Review: A Promise Kept by Anissa Garcia

A Promise Kept
By: Anissa Garcia
Release Date: June 1, 2016

Description:

Closing her heart a long time ago, Grace Clark made a promise she’s vowed to keep. Having Hollywood heartthrob Evan Matthews move in next door with his alluring good looks, charisma, wit, and sexy smile is a temptation that runs the risk of compromising the importance of that promise.

Evan is drawn to his new neighbor. Grace is the exact opposite of the women he normally encounters. Enticing, down-to-earth, and confident, she captivates him. She has no problems facing off with Evan, and he soon realizes Grace is much more than just a challenge. He wants to prove himself to her.

Grace can see the man beyond the actor, and with more than just her pride at stake, she needs to hold tight to her promise before Evan breaks through all her walls, exposing her heart.

Advance Praise

"Fall in love with Evan and Grace in A Promise Kept, an absolutely delicious debut from Anissa Garcia." - New York Times, USA Today Bestselling Author, J. Kenner

"A super sweet, sexy romance that left me with the biggest smile on my face. I totally loved A Promise Kept!" - New York Times, USA Today Bestselling Author, AL Jackson "A Promise Kept was a sweet, sexy and touching love story. We need more of that in our lives." - Jill, Love Affair With Fiction

"Anissa Garcia has the unique ability to draw out emotions that I didn't even know I had." - Devious Book Blog 

"This has to be the most beautifully and well written book that I have read this year!" - Danielle, Short and Sassy Reviews 

"In one word for A Promise Kept is WOW. This is the first I have read by Anissa Garcia and I cannot wait what is in store from this talented author." - Melena's Reviews

_______________________________________________________________________

Review:
This was an okay read for me.  I don't know i really couldn't connect with the characters didn't really seem realistic.  But regardless of that its a book i would suggest so that you could form your own opinion.

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and AG Romance Reads, LLC, 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: Jane's Gift by Karen Erickson

Jane's Gift
By: Karen Erickson
Release Date: November 5, 2012
Series: Lone Pine Lake #1

Description:
Lone Pine Lake’s resident playboy, fire captain Christian Nelson, is happy with his single-guy lifestyle. But when quiet, mysterious Jane Clark comes for a tour of the firehouse with her three small children, Chris is immediately drawn to the beautiful woman—even though he’s been burned by commitment in the past.

Jane’s been battling scars both physical and mental—having lived through a devastating house fire years ago—so she’s hesitant when her brother’s best friend, Christian, offers to help quell her family’s residual fears of fire. Jane’s mind is the epitome of once burned, twice shy, but her heart has other plans.

Despite her brother’s warnings about his friend’s playboy status and dangerous occupation, Jane can’t help but fall for the gorgeous fire captain. Can two scarred people find the strength to let go of their pasts to live in the present, when a lifetime together might be the sweetest gift of all? 

Each book in the Lone Pine Lake series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order. 

Series Order:
Book #1 - Jane's Gift
Book #2 - Tempting Cameron
Book #3 - Loving Mindy

Review:

This was a very sweet story and a great start to a series.  There is a lot of family, taking chances, second chances, coming into your own after something horrible happened and more family.  This was endearingly delightful.

We meet Jane after she’s had a terrible accident and lost her husband.  She’s trying to pick up the pieces of her life both for herself and her kids with the help of her family by moving back closer to them.  She tries to be invisible but she’s caught the attention of the fire captain and he can’t seem to get her out of his mind.  He’s a natural playboy who never had intentions of settling down, let alone with someone who already had kids. 

It’s interesting to see these two together.  It’s sad when Jane tries to fight their attraction but she finally gives in.  There is not too much intimate details about the two so this is more of a wholesome book again with the sweetness of the characters.  The kids are always a dilemma, but it’s tough on them trying to get used to someone new in their lives after missing their father so much.  It’s about growth and expansion, about letting go and moving on.

Overall this was a quick and easy read, very nice and I loved the characters.  I think I felt more for the sister though and I’m dying to find out her story which I know is in an upcoming book in the series.  There’s a lot going on here, so many different characters in Jane’s family that you just know they will each in their own right have a great story. 

The cover was very catchy, I will say that for some reason it isn’t how I pictured them but still a really cute cover that caught my attention.  Great writing and an overall good book.  Reminded me of my love of Hallmark movies.

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, 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: Did I Mention I Miss You? by Estelle Maskame

Did I Mention I Miss You?
By: Estelle Maskame
Release Date: December 6, 2017
Series: The DIMLY Trilogy #3

Description:

One last chance for love.

It’s been a year since Eden last spoke to Tyler. She remains furious with him for his abrupt departure last summer but has done her best to move on with her life at college in Chicago – and she’s finally over Tyler…right? As school breaks up for the summer, she's heading back to Santa Monica, but she's not the only one who decides to come home…

Despite their breakup, Tyler’s determined to rekindle what they once had. Having been left behind to deal with the aftermath of their bombshell revelation and a family torn apart, Eden’s not sure she can forgive him. Now she must search her heart and decide if Tyler is worth the risk once and for all.

Did I Mention I Miss You? is the explosive finale to Wattpad senstation Estelle Maskame's DIMILY trilogy: three unforgettable summers of secrets, heartbreak, and forbidden romance.

Look for the companion novels:
Did I Mention I Love You? Available Now!
Did I Mention I Need You? Available Now!

Review:

What an amazing ending to a wonderful series that had so much emotion to it.  You are automatically sucked into this world once again even if it’s been a very long time since you’ve read the last book.  From the very first page it’s as if you haven’t left this reality where Eden and Tyler exist.  Estelle Maskame did an amazing job closing out this series in a very blissfully radiant way.

We are back with Eden after Tyler leaves her alone for a year and she hasn’t heard from him at all, this of course devastates Eden.  It’s hard, dealing with everything they started and he left behind.  Life is hard.  There is so much tension between everyone in this book but with Tyler’s reappearance there is only one that that can happen, something needs to be said and done.  There is an attempt at a family vacation where everyone finally deals with all their issues, but if you know these characters then you know that something like that will not be happening any time soon.  There is too much going on.

What I like about this series is that not only is it a bit of a love story but there are real issues at hand.  Relationships being tested, like father/daughter, mother/daughter, father/son and siblings.  It’s all there all types of relationships even friendships.  Not only that but it’s also about growing up and making your own decisions about your life.  It’s about not caring what others think as long as you are happy.  That is an important lesson to learn for anyone. 

This book wasn’t about the butterflies you get when these two get together, this book was raw and real about solving things and fixing lives.  That’s what makes me love this book and love this series because they had their crazy meeting, they had their blissful relationship but now they are dealing with reality in their own ways and together. 

It’s hard for me to talk about this book without giving too much away but the writing was beautiful, everything flowed great and smoothly.  The cover depends on which one you like I kind of like the paperback version more than the other.  But either way I will definitely be checking out other books by Maskame.  Overall this was a really perfect ending to an interesting series.  I still don’t think there is anything wrong with stepsiblings getting together, because really it’s not their fault their parents got together.  If there is no blood shared then I think they are good to go.  I just really support team Eden and Tyler! Remember …. 

No Te Rindas.

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire, 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: Too Hot To Handle by Tessa Bailey

Too Hot To Handle
By: Tessa Bailey
Released Date: May 17, 2016
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Series: Romancing the Clarksons #1

Description:
When rescue looks like a whole lot of trouble . . .

The road trip was definitely a bad idea. Having already flambéed her culinary career beyond recognition, Rita Clarkson is now stranded in God-Knows-Where, New Mexico, with a busted-ass car and her three temperamental siblings, who she hasn't seen in years. When rescue shows up---six-feet-plus of hot, charming sex on a motorcycle---Rita's pretty certain she's gone from the frying pan right into the fire . . .

Jasper Ellis has a bad boy reputation in this town, and he loathes it. The moment he sees Rita, though, Jasper knows he's about to be sorely tempted. There's something real between them. Something raw. And Jasper has only a few days to show Rita that he isn't just for tonight---he's forever. 

Review:

What a great way to start off a series.  This was very interesting, had drama, romance, a little roughness, a little sweetness and whole lot of hotness. 

We meet Rita as she is about to embark on a journey with her three siblings, none of which have ever really gotten along so well as a result of their mother’s wish after she passed away.  This all happens after their mother’s restaurant burns down.  What a way to start and head off, not to mention the drama they find along the way.  Particularly in the form of car trouble and being stuck in a little town in the middle of nowhere. 

That’s just the beginning because it’s all about Rita and the stranger that just happens to stop by them as he’s absolutely enamored by Rita and can’t help but make things more difficult for her, but in good ways.  Jasper Ellis is just another bad boy who is looking to reform, he’s tired of all the hook ups and the bad reputation and just wants to do right by himself and his family.  So when he wanders upon Rita and her family on the side of the road, all that goes out the window sort of.  He just can’t resist her. 

Their relationship is turmoil at best hot and cold but in the good ways.  She wants and is willing to give and he holds back wanting her to want him for more than just a good time.  Its fun seeing them go back and forth.  You want them to win so badly because you just see how blatantly perfect they are for each other.

But this is just the beginning because it’s not only about Rita but her three siblings too and I can’t wait to see what happens on their journey across the United States to carry on their mother’s last wish.  These four together are just turmoil in the making but maybe it will bring them closer together and finally make them the family their mother wanted them to be. 

Overall I really enjoyed the book, although some of the roughhousing really isn’t my cup of tea when it comes to relations, but I get that some people like that.  It’s just not for me.  But other than that the characters were interesting, realistic and just a great read throughout.  The people on the cover really wasn’t how I pictured Rita and Jasper, but I can see where they were going with it.  Good book. 

Disclaimer:
I received this book from Net Galley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), 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!!!

Book Blitz: More than Friends by Monica Murphy

More than Friends by Monica Murphy
Release Date: November 14th, 2016
Genre: Young Adult Romance

Cover Designer: Hang Le Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32027656-more-than-friends

Preorder Link:

iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/zojrrfp

He’s not perfect, but he’s all I want…
I’m your average girl at your average high school, trying to figure out my place in life. After catching my now ex-boyfriend messing around with my now ex-best friend, I’ve made some big changes. No more band, no more backstabbing friends and no more boring old life. Now I have new friends, a new job and new interests.
But there’s a certain someone who’s interested in me, and I don’t get it. Jordan Tuttle could have anyone he wants. He’s the most popular boy in school. Rich, gorgeous, smart and the star quarterback, he’s perfect. Yet he acts like he wants no one else but…me.
So despite my fears and doubt, I let him get close. Probably too close. I discover that he’s not so perfect after all, but it doesn’t matter. I’m falling for him, even though he runs so hot and cold. I know someday he’s going to break my heart.
And I’m going to let him

About the Author:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.
She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Connect with Monica:
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Website | Newsletter

The Giveaway:

Signed paperback of More than Friends, open to US residents only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read below for an excerpt from More than Friends:

More than Friends ~ Monica Murphy
Chapter 1 reveal
Chapter One
Amanda
I’m cruising on my bike, contemplating everything Livvy just told me. How her mom was so mad when she discovered Livvy had spent the night at Ryan’s house, she grounded her and took away her phone. Livvy is seriously going to lose her mind being grounded for so long, unable to see Ryan unless we’re at school. That won’t be enough for her. When it comes to Ryan, it feels like nothing is ever enough for her.
At least I’m not in trouble like she is.
Liv’s going to stress out over Ryan, though. Over those hours when she’s not with him and he could possibly be up to no good. She worries about him all the time. I get it—sort of. He seems to play games, and that must get exhausting.
Truthfully, I wouldn’t put up with that crap. But I’m not Livvy.
Thank goodness.
The wind blows through my hair as I make a right into my neighborhood, turning the wild strands into a tangled mess. Not that I care. There’s no one I’m hoping to impress. It’ll just be Sunday night dinner with the family, as usual. I’m not even sure if they’re home yet. Dad mentioned something about going to Home Depot to pick out fall flowers for the yard, and Mom said something about shower curtains and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Bleh. I’m glad I made my escape when I did.
My house slowly comes into view and I smile to myself. I might not live in a giant mansion in a fancy neighborhood like my new so-called friends, but our house is nice. Small and on the older side, but it’s cute, with a pretty front yard and a big porch with a white swing…
Oh. Crap. There’s someone sitting on the swing. His arms are spread out along the back of the wooden frame, his gaze locked directly on me, like he knew I was going to appear at any second.
It’s Jordan Tuttle.
My heart is racing as I press gently on the brakes, taking him in, my gaze roving over every single tiny feature that makes him Jordan. I want to slow down the moment, revel in the anticipation of finding him waiting for me. He rises to his feet, runs a hand over his thick, perfect hair almost nervously, and a shuddery breath leaves me.
The memory hits me, socks me in the stomach and leaves me aching. I remember what it felt like, having those hands on me just last night. His mouth on mine, the words he whispered in my ear. It wasn’t a dream. It wasn’t something I made up inside my head, because seriously, I was starting to wonder if I really was losing my mind when it came to Jordan Tuttle.
But no. Jordan is real. He’s in my life because he wants to be here for some crazy reason. And now he’s waiting for me, his hands on his hips, the faintest smile on his face as he continues to watch me.
“What are you doing here?” I ask as I make my approach, hopping off my bike so I can roll it up the front walkway.
We meet in the middle, Jordan stopping just in front of me. “Nice way to greet me.”
I frown, worried I was doing everything wrong. He had a way of making me feel like that. “How should I greet you?”
“Like this.” His hand is suddenly curled around my nape when he pulls me in for a too-quick yet somehow lingering kiss. My lips tingle when he pulls away, and by the smug expression on his face, I know he knows the effect he has on me.
“Jordan,” I chastise, stepping away from him and nearly tripping over my stupid bike. Luckily enough, he catches me by the elbow, steadying me before I fall over like an idiot. “What if my parents are inside?”
“They’re not.” He grabs the bike from me, nudges the kickstand down and sets it in place on the sidewalk a few feet away from us. “Where’ve you been?”
His confidence makes me crazy. He’s so sure of himself, and I wish I had even an ounce of his self-assuredness.
I don’t. Not even close. He lives in another realm. I’m just a lowly peon compared to His Majesty, Lord Jordan Tuttle.
“I went over to Livvy’s,” I tell him when I realize he’s waiting for my answer. As usual, my mind wanders when I’m in his presence. “I wanted to make sure she’s okay.”
Jordan frowns. “She is, right?”
“Oh yeah, her mom just grounded her for life.” When he sends me a come on face, I readjust. “Fine, she’s grounded for a couple weeks. No phone. No Ryan.”
“It might do her some good, the no Ryan thing,” he mutters.
I say nothing. I don’t understand the relationship he has with Ryan. They’re friends. Then they’re not. They’re teammates always, and that’s something Jordan has to deal with no matter what.
“What are you up to right now?” I ask, hoping to change the subject.
He smiles. Reaches out to tuck a wayward strand of hair behind my ear. I feel that innocent touch all the way down to my toes, which are currently curling in my battered white Converse. “I want to take you out.”
My mouth drops open. “In public?”
The frown is back. It’s not fair, how attractive he still is despite the scowl he’s currently wearing. “Of course in public. What the hell, Mandy.”
I shrug, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. “We haven’t actually been seen together.”
He grabs my hand and pulls me in close. My body immediately goes hot and I wonder if he has some sort of powerful force field I can’t resist. “I want to change that.”
My gaze meets his and I can’t look away. He’s so sincere. So serious. “What happened between us last night was…”
“Real.” He kisses me again. Another brief brush of lips on lips, yet I’m decimated. Shaky all over when he pulls away. When my ex Thad kissed me, I never felt like this. Ever.
Never.
Ever.
Never.
“Maybe we were just caught up in a moment?” I ask tentatively. It’s like I’m always waiting for the bomb to drop. For the joke to be on me. No one in a million years would ever match me with Jordan Tuttle. Not even me. So what’s his deal? Why is he so persistent? I don’t get it.
I like it, but he also scares me. I don’t want to get hurt.
I don’t want my heart to be broken.
“Every time I’m near you, I get caught up in a moment.” One side of his perfect mouth tips up in this semi-smile that is absolutely adorable. I wish I had my phone out so I could snap a pic of him. “Maybe we need to give this a try and see if all we ever experience together is one giant moment.”
“That’s impossible.” The words are out before I can stop them and I slap my hand over my mouth, my eyes wide as I stare up at him.
Jordan actually laughs, shaking his head. It’s a rare sound, but wow, is it amazing. “Nothing’s impossible if you want it bad enough.”
I drop my hand, gaping up at him. “So are you saying that you want—me?”
“Yes.” He dips his head, his mouth hovering above mine. “I do.”

Review: The Two-Night One-Night Stand by Ryan Ringbloom

Two Two-Night One-Night Stand
By: Ryan Ringbloom
Release Date: September 29, 2016

Description:
A girl. A guy. And a talking peen. 

Holly Martin isn't the type to have a one-night stand. But a crushing break up, a sexy blind date, and a few shots of Fireball is about to change all that. 

Matthew Daniels is an introverted PA who claims he’s too busy to date. But that doesn’t stop his older brothers from encouraging him to let loose and get out there, because as they put it - the right girl won’t just walk up to you.

But what if she does?

Is it possible for a one-night stand that happens twice, to actually become more? Could two nights of reckless debauchery actually lead to true love? Or is this just another case of a whisky induced disaster?

This Romantic Comedy is sure to have you laughing, cringing, rolling your eyes, shouting at the pages and looking for a shot glass of your own. 

**This book contains mature content (and immature content). It is intended for adult readers.

Review:

What a fun, cute, sexy and addicting new book to read.  This book had a little bit of everything and is very new adult.  Ryan Ringbloom did an amazing job bringing these two characters together, and just made me want to read more about this family and everything that’s previously happened. 

We meet Holly who was recently (although is a year that recent) broke up with her boyfriend and is still trying to get over things.  What a way to find a new someone by going on a blind date, on Halloween, at a bar, dressed as a nurse, looking for a doctor.  I mean really, is that not a recipe for a disaster or what.  But oh a doctor she did find (or PA at least).  When she brazenly goes up to someone dressed in scrubs she couldn’t help herself and well maybe the Fireball did help a little and she throws herself at him.  And so the fun begins!

Matthew is just trying to let out some steam after a long day at work and finally has the chance to hang out with his brothers, which is until a beautiful nurse comes between them.  He can’t help it he thinks she’s absolutely beautiful so let’s her believe she’s who she is looking for.  Their interactions are both funny and sexy.  They have a chemistry between them and the only thing that gets in their way is each other.  There are some pretty drastic things that happen in this book in terms of what else could go wrong but it was oh so entertaining!

From the very beginning I knew this was going to be a good book again who goes looking for a blind date on Halloween when everyone is in costume, regardless this book had me when the peen started talking.  Ha, I couldn’t stop laughing like seriously but it was brilliant really because I believe men really do have two brains, their own and their peens. 

I really enjoyed the story and you should read it because again it was funny and interesting and sexy.  Oh the troubles of young love starting out with so many misunderstandings throughout the book.  It was good, I have to check out what the brothers went through because if they are anything as entertaining as what Matthew went through I am all for it, bring it on! New must have new adult author – Ryan Ringbloom!

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, 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: Falling for the Girl Next Door by Tera Lynn Childs

Falling for the Girl Next Door
By: Tera Lynn Childs
Release Date: November 14, 2016
Series: Creative Hearts #5 Sloane & Tru #2

Description:

Sloane Whitaker never expected to like living in Texas, but after a few months in the Lone Star State, she has to admit she likes the food, the school, and the boy next door. What she doesn’t like is the fact that half her family is still back in New York. Convincing her dad to relocate to Texas requires making their upcoming visit as perfect as possible. The perfect dinner, the perfect daughter…with the perfect boyfriend.

But when her not-so-perfect boyfriend Tru Dorsey is suddenly not-so-available, Sloane has to find another dad-impressing guy to show off at dinner. Tru himself suggests enlisting the help of a fake boyfriend, but the reality of another guy with Sloane on his arm might be more than Tru can manage. Add in a mysterious blackmailer and a divided family, and Sloane and Tru’s relationship might not be able to handle the heat.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains a bad boy next door, the good girl who snags his heart, and one epically disastrous ruse-gone-wrong. Join the fun at your own risk.

Review:

I really enjoy the Creative heArts series, and this just added to the first one that I read about Sloane and Tru.  It was a quick fun read, but there was some seriousness to it.  It was enjoyable and added more content to the story and to the couple as a whole. 

We are back with Tru and Sloane who started the series off.  This school they go to really sounds amazing and fun, but this isn’t about their school it’s about their personal lives.  There really is no drama about the characters surrounding them in school it really does just focus on their personal problems.  I like that it touched on different subject matters, such as addiction and family problems.  Sloane is on a mission to bring her family back together and for that to happen she has to show her dad her perfect life in Texas, but nothing in life is perfect.

Tru is dealing with his addiction issues and I think he is dealing with them in the best manner possible, by getting help and talking things out.  Finding the root of the problem always helps and then finding someone who can help you through it is even more important because we always need someone to lean on and give us strength when we are going to fall and Tru realizes this someone might just be someone he keeps pushing away.

In Sloane’s life it’s a little bit different, a lot of things are going on with her family that she didn’t even realize and being a teenager sometimes you get selfish and think it’s all about you or think it’s your fault when in reality you had nothing to do with it.  It was touching and sad to see her go through her struggles with her family but its reality sometimes and we just have to learn to work through these issues.

Overall I thought this was a quick read, nothing cute about it there was quite a bit of seriousness but sometimes you need that in your life.  I think the cover is adorable and I hope things start to work out for these two characters.  Great addition to the series.

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, 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: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Queen of Shadows

By: Sarah J. Maas
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Series: Throne of Glass #4

Description:
The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world. 

Review:

I have finally taken the chance to read this book and I couldn’t put it down.  Sarah J. Maas is just an amazing writer with quite a creative and imaginative mind.  Usually books in series start to go downhill but not this series, Throne of Glass has been amazing from the beginning through the whole series.  In this last book that I’ve read (will be reading the next one very soon) there was no disappointment and so much hope has been bought out on me with all these amazing characters.

We are back in Rithfold and Aelin is in the process of freeing magic and bringing down the King, rightfully so because he’s so very evil.  I want to tell you so much about the book but I really can’t without giving so much away.  Let’s just say this book was amazing.  The characters are amazing.  Aelin is stronger and more courage than any other character I’ve ever met.  Rowan is just as adorable as ever and her cousin Aedon is quite the macho man trying to be the tough one for her, but his rescue was mesmerizing and so fun to read about.  If this book (which I think it will) more like if this series comes to life on television I really hope they do everything the right way. 

There are new and more dangerous evils in this world that are being created and bought back from long ago and that just means more work for these courageous characters.  Watching Dorian struggle with the valg that lied within him and has overtaken his body was so interesting.  Watching and reading about their fight for the castle and the fight against the king was intense and mesmerizing.  There was so much action in this book from all parts of the world that it kept you entertained from the very beginning to the very last page, and still I want more. 

Ah I don’t really know how to review these amazing books because I just can’t give anything away because I really want you to read it all.

There was a lot of emotion in this book. In the beginning I didn’t think much for example of Manon, but by the end of this book I have to say even though she is a witch and on the slightly evil side, I’ve come to love her as a character.  She’s really grown on me and the things she has done and the things I know she will do in the future make her that much more of a likeable character and her human side has come out quite nicely.  There are so many people involved in this series.  You have Chaol who I was totally rooting to be with Aelin but after Rowan and meeting Nesryn I knew they weren’t meant to be.  All these new characters just bring more to the series and more excitement, relationships and more emotional involvement.  I can’t wait to see what happens next.

We were left with a little peace of mind but really how long will this peace last.  Not very long if the other players left in this story have any say on it.  I can’t wait for Aelin to rebuild Terrasen and to see what Dorian will do with the kingdom.  I have to say one of my favorite characters with her special abilities that I’m adoring right now is Lysandra, who would have though.  Quite lovely this gift of hers and unique to everyone there.  I have a feeling and an inkling about her possibly ending up with another character in the book, but I’ll have to wait to read the next one, after all I can hope. 

Overall even this book was about six hundred something pages, it flowed nicely and you couldn’t help but continue reading.  Trying to finish it all as soon as possible so that you can know what’s going to happen next.  It’s hard not to want to know what happens next, I hope this series never ends.  The possibilities are endless.  The characters are amazing.  The story is amazing, original and interesting.  Sarah J. Maas I don’t know how you do it, and I can’t image doing it but keep on doing it because I will be a loyal fan till the end!  Now go read this as I try and finish catching up to this series. 

Excerpt because this was so touching and things they are a changing!:

“What was it like?” Manon asked quietly. “To love.”
For love was what it had been—what Asterin perhaps alone of all the Ironteeth witches had felt, had learned.
“It was like dying a little every day. It was like being alive, too. It was joy so complete it was pain. It destroyed me and unmade me and forged me. I hated it, because I knew I couldn’t escape it, and knew it would forever change me. And that witchling … I loved her, too. I loved her in a way I cannot describe—other than to tell you that it was the most powerful thing I’ve ever felt, greater than rage, than lust, than magic.” A soft smile. “I’m surprised you’re not giving me the‘Obedience. Discipline. Brutality’ speech.”
Made into monsters.
“Things are changing,” Manon said. 

Review: A Brit on the Side By Brenda St. John Brown

A Brit on the Side
By: Brenda St. John Brown
Release Date: August 15, 2016
Series: Calder Castle #1

Description:
Bea’s English escape plan: 
• Work in a real British castle
• Quality time with bestie
• Figure out what spotted dick really is
• Fall for bestie’s older brother. Hard. 

Bea Gillespie would rather do anything than teach summer school math two classrooms down from her ex-fiancé. So when her best friend, Scarlett, invites her to England for the summer to work in her family’s castle-turned-hotel, she jumps at the chance.

Now Bea’s an ocean away from her problems at home, but she’s got a bigger one. A British one. Scarlett’s older brother, Jasper, is at Castle Calder for the summer, too. And he’s as sexy and smart as Bea remembers. Two years ago Jasper came stateside, and he and Bea shared a hot weekend. But that’s all it was — a weekend. One she purposely didn’t tell Scarlett about.

It didn't feel like much of a secret until now. As Bea falls for Jasper, what started off as a fling begins feeling more and more like the kind of thing you’d gush about to your best friend. If you hadn’t been lying to her all along.

Review:

This book makes me want to go to a castle and explore all over England, just because.  It was so very sweet and endearing and really if you think hard about it, totally realistic.  This could happen, maybe not to me but it can definitely happen.  Brenda St. John Brown really did a great job bringing all these characters to life in a beautiful setting that is fairy tale like, but realistic.  I adored this book and everything about it.

We meet Scarlett and Bea as they are off to spend the summer in England working in Scarlett’s family’s castle hotel.  Sounds adventurous from the very beginning but throw in the unexpectedness of Scarlett’s brother also being there (after a quick tryst in Atlanta with Bea unbeknownst to Scarlett), it’s just a plan for something amazing to happen, good or bad.  It’s always hard when you have to keep secrets from your best friend, but it’s even harder when it involves their family members and your heart.  When Bea and Jasper first reunite it’s a little off to say the least.

There is an absolutely large amount of tension between the two of them.  But it’s that tension and intensity that make these two quite interesting and addicting.  Their interactions range from sweet, frustrating, terrifying and downright sexy as hell.  The intensity that Jasper has is intoxicating, both to myself and Bea, they have some chemistry going on.  When they are on good terms Jasper really pulls out all the stops, it’s the sweetest thing ever. 

Without giving any more of the plot away this was a very well written book that made you root for the two of them to finally come to their senses and make things happen.  I understand the trouble with it being your best friend’s brother but that doesn’t mean you have to choose one over the other.  The relationship in this book was intense intriguing and just downright hot at times, again major chemistry.  I loved this book and it’s a great start to a potentially great series.  I hope the next book is about the sister, Scarlett.  Very much a need to read.  It was quick and fun.  And hey you can do the whole thing with a British accent to make it that more interesting hehe.

Disclaimer:

I received this book from Goodreads and Brenda St. John Brown, 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: The Bad Boy Bargain by Kendra C. Highley

The Bad Boy Bargain
By: Kendra C. Highley
Release Date: November 14, 2016

Description:

Baseball player Kyle Sawyer has many labels: bad boy, delinquent, ladies’ man, fearless outfielder… Only one of them is actually true. But then sweet ballet dancer Faith Gladwell asks him to help wreck her reputation, and everything goes sideways.

Faith knows a thing or two about love, and what she had with her cheating jerk of an ex wasn’t it. When he starts spreading rumors about her being an Ice Queen, Faith decides it’s time to let a little bad into her life.

Lucky for her, Kyle Sawyer—dark, dangerous, totally swoonworthy Kyle Sawyer—is landscaping her backyard over Spring Break. Shirtless. And if she can convince him to play along, “dating” Kyle will silence the rumors.

But Faith’s plan threatens to expose Sawyer’s biggest secret of all…and that’s a risk he’s not willing to take.

Disclaimer: This book contains drop-the-book-and-fan-yourself kisses...and touches. Fall in love with a bad boy at your own risk.

Review:

This was definitely an interesting concept of denial and secrets when trying to be someone you are not, but isn’t that what high school is all about sometimes?  Pretending to be something that you are not.  It’s tough, and anyone who has been through high school knows just how hard it can be for some people and Kyle is no exception.  Kendra C. Highley did a good job showing how difficult times were for Kyle but also how sweet he can be when he finally let’s himself trust again. 

We meet Faith who is in a relationship that is going nowhere and fast, but one thing leads to another and they break up which now leads her to seeking out Kyle for a little revenge plot.  You know things like this never end well, or things get caught up and things tend to happen that are unexpected.  This is definitely the case with both Faith and Kyle, two people who from the outside are completely opposite of one another but deep down they both have great character.  It was interesting watching their interactions back and forth and loved the added spunk of Faith’s best friend Vivian.  Let’s not knock down Cade either even if he wasn’t in the book for very much he did spout some great wisdom to our friend Kyle.

Only thing was I didn’t really connect with the characters too much, I don’t know why but I didn’t really feel for them as much as I wanted to.  Yes the story was great, yes the characters definitely had their own way of being and they were interesting but I just couldn’t really connect with them.  There was something holding me back and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

Overall I liked the book, I liked the concept of the book but thought it could have been developed a little more.  Love the cover, but I really don’t picture Faith and Kyle on that cover.  Still super cute and was a great quick and easy fun read.  Although they did touch on bullying a little bit, there wasn’t much elaboration on it and in this day in age I think it always needs to be addressed more heavily they kind of waved it off, maybe that was my disconnect.  But regardless, you should check the book out because it was a cute quick read that just gets your mind out of reality for a bit.

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, 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: How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You by Tara Eglington

How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You

By: Tara Eglington

Release Date: October 25, 2016

Series: Aurora Skye #1

Description:

Executor of the Find a Prince Program™ and future author, sixteen-year-old Aurora Skye is dedicated to helping others navigate the minefield that is teenage dating. Counsellor-in-residence at home, where her post-divorce ad-agency father has transformed into a NAD (New Age Dad) intent on stripping his life bare of ‘the illusionary’ (i.e. the removal of home furnishings to the point where all after-hours work must be done in lotus position on a hemp cushion) Aurora literally lives and breathes Self-Help.

When the beginning of the school year heralds the arrival of two Potential Princes™ who seem perfect for her best friends Cassie (lighthouse beacon for emotionally fragile boys suffering from traumatic breakups) and Jelena (eye-catching, elegant and intent on implementing systems of serfdom at their school) it seems as if Aurora’s fast on her way to becoming the next Dr Phil.

As Aurora discovers, however, Self-Help is far from simple. Aurora’s mother arrives home from her extended ‘holiday’ (four years solo in Spain following the infamous ‘Answering Machine Incident’) throwing the NAD into further existential crisis. With Valentine’s Day drawing closer and the new Potential Princes not stepping up to the mark, Aurora is literally forced to take to the stage to throw two couples together. However, being cast opposite Hayden Paris (boy next door and bane-of-Aurora’s life) in the school production of Much Ado about Nothing brings challenges of its own. Not only does Hayden doubt that Cupid is understaffed and thus in dire need of Aurora’s help, but playing Beatrice to his Benedict throws her carefully preserved first kiss for a Prince into jeopardy. As Aurora races to save love’s first kiss and put a stop to the NAD’s increasingly intimate relationship with her Interpretive dance teacher (guilty of putting Aurora on detention for a ‘black aura’) she is left wondering who can a self help guru turn to for help? Can she practice what she preaches? And can long-assumed frogs become Potential Princes?

Review:

I have always thoroughly enjoyed Shakespeare inspired movies and books and this book was right along the same path, with the main theme focused on Much Ado About Nothing, which is a great story.  I think it’s all the constant arguing with one another, it’s the utmost best form of passion between two people because they so obviously feel so strongly about everything.  It was cute and I am really interested in seeing how this series continues.

We meet Aurora and her neighbor who is the bane of her existence, the chemistry between the two of them is so obvious from the very start, well except to Aurora herself.  The antics they go through, the arguments they have and the way they are always thrown together just adds to the fire and it’s igniting.  All their friends are always involved in everything too, there is definitely some I didn’t like but there is always someone you just don’t like and they are there to serve a purpose really. 

Aurora and Hayden have been chosen to play Beatrice and Benedick in the play Much Ado About Nothing, which is perfect because they didn’t even really audition this was them naturally.  They fit in so perfectly with the play and even their outside lives was a great representation of the play.  There was a lot of drama between Aurora, her friends and all the guys in the book and it was fun to read, very childish of them but isn’t that what high school is all about, being that childish person who maybe you are a little self-centered but really aren’t we all at times. 

Overall this was a really cute book and I’m intrigued to see what happens next with this group of friends.  And of course with Hayden and Aurora because you can just see how much he really appreciates her and liked being with her.  I didn’t care for Jelena though she was just that friend who was always jealous when something good happened to someone else and she didn’t get anything out of it, I know you all know the type of person I’m talking about.  The type that believes they are the prettiest and the world revolves around them.  But other than her and her brief significant other the other characters were all very enjoyable.

The cover is interesting, I don’t know why but it makes me feel like it’s sort of a foreign type of book but still catchy cover that would make me look twice at it.  Can’t wait to see what happens next.  Oh also that poem about Aurora that her “secret admirer” wrote, swoon-worthy. If you love Shakespeare and all adaptations then this is definitely a book to read!

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, 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: Kiss Cam by Kiara London

Kiss Cam
By: Kiara London
Release Date: October 18, 2016

Description:
In Kiss Cam, teen author Kiara London asks, what's a little harmless kissing between friends?

Juniper, Jasper, and Lenny have been friends forever and co-own a vlog channel called WereVloggingHere. Their fans are huge "shippers" who believe that Juniper and Jasper are perfect for each other, and, despite warnings from friends and family, a simple Truth-or-Dare inspired kiss soon spirals out of control into a whole new world of making out and surprise kisses.

Juniper and Jasper's relationship begins to shift. But as fan requests for different "Kiss Cam" segments keep pouring in, Juniper puts her worries aside and convinces herself that it doesn't mean anything. After all, it's just kissing… right?

Review:

I have to say I’m slightly obsessed with Jasiper, they were absolutely adorable in every way.  Kiara London did a wonderful job introducing us to in my opinion some of the most addicting loveable characters I’ve read in a while.  There was unrequited love, requited love, confusion, teenage angst, best friends, rebounds, love of family and friends, just an all-around great book with so much going for it.  I almost stopped to see if the vlog existed that’s how much I wanted to see them live.

We meet Lenny, Jasper and Juniper who are constantly vlogging everything they do.  They are quirky and interesting and not your normal typical cookie cutter teenagers.  But their issues are real, and love is tough no matter which way you take it.  The three have a very strong connection to one another and have been the best of friends for the longest time.  The vlogging community has been trying to ship two of them together for the longest time.  In comes the infamous KissCam which ships together Jasper and Juniper. 

Their relationship has always been strong together but with this brings new complications and you get hints here and there that maybe one person likes the other more than the other or vice versa.  It was intense and the anticipation was explosive.  I felt every bit of tension between them throughout the whole book and it was addicting, I didn’t want to put it down but knew I had to get up early in the morning.  The tension, oh the tension so fascinating! But there was a lot of confusion between the two of them and it just caused more drama then necessary.  Sometimes fear really does win over and it’s sad because really you just have to let yourself go and be free.

There were a lot of really great moments throughout the book and there was a lot of time when these kids are left alone, but are they kids as it seemed they were seniors in high school and things could have been much worse.  They were very innocent but sweet and still it was just a pleasure to read the experiences these friends had with one another going through the motions of growing up and realizing what you have, and what you don’t have.  I loved the relationship between Juniper and her parents, it was sweet and her father was just too good to be true, very caring and understanding.  Definitely father of the year right there, and funny to boot. 

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book from the beginning to the very end, so much so that I didn’t even want it to end.  Maybe it’s the little reality shows that I like to watch but this was the best book because all I could do is picture it in real life, it’s realistic, sweet, addicting and I am totally team Jasiper! Definitely need some more and I will definitely have to read more from this author.  Too good!

The cover is very cute and eye catching too, you just don’t know what you are going to get with a cover like that but it was just the perfect read for me right now. 

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, 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: The Lovely Reckless by Kami Garcia

The Lovely Reckless

By: Kami Garcia

Release Date: October 4, 2016

Description:

I’ve become an expert at avoiding things that could hurt me—which means I will figure out how to stay away from Marco Leone.

Seventeen-year-old Frankie Devereux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend’s death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: Nothing matters. At least, that’s what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad—an undercover cop. She transfers to a public high school in the Downs, where fistfights don’t faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football.

Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him—and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences for them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart?

Review:

Now I have never been shy about expressing how much I love reading stories with multicultural backgrounds, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it.  This is definitely one of those books that explore being from the right and wrong side of the tracks, but really no matter where you are from it’s up to you how you will turn out.  I loved it from beginning to end!

We meet Frankie who is trying to remember and get over her boyfriend’s murder, which is a tough situation to be in and she is definitely in the whole avoiding phase of everything.  She moves in with her father and this is where she finally starts to find herself again, even with some old friends around she makes new friends and starts living her life even if it is recklessly at first.  These new people in her life give her meaning again, something she lost when she lost Noah. 

Marco is a great character someone who is doing the wrong things but for all the right reasons, sometimes that’s okay and sometimes it’s not and it takes meeting Frankie to realize what are the right things he should be doing again.  His reaction to her is very intense and even though there was a slight insta-love atmosphere about their relationship it didn’t bother me so much, because once you stopped thinking about it you could see how good they were for one another.  They bought out the best in each other, they really were like opposites attracting in a way.

Overall I really enjoyed the story because it had action, teen angst, real life addictions, the good and the bad all rolled up into a great story that kept me interested throughout the whole book.  This is definitely the type of book I enjoy reading.  Adding the Spanish aspect of everything just made me love it even more, we really do need more Spanish characters in young adult/new adult books.  Well really probably in all books in general.  This was a great story, the setting was interesting, the difference in the good side and the bad side of town was also intriguing.  This is a great book to sit down and read and enjoy.  I know I couldn’t put it down because I had to know who was going to do what and if they were going to do the logical right thing. 

I really liked all the characters too, some of them showed real dimensions and even though I wouldn’t have minded finding out more about the secondary characters I got just enough of a look into their lives that I really felt for them and their situations.  Great story.

Disclaimer:

I received this book from NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Imprint, 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!!!

Advance Praise

“Sexy, fast-paced, and action-packed—this is Kami Garcia like you’ve never seen her before.” —Tahereh Mafi, New York Times–bestselling author of Shatter Me

“The Lovely Reckless has everything I hope for in a book. Packed with the perfect blend of suspense, drama, romance, and heart, Kami Garcia has truly topped herself.” —Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Hopeless

“With a feisty heroine, an irresistible bad boy, and an attraction so sizzling the words practically burn up the page, The Lovely Reckless is an insanely addictive, sexy, rush of a read you’ll return to again and again!” —Alyson Noël, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Immortals series

“A perfect blend of electrifying romance, pulse-pounding street racing, and page-turning suspense.” —Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Problem With Forever

“Rip-roaring and hyper-real, Kami outdoes herself.” —Holly Black, New York Times–bestselling author of The Darkest Part of the Forest

“Kami Garcia turns up the heat with The Lovely Reckless! The Fast and the Furious meets Romeo and Juliet, with a romance guaranteed to get your pulse racing.”—Carrie Ryan, New York Times–bestselling author of The Forest of Hands and Teeth

“The Lovely Reckless is a thrilling ride full of twists and turns and a love story that will melt your heart!” —Katie McGarry, award-winning author of Nowhere but Here