Playing Catch Up....

Sorry for being a total review writing slacker lately, guys!  I have been a reading machine the last few weeks and have basically only put my nook down to eat, sleep, and go to work. 

(I might have a problem)

Since I obviously haven't been able to stop reading long enough to actually write anything... I am going to do another quick rundown on all of the books I have been neglecting y'all with rather than write a whole bunch of individual reviews.

 So here we go....

First up....

I really enjoyed this book, but let me start out by saying that it is very dark. The story is centered around the rape and suicide of the main character's (Brooke) best friend, and Brooke's drive to earn forgiveness and redeem herself for the horrible betrayal that she feels ultimately lead to her BFF's suicide. Again, this is not in any way a light read, but as controversial as the topics in this story are, there are also moments of humor and love. I literally could not put this book down because I was so captivated by Brooke's story. I definitely recommend it. 

So I am not exactly sure where to begin with this one... Did I enjoy it? Sure. Was I wowed by it? Uhhh no. I thought the battle of wills between the main character and her boss were cute, but there was entirely too much steam and not enough story development for me. If I were to rate it, I would probably give it 3 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a mindless, lighthearted, steamy read you should check it out, but it is not a must-read in my eyes.

 I just kind of felt... meh about it.

Ok this is a super sweet (and mildly drawn out) love story that I enjoyed reading. Buuuuuuut, I will say that the epilogue made me cry like a freaking baby. I am talking ugly, sobbing and snotting all over the place cry. 

I pretty much sat in bed looking like this for a solid hour...

Buuuut like I said, it is a really sweet love story and is absolutely worth reading, just get the tissues ready. Laura Miller is releasing Will's POV soon. So if you read Butterfly Weeds and like it, check out Will's story in My Butterfly. 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17874069-my-butterfly 

 This was a decent read. The plot was interesting, the characters had chemistry, and it had plenty of steam, but all in all it didn't blow me away. There were a few inconsistencies that kind of annoyed me and while the story line was interesting, it wasn't as deep or dark as I wanted.  I will definitely give Kendall Ryan another chance though because her writing has great potential...

 this one just didn't quite do it for me.

This is the final installment in Nicole Williams' Crash series and let me start out by saying that I freaking love Jude Ryder and I really liked this entire series, buuuuuut if I am being perfectly honest, the plot throughout all 3 books is pretty ridiculous. The dialogue is super cheesy and completely unrealistic, but for some reason Lucy and Jude's story just sticks with you and makes you root for them. Despite the cheesiness, I still recommend this series because well....

you just really shouldn't miss out on Jude. ;-)

Ok, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book after I read the synopsis, but I surprisingly really liked it. The writing was great, the plot was interesting, intense, and really unique, and the characters were extremely likable. I highly recommend it if you are looking for something different because honestly, it is a pretty awesome book. 

Here is the Goodreads link, so go check it out for yourself. 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15505346-on-the-island

This was another super sweet love story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the witty banter and humor, and there are some really swoon worthy moments. It is a cute and lighthearted read and while it isn't the best book I have ever read, it gave my wounded heart a nice break from all the cliffhangers I have been torturing myself with. Again, if you are looking for a quick and easy heartwarming read, 

give this book a whirl.

If you haven't read Taking Chances by Molly McAdams yet... 

GO READ IT IMMEDIATELY 

and then come back and read this review. Let me warn you that it is an addicting story that will suck you in and then completely shatter your heart and crush your soul, but it is suuuuuch a good book! Even if it kind of ruins your world.....

Stealing Harper is Chase's POV and McAdams did a great job of telling his side of the story. I love that we finally get some insight into what the heck was going on with him throughout TC. I'm not going to lie, I was a nervous wreck as I neared the end because I knew the heartbreak that was coming. In fact, I may have read this book slower than any book I have ever read because I was scared of the emotional breakdown that was surely to follow upon finishing, but surprisingly enough, while I teared up a little and wanted to go lay and cry in fetal position for a couple of hours... 

I was shockingly able to keep it together. High five for me!

 I almost decided not to read this book because I don't like the cover, but boy am I glad that I decided not to judge a book by its kind of lame looking cover because I reeeeally liked this story! I don't know what it is about Rule...

(the tats, the sexy piercings, the bad boy attitude!?!?!), 

but his character just really drew me in. 

Of course the Rule that I envisioned looked more like this.... 

*fans face*

 but I digress... The story itself is full of angst, love, heartbreak, and steam and I was captivated from start to finish. The female lead, Shaw is smart, caring, and equally as likable as Rule. Without a doubt, I would give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. You should seriously read it. It is Jay Crownover's debut novel and I can't wait to read the rest of the Marked Men series because the gal can write a bad boy like none other. Book number 2 in this series is entitled Jet  and is already out on Kindle, but us Nook owners have to wait a little longer. 

Total bummer. 

This is the companion novel for Deeper We Fall

(which I love and did a review on earlier this year... definitely a must read). 

While, I didn't like this book as much, I still enjoyed it. I adore Chelsea Cameron's writing and the connection between Katie and Stryker was really sweet. It's totally worth the read.

 Holy moly! Remington Tate is a sexy, sexy beast!! 

Just looking at the cover makes me feel all funny inside.

 *wipes drool*

Soooo anyways...

 He is an underground fighter with a serious case of dark and mysterious and the chemistry between him and Brooke is freaking intense and STEAMY. It is absolutely your typical Contemporary Romance book and was a tad predictable at times, but I still really enjoyed it and am totally reading the rest of the books in the series. 

Book 2 is supposed to be told from Remy's (girly sigh) POV, but not sure about book 3. 

As I am sure you know, I am a HUGE Abbi Glines fangirl. I have loved every single one of her books and Twisted Perfection was no exception. 

When I started the story I was a little shocked to find out how dirty Woods is 

because he seemed a little stiff in Never and Forever Too Far

but boy, oh boy, did I like it! ;-)

I loved the connection between him and Della and am super excited that Glines is continuing their story in another installment. If you haven't read anything by Abbi Glines... get busy because the woman can write a Contemporary Romance like it is nobody's business.

 Like seriously, all you Abbi Glines virigins out there...

Stop what you are doing,

 download ALL of her books, grab a couple bottles of wine, and get to reading.

 Warning: all of her male characters might cause the following reaction....

;-)

I am a huge fan of Jessica Sorensen and enjoyed the of The Secret of Ella and Micha, so I was super excited when this book came out. So excited that I literally read it in one day. Sorensen's writing makes it easy for you to get lost in the story and feel the emotions of her characters. Both the Secret and the Forever of Ella and Micha are really enjoyable reads, and while I am a bigger fan of Callie and Kayden's story, I love me some Ella and Micha as well. 

Off The Record Cover Reveal

Expected Release Date: 

June 11, 2013

Book Description:

The sparks of dislike burn hot, but the sparks of mutual attraction burn even hotter.

Ever Montgomery suffered the ultimate betrayal by the one man who she should have been able to count on for anything. It has left her hurt, jaded and incapable of forming relationships, but it also means that she can spot a liar a mile away.  These traits are earning her a reputation as a reporter with a keen nose for a good story and a complete understanding of the extreme power of the written word.

Lincoln Caldwell, is the hot goalie for the New York Rangers. At twenty-four and a rising star, he works hard and he plays even harder. He’s gorgeous and carefree—the ultimate charmer.  Ladies fall at his feet and the single life has never been lived the way Linc Caldwell does it.

When Ever publishes an article about Linc containing information that she received off the record, she finds herself on the receiving end of the athelete’s fury.  Rather than basking in the glory of exposing Linc as a shameless user of women, she finds herself at his mercy when he demands and receives retribution.  Required by her editor to trail Linc for six weeks, Ever is forced to look at the real Linc Caldwell.

 And she just might find that she has misjudged him.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17852664-off-record

About the Author:

Sawyer Bennett is the pen name for a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weakness but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Author Social Media Links:

www.sawyerbennett.com

www.facebook.com/bennettbooks

www.twitter.com/bennettbooks

Check out this suuuuper adorable interview with the model from the cover....

http://sawyerbennett.com/2013/05/22/cover-model-jay-byars-way-more-than-just-a-pretty-face/

Smash Into You Cover Reveal

       

Expected Release Date: 

Summer 2013

Book Description:

Jude has spent the whole twenty three years of his life running. From what, he wasn't quite sure. His mother tried to keep him safe; a low profile, a constant move on the horizon, a week's pay always stashed away. She tried to instill in him that he was special somehow, though would never elaborate. He never felt different. He was so completely normal and vanilla that he wondered if it had all been in her head. But then she was murdered and all he saw was a running silhouette of a man as his mother said three final words to him. Three words that changed his whole being.

Never stop running…

Now he's semi-settled into a big town. The college is huge and easy to blend into. It's been three months since he had to move because 'Biloxi', as he calls the man who killed his mother, found him once more.

Then Marley, an eighteen year old girl who is as infuriating as she is blissfully ignorant of her gorgeousness, smashes into his car with hers. Then smashes into his life as he realizes that whatever it is he has that Biloxi wants, she has it, too. And now, they're after them both.

Add to Goodreads:

 http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13628713-smash-into-you

About the Author:

Shelly is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in everywhere USA as they happily travel all over with her husband's job. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, site see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.

Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.

Author Social Media Links:

http://www.shellycrane.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/shellycranefanpage

http://www.twitter.com/#!/AuthShellyCrane

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4951964.Shelly_Crane

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DAG56TWVU5XWC2&field-keywords=shelly+crane&x=8&y=13

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/shelly-crane?keyword=shelly+crane&store=allproducts

Rock and a Hard Place Event Giveaway!!

Author, Angie Stanton is celebrating the initial release of her first indie title two years ago this month by giving away 5 autographed books and 10 ebooks!! 

Book Description:

One day while watching the Interstate exit for her dad's long awaited return, Libby's life is rocked when Peter Jamieson steps off his tour bus and into her life. After a couple chance meetings with Peter, Libby breaks away from her perfect behavior and her life changes course.

Peter longs for normalcy away from the screaming fans who know nothing about the real him. He is amazed to discover Libby has never heard of him or his band. Soon their friendship turns to love. While Peter battles his family's growing interference so he can spend time with Libby, she struggles with her eccentric aunt who turns more bizarre each day.

Their lives are torn apart when Peter's family intrudes and Libby disappears. Peter's desperate search for her comes up empty. Can they find their way back to each other while the world plots against them?

About the Author:

Angie Stanton never planned on writing books, she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in a rural setting with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head she began to write them down and the rest is history.

She loves dipping french fries in chocolate shakes, all natural disaster movies and Broadway Musicals.

When not writing, Angie is concocting ways to make more dreams come true, whether it be tickets to a Broadway show or convincing her family they should rent an RV and travel the country. She's still working on that one.

Angie is a proud double finalist of the 2011 National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em, as well as a finalist for the Golden Quill Awards.

Angie's blog: http://angiestanton.wordpress.com/

For regular updates, like Angie at www.facebook.com/AngieStantonAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/angie_stanton

Excerpt:

“I have something for you.” He had moved heaven and earth to pull this together.

“You do?” Her eyes glittered in surprise.

“Yup. Close your eyes and hold out your hands.” He couldn’t wait to see what she thought. Libby obeyed. Her dark eyelashes lay against her rosy cheeks. His heart beat in anticipation. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a white plastic bag, then glanced up. Her closed eyes changed to little slits.

“Hey, stop peeking!”

Libby squeezed her eyes closed and laughed. She held out her hands and waited. Peter pulled the slim item out of the bag and placed it in her hands.


“Okay, look.”

She peered at the shiny device and then back at him in disbelief. “You gave me a cell phone?” She stared at the gift. “You gave me a cell phone!” This time she yelled it.

Her excitement touched him. “It seemed like a good idea. You didn’t have a phone number to give me, and I really missed you. It’s gonna get harder to see you. I thought this way we could stay in touch and actually talk whenever we want.”

She closed her hand around the precious phone and turned pensive.

“Is something wrong?” He wondered what could have upset her.

“I don’t know if I should accept this.” She gazed up at him with large doe eyes. He couldn’t believe this. She needed to take the phone.

“We barely know each other, and, well…” Mischief lit her face, and he wondered what she was up to. 

“We’ve never even kissed.”

Peter paused and took a good look at her. He’d been wondering how to sneak a kiss; she just made it simple.

He tossed the umbrella aside and pulled her close. He let his fingers tangle in her wet hair and lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her long and slow, taking his sweet time. Cold rain trickled down his neck as he savored each moment. Startled at first, Libby now matched his kiss. He enjoyed each touch of her tender lips.

He slowly pulled away.

“Now can you take the phone?” His forehead rested against hers.

“Yeah, I think so,” she answered in a breathy voice.

“I’d better be sure.” Empowered by their perfect chemistry, he leaned in for more. Her body melted against him. He wrapped his other arm around her and pulled her close.

“Wow,” she whispered, her eyes dark and smoky.

“Haven’t you ever been kissed before?” His eyes searched hers.

“Not like that.”

~Angie Stanton-Rock and a Hard Place

Links to purchase the book:

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11419693-rock-and-a-hard-place

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Hard-Place-ebook/dp/B004Z8SBD6/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rock-and-a-hard-place-angie-stanton/1102294345?ean=2940014721080

Event Giveaway: 

(5) Autographed Books ~ winner will have choice of Rock and a Hard Place or any other Angie Stanton Book, including: Snapshot, Dream Chaser, Snowed Over or Love ‘em or Leave ‘em. – US Only

(10) eBooks ~ winner will have choice of Rock and a Hard Place or any other Angie Stanton Book, including: Snapshot, Dream Chaser, Snowed Over or Love ‘em or Leave ‘em. Books will be gifted from Amazon or Barnes and Noble only.

Visit the link below to enter to win:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZjYyMzdmZDU1MmU0YmE1MTNiNGVmOWFlNWU5MDQyOjI1NA==/