KEEP QUIET ~ LISA SCOTTOLINE

Jake Buckman makes a decision to protect Ryan, his son, but is there a cost for this decision.

Having a turbulent relationship with his son, Jake is trying to make things better. One night he goes to pick him up from a movie and he sees his son walking out with his friends and 2 girls. Ryan is texting during the ride home. Ryan begs Jake to let him drive even though it is after the time he is allowed to drive. Trying to be the good parent, Jake relents. As he and Ryan are talking, Ryan averts his eyes and hits something in the road. Thinking it was a deer, they get out to investigate.

Jake tells Ryan to call 911 but Ryan is freaking out and discloses to his father that he has smoked some pot and has it on him. In that instant Jake makes a decision that will alter the events of his life and his marriage. Jake realizes the person is dead and there is nothing that can be done, but that he can save his son. They drive away. Ryan is traumatized by what he has done and it leads to an unfortunate series of events.

Can Jake's marriage withstand his lies? Will Ryan be able to overcome his fear? What if someone else say it and turns them in to the authorities? In this book, can one poor judgment call alter the lives of everyone?

I totally did not see the ending coming.

4.5 stars

TAINT ~ S.L. JENNINGS

From the description of the book I expected something totally different. What I got was more of a romance book, not to say that's a bad thing.

The basic premise of this book is a sex boot camp for females who are losing the interest of their husbands. It is very expensive and a six week intense training course. The women are secluded away. One woman in particular, Ally, was the focal point of the book.

What I was not expecting was Justice Drake. He was dark, sexy and broody, and his ways were unconventional. He kept his dark secrets hidden away. There were also so seriously hot scenes. In addition, there were some sweet and tender scenes, which included episodes of Friends and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.

I got a kick out of some of the women at the sessions as well as what occurs during the timeframe of these sessions.

At times I felt my mind drift away from he book and that is why it earned 4 vs. 5 stars. I do think the book is well written and very well crafted.

4 stars

BLINDNESS ~ GINGER SCOTT

What an amazing book.

I was thinking it might just be another love triangle book, but was I ever wrong.

Charlie finally has a relationship with her father and after he passes away she leaves her home along with her bad memories.

She has a "safe" relationship with her boyfriend Trevor, until the day she goes to a study group and meets Cody (an ex-Motocross rider).

You just want to pull for Cody from the beginning. This is a roller coaster book that have your emotions up one minute and down the next.

The characters in this book held my heartstrings. I absolutely loved Cody and how could you not want to just embrace Gabe and Jessie.

There are lost of surprises and shocks in this book, but I just loved it.

This was a new author for me, but I can promise I'll read more because the writing style was so wonderful and compelling and the story itself drew me in and I just wanted to keep reading to find out if the ending would be what I wanted it to be.

5 stars

TOP SECRET TWENTY-ONE ~ JANET EVANOVICH

What I loved most about this book was the belly laughs that I got out of it. As a friend pointed out, there was some rehashing through the book instead of at the beginning.

I love the troubles that Stephanie manages to get herself into. She is such a magnet for car wrecks, rocket launchers, compromising positions, etc.

Jimmy Polleti, a used car dealer is out on bail and here the story begins.

This book brought back Randy Briggs and the storyline focused on him being on the run and afraid for his life.

The second part of the storyline was the troubles that Ranger was having (almost seemed like Stephanie's back luck was rubbing off on him).

The obvious love triangle involving Ranger and Morelli as they both take turns making sure Stephanie is okay. This one was not as filled with sexual tension as prior books.

The addition of 10 Chihuahuas was hysterical.

4 stars

BLADED MAGIC ~ J.C. DANIELS

I wasn't too sure when I read the first novella in this series. The thought of rats freaked me out a bit, but this book didn't get me freaked out at all.

This book begins with Kit working at TJ's as a bartender. She comes upon a fight in the alley and using her skills, she helps a witch named Justin. Kit seems to have more than one skill going for her and even though she was basically disowned by her family, after drifting, she seems to have found a place and some new friends. They have taken her under their wing. Kit gets these twitchy feelings that something is wrong. Justin, who is a freelance witch, comes back into her world and asks for a favor to help him with a situation. Kit agrees and she goes off with Justin. Kit has grit and determination and she wants to do things her way.

Actually ended up really enjoying this short novella.

4 stars

RELEASE DAY BLITZ & GIVEAWAY ~ COME TO ME SOFTLY BY A.L. JACKSON

Happy Release Day to A.L Jackson as we celebrate her new book Come to Me Softly!!

From the New York Times bestselling author of Come to Me Quietly comes

a scorching new adult romance in the Closer to You series.

 

A second chance at life…

A second chance at love…

 

Jared Holt never thought he deserved either—until he found both in the arms of Aly Moore. Aly has loved Jared for as long as she can remember, and she’s more than ready for the future they’re making together. But Jared can’t help remembering his own family. And he’ll never forgive himself for what happened to them. How can he allow himself the very happiness he once destroyed?

To live a life worthy of Aly, Jared knows he has to stop running and finally put his past to rest. But when he decides to face his demons head on, he encounters more than he bargained for: a dangerous mix of jealousy, lies, and dishonest intentions. When those intentions threaten Aly, Jared loses all control, giving into the rage that earned him his bad boy reputation years before. And he’ll fight to protect her no matter what it costs…even if he destroys himself in the process.

*Enjoy the trailer created by the wonderful Becca the Bibliophile*

♥BUY YOUR COPY OF COME TO ME SOFTLY♥

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Be sure to join us for the Come to Me Softly Read Along Party! We’re kicking off the celebration on June 24^th with a ton of prizes, then the read along begins. Daily prizes all the way up to grand prize on July 2^nd!

Grand Prize: Coach Bag stuff with A.L. Jackson Goodies!

♥JOIN THE COME TO ME SOFTLY READ ALONG PARTY!♥

Come to Me Softly Release Celebration Giveaway!

Grand Prize: Coach Bag, Kindle Paperwhite, and A.L. Jackson Swag

Second Prize: Come to Me Quietly Custom Charm Necklace

Third Prize: A.L. Jackson Swag Pack

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♥BUY BOOK 1 IN THE CLOSER TO YOU SERIES♥

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Aleena Moore is content with her life. She has goals and dreams and an easy smile. She also has a secret she holds locked inside.

Jared Holt believes he doesn’t deserve to love or be loved. He destroys everything he touches. Haunted by the mistake that shattered his life, he’s fled from the memory of that pain.

Jared doesn’t know why he’s compelled to return, but finds himself drawn back to the place where it all began. The exact place where it ended. When he runs into his childhood best friend, Aleena’s older brother Christopher, he agrees to share Christopher and Aleena’s apartment while he looks for a place of his own.

Aleena is no longer the little girl Jared remembers from his past and evokes feelings in him he never wanted to feel again. Terrified of destroying her, he fights to keep her away. But her touch is something he can’t resist—the touch that sealed his fate.

Their pasts are intertwined and their futures uncertain. The only truths they know are the secrets they whisper in the night.

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including Pulled, When We Collide, If Forever Comes, and Come to Me Quietly.

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children.

Look for Come to Me Softly and When We Met: Behind Her Eyes coming soon.

Facebook † Twitter † Website

Instagram @aljacksonauthor
Pinterest @aljacksonauthor

COME TO ME SOFTLY BY A.L. JACKSON BOOK RELEASE COUNTDOWN

A STROKE OF DUMB LUCK ~ J.C. DANIELS/SHILOH WALKER

Kit Colbana gets a call that a 15 year old is missing. She is sick and has decided to go with the rat pack to be bitten. Kit is determined and fierce, but does not have the necessary powers to overtake the rats (wererats).

Along comes Jude to help her rescue Mandy.

I'm not 100% sure about reading about rats, but this prequel intrigued me enough to continue.

4 stars

FOR EVERLY ~ RAINE THOMAS

I absolutely loved this book.

Everly, with her dark past and Cole attempting to hide a secret are polar opposites.

Everly is taking care of her grandfather while finishing off her schooling and Cole is a professional baseball player. Everly is wondering where she will get money to pay for things, whereas, Cole has plenty of money.

Everly is talked into being Cole's secret physical therapist by Cole's brother without letting anyone know since he can't have the fact that his has an issue with his pitching shoulder show up on his record. Cole's brother arranges for the two of them to help one another out. Cole by paying Everly and Everly by helping Cole treat his shoulder.

They have great chemistry and the story is very well developed. It is not jump into bed and have sex for these two, it is the formation of a professional relationship that glides into a unique friendship and then to a wonderful ending. There are plenty of surprises along the road for these two and that is most of the fun to live the journey with them.

I just found out that Meant to Be is a follow up to this book and am so excited to read it.

5 stars

THE HOMECOMING ~ ROBYN CARR

I am such a Robyn Carr fan and will read anything she writes. The VR series is still my favorite, by far, but I am enjoying this series as well.

Seth moves back to Thunder Point to take over for Mac who has moved onto a new position.

Iris is riding her bike down the road.

Grace owns the flower shop.

Okay, who are these people? Am I reading a RC book or did I click on the wrong book? Nope! These are new characters in the Town of Thunder Point.

This is the story of Iris and Seth and how they were best friends growing up. There was something that happened (not going to spoil it) on a night where Seth went to a party and Iris took him home because he was drunk, that started their 15 year feud. From friends to enemies.

Seth has come back to town to try to find out if he can have a relationship with Iris and to attempt to patch up his relationship with his father, Norm (the previous owner of the gas station in town).

Troy (the History teacher at the high school) has previously dated Iris and is working to see if he can win her back.

Lots of new characters; Robbie Delaney, Sassy, Rachel, etc. all to liven up the little town of Thunder Point.

Loved the ending and I'm looking forward to when Dr. Grant gets married.

5 stars

MORNING GLORY ~ SARAH JIO

Fleeing an East Coast life marred by tragedy, Ada Santorini takes up residence on houseboat number seven on Boat Street. She discovers a trunk left behind by Penny Wentworth, a young newlywed who lived on the boat half a century earlier. Ada longs to know her predecessor’s fate, but little suspects that Penny’s mysterious past and her own clouded future are destined to converge.

This is my first Sarah Jio book and I can promise it won't be my last. I'm just wondering what took me so long to read her books.

I loved everything about this book from the story taking place on a row of houseboats. How cool is that! to Ada finding the trunk and making every effort to find out what happened to Penny. At every turn she meets resistance from the residents of Boat Street. They are closed off and no one will talk about it.

She makes friends and enjoys her time on Boat Street, never failing to remember the tragedy that sent her there, but working to get to a better place in her life with the help of those on Boat Street.

There are a ton of colorful characters and Jio makes you fall in love with some and makes others the evil villain.

This book was such a joy to read with the two plots actually working together.

5 stars

SHADOW SPELL ~ NORA ROBERTS

Shadow Spell, the second book in The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy was even better than the first book in this series.

Shadow Spell focuses on Connor O'Dwyer and Meara, who have been friends forever and now are mixing it up and becoming more than just friends, although it may take some time to get used to. Meara is actually the one to make the first move.

Cabahan is closing in on Connor and his friends and he is using Meara to get close to them now that she is near and dear to Connor's heart.

The 3 have become 6 and in addition to the magical aspect, they have now included those without powers but who are partners to try to banish the evil of Cabahan.

There is all kinds of magic, including flying horses, in addition to the hawks and hound(s) in this book. There is plenty to laugh over, lots to be cautious about and tons of love and friendship.

Also brought back in this book are Sorcha's children. Can the third book combine their powers to fight the fight over evil?

In the first book Iona and Boyle get together, in the second book Connor and Meara get together and it goes to say that in the third book Fin and Branna will get together.

THE WORLD OF DIVERGENT: THE PATH TO ALLEGIANT ~ VERONICA ROTH

I really enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved a lot of the beginning of the book where the author gave us some information on her thoughts.

Roth said being able to choose their own path, whatever it may be and to focus on their personal, moral obligations and to strive to be the best version of themselves they could be as well as king what to expect and having a clear purpose, a strong sense of group identity and belonging and that formed the 5 Factions. This is Tris' journey.

Having the Factions defined (even though I had already checked the dictionary when I first started to read the book) and seeing how the author went off the definitions was wonderful.

The choosing of a name coming from a religious prospective and being empowered by the name chosen was an eye opener.

There was even a section with questions and if you could see what Faction you would belong to.

Lastly having the Faction Manifestos laid out felt like I got more knowledge of the inner workings of the trilogy.

Overall, I'm glad I read this and enjoyed how it was not a book, but more of an outline of how the book was written.

4 stars

BEAUTIFUL INK ~ NICOLE REED

Where to start with this book. I asked a friend to read this with me and after the first chapter I wasn't sure I could continue.

This book starts off with a brutal first chapter. I hate to give up on books, so off I went to the second chapter where I was totally hooked on this book. It is something new for me, especially the motorcycle angle. I've been around motorcycles for years, but they have been BMWs and Jap Bikes. My foray into the Harley world and motorcycle clubs was a bit daunting.

This is my first book by Nicole Reed, but I can promise it won't be the last. I plan to devour all of her books. Sometimes I think I am quite naive when it comes to stuff in the real world, but this book woke me right up.

There were so many great characters and just as many evil characters.

Helen or Keller as she was later know as, was such a fun character. Her life was difficult, but she made it work for her. Bad things happened to her but she did not break. She had her best friend, Holden (Hold) and they were inseparable. Once a tragedy struck and her life was flipped over. The friendship she once shared with Hold changed.

Helen dug deep once again and developed a craft while Hold did his thing.

Ward, Hold's father was just an evil man. His wife, Sage, just wanted to make me punch her in the face. Making me hate a character for a reason is a sign of a great author.

The poem...."If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours. If it does not come back, it was never meant to be." kept repeating in my head numerous times throughout this book.

I think I would have handled things differently than Helen did, but I just loved everything she did and said and even more specifically, the meaning behind her tattoos won me over.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this book! I can't wait for the next book in this series.

5 stars

SISTERLAND ~ CURTIS SITTENFELD

I thought I would love this book from the description, but unfortunately I did not. I hate to give bad reviews, so I am going to give positive and negative comments.

I had a difficult time connecting to Kate/Daisy, who is the main character in this book.

Her sister Violet was all kinds of crazy.

Jeremy, Kate's husband was a sweet man, but I thought him a bit to disconnected.

The story revolves around an earthquake that was predicted by Vi (both Kate and Vi purportedly have "senses") that will hit St. Louis. To me the actual earthquake was a metaphor.

Almost from the start you knew that ***SPOILER***Kate was going to end up having sex with Hank (a friend who was a stay at home dad). When it actually happened, it was unrealistic. That being said Kate also had sex with her husband the same night (yuck) and is pregnant, not knowing who the father is.***END SPOILER***

In the end there are three children, Rosie, Owen and Gabe. Of the three children Gabe seems to be the one who has inherited the senses.

Now, there were some good parts to the story. I did enjoy the relationship when the sisters were together. There relationship was more realistic and there were some scenes in the past and present that I enjoyed.

I also loved that Kate took her father shopping every Thursday and to find out he might have had "senses".

I did find myself unsatisfied with the ending, but the writing itself was very good, I just wasn't happy with the plot and ending.

3.5 stars

REVEALED: THE MISING YEARS (CONSEQUENCES #4) ~ ALEATHA ROMIG

I am looking forward to reading the 4th book (yes there is a 4th book) in the Consequences series by Aleatha Romig and getting back to Claire and Tony.

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revealed-aleatha-romig/1119702970?ean=2940149584321
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kkm0Of
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1iHrEfI
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/RRofR3
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1n0uyvu

BLOSSOM STREET BRIDES ~ DEBBIE MACOMBER

Another fun book by Debbie Macomber. There are a few series that when I read the next book in it, it's like going back home to visit. This series happens to be one of them.

The cast of characters include:

Lauren Elliot, a sales associate in a jewelry store, who has just learned that her "younger" sister is pregnant.

Todd, Lauren's boyfriend who keeps putting off getting engaged.

Lydia Goes who co-owns A Good Yarn with her sister Margaret.

Bethanne Hamlin Scranton, a party planner who is married to Max Scranton who have a long distance marriage.

Grant, Bethanne's ex-husband

This book is set around A Good Yarn where is seems everyone likes to meet. This time most of the meeting takes place over a new pattern for a baby blanket.

***SPOILERS***

Lauren has had enough of Todd procrastinating, so she breaks her relationship off with him. She begins to knit a baby blanket for her younger sister.

Lydia worries that the shop, A Good Yarn, is not holding its own and suddenly there are baskets with partially started scarfs around the area with a note saying to please finish me and return to A Good Yarn or homeless shelter. It is a mystery.

Grant is on a path to attempt to get Bethanne back and as luck would have it, their son is going to have a baby and, therefore, he asks Bethanne about everything and goes so far as to plan a family dinner.

Bethanne's husband is a bit jealous about the way Grant interferes with Bethanne's life and the fact that he has a key to her house and can walk in and out.

There are so many characters in the book from past books, but I think my favorite, by far, is Rooster.

Rooster and Lauren begin a courtship starting as friends and quickly it turns into wedding bells.

I love the ups and downs that all of the characters go through in the book from Bethanne's daughter finding out what a liar her father is to Max and Rooster making an unexpected decision.

Absolutely felt like coming home for a visit and going to a wedding.

5 stars

BROKEN JUSTICE ~ SUZANNE HALLIDAY

The story of the Justice Brothers started out strong and just kept building on the relationship between Cameron, Drae and Alex. It told of their war time experiences and then built on another character, Lacey.

I loved how Drae came to her rescue and brought her into his world. From the things she ran from the her fight or flight, Cameron was there for her.

***SPOILER***

Cameron brought her back to the compound which was so much more than she had ever seen. She fit right in and began to work hard to right the mess left by an assistant who was called away for a family emergency.

Alex was her protector as Cam was figuring out how to keep her in his life and yet unsure how he could fit her into his life.

Drae was a bit under developed, but I can see him having a bigger part in the books that follow. Other than him being a man-whore, he was a solid friend to both Cam and Alex.

Lacey is a straight shooter and she began falling in love with Cam, but didn't want to let on and then when they began their intimate relationship, she didn't want to be clingy, but Cam just came to her in the nights and left her hanging the next morning. Lacey found she was good at the job and integrated well with the others in the compound, making friends with everyone. With Alex telling her to give Cam time and Drae telling Cam he was an idiot, the two would soon be getting together.

The book ended, but yet left a lot up in the air. I'm anxious to read the next book in this series.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely continue to read what she writes.

4.5 stars

REVEALED COVER REVEAL ~ ALEATHA ROMIG (PREVIOUSLY TITLED BEHIND HIS EYES CONVICTED: THE MISSING YEAR)

I don't know about anyone else, but I am so excited to read this book. The entire series has kept me on my toes.

Here is a blurb:

Book #4 of the Consequences Series:

The unexpected fourth novel of the Consequences Series, REVEALED: The Missing Years is...
“The captivating missing piece that completes one of the most intricate, enthralling, and suspenseful stories I’ve ever read.” – Vilma’s Book Blog

Readers saw what happened on that fateful afternoon at the Rawlings Estate and heard about the aftermath. This fourth novel of the series is told through the men in Claire Nichols’ life and fills in the gap of time that was only previously mentioned. Like dominoes falling in a line, REVEALED allows readers to experience the shocking repercussions one by one, and witness their effect on everyone in the game.

Share the struggle as Anthony Rawlings fights for what is his, as the crashing consequences of his past threatens to change his world forever. Join Harrison Baldwin as he discovers the truth that threatens his beliefs, and John Vandersol as he come to terms with his revelations. Witness as Phillip Roach decides with whom his loyalties lie, and Brent Simmons demonstrates the meaning of friendship—no matter the cost.

Readers of this series survived the Consequences, learned the Truth, and know who was Convicted. Is that all?
“Hell to the NO! REVEALED: The Missing Years fills in more blanks than you could have imagined.”- Schmexy Girl Book Blog

Do not assume that Tony and Claire’s story is complete, because beyond the conclusion of Convicted there is more to be REVEALED!

(Previously titled Behind His Eyes Convicted: The Missing Years)

ALL LINED UP ~ CORA CARMACK

I was so excited to win All Lined Up. I have been meaning to read on of Cora Carmack's books ever since I went to BEA last year and saw her signing books.

This book was so not a disappointment. I was a huge fan of Friday Night Lights and was disappointed when it went off the air, so I knew I would just love this book.


All Lined Up is the first book in a new series centered around Rusk University and Football.

Dallas Cole is the daughter of a football coach and her mother has left the picture when she was very young. She grew up around football. She gets her heart broken and has broken promises. She tries to hold on to the boy she thinks she loves, only to lose him. She develops trust issues and that is the basis of the story. Can Dallas learn to trust again with her whole heart?

Carson is a walk-on trying to make the football team at Rusk University and he has a plan and that plan includes working hard at football, studying and no distractions of the female kind. That is until Dallas literally falls into his lap.

The rest of the characters are wonderful and well rounded and I'm looking forward to getting more into their respective story as the series continues. Stella is a favorite of mine, but there is also Silas, Ryan and many more I am looking forward to delving more into what they are about.

Will Dallas and Carson have a HEA? Will Dallas' father get in the way of her happiness? Can she learn to trust and give her heart away?

I absolutely loved this book and plan to read the rest of her books ASAP

5 STARS

FLY AWAY ~ KRISTIN HANNAH

While I read the first book in this series prior to joining GR and knowing I loved all books Kristin Hannah, I was totally not prepared for the depth of this book.

In the second book in this series, things that I never thought of were gone into in detail. I loved the first book, Firefly Lane, but this book was just a good.

This book picks up where Firefly Lane left off. I was expecting a coherent group of family members who would deal with Kate's death together. Instead I got a mish mosh of family who had a lot to digest and handle..

Margie and Bud were predominate showing up when needed.

The focus of this book seemed to be about Marah and her bad choices, Tully and her career and Johnny and how he is dealing with the loss of his beloved wife and trying to raise two small boys and a daughter who is reeling from the loss of her mother.

I got a look at Tully's mother Dorothy/Cloud and at a particular point, I learned about Tully's father and the meaning of her name.

This book could be depressing if it weren't for the support given throughout the book. It deals with a lot of different issues from loss, death, drugs, addiction, recovery and most of all a family that comes together to be supportive.

5 Stars

WILD CARDS ~ SIMONE ELKELES

This is my first Simone Elkeles book, but it won't be my last.

I loved the dynamic between Ashtyn and Derek. The book drew me in and I went on a ride with the two main characters. Ashtyn has no one at home that is in her corner. Her father is distant and her mother left years before. She is a kicker for the high school football team.

Derek is drifting along after the loss of his mother, who he was very close to, and gets kicked out of his boarding school due to a prank he pulled at the high school graduation.

Derek's dad remarries and his new wife moves Derek to Chicago to her family home. From there the sparks fly between Ashtyn and Derek. Derek seems to keep a close eye on Ashtyn from a distance. He is the one looking out for her.

It is a wonderful book about family, friendship, football and love and loss.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and gave it 5 stars.