Review: Rikki By Abigail Strom

Rikki
By: Abigail Strom
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Series: Hart University Book 1

Description:
Ever since junior high and an ill-fated game of seven minutes in heaven, Rikki Eisendrath and Sam Payne have hated each others’ guts. But when they end up at the same college—and the same dorm—they figure it’s time to declare a truce.

They even become friends… sort of. But when Sam asks Rikki to model for his sculpting project, they start spending more time together—and her feelings for him get more complicated.

She tries to focus on the guy she’s been crushing on instead. But Sam’s the one she can’t stop thinking about, even though their arguments are starting to heat up as much as the chemistry between them.

With antagonism and attraction this intense, there’s bound to be an explosion. But when the dust settles, will Sam and Rikki be enemies, friends… or something more? 

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  There was an innocence and a refreshing view on teenagers talking about sex so openly and without shaming anyone else.  It doesn’t happen often because there is always a sense of shame for some.  I was captivated by the characters and experienced everything with them as they lived their first year in college.

We meet Rikki and Sam in the very beginning when they were 13 and their one moment I knew would last with the both of them throughout their lives because it was so innocent and memorable.  Rikki is a very practical person who likes to distance herself from feeling emotional about anything but she also feels like she’s behind the curve in comparison to everyone else.  This is what led to their chance encounter when they were 13 and even though they have pretended to hate each other through high school and into the beginning of college, I believe since hate is such a strong feeling it’s loosely tied to that other strong emotion of love.

When they both get into the same school they agree to put a truce between the two of them and actually attempt a friendship.  College is fun, I will never forget my college years and so much happens during that time that makes you into the person you will be forever.  It’s those experiences that matter most in your life to help you grow and adapt.  With that said the two of them definitely play a cat and mouse game but neither one of them even is aware that it’s happening. 

I really liked reading about the two of them where some things were so obvious and the other so oblivious it’s sweet because you can’t help but root for them to get together.  Yeah there are some stuff that happen toward then end that I didn’t necessarily agree with but sometimes things happen and you can’t really do anything about it other than try and move on from it.  Again sometimes things happen, but you have to read the book to find out what that something is. 

I genuinely liked all the characters in this book and I can’t wait to find out more about Claire in the next book, although she wasn’t too present this time it will be fun to experience her time at Hart University.  I loved the scenery and the story and I couldn’t put this book down until I absolutely finished it.  That’s saying a lot because usually I have to get up very early in the morning, so that’s how much I liked it.  Can’t wait for the next one and I will unquestionably check out more from this author because I enjoyed the writing style and plot.  Go read this, great start to a good series.

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Abigail Strom, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Review: Accidentally Yours by Jamie Beck

Accidentally Yours
By: Jamie Beck
Release Date: October 6, 2015

Description:
When ruggedly sexy backcountry guide Grey Lowell moves to Sterling Canyon, Colorado, after buying the ski-expedition company Backtrax, his plans don’t include romance. Still, it’s fun to look—especially across a crowded restaurant at a beauty he dubs “Bambi.” But all his plans change later that night when he’s injured by a drunk driver.

Physical therapist Avery Randall is shocked to learn that Grey’s the man her brother struck with his car, and even more stunned when he arrives at the clinic expecting her help. Despite her reservations and Grey’s silly new nickname for her, Avery agrees to work with him, and passion begins to simmer. Yet with his livelihood at stake, Grey must make tough decisions that could hurt Avery and her family. Before long, Avery’s loyalties are tested, and the choices she and Grey each make may cost them their chance at lasting love.

Review:
There were a lot of great things about this book, it's a quick fun easy read and perfect for this time of year when everything is starting to get chilly outside and you just want to curl up with a good book under the covers.  Accidentally Yours is definitely a book that will keep you there until the end.

We meet Grey who seems like he's just trying to do something great with his life and when he spots "Bambi" he can't help but stop to think about her often until the unthinkable happens and he gets hit by a car.  Yeah tables have turned when he finds out who the driver was and how he's related to Avery aka Bambi.  I have to say that Grey comes up with some really great nicknames for people.  If you get a chance to read this book all I have to say is Boomerang and you just can't help but laugh, it's mean but it's funny and true and not really mean just the truth.  You have to read it to find out what I'm babbling about.  Boomerang.

Anyway with Avery being the only good physical therapist in there small mountain town her and Grey begin to build a relationship with one another.  This story tells of their issues with their relationships and her family and of course the lawsuit that is pending due to the accident, again you have to read this book you will be intrigued I promise you.

Overall the story was good, kept you interested.  The scenery was great (at least in my mind with the hiking the mountains and the snow).  The characters were great too, I really hope to learn more about his best friend Trey, there is a past there I'm willing to hear about.  Love the cover I think it's super cute and adorable and would definitely get me to pick up the book.

Quote:

"It doesn't matter why you left or what you've learned.  If a house is destroyed, what difference does it make if it happened by fire or tornado?  It's still gone.  So, no, I don't think there's any hope for us."

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Montlake Romance, so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Blog Tour: Paper Thin by Jennifer Snyder

Paper Thin
By: Jennifer Snyder
Release Date: September 29, 2015

Description:
Fate has always seemed to mock Charlotte Montgomery, continuously dangling the man of her dreams just out of reach. It isn’t until Charlotte receives word her older sister Emma is getting engaged that she feels fate’s teasing has hit a new high. 

Once she begrudgingly decides to return home to the tiny town of Parish Cove, curious to find out who has captured her sister’s heart, fate suddenly seems as though it may have tossed her a bone.

The problem: Charlotte forgot one simple thing…Fate has never been her friend. 

Emotions run high. Happiness will be shattered. And tragedy will strike, leaving everyone feeling paper thin.

Review:

Emotionally filled, this book left me thinking about everything that could possibly go wrong, or in some ways some things that could possibly just be the right thing to happen.  Jennifer Snyder did a wonderful job depicting the encumbered life of Charlotte and the people who surround her.  It was really beautifully written and had me hooked with all the ‘what could have happened’ or more like the ‘what almost happened’.

We meet Charlotte who is away at school enjoy her freedom from her family, she feels like they are too much to handle with her mother having Alzheimer’s, her older sister is there to handle it for her though.  But then one thing leads to another and she’s on her way home.  This time for longer than she expected.  The night before she goes though she does meet this one guy who has great potential.  That is the story of Charlotte’s life though, all these near misses.  Fate always seems to step in when she least expects it and she loses her possible happiness.  Its distressing watching it happen to her time and time again, but it’s what makes her who she is.   

This book isn’t about a love story, this isn’t the typical contemporary book I usually read, Paper Thin talks about real feelings, real emotions, and real situations that happen on a daily basis and how you deal with them.  Dealing with a disease like Alzheimer’s is not an easy situation then you have to think about what are you going to do with the person who has Alzheimer’s, some people don’t want to deal with it and others want to try and handle it, but essentially you need to figure out what is best for you.  There is real emotions in situations that hit people every day and I felt for all the characters.  Life is hard, it’s how you handle it that makes you the person you are.

Not only did they have to deal with this but then there was an accident and even harder situations appeared from that.  Don’t get me wrong I was hoping for a little romance but it just wasn’t in the books for Charlotte.  It was all about dealing with your family and real life situations, sometimes that is more than some silly romance.  There are some tough situations that arise from this accident.  I don’t want to give too much away but you should really read this story, it’s real and raw and honest.  Had me in tears by the end of it that’s for sure.

Love the cover, very contemplative and on the dock, her thinking spot.  Very cute and I would definitely pick it up to see what it’s about. 

Overall the book was eye opening.  The characters are relatable, authentic and you really begin to feel for them and all the hardships they have to go through.  I would recommend this to anyone who really wants to learn what other people are dealing with in situations such as Alzheimer’s, the aftermath of an accident, death, life and reality. 

About the Author

Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing New Adult and Young Adult Fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon Author Page

Newsletter | Smashwords Author Page | Kobo Books

Giveaway

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Release Day: Paper Thin by Jennifer Snyder - Giveaway

Paper Thin by Jennifer Snyder

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Available September 29th, 2015

Fate has always seemed to mock Charlotte Montgomery, continuously dangling the man of her dreams just out of reach. It isn’t until Charlotte receives word her older sister Emma is getting engaged that she feels fate’s teasing has hit a new high.

Once she begrudgingly decides to return home to the tiny town of Parish Cove, curious to find out who has captured her sister’s heart, fate suddenly seems as though it may have tossed her a bone.

The problem: Charlotte forgot one simple thing…Fate has never been her friend.

Emotions run high. Happiness will be shattered. And tragedy will strike, leaving everyone feeling paper thin.

Purchase:

Amazon | B&N | Smashwords

_____________________________________________________

About the Author

Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing New Adult and Young Adult Fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon Author Page

Newsletter | Smashwords Author Page | Kobo Books

_____________________________________________________

Teaser

I closed my eyes, sealing off myself from the thoughts of my conscience, and waited for the feel of his lips pressed against mine. I wondered if they would steal the breath from my lungs like they had when I was fifteen. I wondered if his kiss would cripple me with lust the way I always imagined. My heart thundered with anticipation inside my chest even though I knew this moment was wrong.

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Review: Has to Be Love by Jolene Perry

Has to Be Love
By: Jolene Perry
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Description:
Our eyes meet, and I think we're both stuck in the moment.
Are we...friends? Do I have a friend in New York? A corner of his mouth quirks up in a partial smile.
In this second, my world gets bigger and makes me feel smaller, and when I start to feel how big the world is, half of me is thrilled and the other half begs to shut it out. Why did I have to meet Rhodes now?

The acceptance letter doesn't seem quite real to Clara: college in New York City, at the school that stands for all her dreams. It's hard to imagine the future, whether it's New York or at home in Alaska with her boyfriend, Elias. She's not ready for the rest of her life to begin—at least not until the deep scars on her face are fixed. Then people will stop staring and asking questions.

The last thing Clara expected was for a stranger to see her for who she is—a writer. When Rhodes, the new student teacher, recognizes her talent, the things she barely dared hope for suddenly feel possible. but will she risk everything to go after what she really wants?

Review:

I’ve always loved reading anything by Jolene Perry. She knows how to bring you into a story and keep you there until the minute you finish the book and this was no different.  There are many choices you need to make in life and its how you make those choices that matter most.  You can’t think of anyone else sometimes these choices you have to make, have to be for you and not everyone around you.  This is what Has to Be Love is all about.  Choices and learning to love yourself.

Clara has been through a lot in her short lifetime, but now that she is getting ready to graduate high school and move on with her life, or at least hope to move on things become more difficult for her.  She has added anxiety in her life because when she was younger she was attacked by a bear (she lives in Alaska, so totally possible).  Of course her scars are not only visible to her but to everyone around her because it’s on her face and this is what is holding her back.  Her entire life since she’s had them she hasn’t learned how to deal with people’s reactions to them and has never felt comfortable about them.  You know that whole love thyself, its not something she subscribes to.  It’s tough I can only imagine but this book explores her many decisions, including that of Elias.

Elias, he’s Clara’s boyfriend, and quite honestly sounds like a really perfect guy not only for her but for anyone.  He is sweet, thoughtful and only wants forever with Clara but she’s not ready.  Decisions, decisions, there are so many decisions to be made.  In comes an outsider who really tips her off the straight and narrow.  She doesn’t know how to handle everything and starts to make the wrong decisions in life.  It’s entertaining to watch. And I can completely hear her inner struggle with her life, her faith and her future.  This book isn’t about love, this book is about finding yourself and being happy with yourself.  Some people just tend to get in the way or help you along the way. 

I really have to say that I’m completely rooting for Elias in the end whether that’s what is going to happen or not I still think he’s the sweetest book boyfriend ever.  So back to the decisions that need to be made, all her life Clara has wanted to go to Columbia like her mother and she finally has the opportunity, only time will tell if she will follow through (well that and you have to read the book). 

There were a lot of great coming of age bits in this book that were put together quite nicely and not everything will be perfect and rosy and will work out in the end.  Sometimes you have to let go to move on and be happy with yourself.  Overall I loved the characters, the setting and all the situations because they are real and believable and made you connect with everything and everyone at once.  I felt like I was in Alaska on that 4 wheeler checking out the house that was being built.  It’s all right there in my mind because it was described so beautifully. 

Love the cover, think it’s absolutely adorable and I would pick it up in a minute.  It’s cute and I think what Clara has with Elias, well it just Has to Be Love!

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Albert Whitman & Company (AW Teen), so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Review: Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru by Tera Lynn Childs

Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru
By: Tera Lynn Childs
Release Date: September 14, 2015

Description:

When life gives you a blank canvas, make art.

Sloane Whitaker hates everything about moving to Texas. She hates leaving behind her friends and half her family in New York, starting over senior year at Austin’s NextGen Academy, and having to say she lives in Texas. Most of all, she hates that it’s all her fault. If she wants to earn her way back to the Big Apple, she has to prove she can still be the perfect daughter.

Which means no vandalism art, no trouble at school, and absolutely no Tru Dorsey, her serial screw-up neighbor, who loves nothing more than pushing her buttons.

But from the moment he vaults onto the roof outside her bedroom, there is something about him that makes her want to break every rule. Suddenly it’ s not the ten things she hates about Tru that are at the top of her list. It’s the ten reasons she doesn’t want to be without him.

Review:

This book was absolutely adorable in every possible way.  I love when things work out the way they are supposed to even if for a while it doesn’t seem like it will.  Loved every minute of Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru.  Tera Lynn Childs did an amazing job writing this story of these two semi delinquent art kids.  Oh how the troubles continue!

We meet Sloane as she is just recently shipped out of NY to Texas, hating the idea of being anywhere that isn’t NY Sloane tries her hardest to prove to her mother that she deserves to go back home to NY.  Of course there are some rules as in not getting in any trouble and not hanging out with the boy next door as he is trouble too.  But of course you know what happens they go to the same school and drive together every day they are bound to become friends, and maybe even more than just friends.  But Sloane is trying to be strong because she really wants to go back to NY. 

Tru definitely turns out to be a very decent guy who Sloane can’t seem to stay away from, or stop thinking about.  But their friendship is a strong connection, they divulg3e secrets to one another which brings them even closer.  It’s a very cute story of friendship growing to may more than just friends but it’s the journey along the way that matters.  The trust they have for one another without even really knowing the other.  It’s sweet, adorable and had me smiling all the way through.

Of course there was some conflict, but you will have to read the book to find out what it was, all I can say is I wasn’t expecting that.  It just really shows you who your friends are and you can’t trust everyone you meet right away.  The story, the setting and the characters were all very fabulous.  I liked them all and wish I could go to art school even though I’m not too artistic but they seem like a fun bunch, and the classes seem like even more fun.  All schools should be as carefree, but oh well you get what you pay for right? 

I would have given this an even bigger rating but really there was only one part of the story that bothered me, maybe it didn’t seem so significant to the overall picture but it was there it was mentioned and I really think it should have been addressed a little more.  I’m talking about the short stint of domestic abuse that is mentioned in the book, not everyone can handle it but reaching out is definitely the first step.  That’s all I have to say about it, just wishing there was a resolution there as well.

Overall the book was adorable I loved it and would definitely recommend it to anyone.  The author did a great job of introducing us to her characters and the conflicts in their lives.  Not to mention the budding friendship between Tru and Sloane.  So Sweet, smiling all the way through the end!  Great cover too, would definitely pick it up to see what it was about based off the cover.  Seems the two on there are sharing a very special bond with one another.   

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC (Entangled Crush), so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Review: Finding Perfect By Kendra C. Highley

Finding Perfect
By: Kendra C. Highley
Release Date: September 14, 2015

Description:

For “Perfect Paige” Westfeld, today is “D” Day. As in, she just got one on her calculus test. With her dreams of Stanford, her reputation, and her parents' expectations at stake, Paige needs to find a way to save face before everything she’s worked for goes up in flames.

Ben Franklin (yes, he's related) is from the wrong side of town, with the wrong clothes and the wrong kind of life. He also knows an opportunity when he sees one, and he’ll be happy to tutor Paige—if she makes him into the kind of guy her best friend, the hottest girl in school, will date.

It's the perfect arrangement. And Paige is determined not even the inconvenient—and utterly imperfect—attraction simmering between her and Ben will ruin it...

Review:

This was a really sweet book that had me entertained the whole time.  It’s hard trying to be perfect for everyone else, but sometimes you just got to do you!  That’s the message I received from this book.  The author depicted the pressure of school, parents, and teenage life in a “perfect” way.  It’s hard being a teenager and some adults seem to forget that.

We meet Perfect Paige, at least that’s how she feels everyone views her and some people call her that as well but sometimes it’s just too hard to be perfect, especially when it comes to Calculus.  She’s failing it and grades need to be submitted for her college applications, talk about stress, add onto that her parents stressing her on how much she needs to get this done so she can be the doctor they want her to be.  Talk about a lot on your shoulders, I felt bad for her numerous times.  It’s crazy.  But she randomly bumps into Ben Franklin, yes there is a relation.  He is brilliant and can definitely help her with her math work, but of course he wants something in return.  A date with the hottest girl in school which happens to be her best friend. 

Sure we’ve all heard stories like this before but this one is great because it’s like experiencing it all over for the first time.  I loved this story from beginning to end.  The characters were great, you couldn’t help but feel sorry for Paige, hopeful for Ben and mad at her parents, especially her Mom talk about a dictatorship.  There were some definitely great parts in this book where they had a moment, and then the moment gets interrupted you are like nooo, loved it.  I especially enjoyed that Ben comes to the realization of what he really wants and Paige starts to find herself, her actual self not what her parents want her to be. 

This was a great contemporary coming of age finding your own strength and a little love kind of book and it was a quick and easy fun read that had you wanting to finish it in one sitting.  Kendra C. Highley did an amazing job with everything from characters, settings and plot.  These Crush books are so sweet and addicting! Great read, make sure you check this book out and can’t wait for the next book!

Can I also say how much I want a cookie right now! Seriously, cookie please! Oh and I love the cover, its sweet very much a great part in the book, with the lavender.  It’s adorable and cute and oh so Ben!

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC. (Crush), so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!