{A Kelly Coffee Review} The Return by Brad Boney

Title: The Return
Author: Brad Boney
Publisher: DreamSpinner Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Male/Male Romance
Publication Date: July 5, 2013

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Synopsis: 

Music. Topher Manning rarely thinks about anything else, but his day job as a mechanic doesn't exactly mesh with his rock star ambitions. Unless he can find a way to unlock all the songs in his head, his band will soon be on the fast track to obscurity.

Then the South by Southwest music festival and a broken-down car drop New York critic Stanton Porter into his life. Stanton offers Topher a ticket to the Bruce Springsteen concert, where a hesitant kiss and phantom vibrations from Topher's cell phone kick off a love story that promises to transcend ordinary possibility.

 

 

Okay, so the holiday kind of ate my life and I haven't had much time to read/listen to anything since November. However, today I was called for jury duty selection, which involved sitting around for almost the whole day, giving me a chance to get caught up on some reading. 

As you can see from the publication date, this one has been on my to-read list for a while. So, you may remember my review of Brad Boney's The Nothingness of Ben two years ago. In that review, I praised the building of the love story, the pacing and the dialogue. The Return shows us that it wasn't a fluke. 

The Return takes place in the same world as The Nothingness of Ben and even includes cameos and supporting roles from most of Ben's cast, but they are not (that I can find) listed as part of the same series, and it can be read independently just fine. 

I have had this book bought and downloaded pretty much since the day it came out. But it also came out when I was in the middle of the Wheel of Time books and when I started doing most of my reading via audiobooks on my commute. Today, literally locked in a room with strangers that I wasn't encouraged to engage with and no internet access, was the perfect excuse to get some reading caught up on.

I did not expect to read this whole book today, but I could not put it down. The rhythm and pacing of this book is different than Ben. In fact, I was a little worried when I began reading. While dialogue is one of the author's greatest strengths, some of the dialogue in the beginning of the book is a little choppy and could stand some more narrative interruption. I was also confused by a flashback chapter early in the book, and it took a couple of those chapters to figure out why they were there. 

One of the things the synopsis doesn't warn you about is the fact that this romance is what is usually called a May-December romance, meaning there is a significant age difference between Topher and Stanton. Usually May-December romances aren't my thing, and it was a bit of a surprise, but there's a really good reason for it and I fully embraced it.

Though the first 6-7% of the book was not quite as smooth as I expected, there are ways in which I think that The Return may even surpass Ben. Where Ben crafted a relationship beautifully, showing its evolution and life with a care and development that I think is so often missing from "romance" novels, The Return shows less the development of the relationship and more the emotional journey of two people who are inexplicably drawn together and trying to reconcile those feelings with both past issues and the realities of a relationship between two people with such a significant age difference (Topher is 26 and Stanton is 50). 

Here, it is not just about the relationship, there is the building of a world and a mythology within that world. There are some paranormal elements in this book, but I don't want to say anything else. Seeing it unravel and putting the pieces together myself from the unexpected twist was so much fun, I do not want to spoil, but I will give this teaser:

"Have you ever heard of the I Ching?"

"No. Why?"

"It's a book of Chinese philosophy. It explores the idea that everything happens for a reason, that nothing in the universe is random."

With Ben, there was great sympathy with the couple who seem to make sense but they make real and relatable mistakes with each other. There is something about The Return that evokes less sympathy and more heartbreak. I mourned with these characters, my heart wrenched for them... I cried. There is an innate tragedy in Topher and Stanton's story that takes a while to unravel, but once it does, watching them struggle is really heartbreaking. The resolution is beautiful, leaving you with relief, satisfaction and joy which almost cause happy tears. I blasted through this 350-page book today and all I want is more from Boney. More of this world. More of this mythology. More of these characters. I love them all.

5 stars for both narrative crafting and sheer emotional impact. Next book in this world is due out sometime this year. I'm not waiting six months to read it this time.

{Book Review} Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Title: Slammed
Series: Slammed #1
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publisher: Atria Books (Simon & Schuster)
Publication Date: September 2012 by Atria
Originally Self-Published January 15, 2012
Contemporary

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Synopsis:


Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

And then some...

I've come to figure out I am not a book club girl. Why? Because I can't stick to the reading assignment. Divide the chapters up over a freaking month? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Slammed, about four hours reading time, give or take. Seriously. A little longer including the obligated pee break. 

Direct Quote to my ladies at the Mafia (you know who you are)...

I'm a firm believer that certain things fall into your life at the exact right times. You ladies are a great example, and then there's Slammed by Colleen Hoover! I laughed, I cried, I giggled, and tears of both sadness and joy streamed down my face. Oddly, I feel much lighter now!

From the end of April until about now, my life tends to get pretty hectic. We've had a tragedy or two inside this household, not unlike many others. Often I'm terrified to read anything that might be remotely heart-breaking, but Colleen's book was chosen for our book club read this month, so I thought "Why not?" (I'm pretty sure I even voted for it.) I would ask, as I often do, "Why didn't I read that sooner?" but it fell into my lap when fate meant for it to, and I'm so very lucky.

The Short of It:
Are you ready for layers packed upon layers of yummy reading goodness? I certainly was!

Ah, Layken or Lake if you're Will. Sad and uprooted after her father's death, she finds herself in Michigan. Now, I'm telling you, I'm a Texas girl myself, and how any good Texas mother could drag her baby to Michigan is beyond me. When I first read this, I was horrified. Literally. I mean, I love all you peeps from Michigan, but this is Texas! Okay, so I eventually understand her mother's motives, but I would be just a little pouty if I were forced to move anywhere but the Carribean, or a secluded island. But Layken's really not that pouty. Sure she's sad because not only has she lost her father, but she's being transplanted to another state at the start of her senior year! She's making the best of it for her mother and her little brother, Kel.

Then there's the boy next door, Will. I mean isn't there always? Except he's not. He's not the typical bad-boy next door, he's not even the good-boy next door. He's the stranger from across the street who's had a tragedy of his own and  now instead of playing college football he's raising his little brother, Caulder, while attending college and working an internship. He's a busy boy, without no time for a relationship. Until he notices the cute girl sitting behind the steering wheel of the U-Haul truck across the street who stops sulking long enough to play Zombie with her little brother and his newly made friend.

I wish I could say things were that simple, in this book or in life generally. Lake and Will have a chance for one single date before everything changes. Lake and Will, the two people who need each other the most, aren't allowed to be together. Not because of those pesky parents, or even age ranges, but because Will can't afford to lose his internship and Layken can't stop going to school. She's made a couple of friends, but no one like Will.

Layken's heartache doesn't stop at Will, but I'll go no further with the storyline as there is so much left to tell, and so much a reader should not experience through one blogger's eyes.

My Overall Opinion:
In all honesty, my summary sucks. I can't do this book justice without going into a ten page essay on it's merits. Overall, I'd call the theme edgy, but not necessarily dark. Two families are negotiating their way through the most un-perfect storm the only way they know how. One day at a time.

Layken's mom is a doll. And an exceptionally smart woman. Reading this book as a mother has given me wisdom when dealing with children. "let them carve pumpkins when they need to" (that one you'll need to read the book to understand, and "while you must choose the battles you pick with your children, it's important not to pick that many."

I love the culture of poetry slamming, I love that this book shows strong male characters hitting back at the world with their words in a civilized manner. And the Avett Brothers? Has anyone ever seen them in concert? I haven't, but my sister has and she told me how amazing they were. I looked up a few videos on YouTube and became enthralled with their enthusiasm. Watching them play, even on my laptop, is exhilarating. But to read their lyrics, to understand them in reference to Slammed gave me a complete different appreciation for them. Eventually Will refers to them as philosophers and I'm not too sure he's wrong.

And Finally:
Now, if my words are not a straight out endorsement of Slammed, perhaps you'll read a few other reviews or just pick up the book, because there's just so much greatness packed inside. The characters are amazingly strong, even during their weakest moments. They're funny and upbeat, tragic and sad, but mostly, they are inspiring.

In the end, when the tears were cried, and the giggles laughed, life felt lighter and I breathed easier.

Until...I started Point of Retreat (Slammed #2)

A Review by Kristin

{A Kristin A Review} Someone to Love by Addison Moore

Another book tour brought to you by SupaGurl tours! Thank you so much for including us in such an amazing event!

Title: Someone to Love

Author: Addison Moore

Publisher: Addison Moore Publishing

December 21, 2012

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***As I searched for the links, I noticed that  Someone to Love is on $0.99 at both Amazon and B & N. I highly advise buying this book ASAP!

Synopsis:

What happens when two people who don’t believe in love, happen to fall madly into the most beautiful relationship they could ever imagine? A train wreck.

When twenty-year-old Kendall Jordan transfers clear across country to Garrison University, the last thing she’s looking for is a one-night stand. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what, gorgeous, Cruise Elton offers.

Kendall has long since come to realize that love is an illusion that never lasts, and Cruise couldn’t agree more—but something deep inside her wants him all for herself. So, Kendall devises a seat of the pants plan to “play the player” and proposes that Cruise tutor her in becoming a female version of himself, Garrison University’s own playboy.

Real feelings begin to emerge, and neither Kendall nor Cruise know how to classify them. Everything they once thought they knew is redefined as they discover, in one another, Someone to Love.

This is a New Adult book and contains sexual content and strong language. Recommended for mature readers.

Three words: Hot, Freaking-Funny, and YUMMY! I mean, just look at that cover. The moment my eyes perused that art, I new I had to read this book, and man, am I ever glad I did! Although, I did get kicked out of my bedroom because I kept giggling while my husband was trying to sleep. o_O

So, Kendall Johnson has moved from the warm coast of California to Garrison University into freezing temperatures, and hot boys. When she first arrives on campus, she's looking for her mother's friend's son so she can get her bags up to her room and escape the insanity of the Frat Party. Plus, one person's eyes have been on her since she walked into the room, and she'd like to escape his intensity. When she finally finds Pennington (unfortunate name, I'd say), he tells her that he forgot to get her a room and now she has no where to stay. Furious, she grabs her bags and starts out the door, wondering what she'll do. Seconds later, her white knight arrives. It's Cruise Elton, playboy, man-whore, cares about no one. He's spent the evening being surrounded by hot girls, but he offers to take Kendall out for a burger. And the romance begins.

Kendall is a riot. She doesn't take any crap from anyone. She got a witty remark for almost anything. She's not looking for love, in fact, she really has no need for it at all. She's watched her mom go through guy after guy and she wants more for herself. I like that she wasn't a perfect heroine  she made some mistakes, some stupid mistakes, but she owned them. Never once did she blame someone else or whine. She took care of her own shit.

Cruise got dumped months ago and every since that moment, he's been the life of the party. He's always up for a good time. He doesn't do relationships, he does one-night-stands, until he meets Kendall. Things start shifting in his head and he begins to wonder if maybe he does believe in love after all. I loved Cruise for so many reasons. He honestly was a good man to Kendall, he worked hard and was ambitious, he rolled with the bumps in the road and never strayed far from her side. He was never controlling or possessive, just caring.

My lovely book group friends have been talking about how we're a little tired of the virgin/bad boy formula that seems to be taking over the market. I was a little unsure about this one, but man, am I ever glad I read it. Addison did a wonderful job with the humor and the pacing of the story that the virgin/bad boy was a small, but important part of the book.

The book is written in first person from both Kendall and Cruise's POV and I loved every moment of it! Both characters are snide and witty. They are the perfect match for each other because neither could pull something past the other. If you're looking for a good, funny, and steamy book, I highly suggest this one! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Favorite Lines:

"Your on a road show with you penis, and trust me, I'm the last person who wants to get in your way. But I'm telling you, operation occupy-my-vagina is a no-go for the evening." Kendall to Cruise

"You know"--she averts her eyes--"work on that M-R-S Degree." She gives him a sexy gurgle when she says it. "At least that's what she wants."

Cruise head over to a tiny anemic tree with sparse needles and gauges me for a reaction.

I shake my head at that one...

"So you're a size matters kind of girl?" he says it low, far to seductive for this early in the morning.

*I received a free ebook from Addison Moore in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I have never met Addison, formally or informally. If her name is used in the review, it is only because she's the author of this book.

{A Kelly Coffee Review} The Nothingness of Ben by Brad Boney

Title: The Nothingness of Ben
Author: Brad Boney
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Adult Romance, Contemporary, Male/Male Romance

Synopsis: Ben Walsh is well on his way to becoming one of Manhattan’s top litigators, with a gorgeous boyfriend and friends on the A-list. His life is perfect until he gets a phone call that brings it all crashing down: a car accident takes his parents, and now he must return to Austin to raise three teenage brothers he barely knows.

During the funeral, Ben meets Travis Atwood, the redneck neighbor with a huge heart. Their relationship initially runs hot and cold, from contentious to flirtatious, but when the weight of responsibility starts wearing on Ben, he turns to Travis, and the pressure shapes their friendship into something that feels a lot like love. Ben thinks he’s found a way to have his old life, his new life, and Travis too, but love isn’t always easy. Will he learn to recognize that sometimes the worst thing imaginable can lead him to the place he was meant to be?

 Disclaimer: This is a gay romance novel. That does mean guy on guy action, but certainly no worse than anything I've read in any straight romance novel, and honestly, there's a lot less of it than in most romance novels I've read. Onto the actual review.

Let me start with just wow. This was just an overall good read. The characters came alive for me. From the out of his element Ben, just trying to do the right thing, to Travis's easy going affability and certainty of self and each of Ben's brothers being individuals. In his biography, the author calls his style "dialogue and stage direction." It may be accurate, but it also does his writing an injustice. The detail in the settings, the way you feel like the author knows exactly where things are happening, add layers of reality to the book. 

This was a book that I just wanted to keep reading. The pacing flowed effortlessly and the dialogue was spot on. I smiled helplessly, outright laughed and even cried a bit. And yes, the sex scenes are smoking. If you want a contemporary story that just builds a relationship, step-by-step, watching the characters grow and fall in love, this is a book you have to read. Just when I was itching for a good, solid love story, I found this book. And if slash is not your thing, skip the sex and read the love story. I promise it's worth it.

{Book Review} The Wild Ones by M. Leighton

Title: The Wild Ones
Author: M. Leighton
Publisher: M. Leighton Books
Date: August 1, 2012

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Synopsis: 

**MATURE CONTENT ADVISORY: May not be suitable for younger readers**

Passion as hot as midnight in the South and love as wild as the horses they tame.

Camille “Cami” Hines is the darling daughter of the South’s champion thoroughbred breeder, Jack Hines. She has a pedigree that rivals some of her father’s best horses. Other than feeling a little suffocated at times, Cami thought she was pretty happy with her boyfriend, her life and her future.

But that was before she met Patrick Henley.

“Trick” blurs the lines between what Cami wants and what is expected of her. He’s considered the “help,” which is forbidden fruit as far as her father is concerned, not to mention that Trick would be fired if he ever laid a hand on her. And Trick needs his job. Desperately. His family depends on him.

The heart wants what the heart wants, though, and Trick and Cami are drawn to each other despite the obstacles. At least the ones they know of.

When Trick stumbles upon a note from his father, it triggers a series of revelations that could ruin what he and Cami have worked so hard to overcome. It turns out there’s more to Trick’s presence at the ranch than either of them knew, secrets that could tear them apart.

Ahhhh...so, I just want to say that on Halloween this year, I'll be hoping for a "Treat" from "Trick." He sizzles like bacon, and nothing is better than bacon. 

I've had several friends recommend M. Leighton to me and I held out, but I should know when Angela over at Reading Angel recommends something, it's a must. She's yet to steer me wrong... So, somewhere down the line I won The Wild Ones from someone, and I do apologize because I have looked and I cannot remember who I won it from, but a huge THANK YOU goes to them and Ms. Leighton! 

Have you ever read a book and it's written so perfectly that you believe the author actually wrote a story about your life? Well, this is how I felt while reading The Wild Ones. Okay, I didn't grow up rich with a swimming pool in my back yard, but I did have a boyfriend who loved horses more than life. I spent many a day sitting on the tailgate of his truck watching him break horses, incessantly demanding their obedience and riding them 'round and 'round the arena. And, to this day, I cannot recall a more peaceful time. Or a more beautiful time. Or...okay, I'll get to the actual review now.

Trick rocked my world and Cami added to the fun. Both "kids" are taking a break from college. Trick because he has a mother and an adorable sister to take care of. Cami's trying to learn the family business - horses. 

I didn't see this book as "a boy from the wrong side of the tracks meets rich girl and they fall madly in love" book, more of a forbidden romance because Trick's family had money, but life happens and parents make mistakes and no one's perfect. Trick's dad saw only one way out of the situation he managed to get his family into, the ultimate sacrifice. The insurance money from the "incident" ran dry forcing Trick to forego college for a while. His one love has always been horses, and Cami's dad is the man to work for.

Now, while I understand this is a work of fiction, I want to go on record as saying I had a hard time with Trick's dad and his death. I can't imagine a time where it would be better to die than to stay around and help get your family back on their feet, but I'm also not one in this situation. 

Trick is working to put food on his family's table and Cami's home and dying to horse around (sorry, been holding that one in for a while) which aligns the proverbial stars. Unfortunately, events from the past will intertwine making things nearly impossible for Cami and Trick to be together. I honestly have to say, I never saw the story unfolding the way it did. Props to M. Leighton on the seriously heart-wrenching twist. Tear drops fell on my pillow.

"Trick? As in trick or treat? That kind of trick?"

He laughs and my stomach flutters. It actually flutters. "Yep. That kind of trick." He sobers and leans in close to me. "Cami, can I ask a favor?"

I'm  breathless again. He's so close I can count every hair in the stubble that dusts his tan cheeks. For just a second, his clean manly scent overrides the cigarette smoke and stale beer smell of the bar.

I lose my voice--again--so I nod.

"Pick 'treat.' Please, for the love of God, pick 'treat'."

Trick is undeniable one of the sexiest men of all times, and that line "Pick 'treat.' Please, for the love of God, pick 'treat'." Awww...I just melted into a gooey mess of human jello. He knows how to make a girl drool and beg for more. His and Cami's initial run-in had me laughing and squirming on the edge of my sofa. Just once I want something like that to happen to me...just once. 

I appreciated how the author handled all of the relationships, but I connected with Trick on a deeper level. Feeling helpless and out of control seems to be my life on a daily basis and Trick portrayed the perfect example of selflessness and pride. He always appeared confident, and I believe he was, but not arrogant. He made things happen. He didn't get pulled under like many college age boys would. I admired his strength and courage.

The book was written in first person from both Cami's and Trick's point of view. Both characters went through life-altering events and came out on top. I adored getting to peak inside Trick's head and Cami's internal dialog had me trying not to wake my husband because I was laughing so hard. I could imagine every thought, every desire, and every action. The sole complaint I have about The Wild Ones is why, oh why, did Ms. Leighton gloss over the steamy parts. I wanted to peak inside the window and watch!!!

Have you ever came across a book that took you back in time? Reminded you of someone or something? I'd love to know about it...

Busted in Bollywood by Nicola Marsh

Title: Busted in Bollywood
Author: Nicola Marsh
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Courtesy of NetGalley
Expected Publication: December 6, 2011

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Synopsis:

Shari Jones needs to get a life. Preferably someone else’s.

Single, homeless and jobless, Indo-American Shari agrees to her best friend’s whacky scheme: travel to Mumbai, pose as Amrita, and ditch the fiancé her traditional Indian parents have chosen. Simple. Until she’s mistaken for a famous Bollywood actress, stalked by a Lone Ranger wannabe, courted by an English lord, and busted by the blackmailing fiancé. Life is less complicated in New York.

Or so she thinks, until the entourage of crazies follows her to the Big Apple and that’s when the fun really begins. Shari deals with a blossoming romance, an addiction to Indian food and her first movie role, while secretly craving another trip to the mystical land responsible for sparking her new lease on life. Returning to her Indian birthplace, she has an epiphany. Maybe the happily-ever-after of her dreams isn’t so far away?

Busted in Bollywood was just what I needed after a week-long reading marathon. I needed something light, fun, and sexy with a whole load of drama thrown into mix. Written in first person, Shari draws you into her journey to Mumbai, India to dump her best friends arranged-fiance. Ms. Marsh does a wonderful job bringing you into the Indian culture. Explicit details about their food, customs, and of course...the world of movie making in India.

We find Shari Jones with a broken-heart and downing mojitoes with her best friend, Amrita Muthu. Shari has agreed to travel from New York to India to impersonate Amrita. Amrita's parents have promised her to a man she has no desire to meet, much less marry. Interesting part is...she hasn't even seen his picture, throwing it in the trash when her parents gave it to her. Now, Rakesh, said sorta-fiance, is much smarter than Amrita or Shari gives him credit for - not to mention rich.

Shari arrives in Mumbai and meets Amjali...Amrita's crazy aunt. Her aunt is on the facade and has her own reasons for helping. Amjali is fantastically funny and left me laughing out loud on several occasions. She is a fiercely protective woman, placing herself directly in the lions den in order to save her niece from a lifetime of regret. She believes Amrita should be allowed to make her own decisions about love.

Once Shari meets Rakesh, she realizes that Amrita must meet him...and not just because he knows Shari isn't Amrita...but because he is simply amazing. Funny, rich, handsome, smart...everything any woman would want. However, a serious issue arises when Shari agrees to continue with the charade so neither family becomes suspicious. Someone enters the picture that could ruin everything, all the while, sweeping Shari off her feet. Someone else knows that Shari is not Rakesh's beloved Amrita. Someone else who is funny, rich, handsome, smart, and sexy-as-hell.

Once back in America, things begin to take off. Romances blossom, parents come out of the woodwork, drama arises, sex ensues. You know...all that fun stuff.

I enjoyed this book immensely. The only complaint I have is that it started off entirely too slow. I need books to get right down to it. The first couple of chapters were fluff...stuff I could have lived without. Now, with that said, Ms. Marsh knows how to keep the sexual tension flowing and the pages turning. Rama Mama is someone I hope I never meet in person.

*This book was provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley as an uncorrected e-proof in exchange for my honest review.

Across Eternity by Aris Whittier

Title: Across Eternity
Author: Aris Whittier
Independently Published
Published: March 11, 2011
Genre: Romance

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Synopsis:

Born a genius; education, wealth, and prestige came easy to Logan Richards. Actually, there wasn’t much that Logan couldn’t learn or acquire. However, he knew there was more to life than money and power. Logan was determined to find the woman who he'd dreamed of his entire life and know what it was like to love her before he died.

Amber Lewis, a waitress for a five-star restaurant in, Dana Point, California, was overworked, stressed, and wary of life since her sister, Heather, had passed away. Then, one evening while working she fell hopelessly in love with Logan Richards, a chivalrous man who felt deeply familiar.

For Amber, it was the beginning of a voyage of self-discovery and renewal. For Logan, it was the completion of life. For each of them it was the deepest sort of love.

Across Eternity is a beautifully written love story revolving around two soul mates who cross paths in every lifetime. Logan has spent most of his current life waiting for Amber. He sees versions of her in his dreams but never imagines that he will find her working in one of his restaurants. Their initial meeting made me laugh. Amber was so funny and feisty, never allowing Logan an easy exit. She knew immediately that he was hiding something from her and she wasn't patient about finding out his secret. However, Logan is a man practiced in patience and he made sure that Amber learned things when she needed to know them. One of these secrets made me want to through the book across the floor in heart-ache; however, I was reading on my Nook and I didn't want to break it.

This story had me laughing out loud at times and left me crying my eyes out at other times. This wonderfully written romance pulls you along on Logan and Amber's journey. The world that Ms. Whittier created was magical. Logan's family loved passionately, welcoming Amber with open arms. I found this a little odd. Most families of extremely successful and wealthy businessmen might be a little concerned why a woman ten years his junior would fall for him so quickly. Logan's family knew more about Amber and Logan's situation that Amber could ever imagine, and they trusted Logan's judgement unconditionally.

Across Eternity is one of the sweetest contemporary romances I have ever read. There aren't any steamy-hot sex scenes...just a tale of two people who love each other unconditionally. Two people who will find each other throughout the ages because they are meant to be. The twists and turns will keep the pages turning.

If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

Title: If I Tell  
Author: Janet Gurtler  
Publisher: Sourcebooks  
Furnished by Netgalley  
Expected Publications: October 1, 2011  
Janet Gurtler’s Blog  
Janet’s Twitter

• Synopsis:

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a onenight stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever?

If I Tell affected me on so many levels. Ms. Gurtler concocted a story riddled with complications varying from racial identities to social awkwardism to sexual identities. This story of a young girl who struggles just to survive each day, touched every nerve in my body. The few friends Jaz has she keeps at a distance, ultimately pushing them away causing her own loneliness.

• Jasmine Evans is the only biracial person at a tiny school in Washington. Talk about a girl with trust issues…she has them all. Her dad never wanted her, her mom left her with her grandmother, her friends tried to drown her in the fourth grade, seven years later they still torture her, she was nearly raped by a friend, she busted her best friend kissing her pregnant mother’s boyfriend. Can the new boy in town break down the walls she has built or will he too betray her?
• Lacey is her best friend who drinks a little too much and throws herself at anyone who looks her way. Even people who are off limits.
• Nathan just so happens to be Lacey’s roomate and he has an eye on Jaz.
• Simon is Jaz’s mom’s boyfriend. They are expecting a baby and Jasmine would be excited if she could just forget what she saw.
• Ashley is the one of Jasmine’s friends who doesn’t want anything from her. The problem is Jaz can’t bring herself to trust anyone.
• Jackson is the new bad boy in town with a reputation he earned. He appears honest and wants to be Jaz’s friend. Problem is Jaz may want more than he can offer.

If I Tell is written in the first person from Jaz’s point of view. With Jaz’s multitudes of emotion you are in for quite a ride. The girl who appears to be a loner hiding away picking at a guitar is hiding so much beneath the circle. She grew up a biracial girl in a white household and nobody to help her discover the other half of her. Her granddad is the one person that she could always talk to, but he passed away. This aspect of the story is probably the only part that I couldn’t connect with, not being biracial and all.

Jackson wants nothing more than to be Jaz’s friend but breaking through her tough exterior will prove to be much more difficult than he expects. Never fear though…Jackson is one patient kid who always gets what he wants.

There is so much in this book that any teenager could relate to. I highly recommend it. The writing is powerful and pulls feelings from you that may not be expected. It is the type of book that really makes you think. There were times I had to put the book down because I was embarrassed for Jaz and then there were times I cried for her. In the end…I was just proud of her for owning up to her mistakes and apologizing to those she hurt.

*If I Tell is an uncorrected e-proof obtained via NetGalley from Sourcebooks Publishing in return for my honest review.

Doing It by Melvin Burgess

Title: Doing It
Author: Melving Burgess
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Copyright © 2003 by Melvin Burgess
Doing It at Goodreads
Melvin’s Website

Synopsis:

I mean-I like girls. I get on well with them. And I like sex. Not that I've had all that much experience of it-not with another person being in the room at the same time, anyway. I just can't somehow put the two together. I can be getting on really well with a girl but as soon as I get an inkling that there might be a chance of anything happening, I just freeze up. It's scary.

Everything you never wanted to know about sex and boys-but probably should.

Dino, Jonathan, and Ben have got some problems, mostly with Jackie, Deborah, and Alison.
Dino's girlfriend Jackie, the most beautiful girl in school, drives him mad with lust, but won't go all the way and relieve Dino of his desperately unwanted virginity.

Jonathan likes Deborah. She's smart and funny and she makes him feel very sexy, but she's kind of plump and his mates won't let him hear the end of it.

Ben's been seduced by Alison, the pretty young drama teacher at school. And what seems like a dream come true is actually making him miserable.

Have you ever been just sort of browsing in a book store and a book called out your name? Ok, maybe not literally, but you know what I mean. My daughter and I were just hanging out at Barnes and Noble when I came across Doing It. I read the back cover and the word “controversial” was screaming at me, so I knew I had to read it. I am really glad I did!

The line in the synopsis “Everything you never wanted to know about sex and boys-but probably should” is a very accurate description of this book. It reminded me of an “R” rated Judy Blume book for boys. I only have girls, so this book was definitely enlightening. The really great thing about this book is that it was not only informative, but a huge laugh also.

Let me start by saying…the topic of the book is SEX, so if you get offended by this topic…do not read this book. However, I feel it should be a must read for boys. Dino, Jon, and Ben deal with bullying, health issues, broken homes, peer pressure, and body issues. They have to learn to trust one another, talk about feelings (which we all know…boys suck at), treat girls with respect, and know when they need help…ie: medical, law enforcement.


I have to tell you, I laughed so hard at times, my daughter looked at me like I was nuts. She is 16, and we have an open relationship, so I would read her excerpts…she just rolled her eyes and said “why are you reading that?” LOL!


Dino was the boy everybody wanted. He could have had any girl he wanted, but he had his eyes on Jackie. They had a rocky relationship and he did some very stupid things, but deep down, he was a good guy. He won my heart.


Jonathan was the jokester. Always making fun of people and telling jokes at their expense…even his best friend Deborah wasn’t exempt from his sometimes cruel humor. He had a unique sense of “magic helpers.” His reasoning on what to ask for or pray for was very enlightening. He realized there were rules to the “magic.” He found a problem with his “knob” and had to go to the doctor, a most horrifying experience.


Ben was bullied and pulled into a sick young woman’s web of deceit. Just when he thought he was free, something terrible happened.


Each of these young men learned that they could depend on one another and that sometimes EVERYONE needs help. A very good lesson to learn.


Doing It is about sex, so yes, there are some sex scenes. Nothing too terrible, nothing erotic…just three boys trying to find there way in life.


Here are a few of my favorite lines:


I think I nearly went mad for a moment. It was just lying there where she should be, and there was a definite second when I thought she’d actually been turned into a pile of squashed puke. – Dino


And I like sex. Not that I’ve had all that much experience of it – not with another person being in the room at the same time, anyway. – Jon

Secrets are dangerous. They turn on you. You think it’s all nice and snug, just you – and – me, our private place – and then suddenly you can’t get out. – Ben

You should definitely check it out!!!