[Review] Stay Close by Harlan Coben

Stay Close by Harlan Coben
Publisher: Signet
Publishing Date: Feb. 12, 2013
446 Pages
Format: paperback
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

The past never truly fades away...

Megan is a suburban soccer mom who once upon a time walked on the wild side. Ray used to be a talented documentary photographer, but now he finds himself in a dead-end job posing as paparazzo. Broome is a detective who can’t let go of a cold case. 

Three people living lives they never wanted are hiding secrets that even those closest to them would never suspect. And as each confronts the dark side of the American dream—the boredom of a nice suburban life, the excitement of temptation, the desperation and hunger that can lurk behind even the prettiest facades—they will discover the hard truth that the line between one kind of life and another can be as whisper thin as a heartbeat.

My Review 

I think I say this every time I read one of his books: Harlan Coben is easily one of my favorite mystery/suspense authors. I first read one of his books about two years ago when I started my blog, and ever since then, I've been hooked. He creates a really great story that seems so real! This book was a lot of fun to read. I really liked all the characters, especially Megan and Broome. Megan, although she's lived a lie for quite some time, has her life together and tries to forget her past. But, like most people, her past creeps up on her and she can't overlook it now, so she goes back to Atlantic City. While there, she meets up with her ex, after not seeing him for nearly 17 years. Broome is trying to solve a murder that happened right before Megan fled Atlantic City, and Megan might hold a lot of information for him. 

As the story unfolds, there are so many twists and turns and I couldn't figure out what happened! It's one of those things that I love about mystery/suspense novels. Most of the characters are sympathetic and inserting; I really didn't like Ken and Barbie (you'll find out why in the book), and I wasn't a big fan of Ray. I don't know why, but I never clicked with him. Overall, a very good book that I enjoyed reading. I truly am a fan of Coben's work, and I can't wait to read more! 

[Review] Power Play by Sophia Henry

Power Play by Sophia Henry
Series: Pilots Hockey, #2
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: Feb. 16, 2016
232 Pages
Format: ebook, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

In Sophia Henry's blistering follow-up to Delayed Penalty, hailed as “sexy, fun, and full of angst” by L. P. Dover, a good girl and a hockey hunk face off against expectations—and this match is guaranteed to see plenty of action.

Beneath her innocent facade, Gabriella Bertucci has her reasons to be standoffish with guys. Especially guys like Landon Taylor, a star defenseman on the minor-league Detroit Pilots and the object of a serious crush since he first walked into her family's market. But when Landon comes through for her in a moment of crisis, Gaby starts to wonder if there might be more to Landon than hard muscles and fast skates.

Landon isn't afraid of telling Gaby that he's got it for her bad. The problem is, she seems unwilling to believe it. And though Landon enjoys his reputation as a cool-headed athlete, he hates losing—both on the rink and off. It's his competitiveness that makes him so damn good at what he does . . . but it also makes him just a little bit complicated.

One minute Gaby's tempted to give in; the next, she's getting cold feet. How can she trust a guy who's destined for bigger and better things to stick around? Then again, when Landon pulls her close with those powerful arms, the only thing that matters is right now.

My Review

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

I enjoyed the first book in this series, Delayed Penalty, so I was excited to get into this book. I really love hockey and really, really love romances, so this is a great combination! I would say this book definitely caught my interest right away and I really like Gaby and Landon. They've both been crushing on each other for years, but neither knows it until Landon makes the first move. It's fun to watch their relationship grow. I don't like Gaby's dad; he's a chauvinist and doesn't treat women the same. I get that he changes a little in the end, but I'm not a big fan. And Landon was a bit selfish, but he's still a fun character to get to know. This was another book that I cruised through and I'm interested in reading others in the series!

[Review] Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young

Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publishing Date: Aug. 27, 2013
304 Pages
Format: hardcover
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis 

Caroline is at a crossroads. Her grandmother is sick, maybe dying. Like the rest of her family, Caroline's been at Gram's bedside since her stroke. With the pressure building, all Caroline wants to do is escape--both her family and the reality of Gram's failing health. So when Caroline's best friend offers to take her to a party one fateful Friday night, she must choose: stay by Gram's side, or go to the party and live her life.

The consequence of this one decision will split Caroline's fate into two separate paths--and she's about to live them both.

Friendships are tested and family drama hits an all-new high as Caroline attempts to rebuild old relationships, and even make a few new ones. If she stays, her longtime crush, Joel, might finally notice her, but if she goes, Chris, the charming college boy, might prove to be everything she's ever wanted.

Though there are two distinct ways for her fate to unfold, there is only one happy ending... 

My Review

I received a copy of this book two years ago in a large giveaway I won from Simon Pulse. Unfortunately, it took this long for me to finally read it, but like most other people, my TBR is constantly growing!

This is the first book I've read by either Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young. I have The Program on my shelf (also from this giveaway), but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I wasn't quite sure what to think of this book after I finished reading it. I liked it, but didn't love it. It was very well written, but the storyline didn't hook me like I was hoping. What I really liked was the main theme of it not really mattering which path you choose because you'll end up right where you belong anyways. It's something that I think about with my husband, like, had I gone to another school, would I still have met him? Interesting to think about and I like how this book showed two different paths that Caroline took, how they affected her, and how they each ended for her. Pretty interesting concept, and although it wasn't my favorite book, I still really enjoyed it and will definitely read more by these authors. 

[Review] Best of Me by Elisabeth Barrett

The Best of Me by Elisabeth Barrett
Series: Return to Briarwood, #2
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Format: ebook, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Jane Pringle never meant to fall for her boss. After landing a job as a pastry chef at the exclusive Briarwood Golf and Yacht Club in Eastbridge, Connecticut, she just wants to keep her son in a good school district and find some peace and quiet, far away from her manipulative ex-husband. But when Briarwood’s charismatic co-owner takes an interest in her, Jane’s best-laid plans go awry . . . in the sweetest way possible.

Rich and handsome, the grandson of one of the most powerful men in New York City, Preston North hasn’t lived quite the charmed life everyone believes. His family taught him everything he needs to know about betrayal—and Press wants no more of it. What he wants is Jane. The gorgeous single mom is selfless and kind, plus she’s got a backbone. To win her trust, Press just needs to shake off his playboy reputation.

They’ve each been burned in the past. But now Press and Jane will have to choose between letting their fears get the best of them . . . or breaking free and following their hearts.

My Review

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

I read the first book in this series over my Christmas break from work and I fell in love with these characters, the community, and Barrett's writing style. I couldn't wait to read Jane and Preston's story in this book, so I dove right in! Let me tell you, it didn't disappoint! 

In Once and Again (review here) we met Jane and Preston, though briefly. We learned of struggles that Jane was going through, but not too much about Preston. In this book, we definitely find out more about Jane's struggles with her ex-husband and the lengths he will go to to make Jane's life difficult. Meanwhile, Preston appears completely in control of his life on the outside, but on the inside, he struggles with his father's death and his choices after. Both Jane and Preston are a little broken, but together, they complement each other perfectly. 

This book has very developed characters and I loved reading their story. Both Jane and Preston are easy to like and sympathize with, and they're strong in their own ways. Throughout the story, we see their struggles, but they help each other and grow to become and even stronger couple. You don't necessarily need to read the first book in this series before reading this one. The characters overlap, but the stories are stand-alones. 

Others in the Series

Once and Again by Elisabeth Barrett

[Review] Mean Streak by Sandra Brown

Mean Streak by Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date: 2014
Format: paperback and ebook
409 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis 

Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her.

While police suspect Jeff of "instant divorce," Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won't even tell her his name. She's determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive. 

Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can't turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law.

As the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the man with no name is, in fact, her rescuer.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for a honest review. So, I received a free copy of this but completely forgot and bought the book anyways! So I mostly read my paperback copy, but switched to the ebook version when I was at the gym. 

I'm a huge fan of everything Sandra Brown writes. I started out reading all of her romance novels and then I moved to her romantic suspense novels. I absolutely love her work and the romantic suspense novels are fantastic. This book was no exception and might be one of my favorites (maybe tied with Chill Factor). The characters in this book are very interesting and easy to like. Emory is a well-known doctor who goes missing and her husband is the prime suspect. But throughout the whole story, we get Emory's perspective, and she's not missing. There's so much going on throughout this book that it keeps you hooked. It's so fast-paced and I never really saw the end coming. I guessed a few things, but certainly not the biggest! 

I highly, highly recommend this book, or any other books by Brown. I can't wait to start reading Friction, the next on my list! 

*Book Tour* Heartsong by Sara Walter Ellwood

Heartsong

by Sara Walter Ellwood

Synopsis 

Gabriel McKenna is living the dream. A rising country music star he’s no stranger to fame, money, or beautiful women. Despite his bad boy image, he’s also got a heart of gold, and when his ten-year-old brother is orphaned, he wants to take him under his wing. But the judge on the case is less than impressed by Gabe’s reputation and awards custody to the grandfather Gabe knows firsthand is abusive.

Michaela Finn is no stranger to heartache. Years ago she was engaged to Gabe McKenna, but two days before their wedding he ran off to Nashville with a female talent scout. Now Gabe is back in her life with an insane plan. Marry him, so he can get custody of his younger brother. Michaela can’t bear to think of any child being hurt, but she’s just not sure her heart can carry a happy tune when Gabe is playing lead…

Link to Follow Tour: 

http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/12/heartsong-singing-to-heart-2-by-sara.html 

Goodreads Link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27241928-heartsong

Goodreads Series Link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/series/151485-singing-to-the-heart 

Buy Links: 

Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Heartstrings, Book 1 is now available and Heartland, Book 3 is available for pre-order

My Review

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

I finished this book in 2 days! Really, it was less than 24 hours, but spanned over 2 days. I've never read anything by this author before and I really enjoyed her work. Heartsong is a great romantic read and second chance novels are some of my favorite. I love when two people who used to be in love can find their way back to each other, even if their lives have taken them down different paths. Micki and Gabe were high school sweethearts who went separate ways when Gabe moved to Nashville to pursue a music career. The two never stopped loving each other, but it took a while for them to realize that. A tragedy brings these two back into each others lives and after a few interesting agreements, they're spending a lot of time together. I'm a big fan of Ellwood after reading this book and I really want to read the next! I do think Seth's story would have been interesting to read, but his daughter's will be just as great! 

About the Author

Although Sara Walter Ellwood has long ago left the farm for the glamour of the big town, she draws on her experiences growing up on a small hobby farm in West Central Pennsylvania to write her contemporary westerns. She’s been married to her college sweetheart for over 20 years, and they have two teenagers and one very spoiled rescue cat named Penny. She longs to visit the places she writes about and jokes she’s a cowgirl at heart stuck in Pennsylvania suburbia. Sara Walter Ellwood is a multi-published and international Amazon bestselling author of the anthology set Cowboy Up. She also publishes paranormal romantic suspense under the pen name Cera duBois.

[Review] Once and Again by Elisabeth Barrett

Once and Again by Elisabeth Barrett
Series: Return to Briarwood, #1
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: July 14, 2015
302 Pages
Format: ARC, ebook
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis 

Growing up in Eastbridge, Connecticut, Carolyn Rivington was a young debutante who did whatever her parents asked. So when her father demanded that she break things off with the boy from the wrong side of the tracks or else, she did. Now Carolyn’s family is deep in debt. She’s no longer a member of the Briarwood Golf and Yacht Club, she’s an employee. And the tanned, tattooed, dangerously handsome stranger who saunters into her lobby isn’t just her new boss . . . he’s also her first love.

The last time he saw Carolyn, Jake Gaffney was in the back of a police cruiser, handcuffed and humiliated. But seeing her again stirs other memories: a blanket on the beach, the moon above their heads, and the most expensive bottle of wine he could afford. Now the tables have turned. As a real-estate magnate and Briarwood’s new owner, Jake doesn’t have to answer to anyone. But now that he’s back home, he’s finding it hard to live down his old reputation.

Before they can move forward, Jake and Carolyn must face their pasts. But it’ll take more than sizzling chemistry for them to heal old wounds and return to the love they once shared. 

My Review

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

What a great way to start out my new year for books! This was a great novel by Barrett. I started it this morning when I was biking at the gym, and finished it while my husband was playing video games. We had a very relaxing day and I'm glad I was able to enjoy this book during it!

Carolyn used to be very wealthy, but she learned about a yea ago that her family doesn't have any money left, and she doesn't know what to do. So she returns to Briarwood, a club that she grew up attending with her family, and the same place she met Jake 15 years ago. They had a young, forbidden romance and both ended up broken-hearted. Jake has now come back to Briarwood as well, and the two have to learn to work together to make this business successful. Both of these characters were easy to love and relate to. Carolyn, although born with a silver spoon, really has no idea how to survive without her family's wealth. But she learns the hard way and perseveres. Jake on the other hand, grew up with next to nothing and has made himself into a multi-millionaire. Both characters are very charismatic, and I immediately loved Jake. Seriously, who doesn't love a tatted, rough-around-the-edges guy? No brainer for me! 

I love that these two characters have a history together and are getting a second chance at love. They had a lot to overcome throughout the story, but made their love work. I also really loved that this novel wasn't just about these two. We find out a little about Jane, Carolyn's new friend, and her struggles, as well as legal problems that Carolyn is facing with her family. There's so much going on in this book and it was hard to put down! Which, clearly, I didn't do much, other than to get food (: Highly recommend! And I just got the second one in this series, which I can't wait to read! 

Next in this series: 

Best of Me by Elisabeth Barrett