With college graduation looming, three childhood friends vow to make spring break their last blast of pure fun. But at least one of them didn’t count on such incredible heat…
Layla Sharpe is definitely more math ninja than bikini babe, and her future has been calculated with razor precision. Convinced to let loose over spring break, Layla is finally ready to party—until her car breaks down halfway to her destination, leaving her stranded in Georgia with a mouthwateringly hot pool shark. She knows more than enough about angles to learn the game, but this week she wants him to appreciate her curves…
Phin Marks has never met a girl like Layla. She’s more Star Wars geek than seductress, and when he offers her a place to stay while her car is in the shop, he’s counting on the attraction between them to set the nights ablaze, no strings attached. But every moment he spends with Layla makes it harder to let her go. Can he persuade her to gamble in the most dangerous way possible…on forever? ebook, 130 pages Expected publication: September 29th by eKensingtion Terri's Thoughts I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher eKensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is September 29th 2014. This was a short read with only 130 pages in which to put a steamy plot in to play. For those who are looking for a sexy bedroom read with a little bit of plot and no time commitment this would be an ideal read. I think the focus of this story is the physical chemistry and subsequent succumbing to the attraction. With very little lead up to the bedroom scenes this story is not meant for anything deeper than pure entertainment. Luckily this is as advertised and therefore expectations are set from the get go. I only have two minor complaints about the story. The first is superficial. I could not associate Phin with the dream boat he was supposed to be due to the fact that he had long hair. It may just be a personal preference but I associate men with long hair with the 1990's and that era is behind us. Very few men can pull the look off and therefore I had difficulty visualizing him. The second was the ending. It seemed to come very quickly for me and I was left thinking...oh, its over. On the positive end I like the fact that for the most part Layla was a strong female character. She went after what she wanted and she was not a pushover. It is not the typical behavior of someone who is supposed to be a "nerd". The chemistry worked between Layla and Phin and the fact that Phin was an ex gypsy added an original element. If you are looking for a sexy read with no commitment then this is the story for you. About The Author
It's 1965 and eighteen
year-old Rosie Churchill has run away to the beautiful but run-down
Castaway House in the seaside town of Helmstone. But when she uncovers a
scandal locked away in the walls of the old house, she soon comes to
realise that neither her own troubled past nor that of the house will
stay buried for long. . .
In 1924 fresh-faced Robert Carver comes
to Castaway House to spend a languid summer in the company of his much
wealthier cousin, Alec Bray. But the Brays are a damaged family, with
damaging secrets. And little does Robert know that his world is about to
change for ever.
As Rosie begins to learn more about Robert, the
further she is drawn into the mysterious history of the house, and
their stories, old and new, entwine.
Paperback 504 pages
Publication Date:
August 28th 2014
by Penguin Books
Genre: Historical Fiction
Kristine's Thoughts:
I received an ARC of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book alternates between Rosie Churchill in 1965 and Robert Carver in 1924. The common thread throughout both stories is Castaway House in the seaside town of Helmstone. Although the house is completely tranformed between stories there is a common thread that mysteriously links the two.
I really enjoyed both parts of this story. Normally I tend to favour one over the other but that was not the case with this book. I found both Rosie and Robert's story to be interesting and when clues started popping up about the link between the two I was fully engaged. I desperately wanted to know what happened and what the connection was. Some things I was able to figure out easily whereas others I was not.
I sort of fell in love with Lam's description of Castaway House and could picture it vividly in my mind. Her writing style was easy to follow and made a large book feel like a short one. She writes in a way that makes you feel like you are there and creates characters that you feel like you know.
I won't re-tell the story (you will have to read it) but I will say that this was a book that I was truly happy to read. Lam is a new author to me and I will be sure to check out any and all future work by her.
About the Author
Stephanie Lam was born in London. She now lives in Brighton, close to the sea. The Mysterious Affair at Castaway House is her first novel.
The most painful scars are the ones you never see. In her DJ booth at a Cleveland dance club, Casey feels a sense of connection that's the closest she ever gets to normal. On her college campus, she's reserved, practical-all too aware of the disaster that can result when you trust the wrong person. But inexplicably, Daniel refuses to pay attention to the walls she's put up. Like Casey, he's a senior. In every other way, he's her opposite. Sexy, open, effortlessly charming, Daniel is willing to take chances and show his feelings. For some reason Casey can't fathom, he's intent on drawing her out of her bubble and back into a world that's messy and unpredictable. He doesn't know about the deep scars that pucker her stomach - or the deeper secret behind them. Since the violent night when everything changed, Casey has never let anyone get close enough to hurt her again. Now, she might be tempted to try. Paperback, 240 pages Expected publication: September 30th 2014 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 September 30, 2014. This was a nice quick read for me. I enjoyed the fact that the lead character had some flaws and was dealing with some serious emotional issues when she met Daniel. As a result of this we got to see Casey and Daniel get to know each other before they hit the sheets which was nice. Too often we see the physical chemistry before the emotional chemistry and this story worked in the reverse. We got to experience Casey dealing with her struggle to navigate dating and developing feelings for someone. I felt the underlying theme of the story was the journey of discovering oneself and what a person is capable emotionally. It also dealt with a horrifying back-story that was the starting point of Casey's struggles. While I did find that there was repetitive use of some phrases i.e. he smiled and the tension eased a bit, the story flowed well. You really wanted Casey to let her walls down and truly start to live. This was my first story by Helms but I think I do see more of her work on my to read list. If you are looking for a love story that has more plot than bedroom scenes (there are those also if that is what you like) then this is the read for you.
About the Author
Rhonda Helms started writing several years ago. She has a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. She also edits for Carina Press (an imprint of Harlequin Publishing) and freelance edits.
When she isn't writing, she likes to do amateur photography, dig her toes into the sand, read for hours at a time, and eat scads of cheese. WAY too much cheese.
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Before blogging (dark times people!) how would you find out about new books or did you? - Suggested by A Great Read
We would hear about some books from word of mouth but not a lot of our friends were readers so the recommendations were few and far between. What we liked to do was to go to the bookstore and just randomly browse the shelves. With our Starbucks in hand, we would spend hours going up and down the rows until a book would speak to us. Each of us would buy at least six books, knowing nothing about them, and hope for the best. Some of the most enjoyable books we have read were found using this method.Once we discovered a book that we liked then we would buy any other books by that author.
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Besides her family,
Lacey Robinson’s only other love is baseball. She’s on top of the world
when Arizona State University approaches her to discuss a scholarship.
To be the first girl ever to grace a college boys’ team is beyond what
she has ever dreamed.
Her fastball is impeccable, her curveball
equally as good, and her slider annihilates anyone who dares to step in
the batter’s box. But fate has its own way of throwing curveballs. When
she looses her mother and sister to a home invasion, baseball and her
dreams die with them. Tragedy has a way of seeping deep into her psyche,
causing nightmares, panic attacks and blackouts. Diagnosed with Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder, her psychiatrist recommends a change of
scenery and picking up the things that she loved to do, and for Lacey
that is baseball.
After a move clear across the country, only two
things matter to Lacey—overcome her PTSD and make Kensington High’s
baseball team. But trying out for the team comes with obstacles—the
captain, Aaron Seever, doesn’t want a girl on the team.
Her life
is further complicated when she meets Kade Maxwell, a tall, sexy and
drool-worthy bad boy who has a magical touch that awakens her feminine
side and a kiss that slowly erases her nightmares. But getting involved
with him may be dangerous when Kade’s archenemy returns to town to
settle a vendetta.
To complicate matters, her PTSD has taken a
turn for the worse. She has to find a way to heal otherwise she may not
have a chance at anything in life, especially love.
ebook, 309 pages
Expected publication:
September 30, 2014
Genre: New Adult
Kristine's Thoughts:
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I picked up this book. The synopsis sounded intriguing but with the baseball angle ( a sport that puts me to sleep) I feared that it might not hold my interest.
This book is more about Lacey's struggle with PTSD than it is about baseball. Don't get me wrong...baseball is a very important part of the story, but her struggle to heal from a very traumatic event is the bigger focus. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story. Alexander does a great job at describing her turmoil and I think she nailed the worries and concerns of a teenage girl. She was also spot on with the pressures and bullying that occur within the walls of a high school.
The day before Lacey is to start at her new school she has a run in with Kade. Let me just say WOW! What a way to meet a person. Although their first few interactions are less than ideal, the tension and chemistry between the two are oozing off the pages. I don't know how to explain it but to say that I had goosebumps on numerous occasions. Kade is every girls dream with his sexy good looks and mysterious personality. He is definitely book boyfriend worthy. Lacey is also a down to earth and a likeable character. I appreciated the fact that although she was troubled, she wasn't weak and helpless for the most part. The supporting characters from Becca to the Maxwell triplets (Kade's brothers) rounded out an enjoyable and well developed group of players in the story.
Along with Lacey's struggles to overcome her PTSD and her budding relationship with Kade she has to deal with peers that do not want her on their baseball team. This may sound typical of the teenage experience but with the unusual death of a girl from the team two years prior and some shady characters with a vendetta against the Maxwell brothers, it is anything but typical.
The story flowed well and I was invested the entire time. This book is the first in a series and although there is no cliff hanger exactly there are still many issues that will make you want to read more. The next book will continue Lacey and Kade's story but it is my hope that each of the Maxwell triplets will get a story of their own as well.
I really enjoyed this book. S.B. Alexander is a new author to me that I will be keeping a close eye on. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Check out the book trailer!
Q&A with S.B. Alexander
Where did you get the idea for the plot of Dare to Kiss?
Growing up I was an active little girl in just about every sport. Since girls couldn't play,I wanted to create a world where they did. I also wanted to show that no matter what you've been through, surrounding yourself with the things you love to do and the people you love can help to overcome the nightmares and grief in your life. It has for me.
Noting your love of baseball, is the character of Lacey modeled after you?
When I started writing Dare to Kiss, I had a feisty character in mind for Lacey Robinson.But as I continued to write, Lacey's personality turned out to be so much more. She's strong, determined and loveable. She has weaknesses that get in her way, but her determination is what shapes her. Part of her is modeled after me, but I was never feisty growing up. I was actually a shy kid.
After writing two Young Adult books, what inspired you to write New Adult fiction and how was writing this genre different?
I didn't think too much about the genre. I wanted to get the story down on paper. As it unfolded it just happened to fit into the New Adult genre, although as I was writing Dare to Kiss I found I had a little more freedom to detail the romance element.
How do you balance your time between working full time and writing on the side?
I travel quite frequently for my job, and in doing so, I find a snippet of time on an airplane or at night in a hotel room. I also dedicate at least one day on the weekends to writing.
Without any spoilers of course, what can we expect from the next book in the series?
Dare to Dream is the next book in the series, and I'm so excited to finish it.Readers will be able to get into Kade's head to see his thoughts and more of his life. The tension between Kade and his enemy will also play a part in Dare to Dream. Lacey will have more to worry about when the question about who killed her family takes centre stage, creating more suspense and intrigue.
About the Author
S. B. Alexander’s passion for
writing began when she read her first Stephen King novel, The Shining.
Over the years she kept telling family and friends she was going to
write a book. Fifteen years later, on the advice of a friend, she sat
down and wrote her first novel. One year later, she published two novels
with three more slotted for release. Her books are targeted toward the
young adult and new adult markets.
Her young adult series,
Vampire SEALS, includes two books, On the Edge of Humanity, and On the
Edge of Eternity, which have garnered high praise from readers. Dare to
Kiss is the first book in her new adult series.
Alexander’s
career has been colorful—a former navy veteran, high school math teacher
and college professor, sales consultant, coach, and manager. She loves
baseball, especially the Boston Red Sox. She enjoys playing golf, is
moved by music and great stories, and will go out of her way to help
people.
She currently works full time in Corporate America and writes any chance she gets.
She believes words are the key to opening the door to extraordinary places with amazing characters that tell a great story. (From Goodreads profile)
One last summer before college on beautiful Tybee Island is supposed to help Sienna forget. But how can she? This is where her family spent every summer before everything changed, before the world as she knew it was ripped away.
But the past isn’t easily left behind. Especially when Sienna keeps having episodes that take her back to the night she wants to forget. Even when she meets the mysterious Austin Dobbs, the guy with the intense blue eyes, athlete’s body, and weakness for pralines who scooped her out of trouble when she blacked out on River Street.
When she’s with Austin, Sienna feels a whole new world opening up to her. Austin has secrets, and she has history. But caught between the past and the future, Sienna can still choose what happens now… ebook, 336 pages Expected publication: September 15, 2014 by Kensington Publishing Corp. Terri's Thoughts I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is September 15, 2014. When dystopian and paranormal stories seem to dominate the YA genre I found this story really refreshing since it was not that. It was a nice sweet love story about two people from different sides of the track which reminded me of the YA stories that were around when I was actually of the age to read this genre. Although the characters were seventeen years old the emotional chemistry was evident right from the moment they met. This instantly put me in their corner and made me hope for a happy ending. Even though I am past the age of these characters and have already married my "love story" I can visualize teens out there reading this story with dreamy eyes and hoping that they can someday experience a romance like this. I swooned with the first kiss! Included in the plot is a the added dimension of the fact that their romance is forbidden, Sienna has a boyfriend back home, and both characters are dealing with different yet equally difficult emotional issues relate to their fathers. This added an additional element of depth to give the story more impact. The reader sees both of the characters grow as a result of their relationship with each other and as they help each other cope with their emotional baggage. I will not say more but I will say that I recommend this story to any reader who enjoys a nice love story regardless of age. This was an easy read and a nice distraction from the everyday grind. Well done.
About the Author
Laura Johnston is the author of REWIND TO YOU, a YA contemporary romance releasing on September 15, 2014. She fell in love with the young adult genre both through her experience in high school as well as her job later as a high school teacher. Laura enjoys running, playing tennis, sewing, traveling, writing, writing and more writing, and above all, spending time with her husband and kids. Website: http://www.laurajohnstonauthor.com/
Twitter: lauralojohnston
Katarina ~ a
Royal Knight bound by honor and duty who steals a powerful relic from a
sorcerer in a desperate attempt to save her kingdom from the clutches of
a madman.
Ethan ~ a mercenary leader trapped between
his growing attraction to Katarina and his responsibility to protect his
friends from the evil pursuing her.
Zebulon ~ a malicious sorcerer waging war as though it's a game, caring nothing for the lives he destroys in his quest for power.
Drawn together by a moonstone medallion—an indestructible relic with immense magical power.
Katarina
steals the medallion from Zebulon and flees in the dead of night.
Together with Ethan and his mercenaries, she struggles to stay one step
ahead of the sorcerer and his minions in a race against time to save her
homeland. Fierce battles, ravenous monsters, and bloodthirsty
brigands—those are no surprise. But Katarina never dreamed her greatest
obstacle could be falling in love.
Each novel in the Light Chronicles is a standalone story.
Kindle Edition
Published
August 2014
by Astraea Press
Genre: YA/Fantasy/Romance
Kristine's Thoughts:
I received a copy of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Stolen Moon is the second book in the Light Cronicles series but can be read as a stand alone. I had the privilege of reading Shadow Fire (book #1) and you can find my review here.
This book follows Katarina as she embarks on a quest to return a stolen relic to its rightful place. The journey is dangerous and she encounters challenges from the very first page. Along the way she makes friends with a group of mercenaries who join her in her quest. Among the diverse group of mercenaries is Ethan who awakens feeling in Katarina that she has never felt before. Together they battle the forces of evil in an attempt to destroy Zebulon and his quest for power.
As with the first book, this is a clean young adult story that is appropriate for readers of all ages. There is a lot of cuddling and kissing but no sex or swearing and I think that it will appeal to the younger fans of this genre. The gore factor is mild compared to what is out there right now yet there is enough to keep things interesting. There is a stronger emphasis on the characters than the fighting.
The budding romance between Katarina and Ethan was sweet to read. At times the sweetness was a little thick but it was reminiscent of young, first love. How the two of them comforted, looked out for and encouraged each other was endearing. I can see young girls really enjoying their relationship.
Over all Stolen Moon is a solid book that I enjoyed reading. I think that it will appeal to younger readers and readers that prefer a cleaner story.
About the Author
Kimber
Leigh Wheaton is a bestselling YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet
romance. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares
her home with three dogs, four cats, and lots of dragons. No, she
doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Kimber Leigh is addicted
to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not
necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a
chocolate covered superhero!) She currently lives in San Antonio, TX but
has been somewhat a rolling stone in life, having resided in several
different cities and states.
