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Mirrored #1

In Spades

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Avalynn has been running from her past for a couple of years now....never very far but always extremely fast. With an alcoholic father, a void of a mother and a town full of gossip, she struggles to find her place in the world.The only thing that saved her on her path of self destruction is her beautiful little sister, her miracle. Desperately trying to save Abby from a life that Avalynn has been trying so hard to escape from, she plots to take Abby away.The plan going dangerously astray, leaving Avalynn beaten and broken in what once was the hallway mirror in her childhood home. Avalynn finally comes to in the hospital after nearly being beaten to death. Father-Dead, Mother-Missing, Abby-In foster care--Everything changing in the blink of an eye.

Avalynn immediately sets to work to get her life in order , receive custody of precious Abby and focusing every ounce of attention, giving Abby the the life she deserves. Avalynn, now a 22 year old Elementary School Teacher and New Mommy, struggling to raise a beautiful and feisty five year old whom was just diagnosed with Mild Autism Disorder. Lots of challenges for her to face in the midst. Avalynn is ready to go at them all head on if it means Abby is raised in a happy and healthy home. Abby is the only thing she cares about...not even caring about herself or her life...that is...until she meets him. The man that can shatter her entire world with one glance. Their relationship a roller coaster ride from start to finish. One that Avalynn never wants to get off of..but she may not have a choice. Her happily ever after coming to a screeching halt yet again. Heartbreak, love, loss and hope--This story has it all, In Spades.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2013

17 people are currently reading
1258 people want to read

About the author

K. Pinson

6 books170 followers
Author K. Pinson is twenty-six years old and lives in Michigan with her husband and little princess. She has addictions to makeup, dressing up her daughter, and shopping online. She has a fond appreciation for the written word, starting at a very early age and leading into adulthood. Her favorite genres include romance, psychological thrillers, and any novel that gives her all the feels. K. Pinson refuses to give the stereotypical happily ever after in her novels and hopes her readers will have a full-immersion experience into her book world.

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5 stars
162 (35%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for K.A. Robinson.
Author 25 books2,239 followers
May 2, 2013
I was so excited when I saw that this book was finally live!

I read this book in about two hours (Don't worry, I read super fast!) and I couldn't put it down.

Okay, that's a lie. I put it down to give my son a bath, but then I ran right back to my Kindle so I could see what happened!

The author did a great job setting up the story with the Prologue. It gives you insight into just what the main character has dealt with, and we know that we can expect some emotional scarring because of it.

The writing flows and is easy to follow.

Overall, I give it 4.5/5 stars. Great job!
Profile Image for Kris Book Addicts PR.
17 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2013
Well. I must say, Miss Katey-poo has done quite well for his very first novel! This book was AWESOME! The reality is just amazing! Daxton is a guy that all us ladies need around....Maybe! We will have to wait for book 2! Ava, she's pretty cool too seeing how much I usually ALWAYS HATE the female in books! And then we have little Abby! What a doll. Being a mother I could appreciate the way she talked and acted so well. Oh did I mention, Dax is the lead singer of a band called "In Spades?" Duh!!! BONUS! They are my favorite! This book was really well written. Not rushed, which most books I have been reading lately seem to be. There was a little angst, but a little is allowed. The ADULT shenanigans, AWESSSSSOOOMMMEEEE! Really hoping book 2 has just a tad bit more ADULT kick to it though as I am a die hard dirty novel girl. THIS IS A MUST READ! Oh BUT! MAJOR CLIFFHANGER! Ugh! It's ok, it definitely leaves you wanting more! 5+ Stars!
Profile Image for Jessica's Book Review.
902 reviews366 followers
May 8, 2013
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Holy Cliffhanger Batman!! I am dying for the second book in the Mirror series NOW!! What a nasty cliffhanger you left for us Ms. Pinson!

In Spades is an adorable, yet emotional debut novel by K. Pinson. Ava is a 22 year-old teacher who is raising her 6 year-old sister, Abby after their father murdered their mother and then killed himself. Ava’s life until this point has been tragic to say the least and is trying to give the best life for her sister. Ava doesn’t really have her own life outside of work and Abby until Ava meets Dax. A musician who falls head over heels in love with Ava and the two begin to date and fall in love. Soon both their past comes back around to their future leaving for a crazy cliffhanger, be prepared!

The prologue had me intrigued and hooked me right away! I just had to know the story about this girl who was beaten to near death and left to die by the hand of her father. My heart was broken for both Ava and young Abby; I wanted them to have their HEA.

I absolutely adored all the characters! Abby was the sweetest thing. I am usually not a big fan of children in books and sometimes find them annoying but not Abby. She was sweet and just innocent, making me smile a few times while I read. Ava is just amazing. I can’t even imagine what 18 year-old could support her toddler sibling, raising her as her own while working and completing her college degree. She is amazing and you will love her just like I do because of the incredible job she did raising Abby.

Dax, I loved him right away. A hot musician with a gorgeous body gets me every time and Dax was no different. Ava played hard to get for awhile making sure Dax was suitable to date and be around Abby. Dax did everything possible to show Ava he is a good guy and he won me over in the process. I just love how much he loved both Ava and Abby. At the end of the book there are two short chapters in his POV and I LOVED reading what he was feeling and thinking… **hint, hint** for book two.

In Spades is full of emotions, heartache, romance, hot sex, and so much more. I adored this book and the characters very much. I highly recommend readers to read it and get to know Ava & Dax and fall in love with them like I did. Be warned the ending does leave on a crazy cliffhanger; I am DYING to have the next book in my hands now. All the drama was saved for the end leaving you hanging... Gosh I need to know about Dax so bad. I don’t want to ruin it for you!!

I give In Spaces 4 Stars.

Book provided by the author in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews93 followers
Read
December 30, 2013

12/30/2013 Marking it as DNF for the sole fact that I am pledging a "No Cliffhanger 2014". I hate that I started this one and didn't realize it had a cliffhanger because I'd like to have that time back. BOO! I don't care that the second book is now out. I can't go back...On to the next one... (I hope I sounded like a total Diva there because that's how I feel!)

Authors please: Mark your cliffhangers as such and think about publishing a complete book!

_____________________________________________________________________
I'm sad to say I decided to put this one aside at 47% until the second book is released. I don't do cliffhangers well and most likely would need to re-read the book again before reading book two anyway. BOO! I was enjoying this one...I hate cliff-hangers!


I am now a firm believer in the phrase, "rather to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all". Simple but true. This is a story of love, heartbreak and everything in between. This story has it all-- in spades.
Profile Image for Kristen Hope Mazzola.
Author 68 books1,103 followers
August 5, 2013
An amazing read with a fantastic cliff hanger!!! A must read!!! I was not ready for the heart wrenching ride that this story took me on. One page I was smiling and the next I was getting teary right along with the characters. It is a wonderful display of love and fear as a young woman tries her best to make a better life for her little sister. I was so thrilled with the fast paced roller coaster and could not even think of putting this book down! I cannot wait to find out what happens next! K. Pinson is defiantly an indie author to keep your eye on!! :)
Profile Image for Derna.
591 reviews292 followers
October 6, 2013
In spades

*I received an ARC in exchange for honest review*

Avalynn is a great character, and after reading the Prologue my heart when out for her. She has been through a lot and has she had a childhood that you wanted want to wish on anyone. But she survived it only just! And now she is moving on with her life, she has worked hard, she has a home, works two jobs, and is raising her young sister Abby. Abby happiness always comes first even if it means sacrificing some of her own.

“My life had not been all rainbows and butterflies, but I was surviving the best that I can and making like worthwhile for the other half of my heart” ~ Ava

However, that could all change when she meets Daxon Oh wow I liked Dax, he was a musician with tattoos and had that alpha male thing going on that I love. The first impression you think he is going to be a bad boy and a womanizer, but he actually wasn’t he was a great guy with a soft heart who loved kids especially Abby.

“Daxton was everything that I had been trying to run away from. I didn’t deserve to be happy. My goal in life was Abby’s happiness, not my own” ~ Ava

Ava thinks a one-night stand with a hot musician is all that she needs. However after that one night as much as she tries Ava cannot deny her feeling that she has for Dax, and Dax wants Ava to know for him it was more that just sex and one night stand he want a relationship he wants to take care of her and Abby. Ava is worried about letting down her walls and letting Dax get close its not just about her is also about Abby can she trust Dax with her heart. Ava thinks that things are moving too fast, so they slow it down which allows Ava to get to know Dax.

“I would have given up long ago. She was my reason for being; until I met him. He brought a whole new meaning to my life; one that could not be fulfilled by anybody else” ~ Ava

“I’m your missing piece and you’re mine. Together we create that beautiful and complete picture. Forgetting you would be like forgetting to breathe” ~ Dax


Like the storyline, which I loved, Ava and Dax’s relationship is an emotional rollercoaster; it was touching, had drama, angst, some twist and turn and was incredibly sweet at times. The chemistry between the two is undeniable which leads to some hot sexy moments. It's told from Ava’s POV, but at the end you do get Dax’s POV and get to know a little of his story, and what he is thinking which I loved.

“You’re all I ever wanted and I feel so got damn lucky to have you in my life. The both of you complete me> you and Abby are my angels” ~ Dax

Oh and I mustn’t forget Abby I fell in love with her straight away that little girl was just too cute.

“I just wanted to show you want my Mommy looks like, now you can see I was not lying bout her being pwetty, now you can be my daddy: ~ Abby

I would recommend In Spades; it was a wonderful debut novel from K Pinson that I really enjoyed reading in one afternoon. I do have to warn you it does have a big cliffhanger one that left me stunned and in tears. So if you are not a fan of cliffhangers then I would suggest that you wait a few more weeks as book 2 House of Cards as is due for release in August and you can read them back-to-back. I’m glad the wait is not too long as I’m anxious to know what next for Ava and Dax.
Profile Image for Kelly 'Perusing Princesses blog'.
487 reviews59 followers
May 12, 2013
A fast paced quick read with lengthy descriptive first person narrative, although I do believe it fell short on dialogue, making it a little difficult to connect to the personality of each character. There are some mistakes and a few sentence structure issues, nevertheless this story was highly enjoyable with like able leading characters.

Daxton is perfect book boyfriend material who kept my reading chair warm for the duration of my evening as I devoured him... uh, I mean the story... in one fell swoop.

Yes... it does have a cliffhanger ending but I have high hopes for book two as we still have a few things to discover - the story steps up to a whole new level towards the close.

Overall, a satisfying evenings read that managed to keep me entertained until lights out!

3.5 Stars.
Profile Image for Melissa.
106 reviews9 followers
May 4, 2013
OK wow! this is an incredible book. I highly recommend it! there is a cliffhanger but wow what a hanger it is! only makes me want the 2nd book like NOW!!! this is a story of a young girl who goes through so much to make sure her little sister is well taken care of and only lives for her, that is until Daxter comes into the picture. and boy was he HOT! the story is them falling in love and Ava learning to let love and Dax into her and Abby's life. when. Abby called him daddy my heart melted.
I seriously recommend this to everyone :)
great job k. pinson! can't wait foe house of cards!!!
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,050 reviews35 followers
May 3, 2013
Wow I absolutely love this story and so can not wait until book 2, the prologue was great beginning to understand the past to the present. I found this easy to read and couldnt put it down until i had finished. The characters are great with such depth to them aswell, omg swoon for dax! I will certainly be reading more from K.Pinson
Profile Image for Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader.
2,140 reviews55 followers
October 5, 2020
3.5 stars

**Review of the audiobook**

STORY: 4 Stars
PERFORMANCE: Stars
OVERALL: Stars

STORY
Jasmine is in her early 20s when her abusive, neglectful parents disappear, leaving her to take care of her young autistic sister. While working two jobs, she meets Dax, a sexy Singer and music therapist.

IN SPADES wasn’t an extraordinarily special story, but it wasn’t terrible either. It’s not often that I can hear a typo while listening to an audiobook, but I heard at least one when the main character said REVERE instead of REVERIE. Also, the main character would occasionally go on random tangents, talking about non-important things that had absolutely no bearing on the storylinelike morning breath or the fact that her 5-year-old sister loves pizza (don’t they all?). Aside from this unnecessary filler and what some would consider insta-love, overall, IN SPADES is a fun, sweet, sexy story. However, it does end with a cliffhanger, and I didn’t enjoy this book enough to want to continue reading on in the series…

PERFORMANCE
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ashlyn Selleck. Although I would have preferred that a male narrator spoke for the male characters, Selleck did a decent job. My main complaints were that she mispronounced the word OGLE, and she pronounced the female main character’s name two different ways, sometimes pronouncing it AVA other times pronouncing AV like you pronounce AVENUE. Like the book, she wasn’t an extraordinarily fantastic barrator, but she definitely wasn’t bad!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
491 reviews16 followers
June 13, 2013
In Spades starts off with a scene that will rip your heart out. The person who is supposed to be there to love and protect Ava is the one that she needs protecting from. Ava has had her share of heartache and pain. Her childhood wasn't always a bad one, there were some good memories. Until the day her father lost his job, began drinking and took his frustration and anger out on her and her mom. Eventually Ava was able to escape it all when she ran away. But when she found out that she had a sister named Abby, she refuses to let her go through the same pain and abuse that she went through. She went home to save her and ended up being the one that needed to be saved. She wakes up in a hospital bed and finds that her father has committed suicide and her mom is gone. She is finally rid of the man who has scarred her, and now it is time for her to move forward, because she has a little sister that needs to be loved and protected. She doesn't want her sister to have the childhood that she had. She wants to give her sister a home filled with love and happiness, something that she didn't always have. She fights for custody of her sister and wins.

Ava worked hard to get her teaching degree and get custody of her sister. But being young and a single "mom" and trying to make ends meet is a day to day struggle for her. Her sister has been diagnosed with autism and has been having some issues in school. It's a lot to handle for someone as young as Ava but she is a strong woman and will do whatever it takes. She has been through worse in her life. Right now Ava has what she needs to get by but is missing one thing and that is love. Falling in love is just not in the cards right now, because right now everything is about Abby. That is until she meets Daxton.

Ava works at a bar at night and Daxton is in the ban that plats there regularly. Daxton is a hot and sexy musician so of course Ava notices him. She isn't looking for love but she is still a woman. But her first impression of Dax isn't exactly the best one, considering he has two girls occupying his time. She decides that maybe giving in to her attraction to Dax isn't such a bad thing. That maybe she needs to so something for herself just once, even if that something is a one stand with a hot musician. But things become more than just sex for Dax and Ava. She begins to see Dax as this caring, sweet and amazing man who also has a soft spot for her sister. Things begin moving a little fast for Ava and Dax, and not matter how hard she tries to deny it, she is falling for him. But is it too quick? Can she trust Dax and how does she explain him to her sister?

Dax and Ava have a very sweet relationship. Dax ends up being this amazing guy who is sweet and caring and wants to love and take care of Ava. He's not the womanizer that he is made out to be in the beginning. He accepts her sister in his life as well and is adorable with the little Avery. He would do anything for the both of them.

In Spades is the story of Ava and her little sister Avery and how she becomes a mother to the little girl that she loves more than anything in the world. Ava is definitely a loveable character and I admire her strength and courage. She is young but very determined and has taken on a lot of responsibility, that she handles like a champ. I really enjoyed Dax and towards the end we got to know a little bit more about him. In Spades is sweet and adorable and emotional at times. You will fall in love with Ava and her little sister their relationships with Dax. There are some twists and turns and an ending that will leave you staring at your e-reader wondering what happened, but it was definitely worth the read. Cannot wait for the next one to see what happens!

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Stephanie- The Boyfriend Bookmark.
487 reviews342 followers
July 31, 2013
So I have had quite a while to think about this book and I am still left completely speechless. And now, even hours after finishing it, I don’t know where to begin. I don’t want to give anything away but I so desperately want to discuss something very significant in this book with you. But if I do, I certainly would ruin it… so bear with me as this is one of the more difficult reviews I have had to write in a while…

Avalynn has one of the most tragic stories I have read but she grew from the tragedy of her past into a very strong woman with real concerns. Her heart belonged with one person… little Abby. Avalynn story started well before book began but what a story it was. She watched a family slowly disintegrate in front of her eyes taking the brunt of the pain that her father dished out. But the only thing that kept her coming back was the love a sweet little baby sister. She was never going to let what happened to her happen to her sister. She would be there to guide and protect her and care and love her. She was everything in Avalynn’s eyes.

One night Avalynn gets a little liquid courage in her after a late shift at the bar where she worked and finally made the attempt to get to know that hot singer that was constantly looking at her… one too many shots and one amazing night later, Avalynn knew that her life would never be the same. She had it bad for Dax and she knew it, but was she willing to let her walls down and let him in?

Little Abby knew that her big sister/mommy wanted and needed more. Helping to show Avalynn the light, she helped her new favorite teacher at school with fabulous surprises for her mommy. That little girl just absolutely stole my heart. I think if I ever met a child as sweet and caring and just plain adorable as Abby, I would just hug on her a whole bunch!

Dax, the hot lead singer in the band, had a soft spot for kids too. He knew that he wanted to help with children through music… and he was helping Abby in school through music therapy. But he had also won over little Abby’s heart. But he wanted to win over Avalynn’s heart as well…

Though the two only shared a crazy hot one night stand, Dax and Avalynn both felt the pull and the connection… they both knew what was looking them in the eyes. Both had sad pasts and both had scars, but Dax wasn’t ready to just walk away because Avalynn had a dark past. He didn’t want to fix her, he wanted to love her. But was the past too much to overcome? Could they get beyond their pasts and make it to the future by living and loving in the present?

GAH! I cannot say anymore about the actual story… so I will tell you instead, you have got to read this book.

This book was amazing and I highly recommend it. This book is a beautiful story of overcoming the past, living in the present and looking forward to the future. It is a beautiful story of what one girl will do for the love of her family at any cost to her own life.

I admire K. Pinson for taking a road less traveled with this book and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have read it. It is a fabulous read and I am so impressed and touched by the characters in it. I cannot wait for the next book!

*I received a complimentary copy of In Spades in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Natalie.
406 reviews196 followers
May 23, 2013
3.75 Stars

"This is a story of love, heartbreak and everything in between. This story has it all....in spades."

How great is that for an opening? As soon as I read that one line I was hooked. I jumped right in, very eager to feel all of those emotions right along with the characters. Happily I can report that for the most part In Spades did deliver on its promise.

In Spades is the story of Ava, a young school teacher raising her younger autistic sister on her own after leaving behind an abusive home. Ava has no desire to find love, her only focus in life is to create a life for her sister Abby that she never had; safe, secure and happy. Ava has been very successful at this lonely existence until she meets Dax.

I really did like Ava, even after suffering a horrible childhood she came across as strong and determined. The relationship she has with her younger sister is beautiful and heartwarming.

When I close my eyes and try to picture my perfect dream man he looks very similar to how I see Dax. A bad boy rocker by night, music therapist to autistic kids during the day with a heart of gold. *Very swoon worthy* Dax comes with his own family baggage and while I didnt really feel it was neccessary for the story line it didn't deter from his book boyfriend appeal.

I appreciated the slow build up of the relationship between Ava and Dax, no insta-love which is always a plus for me. I would however have liked more dialogue between the two characters as they got to know each other to help me connect with them even more. When the relationship does start to pick up there are definite sparks and some great steaminess.

In Spades was a good solid debut novel with intriguing characters the held my attention throughout. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Pinson in the future.

Just be warned, there is a cliffhanger but don't fear book 2 House of Cards is scheduled to release in August.
Profile Image for Saralyn.
178 reviews13 followers
May 9, 2013
I've recently had the pleasure of reading another awesome book! Ok, more like devoured its insatiable pages. I've been completely mind blown and left craving for more. Now for my review, where do I even begin...


In Spades will pull you into its pages from the very beginning. It has everything that you could want in it. The romance, heartache, angst, a hot guy, sex, and much, much more. Oh, and did I mention the sex? Hot sex with a hot guy. Yummy!!!


Ava is a survivor even at her weakest moments. She was dealt a bad hand as a child and managed to escape. The beginning starts out with a pretty brutal tragedy that makes you want to keep reading just to make sure Ava pulls through everything alright. At 22 years old, she has taken on more responsibility than she had to just to make sure that her little sister has a better childhood than she did. Little Abby will have you wrapped around her finger before you can turn to the next page. Then Ava meets Daxton...oh, Dax, Dax, Dax..I love me a good rock star and he is so sexalicious. He comes in and blows Ava's mind. I so love him! She tries to play the hard to get card but she can't stay away him for long. And he has a soft side, too....swoon worthy for sure. I recommend In Spades to any reader who loves an extremely great love angst story.


And I can't forget the end that leaves you screaming for more!!! I need to read more NOW!! I have to know what happens with Dax!
Profile Image for Toski Covey.
130 reviews155 followers
August 9, 2013
I love when you pick up a book with no expectations, have no idea what it is about, and are pleasantly surprised at how much you love it.

In Spades has a little bit of everything we all love in a good book.. Some heartbreak, some drama, a ROCKER;), a broken girl, and of course some steamy romance..

Ava is broken from a childhood experience and now has custody of her 5 year old little sister Abby (who calls her Mommy)..
On a night out she meets him.. The guy who rocks her world.. Daxton is HOT. His name is even hot.. He SWOOONED me right away.. Ava tries to push him away but he is relentless after their first "encounter."

This story is short and sweet but gave me just enough of everything I needed.. Little Abby stole my heart right away.. Being a typical (and special) 5 year old- she suffers from word vomit quite often and it is quite hilarious..

I can't review this book like I honestly want to because it will spoil it but trust me- if you are looking for a quick read that sucks you right in and doesn't let go.. Read this one..I will warn you -- there is a cliffhanger but MAN YOU WILL BE READY FOR BOOK TWO!! <-- CAN NOT WAIT

I give IN SPADES A FIVE STAR.. I LOVED it..I highly recommend this one.. I LOVE me some rockers and Dax baby did NOT disappoint
Profile Image for Carver's Book Cravings.
166 reviews45 followers
August 1, 2013
This a good book. It brings out some strong emotions.

Avalynn (Ava) is struggling to get her life back after a brutal childhood. She almost dies, but doesn't let that prevent her from getting her life in order to raise Abby, her baby sister. She finished school, gets custody of her sister and then moves away. She doesn't want to meet anyone because it will disrupt her and her sister's life. She only wants her sister to have a perfect life and grow up feeling loved. Will she allow herself to come first? Will she let herself live life and love?

Daxton is a cocky rock star. He is very closed off about his past. He just wants to work and play in his band. He doesn't believe there is one girl out there for him. Until the night he meets Ava. It was supposed to be a one night stand, but he couldn't let her go. Can he love her and Abby? Will he help her be able to love?

This book is a fast read. One thing that I was bummed about is it is a cliff hanger. It is really annoying to read a book thinking it will end and then have it be a cliff hanger. With that said it was still worth the read and I can't wait to find out what happens with these characters.
Profile Image for Renee.
1,332 reviews31 followers
December 19, 2013

What a captivating bunch of characters. Ava and Abby are perfect. Ava is the best sister in the world. Dax is perfect and even Gabe, his brother showed promise.Ava has a weekend job as a bartender and her only friend is Faith. They are a special duo. What I really enjoyed was the friendship the author created between these two lovely ladies. Having both be alike and not polar opposites was the draw for me. I am tired of my super rich best friend and I am living just above the poverty line. That aspect of their relationship was perfect. Just two girls and no drama, how refreshing.

Dax was a very big hearted lovable guy. Who wouldn't love a rocker who does music therapy for kids? The story of both Avalynn and Dax is compelling. I felt so bad for Ava growing up in such an awful home. When she turns 18 and goes to get her sister Abby who is a special needs child I almost lost it. A very special character and I LOVED seeing an autistic child in a book. GREAT job on the character creations, the story flow and plot. It was a little dark, which I love, so of course I say READ IT NOW!
Profile Image for Lori Garside.
246 reviews15 followers
August 27, 2014
Wow! I’ve always enjoyed K. Pinson’s books, but…Oh. My. God! In Spades has it all – romance, hot tatted man, tortured but loveable woman, hot sex – hot as hell sex, and the most adorable little girl. This book reached out, grabbed my brain, and refused to let go until the very end!

Avalynn was horribly abused as a child and has sole custody of her much younger sister Abby. A teacher by day and bartender by night, Ava has worked hard for the life she has. The band In Spades plays at the bar where she works on weekends. She noticed the oh so talented and sexy Daxton. Daxton is one hot lead singer, but he’s got much more up his sleeve than just being a musician. These two heat between these two will ignite your e-reader!

Will Ava be able to allow Daxton into their lives? Will Daxton be the man that puts the pieces together for Ava and Abby? Oh, did I mention the unbelievable cliffhanger? I will eagerly be awaiting the sequel!
Profile Image for Kim Person.
530 reviews180 followers
May 13, 2013
Ummmmmmmmm I finished this one and yelled out "What the Hell?" when I got to the end ~ HOLY FREAKING MOLY ~ ummmmmm Oh Dear Lord I'm speechless ~ I loved the book total 5 stars but I need a day to PROCESS so I can review ~ still STUNNED~
Profile Image for Jennifer.
892 reviews12 followers
June 1, 2013
I won a copy of this yesterday and read it in 4 hours today. I couldn't put it down! Loved it and am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for a collective of books.
1,523 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2017
I'm a fan of K. Pinson's work and she writes so well to invoke such strong emotion from happiness to sadness. Must read the next one!! Aahhhh cliffhanger!!
Profile Image for Scandalous Book Blog.
214 reviews52 followers
August 8, 2014
From the first time I read the synopsis I wanted to read this book, the story called to me and I was not disappointed.
Ava has had a very terrible and terrifying childhood, she suffered so much she wanted to end her life but the fought for survival because of her little sister Abby.
Three years on from the night that has left her scared for life both physically and emotionally, she is a new women, her life is together and the joy of her life Abby is back living with her.
Ava has worked hard creating a safe and happy home for them both.

"My life has not been all rainbows and butterflies but I was surviving the best that I could"~Ava

I admire Ava's strength she has been through so much but yet she has used most of those negative to pushed her on to do and be a better person.
She has taken on the role of mother to Abby and might I add doing a brilliant job raising her providing her with extra care and patience due to her Autism.

"This is my mommy isn't she pwetty like I told you, will you be my new daddy now"~Abby

This little girl completely stole my heart, she is the sweetest little thing. She sees Ava as her mother and tells her how much she loves here every chance she gets.
When I read that comment I nearly died with laughter.
Ava's sole purpose in life is to provide a loving home for her daughter, she never thinks of her personal happiness or fulfilment until Dax.
Dax is an amazing talented man with his own dark past (which is revealed much later in the book)
He and Ava shared one night of passion, after which he has come to the conclusion that she is his soul mate the missing piece of him.
He opens her carefully guarded heart and break down her walls. Showing her she deserves to be happy and have love in her life.
She slowly accepts his love and give him her love in return, he loves Abby like his own child and soon they are their own little family.
Ava cannot believe her luck she has everything she thought she would never experience in life.

"I was in awe. The man cooks, cleans and sex like a God"~Ava

This story sounds too good to be true right....of course it is everything is perfect but it soon comes crashing down when demons from both their pass show up.
There love will be put to the ultimate test.

"Forgetting you would be like forgetting to breathe"~Dax

I don't think either of them know just how much that one statement will bear significance to their future.
The book ends with a cliffhanger Dax makes the ultimate sacrifice for his his Daughter Abby (she got her wish the man she wanted to be her new Daddy was Dax).
This book is written from Ava's POV however at the end we got two chapters of Dax POV which was extremely insightful.
very well written, easy to read and it kept me wanting more I cannot wait for the second instalment in the mirrors series.
4/5 Stars From Natasha Scandalous Book Blog
Profile Image for Jaydb.
37 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2014
3.5 stars

I enjoyed In Spades. I think it started out strong and has a really good story premise. Avalynn was only a teenager when she ran away because of her father's constant verbal and physical abuse. Her mother wasn't neglectful or cruel, but she was powerless to protect her Avalynn from her father. When her baby sister Abby was born, she couldn't stomach the thought of leaving her in their father's company. She returned to take Abby away, but things went downhill when her father caught her.

The next days were terrible, and Abby had to go through foster care for a while. When Avalynn finally reached legal age, she gained custody of her sister and had since then dedicated her life raising her.

I am not the hero of this story. Abby saved me, not the other way around. She was the reason I fought to live every single day... If it weren't for the responsibility of taking care of Abby and loving her with all that I had, I would have given up long ago.

I admired Ava for her strength and unconditional love for her sister. She even had it in herself to love her parents too, regardless of everything they had been through. It's actually quite painful to read her recollections of the past. They used to be a normal, happy family--until her dad became addicted to alcohol. :(

At the present setting of the story, Ava is working as a teacher at an elementary school during the day, At night, she works part time as a bartender at a bar where live bands are the main attraction. The most popular of them is In Spades.

Daxton is the lead singer of In Spades. His and Ava's interaction had been limited to hi's and hello's, and the occasional drink order. One night of drunken after-work revelry though, Dax and Ava finally acknowledged their attraction to each other (very emphatically I might add!).

It wasn't smooth-sailing for both of them, although I must say, Dax's patience and care for both Ava and Abby made their situation a lot easier to handle. Abby was never a problem because Dax adored her too. He's actually a little too good to be true.. but he is a really good match for Ava.

You're not broken baby. You are only missing a piece. Like a jigsaw puzzle that looks like nothing but a bunch of colors and lines and makes absolutely no sense until the final piece is placed. It isn't until that moment that the entire puzzle comes together... I'm your missing piece and you're mine.

As for Abby, she's a sweetheart! I love how she appears in my mind as I read her lisping lines. I am confused though because she's said to have mild autism... I might be just clueless about children with mild autism, but she seemed like any normal kid to me.

As I've said earlier, this book is a cliffy! You'll want to know what happens next ASAP.
1,557 reviews38 followers
July 21, 2013
http://www.blue-moon.fr/spip.php?arti...


Charmante romance que celle qui commence dans ce roman sous la plume d’une jeune auteure K. Pinson. Pourtant le sujet est grave et le second tome risque de réserver des moments plus sombres. Si l’auteure retient l’intérêt dans cette première partie, son histoire présente quelques faiblesses.

Le sujet en est très grave. L’héroïne, Avalynn est une survivante. Battue par un père alcoolique au long de son enfance, elle a échappé de peu à la mort après une ultime confrontation à l’âge de dix-sept ans avec lui. Elle était revenue chez elle pour tenter de prendre sa petite sœur, encore bébé et essayer de la protéger de la violence de leur père. La suite a été dramatique. Les années ont passé et Ava a maintenant une vie bien rangée, travaille et élève sa petite sœur qui est atteinte d’une légère forme d’autisme. Elle a de plus attirée l’attention du leader d’un groupe de rock et commence une idylle avec lui.

Le problème est que ce décor est planté très vite et que toute la première partie n’est que l’évolution logique et sans surprise de ce qui est dit dès le départ. Ava aime Daxter qui lui rend bien. Daxter est très gentil et adore Abby, la petite sœur d’Ava. Elle aussi adore Daxter... De charmantes scènes confrontent tout ce petit monde, nous assistons le sourire aux lèvres au rapprochement de Daxter et Ava, à l’épanouissement de celle-ci qui a bien besoin d’amour et d ’amis qu’elle trouve soudain en masse. Tout cela est agréable mais un peu plat. Nous attendons de plus l’inévitable renversement de situation car c’est une première partie et il faut bien que quelque chose de négatif se produise un jour...

C’est cette construction prévisible et ce récit un peu plat qui plombe un peu le roman. Tout le monde est très gentil ou très méchant. Même la maladie de la petite Abby devient qu’un léger problème comme si l’auteure refusait d’aller trop loin dans ce sens.

Il n’en reste pas moins que cette histoire se lit sans difficulté et que le cliffhanger donne très envie de lire les premières lignes du prochain livre. Un roman à découvrir, dans la lignée des nombreuses romances NA que nous connaissons. Sympathique mais pas le meilleur, c’est sûr.
Profile Image for Laura.
510 reviews19 followers
February 26, 2014
I had never heard of this book (or author) when I decided to snatch this one up. Broken characters and a love story amidst all the chaos....sounded PERFECT to me. K. Pinson definitely did not disappoint.

Avalynn experienced something no child should have to go through. An alcoholic father, a mother who is void of any responsibility to her children....
"I didn't have to like them, but I would always love them. They were mine and I couldn't replace them."
The sense of entitlement that Ava has to her much younger sister Abby is almost surreal. Ava has made it her mission to make sure that Abby doesn't live the same life that she had. Ava graduates from college early, she works two jobs, she has put everything before her own life to make sure that Abby is taken care of.

In walks Dax. Daxton. I have a soft spot for bad boys who have a soft heart, and that is Dax, without a shadow of a doubt. Ava and Dax meet and don't have what is Ava's norm. Ava doesn't let loose and she most certainly does not go home with bad boys....until Dax.

Their relationship becomes so much more than just a one night stand. Ava has problems feeling that she should be happy, but Dax doesn't let this stop him from pursuing her.

"...You're not broken baby. You are only missing a piece. Like a jigsaw puzzle that looks like nothing but a bunch of colors and lines and makes absolutely no sense until the final piece is placed. It isn't until that moment that the entire puzzle comes together. The puzzle becomes what it is meant to be - complete. I'm your missing pice and you're mine. Together we create that beautiful and complete picture. Forgetting you would be like forgetting to breathe, deadly."
I mean, COME ON, what girl doesn't want someone to say something like that to her?? Even the coldest of hearts would melt into a gooey pile of mush and a testament like that!

This is just a fabulous story. There is a definite cliffhanger ending...in fact, I think I may have kept hitting forward on my kindle because I just couldn't believe the story ended how it did. Maybe.

Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone looking for a great, quick read.
Profile Image for Chasity.
12 reviews
May 13, 2013
I feel like that one cartoon, only I don't quite remember which one it was... were the eyes pop out of his head and then you hear "ah-ooga" and the eyes are heart shaped, anyone following? No, I lost you didn't I.... Well, it was like that for me!

Anyways, Mrs.K.Pinson, first time Author extraordinaire. Wrote us this beautifully, horrific tragic story, with one kick*** of a protagonist, who didn't back down! I tip my hat to her, this rocked my jocks... But I also want to rattle, shake and pop Mrs.Pinson on her head, I'll tell you why. She gave the BIGGEST cliffhanger of all cliffhangers to me, this year! I'll never forget that feeling of how I was trying to turn my Kindle pages over and over, again and again. Only to find out that that was it! Gone, poof, nada, no more... I was like "Oh HELLo no, she DIDN'T!" but she DID! *Pimp slap then face palm*

But alas, after cyber stalking her and getting to the bottom of it. I'm happy to report, she is in the works as I type this out, writing the second book, "House Of Cards." Which makes me in return, happy!

I loved Ava, Abby and last but most certainly not least, Dax. *insert Dax swoon here!*
Ava's that Woman you want to be. Who we strive to be, every single damn day! (I'd hope.) Someone who we can count on and look up to. That's our Heroine and she's amazing.
Abby's that kid that you never knew you wanted, until you meet her. She's fun, cute and bubbly. (Who may secretly be a cherub, or at least reminds me of one.)
Dax, OH man! There aren't any worthy words!!! I feel the need to quote Christina Milian on this one- 'Drop it low, pick it up slow.' Because that's how sexy he makes me feel! He does come off a bit overly zealous and just a hint of cockiness, but man does he give a good lady boner!

Overall the storyline, plot and Characters are AWESOME. I'm definitely going to be picking up the next installment. The second it goes live! Thank you Mrs.Pinson, for giving me a fun and hot ride on this chaotic train of what you deemed "Mirrored."
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