Sunday, January 13, 2013

Up to Me Review

Happily ever after doesn’t come easy. But for love, it’s always worth the fight.

Olivia finds bliss unlike any she’s ever known in Cash’s arms. He sets her skin on fire and melts her heart right inside her chest. Unfortunately, their happily ever after is short-lived when a shadow from Cash’s past threatens to turn their world upside down.

Dangerous people from his father’s world have discovered that Cash holds information that could put them away for a very long time. And they’re willing to do anything—and hurt anybody—to get it back. Giving it up means Cash must choose between the life of his father and the life of Olivia.

Having nearly overcome her wariness of bad boys, Olivia’s trust is shaken when this new threat arises. Now she finds that Cash is not only a danger to her heart, but his family has associations that are a danger to her life as well. She soon discovers that there are some situations in life where trust is a girl’s only option. And this is one of them. If she’s to live, she must trust Cash with her life. But to Olivia, that’s much, much easier than letting go and trusting him with her heart
.








So I have yet to find a book by M.Leighton that I haven’t loved. No I’m not just saying that, she is literally my favorite author. Why you ask? Well for one she is an absolute writing phenomenon. The first book I read of hers was The Blood Like Poison series and then I made my way through the rest of her books. When they decided to come up with the New Adult genre I was excited to know that M was going to become a part of it starting with The Wild Ones.  Loved that book and when Down to You came out I fell in love with Cash. I knew she had a bestseller on her hands. Let’s face it SEX SELLS. Do I agree with that? Not always, there are some books that aren’t on the bestsellers list that I think should be but that’s my opinion. However M’s books all belong there and I say it now right here in print
UP TO ME WILL BE ANOTHER NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

So I’m a total fan-girl when it comes to M.  I seriously absolutely adore her and can’t wait to meet her in person, I might actually faint. She’s one of the writers I look up to and hope to be one day. The passion she has is amazing and the fact that she takes the time to acknowledge her fans is inspirational. I hope that one day I can be half of who she is. So a little Recap so if you haven’t read Down To You, first what the hell are you waiting for….Second now is the time to stop reading!
So in Down To You we find Olivia falling for two guys who happened to be twins. I always favored bad boy Cash. She finds herself spending time with Cash and when she goes to see him one night….Cash is Nash…Nash is Cash?  After some explanation Olivia finds out the Cash has been playing both rolls to keep more charges from being placed on his father.  So that brings us to the present, well mostly. At the end someone is waiting to capture Olivia….but who is Duffy and why is he there?

So Up to Me starts up where Olivia is working at the bar and Cash is in the doorway of his office staring at her. Their keeping their relationship on the hush hush so he’s trying to stay away. Well Taryn, I don’t like her at all, starts being nice to Olivia and starts planting seeds of doubt without realizing it.  When the bar closes Cash can’t wait to get his hands on Olivia and he does just that. 

“Without a word, he bends, throws me over his shoulder and carries me down the length of the bar and through the cut-out on the other end.”

Umm Cash you can pick me up and throw me over your shoulder anytime! But before any action, Marissa happens. Ever present Ice Princess looking for Nash. Obviously she didn’t receive the memo that Nash was no longer interested. Anyways because she shows up Olivia has to go back home and when they get there what they find is something they expected. 

“Cash broke all the rules, broke all my rules. He’s not giving me reason
to run. He’s giving me reason to stay.”

It seems the Russian Mafia isn’t playing games anymore and they want those books. With Olivia’s life in danger Cash whisks her away to a hotel suite, visits his father and gets information for some help.  Let’s just say the first person to answer the call for help is someone that had me saying OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG and then it pissed me off. I’m not sure how I feel about it just yet. Lol.
Then Olivia’s mom puts Ice Princess Marissa to shame. Olivia’s mom is the ICE QUEEN seriously.  OH and I forgot to mention Gavin. Gain is Cash’s best friend and bar manager. I absolutely LOVE him! He’s witty and sarcastic that has BAD BOY written all over him. He doesn’t disappoint!
Oh the sex! Can’t forget the sex right? Well let me just say, you know I won’t say I’ll let Cash do the talking
“The lengths I go to just get between your legs.”

I don’t know about y’all but Cash wouldn’t have to go through any length to get between my legs. Lol. So back to the awesomeness that has the name Michelle Leighton, the best thing about her writing other than creating guys we all fall in love with? It’s her ability to balance. You’re probably wondering what the hell I’m talking about so I’ll tell you. It takes an amazing writer to get you feel the emotions coming from the characters and Michelle has that talent. YOU want to cry when they cry, laugh when they laugh, love when they love.  There’s a part, well a few, which had me rolling. I was getting dirty looks from people around me because I would laugh out of nowhere, according to them anyways.
“If it was up to me, I’d make the world disappear
and it would be just us. Just you and me.”

Olivia grows so much in a short amount of time and so does Cash. There is going to be a third book if you didn’t know that. I’m not completely satisfied with the ending. Not because it isn’t good because there is absolutely nothing wrong with this book in my opinion. I’m just extremely intrigued on where Michelle is going to take this so though satisfied on where Olivia and Cash stand…. The fight for safety continues and where is that going to leave everyone? I guess we will have to wait and see. 

 -Dani

M. Leighton is my favorite lady! I love all her books and could not wait for Up to Me. I had to find out what happened with Cash and Olivia! And a book release on my birthday? Even better!!

The book picks up basically where Down to You left off.
Cash and Olivia are keeping their relationship a secret to keep Olivia safe. They still have the issue of people wanting the books Cash has. When Cash goes to take Olivia home, the apartment is ransacked and Cash gets a call, Marrissa was taken, and cash gets a phone call saying she's being held for the books. Now Cash Really doesn't care for Marrissa but he's not cold. What hits him is that they were there to get Olivia.

So Cash has a way to hide her. Oh and they sex is...... Hot hot hot. Can I have a Cash please?
When Cash has to Call in the help his dad tells him to, surprise surprise.... It's NASH! Yes, he's alive. You'll have to read what he's been up to. I'm not fond of Nash. However Cash's friend Gavin, he's a cute yet Dangerous Dude!

When all H E double hockey sticks breaks loose and Olivia is taken, and Cash is up in arms to get him back. Will they tell each other how they feel? And what will become of Nash staying around? Then ending has me.... Going hmmmm .

M. Leighton kept me captivated through the whole book. There were some OMG moments, and adrenaline surges! I can't wait for book 3! 

-Christina

Buy Up to Me on Amazon HERE and on Nook HERE  if you haven't already!!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Up to Me Wrap Up











So we hope you all enjoyed the two weeks of hotness because we know we did! Congrats to everyone who one some goodies and the raffelcopter for the signed book by M.Leightons and some swag will be announced later today. So be on the look out!!


Who’s chatting today:
Dani- Crazy Book Chicks
Christina- Crazy Book Chicks
AM- Supa Gurl Books
Chele- Supa Gurl Books


Chapter 25

AM- Asskicking as commenced!! ~GET EM CASH & GAVIN. - *puts on cheerleader outfit* Go Cash, Go Gavin!

Chele- Look, I found that pic of us when we were cheerleaders!  :)


AM- Cash!!!!! ~OH SNAP.....

AM- I can't wait until they tell eachother how they feel about one another.

Dani-IKR it’s time like nike says...”JUST DO IT”
Christina - I know get it out in the open!!


AM- Gavin aka “The Cleaner.” Lol ~~He is scary man!

Dani- Not gonna lie...Gavin is kinda hot! You can come guard me anytime Gavin! *winks*

Christina - He made me laugh when he was like, oh I'll just clean up this mess

Chapter 26

AM- “Good God! I’m gonna wake up with ovaries if this shit doesn’t stop!” Lol Cash is a fool.

Dani- Haha I love it though.

Chele- Freaking man is stubborn!

AM- Oh no, Liv’s mother is coming over. FML moment up ahead. ~*ducks and hides*

Christina - Gets ready for the nasty lol.

AM- I actually missed Nash, starting to really like him, lol.

AM- Haha Nash broke out as soon as he could. I totally predict Nash and Marrisa hooking up. For real, FOR REAL! Lol~ ooooh ME TOO!

Chele- ME THREEEEE, didn’t I already predict this?

AM- Haha, I love this song!!




Cash is too silly. How could you not love Cash?!

Chele- That was so cute..he made a wittle joke

AM- “Let me make you feel better.” YES PLEASE!!!!!! ~DITTOxInfinity!!!! -uh hello yes!!!

Chele- Maybe I’m just not up on my ‘how would you feel after getting drugged and kidnapped by killers feelings’  BUT I really don’t think a little romp in the shower would be on my agenda.  Just sayin’  
ps. not that we don’t appreciate it though M Leighton!

Chapter 27

AM- Cash in the nude.
  
 Lmao ~bhahahaha lmaoooooo

AM- Lmaooo, Triplets!!!! “Sweet mother of sex, they’re triplets!” ~Oh Ginger how I love you! - She's a friend we all need to keep it real.

Chele- How old is Ginger?  I totally forsee a little Ginger/Gavin thing happening too..he hasn’t met her yet and she is gonna love her some Aussie!~~ OMGosh yes I can see it now...Cash&Olivia, Nash&Marissa, Gavin&Ginger #EPIC

AM- Welcome Marrisa!! “Marissa’s had a stroke.” ~~LOL. She’s changed. Yay! Now go be with the new Nash! ~Hmm now is the change permanent...that is the question?  ~~I think I like the new Marissa!

AM- Mother Dearest has arrived! *AM goes crazyyyyyy, NO MORE WIRE HANGERS!!!!!!* Lol  LOL

Dani-*laughs from hiding behind the bed at AM* ~~LOL

AM- Olivia’s speech... *tears*

Christina - Best speech award goes to Olivia! :) *claps*

Dani-Girl knows how to give a good speech *hands AM a tissue* *DANI STOP LOLLL*

AM-  My fave part!! “I did it for love, Mom. I did it for Cash. Because I love him.  It was important to him, therefore it was important to me.” FINALLY!!! **claps*

Chele- “We did it all for love....”  Anyone remember that 80’s song?  Hint:  It was in Karate Kid Part II

Dani-*breaks out in a dance* FINALLY SHE SAID IT!!

Christina - it's about time she told off her mother and said how she feels!!!

Chele- *does this* 
 

Chapter 28

AM- Second ace???

Dani- Uh oh I smell danger ahead.

AM- Why can’t you say the words back Cash?? Poor Olivia. She played her disappointment well.

Dani-*sigh* Come on Cash we all know you feel it soooo just say it already...sheesh

Christina - He'll say it....no audience.

AM- “I hope you do a better job of it this time than last.” Haha Nash! Love him.

AM- I’m so confused!!! the 2nd ace is Duffy, but why? Ladies help me!!

Dani-Well here’s the problem... is Duffy reliable or not?

Christina - ML did a great Job of dropping a surprise bomb on this one.

AM- Cash is about to flip his wig!! (Don’t steal my phrase people!!) Lol

Dani- I’m surprised he hasn’t went ballistic already...ML how you like to torture us.

Chele- I just can’t take this anymore!!  It’s to much...to much drama, too many bombs...AHHHHH! *runs away* 
image

Chapter 29

AM- It’s about to go DOWN!!! Lets go Cash!!!

Dani-DO IT DO IT

AM- “Have I told you that I love you?” YESSSSSSSSSSSSS. ~~No AM not lately you haven’t?

Dani-Umm thats still not “Olivia I LOVE YOU” but I guess it works ~~I agree with you Dani but I guess we can take it.

Christina - I'm having an awww moment here.

AM- “The funny thing is, the only thing I want is you.  Just you.  If it was up to me, I’d make the world disappear and it would be just us.  Just you and me.” Awweeeeeee Cash!

Dani*sigh* PERFECT

Christina - Magic in words right there! Sigh

AM- LORD its time!!! CHELE, ice buckets!!!!

AM- I cannot repeat what goes down next BUT... “I’ll make you come so hard, you can’t say anything but my name,” he forces out through gritted teeth.” LOGS OFF.

Dani-Hot damn!! *fans self* Hey Chele ICE por favor

Christina - *gulps* Yes please..... Hot...*faints*

Chele- I TOLD you all there would be some sexual healing going down in this sextion!!!!! LOL get it ;) ~~bahaha good one Chele

Chapter 30

AM- “So what’s the deal with Nash and Marissa?” That is what I keep asking?! Lol

Dani-*Bow chica bow wow* bahha thats whats going to happen... I predict it! -Agreed

AM- Marrisa knows that not the NASH she’s been dating, right??

Dani- I would hope so because Nash can’t pull off the Nash Cash played..

Christina - Maybe she's too dumb to notice? ~~LOL, I’m pretty sure she knows

AM- Oooohhhh nooooo Nash!

AM- Haha, now Cash is acting douchy.

Dani- In fairness I think he has every reason to act like a douche

AM- Uh oh, Liv and Cash’s first big fight. Who’s side are we on ladies??

Dani- Bros before hoes...wait Hoes before bros?! Eff it I’m Switzerland I’m neutral territory. ~~LOL

AM- Let me break down this argument... Lol. “Olivia, she’s a grown woman. She can do whatever she wants to.  And it’s not like she had nowhere safe to go. She could’ve stayed with her father.  She just didn’t want to.” ~Bad Cash!!! I don't agree. He seems so callous.

Dani- Though he seems that way AM he does bring up a very valid point.. she could have stayed with her father where it is safe... I’m not sure she’s completely turned over a new leaf it still seems like she’s trying to get the attention...Now do I agree with the way Cash handled that, definitely not. He could have been nicer about the situation and
considerate.

Christina - I think Cash is still trying to be protective here. But there are nicer ways to out that.

 
Chele- Cash is just being a lugheaded caveman!
 

AM-Good Cash! You are redeemed, lol. “What the hell would I do if something happened to you?  I couldn’t let you come here with her by yourself.  I couldn’t take the risk. I’ll never take the risk if the risk is losing you.  Never.” Done! Lol #TeamCash

Dani-#TeamCash all the way
Christina - #alwaysbeenTeamCash.

AM- “I’m in love with you, Olivia Townsend.” *sighs*

Dani- LOVE IT

Christina - Adorable

Chele- I LOVE Olivia & Cash!  I’m #TeamCashia or #TeamOlivash

EPILOGUE- NASH

AM-  I told YOU girls! Yea-yaaaaaaaaaaa.

Dani- I think you're referring to the wake up?

AM- Nash and Marrisa!!

AM- Who is CASH talking too?

Dani-If i had to guess I would say Duffy... but who knows at this point, it could be some new, some one old, hell it could be Gavin.

Christina - I'm leaning toward Duffy.

Chele- I was totally clueless at this Cash conversation too!  It made it sound like Cash was bad in a way..


AM- LOL, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN??? ~~TO BE CONTINUED IN BOOK 3 With Nash... WHAT IS “WITH NASH?” NO, SERIOUSLY?! LOL  o_O

Dani-I do believe this is going to be Nash’s story now....maybe we get to learn more about the ‘golden boy’ turning bad boy?!

Christina - I can't wait to hear more about Nash! :) lets see his side... And is he as sweet as Cash? Well sweet in a caveman way. LoL

Chele- SWEET there will be a PART THREE!!


And It's a WRAP! Thank you guys so much for joining us for
the Down To You/ Up To Me Read A Long!!
We have had sooo much fun sharing our thoughts on these books and hope you have enjoyed reading them!

Don't forget to show us and M. Leighton some love on Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook and all the blogs. See ya next time!
 
Book Geek AM - @girl10029
SupaGurl- @SPNHeather
Chele- @Chelemybelles

Christina - @ChristinaPryor 
Dani- @danilove413


 

Up To Me Chapters 19-24 *spoilers*

 
The end is near I can feel it! How are you guys enjoying Up To Me? Pretty awesome right?
So you know the drill, leave some love and tell us what you think and don't forget to enter the chance to win a signed paperback by M.Leighton...enter HERE  and on SupaGurl Books After Dark HERE
 to double your chances!


Who’s chatting today:
Dani- Crazy Book Chicks
Christina- Crazy Book Chicks
AM- Supa Gurl Books
Chele- Supa Gurl Books


Chapter 19

AM- I’m way over Liv’s mom. No wonder she’s filled with insecurities. I have no respect for someone who constantly poo-poo’s on my life.

Christina - I want to slap her mother. ~~Ditto

Dani-Seriously right?!?!! I don’t know how Olivia didn’t slap her, hell I know I would’ve! ~~I seriously would have stayed in a hotel instead of at my moms house!

AM- “Now I’m stuck with all the unsaid things, all the regret for having been afraid. For not having acted.  Or spoken.  Or jumped. If, by some miracle of God, I get another chance before all this is said and done, I won’t be such a coward next time.” I have figured it out!!!!!! Liv is my twin. It’s why I get so frustrated with her sometimes. Similarities are #CrAzYyyy

Christina - I think we've all been there... But ya, she needs to tell him!

Dani- I think that’s what makes M.Leighton such a good writer. Her characters can interchange with her readers. We’ve all been in the same or similar situation as Olivia.



Chapter 20

AM- Yes, call her!!!!

AM- I’m sick of the both of them!! You both suck!!!! Lmaoooooo

AM- Olivia: I think I’m falling in love with you, she blurts.
       Cash: I won’t.  If I tell you ‘I love you’ it’s because I mean it, not because it’s an       expected response.
    Arlene: GTFOH!!!! Cut the shit guys!

Dani-OMGosh i got so pissed at Cash here... I was like wtf no you just didn’t!!! I so would have took that, like he’s brushing me off.

Christina - Ummm just Say the 3 words DAMN IT!

Chele- I seriously do NOT get all the hesitation with these two.  Of course they should be calling each other to say ‘goodnight’ and ‘hi’ and ‘I love you’ and all that jazz especially considering what’s going on!

AM- “Damn straight. You’ll hold whatever I tell you to, right?” LMAOOOOO #HotDamn

Christina - Yes .... *faints*

Chele- Oh so demanding!  Me likey ;)

Chapter 21

AM- DANGER: SNOOTY ALERT!!! “Another charmer, I see,” my mother says caustically, eyeing Gavin with disdain.  “Your wiles might work on my daughter, but you needn’t bother with me.  I’m all too familiar with your kind.”

Christina - Her mom is a stuck up snob.

Chele- First Marissa and now Mom..this is a family trait huh!

AM- My kind? This sounds so nasty.

Dani- WTH is up the mom, seriously? Because her life is sooo perfect, biotch please!

AM- If you sneak away from Gavin. I foresee nothing positive coming out of this!

Christina - Foreshadowing lol that's what I think.

Dani-WTH is wrong with Olivia? I mean you know shit is going down and you know that someone could possibly be after you since GAVIN is there, oh what the hell I’m going to sneak away *smh* Olivia you are so damn stupid right now...parents don’t always know what’s best! ~~LOL

Chele- Typical dumb girl move running up the stairs when the psycho is in the house instead of out the door!  *I will NOT be that girl*

AM- #GirlTalkTime Does Olivia need her mom to see Cash as a good guy? I’m going to say no. All that matter is what Olivia thinks. Come on, you dont need any1 else’s approval but your own. *writes in journal to use in my own life.* Lol

Christina - No she doesn't need her for that. Her mom is terrible. IMO.

Dani- HELL no she doesn’t need ICE QUEENS approval. After staying away from her mother all these years she should know not to listen to her ace! Your opinion is the only one that matters!

Chele- Liv has issues...bad boy issues, mommy issues, listening to bodyguard issues!

Chele- One:  Momma has an Escalade!  Ms. Fancy Pants.  Two:  Ginger is freaking hilarious!  Three:  Finally words of wisdom from Ginger!  “If you love him, I say take the risk...”

AM- Told you guys!! It was a bad idea for Liv to leave Gavin behind. Now the bad guys have her. SMH.

Christina- SMH oh look Come kidnap me! *sigh*

Chele- Yes, there are deadly Russian mobsters after me, let me open my car window for this stranger!  Seriously Olivia!!

Dani- I think Olivia needs to learn how to kick some ass...seriously. ~~DITTO

Chapter 22

Chele- LOL, I love the typical mobster track suit.


AM- Did anyone feel bad for Marrisa?

Christina - *thinks* hmmmm  maybe.

Dani- I feel bad that they messed her ass up but maybe, just maybe she’ll get some sense knocked into that damn head of hers and if she does...nah then I don't feel as bad! ~~ Geez, we are not nice people with our lack of sympathy. LOL

AM- Cash knows they have Liv!

Christina - Furious Cash!!

Dani-I feel bad for Gavin.. not only did he lose Liv, but Cash isn’t going to be too thrilled.

AM- “I come across with my left elbow, smashing it into his face as hard as I can.” Cash is kicking ass and takin’ names. Lol

Chele- Fight! Fight! Fight!

Christina - Yes.... He's pissed.

Dani-That’s what happens when you take Cash’s girl...GET ‘EM CASH!! *cheers from the sidelines*

Chele- Rah Rah Ree kick him in the knee, Rah Rah Rass kick him in the...other knee

Chele- *Calling Fashion Police NOW*  We need help STAT!  There is a Russian mobster wearing wing tips with a track suit...what do we do?

AM- “Let him go or I’ll put a bullet in your skull.” Nash sounds so sexy.

Christina- Tough and rough Nash.

Dani- *sigh* though the boy sounds hella sexy... I don’t trust him...

AM- o_O Duffy killed their mom?! Oh Shizzzzzz - Damn I didn't see that coming.

Chele- I have a feeling Duffy won’t be long for this world

Dani-Duffy is just digging himself a deeper grave.

AM- Haha Nash is stuck with Marrisa.

Christina - Trouble with trouble. ~~Haha, I love it.

Dani-Is it just me or is Nash/Olivia not perfect for eachother?!

AM- Haha Gavin is going to go all Bourne Identity on Liv’s captors. I can't wait!! Lol ~~ME either...sounds like its going to be fun.

Chele- Gavin is starting to look mighty fine!

Chapter 23

AM- Oh no, poor Liv! :-(

Dani- *sigh* I bet she’s wishing she would have waited for Gavin now huh?! You think??

AM- They have orders to Kill her! We need Cash.

Christina - Hurry Cash!!!!!

Dani-Can you imagine what Cash is gonna do when he gets there...It’s gonna be on like donkey kong!

Chele- Girls just so you know I’m proficient in Tae Kwon Do (red belt) and have 2 years of self defense/kickboxing training.   Those tracksuit wearing jerks come near ya’ll and I will terminate them ;)  Just sayin’

Chapter 24

AM- I really do hope Olivia is okay.

Dani- AM Olivia better be alright or we gonna have problems!! ~Seriously!

AM- “Girlfriend!” The 1st mention of titles. *eeeep* Lol ~~Stupid girlfriend, but yes girlfriend none the less

Dani-IKR!! I was all excited things are getting serious!!

AM- I’m ready for the ass kicking to begin!! Lets go ladies! Liv needs us.~~HiYAAAA!  Grabbing my Kamas


Dani-I’m on my way. *Black spy gear..check... hair in ponytail..check... boots on... check... pink 22... check... hahaha*

Chele- Ooooo face paint!  Do you want a butterfly or a unicorn? *ahem, wrong time for this?*

AM- LMFAOOOOOOO.

Chele- Look...we are suited up and ready to kick some mafia zadnitsa!!


WHAT????  What a Chapter to end on huh?  As if Cash wasn’t a catch before!

Join us tomorrow as we finish up Up To Me.  I am getting all excited to see where things go from here.  We have lots to learn about Nash and Gavin still.
Plus I imagine there is going to be a little reunited sexual healing going on here for Cash and Oliva ;)