Review: What Would Lizzy Bennet Do? by Katie Oliver

Summary:

When your name is Lizzy Bennet, and the object of your affections just happens to have the surname Darcy, it seems fitting that life should imitate art, and you should end up together – right?

So when a film crew arrive to shoot Pride and Prejudice’ at the Darcy estate next door to the Bennet home, and Hugh Darcy arrives home after 8 years away, Lizzy knows that their time has finally come. Until, that is, he introduces her to Holly – his fiancée…

What is Lizzy to do? It can’t hurt that Holly knows nothing about country life, and that her ex-boyfriend and film star Ciaran Duncan just happens to be the main star of the new movie. And it’s clear that Lady Darcy does not approve of Holly either. Lizzy knows Holly isn’t right for Hugh, but can she make him see that and get her Austen ending after all?

Publication Date: January 15, 1016

Sometimes I just need a book that leaves me with lots of warm and fuzzy feelings. I picked up What Would Lizzy Bennet Do? because I wanted to turn my brain off for the night and just go along with a sweet, silly romance. Although the book worked for me on some levels, I didn’t love it as much as I had hoped.

I adore anything and everything Pride & Prejudice related. Although the setup for this novel was a little corny, I still went with it. I immediately liked the two Darcy brothers and Lizzy provided a lot of comic relief. I would have preferred that most of the story focused on the love triangle between Holly, Lizzy, and Hugh, but the book became riddled with subplots. If the novel was more focused and didn’t seem to throw in strange and unnecessary plot twists, I would have loved it so much more.

If you’re looking for chick lit that is funny and sweet, then I suggest you pick up What Would Lizzy Bennet Do?

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Favorites of 2015: That One Night by Josie Wright

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be sharing a sampling of my favorite books of 2015! The following is my original review of That One Night by Josie Wright. The novel has been newly edited as of December and is also priced at only $2.99 on Amazon.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/That-One-Night-Book-ebook/dp/B010CABSG2
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/That-One-Night-Book-ebook/dp/B010CABSG2

Summary:

All it takes is just one moment to change the course of your life. For me, it was one perfect night.
I have always had a thing for my brother’s best friend, Ben. When I found him on my parents’ couch, drowning his sorrows in a whiskey bottle, my attempts to comfort him quickly turned into a night of raw and intense passion.
My foolish heart hoped he might feel the same way I do.
But Ben wasn’t there to stay and I woke up the next morning alone with a broken heart.
I attempted to forget the guy with a smile to die for and a touch that sets me on fire.
I thought I was over him.
I thought he was gone forever.
Until, eighteen months later Ben returns and learns my secret. Now, he is hell-bent on winning me back.
He plays dirty.
And he won’t stop until he gets what he wants—me.
But he has secrets of his own.
Secrets that could destroy everything we might have and everything we are.

Publication Date: July 2015

Wow, what an incredible debut! I loved That One Night hard. The characters were just so great—very far from the cookie cutter types that have a tendency to pop up in romances. The author is super talented and I can’t wait to read more of her future work.

The adjective that comes to mind when describing Frankie is ballsy. She speaks her mind and is fiercely protective of the people she cares about. She had no many great comebacks that I wished I could channel her from time to time in my own life. Frankie has been through a lot in her young life and has a very world wise quality about her.

Since the book is told in Frankie’s point of view, Ben is a bit of an enigma. I liked him a lot from the get go and I was dying to know why he ran after he spent the night with Frankie. When his secrets are eventually revealed, I was floored. I’m normally fairly good at guessing twists, but not in this case.

Although there is a ton of drama, especially in the final third of the book, That One Night is certainly a character-driven book. The author’s writing made me care about the characters and root for Ben and Frankie to get past their issues and make it work. The romance felt very real to me and I think the fact that Frankie was a young mother was very central to the plot. She made very smart decisions because of her protectiveness of her son.

Fans of contemporary romances will adore That One Night. The writing is beautiful, the sex scenes steamy and the angst off the charts.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Happy New Year! The Ex Trials $0.99 Sale

The Ex Trials is on sale for $0.99 through Wednesday! Grab your copy on Amazon now!

Summary:

One dream vacation in paradise.
One co-ed bachelor and bachelorette party.
One week marooned with my ex.

Six months ago, Casey Silvers ended her scorching romance with sexy rocker Cole Caldwell. None of her friends know the true reason behind her sudden change of heart. Despite her claim of their chemistry fizzling out, her feelings for Cole had never gone away.

After receiving the invitation to her best friend's co-ed bachelor and bachelorette getaway, Casey knows she must once again face Cole. For one week, she'll be forced to party alongside the man who has come to despise her. The tropical cruise is meant to be a trip to paradise, but Casey is certain it will turn out to be a vacation from hell.

But as the ship leaves port, past secrets are revealed--secrets that could change the fate of Casey's romance with Cole. With forces keeping them together, Cole and Casey soon discover that the passion between them has yet to extinguish.

***Standalone New Adult Romance-Ages 17+ Due to Strong Language and Sexual Situations***

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ex-Trials-Falling-Autumn-Book-ebook/dp/B014K8ZWO6

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Trials-Falling-Autumn-Book-ebook/dp/B014K8ZWO6/

Excerpt:

“I’m sorry,” I managed. “I know you probably don’t believe me, but I am so sorry that things turned out the way they did—”

His cheeks reddened and I could instantly tell he hated the pity in my tone. Although I was sincere, Cole would think I was patronizing him. “It’s over and like I said, that’s fine. It would’ve never worked anyway. But I do want us to be friends. I don’t want it to be weird when ever we’re in the same room together.”

“I want that too,” I said hoarsely.

He nodded although his tone remained dry and unfriendly. “You should have fun on the vacation. And if you want to hook up with someone, don’t feel awkward about it… I’m not planning to be a saint on the trip either.”

I could see the knife he had just used to cut out my heart—the serrated edges dripping with fresh blood. Hope had damned me to my own personal hell. Because as tough as I had played it for my friends’ benefits, the god’s honest truth was I had wished for him to see me and feel something again. Like he would look into my eyes and see directly into my heart.

His dangling of our renewed friendship was only a ruse. This was his true purpose. He wanted me to know I’d have to bear witness to him fucking whomever he wanted on vacation. I’d hurt him and he was outlining his plans for revenge against me. For the next seven days, I’d have my heart stomped on each time I saw him with another girl.

“Thanks, but I’ll pass,” I said lifting up my chin. I was certainly at fault for our breakup, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I made mistakes, but I punished myself enough for the both of us.

He frowned. “You pass on what?”

“Your offer of being friends. I considered what you could add to my life as a friend and I’m politely declining,” I said and began to turn away. There had been safety in the fog; why was I allowing his words to penetrate?

His fingers wrapped lightly around my wrist and I stilled. Although I was trying to leave with my dignity intact, I had to admit his hand felt good against my skin. Besides playing guitar, Cole was a union steelworker. The combination left his hands rough and callused. There was something so intoxicating about how masculine his hands felt when he grasped at my bare skin.

“Casey, you were the one who said months ago that neither of us were ready for a commitment. I’m not being an asshole here. I could’ve told everyone about why we broke up, but I didn’t. I let them assume you just wanted to walk away and I didn’t stop you.”

I patted his shoulder heartily. “Thanks for being so grown up about it, Cole. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

He folded his arms across his chest and looked me up and down. I didn’t like the smug look on his face as he caught my eye. His face and posture reminded me of the arrogance that had withered away once we became serious about one another. “Okay, Casey. Game on.”

“What?”

His eyes were unreadable. “I figured if we were friends, we could show each other some respect. Not rub any hookups in the other person’s face. But since you so rudely swatted away my outreached hand—”

I rolled my eyes. “Were you this annoying when we dated? Because I’m surprised we lasted as long as we did.”

He leaned down and whispered in a low rumble, “You still want me. I know you. I know you. I remember how you get defensive when you want to hide what you’re feeling. I get that your pride will keep you from telling me the truth about what really happened between us. And I know that by the time this boat docks back in port, you’ll be in my bed, asking for a another chance.”

I flushed and said in an affronted voice, “In your dreams, creep.”

“Like I said, Casey, game on.” He planted a quick, affectionless peck on the side of my head before sidestepping around me. He walked away confidently back toward our group. Meanwhile, my legs were unable to function. I was very close to collapsing into a feeble puddle on the deck. How was I going to last a week with Cole? Would I win the worst friend of the year award if I abandoned ship right that second?

Review: Luck on the Line by Zoraida Cordova

Summary:

To turn her life around, she’ll have to stand the heat. To fulfill his dreams, he’ll have to get Lucky.

Despite her name, Lucky Pierce has always felt a little cursed. Refusing to settle for less or settle down, she changes jobs as often as she changes boyfriends. When her celebrity chef mother challenges her to finish something, Lucky agrees to help her launch Boston’s next hot restaurant, The Star. Even if it means working with the infuriating, egotistical, and undeniably sexy head chef.

James loves being known as Boston’s hottest bad boy in the kitchen, but if he wants to build a reputation as a serious chef, he has to make this restaurant work and keep his scandalous past out of the headlines. Getting involved with his boss’s spoiled, sharp-tongued daughter is definitely not on the menu.

As the launch of The Star looms and the tension and chemistry heat up in the kitchen, they’re going to need more than a little luck to keep everything from boiling over.

Publication Date: November 11, 2014

This was a cute read with a very likable heroine. I liked the love/hate relationship between the main character Lucky and bad boy chef James. Besides a sexy romance, Luck on the Line is a coming of age story about Lucky figuring out what she should do with the rest of her life.

Lucky is a heroine that I easily found relatable. She’s opinionated and doesn’t shy away from conflict. Although she’s not afraid to stand up for herself, Lucky is struggling to find her place in the world. She’s floated from job to job without figuring out what she wants to do with the rest of her life.

The romance was great in this book. I love stories that feature characters who start out hating each other, but then realize they’re only fighting their undeniable chemistry. The romance was a heavy focus in the plot, but I still felt like the author took enough time to develop Lucky’s character. However, I would’ve liked more insight into Lucky’s relationship with her mom in order to understand her mother’s actions.

Overall, Luck on the Line is a cute romance with a lot of funny one-liners. I did enjoy the author’s writing style, so I’ll definitely be checking out more of her books.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Review: Don't Get Me Wrong by Marianne Kavanagh

Summary:

For fans of Jojo Moyes, David Nicholls, and Sophie Kinsella, here is a Pride and Prejudice for the modern era: Londoners Kim and Harry can’t see eye to eye...until the life of the person they both love most hangs in the balance.

Kim and Harry are total opposites who happen to have the same favorite people in the world: Kim’s older sister, Eva, and her young son, Otis. Kim has never seen what her free-spirited big sister sees in a stuck-up banker like Harry and has spent her childhood trying to keep him out (must he always drive the most ostentatious cars and insist on charming everyone he meets?), while Harry’s favorite occupation is provoking Kim.

Both Harry and Kim are too stuck in their prejudices to care about what’s really going on beneath the surface of each other’s lives. They’ll never understand each other—until the worst of all tragedy strikes. Faced with the possibilities of losing the person they both love most, long-buried secrets come to a head in ways that will change both Harry and Kim forever.

As in her “hilarious, poignant, and profound” (Daily Mail) novel For Once in My Life, Marianne Kavanagh tackles the bonds of family, friendship, and love through sophisticated storytelling. Don’t Get Me Wrong is a witty and heartwarming book that will charm readers everywhere.

Publication Date: August 25, 2015

Don’t Get Me Wrong is a tough book to rate for me. On one hand, I couldn’t put the book down. On the other hand, I really didn’t like how the book concluded and the ending actually made me not like the rest of the story as much. There was so much build-up and then it just ended without delivering on the goods I had expected.

The characters were interesting and I really enjoyed the dynamic between Eva and Harry. I understood how Kim felt like an outsider when the three were together, but some of her reactions were way over the top. I was actually waiting for her to get a good slap across the face and for someone to tell her to wake up and stop acting so bratty.

Harry was great and the scenes told from his POV were my favorite. I think the author did an amazing job with character development. I honestly felt like I was reading about people I knew. I felt so close to the characters, I could begin to anticipate their reactions by the novel’s end.

The pace was fairly good. Some of Kim’s work drama was a little boring to me, but her struggles in her career was part of her overall growth. There were some very sad parts and I did feel myself getting teary-eyed from time to time.

I was really into the story up until the end. I felt totally unsatisfied after pages and pages of “will they?” or “won’t they?” I’d be hesitant to recommend the novel on this basis alone.

Although I didn’t like the ending, I was hooked by the author’s writing and will check out more of her work.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Review: That One Night by Josie Wright

Summary:

All it takes is just one moment to change the course of your life. For me, it was one perfect night.
I have always had a thing for my brother’s best friend, Ben. When I found him on my parents’ couch, drowning his sorrows in a whiskey bottle, my attempts to comfort him quickly turned into a night of raw and intense passion.
My foolish heart hoped he might feel the same way I do.
But Ben wasn’t there to stay and I woke up the next morning alone with a broken heart.
I attempted to forget the guy with a smile to die for and a touch that sets me on fire.
I thought I was over him.
I thought he was gone forever.
Until, eighteen months later Ben returns and learns my secret. Now, he is hell-bent on winning me back.
He plays dirty.
And he won’t stop until he gets what he wants—me.

But he has secrets of his own.
Secrets that could destroy everything we might have and everything we are.

Publication Date: July 2015

Wow, what an incredible debut! I loved That One Night hard. The characters were just so great—very far from the cookie cutter types that have a tendency to pop up in romances. The author is super talented and I can’t wait to read more of her future work.

The adjective that comes to mind when describing Frankie is ballsy. She speaks her mind and is fiercely protective of the people she cares about. She had no many great comebacks that I wished I could channel her from time to time in my own life. Frankie has been through a lot in her young life and has a very world wise quality about her.

Since the book is told in Frankie’s point of view, Ben is a bit of an enigma. I liked him a lot from the get go and I was dying to know why he ran after he spent the night with Frankie. When his secrets are eventually revealed, I was floored. I’m normally fairly good at guessing twists, but not in this case.

Although there is a ton of drama, especially in the final third of the book, That One Night is certainly a character-driven book. The author’s writing made me care about the characters and root for Ben and Frankie to get past their issues and make it work. The romance felt very real to me and I think the fact that Frankie was a young mother was very central to the plot. She made very smart decisions because of her protectiveness of her son.

Fans of contemporary romances will adore That One Night. The writing is beautiful, the sex scenes steamy and the angst off the charts.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Review: Broken by Lauren Layne

Summary:

Lauren Layne’s New Adult novel tells the story of a girl with secrets, a guy with scars, and a love that could save them both... or destroy them.

When Olivia Middleton abandons the glamour of Park Avenue for a remote, coastal town in Maine, everyone assumes she’s being the kind do-gooder she’s always been. But Olivia has a secret: helping an injured war veteran reenter society isn’t about charity—it’s about penance. Only, Olivia’s client isn’t the grateful elderly man she’s expecting. Instead, he’s a brooding twenty-four-year-old who has no intention of being Olivia’s path to redemption . . . and whose smoldering gaze and forbidden touch might be her undoing.

Paul Langdon doesn’t need a mirror to show him he’s no longer the hotshot quarterback he was before the war. He knows he’s ugly—inside and out. He’ll do anything to stay in self-imposed exile, even accept his father’s ultimatum that Paul tolerate the newest caretaker for three months or lose his inheritance. But Paul doesn’t count on the beautiful twenty-two-year-old who makes him long for things that he can never have. And the more she slips past his defenses, the more keeping his distance is impossible.

Now Paul and Olivia have to decide: Will they help each other heal? Or are they forever broken?

Publication Date: September 2, 2014

Broken was so good!!! I loved the plot, loved the characters and I can’t wait to read more from the author. I’ve been really into damaged hero books lately and Broken was one of the best ones I’ve read in a long time.

I liked the female lead Olivia right away. She has her issues: she’s grown up entitled and has never had to own up to her mistakes. As a way to remedy her sins, she takes on a caretaking job for an injured vet named Paul.

Paul isn’t your typical dreamy romance lead. He’s scarred from war—both physically and mentally. Paul has so much hate inside of him and I was really hoping he’d eventually let Olivia in as a way to heal from the past. Olivia and Paul had so much chemistry that the pages sizzled each time they were together.

I sped through this book. The pace was exceptional and I never felt the plot drag at all. Because Paul and Olivia are pretty isolated, the sole focus was mostly on his recovery and her quest for redemption. This kept the story from getting bogged down with too many subplots.

I liked the resolution although I did want a little more. I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters that I fell in love with! I saw there are standalone spin-offs, so I’m hoping the duo pop up again.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Review: Love's Own Reward by Dana Ransom

Summary:

When Charley Carter receives a half-million dollars for rescuing a boy from a burning car, she finds the media frenzy disconcerting and retreats into a self-made protective shell. Hoping to write an expose on this scheming, enigmatic young woman, undercover journalist Jess McMasters instead finds himself succumbing to Charley's beauty, charm, and sincerity.

Publication Date: May 27, 2014

I read a lot of dark and heavy stuff, so sometimes I need a lighter read. Something sweet and romantic just like Love’s Own Reward. I’ll admit it, I love the fluff sometimes! There is drama in the book, but not the kind that ties the reader in knots.

I liked the characters. I didn’t think I would connect with Charley, but she grew on me. I liked how she became less of a doormat as the story progressed. Jess was great too and I liked his complexity. He seemed really torn up over his budding feelings for Charley and trying to get his story.

The pace was a little slow at times, but I did like how their relationship developed. It had a natural feel. The conclusion was solid and I got my HEA.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Review: Untouched by Lauren Hawkeye

Summary:

Alexa Kendrick has no recollection of the car accident that left her scarred and sent her life careening wildly off course. When the half-sister she thought she’d never meet shows up at her door with an invitation to a new life, Alexa finds herself in Florence, Arizona, a town notorious for being populated with more prison inmates than actual citizens…a town that has done its best to hide its own dark secret.

After Ellie is called out of town, she leaves her sister with the keys to her flower shop and Alexa finds herself swapping lives with her sibling: running Ellie’s business, living in the house left to them both by their absentee father…and forging a smoldering relationship with sexy-as-sin penitentiary officer, Nate Fury—a man with his own demons.

But arranging flowers by day and tangling with the only man who has ever seen her real self by night isn’t enough to silence the mysterious panic that fuels Alexa’s dark dreams. When Nate brings home a book written by an inmate, one describing an unspeakable crime, the shackles binding Alexa’s own lost memories begin to shatter. And as the devastating truth comes to light, she realizes that Nate holds the key to unlocking her past, as well as her heart.

Publication Date: December 9, 2014

Untouched was a quick and enjoyable romantic read! I really liked the two leads of the story: Nate and Alexa. The author made me feel an innocent connection to them and I found myself rooting for them early on. Both characters have a lot of trauma in their pasts and I found myself touched by how they helped heal one another.

My only complaint was the speed of the romance. I prefer a little more build-up. Although I wouldn’t say insta-love, they did seem to fall way too quick. However, I still thought they made a sweet couple.

I actually loved the setting in the book. I felt the small-town situated next to a prison helped add to the central mystery. My favorite portions of the book were Alexa trying to unravel the secrets in her family’s past.

Overall, Untouched was a great contemporary romance from an author who has a knack for descriptive, ethereal writing.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Guest Review: Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor

Goodreads Summary:

They meet on a beach. . . . Abby Davis isn’t wearing a skimpy bikini or sipping umbrella drinks, not when she’s busy chasing around four little ones. And Matt McKinney isn’t looking for fun—he’s a Navy SEAL, a grown man with a long list of missions . . . and fallen brothers.

They only have a week. . . . Abby has brought her children to this beach to start over, to give them the enjoyable memories they deserve. Matt’s been sidelined by a combat injury, and haunted by the best friend he lost and the promise he made: to remain a SEAL—focused and dedicated. This leaves no time for what he’s always wanted: a family.

But a week is all it takes. . . . Matt opens her heart while Abby soothes his soul. And though they plan to say good-bye when the week is over, something magical happens on that beach, something neither can forget. Something utterly, completely worth falling for.

Publication Date: September 9, 2014

Jessica's Review:

I really liked the way this book started out. The characters drew me in and the scenes were realistic enough to keep me entertained and wondering what would happen next. But then I got halfway through and it just fell flat. It didn't give you an idea of how much time had passed which would have helped in some areas, and just when the tension was getting good, it ended. I just felt the author could have done a lot more with the story in the second half of the book.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Review: How We Deal With Gravity by Ginger Scott

Goodreads Summary:

When her son Max was diagnosed with autism, Avery Abbot’s life changed forever. Her husband left, and her own dreams became a distant fantasy—always second to fighting never-ending battles to make sure Max was given opportunity, love and respect. Finding someone to fight along her side wasn’t even on her list, and she’d come to terms with the fact that she could never be her own priority again.

But a familiar face walking into her life in the form of 25-year-old Mason Street had Avery’s heart waging a war within. Mason was a failure. When he left his hometown five years ago, he was never coming back—it was only a matter of time before his records hit the billboard charts. Women, booze and rock-n-roll—that was it for him. But it seemed fate had a different plan in mind, and with a dropped record contract, little money and nowhere to go, Mason turned to the only family that ever made him feel home—the Abbots.

Avery loved Mason silently for years—until he broke her heart…completely. But time and life have a funny way of changing people, and sometimes second chances are there for a reason. Could this one save them both?

Publication Date: July 6, 2014

How We Deal With Gravity was a sweet and thought-provoking read. I loved the second chance romance at the heart of the story. I also could relate to the main character’s struggles as she attempts to raise an autistic child while trying to have a life of her own.

The beginning of the book really drew me in. Avery is trying to calm her autistic son Max while he is in the throes of a major public meltdown. Avery’s emotions could be felt through the pages as she tries to stave off the embarrassment of having a child who gets violent when his routine is interrupted. The way she put her son first made her an admirable character that I couldn’t help but root for.

I wasn’t sure at first how I felt about the love interest Mason, but he grew on me. He had obviously made some mistakes in his past and I liked how he tried to make amends for the way he mistreated Avery in high school. The way he connected with Max was also very sweet.

The book flew by and I was shocked over how quickly I finished it. The relationship between Avery and Mason developed naturally. Mason really evolved as a character and I was glad Avery was always able to see his potential. I hated Avery’s ex Adam and I felt horrible over the way he treated his son.

If you’re looking for a contemporary romance with depth and memorable characters, I highly recommend How We Deal With Gravity!

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Review: Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

Goodreads Summary:

The first night after Caroline moves into her fantastic new San Francisco apartment, she realizes she's gaining an intimate knowledge of her new neighbor's nocturnal adventures. Thanks to paper-thin walls and the guy's athletic prowess, she can hear not just his bed banging against the wall but the ecstatic response of what seems (as loud night after loud night goes by) like an endless parade of women. And since Caroline is currently on a self-imposed dating hiatus, and her neighbor is clearly lethally attractive to women, she finds her fantasies keep her awake even longer than the noise. So when the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts Simon Parker, her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. The tension between them is as thick as the walls are thin, and the results just as mixed. Suddenly, Caroline is finding she may have discovered a whole new definition of neighborly...

In a delicious mix of silly and steamy, Alice Clayton dishes out a hot and hilarious tale of exasperation at first sight..

Publication Date: November 27, 2012

This book was the perfect weekend read! Funny, sexy, and light-hearted! I loved the characters and especially enjoyed the gradual friends to lovers relationship between Caroline and Simon.

I had held off for a bit on reading this book because the description made me a little leery. I expected to be turned off by Simon and the parade of women he brings into his apartment. But he wasn’t the stereotypical jerk who treats women as if they’re easily disposable. He’s sweet and funny and had amazing chemistry with Caroline. Caroline was great too and her inner monologue was really hysterical. She had great female friend relationships and was very career-oriented.

I had expected the relationship to progress super quick, but it was a slow-building romance. I liked reading how Caroline and Simon got to know each other and the hijinks that ensued before they became intimate. Caroline’s cat led to a few super silly moments that had me snorting while reading.

If you were looking to turn off your brain for a few hours and just read something fun and sweet, then I’d highly recommend Wallbanger.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Review: Getting By by Claudia Y. Burgoa

Getting By ~ A Knight’s Tale I by Claudia Y. Burgoa is a new-adult contemporary romance novel, published February 18, 2014.

Synopsis:

When Emma Anderson arrived at San Francisco International Airport, she regretted accepting the distinction of being the maid of honor to Gaby’s—her childhood friend—wedding. It had been years since the last time she set foot in Menlo Park, where her parents had been killed. The rug where she had been shoving her feelings since that day looked bumpier than a camel’s hump. Who could blame her; if she hadn’t been selfish they’d still be around. Ever since that fateful day, Emma has been perfecting the knack of Getting By.

Cade’s wedding in Menlo Park—a city close to San Francisco—might be the perfect place for Jake Knight to shake the memories of his ex, Emma Anderson for good. Single, available women galore for an entire week was the perfect medication, one he intended to take three times a day for an entire week to return to his player days. It was a plan the former spy thought flawless until he came face to face with the maid of honor. Jake’s perfect retreat turns into a flight, fight or hide week of celebrations.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19305020-getting-by

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Knights-Tale-Claudia-Burgoa-ebook/dp/B00II6IKLO

Excerpt from Getting By:

Nights meant sleep and dreams—my archenemies. The Crowley to my Dean Winchester, the Green Goblin to my Spider-man, the list of superheroes and their opposites was long, and so became the analogies I used on a daily basis. My lack of sleep began with Dad and his conditions for me to continue my art. Then came my parents’ deaths. Those took a toll on me because I mixed dreams with realities and hopes. Not once did I have a nightmare, all of them were sweet and real. Seeing Mom and Dad on those nights filled my gut with nails, and my head pounded with the reminder that they were gone the next morning. Those had been merely fantasies that would never become a reality.

For the past three months I had been evading sleep and working overtime, over the overtime. The dreams of elevators, trips to sophisticated-secluded spots after a week of work and delicious nights with a man who I was required to forget in order to move on, came daily—nightly. They not only hit me with vengeance, but they came tangled with what humans liked to call hope. The urge to crawl inside myself to avoid the need of his touch, kisses and whatever it was that we had not long ago, consumed me. If I had the powers to morph into an animal, it’d be a sea turtle and I’d stay inside my shell for the next hundred years. Past the stage of melancholy and into the real world, I pushed my body outside of the bed and into the shower, where I got ready to face the Clements and the house next door.

About the Author:

Claudia lives in Colorado with her family and three dogs. Two beagles who believe they are human, and a bichon who thinks she’s a beagle. While managing life, she works as a CFO at a small IT Company. She’s a dreamer who enjoys music, laughter and a good story. Claudia is currently working on Standing By, the second book in the Knight series.

Website: http://www.claudiayburgoa.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7202946.Claudia_Y_Burgoa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaYBurgoa

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yuribeans

  

My Review:

Getting By was a unique contemporary romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. It had several elements that made it stand out and I know it’s not a book I’ll forget anytime soon. I found the characters likable and I really hoped that Jake and Emma would be able to make their relationship work.

Emma was a good female lead and I felt for her. She was truly a survivor and had experienced so much heartbreak in her life. It was nice to see she didn’t let her past define her and she had carved out a successful career.

I wasn’t sure I’d like Jake at first. But since part of the story is also told from his POV, it was good to see his side of things and realize he had more depth than I first thought. I actually liked him and his brothers a lot, so it was a good way to set things up for future books.

The book moved at a good pace and the dual POV didn’t slow it down at all. It was a lot of will they and won’t they back and forth which had me anxious to see how things would work out. My only complaint would be the writing was a little confusing at times. It didn’t always flow and it made me confused over what the characters were talking about. The characters had quirky senses of humor and I didn’t always get their jokes.

All in all, an enjoyable read with realistic characters and a romance filled with plenty of angst.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

I received a complimentary copy of Getting By for review purposes.

Review: Crazy for You by Juliet Rosetti

Summary:

In the tradition of Janet Evanovich and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Juliet Rosetti ups the ante in her laugh-out-loud funny Escape Diaries series, as Mazie Maguire must use any means necessary to keep her main squeeze out of the slammer.

Once you escape from prison and ride off into the sunset with the gorgeous guy who helped you nail a killer, you live happily ever after, right? Well, not exactly—not if you’re Mazie Maguire, and the flow chart of your life looks like a pinball machine. Mazie has broken up with her guy, Ben Labeck, she can’t pay her rent, her car is infested with mice, and she’s working at a coffee shop where the dress code is teddies, thongs, and toe-cleavage heels. Now Ben is the chief suspect in a murder investigation, and Mazie’s tapping into her fugitive wiles to keep him out of jail. Strictly as friends, she vows. No kissing, no touching, no romance. But how is Mazie supposed to keep her thoughts platonic when her “buddy” is giving her erotic back rubs, and a make-believe-we’re-newlyweds charade puts her in the mood for a wedding night?

Publication Date: December 9, 2013

This was a cute and funny read. Mazie was quite the character and I loved her antics while she attempted to help solve a murder mystery. She had great chemistry with Ben and I can’t wait to read future books about the duo.

Crazy for You is the second book in the Life and Love on the Lam series. Although I hadn’t read the first book, it was easy to get into the plot. A brief overview of the last book is given, but I didn’t feel like it was done as an info dump. I liked Mazie’s sense of humor right off of the bat and like the blurb suggests the book is reminiscent of the Stephanie Plum series.

Mazie and Ben were hysterical once they came together to solve the murder. There chemistry was sweet and steamy. It definitely makes me curious to see how they got together in the first novel. Along with Mazie and Ben, I enjoyed the secondary characters and loved how their quirks added a lot of flair to the plot.

The pacing was excellent and I never grew bored of the plot. There were a lot of editing issues, but since I did have an ARC I’ll assume the copy was cleaned up before publication. There was a little bit of predictability when it came to the plot, but it was the perfect book for me to just turn my brain off for the night and enjoy the ride. Readers of romantic suspense who enjoy unique protagonists will love this series.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of Crazy for You for review!

Review: Sempre by J.M. Darhower

Summary:

Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco had vastly different childhoods. Haven, a second-generation slave, grew up isolated in the middle of the desert, her days full of hard work and terrifying abuse. Carmine, born into a wealthy Mafia family, lived a life of privilege, never having to answer for anything he did.

Both now seventeen, a twist of fate causes their worlds to collide, making them question everything they ever believed. Entangled in a web of secrets and lies, they learn that while different on the surface, they have more in common than anyone would think

Publication Date: January 29, 2012

Sempre was a pleasant surprise. I’ve read a few romances with a mob setting and sometimes they don’t work for me. Sempre was sweet and sexy and I really liked the main characters and thought they had great chemistry.

Haven was such a strong character. My heart hurt when I read all that she had endured during the years she spent abused and kept as a slave by the Antonellis. Dr. DeMarco takes her in, but she is still a prisoner and lives in fear over whether or not he will eventually kill her.

Carmine was the quintessential bad boy, but I liked that his flaws didn’t magically disappear as soon as he met Haven. Haven does help change him for the better, but their romance felt very realistic. Their relationship has its ups and downs and a lot of it comes from Carmine’s broodiness and Haven’s naïveté.

The side characters were well done and I especially liked Carmine’s brother and his best friend Dia. They weren’t afraid to call Carmine on his BS and also become good friends to Haven. The bad guys in the books were seriously scary and the world building was done well.

My only complaint was the book was slow at times. The beginning and the end were very exciting, but the middle felt like it dragged. The novel is long and I felt a few of the scenes where Carmine is trying to teach Haven basic things like playing video games, driving a car and going grocery shopping, could have been cut.

Overall, I really enjoyed Sempre and after that ending I can’t wait to read the sequel. Although the main characters are teens, the book is for mature readers.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of Sempre for review!

Review: Cheating on Myself by Erin Downing

Goodreads Summary:

What happens when good enough just isn't enough anymore?

Stella Dahl assumed her life was as good as it was ever going to get. But after twelve years with a man who’s more a habit than husband material, she walks out on her bland existence, determined to start over. Goaded by her friends and a group of crass retirees she befriends at water aerobics, Stella plunges back into the dating pool. After a few false starts, she meets Joe, the sexy banjo player in a popular children’s band. He’s cocky, a smirking flirt, and a musician...everything she’s *not* looking for in a guy. Even still, she begins to fall — hard.

Just when Stella is beginning to think she could find true happiness, a family tragedy turns her world upside down. As she tries to hold together everything that’s crumbling around her, Stella starts slipping back into old habits — and away from Joe. Soon, she begins to wonder: Is she really destined for anything more than a life that’s good enough?

For fans of Jennifer Weiner and Kristan Higgins, CHEATING ON MYSELF is a touching, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about starting over and finding your happily ever after

Publication Date: October 2, 2013

I really enjoyed Cheating on Myself more than I expected. The premise didn’t sound like something I would really be into, but I’ve read another book by the author so I decided to give it a shot. I’m glad I did because I found it to be a fun romantic comedy about discovering yourself for the first time in years.

The setup was simple enough. Stella finally decides she’s had enough of a dead-end relationship. She works for a marketing firm and she’s been in a relationship with a corporate guy. It was fun to see her step out of her comfort zone and go for a member of a children’s band. Her relationship with Joe leads to some funny laugh out loud moments.

The workplace drama and dynamics were a little dull for me, but that’s more of a personal preference. Otherwise, I liked how Stella grew as a character and decided to stop trying to mold herself into the perfect woman for a man who would never commit. Stella was exasperating at times, but her sense of humor and wit made me cheer for her over the course of the novel.

I would recommend this read for lovers of contemporary romances with humor. It was a quick read for me and I would definitely read another book by the author.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

I received a copy of this novel from the author for review.

Review: Rush Me by Allison Parr

Goodreads Summary:

When post-grad Rachael Hamilton accidentally gatecrashes a pro-athlete party, she ends up face-to-face with Ryan Carter, the NFL’s most beloved quarterback.

While most girls would be thrilled to meet the attractive young millionaire, Rachael would rather spend time with books than at sporting events, and she has more important things to worry about than romance. Like her parents pressuring her to leave her unpaid publishing internship for law school. Or her brother, who’s obliviously dating Rachael’s high school bully. Or that same high school’s upcoming reunion.

Still, when Ryan’s rookie teammate attaches himself to Rachael, she ends up cohosting Friday night dinners for half a dozen football players.
Over pancake brunches, charity galas, and Alexander the Great Rachael realizes all the judgments she’d made about Ryan are wrong. But how can a Midwestern Irish-Catholic jock with commitment problems and an artsy, gun-shy Jewish New Englander ever forge a partnership? Rachael must let down her barriers if she wants real love–even if that opens her up to pain that could send her back into her emotional shell forever.

Publication Date: April 8, 2013

What a fun and cute romance! Rush Me has reignited my love for sports themed romances and I’m eager to read the rest of the books in the series. I loved the normal everyday girl and famous football angle and despite the angst of the main character, I was hoping for a happy ending between Rachel and Ryan.

Rachel was a very neurotic main character, but although she’s quirky, I still liked her. She felt real and I loved her cluelessness regarding football. NFL quarterback Ryan strays far from the artsy type of guy she usually goes for. They pretty much start fighting from the moment they meet and a dislike for one another transforms into romantic feelings.

Ryan was swoonworthy. Movie star characters in books never do it for me, but throw in a football player and I’m melting. He comes off as very arrogant at first, but I loved him by the end. I liked how Rachel was able to peel back the layers and see Ryan was much more than a “dumb jock.”

The romance was tumultuous and a few of the characters’ fights were a little over the top. This was one of those books where I felt like the underlying message was be yourself and true love will follow. In reality, I kept thinking a catch like Ryan would drop Rachel in a hot minute. But Rachel works through a lot of her issues and she seemed to grow a lot in the last third of the book.

The writing was good and I liked the secondary characters a lot, especially Rachel’s roommate and Abe. I hope to see more of the football players in subsequent books. A few subplots could’ve been trimmed, but I thought a few of them were cute like the musical Pride and Prejudice. Overall, a cute and angsty contemporary romance I’d highly recommend.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this novel for review!

Blog Tour Stop and Review: Now and Then by Brenda Rothert

Now and Then (Now #1)
by Brenda Rothert
Release Date: 08/04/13

Summary from Goodreads:

Now Emmaline Carson is a sharp, settled graphic designer who loves painting, cooking and girls’ night out with her older sister Layla. But then – in the years before she went to art school in Paris – she was a shy, awkward teenager with frizzy hair, a flat chest and a massive crush on the boy across the street, Cole Marlowe. Too bad her incredibly hot neighbor only had eyes for Layla.
Cole is now a confident, laid-back attorney who’s even hotter than he used to be. He’s planning to stay single while working his way up the corporate ladder – until he’s knocked off course by a chance run-in with Emma.
Everything is different between Cole and Emma now. He finally sees her in a way she only dreamed of, and their hot chemistry is fueled by a growing friendship. But Emma’s deception of her sister – who wants Cole for herself – and the secret Cole’s been keeping for more than a decade threaten to tear apart what’s only just begun. Because sometimes the only thing standing in the way of now is then.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18210731-now-and-then?ac=1

Link to blog tour schedule: http://yaboundbooktours.blogspot.com/2013/08/blog-tour-sign-up-now-and-then-by.html

Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Now-Then-Series-ebook/dp/B00EC197UC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375991430&sr=8-1&keywords=now+and+then+brenda+rothert

About the Author
Brenda Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories. These days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres.

Author Links:
http://www.brendarothert.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7010859.Brenda_Rothert
https://twitter.com/BrendaRothert
https://www.facebook.com/brenda.hastyrothert/about

My Review:

This was a very sweet and emotional love story. I not only liked the romance between Emma and Cole, but the depiction of sibling rivalry. Emma and Layla have a complicated relationship and I felt for Emma as Cole put more strain on their already tumultuous relationship.

Emma was sympathetic at the start: growing up she was always in her sister’s shadow and harbored a secret crush on her neighbor Cole. You could see why she fell for Cole, he genuinely came across as a nice guy and the sexy scenes were very hot. Layla is high maintenance and has a thing for Cole, so Emma keeps their relationship a secret.

I love underdog love stories so this one really touched my heart. Emma made some downright stupid choices though and it made me want to shake her. I really enjoyed seeing the Emma of “now” and “then” and thought it was a great way to build character development.

If you love contemporary romances, I would definitely recommend Now and Then. It wasn’t merely a fluff read and really explored the complexities of relationships between sisters.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

I received this book as part of the Now and Then blog tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Wrong Billionaire's Bed by Jessica Clare

Goodreads Summary:

The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success--at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They're just not always as successful when it comes to love... 

Audrey Petty's always been the responsible one. The good twin.  Successful, dependable, and trustworthy--that's Audrey. She'd be the perfect girlfriend for her childhood crush, billionaire Cade Archer...except that she's pretty sure she's not even on his radar. But when fate (and her chaotic twin) come together, Audrey finds out that she'll be spending the next month with Cade at his remote cabin retreat. It's a dream come true...
 
Until she meets her worst nightmare.
 
Billionaire playboy Reese Durham is used to seducing women to get what he wants. But when stiff, too-proper Audrey bursts into the private mountain lodge and scares his companion out the door, it's time for a little revenge. It's clear that Audrey's in love with his buddy, Cade...and it's clear to Reese that blackmailing Audrey with this information can get her to agree to just about anything. Like furtive kisses in the dark, or a secret rendezvous in the woods. Audrey may think she knows what she wants, but Reese is determined to show her what she needs.
 
And as Reese discovers the volatile minx behind the buttoned-up exterior, he starts to think maybe she's just what he needs, too.

Publication Date: October 15, 2013

This was a steamy and quick read that I stayed up late to finish. Reese and Audrey had major chemistry and the sexy scenes were very hot. Although the plot was pretty formulaic, it was still a good read.

This is the first book I’ve read in the series, but it works as a standalone. The novel is a little different than what I normally read, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. From the opening scene where Audrey interrupts Reese in a hot tub with another woman, I could tell these two characters were going to work well as a couple.

Reese was such a cocky playboy, I was just waiting for Audrey to bring him down a notch. I loved how he started out as the one in control, but Audrey was able to surprise him and bring him to his knees. Audrey’s character was great too and it was fun to see how wild Reese could get the normally prim and proper woman.

There weren’t a lot of surprises on where the novel was heading, but it still was a great escapist read. I’d be curious to read the other books in the series since the secondary characters seemed intriguing. If you’re looking for a fun and sexy contemporary romance, then you should definitely pick up The Wrong Billionaire’s Bed.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this novel for review!

Blog Tour and Review: Remembering Joy by Jenni Moen

Goodreads Summary:

Alexis doesn’t believe in fairytales. She knows first hand that life can turn on a dime – that one stupid mistake can shatter dreams and irrevocably shape the future. Even though her memory of that day is hazy, she has spent the last ten years trying to put it behind her and focus on the future.

Armed with the knowledge that her career will be her only legacy, Alexis works night and day to prove that she is more than just her last name. It’s not only that she doesn’t have time for love – she doesn’t have the heart for it. After all, there’s no point in starting something that you can’t finish.

However, when she meets Adam, she’s drawn to him in a way even she can’t deny. He is dark and brooding and strangely charming. He’s the perfect distraction from the mundane life she’s created for herself. And, as if fate is pushing them together, he seems to be around every corner. It’s enough to almost make her entirely forget about her past and take a chance.

Unfortunately, Adam’s memory isn’t hazy . . . not in the least. And, what she doesn’t remember, he can’t forget. *Mature New Adult/Adult novel – contains adult situations and sexuality and is suited for ages 18 and up*

Publication Date: June 7, 2013

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18043503-remembering-joy 

Amazon Link:

 http://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Joy-ebook/dp/B00D84R5AI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371212412&sr=8-1&keywords=remembering+joy

Additional Buy Links:

B&N:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/remembering-joy-jenni-moen/1115519406?ean=2940016679501&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-TnL5HPStwNw-_-10:1&r=1

Kobo:

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/remembering-joy/book-OpHL7pV2M0WOns3_6z7HlA/page1.html

Author Info:

Facebook Author Profile Link:  

www.facebook.com/authorjennimoen

 Goodreads Profile Link: 

 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7123609.Jenni_Moen

Website Link: 

 www.jennimoen.com

Twitter Link:

 https://twitter.com/JenniMoen

Author Bio:

Jenni Moen lives in her hometown in Oklahoma with her husband and three crazy, exuberant kids that have the potential to burn the house down at any moment.

When she’s not chauffeuring kids around town, performing her mom duties as a short order cook and maid, or vacuuming for her fastidious husband, she hammers away at her keyboard at her big girl job as a patent attorney. While vodka and exercise have provided some relief from the daily grind, it is reading … and now writing … that are her true escapes.

My Review:

For some reasons, I adore love stories where the main characters start off not liking one another. I really enjoy watching the transformation from dislike to love. Remembering Joy takes this one step further with the love interest Adam hating Alexis and wishing to exact revenge against her for the wrongs he feels she has committed.

Remembering Joy was very well done and I really enjoyed the chemistry between Adam and Alexis. Both of the main characters are complex and damaged and it could’ve led to a very destructive relationship. Instead I loved how they were able to heal one another and create something beautiful out of a horrible tragedy.

The pacing was good and I liked how the story is told from Alexis and Adam’s point of views. Adam was really hard to cheer for at first because of his actions, but I was pleased that the author didn’t paint him beyond redemption. As the mystery unfolds about why he hates Alexis, the reader is able to understand his motivations much better. Alexis was likable but I wished she were a stronger female character. It was sad to me that she felt like she warranted Adam’s mistreatment.

I loved the themes of love, healing and redemption touched upon during the story. The ending resolved everything nicely and I was glad that the characters had evolved. I would definitely recommend this to fans of contemporary romances with a twist.

Rating; 4/5 Stars

I received a copy of this book for review as part of the blog tour.