Heather~Reading Haven~

Bite me was a funny little gem. My understanding is that this author typically writes short serial novellas. This was her first full length novel at about 276 pages. For her first, this one was really good. It was fun and funny, it was sexy and romantic all at once. I really enjoyed the character development and the plot pacing was perfect. I was enthralled from page one.This story is about Donna. She is an advertising agent who has recently lost her job. (More on that later) She has downsized her apartment and is working as a waitress in a bar. She is smart and beautiful and not a damsel in distress...yet.Into her life walks Conner. He is a brooding and beautiful specimen of a man. His piecing blue eyes glow when he is angry...or horny. Hell yes! Oh, and ladies, he has a Scottish accent. HELLO! Panty melter!So, back to the story, Conner walks into the bar, and all of the ladies swoon. Donna notices him but doesn't talk to him. Later that night, she gets an up close and personal view of his fangs as he rescues her from certain doom. *swoon*Conner finds Donna very intriguing. There is just something about her that he knows he has to have. She seems to be resistant to his vampiric persuasion and she her blood virtually calls to him. Donna, she is reluctant. She has no idea who this guy is and he claims to be a vampire. She is quite certain he is delusional."Well, the voices of my hormones were telling me they didn’t care if he was crazy because he was beautiful and they wanted to ride him into the ground."- DonnaEventually, she realizes that the chemistry is too overwhelming to ignore. She takes a chance...And the sex was OUT OF THIS WORLD! So, they just have to do it again...right?"Fucking hormones. They had no common sense."- DonnaConner is sure that he has found his soul mate. He knows that they are meant to be together. This is a little fast for Donna. She likes him, but soul mates?This is where things get interesting. Or at least more interesting. We are introduced to our villain, Marissa and her minion who also happens to be Donna's old boss and a total creeper.Donna finds herself immersed in a plot to take over vampire kind and she is a pawn being used to maneuver Conner. She is in danger, so Conner of course goes all cave man protective and tries to hide her away. Because that always works...right? R-I-G-H-T...Donna finds herself in a bit of a precarious situation. What ever is she to do...Well, she never did loose her snarky sense of humor."Marissa was still sour-faced and in a foul temper, but even her raging case of cuntitis couldn’t dampen our mood."Marissa, you are going down!I don't want to give too much away other than to say that this is a single book that starts out wonderfully and comes to a close with no loose ends to tie up, unless you count Conner's friend...who has his sights set on Donna's friend Ivie.I absolutely adore this writing style. I am very much looking forward to more from C.C. Wood. This was a fun read that I could not put down. I LOVED Conner and Donna was so damn funny. She was a freaking riot. Her friends were also absolutely hilarious and beyond loyal. There were not too many action scenes nor was there constant sex. The highlight of this book was the burgeoning relationship between the two main characters. Now, that is not to say that the sex wasn't hot. Because it was, like seriously hot. And that is not to say that the action wasn't good, because it was stellar.C.C., I'll be looking forward to your next one! Well done!4 Neck Biting Stars! 

This is the third and final installment in the McCabe Trilogy. Caelan has wed Rionna and they return to the McDonald keep. Caelan is not as readily accepted as he had hoped. Thing pick up and this book takes on a fast paced conclusion to this amazing series.Rionna McDonald has long suffered her fathers lecherous nature and his unfair hand. She knows of his treachery, but as a daughter, she is unable to do much about it. Rionna is not a conventional daughter to the brutal Laird. She wears trousers and tunics and she dons a sword. She is a fierce warrior woman and defies any man to best her. She knows her duty is to marry a McCabe to form an alliance. She is feeling the sting of being set aside by two of the brothers only to be married off to Caelen.Caelan McCabe is the youngest brother. He gave his heart and his hand in marriage before. He was betrayed by his love and his heart has not healed. He has vowed that he will never love again. He agreed to wed Rionna so that his older brother, Alaric, could be with his true love Keeley. Caelan is emotionally cold and doesn't trust easily but he is determined that this marriage will be a political success.When Caelen takes over and orders Rionna to wear a dress... she is less than impressed. He is determined to maker her into a proper Mistress of the house.Caelen is charged with getting the McDonald clan into shape for war. They are allied with the McCabe's for the sole purpose of overthrowing Duncan Cameron. When Caelen tries to train the men, he has no idea what he is in for.Rionna and Caelen spend time learning to please each other in the marraige bed. Caelan is very patient and eager lover. He is a naturally dominating man in the bedroom. Rionna is eager to oblige and she explores her control through surrender.“Methinks marriage has made my brother soft,” Alaric replied. “ ’Tis a shame when a puny lass has to save his arse.” With their sexual awakening, they find it hard to keep feelings from developing. Rionna has little trouble tumbling over the edge. She vows to wait for her warrior and please him until he is able to fully surrender his heart to her.“I love you,” he said fiercely. “ ’Tis not true that I kept a part of my heart locked away from you. You own all of it, lass. You’ve always owned it. I didn’t give it to you. You took it from the very start.”- CaelenWar is brewing and there are alliances being made outside the McCabe family. Cameron could bring about the family's downfall if they are not careful.This book build to a frenzied climax and years worth of history is revealed. Betrayals abound and all must be brave. The story must come to an end, and so could the lives of some of our great warriors. “You’ll fight, damn it. You’ll not give over this easily. God is not ready for you yet because I am not through with you. You’re going to wake up and you’re going to give me the words I’ve waited on for so long. Telling me you love me on the battlefield as we both lay dying doesn’t count. You’ll give them to me and mean them or so help me I’ll bury you in unconsecrated ground so that you never rest and you’ll be forced to dwell in this keep with me for eternity.”- RionnaI am having serious book hangover. I can't start another book after reading this trilogy back to back. They were that good. I am spoiled now! This series was exceptionally well crafted. There are well developed main characters and very interesting side characters. I loved how the story wove through the full series and built to this amazing climax.The sexual chemistry in this one was HOT! I loved how Caelan taught Rionna how to please him. *swoon* Caelan has a wicked tongue and he knows how to use it! He is a dirty talker and a hot dominant highland warrior. The love, oh the love was so sweet. All three books had amazing depth. I absolutely adored that the women in this series were ALL strong in their own way. They all had significant attributes that they brought to the relationship. They were so much more than just women to bear children. They were all warriors in their own way.5 Stars (Of course!!) 

I am plowing through this trilogy by Maya Banks and loving every minute of it. I thought the last book was the best...I was wrong, this one is. Can I give more than five stars? I loved this. While each of this books could potentially stand alone, I would highly recommend that you read them in order. There is a lot of back-story to the political intrigue that goes on. You would be slightly lost if you weren't up to speed.Keeley McDonald has been exiled from her clan, the McDonald's. Now, she is just Keeley. She lives in a small cottage on the outskirts of the clan land and takes care of herself. She is a healer and manages to eek out an existence helping others around her.Alaric is the second eldest in the McCabe clan. As such, he is duty bound to help build an alliance with the McDonald clan. Alaric sets off to meet his bride to be, Rionna. On the journey there, he is ambushed. The entire group he is with is slaughtered. Alaric barely escapes with his life and he is seriously wounded. His horse takes him to the cottage where Keeley resides. He falls at her feet and she literally has to drag him into her home.Once inside, she patches him up and he becomes delirious with fever. He begins calling her his angel. Alaric can not be consoled unless Keeley is by his side. They spend two days huddled together. She seeking to save and heal him, and Alaric seeking comfort for his pain.The eldest McCabe, Ewan and his younger brother, Caelen, show up looking for Alaric. They find what they seek and Keeley is unceremoniously hoisted onto a horse and spirited away without her consent. They are taking her to care for Alaric since their healer has died and Ewan needs a healer to both save Alaric and to deliver his child in the coming months. Keeley heals Alaric and they find that they are drawn to one another. Alaric can hardly stand to be away from his angel. Keeley knows that they can never be. She knows Alaric is destined to may another, but why can't she be with him if only for just one night?One night is not enough, forever might not be enough. They are both falling hard and fast.Keeley proves her loyalty time and again to the McCabe clan. She is truly one of them now. As a member of the clan, she knows how important the alliance between the McCabe and McDonald clans is. It breaks her heart, but she knows Alaric must marry another. They vow to be together until he must wed another.The wedding comes quickly as the alliance must be sealed. Keeley may find herself making the ultimate sacrifice for the clan she has grown to love above all else.Difficult choices must be made. Alliances are still even more necessary than ever before. This is where this story ripped my heart out! I was on pins and needles.Maya Banks...you are my hero! This book was intense, it was raw and emotional. It was everything I love in a good romance. I adored Keeley in all of her stubbornness. She set her sights on making something happen and nothing was going to stand in her way, not even a burly Scot. Initially, she longed to be left alone in her remote cottage, but soon found something she had always been missing. Acceptance and Loyalty.I would HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of Historical Romance. There was action, adventure, steamy love scenes, political intrigue, and a sweet and happy ending. LOVED IT!!! 

I absolutely adore Maya Banks historical fiction. She created an amazingly realistic backdrop and provides characters with depth. This one is no different. I felt like I was part of this world and got so sucked into the story that I read until almost two in the morning without even realizing it.Mairin Stuart is a young woman in hiding. She is the bastard child of the former King of Scotland. She is set to inherit a large plot of land upon marriage. The land is highly sought after. Her hand in marriage also comes with a significant dowry. Any clan to get her would be instantly wealthy. The problem is that Mairin may be wed and aught after to produce an heir. Once that heir is born, she is no longer useful. This is why she is in hiding. Waiting for the right moment to make her move.Ewan McCabe is the eldest son in the McCabe clan. He is the Laird of his clans keep. Ewan has a long history with Duncan Cameron. Cameron is poised to strike and he has his sights set on overthrowing the king. Ewan has his sights set on revenge. His problem is that his clan is poor. The walls of the castle are tumbling down and his clan barely has enough food to eat.When Mairin arrives at the McCabe keep she does so with a shroud of secrecy. She tries to keep her identity a secret. She wants to be able to go on her way and go back into hiding. Unfortunately for her, Duncan Cameron has set his sights on her and her inheritance.This story takes us on a twisted journey through time. It is set in a time where women are to do "women's work" and men are to do the heavy lifting and fighting. This book tackles this topic and I can't wait to see what happens in book two and three! I also love Mairin and Ewan together. Ewan immediately sees a marriage to Mairin as a way to protect her and a way to secure his own clan. Mairin was hoping to avoid marriage for a bit longer. She wasn't quite prepared to be bowled over by the burly Scot.Mairin is not an easy wife. She is opinionated and often talks back. She doesn't readily agree with her new husband and she finds herself knee deep in a conspiracy that could end very badly. There is a traitor in the keep and Mairin is in someone's cross-hairs. In the end, Mairin has to give up her notion of what is right and do what she must in order to survive.I absolutely love Maya Banks in this genre. I can't say enough good things about her. She is a master at creating sexual tension. This time period lends itself nicely to the dominating man in bed. I found many parts of this book to be quite funny ad lighthearted.I adored Mairin and Ewan together. They are both extremely stubborn and bull headed. Together, they are amazing. I am starting book two right now. I can't wait to see what Aleric McCabe gets himself into.5 Stars!  www.readinghaven.me

This was a suspense filled roller coaster ride that I did not want to get off. I absolutely adored this book.Amy is a young woman who is on the run. She has a "handler" who she only knows because he rescued her once from almost being caught. She has no idea who is after her, only that she has to keep moving. She gets a message from her handler that she is in danger of being discovered and she has to drop everything and get on a plane to start a new life with a new identity.Liam is an architect at the height of his career. He is boarding a plane headed for Denver to pitch his idea for the next big building in the city. Liam spots Amy in the airport terminal, and as luck would have it, she is seated right next to him.Amy is drawn to Liam but knows that she can not get into a relationship. She has no idea what will happen when she arrives in Denver or even who she will be. She is caught completely off guard and Liam seems to be able to see right through her lies. Amy keeps having these feelings that she is being followed and watched. She begins to question everything and everyone.Amy tries to run from Liam. She tries again and again. He is persistent and he won't give up. For some inexplicable reason, she trusts him at a time when she trusts no one.She decides on a brief and amazing encounter, but Liam has other ideas...“When I want something, I go after it. And baby, I want you, and all I can say is you might be smart to run before I get any more into you, but please don't.” Liam starts to fall for Amy. He has never fallen for anyone before. Amy can't fall for Liam, it isn't safe for her or him. She has to keep him safe, but she just can't walk away from the feelings she is developing for this enigmatic man.“All I know is he's letting me see it, and him, and he is exactly what he preaches. Raw and honest, and intense and I believe in this moment that we are a rainbow of the same colors, none of them bright or beautiful. We are the many shades of gray and black, hoping to find a glimmer of light in each other, not more darkness. ”Amy wants the knight in shining armor, but she knows that it is all an illusion. In the end, only she can save herself, right?This one ended with a HUGE cliffhanger. Why that didn't annoy the hell out of me? I have no clue. This one will be followed up fairly quickly with the next book set to be published in October, a mere month away. For those of you who have to wait for book two, it won't be long. For the rest of us, we will have to marinate in our angst and wonder what the heck is gonna happen next!I adored this writing style. It is told from Amy's point of view. Amy has had a lot happen to her and we get glimpses of her past. I am hopeful that we will get the full story in the next installment. Amy was a well developed character. She was no shrinking violet. She did what she had to do to survive. Liam is a bit of a mystery. There is something more to him and I hope that I am guessing right about his role in this saga. I guess I will have to wait and see!5 Don't make me wait! Stars. ***This book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***

Kelly Walker is a Young Adult and New Adult writer. This book falls more in the New Adult category. This is the story of a young couple who met online in a gaming chat room. They were on the same team and developed a friendship over the course of time. "Angel" and "Arion" never met in real life, but they began to develop real feelings for one another. All of that stopped one day when "Angel", Tess, simply disappeared from the game."Arion", Axel, is a young man who knows what it is like to loose someone close to you. When Angel disappears, he is devastated. He has no idea why she left or what happened to her.Angel is on the run. She is hiding from the man who she thought she could trust. She thought he was special and he turned out to be something else. Angel has lost herself in her relationship with him. She has no idea who she is or how to stand on her own two feet. She takes off across the country with no money and lands on Arion's doorstep with three dollars in her pocket and no place to go and no one else to turn to.Arion is happy to see her but e has no idea what she has been through or where she has been for the last year. Her secrets are safe for now. She has no choice but to give Arion her trust, even when trust is that hardest thing for her to give. Arion is determined to find out why she left and to never let her leave again.Angel is determined that she will make it on her own. She needs space and she needs to find herself again. Arion struggles to give her space when he is so afraid she will run again.Angel and Arion have undeniable chemistry."If I want to get you wet, Angel, it won't take a ploy. Just maybe a dash or two of patience."- ArionShe finds it more and more difficult to take things slowly."Arion - take me to bed, or take me right here, but please baby, don't make me wait."- AngelWhen Arion discovers why Angel is on the run, it threatens to tear them apart at the seams. He wants to help her and she is scared.Arion thinks Angel is going to run. Her past comes back and there is no place left for her to run to. Things get pretty intense.I will say that we do get a HEA, but it is pretty intense there for a while."I want to give you everything, but I will start with my heart."- ArionThis was a pretty adorable and unique take on a romance novel. I liked the feel of it. The fact that they met online through a game and knew each other so well before they ever met lends credibility to the whole story. Arion has genuine feelings for Angel even before he lays eyes on her. Even though she can't understand it, she can't deny that he cares about her. They find out that the friendship and the flirting that they did on-line ignites when they are together. Arion is so much better looking than Angel anticipated and Arion is immediately attracted to Angel.There is quite a bit of suspense in this for a NA book. The last 25% of the book was pretty intense. I loved the secondary characters and the somewhat geeky and loveable main characters. We get a dual point of view so we know what is going on in both of their heads, which I really enjoyed. Arion is an absolute gem. I loved him and his adorable possessive streak. He was so sweet and he wanted to go all caveman and save his girl. *swoon* Angel learned to stand up for herself and in the end she starts to find herself. In the meantime, Arion has learned to be patient. He is willing to wait.4 Adorably Romantic Stars

Mine to Keep is book two in the Mine series. Book one introduces Sky and Trace and gives up some background information about them. In book one Sky believes she is being followed, but no one believes her. She is forced to look for help in a man she left long ago.When Skye walks back into Trace's world, he's not about to let her go again. Trace agrees to help her and they fall back onto their old relationship quickly. They must find her stalker and he must answer to her why he left her ten long years ago.Mine to Keep picks up right where book one left off. This edition takes us even deeper into Trace's past and his time in the military. Trace prefers to keep his past buried, but when Skye is threatened all bets are off. Skye is opening a ballet studio and she is going to rebuild her career in dance. She may not be in the spotlight but she is doing what she loves. Skye finds the perfect studio and with Trace's help they get it ready for her students. Sky still bears the scars from her tragic car accident that ended her career. She is still suffering nightmares from her trauma (in book one). Trace vows to keep her safe always. The sexual chemistry between Sky and Trace is palpable. When they come together, Trace becomes almost feral in his intensity. He is afraid of hurting Skye, but she likes his wild side. She is not as fragile as he believes her to be. Trace frequently reminds her who she belongs to during their rough sessions. "Mine..."-Trace "I've never been afraid of the darkness that you carried. Because inside, I've got that same darkness. I think...I think I just hid it better then you." -SkyeAs Trace and Skye's pasts both come back to haunt them, things get a little dark and scary. There is a killer on the loose and the police are struggling to wrap the case up. Things get a little intense when possible betrayal is in the mix. Trace must figure out who is tormenting Skye and hope that he figures it out in time. There are lots of possibilities but the calling cards lead to someone long since buried. In this game, they can trust no one. At times they aren't even sure if they can trust each other. This book had me freaking out! Cynthia Eden is a master mind when it comes to romantic suspense. She has the Midas touch. I had never read the genre before picking up one of her books and I am hooked. She brings scorching chemistry to life and weaves a tale of mystery and suspense that sucks you in and makes you want to scream. There are LOTS of twists and turns in this book. I re-read book one to help remember what happened. While it isn't necessary it would be really helpful to know their history. We meet some new characters in this book and I am loving them. I can not wait to read about Noah!!!!! This was a five star read for me. It was solid and well crafted. I like my books nice and steamy and this one fit the bill. Trace is just the right balance of Alpha male and swoon worthy romantic. He has his issues, but I still loved him. Skye is also working through her issues and she is struggling to find her identity. She discovers a few unsavory things that Trace has been hiding and she discovers just how far she would go to protect those she loves."I've been yours since I was fifteen." The truth was there between them. They had no room for pretense. "I just had to wait for us to be together again."- SkyeIf you are a fan of romantic suspense, then you have to read this. Well done Cynthia Eden! **This book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.**

Infraction picks up right where Breach left off. Lila is still reeling from the devastation of Nathan turning his back on her. She is a shell of her former self and going through the motions of living. All of her fears are coming true.At the end of Breach we find Lila is in a terrible car accident on her way to work. Nathan is devastated and he discovers that he can't live without Lila. He tried to push her away to keep her safe but he just couldn't live with himself if she wasn't in his life.Together they start to work through the hurt and pain that Nathan inflicted on Lila when he left. Lila also starts working through her childhood fears and insecurities.Lila is afraid to let Nathan in. She is broken. Her body is shattered, her heart is broken and she is afraid. She knows if she lets Nathan back in, he could destroy her.Nathan waits patiently for Lila. There are a lot of big revelations. Nathan must reveal all in order for Lila to trust.Lila continues to worry about her past. She has panic attacks when she is triggered by an event in her past.Lila and Ethan have to hide away at work in fear of being discovered. The "boob squad" continues to torment Lila. ..Lila and Nathan work hard to overcome their pasts. They have to let go and move on. That is easier said than done and Lila's past comes with a price. Nathan and Lila continue to steam things up in the bedroom. There is some very crude dialogue in the bedroom but for some reason it works for me. I am not usually a fan of the raunchy kind of dirty talk but Nathan does it well.This one ends with room for book three. There are no major cliffhangers but a lot will carry over into book three. I have to say I didn't care for this one as much as I did the first one but I still liked it a lot. I think my problem with this one was all of the therapy that took place. They are a newer couple and have been through a lot. It seemed odd to me that they would invest in therapy when they were that early on in their relationship. Usually, if you need therapy at that point, it doesn't bode well. Anyway, I give this one four and a half stars.www.readinghaven.me

9/6/13 ON Sale 99cents. This one is lending enabled too. :-)

Review to come...

This is a revised version of Selena Kitt's now infamous book, Under Mr. Nolan's Bed. This updated version explores two young woman in their burgeoning sexuality. This book is supposed to be set in the 50's/60's which is a change from the original. It never explicitly says what the year is. This was to add to the scandalous nature of the sexual exploration. There were also a few big changes from the first book in terms of what happens with the main characters. (I did not read the first or second versions. )Leah is a Catholic School girl who is now twenty years old. She and her best friend have been inseparable since grade school. Leah's father is absent from her life and her mother has been very strict. Leah has been living at home and has never even gotten a driver's license. Leah and her best friend, Erica go exploring under Mr. Nolan's bed and find an epic stash.Erica Nolan is Leah's best friend and partner in crime.Mr. Rob Nolan has been grieving the loss of his wife for years. He has never found the courage to date again.One day while the girls are home from school, they venture into Mr. Nolan's room and look under his bed. They find stacks of porn. Pictures, magazines and videos. As the girls begin to explore the images, they experiment with each other.Soon, Leah begins wondering what Mr. Nolan does with all of his pornography. She secretly sneaks into his room to watch him one night and what she sees only adds fuel to the fire.Leah and Erica know that what they are doing is wrong and confess their sins.Leah can't take it any more, she finds herself drawn to Mr. Nolan and she wonders what it would be like to be with him.She can't get the images of him out of her mind.This is a tale of forbidden love that has a whole slew of taboo subjects. Erica and Leah's experimentation with each other. The naivete of both girls. The age differences. The Catholic school girl. This book was all I thought it would be. The writing was good, the story was, well, the story was ok.What this book was... scorching hot. I am not a huge fan of female on female sexual interactions but this one was good. At one point, while watching a porn movie, Erica said something along the lines of "The dialogue sucks, lets skip to the good part." I felt that way about this book, except the dialogue didn't suck and the whole book was "The good parts". This is not your typical erotica, this was hard core TABOO!One issue that I'm not sure the author thought through, if they are in the 50's, how can they have a TV with a remote to watch porn videos on? I am rating this four stars. It was not the best book I have read, but I couldn't put it down. This book was steamy and the characters lascivious. So, if you are looking for a shocking and slightly disturbing addition to your library, this is your book.4 Forbidden Stars.

Hello Ethan Blackstone. So nice to see you again...Coming late 2013...

Stay With Me is a refreshing New Adult Romance that is relatively drama free. Hailey is a former child actor/rock star who is looking to leave her former life behind. She does what so many other nineteen year old's do, she enrolls in college. She's hoping to keep a low profile, but things rarely go as planned and soon she finds herself back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.Hailey was in the spotlight before she was even able to walk. Her mother took her to Hollywood as an infant and she became the next Gerber Baby. Hailey was an actress and eventually she began singing. She sold out arenas around the country and she hated every minute of it. When she became an adult, she decided to take control of her life and find out who she really was.Caleb is a student in a small college. He lives close to his family and when he begins his junior year, he runs into none other than the Hailey Bloom at a party. He is immediately drawn to her. Hailey is afraid to get close to anyone because they may not be interested in her but her persona.Hailey just wants to blend in. She tries so hard to not be Hailey Bloom the star and just be Hailey the person. One day while trying to blend in Hailey encounters Daphne. Also a freshman, Daphne quickly befriends Hailey and Hailey discovers that Daphne is Caleb's sister. Hailey falls into this tight knit group of friends and finds something she has always wanted.In Hollywood you have to constantly watch your back and even "friends" can stab you in the back. Trusting others does not come easily to her.Hailey's mother was the mastermind behind her rise to fame. She isn't happy about Hailey going to college.Hailey has turned her back on her mother but she may not be able to move on so easily. Caleb and Hailey continue to get closer. She finds something she never planned on.When Hailey's secrets are threatened, she is sure that Caleb will disappear. Caleb is her rock and he is absolutely swoon worthy.This was a sweet and mostly uncomplicated romance. Hailey is a young woman who is just coming into her own and finding herself. Caleb knows who he is and where he is going an he helps Hailey in her journey. If you are looking for a light sweet read then this one is for you.4 Sweet Stars!

This one looks good!

Oh my lord this book was so freaking sad! It was so dark and gut wrenching. I need a few happy books now, no more sadness. I would not recommend this for those of you who don't like sad books. It was somewhat akin to watching Steel Magnolias, in reverse. All of the sadness hits you right from the get go. Then slowly eases into a dull ache and ending with a life worth living.Sara Walker is existing. She is a shell of her former self. There are good days and bad days. On the good days, she gets up and showers, she cleans and she eats. Then she goes back to sleep. On the bad days she hears her husband talking to her and she wants to die.Cole is a pivotal character in this book, yet he is only there is Sara's mind. Cole is the love of Sara's life. Her reason for living. When she looses him, she find's herself unable to cope. Breathing becomes difficult and months go by without improvement.Lincoln is Cole's brother. Lincoln is hurting too. But Lincoln is there for Sara time and again. He refuses to let her slip into the dark abyss that threatens to consume her. He calls her, he pulls her out of her darkness time and time again.Sara is haunted by memories that won't let her go. She can't escape in the house that they made a home. She has closed off the doors to their former life together and has enshrined the memories. They are all too painful to confront.When the life you know, the reason for living is gone, what is left? Is this life worth it? Guilt consumes her and she spends her time wracked with sadness.Sara believes she is alone, but Lincoln refuses to allow it. He forces her out of the house even when the pain is too great.Eventually, Lincoln begins to unravel his feelings for Sara and they are not what she was expecting. He has been holding her together all this time. Sara begins to realize that she is not the only one who has lost and she is not the only one hurting.“You hold on tight from now on, so tight it hurts. Got it? Don’t let go of me, not ever. Don’t worry about hurting me, don’t worry about suffocating me, don’t worry about holding on too tight. You hold on and you never let go. You’ll only hurt me, I’ll only suffocate, if you let go. Promise.” Silver flames sparked in his eyes and Lincoln’s jaw was clenched as he stared her down.- LincolnLincoln is ever present and ever patient. Waiting, watching, giving his support. He is never far from Sara. Even when he is not there, he is on her mind."Lincoln was like a rock, standing tall in the wake of a tsunami, unbending and unbreakable."The relationship between Sara and Lincoln begins to shift and it scares the hell out of her. She can't live without him and she knows it. She has to figure out how to breathe on her own. How to go from surviving to living again. She can't let herself get in over her head. She has to stand on her own two feet and learn to walk on her own again.This book freaking wrecked me. Oh my lord! This is like a large cup of depression rolled up in self loathing and grief. Wow. It was so well written and so well executed that I felt it all. Every tortured sob, every gut wrenching emotion was in technicolor for me to experience. Sara was such a tortured soul. She had no hope, no reason to live. Lincoln was a man on a mission. He was going to save Sara. He stood by her through so much. He never left her no matter how much she pushed him away. He knew her better than she knew herself.I loved this book and I hated this book. It was sooooo sad and it was incredibly intense. I had no idea going in what was going to happen and there were many surprises. It was hard to imagine one person having to endure so much heartache. This one will stick with me for a while. I hope I didn't scare anyone off. While this book is incredibly sad, it gets better. There is a proverbial light at the end of this tunnel. Bravo Lindy! You are one hell of a writer!5 Rip Your Heart Out Stars!

Avery has moved to a new town across the country. She is going to college where no one knows her. She is trying to escape her past and the ridicule that she had to face every day in high school.Cam is an amazing guy. He is smart, witty and sexy as hell. Cam wasn't really looking for a relationship. Avery literally runs into Cam and they just keep running into each other.Avery has a lot of darkness in her past. She has been through a horror that no one should have to face. She is trying to move forward but she hasn't dealt with her past. Until she does it is just going to keep coming up.Cam knows that Avery is hiding something big. Everyone can see it. She refuses to talk about it. Despite this, they continue to get closer. Avery wants to love Cam. She wants to just forget everything and move on but she can't. She gets texts and harassing phone calls. They are never ending. Eventually she just starts ignoring them, but she is always on edge.Cam wants to get close, but Avery is afraid to let him in. Afraid to share her secrets. Once he finds out, he may never look at her the same again.Avery's dark past filters though into the present and she can no longer pretend that everything is ok.She finds herself unable to keep pushing Cam away. Slowly things heat up and Avery finds herself wanting more.He discovers some of what she is hiding and he doesn't run. Avery is ashamed. She can't get past her own feelings long enough to let him in. She is still so afraid to spill the entire truth. In her eyes, it could destroy them. Cam tries to reassure her and tells her that he will never stop wanting her.Avery has to face her past once and for all. She has to conquer her fears or drown in them. She has to go back to where it all started and lay her cards on the table. Avery may loose more than she ever bargained for. In the end she may be all alone.I really wanted to beat Avery's mother over the head. I can't give too much away but she is a poor excuse for a mother. Her father is not much better but at least he seems to get it a little. How Avery survived as long as she has with her for a mother is beyond me.“Leaning back against Cam's chest, I tipped my head back and I reached up, cupping his cheek. I drew his mouth to mine and kissed him softly. "Thank you."His lips curved up on one side. "For what?""For waiting for me.” Avery has to take a chance. She has to hope that when the truth comes to light, Cam will still want her.I absolutely adore J. Lynn's writing style. This was a very sweet college romance with a darker twist. I really felt for Avery and I wanted her to heal and move on with her life. Her parents were something else. I can not believe them.Cam, he was absolutely wonderful. He was patient and kind. He seemed to understand what Avery was going through even when she couldn't tell him. There were times when I wanted to smack Avery up side the head too. This one was a solid four star read for me.