Tell Me Something Tuesday 2.24.15

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)

This week's question: Comfort Reading... What types of books do you grab when you need a pick-me-up?

Romances, definitely. I never used to think that I had a favorite genre, but the more I read, the more I realize that romances are probably my favorite books. And if it's not a romance only, if it just has a little romance factor in it, I love it! There's just something about people falling in love that I love! People are so vulnerable when they're in new relationships and learning to trust one another. Plus there's the steaminess of hot new romances when they're all still in the honeymoon stage. It's all just so amazing and so fun to read! :) 

I also used to be self-conscious or ashamed about my love of romance novels. But again, the more I read, the more I don't care what people think. There's no reason to be ashamed of what you like to read (or any other hobby, for that matter)! Just because some of the romance stories are fluff and not that deep, doesn't mean they're any less worthy than other books. Heck, I've read other genres of books that I think are fluff and don't have an ounce of romance in there. I feel like romance novels just get a bad rep sometimes. But no matter what others think of them, I still love reading romances an they're definitely my comfort book! 

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey, where we share what we read last week, what we're currently reading, and what is next for us! 

Recently Finished

Loving You Is Easy by Wendy S. Marcus

Read my review here! Such a good book! Loved reading this!

Currently Reading 

Far From the Madding Crowd by Tom Hardy

Still reading this one for my book club! Very hard for me to get into and since book club is in 2 days... don't think I'll be finishing in time. And to be honest, I don't have much of an interest in finishing it... so it might be a DNF pretty soon.

Guilt by Association by Marcia Clark

Pretty good so far! I'm reading the ebook, so I tend to only read it at the gym.

Up Next

Both of these are ARCs, from the publisher. I've kind of started Where They Found Her, but only got a few pages in before life interrupted me, so that will be my next book, and then The Stranger (: Can't wait for both of these!

[Review] Loving You Is Easy by Wendy S. Marcus

Loving You Is Easy by Wendy S. Marcus
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: Dec. 9, 2014
Format: ebook, ARC
276 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

She’s a survivor of the front lines of politics. He’s a wounded soldier returning home from the battlefield. Can they place their trust in the power of love?

Nobody plays the role of perfect politician’s daughter better than quiet, respectable math teacher Brooke Ellstein. But she won’t be caught swimming with the sharks again, not after the son of a wealthy donor sinks his teeth into her and gets away with it. Still, political connections have their perks, such as heading up the governor’s “Support Our Troops” pen-pal initiative—and getting first dibs on the smoking-hot sergeant whose picture shakes her right down to her goody-two-shoes.

When corresponding with sweet, classy Brooke, Shane Develen instinctively hides his commando tattoos and blue-collar roots—and he can tell that she’s hiding something, too. But Shane knows he’s gained her trust when Brooke gives him a blisteringly sexy photo. Then he’s injured in an ambush and a fellow soldier posts the snapshot online. Overnight, Brooke’s reputation turns to ashes. Even though he’s totally wrong for her, Shane shows up on Brooke’s doorstep, determined to set things right—and discovers that right or wrong has nothing on the chemistry they share.

My Review 

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

This is truly one of those books I had a hard time putting down. If I could have stayed up all night to finish, I would have (but there's this annoying thing called work...). I was immediately drawn into this book. It was sweet, sexy and had a little bit of mystery. I loved the letters Brooke and Shane wrote to each other. I really wish there were more because I think it's incredibly sweet and I would have liked to see more of how they fell in love. That being said, I still thought this book was wonderful! Brooke is really sweet and means really well, taking care of her family and putting others first. Shane is a tough soldier who doesn't want to show too much emotion, especially after he gets back from war. This book definitely shows why you shouldn't share risqué photos! Scary! Seriously though, read this book. It's SO good and I couldn't stop! I can't wait to read more of Marcus' work! It was everything I want a romance to be: sweet, sexy, and steamy! 

[Review] *Promo* Back in The Game by Lori Wilde

Back In the Game
Stardust, Texas # 1

By: Lori Wilde

Releasing February 24^th, 2015

Avon

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde welcomes you to Stardust, Texas . . . where dreams come true and love is always right around the corner

Wanted: ghostwriter. Must be female, a baseball fan, and have a great pair of legs.

Ex-pitcher Rowdy Blanton never saw a woman he couldn't conquer or a team he couldn't beat. And now that he's off the field he's ready to tell all about when he played the field. So he chooses Breeanne Carlyle to do the job-she's got the requirements, but more important, there's something about her that makes him want to be a better man.

Convinced there's more to Rowdy than a good fastball, a wicked smile, and a tight pair of pants, Breeanne can't help but be tempted. After all, it's boring always being the good girl, and Rowdy dares her to be just a little bad. The stakes are high, but win or lose, this time Breeanne's breaking all the rules playing the game of love.

Link to Follow Tour:  

http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/01/back-in-game-stardust-texas-1-by-lori.html

Goodreads Link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22401418-back-in-the-game?ac=1

Goodreads Series Link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/series/129829-stardust-texas

Buy Links:  

Amazon | Barnes | ITunes | Kobo | Publisher

My Review 

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

I knew I had to get a copy of this book and participate in the tour when I read that it was about baseball! I grew up watching my brothers play baseball and was their little league team manager for a few years (which I thought was the coolest thing ever). And while I don't follow baseball too much anymore, I still love going to games. Plus, add a little romance into that and I'm all over it! 

I liked the characters in this book a lot. Breeanne has been through a lot in her life, and so has Rowdy. They make a pretty good pair, I think. The romance/sizzle factor in this book was just enough; it wasn't overly about sex, but it included that in there as well, which I think we can all agree that we love! I do wish the story was a bit longer because I feel like the characters could have been delved into a little bit more and I would have liked to learn more about them. Overall, really good book!

Author Info

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Lori Wilde has sold seventy-eight works of fiction to four major New York Publishing houses.

Her first NYT bestseller, the third book in her Twilight, Texas series, The First Love Cookie Club has been optioned for a television movie. The town of Granbury, Texas, upon which her fictional town of Twilight, Texas is loosely based, honors Lori with an annual Twilight, Texas weekend each Christmas.

A popular writing instructor, Lori is a two time RITA finalist and has four times been nominated for Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award. She's won the Colorado Award of Excellence, the Wisconsin Write Touch Award, The Golden Quill, the Lories, and The More than Magic.

Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest  | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

(Print Bundle including: BACK IN THE GAME 
and Twilight Texas Series Books 1-5)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tell Me Something Tuesday 2.17.15

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)

This week's question: What do you do to make sure blogging continues to be enjoyable?

This is kind of a tough question for me because there are times when I get really tired of blogging and keeping up with posts. But because of this, I've found a few things that work for me. One of the things that I like to do is simply take a break. If blogging because too stressful or I get tired of it, I stop. There's nothing wrong with taking a break from a hobby and I have to remind myself of that otherwise I will go crazy. The other things I like to do is play around with blog design. Although I've been blogging a few years now, I've never learned how to do any sort of coding. But when I get tired of how my blog looks or just want something new, I try to find new pictures or images. I'm slowly in the process of updating a lot of the images/buttons I use for memes just to make it unique and my own. I also try to change up the type of book I'm reading. Sometimes it's that simple. And the last thing I can think of that I'll do to make sure I'm still enjoying blogging is finding new blogs to read/follow or surf around on current blogs that I follow. 

I'm not perfect; I'm human. Sometimes I get sick of blogging and feeling like I always need to be keeping up on reading 1-2 books a week and it gets tiring. But these are the simple things I try to do to keep interested in blogging. 

What do you all do? Have any tips for me?

[Review] Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne

Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne
Publisher: Dundurn
Publishing Date: Feb. 17, 2015
Format: ARC, ebook
224 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Is it possible to outrun your past? Fifteen-year-old Edie Fraser and her mother, Sydney, have been trying to do just that for five years. Now, things have gone from bad to worse. Not only has Edie had to move to another new school she's in a different country. 

Sydney promises her that that this is their chance at a fresh start, and Edie does her best to adjust to life in London, England, despite being targeted by the school bully. But when Sydney goes out to work the night shift and doesn't come home, Edie is terrified that the past has finally caught up with them. 

Alone in a strange country, Edie is afraid to call the police for fear that she'll be sent back to her abusive father. Determined to find her mother, but with no idea where to start, she must now face the most difficult decision of her life.

My Review

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

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book when I started. I knew a little bit about the storyline and was intrigued, so I wanted to read more. I hadn't read any of the reviews on this book, nor had heard of the author. So I went in blind a little, which I often like. 

This book was only okay for me. I thought the plot was interesting and it had a lot of potential. I liked Edie as a character and I really liked Jermaine. Sydney isn't in the book too much since she goes missing, but what little she was in there, I didn't like her much. I know she was trying to protect her daughter, but she just bothered me. I think the plot was very underdeveloped and didn't grab and hold onto my attention. Yes, I finished it in a day, but it was more or less because I had the time and I did want to know what happened. That begin said, I think it could use much improvement. I don't think the characters were developed enough and neither was the storyline. 

It's Monday! 2.16.15

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey, where we share what we read last week, what we're currently reading, and what is next for us! 

Recently Finished

Cold Cold Heart by Tami Hoag

Read my review here! Really loved this one and thought it was very original!

Currently Reading 

Far From the Madding Crowd by Tom Hardy

Reading this one for my book club! It's a little slow right now and hard for me to get into, but I'm trying to push through and give it a chance! 

Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne

This has been on my Kindle for quite some time and I figured I should finally read it! Almost done and it's not too bad! Should be able to post my review this week. 

Up Next

Both of these are ARCs, from the publisher and Netgalley, respectively. I'm thinking The Stranger will be my next print book and Loving You Is Easy will be the next one I start on the Kindle. Biking at the gym is the best way for me to get ebooks done and it's working out quite nicely so far! (:

[Review] Cold Cold Heart by Tami Hoag

Cold Cold Heart by Tami Hoag
Publisher: Dutton
Publishing Date: Jan. 13, 2015
Format: hardcover, ARC
400 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Dana Nolan was a promising young TV reporter until a notorious serial killer tried to add her to his list of victims. Nearly a year has passed since surviving her ordeal, but the physical, emotional, and psychological scars run deep. Struggling with the torment of post-traumatic stress syndrome, plagued by flashbacks and nightmares as dark as the heart of a killer, Dana returns to her hometown in an attempt to begin to put her life back together. But home doesn’t provide the comfort she expects.

Dana’s harrowing story and her return to small town life have rekindled police and media interest in the unsolved case of her childhood best friend, Casey Grant, who disappeared without a trace the summer after their graduation from high school. Terrified of truths long-buried, Dana reluctantly begins to look back at her past. Viewed through the dark filter of PTSD, old friends and loved ones become suspects and enemies. Questioning everything she knows, refusing to be defined by the traumas of her past and struggling against excruciating odds, Dana seeks out a truth that may prove too terrible to be believed…

My Review

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

I loved this book! It's the first Tami Hoag book I've read and it definitely won't be the last! This book was unlike anything I've ever read before. It's obviously a mystery and about a serial killer, but there were definitely times I laughed and I didn't expect that. Dana is an easy character to sympathize with immediately. She survived a horrific experience and it has completely changed the person she was. I can't begin to imagine what she went through. However, I really loved her new honesty. She had to relearn a lot of things, and obviously filtering her thoughts and words wasn't something she picked up! She was brutally honest, but some of the things she said were so funny. I wrote this quote down right when I read it: "I remember you now," Dana said dryly. "You were always full of shit." This seriously made me laugh out loud. Like I said, she's honest! And then there was John; I instantly felt sorry for him. He had a really crappy life growing up with an abusive father and it seemed that everything that could go wrong for him did. I didn't like Tim; there was something about him that annoyed me from the beginning, and Roger is fishy - I don't know what it is about him that I don't trust, but disliked him too! 

I really thought this was a highly original book, and I can't wait to get my hands on more of Hoag's work. For those of you who haven't read anything by her, I would recommend this in a heartbeat! And for those who have read her work, no questions asked, read this. There were many times I thought I had this story figured out, but then something would happen and I'd change my mind. Hoag is definitely good at what she does (: 

Stacking the Shelves 2.14.15

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews. Its all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether physical or virtual books. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course, ebooks! Tynga posts this meme on Saturdays, but you can post on any day that works best for you! Check out the guidelines by visiting Tynga's blog! 

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I received this beautiful ARC in the mail this week! Couldn't have been more excited when I came home to see it sitting on my doorstep! I have another book to read for my book club and probably another ARC that I should read first, but I'll be getting to this one as soon as I can!!! Can't wait!

If You Liked Anna and the French Kiss...

I'm always looking for book suggestions when I find something I really love. So I wanted to share with others books that I think are similar. I haven't read This Song Will Save Your Life, but I've heard such great things about it, and it's on my TBR list. Just a disclaimer, in this little series of "If You Liked This..." I'll be posting, I won't have read all of the books, but I've read a lot about them to think they're similar. I hope you all enjoy! I'm always open to suggestions, so if you think other books are similar to these, please comment!! 

Top Ten Tuesday 2.10.15

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the The Broke and the Bookish. Every week she posts an idea for a 'Top Ten' list relating to books, and encourages other book bloggers to respond and participate. All the details are listed on her site.

This week's question: Top ten likes and dislikes about romance in books.

Likes

1. The feels! There's so much going on all the time and I love it!

2. The chase. It's so fun reading about the couples growing relationship
3. Hot men. I mean come on... What's not to like?!
4. What the stories symbolize. There's so much hope and happiness in each story.
5. Shows people at their most vulnerable.

Dislikes

1. It's not real life!

2. People seriously don't meet so easily and fall in love so quickly now days (I've certainly never met any decent men at a grocery store!)

3. The huge fight/blow-up that always happens. I don't know many relationships like that, and I certainly didn't have that in mine, but we're still very much in love and very happy! I have a love/hate relationship with this -- I hate it, but I love the emotion that it brings to the story.
4. Love triangles. Again, this isn't THAT common in real life, is it??

Want to see more
1. What daily life is like. The stories are all about bigger events in a person's life, but that's not what life is always like. 
2. I want to see more after they fall in love and after they make-up or get married. Life isn't super easy after you get married; it's a lot of work and we never get to see that! 

[Review] His Million Dollar Risk by Robin Bielman

His Million Dollar Risk by Robin Bielman
Publisher: Entangled Indulgence
Publishing Date: Feb 9, 2015
Format: ARC, ebook
152 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

A sexy category novella from Entangled's Indulgence imprint.

Determined to make his latest preservation project on Route 66 a success, Connor Gibson will take any good press he can get. Even if it means spending a week with a reporter. And even if it’s one from a publication he has good reason to hate. Connor certainly isn’t expecting a spontaneous and undeniably attractive blonde who makes him seriously hot for the press...

Charlize Beckett is in deeeep trouble. This is her one chance to prove to her publisher dad that she's a serious journalist, even if she has to pretend she's someone else. Worse though, is trying to maintain any objectivity with the way too charming Connor. She can't help but get into all kinds of sexy trouble with him. But by going off the record, Charlie is putting both her reputation and her heart on the line...

My Review

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

This is another really great novella by Robin Bielman! I always look forward to reading what she has to write and can't wait to dive into them! This book was no exception. I started it last night at the gym (go figure) and when it was time to leave, I didn't want to! I wanted to keep reading! So I then came home and jumped in bed and finished it. 

Charlie is a fun character and I really like her personality. She seems so carefree, but at the same time, very serious about her work and what she wants to do in life. Connor on the other hand, seems so serious all the time. But thankfully, Charlie brings out the fun, playful side of him. I just couldn't put this book down till I finished it! Bielman's writing is really great and so easy to get sucked into. I highly recommend that you grab it as soon as you can. I'm highly anticipating another novel or novella by her! 

[Review] Yours At Midnight by Robin Bielman

Yours at Midnight by Robin Bielman 
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publishing date: Dec. 18, 2012
Format: ebook
161 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Lyric Whetsone only had eyes for Quinn Sobel's brother Oliver, until a car crash took Oliver's life on New Year's Eve. Then, a moment of shared grief between Quinn and Lyric became something more impassioned, something that frightened Quinn so much he ran from Lyric's bed and her life, disappearing for four long years. 

Now Quinn's back for another New Year's Eve, struggling for closure, desperate to leave his grief in the past and make amends with the girl of his dreams.

But Lyric has a secret—one that could drive Quinn from her life forever. Will Quinn run away from the love and acceptance he's always wanted... or will he claim his New Year's kiss and make her his at midnight? 

My Review 

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

This was a really fun, romantic novella! I really love reading Robin Bielman's work and I'm so honored that she gave me a copy of this novella to read in exchange for an honest review :) I always look forward to her stories because I know she's going to deliver. This one was no exception. Quinn and Lyric are made for each other. They grew up together with Quinn's twin brother Oliver, but when Oliver passed away, they grew didn't see each other for four years. Now Quinn is back and wants to make things right between them. Watching Quinn and Lyric reconnect and seeing the sparks fly was so much fun! I read this book in just a couple of hours because I couldn't put it down! Bielman always impresses me with her ability to keep you hooked until the very last page, and this story wasn't any different. I can't wait to read more of what she writes! 

January 2015 Wrap-Up

Another month come and gone! I can't believe it's already February. That means in one month my husband and I close on our house! We're so excited (: I can't wait to start all my DIY projects! I'm also in the process of upgrading my blog posts with more original graphics, so let me know what you think! 

Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner

Montana Actually by Fiona Lowe

Crash & Burn by Lisa Gardner

Can't Always Get What You Want by Chelsey Krause

Running on Empty by LB Simmons

Recovery by LB Simmons

Running in Place by LB Simmons

Sweet Surprise by Candis Terry

Wishlist Wednesday 1.7.15

Feature and Follow: Fun Collections

Feature and Follow: Doubles of Books

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Audiobooks

Happy New Year! Resolutions Pt 1

Happy New Year! Resolutions Pt 2

2015 Reading Challenge

Promo Tour: Dangerous by Patricia Rosemoor

2015 First Reads Challenge

[Review] Suspicion by Joseph Finder

Suspicion by Joseph Finder
Publisher: Dutton
Publishing Date: May 27, 2014
Format: Hardocover, ARC
387 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

When single father Danny Goodman suddenly finds himself unable to afford the private school his teenage daughter adores, he has no one to turn to for financial support.

In what seems like a stroke of brilliant luck, Danny meets Thomas Galvin, the father of his daughter’s new best friend, who also happens to be one of the wealthiest men in Boston. Galvin is aware of Danny’s situation and out of the blue offers a $50,000 loan to help Danny cover his daughter’s tuition. Uncomfortable but desperate, Danny takes the money, promising to pay Galvin back.

What transpires is something Danny never imagined. The moment the money is wired into his account, the DEA comes knocking on his door. Danny’s impossible choice: an indictment for accepting drug money that he can’t afford to fight in court, or an unthinkably treacherous undercover assignment helping the government get close to his new family friend.

As Danny begins to lie to everyone in his life, including those he loves most in the world, he must decide once and for all who the real enemy is or risk losing everything—and everyone—that matters to him.

My Review

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

I was really excited to start this book because it sounded so good. A single dad whose trying to keep a stable life for his daughter ends up getting involved with the wrong group of people. This was a really good, fast-paced book! I found myself wanting to skip ahead just to find out what happens! But I paced myself and was completely drawn into the story. I kept wondering what was going to happen to Danny? What is going on with Galvin? Is Danny's daughter going to be in trouble? So many things to think about while reading this one. This is the first Joseph Finder book I've read and I really enjoyed it. I liked his writing style and really felt for the characters. Danny was someone you could like instantly and I felt really bad for him. I was always rooting for him though! Sure, someone offering you $50,000 out of the blue, without really knowing him that well, is a little suspicious, but if you're a parent, you probably want to do anything and everything to help your children. So while I'd be hesitant, I might take that money if I were really desperate too. Just gives you one more thing to think about while reading this enthralling story. 

Stacking the Shelves 2.7.15

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews. Its all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether physical or virtual books. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course, ebooks! Tynga posts this meme on Saturdays, but you can post on any day that works best for you! Check out the guidelines by visiting Tynga's blog! 

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This is a great new ARC I just received in the mail! I love coming home to books on my doorstep, especially ARCs! I just started a different ARC and I have to read a book for my book club, but I'm hoping to get to this soon :) 

The Stranger by Harlan Coben

Synopsis: In The Stranger, married parents Adam and Hannah confront the shocking secret on which their marriage is built—leaving Adam wondering whether he ever truly knew Hannah at all. 

Books to Movies!! January - June 2015

There are so many movies coming out this year that are based on books! My TBR list keeps growing and growing. So I decided to preview some of these books and movies for the rest of you to see! I've read some of these books, but these are the movies I'm most excited for. I'll definitely be reading the books before I see the movies. I have to break this segment into a couple different ones because there are so many good books-to-movies coming out :) This certainly isn't an exclusive list, but the first ones I've found/remembered.

1.   2. 3. 

4.  5.  6. 

7. 

1. Still Alice by Lisa Genova 

• What it's about: A women is diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer's and has to learn to cope with her life and her family
• Starring: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart and Kate Bosworth
• Releasing: Jan. 16

2. Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern

• What it's about: Childhood best friends Alex and Rosie are separated as teenagers when Alex's family moves from Ireland to America. Rosie feels lost and plans to join him in Boston, but a surprise pregnancy keeps her tied to Ireland, and they struggle to navigate true love.
• Starring: Lilly Collins, Sam Claflin
• Releasing: Feb 6

3. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

• What it's about: Bianca Piper is somewhat of an outcast, but she has a gorgeous group of loyal friends to keep her company. When man-whore Wesley Rush calls her the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend), Bianca adds him to the top of her enemy list. But when things turn bad at home, she develops a friends-with-benefits relationship with him, and worse, falls for him the more they hang out. The movie is reminiscent of a modern She’s All That.
• Starring: Mae Whitman, Bella Thorne, Allison Janey, Robbie Amell
• Releasing: Feb 20

4. Insurgent by Veronica Roth 

• What it's about: In Roth's follow-up to Divergent, Tris and Four leave the crumbling Dauntless and seek help to get to the bottom of what's going on in their dystopian society.
• Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James
• Releasing: March 20

5. The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

• What it's about: The love stories of two couples — an elderly one and a young one — are intertwined in a North Carolina setting.
• Starring: Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson
• Releasing: April 10

6. Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

• What it's about: A young woman named Bathsheba Everdene has to deal with the difficult, sometimes tragic consequences of being in relationships with three different suitors at the same time.
• Starring: Carrey Mulligan, Tom Sturridge, Matthias Schoenaerts 
• Releasing: May 1

7. Paper Towns by John Green 

• What it's about: Margo Roth Spiegelman, the unattainable girl next door, convinces Quentin to embark on a journey of revenge, but come the next morning, Margo has gone missing and has left clues for Q. He and his friends go on a road trip in search of M, unsure if they will find her dead or alive. 
• Starring: Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff
• Releasing: June 19

GIVEAWAY [Review] Worth the Risk by Claudia Connor

Worth the Risk
The McKinney Brothers # 2

By: Claudia Connor

Released Feb 3^rd, 2015

Loveswept

Synopsis 

When a McKinney brother falls in love, powerful emotion and overwhelming desire are never far behind.

Two hearts locked away . . . Hannah Walker spends her days coaching children through injury and trauma, one therapeutic horseback ride at a time. She knows all too well how violence can change a child and leave scars that never heal. It’s easy for her to relate to the kids; what isn’t easy is the thought of facing her own harrowing past.

Millionaire playboy Stephen McKinney could use a little coaching himself. Five years ago he encountered his most horrible nightmare—and the nightmare won. No matter what he achieves, nothing can make up for that awful night . . . or so he believes.

Both desperate for a second chance . . . Stephen is used to getting what he wants. And he wants Hannah. So when she turns him down, he’s intrigued. What he doesn’t know is that her secrets will lead him to a place he never wanted to go again . . . to a side of himself he’s tried to forget . . . a side that would scare Hannah away from ever loving him. Now his only chance to win her trust is to bare his soul, risking everything he tried so hard to protect.

Link to Follow Tour:  

http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/11/worth-risk-mckinney-brothers-2-by.html

Goodreads Link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22747252-worth-the-risk?from_search=true

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

My Review

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

I hadn't read the first book in this series, Worth the Fall, but I don't think I needed to. Yes, the guys are part of the same family, but the stories are very separate. I really love how Stephen and Hannah meet; in the grocery store! It's super cute, but let's face it, not that common in real life! At least, not in my life before I met my husband! I never saw cute guys in the grocery store! haha Ok, back to the book. 

This one really hit home for me. Both Stephen and Hannah have had some really awful things happen to them, which unfortunately I can relate to. I don't want to say too much about what happened but my cousin died when I was 10, in a similar way to some of what these characters experienced. So I related to them both right away. And I absolutely LOVE horses so the fact that Hannah works with them is amazing! I had horses growing up and there's a place near where I live that does therapy with kids with autism that I've always thought about volunteering at. This was just a really great book to read, and I definitely recommend it! I really want to go back and read Worth the Fall now! :) I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us! 

About the Author

Claudia Connor is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of heartfelt contemporary romance. Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and masters degrees in early childhood education, and completed her studies in Sawbridgeworth, England. Always a lover of happy endings, she enjoys movies, reading, and travel, but spends most of her time typing out the love stories of the almost real people that live in her head. Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and three daughters.

Author Links:  Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

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