On Tour: Swan Story by Priya Narendran
Priya will be on tour April 22-29 with her novel Swan Story Soon to be married Daniel Macgregor meets mysterious beauty Sarah Mitchell on the…
Book Review: Always On My Mind by Bella Andre
I received a copy of Always On My Mind by Bella Andre in exchange for an honest review.
Always On My Mind begins after a tragic loss that takes place three years prior. Grayson Tyler left his life in New York City behind afterward and started over in the rolling hills of the California coast. He’s convinced himself that all he’ll ever need again is the blue sky, a thousand acres of pasture, and the crashing waves of the ocean. Until one day, the beautiful and mysterious, Lori Sullivan (also appropriately nicknamed “Naughty”) barges into his life and promptly blows his emotionless and solitary world to shreds. But will Lori be able to convince him that it’s safe to love her…and that forever isn’t actually out of reach?
I have been a big fan of Bella Andre for quite some time and Always On My Mind does not disappoint. As always, I thought that Bella did a fantastic job at creating such real emotions for her characters and my heart ached for Grayson after his loss but I absolutely loved the way that he and Lori met … and I must admit that I loved the way that she really shook up his world. That’s what they say about real love right? That it comes in and crashes down hard? Well, this is no exception and as skillful as ever, Bella Andre does an amazing job at crafting such chemistry and love between these two main characters. This one is definitely a must read.
Rating: 5 stars
Book Review: 33 Valentines by Stephanie Monahan
I received a copy of 33 Valentines by Stephanie Monahan in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
All Sophie wants for her thirty-third year is a calendar without a February–and without a Valentine’s Day. The unlucky month haunts her with regrets, loss, and missteps she can never take back. But this year, she’s determined to make a change– and she’s going to start with telling her best friend, Sam, how she feels about him.
But February isn’t making it easy for her. Sam’s got a date with his dream girl, and Sophie finds herself in the hospital. Then there’s her father, who has a surprise that’s about to turn her world upside-down, and her little brother, who doesn’t seem to have any room for her in his life. While everyone else seems to be living life, Sophie is stuck in neutral.
Now, Sophie must come to terms with everything that’s holding her back in order to fight for what she wants before she loses the chance to turn her luck around.
Review:
I adored this book! I liked that we didn’t get Sophie’s full story right away, but I didn’t find it annoying at all that we kept getting little hints and clues to her past, which unfortunately can happen sometimes with that type of writing. It kept my interest high and I was always cheering for Sophie. I can also sometimes get a bit annoyed when we it’s so obvious boy needs to be with girl, and can get uninterested in the way they go about it. Not the case here either! I am so impressed with Monahan’s writing and how it felt so fresh and original. I really enjoyed this book and would happily recommend.
4.5 stars
Future Tour: Meltdown by Tara Thompson
Tara will be on tour June 24-July 15 with her novel Meltdown NYSSA, internationally renown supermodel, is accustomed to turning heads. As a young girl,…
On Tour: Saving Saffron Sweeting by Pauline Wiles
Pauline will be on tour April 22-May 6 with her novel Saving Saffron Sweeting Quarter finalist, 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Grace Palmer’s British friends…
Website Review: Hautelook
A few months back, a friend told me she has recently joined the site Hautelook, where she could get designer looks for less. I visited the website that day – and joined immediately! I am a big fan of online shopping – especially in our winter where it’s tough for me to even leave the house – and to get designer clothes and shoes for much, much cheaper…well, I was a happy camper! I have since ordered multiple items from the website, had timely shipping, and didn’t have any surprises when it came to my merchandise. I have not yet had to return anything (which is good!) or else I would give feedback on that aspect. If you enjoy the finer things in life but don’t like to part with your cash, I recommend checking out this website! Be sure to look ahead and see which designers are coming up – because the hottest items can get sold out fast!
Book Review: Temping is Hell by Cathy Yardley
I received a copy of Temping is Hell by Cathy Yardley in exchange for an honest review. Kate O’Hara, who bounces from temp job to temp job, finally lands the ultimate of all temping assignments – hell. Well, maybe not really, but it sure feels that way to her. She hates the corporate world, and to her dismay she finds herself smack in the middle of it. Her boss, Maggie, is seemingly a psychopath and Kate’s found herself on her bad side, the clerks she works with are ex-convicts that are okay with being abused and starved, and her big boss – billionaire Thomas Kestrel – is…sexy. And arrogant. But still sexy.
But puzzle pieces come together once Kate is forced to sell her soul and she discovers Thomas’s true intent – to kill thirteen guys – DEMONS! – in one year in order to get his soul back. And now Kate’s as well. Kate’s eyes get open to a whole new world, and she is shocked to learn best friend Prue is somehow a part of it as well. Can Kate get her soul back – and keep her life – while at this job?
Loved it! This book was so fun to read and I had a lot of trouble putting it down. Kate is an awesome MC – independent, someone who will also stick up for others, and yes, a bit lost. She jumps from temp job to temp job and has found herself living with her parents, but she has a good heart and tries to do things the right way. I’m a fan of books with a bit of a magical twist, and with the addition of demons and soul-selling, I was a happy reader. I was also pleased to learn this is part of a series – and there were a few questions left at the end, so I’m excited to pick up the next book!
4.5 stars
Future Tour: Crime and Passion by Chantel Rhondeau
A decorated police officer, more intent on justice than following the letter of the law, lands in trouble when a schoolteacher finds a dead body on the beach.
Officer Donovan Andrews knows how to have a good time—ask any woman in town. But when it comes to men abusing their wives or children, Donovan takes it upon himself to make them regret it.
Madeline Scott is unlucky in love. All she wants is a quiet place to heal, away from cheating, womanizing men. However, her life is far from peaceful once she stumbles across the body and witnesses someone fleeing the scene.
Terror spreads in Pleasant View when the small community hears a killer is on the loose. All evidence points to Donovan, and he realizes someone is trying to frame him. When troubling suspicions from his past surface, even fellow officers believe he’s guilty. Madeline might be the only person who can clear his name, but first he has to win her trust.
The body count rises and no one is safe. The murderer makes it clear Madeline is next. Soon, Donovan’s whole world is focused on protecting her and keeping himself out of prison. The more time he spends with her, the harder it is to fight his growing attraction. Since she’s been burned by love, convincing Madeline he’s interested in something more than hot sex may prove harder than keeping her alive.
Author Profile: Wendy Chen
Author Name: Wendy Chen
Website: http://wendychenbooks.com/index.html
Bio: Wendy Chen writes lighthearted romantic fiction. She began writing Liar’s Guide to True Love during her frequent (and sometimes severe) bouts of wedding nostalgia. Years after planning her own nuptials, she still gets unduly giddy about attending weddings.
Wendy was a lifelong New Yorker until she decided to try out suburban life a few years ago. She now lives in Northern Virginia with her family while she works on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
See my 4.5 star review for Liars Guide to True Love!
