Book Review: I Am Yours (Heartbeat #3) by Faith Sullivan

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I Am Yours
Heartbeat #3
By:  Faith Syllivan
Pub:  October 8, 2013
Source:  Author


GR's Summary:

Adam is at a crossroads.

He has Katie on his mind and Jada in his bed.

Now with the ultimate choice before him, he must decide between fantasy and reality. 

Katie's his dream girl, but Jada's his best friend, his partner. As a paramedic, he's supposed to save lives, not wreck them. Yet his failure to commit leaves a trail of heartache in his wake.

Things come to a head at his brother's wedding when a surprise announcement leaves Adam scrambling to pick up the pieces. Sure, women find his shaggy blond hair and aquamarine eyes irresistible. But to him, sex is nothing more than a means of escape ... until it turns into a psychological trap.

His mind is telling him one thing, while his heart is beating another. He's not sure what he wants when it comes to a serious relationship. Sorting out his feelings, he finally comes to a startling realization. He is capable of love. 

But what if it's too late?

Heartbeat Series:

My Thoughts:

The Heartbeat Series by Faith Sullivan has been one wild ride!  It's one of those books that constantly keeps you guessing, and things are never what they seem.  If you enjoy psychological thrillers that constantly make you think, and try to figure out what is going on, you should check out this series.  Based on the covers of the series, I would have never guessed that this story was so intricate, and complex.  One aspect that I really appreciated from reading this series was that I've never read anything like it!  Ms. Sullivan gave us a completely unique and fresh premise in the Contemporary Romance genre!  This series was very unpredictable, as I could never guess or predict where Ms. Sullivan would take it!

I Am Yours, is the final installment in the Heartbeat Series.  It focuses on the main character, Adam, and his impending decision of who he will end up with.  Adam has faced many challenges in his life, and the consequences of his emotional turmoil have turned him in to a completely different person.  One who has been drinking and womanizing excessively, until he met Jada, his paramedic partner who has stuck with him through all of his problems and bad decision making.  She has helped him tremendously as he has been in mourning over Katie, and dealing with horrific nightmares.  Jada goes with him to attend his brother Brian, and pregnant fiancé, Kelly's, wedding for support.  Jada is in love with Adam, and he realizes that he is starting to have feelings for her as well.  However, when these two are about to embark on a new beginning, both of their lives are turned upside down with a surprise revelation that neither of them could have predicted!

I Am Yours completely hooked me from the beginning!  There were so many twists and turns in this segment and I have come to expect nothing less from Ms. Sullivan!  The story is told from the alternating view points of the main characters.  I appreciated reading their perspectives, as it really gave me insight in to the story, and what they each were feeling and thinking throughout this installment.  I also got to know the secondary characters better, especially Brian and Kelly.  I liked Brian.  Sure he had some flaws, and was jealous of Adam, but it was obvious that he loved his brother too.  He did what he could to help Adam out of the horrible situation that he was in.  Kelly on the other hand, was ruthless, selfish, and manipulative.  I couldn't stand her, and didn't feel sorry for her situation one bit!  I think she got what she deserved!!!  The story did not end as I thought it would.  At first I was disappointed, but then I realized it all ended as it should have, and I was glad everything was resolved.      

My Rating:

I give, I Am Yours, by Faith Sullivan 3.5 Unpredictable, Exciting, and Sexy Stars!  Pick this series up if you enjoy psychological thrillers, stories with major plot twists, and sexy love scenes!  Ms. Sullivan will constantly keep you thinking, predicting, and anticipating the plot outcomes until the very end of the story.      

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About Faith Sullivan:

I really hate talking about myself. My goal is to have the shortest author bio imaginable. I would much rather have a conversation with my readers.

Are you able to escape within my pages?

Does my writing make you feel something?

Are there characters that you can't get out of your head?

Let me know! 

faithsullivanwrites [at] hotmail [dot] com 

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Release Day Event: I Am Yours (Heartbeat #3) by Faith Sullivan

Title: I Am Yours (Heartbeat, #3)
Author: Faith Sullivan
Expected release date: October 8, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle | Nook | Smashwords ($2.99) 





Book Description:

Book 3 in the HEARTBEAT series

Adam is at a crossroads.

He has Katie on his mind and Jada in his bed.

Now with the ultimate choice before him, he must decide between fantasy and reality.

Katie's his dream girl, but Jada's his best friend, his partner. As a paramedic, he's supposed to save lives, not wreck them. Yet his failure to commit leaves a trail of heartache in his wake.

Things come to a head at his brother's wedding when a surprise announcement leaves Adam scrambling to pick up the pieces. Sure, women find his shaggy blond hair and aquamarine eyes irresistible. But to him, sex is nothing more than a means of escape ... until it turns into a psychological trap.

His mind is telling him one thing, while his heart is beating another. He's not sure what he wants when it comes to a serious relationship. Sorting out his feelings, he finally comes to a startling realization. He is capable of love.

But what if it's too late?

Excerpt:

His shaggy hair is falling in his eyes as water drips from the ends. The buttons of his shirt are undone and droplets cling to his bare chest. His lips are parted and his blue eyes radiate a mixture of elation and desire. He knows that he’s trespassing where he doesn’t belong, but he doesn’t feel the need to ask anyone’s permission to enter my bedroom either.

I tilt my head and gaze up at him, my hair tumbling over my shoulder. He advances toward me, looking somewhat guilty, bordering on apologetic. He realizes he shouldn’t be here, but he is. And I don’t want him to leave. I like the danger of having him so close.

He blinks and raindrops fall from his eyelashes before running down his face. And that’s all it takes for the sheer happiness of the moment to light up my face. I rush toward him as he greets my smile with one of his own. Its sincerity warms my heart as he looks at me like he’s just completed the longest journey of his life, filled with relief at finally reaching his destination. He’s come home. He’s where he’s supposed to be. And if I’m being honest with myself, I feel like I’ve been waiting for him all along.

The force pulling me to him is too strong to ignore. I don’t fight it. I give into it. I let it take me over. I stride up to him, reaching up on my toes, my fingers dancing across his neck as I take his lips with mine. Pressing myself into him, the front of my white t-shirt is soaked instantly. But instead of experiencing any kind of chill, I feel like I’m burning up.

The kiss is gentle this time, lasting only a few seconds before he draws me into a hug, laying his sopping head against my shoulder while wrapping his arms around my waist, drawing me as close as he possibly can to his body. He winces when I squeeze him back tightly, causing him to loosen his grip on me and step away. I reach up one hand at a time to examine his face as he tries to look down, refusing to meet my gaze. Finally, he gives me a mournful smile as I persist. Silencing my worries, he runs a hand lightly across my face before bringing me in for another kiss. He’s so careful with me, so tender. He breaks away to smile at me again, a look of wonderment in his eyes, before resuming our kiss.

Slowly releasing my lips, I allow my hands to roam down his chest as I start to tug on his shirt. He complies with my request, but he seems to be in pain as I help remove the sleeves from his arms. I glance up at him in concern, and he whispers, “My ribs. They were broken not too long ago. I don’t think they ever fully healed.”

He hangs his wet shirt on the bedpost as I run my hand gently over his chiseled abs. He bends his head to the side, closing his eyes. He doesn’t open them as I glide my fingers over the scar on his forehead, where undoubtedly he had stitches at one time. My heart contracts as I ponder what happened to him. He submits to my touch, moving his head along the path of my fingertips, yielding to my efforts to examine him. He doesn’t resist, but I can sense he doesn’t want me to linger on his injuries either.

His hair appears darker now that it’s wet, and I can’t help twisting my fingers through the strands at the back of his neck as he rests his forehead against mine. He’s so close to me. All I can see are his eyes. He leans back, pushing my hair away from my face. The way he is looking at me is like he’s taking in every part of me. It’s hard for him to keep his lips off mine as he brushes a featherweight kiss across them. It feels so intense. I have to look down for a minute.

When I’m ready to meet his eyes again, his hands travel up my sides, encouraging me to lift my arms. I do so, and within seconds, his fingers are at the hem of my shirt, pulling it up and over my head in one swift movement. I help him free my long hair from inside the collar, reaching behind me to hold it up, trying not to think about my bare breasts being visible. He drinks in every inch of me, and that smile is back on his face as his hands caress my back. This time, it’s Adam who lifts my hair away, entwining it through his fingers while resting his chin on my shoulder, allowing his free hand to roam the full expanse of my back from shoulder to hip. I slide my arms around his lean, muscular body as he buries his face against my neck. When he stands upright again, he nuzzles my ear as I extend a trail of kisses along his jaw. He sighs in contentment as his stubble bristles against my lips.

Books in this trilogy:

(linked to Goodreads)

About the Author:

Faith Sullivan is an author of New Adult contemporary romances including the HEARTBEAT trilogy, the TAKE ME NOW series and the 9/11 novel, UNEXPECTED.

Where to find Faith Sullivan:

 

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Heartbeat

by Faith Sullivan

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Come What May

by Faith Sullivan

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I Am Yours

by Faith Sullivan

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Cover reveal: I Am Yours (Heartbeat #3) by Faith Sullivan

I Am Yours (Heartbeat #3)

by Faith Sullivan

Release Date: October 8, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult

Summary from Goodreads:

Adam is at a crossroads.

He has Katie on his mind and Jada in his bed.

Now with the ultimate choice before him, he must decide between fantasy and reality. 

Katie's his dream girl, but Jada's his best friend, his partner. As a paramedic, he's supposed to save lives, not wreck them. Yet his failure to commit leaves a trail of heartache in his wake.

Things come to a head at his brother's wedding when a surprise announcement leaves Adam scrambling to pick up the pieces. Sure, women find his shaggy blond hair and aquamarine eyes irresistible. But to him, sex is nothing but a means of escape ... until it turns into a psychological trap.

His mind is telling him one thing, while his heart is beating another. He's not sure what he wants when it comes to a serious relationship. Sorting out his feelings, he finally comes to a startling realization. 

He is capable of love. But what if it's too late?

Books in this trilogy:

(linked to Goodreads)

About the Author:

Faith Sullivan is an author of New Adult contemporary romances including the HEARTBEAT trilogy, the TAKE ME NOW series and the 9/11 novel, UNEXPECTED.

Where to find Faith Sullivan:

 

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Book Review: Come What May (Heartbeat #2) by Faith Sullivan

To Add to Goodreads Click HERE

Come What May
(Heartbeat #2)
By:  Faith Sullivan
Published:  May 29, 2013 
Source:  Author


GR's Summary:

Adam is through with love.

He unravels blaming himself for what happened with Katie.

His final moments with her echo through his nightmares.

She owns him body and soul.

To dull the pain, Adam invites a string of women into his bed. Fueled by alcohol and desperation, his meaningless hook-ups provide little comfort. When he closes his eyes, it's Katie he sees.

The only one who helps to ease his guilt somewhat is Jada. But as his new ambulance partner, Adam considers her off limits. He doesn't want to get seriously involved with anyone, much less her. Yet he can't stop fantasizing about the feel of her caramel skin against his.

Despite his intentions, Adam's bond with Jada deepens as they respond to a series of emotional calls. Their mutual attraction becomes undeniable. But how can he give his heart to Jada when it still belongs to Katie?

First Book in the Heartbeat Series:

***To Read My Review on Heartbeat, Click HERE***

To Add to Goodreads Click HERE

My Thoughts:

Come What May by Faith Sullivan, had a dark, gritty, and intense vibe to it.  The story was told through the alternating dual perspectives of Adam, from Heartbeat, and we are introduced to a new character in this sequel, Jada.  She is Adam's new ambulance partner.  He was pretty upset from the beginning of the story to lose his previous partners, but as he gets to know Jada, they become really close partners, and friends.

Unfortunately, Adam is battling some dark demons after the death of Katie in Heartbeat.  He is struggling with horrific nightmares, guilt, and a deep depression that he can't seem to pull himself out of.  Even worse is the unhealthy coping mechanisms that he uses to to try to supress the pain he's feeling, such as, alcohol, casual sex, and avoidance of talking about his feelings, and what he's going through.  

Jada was such a strong, and independent woman.  I loved her character.  She was intelligent, hard working, caring, compassionate, and didn't put up with any crap!  She was just what Adam needed when he was going through such a dark, and devastating time in his life.  She made Adam accountable for his actions, was a good listener, and really cared about him.  Jada and Katie were very different characters, in that Katie from Heartbeat, appeared softer, more fragile, and not as strong or independent as Jada.  Yet, both leading ladies were alike in the fact that they were both very sensitive, caring, compassionate, and loyal.  As far as their appearances went, they were complete opposites.  It was interesting comparing both ladies, as Adam felt so strongly for both women, and yet in many ways, they were very different from one another.

I'm learning quickly that Ms. Sullivan is a master when it comes to surprises, and plot twists.  I told myself that this time around she would not be able to shock me, the way she did with the ending of Heartbeat.  Well, was I ever wrong!  The ending of Come What May completely caught me by surprise, and I'm asking myself, "What is going on here?"  I'm coming up with different theories, but I want to read the next book, and get my answers now!  I love reading stories that make me think, and look back at all the puzzle pieces to try to get the full picture!  Yet at the same time, it drives me a little bit crazy!  

My Rating:

I give Come What May by Faith Sullivan 3.5 Intriguing, Entertaining, and Mysterious Stars!  Ms. Sullivan knows how to write complex characters and intricate plot twists that you will never see coming.  She knows how to hook the reader, and pull on your emotions.  I have come to care for Adam, and now Jada.  I care about their feelings, and hope they make good decisions for their future.  These characters have come to life for me, and they will for you too!  Once you begin this series, you will be hooked, and will be desperate to see how the puzzle comes together, and hope for a happily ever after, because these characters have been put through the wringer!

My Favorite Quotes:

"He is who he is, but it's not enough for me.  I want more.  I don't want him for just a night.  I want him beside me every night."  (eARC, Loc. 1185)

~Jada

"He thinks he's comforting a friend after a bad breakup.  Little does he know-he's the one who's breaking my heart."  (eARC, Loc. 1503)

~Jada

"Come here, Jada.  I open my arms to her, and she looks like she's ready to crumble.  Shuffling her feet, she moves across the tiled floor and into my embrace.  Placing her on my lap, I bury my face in her hair.  She curls up against my chest.  And right now, I'm not thinking about Katie.  I'm thinking about Jada.  (eARC, Loc. 1825)
\

~Adam

"I'm making out with a dead girl in my dreams.  I'm screwing women I have no business screwing.  I'm pushing away the one person who actually gives a damn about me.  It's like the Bermuda Triangle of heartache and I'm sinking fast."  (eARC, Loc. 2116)

~Adam

"Not even realizing what I'm doing, my hand strays to his face while I'm talking.  He leans into my palm, closing his eyes.  We're both so broken.  It's up to us to heal each other.  No one else can truly understand where we're coming from.  We're too interconnected now.  His anguish is mine, and my burdens are his.  We're in this together until the end.  He opens his eyes and I'm seeing the real Adam, the one he keeps buried inside-the frightened boy who's terrified that he let someone die.  The young kid harboring the unjust responsibility of balancing life and death."  (eARC, Loc. 2368)

~Jada

Purchase At:

Amazon | Kindle 

About the Author:

I really hate talking about myself. My goal is to have the shortest author bio imaginable. I would much rather have a conversation with my readers.

Are you able to escape within my pages?

Does my writing make you feel something?

Are there characters that you can't get out of your head?

Let me know!

Email me at faithsullivanwrites [at] hotmail [dot] com

Follow me on Twitter at @_FaithSullivan_

Read my blog at http://faithsullivanwrites.blogspot.com

Website | Goodreads | Amazon Page | Twitter

Book Review: Heartbeat (Heartbeat #1) by Faith Sullivan

To Add to Goodreads Click HERE

Heartbeat
(Heartbeat #1)
By:  Faith Sullivan
Published:  February 5, 2013
Source:  Author


GR's Summary:

Katie and Adam are afraid of love.

She carries the scars of a first kiss gone terribly wrong.

He uproots his life to flee the stinging betrayal of an ex.

When trust is no longer an option, all romance is suspect.

As a young paramedic, Adam rescues people for a living but cannot save himself. Katie, just out of high school, struggles with a tortured home life she cannot escape. 

Everything changes when Katie hops into the front seat of Adam's ambulance. Overwhelmed by what they are feeling, neither possess the confidence to make the first move. They walk away from each other, full of regret. 

To find her, Adam risks his future. To be with him, Katie sacrifices her security. 

Little do they know, what little time they do have, is being measured by a heartbeat that is slowly dying out.

Have you ever met someone for the first time, and felt a deep and intense connection?  It happens instantly, and as you talk to that person, you can't help but think to yourself, maybe this is the person you've been waiting for your whole life.  You can't explain it, but all you know is what you feel, and the more that you talk to and get to know each other, the stronger that connection grows, and confirms that you two were meant to be together.  This is what occurs between the two main characters, 18 year old Katie, and 19 year old Adam when they meet.  Their story is told in alternating point of views, and will leave you utterly captivated, and entranced.


Katie has lived her whole life with her controlling, domineering, verbally abusive, shrewd, and cold-hearted father.  All her love, and nurturing has come from her grandmother, who tries her best to protect Katie from her father's heartless words, and actions.  Katie shares a special bond with her grandmother.  The two are inseparable, and look out for one another.  Katie is also very close to her cousin Jen, a newlywed, with two small children, that does her best to look out for Katie.  Unfortunately, Katie is an extremely introverted person, and doesn't have any friends, she's never even had a boyfriend.  This is partially due to her controlling father, (he acts more like her prison warden) and her quiet personality.  She lives a very lonely, and secluded life.


Ryan is 19 years old, 6'4, blond haired, blue-eyed, lanky, and a great person.  He grew up in California with his parents and decided to move to Pennsylvania, when his first love, April, broke his heart.  He drives an ambulance, and works with two great guys, Charlie and Tommy, who are his friends, mentors, and they look out for him.  Adam attends school so that he can become a paramedic one day.  He has one brother, Brian, who he is very close to.  Brian often gives Adam advice, even when he doesn't want it.  Brian loves Adam, wants to protect him, but it often comes off as if he is butting in to Adam's business.  


Katie, and Adam meet one day, when Katie and her grandmother get into a car crash.  Adam is the ambulance driver, that escorts Katie's grandmother to the hospital.  Katie get's in the passenger seat, as Adam drives and instantly these two feel a deep connection.  From this point on, they cannot get each other out of their minds, will continue to think about one another, and try to reconnect.


Heartbeat was such a fascinating story.  It was unique, and had a crazy plot twist that I never saw coming.  One of those twists that's not exactly straightforward.  It will leave you with questions, and contemplations.  At first, I was doubtful of Katie and Adam's connection.  I thought that it was going to be a case of insta-love.  However, I think there was a larger theme of fate, destiny, and soul mates in this story.  Katie and Adam were both genuinely warm-hearted, caring, loyal, and struggling.  They were both so lonely, and carried heavy burdens in their lives.  I wanted them to both have a happily ever after, and rooted for them throughout the story to get what they both deserved.  Ms. Sullivan did a great job with her characterizations!  I was so angry and frustrated with the antagonists in the story, Katie's father, and Adam's co-worker, Chuck.  Both were such horrible men.  I really connected with the main characters and my heart hurt for them.  They were so well-developed, that I felt like I knew them on a personal level.


What I appreciated most about Heartbeat was Ms. Sullivan's courage to step outside of the box.  I'm tired of reading romances that have a set formula for how the plot plays out from beginning to end.  I get bored with the predictability of these stories.  Ms. Sullivan gave us a realistic portrayal of life.  She did not take the safe approach.  She took a chance, and I admire her for that.  That is why I believe some readers will love her story, and some will dislike it.  I for one, appreciate the refreshing, authentic, emotional, and realistic portrayal that Heartbeat.  If you are tired of the monotony of a predictable story, with the typical plot "formula," I suggest you venture outside of the box, and take a chance on reading a story that is clever, touching, imaginative, and real!

I give Heartbeat, by Faith Sullivan, 4 Stars filled with fate, fantasies, friendship,  and frenzied feelings!  Read this story for a unique New Adult Contemporary Romance.  You will be engaged in the story, and be desperate to find out what happens between Adam and Katie.  After reading this story, who knows, maybe you'll believe in fate!

"It hurt to be so stupid, so naive, so trusting.  Bearing your soul is never easy, but to have the object of your desire basically turn away after realizing things had gone too far-that's agony."  (eARC, Loc. 902)

~Adam

"Nothing is more enticing than my fantasy life.  Living in my mind always plays out exactly how I imagine.  No surprises, no disappointments.  Reality is a cheap alternative."  (eARC, Loc. 1073)

~Katie

"You're it for me, Katie.  You're my world now.  She doesn't need to say anything.  The kiss she gives me speaks volumes."  (eARC, Loc. 1907)

~Adam

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble  | Smashwords

I really hate talking about myself. My goal is to have the shortest author bio imaginable. I would much rather have a conversation with my readers.

Are you able to escape within my pages?

Does my writing make you feel something?

Are there characters that you can't get out of your head?

Let me know! 

Email me at faithsullivanwrites [at] hotmail [dot] com or on Twitter at@_FaithSullivan_

Website | Goodreads | Amazon Page | Twitter

Random Things about Me:

- I was so much smarter as a teenager.

- I am a slow reader.

- I tend to like a book more for its characters than its plot.

- I appreciate people who are genuinely kind and come through when you need them.

- It's true, creative people are not always fun to live with, but we keep things interesting.

- I miss the days when all I had was a rotary phone without even an answering machine.

- I'm a child of the 1980s, and a teenager of the 1990s.

- I love my dog.

- I love to travel and see new places - when my limited budget allows.

- I think in another lifetime I lived in the UK somewhere by the coast.

- When I feel an emotion, I feel it deeply. It's a curse.

- I have an overactive imagination. Writing helps alleviate that problem.

- Nine times out of ten, I believe a good book trumps reality hands down.