Saturday, August 29, 2015

Stacking the Shelves (159)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where bloggers share what books they got throughout the week!

From Publisher

Some fantastic books were sent my way to review this week and I am so excited for them!! I'm especially excited for Mary Balogh's newest book because it has been forever since I've read a historical romance and I can't get enough of her Survivor's Club series. 

Bought
I FINALLY own a copy of Losing It and I couldn't be more excited. I saw the movie edition of The Martian for only $6 and I've been wanting to read this one for so long now that I just couldn't resist. I've heard the best things about it, so hopefully I like it! 


That's it for me! What did you all add to your shelves this week? 

Friday, August 28, 2015

Book Review + Giveaway: Sustained by Emma Chase

Sustained (The Legal Briefs #2)
By Emma Chase
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Source: Publisher
A knight in tarnished armor is still a knight.

When you’re a defense attorney in Washington, DC, you see firsthand how hard life can be, and that sometimes the only way to survive is to be harder. I, Jake Becker, have a reputation for being cold, callous, and intimidating—and that suits me just fine. In fact, it’s necessary when I’m breaking down a witness on the stand.

Complications don’t work for me—I’m a “need-to-know” type of man. If you’re my client, tell me the basic facts. If you’re my date, stick to what will turn you on. I’m not a therapist or Prince Charming—and I don’t pretend to be.

Then Chelsea McQuaid and her six orphaned nieces and nephews came along and complicated the ever-loving hell out of my life. Now I'm going to Mommy & Me classes, One Direction concerts, the emergency room, and arguing cases in the principal's office.

Chelsea’s too sweet, too innocent, and too gorgeous for her own good. She tries to be tough, but she’s not. She needs someone to help her, defend her…and the kids.

And that — that, I know how to do.

I have heard nothing but fantastic things about Emma Chase and her Tangled series. I hadn't even known that she had another series out, but when I had the chance to read the second book in The Legal Briefs series, I jumped at the chance. 

Jake Becker is the kind of lawyer who gets the job done, no matter who the client is. And as far as is love life goes, it's in and out with no strings attached. Until the nephew of Chelsea McQuaid pulls him into her life, that is. One day spent with Chelsea, along with her crazy mess of six nieces and nephews, and Jake is a goner. Chelsea is a sweet, young woman who is left raising her deceased brother's kids, so to say she's in over her head is an understatement. Jake seems to fit in perfectly with their life, but Jake isn't looking to settle down, let alone settle down with six children. Can he walk away from Chelsea or is he already far too attached to ever let go? 

From the start, Jake is a cold-hearted man who is in no way looking for a serious relationship. He's a hot shot lawyer who protects the slimiest of rich people because he's the best, which also means he gets paid the best. I loved it, though, how he ended up meeting Chelsea and being completely taken by her. Chelsea is so sweet and just wants to give her nieces and nephews a good life, no matter how angsty they act towards her. And wow, are those kids a riot. They each have their own personality that is so distinct and add so much to love in this book. It was so cute how Jake started to care about them and act like an adult with a real relationships and commitments for once.  

I think that the romance was very adorable and definitely steamy, but I think that Jake's insecurities were a bit cliche and it just got annoying whenever he would run away because he didn't want that commitment. There's only so many times a guy can run away, go back, and then run away again before it gets old. So I wasn't a big fan of the times when Jake ran away and acted predictable based on his background as a guy who only sleeps around. However, I did enjoy the moments he got to know Chelsea and how much their relationship grew before it actually even turned into something.

Overall, this was definitely a fun read. I loved how Jake was a lawyer and his job helped him get closer to Chelsea. There was a family dynamic in the novel that you don't find in a lot of books and I loved how there were so many characters that heavily affected the main storyline. This may have been my first Emma Chase read, but it definitely won't be my last!


Giveaway
I have one finished copy of Sustained to giveaway! Just enter the rafflecopter below! US ONLY Ends 9/4

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Release Week Blitz + Giveaway: Tough Love by Lori Foster

TOUGH LOVE - RDL banner

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Lori Foster's TOUGH LOVE! TOUGH LOVE is a Contemporary Romance and is a part of Lori Foster’s Ultimate Series, published by Harlequin HQN. Grab your copy today! And if you haven't before, make sure you grab the other books in this fantastic series!
Tough Love - cover

 

Praise for TOUGH LOVE
“Foster brings her signature blend of heat and sweet to her addictive third Ultimate martial arts contemporary. Foster ably tosses out red herrings and also seamlessly lays the foundation for the next book in this series. This luscious tale will appeal to Foster’s legion of fans and attract new ones—even those who aren’t fans of professional fighting.”- Publishers Weekly

Brushing his thumb over her knuckles, he asked gently, “Nervous, then?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“You’re shaking.”

Lifting his hand to her mouth, she lightly bit a knuckle, then kissed the spot. Gaze sincere, she whispered, “Because I’m eager.”

Well, hell. She’d just done it again, made him taut with her words. Needing to explain to her, just in case he jumped the gun, he said, “The first time…”

“Fast and hard,” she finished for him. “I know.” Her smile slipped into place even as her eyes darkened and her voice went all breathy. “It’ll be worth it if I get to watch you. I’ve been thinking about that forever.”

Jesus.

“After that,” she murmured, “then it can be my turn.”

Trying to give a little more room to his growing erection, Stack stretched out one leg. If she kept that up, he wouldn’t make it to her place. Hell, he was so close to losing it, the idea of pulling over for a quickie in the car appealed in a big way. It should have embarrassed him, how she stole his control. But knowing Vanity pushed him on purpose only made him more determined to blow her mind with sex.
Reaching for long-lost patience, he drew in a deep breath and put both hands back on the steering wheel. “You’re playing with fire. You know that, right?”

“I’m playing with you, Stack Hannigan, and it’s the most fun I’ve had in a very long time.”
He liked her like this, so open about what she wanted—namely, him. “Like I said before, you’ll pay for the play.”

“I’m hopeful.” She laughed, and even that turned him on.

Vanity was the one of the sexiest women he’d ever known, but she was also real. Bold. He didn’t have to wonder at her thoughts, because she spelled out what she wanted and how she wanted it.
She also made it clear that their time together had a short time frame, and after they’d settled the lust, she fully expected him to mosey on out of her life.

Should’ve been perfect, only…it nettled him that she didn’t push for more.

Both of them now silent, he turned a corner onto a dark street—and immediately saw the collision. Two vehicles, one in a ditch, the other overturned. Headlights cut the dark of the night at odd angles. Even as Stack slowed his car, searching the scene, the overturned car ignited and flames licked into the air.

“Oh, my God.” Vanity sat forward to stare. “There!” She pointed to the side of one car. “There’s a body!”

Stack jerked the car to the curb, slammed it into park and released his seat belt at the same time. “Call 911.”

She already had her purse in her hands, digging through it. “Be careful,” she called after him as he hurriedly left the car.

He’d only taken one step when Stack heard a woman’s weak screams.

young couple in love, kissing, studio shot, back light


She's playing hard to get…to win the MMA fighter of her ultimate fantasies in a sultry new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster Vanity Baker loves a good, clean match, but she's not above playing a little dirty. She's wanted Stack "The Wolf" Hannigan from day one. Seems as though the best way to corral the famously commitment-phobic fighter is to insist on keeping it casual. And her plan works—deliciously well—until Stack's past steps out of the shadows. Stack learned early to stay free of attachments. But with sexy, forthright Vanity, he's the one always left wanting more. Then his troublemaking family comes back into the picture, threatening everything Stack cares about—Vanity included. Suddenly he realizes they're much more than friends with benefits. He's ready to go to the mat for her…but will it be in time to protect the woman who's tamed him for good?


TOUGH LOVE is part of the Ultimate series. Check out all the books in the Ultimate series today!

Ultimate Novels- cover banner




      Close- up of woman kissing neck of man in bed    

About the Author
Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN. Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home. Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/  

    Tough Love - Available Now    

Giveaway

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Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Would Be On My Syllabus if I Taught Contemporary YA 101

This is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where each week bloggers share a list of books for the prompt given. So hopefully I'll have a new list to share with you all each week!

This Week's Topic: Top Ten Books That Would Be On My Syllabus if I Taught Contemporary YA 101

Contemporary YA was my first love and will always have a special place in my heart. Throughout my life, I have read A LOT of contemporary YA. I teach 10th grade English and I want my students to see how amazing reading is and how many good stories are out there. So here are 10 contemporary YA books that I would love to have my students read to see how amazing the genre really is


1. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
3. Open Road Summer by Emery Lord


4. Crash Into You by Katie McGarry
5. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles 
6. Just One Day by Gayle Forman


7. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
8. Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti


10. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Back to School…As a Teacher!


All of my life I've been a student, but I've always known what I wanted to be when I grew up: A teacher. Last week, I started my first day of school as a teacher and it couldn't have been more terrifying and exciting all at the same time. I had spent the week before decorating my classroom and making it as bright and inviting as I could. I wanted my students to see how much I love English and I wanted them to feel upbeat when they walked into my room. 

In my classroom, I put up some posters I had gotten for my college dorm room (like The Breakfast Club and The Princess Bride) as well as small posters I've been collecting from my local movie theater ever since high school. I also brought two tubs full of YA books that I've kept over the years from blogging and from various book sales that filled up the two bookcases I have in the back of my room. You think they can tell I love books and movies? 

While I'm only three days in, I can't wait to see what this year has in store for me. I'm teaching 10th grade English and my kids are already adorable. I know that not every day will be the best day and there will definitely be more challenging moments, but I couldn't be more excited. Here's to a fantastic first year of teaching! 


Saturday, August 22, 2015

Stacking the Shelves (158)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where bloggers share what books they got throughout the week!

From Publisher
I am so excited about my book mail this week! I got a finished copy of Everything, Everything, which I had already read and loved. The Art of Crash Landing looks so pretty and I'm obsessed with the cover! I can't wait to read it!

From Giveaway
I won the entire Blue series by Jules Barnard from Fiction Fare and I could not be more excited! These books look SO GOOD and like something I would absolutely love. I hope they end up being as good as they look!


That's it for me! What did you all add to your shelves this week? 

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday (207)

This is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where every Wednesday bloggers highlight a book that they are eagerly anticipating the release of! 

In Real Life
By Jessica Love
Release Date: March 1, 2016
Hannah Cho and Nick Cooper have been best friends since 8th grade. They talk for hours on the phone, regularly shower each other with presents, and know everything there is to know about one another. 

There's just one problem: Hannah and Nick have never actually met.

Hannah has spent her entire life doing what she's supposed to, but when her senior year spring break plans get ruined by a rule-breaker, she decides to break a rule or two herself. She impulsively decides to road trip to Vegas, her older sister and BFF in tow, to surprise Nick and finally declare her more-than-friend feelings for him.

Hannah's romantic gesture backfires when she gets to Vegas and meets Nick's girlfriend, whom he failed to mention. And it turns out his relationship status isn't the only thing he's been lying to her about. Hannah knows the real Nick can't be that different from the online Nick she knows and loves, but now she only has one night in Sin City to figure out what her feelings for Nick really are, all while discovering how life can change when you break the rules every now and then.



---------------------------

How amazing does this book sound? I love how there are books that are reflecting society now. I mean, I have friends from across the country who I haven't met in real life, so it's cool to see that in a book. I love how Hannah decides to actually meet the guy she's been talking to for five years and confront him about her feelings for him.to find out he has a girlfriend. Ouch. I can't wait to see how they interact in person versus online and if Hannah and Nick will really end up together in real life. 

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Release Day Launch + Giveaway: Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlino



From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a love story about a Craigslist “missed connection” post that gives two people a second chance at love fifteen years after they were separated in New York City.
About the Book
To the Green-eyed Lovebird:

We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House.

You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more.

We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other.

Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding…

I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello.

After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half?

M

AMAZON   ***   BARNES & NOBLE ***  iBooks










About the Author
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of romantic women's novels. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.



Giveaway



Top Ten Tuesday: Auto Buy Authors

This is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where each week bloggers share a list of books for the prompt given. So hopefully I'll have a new list to share with you all each week!

This Week's Topic: Top Ten Auto Buy Authors










10. Kim Karr
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