[Mini Review] Crazy About Love by Cassie Mae

Crazy About Love by Cassie Mae
Series: All About Love, #3
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: June 14, 2016
Format: ebook, ARC
270 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Single again on Valentine’s Day, struggling actor Alec Tucker agrees to help out his longtime friend—and unrequited love—Theresa Jones by filling in as one of the bachelors for her company’s charity auction. Alec figures it couldn’t hurt to meet someone new. Still, working with Theresa reminds him of all the reasons he never got over her. So it feels a little bittersweet when, out of nowhere, a beautiful young street artist buys a date with him for a whopping four grand.

Little does he know, Theresa’s had a major change of heart. She’s crushed when someone else wins a date with Alec—but she isn’t going down without a fight. After a pep talk from her best friend, Theresa makes a desperate move that goes against her better judgment . . . and things only get crazier from there. But with Alec ready to move on and Theresa afraid she’s pushed him away for good, maybe a little crazy is exactly what they need—before they both miss their shot. 

My Mini Review

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

This was a cute, quirky book that I enjoyed reading. I haven't ready anything else by Cassie Mae (aka Becca Ann) and I'm glad my first glimpse was this book. I really love books where friends become more, especially if they've been pining for each other for a while! One thing I did think was a little weird is how Theresa followed Alec on his date. I really wish she would have told him how she felt about him, especially since she had an idea that he felt the same way. But this is also what made the book quirky and fun. All in all, I thought this was a cute book and I'd recommend it to my friends!

[Review] The Asset by Anna del Mar

The Asset by Anna del Mar
Series: Wounded Warrior, #1
Publisher: Carina Press
Publishing Date: Feb. 22, 2016
Format: ebook, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Ash Hunter knows what it is to run. A SEAL gravely injured in Afghanistan, he’s gone AWOL from the military hospital. Physically and mentally scarred, he returns home to his grandmother’s isolated cottage—and finds a beautiful, haunted stranger inside.

Like recognizes like.

Lia Stewart’s in hiding from the cartel she barely escaped alive, holed up in this small Rocky Mountain town. Surviving, but only just. Helping the wounded warrior on her doorstep is the right thing to do…it’s loving him that might get them both killed.

Soon, Ash realizes he’s not the only one tormented by the past. Pushing the limits of his broken body, testing the boundaries of her shattered soul, he’ll protect Lia until his last breath.

My Review

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

This book was really fast-paced! I swear, from the minute I picked it up, things were always happening. Rarely was there any down time and it really fit the style of the story. I liked that it was fast moving and there wasn't a ton of detail about things that didn't really matter. When Lia and Ash meet, Lia is very hesitant to talk to him, much less let him in her house. And let me tell you, she's got good reason not to trust anyone. But once she realizes that he is a former friend's grandson, she takes a chance and decides to help him. As time goes on, they work with each other to get better, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Everything comes to head at the end of the book when Lia's worst nightmare comes to life, and this time she has Ash to worry about as well. 

This is the first book I've read by del Mar and I really enjoyed it. I really liked both Ash and Lia and it was interesting to see how they interacted with each other. I thought it was really cute that Lia is such a lost and broken person, and she takes in stray animals who are injured and have no where else to go. Overall, a really good book; I enjoyed reading it. 

[Review] Falling for Her Bachelor by Robin Bielman

Falling for Her Bachelor by Robin Bielman
Series: Bachelor Auction, #2
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Publishing Date: April 12, 2016
Format: ebook, ARC
141 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

When Navy firefighter Nick Palotay returns to Marietta to go on the bachelor auction block for a good cause, he expects it to be risk free. But when he needs someone safe to bid on him and his sister’s best friend is coaxed into stepping up, Nick isn’t prepared for the effect Cassidy has on him. She sends his mind to all kinds of dirty places…places his battered heart can’t afford.

Freelance photographer Cassidy Ware is in waaay over her head. She’s always been Nick’s other little sister, but she’s all grown up now and just a glance from him leaves her hot and bothered. Still, she can stay immune to his charms and keep him at an emotional distance because she’s got an agenda, too. She’ll help the too-handsome Nick with his charitable deed, and, in return, he’ll help her keep an unwelcome suitor at bay.

A deal’s a deal, but when their “business transaction” turns into more pleasure than duty, can they walk away from each other without losing what matters most?

My Review

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

I've been a big fan of Robin Bielman's work for a while now and I love opening my email to find another one is on its way! This book was a really cute, fun, steamy book that I couldn't put down. I read it in one day! I really love the trope of a woman falling for her best friend's older brother and this one didn't disappoint. And seriously, a bachelor auction?! Sign me up! (But don't tell my husband ;) haha) It's so fun how Nick wants to protect Cassidy because growing up she was like another annoying little sister. But once they spend the weekend together, things quickly change between them. Both Nick and Cassidy were a little broken when they saw each other after many years apart and together, they learn to heal. I love that Nick brought out Cassidy's adventurous side and Cassidy teaches him how to let go of his past, just enough to look forward to the future. 

This book absolutely had me hooked from the very first page, just like Bielman's work always does! She definitely knows what she's doing and I cannot wait to read everything else she has!  I love when a book can keep me hooked enough to read it in one day. I struggled to put this down, even when my husband was calling me for dinner! If anyone is looking for a quick, sexy read, don't pass this one up! Seriously, it's so good!

[Mini Review] Welcome Home, Cowboy by Annie Rains

Welcome Home, Cowboy by Annie Rains
Series: Hero's Welcome, #2
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing date: April 26, 2016
Format: ebook, ARC
261 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

With its thriving military base, Seaside, North Carolina, is teeming with heroes of all stripes. But, as the Hero's Welcome series from Annie Rains continues, it takes a cowboy to rescue the town's newest resident from heartache.

After a bad breakup leaves Julie Chandler completely devastated, she comes to Seaside seeking a fresh start. A talented, compassionate yoga teacher, she has developed a program to help alleviate the effects of PTSD, but getting a bunch of bullheaded Marines into downward facing dog might be impossible. So Julie's shocked when one of her first students dives in headfirst—and almost tempts her to take down her walls with his easy smile and electrifying touch.

Ever since Texas cowboy turned Marine pilot Lawson Phillips lost a crew member in a helicopter accident, he hasn't been able to fly. When a psychologist orders him to attend, of all things, a yoga class, Lawson's outraged—until he finds out Julie is the instructor. She's beautiful, graceful, and completely guarded when it comes to his advances, but he's determined to find out what makes her tick. Because underneath Julie's hard shell is a woman Lawson knows he could fall for—and he's not ready for the ride to end.

My Review

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

This was a fun, cute book to read and was exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up. If you follow my blog at all, you know that I LOVE romances. They always pull at my heartstrings and make me feel so many emotions. I love the ups and downs, being able to connect with characters, and connecting with their love story as well. 

While this is the second book in the series, I don't think you need to read the first to love the second. I haven't read the first one in the series and I never felt like I was missing something or couldn't connect with the characters. Because while it's part of a series, it's also a great standalone book. Julie and Lawson were really fun characters to get to know. They've both been through a lot of heartache, but have come out as stronger people. I thought the yoga aspect of this story was really fun and unique. I've tried yoga a few times and I really enjoy it, but I haven't stuck with it enough to get the full effects of it. However, I do agree that it can be a great stress reliever and help people in so many different ways. I also really loved the supporting characters in this book and thought they added a lot to the storyline. Overall, this was a good book and I can't wait to read what else Rains has. I also am tempted to go back and read the first in this series that I missed. 

[Review] Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson 
Publisher: Speak
Publishing Date: 1999
198 Pages
Format: paperback
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 2 stars

Synopsis

Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't even know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth. This extraordinary first novel has captured the imaginations of teenagers and adults across the country, written by a lovely author who promotes white-guilt in her free time.

My Review

I'm struggling with this one. On the one hand, I liked the book. But on the other hand, I didn't love it, and I wouldn't read it again. I think I might have had too high of hopes for this one. I had heard good things about this and I was really excited to read it. But from the beginning when I picked it up, I couldn't connect with the characters that much. Don't get me wrong, liked Melinda, but didn't connect with her than much. I also didn't find this book funny like some other reviewers say. To me, it was a very serious book with a lot of difficult issues to tackle. I think the author did a good job with the issues, but it wasn't amazing to me like I was hoping it would be. 

[Review] Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay, #2
Publisher: Speak
Publishing Date: April 17, 2012
Format: paperback
264 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 4.5 stars

Synopsis 

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

My Review

I really, really liked this book! I read If I Stay a while ago and really wanted to read this one right away, but it took my a while to find a copy (I generally only buy used ones when they're on sale otherwise I'd be broke!) I actually didn't know it was from Adam's point of view until I started reading it. I hadn't read the synopsis because I just knew it was a sequel to the first and wanted to read it. 

I have to say, I really loved reading this from Adam's perspective. I thought it was a really unique way to continue the story and it was great to find out what he was thinking. Plus I connected with him right away and loved his character. My heart just broke for him throughout this book; really, it broke for both him and Mia. So many feels in this one! We watch as Adam struggles with his life as a "rock star" and how it's not as perfect as it may seem to outsiders. Meanwhile, Mia is being treated with kid gloves after losing her parents and little brother in an accident. But Mia definitely seems to be coping better than Adam is. Sometimes I'm not sure how his bandmates put up with him for so long! But one night brings Adam and Mia together again after 3 years apart and they both figure out what they really want for their futures. 

Seriously, this book has so many feels! I started it yesterday and finished today. I couldn't read it fast enough and I was hard pressed to put it down last night before bed. If you haven't read this series, I highly suggest you do so! I really can't wait to read what else Forman has written. I'm a little slow to her scene, but I plan to read them all soon! 

[Mini Review] The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris

The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris
Series: The Fine of Art of Pretending, #2
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Publishing Date: April 5, 2016
Format: ebook, ARC
255 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

One class assignment. One second chance at love. The school player is all in. Now he needs to win back the sweet commitment girl who's forever owned his heart. 

Justin Carter has a secret. He's not the total player Fairfield Academy believes him to be. Not really. In fact, he used to be a one-woman guy...and his feelings for her never went away. Too bad he broke her heart three years ago and made sure to ruin any chance she'd ever forgive him. 

Peyton Williams is a liar. She pretends to be whole, counting down the days until graduation and helping her parents at the family ranch. But the truth is, she's done everything she can to get over Justin, and salvation is just around the corner. With graduation one short month away, she'll soon break free from the painful memories and start her life fresh. Of course, she has to get through working with him on one last assignment first. 

For Justin, nothing ever felt as right as being with Peyton, and now that fate's given him a shot at redemption, he's determined to make the most of it. And for Peyton...well, Justin Carter has always been her kryptonite.

My Mini Review

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

I really liked this book. I thought it was a cute story and a second chance at love for these two. Justin and Peyton have a bit of a history that no one really knows anything about. But in their senior year of high school, they're paired together for a project. No better way to get these two talking again! I really loved when this happened and it forced both of them to figure out what they wanted and how to resolve their pasts. It was fun to watch these two get to know each other again. I have to say, this won't be the last Rachel Harris book I read! I think she's a great storyteller and I can't wait to find out what else she has. I also really want to go back and read the first book in this series.