Friday, March 14, 2014

**Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ He Belongs With Me ~ Sarah Darlington**



Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Sarah Darlington's He Belongs With Me. My stop includes the pertinent details for the book, my review, and a giveaway. 

FYI, you can grab a copy of He Belongs With Me for **ONLY 99 CENTS** Links are below.

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He Belongs With Me by Sarah Darlington
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 4, 2014

Synopsis:
Two girls. One Leo.


Identical twins, Maggie and Clara Ryder, both grew up with Leo Maddox, billionaire playboy, apparent alcoholic, and heir to his grandfather's world-famous Maddox hotel empire. Their roles were cemented long ago: Maggie, as his best friend and Clara as his childhood nemesis.


But when a simple twist of fate changes everything and both girls start to fall for the lean, mean, ridiculously sexy and seemingly spoiled Leo... which girl will win his heart?


Throw in a little mischief, drama, and one smoking-hot bartender and lines are sure to blur. But one thing's for certain, neither good-girl Maggie nor rebellious Clara will be satisfied until they each figure out where they belong. 


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I had made certain assumptions going into He Belongs With Me. Although my assumptions were wrong, I couldn't be happier about it. This was such a sweet story and I loved every moment of it! 

He Belongs With Me tells the story of Maggie and Clara Ryder, Leo Maddox, and Dean Harvey and how their lives are inextricably entwined. Maggie and Clara are identical twin sisters who are also the daughters of a golfing professional. Although they are identical in looks - with the exception of bra size and the occasional streaks of color in hair - they each seem to want different things out of life. They both give off this confident air but they both hide insecurities behind those confident facades. Maggie is the sweet, responsible twin, whom everyone likes and knows they can count on. Clara is more free-spirited and prickly, always saying what's on her mind.

Leo Maddox is the family friend who's usually drunk, best friends with Maggie, and always pissy towards Clara. Dean Harvey is the former step-brother to Maggie and Clara whom both girls had crushes on. But only one captured his heart. One night, at a country club gala, things are set in motion that put these four on a collision course, and it's an absolute pleasure watching the fallout.

He Belongs With Me also touches on family dynamics, the importance of family, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of living in a close-knit community. It also highlights the dangers of driving a golf cart at night, off-trail, at your father's country club. ;) And maybe it gives a lesson on not ignoring what's right in front of you.

This was such a delightful tale! Ms. Darlington shows great promise with her debut. The story was engaging and I genuinely liked each character. The last chapter was a bit rushed - I would have liked those particular characters to have had a bit more time together. But perhaps this isn't the last we'll hear of Maggie, Clara, Leo and Dean. 







Sarah Darlington is obsessive by nature.  When she gets an idea in her mind, it becomes impossible to shake.  Take her debut novel, HE BELONGS WITH ME, for example.  Before deciding to write New Adult Romance, she wrote three different versions of the same Young Adult Novel where her main characters were teenage superheros from an alternative universe.  It never worked.  It drove her crazy.  Then she dropped the superhero bit, added some spice, and suddenly everything started to click.  She found her niche.  And if it hadn't been for her obsessive nature she never would have learned how to write in the process.  

Sarah lives in Virginia, is married to her high school sweetheart, and is currently spending her days chasing around a very active toddler.  When she gets a chance to breathe, she writes.

Connect with Sarah:   Blog I Facebook Goodreads Twitter

16 comments:

  1. Ohhh hello there pretty teaser pics! This is the second good review I have seen for this book, so my curiosity is officially piqued! Great review!

    Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives

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    1. I liked the premise of this, Teresa but then I saw the cover and got worried. I needn't have. And, like I said in the review...I thought I knew what the story was going to be like but I was wrong. And it was SOOO much better. :)

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  2. Even without your excellent review, I think I would have added He Belongs to Me to my TBR shelf, Brandee... those pictures are HOT! And knowing the story is good is just like an added bonus :)

    I hope you've had a good week, my dear, I've been so busy lately I almost can't remember my own name... but I promise I'll catch up with all your posts. *BIG HUGS*

    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. Thanks, Lex. I really, really enjoyed this story!!

      I hope you've had a great week! And believe me, I know about busy. ;) **BIG HUGS**

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  3. The family dynamics sounds great and the sweet part of the romance

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  4. I wouldn't have picked up this novel at first glance. I don't like reading spoiled rich kids and their humbling stories, this one breaks the mold it sounds like.

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    1. I agreed to read it based solely on the premise, Braine. The cover made me worry once I saw it. But no worries necessary. It's a great story!!

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  5. Oh, I like books about twins. And the family dynamic definitely seems interesting. Thanks for the review, Brandee!

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    1. I think this is one you'd definitely like, Andrea! :)

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  6. I thought by the cover this one would be darker and edgier, but I like that it's sweet. Plus family dynamics is a big draw! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Brandee!!

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    1. Oh Robyn, this one is just fantastic. I bought a copy so I can lend it to you if you want. :) I hope your week is continuing to go well, girlie!

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  7. I totally felt the same way about this book. I had thought one thing and then something else happened. I couldn't be happier honestly! Fantastic review and I so agree I really wish I could read more about all of them.

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    1. Thanks, Reese! I loved your review too. :) And yeah, I'm hoping for at least a novella!

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  8. YAY! I also really liked this one! I wasn't sure I would, but wow it completely took me by surprise! LEO LEO LEO! I fell for that man hook, line, and sinker! LOL. I do agree the ending seemed a bit rushed and I didn't feel like I got quite enough of the characters together in that capacity! Novella, novella, novella! I want one. LOL.

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    1. *haha* It was kinda shocking...in a good way. :) And yes...LEO. LEO. LEO!! Indeed. I totally fell for him too. A novella would be most appreciated by me as well. *haha*

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Now you know what I think...what are your thoughts??