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ONE on ONE with Claire Contreras

Thursday, February 14, 2013

1. Were you the childhood champion of the game clue? (It had to be my #1 question, LOL)

Hahahaha I was not, but I do love that game!

2. Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Miami, Fl, which is where I currently live.

3. Tell us about something that has just/recently happened in your life that you would like to share?

Other than publishing my first book? Hmmm...I got guitar lessons for my birthday.

4. If you had to sum up there is no light in darkness in 30 or less words, what would you say?

It will make you feel.

5. If you gave Blake and Cole an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

HA! They already speak for themselves, maybe if they gave me an opportunity to speak for them they wouldn’t find themselves in those predicaments.

6. If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?

I’m not sure if I can, but I’ll try...Blake = Blake Lively (even though Blake Brennan is shorter). Becky = Emma Stone. Greg = Reggie Bush (if he could act, but come on now). Aubry = Ryan Kwanten. Aimee = Diana Agron. Sasha= Megan Fox. I know you’re waiting for Cole, but honestly, I have no idea. Most people say Channing Tatum. Mark= Brad Pitt

****** SEE pics Below**********

7. List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend to readers?

Recently read...Sins & Needles, Happenstance, Reaper’s Property

8. What is Your Favorite Wine?

Do I have to choose? Hmmm...I love Rieslings. You know which one I love that is really cheap? Schmitt Sohne Riesling. I can drink that like water, it’s so good.

9. Is there an Author that you would really like to meet in person?

There are so many of them! I would love to meet Paullina Simmons or Diana Gabaldon.

10. What authors have inspired your work?

Every author I read inspires me in one way or another.

11. EBook, Paperback or Hardcover?

Ebook

12. Are you currently working on any upcoming projects?

Yes. I’m working on the second and final book in this series. It’s called Darkness Before Dawn.

13. Have we heard the last of Blake and Cole?

Nope! They’ll be back to finish their stories soon enough.

Thanks Mrs. Contreras for stopping by to chat with us. Looking forward to your next book. I need more COLE!

CHEERS,
Dr. Books

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Scandalous by H.M Ward BOOK REVIEW

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Amazon Description

One kiss could have changed Abby's life, but when it didn't happen, she ran. Jack was everything to her and when he didn't respond, Abby couldn't bear it. Everything about that night--leaning in close to his face, feeling the night breeze teasing her hair, the way his scent filled her head--was burned vividly into her mind, including the moment when Jack pulled away. There was no kiss. Abby was wrong. She was wrong about him, wrong about them.

Maybe she didn't have to go to college two thousand miles away, but she did. She had to forget about him. Abby threw herself off the grid, disappearing completely from the life she knew. After completing her undergraduate degree, she enrolled in seminary. All contact with her old life was severed and she never looked back, until she was forced to.

When Abby puts idealism into practice, her congregation throws her out. If she can survive a year on her own, they'll take her back, and continue to pay off her student loans--but if she fails, Abby is on her own with enough debt to fund a small town. Seminary wasn't cheap. With no place left to go, Abby returns to New York and her best friend takes her in.

Desperate to make it on her own and prove she was right, Abby follows a job lead to an art studio on Long Island. It isn't until she hears Jack's voice that she freezes. The hairs on the back of her neck prickle as she turns to see Jack, ten years later, looking even more tempting than before.

Fate is cruel. Abby left this life behind, but she's thrown back into it, head first. It's like someone hit rewind on her life and its ten years earlier. She's the cotton-mouthed girl that she always was around Jack, and now her future relies on the man who rejected her.

**********************************************************************************

Book Review:

I’m going to begin by saying I do LOVE A GOOD SCANDAL. Yes, I love the TV show ,but if I was looking for a book with the equivalent goose bumps /WTH moments I get on Thursday nights, I found it! Let me introduce you to Abby and Jack….She is a virgin fouled mouth preacher and he is a sexy my work is borderline considered porn artist…Yup let the SCANDAL begin!

This was my first H.M. Ward read, and I can definitely say it won’t be my last. The COVER for this book drew me in from the beginning. I'm person who doesn’t really pay attention to covers but this one stuck out to me, GEORGOUS! This is the love story Abby and Jack.

It’s been 10 years since Abby ran away from New York, after the kiss that would have changed her life DIDN’T HAPPEN. (Ok I know what you’re thinking….she fled her home because of a kiss….ya I was thinking WTH also…BUT it gets BETTER!). She didn’t just run away, she ran straight into the arms of the CHURCH! (Yup she became a SOUTHERN PREACHER!)

“I didn’t tell anyone. It was kind of embarrassing. Before I left, I nearly kissed him. WE were so close, but he didn’t kiss, me Kate. When I touched his face, he froze, like I disgusted him.”—ABBY

Oh boy this story just keeps getting better, our little foul mouth preacher has managed to get herself kicked out of the church. What’s a girl to do now you ask? Well now drowning in debt, (300,000….btw this looks like my med school loan debt…GEEZ) she finds herself back in the one place she ran away from years ago and face to face with the man she ran from. I’m sure you’re wondering what the heck she did to get kicked out of a church. Ya well, I was wondering that to for a good portion of the book…..Needless to say I kept turning the pages for my answer (NOPE SORRY NOT GIVING IT AWAY , LOL)!

Now let’s talk about Jack a little bit. Hot sexy artist who's art is considered UNIQUE (ok ok borderline porn to some....but it’s still hot). His take on art has made him a millionaire. He is loved by lots and hated by even more, especially women! Despite his success jack is still missing something/someone from his life, until he hears her voice in his studio. OH YA let the scandalous behavior begin!

As this book continues to play out we watch Abby/jack struggle with their attraction and feelings for one another. I mean kinky hot artist or not...still can be kind of unnerving being the reason a nun/preacher went against her VOWS (that’s a lot to live with)..... BUT what if the preacher/NUN wants him just as badly, forsaking VOWS and all (oh LUST!)....Ok I’m going to stop right here and talk about my favorite scene in this book. Imagination/visual required PLEASE: art studio, barley dressed Abby, a hot/sexy jack, custom made TIFFANY’s diamond jewlery, body paint and oh ya a camera (fanning self moment).

As we know in any good scandal, there is always DRAMA....With jacks career in shambles and him trying to protect Abby’s reputation by letting her go (I’m seriously screaming noooooooooooooo you idiot at this point)......We discover a KNEW ABBY here. Let me introduce I’m not taking any Sh** / not running away again, I’m fighting for my man , I just got you back after 10 years and not letting you go again ABBY. (Oh ya...fist pumps... you go girl).

I really liked this book, however I wish there was more of the pre Jack/Abby story before her exile from the church. I’ve never read a book that can make art work sound so sexy! I really loved how Abby and Jacks love was so descriptive thru his art. In the beginning of this book we see two people looking for that special something missing in their lives..... For Abby her SOUL MATE and for jack his MUSE. In the end despite the scandal/drama, the statement LOVE CAN MAKE people do crazy things rings true. Ask yourself would you give up your net worth 7.2 million dollars for a painting and would you forsake your vows for a man you think is your soul mate? I know I asked these questions and I'm still shaking my head as I write this review.

I'll end this review with one of my favoite quotes from the book.

" I see it, Jack. Your muse is back. The thing that gave you passion, tormented you and haunted you is back. You're reeling in ecstasy and dread. It's something you want, but cna't ever have. And the one that brings the pain is pure, white as snow..and standing in front of you."--ABBY

Good job Mrs. Ward. I can’t wait to read book number 2. Guys book two drops on 2/14/13.

Book Rating: B/4 Stars

Cheers,

Dr. Books

http://blog.demonkissed.com/

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007Z5POMM/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1433511258&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=12CHN731BFX4APWDKGER

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Taken by Kelli Maine BOOK REVIEW

Monday, February 11, 2013

Amazon Description:

ABDUCTION

He steals her away to a deserted island, to the one place she's dreamed of being-the one place she can't go. He's used to buying whatever he wants, but he can't buy her.

SEDUCTION

How can she resist the magnetism of his body, the longing ache deep inside her? She wants him to take her-on her terms.

DESPERATION

Every attempt he makes to love her only hurts her. How can they go on like this? This is the story of how she was . . .

TAKEN

Book Review:
I can honestly say when I first read the Blurb for this book, I didn’t know what to think. The words abduction, seduction, desperation, taken just jump out at you. The freaking blurb is screaming READ ME!!!

SO I did…… From Page one this book automatically went to my psychological mind _______ (you fill in that blank) category (ill explain later). The book is written almost like a LETTER from Rachel to Merrick (I’ll get to them in a minute).
Before I even began reading this book I refreshed my memory on the true definition of Stockholm syndrome (my good ole friend Wikipedia!!).

A psychological phenomenon in which hostages express empathy and sympathy and have positive feelings toward their captors, sometimes to the point of defending them. These feelings are generally considered irrational in light of the danger or risk endured by the victims, who essentially mistake a lack of abuse from their captors for an act of kindness. – Wikipedia definition

Guys as you read this book keep this definition in the back of your minds (will explain later, HEHE).

Rachel and Merrick’s story had me captured from the beginning. It was a little bit creepy/ eerie at moments, but I swear to you Rachel’s emotional rollercoaster kept me continuously turning the pages. The first chapter shows us how Rachel was drugged and Taken. I’m going to stop right here to say, I am a huge fan of bada** men but ABSOLUTE CRAZY, was a whole new ballgame for me (seriously you’re going to by a pill off an idiot in a bathroom, drug a chick and sweep her away to an island….my first WTH moment).

As this story continued to play out, we see that Rachel/Merrick are both two broken souls looking for someone to understand them (soul mates just sounds too cheesy for this book). Rachel is the loving, caring, and always put others before herself type (even if it means turning down her dream job) ….oh ya I’m going to throw BIGGEST TEASE EVER in there also. Let me explain, you know when your reading a great steamy scene (yes some SERIOUSLY HOT foreplay in this book!!) and it ends abruptly....YA I was on my couch screaming on more than one occasion, abducted or not she CANT be serious (this was a I sit quietly and just shake my head moment).

So what’s Merrick’s resume look like you ask? Hot alpha male billionaire, stalker, kidnapper, emotional mess, and broken….Yup that about sums it up…WAIT…. add likes threesomes and is horrible at reading what women really want to the list (LOL, READ the book!).

As this book continues to play out we see Rachel play “Tug of War” with her feelings for Merrick. I really liked this book. It was sexy, creepy/eerie, mysterious/dangerous, and a psychological mind ______( you fill in the blank) wrapped in one. Not even half way thru this book, abduction or not I was team MERRICK! As I continued to read we see a kinder/gentler side of him (sigh)…oh he’s still a BEAST in the bedroom (fans self)! Watching him trying to make things right with Rachel (despite her biggest tease ever title) gave me some heart tug moments.

Again I liked this book but I wish more of Merrick’s story was told. Ok the big question is does this go on the my list of what to read after fifty shades ???? HELL YES… the bedroom scenes alone in this book…my goodness, oh the foreplay. This book was different, yes it had a sexy hot alpha male billionaire but it was deeper to me (you guys know how I feel about books with important topics/deep meanings). The psychological aspect of this book is what took it there for me. I honestly can say, I think I freaking may have developed reader Stockholm syndrome as Rachel told her story (yes, I still don’t get it…Don’t judge me…TEAM MERRICK, Lol!). My favorite part was the ending, after all the drama and insane amounts of teasing (yup still a little bitter about that)….Two broken and emotional wrecked people, finally found there HOME with each other (yes I’m a sap, I know..SIGH).

“Beside the etched letters A.W. + I.B. with a heart around them is a fresh engraving, the letters M.R +R. D surrounded by another heart.” –Rachel

“You were right to bring me here. I am home.”- Rachel

Good job Mrs. Maine!
Book Rating: B/4 Stars

Cheers,
Dr. Books
Guys there will be a book #2 taken by storm (5/7/13)…Im ready for this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Literature-Fiction-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=17

http://kellimaine.blogspot.com/2012/09/giant-teaser-taken-by-storm.html

http://www.facebook.com/kelli.maine

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There is no light in darkness by Claire Contreras BOOK REVIEW

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Amazon Description:

A past hidden in darkness. Her present cloaked in secrets. The future holds the only truth that cannot be escaped.
After the mysterious and violent death of her parents, Blake Brennan finds comfort with an unconventional family. As the dramatic loss of her parents continues to haunt her—and hinders her from reciprocating love that others give freely—Blake embarks on a harrowing journey in search for the truth.
Living in a constant state of fear and need for control, vivid nightmares reveal details that lead to perilous situations. The past begins to collide with the present, and Blake must decide if the truth is worth losing the ones she loves.
Can love conquer all as her past comes to light? Or will Blake realize that there is no light in darkness?

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Book Review:

Let’s see where to begin with this one..This book was like a game of CLUE (yes,I’m serious!). This book was a love story,mystery and thriller all in one...It definitely kept me on my toes. This is a book were NO ONE and NOTHING really is what it seems(oh the suspense!!!!).

This book begins with us being introduced to Blake at the age of four, the night her parents were murdered. The book is mainly told from Blake’s POV(alternatingfrom past to present day). Let me go back to the Prologue(I was drawn in from the start...let the game of CLUE begin),at four years old on her birthday, her mother was murdered, father abducted/possibly dead and herself kidnapped...BUT Blake gives us CLUES to the specific players involved in this night.

Here are the clues I took away:

1. One blue eye, one shiny eye man

2. Yellow hair, sky blue eyes man

3. Little boy with big green eyes

So if I told you right now as I continued to read this book, I eventually pulled out a sheet of paper to start writing down clues(playing private investigator), would you believe me? PLEASE DO because I really did, LOL.

While having the fun aspect of a mystery added to the mix, this was a love story as well (Blake and Coles). In this book we follow Blake’s life from the night she was taken, to living with an aunt (who dies of cancer, soooooo sad), living in foster care (we are introduced to her FAMILY Aubry, Greg, Becky, and COLE) and her present life as a law student (still fighting to put the pieces of the past together, while protecting the ones she loves in the present)...ALL I can say is WOW what a journey! As the characters were introduced from past to present and secrets were uncovered....YUP definitely happy I pulled out the piece of paper to help me keep it all in order, LOL.

Blake struggles with issues of love in this book. Let me rephrase, she won’t let herself LOVE COMPLETELY. I’m going to stop right here and just say I am 100% TEAM COLE. If T-shirts are ever made I'll buy one! It is so obvious Blake is in love with Cole, But she holds on to the fear of all the people she has ever loved have died/left her. She would rather be in his life tolove him from afar, then not have him at all (sigh...heart wrenching). Oh Cole, what to say about COLE. This one quote (my favorite #1) from the book will sum it all up for me.

"I’m in love with you Blake. I’ve been in love with you from the moment I saw you. I’ve been in love with you from the day I was born and possibly even before then. I belong to you. My body belongs to you. My heart belongs to you. Please let me make love to you."-COLE

At this point I had to just sit quietly and sigh!!!! Oh no this love story gets better

my favorite quote #2 from Blake....

"I knew I could never love anybody the way I loved COLE. I hugged him tightly, wishing I could tell him I felt. Wishing I wasn’t so scared of everything. Of loving him. Of losing him. Beyond that, I was thankful that he loved me the way I was-- scars and all."-- Blake

The sitting quietly, sighing and shaking my head continued.....

This book was a quick and good read. I really enjoyed this book. The mystery, haunting secrets, love story etc..Kept me turning the pages for more....BUT of course there is a cliffhanger (uggggghhh, I was sitting on my couch saying this can’t be it,NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!). So yes this is the first book to a series and it will leave you wanting book#2 ASAP.

"My eyes begin to shut heavily--once, twice, then a third time. I open them one last time as I try to search for light, but I know I'll never find it, because there is no light in Darkness."-Blake

Great Job Mrs.Contreras. Just remember guys NO ONE and NOTHING is really what it seems...Hope you enjoy this game of CLUE as much as I did!!!!

Book Rating: A/4.5 Stars

Cheers,

Dr. Books

http://www.amazon.com/There-No-Light-Darkness-ebook/dp/B00AZNWSS4

http://www.facebook.com/WineRelaxationAndMyKindle#!/CContrerasBooks?fref=

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Reaper's Property by Joanna Wylde Book Review

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Amazon Description

Marie doesn't need a complication like Horse. The massive, tattooed, bad ass biker who shows up at her brother’s house one afternoon doesn't agree. He wants Marie on his bike and in his bed. Now.

But Marie just left her abusive jerk of an ex-husband and she’s not looking for a new man. Especially one like Horse—she doesn't know his real name or where he lives, she’s ninety percent certain he’s a criminal and that the “business” he talks with her brother isn't website design. She needs him out of her life, which would be a snap if he’d just stop giving her mind-blowing orgasms.

Horse is part of the Reapers Motorcycle Club, and when he wants something, he takes it. What he wants is Marie, but she’s not interested in becoming “property of”.

Then her brother steals from the club. Marie can save him by giving Horse what he wants—at home, in public, on his bike… If she’s a very, very good girl, she’ll get lots more of those orgasms only he can offer, and he’ll let her brother live.
Maybe.

Book Review

To say that I have read some really good books lately is an understatement. So before this I had only read two bad boy motorcycle books Kristen Ashley’s Motorcycle man and Madeline Sheehan Undeniable. I LOVED BOTH and let me just as after reading this book I am now starting of list of HOT/BAD BOY Motorcycle books to READ. I seriously think I have new favorite buzz words when looking a book blurbs…leather, motorcycle clubs, etc…(you get the point….HOTNESS).

The two main characters in this book are Marie and Horse (yes that’s really what they call him…Not kidding). Horse is a accountant, ex military, motorcycle club bad boy (Don’t you just love a bad boy that’s good with numbers lol!). Why do they call him horse you ask? Well I’ll answer you in his words….

“So why are you called Horse?”
“‘Cause I’m hung like one,” he replied smirking --Horse

Trust me as you read this book the way Mrs. Wylde describes some of the sex scenes with this man…..GOOD GRIEF (fanning self moment)! Just so you will have a mental picture of this gorgeous bad boy here’s a little description…..

“Tall, built, with shoulder length hair he kept pulled back in a ponytail, and thick black stubble on his face. Stark, tribal cuffs ringed his wrists and upper arms. And what a face…Horse was handsome, like movie star handsome…The thought of his below the belt assets led to a brief but intense fantasy about him, me, my bed and some chocolate syrup. Yum.”—Marie

Ok before I get ahead of my self with Horse, let’s talk about Marie. When we first meet Marie in this book it is at the hands of a domestic abuse situation. I’m going to just take the time to stop right here and say….. Its been a while since I read a book were the woman abused took one hit and was OUT the door (FIST pumping in the air)! The situation sucked but from this point on I was a Marie fan. Her story is a pretty typical one. Fall in love with high school sweetheart, gives up college/dreams, marries him, he cheats, he hits her, and she leaves!

Having nothing really but the clothes on her back, she gets taken in by her brother Jeff along with his world of REAPER’S. In this book you quickly see Marie is a kind, loving, compassionate person and will do ANYTHING for her family (including give up her BODY)….. BUT one thing I loved about Marie was despite her caring and loving demeanor, she drew the line at being a piece of PROPERTY (oh her and Horse’s love story…sigh). Despite the sexual frustration between her and horse she knows deep down nothing good can come from this (needless to say horse doesn't agree). Well horse finally gets his window of opportunity with Marie, and let’s just say it’s not your typical let me whisk you away situation. Her brother Jeff has stole money from the Reaper’s and become involved with a drug cartel (Yup he’s SCREWED). None other then Saint Marie comes to the rescue by agreeing to be Horse’s “HOUSE MOUSE” (yes the meaning is exactly how it sounds but probably dirtier lol).

As the book continues to play out we see Marie/Horse’s FEELINGS and FRUSTRATIONS continue to grow. Despite how she may feel about horse/his life style, we watch Marie struggle to find a place she can fit in his life with out giving up an important piece herself (oh trust me she is nobody’s “SWEET BUTT”….Another FIST PUMPING moment!). Horse was definitely rough around the edges, but deep down he had a soft spot for any/everything Marie.

These are a few of my favorite quotes from this book.

“Marie Caroline Jensen, will you do me the honor of being my permanent bitch?” –Horse (yes he really said this… my shaking my head moment..)

“I want you to be my old lady, babe. That’s all I have to offer. I’m a Reaper, and this is my world. You wear my patch, you be my woman and I’ll be your man. We take the good times together and fight through the bad times. No games. That’s everything I've got and it’s all yours if you’ll take it.” –Horse (my awh sigh moment….)

I really LOVED this book. I literally finished this in one sitting. Job Well done Mrs. Wylde.

Book Rating: A/5 Stars

Cheers,

Dr. Books

http://www.facebook.com/joannawyldebooks?fref=ts

http://www.amazon.com/Reapers-Property-ebook/dp/B00AZZDKFW

http://www.joannawylde.net/

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Nets & Lies by Katie Ashley BOOK REVIEW

Monday, February 4, 2013

Amazon Book Description

Always awkward in her 5’10 frame, Melanie Reeves finds her saving grace through basketball. Not only is she the varsity team captain, she’s the pride of Coach Thompson, who holds the keys to a college scholarship. Melanie has also found 'courtly' love with Will, Coach T's handsome, ball-playing son. When Melanie is on the court, everything is perfect....until she is forced to face an opponent who doesn't play by the rules.

Jordan Solano's power lies in her beauty and sex appeal. Never afraid of breaking the rules, she engages in a scandalous flirtation with the school's married basketball coach. But the flirtation quickly turns into accusation, and Coach T's job and reputation are placed in jeopardy after Jordan charges him with rape. Jordan's own reputation has the school administration unwilling to believe her. That is, until she makes a startling claim - she's not the only victim.

Suddenly, all eyes are on Melanie, and it isn't for her amazing free-throws. A man's job, a girl's reputation, and her boyfriend's entire world now rest in Melanie's hands. She has to decide: keep her secrets and protect her future, or put an end to the lies...and lose everything.

********************************************************

Book Review

I received a ARC copy of this book from Mrs. Ashley for a honest review. Just the description on good reads alone drew me in.... Inappropriate Teacher/student relationships is an issue happening everyday but not touched on very often in books (the media on the other hand..... That's a different story). So let me take the time now to say kudos to you Mrs. Ashley for bringing this important issue to the forefront through your writing.

This book is told from Melanie and Jordan's point of view. Melanie is the star athlete on her basketball team, the girl next door/loved by everyone, and of course dating Mr. Popular/star athlete himself Will (oh ya he's the coach’s son). Jordan on the other hand is known as the school slut and her reputation is less than stellar with both students/teachers (words like flirt, sexual advances etc come to mind). The one thing Jordan and Melanie have in common is Coach T (Will’s dad). Melanie is the coach’s pet and gets unwanted attention. Jordan on the other hand is craving attention and is the mistress to a married man (Coach T).

As I read Melanie and Jordan’s stories (despite the paths that got them there) it was heart breaking. There were moments in this book where I wanted to scream, cry, and just hug them both to say it will be OK. I tried to put myself in their shoes and just think about what I would have done in certain situations? The big questions that stood out to me as I read this were: Is it ok to lie for LOVE to protect someone? Is it ok to lie out of spite to make someone pay, even though the act that was performed was wrong? My mom has always told me you never know a person’s situation until you walk a day in their shoes….. I can honestly say I have NO clue what I would have done..... BUT I can only hope I would have enough FIGHT in me as these two did.

This story touched on so many issues RAPE, inappropriate student/teacher relationships, self discovery, depression, Peer Pressure (something that is happening daily in the school systems), inner strength, forgiveness, and so many more…... As far as supporting characters in this book the men in these girls’ lives were AWESOME. Will (Melanie’s boyfriend & coach T’s son) at moments he had me hating him, but when he came to his senses my heart broke for him as well (needless to say his daddy had issues before these recent encounters). Their relationship in this book was one of LOVE and SELF HEALING. Nick is Jordan’s co worker and the first guy she has ever really been friends with. The obstacles this young man overcame in his life, HEART BREAKING. Nick/Jordan’s relationship to me was one of SELF DISCOVERY and trust me there journey in this unchartered water was soooooooo cute to read!

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I was an emotional mess! I cried, I got angry and I even had a few WTH moments (yes Jordan’s mom is a serious piece of work!!). The book was so well written and the ending was AMAZING! MRS. ASHLEY YOU’RE GETTING THE STATUS OF FINE WINE!!! The best part of this book was the ending to me because after all the anger, lies and tears, the most unexpected friendship happens! Also my favorite blurb from this book was the ending. Despite everything Melanie and Will’s love was Stronger than ever (yes I'm a hopeless romantic).

As the streaks came across the sky, it wasn’t as brilliant as it could’ve been. But it at least it was there—consistent and true. It made me think of mine and will’s love. There would always be dark clouds that hung over us—threatening to block out our love. But no matter what happened our love would still be there—trying to shine through whatever dark times came. --Melanie

Geez…The fight and inner Strength these kids had in them despite their circumstances, WOW! . The quote “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” seriously comes to mind. READ THIS BOOK! You won’t regret it!

GREAT JOB MRS. ASHLEY!

Book Rating : A+/5 stars

Cheers,

Dr. Books

http://www.facebook.com/search/results.php?q=Katie+Ashley&init=public#!/katieashleybooks

http://www.amazon.com/Nets-and-Lies-ebook/dp/B00BANV988

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On the Island by Tracey Graves BOOK REVIEW

Sunday, February 3, 2013

AMAZON BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Anna Emerson is a thirty-year-old English teacher desperately in need of adventure. Worn down by the cold Chicago winters and a relationship that’s going nowhere, she jumps at the chance to spend the summer on a tropical island tutoring sixteen-year-old T.J.

T.J. Callahan has no desire to go anywhere. His cancer is in remission and he wants to get back to his normal life. But his parents are insisting he spend the summer in the Maldives catching up on all the school he missed last year.

Anna and T.J. board a private plane headed to the Callahan’s summer home, and as they fly over the Maldives’ twelve hundred islands, the unthinkable happens. Their plane crashes in shark-infested waters. They make it to shore, but soon discover that they’re stranded on an uninhabited island.

At first, their only thought is survival. But as the days turn to weeks, and then months, the castaways encounter plenty of other obstacles, including violent tropical storms, the many dangers lurking in the sea, and the possibility that T.J.’s cancer could return. As T.J. celebrates yet another birthday on the island, Anna begins to wonder if the biggest challenge of all might be living with a boy who is gradually becoming a man.

**************************************************

Book Review:

When I first decided to read this book I didn't no what to expect. I mean from the blurb teacher falls for student…yes I was a skeptic!! BUT after reading this book trust me I shouldn't have been. As I read one thing stuck with me, Love knows no age!

This book is ANNA and TJ’s story. Anna is a school teacher whose life isn't where she wants it to be at the age of The BIG 30. Not happy with her life/relationship (lets just say more than 5 years…) she takes a teaching job in the

Maldives

tutoring a kid recovering from cancer. Little did she know her life was about to get more complicated in so many more ways.

TJ is a high school student who was diagnosed with cancer. When his cancer went into remission his parents thought going away to the

Maldives

would be just what he need. Needless to say TJ wasn't happy about having to go in the first place, but throw in a Tutor…..Really NOT HAPPY…… BUT when he sees Anna in the airport all the uneasy, frustrated feelings of having a tutor were out the window. This is when I was reminded just how hormonal teenage boys can be, lol.

Tired and just wanting to get to there destination, Anna/TJ take the last spots on a small private plane headed to there destination. Little did they know there lives would be changed forever by a “Greasy Cheeseburger” (the pilot’s last meal before he had a heart attack…. Yup the McDonald’s of the world are clogging arteries).When the pilot had a heart attack and the plane went down ANNA/TJ’s story then became one of survival.

As this story unfolded and we saw some of the things TJ/Anna had to do to survive, I can honestly say I don’t think I could have survived this….. BUT I have always heard when a person finds there back against a wall with no way out, Strength you didn't know you had comes to the surface. As castaways on the island for YEARS, how do you entertain yourself and keep busy?

Homemade checkers, poker, swimming, building houses, hunting sharks etc.., Oh ya, cant forget fall in love and have hot steamy sex on a deserted island (wait isn’t that a fantasy of so many people, lol).

As this story unfolds, we watch ANNA/TJ develop a true friendship that ends up pushing so many boundaries. They literally fall in love with each other before your eyes. This had to be one of the sweetest love stories I’ve read. Even though in the back of my mind I knew TJ was a teenager he always felt so much older to me as I read this book.

“You weren't supposed to fall in love,” she whispered.

“Well, I did,” I said, looking into her eyes. “ I've been in love with you for months. I’m telling you now because I think you love me too, Anna. You just don’t think you’re supposed to. You’ll tell me when you’re ready. I can wait.” ---–TJ

I mean what 15 year old boy cancer or not thinks about freezing his sperm in case he wants a family some day (he seriously was a old soul in a young body).

While Anna/TJ’s love story unfolded over the years on the island the most interesting part of there story to me was when they got off the island. Despite being consenting adults of legal age/surviving against all odds, the media took there love and tried to turn it into something UGLY! I know every relationship has its ups and downs, but watching how they overcame this obstacle of public scrutiny put me over the edge with this book. Despite family, media, and friends opinions there Love always brought them back to each other.

As I stated earlier this was one of the sweetest love stories I've read in a while. Despite being a love story the issues of survival, strength, and public scrutiny were touched on as well. I wish more of Anna and TJ life after the island was told (Thank goodness for the epilogue).

Great job Mrs. Graves…..

BOOK RATING: A/4.5 stars

***** For anyone wanting more of TJ/ANNA like me, Mrs. Graves is giving us more with ISLE of Bones (I CANT WAIT!)

CHEERS,
Dr. Books

http://www.amazon.com/On-Island-A-Novel-ebook/dp/B0089PFZGW/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

http://www.facebook.com/tgarvisgraves

http://www.traceygarvisgraves.com/

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