Monday, June 19, 2017

[Review] Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman

Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman
Format: ebook

Synopsis

As the Dating Guy on L.A.‘s top morning show, I give the single guy’s perspective on dating, love, and sex—and I give great advice. Everyone’s hooking up…well, except for me. Sure, I can get any woman I want, but I’ve got a “no relationship” clause in my contract and the only woman I want has “relationship” written all over her. Probably stamped on her ass, too. And wouldn’t I like to confirm that.

Unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with me. At all. Something about the next Ice Age might have even come up in her rebuttal. Adorable. Because she’s determined to ignore what one simple kiss proved: she wants me as badly as I want her.

Everything in me is screaming to go after her, but I’ve got a secret that I’m fairly certain will end up with her roasting my nuts over an open fire. So, job on the line? Check. Nuts on the line? Check. Can’t get her out of my head? Nail…meet coffin. But what a way to go…

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

This was such a fun book! I'm a huge fan on Robin Bielman's work and never can wait to get my hands on the next! I was really excited to get a chance to read this one and it didn't disappoint! Mateo and Teague have such a fun relationship and I loved reading every word of it! It was the perfect NA; fun, flirty, and sexy. There was a lot going on in this book, with Mateo's mom and Teague's family, which I really loved. It kept the story interesting and moving along, without being distracting. I would definitely recommend reading this book, as well as everything else Bielman has written. She's written some of my favorite romances! 

Friday, April 7, 2017

[Review] A Creed in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller

A Creed In Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller
Series: Montana Creeds, #5

Synopsis 

When single attorney Steven Creed becomes guardian of an orphaned five-year-old boy, he trades his big-city law firm for a ranch near his McKettrick kin in the close-knit community of Stone Creek, Arizona. Taking care of little Matt and fixing up his run-down ranch house with its old barn loosens something tightly wound inside him. But when Steven takes on the pro-bono defense of a local teen, he meets his match in the opposing counsel – beautiful, by-the-book county prosecutor Melissa O-Ballivan. It’ll take one grieving little boy, a sweet adopted dog and a woman who never expected to win any man’s heart to make this Creed in Stone Creek know he’s truly found home. 

My Review

First, I want to say that I’ve read quite a few books by Miller and I’m a fan of her work! However, I’m a bit undecided how I feel about this book. It took me a while to get through this one – though I think it had more to do with just having a baby than the book itself – but I also found myself not running to pick it up any time I had a free minute. I did enjoy the book while reading it and thought it was a cute story. I’m always a sucker for single dads – I’m not sure what it is about them, but I find them so endearing! Plus this story had the added benefit of legal issues, and since I went to law school and have my law license, it was a nice element! 

That being said, this book didn’t grab me like other stories have previously. The characters were very likable, but I wasn’t in love with them, except Matt (he’s adorable!). I think this book focused too much on the legal issues going on with some of the minor characters in the community, and not enough on Melissa and Steven’s relationship. They didn’t seem to have enough time to get to know each other and all the feels weren't really there for me. 

Even though this wasn’t my favorite book, I still enjoy Miller’s work and will continue to read it.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

2017 Goals

Just about everyone makes New Year's goals in January, including me! This year was a little different for me since I was pregnant until 6 weeks ago and I couldn't work on a couple of them right away. To keep myself accountable, I wanted to share them with you!

1. Read 80 books

Last year, my goal was to read 100 books and I surpassed that by reading 111! I was super proud of myself for that. The past few years, I've always increased my book goal, but because I was pregnant and knew I'd be a momma soon, I couldn't increase it. In fact, I decreased my goal, which made me a little sad. But I know my focus is going to be more on my son than reading, and I'd rather finish my goal than fall short, so I chose something a little more realistic. I was doing great earlier this year with reading a ton, mostly on the bus to and from work. But since having M, I've been very slow to finish a book. Nevertheless, I still hope to hit 80! I'm almost a quarter of the way there and I know once I go back to work, I'll have time on the bus again, which should help. 

2. Finish my husband's Star Wars blanket

I really love to crochet and in August 2015, I started crocheting a Stormtrooper blanket for my husband since he loves Star Wars. He wanted the blanket to be big since he's 6', but it's turning out to be a little bigger than I anticipated. I'm a little over halfway done with it, but I tend to take breaks and not work on it for a few months at a time. I told him I'd have it finished by the end of the year...so hopefully I can! To be honest, I really want it done by then because it's just hanging over my head at this point and makes me feel guilty. Thankfully he's patient and doesn't mind waiting for me to find the time, especially now that we have a little one at home. 

3. Get back to pre-pre baby weight

Like most people, weight loss is one of my goals this year. But unlike most people, I needed to wait until after M was born before working on this one since I couldn't lose weight while pregnant; quite the opposite actually - I needed to gain weight! But now that M is here, I'm back at the gym and eating a much healthier diet. Let's be honest, when I was pregnant, I didn't eat the healthiest (but thankfully only gained 33 pounds, which is within the recommended 25-35, so I was happy! However, you'll notice my goal is "pre-pre baby weight." Well... I wasn't super happy with my weight and fitness level right before I got pregnant because we kind of fell off the gym bandwagon, so not only do I want to get back to my weight before baby, I want to get back an even healthier weight. 

Not only do I want to get to a better weight, I just want to lead an overall healthier lifestyle. We have M around now, and while my husband and I have always been pretty healthy and active, we want to set a good example for him. 

4. Run a 5k

I've ran 5ks before and I really like having something to work towards. Again, I wasn't able to work on this goal until after M was born, but now that he's here, I've just started running again! I'll post more on my journey with running later. My thought is that I'll complete this by September, but I'm really hoping I can do it before then. It's a slow process for me though. I know some people can jump right back into running, but I certainly can't. I need to work back up to longer distances! My dad also runs 5ks once or twice a year, so we're hoping to do it together. 

I know I'm a little late to be talking about this year's goals, but what are some of your goals this year -bookish or otherwise? 

Monday, March 20, 2017

I'm Coming Back!

I'm finally coming back to blogging! I last posted in summer of 2016 and then took a long break. I didn't intend to take such a long time away, but my husband and I got pregnant with our first child (yay!) and my focus shifted to everything baby 👶! Then I switched jobs, my brother got married, and I completely got lost in this thing we call life. We had our little boy in February this year and I really didn't know if I would ever get back into blogging because of the time and attention he needs. But then I started reading blogs about healthier lifestyles so that I can get back into shape after baby M. Once I started reading these blogs, I just remembered how much I loved writing my thoughts down, so I knew I needed to come back. I might not be able to post as much as I used to, but I couldn't give it up forever. 

That being said, I'm switching my focus a little. I still want to blog about books and everything bookish, but I also want to write about other things going on in my life. It will certainly include posts about babies - or at least things going on with M - but I also want to show some DIY projects I've done, the fitness and food journey I'm on... and other random things about my life. I hope my readers don't mind! But as my life changes, I feel like my blog should change along with me. I certainly don't have as much time to read anymore, but I'm also trying to focus on my health a little more now, especially since I have a little one to look after and teach healthy habits! The change to my blog will be very slow. I haven't quite decided if I'm keeping the name, but like I said, it's going to take my a while to do any design and content changes. 

I'd really love your input as I go about these changes! 

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

*Book Tour* Hanging by a Thread by Jenna Sutton


Hanging by a Thread
Riley O'Brien & Co. #3
By: Jenna Sutton
Releasing June 7, 2016
Berkley Sensation

Synopsis 

Thirty-year-old Bebe Banerjee is desperate to get rid of two things: her fiancé and her virginity. Escaping her arranged marriage might be impossible, but she refuses to give her firsts to an entitled jerk who lives on another continent. Instead, she devises a plan that guarantees another man will get her momentous firsts. But she never imagined that man would be Cal O’Brien, the gorgeous heir to the Riley O’Brien & Co. denim empire…


Although Cal has always been fascinated by Bebe’s brilliant mind and beautiful eyes, he’s never pursued her. She can’t stand the sight of him, and every time they’re in the same room, they end up trading insults. Yet when he finds out about Bebe’s bold plan, he makes his move, unaware of her upcoming nuptials. He promises to make her firsts unforgettable, but he doesn’t know how hard it will be to forget her when their arrangement ends.

Link to Follow Tour:  

Goodreads Link: 


Goodreads Series Link: 


Buy Links:     
Amazon | B & N |GoogleiTunes | Kobo


My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

This is the first book I've read by Sutton and I really liked it! I thought it was a very unique book and really fun. Bebe has a lot going on in her life that no one knows about. The biggest thing? She's engaged and hasn't told anyone other than her family, for very specific reasons. But as pressure builds for her to marry, she needs to find a way to get rid of her fiancé. She's always had a crush on her best friends brother, but hasn't told anyone that either.. and the feeling is mutual. It was really fun to watch Bebe and Cal interact with each other. It was a cute, steamy, refreshing book and I can't wait to read more from Sutton. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a really fun romance. 
About the Author

Jenna Sutton is a former award-winning journalist who traded fact for fiction when she began writing novels. Surprisingly, the research she conducted for her articles provided a lot of inspiration for her books.

Jenna is the author of the Riley O’Brien & Co. romances including All the Right Places and Coming Apart at the Seams. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas Christian University and a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University.

Jenna and her husband live in a 103-year-old house in Texas affectionately known as “The Money Pit”. You can find out more about her and her books by visiting www.jennasutton.com.

Author Links:  


Rafflecopter Giveaway 
($50 Amazon Gift Card)


Monday, June 6, 2016

[Review Tour] Wish List by Belinda Williams


Wish List
City Love #4
By: Belinda Williams 
Releasing May 26, 2016

Synopsis 

COULD THE WRONG MAN ON PAPER BE THE PERFECT MAN IN REAL LIFE?

Cate Harmon likes lists. While this may serve her well as a financial planner, her girlfriends think that creating a checklist for her ideal man is going a step too far. But she has one, and she’s sticking to it.

Cate has always dreamed of starting a family and settling down and yet she’s the only one of her close knit friendship group still unattached. But that doesn’t mean she’s going to lower her standards.

Enter Dave, a reformed bad boy with gorgeous hair and eyes the wrong color. Dave doesn’t tick any of the boxes on Cate’s list. It’s unthinkable that she would develop feelings for him, and yet … Cate finds herself being drawn to Dave in a way she’s never felt before.

Will Cate confront the reasons behind her list? Or will she risk losing a man who could be better than any list she could ever dream up?

This romance where opposites attract is perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, Victoria Dahl, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

Link to Follow Tour:  

Goodreads Link: 



Goodreads Series Link:  


Buy Links:  
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes | GooglePlay | Momentum

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 
This is the first book I've read by Belinda Williams and I must say that I loved it! I didn't read the others in the series, and honestly didn't realize it was a series until I started reading. But that didn't take anything away from this story at all.  I really love how Cate has a list (whether in her mind or actually written down) about what would make the perfect person for her. Honestly, my husband and I are quite different and I think it makes life so much better! But Cate thinks she has an idea of what she wants, until she meets Dave. While she really likes him, he doesn't meet her criteria, so she questions whether to move forward. Meanwhile, she meets another guy who does meet everything on her list. Needless to say, she has a difficult decision ahead of her! 

This story was really cute and I loved reading every bit of it. I really want to go back and read the others in the series, regardless of knowing how they turn out. Williams has a way with writing that really grabbed me and her characters are so fun. I would definitely recommend this book to any other romance fan! I had a hard time putting it down! 

About the Author
Belinda is a marketing communications specialist and copywriter who allowed an addiction to romance and chick-lit to get the better of her. She was named a top ten finalist in the Romance Writers of Australia Emerald Award in both 2013 and 2014.

Her other addictions include music and cars. Belinda’s eclectic music taste forms the foundation of many of her writing ideas and her healthy appreciation for fast cars means she would not so secretly love a Lamborghini. For now she’ll have to settle with her son’s Hot Wheels collection and writing hot male leads with sports cars.

Belinda lives in Sydney and blogs regularly about writing and reading at www.belindawilliamsbooks.com

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Giveaway 
(5 copies of THE BOYFRIEND SESSIONS, Book #1 City Love)

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

[Review] *Blog Tour* Change of Heart by TJ Kline



Change of Heart
Healing Harts #5
By: T.J. Kline
Releasing May 10, 2016
Avon Impulse

Synopsis

Leah McCarran has never had anything but bad luck in her life, with the exception of her dream job, working as a therapist for at-risk youth at Heart Fire Ranch. But when her car breaks down on the side of the road and she finds herself stranded, the playboy who shows up to help, seems like the last person she can count on.

Gage Granger has risen above the circumstances of his youth, enough that people believe he has the Midas touch, especially in business. But when one costly mistake could send his reputation and his company into ruin, he needs some time to get his head on straight before he makes a decision that could affect hundreds of lives and heads to see his brother, near Heart Fire. The last thing he expected to find was a feisty therapist who needs his help, even if she won’t admit it.

Leah doesn’t want friends. There was only one person she let close - her high school counselor and the mentor who not only took her in but changed her life, and then she died. Leah doesn’t want that kind of hurt again so it’s easier to remain distant. But Gage is making it difficult. And finding out that he staying next door at Heart Fire Ranch isn’t making it any easier to avoid the kind man who is worming his way into her heart.

Gage sees the pain Leah’s trying so adamantly to hide but neither can help the attraction that begins to develop as they rescue two abandoned kittens and find they have far more in common than they believed. Gage helps her to move past her nightmarish past and she helps him realize that one mistake doesn’t define his worth.


Link to Follow Tour:  

Goodreads Link: 

Goodreads Series Link: 


Buy Links:   
Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo  
My Review
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 
I read the first book in this series, Heart's Desire, a while ago and I really liked it, so I was excited that I had the opportunity to read this one. Leah has had a really rough childhood and grew up in the foster system. She becomes a therapist to help other kids like herself, and hopefully change their lives. Gage also had a rough childhood, but he is now a successful businessman. When he meets Leah at Heart Fire Ranch, they learn that they have more in common that they originally thought. But both are a little worried about getting too close to each other, afraid they will mess it up. 

This is a really great romance story. Not only does it have the steamy romance, but the characters have deeper issues as well. It's definitely not just a fluff romance (not that there's anything wrong with those either!) I really enjoy Kline's writing and I think she does a great job of developing the characters and keeping you really involved in the story. I didn't want to stop reading because I wanted to know what happened next! I'm definitely a fan of this series and I can't wait to read more. I didn't read these in order (I think I missed the middle 3) but that doesn't take away from the story line at all. You can definitely read these as standalone, even though the characters appear throughout the series. 
About the Author 


T. J. Kline was raised competing in rodeos and Rodeo Queen competitions since the age of 14 and has thorough knowledge of the sport as well as the culture involved. She writes contemporary western romance for Avon Romance, including the Rodeo series and the Healing Harts series. She has published a nonfiction health book and two inspirational fiction titles under the name Tina Klinesmith. In her very limited spare time, T.J. can be found laughing hysterically with her husband, children, and their menagerie of pets in Northern California.

Author Links: Website | FacebookTwitter | GoodReads 


GIVEAWAY
 $25.00 eGift Card to Choice Book Seller