with Carson, with Turner, or with anyone. But fixing the wrongs of the past takes time, and learning to forgive herself is damn near impossible.

Other Books in this Series

Desert Rice

I read Desert Rice back in September and adored the heartbreaking story of a young girl running from her past. As soon as I got the invite for this tour I immediately responded. Desert Flower takes the girls life one step further and, just like with Desert Rice, I couldn't put it down. 

Six years later Sam and Jacob are still living with Boone and Laura. Six years older and six years wiser Sam is going to college in hopes to become a veterinarian. She has a boy completely in love with her, but a wildcard has been thrown her way in the form of a naked guy in the desert.

This was an interesting read for me. Sam has lived through so much abuse and we see how it has affected her years later. There were times while reading when a scene would get to be too much and I would have to put the book down. I was constantly questioning Sam's motives and actions, while at the same time, wanting her to pull through in the end. For this book in particular, I really think the love triangle worked. It is not at all a traditional love triangle, but I was really pulling for one of the guys (no, mine didn't win...). At times the story was slow, but I feel like it made an impact on how some events were perceived and gave me time to process. 

Overall, Desert Flower was a perfect compliment to Desert Rice. I had ideas on how Sam's life would be after the first book, but this story took her life beyond what I thought it would be. If you read Desert Rice, this is a must read. If you haven't read Desert Rice, go pick it up!!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*

{Spotlight & Excerpt} In The Band by Jean Haus

In The Band 
by Jean Haus
New Adult
Pages: 306
Available as of October 19, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

When family problems push Riley Middleton into giving up a percussion scholarship in another state and attending college from home, her friends push her to try out for a local rock band. Of course, Riley makes the band. She rules at the drums.

Riley soon finds out rock bands have a different dynamic than marching bands, especially when each of her male band mates has a major ego and is a major player. Two of them relentlessly flirt with her. The other—a dark, sexy rock god she can’t help being attracted to— is a total jerk and pushes her to quit. She becomes determined to ignore his rudeness and his hotness. Even if she was interested in jerks, a hook up would probably get her booted out of the ego-ridden band, and playing keeps her sane. Behind the drums, the world and its troubles evaporate.

If she wants to stay in the band, Riley needs to ignore the growing sparks between her and her band enemy. But as she gets to know the man behind the stage persona, ignoring him proves to be more difficult than flowing through a time sig shift.

*New Adult/Mature YA for language and sexual situations.

     “We’re going to get started.”

     I look up to find the guitar player standing in front of Marcus. He’s wearing a dark t-shirt and jeans. Nothing that screams hot. But he somehow does with that angle of hair across his face, the muscles noticeable under his shirt, and those full lips. My heart rate matches the jerking rhythm of my nerves. The guitarist nods toward me but his dark eyes stay on Marcus. “Sorry but your girlfriend can’t stay.”

     Ah, bingo. He does think I’m a groupie.

     Marcus grins and pulls me closer until the side of my face is smashed against the Pinterest across his chest. “She’s trying out, not me.”

     An eyebrow arches. Otherwise, the angles of his face remain stoic. “Then I guess you need to leave."

     “Come on,” Marcus says. “I know Justin.”

     His placid expression doesn’t change. “I don’t give a shit if you’re his long lost brother.”

     Marcus’s lips form a tight line as the guitar player stares him down. Luckily, the singer comes over and gives Marcus a fist pump. “Dude, you trying out?”

     “I wish. But no.” He turns to me, smiling wide. “Justin, this is Riley.”

     Justin looks me up and down. His gaze pauses two seconds too long on my cleavage. "You play?"

     Marcus laughs. “She was supposed to play at—”

     I nudge him in the ribs and nod.

     “Cool.” Justin grins and dimples groove his cheeks. “We’ve never had anyone so hot audition before."

     The guitar player’s eyes roll. “We’ve never had a girl audition so who exactly are you referring to?"

     Justin’s dimples disappear as he scowls at his band mate before looking back to me. “We’re waiting for at least one more guy, but we’re going to start without him.”

     The guitar player nails me with a narrowed look and crosses his arms over his plain t-shirt. “Why don’t you go first, Riley?” His tone is smooth but I catch the undertone of sarcasm in his voice. He doesn’t think I can play. Because I’m a girl?

Jean Haus lives in Michigan with her wonderful husband and son who, other than cooking, have taken over homemaking duties since she started writing more. When Jean isn’t writing, she’s usually reading. Anything from young adult to historical fiction as long as there is a bit a romance, she’ll load it on her Kindle. She loves to cook, and someday she will create the world’s best potsticker.

{Review} Pulse by Kailin Gow

Pulse
by Kalin Gow
Series: Pulse (#1)
Publisher: The Edge
Source:  e-book courtesy of Kailin Gow
Available as of August 31, 2010
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million
The Book Depository | Fishpond

17 year-old Kalina didn t know her boyfriend was a vampire until the night he died of a freak accident. She didn t know he came from a long line of vampires until the night she was visited by his half-brothers Jaegar and Stuart Greystone. There were a lot of secrets her boyfriend didn t tell her. Now she must discover them in order to keep alive. But having two half-brothers vampires around had just gotten interesting.

I recently started picking up vampire novels again. After reading the summary for Pulse I just had to read it. Kailin Gow wrote a fantastic story full of intrigue.

Kalina Calloway's boyfriend died. How? They don't know. Then his two brothers arrive in town. Soon after, Kalina begins to have feelings for both brothers. What they aren't telling her will shock her, but who she loves may be more important.

I liked Kalina. However, I felt like she abandoned everything. School, cheerleading, and her friends were all mentioned in the beginning, but not much else about them towards the end. The two brothers were both interesting and I have my preference of the two. While one brother was more hands on, the other stepped back for a time to solve the initial question: what happened to their brother Aaron?

I liked that this vampire story stayed true to most cliche vampire tales. For some vamp stories it doesn't work, but Kailin Gow played it off with a small twist of her own. I also liked that Kalina wasn't stupid about being around vampires. She was quick witted and smart. However, I felt that she accepted and dealt with the idea of vamps too quickly. She accepted Jaegar and Stuart's explainations too easily with little freak out. Speaking of Jaegar and Stuart, there is a love triangle. It isn't too bad, but Kalina makes some poor decisions that I'm not very fond of when it comes to the brothers.

Overall, Pulse was an excellent read and I'm excited to continue the series. The end was a huge cliffhanger and I'm dying to know how the story will move forward. If you want to read a traditional vampire story look no further. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*

{Review, Interview & Giveaway} Dark Seraphine by KaSonndra Leigh

Dark Seraphine 
by KaSonndra Leigh
Series: Seraphine Trilogy (#1)
Pages: 230
Source: e-copy provided by author via Reading Addiction Blog Tours
Available as of October 21, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

"Mom always says the angels walk among us. She forgot to tell me that sometimes they're not all fluffy and nice."

Seventeen-year-old Caleb Wood has seen people he calls the walkers since he was a baby. It didn't take long for him to realize something…no one can see these strangers but him. They never stuck around or tried to touch him. And they never said a word. That was until one day on the first day of class in his senior year when an incredibly gorgeous girl strolls into his life…and things are never the same again.

Soon Caleb realizes he has stepped into the middle of a growing conflict between two ancient groups. And his ability to see the invisible ones, the half-breeds that want to modify the human race, just might be the only hope both he and the mysterious, but infuriating, Gia, have of making it out alive.

After reading the summary, I was intrigued. After reading the story, I thought it was unique. It was so different from what I had expected.

Caleb has always been able to see those who aren't really there. He calls these people walkers. However, none of them have ever talked to him. His world is about to change and it's all because of her.

I really liked Caleb. Partially because he was different, and partially because he really didn't have a filter. He tends to speak before thinking and usually around girls. This makes for a number of funnies he never would, or should, have said had his filter been in place.

What did I like? I loved that this is from a guys point of view. Rarely have I read a book written from a guys prospective. I also liked Caleb's internal chats. He gave himself pep talks and made fun of himself. Who hasn't done this to themselves? This helped me connect with him. Finally, I like, and respect, the fact that he has a conscious. With the position he was in, most guys would have taken advantage, but Caleb made it clear what the deal was.

Overall, Dark Seraphine was unique and different from my usual read. It was a refreshing change of pace for me. If you enjoy a good paranormal read with a little bit of romance, you should give this one a shot.

With Gia Jones!!

What’s your favorite color?
Any shade of blue or green. I know. That’s kind of strange for a girl, right? That’s why I love this aquamarine necklace so much.
**you can win one just like Gia’s in the contest that’s going on during this blog tour**

What type of vehicle do you drive?
I don’t have a car. I’d like one though. But that would mean taking lessons. I don’t think my feet are coordinated enough to do that just yet.
**I want to ask what she means, but decide against it**

Describe yourself to me.
**blushes before she speaks** Oh, I don’t like talking about myself. It’s, well, just a little bit conceited. I’m 5’5” tall. I have dark, shoulder-length hair and I wear my favorite leather jacket every day.

How would your mate describe you?
**gives me a dreamy smile** Maybe he can tell you later on when you talk to him.

What really moves you, or touches you to the soul?
Listening to the ocean’s waves crashing on the shores at night. And yes, there’s a reason that particular sound affects me so much. But you’ll have to check out my story to find out why that happens.

What's the one thing you have always wanted to do but couldn't? What would happen if you did do it?
There’s one thing I’ve always wanted to do. But here’s the catch, I am doing it. And now that I am everything has fallen apart. **blinks back tears, and lowers her head**

Describe your ideal mate.
**blushes** He has a great personality. Goals are actually somewhere in his future plans. And oh yeah, he’s ridiculously sexy.

What are you most afraid of?
Losing the person I just described in the last question.

What's the most important thing in your life?
My family.

What do you consider your special talent?
I have so many. And if I tell you what any one of those might be, then I’d have to kill you. **grins at me as my eyes widen** Okay, I’m just kidding. I believe in world peace, and not violence.

How did you meet the hero/heroine?
Actually, I can’t tell you that. It’s our secret. But I can tell you that I knew he was going to be an important part of my life as soon as I saw him. My heart still flutters each time I think of him.

Was it love at first sight or did it develop slowly?
Definitely love at first sight.

What did you like/dislike about him/her when you first met?
I gave him something, and he said it was stupid. Let’s just say that didn’t sit well with me for a long moment. But then he glanced at me with those baby blue-grays. Okay, I’m a wus. I didn’t stay mad long after that. **she giggles**

If you were granted three wishes, what would you ask for?
Peace, love, and happiness, my man. What else am I supposed to say?

Thanks so much for stopping by today Gia. You seem like a really fun person.
And thanks to you for having me on your blog today. I’ll come back and chat anytime youlike. You can check out some pictures of my home here: http://pinterest.com/alestasia/dark-seraphine/

KaSonndra Leigh was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. She now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, North Carolina. She likes to write about people doing fantastical things in magical worlds. Her two sons have made her promise to write a boy book next.

She holds the MFA in creative writing, and loves to play CLUE, Monopoly (the Indiana Jones version), and Pandora's Box (good writer's block therapy). She lives in an L-shaped house with a garden dedicated to her grandmother. It has a secret library complete with fairies, Venetian plastered walls, and a desk made out of clear blue glass.

You can find KaSonndra...

Facebook | Website | Twitter | Blog

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*

{Review & Giveaway} Blog Tour: The Wedding Cake Girl by Anne Pfeffer

The Wedding Cake Girl
by Anne Pfeffer
Publisher: Bold Print Press
Source:  e-book courtesy of Reading Addiction Blog Tours
Available as of July 24, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Seventeen year old Alexandra spends so much time helping others realize their dreams that she never has time for her own. An expert ocean diver and reluctant maker of wedding cakes, she longs to leave roses and frosting behind to study oceanography. Alex’s mother won’t have it—needy and dependent, Mom can’t run the family wedding cake business on her own.

No matter what Alex does, things only get worse for her. When she risks her life to save a tourist while scuba diving and becomes the local hero, Mom's angry with Alex for going diving at all. Mom also discourages Alex's new friendship with the insanely wealthy Jeremy, a fun boy with a secret. Then, Alex's best friend, Zack, a hunky island guy, starts to take an interest in her as well. The problem is, he's dating another girl.

As Alex struggles to learn where she stands between her two difficult and confusing Prince Charmings, it occurs to her that maybe what she really needs is a Prince Charming for Mom. If she doesn't do something, she will make cakes all her life and die in her "Sue's Wedding Cakery" apron with a spatula in her hand.

Rating:

My Review:

This has to be one of the sweetest, most adorable books I've ever read. Anne Pfeffer did an amazing job depicting a girl who has known cake and failed relationships for all her life.

Alexandra, Alex, has only had one goal in mind, to get off Santa Rita Island. All her life she has spent her free time helping her mom make wedding cakes with no pay, just a roof over her head and the occasional debt. The summer before her senior year is supposed to be spent in a summer program for marine biology, but will she be able to go?

I don't really know where to begin. Maybe with how little Alex's mom seemed to really care about her, but grew to see things from her perspective. Or maybe I should start by saying the ending wrapped the story up in a nice, warm place. Either way, Anne Pfeffer did an outstanding job putting this story together. I fell in love with Alex and a few other characters that we are introduced to. I was giddy reading the last 10 pages of amazingness. The Wedding Cake Girl was cute, funny, down-to-Earth and surprised me a few times along the way.

Overall, The Wedding Cake Girl is the perfect read if you're looking for a quick read that leave your heart melting. A stunning YA Contemporary Romance. 

Giveaway Time!!!

Anne Pfeffer is offering a $10 gift card

to one lucky person!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*

{Review & Giveaway} Desert Rice by Angela Scott

Desert Rice
by Angela Scott
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Source:  e-book courtesy of Reading Addiction Blog Tours
Available as of June 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Samantha Jean Haggert is a beautiful twelve-year-old girl—but no one knows it. All they see is an awkward boy in a baseball cap and baggy pants. Sam’s not thrilled with the idea of hiding her identity, but it’s all part of her older brother’s plan to keep Sam safe from male attention and hidden from the law. Fifteen-year-old Jacob will stop at nothing to protect his sister, including concealing the death of the one person who should have protected them in the first place—their mother.

Sam and Jacob try to outrun their past by stealing the family car and traveling from West Virginia to Arizona, but the adult world proves mighty difficult to navigate, especially for two kids on their own. Trusting adults has never been an option; no adult has ever given them a good reason. But when Sam meets “Jesus”—who smells an awful lot like a horse—in the park, life takes a different turn. He saved her once, and may be willing to save Sam and her brother again, if only they admit what took place that fateful day in West Virginia. The problem? Sam doesn’t remember, and Jacob isn’t talking.

Rating:

My Review:

I don't know what I expected when I started Desert Rice, but what I got wasn't even on the radar of possibilities. Angela Scott wrote a beautiful story of a brother and sister trying to outrun their past. 

Sam and Jacob are on the run. Jacob knows all the details and Sam is left in the dark. One thing is clear, no one can know who they are or where they're from. How long will they be able to keep up their charade?

Sam is a twelve year old girl who knows her mother is dead and her only hope of staying with her brother is to leave town. Jacob is fifteen and thinks it's best to let everyone believe Sam is a boy. No one would be looking for brothers. They have limited cash and Jacob is doing his best to support his sister. He has his flaws, but he's trying to be the person she needs.

I really enjoyed Desert Rice. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but after a while, I couldn't put it down. I didn't expect the last third of the book to play out the way it did. It kept me on my toes and left me wanting more. The love Sam has for Jacob and Jacob for Sam is evident. They drive each other crazy at times, but they would do anything for the other. 

Overal, Desert Rice left me breathless. It was a truly amazing read that took me off guard when their past was revealed. Angela Scott did an incredible job with the set up. This book is definitely for everyone. 

Giveaway Time!!!

Angela Scott is kindly providing

an e-copy of Desert Rice

to one lucky person!

Open Internationally

Giveaway Policy Applies!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*

{Review & Giveaway} Blog Tour: Chasing McCree by JC Isabella

Chasing McCree
by J.C. Isabella
Pages:  256 (PDF)
Source:  e-book courtesy of Reading Addiction Blog Tours & JC Isabella in exchange for a fair and honest review
Available as of April 14, 2012
Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Briar Thompson had it all. The right clothes, the right friends, the right car. Being popular was all that mattered. Her parents were rich and treated like royalty throughout the community. She thought her senior year of high school was going perfectly, until the night her drink was spiked at a party by one of her so called friends.

That was the night she met Chase McCree.

Chase wanted to go back to Montana. To the ranch and the wild, wide blue sky that went on forever. He wanted nothing to do with flashy cars or spoiled rich kids. But he found himself head over boots for the quirky cheerleader who turned her back on her social status. She befriended him when no one else would.

Shunned and hurt by the people who were once her friends, Briar flees with Chase to his family ranch in Montana. There she discovers another world, and apart of herself she never knew.

The cowboy wasn’t like anyone she’d ever met. The cheerleader wasn’t like anyone he’d ever met. Apart their lives didn’t seem to make sense, but together, they were chasing forever.

Rating:

My Review:

Wow! Just wow. Not only was I swept away from page one, but I never wanted to put it down either. Chasing McCree was funny, sweet, and *swoon* worthy. JC Isabella made me wish I had a cowboy to love. 

It's late when Chase comes across a girl, a cheerleader, bleeding and complaining of a headache. She is barely coherent and he is set on making sure she gets home okay. Once she is convinced he is only worried about her safety does she accepts his offer to take her home only to realize she doesn't have her keys. Now what will he do with her?

I loved the two main characters, Chase and Briar. Chase is a cowboy with only pure intentions. He is sweet, funny and down to earth. He has money, but doesn't like to show or talk about it and he doesn't flaunt what he has. Briar is the preppy little cheerleader who has had everything handed to her and goes along with what her friends want. Her parents don't know her, let alone know where she is and who she's with until she comes home and they ask questions.

There was nothing I didn't like about this book. It was well written, entertaining, funny, and left me wanting more. I loved that the point of view switches between Chase and Briar. There is so much chemistry between them and seeing how each of them felt about the other made me *swoon* even more. Most everything was realistic. I've met a few cowboys and Chase fit the description. There were some spur of the moment choices that weren't completely believable, but those choices were made by two teenagers in love. If I were to walk across a cowboy like Chase, I would jump in his arms an never look back, so I can't take those choices and hold them against them.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. I stayed up all night and loved every page. I would highly recommend this book if you want a lighthearted, quick, romantic read. 

*Song I Thought of While Reading*

Just A Kiss by Lady Antebellum

About the Author:

J.C. Isabella is the author of The Unofficial Zach Warren Fan Club and a romance novel junkie. Ever since she discovered the genera in high school, she has been a self-proclaimed fan. This led to penning her first YA romance. When she isn't thinking up new recipes for the cookbook she hopes to one day write, she is brainstorming a new novel and listening to country music. She lives in the tropics of Florida, with her big fat Italian family, and ornery feline companion.

Giveaway Time!

J.C. Isabella is offering one 

lucky person an e-book copy of

Chasing McCree.

Open internationally.

Giveaway Policy Applies

Ends May 28 @ Midnight EST

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising*