ARC Review: Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett

Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett (April 16, 2019)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 432 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Thanks Simon Pulse for an ARC of Serious Moonlight! This did NOT affect my honest review.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
My Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: After an awkward first encounter, Birdie and Daniel are forced to work together in a Seattle hotel where a famous author leads a mysterious and secluded life in this romantic contemporary novel from the author of Alex, Approximately. Mystery-book aficionado Birdie Lindberg has an overactive imagination. Raised in isolation and homeschooled by strict grandparents, she’s cultivated a whimsical fantasy life in which she plays the heroic detective and every stranger is a suspect. But her solitary world expands when she takes a job the summer before college, working the graveyard shift at a historic Seattle hotel. In her new job, Birdie hopes to blossom from introverted dreamer to brave pioneer, and gregarious Daniel Aoki volunteers to be her guide. The hotel’s charismatic young van driver shares the same nocturnal shift and patronizes the waterfront Moonlight Diner where she waits for the early morning ferry after work. Daniel also shares her appetite for intrigue, and he’s stumbled upon a real-life mystery: a famous reclusive writer—never before seen in public—might be secretly meeting someone at the hotel. To uncover the writer’s puzzling identity, Birdie must come out of her shell…discovering that most confounding mystery of all may be her growing feelings for the elusive riddle that is Daniel.

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My Review

Mysteries. Pies. Kisses. Oh my! Serious Moonlight is sure to be another contemporary romance hit from author Jenn Bennett.

Birdie Lindberg is relatable and adorable. Birdie is often anxious and awkward, and is always worried about being embarrassed. I totally get where you are coming from, Birdie! She is also kind, unique, a mystery buff, and so much more. She is continually growing and figuring her self out after living a pretty sheltered childhood. We also have Daniel, Birdie's love interest. Daniel is sweet, dorky, outgoing, loves magic, and appears to be the exact opposite of Birdie. Although they are both dealing with some heavy personal stuff, they always seem to be able to have fun together. The romance component of Serious Moonlight was refreshing. I can't say more since I don't want to spoil it, but I can say that it was a nice change of pace compared to the many other romances I have read.

Serious Moonlight was a delight to read! It features a fun mystery, an adorable romance, and reminds you that although life is complex and will throw you curve balls, it can still be manageable. The setting takes place in unique places in Seattle, giving readers a different view of the city. There are also many fun mystery novel references throughout the book. Although the pacing of the book was just fine, I did feel at times like the romance and the mystery aspects of the book were fighting for attention in the spotlight. However, I think that reflects on Birdie's feelings, so I was okay with it.

The Bottom Line: Serious Moonlight is another Jenn Bennett book you won't want to miss. Grab a piece of pie, sit back, and enjoy Birdie's story. A perfect read for a rainy day, Serious Moonlight is in fact, sweet as pie.

Other Fantastic Titles by Jenn Bennett:

       

Romance Book Recommendations for February

The Way to Game the Walk of Shame by Jenn P. Nguyen
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My Review

Synopsis: Taylor Simmons is screwed. Things were hard enough when her single-minded dedication to her studies earned her the reputation of being an Ice Queen, but after getting drunk at a party and waking up next to bad boy surfer Evan McKinley, the entire school seems intent on tearing Taylor down with mockery and gossip.

Desperate to salvage her reputation, Taylor persuades Evan to pretend they’re in a serious romantic relationship. After all, it’s better to be the girl who tames the wild surfer than just another notch on his surfboard. 

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett 
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Synopsis: Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern-day Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets. But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.

What could go wrong? With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.

What if It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
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Synopsis: Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
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Synopsis: Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and Isobel’s paintings are highly prized. But when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, the autumn prince—she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes—a weakness that could cost him his life.

Furious and devastated, Rook spirits her away to the autumnlands to stand trial for her crime. Waylaid by the Wild Hunt’s ghostly hounds, the tainted influence of the Alder King, and hideous monsters risen from barrow mounds, Isobel and Rook depend on one another for survival. Their alliance blossoms into trust, then love—and that love violates the fair folks’ ruthless laws. 

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
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Synopsis: While spacing out in chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk and added a message to her. Intrigue!

Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters—sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she’s kind of falling for this letter writer. Only, who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can’t always be spelled out…

Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde
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Synopsis: Three friends, two love stories, one convention: this fun, feminist love letter to geek culture is all about fandom, friendship, and finding the courage to be yourself.

Charlie likes to stand out. She’s a vlogger and actress promoting her first movie at SupaCon, and this is her chance to show fans she’s over her public breakup with co-star Reese Ryan. When internet-famous cool-girl actress Alyssa Huntington arrives as a surprise guest, it seems Charlie’s long-time crush on her isn’t as one-sided as she thought.

Taylor likes to blend in. Her brain is wired differently, making her fear change. And there’s one thing in her life she knows will never change: her friendship with her best guy friend Jamie—no matter how much she may secretly want it to. But when she hears about a fan contest for her favorite fandom, she starts to rethink her rules on playing it safe.

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
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Synopsis: When someone asks you to spend your life with him, it shouldn't come as a surprise--or happen in front of 45,000 people.

When freelance writer Nikole Paterson goes to a Dodgers game with her actor boyfriend, his man bun, and his bros, the last thing she expects is a scoreboard proposal. Saying no isn't the hard part--they've only been dating for five months, and he can't even spell her name correctly. The hard part is having to face a stadium full of disappointed fans...

At the game with his sister, Carlos Ibarra comes to Nik's rescue and rushes her away from a camera crew. He's even there for her when the video goes viral and Nik's social media blows up--in a bad way. Nik knows that in the wilds of LA, a handsome doctor like Carlos can't be looking for anything serious, so she embarks on an epic rebound with him, filled with food, fun, and fantastic sex. But when their glorified hookups start breaking the rules, one of them has to be smart enough to put on the brakes... 

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
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Synopsis: Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases — a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice — with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan — from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Shacking Up by Helena Hunting
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Synopsis: Ruby Scott is months behind on rent and can’t seem to land a steady job. She has one chance to turn things around with a big audition. But instead of getting her big break, she gets sick as a dog and completely bombs it in the most humiliating fashion. All thanks to a mysterious, gorgeous guy who kissed—and then coughed on—her at a party the night before.

Luckily, her best friend might have found the perfect opportunity; a job staying at the lavish penthouse apartment of hotel magnate Bancroft Mills while he’s out of town, taking care of his exotic pets. But when the newly-evicted Ruby arrives to meet her new employer, it turns out Bane is the same guy who got her sick. Seeing his role in Ruby’s dilemma, Bane offers her a permanent job as his live-in pet sitter until she can get back on her feet. 

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
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Synopsis: Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

I Wanna Text You Up by Teagan Hunter
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Synopsis: When I put up a ROOMMATE WANTED poster, he was the last person on earth I thought would respond.

He was also the last person on earth I’d agree to let live with me…on purpose.

But, here we are—roommates. I’m certain we can coexist without it being awkward, and I’m determined to make it work. There will be no sexual tension building with each accidental touch, no flutters when he wears that stupid backward baseball cap, and definitely no flirting when we text back and forth.

Caleb Mills can’t be the guy for me. He’s my best friend’s ex-boyfriend.  And that would be wrong…right? 

Consumed by J.R. Ward
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Synopsis: Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed... By her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer. Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse fire changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self. Shattered and demoralized, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn't believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again--until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze.

Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the county, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.

Have you read any of these books? Do you have any romance recommendations for me? Give me your recs in the comments below!

Mini Review: Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry

Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 368 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen
Source: I received a free e-ARC from Netgalley. This did NOT affect my honest review.
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
My Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: Jesse Lachlin is cursed. So the town folklore says, but while Jesse’s had his fair share of tragedy, the only curse he believes is in his grandmother’s will: in order to inherit his family farm he must win the approval of his childhood best friend, the girl he froze out his freshman year, Scarlett Copeland. Scarlett Copeland is psychic. Glory Gardner tells Scarlett she has hidden psychic abilities, but Scarlett thinks Glory is delusional. What is real is Scarlett’s father’s irrational fears, controlling attitude, and the dark secrets at home. Scarlett may have a way to escape, but there’s a hitch: she’ll have to rely on the one person she used to trust, the same boy who broke her heart, Jesse Lachlin. Each midnight meeting pushes Jesse and Scarlett to confront their secrets and their feelings for each other. But as love blooms, the curse rears its ugly head…

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My Review

Only a Breath Apart in Three Words: Mesmerizing. Heartbreaking. Sweet.

Katie McGarry has done it again. She makes her characters come alive and does an amazing job at setting each scene. Only a Breath Apart is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

Jesse and Scarlett were friends, until they weren't. Now destiny is bringing them back together again. Their story truly captivated me. There are a lot of tough issues these two have to go through, but the ending makes reading through it all totally worth it.

I do wish there would have been a little more to what I thought was going to be some magical realism elements, but other than that I have no complaints.

Note: There are scenes of physical and verbal abuse.

The Verdict: I highly recommend you give this a try, especially if you have enjoyed reading other books by Katie McGarry.

If you liked Only a Breath Apart try:

   

ARC MINI REVIEW: CONSUMED BY J.R. WARD

Consumed by J.R. Ward (Oct. 2, 2018)
Length: 416 pages
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Gallery Books
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
My Rating:

Summary: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series comes a brand-new novel about arson investigator, Anne Ashburn, who is consumed by her troubled past, her family’s scorched legacy, and her current case: chasing a deadly killer.

Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed... By her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer. Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse fire changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self. Shattered and demoralized, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn't believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again--until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze. Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the county, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.

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My Review

This is my first ever J.R. Ward novel, and it won't be my last. As someone who is currently obsessed which Chicago Fire, I couldn't turn down a book that promises hot firefighters, a steamy romance, and a thrilling mystery. Consumed did not disappoint. After becoming injured in a fire, Anne finds a new career as an arson investigator. Danny misses Anne riding on the truck by his side and struggles to move on without her. When Anne starts investigating a dangerous case and Danny begins to act more and more recklessly, they are thrown back into each other's lives once again. I really enjoyed both characters who are different, strong, and most definitely steamy together. I thought Ward did an excellent job capturing the strong bonds between the firefighters and Anne's struggle with her identity after the fire that changed her life. This book has spark thanks to its thrilling scenes in the bedroom and out. A good choice for those looking for a romantic suspense novel to read on a chilly fall night.

Review: Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga

Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga (July 3, 2018)
Length: 400 pages
Genre: Young Adult/Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Source: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. Thank you Entangled Teen! This did NOT affect my honest review.
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
My Rating:

Goodreads Summary: What if a kiss could turn the tide of a war? In the war against the Forces of Darkness, the Royals are losing. With increasing omens foretelling an unthinkable future ruled by evil, Princess Ivy is determined to end this war once and for all—but her battle magic doesn’t work without a partner. Prince Zachariah’s unparalleled skill with a sword, enhanced by Ivy’s magic, should make them an unstoppable pair. But once they’re on the battlefield, Zach refuses to do the one thing Ivy knows will ensure their victory, because he believes love is the most powerful weapon they have, even in war. Now Ivy must convince Zach to listen to reason and fight with her magic, before everything they’ve been working to protect is destroyed by the darkest creature their world has ever seen.

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My Review

Kiss of the Royal in Three Words: Entertaining. Adventurous. Romantic.

I absolutely adored Kiss of the Royal. In this fairy tale story the girls have all the kissing power. Princess Ivy is a hard-working stubborn main character who has the most powerful kiss in the kingdom. Prince Zachariah is a charming swordsman, and nothing like what Princess Ivy expected in a battle partner. With a dark and powerful evil growing in the mountains, they have no choice but to team up and save the kingdom. This standalone fantasy features all of my favorite fantasy tropes including mythical creatures and a quest with many battles/challenges along the way. I loved Ivy and Zach, their banter, and their complete opposite beliefs about love and magic. Although the idea of fighting by kissing (transferring magic) may sound ridiculous and silly, I ended up finding it entertaining and leading to a lot of interesting discussions between the two main characters. The plot it fast paced and full of romantic tension and magical battles. I think this would be a good book for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens.

The Bottom Line: Kiss of the Royal is a quick and enjoyable read. It was a nice escape from the real world. Give it a try!

Giveaway & Review: I Flipping Love You

I Flipping Love You by Helena Hunting
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Length: 320 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Source: I received a free ebook of this book from the publisher. This did NOT affect my honest review. Thank you!
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
My Rating:

Summary: SHE’S GOT CURB APPEAL. HE’S A FIXER UPPER... From New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting comes I Flipping Love You, a love story about flipping houses, taking risks, and landing that special someone who’s move-in ready. Rian Sutter grew up with the finer things in life. Spending summers in the Hamptons was a normal occurrence for her until her parents lost everything years ago. Now Rian and her sister are getting their life, and finances, back on track through real estate. Not only do they buy and sell houses to the rich and famous but they finally have the capital to flip their very own beachfront property. But when she catches the attention of a sexy stranger who snaps up every house from under her, all bets are off... Pierce Whitfield doesn’t normally demo kitchens, install dry wall, or tear apart a beautiful woman’s dreams. He’s just a down-on-his-luck lawyer who needed a break from the city and agreed to help his brother work on a few homes in the Hamptons. When he first meets Rian, the attraction is undeniable. But when they start competing for the same pieces of prime real estate, the early sparks turn into full-blown fireworks. Can these passionate rivals turn up the heat on their budding romance—without burning down the house?

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My Review

I Flipping Love You in Three Words: Steamy. Funny. Charming.

Rian and her sister are up and coming realtors and want to start flipping houses. Pierce is a lawyer who flips houses during his summer away from his parents and work. When Rian and Pierce meet, sparks fly, and not just from the anger radiating off them. A good meet cute can make or break a romance novel, theirs was spot on.

Rian is really smart, easily embarrassed, and has a secretive past. Pierce is sexy, charming, and blunt. I really liked these characters and found them to be really realatbale, except for the whole being rich thing which I have sadly never experienced. What about the two as a couple? Their banter and differing personalities makes them a fun match. My only complaint is that Rian is described as attractive but doesn't always realize it, which is a little eye-rolling inducing.

I Flipping Love You is a quick entertaining read. Rian and Pierce's chemistry is off the charts. You may even need to have a fan handy while reading, making this a perfect summer read. Although it had a handful of cheesy/cliche moments, I was not distracted from the abundant sexy and fun parts the story had to offer. I laughed just as much as I swooned.

The Verdict: I Flipping Love You is a fun little romance novel guaranteed to curl your toes. A great book to choose when you need a few hours of escape from the real world. This book checks all the boxes for an excellent beach read. Happy reading!

**I loved the first book in this series too. Read my review here. (Don't worry, they can be read as standalones.)

The Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

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Mini Romance Review: Maybe Someone Like You

Maybe Someone Like You by Stacy Wise
Length: 366 pages
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Source: I received a free copy from the publisher. This did NOT affect my honest review.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
My Rating:

Goodreads Summary: Katie Capwell is a bright and accomplished recent law school graduate, and she has her shiny future all mapped out. It's brimming with courtroom victories and creating change. Ryan Brincatt is a tattooed and impossibly cool martial artist, and he’s mastered a fierce roundhouse kick. Their paths never should have crossed. But when Katie lurks outside the kickboxing gym where Ryan works as a trainer, she’s immediately drawn to his casual confidence and playful green eyes. Without making her usual list of pros and cons, she impulsively signs up to train with him. She never imagined that one decision would change. Absolutely. Everything.

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My Review

Maybe Someone Like You in Three Words: Flirty. Sweet. Happy.

Although it took me a bit to warm up to the main character and the writing style, once I did I was able to easily enjoy the fun story of Katie and Ryan's romance.

I had many feelings while reading Maybe Someone Like You, ranging from warm and fuzzy to amused and silly. Katie is a young woman looking for her first adult job out of college, and anyone who has ever been in her shoes will be able to relate to her struggles. Katie is smart and funny. Ryan, the sexy kickboxing instructor, is a sweet guy and a great match for Katie.

Maybe Someone Like You was a flirty story that will make you want to take up kickboxing.

The Bottom Line: This book is a sweet and fun read. New Adult romance fans will enjoy the slow burn romance and the right out of college setting.

Review & Giveaway: Airports, Exes, and Other Things I'm Over

Aiports, Exes, and Other Things I'm Over by Shani Petroff (May 15, 2018)

Length: 224 pages

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Publisher: Swoon Reads

Source: I received a free copy for this blog tour. Thank you Xpresso Book Tours!

Purchase: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | iBooks | Kobo

My Rating:

Goodreads Summary: A bad storm, two canceled flights, stuck in an airport with a hot stranger and the guy who broke her heart... what could go wrong? After Sari caught her boyfriend Zev cheating on her, their romantic Florida vacation was ruined. She can't get back to NYC soon enough. Unfortunately, mother nature may have different plans. A huge storm is brewing in the Northeast, and flights all over the country are getting canceled—including Sari's. She winds up stuck at the airport for hours. With Zev! When another stranded passenger (a hot NYU guy) suggests a connecting flight to Boston, Sari jumps at the chance. But when her mom freaks out about her traveling alone, she has no choice—she has to include Zev, and somehow survive being trapped with the guy who broke her heart!

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My Review

Airports, Exes, and Other Things I'm Over in Three Words: Musical. Stressful. Entertaining.

What I Liked

• I was a big fan of the overall plot of Sari trying to deal with her feelings about her boyfriend's cheating when she just can't seem to get away from him! Her Florida vacation turns into a nightmare as she struggles to get back home before a big storm hits. I loved this story line.
• Sari's best friend is pretty awesome, but I do wish she was in the book more.
• Sari's parents are present and aren't just in the background! Their worry for her seemed realistic.
• Fitz and Zev are both fun and sweet characters. 
• I was really transported into the various settings. Whether Sari was stuck in the cramped airport or in squeezed in the backseat of a car in the middle of a storm, the descriptions were spot on.
• The beautiful cover!

What I Didn't Like

• It was too short! I wasn't able to really connect or get to know Sari or her boyfriend as much as I would have liked, which is kind of a bummer.
• All the miscommunication. It is one of my least favorite romance tropes. This is a personal preference.
• Although the drama did remind me of my teenage years, it was a little too annoying to read as an adult.

The Verdict: I think teens will enjoy the entertaining plot, be able to relate to having overly worrying (and sometimes embarrassing) parents, enjoy Sari's passion for music, and like the cute romance.

The Author

Shani Petroff is a writer living in New York City. She’s the author of the “Bedeviled” series, which includes Daddy’s Little Angel, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Dress, Careful What You Wish For, and Love Struck, and is the co-author of the “Destined” series which includes Ash and Ultraviolet. She also writes for television news programs and several other venues. When she’s not locked in her apartment typing away, she spends a whole lot of time on books, boys, TV, daydreaming, and shopping online.

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Giveaway & Review: Wicked Soul by Nora Ash

Wicked Soul (#1) by Nora Ash (Feb. 10, 2018)

Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Source: I received a free copy of the book as part of Xpresso Book Tours. This did NOT affect my honest review. Thank you!

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

My Rating:

Synopsis: He saved me… And then he blood-bonded me. Now I’m his. My first meeting with a Chicago vampire went better than expected. Up until that night, all I knew about vampires was limited to a few common facts: they drink blood, they get a mean sunburn and if you find yourself alone with one, you’re dead. Except he didn’t kill me. Sexy, broody Warin clearly had his own reasons for sparing my life and tying me with his blood, but if he’d known how much trouble I’d attract, I bet he wouldn’t have bothered. When he blood-bonded me, secrets even I didn’t know about myself came to light. Secrets that will pull us both deep into the eternal war between vampires and the witches determined to rid the world of their evil. We have only one choice now: fight the forces hell-bent on breaking our bond… Or die.

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My Review

Wicked Soul in Three Words: Steamy. Funny. Enjoyable.

What I Liked

• How the vampire mythology was handled. It reminded me of a mix of all my favorite vampire novels in one!
• The humor was fantastic. I actually laughed out loud quite a few times. The main character Liv is awkward and hilarious. She reminded me a lot of myself.
• The attraction between Liv and Warin was hot! They were also pretty cute when they were just hanging out.
• Thanks to some great action scenes along with perfect pacing of the story, I was never bored.
• The cast of secondary characters including a giant body guard, Warin's brother, and various witches were very interesting.

What I Didn't Like

• At times, Warin was just a tad bit too alpha male for my taste.
• A couple of the sexy scenes were a little out of my comfort zone.
• Although easy to relate to and hilarious, Liv also sometimes made really cringe worthy decisions that made it hard to like her.

The Bottom Line: A good fit for vampire romance fans! It was a very entertaining read.

The Author

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Nora Ash writes the sort of books that have your toes curling and your blood pulsing. Her stories are often dark and always thrilling, with lots of sexy bad boys and the women who spur their desires. When not typing away at a story, Nora paints, eats chocolate or go for hikes around the English countryside with her very own bad boy.

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Review: Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios

Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios
Length: 368 pages
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Source: The library.
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository
My Rating:

Goodreads Summary: Grace wants out. Out of her house, where her stepfather wields fear like a weapon and her mother makes her scrub imaginary dirt off the floors. Out of her California town, too small to contain her big city dreams. Out of her life, and into the role of Parisian artist, New York director—anything but scared and alone. Enter Gavin: charming, talented, adored. Controlling. Dangerous. When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it's too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she's unable to escape. Deeply affecting and unflinchingly honest, this is a story about spiraling into darkness—and emerging into the light again.

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My Review

Bad Romance in Three Words: Heartbreaking. Scary. Brave.

Bad Romance is a novel I won't soon forget. I think the author handeled the tough subject matter of relationship abuse in a realstic and thought provoking manner. It is an intense read that I would not consider enjoyable, but important and fierce.

Grace has had a crush on Gavin for a long time, but he never paid any attention to her, until he did. Grace and Gavin are a complex pair whose romance starts out strong, and turns rotten. At first glance Gavin is the sweetest boyfriend Grace could ask for, and she clings on to these happy moments while everything else goes up in flames. From what I know, I think Grace and Gavin's relationships truly shows the highs and incredible lows both partners go through in such a "bad romance."

Bad Romance is a well written novel with strong and powerful language and intense characters. The story may have lagged in a few places, but I never lost interest. Although the book focuses on Grace and Gavin's relationship, readers also get to see Grace when she is happy with her friends and when she is trying to break free from her parents.

The Bottom Line: Although incredibly sad and sometimes painful to read, I recommend that you give this one a try. The cover is beautiful in its own way and deserves a spot on your shelf.

Book Review: First Step Forward by Liora Blake

First Step Forward (#1) by Liora Blake
Length: 358 pages
Genre: Adult Romance
Publisher: Pocket Books
Source: I received a free copy from the author through Xpresso Book Tours. Thank you so much! This did NOT affect my honest review.
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My Rating:

Goodreads Summary: Pro-football player Cooper Lowry is off the field and into some trouble—in the form of a very alluring, very free-spirited apple orchard owner named Whitney Reed—in the first installment in Liora Blake’s all new Grand Valley series. After eight seasons playing pro-football, Cooper Lowry knows all the right answers. Is he stubborn, short-tempered, and impatient? Yes. Are jersey chasers more trouble than they’re worth? Absolutely. Has he ever imagined a life beyond the game? Nope. Cooper has built an enviable career—the result of staying focused, working hard, and keeping his head on straight—even as his body takes the brunt. So when a hard hit during a Sunday home game leaves him in a dazed heap on the field, it’s nothing more than another day at the office. The only thing that’s different about this Sunday is a chance encounter with a certain fascinating, beautiful free-spirited woman. And some sternly-worded instructions from his coach to take a little time off and give his body the TLC it craves—before he does lasting damage. Whitney Reed is a few months away from losing the organic fruit orchard she bought three years ago in the tiny town of Hotchkiss, Colorado. At the time, she was just looking for a place to get lost. Instead, she found a home, somewhere she could finally put down roots. Now foreclosure is knocking on her door—along with a grumpy, gorgeous football player who might be just what she never knew she needed.

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My Review

First Step Forward in Three Words: Football. Apples. Swoons.

First Step Forward is a charming romance set in the wonderful state of Colorado. The author's descriptions of the setting really pulls you in, and with the help of its two interesting main characters, it is even easier to get lost in this delightful story.

Cooper has been a pro-football player for years, and it's starting to take a toll on his body. After losing her father, Whitney is trying to start over with a small fruit orchard, but she soon discovers that it is harder than it looks to stay afloat. On a chance meeting in Denver after a rough football game, we get to see their amazing meet cute from the male's POV. Cooper is the best part of this story. He is strong, can be cranky, is sweeter than sweet, and loves football. Whitney is stubborn, organic, and determined. They make a unique pair that made me smile. Although I would have liked a little more time with them, I enjoyed the fascinating minor characters as well.

The plot of First Step Forward is of your standard romance variety, but the important big romantic scenes are perfect. They will make your heart flutter. The only major complaint I had of this book was the pacing of the plot. It just seemed off from the start, especially when looking at how soon these characters seem to genuinely care for each other even though they are strangers. However, I was able to look past this flaw and enjoy its football scenes and romantic gestures.

The Final Verdict: First Step Forward is a sweet story. I recommend reading this book in the fall. It will leave you on the hunt for some delicious apple butter. I would read more books by this author.