Wednesday, October 8, 2014

✯Blog Tour Review w/Giveaway✯ The Washington Triplets Series by Danielle Allen, Michelle Lynn and Melissa Rolka







SYNOPSIS:

The Rebel
Mya Washington is a rebel. Or at least, that’s what her family has always said. As the youngest of a set of triplets, she has always been the more rebellious of the three…even though she never considered herself a rebel.
Outspoken? Yes.
Rule Breaker? Sometimes.
Trouble Maker? Nev—occasionally.
Growing tired of being typecast and misunderstood, Mya moves to New York looking for a fresh start away from the life she grew up in and out of the shadow of her older sisters.  Striking out on her own may have put a strain on the family dynamic, but it's the new beginning Mya was looking for.
But after the unexpected death of her mother, she is blindsided yet again by a wedding invitation she didn’t see coming. Her father’s upcoming marriage only cements the wall she’s put up around her heart. Because if her father could be such an utter disappointment, why should she even attempt to open up to any man?
Enter Colton Davis.



  ✯✯4 Rebellious Stars!!✯✯

This is my first book by Danielle Allen. It def won't be my last!! This is the first novella in the series. It's about The Washington sisters. They are triplets and Mya is the youngest of the 3 of them.  This is a great start to what I'm pretty sure is going to be a fantastic series.

Mya is the wild one, the one who takes no crap from anyone, she's not afraid to put you in your place. And, she doesn't do relationships! Mya reminds me a lot of myself. Mya has always felt like she was the disappointment in her parents eyes. Especially her father. Since leaving Chicago and moving to New York. She doesn't visit home often.

The last time she was home was 6 months ago for her mothers funeral. Now, her sisters and her are expected to come home. For her fathers upcoming wedding. Yup, you read that correctly. Mya, is not pleased at all! I think if she could of beat his ass she totally would of. 

Mya works at a bar as a bartender. They really are like a family. Her best friend Kelsey works there as well. Kelsey is the perfect friend for Mya. She is the only one who knows everything about Mya. She is Mya's personal shrink. Kelsey is not afraid to tell Mya what she doesn't want to hear. But, she knows when not to push as well.

Mya is going through a dry-spell if you know what I mean (wink wink) Kelsey keeps insisting Mya jump back on the horse. In walks Colton Davis.

Colton Davis goes to the bar for his nephew 21st birthday. He meets the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. Mya herself can not believe how sexy he is. But, he must leave before she can really get to know him. 

Colton comes back for her. Mya is looking for a one night stand with no strings. But, one night doesn't seem to be it for them. Colton & Mya connect in a way she's never experienced before. Colton understands her. He can see things about her that nobody else has ever seen. Mya ends up telling Colton stuff she's never told anybody before. Colton also has never pushed her to talk about anything. And, their chemistry is off the charts hot!! I really need to find a real life Colton.

As the wedding of her father approaches, things about her parents marriage are revealed. Things with her sisters are so strained they hardly speak. Plus, she's getting too comfortable with Colton and that scares her the most. Mya does what she does best. Runs!

Can Mya fix things with her family? Better yet can she let Colton stay in her past? Or will he agree to stay there? You def must read this book. Like, yesterday!!This book def left with questions unanswered. But, there's 2 other books coming. They better get answered or I'm going to be mad. Hahaha.. My biggest issue was the lack of interactions between the 3 sisters. I'm praying the next 2 books we get more of the sisters and even their father rebuilding their family. Good job Danielle. You have a new fan. 




SYNOPSIS:

Being the oldest Washington Triplet hasn’t been easy for Marisa Washington. Labeled the “good one” at a young age embedded the burden she strived to build true. She graduated at the top of her class, never caused her parents trouble, and even settled down in their hometown of Chicago with her college boyfriend.

Her life was “perfect”, at least in the eyes of others. But when her mom unexpectedly dies, Marisa’s eyes open for the first time. She leaves her boyfriend of four years and takes a job in Alaska to gain the freedom and individuality she’s craved. After all, what would she gain by sticking around Chicago? She discovered her perfect family isn’t so perfect, and everyone she cares for left her.

Starting a new life in Anchorage, Alaska, she’s unable to escape her family’s hold when her dad’s wedding announcement comes a mere six months after her mother’s death. Attempts to contact her sisters, in order to face this together, are unsuccessful, leaving her feeling even more alone.

Her family issues have to be pushed aside when her employer sends her and three others to a team building retreat in King’s Gate. It’s the last thing Marisa wants to do, until everywhere she turns, she finds…Zach Greer.




 ✯✯4 Perfectly Good Stars!!✯✯


Finally!!! Michelle Lynn has given me another new book to read. Michelle gives both men & woman characters that anyone reading her books can relate too. And, Love Grows In Alaska is no different.  This is the 2nd book in the series and can def be read as a standalone.

Marissa is the oldest of the triplets. She has always been labeled as the good one, the one who always got the best grades in school. But, because of her dirt bag ex-boyfriend when she  looks at herself in the mirror she sees anything but perfect. Nate mentally abused poor Marissa. And, for me I can relate I been there done that. 

When Marissa's mom dies and dirt bag isn't there for her and her father does the unthinkable she does what she thinks it right for her. Marissa moves far, far away from the people who've let her down. Unfortunately things wit her 2 younger sisters are still strained and she doesn't know how or where to start to rebuild it.

Marissa is now living in Alaska in a little 1 bedroom apartment. Has a new job and a new friend Libby who she works with as well. She plans on reinventing herself.

Marissa gets to work and on the elevator and runs into the sexiest blue eyed man she's ever seen. After totally embarrassing herself in front of him. Which made me bust out laughing because I've done the same thing. Hahahaha

Marissa soon learns that her and 3 other co-workers are going on a 5 day bonding retreat 2hrs away. And, man none of them are happy about it. I def wouldn't be either.

First day there Marissa runs into the sexy blue eyed guy who's been invading her thoughts. She learns his name is Zach Greer and OMG! Is he fine.

After run in after run in it's obvious the attraction is both ways. Every time Zach and Marissa seem to meet up poor Marissa man. Her insecurities always seem to get the best of her. She always ends up running and Zach always finds her. He knows that Marissa has her issues on things. He tries his hardest to let her know there is no one else.

When they finally get together.. Damn!!! They are hot, sexy and yet sweet and caring. Man, Zach sure is the perfect man. But, Marissa is not like her younger sister Mya. She doesn't do one night stands.

On one of her daily adventures with her co-workers, Marissa wants to strangle Zach. Until she realizes that he is their tour guide. After Zach gets Marissa to finally listen to him 100% they seem to be inseparable.

Their relationship got so close so fast. But, that's not without their personal issues brought into it. Marissa does what most of us have done. She's compared Zach to dirt bag every 30 seconds. She has to remind herself He is not him. Zach is one of the good guys. Her self confidence is in the gutter. And, her relationship with her sisters is almost non-existent. Plus, her dad is hounding her to be at his wedding. And, to convince her sisters to be there as well.

Zach too has issues from his past. Now, he's in charge of the family business. And, he';s not too happy. He has failed in the past and does not want to to it again. Esp with so many people relying on him.

What I loved about these 2 is they both know the other one has self confidence issues. Not from the same thing, but still. They don't push the other one too much too fast. But, do know when and what to say. They still have a long way to go but they still are perfect for each other.

Now, my complaints. Which isn't many! Now, I thought that this being book 2 it would of picked up close to where the 1st book left off. Because, I feel like I need to see the sisters start to come back together. So far both Mya & Marissa have both said they've wanted their sisters back. But, I haven't seen it. I really hope after the last chapter Love Found In California that we'll finally get it. I also wish they were full length books. Other then that I loved it. Thanks, Michelle!!




SYNOPSIS:

The Quiet One

Mikaela Washington, the middle Triplet, has always been labeled the quiet one. Her parents claim her as the introvert or just shy. Of course she was, what other role could she take? All the others had been fulfilled.

Going away to college with her sisters was always the plan until unforeseen circumstances push Mikaela into a dark corner she can’t get out of. Her sisters think she’s just being more unusual than normal and her dad barely notices. The only person she can trust and confide in is her mom. 

She stays back and lives at home with her parents. These years are difficult, but she manages to find a career and go to therapy. During this time she learns her family home is not what it seems. She sees and hears things that her sisters know nothing about. Then when her mom suddenly dies she’s left to deal with not only her tragedy, but also the secrets of her family. 
Finally Mikaela realizes it’s time… time to move on, live on her own like her sisters and try to start new. When she moves to California she finds the job of her dreams and the man of her dreams attached to it… Ryan Chambers.

To read more about the Washington Triplet's check out Love Discovered in New York and Love Grows in Alaska.




 ✯✯4 Heartwarming Stars!!✯✯



Melissa ended this series beautifully!! This is the last book in The Washington Triplets  Series and I loved the first 2 books. But, I must say they def saved the best for last!! Mikaela AKA Mik has had the hardest most painful life out of the 3 Washington triplets. But, I feel like she's also the strongest. And, Melissa did a fantastic job.

Mik is the youngest sister and was the quiet one. But, right after she graduates high school she experiences something tragic. But, there's nobody she feels she can talk too. Instead, Mik doesn't go away to college with her sisters, she stays locked in her room for months. 

Just like the other 2 books her mother knows her daughters. She convinces Mik to see a therapist.  Finally, Mik decides it's time to live her life. She ends up running to California. Where she meets Ryan.

Now, Ryan is my favorite guy of this whole series!! And, I mean by a landslide. Mik met Ryan at her job and he also is her boss. But, Ryan does not care about that. It was always his job, his business, his career that was #1 to him. Until Mikaela walked into his office. Now, Mik is his #1 for everything. But, he knows there is something big she's keeping from him. Ryan is at a loss. He doesn't know what to do to get Mik to trust him 100% to tell him what is going on. But, he also knows not to push her. That she will tell him when she's ready.

Mik can not seem to get her mind clear. And, ever since her mom passed away it's even worse. She was the only person who understood her. Add her dad getting married 6 months after she lost her mom. After an accident her and Ryan decide she'll go back to therapy. With the goal she will tell Ryan the truth 100% of the truth.

No matter what was thrown at these 2, they always came out on top. And, stronger then before. Between issues at work. Ryan's family making their lives miserable. Mik dad getting married. Her and her sisters not speaking. To Mik's past coming out. Wow!! When Ryan breaks I broke out crying with him. But, they always came out of top together stronger before. **Sigh**

Melissa really did an excellent job with this one. Even though it was a novella. From the first page to the last I think for more then 1/2 the book I was holding my breath the other 1/2 I was tearing. I honestly don't think anybody else could of written Mik & Ryan story as good as Melissa did. From the flashbacks of Mik when she was younger, to her relationship with Ryan and then the worst day in her life. It was done beautifully!! Thanks Melissa. Now, if I could get a full length book of these 2, I'd be stoked!!

EXCERPT ~ LOVE DISCOVERED IN NEW YORK 

To: Mom

From: Mya Washington

Subject: RE: Proud

I know you won’t ever get this, but I have so many emotions swirling around in me today and I felt compelled to write you back.

It’s been a month and I’ve re-read your last email every day since I’ve been back from the funeral. Every single day. And each day, I can barely keep it together. Your words have kept me holding on while simultaneously breaking my heart. I didn’t think it was possible for anyone to understand me. I spent my entire life living with the black sheep stigma. Whether it was coming from you, Dad, Marisa or Mikaela, I always had to hear about how rebellious I was being. But when I opened your email and read that you love me and you accept me for exactly who I am, I felt something I’d never felt before.

Mom, I feel like I’ve waited my whole life for you to say those words to me. And as soon as I can wrap my mind around your acceptance, you are taken away from me. I don’t understand. I don’t get it. I don’t know why this happened. But I wish there was more time. I’m beating myself up every day because I didn’t make time. I’m sorry I didn’t utilize the time we had. I should’ve come home for Christmas. I should’ve visited Chicago more. I should’ve visited you more.

I’m so sorry I never wrote you back. I meant to. I got your email before my shift at work. I read it and I meant to call. It was late by the time I got off, so I told myself I would call you the next day. And then Kelsey called me in the morning to ask if I wanted to go shopping. So I put off calling you. And when we got home from shopping, I got the call that changed my life. And it was the first time my best friend—or anyone in New York for that matter—had ever seen me cry.

So now, here I am. A month without you and I think I’m all cried out. Tears don’t even form anymore because I’m so pissed. The anger I feel is consuming me and I don’t know what to do about it. Dad had the audacity to actually propose to some woman. He didn’t even care enough to run anything by us. He actually just popped up with his engagement…right after we lost you! He’s planning on gettingremarried. REMARRIED! Of all the disrespectful things someone could do! You haven’t been gone hardly any time at all and here he is, already moving on. I didn’t think he could stoop any lower. It’s one thing for him to give me shit and be dismissive of me (particularly at your funeral), but it’s a whole other thing for him to do this to you. You were always there for him. You two were MARRIED for crying out loud!  And then he proposes to someone he was obviously involved with WHILE YOU TWO WERE STILL MARRIED! I can’t believe him! This is exactly why I won’t ever put my trust in a man. This is exactly why I won’t ever get into a relationship. This right here. Because if I can’t trust my own father to not be a complete asshole, how can I trust any man?

I love you, Mom. I love you and I miss you. I love you and I’m sorry. You mean the world to me. I know I didn’t say it enough. Or at all. But I will make up for that by honoring you. And I won’t let anyone, ANYONE disrespect your memory. I wasn’t there for you like I should’ve been when you were alive, but I sure as hell will be here for you now.
Love Always

Mya


EXCERPT ~ LOVE GROWS IN ALASKA


July 4, 2014

Oh, Mom. As hard as I try not to write directly to you in my journal, my thoughts are constantly occupied with you. Although, I don’t cry near as often these past weeks, I miss you more everyday. I know, crazy and weird, right? You’d think as time went by that I’d forget the smell of your perfume, or the sound of your voice would fade away. But it’s the opposite. I give every woman wearing Chanel a second glance as they pass me by on the busy street of Chicago on my way to and from work. A small part of me wishing it was you. The other day, I swear I heard you calling me from across the L line while I stood there on the platform for the noisy train to stop. If I’m truthful about my hallucinations, you were waving to me from the window as the train past by. Don’t worry Mom; I’m sane enough to know that didn’t happen. But I can’t say I’ve wished that you faked your death more than one occasion, when I’m really down. That I could see your happiness when I tell you something I think may make you proud.

I left Nate. Yep … took the scissors and cut the string! He’s gone and I can’t believe the weight that’s been lifted from me. That nagging feeling of him being around and what might set off his vomit words toward me. Making me more self-conscious about every decision I’ve ever made. The guilt he gave me of being an identical triplet and how imperfect I am compared to my sisters. Thank you for never insisting that I break-up with him. I fear when you were still on Earth I would’ve purposely tried to prove you wrong in some fashion. Those small comments here and there you gave me through the years worked, and finally clinked together into one SCREW YOU NATE send off.

Now I find myself a little depressed. Chicago isn’t what it used to be. Mya and Mikaela aren’t here. Most of my friends are busy with either boyfriends, or their careers. I’m in a stalled pattern in the moment, but I have a surprise! I made a decision today that will hopefully lift this dark cloud from above me. I’m moving to Alaska!! I know, I know, so far away, but I’m excited for the first time in months Mom. I can’t wait to see what’s up there for me to discover.

Okay, I’m going to go Google some more about my new city! You’re always in my thoughts! I love you … always!


Marisa


EXCERPT ~ LOVE FOUND IN CALIFORNIA


Mikaela’s Diary

March 1, 2014

I think about you everyday, Mom.  The pain still cripples me at times, but I’m trying so hard and it’s because of you.  I’m remembering all the advice you gave me, some of it only a month ago.  Now you’re not here to guide me and it’s scary.

Today I was sitting staring out the big bay window in the front room.  The snow and ice glistened brightly off the braches of the old oak tree.  It was almost blinding me, but I was captivated, lost in my thoughts.  I’ve felt so alone in this house since you’ve been gone.  Dad hasn’t slept here since the funeral.  He doesn’t think I know where he goes, but I do.  I regret so much, Mom.  So, so much.  I should have told you about the things I heard and saw while you were here.  I hate that I kept quiet like I always do.  Dad usually stops by daily, but we don’t really talk.  The hurt in his eyes is there though.  Before he leaves he always kisses my head, tells me he loves me and then leaves me … alone. 

Something bad and something good happened recently and all I’ve thought of is how bad I wish you were here to help and guide me, but you’re not and it’s forcing me to branch out.  The bad is that I saw him the other day.  I still can’t tell you who he is, but he was here.  I saw him as I was staring out the bay window.  My body froze as soon as I saw his dark hair peeking over the hood of his car and as he got out I knew without a doubt it was him.  I ducked, literally hid below the window, peering my eyes out just enough to see.  He ran up the steps to his old home and that was it.  Even though I hyperventilated, panicked and became paralyzed with the pain and memories something changed for me.

This is where my good news comes in… I realize that I need to make things happen for myself.  It’s time to spread my wings a little more.  Things you’ve been telling me this for years now.  Mom, I did something you would be so proud of.  I applied for a job in California.  Guess what?  I have my first interview next week!  The owner even called me to conduct a phone interview.  He loved my portfolio.  I felt like I was bragging about myself, but this is the one area in my life I’m confident about.  I think I’m ready for a change.  I’m using my own money to go out for this interview, but he said if he brings me back for a second the company pays for it.  It’s a bit of a risk, but damn it, I’m ready to take it!

I’m excited.  Really excited, Mom!  I know you may be shaking your finger at me from up above, but I’m not avoiding my problems… I’m making a decision to move forward just like you’ve told me for years.  It’s time for me to do something that makes me happy.  I promise if I do move to California I’ll find a therapist right away.

Even though this is a big step and it’s exciting… all I can do is think of you.  I wish you were coming out with me for the interview.  Hearing you whisper words of encouragement is what I’ll need. 

I love and miss you everyday, Mom.

Love,
Mik






DANIELLE ALLEN ~ AUTHOR BIO:

I am a married event planner, life coach and instructor.  Between my awesome friends and family and my amazing husband, I am constantly surrounded by love.  My goal at all times is to love what I’m doing and enjoy life.  I love shopping and football with equal fervor.  I’m an amateur movie critic (i.e. my husband and I watch and critique a lot of movies for fun). I love to read, but since I’ve been writing, I don’t read as much as I used to. I love music. A good lyric with a good melody can paint a vivid picture and invoke such a range of emotions. I have a soft spot for most mediums of creative, artistic expression. But music is probably my favorite.


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MICHELLE LYNN ~ AUTHOR BIO:

Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids.  She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write.   With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends.  But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.

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MELISSA ROLKA ~ AUTHOR BIO:

Melissa Rolka grew up in the Chicagoland area all of her childhood and has always had a love of writing. She started by keeping a journal at a young age and in high school she started writing poetry. A couple poems were published anonymously. Then in college she majored in Philosophy, which required lots and lots of writing. After graduating from Marquette University she traveled west to Los Angeles. There she worked for the Writers Guild of America and found herself submerged in the writers world. She worked on small writings, but never pursued them. On the side she became involved with a small theater group. Eventually she made her way back to the Midwest, where her heart belongs, and worked in business for several years. She found love, got married and has two beautiful children. Being at home has allowed her to keep following her love of reading and writing. The Perfect Distraction (The Perfect Series) is her first full-length novel. When Melissa is not writing she is caring for, playing with and loving her two kids. In between taking care of her family and writing she almost always has her nose buried in her Kindle.


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