REVIEW: REMEBERING JOY by JENNI MOEN ~ REVIEW, PLAYLIST AND GIVEAWAY

Series:
Category/Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: 6/7/13
Format: Kindle
Pages: 364
Source: Received from author for review

Alexis doesn’t believe in fairytales. She knows first hand that life can turn on a dime – that one stupid mistake can shatter dreams and irrevocably shape the future. Even though her memory of that day is hazy, she has spent the last ten years trying to put it behind her and focus on the future.

Armed with the knowledge that her career will be her only legacy, Alexis works night and day to prove that she is more than just her last name. It’s not only that she doesn’t have time for love – she doesn’t have the heart for it. After all, there’s no point in starting something that you can’t finish.

However, when she meets Adam, she’s drawn to him in a way even she can’t deny. He is dark and brooding and strangely charming. He’s the perfect distraction from the mundane life she’s created for herself. And, as if fate is pushing them together, he seems to be around every corner. It’s enough to almost make her entirely forget about her past and take a chance.

Unfortunately, Adam’s memory isn’t hazy . . . not in the least. And, what she doesn’t remember, he can’t forget.

*Mature New Adult/Adult novel – contains adult situations and sexuality and is suited for ages 18 and up*

 

Remembering Joy was such a lovely surprise. So striking, mysterious, and heartbreaking, that I hardly know what to say. This is a story that is so intricate, so cleverly mapped out. I can hardly believe this is Jenni Moen's debut novel.

Because so much of the beauty of Remembering Joy is the surprising plot and the way it slowly and steadily unfolds, I don't even want to touch that. To be honest, if someone spoiled Remembering Joy for me, I would cut that person. Then break their Kindle.

I had only made it as far as twenty-five percent into the book when I decided I had to shout about it on social media. Several of my friends responded to my enthusiasm by saying they would add Remembering Joy to their to-read list. One friend, I'll call her....Karen (Hi, Karen!), asked the question I was waiting for: "Sounds good, but is this the typical 'New Adult'. " Even though I don't categorize Remembering Joy as New Adult, that's a fair question.

There is nothing at all typical about Remembering Joy. Yes, there is a heroine who's been shattered by a tragic event from her past, but Alexis is beyond being typecast. There is also a broody man with dark secrets, but Adam isn't a jerk, conceited, or a womanizer. His love for his car and his always awesome graphic t-shirts always made me smile. Seeing Adam and Alexis slowly come together is both irresistible, and like awaiting a tragedy. Their story is emotionally profound and beautiful. They have a very sensual, and almost dangerous chemistry, but Adam and Alexis won't find the answers to their problem between the sheets.  Their stories are united by tragedy and pain. In each other, they might find the way out.

Good grief. I am thisclose to completely losing it and spilling the story details. I want to gush about the suspense and emotions that make up Remembering Joy. I want to go on and on about how beautifully and truthfully Moen was able to characterize these two lost souls. I will say that Remembering Joy consumed my day, and that I was so blown away that I followed my husband around all day recounting the story. Which, by the way, caused him to say, "Sounds like a good story. Thanks for ruining it for me." (Sorry, babe!) I really need someone to talk about it with!

Remembering Joy was an absolute pleasure for me. And I know it is a story I won't soon forget. Please, please read it.



Favorite Quote:

  Adam leaned into me with one hand beside my head. His other hand bound my hands together behind me as if I was handcuffed. "Bounty hunting is dangerous business," he said huskily. "Let's say that the bad guy turned on you. Could he seduce you into submission?"
  His warm breath was on my neck, his lips hovering below my ear. He smelled like cologne and beer, and it was strangely intoxicating.
  "Who's the bad guy in this scenario," I whispered.
  "Sometimes it's hard to tell, but I think I am." His lips skimmed from my ear across my cheek and lightly danced over my mouth.  ~ebook, 20%


  As I lay underneath him, I suddenly felt suffocated by this closed off man who seemed to be able to see straight into my soul. The fear that he would recognize my lack thereof was nearly debilitating.  ~ebook, 28%


  "No fucking way, Alexis." Ethan said, groaning. "You're dating Batman."
  I finally turned away from the window, but couldn't return his smile.
  The smile fell from his face, and he threw his hands up in the air in frustration. "I take that back. You're in love with Batman."  ~ebook, 37%

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase Remembering Joy at:

   


PLAYLIST
It's no secret that I am a huge music lover, so I was extremely excited when Jenni offered to share her Remembering Joy playlist.

Locked out of Heaven - Bruno Mars
One more Night - Maroon 5
Stay - Rihanna
Just Give Me a Reason - Pink
PayPhone - Maroon 5
Madness - Muse
Beneath Your Beautiful - Labrinth
Daylight - Maroon 5
Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men
Love Somebody - Maroon 5
When I was Your Man - Bruno Mars
Sad - Maroon 5
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Sail - Awolnation
Let's Stay Together - Maroon 5
This Love - Maroon 5
The Man Who Can't be Moved - The Script
Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke


(Now, I think you can probably figure out where Adam got his name. ~ Jenni)

 

 

When I saw The Man Who Can't Be Moved on this list, I almost cried. It fits this book, and Adam, perfectly!

GIVEAWAY
I have an ecopy of Remembering Joy to give away, courtesy of the author.
Must be 18 years of age to enter. Open Intl.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author
Jenni Moen lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three crazy, exuberant kids that have the potential to burn the house down at any moment.

When she’s not chauffeuring kids around town, performing her mom duties as a short order cook and maid, or vacuuming for her fastidious husband, she hammers away at her keyboard at her big girl job as a patent attorney. While vodka and exercise have provided some relief from the daily grind, it is reading … and now writing … that are her true escapes.  

Connect with Jenni:
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