REVIEW and GIVEAWAY for The Difference Between Somebody and Someone by ALY MARTINEZ

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOMEBODY AND SOMEONE

by ALY MARTINEZ

The world owes you nothing.

It took losing the woman I loved and facing the paralyzing task of moving on without her for me to truly understand that.

Consumed by regret and razor-sharp memories, I’d resigned myself to a life of loneliness until a survivor from the same plane crash that took my fiancée stormed into my life.

Remi Grey was chaos and sunshine, fire and freedom. With her in my arms, I began to believe that fate had other plans for me.

But as secrets of the past exploded around us, it seemed the only thing fated about our relationship was that I had been destined to lose her from the start.

The world owes you nothing. But for Remi, I would risk it all. No matter the cost.

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: Currently learning to live without Bowen and Remi...😭

THIS IS THE REASON I READ!!!! Seriously, this book is the reason I read. Now, to be fair - my review is going to be spoiler free (obvs) and brief because we only got the first book so far, but my heart was on hold for a minute trying to figure out if it was beating out of my chest or sitting there wondering just what happened at the end. That twist? Signature Ally Martinez. Gasp worthy, and filled with enough intrigue to have me thinking about this book until I get my hands on the next book. 

Why is this the reason I read? I couldn't stop turning the pages and trying to follow her clues she dropped...only I didn't recognize them for what they were until that twist at the end. I needed more because as I started to put things together and started to see what was happening - she dropped the bomb! And even though I was guessing, the truth right there in front of my eyes still made me gasp. To have the sheet ripped out from underneath me. To have the feeling of being blindsided but slowly coming to an understanding. This book did it all for me.

ALSO - big also: her men. I mean, we all dream about our favorite attributes of the perfect man, right? So many authors give us plenty of those in their characters. But what I feel like with Aly is that she gives the man some reality to his personality and the reality is, they have "that" side of them that no one likes to see. The blemish on the shiny bell. And with Bowen, I fell in love hard and fast with him. Soft, thoughtful, alpha that he was - Aly gave me all the heart flutters...the tummy tingles. But, at first I was like, "Woah! Slow down, buddy!" But I knew the emotions he was feeling and understood them personally - or so I thought, so it was me taking a step back while falling in love with him. And Remi. 

"The almost tangible intensity in his eyes couldn't have been mistaken for anything other than desire."

Remi and Bowen had an undeniable yet instant chemistry that begged to be explored. But as I was reading it (with fresh eyes!!!), I was thinking it needed some finessing - but looking back (with all-knowing, unfresh eyes!!!), it was literal perfection. How dare I question the way she tells me the story. Calm down, Bee. I almost wish I could read it with fresh eyes again! To not know what was going to happen, but also to know so I could pick up on the little clues that I'm sure I missed? Conundrums!!!

Now, many might think that now that we "know" what's going on - the rest of the story is going to be fluff. This could have been one book, blah blah blah. As much as I hate cliffhangers (we alllll know how much I hate them!), this one will have me thinking about it for the next MONTH!!! Well played, Aly... well played. I already knew it was going to be a twist of epic proportions and something I never saw coming, so I was expecting that and this one was no different. I really am anxious for the next book because as hard as this cliffhanger was, she has me thinking about how this is all going to work out. Aly built this story up so well, and just to sit there dangling on the edge....waiting for the next book....dying....slowly, slowly, dying. (are you reading this, Aly???)

Aly Martinez is a favorite of mine, so while this may come across as biased, I feel I have justification saying this knowing how she's made me feel after SO. MANY. BOOKS. of hers. The way she pulls together the atmosphere in the book, the way she makes everything a perfect cacophony of mixed emotions, the way she leads me on, page by page, needing more by the minute. I ran through this book in nothing flat. 

There are some authors that just have your number. That one author that you know can guarantee a good reading experience. Aly Martinez consistently delivers an emotional and tumultuous journey for a love that pretty much sums up what destiny means. I feel like with each new book, she puts me into a predicament that can be confusing at first, but intriguing enough that I can’t stop reading…but it’s almost like I need to catch up because she’s putting me in the emotions in that person‘s head. I love the way she tells a story and this one was no different. Just growing and learning and meeting each other and kind of flying through unknown territory - no pun intended.

I wish I could go back and reread books....but I can't. This book? This one would be the perfect example after reading that twist, but then I also go - no way!! The surprise of when it all hit with what was actually going on? I would never want to know that discovery before it happened because that alone made this book the power punch that it was.

I hope I’m not jinxing myself, but this book - it’s the highlight of my most recently read books and I’m on an amazing streak right now. Holy cow - WOW. I feel like I need a drink after that. 

Pre-twist and Post-twist me are not the same reader and I'd like to get back to this story now. Kthxbye.

"It took the unimaginable for me to find you, but I will never stop being grateful that there was even one single junction in time in which our paths crossed."

~BEE

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~MEET ALY MARTINEZ~

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five- including a set of twins. Currently living in Chicago, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

~CONNECT WITH ALY~

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PROLOGUE for Tattered Stars by Catherine Cowles

Prologue

Everly

PAST

Be brave. For sixty seconds. Twenty breaths. I could do anything for twenty ins and outs. The springs on my mattress squeaked as I swung my legs over the side of my bed. I froze. And listened.

There were lots of things I hated about growing up here. But there were things I loved, too. Things I was grateful for. Like how attuned I was to every whisper. I’d know in an instant if a sound didn’t belong.

I waited. Heard the screen door rattle in the wind. The call of an owl. Even the hum of our refrigerator in the kitchen. I didn’t hear my brother or dad. Mom had been gone for days, helping a baby come into the world. But I wished for her now. She was the only one who had a chance of stopping the craziness. But she wasn’t here, and I wasn’t sure what tomorrow would bring.

I pushed to my feet, praying my mattress would stay quiet and not give me away. The springs didn’t betray me again. I moved to my closet, careful to avoid any floorboards that creaked. Pulling a pair of worn jeans from a shelf, I slipped them on. I tugged the nightgown over my head and reached for a t-shirt.

The breeze picked up through my open window. It had been unbearably hot today but just a few hours into the night and a chill had settled. I grabbed a flannel just in case. Slipping on socks, I picked up my boots. I knew better than to put hard soles on this floor.

My dad had taught me how to move without a sound to avoid any kind of predator. And tonight, I was thankful for each and every lesson—even the ones where I’d had to roll in mud to disguise myself.

I reached for the doorknob, but my hand stilled on the metal. I could just go back to bed. Forget my attempt at being brave and wait for Mom to come home. To bring my dad down from his paranoid state where everyone was the enemy and we were at risk from it all—the government, neighbors, even my teachers.

I’d watched as our lives got smaller and smaller, with fewer and fewer people to trust. I didn’t remember a lot of the normal. But I remembered some. The second grade and Miss Christie before Dad had pulled Ian and me out of school. Visiting Mom’s family in Portland before he’d decided they were heathens. The town fair before he became convinced that it was evil.

I closed my eyes and turned the knob. Stepping out into the hall, I listened again. Nothing out of place. I created a dance to avoid every problematic board in my path, sometimes tiptoeing, other times stretching my legs to the point I worried I’d tip over.

Finally, I reached the front door. Our old dog, Bruiser, raised his head, but I held a single finger to my lips, begging for silence. Feeding him table scraps must’ve paid off because he lay back down and let out a soft snore.

I eased open the door and stepped through to the first true rebellion I’d ever embarked on. One that might make me like my older sister—an outcast. I closed the door behind me with a soft snick, but it was deafening to my ears, echoing off the mountain itself. I let the screen door fall closed, too, only a small rattle in my wake.

I hopped over the porch steps entirely, knowing each and every one would give me away. I landed with an oomph but held in my cry of pain. Slipping on my boots, I glanced at the shed in the distance. The motion lights on its exterior meant I didn’t dare try for it. So, I started for the barn instead.

One of the doors was open a hair to let some of the night air in, and I pulled it a bit more, just wide enough so Storm and I had a path. As I moved down the aisle, our few horses nickered or lifted their heads to see who was about. I paused at the tack room, picked up a bridle, and then continued until I reached Storm’s stall.

She must have scented me coming because her head was already over the stall door. I gave her nose a rub and then urged her back. “Gotta let me in.” She did as I asked, and I left the door open, knowing she wasn’t going anywhere…not without me.

I eased the bridle over her head, and she accepted the bit without complaint. “What do you say we go for a ride?” She seemed to nod her head in agreement. It would’ve been so much simpler if we were just taking off for one of our afternoon adventures, exploring the mountains.

I led her out of the stall and towards the exit. We made our way out, and I hoisted myself onto the fence so I could climb onto her back. She stayed steady as I threw a leg over and adjusted my grip on the reins. “Nice and easy.”

I guided her down the path that stayed far away from the house. One that led to the mountain switchbacks. I glanced up at the sky, thanking the heavens for a nearly full moon. I just prayed my sense of direction was as good as I thought.

I’d never ridden all the way to town before. It was at least fifteen miles, and several paths ebbed and flowed. But I knew where I was headed. I’d memorized these mountains every day of my life. They were both a refuge and a prison. Solace and tormentor.

Tonight, they were on my side. Each trail’s crossroads seemed to give me the next logical step until switchbacks turned to wide, worn paths, the dirt packed by hikers and riders. Soon, I reached the road into town. I stayed just off it, my heart hammering against my ribs as the forests turned to neighborhoods.

I adjusted my grip on the reins, seeking out a peek at the lake on the outskirts of town. The moon made the water almost glitter. “Just a few more minutes,” I whispered to myself. I could be brave for a little longer.

I moved Storm onto the blacktop, her hooves echoing against the buildings along Aspen Street. Every store was dark with limited streetlights so residents and visitors alike could see the stars. Normally, I loved seeing them, too, but tonight I fought a shiver. Wolf Gap felt like a ghost town.

I slowed Storm as we approached the street I knew held my next battle for bravery. I wondered if I was already past the point of no return or if I could guide Storm back up the mountain and go home. I turned her onto Spruce.

The light from a building poured out into the night. It wasn’t harsh, more like a soft beacon, guiding me home. Only if I walked inside, I had a feeling I’d never see home again.

ADD TATTERED STARS TO GOODREADS

TATTERED STARS

by CATHERINE COWLES

Be brave. Just for sixty seconds. Twenty breaths.

One night changed them both forever.

Their lives shattered, beyond repair, with jagged edges and pieces askew.

Now, Everly has a chance to make things right. To bring healing to the place where everything fell apart. But it means facing the family her father almost destroyed, and the boy with the dark eyes—now grown—who still haunts her dreams.

Just one breath away from having your life ripped out from under you.

The last thing Hayes wants is another reminder of all the ways he failed sixteen years ago. When Everly drives back into Wolf Gap, his only mission is to get her to leave. For his family’s sake, and for his own, those demons need to stay buried for good.

But everything about this woman is a surprise, from her spine of steel to the sanctuary she hopes to create with the land her mother left behind. And Hayes is powerless to stay away.

As a careful friendship sparks into something more, someone watches. And they’ll do anything to tear it all apart…

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~MEET CATHERINE COWLES~

Writer of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.

~FOLLOW CATHERINE~

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BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY for the PIECES DUET by Jay McLean

PIECES OF YOU

They could’ve been perfect.
In another time. Another world.
Where his wasn’t falling apart.
And hers wasn’t already in pieces.

High school senior Holden Eastwood only has one fear in life: growing up.
He spends his days unmotivated, moving from one game to the next, searching for his next challenge.
He never expected that challenge to come in the form of a girl…
A girl with zero fashion sense, a filthy mouth, and a bullsh*t attitude.
Unlike Holden, Jameson Taylor had no choice but to grow up.
Neglected, isolated, and forced to raise herself, Jameson only has one goal in life: graduate and move on.
The last thing she needs is some guy she can’t stand suddenly declaring her as his new hobby.
Their lives couldn’t be more opposite.
Their pasts a complete paradox.

But in each other, they find the unexpected…

They find solace.

Fragments of forever…

A forever that might tear them to pieces.

PIECES OF ME

“I loved you then,
I love you now,
and I’ve loved you every single day in between.”

Jameson Taylor is a nomad. A drifter. A memory collector.
Or, at least, that’s what’s become of her life ever since she was forced to leave pieces of her fractured heart behind.

“This is the fault in our fate, our one undoing:
All he’s ever wanted is my happiness,
even when it costs him his own.”

Holden Eastwood is resentful. Angry. But most of all, hurt.
Torn to pieces by the girl who left him, he struggles to find forgiveness in the organ she once broke.

When a tragedy forces them to face the aftermath, Jamie seeks acceptance, while Holden searches for answers.
What they find, instead, are remnants of their love.
Fragments of forever.
And parts of a puzzle that will lead them to the truth…
A truth that might shatter them to pieces.

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DUET REVIEW: 4.5 STARS

"My breath halts, and I realize now...I have no fucking clue who the girl sitting in front of me is."

I know...I know. Another glowing, lovey-dovey, mushy review for Jay McLean YET AGAIN. Well, if she would just stop writing angsty, stomach-clenching, toe-curling, amazing YA books that melt my heart, I wouldn't be forced to write these ooey-gooey gross reviews, but here I am. We'll blame her.

*sigh* I am in love with yet another couple from McLean's books. I love love love how she writes them and gives me characters that I can relate to, storylines that anger me but simultaneously smooth me over, and a love worth shouting about. And shouting I did!!! Holy moly!! Did I ever...

I think my favorite things about her writing is that not only does she make me feel like I'm part of her characters' world, living their emotions and working my way through everyday normal situations that are a little more heightened just because it's a teenager going through it - but McLean puts me in their heart; in their mind. It’s the fact that I can remember those emotions because her words bring me back and reminded me of what I was feeling when I went through it. I suppose it's the ease in which she brings it out of me is what truly amazes me. 

I felt every emotion on multiple occasions throughout. I loved the pangs I felt. The pain I felt. The elation I felt. I felt it all and was so thankful for another heavy, gut-punch of a read. I did, however, want to yell at Jameson to say "Peace the f*ck out!!!" quite a few times. I don't know how she did it, but she did. She’s a much better person than me because I hold grudges. Loudly. How she had the space in her heart for the forgiveness she bestowed upon those unworthy of her heart, I will never, ever know, but I certainly admired her for it. I'm still shaking my head but I admire her.

I will say this much: I did not make it through this book with a willing smile. There were so many points in this duet that I wanted to give up. I wanted to put my kindle down and seriously walk around while screaming at Holden!!! Mind you, I fell in love with him in Leo's book and knew I wanted his story. He was a cocky, very confident high schooler - the kind with the eyes that dance and the smirk that melts hearts. He wasn't mean - but he was a smartass. Sarcastic and cocky, providing all the smiles - perfectly sums him up. I knew he was a ladies man, always hittin' and quittin' it. But, I was straight up shocked with everything that happened in this duet - BUT, I also understood the WHY of it coming from a teenaged point of view!! Argh!! Damn you, Jay! Soooooo good. Sooooo grrrrr, but so good. This is definitely one of those stories to be discussed multiple times, with multiple people. Opinions will vary, but this emotion will not - EXASPERATING. 

McLean made me aaaaaangry but expertly slid in some very valid reasons to understand all the happenings - not drama, but rationalizing everything with truth. She forced me to take a step back and analyze the WHY. All this while leaving room for me to mull over my emotions with purpose. My heart definitely hurt reading this one. Even though there was so much pain within the confines of their journey to happiness, the comedic relief was sprinkled in juuust right - enough to make me yearn for more of Jameson and Holden growing together. Their exploration alone was what heart-eyes and smiles are made of. 

“I’m pretty sure the first word out of my mouth was shit, and I sure as fuck didn’t get it from Sesame Street.”

Jameson and Holden held my heart (until the verrrrrry end) and I don’t know how anyone could’ve withstood or handled that cliffhanger after the first book and not died 100 separate deaths waiting for this conclusion!! I know, I'm whining. Coming from a professional cliffhanger aversionist, even I had a hard time waiting to jump into this first book - but. I'm. so. glad. I. did. It was an intricate web of pain and sorrow, mixed with heartache and love. It also redefined the definition of family and the truest meaning of it. My heart was so heavy, but oh so happy.

Embarrassing fact: I don’t know why a volatile exchange with pent up lust leading to sex is my kryptonite - but it is. Not a hate f*ck, but an actual explosion of raw emotion that pushes them to do something they don’t (in theory) want to do, but HAVE to...NEED to do because they're done fighting it. That’s Holden and Jamie. That’s what I loved seeing. Button pushing, anger revealing lust. I ate that up!!! It was deeeeelishus.

I honestly think my only gripe was that I don’t feel like I got closure out of the quick acceptance of the apology and so it felt a little rushed or unreal/untrue. I know, I know - "This isn't your story, Bee." {{insert eye roll}} I knooooow. But, I felt I could relate to a lot of the story emotion-wise and life-wise, so I definitely connected on a more intimate level with it - which is probably why I had such a hard time accepting the quick resolution. But if that's my only complaint....? I shan't complain.

This was an emotional book. A wake up call for three. I loved how McLean incorporated Holden's world with Mia into his universe with Jameson. Relationships that have and will continue to withstand the tests of time. And my most favorite part of this book: I loved finding out the reality behind the title. I love when I am finishing up a book an aha! moment catches me because the title makes perfect sense after it's all said and done. 

“Either she knows exactly who she is and what she’s doing, or I’m way, way off my game.“

~BEE

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~MEET JAY MCLEAN~

Jay McLean is an international best-selling author and full-time reader, writer of New Adult Romance, and most of all, procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her two little boys, playing house and binge watching Netflix.

She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.

Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in a forever half-done home where music is loud and laughter is louder.

~CONNECT WITH JAY~

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Excerpt (Read: Big TEASE!!) for THE WORDS by Ashley Jade

As soon as I saw this synopsis, I knew I had to add this one to my TBR. This sounds like a *fun* read!

~EXCERPT~

THE WORDS by Ashley Jade

“I take it your little boyfriend doesn’t know about us.”

Gathering my hair, I wrap my scrunchie around it. “That’s because there is no us.”

The tip of his tongue sweeps along his lip ring, and his fiery gaze drifts down my body.

“The bite marks on your pussy beg to differ.”

Forcing myself to pay no heed to the rush of embarrassment his statement causes, I survey the stage where George is playing.

Sweet and safe—I tell myself again, like it’s my new mantra.

“Look, what happened last night is never happening again.” Peeling my stare away, I meet Phoenix’s, so he knows I’m dead serious. “I like George. He’s a nice guy.”

Something he’ll never understand because he’s most definitely not one.

He doesn’t say a word for so long, I internally rejoice.

About time the asshole finally got it through his thick skull.

I’m debating walking over to the snack table when he leans down.

His warm breath tickles my ear when he speaks. “Too bad nice guys don’t make your panties wet.”

A wolfish grin spreads across his lips as he pulls something out of his pocket.

The retort I was constructing vanishes into thin air the moment I see my panties.

“We need you up here, Phoenix,” someone calls out.

The look he gives me is so vulgar, I’m glad Chandler walked off to take a phone call.

Relief fills me as he treks over to the stage because the more distance between us right now, the better.

However, it’s short lived.

Shock roots me to the spot—followed by a torrent of dread—when he ties my panties around his mic stand.

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THE WORDS

by Ashley Jade

He was the talented bad boy everyone wanted.
I was the irrelevant geek everyone hated.

He was the sun...drawing all of us in.
I was a black hole...taking up space.

He was destined to be a star.
I was destined to remain an insignificant no one.

Until he made me believe I was special...

And then he destroyed me.

I never thought I'd see Phoenix Walker again after he broke my heart, but fate had other plans.

One tour. Eight weeks. Forty shows.

Countless opportunities to make him pay.

The world thought he was a God...
But I knew the truth.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON - Kindle Unlimited

~MEET ASHLEY JADE~ 

Ashley Jade loves to tackle different genres and tropes within romance. Her first loves are New Adult Romance and Romantic Suspense, but she also writes everything in between including: contemporary romance, erotica, and dark romance. Her characters are flawed and complex, and chances are you will hate them before you fall head over heels in love with them.

She’s a die-hard lover of oxford commas, em dashes, music, coffee, and anything thought provoking…except for math.

Books make her heart beat faster and writing makes her soul come alive. She’s always read books growing up and scribbled stories in her journal, and after having a strange dream one night; she decided to just go for it and publish her first series.

It was the best decision she ever made.

If she’s not paying off student loan debt, working, or writing a novel—you can usually find her listening to music, hanging out with her readers online, and pondering the meaning of life.

Check out her amazon page and Facebook page for future novels. She recently became hip and joined Twitter, so you can find her there, too. She loves connecting with her readers—they make her world go round’.

~CONNECT WITH ASHLEY~ 

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Book Review and Giveaway for DESCENT by Sam Mariano

DESCENT

by SAM MARIANO

Calvin will do anything for me... except let me go.

We were strangers, as far as I knew.
He saw me once, but didn’t introduce himself like he could have.
Calvin Cutler. Nice to meet you.
But there’s nothing nice about Calvin Cutler.
He’s ruthless and single-minded, and he zeroed in on me—a hapless target for his dark and twisted appetites.

In the depths of Hell, I first looked into his sinful brown eyes, felt the greedy touch of his demanding hands for the first time.
Not the last time, though.
He wanted more. So much more.
He wanted me, whether I wanted him or not.

WARNING: Descent is a standalone dark romance with an unrepentant bad guy hero. This book is intended for an adult audience only and contains subject matter (such as non-consent) some may find triggering.

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REVIEW: MUST READ for those that like ruthless anti-heroes....with a twist: a heart.

I think it's only fair that I say this book is serious non-con/dub-con and that truth doesn't need to be taken lightly. There are some scenes that can and will make some readers feel uncomfortable, however - I am always here for that when it's written to make me (recklessly) understand the attempt and emotion behind the event. I can appreciate that, once again, Sam Mariano has struck a chord with this one. I will also sit here and question (head in my hands even) how in the world was I sitting here, cheering him on?? I seriously need to have a talk with Mariano, because she has ME questioning my morals now. HA!

Sam Mariano has me reusing my new word to describe her men - and it's still fitting:

 WRON(G)OOD. 

CALVIN belongs in his own category for many reasons. He's the very definition of INSANE. I am sure there are a whole host of other adjectives to spew at him, but I'm also sure they can be argued as well. Ruthless insinuates mean, but he did everything with purpose. There should be a distinction between evil and brutal. I don't think he was evil, because again - he wasn't really mean to her as a whole, but he was brutal in the sense that he was getting it his way. There was no "my way or the highway." Nope. It's his way. Period. However, he's the kind of guy that we all technically want: the irrevocable love, the undeniable need to be around your lover at all possible times. You know the kind. The kind that will burn the world down to take care of us, right? Well, nothing stands in Calvin's way. Not one thing and he lets that be known. I feel like he toes the line on morals: he's morally grey in some aspects, but he knows that his woman is his one and only and will make sure she is taken care of - which includes past, present, and future. No one messes with her. And I'm gonna tell ya, I kinda got excited when he went incendiary for her. #LUNATIC

"The man may be the devil, but he sure knows how to give a compliment."

You know what threw me for a loop? The fact that his complete over the top, psychotic reasoning for every single thing he did - made. me. smile. He was a walking contradiction! So, why was I rooting for him to get his point across?? Why was I hoping Hallie would finally give in and just go with it? I'm serious. I think I need my head (and heart) examined. 

I will admit that this is my kind of palate cleanser. Hear me out. I realize this is heavy. This is dark. This is non/dub con and it isn't easy on the moral side. BUT. It starts out with a bang (quite literally) and ends on a soft high. I love heavy, emotional reads and this one was very heavy and emotionally taxing in a weighted way - as in, it sat heavy on my mind but not necessarily in my heart. I can't really do romantic comedy very much (ie: very, very rare), so this one definitely fit that bill. So upon learning of the real Calvin and what makes him tick, or rather WHO - the story gave me all I needed and completed it with a smile.

As for the story in full, I was completely caught up in this man who had a singular focus and this woman who was headstrong and felt tested on every aspect of this "relationship" she had. But as much as I was caught up in it, it flowed well and Mariano ended it perfectly as to not leave me wanting for more. I'm really rather shocked that I didn't get a book hangover from this one. I'm not saying it wasn't intense or it didn't draw me in - quite the opposite, actually. She does a really good job bringing me deep into the crux of the story but she releases me easily as well. It's heavy when she dives in, even heavier when this bulldozer makes his way into her world, but she wrapped it up with ease. Calvin will stick with me. Because in the end, the fact that Mariano gave me something to think about, gave me someone to root for that would not normally be the ideal outcome for a healthy relationship - I mean, can I use the saying "Everything is relative" here? Probably not, because there is no excusing what he did....but, but but. *shakes my head* 

I really liked this one...

Sam Mariano is brilliant in laying the groundwork for CrAZy and she does it well. Discovery is key, so learning his backstory in tandem with hers gave me a foundation for who he was and how he handled things, but I think it sort of defined him as he tried to "break free" from that mindset. Having said all that, from the very first taste of him, Calvin gave me those Carter vibes but he was wholly himself on every level. I really do blame Mariano. She set the bar high - and just like Calvin implies, you'll never get a first taste ever again. Carter was my introduction to Mariano's bully/dark side and I crave it, but she just gave me another crazy man to daydream about. I mean, how can these guys be redeemed?? I don't know how she does it, but I can't get enough of her men. And Calvin was no exception. 

"My pleasure grows as I watch her surrender unfold.

~BEE

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~MEET SAM MARIANO~

Sam Mariano has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Ohio and has a sweet and wonderful daughter.

Because of You was her first finished story (she started writing it when she was 18) and due to a full-time work and college schedule, it took her years to finish. She has also been telling people for years that there would never be a sequel (sorry, guys!)…which turned out to be a lie.

Sam Mariano is currently working on Dante’s book (if you’re a Morelli reader) and some other WIP. 

Feel free to find her on Facebook, Goodreads, or her blog—she loves hearing from readers!

~CONNECT WITH SAM~

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