She Read: September 2014

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

TTT: Books That Were Hard For Me To Read

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This Little Piggy by Bea Davenport

This Little Piggy
By Bea Davenport
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Published by: Legend Press - October 1, 2014
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Rating: 2.75/3 Stars

It's the summer of 1984 and there is a sense of unease on the troubled Sweetmeadows estate. The residents are in shock after the suspicious death of a baby and tension is growing due to the ongoing miners' strike. Journalist Clare Jackson follows the story as police bungle the inquiry and struggle to contain the escalating violence. Haunted by a personal trauma she can't face up to, Clare is shadowed by nine-year-old Amy, a bright but neglected little girl who seems to know more about the incident than she's letting on. As the days go on and the killer is not found, Clare ignores warnings not to get too close to her stories and, in doing so, puts her own life in jeopardy.

I wasn't sure how to rate this one. Bea Davenport is a master of fluid writing and character creation - there's no doubt about that. My "but" in this case, comes from the fact that I knew who killed the baby almost from the beginning and mostly guessed Finn's (a miner) role in the entire incident. This didn't leave me much to work with. I kept reading because I wanted to finish it, but I was disappointed that the ending played out exactly as I thought. If you read it and were surprised, more power to you. It just didn't work for me.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Faking It by Cora Carmack

Faking It
By Cora Carmack
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Published by: Harper Collins Publishers - June 4, 2013
Genres: NA Romance
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Mackenzie "Max" Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

Only once before has a new adult novelist made me fall in love with her novels (Chanel Cleeton). Cora Carmack is making me fall in love all over again!

Max has spent every year since her thirteenth year pretending to be someone she's not to just to appease her parents. She started out trying to be like her perfect sister Alex. When being a popular cheerleader turned Ivy League college student became tiresome, she dropped out of college to make music and began tattooing her feelings on her body. As long as she hides her tattoos and her real self from her family, they will keep supporting her. The only problem is that they're threatening to pull the plug and Max needs reinforcements.

Cade has been pining after his best friend for the better part of a year (story can be read in the first book in the series, Finding It). He's resigned himself to watching the woman he loves spend her life with another man, wondering how he'll ever get over her. Enter Max.

Max is just the right person to throw Cade off balance and bring some fire back into his life. Cade is calming influence that Max needs in her life. When the two of them pretend to be dating for the sake of Max's parents, the lines between acting and reality become blurred. Have Angry Girl and Wonder Boy fallen in love?

When this author writes about opposites attracting, she really means exploding! Max and Cade are just plain scorching. Their story is at times sweet, angry, fearful, intense but always loving. I highly recommend this book and I'm off to read the third book in the series!

Choose Us by Caylie Marcoe

Choose Us
By Caylie Marcoe
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Published by: Amazon Digital Services - April 2, 2014
Genres: NA Romance
Rating: 3.75 Stars

Riley Logan and Travis Grayson have been best friends for the last fifteen years. She would do anything for him, go anywhere for him…and she has, countless times. Except now. Now he’s asking for too much. Their friendship has reached a breaking point and she doesn’t know how to go back. But as Travis’ personal assistant, Riley spends her every waking moment by his side.

When a fractured ankle puts Travis’ BMX career on hold he’s given more downtime than he knows what to do with. Always one for excitement, he agrees to become the bachelor on a televised dating show, but only if Riley goes in undercover to help weed through the girls.

What was supposed to be eight weeks of freedom has turned into eight weeks of hell surrounded by desperate girls all vying for Travis’ attention. He promised her the show would be smooth sailing. He promised he would listen to her advice on which girls should be eliminated. But now he’s breaking those promises and getting way too close to the girl Riley despises the most.

She shouldn’t care. Except she does. Much to her surprise there is one girl she wants Travis to choose… Her.

Will she get what she wants, or will Riley lose her best friend along with getting her heart broken on national television?

Best friends-turned-lovers are a fave read of mine, and Travis and Riley's story looked like a good one at first glance:
1. He's a famous BMX rider
2. She's his personal assistant
3. An accident sidelines him and he takes a gig on a dating show
4. The catch? He won't do it unless Riley is one of the contestants

I loved all four of those elements, and I enjoyed the drama of the dating show. The characters had all the elements of the ones you see on TV, especially evil vixen Nicki, however some of the drama got old after awhile. Like Riley, I couldn't understand why Travis thought Nicki was a good person when she was clearly fake. The author's use of this plot trick got a bit old. Riley and I both wanted to slap both Nicki and Travis upside the head. The author also tried to use the old "it wasn't what it looked like" routine quite a few times - one too many for my taste. While Travis bugged me, Riley bugged me just as much for going back to Travis time and again. However, I have done this in real life - so I know from personal experience that when you're in love, you do stupid things like follow your heart instead of your head.

All in all, I enjoyed the book and would read another novel by Caylie Marcoe. I really loved the beautiful cover too. Yum!

Damsel in Distress? by Kristina O'Grady

Damsel in Distress?
By Kristina O'Grady
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Published by: Carina UK - September 30, 2014
Genres: Regency Romance
Rating: 2.75 Stars

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A chance meeting that could scandalise the ton!

19th century England. Harriet is running for her life, chased by three men on horseback through Hyde Park. Knocked unconscious, everything goes black…

Philip, Baron Eaglestone, has never seen such a beautiful damsel in distress. And he’s even more intrigued when she opens her eyes, and begins to speak. Because this irresistible woman can only remember her first name, and has no knowledge as to who was trying to kill her… or where she is!

As Philip cares for Harriet, their attraction burns… and neither can shake the feeling that their chance meeting was truly a moment out of time. But if her memory returns, Harriet will be faced with a question. Will she return home or could it be that family is where her heart is – with a Regency rake!

When I requested this book, I didn't know it was the second installment in a time-travel series. As someone who is bad at suspending disbelief, I thought I might dislike this regency romance for the pure fantasy element of time-travel once I figured out that's what was going on. I found that I liked that element of the story for quite awhile. I thought it was fresh, well placed, and interesting . . . until the author decided to lay out how the time-travel worked. I had a really hard time believing that if we just use our minds and wish ourselves to another time, we'll suddenly be there. That's where the time-travel plot turned into unpolished writing for me. It wasn't fleshed out very well and seemed very elementary. A regency romance that had plenty of heat as well as mystery, one that intrigued me, suddenly had me wishing for the end. I was also slightly annoyed that the author couldn't tell the difference between "peek" and "peak" as it was used incorrectly throughout the book. Just a pet peeve of mine.

I wish I could give it a higher rating, and maybe I would if this is the type of story I typically read. That said, I still think the immaturity of the time-travel section would have bothered me.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Dialogue Pet Peeves

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Book Dialogue Pet Peeves

1. In general, I dislike writing in which characters from other countries don't speak how they normally would in real life. For example, if you have an Irish character straight out of Ireland, they should use Irish phrases instead of American phrases. It sounds/reads strangely and unrealistic if the character with an Irish brogue who just showed up in America isn't speaking in an Irish manner. Bugs me!

2. The following dialogue is in almost every book I read, lately, and it's driving me BATTY!

Character 1 (usually male): Hi.
Character 2 (usually female): Hi, yourself.

WHO SPEAKS THAT WAY???!!! I have never in my life said, "Hi," to someone and had them respond with, "Hi yourself," nor have I ever said it to anyone else. I don't think real people speak this way unless it's a way of speaking in another country from my pet peeve #1. I am seriously going to start counting how many books I read that have that dialogue in there at least once. Even some of my favorite authors use it, and (as you can tell) it makes me CRAZY! Do you speak this way? Have you ever heard anyone speak this way? Do tell. Maybe I'm wrong.

3. The overuse of a character's name in a scene when they're the only two people in a scene (especially if it's a male and female which make pronouns easy to infer). Let's say Sue and Tim are speaking to one another in third person, but the author rarely uses Sue's name when referring to her, but always uses Tim's. WHY??

Example (and yes I know it's generic, but it makes my point):
"I love you, Tim," she told him.
"I love you too," Tim said.
Sue reached across the seat and held Tim's hand. Tim had such soft hands and she really liked Tim's soft hands. She loved to hold Tim's hand. ETC ETC ETC.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

TTT: Top Ten on My Fall Reading List

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Monday, September 22, 2014

Never Seduce a Sheikh by Jackie Ashenden

Never Seduce a Sheikh
By Jackie Ashenden
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Published by: Tule Publishing - September 26, 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

How deep into the darkness will she have to go to help bring him into the light?

Oil baronness Lily Harkness isn't so much steel magnolia as titanium cactus. She's used to living in a man's world and when she plays, she plays to win. She wants exclusive oil rights to ensure her company remains at the top and she's not walking away empty handed.

Sheikh Isma'il al Zahara rules his country his way. Always in command, he has his own plans for his country's oil and it's not just about the money. But he's intrigued by the buttoned up business woman who's come to his country to strike a deal. He can't help but wonder what's beneath her icy facade.

Lily's desires are buried down deep, but her attraction to Isma'il is too strong to deny. Will seducing the sheikh cost Lily her body and her soul?

It seems that almost every book I read these days follows the "he had a dark past and she had a dark past and they healed each other" trope (and yes I know this is a bit of a run-on sentence). I get very tired of the same old stale storyline, however while this book fits into that trope, each character has a deep back story and is afraid of bringing harm to someone else because of those dark secrets from the past. I really liked that about this book.

Lily was an Olympic swimmer whose hopes and dreams were squelched one night when her swim coach went beyond the appropriate boundaries. Since then, she's led a celibate life, never having feelings for a special man until she meets Isma'il.

Isma'il is back in his country after his father's death, taking his place as Sheikh of his nation. His father was an evil ruler as well as an evil father. Isma'il's darkest fear is that the blood of his father runs in his veins. An event from his past, which he considers proof of this genetic evil inside him, haunts him daily, especially since his return to the desert after being away. He likes the women in his bed submissive; if they are submissive, perhaps the specter of his father won't pop out and harm them.

When Lily and Isma'il meet for business dealings, the spark is instant. Lily's never had feelings like this for a man before, and Isma'il has never met any woman who could keep him on his toes like this woman does. Despite their growing feelings, their pasts still linger. While Lily takes back her power, Isma'il is reluctant to take back his, afraid he will hurt Lily in the process. Theirs is a tale of true love that really does conquer all.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Remember When: The Sequel by T Torrest

Remember When: The Sequel
By T Torrest
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Published by: Amazon Digital Services - November 23, 2013
Genres: NA, Romance
Rating: 4 stars

You know how sometimes, your high school crush grows up to be an insanely famous movie star? Okay, probably not. But I do.

Back in high school, Trip Wiley’s fanbase only encompassed the denizens of the nothing little suburb of Norman, New Jersey.

Ten years later, all that is about to change.

In the summer of 2000, Layla Warren is enjoying her career as a journalist in New York City (well, sort of), while Trip spends most of his time grabbing Hollywood by the balls. In the days before what will turn out to be his skyrocketing fame, they’ll find themselves confronted with some life-altering choices.

I enjoyed the first book in the series by T Torrest so much that I immediately bought the second installment. Now, I can't wait to read the final book!

What I really enjoy about the author's approach to the characters is that they are real. There's none of the normal movie star trope where the hottie grows up to be kind of an *ssh*le but sees his high school crush and realizes he can't be without her. The scenarios in this book are both realistic and heartfelt. Layla and Trip have depth, internally and externally express true emotions and respond to their strange situation like normal, everyday people - not like the mythical perfect characters in most books.

In the first book, we see the realistic creation of their companionship. This book brings them together again when both of them are engaged to other people. Trip wants to end his to be with Layla, but sensible Layla isn't so sure that Trip wants her long-term. Does he want her long-term or just for one night? Layla ultimately makes her decision - one that drives them apart again. At the end, Layla packs her bags and is willing to fight for true love - and Trip - doing whatever it takes to make things right.

I hope they can work it out, because I just bought the final installment for kindle! Gasp!

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev

A Bollywood Affair
By Sonali Dev
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Published by: Kensington Books - October 28, 2014
Genres: Literature/Women's Fiction, Romance, Indian Culture
Rating: 4 Stars

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Mili Rathod hasn’t seen her husband in twenty years—not since she was promised to him at the age of four. Yet marriage has allowed Mili a freedom rarely given to girls in her village. Her grandmother has even allowed her to leave India and study in America for eight months, all to make her the perfect modern wife. Which is exactly what Mili longs to be—if her husband would just come and claim her.

Bollywood’s favorite director, Samir Rathod, has come to Michigan to secure a divorce for his older brother. Persuading a naïve village girl to sign the papers should be easy for someone with Samir’s tabloid-famous charm. But Mili is neither a fool nor a gold-digger. Open-hearted yet complex, she’s trying to reconcile her independence with cherished traditions. And before he can stop himself, Samir is immersed in Mili’s life—cooking her dal and rotis, escorting her to her roommate’s elaborate Indian wedding, and wondering where his loyalties and happiness lie.

In a culture where old world traditions die hard lies the delicate line between dutiful love and willful love. A Bollywood Affair is smack dab on that line.

This is a delicate love story in which two people who shouldn't love each other grow to do just that.

Mili longs to be the perfect wife to the husband she only met at four-years-old. Perhaps he will come for her if she's educated. She travels to America to complete a year of studies longing to return to India and be the wife Virat deserves. She's convinced herself that she loves Virat because she must love her husband. It's something she accepts. But, while she is not one to break cultural traditions for herself, she readily agrees to help her roommate elope with her Indian lover. He's from the wrong side of India and her parents will not allow them to marry. Mili is determined to help them and protect the love they so obviously feel for one another; she just doesn't believe there is a love out there for someone like herself.

Samir Rathod is Mili's brother-in-law. He travels to America to get Mili to sign papers annulling her childhood marriage to his brother Virat. Virat has remarried and has a child on the way. When he's in a terrible accident and lying in a coma, Samir knows he must secure a future for Virat's wife Rima in case Virat does not survive. As it stands, Mili, his childhood pride, stands to inherit everything.

Samir plans to march right up to Mili and demand her signature, but something unexpected happens. Mili ends up injuring herself and with no friends or family to care for her, Samir finds himself volunteering for that duty.

Prior to coming to America, Samir is supposed to be writing his next block-buster movie script but the words don't come. Once he steps inside Mili's apartment, and her life, they flow like crazy.

As the two become closer, the reader knows that Samir's secret must be revealed. It may change everything.

I loved this book and can't wait to read more from this author. The only thing I wanted that was missing was to know the re-written plot of Samir's movie. He spoke of changing it after meeting Mili and their discussions about how his usual dark romances should be lighter and freer. It would've been neat to know if he included a bit of their courtship in the script.

French Kissed Cover Reveal!

French Kissed by Chanel Cleeton
Release Date: December 1, 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
International School Book 3
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SYNOPSIS:
On the surface Fleur Marceaux has it all—if only the façade matched reality. With one year left at the International School in London, Fleur’s struggling to graduate, her love life is a mess, and she can’t stop thinking about Max, her ex-boyfriend’s best friend. But all of that pales compared to the blackmailer determined to destroy her.

There’s a social hierarchy at the International School, and Max Tucker is outside the velvet ropes. After watching Fleur break his friend’s heart, Max knows to stay away from trouble—despite the crush he’s had on her since freshman year. But when they’re partnered on a project, Max learns there’s more to Fleur than meets the eye, and she just might be worth the wild ride.

The more time they spend together, the further Max falls. And when a kiss awakens a passion Fleur never imagined, she’s unable to resist Max, who she thought was wrong for her, but might be the only thing that’s right.

But will he stand by her when her secrets are revealed?

Don’t miss the final book in the International School series. This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 17 and up.

Want to see where it all began?

I SEE LONDON (International School Book 1)

LONDON FALLING (International School Book 2)

AUTHOR BIO:Originally a Florida girl, CHANEL CLEETON moved to London where she received a bachelor’s degree from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel fell in love with London and planned to stay there forever, until fate intervened on a Caribbean cruise, and an American fighter pilot with smooth dance moves swept her off her feet. Now, a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure in South Korea.

Law school made Chanel realize she’d rather spend her days writing sexy stories than in a courtroom, and she hasn’t looked back since. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she’s happiest curled up with a book. She has a weakness for handbags, her three pups, and her fighter pilot husband. Chanel writes New Adult contemporary romances and thrillers.

She is the author of I SEE LONDON and LONDON FALLING, published by Harlequin HQN, the upcoming FRENCH KISSED, and FLIRTING WITH SCANDAL, the first book in a new three-book NA series to be released by Penguin/Berkley in 2015.

AUTHOR LINKS:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Pinterest

Monday, September 15, 2014

Remember When by T Torrest

Remember When
By T Torrest
Add to Goodreads | Remember When (The Remember Trilogy Book 1)
">Purchase on Amazon
Published by: Smith Publicity - December 30, 2012
Genres: YA, NA, Romance
Rating: 4 stars

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Years before Trip Wiley could be seen on movie screens all over the world, he could be seen sitting in the desk behind me in my high school English class.
This was back in 1990, and I cite the year only to avoid dumbfounding you when references to big hair or stretch pants are mentioned. Although, come to think of it, I am from Northern New Jersey, which may serve as explanation enough. We were teenagers then, way back in a time before anyone, himself included, could even dream he’d turn into the Hollywood commodity that he is today.

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you who Trip Wiley is. But on the off chance you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, just know that these days, he’s the actor found at the top of every casting director’s wish list. He’s incredibly talented and insanely gorgeous, the combination of which has made him very rich, very famous and very desirable.

And not just to casting directors, either.

I can’t confirm any of the gossip from his early years out in Tinseltown, but based on what I knew of his life before he was famous, I can tell you that the idea of Girls-Throwing-Themselves-At-Trip is not a new concept.

I should know. I was one of them.

And my life hasn’t been the same since.

This is Book 1 of the Remember Trilogy, and after reading it, I had to buy the 2nd installment!

Book 1 tells the high school friendship between Trip and Layla, from their first meeting to their first kiss near the end of the book. It was a refreshing tale of true male/female friendship that didn't need to turn into more. Things were good the way they were. Getting those two together romantically could only enhance what they already had.

I loved that although it was set in high school, the characters weren't overly dramatic and that Layla and Trip didn't part the book on bitter terms as so many of these trilogy books do. The authors try to put a wedge between the main characters to the point where one or both of them is screwed up in the head for a few years. Torrest decided (hooray!) not to do that and to simply end on a realistic note.

Another point that I truly loved about this book is that it ended. There was no cliffhanger making you buy Book 2, although I certainly did buy it! Too many books today end on cliffhangers and that too gets old.

Read this book and check out the witty relationship between Trip and Layla. It's pure and fun.

Her Pefect Game by Shannyn Schroeder

Her Perfect Game
By Shannyn Schroeder
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Published by: Kensington Books - October 27, 2014
Genres: NA, Romance
Rating: No Rating

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Spring break is supposed to be a week of fun in the sun for three childhood friends about to graduate from college. But one of them is ready to get her game on somewhere else…

Charlie Castle is an expert archer and a fierce warrior—in her favorite video game, anyway. But college life was a program she couldn't quite master. To land a cybertech job without a degree, she's entering a "hackfest" over spring break—where she also hopes to meet the sweet gamer who's been flirting with her online. Instead, she runs into the hot guy who walked away years ago, and can't fight the desire that comes rushing back.

Jonah Best has never gotten over Charlie, whose kisses were always as deliciously creative as her coding. But now that they're face to face again, he doesn't know how to admit that her online admirer is really him—or how to convince her that he's offering her a job for her incredible skills, not her sex appeal. Can Jonah cut through their communication glitches and persuade Charlie that the next level up for them should be forever?

I'm not a gamer. Perhaps if I was, I would've enjoyed this book more. The storyline was great; I just couldn't get into the gamer setting, I guess. This isn't the author's fault, but mine for choosing the book.

It was also a novella which it didn't mention on NetGalley. I wish I'd known that as I'm not a huge novella fan either.

I'm not rating this because I don't think it would be fair.

Release by Violet Vaughn

Release
By Violet Vaughn
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Published by: Sugarloaf Press - June 27, 2014
Genres: YA Romance
Rating: 3 Stars

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Skater Lori Langley was USA’s golden girl, headed for the Olympics and destined for a medal. But when her coach's abuse forces her to give up the opportunity, her world spins out of control. Their perilous love affair is discovered and plastered all over the tabloids.

Three years later, Lori is ready to move on. New to skiing but determined, she reinvents herself as a ski instructor and moves to Breckenridge, Colorado. Driven to rebuild her life Lori isn’t prepared for the likes of sexy Kaleb Wakefield. One look from the sensitive snowboarder unchains her heart and she explores love without fear.

When the past returns to haunt her, Lori's new found freedom is at risk. What’s lurking in the shadows is worse than she could have imagined. She fears for more than her safety when she realizes Kaleb is in danger too.

Will Lori and Kaleb pay the ultimate price?

I really wanted to like this book more than I did, and I think it's actually a marketing flaw, or maybe a writing flaw. Although marketed as New Adult (and a book that deals with more adult subjects), it read more like a Young Adult novel. While I like YA books, I wasn't looking for one when I sat down to read this. I liked the storyline and the characters, but it was a bit too high school for me. Lori and Kaleb have a high school relationship feel to them, and that's not what I wanted. Maybe it's just me - it could very well be. I didn't make it all the way through the book, but it wasn't due to bad writing; it just wasn't the genre I was promised and I didn't feel like reading YA at that moment.

If you're looking to read a young adult book set in ski city, read it!

Kiss This by Hadley Quinn

Kiss This
By Hadley Quinn
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Published by: Amazon Digital - May 13, 2013
Genres: NA, Sex,
Rating: 4 Stars

22-year-old Camryn Jacobs lost the love of her life once and vows to never kiss another guy unless she's in love with him. When she meets Teague, their attraction to one another is off the charts, and for the first time in two years, she wants to disregard her rule.

But Camryn makes a bet that he can't go just one week without kissing her. She's protecting her own fragile heart, but her wit and smart mouth end up driving Teague crazy.

When Teague is equally skilled at her challenge, their friendship turns complicated. He's not at all what she assumed, and he makes her feel things she never expected to feel. But sharing her true reasons for the no-kiss bet hurts too much and she keeps him in the dark.

Teague has his own secrets to hide, starting with his last name. It's the reason he left town--to lick his wounds until he can piece his life back together. His time with Camryn proves that it might actually be possible, but with the threat of his family and his past ruining all that he's finally gained, can he really take that risk again?

Loving might be easy; learning to trust again could be too difficult to achieve...

I love my characters witty and sassy and Camryn fit the bill! And Teague? HOTT! Their chemistry is off-the-charts as they try to stick to the dare: No kissing for one week. But will they be able to hold back their feelings?

“If I could choose one thing to do before I died, it would be kissing you,” he spoke softly. ~Teague

This book is more than just chemistry. There are feelings, back story and excellent writing. Check it out!

Her Best Laid Plans by Cara McKenna

Her Best Laid Plans
By Cara McKenna
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Published by: Red Hot Cosmo Reads from Harlequin - August 12, 2014
Genres: NA, Sex, Novella
Rating: 4 Stars

Imagine nursing a pint in a cozy, authentic country pub, far from Cork's busy city pulse. Getting here took you a plane, bus, taxi and…um, bicycle. But just as you're resigning yourself to drinking beside grey-haired farmers, you see him—a man with the looks and charm to soothe any heartbroken girl.

He's your bartender. Your really, really gorgeous bartender.

For American Jamie Webb—recently dumped and housesitting for two weeks—Connor Kelleher is like a six-course feast after a 23-year starvation diet. But it's gotta be casual. She's just begun rerouting her life after a three-year man-related detour. Still, a sexy romp (or twenty!) with Sexy McBartender?

But what happens when Jamie's best-laid plans for no future plans with any man begin to change?

After loving After Hours by the same author, I discovered these Red-Hot Cosmo Reads from Harlequin. I eagerly bought this one and devoured it in one sitting.

For only being 85 pages, there sure was a hot courtship and a satisfying unexpected ending (which I won't give away).

Jamie and Connor together are scorching hot. I love that he makes her articulate everything she likes and wants in bed. Makes for a hot read! I REALLY want to comment on the ending, on what I call "The Grand Gesture" but I can't. All I can say is that Cara McKenna rocks and so does this novella. Buy. It. Now.

Getting Off by Abby Green

Getting Off
By Abby Green
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Published by: Red Hot Cosmo Reads from Harlequin - August 12, 2014
Genres: NA, Sex, Novella
Rating: 3 Stars

Caitlin Ryan has never had an orgasm—and she wants one! So does she

(1) Date lots of Mr. Nice-but-Wrongs and keep faking and hoping?

(2) Do a little DIY with a battery-operated friend and a lot of imagination?

(3) Go to NYC and have a wild night with a totally hot stranger?

When (1) and (2) don't work, Caitlin goes for (3). But even with motorbike-riding sex god Liam, old habits die hard, and yet again she has to fake it. Only he notices—and is not happy! Could things get any worse? Well, yes, when Liam becomes her new boss. But when Caitlin reveals that she's never climaxed, Liam rises to the challenge, offering a weekend of hot sex with the only goal her pleasure. Will letting him take control work? Caitlin can't resist finding out….

I discovered Harlequin's Red Hot Cosmo Reads and have been devouring them up. I liked the concept behind this one - that poor Caitlin has never had an orgasm - and I wanted a quick hot read. This sounded like a good one.

While it was hot - no doubt about that - I wished there'd been a bit more build-up. Liam was able to make her come right away during their agreed-upon weekend-long sex fest. I wish he'd had to work a bit harder (no pun intended). I also didn't love Liam. He was gruff and slightly rude, but never became a softy like most guys in stories who start out that way become. If Caitlin wanted him, more power to her, but I'd opt for someone else. I'd take my orgasm and run!

Five Summers by Una LaMarche

Five Summers
By Una LaMarche
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Published by: Razorbill - May 16, 2013
Genres: YA, Summer Camp
Rating: 3.5 Stars

Four best friends, five summers of camp memories
Emma, Skylar, Jo, and Maddie have all come back to camp for a weekend of tipsy canoe trips to the island, midnight skinny dipping in the lake, and an epic game of capture the flag—boys versus girls. But the weekend isn't quite as sunwashed as they'd imagined as the memories come flooding back. . . .

The summer we were nine: Emma was branded “Skylar’s friend Emma” by the infamous Adam Loring . . .

The summer we were ten: Maddie realized she was too far into her lies to think about telling the truth . . .

The summer we were eleven: Johanna totally freaked out during her first game of Spin the Bottle . . .

The summer we were twelve: Skylar’s love letters from her boyfriend back home were exciting to all of us—except Skylar . . .

Our last summer together: Emma and Adam almost kissed. Jo found out Maddie’s secret. Skylar did something unthinkable . . . and whether we knew it then or not, five summers of friendship began to fall apart.

I'm a sucker for camp-centered YA novels. Although I've never been to camp, I did spend 2 summers doing summer stock in MA living with 90 people on 1 compound. Felt like camp to me!

I wanted a little bit more than I got with this novel. I wanted more depth of character from each of the girls. It was easy to guess what their secrets were . . . but it was still a nice read. I just wanted more.

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Dear Mr. Knightley
By Katherine Reay
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Published by: Thomas Nelson - November 5, 2013
Genres: Fiction/Literature, Austen
Rating: 4 Stars

Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others—namely, her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story—by giving that story to a complete stranger.

Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is, both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore.

But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor (calling himself Mr. Knightley) offers to put Sam through Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.

As Sam’s dark memory mingles with that of eligible novelist Alex Powell, her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it’s straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.

Reminding us all that our own true character is not meant to be hidden, Reay’s debut novel follows one young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.

I must admit that the first 1/4 of the book, I was forced to plod through. Samantha's voice lacked sentimentality and the drama of her moving back and forth between the orphanage and an apartment at the drop of a hat became tedious. That said, once I plugged through that section, the storyline really got going and I found myself interested!

The mystery behind the benefactor kept me riveted to the end. I honestly didn't know who it was, but I was completely satisfied by the end!! Read it!

Be With Me by J Lynn

Be With Me
By J Lynn
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Published by: William Morrow Paperbacks - February 4, 2014
Genres: NA Romance
Rating: 4 Stars

Do Teresa and Jase have a real shot at getting together or will life get in the way?
Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she's in love with her big brother's best friend, but he hasn't spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, life-changing kiss. Then she got out of a terrible relationship. Now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It's time for plan B: college. And maybe she'll have a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he's not telling anyone—especially not his best friend's incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn't have time for a relationship. But it doesn't help that all he can think about is kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they're thrown together more and more, Jase and Teresa can't keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they're willing to risk to be together and what they're willing to lose if they're not. . . .

Although I didn't read the first book in this series, Wait For You, I fell in love with this book and the characters. I didn't feel like I needed to read the prior book to enjoy this one.

It's complicated. That's the best way to explain the scorching chemistry between Jase and Tess.

Tess is still smarting after the injury that is threatening to keep her from her dreams of attending dance school. In the meantime, she's attending college, trying to make the best of things. When she runs into Jase, her brother's friend, her heart is turned inside out. She and Jase shared a searing kiss together once, but Jase has been avoiding her ever since. Now that they're thrown together at school, things are about to get interesting.

Jase is a great guy, driving Tess to and from her classes due to her leg injury, but he's also the kind of mixed signals. Back and forth back and forth he goes when it comes to just being with Tess. It gets annoying at times, but when they ultimately connect, the wait was worth it.

The secondary story is also very real. Domestic violence was portrayed in a true fashion, and the aftermath was dealt with with integrity by the author. If that's a trigger for you, you may not want to read this.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed this story. Although there are others in the series, this one was so near perfect that I don't want to ruin it by reading another one that may disappoint me or may me dislike one of the characters' portrayal in another book.

Conduct Unbecoming by LA Witt

Conduct Unbecoming
By LA Witt
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Published by: Samhain Publishing - October 23, 2012
Genres: GLBT Romance
Rating: 4.5 Stars

As long as no one asks and they don’t tell…
First class petty officer Eric Randall is less than thrilled about taking orders to Okinawa. Three long, lonely years on a crappy island that’s thousands of miles from his daughter? Oh. Yeah. Sign him up. But as long as he’s stuck here, he might as well make the best of it, so he discreetly checks out the local gay scene.

Shane nearly drops his drink when the gorgeous, cocky-looking guy strolls into Palace Habu. He buys him a drink, and before long, they’re making out in a booth. Eric is a straight-to-the-point kind of guy and doesn’t want to play games. Since Eric’s idea of not playing games is getting the hell out of there and going back to one of their apartments, Shane is more than happy to go along with it.

What starts as a scorching-hot one-night stand leaves both of them wanting more…until Eric finds out Shane doesn’t just outrank him, he’s an officer. DADT may be repealed, but an officer getting involved with an enlisted man falls under conduct unbecoming.

Still, they can’t resist their mutual desire. There’s no reason anyone has to find out. But secrets have a way of outing themselves.

After reading Starstruck by LA Witt, I wanted more, so I chose this beauty of a love story from her other repertoire. I was also lucky enough to read her new one, The Walls of Troy!

While I enjoyed both of her other reads, the love story between Shane and Eric is meaningful, intense and ever-so-satisfying. Yes, there's the hot attraction, the amazing sex, with the military in the way of a real relationship. All of the usual LA Witt aspects are there, but there's also the beautiful love story that Shane and Eric share and the time they take to get to know one another and show care for one another. It's not just all hot sex and attraction. It's a story about family, coming out, protecting your job, but also protecting the love you want to share with someone else. I can't gush enough about this one or tell you how much I want to read MORE of LA Witt!

The Walls of Troy by LA Witt

The Walls of Troy
By LA Witt
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Published by: Samhain Publishing - September 15, 2014
Genres: GLBT Romance
Rating: 3.5 Stars

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Just when the pieces begin to add up, danger blows them all apart…
MA1 Iskander Ayhan’s orders are simple: stay with Admiral Dalton’s son as a plainclothes bodyguard while the kid attends university classes. So typical—a high-ranking officer abusing Navy resources for unnecessary security.

It isn’t long before Iskander realizes there’s more to his assignment than protecting the kid from benign harassment by homophobic classmates. Behind those piercings, eyeliner, and bad attitude, Troy Dalton is scared. Truly, deeply, scared.

Troy is indeed hiding something. Iskander is the only one who’s ever taken his fears seriously, which gives him hope. Yet Troy isn’t sure one lone, armed-to-the-teeth bodyguard is enough to keep him safe, especially since he can’t risk telling Iskander the truth.

As Iskander slowly gains Troy’s trust, the walls start coming down. And before they know it, the warmth between them explodes into real heat. Until suddenly Iskander realizes he’s a magnet for danger, not a shield.

Now he doesn’t know how to keep Troy safe—stay close, or get as far away from him as possible.

This is my second read by LA Witt, having enjoyed Starstruck earlier in the year! Starstruck was also a scenario in which two men with a 15-year age gap between them find real love. I loved the characters and the setting in Starstruck and couldn't wait to read The Walls of Troy.

Although I really liked The Walls of Troy, there were some parts that didn't ring true for me. With Troy being only 20 and acting very immature in a lot of situations (despite having PTSD - which I have, so I can tell the difference between PTSD and just being immature and whiny), I got a tad annoyed at times. I wasn't always sure what Iksander saw in Troy other than a hottie who needed saving. Iksander was a helper in life, an MA1, a cop, a fixer and protector, so I believe that's why he latched on to Troy so quickly. It's in his nature to protect. I just wasn't sure that there was a ton of initial chemistry there between the two of the. While the age difference didn't bother me at all in Starstruck, it was very evident here. In the real world, I don't see this relationship between Iksander and Troy lasting unless Iksander is a tad immature too and willing to put up with a lot of growing pains.

All of that said, the sexual chemistry between the two leading up to and during the sex scenes was HOT. LA Witt can sure get a straight girl (me) all hot and bothered just by reading her M/M love scenes. That's all I'm going to say without getting graphic. ;) The novel was certainly as hot as I'd expected it to be and I loved it! I can't wait to read another of Witt's books!

Friday, September 12, 2014

Tackle Your TBR Pile Progress

Tressa @ Wishful Endings is hosting a Readathon Sept 8 - 20. The focus is getting that pesky TBR pile polished off.

You can sign up through September 17th.

I'm a new book blogger, so please follow me!

Friday
What I read today: Getting Off by Abby Green
Today's finished books: In progress
Total number of finished books: 10
Titles of finished books: See the crossed off below!

A LIST OF MY TBR PILE

1. ~~A Flirtatous Rendezvous by Cecilia Gray~~
2. ~~A Dangerous Expectation by Cecilia Gray~~
3. ~~An Illicit Engagement by Cecilia Gray~~
4. ~~A Delightful Arrangement by Cecilia Gray~~
5. This Little Piggy by Bea Davenport
6. Emma, Mr. Knightley & Chili-Slaw Dogs by Mary Jane Hathaway
7. Remember When by T. Torrest
8. Surviving the Angel of Death by Eva Mozes Kor
9. Release by Violet Vaughn
10. Her Perfect Game by Shannyn Schroeder
11. The Vampires' Last Lover by Aiden James & Patrick Burdine
12. ~~Beauty's Kiss by Jane Porter~~13. The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma
14. Portraits of Celina by Sue Whiting
15. The Forgotten Girls by Sara Blaedel
16. Rewind to You by Laura Johnston
17. Very Wicked Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills
18. Her Last Whisper by Karen Robards
19. One Two Three by Elodie Nowodazkij
20. 84 Ribbons by Paddy Eger
21. ~~Meeting Place of the Dead by Richard Palmisano~~
22. ~~New Point by Olivia Luck~~
23. ~~UnWritten by Chelsea Cameron~~
24. ~~Losing It by Cora Carmack~~
25. ~~Getting Off by Abby Green~~

Meeting Place of the Dead by Richard Palmisano

Meeting Place of the Dead
By Richard Palmisano
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Published by: Dundurn - August 28, 2014
Genres: Non-Fiction, Ghost Hunting
Rating: 4 Stars

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Come with us as we investigate a place that has so many spirits it is impossible to even hazard a count. A place that seems warm and inviting, but this is only an illusion — a ghostly trap to lure you in. On this journey we discover hidden secrets, violent ghosts who find enjoyment in attacking the living, and entities that disguise themselves as children. Discover why a paranormal investigation group with more than thirty years of experience had to shut down its investigations and walk away from an incredibly haunted property.

I love watching A Haunting and The Dead Files on TV and am fascinated by ghosts. That said, I don't want any to find their way into my house!!

I really enjoyed this scientific look into a ghost hunting investigation. The science was thoroughly documented and presented in the book, allowing the reader to follow along with the investigation as if they were watching it on TV. I felt like I was in the room when all of this was happening. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the paranormal, especially its scientific basis.

The Opposite of Love by Sarah Lynn Scheerger

The Opposite of Love
By Sarah Lynn Scheerger
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Published by: Albert Whitman & Co - September 1, 2014
Genres: YA
Rating: 2.5 Stars

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Rose is the wild girl nobody really knows. Chase is haunted by his past. Both are self-proclaimed “disappointments,” attracted to each other enough to let down their defenses. When Rose’s strict, adoptive parents forbid the relationship, it only makes things more intense. But Chase can’t hide from his own personal demons, and Rose has secrets of her own. After they’re wrenched apart, a cryptic email arrives in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve, beginning a desperate pursuit and a look back over their tumultuous romance. Will they find each other before the night is over, or will they be torn apart forever?

I was excited to read this book and it was pretty good for the first half. That's when things fell short for me. The "surprise" twist wasn't a surprise. And Rose became more whiny than I wanted. It turned me off. While the premise was good, it just didn't resonate for me. I felt it could've been written differently and more effectively.

The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Kate Rorick & Bernie Su

The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet
By Kate Rorick & Bernie Su
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Published by: Olivia Luck - September 10, 2014
Genres: Literature/Fiction, Modern take on Jane Austen
Rating: Not rated

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I'm not sure that it's fair for me to review this. I LOVE LOVE LOVE any kind of modern take on a Jane Austen novel, but I just could NOT get into this. It's a companion to a web series that I'm dying to see. Maybe I'll get "it" after I watch the web series, as I hear it's fabulous. Until then, I just couldn't get into this. Sorry ladies.

New Point by Olivia Luck

New Point
By Olivia Luck
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Published by: Olivia Luck - September 10, 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance, School Shooting
Rating: 4 stars

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Imagine the worst day of your life. Immerse yourself in the details. How did you feel? Who were you with? What were the consequences?

Recalling my darkest day is as simple as typing a few search terms into a web browser. It only took thirty minutes for me to become the center of a media frenzy that caught the attention of an entire country.

So I hid.

Nine months later and I'm getting better. Moved two hours from home, landed my dream job, and met a delicious new guy.

Healing is that simple, right?

Wrong.

I must've been in the mood to read about MC librarians because I read this one back to back with UnWritten. I found this character, and the plot, much more realistic and written with depth.

Zoe lived through an awful event that has changed who she is forever. As a fellow person with PTSD, I really identified with her unease and flashbacks. Either the author of the book has suffered from PTSD or she's done her research well. Zoe's feelings and actions were very believable and I found that refreshing.

Miles, the adorable love interest, was much more than a hot body. He was sweet and courted Zoe. He wanted to be in her world and have her open up to him. He was honorable but pushed Zoe when she needed a bit of a push.

I also loved that the author used the names Miles & Etta as character names, using the jazz greats as inspiration!

If you're looking for a meaningful new adult read, this is it. I'm eager to check out another novel by Olivia Luck.

UnWritten by Chelsea M Cameron

UnWritten
By Chelsea M Cameron
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Published by: All Night Reads - July 6, 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Rating: 3 stars

NOTICE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Blair Walton isn't your average curvaceous tattooed children's librarian. She's also one half of bestselling romance author, Scarlet Rose. Along with her BFF Raine, she spends her nights writing books so steamy, she's afraid they would shock her Southern conservative grandmother to death . . . if she knew about them. That's why she and Raine write in secret.

On deadline for their latest book and out of ideas, Raine suggests (demands) that Blair find a guy and "do some research." Declan Bennet has all the qualifications: He's British, looks fabulous in a suit, has glorious blue eyes and gets bonus points for being an amazing single dad to his adorable son, Drake. But what starts out as a research project quickly turns into something much more. And Blair's not the only one with secrets.

I love a good heroine that doesn't fit into the social norms - take Blair the tattooed librarian for example. :) She's smart, loves children and has a weakness for British accents.

Declan is a hottie, as you'd expect in a new adult romance, but he's a responsible one who's a wonderful father to his young son. He's also drawn to the interesting librarian . . .

This was a sweet romance. I wasn't super into the whole romance-writers aspect of the story. Raine, the other half of the romance writing team, seemed pushy but without a real motive other than wanting fodder for their current book. Her pushing Blair towards Declan seemed forced and I didn't really buy it. I also wasn't buying a 23-year-old hot, British financial district type guy who also loved his 3-year-old. Everything seemed a bit cliche and unrealistic. Despite that, it was still a nice read - just not very realistic.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

TTT: Underrated Authors or Books in the New Adult Genre

From the Broke & the Bookish
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Top Ten Underrated Authors or Books in X Genre
1. Chanel Cleeton of I See London & London Falling - I keep shouting the praises of Chanel from the rooftops and begging readers who loved Anna and the French Kiss to BUY. THESE. BOOKS. NOW! Not only is there hot, steamy chemistry between Maggie & Samir, the lead characters, there's an actual plot - and a good one at that. These books aren't just about sexual attraction (although there's a fair amount of that) - they're character-driven and unfold in the natural order of things. These characters don't fall in love within 3 weeks of meeting like in some new adult books, or romances in general. These characters simmer and build over time. Check Chanel out today! The 3rd and final book in the London series (out by popular reader demand) will be gracing us in December! I can't wait!

2. Crystal D Spears of Talania: A Trip Down Memory Lane - Although I think this book should be called "My Infinity" (if when you read it you'll know why), this book was right up there in near perfection. Again, while I loved the connection between Evelyn & Tristan, I also liked the love story behind it. Evelyn has lost her entire teenage memory after several bouts with brain cancer, and with that she's lost all memory of her soul mate, Tristan. A chance meeting propels them into one another's lives again and Tristan takes it upon himself to reintroduce their past to Evelyn, one memory at a time.

3. Alison Bailey of Present Perfect - If you follow my book blog at all, you know I'm enamoured with best friendships turned love interests. This book has one of the best duos I've ever read about: Noah and Amanda. They were born on the same day, but never quite seem to make the transition from best friends (read: soul mates) to something more. When tragedy strikes, they realize just what they mean to each other. And I just realized that there's a slight correlation between this book & book #2 above. Hmmmm . . . And as much as I grumble about sequels, Past Imperfect is on my kindle, ready to be read.

4. Melanie Harlow of Frenched - This begins like many other new adult tales, with Mia taking her honeymoon to France alone after her fiance dumps her a week before the wedding. She meets a handsome Frenchman and excitement ensues. But this story is more than that. The characters have depth and there is always the hot factor between Mia and Lucas! There is a follow-up novella, but I decided not to read it as I have mostly bad luck with sequels. Harlow's Speak Easy series looks fun too.

5. Karina Halle of Love, in English - Can you tell that I was in a foreign guy phase for awhile after reading I See London & London Falling by Chanel Cleeton? ;) He’s thirty-eight. I’m twenty-three. He speaks Spanish. I speak English. He lives in Spain. I live in Canada. He dresses in thousand-dollar suits. I’m covered in tattoos. He’s married and has a five-year old daughter. I’m single and can’t commit to anyone or anything. Until now.Because when they say you can’t choose who you fall in love with, boy ain’t that the damn truth. Minus one hard-to-believe situation near the end, this book is flawless.

6. Cassie Mae of The Real Thing - Again, I love friends-turned-lovers stories. Here's another one. It also deals with the social media obsession going around. Mia has problems staying off her phone, facebook, etc instead of just being present in her relationship with Eric. It's very realistic. Cassie Mae's Switched is on my horizon.

7. Victorine Lieske of Accidentally Married - Two people who barely know each other getting married for one reason or another is a popular romance theme, however Victorine gets it right. Madison is laugh-out-loud funny as the actress who takes on the biggest acting assignment of her life. And Jared isn't hard on the eyes either. Not What She Seems by the author is next for me.

8. Juliet Madison of Haunted Ever After - Although I don't read much in the way of paranormal romances, this one was a winner! The hilarious ex gf ghost of Sally's fiance is following poor Sally around everywhere she goes. She even goes on the bachelorette weekend and stirs up nothing but trouble, however, in the midst of figuring out the mystery of the ghost, there's Ty. Did I mention Ty is a stripper? A NICE stripper? Hmmm . . . Another book by her on my wishlist is The January Wish.

9. AJ Pine of If Only - AJ knows how to weave a romance, let me tell ya! Jordan meets not one but two hotties on a train on her way to school. This isn't written as a typical love triangle, either, so don't write this one off! Read it now!

10. Suleikha Snyder of Opening Act - Saroj has been in love with musician Adam forever only Adam only sees her as a friend. Suleikha does a wonderful job of portraying characters from two cultures as they combine to form a relationship. A fun, sexy read. Next on my agenda is reading Bollywood and the Beast by the same author.

Pages

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Monday, September 29, 2014

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Monday, September 22, 2014

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Monday, September 15, 2014

Friday, September 12, 2014

Tuesday, September 9, 2014