Fearless for Love by Clara Stone isn't my typical book pick, but I'm glad I gave it a go! If you're looking for a summer read that is action packed and romantic this one is for you.
Harrington Lovelly is a bad boy with a heart of gold while Jessica Owns is trying to escape her past and go after her dreams. They meet by chance and instantly form a connection. His sarcastic charm, mountainous ego and shameless flirting is just the right mix of comedic timing and sincerity. Jessica isn't above putting him in his place and the two together are a winning combination - equal parts bad ass and vulnerable.
For me this book was more adult, dealing less with some of the adolescent insecurities that you might find in a story about two twenty-somethings finding love and dealing more with the vulnerabilities of giving yourself over to another person. The action in this story kept the pace going even when there were rough patching in their relationship -- this book is an easy read. I appreciated that while this is a romance and more "adult" the intimate scenes were not that focus of the novel. And, I had no idea this was part of a series so... yes, read as a stand alone if you wish!
(I was given this book by the author, however the review is my own opinion.)
The Kindle Bookstore can be a confusing place! When I'm looking for my next book to read I often do a few things... search popular lists, new releases and categories I'm interested in... but often I'm mostly looking at the price. I've been reading a lot lately and I'm not exactly made of money. I've been burned in the past for picking cheap books that were just not good. So I always do my research without trying to read any spoilers. The book I'm about to tell you about was one of the good ones!
When I came across Being Me Back by Micalea Smeltzer I was already reading another book. I was instantly in love with the cover and the price was only .99 cents for a limited time. I read the blurb, checked the review ratings and read the first chapter. I decided to take a chance and spend the last .99 cents I had until payday -- I'm so glad I did!
There isn't a good way to describe the story without giving too much away so here's the blurb:
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR I could have put the typical blurb here. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. Live happily ever after. The end. But this isn’t THAT story.
Are you scratching your head at this? Because I was... I was intrigued and I had to know what was beyond the stunning cover! You can probably surmises that while this is probably a love story it's not your typical love story and maybe even something goes wrong somewhere in the pages of this book. If you read the cover quote is says,'"An unforgettable love story that will give you tears for days". - Regina Bartley' and it's soooo true. Between these pages you will smile like a cheese ball, cry like a baby and snicker to yourself at the cute and funny moments.
The take away from this book is that love and kindness have healing powers! Simply put... this book is a special kind of love!
This book got to me in a why that others have yet to. I don't know if it was because of my age or the stage I am in life, but my heart broke while reading this book. I could relate to this character in one way or another. I cried like a baby! I'm 99.5% sure it didn't have anything to do with hormones, trust me it crossed my mind WHY AM I SO EMOTIONAL!? This book must just be that good. I've shed a tear here and there reading a book, but never full on cried. However, don't let that scary you away! After the sad tears there are tears of joy and this book does have a happy ending.
*** Mild Spoilers Ahead ***
If the above wasn't enough to convince you to read this book, maybe you just need more details. So here it goes!
Blaire is in her 20's, owns her own business, has a great home, and is surrounded by loving friends and family. She has everything she could ever want... she's happy and planning for the future! Until she's not! She's in hell! Within a blink of an eye her world is turned upside down and she no longer feel the light of the sun. Her world is turned dark and she doesn't know how to push the clouds away -- maybe she doesn't want to.
Slowly she learns how to pull herself out of the darkness, but not without help. She meets someone that knows her pain and gives her the strength she need to find her way out of the darkness. Little by little the clouds part and Blaire becomes her old self again. It's not easy, but it's worth it in the end. Sometimes life takes unexpected turns, but the results can be just as good.
Some Favorite Quotes
"Sometimes you have to find the patience to wait for good things instead of seeking it out."
"Happiness is the number one thing we should strive to have in life. Not money. Not house or expensive cars. Happiness is true wealth."
"Finding a man that even in silence you're comfortable with. That's telling factor, B. If someone makes you nervous to the point that you have to chatter endlessly, then they're not the person for you. You need to be able to communicate without saying a word."
"Dreams are liars. They show you what you want to see, what you hope for, and it's nothing but a lie."
"His smile is so large and bright it rivals the sun. In fact, I think he might be the sun. My own personal sun, that is. He came into my life when it was in the darkest of places and immediately filled it with light. He hasn't healed me, but he's given me the strength to do it on my own."
"When your nights seem endless, know that the sun will always shine again."
Song Dedication
I've made a few soundtracks for books I've read, but I really wanted to focus on the positive of this book. Just after finishing it I was in the car getting lunch when this song came on the radio and I thought, perfect! So here is my song dedication for Blaire and Ryder. Enjoy!
Adventure of a Lifetime - Coldplay
Note To The Author
I'm so glad you finally found the perfect way to write this book. 10 years is a long time to have a story bubbling in your brain pleading to be written! Thank you for making me cry! hahah
I don't know if it's because I've been reading a book series with multiple perspectives, but I would love to know Ryder's story! I love him just a much as Ben and I think his journey as a character could be just as powerful as Blaire's.
I've heard you say this is a stand alone book, so I'm not getting my hopes up. It would just be amazing if we could also see inside Ryder's head. For now I'll just have to imaging what he's thinking. This book is so well written -- it's not hard to!
Have you read any books that made you cry? Will you read this book or have you? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
Today seven years and one month ago I awkwardly agreed to be someones girlfriend and on our one month anniversary I gave that person, my now husband, this mix. Of all the playlists I've ever made I'm really proud of this one. It has a great balance of slow, calming and happy songs. Hope you enjoy it just as much as we do!
Feeling Good - Micheal Buble
1,2,3,4 - Plain White T's
Lucky - Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillet
The Lucky Ones - Tim Myers
Brand New Day - Joshua Radin
Oh, It Is Love - HelloGoodBye
I Adore You - Melpo Mene
Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop - Landon Pigg
The Blower's Daughter - Damien Rice
Ride - Cary Brothers
Such Great Heights - Iron & Wine
Be Still My Hear - The Postal Service
Love Me Like The World Is Ending - Ben Lee
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
Green Eyes - Coldplay
I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You - Collin Hay
A good song can be just as impactful as a good book. In that spirit, I often hear a song that perfectly captures a moment from a book I might be reading. While reading Autumn Rising by Seth King I heard a few songs that I thought spoke to parts of the book. However, this playlist wasn't as easy for me to construct like my soundtrack for Honesty was. When I got all the songs together I felt like I didn't have a good representation of Autumn's personality and the songs didn't flow cohesively. So to better fit my music taste to the story, I decided to focus on Hank's perspective when selecting songs for this soundtrack. Hope you enjoy the movie in my head through these songs!
***Spoilers Ahead!***
Hank's Autumn Rising Soundtrack
1. I Will Be There - Odessa
Hank approaches Autumn at the funeral reception.
2. Light Me Up - Bronze Radio Return
Hank can't get Autumn out of his mind and he decides he needs her in his life. He shows up at her work and they go to lunch together. Soon they start dating.
3. You and I - Johnnyswim
Hank and Autumn's love is like your favorite roller-coaster -- exciting, dramatic and full of ups and downs.
4. On and On - The Score
Autumn is becoming more confrontational and Hank knows somethings up. A storm is brewing, but he tries to hold on to the good.
5. Someplace Beautiful - Alfred Hall
Things aren't getting better with Autumn. She's distant, cold and keeps pushing him away. He can only take so much -- he's going to break.
6. Don't Wanna Fight - Alabama Shake
Hank is tired and Autumn is determined to break him -- Hank walks out. He gets in his car and drives away from their Autumn's house.
7. Lover Come Back - City and Colour
Hank regrets leaving, but he doesn't want the Autumn of late, we wishes they could get back to how things used to be before the light in her eyes went dark. She doesn't call.
8. Cold Cold Cold - Cage The Elephant
Hank's world is dark and cold without Autumn.
9. The Emotion - BORNS
Hank knows he still wants Autumn. He loves her and it haunts him, but he doesn't want to want her anymore. He looks to a friend to help him get through the heartache. Then the unexpected happens -- he sees her and he just walks away.
10. Spirit Cold - Tall Heights
Autumn calls, she ask Hank to attend her doctor's appointment. He isn't sure what to expect, or what he wants to come of the meeting, but he knows she needs him to be there. He's guarded. 11. St. Jude - Florence + The Machine
Hank shows up to Autumns doctors appointment. The fear in her eyes as she walks back to the exam room is almost too much to bare. He waits.
12. Fall Together - The Temper Trap
Hank isn't letting Autumns diagnoses be the end. Nothing else matters, they are going to be together. He's not going to let anything get between them again!
13. Light Up - Mutemath
(Credits roll on the movie of Autumn Rising in my mind!)
[47min]
I know the order of these songs might not follow the books events exactly, but I think it does a good job of highlighting some of Hank's more vulnerable moments.
I hope you enjoyed this list of songs! Let me know what song(s) you would have on your Autumn Rising soundtrack in the comment section down below!
