Familiar, Yet Better

Title: On an Edge of Glass
Author: Autumn Doughton
Published: March 9, 2013
Source: Amazon
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Review: ★★★★★

You can’t plan for everything…

That’s what Ellie Glass realizes after she has a chance encounter with a young musician. Long-haired, a bit scruffy, and undeniably sexy, he’s the exact opposite of her “type,” but now Ellie can’t stop thinking about him. When fate intervenes and the two are thrown together, Ellie gets more than she bargained for. Pretty soon she finds herself feeling and doing things that she never thought were possible. 

This is the captivating story of an undeniable attraction, the choices that we make, and ultimately, the unexpected power of love

The best things in life are free.

Indeed, I got On an Edge of Glass for FREE at Amazon.

Oh yes, Ms. Autumn Doughton did it again!

And as I have expected - it was awesome. Okay, a little bit cliche, with a plot that I have read a couple of times out of a YA cover, but Ms. Doughton can spin magic out of it. She writes in a way as if  readers can find it familiar but somehow, better and a little bit different than usual.

Why pursuing anything with Ben is a bad idea? -Ellie

1. He's not my type. He's scruffy, whereas I'm put together. I wear cardigans for God's sake. I think that effectively blocks me from being allowed to date musicians

2. Ben is my roommate

3. I made a pact with Payton and Ainsley. I made the two of them promise that they wouldn't go after Ben, regardless of how tempting he turned out to be. That has to stand for something

Character Profile

Name: Elizabeth Jane Glass or Ellie 
Qualities: Intelligent, talented photographer, type-A personality (obsessed with plans), a very good friend, not-so-good communication skills.
Current Activities: Reviewing for LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
Future Plans: Ace LSAT, go to NY for summer internship, go to Columbia for law (like her parents), and join her parent's practice as a corporate lawyer - whew! big plans!!
Roomies: Payton and Ainsley
What I love/hate about her: she's a dear, a great friend, someone who loves to plan things ahead,like I do but she can also be a pain in the a**, especially when she runs away from something without confronting it, she could be intelligent but when it comes to the matters of the heart - she's going to fail without a doubt.

Name: Benjamin Hamilton or Ben Profile: tall, dark, handsome, lankyCurrent Activities: he's proficient on three instruments, plays cello at the university, bassist for a local indie bandFuture plans: going for auditioning for several orchestra placementsCurrent Address: apparently, he's Ellie's new roomie!What I love/hate about him: I'd say he's a total boyfriend material: he's sweet, doesn't do drugs, doesn't have dirty secrets, no big family drama, isn't a womanizer (although anyone can fall at his feet, esp groupies). I find him cute especially when he turns shy, he's witty, has a heart that's ready to love and honest with his feelings (at first), but of course what more can you take when the girl you wanted the most won't give you a chance to explain?Favorite Scenes1.) On the doorstep: Ellie and Mark were talking about they boy she met on a coffee shop, and here was the boy coming on their way.

Ben: 

Ellie: 

Mark: 

2) The Lunch with Dad - it was so funny, it's like watching Ellie shrinking into her sit with all those funny stories her dad was sharing with Ben from her youth. I was glad that her dad instantly liked Ben as well. Even though her father only appeared a couple of times in this book - he projected a kind, and understanding father who's willing to support her daughter whatever her decisions are. (The way Ellie was trying so hard with the exams- I thought her parents were very strict and wanted nothing but excellence for their daughter - but it was the exact opposite!)

Favorite Characters

How can I not adore Mark he's the gay best friend who's uber-loyal to Ellie but won't take any sh*t coming from her. He's her number 1 fan and critic, he's honest with her and points out what exactly he sees and best of all, he's there when he's needed. He's super fun and I couldn't help but laugh when he comes in the picture.

Asher - just a little bit of him on a chapter and I totally want to get to know Ben's younger brother more. Unlike Ben who seems to be shy and simple, his younger brother is cocky, and plays lacrosse and baseball. Oh yes, he could be a great main character in the making, wouldn’t you say so, Ms. Autumn? :)

Roomies: Payton and Ainsley, besides Mark, they were Ellie's best friend. They wanted Ellie to have fun instead of burying herself in piles of LSAT reviewers, they encourage her to go out, have fun and date. They were very, very understanding when the truth finally revealed itself.

Final Words: I had a grand time reading this novel, it was short with just enough angst, drama and comedy to complete my day. Yes, our dear Ellie frustrates me, and I would have strangled her if she were a true human being, and I would have love to read what was going on inside Ben's mind. Going to recommend it to friends who love a feel-good, not-so-emotionally-draining, amazing book. And yes, I will patiently wait for the next Autumn Doughton novel.

Let me give you that hug again:

THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH!

“Happiness isn't something that you plan for. It comes knocking unexpectedly, just like opportunity. And it's up to you to answer the door and invite it inside.” 

“I love you back - in a big and epic way.” 

“Insecurity is like a net, and I let it catch me.” 

“I'm being fair, it was the best kiss of my life- a kiss that finds all your seams and pulls them apart, stitch by detail stitch.” 

“I can assure you that a kiss under the influence does not equal long-lasting romance.” 

“Crushes are for fourteen year olds. Ellie, I would describe what's happening to you as falling.” 

“This is no shy, just-between-friends kiss. This is a kiss unlike any that I've ever had. It's the kiss of a hundred thumping kick drums, a raging earthquake.” 

“But, here's a sad fact: perfect isn't meant to be. When you aim for perfect, you just wind up ruined.” 

“Sometimes things don't work out like we plan. Like, maybe life has other things in mind.” 

“Here's what I think: it's one thing to know that rejection is coming, and it's an entirely different thing when it arrives.” 

“He looks at you like you're the only person in the room. Like he's trapped underwater and you're an oxygen tank. Like he's in anaphylactic shock and you're an EpiPen.” 

“Life is unpredictable and it doesn't follow a map.” 

“Look, haven't you ever heard that musicians play from the heart? Well, I can't be expected to play in California when my heart's over two thousand miles away.” 

“I guess, sometimes the most inexplicable things end up being the ones that work the best.” 

Photo grabbed from Amazon

Autumn Doughton

 My first love is reading. My second love is pizza.

Currently, I live in Gainesville, Florida and I write books. Fun books for you, and your sister, and your best friend, and your hair dresser, etc. I think of writing as a sort of therapy, and the results tend to be feel-good odes to my lost youth, which is exactly how I like it.

When I'm not working or chasing after my two daughters, two dogs, two cats, three ducks and one lovely husband, I can be found skulking around the movie theater or local bookseller. Generally with chocolate somewhere on my person because I never leave home without a treat.

follow her: goodreads

♥.♥.♥

Book Review: The Perfect Game

by J. Sterling

Review: 4/5

“Sometimes letting go is the only way to find out who you're meant to hold on to.”

Do I love this book? Hell Yes!!!

I enjoyed reading this book - the constant bantering shared between two people who have issues to resolve and finally took a leap in love. It wasn't a smooth jump - they encountered rocks along the way, but they still landed well - with both their feet on the ground: alive and breathing.

I fell in love with Carter in the beginning. Who can resist a bad-boy-turned-pussy-whipped-boyfriend and can play baseball even with eyes closed? I did love how he tried his best in changing his ways and proving that he's a different man. That he can stick and be content with just one woman.



But, something happened along the way that made me think twice. I could not tolerate a guy with a poor judgment and someone who's gullible enough to make a decision without even going deeper or examining things clearly.

Nevertheless, he was redeemed. He'd never be the prince charming if he continued his ways, right? What he did in the near ending, it was just awesome! I like the way he exercise patience and wanting to put things in order before he can start a clean slate. The surprise he gave Cassie - it was a little cheesy, but I guess...

Somehow, I'd fill several bottles of quarters to touch you.

Cassie!!!!

Her rules with boys and relationship:
1. Don't lie
2. Don't cheat
3. Don't make promises you can't keep
4. Don't say things you don't mean

... and guess how many Carter broke?

Oh yes, Cassie loved to roll her eyes and didn't want to do anything with him first. She hated his guts, but she could not deny the fact that Carter is HOT! If only she's strong enough not to fall for his clutches. However, like gravity, Cassie fell, HARD. And when everything went Topsy-turvy with their relationship, she was broken. I think she made the right choices, after the biggest mistake she made during the early part of the relationship. I find her brave. Trying her best in stopping Carter making the biggest mistake of his life. Moving away and following her dreams instead of staying behind. It was a little painful seeing her grow- but it made her grow up and become a better person.

The Perfect Game is just a perfect read. It shows flaws in relationship that most couples go through - famous or not. This book just proved that with love, anything is possible. A relationship can still exist even with broken trust. Because with enough love, trust can be restored and the two people who are meant to be together will have their happily ever after.

J. Sterling, you kept me awake all night reading this amazing novel and I didn't regret every minute of it

Favorite Quotes:

• “Have you ever noticed how pretty and beautiful words can be? How easy it is to say the things you think someone wants to hear. How you can affect a person’s entire day with just a few measly sentences?”
• “Kitten, I’d break my fucking pitching arm if it meant keeping you safe.” 
• “And I know that the past version of me is someone you would never trust. But who I am when I’m with you” he paused, “isn’t who I used to be. I don’t think I’ve been that guy since the night of our first date, so it’s not fair that you judge me like I’m still him.” 
• “That anyone could father a child, but a real man chooses to be a dad.” 
• “Sometimes letting go is the only way to find out who you're meant to hold on to.”       

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Book Review: The Wallbanger

by Alice Clayton

Review: 5/5

Alice Clayton You had me at the title!!!

This book is pretty awesome: it's fun, sweet and sexy.

Did I had fun reading this???!!!

It's basically about two strangers, who met in a very weird circumstances - yeah, the thump, thump, thump sound from the wall allowed the meeting of Caroline and Simon.

Caroline has been having problem in trying to find her big O. And of course, as the blurb would suggest - it didn't mean Oprah. So after series of dates and frustrations - she decided to let go of the dating arena for the mean time.

Here comes Simon - who seemed to have a harem at his disposal making her sleepless at night with all those sounds being made against her wall. Oh how can he be so ruthless? Here she was: her sex life was in drought and her big O was missing and Simon was just giving it away to all those girls.

When Caroline had it with all the thump-thump sound against the wall - she knocked on his door on her pink nighties and told him to stop what he was doing because she wasn't getting any sleep. What a first meeting, right? I think so too.

But despite the fact that their first meeting was a little bit weird - the two of them called a truce and became friends. Amidst the over flowing sexual tension, and attraction between the two: they set it aside and really became great friends.

This is what I love about this story because it was not rushed. It is very well-phased and love took its time. Oh there were a lot of laughter inside this novel - especially coming from Clive The wonderful, wonderful CAT and their pair of friends with mismatched partners.

I like Simon - and he was an amazing person. Not just because he allowed the friendship to grow rather than had her on his bed immediately. But he was sweet, understanding and very generous as well. He took her to places where she wanted to go and gave her the time of her life. It's a good thing that there are men would think with using the right head.

Would love to recommend this book to readers to:
1) wants a good laugh
2) loves romcom
3) loves Sarra Manning's book (because this book reminded me so much of hers, but in a way still different)
4) wants to fall in love all over again
5) adores cats because Clive - he's sooooooo Clive & second to these two - he's the star of the book 

Favorite Quotes:

• “Why do all men seem to think they need to rescue a woman? Are we not capable of rescuing our damn selves? Why do I need to be rescued? I don’t need a man to rescue me, and I certainly don’t need no wallbanging, Purina-fucking, listening-at-my-wall-like-a-goddamn-psycho coming over here to rescue me! You got that, mister?”   

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Book Review: Snapshot

by Angie Stanton

Summary

Marti Hunter hates rockers and anything remotely related to the rock-and-roll lifestyle. She thought she’d left that all behind, along with her drug-addicted mother and absent-minded rock legend father. Now she lives with her grandmother, and Marti’s life is finally normal. Just the way she likes it.

For Adam Jamieson, normal is not possible. He is the genius guitar player of the band Jamieson. He’s ecstatic to finally get a two-week break from his micromanaged life and a chance to hang with regular teens. Adam’s shaving off his trademark curls and going undercover.

But when Marti, the reluctant rock princess, and Adam, the undercover guitar wizard, meet, sparks fly in more ways than one. They spend their time alternating between making out and driving each other crazy. But their summer adventures of skinny dipping, storm watching, and stolen kisses are brought to a halt when tragedy strikes.

Suddenly, they’re on opposite sides of the country, just when they need each other the most. Can Marti survive life with her dad and his vicious girlfriend? Will Adam get so fed up with his over-managed life and controlling parents that he quits the band?

Snapshot. A moment in time that changes two people forever.

Review

4/5

The same tune, different lyrics. This is how I define Angie Stanton’s latest offering Snap Shot.

If you have read Angie Stanton’s Rock and a Hard Place, you’ll know what I mean. The whole plot is familiar but was given a different setting and set of characters: Teen-age Rock demigod meets a damsel in distress.

and the credit rolls …

The Damsel in Distress : Marti
I love her name – it’s pretty unique and ear-catching. She’s ALSO abused – neglected by both her parents who were busy doing their own thing rather than taking care of their daughter.

How can she be that unlucky? 

Her father was a great rock & roll legend of all time and I don’t know why I picture Steven Tyler every time I read Steven Hunter’s name . Anyway, when he wasn’t on booze or drugs – her was a great dad. But when he’s under the influence: he’s totally another person. For instance, Marti drove a car when she was 10 while her father was inebriated on the passenger seat – does social services not exist during these times in American history? On the other hand, I like her father’s lucid moments. I can feel that he also care for his daughter but he’s not a perfect dad & Adam’s mother was right when she said that he can’t manage to be a caregiver. He can give her all the material necessities but not the nurturing that a teen-ager needs.

Her mom was always high on drugs and very unstable. She would go in & out of rehab – that’s why Marti was given to her dad. 

Her grandmother who took her from her father when she felt that there was a need to do so. I adore her so much and I think that she’s the best thing that ever happened to Marti – besides Adam. She provided all the love that Marti craved for growing up – Love that her parents were supposed to give her. 

Her Hang-up 
Since she came from a very dysfunctional family and was traumatized with her dad: she doesn’t like rock stars. After living with her father and experiencing all the crazy stuffs that comes with all the glitz and glamour – she decided not to fall in love with one OR go back to her father – anything actually for her not to experience her past again. 

The big BUT
She met Adam – she was mad that he lied about his identity. She hated him for being a rock star but Adam showed that some rock stars – no matter how widely famous they are – can be different. 


The Teen-Age Rock Demigod : Adam Jamieson 

this band so reminds me of the Jamieson brothers

Here’s one question that has been bugging my mind: Does the Jamieson troupe have a white-knight complex? As you can remember Peter was adamant in saving Liberty from her addicted aunt and now – Adam wants to save Marti. 

Anyway, Adam wanted freedom from stardom. Just like Peter whom we’ve met from Rock & a Hard Place he isn’t your typical teen-age rock star with loose chains who alternate girls, booze and drugs. All three of them were still under their parent’s care and still their normal selves after the final curtain drops on stage. 

He wanted to experience normalcy for a few weeks that’s why he cut his hair and enrolled himself at a photography camp under a pseudoname. 

I love his conviction to standby Marti and he pulled off a one big gesture just to see her – despite to their prior commitment in one important show. I have one problem with him though – like any other NORMAL teenage boy in the brink of puberty – he allows his balls to prevail more than his brain. 

Their Camp Friends : breathers 
I love their friends at camp – they were fun and fiercely loyal. They got star struck when the truth went out but what normal person wouldn’t be? Nevertheless, they kept their promise and never revealed Adam’s existence to anyone outside their group. 

The Issues : A lot!
Angie Stanton once again touched the issue on abuse, this time, neglect. Adding some common teen-age issues that I’m sure a lot of her young adult readers can relate such as teen-age pregnancy, how a few minutes of pleasure could not compensate with the worry you experience in waiting for the pregnancy result test. Plus drugs, booze & rock and roll. 

Lastly 
I’d love to hear Garret’s story, and I hope fervently that Angie Stanton will set out a different formula this time. 

Everyone deserves their happy ending, although I never really like Garret and all his controlling tendencies, I hope he will have his very own HEA. 

Favorite Quotes

• “Sometimes surprises are best.” 
• “We need something fun to remember when we look back at our youth.”
• “When a person is so irresponsible and self-centered that they can’t look out for the basic needs of their own family and they actually cause irreparable harm to their own children, that’s totally unacceptable. And when they treat other people like they exist only to serve them, that’s not only rude and offensive, it’s completely wrong. No one on this earth should be allowed to step on other people just to build themselves up.” 
• “You are my drug of choice, and I plan to overdose.” 
• “Because I need you more right now than I need to breathe.”

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