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Jul 30 2014

Book Review: The Sweet Spot by Stephanie Evanovich

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

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Print copy published by William Morrow on July 8th, 2014 
Pages: 272 
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Last summer readers were captivated by Stephanie Evanovich’s highly-anticipated New York Times bestselling debut novel, Big Girl Panties. This summer, Evanovich is back with THE SWEET SPOT, the sizzling story of two of readers’ favorite characters from Big Girl Panties: Chase Walker, the hunky professional baseball player, and his beautiful, curvy, and exceptionally sassy wife Amanda.

 

Amanda is a successful, levelheaded woman who built her restaurant from scratch. She’s certainly not looking for a prince charming to sweep her off her feet. So when Chase, baseball’s golden boy, begins to pursue her, she barely gives him the time of day. Her heart-shaped face and big blue eyes stop him dead in his tracks and her lush, plus-size curves don’t hurt either. And while Amanda’s used to celebrities and politicians dining at the Cold Creek Grille, she just can’t stop staring at Chase—he’s hotness personified.

 

At heart, Chase is a monogamist who likes strong women, despite his playboy image. Amanda is exactly the type he’s been looking to settle down with, but she won’t say yes easily. From daily visits to the restaurant to extravagant flower arrangements, Chase will stop at nothing to persuade her to go out with him—and he finally succeeds!

 

For Amanda their romance is all too good to be true, and something has got to give. Can Chase really be this perfect? And then she discovers that squeaky-clean Chase Walker has a spicy little kink. While readers of Big Girl Panties will remember it quite well, Chase’s fans have no idea that off the field, he likes to indulge in a little passionate spanking from time to time.

 

To her surprise, Amanda discovers a naughty side she never knew she had. But then, thanks to a tabloid, their secret comes to light and becomes the nation’s favorite water-cooler gossip. Will Amanda give up a little bit of her single-girl freedom for true love with a twist? Or will the pressure of Chase’s stardom spell doom for this sexy couple?

 

THE SWEET SPOT is an incredibly sexy and charming story filled with wit, fun, and extra-spicy romance. This is the perfect follow-up to Big Girl Panties and undoubtedly a great choice for summer reading.  

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Review: 

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*


The Sweet Spot by Stephanie Evanonich is one of those books you take to the beach, lay back and enjoy. The story is a prequel to Big Girl Panties which I have not read. However, I’m kind of curious after reading The Sweet Spot. I liked the story well enough, but there were things I could have done without. The beginning of the book is charming and sweet, the middle takes somewhat of a dark turn and kind of fell a bit flat for me, but the author redeemed herself with the ending — though I felt that part was a bit rushed and the struggles that go the couple to that ending didn’t sit with me as a necessary struggle. There is a lot I want to say, but I’m struggling with how best to word it without giving away much of the story, though if you’ve read Big Girl Panties it’s safe to assume you know the outcome. 

The story is about professional baseball player Chase Walker and business owner Amanda Cole. Chase is instantly smitten, but Amanda takes some convincing before she agrees to a date. This date leads to a series of dates and a seemingly perfect relationship. Amanda came off as someone that self sabotages and although there were things that got in this couples way some didn’t make much sense to me.  The courtship has sweet and witty moments, but I wasn’t impressed with Chase and his antics. He is definitely an alpha male, but his behavior throughout the book both annoyed and turned me off. Amanda is a character you will either love or hate. She frustrated me and added unnecessary drama to what could have been a fairly stable and exciting relationship, but she was also a woman I admired in a way. She ran a successful business and her independence was important to her, but there is a fine line with this for me and some things seemed a bit too old fashioned for my liking.  

The author sets the reader up for expectations that were not delivered as well as I hoped. The book is entertaining, there are funny moments and playful banter between the couple, but I wasn’t on the edge of my seat. I just felt disconnected at certain points and the book felt rushed in many ways. The erotic aspect of this book never made me feel as though it were a good thing for these two in fact it felt wrong in some ways due to Amanda’s reactions. What should have been something that brought this couple together actually managed to pull them apart and I’m not convinced the reasons were major enough to cause the turn of events that occurred.

This read was ok for me. I won’t lie to you though, I was a bit disappointed. Their relationship left much to be desired as things progressed quickly. Chase remained sweet and loving in many ways but the alpha male side wasn’t the typical dominating sexy male I’ve come to love in other books. This was different and I think maybe that’s why I gave it a chance and still feel it’s worth a read. Other than Chase working hard to get Amanda’s attention, I felt the story could’ve been developed a bit better. The  erotic moments weren’t as fun and playful as expected. 
OVERALL I’d give this book a 3 star rating and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Big Girl Panties and a sweet romance with a bit cleaner erotic moments thrown in.  

 

Giveaway

Five Print Copies of THE SWEET SPOT
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Author Info:

Stephanie Evanovich-Credit Ron RinaldiStephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl from Asbury Park who began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. She attended New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts and acted in several improvisational troupes and a few small-budget movies, all in preparation for the greatest job she ever had, raising her two sons. Now a full-time writer, she’s an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do.

 

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Jun 27 2014

Book Review: Flat-Out Celeste (Flat-Out Love, #2) by Jessica Park

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

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Synopsis

Whether you were charmed by Celeste in Flat-Out Love or are meeting her for the first time, this book is a joyous celebration of differences, about battling private wars that rage in our heads and in our hearts, and—very much so— this is a story about first love.

For high-school senior Celeste Watkins, every day is a brutal test of bravery. And Celeste is scared. Alienated because she’s too smart, her speech too affected, her social skills too far outside the norm, she seems to have no choice but to retreat into isolation.

But college could set her free, right? If she can make it through this grueling senior year, then maybe. If she can just find that one person to throw her a lifeline, then maybe, just maybe.

Justin Milano, a college sophomore with his own set of quirks, could be that person to pull her from a world of solitude. To rescue her—that is, if she’ll let him.

Together, they may work. Together, they may save each other. And together they may also save another couple—two people Celeste knows are absolutely, positively flat-out in love. 

 

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Review

 

Astonished, amazed, inspired… Flat-Out Celeste is a quite simply put…a masterpiece. Jessica Park has managed to make me fall in love all over again with this amazing series. She is brilliant and I am in awe. This is an absolute must-read!
 
Let me backtrack a bit and come clean. When I first read Flat-Out Love, book one in this extraordinary series. I wasn’t sure of my feelings. In fact, I do believe my initial reaction was, “entertaining and hilarious, but predictable.” Now wait, don’t fret, I was a moron and I’ll be the first to admit it. My ridiculous reasoning at the time is not even worth mentioning…yet as time passed I still couldn’t get this book out of my head…it took a couple of weeks for me to realize I was a complete idiot and I actually rather loved this book. So, what did I do next you ask? Well, I reread it of course.  On second glance…ok, it was a bit more than a glance…more like a thorough examining, but all I could think is, “this Jessica Park lady is brilliant.” She made me love all the characters and when Flat-Out Matt was released I was overjoyed and once again…I fell in love. The announcement of Flat-Out Celeste put me over the moon. I was elated and I didn’t even know what to expect, all I knew is I had to have it. I was captivated with Celeste’s quirky personality since Flat-Out Love. Of course I had questions, what had become of this eccentric yet brilliant girl? Had she developed better social skills? Did she make more friends? Would she fall in love? I needed answers and I needed them like yesterday!
 
See, Jessica Park doesn’t just draw you in with her writing, she makes you fall in love…you actually want to live in these books and know more about every single person you encounter. I fell in love and connected with Celeste from the very first book and I needed more. The wait was grueling, but when I finally had my hands on Flat-Out Celeste, I devoured EVERY…SINGLE…WORD. Celeste is highly intelligent, but she has rarely allowed emotions to rule her or get in the way of important decisions. This book highlights her struggles to fit in, her path to both finding love and self-love. Celeste’s story is one that you may relate to on different levels. She is quite unique and there are discernible differences between her and many others characters, however, at the core, her battles aren’t so very different than those that many others face. The awakening that Celeste experiences in this book is life changing. She grows, loves, learns and experiences the world in a way that makes you appreciate the struggles. And while Celeste’s story takes up a great deal of the book her story wouldn’t be complete without Matt and Julie. Woohoo…so, yeah, you’ll see their return and hopefully appreciate the way things unfold.
 
Flat-Out Celeste lived up to all my expectations and then some. I won’t go and repeat the synopsis or summarize the book. I want you to experience this book for all that it is. It’s an extraordinary story with a beautiful and powerful message. Celeste is a character you won’t soon forget. Her story is one that is beautiful, heartbreaking and incredibly brave. I laughed, I cried and I fell hopelessly in love…again.
 
I could go on and on about this book and the series, but I want you to read this through so I’ll end by saying this book is beyond my greatest expectations. Jessica Park gives life to characters in a quirky and absolutely endearing manner rendering you speechless at times. The wit, humor and raw honesty in her writing is powerful and evocative. This book takes you on an incredible journey with a reminder that sometimes different is perfect and sometimes all you need is the perfect person to help you find your way. I give this book a gazillion stars…yeah I said it, it’s really that good! Go forth and read my friends this one is a must-read for all! 
 
PS: I hope there will be more to the Flat-Out Love Series…I need more like now…hook me up to a Flat-Out Love IV. I fear I may not survive without it…seriously…ok maybe I won’t die…or maybe I will…why even risk it Jessica? Take me out of my misery…just say there will be more…pretty please with a cherry on top! 😉  

 

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

 

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Excerpt

There was a knock at the door and Matt leaned in, swinging a brown paper bag in her direction. “I heard Mom made stuffed peppers tonight. Last time she made those, I nearly died from flatulence. I assume she stuffed them with her usual repulsive ground chicken, quinoa, Brussels sprouts, and pomegranate seed mix?”

Just the sound of Matt’s voice made Celeste relax. She smiled at him. “Based on the smell, I believe you’re right.”

“So you didn’t eat then? I was right!” Matt flopped onto her bed and lay down, his long body scrunching up the neat white comforter that she spent ten minutes arranging before she’d gone to school this morning. “I thought I’d take a break from studying and bring you something edible.”

“It smells like a burger from Mr. Bartley’s,” she said as she got up and took a seat next to Matt. “Hand it over, thoughtful brother.”

He tightened a hand around the top of the bag. “You have to guess which kind I brought you first.”

“How am I supposed to know?”

“Close your eyes.”

She did as instructed and felt him move the bag under her nose. Sweet, spicy… a bit garlicky. “Aha! Boursin cheese and bacon! The Mark Zuckerberg burger!”

“And sweet potato fries and a bottle of iced tea, but you win. A burger named after ‘the richest geek in America,’ as the restaurant calls him.”

“You will be the richest geek in America after you finish your Ph.D. Program,” Celeste said through a mouthful of fries.

“If M.I.T. doesn’t land me in a psych unit first.”

“You only have this year left to endure. And you will hardly find yourself in need of psychiatric care, Matthew. You are doing stupendously.”

“I’m scraping by.” Matt reached into the bag and grabbed a handful of fries and opened her iced tea.

“You are not ‘scraping by.’ You are assistant teaching classes, excelling in your own, and in all ways performing to standards that exceed even the high ones our mother set for you.” She frowned as he chewed on the fries. “Did you not eat?”

“I did. A Big Papi burger and a Fiscal Cliff. But you can never have enough sweet potato fries.”

“I have a finite amount of my own from which you are stealing. But I shall not complain because this was very kind of you.”

Matt chewed and studied her. “Are you okay?”

“Why do you ask?”

“No contractions. When you’re stressed out, they disappear.”

“I know. But most days I do not care to use them. If it is an effort, then I do not push.”

“Okay. I get it.” He chewed for a minute. “I heard your presentation went well. Did your friends like it?”

“It went marvelously. My friend Dallas took me aside to share quite the flow of compliments.”

“That’s great, Celeste.” He was downing half her iced tea.

“And then I bitch slapped her.”

Matt choked on the drink and desperately tried to clear his airway. “I’m sorry. You did what?”

She cocked her head. “I bitch slapped her.”

“That… that can’t be right,” he sputtered. “I mean, I hope it’s not.”

“I slapped my hand against her hand. Up in the air.” She looked at Matt blankly. “Is that not the right term?”

“Thank God, no, it’s not. I think you mean a high-five.”

“If you say so. Well, either way, it happened. You know I have trouble with colloquialisms, so I resent your shocked reaction.”

“I do know that about you, and I apologize.”

“Since we are on the subject, there is something else I would like for you to clarify.”

“Shoot.”

“What is meant by ‘nut bag’? Is that a testicular reference or merely the identification of a satchel of cashews or pecans?”

Matt groaned. “This conversation has gotten really weird. Could we just talk about— Wait a minute. Why are you asking me this? Did someone say that to you?” He looked angry.

Celeste picked at her fry. “No. Certainly not. I heard the term and had a natural curiosity.”

“Okay then…” Her brother crumpled up the paper bag and then smoothed it out in his hands. Then crumpled it again. “It’s the same as ‘nuts.’ You know, crazy.”

“Thank you for the definition.” She took the last bite of her burger and wiped her hands on one of the paper napkins. It shouldn’t matter what her classmates thought of her. Celeste would just be strong about this. She would move on.

 

 

 

More Book By Jessica Park

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Just $5.99 for the Paperback and $2.00 for the kindle e-book!!!!

 

About the Author:

Jessica is the author of LEFT DROWNING, the New York Times bestselling FLAT-OUT LOVE (and the companion piece FLAT-OUT MATT), and RELATIVELY FAMOUS. She lives in New Hampshire where she spends an obscene amount time thinking about rocker boys and their guitars, complex caffeinated beverages, and tropical vacations. On the rare occasions that she is able to focus on other things, she writes.

 

Please visit her:

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Jun 18 2014

Book Review: Scoring Wilder by R.S. Grey

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

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Synopsis:

What started out as a joke— seduce Coach Wilder—soon became a goal she had to score. 

With Olympic tryouts on the horizon, the last thing nineteen-year-old Kinsley Bryant needs to add to her plate is Liam Wilder. He’s a professional soccer player, America’s favorite bad-boy, and has all the qualities of a skilled panty-dropper.

• A face that makes girls weep – check. 
• Abs that can shred Parmesan cheese (the expensive kind) – check. 
• Enough confidence to shift the earth’s gravitational pull – double check.

Not to mention Liam is strictly off limits . Forbidden. Her coaches have made that perfectly clear. (i.e. “Score with Coach Wilder anywhere other than the field and you’ll be cut from the team faster than you can count his tattoos.”) But that just makes him all the more enticing…Besides, Kinsley’s already counted the visible ones, and she is not one to leave a project unfinished.

Kinsley tries to play the game her way as they navigate through forbidden territory, but Liam is determined to teach her a whole new definition for the term “team bonding.”

**Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual situations.** 

 

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I needed him to step back. His cologne was practically hijacking my ovulation cycle and I had to fight the urge to let my face collapse onto his shirt and inhale. 

Liam kept his distance as I went to join the group, but that didn’t stop me from peeking at him from beneath my lashes. His soccer shorts hung low on his hips and I could see a sliver of his boxer briefs. Calvin Klein, of course. A shiver ran down my spine and I had to shove my gaze away before I started awkwardly panting. Dear Mr. Klein or should I call you Calv, it’s me again, Kinsley. Thanks so much for designing your underwear line. If you ever need a focus group for future designs, I’d like to be included. I’m a very good package inspector with excellent attention to detail. Attached you will find my list of references. 

He’s my coach. My off-limits coach. He’s like chocolate and I’m like pickles. They shouldn’t be mixed…unless…chocolate-covered pickles? No. They shouldn’t be mixed. Damnit.

Review

Scoring Wilder is incredibly funny. I am still laughing at the witty and playful banter. This is a sweet, sexy and romantic read that will leave you feeling warm and tingly inside (and maybe out hehe). R.S. Grey paints a vivid picture of the life of an athlete and life in the public eye while building budding romances among multiple characters that will leave you swooning. I am so incredibly head over heels for Liam. I heart him and I swooned hard…still am. Kinsley you lucky bitch! haha.

I also have to mention the friendships in this book. They are amazingly depicted. I wanted Becca and Emily to be my friends. They are fun, witty and remind me of my own inner circle. These relationships made me connect well with the story and the characters. The romance is sweet, humorous and intense at times.

Scoring Wilder is hot, hilarious and utterly engaging. I spent one night reading this book and couldn’t stop laughing or smiling. This is a great beach read and a fantastic summer pick. Add it to your list if you’re looking for a sweet, and at times steamy, romance! Go on my one-click crazed friends and buy it now!!! This is a must read. Happy Reading!!!

 

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Jun 06 2014

Book Review: Your Perfect Life

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

YOUR PERFECT LIFE
a novel by
Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke 

 

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Release Date June 10, 2014
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Synopsis
With “a delicious, page-turning premise, and sweet and surprising insights” (New York Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster), Your Perfect Life (Atria Books; On-Sale June 10, 2014; $15.00) perfectly illustrates that old adage: Sometimes, you have to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes to see what’s in her heart.

Best friends since childhood, Casey and Rachel couldn’t lead more different lives. While workaholic Casey rubs elbows with celebrities daily as the host of Gossip TV and comes home nightly to an empty apartment, stay-at-home mom Rachel juggles an “oops” baby, two fiery teenagers, and a husband who barely seems the man she fell in love with two decades before. After an argument at their twentieth high school reunion, Casey and Rachel throw back shots to get the night back on track. Instead, they get a life-changing hangover.

Waking up in each other’s bodies the next morning, they must figure out how to navigate their altered realities. Rachel is forced to face the broadcasting dreams she gave up when she got pregnant in college, and Casey finally steps out of the spotlight to face the real reason why she’s alone. And they soon discover that they don’t know themselves—or their best friend—nearly as well as they thought they did.

Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke bring their “witty, winning style” (Sarah Pekkanen, author of The Best of Us) to every page of this novel that is sure to please fans of In Her Shoes and The Opposite of Me. Your PerfectLife is a story of humor and heart about two best friends, what they didn’t know about each other, and how, by switching lives, each learns to appreciate her own. 

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Review 

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Wow. I was completely blown away with this book.  After reading a blurb, I just knew I had to read it. Sometimes in life, we become so engulfed with our routines that we often forget to live. We often forget that others may be going through their own issues, fears or waging a battle you can’t even begin to fathom, even those closest to us. We tend to focus on what’s wrong with our lives rather than what’s right. Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke take the reader on a journey that will change the way you view others as well as yourself. They reinforce the powerful adage, “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” This book is the perfect blend of wit, humor and insight. It will make you laugh, cry and reflect on your own life and that even you may be guilty of taking something in your life for granted.

 

Your Perfect Life tells the story of two women, Rachel and Casey, who have been friends since the 7th grade. They’ve stood by one another through every major milestone and accomplishment, yet they don’t know the innermost fears each harbor. Their twenty year high school reunion brings a few issues to the surface and Rachel and Casey get into an argument over success and lack thereof. Rachel feels like she gave up all her dreams to become a stay-at-home mom and Casey feels she’s given up on love choosing her career above all. With the help of a magical drink their bartender assists in bringing these two closer than they’ve ever been….so close, they actually switch lives and bodies, but can they get back to their old lives or will they want to once they walk a mile in the others shoes? Resentment, regret and fear cause a divide, but experiencing life through the others eyes allows them an opportunity to see all the things they’ve taken for granted. Has everything they’ve ever needed been right in front of them the entire time and will they ever be the same again? This story is wildly hilarious, heartwarming and unforgettable.

 

Five stars, two thumbs up and all ten toes 😉
This is an entertaining and insightful book and I recommend this to anyone who likes a good tearjerker. Contemporary, Women’s fiction and chick lit fans will love this book. 

 

About the Authors:
Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke have been best friends for 25 years and survived junior high, high school and college together. Liz lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and two children. Lisa, a former talk show producer, now lives in Chicago, IL with her husband, daughter and two bonus children. Your Perfect Life is their first novel. 

 

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Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke’s Appearances for YOUR PERFECT LIFE

Sat/Sun June 7-8 Printers Row Lit Fest
Chicago
Monday, June 9, 7pm ET BOOKTALKNATION
Virtual booksigning via Google Hangout
with Allison Winn
Booktalknation.com
Tuesday June 10, 7pm LAKE FOREST BOOKSTORE
Vernon Hills at Sullivan Center
A conversation with Jen Lancaster
635 Aspen Drive
Vernon Hills, IL
Wednesday, June 11, 7pm ANDERSON’S BOOKSHOP
Naperville A conversation with Tracey Garvis Graves
123 W. Jefferson
Naperville, IL
Thursday, June 12, 7pm BOOK CELLAR
Chicago 4736-38 North Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL
Monday, June 16, 7pm BARNES & NOBLE
Huntington Beach 7881 Edinger Ave. #110
Huntington Beach, CA
Tuesday, June 17, 7pm PAGES BOOKSTORE
Manhattan Beach 904 Manhattan Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA
Thursday, June 19, 7:30 pm WARWICK’S BOOKSTORE
San Diego 7812 Girard Ave.
La Jolla, CA
Friday, June 20, 6pm LAGUNA BEACH BOOKS
Laguna Beach A conversation with Anita Hughes
1200 S. Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA
Sunday, June 22, 2pm LAGUNA NIGUEL LIBRARY
Laguna Niguel A conversation with Anita Hughes
30341 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA

 

Nov 30 2013

For Real Book Review & Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

ForReal

Synopsis

Two people. One fake relationship. What could go wrong? When virgin Shannon Travers gets fed up with her friends demanding that she find a boyfriend, she enlists the help of tattooed, mohawk-rocking graphic design student Jett. He’s more than happy to play along with their Fake Relationship, including the Ten Rules of Fake Dating that control-freak Shannon comes up with. Even if he likes to violate them. Repeatedly. But what happens when Fake Dating starts to feel… not fake anymore? Will Shannon be willing to let go and embrace the first thing in her life that’s ever felt REAL? 

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Review 

Chelsea Cameron’s For Real is a short and sweet read about two people who commit to fake dating so their friends will get off their backs. Shannon Travers is dedicated to school and laying low when it comes to dating. Her “friends” (and I use the term loosely) are constantly nagging her to give up her V card. I despised her so called friends, but there comes a point in the book where Shannon stands up for herself and I really enjoyed that. 

Jett Nguyen is a design student, complete with mohawk, tattoos and a penchant for origami cranes, he agrees to help Shannon out and play her fake boyfriend. Both have been pushed by their friends to “get out there.” In order to avoid their overeager, sometimes annoying friends they agree to fake date for a period of 30 days, but when both Jett and Shannon begin to enjoy each others company, the line begins to blur. Will these two end up hurt and alone or will they own up to their growing feelings? 

I really enjoyed this story. Shannon and Jett’s story is sweet and humorous. Shannon often struggles with her feelings and her inner monologues are hilarious at times. I couldn’t stand her friends for a good portion of the book and felt they were immature and their advice was often horrible. I had a problem with their meddling and cattiness, but by the end that is also resolved and you also understand them a bit more. This is a quick and enjoyable read and by the end I actually want to know more about two of the secondary characters and if there will be a book dedicated to their stories. I don’t want to give away much more, but I would definitely recommend this book to my new adult readers and although there are mature moments I’d even recommend it to mature young adults. 

*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.

  

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Purchase

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ChelseaCameron About the Author  Chelsea M. Cameron is a YA/NA New York Times/USA Today Best Selling author from Maine. Lover of things random and ridiculous, Jane Austen/Charlotte and Emily Bronte Fangirl, red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, vegetarian, former cheerleader and world’s worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, singing in the car and tweeting (this one time, she was tweeted by Neil Gaiman). She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is. Her New Adult Contemporary Romance titles include My Favorite Mistake, which has been bought by Harlequin along with a sequel, Deeper We Fall and Faster We Burn (April 20, 2013)  Her Young Adult books include Nocturnal, Nightmare and Neither, the first three books in The Noctalis Chronicles. The fourth and final book, Neverend will be out in 2013. Whisper, the first in The Whisper Trilogy is also available, with the second book in the series, Silence and the final book, Listen coming out in 2014.

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads

 

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GIVEAWAY

Grand prize winner receives a $100 Amazon Gift Card and Crane bracelet. 5 Runners up receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card and Crane bracelet. US Only!

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Nov 19 2013

Funny Business Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Funny Business -FINAL COVER

Publisher: Monarch Moments
Publication Date: October 24, 2013

Synopsis

Artie’s been carrying a torch for Marie since she first repaired his car at Smitty’s garage. Too bad she hates cops. You could write a novel about it. Actually, Artie did. He even published it online. It’s a little cheesy, but his pen name Desiree Robb is developing a fan base.

Out of the blue, the book takes off, igniting an avalanche of sales. Desiree Robb is approached by a major publisher- they’re offering millions!

But Desiree has to show her pretty face for promotions. Guess who Artie asks to be Desiree?
Marie signs on- for a price. It’s easy money, but things get complicated. Artie’s driving her batty. Or is there something more? During preparations for a live TV broadcast, a sweet romance tentatively begins.
More complications ensue. The mob gets involved. These guys mean business- so what if they still live with their parents? Then there’s the hot for cops VP, a popular talk show, and the FBI. It all fuses into a laugh out loud cluster chaos as tangled as a New York City rush hour. 

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Available for ONLY $0.99

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Des Torres

About the Author
A former New York City cop, Desmond X. Torres will neither confirm nor deny his ownership of a blonde wig and pink bathrobe.

He always wanted to be an astronaut, but the closest he ever got was being called a space shot.

In his spare time, he enjoys mixed martial arts, motocross racing, and base jumping from tall buildings. He has a great cable TV package. And beer. He loves beer. And nachos. He really loves nachos. He’d better say he loves K.D. McLean too or she’s going to brain him.

He has been writing since he can remember. It started in primary school. Penmanship has always been important to him – it’s a lost art. 

His motto for life is – “I’m going to live forever.” So far, so good.

Connect with Desmond:
Blog  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads 

 

GIVEAWAY 

Desmond is giving away the following prizes at the end of the tour:

Grand Prize: Amazon Gift Card for $25.00, Tales of Pandora eBook Collection (by KD McLean) and an eBook of Funny Business.

First Runner Up: Tales of Pandora eBook Collection (by KD McLean) and an eBook of Funny Business

Second Runners up: 3 winners will get an eBook of Funny Business

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Nov 04 2013

Attempting Elizabeth Review & Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments
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Synopsis:
Kelsey Edmundson is a geek and proud of it. She makes no secret of her love for TV, movies, and, most especially, books. After a bad breakup, she retreats into her favorite novel, Pride and Prejudice, wishing she had some of the wit and spirit of Elizabeth Bennett.

One night at a party Kelsey meets handsome Australian bartender Mark Barnes. From then on, she always seems to run into him when she least expects it. No matter how Kelsey tries, she always seems to say the wrong thing.

After a particularly gaffe-filled evening around Mark, Kelsey is in desperate need of inspiration from Jane Austen. She falls asleep reading Darcy’s letter to Lizzy and awakens to find herself in an unfamiliar place that looks and sounds suspiciously like her favorite book. Has she somehow been transported into Pride and Prejudice, or is it just a dream?

As Kelsey tries to discover what’s happening to her, she must also discover her own heart. Is Mark Barnes destined to be her Mr. Darcy? In the end, she must decide whether attempting to become Elizabeth is worth the risk or if being Kelsey Edmundson is enough.

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Review

As many of you already know Pride & Prejudice is my absolute favorite book ever written. When I read the synopsis for Attempting Elizabeth I knew I HAD to read it.  I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed. This was a fun and fresh approach involving a beloved classic.  I highly recommend this for all Austen fans!

Here are a few things I gathered from reading this book. Jessica Grey and I are kindred souls…no seriously, I swear I think she’s about as obsessed with Pride & Prejudice and all things Austen as I am. I can tell she is probably a book worm (totally not an insult), definitely a movie buff…completely obsessed with Star Wars and she loves the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice as much as I do. Yes, Colin Firth is the ONLY Darcy that counts!  I loved every minute of this book. I won’t lie, there are a few moments that dragged, BUT overall I found the story to be exceptional and unique.

Attempting Elizabeth is a book about a young woman named Kelsey Edmundson who is quite simply put, a nerd. She meets hottie Mark Barnes at a party one night shamelessly insulting him and embarrassing herself. A series of back to back moments of awkwardness ensue and Kelsey finds herself struggling to find her footing. Her love of all things awesome (hehe)…Pride & Prejudice being at the top of that list causes her to fall into the world of Austen, seeking an opportunity to find her own Mr. Darcy, but discovering so much more than she bargained for. 

This book took a surprising twist and I loved the spin. From reality to fiction and back again. I found there were some truly hilarious moments, especially for fans of the classic novel Pride & Prejudice. There are some notable references from movies, television and even books. I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the twists on the classic that Grey was able to construct. I felt she delved into areas of Austen’s original novel and found a way to bridge that gap. Her explanations of questions readers  may have had after reading the original work is explained in a completely believable manner. I thought the character tie ins were brilliant. 

I really loved this book. It made me re-read Pride & Prejudice…and of course I immediately had to see Colin Firth in action…all five hours and change of him lmaooooo.  Seriously though, this is an exceptional piece of work. Kelsey’s journey is interesting. Her struggle to find a balance between fiction and reality shows how there is always something someone may want to change, but in the end what would you be willing to give up to attain the seemingly impossible and would it be worth it? This has a great ending. The story plays out well and the romance is sweet and simple. I definitely look forward to reading more by this author and again, I highly recommend this book. 

*This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Purchase: 
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 About the Author

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Jessica Grey is an author, fairytale believer, baseball lover, and recovering Star Wars fangirl. A life-long Californian, she now lives in Montana with her husband and two children where she spends her time writing, perfecting the fine art of preschooler-wrangling, and drinking way too much caffeine. 
Website  |  Goodreads  |  Twitter  |  Facebook

 

 

 

Oct 16 2013

Rachel Van Dyken’s The Wager (The Bet #2)

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 3 Comments

the wager

Rachel Van Dyken’s bestselling romance THE WAGER is currently on e-sale for just 99 pennies!

Synopsis

What is it about a junior-high crush that can send an otherwise intelligent woman into a tailspin? TV reporter Char Lynn wishes she knew. Jake Titus is too rich, too handsome, too arrogant: a trifecta that once lured Char into the best night-and worst morning-after-of her life. Now they’ve been thrown together in a wedding party. It’s awkward, but survivable . . . until Jake stops acting like a jerk, and starts acting like the man she’d always hoped he could be.

If watching your brother marry your best friend is weird, being attracted to your best friend’s other best friend is downright bizarre. Unfortunately for Jake, Char hasn’t forgotten how he once tossed her aside. Worse still, Jake’s already-nutty grandma is even crazier about Char. Cue meet-cute shenanigans and all manner of meddling, and somehow, Jake’s falling. For Char. Now all he has to do is make her believe it . . .

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Available now at e-tailers for 99 cents:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  iTunes

 

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About the Author

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. 

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Website

 

 

Sep 20 2013

Tempt by Cambria Hebert Cover Reveal

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Tempt by Cambria Hebert -ebooksm

TEMPT (a Take It Off novel) 

Tempt by Cambria Hebert, designed by Mae I Design
Release Date: October 14, 2013
Series: Take It Off series – Note: The Take It Off series is a series of stand alones. Each book is its own story.

Stranded and alone with not one, but two wickedly enticing men.

Ava arrives at the airport, expecting to board a commercial flight to Puerto Rico. But a plane ticket isn’t waiting for her. Instead, she finds a guy with dark curly hair wearing seriously ratty jeans and holding a sign with her name on it.

He may not look like a pilot, but he is. And he’s her ride.

So now it’s just Nash and her on a tiny tin can of a plane flying over the Atlantic. When a thunderstorm comes out of nowhere, it proves to be too much for the little aircraft.

Ava and Nash plunge from the sky and end up on an uncharted deserted island.

Stranded.

As if that isn’t bad enough, Ava starts to desire more than just rescue—hunger for more than food. Nash is only too happy to oblige… but it seems they might not be as alone as they thought.

And Nash might have some competition in claiming Ava’s body… and her heart. 

***This is a new adult contemporary novel and contains sexual content and graphic language. It is not intended for young adult readers.***

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for bio

ABOUT CAMBRIA HEBERT

Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heven and Hell series, the new adult Death Escorts series, and the new adult Take it Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting http://www.cambriahebert.com

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Goodreads  |  Website

 

Tempt by Cambria Hebert

Sep 03 2013

Crossing by Stacey Benefiel Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 4 Comments
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Synopsis 
*Due to heavy subject matter, Crossing is recommended for readers 17+. 
He stole her lipstick…and her heart.Twenty-year-old Dani Walker can’t believe her luck when she’s paired up with the gorgeous Liam Garrett as her Acting I scene partner – or when he ends up in her bed. Being a Plain Jane with a mouth on her hasn’t exactly served Dani well in the guy department. In fact, she’s had nothing but one night stands. Still, she lets go of her insecurities and falls for Liam, despite feeling like he’s holding something back.When Dani finally discovers Liam’s secret, she must learn the true meaning of accepting the ones we love for who they are, or risk losing the best thing that’s ever happened to her. 
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Review  
Here are my thoughts……….
I really enjoyed reading this book, but it took an unexpected yet somehow refreshing turn for me. While I was able to roll with it, see it through and actually enjoy it — I will be honest and say this may not be for every reader. With that said, I do recommend this for anyone who is open-minded/nonjudgmental; anyone who is accepting of others no matter their beliefs, practices or preferences. This author surprised me but I liked the fact that I didn’t necessarily expect some of the turns along this somewhat bumpy ride.
Lets start with Dani. Twenty-year old Dani is a sophomore in college looking for a change of direction. She switches her English education major to what she has longed to do since starting college — Theatre. There she befriends Liam. Beautiful, Liam, who actually can keep up with her witty remarks and for some reason they become quite comfortable around one another. They become scene partners and slowly, but surely a romance begins to blossom. There is a lot of playful and witty banter throughout this book – which I absolutely loved.
Dani has a problem, she is a master at self-depreciation. She uses her wit to downplay a lot of her so called flaws. She doesn’t believe a man like Liam could like her or even love her. She’s been through a lot, but never been in love or even had a relationship beyond a one night stand. Liam refuses to be a notch on her list and wants more than anything to show her how special she is. The fall into an easy yet comfortable relationship but Liam has a secret…one that could possibly change the course of their relationship permanently. While Dani suspects Liam is keeping something from her, she cares so deeply for him she is afraid to question him for fear of losing him. Things get complicated and Dani must decide if this relationship is worth sticking out or if she is in over her head?
I definitely fell in love with both characters. Dani is a loving, accepting individual who cares deeply for her friends and Liam. They both accept one another and encourage each other in ways others can’t possibly understand. Their relationship transcends boundaries and is quite inspiring. I really enjoyed the humor, the love, and the uniqueness of this book. 
While I really enjoyed this very sweet, unconventional love story it may not be a read for those who are of the narrow/close-minded persuasion. If you’re an open-minded individual, this is a book you will enjoy, even love. I definitely did. 

*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Purchase Crossing for Kindle  |  Nook  |  Paperback

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Giveaway
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stacey
About the Author 

Stacey Wallace Benefiel is the author of the Zellie Wells trilogy, FOUND, the Day of Sacrifice series, The Toilet Business – a collection of essays,CROSSING, and multiple short stories.

She sometimes goes by S.W. Benefiel or Reina Stowe, but knows she’s not foolin’ anybody.

Stacey lives in an orange house in Beaverton, OR with her two young children 

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads 

 

Aug 09 2013

Mandatory Release Book Tour, Review & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

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Synopsis

With appeal for fans of Jonathan Tropper, Tom Perrotta, and Laurie Notaro, this snarky mashup of Girls and Oz is so painfully honest you might think you’re reading a memoir—except the author isn’t a smart-ass guy in a wheelchair who works in a prison.

Recently paralyzed in a car accident, thirty-year-old Graham Finch spends his days trying to rehabilitate a caseload of unruly inmates and his nights on one bad date after another, attempting to rehabilitate his heart—until his high school crush Drew Daniels walks through the prison gates one hot summer morning. On the run from a painful past that’s nearly crushed her faith in love, Drew is a new teacher at Lakeside Correctional. Graham, smitten all over again, tries to redirect his unrequited feelings. But when your heart keeps looking back, it’s not easy to turn it forward.

Amidst escalating violence at work, Drew is forced to confront her secrets, find a way to forgive old sins, and learn how to listen to her heart and her head when it comes to men. Graham must also learn to make peace with his own past. Together they realize that if you’re going to save yourself, sometimes the best way to do it is by saving someone else first. If only finding their way to one another was easier than working with convicted felons.

Loaded with twisted humor and pathos, Mandatory Release is a darkly comic, unexpectedly sexy love story about broken people putting themselves back together. People who learn that no matter what you lock up—a person, a secret, or your heart—sooner or later, everything must be released.

OR, in 25 words: Lad lit meets chick lit in this dark comedy about broken people who work in a dangerous place, finding hope where they least expect it.

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My Thoughts

This was the first book I’ve read by Jess Riley and I fell in LOVE with this novel. She has just gained a faithful fan! I don’t know how to adequately describe my feelings after reading this book but I will try my best… 

Graham and Drew were friends in high school. Back then, Graham had it bad for Drew but she was always unavailable. With Drew’s return and her new job in such close proximity to Graham’s his old feelings resurface. Can Drew look past the man in the wheelchair, and remember the man before the injury? The one who makes her laugh, the one she feels utterly and completely comfortable with, the one she can talk to, could he be more than a friend?

This book is filled with witty and playful banter, comical inner monologues and general humor. Drew and Graham have some hilarious moments but it never distracts the reader from the intensity of the novel. The book touches on some pretty heavy topics but the focus remains primarily on how these two broken people help each other find their way back to happiness and open their hearts to the possibility of more…

Prison.

A topic not usually associated with a novel of this caliber. (Romance/Contemporary Romance) I felt that the author delivered exceptionally well given the topic. Her accurate descriptions/experiences bring you into a world that makes you question everything you’ve ever thought or experienced. How easily could you end up on the opposite side of the law? To what extent would you feel compassion towards inmates like those described in this book? Were your initial views skewed? What constitutes a criminal? I have my own views on this topic but I found myself pondering some of these questions. When an author can make me think that much while still enjoying a novel, I’d say mission accomplished! 

 There were times when I felt I had time warped to my early existence, with cleverly crafted reminders of the 80s and 90s…like Lisa Frank Trapper Keepers, Punky Brewster and honorable mention of bands/artists that didn’t suck! I highly recommend this book for everyone. It touches upon some heavy issues while bringing you back to earth reminding you of simple things we take for granted. This is an edgy, heartfelt romance. I highly recommend…will be added to my must read list!

Buy Mandatory Release for Kindle  |  Paperback

*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Happy Reading!

About the Author

Jess Riley’s experiences teaching in a medium-security prison inspired the novel Mandatory Release. Her debut novel (Driving Sideways, now in its fourth printing) was published by Random House in 2008. She lives in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with her husband and nutty Cairn Terrier in a 130-year-old money pit farmhouse. When she’s not writing novels, she’s a Grant Writer for school districts nationwide.

Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads 

Tour Giveaway:

Up for Grabs…

A chance to win one of the following:

(2) Print Copies of Mandatory Release – US/Canada

(5) eBook Copies of Mandatory Release – International

Enter Here

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Jul 22 2013

Love Love Book Review & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

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*This book was provided to me for free in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and comments are my own.

Synopsis

Gabrielle Willis is smart. She’s funny. And oh yes, she’s a bit klutzy.

When Gabrielle left sunny California bound for the energy of Manhattan, she was willingly leaving the life she had known for the new life she would create. But was she really leaving something behind or was she running away?

On the outside, Gabrielle Willis has it all under control. A new life in Manhattan, a great roommate, and a good job. But she is haunted. Haunted by a memory she’s tried to forget and by a family who’s abandoned her. But what happens when what’s on the outside is only an illusion and in perfect contradiction to what’s buried deep within?

Enter Dane Rhodes. He’s gorgeous, smart, and sexy as hell. Just what Gabby wants, or so she thinks. But when she meets Brad Dixon, the sweet guy with the crooked smile, he begins to make her see that the very thing she is trying to run from is the very thing that just may push her to see the light.

**New Adult Contemporary Romance. Due to language & sexual content, this book is recommended for readers 17 & older**

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My Thoughts:

I LOVE LOVED this book. Seriously it made my heart melt, my stomach flutter and brought a smile to my face. I fell in love quick and was heartbroken even quicker, but somehow I managed to put back the pieces of my mangled heart. Love Love is a witty, fun and sexy book. It is an appealing story that will draw you in from start to finish. It makes you want to find a love like this and hold onto it for dear life.

Gabby drove me insane. It was a roller-coaster ride dealing with her poor decision making but I love her despite it all. She is a sweet girl who goes through a lot, but man, did some of her decisions stink! Fran definitely wins the award for best supporting BFF ℓσℓ I love her and her craziness. Gabby was a phenomenal friend as well. Their friendship made me appreciate my own best friend a bit more.

I don’t want to give away too much of the love story, just know it is definitely worth the read. This book is filled with friendship, love, loss and romance. It will tug at your heartstrings. A great summer read and a fantastic book for those who have ever experienced loss or loved from the depths of their soul.

Purchase Love Love: Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

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Giveaway:

Giveaway #1 – Signed paperback (US ONLY) and one eBook

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Giveaway #2 – One (1) $10 Starbucks card.

Answer this question and leave your email address in order to have a chance at winning a $10 Starbucks card:

What is Gabby’s favorite type of coffee? What is your favorite?

Beth

Author Bio:
Beth Michele is a wife, a mom, an author and a lover of all things chocolate, well, anything sweet really. While stuffing chocolate in her face, she enjoys reading young adult and new adult novels furiously, and spending time with her husband and two adorable children who keep her on her painted toes. Those same children who inspire her to tell silly stories that cause hysterical giggles to tumble from their bellies. Beth is a hopeless romantic and a happily ever after fanatic who loves to write about love.

Author Links:
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | WEBSITE

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