Review: Just Not Ready Yet

Welcome to my tour stop for Just Not Ready Yet by Brooklyn James!!

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Just Not Ready Yet

Author: Brooklyn James
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Arena Books
Publication Date: Nov 1 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 286
Source: CBB Book Promotions
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Rating: ★★★ . 5

Charlize 'Charlie' McCloud, widow and mother of two young children, is agonizingly content living in the past. Her secluded life on a sprawling central Texas ranch provides the perfect dreamscape to obsessively reconnect and reminisce about her college sweetheart—her first and only love—Cash McCloud.

When intern, Hunter Bowie, arrives on the ranch to work for the summer, his handsome and engaging ingress into her world threatens the safekeeping of her treasured reliving. Her interest in moving on as departed as her late husband, Hunter's youthful exuberance revives dreams she once laid to rest.

Hunter's presence stirs up everyone around the ranch, including her late husband's older brother, Cage McCloud. Charlie continuously pushes him away. A near replica of Cash, Cage's very existence is a painstaking reminder of how much she has lost.

Unintentionally revealing the truth about Cash's death, Cage sets off a firestorm of emotions, ultimately propelling Charlie to face her future—hopefully one that includes him. (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

“Keep on…keep on keepin’ on,’ Jack Ingram & The Beat Up Ford Band floods out of the speakers of a 1972 convertible Ford Bronco.

Hunter Bowie, a sandy-haired blue-eyed Texas A&M student, sits at the wheel of the customized maroon and white Bronco, proudly touting his school colors. Flagrant decals―Gig ’Em, I Bleed Maroon and Fear The Aggies―line his bumper.”

Just Not Ready Yet was a book that blew me away. I love reading a good romance story but this one just had elements to it that I wasn't expecting. This was my first read by Brooklyn James and I'm definitely interested in reading more of her future work.

When I first read the synopsis I gathered the fact that she's still dealing with the lost of her husband, but the flashbacks throughout this book were beautiful, my eyes were constantly watering! Trust me when I say those weren't the only moments my eyes were watering. Although the writing style was a bit hard for me to follow at times, the way Brooklyn James sheds light on her character is just amazing. I wanted happy endings for everyone!

Here I thought I would be getting a cute romance story with the Western setting. This did have the Western setting, but there was nothing cute about the romance! Now, let me elaborate on that before you get the wrong idea. I thought Charlie would experience a simple romance, something obvious and one that she would have to second guess if it was worth opening her heart again. What I wasn't expecting was to be so emotionally invested in Just Not Ready Yet! I didn't want to put this book down, every chance I got I read a couple of chapters needing to know who she would end up with and how the story would all tie together in the end.

I couldn't even imagine going through what Charlie went through, plus the "secrets" that come out. The life lessons and hidden message throughout Just Not Ready Yet were so inspiring. Overall, Just Not Ready Yet was a great romance read! This book had get characters, was emotional, great life lessons, and add in sprinkle of hotness!

Giveaway

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About the Author

Brooklyn James is an author/singer/songwriter inspired by life in the Live Music Capital of Austin, Texas. Her first novel, The Boots My Mother Gave Me, has an original music soundtrack and was chosen as a Quarter Finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. This book has ranked in Kindle's Top 100 Coming of Age and Women's Fiction.

When she is not writing books, she can be found playing live music around Austin as part of an acoustic duo. Like most everyone, she treasures her time spent with family and friends. She and her husband welcomed their first child this past Christmas. Brooklyn has been in a Weezer video, met Harry Connick Jr. as an extra on the set of When Angels Sing, and she was Mira Sorvino's stand-in on Jerry Bruckheimer's Trooper pilot for TNT. She enjoys reading, dancing, working out, fishing with her hubby, and a good glass of kombucha.

Brooklyn holds an M.A. in Communication, and a B.S. in both Nursing and Animal Science. Her nursing career has seen specialties in the areas of Intensive Care and Postpartum. She serves as a Guest Speaker with a focus on awareness and prevention of Domestic Violence and Suicide.

Find her on her Website or Facebook. You can also find her music on Amazon, iTunes, CDBaby, YouTube, and Pandora.

Webpage | Facebook | Amazon | YouTube | Twitter

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

Review: Raven

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Raven

Author: Pauline Creeden
Series: Chronicles of Steele, #1
Genre: YA, Steampunk, Fantasy
Publisher: AltWit Press
Publication Date: October 28 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 332
Source: Itching For Books
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Rating: ★★★ . 5

This is the complete Steampunk Fantasy novel - all four parts of the serial in one volume! Also includes bonus features not found in the episodes ~

Human life has value.
The poor living in the gutter are as valuable as the rich living in a manor.
The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint.
Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed.

Raven has lived by this first tenet since she was trained by her father to become a reaper. But since his death, she’s been spending years redeeming the lives she’s taken. By her count, she’s even and it’s time for that life to end. If she settles down and becomes a wife, she might just feel human again. But on the way to the life she thinks she wants, the baron of New Haven asks her to complete a task which she cannot ignore… Just when Raven decides to give up on her life as an assassin, she’s pulled right back in. (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

“RAVEN STEELE COUNTED every footstep she chanced through New Haven with the knowledge that any could be her last. But the gamble wouldn’t last long. She quickened her pace. Only two kilometers of brownstone street stood between her and the safety of the forest.”

I always try to be 100% fair when it comes to genres, but I will be completely honest and say that I used to (okay, I kind of still do) avoid the Steampunk genre. Why? Because to be honest I don't always fully understand it. To some it's an easy concept, to others it's complex. And the most important thing is finding an author who can write and write it well! I have definitely found that in Pauline Creeden. This was my first read by her and boy was it ever interesting and intense!

We were lucky enough to receive Raven in different formats. I kept going back and forth between ebook and PDF version, the ebook version was easier to read on the go. While the PDF version I could sit and read while on my laptop and state at the detailing in the front choice, the headers for each chapter, and the design! It's so beautiful! I'm hoping that the physical copy will look like this because if it does I will buy it!!

I really, really liked the characters we are introduced to! Raven was strong, and a kick-ass kind of girl but she was vulnerable which made her more realistic and a relatable character to readers. Jack, well he's Captain Jack Grant. Although, I have to say that as much as I was somewhat rooting for Raven and Jack I'm not sure if I'm 100% team Jack. I just feel like the romance was rushed and I would have rather there been a more drastic tie in to their feelings for each other. I didn't get the ending I wanted, it wasn't a bad ending. I was just...wanting more. I don't want to give anything away, but I have high hopes for what might develop in the following book or books...please let it be books.

What kept Raven from getting 5 stars?

I chop this up to it probably being more "it's me, not you". This was difficult for me to read and I had a very hard time getting into to. It took me longer than expected to finish this (6 days) and I was just starting to get frustrated. I really wanted to invest myself into this book but couldn't do it. I think I just wasn't in the right mind set for it, but it did affect me being able to enjoy this story from beginning to end.

---

Overall, Raven was a read I won't be forgetting about anytime soon. If anything, it's opened my eyes to this genre. Would I recommend Raven? Yes, especially if your lucky for a book to test the steampunk genre with. Will I be continuing with there series? YES! I can't wait until The Chronicles of Steele: Darius comes out in 2015! I know it'll focus on a different character but I'm really hoping we'll see more of some more of the characters mentioned in Raven.

Giveaway!

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About the Author

In simple language, Pauline Creeden creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long. Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Mailing List

ARC Review: The Last Changeling

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The Last Changeling

Author: Chelsea Pitcher
Series: Faerie Revolutions, #1
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: November 8 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 347
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo
Chapters | Book Depository

Rating: ★★★. 5

A Kingdom at War . . .

Elora, the young princess of the Dark Faeries, plans to overthrow her tyrannical mother, the Dark Queen, and bring equality to faeriekind. All she has to do is convince her mother’s loathed enemy, the Bright Queen, to join her cause. But the Bright Queen demands an offering first: a human boy who is a “young leader of men.”

A Dark Princess In Disguise . . .

To steal a mortal, Elora must become a mortal—at least, by all appearances. And infiltrating a high school is surprisingly easy. When Elora meets Taylor, the seventeen-year-old who’s plotting to overthrow a ruthless bully, she thinks she’s found her offering . . . until she starts to fall in love. (Goodreads)

**I received an advanced copy from NetGalley via Flux in exchange for an honest review.**

Opening Lines

"I was seventeen when death crossed my path. Before that I'd only dreamt of twisted limbs and blood as bright as poppies. But late one night, death offered me an opportunity. She whispered dirty secrets in my ear and pulled back my eyelids with curling hands."

There are a lot of books out there that focus on fairies and sadly I haven't really read any of them. A couple are on my TBR list and I even own 3 books that focus on them but I've never had the desire to read them. So when I came across this book I was intrigued and decided it was time to finally read a book that focuses on fairies. I just have to talk about the cover quickly, IT'S SO PRETTY!!!! I love everything about it, the colour choice and how bright it is. I'm excited to see what this will look like in paperback or hardcover.

The Last Changeling is told from both Elora's and Taylor's perspectives. I found myself enjoying Taylor's POV more than Elora, Taylor's chapters just had more substance to them and I felt like the story was narrated well. I had a hard time with this when I first picked it up, with the way it starts off I was left feeling confused and as if I was missing major pieces of information. While the flashbacks did clear some of that I was still confused for the first half of the book. The book has a slow pace to it and really picks up about halfway through. I really liked how this book touches on a lot of topics that many of us YA would like to see more of. We had diversity, LGBT, death, bullying, dealing and finding acceptance and more. But at times it felt like too much was going on.

Because this is part of a series I expected that I would be left with a major or somewhat of a cliffhanger at the end. This is a good and bad thing, I like to be left with a cliffhanger but I know a lot of people don't. We they way this came to an end I was left with a lot of questions that I'm hoping will be answered in the next book or at least at some point in this series!

What kept The Last Changeling from getting 5 stars?

As much as I enjoyed reading The Last Changeling I found I couldn't connect with the characters...at all and this was a major thing for me.

The world building - I think this was the main factor as to why I couldn't connect with the characters, I didn't really know anything about the fae world. As a first time fairy read I went into this not knowing anything about fairies. I was expecting there to be somewhat of a background story, I would have enjoyed this if more time was spent giving the reader information about their world, the history, the fairies and how they came to be. Not having this information left my very confused at times trying to piece things together, it took away from me being able to see the whole picture.

The characters - At times I found the characters really lacked depth. They could be so one-dimensional which is unfortunate because Chelsea Pitcher has thrown together a selection of characters that I wouldn't have expected. Also, I found myself to be confused about both Elora and Taylor's character. I felt like there was more to Taylor that we didn't know about (granted this may be answered in the next book) and Elora, with how the story was written at times I forgot she was suppose to be a fairy.

The romance - While the romance had a natural and sweet flow to it I found that too much time was spent on this. I felt like this was more of a romance novel than anything else. At times it was very predictable, but I just wish and thought there would be more focus on the bigger issues at hand.

Overall, The Last Changeling was an interesting read. It may not have gotten 5 stars from me but I still managed to enjoy reading this. Will I continue with this series? Yes! Hopefully my questions will be answered in the next book, I'm curious to see what will take place in book 2.

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About the Author

Chelsea Pitcher is a native of Portland, OR where she received her BA in English Literature. Fascinated by all things literary, she began gobbling up stories as soon as she could read, and especially enjoys delving into the darker places to see if she can draw out some light.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Review: My Guardian Angel

My Guardian Angel

Author: Evangelene
Genre: Romance, Suspense
Publisher: Evangelene
Publication Date: April 7 2014
Format: PDF
Pages: 140
Source: Book Enthusiast Promotions
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: ★★★. 5

Kassia Preston, a best selling author whose a bit of recluse, but who could blame her after what had happened to her all those years ago. Thankfully, her brother Darios and her friends Genna and Tara had always been there for her. One day in Darios' gym, she meets Jason. He's young, fit and mouthwateringly sexy. Kassia is drawn to him, not only because of his looks but because of something else, something indescribable.

Jason Theroux, a young SWAT officer has his own demons that he keeps hidden deep inside.

What happens when these two broken souls get together? Will they be able to survive their past and forge a new future? Or will their demons begin to threaten their relationship, destroying it completely? (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

"The wind was howling, as the heavy rain hammered at the windows, making them rattle. I was lying on my bed with my blankets barley covering my eyes. As I looked out the window, a bright flash of light came across the dark sky. The lightening lit my room only for a few seconds and then vanished just as quickly. A loud thunderous clap followed making me jump."

Can I just saw that I LOVE the cover for My Guardian Angel? I love how dark and mysterious it is, and honestly it was what drew me into reading the synopsis for this book.

One of my favourite things about My Guardian Angel would have to be the opening chapter. It was so strong and descriptive! The perfect way to start off a book, once I read that I was hooked! I read this in one sitting just waiting to see how this story would play out.

It's obvious that Kassia and Jason are attracted to each other but they both try to resist it. Deciding to become friends we quickly see that line start to blur. Both Kassia and Jason experience something in their past that continues to haunt them and when they meet each other at Darios gym and start to hangout things really start to unravel! I love how suspenseful this really was, I was worried this would end up being an erotica novel that lacked plot and character depth but that was not the case! My Guardian Angel kept my attention right up to the end!

Another one of my favourite parts was the Epilogue at the end from Jason's perspective. I really wish we had more chapters from his POV! There were so many times that I kept trying to figure out what was running through Jason's mind.

What kept My Guardian Angel from getting 5 stars?

• At times I felt there was a bit a character flip flop with Kassia and Jason, it bothered me and made me have whip lash while I was trying to figure out their character. There just didn't really seem to be consistency in terms of their behaviour and how they're perceived. 

• I quickly became tired of all the  "Junior", "Granny" and "your old" comments through out My Guardian Angel. I get it, there's an age difference but I feel like it was mentioned and joked about more times then it was necessary. 

• ! - There were way too many escalation marks throughout this book. Did Darios, Jason, and Kassia really yell that much?

Overall, My Guardian Angel was an suspenseful read! I really enjoyed this one and recommend it to readers that want a good amount of suspense mixed with romance. This is defiantly one I will be re-read sometime soon.

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About the Author

Evangelene was born and raised in Montreal Canada. She currently lives with her husband who at times drives her nuts. She has been studying Classical Civilization and Linguistics at Concordia University for over ten years. The pull of the ancient world was too great for her to let go, so she continues her education to feel closer to the world she identifies with.

She reads nonstop, devouring books like its food, loving the feeling of being lost in a world that another author has created.

Evangelene started writing her stories ten years ago to express and bring to life all the wonderful characters that inhabit her imagination. She writes for herself and invites readers to join her journey.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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Review: Resist

Resist

Author: Lilly Avalon
Series: Resist, #1
Genre: Romance, Erotica
Publisher: Lilly Avalon
Publication Date: Aug 26 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 68
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Rating: ★★★. 5

Allegra Maxwell is sick of the monotony of life. It's all work and no play, and right now she wants to play. She shows up at her company's yearly meeting with one goal in mind: have a one night stand with a stranger. What she doesn't count on is Devlin Pierce walking through the door.

When Allegra first met Devlin, she knew he would be nothing but trouble. After he proved her theory true last year, she made a vow to avoid him at all costs. He's the last person she wants to see, and he knows it. He refuses to leave her alone though. As much as she tries to fight it, the pull he has on her is undeniable. Her ability to resist him proves impossible when Devlin makes her an offer she can't refuse.

One night. That's all he asks. That's all she wants. Or is it?
*Resist is a 21,000 word erotica novella, and the first of a two book series* (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

"This is a mistake.
Not pairing the silver stilettos with y brand new blue dress-no, that was genius. The mistake is coming here tonight when I should have stayed in my hotel room. It's not like I couldn't come up with a believable excuse. I'm relatively good under pressure. Not to mention the fact that lounging in nothing but a robe and watching from my window as the sun sets behind the Manhattan skyline sounded exceptionally better."

I have been wanting and waiting to read Resist for awhile now. When I came across it on NetGalley I automatically requested it but it sat there pending for weeks! When I finally received the notification that I'd been approved I downloaded it immediately and started reading. The Good? This book kept me intrigued, I didn't want to put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting. Which isn't really hard considering it's a novella and only consist of 68 pages.

"Screw finding The One. I just need one night. That's all I ask, at least for now."

As for characters we have Allegra, she's on a mission and it's to find a complete stranger to have a one-night stand with. She's been successful when it comes to her work life, but hasn't had a relationship in a year. She's okay with looking for "The One" at a later date but she just needs something for the night. I like Allegra as a character, she's witty and had me giggling at a couple different moments throughout this novella. Enter Devlin, oh Devlin...I really liked the way Devlin was portrayed. He wasn't the typical bad boy or jerk that seems to be in almost every romance/new adult novels now a days. Was there chemistry between Allegra and Devlin? Oh for sure!!

"I match his gaze as I place the cheesecake in my mouth, slowly pulling the fork out. I lick my lips seductively, never looking away. He stiffens in his seat, leaning forward slightly. I toss him a quick wink and go for the last bite. After I use my forefinger to wipe my mouth clean, I place tin my mouth, licking the remainder of the chocolate off. At this point, his formerly open hand has turned into a fist. I'm getting to him. This makes me smile in victory."

You can see the attraction between Allegra and Devlin right away, and the chemistry continues to build until Allegra can't say no anymore and gives into what she really wants. I went into this knowing that it was going to be a two book series, which meant I knew I wouldn't get the ending of I wanted from Resist. But seriously?! That ending is not what I expected or wanted!!! I mean it's a good ending but it's a cliffhanger that has me wanting the next book in my hands, like NOW! Damn Cliffhangers.

So why didn't I give Resist 5 stars??

"Wait a second. Where am I? Because I could've sworn the last time I saw you, I told you to go to hell."

He frowns. "Come on, Allegra. You can't still be mad at me." I'd believe he is truly upset if it weren't for the puppy dog eyes he's giving me.

"You expect me to just let it go like that?" I snap my fingers.

I don't know what I really expected but I thought that whatever it was that happened between Devlin and Allegra was something major, I was disappointed when we learn what really happened a year ago. Basically they finally meet, flirt it up and have some intense eye contact but there was nothing concrete, no status per say. I mean it's clear there was an attraction but I'm not sure if what happened that night really justifies or lines up with Allegra's reaction to seeing him again.

"Goodbye, New York," I whisper. "Hello, next chapter."

Overall, Resist was a great read that kept my attention from beginning to end! Now I'm sitting here impatiently waiting for Longing which is the sequel to Resist and it's going to be a full length novel! WOOT!!

Review: Unethical

Unethical

Author: Jennifer Blackwood
Genre: New Adult, Romance
Publisher: Entangled: Embrace
Publication Date: October 20th, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 277
Source: Good Choice Reading Book Tours
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Rating: ★★★. 5

Love burns hotter the second time around…

Two years ago, the medical world was shaken by scandal, and Payton Daniels's family was at the center of it. The second she graduated, Payton left everything behind―her high school sweetheart, her family, and the controversy surrounding her mother's death—and hid within the anonymity of college. But Payton’s ex, Blake Hiller, hasn't forgiven her for leaving, and when he enrolls in the same medical ethics class, she panics. She can’t run the risk of him telling everyone who she really is.

As if being at the same university isn’t enough, both Blake and Payton land the same internship. Forced together, their passion for each other reignites, but when Payton is asked to testify in her father’s high-profile trial, she must choose between risking her acceptance into medical school to help her father, and losing every connection to her past—including the only guy she’s ever loved. (Goodreads)

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Opening Lines

"What did a homeless man, an AIDS victim, and a man in an

orange jumpsuit have in common?

Well, one of them was ruining my life.

I was about to find out how the other two were connected

once the professor began his lecture."

I've been racking my brain trying to figure out if I've ever read anything like Unethical before, but I don't think I have. I found Unethical to be a very unique and interesting read. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I first started this, would this be a wanna-be Grey's Anatomy? Private Practice? Nurse Jackie? Or maybe Mercy? Nope. While this is a medical drama, and boy did it have it's share of being on the dramatic side of things, I didn't find myself comparing anything to any of the previous television shows I mentioned.

I was a little worried that all the medical lingo would go completely over my head but I didn't find myself to be overwhelmed. Not only did Jennifer Blackwood do her research on the medical field but she touched on a topic that raising a lot of questions and scrutiny. I'm not going to give anything away (you'll have to read to find out) but the "scandal" with Payton's family really makes you stop and think. Which I loved because I wasn't really expecting a book that would make me reflect and second guess my views on certain things.

The romance, and Blake in general was swoon worthy! I loved the development between them and the sexual tension. But not only does Unethical focus on second-change romance, it also focuses on Payton having the opportunity at having a second-chance of living her life. As much as I liked the characters I found I spent time trying to figure out if Payton had a spilt personality. Going back and forth between being edgy and cautions to being an extreme flirt kind of gave me whip lash. I think Payton's portrayal of trying live a little could have been described better so that it didn't feel like two separate characters but one.

Overall, Unethical was an original and interesting read. I enjoyed my first medical drama and it's made me curious to see what else is out there. As an debut author, I think Jennifer Blackwood did a pretty good job. It read easily, which was extremely surprise for an ARC edition. I would have preferred a better tie up of things involving Andrew and Jules. Who knows, maybe Andrew will have his redemption in the next book? All I know is I want there to be a next book!

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About the Author

Jennifer Blackwood is an English teacher and New Adult author. She lives in Oregon with her husband, son, and poorly behaved black lab puppy. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she’s binging on Veronica Mars episodes and white cheddar popcorn. Her debut novel, UNETHICAL, comes out October 20th from Entangled Embrace.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

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Review: Loving Eden

Loving Eden

Author: T.A. Foster
Series: Kissing Eden, #2
Genre: New Adult, Romance
Publisher: T.A. Foster
Publication Date: September 25th, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 227
Source: InkSlinger PR
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks
Kobo | Smashwords

Rating: ★★★. 5

Have you ever thought of packing up everything you own and moving halfway across the country?

I’m talking about leaving your entire life behind—friends, family, school—with no turning back. No? Me either, but that was before a week of spring break changed my life forever. Before I did something I never thought I’d do at twenty-two. Before I fell in love with Grey.

Sometimes happily ever after isn’t always what you think it will be. (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

“I kicked the back tire twice. It was already deflated. My frustration was pointless. Seriously, how could I have a flat tire? I stared at the rubber as it formed a pancake on the shoulder of the road. I didn’t see anything protruding from the mangled mess, but who knows what happens on these back Louisiana highways.”

I keep staring at the cover for Loving Eden and thinking "give me summer!!" Give me hot weather, sand between my toes, a hot sun, lots of smiles and laughing, and summer love. I felt like I was jumping in half-way through a story, I could be wrong but it looks like Loving Eden picks up where Kissing Eden might have ended. I really wish I had been given Kissing Eden, which held all the background information that would have helped me enjoy this a lot more. Loving Eden really focuses on testing Eden and Grey's relationship. They experience a lot of pumps in the road throughout the novel which starts to put a strain on their relationship. With a lack of communication Eden starts to assume the worst, which is completely understandable.

The secondary characters really added to the story, I liked just about all of them minus one, Taylor. I just couldn't connect with her, I found her to be really self-absorbed and it drove me up the wall! While I really enjoy the plot, romance, and character growth that we encounter in Loving Eden I couldn't help but wonder how realistic the whole situation really is. Although we were given a HEA ending, I felt like the ending was almost abrupt. I'm not sure what exactly but I was expecting more in the terms of what was the next step with Grey and Eden's relationship. Not to say that the ending was horrible, I personally just expected more.

Overall, Loving Eden was a quick and easy read that really put Eden and Grey's relationship to the test. T.A. Foster shows a great mixture of romance and character growth that keeps you intrigued. I'm happy that they came out strong in the end!

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About the Author

T.A. Foster once spent a monthlong spring break on South Padre Island, where she soaked in the Texas sun, beach, and learned what real Texas country music is. Sometimes fiction does spring from reality.

She grew up catching rays and chasing waves along the North Carolina Outer Banks and now resides in the state with her adventurous pilot husband, two children, and two canine kiddos.

T.A. has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. When she’s not chasing her two-legged and four-legged children or trying to escape for date night, you can find her reading, writing, or planning her next beach trip.

Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Review: A Paris Apartment

A Paris Apartment

Author: Michelle Gable
Genre: Women's Fiction, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Publication Date: April 22nd, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 378
Source: France Book Tours
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
Chapters | Book Depository

Rating: ★★★. 5

Bienvenue à Paris!

When April Vogt's boss tells her about an apartment in the ninth arrondissement that has been discovered after being shuttered for the past seventy years, the Sotheby's continental furniture specialist does not hear the words “dust” or “rats” or “decrepit.” She hears Paris. She hears escape.

Once in France, April quickly learns the apartment is not merely some rich hoarder's repository. Beneath the cobwebs and stale perfumed air is a goldmine, and not because of the actual gold (or painted ostrich eggs or mounted rhinoceros horns or bronze bathtub). First, there's a portrait by one of the masters of the Belle Epoque, Giovanni Boldini. And then there are letters and journals written by the very woman in the painting, Marthe de Florian. These documents reveal that she was more than a renowned courtesan with enviable decolletage. Suddenly April's quest is no longer about the bureaux plats and Louis-style armchairs that will fetch millions at auction. It's about discovering the story behind this charismatic woman.

It's about discovering two women, actually.

With the help of a salty (and annoyingly sexy) Parisian solicitor and the courtesan's private diaries, April tries to uncover the many secrets buried in the apartment. As she digs into Marthe's life, April can't help but take a deeper look into her own. Having left behind in the States a cheating husband, a family crisis about to erupt, and a career she's been using as the crutch to simply get by, she feels compelled to sort out her own life too. When the things she left bubbling back home begin to boil over, and Parisian delicacies beyond flaky pâtisseries tempt her better judgment, April knows that both she and Marthe deserve happy finales.

Whether accompanied by croissants or champagne, this delectable debut novel depicts the Paris of the Belle Epoque and the present day with vibrant and stunning allure. Based on historical events, Michelle Gable's A Paris Apartment will entertain and inspire, as readers embrace the struggles and successes of two very unforgettable women. (Goodreads)

PRAISE FOR A PARIS APARTMENT

“With its well-developed, memorable characters and the author’s skillful transitioning between story lines…this stunning and fascinating debut will capture the interest of a wide audience but particularly those interested in stories about women behind famous men like Melanie Benjamin’s The Aviator’s Wife or Nancy Horan’s Under the Wide and Starry Sky. Highly recommended.” – Library Journal (starred review)

“A charming read about a fascinating history and the woman behind it.” – Historical Novel Society

Opening Lines

"She only wanted to get out of town.
When her boss sidled up and said the words "apartment," "ninth arrondissement," and "a ton of nineteenth-century crap," April instantly thought: vacation. There would be work involved, but no matter, she was going to Paris. As every writer, poet, painter, and, yes, furniture assessor knew, it was the perfect place for escape."

I first came across A Paris Apartment a couple of months ago when I read a review for it on someones blog. I was instantly intrigued and wanted to pick it up, I was looking it up to see if it was available at my bookstore when I came across France Book Tours and had the opportunity to sign up! I'm glad I did because I couldn't find it at my bookstore for 2 weeks! Even by just looking at the cover I knew this was going to be a beautiful book to get my hands on, and let me just say that when A Paris Apartment showed up in the mail I couldn't stop looking at it! It's not just the simplicity of the cover; white apartment with beautiful black text, but also the inside! I loved the banners and designs used within the book that was separated by parts.

A Paris Apartment started off very slow for me but I was happy that it picked up and I was able to really enjoy the characters. April was an interesting character but at times I found her to be a bit too much. I understand that she had a lot going on in her personal life but I found her to be way too emotional, at times I felt uncomfortable with it all. I wanted to make her a cup of tea, give her a pep talk and tell her to get it together and calm down!! Now I don't want to spoil anything but her husband? No. Just, no. I didn't like him, still don't like him and I don't know if that will change when I re-read this at a later time. I would have preferred to see her with Luc!! I really liked Luc he was so charming and hilarious.

Michelle Gabe's writing style is beautiful. I've never been to Paris, and I really hope to make it there someday. Michelle's words and descriptions really brought Paris to life for me. The atmosphere and detailing of April's surroundings felt so real to me! I enjoyed the dual narration from April and Marthe de Florian's letters, while at times I found Marthe's parts to be a little flat from time to time it was pleasant having a present day vs. past narration. Overall, A Paris Apartment was a wonderful easy read that had me daydreaming about Paris!

Giveaway!

Entry-Form

About the Author

Michelle Gable is a writer and also a mom, wife, financial executive, sports-obsessed maniac (Go Chargers! Go Aztecs!), Southern California native, barre class fiend, tennis player, and card-carrying member of the Chickasaw Nation. She grew up in sunny San Diego and attended The College of William & Mary, where she majored in accounting as most aspiring writers do.

Throughout a career that started in public accounting and then moved to private equity, then investment banking, and ultimately to the head of FP&A for a publicly-traded software company, Michelle continued to write. And write and write. Her first novel was released on April 22, 2014, her second scheduled for Spring 2016.

Michelle currently resides in Cardiff by the Sea, California, with her husband, two daughters, and one lazy cat.

Links: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads.

Review: Hidden Heart (Windy City, #1)

Hidden Heart

Author: Measha Stone
Series: Windy City, #1
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Orzel Publishing
Publication Date: September 26th, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 130
Source: IndieSage PR
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Rating: ★★★.5

Jessica Stanley is comfortable in her orderly life as a paralegal at a high end law firm. Having dated her fair share of liars and manipulators, Jessica views men through a pair of thick, cynical lenses. Men are good for one thing in her eyes, and one thing only.

Her predictable life is thrown into a whirlwind of new experiences when she meets a dominating man at a casual dinner with friends.

Royce Bradford is a man of intent and is used to getting his way. Until he meets Jessica. She is wound tight, and he finds himself yearning to unravel her secrets and her passions.

Jessica declares their relationship casual. She’s tempted by his seductive tone and unusually powerful demeanor to give him that much. But for Royce, it’s not enough. He wants more.

Except Jessica has built a secret tomb around her heart, and it will take a lot more than sensual play times and verbal commands for him to be allowed entrance. Royce never backs down from his desires. He takes up the challenge to seek out her Hidden Heart. (Goodreads)

Opening Lines

"True love was a myth spread among generations of single women to encourage them to continue their search for the man of their dreams. Jessica Stanley knew better. She’d called off the hopeless scavenger hunt a year after turning twenty-five."

Hidden Heart was an interesting and quick read. I liked Jessica's character, she's a strong and independent woman that keeps men at a distance. Although we get little snippets into her past, I would have preferred if there was at least a chapter decimated to her past. I felt like the info we got left some unanswered questions. While I really liked Jessica's character I couldn't fully connect with her, I wanted to know more about her and I think that's what hindered the connection. I wanted to know about her family, I wanted to know what happened (in detail) with her ex-boyfriends while at UIC, I just wanted more!

Although I felt like there wasn't much we knew about Royce I really liked his relationship with Jessica. I think there a perfect match because Jessica doesn't give into Royce easily, but Royce wants more than just sex and he manages to break down Jessica's walls after a little misunderstanding. Certain elements of this book, and the misunderstanding reminded me too much of 50 Shades of Grey, but once I was able to get passed that I was able to enjoy it.

I was expecting there relationship to grow over the course of this series, but it seems the next book focuses on a character in Hidden Heart, Kelly. I hope we still get to see snippets of Jessica & Royce though! And I'm really looking forward to Alex's story, I feel like he's a great character and I definitely want to see more of him!

Overall, Hidden Heart was an enjoyable read! I read it in one sitting, cover to cover because I was so curious to see how things would play out between Royce and Jessica. Definitely intrigued to read about Kelly in the next book. Take a peek and read the excerpt included below!

Excerpt

They walked in silence for the first block. Neither seemed to know what to say or how to begin a conversation. Jessica felt his eyes on her, but continued to look straight ahead of her. It had been a while since she spent this much time alone with a man.
Royce broke the silence by inquiring about her work. He gave her his full attention, asking questions when he didn’t understand something she said. He didn’t just nod and daydream like most of the men she’d dated.
She began to relax by the time they made their way onto her block. She focused on him as he told her about his new position. He hadn’t been looking for an executive job when he’d applied with Alex’s company, and he seemed cautiously optimistic about the new position.
She paused outside the steps to her apartment building to listen to him finish and noticed a couple coming down the stairs of the next building. The woman, a beautiful brunette, walked with a little limp as though she felt tender with her movements. The man walked behind her as a cab pulled to the curb, and he opened the door for her.
Then he slid his hand under her hair and cupped the back of her head, pulling her to his lips. They exchanged a passionate kiss, which he broke off, causing her to look disappointed. He laid a hand on a pendant she wore around her neck and said something to her that Jessica couldn’t make out. The woman’s smile spoke of pure happiness—raw joy—as though he had just said the most romantic thing in the world to her.
Jessica heard the woman say, “Yes, Sir. Thank you,” before she sunk into the cab. The man paid the driver and waved to her as she pulled away.
“Jessica…Jessica…” Royce’s voice pulled her back to him.
“I’m…wow. I’m sorry. I was…” She watched the man skip up his steps and go back into his building.
“You were eavesdropping on that couple.” Royce’s eyes glistened with laughter, his lips curving up at the ends.
“Yes.” She laughed. “It’s just…they seemed so entwined with each other.”
“Some couples are actually happy together.” He pointed out, leaning against the railing of the stairs.
“She didn’t call him by name. She called him Sir. Isn’t that an odd thing to call your lover?” she asked, using her forefinger to push a lock of hair behind her ear.
Royce’s expression changed. The laughter in his eyes dropped and was replaced with a mysterious look of seriousness, as though her words struck a nerve.
“No, it’s not odd at all. To some, it’s just as endearing as calling him honey or sweetheart—perhaps more intimate than those words.” His voice was smooth, firm. She wasn’t sure if she had offended him, or he was trying to teach her something.

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About the Author

Measha Stone lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband and their children. By day she works as a healthcare administrator, and by evening she steams up the computer screen with her erotic romances. No stranger to the BDSM community, Measha feels right at home within the erotic genre. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. Her vanilla writing has been published in the online magazine efiction and the DuPage Writers Group annual journal Possibilities. To find out more about Measha Stone visit her blog at www.meashaswritings.blogspot.com or follow her @Measha_stone

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