Category: Abuse

SYNOPSIS:

You met Audrey Decker through Nate and Libby’s story in For Nicky, Torey Hope book 1. This is Audrey’s story. It is highly suggested that you read For Nicky before reading Because of Beckett so that you can be emotionally vested in Audrey’s story.

Audrey Decker is a mean girl, a bitch, a bully. She has no plans to stop treating people badly and she’s definitely not going to stop using sex as power. But when she ends up in therapy against her wishes, an ugly and painful repressed past is uncovered and Audrey’s world is tipped on its axis. Everything she thought she knew, everything she thought she was, is all changing.

Jeremiah Jordan returns from serving two years overseas with a detached and hardened heart. When his world is rocked with unexpected news and difficult challenges, Jeremiah faces them head on. He’s comfortable with where he is right now; he has his parents close by and his son is his world. He definitely doesn’t have time for the hassle that has always accompanied dating in the past. He doesn’t have it in him to put effort into forming relationships that may just hurt him or his son again.

A chance encounter, second chances, and a little boy who believes in learning from mistakes is all it takes to bring Audrey and Jeremiah together. However, deserving a second chance and taking that second chance are two very different things. Learning from mistakes and letting go of the past may be easier said than done. Can Audrey and Jeremiah push through the pasts that are haunting both of them or will their romance wither and die under the weight of it all?

Because of Beckett is a story of love, forgiveness, and second chances.

**Because of Beckett is recommended only for ages 18+ due to harsh language, adult situations, and mature themes. Certain pivotal points of Audrey’s history may trigger unpleasant memories for some readers.**

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Renee's Review

Because of Bennett was another great book by A.D. Ellis. The best part of this book was Mr. Beckett. Talking about a charming little fella, he was so sweet and wise beyond his years. He charmed his way into my heart and I think he will take up permanent residentsacy right along Nicky. I was so glad Nicky had a staring role in this story as well. His sweet loving nature captured my heart in the first book and didn't let it go in this one either.
This was a redemption story of sorts, learning to not only love yourself but how to let go of the mistakes you've made in you past and move on. Getting the help you need and keep working on yourself.
A.D. Ellis has a wonderful way of making you care for her characters. You find your self so involved in their story and you want to cry with them. There was once in the book, I was saying... Oh, no she didn't, did she? This book was a little emotional but the epilogue made up for everything.

Don't let all this fill good mushy stuff you read in the previous paragraphs get in the way of letting you think Ellis skipped on the hot scenes. Nope, she has a strong knack for that too. From dirty talk to steamy interlude, Ellis continues with the hard core, ah romance situations.
I hope to see more from this little town!

I give Because of Bennett 5 Platypires
Or stars however you like to count.
BAMA Love, Roll Tide, and Keep Reading Y'all
Renee

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The Smartest Girl In The Room by Deborah Nam-Krane

11/25/2014

SYNOPSIS:

Nineteen year old Emily wants her college diploma fast, and she's going to get it. But when the perfect night with perfect Mitch leads her to a broken heart, Emily is blind to her vulnerability. When the person she cares about the most is hurt as a result, Emily's ambition gives way to more than a little ruthlessness. She's going to use her smarts to take care of herself and protect the people she loves, and everyone else had better stay out of her way. But shouldn't the smartest girl everyone knows realize that the ones she'd cross the line for would do the same for her?

The Smartest Girl In The Room is Book One in The New Pioneers series.

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Renee's Review

I was gifted this book by the author (thank you) in exchange for an honest review.

The Smartest Girl in the Room by Deborah Nam-Krane, is diffidently a case of "can't judge a book by it's cover". I did that very thing. I wasn't fond of the cover, so I didn't think I would like the book. This was a great book about growing up and taking care of yourself. This shows us how important nurturing is in growing up process.

Emily is a stressed out 19 year old college student, that's where the normal college student part of her ends. She has a hard life, she has always had to take care of herself. She is very vulnerable, so she turns a blind eye toward some signs about people she trusted and thought were her friends. To be the smartest girl in the room, she really lack in socially and emotional situations. I just wanted to mother her and be there for her.

Mitch, really was a great guy but he had his faults. He did break Emily's heart and I kind of understand his reasoning.... but really it was just a guy being a dumb guy. He got kind of burned in return (not by Emily). Even with all that happen Mitch still remained one of my favorite characters.

Nam-Krane really did the young adult theme well. I'm nowhere near that age but I do have kids that age. I feel like she got it right, with all the stress of college and still trying to make time for a life. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

I give The Smartest Girl In The Room 4 Platypires
Bama Love!! Roll Tide!! and Keep Reading Y'all
~Renee

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Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

11/19/2014

SYNOPSIS:
For more than a decade, Jenna Metcalf has never stopped thinking about her mother, Alice, who mysteriously disappeared in the wake of a tragic accident. Refusing to believe that she would be abandoned as a young child, Jenna searches for her mother regularly online and pores over the pages of Alice’s old journals. A scientist who studied grief among elephants, Alice wrote mostly of her research among the animals she loved, yet Jenna hopes the entries will provide a clue to her mother’s whereabouts.

Desperate to find the truth, Jenna enlists two unlikely allies in her quest. The first is Serenity Jones, a psychic who rose to fame finding missing persons—only to later doubt her gifts. The second is Virgil Stanhope, a jaded private detective who originally investigated Alice’s case along with the strange, possibly linked death of one of her colleagues. As the three work together to uncover what happened to Alice, they realize that in asking hard questions, they’ll have to face even harder answers.

As Jenna’s memories dovetail with the events in her mother’s journals, the story races to a mesmerizing finish.

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Renee's Review

Jodi Picoult can write any genre she please, she has proven that more than once. She is just phenomenal, she NEVER goes where you think she will. Her characters are rich and layered, that you only get their information a little at a time. I savor every single book Picoult writes.

I'm sure that I can't write a review on Leaving Time and do it any justice. This book has two stories going on simultaneously. One was about a 13 year old girl named Jenna, that is looking for her mom. The other is the back of her mom and dad, and what lead up to them parting.

Jenna gets the help of a washed up detective and a psychic that can't well... talk to the dead anymore. Now that's a trio in it's self. The accident, or whatever happened that lead up to the parting of Jenna and her parents happened when she was 3. I guess she was a brilliant 3 year old because she was really smart even back then... Hmmm.

This trio travel through many twist and turns, with a few hurt feelings and angry words. These two misfits are there for Jenna and truly care about her.

I'm a big Picoult fan always have been and I guess I always will. I bet her to do list is written in secret code and at the very bottom is the answer. I dare say you have to be patient, because Picoult doesn't just write a story for you to read she takes you on a journey.

I give Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult 5 Platypires
I would give her all the stars in the sky if it were possible!

Bama Love!! Roll Tide!! and Keep Reading Y'all!!
~Renee

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White Chalk by Pavarti K. Tyler

11/7/2014

Synopsis:
Evolved Publishing presents an intimate glance inside teenage angst and confusion, and one talented but troubled girl's attempt to make sense of life, in the coming-of-age tale, "White Chalk," by award-winning author Pavarti K. Tyler. [Literary, New Adult, Women's Fiction]
Chelle isn’t a typical 13-year-old girl—she doesn’t laugh with friends, play sports, or hang out at the mall after school. Instead, she navigates a world well beyond her years.
Life in Dawson, ND spins on as she grasps at people, pleading for someone to save her to return her to the simple childhood of unicorns on her bedroom wall and stories on her father’s knee.
When Troy Christiansen walks into her life, Chelle is desperate to believe his arrival will be her salvation. So much so, she forgets to save herself. After experiencing a tragedy at school, her world begins to crack, causing a deeper scar in her already fragile psyche.
Follow Chelle’s twisted tale of modern adolescence, as she travels down the rabbit hole into a reality none of us wants to admit actually exists.

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Renee's Review

I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review (thank you)

White Chalk by Pavarti K. Tyler is a deep, heavy book. It took a lot out of me and will stay with me forever. It is one of those books that is completely gut wrenching. It pulls every emotion from you, and tears out your heart! I didn't just cry, I ugly cried! Tyler takes you such an emotional ride right along with Chelle.

Tyler's character's have so many layers, but her main character Chelle gets the shining star. Chelle is a 13 year old girl with issues to say the very least. She isn't like other 13 year old girls, she can't allow herself to be that free to feel. Chelle was forced to grow up way too fast. My heart went out to her, her self image really bothered at first. Until her story evolved, I just couldn't understand anyone in those early teen years that down on themselves. Then as Tyler starts to unravel Chelle complicated life, you truly see why and how anyone in her situation would be the same way, if not even worst. Chelle seeks attention anywhere she can find it.. (Isn't this the case in a lot of our young women these days? This book gave me the desire to do something to encourage our young teenage girls. Give them confidence. I think I'm going to have to research on a way to help.)

Not everyone out there in our world gets tucked in at night, kissed on the check, and mom tells them sweet dreams. It's just a hard fact that in a lot of cases that is just a fairytale to kids, boys or girls. Tyler does a splendid job of letting us see the ugly side of things. Not everything out there (in real life) is all rich guys, fast cars and roses, so why should books be any different. This is more true life than we want to admit. Just because it isn't happening in your own family doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Tyler should be applauded, she had the guts to write about something out of the norm. Not what's popular right now in books. This isn't what the masses are saying oooh I gotta read! But let me tell you my friend right now, this is a book you should read. Tyler in my opinion deserves an award! You did an awesome job Pavarti Tyler, this book should be on EVERYONE'S TBR list!

I give White Chalk by Pavarti K. Tyler 5 Platypires
Bama Love! Roll Tide!! and Keep Reading Y'all

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Unlocked by H.C. Brown

10/28/2014

Synopsis:
The Special Ops genetic experiments were designed to create super soldiers, not sex-addicted doms.
When Delano Briggs, BDSM club owner and volunteer firefighter, is called to aid in the evacuation of a burning New York hotel, he thinks it's just another job.
But after rescuing the irresistibly sexy Chanze, he learns that behind the velvet curtains of the five-star hotel is one of the most exclusive, and immoral, prostitution rings in the country. For the men at the Cloister aren't merely lovers for hire, but genetically enhanced sex slaves, created to provide the brothel's rich clientele with the most insatiable doms and delicious subs.
Kept against his will by the doomsday chip implanted in his brain, Chanze sees no chance of escape. Until Delano and his three fellow super-enhanced operatives infiltrate the club for a walk on the wild side.

This story is rated "Very Hot" (5 out of 5 flames) and contains M/M pairings

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Renee's Review

This ARC was graciously (thank you) given to me by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Unlocked by H.C. Brown is not a book a would have normally read. When I read the synopsis on netgalley, I must have been in a reading hangover or something because I didn't realize I was signing up for a M/M book. When I sign up for these books, I give them my full attention and this one grabbed my attention. When I first started reading it I was like WTH did I just sign up for? I keep reading, there was a little bit of a sci-fi twist to this too, which again, so not my genre. So you ask what kept me reading a story so out of my realm that I normally would have just shut it down and run??? This is a really interesting plot. I needed to know what was going to happen.

I could see this book being a series, I felt like the characters needed a little more depth. I didn't get the feeling like I knew them but that could be because they are gay and I'm not. I do have a 21 year old gay son, so I feel like I understand more than the average. This is my reason for the three stars. If you're looking for a kink factor and heavy BDSM, this book has all you need.

I give Unlocked by H.C Brown 3 Platypires

Bama Love, Roll Tide, and Keep Reading Y'all!

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Becoming Calder by Mia Sheridan

10/10/2014

SYNOPSIS
There is a place in modern day America with no electricity, no plumbing, and no modern conveniences. In this place, there is no room for dreams, no space for self-expression, and no tolerance for ambition.

In this place, there is a boy with the body of a god and the heart of a warrior. He is strong and faithful and serves his family honorably. But he dares to dream of more.

In this place, there is a girl with the face of an angel and a heart full of courage. To her family, she is the vision of obedient perfection. But she dares to want that which she has been told can never be hers.

Becoming Calder is the story of good versus evil, fear versus bravery, and the truth that the light of love has always found its way into even the darkest of places . . . From the beginning of time, to the end of the world.

THIS IS THE FIRST PART IN A TWO-PART SIGN OF LOVE SERIES INSPIRED BY AQUARIUS. THE SECOND PART, FINDING EDEN, WILL RELEASE SIMULTANEOUSLY. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18

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Renee's Review

I can see it now, this book has the makings of a mini-series. Becoming Calder, by Mia Sheridan is like a fine wine, I had to let it a few day and get a breath before I could write this review. It was deep, dark and completely mind blowing. I'm really not sure where to even start to give this book a review it deserves. Mia Sheridan is a very talented writer, she has taken this series "Sign of Love" and every book is so unique from the last. This one takes the cake for originality! This had your suspense, forbidden love, best friend, religion/cult compound, erotica, kid-napping, all in one book. This all takes place modern day, but the works of the compound have none of the modern conveniences we all take for granted.

This book follows Calder and Eden over a span over years. The first time Calder sees Eden, she is introduced by Hector (cult leader) as "the Blessed One". She was about 10 years old, Hector told his congregation that she would be his bride and stand by his side, just as soon as she turned 18 of course. You know he had to keep it all respectable and everything.... nothing creepy there or anything (gag). Calder has a beautiful heart even as a kid, always doing the right thing. He is a hard worker, and loves his family beyond measure. Eden is an innocent child, scared beyond belief, not allowed to associate with the other children with her being the "Blessed One" and all that and the bag of chips. They catch each others eye several times though the years but their friendship really blossomed when she turned 17. When I say blossomed, I mean fireworks!!! They start meeting at a secret spring and things heat up 1000 degrees or so. They decide they love each other, but they know Hector would kill Calder and punish her, so they will never be together. See mini-series worthy.

The twists in this book had me gasping, my water works were going full force. My heart was not only going out to Eden and Calder, but a lot of the secondary characters. Like Calder sister, she melted my heart. Mia did a beautiful job, what more can I say.... It was epic.

Becoming Calder by Mia Sheridan receives 5 platypires
Bama Love, Roll Tide, and Keep Reading Y'all!

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UNRAVEL BY CALIA READ

10/9/2014

GOODREADS

AMAZON

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Six months ago, I was happy. I was simply Naomi Carradine.
One month ago, I was admitted into a psych ward.
Yesterday, Lachlan visited me. Kissed me. And told me that I’m starting to lose my mind.
Hours later, Max haunted my thoughts, reminding me I’m not crazy and that he needs my help.
A few minutes ago, I drifted further from reality, trying to unravel the past.
And now...everyone thinks I’m insane. But, I know he's real, and I know he needs me.
Do you believe me?

Renee's Review

Unravel by Calia Read, is a book that will stay with me for a while. It is the kind of book you digest, reflect on. The plot is so unique, richly woven, and packs so much of a punch, I could not sleep. I tried to sleep. I kept going over in my head what was going on in this book. I ended up an hour before my alarm went off reading again. Yes, it takes every bit raw emotion out of you, but omg this book was so good. The characters so richly developed, you think your watching a lifetime movie.

Okay, I don't want to give anything away but we have Naomi, she is cray cray, or in the need of some strong drugs. No one is there to support her, no one can reach her. She doesn't know why she is there. Yep, her world is screwed up, in a major way. Well, there was one person there for her, Lachlan He has been a friend for a long time and then more than a friend. Anyway, her only visitor.

Lachlan, has always been a rock for Naomi. From the time she was just a little girl, all the way through her stay at the facility. He is an extremely good guy (patient and understanding), you know what we all look for in guys.

There are a few twist here and a few turns there. It kept me guessing until that heart wrenching ending. This book made me cry big fat ugly tears! Sometimes, not very often, you are going to run across a book that is going to make you think and feel something, not a cliché, not a dime a dozen book. I checked the authors facebook page and it looks like she has another book coming out about this same facility. I'll have to recover from this one first.

UNRAVEL by Calia Read recives a million paltypires but I only a picture of five
Bama Love, Roll Tide, and Keep Reading Y'all!

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Leo's Chance by Mia Sheridan

10/9/2014

Synopsis

The follow-up to Leo, the USA Today bestselling novel by Mia Sheridan.

Does everyone deserve a second chance? Even someone who lies and deceives to get it?

Do we all have a second chance coming? Even if we play a part in our own destruction?

How hard would you fight to have a second chance at love? A second chance at life? Another chance to tell your own story?

Every love story has two sides. Evie told hers. This time it's Leo's chance.

THIS IS A POV NOVEL OF LEO (LEO SHOULD BE READ FIRST). New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18

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Renee's Review

Mia Sheridian, write beautiful unique love stories, and Leo's Chance is just that. It should be read after Leo and it is in her Sign of Love Series. This is Jake/Leo's POV. It gives us an in depth look at Leo's life after his adoption. Sheridian does a great job letting us into Leo's head. I wish she would let me see in my husband's head but, I don't think she works like that.

This book jumps from present day to prior days of Jakes recovery in the hospital (you will get this info in the his first book so no spoiler here). This is where we find out a lot about the abuse his step-mother **cough cough monster) abused him and his doctor is trying to get him to heal. Poor Leo, let me help you, (wait does that make me like the step-monster.... gross!).

You really get to see his true feelings for Evie, and I got a better understanding why his mind was so damaged that he couldn't keep his promise to Evie when she 18.

The ending, was fantastic!!!! It made my day!!! The Epilogue was sweet and made tear up.. but I didn't ugly cry! (thank goodness, because I didn't have time to re-do the make-up.

Leo's Chance by Mia Sheridian receives 5 Platypires
Bama Love, Roll Tide, and Keep Reading Y'all

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Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward

10/2/2014

Synopsis

You’re not supposed to want the one who torments you.

When my stepbrother, Elec, came to live with us my senior year, I wasn’t prepared for how much of a jerk he’d be.

I hated that he took it out on me because he didn’t want to be here.
I hated that he brought girls from our high school back to his room.
But what I hated the most was the unwanted way my body reacted to him.

At first, I thought all he had going for him were his rock-hard tattooed abs and chiseled face. Then, things started changing between us, and it all came to a head one night.

Just as quickly as he’d come into my life, he was gone back to California.

It had been years since I’d seen Elec.

When tragedy struck our family, I’d have to face him again.

And holy hell, the teenager who made me crazy was now a man that drove me insane.

I had a feeling my heart was about to get broken again.

Stepbrother Dearest is a standalone novel.

**Contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+