Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Rome Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

ROME
Marked Men #3
Jay Crownover
Contemporary New Adult
384 pages
William Morrow Paperbacks
Available Now
Source: Finished copy from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
Cora Lewis is a whole lot of fun, and she knows how to keep her tattooed bad boy friends in line. But all that flash and sass hide the fact that she’s never gotten over the way her first love broke her heart. Now she has a plan to make sure that never happens again: She’s only going to fall in love with someone perfect.

Rome Archer is as far from perfect as a man can be. He’s stubborn and rigid, he’s bossy and has come back from his final tour of duty fundamentally broken. Rome’s used to filling a role: big brother, doting son, super soldier; and now none of these fit anymore. Now he’s just a man trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life while keeping the demons of war and loss at bay. He would have been glad to suffer it alone, until Cora comes sweeping into his life and becomes the only color on his bleak horizon.

Perfect isn’t in the cards for these two, but imperfect might just last forever . . .


MY THOUGHTS
Rome is perhaps the most highly anticipated installment of the Marked Men series to date, his status as a military veteran struggling to claw his way free from the phantoms of blood, sand, and death that weigh him down causing an instant connection to form, protective instincts flaring and the desire to see happiness find its way to him at an all-time high. There is of course some wariness as well given the fact that huge drama and dark, broken characters tend to be staples of the new adult genre, but Ms. Crownover has a talent for ensuring her books pack an emotional punch without yanking our hearts from our chests and crushing them beneath the heel of her boot. We're invested in the outcome of Rome and Cora's relationship without dreading the turn of every page–wondering if what's awaiting us next is the moment we'll be made to bleed–and we're beyond grateful for the strong focus on communication in all her stories.

Cora is a young woman we certainly like well enough in the beginning, though her determination to hold out for a non-existent “Mr. Perfect” thanks to a painful romantic history is cause for some concern as we look ahead to what it could mean for her relationship with Rome. If she were paired with any guy other than Rome in this story, her lingering hurt after being cheated on by a man she thought was her endgame would create in us no shortage of sympathy, but in the first third of this book her heartbreak, while neither easily dismissed nor negligible by any means, just doesn't quite stand up against the pain and darkness Rome faces on a daily basis courtesy of his time in the military. As a result we find ourselves more firmly attached to Rome from the onset, a little unsure of Cora since the reasons behind her hesitancy to start something with Rome seem to carry less weight when pitted against all that Rome is dealing with, but luckily it doesn't take too long before Cora wins us over.

After spending just a little time with Rome, Cora quickly comes to see how impractical her campaign to wait for the perfect man–a man with no assembly and no effort required to fit snugly into her life–truly is, and the moment she decides to own up to her misguided way of thinking and take a chance on Rome we can't help but root for her. She's the type of person who's always upfront, not one to mince words or play games, and just as she often gets Rome to admit when he's made a mistake or taken a misstep, she's quick to admit her own missteps as they slowly start down the path of a serious relationship. When her past and the fear it tattooed across her heart and mind rear up on occasion and threaten to make a hypocrite out of her after everything she's said to Rome about needing someone who's as invested in a shared future as she is, there's only the briefest of moments for us to get frustrated before she recognizes the damage she's caused and sets out to do everything she can to fix it. The two of them have significant baggage that trips them up now and again as they try to move forward, but luckily for us both of them are fighters at their cores, willing and able to do battle for what they want with very little collateral damage.

Overall, Rome is another strong addition to the Marked Men series, Rome and Cora a beautifully flawed pair who make us both laugh and cry, and leave us with hearts light and happy as we turn our eyes to Nash in eager anticipation.

Rating: 4/5
 

Buy Rome:
  

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JAY CROWNOVER


I’m supposed to share interesting details about myself so that my readers get to know me so here we go in no particular order: I’m an natural redhead even though I haven’t seen my real hair color in years, I’m a big fan of tattoos and have a half sleeve on either arm and various other pieces all over the place, I’ve been in the bar industry since I was in college and it has always offered interesting insight into how men and women interact with each other, I have 3 dogs that are all crazy, I live in Colorado and love the snow, I love music and in all reality wish I could be a rock star not a writer or a bartender but I have zero talent so there is that.

I love to write, love to read and all I’m interested in is a good story with interesting characters that make the reader feel something.


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TOUR + GIVEAWAY

http://literatiauthorservices.com/2013/10/16/book-tour-sign-up-rome-marked-men-3-by-jay-crownover-jan-2-10-2014/

The fabulous team at Literati Author Services has put together an amazing tour for Rome, so be sure and check out the full list of participating blogs so you don't miss out on all the Rome and Cora fun. There's also an epic tour-wide giveaway including prizes like an iPod, Amazon gift cards and of course, the Marked Men books. Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

37 comments:

  1. Is this a contemporary NA book? The guy on the cover is pretty creepy looking and for some reason, I think he looks like a werewolf. But I'm guessing he's not.

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    1. It is contemporary NA:) I would be equally happy with Rome being a werewolf as well though, so either works for me:)

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  2. I love your review Jenny! The characters do not sound at all like the cliched broken souls that litter the New Adult genre currently. These two just sound like two people with baggage, and who doesn't have that?? I haven't heard of this series. Or maybe I have and didn't realize it was a series but I have been eyeing Rome for a while on your sidebar waiting to hear about him!!! He's very interesting!! lol Great review!!

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    1. Thanks Heather! I just like how Jay writes relationships, they're not drama free but there not pull-your-hair-out dramatic either. And the characters communicate. HAPPY DANCE!

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  3. OoOo I haven't heard of The Market Man series before, but from what I read here, it seems like it would be definitely something I'd LOVE to read about!

    I haven't read so many New Adult books lately, since they all seemed repetitive - but they are still deliciously addicting and.. me loves tattooed boys :)

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    1. I really enjoy this series Danny! I loved Rule and Rome:) I still need to read Jet and I can't wait for Nash's story next!

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  4. Why do NA men always has to have "special" names

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  5. I agree, I was more interested in Rome's story and connected better with a war vet (say whaaat) instead of a girl who had been cheated on. Which is clearly insane to begin with, but still. I didn't care for Cora as much in the beginning, but she grew on me. I liked the aspect that they were indeed able to admit where they had been wrong and try to do better next time. That's the foundation of a great relationship and I have all the faith in the world that they'll make it to the very end:) So glad that we both enjoyed this and thanks for sharing your lovely thoughts, Jenny!

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    1. Cora was a tough nut to crack for sure Siiri! It took some time, but she grew on me and I ended up liking her for Rome when all was said and done:)

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  6. Yeah, sadly, there are no perfect men (but, let's face it, we'd be bored with the perfect guy. Right? RIGHT?) so it's good that Cora realized that. I've been seeing this one around lately and, even though I haven't enjoyed NA as much as you (sadness), I might have to give it a go!

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    1. Perfect would be so boring Mary ;-) Give me dark and damaged and sexy instead.

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  7. I don't think I've heard of the second book in this series, though Rule is very popular. I definitely need to pick up these books, though, just to see what all the hype is about! ;) Great review, Jenny!

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    1. The second book is Jet, and I haven't read that one yet. I skipped to Rome because I'm an epic sucker for a military hero:)

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  8. I had a hard time getting into the first book of this series, but so many people seem to adore it. I think I'm going to give this one a shot since both you and Siiri loved it. Plus, for some reason, I really like books with military guys with them. From your review, it sounds like Rome's PTSD is well-written and highly emotional.
    Great review, Jenny. I'm trying this one out!

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    1. Rule made himself fairly difficult to like in the beginning of his book Nick, so I can see how you might have struggled. I loved him by the end though, and I thoroughly enjoyed Rome's story!

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  9. I agree there is something about military men, especially ones that are coming home damaged in some way. This sounds like it was emotional but so worth it!

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    1. I will never not read a story with a military hero Ali! I never tire of them:)

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  10. I am a sucker for a military guy, Jenny, and Rome was no exception. My biggest issue with this book was Cora. Her and I just didn't connect at all. But I adored all the Rome parts. :)

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    1. I didn't connect to her in the beginning and actually walked away from this book for a while. When I came back I liked her much better. Though I'm madly in love with Rome and he'll always be the highlight for me!

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  11. Wow Jenny this sounds like a fantastic series and I am sitting here wondering why I haven't read any of them. I love military men and this sounds like it has so many elements I enjoy. Wonderful review!

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    1. I think you'll like Rome Kim! He's got some darkness in him from the war and I just wanted to wrap him up in my arms and hold him:)

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  12. I love how this one sounds serious without being overtly angsty. Glad this was an emotional and enjoyable read for you. Great review!

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    1. Yes! There's lots of emotion, but it's low on the angst. You don't read simply waiting for them to implode, instead you read knowing they'll face whatever comes at them head-on.

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  13. I love that these characters have issues that aren't far too exaggerated, and yet still manage to pack an emotional punch. Issues to big for words are why I usually avoid the NA genre, so it's good to see that authors are finally stepping away from that well-worn path.
    Fabulous review, Jenny!

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    1. That's why I really like this series Maja. The characters talk to one another and sort things out with little of the frustrating kind of drama. There are of course really emotional moments, but they're all the good kind that let you know you're invested in the story.

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  14. I have the first book and I'm anxious to give it a try. We have similar tastes with NA so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this!

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    1. Stick with Rule Candace! He can be a touch tricky in the beginning, but stick with him and I think you'll like his story. I loved Rome from the beginning even if Cora took a little while to grow on me.

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  15. Awesome review Jenny! I adore all the Marked Men novels.

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  16. Her books do have a more adult feel, especially this one. No game playing, no cheating, nothing. Just relationship struggles, communication and sexy times:)

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  17. Oh you have me curious about these characters. I like the way they compliment each other. Drama, but not over the top. You are determined to really get me into contemp NA, aren't you? You always make me want them all! :)

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  18. "significant baggage" uh oh... I hope that doesn't mean this is overly dramatic. I have been eyeing this series but if it is on the dramatic side, I may not plunge in.

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  19. I'm glad to hear this series is still going strong for you. Honestly I've hesitated picking them up because I was afraid I'd find it to be formulaic NA issues, but I'm so happy to hear these characters communicate with each other and that the darkness and drama never verge on the melodramatic as so many other NA series do. I definitely want to give this a try now. Thanks for your thoughtful lovely review!

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  20. I really like heroines that aren't afraid to admit when they're wrong and don't play games.

    The guy on the cover's eyes are unnaturally blue!

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  21. Wow, I just got through typing up a long comment and it didn't post! Wonderful review, Jenny! I loved Captain-No-Fun and Half-Pint together! You'd never think they would be attracted being such opposites but they manage to work out perfectly. Can't wait for Nash's story! :)

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  22. I'm so so happy you ended up loving this one and that Jay doesn't draw out the pain too much in this book. I know exactly what you mean about NA books crushing our hearts. It sounds like this is slow to get going as Cora has to get over some of her stubborn ideals, but I love seeing opposites attract and you seemed to have really enjoyed these two together. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book and read it too.

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