ARC Review – Hearts Made for Breaking By Jen Klein

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Happy Monday Lovelies! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and read some fun books. Today, I’ll be sharing my review for this sweet, heartfelt and fun teen romance and some of my favorite quotes from the book. I really enjoyed reading Hearts Made for Breaking and cannot wait for you to meet Lark and Ardy and all their adorkable chemistry when this book releases tomorrow. divider3

heartsmadeforbreaking

aboutbook

Expected Publication: April 30, 2019

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Format: Hardcover, 320 Pages

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AMAZONBARNES AND NOBLEGOOGLE PLAY – BOOK DEPOSITORY 

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From the author of SHUFFLE, REPEAT and SUMMER UNSCRIPTED comes a new novel about mysterious boys, first-time love, heartbreak, and the incredible bonds of friendship.

17-year old Lark knows how to survive high school dating: date boys briefly, let them down gently, remain friends, and move on. Her best friends, Copper and Katie, think that Lark is denying herself the opportunity for true love because she does not want to be hurt. They challenge her to break her pattern by staying in a relationship long enough for Lark — or the boy — to fall in love. Intrigued by the challenge, Lark sets her sights on the mysterious new boy, Ardy, who has been labeled “undateable” by the other girls in school. Lark is curious about, and then completely intrigued by, the enigmatic Ardy — so much so that she finds herself falling for him, only to risk having her own heart completely broken.

Jen Klein has once again crafted a funny, contemporary story sure to resonate with teen readers.

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mythoughts

A Delightfully Cute, Wonderfully Entertaining and Heartwarming Story

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This book is a YA contemporary gem! It was utterly charming and so ridiculously adorable. I was completely enamored with how cute and fluffy and wonderfully entertaining it was and cannot stop thinking about that swoony ending that left me smiling and wanting more.

I read Shuffle, Repeat a few years ago and absolutely enjoyed the chemistry between Oliver and June. I smiled, laughed, and even teared up a bit in the end. I knew then that Jen Klein would be one of my go to YA contemporary authors when I want something lighthearted, fun, and cute. I haven’t gotten the chance to read Summer Unscripted since I’ve been playing catch up with my TBR, but when I saw this book and the cover on Netgalley, I just couldn’t resist. My feedback ratio is still around the 50ish percent, so I didn’t really set my hopes up too high. BUT, to my surprise, I actually got it! I squealed (internally of course since I was at work when I was checking my inbox) and was super excited when I received the approval email. I had to get through a few more books for reviews, but when I finally started reading Hearts Made for Breaking, I was completely smitten!

This book had everything… and I mean EVERYTHING I love in YA romances. It was interesting, nostalgic, heartfelt, funny, swoony, and realistic. There were a few cheesy moments that may make other readers cringe, but to me, they were actually kind of fun. If I’m being totally honest, sometimes cheesy works and I’m a hopeless romantic, so I like them more than I don’t. I thought the pacing was good and if I didn’t have work or adulting to do, I easily could have finished this in one sitting. The romance was one of the cutest I’ve ever read. I liked the twist with the prom, the tag scene, the texts between Lark and Ardy, the meet-cute in Ikea, and all the other adorable and amusing moments in the story. The ending may have seemed a tad bit rushed, but it was absolutely gooey, sweet, and adorkable. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was really looking forward to an epilogue (because I wanted more Lark and Ardy moments), but I was quite happy with the conclusion.

I loved that both Lark and Ardy were perfectly weird, relatable, and likeable characters. I liked that there was something offbeat about them which I thought made them even more interesting and lovable. I also liked their easy-going chemistry and just how effortless and real it felt. Sure, they were a bit awkward at times, but the fact that both of them seemed to be acting that way together was super adorable. Nothing felt forced between them and I liked the way their relationship developed. They had so many cute and deliciously swoony moments that made my heart melt over and over. Of course they also had their own drama, tension, doubts and heartbreak, but they’re all part of what made their relationship so realistic for me. I totally shipped them so hard and to me, they were really great together.

I have to talk a bit ARDY because I absolutely loved him with all my heart and soul. I never understood why he was being labeled “undateable” or why him being a little different or weird makes him that. He was irresistibly sweet, caring, kind, loving, honest and just a really good person. I loved how he introduced himself to Lark’s mother and what he said to her. I loved that he respected boundaries and never pushed. He was a true gentleman and I adored him so much.

The other characters were interesting and entertaining enough. I wasn’t too fond of Katie or Cooper in the beginning, but I definitely liked Cooper more. I did really like Hope and thought she was sweet and such a great friend to Ardy. All in all, none of the side characters really stood out for me, but they made the story a bit more fun with their personalities, quirks, and drama.

Hearts Made for Breaking was just too charming and adorable! I swooned more than I expected and smiled like a dork who’s falling in love for the first time. With lovable characters, an addictively engaging storyline, and meaningful coming of age lessons, this book was a truly delightful, fun, and heartwarming story. I can’t wait to read Summer Unscripted and whatever else Jen Klein comes out with next.

If you love reading sweet, swoony, and lighthearted teen romance stories, then this book might just be perfect for you.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts, opinions and swoons are my own.

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favoritequotes

(These were taken from the ARC. Final publication may be different. Please don’t read if you don’t want spoilers).

 

“You’re shivering,” he says, and I don’t correct him, although it’s not the cold anymore but him that’s the cause. It’s less a shiver than an ongoing tremble, an electric current just below the surface of my skin. Vibrating everywhere, everything. Like I’m more alive than I ever have been, like I’m powered by his nearness.

The thing about falling in love is that, no matter how you rail against it, a fall is involved. And you can’t control the world around you when you’re in free fall. You have to let the wind and the sky and the air take you where you’re going to go.

And then Ardy’s mouth is on mine. It’s warm and delicious and perfect. It’s better than every other kiss that’s ever happened, because this time nothing is blurry. Everything is crystal clear. Finally.

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(Mini bio and photo taken from author’s website)

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Hi! I’m Jen Klein. I write YA romance, both contemporary and paranormal. I’m also an Emmy-nominated TV writer who worked on Grey’s Anatomy and Star, and am now a writer and producer on The Resident.  I live in the City of Angels with my husband, two sons, and several animals, all of whom are unruly and ill-behaved.

Originally from North Carolina, I eventually ended up in L.A. where I live-tweeted celebrity events (for money) and wrote all kinds of craziness, including: logic puzzles, a movie for Lifetime, oodles of great cartoons and things you may or may not have seen on television. Then I simultaneously landed my dream job and returned to my first love: writing novels. And here we are. 

authorlinks

WEBSITEGOODREADS –  TWITTER – FACEBOOK – INSTAGRAM

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Hope you enjoyed reading my review. Don’t forget to grab your copy tomorrow!

Have you read this book? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

sincerelykjologo

Book Review and Author Interview – Eternal Soul by Karimah Colden

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eternalsoul

aboutbook

Published: November 16th 2016 by Karimah Colden

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Mystery

Pages: Paperback 300

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Reign Elise La’ Roche is savvy in business, evasive in love, and private and protective when it comes to her personal life. Born in the flavorful city of New Orleans, she is also the descendant of powerful hoodoo magick, age-old African mysticism and dark family secrets. This Creole beauty is content living a charmed existence; that is, until a strategic retaliation against her father changes her life forever. Reign is suddenly tossed into a whirlwind of betrayal, magick and the awakening of a whole new world where nothing appears to be in her control.To protect and preserve her lineage, Reign soon learns that she must embrace the one thing she’d fought years denying…a bloodline of ancient power. And with time, Reign evolves from a successful artist and gallery owner, to a woman of unlimited means and potential with one climactic goal: vengeance.

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mythoughts

An Eerily Alluring, Bone-Chilling, and Entertaining Story  

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In Eternal Soul, Karimah Colden introduces an eerily alluring world filled with curses, secrets, power, danger, and magick. A wickedly wild ride, Colden doesn’t disappoint and takes you on a heart-stopping and thrilling adventure as you discover the dark and terrifying world of voodoo and hoodoo.

I can’t recall if I’ve ever read anything with voodoo or hoodoo magick before and I’m also not too familiar so I really enjoyed reading about that in this book. The magical system and Colden’s artistic interpretation were fascinating. I liked the world-building and the lovely setting. I thought the descriptions were well-written, vivid, and very inviting. The plot moved at a decent pace and kept me interested enough. I thought the story had a nice mix of mystery, intrigue, suspense, drama, humor and romance. I found myself on edge and holding my breath a few times which was a bit surprising since I wasn’t expecting to feel that way at all. Never really knowing where the story was going made me feel uneasy and eager to find out what would happen next. I really liked that feeling and all the twist and shocking revelations. This was definitely a bone-chilling and entertaining read with an ending that left me wanting more.

The characters were well-rounded, but for some reason I wasn’t too crazy about any of them. Reign was intriguing and I enjoyed her journey and character development. She just didn’t really impress me (at least not in this book) and I personally couldn’t really connect with her. Alexa, her best friend, was an okay character. I liked that she seemed to want the best for Reign and was always supportive and honest. Krystian and Adrian did nothing to swoon me. I honestly don’t know why, but I just thought they seemed flat. I liked that Krystian was protective of Reign and he seemed genuine and nice. As a love interest, he just wasn’t charming me that much. I was actually more interested in getting to know more about Reign’s father Julien, her mother, Claudette, and pretty much all the other spiritual beings.

I also didn’t really love or enjoy the romance that much. It felt a bit forced and pointless. For me, it just didn’t make sense or fit in the overall plot. It was just there so the story could have romance. I did think it was quite entertaining and even a little swoony at times, but it did little to excite me or add any significance in the story. But, maybe it will later on.

Overall, Eternal Soul was an enjoyable read. With family curses, supernatural occurrences, secrets and betrayals, romances, and with danger lurking in the shadows, this book was thrilling, twisty, and entertaining. I was quite intrigued with the concept, the world-building, and the voodoo and hoodoo magick. It’s definitely worth the read and the ending will definitely make the readers desperate for the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reign, still a little off balance, began feeling distressed.  Her mind was screaming that something was wrong.  But the only thing she seemed capable of doing was to lean into Krystian’s embrace as they stood next to the limo and waited for Adrian.
Resting in Krystian’s arms, Reign took notice of something.  “A blood moon,” she mumbled.
“Yeah,” he said, looking up at the sky along with her.  “It’s supposed to mean something crazy, but I really don’t believe in superstitions.”
“It’s not crazy,” Reign responded, looking back at him, “it means that blood has been or will be spilled.”
Krystian rubbed her arms when he felt her shiver.  He had forgotten where he was for a second, and even if she didn’t partake in the practices this town was built on, Reign’s blood was rooted in it.
“Well, let’s pray for the poor soul it’s meant for.  May they rest in peace,” he replied.
When Adrian arrived all four of them climbed into the car and before they pulled off, Reign was sound asleep.
“You got her?”  Alexa questioned as they climbed out of the Towncar, Reign completely lax in Krystian’s arms.
“Do I look like I am struggling?”  He replied sarcastically, walking to the front door.
Alexa picked the spare front door key from her keychain and let them in.  Reign had nightlights strategically placed throughout, which illuminated the house enough that they didn’t need to turn on any lights.
Krystian followed Alexa to the bedroom and laid Reign’s heavily sleeping form in the turned down blankets of her bed.  He gently took off her shoes and pulled the covers up over her.
“I’ll be in the car,” she said, noting the care Krystian took in tucking her friend in.  “I’ll leave my keys in the door.  Just lock it and bring them with you on the way out.”
When Krystian was alone with Reign, he just stared at her in the dim lighting, listening to every breath she took.  After a few minutes, he brushed her tousled hair aside and kissed her forehead.
“You are so special, and I was so wrong about who I thought you were,” he whispered as he got up, then walked toward the bedroom door.  Looking back, he could still see her sleeping form; still hear rhythmic breaths of her deep slumber.
Unfortunately, what he did not see or hear was the figure that took refuge in the darkest corner of Reign’s bedroom.  He had been patiently awaiting the return of Reign Elise La’ Roche for the past three hours.  And now, with her finally here in the same room, he was filled with anxiousness and anticipation.  Eagerness mounted while waiting for the sound of the latch to the front door to turn securely in place.  Shrouded in silence and still hidden, his gaze focused on where Reign slept soundly in her bed.
Had he known of the eminent danger, he never would have left her.  He broke his promise; he would not keep her safe.  And with one deafening click as Krystian turned the key, Reign’s fate was sealed.

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authorinterview

Hugs and all the love to Karimah for taking the time to do this interview. 

What was your inspiration for the Eternal Series?

I have always been drawn to the unexplained and mysticism in life.  Between an insatiable curiosity and the lure of everything New Orleans, I feel that the Eternal Series was always brimming just under the surface of my creative mind just waiting to be set free.

Who is your favorite character from Eternal Soul?

My favorite character in Eternal Soul is Reign. I enjoyed creating her as a multi-faceted woman with limitless supernatural powers and obvious underlying very human vulnerabilities and conflicts.

Have you always loved writing?

Ever since I was in high school, creating teen crush poems, writing has been a passion of mine.

What is you favorite part about being an author/writer?

My favorite thing about thing an author is that I am able to create worlds and characters that people can enjoy and fall in love with.  I also love being able to take any idea and transforming it into something magical and different.

Which authors have inspired your writing?

Jude Deveraux, Stephen King, J. K. Rowling, Anne Rice,and  Elizabeth Lowell are a few of my favorite authors.  However, J, K, Rowling’s story in particular is uplifting and hits closest to home for me.  Directly relating to her plight as a single mother with limited financial means who had faced rejection many times and on multiple levels, but continued to persevere.  Knowing the amount of energy that goes in to creating a world and a story but having others constantly tell you that you’re not good enough is hard; but to have the fortitude to continue is admirable.

If there was a zombie apocalypse and you could only take 3 books with you, which ones will you choose?

My favorite book of all time, A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux, The Coldest Winter Ever by Sista Souljah and Lasher by Anne Rice.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I would love to be able to turn invisible, that way I can observe life and nature in its purest form.  Also, I’d be an amazing detective.

If you could have any other job/profession other than being a writer, what would it be?

I would love to be an actress.  In a perfect world I world portray the characters I create in my novels.

What are some of your current favorite TV shows?

I am a HUGE Game of Thrones fan.  I have been watching since the very beginning and not once has an episode disappointed,  I also repeatedly binge on all 13 seasons of Supernatural.  I fangirl for Dean Winchester and Christian Keyes as Michael.

Again, thank you so much Karimah for answering my questions. I hope you lovelies enjoyed reading this as much as I did. 

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abouttheauthor

Bio taken from the author’s website

My name is Karimah, but almost everyone in my life has a nickname for me.  Kream, Rimah, Karma, and Kima just to name a few. I have always been highly emotional and empathic, so it made sense that from a young age I gained an unshakable interest in poetry.  Well, it makes sense to me because all of those emotions had to go somewhere.  And by the time I reached high school, a friend introduced me to romance novels, which solidified my love for words and books forever.

For the majority of my life I focused on evolving my gifts and indulging in my love of books a secret.  I mean, people already looked at me strange because I never seemed to fit in nor could I keep my head out of the clouds.  However, life, and time, forced my creative powers to mutate, grow and evolve into that of a spoken word artist and novelist (just call me MsPhoenix).

Initially seeing my natural talent for writing only as a hobby, I was eventually encouraged by friends to test this skill with the masses. To my surprise my work was very well received, so an entirely new world had opened up to me.  Now, I am a full-time mother of twins desperately fighting to claw my way out of a mundane nine-to-five existence and into that of a successful author. I am working towards living a dream that my fifteen year old self created; I am fighting to create the life I always wanted and know my kids deserve.  I always believed that anything is possible, and fortunately, this is no different!

authorlinks

Website: http://www.kdcolden.com

IG: @MsPhoenixRising

Twitter: @NativePhoenix

Amazon: http://a.co/blbMHEC

 

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Thanks for stopping by lovelies!! Don’t forget to add this book on your TBR.

sincerelykjologo