Monday, May 13, 2013

Stripped by Brooklyn Skye ~ Tour Stop & Giveaway




Source:  Received an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Book Description:

“I like you.” His voice is low and soft, which I don’t deserve. I look away, down the rutted parking lot.
“Don’t... waste those words on me.”
He touches my cheek. “You just need someone to show you.”
“No.” I ease back again. “I don’t. So please, Torrin, stop trying to swoop in and save me. I don’t need saving.”

College freshman Quinn Montgomery will do anything to avoid the mistake her sister made—killing herself over a boy. But when she is forced into nude modeling at a local college to support her family after a bankruptcy, she begins to crack, just enough to let Torrin, the university’s top varsity oarsman, see that the real Quinn is not as feisty and unapproachable as she wants everyone to think. But letting someone in comes at a steep cost and, it turns out, Torrin is connected to Quinn’s family in more ways than she could ever imagine.



My Thoughts:

 

4 stars -  Written as a reflection of Quinn's emotional state, Stripped will give you hope

Quinn is hard to like.  She's had a few issues to deal with and not everything is clear to her and her reaction to it is less than happy.  I get why she is this way.  I'd be just as bad or worse if I had her lot.  Her struggles are frustrating and not completely hers.  Living with decisions of her family that have had such a huge impact on her life is tough.  I think, though, that I watching her struggle was more about hope for me.  Hope that even though things are difficult, there is hope.  When the picture clears and the tears have washed our eyes, we find a way to love and live despite the issues of our lives.

I figured out most of the secrets before Quinn did but she really didn't have a chance to see it.  When she did, she was shocked and I really think she needed all of it to work through the pain in her life.  Makes you think about how the problems you face sometimes are there to help you sort things out.  I loved this quote from the book that is actually on Quinn's sister's gravestone.
Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so we can see life with a clearer view again. (Kindle location 2216)
Loved Torrin.  He isn't run off by Quinn's hard comments.  She interests him.  I love how he gets to know her without her being willing.  She's determined to not fall in love and has a horrible boyfriend to keep other boys away.  Didn't work with Torrin.  I loved that he stood up for her and didn't give up on her even though she was difficult.  I loved that he was patient with her, careful even.  Even when she has given up, he's still there just in case.  He's a good guy, truly, and just what Quinn needs.
 
What was great about this story was that it dealt with some hard issues without being depressing.  I felt connected to Quinn even though she was harsh at times.  She was in pain but her tongue kept things grounded and real, not sad.

The style of Brooklyn Skye's writing was interesting.  Woven with memories of her sister Zoe, the stories jumpiness worked.  It seems to demonstrate Quinn's emotional state.  I liked that.

The pages really did fly by.  I read it in about a day.  It's New Adult and it's title really says it all.  If you like New Adult books stripped of fluffy and full of real, this book should be on your list.



About the AuthorBrooklyn Skye is just your average awkward girl who's obsessed with words. She grew up in a small California town where she quickly realized writing was an easy escape from small town life.Website / Twitter / Goodreads



Available May 14th

***GIVEAWAY***

One signed paperback copy of Stripped (US only) or one e-book copy with authorgraph (INT)




a Rafflecopter giveaway

22 comments:

  1. I hope life is just like reading books were we could easily pause if we are tried or beed to take a breathe if life gets tough.

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  2. looking forward to read it!! thanks for the chance to win!!

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  3. Thank you for the giveaway!! Can`t wait to read this book. *fingers crossed*

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  4. Great review Val! I liked this book too. Though it was predictable, and Quinn wasn't extremely likeable, it was still great. I liked that even though it was hard to like Quinn, she was still a great character, and I understood her in a way.

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  5. I first heard about this book when a cover reveal was done on blogs across the web. Since then my book radar has been quiet and now I'm so glad it's out and available for public consumption. I look forward to reading it sooner than later!

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  6. I had trouble getting into this one. I'm going to come back to it later though.

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  7. I look forward to reading this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  8. thanks for the giveaway....put this on my TBR list!

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  9. I like books that can show how to overcome and have hope!

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  10. Sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Great review, this book sounds so good, I can't wait to read it. Thanks for sharing :)

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  12. This sounds like a great book. Thanks for having the giveaway.

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  13. Cool review, I'm definitely looking forward reading this book.

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  14. I struggled with the story, but I really liked Torrin.
    Glad you enjoyed Stripped!

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  15. good giveaway, and I'am looking forward to reading this book, xo

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  16. Thanks for the review. I am not a fan of many of the YA and NA books but you make this one sound like it is worth a try.

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  17. What a great review! I've been recently getting into NA, and this looks like a great book to read. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  18. Looks interesting! I'm excited to read it! Thanks for the review and giveaway!

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  19. Thanks for the giveaway! The book sounds really good! :)

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  20. I'm counting on reading this book after I win it! Thanks!
    MCantu1019 at aol dot com

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