Yuck Kingdom Kids Series by Jeff Rivera

Um... Mommy, I think I flushed my brother down the toilet

Book Description:
Welcome to ’Yuck Kingdom’! The streets are made of smelly jelly fellies. The trees are all winding, dinding and finding. And the hills are made of slushy gushy mush. It’s the Kingdom of Yuck and the last place that Falisha Whiskers wants to be in. But Falisha needs to find her brother Jesse.
She didn't mean to flush Jesse down the toilet… not entirely at least! And now, she needs to find him and take him back home before her daddy gets back or they’re both going to be in heaps of trouble! But the Kingdom of Yuck has more twists and turns than a water slide. Will Falisha find her brother in the twisting streets made of smelly jelly fellies? And will she be able to get him back in time, and all bathed and clean, before their mommy tells their daddy that Falisha flushed her little brother down the toilet?

Um...Mommy, I think I flushed my brother down the toilet, again (Return to Yuck Kingdom)

Book Description:
Welcome to ‘Yuck Kingdom’—AGAIN! Falisha Whiskers has flushed her little brother Jesse down the toilet even after she promised, no matter how annoying he is, to never ever to do it again! Now she has to flush herself down onto the muddy streets made of smelly jelly fellies, even though she’d hoped to never step foot inside that gross place again.

This time Falisha discovers she is on a special mission to rescue Jessie and all the Urpie Burpies from The Toilet Paper King—The Most Evil King in all of Yuck Kingdom—before it’s too late. Will she and a team of Slumpy Bumpies find them and get home before Falisha and Jessie’s daddy comes home or will Jessie have to stay in ‘Yuck Kingdom’ with The Toilet Paper King forever?

 Christina's BookReview

(Yuck Kingdom #1)
 

MY TAKE:

This was a really great children's book. I hope this eventually comes out in paperback so that I can purchase it for my nieces and nephews.

If you have children and love reading to them then pick this up! They will love it! :)

The only reason this got 4.5 Stars is because I expected more pictures since it was a children's book.

BUY it. READ it with your little ones. ENJOY it. LOVE it! 

(Yuck Kingdom #2)

MY TAKE:

Falisha returns to Yuck Kingdom after flushing her brother down the toilet, again. This time with the help of a little friend she has to fight the Toilet King.

Return to Yuck Kingdom is just as great as the first. Sat and read this with my niece and enjoyed it very much. If there's one thing I like about children's books is the rhyming and this one had me laughing out loud with all the tongue twisters.  

This and the first will be on my nieces and nephews bookshelves when they are finally in paperback, which I'm hoping is soon. :-)

BUY it. READ it with your little ones. ENJOY it. LOVE it.

Happy Reading! 

Providence by Jamie McGuire

Description:

Struggling with her father's death, Nina meets Jared Ryel, presumably by chance. However it soon becomes clear that he knows more about her than even close friends. When her father's former associates begin following her in the dark, Nina learns that her father was not the man she thought he was, but a thief who stole from demons. In searching for the truth behind her father's death, she stumbles upon something she never expected, and something Hell wants, that only she holds the key for. Jarel risks everything to keep the women he was born to save, by sharing the secret he was sworn to protect.

Christina's BookReview

"You’re only supposed to know the best parts about me in the beginning!” He stood there for a moment, shaking his head with an expression of confusion and awe. 'I love everything about you.'"

RECAP
 
Nina Grey has just lost the one person in her life that she loved and adored more then anything. When some semblance of comfort comes from a stranger at the bus stop she is taken aback. But Nina is about to find out that the stranger isn't really a stranger and that her father wasn't as perfect as his daughter thought.

Jared Ryel has been watching over Nina since he was old enough to become her Protector. From afar he has watched her triumphant and struggle in everyday life. From afar he watched her grow into a wonderful woman and struggled with the love that was growing in him. When staying away isn't an option anymore, Jared will risk it all to find his normal with Nina.

Even if that means risking his life over and over again...

MY TAKE

As a fan of Jamie's work with Beautiful Disaster I was excited to finally be able to read this book. Anyone that has read BD knows what a brilliant piece of fiction it was. I however can't say the same about Providence. :-(

The book started off really good. The premise was great, angels vs demons, hell vs heaven? good vs evil A devil wanting what a thief stole? What's not to like about that?

The moment this book went straight to insta-love with two "drooling" protags I was just over it.

Don't get me wrong I love a great romance, just not the insta love one. I've read numerous books lately and thoroughly enjoy female protags that have a backbone, that lives don't revolve around a guy, that don't diss her friends for a boyfriend. Nina Grey was not that. She started off a good protag but then it just went south.

And Jared please don't get me started. Yes he was the most loving, caring and adorable guy ever. He was strong and what i assume a gorgeous gift from God. But he was also kind of...a wimp. Seriously the begging was just the final straw.

With that said I have to mention that I really enjoyed the secondary characters. Kim and Beth were good friends to Nina. Ryan I have to say was my guy. He was sweet, protective, adamant and adorable. Although Jared is the main protag I seriously loved Ryan and hope that he gets his happily ever after.

Good premise. Not so great protags. I gave this a 3.5 rating because I did like everything else in the story.

I know many people thoroughly enjoyed this series so I'm not going to tell you to bypass it. Pick it up and give it a try.

Happy Reading!

Liebster Award Nomination!!

Samantha from Thoughts of a Dreamer nominated me for this award. Thank you Samantha this is exciting! :)

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         The rules of the Liebster Award:

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog and link back to the blogger who presented this award to you;

2. Answer the 11 questions from the nominator, list 11 random facts about yourself and create 11 questions for your nominees;

3. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 11 blogs of 200 followers or less who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen. (No tag backs)

4. Copy and Paste the blog award on your blog.

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11 questions from Samantha

1. What's your current favorite book/series?
   
   My favorite book right now is Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park. Favorite series is Reckless Magicy by Rachel Higginson.
   
   
2. Do you let people borrow your books?
   
   I do let people borrow my books but prefer to lend them through Kindle. My physical books always seem to have issues after lending.
   
   
3. Do you ever read ebooks? Or do you stick to paper?
   
   I love my Kindle so I read ebooks all the time!! I own paperbacks/hardbacks too.
4. Which character would you like to be?
   
   Good question! I would have to say Bella in Lover Awakened! I have a major crush on Zsadist and Bella is a bad ass! :D
   
   
5. Which character would you like to be your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife?
   
   I would have to say Professor Emerson from Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard! He's the perfect mixture of sweet and passionate!
   
   
6. What world would you like to slip into and live on forever?
   
   Hmm...not sure about that...
   
   
7. Do you ever daydream about being a certain character or part of a story?
   
   All the time! With every book! Don't we all wish we lived in a book world?
   
   
8. What book got you into reading?
   
   Hmm...Chicken Soup for the teenage soul...that was my first book that I can remember.
   
   
9. What is your favorite genre?
   
   Romance
   
   
10. Why did you decide to start blogging?
    
    To share my passion for books with people!
    
    
11. What's your biggest pet peeve?
    
    People that take their sweet time.
    
    
    11 Random Facts about Christina

    
    

    1. I'm married to a wonderful husband that I met online. :)
    2. I love to write poetry 
    3. I write Twilight Fanfiction
    4. I am a Twi-hard
    5. I'm the oldest child of 10 kids
    6. I hate math but excel in it
    7. I'm was a die hard David Archuleta Fan
    8. My dream job is to be a journalist
    9. I own 2 great pitbulls!
    10. I love playing the piano but am not good at it. 
    11. I LOVE The Backstreet Boys
        
        11 Questions
        
        
        1. What is your favorite book/series?
        2. If you could meet one book character who would it be?
        3. What are your Top Favorite series?
        4. Who are your Top Favorite Male Characters?
        5. Why did you start blogging?
        6. What was the last book that made you cry?
        7. What is you favorite romantic gesture from a book?
        8. What is your all time favorite romance book?
        9. Who is your favorite female secondary character in a book?
        10. What five books are you reading this year?
        11. What are you reading now?
            
            

    My Nominees

    (Most of the blogs I follow do not meet the criteria)
    
    

    Jessica @ To The Point Review

    Alexandria @ Modern Peasants Bookshelf
    Lissa @ Book Nut Reviews

    Adriana @  Ramblings of a Writer

    Dani @ Kindle Book Love
    

    Rachel @ Rachel Higginson Blog
    Books 4 Review

    
    

    
    

With Good Behavior by Jennifer Lane

Book Description:
In a world gripped by organized crime, family dysfunction, and dim hopes of redemption, can true love persevere? For Sophie Taylor, a beautiful psychologist who lost everything when she violated an ethical boundary, and Grant Madsen, a handsome naval officer who sacrificed everything to protect a loved one, finding that love may carry an unbearable cost.

Starting their lives over in Chicago, both are fighting influences from their family and running as fast as they can to escape the past. When their paths cross outside the parole officer's door, the attraction is instantaneous. But a hidden connection may not only shatter their fledgling love, but prove deadly to them both.

Christina's BookReview

"When Karita died, the only thing that got me through was you. I was so proud to adopt you and have you as my son. Never forget that."

RECAP:

Former psychologist, Sophie Taylor has just been released on parole after serving a year in prison. Her crime? Falling in love with a criminal.

Former Navy Lieutenant, Grant Madsen is also being released on parole after serving 26 months in prison. His crime? Attempted robbery.

When these two are assigned to PO Jerry Stone their lives outside will change forever. 

As Sophie and Grant  work to make it on outside and stay out of prison their love grows everyday. But when their past comes knocking will these two survive? Or will love not be enough?

MY TAKE:

I was given this book by the lovely Jennifer to read and review. Unfortunately i couldn't get to it until recently. And what a mistake!! This book captured me from the first sentence!

Sophie and Grants story is one of heartache, pain, love, and the evil loved ones can cause.

As soon as you meet Sophie you realize that she was a women scorned. She is sweet, intelligent, and caring. But she is also naive. And her need to help is her ultimate fault. But given another chance Sophie is dead set on getting back on track which makes you root for her success. And if come in the form of one mighty fine sailor.

Omg! Grant Madsen is one hot, steamy swoon-worthy man! From the start you gravitate towards him. He is warm, loving, honorable and caring. His love for his uncle and later for Sophie is unbreakable.

I have to highlight the amazing secondary character in this book! From their hardass good guy PO Jerry Smith to their hilariously outrageous boss Roger. Also in the mix is Grants heartwarming Uncle Joe which will have you wishing for an uncle just like him and Sophie's best friend Kirsten.

But the one character in this book that truly captured my heart was also the "villain", Logan Barberi. Logan commits alot of mistake in this book but you also get an inside of his want to change. His need for someone to save him. And when he is finally given his "peace" you cant help and cry for him. Logan will dig himself into your heart even though you believe he shouldn't.

I was a blubbering mess during the second half of this book. One minute crying the next laughing and then back to crying. Jennifer did an amazing job bringing these character to life and making sure they stick with you. 

So here's my advice: BUY it, READ it, LOVE it!!

To help you out Jennifer has offered to supply an ebook copy of With Good Behavior for a giveaway!

The winner will be chosen on 1/18/2013. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below!! Good Luck and spread the word!!

Happy Reading!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Noah (5th Street, #1) by Elizabeth Reyes

Book Description: 

Veronica Cruz has been through hell and back. After disconnecting with the world two years ago to be at the side of her dying mother, she’s left alone, unemployed, overweight, and feeling a decade older than her twenty-eight years. When her best friend coaxes her into joining the local gym to ditch her depression and rejuvenate her life, she meets Noah. Assigned to help Veronica lose weight, Noah is everything she expected a young trainer to be—perfectly chiseled, supportive and motivating. Add to that, he’s incredibly sexy. He’s everything she’s ever looked for in a man. What she least expected was for him to fall for her, but he has. There's just one glaring problem: Noah is eight years younger.

Noah Quintanilla has his eye on a boxing title—someday. Down for a few months with an injury, his maintenance-boy pay at 5th Street Gym won't cut it. He’s finally given the opportunity to train. The catch? His trainee is an out-of-shape woman with a free week pass. Taking on the challenge, Noah stumbles into one of the closest friendships he’s ever known, and before he knows it, he’s in love. But Veronica’s not having it—the age difference is too much. Their platonic relationship means having to watch her date other men—something that would make him crazy. Believing he's the man for her, Noah sets out to prove that age is but an illusion, and there's more to him than just a number.

Christina's BookReview 

“Haven't you picked up on the irony of life by now? Things only just happen when you're not ready. When you're ready, you start trying, and gadamn I feel like trying right now.” 

RECAP:

Veronica has not had the best year. After suffering the lost of her mother veronica turns in on herself. After hitting rock bottom Veronica is obligated by her best friend to join the gym. Veronica goes along and at the end of the night she will have fulfills her friends wishes and return to her miserable existence. But fate has other plans. His name is Noah Quintanilla.

Noah Quintanilla has had a rough life. Moving from foster home to foster home has made him one tough man. The 5th Street gym is his family and he is finally given the chance to train. What Noah doesn't expect is a trainee much different from what 5th Street is used to. This trainee will be one that will change him forever.

What starts off as a friendship quickly changes for Noah and Veronica. But with the doubts and age difference between the two will these two ever get a happily ever after? Or are they at the wrong stage of their lives?

MY TAKE:

I won this book along with book 2 in a giveaway the author ran and was excited to start this. As a fan of The Moreno Brothers I couldn't wait to delve into this book. Although it was good I didn't enjoy it as much as previous reads from Ms. Reyes.

Noah and Veronica had a sweet friendship that blossomed throughout the book into a romance. While Veronica tries to work on herself and return to normal she also tries to deal with her growing affections for Noah, whose 8 years younger then her.  Unlike many twenty year old Noah has lived a very mature life. He isn't a boy and trying to get Veronica to see that is a difficult task which takes the whole entire book.

I liked the book but thought that the back and forth was a little drawn out which is why the 3.5 Stars. It consisted of the same things. They would flirt, she would back off, he would move forward. When they are finally together the book ends which is frustrating.

I recommend the book for the cute romance and the hot men of 5th Street. I look forward to reading Gio, book 2 in this series.

If you are a fan of Ms Reyes, I would say pick this up!
 

Happy Reading!