Unexpectedly You

Unexpectedly You by Lily Santana

 

I really didn’t know what to think about this blurb, but I decided to give it a try.  I am so glad I did.  Ever heard this phrase I love to hate you?  Well this is the best way I can describe this book.  These two characters hate each other and unexpectedly fall for each other.

I liked this book.  The female, Emma, is like a cougar and is a few years older than the male lead, Mitch.  Emma is also a widow with a teenage daughter who has never really dated.

The banter these two have is great and the chemistry is off the charts. I really liked this one.

Synopsis:

Emma LeFleur’s vintage beach home is close to foreclosure. With a business struggling to take off, she has no choice but to turn to her neighbor, sexy and arrogant real estate investor Mitch McKenna—the man whose reputation she’s spent the past six months pulverizing.

Mitch offers her a deal that will save them both: if she’ll convince her neighbors that she’s 100% behind his controversial condo project he’ll save her home. As a prominent leader in the community, Emma’s the only one who can help him salvage the project and keep his employees from getting laid off.

But the chemistry between Emma and Mitch burns surprisingly hot, complicating their deal in a way neither had anticipated. Mitch unearths the long-buried siren within Emma, who’d forgotten how good it is to feel sexy, alive.

As Emma begins to turn public opinion in Mitch’s favor, she’s drawn to him in a way she can’t deny. And Mitch finds himself wanting to prove to Emma that he’s not the player she thinks he is…

Getting Physical Series by Tamara Morgan

The Rebound Girl (Getting Physical #1)
by Tamara Morgan

 

Tamara Morgan’s contemporary romance The Rebound Girl is the first installment of the upcoming Getting Physical series.

As I am writing this review I am torn.  I loved the idea and synopsis of this of this romance but the book really didn’t pan out for me.  I like the idea and the promise of a rebound, but the heroine was terrible.  I think she did it in for me.

The heroine was bitchy, abrasive, selfish, and has this corruption factor to her.  I think that her forced slutty behavior was too much for this reviewer.  I also found the story was long and lagging at times.  I didn’t skip because I was letting my Kindle read to me, but if I was reading this on my own I think I would have probably skimmed.  It really did seem like it went on forever (and not in a good way).

I liked the hero in this story, but he seemed jaded by his ex.  He also seems naïve and in his own little world but take into account he is a teacher.  I loved his brother Lincoln and if he gets his own book I think I would like that book better.

Knowing this is the start of a new series, I hope the next installment’s characters are better than in this book.  I would read another book by this author; I really think that it was the heroine that I couldn’t get over. I am giving this book 3stars.

Synopsis

Plastic surgeon Whitney Vidra knows all about getting over a cheating ex. She followed her boyfriend halfway around the world before she found out about his infidelity. Now she's focusing on her career and her friends, and using men just for single-serving, no-strings fun. Until she meets charming Matt Fuller.
Newly single Matt is captivated by the vibrant Whitney, in every way the opposite of his cheating ex-wife. When he confesses to Whitney that he hasn't had sex since his divorce, she volunteers to be his rebound girl. But Matt's not a no-commitment kind of guy—he's either all in, or all out.
Whitney is determined to remain attachment-free, but Matt is equally determined to prove to her that what they have is more than just a rebound fling.

Derby Girl (Getting Physical #2)

by Tamara Morgan

Derby Girl is the second installment of the Getting Physical series by Tamara Morgan.   This book is the redeeming quality of this series.  I wasn’t too keen on the first book, but thank goodness for second chances.

 I recently had an author challenge my review of her book.  She didn’t like my review of her first two books in her series.  She asked me why I wanted to read and review her second book.  This is the reason why.  I really liked this book and I do believe in second chances.  So I didn’t connect with the first book, does this mean that I don’t like the author?  No, I just didn’t like the book.  But how would I have known if I didn’t give an author another try.  So this, Ms. Roberts, is why I review other books by authors even though I didn’t like previous books. 

 Enough about that lets get down to this book.  This book is about a sexy eccentric girl that meets a plastic surgeon who is at a crossroads in his life. This pair is on a journey of finding themselves and each other while making life changing decisions.

 I loved the play on words with the name Dr. Fine.  I also love that the tuff tattooed girl, Gretchen, which Jared falls for. This was a great addition to this series and I can’t wait for the next addition. I give this book 4 stars.

 

Synopsis:

Book two of Getting Physical

Roller derby girl Gretchen "Honey Badger" Badgerton lives in the moment, no apologies. Like every woman in Pleasant Park with a pulse, she finds Dr. Jared Fine irresistible, but she's taken by surprise when her unattainable new neighbor asks her out.

On paper, Jared is the perfect man: gorgeous, wealthy and charitable. But his golden image is just that, and opening an upstate practice is a welcome chance to start a new life. When Gretchen stops to help him with a flat tire, he's intrigued by her feisty attitude—and her sexy body art. There's something refreshing about being with a take-charge woman who doesn't expect him to be anything but himself.

Though Gretchen is hesitant to shatter Jared's "bad girl" illusion of her, she has to face facts: she's fallen for the good doctor. She's used to putting everyone else's needs before hers, but as their relationship heats up, can she handle having someone take care of her for a change?

 

Buried Secrets

Buried Secrets by Emme Rollins

 

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Rollins, but I love her writing style and I will be picking up her other books.  Buried Secrets has a sci fi/horror feel to it that kept me on my toes. 

With likeable characters and a mysterious plot, this book is sure to capture readers until the end.  The start of the book is somber, the middle mysterious, and the action packed ending makes this book a great read.  Buried Secrets has a hint or romance and a paranormal aspect that is sure to be a hit.

Synopsis:

Should some secrets remain buried?

Dusty has always been a hothead, far more impulsive than her twin, Nick, the calm, cool and collected one of the pair. But Nick is dead, found murdered in their local cemetery, and Dusty simply can’t rest until she finds out who–or what–has killed her brother.

Sure the local authorities aren’t being straight with her–or anyone else–about what’s been going on in their little upper Michigan town, Dusty delays going off to college for a semester, defying her father and stepmother and taking a job in the local bar to start doing some digging.

Her focus soon fixes on Shane, her brother’s best friend and the town bad boy. The tension and rivalry between Dusty and Shane has always been palpable and sparks fly as the two collide. Dusty finds herself sinking in deeper with Shane and the mystery of what happened to her brother–and a lengthening list of victims–grows even stranger.

When everything comes to a head, Dusty focuses on one thing: What happened the night her brother was killed in the cemetery? She’s sure Shane is keeping a secret and she’s determined to find out what it is, one way or another.

Indie-Credible Blog Tour Stop with Michelle Madow & Giveaway

Michelle Madow

Michelle Madow wrote her first novel, Remembrance, in her junior year of college. Remembrance is the first book in the Transcend Time Saga, a three part series about reincarnation and true love that Michelle successfully self-published. The series was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video. Michelle's upcoming YA trilogy, The Secret Diamond Sisters, about three sisters who discover they are the secret heirs to a Las Vegas billionaire casino owner will be published by Harlequin TEEN in Spring 2014.

Michelle graduated from Rollins College in 2010, cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the International English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta. She received the Charles Hyde Pratt Award for Excellence in Creative Writing in 2010.

She lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where she is writing more novels for young adults. She loves reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, sunshine, Disney fairy tales, Broadway musicals, and spends way too much time on Facebook and Twitter (@MichelleMadow).

Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy.

How far would you go to get revenge? When Chelsea Givens discovered that her ex-boyfriend Drew dumped her to be with her former best friend Lizzie, she'd never felt so betrayed in her life. Then her new friend Shannon tells her she can help set things right. Chelsea's willing to listen, but what Shannon wants her to believe -- that she shared a past life with Drew -- is impossible. And what she wants her to do to get him back ... well, it's downright crazy. Could Shannon be telling the truth? And if she is, what lengths will Chelsea go if it means making Lizzie pay? Find out in Vengeance, the second part of the Transcend Time Saga.

IT'S A RACE AGAINST TIME.

In Remembrance, Lizzie and Drew changed the course of fate so they could be together.

In Vengeance, Chelsea set fate back on its original, deadly path.

Now, strange things keep happening to Lizzie. Things that are omens of darkness to come. A curse has doomed her to die an early death, just as she did in her past life. To make matters worse, even if she can figure out who cast the curse, it's irreversible. There's only one option left for her to save herself. It's crazier than anything she's heard yet, and to do it, she'll need Drew and Chelsea's help.

Because to make things right, they must go back to when it all began ... and Lizzie discovers that the final events in her past life were more sinister than she ever imagined.

Or buy the whole series in one place

INCLUDED IN THE BONUS PACKET:

- Sneak peak of Remembrance
- Bonus scene for Remembrance
- Deleted chapter from Timeless
- Character extras for Lizzie, Drew, Chelsea, Jeremy, and Hannah
- Author interviews
- Essays written by Michelle Madow about the series

The Transcend Time Saga is about a high school student named Lizzie who has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England, but doesn’t realize it until she meets her soul mate from the past and he triggers her memories to gradually return. The series began with Remembrance (published July 25, 2011), was followed by the short story Vengeance (published December 8, 2011), and concluded with Timeless (published November 20, 2012). The series has sold a significant number of copies, and has received much praise from reviewers.

Unfortunately, Michelle in under a deadline at the present, so we did not bother her for an interview or guest post.  BUT she was gracious enough to give one lucky winner a copy of the whole Transcend Time Saga.  Just fill out the rafflecopter for your chance to win!

Feature and Follow # 8

This weeks question Book Shelf Tour. 

I go through so many book and since I got my Nook and Kindle I just can't seem to get into paperbacks anymore.  I have over 100 books on my to be read list waiting on my Kindle.  Here is a look at the next few books on my Kindle.

 

 

With Me Series by Elyssa Patrick

Stay With Me (With Me #1)

By Elyssa Patrick

4 Stars

Stay With Me is the first installment of the With Me series and what an awesome start to a series.  I am so excited to start this series; finally something new to wait for.

I was absolutely blown away by this book.  I loved every minute of every page and then some.  The pages were turning and I was completely engulfed in these characters. 

Hailey Bloom has been famous for as long as she can remember.  Her mother has been running and ruining her life for almost as long.  Hailey decides to quit singing and acting and become a college student. 

Caleb Fox is a hunky journalism major who stumbles across the famous Hailey Fox at a college party one night.  His cool, calm, and collected demeanor instantly intrigues Hailey and suddenly she can not get enough of him.

Being hurt one too many times leaves Hailey standoffish and reluctant to start a relationship with Caleb.  The instant chemistry is enough to consume the college kids and heat things up.

This book was written so well, kept my attention, and left me wanting more.  I love a rock star story male or female, but this took rock star to a whole new level.  This is new take on rock star genre with the character being female and not wanting to be famous any longer.  I fell in love with the supporting characters as well.  The cover was spot on and drew my attention at first sight.  Great book, great series, great author!  Well done.  I want book 2 now.

 

London Legends Series by Kat Latham

Knowing the Score London Legends #1

By Kat Latham

Knowing the Score is the first installment of the London Legends series.  In this series we meet professional rugby player Spencer Bailey and American disaster relief works Caitlyn Sweeney.  This is odd couple have great chemistry.

Spencer Bailey is the hot famous British Rugby player with a past he is trying to overcome.  He is close to his grandfather who has health problems.  He meets Caitlyn Sweeney who saved his grandfather life doing CPR on the street.  The immediately connect.  Spencer is stay away from sex and relationships during his playing season, but wants to pursue a no strings attached relationship with Caitlyn. The only problem is Caitlyn is a virgin.

I liked this book.  Spencer is a good guy, not too cocky.  I liked the chemistry the characters have.  The writing style was good and the plot was something new.  I really can’t wait for more of this series.

 

The Running Series by DeLaine Roberts

Running to You (Running #1)
by DeLanie Roberts

I read this book in one sitting, but this book was full of distractions.  I loved the concept of the book with the sales rep and the doctor, because I am a nurse, I have to say the research was not there. They must do things different in Texas because the references made in this book were not typical medical situations that I have been in. 

The dialog was horrible, almost no apostrophes and no slang, who talks like that?  I thought that the character’s were too wishy washy with their feelings.  One minute I love you then, get out of here I don’t want to see you again.  I mean get it together already.  I thought the identical twin twist was a good idea and would have loved for it to go further.

   I just thought there were too many concepts in this book from the rape to the getting pregnant on the first night she has consensual sex.  This book was too “all over the place” for me.  And the musical references about every scene was a definite turn off for me, I almost put the book down because of this.  The ending I imagine was suppose to be dramatic, but turned into a big flop leaving you with more questions than answers.

 Sorry I can only give this book 2 ½ stars, I really wanted to give it more for the concept, but there were too many distracting factors warranting the lower rating.  I am curious about the twin Harrison, who is dark and mysterious.  I would give his book a shot. 

Synopsis
Alexandra Morrison believes she has found the perfect job as a medical sales rep in Dallas, until she has an infuriating encounter with the elusive Dr. Grayson Brooks.

Grayson is used to getting his way until he crawls up the wrong side of this stunning redhead when he gives her the brush off.

What starts out as a planned business meeting winds up being an unplanned entanglement. But as the past haunts the couple’s future, Alexandra keeps her running shoes on and the exit door in sight.

Will Grayson conquer her ultimate fear of trust in a relationship or will he loose out to her doubts when he makes a dreadful mistake?

Two Sides of a Heartbeat (Running #2)

 by DeLaine Roberts

Two Sides of a Heartbeat is the second installment of the Running series.  It was better than the first book by far but I still had major issues with this book.  I am going to review this book differently than I usually do.  I am going to make a list and then give reasons for each.

Likes:

-much better than the first book
-better dialogue
-characters were not bad
-plot was decent
Dislikes:
-horrible editing
-too many title references
-kidnapping concept didn’t make sense

Ok here we go, the editing in this book needs improvement. There were so many editing issues that it was everything I could do just to finish this book.  It was so distracting.  Examples include no spacing between words (and there were a lot of those), no spacing between sentences, and no chapter breaks.  But the biggest distracting was a pivotal point in the story when the lead character is supposed to be cheating on his wife and she sees him at the gym one night and immediately checks into a hotel.  The story even goes on to explain that she woke up, took a shower and had to put on her clothes from the night before and the character hated to do that.  Then she goes to confront her husband and says “I saw you this afternoon…” and then tells her side of the story when it was actually the day before.  These examples are hard to overlook.  Also the title was mentioned at least 5 times during this book.  I do not need to be reminded of the title of this story over and over.  Also, the last book ended in a cliffhanger that is the only reason I read this book because I wanted to know who took her and why.   That was never explained in this book and was swept under the rug.  Why? Why? Why? Why would you do that in one book and then no use the concept in the sequel?  I am so confused.

On a brighter note, this story progressed well and the characters were more developed than in the first book.  The plot was better and the overall writing was better.  I probably wouldn’t have ripped this book so much if not for the editing.  I would give this author another try and will continue this series just for Harrison’s story.  He is so mysterious, with an alpha male feeling to him.  I would, however, ask that you get a decent editor before releasing any more books. 

Concept and storyline 3.5 stars

Characters 4 stars

Editing 1.5 stars

Blindsided

Blindsided by S. Anders

 

This short novella from S. Anders is about a two people who run into each other because their spouses are having an affair with each other.  As they work together to gain solid proof of the affair the attraction and chemistry for one another grows.

This story was ok, nothing to write home to your mother about, but was decent.  Although these characters found out their spouses were cheating they also were also being deceitful and lying to their husband/wife.

Synopsis:

Are their spouses cheating? Axel and Liv are afraid to believe it might be so. It's what brings them together. Now that they suspect ... they have to know. But when it's confirmed, who can help them heal better than each other.
As they move through the drama of infidelity, they become closer, until they realize they have feelings for each other.

Liv sees her husband’s sports car where it shouldn’t be. Then she meets the strikingly handsome Axel Savvi, and his wife isn’t where she should be. After Axel helps Liv through a panic attack they both go their separate ways, very confused. But neither of them can leave the questions alone and they find themselves at the bikers bar across the street from the sports car.

They will watch, together.

They will be heartbroken, together.

And in the end they will stick together, slowly getting to know each other while feeling threads of attraction to each other, until they cannot ignore the passion they both want. While their ex’s don’t make things easy, but each problem their cheating spouses lay on them, only make Axel and Liv stronger. And closer.

The Star Harbor Series

The Star Harbor Series by Elisabeth Barrett

Deep Autumn Heat

This first installment of The Star Harbor Series, Deep Autumn Heat, was a treat to read. This romance with a hint of mystery will capture readers and leave them wanting more. From the hot hero to the sassy heroine, to the plot with a twist Barrett nailed it. This series is sure to be a fan favorite.

Ok I am giving an honest opinion; I liked this book and the thought of having 4 brothers, two of which are twins, and each falling in love in a different season. That idea is brilliant! I loved the hot Sebastian, and that he was a famous chef. This book did not blow me away but was a good read altogether. I found the twist intriguing, and the plot simple but it worked for me. I will be reading the rest of this series and can’t wait to see how the rest of the Grayson brother fall in love.

From Goodreads

Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.

Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.

Blaze of Winter
The second installment of the Star Harbor Series was a captivating read. The read will enjoy the light hearted mystery of the ongoing drug case from book one as well as the romance brewing between Theo, twin of Sebastain in book one, and Avery. This book definitely compliments the series as a companion book and has all the characters from book one. With a deeper look at characters from book one and some added characters to the series, this book is a must read.

This series is a great series to read for adult romance readers. As I said above I love the all brothers, and falling in love in different season’s theme. I also like the dynamic of the Grayson brother with each other, their significant other, and the people of Safe Harbor. I also like the hint of a mystery and the historical background that is referenced through out this book. I give this book 3 ½ stars, and I am anticipating the next installment in this series.

From Goodreads

Frustrated with her job in Boston, social worker Avery Newbridge welcomes the opportunity to reassess her life when family asks her to help manage the Star Harbor Inn. Trying to figure out her future is overwhelming enough, but she doesn’t count on distraction in the form of one Theo Grayson, the gorgeous, green-eyed author who she knows is trouble from the moment he saunters into the inn.

Not only does he have a talent for writing swashbuckling adventures, but Theo also has a soft spot for big-hearted damsels in distress, especially a woman who’s great at helping everyone—except herself. Avery’s demons challenge him, but for desire this hot, he isn’t backing down. With every kiss and heated whisper Theo promises her his heart . . . if only Avery is willing to open up and accept it.

Long Simmering Spring (Star Harbor #3)

by Elisabeth Barrett

 

The Grayson boys are back in the third installment in the Star Harbor Series by Elisabeth Barrett.  This is one of the tamer of the three books on the romance aspect but is not lacking at all. 

This story has all your favorite characters from previous books, but Cole Grayson finally gets his chance at love in this one.  As followers of this series know there is a mystery going on in Star Harbor with the Lorielei (a shipwrecked boat) and a notorious drug ring and as Cole being the police chief of the quaint town the story-line follows suit with his profession. 

Cole Grayson, police chief, is an ex-military man with PTSD who lives on a boat with his brother Val.  He has been running away from his demons for quite some time.  When he bumps into Julie Kinsington, resident doctor, he remembers the first time he tried to kiss her in high school and she punched him in the face.  Time is supposed to heal all wounds but Julie can not forget the kiss that Cole tried to give her and the feeling of worry is dredged up again and knowing that this Grayson boy would break her heart someday leaves her standoffish.  Can these two workaholics make time to find love?

So the Star Harbor Series is without a doubt one of my favorite series that I have read this year.  I love the Grayson boys.  This particular brother piqued my intrest (I like Val the best…he has that mysterious sexy thing going for him) and I could not wait for his story to come out.  I am glad that Ms. Barrett included his back-story in this book, I was curious about the circumstances as to him coming back to Star Harbor from Boston.  I like that she also included the mystery that started and has continued through out the series and recent influx of drug traffic. 

Overall, it was not one of my favorites in the series but was well written.  I give this book a 4 solid star review.

Slow Summer Burn (Star Harbor #4)

 by Elizabeth Barrett

 

Slow Summer Burn is the fourth installment of the Star Harbor series by Elizabeth Barrett.  I have read this series from the start and was so sad to see the final book in the series was out.  I wish this series could go on forever. 

I have loved this series from the start and the premise of 4 brothers each one hot, single, and lonely finding love in different seasons was a great concept.  I did, however, find this finale a little lackluster.  I guess the other books were so high up on my list I didn’t want to see it come to a close.  I wanted to read Val’s story and wanted him happy, but I also wanted a conclusion to the other brothers as well. 

I love the fact that the mysterious shipwreck, the drugs, and the keys that were included in the previous books were concluded in this book and all the loose ends were tied up.  All in all, I am on the fence with this book.  I love the fact that Val found love in Cameron, but the romance felt a bit deflated compared to the past brothers.  I don’t know if the author was trying to wrap up story-lines and lost focus, but that’s what it seemed like. 

This series is one of my favorites and I hate to see it go.  For this series I give it a solid 4 stars.  For the finale, Slow Summer Burn, I have to give it 3.5 stars.  I was hoping for more.

Synopsis:

Val Grayson has been a strong, steady presence in his younger brothers’ lives. Now that the other Grayson men have settled down, Val is able to focus on himself … and he has gorgeous, privileged Cameron Stahl in his sights. Cam has just opened her second antique store in Star Harbor and is more than receptive to sexy-as-sin Val’s advances. But Cam’s family isn’t too keen on their precious daughter dating a DEA agent. It’ll be up to Val to convince Cam–and himself–that he’s worth it. And man, is he worth it!