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Showing posts with label @dianezparkki. Show all posts
Showing posts with label @dianezparkki. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Book Review with $20 Giveaway: Holden's Regrets by Dianne Zparkki

Holden's Regrets
HOLDEN'S REGRETS
Diane Zparkki
Series: Branson's Kind of Love Book 2
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: March 25, 2018
Second chance love with secrets to be revealed
Ever since they were kids, Shannon has been in love with her best friend's old brother, Holden. She once hoped that Holden would come to his senses and accept that they are meant to be together.
Holden, on the other hand, only ever saw Shannon as his kid sister's best friend, and a royal pain with her crush. That was, until one night in college when his sister and Shannon visited him. That was when Holden saw Shannon for the beautiful, vibrate young woman she had grown into.
When he returned home from college, he planned to declare his feelings to her; to tell her that he realized what he had been denying all these years and to give them a chance. However, he was too late. Shannon had finally taken the hint and moved on, dating another man, one she agreed to marry. The only place left for Holden was in the friend zone.
In a turn of fate, circumstances change and Shannon feels like she has no choice but to leave town with a secret of her own. Holden, meanwhile, will do anything to mend their friendship and hopefully build it into something more.
Will Holden be able to handle the surprises that are coming his way and continue to love Shannon the way he really wants to? Can Shannon trust the man who drove her out of her home and hurt her yet again?
"This was a great read and although I shouldn't have liked Holden to begin with but I did because I felt his pain and understood he was lost in the sorrow of his bad decisions. He had to hit rock bottom before he could make things right. It made it real for me."
- Anne Citro, Goodreads Reviewer
"This book has a lot of twists. Some you may see coming, but not all. Zparkki did well in keeping a lot under wraps so things will blow up in your face in the end."
- Kristin Campbell, Goodreads Reviewer

My Review

Rating: 5 stars
Holden's Regrets is a heartwarming tale of Holden and Shannon as they navigated through life and the consequences of their and other people's actions. In a way, it's the story of Holden's growth as he manned up to the things he'd done. More focus was made on his growth and development, which took up about the first half of the book, and in the next half, we see him trying to mend his relationship with Shannon. Although, of course, we also see Shannon making a new life for herself as a result of the events in the first book.
Diane Zparkki creates unforgettable characters, especially Roc and Sofia and the ordeal they went through. The story moves at a steady pace, and the twist toward the end came as a pleasant surprise. Two twists, to be exact. Though the story was told mainly in Holden's and Shannon's alternating first person point of view, we're also given some insights when other people took hold of the scene--like Roc, Sofia, Grandpa Cole and Techie.
It's the relationships between the different characters and the way they support one another without question that made the story for me. That said, I can't wait to read this author's other books!

Book Tour Schedule

Follow the book tour from June 4 - 16, 2018.
Join us and visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and more! To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Holden's Regrets Book Page at Book Unleashed.
Holden's Regrets Tour Graphic

About Diane Zparkki

Diane Zparkki
I was born and raised in the greater Toronto area and raised my own family in the suburbs of the city. I'm a busy working mom with writing being my second full time job. With my husband, we have raised three great kids. Who constantly keep me on my toes and laughing. I enjoy planning themed parties and traveling with my family creating memories. Thrill seeking of some sort is always on the menu which I usually drags my family along with me. Going to the movies is always a good night out or curling up with a book and a steaming cup of tea. I have been known to do some Netflix binge watching.
I was never a big reader or writer in my youth-Coles Notes were my best friend throughout college. My enthusiasm for reading came later in life when I joined a book club. I enjoyed reading those initial books that got me hooked into the literary world, but I wanted raw, simple, and happily ever after with a bit of get down and dirty. That was when my love for Alpha bad boys on a Harley was set in motion.
After becoming an avid reader, my mind started to create my first story, and I needed to get it out.
Fixing Sydney and Holden's Regrets are the first two of Branson's Kind of Love Trilogy. I hope you enjoy Sydney and Holden's stories with Logan's coming in the near future.
Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Giveaway

WIN ONE OF TWO $20 AMAZON GIFT CARDS
Holden's Regrets Giveaway Graphic
Contest runs from June 4 - 16, 2018.

In partnership with
Book Unleashed Logo

Monday, June 4, 2018

Book Review with $20 Giveaway: Fixing Sydney by Diane Zparkki

Fixing Sydney Tour Graphic
FIXING SYDNEY
Diane Zparkki
Fixing Sydney
Series: Branson's Kind of Love Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Publication Date: August 1, 2016
Finding love with suspense mystery hovering over her
Sydney Sommer's world fell apart after senior prom. Since then, her life had become a constant loop of unfortunate scenarios that kept her in constant fear of what might be lurking around the next corner. Her trust in others was at a standstill. Even those who were closest to her were held at a distance.
After serving active duty overseas, Jaxon Triggs moved away from his hometown, hoping the change in scenery would help him build a new future for himself. What he wasn't expecting was to fall for a girl who was broken.
From the first moment Jaxon laid eyes on Sydney, he was curious. He became determined to do everything he could to break through the armor Sydney held around her so securely. His instinct to protect her and keep her safe kicked in as the dangers she encountered became more personal.
With dread always looming close by and secrets discovered, would Sydney be able to handle the new changes in her life yet heal at the same time?
"Story starts off with a bang and doesn't let up."
- Emily, Goodreads Reviewer
"Diane Zparkki really manages to captivate the reader with her words and descriptions. I felt the fear, I felt the raw need, I felt the emotions come off these characters."
- Bailey Ember, Goodreads Reviewer

Purchase Links

My Review

RATING: 5 Stars
A Thrilling Read
A new adult contemporary romance, Fixing Sydney was an enjoyable read from start to finish
Sydney is starting to recover from the trauma that she suffered on prom night three years ago, and with the appearance of Jaxon, her brother's friend from the army, she's starting to think about moving on with her life. However, the past came back to haunt her when she saw a certain truck at the store...
The first chapter gave us some background into Sydney's life for us to better understand her situation, and we are quickly drawn into the story with the appearance of Jaxon and Sydney's stalker. The suspense escalates with each page, but I'm happy to see that Sydney's got these protective men in her life, not least of which was Jaxon. Their romantic development was believable and well-written, and it's encouraging to see Sydney being open to another relationship, despite her past. The bond among her family members, including Titus, was one of the best things in this story. The inclusion of a motorcycle club was a surprise, but it fits in well.
The story was told in a steady pace, with twists and turns to keep the reader captivated. The inclusion of the epilogue is also a nice touch for readers who couldn't get enough of Jaxon and Sydney, and it also gives us a better closure.

Book Tour

Join the Book Tour from May 23 - June 5, 2018.
Join us and visit each tour stop daily! Discover features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and more.
Check the latest tour schedule at the Fixing Sydney Book Page.
Fixing Sydney Tour Graphic

About Diane Zparkki

Diane Zparkki
I was born and raised in the greater Toronto area and raised my own family in the suburbs of the city. I'm a busy working mom with writing being my second full time job. With my husband, we have raised three great kids. Who constantly keep me on my toes and laughing. I enjoy planning themed parties and traveling with my family creating memories. Thrill seeking of some sort is always on the menu which I usually drags my family along with me. Going to the movies is always a good night out or curling up with a book and a steaming cup of tea. I have been known to do some Netflix binge watching.
I was never a big reader or writer in my youth-Coles Notes were my best friend throughout college. My enthusiasm for reading came later in life when I joined a book club. I enjoyed reading those initial books that got me hooked into the literary world, but I wanted raw, simple, and happily ever after with a bit of get down and dirty. That was when my love for Alpha bad boys on a Harley was set in motion.
After becoming an avid reader, my mind started to create my first story, and I needed to get it out.
Fixing Sydney and Holden's Regrets are the first two of Branson's Kind of Love Trilogy. I hope you enjoy Sydney and Holden's stories with Logan's coming in the near future.
Social media links: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Giveaway

WIN ONE OF TWO $20 GIFT CARDS
Fixing Sydney Giveaway Graphic
Prizes up for grabs:
Two (2) $20 Amazon Gift Cards
Contest runs from May 23 - June 5, 2018.

In partnership with
Book Unleashed Logo