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.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22853418-love-discovered-in-new-york?from_search=true
NBF Review: 5 STARS
I really enjoyed this first book. I hadn't read anything by Danielle Allen and Love Dicovered in New York just blew me away. I was intrigued by the thought of three different authors writing each of the sisters and when Melissa Rolka asked if I would read and review this one for her I jumped at the chance. I think I finished in a little over an hour the book was just that good I couldn't put it down definitely worth the one click.
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.
Goodreads
- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22890233-love-grows-in-alaska?from_search=true
NBF Review 5 STARS:
So of course after reading Love Discovered in New York I wanted to know what happened next so I was gifted Love Grows in Alaska and again I was swept away by the story. Again this was an author I hadn't really had the honor of reading a lot from but I completely fell in love with this book can't wait to read more from her!
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.
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.
MEDIA LINKS:
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.
MEDIA LINKS:
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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