Tag: Blogging

[New Post] ARC Book Review: Husband Material by Emily Belden

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Amazon / Goodreads

Title: Husband Material

Author: Emily Belden

Page count: 304

Published: December 30th, 2019

Publisher: HQN Books

Genre: Romantic comedy, Coming of age

Received: from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Rating:   /5

Summary:

“By turns heartbreaking and laugh-out-loud funny.”

—Kristin Rockaway, author of How To Hack a Heartbreak

“Sensitive, thoughtful, and touching.” —Library Journal

A young widow must face the grief she’s always set aside when an unexpected delivery throws her life into disarray

Twenty-nine-year-old Charlotte Rosen has a secret: she’s a widow. Ever since the fateful day that leveled her world, Charlotte has worked hard to move forward. Great job at a hot social media analytics company? Check. Roommate with no knowledge of her past? Check. Adorable dog? Check. All the while, she’s faithfully data-crunched her way through life, calculating the probability of risk—so she can avoid it.

Yet Charlotte’s algorithms could never have predicted that her late husband’s ashes would land squarely on her doorstep five years later. Stunned but determined, Charlotte sets out to find meaning in this sudden twist of fate, even if that includes facing her perfectly coiffed, and perfectly difficult, ex-mother-in-law—and her husband’s best friend, who seems to become a fixture at her side whether she likes it or not.

But when her quest reveals a shocking secret, Charlotte is forced to answer questions she never knew to ask and to consider the possibility of forgiveness. And when a chance at a new life arises, she’ll have to decide once and for all whether to follow the numbers or trust her heart.

My Thoughts:

This is the first book that I have by this author. I thought that it was hilarious in some parts of the book.

Charlotte is a loveable female lead she works at a social media influencer firm. She thinks that she has it all figured out until one day. She is a widow that has dived into her work and has no desire to get into another relationship. That is until her husband’s ashes arrive on her doorstep, five years after his death.

I had a little bit of an issue with this book. I had a hard time connecting to charlotte even though I did find her lovable and annoying at some points. The romance was a little bland for me. There were some moments that I did enjoy but there were others where I just wanted to skip.

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

Arc Review: Talen

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Amazon / Goodreads

Title: Talen

Author: Shay Savage

Page count: 450

Published: February 19, 2019

Publisher: The NextStepPR

Genre: Dystopian

Received: from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 3/5

Summary:

In a world plagued by constant earthquakes and volcanic debris, people in the valley struggle to survive while those on top of the hill want for nothing.
This is where I come in.
I spend my nights plundering supplies in the walled city of Hilltop, and I trade them to the valley people below. I’m not a thief. I prefer to be known as the head of Lost and Found.
When I discover a beautiful but dangerous competitor in my territory, I also learn she knows more about me than she should. Is she a spy sent by my father, or is she a rebel like me? I don’t trust her, but together we’ll discover secrets that may destroy what’s left of our world.
There have always been those with wealth and those without. 
My name is Talen, and I’m here to even the score.

My Thoughts:

This is the first book that I have read by Shay and I have to say it was just an alright book for me. I felt like it was lacking something because I couldn’t connect with the characters, or maybe the fact that it was a Dystopian? and I don’t normally read that genre? Maybe the writing style? I’m unsure. There was a few times that I almost didn’t finish reading this. I didn’t though I pushed through an I’m glad I did.

For me the book was a little slow in the beginning, it didn’t really pick up till about the 65-70%ish which is rare for me.

With all that being said… I know that some people are just going to love this book but wasn’t for me. I was happy that Talen and Aerin were able to have a HEA.

One of the things that I did love about this book is that it was told in Talen’s POV. I love when books are told in the male perspective.

I am planning on reading some of Shay’s other work In the future. I’m thinking of reading Outnumbered next because it has been recommended to me a few times now.

New Expert Reveal: Drifter

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Publication Date: January 21, 2018
Cover Designer: Letitia Hasser
Cover Model: Patryk Stawinoga
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Excerpt:
“Excuse me.”

A hip bone brushes mine, and I’m shoved to the side.

“Excuse me. Would you mind moving over?” repeats a voice that should be on the other end of a 900 number.

The sexy smile and quip die on my lips when I meet the eyes of the woman next to me. Dark hair cascades down her back like rolling hills. Against pale skin, eyes the color of sapphires stare back at me in question.

“Are you going to move over, or just stare at me like an asshole?”

An asshole?

“Is that what an asshole does?” I muse. “I was thinking there was more to the definition other than staring and being shoved over.” I catch her eye and grin. “In fact, I think I am the victim here.”

One of her dark brows arch. “Are you insinuating that I’m the asshole?”

I shrug, as if saying, “Maybe.”

Her chest bounces, and her bra is thin—thank heaven for small miracles—creating a complete and utter distraction from what she says next.

“Are you looking at my boobs?” she says with a lightness to her tone which tells me she isn’t about to pull out the mace and empty the can in my direction.

“What? No!” I lie, pulling my gaze up to her face where I’m met with an exasperated look.

“You have something on your shirt,” I argue. I reach across and swat something off her neckline, because seriously, I cannot get maced again. But instead of laughing, she jumps from my touch.

Okay. Not expecting that but people do have boundaries. Even me. Mine are just looser than most. I ignore the sudden change in her demeanor and keep with my rambling. “I wouldn’t be a friend if I let you walk around with cat fur on your shirt. The cluster of mean girls in the back would eat you alive.” I hold my hands up in a surrendering gesture. “I’m just trying to help you out.”

A slow smile replaces her harsh look.

“You’re just being a good friend and saving me from the mean posse of women that await me?” She doesn’t believe my story at all.

I widen my eyes, feigning shock. “What? You think I’m like one of these guys in here? Only here to score some pussy?”

She nods, fighting to keep her grin from splitting wide open.

“That’s exactly what I think, playboy.”

I really ham it up this time, rubbing my chest like my heart aches from her words. “And here I thought society had done away with stereotypes.”

Blurb:
It all started with a felony… 

Bianca
Pretty things don’t distract me. In my line of work, a distraction will get you caught. Or in my case, blackmailed. But this isn’t the only time I’ve been hustled, and soon Connor Hayes will learn that men are only pawns in my end game. I don’t love. I hate. Even a pretty boy like him.

Hayes
Two wrongs don’t make a right. Except when they are five-foot-seven and hotter than my exhaust pipe. So, I blackmailed her. It was either that or turn her in. And if anyone was going to put her in handcuffs, it was going to be me. Bianca Morgan stole the only woman I’ve ever loved. It’s only fair she replace her.

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[New Review] Winterdream

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Buy it on: Amazon

Add to: Goodreads

Title: Winterdream

Author: Chantal Gadoury

Page count: n/a currently

Published:  November 27, 2018

Publisher: Parliament House Publishing

Genre: Teen/YA

Received: from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 4/5

Summary:

This Christmas Eve… no creature was stirring…

Except, maybe, a mouse.

At long last, can true love break the Nutcracker’s curse?

For Clara Stahlbaum, this Christmas means the end of her youth. A daughter of the aristocracy, Clara is expected to give up her dreams of adventures and the extraordinary for more normal days as the wife of a cruel Viscount.

But when magical Uncle Drosselmeyer returns with his wondrous, dancing contraptions, and one…special gift for Clara, she is beckoned to the land of Winter Dream, where she is thrust into the greatest adventure of her wildest dreams. But will she be able to break the Nutcracker’s curse?

Uncle Drosselmeyer’s apprentice, Anton, is handsome as he is mysterious. But what is it about him Clara finds so alluring?

Winter Dream is a phenomenal retelling of The Nutcracker from the eyes of Clara Stahlbaum with all the magic of the Holiday season. If you loved S. Jae-Jones’ Wintersong, you’ll fall in love with this stunning tale of love, war, redemption, and Christmas magic.

My Thoughts:

This was another amazing book by Chantel. This is the perfect book to read for this time a year with Christmas right around the corner thus being a retelling of the nutcracker. I have read a few retellings but nothing like this one. If you are into fairy tales or retellings this would be the perfect book for you.

While I was reading this I felt like I was actually sitting in a theatre and watching the play. I think the way the original is an the way this was written is still true to the story.

Clara is an amazing character because she is a strong willed woman who knows what she wants and won’t let anyone or anything change her mind. Clara and the nutcracker are a match made in heaven.

I’m definitely going to have to read this again closer to Christmas to get even more into the Christmas spirit.

This is definitely one I think you should all check out.

[New Review] You Asked for Perfect

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Buy it on: Amazon

Add to: Goodreads

Title: You Asked for Perfect

Author: Laura Silverman

Page count: 288

Published:  March 5, 2019

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: Teen/YA

Received: From Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 3.75/5

Summary:

Senior Ariel Stone is the perfect college applicant: first chair violin, dedicated community volunteer, and expected valedictorian. He works hard – really hard – to make his life look effortless. A failed Calculus quiz is not part of that plan. Not when he’s number one. Not when his peers can smell weakness like a freshman’s body spray.

Figuring a few all-nighters will preserve his class rank, Ariel throws himself into studying. His friends will understand if he skips a few plans, and he can sleep when he graduates. Except Ariel’s grade continues to slide. Reluctantly, he gets a tutor. Amir and Ariel have never gotten along, but Amir excels in Calculus, and Ariel is out of options.

Ariel may not like Calc, but he might like Amir. Except adding a new relationship to his long list of commitments may just push him past his limit.

My Thoughts:

I think that this is a book for everyone no matter what grade you’re in should read this because the pressure of school that’s weighing on them, they will find this relatable.

Ariel is a high school senior who has worked hard since his freshman year because he wants to get into Harvard. He has been under a lot of pressure to be perfect because of his parents. This story is truly heart breaking at times.

This book also does have religion in it and an it was done beautifully. Usually when I have read a book that has religion its over done and drawn out. Its like they are trying to cram it down your throat which I’m not a fan of. This book deals with Ariel being Jewish and his boyfriend Amir being Muslim.

I loved how REAL this book made the pressure of what its like to be in school but also how to deal with the pressure of everyday life.

After reading this book I would love to see this come into a tv show or a Netflix movie.