~REVIEW~ Runes by Ednah Walters

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.

ADD TO GOODREADS

 

~MY REVIEW~

“True love transcends logic, Freckles. It’s a blending of minds and souls.”

“It makes us feel and see things in ways that normal people don’t. You don’t question it or try to understand it. You just accept it for the gift it is. "

The Plot

When Raine’s swim team is hit with a case of misfortune she starts to suspect that the new members in town have something to do with them. When she starts to notice the runes that are all around her she doesn’t act naïve and demands answers that she doesn’t get. The runes hold the answer to her questions but no one can reveal to her what they mean so for most of the book we spend it trying to figure them out. Along the way Raine must deal with her connection to all the events going on and her guilt over the horror that has befallen her swim team.  As well as the loss of her father, her love for her best friend and her growing feelings for her neighbor.

The Characters

Raine was such a wonderful heroine. She lives a typical normal teenage life. The only issues she has to deal with his her missing father and her crush on her best friend. But she is like any teenage girl and she enjoys her life. When the mysterious Torin St. James moves next door his cockiness and arrogance makes her furious but she doesn’t let him get to her. She was feisty and fought back when she needed to but always sweet and caring of those she loved.

Torin was just GREAT! He comes off as an arrogant bad ass but there is so much more to him. He has a destiny that he didn’t know he was choosing and has been living with the repercussions for eternity. When he moves next door to Raine he knows what his job is and holds no attachments to anything. That of course changes when he actually meets his new neighbor and is she doesn’t fall for his charm. So although it’s against the rules Torin breaks all of them realizing that his need to protect Raine transcends it all.  Like every girl in this book you will definitely swoon for Torin and fall in love with him as you learn more about him and his story.

Some of the secondary characters are equally as wonderful. Cora and Eirik are Raine’s best friend and through it all they are her biggest supporters. They all look out for each other and are there for each other through all the good and bad times.

The Romance

Okay so this book has a bit of a love triangle. Something I detest. But I like when there is really no competition just indecision. I adored Eirik, Raine’s best friend, he was caring and protective of her. It takes him a long time to get the nerve to finally take things to the next level but when he does he is wonderful. Unfortunately, he seemed very distant at times and secretive. I have my questions about him and wonder what his part is in this whole storyline.
Now Torin on the other hand was no match for Eirik. The moments between him and Raine were so intense and so funny. They both fought and loved passionately when together. The chemistry between them engulfed the pages and had you wanting more of them. So when things don’t turn out great or when they try to fight what is growing between them it is a sad and frustrating.

The Wrap-Up

I was blown away by the storyline and characters! Runes was a great start to this series and I can’t wait to continue! This book has great characters, a great storyline and a great cliffhanger that has me wanting to read more! If you are a fan of YA Paranormal Romance this is the series for you! Pick it up now!

Happy Reading!

~NEW RELEASE & GIVEAWAY~ Fighting for Infinity by Karen Amanda Hooper

FIGHTING FOR INFINITY,  the 3rd and final book in The Kindrily series by Karen Amanda Hooper, has been released!

BUY: Amazon

Synopsis

Every moment, every lifetime, every decision—including her choice to erase—has led Maryah to this.

Two outcomes are possible: an infinite happy-ever-after with her kindrily or
the final severing of her relationship with Nathan.

Closer to the enemy than ever before, Maryah unravels the diabolical plan that
Dedrick has been manipulating into place for centuries. Revelations, secrets,
and lies surface faster than Maryah can process. She doesn’t know who to trust,
what to believe, or how to save her loved ones from the desolate future Dedrick
is so close to executing.

Guided by an enigmatic raven-haired prisoner, Maryah fights body and soul to
save Nathan, her kindrily, and countless others. But is her love strong enough
to alter a prophecy written in the stars?

ADD TO GOODREADS

 Right now all Kindrily series ebooks are on sale in
honor of the trilogy being complete.

Book 1, GRASPING AT ETERNITY, is only $.99!

But hurry and grab your copies now because the price will go back up soon.

All books can be purchased at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.com

Karen is celebrating with a week-long Facebook party where many authors will be giving away free books and prizes. Go here to join. Karen will be giving away winner’s choice of a signed copy of any of The Kindrily books. 

You can enter using the Rafflecopter below, but she’ll also be giving away more prizes during her Facebook party running April 30-May 8th.

~GIVEAWAY~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~REVIEW~ When Wishes Collide by Barbara Freethy

 

Synopsis

Adrianna Cavello's life changed in an instant when a break-in at her restaurant took the life of her boyfriend and left her too traumatized to return to work. Months later, with everything she's ever wanted on the line, Adrianna makes a wish by tossing a coin into a fountain known for making miracles.

Wyatt Randall is also in need of a miracle. Two years earlier, his ex-wife kidnapped their daughter, and Wyatt is desperate to find his little girl. A new lead raises his hopes, but quickly fizzles out. When his coin clashes with another, he sees what little hope he has flying away.

Adrianna and Wyatt soon learn that they have more in common than two coins that collided. In fighting for the lives they lost, they must learn how to trust again. Only then will they discover that meeting each other and falling in love might not be what they wished for, but exactly what they need.

ADD TO GOODREADS 

~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

On a regular afternoon, two strangers meet while making a wish at a fountain. When their wishes collide both realize that there is a reason they were brought together. When one realizes that his missing daughter is the reason, he stops at nothing to get her to help him find his daughter. He believes and knows that she is what he’s needed all along. And while the two search for his missing daughter both come to realize that maybe there’s more reason behind the collision of their wishes. A friendship quickly turns into so much more as they both search for the missing daughter. 

The Characters

Growing up with a difficult childhood after her mother’s death Adrianna has always taken care of herself. Now a chef, nothing has changed. Until the night that takes away someone close to her and leaves her with a crippling fear of life. When she meets Wyatt she finds her true self during her friendship with him.

Wyatt has been secluded since losing his daughter to her vengeful mother. He has given up on life and everyone around him seems to pity him. He spends his day and nights trying to find clues to lead him to his daughter with no avail. When Adrianna gives him his first shred of hope he stops at nothing to follow the clues. And though he seems to be only focused on his daughter he can’t help the emotions that fill him when Adrianna is around. While she gives him hope he gives her the one thing she needs: the will to live her life.

The Romance

Although minimal, there was romance. Both characters find a solace in each other that they never experienced. But first and foremost the story centered on the search for Stephanie, Wyatt’s daughter. They both refused to let desire get in the way of what they needed to do. So while there was romance they fault against it so much that it frustrated the reader and makes it seem like its forced. In end it is wrapped up so fast that you really don't feel like it was love between them.

The Wrap-Up

So all in all When Wishes Collide was a sweet and interesting read. I would have wished to have more of a connection grow between the characters but what we did see was sweet. If you are in need of a quick and light read I would say give this a try.

Happy Reading!

~REVIEW~ King Sized Beds and Happy Trails by Cassie Mae and Theresa Paolo

Synopsis

Book One in the Beds Series

Written by authors Cassie Mae and Theresa Paolo under the pen names Becca Ann and Tessa Marie

Lexie Boggs needs out of her house… away from her alcoholic mother and far away from the “white trash” label that’s been smacked across her chest. She’s saved every penny from her multiple jobs so she can dart out of there as soon as she graduates. But there's something else she wants so badly she's willing to spend every dime she has. Her senior class trip and the chance to seduce the senior hottie, Sean Dixon.

Ryan Parker knows how much college means to his best friend, Lexie. He also knows Sean is a player on a search for how many girls he can get in his bed. So instead of letting Lexie drain out her piggy bank, he forks out the dough to get her on the senior ski trip. Not only because she’s his best friend, but because he’s face-planted in love with her.

When Ryan and Lexie get jammed in the same cabin, with one king-sized bed and a whole lot of history, Ryan fights to keep his feelings hidden, while Lexie discovers some of hers.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

Do you know how hard it was to rate this book? Extra hard. The reason being that Cassie has written some awesomesauce books. I’ve enjoyed the others I’ve read and when I picked this one up I didn’t have a doubt in my mind I would enjoy it. Sadly, that wasn’t the case.

The Characters

Ryan and Lexie both grew up with terrible mothers and both found a connection that brought them close. Ryan although saved by his grandparent never gave up on trying to save Lexie. He was a likeable character and was very protective of Lexie in a way that makes you smile throughout the book. I enjoyed his POV much more than Lexie. Lexie didn’t get away from her mother and deals with her mother’s reputation on a constant basis. Lexie was an okay character to me. She whined a lot, cried a lot and didn’t really have a backbone.  

The Plot

The storyline to this book was “girl and boy are friends, girl likes another boy, girl realizes she loves friend”, and then the end. The drama was typical high school drama and everything was quickly resolved.

The Romance

This was a super sweet YA romance. You got the sweet best friend romance and the really cute moments between the characters. But for once, while reading this book I wish there were more time spent on the conflict then on the romance.

The Wrap-Up

So overall, if you are looking for a sweet and light romance this is the book for you. If I had read this at a different time maybe I would feel differently so I would say give this book a try. And do check out Cassie’s other books as well as Theresa's!

Happy Reading!

~REVIEW~ The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

Synopsis

Luke Carney has no idea what possessed him to move back to Shelter Springs, Colorado, to set up his veterinarian practice. His parents have long since left, the small farming community is on the brink of extinction, and only one close friend from his childhood remains--Taycee Emerson, his best friend’s little sister, who isn’t so little anymore.

Then there’s the matter of Shelter’s Bachelorette, an online reality dating show created to raise some much needed funds for the town.

Unwittingly cast as the bachelorette, Taycee wants out, especially when she discovers that Luke, her childhood crush, is back in town and will be one of the bachelors. To make matters worse, it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. And they all seem to like Luke.
Unwilling to let him break her heart again, Taycee launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. But she’d forgotten that Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~ 

The Characters

Luke was born and raised in Shelter Springs, Colorado so when he is older it is no coincidence that he moves back to his hometown. He looks forward to starting his own vet practice and to reconnecting with his best friends. He was a very laid back character but was not one to play games. He was sweet and romantic when he wanted to be but wouldn’t put up with crap from others, especially Taycee Emerson.

Taycee grew up in Shelter and has never thought of leaving it. She is attached to her hometowns and refuses any changes. She is sweet and caring but holds back a lot because of her fear of change.

The Plot

When Taycee’s best friend sets up a Shelter Bachelorette show in order to help the towns farming industry Taycee doesn’t realize the consequence of her support. When she becomes the bachelorette she is more than pissed at her best friend but she is willing to help the town.  And when she finds out that the boy she loved and broke her heart is now on the show she is hell bent on getting him voted off. So while Luke tries to reconnect with Taycee she pushes back. When she realizes that Luke is not to blame for her heartache things turn around for those two. Unfortunately she realizes that too late and what follow is pages upon pages of drama.

The Romance

The romance between Taycee and Luke takes a while to pick up but when it does is really sweet.  They both reconnect on a friendship level as well as begin to test the waters together as a couple. It would have been good to have more romance but what was there was sweet.

The Wrap-Up

Overall, this was a light and sweet read. I picked this up and finished it in a day so it did have a good storyline. To me the story was a bit lacking and boring at times and could have been made better. I didn’t feel the connection between Luke and Taycee and at times found myself liking her connection with a different character because there was more depth to it.

HAPPY READING!

~REVIEW~ The Will by Kristen Ashley

Synopsis

Early in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant.

While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love.

But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it.

Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.

ADD TO GOODREADS 

~MY REVIEW~

The Characters

Josephine lived a sad childhood and was a victim of abuse but was saved by her grandmother, Lydie, when she needed her. As Josie grew Lydie and her employer, Henry, became the only constant in her life and she was okay with that. She had the life she always wanted and she looked forward to continuing her life as it was. But when she loses Lydie everything she’s ever known is turned on its axis. Without her grandmother she found herself alone and lonely. But she looked forward to submerging in her work to avoid the pain. She was strong and fierce. She was such a headstrong heroine that I automatically liked her. And no matter how much she fought back against the changes going on after Lydie’s passing she couldn’t escape the light that Jake was providing her.

There are no words to describe Jake. He is a father of three, owns a strip club and gym and is ex-boxer that has had many ups and downs in his life. He made many mistakes that he admits to but has also realized his mistakes and fought for a better life for him and his kids. He is a strong Alpha male and he takes care of those he loves. There is no way to put into words all that he is because he is AMAZING. Lydie was a huge part of who he had become and he loved her like she was his own grandmother. When he meets Josie he takes his time with her and is patient and understanding but also possessive in a way that isn’t overbearing.

The Plot

I have to say that The Will is a roller coaster of emotions. I found myself crying one moment, laughing the other, fuming the next and swooning later. Josie and Jake both have some lessons to learn and both struggle through them. They are both on opposite ends of the spectrum but are also perfect for each other. What starts off as a dislike for each other turns into so much more and the journey is a wild ride. Throughout the pages you will encounter a jealous ex-wife, a scorned lover, teenage drama, money hungry family, lies and betrayal and much much more. Their story is not a sweet romance; there is a lot the characters go through that lead them to their version of Happily Ever After.

The Romance

OMG! Jake and Josie are combustible! There is so much hostility and frustration between the two that when the two finally catch fire it is a volcano erupting. The buildup to their relationship is slow at first but as soon as they stop fighting it there is no turning back. They both find solace in each other and both have hearts of gold so you can imagine the romance that brews through the pages.
There are also MANY Hot and Steamy scenes that will have you swooning.

The Wrap-Up

Don’t’ miss out on this book! Although it is extremely long it is a wonderful read. The characters, both primary and secondary are just incredible. From Jake's three kids to Josie’s larger than life friends.

HAPPY READING!!

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Man's got the power to break a woman's heart. Women have their own power. Learn this in future, choose better.” 

“It’s never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it’s never too late to find it.”

“Just you wait until you get your turn, little man,” Amond advised. “I’m not kissin’ Josie,” Ethan returned, looking a little sick. “No, boy,” Amond replied. “When you get a woman of your own.” “She’s gonna cook like Josie. She’s gonna dress like Josie. She’s gonna talk like Josie. But we’re just holding hands,” Ethan informed Amond superiorly and my heart jumped as my belly melted.” 

“Momma bear lookin’ after my kids. Good woman lookin’ after her man.”

~REVIEW~ Choose Us by Caylie Marcoe

 

 Synopsis

Riley Logan and Travis Grayson have been best friends for the last fifteen years. She would do anything for him, go anywhere for him…and she has, countless times. Except now. Now he’s asking for too much. Their friendship has reached a breaking point and she doesn’t know how to go back. But as Travis’ personal assistant, Riley spends her every waking moment by his side.

When a fractured ankle puts Travis’ BMX career on hold he’s given more downtime than he knows what to do with. Always one for excitement, he agrees to become the bachelor on a televised dating show, but only if Riley goes in undercover to help weed through the girls.

What was supposed to be eight weeks of freedom has turned into eight weeks of hell surrounded by desperate girls all vying for Travis’ attention. He promised her the show would be smooth sailing. He promised he would listen to her advice on which girls should be eliminated. But now he’s breaking those promises and getting way too close to the girl Riley despises the most.

She shouldn’t care. Except she does. Much to her surprise there is one girl she wants Travis to choose…

Her.

Will she get what she wants, or will Riley lose her best friend along with getting her heart broken on national television?

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

“I wanted it to be a day you’d remember forever- the day we stepped into our future together.”

Riley and Travis have been best friends since they first met. Riley is used to what her job as a personal assistant entails. When Travis became a BMX star, Riley was right there through it all with him. There was no other place she would rather be than with Travis. She is an exceptional friend. So against her better judgment, she decides to help Travis when he begs for her help him weed out contestants on the show he is to be apart of.

Travis in whole is a character! He is a bit of playboy but he is sweet and caring. To him, Riley isn’t just an employee; she is also his best friend. He takes care of her the same way she does him. So when he is asked to join The Bachelor there is no way he would join without having her there with him. He looks forward to having her help him find the right girl for him and to fish out the fakers.

What starts off as a great plan quickly changes when things start to unravel in their relationship. Soon their banter and encounters on the show turn into so much more than they expected. And when they realize it, a bit too late, alot of drama ensues. Riley isn’t the only one vying for Travis’s attention and when things don’t turn out as she plans things get “ugly”.

Don’t miss out on Choose Us! It is a fun and light read that you don’t want to miss out on. Once I started the book I was quickly consumed with the storyline. I loved the characters and the way the story progressed. Best friend romances are the best! Pick this up!

Happy Reading!

~REVIEW~ Capstone by Misty Provencher

Synopsis

It's supposed to stink. That's what Cusps do.
The Ianua, Nalena and Garrett's own community, have welcomed them back by charging them as traitors and chucking them into the Hotel Celare's slammer.
And outside the fortress walls, it's no better.
The Cusp is at full-boil as the world finally surrenders to The Fury's lifestyle. Looting, riots, murders—every kind of crime has become the norm—and The Fury want to make it all permanent. They might even succeed, now that they've nabbed all thirteen of the Ianua's Cornerstones.
To preserve mankind, the only chance the Ianua have left is to beat The Fury to the Earth's Core and somehow trigger the Reset.
Like that's easy.
There's no manual on how to activate a Reset. Nobody even knows if there’s an actual Core to the Earth.
Shoot, it could be one big myth; an epic waste of effort.
But the Addo thinks there is one last hope.
Maybe.
So long as someone is willing to sacrifice everything to be mankind's long shot.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

Capstone starts off right where Jamb left off. The tables have turn and now Nali, Garret and the rest of the people that escapes The Chasm are now prisoners of the remaining Cura’s. When they try to prove their innocence they are spurned. And when Nali is given a mission by the missing Aldo she has to choose love or life.  But with Garrett by her side Nali is given a strength she didn’t know she had. So as they journey to put a stop to Van’s plans both will endure the biggest test in their relationship. Lives are lost, betrayals are committed and many relationships are tested in this final book.

The Characters

From the beginning on this series I have loved every character in this series. Nali started off a bit weak but her strength grew as the book progressed and I enjoyed seeing her progression. Garrett has always been his wonderful self and I didn’t ever stop being that. He was protective of Nali as well as his family and that didn’t stop throughout the series. My heart truly broke for him through the series and this final book.

The secondary characters in this series are something that I really enjoyed. I felt like everyone had their own little part to play and no one was overlooked.

The Romance

Throughout the series Garret and Nali’s love has been the greatest factor in Nali’s journey. With each other they were able to conquer the bad and good and that didn’t stop in this final book. But when it came down to the end where we wanted this couple to have their HEA I was utterly pissed off. After spending four books reading about the power of their love and the struggle of them being together at times I was so let down with how it ended. I was so pissed that I felt cheated and still do.

The Wrap-Up

So even though this was a good book I have to say that it dragged at times. And like I mentioned above the ending was crap. I’m not usually so upset over an ending because I don’t expect them all to be good ones but this one just didn’t HAVE an ending which is why I’m so upset. Because of those two things Capstone fell down to 3.5 stars.  

So pick up Capstone if you've read the rest, at least to finish the series.

Happy Reading!