Review: Making Faces by Amy Harmon

Making Faces

Author: Amy Harmon

Published: October 12, 2013

Format: Kindle Edition

Summary | Add to TBR Ambrose Young was beautiful. He was tall and muscular, with hair that touched his shoulders and eyes that burned right through you. The kind of beautiful that graced the covers of romance novels, and Fern Taylor would know. She'd been reading them since she was thirteen. But maybe because he was so beautiful he was never someone Fern thought she could have...until he wasn't beautiful anymore.

Making Faces is the story of a small town where five young men go off to war, and only one comes back. It is the story of loss. Collective loss, individual loss, loss of beauty, loss of life, loss of identity. It is the tale of one girl's love for a broken boy, and a wounded warrior's love for an unremarkable girl. This is a story of friendship that overcomes heartache, heroism that defies the common definitions, and a modern tale of Beauty and the Beast, where we discover that there is a little beauty and a little beast in all of us.

My Thoughts:

“I don't think we get answers to every question. We don't get to know all the whys. But I think we will look back at the end of our lives, if we do the best we can, and we will see that the things that we begged God to take from us, the things we cursed him for, the things that made us turn our backs on him or any belief in him, are the things that were the biggest blessings, the biggest opportunities for growth.”

There are things I expected from this book but I'm not sure if "inspiring" was one of them until I read it. You can't really judge a book by it's cover or by it's title. This book isn't like something that you will grab immediately when you see it. But this book is so much more than what you think it is. It's heartbreaking and beautiful all together. My heart has been broken by other books many times before but very few had actually made me cry. Making Faces is one of those rare books that deeply touched my heart. It's worth the read, it's worth the tears. The inspiring verses from the bible is one big bonus and it made me appreciate the story even more. Making Faces is a beautiful story of friendship and loyalty, love and sacrifice, forgiveness and acceptance. It was really touching and very inspiring. It deserves to be read and I recommend it to all who are beautiful and knows how to love and be loved, and especially to those who has Ugly Girl/Boy Syndrome who doesn't think they are beautiful and capable of loving and being loved in return. 

"And so we endure. We have faith that there is purpose. We hope for things we can't see. We believe that there are lessons in loss, power in love, and that we have within us the potential for a beauty so magnificent that our bodies can't contain it.”

Review: SHE'S GOT DIBS by AJ Nuest

She's Got Dibs

Author: AJ Nuest

Published: April 22, 2013 

Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press

Format: Kindle eBook

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

True love does not exist...or so event planner Tessa Adams learns the day she gets jilted--twenty-four hours prior to walking down the aisle. One-night stands are much easier, and with sexy philanthropists like David Brenner, how can she resist? Now if she could just get rid of him. Had she known the biggest event of her career would be working for David's father, she would have cut and run. Instead, she's unwittingly become a part of his parents' plan to destroy his life-long dreams. Will sacrificing her love protect him or be the ultimate betrayal?

Wealthy and gorgeous, David Brenner seemingly holds the world in the palm of his hand--his generous heart and infectious smile are just two in an endless stream of attractive qualities. But the one thing he wants, he can't have--a repeat of the passionate night he spent in the arms of a skittish Tessa Adams.

His family's far-reaching power threatens to crush their dreams. To prove his love, he would risk everything...but will the return of her ex-fiance be their final undoing?

My Thoughts:

The first time I saw this book I had no doubt that it will be good. I truly enjoyed AJ's Jezebel's Wish but I didn't expected that I'd end up loving She's Got Dibs. I'm not much into Adult Books, because honestly, most of the books I've read from this genre concentrates more on sex rather than the story itself. This book isn't one of those. It's sweet and romantic and sexy without being too smutty. 

I can't think of anything that I didn't liked about this book. I enjoyed the story as much as I like the characters. I liked Tessa even though there were times that I was irritated by her decisions. Nevertheless, she remains a strong woman and her choices brought her true love. And Dibs, I strongly feels for this guy. For me, he's Christian Grey without the psychological and emotional baggage. Only the sweet, caring, thoughtful, loving, and rich kind of guy. He has the humor and wit that I like and he's an absolute gentleman. Christian can fly all his helicopters, I've got Dibs who can fly an airplane! Yeah... Literally. 

She's Got Dibs is an engaging book, romantic and sexy, it will satisfy the reader's sensual appetite as much as their heart's. This is my second AJ Nuest's book and it's definitely not the last.

My Rating:

Other books by AJ Nuest:

See my review here.

Book Review: BONDS OF FENRIS by S.J. Bell

Bonds of Fenris

Author: S.J. Bell

Publication Date: May 7th 2012

Format: eBook

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Summary | Add to TBR

Talia Thornwood's life ended one year ago, when she became a werewolf. She survived the attack, and the horrifying transformation a month later, but the life she has now is barely worth living. She lurks about in a filthy, run-down house, with too many werewolves crammed into too small a space. Every day is a struggle against the stress of human contact, the romantic prodding of her obnoxious packmate Pierce, and the gnawing hunger for flesh in her soul. 

She's all but resigned herself to a dreary existence on the margins of society when she meets Corwin. Corwin is a werewolf like none other. He walks among humans as if it was nothing, and can keep his wolf under control even when the moon is full. Talia's mind is suddenly opened to the possibilities before her, and the realization of how little she really knows about lycanthropy. 

Corwin claims that he can teach her how to cope as he does, even how to transcend her affliction. But it will not be easy. It is a hard education that requires her to question everything her pack taught her, and confront exactly what she has become. And, more amazingly, what she never stopped being. 

My Thoughts:

Reading Bonds of Fenris is like reading a wolf book but not really a book just about wolves. It was so much more. Honestly, this book surpassed my expectation. It was original, it was captivating, and it made me realized truths that I haven't paid attention to before.

As a child, you can wish for anything. But as you grow up, one by one your wishes slip away from you, becoming unattainable. You pick and choose the most presious to hold on to... then you’re down to only the precious ones. And when life asks you to give up another, what do you do? How do you decide which of your precious wishes is the most important? –Talia, p81

When I started this book I didn't know what to expect except that it's about wolves... a pack of wolves... Probably an action-adventure-suspense kind of story with a bit of romance? I wonder why I thought of that in the first place? Maybe because I was so used with the stories of wolves and vampires and other-wordly creatures that is common in other fantasy and paranormal books I usually read. But then I was surprised that it was actually a story of self-discovery and finding meaning in life. I really liked the beautiful writing and the simple yet powerful story mixed with strong riveting characters.

Talia is a strong girl. Stubborn, maybe. Afraid, maybe. But if you're a wolf and a human at the same time, you'll understand how it is to live, or not to live. The first POV style of writing used in this book made me see clearly Talia's thoughts and understand her actions. It's like feeling her emotions, seeing the world through her eyes. Her relationship with Corwin wasn't like a love-at-first-sight kind of romance, which I really appreciated. It wasn't rushed. It wasn't forced at all. It just developed and blossomed subsequently that made the romance more enticing. The rest of the characters are well developed and likable. Each of them have their own set of personalities that blended well with the story. 

“You were told... Don’t give in... you wanted control more than anything in the world. But you gave in... What was so important that it made you give up a treasure that you thought was worth everything? What was so valuable that it eclipsed all other concerns? What was it that you were willing to forgo every other desire in the world for? When it really comes down to it... what do you want?” –Corwin, p93

The pacing of the story was good and there was no boring moments. I read and watched how the story unfolded... there were parts that made me sad, some made smile, but most parts made me think. It was surprising how this book made me realized that "to live" is actually the thing that man sometimes tend to forget until he face the possibility of "dying".

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's short, fun, easy to read and easy to understand. Don't worry about the action parts (if you're looking for some) because it has enough of that too. When I finished this book, I had a sweet smile on my face because it has a beautiful ending, a hopeful and a satisfying one. I'm glad that I read it and I hope you'll find time to read it too.

And my favorite line:

“Our lives are what we make them, Talia. We have the things that we do because we work for them, or because we fail to work for something better. I mean, take your own example. You want to be in love, so you’re kissing frogs like mad to find it.” – Corwin, p132

My Rating: 

Book Review: Jezebel's Wish by AJ Nuest

Jezebel’s Wish
Author: AJ Nuest
Publication Date: March 14, 2011
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre/Category: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Summary on Goodreads:

Haunted by nightmares, tormented by guilt, Jezebel came to Redemption Ranch to escape the past—except now she's stuck in the middle of nowhere with no redemption in sight. When her mother pushes her into riding lessons with local veterinarian Matthias Saunders, Jezebel balks. Sure, the doctor is gorgeous, but he’s completely obnoxious and knows how to push every one of her buttons.

Only her deep connection with The Reverend, a gentle stallion who guards her darkest secrets, has her agreeing to spend any more time with Dr. Saunders. Caring for the stallion is the first bright spot in her life in months, and if being around the horse means she has to deal with Matthias Saunders, then so be it. Surely a city girl like her can handle one country vet—even one with disturbing blue eyes. Can't she?

My Thoughts:

This is the first book I received for review from author AJ Nuest. I was so excited to read it though I was nervous that I may not like it and end up writing a so-so review.  That is hard to write and definitely one thing I hate to do. Every book deserves an honest review and so here's what I thought:

This book started with a bang! and I was immediately submerged to Jezebel's emotional struggle. Tormented by guilt and unbearable pain, Jezzy returned to her mother and sister, hoping that somehow she'll find peace at the Redemption Ranch, leaving her usual life in the city... for a while. But she never imagined her life with a new man. And as Jezzy found friendship with the gentle dark-mane stallion "The Reverend", she soon found love in the arms of Dr. Matthias Saunders. It's a good combination when the author created a broken heroine with a strong and kind hero. Every woman needs a hero like Matty! He's kind and smart, and ever-so-patient that it will make you love him even more as you progress in your reading. Surely, love comes in mysterious ways--in times when you least expect it. Most especially during the times when you don't think you deserve it. 

There were a few parts in the story that I found to be a little slow but I was really surprised by the turn of events during the last part. I love how the author created the beautiful ending that it made me smile (a big smile actually =) and sleep happily after the emotional and heart-wrenching feeling I had throughout the entire book. I think about it every time, and I still smile whenever I remember it. I think that is the best part--after all the pain and the hardships, there's still a happily ever after for Matty and Jezzy. It was inspiringly beautiful.

"Isolation isn't about where you are. It's about the choices you make."

I'd say that more than anything, this is about forgiveness and love. The truth is that everyone, even you, despite your dark and painful past, deserves forgiveness, redemption, and most of all... love. 

My Rating: