My TBR List Review ~ April #2 ~ Changing Tides ~ Sarah Darlington

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 

As y'all know, I had a tie in the vote for My TBR in April so I read them both. Here's my second review...sorry it's late! ;)

***

Changing Tides by Sarah Darlington
Kill Devil Hills #2
Release Date: March 16, 2015
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
ELLIE
For years Ellie Turner's had a crush on the ruggedly handsome, beast of a man, television actor, Nate West. This isn't your average 'fan-girl crush' either, it's borderline obsessive, and totally inconvenient since, other that this one exception, Ellie's always been strictly into girls. But it doesn't matter...because Nate doesn't exist in real life. In real life Ellie has her own issues to worry about, including the death of her brother, the recent suicide attempt of her sister, and then there's always her annoying roommate Rhett to contend with.

NATE
Nate West isn't looking to start a new relationship. He's still heartbroken over the last girl who ripped out his insides, still learning how to manage his new-found fame, and, frankly, not even sure what time-zone he's in. His life is so full of stress, the last thing he wants is more of it.

So when Nate and Ellie meet on an airplane, nothing life changing should have come from it. But "sometimes in life--very rarely, I might add--you meet someone and you know instantly they're going to mean something special to you."

I really liked Kill Devil Hills so I'm not sure why I waited so long to jump back into this series. While Changing Tides didn't pack the emotional punch of Kill Devil Hills nor did I find it quite as compelling, I did enjoy Ellie and Nate's story as well as the continuing story of the Turner family.

Ellie Turner was a character I immediately liked when I met her in Kill Devil Hills. She's kind, loyal, brash, and funny...and very sure of her sexuality. In fact, she seemed rather certain of a lot about her life, which I admired, and it's also why she was completely thrown for a loop when she found herself attracted to a man. Not just any man, mind you. It just so happened that one Nate West was on her flight from North Carolina to California. The Nate West who happens to star in one of Ellie's favorite t.v. programs. 

Nate is immediately drawn to Ellie and he's shocked because that's a rarity for him. He's coming off a bad breakup though so he questions whether Ellie is just a challenge or more?

The way the relationship between Ellie and Nate was allowed to grow seemed very genuine. I liked Ellie's quote:

"sometimes in life--very rarely, I might add--you meet someone and you know instantly they're going to mean something special to you."

and it was very applicable to her situation with Nate. I don't know though. There was just something that kept this story from being quite as complex. Maybe it's because the focus wasn't entirely on Ellie and Nate? There was another focus in this story and I have to admit to being very intrigued and very eager to have all my questions answered where this other plot line is concerned. I *do* know it had nothing to do with Ellie falling for a guy. I mean, we can't help who we fall in love with. The heart wants what it wants...and all those other cliches. I liked how Darlington dealt with Ellie processing the fact that although she was attracted to women, she also had some serious chemistry and a connection to Nate. I also enjoyed watching Nate realize what he'd had in his previous relationship wasn't at all what he'd thought it was. And witnessing him woo Ellie was fun too! On top of that, it was a pleasure spending time with Georgie and Noah, Rhett, and other characters I met in the first installment.

So while I can't put my finger on precisely what caused my connection with Ellie and Nate to be somewhat weak, their story was a good one. And I'm anxious to continue this series.

My TBR List ~ April ~ And the Winner Is...

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

Thanks to everyone for voting! I ended up having a tie. *gasp* And it was kinda late to send out a plea for a tie-breaker. So, since I REALLY want to read both the books in the tie vote, I'm gonna read them both. :D


The WINNERS Are:


Changing Tides
Kill Devil Hills #2

Synopsis
ELLIE
For years Ellie Turner's had a crush on the ruggedly handsome, beast of a man, television actor, Nate West. This isn't your average 'fan-girl crush' either, it's borderline obsessive, and totally inconvenient since, other that this one exception, Ellie's always been strictly into girls. But it doesn't matter...because Nate doesn't exist in real life. In real life Ellie has her own issues to worry about, including the death of her brother, the recent suicide attempt of her sister, and then there's always her annoying roommate Rhett to contend with.

NATE
Nate West isn't looking to start a new relationship. He's still heartbroken over the last girl who ripped out his insides, still learning how to manage his new-found fame, and, frankly, not even sure what time-zone he's in. His life is so full of stress, the last thing he wants is more of it.

So when Nate and Ellie meet on an airplane, nothing life changing should have come from it. But "sometimes in life--very rarely, I might add--you meet someone and you know instantly they're going to mean something special to you."




Paradise Road
Paradise #2

Synopsis
The Road to Paradise is never easy

After a year on the coast, Lexie Atkinson can't settle back into country life. She's missing the glitzy, gritty nightlife of the big city and the group of misfit friends she'd loved to hate. She knows to move forward she has to go back - back to face the guy who stole her heart.

But when Lexie arrives in Paradise City to work out if her future includes bad-boy surfer, Luke Ballantine, he is nowhere to be found.

With no home, no money and no Luke, Lexie gets a job slinging drinks at the wild Wipe Out Bar. Soon her heartache is eased when broody bar owner, Dean Saville, starts taking an interest and stirs more than just her drinks. But nothing is ever as it seems in Paradise City and when Luke barrels back into town, Lexie has a choice to make. But who will end up with the broken heart: Luke, Dean... or Lexie?

My TBR List ~ April ~ Polling is Open!

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

I'm continuing my quest, and working at one of my Bookish Resolutions to catch up on series (since I'm behind in 148 series) I'm once again having y'all decide which series I'm going to work at catching up on this month! :D

FYI, this will be my theme all year. And since I'm letting random.org choose from the list of series I'm behind in, you might see books show up more than once. ;)


Your Choices Are:


Changing Tides
Kill Devil Hills #2

Synopsis
ELLIE
For years Ellie Turner's had a crush on the ruggedly handsome, beast of a man, television actor, Nate West. This isn't your average 'fan-girl crush' either, it's borderline obsessive, and totally inconvenient since, other that this one exception, Ellie's always been strictly into girls. But it doesn't matter...because Nate doesn't exist in real life. In real life Ellie has her own issues to worry about, including the death of her brother, the recent suicide attempt of her sister, and then there's always her annoying roommate Rhett to contend with.

NATE
Nate West isn't looking to start a new relationship. He's still heartbroken over the last girl who ripped out his insides, still learning how to manage his new-found fame, and, frankly, not even sure what time-zone he's in. His life is so full of stress, the last thing he wants is more of it.

So when Nate and Ellie meet on an airplane, nothing life changing should have come from it. But "sometimes in life--very rarely, I might add--you meet someone and you know instantly they're going to mean something special to you."





Paradise Road
Paradise #2

Synopsis
The Road to Paradise is never easy

After a year on the coast, Lexie Atkinson can't settle back into country life. She's missing the glitzy, gritty nightlife of the big city and the group of misfit friends she'd loved to hate. She knows to move forward she has to go back - back to face the guy who stole her heart.

But when Lexie arrives in Paradise City to work out if her future includes bad-boy surfer, Luke Ballantine, he is nowhere to be found.

With no home, no money and no Luke, Lexie gets a job slinging drinks at the wild Wipe Out Bar. Soon her heartache is eased when broody bar owner, Dean Saville, starts taking an interest and stirs more than just her drinks. But nothing is ever as it seems in Paradise City and when Luke barrels back into town, Lexie has a choice to make. But who will end up with the broken heart: Luke, Dean... or Lexie?





That Wedding
That Boy #2

Synopsis
The gorgeous engagement ring on my finger mimics my happiness. I feel so sparkly, glittery, and full of promise, because I absolutely know he's that boy. The boy I want to marry. My prince. My happily ever after. But then our pastor starts asking lots of questions. His parents say I haven't dealt with my past. I have horrible wedding disaster dreams. I can't find the perfect dress. I have to manipulate him to get my way. An old boyfriend asks me to run away with him. My best friend says I'm going to ruin everything. And forever starts to sound like a really long time. Which totally freaks me out and makes me question everything I know. Should best friends get married? Will my past affect our relationship? Are my horrible dreams a warning? Will I ever find a dress? Could his sexiness be clouding my judgment? Am I going to ruin everything? Or is it just a case of cold feet? And then I have to decide. Am I willing to give up on true love forever, or am I going to listen to my heart and marry him?



Okay, now vote! And thanks! :D


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**Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ Kill Devil Hills ~ Sarah Darlington**

KILL DEVIL HILLS

Author: Sarah Darlington

Genre: New Adult Romance

More info: Goodreads

Synopsis:

He’s twenty-four. She’s eighteen.

His life is exactly the way he’s always wanted it to be...stable.

She’s quite possibly the very definition of unstable.

Noah saved her.
Georgina never wanted to be saved.

Growing up, Noah Clark was passed from one relative to the next until he finally ended up living with his abusive, alcoholic uncle in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Thanks in part to the unwavering love and support of his best friend, Ellie Turner, Noah survived those years, escaped his uncle, and grew into the man he is today. Now he runs his own business and lives a pretty normal, no-nonsense life—one where he maintains a high level of control.

Georgina is Ellie’s younger sister. Four months ago, Noah saved Georgie’s life, but he thought that was where his involvement with his friend’s sister would end. Now Georgie has returned home from the recovery facility her parents sent her away to and Noah, still haunted by the night that connects them, can’t stop himself from continuously trying to protect this girl he barely knows. But is he willing to give up all of the control he’s worked so hard to build in his life and risk everything for her? Even more importantly, would she do the same for him?

LINKS TO BUY 
(99c for release week only!!): 
Amazon I Amazon UK I Barnes and Noble I Kobo

Kill Devil Hills had a premise and a beginning that immediately hooked me. However, although I really enjoyed the story and the characters, I would have liked a little more back story. It would have given the story more depth.

Georgina (Georgie) Turner has just returned from a treatment facility where she was sent following her suicide attempt. She's spent the last 4 months learning to deal with the issues that drove her to attempt to take her life wile also thinking about Noah Carter - her sister's best friend and the man who saved her life.

Noah Carter is quiet and generally a loner. He has a few demons he's still dealing with but he employs a strict set of rules to maintain the control he needs. One of those rules is 'no drama' which would include staying away from Georgie. Trouble is, he can't seem to stop thinking about her or to squelch the protectiveness he feels towards her. 

The chemistry between Georgie and Noah is undeniable. And I liked the pull between them and the bond they forged the night of Georgie's suicide attempt.

"Her scars would forever connect us both to the night I saved her life. I liked that, too. I had to repress my desire to kiss each of her arms." -Noah

The story was really sweet. There were lots of reasons Georgie and Noah together didn't make sense. But there were reasons they did as well. I liked seeing Georgie's and Noah's internal debates on whether they should be together - seeing them fight the pull. There was something in them both that quieted the other's demons. I also enjoyed watching Ellie, Georgie's older sister, try to reconnect with Georgie. Ellie is protective of Georgie and doesn't judge her based on her previous or present actions. I liked that she was so supportive. And Rosie, the youngest Turner sister, sparkled in her few scenes. She also wanted to be there for Georgie but was sassy in her interactions with her sister, which I think Geogie needed.

I would have liked to have seen more development in Georgie's and Noah's relationship. While we could see that there were feelings there, we didn't get a real feel for why. Noah has been best friends with Georgie's sister, Ellie, for 10 years and has been such a constant presence around the Turner house that he has his own key. Yet, we're led to believe he and Georgie barely know one another because she was too tied up in her own life. I would have liked more insight into the struggles Georgie was enduring that led to her suicide attempt as well as a little more detail on Noah's tragic past. We're told that they each suffered but we don't see it. I also think Georgie's parents should have had more of a presence. They weren't as interested in Georgie's life as I would be had my daughter tried to kill herself.

Okay, this all makes it seem like I didn't really like Kill Devil Hills and that's absolutely not the case. It was a endearing story. I liked the small town setting. I liked the dynamics between Georgie and her sisters, Ellie and Rose. I liked the give and take between Georgie and Noah. And the heat between them as well. The dual POV worked well because getting inside Noah's head was enlightening and humorous. But in my opinion, because it dealt with some heavy topics, more detail would have given the story more depth. However, I would love to see Georgie and Noah's story continue. 

About the Author:

Sarah Darlington lives in Virginia with her husband and crazy-active 2-year-old son. She’s a former flight attendant, day-dreamer, traveler, and wannabe photographer. Her debut novel HE BELONGS WITH ME, a standalone, was released March 2014. KILL DEVIL HILLS will be the first book of a three book series. Each novel in this new series will feature a different couple's story. 

Stay connected with Sarah:

Goodreads I Twitter I Facebook I Sarah's Website I Instagram

Also by Sarah: HE BELONGS WITH ME {Amazon I Amazon UK}



GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Teaser Tuesday ~ #30**

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

Happy Release Day, Sarah!!

Kill Devil Hills releases today!

Kill Devil Hills by Sarah Darlington
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Synopsis
He's twenty-four. She's eighteen.

His life is exactly the way he's always wanted it to be...stable. 
She's quite possibly the very definition of unstable.

Noah saved her life.
Georgina never wanted to be saved.

Growing up, Noah Clark was passed from one relative to the next until he finally ended up living with abusive, alcoholic uncle in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Thanks in part to the unwavering love and support of his best friend, Ellie Turner, Noah survived those years, escaped his uncle, and grew into the man he is today. Now he runs his own business and lives a pretty normal, no-nonsense life -- one where he maintains a high level of control.

Georgina is Ellie's younger sister. Four months ago, Noah saved Georgie's life, but he thought that was where his involvement with his friend's sister would end. Now Georgie has returned home from the recovery facility her parents sent her away to and Noah, still haunted by the night that connects them, can't stop himself from continuously trying to protect this girl he barely knows. But is he willing to give up all of the control he's worked so hard to build in his life and risk everything for her? Even more importantly, would she do the same for him?

***Teaser***

"Wow. This was exhilarating - Noah and I in the same freaking bed! Unfortunately enough, my Knight in Shining Armor had fallen asleep at record speed only moments ago."

**Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ Kill Devil Hills ~ Sarah Darlington**

Title: KILL DEVIL HILLS

Author: Sarah Darlington

Genre: New Adult Romance

Release Date: August 5, 2014

More info: Goodreads


Synopsis:

He’s twenty-four. She’s eighteen.

His life is exactly the way he’s always wanted it to be...stable.

She’s quite possibly the very definition of unstable.

Noah saved her.
Georgina never wanted to be saved.

Growing up, Noah Clark was passed from one relative to the next until he finally ended up living with his abusive, alcoholic uncle in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Thanks in part to the unwavering love and support of his best friend, Ellie Turner, Noah survived those years, escaped his uncle, and grew into the man he is today. Now he runs his own business and lives a pretty normal, no-nonsense life—one where he maintains a high level of control.

Georgina is Ellie’s younger sister. Four months ago, Noah saved Georgie’s life, but he thought that was where his involvement with his friend’s sister would end. Now Georgie has returned home from the recovery facility her parents sent her away to and Noah, still haunted by the night that connects them, can’t stop himself from continuously trying to protect this girl he barely knows. But is he willing to give up all of the control he’s worked so hard to build in his life and risk everything for her? Even more importantly, would she do the same for him?

Join the KILL DEVIL HILLS release day party on Facebook!

Link to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21523040-kill-devil-hills


For a reminder on the release date, enter your email address here:

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About the Author:

Sarah Darlington lives in Virginia with her husband and crazy-active 2-year-old son. She’s a former flight attendant, day-dreamer, traveler, wander, and wannabe photographer. Her debut novel HE BELONGS WITH ME, a standalone, was released March 2014. KILL DEVIL HILLS will be the first book of a three book series. Each novel in this new series will feature a different couple's story. 

Stay connected with Sarah:

Goodreads I Twitter I Facebook I Sarah's Website I Instagram

Also by Sarah: HE BELONGS WITH ME {Amazon I Amazon UK}



GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**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.

***

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. 

***

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. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 I Goodreads I Twitter

**Release Day Blitz & Giveaway ~ He Belongs With Me ~ Sarah Darlington**

Happy Release Day, Sarah Darlington!

He Belongs With Me releases TODAY!

Title: HE BELONGS WITH ME

Author: 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. 

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19081595-he-belongs-with-me

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

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 I Goodreads I Twitter