REVIEW: Masquerade by Nyrae Dawn

Masquerade by Nyrae Dawn (Games #3)
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: January 7, 2013
Source: Netgalley via publisher
Rating: 5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

A biker. A tattoo artist. A love to last a lifetime.

Maddox Cross has always had to be tough. When his father went to jail for murder, the teenager took care of his sister and mother. Now on his own and working security at a night club, Maddox wants to become a tattoo artist-a dream that comes closer to reality when he falls for the hottest, most tatted woman he's ever seen. She's wild and beautiful, and Maddox will do anything to be with her.

Bee Malone came to town to open up her new tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Since being kidnapped as a young girl, Bee has had trouble getting close to anyone. But when she meets Maddox, she sees that under his hard biker's body is the sensitive soul of an artist. What starts out as a sizzling one-night stand soon becomes so much more.

Bee wants Maddox to join her tattoo business, but letting him into her life means revealing all her most intimate secrets. And as the past begins to intertwine with her present, Bee fears their love may not be as permanent as their ink . . . 

My thoughts, feeling, and reactions

I swear each book that Nyrae Dawn comes out with just gets better and better. Masquerade has to be the best yet! Masquerade was just gripping, so emotional, and absolutely heart wrenching. 



Let me talk about Bee
.

I loved her for many many reasons. This girl was downright tough and outspoken. She was determined to live her life the way she wanted to and be exactly who she wanted to be. And while she seemed like this hard, brave girl she was not without pain and guilt. She struggled with wanting to be someone for herself, but also the daughter she thought that her parents loved and deserved. The guilt she felt at being torn in two, how she was just so closed off and didn’t know how to love made me want to just love her even more. I admired her strength and all the ways she endured even if it took her sometime to get where she needed to be. 



Now Maddox.


He was this hard-shelled, angry and guilt-ridden man that refused to forgive himself and let people in. Not matter what he said, I thought he was a good brother for Laney. It was so heartbreaking to see how much misplaced guilt he had on his shoulders for what happened in the past. And to see him finally break down all those walls and let go all the hurt was beautiful and freeing. Even though Maddox could be a complete jerk, the things he wanted in life for himself, for his sister and for Bee made him extraordinary. He may have been wrapped up in that guilt, but had an amazing heart through and through. And I have to mention Maddox was extremely sexy!



More than one glimpse.


I have to bow down and possibly tackle hug Nyrae for including Laney, Adrian, Colt, and Cheyenne into this one. They weren’t the stars in the book, but to see how they were and where they were going made me want to ball my eyes out in happiness. I was thrilled each time they were mentioned and I was even more taken by how these four wormed their way into Maddox and Bee’s life. 



The full story.


While all three books in the Games series have been about overcoming obstacles, opening up to loving someone, and dealing with broken people who thought they couldn’t be fixed, Masquerade kicks it up a notch. I thought out of all the books, this one stood out because of Maddox and Bee’s story, how they didn’t even realize they needed each other and how they just ended up loving one another when they thought they never could. I think Masquerade stood out from the rest, especially because of Bee. She was so different from Cheyenne and Laney, yet she was just as lost as they were. I just thought her story touched me even more so. Maddox and Bee’s love unfolded beautifully and to see them finally admit their feelings made me wish I was actually there to witness it in person.



Overall, Masquerade was stunning. The ending was perfect, the whole book was memorable, and the characters were just heartwarming. It’s one of those books that will rock your world and give you every feel possible. 

*Thanks to Forever for sending a copy for review. 

I was not compensated for my opinion.

REVIEW: Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry

Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Source: eARC* via publisher
Rating: 4.5/ 5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

She’s all that’s keeping him from falling over the edge…

Rock star drummer Bishop Riley doesn’t have a drug problem. Celebrities—especially ones suffering from anxiety—just need a little help taking the edge off sometimes. After downing a few too many pills, Bishop wakes up in the hospital facing an intervention. If he wants to stay in the band, he’ll have to detox while under house arrest in Seldon, Alaska.

Hockey player Penny Jones can’t imagine a life outside of Seldon. Though she has tons of scholarship offers to all the best schools, the last thing she wants is to leave. Who’ll take care of her absentminded gramps? Not her mother, who can’t even be bothered to come home from work, let alone deal with their new tenants next door.

Penny’s not interested in dealing with Bishop’s crappy attitude, and Bishop’s too busy sneaking pills to care. Until he starts hanging out with Gramps and begins to see what he’s been missing. If Bishop wants a chance with the fiery girl next door, he’ll have to admit he has a problem and kick it. Too bad addiction is hard to kick… and Bishop’s about to run out of time.

My Review

Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry was an awesome YA novel that I had no trouble devouring in one sitting! I throughly enjoyed what Dawn and Perry created with this book because it had very well developed characters, simplistic writing, and just the sweetest romance I could have hoped for and more. 

I adored both of the main characters in their own way. I think, like Penny, it took some time for me to fall for Bishop. This is not a bad thing because it allowed me to truly appreciate who and where Bishop was coming from. I love how connected Bishop was to music and his drumming. I felt that though he struggled with his addiction, it was obvious that he cared for his mom, Gary, Penny, and Gramps. His attitude toward Alaska was horrible, but it was so amazing too see his perspective change along the way. Penny was such a headstrong and independent character I immediately loved from the very start. I totally have a girl crush on her like you wouldn’t believe! I completely admired her passion for hockey, how much she loved and cared for Gramps and how she was determined to do what she wanted even though everyone was pressuring her to do something else with her future. Penny was such a caring and self-less character. She was always looking out for others; I really loved that in her. Penny was a tough girl with a temper who didn't take crap, but can dish it straight back. She worked so hard, gave her all and went after what she wanted. It was crazy awesome how driven Penny was. But what I really loved most about Penny was her struggle with change, how she accepted it, how she realized it wasn’t all that bad.

The romance between Bishop and Penny was really sweet with just the right amount of intensity too. I loved how they first met. It was so hilarious, who knew toolboxes, injuries, and tampons go hand in hand! I was laughing so hard during this first interaction. I was really curious to see where their interactions were going to go and how their individual issues would affect each other. I really liked that Dawn and Perry allowed their relationship to move slowly but surely. It allowed Bishop and Penny to get to know one another but it also allowed me to get to know them as well. I really enjoyed how they connected, how they made each other want to be someone better. I especially loved how Bishop made Penny believe she can do anything she wanted to do and how she made him want to change and not be the person he has become. It was wonderful to see love blossom between them. 

I thought Out of Play was really well written. The flow between Bishop and Penny’s POVs were really smooth. Dawn and Perry totally joined their spectacular writing forces to write this book with lots of passion and I really felt that. It amazes me that this book was written by two people because it was just so well done and so put together. I was really impressed. The dual points of view between Bishop and Penny took on a very addictive quality the second I started the book. I always had to tell myself that I’d only read one more chapter, but ended up reading more and more. I couldn’t put Out of Play down! The book was relaxing but also a refreshing read as well. I was easily swept in. 

The best thing about this book was the focus on change, on finding on what you really wanted and doing what was best for you. I loved that the driving force of this book was the overall message it leaves behind when you finish. 



Overall, Out of Play had a lovely romance, some humor and heartbreak that accompanied the intensity and anticipation throughout the novel. I definitely want more from Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry! 

*Thanks to Heather Riccio of Entangled for sending a copy for review purposes

I was not compensated for my opinion.

REVIEW: Facade by Nyrae Dawn

Facade by Nyrae Dawn (Games #2)
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: July 2, 2013
Source: Netgalley eARC* 304 pages
Rating: 5/5 millionbilliontrillion stars!
Get it: Amazon / B&N

Can love save them?

After her father commits a crime that shatters her family, eighteen-year-old Delaney Cross is tired of pretending everything is all right. Packing up her car, she sets out to find the people her father hurt. Her search leads her to places she’s never been—and into the arms of Adrian Westfall.

To the outside world, Adrian is a sexy, charming ladies’ man. But his playboy persona is just an act. Secretly his soul is tortured by a memory too painful to share. Only Delaney seems to see through his façade to the real man underneath. And for the first time in his life, Adrian feels he can begin to open up about his past.

Together, Adrian and Delaney share a passionate love they never expected to find. Yet both still harbor their own secrets. When the dark truth is finally revealed, will it bring them closer together—or tear them apart forever?

My Review

Woah baby, hold the phone because Facade by Nyrae Dawn has kicked those piles of favorite books on my desk and just climbed its way on top! There was nothing better than having a book hurt so much and feel so good all at once and that’s exactly what Nyrae Dawn did for me in Facade. In one word, Facade was exceptional. It creeped into my heart and soul and completely wrecked me. I couldn’t have asked for a better novel.

Let me start with Laney. I love this girl because she was so freaking strong. She made me want to hold my fist high in the air at how incredible she was. The thing about Laney was that she never ever gave up. She endured, she understood, she accepted, and she was so patient. Her biggest strength was also her biggest weakness because she could not fix everything no matter how hard she tried. But she was admirable for apologizing when she had no fault, cared too much when that person didn’t care at all, and loved with all her heart even if it meant she would get hurt in the end. Laney carried the weight of her family’s faults, the burden in which she didn’t deserve and still managed to live every single day despite the ghosts in her eyes. 

Adrian Westfall was something else entirely. Under his cool, charming, party boy facade was someone so broken and guilt-ridden. Someone who was irreparably changed and damaged by an accident that he continued to put blame on himself. God, he was so broken and so hurt, I was gasping in the pain he was always experiencing and crying because an incredible person like Adrian didn’t deserve any pain brought onto him. Despite Adrian being damaged goods, he still cared deeply about Colt, Chey and Laney. He read and wrote to escape and loved when he thought his heart had run away. He was the type of guy to write poems, who buys and leaves a caramel apple at your door, and has a certain tattoo with great significance that makes your heart ache and sing simultaneously. Even when Adrian was rude or an ass or even playing the game, it was hard to stay angry with him because he was so sweet and his flirty lines just put a smile on my face. I was floored by how much he loved a certain someone and even more gutted when I learned the truth. Adrian Westfall, you own my heart and I’ll be damned if you return it.

Oh, Nyrae Dawn, you completely slayed me. All the hurt and pain in the book rivaled with all the sweet and tender moments, I couldn’t decide which I loved more. Facade was so beautifully written, so damn real, I cried for Laney and I cried for Adrian. Just when I thought I had the whole story figured out and I knew where things were headed, Nyrae throws in that devastating twist that left me speechless and had me bawling my eyes out. This whole book was stunning, especially how much depth and emotion was put into it. It’s a book that grasps you and stays with you for days after. I was so thoroughly impressed by this novel I don’t even really know how to give it the justice it deserves. The emotional journey that I was put through because of these two characters was priceless. What I really love most about Facade was how it showed to learn to heal, to forgive, and to keep on trying for yourself and for those that love and care for you. 

Overall,  Facade was a remarkable book with well developed characters and a storyline that focuses on love and healing that touches the heart in every way. 

*Thanks to Forever for sending a copy for review purposes

I want not compensated for my opinion

Favorite Quotes

"It's crazy the things people see if they take the time to look."

"That in a world full of people who are just as fake as me, there's something about her that feels so fucking genuine."

"I see the pain in his eyes and I want to extinguish it. To fight it until there's nothing left to hurt him."

"She stands amongst the stars of night..

They look back at her and envy her light.

For none of those stars shine bright as she.."

"Your heart beats so strong, I feel it against my chest. You make mine want to catch up, to match the rhythm."

"She's the fire in my veins, the breath in my lungs, and the glue trying to hold each of my scars together."

"You are so much more than you see, Adrian."

"I can't get you out of me. Your smile's in my head and your voice in my ear."

REVIEW: Charade by Nyrae Dawn

Charade by Nyrae Dawn (Games #1)
Publication Date: October 22, 2013
Format: Kindle ebook, 344 pages
Rating: 5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon / B&N

Nineteen-year-old Cheyenne tries to portray the perfect life to mask the memories of her past. Walking in on her boyfriend with another woman her freshman year in college threatens that picture of perfection.

Twenty-one-year-old Colt never wanted college and never expected to amount to anything, but when his mom's dying wish is for him to get his degree, he has no choice but to pretend it's what he wants too.

Cheyenne needs a fake boyfriend to get back at her ex and Colt needs cash to take care of his mom, so they strike a deal that helps them both. But what if Cheyenne’s past isn’t what she thought? Soon they’re trading one charade for another—losing themselves in each other to forget about their pain. The more they play their game, the more it becomes the only thing they have that feels real.

Both Cheyenne and Colt know life is never easy, but neither of them expect the tragedy that threatens to end their charade and rip them apart forever.

My Review

I’m totally regretting not picking Charade up sooner because oh my sweet sugar, this book was hitting my heart with ALL THE FEELS. Nyrae Dawn is so good at smashing my heart into a million tiny pieces and patching it up all nicely with love and care at the very end. 

Cheyenne and Colt. Wow, they were not fooling me one bit. I knew these two were playing for real before they even realized they weren’t playing the game anymore. My heart twisted and reached out to these two so much. It was so painful to see how the abandonment of Chey’s mother affected her relationships with other people and how Colt thought he could never amount to anything while he watched his mother wither away. I have never wanted to grab a hold of two characters before and wished for their anguish to go away. In Cheyenne, I saw a girl broken down trying her hardest to not need anyone, but who was stronger and in control even when she didn’t believe it. And in Colt, I saw a boy who was devoted and loving son ,who would do anything for his mother no matter how hurt he was feeling. Both of them struggled to let people in and to open up. In their game of charades, it became real and scary, but damn, it was exactly what they needed. 

I have to say that this book was really hard to read because of what Cheyenne and Colt go through. I’m more like Cheyenne when it came to the mommy issues. The abandonment messes you up and I felt a connection with Chey on that standpoint. It’s hard to believe someone loves you when they leave you and that part of the story really resonated with me. With Colt, I wanted what he had with his mother. I thought his relationship with his mother was what truly brought tears to my eyes. I thought it was so unfair the situation he was in and I was angry and hurt at how cruel the world was to good people. What I do love most about what Nyrae brought in Charade was hope. She didn’t just give Chey and Colt hope, but she gave readers (like me) hope too. 

Like always, Nyrae’s writing is spot on. Chey and Colt’s voices were authentic and the situations they were put it were completely realistic and relatable in every sense. I truly loved the whole idea of how a game becomes the real deal. I thought it was a good way to bring these two characters together considering how they showed themselves to the world. And I also have to commend Nyrae on the awesome romance. I absolutely adored Chey and Colt’s bickering and banter. I love how their relationship developed over time, how they never wanted or expected to fall in love and how they embraced it in the end.

And while I’m still debating whether or not I need Nyrae to replace my achy breaky heart because of this one, I loved that she made my heart hurt, made me feel so utterly helpless for these characters, and how she totally upped the angst, but never made it feel over the top. 

All in all, Charade is a testament to Nyrae’s extraordinary talent at writing and story telling. She never ever disappoints!

REVIEW: Dizzy by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry

Title: Dizzy
Author(s): Nyrae Dawn & Jolene Perry

     - Website | Twitter | Facebook

     - Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: November 20, 2012
Format: e-ARC*
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon || B&N

Dylan doesn’t do relationships. He and his older brother watched their dad go through hell and back, so they made a pact years ago—no girl would come between the Gibson boys. But his brother sells out. He's getting married anyway. To the sister of a chick Dylan met at a party, who's probably the angriest girl he's ever met. Unfortunately, she happens to be hot, too.

Ziah’s life is upside down—her safe boyfriend turns out to be not-so-safe, and now her sister is getting married before college is over to the older brother of a spoiled, party boy who drives her crazy. And also makes her heart beat too fast.

There’s no denying the attraction, but there's also no denying how much they irritate each other. When they’re thrown together as forced wedding planners, they find an ally in each other--neither wants this wedding to happen.

But instead of putting a stop to the crazy nuptials they find themselves at fittings and cake testing. And maybe even…a few dates?
Dizzy is a novel about what happens when two people who are determined not to fall in love, maybe do anyway. Maybe.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

I love a good romance with a swoony couple that makes me melt and the drama that comes with it. Dizzy by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry had this down perfectly. They wrote one cute and lovable book that will surely touch the hearts of many. 

We start off with two marvelous characters, Dylan and Ziah, who are brought together through the upcoming marriage of their siblings. Dylan and Ziah don’t have much in common and come from opposite worlds, but these two come together under unpleasant circumstances and without knowing how, these two fall for each other. 

Dylan was a unique character whom I loved from the very start. From the outside, he looked like a rich, spoiled and arrogant guy. Hidden underneath those rough edges is a sweet, down to earth, funny and overall great guy. He was super hilarious and he made me smile and laugh out loud every chance he got. Dylan had trust issues when it came to women so he couldn't commit to one girl, but Dylan never led any girl on. He made sure they knew exactly what he wanted. I love how Dylan still found it in him to support his brother, even when he didn’t agree in the beginning. I understood Dylan and I completely connected with him and felt all the pain and betrayal he felt. I found Dylan to be one amazing guy even with all the issues he had with his parents and his brother’s wedding. Dylan was the type of guy you want to keep and never ever want to let go. 

Ziah was character that made this book whole. Smart and intimidating with a powerful voice, Ziah was truly one force to be reckoned with. This girl can dish it out and she can stand on her own. She was a strong girl and she valued love and family as important things. What I loved about Ziah was her ability to forgive and embrace things and the people who did her wrong. Ziah may look tough on the outside, but she definitely had a fun and loving side I loved as well. I loved how she was relatable, reachable and believable as a character. 

Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry’s writing was absolutely stunning. The writing is clean and well blended. They did a great job of developing the characters to point where I got to know them and feel what they were going through. Dylan and Ziah were set a part from each other and had unique voices that I knew exactly whose head I was in without looking. The drama and obstacles the characters had to face were real and true to the story as well. The overall pacing of the story was perfect where Dylan and Ziah’s relationship grew stronger each chapter. The romance was beautifully written, making my heart ache and swell and race at the same time. It was so easy to invest and wrap myself around the romance, it’s no wonder why I fell head over heels in love with this book. Best of all, Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry made sure to add in the snarky, clever, and humorous moments for a fun, fast, and easy read. 

Dizzy is a must-have, must-read book for any contemporary, romance and book lovers out there! 

*Thanks to Nyrae Dawn for sending a copy for review  

Favorite Quotes:

"MARRIED? What? It's worse than I thought. My brother isn't dying; he's gone bat-shit crazy." location 274

"My heart starts to beat all crazy, which means I'm completely ridiculous because it's just a hand. I take it and land way too close to him. And his blue eyes are too close and his warmth is to close and he smells so, so good." location 901

"Of course she has her hair up again, and I not only have to see that little strand hanging down but also her neck. It's a nice neck. I like kissing necks, and I suddenly want to kiss her. What the hell is wrong with me?" location 956.

"One second I'm trying to get away because she's too easy to be around, and the next I'm trying to find ways to spend more time with her." location 1024

"Cake? She's playing dirty again. Cake is like... Well, let's just say that if someone were to put enough nutrition in cake for me to stay alive and only eat cake, I would." location 1111.

"It's just you and me, Hanes. In a battle to make it home before I die of cake consumption." location 1215

Character Interview: Caleb Evans from Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn

I'm really excited to have a very special someone on my blog today! He's totally cool. He has a bad boy reputation around school, but when it comes to a certain girl, he's totally sweet and kind and just has a good heart all the way! He can make you swoon and break your heart all at once.
He's my favorite, gorgeous green-eyed, black hair beauty: Caleb Evans from Karma Bites by one of my favoritest authors ever, Nyrae Dawn!

----

Hi Caleb! Thanks for stopping by my blog! It's an absolute honor to have you :)

Umm…sure. No problem.

Can you tell my blog readers a little bit about yourself, of course, without spoiling the mysteriousness that is Caleb Evans?

I’m not sure I’m mysterious or really what to say at all. I’m the guy your parents don’t want you to hang out with. If there were tracks, I’d live on the wrong side of them. Parents who don’t care. You know, all that. Which really doesn’t mean anything, but that’s what most people see when they look at me. 

Oh, Caleb. You are so much more than that.

I know you don't like Karma very much for reasons that cannot be named at the moment, but is there anything about Karma that you like? The food, the people? Anything? 
Abby.

Mhm, I think I knew that one ;) 

How do you juggle school and all your other "responsibilities"? It sounds really tough. 

You do what you have to do to survive. There’s not really another option. Plus, school’s always been easy for me.

I admire the fact that you don't care about what other people think and that you're comfortable just doing your own thing. Is that how you've always been or is it because of the situation you were currently in?

*shrugs* I don’t know. I guess I’ve always been like that. I mean, I have people I hung out with, but we were different. My head was always in a different place than theirs, so it’s hard to get too close. I know how life is. There aren’t many people you can depend on other than yourself, so why pretend?

I hear you, Caleb. It's tough.

What's up with those friends you supposedly hang out with? What are they like? Are they any fun?

Eh. They can be a good time, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Stacy and the LP seem to be at the top of the school hierarchy, where do you stand?

I don’t know. I don’t really pay attention to that. 

Now Let’s talk about Abby. 

Yeah, we can't have this interview without talking about Abby *winks*

What was going through your mind when you saw Abby at her tree that day? Have you ever noticed her before then? 

It’s hard not to notice her…she doesn’t see that about herself, or she’ll blame it on the vampire stuff with her mom, but, yeah, I noticed her. When I saw her by the tree… I don’t know if I was really thinking. I just didn’t like to see her cry. I don’t know why. I just wanted to make sure she was okay

What's the best thing about Abby in your eyes? How does she make you feel? 

Umm… I’m not real good at talking about that stuff. I guess…I guess she makes me feel important, if that makes sense. And she’s funny as hell too. 

I completely agree. Abby's one hell of a girl. I adore her.

Ok, lets talk Gabe. 

Do we have to?

Yeahh. We do. Sorry, Caleb. *winces*

How do you feel about him? Before and then After? Do you think he'll be your rival for Abby's affections? He is pretty dreamy, not that I know I wasn't looking or anything. 

I hate him. I always have and always will. I can’t go into why without giving stuff away, but no, I don’t like him and I hate the way things are right now. As for Abby…we have a lot of stuff between us right now, but I don’t see Gabe being a problem in that way. This is real life. Our lives and not just a game. Regardless of how things went down, I trust her and I know her. I’ll always believe in that. 

*phew* That wasn't so bad, right? Promise not to ask anymore Gabe questions, ever. 

All right, a few quick fire questions and I'll let you go.

Last thing you bought? Food, which honestly was weeks ago. Since that, I haven’t needed much. 

Color of your room? White, though I don’t really feel like it’s mine. I’m just being “housed” right now.

Favorite time of day? Night

My favorite too. *grins*

Best subject in school? All of them 

*smiles in adoration*

One thing you can't be without? One thing I don’t want to be without or can’t physically? The answers would be different.

And my million dollar question: Boxers or Briefs? *winks* Boxer-briefs

*sigh* What I would give... *shakes out of day dreams*

Thanks again Caleb for being here, I can't wait to learn more about you in the second book. Maybe you can talk to Nyrae about writing it very soon ;) lol

Thanks for having me. If you see Abby, tell her…tell her I said hi. 

Oh, Caleb. I will. I most certainly will. *hugs*

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Check out my review for Karma Bites

More books from Nyrae Dawn:

Cover Reveal: Charade by Nyrae Dawn

I'm not even going to go into much with a boring intro, because lets face it, we all know I love Nyrae Dawn and her books and she's awesome and amazing and she rocks my world and she's basically a writing machine with more of her books coming out with a few months in between which in my opinion, blows my freaking mind so... lets get to it!

I present to you.. another (albeit fabulous book) from Nyrae Dawn!!

Charade by Nyrae Dawn

Expected Publication Date: November 30, 2012

The (amazing) Blurb:

Nineteen-year-old Cheyenne tries to portray the perfect life to mask the memories of her past. Walking in on her boyfriend with another woman her freshman year in college threatens her picture of perfection.

Twenty-one-year-old Colt never wanted college and never expected to amount to anything, but when his mom's dying wish is for him to get his degree, he has no choice but to pretend it’s what he wants too.

Cheyenne needs a fake boyfriend to get back at her ex and Colt needs cash to take care of his mom, so they strike a deal that helps them both. But what if Cheyenne’s past isn’t what she thought? Soon they’re trading one charade for another. The game and the emotions building between them become the only things either of them have that feels real.

Both Cheyenne and Colt know life is never that easy. When tragedy strikes, their love might not be enough to hold them together.

My thoughts..

OMG. That. Cover. Sexy and hot and sweet baby Jesus!! It just looks so fun flirty and then the blurb! AHHH! Nyrae has tweeted some lines from this book and I have already professed my love for Colt. Best thing about him so far: He's 21!?! MY AGE PEOPLE. MY AGE! I love the whole idea of them using each other and I'm so excited to read their story and watch them possibly fall in love??. I simply cannot wait! 

What do you think!? 

Let me knooooow!

More from Nyrae Dawn:

REVIEW: Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn

Title: Karma Bites
Author: Nyrae Dawn - Website | Twitter
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Published: August 15, 2012
Format: ecopy* 214 pages
Rating: 5/5!

"Whoever said, 'parents are always right' really should have thought that one through. After all, my mom believes in vampires. Go figure."

All Abigail Thompson ever wanted was to be considered normal. Instead, she ended up a loner with a vampire–obsessed mom and a stamp labeling her the resident freak of Karma, California.

When bad boy Caleb Evans saves Abby from a mean girl attack straight out of a “B” movie, Abby’s own karma starts to improve. Maybe “normal” could become her way of life, after all. But Caleb isn’t the only boy to notice her. Once newcomer Gabriel Chambers becomes Abby’s new best friend, she finds herself trapped between two boys, both holding secrets. And when Abby learns sometimes things really do go bump in the night, she discovers one of those secrets could just get her killed.

Get it: Amazon || B&N

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Karma Bites is another book to add on to my ever growing obsession, addiction and admiration for Nyrae Dawn. It’s also another one of Nyrae’s books that will be added to my all-time favorites list because I seriously cannot tell you how much she never ceases to WOW me with her work. Just when I thought her last book was my favorite, she goes and writes another, that I knew would be completely great, but instead I get blown away. 

Whether it be contemporary or a paranormal book, Nyrae Dawn is a master storyteller, a master at writing books that you can easily lose yourself into where you can relate to the characters and the story. She has the power to make you feel like your living in the book rather than just reading it. 

Karma Bites is Nyrae’s first paranormal novel and the first book of hers that I read with a female narrator. I can tell you that Nyrae excels at writing paranormal and she creates one killer female protagonist. (Was there even any doubt?!) I love how Nyrae eases us into this world with a steady pace that doesn’t lack excitement. She doesn’t bombard you with information, but leaves you with enough to want and need more. KB is not your typical paranormal book and not your everyday vampire story either. It’s different and unique, cool and believable. Nyrae Dawn creates her own vampires, giving them a twist within Abby’s story. These vampires don’t sparkle in the sun, but they are the menacing and dangerous creatures of the night with powers only humans wish to obtain. At the same time, they are capable of real human feelings and emotions where you can love them wholeheartedly. 

Abby was an excellent main character. I adored her from the very start. Her voice was so clear in my head, I could almost see and feel her right next to me. Abby had this spunk, this attitude that really captured my attention and made her unforgettable in my eyes. She constantly made me laugh with her snarky comebacks and her never-ending sarcasm. I loved how real Nyrae created Abby. She was just a young girl who wanted nothing more than a normal life. I found Abby to be very loving and understanding. Despite what her mom believed in and the things she goes through, Abby keeps their strong, unbreakable bond. My favorite thing about Abby was her endearing and charming personality. Even when she said something silly and ended up embarrassing herself, I just ended up loving her more. She was just so adorable and cute I wanted to keep her forever. Abby was so easily relatable and so easy to connect with I felt like I could be friends with her in a heartbeat. Because my connection with Abby was so deep, whatever she was feeling my emotions were up front and center with hers. I felt her sadness, her loneliness, her anger, her happiness, her heartbreak and all her giddiness. 

There are two boys in this book that will definitely make you swoon, but Caleb was my favorite all the way. He was mysterious, gorgeous, a green-eyed, black haired beauty I couldn’t get enough of. He was totally cool in that I-don’t-care-what-other-people-think kind of way. Although he was aloof towards Abby at times, he was kind to her when no one else would give her the time of day. He helped Abby a lot, believed in her strength when she didn’t think she had any and he boosted her confidence when she thought she had none. On the outside, Caleb had this bad boy persona, but he was vulnerable and sweet on the inside.

Nyrae surely knows how to pack in the action and give a little more than a punch to the stomach. Karma Bites had me at the edge of my seat to the point where I couldn’t seem to read fast enough for my brain to catch up with all the anticipation I was feeling. Right when things were going great for Abby, BOOM! Cue in explosive plot twist one after the another that keeps you guessing all the time. It’s intense and crazy and I was so swept up into a whirlwind full of emotions and turmoil. Just when I think it couldn’t get any better than that, it does. It really does. So many parts of this book was so unexpected, I’m at a loss for words. 

Overall, Karma Bites is one fierce and riveting book. It has wonderful characters anyone call fall in love with, an exuberant storyline, and writing that can mesmerize all. Nyrae Dawn is one of very few authors who can make me fall in love with a book after the first page alone.

*Thank you to Nyrae Dawn and CMP for sending a copy for review!

REVIEW: Freeing Carter by Nyrae Dawn

Title: Freeing Carter
Author: Nyrae Dawn - Website || Twitter
Published: July 17, 2012
Format: Kindle ebook, 196 pages
Rating: 5/5 stars

His whole life Carter’s fought to hold it together: To help Mom run their store. To be there for his special needs sister, Sara, and be the perfect boyfriend Mel wants. To dominate on the basketball court—the only place he ever feels free. And to carry Mom up the stairs when she’s too smashed to make it on her own. 

It isn't like she has a problem. Mom loves them. If she doesn't drink every day, she's not really an alcoholic, right? 

Wrong.

Then Kira Dawson, a girl with a bipolar wardrobe and rotating hairstyles comes to town. Somehow, she sees the truths he hides from the world. “You have skeletons, too, Carter Shaw. Don’t think I don’t know it.” For the first time, he wants someone to see his inner scars—to really know him. 

When his mom finally goes too far, will Carter be able to man-up, even if it means turning his back on her and stepping out from behind the façade he’s fought so hard to keep in place?

Get it: Amazon || B&N

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Nyrae Dawn has done it again! She never ceases to amaze and astound me with her beautiful and mesmerizing writing, her ability to enchant with any story, and the way she can move me with every character she creates. 

Freeing Carter was just so intense with heavy issues, drama, and heartache. Everything in this book just really pulls at all the heart strings and the whole story really stays with you. What I loved about this book was how real, raw and true it was. Nyrae Dawn just tells it straight, she doesn’t sugar-coat Carter’s issues and she really brings out the best and worst when facing such serious topics. 

Carter was a remarkable character. My heart shattered piece by piece having to read all that he goes through. In the beginning, Carter kept a wall up to ward people off from his imperfections and problems at home. For a long time he’s been struggling to  save face and to keep up pretenses and hide away the secrets that seem to tear him down nearly everyday. Carter also struggles with guilt for being angry at his mother for drinking her pain away. Even though he feels this way, Carter was a great son and brother. He has so much on his plate, but he still manages to think of his mother and sister first, putting their care above all else. Because of this, I saw Carter as a person who is caring and unselfish. He’s cocky sometimes, but he’s so sweet. He’s a great guy at heart despite all the demons he faces every single day. I found him to be truly strong and brave, especially when he decided to do the right thing in the end. 

When he meets Kira, bits and pieces of my broken heart were put back together.  I was so glad that Carter found someone to confide in; someone that he can let in through all his barriers. Kira was a different girl, someone Carter has never encountered before. She’s cool and spunky and she seems to really get Carter. Most of all, she sees through his facade of perfection to the real Carter behind it all. And Carter is really drawn to this eccentric girl. He’s intrigued and fascinated all the same. I loved watching them fall in love because I could see how good Kira was for Carter and vice versa. I see how free-spirited Kira was and how she didn’t care what anyone thought of her. I was glad that Carter was the same way, loving Kira no matter what his classmates said. I was absolutely taken with their relationship. They were such an unforgettable couple.

The ending of the book was probably my very favorite part because it was a realistic ending that rang true to the story and the characters and it ended on a note of happiness, change and hope for the future to come. 


Overall, Freeing Carter was just plain beautiful. 



Keep these marvelous books coming, Nyrae, because I simply cannot get enough of your fabulous writing!

Teaser Tuesday #30

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by MizB from Should Be Reading.

Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn

Publication Date: August 15, 2012

"I feel like an idiot. Like he has to wear his kid gloves with me because I'm the girl with no friends. "I wouldn't have minded somewhere private."

Gabe smiles. "I guess I'm being a gentleman for no reason, then." Page 75.

----

"Then come with me." I want nothing more than to do as he says. I peek my head inside and when I do, Caleb grabs my hand. "Come on, Abby. Please?" There's no way I can deny him. Not when he's looking at me with those forest green eyes than remind me of the woods we spend so much time in. Page 100.

*sigh* I seriously lovelovelove Caleb. He makes me feel things. lol

Special thanks to  @dduffield75 for randomly choosing these page numbers on twitter and for everyone who participated when I asked :)

And thanks to Nyrae Dawn for Karma Bites <3

What do you guys think of those teasers?

Let me know and leave me your cool links!

KARMA BITES by Nyrae Dawn RELEASE!

It's not a secret that I absolutely LOVE Nyrae Dawn and all the books she writes! I've already made it a rule that a book written by Nyrae Dawn is a must-have and a must-read. No ifs, ands, buts, or questions asked. I, Jessirae, solemnly swear to read anything and everything that Nyrae brings forth.

Because Nyrae Dawn has moved straight to the top of my favorite authors lists, I'm more than honored to help her celebrate the release of her latest book, KARMA BITES!

Karma Bites by Nyrae Dawn

Publication Date: August 15, 2012 (TODAY!!) <3

Blurb:

"Whoever said, 'parents are always right' really should have thought that one through. After all, my mom believes in vampires. Go figure."

All Abigail Thompson ever wanted was to be considered normal. Instead, she ended up a loner with a vampire–obsessed mom and a stamp labeling her the resident freak of Karma, California.

When bad boy Caleb Evans saves Abby from a mean girl attack straight out of a “B” movie, Abby’s own karma starts to improve. Maybe “normal” could become her way of life, after all. But Caleb isn’t the only boy to notice her. Once newcomer Gabriel Chambers becomes Abby’s new best friend, she finds herself trapped between two boys, both holding secrets. And when Abby learns sometimes things really do go bump in the night, she discovers one of those secrets could just get her killed.

And here's a little excerpt to keep you going ;)

I wonder how teachers make the school clocks run so slowly? As soon as you step through the doors you’re in a parallel universe where time runs slower than Mr. Henry’s drawn-out algebra lectures. Like any of us will need this outside the classroom. If we did, there would be an adult other than a math teacher who could help with homework.

There’s not.

           I sigh, letting my eyes travel to Stacy, queen of The Lipstick Posse. Her eyes, dark brown, but they almost look black, narrow at me and she gives me one of those wicked smiles that only someone who excels in mean-girlism can give. She mouths vamp freak at me. So original. The least she could do is muster up some creativity. Okay, so my mom believes in vampires. That’s golden as far as reasons to make someone’s life miserable. If I were Stacy, you can bet I’d have a better game than that.

             In case you didn’t catch it, my life sucks. Ha! A pun. It wasn’t even on purpose either.

             At the first shrill ring of the bell, I pull my familiar swoop-and-roll maneuver, jerking my backpack over my shoulder, rolling out of the chair and making a break for the door. It’s not that I’m scared of The LP. Okay, that’s a lie; maybe I’m just a little afraid. Who can blame me? It’s not only three on one, but I have no doubt if Mom’s crazy vampires-are-real fantasy were true, Stacy Cavanaugh and her death stare would be the poster child for the undead. She sucks the life out of me every day. Not that I have much of a life to suck. Wow, I rock at puns.

         I squeeze my way through the students herding toward the door. Don’t these people understand I’m tortured here? They should totally let me out first. I’m trying not to become a bullied teen statistic.

“Excuse me. Excuse me.”

I try to wiggle my way through, but it doesn’t work. Everyone else might not stoop to calling me “Vamp Freak of Karma, California”, but they do enjoy the show, no matter how many reruns The LP play.

       I’m halfway down the hall before I exhale a deep breath. I might have made it.

        “Hey, Vamp Freak. How’s your crazy mom?” They surround me like a bad Mafia movie. I keep walking. “It must be hard, living with a nutcase. Do you guys have padded walls in your house?”

         It doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t bother me, I chant to myself. But it does. No matter what, she’s still my mom and besides the one tiny—okay, maybe not so tiny—but besides the one peculiarity about her, she’s completely normal.

“My mom’s not crazy.” I glance at her. “Oh, I think you missed a spot. Your top lip is looking a little less hooker-red than the bottom.”

       Tiffany stumbles. Stacy’s hooker lips form an “O”. Even I’m a little surprised by my comment, but a vamp freak can only take so much.

      “You little bitch.”

        Uh-oh. She pulled out the big guns. Bitch means she’s really pissed and I don’t feel like being shoved into the lockers today. Three on one, remember?

       I break into a run. Sad, I know, but unfortunately I don’t have any super-vampire abilities where I’m able to take on The LP by myself.

      I shove through the charred-brown doors leading to the back of campus. Ahead of me is a field of green. If this were a movie, I’d be frolicking through it rather than running for my life. Just beyond the field is the line of trees separating high school hell from my reprieve. I find solace in the woods. My problems feel a whole lot smaller when surrounded by towering trees.

Maybe it’s because I know The LP won’t follow me out here. They might get dirty or something.

      “Run, freak, run!” Stacy yells as I dash through the field. How cliché. If kids are still quoting movies that came out when most of us weren’t even alive, what chance do I have they’ll ever lose interest in crazy Abby and her psycho mom? If I were old enough to bet, my money would go on never.

       My run dies as soon as I hit the trees, settling into a nice, slow walk. A few more months. Only a few more months and I’ll be out of Karma for good. I kick a branch. What kind of name is that anyway? Karma, California. Did I wrong someone in a past life? Oh! Maybe I was a vampire hunter in a past life and this is their payback. But that would take me believing in things like that.

        Which I don’t.

       Seriously.

        Maybe I especially don’t want to believe because, at seventeen, I’d just been allowed out after dark. Kind of hard to fear the night monsters if you’re the only teenager in the world who has to be in by the time the streetlights come on. The only reason I can swing it now is because I threatened to sneak out of the house—gasp! After nightfall. Unfortunately Mom only okays it very rarely and on prearranged, extra-special circumstances.

       All thoughts of crazy moms, vampires and psycho, tormenting teens, flitter out of my head on the wind as the tiny cabin comes into view. There’s only one person who has a cabin way out here and my little path leads right past it. Lucky, right?

       Caleb Evans.

        It’s embarrassing to admit, but I remember every detail about the few conversations we’ve had. Every. Last. One. Pathetic.

       The slow, lazy walk I was enjoying is over and I start speeding up. Not into a run, because I don’t want to look like the freak everyone thinks I am. A girl has to save face whatever way she can.

        Before I reach the dirt road in front of the tiny shack of a cabin Caleb shares with his dad, the blinds part slightly. When eyes I know are the most unique shade of green peer out, I trip. Yes, a stupid rock jumps in front of me when Caleb Evans looks out his window. Nice. My cheeks are hot.

          I start walking again.

Just like those few conversations, I know every look too. And surprisingly, Caleb Evans looks at me a lot. But then, who doesn’t like to stare at the vamp freak?

His gaze is scalding on me, burning me up from the outside in. Soon, I can’t take it, my eyes darting to the woodsy earth beneath my feet. It doesn’t last long. My eyes are drawn to him, and I can’t help but seek out his green again.

He’s still there. My thoughts start rapid firing at me. How did he get home so fast? Why does he stare at me? Did he ditch? Why do I like it? Where are his friends? Why can’t I be one of them?

Okay, maybe not that last question, because as addictive as Caleb Evan’s gorgeous green eyes and messy black hair are, his friends are a little scary. I’m pretty sure most of them will end up in prison one day. Well, except for Caleb, because he’s beautiful and makes me burn inside.

God, I really am a freak!

Before losing sight with him, I shoot one more glance his way. And he smiles. Not a real smile, because I’m not sure his mouth really works that way, but a half one. He has me in some kind of Caleb-induced trance. Pfft, trance. It’s called good looks, Abbs. But this is the first smile, so it has to mean something. I can’t help but return it. As soon as I do, the curtains close and he disappears behind them.

The trance is broken. Hell, I’d probably even imagined the smile, because that is my biggest fear. Imagining things, seeing things, believing things. As normal as Mom is in so many ways, I’m scared of becoming that hidden part of her most people don’t see. I’m scared of being like the crazy, vampire-obsessed woman I call Mom. 

----

Totally awesomesauce already right!? I love it so much and it's just an excerpt! Abby makes me laugh out loud already and CALEB!? ohsweetheavens, can I have some more of his green-eyes and black hair and half smile? Please? ;)

Connect with Nyrae Dawn:

Website || Twitter 

More amazing books from Nyrae Dawn:

So what are you waiting for? Get a Nyrae book and fall in LOVE <3

REVIEW: What A Boy Needs by Nyrae Dawn

Title: What A Boy Needs
Author: Nyrae Dawn - Website || Twitter
Published: June 7, 2012
Format: Kindle ebook, 164 pages
Rating: 5/5 (if I could give this more stars I would)

Jaden Sinclair knows he'll never amount to anything...so why would he deserve a girl like Priscilla Mendoza?
Since last summer, things have been screwed up between Jaden and Pris. He knows it's his fault, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to go a few rounds with her new boyfriend. He also knows he’s the loser his dad calls him, but it doesn’t stop him from wanting her.

After getting a huge bomb dropped on him, Jaden lashes out and lands himself in jail. Everything in his chaotic life is turned upside down and to make it worse, his mom kicks him out in order to side with his dad. Yeah, he’s totally a prize for a girl like Pris.

Sebastian, Aspen, and Pris are all going places in their lives...and he knows he can't keep tagging along for the ride.

The group has one last chance for The Epic Adventure they've been looking for: a road trip to New York, where Jaden's friends will be going to college. Unfortunately, the more time Jaden hangs around Pris, the harder it is to keep the carefully constructed walls between them so she doesn't find out what a train wreck he really is.

When the trip ends, Jaden has to decide if he's ready to say goodbye to his friends, and the girl he loves. He knows what he needs, but will he be man enough to go for it?

Amazon || B&N 

My thoughts, feelings & reactions

What A Boy Needs by Nyrae Dawn was simply stunning. I didn’t think I could love this book more than I did with What A Boy Wants. I didn’t think my heart was big enough to fit in Jaden since it had already been claimed by Bastian, but I was so wrong. Somehow, Nyrae Dawn was able to allow me to open my heart for Jaden, to love him in and out all the way. Diving back into this story with Jaden, Pris, Aspen and Bastian was like a breathing in a breath of fresh air that I have been holding for so long and only these four were able to give me the oxygen I so desperately needed. I didn’t truly realize how much I missed them until I read the first page.


Nyrae Dawn’s writing is exceptional.


• I don’t think I’ve ever encountered an author who can write in a male POV so well. Nyrae Dawn just knows boys. Their voice, their actions, their ways, everything. It’s all evident in WABN. PLUS, Nyrae can write one (or maybe two or three) hell of a kissing scene. Her writing is vivid, imaginative, descriptive and all kinds of addicting. I came to know Jaden in What A Boy Wants, but Nyrae brought his character to life in this book. He was alive and more real that I could have ever imagined. I’ve never felt so close to a character before. And with the way Nyrae uses words to create Jaden’s story? Sheer perfection. I was entranced, hypnotized and dazzled beyond belief.


The storyline was brilliantly thought out.


• Nyrae Dawn really knows how to tell a story, and tell it well. The pacing was excellent and the the development of the story was realistic and true. WABN really hits home for me. Jaden’s story really tugs at the heart strings and it’s extremely emotional. It was hard to read what happens when Jaden is at home. I couldn’t help but feel anger and resentment towards certain characters. Compared to WABW, the plot of this book is slightly more serious and intense. It deals with issues that will certainly affect any reader.


Jaden is and was and will always be amazing.


• I love Jaden, so hard. I adore him and probably worship him to bits. Right from the start Jaden had this powerful voice that hit every part of my soul. He was funny and snarky, and of course, a good guy at heart. I knew he was struggling with his own inner demons in WABW, so I was so glad I was able to get to know him better in WABN. If I thought I loved Bastian so much, I epically loved Jaden more. He was just so deep, so thoughtful, so damn extraordinary in all aspects. I’ve always seen Jaden as cocky and as arrogant as Bastian, but Jaden was also vulnerable, full of emotion. I sensed his fear, felt his pain and brokenness. I also saw his strength and determination, along with his selflessness. He’s definitely got a sweet and soft side with an unforgettable personality to match. It’s not hard to fall in love Jaden at all. You don’t know how much I ached for him in this book and how much I was able to relate to him. I know what it’s like to feel unworthy, To feel like nothing and to feel like you’ll never be good enough. He broke my heart every time he thought this way because Jaden was good enough. He was everything. He was worthy of all things. He could be anyone, anything and I’d still love him. And if I could tell Jaden one thing, I would tell him that he does matter. So much.

Over all, Nyrae Dawn blew me away with What A Boy Needs. She wowed me to the end. She made me smile, she made me laugh, she brought tears to my eyes and she moved me with Jaden’s story. It’s always a little bittersweet because it’s the end, but I’ll never forget it. I’ll never say goodbye to Jaden, Sebastian, Pris and Aspen because for me, they weren’t just characters in a book. They’re my friends.

Check out my review for What A Boy Wants also by Nyrae Dawn