BLOG TOUR: Girl with Guitar by Caisey Quinn

Synopsis & My Review:

After Kylie’s dad dies in a freak accident, he leaves her with nothing other than her crazy step-mother, Darla, and the ability to play guitar. When Darla kicks Kylie out and she loses her job all in the same day, she hops on a bus to Nashville determined to make her late father’s dreams come true. Waitressing and saving her pennies to record a demo, her big break comes when she’s asked to join a tour going down the tubes with once platinum album-selling country music superstar Trace Corbin. But touring with Trace is hardly a dream come true since he’s pretty much drinking his career down the drain. If Kylie can’t pull Trace out of his rut, he’ll pull her and her dreams down with him.

*The author provided me with a proof copy in exchange for an honest review*

Y'ALL CAN KEEP YOUR ROCK STARS - I'LL TAKE COUNTRY STAR TRACE CORBIN ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!

Here’s a confession: I’m obsessed with country music. *Gasp! What?! No way!* I know, I know, who would have guessed? I live in Kansas. I’ve been in the country my whole life, minus my college years. I retweet waaay too many pictures of Luke Bryan on Twitter. And my blog tagline says I love beer and cowboy boots. It should be a no-fugging-brainer that I love country music. So when the lovely Caisey Quinn offered me a proof copy of Girl with Guitar, I was sooo excited. The main reason? Because there are an enormous amount of books out there that involve a hot rock star, but not many that involve sexy as all hell country stars. And believe me, country stars are sexy as all hell. See Exhibit A below…Mr. Luke "Sexy As A Mother Fucker" Bryan.

Alright, now that you’ve wiped the drool off your face and quite possibly changed your panties, let’s get back to this incredibly country and incredibly wonderful novel. This is the story of Kylie and Trace, and their rocky road to fame, redemption, and ultimately, love. It’s not always pretty; at times, you’ll want to kick Trace in the balls and slap him across the face at the same time. You’ll want to shake Kylie and ask her what the fuck she’s thinking. But you know what? It’s 100 percent worth it, because when they’re good, they’re great. Their relationship will make you laugh, make you smile, make you love, and make you cry. It’s real. It’s imperfectly perfect. Kylie’s smartass, strong attitude made me love her from the very beginning, and Trace’s sweet side covered up by a rugged exterior immediately catapulted him into my top 5 book boyfriends. They’re perfect for each other, they balance each other out. And I think Blake Shelton describes that balance best:

Girl with Guitar is Caisey’s debut novel, but if I didn’t know that before reading this, I would never have guessed that – her writing is that good. She draws you in from the very beginning and makes you root for these characters. You’re wanting Kylie to make it, you’re wanting Trace to get his shit together, you’re wanting them to just bang it out already! You’ll find yourself so wrapped up in this world of country music and romance that you don’t want to blink, because you aren’t ready to come back to reality yet. Her writing combined with the incredible lyrics written throughout make me want to read anything and everything Caisey Quinn writes; I’ll read her fucking grocery list if she emails it to me!

Here’s a little sample of one of the songs in the novel. This one is called Waitin’ For You To Call…

I should wrap this up since I’m on my fifth Miller Lite, and y’all are probably already thinking “Jesus, this chick isn’t ever going to stop talking!” So I’ll just say this – I absolutely, positively, adore this novel and the author. Girl with Guitar isn’t just for the country music lovers out there, although it just might turn you into one, and Trace and Kylie’s romance will quickly become one of your favorites. So buy Caisey’s debut novel, put on your cowgirl boots, pour yourself a shot of Jack, and get your country on! ;) Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this novel but damn it I need to stop, so I'm going to go finish my Miller Lite and retweet more pictures of Luke Bryan. BUT, I'll leave you with this: my casting picks for Kylie Ryans (in the infamous champagne dress) and Trace Corbin. Eat your heart out. 

             

                       

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Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren

What happens when you create rules to keep others out?

One thing Emerson Moore has come to terms with is that she is the school slut. She knows her way around a frat house and how to get what she wants. She doesn’t make any excuses for her actions and she doesn’t pretend to be anything different. She is who she is and with that she knows how to have a good time. She’s made rules to keep relationships at bay and avoid the demons of her past.

When her best friend, Cole, has his two friends from back home move in with him she begins to think she has met her match with Jaxon Riley. Jax is the perfect mixture of tattooed muscle and a sweet-talking outh. With “hand” written notes, a voice that exudes sex and knowing just how to get under his skin, Jaxon learns how to break all the rules. But will he just end up breaking her heart anyway?

*The author provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

That was my thought when Kimberly offered me an ARC of Beautiful Broken Rules, and holy sweet Moses, I was not disappointed. In case you haven’t read any of my other reviews – well…first of all, why the eff haven’t you? Second of all, I love angst. I eat it up like Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream! I could eat a whole pint of that in one sitting, it’s fucking dangerous. I did the same with this novel – devoured it in one sitting.

Emerson is damaged. She is also the school slut and isn't ashamed or afraid to admit it. She doesn't want a relationship at all. She’s never had a boyfriend and just the thought of anyone calling her their girlfriend petrifies her. So, to make sure no one gets too close, she establishes a set of rules – one being, never sleep with the same guy more than three times. She has never made an exception to this rule and doesn't intend to; but she also doesn't intend on meeting Jaxon Riley – the one guy that makes her want to break every rule in her book, even if the thought of that terrifies the hell out of her.

Jaxon just transferred from a college in Texas and moves into an apartment with one of Emerson’s best friend, Cole. This apartment also happens to be right next to Emerson and her sister, Quinn. After a very exposed first meeting between Em and Jax, he can’t seem to shake her from his mind. He wants to be the one to show her that she doesn’t need rules, and she certainly doesn’t need any other guy occupying her time…or her bed. He is willing to help this broken girl cope with her past, but just how many times can she push him away before he decides to walk away on his own?

I was slightly worried after the first few chapters. I thought this was going to be a love at first sight-fall in love in a week- type romance, and I don’t usually care for those type of love stories. I am sooo happy to say it’s not. The connection between Jaxon and Emerson is instant, but the love isn’t. Kimberly did a fantastic job of expanding the story over a wide time frame, which allowed me to see the relationship between them grow stronger and stronger – with a few nice, big scoops of “are you fucking kidding me?!” thrown in there and some seriously steamy scenes sprinkled on top. One in particular involves the back room at the bar Emerson works at, and I mean…..JE-SUS CHRIST. It’s ridiculous. And I say that in the best way possible.

I couldn’t quite give Beautiful Broken Rules 5 stars for a couple reasons. Some of Jaxon’s actions irked me, and his constant threats to beat up every guy that talked to or touched Emerson got old. I also didn’t quite understand why everyone took Emerson’s side after one round of shit went down between her and Jaxon when it was entirely her fault. I thought the threats coming from Cole to Jaxon were kind of unnecessary – I mean, he’s best friends with both of them. But it didn’t seem like that most of the time.

Overall though, I loved this novel and I loved Emerson and Jaxon. If you want sex, angst, love, heartbreak, and quite possibly the sweetest fucking way to give someone a love note ever, read this book and read it now! I’d also highly recommend a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream…just because it’s fucking delicious and I guarantee you'll devour it, just like you will this novel. 

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Reviewer and Author Etiquette

With the recent event of M. Leighton pulling her book, Until I Break, from publication due to negative reader feedback, readers and authors alike are coming out of the woodwork to voice their opinions on reader and/or reviewer etiquette. Hence, this blog post. I just feel like it’s necessary to state my feelings on this constant battle of “how far is too far” in a review. Please keep in mind that this is STRICTLY my opinion.

I started Ashley’s Book Nook in April 2012 for a couple reasons – I read a lot, and I wanted to share my thoughts on various books with whoever wants to listen. My parents encouraged me to read at a very early age, and luckily, my love of books never faded throughout the years. I’ve always been the girl that constantly has a book in her purse. Well…now it’s an iPad and/or a book, but you get the point. Reading is something that I love. I love coming home and seeing a box from Amazon sitting on my front porch, knowing that it holds numerous books. I love going to Barnes and Noble and browsing for hours, then leaving with far more books than I intended to. I have such a passion for books and I want to share my thoughts on the stories and characters that I welcome into my life day after day.

Now, with that being said – when I started posting reviews on my blog and Goodreads, I said to myself, “I am always going to be 100% honest in my reviews. No sugarcoating.” It’s been over a year since I became a review blogger, and I’m happy to say, I kept my promise. This brings us to the hot button issue of “how far is too far” in a review. Here’s the thing: book review bloggers do this in their spare time. We don’t get paid to post positive reviews for authors. Granted, we do get free books sometimes (which to me is as good as money) but that’s not a guarantee. We take time out of our lives…whether that be time away from kids, a husband/wife, or just time to go out drinking with friends…to give our truthful opinion on the stories we read. We want to get the word out about those wonderful stories that stay with us for days, weeks, months, years; we want to share those amazing moments in a fantastic book with other readers. However, we also want to voice our dislike when a book falls short of expectations.

I have seen many negative reviews about various books that are downright hateful. Those type of negative reviews, I don’t agree with. I will never personally attack an author in my review for their story. There have been a couple instances where I have just absolutely hated the book – hated the characters, hated the plot – but never once did I attack the author. I was damn honest in my review and made it very clear that I absolutely despised the book, but you know what? That’s the point of having a book review blog. I give my opinion of your book. There is a little saying that has been floating around the internet and I’m not sure where it came from, but it goes “You get my money, you get my opinion.” I stand by this statement. Now granted, I’ve received numerous ARCs and free books from authors, but the majority of my books, I buy with my own money. I’m spending my hard earned…well, earned…money on your book. I’m spending said money on your book because it sounds interesting. If it falls short of my expectations, I have every right to say just that…and then explain why I feel that way.

The sad thing is, I have found that certain authors (who I will not name because I’m not that type of person) think it’s acceptable to critique negative reviews of their book(s). They try to tell the reader that their opinion is wrong, that they didn’t understand the premise, that they didn’t “get” the character. This pisses me off, plain and simple. I understand that you love your characters and you love your book, but just because you are the author that does not give you the right to send me a rude email regarding my review. It also doesn’t give you the right to get into arguments on Goodreads over your novel while you try and change people’s opinion. The whole point of a review is to give your honest opinion. If someone doesn’t like your book, don’t read the review. Focus on the positive, not the negative. Now, I know that’s easier said than done. I’ve been “writing” a book for six months but every time I start writing I get nervous that people will hate it, so I shelf it. I think you have to have incredibly thick skin to be an author – you’re putting your work out there to be picked apart by hundreds, thousands, millions of readers. That would scare the shit out of me! If I do ever finish my book and decide to self-publish, I will probably have several anxiety attacks leading up to, and on the release date. And clearly, I’m not ready for that pressure.

I know that some readers can be incredibly harsh, and I’m not trying to condone their behavior. I would never bully an author. I would never personally attack them. I simply give my honest opinion of their work – sometimes it’s singing praises, and other times it’s voicing sheer disappointment. But guess what? That’s why I have a book review blog. I’m entitled to my opinion and if you don’t agree with it, that’s perfectly fine. I’m not going to try and convince you otherwise, and I expect the same courtesy. If I say "I fucking hated this book and the characters in it", I'm entitled to that! If I say, "I hate the author, Johnny Writesalot, because of this shitty so-called-book he wrote", that's entirely different and entirely unacceptable. 

No one is going to write a book that everyone loves, and if you’re brave enough to put your work out there for the world to read, please know that any negative reviews aren’t a personal attack. Well, at least they aren’t from me. I’m not judging M. Leighton AT ALL for pulling her book because I don’t know what readers said to her about it. If she felt this was the necessary action, then I support her decision. It’s sad…but I support it nonetheless.

I’m going to step down my pedestal now. I hope this post doesn’t piss anyone off or offend anyone, because that wasn’t my intention. I just wish readers would make an honest effort not to personally attack the author in their reviews, and that the authors would be a little more understanding of the right a reviewer has to give their honest opinion.

Now let’s all get back to reading or writing or drinking or whatever it was you were doing and just be fucking happy that so many people in this world still appreciate a good book!

COVER REVEAL: Girl with Guitar by Caisey Quinn

Okay - before you check out this gorrrrrgeous cover, I need y'all to know something. Caisey was an absolute sweetheart and gifted me a proof copy of Girl with Guitar a little over a month ago, and I devoured it in a day. IT. IS. AMAZING. I hope y'all buy this book when it's released next week; I promise you won't be disappointed!! 

Now, without further adieu.....here is the cover for Girl with Guitar.

Cover design by Emily Mah Tippetts

SYNOPSIS:

After Kylie's dad dies in a freak accident, he leaves her with nothing other than her crazy stepmother, Darla, and the ability to play guitar. When Darla kicks Kylie out and she loses her job all in the same day, she hops a bus to Nashville determined to make her late father's dreams come true. Waitressing and savings her pennies to record a demo, her big break comes when she's asked to join a tour going down the tubes with once-platinum album-selling country music superstar Trace Corbin. But touring with Trace is hardly a dream come true since he's pretty much drinking his career down the drain. If Kylie can't pull Trace out of his rut, he'll pull her and her dreams down with him. 

TEASER:

“Evenin’ y’all,” Kylie drawled into the microphone. “I had a song I was gonna sing and then my friend Tonya, she might be your waitress, she told me it sucked—so I guess I’m just gonna play this here guitar and see where it takes us.” She grinned at the audience and then leaned closer to the mic once more. “Oh, and I go right back to serving after this, so if you don’t clap when I’m finished, I can’t be held responsible for what might happen to your drink between the bar and your table.” Kylie winked and strummed a few cords. “Okay, here we go.”

Laughter? Did she hear laughter? She thought she did.

I know you wanna tie me down, know you wanna put a ring on it, but I ain’t never been that kinda girl, not for all the money in the world.

Kylie launched into her modified version of Trace Corbin’s latest hit, Not That Kinda Man.  It was the famous bachelor’s latest lovin’ and leavin’ single and she was attempting to turn the thing on its ear. He’d written and sang it as a sad break up ballad and Kylie had remixed and reworked it into the single girl’s party anthem.

You wanna own me but you don’t know me. Guess what darlin’? When you wake up I’ll be gone.

Kylie flashed her sexiest grin and wiggled a little at the crowd. Then she shouted, “Sing it with me girls!” into the mic and picked up the tempo, launching into the chorus.

Several waitresses, Tonya included, stopped what they were doing to sing along. Not that Kylie could really see them, but the girls in the crowd joined in too. She sang to the guitar player, whose name she was pretty sure was Andy, and he played right along, smiling and winking at her the whole time. Well I’m not that kinda girl, don’t wanna play these games, not gonna wake up in your bed or take your name. She gave Andy a playful smack on the ass and he blew her a kiss. Shrieking whistles radiated from the audience.

The music hummed and pulsed against her and somewhere in Kylie’s mind a little voice said, Holy shit you’re doing it!  

When the number was over, she practically flew off the stage, painfully aware of the pounding in her chest. Oh well, if I have a heart attack and die right this moment, I’ll die happy. The applause was loud enough to be heard over the ringing in her ears and she wanted it more than oxygen.

Clive was leaning on the bar, shaking his head but smiling. Tonya shot her two thumbs up. Kylie let out a little squeal of happiness and sent a silent thank you up to her daddy, feeling certain she was higher than any drug could ever take her.

She would let Tonya go home early tonight and do the rooms herself. She had enough energy to clean ten green rooms. When she told Tonya that, the woman hugged her. Hard. “You knocked ‘em dead, girl! That was amazing!”

“Yeah, well, I got some really good advice,” Kylie told her, unable to keep the permagrin off her face.

The next act stepped out of the shadows and took the stage. Kylie heard a deep male voice with a sexy southern drawl say, “Damn. Just my luck to have to follow that.”

The audience was still shrieking and screaming and Kylie knew she’d done well, but seriously?

“I apologize for standing y’all up a few weeks ago. Musta got my dates mixed up. Probably time to fire that manager of mine,” the handsome man on stage drawled.

Who was this guy? Whoever he was, the women in the audience were going crazy over him.

“Well, since that good looking waitress stole my number, guess I’ll have to sing something else. Where is that girl anyways?”

Oh God. Oh God, please no. Kylie’s heart sank and her high evaporated instantly. She

turned to face the man on stage. Trace freaking Corbin was standing there with a guitar in 

one hand and the other to his eyes, scanning the crowd for…her.

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About the Author

Caisey Quinn is a wearer of cowgirl boots, writer and avid reader of New Adult romance, lover of wine, and is addicted to chai tea lattes. 

She's the brand spanking new author of soon to be released books including Girl with Guitar and Keep Me Still (which may or may not include spanking). 

Caisey lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. Girl with Guitar is her first novel. 

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COVER REVEAL: Once Upon a Darkness by Aria Kane

Title: Once Upon a Darkness 

Author: Aria Kane

Release Date: June 17, 2013


Synopsis:
Gretchen and her twin brother, Hank, were abandoned to a zombie horde when they were five years old. Intended to be a sacrifice by their zealot parents, they were instead rescued by The Company. Raised to become soldiers in the war against zombies, they now provide safe passage through danger zones, one contract at a time. 

Clint's only skill is war, but he's weary of killing other men. When his contract with the Marines runs out, he takes a job on Gretchen's team, hoping that the search and rescue life will suit him better. 

On Clint's second day, their four man team is attacked, drugged, and taken to a prison full of frightened civilians. The only way in or out is by helicopter, and here, their enemies are human. One by one, the captives are culled from the holding area. Rumors say the facility director uses the prisoners as experimental subjects for the testing of a zombie cure. 

When Hank is taken, Clint and Gretchen must put aside their personal feelings and find a way out of the prison, surrounded by thousands of starving zombies, before Hank becomes just one more disposable guinea pig in the hands of a twisted mad woman. 

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About the Author

Aria Kane is a recovering mechanical engineer and romance writer. She lives in sunny Florida with a 60 lb mutt who thinks he's a Chihuahua. You can learn more about her on her website, or by following her on Twitter. 

BLOG TOUR: Because of You by T.E. Sivec

(Playing with Fire series, book 2)

Brady Marshall has made a career of playing it safe. When he decides to do something rash and becomes a Navy SEAL, he thinks he's finally escaped the rigid structure of the high society life his parents forced down his throat. All he does is trade in one set of rules for another. He follows military protocol to a T, but it still results in the death of an entire team of Navy SEALS and puts his best friends directly in harm's way. He’s struggled to stay afloat and not drown in grief, guilt, and booze, but he's losing that battle quickly. When his baby sister flees her abusive husband and shows up on his doorstep with his young niece in tow, he has no choice but to clean up his act. He will stop at nothing to protect them and never let them down again, even if it means taking a job that goes against everything he believes in. If protecting a pop star princess who thinks she's better than everyone means he can keep a roof over their head, what other choice does he have? 

Layla Carlysle has lived a life of luxury. She's been a star since the young age of fifteen, and every record she releases shoots straight to the top of the charts. She has people surrounding her every single day telling her how amazing she is, how beautiful she is, and how lucky she is, but she’s never felt more alone in her entire life. She wants nothing more than to break free and do what she really wants to do: write her own music, sing her own songs, and find a way to finally be happy with her life. The only thing standing in her way is her mother, Eve Carlysle. Eve has controlled every single aspect of her daughter’s life and will stop at nothing to achieve fame and fortune, even if that means using her daughter to get there. When an overly-amorous fan’s letters become increasingly more sinister, Brady will have to suck up his opinion of how the other half lives to take the job seriously. The pair will need to learn to trust each other and put aside their differences before the letters become a reality and someone’s life is in jeopardy. 

Brady has been to hell and back, and he refuses to let anyone else get close to him again. Layla has never lived her life for herself, and the emptiness is threatening to break her for good. 

Sometimes our lives are already planned for us, but because of you, all of that could change in an instant.

"Because of you, I am stronger than I've ever been. Because of you, I can finally live my own life and make my own choices. You sent me that note and you gave my father back to me. You gave my life back to me. Because of you being here right now, coming here tonight, even though it took you long enough...I know that I never want to be without you again." - Layla 

I can sum up this novel in three, little words: HOT. AS. FUUUUUUUUCK.

We all have that one author that holds a super special place in our heart – you know, the one that you took a chance on when they released their debut novel and you had absolutely no idea what kind of writer they were. You just bought their book and prayed that it was worth your time. And then when you were balls deep into the story, anxiously flipping page after page, something happened – you fell in love with someone you didn’t even know. Then before you know it, you’re creeping on them on their website, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace (God I hope no one still has a MySpace) and you’re looking for any news on when they are releasing their next book and it’s never soon enough…well, at least not for me because I never could grasp that virtue. By now you’re probably wondering where this is going and since I refuse to be patient, I won’t ask you to be either…….

Tara Sivec is that author that holds a super special place in my heart.

I have read every book she has published, and after I finished Because of You, I literally sat here thinking “How the fuck does she do it?” She has yet to disappoint with her work, and Because of You juuuust might top my love for A Beautiful Lie. The story of Brady and Layla evokes an array of emotions and has a depth that a lot of romance novels lack; this isn’t just about the two main characters and their feelings for each other. It’s about Brady’s commitment to his sister and niece, his willingness to do whatever it takes to provide for them, and his attempt to conquer his demons. It’s about Layla’s heartbreaking childhood, her terrifying run-ins with a desperate man who has made it his mission to have her for his own, and her attempt to please her mother…even if it means forfeiting her real dreams. It’s just so much more than your regular run-of-the-mill romance/suspense novel. It will make you grin, make your heart race, make you cry, and oh yes…it will make you so hot you will feel your heartbeat in your vagina. I’m not kidding. I felt my heartbeat in my vagina during a couple scenes. Or maybe my vagina was just fist pumping out of excitement. Either way, you get my point – it’s hot. And I refuse to give away any spoilers, but I just need to say one thing right now. THE ENDING IS JUST…IT’S JUST…JESUS TITS, I can’t even say anything without giving something away!!!! Just know this – your heart might stop for several minutes. I know mine did.

Tara’s writing is near flawless, and is the kind that will make you stay up until 4 AM even though you have to work at 8 AM because it’s absolutely impossible to find a good stopping point. I don’t know how she does it, but I pray she never stops because I am so in love with her writing…and clearly my vagina is a pretty big fan, too. Because of You is just another 5 star piece of perfection that reiterates why Tara is that author for me. Now if you’ll excuse me…I guess I’ll try to go learn that little virtue called patience while I wait for the third book in this series.

Oh, one last thing –here are my Brady and Layla ;) 

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About the Author

T.E. Sivec is the pen name for Tara Sivec. Under T.E. Sivec, she delves into a more serious genre that is her absolute favorite to read -- romantic suspense. She loves reading a book and feeling her heart speed up with anticipation and wanted to be able to give that feeling to her fans. T.E. lives in Ohio with her husband and two children, living the dream of being a full-time writer. 

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In the Air by Crystal Serowka

(The City series, book 1)

It all began on a New York City sidewalk. It was so surreal. Juilliard, the enormous brick building that held my dreams and the possibilities of my future. I was prepared for the challenges ahead. What I didn’t expect was to lose my focus the second I met him. Living the dance was no longer the important thing in my life.

The City opened my eyes, but he transformed me.

Two dancers. One big city. He was determined to make a new start. She was ready to make it in the ballet world. Neither expected love to play a part in achieving their dreams. They also didn’t expect it to be so destructive. Samson and Natalia took the leap anyway, not worrying about the fall.

For 14 years, dance was my life. I took 2-3 classes per night, five days a week; so it should come as no surprise that I read any and every dance related book I can get my little hands on. I get so anxious to be absorbed in the world of pointe shoes, barre class, and rigorous rehearsals again that sometimes it causes my expectations to be a little high. I wish I could just tell the ballerina inside of me to calm the fuck the down, but I’ll be honest…she has yet to listen to me.

In the Air is an enjoyable debut novel from Crystal Serowka that centers around Natalia and Samson, two Juilliard ballet dancers trying to make their dreams of dancing professionally come true – and avoid anything that could throw a wrench in their plans.

Enter said wrench; they immediately develop feelings for each other and are thrown into a tumultuous relationship. Natalia is trying to keep up the walls she has built around herself, and Samson is struggling with the fact that he has developed strong feelings for a girl he just met – a girl who definitely isn’t like his girlfriend back home.

I don’t typically like stories that involve cheating because it makes me mad, sad, frustrated, pissed off, and wanting to throw my iPad against the wall. This story is an exception; the way Samson handled his feelings towards Natalia didn’t make me dislike him, not one bit. Crystal painted a wonderful picture that allowed the reader to see just how at war with his feelings he was – he didn’t want to hurt his girlfriend, but he couldn’t stay away from Natalia. The way he handled it made me actually like him more! Yeah – I couldn’t believe it at first either! I love Natalia and Samson together, and while they go through their fair share of ups and downs, their relationship ends up being pretty cute and heartwarming.

Now, since I’m being honest – as much as I adore Natalia and swoon over Samson, neither of them are my favorite character. What?! Yep, you read that right. My favorite character is Natalia’s roommate, Kingsley, and her “I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks about me” attitude. She adds a little grittiness and is the type of girl who doesn’t make any qualms about who she is; she owns it. I kind of despised her at first but she grew on me, chapter by chapter, and pretty soon I was eagerly anticipating the next time she would somehow be involved in something…anything!

There are only a couple things that I take issue with – the first being the somewhat insta-love between them. I kind of expected the story to span over a longer time frame, and their relationship does feel a little rushed. I also hoped to have a little more dancing in the novel, and while I know that the main focus is supposed to be their relationship, I just wish there had been more dance-related scenes. Overall, this was a good, quick read with just enough angst to satisfy the masochist part of me and just enough love to make the hopeless romantic part of me smile and sigh in content.  

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