Waiting on Wednesday (156)

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

Four Letter Word

By J Daniels

Release Date: October 4, 2016

Fate. Hate. Love. Lies.
Which four letter word will change their lives forever?

Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words "wrong number" in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend's heart, but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line.

Brian Savage is living a life he's quickly come to hate-until Sydney's wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past . . . 

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Believe it or not, I actually haven't read a J Daniels book yet. I KNOW. But that doesn't stop me from wanting to read her newest upcoming release! I absolutely love the idea of how Sydney and Brian meet and it sounds like a fun romance from the start. And, of course, I main love interest has secrets that could ruin the whole relationship. Oooooh I just can't wait for this one! 

Book Review: If I Only Had a Duke by Lenora Bell

If I Only Had a Duke

By Lenora Bell 

Release Date: August 30, 2016

Source: Publisher

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

After three failed seasons and a disastrous jilting, Lady Dorothea Beaumont has had more than enough of her family's scheming. She won't domesticate a duke, entangle an earl or vie for a viscount. She will quietly exit to her aunt's Irish estate for a life of blissful freedom. Until an arrogant, sinfully handsome duke singles her out for a waltz, making Thea the most popular belle of the season.

Well, the duke ruined her plans and now he'll just have to fix them.

Dalton, Duke of Osborne, is far too heartless for debutantes or marriage - he uses dalliances to distract from his real purpose: finding the man who destroyed his family. When his search leads to Ireland, the last thing he needs is the determined, achingly innocent Thea, who arrives in the dead of night demanding he escort her to her aunt. His foolish agreement may prove his undoing. The road to the Emerald Isle is fraught with unforeseen dangers, but the greatest peril of all might just be discovering that he has a heart . . . and he's losing it to Thea.

Historical romances always put a smile on my face, especially when they're actually done right. Lenora Bell has mastered the art of taking unique women who go against the norms of society and tame the rakes who were previously untamable and quite irresistible to any women who crossed their paths. Can you say, yes please?!?!

Lady Dorothea was bred to find a handsome duke to snag and marry, but what her mother failed to do was socialize her perfect daughter. Any time she's near a handsome man, Thea finds herself tongue-tied or giggling like a fool, neither of which is attractive to any man. After spending some time with her Aunt in Ireland, Thea is determined to live life as a spinster there, especially after she uncovers lost paintings in the attic of the estate next door. The owner of the estate happens to be the infuriating Dalton, Duke of Osbourne, who loves pushing Thea's buttons. One dance in London and Dalton has all of the men pining after Thea, which is the last thing she wants. Dalton finds himself being forced to escort Thea back to her Aunt's house in Ireland to help her escape a horrible future trapped in a loveless marriage. 

Oh, this book. I was so intrigued by Thea from the first book and I loved how unsure and shy she was around anyone of society. She was perfectly happy retreating to Ireland studying books and paintings, which are her passions. Of course, she started to clash with Dalton before they even met when she discovered the priceless paintings in his attic. I loved how she forgot being shy and let her passions drive her actions around the duke. From the start, they definitely intrigued each other, but neither one of them could possibly trust each other after how they were both raised. 

And can we take some time to talk about Dalton? Because, yum! Seriously, there is nothing better than a rake who falls head over heels, quite unexpectedly, for a woman who is definitely not his usual type. Dalton had such a soft heart despite the careless attitude he gave off to society. Thea saw right through his facade from the moment she met him and I loved how they really understood each other the more they got to know each other. Thea was so smart and it was great seeing someone challenge Dalton and prove to him that he actually had a heart. 

If you're a fan of historical romances, Lenora Bell is an author you can't miss. I am crossing my fingers that Patrick gets the next book because I NEED more of these characters! I have yet to meet a character I didn't completely fall in love with in Lenora's books and I'm dying for a duke of my own!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on my Classroom Bookshelves

 

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 On My Classroom Bookshelves

This week's topic was anything to do with school. Since I am a teacher, I thought it'd be fun to share my favorite books that I have on my shelves for my kids to read. I have three full bookshelves in my room and now that I'm teaching two periods of guided reading, it is my mission more than ever to find the really good books that my kids will love. So here are the best books that I have in my classroom! 

1. Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

2. Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

3. Nowhere But Here by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

4. Denton Little's Death Date by Lance Rubin

5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling 

6. Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

7. Dare You To by Katie McGarry

8. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

9. Private by Kate Brian

10. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

Book Review: Ruthless by Lexi Blake

Ruthless (Lawless #1)

By Lexi Blake

Release Date: August 9, 2016

Source: Publisher

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Lawless siblings are bound by vengeance. Riley, Drew, Brandon, and Mia believe the CEO of StratCast orchestrated their parents’ murder twenty years ago to steal their father’s software program. And there’s only one way Riley can find some solid evidence...

Heir to the StratCast legacy, Ellie Stratton hires a new attorney to handle a delicate business matter—and she’s shocked by her attraction to him. Over the course of a few weeks, Riley becomes her lover, her friend, her everything. But when her life is threatened, Ellie discovers that Riley is more obsessed with settling an old score than in the love she thought they were building. And Riley must choose between a revenge he’s prepared for all his life and the woman he’s sure he can’t live without… 

I don't know why, but I am just so in love with this cover. It might be because of the font or the pretty blue color, but I knew that I had to read it. Not to mention this was a romance. How could I resist? 

The Lawless siblings have been raised on pain and vengeance. Growing up in group homes and foster care, the siblings have waited for the chance to reunite and find the people responsible for their parents' death to get revenge. Their first target? Ellie Straton, whose deceased father was involved in the wrongdoing of their parents. It's Drew's job to be hired as a lawyer and seduce Ellie for information to take down her company. But the closer Drew and Ellie become, the more they depend on one another and the more Drew realizes that it isn't just a game anymore. But can Drew give up the revenge he's been seeking his whole life for a women he's just met? 

From the summary, this one sounded so promising. Unfortunately, I'm just not a fan of excessive legal talk, which this book had a lot of. A main point of the plot was that Drew and his siblings were trying to take down the company of the people who killed their parents. Things got difficult and they had to discuss stock and money and all this other stuff that I didn't really care for. I wish not so much time was spent on that plot and more was spent developing the relationship between Drew and Mia. 

Drew and Mia's attraction for one another was pretty obvious from the start, but I didn't think their relationship developed in a believable way. It was on the edge of insta-love and I wish they had actually learned more about each other before they fell hard after simply sleeping with each other a bunch of times. I did enjoy how much Drew cared for Mia and how conflicted he was between staying loyal to his family or the amazing women he had met, but I wish I had a little more from their relationship. 

Overall, I thought Ruthless was just an okay read. I expected more connection with the main relationship and wasn't a fan of the amount of time spent on the storyline of the revenge plot. I found the Lawless siblings intriguing, though, and will definitely keep my out for book number 2.

Book Review: Becoming Calder by Mia Sheridan

Becoming Calder

By Mia Sheridan 

Release Date: October 5, 2014

Source: Amazon

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

There is a place in modern day America with no electricity, no plumbing, and no modern conveniences. In this place, there is no room for dreams, no space for self-expression, and no tolerance for ambition.

In this place, there is a boy with the body of a god and the heart of a warrior. He is strong and faithful and serves his family honorably. But he dares to dream of more.

In this place, there is a girl with the face of an angel and a heart full of courage. To her family, she is the vision of obedient perfection. But she dares to want that which she has been told can never be hers.

Becoming Calder is the story of good versus evil, fear versus bravery, and the truth that the light of love has always found its way into even the darkest of places . . . From the beginning of time, to the end of the world.

OH MY GOSH. This was my second book by Mia Sheridan and it sure did not disappoint. Mia's books were on sale for 99 cents on Amazon, so I decided to one-click two of those. AND I'M SO MAD I ONLY BOUGHT TWO. They were both brilliant and now her books are back to full price and I want them all! 

Calder has grown up in a place where they are all waiting for the great flood where they will be taken to Elysium. As they wait, there is no electricity, no choice, and no self-expression for those living and working in the community. The day Eden is brought to them as the one who will be their mother and marry their leader, Calder is in awe of the beautiful young girl. As years pass, everyone waits for Eden to turn 18 so that she can be married and they can be lead to Elysium, but Eden isn't so sure she wants to marry their leader and be their savior, especially when she feels so connected with Calder. A romance between Eden and Calder is strictly forbidden, but that doesn't stop them from feeling for the first time and questioning what Calder has grown up in and the only thing he has ever known. 

Wow, this book. As I was reading this book, the only way I can really explain my experience is when you see an accident about to happen and you can't look away. The whole world that Calder lives in is SO WRONG and I knew that what Calder and Eden were doing was going to get them into serious trouble, but I couldn't stop reading. I couldn't stop watching them grow to love each other and learn the truths about the world while I was anxiously waiting for everyone else to finally figure out what they were doing. But the romaine between them was so beautiful, sweet, and innocent. I LOVED Calder and how much he cared for his sister and how sweet he was to Eden. I was swooning from the moment we met him. 

Just to let you all know, this is a TWO PART book, so there is a sequel. Which means there was a SERIOUS cliffhanger that had me absolutely freaking out. Did I mention I didn't buy the sequel? Because I didn't know there was one and I am kicking myself for not buying it when it was on sale. The ending of this book freaked me out and I need to know what happens to Calder and Eden. I became so emotionally invested in them and I just want them to be happy and together and for life to not be so gosh darn difficult for them anymore. 

If you want a very unique story with an incredible romance, you have to pick up Becoming Calder. I could not put this book down and cared about these characters as if they were my real life friends. I am definitely going to read more Mia Sheridan books and never take a sale for granted ever again!

Stacking the Shelves (208)

 

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

From Amazon

I am slowly collecting this version of Jane Austen's novels because they are absolutely gorgeous and I'm obsessed with them. This one is my fourth out of Jane's six novels, so I only have two more in the collection to go! 

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

Book Review: Shuffle, Repeat by Jen Klein

Shuffle, Repeat

By Jen Klein 

Release Date: May 3, 2016

Source: Publisher

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When Harry Met Sally for YA romance readers. This opposites-attract love story is perfect for fans of Huntley Fitzpatrick, Stephanie Perkins, and Jenny Han.
 
June wants high school to end and real life to begin. Oliver is soaking up senior year’s glory days. They could have coasted through high school, knowing about—but not really knowing—each other.
 
Except that their moms have arranged for Oliver to drive June to school. Every. Single. Day.
 
Suddenly these two opposites are fighting about music, life . . . pretty much everything. But love is unpredictable. When promises—and hearts—get broken, Oliver and June must figure out what really matters. And then fight for it.

It has been far too long since I've read and loved a YA contemporary. Lately, I haven't been into YA and I was scared that it was because I was growing out of the genre. Thankfully, I picked this book up and fell utterly in love with it. 

June thinks that high school is a cliche that won't matter as soon as graduation comes. Oliver, on the other hand, thinks that high school is important in defining who you are and who you will become. So when June and Oliver's mom arrange for Oliver to drive June to school, the two immediately clash and fight over everything and anything, especially their high school experience. But arguing is their thing and soon the two start to look forward to their drives to school together, hoping to prove to one another their beliefs about high school and life. As June and Oliver become friends, though, they both find it hard to truly trust one another and forget all of their thoughts about friendship, high school, and, most of all, love. 

Oh my goodnessssssss, this book. I loved Oliver and June. Loved loved loved them! I think that what made this book so strong was the fact that Oliver and June were both in relationships when they started to hang out, so they just became really good friends with no expectations. I loved their banter and how they fought over music. Their bet was so fun and they really pushed each other to think in new ways. June grew so much in this book and while I was annoyed with how pretentious she was (what senior in high school has a vocabulary that large and extensive?), I liked watching her start to actually get to know the people she had been around her whole life and actually experience high school. 

I am a huge fan of a good friendship in books and both June and Oliver actually had very interesting friends. It was refreshing that Oliver's girlfriend wasn't a total snob, but instead a really nice person who actually became friends with June. Nothing about this book was that cliche and June's gay best friend was the perfect best friend for her. He wasn't her only friend though, and it was fun to see her have a group of friends who commented on her changing view on high school and were there to support her, not judge her, the whole way. 

Overall, I absolutely LOVED Shuffle, Repeat. Oliver and June really take a look at what high school really means and just let themselves live for once. With a super cute romance and a whole cast of lovable characters, you HAVE to pick up this book! 

#IndieReadathon2016 TBR

My BFF Sarah from Words With Sarah is hosting a readathon with the lovely Angie and Lacey. This readathon is the #indiereadathon2016, which means that the goal is to read independently published books! I recently got a few self-published books for my birthday, so I knew that I had to participate in this readathon. It takes place from August 29th to September 12th and the goal is to read as many self-published books as you can! I am so pumped for this readathon and had so much fun putting my TBR list together! Here are the books I'm definitely going to read: 

The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

Paper Princess by Erin Watt

With This Heart by RS Grey

Moonshot by Alessandra Torre

HardBall by CD Reiss

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

I know that this is a pretty ambitious TBR, but just look at all of the beautiful books! I have been dying to read these books and I'm so happy to have the excuse to finally do it! Are any of you participating? What are you going to read? 

Waiting on Wednesday (155)

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

Just Friends

By Tiffany Pitcock

Release Date: August 1, 2017

Jenny met Chance for the very first time when she was assigned as his partner in their Junior Communications class. But one clever lie to rescue a doomed assignment later, and the whole school was suddenly convinced that Little-Miss-Really-Likes-Having-A's and the most scandalous heartbreaker in school have been best friends forever.

It’s amazing how quickly a lie can grow—especially when you really, really want it to be the truth. With Jenny, Chance can live the normal life he’s always kind of wanted. And with Chance, Jenny can have the exciting teen experiences that television has always promised her. And through it all, they hold on to the fact that they are 'just friends.' But that might be the biggest lie of all. 

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No, that release date is not a type. This book does not come out for AN ENTIRE YEAR. Seriously? Why tease us with that gorgeous cover and super intriguing synopsis? I mean, how cool does this book sound? This story sounds like it's going to be very interesting and I can't wait to see how two opposites like Jenny and Chance go about being friends and denying their feelings for one another. It needs to be next year now! 

Book Review: Furious Rush by SC Stephens

Furious Rush 

By SC Stephens

Release Date: August 23, 2016

Source: Publisher

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For Mackenzie Cox, racing motorcycles is in her blood. Born into a family legacy, she's determined to show the world that she has inherited her father's talent in this male-dominated sport. The last thing Kenzie needs is to be antagonised by her rival team's newest rider, Hayden Hayes. Hayden, exceedingly arrogant and outrageously attractive, immediately gets under Kenzie's skin and she can't help but be distracted.

As Kenzie and Hayden push each other on the track, the electric energy between them off the track shifts into an intense - and strictly forbidden - attraction. The only rule between their two ultra-competitive teams is zero contact. Kenzie needs a win, and she also needs to stay away from Hayden. Unfortunately for her though, one thing has become all too clear: she can't.

Fuelled by passion, driven by desire, Hayden and Mackenzie both want to win more than anything else. Except for, maybe, each other. But anger, jealousy and extreme competitiveness aren't their only obstacles . . .

Words cannot even begin to describe how excited I was when I heard that SC Stephens was writing a new book  that wasn't associated with her Thoughtless series. Don't get me wrong, I love every book in that series, but I was excited to see SC Stephens write all new characters in a completely new world. 

Racing is in Mackenzie Cox's blood, and it's finally her time to race for her dad. The last thing Mackenzie needs is a distraction, especially in the form of the gorgeous man that is Hayden Hayes. Even if Mackenzie did want to admit her attraction to Hayden, he just so happens to be the newest racer for her father's enemy, the man who ruined her family and who Mackenzie despises more than anyone else. As Mackenzie works to help save her dad's racing company, she soon realizes that nothing causes her to race faster than racing against Hayden. Mackenzie needs to keep her mind of the track and off of the man who is the last person she should be feeling anything for. 

I LOVED THIS BOOK. Okay, sorry, I had to say that right away because I SERIOUSLY loved this book. It shouldn't be a surprise seeing as I love SC Stephens, but the whole racing world and insanely passionate chemistry our two main characters had sealed the deal. Let's start with the racing first. I love sports romances and motorbike racing is no exception. I loved how dedicated both Mackenzie and Hayden were to the sport and the adrenaline rush they had while racing, especially when they were racing each other. From the first race Mackenzie races in this book, I was hooked on the action and literally could not take my eyes off the pages until the race was over and I knew the outcome. I was rooting for Mackenzie to just win and prove to everyone, including herself, that she really was good enough. 

But let's move on to the real reason I loved this book. HAYDEN. Oh. My. Gosh. The chemistry between Hayden and Mackenzie was through the roof, but they took forever to act on it because they were both trying so hard to resist each other since they raced for rival companies. It turns out I love books that make you crazy when the couple just won't get together yet because that makes their romance that much more addicting. I gobbled up every moment they spent together and needed them to finally get together! 

Overall, Furious Rush has it all-- a sizzling romance, intense sports action, and a main character that I really cared for. Mackenzie was so relatable and I was hoping for the best for her. And Hayden! YUM. The ending of this book left me begging for the next book and I am already waiting for more of this world and its amazing characters!