The Chapters of my life : April 2016

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Review: River of Love by Melissa Foster

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HEALED BY LOVE

RIVER OF LOVE

The Bradens- Peaceful Harbor, MD #3

Melissa Foster

Releasing on April 20th, 2016

World Literary Press

Fall in love with Sam Braden in the Bradens of Peaceful Harbor. Hot, sexy, & wickedly naughty second cousins to the Weston, Colorado Bradens we know and love.

River rafting and adventure company owner Sam Braden works hard and plays harder. He’s fast, focused, and determined—and never at a loss for a willing woman to share his time with. The trouble is, the only woman he wants refuses him at every turn.

Physician assistant Faith Hayes escaped her painful past and built a safe, happy life in Peaceful Harbor. She’s also put what she’s learned to good use helping others by founding Women Against Cheaters, an online support group. When her boss’s sinfully sexy brother sets his sights on sweet Faith, she knows the self-professed player is everything she shouldn’t want, and she’s determined to resist him.

Sam pulls out all the stops, proving to Faith that his past doesn’t have to define his future. As she lets down her guard and begins to trust Sam, intense conversations turn to intimate pleasures. But when real life steps in and their pasts collide, it’s Faith who’s left with something to prove.

MY THOUGHTS:
Another fabulous read from Melissa Foster. I always love the characters of her books, but Sam just really worked for me. There's something about a "bad boy" and I use that term loosely because Sam wasn't really bad. Just afraid of commitment and getting hurt. He has to be one of the sweetest characters my favorite line of his "let me love you until the stars fade and hold you until the sun rises" major heart melting right there y'all!

Faith was just adorable to me. There was something so refreshing about her. There were a couple times I wanted to shake her, but I understand that she was just scared. It has to be scary when you pre-judge someone and then everything you thought about them is so far from the truth. As a huge fan of Melissa Foster's and coming from someone who has read almost every single one of her books, this book is easily top 3 for me. There was just something about these two lovebirds that captured my heart. I can't wait to read the next book.

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Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Audio tour: Sincerely, Carter by Whitney G.

Sincerely, Carter by Whitney G. Publication Date: April 29, 2015 Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Friends to Lovers

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Just friends.We’re just friends. No, really. She’s just my best friend… Arizona Turner has been my best friend since fourth grade, even when we “hated” each other. We’ve been there for one another through first kisses, first “times,” and we’ve been each other’s constant when good relationships turned bad. (We even went to colleges that were minutes away from each other…) Throughout the years, and despite what anyone says, we’ve never crossed the line. Never thought about it. Never wanted to. Until one night changed everything. At least, it should’ve … Just friends. We’re just friends. I’m only saying this until I figure out if she’s still “just” my best friend…

My Thoughts:
I never thought I would be the kind of girl who liked to read digital books; until I did. I always thought audio books were ridiculous; until I tried it. Listening to this book kinda threw me at first, I wasn't used to it, but after the first hour I really got into it. I listened to this book on my daily runs and I really loved it.

This book cracked me up. The notes to each other pretty much had me doubled over from laughing so hard. It's common knowledge that no man and woman can just stay friends. Eventually someone is going to lustyville and that's when things start getting good. If I could hang out with any characters out of all the books I've read, I'd pick Carter and Ari. These two were so much fun to read about (listen to, I guess?). I would be first in line if the author ever decided to write another book with these two. All-in-all, a great read...

About Whitney G.

A self diagnosed candy addict, travel junkie, and hypochondriac, Whitney Gracia Williams LOVES to write about characters that make you laugh, cry, and want to (in the case of Claire Gracen) reach through your Kindle and slap them. She is the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of Reasonable Doubt,the Mid Life Love Series, the Jilted Bride Series, the My Last Resolution Series, Wasted Love, and Captain of My Soul. When she’s not locked inside her room, feverishly typing away on her laptop.

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Friday, April 8, 2016

Mini Review: Mischief in Miami by Nicole Williams

Mischief in Miami by Nicole Williams

Release date: December 10, 2013

My rating: 3.5

Buy here: Amazon

Synopsis:

From New York Timesa and USATODAY Bestselling Author, Nicole Williams, this is the first installment in the five part Great Exploitations series.

Seduction. Infidelity. Blackmail. Scandal. It can all be bought for the right price and for Sienna Stevens, business is good.

Because she’s in the business of Great Exploitations.

She’s an Eve, a member of a secret society of women contracted by the wives of wealthy, powerful men for one reason and one reason only: to seduce their husbands. To ensure their pre-nuptial agreement will be null and void thanks to a little loophole known as the Infidelity Clause. To ensure that those wives don’t find themselves on the other side of a divorce without a penny to their name.

When it comes to the Eves, Sienna’s one of the best because she follows the number one rule of the Eves to the letter: don’t let it get personal.

When the job file of her wealthiest client yet falls into her lap, Sienna realizes that this case could be the one that’s impossible to detach herself from. The payout would lead to her independence, but will the cost be too high in the end?

My Thoughts:

There are five mini books in this series. I got this book for free and it looked interesting. I was not disappointing. This book was only 64 pages, so not really even enough for a review. I loved the plot that Nicole Williams set up. Debacuhery at it's best. I have already downloaded the rest of the series and I'll be reviewing each ones on Fridays. A secret society of cheater catchers.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Mini review: Dreaming of Antigone by Robin Bridges

Dreaming of Antigone by Robin Bridges

Release date: March 29, 2016

Publisher: Kensington

My rating: 4

Buy here: Amazon

Synopsis:

"I can't ever be the blazing star that Iris was. I'm still just a cold, dark satellite orbiting a star that went super nova."

Andria's twin sister, Iris, had adoring friends, a cool boyfriend, a wicked car, and a shelf full of soccer trophies. She had everything, in fact--including a drug problem. Six months after Iris's death, Andria is trying to keep her grades, her friends, and her family from falling apart. But stargazing and books aren't enough to ward off her guilt that she--the freak with the scary illness and all-black wardrobe--is still here when Iris isn't. And then there's Alex Hammond. The boy Andria blames for Iris's death. The boy she's unwittingly started swapping lines of poetry and secrets with, even as she tries to keep hating him.

Heartwrenching, smart, and bold, Dreaming of Antigone is a story about the jagged pieces that lie beneath the surface of the most seemingly perfect life…and how they can fit together to make something wholly unexpected.

My Thoughts:

The first thing that stood out to me is that my husbands EXACT name is the main characters name. Alex Hammond. What a coincidence. Haha.

I love teen romance books, but what's better than a teen romance book? A book that has depth. This book was like an onion. every chapter we were revealing something else. The only thing I didn't really like was the ending. it felt rushed and left me with a lot of questions. I know not every book has to be finished with a pretty purple ribbon, but I just wanted to know more about what happened with the characters.

This book dealt with a lot of heavy subjects; drugs, child molestation, and secrets. Everything isn't always as it seems and Andria had to find that out the hard way. After losing her sister six months ago and dealing with her medical condition, I couldn't help but to feel so bad for Andria. What I adored about Andria was that she had some much depth to her, she was such a complete rounded-out character. I also really enjoyed reading about her and Alex, it was almost like these two were made from the same star. Sometime's your perception of someone is dead wrong. That's the case with these star-crossed characters. Love this book and I'm sure I'll read it again before the year is over.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Review: The new guy by Amy Spalding

The new guy by Amy Spalding

Release date: April 5, 2016

Publisher: Poppy

My rating: 4

Buy here: Amazon

Synopsis:

A ridiculously cute, formerly-famous new guy dropping into your life? It's practically every girl's dream.

But not Jules McCallister-Morgan's.

I realize that on paper I look like your standard type-A, neurotic, overachiever. And maybe I am. But I didn't get to be the editor of my school's long-revered newspaper by just showing up*. I have one main goal for my senior year-early acceptance into my first choice Ivy League college-and I will not be deterred by best friends, moms who think I could stand to "live a little," or boys.

At least, that was the plan before I knew about Alex Powell**.

And before Alex Powell betrayed me***.

I know what you're thinking: Calm down, Jules. But you don't understand. This stuff matters. This is my life. And I'm not going down without a fight.

----

* Okay, I sort of did. But it's a sore subject.

** I mean, I guess everyone knows about Alex Powell? Two years ago, you couldn't go anywhere without hearing about viral video boy band sensation Chaos 4 All. Two years ago, Alex Powell was famous.

***Some people think I'm overreacting. But this. Means. War.

Filled with romance, rivalry, and passive-aggressive dog walking, Amy Spalding delivers a hilariously relatable high school story that's sure to have you falling for The New Guy

My Thoughts:

I love a good high school romance book. Even though I may be a bit too old for them (but are you really ever too old for HS drama?).

Jules was not looking for a boyfriend. She had a plan and she wasn't deviating from her precise-thought out plan. Until the new guy in school takes a liking to her. Alex is a former boy band member. Jules and Alex have such a sweet chemistry, he helps her lighten-up and she makes him think. Since it's Jules senior year, she just knows she's going to get named editor of her school news paper, but when her arch-nemesis is know where to be found, she just knows something is up. After being named editor, Jules just knows it's going to be a good year. Until she finds out that her enemy has started a television news program and its threatening to due away with the school paper,

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Book Blast: THE WEDDING DATE by Kelly Eadon

Don't Miss this Brand New Release!

THE WEDDING DATE

Kelly Eadon

Releasing April 5th, 2016

Forever

A LITTLE FAKE RELATIONSHIP NEVER HURT ANYONE . . .

Kate Massie has big dreams-they just haven't worked out. Yet. In the meantime, she spends her days clerking for a judge and her nights fantasizing about her tall, dark, and sexy gym crush. So when she runs into him one night, she's shocked to realize he was her shy, nerdy junior-prom date. But that isn't where the surprises end . . .

James Abell needs a date to his sister's wedding. So when Kate agrees, he's relieved . . . until one little lie turns their wedding date into a full-blown fake relationship. Only it doesn't feel fake-not the toe-curling kisses and definitely not the electricity. Neither of them is looking for something real . . . but they just might fall for their own little white lie.

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Kelly Eadon is a romance writer living in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and a house full of rescue animals, aka "the kraken". She swears like a sailor and says whatever pops into her head. In order to counteract her big mouth, she wears high heels whenever possible. In her spare time she spins, kick boxes and attempts to renovate her farmhouse. She hates sanding drywall, loves to cook, drinks lots of wine, gets scary competitive at trivia, and enjoys time spent exploring with her rescued beagle mixes.

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Book Blast: MY PERFECT MISTAKE by Kelly Siskind

Don't Miss the First in a Brand New Series!

MY PERFECT MISTAKE

Over the Top #1

Kelly Siskind

Releasing April 5th, 2016

Forever

What happens in Aspen is definitely not staying in Aspen . . .

A girls' trip to Aspen was exactly what Shay needed to forget about her toxic ex-boyfriend. She's got her girls, pristine slopes for skiing, and hot guys everywhere. Of course, her epic self-rediscovery goes completely to hell when a wild (and deliciously hot) skier knocks Shay on her ass . . . and war is declared.

Kolton doesn't know what it is about Shay that makes him lose it. Not just his cool---although she does have an unholy gift for that---but his restraint. When anger gives way to explosive chemistry, they're both shaken with the intensity of it. But somewhere between lust and hate, Kolton and Shay realize they could have something real . . . if they don't kill each other first.

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A small-town girl at heart, Kelly Siskind moved from the city to open a cheese shop with her husband in Northern Ontario. When she’s not neck deep in cheese or out hiking, you can find her, notepad in hand, scribbling down one of the many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head.

She laughs at her own jokes and has been known to eat her feelings—Gummy Bears heal all. She’s also an incurable romantic, devouring romance novels into the wee hours of the morning.

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Book Blast: REUNITED WITH THE REBEL BILLIONAIRE by Catherine Mann

Two Fun Prize Packs up for grabs!

REUNITED WITH THE REBEL BILLIONAIRE

Bayou Billionaires #3

Catherine Mann

Releasing on April 1st, 2016 (Digital)
and April 5th, 2016 (Print)

Harlequin Desire

Is it a real reunion, or one for the cameras? It's a second-chance romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Catherine Mann!

Football star Henri Reynaud won't let his career go down without a fight. If the only way to win is to reconcile with his estranged wife, he'll do what it takes. But spending time with Fiona Harper-Reynaud isn't just some ruse. The sultry beauty belongs in his bed.

Fiona doesn't know where her sexy husband's public act ends and his real feelings begin. Can she afford to fall a second time for the man every female wants? One thing is undeniable—their attraction has never flared hotter!

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USA Today bestseller and RITA Award winning author Catherine Mann writes contemporary romance for Berkley, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Tule. With over sixty books released in more than twenty countries, she has also celebrated six RITA finals, an RT Reviewer’s Award finalist, three Maggie Award of Excellence finals and a Bookseller’s Best win. Catherine and her flyboy husband live on the Florida coast where they brought up their 4 children – and still have 5 four-legged, furry “children” (aka pets). Catherine is an active volunteer with an animal rescue, serving on their Board of Directors and fostering over 200 puppies, ill dogs, and dogs with service/working potential.

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Don't Miss the First Two Titles in

The Bayou Billionaires Series

Monday, April 4, 2016

Review: Hunter by Blaire Drake

Hunter by Blaire Drake

Release date: March 28, 2016

My rating: 4

Buy here: Amazon

Synopsis:

Born into blood, I was a mafia princess. Raised in hiding, I was a Californian sweetheart.

The day my father sold my thirteen year old body to pay off a five year old debt was the day my mother stole me in the dead of night. She protected me as she was supposed to.

My father may have been the king, but my mother was the queen.

The mafia blood was hers.

That was ten years ago. Now… the devil was on the loose.

Carlo ‘Hunter’ Rosso was my father’s right hand man and the boy I’d loved since I could tie my own shoelaces. He was always the most ruthless and the most deadly of all the children.

He’d thought I was dead until the day his assignment was given: Kill Adriana and Alexandria Romano. Kill the princess, and definitely kill the queen.

What he didn’t know was that the queen was dead, and the princess had taken her throne.

Blood didn’t lie. It smeared, distorted, stained. But it didn’t lie.

My father was going to learn the hard way that the empire he’d stolen belonged to me.

And so did Carlo ‘Hunter’ Rosso.

(HUNTER is a standalone erotic romance with elements of suspense. There will be strong adult themes throughout.)

My Thoughts:

I love a really good mafia book and this was a really good book. Adriana and her mother fled from her Father right before she was to be sold off to pay off her father's debt. Moving to California to start a new life, Adriana always knew there was a chance she and her Mother would be found. After her father finds out she's still alive, he sends his best assassin to finish off the job. The only problem is that Carlo "Hunter" Rosso, can't bring himself to kill Adriana. They were basically inseparable as children and he loved\loves her.

After Adriana is found, she decides she wants to take back what is rightfully hers; The Romano empire. Her father married into the family, so technically everything belongs to her. With a little help from her friends, The principessa sets off to claim her throne. This book had drama, fight scenes, sexy times and lots of angst between Adriana and Hunter. I really hope that this becomes a series because there's a few characters that I would love to see have their own story.

Friday, April 1, 2016

Review: Claimed by love by Melissa Foster

Claimed by Love
Love in Bloom: The Ryders #2

By: Melissa Foster

Releasing March 23, 2016
World Literary Press

Blurb

Family law attorney Gabriella Liakos has one true love, Elpitha Island, where she grew up and hopes someday to return. But Elpitha is in financial ruins, and Gabriella will do anything to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.

Duke Ryder is a savvy real estate investor set on making Elpitha into an exclusive resort. Unlike other investors, he's not scared of purchasing a property where one family has roots so deep they practically reach the ocean floor...until he meets his beautiful, stubborn, and enticing tour host―the daughter of the owner of most of the island.

Gabriella sets out to dissuade Duke from purchasing Elpitha, but Duke has other ideas. He wants Gabriella and the island. Duke's powerful seduction draws Gabriella in, but can a savvy investor who's used to glamour and glitz, and a woman interested in preserving the culture she adores find a happily ever after together?

My Thoughts:

What can I say about Melissa Foster that I haven't already said? She is one of my favorite authors. Hands down. This book was so good. If I wasn't married I'd be all over Duke(if he was real that is haha). I also love that it took place in my home state.

Duke comes to the island as a potential investor, the last thing he expects is to fall in love. The island is a beautiful mixture of Greek and Southern style. There Duke meets Gabriella. These two were so sweet it was almost too much to handle. Even though they both had different opinions on what the island should reflect, it didn't affect how they felt about each other. The sizzling romance between these two wasn't that long, but when you know, you know.

I've read almost all of Melissa Foster's books, and this book has secured a special place in my heart. I can't wait for these two to have little Greek babies.

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2016/01/claimed-by-love-love-in-bloom-ryders-2.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23123770-claimed-by-love

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/135715-love-in-bloom-the-ryders