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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

{REVIEW & GIVEAWAY} CHARADE (THE GAMES SERIES #1) by NYRAE DAWN

Charade (The Games Series, #1)Series: The Games Series #1
Publisher: Nyrae Dawn
Publication Date: 10/22/12
Format: ebook (Kindle)
Pages: 245
Source: Gift from author.






Nineteen-year-old Cheyenne tries to portray the perfect life to mask the memories of her past. Walking in on her boyfriend with another woman her freshman year in college threatens that picture of perfection.

Twenty-one-year-old Colt never wanted college and never expected to amount to anything, but when his mom's dying wish is for him to get his degree, he has no choice but to pretend it's what he wants too.

Cheyenne needs a fake boyfriend to get back at her ex and Colt needs cash to take care of his mom, so they strike a deal that helps them both. But what if Cheyenne’s past isn’t what she thought? Soon they’re trading one charade for another—losing themselves in each other to forget about their pain. The more they play their game, the more it becomes the only thing they have that feels real.

Both Cheyenne and Colt know life is never easy, but neither of them expect the tragedy that threatens to end their charade and rip them apart forever.

Stronger, Better Together

I have a problem: How do you write a review for a story that you can't even talk, think about, or look at without crying? A story that made you laugh out loud, swoon, ache, do the dreaded ugly cry, fall in love, and at the end, look at the author with new eyes?

Colt and Cheyenne were two characters that I adored and embraced immediately. Cheyenne is a girl with a sad past but a bright future. She has her life exactly where she wants it, but remains emotionally distant to protect her battered heart. Her rule is: Never let someone close enough to hurt you. When she reluctantly pulls Colt into her life as part of a game, Cheyenne learns that the past must be dealt with, and that it is okay to let someone in, okay to let someone love her.

Colt. Oh boy, did I ever love this guy. Colt was infuriating, sexy, funny, had a filthy mouth, does some shady things for the right reasons, kind of an ass...did I mention he was sexy? Colt was a bad boy with a good heart, the best kind. But the way I see it, he wasn't actually a bad boy at all. Sure, he has a lot of tattoos, wears messy clothes and even messier hair, drops an F-bomb in every other sentence.
"Colt grins. It's strange because he's this tattooed, messy-haired guy who wears faded jeans and t-shirts. One look at him and you can tell he doesn't take shit--that life hasn't been easy and he's scarred because of it. But when he smiles? Really smiles, it's perfect. Life toothpaste commercial, boy-next-door beauty that makes it hard to be pissed at him." 

Call me crazy, but I love that in a guy. (one look at my hubby is proof of that) But underneath all that, there is a scared boy. Colt is scared of what is happening with his mom, of becoming like his father, of not being good enough. But with Cheyenne, Colt learn he is good enough, and the world is better with him in it.

Here's the part where I start crying. Charade is a heart-breaking book. Colt and Cheyenne have a lot of emotional issues to work out, and it is not pretty. Colt goes through some of the worst moments a person will ever face. Nyrae Dawn did not deal with these moments lightly. She went all the way there, taking the reader through emotions so bravely and beautifully worded that I literally had to lay my head down and cry. Truth be told, I'm still crying.

BUT...Charade also has numerous funny and light-hearted moments, usually because of some total "guy thing" Colt says. Nyrae has written a lot of books with a male point-of-view, my favorite being What a Boy Needs. Charade is her best.

What starts as a game, a way to save face for one participant, and an easy way to earn some much needed money for another, quickly turns into something more for both. Not some perfect love, but something real, something honest and true. Healing. And while so often we are told that strength and self-worth should come from within, which is true, nothing can replace someone telling you that you matter, you are worthy, "I've got you. I'm here. I won't let go."....There is nothing more comforting, more healing, than being held safely in the arms of the one you love. And that is what Charade is all about.


Favorite Quotes:

  "I think you'd like my mouth, Princess. I've never had any complaints. I promise, it'll make you feel real good."  (19%)

 
  "Hit the light, would ya?" he says before climbing into bed in camo boxer-briefs.
  "You're camouflaged. How will I find you?" I tease and he cracks a smile.
  "I don't think you can miss me."   (58%)
 

  "You don't have to do it on your own. Let me take some of the weight, baby."
  But he has so much already. "You have your own problems."
  "We'll share each other's."   (78%)


  "I'm fucking good at this boyfriend shit. Who would have thought?"   (78%)


  As long as he's by her side I'll be by his. Longer even.   (85%)



The Games Series
Charade (The Games Series, #1)Facade (The Games Series, #2)
Facade coming early 2013

You can purchase Charade at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble 



About Nyrae Dawn
I am a compulsive reader and writer who loves YA fiction.

I love nothing more than writing about young adults. There is something so fresh and fun about it. You can pretty much always find me with a book in my hand or open document in front of me. I live in Southern California with my husband and two children.

Connect with Nyrae at:
GoodReads | Twitter | Blog


HAPPY HOLIDAYS GIVEAWAY
I'm feeling festive, guys. And in love with Nyrae's (and Kelley's writing). So I am giving you all a chance to win your choice of ebook from Kelley or Nyrae.
Your choices:
 Lucky Break (Shamrock Falls, #1)
Charade (The Games Series, #1)What A Boy Wants (What A Boy Wants, #1)What A Boy Needs (What A Boy Wants, #2)Freeing Carter





 Measuring UpKarma Bites


And, I have a What a Boy Wants and Charade bookmark to give away, courtesy of Nyrae.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Photobucket

35 comments:

  1. This sounds like such an intense and emotional read, Andrea, but I like that it's balanced out by some fun moments and two well-developed characters! Wonderful review, I can tell you really loved this book!

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  2. This is high on my TBR list. Love Nyrae's stories & I can't wait to get to this one, especially after your review!

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  3. I had no idea this would be so emotional! I've been wanting to read it for a long time. The cover is so cute I would think it would be a fun romance. The second cover is SUPER HOT! But this sounds great! I will probably cry like I always do but I just love a good romance!

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  4. I've read it and loved it! Nyrae Dawn never disappoints with her writing. I recommend What A Boy Wants, What A Boy Needs, and Measuring Up!

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  5. An awesome review Andrea! It sounds like such an emotionally intense read & the characters really likeable.

    I have just downloaded this from Amazon & can't wait to get started.

    Thank you for sharing :)

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  6. I didn't read your review, because I'm going to try to read this soon. BUT...I read the quotes and I'm pretty certain I will love this one!

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  7. I bought this a few weeks ago, but I am holding off for a bit. I have read far too many emotional books lately and am feeling a bit fragile. I have a bunch of review books for January so I am going to try and get some of those done and then get to this. Now that I know it will make me do the ugly cry I think I will wait until after the new year for it. Awesome review babe. Your emotions really came through and I could feel your love for the book.

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  8. Oh my gosh! After that review I really need to read this book! It is sooo clear that you loved this book! Amazing review!

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  9. I enjoyed your review and the quotes! I have been wanting to read Charade as it's gotten a lot of great reviews and I've heard Nyrae Dawn's books are always great.

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  10. I didn't read your review, because I'm going to try to read this soon. BUT...I read the quotes and I'm pretty certain I will love this one!

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  11. Awesome giveaway can't wait to read Nyrae Dawn's books!!

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  12. I've read all of Nyrae's books and have Lucky Break on my TBR, she is amazing! I was actually surprised by how much I loved What a Boy Wants/Needs, I think I even may have begged her on facebook to continue with that series, may even have suggested a few names she could you. I am 29 and thought they would be for a younger crowd and I wouldn't be able to really, but I truly loved them and couldn't get enough!

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  13. Sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

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  14. Sounds like something I will enjoy! Thanks!!!!!

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  15. Nyrae was my first Indie book and her books will always be special to me. I blame her for my Indie obsession.
    This one sounds soooo good and I bought it a couple of weeks ago. Hope to find time to read it soon, especially after taking a look at that HOT cover for Facade. Yummy!

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  16. Wonderful review Andrea! I loved this book! Well...I love all of her books, but this one especially. I'm so looking forward to Facade. Love the covers for these books too!

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  17. This one sounds really fun and you obviously loved it! I don't read that much New Adult, but I do love the Fake Boyfriend plot. Great review :)

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  18. "I'm fucking good at this boyfriend shit. Who would have thought?" - this part was one of the parts I thought exactly like Colt. I hands down loved this book with all my heart and I'm so glad you loved it as well!! I want Adrian's story so bad already. This was by far the best Nyrae has written and I bet she'll do Adrian justice with her talented writing:)

    Siiri @ Little Pieces of Imagination

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  19. I just read this book monday and LOOOOOOVED it. Your review...couldn't have said it better!

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  20. Aww, awesome review..is this YA or New Adult? I have been loving the new adult genre? either way, i think i will add it, just curious.

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  21. YAY for Nyrae! I love her books, and she has so many! All good ones :)

    I have this book - so I'll be reading it shortly (I hope!). Great review! Thanks for the giveaway! <3

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  22. I absolutely LOVED charade and cannot wait for the next book. Love me some Colt! :)

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  23. Charade has been on my TBR looks like I need to move it up quickly. Great review, thank you!

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  24. I read Charade and I LOVED every single line in the book! This book is amazing! I love everything Nyrae writes and can't wait to read Facade!

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  25. Dying to read Charade. The bay boys, who secretly are just scarred, are a fave of mine. And I also love characters who don't want to fall in love but do so anyway. This sounds like my type of book. Thanks so much for the awesome giveaway and amazing review :)

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  26. Awesome review. I have this book and now I have got to make the time to read it. Colt is definitely the kind of guy I like.

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  27. I have heard so many wonderful things about Charade! I need to read it before Facade comes out. :)

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  28. I absolutely LOVED Charade and can't wait to read more from Nyrae Dawn!

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  29. Haven't got around to reading a Nyrae Dawn book, but they are all on my tbr list.

    - Elizabeth

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  30. I have read Charade and I must agree with your review. It was one of those books that keeps speaking to you long after you have finished the last page. I think I have read almost everything by Nyrae. She is an amazing writer. She knows how to bring it. I even read Dizzy because she helped write it.

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  31. I have read Charade and I must agree with your review. It was one of those books that keeps speaking to you long after you have finished the last page. I think I have read almost everything by Nyrae. She is an amazing writer. She knows how to bring it. I even read Dizzy because she helped write it.

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  32. I loved this story, as you know, and I'm so thrilled you did too. The story made me cry, too, but it was not depressing at all. Colt and Cheyenne were perfect for each other. Thanks for the giveaway. :)

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  33. Great review! I absolutely LOVE Nyrae Dawns work and if the quotes above are any indication, I'm going to love this one too!

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