Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward Review!

"We all have light and dark inside us, love. We try to hide the darkness from others because we're afraid it will scare them away. But your dark doesn't scare me, Luca. It only makes me want to hold your hand and be your light until you can find your own again. That's what people do when they're in love. I won't always be able to give you your light back, because sometimes you need to find that within yourself, but I'll stand by your side and hold your hand in the dark so things aren't so scary." Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, Dirty Letters

Image from Google/Amazon

Overall, I enjoyed this book. For some reason, this review has been a little harder for me to write than some of the others I’ve recently written. I think I've struggled in finding the right to words to use and I'm still not 100% I'm explaining my thoughts/feelings well, but I'm going to give it a go anyway! I gave this book a 4 star rating because I did really enjoy it, but there were a couple of parts I think that I didn’t feel connected to and/or felt dragged on a little. This may just be me for whatever reason so I would definitely still encourage you to go read this! I think different people take different things from books so I would love to hear your thoughts! Please consider reading below to see if it is something that  may be the right fit for you! 

I really liked the concept, especially the pen pal part! I love the idea of still writing handwritten letters  during this crazy, tech forward time. 

I love that the letters had humor and passion and honesty and grit. I love that their relationship developed from their letters, where they shared the truest parts of themselves to a total stranger.

 I love that Luca and Griffin were both flawed in real ways, but both were able to accept all of the parts they hid from the rest of the world. 

This is the part where this gets a little heavy. 

If you are concerned about SPOILERS- PLEASE STOP READING and scroll to the bottom to pick up the book or read more about it at Goodreads ;) 

Luca is an interesting character for me. I may be more critical of the book to an extent because Luca can remind me of myself. I have dealt with Generalized Anxiety Disorder for years, with occasional panic attacks. It’s a horrible disease. It makes you feel insane and exhausted just being. Period. Not being...something. I mean, just being. Anxiety has a way of making you feel so drained from all the thoughts going haywire and fearing the worst in your mind constantly that it's too hard to truly describe. It can be crippling and constant. For the most part, mine has been managed well, to the point that I’m now a therapist myself and have helped others with their own mental health needs. I’ve had some more struggles with it recently due to the pandemic and I can only imagine how this would be for Luca. Her character definitely has a more severe case and a huge traumatic event that has made a huge impact on her. There’s are parts of the book where I found myself frustrated with her because I just wanted her to work harder or take a leap of faith for the man she loves (sooner than she’s willing to), but I also think that’s probably more my own stuff wanting to kick myself out of my comfort zone. Overall, I think Luca is strong and none of us have any idea where we’d be if we’d experienced what her character has and for all of us it would look a little different. I guess I was just so sad for her in parts because she has something so good that she can’t help but to self sabotage somewhat.  One of my favorite quotes is listed below and I think it is something that was thoughtful and something that made me stop and reread: 

"If you stay in the present moment and not go where your mind is trying to lead you, then you will always be safe. There is safety in the now. Right now, you are in your bedroom talking to me. And that is all there really is. Your worries stem from past experiences and fear of the future. Neither the past nor the future is real. Only the present exists. If you stick to this mantra, you will be okay in anything you do." 

I can't talk too much about Luca's anxiety without talking a little about Doc. Doc is the character that everyone loves. He's that person though not family by blood, is family by heart. Clearly, I liked Doc quite a bit, though to call their relationship patient/doctor is probably a bit of a stretch. There’s no therapist I know that would cross that many boundaries with a patient, but I would honestly view their relationship as more family/friends. Technically, she doesn't really "pay" him for their sessions so it's more of a gray area, but still. I guess my concern with this part of the book is I wouldn't want readers to read this who are considering getting help and hope to have a relationship like Luca has with Doc with their mental health professional. That will definitely not be the norm. Regardless, I like the relationship they have and I think it’s sweet how much he cares for her, like a father would and Luca needs that love.

And because I love quotes, especially positive encouraging ones, here's another one from the good Doctor:

"Progress takes time, Luca. Don't feel down. You might not be where you want to be, but you're also not where you were yesterday. Each day is a baby step. You just keep looking forward and taking them, and I promise one day you're going to look back and be surprised how far those tiny little steps have taken you." 

Now, on to some other areas of the book! Speaking of the love Luca has, let's get to Griffin. What a dreamboat. 

I don't know why I chose that gif of a Jonas... I guess I was thinking front man of band, but not covered in tats like my dear Adam Levine? Either way, happy accident? ;)

Griffin is the dream. He has worked hard to build a career for himself in the music industry from the ground up. He moves to the US from the UK on a hope and a prayer to start something and ends up making quite the name for himself and his band. He is the one to reach out to Luca after years of not hearing from each other. She makes the next move by going to surprise him which he seems grateful for, even though he basically specifically asked her not to. To be honest, we all know it's 50/50 if Luca hadn't made that move on her own, how long it would take the man to find the right time to expose his secret, if ever. But the book would've ended sadly and we don't want that! So, we're going to focus on the awesome things about Griffin, like he is constantly pursuing Luca, even when he gets shut down. He tries so hard to make accommodations for her, to make her feel loved, to make her feel understood, to make her feel protected, and to make sure she knows she's not a burden by  having some of the struggles she does. Again, dreamboat. Most men probably would've just been done after the amount of times Luca tried to push him away, but he stood his ground. His faith, his love, was strong enough for the both of them. 

"In case I wasn't clear, love is enough for me, Luca. But you have to let me love you." 

You'll have to read the book to see how his pursual goes, and I say persual because I do feel like most of the book he was chasing Luca, loving Luca, and who doesn't love a romance like that?! 

Anyway, I think that's all for now! I hope you'll check this book out! See the links below if you're interested! 

Amazon

Goodreads

Fashion Jungle by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken Book Review!

"Sometimes, men have no choice but to become monsters to protect those they love from the darkness in this world. Monster fighting monster is better than monster fighting man." Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken, Fashion Jungle

This book was a 5 star read for me! If I had to describe Fashion Jungle in one way for some reason it made me feel like it was a mix of Project Runway and Sex and the City in the very best way (plus those are 2 of my favorite shows so if it makes me think of them, that's a great thing)!  It made me excited about the clothes and the behind the scenes perspectives of the designers and models. I used to love when Project Runway really followed both the designer and the models and both would end up winning prizes. 

The Sex and the City reference is for many things. Of course there's the hot and steamy parts of this book, the romance relationships, but even more than that, what I loved about Sex and the City and what I adored about Fashion Jungle was the friendships, the sisterhood created by the four main lead female characters. 

Side note- also LOVE that the main characters in this book are mostly FEMALE! Of course I loved their relationships and there's one guy in particular that fascinated me (looking at you, Dane), but overall... the girls were just kick ass to me! 

I wanted to be their friend. I wanted to be a part of the group. Maybe not some of the things they all went through early on in their careers and we didn't really get to know one of the girls too much for reasons you'll find out in the book, but the bond they've created through their experiences is amazing. 

While the female characters definitely stood out, I'd be remiss to not mention Dane or Oliver. I adored both for two very reasons. Dane is the type of guy that you strive to stay on his good side. Being in his orbit can be a really good thing or a really bad one. I love the love he has for Zoe. He is so fiercely in love and dedicated to her. I know he's described as a monster as the quote above mentions, but he's the type of monster I'd want by my side. It's clear, if he loves you- he will fight to the death for you. Swoon.

Speaking of swooning...enter Oliver. Hot, dreamy doctor... Sound familiar anyone??

Truth be told, he sounds like the dream male character. He is smart, he is gracious, he is forgiving, and he is loving. He's the type of guy that makes you believe in love and continue to hope for it, even when your heart has been broken. I loved both he and Dane's characters and thought they were incredibly well written.

I love the real life experience that I know Kathy Ireland had to bring to this book. I love that what she brought to the table mixed SO well with Rachel Van Dyken's incredible writing story. There's nothing Rachel has written that I haven't absorbed within days of starting. She's excellent at her craft and this book was on par with all of her others for me. 

Overall, I really encourage you to check this book out. Again, it was a 5 star read for me! It was something different than a lot of the current romance books out on the market right now that I also know and love. This brought a new, fresh element and I really enjoyed it! 

Until next time,

Happy Reading! 

Amazon

Goodreads

Because You're Mine by Claire Contreras

“For the record, I would’ve carried you.” “Huh?”

 “You said your feet hurt too much to wear heels,” he says. 

“I would’ve carried you.””

 - Claire Contreras, Because You're Mine

Image from Google/Amazon

Please keep in mind, this review does have spoilers so read at your own risk if surprise is key!! 

Isn’t that quote the type of love every girl wants to hear?!

This book has plenty of it! 

I would definitely recommend this book!

Here's a quick one sentence recap of the book to me:

It doesn’t matter if Loren is a badass mafia man, he’s found his weakness in Cat.

 After reading Half Truths, another book by this author that I gave 5 stars and recently reviewed (check the previous post!), I was in the mood to read more of her writing so I snagged this one up! 

I really enjoyed Because You're Mine and the storyline overall. I felt like there was definitely more to be explored in many of the characters so that’s why I gave it 4 (more like 4.5) stars versus 5, but this book, just like her others, kept my attention the whole way through! 

I love that this book has both the male and female POV. I feel like Cat’s thoughts are exactly like what mine would be if I were in her place. Can you imagine being one of two daughters in a mafia family who’s mother had to disappear and you’re not in a good place with your father for obvious reasons? That would be hard.

As always, I love a male perspective. It’s easy for me to understand the female brain as I am one, but males are another species entirely. I love hearing Loren’s thoughts. I wish there had been a little more about the business side of the book and not just about his feelings for Cat, though of course I love reading that too. The mafia just intrigues me lately, I guess!

 I really loved the interaction in Joe’s car between Joe and Loren. The two alphas trying to establish their dominancy, but also an understanding between each other regarding someone they mutually love.

 I wish we would’ve been able to get a chapter from Gio’s perspective or even Joe’s but my guess is that wound entail a whole new book!

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. There was suspense, there was family, there was friendship and there was love. I loved all the characters in this story (except for Vinny) and will continue supporting and loving this author and her writing! Go check it out! 

Amazon link

Goodreads Link

Half Truths by Claire Contreras Book Review!

"Oh, Mae." He sighed into the phone. "How could you be a footnote when you're the whole damn textbook?" - Claire Contreras, Half Truths

Image from Google/Amazon

Claire Contreras has done it again with her most recent novel, Half Truths. I have been a fan of her for years, have read several of her books, and this book was no exception. I picked up this book blindly after seeing who the author was and reading about it on a newly released list. I am so glad I did! 

 This story follows a college senior who transferred in to a new college to her, old college to several members of her lineage, a college with a suspicious past (and present) and secret societies that may be up to no good. There is so much suspense in this story, but not too much angst. While I have loved angst in the past and still do to an extent, I think I'm in a phase of reading where I prefer a little less because life can be stressful enough. Don't hear me say I don't love some good angst, I was just ready for a little break from some of the YA books that can be all angst all the time.

SPOILER ALERT! 

If you prefer to be completely surprised in a book,

don't read any further- I don't want to be 

responsible for ruining the story for you! 

 The character development of the two main characters, Logan and Mae (Amelia but she goes by Mae) was incredible.

 Logan has got to be one of my new favorite book beaus, hands down! He's just so... passionate, loving, charismatic, devoted, loyal, etc. etc. etc. All the makings of a great man! 

"If you were mine, I'd make it so that you never have any doubts." "You can't promise that." "I won't promise that. I'll just show you." 

There were parts of Mae’s story where I wanted to shake her and tell her to open her eyes, but overall and by the end she showed how strong of a character she is, especially when she had to overcome a pretty scary and intense situation. One of the most heartbreaking quotes I've attached below. I removed the name of the character and changed a couple of words just in case you haven't read the book and want to be surprised.

"******* hadn't killed me, but had managed to break me, and sometimes being broken felt like a heavier burden than the idea of not being here at all."

I can't imagine going through what she did, but it's so incredible to see her go through the struggle and come out strong on the other end! 

Continuing on...

I loved the romance of this story.

 I loved the feeling of getting into a book again and not wanting to stop reading.

 I love the other characters in this story and while they may not have had huge roles, I think the author was really successful in creating these support characters because that’s exactly what they turn out to be. 

There were definitely points in the story where I was on pins and needles waiting to see what was going to happen next and one or two times where I felt like there was a neon sign flashing danger, danger about a certain person or situation, but overall this book absolutely kept me entranced and reading to the end. The only down side is waiting until July for book 2 in this series, though I am SO glad this book didn’t end on a cliffhanger!! Can’t wait to read what’s next!

If I peaked your curiosity and I hope I did, check Half Truths out! 

Amazon
(If you subscribe Kindle Unlimited, it's free right now!)
If you don't have Kindle Unlimited and have questions about it, feel free to comment below and I'll happily answer as soon as possible!

Goodreads


Until then, happy reading, my friends! 

Getting back to business!

Hi all,

Wow, it has been a while, hasn't it?? 

You'll be happy to know the reading hasn't stopped! 
Life has just gotten quite a bit busier than before.
2 years ago, I was lucky enough to have a 
little girl so I have had my hands full
staying home full time with her,
chasing around a beautiful, spirited,
fiery, loving 2 year old little girl
and loving on my first responder husband.
Life has been great, and hard, and beautiful, and 
like nothing I've experienced before.
We laugh, we cry, we run circles around the house,
we play, we read (I've got a little bookaholic already), 
Mama doesn't sleep much, but it's the best I could ever imagine!

Oh, and we've been watching a lot of Frozen. 

Anyway, I say all that to say, life has done what life does,
but recently I have had a rekindling of excitement 
for reading! I have started writing reviews again,
albeit brief reviews as like I said, 
Mama stays busy! 
However, I am feeling renewed and invigorated 
after reading some exciting books lately 
and can't wait to share my thoughts on them with you! 

Happy reading, friends! 

Hope you have a great book you're enjoying
and can't wait to share with you 
about some great ones I've read recently!! 

The Final Fight by JB Salsbury Review!!

"Wherever you are will always be home to me."-JB Salsbury, The Final Fight

Blurb:

When life brings you the perfect person at the worst possible time...

On a weekend visit to Las Vegas to visit his brother, Marine Braeden Daniels meets a woman who challenges him in ways he can't deny. The best part is she wants what he wants.

No strongs. No feelings. Just fun.

AJ is a Las Vegas performer who is finally living her dream. Growing up poor, she's determined to succeed at any cost. No one will stand in her way- not even a hot Marine who breezes into her life all confidence and a cocky smile. 

A few stolen weekends and neither can deny the feelings quickly growing between them. But the obstacles that keep them apart become more devastating when the Marine Corps calls Braeden away for a six-month deployment.

It's only six months.

What could possibly happen?

Review:

I'm incredibly grateful for receiving an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. This won't be your typical review. It won't go through the development of the characters (though the characters are incredibly well-developed). It won't be a detailed summary of what happens in this story (though there will be parts of the story line). This review will be about the overwhelming feelings I had while reading this book and why I think you need to read it, but not just this book- the whole series. So, without further ado... 

You guys. <-- Channeling my inner Busy Phillips --> This is the LAST BOOK in The Fighting Series and I can't even tell you how devastated I am by this series ending.

JB is one of my absolute favorite authors and each book in this amazing series has been incredible. I'm seriously in mourning that it has come to an end. Luckily, I know that JB has a passion for her readers and knows how much her words have impacted them, so my guess is she'll remind us of our favorite rough around the edges, but incredibly lovable characters some time again in the (hopefully near) future. As you go through this series, it focuses on different fighters (hinted by the title of the series: The Fighting Series). Each fighter becomes my new favorite while I'm reading that book, their story is so impactful. JB has a way of truly making a reader feel that they are in her fictional world with the characters she's created and they are our friends, our family. While my favorite has bounced around and around, ultimately I have to make my claim on Rex (Fighting to Forget)- there's just something about him that breaks my heart and sews it back together all in one sitting. Tied very closely to Rex is Blake Daniels. My blog partner and I would have to come to blows with each other about Blake if my love for Rex wasn't so strong ;) However, we have both completely become smitten with the other Daniels brother, Braeden. <--- Yes, now comes the time that I wrap my endless love letter to JB back around to the current book I'm reviewing! ---> I have been waiting for Braeden Daniels' book ever since his character was first introduced early on in the series. JB gave us maybe a paragraph to introduce Braeden, but I was already intrigued and needed to know more. JB did not disappoint when she gave Braeden his turn. 

Braeden's story is one that touches close to home for me in multiple ways. I'm a family therapist so I like to read about and observe family dynamics. The Daniels family has plenty. More than that though, my personal life has been affected by the military and I have a huge interest and passion for our service members. There were so many parts in The Final Fight that I imagine are so relevant for many people/couples who've gone through deployments as well as everything leading up to their separation. As hinted at in the blurb, there are some real challenges that both Braeden and AJ have to face in their story. The battle that Braeden has to fight is a lot less physical than some of the other battles of the other characters in the series, but that doesn't mean it wasn't just as difficult to get through if not a heck of a lot worse. There was one particular scene in this book that got me, right in the feels, more than any other part of this story. The funny thing is, it wasn't between Braeden and AJ. It was between Braeden and his brother, Blake and it's good. JB, those words- keep writing words like this. 

"When I look in your eyes and no longer recognize my brother in there, I will not stand by and let you slip away."

My gaze drops back to the sink, and tears build behind my eyelashes. "I'm fucking lost, bro." 

"Nope. You're not." He puts both hands on my shoulders. "I will die before I let you go, you hear me? You'll be back. You'll be fighting for this shit too, but until you're there, until you get your fight back, I'm fighting for you." 

That, my friends, is just one small example of how well JB writes love. This example is a brotherly love, familial love, but it's a love that can transcend any type of typical circumstance- it's that love for one another, that love where another person can see someone lost and struggling and reaches out to help, refuses to give up on them, even when they are ready to give up on themselves, that can show someone the true meaning of love. There are so many examples of love in this story. Braeden has so many who come around him in his time of struggle. 

AJ is one of them. Braeden and AJ knew from the beginning there was something special between them. A chemistry that neither of them had experienced before. Their story is long and hard and passionate and real. There are highs and lows, but throughout the entire story, you (as the reader) are pulling for them. There are times I want to reach through the book and shake AJ. There are also times I want to reach through the book and shake Braeden. There are multiple times I want to reach through the book and hug them both and tell them to keep going. Keep fighting. Keep loving. 

There are parts of this book that you'll love, parts that you'll hate, and parts that you hate that you love. You'll feel conflicted on multiple occasions. You'll feel the hurt and pain they feel beyond measure. You'll see the sparks fly when the passion is high. You'll feel hope and love beyond all measures. I hope you read this book. I hope you read this series. I hope it reminds you of all the feels. 

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hWLNGe

UK: http://amzn.to/2wD7vlq

AUS: http://amzn.to/2xoxjGq

iBooks: http://apple.co/2fMnURI

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2uB5JV9

B&N: http://bit.ly/2i6EyLW

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2vvqkco

Bleed the Water Red by R.L. Griffin Review and Release Day!!

"Truth reaches through your walls and grabs your heart squeezing the life out of you. Truth suffocates you with a pillow while you sleep. Lies help us deny the truth that we don't want to see."-R.L. Griffin, Bleed the Water Red

Bleed the Water Red

Release Date: March 23, 2017

Blurb:

When Kate Tennison returns to the low country of South Carolina it's with her tail tucked between her legs. She doesn't want to be there and face the love of her life, who's now married with a child. Distance has not broken the spell of fear that surrounds why she ran from her home in the first place. 

Her story is a tragic one. 

Mom in rehab.

Father dead.

Career annihilated. 

When we run from something looking back over our shoulder, we miss the scars on our arms that now hold us.

Can the magic of the water heal her wounded heart or does something dangerous lurk underneath the perfect features of the new man she's decided to take a chance on? 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2IN6Riu

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2IrLcJT

Amazon CA: http://a.co/2DNy2aF

About R.L. Griffin:

R.L. resides in the Atlanta area with some cool dudes: her husband, son and two crazy dogs. She was born and raised in the South. She attended Georgia Southern University and moved to Washington, D.C. to intern in the United States Senate during the impeachment trial. Falling in love with the city, she went to law school at American University, Washington College of Law. By A Thread is R.L.'s second book, but is the first in a series that got her back into writing after a ten year hiatus. She writes anything from romantic suspense to psychological thriller to romantic comedy. One of the things that readers always say is they never know what kind of story they will get from R.L. 

https://www.facebook.com/R.L.GriffinByAThread/

http://www.rlgriffinauthor.com

https://www.instagram.com/rlgriffinauthor/

https://twitter.com/RLGriffinauthor

http://amzn.to/2mwRrx3

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1254833.R_L_Griffin

I was lucky enough to be picked to receive an ARC of Bleed the Water Red in exchange for an honest review. I am ever so happy to oblige!

Oh, RL Griffin. You've done it to me again. Talk about a book hangover. I read from 55% until the very bitter/sweet end all in one sitting. The first half of the book I think I actually read in maybe all of two sittings. All this to say, Bleed the Water Red kept me... enthralled. I was completely bought into this book based on the cover and prologue alone. I remember when the author posted the cover reveal  of this book and I remember my immediate thought was it was "hauntingly beautiful." After reading this book, I cannot think of a more perfect cover to go along with the content of the book itself. My initial reaction to the cover perfectly correlates with the feelings I had while reading this book. I was on the edge of my figurative seat throughout every single chapter. 

I kept waiting for it. I waited and waited for the epic turn I knew the story was going to take. All the while, falling more and more in love with Kate as the story progressed. 

DISCLAIMER--

STOP HERE if you are the type of person who hates ANY HINT of SPOILERS. I don't think I give much more away than the book description and what you could surmise from the prologue, but if you're squeamish- don't continue! Just trust my recommendation that you need to read this book!!

Anyway...

Have you met Kate? If not, she is amazing. She is in fact a "goddess, a glorious female warrior!" Kate has had to deal with more than most should in her short lifetime. She tragically lost her father after a childhood and adolescence of learning that he may not have been the best role model for her life. Her mother has all but given up and has completely checked out on her. Her first love destroyed her and left her feeling alone, vulnerable, and betrayed. Not to mention, she's had one failed career and had to move home into a house that reminds her more often that not about bad times rather than the good ones. Her biggest positive in her life right now is her friendships. Who wouldn't want to have a Poppy and Austin as your best friends?! They seem like people I would want to have in my tribe. She's also got enough money from the shady dealings of her father that she can use as she wishes (within reason, under the watchful eye of her lawyer/ex, Gent). She has a home with 20 acres outside of Charleston and then totally restores what sounds to be an amazing, picturesque place right on top of the waves at Edisto. 

**Sidenote-- if you have never been to the Charleston, SC area and the subsequent beautiful little beach towns close by, you MUST go. It's breathtaking and such a beautiful part of our southern culture. 

Through all of the trials and tribulations Kate has faced though, she perseveres. She is a fighter, a warrior, through and through. She is selfless and selfish, but in the best way. She wants to help and take care of others, but she also desperately wants someone to take care of her. She will try to avoid the fall, she will try to prevent hitting the ground when she's dropped, but you can be sure she will pull herself up time and time again. If anyone deserves happiness, it's Kate. Below is one of my favorite quotes when describing Kate's warrior spirit: 

"Life is a constant fight, a fight to the death. It's a gut punch followed by a roundhouse kick over and over. We all stand in the ring with black eyes, broken teeth and blood pouring out of rips and tears in our flesh."- RL Griffin

That's probably enough gushing about my love affair with Kate. The last thing I'll add is that I really appreciate a strong female character. RL Griffin never lets me down in this. The end of this book, though tragic, truly shows how much of a warrior Kate really is. 

Let's change topics and talk about Bash. Bash seems to have it all as well. His whole life is... well put together. That is the best way I can think to describe him. Bash has a put together persona of someone who is charming, beautiful, kind, but also unremarkable and doesn't do or say anything out of the ordinary that may make him stand out. In many ways, especially at the beginning, it seems that he tries to make himself seem ordinary like a regular Joe. I think this is so he can fly under the radar unsuspected and not draw any undue attention to himself. He is mysterious and dark, but seemingly romantic and dedicated. Throughout this book, I warred with myself at times on knowing that it wasn't going to end well, but wanting to take the love and compassion he gave to Layla at face value. 

Please take note of my reference to Layla. Layla and Kate are the same person in the literal sense, but also completely different people in personality. Ella Rae is more the true Kate to me, and Layla is the persona she puts on to most people, including Bash. 

Anyway, I'm not going to talk much about Bash because honestly... I don't like him. Read the book. Let me know your thoughts ;) I will say, throughout most of the book the **stalker alert** button kept going off in my head.

In good news, there was another male character that I had great hopes for-- Gent. He was also mysterious throughout the book, but in a bit of a different way. Kate can't seem to get over Gent. He was the great first love of her life, as well as the major heart break of her soul. She's never really been able to recover and move on and throughout this book, Gent showed me his feelings weren't altogether different than Kate's. The initial attraction between Layla and Bash is that they could share in their history of tragedy. As Bleed the Water Red goes on, it's obvious that Gent is also able to relate in that way. 

Let's not forget the true hero of this book though... BLUE! Oh my lanta- I fell in love with this dog!! I want him! I actually have my own version of Blue. I love how fiercely protective he is, how loyal, but also how loving. Blue sounds like the perfect dog and I love a pit mix. They usually have the most love to give if love is given to them in return. I especially love that RL always seems to have such an awesome four-legged fur child in her stories <3 

I don't want to go into too much detail about the book overall because I don't want to completely spoil it for you so I'm going to wrap it up here. However, can we PLEASE talk about the easter egg of names at the end of this book?! Millie and Billy, oh my! :) Thank you for the reminder of our loved ones in BaT, Mrs. Griffin.  Please note you may have inspired a re-read of that series due to this little nugget! I kept wanting to be wrong, I kept wanting Bash to turn out to be George, but I was so sorely mistaken. If you haven't read By A Thread, I suggest you check it out right AFTER you read the awesomeness that is #BleedTheWaterRed !!