[Review] *Blog Tour* Sweet Cowboy Christmas by Candis Terry

Sweet Cowboy Christmas 

Sweet, Texas #3.5 

by Candis Terry

Released Nov 25, 2014

Avon Impulse

Synopsis 

Mistletoe, holly, and cowboys, oh my! Christmas in Texas has never been sweeter.

Years ago, Chase Morgan traded in his dusty cowboy boots for the shimmering lights of New York City and a fast track up the corporate ladder. But when his shiny life is turned on end just in time for Christmas, Chase knows he needs to reevaluate even if that means going home to Texas to endure his least favorite holiday.

When Mr. Tall, Dark, and Smoking Hot walks through her door at the Magic Box Guest Ranch, Faith Walker sees just another handsome, rich exec looking to play cowboy for a week-at her expense. She’s sure the grumpy, but sexy as hell Scrooge will put a crimp in her holly jolly plans. Until a sizzling kiss has her seeing him in a new light.

Chase is haunted by secrets, and even though it goes entirely against her “hands off the guests” rule Faith is tempted to help him leave the past behind. As the magic of the season swirls around them, she is determined to succeed because now she is certain one sweet, cowboy Christmas will never be enough.

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/10/sweet-cowboy-christmas-sweet-texas-35.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22552585-sweet-cowboy-christmas?from_search=true

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes | iTunes | Kobo

My Review

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

I seriously love this series and all of Candis Terry's work! Her books are so fun, sweet and full of romance; I just can't get enough! That was no different in this book. I never used to be a huge fan of novellas or short stories, but the more I read, the more I enjoy them. Yes, I still think they're too short and I'd love to read more about these characters, but they work out well and there aren't loose ends hanging around. Faith and Chase are a really cute couple. You can tell there's instant attraction between them, but not instant love, which makes me happy! This story felt genuine and complete. I would absolutely have loved to have a full length novel about them because I liked these two characters, but like I said, I still really enjoyed this one! I also wish the Wilder brothers would have been in here more than a passing mention.... but Chase seems pretty darn hot as well! :) 

About the Author

Candis Terry was born and raised near the sunny beaches of Southern California and now makes her home on an Idaho farm. She’s experienced life in such diverse ways as working in a Hollywood recording studio to chasing down wayward steers. Only one thing has remained the same: her passion for writing stories about relationships, the push and pull in the search for love, and the security one finds in their own happily ever after.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Rafflecopter Giveaway 

(Grand Prize: Print or Digital Set of SWEET, TEXAS Series (Bks 1-3) 

and $25.00 Amazon Gift Card)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

[Review] Garrett by Sawyer Bennett

Garrett by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Cold Fury Hockey, #2
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: Feb 17, 2015
Format: ARC, ebook
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Carolina Cold Fury star Garrett Samuelson never wants to miss out on a single minute of fun. Whether he’s playing hockey, hanging out with friends, or walking the red carpet with a new date on his arm, he lives every day to the fullest. When he meets Olivia Case, he sees someone who’s exactly his type—confident, sexy, smart . . . his next fling. But the more he pursues her, the more Garrett shares a side of himself that other women don’t normally get to see.

Olivia has been keeping a secret. While Garrett lives for the next thrill, Olivia’s not sure she’ll live to see the next day. She’s undergoing treatment for some serious medical issues, and she doesn’t have time for a relationship with no guarantees—especially one with a hot-as-sin womanizer who won’t take no for an answer. But as she gets to know the real Garrett, Olivia can’t help falling for him . . . hard. To reveal the truth would mean risking everything—but you can’t score without taking the tough shots.

My Review

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

Ok. I'm a huge hockey fan. I grew up watching my brother play for over 15 years. Best way to get to my heart from a romance novel? Add some sexy hockey players! Sawyer Bennett knew exactly what to do to make her readers fall in love with these characters. I loved Alex and Sutton (totally off topic, but I love that name!!), and I couldn't wait to get a copy of Garrett's story! I was so excited when I saw it on Netgalley and stopped what I was reading just to download this and start!

This book sucked me and and swept me away. I was immediately hooked by Olivia and Garrett's story and didn't want to put it down. You could feel the attraction and heat leaping off the pages. But besides just that, they had a really good connection. Olivia was able to teach Garrett how to trust and love, and Garrett really showed Olivia how to have fun, let go a little bit. If there are any more single Cold Fury players out there, I want their story!! :) I really want to name names about who would be a great story, but I can't without spoiling things! Ahh! I just can't get enough of this series or Ms. Bennett's work! If you haven't read her books yet, do it now! 

Others in the Series

My review here!

[Review] Somebody Like You by Candis Terry

Somebody Like You by Candis Terry
Series: Sugar Shack, #3
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Publishing Date: July 17, 2012
Format: paperback, won
368 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Welcome Back to the Sugar Shack. 

Straitlaced . . . Chicago prosecutor Kelly Silverthorne has a perfect record in the courtroom and a big fat zero in the bedroom. When she loses her first case ever, she returns home to Deer Lick, Montana, to regain her confidence and shake off the "Sister Serious" moniker she's been stuck with since childhood. Only a few hours into her repentance, karma thrusts her face-to-face with yet another of her major fiascos—a one-night stand with the hottest cop in the county.

Rebel with a Cause . . . Deputy James Harley has always played with fire. When smart and sexy Kelly pops back into his life, he doesn't mind going for a full burn. And that might be exactly what happens when his past threatens to catch up with his future.

A Match Made in . . . Heaven only knows what Kelly's dearly departed mom has planned from the other side—especially since she's already meddled in Kelly's siblings' love lives. But even heaven knows that when love comes knocking, there's no stopping the good things to come.

My Review

So, I don't really like reading books in a series out of order, even if they don't necessarily need to be, but I still feel like it's spoiling something. The Sugar Shack series doesn't necessarily need to be read in order because each book involves a different sibling as the main focus. So because of that, I decided to read Somebody Like You, the third in this series! I still need to read the second, Dean's story, but I just couldn't wait until I got it to read more about this family! 

Can Candis Terry do any wrong in her writing?! I seriously love her stories and this one is no different! I immediately identified with Kelly whose a lawyer working as a State prosecutor, but after a tough case, she doesn't know if she wants to go back. I graduated from law school in 2013 and practiced as an attorney for a little over a year. But I soon learned I didn't enjoy the work I was doing. Sure, there were cases that I was happy to work on and felt like I was helping, but there were so many that didn't feel like I was making a difference. So I left the practice and though I'm still working in the legal field, I'm not a practicing attorney and its a completely different area of law. I might go back one day, but right now, I love my job. And that's what Kelly finds; you do something other than what might be expected of you, especially if it's something that makes you happy! And Deputy James Harley... again, a man in uniform is hot! :) He has so many inner demons he's battling, but Kelly brings out the best in him. And in turn, he brings out Kelly's fun side and challenges her to do something different, find her hidden talent. 

These two couldn't be more perfect for each other and I loved watching their relationship grow. I also really liked getting to know Alex, James' younger brother. They have a difficult relationship but Kelly really helps them work through it. This book is really well written and I can't wait to read more of her work. Hopefully I can get Any Given Christmas, Dean's story, soon! Can't wait to finish this series! I'm also really, really looking forward to the rest of Terry's Sweet, Texas novels. If you haven't read her work yet, what are you waiting for?!

Other Books in This Series

[Review] Second Chance at the Sugar Shack by Candis Terry

Second Chance at the Sugar Shack by Candis Terry
Series: Sugar Shack #1
Publisher: Avon Books
Publishing Date: August 9, 2011
Format: paperback, won
336 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Kate Silver’s back in town, and her dead mother just won’t leave her alone.

Kate usually spends her days dressing Hollywood A-listers, but after her estranged mother dies she finds herself elbow-deep in flour in her parents’ bakery . . . in Deer Lick, Montana. She thought she’d left small-town life far, far behind, but it seems there are a few loose ends.

The boy she once loved, Deputy Matt Ryan, is single and sexy and still has a thing for her . . . and handcuffs.

Her mother, who won’t follow the white light, is determined to give maternal advice from beyond the grave.

And somehow Kate’s three-day stay has, well . . . extended. She never planned to fill her mother’s pie-baking shoes—she prefers her Choos, thank you very much. But with the help of a certain man in uniform, Kate quickly learns that sometimes second chances are all the more sweet.

My Review

I read this book in one day and absolutely loved it! I was first introduced to Candis Terry when I was part of a tour for Sweetest Mistake, her Sweet, Texas series. I entered a giveaway and was lucky enough to win the first two books in that series, as well as Second Chance and Somebody Like You, book 3 in the Sugar Shack series. 

I didn't really know what this book was about when I first started reading it, but knew how much I loved her other series and I had won it, so I wanted to see what it was all about! After I started reading, I read the synopsis on the back of the book - a little out of order, since most people do that first (: When I read that Kate's dead mother talks to her... well... I wasn't sure what to expect! That being said, I immediately fell in love with the characters and Deer Lick, Montana. I'm a sucker for small country towns and this one seemed really sweet. 

Kate was an easy character to like. She's worked hard for her career and lifestyle. She had some troubles with her mom growing up, and her death brought out some unresolved issues. Regardless of how anyone feels about the afterlife in real life, in this story, Kate was able to come to terms with her mom's death and the events of the past 10 years. And Deputy Matt Ryan? Who doesn't love a man in uniform?? He's a hunk - no other way to put it - tall, dark, and handsome with ice blue eyes. On top of that, he's a sweet guy! Once we learn about his history with Kate, his actions make sense and we root for their relationship to work out. 

Candis Terry is definitely an author that's going to stay on my list of must-reads! I've loved the Sweet, Texas books that have been released so far, and after this one, I can't wait to continue reading the series! I was going to try not to buy any more books this year, just to get through my never-ending TBR pile, but I must get my hands on Any Given Christmas, the second book in this series. If you like romance, read this!! I'm going to be recommending it to everyone!

Other Books in this Series

If you liked this book, try these... 
(my reviews listed below)

Anything But Sweet
Kissing the Maid of Honor 
Best Fake Day

[Review] Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderrly Books
Publishing Date: Oct 1, 2004
Format: Audio CD
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

In Crank, Ellen Hopkins chronicles the turbulent and often disturbing relationship between Kristina, a character based on her own daughter, and the "monster," the highly addictive drug crystal meth, or "crank." Kristina is introduced to the drug while visiting her largely absent and ne'er-do-well father. While under the influence of the monster, Kristina discovers her sexy alter-ego, Bree: "there is no perfect daughter, / no gifted high school junior, / no Kristina Georgia Snow. / There is only Bree." Bree will do all the things good girl Kristina won't, including attracting the attention of dangerous boys who can provide her with a steady flow of crank.

My Review

I finally read a book by Ellen Hopkins! I've heard really good things about her novels, and have always wanted to read one. I borrowed the audio version of Crank from my library and listened to it while I was traveling through Italy and Greece on my honeymoon. I really prefer to read books as opposed to listening to them, but I enjoyed listening to this time. 

Kristina, aka Bree, seems like a pretty typical teenager when the book starts. She doesn't really know her dad, though she's got a fairytale image of him in her mind. She begs her mom to let her visit him, and when she does, her life changes forever. She meets a boy who introduces her to crystal meth, or crank as its sometimes known on the streets. Pretty soon, she's spiraling out of control and will do anything to get her hands on more. And while I've never done drugs, or been tempted to, its not impossible to identify with Kristina as a character. 

I've read some reviews of this book (after I finished it) of people who didn't like it because they couldn't identify with Kristina because she uses drugs and "had no reason to." One reviewer even said Kristina had a good life, so she had no reason to start; things weren't that bad for her besides a crappy dad. That makes it seem like a person can only do drugs because they have a crappy life. What about people who have everything they could possibly need and want and a great family? Are they 'not allowed' to do drugs because they have a good life? Or if someone has a crappy home life, they should be the ones doing drugs? I don't condone doing/taking drugs by any means, and I don't think its an answer to anything, but I don't think you can say one person has more of a right to start doing drugs that someone else. Does that make sense? It does in my head, but maybe not one I wrote it. 

I wasn't surprised by some of the things that happened in this book simply because of the content. But it still made me really sad listening to it, and I just wanted to help Kristina so much. The ending, however, was a bit of a surprise to me. I can't talk about it too much because it would definitely have some spoilers, but it was just surprising! 

I'm really glad I was finally able to read a book by Hopkins. I think she wrote this story beautifully, and I can't wait to read more! Glass is the next book in the series, followed by Fallout. I actually didn't know much about this book when I started it, and I didn't know it was a series until just a few minutes ago! Definitely going to grab the next two as soon as I can! I want to know what happens in Kristina's life! 

Other Books In This Series

August 2014 Wrap-Up

I can't believe August is over already! Where did the summer go? I feel like everyone is saying that these days and it's true - it's over with so quickly! I swear, the older I get, the fast time seems to fly by! Bring on the fall season! (:

This past month was pretty busy for me outside of blogging, so unfortunately I didn't get as many books done as I would have liked and didn't create many blog posts, but that happens sometimes. I'm sure once my wedding is over (its next month already! eek!), I'll have a little more time do work on my blog and read (:

August Reviews

The Goodbye Summer by Patricia Gaffney

How Do I Love Thee by Lurlene McDaniel

Leaving Home: Short Pieces by Jodi Picoult

Keeping Mr. Right by Robin Bielman

Time and Again by Nora Roberts

Now You See Her by James Patterson

One For the Money by Janet Evanovich

Other Posts

Feature and Follow Friday

What is the biggest city you live near (or interesting landmark)?

Stacking the Shelves

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten books (and authors) I'd recommend to those who haven't read mysteries.

Feature and Follow Friday: Favorite social media

*Book Blast* The Graham Sage by Anna Belfrage

*Blog Tour* Keeping Mr. Right Now by Robin Bielman

2014 Challenge Updates

I'm slowly working on completing these challenges! It's much more difficult than I was anticipating, but I think that's because of all the things that have come up in my personal life this year. There have been a few months that I've done really well, and other months...not so much. But I've decided that I don't necessarily need to do the exact challenge every month and its more about broadening my reading horizons and trying new things, so that's ultimately what matters to me (: 

Jumble Your Genres 

2014 Monthly Motif Challenge 

2014 Monthly Keyword Challenge

First Reads Challenge 

2014 TBR Pile Challenge

2014 Series Challenge

[Review] One For the Money by Janet Evanovich

One For the Money by Janet Evanovich
Publisher:
Publishing Date:
Format: paperback, purchased
Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

ONE FINE MESS

Welcome to Trenton, New Jersey, home to wiseguys, average Joes, and Stephanie Plum, who sports a big attitude and even bigger money problems (since losing her job as a lingerie buyer for a department store). Stephanie needs cash—fast—but times are tough, and soon she’s forced to turn to the last resort of the truly desperate: family...

ONE FALSE MOVE

Stephanie lands a gig at her sleazy cousin Vinnie’s bail bonding company. She’s got no experience. But that doesn’t matter. Neither does the fact that the bail jumper in question is local vice cop Joe Morelli. From the time he first looked up her dress to the time he first got into her pants, to the time Steph hit him with her father’s Buick, M-o-r-e-l-l-i has spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e. And now the hot guy is in hot water—wanted for murder...

ONE FOR THE MONEY

Abject poverty is a great motivator for learning new skills, but being trained in the school of hard knocks by people like psycho prizefighter Benito Ramirez isn’t. Still, if Stephanie can nab Morelli in a week, she’ll make a cool ten grand. All she has to do is become an expert bounty hunter overnight—and keep herself from getting killed before she gets her man...

My Review 

This is the first Evanovich book I've read and it won't be the last! This book had been sitting on my shelves for quite a while, and I really wanted to read something from my acquired-before-2014-TBR list, so I grabbed this one. 

One For the Money is a fast-paced mystery with a touch of comedy. Stephanie Plum isn't your average bounty hunter, and she only picks up the job because she's recently out of work and low on money. As she becomes more involved in finding the suspects, she realizes this isn't as easy as she though. On top of that, she's pissed off a very prominent professional boxer, and he's out for her life. I've never read a book that's both a mystery and a comedy, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But it turns out Evanovich does a really great job balancing all aspects. The comedic parts don't take away from the mystery, which I really appreciated. I can't wait to keep reading this series and learning more about Stephanie Plum and Joe Morelli! 

[Review] 7th Heaven by James Patterson

7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro 
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date: Dec. 1, 2009
Format: paperback, purchased
400 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

A terrible fire in a wealthy suburban home leaves a married couple dead and Detective Lindsay Boxer and her partner Rich Conklin searching for clues. And after California's golden boy, Michael Campion has been missing for a month, there finally seems to be a lead in his case--a very devastating lead.

As fire after fire consume couples in wealthy, comfortable homes, Lindsay and the Murder Club must race to find the arsonists responsible and get to the bottom of Michael Campion's disappearance. But suddenly the fires are raging too close to home.

Frightened for her life and torn between two men, Lindsay must find a way to solve the most daunting dilemmas she's ever faced--at work and at home.

My Review

I really love this series and it keeps getting better with each one! In my mind, James Patterson can rarely go wrong in his storytelling. There's always something new going on in his work and twists and turns that I never expected. I especially love following the lives of Lindsay Boxer and her friends, Yuki, Claire, and Cindy. They all bring so much to the story and their characters are really well developed. 

7th Heaven is a fast paced story that sucked me in from the first page. California's golden boy has gone missing and the police don't have any leads... until an anonymous tip comes it. It sets off a whirlwind investigation and trial that keeps you on the edge of your seat. On top of all that, there's mysterious fires that are killing innocent families. What I loved about this book was that every couple chapters we read from Pidge and Hawk's point of view - and they're the ones setting the fires! It's not easy to figure out who they are or if they have any connection to the Michael Campion disappearance, but its sure interesting to try to find out! I highly recommend not only this book, but this entire series as well! 

[Review] Love You More by Lisa Gardner

Love You More by Lisa Gardner
Series: Detective D.D. Warren, #5
Publisher: Bantam
Publishing Date: Feb. 28, 2012
Format: paperback, purchased
412 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

WHO DO YOU LOVE?

Brian Darby lies dead on the kitchen floor. His wife, state police trooper Tessa Leoni, claims to have shot him in self-defense, and bears the bruises to back up her tale. For veteran detective D. D. Warren it should be an open-and-shut case. But where is their six-year-old daughter? 

AND HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO . . .

As the homicide investigation ratchets into a frantic statewide search for a missing child, D. D. Warren must partner with former lover Bobby Dodge to break through the blue wall of police brotherhood, seeking to understand the inner workings of a trooper's mind while also unearthing family secrets. Would a trained police officer truly shoot her own husband? And would a mother harm her own child? 

. . . TO SAVE HER?

For Tessa Leoni, the worst has not yet happened. She is walking a tightrope, with nowhere to turn and no one to trust. She has one goal in sight, and she will use every ounce of her training to do what must be done. No sacrifice is too great, no action unthinkable. A mother knows who she loves. And all others will be made to pay.

My Review

Lisa Gardner is an amazing storyteller and I love reading her books. I didn't realize that this book was part of a series, and I don't believe I've read them in order, but it doesn't seem to matter too much. It reminds me of James Patterson's Women's Murder Club books - yes, they're a series, and it helps to read them in order, but its not completely necessary and things aren't hard to figure out as you're reading it. 

This was a very fast-paced book that I had a hard time putting down. I constantly wanted to figure out what happened to Sophie and Brian. Was Tessa involved with Sophie's disappearance? Did she kill her family? Was it in self defense? So many questions that needed to be answered! It kept me hooked right up to the end! I also found out that this book, while the 5th in the DD Warren series, its the first in the Tessa Leoni series! I can't wait to find more of her other books and finish both of these! 

I love how this story alternated between Tessa's point of view, being told in first person, and DD's point of view, in third person. It added so much to the story and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters so much more. DD is a really good detective and I like reading the little things about her personal life. And Tessa appears to be a loving mother who will do anything she can to protect her child. These characters compliment each other well and they both learn from each other. If you haven't read anything by Gardner, do it now! She's so very talented! 

[Review] Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts
Series: Bride Quartet, #2
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publishing Date: Jan. 1, 2009
335 Pages
Format: paperback, borrowed
Buy Links: Amazon |  B&N

Synopsis 

As little girls MacKensie, Emma, Laurel, and Parker spent hours acting out their perfect make believe “I do” moments. Years later their fantasies become reality when they start their own wedding planning company to make every woman’s dream day come true. With perfect flowers, delicious desserts, and joyful moments captured on film, Nora Roberts’s Bride Quartet shares each woman’s emotionally magical journey to romance.

In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn’t found Mr. Right. And the last place she’s looking is right under her nose.

But that’s just where Jack Cooke is. He’s so close to the women of Vows that he’s practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss—they must trust in their history…and in their hearts.

My Review

I read this book in just about a day and loved it! It's the second book in Nora Roberts' series, but I read it last because I could never find it when I needed it. I'm so happy that my friend lent it to me finally!

Emma and Jack are a fun couple. They've known each other for years, have secretly had crushes on each other, but never show their feelings until now. Emma is a true romantic at heart, but knows that if she moves too fast, she'll scare Jack off. But at the same time, she wants to be true to herself and not hide how she feels. Jack on the other hand, is a little afraid of commitment, though he doesn't seem to realize that about himself. Thankfully, their friends are there to support them and help both Emma and Jack figure out their real feelings towards each other.

I think this may be my favorite book of the series, though Laurel and Del's story is right up there as well! I just found Emma and Jack to be so sweet and really fun to read about. If you've read anything by Nora Roberts before, definitely read this as well! And if you haven't, but really enjoy romance stories, pick these up!!

Others in the Series

                                           Review                                Review

[Review] Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts
Series: Bride Quartet, #4
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Publishing Date: Nov. 2, 2010
Format: Audio CD, library

Synopsis 

Parker Brown turned the quartet's childhood game of Wedding Day into their dream jobs. And now she's the face of Vows - the one who meets every bride's demands' keeps every event on schedule' and brigns Emma's romantic flowers, Laurel's delicious treats, and Mac's stunning photography together in one glorious package. She knows how to make dreams come true...

Mechanic Malcom Kavanaugh loves figured out how things work, and Parker Brown - with her mile-long legs - is no exception. But as a good friend to Parker's brother, Mal knows that moving from minor flirtation to major hookup is a serious step.

No man has rattled Parker in a long time, but the motorcycle-riding, raven-haired Mal seems to have a knack for it. His passionate kisses always catch her off guard, much like her growing feelings for him. Parker's business risks have always paid off, but now she'll have to take the chance of a lifetime with her heart.

My Review 

I've read the first book and the third book in this series and really loved them. I have to travel a lot for work, so I picked up an audio book for one of my trips and I'm so happy I picked this one! I never really know if I'll like audio books because I prefer having a book in my hands, but this was a good choice.

Nora Roberts has a knack for creating beautiful stories and its why I continue to read her novels! I love this story and have really enjoyed getting to know all the characters. I still need to read the second book yet (Emma's story) but I can never seem to find it! I'll have to buy in online soon or get another audio book!

What I loved about this story is that there wasn't a huge fight and then perfect makeup. It seems that a lot of romance stories have one really big fight between the characters and then they makeup and realize how much they're meant to be. In this story, there were a few small fights/arguments, but it wasn't anything like I tend to see in others. I like this because that isn't how real life is. People don't always have a huge fight and then get back together and live happily ever after; sometimes couples rarely fight.

Overall, this was a cute, happy book. I really do want to read the second book in this series so I can complete it! I obviously know how it turns out, but I still want to know what it was about! (: If you like romances, or anything else by Nora Roberts, you'll love this, too!

[Review] Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Sever by Lauren DeStefano
Series: The Chemical Garden, #3
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publishing Date: 2013
371 Pages
Format: hardcover, purchased
Buy Links

Synopsis 

With time ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers.

After enduring Vaughn's worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuse in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine's memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine's side, even if Linden's feelings are still caught between them.

Meanwhile, Rowan's growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future - and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.

In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano's Chemical Garden Trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered.

My Review

Yay! I finally finished this series and found out what happens to everyone! I have to say that this book surprised me! I wasn't sure what to expect and what would happen to everyone. Some parts are definitely a little sad, but others are very happy. I really loved Reed! I thought his character was great; he's so loving even though he tries to act all tough and withdrawn. Deep down, you can see how much he cares about Linden, Rhine, Cecily and Bowen. He's very a very quirky and fun character.

Without giving away spoilers, Vaughn surprised me a lot, and so did Rowan. The story took a different twist that I imagined, but I'm very happy it turned out the way it did! Throughout the whole story we can feel Rhine struggle with the way her life has played out so far, but we also feel the hope that she holds onto, even if she tries to deny it. All the characters in the book seem to have so much hope in what the future could bring, but are so uncertain of how things would change.

This was a very unique trilogy, unlike so much that I've read. Sure, it had dystopian themes of trying to create a perfect world, but the ramifications of those actions are so different. The fact that a virus kills of young adults when they're 20 and 25 is so crazy to think about! I would definitely recommend this series! Plus the covers of these books are just gorgeous; it's what caught my eye first!

[Review] Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Fever by Lauren DeStefano
Series: The Chemical Garden, #2
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publishing Date: 2012
341 Pages
Format: hardcover, purchased

Synopsis 

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menageries of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine's twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can't seem to elude Rhine's father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In this sequel to Lauren DeStefano's harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

My Review

I just finished this book and jumped right into the next! I really enjoyed reading Wither, but took a break before reading Fever. Sometimes I can only handle so much fantasy type books. But I'm so glad I finally finished Fever! I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I knew that I had to find out what was going to happen to Rhine and Gabriel!

I really liked the carnival-type setting where Rhine spent some time with Gabriel. I found the characters to be intriguing, and Maddie to be very adorable. But it also made me sad about the way all those young kids were being treated! Rhine and Gabriel take on a big responsibility when they leave and have to fight for what they believe in. I can't wait to finish the final book! I want to know what happened to Rhine's brother and Maddie. And I want to know what ultimately happens to Rhine and Gabriel! Hopefully I find out (:

[Review] Wild About Her Wingman by Robin Bielman

Wild About Her Wingman by Robin Bielman 
Series: Secret Wishes, #3
Publisher:
Publishing Date: April 14, 2014
220 Pages
Format: ARC, ebook
Buy Links:

Synopsis 

Playing it safe never felt so risky.

Erin Watters is her small town's resident wild child - she doesn't do boring, and after having her heart annihilated, she definitely doesn't do relationships. Her friends have other ideas, though, and when they throw down a matchmaking challenge, impulsive Erin can't ignore it. Even when the annoyingly hot Troy Strieber accepts the matchmaker role...

As a rescue paramedic, Troy's used to watching out for people. Never mind the bet he made with his buddy to play Erin's wingman. But the more time he spends with the sexy, charismatic woman, the more he discovers a side of her she doesn't let many see. Soon what started as an innocent game of matchmaking has both of them thinking about the person right under their nose. But Troy's a play-it-safe guy, and he won't let a woman who lives for risk ever steal his heart.

My Review

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

I've read the first two in this series and really loved them. So I was very excited when I had the chance from the author to read and review this book before it was released! I'm a huge fan of romance novels and this one definitely fits. We catch a little glimpse of Erin and Troy's chemistry in the second novel when he takes care of her after a fire at a local restaurant/bar. However, it's really just a hint at something, and we don't get to see anything develop until their story starts in this novel. Troy is a paramedic and plays it very safe. He doesn't take risks and isn't impulsive. Erin, on the other hand, does take risks, and this is something Troy can't handle. He doesn't want to be in a relationship with a risk-taker like Erin, and would prefer to find someone a little more settled down. And Erin doesn't want to be with someone who is so safe and by-the-books. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize they can't fight their attraction.

This book is fun, sweet and so romantic. Erin and Troy are lovable characters and I enjoyed reading their story. Ms. Bielman definitely knows how to create a wonderful romance with her words. All of the characters are fun and I love that each character from the previous books are brought back into the stories. I love the setting of small-town Cascade and feel like I can picture everything! Ms. Bielman does such a wonderful job with her writing that I could feel the pain of the characters when certain subjects were brought up. She really has a way with words! I can't wait to read more by this author, and if you are looking for a romance, definitely check out this series! You won't be disappointed.

[Review] The 6th Target by James Patterson

The 6th Target by James Patterson 
Series: Women's Murder Club, #6
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date:
390 Pages
Format: paperback, purchased

Synopsis 

A TERRIFYING ATTACKER

A burst of gunfire leaves several people dead - and one woman fighting for her life. That victim is a member of the Women's Murder Club, four friends who join forces on their toughest cases. Detective Lindsay Boxer pursues one lead after another to capture the man who tried to kill her friend... but the clues don't seem to make sense.

CHILDREN ARE VANISHING

While Assistant District Attorney Yuki Castellano prepares to prosecute a high-profile trial, the city is in the grip of a chilling crime spree. Children of wealthy families are being abducted, along with their nannies. But the kidnappers follow with devastating silence - no message, no ransom demand. Parents everywhere fear the worst. Now with the entire city plunged into fear. Lindsay must frantically work with her new partner to connect these horrific crimes.

WHO WILL THE NEXT TARGET BE?

My Review

Just finished this book and I can't wait to dive into the next! I feel like I repeat myself when I review James Patterson's novels because I love them all so much and think he's a wonderful writer. His stories always suck me and I can't stop reading until I find out what happened! I think I may have read this one faster than I have any of his others. There was so much going on in this book: shooting spree at a ferry dock and abducted children. One minute is seems like things will settle down in the story, but then something else happens and we're off on a chase again.

What I really loved about this book was learning more about Lindsay's personal life and her relationship with Joe. They have a long distance relationship, which can be incredibly difficult. I was in one for a while (until he moved in with me), but thankfully we were only 2 hours apart, not across the country! I felt so sorry for her having to struggle through tough cases and then not having anyone to go home to because Joe was never around. But hopefully it will work out with them, because I like their characters together (:

[Review] The 5th Horseman by James Patterson

The 5th Horseman by James Patterson 
Series: Women's Murder Club, #5
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publishing Date: 2006
409 Pages
Format: hardcover, purchased
Buy Links: Amazon  |  B&N

Synopsis 

A young mother is recuperating in a San Francisco hospital when she is suddenly gasping for breath. The call button fails to bring help in time. The hospital's doctors, some of the best in the nation, are completely mystified by her death. How did this happen?

This is not the first such case at the hospital. Just as patients are about to be released with a clean bill of health, their conditions take a devastating turn for the worse.

Accompanied by the newest member of the Women's Murder Club, Yuki Castellano, Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer probes deeper into the incidents. Could these cases just be appalling coincidences? Or is a maniac playing God with people's lives? When someone close to the Women's Murder Club begins to exhibit the same frightening symptoms, Lindsay fears no one is safe.

My Review

Again, this was a great book written by James Patterson. I cannot get enough of his work! One of my favorite things about this books are the short chapters; it makes the book feel like its going by so fast. I always find myself just wanting to read one more chapter because its maybe 2 or 3 pages, but that one more chapter turns into 10 more chapters.

Lindsay Boxer is a smart, motivated cop who doesn't want to stop until her case is solved. I love following her life through this series, and really enjoy getting to know more about her character and those around her. I also liked how there were two cases in this book. A great deal of the beginning focuses on the Car Murders, but then towards the middle and end, so much is focuses on the hospital deaths. Yuki, Claire and Cindy are great supporting characters in these books. I love learning a little about them as the books go on as they each often play an important role in the story. I can't wait to keep reading the books in this series and find out what adventures these 4 women are thrown into!

Challenge Wrap-ups!

I can't believe it's already the end of January! It's so crazy how fast time flies! Since it's the end of the month, I'm updating you all on my challenges. I've done pretty good this month, though haven't met them all. Hopefully next month goes just as well! You can go to my original post regarding this challenge by clicking on the link below the buttons. 

Jumble Your Genres

The purpose of this challenge is pretty self-explanatory in the title: each month, there is a new genre for you to read books from. January's genre was young adult, and thankfully, pretty easy for me! I actually read more YA than I used to, which is pretty nice. Sometimes it gives me a break from some other heavy topics adult novels tackle. Though YA tackles quite a few as well. Below is the list of books and reviews I completed for this challenge! 

The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Letting Ana Go by Anonymous

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First Reads Reading Challenge

This challenge is to read as many new-to-you authors as you can! I chose the Expert Level, in which I need to read 51-75 new-to-me authors. I'm at 7 so far, so I think I'm doing ok! 

1. Champagne Kisses by Krista Lakes
2. Wither by Lauren DeStefano
3. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
4. The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry
5. Atonement by J.H. Cardwell
6. Best Fake Day by Tracey Rogers
7. Letting Ana Go by Anonymous

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Monthly Keyword Challenge

This challenge is so fun and thankfully isn't concerned about how much you can read. This challenge gives multiple words for each month, and you find a book that has one of these words in the title! The title can also have a variation of the word in it; for example: snowing or snowflake, even though the word is "snow". I only read one book with one of these keywords, but I was more than okay with that. 

January's words: Angel, Secret, Clock, Black, Day, Wild

Best Fake Day by Tracey Rogers

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Series Challenge

Goal: Finish as many series as you can! I love this challenge because there are so many series that I start, but just never get around to finishing. This helps me stay on track to get some more books off my shelves! So far, I've only finished The Hunger Games Series. My review to Mockingjay is below. But I also started the Chemical Gardens Trilogy, which I've been wanting to read for a while! I just got the other two books in the mail this week, so I should be able to finish the series soon! 

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

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TBR Pile Challenge 

I participated in this challenge last year, but didn't do so well. As a result, I chose a lower level in hopes that I can accomplish this! So far, I've read 3 of 21 books, so I'm 1/7 of the way through! Yay! :) If I stick on this path, then I'll definitely make my goal by the end of the year. But... I am planning a wedding, and then there's actually having the wedding, and the honeymoon.. so I'm not so sure yet how it will all work out! 

1. Beach Road by James Patterson 2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy 3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

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Monthly Motif Challenge

Finally, the last challenge. Unfortunately... I didn't meet this one. January's motif was to read a book set in another country or written by an author from a country different than your own. Well, I started reading one by a Scottish author, set in Scotland, but I didn't finish it. I hope to go back to it sometime soon, but it wasn't holding my interest.

[Review] Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publishing Date: Aug 24, 2010
390 Pages
Format: hardcover, purchased
Purchase Links: Amazon

Synopsis 

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans - except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future to Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost.

My Review

What to say about this book... Well, it kept my attention! I had tried to read this book so many times before, but I could never get past the first couple of pages. Then I went to see Catching Fire the other night with my fiance, and I decided I really wanted to find out what happens next! I'm happy it restored my want to finish the series! It actually kept my attention throughout the whole story, which I was really happy about.

I didn't think it was as good as the first book (why does this happen so often in series?!), but it was better than I was expecting it to be. Mostly I wanted to read it just to finish the series, but the further I got into the book, the more I wanted to read it because it was enjoyable. Katniss faces so many struggles throughout this book. What I really love is that she doesn't just breeze through them all. She actually has doubts about what she should do; she withdraws from people when she can't decide what's best for the people of Panen and her family. Things don't just come really easy to her. It makes Katniss as a character so much more easy to relate to. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. It wasn't bad - it was actually a good ending. But who Katniss ends up being with (Gale v Peeta), is not what I expected, nor what I really wanted. But that's all I'll say about it (:

If you haven't read this series yet, or if you just haven't finished it, do so!!

Favorite Quote: 

"It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart." pg 156

  

2014 Series Challenge

Ok, I swear I'm only signing up for one more year-long challenge after this one! Well... maybe ;) This challenge is hosted by Read, Sleep, Repeat and is all about finishing series that you've started but haven't finished for one reason or another. Well, I certainly have enough of those, so this is a good challenge for me. Check out Octavia's blog to find out more information and to sign up!

I'm hoping to receive the Silver or Gold Badge for this challenge! That means I need to finish 4-6 series for the Silver and 7-11 for the Gold! It's definitely going to be a challenge for me, but I'm hoping I'll be able to make it (: I'm setting my goals high! Good thing a few of my series that I want to read are also good for other challenges that I'm participating in!

Series that I hope to finish this year:

(the ones with reviews below are the books I've read this year)

Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Catching Fire

Mockingjay

Review

The Chemical Garden

Wither

Review

Fever
Review

Sever
Review

Sweet, Texas by Candis Terry 

LOVE this series! 

Anything But Sweet

Review

Sweetest Mistake

Review

Something Sweeter
review

Sweet Surprise (not yet released)

Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts

Visions in White

Bed of Roses
Review

Savor the Moment

Review

Happy Ever After
Review


Sweet Wishes by Robin Bielman

Kissing the Maid of Honor 
Review

Her Accidental Boyfriend
Review

Wild About Her Wingman
Review

Cold Fury Hockey by Sawyer Bennett

Alex
review

Garrett
review

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Just finished the first one, so the next two are on my list to finish this year :)

Anna and the French Kiss 

Review

Lola and the Boy Next Door

Isla and the Happily Ever After

Sugar Shack by Candis Terry

Second Chance at the Sugar Shack
review

Any Given Christmas

Somebody Like You
review

Fifty Shades

I've read the first two and just haven't gotten into the third. I planned to have it done before spring, but I lent it to a friend, and since she still has it, I can't read it yet. 

Fifty Shades of Gray

Fifty Shades Darker

Fifty Shades Freed

The Tudor Court by Philippa Gregory 

I've read the first three so far, and there are three more to go! Not sure if I'll finish them this year, but I'm going to try!

The Constant Princess

The Other Boleyn Girl 

The Boleyn Inheritance

Review

The Queen's Fool 

The Virgin's Lover

The Other Queen

Women's Murder Club by James Patterson 

1st to Die

2nd Chance

3rd Degree

4th of July 

The 5th Horseman
Review

The 6th Target
Review

7th Heaven
review

The 8th Confession

The 9th Judgment

10th Anniversary

11th Hour

12th of Never

Unlucky 13


Detective D.D. Warren by Lisa Gardner

Alone

Hide

The Neighbor

Live to Tell

Love You More
review

The 7th Month

Catch Me

Fear Nothing

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay
Review

Where She Went

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Crank 
review

Glass

Fallout

Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich
I know I won't finish this series this year, but I'm still keeping track (: 

One For the Money
review

Two For the Dough

Three to Get Deadly

Four to Score

High Five

Hot Six

Seven Up

Hard Eight

Visions of Sugar Plums (#8.5)

To The Nines

Ten Big Ones

Eleven on Top

Twelve Sharp

Plum Lovin' (#12.5)

Lean Mean Thirteen

Plum Lucky (#13.5)

Fearless Fourteen

Plum Spooky (#14.5)

Finger Lickin' Fifteen

Sizzling Sixteen

Smokin' Seventeen

Explosive Eighteen

Notorious Nineteen

Takedown Twenty

Top Secret Twenty-One

Harry Potter by JK Rowling (reread)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Review

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

The Infernal Devices

Haven't started this series yet, but it's been really popular so I want to start!

Clockwork Angel 

Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Princess

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Same with this series; haven't started it yet, but its so popular!

Vampire Academy

Frostbite

Shadow Kiss

Blood Promise

Spirit Bound

Last Sacrifice