Waiting on Wednesday 6-19-13

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine  to share what book you are highly anticipating the release of.

 

It's been a few weeks since I've done a WoW post so I figured I should do one. Also, I had too much excitement on Tuesday to write a review for today so there you have it! My pick for this week is Taste the Heat by Rachel Harris.

 

 

• Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
• Publication date: 7/8/2013

One sexy fire captain. One Cajun chef, One combustible kitchen…

When chef Colby Robicheaux returned home to New Orleans to save her family restaurant, the last person she expected to reconnect with was her brother’s best friend and her childhood crush. As tempting as a sugar-coated beignet, Jason is one dish she doesn’t want to taste. Colby is counting down the days till she can leave the place where her distrust of love and commitment originated and go back to Vegas.

Fire captain Jason Landry isn’t looking for love, either. He knows he should focus on finding the perfect mother for his daughter, but when he first sees Colby, all grown up and gorgeous, he can’t help but be drawn to her. And when she suggests a no-strings-attached fling, Jason doesn’t want to say no.

As their relationship grows more intense, Colby finds that Jason isn’t as easy to leave behind as she thought. Could turning up the heat on something real be worth the possibility of getting burned?

I loved My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, and I also love Entangled Publishing's adult romance so I am super excited for this one.  The Bliss imprint is one of my favorites for sweet romance. The good thing is, at least the wait for this isn't too long!!

What are you waiting for? Leave me a link and I will check your post out as soon as I can. I will be movie set stalking for another day of so, so it might not be right away, but I promise I will comment back.

Review: Don't Bite the Bridesmaid by Tiffany Allee

• Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Covet Imprint)
• Publication date: 5/27/2013
• Source: eARC provided by the publisher for review

 Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Alice Shepard needs one thing: a date for her sister's wedding. And not just any date. A hunk who will make her fiancé rue the day he left her for her best friend. Her drop-dead gorgeous neighbor fits the bill—even if he is a bit quirky and never comes out during the day—and Alice has downed just enough appletinis to ask him. But she makes it quite clear that there will be no funny business.

Spending a week on a cruise ship full of humans while sleeping close to his sexy next-door neighbor sounds like a helluva bad idea to vampire Noah Thorpe. But his friends need time to get him out of a shotgun wedding—a vampire bonding that will tie his fate to a female vampire he's never met. And Alice's offer comes at just the right time.

What could possibly go wrong?

My Thoughts

I'm a big fan of the Entangled titles, but I don't often read many of their paranormal. When I heard about this one, it sounded really good, so I decided why not. I'm glad that I did. It was just what I was looking for at the time. A fun, sexy romance with a bit of paranormal flare! Nothing too serious, no major drama, just a few inconveniences along the way, and a lot of flirty fun!!

Alice is kind of an odd character. She comes across as a little flighty, but she was actually a woman who was just protecting her fragile heart after her scumbag ex cheated on her. She has no desire to let anyone else in, and she is having a hard time letting go of the past. When she has to go to her sisters wedding, (she happens to be marrying said cheating ex's brother) she needs to bring someone sexy to show her ex she's over him. He is bringing the woman who he cheated with and Alice refuses to show up dateless and look like she hasn't moved on. I really liked how she was finally able to see what a jerk he really was by the end of things, but I also thought that it took her a little too long, and that she should have been a little more forthcoming about things with Noah.

Noah is Mr. Sexy Vampire. He was of course a bit of a jerk as seems to be some sort of rule for books like this, but underneath he wasn't so bad. He has his own issues going on, and as much as he doesn't want to agree to go on the wedding cruise, it works out in his favor so he reluctantly agrees. Now he was a character who I really liked. He held back information for obvious reasons, but as he realizes he's falling for Alice, the more he wants to tell her, and open up. What started out as a good escape for him ends up being much more. Yes, he makes a few minor mistakes, but his are pretty understandable considering he is a vampire and that's not just something you toss around in normal conversation. Overall I thought he was really great!!

The romance was that slow, tension filled kind. I loved that they were both extremely attracted to each other, but refuse to give in. They have great chemistry, and a hell of a lot of sexual tension, so you know when they finally let things happen it's going to be sizzling and explosive!! I love the slow build up!! The best thing is, it didn't start on the cruise. They had both been noticing each other for a while, but kept to themselves mostly. They kind of watch each other from next door to each other and it's fun to learn about simple little things.

This was a really quick and entertaining read with minimal drama. Yes, there were a few things, but nothing that it too eye roll worthy or anything. The setting of course being on a cruise ship makes things even more fun. I mean, sexy vampire on a cruise... where there is lots of sun? How does that work right? Well, I can tell you it's done really great and I really enjoyed this. No, there isn't much actual substance to the book, but I think that's the point. It's just a sexy paranormal romance that is a great fast read!!

*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.

Frigid Pre-Order and Chapter Reveal

Hello!! I have a super awesome post for you guys today!! You all know that I am dying to read Frigid so I was more than excited to take part in this promo post!! There is a great incentive for pre-ordering, and we get a sneak peak at the book!! 

Today is an exciting day - we have FOUR HUGE SURPRISES for you! Jennifer L. Armentrout's (writing as J. Lynn) FRIGID is set to release on e-book at the end of July. If you're anything like us, you're probably on pins and needles and just cannot wait to get your hands on a copy of this book. 

FRIGID has already been given the honor of being named a Romantic Times Top Pick and we're super excited for you to be able to read it as well! 

 Well, there's good news! Are you ready for those four awesome surprises? Here we go! 

1. Due to all the excitement surrounding FRIGID, we have decided to run a special e-book pre-order promotion. We have worked out a deal with the distributor to release FRIGID a full two weeks early -- on JULY 15th!!! -- if we meet our e-book pre-order goal. EEEEP! That's right, if you are like the rest of us and want to be able to read FRIGID in its entirety before its original release date, all you have to do is PRE-ORDER THE E-BOOK NOW! What are you waiting for? GO! Pre-order it! 

Pre-Order Links: Barnes & Noble / Amazon 

2. Need something to hold you over until FRIGID releases? Well, starting right now, you can read the first three chapters of FRIGID for free! Just read below! 

Frigid Sneak Peek

3. Can’t get enough of the hot FRIGID cover? Want to see some behind the scenes photos that are sure to make you swoon? You’re in luck! Below you can watch a slideshow of all the behind the scenes photos from the photo shoot! Go on and watch it. We’ll wait, because there is still one more great surprise!

4. And last but not least, if you live near Philadelphia, PA, you're in for a very special treat -- Jennifer will be in Philly in November signing not only FRIGID but also the last book in her immensely popular COVENANT series, SENTINEL! But that's not all, Adam, the super hot cover model from FRIGID will be there as well! So, yes, you'll get to meet Jennifer and Adam! Plus, there will be other great prizes that you seriously won't want to miss out on (dinner with the author and model, perhaps?)! Stay tuned for more details to come! We hope you're as excited as we are! So now....Go pre-order FRIGID! Go read those chapters! Go watch that slideshow! And Enjoy!

Review: Zero Tolerance by Claudia Mills

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
• Publication date: 6/18/2013
• Source: ARC provided by the publisher for review

 Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Seventh-grader Sierra Shepard has always been the perfect student, so when she sees that she accidentally brought her mother's lunch bag to school, including a paring knife, she immediately turns in the knife at the school office. Much to her surprise, her beloved principal places her in in-school suspension and sets a hearing for her expulsion, citing the school's ironclad no weapons policy. While there, Sierra spends time with Luke, a boy who's known as a troublemaker, and discovers that he's not the person she assumed he would be--and that the lines between good and bad aren't as clear as she once thought. Claudia Mills brings another compelling school story to life with Zero Tolerance.

My Thoughts

The synopsis of this story intrigued me. I understand the seriousness of the issue at hand, but it seemed a little excessive to me to think that this student who has never done anything wrong, and even turns in the knife when she realized the mistake, should face expulsion. Not to worry though, the way that this book is done it makes sense. With a zero tolerance policy in the school, it doesn't matter if it was an accident or even that she turned it in. The fact that she brought it to school was enough. I found myself angry at the situation and hoping that everything got resolved for her.

Sierra is a good kid. She doesn't get into trouble, she gets good grades, and she helps the school with new initiatives to try to make the school and education better. She is the last person who would ever break a rule. In fact, she turns the knife in as soon as she notices she has her mom's lunch and not her own thinking it's the right thing to do. When they call her parents and start treating her coldly, she is confused. She doesn't understand how she can be in trouble for trying to do the right thing. Media gets involved and it becomes big news. She actually takes it all pretty well. At first I thought that maybe for a 12 year old she seemed a bit mature, but as I learned about her it made sense. She has a good head on her shoulders. As much as her situation sucked, I loved the things that she learned through the experience. She grew as a person and learned to not be so narrow minded about everything.

Sierra's father is a lawyer and he has connections so he is able to make the situation get media coverage. Sierra talks to reporters, ends up on the news, and has a bunch of support behind her. Not that any of that makes a difference to the principal at all. He needs to stick to the policies in place and there are no exceptions. While all of this goes on and Sierra is stuck in suspension, she actually becomes friends with the last person she thought she ever would. Luke is a major trouble maker, but she discovers that he's not all bad, and he is even willing to help her. I can't say that I agree with some of the ways her dad went about getting things resolved, but I do think that Sierra learned a great lesson out of it all.

This was a great book. I was invested in Sierra's story and needed to know the outcome. There were some great secondary characters too, and I think they really helped to round out the story and make Sierra the person she was. I wish we had been able to get to know her personally a little better, but the pending expulsion really kept us from getting to know too much about her outside of that situation. I felt like we got to know Luke and her family more than we got to know her. I liked the little glimpse that we did get though. Overall I really did like this though. I think that it had some good messages in it. Some subtle, some more obvious, but all really great!

* An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.

Weekly Recap/Stacking the Shelves (59) The One Where I'm Spazzing!

*Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews

Hi guys!! So, OMG this week has been like one of the best weeks in my existence!! And yes, I got some awesome books, but that's totally not even what made me week epic!! What did, is I got to see Robert Downey Jr. Like in real life!! He was filming a movie right down the street from my house. EEEEP!! I have also heard that they will be filming next week too, so I am keeping my fingers crossed! Maybe this time I will be able to get his autograph. I missed out on Thursday because I was on the other side from where he greeted his fans so I had to run around the building and then there were too many people. But I got within a few feet of him!! I seriously thought I would die! He is like my all time celebrity crush!! So anyways, onto the books. It was an epic week for those also!! Oh, and Happy Father's Day too!!

So sorry guys, this is kind of long. Really though, the first two minutes are just me spazzing out!

Books Mentioned

Review

• A Trick of the Light by Lois Metzger (Audiobook)
• Alienated by Melissa Landers (I know, I got this last week too. I have already set up a trade for it.)
• Altered (Crewel World #2) by Gennifer Albin 
• In the After by Demitria Lunetta (Audiobook)
• The Cutting Room Floor by Dawn Klehr 
• The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Milay (Audiobook)
• The Wig in the Window by Kristin Kittscher (Audiobook)
• These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Megan Spooner
• Tidal by Emily Snow (Audiobook)
• You Look Different In Real Life by Jennifer Castle (Audiobook)

Purchased/Kindle Freebie

• Beauty from Surrender (Beauty #2) by Georgia Cates
• No Strings Attached by Nicolette Day
• Picture Perfect by Alessandra Thomas
• The Disappearing Girl by Heather Wood (kindle freebie)
• The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard(kindle freebie)
• Wicked Games by Jessica Clare (The old covers have Jill Myles as the name, but it's the same person. (kindle freebie)

Thank you so much to Harper Audio, Simon Schuster Audio, Macmillan, Flux, Netgalley, and Hyperion!! You all rock!! 

Weekly Recap

• Reviews: First Kiss by Ann Marie Frohoff, One by Leigh Ann Kopans, The Distance Between Us by Kasie West, Bitter Angel by Megan Hand, Faking It (Losing It #2) by Cora Carmack
• Blog Tours: First Kiss by Ann Marie Frohoff
• Cover Reveals: A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers, The Sound of Letting Go by Stasia Ward Kehoe, Jenny's Blue Velvet by Angela Carlie
• Weekly Memes: Book Girls Don't Cry
• Random: Release day launch for One Tiny Lie

Search Terms

• moebzo - I have no clue what this is? Anyone else know?
• strpped by brooklyn ske - I did review this book a little while back.
• a second chance is all i want - Is this a book?
• publishers weekly book reviews alice clayton - Not publishers weekly, but I did review the audiobook of Wallbanger by this author.
• absent katie williams summary - I reviewed this a little while ago too. It was great!
• arclight mcquien review - This book was good.
• audiobook review blogs - I do a few audiobook reviews a month.
• beautiful bastard audiobook free  - Really people?! You won't find any free books here or any links to free books. (Unless they are intended to be free. Kindle always has free ebooks) Use your library or something. 

I hope all of you had a great week! I am still a little giddy about Robert Downey Jr. and also I had a great Friday night out with the girls for my friend Kat's birthday. I would love to see what you got too so don't forget to leave me a comment with a link. :) 

Book Girls Don't Cry - To Romance Or Not

Happy Saturday everyone!! I know you probably missed us last week, but not to worry! Book Girls is back! This weeks topic is what we think about romance in YA suggested Leigh of Little Book Star. Is romance overdone? Does it really need to be in so many books? Well, I will tell you what I think.

Other Book Girls Posts This Week

Jenni

Giselle

(Giselle didn't post this week so the link is just to her blog)

 

So I was going to do a vlog, but then I got lazy and now I have to figure out a way to ramble in a blog post. Okay, is romance always something we need in YA books? I don't think so. I have read a few books that actually don't have romance at all. I can't really think of any off the top of my head, but I know I have. I think that romance is something that we all want, so it's great to read about. Those perfect kisses that make you swoon, or the sweet line that the love interest delivers. Yeah, I can hear you all sighing now. I know you are thinking of your favorite book boyfriends. 

 

When Romance Doesn't Work

I admit, I'm a sucker for romance. I read a lot of it. I seek it out, but sometimes it just doesn't fit the story. Like dude, there are literally zombies chasing you and you're barely surviving. Probably not the best time for romance. A quickie before you get your brains munched? Sure, but if you die in the process that's your own fault. Then there are the romances in Middle Grade books. Honestly, I don't know if it's just me, but when I was 12 I wasn't interested in boys at all. Sure, I had friends, but I wanted to climb trees and play tag, not hold hands or make out. I just find that romance in MG books is a bit awkward. I suppose a little hand holding isn't bad, but none of that drama shit! Lastly, does every paranormal book have to have the MC falling for whatever the paranormal being is? You can't hunt demons or vampires or whatever without automatically falling for one? I do enjoy paranormal romance, but does every single one have to have a romance? Can't we just have a kick ass story about whatever the end goal is without getting all googly eyed and love struck. 

When Romance Does Work

I rarely will hate a romance. Like I said, I love them, but I really love when the couple are friends first and fall into a romance. Or it can be people who just meet, but actually get to know each other first. Start to slowly fall for one another. I think that's the sweetest. I also really love rekindled romance. As long as it didn't fall apart for some unforgivable reason, I am always about a couple who has been apart falling in love all over again. 

I guess I don't really have a lot to say on this topic. I thought I could ramble for a while, but I'm done. I don't want to bore you guys! What are your thoughts on romance? Is it a take it or leave it type thing for you, or do you want it in most of what you read? Let me know what you think in the comments. Also, is there any books you've read without notable romance you would recommend? I know I've read some, but not a lot. Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!

Review: Faking It (Losing It #2) by Cora Carmack

• Publisher: William Morrow (Imprint of HarperCollins)
• Publication date: 6/4/2013
• Source: ebook provided by publisher via Edelweiss for review

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

My Thoughts

Cora Carmack is now a must buy author for me!! This book was fabulous!! I absolutely loved Losing It, so when I heard Cade was getting his own story I was really looking forward to it! I know that he didn't really stand out for a lot of people in the first book, but he was one of my favorites!! Besides his awesomeness in this, I loved Max!! I also loved the double meaning of this book title too! Yes, they are faking to be a couple for Max, but they are also both faking who they really are to those around them. This story was everything I was hoping it would be!

Cade is still very broken from what happened in Losing it. He puts on a brave face, but he's far from home and still trying to mend his broken heart. He is barely holding on, when he meets Max. He can't help but be intrigued by her. He goes along with her plan to pretend to be her boyfriend both to help her, and because he figures why not. Then it becomes convenient for him to escape his problems as well. The thing is, he realizes that he's finally letting his heartbreak go, and realizes he needs to stop faking that he's been okay with his life recently. He needs to stop lying to his friends, and himself. Max brings out a side of him that he had hidden away. Cade is beyond sweet, and in the beginning he seems like a fragile, broken guy, but he's actually quite a bit stronger than I gave him credit for. I loved seeing that change in him.

Max outwardly seems like a tough chick, oozing with confidence, who fears nothing. Really though, she is terrified of letting her parents down, not being what they want her to be, and not being able to be who she wants to be. She really is a strong person in every other situation except for when it comes to her parents. As the story goes on, we get to know why it's so hard for her to be able to just be who she wants around them. Why she has to fake she is someone she isn't just to make them happy. It's deeper than just strict and proper parents. I really felt for her and I wanted her to not have to be afraid. At first I thought she was being weak, but in the end I realized it was harder to fake, then to just come clean, at least mentally.

The romance was not an easy one. I think that's why I really liked it. Yes, they are pretending to be a couple, but that's for her parents benefit. They slowly start to let their guard down around each other and be themselves. No hiding behind fake pretenses that everyone else sees. I think it really added to their growing bond. They find themselves sharing things with each other that they haven't with anyone else, and finding a comfort in one another even if it's only in fleeting moments. They both are attracted to the other, but have no clue how much of an act it is for the other. It's not easy, but it's real. I thought it moved a little quickly, but in the situation, I can see that happening. They are both raw with emotion and just what the other needs.

If you enjoyed Losing It, you need this one. It was not as humorous since the characters situations are much different, but it was so good. The connection I felt to them made me full of emotion while reading it! These are some majorly broken characters that need to figure themselves out and move on from the past. There was more focus on fixing each other (mostly Max) then getting together. This one is still sexy, but more on the emotionally dark side then the humorous side. I thought it was amazing! I need more from this author now!

*An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation.