Review: THE TRAP by Beverley Kendall

 I'm soooo looking forward to TODAY's release of Beverley Kendall's TRAPPED after reading the prequel THE TRAP.



THE TRAP is the story of 18 year old Paige telling Mitch, her 19 year old boyfriend of three years, that she is pregnant and the emotional roller coaster they go on individually as they digest the news. Mitch has the most difficulty coming to terms with the situation, while Paige has no choice but to deal with it.

THE TRAP packed a wallop into my emotions as I read this prequel to Beverley Kendall's TRAPPED.  I was so sucked into the storyline that I teared up a couple of times feeling Paige's pain and anger at Mitch.

While I understand that Mitch was feeling betrayed and in his immaturity he was looking for an out, he was such an ass to Paige. The way she took his rejection was heartbreaking yet she showed her true strength, she does NOT need a man. Mitch was a complete dick to her and she did not deserve that.

Before Paige lets him back into her and Brianna's lives, he has some major groveling to do. I can't wait for TRAPPED to come out so I can jump back on this ride.
 

Official Blurb:

 

Looking back, I should have seen it coming.

Paige didn’t like that I went so far away to university. But it was going to only be for two years. She'd join me after she did her two years at community college. I thought we could swing that no problem. We were solid.

But she hated the distance. She hated not seeing me every day. She complained that I didn’t come home enough. She hated that for months on end, texting and phone calls were our only form of communication. It wasn’t enough.

She'd ask about the girls on campus. She’d gotten it into her head that girls were always making a play for me. I laughed and told her, even if that were true, I’d never cheat on her. She didn't seem completely reassured by that.

The bottom line is, Paige thought she was losing me. She wanted me home with her. But I could never imagine the level she'd sink to—the trap she’d set to make that happen.

And like an idiot I walked right into it.

And it’s a mistake I'm going to have to pay for the rest of my life.

Taking the plunge!

I've gone and done it...after years of contemplating and dreaming, I've finally decided to put my pen to paper and start writing.  I have to admit that I'm not a plotter, I'm flying completely by the seat of my pants. Those that know me would expect nothing different. I never make plans, because I've learned long ago the only thing plans are good for is breaking. :)

I know that this is going to be a long process, but hopefully it's something that I can find satisfaction and happiness in.  I love to read, I love to imagine. But I've always been too scared to write.  Sounds silly I know, but the thought of others reading my work is pretty daunting...not that anyone will be reading my stories anytime soon. But hopefully in the future I will get past my fears.

COVER REVEAL! I Belong to You - Inside Out Series - Book 5 by Lisa Renee Jones

I can not express how much I am anticipating Mark & Crystal's story! I have been Team Mark since BEING ME, and I can't wait for him to find his HEA...though he sure is going through hell to get there!  I absolutely love love LOVE their cover.

 

Master...

Being that person, that man, is how I define myself, how I allow the
rest of the world to define me as well. And now, with a terrible loss
shredding me inside out and someone trying to destroy my family to
punish me, control is more important than ever. It is everything. It is
what I need. It is all I need. Or maybe I just need...her.

Pre-order at Amazon - http://amzn.to/O729s4

Will be available at all retailers soon. 

 

 

 

Now optioned to STARZ for cable TV — read about it HERE

ABOUT LISA RENEE JONES

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT TRILOGY which has sold to more than ten countries for translation with negotiations in process for more, and has now been optioned by STARZ Network for a cable television show, to be produced by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland).

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 30 books with publishers such as Simon and Schuster, Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, NAL, Berkley and Elloras Cave, as well as crafting a successful indie career. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her through her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

Review: The Expert's Guide to Driving a Man Wild by Jessica Clare

Brenna is a free spirit that doesn't like to own things, as in ANYthing. She has a tendancy of borrowing everyone else's stuff and leaving her desk strewn in a mishmash of her coworkers items. Grant is a control freak and a bit OCD. Brenna's nonchalant attitude drives him nuts. 

When Grant's family comes to town to visit, Brenna finds herself wanting to protect him from his mother's matchmaking. Soon Grant and Brenna find themselves embroiled in a steamy affair. Grant finds he kind of likes "girlfriend"  Brenna. 

Grant takes everything serious, including this new relationship, while Brenna wants no strings attached. The more Grant pushes, the further Brenna runs. Can Grant convince Brenna to be his forever?

*****

I love Jessica Clare's witty writing style and her super sexy characters.  I've been rooting for Grant and Brenna since book 1 in her Bluebonnet series.  They've been constantly antagonizing each other, and I knew once they landed in bed together that their sparks would set the sheets on fire.  

Grant's family's motives were well meaning. They thought that he'd been grieving his wife's death for too long, and it was time for him to move on. Grant just didn't feel that way. He had a lot to work out about her death that they didn't understand. Brenna was the catalyst he needed to get him to feel again.

Brenna had her own issues to conquer. Growing up was difficult for her and it even landed her in a reality TV episode that exposed her family's deep secret.  That secret is a large plot point in this story, but unfortunately I don't think it was ever really resolved.  I thought Grant and her were great together, but they still have things that need to be worked out.

I could only give this book 4 out of 5 stars because it bothered me so much that Brenna's issue with things was swept under the rug.  I don't want to spoil it for anyone, because maybe it wouldn't bother other readers as much as it did me. I'll only say that she teased that Grant needed to see a counselor for his problems, but there was never any mention of her going to therapy for her problem, which would have more of an effect on their lasting relationship than his. 

 

4 Rambling Hearts

mini-review of HIS SECRETS by Lisa Renee Jones

 An Inside Out story, Chris's POV

In a world where my only escape has been my art, Sara has been the light in my darkness. And there is darkness, the kind of inky black that can bleed from my life to hers.

She doesn't see it. She doesn't understand what I've shown her. And my biggest fear is that soon...she will.

***** 

I loved stepping into Chris's head and getting his perspective of everything!

HIS SECRETS takes place during Chris & Sara's last hours in Paris. For being such a short book, it brings in some mega emotions, as we catch a glimpse of the hold Amber still has over Chris and how Sara and him combat one of his biggest demons.  The fact that Chris is telling the story added a great layer onto an extraordinary series. Fans of the Inside Out series will not be disappointed.

4.5 Rambling Hearts