Sunday 31 May 2015

Review: Man Candy by Elise Sax

Raine Harper is in love with Wade Gates. But Wade likes women who are model thin, and Raine is model thin plus a lot of pounds. Desperate to make him love her, she trains just a little too hard and passes out in the arms of superstar movie star Dirk Adams. Dirk thinks Raine’s junk in the trunk is perfect and proposes to make Wade jealous by becoming her pretend boyfriend. Pretend soon seems very real. Is Dirk a great actor, or is something really developing between Raine and the movie star?

Wish Upon A Stud...A happy ending is just a coin toss away.


Kindle Edition, 100 pages
Published August 19th 2014 
Series: Wish Upon A Stud #2
Genre: Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

A couple of weeks ago I read Going Down which is the first book in the Wish Upon A Stud series and thought it was quite funny so I thought I'd give the second book a shot.

This book did not disappoint. I was easily reminded of the sarcastic and over the top humour that I liked so much in the first book. I'm talking about the shake your head almost ridiculous humour that is so far fetched that you can't help but smile. Seriously, Sax has such a crazy imagination that I would almost love the opportunity to sit and have drinks with her. I don't imagine there would be a dull moment!

If you want an extremely entertaining, easy to read series about people with dysfunctional relationship issues with a little bit of hot and steamy then I think this may be the perfect series. I can pretty much guarantee that it will put a smile on your face more than once. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Check out my thoughts on Going Down here.





About the Author
Elise Sax worked as a journalist for fifteen years, mostly in Paris, France. She took a detour from journalism and became a private investigator before trying her hand at writing fiction. She lives in Southern California with her two sons. An Affair to Dismember was her first novel. 


Connect with Elise
 

Saturday 30 May 2015

Review: Hot As Blazes by Dani Jace


When the Heat Gets Started

JoAnn Mercer was on the verge of surfer stardom when her career took a nosedive thanks to a backstabbing ex. Now she’s back home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, staying clear of men, desperately in need of a job. Joining the local firefighting squad seems like the perfect solution, until she realizes one of her coworkers is an old crush…

It Will Never Stop

Ray Andrews never runs away from a fight. He served his country in Iraq, and he’s battled more fires than he can count. But what he can’t fight is the desire burning between him and JoAnn Mercer. He’s wanted Jo for as long as he can remember, but a promise made years ago has kept them apart. Finally free of obligations, Ray is ready to prove he’s the only man for Jo. But after the trauma of her past, can he convince her to love again?


ebook, 338 pages
Expected publication: June 9th 2015 by Lyrical Press

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is June 9th 2015**

The title of this story promises something hot and it certainly delivers on that front.  Be it from the fireman, the actual fires or the characters there is plenty of heat to go around.  If that is what you are looking for than the search stops here.

What is a little different about this story is how early in the plot the intentions of Ray and JoAnn are known.  This is a little refreshing since the usual formula normally consists of two angsty characters who refuse to acknowledge their feeling for the majority of the book.  I liked that this story strayed away from that formula.  It could however to some make the storyline feel a little glossed over.

If you visualize one of those Fireman calendars that are filled with hot and sexy firefighters then you can pretty much visualize Ray.  It made it pretty easy to be in his corner and he had the personality of an angel to boot.  So much so that when things did get a little complicated between him and Jo his words seemed uncharacteristic.  Also, I am going to digress if only for a moment.  It is common in this genre of book (and this one is not exception) to depict the male lead as physically huge.  By this I mean built like a linebacker.  Is it every woman's fantasy to be with an oversized mucle machine?  I think not.   Just because we appreciate a nice body does not mean they have to be built the size of the hummer Ray drove.  I found that my mind had to re-program his description as I kept visualizing this giant meathead which is not what he was.

Ok, back to the story.

Fans of hot and heavy bedroom scenes will appreciate this story.  There is plenty to be had and really nothing is off limits.  The only down part is that I felt it a little repetitive however that could just be me. 

At the end of the day I think this story delivers as promised and fans of the genre will truly enjoy this read.

About the Author


Thursday 28 May 2015

Feature and Follow Friday #70

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly meme that allows book bloggers to interact with each other and find new blogs! It has two hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The rules are...
 

(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
(Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
If you’re new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog.


Question of the Week: How many books have you got on your TBR list? - Suggested by Obsessive Compulsive Reader

 

We both have way more books on our TBR pile than we will ever possibly read. My (Kristine) TBR list on Goodreads is at almost 1200 books. I only use it loosely to keep track of what books I want to read. I am always hearing about books that interest me so I don't think I'll ever get it to be a small list and I kind of like it that way! I'll never run out of stuff to read. :)

 

How about you? How many do you have on your list?

 

That is our Feature and Follow Friday for this week! Comment down below if you're a new follower of ours with a link to your blog and we will make sure to follow you back. You can follow us via gfc, bloglovin, email, facebook and/or twitter.

 

Review: The Cherry Harvest by Lucy Sanna

 A memorable coming-of-age story and love story, laced with suspense, which explores a hidden side of the home front during World War II, when German POWs were put to work in a Wisconsin farm community . . . with dark and unexpected consequences



The war has taken a toll on the Christiansen family. With food rationed and money scarce, Charlotte struggles to keep her family well fed. Her teenage daughter, Kate, raises rabbits to earn money for college and dreams of becoming a writer. Her husband, Thomas, struggles to keep the farm going while their son, and most of the other local men, are fighting in Europe.

When their upcoming cherry harvest is threatened, strong-willed Charlotte helps persuade local authorities to allow German war prisoners from a nearby camp to pick the fruit.

But when Thomas befriends one of the prisoners, a teacher named Karl, and invites him to tutor Kate, the implications of Charlotte’s decision become apparent—especially when she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Karl. So busy are they with the prisoners that Charlotte and Thomas fail to see that Kate is becoming a young woman, with dreams and temptations of her own—including a secret romance with the son of a wealthy, war-profiteering senator. And when their beloved Ben returns home, bitter and injured, bearing an intense hatred of Germans, Charlotte’s secrets threaten to explode their world.


ebook, 336 pages
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015 by William Morrow
Genre: Historical Fiction

Kristine's Thoughts:

I received an advanced readers copy from William Morrow via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I love historical fiction  particularly when the story takes place during either of the World Wars. This book takes on an angle that I have not read about before which says quite a bit because I have read more war stories than I can count. It takes place on American soil where German war prisoners were used to help with the farming community in Wisconsin.

The synopsis is fairly detailed so I won't get into re-telling the story instead I will discuss my thoughts starting with the plot...

There were many things going on in The Cherry Harvest. There were the POW's brought in to do the farming, difficult times with rationing, coming of age, young love, sex, infidelity and PTSD to name just a few. As interesting as each topic was I found myself wishing for more. It was almost like there were so many threads that each one was glossed over a little in order to fit them all in. The impact of each individual topic was lost or drowning a little because of everything else that was going on. You would also think that with so much going on, the story would move quickly. This was the case with the second half of the book but I found it sluggish and slow in the beginning. The second half was far better than the first to the point I had to stay up to finish it. I also have to comment on the amazing job of the author in describing farm life during that period.

I struggled slightly with the characters. For the life of me I could not warm up to Charlotte. She was the one who so strongly spoke in favour of having the POW's help with the farming but was resentful, unpleasant and scared once they were there. She was whiny and immature in my opinion. I also thought that Kate came across much younger than she actually was. Although I didn't dislike her as much as her mother I found her terribly naive for someone of her age. However, I really liked Thomas which made the storyline involving Karl a little hard to swallow. The storyline involving Karl and Charlotte was grossly underdeveloped so I never really felt the attraction or became invested in how it would play out.

Without giving anything away I do have to comment on the ending. Surprisingly I was very satisfied with how it ended and I think I would have felt a little let down if it had ended any other way. I did not see it ending the way it did but was quite pleased with it.

In the end I enjoyed reading The Cherry Harvest and thought that the bones were good and that there were a few golden moments within it. I look forward to reading more from Sanna.





About the Author

Lucy Sanna has published poetry, short stories, and nonfiction books, which have been translated into a number of languages. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she now divides her time between Madison, Wisconsin, and San Francisco, California. The Cherry Harvest is her first novel.










 

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Review: Last Year's Mistake by Gina Ciocca


Before:
Kelsey and David became best friends the summer before freshman year and were inseparable ever after. Until the night a misunderstanding turned Kelsey into the school joke, and everything around her crumbled—including her friendship with David. So when Kelsey's parents decided to move away, she couldn't wait to start over and leave the past behind. Except, David wasn't ready to let her go...

After:
Now it's senior year and Kelsey has a new group of friends, genuine popularity, and a hot boyfriend. Her life is perfect. That is, until David's family moves to town and he shakes up everything. Soon old feelings bubble to the surface and threaten to destroy Kelsey's second chance at happiness. The more time she spends with David, the more she realizes she never truly let him go. And maybe she never wants to.

Told in alternating sections, LAST YEAR'S MISTAKE is a charming and romantic debut about loving, leaving, and letting go.


Kindle Edition256 pages
Expected publication: June 9th 2015 by Simon Pulse


Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Simon Pulse via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is June 9th 2015.

I have to admit that I really enjoyed this story.  There is nothing better than a love story between two best friends.  Add to that the innocence or naivety of the characters due to their age it made a really sweet story. 

I am going to keep this review short and sweet but will tell you who this story will appeal to.

1.  The YA audience
2.  Fans of romance
3.  Any female who is or was a teenager
4.  Fans of realistic storylines where everything that occurs could really happen
5.  People in need of a sweet feel good story
6.  People looking to curl up with a book that makes you smile when it is finished.

I think I summed it all up.  One of the better YA reads so far this year.

Tuesday 26 May 2015

Blog Tour/Excerpt & Giveaway: Risk It by Jennifer Chance



Jennifer Chance’s Rule Breakers series turns up the heat as a wealthy playboy and a beautiful con artist engage in a high-stakes game of seduction.

As dominating in business as he is in bed, Rand Sterling Winston, IV, always gets what he wants. And even before he realizes that she’s scammed him into paying triple the cost for her friend’s painting, he wants Dani Michaels. To catch her alone, Rand demands she personally deliver his purchase. The attraction between them is immediate and electric, and he knows she feels it, too. So when the part-time petty thief rebuffs his advances, he gives her a choice: a night in jail or an evening with him.

Despite her checkered past, Dani has never met someone like Rand: brooding, intense, and oh-so tempting. Only a man with a broken soul could make losing control feel this dangerous. Still, when Rand proposes a no-strings, no-holds-barred affair, Dani’s more than a little intrigued. It’ll be the trickiest con she's ever run and a chance to indulge her steamiest fantasies—nothing more. But as their encounters grow increasingly intimate, Dani uncovers a vulnerable side to Rand’s steely exterior . . . and opens her heart to the ultimate risk.


Kindle Edition
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015 by Loveswept 
Series: Rule Breakers #4

Kristine's Thoughts:

Welcome to my stop on the TastyBookTours blog tour. I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

This book is pure entertainment and it is best to dive into it with that in mind. If you dig deep and dissect it you will find all kinds of things morally wrong and somewhat dysfunctional about it. Don't do that. If you go into it hoping to be entertained it will leave you satisfied.

There is some definite heat in this book. If you are looking for pages filled with hot and steamy passages set in unconventional places you don't need to look any further. This book has it covered. There is a definite sexual chemistry between Dani and Rand from the moment they meet and the reader does not need to wait long for them to act on it. I must admit that I could feel the sexual chemistry a lot more than the emotional chemistry but it is not to say that it wasn't there.

Dani is a con artist and thief and that is where the moral part of my brain kicks in a little bit. Although the book explains why she does the things she does, I do feel like it is glorified ever so slightly. She doesn't apologies or have any remorse for the things that she does and Rand is willingly drawn into it. Both of them have really dysfunctional pasts that are hit on a little bit but I really would have liked more. This is perhaps the reason that the two were always trying to "one up" or win against the other. It is also to say that their relationship starts in a less than normal fashion that could leave some people shaking their heads.

In the end it was a sexy and entertaining read that is best enjoyed for the steamy parts and without over-thinking. This was the second book by this author for me and I am sure it won't be the last.




Excerpt
Dani found herself staring into a large, graciously appointed reception area that screamed money, and a whole lot of it. The oil paintings on the walls glistened in muted silver frames, the chandelier looked like it had been dusted about fifteen minutes ago, and the gleaming dark-metal receptionist’s desk—looking ever-so-slightly like a coffin at a state funeral—blended perfectly with the charcoal-gray walls and champagne-colored carpet.
The woman sitting behind the desk appeared to have been purchased out of the same catalog as the rest of the room. She looked up at Dani without a trace of warmth, then smiled as if she were passing a kidney stone. “Miss . . . ?”
“Michaels,” Dani said brightly, holding up the painting as she strode forward. “Are you Ms. Pearson? I was asked to deliver this to you from the Palm—”
The secretary cut her off with a raised hand, pressing a button on her desk console. “Mr. Winston will be with you shortly.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Dani said. “I can just give it to you.”
The woman flinched as if Dani had just offered to give her herpes. Instead of answering, she gestured to the large chairs scattered around the monochromatic space, a gentlemen’s club for the color-blind. “May I get you anything to drink?”
“I’m fine, thank you.” Dani’s phone chose that moment to buzz again. She set the painting on the secretary’s enormous desk, then reached into her purse while tracking Ms. Pearson’s scandalized expression. “This will just take a moment, I’m sure.”
Between them, one of the lights on Pearson’s desk console flickered green. Her face unfroze enough to betray relief. “Mr. Winston is ready to see you. I’ll take you right in.”
Dani shrugged. Sorry, Jimmy. Today he was well back in her line of crazy. He’d have to wait his turn.
Ms. Pearson knocked lightly on the door, then waited a nanosecond before swiping her keycard. Dani heard a lock unchink, and lifted her brows in appreciation. Key-locked security during business hours? They really must be worried about the barbarians at the gate. She followed the woman inside, taking in the massive space as she was formally announced. It was chock-full of carefully spaced furniture, paintings, and a surprising number of objets d’art, some of them quite small. And quite expensive-looking. And quite definitely within easy reach.
Don’t even think about it, she warned herself. And yet . . .
“Thank you, Helen. Please get home safely.” The rich, cultured voice seemed to flip on every nerve ending in Dani’s body, and she shifted her attention back to her mark. She’d forgotten how much power the guy’s voice held.
Rand Sterling Winston IV stood at his desk, but his warning wasn’t lightly made. His entire office was encased in glass, and the storm had picked up outside, the rain now battering the glass as the night crowded down. “I’ve ordered the car brought round,” he said.
Ms. Pearson stiffened primly at Dani’s side, and Dani sensed her subtle not-glance. That’s right, Helen. We’re totally going to screw on your desk while you’re gone. “I’m not yet finished —”
“It can wait. I’ll be in early tomorrow.”
The secretary heard the same subtle command that Dani did. Funny, it didn’t seem to bother the woman so much. “Of course, Mr. Winston.” She turned to Dani. “Miss Michaels.”
Dani nodded, holding up her wrapped package like a peace offering. She’d tried to convince ol’ Helen to take the painting off her hands back in the Platinum Ballroom. It wasn’t Dani’s fault that she made the boss man go all weak in the knees.
Helen didn’t look impressed. She managed to close the door with a displeased yet still very polite snick, and Dani looked at Winston, who was now gazing solemnly back at her. He leaned against his desk and folded his arms.
Dani offered the painting to him. “Your spoils, Mr. Winston.”

He just smiled.

They stood there a moment more, assessing each other like circling wolves. Dani felt a bead of perspiration slip down her neck, and cycled through her options. If Winston had figured out that she’d scammed him, it didn’t change anything, she told herself. His check had cleared, and he’d had days to reverse it. That meant the con was done, and that she’d won. Even if he’d realized she’d conned him, she’d still won.
“Please, open it,” he said, surprising her. He gestured to a small table across the space. “I’d like to see again what my little impulse purchase has netted me.”
“Of course,” Dani said. He was playing her, she knew, his gaze heavy as she walked across the room and set the wrapped painting on the table, frowning at the thickly taped corners. Before  she could look up, Winston appeared at her side, a slim letter opener in his hand. “Will this be strong enough?”
“I’m sure.” This close, she could smell his cologne. Of course he would be wearing cologne. And not too much of it either, just enough to tickle her senses and make her even more aware of him. Without his heavy winter coat, and wearing a sleek black suit, with a silky blue button- down shirt open at the neck, he seemed even more sensual, more vital, more dangerous on this cold, wet, miserable Boston night, with the rain sheeting down like the end of the world. Dani admired how steady her hands were as she slipped the letter opener under the package’s edge and knifed through the tape, her movements quick and efficient. She’d worked with her share of box cutters, switchblades, and shivs, after all.
Winston apparently noted her efficiency with a blade as well. “Hmm. It’s Miss Michaels, correct?”
“Correct.” Deftly, Dani sliced through the edge of the paper and unwrapped the painting. It had been reset into a lovely silver and grey frame, the gentility of the rich wood serving to make the stark sensuality of the figures within its boundaries even more unsettling. Rand leaned forward, peering at the painting, and his heat was like a physical presence between them. Once again, she was struck by how much larger he seemed up close than he did from a distance, as if his body held more power than it should, leashed so tightly under control that you didn’t notice it until it was almost too late. Now, standing next to him, she was nearly overwhelmed by the man’s intensity. His sharp gaze was focused on the artwork, true, and yet it seemed to encompass her as well, even though he wasn’t looking at her. He reached out and stroked the frame of the painting, and she imagined how that touch would feel: rich with promise—and threat. Watching those long, cool fingers, feeling them on her skin, in her hair . . . it was all Dani could do to hold her ground.

Giveaway!
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About the Author
Jennifer Chance is the award-winning author of the new adult Rule Breakers series. A lover of books, romance, and happily-ever-afters, she lives and writes in Ohio.

Connect with Jennifer

Monday 25 May 2015

Review: Her Foreign Affair by Shea McMaster


Twenty-two years ago, she ran out on the love of her life—and took a secret with her. 

When Randi Jean Ferguson fell for Courtland Robinson while studying abroad in London, she was ready for a life of tea and crumpets. But when she discovered Court was being forced into a shotgun wedding, there was no way she could stay—or tell him she was also pregnant with his child. Now widowed, Randi is just starting to consider finding Court—when he shows up at her door. With his son. Randi’s not ready to reveal everything to Court, but if she doesn’t will both their children end up scarred?

The best thing to come out of Court’s unhappy marriage was his son. But he’s spent the last twenty-two years thinking about Randi, his California girl, his first—and only—love. Now a widower, he takes a chance he’s only fantasized about and seeks her out. At last he’ll solve his heart’s greatest mystery—but that won’t be the only surprise in store for him.

Kindle Edition
Expected publication:  June 9th 2015 by Lyrical Press

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication is June 9, 2015.

I had really high hopes for this story.  The concept of the story was a good one and I was curious to see how it would play out.  Sadly I was a little bit let down.

Don't get me wrong, this was not a bad story.  I just thought it would have a little more depth and substance than it did.  If you are looking for a romance type novel with plenty of steamy scenes this story will cover the bases.  The character's are likeable and you are rooting for Randi and Court from the beginning.

Overall it was a nice distraction if you take it at face value and keep your expectations in check.




About the Author

Shea shares imagination and head space with Morgan Q. O'Reilly. Usually referred to as Morgan's sweeter sister, Shea sticks closer to the traditional sensual romance.

She also shares Blog time with J. Morgan. Talk about a mix-up! Living in the far North (Alaska) in her empty nest (yea! He's at college! On scholarship!) leaves Shea plenty of time to weave together words and dream up new  stories.

 

Sunday 24 May 2015

Review: The Inn by William Patterson

If you're very lucky. . .

The ramshackle B&B in western Massachusetts isn't just an inheritance--it seems like the best chance for Jack and Annabel Devlin to save their marriage and start over. But Annabel's first impressions of the remote inn don't ease her nerves. In fact, everything about the gloomy Victorian draws Annabel back into childhood nightmares. . .

They might let you leave. . .

Locals whisper about the Blue Boy Inn and its long history of murders and mysterious disappearances. Soon Annabel hears noises within the walls and glimpses something--some things--scurrying in the shadows. The locked attic, the bricked-up fireplace. . . for years they've helped keep a ravenous evil at bay. Now Jack and Annabel's arrival has stirred the house to life again. Debts must be paid, hungers will be satisfied, and one by one, Annabel's worst fears are about to come true. . .


Paperback, 448 pages
Published December 30th 2014 by Pinnacle 
Genre: Fiction/Horror/Thriller/Paranormal

Kristine's Thoughts:

**I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. **

I'm going to keep my thoughts really short on this book because I seriously dislike unfavourable reviews. This book is the paper equivalent of a random cheesy horror movie that you can't believe you wasted your time on when you finished it.

It started out OK but that was the best that it got. The plot and characters did nothing for me and I debated giving up on it numerous times. It just didn't have that certain something that made me want to read and know more. Not my cup of tea.

I'm giving it two stars instead of one only because I have read worse books







Saturday 23 May 2015

Review: Those Girls by Lauren Saft


Some girls will always have your back, and some girls can't help but stab you in it.

Junior year, the suburbs of Philadelphia. Alex, Mollie and Veronica are those girls: they're the best of friends and the party girls of the school. But how well does everybody know them--and really, how well do they know one another? Alex is secretly in love with the boy next door and has joined a band--without telling anyone. Mollie suffers from a popular (and possibly sociopathic) boyfriend, as well as a serious mean streak. And Veronica just wants to be loved--literally, figuratively, physically....she's not particular. Will this be the year that bonds them forever....or tears them apart for good?

Lauren Saft masterfully conveys what goes on in the mind of a teenage girl, and her debut novel is raw, honest, hilarious, and thought-provoking, with a healthy dose of heart.



Hardcover, 336 pages
Expected publication: June 9th 2015 by Poppy


Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is June 9th 2015.

What a messed up book!  Thinking that this book sounded a little bit like a Gossip Girl type of read I was eager to get started.  This turned out to be far more messed up than that and I am not sure if I will have the ability to use the right words to pen my thoughts.

This story is about three sixteen year old girls who are best friends but I can best describe it as frenemies. These girls drink, smoke, do drugs and have sex and are pretty much only focused on these activities.  I mention this as it may not be a story for the younger audience as these topics are not glossed over. Oh an I forgot to mention these girls are mean to each other.

I remember being a sixteen year old girl and it was not like this.  Of course I admit that females can be catty and definitely win the award for the being the meanest, I do not remember it like this.  Yes there were parties, yes there may have been drinking etc but nobody was focused on this being the ultimate in the social climbing ladder.

At the core of the story it is really about three girls who have emotional issues of some sort that cause them to act the way they do.  Be it absenteeism parents, the need to be loved, or eating disorders.  The problem for me is that even understanding this it did not make me like these girls any more.  They were all selfish to me.

My little rant....I felt I could not identify because these girls did not act like best friends. A best friend should support the other in whatever is important to the other person even if it is not something that is important to them.  Best friends do not say horrible things to the others and mean it.  Yes they fight and may say awful things but a true friend would realize they crossed the line and apologize immediately.  Best friends do not cut the other person out of their life because of a petty argument.  Best friends certainly do not plot revenge on the others that entails illegal activities.  Best friends defend the the other even when they are angry.

Ultimately I felt this story was about a group of train-wrecks.  There really was not road to redemption for me.  I sadly will not be recommending this book to anyone.



About the Author


Lauren Saft holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor's degree from Tufts University. She's worked in publishing, tv, education, child care, retail, journalism, and food service, all the while closely studying the habits and compulsions of teenage girls. She currently works as a tv producer in Philadelphia where she lives with her cat and creative inspiration, Desi. Her work has been published in Five Quarterly, Rap Up Magazine, and clubplanet.com. One time, she met the Olsen twins. Those Girls is her debut novel.
Website: 
Twitter:   lsafticle


Thursday 21 May 2015

Review: Never Never Part 2 by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

“Never forget that I was your first real kiss. Never forget that you’ll be my last.
And never stop loving me between all of them.
Never stop, Charlie.
Never forget.”

Silas races against time as more truths unravel, while others twist tighter together. And now, the stakes are higher as Silas’ control slips and others begin to point fingers. Charlie is in trouble and he must be the one to bridge the chasm between their past and their present. Because somewhere between I love yous and Never Nevers and Never Agains, a truth they can't imagine, beckons to be found.

“Where are you, Charlie?”


Kindle Edition, 104 pages
Published May 17th 2015 by Hoover Ink 

Kristine's Thoughts:

I could not wait to get my hands on this book after reading the first Never Never and I had it pre-ordered from Amazon. I happened to be at work when I received an email at midnight on the 17th saying that the book had been delivered to my kindle. I was working an overnight shift and I didn't have my kindle with me (which never happens) so I did the only thing that I could. I read the entire thing on my phone in one sitting on one break. Yes it was that important, that good, and that quick.

I need more now!

This series is so unique and so engaging that I don't know if I can survive another wait for the next book. It was hard enough for this one and the cliffhanger is even better in Never Never Part 2. Things get even stranger, more questions are formed and the plot thinkens dramatically. I am dying to know how everything plays out. I am normally pretty good at guessing but not in this case. It has left me clueless and frustrated. The frustrated part comes from not having the next book in hand to read!

When is Never Never Part 3 coming out???

If you haven't read these books you really need to. Hoover and Fisher have done a fantastic job of co-writing a fabulously engaging and unique story that fans of all different genres will be sure to enjoy. I am loving this series but hating the wait for the next book.


 
About the Authors
Colleen Hoover is the New York Times bestselling author of Slammed, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, This Girl, Losing Hope, Maybe Someday, Ugly Love and Confess. Colleen lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys.

Connect with Colleen
I would like to write a novel that every, single person loves, but not even J.K. Rowling could do that. Instead, I try to write stories that pull on people's emotions. I believe that sadness is the most powerful emotion, and swirled with regret the two become a dominating force. I love villains. Three of my favorites are Mother Gothel, Gaston and the Evil Queen who all suffered from a pretty wicked case of vanity (like me). I like to make these personality types the center of my stories.
I love rain, Coke, Starbucks and sarcasm. I hate bad adjectives and the word "smolder". If you read my book-I love you. If you hate my book-I still love you, but please don't be mean to me; I'm half badass, half cry baby.(From Goodreads)  

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Wednesday 20 May 2015

Review: Sea Glass Sunrise by Donna Kauffman


In seaside Blueberry Cove, Maine, friends are just another word for family, and big-city politics take a backseat to local pride. But the real treasure on these shores is always love…

When D.C. lawyer Hannah McCrae heads home for her brother’s wedding, she’s dragging a lot of baggage along with her—and she doesn’t mean suitcases. Betrayed personally, and humiliated professionally, the last thing she wants is a new man. That’s fine with square-jawed, rugged contractor Calder Blue. He and Hannah may be wildly attracted to one another, but all he wants is to build the town’s hotly contested new yacht club and mend a centuries-old family feud. Yet thanks to resentments old and new, day after day the pair wind up tangled in each other’s business—and maybe soon in each other’s arms.

Every bride needs something “blue”…


Paperback, 368 pages
Expected publication: May 26th 2015 by Zebra


Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication is May 26 2015**

This is the story you read if you enjoy reading books about coming home.  Do you enjoy stories about small towns?  Yes it had that also.  Romance?  Of course.  Sizzling bedroom scenes that don't take place in the bedroom?  Included in the price of admission.

I believe that pretty much summed it up.  This was a romance that was centered in a small town between two people who had their own emotional baggage and families to deal with.  It does not stray from the typical romance formula however it does deliver on expectation within the genre.

Fans of this genre will not be disappointed in this story and will most likely, as I am, be invested enough to read further instalments in what I think will be part of a series.




About the Author


USA Today bestselling author of the Bachelors of Blueberry Cove series, DONNA KAUFFMAN has been gratified to see her books get rave reviews in venues ranging from Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal to Entertainment Weekly and Cosmopolitan. She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in western Virginia, where she is presently applying her crafty DIY skills to decorating her new mountainside abode. Well, when she isn’t busy trying to keep the bears from hanging out in her flower and vegetable garden all day and night! With her new Brides of Blueberry Cove series, Donna’s been having a blast applying those same restoration and design skills to doing some fictional wedding planning. Of course, if that means haunting all those lovely antique shops and flea markets that are so plentiful in her new neck of the woods, well, it’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make. When she’s not finding ways to take her love of all things rustic and vintage and give them a fabulous seaside, coastal Maine wedding party twist, she loves to hear from readers! 

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 Twitter:  donnakauffman


Tuesday 19 May 2015

Review: Captured by You by Amber Hart

In the passionate, gut-wrenching sequel to Amber Hart’s Until You Find Me, Raven and Jospin must fight for each other in a world where love is never safe—and power is deadly.

Raven, a college girl from Michigan, came to the jungles of Cameroon searching for closure. Falling for Jospin, a handsome, charismatic hunter with dark secrets of his own, was never part of the plan. But despite their differences, their attraction is addictive, as exhilarating and wild as the rain forest itself—and also as dangerous.

For the sake of both their lives, their heated affair must remain a secret. Raven wants justice for her conservationist father’s death; to help her, Jospin must turn his back on his own father and the only life he has ever known. Together they risk being hunted by a band of ruthless poachers, but they take the chance anyway, working to bring down their enemies between each stolen kiss.

But when one slip puts Raven’s life at stake, Jospin knows he must act. He has captured Raven’s heart—now can he set her free?


Kindle Edition, 298 pages
Expected publication: May 19th 2015 by Random House Flirt 
Series: Untamed #2
Genre: Romance/NA/Romantic Suspense

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Random House Flirt via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

If you have not read Until You Find Me then you need to stop reading right now. Captured by You is the sequel and conclusion to that story. I remember the first book well and was anxious to find out how the story would play out.

Although the romantic aspect of the story is very much present in this book the suspense takes the wheel and drives the majority of the plot. The focus was on survival, pay back and rescuing each other. Both Ravin and Jospin found themselves in dangerous and unfamiliar territory that they had to survive and overcome in their efforts to return to each other. There are still plenty of steamy pages to be found but the story is definitely suspense driven.

I always find it hard to discuss my thoughts on sequels because I always fear that I will give the story away. I'll try to keep it brief and generic. Captured by You lived up to my expectations and I really liked the direction the story went. Just like the first book, it went back and forth between Ravin and Jospin's point of view.  It was very effective and for this story I feel that it was the only way to make it work. The story flowed nicely and I found myself finishing it quickly.

One thing I feel the need to mention is that there is more of a voice from Clovis in this book. I loved, loved, loved Clovis and think that he needs a story of his own. I for one would be first in line to read it. As much as I liked Jospin I think that Clovis stole the show.

In the end, I am very happy with the direction and outcome of this book. I enjoyed every minute of it and found it quite refreshing. Another job well done!

You can find my review of Until You Find Me here.






About the Author
Amber Hart grew up in Orlando, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. She now resides on the Florida coastline with family. When unable to find a book, she can be found writing, daydreaming, or with her toes in the sand. 

Author of:

BEFORE YOU (Before & After series, #1), young adult contemporary romance, from KTeen 2014

AFTER US (Before & After series, #2), from KTeen December 2014

MAYBE ME (Before & After series, #3), from KTeen Fall 2015

UNTIL YOU FIND ME, new adult contemporary romantic thriller, from Random House 2014

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Monday 18 May 2015

Review: Million Dollar Road by Amy Conner


Set in the heart of Louisiana, Amy Conner’s spellbinding new novel tells of a young woman yearning for a better existence—and of the secret longings that will change the lives of all those around her.

Eighteen-year-old Lireinne Hooten has always been on the lowest rung of the ladder. Abandoned by her mother, Lireinne lives with her stepfather in an old trailer on Million Dollar Road. Every day she walks the long mile, through a canopy of live oaks, to her job at the world’s largest alligator farm. Shy and overweight in high school, Lireinne has become lean and resilient from months of hosing out the huge cement barns. And just like Snowball—the enormous, all-white alligator she feeds illicit treats every day—she’s hungry to be free.

Lireinne’s boss, Con Costello, is powerful, attractive, and used to getting exactly what he desires. Now that he’s noticed Lireinne’s haunting beauty, he wants her too. But unlike Con’s needy second wife, Lizzie, or Emma, his still heartbroken ex, Lireinne isn’t interested. Undeterred, Con’s growing obsession will upend all their lives—compelling Lizzie to confront the hard truth about her marriage, pushing Emma past her self-imposed isolation and back into the world. And for Lireinne, it will lead to an unexpected chance to redefine herself, far away from her past and from Million Dollar Road.

Insightful and atmospheric, Million Dollar Road is a richly observed novel of our most keenly felt appetites—for love, acceptance, and a place to belong.


Paperback, 304 pages
Expected publication: May 26th 2015 by Kensington

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is May 26 2015**

I found this to be an interesting book for all sorts of reasons.  The first is the main characters name.  Now I hope not to offend anyone who may actually have this name but I dare anyone to try to say it out loud without a hillbilly drawl.  Right off the bat I had a mental picture of her based on this.  Fortunately it was not far from the mark.  A pretty girl who is uneducated and not overly smart who dreams of greater things than her current circumstance.

Then there was Lizzie who came from the same type of background however had turned it around to make something of her life....only to drown it in bitterness and a bottle.  A girl who didn't remember where she came from and only had an eye on where she could go.

Emma with her broken heart and fear of putting herself out there.  I actually wish her relationship with Lireinne was developed more during the story as I think it would have added a little more depth to the stories.

Lastly there was Con.  I have really nothing good to say about him.  In fact it is with him that the story sort of fell apart.  His obsession with Lireinne was a little unbelievable to me.  Yes I can see him being attracted to her and fantasizing about her.  To actively make plans to be with her?  Highly unlikely even for a man as vain as him.

What started out as a compelling story started to fall apart for me at the point that Con had his confrontation with Snowball and the trip to Paris.  Events just really became a little far fetched and convenient for me.  For all of the multiple storylines to wrap up the way they did seemed like the easy way out for me.  I shall not divulge details as I do not want to give spoilers.

Overall this was an interesting yet slightly far fetched story for me.



About the Author

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