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.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
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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