May 30, 2014

Don't Fall by Rachel Schieffelbein

In this contemporary retelling of Rapunzel, seventeen-year-old Anya leads a secluded life in a house on the edge of town with her adopted mother. She doesn't go to public school, doesn't even have a best friend. But Anya doesn't seem to mind. She has her books, her photography, and her daydreams and would do anything to please her mom.


Until one day at the library, the only place Anya is allowed to go alone, she takes a picture of a beautiful boy. Before long she's lying to her mom, and sneaking out to meet Zander. But Zander wants more than a secret romance. If Anya wants to be with the boy of her dreams, she's going to have to risk her relationship with the only other person she's ever cared about.

Totally cute retelling of Rapunzel. It's got all the elements of the classic fairy tale but set in modern day Minnesota. We have the parallels of: the tower hidden in the depths of the forest (hello, home at the edge of town); Rapunzel (hello, Anya); and, of course, the prince (hello, Zander)! The story is light hearted and moves quite quickly. In fact, I almost hated how quickly Zander fell in love with Anya as I'm not totally for the whole "love at first sight" ideal. As I was reading,  I kept thinking up crazy twists in the story--reasons why Anya's mother would keep her so sheltered her whole life. When the first hint dropped: she was adopted at the age of three, I instantly thought "uhhh, what if she's keeping her hidden because Anya was really KIDNAPPED by her "mother" in order to replace her REAL daughter?" lol. So I wasn't quite right on that one but I did feel for Anya's mother when I eventually learned of the circumstances around the death of her biological daughter. You sort of understand but it's still a really messed up situation. Regardless of that, though, Don't Fall was definitely a nice summer read--sweet and easy!





Purchase the Kindle edition of Don't Fall now:
 

May 27, 2014

Blog Tour: Perfectly Messy by Lizzy Charles


Purchase the Kindle edition of Perfectly Messy now:
 

Popularity isn't everything it's cracked up to be. Justin Marshall knows this better than most. For the captain of the basketball team, small business owner, and son of Minnesota's next governor, life can get pretty overwhelming. But Justin can handle anything as long as he has Lucy, the girl who fell for the man he’s trying to be.


But for Justin and Lucy, finding time together proves challenging. Stolen kisses and whispered promises just aren't enough. That is, until scandalous photos of the couple are leaked to a press intent on creating a juicy scandal during Justin's dad's gubernatorial campaign. And when Lucy becomes fair play for the tabloids and gossip pages, Justin does the only thing he can to protect her: he breaks her heart.

For Lucy, junior year is everything she hoped it would be: new friends, second chances, and a boyfriend she can’t stop kissing. That is, until the boy she’s pretty sure she loves chooses the life his family wants for him, over her.

Now it’s up to Lucy to teach him what it really means to have everything. Because for Justin, being who everyone needs him to be just might cost him the one person he can’t live without.


For the majority of the book, I really wanted to kick Justin. I was so annoyed that he seemed so perfect in EWY but then he's so...well, not perfect in PM!! I guess that may have been the point and OH did he live up to that. At many times during the book,  wanted to kick him for making stupid decisions lol. Guess it makes him more realistic. I find myself wanting to kick DH in the pants every now and then, too lol. That being said, I still swooned just as much with some of those lines that come out of Justin's mouth!! Holy heart-melt!! I totally understand why Lucy feels like she's going to wake up from a dream sooner or later. 

I really felt for him and Lucy when they were going through all the "paparazzi" problems. I've seen firsthand how harsh social media can be, especially if it's negative and you're on the receiving end of that. It's senseless and cruel--bullying at its finest. I think that Lizzy touched on a really sensitive and very real issue that teens, in general, deal with these days (a whole lot more than we were exposed back in the day). 

This book was a great continuation of Lizzy Charles' first book, Effortless With You. It definitely added to the series and enriched the story which isn't always the case in a lot of series. I loved that this book was a continuation to Lucy and Justin's story.  Even moreso, I loved that it was more a book about Justin (as EWY was more a book about Lucy). It allowed for more development of both characters and, of course, of their relationship. I find that a lot of times, I'm left with the "they get together and they live happily ever after". I hate being left wanting more and I was most definitely not disappointed with Perfectly Messy. I must say, though, the only thing I'm still crossing my fingers for  is more Alex!!



About the Author


When Lizzy Charles isn’t scrambling to raise her two spunky toddlers or caring for premature and sick babies as a neonatal intensive care nurse, she’s in a quiet corner writing or snuggled up with a novel and a few squares of dark chocolate. Black tea keeps her constant and she loves guacamole. She married her high school sweet heart, a heart-melting musician, so it’s no surprise she’s fallen in love with writing contemporary YA romance novels.

May 23, 2014

Cover Reveal: This Summer by Katlyn Duncan

Coming July 2014

Before college, before responsibilities, Hadley Beauman and best friend Lily are determined to have a summer to remember. There will be all the usual dramas - ex-boyfriends who don't seem to know what 'ex' means, pesky younger brothers with unrequited crushes, but what Hadley didn't anticipate was the out-of-the-blue return of the seriously hot boy-next-door, Will Carson. The boy who broke her heart when he skipped town two years ago.

Will may have shot up a foot and filled out (oh yes), but inside he carries the weight of guilt - for leaving, for coming back... Now he's just passing through to tie up loose ends but it's clear the old chemistry still crackles between him and Hadley. Trouble is, it's built on two years of lies...

This summer might just be the best time of their lives, but is Hadley ready for everything to change - again?


About the Author


Katlyn Duncan was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.

Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.

Connect with Katlyn Duncan on:

     


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May 22, 2014

Release Day Blitz: Welcome to Paradise Box Set & Happy Endings by S.L. Scott




BOX SET SUMMARY

I thought I was strong… But I wasn’t when it came to Evan Ashford.

The rich, cocky playboy I met within minutes of landing in Hawaii didn’t give me arrogance. He gave me his heart and his hard truths. In return, I gave him everything, including my trust. The man made me weak in the knees, but I soon learned the bad boy surfer had a reputation that preceded him and an image to uphold.

The sexual chemistry was unquestionable, our emotions irrational, but our love was undeniable. Together our pasts didn’t matter. Our different backgrounds were irrelevant. He made me feel his life wasn’t worth living without me in it. He took my breath away and saved each one of them, owning me wholly.

Evan became my life, but with all the obstacles that stood in our way, could he become my future?


NOVELLA SUMMARY

Life was perfect. Paradise was found in the arms of a redeemed bad boy. Evan Ashford’s cocky side didn’t stand a chance against true love. He pursued me with an unbridled determination, a passion that couldn’t be denied, winning me over. Our lives are now set… or should have been. But nothing stays perfect forever and happiness comes with a price.

We’ve paid that price.

Sometimes we may not get the answers we seek, but we’ve learned to cherish the gifts we’ve been given. It doesn’t matter what life throws at us or takes away, we’ve found love and we will fight for what matters most—family. 






EXCERPT

A lighter appears in front of me. Without bothering to look up, I move forward into the fire. I try to ignore the ridiculously handsome guy as he tries to pick me up after sending his girlfriend away.

He's unsettling and… confusing, and apparently doesn't take a hint, so I make myself crystal clear. "Just so you know, your bullshit lines won't work on me. Anyway, I'm sure there's a fresh batch of girls about to land who are looking for that fling they will always remember and reflect upon fondly for the rest of their lives."

The Hawaiian God's heat emanates from beside me.

He's too good looking.

He's too close.

"Speaking of bullshit, a thank you would be nice," he says, moving to stand in front of me.

"For what?" I ask.

"For the light."

"Thank you," I mumble, rolling my eyes and wishing my ride was here to save me from this situation.

"That didn't sound sincere."

"That's because it wasn't." I tilt my head, take a long drag, and look up into his blue eyes. Yep, it's official. He's too good looking with bad intentions mixed in. That combination does all kinds of tingly things to me—good and bad.

May 21, 2014

The Romeo Club by Rebekah L. Purdy


Purchase the Kindle edition of The Romeo Club now:
 


What happens when you agree to help your brother “de-nerdify” so he can catch the attention of the popular Chloe Anders, and to everyone's surprise, he actually lands her? 

And what if his equally geeky friends come running with girl wish lists of their own, offering money for your services? 

Well, if you’re sixteen-year-old, Delyla Denson, then you start The Romeo Club. A secret club where she’ll teach these guys how talk, act, and be cool around girls. It’s a win-win situation. 

She’ll get enough money for the awesome prom dress she’s had her eye on, and the guys, well, they’ll get dates and maybe learn how to do something other than beat the next level on their video games.

There are only two problems with this plan. One, her quarterback/track star boyfriend is getting jealous of how much time she’s spending away from him and decides to try and figure out what’s going on. And two, Delyla is kind of falling for her brother’s BFF, Trey who she’s been hanging out with a lot more. And who thanks to her help, has caught the attention of the beautiful, perfect, and popular, Portia Rickard. With Portia and Trey heating up, Delyla realizes that maybe the person she’s meant to be with has been in front of her all this time. 

But falling for Trey means she’ll have to take drastic measures including sabotage, with a capital S.


Alright, so I was a bit skeptical when I picked up this book. The premise was a bit odd to me--helping a bunch of nerds change themselves to get girls. WELP, I was pleasantly surprised! It was definitely a cute story. Some of the elements actually reminded me a lot of the How To series by Cassie Mae that I love so much. I guess the whole nerds-are-better-lovers theme!! Really, nerds cannot be discounted in life. They're generally the coolest people--and some of the nicest, kindest that I know. Delyla wasn't the worst female lead I've come across lately, however, I don't know how I feel that she was so "blind" to Trey's affection for her for so long. Almost made me feel like she was really undeserving in the end. I think part of my dislike for her was due to her pettiness and her attempts to sabotage whatever was going on between Portia and Trey. Not a big fan of that sort of drama. I was also really hoping that something would happen between her and Carter. I almost felt bad for Trey because I felt like he wasn't the best match for Delyla. The chemistry between Trey and Delyla wasn't off the pages for me so I wasn't in total awe of The Romeo Club but it was not a bad read!

May 15, 2014

Blog Tour: Spotlight by Krista Richmond



Spotlight by Krista Richmond
“He’s Hollywood premieres, and I’m small-town newspaper. Where can this possibly go?”

Release Date: 22nd May 2014


Published by: The Writers Coffee Shop
Available from: AmazonKoboBarnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

As both a fan and a journalist, Lily Richards often wonders what role the media plays in creating the phenomenon that is actor Daniel Brighton. Personally, she prefers to report her favorite celebrity’s latest role rather than his latest dining companion—but she knows others in her profession don’t always agree.

A chance encounter with Daniel at a press junket gives Lily the opportunity to prove she’s not like other journalists. But Nate Brennan—Daniel’s publicist—isn’t convinced of Lily’s altruistic nature. He’s baffled by his client’s sudden preference for the no-name columnist, and when they are forced to work together, their professional battles soon lead to personal sparks.

As Lily becomes more involved in the world of entertainment media, she must balance what she feels is appropriate celebrity coverage with the personal relationships she now holds dear.

How much is too much when you’re standing near the glare of the Spotlight?


Excerpt

Bulbs started flashing. The buzz in the room tripled in volume. And Lily’s heart hammered away in her chest as all the attention in the room focused on one person.

His slightly uneven walk contrasted with the graceful way he folded his lanky frame into a chair placed at the middle of the table on the platform stage. He looked tired as he reached for one of the cups of coffee provided for him, but happy to be there. Lily could tell that he was nervous about facing a room full of reporters by the swift move of his long fingers over the stubble covering his chin. She had no way of knowing if the other journalists in the room had picked up on this habit.

With a soft smile and quiet “hello” to the crowd, things got started. Lily tried to pay attention to the questions that were being asked and the responses to them, but found herself drawn to watching Daniel. The way he handled the onslaught of questions was rather fascinating. It was clear that he took each one seriously. He held eye contact with whoever posed the question and answered them directly. He took a moment to form his answer, wanting to be as honest as possible. And those answers turned out to be thoughtful and, quite frequently, clever.

The press conference moved at a brisk pace. The reporters all wanted the opportunity to ask Daniel at least one thing since he was the big draw for this movie. Lily patiently waited her turn. Her hand went up, and she caught the eye of the person holding the audience’s microphone. He gave her a slight nod, indicating that she’d be next. While she waited, she locked eyes with a man to the right of the stage who seemed startlingly familiar. She held his gaze for a beat, trying to place him, but couldn’t before it was her turn.

Lily took the microphone when it was passed to her, gripping it so hard that her knuckles turned white. She bit down on her bottom lip and took a deep breath in through her nose as Daniel finished answering the previous question.

Lily had no idea what had been asked.

After a beat of silence, the organizer pointed to her. “Right up front, Daniel.”

Here goes nothing.


About the Author


Krista Richmond is a journalist, pop culture enthusiast and a true Southern girl at heart. When she isn’t writing, she’s often in her kitchen, attempting to recreate recipes created by her favorite Food Network personalities, or at her local theater, catching the latest blockbuster (or indie flick).
A graduate of Tennessee Tech University and the University of Tennessee with degrees in communications, she worked in print journalism for several years. Now, she works in marketing in southern Louisiana.


Follow her adventures on Twitter at @KristaRichmond.


Connect with Krista Richmond on:
   

Praise:
Ms. Richmond has a very conservative writing style but overlooking the formality came a great storyline complete with great character development, There were surprising little twists and plot shifts that made this book stand out from all the others. -Talk Books To Me

I was really looking forward to reading this book. I don't know why but I really like reading about writers, and part of what I really liked about the book and the writing was how the author made the character of Lily a very ethical writer, and in this day in age when tabloid journalism is so rampant, it was kind of refreshing really Lily's point of view on how covering the entertainment industry should be done.  -Home. Love. Books

Lily Richards has the kind of fairytale life that 20 years ago I wished I had. Her work - and a little stalking - has resulted in a friendship with the hottest actor on the planet, but it's his publicist she can't stop thinking about. I'm so glad Richmond took Lily in this direction, because having her fall for the actor would have been too much of a Mary Sue move. Nate is great, and I loved their e-mail exchanges. A lovely debut novel.  -Goodreads (Andrea)


May 9, 2014

Release Day Blitz: Finally, Forever by Katie Kacvinsky






Finally, Forever by Katie Kacvinsky (First Comes Love #3)
Release date: May 9, 2014

College baseball player, Gray Thomas, had to go far into left field to find a girl like Dylan, the ex-love-of-his-life. More than a year later, literally at a crossroads, they find each other together on a journey that is a pause between a painful past and an uncertain future. In this sexy and offbeat summer read, Gray and Dylan discover that a destination isn't always a place. More often, it's a person. Now it's time for them to finally decide, is this forever?





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