ARC Review: Unspeakable by Michelle K. Pickett

Title: Unspeakable (The Freedom Series #1)
Author: Michelle K. Pickett
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing
Publish Date: February 10, 2015
Page Count: 304
Genre: YA/Contemporary

**Please Note that I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**


Synopsis:

“Breathe. No one will break me. I’m strong. Breathe. Just breathe.”

On the outside, Willow appears to have it all. She’s beautiful, smart, from an influential family, and she dates the most popular guy in school—Jaden. But she would walk away from it all in a second. Willow is tormented by lies and suffocating guilt, not the hearts and flowers people believe her life is full of.

She carries a dark secret. Plagued by nightmares and pain, the secret dominates her life. If she hadn’t walked away. If she had just…but she didn’t. And now she has to live with her choice. But when someone uncovers her family’s past, they use it against her, crushing her spirit little by little. She tells herself she just has to make it to graduation. Then she can leave Middleton, and her secret, far behind.

When Brody transfers to Cassidy High, he turns Willow’s life upside down. He shows her what it feels like to live again, really live. And suddenly, she isn’t satisfied with just surviving until graduation. She wants a normal life—with Brody—and he wants her. But the closer they become, the more it threatens to unravel the secret she’s worked so hard to hide.

Willow finds true love with Brody. Will she let his love save her, or walk away from him to keep her secret safe?

Writing a review for this book has me conflicted. How can I say how great this book is and not address how it affected me emotionally? I figure the best way to write a review is to tell you how I felt reading it. Unspeakable is an amazing book For me,  I was affected by the storyline because I can see myself in Willow. Willow is a survivor and has lived through hell at the hands of her stepfather. I am a survivor of child abuse and my mother is a domestic violence survivor. To be able and pick up a book and read a character who understands and knows what I am going through is a blessing. Abuse is downplayed and treated as entertainment so much that the victims do not get the justice that they deserve. Pickett created such an emotional storyline and wrote it for us. She wrote it for the victims to say that you are heard, we know your story. Pickett ranks up there with Marie Hall and Maggi Myers as an author who can connect with her audience. This is a story about a young woman’s journey to freedom. It is beautifully written by Ms. Pickett.

This is a book that I think everyone should read. If you do not connect with the characters, you can walk away with more knowledge. Knowledge of what to do if someone you love is in this situation. We should not sit back and wait for things to work themselves out. We need to be there as support and help them through it. The one thing that victims lack a lot of is support.

I know I didn’t write a typical review of the book. I felt that this book deserved more than that. I hope that when the book release everyone picks up a copy. 

5 out of 5 Stars!!!

Amazon

Read about Brody's beginning in Finding Willow

Currently FREE.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Cover Reveal and Trailer Premiere: A Lil' Less Hopeless by Tara Oakes

A Lil' Less Hopeless By Tara Oakes

Synopsis:

WARNING*** 
This novella is intended for those 18+ of age and contains strong language, sexual content, and adult situations. 

Jay and Lils' epic tale of true love has unfolded, first in 'A Lil' Less Broken', followed by 'A Lil' Less Lost', and now concludes in the third installment of Tara Oakes' thrilling Kingsmen MC saga. 

Jay has proven his loyalty over and over... that he is willing to do whatever necessary for his one true love, his Lil' one, Julia. She just so happens to have an uncanny ability to find herself in need of that loyalty time and again. 

What happens when the tables turn and it is Lil's who must risk it all to save her ol' man? To prove once and for all, to him, and to the MC they call family that she is no longer the little girl they've known. But instead, is a fierce ol' lady determined not to stand idly by as everything she has worked so hard to regain is threatened. 

Pre-Order Link:

Amazon

A Lil' Less Hopeless Trailer

Find Tara Oakes on Social Media

Facebook | Twitter

Review: Riot by Jamie Begley

Title: Riot (Predators MC #1)
Author: Jamie Begley
Publisher: Young Ink Press
Published Date: October 21, 2014
Genre: Romance/Contemporary

Synopsis:
Ice
As president of the Predators’ MC, my men and I are used to preying on the weak and those stupid enough to cross our paths. So why does a straitlaced teacher make me sit up and take notice when I see her for the first time?
The brothers all think she makes me weak, and believe me, weak in their eyes isn’t where I want to be. She wants me to prove she means more to me than the club, and when I fail, she thinks she can just walk away. She’s wrong. I’m a Predator, and nothing escapes me.

Grace
As a teacher, I’m supposed to want to educate those who want to learn, right? That’s what I believed until I was told I’d have to teach a class at the prison. I didn't move to a town labeled as one of the safest places in America only to be faced with a bunch of Predators.
He expects me to trust him despite being the reason I’m trapped in the middle of a prison riot. His club means more to him than I ever will, and if I give him a chance, he will break the fragile peace I have managed to find. It’s not the first time I’ve had to escape a predator.

*WARNING*
This work of fiction is intended for mature audiences only. All sexually active characters portrayed in this ebook are eighteen years of age or older. Please do not buy if strong sexual situations, multiple partners, extreme violence, drugs, and explicit language offends you.

Jamie Begley books are ones I look forward to reading. She creates fantastic stories and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed reading about Ice and Grace. They really are Fire and Ice. Two polar opposites who are completely made for one another.

Grace has a hard time allowing someone into her world. After a traumatic past, you can understand why. Fate joins her with Ice. Ice brings Grace back to life. She has led a life of solitude for so many years, Ice was the fix she needed. Grace helps Ice to understand that it is okay to take a risk and love. I just love them together.

Grace’s friend CeCe is a trip. She also pushes Grace to live a little. I can see CeCe with Max. He needs someone like her in his life.

Begley does a cross over from her other series, VIP Room. We get to hear from Colton, Vida, Kaden and the other Mouth2Mouth members. Plus we see Penni and Jackal together. I hope they get a book soon.

Jamie Begley proves once again why she rocks as a writer. She creates dynamic characters who keep you entertained from beginning to end.  I absolutely love all her books and I cannot wait for the next one. 

5 out of 5 Stars!!!

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Other Books by Jamie Begley:

Last Riders Series

The VIP Room Series

Biker Bitches Series

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon 

Release Day Blast: Riot by Jamie Begley

Enter to Win 

Harley Davidson Tee & Key Chain

and $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Ice

As president of the Predators’ MC, my men and I are used to preying on the weak and those stupid enough to cross our paths. So why does a straitlaced teacher make me sit up and take notice when I see her for the first time?

The brothers all think she makes me weak, and believe me, weak in their eyes isn’t where I want to be. She wants me to prove she means more to me than the club, and when I fail, she thinks she can just walk away. She’s wrong. I’m a Predator, and nothing escapes me.

Grace

As a teacher, I’m supposed to want to educate those who want to learn, right? That’s what I believed until I was told I’d have to teach a class at the prison. I didn’t move to a town labeled as one of the safest places in America only to be faced with a bunch of Predators.

He expects me to trust him despite being the reason I’m trapped in the middle of a prison riot. His club means more to him than I ever will, and if I give him a chance, he will break the fragile peace I have managed to find. It’s not the first time I’ve had to escape a predator.

BUY NOW

AMAZON  |  B&N  |  AMAZON UK  |  iTUNES  |  KOBO

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was born in a small town in Kentucky. My family began poor, but worked their way to owning a restaurant. My mother was one of the best cooks I have ever known, and she instilled in all her children the value of hard work, and education.

Taking after my mother, I've always love to cook, and became pretty good if I do say so myself. I love to experiment and my unfortunate family has suffered through many. They now have learned to steer clear of those dishes. I absolutely love the holidays and my family puts up with my zany decorations.

For now, my days are spent writing, writing, and writing. I have two children who both graduated this year from college. My daughter does my book covers, and my son just tries not to blush when someone asks him about my books.

Currently I am writing five series of books- The Last Riders, The VIP Room, Predators MC, Biker Bitches, and The Dark Souls.

All my books are written for one purpose- the enjoyment others find in them, and the expectations of my fans that inspire me to give it my best.

Jamie loves to hear from fans, you can find her here:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: Finding Willow by Michelle K. Pickett

Title: Finding Willow (The Freedom Series #0.5)
Author: Michelle K. Pickett
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing
Publish Date: October 2, 2014
Page Count: 23
Genre: Romance/YA/Contemporary

Synopsis:

“Finding Willow” is the prequel to “Unspeakable,” the touching romance between Brody and Willow that explores one girl’s quiet strength to survive the unbearable weight of a family secret alone, and the love and resolve of a boy determined to help her.

Brody Victor lives life on the fringes. Moving from school to school with each transfer his mother’s job requires has taught Brody well: If there’s one thing harder than making friends, it’s saying goodbye to them. So he’s learned to close himself off. He’s a loner, and that’s how he likes it.

When his mother accepts a permanent position in Wisconsin, Brody begins to slowly open up. But old habits die hard and, for Brody, making friends doesn’t come easily. That is, until he meets Annabelle. Brody loses himself in her. Their connection runs deep and, for the first time, Brody truly lets someone inside. But life can be cruel. An unexpected job transfer uproots Brody from his home in Wisconsin, and Annabelle.
Vowing not to get involved with another girl after the heartbreak of losing Annabelle, Brody returns to life on the outside looking in. A loner by choice. Until the night he finds Willow. Friendly and beautiful, a guy can’t help but notice her, but Brody notices more than her beauty. When she flashes her full smile, a spark is missing from her hazel eyes and for reasons unknown to him, Brody needs to find the reason.

Along the way, he stumbles across a secret bigger than both of them

Finding Willow is a short prequel to Pickett’s book Unspeakable. In this story we get to peer into Brody’s life and see what makes him tick. He moves around a lot and doesn’t want to give up his heart again. There is something about Willow that will have Brody second guessing that rule.

You find out how great of a character Brody is based on his interaction with Annabelle. He was supposed to go out with her once because of a bet, but sees that there is more to her than her nerdy glasses.

Pickett writes a great story. Her characters are memorable and her writing flows easily. I was sad once I got to the end because I wanted more. I cannot wait to read Unspeakable. 

5 out of 5 Stars!!!

Free To Download

Amazon

Other Books In the Series

Available On 2/10/14

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Temporary High by Colette Ballard

 We are excited that today we get to share with you the beautiful cover from Colette Ballard's upcoming release, "Temporary High".  

TEMPORARY HIGH

by Colette Ballard

• Release Date: May 2015
• Publisher: Tulip Romance
• Genre: Young Adult/Romance/Suspense
• Temporary High on GOODREADS

  The side of his mouth quirked up as he studied me. “I think I might be fallin’ in love.” I picked up his keys off the bedside table and tossed them to him. “That makes one of us.” He clutched at his heart in mock pain. Then his perfect red lips formed the word, “Liar.”

Seventeen year-old Kat Chandler has been called worse, but she’s worked hard to make amends for past mistakes and gain control of her life. So she isn’t about to be thrown off her game by some Harley-driving bad boy who’s just moved to town.

Luca is mysterious. Aloof. Frustrating. Kat can’t stand him; she can’t seem to stay away from him either. But she's forced to reassess the company she keeps when she finds herself being blackmailed by her mom’s con artist ex-boyfriend.

Fresh out of prison, Cross has reappeared to collect a debt—Kat’s debt. His demand? Three grand in three weeks or else his stay won’t be temporary. He even offers a suggestion on how to get the cash—and it involves Luca.

Desperate to keep Cross out of her life and the people she cares about safe, Kat devises a plan that will cost her more than just money. She will have to give up control, her hard-won integrity, and possibly the only guy she’s ever fallen for.

Colette Ballard

Colette grew up on a dairy farm in rural Kentucky. She survived the high school experience back in the day when Aqua Net was bought in bulk and mullets were cool. After high school she went through a stage she calls ‘the wander years’, collecting a variety of job skills—some useful, some not so much. She even moved a few times in her quest for the meaning of life, eventually landing in the one red-light town she started in where she continues to live today with her husband and three children.

 Find Collette Online:

Facebook

Twitter

Website

   

Cover Reveal: Reed by Lesley Jones

Title: REED

Author: Lesley Jones

Release Date: November 10, 2014 as part of Owned: An Alpha Anthology

 

Blurb

She was mine.  Our love, unquestioned. Our futures planned.  But she didn't show.  All that we had, all that we meant, and after all that was said, she just didn't show.  That one act from her, changed everything, but it especially changed me and from that moment on, there was no going back.  No words of love, no whispered promises, just sex and drugs and rock and roll. No one gets a piece of Reed but what they will get is the night of their life, the chance to let go, break their own rules and the best, the dirtiest, filthiest sex ever... Along with the other four people in my bed.    

OWNED: An Alpha Anthology

Prepare to be Owned...

Lose yourself in this collection of never before seen novellas from eleven best selling authors from around the globe.

And the best part - they contain controlling alphas, feisty females and story lines that will have you holding your breath.

 

Pre-Order OWNED today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | B&N | KOBO

   

About the Author

I am a born and raised Essex girl now living on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, just outside of Melbourne Australia, I moved here with my husband and three sons in 2006. Not only do I love to write but I also love to read and can devour a book overnight if the story grabs me. I love watching my sons play football and am very partial to a glass of wine, a nicely chilled Marlborough Sav Blanc being my favorite.

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

 

Review : Kindling Flames (Flying Sparks) by Julie Wetzel

Title: Kindling Flames (Flying Sparks)
Author: Julie Wetzel
Publisher:Crimson Tree Publishing
Publish Date: October 3, 2014
Page Count: 214
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/New Adult

Synopsis:

When Vicky becomes the target of a serial arsonist plaguing the city, Darien calls on the supernatural community to help. Pulling the creatures of the night together to cooperate on any project is troublesome at the best of times. The fact that the one responsible for the city’s woes is a being of fire and magic leads the reluctant groups to a truce that makes Vicky start to think that her job might be a bit more than one normal human can handle.

In Flying Sparks, you get a more in depth storyline. The book is a little more complex that the previous. Wetzel does a fantastic job of writing the story so that the readers can understand everything that is going on. You don’t feel lost with this storyline.

 In her previous book, Gathering Tinder, she gave us a cliffhanger. In this one we are left wondering will they or won’t they with Vicky and Darien. The two characters are in this dance of flirtation and you want them to be together. The chemistry between them is so hot that it can spark its own fire. They are great for one another but have yet to make a real move.

I enjoyed the dynamics of the cast. You have Vampires, Werewolves and now Fay intermingling. My new favorite has to be Zak. He came from the Fay world and is an interesting creature. He has the mannerisms of a dog but the intelligence of a human. He has taken on the role of guardian of Vicky, much to Darien’s disdain. Zak is funny and I hope that he continues to be in the series.

Wetzel does a great job in creating a vivid and dramatic world. I enjoy reading her books and look forward to the future of the series.

Overall I loved this book. It lived up to the previous, if not better. I recommend this book to not only fans of the paranormal but everyone. There is a little bit of something for every reader. I do suggest reading Gathering Tinder before you read this one so you can fully understand the story. Due to language and some violence I recommend to readers 17+.

5 out of 5 Stars!!!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

The First book is currently available for FREE on all formats. 

Facebook | Amazon Author Page | Twitter | Goodreads | Crimson Tree Publishing