Review: Undressed (The Men of West Beach, #1) by Kimberly Derting

Summary/Cover Image from Amazon:

Can two people whose dreams have been cast aside find a new passion...together?

No one ever expected straight-A student Lauren Taylor to make waves. But that was the old Lauren, before she went to college and became an online stripper to make ends meet. Now, Lauren is on the run with a secret and a bag of cash, fleeing landlocked Arizona for the beaches of California.

Will Gabaldon was one of the hottest surfers on the circuit, but fate had something else in mind. When a surfing accident shattered his budding career, Will was forced into a life of tending bar and doing odd jobs just to survive.

A swim instructor with secrets like Will is the last thing Lauren wants. A distraction like Lauren is the last thing Will needs.

But soon, both discover there’s one thing more dangerous than the wave that ended Will's career: Love. 

Review: 

Kimberly Derting already won me over with her young adult series The Body Finder. Therefore, when I heard she was releasing her first new adult romance, the start to a new series, I was super excited! She's always packed fantastic romance in her YA stories so I couldn't wait to see how her transition to NA would go.

The Result? Undressed is a solid three star read for me - caught smack dab in the middle of loving and hating. The beach setting was fun and the romance was steamy, but I just couldn't connect to the characters and even their relationship at times. 

My favorite part about Undressed was the setting. There's something always so whimsical and warm about a good old beach setting. It's only made better, in my opinion, when you're in a climate that's anything but beach like. I also enjoyed how Kimberly truly managed to flesh out the scenery. It was easy to picture the beach bungalow Lauren and Em lived in, the bars in which they frequented, the community center Lauren volunteered at, etc. 

The romance in Undressed is something commonly seen in NA - two people up to their heads in drama who should resist each other but can't. I don't know about you all, but I love a good star crossed, will-they-or-won't-they romance, especially when there's a surplus of secrets involved.

I did enjoy the romance quite a bit; however, there was one problem I had - it wasn't anything new. There wasn't anything that really made the romance stand out to me and become its own - it followed a typical formula save for the select secrets introduced. But even the secrets really didn't shock me too much....they were a tad bit underwhelming to be completely honest. 

As for the characters in this, I was caught in between liking and disliking. Lauren was the stereotypical good girl except for one dirty little secret. Lauren was smart, resourceful, and a good friend; however, she was a tad bit naive. So much of this book involved her second guessing herself and her situations, refusing to open up and talk when things got bad, and boy, did it frustrate me a times. So many hurt feelings and bad things could've been avoided if she just owned up to the truth and talked.  

Will, on the other hand, was the bad boy with a heart of gold. He was charming, and I loved his dedication to his little sister, but he had the same issues Lauren had - refusing to open up and ask for help when he needed it. 

Over the course of the book, they did get better, and become more willing to face the bad; however, I was already too far gone for that. I was left wanting more, wanting more zazz and spice - something to make these characters really come to life.

In all, Undressed left me feeling rather underwhelmed. I honestly excepted more from this book, and some parts of me don't know if I'll continue with the series. So my final world? If you love NA romance, especially those with a beach setting, try this one out. Maybe you'll see something I just couldn't. Other than that, I may be sticking to Kimberly's YA for the time being. 

Grade: C

Undressed is now out! 

Source: eARC provided by publicist - thanks Giselle at Xpresso Book Tours!

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Buy Links: 

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Author Links: 

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Undressed by Kimberly Derting

I featured Kimberly Derting's Undressed in a WOW post not too long, and can I just say, I think I even more excited to read this book then I already am?! Find out more about this book below & don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $50 Amazon gift card AND a signed copy! 

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Undressed 

by Kimberly Derting

(The Men of West Beach, #1)

Publication date: August 27th 2017

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Can two people whose dreams have been cast aside find a new passion…together?

No one ever expected straight-A student Lauren Taylor to make waves. But that was the old Lauren, before she went to college and became an online stripper to make ends meet. Now, Lauren is on the run with a secret and a bag of cash, fleeing landlocked Arizona for the beaches of California.

Will Gabaldon was one of the hottest surfers on the circuit, but fate had something else in mind. When a surfing accident shattered his budding career, Will was forced into a life of tending bar and doing odd jobs just to survive.

A swim instructor with secrets like Will is the last thing Lauren wants. A distraction like Lauren is the last thing Will needs.

But soon, both discover there’s one thing more dangerous than the wave that ended Will’s career: Love.

Goodreads / Amazon

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SNEAK PEEK

WARNING: Lots of flirty behavior and steaminess ahead! 

About the Author: 

Kimberly has been in love with LOVE since the first grade, when she would make “boyfriends” hold her hand during recess . . . whether they wanted to or not. In high school, she discovered romance novels and she’s been hooked ever since!

She is the author of the award-winning THE BODY FINDER series, THE PLEDGE trilogy, THE TAKING trilogy, and UNDRESSED (her first book in The Men Of West Beach series). She's also co-written the soon-to-be-released picture books about a girl who loves science! Her books have been translated into 15 languages, and both THE BODY FINDER and THE PLEDGE were YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selections.

These days, she spends entirely too much time ordering stuff off the Internet, binge-watching Netflix, and holding hands with a guy who doesn’t have to be forced (her husband).

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
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Questions for the Comments: 

Are you excited to read this book? Have you read anything by Kimberly before? 

Waiting on Wednesday (149)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

My pick this week is:

Undressed
 (The Men of West Beach, #1) 
by Kimberly Derting  
(coming August 27, 2017!)

Can two people whose dreams have been cast aside find a new passion...together?

No one ever expected straight-A student Lauren Taylor to make waves. But that was the old Lauren, before she went to college and became an online stripper to make ends meet. Now, Lauren is on the run with a secret and a bag of cash, fleeing landlocked Arizona for the beaches of California.

Will Gabaldon was one of the hottest surfers on the circuit, but fate had something else in mind. When a surfing accident shattered his budding career, Will was forced into a life of tending bar and doing odd jobs just to survive. 

A swim instructor with secrets like Will is the last thing Lauren wants. A distraction like Lauren is the last thing Will needs.

I loved Kimberly's The Body Finder series so I'm beyond excited that she's moving into contemporary/new adult romance. This one sounds so good (similar to Linda Kage's books!). Plus doesn't that cover just scream summer?

Add Undressed to your wishlist: 

Goodreads | Amazon

Learn more about the author:

Website | Twitter 

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

Review:

Ever since reading the spectacular start to this series, I've been dying to get my hands on more Jay and Violet stories. So, when a copy of the much anticipated sequel landed in my mailbox one rainy Thursday, I was nothing short of ecstatic. Luckily, Desires of the Dead proved to be a worthwhile companion to The Body Finder, because not only is there more more mysteries and romance in store for Jay, Violet, and us readers, but it took great new twists and turns!

Desires of the Dead begins a few months after The Body Finder ended. Violet and Jay's relationship is stronger than ever, and Violet hasn't heard the echos in a while. Though, one day she hears an echo that leads her not only to the body of dead little boy but the unwanted attention of the FBI. Even worse, another person is attempting to play the game of cat and mouse with Violet, and Violet's relationship with Jay is falling to pieces with the addition of two new students to their group of friends. So, who will she turn to when everything begins to spin out of control? And will Violet and Jay get over their differences? Only time will tell in this highly anticipated sequel to The Body Finder.

One of my favorite parts of Desires of the Dead was Violet and Jay. Violet is a girl who is fierce, smart, and loyal, a girl who has your back time and time again. I especially love the way Violet continues to use her abilities to find the dead and their killers to good use, even thought it puts huge emotional impacts on her and her relationships with others, because I feel that this shows how great of a person Violet is and how quick she is to sacrifice herself for others. Adding to this, Jay is yet again swoon-worthy in this addition because of the way he nearly always proved to be the picture-perfect boyfriend. Though, I have to admit, I did like seeing the bad sides of Jay and Violet's relationship in this sequel because it made it seem more even more realistic and true to life.

Furthermore, I loved the new mystery Kimberly introduced in Desires of the Dead, because not only did we yet again have the perspective of the "bad" person but it provided so many great twist and turns to the story. I seriously had no clue how this one was going to end until the very last chapters, and that is a very good thing, in my opinion!

Lastly, Kimberly Derting's writing was nothing but fabulous in this addition! I loved what she did she did with character and plot development in this.

In all, Desires of the Dead is no where near sophomore slump, in my opinion, and I simply can't wait to read more by Derting, especially if the said story involves Violet, Jay, and the gang.

Grade: A-

Desires of the Dead will be released February 15, 2011!

Source: Unsolicited review copy sent by publisher

Quick Qs and As with Kimberly Derting

Kimberly Derting is the fab author of an amazing book titled The Body Finder which I hope everyone has a chance to read this year. Though, without a futehr ado, here's my interview with the her!

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First off, I’m going to give you a couple of categories and I would like you to list your favorite.

Food? Thai food.
Drink? Hot tea. Or pretty much anything with caffeine.
Book? To Kill A Mockingbird. (I feel like a cliché just saying that, but it’s true)
Author? Stephen King.
Movie? Last of the Mohicans.
Season? Summer, definitely.

Can you describe The Body Finder in three words?

Love. And Corpses.

Are you similar to Violet in any ways?

Not so much. Violet handles her creepy ability much better than I would. One thing I love about her is that she doesn’t shy away from it…or on the flip side, she’s not so kick-butt that she comes across as unrealistic. She’s just a girl who doesn’t want to sit around and wait to be rescued.

I’m more the terrified-of-finding-dead-things kind of girl. I only like writing about it.

The Body Finder is told from two different perspectives (the killer and Violet) which leaves me to wonder how you went about doing this. Did you write both at the same time or separately?

I have to write everything in order. (I’m always amazed at writers who write scenes all over the place and then piece them together…that would drive me crazy!) In my first draft, I had fewer scenes from the killer’s perspective but my editor asked for more. For me, that was awesome! I loved trying to get inside a serial killer’s head (just for a little while, of course!).

Violet possesses an ability to sense where the dead are buried in the book which leaves me to wonder if you would ever be willing take on this ability she has.

No way. It’s one thing to write about it, it would be another thing to actually be drawn to dead bodies on a regular basis. Um…yeah, that would totally Freak. Me. Out.

One of the first things that initially drew me to The Body Finder (besides the intriguing premise!) is the stunning cover it has. So, what was your reaction to it when you saw it for the first time?

Oh my gosh, I loved it! It was nothing like I’d ever imagined, or even discussed with my editor. Originally, there was going to be a photographic cover with a model. But the mock-ups never made it past Sales and Marketing. Eventually, the cover designer came across this beautiful three-foot fabric “flower” and decided to use it for the cover. I’ve seen a few of the final dustjackets, and they really are breathtaking!

Do you have a favorite scene or line in The Body Finder? If so, would you mind telling us about it?

Without giving too much away, Violet goes to a cemetery to try to find the “echo” (energy remnants left in the wake of murder) of one of the girls who’s been killed. There, she comes across a hauntingly beautiful echo left by the dead girl.

What made you choose YA?

It wasn’t so much that I made a choice, it was just the story I ended up telling. I read a lot of YA, so it was a pretty easy leap that I would write in that same genre. Plus, I’m surrounded by teens; my kids and their friends are always around, so I can “research” at home (even when they don’t think I’m listening).

What’s your favorite thing about being an author so far? Least?

I love knowing that people will actually be buying (and reading!) my book. It still kind of freaks me out that it’s really happening!

I think the hardest part of this whole author thing is all of the waiting, especially for someone as impatient as me. Publishing moves at a snail’s pace, and the time between the sale of a book and its release is FOREVER. Let’s just say I’m extremely happy my release date is almost here….and, of course, I’m a little freaked out too. Okay, maybe I’m a lot freaked out!

As many people know, The Body Finder has a sequel called Desires of Dead coming out in 2011 which leaves me to wonder if you can possible share with us a bit of what’s to come? Also, do you have any further plans to write about Violet after that?

Hmm…what can I tell you about Desires of the Dead? I’ll say this, there may or may not be a dead body. Wait…I think I may have said too much!

As far as the future, I would love to spend more time with Violet, and have some great ideas where I want the story to go. Recently, I’ve found myself daydreaming of how I can best exploit…I mean, explore her unusual ability. I could easily see myself falling back into her world.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just thanks so much for having me, Lauren. This was a lot of fun!

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No thank you, Kimberly! :)

Further Links:

Kimberly's website
Kimberly's twitter
Kimberly's Facebook
Kimberly's Myspace
Kimerly's book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Summary:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.
 
Review:
 
It's as simple as this: I adored The Body Finder! Seriously, The Body Finder was exactly my cup of tea because of the fact that it contained romance, a serial killer murder mystery, kick butt main characters (*cough*Jay*cough*), and paranormal elements.

Violet was a likable character because of the fact that she was just normal teen facing the normal teen struggles expect for the fact that she could sense were dead bodies and killers were. It was interesting to learn more about her ability and see how it could solve the serial killer murder mystery. Further more, I loved Jay because in all seriousness I want my own Jay!! Since, he was sweet, trustworthy, defensive of his loved ones, hot and just an all around great guy. Further more, I liked how Jay and Violet were really great friends before they started anything romantic because it gave them a better sense of realness unlike in some books where two characters hook up without really knowing anything about the other.

One of my favorite aspects of this novel was how the story just pulled you in from the start and didn't let you go until the end because of all the drama and suspense that surrounded the whole plot. Plus, Kimberly just added  to this with her great writing.

In all, The Body Finder is a great addition to all the other fabulous releases coming out in March (Forget-Her-Nots, Hex Hall, The Snowball Effect, exc.).  I look forward to reading the next in the series, Desires of the Dead, even though I'm a just a tiny bit upset that I have to wait till 2011 to get my hands on a copy.
 
Grade: A+
 
The Body Finder will be released March 16, 2010!
 
Source: 1 ARC Tours