Review: Something In The Way by Jessica Hawkins

Title: Something in the Way

Author: Jessica Hawkins

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: RBA Designs : Romantic Book Affairs
Photography: Perrywinkle Photography 

Release Date: February 27, 2017

Blurb

It was a hot summer day when I met him on the construction site next to my parents’ house. Under the sweat and dirt, Manning Sutter was as handsome as the sun was bright. He was older, darker, experienced. I wore a smiley-face t-shirt and had never even been kissed. Yet we saw something in each other that would link us in ways that couldn’t be broken...no matter how hard we tried.

I loved Manning before I knew the meaning of the word. I was too young, he said. I would wait. Through all the carefully-chosen words hiding what we knew to be true, through his struggle to keep me innocent, and through infinitely-starry nights—I would wait. But I’d learn that life isn’t always fair. That no matter how much you achieve, none of it matters if you suffer the heartbreak that comes with falling for someone you can never have. Because even though I saw Manning first, that didn’t matter. My older sister saw him next.

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My Review

Talk about a slow burn! 

Even if I hadn't received a copy of this book to review, I would have never been able to put it down! I've been in a huge reading slump since the beginning of the year. We're almost into March and I've only finished one non-children's book from start to finish. Now, two. Ever since I discovered the delicious Romeo & Juliet remake starring Leonardo DiCaprio in 1996 I have been in love with forbidden romances. They just do something for my heart that I will never understand. When I learned that Something In The Way was a slow-burn forbidden romance, I knew I had to read it.  

And boy, did it burn.
I felt for Lake's character from the very start of the story. She was a girl caught in the middle of being a child and being a woman with nothing to focus on but her academics and doing what was expected of her. She never had a reason or an excuse to fight the plan that was laid out for her life but, even without knowing it, she was desperately in need of one.

Manning was a delicious character and I really loved his drive and determination. He had a not so pleasant story and it made him a great candidate for Lake. In all the ways that he was rugged and strong, she was innocent and naive but they complimented each other in every way that two people could.  He gave her the drive to grow and discover a world that she wanted to live in and, in return, she brought back a little bit of his past and gave him a reason to the man that he was. He gave her a future worth fighting for and she gave him a purpose worth having. In the end, this childish, naive girl became a woman in ways that she hadn't before, even with the physical barriers placed between them. 

Something In The Way was an absolutely beautiful story and it made me feel things for the characters that I haven't felt in a while. I wanted their story to work out so badly that I didn't even realize that I had read all the way to the end until I turned the page to find an author's note.  I know the next book in this three part-series is expected to release in May. I really hope that nothing derails that plan because I am impatiently waiting to continue their story and, hopefully, get that happy ending I so desperately need for Lake and Manning.

Rating:
5 Stars, easily.

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

GOOGLE PLAY

Author Bio

Jessica Hawkins grew up between the purple mountains and under the endless sun of Palm Springs, California. She studied international business at Arizona State University and has also lived in Costa Rica and New York City. To her, the most intriguing fiction is forbidden, and that's what you'll find in her stories. Currently, she resides wherever her head lands, which is often the unexpected (but warm) keyboard of her trusty MacBook.

Author Links

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Blitz & Giveaway: #Finish Line by Cambria Hebert

#FinishLine
Cambria Hebert
(GearShark #5)
Publication date: February 27th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Every race has a finish line.
Where you go after you cross it is what matters most.
And sometimes, that’s the most intriguing.
Here at GearShark, we’ve featured lots of drivers.
All of them are well acquainted with the finish line.
And as race fans, we’re well acquainted with cheering as they cross it.
What we aren’t privy to is riding shotgun, seeing where they drive once the race is over.
Our interviews barely scratch the surface,
offering just a glimpse of the men and women behind the wheel.
The discovery of vanished Motocross sensation Jayson Hamilton,
who has been right under our noses for years, proves secrets abound.
It’s time to dig deep. Look beyond the racetrack at the drivers who continue to pique our interest. In addition to scoring an exclusive, all-access interview with the elusive Jayson Hamilton (his first and only since the death of his fellow racer and partner Matt Lewis),
we’ve caught up with some of our most popular featured men and women in the racing world.
Where are they now?
Who are they now?
What do these hot commodities do when they escape the spotlight?
Rumors of weddings, babies, and new tattoos swirl through the media on a weekly basis.
And though we’re headlining the hashtag #Finishline, we’re far from finished.
In fact, we’re just getting started.
This newest issue of GearShark is jam packed with everything you’ve been dying to know…
and it just might be our biggest page-turner yet.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

Excerpt from #FINISHLINE
GearShark #5
Copyright by Cambria Hebert; do not copy or distribute

Hopper

“What’s wrong?” he demanded the second I opened the door.

“Nothing,” I said and motioned for him to come in.

He pulled off his Oakleys and slid one earpiece beneath the neck of his dark-blue T-shirt so they were out of his hands and stepped into the apartment.

His eyes searched out his brother, wanting to be sure all was well.

“He isn’t here,” I said and shut the door.

Lorhaven turned. “Where is he?”

“Meeting,” I replied.

“Why aren’t you there?” He scrutinized.

“Because I didn’t need to be.” I cleared my throat. “And, I, ah, wanted to talk to you. Alone.”

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Why?”

Arrow’s big brother was an asshole. It wasn’t anything new to me, and his constant suspicious demeanor didn’t offend me like it used to. I understood his extreme overprotective nature when it came to Arrow (and Joey). I even respected it.

There was a time when I doubted we would ever get along. Hell, sometimes I still doubted it. But ever since the day I raced across the track to pull Arrow out of a multicar pile-up, things were different between me and Lorhaven.

Friendlier.

He welcomed me to the family that day, and since then, he’d backed up his handshake with actions. Arrow and I hung out with him and Joey regularly, something I knew meant a lot to A. To me, too.

Joey was my first and only real friend since Matt died. The months we’d spent not really speaking had hurt. To have her friendship back along with a new one in Lorhaven gave me the sense of family I’d deprived myself of for so long.

“There’s something I want to ask you,” I said. He made a sound, sort of an agreement, and shrugged out of the jacket to fling it over the back of the couch. “You called me down here because you want to ask me a question?”

“It’s not something I could do over the phone.”

He folded his arms over his chest and regarded me in a way that would probably make a lesser man piss his pants. Lorhaven didn’t intimidate me. He never did, and he never would.

But, uh, yeah… I was anxious right now. “I know how close you are to A.” I began. “He told me you’re more like a dad to him than The Fucker ever was.”

Lorhaven’s arms dropped to his sides. “He told you that?”

I nodded. “Yeah. And honestly, I’m fucking grateful to you for that.”

Shock widened his very dark eyes. I committed the look to memory as I smothered a smile. I’d likely not see that look on his face ever again.

My voice dropped. “I think you were the one thing that stood between Arrow and total shutdown a few years ago.”

“Until you came along,” he replied, gruff.

“Thank you for everything you did for him, for everything you do. I know you already know how much he appreciates you, but now you know I do, too.”

“He’s my family,” he said, like it was all he needed to say.

I half smiled.

“As touching as this is…” Lorhaven studied me. “Why do I get the feeling you want something?”

“Because I do.” I took a deep breath. “I want Arrow.”

He made a sound. “Pretty sure you already got that.”

I shook my head once. “I want to marry him.”

Lorhaven jolted like someone tossed a bucket of ice water over his head. “You wanna what?”

“I’m gonna ask Arrow to marry me, but before I do, I’d like your permission.”

Author Bio:
Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).
Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

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Building Reading Habits For Baby Bookworms

We all like different things. It’s what makes the world turn. Things would be boring otherwise. Even when we like the same things, we like doing them in different ways. Take reading, for example. For some reason that we can’t quite fathom, it’s not for everyone. But even the tastes of established bookworms vary. And we’re not only talking genre either, though that’s one huge difference. Often, tastes change in the WAY people read. Some (lucky) people can read while walking. Others wouldn’t dream of picking up a book unless they knew they could finish a chapter. Some people can read while they cook or clean. Others like to snuggle down and get stuck in. But, what if you’ve just started on your reading journey? You won’t know what suits you yet, and the advice varies so much that it could be hard to decide. That’s why we’ve taken a look at some of the favorite reading spots out there. Whether you choose to take inspiration from each of these or follow them the way they are, they’re sure to give you some ideas.

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The first thing to consider is comfort. Of course, it’s not necessary for everyone. Those who read while they’re walking have given up the quest for comfort to pursue their passion. For most of us, though, the more comfortable we are while reading, the better. We love books so much because they allow us to escape, right? So, it makes sense that we find a comfortable spot in which to escape! It can also help, with all these spots, to stock up on a hot drink and a pack of cookies. Because...well, who doesn’t want to be able to snack while they read? And trust us, once you’re settled in the perfect spot, you aren’t going to want to move!  With that in mind, let’s get started.

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A LIBRARY
Let’s start with the big one, shall we? While it’s not necessary to surround yourself with books, it can help get you into the reading mood! Every book lover knows that have books all around makes the best reading environment. There’s something about those promising spines that encourages you to get stuck in. And, the best part? A library also gives you space where you can keep all those books you’ll be buying! So, if you have a spare room, you should give some serious thought to making a library. Or, as we like to call it, ‘reading nook.'

So, how do you go about making the perfect library? Of course, this all comes down to personal taste. There’s no getting around the fact that you’ll need bookcases. It’s worth buying more than you need. Book collections have a baffling habit of growing at a fast rate. Don’t worry if you have empty shelves for a while. Get creative and use them to display ornaments or things that add something to the room. You’ll be glad of those extra shelves. There’s nothing worse than having to curb your book obsession because you don’t have room for any more! Chances are you would buy them anyway and end up stacking them all over the place. Not that we’re against the odd book stack. But, if you want to keep your library neat, spare shelves are a must.

That’s the shelving taken care of, but how is this going to become your favorite reading spot? That’s where your library chair comes into play. Every good library has a comfortable chair. Think vintage, Sherlock Holmes and his pipe, style. Or not. Pick a chair that you can imagine yourself relaxing in. Think about your reading tastes as they stand. Do you like to stretch out, or are you happy to curl up in an armchair? If you want space, you could opt for a library sofa instead. Who said you have to stick with tradition? Then, stock up on blankets and cushions to suit your tastes. And don’t forget to buy a small table to go next to your chair. You’ll need it for your snacks and drinks!

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THE PERFECT BEDROOM

Talking of readers who like to relax, many readers enjoy reading in bed. It makes sense. What better place to escape and unwind in the evening? Of course, there are more reasons to get the perfect bed than just making it right for reading. But, who cares about that? This is for the love of reading, right? Chances are, your bed is comfortable as it is. You can always improve it, though. To make this the perfect reading spot, stock up on new pillows from somewhere like Plumeria Bay. These will ensure you’re comfortable when you read and sleep. Why wouldn’t you want that? You ought to stock up on a nice blanket here, too. Yes, you could get under the duvet. Even so, that might be a little heavy for your reading time. Not to mention that it puts you at risk of dozing off. Instead, get into the habit of keeping a blanket at hand to drape over you. To make things more relaxing, you could also stock up on some candles. Nothing beats a little candlelight and a beautiful scent while you’re reading. To add to the atmosphere, you could stock up on literary inspired candles for the occasion. Go on; treat yourself.

Think, too, about the lighting in your room. Stark lighting isn’t going to help you relax. If anything, it’ll glare off the page and give you a headache. To ensure you can read for as long as you want, think about dimming that lighting a little. It’s worth stocking up on bedside lamps that you can turn on and off at your discretion. They’ll offer a much more relaxing ambiance to the room. They'll also ensure the glare on your page won’t be too extreme!

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ON THE SOFA
Reading on the couch is always a treat. Much like with reading in bed, it allows you to stretch out and relax. The good thing about couch reading is that your brain is less likely to think it’s bed time! That’s not to say that it’s not easy to fall asleep on the sofa. It most definitely is! If you live on your own, you’ll be able to enjoy all the uninterrupted couch time you like. The best part about this is that you can use it as an excuse to stop watching television! Instead of watching programs you have no interest, get lost in a book that you love. It can seem strange, at first, to sit in a silent room. The moment you get stuck into your book, though, you’ll get used to the silence and start to cherish it.

If you live with your family, however, it may be a little harder to find decent chunks of sofa time. Do your husband and kids turn the television on the moment they get home? No surprises there. Get into the habit of grabbing the chances when you can. If you have a free house for an hour, hop on the sofa and get reading. If your man reads too, you could encourage him to stop watching television in the evenings, too. It could do you both the world of good!

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THE KITCHEN?
Okay, this one isn’t so much about comfort, but it’s worth mentioning anyway. Many people seem to enjoy reading in the kitchen. It is, after all, the hub of most homes. The good thing about reading in the kitchen is that you’re close to everything you need. You can have all the hot drinks you like when the kettle’s right beside you. And snacks won’t be a problem, either! Bear in mind that there may be some traffic through the kitchen if you have a family at home. To perfect kitchen reading, you’ll need to learn how to block out distractions. That might not be such a bad thing, though. If you get used to people coming and going as you read, you might find you’re able to read when you’re out and about, too!

To add some comfort to the experience, stock up on some good kitchen chairs. It’s worth either buying padded seats or investing in some seat covers for them. Hours of reading on a hard chair are sure to leave you with a numb bum! Find a position that you’re happy with. It might be worth sticking your feet up on another chair (but don’t let the kids see you!) Think, too, about buying yourself a special mug for the occasion. As you’re going to be drinking more hot beverages, why not get a unique literary mug for your reading sessions? Look out for a mug of the cover for your favorite book. Or, opt for a generally bookish mug! Small rituals like this are sure to get you into the bookish mood. And, there’s nothing to stop you getting some literary candles for the kitchen, too. Just make sure you keep them away from the food!

Make Moving Homes as Stress-Free as Possible by Preparing for It as Early as Possible

Whether you’re moving into your first home and feeling all the excitement induced by this, or moving properties for the fifth time in five years and not feeling, well, at all excited: there are stresses involved with packing up and moving out. No matter who you are and no matter how your moving needs and experiences compare to that of others, there is a lot of work that goes into the whole procedure.

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It’s not just a case of packing everything up one day and heading to your new home: there’s a lot of preparation to be done beforehand. Firstly, you have to set up mail forwarding — that is, if you want to take you identity with you. To give yourself a peace of mind that all of your mail and your personal details aren’t falling into the wrong hands and to protect yourself from fraud, you have to make sure your mail follows you. Secondly, you have to change over your utilities if you want your phone to be working and your lights to be on once you’ve relocated; transferring your services, i.e. disconnecting them in one place and resuming them in another, is a simple task that can even be done online. Finally, you should also find packing supplies well before you even think about what you’ll be packing. You should try to find the cheapest methods of packing available in order to not add any additional costs to your moving process. To do this, it is advisable to contact furniture stores (or stores of the like) and ask if they have any spare boxes lying about that you can fill with all your worlds possessions for a low price, or even for free.

And once you’ve gotten these boxes sorted, it’s time for the big part: the moving, which, when you consider everything else you have to do beforehand, is probably the easiest part. After you've found the boxes, found tools to help you do the job and taken all the necessary measurements, it’s time to get looking at moving companies. You should aim to reserve your truck as far in advance as is convenient to you as you don’t want the big moving day to roll around only to find that you haven’t got a big enough vehicle to help you out. As well as this, you should organise as much help from others as you can. Moving is definitely not something you want to, or even can do, alone. Having friends help you move can help boost morale throughout the long day and keep the process fun; and obviously, as well as this, they will offer another set of hands to assist with moving all of those boxes filled with all of your old CDs and DVDs that you just can’t let go of.

In order to have a hassle free move, even the smallest of details must be remembered. And if you and your other half have just moved into your first home, then it might be advisable not to get too comfortable just yet, as you soon have to prepare your home for any potential babies. For now, however, happy moving!

Parasites and Your Pup: Everything You Need to Know

Our dogs are part of the family, and any dog owner will tell you just how much they love their pooch. The only problem is, so do parasites. There are lots of different mini beasts that want nothing more than to feast on your dog, and in the process cause them irritation, pain and sometimes even result in illness and disease. As a responsible owner, you need to be protecting against these parasites. Here’s what you need to watch out for, and what can be done.

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Fleas

A common issue with dogs, and something that pretty much every dog owner will have to deal with at some time or another. They can be picked up from other dogs when they’re playing and socializing, or just when you’re out and about on walks. Long grassy areas or spaces where other dogs and animals go often are the most likely spots. No need to change where you go on walks, simply give your pooch a flea treatment like this one https://www.petcarerx.com/advantage-multi-for-dogs/12968https://www.petcarerx.com/advantage-multi-for-dogs/12968. This will kill any live fleas, stop eggs from hatching and also prevent them from being picked up again for a number of weeks afterward. Prevention is better than cure, but if your dog does get fleas act as quickly as possible. Put their bedding, and any soft furnishings they have touched (such as your bedding!) in the hottest wash cycle. Then treat everywhere with a product designed to kill fleas in the home. These are often highly toxic, so pets need to be put outside while it’s being done. Read the packaging instructions carefully.

Worms

Worms can be a big problem in dogs. Certain types such as heartworm and lungworm can actually be fatal, and so this is something to take very seriously. Choose a worming medication which kills all types of worms, and follow the instructions carefully. Tablets should be administered based on your dog's weight, if you don’t know this have them weighed at the vet don’t just guess. Certain types like roundworm and tapeworm will lead to increased appetite and behaviors like ‘scooting’ to relieve itchiness. But more serious worms will cause lethargy, coughing, breathing difficulties and crying in pain. Always get to your vet as a matter of urgency if any of these symptoms present.

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Ticks

Ticks are members of the spider family, they’re often found on the tips of long grass and will climb onto your dog when you’re out on your walks. They attach firmly to the skin and fill with blood before dropping off. The main issue with ticks is that they spread Lyme disease, which can eventually go on to cause serious kidney issues, lameness, and other adverse side effects. If you’ve been out in a wilder area with your dog, carefully check them over once you’re home. Ticks should be removed carefully using this method, and any symptoms that occur afterward mean they need to be taken straight to the vet. Not every tick carries the disease, but it’s important to watch out for.

Fab Food Tips That Can Be Accommodated Into Your Busy Lifestyle

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Modern life is pretty frantic. Quite frankly, by the time you’ve juggled work, parenthood, and other daily chores, healthy eating often takes a back seat. However, it’s important to remember that great health is the foundation of being able to complete those other tasks. Besides, we all enjoy tucking into our favorite meals.

 

Rebuilding your broken relationship with food doesn’t need to be as difficult as you might first fear. It’s all about making smarter decisions and finding the right balance. Here are five fantastic tricks to help you do just that.

 

1. Cook in advance. Let’s face it; finding time to prepare lunches during the week can be a nightmare. So why not dedicate an hour of your Sunday to making those meals for the week ahead. The internet is packed with winning recipes tailored towards this goal. And it could revolutionize your eating habits while clawing back valuable time. In addition to the saving of time, you’ll probably find that it reduces your weekly grocery bill too.

2. Prioritize the things your body needs over the things it wants. That’s not to suggest that you can’t enjoy treats. Nevertheless, your body is smart and it will let you know when there is a problem. Whether it’s improving your digestive system or paying attention to your allergies, it’s vital that you get these things right. Even if it means taking a few food supplements, ensuring that your body receives the right nutrition should be a priority for all.

3. Try opting for quicker options, especially when it comes to drinks. What is a Corto shot? Essentially, it’s a type of espresso that allows you to enjoy all the benefits of your morning coffee without wasting hours in your local Starbucks. Apart from the time benefits, adding this option to your daily routine will remove the temptation of having a cake or biscuit too. Great news for anyone looking to stay in shape.

4. Learn to marry healthy eating with sociability. Whether heading to your local restaurant or hosting dinner parties, great food can be the foundation of many gatherings. When it comes to summer, you can even hold garden BBQs to enjoy an afternoon of fun with all your friends and family. If you’re enjoying yourself while eating a great meal, that can only be great news for your hectic schedule.    

5. Multi-task. Modern technology is a wonderful thing that enhances our lives in many different ways. Embrace the latest gadgets to improve your relationship with food by making cooking easier and cheaper. Crock Pots are a particularly useful invention for busy people as the hard work is completed while you get on with your day. Best of all, if you’re not a particularly skilled cook, it's a great way to guarantee great results time and time again.  

There you have it. Incorporate those five tips (or at least some of them) into your life, and you should find that healthy eating no longer has to be a burden. If that doesn’t restore your positive relationship with food, what will?

Hobbies That Will Boost Your Health

There are many reasons to take up a hobby: to make new friends, fight off boredom, or to improve your health. Learning something new is a hugely rewarding experience and has been shown to make a positive impact on your emotional and physical wellbeing.

If you are looking for a new hobby and want to choose one that will boost your health, here are a few of your options.

Image credit: Pixabay

Gardening

Gardening is a fantastic hobby to take up. It lets you enjoy some fresh air outside, it’s creative and you can certainly work up a sweat when doing it. Plus, it’s the kind of hobby that is suitable for beginners and green-fingered experts alike.

If you’re not sure where to start, try your hand at simply maintaining your garden. Keep the lawn trimmed and remove any unsightly weeds whenever you notice them. Then, you can start getting more adventurous by planting new flowers and vegetables, and experimenting with different layouts until you create the garden of your dreams.

Cooking

Cooking regularly at home is a great way of improving your overall health as it means that you will rely less on processed, pre-packaged dishes, which are often full of added fats and salt. It also doesn’t mean that you have to spend hours over a hot stove after you’ve already spent hours slaving away at work.

If you are worried about the time it takes to cook delicious, healthy meals, why not start making dishes in bulk that you can reheat quickly for future meals? Alternatively, choose a quick option that’s good for you too. Salads are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. You can make a dressing in advance and then simply toss it into a bowl with some hearts of romaine lettuce, tomatoes and a few other ingredients of your choice.

Yoga

Yoga has been around for centuries and continues to be popular to this day. Part of its appeal is that it provides a great workout for your entire body, improving your flexibility, durability and strength. After working on their body, many yoga practitioners move onto meditation techniques to help improve their emotional and spiritual health too.

Yoga and meditation provide wonderful hobbies for anyone that wants to take a holistic approach to their health. Plus, by joining a local class you may also make some great new friends.

Art

While it may be true that taking up art is not the most physically draining of hobbies, it can provide huge boosts for your emotional health. Whether you have a passion for drawing, sculpting or any other art form, the concentration required of you will improve your focus and help you to find an inner calm.

Creating art can also result in increased self-esteem and self-confidence, while also helping to distract your brain from any stress that you may be under. What’s more, if you do want to incorporate a bit of physical exercise into your artistic pursuits, you could always try photographing some of the world’s most extreme landscape – that way you get to improve your physical and mental health all at once.

Review: #Blur by Cambria Hebert

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: #Blur
Author: Cambria Hebert
Series: GearShark #4
Version Reviewed: Finished, eBook
Website: www.cambriahebert.com

I received this book as a gift.

GoodReads Synopsis:

There’s a new kid in town, and he’s hell on wheels.
From what we’ve heard, it may be because
he knows exactly what hell’s like.
Lonely.
Scorching.
Unforgiving.
You may know his brother,
the NRR hotshot
(and former GearShark cover model)
Lorhaven.
It’s only natural a driver with
his background and family connections
has sped his racecar
into the newest, hottest division.
But that’s not all.
Arrow may be following in big bro’s tread marks,
but he doesn’t plan to stay there.
He’s swerving onto the road less traveled…
and a lot more controversial.
he’s opening up about his private struggles with sexuality
to tell a story that’s gone unheard until now.
One thing’s for sure; Arrow may have a painful past,
but his foot is heavy on the accelerator.
With speed like this, he’s bound to leave everything behind
nothing but a #blur.
Check out the full feature article inside…

Review:
I honestly don't even know where to begin with this review. I have been in love with Cambria's Hashtag characters since day one and, as the series continued to grow and more characters were introduced, I continued to fall harder and harder. And then there was GearShark. As much as I enjoy the Hashtag series, the GearShark series has one thing that Hashtag does not. LGBT relationships. I've always been a fan of LGBTQ+ characters in books and it's quite frankly hard to find stories that are just that. Stories. Most books with same sex characters are pure smut or are over in a flash. I have absolutely no issues with a lot of sex in books depicting homosexual characters, in fact, I love it. But I also love the build up, the heat, the building of a relationship (romantic and non) between the two characters. I want romance and passion and lust and everything that a real relationship is. I want the heart and the emotion as well as the heat and the sex.

These books have all of that as well as amazingly beautiful cast of characters. Arrow grabbed onto my heart the moment that he entered the series and wouldn't let go. He was always on my mind while reading and I longed for the moments when his character would be front and center. I wanted to know more about him, learn what his life was about, why he was so wounded, and what his life as a young gay man was like. I wanted a tell-all book for Arrow as soon as I was introduced to him and that longing never went away.

I was extremely excited when, finally, Cambria broke the news that the next book in the GearShark series, number four, would be Arrow's story. #Blur not only delves deeper into Arrow's past but sheds some light on a newer character that wound his way in Arrow's life and into the front seat of the series. I really enjoyed Hopper's story and what he had to deal with in his past. I don't know if I could ever get past the things he had to deal with, in my own life.  He was a very strong character that worked perfectly with Arrow and fit well in all the places where Arrow was broken.

I think these two characters were perfect for one another and their story in nothing short of amazing. I have no idea if Cambria intends to write more books in the GearShark series, but I'm definitely not finished with Arrow and Hopper and I would love if, maybe someday, a lesbian couple got to be on the cover of GearShark. Who knows. It could happen someday.:)

Rating: 5 Stars