Blog Tour ~ Review & Giveaway ~ Tattood & Tatas (Chocoholics #2.5) by Tara Sivec

 

Tattoos & Tatas (Chocoholics #2.5)

Release Date: October 1, 2014

By Tara Sivec

Book Description:

During the month of October, 100% of the proceeds from Tattoos and Tatas will be donated to breast cancer awareness.

Claire and Liz have always had a friendship that defied the test of time, but when one of them is diagnosed with a disease that every woman fears, their bond is put through the wringer. How do you cope knowing your soul mate could be taken from you?

Filled with memories of their life long friendship, inappropriate behavior, bad tattoos and shaving cats, the two friends will realize that laughter really is the best medicine.Tattoos and TaTas is not your typical love story; it's a story of friendship and learning how to let go when something is beyond your control.

 

Find it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22728057-tattoos-and-tatas

Our Review:

Reviewed by Willow & Donna

What Willow says ~ 5 Stars

"This is the story of the day everything changed, the day we all began looking at life a little differently than we did before"

Let me start off by saying that this is a little novella of about 100 pages, so it is an extremely quick read, but don't let that put you off. Its full of laughter and of course it centres around a devastating time for one of them as they are diagnosed and go through treatment for cancer. With so much in it, it does not feel a short novella at all.

This book is told from Liz's point of view as she is told by her best friend,

"so I have Cancer. Who wants more wine"

and it spans through Claire's treatment. During this time Liz has a hard time thinking that she's going to lose her friend and not knowing how to fix it. She reminisces about their past together, and so the chapters alternate between the present and the past.

"It's also the story of how we almost got kicked out of hospital, a funeral home, a tattoo shop and a small handful of bars"

I loved the past chapters getting a bit more background to Claire and Liz, how they met and also how Liz met Jim. It was great getting to see all the characters again, it was like going back to see old friends. It was extremely funny in parts, but it is totally balanced out with all the emotion and fears that Liz must deal with and lets not forget we see through Liz's eyes how Carter is dealing with his wife's illness and one part in particular really got me choked up, but then Tara does it again and is able to bring laughter to the situation.

This is a story of friendship, a story about struggling with your own fears, when you should be focusing on as many good things, good memories as you can, about remembering that sometimes friends don't want you to fix something, they just want you there for them.

Personally I stay away from books about cancer, It's too emotional for me, but Tara has done an amazing job of keeping the emotion in check, balancing it out with humour, all the while whilst not down playing the severity of the illness or what those who have suffered or seen someone they love suffering with it must go through.

Tara will be donating all the proceeds from the month of October to breast cancer awareness charities so go and grab you copy now!

"I think people forget just how powerful laughter is"

What Donna says ~ 4 Stars

“I’m going to have to fire you from your position as president of the Itty Bitty Titty Club. This is a sad, sad day in Titty Club history.”

I have never felt guilty laughing while reading a book…until now. Tara touches on some really sensitive and heart breaking subjects in this book but in usual Tara Sivec style she manages to combine the serious with the humorous. This book is a looking in from the outside book, touching upon how cancer not only affects the sufferer but also close family and friends.

It is that feeling of life being out of control and even if you are a “fixer” this is something far beyond your control and no matter how hard you try it cannot be fixed. The end result is out of your hands, you have to leave it to the doctors and the patient and that can be hard to deal with for some people, especially Claire’s best friend, Liz.

“She doesn’t need you to fix her, Liz. She just needs you to be there for her.”

Liz and Claire are soul mates, these two were meant to be together, and they truly are the best of friends. So when Claire is diagnosed with breast cancer, Liz struggles. Liz feels helpless, devastated and extremely sorry for herself. She cannot believe that this is happening to her best friend and the fact that she is powerless to have any effect on what happens in the future. Liz has a lot of thoughts and feelings to overcome, but sheltering yourself away from your best friend when all she needs is you, is not the way forward. After some soul searching Liz finally finds herself and recovers to be the best, best friend that Claire could need. This also leads to some seriously hilarious shenanigans as we have come to truly love from this crazy crazy group of friends.

We have shaved legs, balls and pussy’s (get your head out the gutter) this is the feline variety, melons and tattoo’s. This book has the perfect balance of the serious, emotional side and the light hearted f**k cancer side. It goes to show that friends and laughter can help in even the direst of circumstances and that as long as you have friends, life itself, never seems that bad.

A great quick read that will have you laughing even though you feel you shouldn’t, with a great message to those suffering with cancer and those supporting those sufferers. Every October a portion of the sales of this book goes to two fantastic cancer charities, so if ever that was the nudge to buy it, then do, because you won’t be disappointed.

“F**k cancer. Save second base. Fight like a girl. Do it all and do it with a few laughs because you are amazing, you are strong and you are a fighter, just like my best friend.” 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1x8NJbH

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1xNPMVK

About the Author:

 

 Tara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author, wife, mother, chauffeur, maid, short-order cook, baby-sitter, and sarcasm expert. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and looks forward to the day when all three of them become adults and move out.

After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She is the author of the Playing with Fire series, the Chocolate Lovers series , the Chocoholics series, the Fool Me Once series, Burned and Watch Over Me. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.

In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.

Giveaway:

1 Breast Cancer Awareness Scentsy Warmer
2 Signed Paperbacks of Tattoos and Tatas
3 Tattoos and Tats themed swag bags
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review ~ Beautiful Oblivion (Maddox Brothers 1) by Jamie McGuire

Reviewed by Willow & Donna ~ 4 Stars

We totally loved Beautiful Disaster, but we felt that Walking Disaster & Beautiful Wedding weren't on the same level so we were interested to see where Jamie would take us for Beautiful Oblivion.

"Instead of feeling ashamed of where we weren't, we could be proud of where we were going and what we would overcome to get there"

Willow: I have to start off by saying I’m in love with Trenton Maddox! I never thought any Maddox brother would come close to Travis, but Trenton certainly comes close.

Donna: For me Trenton was definitely the better man for me, I was one of the rare few that didn't fall madly for Travis, but I may have tripped for Trenton 

Willow: The Story is about Cam (Camille), who has a long distance relationship with a guy named TJ. This means nothing to Trenton though, because once a Maddox boy gets you in their sight that's it! I loved this part of the book where Trent is trying to do anything to get Cam to spend time with him, he is relentless and the banter they have is very entertaining.

"I was just thinking now was as good a time as any to acknowledge you're perfect and it wouldn't suck if you fell madly in love with me anytime soon"
"I have a boyfriend" I reminded him
He waved me away "Speed bump"

Donna: The courtship was definitely entertaining. He has that Maddox charm and swagger and he has to ramp it up full throttle with Cam. He has to fire on all cylinders to make an impression. But you could tell that the charm offensive was working. The banter these two had, had me in stitches at times, but you could also tell that Trenton was sincere. I loved that he wore his heart on his sleeve and his relationship with the neighbours little girl had me melting.

Willow: oh, little Olive, it was genius how he used her to guilt trip Cam into going out for food with him. I loved Trent & Olive's relationship too! As you say Trent wears his heart on his sleeve. I’m definitely in love! One thing I noticed with this book is that Jamie had managed to capture the feel of  Beautiful Disaster, I felt like she'd gone back to the roots in that respect with the story, and just like Beautiful Disaster I was sucked in.

Donna: I totally agree, Walking Disaster and Beautiful Wedding didn't have that ambience and that page turning addiction that Beautiful Disaster did and now Beautiful Oblivion has recaptured. I was totally captivated and read it in one sitting. So many entertaining side characters in this one too. The tattoo shop is one place I would love to work.

Willow: Totally agree about the Tattoo shop!
Although we can’t give too much away we have to talk a bit about TJ. Through the story you are made aware that TJ has a secret, which Cam knows, but feels it’s not her secret to tell. You are left wondering what the secret is and why it appears to be holding Cam back from Trent. Donna I know you and I had similar theories, but I have to say when you actually get the big reveal its kind of flat, and for me it kind of ruined the story a bit. I was left with a few questions I wanted Cam to answer!

Donna: I must admit my conspiracy theories were much better than what actually transpired. Like you, when all I was revealed I felt a bit urggghhhh. I think I read too many books because my brain was going overtime.

Willow: In summary for the most part I thought it was a really good book, I loved that we'd gone back to a Beautiful Disaster feel, the banter was funny and Trenton is yummy, but the ending didn't cut it for me. It could have been a 5 star, but because of the ending I’m giving it a 4.

Donna: I totally agree, I loved the book, I loved the characters, I love the balance of angst, humour and love, I laughed, I swooned but I deflated at the end and for that reason I am giving it a 4, but it could have easily been a 5.

"Just remember later that I'm sorry for whatever happens after this, and I'm sorry that when you walked away like I asked, I didn't let you go"

Blog Tour ~ Review ~ Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover @TheHotBed

 

We love Colleen Hoover and so have eagerly been awaiting her latest book Maybe Someday which is due for release in just 3 days!!

As part of the blog tour, we were granted an advance review copy so check our our joint review below. 

We have included pre-order links at the bottom of the page so don't miss those! 

Book Description: 

Includes a free original soundtrack by musician Griffin Peterson.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance—and the enchanting music that inspires one young woman to put her life back together.

At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…

From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Slammed, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, This Girl, and Losing Hope, Maybe Someday is destined to become another bestseller and long-lasting fan favorite. 

Find it on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17788403-maybe-someday

Our Review:

Reviewed by Willow & Donna ~ 5 Stars

"I think the fact that I misjudged him pisses me off more than the fact that he cheated on me. If I can't even accurately judge the people closest to me, then I can't trust anyone. Ever. I hate them from taking that away from me. Now, no matter who comes into my life after this, I'll always be skeptical."

  

Donna: Well what can I say, can Colleen write a bad book? Well the answer is a big fat resounding no!! I totally and utterly adored this book. It made me happy and sad, made me cry buckets but it took me on an amazing emotional journey that I will not forget in a hurry and made my mascara run and run and run.

Willow: I will admit that this book had the ice queen melting - yes it did have me crying quite alot too. Colleen is an amazing writer, it is so effortless reading her words and she really makes you feel every single one.

Ridge has been trying to write songs for his brother and their band, but  is having writers block. Seeing Sydney from across the court yard connecting to his music and creating lyrics for them, Ridge realises he needs her help. With the betrayal Sydney has just faced, she now has no home and no job. Ridge comes up with a solution that helps Sydney and gets her helping him write the songs that he needs.

With this book you get the added bonus of the free soundtrack. I think that having the music linked to Colleen's (and Griffin's) written words adds a whole new level to the book, whilst I didn't listen to all the sound track whilst reading, I can certainly see that adds so much more of an experience to the book.

Donna: Yes music and words always go hand in hand and in the book it was the way in which Sydney and Ridge communicated the most honestly. It was during these interactions that Colleen had my heart melting. It was beautiful to read and I always felt as if I was there watching them make beautiful music together (that is literally, get your minds outta the gutter lol!)

Willow: lol! The sessions where they were writing together really felt intimate and I felt like I was intruding on these beautiful moments.The book isn't all hearts and flowers though, there is cheating in this book and a lot of heart ache too, and these were the moments that really had me crying. I could feel the pain emanating off the pages!

Donna: Ridge does have a long term girlfriend called Maggie. I wouldn't have said it was cheating between Sydney and Ridge though, they had a stolen kiss but stopped it going further. You really felt his inner turmoil surrounding his feelings regarding Maggie and what he felt for her. I couldn't help but be affected and as I said before was living through the angst with him. As much as I wanted Sydney and Ridge to be together I understood his relationship with Maggie and didn't want anything bad to happen either. I really was in a catch-22 situation. Ridge with Maggie: 

"I spend the next half an hour reminding myself how much I've missed her. I remind myself how much I love her. I remind myself how good it feels when we're together. I keep reminding myself over and over, because for the past week, it felt as if I was starting to forget."

Willow: The situation Sydney and Ridge were in was a difficult one. They obviously were developing feelings for one another and this was clearly shown through their music, but Ridge clearly loves Maggie, and that's the difficulty for the reader, Maggie is not some bitch girlfriend, she is a nice girl, that as much as you try, you cant help but like too! I did really feel for her, and wondered how would she feel if she found out what whats happening between Sydney & Ridge, no matter how much Ridge was trying to hold back and respect Maggie's feelings. I was totally torn though, wishing that Sydney would get her "Maybe Someday" with Ridge.

"I'm also thankful that she appears to have more will power than I do, because whenever I'm around her, I've never felt so weak."

Donna: I was the same, I really felt the pain, anguish, conflict and turmoil. I did feel that there was something hidden with his relationship with Maggie and was glad when we did eventually get more of the back story as that did help somewhat in trying to get my head around the situation. Maggie was an extremely strong woman, despite what life had thrown at her and was glad that when all was said and done she could be objective and see the bigger picture

Willow: The fact that Colleen wrote Maggie as a beautiful, nice, kindhearted girl packs much more of a punch in my opinion. The reader cannot find fault with her, cannot find a reason to blame her or justify why Ridge would develop feelings for someone else. As much as I would like it to be true, I personally don't believe that there is just one person, one soul mate for you. I believe that you may have more than one "love" through out your life, maybe this love will change as you grow as a person, or are faced with different situations, but that does not diminish the love you felt before or for someone else and I think that is it great that this book reflects that.

Donna: I totally agree, I believe that the love he felt for Maggie was totally different than the love he felt for Sydney. Whilst both all encompassing and he struggled, I am like you and believe that you can get that chance to "love" more than one. It just sucked that they both came along at the same time but the sweet was that it a) it was present in the first place and b) I think it all worked out perfectly in the end, despite everything.

"For her I bend, for you I break."  

I have to say that I also loved Warren, Ridge's flat mate, he deserves a book too!

Willow: Yes Warren  added a brilliant bit of humour to the book. He was looking out for Ridge, Sydney & Maggie all together trying to ensure that no one was left with too much pain.

Will Ridge & Sydney get their Maybe Someday?

"There isn't a doubt in my mind that we could be perfect for each others life, Sydney. It's that our lives aren't perfect for us"

We will leave you to find out but we cant go without mentioning that there is a twist to this story, but it is a spoiler so we cant say what, but if what we have already said isn't enough for you, this twist totally adds to the whole story.

Donna: Yes, there is a definite twist, not one that I have encountered before and it made this book so much more! I can't wait for everyone to read it and savour, live and breathe every single word. This is not a book to be skimmed. It should be read slowly, savoured and devoured! You wont be disappointed, it truly is a work of art. It is my tied number one read so far this year!

Willow: A totally beautiful book! 

"Beat, beat, pause.

Beat, beat, pause.

Beat, beat, pause.

It's absolutely beautiful.

The way it sounds is beautiful. 

The way it cares is beautiful. 

The way it loves is beautiful. 

He presses his lips to the top of my head. 

I close my eyes...and I cry." 

Don't wait for Someday! Pre-order Maybe Someday today!  

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/1kQMfjx

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1gi8c2T

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1ikQ2CL

Blog Tour ~ Review, Character Inspirations & Giveaway ~ Come to Me Quietly (Closer to You 1) by AL Jackson

Title:  Come To Me Quietly (The Closer to You Series, Book 1)

Author:  A.L. Jackson

Release Date:  January 7, 2014

Genre:   New Adult Romance

Blog Tour hosted by: Shh Moms Reading, Literary Mania Reviews, and Brandee’s Book Endings

Book Description:

From the acclaimed bestselling author of Lost to You and When We Collide comes a new adult novel of one woman’s obsession: a man who’s as passionate as he is elusive—and as tempting as he is trouble…

Aleena Moore is haunted by Jared Holt. It’s been six years since she’s seen her brother’s best friend, the self-destructive bad boy she secretly loved in high school. As the years pass, she knows it’s time to move on. Time to decide between a practical nursing degree and her true dream as an artist. Time to get over Jared and give another guy a chance…

Just when she opens her heart to her friend Gabe, Aly returns home to find Jared sleeping on her couch. The teenage boy she loved has grown into a man she can’t resist. Covered in tattoos and lost in rage, he’s begging to be saved from his demons—the memories of the day he destroyed his family. As the two reconnect, their passion is hot enough to torch Aly’s judgment. But can she risk her future for a man who lives on the edge of destruction?

Find it on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/CTMQGoodreads

Our Review

 

Reviewed by Willow & Donna ~ 4.5 Stars

"Love is the best thing that will ever happen to you Aly"

Willow: I have to admit that this was the first AL Jackson book I have read, and I totally loved it. I'd lost my reading mojo and haven't actually read for months, I'd tried books but just couldn't get in to them so gave up, but this one I just couldn't stop, I was totally drawn in and I love AL's writing. This definitely will not be the last book of hers I'll read.

Donna: I am the opposite, I have read all of her books and I was eagerly awaiting this one! I thoroughly enjoyed it and was hooked from the first page.

Willow: The book is about two old friends who haven't seen each other for years.  Aleena, known as Aly, a good kind girl who feels like something is missing in her life and Jared, an extremely tortured soul who after sometime away comes back to his home town. You know something bad has happened which is why he was "sent away" and they lost touch, but you aren't told why straight away. I love these kinds of books where as you read on slowly little bits are dripped out to you for you to piece bits together.

 Donna: I had my thoughts throughout as to what I thought had happened and I wasn't that far off. The thing I loved about this book was the friends to lovers aspect. These two were friends for years before they were estranged. I loved hearing of the tales of them growing up and how Jared was so protective of her even as a child.

Willow: Yes the flash backs were a great insight into their relationship when they were younger and you could see they cared about each other then.
I loved that it was dual POV. That you got to see how both sides were feeling about their renewed friendship that was changing into more.

Donna: I thought it was great how their reconnection was almost instantaneous. It was like they had never been apart. They were soul mates that was clear and they just had this pull to each other that was so strong. Aleena was the person that he needed to pull him out of his internal struggles, they were complete when they were together.

"I'm so fucked up Aly and I'm always going to be. I warned you that you can't fix me and you can't. I'm never going to outlive or out run this shit"

 Willow: I totally agree, I thought it was sad though that with Jared being a bad boy and Aly's older brothers best friend, Aly and Jared are forced to keep their growing closeness a secret. Though I think because they were sneaking around at night it made their time together more sacred, more intimate. But it wasn't all smiles and roses, Jared believing that he doesn't deserve happiness after what he's done is constantly pushing away and Aly is constantly trying to pull him closer. AL really made me feel the emotion of this and although I did connect with both characters, it was actually Jared that I felt the most connection with. I felt tortured whilst reading his parts.

"It was like Jared and I were in this constant tug-of-war that neither of us knew how to play, pushing and pulling, attracting and repelling"

 Donna: I totally agree, I was emotionally spent throughout this book, there we loads of tears! My heart broke for Jared. He did not deserve the guilt he had and the self loathing. I just wanted to smother him in hugs and kisses, a bit like Aly's mum did...man that scene broke me, lots of tears!!

Willow: Oh god, yes that scene was hard, he thought everyone hated him for what he did, or at least that he deserved everyone hating him. I literally held my breath when they saw each other, not knowing how she was going to react.

Although there were other characters in this book, Christopher Aly's brother and Megan her friend, it was all just totally focused on Jared and Aly which I totally loved, sometimes it is nice to have side stories, but this book just didn't need it.

Donna: I know and I totally agree. It made their story that much more meaningful and intense. The chemistry between them was palpable and it radiated off the page. I felt that Christopher must have been blind to not have noticed their connection but I guess he was to busy being a manwhore. AL certainly brings out all your emotions in this book, I found this book extremely heartfelt and I was well and truly sucked in. I really didn't want this book to finish.

Willow: I didn't want it to finish either, but let's talk about the ending - I love that there was a little twist in there that just made their relationship mean so much more than you realise as you're reading. But man, AL can make your heart break!! The sadness I felt was off the scale at one point.

Donna: I felt like she had ripped my heart out many a time in this book. The deserted lot he used to go to have his breakdowns is one prime example. But yes the twists and turns kept you on your toes and Aly really was his guardian angel and soul mate. It was that connection that made their relationship that much more believable and I did feel like a voyeur at times as I was so connected to their story.

Willow: I loved this book and looking forward to the next in the series and I'll definitely be reading AL 's other books.

"I see beauty and pain, joy and sorrow. I see the good and the bad....and I love it all"
 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon.com: http://bit.ly/CTMQAmazon

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/CTMQPre

iTunes: http://bit.ly/CTMQiTunes

 Kobo: http://bit.ly/CTMQKobo

 

Book Trailer:
 

 

Character Inspirations:

Jared Holt:  Micah Truitt ~ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Micah-Truitt/1376177639282676

Aleena Moore:  Phoebe Tonkin ~ https://www.facebook.com/PhoebeTonkinForever

 

About the Author:
 

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including Pulled, When We Collide, and If Forever Comes.

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student.  She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children.

Look for Come to Me Softly, book two in the Closer To You Series, coming July 1, 2014

 

Links:

http://bit.ly/ctmsebook

www.aljacksonauthor.com

www.facebook.com/aljacksonauthor

http://bit.ly/ALJacksonGoodReads

 

Tour Giveaway:

 

Be sure to enter the COME TO ME QUIETLY Blog Tour Giveaway!!
 

Grand Prize:  A.L. Jackson Complete Signed Paperback Collection (all six titles) + Come To Me Quietly Poster and swag

Second Prize:  Come To Me Quietly Collection, which includes a signed copy of Come To Me Quietly, a Come To Me Quietly poster, keychain, and custom bookmark

Third Prize:  A.L. Jackson Fun Pack stuffed full of A.L. Jackson book swag

Fourth Prize:  Audiobook Gift Set from Audible.com of The Regret Series (Lost To You, Take This Regret & If Forever Comes)

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

And don’t miss the DAILY blog tour giveaways on A.L. Jackson’s Facebook accounts! All kinds of fun stuff will be given away ~ ebooks, gift cards, and much more! EVERY DAY from January 7^th – February 7^th!!

 

https://www.facebook.com/aljacksonauthor

Blog Tour ~ Review & Giveaway ~ Love and Lists (Chocoholics #1) by Tara Sivec

Book Description:

Love and Lists is the first book in the Chocolate Lovers spinoff - Chocoholics: The foul-mouthed offspring tell their stories.

Twenty-five-year-old Gavin Ellis has always had the love and support of his family ever since he was a little boy and couldn't stop talking about his penis. He's also always had their unsolicited advice and uncanny knack of embarrassing him at all costs. Now that he's an adult and trying to convince the love of his life to love him back, things haven't changed very much from when he was younger.

When Gavin's best friend Tyler suggests he make a to-do list of items that will ensure he wins the girl, Gavin is one-hundred-percent on board: after a few six packs.

After puking in the shrubs, a bad experience with Viagra, a Sex-Ed course gone wrong, and a slew of other mishaps courtesy of his family and friends, Gavin is pretty sure this list will be the death of him.

Sometimes, trying to make someone love you with a list isn't always the best idea. Especially when "Show her your penis" is the first "to-do" item...

Find it on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18300604-love-and-lists

 

Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 5 hilarious gut wrenchingly funny stars!!

**ARC Received for honest review**

“Do you have ‘tell her she has moist folds’ on the list? That should definitely be on the list.”

Tara Sivec never ceases to amaze me, I would love to go out for drinks with this woman because I am sure I would have a blast. Her sense of humour is off the charts funny and even if you were in the darkest of bad moods her books just lift you out and up and you find yourself needing the Tena Lady. I literally had to cross my legs as I was laughing so much, my sides hurt and my face ached! My husband thought I was a raving lunatic and when I finally stopped laughing enough to repeat what I had just read, I always cracked up laughing again before I got to the punch line, but even he couldn’t stop laughing either! Tara you are totally and utterly brilliant!! After all the gut wrenching tear jerkers I have read recently, this was just what I needed. A real laugh out loud book, therefore, read it in private else you could be carted off to the asylum in a straight jacket!!

This is the story of Gavin and Charlotte, Gavin is the son of Claire and Carter and Charlotte the daughter of Liz and Jim. Gavin and Charlotte have grown up together, they are best best friends, they tell each other everything…well nearly everything!!

Gavin loves Charlotte and Charlotte loves Gavin, but neither have told the other. They each come to the conclusion, with the help of their other friends that they each need to make a list, a list to make the other notice that the other exists in more than a “best friend” capacity…and so the fun and frolics begin!!

“She should have just pissed all over you and been done with it. Golden shower, party of one!”

Gavin enlists the help of his best friend Tyler, who I absolutely adored (Tara, he needs to get a book too!!), what could possibly go wrong with a list titled “How To Make Charlotte Bang Me”… a lot!! Especially with entries such as “Show her your penis.” I felt so sorry for Gavin, not only does he take the advice of Tyler, but also Drew and Jenny!! I mean Drew and Jenny??? WTF!!! If you thought that those two would have grown up now that Gavin is in his mid twenties, you would be mistaken, they are still the same hilariously funny, crude, nymphs around. Too many cooks and all that = car crash and what a car crash this is, but it is just sooooo funny.

“You don’t have it under control. What we have here is a failure to know what the f**k you’re doing when it comes to chicks.”

Gavin painstakingly one by one crosses off the items on “The List” and each time he tries to tick one off you know that a hilariously funny scene is going to take place. I do not want to say too much as it will give the story away too much and this must be read to be truly appreciated. I will leave a few bullet points for you to look out for though:-

My Little Pony - specifically Twilight Sparkle lol
Grandpa and his pills
Chapstick
Siri
And my personal favourite Spider Man

“You are a disgrace. Your mother should have swallowed.”

This is a brilliant short fun read and if you are a huge fan of the Seduction and Snacks series, this is a MUST read. I can’t wait to read more about these kids and as their parents show no sign of growing up AT ALL, you know that you are going to be in for a barrel of laughs going forward. Totally and utterly AMAZEBALLS!!

“Charlotte! What did you do with the jizz?!”

 

Buy Links:

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/GEBbDS
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1f8bLgT
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1aH9PH5

  

About the Author:

 

 Tara Sivec is a wife, mom, chauffeur, cheerleading coach, soccer coach, babysitter, short­order cook, genius and albino squirrel hunter. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids. In her spare time she likes read, write and cover things in chocolate. Most of her material comes from real life experiences with family and friends. Lucky for them, the names have been changed to protect the innocent (aka, drunk).

Tara also writes under the pen name T.E. Sivec where she can be serious, suspenseful and not at all funny.

 

Social Media Links:
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6422281.Tara_Sivec
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TaraSivec.authorpage?ref=hl
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/tarasivec
Website: http://www.tarasivec.com

 

Tour Giveaway:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Follow the Tour:

 

http://www.madisonsays.com/love­lists­by­tara­sivec­tour­schedule

Review ~ Sometimes It Lasts (Sea Breeze 5) by Abbi Glines

Reviewed by Willow & Donna

Willow ~ 3 Stars
Donna ~ 3.5 Stars

Willow: I loved while it Lasts, Eva and Cage's story was my favourite Sea Breeze book, so I was really looking forward to reading their second book, Sometimes it Lasts, unfortunately I was very disappointed.The beginning had my blood pumping a bit, and I wanted to know what had happened to them to be in that situation, but it quickly went down hill from there. Donna what did you think?

Donna: I thought exactly the same, whilst the prologue got you thinking I was trying to process it at the same time. Cage was devoted to Eva as was Eva to Cage and I just couldn't see them getting into that situation especially with what she was wearing on her finger!!

Willow: We then jump back to the past so we can see the events leading up to the prologue, it started ok, and I was happy to see life moving on for these two, but that didn't last long, pretty quickly their life changed course because Eva's dad became sick. From then on I felt Cage and Eva were acting differently, out of character.

Donna: I thought so too, whilst Abbi tries to justify their actions it just didn't sit well with me, it was not something I saw either of them doing. Also, I could see this plot coming a mile away, very early on in the book I had more or less the whole book plotted before it happened. It sort of took away my enjoyment of the book.

Willow: Completely agree, like you say Abbi did try to justify their actions, but I still don't believe they'd do that. You did make me laugh when you messaged me after only being a short way into the book asking if you had the plot right, because you were spot on. My biggest issue is that no matter his past, Cage would have fought, he wouldn't have backed off. I hate to say it because I've loved Abbi's other sea breeze books, but this one was lacking for me.

Donna: I agree, I felt that it was rushed and there were a few errors, this is not normally what I would expect from Abbi. Normally they don't bother me at all but it was just unusual for this author. As you say Cage would never have given up, he would have fought tooth and nail for her and he certainly would have at least tried to explain himself and knowing Eva she would have let him.

Willow: This book didn't excite me at all, I just didn't get how differently the characters seemed. 3 stars from me.

Donna: I will go with 3.5, I did enjoy it as I always do with Abbi Glines but I didn't love it and was a tad disappointed.

Review & Giveaway ~ Rock & Roll Never Forgets (Rock & Roll Trilogy 1) by Barbara S Stewart

Reviewed by Donna & Willow 

What Donna says: 5 extremely emotional stars!!

“I fell in love with you and never fell out. I tried. God knows I tried.”

OMG what have I just read!! I absolutely LOVE and HATE the blogger who recommended this book to me (she knows who she is!!) Thank god my husband was out last night so I could read this one on my own and could cry till my hearts content without any sarky comments!! I used up an endless mountain of tissues and the sofa ended up looking like a tissue recycling plant, my face?? Well that was just one big, red, puffy eyeballed mess, literally!!

My fellow blogger Willow never cries with a book, so this was recommended to us as 100% dead cert to make her cry, she is reading now, so we will see!! However, I thought that I would test this theory for myself, I am an open blubberer, I don’t mind being called soft or whatever, but if a book makes me cry and I feel the emotion and the pain then the author has done their job and boy did Barbara Stewart pull a number on me last night.

This is the story of Andy and Beth or (his Bethy), this is one moving story. Beth’s best friend Kim had a relation in the band Traveler, Beth was Traveler’s biggest fan and was stoked that Kim had managed to get backstage passes to their latest concert. At a backstage party they were introduced to the band and Bethy was introduced to Andy Steven’s, he was Beth’s idol but in the flesh he was so much more. As you can guess she was instantly attracted to him, but the surprise for everyone was that the feeling was mutual. Andy never falls, but this time Andy fell deep. This wasn’t an instalust story by any stretch of the imagination, they became friends first, getting to know each other, nightly phone calls for hours just talking and getting to know one another. Andy would regularly fly her to places so that they could spend a night together here and there, just as friends until eventually they took that leap and became a couple.

“We started talking,” he continued, “And you mesmerised me. I felt as though you were allowing me to see what made you tick. It was like I had known you forever, and I liked it, a lot. I’ve enjoyed our late night phone calls more than I can tell you. You’re a real person, a smart beautiful woman. Not some giggly bimbo trying to get my attention. Those are the kind of women I meet, the ones who constantly surround me. You and I had a meaningful conversation. I think I fell in love with you at that moment. There was no one there that night but you; no one who mattered anyway.”

These two were not just a couple, their love was deep, that heart wrenchingly deep love for one another that it was so strong it could either make them or break them. They were soul mates, eternally connected by a deep meaningful love for each other. They were two halves of each other.

“…You crawled into my soul, became a part of me. I saw the inner beauty, and regardless of what you think, the outside wasn’t bad either.”

They were two totally different souls, but together they complimented each other and to a certain degree brought out the best in each other. Andy’s soul was marred by his lack of a father figure as his father was more absent than not, he didn’t think too highly of himself on the relationship front, Bethy’s achilles heel was her lack of confidence and her deep rooted insecurity that at times she just couldn’t shift.

This story covers their entire relationship from start to finish, so no cliff hangers and spans a period of nearly 20 years, so as you can imagine there are a lot of trials and tribulations to read about as obviously, a rock stars life has a lot of tales to tell. The story is told like a biography with the added gems of Bethy’s journal entries. Whilst the writing is different, it pulls you into the story until you are so connected to Andy and Bethy that your heart and soul is with them as you live their lives through their eyes. You go through all their firsts, the romancing, the relationship, the ups and downs and with this brings along some really amazing side characters. These are in no way superfluous to the story but form an integral part and they give you an amazing insight into their lives and how extremely close they all were. Being famous can be lonely and you have a very close tight knit circle of family and friends that can be trusted and they were always there for each other through the good times and the bad, their loyalty to one and other never wavered.

“Shoulda, coulda, woulda…”

Barbara Stewart’s style of writing is enchanting, it captivated me from start to finish and I was so enamoured with this couple I couldn’t help but root for them. I shared their love, I felt their pain, I empathised, I sympathised, I ached, I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I got angry, I got sad, I got happy and I cried……A LOT!!!…every single possible emotion, I felt, every emotion was conveyed brilliantly through the pages of this book. Nothing I could say could do the emotional pull in this book any justice what so ever, it just hooks you in until you drown in the pages. I truly drowned!!

I was messaging the blogger that recommended this whilst reading, she shared my pain, she took my outbursts on the chin, she relived it, I think she even said she cried at one point…but I did make her laugh!! I messaged her and said “He kills himself doesn’t he???? Then quickly added “Shit don’t answer that.” I tried to guess what was coming so that I could prepare myself but I was so wrong (so don’t worry there are no suicides in this book!!) It is one heck of a journey and one that shouldn’t be missed.

I have downloaded book 2, but was a bit reluctant to start it straight away as not sure my heart could have taken another battering. This is part of a trilogy but could be read as a standalone. Book 3 is to be released this year, I will for one will be at the front of the queue!!!

So all I can say, is I can’t tell you what happens and I won’t tell you what happens but I will say that for those that love an emotional love story this is the one for you. It is pretty and it is ugly but it is truly brilliant. This will go onto my favourites shelf and will be one that I will read again and again when my tear ducts need an empty. Andy and Bethy will be forever imprinted onto my heart and soul and will not forget this story, yes it is THAT GOOD!!

Barbara Stewart you are one truly talented lady!!

What Willow says: 4.5 Teary Stars

As Donna has already outlined the story and I cant really add much more without giving too much away, I will just talk about my feelings whilst reading. As Donna says it is so rare for me to cry at a book, I've had books recommended to me before that "will make you cry" and I haven't so I was a bit skeptical going into this one.

I will admit that I struggled to get into it at the beginning. The writing style was different to what I was used to and I wasn't connecting to the characters or the story. I probably would have given up and moved on to another book if it the person who recommended it to me wasn't so sure that I'd cry. So I carried on and I am so pleased I did. At about 25% I started to get into the story, I got used to the writing style and I started to feel some of the things the characters went through.

I too kept wondering what could happen that was so bad that it would make me cry and I came up with theories too, but none were close to the truth.

I will admit that I did not like one of the main characters throughout most of the book, because they caused a lot of hurt and they did something I couldn't get past.  I was texting Donna saying OMG I cant believe that happened or I really don't like them now,  but the author did a very good job at getting me to change my mind, because at the end of the book I felt so so sorry for them.

So the big question is did I cry? Yes I did, there were a few tears at one point and so I text Donna admitting that I was teary and she replied that it wasn't even the worst bit! When I got to that point, bam that was it, I was definitely crying. The tissues came out and I even had to stop a few times because I couldn't see the words! I pretty much stayed that way until the end of the book. At the end I was puffy eyed and had a pile of tissues next to me and my husband was chuckling - it so rare for him to see me like that over a book.

This is book one of a trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone as you will feel closure of that story. The next book is out now, but I'm not going to read it straight away, I don't really feel I need to, but it will be near the top of my TBR pile.

So thank you to the blogger who recommended this to us. It is a great story. I'm not going to give it 5 stars because of how I felt at the beginning and would have given up, but I am giving it 4.5 stars.   I definitely recommend this book, if you're like me and struggle at the beginning, please persevere because it is totally and utterly worth it! But don't forget the tissues!!!

Buy Links: 

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/14Ov2tC

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1eWoP4w

Giveaway! 

Win a kindle ebook of Rock & Roll Never Forgets

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Review ~ Shooting Scars (The Artists Trilogy 2) by Karina Halle

Reviewed by Willow & Donna ~ 5 Stars

**ARC Received for honest review**

This book starts off where Sins & Needles ends. Ellie is now in Javier's possession after giving herself up in exchange for Javier letting Camden's wife and son go. Camden is left shocked that Ellie went with Javier - that wasn't the plan! He feels that Ellie didn't care enough about him and that's why she went with Javier. He now has his wife and son back though and has to make sure they are safe first, then he's keeping his promise to Ellie and he will find her. 

Ellie sacrificed herself to save Camden's family and give him the life with them he deserved. But at what cost? Javier has changed, he's not the man she knew - and it scares her. He also wants her to do something for him and it will put her in danger, but what else can she do? She's here because she is saving Camden and his family. 

Things do not work out the way Camden hoped with his family and now he is in danger and on the run. The one thing he can't stop thinking about is Ellie, no longer responsible for his wife and son, he is free to go and find her. He will not lose her again. He goes to the only person he can think of to help him - Ellie's friend Gus. Camden convinces Gus that Ellie is in danger and he needs to find her, but Gus is concerned about Ellie too and the two of them join together to try and find her.

Willow: As I'm sure you are all aware by now I am a huge Karina Halle fan, so I was so excited about reading this book. I hated the cliffhanger that S&N left us on and so I dived right in. What I got was not what I was expecting, but I loved every second of it. (Well mostly - I'll admit I did want to rant at times) So Donna what are your thoughts?

Donna: I did feel the first half was a bit slow for Karina Halle, normally you are all guns blazing off the bat but I could understand the need to set the scene. I still hate Javier with a passion. Whilst I can see why he feels that he is the "perfect" man for Ellie, his morals and code of conduct are just disgusting!!

Willow: Its no secret who's team you’re on then Donna! I felt it was the right pace for me, I liked getting to see Camden change, because he definitely does here, he gets a much harder edge to him, something I think even Javier fans can appreciate. Javier has also changed and it was obvious he wasn’t being completely honest with Ellie. But I felt for Ellie thinking that Camden wasn’t coming for her, that she was alone. Now I will say that who's ever team you are on, Javier or Camden, there is going to be stuff in this book that you don't like. One team I’m sure will be raging - I know I was, but that's what I love about Karina's writing, that her characters get under your skin, that you care enough to feel like ranting!

Donna: I totally agree, Javier gets darker, a lot darker. Camden finally gets a real back bone and I think that even he surprises himself in this book. I will admit I am team Camden, there is something about Javier that gives me the creeps. He may feel that Ellie is his soul mate, but he seems to me to see her as a means to an end, to get what he wants out of life and because of her past history he sees that she is his perfect "Queen" but this does not take Ellie's wants or needs into account at all!! I can say that yes, I was raging...especially at 60%..you know what I mean...I could not believe that happened. But as you say Javier had convinced Ellie that Camden wasn't coming so I can see why she made the choices she did, but does mean that I have to agree with them...not one little bit.

Willow: I have to disagree with you a bit there, I actually do think that Javier thinks he loves Ellie and not just as a means to an end - I wasn't convinced after OES, but in this one there are little things that he says and does that does make me think that he truly believes he loves her, but I think he doesn't understand what love is. But I do agree he treats her more like a possession than anything else. Yes I certainly know what you mean about 60%. There is heartbreak in this book for both Men (if Javier has a heart? - perhaps disappointment is more accurate) and I think that whilst the majority of the book Ellie is in Javier's hands Karina's has done a brilliant job at making both teams feel that the men still have a life ahead with Ellie. Let’s talk about Gus, we see a lot more of him in this book, he really becomes a central character. I loved getting to see more of him, he is a great character. We discussed a theory we both have about Gus ;-) I wonder if anyone else thinks the same? Tell me what you like about Gus?

Donna: Gus is extremely protective of Ellie, I do, as you know I have my theories regarding this, but he really comes to life in this book. He and Camden made a great team!! They were like white knights coming to Ellie's rescue. I am extremely worried though about what happens to him going forward! It seems that Javier knows more than he lets on about Gus and I am not sure that things went down the way that Javier said they did.

Willow: There is definitely a sense that there are more twists and turns to come particularly about Gus and his involvement and relationship with Ellie. You are right - Totally loved these two as a team. It was a bit devastating watching what all these two were doing to find Ellie and then flicking to Ellie and seeing that she didn't think anyone would come for her. There is action in this book especially with Cam and Gus on the hunt - Tattoo gun moments, Creamer incidents and car chases! but also the drama of why Javier has Ellie and what he's asking her to do, which puts her in a lot of danger. As you know I'm not a big crier, but I actually nearly cried twice - once out of total anger I admit and once because of what happens to a character.

Donna: Nooooo, did you just say the "c" word....Willow and cry in the same sentence...I don't believe it!!! This is a pivotal moment...Karina Halle bow and take an ovation, this is unheard of lol!! I must admit, Karina did go hell for leather with what Gus and Camden went through in their hunt for Ellie. The tattoo gun moment actually made me feel physically sick and even Gus was shocked and he has seen a lot. It just went to show how much Ellie meant to Camden, that he would do whatever necessary to find her. I am soooo tempted to try the creamer thing...but as I am so accident prone I daren't lol...and I love a good car chase...this series would make a great film!!

Willow: I did say nearly cried! lol The ending - well, its not as bad as a cliffie as the last one but it will definitely leave you wondering what the gang are going to do next. What did you think?

Donna: It leaves you wanting the next one and quick..so Karina needs to get typing!! The readers are going to be antsy!! The last three standing are hardly a dream team but I cannot wait to see where this is going to go!! I think that a lot of decisions are going to be made that are going to shock a lot of people but they are necessary for the end result. It also all comes down to trust, who can be trusted? But it is like making a deal with the devil, but who is the devil?? In this book, there are more than one!! Also, what do you think about Ellie's parents...there is something amiss there...I have my theories!!

Willow: I don't want to give too much away but Ellie's parents do make an appearance, but I don't think their motives are as they seem, there is definitely more of a story there. So to summarise, this book has action, twists and turns, two hot men (what? I think Javier's hot ok? - I also think he's evil though and I cant forgive him) It has danger, some very sexy scenes (even if they are with what some might say is the wrong guy) lots of angst! it has it all - I thought it was an amazing book 2 and I cannot wait for book 3 Bold Tricks. An Easy 5 Beautiful Ellie Watt stars!

Donna: Personally I wouldn't say Javier was hot, that is all personal preference, I need to like the person to like the man and me no likey!!! But each to their own. I CANNOT wait for book 3, it is going to be one hell of a ride for sure. There are still so many questions that need to be answered and so many people that need dealing with. I am giving this book another 5 Camden McQueen is The Man stars!! He made this book for me, he made me feel the most. Karina Halle did an amazing job and I really cannot wait.

Shooting Scars is released on 20th August! Pre-order your copy now. 

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/14RNYMj

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/13F75FZ

Review: Wicked Beat (Sinners 4) by Olivia Cunning @oliviacunning

Reviewed by Willow & Dawn

**ARCs received for honest reviews**

What Willow says: 4 Stars

I am a massive fan of Olivia Cunning's Sinners series. Over the last 4 books we have gotten to know the characters well and so diving back into the sinners world felt like meeting up with old friends.

Now I have to say for those of you that don't know, although this is the last Sinners book to be published, it is actually book 4. Double Time, which is Trey's story is the final book, book 5, but it was published before Wicked Beat. I understand that this was the publisher's decision and not Olivia's due to demand for Trey's book. Now I cannot stress this enough - if you haven't read the series yet or are only half way through, please read them in the order they were meant to be. Because I read Double Time when it came out, I read about events that happened after Wicked Beat. This meant that when reading Wicked Beat I already knew things that where yet to be revealed to me. I wont say that it ruined my enjoyment, because I love these books, but I do wish I had read them in the proper order to get the full effect of Wicked Beat. Here is the correct order:

Book 1 Backstage Pass ~ Brian's Story

Book 2 Rock Hard ~ Sed's Story

Book 3 Hot Ticket - Jace's Story

Book 4 Wicked Beat ~ Eric's Story

Book 5 Double Time ~ Trey's Story

I have to say that going into Wicked Beat Eric was my least favourite Sinner. But on reflection I think that this is because we didn't see as much of him in the previous books as the other guys. My view of him has totally changed after reading this book, he is actually a really nice guy that just really needed some one to believe in him. He has had a tough life and you see how this has effected him.

Enter Rebekah. Following the tour bus crash Dave, the sound technician, is still recovering. The Sinners need a new sound Tech and Dave knows just the person - His Sister. Things are not going to be easy for Rebekah though, being a female, will she be accepted by the band and the crew? Especially as one crew member thought that he was going to get the sound tech job.

The moment Eric lays eyes on Rebekah he instantly feels he's got to have her, so when the band ask him his thoughts on Rebekah joining the crew, he says yes. His happiness is short lived though when, like most girls she seems to only have eyes for Trey.

As Eric and Rebekah get to know each other Rebekah starts to see Eric in a different light. Rebekah has a secret though and when Eric finds out will he still want her? Eric has always doubted his worth, and so when challenges are thrown there way Eric is left questioning what Rebekah sees in him and what he has to offer. Can they heal each other?

I actually loved Rebekah's character, although I did find her odd at times and I loved how she was totally lusting after Trey in the beginning, but once she got to know Eric starting taking notice of him more. I challenge anyone to read this book and not fall in love with Eric Sticks. Like Jace (my favourite Sinner) he is so much more than you see on the outside.

A Sinners book wouldn't be a Sinners book without super hot sex scenes and there are plenty of these as the characters get to work through their issues. 

As always you also see snippets of the other Sinners lives which is always great. I am really sad that this is the last Sinner book, I will miss these characters alot, but they will be filed on my kindle under "super hot pick me ups" for when I need to get out of a book slump!

I highly recommend the whole series!   

What Dawn says: 4.5 Stars 

I have loved all the Sinners books and was really looking forward to meeting Eric Stick as I found him a little odd in the other books.
He was involved in a few of the hot scenes in the other books but I felt he had a story to tell a reason he was always involved in the bedroom with the other guys but never really had his own girl. He always seemed lonely and a little sad.

When I first started reading this and there was a lot of Trey I was worried this wasn't going to be entirely Eric's story, but it was.
Rebekah is the replacement sound technician who will be touring with the guys and Eric takes to her straight away but she's all about Trey and doesn't telly see Eric for what he is. So I wasn't too sure if she was gonna be the right girl for him but then there's a scene with all three of them and she declines to have both of them. Her and Eric make a mutual agreement to have a relationship of sorts and when offered to have them both again she chooses Eric over Trey and that's when I began to really like her.
Eric needs a bit of love, affection, TLC and a help with his control issues. Every fantasy they have had, they cover it—naughty nurse, misbehaving French maid, cowboy, naughty school boy...the list goes on. While they're "at it", they heal a lot of old wounds they both have.

During all this they have some current issues to be dealing with too. One being Rebekah's mum and the other her ex!
Her mum is a whole bag of crazy and hates Eric, she thinks he's no good for and is horrible to him at times. She also thinks the sun shine Isaac's, me I didn't like him and I thought Rebekah showed him too much attention and he made Eric feel like nothing.

In this book Eric becomes so much more than the guy in the background. His character truly develops and what a great character he is. Rebekah really annoyed me in places and I wanted to shake her but in the end she proves her self to be worthy of Eric. This is the main reason I'm dropping half a star and only giving it 4.5. As always a great book from Olivia. I'm off to read Double Time now.

Review: Thief (Love Me With Lies 3) by Tarryn Fisher @Tarryn__Fisher

After rumours all over the weekend Thief, book 3 in the Love Me with Lies series by Tarryn Fisher, was finally released yesterday! Willow and Donna were dying to get stuck into to this book. Here are their thoughts and feelings on it: 

Reviewed by Willow & Donna ~ 5 Stars 

"She’s mine. She always has been, she always will be."

Willow: I can still remember when you convinced me to read the Opportunist, I had been putting off because I heard it was emotionally draining, but you said that it was one of the best books you'd read so I had a go at it. I remember finishing it and being a little angry that I didn’t get my HEA, but I started to think that both Caleb & Olivia were f**ked up and would only destroy one another if they were together, so I was actually really scared going into this one, especially when I saw the blurb saying Caleb was going to fight for her. I have always been team Caleb secretly but we can see Tarryn is so good at writing a big mess of a relationship. What where you thoughts before you started reading?

Donna: I was nervous and reluctant, I had been waiting so LONGGGGGG for this book, I wanted my HEA for Caleb and Olivia, as you know I have always been team Caleb and knowing what a mind F**K Tarryn likes to dish out I was anxious. It was a case of I so want to open this book now, dare I open this book now, is Tarryn going to kill me with this book....oh shit just open the damn book and start...so I did.

Willow: Well we did have that conversation about me helping you bury Tarryn if we didn't get our HEA for them!!!

Again this book had a different feel than TO & DR, and I think that it’s great all three books felt different to me, they all felt like their character’s personality. TO was angst filled and difficult at times, DR was down right ugly and whilst Thief was not perfect it was more caring that the other two books.

Donna: I think that we saw a very different side to Caleb in this book, whilst in TO although I wanted them to be together I thought he was a stupid selfish git at times and so tactless, yet in this book, through the past chapters we got to see the real Caleb, the real turmoil, his real thoughts and feelings and that just made me fall in love with him even more...all of their crap that was dished out, whilst was their own fault to some extent, layed firmly at the feet of Leah and despite everything she even tried again in this book

"Selfish, self-centered Caleb Drake loved a girl so much he could already feel himself changing to accommodate her needs.
I fell.
Hard.
For the rest of this life and probably the next.
I wanted her — every last inch of her stubborn, combative, catty heart."

Willow: My heart totally broke 100 times for Caleb in this book, he was trying so hard and I totally agree with you, I thought in previous books he was just as manipulative as Olivia and Leah (well maybe not Leah - she is the queen of bitches) but I too fell in love with Caleb in this one.

"God. I think of Olivia now and a peace settles over me. She might not be mine, but I’m hers. It’s no use even fighting it anymore. I just keep falling flat on my face and then rolling toward her. If I can’t have Olivia Kaspen, then I’ll be alone. She is a disease I have. After ten years, I am finally realizing that I can’t cure it with other women" 

Donna: My heart broke for Caleb a lot and I must admit I was getting pretty pissed at Olivia, she was giving out so many mixed signals to Caleb and then she would just go and break his heart all over again. I was worried when he went away for work as I thought that may have been the nail in the coffin but was glad that fate had other ideas

“It was a lie. I knew it was a lie, even as I said it. I’ve never loved anyone after you. I never will.”
I walk out.
Walk away.
No more fighting — not for her, or with her, or with myself.
I am so sad."

Willow: I hated Olivia at one point! "I choose him" - you are right it was a roller coaster of up and downs for poor Caleb, as it always is with these two:

“Leah-”
“No,” I say.
“I don’t want to talk about Leah.”
“Fine,” she says.
“Where’s Noah?” She looks away.
“Please stop asking me that.”
“Why?”
“Because it hurts to answer.” I consider her for a moment and nod. “You’re going to have to tell me eventually.”
“Eventually.” She sighs. “That word is so us, isn’t it? Eventually, you’ll tell me you’re faking your amnesia. Eventually, I’ll tell you that I’m pretending not to know you. Eventually, we’ll come back together, fall apart, come back together.”

Willow: Through the first part of the book I was wondering where Leah was. Then bam, everything she did after that kinda made up for her absence in the first part don’t you think? Lets talk about Noah - I was convinced before going into Thief that there was something not right about him, I thought no one is that perfect and although we heard a bit more about him, I was actually disappointed there wasn’t more.

Donna: Like you I thought that there was something missing with him, whether it was like a set up or something...he just seemed too sugary sweet with bows and flowers, but actually he was actually that nice, he had his own demons to deal with, but if I was him, knowing my future wife was in love with another man, I couldn't have done it. Their marriage was doomed from the start especially when the other factors were thrown into the mix. My heart did break for Olivia in the epilogue, having been there and done that...but luckily for me, my outcome was so different, I was just so sad that mother nature took away that HEA for her.

Willow: Yes the ending. As you know I'm a cold hearted bitch, it takes a lot for me to cry at a book, and I did cry at Thief. It was like every time Tarryn gave us something good it was bitter sweet because she took something else away. In true Tarryn style it was heartbreaking and messy!

Donna: This book was extremely emotional for me, but we needed to get inside Caleb's head and Tarryn did it brilliantly. We got so many questions answered which we soooo needed. After getting these answers it just made me angry, if only they talked...then all this heart break could have been avoided, but then if they did talk we never would have got 3 amazing books...ying and yang and all that!!

Willow: Totally agree! I loved this book, I felt it was a good ending to the trilogy. The way it has been written with each book told from each of the three personalities (and even a bit from Noah) was genius. I loved the back and forth between past and present. It was easy to read and brought out a lot of emotions, hurt, anger, betrayal and hate, but also hope, longing and love - however f**ked up that love was. But most of all it felt real, ok maybe an extreme side of real, but there was no insta love, they had to work hard for it. In real life love isn't always hearts and flowers, sometimes it is messy and F**cked up and Tarryn has certainly written about that "alternative" side of love. For me this was an easy 5 star read.

Donna: I totally agree, love is never guaranteed and it is always a work in progress, you have to want it, nurture it, fight for it. It can be messy but if it was all hearts and flowers life would be incredibly boring. As you say, this is real life, maybe a bit extreme with Leah's shenanigans but very real none the less. I was glad they got a relative HEA in the end, despite the twist at the end, even though it was not the ending I would have liked. But, it was the ending that this trilogy deserved, it was never perfect, so a perfect ending would have done the book an injustice. With all that being said and having had time to reflect and digest and get my head round it, I will give it a 5 too, it deserves it!! Although that darn ending was just urgggghhhhhh, it needed to be done.

Reading order: 

The Opportunist 

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1bF7dwT

 Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/19d8DO8

Dirty Red

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1bF7tMb

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/12Y7uX8

Thief

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/19d8QAX

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/1b7vOv1