One More Shot - Victoria Denault

This is the first novel in the Hometown Players series by Victoria Denault. This is a very sweet romance about misunderstandings and second chances. Jessie and Jordan were best friends since third grade who developed a relationship in their teens. After a misunderstanding Jessie flees to Arizona for college and Jordan is drafted by the NHL. The two are reunited six years later at a funeral. I usually don't like flashback books, I am more of the here and now kind of girl, but Ms. Denault does a wonderful job of transitioning from present day to the past. There were all kinds of factors involved in Jessie and Jordan being separated for so long, obviously misunderstanding but family involvement did not help them out either.  There was just enough drama to keep the story interesting but not too much that you felt overwhelmed. Overall I found this to be a enjoyable book.

One More Shot is an excellent start of what could potentially be a terrific romance series. I look forward to the rest of the series.


I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ash to Steele - Karen-Anne Stewart

There are lots of themes in this book that I absolutely adore. First, we have the family is not always defined by blood theme. Breck, Jess, Gavin and Emma have a family they made for themselves. I enjoyed their story line very much! There is also the preacher daughter meets bad boy theme that is heart warming and smoking hot. Although there is a religious theme in this book, I wouldn't say it's a religious book. There is an element of life contradicting faith. I found it very well done.

This book has plenty of angst and secrets but above all it has love. The love the characters finally embrace. This book is very engaging and I found myself completely sucked in to the story. This book had many different plot twists, and Mrs. Stewart did an excellent job of engaging the reader the entire time.


I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books, Blogs, and Reality - Ryan Ringbloom

A book about bloggers! This book follows the lives of four online friends and book bloggers, Brooke, Rachel, Lizzie and Jess. Each character has their own story, Brooke has the office romance; Rachel aims to spice up her relationship; Lizzie is married to her high school sweetheart; and Jess has her eyes set on the bad boy she thinks she can save. All popular romance novel themes, but this time reality takes over.

The characters in this book are very likeable and the storyline is fresh and easy to follow. It perfectly illustrates what happens when you get caught up in the fantasy of novel. It's also showcases perfectly online relationships, it is so much easier sometimes to type to a complete stranger things you would have a hard time telling anyone to their face, but there is no way to tell for sure who is on the other side. I thought Lizzie's storyline did a wonderful job illustrating this point. This is a well written, witty and humorous look at the world of Romance readers and bloggers. A must read!
 

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The Mad Tatter - J.M. Darhower

Reece Hatfield is an artist, a dad, a felon. He's got a lot on his plate, so when ballerina Avery Moore shows up at the tattoo shop he works at he's totally not looking for love. But that's the funny thing about love, sometimes it finds you when you least expect it. I liked this book so much. It's a classic story of attraction and working out life while trying to build a relationship. It's not real angsty, people make mistakes and work to do better. I enjoyed Lexi and the interactions with Reece. It's happy and steamy and most of all it has a HEA, and we all know that is definitely a requirement for me!  This should definitely be on your summer read list.

The Consequence of Revenge - Rachel Van Dyken

Snakes and lizards and goats, oh my! This is book two in the Consequence series. Once again Ms. Van Dyken gives us a completely hilarious story! I will admit that going into this, I was one of the rare people who didn't really like Max's character in the previous story, just too completely ridiculous. Somehow though in this book I found him to be endearing and I enjoyed the dating show story line very much. The gang is reunited in this book and their shenanigans kept me laughing. Max and Becca make a great pair and I love how this story focuses on friendship and romance. The best thing about this book is that it's a fun read, and when you get to the last page, you are left with a smile on your face.

This book will release on June 9th.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Swept Away - J. S. Cooper

The Swept Away Series by J.S. Cooper...  Illusion and Disillusioned are full length novels that follow the story line. Charade is a Novella about Bianca and her interaction with David. Masquerade is a Novella about Jakob. Resolution will not be released until December! DECEMBER!

Disillusioned had such a cliff hanger ending, when I picked up Masquerade I could not believe I had to read back story when I am just dying to know how all this madness ends! Let me break it down into the most elementary summary I can come up with, Bianca and Jakob had some screwed up parents. The lies and deception of the parents have infiltrated their children's lives. Everyone is lying and scheming and it's hard to tell which way is up. I found myself thinking, "oh I know what happened," and then, "NO!" that's not what happened at all. There is so much going on in this story I'm not sure how I could even explain it to anyone. There is a smoking hot romance going on between Bianca and Jakob despite all the craziness going on around them. I generally stay away from a series that is not complete, because I am very impatient. I love this series, I hate it has a cliffhanger.

I received Masquerade from Netgalley for an honest review. I will say I found this novella interesting because it explains more about the Board Meeting and interaction that Jakob and Bianca had before they were kidnapped. It also fills in some wholes about the kidnapping itself. It's not completely necessary to read the Novellas in my opinion but they do provide some information that is not provided in the main books (or maybe I am just disgruntled because I sooo want to read Resolution!)

Be assured that I have December 1st marked on my calendar! Can't wait to read the conclusion of this series.

It's been seven days!

I can't believe I haven't blogged in a whole week. It's been busy around here. I promise that I have been reading. I am currently reading the entire Swept Away series by J. S. Cooper. I hope to have a review for you by the end of the week. Since the series is a continuation from one book to the next I thought I would just review the entire series. So far I am really enjoying it. Can't wait to give you a full review!

Meanwhile, don't forget that Letting Go by Jessica Ruddick comes out on the 26th. Check out my review here.

Happy Reading!

All Played Out - Cora Carmack

I always struggle when I review Ms. Carmack's books. I struggle to portray some semblance of an intelligent  person who can put together a review without crazy fan girling on the author. I realize I'm a few years past the target audience for New Adult Fiction. Okay, let's be honest I'm way closer to 40 than I am 30, (according to Wikipedia the target audience for this Genre is 18-30) but I just adore these books soooo much. I find it hard not insert a squee or a woo hoo here or there. In fact I was enjoying this book so much, when I got to the Epilogue I put it down and did some house cleaning just so the story wouldn't be over! I was so sad to see it end. Alright, now that all of that has been said, deep breath. Let me tell you about this story.

All Played Out follows the story of Nell and Mateo (who we know as Torres). Nell is a Rusk University senior about to graduate and realizes she hasn't fully lived the college experience because of her intense focus on her studies. She makes a to-do list of things she wants to accomplish socially before graduation. Mateo is more than willing to help her out with her list and even gives her some interesting list suggestions. This is a witty and charming story of living life to it's fullest. This book is incredibly entertaining, serious when it needs to be, steamy in spots, and just an overall fantastic read. In my January review of All Broke Down I said I loved loved loved it. Well, I loved this one even more. Once again Ms. Carmack has given us a well developed story with loveable characters. Although I anticipate it to be a completely emotional read, I can't wait to read Stella's story.

I was originally going to include a quote or two from the book, but when I looked back I had bookmarked so many things I couldn't choose just a few without practically quoting the whole book and I have already surpassed my normally short and sweet review criteria. I will close with this, add this book to your to-read list, you won't be sorry.

The Consequence of Loving Colton - Rachel Van Dyken

This is a delightful, ridiculously funny and endearing book! Milo and Colton had me in stitches. The best friend Max and his brother Reid were completely hilarious. The main story here is Milo is in love with her brothers best friend, Colton. They are all together for Jason's wedding weekend. This story took a hilarious turn as they all plot to stop said wedding.  Before reading this book I was already a fan of Rachel Van Dyken, I have upped that to complete and utter devotion! This hilarious story will put a smile on your face.



I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Caught Up in You - Kim Boykin

This adorable story takes place in Magnolia Bay. The scenic descriptions in this book made me feel like I was out there on the boat with them. I enjoyed the character interaction and the storyline of this book. Shelby has had a crush on Declan since high school and through college. He's now a successful artist who has come home to tend to his ailing and grumpy father. The only thing I wish was different was the ending, now don't get me wrong, there's a happily ever after. However, it is implied. I wish the epilogue would have been their wedding day instead of their engagement (spoiler). Especially since Declan had a track record of making to the engagement but not down the isle. Of course we know that Shelby is the one, so I guess I'm just being a picky reader at this point. In any case this is a sweet story and a quick read. Overall I enjoyed it immensely.



I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Cinderella's Cowboy - Roxanne Snopek

I did not realize this was book 4 in the This Old House series when I started reading it. It became evident I was missing some back story, but it did not necessarily take away from Cynthia and Chad's story. If anything is made me curious about the other books in this series. With that said, this is a delightful and charming quick read. Cynthia is a determined and hard working woman who has, like most of us, a few insecurities. Chad is a hard working cowboy who at times feels like he is living in his Rodeo Superstar brother's shadow. I love how it all came together in the end. This is a fun light read, a perfect addition to your summer read list.


I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Bachelorette for Sale - Gail Chianese

Cherry Ryan and Jason Valentine are the most adorable book couple. Cherry is a former dating reality star who was looking for love in all the wrong places. Jason is a construction company owner who has sworn off love. Together they make a wonderful pair. This is a delightful, easy read that had me laughing to myself. I enjoyed the characters and their families very much. This is another book with a strong grandmother who kept me smiling, in fact I loved the grandparents story in this book almost as much as the main characters. This is a debut novel for Mrs. Chianese and I am very excited to read more of her work with Tawny and Davids story.

There was so much I liked about this book, but below is a quote from Cherry after Jason asks her to move in with him. I love that she is not willing to bend her expectations. 

"For me, that piece of paper is a promise. It's a promise you know your heart and mean it when you say you want to spend the rest of your life with me. It's a promise that when the going gets tough, you'll stay and fight for me, for us. Your offer is tempting. But I'm looking for someone who can say to me that he wants to wake up next to me for the rest of his life and that I'm worth slaying the dragons of life over, no matter how difficult they may be to defeat. Can you say that? Can you make that promise to me?"



I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Letting Go - Jessica Ruddick

 There are so many things I could say about this book. It is tastefully written, heartfelt, touching, a beautiful story of healing and living. I found myself completely sucked in to this story. Cori is a college student whose boyfriend died in a car wreck. She later finds out that he committed suicide. Luke is also a college student and meets Cori at a fraternity party. He is the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend. Kind and caring and patient.

 One of my favorite lines in the book was this one:
 

"I still had a lot of crap going wrong in my life, like lack of tuition and a dead boyfriend, but for tonight, I was allowing myself to be happy." - Cori

Cori is reflecting on the advice her counselor gave her. It's so true that happiness is a choice. Anyone who has been through adversity will attest to that. Ms. Ruddick did a wonderful job illustrating this concept in her story.

I highly recommend this book! It's due out May 26th!
Pre-order your copy here for $.99 Letting Go - Amazon

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

From Scratch - Rachel Goodman

This is a fun and easy read. Lillie and Nick have not seen each other in 5 years after a really bad ending. So there is an element of betrayal and angst, but it does not overshadow the sweetness of this book. It's a wonderful tale of self discovery and finding what you really want in life. I enjoyed the character interactions and storyline so much. It's a feel good story that will keep you interested and engaged.

A great debut novel for Rachel Goodman, due out July 20th Preorder today!



I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Crave - Jennifer Dawson

Crave is the first book in the Undone series by Jennifer Dawson. Layla tragically lost her fiance three weeks before the wedding. Although this is an Erotic story, there are so many other things going on I found myself completely captivated.

"Someday" I say my voice cracking "I'm going to ask you if you think eighteen months is a long time, and we'll see what your answer is"

This is a story of healing, finding your way after something so horrific has happened to you. Living with the memories, guilt and pain. Although Layla has a supportive family, since her fiance was murdered the submissive part of her personality is floundering. The peace John brought to her life feels irreplaceable. Now enters the scene, Michael, the perfect Alpha male boyfriend. When he was first introduced in the story as a homicide detective, I feared that it would come out that he was there the night John was murdered, fortunately the author did not go there. Michael is everything that has been missing for Layla, and although their relationship seemed volatile at times, they just work as a couple. This story has everything, steam, angst, mystery, misunderstanding, and a happily ever after.

The challenge with a first book in a series, is that the author has to engage the reader enough that they will want to read the next book. Ms. Dawson did just that. I am anxious to read Leo and Jillian's story in Sinful.


Pre-order on amazon - Released June 1st

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Waiting for the One - L.A. Fiore

Welcome to Maine! This is an adorably quirky story about Saffron and Logan. I was laughing out loud at parts and found the characters to be very likeable. Logan is an artist trying to lay low from the spotlight who meets Saffron the small town girl looking for love. Although the theme is familiar I found this story refreshing and funny. The end did seem to be a little Soap Opera "esque" for me but, this is fiction and well anything can happen right? There is so much going on in this story, stalkers, bad parents, good parents, loss of a loved one and much more. Somehow it all works. I especially love the festivals in this book, and I find myself smiling when I think of the swordfish fight or the seaweed queen. There are a few heart wrenching spots in the story, but overall this is a fun and entertaining book and just wicked good.

I have discovered so many authors in the last few months. I look forward to reading other works by Ms. Fiore.