[Review] Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publishing Date: Jan. 5, 2016
320 pages
Format: hardcover, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Seventeen-year-old Mercedes Ayres has an open-door policy when it comes to her bedroom, but only if the guy fulfills a specific criteria: he has to be a virgin. Mercedes lets the boys get their awkward, fumbling first times over with, and all she asks in return is that they give their girlfriends the perfect first time- the kind Mercedes never had herself.

Keeping what goes on in her bedroom a secret has been easy- so far. Her absentee mother isn’t home nearly enough to know about Mercedes’ extracurricular activities, and her uber-religious best friend, Angela, won’t even say the word “sex” until she gets married. But Mercedes doesn’t bank on Angela’s boyfriend finding out about her services and wanting a turn- or on Zach, who likes her for who she is instead of what she can do in bed.

When Mercedes’ perfect system falls apart, she has to find a way to salvage her reputation and figure out where her heart really belongs in the process. Funny, smart, and true-to-life, FIRSTS is a one-of-a-kind young adult novel about growing up.

My Review

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

I was really excited to get a copy of this book because it sounded really interested and unique. I loved Mercedes as a main character.  I thought she was so sympathetic, even if I didn't agree with her choices of letting guys into her bedroom. Even so, she was interesting to get to know. The more I read, the more I understood why she did what she did. I really hated her mom, Kim; she acted like she couldn't care less about Mercedes and even congratulated her when she had boys over. It made me sick. 

I felt so many emotions while reading this book. I was laughing sometimes, cringing at other times, and even tearing up. Zach is such a good guy, too! He sticks by Mercedes side throughout thick and thin. Obviously he wants more than to be just friends, but even though Mercedes doesn't, he doesn't give up. When all hell break loose, Zach, and their new friend Faye, are there to back her up and help her through it. 

Seriously, this was a good book. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to see what else Flynn has in store for us. This book felt real and I had such a hard time putting it down! 

[Review] Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill

Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: Feb. 9, 2016
217 Pages
Format: ebook, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis 

Clementine Daly knows she’s the black sheep. Her wealthy, powerful family has watched her very closely since she almostgot caught in an embarrassing scandal a few years ago. So when Clementine’s sent on a mission to live up to the Daly name, politely declining isn’t even an option. Of course, the last thing Clementine does before departure is grab a stranger’s phone by mistake—leaving the hunky journalist with her phone. Soon his sexy voice is on the line, but he doesn’t know her real name, or her famous pedigree—which is just the way Clementine likes it.

Despite all the hassles, Justin Mueller is intrigued to realize that the beautiful brown-eyed girl he met at the airport is suddenly at his fingertips. They agree to exchange phones when they’re both back in town, but after a week of flirty texts and wonderfully intimate conversations, Justin doesn’t want to let her go that easy. The only problem? It turns out that Clemetine has been lying to him about, well, everything. Except for the one thing two people can’t fake, the only thing that matters: The heat between them is for real.

My Review

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

O.M.G. I loved this book! I cruised through it in just a few hours and didn't want to put it down - but it was after midnight last night and I couldn't stay awake any longer! Seriously, this was such a fun, romantic book. I wasn't sure if the meeting over the phone and falling in love that way would work, but it really did. Clementine and Justin are really cute together. They meet after they accidentally switch phones before flying to other states and soon they're talking each day. You can feel the emotion and the new romance budding while reading this book. It reminds me a little of when my husband and I first met. New romances are so much fun and I remember getting really giddy each time he would text or call me (we were doing a long distance relationship so I didn't get to see him much). To be honest, I still get giddy when he texts me (: I just loved everything about this story. It was cute, charming, and incredibly romantic. Plus, there were some steamy sex scenes! Even after the couple comes to a bump in the road, the story was still really cute and I couldn't wait for them to work it out. 

Both characters are easy to relate to. Clementine, though incredibly wealthy, has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She's gone to college, has hundreds of opportunities because of her well-known family, but still has no idea what she wants. I actually really love this about her - I have a few degrees, including my law degree, and I still feel like I don't know what I want with my life. Meanwhile, Justin knows exactly what he wants in life - to be a journalist, but he doesn't have the family business to help him. He works hard for what he wants and goes after it. Put both of them together and these two people are perfect for each other; they complement each other very well. 

Highly, highly recommend this book! I can't wait to read what else Cahill has written!

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

About the Author

Ellie Cahill is a freelance writer and also writes books for young adults under the name Liz Czukas. She lives outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, son, and the world’s loudest cat.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Giveaway 

($25.00 Amazon eGift Card)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

[Review] The Wanderer by Robyn Carr

The Wanderer by Robyn Carr
Series: Thunder Point, #1
Publisher: Harlequin, Mira
377 Pages
Format: paperback
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating:

Synopsis 

Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands. 

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful. 

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.

My Review

I was in the mood to read some romance novels recently, so I went to my used local book store and stumbled upon this book. I haven't read anything by Carr before, so I thought I would give it a chance. Plus, there's something about books set in the Northwest that really draws me. I've actually never been there, but it's on my list of places to go some day, so until then, I will live vicariously through my books. 

Cooper's friend, Ben, dies unexpectedly and ultimately learns that Ben left him his bar and the 200 acres surrounding it. The bar is in dire need of help, so Cooper decides to renovate it in hopes of selling. However, as he lives in Thunder Point during the renovations, he comes to love the town and people in it, including Sarah, a Coast Guard helicopter rescue pilot. As the story unfolds, we learn that Cooper doesn't really stay in one place very long and doesn't have much of a plan to settle down any time soon. But as he gets closer to Sarah, he finds himself almost convincing her that it's okay to settle down. It's really fun to watch their friendship grow to a romance. Sarah is really reserved because of her last relationship, but Cooper doesn't pressure her. And Sarah's brother is a great supporting character as well, and I loved watching the relationship between him and Cooper grow. 

This was a really good book and I loved the characters. Plus we got a bonus love story between Mac and Gina, whose close friendship turns to love once they realize they both have been crushing on each other forever! This is definitely going to be a good series to follow! And I can't wait to see what else Carr has in store. 

Stacking the Shelves 2.6.16

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! 

ARCs

I found these two beauties waiting on my porch this week and I couldn't be more excited! I can't wait to dive into both of these and I'm not sure which to start first. 

Laurie Elizabeth Flynn is new to me, so I can't wait to see what she has to offer. But I've read all of Gudenkauf's work and I'm a huge fan!

Spotlight * Debt by Rachel Dunning

DEBT

By Rachel Dunning

Expected Release Date:

March 30, 2016

Synopsis 

The Debt Collector

I pay my debts, and I expect others to. 

I was raised in the slums of London, I knew nothing of privilege. My father was murdered when I was seventeen. Morty figured my father's passing meant I would automatically take on dad's debts. I refused.

And I paid for that refusal.

So did my sister.

So now I fight. All I know how to do is fight. The best cash is in the states, so that's where I am now. A big fish called Vito came along offering me a "favor" when I arrived.

Another debt.

I paid for that one too.

I knew Kyla Hensley would be trouble when I met her. But I wanted her. I could see through the falsehood of her wannabe-slutty clothes and her sexy legs. So I chased her.

Besides, trouble is my middle name.

Kyla Hensley

I was brought up in privilege, but I lacked everything else. My father is a business tycoon who buys and sells and doesn't care who gets rolled over in the process.

I never knew my mother, and all I have of her is a photo with a note scrawled on the back in French saying "I'm sorry." The only Female Figure I had growing up is my dad's wife who is a bleach blond with seven boob jobs. We never bonded.

I drink. I party. I meet guys.

But I wasn't always like that.

I've had a string of lovers in the last few years, the worst and most recent of which was Vince Somerset. My best friend Vera was dating a guy called Rory Cansoom who is the opposite of Vince in so many ways, and yet so the same.

She and I hit the road for the summer, getting away from the two college psychos and just trying to have some fun.

But there's a funny thing about trouble, the more you run from it, the more it finds you.

Which is when I met the Debt Collector.

It was only supposed to be sex. He made that clear. I made that clear.

That's all it was supposed to be.

I never expected to fall in love. I never expected to fall so deeply, madly, uncomfortably in love with a man who is wrong, so wrong for me.

And yet...so unbelievably right.

Content Warning

Not intended for readers under the age of seventeen.

Links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A02LNLC

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A02LNLC

Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01A02LNLC

Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01A02LNLC

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/debt/id1071559413?mt=11
Nook / B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/debt-rachel-dunning/1123196983?ean=2940152548570

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/603988

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28400056-debt

About the Author

Rachel Dunning hit the scene in August 2013 and is the author of the highly praised Naive Mistakes Series, Truthful Lies Trilogy, Johnny Series and the paranormal romance series, Mind Games.

A prolific writer, she sticks to stories where Alpha Males aren’t pricks and where women have guts.

She’s lived on two different continents, speaks three different languages, and met the love of her life on the internet. In other words, romance is in her blood.

Get Rachel’s Newsletter

Sign up for Rachel’s Newsletter and never miss a release or a special.
You can sign up here:
http://www.rdunning.com/p/non-spammy-news.html

Where Else to Find Rachel

Blog / Website: http://www.rdunning.com

Facebook: http://bit.ly/RachelDunning

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelDAuthor

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/racheldunning

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/RachelDunningBN

iTunes: http://bit.ly/RachelDunningiTunes

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/racheldunning

[Review] Embrace by S.E. Hall

Embrace by SE Hall
Series: Evolve, #2
Publishing Date: Sept. 26, 2013
297 Pages
Format: ebook
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

After the romantic gesture of the century, Evan Allen is now faced with no friends, ineligible to play ball...and too late to get the girl.

He's starting over alone and doesn't know quite how to proceed, until certain members of "The Crew" step in, taking him under their wing. 

It doesn't take the ladies long to notice him either.

Sometimes life doesn't go as you had planned. Sometimes, it goes better.

Embrace it.

Due to sexual content and scenes- MATURE audiences recommended. This is a NEW ADULT romance.

My Review 

After I finished reading Emerge, I immediately bought a copy of this book on my Kindle and jumped right in. I really liked Evan in Emerge and, thought I was happy with Laney and Dane getting together, I really wanted Evan to have a happy ending. The synopsis doesn't really tell you who his love interest is, but once you start reading, you find out that it's Whitley. Honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of her in Emerge, but she didn't have a big part it in. Plus, she was made to seem really clingy and whiney. But the more you read this book, the more you learn that she's a really sweet girl. She definitely grew up in a privileged family, but they didn't seem to dote on her very much and were more concerned about appearance.

Like in Emerge, I really loved the supporting characters in this book. Most of them are the same as those in Emerge, but we do meet a few new people and get to know some of the other characters better. I was a little surprised by how much of Laney and Dane's story continues on in this one. I thought it would be mostly about Evan and Whitley, but Laney and Dane's story really continues in this one. I like that, but at the same time, I wanted this to be just Evan and Whitley. Regardless, this was a really fun book and I cannot wait to read Sawyer's story! 

[Review] Emerge by S.E. Hall

Emerge by S.E. Hall
Series: Evolve, #1
Publishing Date: May 2013
353 Pages
Format: ebook
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Laney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect and no idea how others view her.

Evan Allen's always been "friend zoned" yet protected and coveted Laney since they were children. But college puts a gap between them that neither were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same.

Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own.

A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life. Mature content.

My Review

Free books on Amazon are a hit or miss with me, but I like downloading them anyways to find new authors. Let me tell you, I am so glad that I downloaded this one when I had the chance! I was drawn in and hooked from the first page. Laney and Evan have been best friends for years, but senior year, everything changes and they become more. But it only lasts a short time because they each move away to college. They go through some ups and downs together, but they remain good friends. Then Dane comes into the picture and things change. There was definitely a love triangle going on in this story, but it didn't bother me at all. In fact, it probably made everything that much better. Both Dane and Evan want to be with Laney, and she has no idea what to do because she likes (loves) them both in different ways.

Dane is devoted to Laney and will do anything he can to keep her his, including taking her on vacations, showing her with gifts and being an all around good guy. Meanwhile, Evan has always been Laney's best friend and has put her on a pedestal. It's really fun to see these relationships grow. I had my heart set on one of the relationships working over the other and thankfully, I got what I wanted! 

This was such a fun book. I couldn't put it down and I couldn't wait to read the next in the series (if you don't want spoilers, don't read the synopsis of the next book). I really liked all the characters and they each brought their own something to the story. I loved this book so much that right when I finished it, I went onto Amazon and bought the next!