Monday, January 21, 2013

Review: Sins & Needles by Karina Halle

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I received this book for free from Karina Halle in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Sins & Needles by Karina HalleSins & Needles by Karina Halle
Series: The Artists Trilogy #1
on January 29th 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary
Source: Karina Halle
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five-stars

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents’ latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen.

Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time.

When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerously erotic road.

Sometimes when you finish a book, you loved it so completely, so thoroughly, that you don’t even want to give it a 5-star rating. Because then you start thinking of all the other 5-stars you’ve given, and it just doesn’t compare. You don’t want it to be compared. This was one of them. Having read a copy the minute it was made available, there were no reviews or feedback yet, giving me absolutely zero expectations, and I. Was. Blown. Away! (!!) I have both been dying to, and dreading, reviewing this book, because I want to just pour my heart out, but at the same time I’m afraid nothing I say can do it justice. So… it may not completely make sense, you have been warned.

First and foremost, this is not a young adult (or New Adult) book. It’s a fully adult contemporary novel. We get introduced to two of the most phenomenal (and broken) characters I have ever come upon. The character development in this book is unsurpassable. Our protagonist, Ellie, carved her way into the deepest crevices of my heart. I became in tuned to her thoughts and emotions as if they were my own. Her scars, both physical and emotional, become a palpable part of this novel. To layer her even more, we regularly get taken into her past where we see what she has been through; how she was damaged and emotionally beaten into the person she is today. These chapters are written in the third person, showing us exactly what Ellie thinks of her younger self–with a detachment. This gives her character incredible depth; a driving force to her current situation, her current state of mind.

Before I start on Camden, let me give you Karina’s inspired by visualization:

If you are even able to get your eyes off of that picture to read the rest of this review, I can tell you that you heart will be in shreds when this book is over. I don’t think I’ve ever been infatuated with a character as much as I am with Camden. He can eat crackers in my bed anytime! Oh let’s face it, I want to eat them off of him, and you will want to, too! *fans self* Ok. Besides being a walking sex-on-a-stick, Camden is a masterfully created tortured soul, broken by his past and so so passionate about everything he takes on. I’m telling you, bringing characters to life like this does not happen very often. These people are REAL. They are 100% completely genuine.

Together, they work! They just do! Plain and simple. It’s not always pretty–only imagine what you get when you put two tormented individuals together. Their relationship is rocky, and it’s as frustrating as it is smoking hot sometimes, but it will tear your heart out. The ending: it broke me. I was a complete mess. Then I went into instant withdrawal. And the book I’m reading now, which I put on pause to read this one, tastes kind of pasty now! Oh wait… should I be eating it? Damnit! I forgot how to read! *sobs*

Dark, gritty, and sexy as hell, Sins & Needles is pure perfection for fans of contemporary novels with a dangerous edge. It will leave you begging for more, in that blubbering, unattractive way of yours.

five-stars

5 Hot Espressos

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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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40 Responses to “Review: Sins & Needles by Karina Halle”

  1. Mary @ BookSwarm

    It was very hard to tear my eyes away from Camden…day-am. I’m not sure about the crackers in bed but I’d be more than happy to clean the crumbs up off him, too! Love when you’ve got a hot read that sucks you in and consumes you.

  4. Ali Ginger-Read

    Halle is so good at character creation and it shines through with Ellie & Camden ~ I loved them both so much. Thankfully she is a quick writer and we won’t have to wait years for the next book, I’m dying from that ending! Great review, as always!!

  5. Nick

    I don’t think I’ve ever heard you swoon so much over a love interest, Giselle! And damn! That picture! *fans self*
    I’m definitely going to try this one out as soon as I get the opportunity! I love that there’s a lot of character development in this book! It sounds pretty intense!
    Awesome review, Giselle! 🙂

  7. Amy

    Ahhh!! I was already really, really excited for this book, but now I am totally dying for it!! 5 espressos!! OMG!! I am buying this as soon as it comes out! I wish I had joined the tour. Amazing review!!

  14. Kaina

    I havent read or heard of this one but your enthusiasm (and maybe the picture too lol) makes me kinda wish I did 😀 This might have to be the most raving review I’ve read by you so it must be awesome. Awesome review! 🙂

  16. Bailey

    Totally admitting that your review made me giggle! I can tell that you definitely adored this one to pieces! 🙂 Camden sounds AND looks like a hottie! EEEK! Now I must read this one when it comes out and share my feels with you! 😀

  17. Shooting Stars Mag

    Well, whew! This sounds like one saucy novel. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. I like some damaged characters…I just want to hug them. Sounds like something I could find myself enjoying. Thanks for that photo too. Whoo boy, he’s a cutie!

  18. Jesse Burgoyne

    This sounds fantastic. I totally understand what you mean about not wanting to give a five star review because its beyond that. I’ve seen this cover around but didn’t know what it was about until now. I kinda can’t wait to be a blubbering mess at the end!

    Jesse @ Pretty In Fiction

  19. Michele-Chelemybelles Miller

    OMG, Hi from Chele at Supa Gurl Books! I didn’t actually read your entire post bc I have to do one of my own this week but I wanted to just jump in and agree with you 100%
    Ladies, get this book as soon as it is released!!

  22. Soma Rostam

    Well, it is pretty hard to tear my eyes away from it. He’s smoking HAWT! HOT! Whatever thing you choose. I love the idea of this novel, definitely not something I would read, but why not give it a try??
    LOVED your review Giselle, it’s not everyday that we get a five star review from you
    Your reader,
    Soma
    http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

  24. April

    I have seen karina posting about this book via her fb pages, but I wasn’t sure if it was a book one in a series or what not. Now I know. I have to admit, I didn’t give it a second thought until I saw her picture of Camden.

    There are 3 things that seriously get me hot in my nether regions. Dark Hair, geeky glasses, and tatoos. I cannot wait to read this one. Great review!

  25. Christina

    Well, thanks to you, I am now on this tour, and if I do not love it, this will be SO AWKWARD! But I hope to love!

    That’s totally not my type of guy, but I see the appeal. So.

    And ummmm LET’S GIVE IT ALL THE STARS!

    I hope I still feel that way when I read it in a couple days. :-p

  26. Micheline D

    haha Oh I so know what you mean about wanting to do a book like this justice & feeling like you’re babbling incoherently…you shouldn’t worry though cause this review was brilliant! It made me want to check out this book AND it made me giggle a few times! Glad you loved this one chick 🙂

  28. Nicole

    I must read this after this review! I instantly marked it to-read on goodreads and am really looking forward to it! Great review 😀

  31. Bellas Bookshelf

    The pic is not playing fair! lolz your review could say blah blah blah and all Ill remember is the pic! lolz
    I did add this to my tbr I think it sounds fabulous cant wait to read it 🙂

  32. haley hagen

    oooh this sounds amazing!!!!!!! I have been hearing nothing but awesome things about this book, deff going to pick it up now! Awesome review as always! (:

    Haley @ YA-Aholic

  34. Jen Greyson

    Wow — talk about a review and a half! I just pulled this author up on Goodreads to add to my TBR, and it looks like I’m going to have to add ALL her books — they look phenom.

    Thanks for the intro to my next author!

  36. fishgirl182

    i just bought this book for me and a couple of friends. i have been looking for a good new read and this has been popping up. i love tortured characters so i think i will get along with these two. great review!

  37. Alaiel Kreuz

    I need a second… OK, maybe a couple of minutes…
    You just sold it! Even before finishing your review I knew I HAD to read this book. And let me tell you, this is not the first review I’ve read about it (and all the other reviews were great) but yours closed the deal. I’m ready to fall in love 😀

    Alaiel
    Librarian Mouse