REVIEW and GIVEAWAY: Sweet Contradiction by Peggy Martinez

Title: Sweet Contradiction

Series: The Sweet Contradiction Series # 1

Author: Peggy Martinez

Published: August 26th, 2014

Publisher: Crimson Tree Publishing

Word Count: approx. 55,000

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Content Warning: Minor Violence and Sexual References

Age Recommendation: 17+

Synopsis: When Beth Michaels hightailed it out of the hole-in-the-road town she grew up in, she only had two goals. One—get as far away as quickly as possible, and two—never set foot in her parent’s home again. But when she receives a heart breaking call from her childhood best friend, Jen, she has no choice but to turn her ’56 Ford pickup back in the direction of Salem, Missouri to attend a funeral. There’s a new local in town when Beth arrives, and suddenly, it ain’t all that easy for her to remember her rules for dating. #1. Cookie-cutter-perfect guys ain’t her type. #2. Tie wearin’ and church frequentin’ is an automatic dismissal. #3. Most importantly, never date anyone from small minded, conservative, Bible-thumping towns like Salem. Unfortunately, Matthew Wright breaks all her rules and then some. Matt might be from a small town and have small town values, but that doesn’t mean he fits into a little slot of Beth’s preconceived notions. After all, ever so often good guys are good. Now if he could just convince Beth to let go of her past and give him a chance, he’s pretty sure there’s a whole lotta sweet under that prickly exterior. His own ... Sweet Contradiction.
   

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RATING: 4 stars

REVIEW:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

From the very beginning, this book had me hooked. I started and finished it in one day. It is a cute modern romance with lots of tension in all of the little side stories.

From the very beginning, you could relate to Beth, as her father is fanatically religious, and her mother is a spineles woman who doesn't stand up for her child in the midst of such abuse. Obviously, this was in a time where Department of Children and Families wasn't quite so active.

The reader can completely understand why Beth runs fast and hard away from the town she lives in when she comes of age, and its a reflection of the love she has for her best friend, that she returns.

And then there's Matt, the perfect boy next door wuth the pastor father and wonderful mother, and loving family of brothers. When they meet, you can see from the beginning where this is going. I know, I was hoping the entire time to eventually see her in church one day,letting her realize that all religion is not like her crazy father. 

The only negative was the scene with her mother at the end. I felt it was too contrived. Perhaps this was a way to bring in some sympathy for Beth's family, but I think it really wasn't necessary.

EXCERPT:

I took a bite of my poke cake. Strawberry. Yummy. "Beau is a small-town bully, and he’s always been used to getting what he wants. He’s used to girls falling at his feet and giving him a whole lot more than I was willing to give him back in high school."

Matt’s jaw clenched, and a muscle ticked in his cheek.

I was a little surprised by his reaction.

"And Beau... he didn’t take no for an answer?" he asked.

I blinked once and then twice before I realized what he was asking. My eyes widened, and I nearly choked. I put out a hand and laid it on his hand, which was clenched into a tight fist.

"No. I mean, yes, he took no for an answer. Especially since I kneed him, er, in a place that hurt him real bad. He spread around a bunch of nasty rumors about me after that, but he didn’t try anything else."

He relaxed his hand and then took mine, giving it a little squeeze. My heart fluttered... just a bit. Matt relaxed.

I removed my hand from his. As he took a bite of his own cake, I watched him. Matthew Wright was a good man, and I found myself wanting to spend more time with him. Aw, crap.

Matt had to go a few minutes later, even though I could tell he really would’ve rather stayed and talked with me some more. I felt the same way. I was actually bummed to see him go. The afternoon dwindled down and before I knew it, we were packing up and heading home. I’d spent the entire day at a church function, and I hadn’t even turned into a toad. 

Miracle of miracles.

   

About the Author:

Peggy Martinez is the author of The Sweet Contradiction Series, which was picked up by Crimson Tree Publishing in early 2014 and is scheduled to release under this new imprint in the Summer of 2014. Martinez’s New Adult Contemporary Romance series will include Sweet Contradiction, Perfect Contradiction and Beautiful Contradiction. When not writing, Peggy can be found spending time at home with her husband, her teen son and four little girls. She loves reading, writing, soap making, aromatherapy, gangster movies, prepping for the zombie apocalypse and downing insane amounts of Twizzlers and Kazoozles. As if being a wife and homeschooling mom of five doesn’t keep her busy enough, Peggy Martinez is a full time Author who has six published books, including The Time Warper Series and State of Decay. Peggy’s dream is to own a small homestead where she can raise some chickens along with her five kids, tend to a large garden and one day take her dream vacation’s to Ireland, Greece and Scotland.  

Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Website</ span>

  

Crimson Tree Publishing Links:

(an Adult division of Clean Teen)

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Giveaway Details:

There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

• A bookmark swag pack, Winner’s choice of any Clean Teen Publishing eBook, and a $15 Amazon gift card.</ span>

Giveaway is International.

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