#BookReview Single by Christmas by Rosa Temple

Single by Christmas
by Rosa Temple

Genre: Chick Lit, Romance, Friendship, Christmas
Publication: October 3rd, 2016
Format: ebooks, ARC
Source: Author, Publisher
Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

You’ve heard the saying, ‘opposites attract’ haven’t you? Well meet 27 year old Alex Marshall, a party girl with a penchant for free flowing Prosecco, and her devilishly handsome scientist boyfriend, Charlie, who loves jazz and dinner for two.

Alex and Charlie are together for 11 blissful months until Alex goes out of town and does something she will later regret. Was she drunk? You bet. Does she want Charlie to know? Well what do you think?

With the couple about to spend their first Christmas together will Charlie be the forgiving kind or will Alex be Single by Christmas?

This is a feel good, Christmas novel with very few mince pies, not much snow and absolutely no mistletoe – just a couple of best friends, a sociopathic nemesis and a lot of drinking.

Alex had a good life. She had her friends and a wonderful boyfriend. Alex and her boyfriend, Charlie may have different personalities and they have been together for a while. They were happy, but, their relationship is slowly slipping with Alex's priorities sets on something else.

I love this book. I admit that I wasn't a big fan of Alex. She loves partying and was a bit of an airhead. She may not be a good girlfriend, but she is definitely a good friend. Alex would always try to be there with her friends whenever they had issues. I love Charlie. He's really nice and patient to Alex. There have been a few times when I thought that he may be too good for Alex. But I'm really happy with how the story wrapped up too.

I love Rosa Temple's writing style. It was really easy to get into. The plot is straightforward but enjoyable. I love Alex's interaction with the people around her. And I definitely enjoy watching how Alex grew up in this book.  

The book didn't have a lot of Christmassy feeling to it, but still, if you're looking for a light romance, I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my review.

#BookReview Sula's Voyage by Catherine Torres

Sula's Voyage
by Catherine Torres

Genre: Adventure, Contemporary, Fantasy, Young Adult
Publication:  May 2016 by Scholastic
Format: Paperback, 226 pages
Source: Author, Publisher
Connect: Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Fifteen-year-old Sula has always known she is different. Even though her parents have shown her nothing but love and acceptance, she sees her dark skin as a reminder of how she doesn’t fit in with the rest of her family.

What’s worse is she also feels that her parents are hiding something from her. After getting expelled from school, Sula reluctantly goes to stay with her mother’s friends. There she unexpectedly finds herself on a journey of self-discovery — a journey that keeps drawing her to the sea. Sula must not only figure our her parents’ secret, but also just how different, and possibly magical, she really is.

Sula has always been different than her parents. She often wondered why her skins are darker than her family. Because of her difference, it was hard for her to fit in with her schoolmates and the rest of her family. When Sula's father went away to further his career, Sula and her mother headed to Puerto Galera and stayed with her mother's friend. There, Sula began to learn about herself. What makes her different and special.

I enjoyed the book. The story flowed really well. I love the elements of fantasy and mystery in the book. I love Sula. She's one of the girls who always got bullied at school, and that made her stronger. I love the way Sula and her parent's dealt with the school. The side characters were really great and memorable. I especially love Pablo and Mira.

Sula's Voyage is definitely a page turner. I enjoyed reading about Philipines and its culture. The truth about Sula and her family was what I have expected, but still, I truly enjoyed Sula's adventure to self-discovery. 

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my review.

#BookReview The Goodbyes by Leslie Welch

The Goodbyes
by Leslie Welch

Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publication:  Published July 12th, 2016 by Blue Moon Publishers
Format: ebooks. 226 pages
Source: ARC, Netgalley
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Since he was thirteen years old, rockstar Webb Turner pined for Bree, the enigmatic girl across the street. He captured her in his songs, but never in his orbit. His lyrics about her propelled Webb's band to superstardom, but his fame came with the price of finding real love.

When he discovers that Bree is dying, Webb leaves a stadium full of adoring fans to be at her side. As a blizzard batters the east coast, will Webb succeed in his fight against the storm and the mistakes of his past for a chance to say one last goodbye?

If I was judging this book by its cover, I'd say that this is a thriller read. But it's not. The Goodbyes is a story of love, self-discovery and growing up. The story is told in Webb Turner's point of view. Webb received word that Bree, the girl across the street that he love is dying. He abandoned everything and rushes home to be with her. Along the journey home, Webb is having a flashback on his relationship with Bree. 

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. Mainly because of most of the rockstar in books I read always acted like an ass. I'm just glad that Webb isn't like that. He's more down to earth kind of a rockstar.

Webb and Bree's relationship is a rollercoaster of emotion. I get frustrated at their relationship sometimes. A part of me wanted them to be together, and another part of me don't. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their relationship and what made them who they are at the present. What I really love about the book is the unexpected ending. I'm just glad that the book end with a happy ending.

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my review.

BookReview: The Goat Children by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek

The Goat Children
by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Fantasy
Publication:  March 23rd, 2016 by CHBB Publishing
Format: ebooks
Source: ARC
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

When Keziah’s grandmother, Oma, is diagnosed with dementia, Keziah faces two choices: leave her family and move to New Winchester to care for Oma, or stay in New York City and allow her grandmother to live in a nursing home miles away.

The dementia causes Oma to be rude and paranoid, nothing like the woman Keziah remembers. Each day becomes a greater weight and love a harsher burden. Keziah must keep Oma from wandering off or falling, and try to convince her grandmother to see a doctor as her eyesight and hearing fail, but Oma refuses to believe anything is wrong. Resentful of her hardships in New Winchester, Keziah finds herself drawn to Oma’s ramblings about the Goat Children, a mythical warrior class. These fighters ride winged horses, locating people in need while attempting to destroy evil in the world. Oma sees the Goat Children everywhere, and as Keziah reads the stories Oma wrote about them, she begins to question if they really exist.

I have previously read a few fantasy works from the author and I absolutely love them. I was a bit worried when I pick up this book because the story is a bit different than the author's other work, but I have to say that I'm glad this book didn't disappoint me. 

Keziah volunteered to look after her Oma who was diagnosed with dementia. It was hard for Keziah to look after Oma, especially since dementia caused Oma to be paranoid about things around her. When her Oma was in a better mood, she would tell Keziah about Goat Children, the mystical creatures.

Keziah loved her Oma and choose to stay with her Oma even though Oma treated her badly because of dementia. Keziah is a growing up teenager who should be experiencing a normal life with school, friends, and romance. But instead, she had to look after her Oma. I've never had to deal with anyone with dementia before, so I didn't know how it would be. But I sympathized with what Keziah had to go through. But still, it was nice to see how Keziah love her Oma. I love reading the memories Keziah had with her Oma back from when she was little.

The author did a great job in writing The Goat Children. The story is a bit slow at certain parts, but I love the pace. What I like about The Goat Children by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek is that there are bits of fantasy. The world of the Goat Children fascinates me. It sounds magical what with the wing horses and the fight to destroy evil. I think I wouldn't mind reading a book about the Goal Children if the author decided to write about them.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review.

#BookReview Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy by Laura Barnard

Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy
by Laura Barnard

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Drama, Contemporary, Women Fiction
Publication: March 2016
Format: ebooks
Source: Author
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

What is it about turning thirty that sends rational women into a tailspin?

Suddenly going from having all the time in the world, to cringing at the ticking of her biological clock, Poppy is drowning under the strain of trying to get pregnant.

With a dad in the throes of a mid-life crisis, a crazy mother-in-law and time racing towards Lilly's wedding, will she be able to cope with it all...and give Ryan the baby they so desperately want?

Finally able to inherit her dad's porn money, Jazz can't wait to be rich! She can buy a house in Chelsea, go out partying with her old mates and start living how she deserves.

But with Ollie, Jemima and Meryl each clawing at their own little piece of her happiness, will she have to leave behind those closest to her in exchange for it?

The real question is, can Poppy and Jazz rescue their own lives before everything gets ruined, or will their own stubbornness destroy the lives they've created.

I haven't read the other books in the series, so, I'm probably not quite familiar with the characters. But I guess, Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy can also be read as a stand alone.

The book is mostly about two girls, Poppy, who is trying to get pregnant, and Jazz, who turns after she inherits her dad's money. I'm mostly intrigued to know what was going to happen with Poppy as she and her husband try to get pregnant. I think it is a very interesting issue. I know a lot of people who are having the same dilemma as Poppy. I think a lot could probably relate to Poppy. The frustration to watch everyone around her gets pregnant, but not her. And then, there's Jazz. She's a really good friend who tries to be the best to people around her. Although I'm a bit concerns with how she spends her money.

This book is pretty funny. Poppy will definitely make you laugh with her clumsiness. She always finds herself in hysterical, but hilarious moments. But the laugh-out-loud moments somehow turns dull after too many coincidences at the hospital. 

Overall, Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy is definitely an enjoyable read. The author had a pleasant writing style, which I enjoyed. I thought I would probably like this book better if I get to know the characters from the first book first. But because I read this as a standalone, my only wish is that the story would focus more on Poppy trying to get pregnant. 

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review.

#BookReview Love, Reality Style by Judith Natelli McLaughlin

Love, Reality Style
by Judith Natelli McLaughlin

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Drama, Contemporary, Women Fiction
Publication: 7th 2016 by Blue Moon Publishers
Format: ebooks
Source: Netgalley, Author, Publisher
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

When cake-loving third-grade teacher Mary Grace Falcone receives a proposition of marriage from her germ-phobic boyfriend Ralph Ichy, her comfortable life is thrown into a tailspin. Should she marry Ralph? The man dubbed "the CEO of Antiseptic Hands"? Reluctantly, and despite the differing opinions of her best friends Jayde and Annie, Mary Grace accepts. Her decision gets her meddling mother off her back, but also lands her on a reality wedding show where handsome host, Nick Charmin, unexpectedly falls for her.

Will Mary Grace choose hot Nick or faithful Ralph? Is the decision really hers to make? And, is a slice of cake actually the answer to all of life's problems?

I'm such a sucker for books with a food theme. When I heard that the main character, Mary Grace love cake, I know that I need to read this book.

I love the idea of the book, with Mary Grace's hesitation to accept her germ-phobic boyfriend, Ralph Ichy, proposal. I’m sure that many could relate to Mary Grace’s situation. She just wasn’t sure if Ralph was the right man for her. And then, there was her meddlesome friends and mom.

I have to say that I wasn’t a big fan of Mary Grace. Especially after she accepted Ralph’s proposal and met Nick Charmin, the handsome TV host of the wedding show she joined. I thought that Mary Grace’s and Nick’s attraction towards each other came a bit forced and sudden. There are times when I thought that Mary Grace didn’t deserve Ralph. He’s a nice guy, despite being a germ-phobic. He lived with his mother, but only because he loved her, and she was in a situation.

The supporting characters made the book much interesting. Mary Grace’s friends, Jayde, and Annie were two interesting characters. I love how they both have different personalities and advice to Mary Grace. But Mary Grace’s mom definitely irritated me with her attitude to her daughter. 

Love, Reality Style is a quick romance read. The book was written in several point-of-views, but, mainly focusing on Mary Grace’s. I wish that the author concentrates on Mary Grace’s alone. I didn’t like how I get to see a glimpse of Jayde and Annie’s life, but, I didn’t get to learn what happen to the rest of their stories.

I received a copy of this book from the Netgalley & Blue Moon Publishers in exchange for my review.

#BookReview Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery
(Little Beach Street Bakery #2)
by Jenny Colgan

Genre: Chick Lit, Romance, Women's Fiction
Publication: March 22nd, 2016
Format: ebooks
Source: Author, Publisher
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Summer has arrived in the Cornish town of Mount Polbearne and Polly Waterford couldn't be happier. Because Polly is in love: she's in love with the beautiful seaside town she calls home, she's in love with running the bakery on Beach Street, and she's in love with her boyfriend, Huckle.

And yet there's something unsettling about the gentle summer breeze that's floating through town. Selina, recently widowed, hopes that moving to Mount Polbearne will ease her grief, but Polly has a secret that could destroy her friend's fragile recovery. Responsibilities that Huckle thought he'd left behind are back and Polly finds it hard to cope with his increasingly long periods of absence.

Polly sifts flour, kneads dough and bakes bread, but nothing can calm the storm she knows is coming: is Polly about to lose everything she loves?

I always wanted to read Jenny Colgan's books. The cover looks lovely and the title sounds delicious. I'm just happy that I finally read this book. Jenny Colgan's writing is easy to get into. Summer in Little Beach Street Bakery is the second book from Little Beach Street Bakery series. I haven't read the first book yet, but this book can be read as a standalone.

Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery centers around Polly's life on Mount Polbearne. Polly is a baker. She's happy with her boyfriend, Huckle and her bird, Neil. Then, Selina, recently widowed, move to Mount Polbearne. Suddenly, everything is about to change for Polly.

I didn't expect that I would enjoy this book so much. The beginning was a bit slow for me. But once I keep going, I was hooked. The story showed how Polly deal with the changes around her—with her friends, bakery, and romance life. I love reading about how Polly bakes bread. Jenny Colgan had a wonderful way of describing each baked goods. I could almost imagine the smell of bread and yeast. It was interesting to know how Polly lives in a lighthouse. And I had the pleasure to get to know the people from Mount Polbearne. Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery is a great, light, chick lit read featuring two of my favorite things—beach and bakery. There were just enough amount of romance, friendship, drama and humor.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Natalie's Getting Married by Rosa Temple

Natalie's Getting Married
by Rosa Temple

Genre: Romance, Chick-lit
Publication: March 14th, 2016
Format: ebooks
Source: Author/Publisher
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Career minded, Natalie Spencer, had never been in love. She could never understand what all the fuss was about. But when she met Jackson Humphries during Fresher’s Week at university, that all changed.

Utterly infatuated, Natalie quickly discovers the meaning of love and, before she knows it, she's heading up the aisle – for the first time, that is.

This is a tale about four wedding dresses, a runaway groom and a girl who got so carried away, she couldn’t see true love staring her right in the face.

This was a story about Natalie and her journey to find her true love. Natalie Spencer was career minded and has never been in love. But once she laid her eyes on Jackson Humphries, everything changed. 

It was hard not to like Natalie. She was independent, brave and this was the first time found out that she like someone. I like how she had her crush on Jackson but never had her courage to go after him. Jackson was a nice guy with a few problems with her mom.

Natalie also met Gabriel during the Fresher's Week and they have been best friends ever since. I enjoyed the interaction between the two of them. Gabriel may not like Jackson so much, but, he was always there when Natalie needed him. He was really sweet and I wanted to root for him.

Reading the story also made me frustrated with the characters. There were a few times when I feel like throwing away my e-reader because of this frustration. I wanted Natalie to turn around and see that the man she was waiting for was there for her from the very beginning. I got frustrated when the characters seemed to  always miss their chance to tell what they wanted to say.

Natalie's Getting Married was definitely a fun read. I like Rosa Temple's voice and writing style. The pace was great at the beginning but felt a bit rushed towards the end. 

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my review.

Review: The Passenger by Lisa Lutz

The Passenger
by Lisa Lutz

Genre: Adult, Crime & Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense
Publication: March 1st, 2016 by Simon & Schuster
Format: ebooks
Source: Netgalley, ARC
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

In case you were wondering, I didn’t do it. I didn’t have anything to do with Frank’s death. I don’t have an alibi, so you’ll have to take my word for it...

Forty-eight hours after leaving her husband’s body at the base of the stairs, Tanya Dubois cashes in her credit cards, dyes her hair brown, demands a new name from a shadowy voice over the phone, and flees town. It’s not the first time.

She meets Blue, a female bartender who recognizes the hunted look in a fugitive’s eyes and offers her a place to stay. With dwindling choices, Tanya-now-Amelia accepts. An uneasy―and dangerous―alliance is born.

It’s almost impossible to live off the grid today, but Amelia-now-Debra and Blue have the courage, the ingenuity, and the desperation, to try. Hopscotching from city to city, Debra especially is chased by a very dark secret…can she outrun her past?

I can't stop thinking about this book. It was different than Lisa Lutz's Spellman Series, which happen to be my all time favorite. It was more mysterious and well, a bit more confusing.

The beginning starts with Tanya leaving her husband's body at the base of the stairs. She gets some money, a new name, changes her identity and skips town. Tanya, now Amelia, meets Blue, a bartender who knows exactly who she is and offers her a place to stay. 

'Passanger' has this mysterious thing going on all over the book. A few times, I have to close the book because things are getting confusing.  But I have to pick up the book again to find out to all the answers to my questions—who exactly is Tanya? What is she running away from? And Why?

I guess, Tanya, Amelia, or whoever she is starts to grow on me. She has to change her name and identity for many times to be safe. She has gone through so much while she's on the run and I couldn't help but to feel sorry for her. She finds someone who she might like on her run, and runs again once she found out that he's a cop! And I found Blue an interesting character. She helped Amelia with questioning motives, and in the end, I wish I could hear what is her story.

Lisa Lutz is excellent at building the story with good plots and twists that keeps me going as the mystery behind Tanya-Amelia-Debra unfolds. I definitely enjoy reading this book and would recommend this to fans of crime fans.

I received a copy of this book from the Netgalley & Simon & Schuster in exchange for my review.

Review: The Girlfriend Request by Jodie Andrefski

The Girlfriend Request
by Jodie Andrefski

Genre: Romance, Contemporary,Young Adult
Publication: January 11th, 2016 by Entangled: Crush
Format: ebook
Source: ARC, Netgalley
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Updating best friend to girlfriend is more than a change of status…

Emma has been best friends with Eli since she moved to his neighborhood ten years ago. Tired of being cast in the role of the girl next door, Emma creates a fake Facebook profile in the hopes of starting an online friendship with Eli, which would hopefully lead to more. Like...way more. From friend request to In a Relationship--it all seemed so completely logical when she'd planned it.

Eli can't figure out what Emma is up to. He’s pretty sure she's the one behind the Facebook profile, but then again, why would she do something so drastic instead of just admitting she wants to be more than friends? And who the heck is this new guy he saw her with? Eli starts to think that just maybe...he missed his chance with the girl next door.

Two best friends, one outlandish ruse. Their status is about to become way more than It’s Complicated…

This Entangled Teen Crush book contains one fake Facebook profile, two best friends who secretly crave each other, and a dreaded sex talk with parents…boy crush in the room included. Pushing a relationship beyond the friend zone has never been so crazy…

I was intrigued to read this book after reading the blurbs. It sounds interesting and I expect that the story was going to be funny. Besides, I really wanted to know how Emma's plan to win Eli with this fake profile will go. 

Emma has been best friends with Eli for a long time, and she wanted to be more than his friends. So, she created a fake Facebook profile, and role play as 'Kelli' and hope to start an online friendship with Eli. But things didn't really go as the way she planned, when Emma was caught in her own lies.

The Girlfriend Request was written in both Emma and Eli's point of view. I quite like that, since I get to know what they both are thinking about each other. I have to say that I'm not really a fan of Emma. I know that she has her own insecurities, and sometimes, the insecurities led her to do something stupid. There are times when I could understand why she do what she did, but most of the times, I get frustrated with her decision, especially when she decided to play the jealous game, by going out with her fake boyfriend, Jake. I like Eli more than Emma. At least he didn't try to pull something stupid as Emma. 

I definitely enjoyed the minor characters more than the major one. I love how Sarah, Emma's friend, tried to talk some sense into her. And I love how Emma's parents can be embarrassing and supportive of their daughter.

The Girlfriend Request can be straightforward and predictable, but it is definitely an enjoyable, light read. I enjoyed reading about Emma and Eli's friendship, and how they grew to be something more. There are some funny moments, and teen angst. I would definitely recommend this to those who were looking for a light, teen reads.

I received a copy of this book from the author/Netgalley/publisher in exchange for my review

Review: Echo by Lorena Glass

Echo
by Lorena Glass

Genre: Romance, Time Travelling, Fantasy
Publication: February 1st 2015 by MyInkBooks.com
Format: ebook, 511 pages
Source: ARC

Echo is the first book of a trilogy that is the epic love story of two cursed lovers that fate, time, and death are constantly conspiring to keep apart; while they are determined to defy all three to be together. Whenever one dies, the other time travels to the lost lover's next (or last) incarnation. The story spans over a millennium; to several different times, places, and lives of two extraordinary lovers whose devotion to each other defies all barriers and all odds---and an extraordinary love that will never, ever die.

Echo tells a story of  Karissa and Adregin and their accursed love. It seems that death would always follow them, and constantly keep them apart. So whenever one of them dies, the other will time travel to the other's incarnation.

I love time-travelling books, and naturally, I can't really say no when I was given the chance to read and review Echo. I think it's okay to say that Echo was divided into three parts. The first part of the book was good. It started out slowly, but, I did enjoy it, until something happened to Karissa and Adregin, which I thought were a bit too rushed. Then, there's the second part. I thought that the second part was a bit too dragging for my liking, and I don't really like the character, Iilassa. She sounded a bit too immature, and whiny. 

I thought that Echo was an okay read. It wasn't that bad. The idea and setting were quite good and the author did a great job describing the history and places. I just think that I didn't like the characters, the way the story kept dragging and the way the story ended. 

Echo is the first book of a trilogy, and I'm torn between wanting to read the next book, or not. I am curios to know what will happen to the characters and how will they achieve their happily-ever-after, but I am worried that the next book would continue to disappoint me. 

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review

Review: You'll Be Thinking of Me by Densie Webb

You'll Be Thinking of Me
by Densie Webb

Genre: Romance, Crime, Thriller, Mystery
Publication:  January 12th 2015 by Soul Mate Publishing
Format: kindle
Source: ARC
Connect: Goodreads

A chance encounter with a celebrity, an impromptu video, and a shiny new espresso machine. It all added up to a juicy tale for 24-year-old Rachael Allen to share with friends. But when her best friend posts the video online, bizarre threats, home break-ins, and deadly gifts from an obsessed fan follow close behind. Mick Sullivan, the star in her video, offers to help and in the process, Rachael discovers that despite his reputation as a player of Olympian caliber, he’s down-to-earth—and emotionally damaged. He has secrets; some he’s shared only with his pseudo best friend. Others he's shared with no one. But there's one secret he’s hidden from himself, washed away by too many beers. Despite wildly divergent life paths, their shared southern upbringing (and a passion for good music) creates a common thread that draws them together.

As the threats escalate, and their relationship deepens, Rachael struggles to accept Mick’s past—and his present. And she is forced to confront her own obsessive love to ultimately decide if being with Mick Sullivan is worth the collateral damage.

YOU'LL BE THINKING OF ME is the story of Rachael's serendipitous encounter with a celebrity, her brush with obsessive love, and the bittersweet gift left behind by the very person fixated on destroying her life.

When Rachel Allen shared a video of her meeting with a celebrity, Mick Sullivan with her friend, she didn't expect that her friend would post the video online. Since then, Rachel has gotten threats, and few other 'gifts' from Mick's obsessed fan. Mick persuaded Rachel to move into his home until they caught the stalker, but the stalker's threat gotten more serious, and their lives were in danger.

Wow. This book isn't what I've expected. I really enjoyed this book right from the start. Rachel and Mick were two likable characters, and I really enjoyed their interactions and chemistry. The other characters made the story much more interesting too. Although, I couldn't say that I like Rachel's best friend. There's a little bit of crime, suspense and romance that makes me want to continue reading until the end. I really like Densie Webb's style and how she built the story in You'll Be Thinking of Me. The tension building with the sick stalker was really good. There was a little bit of twists towards the end that I didn't expect. 

I absolutely recommend You'll Be Thinking of Me to those who enjoy reading a bit of  mystery and thrill. I know that I'll be looking forward to Densie Webb's other work after this.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review.

Review: Heart Conditions by Phoebe Fox

Heart Conditions (The Breakup Doctor #3)
by Phoebe Fox

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Humor
Publication: February 9th, 2016 by Henery Press
Format: ebook
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Breakup Doctor Brook Ogden has spent the last year sifting through the fallout from the disastrous decision that led to her unconscious uncoupling with boyfriend Ben Garrett. Despite advising her clients you can’t be friends with an ex, she and Ben have somehow begun to stitch together a friendship—one Brook hopes is slowly turning into more. That is, until Ben introduces his new girlfriend, Perfect Pamela, a paragon of womanly virtues who is everything Brook is not.

While Brook navigates her newly volatile emotional life, an unwelcome surprise shows up on her doorstep: the ex-fiancé who broke her heart two years ago—one month before their wedding. Between her ex’s desire to rekindle their attachment, her best friend Sasha’s unexpected crisis, and her own unsquelchable feelings for Ben, Brook finds herself questioning the personal progress she’s made in the last two years—and threatened with the highest-stakes Breakup Doctor failures she’s ever faced.

Breakup Doctor, Brook Ogden is back with another story after her disastrous relationship in the previous book. Brook and Ben are no longer together after what happened between them, but that didn't stop them from being friends. Only that, Brook was hoping for something more, until Ben introduced her to his new girlfriend, Pamela, who seems so perfect. Brook received another surprise when her ex-fiance, the one who broke her heart years ago, just one month before their wedding, showed up in her life. 

Wow! I have to say that I like the series a bit more. The Breakup Doctor series is getting better and better after each book. The story is growing up on me, and so did Brook. I really enjoyed watching the character development in the book. Brook is certainly more matured. I'm really happy that Brook's ex made an appearance in this book. It's nice to see how they resolved whatever it was between them. And I'm glad that this time, I didn't have much urge to strangle Brook for whatever she always do to her relationship. I love the bits of romance in the book, both with the main and supporting characters. They were really nice and sweet. And I love how the story ended in this book.

Heart Condition is definitely a fun and entertaining read. I definitely enjoyed this thoroughly. If you have read the previous two books from the series, you wouldn't want to miss this one.

I received a copy of this book from the author/NetGalley to provide an honest review.

Review: Gears of Brass Anthology by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek and More

Gears of Brass Anthology
by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek, Eliza Tilton, Heather Talty, Susan Kaye Quinn and More

Genre: Anthologies, Fantasy, Romance, Steampunk
Publication: November 9th, 2014 by Curiosity Quills Press
Format: Kindle Edition
Source: ARC, NetGalley, Own

A world like ours, but filled with gears of brass, where the beating heart is fueled by steam and the simplest creation is a complex clockwork device.

Within this tome, you’ll find steampunk fairy tale re-tellings, as well as original stories that will send your gears turning.

Welcome to the steampunk realm, with eleven authors guiding your path. Within the pages, you’ll come across clockwork inventions and steampunk-ified fairy tale retellings. Eleven authors will guide you through worlds filled with airships, top hats, and corsets.

I received a copy of Gears of Brass through NetGalley, but only for the first chapter, A Clockwork Dollhouse by Jordan Elizabeth. I enjoyed the first story, and bought a copy to read other stories. 

Gears of Brass was a collection of fifteen stories. Each story in this anthology is unique in a different characters, plots and writing style. There are some really good stories that I really enjoyed and some that was quite okay, and some that wasn't so great. There are stories that made me wanting to read more. The Key Girl by Grant Eagar for example made me wish that there are continuation to the story. 

I've experienced a lot in this book. There is a bit of romance, mythologies, murder, mystery and so much more! My favorite stories from Gears of Brass would be A Clockwork Dollhouse by Jordan Elizabeth, A Princess Zephris by Heather Talty, My Golden Anabel by Natalia Darcy and Time Spun Souls by S.A.Larsen.  

If you're looking for a light and short read with the element of Steampunk and fantasy, this is the book for you. And if you never read any Steampunk read, and would like to give the genre a try, I would definitely recommend Gears of Brass.

Review: Breakaway by Kat Spears

Breakaway
by Kat Spears

Genre: Contemporary, Friendship, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: September 15th, 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin
Format: ebook,
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Connect: Twitter | Goodreads

When Jason Marshall's younger sister passes away, he knows he can count on his three best friends and soccer teammates--Mario, Jordie, and Chick--to be there for him. With a grief-crippled mother and a father who's not in the picture, he needs them more than ever. But when Mario starts hanging out with a rough group of friends and Jordie finally lands the girl of his dreams, Jason is left to fend for himself while maintaining a strained relationship with troubled and quiet Chick. Then Jason meets Raine, a girl he thinks is out of his league but who sees him for everything he wants to be, and he finds himself pulled between building a healthy and stable relationship with a girl he might be falling in love with, grieving for his sister, and trying to hold onto the friendships he has always relied on.

A witty and emotionally moving tale of friendship, first love, and loss, Breakaway is Kat Spears at her finest.

I think I've been reading a few books with the main character dealing with loss, recently. In Breakaway, Jason was grieving over his younger sister. It wasn't easy with his grieving, mother and a father who wasn't really in the picture. Thankfully, Jason had his friends with him, Mario, Jordie and Chick. But their friendship soon went astray when Mario started to hang out with his new friends, and Jordie got himself a girlfriend. Then, Jason met Raine, a girl who was out of his league on a double date with Jordie. I think, the story reminds me to How to Be Brave by E. Katherine Kottaras.

If I have to judge the book by its cover, I wouldn't expect to read about dealing with loss, depression or drug addiction. But those are a few issues in Breakaway.

Kat Spears did a great job with writing Breakaway in Jason's point of view. The stories started out nicely, and I do enjoy reading about Jason and his friends. It was sad to see how they started to go apart, especially when Jason was dealing with his loss. The romance between Jason and Raine was alright. There are a few dramas, and sweet moments. I guess the Breakaway by Kat Spears was an alright read if it wasn't for the ending. I'm a bit dissatisfied with how the story ended. It didn't really resolve a lot issues in the book. It was so sudden and lazy.

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher/Netgalley in exchange for my review.

Review: Christmas Confessions & Cocktails by Vicki Lesage

Christmas Confessions & Cocktails: A Humorous Holiday Memoir with Sassy Drink Recipes
by Vicki Lesage

Genre: Chick Lit, Memoir, Humor, Family, Christmas
Publication: July 25th, 2015 by Party Girl Press
Format: ebook
Source: ARC
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

American-turned-Parisian Vicki tells it like it is, from her crazy Christmases growing up in the Midwest to her even crazier holidays in her new home in France. Bizarre gifts, stomach-turning food, and holiday travel disasters are just some of the tales you'll chuckle at in this installment of the Paris Confessions series.

This Christmas-themed memoir features 25 funny and heartwarming essays, all with a tenuous tie to Christmas, and pairs each with a delicious drink recipe. So grab your martini shaker and get ready for tasty cocktails and hearty laughs this holiday season!

A humorous collection of holiday-inspired stories with Christmas drink recipes If you're looking for a great read this holiday season, don't miss Christmas Confessions & Cocktails! The 25 stories in this holiday collection take you on an adventure full of Christmas spirit (and spirits, with the Christmas cocktail recipes). And it makes the perfect Christmas gift!

I feel that Christmas is fast approaching. Probably because I've been watching some Christmassy movies recently, and reading Christmas Confessions & Cocktails helps with the mood. I've read Vicki Lesage's previous books, and fell in love with the author's style and voice. They're witty, light and highly entertaining. Christmas Confession & Cocktails is no different. I'm still in love the author's voice and writing.

In this entertaining Christmas memoir, the author has collected 25 short stories of her Christmas memories from her childhood up to her married life. There are a few stories in this book which had been included in the previous books, but I'm okay with it. It was nice to reread them again. It was fun to read the parts about a few differences in celebrating the holidays in France and America. Or perhaps it was differences of family traditions?

There are some humorous, crazy, heartwarming and saddening moments. And, in the end, what really matters in this holiday is being with your family, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the author's big family through this book. It reminds me a bit of my family when everyone was still around.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted to get into the holiday spirits, especially since Christmas is just months away. And even if you're not celebrating Christmas, Christmas Confessions & Cocktails by Vicki Lesage is still a light and fun book to read. Plus, the author has been generous to share a few cocktail recipes that you might want to try.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review.