an intense, powerful story, about destiny, fate and how easily in the blink of an eye life changes course
579967
4.25 out of 5 stars

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I knew from the synopsis alone this was going to be a good book, the kind I just couldn't wait to get my hands on and I'm happy to say I wasn't wrong.  Powerfully written, this book will bring up emotions and force you to consider scenarios in a way you've never imagined.  It's an intense, powerful story, about destiny, fate and how easily in the blink of an eye life changes course.

As the story begins you meet Brett and Sarah, two young individuals who after meeting at the bar one night hit things off and begin this whirlwind, quirky, sexy relationship.  Soon after they are married and living happily ever after, making plans for their future including naming unborn children and enjoying the beauty of life and the happiness from being head over heels in love.  One night, one tragic car accident completely changes the course of their lives.  Brett is left mourning the loss of his wife as he tried to provide and love the woman who walked away from the accident and who wants him out of her life completely.

So how does one move forward in the wake of tragedy?  Living each day in a fog, hoping one day to wake up and things will be back to the way they were is how Brett's been coping for the past 4 years.  It isn't until his friendship with Jesse, a waitress from the diner he frequents daily for breakfast, turns romantic.  Her presence in his life is like a breath of fresh air and slowly he learns what it's like to be happy, to look forward to getting up in the morning, to actually live.  He's finally ready to move on with his life but making it happen doesn't come easily especially since when the woman he's legally married to and who has wanted him out of her life for years suddenly won't let go.

Aly Martinez has done a wonderful job telling the stories of not only Brett and Sarah but also Jesse and Caleb.  So much so that I felt emotionally connected to each one of them and I was easily able to understand the emotions behind their actions, even the crazy ones!

Brett is this really hot incredibly decent man who will do and has done everything possible to uphold his marriage vows.  He's faced struggle after struggle but keeps on loving Sarah even if she's no longer the woman he married.  I completely respected him.  I also really loved the way his character was written, being able to see the emotional turmoil run its course as he struggles with letting go of Sarah and falling in love with Jesse.  He's so scared to move forward, to love someone so completely again, to take the risk of loosing them and himself all over.  I really felt this compassion towards him.

I have to admit in the beginning I wasn't sure how I felt about Jesse.  She came across so naive, innocent and definitely like she was trying to hard.  But, being around Brett she starts letting her guard down and then I was blown away with how mature and strong of a character she really was.  She was gentle and compassionate towards the difficult situation, yet she refuses to be a doormat and will not settle for any less.  So of course I came to respect her and they way she is able to not only help Brett heal but also Caleb.

Caleb, you cannot talk about characters and not mention him.  He's this tough guy who even though his life is on a different course still cares about his best friend, still cares about the woman he blames, is still madly in love with his fianc and becomes this big brother figure for Jesse.  I love how he could put Brett in his place and I couldn't help but appreciate his methods for helping Brett and Jesse see the "bigger picture."

If there is one thing I'm sure of it's that Aly Martinez can tell a story.  She will suck you in and before you know it you've read the whole book.  While I was able to see a few things before they unfolded she really surprised be with the last 10%.  So, take it from me you need to one-click this debut novel, snuggle into the couch and take a ride on this book journey!
3113489
I can't wait until the end of my review to tell you...5 stars for this intensely emotional and simply overwhelming story that I already want to re-read even though I just finished it.  This is the first book I've read by this author, and the moment I finished I put her entire backlist on my TBR list.  Yes, I really did think this book was that good.

This story was character driven, and both main characters grow and evolve throughout the story.  I was totally drawn to Isaac, he grabbed my heart right from the very beginning and it honestly ached for him through the entire book.  He is blatantly honest, open and is so genuinely innocent that even as a reader I felt my protective instinct rise to the surface for him.  Watching as his world expands and he learns about family, his sexuality and love is achingly sweet.  Jon is the perfect counterpoint to Isaac, knowing too much of the world already.  He is extremely compassionate, and very eager to help guide Isaac.

The relationship between Jon and Isaac develops slowly and naturally as Jon is sensitive enough to allow Isaac to explore things at his own pace, not just between the two of them but also between Isaac and his grandfather, Henry.  Jon helps Isaac become comfortable with the world outside of the box to which Jon has willingly confined himself, helping him to trust again.  The dynamic between them is intense and complicated, and develops into a bond that is strong and filled with emotion.  As Isaac and Jon grow closer, Isaac becomes more and more open with Jon, and is extremely accepting of the things he learns about Jon's past.  The two of them are very aware of each other's needs, and sensitive to each other's emotions and issues.

The story also has some great supporting characters, some who were introduced in the previous books in the series and others who we meet for the first time.  They are well developed, and do add depth to the story.  I haven't read the first two books of this series yet, but it didn't hamper my enjoyment of this story at all...and after meeting the supporting cast I can't wait to go back and read the other books.

Emotions run extremely high throughout this story, mainly due to Isaac's difficulty interacting with the outside world.  There is also a big dose of drama toward the end that feels a bit over the top, but is a huge catalyst for the overall story.  From the moment I opened this book until the very last page, I could not pull myself away, and I was completely engrossed.

The Heart As He Hears It is an stunning 5-star read and a top recommendation for me.  M/M romance fans will not want to miss this one, you'll definitely want to add this to your library.  I do recommend this to those 18+ due to adult language and M/M sexual content, as well as mentions of some disturbing subject matter concerning things Isaac witnessed as a young child.

The Heart As He Hears It is not to be missed, and will tug at your heartstrings while making you smile, laugh and maybe even cry...just like I did.
1262796
Montgomery Mahaffey has created a deep and engaging story that is both entertaining, as well as rich with thought provoking metaphors that parallel the internal psychological complexities of the human heart. This is a story of a young girl who, in the midst of her pain and sorrow, makes a very costly and irreversible choice that will forever change her destiny, as well as the destinies of the people she encounters. With this one choice, she becomes both the heroine and the villain, forever blurring the lines between good and evil. I doubt there is a woman alive who doesnt find herself cheering for Ella Bandita at least once in this story, or wishing that they had her power. And I doubt there is a man alive who doesnt see a part of himself mirrored in the eyes of the men who love her. Well worth the read!
892490
Death Grip is a powerful, raw, and emotionally-moving read that backs a powerful theme and message. As a fictional read, the book stands strong and is captivating, entertaining, and immersive. Yet theres also another side to the book that I wasn't really expecting to encounter at first, Death Grip is the type of read that, regardless of your views on war in general, will have you thinking deeply upon the subject during and long after finishing the read. PTSD is a very serious issue that carries with it a stigma that often makes people want to avoid it; author Tracy Sherwood has tackled this theme head-on and, in my opinion, given the subject matter the absolute justice that it deserves. I consider Death Grip to be a more than worthwhile read, and Im glad I had the chance to experience it for myself.
439391
This romance is far from a fairy tale, and yet it is full of real emotions.

In an instant, everything changed. Fatality or destiny are playing good or bad pranks to get you on the path laid out for you.
Believe it or not but how many times have your hear strangers say: "it had to happen", "it was written" ... Fate ? Or coincidences ?
Here the author focuses on the intersecting roads. Moments that make the difference.

The characters have difficult, traumatic lives and are trying to fight with the cards dealt always advancing to become a better person. Of course, sometimes the demons and agonizing fears resurface and take over. But there is always someone out there for you.
Certainly, having been burned by the harshness of life, it leads people to be more suspicious, more cautious but the only thing that one can not control, it is love.

I liked that the characters are dented by life. This gives depth and relief to this reading, may be a bit heavy on the sad emotions but it's a beautiful love story.
Despite strong and poignant subjects, pity has no place in this story. And it's a good thing!

I also liked that the author speaks openly about autism, suicide, illness without falling into excessive pathos but just to make the picture real and plausible. Life is not always a fairy tale. Princes and princesses sometimes come with emotional baggages but that does not stop them to try to be happy.

Lucie
newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr
1103218
OUTVIEW is a metaphysical journey told through the lens of fantasy -- and it's extremely compelling.  While many books dealing with broad philosophical concepts get bogged down in the minutiae, Outview is an exception:  The main character Nate guides the audience through the story with a steady hand -- which is surprising given the things going on around him!

Every night Nate experiences nightmares (or "outviews") where he "sees" other people's deaths.  Talk about a compelling dramatic thrust for a story!  This understandably fractures the walls of Nate's psyche, making him question everything about himself, his past, his life, his family.

If you want to go on a journey, pick Outview!
272886
This was a very emotional and intense story. I didn't expect it to burn so slow and fast at the same time, and I didn't expect it to captivate me so fully, make me question and really think and then FEEL so many emotions: happiness, and heartbreak, and pain, and love. The hot scenes are a million times hotter paired with the intensity - electricity - between these two characters. It's a huge deal for me when a book makes me feel so intensely.

Warren and Camila are from two different worlds, not just in the way they live right now, but - it seems - the way of their upbringing. But this life - it's the most amazing of the things, and the fate is a force nothing and nobody can stand against. The way War and Camila's lives are connected is a pure, fantastic, and such an unexpected -as always- work of that same fate. But the choices they make are ultimately the ones that shape their lives and themselves.

The choices that Camila and Warren have to make might both save them or break them. And the choice we have to make are the hardest when it matters. And the thing that matters the most is love.
3785434
ALL THE UGLY AND WONDEFUL THINGS, a perfect title for this provocative tale which has an undoubtedly controversial but deeply thought provoking story arc that's gritty, heart breaking and distinctly uncomfortable all at the same time. Its about a girl called Wavonna, the dysfunctional environment she experiences, the way shes dragged up by a drugged up, crazy mother, actually scratch that, its the way she takes care of herself, despite her parentage and the crazy that surrounds her. The story is so much more UGLY and WONDERFUL than I could ever have imagined, it won't be for everyone, I cannot state that enough, no matter how open minded a reader is this book will push your thoughts and feelings to the max. Its a slow burn story of an innocent relationship that organically, through the years becomes more. The level of discomfort I felt whilst reading was, at times, exorbitant but as wrong as some aspects may be considered, there are characters far more dangerous to the well-being of the central characters. And Wavy lives in a different place than I, there was so much going on, things Id love to delve into and analyse but alas that will spoil this complex and highly evocative story.

Despite being from the multiple perspective of many characters, this story belongs to Wavy. Her voice shone the loudest for me, even in the midst of another characters narrative, it was always Wavy that I thought of. Her perspective is told in a very straightforward subtle way with an eloquence and determination that is incredibly inspiring. It's an absolutely fascinating look into a fictional world with a mesmerising quality depicting pureness within a gritty story that shakes your heart. For any readers thinking, is this for me? Id say if you start, be prepared to read it until the end to the garner the full impact and level of understanding from Wavy, because, as I keep saying, she is the most important aspect of this story. It's a direct window into her life, not for the reader to judge her life and decisions. I didn't have to like or agree with everything on the page to appreciate the quality of this story. This is not a book where I found myself swooning for the hero, its not a romance. Its a story about love, relationships, innocence and that feeling of safety. This author transported me to the world of Wavy bringing each scene to life with her richly vivid descriptions, giving me a front row seat to the happenings with the clearest of pictures. I felt for her, I wanted what she wanted, even though it may not have always been the right thing.

I felt the author dealt with each element of her story firmly and comprehensively with superb fluency. It touched my sensibilities, gave me a significant level of character understanding from their portrayal and development, and gave me an ending beyond perfect for my reading tastes. I know so many readers who have simply loved the sheer quality of the writing which is utterly outstanding with nuggets of pure brilliance. The depth of feeling and texture created by the vivid and highly evocative words that this author effortlessly covers her pages with is outstanding. I was totally immersed in the world of ALL THE UGLY AND WONDERFUL THINGS. Its a story I dived into whilst on holiday and simply could not put down, I was gripped from the first word of this powerful story until the very last. It's a reading experience that I highly recommend!

Note: This story is told in the first person narrative and from multiple perspectives
4614735
Shock of Fate by D.L. Armillei is a story fantasy story that has great imaginary characters and will take you on a journey between two worlds.  This story has almost every type of character you can think of.  This story has a deeper meaning than what you realize when you first start this story, you need to read this story in order to find out what that is.  You will enjoy how this author has created a story where the characters are relate-able and how well they connect to each other.  They are strong characters that will take you on a journey between two worlds and show you material items may not be worth the lives of others.  This story will pull you in from the first chapter and will keep you engaged throughout the story.  Take the journey of this young girl as she goes on a mission that could change everyone.

Vanessa Cross is a fifteen year old that has plans for the summer.  Finding her own way to cope with her stepmother and her aloof father she just wants to lay around the beach, go shopping and get her hair done.  What will she do when she is told that this is not how her summer will be?  She is told she will go on a 30 day mission with a few others to retrieve the Coin of Creation.  What will happen to her when one night changes everything for her?  She travels through a portal to the Living World, when she learns that the only way home is to retrieve the relic, what will she do?

During her journey in the Living World she goes through many different emotions from friendships to love to danger.  Will she survive?  What will fate have in store for her?  What great destiny awaits her?  Will she learn about the magic in life?  Will she learn that family is more important then material items?  She is a strong character that has been protected by the reservation but what will happen to her when she is in another world?  Will she  be able to protect herself?  Some of the best parts of this story is how she travels down a journey of self discovery and really comes into herself throughout this story.  She really does make this story flow until the end.  Find out what happens to her and what fate/destiny has in store for her!

This is my first story by D. L. Armillei and I know it won't be the last.  I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!  DL splits her time between Massachusetts where she was born and Florida where she lives.  She started her writing at the age of four when she wrote her story in cursive to give to her mother.  You can often find her in Zumba class, on the beach or she enjoys the Universal and Disneyland parks.  She has created a story that will pull you in and keep you reading until the end.  You will enjoy how the story is fast paced and keep you turning page after page.  You will not want to miss what is lurking behind every corner of each page.  I highly suggest this story as I know you will enjoy going on this fantasy journey with this character as much as I have.
4315432
This is an amazing journey through a free-wheeling, "make your own destiny" timeframe in the world. The portrayal of indigenous cultures losing their way of life is both sad and gripping. The main character's path through his coming-of-age is fascinating and the back-and-forth with his arch-nemesis - and ultimate conclusion between them - is compelling and enthralling!
The writing style is really stunning as well, the turns of phrase and timing are just perfect.
I will seek out and read ANYTHING this author offers.
3022849
I really didn't know what to expect when I started this book but wow, it was really intense, in a good way! The story itself is amazing but there were a few things, some may even be personal preference, that are bugging me and it's really hard to settle on a rating... there were times I felt like it was a 5, sometimes a 3 but I think most often it was a 4.

I'll admit, I felt confused quite often in the first 50-60% of the story because there are lots of names/aliases mentioned and at times it was a little tough to follow the present day story and keep it separate from the memories but after that, it all starts to fall into place and makes perfect sense.  Stick with it!  This is a hear-wrenching story that is full of twists!
2914446
Ever Locked. Iris. Zo. Trip. Wow this is a story that takes you on an emotional tilt-a-whirl. I was constantly engaged, positively influenced and deeply touched. I came away breathless for more. The writing has a powerful zing and the story telling is vivid. I hope the next book is on the way soon!
716643
My mom gave this book to me. This story read for me like  Up From Orchard Street, which took place in the early-mid 1900's, might have read for my mother in relation to time. The span covers the 50's through the 80's from the years of my mother's childhood through my own. It's an intense slice of modern history. Things I knew of, but not well, were described in vivid detail so that I not only understood the draft and lottery system for Vietnam but I also felt that bone grinding anxiety of men waiting for their summons to death. Pomerantz infuses that heightened emotion in most of her scenes. This is a Boomer book, written about the changes and atmospheres of the generation before mine and hitting all the topical notes of those time periods. For me, that was my favorite aspect of the novel.

However, the book is so much more than that. It's the journey of a Jewish boy who is not that religious, whose parents lived through the Depression and are fanatical about saving money. It's the story of a man putting himself through college working in the college's cafeteria for the school term and driving cabs in NYC during the summer. But once at college he winds up with a roommate who posess unimaginable wealth and along with him comes a coterie of  friends of similar background. After tasting the nectar of that life he yearns for it. The book follows his journeys of love, loss and his burning ambition to be a successful, wealthy man.
Tracey J. Moosa
1536663
This is one deeply intense story that will grip you  and the intensity will leave you breathless way after the story is over. I was left breathless from the sheer emotions in this story.
Marlon aka Grip isn't all about being this famous hip hop star- there is more substance to him that his talent. He's also a good man who was raised right by his mom in a tough environment and he came out a good man. Grip is a smooth, handsome, intelligent, kind, considerate, patientwell he was so many good things and I don't want to just keep listing just how awesome he was. He was also Black. Born and raised in Compton and his gift took him out of Compton, out of the hood  and  put him where he needed to be which was making music and gave him a purpose.
Bristol was his best friend's twin sister. Eight years ago a connection sparked between them and within a week they were in love. Unfortunately a misunderstanding happened and a horrible, devastating  homecoming and it was over before it could begin. For 8 years Grip has been chasing Bristol but she has been keeping them in a friend zone. Bristols reasons where born of fear of love. I don't want to give away a lot because it will lead to spoilers but her reasons are valid in her head but it frustrates Grip. One heartbreaking decision  has her questioning if its better to continue living the way she has, in fear or if its better to finally put her trust in Grip.
This story deals with the subject of mixed race relationship in a compassionate way. I didn't see it being slanted and I appreciated the authors delicate touch.  This is a story about two people who fell in love against the odds and are fighting to get their HEA.  The one thing I wasn't a fan of was thw HFN ending. Because so much went on in Flow and Grip,  I would have liked a HEA ending, in fact the story cried out for a HEA  so maybe the author will write a follow-up about this awesome couple.

My rating: 4.5 stars ****
 "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
1282467
From the instant I began reading, Ashia, our heroine was captivating and her situation compelling. Her intensity and that of her world grew throughout the story keeping me engaged. I was rooted to the page withstanding disgust, terror and horror to see her stand strong.
Alexander is masterful in the integration of the intricately built fantasy world with this powerful coming of age story. Magic is in her blood and the politics of her world are her inheritanceshe must come to terms with them to know herself, and she embraces them fully in an unexpected and oddly triumphant way.
At first I wished the novel carried more inner dialogue so I could know the characters better. But when I was done reading, I found I missed them and had come to know them well, especially the unquenchable Ashia.  Im so glad the next in the series will be coming soon!
524631
*I received a free ARC of Defining Destiny from Xpresso Booktours in exchange of an honest review*

Defining Destiny is a beautiful story, in which actual soul-mates have an almost magical connection. However, being soul-mates does not mean they treat each other right, showing love and respect when they should, and some use that connection as a selfish excuse to get what they want for themselves.

Lucy met her soul-mate Cadan when she was 19, and their magical connection is singing together. Defining Destiny shows their singing as a way to make both them and their audience feel something much stronger than they would on their own. When Cadan and Lucy sing together, their voices merge and make a kind of sensory magic. However, Cadan uses that connection to further his own selfish interests, and he is not only unfaithful to Lucy, he also tries to cheat her out of many things she wants and needs in order to move forward with her own life after the death of her father.

I truly enjoyed that Defining Destiny is all about the fact that magical soul-mates, can also be anything but healthy and magical. Lucy took a long time to realize Cadan was no good for her, and it was really hard for her to stand up for herself. And once she was able to leave Cadan, her problems were far from over. There is a very strong bond between soul-mates, and trying to live alone or with someone else is simply not done.

At the beginning of Defining Destiny, Lucy meets Seth, whose soul-mate died in an accident over a year ago. He is still completely shattered from the loss, and he cannot continue to paint as he used to. The fact that painting was both of their talents only contributed to the difficulties he had to get back to work. Their paintings were also kind of magical, through their connection, they would make a picture that truly meant something really important to someone else, something that had nothing to do with them.

As both Lucy and Seth try to get over the loss of their soul-mates, Defining Destiny show a great deal of character development on both their parts. Lucy has to fight her fights alone, and Seth needs to get back to the world of the living. They are both haunted by their soul-mates, Seth in dreams, and Lucy in real life, as Cadan continues to pursue her.

A different kind of magic, set in a small town where Lucy grew up, Defining Destiny is a strong story about how even when things seem destined to be, we always have free choice. Sometimes our choices are difficult, both to make and to live with, and other times it is easier. However, hiding behind destiny in order to not live life fully is not a good option at all.
4550951
Sky Of Dreams by Jenna Jacob is an incredibly moving novel that is emotionally intense, raw, and leaves you craving more from the moment you start devouring the story.

Jenna Jacob creates a world full of suspense, drama, action, and sexually charged tension between two complex characters, that are so emotionally broken only their love for each other can make them whole again. Sky Of Dreams was so intriguing and fiercely emotional, I was hooked from the moment my eyes touched the page. I felt every feeling the characters went through the rage, panic, lust, fierce protectiveness you become a part of the family reading this story. The author does such a fantastic job of creating a connection not just between the characters but between you as a reader as well. You feel like you're on the journey with them. Kate's Gran reminded me so much of my own Great Grandmother I found myself smiling quite often over things that she was saying. Her spunk and tenacity, the way she carried herself was so much like my own.

Kate has had such a rough time and made some good and bad decisions in her life that have led her to the point she is now. I love how grounded she becomes when she is back home near her family. Sky is such an amazingly strong character and his dominant sexy side is amazing to read. The chemistry between the two is so passionate you find yourself craving more of it as you're reading. The two of them do not have it easy and there are many twists and turns in this story but it is definitely a must read.

I cannot wait to see what it coming next in this series! This story was incredible and Jenna Jacob has made a raving fan girl out of me!