Book Review: Beautiful Broken Girl by Rachael Tonks

Title: Beautiful Broken Girl

Author: Rachael Tonks

Genre: New Adult

Release Date: February 15th

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My review:

5 stars

I was offered this book I return for an honest review. For starters, I am soooooo glad I decided to read this book. I have read a lot of books and this one is not like any others that I have read before. I was very impressed. Rachel gives you this great storyline, paired with amazing characters. The main characters of this story are Cole and Kennedy and you instantly fall in love with them. Without getting to descriptive because I severely dislike spoilers in my reviews, Kennedy is running away from a gruesome past and finds herself living at Coles house. The initial meeting of the two is quite comical, but eventually a strong bond is formed and a beautiful relationship begins. 

Kennedy's past soon catches up with her future and things become very bumpy between the two. It is an emotional ride from beginning to end, one oh my god.....the cliffhanger ending.....Rachel girl we need to chat! I'm still reeling from how you left it and I am very patiently waiting for the next book. 

I am officially a fan for life and will now stalk you! I look forward to working with you more. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this amazing story. 

Synopsis:

Kennedy Harrison finds refuge in Newport after escaping a tragic past. Taken in and protected by her kind caring rescuer Jocelyn, she soon finds an undeniable connection with her son Cole.

Cole -The hot athletic guy with the insanely gorgeous girlfriend. Awkward encounters and sharing a house together proves harder than it sounds. The energy and spark between them is undeniable, as feelings grow deep for the girl who has never really known, or understood the meaning of love.

Adjusting to her new found life and the difficulties of school cause a reaction in Kennedy that Cole just doesn’t understand. The nightmares of her past haunt her and all Cole can do is to comfort her, the attraction deepening with each episode. Cole is desperate to know more about Kennedy, everything about who she is and where she comes from remains a mystery to him! Kennedy is too scared to open up about her past; scared she will ruin what she has developing with Cole and that revealing her true self will only push him away.

As events unfold and their relationship develops outside of the friend zone, Kennedy’s past comes back to haunt her, threatening the foundation of her growing love for Cole. Cole struggles with the truth and doesn’t know if he can be the man that Kennedy so desperately needs in her life. Cole is torn, but thoughts of losing her plague his mind.

Will their love be enough, or will the past ruin any chance of a possible future together?

Order Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

 

Excerpt:

I wake to nothing but the sound of beeping.

Am I dead? 

My head feels like it’s been slammed against the ground a thousand times. I can’t move my body. What the hell happened to me? Think Kennedy, what’s the last thing you can remember? I slowly open my eyes, wincing at the bright lights, carefully taking in my surroundings. I look to the right and realize the source of the beeping is a machine attached to my chest. I look around and see four white walls and all I can smell is disinfectant. That’s when it dawns on me; I am in a hospital. Everything comes crashing back and the memories flood my mind. How far did I get? Who was it that found me? Were they here to take me back? 

I hear voices coming from outside the room and panic instantly grips me. Inside my head I’m screaming. I won’t go back; I can’t go back. I’m careful not to let anything slip from my mouth; I don’t want them to hear me. I can hear my heart beating; it feels like it’s coming out of my chest. The machine starts to beep faster which causes me to panic even more. Desperately clutching at the wires attached to my chest, I rip them off one by one; flinching at the burning sensation it leaves on my skin. I look down to see the one last obstacle attaching me to the bed. A needle in the vein of my arm connected to a drip. I hear knocking at the door. I stop dead in my tracks, stop breathing completely. This is it, it’s over. 

I look over as it slowly opens. It’s a woman and she is smiling. She is dressed immaculately and has the most amazing fresh face and curly brown shoulder length hair. 

Why is she here? Who is she?

“Hello Kennedy, how are you feeling?”

The panic inside me intensifies as this unfamiliar face walks towards me. I suddenly begin to cry and start shouting, “No! Please let me go, they will find me here, you have to let me go!” 

The unknown woman walks closer to me, small steps at a time, reaching her hand towards me she sweetly whispers, “Kennedy you are safe now. My name is Jocelyn and I’m here to help you; please let me help you.” 

There is a genuine sound of care and the smooth tone to her voice has a mild calming effect on me. A thousand thoughts run through my mind. How did I get here and where exactly am I? All I remember is running, escaping and the tremendous fear of trying to break free. The woman named Jocelyn points to the chair at the side of the hospital bed. “Do you mind if I sit?” she asks. “Maybe we could talk a while? I can see you’re upset and I really want to help; try to understand. Do you know where you are Kennedy?”

“Why would you want to help me? You don’t even know me! I don’t deserve your help! Just let me out of here,” I lash out.

My breaths are short and shallow and I feel like the walls are closing in on me. I look around searching for an escape route; maybe an open window.

“Nobody is keeping you here. You are at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and we are trying to help you. You were in such a terrible state when I found you Kennedy; unconscious, covered in blood and near death.”

She found me. Did I get far enough? Did I actually succeed?

About the Author

Rachael Tonks is a new to the scene author with a love of books, and a particular love of the romance genre. As a child Rachael could always be found with her head in a book, but it wasn’t until the beginning of 2015 when Rachael’s love of books really took over. Reading spurred on her desires to put pen to paper, and write down the story of the characters screaming for their story to be told. 

Starting out her career with a new adult romance novel, she is currently working on her second novel which she plans to release mid-2016. Rachael lives in the steely suburb of Sheffield, in the north of England with her husband, 3 beautiful children and her 2 crazy dogs. She loves nothing more reading with a good cup of tea and is self-proclaimed chocoholic!

Pre-Release : A Shot of Sin by Eden Summers

A Shot Of Sin

Series: A Vault Of Sin (Book One)

Author: Eden Summers

Publisher: Samhain

Synopsis

Throw back a shot of pure pleasure.

Vault of Sin, Book 1

Leo Petrova is between a rock and the hard place in his pants. Shot of Sin, the night club he owns with his two best friends, is short one bartender downstairs. The only available replacement is the upstairs bar manager—the one woman Leo knows he can’t take downstairs, can’t have, can’t touch. The one time he gave in to temptation convinced Leo that Shay’s no match for his sexual demands.

Only a select few know Shot of Sin’s guilty secret, that beneath the packed dance floor lies a very private sex club—the Vault. The place Leo can let his sexual proclivities run wild.

Shay Porter is curious as to why her boss, the king of mixed messages, seems almost desperate to keep her from discovering what’s on the other side of the guarded door at the back of the club.

Sliding out of her comfort zone and into Leo’s arms risks everything. Their friendship, the Vault, and most of all, their hearts.

Warning: This sex club does not carry the government’s stamp of approval. Contains devilish debauchery, delightful deviance, and dancing on the edge of the darkest of sexual desires.

Pre-Order Links

Amazon - http://smarturl.it/ashotofsin
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1rkqKqx
Kobo - http://bit.ly/1vGDnCB
iTunes - http://bit.ly/1vCLsXN

Teasers

About Eden Summers

Eden Summers is a true blue Aussie, living in regional New South Wales with her two energetic young boys and a quick witted husband.

In late 2010, Eden’s romance obsession could no longer be sated by reading alone, so she decided to give voice to the sexy men and sassy women in her mind.

Eden can’t resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face.

Eden’s Stalker Links

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Cover Reveal: Twisting Fate by Charisse Reid

Kinzleigh's life came crashing down after that tragic day leaving her in a whirlwind of despair. How do you move on from something when you have a secret no one knows; a constant reminder of something so beautiful that was taken as if it never existed?

Kinzleigh Baker was the golden girl. She never partied or gave her parents an ounce of trouble. She sure as heck didn't venture out with boys. She had hopes and dreams that could only be obtained by keeping a clear head; free from emotions that only hold you back. She had her life planned out like a book, moving forward chapter by chapter. What she didn't expect was for fate to knock her off that pedestal she has been on by throwing at her one unexpected thing after another.

Finally learning we can't always control the life we planned out for ourselves she accepted the destiny she was given and even embraced it, finding a love many people never experience in a lifetime. What happens, though, when fate laughs in your face just to drastically change it all again?

Kinzleigh has realized hopes and dreams are useless. Why even bother trying when everything always gets taken from you? The only way to abstain from hurt is to have no aspirations or expectations. After finally trying to pick up the pieces of her life and live the only way she knows how, fate gets the last move again and throws in a twist no one expected. Will she finally get the ending to her story?

I'm exhausted. I don't even want to get out of bed, but today is Breyson's memorial service. I stand from the bed and look at my small figure in the mirror. I've lost weight from the constant pregnancy sickness and not being able to eat from the depression. I have done nothing but lay in the bed in his oversized tee shirt. My hair is dirty and and I haven't showered since I got home from the hospital.

A knock sounds at my door and opens before I can respond. One look at me and Adalynn allows a tear to fall down her face. I haven't spoken with her or anyone else for that matter. "Why didn't you tell me?" One sentence and I know exactly what she's referring to. "Don't shut me out Kinzleigh. I can help you get through all of this, but only if you let me in."

I feel numb. Everything she says goes in one ear and out the other; nothing sticks. My energy has completely left me. I don't even have the energy to shower which is why I haven't. I feel like someone walked by, reached inside and removed my soul from the confinements of my body; leaving nothing but a shell. Tears have become an expectation on a regular basis. I don't even try to wipe them away anymore.

I just stare at her blankly; no expressions to give. She walks over to me and wraps me in her arms. Her outfit goes with the way I feel; black and dark; the symbolic color for death. "When did you find out?"

I don't want to think about the baby right now. I like pretending it's not there. "After we dropped Breyson off at the airport." I can't even say it without crying all over again. I still can't believe this has become my life. How am I supposed to go back to school or cheerleading? I'll never be happy again.

She tightens her hold around me. "I'll never tell anyone until you're ready. You know I'll help you right? You don't have to go through this alone; any of it. You're my best friend and you're family to me." I know she expects the Kinzleigh she knows and loves to come back at some point, but that girl is long gone; a vapor in the wind. All I can do is recluse inside myself and try to hold on to what little bit of sanity I have left. "Come on and I'll help you get ready. You need a bath."

As embarrassing as it was to have someone help you bathe, I can't seem to find the will to care. I guess times like these are when you discover who your true friends are. I pull on my long black maxi dress and a pair of sunglasses to hide my reddened eyes. I imagine to an outsider I look like I'm on drugs. Since I've been taking my nausea medication I don't get sick as often, but I can't seem to eat either. I'm getting thinner as the days go on and my clothes are getting big, but I can't eat. I'm doing good to get down one bowl of soup a day and that's only for the baby's sake.

We pull up at the cemetery and walk over to the headstone beside Beau's, that is now waiting with his name etched on it. An open casket service wasn't necessary since there is no body. I come to stand in front of the headstone and read the letters etched into the stone.

Breyson Patrick Abercrombie

October 2, 1995-February 3,2014

Forever remembered by the ones you love

The preacher starts his speech; one that he has said a million times I'm sure. It seems too practiced and frankly, not good enough. I just stare at the headstone in front of me picturing my beautiful boy. I close my eyes and allow myself to go to my happy place while the words and sadness flow around me. Come back to me Breyson. Let me feel you. If not in body, then in spirit. I need you to keep me going. I don't have the strength to do it myself. The salty tears run down my face, underneath my shades.

I'm here baby. I'm trying to get to you. Please don't give up on me. I need you to remember our love. I need you to keep going. Wait for me.... My eyes shoot open and I feel like I'm going to pass out. I must be having a mental breakdown because I swear on everything I feel like there is someone near me and I have never been one of those people that believe in ghosts. I'm a realist, but I promise on my life I heard Breyson's beautiful voice in my head. The mind is a cruel thing. It has the ability to play tricks on us and make us hear and see things that aren't there. My subconscious wants him to be here so my mind has got to be trying to ease the pain that consumes me by giving me a little bit of false hope.

As crazy as it is, I can't help but to imagine maybe it were some kind of sign. What if it is? Could it be? I've heard crazy stories before about two souls that were meant to be, having the ability to call out to one another when they're apart; kind of like twins separated at birth but can feel each others pain and emotions subconsciously. What if it's real and I give up on him? What if me believing he's still alive actually keeps him alive? Can I dig deep down inside and find the will to still hope that it could actually happen? It's a long stretch and may make me crazier than I already am. The question I have to ask myself is would I rather live with the false hope that he could actually survive trying to get back to me or let him go just to avoid feeling crazy and go on living emotionally slaughtered?

In one sense, I have to believe that the supernatural is possible to believe in God. When you choose to believe in a higher power, you accept that the things seeming humanly impossible can actually happen if God wills them to. Can his love for me bring him home? Can our baby bring him home? Can Beau bring him home? I know God himself can, but will he? Like an answer to my question, part of a bible verse comes to me, in paraphrase of course. To have faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains...

I stand here with the war of questions going on in my mind as the memorial service comes and goes. Everyone begins walking back to their cars, but I continue to stand here, staring straight ahead. "You ready to go sweetie," mom says.

"I'll be there in a few minutes, okay?" She nods and leaves me to myself. I push my shades up on top of my head as the cars leave the cemetery behind. Most of those people will never set foot on this place again until they have to be here for the sole purpose of paying their respects; however, for people like me and Macie this becomes like a second home. I remove the plastic protected piece of paper from the pocket of my white denim jacket and walk closer to the headstone. White is not a standard color to be worn at a funeral, but I had to wear it since my black cotton dress is strapless and it's the middle of February.

Kneeling on my knees, I open the small ziplock bag and remove one of the sonogram photos I was given when I found out I was pregnant. I look down at it, remembering that last day with him. "Hey Brey. I didn't want to tell you this way, but you've left me no other option." Uncontrollable tears spill from my eyes as I try to gather my thoughts. "I'm pregnant. I wanted to wait until you got back to tell you so you could enjoy your trip, but I guess you never got there. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get pregnant. I was going to take full responsibility and give up cheerleading so you could keep your football dream, but I guess that's no longer an option. You would've been a great football player and an even better dad. I know you would've stood by me and that's why I was going to give it all up. I won't leave you here by yourself. I'll come back everyday and visit. I hope you know how much I love you." Sliding the ultrasound photo back into the plastic bag, I seal it shut.

I begin digging my nails in the grass that grows in front of the headstone, making a hole. I can't see in front of me because my eyes are blurred from not wiping my eyes. I don't see the point because they continue to fall. I don't even know where the tears are coming from anymore. "I want you to have this picture Brey. It's our baby." I place the clear plastic bag containing the photo inside the hole before covering it back up. "Why'd you break your promise Brey? I was counting on you to keep it. You were right about one thing; you've ruined me. I love you more than I love myself; more than anything in this world. I don't know why, but I'll try to wait for you. Please don't make me wait long. I'm begging you Brey. I'll beg all you want, but please don't leave me here alone."

I get that feeling again as if I'm not alone. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck and arms stand up. I really need to get a grip and check back in with reality before I end up in one of those padded rooms by myself. What's even stranger is for a moment some of the pain begins to dwindle. It's like someone is protecting me, but I can't see them. I refuse to freak myself out. I believe in the existence of angels and demons because I believe in God, but I just can't believe in ghosts or spirits being left behind when their bodies parish. Maybe I need to go back to bed. Clearly my mind is way out in left field. I'm upset and hurt and and my emotions are all over the place.

I stand for another moment before I can make myself walk away. Have you ever wished you could just pick one moment in your life and press rewind so you can go back and change it? I would go back to the night I bought those tickets and press delete or even change my mind the morning he asked me to go with him. Both ways would bring us to one outcome dead or alive; together. I walk up to the headstone, bend down and kiss the jagged stone. "Bye Brey. Always remember you're my one and only. No one will ever replace you. You have my heart and my soul, leaving the only thing remaining as being my body. Don't miss me too much." I run my fingertips along the top and turn to leave, unsure of where I want to go from here.

 

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Charisse Reid lives in the small town of Purvis, Mississippi. She is a mommy to one amazing four year old daughter. She developed a love for reading through iBooks and Kindle app, on her iPad, a year ago she never would have imagined. She loves to escape for a while through the characters of a good romance. Any romance will do; she likes to mix it up. She has developed a passion for indie authors. They seem to usually develop the best stories in her opinion. She has a love for Rocker Romance right now. Got to love those tattooed bad boys right? She never would have dreamed of writing until a fellow author friend mentioned she should try it through editing a work in progress for her.

At first, she thought it was funny because editing was as close as she thought she would get to the creative side of book writing, but then came up with a storyline and decided to give it a shot. Now she absolutely loves to write and has several books lined up that she cannot wait to share with the world.

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Finding Evan Book Blitz

Book title: Finding Evan by Lisa Swallow

Series: Butterfly Days #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Release date: January 15, 2014

Hosted by: Forever Me Romance

“She killed a part of me – the part which trusts when someone tells you they love you, and allows you to trust that person with your heart.” 

Ness and Evan return to Leeds from Europe, and begin their new life together. But the past Evan has buried for years resurfaces and threatens their future. 

After fifteen years, Evan doesn’t want any contact with the woman who abandoned him, but is unwillingly pulled into his mother’s life by Lucy. 

Feeling pushed aside by Ness’s focus on her studies and new friends, Evan can’t confide in Ness about what’s happening. This return to his old behavior adds more distance to their relationship. When Ness’s new friend Ollie picks up the pieces because Evan is away, Evan’s insecurities threaten their relationship further. 

Ness becomes aware of Evan’s situation, and she questions whether he will ever be able to break his ties to those dragging him down. If he can’t put himself first, and live the life he wants, she is unable to see how their relationship could work. In return, Evan struggles with Ness’s inability to get close to people, and her distance pushes him further away. 

The decision about the future of the relationship is taken out of their hands - by something that could end things between Ness and Evan forever…

Book 1 - Because of Lucy Excerpt

     I side step the sink and turn. A guy leans against the door frame, trying to appear nonchalant but his slackened stance indicates he’s attempting to keep himself upright. His brown hair is longer at the front and spills into his face, and unfocused brown eyes appear to be looking in my direction. He’s one of the regulars. I don’t pay a lot of attention, but he’s a good-looking guy and they never go unnoticed. 

     “Yes?” I snap. I’m so not in the mood.

      His eyes sweep my figure. Unbelievable... I straighten my sleeves and look at him with an eyebrow raised.

     “Are you Abby’s housemate?”

     “Who are you?”

     “Evan.” He rubs his nose. “You’re not a student?”

     “Correct, I am the one not lying in a drunken haze on the floor contemplating my navel.”

     Evan takes a step forward, steadying himself with one hand as my witty repartee sails over his head. “Why?”

     “Why am I not on the floor drunk?”

     “Why aren’t you a student?”

     “Because I work instead.”

     “Hmm.” He pauses and grasps onto the sink, searching for a glass. I pass him the spare one. 

     “Did you fail?”

     “Fail what?”

     Evan fills the glass. “Or are you just not smart enough for uni? What is it you do?” He gulps the water in three mouthfuls then wipes his mouth with his hand.

     Arrogant wanker.

     “That’s right, I’m not smart enough. I’m living with Abby until I can find a nice man to marry then I can have 2.4 kids and a house in the suburbs. Because, as I’m not a student, I have no future.”

     Evan leans against the sink. “Fair enough.”

     Oh my god he believes me. How pissed is he exactly? “So, you think anyone who doesn’t go to university is inferior to you?” I demand.

     I’ve seen her friends looking down their noses at me. Inverted snobbery. On top of that, the locals hate students and the students hate locals. I’m neither. I can’t win.

     We’re close now and he stinks of alcohol and pot, a faint hint of deodorant lingering on his clothes. Evan’s T-shirt has come untucked and rides up as he leans against the sink. He’s toned, evidently works out.      I can’t help myself, I check him out. Beneath his curls he has deep brown eyes. Incoherent eyes. I hate to admit, but something about him is seriously sexy. Even if he is a dick. 

     “Well, if you’ll excuse me,” I say. 

     He sniggers. 

     “What’s funny?” 

     “You sound like the Queen.”

     Not this again. I get enough crap at work. I move from Cheltenham to Yorkshire and suddenly I’m ‘stuck up home counties girl’. I don’t dignify his comment with an answer and turn away from him, and walk out of the  kitchen.

     “Want me to get the guy out of your bed?” he calls after me.

     I stop and look round. “You know him?”

     “I could replace him.”

     My mouth drops open at his arrogance. An attempt at a flirtatious smile plays around his lips but the unfocused eyes kill the effect he’s trying to achieve. He’s serious. I imagine he has a ready supply of eager girls. No surprise with a body and looks like his, such a shame he needs a personality transplant. 

     I step towards him. “Evan. I am not pissed. Nor are you getting into my bed. Good night.” Feeling happy with my retort, I saunter towards the stairs. Behind me, Evan impersonates my sentence with an exaggerated posh accent.

     It’s a good thing that I’m sober otherwise I’d go back there and punch him.

Book 2 - Finding Evan Excerpt

     With the full picnic container in my messenger bag, I wait outside the gym for Evan to finish his shift. When Evan appears, he’s jacketless despite the cool day. I shiver; just looking at him in his thin T-shirt makes me cold. And warm inside. I can’t help but feel a little smug when I take in the sight of my hot-as-hell boyfriend. He has the whole damp-chested, mussed hair, post-workout thing going on, fueling the less than clean thoughts I have about him as I watch. Watching him from a distance as if I’m a random onlooker turns me on? I must have some kind of weird stalker gene. 

     Evan doesn’t notice me at first; he’s on the phone and his eyebrows are pulled together in consternation. I recognize his hunched stance as frustration, and suspect he’s talking to his sister. Evan rests against the pillar outside as he continues his conversation, oblivious to those around.

     A slender girl with long blonde hair passes me with her equally blonde friend. I watch them and wonder if they share the same box of hair dye to go with their identical straightened hair and designer gym gear.

     “Book me in with him!” one of them says and giggles.

     I jump to alert. There’s only one ‘him’ in the vicinity.

     “Nope, all mine. Twice a week.” The giggling intensifies, and an unfamiliar feeling creeps across my scalp when it’s apparent they’re talking about Evan. Jealousy.

     “He can get me hot and sweaty anytime!”

      I gag at their immature sizing up of my boyfriend. Then I find myself doing something I didn’t intend. I stalk across the path towards him and dump my bag on the floor.

     Evan’s eyes widen in surprise and he finishes the call. “Ness!”

     Without a word, I slowly moisten my lips, and his eyes darken as I move in to kiss him. Evan grabs my rear and pulls me against his soaked chest, crushing his mouth against mine. He smells of workout sweat and deodorant, a mingled scent I associate with Evan. And sex. Tongue darting into my mouth, Evan holds me tighter, and through his sweats I’m aware of his arousal. 

     Yeah, girls. See if you can do that to him with just a kiss. I’m lost in time for a moment, until Evan peels me off him.

     “Well, that was an unexpected surprise.” He regards me with shiny-eyed curiosity. “Not like you." 

I smile up at him, loving his reaction. “I brought you lunch.”

     “Suddenly, I’m not very hungry.” The intent in his eyes is unmistakable. 

     “I am. I brought a picnic.” I rummage in my bag, and from the corner of my eye, I spot the girls staring at us. An immature sense of triumph fills me. God, I might as well just stamp my name and phone number on his head.

Book 1 - Because of Lucy

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Book 2 - Finding Evan

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Lisa is an author of new adult romance and writes both paranormal and contemporary, often with a side of snark. In between running a business, looking after her family and writing, Lisa sometimes finds spare time to do other things. This often involves swapping her book worlds for gaming worlds. She even leaves the house occasionally. Lisa loves all things from the Whedonverse and preferred vampires before they sparkled. 

Lisa has four books published: the ‘Butterfly Days’ series, and two in her urban fantasy series Soul Ties. She is currently working on a new contemporary romance series Blue Phoenix and the first book, Summer Sky is due for release in April. Lisa is originally from the UK but moved to Australia in 2001 and now lives in Perth in Western Australia with her husband, three children and dog.

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