Point Click Love by Molly Shapiro
A new one for the Favorites list! I adored Point, Click, Love, the debut from Molly Shapiro. I started this book one night while curled…
Stiletto Safari by Kate Metz
Stiletto Safari by Kate Metz follows glamorous and gorgeous, Zara Hamilton. Zara has it all: a sexy boyfriend, a gorgeous apartment, two fabulous girlfriends, and a job with a prestigious law firm in New York city. But one day, that all comes crashing to a stop when she gets a call in to see her boss, where he informs her that she must take a leave of absence because Nick (the love of her life) is being accused of insider trading. Lost and confused, she turns to the aid of her girlfriends, and somewhere along the way, they convince her to take advantage and do some “good” with her situation and suggest she volunteer in Africa. Soon enough, she finds herself in Namibia, which couldn’t be further from home. Tempted to flee and return home, Zara decides to give it a real shot and try her hand as a volunteer. Soon enough, she makes friends and meets the British Hunk Hamish and begins to fall for him.
I found Stiletto Safari absolutely delightful. Kate Metz creates an endearing character in Zara and you can’t help but to root for her as the book goes along. I was a little disappointed that things didn’t work out with Nick in the beginning (he actually sounded like he really loved her and just got caught in a bad situation), but I was glad to watch her grow and give into her heart again with Hamish. Overall, this book was so much fun that I had a hard time putting it down. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, light read with a sassy, quick-witted main character.
Blog Tour Sign Up: Rum Punch Regrets by Anne Kemp
In just a few short weeks, thirty something Abby George has endured the death of her mother, was dumped by her fiancé, and got laid off from her job.
Stunned and seeking a shoulder to cry on, she turns to her perfect older sister, Leigh. But instead of comfort, Abby receives a surprise: Leigh needs her in the Caribbean to help with some mysterious personal business.
While assisting in the sale and repair of a bed-and-breakfast, Abby uncovers a few huge family secrets as she juggles an unexpected roommate, quirky locals, and nasty centipedes.
Abby’s world is further complicated when two potential suitors enter her life. Can Abby get beyond her own psychodrama long enough to open her heart to someone new? Or will she neurotically make her romantic life worse?
Packing nothing but her suitcases and a sense of humor, Abby George travels down an unfamiliar road, but it’s all she can do to hang on for the ride…
Or will she wake up with “Rum Punch Regrets?”
Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite
I just recently started using a new shampoo – Aveeno for dry or damaged hair. This was my first time using Aveeno in general, but I had been seeing some pretty great reviews for it online and from friends, so I figured I would give it a whirl. And I’m glad! I think this is my favorite shampoo I’ve used – ever. It smells fabulous, it makes my hair look and feel good, and it really looks like more life is coming back to my very damaged mane. I love how soft it feels and dare I say – shiny? My hair never looks shiny! Really happy with my latest choice, and will be trying the conditioner as well.
Sara’s Must-Have:
Over the years, I’ve gone through periods in my life where I have spent a lot of money on hair products- one of them being shampoo. My hair is very fine and often times limp, and I’ve found that a lot of products weigh it down, even though they’re not supposed to. There are two shampoo’s that I purchase on a pretty regular basis. The first one is a generic “cleansing” shampoo that really strips any extra buildup out of my hair, the second one is TRESemme Healthy Volume. I’ve found that this one gives my hair an extra ounce of “oomph” as far as body and volume are concerned, and really helps lock in the moisture.
WHAT IS YOUR MUST-HAVE SHAMPOO? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW.
Flipping by Mary Ellenton
Flipping by Mary Ellenton is the scandalous story of young mortgage broker, Fay Famaghetti, as she becomes an unstoppable real-estate agent by capitalizing on needy individuals. Lured by money, Fay steps into the sub-prime lending culture moments before the real estate bubble bursts, and in doing so, she makes a lot of money at the misfortune of others, loses her husband in the process due to an steamy affair with a co-worker, and puts her fate (and freedom) at risk. She faces ethical and moral dilemmas left and right and we watch first hand as they impact her life. Was it worth it? You will have to read to find out.
As many Americans know by now, anything dealing with the “housing crisis” or the “financial crisis” is no joke. We all know someone greatly impacted and have curiously thought about those selfish individuals behind the catastrophe. In Flipping, we meet Fay and watch as she (and her co-workers) cleverly try to beat the system. At first, I was appalled by Fay and her behavior, whether it be because of her role in the housing crisis or because of her outrageous affair, I’m not sure … but I was quite surprised as I watched her actively attempt to change her life and get out before things got even more out of hand.
Overall, Ellenton provides very realistic details about the creative financial “loopholes” and about the lending market. And oddly, does so with a woman at the helm (instead of the stereotypical older male). I was quite surprised that I enjoyed this book so much.
[Rating: 4/5]
I Couldn’t Love You More by Jillian Medoff
Honest and smart, I Couldn’t Love You More by Jillian Medoff, follows Eliot Gordon and her life as a 38-year old working mother of three (two of whom are from her husband’s previous marriage). Married to Grant Delaney, her life is simple yet fulfilling at the same time. The only hiccups she faces are everyday life kind of problems…that is until Finn Montgomery, Eliot’s first love from years before resurfaces and threatens the calm world that she has created for herself. A shocking chain of events happens and Eliot is left making split second decisions that will effect her life in ways she never imagined.
This story is truly one of a kind. I Couldn’t Love You More has it all …. an honest marriage, a family composed of non-traditional members, the resurfacing of a long lost love, truthful interactions amongst siblings, and heart-wrenching decisions. There are some major twists and turns that keep the reader enthralled in the material and often times, you will find yourself on the brink of tears. Yet, Jillian does a brilliant job of balancing her work and also incorporates hilarious and witty characters who are realistic in every sense of the word. Overall, this book is fantastic. I Couldn’t Love You More makes you think about the choices that you have made in your life, and whether or not you would make the same choices that Eliot must make. The book also makes you dive into the depths of your hearts as you examine Eliot’s portrayal as a step-mother and what all that means to her, and what it means to you. Overall, an absolute must read.
[Rating: 5/5]
Nothing But Trouble by Rachel Gibson
Chelsea Ross, a former B-list actress whose acting career is pretty much at a standstill, knows she needs a new job. Mark Bressler is a former superstar hockey player, but a brutal car accident left this bad boy simply reliving his glory days. When Chelsea begins working as Mark’s personal assistant, all hell breaks loose. Mark is notorious for having his assistants quit within days, but Chelsea needs the money and is determined not to let Mark get to her. Through the fights, a sexual tension between the two starts to develop…and soon the two are in nothing but trouble.
I had a lot of fun reading Nothing But Trouble by Rachel Gibson. It was fast-paced, fun, and hot! The romance between Chelsea and Mark was sizzling from day one, and it was interesting to see how the two always managed to push each other’s buttons. Both characters were special in their own ways, and even though Mark was this bad guy, I still really enjoyed reading about him. There was a deeper issue under the fights and sex, and that was Mark trying to recover from his accident, and how the love from Chelsea helped that process. A really fun read, and one for both chick lit and romance lovers!
[Rating: 4]
In My Mailbox: Week of May 13
In Samantha’s Mailbox:
Title: Fatty Patty
Author: Kathleen Paterka
Received: Via CLP Blog Tours
Synopsis: Small towns, long memories. Everyone in the exclusive summer resort of James Bay, Michigan remembers FATTY PATTY, the chubby little girl with the round face and wild red curls. All grown up now, Patty Perreault teaches at the same elementary school where the painful playground memories still taunt her. She has not forgotten the cruel nickname; plus she still has not lost those extra pounds. Convinced her weight is the biggest reason why she is a four time loser in the semi-finals for Teacher of the Year, Patty resolves to make some changes in her body and her life.
Sam Curtis, an overweight accountant she meets at the community pool, swims into Patty’s life with romance on his mind. But as their friendship grows, Patty finds it hard to see beyond his extra pounds. She is torn as Sam refuses to deal with his own overweight issues. Her heart tells her one thing, but her eyes see another. She is not interested in an overweight boyfriend. When it comes to winning the Grand Prize in life and love, Patty has some hard lessons to learn. Will she be able to confront her fears about the kind of woman she yearns to be? Will she be able to put down the fork and give her heart a try?
Title: Kat Fight
Author: Dina Silver
Received: Via CLP Blog Tours
Synopsis: The seriously funny, fabulously flawed Kat Porter has arrived, and she may just steal your heart—not to mention your boyfriend. Readers everywhere will revel in this sharp-witted, well-meaning whirlwind in author Dina Silver’s hilarious new novel, Kat Fight. In her quest for love, Kat makes every wrong turn, juggling two men, one best friend, and her own deeply confused heart’s desires.
Kat Porter is a consummate romantic, eager for her chance to find love and commitment. But after her boyfriend of four years, Marc, begins to grow apathetic and sends her calls straight to voicemail one too many times, Kat finally musters the courage to confront her so-called sweetheart, who seems more interested in dodging her than courting her. Though she’s no fan of ultimatums, Kat is at the end of her considerable wits, and lobs a massive one his way, completely confident that he’ll make the right decision when faced with losing her. He doesn’t.
With radio silence from Marc, Kat’s lifelong dream of finding a husband and forging a family is decidedly on the skids. That’s when her childhood friend Julie steps in, forcing Kat on a blind date to help her move beyond the break-up. Not only does Kat botch the setup, she instead finds herself in hot pursuit of Julie’s love interest, Ryan Sullivan. A man who, in addition to literally taking her breath away, is the living, breathing personification of everything Kat wants in a husband.
Can Kat connect with the man of her dreams without hurting two of the people she cares most about? At the same time, she must also contend with the quips of her beloved catty coworker Adam, her bi-polar boss Brooke, and a string of comic, unpredictable plot twists. All the while, Kat’s cheeky perspective and generous heart will leave readers adoring every moment of her journey while chuckling and cheering for the ever cute, razor-sharp Kat as she fights to land the love of a lifetime.
Title: Viewer Discretion Advised
Author: Cindy Roesel
Received: Via CLP Blog Tours
Synopsis: LIVE FROM MIAMI! The sensationalism shown on television can only be topped by the drama that happens behind the camera! After being fired from her job in Los Angeles, Charlene “Charley” Thomas moves to sizzling Miami and begins working as news director at a local television station. While getting used to her new gig, Charley wakes up to the fact that her station manager, Jonathan Lefton, is the boss from hell who will do anything for a story no matter who gets hurt in the process. When nude pictures of noon anchor, Miranda Andrews, are discovered in the men’s room of a Key West bar, all hell breaks loose. They end up on Lefton’s desk and he promotes her over the main anchor, sparking off a firestorm. Miranda’s quickly thrown into the mix and assigned special reports. Charley finds herself overseeing an investigation that could shine light on the guilt of a dirty cop. Real life begins to mimic the drama of broadcast news when station personalities face life and death all for rating and Emmys! VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED is a modern day “Sex and the City” meets “Broadcast News.”
In Sara’s Mailbox:
Title: Between You and Me
Author: Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Received: Angela @Engelman & Co.
Synopsis: What happens when you are followed by millions . . . and loved by none?
Twenty-seven-year-old Logan Wade is trying to build a life for herself far from her unhappy childhood in Oklahoma. Until she gets the call that her famous cousin needs a new assistant— an offer she can’t refuse.
Logan hasn’t seen Kelsey in person since their parents separated them as kids; in the meantime, Kelsey Wade has grown into Fortune Magazine’s most powerful celebrity. But their reunion is quickly overshadowed by the toxic dynamic between Kelsey and her parents as Logan discovers that, beneath the glossy façade, the wounds that caused them to be wrenched apart so many years ago have insidiously warped into a show-stopping family business.
As Kelsey tries desperately to break away and grasp at a “real” life, beyond the influence of her parents and managers, she makes one catastrophic misstep after another, and Logan must question if their childhood has left them both too broken to succeed. Logan risks everything to hold on, but when Kelsey unravels in the most horribly public way, Logan finds that she will ultimately have to choose between rescuing the girl she has always protected . . . and saving herself.
Interview with Malena Lott
1. Did your own personal experiences with motherhood inspire you to write this story?
Absolutely. First, I wasn’t raised by my biological mother (was raised by my paternal grandparents) so I could relate to the “motherless mother” anxiety Taylor feels in the book. Like most moms, every topic covered in the book was something I had to make a decision on – from daycare to working to breastfeeding to the nursery to how it changed every waking minute of my day. I used personal experiences from all three pregnancies, including hypnobirthing.
2. Do you have any advice for first time mothers? Or any fun/interesting stories?
I know it’s hard, but try to relax and enjoy the journey. The “annoyances” like rhinitis and heartburn and physical discomfort are quickly usurped by the annoyances of having no sleep and feeling like a zombie. Wait. That wasn’t very reassuring was it? Okay, try again. All the discomforts are worth it to share your life with your little bundle of joy. (Is that better?) 🙂
3. When did you know writing was for you?
In sixth grade I knew for sure, but it wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I decided I’d really try to finish a novel, join writers’ groups and try to find an agent and all that scary stuff.
4. How would you describe your books?
I’d describe them as mojo lit. My hope is that the reader finishes my books and then believes they can tackle whatever dreams and hurdles they may have in their own life, whether that be personal or professional. I’m also writing young adult under the pen name Lena Brown and my goal there is similar – you are stronger than you think you are and you have the answers within you. I’m also trying a time-traveling fantasy, so that one is completely different and fun and probably my favorite character to date. So check back in with me.
5. What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Somewhere between the first and second draft is likely the hardest because the story changes so much and you have to make decisions that truly shape the novel. I enjoy revising, but it’s definitely the most crucial part.
6. What are your favorite genres to read?
I’m a voracious reader. I read women’s fiction and non-fiction the most. I’m a complete neuroscience and psychology geek, so I tend to read a lot of books about how we think and human relations. I also enjoy some Young Adult and the occasional literary novel. Now that I’m also an executive editor, I get to try new genres I may not have picked up myself, such as the historical non-fictional account of operation pied piper in 1939 London by one of our new Buzz Books clients, Michael Burns.
7. What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I’d love readers of The Stork Reality to come away with the confidence to trust in your intuition as a mother. It’s a tough job – the toughest! – but by paying attention and staying in the present moment it’s amazing how much more we know than we think we do. And love really does rule.
8. What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you as an author?
That I love and cherish my readers. Truly. Thank you for reading!
9. How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
It depends. Jonathon Franzen says Twitter is irritating and that serious readers and authors don’t like to “yak about themselves.” But for most of us (as a reader and as an author) I think it’s about tapping into a conversation and finding news, entertainment and connection in a way that’s fun and easy. I like it. Twitter/Facebook/Pinterest/Instagram/blogging is a way for people to find you and connect, not a way for you to talk about yourself all the time. I enjoy building community (as I’ve done with Book End Babes.com and Stork Reality Book.com so that’s why it matters to me. I’ve met amazing people and learned amazing things with social media, so I’m a fan.
10. What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Write a lot. Revise a lot. Get constructive feedback. Don’t give up.
