BOOK REVIEW: Duplicity by N.K. Traver

Title: DUPLICITY
Author: N.K. Traver
ASIN: B00N046Z48
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Theme(s): computer hacking, technology
Length: 253 pages
Binding: E-book, Hardcover
Published: 17 March 2015
Buy: Amazon, B&N, Kobo

Synopsis:

A computer-hacking teen. The girl who wants to save him. And a rogue mirror reflection that might be the death of them both.

In private, seventeen-year-old Brandon hacks bank accounts just for the thrill of it. In public, he looks like any other tattooed bad boy with a fast car and devil-may-care attitude. He should know: he’s worked hard to maintain that façade. With inattentive parents who move constantly from city to city, he’s learned not to get tangled up in things like friends and relationships. So he’ll just keep living like a machine, all gears and wires.

Then two things shatter his carefully-built image: Emma, the kind, stubborn girl who insists on looking beneath the surface – and the small matter of a mirror reflection that starts moving by itself. Not only does Brandon’s reflection have a mind of its own, but it seems to be grooming him for something—washing the dye from his hair, yanking out his piercings, swapping his black shirts for … pastels. Then it tells him: it thinks it can live his life better, and it’s preparing to trade places.

And when it pulls Brandon through the looking-glass, not only will he need all his ill-gotten hacking skills to escape, but he’s going to have to face some hard truths about who he’s become. Otherwise he’ll be stuck in a digital hell until he’s old and gray, and no one will even know he's gone.

My Rating:

My Review: I have been extremely lucky in the past month or so to have had the opportunity to read YA novels with unique male protagonists. As an educator working with mostly reluctant readers, it is very difficult to find Young Adult books with interesting male leads that will keep teenage boys engaged. After having read The Tragic Age by Stephen Metcalfe and now Duplicity by the brilliant N.K. Traver, it almost feels like I hit the jackpot.

Without adding the science fiction element, the story is quite simple. Brandon Eriks is a 17 year old tattooed bad boy that gains pleasure out of hacking into bank accounts and credit cards for a nefarious organization. Of course he gets his cut, however he doesn't really need it since his parents have plenty of money. Brandon seems to fit the stereotype that comes with being tattooed and pierced-- he isn't doing well in school, he treats everyone with disdain, and is in constant dispute with his parents who start to think drugs might be the reason for his attitude and lack of motivation. Brandon doesn't care what anyone thinks; in fact, he has everyone thinking EXACTLY what he wants them to. Well, except for one anomaly-- Emma. Emma is the one person that sees beyond the attitude, beyond the tats and piercings. And for awhile, Brandon allows it. For once, he lets someone get close. But it can't last. Not with how his parents pick up and move every year. No, it's better for a clean break now rather than heartbreak later.

Then things get a little...crazy. One night while running a program to begin another "hack" job, his computer starts sending him messages. Personal, scary messages:

"HERE'S THE GAME, HACKER. I'M DONE WATCHING YOU RUIN PEOPLE'S LIVES. HEARD THE PHRASE 'YOUR OWN WORSE ENEMY?' YOU'RE ABOUT TO LIVE IT."

Thinking someone has messed with his computer, Brandon tries to brush it off until he starts to notice strange things happening to his reflection in mirrors-- his reflection doesn't follow his every move, instead it moves on its own, leaves messages through the glass, and starts to make physical changes to his appearance. Tattoos and piercings are removed (somewhat painfully), clothing replaced with a completely new "preppy" wardrobe, until finally, one day, it is HE that is replaced by his "duplicate". Now Brandon is on the other side of the mirror, watching this "replica" of himself take over his life. What's worse is the fact that Obran (the name Brandon gives his duplicate) appears to be mending the relationship with his parents, getting better grades in school, and getting a little too close to Emma. Why was he pulled into the mirror? Most importantly, how will he get out? That's something you'll have to figure out by reading this suspenseful cyberthriller!

If you like anti-heroes, then you will enjoy Brandon. He definitely isn't perfect and from the very first page you know he is partaking in illegal activities and makes no apologies about it. Bank accounts, credit cards-- he hacks into them all and is looking forward to moving on up to social security numbers very soon. So why should teenage boys pick this book up when the male lead is a slacker and on his way to becoming a criminal? Because despite his less than role model qualities, he is relatable. How many kids do you know have parents that work extra hours to keep their million dollar homes, brand new cars, their lake house but spend absolutely no time with their children? Parents that move every year, yanking their kids out of school, never staying long enough to lay down roots? That is Brandon's life. Despite his standoffish appearance and front he puts on, all he really wants is to be noticed by his parents. He wants to be able to stay in one place long enough to make long lasting friendships and relationships, however, keeping people at arm's length, especially Emma, is the only way to guard himself from being hurt when it is time to move.

Another aspect of Duplicity I liked is that Brandon and Emma's relationship is already established at the beginning of the story. I thought this was a unique twist to the book and allows us to get right into the action.

While there are not too many secondary characters in the book, the one that stood out to me was Seb. Once Brandon is pulled through the mirror into this alternate "landscape",  he eventually meets Seb, an androgynous, mysterious hacker that wants to work with him to get out and back to the real world. Seb has a particular set of skills that Brandon definitely needs to attain their goal, but he is unsure if Seb can be trusted. I'll admit-- I was just as wary about Seb as Brandon was. However, Seb was hilarious and definitely serves as the comic relief in Duplicity. And as the story unfolds, you learn there is more to Seb then meets the eye, things that will have your eyes widening in shock and pulling on your heart strings.

The science fiction element of the story was fascinating and the technology aspect of the story will grab teenage readers and keep them invested since we live in a world where our kids are more technologically inclined then us adults. But even less tech savvy people can enjoy this fast paced thriller even with the introduction of supercomputers and nano chips, etc.

Duplicity is an engrossing piece of literary genius-- from the concept to the plot, to the flawed anti-hero who wants to be seen but is terrified to get attached-- it is hard to believe this book was written by a debut author. The ending will leave you wanting more--is it open ended, left for you to draw your own conclusions or did the author subtly set it up for a possible sequel? I guess we all will have to wait and see. I have no doubt we will be seeing more of N.K. Traver.

best wishes,mia

Book Review: The Tragic Age by Stephen Metcalfe + Giveaway

Title: The Tragic Age
Author: Stephen Metcalfe
ISBN: 1250054419
Genre: Young Adult, Coming of Age
Length: 320 pgs
Binding: Hardcover, E-book
Published: 3 March 2015
Buy: Amazon, B&N, BAM, Indiebound

Synopsis:

This is the story of Billy Kinsey, heir to a lottery fortune, part genius, part philosopher and social critic, full time insomniac and closeted rock drummer. Billy has decided that the best way to deal with an absurd world is to stay away from it. Do not volunteer. Do not join in. Billy will be the first to tell you it doesn’t always work— not when your twin sister, Dorie, has died, not when your unhappy parents are at war with one another, not when frazzled soccer moms in two ton SUVs are more dangerous than atom bombs, and not when your guidance counselor keeps asking why you haven’t applied to college.

Billy’s life changes when two people enter his life. Twom Twomey is a charismatic renegade who believes that truly living means going a little outlaw. Twom and Billy become one another’s mutual benefactor and friend. At the same time, Billy is reintroduced to Gretchen Quinn, an old and adored friend of Dorie’s. It is Gretchen who suggests to Billy that the world can be transformed by　creative acts of the soul.　

With Twom, Billy visits the dark side. And with Gretchen, Billy experiences possibilities.Billy knows that one path is leading him toward disaster and the other toward happiness. The problem is—Billy doesn’t trust happiness. It's the age he's at. The tragic age.

Stephen Metcalfe's brilliant, debut coming-of-age novel, The Tragic Age, will teach you to learn to love, trust and truly be alive in an absurd world.

My Rating:

My Review: I'm hoping to keep this review short and sweet as there are so many wonderful layers to this unique, coming-of-age novel by the visionary Stephen Metcalfe. The Tragic Age is packed with themes and life lessons-- so much so that I can see this being a novel that should be read in the classroom (although language and sexual situations may be an issue; more about that later).

The story is told through Billy's perceptive yet cynical eyes. He explains how his father won the lottery which puts them in a whole new social bracket. He constantly compares his pre-lottery life to his new one. Before the lottery, his twin sister had been alive and his parents seemed to have been much happier (at least they were able to communicate better) among other things. After the big win, they buy a big house, move to a rich gated community, and appear to have everything that money can buy. We quickly come to the same conclusion that Billy has cleverly come to-- money can't buy happiness. It can't bring someone back from the dead and can't stop people from drinking-- a really bad habit his father has picked up.

I've read quite a few Young Adult novels with female characters that have Hemangiomas (red facial "birthmark") but have never come across one with a male protagonist. I was curious to see things through Billy's perspective. How does a young man deal with it?

Cancer is another topic that is laced throughout the story. Billy's not over the loss of his sister and his own mother is a cancer survivor. The Tragic Age is actually the first book I've read that deals a bit with the topic of cancer since learning my own father has it.

So here are some other things I enjoyed about the novel. The chapters are short-- ranging from just a paragraph to a couple of pages. This obviously leads to quick and addictive reading.

Billy is funny and quirky, especially when he goes off on one of his fact lectures. What's really cool about this is just when you start to wonder what in the hell does this have to do with the story, Billy always finds a way to relate it back to the topic at hand which is truly brilliant. Here is one of my favorite examples, when Billy tries to describe and deny his attraction to Gretchen:

"It's just not fair.

Norepinephrine, phenylhydrazine, and dopamine, which act like amphetamines, hit my brain's pleasure center like a locomotive. My pupils dilate. My heart pumps faster. The chemical oxytocin floods my body, creating intense feelings of caring, attraction, and warmth. Physical contact produces endorphins and continued high doses of ocytocin. These chemicals are all natural opiates that create a druglike dependency.

Translation?

I am so screwed."

Things really pick up when Twom (pronounced "tomb") Twomey enters the picture. I absolutely found Twom intriguing. Perhaps it's the mysterious bad boy thing he has going on. I loved how he shows no fear, the way he deals with the school bully John Montebello (one of my favorite parts), how he can be violent one minute but be sensitive enough to give some attention to the "fat girl". Billy can't help but gravitate toward him, perhaps because they both use facades to cover who they really are inside. I also found Twom's star-crossed love with Deliza interesting. 

With Billy and Twom becoming best buds, others start joining their little group. Ephraim, the introverted "nerd" who can hack into pretty much anything and the popular, gorgeous Deliza (who surprisingly falls for Twom)-- they start breaking into houses. Their purpose is not to steal anything-- Ephraim does it for the rush and cred since he loves tech stuff, it gives Twom and Deliza a place to make out among other things and Billy...well, he sleeps. You learn pretty early on that Billy also suffers from Insomnia. He can't sleep at home which is why he is basically a walking encyclopedia. But for some reason, in other people's homes, he can finally rest peacefully.

While some may find the culmination of the story startling (I won't lie, I had to go back and reread it a few times and then sit on it a few days until I figured out whether I liked the direction the story took me) I have to say the title says it all. As a teacher, I deal with kids from ages 11-18, five days a week and it never ceases to amaze me how they can take something so small and completely blow it out of proportion. Or if they had just taken the time to think things through, they would have come to a completely different conclusion or outcome. That is really all I can say without giving away the ending of the story.

I also must add that after doing a little research on author Stephen Metcalfe and finding out that while this is his debut novel, he is not new to the field. He is an accomplished screenwriter and playwright which explains why The Tragic Age feels like it can easily be turned into a film.

The Tragic Age is a true gem in a sea of coal. A breath of fresh air that follows its own formula, it is the type of novel that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. Stephen Metcalfe is a strong writer that cleverly intertwines many themes and topics without making the story feel convoluted. Lastly, while this novel would be an excellent addition to the high school classroom and would open up discussion on a variety of different topics, I must warn that there is adult language (cursing) and sexual situations. However, I hope that this does not deter educators from experiencing The Tragic Age and somehow find a way to incorporate it into the classroom. As a reader, you will find this coming-of-age novel funny, eye-opening  and told through the eyes of one of the most unique male characters in Young Adult literature.

best wishes,mia

about the author

Stephen Metcalfe wrote the production drafts for Pretty Woman, Dangerous Minds and Mr. Holland's Opus, among others. His stage plays have been produced in New York and at theaters throughout the US, Europe and Japan. He is an Associate Artist at The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and has been an adjunct professor in dramatic writing at University of California at San Diego, University of San Diego and San Diego State University.

Connect With Stephen Metcalfe
Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win (3) Paperback Copies of The Tragic Age (US & Canada ONLY)

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BOOK REVIEW: Fighting to Forget (Fighting, #3) by: JB Salsbury + Giveaway

Title: Fighting to Forget (Fighting, #3)
Author: JB Salsbury
ISBN/ASIN: B00JBSJ4W2
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: New Adult Romance
Theme(s): MMA Fighting, Rock Star, Child abuse
Length: 381 pgs
Binding: E-book, Paperback
Published: 15 April 2014
Buy: Amazon.com, BN.com

Synopsis:

Every fighter is drawn to the violence, the release that a perfect hit can bring.

But very few are drawn to the pain.

Rex Carter lives behind a wall of indifference. The demons from his childhood act as an anesthetic, keeping him distant from emotional connections. Only the ache from a knock to the jaw, sting of a tattoo needles, or heat from a piercing, can jolt him back from the numbness. The fiery pain is all he can feel, and nothing compares to the burn. 

Or so he thought. 

Working in a Las Vegas bar isn't Georgia McIntyre's dream. But she hopes it'll be an end to the nightmare.

Over a decade she's watched him. Followed his career and kept tabs, all in preparation for this moment. To make amends, repair the wrong. But she didn't count on the feelings that seeing him again would stir up. The vacant look in his stormy-blue eyes, his perfect body now mutilated by ink and metal. 

And she knows why. She's lived his pain, every single day, since the day he left.

Changed by time, Rex doesn't remember the girl from his past. If only she could do the same. Will she get the absolution she's spent her life seeking?

Or will he continue, Fighting to Forget?

My Rating:

Is it just me, or have I hit the lottery? If you follow my reviews, then I must apologize for sounding like a broken record. I just can't believe I've dished out yet another 5 star rating in such a short period of time. The only difference is I've been a fan of J.B. Salsbury's Fighting series since the beginning and know the caliber of her writing. Because of this, maybe I was expecting a grand slam. Or maybe not... In Fighting for Flight, book 1 in the series, Salsbury gave us Jonah and Raven's story which blew me away with its unique plot, interesting cast of characters, and dark undertones. Then there was Fighting to Forgive, Blake and Layla's story. While I enjoyed their narrative, it didn't come across as intense as its predecessor. I'm not saying it wasn't good, it just offered a bit more comic relief, mainly because of Blake's personality and his overall way of handling situations with humor. Now we have the highly anticipated Fighting to Forget, Rex and Gia's story and while I was expecting a solid, well written romance, I NEVER expected the places this book would take me. The novel has set a very high bar for the rest of the series, and has skyrocketed Salsbury's writing to a whole new level.

So here are the reasons behind my 5 star rating. Fighting to Forget is a deeply emotional roller coaster ride with twists I didn't see coming. I'm going to try my hardest to stay away from spoilers, but I think it is safe and only right to warn people that this novel focuses on child abuse, some of the worst kind. It may serve as a trigger for those who have suffered from similar experiences. That being said, I commend Salsbury for digging deep and not sugarcoating Rex's horrific childhood.

On the outside, Rex is a successful MMA Fighter and musician. Covered in tattoos and quite a few piercings, he is known as a bit of a daredevil, a thrill seeker that doesn't shy away from the bite of pain. On the inside, there are days he's barely keeping it together, haunted by a childhood he can't remember, suffering from nightmares that he fears are all too real. Jumping from foster home to group home, Rex was assigned a shrink by the name of Darren Gale (whom I really like) and has been seeing him ever since. Over the years he has made progress, but there is no denying Rex's lack of memory drives him crazy, which has developed into a major OCD. No one has ever stepped foot in his apartment and when he is intimate with a woman--which is very rare and only out of pure necessity--there is a very specific way he handles the situation and the reaction is always followed by becoming physically ill. Like I said above, I really admire Salsbury because it is so apparent in the details how much research and thought was put into Rex's character. The pain from body modification and the daredevil, adrenaline junkie stunts help him to FEEL something other than remaining numb. The OCD is more of a way for him to feel in control since he had no control over his childhood and lack of memory. The only comfort he receives is from the colors of gray and red and the vague memory of a little girl with fiery hair and stormy eyes...

For over half of the book, each chapter opens with a piece of lyric that Rex has written with his band Ataxia. Again, this different form of literary prose shows how amazingly talented the author is. But the true purpose of the lyrics are to give us insight into Rex's tormented psyche. They are beautiful yet haunting, revealing yet heartbreaking. Here are a few examples:

Because inside my shell I'm that boy

Who was never given a say

The real me I'll cover and destroy

To keep the worst of the pain away. ~Ataxia

Vivid dreams, different faces

Waves of hate and lust in traces

Festering sickness, my insides rot

There's no pill for what I've got. ~Ataxia

Blue is the sky that I now see

A freedom the dark cannot touch

But the gray is the one that consumes me

And the comfort I miss so much. ~Ataxia

Then there is Gia, who we know as Mac at the beginning of the story. Gia has been working as a waitress at the bar/club that Rex's band Ataxia plays every week. Her past is obviously deeply entwined with his and her motives for moving to Vegas has everything to do with Rex. But thanks to her new identity and his lack of memory, Gia has had plenty of time to keep a watchful eye over him and it has given her the chance to play her cards just right. She wants to avenge him at the same time bring him a measure of peace. But once their paths finally cross and she comes to learn that he doesn't remember her or his traumatic childhood, she is torn as to what exactly is the right thing to do. Gia is a beautifully flawed young woman. I could feel her turmoil through the pages and could understand her indecision.

Later in the novel, Rex's lyrics at the top of each chapter turn into journal-like entries but this time in Gia's POV. Just like with the lyrics, these little snippets give us a better understanding of her past and how determined she was to find Rex and avenge him. Examples below:

"They can lock me up, but they can't keep me in here forever. I'll find my way back to him. Always." 

Georgia McIntyre- age 10

Georgia McIntyre

Gia McIntyre

Mac In Tire

Mac Entire

Mac Ellenshire

RIP Georgia McIntyre

~Mac Ellenshire, Age 17

Due to the serious tone surrounding these two fractured main characters, especially Rex and his intimacy issues, you can imagine how deeply emotional Rex and Gia's love scenes are once they begin to happen. Somehow, Salsbury still gives us all the heat and intensity that we expect from the alpha males she is so great at creating, but with Rex, she gives us MORE. This time, I wasn't just getting turned on while reading these love scenes, but my heart was aching as well.

"Her bare, pale skin beckons my touch. I run my hands from her ankles to her thighs, reading her resulting goose bumps like Braille. I record to memory the places I touch that make her tense and the others that make her melt into the bed. My mouth waters, a familiar feeling when I hook up with a chick, but this time it's not the nausea-accompanied saliva that rushes to my mouth. This is hunger, pure, simple, animalistic starvation."

As with the other two novels in the series, I love the fact that previous characters we have come to enjoy seeing make an appearance and each plays an important role in the story. They are all there, Jonah and Raven, Blake and Layla, Caleb--and Salsbury subtly hints at possible prospects for the next book in the series. I also like how Rex's boys have his back--he may think he is all alone, but the loyalty these guys have for each other really shines through in this book.

Fighting to Forget far exceeded my expectations. It's the type of story that catches you by surprise, rich in plot and character development. There are quite a few twists that I absolutely did not see coming and just when I thought the story couldn't get any more darker, it does. And I am not going to lie, I wasn't sure if I was completely sold on the twist that happens in the later half of the book in regards to one particular character's disturbing journey. Yet somehow Salsbury reigns it in and creates a completely satisfying ending. I very much look forward to reading the fourth book in the series, Fighting the Fall, although I can't help but feel nervous since her latest story has set the bar so high.

best wishes,mia

About the Author

JB Salsbury, USA Today Best Selling author of the Fighting series, lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids. She spends the majority of her day as a domestic engineer. But while she works through her daily chores, a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious, begging to be released to the page. 

 Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance prompted her to sink her free time into novel writing. 

 Fighting for Flight, Fighting to Forgive, and Fighting to Forget are the first three novels in the MMA romance series. Fighting the Fall is due to be released in October 2014.

Connect With JB Salsbury:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Giveaway

Is this your first time hearing about the Fighting series by JB Salsbury? Haven't read the first two books, but would like to before jumping into Fighting to Forget? Well here is your chance! Enter for a chance to win an e-copy of Fighting for Flight AND Fighting to Forgive, books 1 & 2! Who can enter? Everyone! It's a worldwide giveaway! Ends 5/4.

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good luck,mia

Book Review: LAST BREATH by Jessica Clare & Jen Frederick + Giveaway ~Blog Tour~

Title: Last Breath (Hitman, #2)
Author: Jessica Clare, Jen Frederick
ISBN/ASIN: B00ISLNYC4
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: New Adult Romance
Theme(s): Hitman, assassin, sex slavery
Length: 280 pgs
Binding: E-book, Paperback
Published: 24 March 2014; Pear Tree, L.L.C
Buy: Amazon.com, BN.com

Synopsis:

REGAN: I never really knew what misery was until the day I was kidnapped and sold for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Two months later, I'm at a brothel in Rio when I meet Daniel Hays. He says he's here to save me, but can I trust him? All I know of him are his sarcastic retorts and his tendency to solve every dispute with his gun. He's also the only safe thing in my world, and I know it's wrong to fall in love with him, but I can't seem to help myself. He says he’ll protect me until his last breath but I don’t know if I should believe him or even if I can.

DANIEL: For the last eighteen months, I’ve had one goal: to find my kidnapped sister. I’ve left the Army, turned paid hit man, and have befriended criminals all across the globe. In every brothel I raid or every human trafficking truck I stop, her face is the one I’m desperate to see. In Rio, I find Regan Porter, bruised but not broken and still sane despite her weeks in hell. I should leave her behind or send her home because the last thing either of us needs is to get involved. But with every passing minute, I find I can’t let her go.

My Rating:

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Last Hit, the first book in the Hitman series by the dynamic collaborative writing duo Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick. I was thrilled to get a chance to join the blog tour for their second novel in the series, Last Breath. Despite my excitement, I couldn't help but feel nervous. Would the sequel live up to my expectations? How were they going to handle the "sensitive" nature of the topic that the story is centered around? Well, I obviously had nothing to worry about because my 5 star rating says it all. Last Breath picks up where Last Hit left off. Regan is in a brothel in Rio after being sold by the Bratva, one of the most dangerous factions of the Russian mafia. Nikolai's American friend, an assassin named Daniel, promises to find Regan for Daisy who is consumed with worry and guilt (you'll have to read the first book to see why; check out my review for Last Hit HERE). But Daniel is on a mission of his own: to find his missing sister who he thinks may have been sold into sex slavery as well. For him, it's like killing two birds with one stone. He just didn't count on falling in love along the way...

The story opens with a scene of Regan being raped. This is definitely not a novel for the faint of heart and may be a trigger for those who have suffered from similar situations.  It wasn't easy to read, but my small discomfort is nothing compared to what women in Regan's position have and are going through. Sex slavery seems to be a hot topic right now in the news and media and I've noticed some authors are trying to tackle the controversial subject. While I commend every author in their efforts to create awareness, Last Breath is the first book I've read about the issue that felt the most realistic and didn't try to sugarcoat it.

I first want to talk about the characters, starting with Regan. It's one thing to decide to write about a  sensitive topic, but it's a whole other situation when you are writing a character that is going through it. It has to be handled just right. As I stated above, the story opens with Regan being raped. Despite her months of captivity, she is known as a "biter", and refuses to show any kind of emotion because she knows that most of the men that buy her get off on women that cry, scream, and struggle. No way will she give them that satisfaction. To keep her mind separate form her body, she recites horror movies in her mind by going down the alphabet.  I remember grimacing and smiling while reading this scene which is an odd reaction. Quite honestly, I don't know how Jessica Clare did it. Somehow she was able to infuse the seriousness and horror of the situation with grim humor. Too much and it could have been a disaster.

Once Regan is free and on the run with Daniel, she goes through a roller coaster of emotions. One minute she is fierce, the next minute she is falling apart, the next she is plotting how to keep Daniel from dumping her off at the Embassy. While at first I had a hard time keeping up with her ever changing thoughts and emotions, I soon realized how realistic her mood and behavior were. The fear of being abandoned. The fear of trusting a man after being used over and over again. The fear of being recaptured. The fear of being broken and never being "normal" again. I can only imagine the relief of being free and then the sudden harsh reality of how to even begin to start rebuilding the life you lost. For Regan, it will never be the same again. So I get it.

I don't want to say too much more about Regan's journey, but I will say as the story progresses, her growth as a character blew me away. At the same time, I like the fact that Clare is consistent. What I mean is, some romance authors that write about rape victims will portray them as frightened and broken in the beginning, but are miraculously healed by the end of the story with no after affects. In Last Breath, Regan, with the help of Daniel, is on the road to recovery, but she still suffers from PTSD which is more of a realistic portrayal of someone who has gone through what she has.

Now to Daniel. Where do I even start? There have been times when I've read a series from an author where the hero in each book sound the same. Yes, they may have a quirk or specific trait here or there that makes them stand out from one another, but over all, they are the same. Not the case here. Daniel couldn't be more different from Nikolai and I'm not just talking about the obvious American-Ukrainian difference. Is Daniel a bad ass like Nikolai? Yes. Is he an alpha male that wants to protect Regan like Nikolai wanted to protect Daisy? Yes. But that's where the similarities end. While Nick was serious, stoic, and raised in a world of violence, Daniel had a pretty normal life until he enlisted in the military. Once his sister goes missing, his relationship with his parents becomes strained. All he wants to do is rescue his sister so he can go back to his family's ranch and maybe raise some cattle. But it is Daniel's sense of humor that really sets him apart from Nikolai. He not only uses humor to get themselves out of some sticky situations but I absolutely love the way he uses it to help Regan. The first time he sees her break down, he realizes he rather have a pissed off Regan than a broken one. So he calls her annoying pet names like "babydoll", "sugar tits" (love that one lol)-- anything to get her mad so that it keeps her on task. Regan soon figures this out and is grateful for it. As their relationship progresses, what started as a necessary way to keep Regan from breaking down or loosing it turns into flirting and affectionate teasing.

The next thing to talk about is the chemistry and sexy time. There is no denying the chemistry between Regan and Daniel. And I thought Nikolai and Daisy were a hot pairing? Holy Moses! But going back to what I said about the sensitive topic at hand,  this had to be handled with care. From the first moment Daniel lays eyes on her, he has to fight his attraction, even admitting there must be something fundamentally screwed up with him for getting a hard on at seeing her for the first time. Regan also misconstrues Daniel's intentions. At first, she thinks she has to throw herself at him in order to keep him interested so he doesn't abandon her. This pisses Daniel off as it should. But slowly, Regan begins to realize that Daniel can be trusted and he doesn't just view as a piece of ass. He really cares. Suddenly she wonders what kissing him would feel like. She wants to know if she is completely broken or if she has a shot at being a normal woman with needs. The sexual tension was thick and hot. Daniel basically allows her to do whatever she wants with him, refusing to touch her in any way unless she asks for it. She can go as far as she wants and can stop whenever she wants. As funny as Daniel can be, he also is very tender and patient with her. At the same time, he wants to pleasure her, to show her how good it can really be. In Last Hit, we learn that she had only one boyfriend prior to being kidnapped. So even before the rape, she really didn't know how good sex could be. But of course Daniel feels possessive of her and his thoughts about how he feels is so hot and beautiful at the same time.

"I would rend anyone from limb to limb who tried to come between Regan and I. From now on the only one who would be hearing her screams when she came would be me. The only man who gets to taste the nectar between her legs is me. The only cock that would ever pleasure her, from this moment until I never drew another breath is mine."

I also like that Nikolai and Daisy make an appearance in Last Breath. Their part in the story is important (I'm avoiding any spoilers) but more than that, it is nice to see how they interact with Daniel and Regan. It's also interesting to see where Nick and Daisy are at in their relationship. Daisy is going to college and Nick is trying to live the domestic life by cooking meals (there is one hilarious part where Daisy describes her walking in on Nikolai trying to make Hamburger Helper. So funny!)

Last but not least is the interesting way Clare and Frederick set up their next novel in the series. I don't think this is much of a spoiler since it's been swirling around the internet but I will refrain from saying names. We find out that the next heroine is going to be a high functioning autistic woman and her hero is going to be a member of the Bratva, a Ukrainian from Nikolai's past. Wow. It's almost as if these ladies want to keep challenging themselves. Just like with sex slavery, writing a character with autism can be tricky. I actually work with multiple disabled children, two of which are on the spectrum. In Last Breath, the authors already hinted at some of the sensory issues the heroine for the third book will have, so I can't wait to see how far they will go with this new interesting character and how the hero will handle it. Autism is just not a topic you read about in romance novels. If they are up for the challenge, then I am happy to go along for the ride.

I originally was going to give Last Breath a 4.5 rating because I came across a few inconsistencies. But then I remembered the version I read was an ARC/pre-copyedited version, so it's not really fair for me to mark it down half a star when they might not even be there anymore. But some of these inconsistencies were small, like the scene where Daniel and Regan decide to sleep at a nicer hotel. Daniel puts a dresser in front of the door on top of locking it. Later someone gets into the room and Regan starts shooting a gun at the intruder. Wouldn't someone hear this person breaking in since he has to go through a locked door and a dresser? Also, wouldn't someone in the hotel hear gun shots? Stupid little things like that.

Last Breath far exceeded my expectations. I give both Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick a lot of credit for tackling such a sensitive issue and handling it with brutal honesty and dignity. It appears as if there is nothing these ladies can't write about and I anxiously await to see what they will do with the third book in the Hitman series.

   

best wishes,mia

Jen & Jess have discounted LAST HIT, book 1 in their Hitman series to an amazing price of ONLY $0.99 for a limited time. If you haven't read it yet, click HERE to purchase it!

Excerpt Teaser

Daniel's POV

She’s a biter. That’s the warning given when I point to the blonde with the glazed green eyes in Senor Gomes’ book of whores. He shakes his head and says that he has access to dozens of others that are better and all willing to engage in whatever perverse activity I want. He brags that there isn’t a sick sex act I can think of that Gomes can’t fulfill. I like home cooking, I tell him. A Texan in Rio sees a lot of beautiful Brazilian women, but sometimes you want a little star-spangled banner in the rotation.

He nods as if this makes sense to him, but I think it’s the money that I’m flashing that he understands. We walk up to the second floor and down a narrow hall toward the back, a windowless part of this brick and metal building. I can’t call it a home or even a brothel. It’s a dingy place where men with deep perversions but shallow wallets can get their rocks off.

I don’t want to have sex here, I’ve explained to Gomes. I have a thing against hellholes and having sex in them. I wave around a lot of cash, and Gomes nodded and asks no more questions.

We’re a strange parade—Gomes, me, and some house mom trailing behind. He stops at the second to last door and removes a key.

I’ve seen pictures of Regan Porter before, and not in Gomes’ look book, but nothing prepares me for her full-fledged, magazine-quality beauty. She hasn’t been eating well; her delicate bones are beginning to look sharp in places—at her shoulders, ribs, and hips. But there’s no denying her breathtaking looks. Her blonde hair is damp and small strands stick to her perfect skull. Her oval face, with its pink cheekbones and lush lips and eyebrows that look like wings, stands out like a piece of fine china at a flea market. Though she’s thin, there’s a delicious curviness in the slope of her side as it dips into the waist and flares back out to form a cuppable roundness at the hip. And those endlessly long legs.

Shit. I close my eyes and swallow. No decent man would be standing here thinking about those legs wrapped around his waist. But then again, I’m not decent. I’m no longer army sniper, Special Forces Daniel Hays who may have once been lauded as a hero for killing insurgents in Afghanistan. Now I’m Daniel Hays, mercenary who kills people for money and spends all his spare time in brothels and flesh dens like this one. Decency is a word I don’t even know the meaning to anymore.

It’s been too long since I’ve had a woman. That’s my only excuse. That and I’m becoming the monster that I’m hunting. I focus on the bruises on her knees that are scraped red and raw from time on the floor and the manacle around her ankle. Any feelings of arousal are jettisoned by the obvious signs of abuse.

Glancing sharply at Gomes, I wonder how he’s come to possess a beauty like Regan Porter. Gomes is a small-time flesh peddler, stuck up here in the slums, with a house full of females—half of which are missing their teeth or are too old or too broken.

 He usually gets what the market calls second-hand goods, the girls that no other house wants. But Regan Porter is gorgeous, and while she looks a little rundown, she’s still model beautiful with big pink lips and wide green eyes.

“Nice tits,” I smirk for Gomes’ sake and her shudder of disgust only feeds into my growing belief that I’m as dirty as the flesh trader beside me. The dark edges of the world that I now inhabit are seeping into my skin like an oil slick covering an ocean. I shouldn’t want to touch her. And if I have to fuck her in front of Gomes to get her out of here—I don’t even let myself finish that thought.

There’s still life in her eyes. If she’s biting and spitting out acerbic insults, there’s spirit left in her, and I don’t want to be the one to snuff out that last flame. Her eyes convey her hate, and if she had a knife, I’d be sliced from my throat to my belly. I stare back, not because she’s fucking beautiful, but because she’s still standing. I’m not sure I would’ve been as strong. I don’t know if she sees my admiration or whether she can only interpret varying degrees of lust and degradation, but she sees something. An invisible string spools out between us and her eyes widen when it hits her like an electrical shock.

For months I’ve swum in a pool of blood and death and ugly deeds, and to hold onto my sanity and maybe my soul, I’ve told myself that saving these doves balances the scale.  For every life I take, if I save one then it’s all a wash in the end. Don’t think it’s tallied that way at St. Peter’s Gate, but that’s the lie I tell myself so I can sleep at night and look at myself in the mirror the next day. Regan Porter will either be part of my attempt at salvation or the bloody stone that etches out the words He Failed on my headstone...

Giveaway

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Book Review, Author Q&A, and Giveaway: Last Hit by: Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick!

Title: Last Hit (Hitman, #1)
Author: Jessica Clare, Jen Frederick
ISBN: 0989247988
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: New Adult Romance
Theme(s): Hitman, assassin
Length: 288 pgs
Binding: Paperback
Published: 2 December 2013; Pear Tree, LLC
Buy: Amazon.com, BN.com

Synopsis:

Nikolai: I have been a contract killer since I was a boy. For years I savored the fear caused by my name, the trembling at the sight of my tattoos. The stars on my knees, the marks on my fingers, the dagger in my neck, all bespoke of danger. If you saw my eyes, it was the last vision you’d have. I have ever been the hunter, never the prey. With her, I am the mark and I am ready to lie down and let her capture me. Opening my small scarred heart to her brings out my enemies. I will carry out one last hit, but if they hurt her, I will bring the world down around their ears.

Daisy: I’ve been sheltered from the outside world all my life. Homeschooled and farm-raised, I’m so naive that my best friend calls me Pollyanna. I like to believe the best in people. Nikolai is part of this new life, and he’s terrifying to me. Not because his eyes are cold or my friend warns me away from him, but because he’s the only man that has ever seen the real me beneath the awkwardness. With him, my heart is at risk...and also, my life.

My Rating:

"It takes many muscles to smile, more to frown, but only a few to pull the trigger."
If you haven't guessed already, stories about assassins or hitmen are taking the romance world by storm. The good news is,  Last Hit by the dynamic collaborative team Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick is at the top of the leader board. You want sexy? Check. You want edgy? Double check. There are so many more "it" factors this story has which I will be getting to momentarily. I like to think of Last Hit as a cross between HITMAN the movie (starring the sexy-as-ever Timothy Olyphant) and Roxie Rivera's My Russian Protector series. Since I am a fan of her work, I became a little worried when I noticed many of the character names in Last Hit matched those in Rivera's My Russian Protector series, such as Nikolai, Sergei, Yury, Vasily. Thankfully, the stories are extremely different and I've read and learned enough to know that these names are quite common in the Russian/Ukrainian world.

I first want to talk about the very distinct dual perspectives and voices of Nikolai and Daisy, in particular Nick's accent. It's been a long time since I've been reminded as to why this technique works so well. I've read stories with alternating character POV that have left me confused or worst of all, having to go back a few pages to figure out who's head I'm supposed to be in (even with the help of character names at the beginning of chapters or section breaks). Last Hit does not suffer this fate. Nikolai's Ukrainian accent was AMAZING. I don't know how Frederick was able to translate his accent on paper, but I swear, I could almost hear it through the pages. I've been reading romance novels since I was 12, everything from historical to paranormal, with characters from all over the world and in different dimensions. Most authors take the easy way out when writing characters with foreign accents, often telling the reader that the character has one but doesn't go about showing it in any way (especially in the dialogue where it would be most prevalent). Showing Nikolai's accent through his narration, dialogue, and even text messages to Daisy made him feel almost 3-Dimensional.

Daisy... how can I sum up my feelings about this fascinating female heroine? Jessica Clare, who wrote Daisy's parts, also has a gift. I'm not even going to lie. I started this story with blinders on. After reading the first two chapters, I had Daisy figured out and put in a neat little box. I thought she was going to be your typical, "damsel in distress"-- weak, virginal, naïve girl that Nikolai would be rescuing at every turn, even from her own shadow. While she was a virgin and definitely a little naïve (which makes sense considering her extremely sheltered childhood due to her father's severe agoraphobia), I couldn't have been more wrong about the kind of female character she turned out to be.  My level of respect and awe grew for her during the part when she is confronted/accosted by the men from Nikolai's past. Instead of Daisy panicking, screaming, or crying, a strange calm fills her. Years of her father's obsessive survival practices envelops her. While she may not be a match against these trained killers, she sure as hell doesn't make it easy for them. I didn't expect her to be so strong. I don't think she even realized it.

I also liked the ages of the characters. I know, sounds strange, but I was shocked when I read a few negative reviews complaining about Daisy and Nikolai's ages. Some felt that by keeping the characters in the 18-25 year bracket, it was an easy way for Clare and Frederick to market Last Hit as a NA romance. Hmm, not sure about that, nor do I care. However, what really bothered me were those who found Nikolai being a 24/25 year old world-renowned hitman unrealistic. They felt there was no way a person that young could have that kind of skill set. I obviously disagree. We are not talking about some random guy in his 20's taking up a gun and running around the country shooting people. Nikolai was targeted, trained, and desensitized at a very young age by the Petrovich Bratva, one of the most dangerous and powerful criminal organizations in the world. At the age of 15, he was kicked out by his mentor, Alexsandr:

"...Alexsandr dismissed me from the ranks and sent me off on my own. At fifteen, all I knew how to do was kill. And so that is what I do. I am a man who kills for money."

So let's put this into perspective. How is Nikolai and his upbringing any different from the children in Uganda that are taken from their homes by force at the tender ages of 6, 7, and 8 years old and trained with guns to be killers? Just because an idea or topic may be foreign to you doesn't mean there is no truth to it. There are so many unbelievable acts of evil and violence going on in the world that most of us are oblivious to and maybe that's the problem. Some people rather live in a bubble then admit that these kinds of things are happening everyday. I choose to live with my eyes wide open and that's how I know Nikolai being an experienced hitman at 24 is possible.

Anyway, Daisy being 21 makes sense as well. Any younger or older may not have worked in her particular circumstances. When she finally decided it was time for her to make her escape, waiting until she was 21 gave her an advantage. If her father tried to get the police involved to bring her back, he would have no leg to stand on because in the eyes of the law, she was legally an adult. If Daisy had been older, say 25-26, I don't think her story would have been as believable. At that point, what would be holding her back? Nikolai and Daisy compliment each other exceptionally. They are two young people that in many ways are outsiders, don't quite know the social norms for their age group, and have lived and survived through their own personal kind of hell but refuse to allow their pasts to define them. They truly are two halves of a whole.

Last Hit is remarkably well written and had me going through a multitude of emotions. There are parts that are funny, such as Nikolai not quite understanding American slang or figures of speech which causes him to say things awkwardly:

"'Daniel,'" I answer. "'What is happening?'"

Daniel coughs into the phone, as if he is covering a laugh. I wonder what mistake I have made.

"'It's what's happening. You're too formal." --Nikolai

Parts that are sexy:

"I'd rub my body over hers so that she smelled of me. When she walked this city, other men would stay away, recognizing she was marked as my own. Belonging to Nikolai. Maybe I would tattoo it around her neck like a collar." --Nikolai

And parts that are thought provoking, sad, and heart wrenching:

"There is something so vibrant, so aware, so alive about him that it sings to me. I am drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Is it because my father has always been a shadow of himself and because he did his best to break me? Nick, I think, would never be broken. I like this about him." --Daisy

"This girl in Room 224 is unprotected, but she is innocent and sweet. I envy her. When she first walked into her apartment, she did not notice the cracked and peeling paint, the cheapness of the mattress on the floor...it all looked wonderful to her. I wonder what she would think of me--I am not unlike her apartment. I am cracked and peeling inside."  --Nikolai

"When I killed, I targeted those who were the dregs and vermin of the world. Someday someone would take me out, and no one would mourn. But if Daisy was killed? Some light in the world would have been snuffed out. I want a piece of that light for myself, even if just for a short time. I know I do not deserve it--nor will I be able to keep it."  --Nikolai

What also made this story feel fresh and gave it a sense of unpredictability was the pacing and deviation from the normal formula. Again, I thought I had everything figured out because at the 200 page mark, there were no resolutions in sight and Nikolai and Daisy hadn't done the deed yet, although there was some really hot sexy time along the way that kept my attention riveted to the screen of my kindle. The way the story was going, I was almost positive the sequel, Last Breath, was going to be a continuation of Daisy and Nick's story. Thank the gods I didn't bet any money because as that thought entered my mind, I decided to read the book blurb for Last Breath...and was shocked to learn it would be Daniel and Regan's story. That's when I started to sweat. How were Clare and Frederick going to wrap things up and add in all the hot lovin' Daisy and Nikolai deserved in 60 pages without making it feel rushed? Well, as you can see from my rating, I was not disappointed. They not only met my expectations, they surpassed them. They even earned extra brownie points for taking the time to address the issue with Daisy's father. I also wasn't quite sure how I originally felt about Nikolai's "gift" he gives to Daisy. That was probably the one and only thing I struggled with, but after he explains his reasons why and how Daisy comes to terms with this "gift", my reservations faded away. And yes, I am being vague to avoid spoilers!

There was only one minor inconsistency that I caught in the beginning of the story, but nothing that would cause me to mark my rating down. When we first meet Daisy, we learn that she only leaves the house for an hour or two a day. All windows are boarded up, so since the age of 8, she has had very little real sunlight. Daisy is described as being pale, which makes sense. But once she leaves home and Nikolai sees her, he contradicts himself twice while describing her:

"Her skin is creamy but golden as if she lives outdoors instead of within the stained brick walls of this dirty rundown apartment complex."

"Her pale skin is lovely even in this dimly lit basement."

So which is it? Is her skin pale or is it golden? Again, it's nothing major, but when I looked back at my notes to prepare for this review, I had a question mark next to these quotes.

Last Hit by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick will forever hold a special place in my heart because quite honestly, I can't remember the last time I gave a book a perfect 5 star rating. While I was sad to see Daisy and Nikolai's story come to an end, I walked away feeling satisfied. Now I have something else to look forward to Last Breath, book 2 in the Hitman series, also written by the dynamic duo. I can't wait to read Daniel and Regan's story which sounds even more tragic and edgier than its predecessor.



   

reviewed by,mia

AUTHOR Q&A With Jesicca Clare and Jen Frederick

1. It seems that the "Hitman" trope is becoming extremely popular lately. What inspired you both to write about the world of a hitman, specifically one that is from the Ukraine? What kind of research did you both have to do in order to make the story as authentic as possible?

JEN: I did a lot of gun research. There is no such thing as a sniper rifle only a rifle that snipers use. And bolt action rifles are more popular than others because they tend to be more accurate. AND the lighter the trigger pressure, the better you have to be at aiming. So yeah, I learned a lot about guns.  

JESSICA: I had it easy! Because I did Daisy's parts, it was all right when she didn't know the things Nick did, though I did learn a lot about tasers. I think we picked the Ukraine because we were tossing around locations that Nick could have come from. He more or less sprang into our heads as Eastern European and messed up.

2. I've always been curious about books that have been written by two authors, but never had the opportunity to ask how it works. Is Last Hit the first book you've co-written together? Why did you decide to write this particular book together? Can you shed some insight as to how the writing process works for you both? How do you decide who writes what?

JEN: Last Hit came about as a result of some email goading. I was telling Jess she should write a New Adult book because I love her voice and I thought it would suit the genre perfectly. She laughed at me and said that if she was going to write a New Adult it would be about a hitman in college trying to learn algebra or something like that. I thought that was the best idea ever. Weeks passed (maybe even months) and she didn't write it so I bugged her again. Finally she said she'd only write it if I wrote it with her. Challenge accepted. I wrote Nick's first scene and Jess emailed me back with something like "I'm in."

It's the first collaborative writing project for either of us and it's super fun. We plot out the scenes in advance and then loosely assign scenes. From there we simply trade off chapters. Jess' scenes will often inspire mine.

JESSICA: Yeah! I admit I had the idea for a hitman hero for a while but I also felt like I wouldn't be able to carry it on my own, because I wouldn't be able to do the hero POV justice. Jen wrote a couple of pages of Nick, and I did Daisy, and it more or less fell together. We start out with a plot and characters, and some scene ideas. I try to leave my scenes off at places that I want Jen to pick up (so I can see what she comes up with!!!) and she usually sends me pages that make me squeal with excitement, and then I can't wait to write the next part.

3. I originally thought Nikolai and Daisy's story would continue in Last Breath, book 2 in the Hitman series which comes out at the end of the month. But after seeing the cover and reading the blurb for Last Breath, I quickly realized a new hitman takes center stage which I am very excited about. Will the series continue on after Last Breath? Or will you both be working on different projects?

JEN: We are definitely going to continue the "Last..." series for as long as we can. You'll meet at least one new character in Last Breath that I can foresee as having his own story.  But in the meantime, we are both working on separate projects. I write a New Adult series called The Woodlands and the fourth book will be out late fall, early winter. This summer I hope to publish an adult contemporary duology about a bike messenger forced into unsavory acts and a wealthy man bent on revenge.

JESSICA: We squeeze in the hitmen between projects. I've got my next Billionaire release - ONCE UPON A BILLIONAIRE on April 15th and I'm currently working on book five in the series (Jonathan). I also have a scatter of self-publishing projects in the hopper in various stages of completion.

AUTHOR BIOS

Jen Frederick is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Woodlands series. Jessica Clare is the NYT Bestselling author of the Billionaire Boys Club series. One day via email, Jessica challenged Jen that she would write a hitman romance, but only if Jen would co-write it with her. Jen responded by writing the first scene. The rest is history.

Connect With Jessica Clare

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Connect With Jen Frederick

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Find Last Hit
Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | All Romance

Find Last Breath
Amazon | Smashwords | All Romance | Kobo

GIVEAWAY



US: Enter for a chance to win 1 Paperback copy of LAST HIT by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick!

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Giveaway ends 3/23!

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