Author: Molly McAdams
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of publication: November 2014
Grey and Ben fell in love at thirteen and believed they’d be together forever. But three days before their wedding, the twenty-year-old groom-to-be suddenly died from an unknown heart condition, destroying his would-be-bride’s world. If it hadn’t been for their best friend, Jagger, Grey never would have made it through those last two years to graduation. He’s the only one who understands her pain, the only one who knows what it’s like to force yourself to keep moving when your dreams are shattered. Jagger swears he’ll always be there for her, but no one has ever been able to hold on to him. He’s not the kind of guy to settle down.
It’s true that no one has ever been able to keep Jagger—because he’s only ever belonged to Grey. While everyone else worries over Grey’s fragility, he’s the only one who sees her strength. Yet as much as he wants Grey, he knows her heart will always be with Ben. Still they can’t deny the heat that is growing between them—a passion that soon becomes too hot to handle. But admitting their feelings for each other means they’ve got to face the past. Is being together what Ben would have wanted . . . or a betrayal of his memory that will eventually destroy them both?
When is comes to this author, I am usually hot or cold. Usually I either love it or I hate it. Letting Go actually fell somewhere in between. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. It ended up being just an OK read for me. Grey, Ben and Jagger had been best friends since they were little. Ben and Grey were supposed to get married. His sudden death changed everything. Jagger had always been in love with Grey, but Ben got to her first.
I was bit underwhelmed by this one. I think that it was a bit too angsty for my taste. The loss of a loved one is difficult and I did feel badly for both Grey and Jagger. The guilt over their feelings was misguided, but understandable. I was rooting for them. In fact, their relationship was the best part of the book. It was the rest of it that I didn't care for. The stalker, Jagger's mother, and the conflict with his sister made it all a bit over the top. It was just a little too much packed into the story. There is a little twist in the end that was a surprise. I'll probably continue with the series as I would love to read about the other characters. I just hope they have better covers than this one. Whoever approved that one was not paying attention!
Author: Molly McAdams
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of publication: October 2013
A matter of secrets...
Undercover cop Logan "Kash" Ryan can't afford a distraction like his new neighbor Rachel Masters, even if she's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. To catch a serial killer, he needs to stay focused, yet all he can think about is the feisty, long-legged coed whose guarded nature intrigues him
A matter of lies...
Deceived and hurt before, Rachel would rather be a single, crazy cat lady than trust another guy, especially a gorgeous, tattooed bad boy with a Harley, like Kash. But when his liquid-steel eyes meet hers, it takes all of Rachel's will-power to stop herself from exploring his hot body with her own.
Given that I really disliked Taking Chances, I was a little wary going into this book. I am always willing to give an author another try. Hey, we can't love them all, right? I am glad I gave this one a chance. I did enjoy Forgiving Lies. I thought the characters, for the most part, were great and the story was attention grabbing.
The thing that I liked the most about this story of Rachel and Kash was that they became friends before they gave into their attraction. Despite the "big lie" that Kash is keeping from Rachel, they really got to know each other ahead of time. That really made me buy into their love story.
One thing I have to say about this author is that she really knows how to write extremely dislikable characters. I couldn't stand Candice. If your BFF tells you that your cousin tried to rape her, shouldn't you give her the benefit of the doubt? I had such a hard time with the way she treated Rachel when it came to that. Family or not, you have been best friends with this girl your whole life, why wouldn't you believe her? Her attitude just sucked. I loved Rachel and couldn't understand why she would choose to be friends with someone like Candice. That was the one part of the book that had me shaking my head.
I do recommend this one. It's the first in a series. Be warned this end in a HUGE cliffhanger. So, the next book better come out soon! I really need to know what happens next!
About the author:
Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband and furry four-legged daughter. Some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks on the beach…which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. When she’s not diving into the world of her characters, she can be found hiding out in her bedroom surrounded by her laptop, cell, Kindle and fighting over the TV remote. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies, fried pickles and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm...or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.
Visit Molly at her website, read her blog, connect with her onFacebook, and follow her on Twitter.
Tour schedule:
Today, I have two books my Molly McAdams From Ashes and Taking Chances. Between the two books, I liked From Ashes more than Taking Chances. So, I'll start with that one.
From Ashes
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of Publication: December, 2012
Aside from her dad, who passed away when she was six, Cassidy Jameson has only ever trusted one man: her best friend, Tyler. So of course she follows him to Texas when he leaves for college. She just didn't expect to be so drawn to their new roommate, Gage, a gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl. The only problem? He's Tyler's cousin.
From Ashes is one of those books that fall into the newest genre: "New Adult". All of the characters are between 18 and 22. Cassidy has grown up only trusting one person, her friend Tyler. She moves with Tyler to Texas when he starts college. There she falls for Gage, Tyler's cousin. The problem is that Tyler wants Cassidy for himself and does everything he can to keep them apart. I felt badly for both Gage and Cassidy as Tyler continued to manipulate them. I liked Gage and thought he was was genuinely a nice guy. I just mostly felt bad for Cassidy and her situation. I thought Tyler was a major jerk and manipulator.
I had a few problems with the book. Cassidy had been abused all her life by her mother and step father. For ten years, Tyler says nothing to his parents or the authorities. From the sound of it, some of the beatings were so brutal. Yet, no one noticed? I found this highly unrealistic. Even Gage points out that Tyler was just as bad by not doing anything about the abuse. Cassidy needed some major counseling. Especially, before she started talking about marriage, babies and forever with Gage. I'm sorry, but 5 minutes connecting with a cop who was abused isn't going to do that job. I didn't completely fault Cassidy for her actions and decisions. She really didn't know any better.
Maybe it is because I am coming into these books as a 40-something mom. The mom in me was screaming at Cassidy throughout the entire book to run as fast as she could and live her life before settling down. I guess I could try to be happy that she at least found a decent guy in Gage.
Taking Chances
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of Publication: October, 2012
Eighteen year old Harper has grown up under her career Marine of a father's thumb. Ready to live life her own way and experience things she's only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father's unit; she's on her way to college at San Diego State University.
She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with her boyfriend Brandon, and her roommate's brother Chase. Covered in tattoos, known for fighting in the Underground and ridiculously muscled...they're exactly what she was always warned to stay away from, but just what she needs. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both adore and would do anything for Harper, including stepping back if it means she's happy.
I have to be honest, because I believe in honest reviews. I really didn't like this book. Many times, I wanted to throw it across the room. The story was just so frustrating. The only character that I liked was Brandon. He was a genuinely nice guy and, if I could, I would have told him to run far and run fast.
Harper was not a likable person. I get that she didn't have a normal childhood; but none of the Marines she grew up around taught her about the real world? In general, I'm not a fan of love triangles. To be honest, I'm not sure why there even had to be one. Chase was such a ass to Harper all the time that just don't get how she was "In Love" with him. When did it happen? Maybe I could believe "In Lust".
I'm also not a fan of infidelity. I lost all respect for Harper when she cheated on Brandon with Chase. I had to laugh when the karma train came in to the station and oops, Harper got pregnant. She acted surprised. Really, what did she expect when she didn't use birth control? Then she reams Chase out for potentially cheating on her when she did the same exact thing. See? Frustrating.
The book was a bit longer than it needed to be. There were a lot of scenes that probably could have been let out as they only acted as filler. Again, maybe I'm just too old to appreciate this book. The mom in me hopes that young women reading this realize this is what not to do with your life. There is a sequel, Stealing Harper, coming out soon. It is the same story told from Chase's point of view. I can't say if I will read it or not. I'm not sure that I could go through this story again.
If I were to recommend either book, it would have to be From Ashes. Taking Chances just wasn't for me.
About the author:
Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband and furry four-legged daughter. Some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks on the beach…which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. When she’s not diving into the world of her characters, she can be found hiding out in her bedroom surrounded by her laptop, cell, Kindle and fighting over the TV remote. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies, fried pickles and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm...or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.
