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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

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

Remembering JoySeries:
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.


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:
Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads

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18 comments:

  1. OK, I was wondering what to read next. I have a buddy read coming up tomorrow and after that Lux read-a-thon, but nothing else is planned atm. I may have just found a book that I want to read ASAP. Without giving ANYTHING away, you made me fall in love with this book. Thank you!

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  2. This sounds fantastic! And I love that its not your typical story. I'll have to add this one to my TBR Great review!

    Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives

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  3. I haven't heard of this one. I'm glad you liked it. Sounds interesting.

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  4. Oooohh, I soooo want to read this, Andrea! This is a great review and it's certainly piqued my curiosity. Hopefully I can fit this one in while I'm on vacation! ;) Thanks for sharing it.

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  5. I hadn't heard of this before, but you've convinced me it's a must-read! Anything that's different and suspenseful sounds like a win to me!

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  6. I had never heard of this but the 'not your typical' part makes me want to read it. Most books have the same plot now which involves something tragic, broken characters and lots of sex. Ugh... Adding this one to my wish list!

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  7. This is the first I have heard of this book, but it sounds really great!! I love that playlist too. It makes me want to read the book even more.

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  8. When you said you were talking about the book to your husband, I knew I need to read this story. Thanks for the amazing energetic review!

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  9. You did so good not spilling your guts but grr..you tease you have me dying to read this. I love that the more you look at the cover the more you see. Adding to my list my dear!

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  10. Thank you for your very heartfelt review. I read it at 1:30 this morning and couldn't sleep afterwards. Your enthusiasm was contagious. Unfortunately, it wore off around 9:30 this morning, and I've been nearly catatonic since.

    If any of your book blogging friends want to read and review, send them my way. I will very happily hook them up.

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  11. Sounds like a joy to read. The cover is nice, and you have me all curious

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  12. I'm sensing some Adam Levine love from the author? LOL Love the playlist; thanks for sharing!

    I'm glad this was one of those surprise awesome novels. It's such a treat when you find those.

    -Lauren

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  13. I love reading your praise for this Andrea! it sounds really wonderful & an awesome playlist.

    I have added it to my TBR pile! a fantastic review :)

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  14. "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!" <- I freaking miss you guys! this made me LOL! I can't wait to read this so we can discuss! And there will be a discussion. You. Me. Gym Shorts. Beer. DONE! Fantastic review!

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  15. This sounds really good and I like that it stands apart from the typical NA reads. Wonderful review.

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  16. This sounds great! I love books that take you by surprise, by bringing something new to the genre. I love the sound of the romance and especially the characters. I am definitely going to be reading this soon! Glad you enjoyed this, Andrea! :D

    Awesome review!

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 

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  17. All right, you have totally convinced me to read this, Andrea. Anything that has you feeling as strongly as CUTTING SOMEONE for spoiling it has to be awesome! Thanks for the review, lovely. I like this cover too, btw, but the other one is probably a bit more eye-catching at first glance.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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