Keystrokes by Lisa Marie

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Rating: 4.5 STARS

Since this is a book that we have both been waiting to read, we've both written a bit of a review for you to enjoy. Lisa was our primary reason behind starting this blog, and this is the one way we know to show our support. We've been following and encouraging, and helping get Lisa's name out there as much as we possibly can, and we are looking forward to being able to do the same for any number of other deserving authors as well. So, without further ado, here's our review of "Keystrokes" by Lisa Marie.

The chance of a lifetime. That's what it was and, it evolved into the love of a lifetime. Keystrokes is a dazzling read with love and laughter. It's the story of Farrow, the book blogger and Kasen Wells, the Hollywood Hottie. Farrow enters a contest which leads her to the set of "Dirty," getting the exclusive inside look of a novel-turned movie, that hit the media by storm. This is where she meets Kasen, mutually falling hard and fast. A relationship with the Hollywood Star has it's drawbacks, though. Especially when being in the limelight is the last place he wants to be, and Farrow is just getting a taste for it.

I was first given a taste of this novel back in May, my excitement has been building, and I'm so pleased to say that I wasn't let down, either. Lisa Marie has written a sweet and honest story for us, straight out of a fairy tale. Farrow's goal was to become successful in life without the help of a man. This becomes the one barrier between her and Kasen, who wants to step back from his stardom and is ready to settle down in life, with the one woman that makes him happy. We follow them through some major life events, and the support they show each other was fantastic. They were two characters in sync with each other, making the whole story that much easier to read in one sitting (yes, I said one sitting...). I loved it. I can safely say this will be a book that I re-read when I need a lift. 

Keri

Now what to say since Keri has said it all. Keri was the one who introduced me to Lisa Marie, Kasen and Farrow. After months of following teasers and posts I was so excited to sit down and read Keystrokes. Trust me when I say I wasn't disappointed. I loved the relationship between Farrow and Kasen. I felt it was as real as a fictional relationship could be. Although the relationship is tested a few times throughout the book our characters find their way back to each other showing just how true their love is and that they are willing to fight for it. The supporting characters helped the story along creating a wonderful read that I am so glad I got to experience. Lisa Marie you did a wonderful job on your debut novel. xo

Caitlin

Fractured by Leanne Pearson

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Rating: 5 stars

This is the story of loss, heartbreak and the hard and long journey back from grief. It's a story about learning to move on, even when it seems like you never will. It's the story of what happens when two people so broken and lost find each other and realize maybe, just maybe there can be love after loss.

Our main characters in this story are Kate and Dom. After suffering the loss of her long time love and boyfriend, Kate is struggling under the heavy weight of her grief. Suffering from the staggering symptoms of PTSD, immense survivor's guilt, and a broken heart she spirals into a life where the only thing that seems to matter is how much she can drink to make the pain go away. Enter Dom, a struggling war survivor who knows exactly what Kate is going through when it comes to her PTSD and wants nothing more than to make the shadows disappear from the woman who seems to push everyone away in her grief. Dom doesn't give up though, and we follow along while he tries to help her back into the world she's shut herself off from. Dom knows a little bit about survivors guilt himself, after being one of the very few survivors from a tour in Afghanistan, he's struggled with his own demons for years. Almost right away he is drawn to Kate, he sees her struggles and understands what it's like. Their journey together isn't always easy but not much is a match for love, it always finds a way.

I want to tell you so much more about this story, since I can't, I will just say that you will not be disappointed. I cried, I laughed, I got really freaking frustrated at points with the heroine because I just really wanted her to realize what she was doing to herself and those around her but at the same time I understood. Dom was what every hero should be. His devotion to Kate from the beginning had my tummy all a flutter. He was strong and that was just what Kate needed, someone who could help shoulder and fight through all of the negative feelings and thoughts Kate constantly struggles with. If you are looking for a story about love lost, love found and love's redemption then please pick up a copy of Fractured by Leanne Pearson you won't be sorry. GREAT debut novel.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for honest review.)

Relapse by Matthew Faist

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5 STARS

If you're looking for the book you can't put down, then I strongly recommend picking this one up. Matthew Faist has written a book that made me feel and reel leaving me turned inside out. I wanted nothing more than to hug this poor girl and cry through the whole book.

The story is not for the faint of heart. It's dark from the very beginning when we are introduced to Casey, the lead character on the eve of her thirteenth birthday. Very quickly life spirals out of control, leading her to run away and is taken under the wing of a prostitute in NYC. As the story unfolds we're taken through the next 20 years of her life and the trials and tribulations that accompany it. It's breathtaking, heart-stopping and just fantastic. I highly recommend this to anyone that is looking for a story that makes you feel and experience as it happens.

Keri

This book contains mature content, covering sexual abuse, prostitution and drug addiction. As a result, I strongly recommend readers 18+.

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)