KIM'S REVIEW ~ SHATTERED BY YOU by Nashoda Rose

Shattered by You is the third book in the Tear Asunder Series and is Crisis and Haven's story. I am utterly blown away by this author. She has a way of making each book unique and with such depth that keeps you glued to your kindle.

Crisis and Haven's story is very emotional. The turmoil that Haven had endured in her short life and up until she was saved by Deck and his men, was absolutely horrific.  Their story is so compelling. It's a story of courage, love, and strength and I loved every minute of it.

Haven is Ream's twin sister, who unfortunately was dealt a tough hand in life. The gruesome past that she endured in the hands of monsters is quite disturbing.  The strength and courage that she portrays every single day is remarkable...even with the triggers that take her back in time...back to that god forsaking place where she couldn't fight the demons. 

"Because even though I escaped years of abuse, it didn't mean I was free."

Crisis is the sexy bass guitarist in Tear Asunder. He is witty, flirty, cocky, and loves lots of attention... especially from the ladies.  But since meeting Haven, Crisis has seemed to have given up his man-whoring ways.

 Haven has an episode where flashbacks from her past become so overwhelming that she finally breaks. Crisis is there to catch her and help pick up the shattered pieces. Little by little she starts to allow him in without even realizing. He is so carefree and genuinely a loving caring soul, that I honestly fell in love with him as Haven did.  I mean how could you not?

"Crisis was like breathing in fresh air. The beauty of him was that there were no lies. No mask. He said what everyone else was too polite or afraid to say."

The romance aspect of this book is prevalent throughout, but with slow escalation. It's not rushed and the timing is right on. We get to follow along on the journey with Crisis and Haven as they  fall in love. Crisis is always there to pick up the pieces...one by one. One thing for sure is that he was there for every step of the way. 

I loved everything about this book and this series. I wasn't sure what to expect with Crisis and Haven's story, but it was everything I could have hoped for. I have enjoyed all three books so far from this series and I.CAN.NOT.WAIT. for Kite's story.  We really get a taste of Kite in Shattered by You, and let me just say, the small pieces of Kite's life that we get a glimpse of have me remarkably excited for book 4.

Shattered by You is a story about "surviving the pieces. It's about the strength found within the damaged. It's about love. Love found despite the jagged, tainted edges of who Haven had become." 

I definitely recommend this book...this entire series.  Exceptionally written.  I love this author and look forward to reading more from her.


I give SHATTERED BY YOU 5 CRAZIE STARS!!! ~Kim

*ARC kindly provided by author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

LOYDA'S REVIEW ~ SHATTERED BY YOU by Nashoda Rose

5***Beautiful Melting ICE Stars

 ”Crisis was like a leech that kept sucking the blood out of me, but it wasn’t blood, it was my coldness. It was as if he was the heater turned on high and I was the block of ice that was slowly melting“ Haven

This book takes place in the city of Toronto. Haven Dedrick, the twin sister of Ream which we met on book two of these series; was rescued from her captures and now was learning how to adjust and survive her new life. She has so many demons to fight after twelve years of being a slave to drugs and man using her. She hid at her brother’s farm for a while, protecting her shattered soul with coldness and emptiness. Her past made her hard and she learned to survive blocking the world around her. She wanted to do something with her life now and be normal. Learning how to drive and getting a job and going to school to get a degree was one of those things she wanted to do. Everyone helped her and didn’t pushed her even thought they knew she needed therapy but she refused to talk to anyone.

The only way she knew how to cope was by running; running helped her demons disappear only temporarily. The memories were so strong, the pain, the dark was so deep. I basically bawled my eyes off. She would have panic attacks but try to ignore them.

Vincent Wesson aka Crisis, the bass guitarist of the hit rock band Tear Asunder had a soft spot for Haven. He was the player, the one all the girls fantasize with but with her he felt different. Even though he was the flirt one, the man whore she knew he was also so Hot, Tatted Skin, muscles, blond curly hair, blue eyes and charismatic. He was a total rock star. However, he became friends with Haven. He wanted to help her, he saw her meltdowns and held her and wanted to be there for her. He made a deal with her that while they were on tour that they will text every single day. She felt blacked mailed because she knew if she didn’t agree with, he will tell her brother which she didn’t want to worry him more. In a way he did black mailed her but their innocent texting became so much more when he returned from tour.

”You will break. One day that cool exterior you’re hiding behind will shatter. It has to. It has nowhere to go. And when it does happen, I intend to be there to help you pick up the pieces.“ Crisis

He did everything in his power to break her ice and help her. He even went with her to a karaoke night that her friends invited them to. He made her sing with him and it was EPIC. I freaking loved it so much.

”I craved her attention. It was my drug. She was my drug and I wanted her to share with me the one thing I loved more than anything – music,….Our voices instantly entwined in perfect harmony and from the subtle eyes widening, I knew she was just surprised as me.” Crisis

He would show up at her school and sit with her in class, this entire friendly relationship was exactly what Haven needed and somewhere they both fell hard for each other; but she was afraid to open up to anyone until one day she broke. Freaked out so bad everyone panicked; that’s when she finally let him in and confessed her dark secrets and damn I was a bubbling mess again. And at the same time I loved Crisis so much. He was her rock he was always there and I loved him for that so freaking much. They finally gave into their chemistry and oh boy the waiting was so well worth it. Crisis completely made me melt for him. He was the best for her.

”There were no words as we both panted and stared at one another before our mouths crashed together. And it was a crash. It was teeth hitting, and noses getting in the way and lips crushed. “ Haven

There was drama with a "fan" that was obsessed with Crisis, so Ream her twin brother was not very happy at first about their relationship but he finally realized Crisis was perfect for her and he was helping her. There were other events that I was completely shocked and not expecting at all but made this story so much more perfect, the suspense of who was trying to hurt Haven and all the security and drama around was great. I loved this story so much. The author delivered beautifully, she gave us a love romance, with dark secrets, a suspense and angst plot, super funny scenes and most of all a beautiful healing and sweet ending.

”I was swimming in an ocean of black, unable to find my way back to shore. I didn’t know whether I’d sink to the bottom or if I’d have enough strength to read water until shore found its way to me. But I had a life jacket. I had Crisis. And if I sank to the bottom, I knew I’d lift back up – to him.”Haven

”Haven. You’re perfect. You’re my perfect. And I’m yours.“ Crisis

BR WITH MY GIRL WAR

"ARC Kindly provided by Author via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Nashoda" 

Book Series Order, However it can be read as a Standalone:

       

KIM'S REVIEW ~ TORN FROM YOU by Nashoda Rose

Torn From You was recommended to me by a friend, and once I read the blurb, I was completely sold.  It's dark, twisted, agonizing, and all-consuming.  From start to finish, I was detained by Nashoda Rose.  

Torn From You picks up right where With You (novella) leaves off.  With You gives us Sculpt and Emily's background. So I highly recommend reading the novella first. This is where we first meet Emily and Sculpt and really get to know them...or do we?

Ah, Sculpt.  Sculpt (Logan) is an underground fighter and a hot/sexy tattooed rocker, who happens to be the lead singer in the upcoming band, Tear Asunder. Enticing. Delectable. Distinctive. Dominant. 

Emily ( Eme, Mouse) is sweet, caring, strong and with personality. I really liked her character. She was a little insecure in the beginning, but being attacked by a man after work would cause insecurity for anyone, which is why she reached out to Sculpt for help. 

Sculpt teaches Emily self defense so she can take charge of her life and feel like she can protect herself if the need should arise. Sparks fly between these two a long the way and their love is undeniable...or is it?

What I liked most about Emily was that she wouldn't back down. No matter what she faced, she fought with everything in her. Emily also had a very special talent.  She loved and trained horses... and she was soon to be known as 'the girl who speaks to horses.'

The prologue is candied and romantic where we get the delightful story of Logan and Emily, which also brings us to the out of nowhere dramatic ending of With You!  The story takes a huge shift spiraling into a dark and gritty world of violence. 

I. DID. NOT. SEE. THIS. COMING.

Kidnapped.

Starved.

Beaten.

I was alone and fighting to survive. When I heard Sculpt's voice, I thought he was there to save me.

I was wrong.

Emily is thrown into a dark world of inconceivable acts upon women.  A sex slave industry where nothing is prohibited. Women are tortured, humiliated, starved, abused and thrown around like rag dolls. Emily is fighting to survive. 

Emily's hopes come crashing down when she discovers that the man she had fallen in love with, and the man she is hoping to rescue her is there...but is not there to save her.

"I wanted him to carry me away...and then...then I wanted to kill him."

"I'm scared."

"You should be."

"You will fear me, Emily. And if you don't…I will make you."

The first half of Torn From You is twisted, dark and intense. The second half is totally different, but at the same time, still intense and gratifying. This is where Emily is trying to get her life back on track.  She's focusing on what she loves...saving and training abused horses.

Two years have now passed and Logan has  returned. He wants a second chance with Emily. He loves her and he wants to try and rebuild what they had. Will Emily be able to allow Logan back into her life? 

"I can't lose you again. I have to do whatever it takes to win you back."

"You wrecked me. I was scared of you. I...I still am."

I loved the second half of the book just as much as the first. Watching Logan and Emily trying to repair what had been lost between them was almost as excruciating as Emily's kidnapping and what happened after. But I loved every second of it.

This book was a surprise to me.  I was not expecting it to have everything that I love in a a book. If you love dark romance books with twists and turns, then I recommend you read this one.  It will take you on one heck of a ride. I promise you that.

I am now a huge fan of Nashoda Rose and I can't wait to read more from this author.

I give Torn From You 5 Crazie Stars!!! ~Kim

KIM'S REVIEW ~ NORMAL by Danielle Pearl

Danielle Pearl's Normal is captivating, spellbinding and heart-rending all rolled into one. It's a delicate written novel that deals with issues of abuse. It's dark, abrasive and intense, so be aware that this book does contain violence and may not be suitable for everyone.

Normal is also a story of  suspense, love and hope and is revealed through Aurora's (Rory) POV. The story takes place in the  present with flashbacks from the past.  It was a little irksome in the beginning, but then I was grateful for the flashbacks, because they made us aware and gave us an understanding of Rory's frame of mind and why she is so despondent and dispirited.

Aurora Pine has moved from a small town in Florida to a new larger town in the state of New York to get a fresh start. She will attend a new high school right in the middle of her senior year where she is hoping to just blend in. But little did she know that she would capture the eye of the hot football star and most sought-after man on campus...Sam Caplan. "Cap"

Sam is complete perfection. He's sexy, patient, loyal, loving, affectionate and kind...and Rory takes notice.  Her intentions are not to make friends, but to stay well under the radar...but now it's too late.  Their connection is undeniable, and as bad as Rory wants to fight it, their chemistry is too magnetic. 

Sam and Rory start out as friends. Neither one are looking for a relationship and they both share painful pasts.  Rory has triggers originating back from one year ago where she went through an abusive relationship with her then boyfriend, Robin, the town hero and the Mayor's son.  

For some reason, Sam is able to connect with Rory like no one else ever has...except for maybe her childhood friend, Cam, that she loved and adored.  This connection is calming for her and is a stepping stone for Rory and Sam's friendship, which in turn, jump starts the healing process for Rory.  For the first time in over a year, she is actually starting to feel some normalcy.  Thanks to her good friend, Sam.

"I got you, Pine."

This newfound friendship and connection with Sam has allowed Rory to open up her heart and finally FEEL. She's feeling emotions that she has never experienced before with anyone. She has fallen and fallen hard.

"I'm in love with Sam, and somehow, in the short time I’ve known him, he has become the center of my universe-my anchor to it. I’m no longer just surviving, as he said, I’m living."

But what happens when Rory's past comes back to the present and threatens her? Will she fight back or will she cave and give in to her past demons?

This novel truly did captivate me.  I just happened to discover this book and I'm so impressed with this author. She had me from start to finish.  Yes, the book was long, but I see now that it was necessary in order to experience Sam and Rory's heartbreaking and uplifting story. There was no insta-love and we get to follow right along with them on their roller coaster ride of life. We get to travel back in time, and relive right along with Rory, her horrific past and her struggle to find her NORMAL.  

It's practically impossible for me to continue reviewing this book without giving key parts away.  I definitely recommend NORMAL and I do believe that every teenage girl should read this emotional heart-wrenching story.  It's an epiphany for abusive relationships. 

I give NORMAL 5 Crazie Stars!!! ~Kim

KIM'S REVIEW~FEAR YOU by B.B. Reid

Fear You is the second book in the Broken Love Series by Author B.B. Reid and the conclusion to Keiran and Lake's frivolous love affair. Book two gives us more understanding of Kerian's thinking and why he is the way he is. I love that we get dual POV...I love being in Keiran's head.  We get more regarding his past, his past with Lily, and why he treated Lake the way he did. 

Fear You picks up pretty much where book one left off. We follow Keiran and Lake through their final year of high school, where Lake is still trying to figure out Keiran and trying to fight her feelings for him. Keiran is torn between harassing Lake and protecting her. His obsession and addiction to her outweighs his need to stay away.  He craves the domination over her because of his possessiveness toward her.

"I was as much her sexual prisoner as she was mine. Those would be the times I took her the hardest and unleashed my cruelty on her."

"When Keiran came back into my life he came with a vengeance."

Lake finally found courage and has a backbone in Fear You.  She is no longer afraid of her tormentor. She wants answers and she's not afraid to demand them.  She may not get all  the answers, but that doesn't mean she stops demanding them.  She stands up for herself and fights back...and that I absolutely loved.

There was a particular time in Fear You that I wanted to smack Lake, though.  I was so mad at her.  I think because we did have Keiran's POV, and with that, giving me a better understanding of his feelings and what his intentions were, I wanted to strangle her. I mean, I wanted to ring her neck...I was so frustrated.  But in her defense, she was doing the right thing for what was happening around her.  I know I'm probably confusing you, but the way it "looked" to her, she was in the right doing what she did.  But, she was also out for revenge.

"You don't want to hear the truth. You want the fairytale. I want to ruin you."

Getting to know the man behind the mask of Keiran Masters, made me love him even more.  I felt so guilty wanting more of Keiran.  His actions were horrific at times and I was fighting within myself to keep reading. It felt so wrong but it felt so right too.  I was struggling and conflicted with my emotions.  I wanted to whip his ass and tell him to get over himself but then I wanted to hug his neck and kiss his face off.  It was a roller coaster ride with my emotions.  Up and down...up and down.

I loved the banter between Keiran and Lake.  It made me crave more.  My stomach was in knots and I was nervous most of the time, but that's what I crave and love the most about books. Bring on the angst...my favorite kind of reads.  

This series has a story to tell and it's not rushed...it's not drug out...it's perfection.  But, I must say, the first part of this book was a teeny tad slow for me, but I think that was just me. I was on such a high from book one that I was so ready... adrenaline was pumping and my heart was beating a mile a minute...

Book one will leave you with many questions but thank goodness that book two is out. Your questions will be answered in book two. ;)

It's really hard for me to write a review for Fear You and Fear Me without giving away spoilers and ruining this series for you.  All I can say, is read both of these books.  If you love dark reads an angst, then I definitely recommend reading both. This series is one that you will not forget. It's one of those that will linger in your mind from now on.  I know it will for me anyway.

I promise that once you start reading, you will not want to put it down.  I have the kindle app on my cell, so any chance I got, I was glued to my phone. That's how B.B. Reid held me prisoner for a couple of days.  I wanted to be glued to my kindle. When I wasn't at home reading, I was on my cell reading every chance I got.  

B.B. Reid is definitely on my radar now. I'm looking forward to future reads from this author. I'm super excited for the next book in this series... Fear Us, which will take us on a journey with Keenan and Sheldon, and hopefully the rest of the cast. I.CAN.NOT.WAIT!!! This series has fantastic supporting characters.  I fell in love with Keenan and Sheldon. I'm super excited to read their story!!! 

ANGST...ANGST...& MORE ANGST!!!

I give Fear You 5 Crazie Stars!!! ~Kim

KIM'S REVIEW~FEAR ME by B.B. Reid

This book came highly recommended to me.  When I was told that it was a lot like Bully by Penelope Douglas but darker...SOLD!!!  B.B. Reid...Where have you been hiding?

Lake Monroe is getting ready to start her senior year of high school and ready to get on with her life...but Keiran Masters, her tormentor for 10 years, is back.  And he's back for blood, sweat and tears. 

"I don't believe in fairy tales and Prince Charming.

I believe in fear.

He taught me how to be afraid."

Keiran Masters is a troubled, dark soul, who has nothing but Lake Monroe and revenge on his mind and he won't let anything or anyone get in his way. He blames her for the year he spent in Juvi thinking she is the one that set him up. He also blames her for circumstances that occurred long ago that she absolutely had no control over. He hates her and he never stops letting her know it. But his actions and words are contradicting, because he wants to own her and only he can have her. And God Bless the soul of anyone who tries to get in his way or tries to get close to Lake.

"I've watched you, and I've studied you. I've memorized you. I know what makes you hurt...I know what makes you sad...I know what makes you cry. And all your deepest fears, I will know. I'll take your so-called strengths, and I'll make them your weaknesses."

What I love about Lake is that she is strong.  It may not appear that way but she is. She takes everything that Keiran dishes out. She doesn't like it but she takes it. What she hates the most is that her body betrays her when her mind is telling her to run far far away.

I really don't want to give too much away so I'm not going to go much into the storyline.  But this book really did blow me away.  I'm so glad Cami suggested I read it...She never steers me wrong ;)

The supporting characters in this book are kick ass.  I loved  Quentin, Dash, Willow, Sheldon and Keenan.  Sheldon is one of my favs...she is a true friend through and through. The stuff that comes out of her mouth is epic.  She doesn't care what she says or who she says it to.  Everyone needs a SHELDON as a friend ;)

I truly was blown away by this book.  The biggest thing for me is that it was such a dark read. At first, I was so torn regarding reading FEAR ME.  I felt guilty for being so engrossed with this dark story.  It felt wrong...so so wrong.  I was questioning my morals to be honest.  How can I be so engrossed in a book that is so dark? But I was so intrigued with Keiran and Lake...I had to know where their story was going. It was a mystery puzzle that I just had to solve. I kept rooting for them.  I wanted them to fall in love...I wanted Lake to tell Keiran the truth dang it!!! I didn't want to put it down. It was all I could think about.  I didn't even want to go to work the next day after I started reading it...I had to know!!! Then UGH......Cliffhanger...but thank goodness book 2 is already out ;)

This is a book I would definitely recommend.  It's so dark and mysterious.  If you can make it through the first half of the book, you'll get some answers in the last half. So so worth it.

I give Fear Me 5 Crazie Stars!!! ~ Kim