Forgotten Silence by Quinn Loftis

Title: Forgotten Silence
Series: Grey Wolves, #10.5
Author: Quinn Loftis
Date Published: December 15, 2017

Filthy. Disgusting. Unworthy trash. The same thoughts keep swirling in Sally's mind. She's broken and no one can fix her--not her friends, try as they might, and not her beautiful mate. She'd thought when Costin had rescued her from Jericho's clutches, broken the spell the rogue werewolf had cast on her, and left the cur lying in bloody pieces on the floor of an Ocean Side bar, that one day she might find some peace. Perhaps, with time, she could forget the horrible things she'd done. Perhaps she could forget how she had betrayed her one true mate. Now, several weeks later, the memories and the nightmares have only grown stronger. Unbeknownst to Sally, though the magical bracelet that erased her memories was destroyed, the magical device deposited something sinister within the girl's mind. Now, in a last ditch effort to find some sort of healing, Sally is being shipped off to her hometown--Coldspring, TX. Little does she know that surprises are awaiting her there that will shake the foundations of all she's ever known. Will these new revelations be the key to eradicating the darkness that has taken root in the healer? Or will the secrets that are uncovered be too much for Sally to bear?

Amazon | iBooks | Nook

My Thoughts:

Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher

Title: Billy and Me
Series: Billy and Me, #1
Author: Giovanna Fletcher
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Date Published: April 5, 2016
Rating: 5 Stars

In this utterly sweet and moving women's fiction novel, a celebrity comes to town and sweeps a young woman - who is used to being overlooked - off her feet.

Sophie May is content with her life in her small English village, working in the local coffee shop and living with her mom. But when famous actor Billy comes to town to play Mr. Darcy in a new film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Sophie's quiet life is quickly turned on its head. Billy is adored by women around the world, but he only wants Sophie on his arm. But being with Billy comes at a price, and Sophie is thrown in the spotlight after years of shying away from attention. Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy?

Brimming with humor, wit, and genuine warmth, Billy and Me is a book about taking a chance on life and on love. 

My Thoughts:

On Thin Ice by Aven Ellis

Title:On Thin Ice
Series: Dallas Demons #4
Author: Aven Ellis
Date Published: November 30, 2016
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Holly Johansson knows some things in her life are certain after college graduation:

1.) It’s a long road to become a full-time author. 2.) She’ll need to work to pay her bills. 3.) And Dallas Demons superstar Matt Rhinelander will never return her feelings.

Holly knows her unrequited crush on the partying hockey player is ridiculous. There’s no way Matt would be attracted to a woman who prefers nights in watching TV or reading books when he’s known for his frequent bar hops and fast lifestyle. Obviously he would never see her as anything other than his teammate’s little sister.

Yet Holly is drawn to the other side of Matt—the man she knows has always been thoughtful and easy to talk to whenever she’s been alone with him. It is this Matt that fueled the crush Holly has on him. And she knows it will always be just that—a secret crush.

Or will it?

Because when Matt helps Holly through a crisis, her heart begins to believe that there might be feelings on his part, too. After a night of hard partying puts Matt in jeopardy with the Dallas Demons, can Holly be the one to save him? And when Matt admits he sees her as more than Nate Johansson’s sister, will it put both of them on thin ice? 

My Thoughts:

Review: One Paris Summer by Denise Grover Swank

Title: One Paris Summer
Series: a standalone
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Publisher: Blink
Date Published: June 7, 2016

Most teens dream of visiting the City of Lights, but it feels more like a nightmare for Sophie Brooks. She and her brother are sent to Paris to spend the summer with their father, who left home a year ago without any explanation. As if his sudden abandonment weren't betrayal enough, he's about to remarry, and they’re expected to play nice with his soon-to-be wife and stepdaughter. The stepdaughter, Camille, agrees to show them around the city, but she makes it clear that she will do everything in her power to make Sophie miserable.

Sophie could deal with all the pain and humiliation if only she could practice piano. Her dream is to become a pianist, and she was supposed to spend the summer preparing for a scholarship competition. Even though her father moved to Paris to pursue his own dream, he clearly doesn't support hers. His promise to provide her with a piano goes unfulfilled.

Still, no one is immune to Paris’s charm.

Review: Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis

Title: Trivial Pursuits
Series: Chicago on Ice, #2
Author: Aven Ellis
Publisher: Soulmate Publishing
Date Published: April 20, 2016

Landon Holder is exactly the kind of man Livy Adams should stay far away from.
The flashy, flirty star defenseman for the Chicago Buffaloes is known for hooking up with women all over Chicago. Livy finds herself attracted to Landy, but his sexy good looks and charm are irrelevant. She had her heart shattered by a cheating athlete in college, and Livy vows she will never let her judgment lapse like that ever again.
Yet Livy knows she can’t spend the rest of her life focusing on building her jewelry line during the day and her evenings playing TriviaPlayOrPass! on her phone, either. Even though she does have fabulous conversations with a player named Scott, it’s time to get back in the game—in real life. While Livy tries to figure out her career path in jewelry design, she knows it’s time to take a chance on romance again, too.
But in a strange twist of fate, Livy finds

Review: An Ember in the Ashes

Title: An Ember in the Ashes
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Publisher: Razorbill- Audio
Date Published: April 28, 2015
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Narrators: Fiona Hardingham & Steve West

Laia is a slave.

Elias is a soldier.

Neither is free.

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

Review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Title: Everything, Everything
Series: Standalone
Author: Nicola Yoon
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Date Published: September 1, 2015
Audio Version
Narrator: Bahni Turpin
Rated: 5 Stars

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster. 

Review: Breakout by Aven Ellis

Title: Breakout
Series: Dallas Demons, #3
Author: Aven Ellis
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Date Published: November 4, 2015

While Texas is known for loving football, Lexi Stewart has always been drawn to the ice. Hockey is her passion, and she wants nothing more than to pursue a career in video editing for the home network of the Dallas Demons hockey team.

Lexi has an editing job for a corporate account, but it’s not fulfilling. Nor is her dating life, despite having the so-called help of The One Online Dating Service. Lexi knows there has to be more for her—on both fronts. She’s ready to take the next step, but it doesn't seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon.

Until a flying puck changes everything.

Niko Xenakis is the new Dallas Demons TV producer, and he’s looking to make his mark in his new role and hopefully work his way back to his hometown of Baltimore. But once he meets Lexi, he might just change his mind on what he wants for his future . . .

But the road to love is never easy, complicated by the fact that they both carry emotional baggage from the past in their hearts. Can these two “breakout” of the past to find love in the present?

Review: The Aubrey Rules by Aven Ellis

Title: The Aubrey Rules
Series: Chicago On Ice, #1
Author: Aven Ellis
Publisher: Soulmate Publishing
Date Published: August 26, 2015
Rating: 5 Stars

Some of the Aubrey Rules to Live By:

*If I’m going to indulge in French fries, I must add extra time to the treadmill the next day.
*Always keep your work and private life separate.
*Being open to new experiences will never involve eating kale.
*Never, ever date a professional athlete.

For Chicago social media professional Aubrey Paige, the rules are everything.

Review: Dirty Deeds by Karina Halle

Title: Dirty Deeds
Series: Dirty Angels, #2
Author: Karina Halle
Date Published: February 16, 2015
Published: Metal Blonde Books

He’s fearless and ruthless. Soulless.”

As a flight attendant, Alana Bernal has had her share of suitors. She's also had more than her fair share of tragedy within her messed-up family. But what she hasn't had is love. Real, rip-your-heart-out, tear-your-clothes-off, all-consuming love.

Summer of Series: July update/Series Review (Summer by Jenny Han)



I've been participating in the Summer of Series Challenge hosted by Danielle from Love At First Page and Lili from Lili's Reflections. I've had so much fun doing so! I think I've actually enjoyed the books more, because I could read them back-to-back- instead of waiting MONTHS for the latest book to be released.

I know, I know...I am very late getting this post in, especially since I read these books in July. I kind of got carried away with other things *hangs head in shame*.

The Summer Series by Jenny Han

Blog Tour: Out of Tme by Beth Flynn. (Includes Review and a Giveaway!)

OUT OF TIME is the HIGHLY ANTICIPATED sequel to NINE MINUTES where Grizz, Kit & Grunt's gritty tale continues!  You aren’t going to want to miss this!

A Re-Read...and a Series Review! The Ruby Red Trilogy by Kerstin Gier



 

A few years ago, I read Ruby Red, by Kerstin Gier, and I just fell in love with it! At the time, the third book in the trilogy, Emerald Green, hadn't been released yet, so I decided to wait for it come out, before I started the second book, Sapphire Blue. Sadly, Emerald Green, has LONG since been released, and I did not finish the series until very recently.

Since I am taking part in the Re-Read Challenge, hosted by Hannah, at So Obsessed With, and Kelly over at Belle of the Literati, I decided that a re-read of Ruby Red was long overdue!

 

 

 



Although I had never seen him before, I recognized him immediately. I'd have known his voice anywhere. This was the guy I'd seen on my last journey back in time.

Or more precisely, the one who'd kissed my doppelganger while I was hiding behind the curtain in disbelief.

Sixteen-year-old Gwen lives with her extended - and rather eccentric - family in an exclusive London neighborhood. In spite of her ancestors' peculiar history, she's had a relatively normal life so far. The time-traveling gene that runs like a secret thread through the female half of the family is supposed to have skipped over Gwen, so she hasn't been introduced to "the mysteries," and can spend her time hanging out with her best friend, Lesly. It comes as an unwelcome surprise when she starts taking sudden, uncontrolled leaps into the past.

She's totally unprepared for time travel, not to mention all that comes with it: fancy clothes, archaic manners, a mysterious secret society, and Gideon, her time-traveling counterpart. He's obnoxious, a know-it-all, and possibly the best-looking guy she's seen in any century . . . .

 

 

 

WHEN I First Read

June 15, 2012.

 

WHAT I Remember

This was my first, Young Adult, time-travel book and  I enjoyed it so much! I remember loving Kerstin Gier's writing style and her characters. I really liked Gwen, and totally wished that I could go back in time, too! There was also the beginnings of a sweet romance.

 



WHY I Wanted to Re-Read

So many of the details were fuzzy! I could not remember names of important people or specific events. (I believe part of this is due to age, not because of the writing.) I also wanted to read the rest of the series and find out what else happened!

 

HOW I Felt After Re-Reading

I could  not believe how much I had forgotten, and I had a lot of, "oh yeahhh" moments. I would say that I enjoyed Ruby Red even more the second time around! I can't explain why, but the characters seemed more vivid, and I had stronger opinions about a couple of the characters this time around. I also had more questions as I read. This is a 5-star book for me. I immediately dived into book two, this time around.

 WOULD I Re-Read Again

ABSOLUTELY. I have a feeling I would catch more things that I missed the first and second time that I read this.

 

Which leads me to...

 

The Summer of Series reading challenge is being hosted by Danielle, form Love At First Page, and Lili from Lili's Reflections.

 

 

For the month of June, I decided to binge read The Ruby Red Trilogy. Although I really liked the hardback covers, I love the paperback versions even more!

Review: The Definition of Icing by Aven Ellis

Title: The Definition of Icing
Series: Dallas Demons, #2
Author: Aven Ellis
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Date Published: May 27, 2015
Rating: 5 Hockey Pucks

 Kenley Hunter finally has everything sorted out. Fresh from studying chocolate making in Europe, she's
gambling everything on her new business, Confection Consultations.

All Kenley wants in life is people to take her seriously, to see the person on the inside rather than the
blonde beauty on the outside.

Review: I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

Title: I'll Meet You There
Series: Standalone
Author: Heather Demetrios
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Date Published: February 3, 2015

If seventeen-year-old Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line.

Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper.

My Thoughts:

Wow! This book has just pushed its way into my heart. I was so touched, and so moved by everything. Not just by Josh's story, but by Skylar's, as well.

I know this is technically classified as a Young Adult novel, but I would dare also say that it is New Adult too. The characters experienced so much growth and change in this story. Sky and Josh were both on the verge of starting a new life and a beginning. They weren't sure which direction to go and/or what do. At times, it seemed like they were torn.

Skylar. There were a few times while reading, when I was transported back to when I was a teenager, twenty-something years ago, and had just experienced what she did. Having my mom choose someone else over me. Taking care of my mom, who had seemed to revert back to her youth. Working full time to help make ends meet. I hurt for Skylar, and it brought me some relief to know that someone else had experienced what I did and knew my pain, even if it was simply a character from a story. It just felt so real. I often wondered what would have happened to me if I had made the same choices that Skylar did.

I loved Josh. I loved reading from his point of view, even if it did make me cry. Again. (You probably wouldn't have guessed this- but I am not normally a crier. But, man, I sobbed). I was so grateful to Heather Demetrios for allowing us inside of his head and into his thoughts. He went through so much, and had so many demons. After I read the last page of I'll Meet You There, I couldn't help but wonder what he decided to do with his life, and what became of him. I can only imagine the struggles he would always battle.

I also adored the side characters- Marge, Dylan, Chris, and even Blake. They all had their quirks, but they all brought so much to the story, and spoke to me in some special way.

I would definitely recommend I'll Meet You There to anyone, no matter what genre you read. I know I want to read everything that Heather Demetrios writes now.

 5 Stars

edited: While writing this review, I was listening to Mumford & Sons'  Sigh No More album, and this song (After the Storm) made me think of Josh.

Release Day Launch and Review fo Business as Usual by Denise Grover Swank (Includes Excerpt, Giveaway, and Review)

We are beyond excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Denise Grover Swank's, BUSINESS AS USUAL. BUSINESS AS USUAL is the third novel in her Off the Subject Series and one you don't want to miss!

Synopsis

Lexi Pendergraft has given up on finding love after a disastrous encounter with her last boyfriend. Instead, she focuses on two things: One, setting up a summer program for underprivileged middle-school aged students. And the second, getting to the bottom of her brother Reed’s recent strange behavior. His secret is destroying his relationship with his fiancée Caroline, and Lexi will do anything to help him save it. Especially after he gave up his dream to give Lexi a chance at a semi-normal college experience, something her parents threatened to steal from her after her rape a year ago.

Ben Masterson is determined to make it through his final semester of his senior year at Southern University. After recently losing his full ride scholarship, he’s suffering from sleep deprivation while trying to keep up with his mechanical engineering courses and working three part time jobs. He thinks he’s lucked out getting a job in the university math lab. The only problem is his boss—Reed Pendergraft.

As part of a role in a community theater play, Lexi wears a black wig and feels a confidence she hasn’t experienced in over a year. When she wears it to a bar close to the theater, she doesn’t think Ben, a bartender there, recognizes her. While Ben’s intrigued about what she’s up to, he’s smart enough to stay far away from his overprotective boss’s sister. Until fate forces him to help her, but why won’t she tell him her real identity?

Amazon / Kobo



Excerpt

 

The song ends and I look across the room, hatred filling every pore of my body for the person who’s putting Alexa through this charade. Tina’s watching us with amusement. I look down into Alexa’s face and she steps away from me. Our song is done. Our commitment is up.

Only I’m not ready to let her go yet. Maybe I can save her at least part of her embarrassment.
I cradle her cheeks and stare into her eyes, looking for any sign that she finds my touch revolting. But her breath comes in short bursts and her pupils are dilated. My thumb strokes her right cheek bone, and it amazes me how smooth her skin is. I should stop prolonging my torture, but I don’t want to hurry this moment. I want to sear it into my brain.

I lower my face to hers and her mouth parts in anticipation. Our lips touch lightly and I run my tongue along her upper lip. Her hands return to my shoulders as she takes a step closer, pressing her chest to mine, her mouth parting as she sighs. My tongue accepts the invitation, twining with hers.

Her arms tighten around my neck and I slide a hand behind her head. Blood rushes to my groin and the way she’s pressed against me, she has to know I’m getting a hard-on, yet she doesn’t step away. She presses closer instead.

Still, I take my time with the kiss, making it last. I want more, so much more, but we’re on a dance floor, surrounded by at least thirty people, being watched intently by a group of perverts in the corner. I want to keep this pure. I want to take the thing Tina meant as a punishment for Alexa and turn it into something meaningful. At least for me. But the way Alexa clings to me tells me the experience has power for her too, even if it’s just because she’s sacrificing herself for some other guy.

I finally lift my head and stare into her lust-filled eyes and I want to curse the gods who put her in my path only to take her away.

“Thank you,” she breathes out with a sigh.

“Do think that was enough to appease her?”

Her eyes cloud with momentary confusion. “Oh…yeah.”

“If it’s not, I want you to promise me that you’ll ask me for help.” I sound like a pervert myself, but the thought of someone like Tattoo Guy pawing her nauseates me.

She seems to understand my intention because she gives me a grateful look. Tears fill her eyes. “Thank you.”

I want to kiss her again, to take her out the back door and away from Tina and her vile crew, but that’s not what Alexa wants. I step back and interweave my fingers with hers. It takes every ounce of fortitude in my body to take her back to that table. When we get there, I pull out her chair to show this table full of disgusting low-lifes how to treat a woman.

Tina claps her hands. “I think there might be hope for you two yet.” She waggles her eyebrows at Alexa, then looks up at me. “I told you Reed’s—”

Alexa leans forward, her eyes wild. “I think I need another drink.”

I stare at her in disbelief. She’s trying to interrupt Tina because she thinks I don’t know who she really is—Alexa Pendergraft, baby sister to that asshole Reed Pendergraft. And with a sigh, I realize it’s better this way, all around, because I would throw everything away to get one shot with this girl.



My Thoughts

 (possible spoilers, if you have not read the two previous books)

Once again, Denise Grover Swank, has wowed me with yet another great New Adult novel!  I have to say, I was (am) delighted that Business As Usual told Lexi's story. I really liked her character in Redesigned (Off the Subject series, #2), and was very happy that she got her own book.  I didn't want to put my kindle down and stop reading, because I was so engrossed in the story!
 
It's hard to pinpoint exactly why I love this series so much, but I think one of my favorite aspects of these books is the main characters. I have grown to love each and every one of them. Yes, they all have their faults. They have all had to overcome great obstacles to get where they are today. It has been a difficult journey for them, yet they've survived.  Denise Grover Swank does a beautiful job showing how the characters deal with their issues, yet grow and blossom into stronger individuals.  She also  shows a realistic portrayal of college life, and how difficult it can be.  Her characters work hard, sacrifice, and are really driven.

In Business As Usual, we meet Ben Masterson. Ben is such a great all around character, and has so much depth. Not only is the guy gorgeous and intelligent, but he's a little bit feisty.  He is also caring and nurturing.  These past few months have been especially difficult for Ben. When he thought things in his life were stable, and he'd almost reached the finish line,  everything changed for him in an instant.  

I was also happy that we got to pick up on Caroline and Reed's story, as well!  They both had a strong role in this novel.  Reed and Lexi have a great relationship with each other. I was so angry and sad that their parents turned their backs on them; however,  I was relieved that Reed could be Lexi's rock and support her. Reed is still one of my favorite guys, and I especially adored him in this novel.

  I really hope to read more books by Denise Grover Swank. I don't know whether or not she is planning on writing more books in her Off The Subject series. I really hope she does, though! There are a few characters in particular, whose stories I would love to read about.

5 Stars

About Denise Grover Swank

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period.  Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.)  Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks.  She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.

You can find out more about Denise and her other books at: www.denisegroverswank.com.

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Book Review: Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews

 

Title: Clean Sweep (Inkeeper Chronicles, #1)

Author: Ilona Andrews

Date Published: December 2, 2013

Publisher: Ilona Andrews

I received this arc from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

 

From Goodreads:

 

On the outside, Dina Demille is the epitome of normal. She runs a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in a small Texas town, owns a Shih Tzu named Beast, and is a perfect neighbor, whose biggest problem should be what to serve her guests for breakfast. But Dina is...different: Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself. Meant to be a lodging for otherworldly visitors, the only permanent guest is a retired Galactic aristocrat who can’t leave the grounds because she’s responsible for the deaths of millions and someone might shoot her on sight. Under the circumstances, "normal" is a bit of a stretch for Dina.

And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night....Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evans—an alpha-strain werewolf—and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she’s facing is unlike anything she’s ever encountered before. It’s smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.

 

My Thoughts:

 

I am a big fan of this writing couple! (For those of you who don't know, Ilona and her husband, Gordon, write these amazing books together).  I absolutely adore their Kate Daniels and The Edge series.  There's just something distinct and remarkable about their writing style, characters, and settings. So when I learned that there was going to be a new series, I just couldn't wait to get my hands on it. 

 

 

Let me tell you...Clean Sweep did not disappoint! Right away, I was sucked into this unique story about a young woman named Dina who is an innkeeper of a magical house for aliens. The house has human mannerisms as well as a deep connection with Dina. It needs her in order for its magic to thrive. When Dina is inside of the house, she can do the most fascinating and uncanny spells. 

 

Like Andrews' other series, this book is just filled with the wry and sometimes sarcastic humor that I adore.   I still chuckle when I think of some of the banter and scenes featuring Sean, Arland, and Beast.  The characters were quirky, yet fearsome. I quickly developed a book crush on Sean- Dina's new neighbor. He was brave, responsible, and unfortunately, unaware of all of the supernaturals  surrounding him.

 

Dana was a great heroine! She was intelligent, resourceful and fierce. She took her job as innkeeper very seriously, and did not let her head (or heart), get sidetracked when there were people that needed protecting.

 

 

This book was definitely fast paced. I was kind of bummed when I finished reading - not only  because it ended on a little cliffhanger (there's definitely room for more adventures and more problems to solve), but because I got so attached to the characters! There was one character in particular, who shall remain anonymous, that I really wanted to find inner peace and happiness.

 

I definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a nice, paranormal/urban fantasy, with some good humor and great characters!

 

 

 

 

5 Stars

How to Love by Katie Cotugno

Title: How to Love
Author: Katie Cotugno
Published by: Balzar + Bray
Published: October 1, 2013

*A special thank you to my friend Krista, from Krista's Dust Jacket, for lending me this beautiful book.

From Goodreads:

Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he’s never seemed to notice that Reena even exists…until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated—and pregnant—Reena behind.

After: Almost three years have passed, and there’s a new love in Reena’s life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena’s gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she’s finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn’t want anything to do with him, though she’d be lying if she said Sawyer’s being back wasn’t stirring something in her. After everything that’s happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?

In this breathtaking debut, Katie Cotugno weaves together the story of one couple falling in love—twice.


My Thoughts:

This is one of those books that gave me a 'book hangover'.  I started reading it one night at about 7pm, and while I do remember setting the book down briefly a few times to take care of some things, I quickly picked up right where I left off.  Finally, after the pages started getting blurry, I looked over at the clock and saw that it was 2:30 am, and hubby was snoring (not so softly) right beside me. That's how engrossed I was in Katie Cotugno's first novel, How to Love.  When I finished the book the later that day, I was in awe. I kind of wanted to pick the book back up and read it again.

The story is told from Reena's (Serena's) point of view. She unexpectedly runs into her old boyfriend Sawyer, who she hasn't seen in about three years. There's been absolutely no contact. No letters. No phone calls. No way to tell him that she had been pregnant with his baby, when he took off.

Reena had so many dreams and plans for her future. But for as long as she could remember, she was also in love with Sawyer.  Reena never told anyone how she felt about him- not even to her best friend, Allie. In turn, Allie didn't tell her some things about Sawyer. 

I really like that How to Love begins with the present events, and then goes into the past to explain how certain things happened. Katie Cotugno does a wonderful job of weaving the time elements together so that it all comes together smoothly. I also found all of the characters to be likeable even with all of their faults and issues. This story deals with subjects like forgiveness, vulnerability, denial, and at times religion.

 Reena went through so much in this story, yet she was still able to be strong and to finally stand up for herself. She worked hard and was a great mommy, even though it seemed like she was all alone in the world.  I really liked Sawyer too. He had a good heart, but he had so many problems that he wouldn't address or deal with. There was so much that Reena did not know.  I'm not sure that he redeemed himself in the end, but he did make up for a lot. In a lot of ways, he had to do what he did in order to be better in the long run.

If I had to be picky, I would have liked for Reena and Sawyer to really talk about Allie more, and about how she affected them in the past and in the present. They touched on the surface of it, but I really feel like more needed to be said.  I also would have loved and epilogue that told what was happening, maybe few years down the road.

I can definitely say that this was one of my favorite reads this year. I hope Katie Cotugno is writing more books, because I would love to read them!

Rating: 5 Stars

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Title: The Distance Between Us

 Author: Kasie West

 Published: July 2, 2013

 Publisher: Harper Teen

From Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.

My Thoughts:

Recently I took part in a readalong of The Distance Between Us, hosted by Fic Fare, The Fictionators, and Swoony Boys Podcast. I had not heard much about this book beforehand, but I decided to give it a try, since I've enjoyed the other books we've read as a group. I am SO glad that I did! I ended up loving it.

The story is told from Caymen Meyers point of view. She is a seventeen year old girl who works for her mother, who owns a porcelain doll store. Porcelain dolls. Right off the bat, I had to sympathize with Caymen, because personally, porcelain dolls scare me a little. My grandmother used to collect them, and I was always afraid to go into the room where she kept them in (I watched a lot of old episodes of The Twilight Zone as a kid, and sometimes they featured dolls that came to life).

Back to Caymen.  She has been raised by a single mother, and works tirelessly in the store.  It is to the point where she has sacrificed her social life to help her mother, who is barely making ends meet.  Caymen's father had come from a wealthy home, but walked away from Caymen's mother when she was still pregnant, so she has never met him. Her mother often uses the fact that he was rich as the scapegoat for his actions.

The doll store takes place in a wealthy neighborhood, and Caymen and her mother often secretly make fun of the rich customers who shop at their store. That is until Xander walks in. He changes many of Caymen's preconceived notions and makes her think about things differently.

I really like Caymen's character. She is funny, witty, and sarcastic. At first, I was worried that the author would take that too far or to the extreme, but thankfully she did not, and I often found myself chuckling at some of the things Caymen had to say. Xander was such sweetheart, and I really admired how he seemed to see past her tough exterior.  This book was so touching, and I am so glad that it did not slip under my radar.

I was kind of sad when the book ended, because I wanted to hear more of their story and find out if Caymen ever decided to seek out her dad. The author leaves it open for the reader to interpret, and in my mind she does. I borrowed The Distance Between Us from my library, but I plan to buy a hard copy because it has now become one of my favorites.

Rating: 5 Stars



Elsker by ST Bende

Title: Elsker (Elsker Saga, #1)
Author: ST Bende
Published: April 22, 2013
Publisher:  Entranced Publishing



From Goodreads:


You don’t win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies along the way.

Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs, but when she transfers from her one-stoplight town to Cardiff University in Wales she falls in love with Ull Myhr.  Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting.  He’s an honest to goodness Norse God - an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth.  Kristia’s crazy visions are the only thing that can save their realms.  Her orderly life just got very messy.



My Thoughts:


Not too long ago, my friend, Lolita (Lola‘s Reviews), recommended Elsker to me. I had been looking for a different kind of New Adult book, and this is a modern story that had Norse Mythology tied in to it. I had never read any books about Norse Mythology, so I was very intrigued. The other day, I decided to read it, and I am SO glad that I did! I was hooked from the very first page. Everything seemed to flow and I could not wait to see what was going to happen next.

The story begins with twenty-year-old, Kristia Tostenson, who comes from a small town in Oregon. It’s one of those communities where everyone knows everyone, and one eventually marries someone he or she grew up with. The kids grow up and take over the businesses or occupations held by their parents. Kristia is seen as somewhat of an outcast for her ‘gift‘, something she has little control over. She was raised by her late grandmother who taught her to be polite and respectful, but she also told Kristia tales of Norse myths. One day Kristia, a college senior, decides that she wants to have one more adventure before she settles down into life in her small town, so she decides to finish her education in Cardiff, Wales. Once her plane touches down in Britain, her life will never be the same.

I really liked Kristia’s character. She is a bit OCD, but she is also kind, thoughtful, and loyal. Ull is tall, blond, handsome, and mysterious. It wasn’t long before I was rooting for the two of them. They both have some secrets though, and they will have to learn to trust one another with them. I also grew to love the other minor characters in Elsker- Emma, Victoria, Gunnar, and Inga. They added some humor and other fun elements to the story.

I really enjoyed the Norwegian culture in Elsker, such as the food and the language. I hope we get to experience even more of that in the next book, Endre. I am really looking forward to the continuation of Kristia and Ull’s story, as they are about to encounter even more trials and problems. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but lets just say I loved this and I’ve been recommending Elsker to my friends!


*There is a recipe at the end of the book for Olaug’s waffles, and I am definitely going to try it out!

Rated: 5 Stars