Love Me Back by Michelle Lynn Review

From Goodreads:

"Growing up in small-town Belcrest, Maddy Jennings always thought she was destined to be with her childhood sweetheart, Trent Basso. Throughout the complicated road she has traveled with Trent, someone else has had a strong presence in Maddy's life. Trent’s older brother Gabe has always been someone she could count on, therefore neither of them can be blamed when lines blur from friendship to something more. However, promises made between brothers threaten to ensure that neither of them will have a permanent place in her life. 

When Maddy returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding, she is forced to face both Trent and Gabe for the first time in two years. While the two Basso brothers fight to win her heart, she is busy struggling with a past that won't seem to let her go. Whether she wants to or not, Maddy must decide to either forfeit her own happiness or forever tear a family apart."

My Thoughts:

I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. Let me put this in perspective, I started it at 6pm, and just finished it now, at 12:30am. Seriously, un-put-downable.

Maddy has grown up with the Basso brothers, Trent and Gabe. Trent is her age, and Gabe a bit older. Growing up in a small town, a large group of siblings all stuck together, broken up into the "Bigs" and the "Littles" by age (ps.. I LOVED the big/little thing). Gabe, being a "Big", has always looked out for Maddy (as a "Little"), while Trent and Maddy fell into young "little" love. 

"Come on Maddy. You and Trent are Belcrest's Romeo and Juliet."

Trent and Maddy have had an on again, off again, relationship since the first round, continuing well into college. Trent hasn't always been the model boyfriend, and quite honestly, I wanted to punch this kid in the face quite a few times. But, they have a very involved history, and have been through quite a lot together. However, Gabe, has always been there for Maddy, especially when Trent wasn't, and the line between their friendship has been a bit blurred at times.

" 'Why do you even care what I do?" I ask, still not moving from the bed.

'You are my brother's girl. If he can't be here, then I will take care of you.' "

Now at 25 years old, after having left her small town and moving to NYC, Maddy finds her way back to her hometown for her brothers wedding. Keeping with the small town ways, it of course means the Basso family will be there, Trent and Gabe included. She hasn't seen either of them in 2 years, since the last time her and Trent broke up.

"It is impossible for me to focus on Trent when all I can think about is how much I want to kiss his brother."

Maddy is torn between these two brothers, who are both desperately trying to win a way back into her life. Now she has to make a choice, as leaving it all up in the air has torn the Basso family apart. Does she follow her heart? Or does she save a relationship between two brothers she loves dearly.

"I know its a hard decision, but whatever you decide, they need to know it's final."

Usually when a love triangle is involved, I have some sort of issue with it, but this was one of the most well written love triangles I have ever read. Love Me Back was a total page turner. At one point, I actually stopped, emailed Michelle Lynn, with a message that went something along the lines of:

"What are you doing to me?! I must look like a crazy cartoon with my jaw on the floor and my eyes bugging out with crazy OMG sound effects going off!!!!"

There are twists, there are turns, there are times where you think you have it figured out.. but really, you don't have a clue. There are times where you want to shake Maddy while screaming "GIRL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" and other times where you want to hug her for everything she has gone through. There are times where you want to kick Trents ass, and others where you actually feel sorry for him. And (sigh).. Gabe.. oh Gabe.. you're a new favorite. The side characters are no exception to the awesomeness of this book. Ian, is absolutely hysterical, and Kenna, is one amazing friend. Love Me Back is definitely the whole package!

I absolutely cannot wait to read more by Michelle Lynn! 

Ps.. be sure to stop back by on September 4th.

I'll be posting during the Blog Blitz for her new book, Don't Let Go.

Check out the Don't Let Go cover reveal HERE.

Favorite Quote:

"For some people, they are lucky they meet their love first and never look back, but for others it takes a couple more loves before the right one comes along. Unfortunately, some never find theirs or they weren't selfish enough to take their love when they should have."

Links:

Kindle Link

Nook Link

Goodreads

Michelle Lynn Facebook

Don't Let Go by Michelle Lynn Cover Reveal!

Don't Let Go by Michelle Lynn Cover Reveal!! 

Coming September 3rd!!

DON’T LET GO

COVER REVEAL

Title: Don’t Let Go

Author: Michelle Lynn

Expected Release Date: August 2013

Hosted by: Love Between the Sheets

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18141125-don-t-let-go

SYNOPSIS

Sadie Miller is attempting to change her ways and hide somewhere no one knows her former self. She only wants to finish her final year of college, obtain her degree and get out from her parent’s hold. Then she meets Brady Carsen, the lead singer of the college town band, The Invisibles. Although she tries to stay away, his persistence quickly wins her over and she realizes although he is everything she’s not used to, he might be exactly what she needs and more importantly wants. 

Unfortunately, Sadie’s troubled past at her last school left her with insecurities that make her question Brady’s true intentions.  While Brady is convinced Sadie is the one for him, he has his own secrets that he fears will be their undoing, destroying everything they have grown to become.

If they want to be together, they will have to stand united and fight the outside influences that are threatening to tear them apart. Can they put the distrusts and apprehensions formed by their pasts behind them for good in order to secure their future?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

Michelle Lynn has always been a reader, but her passion has become a full-blown addiction since her husband bought her a Kindle for Mother's Day. She's pretty sure that he regrets this on a regular basis. Especially when she has it propped up next to the stove while she cooks, which often results in a burnt dinner. Or when he loses sleep because the glow from the screen wakes him up when he rolls over at three in the morning. He does agree, however, that she uses this gift more than any other he has ever gotten her. She joking counters that, because of some of the steamy novels she reads, he also benefits more from this gift than any other he has gotten her. ;)

Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids. She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write. With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends. But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.

Author Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.michellelynnbooks.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/michellelynnbks

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7065829.Michelle_Lynn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Lynn/413280762102448

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

EXCERPT:

“I’m kidding, Sadie. To be honest I have never tried this place, but you have peaked my interest.” We stand out from the shop to look up at the menu. “So, what do you get?” he asks.

“Usually the veggie de lite.”

“Are you a vegetarian?” he inquires, sounding like it could be the worst thing in the world.

“Is that a deal breaker for you?” I ask.

“Deal breaker?” he inquiries confused.

“You know, something you find out about someone that makes you not want to date them,” I answer.

“What’s yours?” he asks.

“I asked first. If I was a vegetarian, would that be a deal breaker?”

“I’m not sure anything I find out about you would be a deal breaker, but to be honest I don’t understand vegetarians.”

“Hum.” I turn around to give my order to the cute red head behind the counter who can’t keep her eyes off Brady.

“You never answered. Do you eat meat?” He comes up behind me.

“No, I’m not a vegetarian, I just like the sandwich,” I honestly reply. “I’ll have a veggie de lite with low fat cream cheese” I give the girl my order. Usually I get the garlic and herb spread, but I am not about to talk to Brady with garlic breath.

“What can I get you?” The red head looks Brady up and down while her co-worker starts making my sandwich.

“Same, but garlic and herb cream cheese.” He smiles over to me and I am sure awe fills my face. It makes me half tempted to change my order. “I hate that low fat shit.”

“They have meat, you know?” I tell him.

“I know, I want to experience why you like it so much.” He scoots next to me and my heart races when his hand brushes against mine.

When we get to the cash register, Brady pulls out a twenty before I can even get in my messenger bag, adding chips and drinks to our meals.

“Don’t pay for me!” I scream.

“Why not?” Brady stares around seeing a few students looking our way after my outburst.

“This is not a date,” I confirm.

“Hey, just because I decide to buy you lunch or dinner, or whatever this meal is doesn’t mean it’s a date.” He softens his voice, getting closer to me.

“It’s just…things get implied with dates.” I’m desperate to compose myself. I don’t want to owe him anything.

“Relax, Sadie. I’ll make you a deal.” He grabs our tray and leads us to a table.

“What?” I take a seat, happy he picked a table in the back.

“You can buy me a meal tomorrow.” He smirks up at me.

“Nice, Carsen,”

“A meal for a meal, then we will be even.” He takes both straws and pounds them on the table until the wrappers fall down. He puts one in mine and the second in his drink.

“When are your classes tomorrow?” I ask.

“Well…I live off of campus and I don’t have classes on Friday’s, so it will have to be later.” He takes a bite of his sandwich.

“Later, when?” I ask before I take a bit of mine.

“This is really good, you don’t even miss the meat,” he says surprised, lifting his sandwich. “After my show,” he answers my question.

“I told you the sandwich was good. After the show what?” I take a sip of my soda.

“I have a show tomorrow night. We will get something after I’m done,” he casually says while he continues to eat his sandwich.

“Sorry, but I’m not going to that bar, house or whatever it is from last week.” I shake my head back and forth.

“Good, because we are playing at Aces.” He laughs. “I’ll pick you up.”

“Um…no. Let me just give you the money.” I dig through my bag getting the ten dollars out placing it on the table.

“That’s not the deal. A meal for a meal. Just so you know, after a show I am so hungry you might get the raw end of this deal,” he jokes.

“I think I already got the raw end. I can’t go to your show tomorrow or out to eat,” I say and put my sandwich down, suddenly not able to finish it.

“What do I have to do?” He asks me before pops a chip in his mouth.

“Nothing. I don’t date.”

“Okay, it won’t be a date. A friend coming to another friend’s show and then grabbing something to eat. I will even invite my band if it makes you feel better.” His eyes are begging me and I have to admit I want to go after listening to him sing the last few days.

“Fine, but I am bringing my roommate, Jessa, with me,”

“Great, the more people the better. I’ll pick you both up.” He picks his sandwich back up, happier than before.

Saving Cassie by L.A. Remenicky Cover Reveal plus Blurb!

L. A. Remenicky's Debut Novel Saving Cassie will be released October 2013!

Check out her Cover Reveal! 

Synopsis:

"Everyone has secrets.

Sometimes secrets can get you killed.

After ten years in the big city, Cassie Holt is moving back to her hometown to take over the bookstore left to her by her beloved Gram, vowing to live her life alone. To her best friend, Sheriff James Marsten, Cassie seems to be the same girl that left Fairfield Corners to go to college but Cassie has secrets and one of those secrets could get her killed. When one of her secrets becomes a threat to her life, James turns to his new deputy to help him keep Cassie safe.

Deputy Logan Miller has been burned by love and is not looking to get involved with anyone anytime soon. When he is thrown into close quarters with Cassie, the sparks begin to fly and he begins to see through the walls Cassie has built around her heart. As the threat gets closer, can Logan protect Cassie and protect his heart?"

About L. A. Remenicky

L.A. Remenicky’s journey to publication started with an intro to NANOWRIMO in 2012 and she never looked back.  She is a payroll professional by day and writes out the stories in her head by night.  She shares her life with her husband and three fur-kids.  Saving Cassie is her first novel, to be published Fall 2013.

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/laremenicky 

Goodreads Author Page: 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7191202.L_A_Remenicky

Saving Cassie on Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18245391-saving-cassie

Author Blog:

www.laremenicky.blogspot.com

Restore My Heart by Chelsea Camaron Review

3.5 / 4 Stars

From Goodreads:

"Bad Boy, Ryder Davenport comes into Dina Fowler's life in the middle of her own personal hell. Still coming to terms with the death of her parents, she pushes everyone away. When she trusts the wrong man, putting her in a bad relationship she felt she couldn’t escape, Ryder comes along. Enjoying his playboy ways, fast cars, motorcycles and a new woman in his bed nightly, Ryder had no thoughts of settling down. That is, until he sees the damage a man can do when he meets a very broken Dina. He changes in hopes of one day being enough for her. But, can she ever feel safe with a man again? Ryder has restored hundreds of classic cars, can he restore Dina’s heart?"

My Thoughts:

Restore My Heart is a story about a broken-hearted girl, who was in an abusive relationship that destroyed her heart for any other man. Well, anyone other than Ryder Davenport. But, ever since Ryder helped her out of her past relationship, she hasn't had more than a passing relationship with him. She wants more, but is too scared to act on it.

"Funny thing is, to this point I haven't spoken more than a handful of words to him and he has seen me at my absolute worst; yet his presence alone makes my heart jump."

Ryder has always been your typical player, sleeping with women, and throwing them away right after. When one woman's past catches up to him, he realizes just how his actions affect others. He has had a special place in his heart for Dina since the first day they met. Now he knows, that maybe, she is just what he has always wanted. He needs to better himself to be good enough for 'his' Dina.

"My Dina is broken, so alone, and so fragile. There I go again, my Dina, like she would ever have anything to do with me."

Now, its a matter of if Dina can let her past go enough to let Ryder in. To give in to her feelings, put herself out there, and chance getting her heart broken all over again. 

I definitely enjoyed the story of Restore My Heart. If anything, I wish there was more backstory. This was a short read, which I knew before picking it up, but I kept wanting more. More background, more development. It all flew by. I really enjoyed the characters and the relationships. Not to mention, this book was definitely a hot read! 

It also leaves off at a super cliffhanger.. so on to Salvaged (Daddy's Girls #2) I go!

Favorite Quote:

"Like Cinderella's step sisters trying to make the shoe fit, women can't for men into a certain fit, they way they want. When it's right, the slipper will side right on."

Kindle Link

Nook Link

Goodreads Link