Review: Broken Love (Blinded Love #2) by Stacey Marie Brown

Title: Broken Love

Series: Blinded Love #2
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
Publisher: Stacey Marie Brown
Published: November 14, 2018
Pages: 313
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: ARC 

Life shattered my bones, now it wants to break my heart.

Jaymerson Holloway thought all her grief and pain were behind her. Unfortunately, life has other ideas.

Where stories don’t end happily. 

Where hearts shattered into pieces and love slips through your fingers.

Leaving everything behind to follow her dreams, Jaymerson travels to Italy, where she learns to stand on her own, move on with her life, and open her heart to another. But nothing prepares her for seeing Hunter’s life explode over the TV screen and watching his success, which comes with lots of women wanting a piece of The Haze. Crueler is the agony of seeing him fall in love with another. But that isn’t even the worst of it.

When she returns home and their paths cross, they are no longer the same people. The old animosity they once felt for each other flares the ties between them. Especially when more secrets and truths are uncovered. 

Like moths to flames, their undeniable chemistry continues to pull them to each other and tangle their lives together, even though it will only end in heartbreak and sorrow.

Don’t miss the second installment of the Blinded Love Series, the final story of Jaymerson and Hunter, but don’t despair. Stevie is up next in the third book, Twisted Love.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain SPOILERS. Read at your own risk.

Wow, when I went into this series I had no idea that these books would come to mean so much to me. This book far surpassed the first book, which is saying a lot since it was pretty epic. This book series has pulled out my heart, shattered it, taped it back together, broken it some more, and healed again the way that only a climactic and emotional story can. Contemporary books are usually hit or miss with me. I generally don't care for them but once in a while, I will read one like this series that will blow me away. I am very impressed with this series. 

The plot of this book and this series so far as a whole really blew me away. There is so much drama and so much heartache wrapped inside this series. One of the things that I love best about Brown's books is the incredible plots. She is always creative and clever with the construction of her stories. There will always be plot twists that you will never see coming and wonderful foreshadowing. I get so giddy inside just thinking about reading one of her books because I know that I will be glued to the pages. 

The other thing that I feel is synonymous with Brown's books is her complex character building. The characters in her books are always, always special. They have depth and incredible character growth. This book is no different. I felt so connected to these characters. Like I was living this story with them and through them. I felt everything they felt and experienced everything with them. These characters feel very personal. The character growth in this book, in particular, is astounding when compared to where these characters were in the first book. The chemistry between these characters is so electric and brilliant. When you stop reading you will not want to let these characters go. I still can't stop thinking about them.

The world-building was changed up a bit in this book because the main character lives in Italy for a few years. Even though this is a contemporary, Brown does an excellent job of putting the reader in the character's environments. You will get the small town vibe when the characters are in their hometown, you will feel the magic of Italy when the main character is living there, and you will feel all of the little things in between. 

The romance in this book and this series is absolutely amazing. I mean, there are hardly words to describe it and any that I come up with will pale in comparison to the reality. The romance in this book will make you believe in true love. With all of the drama and obstacles that the main characters have to face and conquer so that they can be together is just plain inspiring. There is so much pain and suffering, but there is also joy and a sense of completeness. My heart was definitely rocked by this love story. 

Overall, this is another fantastic book by Stacey Marie Brown! She never ceased to amaze me with her compelling plots, vibrant characters, and beautiful storytelling. This is a story that will definitely sit on my heart for a long while. This is the kind of story that you will reread for the feels. To experience them again. If you want a shocking and beautiful love story then you'll want to pick up this series. I recommend all of Brown's books. Her storytelling is among my favorites. 

I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. My opinions are my own.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- A Series A Month Challenge
- 2018 New Release Challenge
- Contemporary Romance Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Netgalley & Edelweiss Challenge

Check out my 2018 Challenge Page to see my progress!

What was the last read that shattered you and then put you back together? Or recommend a good contemporary for me! 

Review: Shattered Love (Binded Love #1) by Stacey Marie Brown

Title: Shattered Love

Series: Blinded Love #1
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
Publisher: Stacey Marie Brown
Published: May 10, 2018
Pages: 414
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary
Source: Ebook

Everyone has a story about a broken heart, but Jaymerson’s heart wasn’t just broken. It was completely shattered…

Along with her body and mind.

Jaymerson Holloway had it all—until one moment. One bad decision. A split second and her life was altered forever. Faced with unimaginable grief and guilt, while learning to simply walk again, Jaymerson realizes she will never be the same. Everyone wants her to get back to who she was before. But nothing of her old life feels real to her anymore. 

The only one who understands what she is going through is someone who has always been cruel to her and someone she hated. The other survivor. 

Hunter Harris is totally off-limits and full of secrets.

Though each blame the other, they are the only ones to help start to repair their shattered lives.

But as the undeniable pull between them intensifies, she starts to wonder if she will ever learn the secrets he’s been hiding—or if she even wants to.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Google

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain SPOILERS. Read at your own risk.

I don't think that I was fully prepared for the outrageous roller coaster ride of emotions that this book provided me. It was insane! I suppose that I shouldn't have expected anything less after reading Brown's Darkness series, Collector series, and Lightness Saga. Those series blew me away and this book did just the same! This book may be a different genre, but the writing and the storytelling were just an incredible. 

This book has an all-consuming, emotional plot. Like, drama central. This book will give you whiplash and you will thank it for the trouble. I literally could not put this book down for a second. I was so into the story and all of the plot twists were exciting and shocking. Some of them I had guessed ahead of time, but they were still extremely well plotted. 

This book has a typical high school setting so the world building in pretty bare bones. The details contained in the book were sufficient to help me visualize the story. I didn't have trouble putting anything together in my mind.

The characters and the plot are the leading factors in this story. The characters have so much depth. These characters are real. They have flaws and they can think for themselves. They don't fall into a mold like a lot of young adult books tend to have. I loved the struggles that the characters had to face and how they were able to grow as a result of them. I loved how addicting these characters were and how likable. I loved how these characters are not black and white. There is a lot of gray area. 

The romance was amazing! I was rooting for Jaymerson and Hunter the whole time. Even through their struggles. The romance was written very well. You could feel the love radiating off of these characters through the pages. I loved that things were not easy for these characters where the romance was concerned. There were so many obstacles that they had to face that made their love stronger and meaningful. If anything bad happens to their love in the next book then I will riot!

Overall, this was a splendid, emotional romance that is really set apart from a lot of young adult contemporary that I have read. This love story isn't shiny or bubbly. It is raw, messy, and real. Life happens. Real life. Real love. If you are a fan of emotional contemporary young adult fiction then you've found your next read! And you won't be disappointed.  

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- A Series A Month Challenge
- 2018 New Release Challenge
- Try Something New Challenge
- Contemporary Romance Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge

Check out my 2018 Challenge Page to see my progress!

What was the last read that took you on an emotional rollercoaster ride? Or share one of your most loved emotional reads! 

Cover Reveal: Vortex Visions (Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles #1) by Elise Kova

Okay, guys! I am not going to lie. I have been super stoked about this book since Elise Kova mentioned it. The Air Awakens series is very near and dear to my heart and I cannot wait to get to know their daughter in this new series!

Vortex Visions

Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles #1

by Elise Kova

Release Date: February 4, 2019

Cover Illustration: Livia Prima

Synopsis

A desperate princess, a magical traveler, and a watch that binds them together with the fate of a dying world.

Vi Solaris is the heir to an Empire she’s barely seen. Her parents sacrificed a life with her to quell a rebellion and secure peace with a political alliance. Now, three years past when her wardship should’ve ended, Vi will do anything to be reunited with her family.

The Empire is faltering beneath the burden of political infighting and a deadly plague. Yet, Vi can’t help but wonder if her inability to control her magic is the true reason her parents haven’t brought her home. Suspicion becomes reality when she unleashes powers she’s not supposed to have.

Powers that might well cost her the throne.

As Vi fights to get her magic under control, a mysterious stranger appears from across the world. He holds the keys to unlocking her full potential, but the knowledge has an unspeakable price — some truths, once seen, cannot be ignored.

All eyes are on her and Vi must make the hardest choice of her life: Play by the rules and claim her throne. Or, break them and save the world.

Preorder Vortex Chronicles

Read Air Awakens

To celebrate the cover, title, and synopsis reveal of VORTEX VISIONS… The original book that started it all, AIR AWAKENS (Air Awakens, #1), will be on sale for $0.99 from November 11th, 2019 through November 27th, 2019.

Subscribe to Release Alerts

Other Information:

• The story follows a new protagonist (Vhalla’s daughter from the original Air Awakens), on a new adventure, fighting a new villain
• Readers do not have to read the original Air Awakens series. They can start with VORTEX VISIONS
• The series is currently planned to be four or five books, which should be released every 3 months
• The book will be available in paperback and hardcover on Feburary 4th (or just before)
• People who pre-order can forward proof of purchase + their full name + their mailing address to ElisePreOrder[at]Gmail[dot]com to get a free signed postcard (while supplies last) and be entered to win a special swag box including a signed hardcover. Open internationally.

Check out my reviews for the Air Awakens series!

Air Awakens

Fire Falling

Earth's End

Water's Wrath

Crystal Crowned

Cover Reveal: Analiese Rising by Brenda Drake

Analiese Rising 

by Brenda Drake

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: January 8, 2019

Entangled Teen

When a stranger gives Analiese Jordan a list of names before he dies, the last thing she expects to see is her own on it. Not. Cool. Her search for answers leads to the man’s grandson, Marek, who has dangerous secrets of his own. Both are determined to unlock the mystery of the list. 

But the truth is deadly. Analiese is a descendant of the God of Death, known as a Riser, with the power to raise the dead and control them. Finding out she has hidden powers? Cool. Finding out she turns corpses into killers? No, thank you.

Now the trail plants her and Marek in the middle of a war between gods who apparently want to raise an army of the Risen, and Analiese must figure out how to save the world—from herself.

Pre-Order a copy HERE!

Brenda Drake grew up the youngest of three children, an Air Force brat, and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up is of her eccentric, Irish grandmother's animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. With kids of all ages populating Brenda's world, it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical for both younger readers and the young at heart. And because she married her prince charming, there's always a romance warming the pages. Her favorite books are The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Kings Row by Henry Bellamann, and Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. When she's not writing, she hosts workshops and contests for writers such as Pitch Wars and Pitch Madness on her blog, and holds Twitter pitch parties on the hashtag, #PitMad. In her free time, Brenda enjoys hanging out with her family, haunting libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops, or just reading someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

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Cover Reveal: Broken Love (Blinded Love #2) by Stacey Marie Brown

Title: Broken Love

Author: Stacey Marie Brown

Genre: New Adult Romance

Release Date: November 14, 2018

Cover Designer: Dane Low at e-book launch

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Life shattered my body, now it wants to break my heart.

Jaymerson Holloway thought all her heartache and pain were behind her. Unfortunately, life has other ideas. The one person she needs, who understands what it’s like living in the shadow of Colton Harris’s death, is his twin brother, Hunter.

But stories don’t always end happily.

Leaving everything behind to follow her dreams, Jaymerson travels to Italy where she learns to stand her own feet, move on with her life, and open her heart to another. But nothing prepares her for watching Hunter’s career erupt on TV: his wins, his flings, the agony of him falling in love with another, and worst of all watching his world get shattered into pieces again.

When Jaymerson returns home and their paths cross, but they are no longer the same people, and the old animosity they used to feel for each other flares between them again. Especially when more secrets and truths are revealed, breaking everything they once had together.

Their undeniable chemistry continues to twine their lives together, even though it will only end in heartbreak and pain. 

Don’t miss the second installment of the Blinded Love Series, Broken Love, the final story of Jaymerson and Hunter. But don’t despair. Stevie is up next in the third book, Twisted Love.

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Stacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.

She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family’s farm, raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts. She volunteers helping animals and is Eco-friendly. She feels all animals, people, and environment should be treated kindly.

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