REVIEW: Breaking Waves by Danielle Sibarium

Title: Breaking Waves (Heart Waves #2)
Author: Danielle Sibarium
Publisher: KFR Communications
Publication Date: January 10, 2013
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N

From the moment they met, Jenna knew Reece would break her heart, but she never dreamed it would happen like this. Jenna is left shattered and broken. When life becomes too painful to deal with and she feels completely alone, there’s only one person to help her pick up the pieces and move on. The one person she doesn’t want to turn to. The one person she promised to stay away from. Tyler.

Can Jenna put aside everything she knows about him and let Tyler help heal her broken heart?

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions

Danielle Sibarium has done it again and swept me off my feet! I have to say that Breaking Waves lived up to everything I wanted it to be. I loved Heart Waves, but I absolutely loved and adored Breaking Waves. It was better, bolder, and packed with intense array of emotions.

I’ve always loved Danielle’s writing. Each book she writes she manages to grip me from the beginning and Breaking Waves was no exception. While Danielle gives us an even more developed character in Jenna, she gave us more with the prominent presence of Tyler. Not only that, Danielle dives deep and evokes many feelings and emotions that really tug at the heart and soul. Danielle added the perfect amount of twists and she does a great job of dancing around what was going on, letting you get a little information to keep you hooked for more. She definitely brings in the heartache, the sadness, the sexy, the funny, and the swoon-worthy moments. 

Jenna goes through a tough and devastating time in Breaking Waves. The fear, anguish, and depression she felt was like my own and I really ached for her. Although Jenna was in so much pain, I thought she did a good job of trying to pick herself up even when she felt like she couldn’t move on or when she thought she was losing all hope. I empathized with Jenna greatly and I thought that everyone around her just didn’t understand what she was going through. I hated that some of her friends and her parents kept pushing her to deal with it when these sort of things took time. I liked that Jenna did her own thing and didn’t rush into anything. Jenna was determined to find out what was really going on and that’s where I admired Jenna the most because even with the grief, she still found a way to go beyond that without the pressure of others. I think Jenna really grew, learned, and opened up more in Breaking Waves. She’s slowly evolving into a stronger, more independent, and level-headed woman. 


While I do love Reece with my whole entire being, he did not shine in this book the way Tyler did. We are introduced to Tyler briefly at the end of Heart Waves, but don’t get to know him until this book. In Breaking Waves, we get a chance to see a whole different side to this bad boy. Tyler was definitely hard-headed, obnoxious, rude, and sometimes a complete asshole. He had the worst mood swings compared to myself on PMS. But even then, Tyler had this loving, caring, sweet and vulnerable side I fell for. Sure, he had anger issues, but he was so fierce, loyal, and very protective of not only Jenna, but Reece as well. He was slightly broken and misunderstood and really, you just want to give him a hug. Tyler really helps Jenna heal and move past her struggles and for this, my cold heart melted for him instantly. Not only did he make Jenna laugh, but he also made me laugh with all their funny moments and witty comebacks. Tyler messed with my head and my heart. It’s an understatement to say I’m truly conflicted. He was infuriatingly sexy in that I-want-to-hit-him-and-kiss-him-all-at-once kind of way. Reece fans will definitely have to chase after their hearts when they meet Tyler.

I always forget how much I miss certain characters in a book until I get a chance to be back with them and this was how I felt when I read Breaking Waves. It was a mixture of familiarity and newness all wrapped in one book filled with danger, mystery, drama and a whole lot of tension. There is still so much I want to know and figure out and for the life of me, book three cannot come out soon enough. Overall, I freaking loved Breaking Waves! Danielle Sibarium did not disappoint me one bit! 

*Thanks to Danielle Sibarium for sending a copy for review

REVIEW: Down for the Count by Christine Bell

Title: Down for the Count (Dare Me #1)
Author: Christine Bell
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Brazen)
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
Format: Kindle ebook, 128 pages
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N

Truth or dare…

When Lacey Garrity finds her groom in flagrante delicto in the reception hall closet with her bridesmaid, she's saved by her best friend’s older brother—childhood tormentor, crush, and boxing bad boy Galen Thomas. Galen’s solution is both exciting and dangerous. What better way to forget the mess of her life than go on her honeymoon with a hot guy who can’t promise anything beyond today?

…or TKO?

Galen had been counting on Lacey's wedding to put her out of reach—and out of his mind—once and for all, but their steamy Puerto Rican escape is testing all his boundaries. Now that Lacey’s embracing her inner bad girl, Galen is tempted to throw in the towel and claim her for himself. But with the biggest fight of his career on the line and an important business merger threatening to derail Lacey’s resolve, their romance might be down for the count before it even begins.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions

Down for the Count had the perfect combination of sexy, steamy, fun and sweet romance. Not only will this book have you grinning from ear to ear, but it will also have you laughing out loud during the most awkwardest moments ever! I loved this! A short read, but a sizzling one nonetheless. 

Lacey gets the biggest wake up call and set back of her life when her not-even-24-hour-wedded-husband decided to hit the sack with her best friend-bride’s mate in a closet during their wedding reception. Does Lacey break down and cry? No way in hell. She ends everything right then and there. All her life, Lacey has listened to the demands of her mother, always doing what is best for their law firm, what’s best not for her, but for her mother because that’s what mother wants. At first it seemed like Lacey was a push over when it come to her family, and quite frankly she was. However, I found Lacey to be smart, sweet, and possibly a quiet freak in the sheets. Once she got away from her mother, Lacey started to open up and do things for fun. She was her still sensible self with added flare. I liked Lacey’s innocence and her endearing personality. 



My favorite character, by far, was Galen. That man was downright sensational. He was sweet and caring towards Lacey. He basically helped her out of her shell and showed her a real good time. He was a great friend and even greater lover. He was a good influence over Lacey, no matter what hesitation she felt. He allowed her to have fun and finally break out of the confinement her mother had kept her in. Strong, determined, and charming, Galen was one of the best things about this novel. 

Christine Bell’s writing was amazing. She starts off Down for the Count with a bang! The first page was all I needed to keep me going. Her writing was simplistic, yet addictive. She writes with such ease, the flow of the whole story was just lovely. She developed Lacey and Galen’s characters tremendously and gives them the room to grow throughout the book. The scenes between them are endearing, hilarious and spicy. I loved every moment of this book and so much more. There really is no question or wonder on why I ended up reading this book in one sitting!

Overall, Down for the Count was a well written novel that stayed with me for a very long time. This book will surely keep readers up at night, itching to get to the end. 

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Favorite Quotes:

"Dear Satan. I don't know why you're testing me, but I don't like it. No love, Galen." Location 221.

"He was.. everything. Gorgeous and funny and smart and strong." Location 587.

"I don't think it, squirt. I know it. It's like water's wet, the sky is blue, Lacey looks fine as hell in her bikini.' He shrugged. 'Facts are facts.'" Location 810.

"Sure, he wanted to make her feel better, but at this rate, he was going to have a Guinness Book- worthy case of blue balls. Location 816.

"'You coming?' she called over her shoulder. Not yet, but that could be arranged in short order. Damn, he was a perv. He really needed to something about that." Location 827.

"'And this one? This is because I want you so bad, it's makes me question my sanity.'" Location 1258. 

"'If you were with me, I'd love you so hard, you wouldn't need two princes. I'd be your king and you'd be my queen.'" Location 2137.

"'I don't care if they see. I don't care who knows. I love you.'" Location 2856. 

And I may have gone a little overboard, but you get the picture ;)

Stacking the Shelves #26

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews where you can share books obtained via the bookstore, the library, online, through trade, borrowed from friends, gifted and/or received for review that you're adding to your shelf.

Subscribe to my channel!

Books Mentioned:
Boundless by Cynthia Hand
Everbound by Brodi Ashton
The Archived by Victoria Schwab
Asunder by Jodi Meadows (ARC)
Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens (gifted)
Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas (won + swag)
Flawed by Kate Avelynn (+ swag)
ReAwakened by Ada Adams (gifted)
Wounded by Jasinda Wilder (blog tour)
The Collector by Victoria Scott (eARC)
The Perfect Game by J. Sterling (won)
Up in Flames by Nicole Williams
Tight Knit by Allie Brennan
Falling by Jolene Perry
Noah by Elizabeth Reyes

Bloggers Mentioned:
Emily @ Doodle's Book Blog
Jena @ Shortie-Says
Good Choice Reading Book Tours
Annabelle @ Sparkles and Lightning

Special thanks to:
Kate Avelynn
Ada Adams
Jasinda Wilder
Entangled/Heather Riccio/Victoria Scott
Veronica Rossi

What awesomeness did you get in the mail!?

FLAWED Blog Tour - Character Interview + Giveaway

Hey there lovelies!

I'm super duper honored and thrilled to be a part of the Flawed Blog Tour!

1) I love this book.

2) I love this book!

& 3) I LOVE THIS BOOK, so hard!!

For my stop, I interviewed the wonderful Sam Donovan and Sarah O'Brien!

But also, there's two giveaways to enter too, so don't forget to check those out as well :)

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Flawed by Kate Avelynn
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: November 22, 2012 (ebook)

Sarah O’Brien is alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago—James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely.

Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.

Sam Donavon has been James’s best friend—and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on—for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realize James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact…

Check out my review for FLAWED!

Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository 

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About the Author: 

Kate Avelynn lives in Central Oregon with her husband, whom she fell in love with at eighteen after realizing he shared her obsession with music, sports, and psychoanalysis. When not devouring books, holding down her editing gig, or attempting to coax life out of the weed patch she calls a “garden,” Kate writes dark, young adult romance that blends first love, betrayal, and danger. FLAWED is her debut novel.

Connect with Kate:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

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Sarah & Sam for life <3

My interview with these two wonderful characters.

+ Hey Sarah and Sam! Thanks so much for stopping by Words, Pages, and Books. It’s a complete honor to have the both of you!

Sarah: Thank you. *smiles and squeezes Sam’s hand*

Sam: Yeah, thanks for inviting us, Jessirae.

So let’s get started..

+ Can you describe each other in three words?

Sarah: Intense. Responsible. Sweet.

Sam: Beautiful. Loyal. Caring. Sexy. 

Sarah: *blushes* That’s four words, Mr. UCLA.

Sam:  What can I say? Three wasn’t enough. 

+ I definitely agree with that! What do you like the most about each other?

Sarah: His eyes. His smile. How I feel when I’m with him—like I can be anything I want to be. 

Sam: Definitely the way she looks at me. She could never say it and I’d still know she loves me.

+ Sam, if you could take Sarah anywhere, where would it be and why? What about you, Sarah?

Sam: I want to take her to Disneyland pretty bad. My dad always said you haven’t lived unless you’ve been on a rollercoaster. Plus, I really think she’ll like Southern California. With all that sunshine, there’s hardly any moss. *grins at Sarah*

Sarah: Ugh, let’s not talk about moss. Hmm. If I could take Sam anywhere, it’d probably be back up to Mack Lake. Except, this time we’d be alone. With our own two-person tent. And a campfire to keep us warm if we wanted to sleep under the stars instead…

Sam: *clears throat* Um, can I change my answer? Because that sounds really good. 

+ Mack Lake would be perfect! What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever done?

Sarah: *grins* Sam and I got into a food fight at his house once. He was trying to teach me how to make chocolate pudding so I’d stop buying James the gross premade stuff from the store, but the whisk got away from me—

Sam: You threw it at me. 

Sarah: You deserved it! You smeared chocolate all over my cheek. 

Sam: Because I was planning to kiss it off of you. 

Sarah: Wait. You were going to…kiss the chocolate off me? 

Sam: Yes, that was the plan. But instead, we spent the next three hours washing chocolate out of my mom’s flower arrangements, scrubbing chocolate out of the rug, wiping chocolate off of the wallpaper…

Sarah: …maybe we should try to make another box? I never did get to see how the pudding turned out, and it would be great if I didn’t have to buy James the other kind anymore… *blushes*

Sam: *gives her a heated look* How’s tomorrow sound?

+ OMG, you guys are too cute! Can you each share one memory of each other that really stuck out to you?

Sarah: The first time I saw Sam will probably always stick out to me. James had climbed the really tall cedar tree at our elementary school and was too scared to climb back down. Not that he’d admit he was scared or anything, but he climbed too high and the branches where he was were too thin for any of the teachers to climb up and get him. They were about to call the fire department when all of a sudden, the new boy takes off his coat and starts climbing the tree. He made it all the way up to where James was in, like, half the time and just sat there with him, talking. Like the wind making the tree creak wasn’t scary or half the school wasn’t standing at the bottom watching him. And then the next thing everyone knew, the boy was climbing down and James was following him. Everyone rushed over to James when he finally made it to the ground, even me, but the new boy just faded into the crowd and disappeared. *turns to Sam* What did you say to get him to come down? He never told me. 

Sam: I, uh… *rubs the back of his neck* I might have told him his sister looked cold standing at the bottom of the tree without a coat on, and if he didn’t climb down and walk her home, I was going to give her my coat and walk her home myself.

Sarah: And the first thing he did when he got down was give me his coat. Oh my god, Sam! No wonder he never let me anywhere near you.

Sam: I was ten. I wasn’t exactly thinking long term. My favorite memory of you, though. Hmm. My favorite memory—before we got together, I should say—is probably the day Alex kissed you in the shed. 

Sarah: *gasps* You knew? I didn’t think anyone saw!

Sam: I had a feeling Alex was up to something, so I made an excuse to run outside. But before I figured out where you guys went, you threw open the shed door and stomped out wearing what had to be the scariest expression I’ve ever seen on a girl’s face. I didn’t find out what had happened until after, but he told me you’d kicked him in the shin. I also knew I wanted to be the next guy to kiss you. 

Sarah: *shocked laughter* Why? You wanted me to kick you, too?

Sam: No, because I knew I’d have a shot with you if you didn’t.

+ Those are wonderful memories! Speaking of James... I love him, possibly as much as you guys do. What do you think is the best and worst  thing about him?

Sam: I think how devoted he is to Sarah is the best thing about him. The worst thing is not trusting anyone enough to let them in. Things wouldn’t be this bad if he let someone in.

Sarah: He’d kill himself if it meant saving me. It’s the best and worst thing about him.

+ *sigh* Couldn't have said it better. Can you tell us one thing about yourselves that we don’t already know?

Sarah: Sometimes I think about enrolling in a self-defense class. The one time I mentioned it to James, he said he’d rather teach me how to fight. But there’s no way I can hit my brother, you know?

Sam: I’ll take you to sign up tomorrow, if you want. 

Sarah: Yeah, okay. Thanks.

Sam: Something you don’t already know about me. Hmm. Well… *gives Sarah a sheepish look* …I know it’s probably too soon and Sarah’s totally going to freak out, but I’m thinking about getting another tattoo. Something that has her name tangled up with mine. 

Sarah: Sam…

Sam: *kisses Sarah*

+ Sheez, can you guys get any more sweeter?! I love you guys! So.. do you guys have any regrets? Anything you’d like to change at all?

Sarah: That I didn’t tell Sam how I felt a while ago instead of waiting for him to notice me.

Sam: Same. If I could go back in time, I’d have asked her to Homecoming her freshman year and spent the whole night proving I was the guy for her. 

Sarah: James would’ve killed you.

Sam: He would’ve tried. Doesn’t matter.

That’s it! Thanks so much Sam and Sarah! It’s been a pleasure to have you on my blog! You guys are the best. Please tell Kate that I absolutely adore her and can't wait for her next book! :)

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The Giveaway!

And now for the prizes! Kate is giving away a small book charm on a bracelet and a dog tag to one lucky commenter. The book charm is one of the popular charms made by Sophie’s Beads. All you have to do is leave a comment about your favorite contemporary YA romance couple, along with your email address. Today’s giveaway is only open to US residents, but keep an eye out for International giveaways scheduled throughout the tour.

Kate is also running an Ultimate FLAWED Fan Pack contest via the Rafflecopter listing below. Enter daily for a chance to win some really cool stuff!

a Rafflecopter giveaway