The Virgin of Clan Sinclair by Karen Ranney, Published by Avon Books on May 27, 2014, $5.49 Kindle on Amazon.com
Ellice loves to write and her novel about Lady Pamela and her Scottish lover would get her into loads of trouble in the wrong hands.When her mother Enid is goaded by the housekeeper that Ellice will never marry, it becomes her mission that it won't be true. This prompts Ellice to leave Drumvagen for Edinburgh and her friend Mairi. If Mairi will publish her novel, Ellice knows there will be scandal but she can live off the profits. Problems arise when she decides to stow away in a visiting carriage. A storm strands Ross Forster at Drumvagen and Ellice must escape, leaving behind her manuscript.
When Ross's groom brings it to him he is convinced that Ellice is an experienced woman and he takes liberties that he wouldn't normally take. Causing them to be caught twice and made to marry. But Ellice cannot connect marriage to Ross with love and erotic encounters in and out of the bedroom.
I have always loved historical romances and the world that Karen Ranney writes makes me want to move there. I can see myself reading this novel over and over again for a glimpse into this world. I'll also be buying The Devil of Clan Sinclair and The Witch of Clan Sinclair to get the stories of the other couples in this world.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Review: We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt
We Are The Goldens by Dana Reinhardt, Published May 27, 20014, Random House Children's Books, YA Fiction $10.19 Kindle on Amazon
Nell and Layla are sisters that share a secret and a love for soccer. Layla is older by one year but ahead in school by two. Nell is an incoming freshman beginning to realize that her sister who she was so close to is becoming distant and secrative. Nell makes the soccer team but is never quite sure if she earned it or if she got on because she is Layla's sister. Then you add Mr. Barr to the mix and all the rumors of him being involved with students inthe past, a different on each year no less. This year the rumors are slow to start.
Layla lies to her parents on numerous times and like good sister, once Nell puts two and two together, she covers. But once she is included in the secret and the lying, she questions everything, causing Layla to distance herself further. Nell wants to talk to her sister about things going on in her life but she can't. This makes Nell think she needs to tell someone what is going on with Layla.
This book is written like it's a diary or a letter from Nell to her sister in explanation of her actions. I loved their interactions as sisters and how they were typical sibling reactions. While the subject matter is mostly a student involved with a teacher, it also focuses on how rumors can effect lives and how others choose to believe them or not. I look forward to sharing this book with my teen daughters and discussing it with them. While I know it is fiction, it looks like it will be a great tool to discuss these types of situations with them.
Nell and Layla are sisters that share a secret and a love for soccer. Layla is older by one year but ahead in school by two. Nell is an incoming freshman beginning to realize that her sister who she was so close to is becoming distant and secrative. Nell makes the soccer team but is never quite sure if she earned it or if she got on because she is Layla's sister. Then you add Mr. Barr to the mix and all the rumors of him being involved with students inthe past, a different on each year no less. This year the rumors are slow to start.
Layla lies to her parents on numerous times and like good sister, once Nell puts two and two together, she covers. But once she is included in the secret and the lying, she questions everything, causing Layla to distance herself further. Nell wants to talk to her sister about things going on in her life but she can't. This makes Nell think she needs to tell someone what is going on with Layla.
This book is written like it's a diary or a letter from Nell to her sister in explanation of her actions. I loved their interactions as sisters and how they were typical sibling reactions. While the subject matter is mostly a student involved with a teacher, it also focuses on how rumors can effect lives and how others choose to believe them or not. I look forward to sharing this book with my teen daughters and discussing it with them. While I know it is fiction, it looks like it will be a great tool to discuss these types of situations with them.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Review: Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren
Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren, published May 13, 2014 by Gallery Books, $7.59 Kindle on Amazon, Romance
I was given access to Sweet Filthy Boy via an ARC and below is my review of the book.
When Mia and her friends graduate college and spend a weekend in Vegas the last thing on her mind is romance. But then again romance isn't what Vegas is about. After a whirlwind night on the town Mia finds herself married to one of the rowdy foreigners across the hall. Not just herself married but her friends all paired up with the other foreign men. Mia marries Ansel the french lawyer, who for some reason she is quite comfortable with telling her life story. And for Mia that is big.
Ansel begs Mia to come with him back to France, instead of returning home. And after one night at home with her parents dreading starting college again in the fall for a career she doesn't want - she books a flight. Ansel was impulsive and now that he is home and back to being rigid lawyer he isn't sure how to handle Mia in his life. And it's not as easy as it was for them in Vegas. But how can it when Ansel is working most of the hours a day holds? Eventually with the help of a little out of the way store, they get close again and time flies. But what would a romance be without conflict? And Perry is that in spades.
Christina Lauren have done it again with this brilliant beginning to a new series. Sweet Filthy Boy gives us enough background on all three couples that we are hooked to continue reading. I can't wait to read the next book and more from this duo of writers.
I was given access to Sweet Filthy Boy via an ARC and below is my review of the book.
When Mia and her friends graduate college and spend a weekend in Vegas the last thing on her mind is romance. But then again romance isn't what Vegas is about. After a whirlwind night on the town Mia finds herself married to one of the rowdy foreigners across the hall. Not just herself married but her friends all paired up with the other foreign men. Mia marries Ansel the french lawyer, who for some reason she is quite comfortable with telling her life story. And for Mia that is big.
Ansel begs Mia to come with him back to France, instead of returning home. And after one night at home with her parents dreading starting college again in the fall for a career she doesn't want - she books a flight. Ansel was impulsive and now that he is home and back to being rigid lawyer he isn't sure how to handle Mia in his life. And it's not as easy as it was for them in Vegas. But how can it when Ansel is working most of the hours a day holds? Eventually with the help of a little out of the way store, they get close again and time flies. But what would a romance be without conflict? And Perry is that in spades.
Christina Lauren have done it again with this brilliant beginning to a new series. Sweet Filthy Boy gives us enough background on all three couples that we are hooked to continue reading. I can't wait to read the next book and more from this duo of writers.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Upcoming Reviews
I still have to review the Beautiful Bastard series by Christina Lauren on here - but they are all good in my book. ;) I also have a ton of ARC's to review and even more to read. I'm working on posting a review a day or every other day to catch up. One upcoming review I'm excited about is Sweet Filthy Boy that I am on a Blog Tour for. I'm scheduled to post on May 30th, so please be on the lookout for that.
For Wallbanger fans out there - I've got an ARC of Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton in my hot little (well not so little but anywho) hands!!!!!!!! Be on the lookout for my Blog Tour review of this July 8th!
*Edit to fix title of ARC from Alice Clayton. In my excitement I called Rusty Nailed - Screwdrivered which is the book the follows. OOPS!*
For Wallbanger fans out there - I've got an ARC of Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton in my hot little (well not so little but anywho) hands!!!!!!!! Be on the lookout for my Blog Tour review of this July 8th!
*Edit to fix title of ARC from Alice Clayton. In my excitement I called Rusty Nailed - Screwdrivered which is the book the follows. OOPS!*
Other ARC's to review include Divided by Elsie Chapman, The Here and Now by Ann Brashares, Whisper To Me by Christina Lee, The Art of Arranging Flowers by Lynne Barnard, We Are The Goldens by Dana Reinhardt, I have four Seal Team Six books by Don Mann, and many more.
Review: Whatever It Takes by L. Maretta
Whatever It Takes by L. Maretta, Published Dec. 2013, Romance, $3.99 Kindle on Amazon
What happens when you have the perfect everything and one little secret ruins it all? Emma finds out the hard way when her husband tells her he cheated the month before. That it was with his ex that he was engaged to in college makes it ten times worse. And you would think that would be the end of it for Emma and Gavin. Despite the cheating they try to make a go of it. The monkey wrench is that the ex is still trying to contact Gavin, and says they belong together.
While this story is not typical of what happens after a spouse cheats, it gives hope that it could be. It's written in a way that we get the current story intermixed with their relationship back story. It makes it easier to understand Emma's reasoning and not only her decision but Gavin's as well.
What happens when you have the perfect everything and one little secret ruins it all? Emma finds out the hard way when her husband tells her he cheated the month before. That it was with his ex that he was engaged to in college makes it ten times worse. And you would think that would be the end of it for Emma and Gavin. Despite the cheating they try to make a go of it. The monkey wrench is that the ex is still trying to contact Gavin, and says they belong together.
While this story is not typical of what happens after a spouse cheats, it gives hope that it could be. It's written in a way that we get the current story intermixed with their relationship back story. It makes it easier to understand Emma's reasoning and not only her decision but Gavin's as well.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Review: Inked Armor by Helena Hunting
Inked Armor by Helena Hunting, Published May 13, 2014 by Gallery Books, $7.59 Kindle on Amazon, Romance
After reading Clipped Wings I knew I needed to be on the blog tour for Inked Armor by Helena Hunting. I had to know what happened next with Tenley and Hayden. First let me tell you that there is a novella called Between the Cracks ($0.00 on Amazon) that takes place between Clipped and Inked. This novella covers the gap of what happens since Inked doesn't pick right up where Clipped left off.
Tenley discovers that her dick of an almost brother in law is holding papers she signed while heavily drugged and in pain over her head. He wants the house his parents gave to Tenley and his brother as a wedding gift. When she discovers what he is trying to do and he becomes physical with Tenley, she seeks her lawyers to fight him. Once everything is taken care of she gets a call from Hayden that freaks her out enough to cause her to leave earlier than she was planning and head home.
Hayden meanwhile is not stable and freaking out that she hasn't contacted him. He continues to have nightmares about his parents murder - nightmares that only Tenley helped keep at bay. When Tenley comes home and heads to the Dollhouse in search of Sarah, Hayden is called to handle the situation that comes up. He is overly cautious with her and unsure, causing him to be a dick and not allowing them closure right away. But it does eventually come for them and for Hayden about his parents murder.
Helena's continuation of Tenley and Hayden's romance in this Clipped Wings series shows that love isn't always easy. That things you thought were buried can rear their head at any moment and sometimes closure is a long time coming. I highly recommend you read this series in it's entirety starting with Cupcakes and Ink before Clipped Wings for the complete story. Also be on the look out for her next book Crack in the Armor - it focuses on Chris and Sarah's story. Available for pre-order on Amazon $0.99 now, publication date June, 23, 2014.
After reading Clipped Wings I knew I needed to be on the blog tour for Inked Armor by Helena Hunting. I had to know what happened next with Tenley and Hayden. First let me tell you that there is a novella called Between the Cracks ($0.00 on Amazon) that takes place between Clipped and Inked. This novella covers the gap of what happens since Inked doesn't pick right up where Clipped left off.
Tenley discovers that her dick of an almost brother in law is holding papers she signed while heavily drugged and in pain over her head. He wants the house his parents gave to Tenley and his brother as a wedding gift. When she discovers what he is trying to do and he becomes physical with Tenley, she seeks her lawyers to fight him. Once everything is taken care of she gets a call from Hayden that freaks her out enough to cause her to leave earlier than she was planning and head home.
Hayden meanwhile is not stable and freaking out that she hasn't contacted him. He continues to have nightmares about his parents murder - nightmares that only Tenley helped keep at bay. When Tenley comes home and heads to the Dollhouse in search of Sarah, Hayden is called to handle the situation that comes up. He is overly cautious with her and unsure, causing him to be a dick and not allowing them closure right away. But it does eventually come for them and for Hayden about his parents murder.
Helena's continuation of Tenley and Hayden's romance in this Clipped Wings series shows that love isn't always easy. That things you thought were buried can rear their head at any moment and sometimes closure is a long time coming. I highly recommend you read this series in it's entirety starting with Cupcakes and Ink before Clipped Wings for the complete story. Also be on the look out for her next book Crack in the Armor - it focuses on Chris and Sarah's story. Available for pre-order on Amazon $0.99 now, publication date June, 23, 2014.
Review: The Word Exchange: A Novel By Alena Graedon
The Word Exchange: A Novel by Alena Graedon, Fiction/Sci-Fi & Fantasy, $11.99 Kindle on Amazon, Published April 10, 2014 by Random House LLC
Imagine that there is this device that not only can be used as a phone, but also a computer, translator, dictionary, e-reader, tablet, read your moods and dispense medication as needed. Now Imagine that the more you used this device the more you became sick and lost the ability to speak properly. In this book it's the Meme and Anana is finding this out the hard way when her father disappears.
Anana and her father, Doug, work for NADEL, one of the last hold outs that still makes actual print copies of dictionaries. Bart is Doug's assistant and hopelessly crushing on Anana forever. When Doug disappears and Anana finds a note telling her to not trust Bart, she doesn't know what to do. A chance encounter with the Diachronic Society helps her to navigate the troubles she faces. The Meme is being taken over by a virus and causing Word Flu. And what slowly starts as someone stumbling over their words quickly turns into an epidemic of people not only talking incoherently but dying from the Word Flu. There is a cure but only if you can find people who know about it - the Diachronic Society.
I struggled getting into this book as first. When Anana narrates it is very wordy and descriptive. Being that this is a book about dictionaries there were words over my head at times. But I kept reading and was quickly drawn in by the story of what could go wrong if we were to cross modern technology and bio-engineering. Alena Graedon weaves a story like no other sci-fi/fantasy that I have read. I loved the idea that something we use everyday for everything under the sun could cause us to become sick. This is her first book and I look forward to more if they are in this genre.
Imagine that there is this device that not only can be used as a phone, but also a computer, translator, dictionary, e-reader, tablet, read your moods and dispense medication as needed. Now Imagine that the more you used this device the more you became sick and lost the ability to speak properly. In this book it's the Meme and Anana is finding this out the hard way when her father disappears.
Anana and her father, Doug, work for NADEL, one of the last hold outs that still makes actual print copies of dictionaries. Bart is Doug's assistant and hopelessly crushing on Anana forever. When Doug disappears and Anana finds a note telling her to not trust Bart, she doesn't know what to do. A chance encounter with the Diachronic Society helps her to navigate the troubles she faces. The Meme is being taken over by a virus and causing Word Flu. And what slowly starts as someone stumbling over their words quickly turns into an epidemic of people not only talking incoherently but dying from the Word Flu. There is a cure but only if you can find people who know about it - the Diachronic Society.
I struggled getting into this book as first. When Anana narrates it is very wordy and descriptive. Being that this is a book about dictionaries there were words over my head at times. But I kept reading and was quickly drawn in by the story of what could go wrong if we were to cross modern technology and bio-engineering. Alena Graedon weaves a story like no other sci-fi/fantasy that I have read. I loved the idea that something we use everyday for everything under the sun could cause us to become sick. This is her first book and I look forward to more if they are in this genre.
Life and reading
Lately life has thrown me a lot of curve balls. I've been dealing with work and family issues for over the past month and a half. Unfortunately it has kept me to a bare minimum with web related things. It's not kept me from reading though and now I have a backlog of books to review on here and post. Instead of posting them all today I think I will schedule them to post over the next week. Something I can do and still keep actively reading and blogging. Oh how I wish I had thought of this before.
Now this doesn't mean that I won't come in and post as I finish books. No, those posts will go up as I finish in hopes that I will not get behind again. *Crosses Fingers* I thank all of you who are coming out and checking my blog and reviews. It means a lot that what I am saying about books is getting out there. Now I'll post this and get back to what this blog is about - writing reviews!
Now this doesn't mean that I won't come in and post as I finish books. No, those posts will go up as I finish in hopes that I will not get behind again. *Crosses Fingers* I thank all of you who are coming out and checking my blog and reviews. It means a lot that what I am saying about books is getting out there. Now I'll post this and get back to what this blog is about - writing reviews!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Review - Dog Gone, Back Soon by Nick Trout
Dong Gone, Back Soon by Nick Trout, Published April 8, 2014, $9.99 kindle edition on Amazon.com, Fiction
Cyrus Mills has come back home to take over his estranged father's veterinary practice after his death. But his small town practice has some competition with a national chain that is out for the kill. He's juggling saving his practice, trying to be less of a hermit, and trying to woo Amy. And there's the animals, Tallulah the stoned dog, Marmalade the overweight cat, Ermintrude the cow with bad migraines, and Stash the helper dog. Throw in two meddling teens and you have Cyrus in a pickle with a female vet from the competition.
Cyrus has to muddle through the things that are causing the issues with his animals. He's old fashioned and enjoys doing his own research and lab work. But dealing with the humans means he has to come out of his shell and talk to people. Which he slowly does and opens up to the women in his life.
Nick uses his veterinary experience to write his novels. It adds to the fiction in a way that enhances the novels but isn't overly technical with the jargon. His writing lures you in with the animals stories and the touch of love life thrown in as well. I look forward to reading Nick Trout's other novels and meeting the other animals the Cyrus works with.
Cyrus Mills has come back home to take over his estranged father's veterinary practice after his death. But his small town practice has some competition with a national chain that is out for the kill. He's juggling saving his practice, trying to be less of a hermit, and trying to woo Amy. And there's the animals, Tallulah the stoned dog, Marmalade the overweight cat, Ermintrude the cow with bad migraines, and Stash the helper dog. Throw in two meddling teens and you have Cyrus in a pickle with a female vet from the competition.
Cyrus has to muddle through the things that are causing the issues with his animals. He's old fashioned and enjoys doing his own research and lab work. But dealing with the humans means he has to come out of his shell and talk to people. Which he slowly does and opens up to the women in his life.
Nick uses his veterinary experience to write his novels. It adds to the fiction in a way that enhances the novels but isn't overly technical with the jargon. His writing lures you in with the animals stories and the touch of love life thrown in as well. I look forward to reading Nick Trout's other novels and meeting the other animals the Cyrus works with.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Review - Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski
Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski, YA Fiction, Published 3/11/14, $9.78 Amazon.com Kindle edition
Your typical high school setting, but not so typical students. After the voluntary flu vaccines were given to each homeroom, one class finds they had a reaction. Not your typical reaction - they gain telepathy powers from a botched batch of the flu shot. The story is told from multiple POVs on how they handle learning they can hear others thoughts and what they do with this info. It effects friendships, relationships, and how they interact with their parents and teachers.
I really enjoyed this story. Sarah Mlynowski wrote the interactions well and thought that you could gain a super power, so to speak, from such a normal thing was a great angle to take. I look forward to reading her other stories in the future.
Your typical high school setting, but not so typical students. After the voluntary flu vaccines were given to each homeroom, one class finds they had a reaction. Not your typical reaction - they gain telepathy powers from a botched batch of the flu shot. The story is told from multiple POVs on how they handle learning they can hear others thoughts and what they do with this info. It effects friendships, relationships, and how they interact with their parents and teachers.
I really enjoyed this story. Sarah Mlynowski wrote the interactions well and thought that you could gain a super power, so to speak, from such a normal thing was a great angle to take. I look forward to reading her other stories in the future.
Review - Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan
Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan, Published 2/4/14, $10.99 Amazon.com Kindle
Kelly tells her life story after being diagnosed with cancer and having surgery. Her reflections on her past show the relationship between her and her parents. Especially her mother, and how it shapes not only her life but how she will be as a mother.
Kelly tells us of her travels right after graduation and how she ends up being a nanny for a widower in Australia. The children, step-son, the husband, and the grandfather (mother's dad) all live in the same house. Kelly's stay with them shows how the loss of the mother effects their lives and Kelly tried to help as best as possible. Later in life when Kelly is diagnosed with cancer all she can focus on is that she doesn't want to be like that mother - the one the Tanners lost to cancer. She doesn't want to have her family end up like the Tanners did.
While the memoir was well written, I struggled with reading it and the story kept losing my attention. I am glad to have read the ARC but I don't see myself buying this book to read again.
Kelly tells her life story after being diagnosed with cancer and having surgery. Her reflections on her past show the relationship between her and her parents. Especially her mother, and how it shapes not only her life but how she will be as a mother.
Kelly tells us of her travels right after graduation and how she ends up being a nanny for a widower in Australia. The children, step-son, the husband, and the grandfather (mother's dad) all live in the same house. Kelly's stay with them shows how the loss of the mother effects their lives and Kelly tried to help as best as possible. Later in life when Kelly is diagnosed with cancer all she can focus on is that she doesn't want to be like that mother - the one the Tanners lost to cancer. She doesn't want to have her family end up like the Tanners did.
While the memoir was well written, I struggled with reading it and the story kept losing my attention. I am glad to have read the ARC but I don't see myself buying this book to read again.
Review - Viking Fire by Andrea R. Cooper
Viking Fire by Andrea R. Cooper, Historical romance, Published 1/15/14, $3.82 Amazon.com Kindle price
Kaireen Lionnon - daughter of the Lord is used to some privileges. But having an arranged marriage thrust upon her has shown her that she won't always get what she wants. Especially when she finds out she is to marry a Viking.
Bram proves over and over that he can be trusted and would be a good husband. It takes a fire in the village to draw Kareen closer to him finally. But there is an outside force that is plotting against them. Will they make it to the alter before the threat closes in on them.
Kareen is written as a very spirited woman and is perfect for her Viking. Despite how she fights Bram, they were made for each other. Andrea R. Cooper gives these characters wonderful voice and the historical aspect was very enticing. I look forward to more stories written in this setting by Andrea R. Cooper. I plan to buy her other book - The Garnet Dagger to read as well.
Kaireen Lionnon - daughter of the Lord is used to some privileges. But having an arranged marriage thrust upon her has shown her that she won't always get what she wants. Especially when she finds out she is to marry a Viking.
Bram proves over and over that he can be trusted and would be a good husband. It takes a fire in the village to draw Kareen closer to him finally. But there is an outside force that is plotting against them. Will they make it to the alter before the threat closes in on them.
Kareen is written as a very spirited woman and is perfect for her Viking. Despite how she fights Bram, they were made for each other. Andrea R. Cooper gives these characters wonderful voice and the historical aspect was very enticing. I look forward to more stories written in this setting by Andrea R. Cooper. I plan to buy her other book - The Garnet Dagger to read as well.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Playing catch up.......
Fell ill this past week, had to catch up on the books/ARC's I was finished reading from NetGalley. Currently reading Sylvia Day's third book in her Crossfire series - Entwined With You. Also read the first two and should have reviews coming next week. Read Viking Fire by Andrea R. Cooper after finding her on Twitter. Will also have a review of that next week.
Review - Love The One You're With by Lauren Layne
Love The One You're With by Lauren Layne, Published Dec., 2013, $2.99 on Amazon, Romance
Grace is coming out of a bad breakup - it doesn't get much worse than finding panties in your bed that aren't yours. She takes a month off work, as she just can't be the relationship guru she claims to be. Especially after her article on how to tell he is cheating didn't show her the light in her own relationship. She meets Jake after he is taking the walk of shame in her neighborhood and offers her his cab, only to climb in after her and share it. Jake tries to charm the pants off her but Grace isn't having it.
Come to find out they are to write complimenting articles for their magazines to see who knows the opposite sex better. The deal is five dates with their take on who read the other better. All over a five month time span. That was before they realized who the other was and played it against each other. The UST is tasteable just reading the first date. What started as a handful of articles turns into so much more.
Lauren writes the sexual tension between these characters so well that you just can't help rooting for them.
Grace is coming out of a bad breakup - it doesn't get much worse than finding panties in your bed that aren't yours. She takes a month off work, as she just can't be the relationship guru she claims to be. Especially after her article on how to tell he is cheating didn't show her the light in her own relationship. She meets Jake after he is taking the walk of shame in her neighborhood and offers her his cab, only to climb in after her and share it. Jake tries to charm the pants off her but Grace isn't having it.
Come to find out they are to write complimenting articles for their magazines to see who knows the opposite sex better. The deal is five dates with their take on who read the other better. All over a five month time span. That was before they realized who the other was and played it against each other. The UST is tasteable just reading the first date. What started as a handful of articles turns into so much more.
Lauren writes the sexual tension between these characters so well that you just can't help rooting for them.
Review - Fix You by Carrie Elks
Fix You by Carrie Elks, Publication date Feb., 2014, expected cost $4.99, Romance
Hanna and Richard met because their mothers were good friends. This lead to a twelve year friendship between them. They've known each other through many trying times and many fun times. Their relationship lasts until tragedy strikes and Hanna can't handle it any more. But she has a secret that she has to tell Richard and it's the hardest thing she has ever had to do.
Carrie writes their relationship well, their angst and anxiety come across loud and clear. Their struggles make you want them to get their shit together but it's not always clear it will happen. A great romance novel and can't wait to buy it when it's published.
Hanna and Richard met because their mothers were good friends. This lead to a twelve year friendship between them. They've known each other through many trying times and many fun times. Their relationship lasts until tragedy strikes and Hanna can't handle it any more. But she has a secret that she has to tell Richard and it's the hardest thing she has ever had to do.
Carrie writes their relationship well, their angst and anxiety come across loud and clear. Their struggles make you want them to get their shit together but it's not always clear it will happen. A great romance novel and can't wait to buy it when it's published.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Review - Private Air by Billie Bates
Private Air by Billie Bates, $2.99 on Amazon.com, Women's Fiction
Sienna is an Air Hostess for the Australian Air Force and is looking forward to retiring. Looking forward to marrying her fighter pilot fiancee. Until she find him cheating. Her friend Kendi has the solution - VIP Air Hosting for a private company. Not to mention it's hosting for a Saudi Arabian Prince. The job seems like a dream on paper, but Sienna soon realizes it only looks good.
Billie weaves an intriguing tale about the job of Air Hosting and those who perform it. Her characters are put through trials, break rules, and cause mischief at every turn. While this wasn't a book that I would pick up based on the description alone, I'd recommend it to friends.
Sienna is an Air Hostess for the Australian Air Force and is looking forward to retiring. Looking forward to marrying her fighter pilot fiancee. Until she find him cheating. Her friend Kendi has the solution - VIP Air Hosting for a private company. Not to mention it's hosting for a Saudi Arabian Prince. The job seems like a dream on paper, but Sienna soon realizes it only looks good.
Billie weaves an intriguing tale about the job of Air Hosting and those who perform it. Her characters are put through trials, break rules, and cause mischief at every turn. While this wasn't a book that I would pick up based on the description alone, I'd recommend it to friends.
Review - Endless by Amanda Gray
Endless by Amanda Gray - Published in Oct. 2013, available on Amazon for $4.99, Young Adult Fiction
Nikolai is the man from Jenny's dreams. His being in her world leads to all sorts of questions and the monks in town following her around. This love story adventure about time travel is
Jenny has always been different from others, she has visions if she touches someone without her gloves on. She meets Ben after going with her dad to check out a new job of his. They share a trance after discovering a music box in his house. And then there are her dreams of Nikolai, in Russia, with her as Maria Romanov. But then she sees Nikolai in real life and that leads to all kinds of questions.
Amanda Gray writes a lovely romance with a dash of adventure and time travel thrown in to keep you on your toes. I look forward to reading more about these characters and how everything turns out.
Nikolai is the man from Jenny's dreams. His being in her world leads to all sorts of questions and the monks in town following her around. This love story adventure about time travel is
Jenny has always been different from others, she has visions if she touches someone without her gloves on. She meets Ben after going with her dad to check out a new job of his. They share a trance after discovering a music box in his house. And then there are her dreams of Nikolai, in Russia, with her as Maria Romanov. But then she sees Nikolai in real life and that leads to all kinds of questions.
Amanda Gray writes a lovely romance with a dash of adventure and time travel thrown in to keep you on your toes. I look forward to reading more about these characters and how everything turns out.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Review - Love 'Em or Leave 'Em by Angie Stanton
Published in 2012 and available on Amazon for $2.99 is Angie Stanton's Love 'Em or Leave 'Em.
Ashley has not only lost her job but she also broke up with her boyfriend. So when her friend Kelli calls begging her to sub last minute on a new show she says why not. It's the new dating reality show called Love 'Em or Leave 'Em. Next thing she knows she's all dolled up and in a limo heading to meet and hopefully underwhelm the bachelor. Or that's the plan until she falls at his feet.....literally.
Luke is a NFL player for the Packers and used to getting any girl he wants. But he's not used to seeing them much after their dates. It's all his brother's fault he's the bachelor after he lost a bet. But it has it's drawbacks as he finds after meeting the ladies and seeing who is after his money, being famous because of him, or just because he is hot.
Despite Ashley's best efforts and bluntly telling Luke she wants off the show she continues to make it to the next round. The relationship progresses and a curve ball is thrown at them. It's a wonderful story about a whirlwind courtship and the downfalls of dating. Loved the interaction between the characters and how the other women are portrayed on a reality show. It just proves that nothing is predictable in love, not even when things are mostly scripted.
Ashley has not only lost her job but she also broke up with her boyfriend. So when her friend Kelli calls begging her to sub last minute on a new show she says why not. It's the new dating reality show called Love 'Em or Leave 'Em. Next thing she knows she's all dolled up and in a limo heading to meet and hopefully underwhelm the bachelor. Or that's the plan until she falls at his feet.....literally.
Luke is a NFL player for the Packers and used to getting any girl he wants. But he's not used to seeing them much after their dates. It's all his brother's fault he's the bachelor after he lost a bet. But it has it's drawbacks as he finds after meeting the ladies and seeing who is after his money, being famous because of him, or just because he is hot.
Despite Ashley's best efforts and bluntly telling Luke she wants off the show she continues to make it to the next round. The relationship progresses and a curve ball is thrown at them. It's a wonderful story about a whirlwind courtship and the downfalls of dating. Loved the interaction between the characters and how the other women are portrayed on a reality show. It just proves that nothing is predictable in love, not even when things are mostly scripted.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Review - The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson
Finished reading the ARC of The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson. This is a Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction story by a former CIA agent. Publication date set for Feb. 2014.
Laila grew up sheltered in her home country, lead to believe she was a princess and that her father was a King. Everything is shattered when he is killed, they are evacuated in secret by an American and her Uncle takes over. Now as she starts over in the US everything is different.
In her new life there is less clothing to cover her, girls who befriend her because she's exotic, boys that flirt with her, and brooding countrymen who visit their apartment to talk to her mother. As she makes her way through this new life it become apparent that all is not as it seems with her old life. And all is not as it seems with her mother.
Laila, 15 year old, must decide what is the right thing to do and which is the right life to live. She makes some fumbles along the way but comes out stronger in the end. This is a book that I want my kids to read when it comes out.
Laila grew up sheltered in her home country, lead to believe she was a princess and that her father was a King. Everything is shattered when he is killed, they are evacuated in secret by an American and her Uncle takes over. Now as she starts over in the US everything is different.
In her new life there is less clothing to cover her, girls who befriend her because she's exotic, boys that flirt with her, and brooding countrymen who visit their apartment to talk to her mother. As she makes her way through this new life it become apparent that all is not as it seems with her old life. And all is not as it seems with her mother.
Laila, 15 year old, must decide what is the right thing to do and which is the right life to live. She makes some fumbles along the way but comes out stronger in the end. This is a book that I want my kids to read when it comes out.
Crazy busy week......
It's not a Review but this week has been abnormal for me. My kids had half days for exams and that meant my normal reading time between job shifts was compromised. I'm currently reading an ARC of The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson. This is a YA book written by an author with a CIA past. I won't go into too many details now but it is very engaging. I'm hoping that with our lovely (read LOTS of snow and wind) weather I'll be able to curl up and read all day today and have a review for you soon.
Should be back to my normal reading schedule next week. ;) Until then, thanks for stopping by and reading my reviews.
Should be back to my normal reading schedule next week. ;) Until then, thanks for stopping by and reading my reviews.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Review - Unintentional Virgin by AJ Bennett
Unintentional Virgin by AJ Bennett published December 2013.
As the title tells you, Karma Points is still a virgin at the age of 20. Not for lack of trying mind you. But there always seems to be something that goes wrong and her last effort to lose her V-card is much the same.
Karma will be the first to tell you that life hasn't always been kind to her. Just look at her name! Not to mention that having a model for a mother isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her mother constantly is finding flaws and belittling her whenever she is around - which isn't often. Her dad and partner more than make up for the horribleness that is her mother and try to reverse the damage done by her. But Karma is 20, still living at home, going to community college and worst of all - still a virgin!
One of her hairbrained schemes to lose that dreaded V-card is to find a guy at a nightclub. Enter Jax, the bouncer hottie at the door, that as Karma cracks - needs to smile more. After her friend ditches her and she ends up at the bar where bouncer hottie is pitching in - the connection is made. She mentions she is looking to have a one night stand, her first and only, as part of her bucket list. Jax takes her home and one things leads to another until Karma utters that she is glad he will be her first. When he understands she means she is a virgin, everything grinds to a halt. Karma pleads and begs him to do the deed, but he refuses. When it seems all hope is lost he comes up with a compromise - spend three weeks with him, getting to know each other, no kissing or touching. If at the end of the three weeks she still wants him, he'll help her out.
Of course over the three weeks they manage to fall in love while doing things off a bucket list Karma never knew she had. Until one date where Kara almost drowns and Jax realizes how much she means to him. When he tells her that he wants more than just the three weeks she isn't having it.
The story has it's ups and downs - downs are mostly due to Karma's mother being in the picture. Karma and Jax are cute together in every way and wait until you find out what happens when/if they do hook up!
As the title tells you, Karma Points is still a virgin at the age of 20. Not for lack of trying mind you. But there always seems to be something that goes wrong and her last effort to lose her V-card is much the same.
Karma will be the first to tell you that life hasn't always been kind to her. Just look at her name! Not to mention that having a model for a mother isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her mother constantly is finding flaws and belittling her whenever she is around - which isn't often. Her dad and partner more than make up for the horribleness that is her mother and try to reverse the damage done by her. But Karma is 20, still living at home, going to community college and worst of all - still a virgin!
One of her hairbrained schemes to lose that dreaded V-card is to find a guy at a nightclub. Enter Jax, the bouncer hottie at the door, that as Karma cracks - needs to smile more. After her friend ditches her and she ends up at the bar where bouncer hottie is pitching in - the connection is made. She mentions she is looking to have a one night stand, her first and only, as part of her bucket list. Jax takes her home and one things leads to another until Karma utters that she is glad he will be her first. When he understands she means she is a virgin, everything grinds to a halt. Karma pleads and begs him to do the deed, but he refuses. When it seems all hope is lost he comes up with a compromise - spend three weeks with him, getting to know each other, no kissing or touching. If at the end of the three weeks she still wants him, he'll help her out.
Of course over the three weeks they manage to fall in love while doing things off a bucket list Karma never knew she had. Until one date where Kara almost drowns and Jax realizes how much she means to him. When he tells her that he wants more than just the three weeks she isn't having it.
The story has it's ups and downs - downs are mostly due to Karma's mother being in the picture. Karma and Jax are cute together in every way and wait until you find out what happens when/if they do hook up!
Review - St. Bart's by Emme Cross
ARC of St. Bart's by Emme Cross due out March 2014.
Sunny returns to St. Bart's, her birthplace, after the death of her farther. she spent her life traveling with him for his work and was uber protected. When he gets sick they settle by his brother's family and Sunny cares for him, putting her life on hold, until he dies. He leaves her the family villa and some land on St. Bart's and Sunny makes plans. Sunny is always making lists of things to do and one item on her list - find a sexual mentor and learn about sex.
Sven Larson is the pretty boy, party all the time type of a Movie star. He's on St. Bart's to film a movie, but he's tired and is looking for a change. After a bender weekend he ends up following an awesome playlist to find Sunny in a kitchen - dancing. They talk after she finds out he won't hurt her, she feeds him, gives him a miracle hangover cure, and Sven kisses her. This leads to Sunny propositioning him to be her sexual mentor. Sven refuses.......at first.
They are thrown together many times by outside influences. Things seem to be going okay. But there are a few people who try to sabotage everything. One succeeds when Sunny is the victim of a brutal attack - the day Sven leaves the island. The story continues with their lives until Sven is to return to the island for the film's premiere. The threat to Sunny returns as well.
I loved that this was a romance with a bit of mystery added in. Sunny draws you in with her sweet innocence and honest bluntness. Sven never stood a chance against her. The fact that St. Bart's is the first in the series, and so detailed, makes me want to read the next books asap.
Sunny returns to St. Bart's, her birthplace, after the death of her farther. she spent her life traveling with him for his work and was uber protected. When he gets sick they settle by his brother's family and Sunny cares for him, putting her life on hold, until he dies. He leaves her the family villa and some land on St. Bart's and Sunny makes plans. Sunny is always making lists of things to do and one item on her list - find a sexual mentor and learn about sex.
Sven Larson is the pretty boy, party all the time type of a Movie star. He's on St. Bart's to film a movie, but he's tired and is looking for a change. After a bender weekend he ends up following an awesome playlist to find Sunny in a kitchen - dancing. They talk after she finds out he won't hurt her, she feeds him, gives him a miracle hangover cure, and Sven kisses her. This leads to Sunny propositioning him to be her sexual mentor. Sven refuses.......at first.
They are thrown together many times by outside influences. Things seem to be going okay. But there are a few people who try to sabotage everything. One succeeds when Sunny is the victim of a brutal attack - the day Sven leaves the island. The story continues with their lives until Sven is to return to the island for the film's premiere. The threat to Sunny returns as well.
I loved that this was a romance with a bit of mystery added in. Sunny draws you in with her sweet innocence and honest bluntness. Sven never stood a chance against her. The fact that St. Bart's is the first in the series, and so detailed, makes me want to read the next books asap.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Review - Almost Royalty by Courtney Hamilton
I finished reading this ARC on 1/15/14 and I enjoyed it once I got past the confusing format that is this book. Almost Royalty by Courtney Hamilton, which also happens to be the main characters name. This is a Women's fiction/Romantic Comedy book.
Courtney is the single friend of the groups. This story is about her dating life and how her friends play a role in it and her life. We also see a lot from her crazy mother and a little from her father's side of the family. For dating her friend Marcie has come up with a way to determine who to date - The LA ECO-Chain of Dating. There is one constant guy in the book who after one not so great first date stays on the outskirts of Courtney's life.
The story itself is great and I love how Courtney takes charge of her life at the end. The writing is a bit jumpy, which caused confusion for me. Within the same chapter we would go from current date, to back-story on friend/situation - with embellishments, and then back to current date. After the initial confusion, the story flowed - or I just got used to the jumping and expected it. The second part of the book opens with a completely different person's voice over - leading into something alluded to in the prologue and relating to one of her good friends.
All in all the book was good, something I would recommend to friends with the warning that the author jumps around a lot.
Courtney is the single friend of the groups. This story is about her dating life and how her friends play a role in it and her life. We also see a lot from her crazy mother and a little from her father's side of the family. For dating her friend Marcie has come up with a way to determine who to date - The LA ECO-Chain of Dating. There is one constant guy in the book who after one not so great first date stays on the outskirts of Courtney's life.
The story itself is great and I love how Courtney takes charge of her life at the end. The writing is a bit jumpy, which caused confusion for me. Within the same chapter we would go from current date, to back-story on friend/situation - with embellishments, and then back to current date. After the initial confusion, the story flowed - or I just got used to the jumping and expected it. The second part of the book opens with a completely different person's voice over - leading into something alluded to in the prologue and relating to one of her good friends.
All in all the book was good, something I would recommend to friends with the warning that the author jumps around a lot.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Review - Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting
Recently finished reading the ARC copy of Cupcakes and Ink, the prelude to Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting. Of course I had to move on to the ARC of Clipped Wings right away.
The story begins with Tenley actively hiding from Hayden every time he makes a coffee run. His handsomeness stunned her speechless their first meeting. But at their second meeting she impresses him with her artwork. Thier relationship is mapped out more and has it's share of ups and downs. Lots of bumps from the past come in to play and throw confusion at them. And of course ends with a cliffhanger that leaves you grumbling or screaming that the next installment, Inked Armor, isn't out until May 2014.
Each character is struggling with a bit of a dark past, but it seems to be what draws them together the most. They can relate to each other in ways their friends don't get. We see more from the supporting cast and how each character interacts with them. Also how Tenley reacts to situations that used to be the norm for Hayden. Meanwhile, Tenley is actively ignoring her past as much as possible until it comes back to bite her in the end.
I'll be ever so patiently awaiting the release of Clipped Wings in hopes that it includes a sneak peak of Inked Armor.
The story begins with Tenley actively hiding from Hayden every time he makes a coffee run. His handsomeness stunned her speechless their first meeting. But at their second meeting she impresses him with her artwork. Thier relationship is mapped out more and has it's share of ups and downs. Lots of bumps from the past come in to play and throw confusion at them. And of course ends with a cliffhanger that leaves you grumbling or screaming that the next installment, Inked Armor, isn't out until May 2014.
Each character is struggling with a bit of a dark past, but it seems to be what draws them together the most. They can relate to each other in ways their friends don't get. We see more from the supporting cast and how each character interacts with them. Also how Tenley reacts to situations that used to be the norm for Hayden. Meanwhile, Tenley is actively ignoring her past as much as possible until it comes back to bite her in the end.
I'll be ever so patiently awaiting the release of Clipped Wings in hopes that it includes a sneak peak of Inked Armor.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Review - Cupcakes and Ink by Helena Hunting
Helena Hunting has a few books coming out this year. The first being the prelude to Clipped Wings, called Cupcakes and Ink due out Feb 2014. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley to read.
In Cupcakes and Ink we meet Tenley and Hayden our main characters. Tenley is new to Chicago, getting her master's degree and doing her thesis on deviant behaviors. Hayden is partial owner and artist at Inked Armor, which happens to be across from where Tenley lives and works. They were bound to meet and the attraction sizzles off the pages. Cupcakes gives us a bit of background on why these two lonely people are they way they are.
This small glimpse into their lives makes you want to read the follow-up book, Clipped Wings, that is due out March 2014. Helena hooks you with her words and weaves a storyline that you can see unfolding in your head as you read. I absolutely loved Cupcakes and Ink and can't wait to continue reading the series. I highly recommend Cupcakes and Ink for all to read. Please note there is strong language and sexual tension that I'm sure unfolds in the following books. You have been warned. ;)
In Cupcakes and Ink we meet Tenley and Hayden our main characters. Tenley is new to Chicago, getting her master's degree and doing her thesis on deviant behaviors. Hayden is partial owner and artist at Inked Armor, which happens to be across from where Tenley lives and works. They were bound to meet and the attraction sizzles off the pages. Cupcakes gives us a bit of background on why these two lonely people are they way they are.
This small glimpse into their lives makes you want to read the follow-up book, Clipped Wings, that is due out March 2014. Helena hooks you with her words and weaves a storyline that you can see unfolding in your head as you read. I absolutely loved Cupcakes and Ink and can't wait to continue reading the series. I highly recommend Cupcakes and Ink for all to read. Please note there is strong language and sexual tension that I'm sure unfolds in the following books. You have been warned. ;)
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
New year, new blog; Review Always the Baker, Never the Bride
I decided to start a review blog, since I am always reading books. What better way to share my thoughts and recommendations than in blog form?
Most recent book read was "Always the Baker, Never the Bride" by Sandra D. Bricker
This is a Christian Romance that I bought ages ago and then it was buried in my library. I dug it out to read the other day and couldn't put it down. The main character Emma Rae is a diabetic baker, who has recently won a prestigious award for one of her cakes. The love interest, Jackson is opening a local hotel to be the destination hotel for romance. Jackson's Tanglewood hotel will be the ideal location for bridal parties, weddings, receptions, anniversary parties, etc. But he doesn't have a baker, yet. A rain storm finds Jackson in the bakery Emma Rae works and him falling in love with her brownies.
A chorus of supporting cast leads them together throughout the book. There were many times I was snorting in laughter at the dialogue between Emma Rae and her assistant Fiona. They have their hurdles to overcome as do a few other couples in the book. I loved how Sandra managed to write the book so that you felt like you were plunked down right in their lives. This was a perfectly wonderful lighthearted romance and I can't wait to read more of this series.
Most recent book read was "Always the Baker, Never the Bride" by Sandra D. Bricker
This is a Christian Romance that I bought ages ago and then it was buried in my library. I dug it out to read the other day and couldn't put it down. The main character Emma Rae is a diabetic baker, who has recently won a prestigious award for one of her cakes. The love interest, Jackson is opening a local hotel to be the destination hotel for romance. Jackson's Tanglewood hotel will be the ideal location for bridal parties, weddings, receptions, anniversary parties, etc. But he doesn't have a baker, yet. A rain storm finds Jackson in the bakery Emma Rae works and him falling in love with her brownies.
A chorus of supporting cast leads them together throughout the book. There were many times I was snorting in laughter at the dialogue between Emma Rae and her assistant Fiona. They have their hurdles to overcome as do a few other couples in the book. I loved how Sandra managed to write the book so that you felt like you were plunked down right in their lives. This was a perfectly wonderful lighthearted romance and I can't wait to read more of this series.
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