Wednesday, December 31, 2014

REVIEW: The Scent Of Scandal by Carole Matthews

Title: The Scent Of Scandal
Author: Carole Matthews
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
Publication Date: November, 2004
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: Love Stinks

It does when you find out that the guy you're head-over-heels about is already married. That's when Rose Stevens decides to escape her problems and flee to a remote country village. All she wants is peace and quiet, but the quaint, eccentric villagers of Great Brayford have other ideas.

Rose is amazed that her occupation as an aroma-therapist is causing such consternation among the townsfolk, when what else goes on within the village limits seems so much worse: there's a housewife who's a hooker, a sex-starved neighbor and a troublesome Peeping Tom.

Beneath the all-pervasive aroma of garden lavender there's a distinct scent of scandal here, and Rose thinks that her small transgressions seem paltry in comparison -- until she starts to get intimately involved with the sexy local builder ... and her ex-lover arrives out of nowhere with a shocking announcement ... and she unwittingly finds herself in the center of a chaotic, rumor-fed hurricane of scandal that ensures her life is even more complicated than it was before. But maybe that's also because she's in love again.

My Thoughts: What began as a very slow and sluggish start of this book for me, turned out to be quite enjoyable. I really liked Rose and Dan and once all of the introductory blah blah blah for all of the various characters was done, I started to enjoy the story and found myself wondering how it was all going to play out. Considering how Rose is judged by Anais without reason, I am surprised Anais didn’t wind up being murdered, but I did enjoy the way she gets her comeuppance in the end.

I didn’t care for the way Rose handled the return of Hugh and how easily she gave up on Dan. If the story had ended there, I would have put the book in the freezer. Thankfully, the story provides excellent closure and a happy ending.

My Final Verdict: An enjoyable story that will entertain fans of contemporary romance and chick-lit. If you are a patient reader and can get through the sluggish start, I recommend this book.


Sunday, December 28, 2014

REVIEW: Snow Angels, Secrets And Christmas Cake by Sue Watson

Title: Snow Angels, Secrets And Christmas Cake
Author: Sue Watson
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: For Tamsin Angel, Christmas is always the biggest and best… chic parties and a little showbiz sparkle are a must. This year though, things aren’t going quite as planned… With bailiffs suddenly at the door and her husband nowhere to be found, it looks like Christmas just got downsized. Moving into her sister’s one-bedroom flat, she wonders whether things will ever be the same again. After losing her husband on Christmas Eve, Sam Angel has rebuilt her life around her son Jacob and her new business – The White Angel Bakery. She’s also found herself a very handsome, loving boyfriend, but is struggling to let go of the past. Thrown together with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, Sam and Tamsin might just learn a little more about each other – and themselves. But when disaster strikes at the bakery, will they be able to save the day in time for Christmas?

My Thoughts: New to me author Sue Watson brings a perfect blend of Christmas cheer and chick-lit humor together with Snow Angels, Secrets And Christmas Cake. This story centers around the two Angel sisters, Sam and Tamsin. Sam is a single parent who owns and operates The White Angel Bakery. Tamsin is Sam’s older sister who is living the materialistic dream of the wealthy until the rug is ripped out from under her when she finds out her husband has bankrupted them and has taken off rather than face her and their children. Tamsin moves in with Sam and her son and begins helping Sam out at the bakery, giving these two women a chance to reconnect as sisters.

I was really prepared to dislike Tamsin before getting to know her but seeing the vulnerability and pain of the past she keeps deeply buried inside gives the reader a better understanding of why she behaves the way she does in the beginning of the book. Initially, she comes across as a very conceited and self-centered snob who spares no expense trying to outdo everyone else on the Christmas decorations and party celebrations. After she moves in with Sam, we begin to see the real Tamsin and after learning about her childhood, I felt empathy for her and began to connect with her.

I liked Sam and though we don’t find out what happened to her husband until much later in the book, I admired her strength. I wished we knew sooner what happened because it gave a lot of insight to why Sam kept pushing people away and keeping them at arm’s length. Once I learned what happened, I admired her ability to get out of bed every day, much less raise her son and start a business.

I loved the world Ms. Watson creates with The White Angel Bakery. I found myself wishing I could go there and hang out and watch the snow, drink a hot beverage and eat a yummy treat. As I learned more about each sister, I saw their relationship change and improve, amidst many tears and much laughter.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Watson’s writing style and will be looking for more from this very talented author.

My Final Verdict: If you are looking for a heartwarming story that will put you in the Christmas spirit while reminding us that starting over is not a bad thing, I highly recommend this book.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

REVIEW: The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison

Title: The Undead Pool (The Hollows #12)
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: Voyager
Publication Date: February, 2014
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Description: Witch and day-walking demon Rachel Morgan has managed to save the demonic ever after from shrinking, but at a high cost. Now strange magic is attacking Cincinnati and the Hollows, causing spells to backfire or go horribly wrong, and the truce between the races, between Inderlander and human, is shattering.

Rachel must stop the occurrences before the undead vampire masters who keep the rest of the undead under control are lost and it becomes all-out supernatural war. However, the only way to do so is through the ancient elven wild magic, which carries its own perils.

My Thoughts: Not that the book was bad...technically, but I struggled quite a bit with this story. Maybe my expectations are too high, but I committed to this series as soon as I started Dead Witch Walking and was determined to stick with it even though some of the books in the series didn't leave me with a thrill or excitement for the next one. Rachel, Ivy and Jenks have come a long way from that first book and they all have been through a lot. I get that. I try not to demand too much of them, but I haven't felt that thrill with this series for a while and I really want to. I am really hoping that the next book, which is the last book really packs a punch and knocks my socks off.

So here I am, with the next to the last book in the series read and all I can keep thinking about is Al. I knew he is the last living organism in Heaven or Hell, on Earth or in the hereafter who will raise a glass and toast Rachel and Trent hooking up. I would have been right there with Al, spewing venom. Trent has not been a good guy or even a nice guy and though I have observed a change in him and a definite softening in Rachel where he is concerned, I didn't trust it. I didn't trust him. They have been at war for the entire series and actually even before that. I'm just surprised that Rachel has let her guard down, among other things, with Trent. He has redeemed himself so I really hope that it's genuine. The last thing on Earth that Rachel needs is a big fat I Told You So from Al. So, I'm not completely unhappy that this is the direction the series has gone with Rachel and Trent. She has had her share of bad luck where men are concerned and even with this twelfth book, I am still very angry at Nick and his betrayal.

My heart still hurts for Jenks and the loss of his wife, though he appears to be doing well and I get such a kick out of him. He is truly my favorite character and he deserves his own series. I love everything about him, from his hundreds and hundreds of kids, his odd relationship with Belle, his protectiveness of Rachel, his refusal to think even for a moment that his pint-sized, cute pixie self isn't big enough to handle some of the crap that comes Rachel's way. I love it when he gets drunk on honey and his Tinkerbell curse words. Ms. Harrison, if you find yourself reading this review, I am hoping you are considering something special for Jenks down the road.

I have been less sure of Ivy. Didn't really care for the direction her relationship with Rachel was heading a few books back with the whole blood relationship thing and I am so happy that they have moved away from that and Ivy has Nina now. Am I rooting for her? Not really. Don't get me wrong. I don't dislike her, I just don't pine for her when she is absent like I do for Jenks. I am not looking around wondering where she is and when she will make an appearance. Rachel cares for her so I don't wish bad things on her, though I often thought it would be really interesting if she did die and what she would be like as an undead vampire.

The other supporting characters of Quen, David and Detective Glenn are all interesting characters that I enjoy seeing Rachel interact with.

I found this story to be just OK. Rachel seems to have her hands full trying to figure out what is going on with the undead Master vampires and why so many spells are going wrong. The story just seemed to meander from one plot point to another without any strong sense of direction or purpose. Even finding out who is behind the latest mess Rachel has to clean up didn't leave me with an "oh boy, here we go" feeling. It was just kind of a "meh" feeling. In spite of the less than exciting response this book gave me, I am looking forward to the next book so I can hopefully get closure. Overall, I have enjoyed this series. It's been a great ride and I am sad to see it all come to an end.


Tuesday, December 09, 2014

REVIEW: A Christmas To Remember by Jenny Hale

Title: A Christmas To Remember
Author: Jenny Hale
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: A beautiful story about the magic of childhood Christmas memories, the strength of family and falling in love when you least expect it.

Everyone loves Christmas – don’t they?

Carrie Blake loves her job as a nanny but, while her friends are settling down, all of Carrie’s spare time is spent with other people’s families. Though it breaks her heart, her New Year’s resolution is to embark on a new career and fix her love life.

As Carrie starts her last job, she’s sure she’ll be going out on a high – the house is amazing, the kids are adorable, and she’s in charge of decorating the tree!

The only problem could be her boss… single-dad Adam Fletcher might be both handsome and successful, but he’s always working. Doesn’t he realize he’s missing out on precious moments with his son and daughter?

As Adam’s family arrive for Christmas including his sensitive sister, Sharon, and his fun-loving elderly Grandpa, Walter, Carrie realizes that she might just have found the perfect allies in her quest to persuade Adam to loosen up. There’s still time for Carrie to make this the best Christmas ever… after all, Christmas is the time for miracles, isn’t it? Let the festivities begin!

My Thoughts: A Christmas To Remember by new to me author Jenny Hale introduces the reader to a story of Carrie Blake, a nanny who is at a crossroads in her life, working in a field she loves but has decided she needs to embrace new experiences in her life. Her last job as a nanny is a temporary assignment for Adam Fletcher, a workaholic single father and his four year old twins, David and Olivia. Carrie quickly learns that Adam’s relationship with his children is virtually non-existent and takes it upon herself to convince Adam to actively participate in the Christmas festivities with his family.

I enjoyed the story, but I found Carrie annoying with her inner monologue about her personal insecurities. I also struggled with her determination to confront Adam on his lack of parenting skills. I kept thinking she was out of line and it wasn’t her place to tell Adam he needed to work on his relationships. Despite my initial reservations about Carrie, I got so immersed in the story and what would happen next. I quickly saw how much Carrie loved her job and how enthusiastic she was to make Christmas wonderful for the entire Fletcher family. I really liked Adam and was very curious about the backstory of why he worked so much instead of spending more time with his family. The arrival of his parents, grandfather, sister and brother-in-law made the story more enjoyable with their individual personalities.

The author does a wonderful job of illustrating the emotions by all of the characters and the blossoming attraction between Carrie and Adam was a joy to witness. If you are looking for a story that is sweet and full of Christmas whimsy and spirit, then this book is a good choice.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of A Christmas To Remember from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Tuesday, December 02, 2014

New Additions To The TBR Pile In November

Welcomed five new review requests to the teetering pile in November and December is off with a bang and the arrival of more today. My goal of getting the books I already owned read seems to be slipping further and further away. Fortunately, you will never hear the words "I have nothing to read" spoken by me.

Title: Can't Always Get What You Want by Chelsey Krause
Description: Fans of Ruthie Knox, Rachel Gibson, and Molly O’Keefe will love this deeply romantic and uplifting debut novel about losing everything you thought you wanted—and getting exactly what you need.

Sophie Richards has been looking forward to a much-needed girls’ night out: a Rolling Stones concert, a few drinks, a distraction from her grueling nursing shifts in acute care. But when her best friend bails, Sophie gets stuck with a blind date.

Although Brett Nicholson may be the hottest carpenter alive, and Sophie may technically be single, she isn’t exactly on the market. Six years ago she found The One. He was everything Sophie dreamed a man could be—and then she lost him. In an instant, her whole life changed, and she forgot all about happily ever after.

But as she gets to know Brett, Sophie starts to wonder about the future for the first time. With a broken heart still clouding her mind, jumping into a new relationship feels impossible. When she’s in his arms, walking away feels even harder. Now Sophie faces an impossible choice: living in the past or choosing love in the here and now.

Title: Difficult Husbands by Mary de Laszlo
Description: Difficult Husbands - In sickness and in health, for better but definitely not for worse…

Newly divorced Lorna is struggling to adjust to life on her own. When she discovers that her beloved godfather has left her the grand (and crumbling) Ravenscourt House in the heart of Sussex, she soon has a project on her hands.

Nathan sells delicious goodies at Mulberry Farm. When he meets Lorna at a Christmas market, neither of them can ignore the chemistry. But as they get to know one another, Lorna wants to know one thing – is he after her or the house?

Together with Gloria – whose marriage to alcoholic Adrian has hit rock bottom, and Rosalind – struggling to deal with her womanising husband Ivan, the three friends hatch a plan. They’ll ditch their difficult husbands at Ravenscourt House and enjoy stress-free Christmases with their families. But nothing is ever that simple…

Title: House Broken by Sonja Yoerg
Description: In this compelling and poignant debut novel, a woman skilled at caring for animals must learn to mend the broken relationships in her family.…

For veterinarian Geneva Novak, animals can be easier to understand than people. They’re also easier to forgive. But when her mother, Helen, is injured in a vodka-fueled accident, it’s up to Geneva to give her the care she needs.

Since her teens, Geneva has kept her self-destructive mother at arm’s length. Now, with two slippery teenagers of her own at home, the last thing she wants is to add Helen to the mix. But Geneva’s husband convinces her that letting Helen live with them could be her golden chance to repair their relationship.

Geneva isn’t expecting her mother to change anytime soon, but she may finally get answers to the questions she’s been asking for so long. As the truth about her family unfolds, however, Geneva may find secrets too painful to bear and too terrible to forgive.

The Creatives by Lindsay Lewis
Description: Like all cubical-bound underlings at Stranton Advertising, Lissy Swanson is desperate to become a Creative. Her impossibly chic superiors enjoy liquid lunches at hip restaurants where intricate bits of sushi are served on bare midsections of androgynous models while she buries herself in dreaded data entry.

When her dreams of Creativedom are finally realized, Lissy is thrilled to work on her first real account - a new drug that scorches fat, bronzes skin and fires up dormant libidos: the Barbie Pill. She plans the perfect campaign, targeting new mothers dying to shed baby weight and rekindle their more adult desires.

When Lissy discovers the beauty pill's ugly secret, she must choose between a promising new love interest and succeeding in the glossy world of Los Angeles advertising.

Title: The French For Christmas by Fiona Valpy
Description: A year to forget. The perfect escape. And a little Christmas magic…

Touching, uplifting, and filled with delicious French cooking,The French for Christmas is the perfect Christmas treat.

Evie used to LOVE Christmas, but this year she can’t wait for the tinsel and presents to be a distant memory.

When her best friends offer the use of their cottage in the beautiful French countryside, Evie jumps at the chance. With her soon-to-be-ex-husband, celebrity chef Will Brooke, plastered over the news with his latest ‘love interest’, leaving the country seems like the perfect plan.

Armed with her French grandmother’s tattered notebook of recipes, Evie is determined to ignore Christmas altogether and bake herself back to happiness.

And when Evie meets her next-door neighbour Рthe tr̬s gorgeous doctor Didier she finds a very willing taste-tester. But is it possible that he could be interested in more than just her Tarte Tatin?

With snow falling, a special Réveillon dinner and a little Christmas magic in the air, could Didier even be the one to thaw Evie’s heart? Or will a visit from the ghost of Christmas past change everything?

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

REVIEW: Cold Feet At Christmas by Debbie Johnson

Title: Cold Feet At Christmas
Author: Debbie Johnson
Publisher: Harper Impulse
Publication Date: November, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: Running out on your wedding shouldn’t be this much fun! A remote Scottish castle on a snowy Christmas Eve. A handsome husband-to-be. A dress to die for. It should have been the happiest day of Leah Harvey’s life – but the fairytale wedding turns sour when she finds her fiancé halfway up the bridesmaid’s skirt just hours before the ceremony! Fleeing the scene in a blizzard, Leah ends up stranded at the nearest cottage, where she collapses into the arms of its inhabitant – a man so handsome she thinks she must have died and gone to heaven! And when Rob Cavelli suddenly finds himself with an armful of soaking wet, freezing cold, and absolutely gorgeous bride on the run, he’s more than happy to welcome her into his snowbound cottage this Christmas…

My Thoughts: Leah Harvey runs out on her wedding after she discovers her groom in a compromising position with a bridesmaid. She finds herself stranded in rural Scotland in the middle of a snowstorm without a cell phone signal or any supplies to survive. She finds a cottage where she hopes to wait out the storm and meets the inhabitant, Rob Cavelli.

Every Christmas Rob Cavelli heads to the remote Scottish cottage to hide from his pain and the guilt he carries and is unable to let go of. When he opens the front door of the cottage to find a bride, gorgeous and nearly frozen, he brings her in to the cottage and his life, against his better judgment.

Leah and Rob spend Christmas together exploring the attraction they both feel and when Christmas is over, Leah accepts an invitation from Rob to go to Chicago with him, but as friends only.

I enjoyed this cute and charming story. I liked Leah immensely. She is a spunky and feisty character who doesn’t let the events of her fiancé’s betrayal and failed wedding hold her back from grabbing a chance at happiness. She takes a huge leap of faith and travels to Chicago with Rob and believes he is the only man for her, in spite of his determination to push her away. I liked Rob when I first met him, but after they returned to Chicago, I didn’t care for the change in his behavior or personality. He became overbearing and at times, downright hurtful to Leah. Even after learning why, I felt bad for him, but still wanted to hit him with something heavy until he fell down. It surprised me that Leah continued to believe the best in Rob in spite of his constant rejection and I really liked that she didn’t become bitter or hurtful in response.

I recommend this book if you are looking for a story about forgiveness and second chances.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Cold Feet At Christmas from the author in exchange for an honest review.


Sunday, November 16, 2014

REVIEW: The Reluctant Elf by Michele Gorman

Title: The Reluctant Elf
Author: Michele Gorman
Publisher: Notting Hill Press
Publication Date: October, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: Meet Britain's Worst Innkeeper

Single mother and extremely undomestic goddess, Lottie, has five days to become the ultimate B&B hostess to save her beloved Aunt Kate’s livelihood.

When Aunt Kate ends up in the hospital, Lottie and her seven-year-old daughter are called to rural Wales to stand in at the B&B. Without the faintest idea how to run a hotel (she can barely run her own life), Lottie must impress the picky hotel reviewer and his dysfunctional family who are coming to stay over Christmas. Without the rating only he can bestow, Aunt Kate will lose her livelihood.

But will Danny, the local taxi driver who she hires to help her, really be Santa’s little helper, or the Grinch who stole Christmas?

My Thoughts: When Lottie’s Aunt Kate is seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, Lottie and her seven year old daughter spend Christmas in Wales and find themselves hosting a reviewer at her Aunt’s B&B to obtain a rating that will ensure Kate keeps her business. What Lottie doesn’t count on is the home is rundown and in dire need of repairs and refurbishing. With the assistance of the local taxi driver, Danny, she tries to turn the B&B into a Victorian themed Christmas experience for the reviewer and his dysfunctional family.

I really enjoyed this cute story. Lottie and her daughter were likable characters that I had a lot of empathy for. Lottie is in over her head without a clue how to turn this Christmas disaster around but I liked how determined she was to try. Lottie’s daughter is precocious and the statements she makes throughout the story should be from someone who is much older than a seven year old. I wasn’t too sure about Danny at first, especially when Lottie offers him a large chunk of change to help her and she knows virtually next to nothing about him. Fortunately, Danny turns out to be a decent guy who steps up to assist and has quite a lot in common with Lottie.

Though the results were not perfect, Lottie and her crew manage to pull off their best effort in spite of the reviewer’s demanding and ungrateful family. Michele Gorman pens a sweet Christmassy story that will thaw the heart of any Grinch.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Reluctant Elf from the author in exchange for an honest review.


Thursday, November 13, 2014

REVIEW: Tales From A Broad by Jeannine Henvey

Title: Tales From A Broad
Author: Jeannine Henvey
Publisher: Melange Books, LLC
Publication Date: June, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: If you enjoy new twists on old classics, then Tales From A Broad is a comedic adventure of one woman’s quest to find herself, but the spotlight focuses on her older chaperone, instead.

Forty-two and feeling not-so-fabulous, Lucy Banks allows her older sister to talk her into accompanying her twenty-four-year-old niece on a trip around Europe. In the past year she has lost her fiancé, her job and her fertility. Embracing her role as spinster aunt seems to be Lucy’s only option, until she embarks on a romantic adventure through London, Amsterdam, Munich, Paris and Florence. Will a room with a view and a handsome stranger be enough to open her heart and mind to new experiences?

Tales From A Broad promises to draw readers into a light-hearted tale of emotional development, self-discovery and love.

My Thoughts: Tales From A Broad by new to me author Jeannine Henvey is a wonderful story about a woman who cures her broken heart by going on a European adventure with her niece, Tess. After Lucy Banks has lost her job, her life takes a downward spiral when her fiancé dumps her after she finds out she is infertile.

I really enjoyed this fun and uplifting story as Lucy comes to terms with her heartbreak and learning to open herself to the possibility of love again. I really liked Lucy and Tess. Their witty dialogue and banter made their relationship one of friendship as well as family. The introduction of brothers Mark and Simon made the story even more entertaining and interesting. The author does a fantastic job of drawing the reader into the locales Lucy visits on her trip that I got a real sense of what Lucy was experiencing as if I was there with her.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a fun story with characters that the reader can easily relate to and care about. I highly recommend this story to readers who want to get so completely immersed in a story, they easily forget it’s a work of fiction instead of a real adventure.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Tales From A Broad from the author in exchange for an honest review.


Saturday, November 01, 2014

New Additions To The TBR Pile In October

I never tire of new books arriving on my TBR pile. I seem to be drawn to more Christmas themed settings this year so I am hoping to get in the quickly approaching Christmas season. Here are the new arrivals now making themselves at home...

Title: Cold Feet At Christmas by Debbie Johnson
Description: Running out on your wedding shouldn’t be this much fun!

A remote Scottish castle on a snowy Christmas Eve. A handsome husband-to-be. A dress to die for. It should have been the happiest day of Leah Harvey’s life – but the fairytale wedding turns sour when she finds her fiancé halfway up the bridesmaid’s skirt just hours before the ceremony!

Fleeing the scene in a blizzard, Leah ends up stranded at the nearest cottage, where she collapses into the arms of its inhabitant – a man so handsome she thinks she must have died and gone to heaven!

And when Rob Cavelli suddenly finds himself with an armful of soaking wet, freezing cold, and absolutely gorgeous bride on the run, he’s more than happy to welcome her into his snowbound cottage this Christmas…

Title: Don't Mention The Rock Star by Bree Darcy
Description: They fell in love in an instant … so why have they spent a lifetime apart?

As a teenager Kellie dated an American boy but circumstances meant they went their separate ways. Now he’s back and she’s so tempted to see him again. But two decades have passed and they are both married with children.

And the last thing a celebrity reporter like her needs is the world finding out about her past relationship with a rock star. Especially as Kellie’s husband doesn’t even know she once dated AJ Dangerfield, lead singer of legendary band Danger Game. And she has no intention of him finding out. EVER.

As Kellie deals with a demanding boss, a bullied son, an infuriating mother-in-law and a best friend who won’t act her age, she finds herself playing a dangerous game. What will happen if her two worlds collide? And is it possible that first love never fades?

Title: I'll Be Watching You by Andrea Kane
Description: "I'll be watching you . . ." the cryptic e-mail read.

Taylor Halstead, psychologist and successful radio personality, is terrified that she'll never be safe again. Coming on the heels of a series of tragic and terrible events, the e-mail sends chills racing up her spine. Her safe, secure world has already been violated by her cousin Stephanie's boyfriend, Gordon Mallory, in her own apartment. Only the door buzzer and Stephanie's intervening voice rescue her, but not before Gordon promises to return. Soon after, he is killed along with Stephanie in an inexplicable explosion aboard his yacht. Or is he?

The e-mail is just the beginning. The terror campaign escalates when an electronically disguised voice on Taylor's telephone threatens to kill her, and her life becomes a nightmare. It seems the only one she can turn to is attorney Reed Weston, her confidant, protector, and, ultimately, lover. But is Reed's determination to protect her enough to avert disaster? And can Taylor trust Gordon's identical twin, Jonathan, who always seems to show up when she least expects him?

Grief and dread unravel Taylor's sanity, playing tricks with her mind and heart. Someone out there wants her dead—a crazed fan or the troubled teenage boy she's been counseling or, impossibly, Gordon himself. His vow to return and those final menacing words—"I'll be watching you"—haunt her day and night. Whoever is out there is coming closer, and Taylor Halstead has nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

Title: Snow Angels, Secrets And Christmas Cake by Sue Watson
Description: For Tamsin Angel, Christmas is always the biggest and best… chic parties and a little showbiz sparkle are a must. This year though, things aren’t going quite as planned…

With bailiffs suddenly at the door and her husband nowhere to be found, it looks like Christmas just got downsized. Moving into her sister’s one-bedroom flat, she wonders whether things will ever be the same again.

After losing her husband on Christmas Eve, Sam Angel has rebuilt her life around her son Jacob and her new business – The White Angel Bakery. She’s also found herself a very handsome, loving boyfriend, but is struggling to let go of the past.

Thrown together with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, Sam and Tamsin might just learn a little more about each other – and themselves. But when disaster strikes at the bakery, will they be able to save the day in time for Christmas?

Title: The Extraordinary Life Of Lara Craft by Lola Salt
Description: From bestselling authors Becky Wicks (Before He Was Famous, Before He Was Gone) and Sarah Alderson (Hunting Lila, Fated, Come Back to Me) comes a new romance with a difference...

After losing her job and her boyfriend on the same day, Lara's beginning to wonder if her life can possibly get any worse. Then along comes Jamie, a childhood friend, offering her a job delivering mysterious packages to random destinations around the world. Suddenly, things are looking up.

Lara packs her bags and sets off on an epic adventure, meeting billionaire Arabic Princes in Dubai, rugged cowboys in Australia, a sparkling wannabe vampire in LA, a love guru with sex on the brain in Bali and Angelina Jolie's bodyguards in a hostage situation that can only be resolved with some very special eggs. But though trouble always seems to find Lara, it seems love is rather more elusive.

Pack your bags. The adventure's about to begin!

Title: The Reluctant Elf by Michele Gorman
Description: Meet Britain's Worst Innkeeper…

Single mother and extremely undomestic goddess, Lottie, has five days to become the ultimate B&B hostess to save her beloved Aunt Kate’s livelihood.

When Aunt Kate ends up in the hospital, Lottie and her seven-year-old daughter are called to rural Wales to stand in at the B&B. Without the faintest idea how to run a hotel (she can barely run her own life), Lottie must impress the picky hotel reviewer and his dysfunctional family who are coming to stay over Christmas. Without the rating only he can bestow, Aunt Kate will lose her livelihood.

But will Danny, the local taxi driver who she hires to help her, really be Santa’s little helper, or the Grinch who stole Christmas?

Title: The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison
Description: Witch and day-walking demon Rachel Morgan has managed to save the demonic ever after from shrinking, but at a high cost. Now strange magic is attacking Cincinnati and the Hollows, causing spells to backfire or go horribly wrong, and the truce between the races, between Inderlander and human, is shattering.

Rachel must stop the occurrences before the undead vampire masters who keep the rest of the undead under control are lost and it becomes all-out supernatural war. However, the only way to do so is through the ancient elven wild magic, which carries its own perils.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

REVIEW: I'll Be Watching You by Andrea Kane

Title: I’ll Be Watching You
Author: Andrea Kane
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: January, 2005
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Description: "I'll be watching you ... " the cryptic e-mail read.

Taylor Halstead, psychologist and successful radio personality, is terrified that she'll never be safe again. Coming on the heels of a series of tragic and terrible events, the e-mail sends chills racing up her spine. Her safe, secure world has already been violated by her cousin Stephanie's boyfriend, Gordon Mallory, in her own apartment. Only the door buzzer and Stephanie's intervening voice rescue her, but not before Gordon promises to return. Soon after, he is killed along with Stephanie in an inexplicable explosion aboard his yacht. Or is he?

The e-mail is just the beginning. The terror campaign escalates when an electronically disguised voice on Taylor's telephone threatens to kill her, and her life becomes a nightmare. It seems the only one she can turn to is attorney Reed Weston, her confidant, protector, and, ultimately, lover. But is Reed's determination to protect her enough to avert disaster? And can Taylor trust Gordon's identical twin, Jonathan, who always seems to show up when she least expects him?

Grief and dread unravel Taylor's sanity, playing tricks with her mind and heart. Someone out there wants her dead -- a crazed fan or the troubled teenage boy she's been counseling or, impossibly, Gordon himself. His vow to return and those final menacing words -- "I'll be watching you" -- haunt her day and night. Whoever is out there is coming closer, and Taylor Halstead has nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

My Thoughts: An OK story about a woman who survives an assault by her cousin’s boyfriend only to find herself the object of a stalker’s attention. The story had a lot of promise but I had a hard time connecting with the characters. It wasn’t hard to figure out that Gordon was the stalker, but after he was declared dead early on in the story kept me trying to figure out how he was stalking her while keeping his identity a secret.

Most of the story revolves around Taylor living in fear. Fear over Gordon’s assault, fear of his promise to come back and finish what he started, fear over the emails and the new stalker, fear over meeting Gordon’s identical twin brother. The majority of this story is predictable, but what interested me is finding out about Gordon’s background and why he became the person he did. Though I didn’t feel a connection to them, I liked Taylor and Reed. I just never felt their reactions and responses came to life.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this book had a lot of potential but never seemed to get off the ground.


Monday, October 20, 2014

REVIEW: Manic Mondays by Michaela Weaver

Title: Manic Mondays
Author: Michaela Weaver
Publisher: Candy Jar Books
Publication Date: July, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: Catherine has everything a modern girl needs – a successful business, idyllic family life and even an Aga in the kitchen! But this all changes one Monday, after her husband decides to leave her for the cleaner. All of a sudden Catherine's life is turned upside down. She is left to raise her baby daughter alone, rebuild a tattered career, while trying to avoid the attentions of Mike, who is ‘Mr Lovely’ until Catherine notices his wedding ring...

Having lost everything, Catherine is determined to prove that she can make it on her own as a single mother. Manic Mondays follows Catherine over a year of Mondays, as she tries to put her life back together.

An uplifting, inspirational and honest take on ‘starting all over again’, Manic Mondays is a must read for anyone who’s ever found life, well, a little manic.

My Thoughts: In her old life, Catherine thought she was doing everything right, happily married, raising a daughter and the owner of a very successful marketing business. After her husband announces he wants out and wants to be with someone else, she is devastated. She walks away from her home and the business and she and her daughter start over in a new town. In her new life, she meets new friends and pursues new career options while trying to steer clear of Mike, a man she realizes she is attracted to, but is holding at arm’s length because of the wedding ring on his finger.

I really enjoyed this story. I admired Catherine for picking up the pieces of her life and finding the strength to move forward after having her life crash down around her ears. I really liked supporting characters Grace, Steve and Mike. They brought their own stories and personalities to the book without pulling me out of the main story. I felt a lot of empathy for Catherine for the way her husband treated her and applauded her strength of character and the determination she shows to start over. There weren’t any laugh out loud moments for me in this book, but the struggles Catherine experienced with facing her husband once again, finding a new career path and opening herself up to love again made this book thoroughly enjoyable.

Michaela Weaver pens a very good story that flows smoothly, keeping the reader engaged with characters that are easy to relate to and connect with. This is my first book by this author and look forward to reading more of her work.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Manic Mondays from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Saturday, October 18, 2014

REVIEW: S Is For Silence by Sue Grafton

Title: S Is For Silence (Kinsey Millhone #19)
Author: Sue Grafton
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: November, 2006
Genre: Mystery

Description: The nineteenth novel in Sue Grafton's ever popular 'alphabet' series featuring PI Kinsey Millhone.

Just after Independence Day in July 1953 Violet Sullivan, a local good time girl living in Serena Station Southern California, drives off in her brand new Chevy and is never seen again. Left behind is her young daughter, Daisy, and Violet's impetuous husband, Foley, who had been persuaded to buy his errant wife the car only days before . . .

Now, thirty-five years later, Daisy wants closure.

Reluctant to open such an old cold case Kinsey Millhone agrees to spend five days investigating, believing at first that Violet simply moved on to pastures new. But very soon it becomes clear that a lot of people shared a past with Violet, a past that some are still desperate to keep hidden. And in a town as close-knit as Serena there aren't many places to hide when things turn vicious . . .

My Thoughts: Not a lot of major surprises but I still enjoyed this story. I thought revisiting the past in flashback would pull me out of the story, but I quite enjoyed learning the backstory of the characters. As usual, I was way off base on the identity of Violet’s murderer and wish there had been more of an explanation behind the why. I thought the how was a little morbid and creepy and Kinsey’s final showdown with the villain proved to be a little intense.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this is a s solid and enjoyable series though some of the books are much better than the others. As the series begins to wind down to the end of the alphabet, I am very curious to see Kinsey gets into and look forward to finding out.


Friday, October 03, 2014

REVIEW: The Broken by Shelley Coriell

Title: The Broken (The Apostles #1)
Author: Shelley Coriell
Publisher: Grand Central Forever
Publication Date: April, 2014
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Description: He took her life, but left her alive.

Three years ago, reporter Kate Johnson was the first victim—and only survivor—of the Broadcast Butcher. Scarred both physically and psychologically by the brutal serial killer, Kate lives life on the run, knowing that one day, he will find her and finish what he started.

In the pursuit of justice, you sometimes have to step outside the law.

Agent Hayden Reed spends his life chasing monsters. The only way to stay sane is to detach, but the second the Broadcast Butcher case crosses his desk, Hayden knows this is the case that might just cost him his soul. To catch this vicious murderer before he strikes again, Hayden must find Kate and earn her trust. For it's her darkest secrets that hold the key to stopping this madman once and for all . . .

My Thoughts: I enjoyed The Broken by new to me author Shelley Coriell. This book is the first installment of a series centering on a crack shot team of FBI agents tasked with hunting down the big bad evil in the world. This first book introduces us to Kate Johnson and Hayden Reed. Kate was the first victim and only survivor of a vicious serial killer and has been in hiding, intent on keeping her trail untraceable, knowing the killer is still out there and anxious to finish the job. Hayden is an FBI profiler looking for the serial killer with personal demons of his own, committed to catching the killer and keeping Kate safe. I really liked that Hayden wasn’t the typical knight in shining armor hero. He’s deeply flawed with painful scars and carrying immense personal baggage and that makes him perfect for Kate. They are kindred spirits and I enjoyed watching them connect and learn to let their guard down and trust one another. Kate’s entire life has been a complete nightmare. Raised by a mentally ill mother and abandoned by her father, Kate worked hard to make her life successful until the night she nearly died. Since then she has been on the run staying with a cantankerous Vietnam vet as his caretaker and making jewelry. She is on high alert always and ready to hit the road at a moment’s notice. When the killer strikes again, she realizes she is going to have to come out of hiding and work with the FBI before another victim is claimed.

This book takes the reader into Kate’s past and we discover the Broadcast Butcher wasn’t the only dark moment in Kate’s life. I was hoping to find out more about her father and what happened with him and why he never came back and my heart went out to the child Kate was and what she endured. I was angry at her grandparents for never being there and wished Kate told them how their absence in her life affected her. Their assistance to the FBI seemed a little too late for me. Perhaps there will be more closure here as the series progresses. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Smokey Joe. He was an amazing character and the perfect surrogate father that Kate needed in her life.

My only problem with this story is that there was such a huge build-up to the end which fell flat for me. I had high anticipation to learn who the killer was but the big reveal was a big letdown. I felt it was it was a random afterthought and the reasons behind why he targeted Kate in the first place felt hollow to me.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a good story with interesting and well-written characters that will appeal to fans of mysteries, thrillers and romantic suspense. I am curious about the other agents introduced in this book so I will be looking for the rest of the series to find out their story.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Broken from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Wednesday, October 01, 2014

New Additions To The TBR Pile In September

September saw 14 new review requests added to my TBR pile but happily I have completed 95% of my reading goal. These new arrivals look really good...which one should I tackle first?

Title: A Christmas To Remember by Jenny Hale
Description: A beautiful story about the magic of childhood Christmas memories, the strength of family and falling in love when you least expect it.

Everyone loves Christmas – don’t they?

Carrie Blake loves her job as a nanny but, while her friends are settling down, all of Carrie’s spare time is spent with other people’s families. Though it breaks her heart, her New Year’s resolution is to embark on a new career and fix her love life.

As Carrie starts her last job, she’s sure she’ll be going out on a high – the house is amazing , the kids are adorable, and she’s in charge of decorating the tree!

The only problem could be her boss… single-dad Adam Fletcher might be both handsome and successful, but he’s always working. Doesn’t he realise he’s missing out on precious moments with his son and daughter?

As Adam’s family arrive for Christmas including his sensitive sister, Sharon, and his fun-loving elderly Grandpa, Walter, Carrie realises that she might just have found the perfect allies in her quest to persuade Adam to loosen up. There’s still time for Carrie to make this the best Christmas ever… after all, Christmas is the time for miracles, isn’t it? Let the festivities begin!

Title: A Pretty Mess by Carla Caruso
Description: Sometimes, to come clean, you've got to get your hands dirty ...

Celeste Pretty, a self-confessed neat freak, has found the job she was born to do: a professional organiser, de-cluttering people's homes and workplaces. Her new business gets off to a cracking start when she lands her first client, health and fitness guru Natalia Samphire, in the well-heeled suburb of Astonvale. But things get messy at Natalia's mansion when Celeste finds a blackmail note and other mysterious items. And then there's Lenny Muscat, the sexy builder renovating the place, whose constant presence is muddling Celeste's usually organised brain.

When things get decidedly suspicious at the mansion, she and Lenny have to team up to investigate. But will Celeste emerge with her heart and professional reputation unscathed?

This is the first in the Astonvale series.

Title: Dead Romantic by Ruth Saberton
Description: What do you do if you come face to face with a ghost?

Put it down to a bump on the head and work stress if you’re a respected academic like Cleo Carpenter. With Christmas approaching, professional rivalry afoot and a best friend determined to interfere in her love life the strain is clearly starting to get to her.

Guilt-stricken and deceased, Alex Thorne is desperate to make amends with his brother, Rafe, a tortured musician trapped in a spiral of destruction. When an encounter with Cleo forges a link between them she becomes his only hope. So what if the only person who can see him is a sceptic?

As Cleo starts to doubt her sanity, the safe world she takes for granted crumbles around her. Setting out to regain control and prove once and for all ghosts don’t exist, she embarks on a journey of self discovery and surprise, learning that love really does defy science, logic and maybe even death itself…

Title: Etiquette And Espionage by Gail Carriger
Description: Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is the bane of her mother's existence. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper etiquette at tea--and god forbid anyone see her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. She enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But little do Sophronia or her mother know that this is a school where ingenious young girls learn to finish, all right--but it's a different kind of finishing. Mademoiselle Geraldine's certainly trains young ladies in the finer arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but also in the other kinds of finishing: the fine arts of death, diversion, deceit, espionage, and the modern weaponries. Sophronia and her friends are going to have a rousing first year at school.

Title: Fat Chance by Nick Spalding
Description: Meet Zoe and Greg Milton, a married couple who have let themselves go a bit.

Zoe was a stunner in her college days, but the intervening decades have added five stone, and removed most of her self-esteem. Greg's rugby-playing days are well and truly behind him, thanks to countless pints of beer and chicken curry.

When Elise, a radio DJ and Zoe's best friend, tells them about a new competition, it seems like the perfect opportunity to turn their lives around. Fat Chance will pit six hefty couples against one another to see who can collectively lose the most weight and walk away with a $50,000 prize.

So begins six months of abject misery, tears, and frustration that just might turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to them in another laugh-out-loud look at the way we live now from bestselling author Nick Spalding.

Title: Flawless by Jan Moran
Description: "There's always a hostile side to beauty." - Jan Moran

Verena Valent is at the helm of her family's legendary Swiss skincare company, which caters to a glamorous clientele in the heart of Beverly Hills. After her parents are killed in an automobile accident, she becomes the sole provider for her younger twin sisters and her grandmother. Instead of attending college with her friends as planned, she rises to the challenge to guide and expand her family's business. She is in the midst of a critical international expansion into Asia when her carefully organized life begins to unravel.

Verena is shaken to discover that her fiance, Derrick, who is a venture capitalist, might be behind a scheme to take over her growing company. While she struggles to save the business that means everything to her, she meets Lance, an executive chef at the Beverly Hills Hotel. She encounters this intriguing man again while on a business trip to Paris, and soon gains a new perspective on relationships.

When the unthinkable occurs and Verena's world collapses, her friends rally around her, among them Scarlett Sandoval, a top intellectual property attorney; Dahlia DuBois, a perfumer from an esteemed line of French perfumers; and Fianna Fitzgerald, a fashion designer with her own trendy boutique.

Ultimately, Verena learns that truth, family, friendship, and love are the unshakable pillars of life. But will she get a second chance in business, or in love?

Flawless is the first book in the Hostile Beauty Series. Follow a group of smart, stylish, entrepreneurial friends as they navigate the turbulences of modern life in the business of beauty. Set in Beverly Hills with action flung across the globe, the Hostile Beauty Series is an engaging series that features gutsy, determined best friends, and how they manage to live the lives of their dreams.

Title: Hello From The Gillespies by Monica McInerney
Description: For the past thirty-three years, Angela Gillespie has sent to friends and family around the world an end-of-the-year letter titled “Hello from the Gillespies.” It’s always been cheery and full of good news. This year, Angela surprises herself—she tells the truth....

The Gillespies are far from the perfect family that Angela has made them out to be. Her husband is coping badly with retirement. Her thirty-two-year-old twins are having career meltdowns. Her third daughter, badly in debt, can’t stop crying. And her ten-year-old son spends more time talking to his imaginary friend than to real ones.

Without Angela, the family would fall apart. But when a bump on the head leaves Angela with temporary amnesia, the Gillespies pull together—and pull themselves together—in wonderfully surprising ways....

Title: Hopelessly Devoted To You by Jill Steeples
Description: Meet Ruby’s fiancé, Finn. He’s gorgeous, thoughtful, successful and adoring – pretty much everything anyone could ever want in a man. In fact, he’s perfect. The catch? He’s just not perfect for her. But when Ruby finally plucks up the courage to come clean, Finn’s so furious that he misses his footing as he runs down the stairs – and suddenly, it’s not just his heart that’s broken!

When Finn wakes up, he can’t remember a thing. Not that Ruby dumped him – not even that they were ever engaged! It’s on the tip of Ruby’s tongue to come clean, but somehow, it never seems to be the right time... And as the weeks pass, she sees a new side to Finn. Arrogant and a shameless flirt, he’s irresistibly bad, and the chemistry between them is explosive!

It’s not that Ruby’s lying… she’s just withholding the truth. And seeing as things are going so well, perhaps there’s no need for Finn to have his memory jogged… The trouble is, there’s every chance that Finn might remember for himself!

Title: Perfect Girl by Michele Gorman
Description: Cinderella meets Falling Down in this wickedly funny tale about having it all.

Carol is perfect… at least that’s what everyone thinks. In reality she’s sinking fast – her family treats her like their personal assistant and her boyfriend is so busy with work that he’s got her single-handedly running their relationship. Not that her job is any easier. As the only woman on the bank’s trading floor she spends twelve-hour days trying not to get sworn at or felt up by colleagues who put the "W" in banker.

How long can she go on pleasing everyone else before she snaps and loses it all?

With humor and empathy, Perfect Girl lays bare the balancing act that working women face in a man's world.

Title: S Is For Silence by Sue Grafton
Description: The nineteenth novel in Sue Grafton's ever popular 'alphabet' series featuring PI Kinsey Millhone.

Just after Independence Day in July 1953 Violet Sullivan, a local good time girl living in Serena Station Southern California, drives off in her brand new Chevy and is never seen again. Left behind is her young daughter, Daisy, and Violet's impetuous husband, Foley, who had been persuaded to buy his errant wife the car only days before . . .

Now, thirty-five years later, Daisy wants closure.

Reluctant to open such an old cold case Kinsey Millhone agrees to spend five days investigating, believing at first that Violet simply moved on to pastures new. But very soon it becomes clear that a lot of people shared a past with Violet, a past that some are still desperate to keep hidden. And in a town as close-knit as Serena there aren't many places to hide when things turn vicious . . .

Title: The Bargain by Deb Stover
Description: A man out of time. A woman out of options. Natchez detective Mike Faricy will do anything to undo his brother-in-law's murder. A man named Slick offers him a deal he can't refuse-go back to June 19th, the day before the killing. Mike strikes the Bargain and wakes up on June 19th gazing down the barrel of an antique gun held by Abigail Kingsley, who confirms it is June 19th, but the year is 1865. Now Mike must prevent the murder from over a century in the past, while being taunted by a shape-shifting Slick. The devil may own his soul, but it's Abigail who stakes a powerful claim on his aching heart. Will her darkest secrets be his ultimate undoing...? "Dirty Harry" meets "Scarlett O'Hara" and there's Hell to pay....

Title: The Love List by Eve Devon
Description: Falling in love is just not on Nora King’s To Do List…

Neither is accidentally super-gluing her shoe to her hand right before the biggest presentation of her life!

With all the hard work she’d put into securing the family business after her father’s death, Nora has no choice but to accept help from a knight in shining armour.

Disaster relief worker Ethan Love is still haunted by his last deployment, and desperate for distraction. He’s in town to ask Nora for a major favour, and swooping in to save her presentation is a sure way to get her on side.

As Ethan sticks around and helps Nora through her grief, her barriers tumble down…but will she dare to swap her To Do lists for a How to Fall in Love list?

Title: Twitter Girl by Nic Tatano
Description: Meet America’s Tweet-Heart.

She’s network reporter Cassidy Shea, better known as @TwitterGirl, with more than a million followers thanks to her sarcastic tweets. One hundred forty characters that can take anyone down a notch.

But while brevity may be the soul of wit, it can also get you fired.

When a controversial tweet goes viral the snarky redhead finds herself locked out of the career she loves… and watches her boyfriend take a hike.

Alas, no industry values sarcasm more than politics, and Cassidy becomes a marketable commodity for Presidential candidate Will Becker, a squeaky-clean, stone cold lock to be the next occupant of the White House. This candidate is unlike any other; he’s the country’s most eligible bachelor. He’s also looking for a running mate, and we’re not talking about a Vice President.

Twitter Girl has caught his eye.

Cassidy finds herself swept up in a whirlwind romance that turns her into the next Jackie Kennedy and becomes the favorite to be the next First Lady. The country can’t get enough of America’s First Couple… will Cassidy and Will Becker bring back Camelot?

But an anonymous tip triggers her journalistic curiosity. Is Will Becker all that he seems? The search for the answer teaches Cassidy the meaning of love.

Title: What A Lady Demands by Ashley Macnamara
Description: Readers of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries will love Ashlyn Macnamara’s novel about a smoldering new love that is threatened by past betrayals.

Viscount Lindenhurst cannot seem to find a governess who meets his impossible standards—until Cecelia Sanford becomes the first woman to interrupt the widower’s brooding in years. Lind had returned home from the Napoleonic wars, broken in body and soul and longing for his wife’s embrace, only to find her changed. Before they could reconcile, an accident struck their son and claimed her life. Now enter Cecelia, with her soft curves and sharp tongue—a tempting distraction, it is true, but not a welcome one.

Past the usual marrying age and haunted by a scandal of her own, Cecelia soon finds herself caring for both the child and the man. The viscount is brittle and even abrupt at times, yet she cannot deny the attraction that stirs her body in his presence. Moved by the deep sense of abandonment that tortures his soul, Cecelia aches to fully awaken Lind’s heart from its rancorous slumber—if she can just keep their pasts from destroying a second chance at love.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

REVIEW: The Wedding Date by Elizabeth Young

Title: The Wedding Date
Author: Elizabeth Young
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: December, 2004
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: One wedding. No funeral.

One unqualified catastrophe.

"Dominic" was the little white lie thirty-and-still-unwed Sophy Metcalfe told to soothe her nagging mother. But now her perfect sister Belinda is tying the knot, and Sophy's going to have to produce the charming, successful, ideal boyfriend she invented -- since the genuine article vanished after a single, resoundingly unsuccessful evening. Desperate, she hires a male escort sight unseen to get her through the Nuptials from Hell. But the trouble with white lies is they tend to multiply -- especially at a gala disaster filled with new intrigues and old flames. And the trouble with Josh, her hired date, is he's kind of cute, in a rugged, too-sexy-for-his-own-good way. And then there's the biggest trouble of all -- because every wedding day is followed by a night. And, of course, a morning after ...

My Thoughts: A very cute and enjoyable story by a new to me author that I wish I had read sooner. I thought Sophy and her mates were very likable characters and with Josh, she finds the perfect match. Though I fully understood why Sophy found it necessary to invent a fictional boyfriend, this story is the result of what happens when all of her lies come full circle. On the upside is if she hadn’t lied about her love life, she would never have met Josh.

Things start to unravel after her sister’s wedding that make for some very surprising twists and interesting outcomes. This book had many laugh out loud moments and was a fast read for me. The characters kept me interested in the plot, anticipating what would happen next.

My Final Verdict: This book is a must read for all fans of the chick-lit or contemporary romance genres. If you aren’t a fan of romance, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy humorous fiction. Kudos to Ms. Young for penning a book that was a fun read filled with entertaining characters in awkward but funny situations.


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I am not a professional reviewer, but I love to read and share my opinions on my reading with others who are interested. I work full time but my ideal perfect day would be to curl up with a good book. The majority of the books I review here are from my private collection and my reviews are provided purely for entertainment purposes. I receive no compensation whatsoever for sharing my thoughts and review on any book. If you would like me to review your book, please email me at sharalsbooks@yahoo.com Happy Reading! :o)