Category: june
#ARC Review: Body Rocks by A. M. Arthur
Body Rocks by A. M. Arthur
Amazon || Goodreads
Published June 28, 2016 || Swerve
eARC via Publisher
Everything is finally falling into place for Trey Cooper: his band has been accepted into one of the biggest music competitions in the country…too bad their drummer just quit to play with XYZ, their biggest rival. When Trey has a mind-blowingly hot hookup with a mysterious violinist, Trey definitely plans to see him again – just not on stage as a member XYZ.
Dominic Bounds’ time to make his musical dreams come true is running out. If something doesn’t happen fast, he has to head home to find a real job. This competition is his last chance, and Dom needs to come out on top – but he never expected to fall for his rival. As Dom and Trey risk everything to begin a secret affair, there’s no denying their chemistry is off the charts – but could their band rivalry turn their romance into a one-hit wonder?
#BookLook || The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright
My Two Cents
I can’t deal with those shoes. Ugh. I mean they look like Cinderella’s carriage wheels. I can pretty much guarantee I would not be able to walk very far in them. Maybe from the car to the dinner table .
I want them.
And while I’m at it, I also want that winking clutch because WHO DOESN’T need a winking clutch in their purse collection?
Really? Who?
About the Book
Family can be complicated. Especially when skeletons from the past pop up unexpectedly. For American Evie Gray, finding out her deceased mother had a secret identity, and not one of the caped crusader variety, was quite the surprise. Evie’s mom had a secret life before she was even born, one that involved tiaras.
In this modern day fairytale, Evie is on a path to figure out who her mom really was, while discovering for herself what the future will hold. Charged with her late mother’s letters, Evie embarks on a quest into her past. The first item on the list is to attend Oxford, her mom’s alma mater. There, Evie stumbles upon a real life prince charming, Edmund Stuart the second Prince of England, who is all too happy to be the counterpart to her damsel in distress.
Evie can’t resist her growing attraction to Edmund as they spend more time together trying to unravel the clues her mother left behind. But, when doubts arise as to whether or not Edmund could ever be with an untitled American, what really ends up unraveling is Evie’s heart. When Evie uncovers all the facts about her mom’s former life, she realizes her mom’s past can open doors she never dreamed possible, doors that can help her be with Edmund. But, with everything now unveiled, Evie starts to crack under the pressure of new family responsibilities and the realization that her perfect prince may want her for all the wrong reasons.
#ARC Review: Beauty and the Highland Beast by Lecia Cornwall
Beauty and the Highland Beast by Lecia Cornwall
Amazon || Goodreads
Published June 21, 2016 || Swerve Press
eARC via Publisher
Powerful and dangerous highlander Dair Sinclair was once the favored son of his clan, The Sinclairs of Carraig Brigh. With Dair at the helm, Sinclair ships circled the globe bringing home incredible fortune. Until one deadly mission when Daire is captured, tortured and is unable to save his young cousin. He returns home breaking under the weight of his guilt and becomes known as the Madman of Carraig Brigh.
When a pagan healer predicts th
at only a virgin bride can heal his son’s body and mind, Daire’s father sets off to find the perfect wife for his son. At the castle of the fearsome McLeods, he meets lovely and kind Fia MacLeod.
Although Daire does his best to frighten Fia, she sees the man underneath the damage and uses her charm and special gifts to heal his mind and heart. Will Daire let Fia love him or is he cursed with madness forever?
#ARC Review || Third Base by Heidi McLaughlin || Not My Favorite
Third Base by Heidi McLaughlin
ARC via Publisher + NetGalley
Published || June 7, 2016
Goodreads || Amazon
Ethan Davenport is already Boston’s most eligible bachelor. In his second season with the Boston Renegades he has set his eyes on the girl behind the visitors’ dugout.
That girl is Daisy Robinson, a journalism student at the University of Boston and a die-hard Renegades fan.
But with new found love comes challenges and Ethan and Daisy have to deal with his crazy schedule, school finals and his presence on her campus for some much needed media training.
For Ethan nothing can come between him and Daisy, until a secret that she’s been keeping threatens to destroy them both.
#ARC Review || The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone
The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone
Goodreads || Amazon
ARC via Publisher and Andye @ readingteen.net
Published: June 7, 2016
Enter to win a copy of the book on twitter here.
Seventeen-year-old Maddie O’Neill Levine lives a charmed life, and is primed to spend the perfect pre-college summer with her best friends and young-at-heart socialite grandmother (also Maddie’s closest confidante), tying up high school loose ends. Maddie’s plans change the instant Gram announces that she is terminally ill and has booked the family on a secret “death with dignity” cruise ship so that she can leave the world in her own unconventional way – and give the O’Neill clan an unforgettable summer of dreams-come-true in the process.
Soon, Maddie is on the trip of a lifetime with her over-the-top family. As they travel the globe, Maddie bonds with other passengers and falls for Enzo, who is processing his own grief. But despite the laughter, headiness of first love, and excitement of glamorous destinations, Maddie knows she is on the brink of losing Gram. She struggles to find the strength to say good-bye in a whirlwind summer shaped by love, loss, and the power of forgiveness.
Death, friendship, love: they’re all a part of life.
Book Endings that Linda Grimes {All Fixed Up} Would Change if She Could
We’ve all been there. The book was going great {amazing, spellbinding, awesome, hellstotheyesplease, ect.} but the ending totally killed the vibe. I know I’m guilty of knocking a whole star off the book rating if the ending angered me. I’m not saying I need a happily ever after all the time (I like a good old tragedy as much as the next girl) but I do like what I like.
I mean, don’t we all? It’s why we like different book. Uniformity is boring. Let’s embrace that. But if we could change the ending…given half the chance…well, that’s what Linda Grimes, author of All Fixed Up, is going to explore this lovely Friday Morning.
(P.S: I GRADUATE TODAY, BABES!)
LINDA GRIMES is a former English teacher and ex-actress now channeling her love of words and drama into writing. She grew up in Texas and currently resides in northern Virginia with her husband.
Her series, CIEL HALLIGAN, is in stores now.
Book Endings I’d (Presumptuously) Rewrite If Given Half a Chance
Author’s Note: SPOILER ALERT: Actual book endings may be revealed in the course of this shameful confession. Read at your own risk.
1. Gone With The Wind. I first read GWTW when I was about eleven or twelve, on the recommendation of one of my fellow book-nerd friends. I must have read it ten times before I was sixteen, always secretly hoping Scarlett would somehow get a happily ever after with Rhett. In my version, Rhett does give a damn, and actually says, “Thank God you finally came to your senses, Scarlett!”
2. Old Yeller. Why does the dog always die in children’s books?! Gaah. Couldn’t it, just once, come close to death but narrowly avoid it and miraculously rally? Is that really asking too much? In my version, the dog saves everyone and lives to wag its tail to a ripe old age.
3. Little Women. Jo should have wound up with Laurie. End of story. Because, seriously, Professor Bhaer? Can we say daddy issues? Also, bor-ing. Ho-hum city. The Big Yawn. Jo and Laurie were the best of friends, and I firmly believe a solid friendship is the basis of a good marriage. They were obviously meant for each other, and in my version that’s exactly how they wind up. Oh, yeah, and Beth doesn’t die. She gets really sick, but miraculously recovers. Kind of like Old Yeller (see above).
4. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Really? It was all just a dream? Come. On. You lead me through all those wild and whimsical happenings, introducing me to magnificently imaginative characters, and then tell me none of it was real? Please. In my version every last part of it actually happens. That would be surprising. Perhaps a bit frightening, yes, but at least you wouldn’t get a cold splash of “real life” thrown in your face before you even close the book.
5. Gone Girl. Okay, this may exhibit more of my vindictive nature than I generally like to, but frankly these characters don’t deserve to live. Sure, the book is a gripping read, but frankly I wanted to throw it against a wall when I found out that last “surprise.” In my version, the baby is born, after which its parents die tragically in a car wreck. Then the baby is raised by a nice, normal, loving couple and lives happily ever after. The End.
Now, I’m not saying my versions would make any of these books better. In fact, I’d venture to say they’d probably ruin the books entirely. I fully admit that. I’m just being honest about how the books, as written, made me feel while reading them. So please take it with the proverbial grain of salt.
How about you? Are there any books you, in you heart of hearts, would like to change the ending to? Do share! Even if they happen to be mine. Well, except this latest one (All Fixed Up), because I agonized over that ending, and I’m rather fond of it.
#Review || Calico by Callie Hart || Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
Calico by Callie Hart
Goodreads || Amazon
Published April 8, 2016
Coralie
Twelve years ago, I ran to stay alive.
Port Royal, South Carolina, was my home. I was born there. I fell in love there. And I nearly died there. I never thought I’d go back. Now, after so many years, I have to return to bury the man who made my life a living hell. Some nights, I used to cry myself to sleep, praying my father would die. Other nights were different. Other nights, there was him.
Callan Cross.
My first confidante. My first kiss. My first love. My first everything: Callan was the glue that held me together when everything else was falling apart. He was my savior. He was there for me whenever I needed him…
Until he wasn’t.
Every night, I’ve seen the love of my life in my sleep.
I just never thought I’d have to face him again.
Callan
Twelve years ago, I f*#@ed up big time.
Living life through a camera lens is sometimes easier than dealing with it head on. Scratch that. It’s always easier. For over a decade, I’ve been a master of my art, taking photographs all over the world. Yet despite all of the countries I’ve visited, the amazing things I’ve seen, the beautiful women I’ve screwed, my heart has remained in pieces.
Coralie’s the only woman I’ve ever loved, will ever love. And I’m determined to show her that we’re meant to be together. Even if it means unearthing the bones of the past in the process.
A lifetime and a thousand miles have stood between us.
Now, there’s no length of time I won’t wait, no distance I won’t travel, in order to make her mine.
This is what happens when you let injuries fester.
Change The World: Feel Free to Call Yourself A Sexy-Pants Pro-Equality-ist
Dear readers,
Welcome one and all to another session of CHANGE THE WORLD, where I rant about how to make a change and a lovely way to do so. Like spreading the word. Not letting people having the excuse of not knowing about it. Starting a conversation. Raising awareness.
First off, bravo world. Since the August 18, 1920 women in the United States have had the right to vote. Take that patriarchy! *ahem* *clears throat* Before I go on, I know it’s Not All Men. So please don’t use that argument with me. I know, I know. But it’s also not all women. If you believe in equality, then I love you. If you believe if equal pay (not the women, on average, get $0.75 for ever $1.00 men get) then I adore you. If you believe that there is an actual gender gap, then thank you for not letting your eyes glaze over. I appreciate that. Big time.
I think we, as a society, maybe just as individuals, have an idea in our minds of what our lives should be like. And that is totally fine. Seriously. I mean, I want a farm and a garden a a bed a breakfast with an animal rescue on the side. We all have dreams. And that’s absolutely fantastic. Seriously, yay you for looking forward to something. It’s called motivation. It’s when that motivation is derogatory towards a set group of people, whether it be towards a certain gender, sexuality, race, religion, ect, that things get a little crazy and the line between right and wrong get a little blurry.
The fact that people call things like this (rights) women’s right, or gay rights (or men’s right, or straight rights–though I haven’t really heard either of those) frankly gets on my nerves a bit. Aren’t women…human? Aren’t people who like the same gender..human? Are people who are transexual…human? So…wait…these are human rights. *cue the light bulbs going off*
I’ll say it again. I know it’s Not All Men. It’s also Not All Women.
I rather like the idea of equality. Quite a bit actually. I like the idea of everyone being on the same level, rights wise. I like the idea of having a say when deciding who is going to run my county and make decisions that are going to impact me. I love the idea of people marrying who they love. For love. (I feel like that would make an epic battle cry “FOR LOVE!“). Also have you listened to ARTIST VS POET’s song “Sake of Love” (SUCH A GOOD SONG!)
Before you start going all “Well this chick obviously is crazy…feminism *shudders*”
If it makes you feel better, don’t call it feminism. I honestly, don’t really care what you describe yourself as. Call yourself a sexy-pants pro-equlaity-ist if that really makes you feel better. What I just described to you is my feminism. And frankly, I’ll describe myself as a feminist. And yes, *sigh* I shave my legs. Jeez, stop being so stereotypical, y’all.
I’m so in love with love. I’m in love with people with brains and a heart. That’s why I believe in equality. Express yourself however you please. Do what makes you happy. Love who you love. Go cast that ballot! Be involved in society! Use that freedom of speech amendment to the best of your ability. You deserve it. Be educated. Read politics and stories with cute romances and for dear lord, smile. Are you frowning? Be happy.
NOOOOW that I have all that out of the way, let me show you some killer conversation induction clothing. I just recently discovered this website and I waaaant the racerback ‘this is what a #feminist looks like’ tank. *drools* /// V i s i t the website
N O W
Let’s talk about equality in literature. I freaking love it. I love the girls who don’t want to be saved but do the saving, who mess up but move on (Princess of Thorns). I love the girls who fight and save and escape and boys who let that girl bloom. (The Glass Arrow). I love the stories where there is no slut-shaming and people make their own decisions and they aren’t afraid (The Devil You Know). I love the stories were girls are kissing girls (Black Iris) and boys are kissing boys (Two Boys Kissing).
Book Tour: Sideswiped by Lia Riley + Top 5 + Giveaway
SIDESWIPED by Lia Riley (June 30, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback; Off the Map #2)
Goodreads / Amazon / Book 1 / Book 3
It was only meant to last the summer . . .
Talia Stolfi has seen more than her share of loss in her twenty-one years. But then fate brought her Bran Lockhart, and her dark world was suddenly and spectacularly illuminated. So if being with Bran means leaving her colorless SoCal life for rugged and wild Australia, then that’s what she’ll do. But as much as Talia longs to give herself over completely to a new beginning, the fears of her past are still lurking in the shadows.
Bran Lockhart knows that living without the beautiful girl who stole his heart will be torment, so he’ll take whatever time with her he can. But even though she has packed up her life in California and is back in his arms for the time being, she can’t stay forever. And the remaining time they have together is ticking by way too fast. Though fate seems determined to tear them apart, they won’t give up without a fight-because while time may have limits, their love is infinite . . .
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