#BookReview Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Barnard

Beautiful Broken Things
by Sara Barnard

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Friendship
Publication: February 2016
Format: Paperback
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

I was brave
She was reckless
We were trouble

Best friends Caddy and Rosie are inseparable. Their differences have brought them closer, but as she turns sixteen Caddy begins to wish she could be a bit more like Rosie – confident, funny and interesting. Then Suzanne comes into their lives: beautiful, damaged, exciting and mysterious, and things get a whole lot more complicated. As Suzanne’s past is revealed and her present begins to unravel, Caddy begins to see how much fun a little trouble can be. But the course of both friendship and recovery is rougher than either girl realizes, and Caddy is about to learn that downward spirals have a momentum of their own.

I have to admit that I nearly put down this book after the first few pages when I saw Caddy's list of milestones number two by her next birthday.

2) I would lose my virginity.

I have a problem about a girl trying to lose her virginity. I'm not a fan of it and I never understand why is this an important issue for girls her age. But, I decided to give this book a chance. I hate to judge only after a few pages. 

Still, there are a few other occasions when I really wanted to DNF this book, mostly because of Caddy's character. She sounds like a good friend, but there are a few occasions when I wanted to smack her real hard because of her jealousy, selfishness. Caddy and Suzanne are teenagers who hurt people around them for selfish reasons. I stay around to the last page hoping the characters will grow up.

Overall, I thought that this is an okay read on friendship.  I can't relate to the characters and I didn't really care about what happened to them until the last few chapters. It was shocking what happened to them. But I'm happy with how the author wraps up the story.

#BookReview Heath, Cliffs & Wandering Hearts by Laura Barnard + Giveaway

Heath, Cliffs & Wandering Hearts
by Laura Barnard

Genre: Young Adult, Friendship, Mature
Format: ebooks, ARC
Source: Author, Publisher
Connect: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Buy: Amazon | Nook | Kobo | iBooks

Life for sixteen-year-old Savannah Franks has just been turned upside down. Her Mum’s business has failed and they’re forced to move into a maisonette in the rough end of town.

She doesn’t want anyone to know her dire situation, not even her besties. So when the rest of the money for the school ski trip is due she can’t be seen not to attend. Everyone is going! She just needs to find a job. Add that to the list of getting a boyfriend and losing her pathetic virginity.

But working every spare hour in a job she hates on top of school work and mounting secrets doesn’t prove easy. Soon she’s keeping so many she’s not even sure herself what’s true and what’s not.

The only person she can lean on to tell the truth is her best friend Heath.

Only…did he gets hot recently? That won’t make things awkward between them…right?

I've previously read Laura Barnard's Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy. I was intrigued when I heard that the author is writing for Young Adult. 

Savannah's life was changing. Her family was forced to move into a smaller place her mother's business failed. And now, her brother, Dylan has gone traveling to Australia with his girlfriend. Savannah was afraid that she was going to stay as a virgin, but now, she got a boyfriend, Zach. However, she can't stop thinking about her best friend, Heath.

Heath, Cliffs & Wandering Hearts is full of drama and friendship. But, I have to warn that there was a few scene are not suitable for children. Savannah and her girlfriends were constantly worried about boys, and how their peers see them. Sometimes, they made some reckless decisions. I have to say that I was worried about all partying scenes. There seem a bit too many parties going on. But it was interesting to see how they overcome their teenage life as friends.

My favorite character from this book is definitely Savannah's Nan. She didn't act like how a normal grandma always does, despite her age. Heath would come  in second. I love how he always take care of Savannah.

Heath, Cliffs & Wandering Hearts is definitely an interesting read. I enjoyed the author's voice. But, there are some scenes that I don't think was necessary and the ending was a bit too rushed in my opinion.

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

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#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 Summer that Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel

The Summer that Melted Everything
by Tiffany McDaniel

Genre: Contemporary, Adult, Fiction
Publication:  July 26th, 2016 by St. Martin's Press
Format: ebooks
Source: ARC
Connect: Website | Goodreads

Fielding Bliss has never forgotten the summer of 1984: the year a heat wave scorched Breathed, Ohio. The year he became friends with the devil.

Sal seems to appear out of nowhere - a bruised and tattered thirteen-year-old boy claiming to be the devil himself answering an invitation. Fielding Bliss, the son of a local prosecutor, brings him home where he's welcomed into the Bliss family, assuming he's a runaway from a nearby farm town.

When word spreads that the devil has come to Breathed, not everyone is happy to welcome this self-proclaimed fallen angel. Murmurs follow him and tensions rise, along with the temperatures as an unbearable heat wave rolls into town right along with him.

As strange accidents start to occur, riled by the feverish heat, some in the town start to believe that Sal is exactly who he claims to be.

While the Bliss family wrestles with their own personal demons, a fanatic drives the town to the brink of a catastrophe that will change this sleepy Ohio backwater forever.

I have to admit that I wasn't so sure about reading this one. I mean, the synopsis sounds great, but, The Summer that Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel is not the kind of book I usually pick to read. But I do think that reading this is definitely a good change of pace. 

Fielding Bliss remembered the summer of 1984 in Breathed, Ohio. The weather is scorched and that's when a boy , Sal appeared from nowhere, claiming that he's a devil. The book was written in Feilding's perspective. Because this isn't the type of book I usually pick up, I was a bit worried about how the story going to turn. The story grabbed me with the first few chapters. After that, I was a bit lost with the story at first with how some of the chapters went away from the year of 1984. But, after a while, I got used to how the story was written.

I enjoyed reading about the Bliss family and the rest of Breathed residences. There's no denying that Tiffany McDaniel is good with words. I thought the pace of the story was a bit slow, but the way the book was written beautifully keep me engage towards the end. I thought that I was going to read a book about the Devil. But, The Summer that Melted Everything isn't really about the Devil. It was more than that. I can't really say anything much without giving the story away, so, you will have to read the book to know what the book is all about.

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 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.

#BookReview The Semester of Our Discontent by Cynthia Kuhn

The Semester of Our Discontent (Lila Maclean Mystery #1)
by Cynthia Kuhn

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publication: April 5th, 2016
Format: ebooks
Source: NetGalley/Henery Press
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

English professor Lila Maclean is thrilled about her new job at prestigious Stonedale University, until she finds one of her colleagues dead. She soon learns that everyone, from the chancellor to the detective working the case, believes Lila—or someone she is protecting—may be responsible for the horrific event, so she assigns herself the task of identifying the killer.

More attacks on professors follow, the only connection a curious symbol at each of the crime scenes. Putting her scholarly skills to the test, Lila gathers evidence, but her search is complicated by an unexpected nemesis, a suspicious investigator, and an ominous secret society. Rather than earning an “A” for effort, she receives a threat featuring the mysterious emblem and must act quickly to avoid failing her assignment…and becoming the next victim.

When I read the description from the book, I know I wanted to read this. It was the first time I read a mystery book surrounding an English professor in a university and I was intrigued!

The Semester of Our Discontent by Cynthia Kuhn is undoubtedly a good cozy mystery book. I love the premises and the mystery.  I like Lila's approach in her investigation. Her curiosity to find out the real culprit and the strange emblem, and the determination to free her and her cousin as the suspect were great. Although, somehow, she was always the person who would accidentally be at the crime scene. I like how the characters would have a conversation about authors, but sadly, I have never heard of most of the authors mentioned.

I thought the author did a good job with the plot and mystery. But I was a bit disappointed with how the culprit was revealed, especially since there was no hint that pointed Lila suspecting the culprit, even just a little bit until the end. I know that sometimes people would commit a crime with motives that I couldn't comprehend, but I have to say that the motive to attempt another murder towards the end of the book was a bit crazy. Overall, I thought that The Semester of Our Discontent was a good read. I did enjoy the book, but I wish the revealing of the whodunit could be better. 

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

#BookReview Husband Wanted by Charlotte Hughes

Husband Wanted
by Charlotte Hughes

Genre: Women's Fiction, Romance
Publication: February 24th 2016 by Victory Editing
Format: ebooks
Source: NetGalley/Victory Editing
Connect: Website | Goodreads

Frannie Brisbane knew it was an impossible scheme, but unless she went through with it, the daughter she had given up thirteen years ago and who now wanted to visit, would discover that Frannie had painted a very different picture of her life in the letters they’d exchanged. Frannie’s close friends rally around her, and next thing she knows, she is living in a mansion and wearing designer clothes.

The only thing missing is a husband.

Confirmed bachelor, Clay Coleman, has ulterior motives when he agrees to play the role of loving husband, but Frannie, who nursed a crush on him for years, fears she is flirting with danger in their role of let’s pretend. But Frannie and Clay aren’t the only ones keeping secrets. Sooner or later, the truth comes out, exposing everyone involved. Can Frannie ever get past her hurt when she discovers the truth about Clay?

Husband Wanted was a quick, romance read. The story began when Frannie's daughter, whom she had given up thirteen years ago, wants to visit. Unfortunately, Frannie had lied to her daughter about her life. Now, she needed to find someone to pretend as her husband just for a few days until her daughter returned home.

I fell in love with the book's blurbs right away. I love humorous romance read and I was in the mood for something quick, fun read. Husband Wanted starts great. I like the author's easygoing writing style.The premise sounds interesting, but some of the scenes were a bit unreal. The book was fun, but I thought that the characters are lacking in depth. The relationship between Frannie and Clay move on too quickly. There were a few twists towards the end that I enjoyed, but the hasty ending disappointed me.

This book was definitely great if you're looking for something light, fun, romantic read. I do enjoy reading Husband Wanted, but I thought the storyline and the romance part could be better.

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

#BookReview: The Time of Our Lives by Jane Costello

The Time of Our Lives
by Jane Costello

Genre: Women's Fiction, Chick Lit
Publication: March 25th, 2014 by Simon and  Schuster
Format: Paperback, 496 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Imogen and her friends have had their fill of budget holidays, cattle-class flights and 6am offensives for a space by the pool. So when one of the group wins a VIP holiday at Barcelona's hippest new hotel, they plan to sip champagne with the jet set, party with the glitterati and switch off in surroundings of unapologetic luxury. But as they mingle with movie stars, mafia bosses and millionaires, it becomes clear - with riotous consequences - that even in the most glamorous of locations, things can go wrong.

The Time of Our Lives is about Imogen and her best friends, who went on a holiday after one of them wins a VIP holiday at Barcelona's hotel. But it seems that their holiday is not going as they planned. I love Jane Costello's books for her writing style and humor. But I find that I didn't enjoy this book as her other books. 

The Time of Our Lives has a really good premise. I love the idea of the three best friends going on  a holiday, doing a few crazy stuffs and having fun. I am a bit irritated with Imogen and the phone calls from work that always interrupt their vacation. I want to see the best friends to really have fun on their holiday. But still, I do enjoy Imogen's conversations with her boss and how they were trying to figure out the new crisis at work.

Jane Costello never fails to make me laugh with her books. Imogen and her friends, Meredith and Nicola are fun characters. They went through a few mishaps on their stay, but that didn't stop them from enjoying the vacation. If you love chick-lit which feature friendship, a bit of drama and romance that will surely make you laugh, you should definitely read this book. 

Review: Waking Amy by by Julieann Dove

Waking Amy (Amy, #1)

by Julieann Dove

Genre: Women's Fiction, Chick Lit

Publication: February 23, 2016
Format: ebook
Source: Author/CLP Blog Tours

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Newsletter

Buy: Amazon

Amy Whitfield is blindsided when she comes home and finds a note on the fridge from her husband, Wesley, stating that after four years of marriage, he’s leaving her. Amy was in the midst of trying to spice things up, to bring life back to their boring marriage. It seems now that she was too late.

As Amy sits with her head between her knees, trying to figure out what to do next, a call comes from Mercer General Hospital. The ER nurse is telling Amy’s answering machine that Wesley has been in a car accident.

When Amy arrives at the hospital, she finds her husband in a coma. The doctors say there is no sign of brain damage, and Wesley will eventually wake up. Relieved, Amy sees this as her second chance: the chance to get it right this time. To channel the girl Wesley won’t leave when he regains consciousness… She just needs some help to pull it off. After all, she was voted girl most likely to die a virgin in high school.

Amy would never figure on getting that help from Mark Reilly…Wesley’s doctor! He’s a non-committer, too-cute-for-his-own-good bachelor, and completely the guy Amy begins falling for. It’s a race against time to see who wakes up first—Amy or her husband.

Waking Amy is definitely a fun, quick romance read. If you love reading stories about a woman in her journey to find herself with lots of romance and humorous moment, you definitely have to read this book.

I was smitten with the cover at first. Then I read the synopsis and instantly know that I have to read this. Somehow, the synopsis reminded me to a movie, 'When You Were Sleeping'. 

Waking Amy was about second chances. Amy's husband, Wesley, was leaving her, and soon after she received a call from the hospital, telling her that her husband has been in a car accident. The doctor told her that Wesley was in coma, but he will wake up soon. Amy saw this as her second chance. She was determined to change herself to be the woman that her husband will love. It was hard not to sympathize with Amy and what she had to go through. And then, Mark Reilly appeared. He's one of Wesley's doctors. He's good looking, and seemed to have his way with the ladies. Amy decided that Mark would be the perfect person to help her change. Except that, Amy began to fall for Mark.

I love the story. The author's writing style was really easy to get into. I enjoyed reading about Amy. I love reading how she grew up to be more independent and saw what was really going on with her relationship with her husband. There were a few twists here that made the story much more interesting. The romance between Amy and Mark was great. But, that I find that the relationship was a bit sudden. The beginning was too quick, and the ending was a bit rushed. I wish to see more of their relationship before the story ended, because I love their chemistry together.

I received a copy of the book from the author/CLP Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author:

Julieann lives in Virginia, yet longs to live everywhere else. It doesn’t come as a surprise that along with her gypsy soul, comes an active imagination. That’s why she loves to write and invent worlds and people, so that she can formulate their happily ever after. Hobbies include cooking new recipes, sewing, and spending time with her cute boyfriend/husband and five fabulous children. Vacations happen in Nantucket or the Carolina beaches—anywhere there is inspiration for her next book. One day she hopes to travel to Italy, drive one of those little cars around the countryside, and speak the language fluently!

Review: Ghostwriter Anonymous by Noreen Wald

Ghostwriter Anonymous (A Jake O'Hara Mystery)
by Noreen Wald

Genre: Romance, Cozy Mystery
Publication: Mar 1, 2016 by Henery Press
Format: e-books
Source: NetGalley, ARC
Connect: Website

With her books sporting other people’s names, ghostwriter Jake O’Hara works behind the scenes. But she never expected a séance at a New York apartment to be part of her job. Jake had signed on as a ghostwriter, secretly writing for a grande dame of mystery fiction whose talent died before she did. The author’s East Side residence was impressive. But her entourage—from a Mrs. Danvers-like housekeeper to a lurking hypnotherapist—was creepy.

Still, it was all in a day’s work, until a killer started going after ghostwriters, and Jake suspected she was chillingly close to the culprit. Attending a séance and asking the dead for spiritual help was one option. Some brilliant sleuthing was another-before Jake’s next deadline turns out to be her own funeral.

I haven't been reading any cozy mystery this recently, and was in the mood to read one. I was happy when I found this book, Ghostwriter Anonymous by Noreen Wald. Instantly, I was hooked by the pretty cover and the promising blurbs.

Sadly, I didn't like Ghostwriter Anonymous as much as I expected to. I love Jake O'Hara's character. It was fun to read a ghostwriter mystery. I love the idea and the plot. It was new and fresh to me. The mystery behind the murders were interesting to keep me reading. But there has been just too much character in the book. It was kind of confusing sometimes. It didn't help that I didn't have much care about the minor characters or the bits of romance. It was surprising to find out who the murderer was at the end of the book, but I was disappointed on how the murderer was revealed.

Overall, Ghostwriter Anonymous by Noreen Wald was an okay cozy mystery read with interesting, but not so complicated plot.

I received a copy of this book from the author/Netgalley/publisher 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: 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: Lost in Geeklandia by E.J. Russell

Lost in Geeklandia
by E.J. Russell

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Women Fiction
Publication: Sept 28th, 2015 by Entangled: Select Contemporary
Format: ebook
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

She has 30 days to turn her enemy into her boyfriend...

Introverted computer engineer Charlie Forrester has coded an algorithm for love, a nearly flawless matchmaking program. But then she's challenged to prove its accuracy - on herself. With her dream job on the line, Charlie has thirty days to forge a romantic relationship with her "perfect" match...her ex-friend and now-nemesis, Daniel Shawn. Since her dating experience is expressed in binary, she'll need more than flirting lessons and a wardrobe overhaul to pull it off.

After falling victim to the same online matchmaking con he was investigating, reporter Daniel Shawn's professional reputation went up in flames. Now he suspects someone has rebooted the scam, and he's determined to expose the fraud and rebuild his career. Unfortunately, his efforts to get back in the game get sidetracked by Charlie and her adorable geekitude, even though she seems to know a little too much about digital dating for Daniel's comfort.

And when fake romance crosses into real chemistry, Charlie's formula for love might just be the perfect formula for disaster...

I wanted to read this when I read the title and blurbs. I guess, when you're a bit of a geek or nerd, you'll be drawn to read this book too.

Charlie Forrester has created a matchmaking program to help her friend with their romantic life. But then, she was challenged to prove on the accuracy of her program, with her dream job on the line, to have a romantic relationship with Daniel Shawn, her childhood friend, who just came back to town. Daniel Shawn's career was ruined after he was conned by the online matchmaking site he was investigating. He suspected someone was starting another matchmaking scam, and was determined to expose this new scam. 

Lost in Geeklandia by E.J. Russell was such a cute read. The writing was easy to get into, and the pace was just nice. Once I've started reading, it was hard to put it down. I loved the characters in the book. Charlie and Daniel were cute together. I especially enjoyed how Daniel got to know the new Charlie. And the supporting characters, mainly Gideon and Toshiko made the story much more entertaining. There were some references on Doctor Who and lots of Star Trek. But since I'm not a Star Trek fan, I didn't enjoy the references as much. 

Lost in Geeklandia is a light, fun read with just the right amount of romance and humor. The story reminded me to a few rom-com movies I've seen. But still, I enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this book to fans of romantic-comedy or to anyone who was looking for a light and fun read.

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

On Tour: This One's For You by Brandy Jellum - Review + Excerpt

Brandy Jellum is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours with her book, This One's For You. Please visit her page for more blog stops.

This One's For You
by Brandy Jellum

Genre: Drama, New Adult, Romance
Publication: Published July 24th, 2015 by Booktrope
Format: ebook
Source: ARC, CLP Blog Tours
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

All alone in a new state, Brennan Daniels has only the memories of her best friend, Reagan, to keep her company as she starts college.

Reagan is the reason for everything Brennan does—before she died, she made Brennan promise to stay good until she found a man worth keeping. No boys, no dating, and definitely no falling in love—those were the rules for college, and Brennan carved them into the brick walls guarding her heart…

But there’s a fire burning behind those walls, and when Brennan meets Owen Scott, the (mysterious) new guy across the hall, she can’t deny the pull between them. He is everything she should never want. Everyone warns her to stay away—even Owen himself—but the heart wants what the heart wants, even if it knows that it’s going to get hurt—even if it means throwing old promises to new flames…

I was intrigued with the blurbs when I saw This One's For You by Brandy Jellum, and decided to read it. I love the sound of Owen, the mysterious guy across the hall. Brennan was dealing with the loss of her best friend, Reagan. They made a promise for college—no boys, no dating and no falling in love. And Brennan intended to keep her promise until she met Owen Scott across the hall. 

I love how the story started. It was exciting to see how Brennan started college and how she was going to survive it with new friends, class and everything. The characters were fun. Owen was such a playboy. But he can be nice and quirky. I immediately fell in love with Brennan and her relationship with her brothers and her new roommate, Amelia. 

Brandy Jellum writing was easy to get into and it flows nicely. I enjoyed reading her style, but not so much with so many dramas between Brennan and Owen of the story. I wished Brennan talk a lot more about Reagan, since they are best friend. And I definitely wanted to see more of Brennan, Amelia and their friendship. Overall, This One's For You by Brandy Jellum is definitely an enjoyable read, if not for a few issues. But, I think, fans of the new adult's book would surely enjoy this.

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

Excerpt

My body started to shake as the first tears streamed down my cheeks. I slid down to the floor, pulling my knees to my chest, and rocked back and forth. As more tears fell, my sobs became louder. Everything I had been holding in until that moment burst free from the dam I had carefully built.

Every emotion: anger, sadness, guilt, desperation, fear, anxiety, remorse, and rage overcame me in that single second. Everything I was afraid to let myself feel, I was feeling all at once. My body shook violently as the tears continued to stream down my face, and my throat was hoarse from crying.

It happened—I finally broke.

For the first time in almost a year, I let myself feel something—really feel something. The tears I had shed in the past were nothing compared to the ones I was crying now. The pain was unbearable. I wanted it to all go away. I wanted to rewind the clock just a little bit. I’d rather deal with my brothers acting like fools than to feel this.

This was the moment everyone close to me was waiting for, the moment when I finally let everything sink in. They were waiting for me to break. I was surprised it wasn’t sooner.

My sobs echoed the breaking of my heart. Speaking for the things I couldn’t say—the one thing I wanted to shout loud enough for everyone to hear; it wasn’t fair! Why was the most beautiful person I’d ever known stripped from this earth before it was her time?

Seeing Ronnie, hearing his plan, brought everything to the surface. Why couldn’t he stay away? Everyone was constantly pushing me, and this time they pushed me too far. I went right over the cliff, and there was no end in sight.

I barely heard the soft knock against the bathroom door over the sound of my own sobs. I held my breath, waiting to see if it was just my imagination, when there was another rap against the wooden door.

I heard a loud sigh and a soft thump against the sturdy wood. My chest heaved as I kept as quiet as I could, my face soaked with tears. I wiped at them furiously, trying to get them to stop. The more I fought against it, the faster they seemed to fall.

My mouth was dry. I licked my lips, tasting the saltiness of my broken heart.

“Brennan . . .” Owen said.

“I’ll be out in a moment.”

I bit my bottom lip. I had to get myself together. I needed to get up off the floor, put a smile on my face, and go on like nothing happened. There was a reason why it had taken so long for me to break—I kept pretending I was fine. It wasn’t healthy, but staying on the cold bathroom floor bawling wasn’t either.

I had to go back to the way I was prior to this. I had to grin it and bear it. Like nothing in the world could get me down. It was the only way I was going to survive.

Author Bio

Brandy’s passion for writing began long before she actually sat down to write. As a child, she has had an obsession with reading, everything from the classic stories by Jane Austen to YA Fiction by Richelle Mead. Finally, in 2012, she decided to create her own stories for people to fall in love with. Brandy bounces back and forth writing both Romance and Young Adult Fiction (which is mainly just for fun). At the beginning of 2014, Brandy signed a contract with publishing company Booktrope. She is very excited about the next chapter of her life and cannot wait to share her books and passion with readers. When she isn’t writing, she can be found chasing after her husband, her four children and her black lab, Diesel. Or curled up on her favorite corner of the couch with her newest book.

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