Blog Tour - Chemical Reaction by Christina Thompson Review & Giveaway

Title: Chemical Reaction

Author: Christina Thompson

Published: October 7, 2013

Series: Chemical Attraction #2

Format Read: ebook

How I Acquired It: RAVBT

Date Finished: March 3, 2014

Find at: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

In Chemical Reaction, the sequel to Chemical Attraction, FBI Agent Joe Roberts and his fiancée, Dr. Madeline Pierce, must track down a rage-producing nano-drug before it devastates the nation.

Staying in Detroit with the FBI, Madeline works to develop an antidote from the confiscated journals. She clashes with the women from Joe’s past. In West Michigan, Joe hunts for the bio-weapon. With a history as a player, he’s worried his relationship with Madeline is at risk. Working apart, they attempt to focus on the threat.

Before Joe returns, agents are killed, Madeline is abducted, and the deadly nano-drug is put on the market. Without the journals, the mastermind needs Madeline to reproduce the drug.

While she plays a dangerous game of deceit, Joe struggles to put his fears of losing her aside to find the weapon first. Her life, their future, and the nation’s security are in jeopardy. Joe must now choose between his personal desire and his professional integrity. Can he live with the consequences?

~

This story had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was thrilling and suspenseful in a very realistic way. Thompson created a story that is believable to a point where I can imagine something like it happening. While the story is a great one, it was really the characters that did it for me.

The relationship between Joe and Madeline is one that seems to be continually tested. And to me, those are the best types. To know that someone is willing to fight for you time and again really strengthens the bonds you share. There were so many challenges they had to face, but they do it to get back to each other. Talk about love. The secondary characters were really quite enjoyable as well and added something great to the story.

I also really enjoyed the fact that this story picks up just a little after where the first left off. It added a sense of urgency, as not much time has pasted. But this also adds to the realistic tones as I can imagine FBI agents are kept quite busy. Overall, this was an awesome, fun, thrilling read and I hope to read more from Thompson!

4 Stars

~

About the Author

Christina Thompson, a retired acupuncturist, enjoys writing about the physical science, the emotional workings of our mind and heart, and the spiritual energy that taps into our passions.

Her degree in biology from Nazareth College in Kalamazoo gave her a love of science and a background into the physical realm of the body. Her diploma in Traditional Chinese acupuncture from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine taught her that the mind and spirit affect the body in powerful ways.

She teaches at the Reflexions Plus Holistic Center on many topics including massage therapy, acupuncture, Feng Shui as well as other modalities of Chinese medicine. She currently resides with her husband, Kraig, in West Michigan.

https://www.ChristinaKThompson.com | https://www.facebook.com/TheChemicalAttractionSeries | https://twitter.com/ChristinaPOV

Make sure to check out all the stops on the Chemical Reaction tour here!

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Blog Tour - Drowning by Rachel Firasek Review and Giveaway

Title: Drowing

Author: Rachel Firasek

Published: October 19, 2013

Series: Tears of Sin #1

Format Read/Pages: eBook/263

How I Acquired It: Itching for Books

Date Finished: March 2, 2014

Find at: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

**Drowning is a New Adult Contemporary Romance suited for 18+ due to some violence, language, and sexual content**

"I dare you."

Those words would change adrenaline junkie, Alice Harrison's life forever. She's a party girl that doesn't believe in love until she meets a man that only writes about it.

Seth James escaped his overbearing father and moved into one of the James family's vacant condos, hoping to create the music he loves in peace. But the fragile calm he's envisioned shatters when a tiny woman with a world full of energy bounces out of the elevator and nearly takes him out.

With the patience of a saint, Seth seeks the dark that keeps Alice from enjoying life. He challenges her to exorcise the demons in her past in order to discover the true meaning of love. But when the walls fall down, the hidden deceptions will bare the ugly truth about a woman drowning in sorrow and a man who may not know how to be her hero.

~

This is a very real and intense story from author. Rachel Friasek. I found the characters to be very relatable and the story believable while not being over done. Drowning is a highly emotional story and not for the faint of heart. 

I really enjoyed how real and relatable the characters were. I could see myself going through some of their issues without it being over the top and cheesy. There were real issues, such as abuse, that were tackled in this story. Mostly in a way that does not exploit it and make the characters feel contrived. The weight of guilt is a very powerful thing, and I feel that in Alice, we see how it can really affect a person and there everyday lives. 

Firasek created a story that was gripping and emotional, with characters that were able to capture my attention and make me believe they belong with each other. I have not read any of her other work, but I will definitely be checking it out in the future. 

4 Stars

~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Firasek spends her days daydreaming of stories and her nights putting the ideas to ink. She has spent a dull life following the rules, meeting deadlines, and toeing the line, but in her made up worlds, she can let the wild side loose. Her wonderful husband and three children support her love of the written word and only ask for the occasional American Idol or Swamp People quality hour.

She has a philosophy about love. It must devastate or it isn’t truly worth loving. She hopes that you all find your devastating love and cling to it with all your heart!

www.rachelfirasek.com/ | twitter.com/RachelFirasek | facebook.com/RachelFirasekAuthor

Make sure to check out all the stops on the Drowning tour!

The full schedule is available at Itching for Books.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Rachel Firasek and Shane at IFB for the chance to participate in this tour!

Blog Tour - Full Steam Ahead by Valerie Chase Review and Giveaway

Title: Full Steam Ahead

Author: Valerie Chase

Published: January 14, 2014

Series: Sea Swept #1

Format Read/Pages: eBook/166

How I Acquired It: IFB Tours

Date Finished: February 2, 2014

Find at: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

*This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Seven days aboard a luxury cruise.
The perfect getaway from it all.
At least, that’s what Georgia Cantwell was hoping for.

Georgia wishes she could run away from the nightmare that has consumed her life, but she can’t. With her inbox filling with menacing emails, all she can do is try to get through her sorority’s winter break cruise without anyone realizing how wrecked she is. So she really doesn’t need Jace McLaren seeing through her tacked-on smile when no one else seems to notice.

Growing up with a father in jail, Jace knows from experience that if you’re going through hell, there’s no way out but through. He has always steered away from girls like Georgia with her ice-queen attitude, but she’s in real trouble, and despite himself he pushes past her walls.

As much as Georgia tries to ignore it, Jace won’t let her pretend with him. But she can’t risk telling him the truth. Her past would ruin his trust, her family, her future—everything.

But out on the open ocean, there’s nowhere to hide. And when Georgia’s secrets come tumbling out, it might take more than Jace to save her. 

~

Going into this I really did not know what to expect. There were a multitude of ways that this could have turned out, but I was extremely happy with what was actually presented. Chase gives us a quick, sweet new adult read that is refreshing in a genre that can be a hit or a miss.

Full Steam Ahead starts with Georgia almost missing the cruise she is supposed to be on with a few of her sorority sisters over their winter break. We learn that she is reluctant to even go on the trip, as it will have her in close proximity with her ex-boyfriend, Hunter, that she recently split from. After a bit of a roommate shuffle she ends up rooming with mysterious and alluring Jace, who had a bit of a reputation. Georgia is also struggling with the fact that her family has lost their wealth and is pressuring her into thing that they think will make everything right again.

I found her hardship to be very realistic. Now, some people might condemn her and ask why she is going on such an extravagant vacation if she has no money, but in reality people will go to many lengths to hide the issues that they are dealing with. We later find out that a lack of money is not her only problem and that there are more serious problems that she has to deal with, so spending money on a cruise she can’t really afford is the least of her worries.

I really wish we could have explored Jace a little more. I really like him as a character and would have been interested in learning more about him. I do feel as though the issues he had with his father were a little too perfectly wrapped up, just because he had to get over the feelings of resentment to be able to accept Georgia for who she really is. Overall, I really liked both of the main characters and feel as though they complimented each other well. Not to mention the fact that they make one hell of a steamy pair.

Something that I really enjoyed was the setting. I thought that it was a great idea to have it be set on a cruise ship. It gave the characters plenty to do and see, while not getting in a routine of doing the same things over and over again. It also set a good timeframe for the story and a plausible reason for two people, who are not that good of friends, to be around each other so much.

The ending was wrapped up a bit to neatly for me, but it did not detract from my enjoyment of the story at all. Chase really provides all the makings of a great story and does not disappoint. I am looking forward to checking out more of her work in the future!

4 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Valerie Chase is an author of New Adult Romance. She currently lives in the Washington, DC area. Full Steam Ahead is her debut novel.

As for her writing style, Valerie loves sexy banter and guys whose hearts are in the right place, even if their heads sometimes aren't. She loves discovering strong, awesome characters, putting them in entertaining situations, and watching them argue their way to love.

valeriechase.blogspot.com | twitter.com/val_chase | facebook.com/pages/Valerie-Chase/324942107643538

Make sure to check out all the stops on the Full Steam Ahead tour!

The full schedule is available at Itching for Books.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Shane at IFB and Valerie Chase for the chance to participate in this tour!!

Elevator Heat by B.D. Rowe Review

Title: Elevator Heat

Author: B.D. Rowe

Published: December 17, 2013

Format Read/Pages: eBook/128

How I Acquired It: NetGalley

Date Finished: January 16, 2014

Find at: Amazon | Goodreads

*This book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Twenty-year-old Maddie has had a crush on Colin, her studly internship supervisor, for three long months. She struggles focusing on her work, and always finds herself gazing at his wavy brown hair, his chiseled cheekbones, his kissable lips. 

Little does she know, however, that he has feelings for her, too.

The problem is no matter how much time they spend together in the office, neither one can ever make the first move.

That is, until they both step into the old, rickety elevator late one Friday night. And things start to get a little steamy...

~

If you have read any of my previous reviews, you may have come across one that I did for Rowe’s Crashing Into You. I will admit it was not a glowing review in the slightest, but it is truly how I felt about that story. I requested this via NetGalley without realizing that it was the same author and I am glad I was unaware, as I probably would have skipped over this title had I known. My second venture into Rowe’s writing was much more pleasant than the first and I am glad I got to give it another chance.

Elevator Heat was a lighthearted, less steamy than I would have liked but fun all the same, read. I enjoyed both of the main characters; they had some pretty good chemistry and were not annoying in the slightest. Some of the scenes were funny and I found myself laughing, but in the best way. One thing I have some to realize is that the Rowe uses car accidents quite a lot in both the works already published. I don’t know why this is, but I can see it getting a bit old if it continues.

Overall, reading Elevator Heat was enjoyable. I sort of with that this was the full length novel and not Crashing Into You. I would have loved to see this story fleshed out a bit and I think it had some great potential to go somewhere.

3 Stars

Accidentally in Love with ... A God? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Title: Accidentally in Love with... a God?

Author: Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Published: March 5, 2013

Series?: Accidentally Yours #1

Format Read/Pages: eBook/288

How I Acquired It: NetGalley

Date Finished: December 26, 2013

Trapped for decades, a powerful god seeks freedom ... and revenge. But the only thing that can save him is the passion of a woman's touch …

Emma Keane is your average city girl trying to get a date. There's just one thing holding her back: the disembodied male voice speaking to her through her mind. Sound kind of crazy? Maybe. But crazy turns downright deadly when the voice persuades her to travel to the wilds of the Mayan jungle. There she will free his body-his incredibly hot, muscled, naked body.

Humans are so frail, so undisciplined, so susceptible to love. And when this ancient being connects with Emma, the feelings she sparks drive him utterly mad. Protective, keep-her-close, never-let-her-go kind of mad. Which might not be such a bad thing because from the moment the beautiful, passionate Emma unshackles his body, they are hunted at every turn. Now he'll have to do everything in his power to keep her safe. But will it be enough?

~

I was torn when reading this, I really wanted to like the characters and plot, but there was something about it that just made me feel meh. It was all entertaining enough, but I could not really devote myself to the story because it was a bit all over the place. The over arcing story was told in a bit of an odd way, that made it hard for me to connect with it all, even the information on the gods was hard to come by, which I think could have made the story more entertaining, to know more about these deities and their escapades.  

Emma was hard to stand at times, her back and forth on whether Guy’s controlling and jealous actions made me want to yell at her and tell her to make up her mind. Either tell him to shove off or accept it. But please, stop complaining about it. Some of what happened was very predictable, especially what happened between Tommaso and Emma, as well as who would ultimately betray them.

Overall, it was an okay read, I did not dislike it. I enjoyed the writing and witty remarks. I just could not get too invested in the love story, as I did not feel as though the two leads were right for each other. I am also confused as to how the whole series works. Are they all companion novels and novellas? Or are there sequels mixed in? I don’t really know. I might check out another one just to find out, and see if I like the protagonists better than I did in this one. 

3 Stars

Further reading in the Accidentally Yours series:

1. Accidentally in Love with...a God?
2. Accidentally Married to...a Vampire?
3. Sun God Seeks...Surrogate?
4. Accidentally...Evil? (a Novella)
5. Vampires Need Not...Apply?
6. Accidentally...Cimil? (a Novella)
7. Accidentally...Over? (Coming in August2014)

Blog Tour - Psycho Inside Me by Bonnie R. Paulson Review & Giveaway

Title: Psycho Inside Me

Author: Bonnie R. Paulson

Published: November 30, 2013

Format Read/Pages: eBook/171

How I Acquired It: Itching For Books

Date Finished: January 11, 2014

Purchase at: Amazon | B&N

I killed my first victim at thirteen years old – my age, not his. He was going to rape me, him and a couple of his friends. And so, I killed him. And then… I killed again. And again.

At seventeen, I’m killing four to six times a year – maybe more. Don’t stress out. I only go after the pedophiles and rapists. There are more out there than I could cover in a lifetime.

Saying I did this on my own would be selfish. Enforcing justice holds a glory all its own. But now, my lifelong friend and backup, Deegan, has been arrested. I have to decide if I want to give myself up and take his place or leave him with all the damning evidence. I don’t want to stop killing. But if I let him take the fall, I can’t kill anymore. And I need to keep doing that.

But the worst part of it all? I love him.

~

Can we just acknowledge that blurb and how catching it really is? As soon as I had read it I knew that I needed to read Psycho Inside Me. It enraptured me and there was no way I could not find out what happens to Deegan and how this all came to be. Bonnie R. Paulson captivated me with a very intriguing premise and kept me interested all the way through.

Something that I really enjoyed was that we jump right into the story; it starts when Cassie, our main character, is thirteen years old and makes her first kill. Within the first ten pages we have the first kill and a promise of more. It starts out fast paced and never lets up. The writing style, I feel, fit when Cassie was young. It was a little all over the place and reminded me of the thoughts and interactions of a young teenager. I would have liked to see it grow right alongside her, but it pretty much stays the same throughout the book, this does not detract from the story though.

While I really liked Cassie, there were times she made me want to pull out my own hair! You would think that after the second killing, where Deegan saves her ass, she would realize that she should just include him in the beginning and save everyone the trouble of having to guess whether or not he will make it to her in time. Their relationship was fitting for this type of situation, even though his insistence that they not be together is what gets them in trouble in the long run.

The story was one that captivated me all the way through and had me on the edge of my seat for the last few chapters. I feel as though the outcome was perfect and was believable in the sense that it really could have turned out that way.

This was a nice fast paced and short read with one of the most original ideas that I have come across in a long while. It was a highly enjoyable, dark and gritty story that shows what can happen when children are forced to grow up too fast. Paulson has written a number of other books and I will definitely be checking some of them out!

4 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

There are people who know a lot about a little, we’ll call them experts. Then there are people, like Bonnie, who don’t specialize, but rather gather information like pebbles in their pockets and drop them like Hansel & Gretel in the stories they write.

The question is, do you want to follow them back?

Certified as a Radiologic Technologist, Bonnie prefers a touch of medical in her storylines. Don’t be surprised if romance somehow runs through a hospital or comes in contact with a paramedic. It’s just how she rolls. And you know there's nothing more romantic than an 18 gauge needle poking your vein!

She and her Hubs delight in dirt biking, snowboarding, fishing, cooking, eating, spending time together and more with their adorable children.

www.bonnierpaulson.com | twitter.com/bonnierpaulson | facebook.com/bonpaulson

Make sure to check out all the stops on the Psycho Inside Me tour! The full schedule is available at Itching for Books.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Shane at IFB and Bonnie R. Paulson for the chance to participate in this tour!

Blog Tour - Me After You by Mindy Hayes Review & Giveaway

Title: Me After You

Author: Mindy Hayes

Published: November 18, 2013
Series: Willowhaven #1

Format Read/Pages: eBook/290

How I Acquired It: Itching for Books

Date Finished: January 4, 2014
Purchase at: Amazon | B&N

Widowed at twenty-five, Sawyer Hartwell has no choice but to return to her hometown. Broke and alone, the intention was to heal and find herself again, but how can she heal in a place filled with so much sorrow and memories she yearns to forget?

Dean Preston has regretted leaving Willowhaven since the day he rode off on his motorcycle six years ago, destroying the only love he had ever known. Returning too late, he's found small comfort in a new life with Lily, but with Sawyer back he's not sure of anything anymore.

The time has come for Sawyer and Dean to face the past, to learn from their mistakes. The road to healing is paved with old wounds, each one threatening to tear them down completely. Carrying their own scars close to their hearts, they must both confront what's gone before or lose their second chance.

The measure of who we are is what we survive. Who we become is up to us.

~

This is an emotion driven story, about a young woman and her struggle to move on after multiple heartbreaks in her young life. It is a story about finding something to live for, when nothing seems worth it. Me After You had me engrossed from the first few pages and took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions to the very end.

The beginning really caught my attention; it was very abrupt and set the tone for the rest of the story. The opening has us at the funeral of Sawyer’s husband who has been murdered.  I had so many questions after the first few paragraphs, and I was extremely happy to not be left hanging and to receive all my answers. I was a little mad at Hayes for making me really like the dead husband, Grayson. Through well placed and timed flashbacks we get to see how he and Sawyer meet and how their relationship progresses. I knew that I liked him when he asked her out for “coffee or hot chocolate,” as a non-coffee drinker I find it is nice to see that others don’t assume everyone drinks coffee.

Most of the characters that Hayes introduces are likable enough, though they are not without their flaws. I felt strongly for Sawyer and I can’t imagine all the heartbreak she has had to go through in her 25 years, first with Dean and then with Grayson. I really think that she was written in a realistic fashion of a grieving young wife and that, to me, made the story infinitely better. I did not care for our main characters best friends. They both rubbed me the wrong way and if I found out my best friend lied to me, even to protect me, about something as important as what Alix lied to Sawyer about, there would have been hell to pay.

Dean was tough for me to get behind; he made some terrible choices, both by leaving Sawyer and then some when she returns. As the story progressed I found it a bit easier to understand his reasoning for leaving, but I will probably never understand him not telling her that he has still wants her right away. I just kept thinking to myself, ‘You know you want her, so tell her!!’

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. In some parts it felt a little slow and repetitive, but it was worth it in the end. Hayes really delivers a sweet, yet heartbreaking tale. I would be interested in seeing what else she has to offer us. 

3.5 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mindy Hayes grew up in San Diego, California exploring her interest for singing and playing the piano. She first discovered her passion for reading when she had to take her first flight alone to South Carolina to visit her then fiancé. Mindy's love for writing followed shortly after. She and her husband have now been married for six years and live in Summerville, South Carolina.

www.mindyhayes.com | facebook.com/hayes.mindy | twitter.com/haymindywrites

To visit the other stops on Mindy Hayes' Me After You tour check out the tour schedule at Itching for Books. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank You to Shane at IFB and Mindy Hayes for a chance to participate in this tour!

Blog Tour Review - A Deal with Benefits by Susanna Carr

                                                  
   Title: A Deal with Benefits

Author: Susanna Carr

Published: December 17, 2013 

Format Read/Pages: PB/185

How I Acquired It: Itching for Books

Date Finished: December 28, 2013

Thank you to Shane at Itching for books and Susanna Carr for including me in this tour!

Thirty days and thirty nights!

Ashley Jones has been sitting in Sebastian Cruz's office. For hours. Behind the imposing wooden doors sits the man who stole her family's island home. And she wants it back.

But the fight is knocked from her when Ashley recognizes him as the man she knows intimately; the man who betrayed her after their blissful night together.

Sebastian has no intention of giving the island back, but he does want Ashley. He agrees to her deal, but has a few sub-clauses of his own. Specifically, a month at his beck and call; and in his bed!

~

This was a surprisingly good read. I have not read many Harlequin romance novels before, but when thinking of them I always pictured cheesy romance, not something that I would actually enjoy. Susanna Carr delivers a light, sweet read in A Deal with Benefits.

I actually enjoyed both main characters. There were some times where I got a bit annoyed with each of them, overall they were likable characters. Sebastian seemed a bit heartless at times and did not pick up on things that probably should have been apparent to him. There is no way that he should have missed how disheartening it was for Ashley to be referred to as his mistress. Once he realized the negative feelings that came with being called that, he looked like an idiot for not seeing it to begin with.

While I thought that the story was a bit rushed in places, it was still pretty well paced. I would have liked to actually spend more time with Sebastian and Ashley, I feel as though we only got a few days with them when it seemed in the beginning we would be getting the better part of a month. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and a great first real introduction to Harlequin romances. 

3.5 Stars

About the Author: 

Susanna Carr has been an avid romance reader since she read her first Harlequin at the age of 10. She has written sexy contemporary romances for several publishers and her work has been honored with awards for contemporary and sensual romance.

Susanna Carr lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. When she isn’t writing, Susanna enjoys reading romance and connecting with readers online.

www.susannacarr.com | twitter.com/SusannaCarr | facebook.com/pages/Susanna-Carr/242944799620

To visit the other stops on Susanna Carr's A Deal with Benefits Tour check out the tour schedule at Itching for Books.

Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones

Title: Escaping Reality

Author: Lisa Renee Jones

Published: July 22, 2013

Series?: The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #1

Format Read/Pages: eBook/250

How Acquired It: NetGalley

Date Finished: December 11, 2013

Infinite possibilities….

Infinite passion…..

Infinite danger….

His touch spirals through me, warm and sweet, wicked and hot. I shouldn’t trust him. I shouldn’t tell him my secrets. But how do I not when he is the reason I breathe? He is what I need.

At the young age of eighteen, tragedy and a dark secret force Lara to flee all she has known and loves to start a new life. Now years later, with a new identity as Amy, she’s finally dared to believe she is forgotten–even if she cannot forget. But just when she lets down her guard, the ghosts of her past are quick to punish her, forcing her back on the run.

On a plane, struggling to face the devastation of losing everything again and starting over, Amy meets Liam Stone, a darkly entrancing recluse billionaire, who is also a brilliant, and famous, prodigy architect. A man who knows what he wants and goes after it. And what he wants is Amy. Refusing to take “no” as an answer, he sweeps her into a passionate affair, pushing her to her erotic limits. He wants to possess her. He makes her want to be possessed. Liam demands everything from her, accepting nothing less. But what if she is too devastated by tragedy to know when he wants more than she should give? And what if there is more to Liam than meets the eyes?

~

To be honest, I have no idea why I liked this book so much. I remember thinking to myself while reading that it was going to be hard to write a review because there really isn’t all that much development that happens, but I enjoyed it none the less.

The beginning was very captivating for me and left me with a ton of unanswered questions (as the story continued that seemed to be a common thing), like who was after Amy and what was the reason she was running from them. I honestly think one of the most appealing things about this story, for me, was how uninformative it was. That might sound weird, but it made me feel closer to Amy because she was just as in the dark as I was. So, when she discovered the few details that she did, it was like I could join in on the excitement of uncovering a clue to her past.

The relationship Amy and Liam have is a very odd one. She lets him take control over her affairs after only knowing him for a small number of hours. I think this may be because she is used to her “Guardian Angel” giving her direction on where to live and what to do, so it is natural for her to follow commands from a dominant male. Liam is a very alpha male character and is not afraid to show his controlling nature. Jared, Amy’s neighbor who we know very little about, really seems to bring out the worst in Liam as he is also a dominant male figure in her close proximity.

Something that made me laugh at the absurdity of it was their inability to use their brains when it came to unprotected sex. Not a good idea, but it happens. That does not mean that there are not further protection methods that would keep you from getting pregnant, there is no way a woman in her twenties has not heard of Plan B, also known as, the morning after pill. Now, if we continue with the other book(s) in the series we will likely have to deal with a pregnancy.  

While most of the book felt like filler with no real plot development I still found the story to be an enjoyable, fast read. I will more than likely continue on to the next book, if only just to see Liam’s reaction to Amy leaving. 

3.5 Stars

Shelter Me by Mina Bennett

Title: Shelter Me 

Author: Mina Bennett

Published: October 10, 2013

Format Read/Pages: ebook/218 

How/When I Acquired It: NetGalley/Oct. 2013
Date Finished: Dec. 11, 2013

*Book was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

He's the only thing she has left to believe in...

Marissa was the first person to break Jacob's heart. When they were children, she made it very clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. She didn't mean to, but her mother had ordered her to stay away from her Sunday school crush: "He's a nice boy - don't you ruin him." So she kept her feelings hidden, telling herself that no matter how sweet he seemed, he'd still end up turning on her, like everyone else did.

Jacob never loved anyone like he loved Marissa. He knows he should try to forget about her, especially now that he's engaged and she's happily married - or so everyone says. Even though they've grown and gone their separate ways, in their tightly-knit community, that still means seeing each other at every Sunday service, church picnic and backyard barbecue. He swears that her eyes still have that sad, haunted look, but he manages to keep his distance.

Until one night, when everything changes.

With Jacob's relationship in shambles and Marissa pushed to the breaking point, they're drawn together by an unstoppable force. Temptation is irresistible. Giving in is unthinkable. But it soon becomes clear that nothing - neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation - can keep them apart.

~

Looking back I really should have picked up on it sooner that this was in some ways Christian fiction. Now, I don’t have anything against religious fiction or books that have religious undertones, but it is just not something I really seek out in my day to day readings. And this book is a prime example of why. It was a huge disappointment and I am having a hard time writing this review because I did not connect with the story or characters at all and I feel as though this will not be very thought out or coherent, for that I apologize.

At first glance, or reading of the description, it makes you believe that Marissa is a highly troubled youth who has seen untold horrors in her short life. That is not the case at all. She was a quiet child, in a town and family that seemed to condemn it. She eventually grew up to become a quiet and reserved young woman and to be honest; I am not surprised by it at all. I would have kept to myself as well if I had to deal with her mother. Her father is a spineless man that does not in any way speak up for his daughters and lets his wife lead him around as though he is on a leash. The only real comfort she has ever had growing up is from the family cat.

Fast-forward to her marriage and the sort of love triangle that develops with her, her husband and kind of childhood friend Jacob. It was all ridiculous. Jacob had bad feelings about Mark from day one; did he say anything to anyone about them? No. If he had there would have been no story. I just really don’t know how to feel about this and I feel like Marissa was a complete idiot for not picking up on the warning signs that Mark was clearly exuding.

Shelter Me, as a whole, was all over the place and the flow made it very hard to get into. Combining that with the terrible editing made for a rather unenjoyable read.

According to the about the author section at the end of the novel, Ms. Bennett has written other books under the name Melanie Marchande, which seem to have been a bit better received. I may check them out, but after this disappointing read I feel as if I should take a break from her right now.

1 Star 

The Wager by Rachel Van Dyken

Title: The Wager

Author: Rachel Van Dyken

Published: October 1, 2013

Series?: The Bet #2

Format Read/Pages: ebook/256

How/When I Acquired It: NetGalley / September, 2013

Date Finished: November 18, 2013

Lose a bet, lose your heart...

What is it about a junior-high crush that can send an otherwise intelligent woman into a tailspin? TV reporter Char Lynn wishes she knew. Jake Titus is too rich, too handsome, too arrogant: a trifecta that once lured Char into the best night-and worst morning-after-of her life. Now they've been thrown together in a wedding party. It's awkward, but survivable . . . until Jake stops acting like a jerk, and starts acting like the man she'd always hoped he could be.

If watching your brother marry your best friend is weird, being attracted to your best friend's other best friend is downright bizarre. Unfortunately for Jake, Char hasn't forgotten how he once tossed her aside. Worse still, Jake's already-nutty grandma is even crazier about Char. Cue meet-cute shenanigans and all manner of meddling, and somehow, Jake's falling. For Char. Now all he has to do is make her believe it . .

~

When starting The Wager, I was mildly afraid that I would not follow the complete story, not having read The Bet. I should not have had any fears, there are a few references that were unclear, but overall the author, Rachel Van Dyken, made the plot very easy to follow. Possibly too easy.

The characters are likable in their own ways. Jake Titus, constantly referred to as a “ruined” man, is trying to make amends and redeem himself of past deeds. Char Lynn, the TV personality trying to bring herself back from the brink of unemployment after a stunt that left her too hung-over to stay seated during a newscast (thanks, in part, to Jake). Comic relief comes in the form of Grandma Nadine, the over manipulative and meddling woman that is the Titus matriarch. While I do hope my own Grandmother is as spry and energetic at 86 years as Grandma Nadine is, there would definitely be some problems if she was as invested in my life as Nadine was.

The story follows the formulaic model that many romances have come to resemble in the past few years, wealthy character (usually male), is trying to reform their life, wants character (usually female) that seems to be holding a grudge  (not uncommon for the reason to be unknown to the reformed party). While this model can be entertaining, it often gets old and predictable after so many versions.

Speaking of predictability, I almost put the book down and gave up on it after Jake and Char procured an unsigned marriage license. Please can we at least have characters that use their college educated brains? Obviously that would not happen in the real world, not only is it illegal (I am pretty sure that is mentioned in the story) but it is also very implausible that the marriage license would not be ready, especially given the high profile wedding that is taking place. After seeing the gullibility of the characters I knew what was coming for them, essentially an arranged marriage, without the dowry and binding contracts. And then for the characters to just sign a paper without reading it? Nope. I just wanted to shake them and knock some sense into them, especially Jake, who is supposed to be a big shot in the family company, even though Grandma recently fired him… but he should know better than signing a document without reading it!

For all its misgivings The Wager was a fun, light read centered around a man and woman attending the wedding of those they are closest with and being thrown together in a manipulative matchmaking ploy. It is the type of story that any romance junky will likely enjoy.

3 Stars

Music of the Heart by Katie Ashley

Title: Music of the Heart

Author: Katie Ashley

Published: March 24, 2013  

Series?: Runaway Train #1 

Format Read/Pages: ebook/259

How/When I Acquired It: Bought it/April 2013 

Date Finished: April 15, 2013

For Abby Renard, the plan was supposed to be simple—join her brothers’ band on the last leg of their summer tour and decide if she’s finally ready for the limelight by becoming its fourth member. Of course, she never imagined stumbling onto the wrong tour bus at Rock Nation would accidentally land her in the bed of Jake Slater, the notorious womanizing lead singer of Runaway Train. When he mistakes her for one of his groupie’s, Abby quickly lets him know she sure as hell isn't in his bed on purpose.

Jake Slater never imagined the angel who fell into his bed would resist his charms by promptly kneeing him in the balls. Of course, the fact she seems like a prissy choir girl makes her anything but his type. So he is more than surprised when after betting Abby she wouldn’t last a week on their tour bus, she is more than willing to prove him wrong. But as Jake’s personal life begins to implode around him, he finds an unlikely ally in Abby. He’s never met a woman he can talk to, joke with, or most importantly make music with.

As the week starts comes to a close, neither Abby nor Jake is ready to let go. Can a sweetheart Country songstress and a bad boy of Rock N Roll actually have a future together?

~

When I first read the description for Music of the Heart, I found my self laughing at the absurdity. Why would anyone agree to living on a bus with four men just to win a bet with someone that you hardly know and already can't stand? But then I had to reevaluate my stand as I personally have taken bets that to others may seem very illogical. After I was able to get over the ridiculousness of the situation, I found that I thoroughly enjoyed the story that was being told. While at times it was utterly cliched, it was able to hole my interest enough and I am willing to admit, brought me to tears on occasion. 

The characters were extremely likable, I tend to find the females leads in books like this to be highly annoying at times, but I found myself actually liking and rooting for Abby. Jake is of course a heartthrob, tattoos (I'm a sucker for tattoos.) I found that it was the secondary characters that would often make the scene, with the jokes and the insightful background on our two leads. 

My biggest concern, and it is something that is found in just about any new adult fiction with a "badboy" is the scene in which Jake verbally demolishes Abby's character and her love for him, and then she just forgives him. I get that he was going through a rough time, but come one girl, stand up for yourself!! This is definitely a minor thing that I can look over, but I really shouldn't, the fact that it has become the norm these days is a bit sad and telling of the future. 

Overall, I really enjoyed Music of the Heart, I really liked the writing style Katie Ashley bring to the table. I will definitely be looking into her other works.  

4 Stars