The Heartbreak Cure by Amanda Ashby

How to get over a heartbreak:

Step one: Eat your body weight in brownies.

Step two: Throw yourself into your dreams of becoming a famous writer.

Step three: Beg your (hottie) ex-neighbor to act as your fake boyfriend.

Step four: Skip step three unless you’re ready for some serious fallout.

After being dumped and humiliated over the summer, Cat Turner does what any sane girl would do. She asks bad boy Alex Locke to be her fake boyfriend and show the world (and her editor at the school newspaper) that she's fine. Problem is, the more time she spends with Alex, the more she risks getting her heart broken. For real this time. 

ebook

Published December 4th 2017 by Entangled: Crush 

Genre: Young Adult

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Entangled Teen in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

The Heartbreak Cure was the story of friends who pretend to be in a relationship. It followed the typical formula for this type of story and the journey was pretty much what you would expect.

Young people will probably find this story cute but I found it lacked a lot of depth. There wasn't enough character or plot development for me to become emotionally invested in the main characters. I couldn't feel any chemistry between the two friends to make me want them to be anything more than fake boyfriend and girlfriend.

I didn't dislike the story but it didn't provide me with anything that would make it stand out. It was an average story that I will likely forget quickly.

 

About the Author

Amanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle grade books. She also works in a library, owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture.

She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.

She also runs writing workshops and loves to speak to people about Buffy (er, she means writing). See her Website for more information.

Connect with Amanda

Website/Facebook/Instagram/Goodreads/ 

Review: A Crazy Kind of Love by Mary Ann Marlowe

Celebrities hold zero interest for photographer Jo Wilder. That's a problem, since snapping pics of the stars is how the pretty paparazza pays the rent. So when Jo attempts to catch a money shot atop the broad shoulders of a helpful bystander, the only thing she notices about the stranger she straddles is that he's seriously hot. Only later does Jo learn that he's also Micah Sinclair--one of rock's notorious bad boys...

Soon Jo is on the verge of getting fired for missing a Micah Sinclair exclusive. Until she's suddenly being pursued by the heartthrob himself. But how can she be sure the musician's mind-blowing kisses are the real deal? Her colleagues claim he's a media whore, gambling on some free PR. But something has Jo hoping Micah's feeling the same powerful pull that she does. A pull so strong, she can't resist becoming his latest love, even if it means she might become the media's latest victim . . .

Paperback

Published November 28th 2017 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Terri's Thoughts

I had received this as an advanced copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  As the busy holiday season has taken me away from my reviews, I am just getting around to writing this now.

Although not advertised as a series, this story seems to be a follow up to Marlowe's previous story Some Kind of Magic.  I had not read that story and was able to read this as a stand alone however I do warn there were a couple of moments when I wish I knew the backstory of Eden who the first book featured.

I won't spend a lot of time on the plot as I feel the synopsis does a good assessment of what the story is about.  I liked the idea behind Jo and Micah.  It made me think, in reality, would a paparazzi and a star really find their way in to each others lives?  Not very likely however this was fiction and provides us with a fantasy.  I also liked that Jo was clearly not cut out for her line of business.  From my admittedly limited knowledge, the paparazzi are ruthless and it would take a certain personality and drive to be successful on that career path and Jo did not possess these qualities.

Overall, a good story

About the Author

Website

Twitter

Review: Raging Winter by Colleen Gleason

A stand-alone, short novel in the international best-selling Gardella Vampire Hunter series.



When vampire hunter Max Denton goes undercover at an English estate over the Christmas holidays, the last person he wants to find there is the lovely Savina Eleiasa. But present she is--and on the arm of her new fiancé.

This is the second short Max Denton novel and can be read as a standalone. 

Kindle Edition, 82 pages

Published December 15th 2015 by Avid Press 

Series: The Gardella Vampire Hunters #9

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

Raging Winter is a stand alone novella that is part of the Gardella Vampire Hunter series. I won't say a lot about it or sugar coat it but I wasn't a fan.

Max had issues to put it mildly and there was no covering them to my satisfaction in the 82 pages that it took to get through the novella. On top of that, the plot in this little story fell short of interesting for a lack of better words. Lastly, it didn't even begin to scratch the Christmas itch that I was hoping it would when I picked it up.

I truly feel that you have to be familiar with this series and have read it to enjoy this novella. It is marketed as a stand alone but there was too much left unsaid from before and after. Without a history of these characters this novella is just a lack luster story that is truly forgettable.

About the Author

Award-winning, NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason has written more than twenty books for major publishers such as Penguin Group, Harlequin Enterprises, Chronicle Books, and HarperCollins (as Joss Ware). Her books have been translated into seven different languages.

Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.  

Connect with Colleen

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads 

Review: The Map to You (A Least Likely Romance) by Lindy Zart

They both had secrets that could drive people apart—or bring them together forever . . .
Keeping his inner demons at bay means Blake Malone has more than enough trouble on his plate. He doesn’t need any extra complications. But that’s exactly what he gets when, on his way to North Dakota, he leaves his truck unattended—and returns to find a beautiful woman sleeping in the front seat.

Opal Allen seems to have a knack for attracting trouble. Which is why she isn’t about to tell her new road trip companion the real reason she needs to hightail it out of town. But Blake has a way of seeing right through her, which is both terrifying and exhilarating. Now her biggest problem is figuring out how to resist their undeniable attraction. Because once this road trip is over, she plans on never seeing Blake again.

But the best adventures don’t go according to plan. 

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: November 28th 2017 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  I am a little late getting this review out as it was released in November.

This story delivered exactly what I expected from it.  Both characters came in to their "relationship" with their own baggage that prevented them from a healthy relationship.  The two were attracted to each other however the previously mentioned baggage was an obstacle.  When they succumb to their physical attraction, it is fireworks.

Essentially the typical formula that one would expect from a story in this genre.  Those seeking their fix will be satisfied with this story.

An added element that I enjoyed was the road trip part.  There are so many places a story can take you when on the road and this did not disappoint.

This seems to be part of a series of some sort in which Blake was previously featured.  I had not read the other story and it in no way impacted my ability to enjoy this one.

Overall a good read!

About the Author

Lindy Zart is a USA TODAY bestselling author that has been writing since she was a child. Luckily for readers, her writing has improved since then. She lives in Wisconsin with her family. Lindy loves hearing from people who enjoy her work. She also has a completely natural obsession with wine, coffee, peanut butter, bloody marys, and pizza.

Website

Twitter

Review: The Handfasting by Glynnis Campbell

THE HANDFASTING – Prequel novella to The Knights of de Ware
When Sir Noёl de Ware comes from France to claim his betrothed—the most beautiful heiress in the Highlands—he's sure he's been given the best holiday gift ever…until he discovers the spirited lass he's wedded and bedded is not the right sister. Ysenda of Rivenloch never intended to be a counterfeit bride, and when she begins to fall in love with her handsome husband, she becomes trapped in her own deception. Only true love and a Yuletide wish can set things straight and grant them a happily ever after.

Kindle Edition, 114 pages

Published December 8th 2015 by Glynnis Campbell 

Genre: Historical Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

With this being such a short tale I won't re-tell the story and give away any of the plot. The synopsis gives you a good idea of what the story was about. I will say that it was filled with misunderstandings, confusion, deception, lust. lies and a whole lot of inta-love. Set during the holiday season this story had a hint of magic within the snow covered Highlands that added to the charm and festive atmosphere. Yes it was a little far fetched and unbelievable but it was cute and entertaining all the same. I think this genre is starting to grow on me.

About the Author

Glynnis Campbell is a USA Today bestselling author of swashbuckling "medieval action-adventure romance," mostly set in Scotland, with over a dozen books published in six languages. A member of the Jewels of Historical Romance, she was once in an all-girl band on CBS Records, has done voiceovers for an MTV series, Diablo and Starcraft videogames, and various audiobooks, and is married to a rock star. She loves to transport readers to a place where the bold heroes have endearing flaws, the women are stronger than they look, the land is lush and untamed, and chivalry is alive and well.

Connect with Glynnis

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/Goodreads 

 

 

Review: Daniel and the Angel by Jill Barnett

When wealthy financier D. L. Stewart's finds an injured woman in the snow in front of his New York City mansion, he has no idea she is Lillian, a big-hearted and somewhat inept fallen angel, sent back to teach him what Christmas is all about. But Lilli has her work cut out for her. D.L. is a wounded and cynical soul, a man who is an expert at not feeling anything, and who believes he can buy anything...and anyone. Can one loving, soft-hearted angel really change this damaged man who has a heart of solid stone?

Originally published in the 1994 anthology A Holiday of Love.

Kindle Edition, 138 pages

Published December 2015 by Amazon Digital Services (first published November 1st 1994)  

Genre: Historical Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

Daniel and the Angel was a quick story about an angel who got kicked out of heaven and lands as a fallen angel in New York City during the holiday season. She was hit by D.L Stewart's carriage and taken to his house to recover. A cold man who knew how to do nothing but work was most concerned about getting sued. Little did he know that Lillian's one chance to go back to heaven was him.

What did I think?

The beginning with Lillian up in heaven was super cheesy, I mean roll your eyes cheesy. I was questioning what exactly I was reading. Hang in there... Once she fell it got much better. It was still cheesy but in the holiday, Christmasy, romantic kind of way. Yes it was kind of insta-love but what can you expect at 138 pages. I was looking for something with some holiday magic to put me in the Christmas spirit and this novella did exactly that. If you dig deep enough there were plenty of things that could be picked apart but it did exactly what I was hoping it would do at the time I wanted it to. It was a cute and entertaining little read.

FYI... Christmas in NYC is my favourite and perhaps that added to my enjoyment of this story.

About the Author

New York Times Bestselling Author Jill Barnett is master storyteller known for her beautifully-written love stories rich with humor, emotion, and poignancy. She is the winner of Lifetime Achievement Awards for Love and Laughter and Historical Romance and is a six-time Romance Writers of America RITA nominee and winner of both a Persie Award for Literature and a Waldenbooks Award. Her books have been named Best of the Year by Dallas Morning News, Detroit Free Press, and Kirkus Review and she was the first historical romance author to ever receive a starred review from Publishers Weekly. She stands alongside Judith McNaught as one of only two authors to ever receive a six-star review from Affaire de Coeur Magazine and her work has been published in 23 languages and appeared on numerous bestseller lists. She lives in the PNW with her family.

Connect with Jill

Website/Twitter/Goodread 

 

Review: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

Kindle Edition, 316 pages

Published February 14th 2012 by Alfred A. Knopf 

Series: Wonder #1

Genre: Young Adult/Fiction

Kristine's Thoughts:

I plan on seeing this movie so I had to pick up the book and read it before hand. It is against the law (my law) to watch a movie before reading the book. I managed to get the book done before it was released but this post won't go up until much after. Hopefully I will have seen the movie by the time this post goes up and I can check back to compare the two.

There are a gazillion reviews for this book and I noticed that a large number of my Goodreads friends had rated it very high so my expectations were high as well. It is more than safe to say that I was not disappointed. Why did I wait so long to read this?

First off, I have to say that this book was very easy to read. I managed to read the entire book in one sitting. It started with August telling the story and then it alternated between many other people that were a part of his life in one way or another. I am a huge fan of alternating perspectives because I feel you get a better picture of the entire story from all sides.

I won't re-tell the story but I will talk about how relevant and timeless the messages within the pages of this book were. It showcased how someone who was different from everyone else was treated and how it impacted his life and the people around him. It also showed how mean kids can be to each other and the hurt they can cause. It was powerful and very realistic. I think all fifth graders (the grade the kids in this book were) would benefit from reading Wonder because there is a lot that they can learn from it at that impressionable age. Older children, teenagers and even some adults could learn a thing or two from it as well.

I enjoyed every second of it and I can't wait to see if the movie can live up to it.

About the Author

R.J. Palacio lives in NYC with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. For more than twenty years, she was an art director and graphic designer, designing book jackets for other people while waiting for the perfect time in her life to start writing her own novel. But one day several years ago, a chance encounter with an extraordinary child in front of an ice cream store made R. J. realize that the perfect time to write that novel had finally come. Wonder is her first novel. She did not design the cover, but she sure does love it.

Raquel J. Palacio / R. J. Palacio is a pseudonym of: Raquel Jaramillo

Connect

Website/Twitter/Goodreads