Better Book Blitz/ Giveaway+

November 19, 2013 / 2 comments

Better by S. Walden
Series: Too Good #2
Published by Self-Published on November 19, 2013
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
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Their relationship has been exposed, and now their lives are changed forever.

For Cadence Miller, the fast track to adulthood proves intimidating and frustrating. She’s a little girl lost—abandoned by her parents and uncertain of her future. She doesn’t think she “fits” anywhere. She’s eighteen. She wants to be older. And the result is both comical and heartbreaking.

Mark Connelly will do anything to provide Cadence a stable, loving home—to be her protector. But he’s just as broken and lost, and his heart won’t let go of his past so easily. He knows he must share his secret with Cadence. And he hopes his revelation won't tear them apart. He hopes it will draw them closer, and make their love bet

Liezel’s Thoughts:

Item: Better
Rating: 4
Author: testbook

“I know I was meant to be with you. And I don’t care who accepts it and who doesn’t. Fuck ’em because I love you. And you were given to me. I recognized that from the very beginning.”

I mentioned in my Book 1: Good review how conflicted I was about this series. There were just so many issues that made me hesitant about it. First there was teacher-student factor, then the age gap and of course to top it all of the religious aspects involved. I also mentioned in that review that I wanted to know so much more about Mark. What was it in his past that guided him into making some rather questionable decisions?

Were this issues addressed in this sequel? Every single one of those issues were addressed brilliantly in this follow-up story.

I thought that Mark was amazing in this book. The extent of how much he was willing to sacrifice for her changed my mind about everything. When he took her in (at the end of book 1 ) he was not exaggerating when he said “I’ll take care of you.” He provided for her psychologically, emotionally, physically and even financially. He was willing to give up his dreams just so she could go forward with hers.

The teacher – student factor was no longer an issue in this book since she graduated and Mark was no longer employed at the high school. They did however come across other problems as any other new relationship does. Cadence went through some very hard times when she found out about Mark’s past. She became this entirely different person. She was bitter and unforgiving. Since she was in the right environment she tested her limits. Mark had the means to become one controlling jerk but he never even thought of it. He let her ride out her anger all out on her own.

Cadence felt so much rejection and she was coping the best that she knew how. She shut Mark out and leaned on those closest to her. She didn’t have the love and support that she needed from her parents but there were so many others willing to give wise advice which is was another thing I loved about this book. Despite the turmoil that she was feeling she eventually found it in her heart to move on and make amends.

The other unanswered question I had with Good was if I thought these two fit. Did they have enough there to make it work? After reading Better I would say that they in fact did. It was not all physical after all. The author proved repeatedly that their love was soul deep and that they belonged to each other.

As with Book 1 fate and religion was brought up quite frequently and I will admit that it was instrumental in the overall story. In no way was it used disrespectfully however it still made me somewhat uncomfortable. Personally, as much as possible I would prefer avoiding religion in my romances. Other than that issue I thought this book was very well delivered and an outstanding conclusion to this series. Therefore,

The Verdict:

Teaser

His heart dropped when he watched her walk into the room. He ignored the snickers and whispers and followed her with his eyes as she walked to one of two remaining seats in his class. Both up front. She had no choice. She’d have to be close to him.

When realization dawned that he was the guy from Highway 28, the fear on her face was unmistakable. He felt no such fear. He felt extreme disappointment. And hopelessness.

And then, there was the matter of her orange jumpsuit. He didn’t know how to address it or if he even should address it. A large part of him said to leave it alone. She was clearly being bullied, and she thought she would try to turn the tables.

But she looked ridiculous. She had to know it. He wasn’t sure if she’d actually won or just thought she did. He tried for a gentle, non-confrontational approach.

“Cadence, you might wanna go change,” he said softly.

Her eyes went wide. He wasn’t sure why. And then it hit him. He said her name! Yes, he remembered her name. How could he ever forget that name? Cadence. Rhythmic. His song. His life. He decided that afternoon on the side of the road. She was his cadence. It was an alarming moment of clarity now muddled by the realization that she was his student. He thought God was playing another cruel joke on him.

Good by S. Walden is currently on sale for .99¢ @

limited time to help celebrate the release of Better!

Book 1: Good

Synopsis:

Cadence Miller is a good girl. She just happens to make one terrible mistake her junior year in high school which costs her ten months in juvenile detention. Now a senior, she’s lost everything: her best friend, the trust of her parents, driving privileges, Internet access. It’s a lonely existence.

But there is one bright spot: Mark Connelly, her very cute, very off-limits 28-year-old calculus teacher. She falls hard for him–a ridiculous schoolgirl crush headed nowhere. She can’t help it. He’s the only good thing at Crestview High. She doesn’t expect him to reciprocate her feelings. How inappropriate, right? But he does. And he shows her.

And that’s when her life goes from bad to good.

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About S. Walden

S. Walden used to teach English before making the best decision of her life by becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Georgia with her very supportive husband who prefers physics textbooks over fiction and has a difficult time understanding why her characters must have personality flaws. She is wary of small children, so she has a Westie instead. Her dreams include raising chickens and owning and operating a beachside inn on the Gulf Coast (chickens included). When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about it.

robbibird3

November 19th, 2013

I would be if I was able to purchase the books but haven’t been able to do so that is why I enter so many contests now in the hopes of winning books or gift cards to buy some books with.

Robin
Robbibird3@aol.com

Christina A.

I have not read the series yet but I have book one!