REVIEW: Promised To The Highlander by Kate Robbins

Title: Promised To The Highlander (The Highland Chiefs #2)
Author: Kate Robbins
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
Publication Date: May, 2014
Genre: Historical Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Description: Nessia Stephenson's world was safe until a threat from a neighboring clan forces her to accept a betrothal to a man whose family can offer her the protection she needs. The real threat lies in her intense attraction to the man who arranged the match—the clan's chief and her intended’s brother, Fergus MacKay.

When powerful warlord Fergus MacKay arranges a marriage for his younger brother, William, he has no idea the price will be his own heart. Fergus is captivated by the wildly beautiful Nessia, a woman he can never have.

When the feud between the MacKay and Sutherland clans escalates, Nessia, William, and Fergus all must make sacrifices for their future. Longing and loss, honor and duty. How can love triumph under such desperate circumstances?

My Thoughts: What a wonderful book! I actually liked this one more than the first book, Bound To The Highlander. Though we are introduced to Fergus in the first book, I must admit I was not too interested in him, but Promised To The Highlander brings Fergus into the light and, oh my goodness, what an amazing character! There are so many layers to this intriguing man who only wants to do what’s best for his family and protect his clan. He is a man who has suffered emotional pain and loss, who has faults, makes mistakes and who loses his heart in a most sudden and unexpected moment.

As Laird, he arranges a match for his brother, William to ensure the continuation of his clan. When he meets his brother’s intended, Nessia, he is not prepared for the intense feelings being near her bring out and to further complicate the situation, Nessia feels the same way about Fergus. Normally a love triangle featuring brothers in love with the same woman can only end badly for all concerned, but I really liked how this story plays out. Fergus, William and Nessia are all extremely likable characters that I didn’t want to see anything bad happen to.

The first book of this series gives the reader a small glimpse into the feud between the MacKay and Sutherland clans but this book rips it wide open. The author does a fantastic job of writing truly vile and despicable characters as well as characters the reader can really relate to. The villain of this story, Artair Sutherland is truly evil with no redeeming qualities. As much as I hated him and wanted to stab him in the throat myself, I couldn’t put this book down, I had to know what would happen next. The story moves at an excellent pace and was, for me, a very fast read.

My Final Verdict: There is so much to like about this story. The Scottish Highlands, compelling characters, passionate romance, epic and intense battle scenes and touching scenes of love and loss are just a small sampling of what this story has to offer. All of this and beautifully designed covers, you can’t go wrong. In order to truly enjoy the magic of the beautiful Scottish Highlands and all of the wonderful characters in this series, I highly recommend you start with the first book. I am looking forward to the third book in this story which is about Freya MacKay and Ronan Sutherland.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Promised To The Highlander from the author in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Night Visitor by Dianne Emley

Title: The Night Visitor
Author: Dianne Emley
Publisher: Alibi
Publication Date: September, 2014
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Description: In bestselling author Dianne Emley’s chilling new paranormal thriller, a beautiful woman’s romantic past comes back to haunt her in the form of an otherworldly visitor seeking justice.

Gorgeous and successful, Rory Langtry seemed to have it all. Daughter of a movie star and sister of a supermodel, Rory was engaged to sexy artist, Junior Lara. But her bright future went dark one terrible, bloody night that left her sister dead and the accused murderer—Junior—in an extended coma.

Now, five years later, Rory appears to have put the past behind her. She has a wonderful new fiancé and heads a successful cosmetics company. Yet dark secrets threaten. Across town, Junior lies close to death but before he departs he seeks to clear his name.

It starts with a feeling. It turns into a vision. Soon Rory is having sensations that only Junior could experience—from the horrifying to the erotic. Then she learns details about the awful night that only Junior could know, newfound knowledge with potentially fatal consequences. When another act of violence rocks her family, Rory plunges deeper into the unsolved mystery, led by an inexplicable visitor to a dangerous time and place where all will be revealed at last. But until then, Junior will not let her go.

My Thoughts: New to me author Dianne Emley offers up a very good, intense and suspenseful story with The Night Visitor, a story about a woman coming to terms with the tragedy that took the life of her twin sister, Anya and put her fiancé in a coma five years before. All evidence points to Junior as Anya’s murderer but Junior’s family believe Rory is the culprit. After a tragic act of violence puts Rory in harm’s way, we begin to learn about the events from five years ago through Junior’s eyes in flashbacks. Though Junior is in a coma and lingering on death’s door in this book, we get to know him through the flashbacks and I felt a strong empathy for him. I knew in my gut from the beginning he wasn’t the murderer, but I was fascinated at how he was psychically connected to his brother and then to Rory. I really liked Rory and her new fiancé, Tom. I admired how he handled the changes in Rory and his willingness to stand by her, showing his love and support though, at times, it appeared she was going to leave him and join Junior when he crossed over. A couple of scenes with Rory and Junior interacting had me in tears. They were beautifully written and so gut-wrenching emotional.

In addition to the paranormal mystery angle, I also enjoyed that this story explores the relationships between Rory and her mother and her sister. There are a lot of unresolved issues and hurt feelings that come out. The author writes these tense and very emotional scenes with a lot of grace without glossing over the incidents or sugar coating the pain Rory still feels. I struggled with feeling any empathy for Anya but we get to know her through flashbacks and I began to feel pity for her, though I did not agree with her choices or the way she treated people. I never warmed up to Rory’s mother. I thought she was vain and selfish. I thought Rory’s stepfather and stepbrother were arrogant.

This story moves at a fast pace and the author does a very good job of giving enough detail to keep the reader interested without overwhelming them. The dialogue was appropriate for the subject matter and flowed smoothly. I wish I had discovered this author’s work before.

My Final Verdict: Overall, The Night Visitor is a very good story that will appeal to fans of mysteries, thrillers and suspense novels. The paranormal element is an additional bonus that heightens the intensity of the story. I recommend this book if you enjoy stories that draw on all of your emotions.

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

REVIEW: Murder At Rudhall Manor by Anya Wylde

Title: Murder At Rudhall Manor
Author: Anya Wylde
Publisher: Anya Wylde
Publication Date: June, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Buy The Book: Amazon

Description: A murder and a theft have been committed at Rudhall Manor. A box of jewels has vanished and Lord Sedley, a lusty old aristocrat, has been stabbed six times in the chest.

It is all very mysterious, and the Sedley family and the servants have decided that Miss Lucy Anne Trotter, a recently employed governess, is to blame for the unfortunate events. The legendary and wickedly handsome Marquis, Lord William Adair, learns of the matter and decides to uncover the truth.

Lucy, however, has little faith in blue blooded creatures—even if they possess dashing good looks— and, accompanied by two naughty pugs and a moody raven, decides to investigate and unmask the killer herself.

But the hunt for the killer turns out to be far more complicated than she anticipates—what with snooty servants, warts in odd places, mixed up love affairs, agitated chickens and dreadful disguises ruining her plans.

Soon she begins to wonder if, for once, she is in over her head….

My Thoughts: Though quite silly, I found Murder At Rudhall Manor to be a good and entertaining story. There’s a murderer on the loose at Rudhall Manor but it’s nearly impossible to take any of it seriously with the over the top goings on. Naturally, the dysfunctional Sedley family is quick to blame our charming governess, Miss Lucy Trotter, though they have not one shred of proof, other than their obvious dislike and prejudice against the hired help, though she has yet to be paid for her work. Unfortunately for Miss Trotter, the rest of the household staff soon begins to believe she is the culprit and go out of their way to make her feel alone and without any allies. The arrival of Lord Adair does not seem to be of any help either as his investigation does not expose the killer either. Lucy starts to seriously fear that her neck will soon be in a noose. The arrival of Aunt Sedley provides a welcome distraction and Lucy agrees to look into the murder to find the real killer, but Aunt Sedley is not much help, being dead herself and a ghost. Lucy embarks on a madcap chase through the house and grounds looking for clues that will reveal the true identity of the killer before she runs out of time.

I enjoyed meeting Lucy and found her to be very brave and full of spunk, which is a rarity for women in this time period. Growing up in an orphanage has taught Lucy to rely on her own wits and intelligence to get through life. When she takes up the post of governess at Rudhall Manor, she has no idea that her wits and intelligence is what she has most going for her to keep her out of the hangman’s noose. I admired her tenacity to investigate the murder while facing animosity and opposition from everyone else around her. I found Lord Adair to be a very strange character, starting with his bizarre entrance by hot air balloon into the story. He’s quite eccentric and I suspect a little bit insane, but he and Lucy make a great, though odd, couple. What I found interesting was though Lucy found him to be very attractive, there was absolutely no hint of romance between them. This will make sense if you have read Penelope, though I am curious to see what they get up to next. I did not care for the living members of the Sedley family. Though she wasn’t much help to Lucy in her investigations, I thought Aunt Sedley was very entertaining. It’s too bad the rest of the family wasn’t as likable.

The story moves at a very good pace, keeping me engaged and interested in the story enough to want to know what happens next. A major twist at the end of the book with the reveal of the villain, which took me completely by surprise, which shouldn’t have come as a surprise since this story doesn’t follow the expected direction at any time.

My Final Verdict: Murder At Rudhall Manor will appeal to fans of light mysteries or quirky storylines and characters. Overall, this is an enjoyable story that will keep the reader entertained for several hours.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Murder At Rudhall Manor from the author in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Bound To The Highlander by Kate Robbins

Title: Bound To The Highlander (The Highland Chiefs #1)
Author: Kate Robbins
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
Publication Date: October, 2013
Genre: Historical Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Description: Aileana Chattan suffers a devastating loss, then discovers she is to wed neighboring chief and baron, James MacIntosh -- a man she despises and whose loyalty deprived her of the father she loved. Despite him and his traitorous clan, Aileana will do her duty, but she doesn't have to like it or him. But when the MacIntosh awakens something inside her so absolute and consuming, she is forced to question everything.

James MacIntosh is a nobleman torn between tradition and progress. He must make a sacrifice if he is to help Scotland move forward as a unified country. Forced to sign a marriage contract years earlier binding Lady Aileana to him, James must find a way to break it, or risk losing all -- including his heart.

From the wild and rugged Highlands near Inverness to the dungeons of Edinburgh Castle, James and Aileana’s preconceptions of honor, duty and love are challenged at every adventurous turn.

My Thoughts: My favorite theme in historical romance has been kilts, Highlanders and all things Scottish for a very long time. Bound To The Highlander is the debut novel of new to me author Kate Robbins who does a brilliant job of bringing to life a wonderfully romantic story set in a vibrant and beautiful country during the early fifteenth century. I got a very good sense of what it is like living there, the hardships people faced and the lack of modern comforts we take for granted in the 21st century, like electricity and plumbing. As much as I love kilt-wearing Highlanders with accents that make my toes curl, I don’t think I would actually want to live back then.

I really enjoyed meeting Aileana and James. Seeing their mutual distrust and apprehension of each other in the beginning bloom into love and passion was a delight. I also loved the side story of Gwen and Calum. It was too bad that Aileana’s Uncle dies at the very beginning of the book as I think I would have enjoyed meeting him too. In addition to the good characters, Ms. Robbins writes her villains very well too. There’s a very intense and violent scene between Aileana and Gawain that was hard to read but written so well that I was glued to my seat waiting to find out what happens next.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a good start to a series that I am looking forward to reading more of. I recommend Bound To The Highlander to fans of historical romances and to anyone who enjoys good stories with strong characters and beautiful settings.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Bound To The Highlander from the author in exchange for an honest review.

New Additions To The TBR Pile In April

April saw the arrival of ALOT of new arrivals that I am eagerly looking forward to reading. Here's what joined my teetering to be read pile:

Among A Thousand Stars by Jo Bartlett
Description: They say you'd do anything for love, but what happens when you don't believe it exists?

When her mother turns up naked and proud during her first term at college, Ashleigh Hayes assumes that life can’t get any more embarrassing. Ten years later, with best friend Stevie at her side, and a successful career as a freelance photographer for monthly magazine Glitz, it looks like she might have finally got the hang of things. Only she seems to have inherited the embarrassment gene from her mother and her every encounter with new boss, Tom Rushworth, looks set to send her career spiralling backwards. Getting past their shaky start, Ashleigh and Tom embark on a relationship that was only ever meant to be a bit of fun. But when life, paparazzi and love-sick Labradors get in the way, they suddenly find themselves caught in a roller coaster ride of emotions.

Behind The Scenes by Sophie Childs
Description: Never wear a pair of high heels on a film set no matter how good they may look!

Bethan Brooks works in London for the ultimate boss from Hell, trying to support her wannabe rockstar boyfriend. But are The Vampire Squirrels really ever going to make it big or is she doomed to be a secretary forever? Luckily, Bethan finds the perfect escape when going to the cinema. There she loses herself in another world and forgets all about the dreaded filing and monotonous office work. Imagine her surprise when one day she encounters her favourite actor on the Tube. Suddenly, she finds herself part of the glamorous movie world she only ever dreamed about. With more at stake than she could ever realise, does she really want to know what goes on behind the scenes?

Concealed In Death by J.D. Robb
Description: The incomparable J. D. Robb presents the latest moving and suspenseful novel in the #1 New York Times–bestselling Eve Dallas series.

In a decrepit and long-empty New York building, a man begins the demolition process by swinging a sledgehammer into a wall. When the dust clears, he finds two skeletons wrapped in plastic behind it.

The man is Lieutenant Eve Dallas’s billionaire husband, Roarke, and he summons her immediately. His latest real estate project is going to be on hold for a while, because by the time Eve and her crew are finished searching the premises, there are twelve murders to be solved….

After a little digging reveals that the place housed a makeshift shelter for troubled and homeless teenagers back in the mid-2040s, Eve tracks down the people who worked there. Between their recollections and the brilliant work of the force’s new forensic anthropologist, Eve begins to put names and faces to the skeletal remains. They are all girls. A tattooed tough teenager who dealt in illegal drugs. The runaway daughter of a pair of well-to-do doctors. They all had their stories. And they all lost their chance for a better life.

Everyone has something to hide. And when Eve discovers a stunning connection between the victims and someone she knows, she is even more driven to reveal the secrets of the place that was called The Sanctuary—and to find the evil concealed in one human heart.

Game Of Scones by Samantha Tonge
Description: A story of icing and flour…and how love doesn’t always go to plan!

Growing up, Pippa Pattinson’s summers were spent in the idyllic Greek island fishing village of Taxos. There she spent many long hazy days determinedly ignoring thoughts of the life her parents had mapped out for her (a dreary-but-secure banking job and obligatory sensible husband!) Instead she daydreamed of running her own tea shop – serving the perfect scones –with mocha-eyed childhood friend Niko by her side…

Arriving back in Taxos for the first time in years, with suave boyfriend Henrik, Pippa barely recognises the tired little town – but is relieved to catch glimpses of the quaint, charming village she’s always loved. Together Niko and Pippa put together a proposal to save Taxos from tourist-tastic ruin, and at the heart of their plan is Pippa’s dream project - The Tastiest Little Tea Shop in Taxos. It’s time for Pippa to leave her London life behind and dust off her scone recipe that’s guaranteed to win over both locals and visitors. And amidst the rolling pins and raisins, it seems romance is blossoming where she’s least expecting it…

If you’re a fan of Lindsey Kelk or Lucy Diamond then don’t hesitate to step into Samantha Tonge’s truly delightful tea shop.

Hello, Hollywood by Suzanne Corso
Description: From the critically acclaimed author of Brooklyn Story—praised by The New York Times for its “true female voice”—comes the conclusion to a whirlwind Cinderella story traveling from the gritty streets of Brooklyn to the glitzy scenes of Hollywood.

Samantha Bonti came from a humble background in Brooklyn and listened to her beloved grandmother’s advice: she wrote herself out of her story as a poor girl and into an affluent one as the wife of a Wall Street banker. Her glitzy life took a turn, though, when her husband spent the money faster than it came in and grew abusive and angry. After his sudden and unexpected heart attack, it turns out fate has dealt Sam another hand in her husband’s $15 million life insurance policy.

Now independent, Sam moves to Hollywood with her daughter to oversee the film production of her bestselling novel, based on her childhood. She thinks she has it all, but life has a lot more in store for her. The producer of her film (and her now-boyfriend) reveals a dark underside to all this Hollywood glamour—and soon, people from her past in Brooklyn that she thought long gone start showing up where they are very unwelcome. Amidst it all, a mysterious man named John has designs on Sam—and she’s not sure if this could be a new romance or another romantic misstep. Now she must ask herself: Is her turn in the spotlight worth all the real-life drama?

Jillian Spectre And The Dream Weaver by Nic Tatano
Description: There’s a new villian in town…

One who can manipulate dreams and reality to the point that people can’t tell the difference.

This is a job for Jillian Spectre.

The snarky eighteen year old redhead with paranormal powers has already saved the world once but now she’s under attack by a force that might be above her pay grade.

The Dream Weaver.

When Jillian’s own dreams are invaded she finds herself desperately trying to separate reality from fantasy – and struggle with a totally inappropriate crush on someone who isn’t her mind reading boyfriend, Ryan.

When her own soul is on the line as the Dream Weaver manipulates her, Jillian has one shot to save herself and the rest of the world… or she and the rest of the world could be trapped in their dreams forever.

Just The Way You Are by Lynsey James
Description: Dear Ava,

How do you start writing a letter to someone, six years after breaking their heart?

Ava is unlucky in love as well as in life. The new office bitch has landed the dating column Ava wanted, and she can't remember the last time she had a second date. It's a good thing she has best friends Max and Gwen to pick up the pieces.

Deep down, Ava knows the reason why one date never turns into two - she's in love with someone else. Someone she's never even met.

It all started six years ago, with a letter from a secret admirer, Mr Writer…but then they suddenly stopped and Ava was heartbroken.

Now the letters have started again and Ava knows it could mean winning back the dating column at work. This time she's determined to unmask Mr Writer...and find out once and for all if he's Mr Right or Mr Very Definitely Wrong!

Making Your Mind Up by Jill Mansell
Description: Lottie Carlyle isn't looking for love when she meets her new boss, Tyler Klein. Living in a beautiful cottage with her two adorable - sometimes - kids in an idyllic village in the Cotswolds, on good terms with her ex-husband and with friends all around, she's happy enough with her lot. But Tyler's perfect for Lottie and quickly she falls for him - and he for her. Unfortunately, there's a problem. For reasons that are totally unfair, Lottie's children HATE Tyler. When a rival for Lottie's affections comes on the scene in the shape of charmer Seb, the children adore him, and he's certainly a distraction. But he's not Tyler - and he's not even at all what he seems. Lottie's got a problem - but thanks, in classic Jill Mansell style, to a tobogganing accident and a delicious series of mix-ups, all will be revealed and true love will find a way.

Ms. Conception by Jen Cumming
Description: Abigail Nichols has tried everything from rash-inducing herbal creams to acupuncture in a desperate, last-ditch effort to get pregnant. Wedged into her iPhone schedule among new business pitches and rebranding design meetings is Abby’s ovulation cycle, along with potential opportunities for illicit afternoon quickies. With all of their hopes and savings on the table, Abby and her husband Jack enter the whispered world of fertility clinics. Along with a meddling mother-in-law, competitive pregnancies, and constant obligatory sex, Abby’s baby-track mind conspires to ravage her career, her marriage, and her sanity. One thing she knows for sure: a healthy sense of humor (and the occasional glass of red wine) is the best coping strategy. One thing she wishes she knew: whether it will be enough. Ms. Conception is an honest but light-hearted novel inspired by the ups and downs of fertility treatments and the emotional burden that rests on those trying to conceive.

Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome by Tamara Lyon
Description: Bristow Sparks, an interior designer in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has just landed the contract of a lifetime, working for the Cherry Wyeland, volatile reality star and CEO of Wine-A-Lot. Designing for a crazy person is an around-the-clock commitment. It frays Bristow’s nerves and forces her to compromise in unimaginable ways, but, given that the finished product will be featured on The Decorating Network, she must succeed.

While her professional life is hot, her personal life is barely room temperature. After surviving the relentless media spotlight because of a personal tragedy and a traitorous ex-boyfriend, Bristow flies so far under the radar she can’t even be detected. A homebody to the core, she binges on episodes of the Showtime series, Dexter, lives in sweatpants, and is addicted to exercise and Oreos.

As for relationships? She has fallen hard and fast for witty and adventurous Jack Hoffmann. However, after their disastrous first date where Bristow collides with a park bench among other mortifying mishaps, they are unfortunately just friends. At least there’s one male sharing her bed, even if it’s only Vegas, her theatrical golden retriever.

For her twenty-ninth birthday, Bristow goes out of her comfort zone and gets a makeover at an elite spa. Post-Brazilian wax and in excruciating pain, Bristow realizes that she’s been in a post-traumatic state for years. She vows to start taking risks again. When she finally goes after what and whom she wants, no matter the cost, tragedy strikes again . . .

Searching For Steven by Jessica Redland
Description: When Sarah Peterson accepts her Auntie Kay’s unexpected offer to take over her florist’s shop, she’s prepared for a change of job, home and lifestyle. What she isn’t prepared for is the discovery of a scarily accurate clairvoyant reading that’s been missing for twelve years. All her predictions have come true, except one: she’s about to meet the man of her dreams. Oh, and his name is Steven.

Suddenly Stevens are everywhere. Could it be the window cleaner, the rep, the manager of the coffee shop, or any of the men she’s met online?

On top of that, she finds herself quite attracted to a handsome web designer, but his name isn't even Steven...

During this unusual search, will Sarah find her destiny?

Skinny Me by Charlene Carr
Description: Jennifer Carpenter dreams of being a different person – A person with confidence, a person with beauty, a person who weighs a heck of a lot less.

At twenty-seven, her world falls apart. She’s out of work, her mother has died, her estranged brother is in a coma and, despite good qualifications, each and every job interview ends in another rejection. Marked by the teasing, taunts, and fat jokes that defined her childhood, Jennifer blames her current lack of success on her ever-growing waist band.

In need of a change, Jennifer puts her dream of ‘skinny’ above all else. Obsessed with this mission, she devotes her life to becoming the ideal version of herself even if it means becoming alienated from the only people who love her. Determined to lose the weight she believes is ruining her life, Jennifer finds herself in danger of losing so much more.

The Breakup Mix by TK Carter
Description: A lot of wine, a little time, and the Breakup Mix CD on repeat cures a multitude of hurts, but I don't know if my broom and dustpan are big enough for the messes we've created. The five of us have been best friends since childhood, our lives have always intertwined, but this time we may have reached a point of no return. Leave it to Alissa to make a snap decision that drags Dani and me with her halfway across the country for the next six months. That girl may have a big heart and more money than God, but this time she's in over her head and sinkin' fast. Even though Dani's marriage is in the toilet, she's flying on Cloud 9 thanks to Alissa, but I'm done. My single toes are in the sand, and I'm trying to forget the existence of my ex -Tony. Marriage-pfft-does he know me at all? Back at home, Katie's lost in married-and-dutiful land proclaiming to be happy and rarely comes around anymore. But Michelle? She got the life she dreamed of when we were kids, but watching the rest of our success over the last twenty years has her wondering if she aimed too low and hit the bullseye. Her marriage to Brandon-the-douchebag inches closer to the breaking point every day and there's nothing any of us can do but wait for the snap.

The Breakup Mix is a story of five women and the decisions they make that tear them apart, but connect them forever.

The Traveling Tea Shop by Belinda Jones
Description: A delectable tale of friendship, love and cake for fans of Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella...

Laurie loves a challenge. Especially if it involves anything beautiful, baked and frosted. The brief is simple: With three other women, Laurie will board a London bus - kitted out as an English tea shop - on a deliciously different road trip of the USA.

Their mission: To bring home-grown classics like Battenberg, Victoria sponge and scones to the land of cupcakes, whoopie pies and gold-leafed chocolate sundaes.

And to show them how a real cup of tea is made. All of the women have their own secrets and heartaches to heal. As well as a grand appreciation of cupcakes, there's also the chance for romance...

But will making whoopee lead to love?

All aboard for: New York - Connecticut - Rhode Island - Massachusetts - Maine - New Hampshire - Vermont

Truly, Madly, Greekly by Mandy Baggot
Description: Sun, sea and a sexy stranger - a whole lot of fun just got a lot more complicated.

Capable, confident and career-driven, Ellen had her dream job and a marriage proposal from boyfriend Ross. Life was good, her future set. Until it wasn’t and everything fell apart…

Whisked off to the beautiful island of Corfu to plan her sister Lacey’s big, fat, Greek wedding, Ellen is hoping some time out will help clear her head and heal her heart. But letting go of her past is not going to be easy.

With Lacey in full on Bridezilla mode, Ellen is soon distracted from her own problems. And when the all-inclusive treats on offer at hotel Blue Vue include one gorgeous, brooding Adonis – Yan – Ellen finds him difficult to resist.

But Ellen isn’t looking for love or lust, or anything involving too much ouzo…or is she?

What Matters Most by Dianne Maguire
Description: Confronting, amusing and compelling, this is a story about choices and how they shape who we become.

Pediatrician Mia Sandhurst and teenager, Rachel Hooper come together as doctor and patient, both hostages to people they love.

Mia comes to terms with her husband's cheating, while Rachel is deliberately shielding someone who deserves to be named and shamed.

Tim Hooper has his suspicions about his sister's persistent silence and, together with Mia's clinical know-how, sets out to uncover the truth, but the truth is more complex than either of them might have imagined.

Set on the coast of the magical Fleurieu Peninsula, What Matters Most is a frank portrayal of self-discovery in middle age coupled with an unvarnished depiction of the mysteries of child abuse.

REVIEW: Cop Town by Karin Slaughter

Title: Cop Town
Author: Karin Slaughter
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: June, 2014
Genre: Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Description: Atlanta, 1974: As a brutal murder and a furious manhunt rock the city’s police department, Kate Murphy wonders if her first day on the job will also be her last. She’s determined to defy her privileged background by making her own way—wearing a badge and carrying a gun. But for a beautiful young woman, life will be anything but easy in the macho world of the Atlanta PD, where even the female cops have little mercy for rookies. It’s also the worst day possible to start given that a beloved cop has been gunned down, his brothers in blue are out for blood, and the city is on the edge of war.

Kate isn’t the only woman on the force who’s feeling the heat. Maggie Lawson followed her uncle and brother into the ranks to prove her worth in their cynical eyes. When she and Kate, her new partner, are pushed out of the citywide search for a cop killer, their fury, pain, and pride finally reach the boiling point. With a killer poised to strike again, they will pursue their own line of investigation, risking everything as they venture into the city’s darkest heart.

My Thoughts: I found Cop Town to be a major departure from what Karin Slaughter usually writes. She’s a very good suspense writer but this book is so much more than that. This book crosses so many sensitive barrier lines and is done so well, I didn’t have time to be shocked at the events transpiring in the book, though some of it was very difficult to read. This story brings issues of prejudice, bigotry, sexism, corruption and ethics to the forefront. This story centers on Maggie Lawson, an officer of the Atlanta Police Department and her new rookie partner, Kate Murphy. From the onset, the reader is given a very strong impression that women are not wanted or respected on the force. The level of hostility and harassment these women experience is very disturbing. Add in a serial killer who is targeting police officers and you have a very intense story that kept me anxious to find out what happens next and dreading it at the same time. The line separating the good from the evil is very blurry in this book.

I thought Maggie and Kate were interesting characters and though they are definitely a part of the ‘good ole boy’ network of Atlanta PD, they are definitely not part of the inner circle that Maggie’s uncle Terry and brother Jimmy are in. Maggie and Kate both feel like they have something to prove, not just to themselves but to the people around them. What I found interesting is the hostility that Kate receives from the female officers as well as the male officers. Instead of presenting a united front, the animosity between the women is a living, breathing entity. It takes all of Kate’s strength of mind and character to come back after her first day. I found myself wondering many times if either of them would make it to the end of this book in one piece.

Maggie’s uncle, Terry is a despicable character. He is a product of his time. Adjectives of sexist, male chauvinist pig, tyrant, bully, bastard all come to mind. He’s not above raising his hand against a woman and has no problem inflicting verbal and physical abuse on Maggie. Domestic violence was not viewed back then the way it is today and women had few rights outside the home. I would not have shed any tears if he had been one of the shooter’s targets.

Maggie’s brother, Jimmy was more likable but I struggled with his attitude initially. He is a redeemable character and by the end of the book most of his behavior made sense. I struggled with the ethics and moral compass of many of the characters but it was true to the time period this book is set in.

The story begins with Jimmy’s partner being gunned down and Jimmy barely escaping with his life. The entire department is out for blood and the “shoot first, ask questions later” mentally is in full swing. Maggie and Kate find themselves conducting a side investigation when they both individually realize that Jimmy’s account of what happened doesn’t make logical sense. This puts them in closer proximity to the killer and the stakes are raised when we discover that Kate is being stalked. The story continues to heighten the anticipation and intensity throughout the book. I thought the identity of the shooter was fitting and believable, though I was surprised that I didn’t see it or catch on earlier.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this is a very good story filled with heart racing intensity that will appeal to fans of the suspense and thriller genre, once the initial shock of the behavior and attitudes of the time period wears off.

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

REVIEW: Concealed In Death by J.D. Robb

Title: Concealed In Death (In Death #38)
Author: J.D. Robb
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Publication Date: February, 2014
Genre: Mystery / Thriller

Description: The incomparable J. D. Robb presents the latest moving and suspenseful novel in the #1 New York Times–bestselling Eve Dallas series.

In a decrepit and long-empty New York building, a man begins the demolition process by swinging a sledgehammer into a wall. When the dust clears, he finds two skeletons wrapped in plastic behind it.

The man is Lieutenant Eve Dallas’s billionaire husband, Roarke, and he summons her immediately. His latest real estate project is going to be on hold for a while, because by the time Eve and her crew are finished searching the premises, there are twelve murders to be solved….

After a little digging reveals that the place housed a makeshift shelter for troubled and homeless teenagers back in the mid-2040s, Eve tracks down the people who worked there. Between their recollections and the brilliant work of the force’s new forensic anthropologist, Eve begins to put names and faces to the skeletal remains. They are all girls. A tattooed tough teenager who dealt in illegal drugs. The runaway daughter of a pair of well-to-do doctors. They all had their stories. And they all lost their chance for a better life.

Everyone has something to hide. And when Eve discovers a stunning connection between the victims and someone she knows, she is even more driven to reveal the secrets of the place that was called The Sanctuary—and to find the evil concealed in one human heart.

My Thoughts: After 38 installments, I keep waiting for Eve to lose her edge; expecting it, somehow. I mean, seriously, how long can J.D. Robb continue to churn out story after story with Eve kicking ass and taking names and never missing a beat? I have never read a series that has continued as long as this one has and still manages to deliver a hard-hitting action packed story every single time. Not every story is perfect and not every story was keeper shelf material, but hands down, this series continues to deliver action and suspense in a rich character-driven setting. Throw in some romance and passion and humor and you have a series that brings the reader back book after book seeking the comfort of hanging out with Eve and her posse.

A very interesting aspect of Concealed In Death is the villain is not evil as I have come to expect from these stories. Eve expects it too and actually prefers it. She stands for the dead and what better way to bring them justice if she can deliver up some serious cage time off planet for the evil villain who destroys lives. She lives for it. I felt bad for Eve that she doesn’t get that. She catches the murderer, absolutely, but I found myself a little deflated, on Eve’s behalf, and feeling a lot of compassion for the murderer and empathy for the families, including the murderer’s. Sometimes justice isn’t black and white. Sometimes there are no winners, just survivors and the walking wounded from the fallout of the heinous crimes.

I especially enjoyed getting more of Mavis’s background story. I love the relationship she has with Eve and in this story, the reader can fully understand why they get along so well. They are truly kindred spirits. I also liked Quilla, one of the troubled teens at the group home who has a smart mouth and interesting outlook on what’s going on around her. She makes her presence known early on and often throughout the book and though Eve tries hard to keep her at arm’s length, I think Eve likes her. I hope we see more of her in future books. There is also a very heartwarming scene between Eve and Dennis Mira involving some fuzzy mittens and hat. I really enjoy it when Eve shows her softer, more sentimental side. It never lasts long, but it is always a treat to see. The jury is still out on Dr. Garnet DeWinter, the forensic anthropologist who is working with Eve to reconstruct the skeletal remains to identify the victims. My first impression of her reminds me of Nadine Furst. She’s very assertive and has a strong personality, but I don’t know if she will turn out to be a friend or foe to Eve at this point.

My Final Verdict: Concealed In Death is very mild on the intensity as compared to earlier books, but the story is solid and is a very good installment to the series. This book will appeal to fans of mysteries, thrillers and romance. The addition of the forensic anthropology angle to identify the victims is interesting. I highly recommend this book to the fans of this series and if you haven’t read any of the books in this series, you are in for a treat, but do not start with this book. Start at the beginning with Naked In Death.

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Making Your Mind Up by Jill Mansell

Making Your Mind Up
By Jill Mansell
Sourcebooks Landmark
May 5, 2015
ISBN: 9781492604440
$14.00 Trade Paperback

Purchase Making Your Mind Up Here:
Amazon | B&N | BAM | IndieBound | Kobo

International bestseller Jill Mansell delivers a hilarious and heartwarming tale about falling in love when you have opinionated kids

Love is a complicated thing…
Lottie Carlyle is happy enough. Living in a beautiful cottage with her two adorable—sometimes—kids in an idyllic village, on good terms with her ex-husband, and with friends all around, everything is going just fine. But when she meets her new boss, her peaceful world is thrown into delightful, exciting, and frustrating chaos. Tyler is perfect for Lottie, but her kids do not agree. To make matters worse, the handsome and mysterious Seb appears on the scene, intriguing—and distracting—Lottie and charming her children, making it more and more difficult for her to make up her mind…

“Very nicely done… Jill Mansell’s chorus of sharp-witted youth, shaking sticks at the foibles of their elders, is delightful.” —Daily Express
“A smashing read that both delights and surprises the reader.” —The Sun

Praise for Thinking of You:
“Mansell is like a Michelin-rated chef: She may use common ingredients, but under her sure hand the results are deliciously superior.” —Kirkus
“Humorous, sometimes poignant... Her breezy style resembles that of Sophie Kinsella or Helen Fielding… readers will be delighted.” —Booklist
“Jill Mansell combines, humor, friendship, romance and betrayal... keeps you wanting more.” —Fresh Fiction
“Beyond the fun, faulted characters, Mansell has a gift for humorous and witty dialogue that will leave readers in stitches... Mansell excels at creating relationships that are dynamic and complicated.” —Savvy Verse and Wit
About Jill Mansell
With over 9 million copies sold, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Mansell writes irresistible and funny romantic tales for women in the tradition of Marian Keyes and Sophie Kinsella. She worked for many years at the Burden Neurological Hospital, Bristol, and now writes full time. She lives with her partner and their children in Bristol, England.

Connect With Jill:
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

An Excerpt from MAKING YOUR MIND UP by Jill Mansell
The lane that ran alongside the garden of Hestacombe House was narrow and banked high on both sides with poppies, cow parsley, and blackberry bushes. Turning left, Tyler Klein worked out, would lead you back up to the village of Hestacombe. Turning right took you down to the lake. As he took the right turn, Tyler heard the sound of running feet and giggling.

Rounding the first bend in the lane, he saw two small children twenty or thirty yards away, clambering over a stile. Dressed in shorts, T--shirts, and baseball caps, the one in front was carrying a rolled--up yellow-and-white-striped striped towel, while his companion clutched a haphazard bundle of clothes. Glancing up the lane and spotting Tyler, they giggled again and leaped down from the stile into the cornfield beyond. By the time he reached the stile they’d scurried out of sight, no doubt having taken some shortcut back to the village following their dip in the lake.

The lane opened out into a sandy clearing that sloped down to meet a small artificial beach. Freddie Masterson had had this constructed several years ago, chiefly for the benefit of visitors to his lakeside vacation cottages, but also—-as Tyler had just witnessed—-to be enjoyed by the inhabitants of Hestacombe. Shielding his eyes from the glare of the afternoon sun as it bounced off the lake, Tyler saw a girl in a bright turquoise bikini floating lazily on her back in the water. There was a faint unearthly wailing sound coming from somewhere he couldn’t quite place. Then the noise—-was it singing?—-stopped. Moments later, as Tyler watched, the girl turned onto her front and began to swim slowly back to shore.

It could almost be that scene from Dr. No, where Sean Connery observes Ursula Andress emerging goddess--like from a tropical sea. Except he wasn’t hiding in the bushes and he had all his own hair. And this girl didn’t have a large knife strapped to her thigh.

She wasn’t blond either. Her long dark hair was a riot of snaky curls plastered to her shoulders, her body curvy and deeply tanned. Impressed—-because an encounter like this was the last thing he’d been expecting—-Tyler nodded in a friendly fashion as she paused to wring water from her dripping hair and said, “Good swim?”

The girl surveyed him steadily, then looked around the tiny beach. Finally she said, “Where’s my stuff?”

Stuff. Taken aback, Tyler gazed around too, even though he had no idea what he was meant to be looking for. For one bizarre moment he wondered if she had arranged to meet a drug dealer here. That was what people said, wasn’t it, when they met up with their dealer?

“What stuff?”

“The usual stuff you leave out of the water when you go for a swim. Clothes. Towel. Diamond earrings.”

Tyler said, “Where did you put them?”

“Right there where you’re standing. Right there,” the girl repeated, pointing at his polished black shoes. She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Is this a joke?”

“I guess it is. But I’m not the one playing it.” Half turning, Tyler indicated the narrow lane behind him. “I passed a couple kids back there, carrying off stuff.”

She had her hands on her hips now, and was surveying him with growing disbelief. “And it didn’t occur to you to stop them?”

“I thought it was their stuff.” This was ridiculous, he’d never said the word stuff so many times before in his life. “I guess I just thought they’d been swimming down here in this lake.”

“You thought the size ten pink halter--necked dress and size seven silver sandals belonged to them.” The sarcasm—-that particularly British form of sarcasm—-was evident in her voice.

“The sandals were wrapped up in something pink. I didn’t actually get a close look at the labels. I was thirty yards away.”

“But you thought they’d been swimming.” Gazing at him intently, the girl said, “Tell me something. Were they…wet?”

Shit. The kids hadn’t been wet. He’d make a lousy private eye. Unwilling to concede defeat, Tyler said, “They could have come down for a paddle. Look, did you really leave diamond earrings with your clothes?”

“Do I look completely stupid? No, of course I didn’t. Diamonds don’t dissolve in water.” Impatiently she shook back her hair to show him the studs glittering in her earlobes. “Right, what did these kids look like?”

“Like kids. I don’t know.” Tyler shrugged. “They were wearing T--shirts, I guess. And, um, shorts…”

The girl raised her eyebrows. “That’s incredible. Your powers of observation are dazzling. OK, was it a boy and a girl?”

“Maybe.” He’d assumed they were boys, but one had had longer hair than the other. “Like I said, I only saw them from a distance. They were climbing over a stile.”

“Dark hair? Thin and wiry?” the girl persisted. “Did they look like a couple of gypsies?”

“Yes.” Tyler was instantly on the alert; when Freddie Masterson had been singing the praises of Hestacombe he hadn’t mentioned any gypsies. “Are they a problem around here?”

“Damn right they’re a problem around here. They’re my children.” Intercepting the look of horror on his face, the girl broke into a mischievous smile. “Relax, they’re not really gypsies. You haven’t just mortally offended me.”

“Well,” said Tyler, “I’m glad about that.”

“I didn’t see a thing, little sods. They must have crawled through the bushes and sneaked off with my stuff when I wasn’t looking. That’s what happens when you have kids who are hell--bent on joining the SAS. But this isn’t funny.” No longer amused, the girl said impatiently, “I can’t believe they’d do something so stupid. They don’t think, do they? Because now I’m stuck here with no clothes—-”

“You’re welcome to borrow my jacket.”

“And no shoes.”

“I’m not lending you my shoes,” Tyler drawled. “You’d look ridiculous. Plus, that’d leave me with nothing to put on my feet.”

“Wuss.” Thinking hard, the girl said, “OK, look, can you do me a favor? Go back up to the village, past the pub, and my house is three doors down on the right. Piper’s Cottage. The doorbell’s broken so you’ll have to bang on the door. Tell Ruby and Nat to give you my clothes. Then you can bring them back down to me. How does that sound?”

Water from her hair was dripping into her clear hazel eyes, glistening on her tanned skin. She had excellent white teeth and a persuasive manner. Tyler frowned.

“What if the kids aren’t there?”

“Right, now I know this isn’t ideal, but you have an honest face so I’m going to have to trust you. If they aren’t there, you’ll just have to take the front door key out from under the tub of geraniums by the porch and let yourself into the house. My bedroom’s on the left at the top of the stairs. Just grab something from the wardrobe.” Her mouth twitching, the girl said, “And no snooping in my panty drawer while you’re there. Just pick out a dress and some shoes then let yourself out of the house. You can be back here in ten minutes.”

“I can’t do this.” Tyler shook his head. “You don’t even know me. I’m not going to let myself into a strange house. And if your kids are there…well, that’s even worse.”

“Hi.” Seizing his hand, she enthusiastically shook it. “I’m Lottie Carlyle. There, now I’ve introduced myself. And my house really isn’t that strange. A bit untidy perhaps, but that’s allowed. And you are?”

“Tyler. Tyler Klein. Still not doing it.”

“Well, you’re a big help. I’m going to look like an idiot walking through the village like this.”

“I told you, you can borrow my jacket.” Seeing as she was dripping wet and his suit jacket was silk--lined and seriously expensive, he felt this was a pretty generous offer. Lottie Carlyle, however, seemed unimpressed.

“I’d still look stupid. You could lend me your shirt,” she wheedled. “That’d be better.”

Tyler was here on business. He had no intention of removing his shirt. Firmly he said, “I don’t think so. It’s the jacket or nothing.”

Realizing when she was beaten, Lottie Carlyle took the jacket from him and put it on. “You drive a hard bargain. There, do I look completely ridiculous?”

“Yes.”

“You’re too kind.” She looked sadly down at her bare feet. “Any chance of a piggy back?”

Tyler looked amused. “Don’t push your luck.”

“Are you saying I’m fat?”

“I’m thinking of my street cred.”

Interested, Lottie said, “What are you doing here, anyway? In your smart city suit and shiny shoes?”

There clearly wasn’t much call for city suits here in Hestacombe. As they turned to leave, Tyler glanced back at the lake, where iridescent dragonflies were darting over the surface of the water and a family of ducks had just swum into view. Casually he said,

“Just visiting.”

Gingerly picking her way along the stony, uneven lane, Lottie winced and said meaningfully, “Ouch, my feet.”


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REVIEW: Weightless by Michele Gorman

Title: Weightless
Author: Michele Gorman
Publisher: Notting Hill Press
Publication Date: January, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: Sometimes looks can be deceiving…

Annabel's not surprised when nobody recognizes her at her 10 year reunion. The spotty fat teen nicknamed AnnaBall by the school bullies is long gone. But standing on the edge of the popular crowd, she still feels like that girl. That is, until Jack, her teen crush, starts flirting with her. Much to her amusement, he has mistaken her for Christy Blake, Annabel's chief tormenter before she moved to France in their last year.

It's just a bit of fun at first, letting Jack believe she's Christy. After all, he was nuts about her before she said au revoir to England. And when he asks Annabel out, the fun becomes something even more interesting. The more they date the deeper they fall for each other. So what if Annabel has to fib a little to keep up the façade?

As the lies start compounding, and she realizes that they're falling in love, she has to tell him who she really is. But she'll lose the love of her life if she does.

My Thoughts: With Weightless, Michele Gorman offers a very short but fun story about a woman who attends her ten year high school reunion and is mistaken for her nemesis. Initially, Annabel does not correct him and figures she will let it play out and will eventually come clean. What harm could it cause? Unfortunately, as the lies increase, so do their feelings for one another. Annabel knows she faces losing the love of her life but also knows she cannot let the lies continue. The big question is does she come clean or risk being exposed and what will happen when Jack learns the truth?

I really enjoyed this story and empathized with Annabel’s predicament. Though she is no longer the overweight teen, as an adult, she still feels the insecurity she felt back then. She has worked hard to lose the weight and has redefined herself as a dietician, helping others battle their weight issues. I thought it was completely understandable why Annabel would be reluctant to disclose the truth when the man she had a major crush on would show interest in her. In her place, I don’t know if I would have handled it differently, either. This little book delivers a huge surprise when the truth is revealed and the bottom drops out for Annabel. I felt bad for Annabel and the charade she felt she had to play and I felt bad for Jack for the feelings of betrayal and loss. I liked them both and didn’t want to see either one of them hurt.

My Final Verdict: This book is filled with characters you will feel connected to and a story that keeps the reader engaged and interested. If you are in between full length books and looking for a fun and short read, I highly recommend giving Weightless a try.

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

REVIEW: Love And Shenanigans by Zara Keane

Title: Love And Shenanigans (Ballybeg #1)
Author: Zara Keane
Publisher: Beaverstone Press LLC
Publication Date: May, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: Vows in Vegas...True Love in Ireland.

Three days before leaving Ireland on the adventure of a lifetime, Fiona Byrne returns to her small Irish hometown to attend the family wedding from hell. When she discovers the drunken vows she exchanged with the groom during a wild Las Vegas trip eight years previously mean they're legally married, her future plans ricochet out of control. Can she untangle herself from the man who broke her heart so long ago? Does she even want to?

Gavin Maguire's life is low on drama, high on stability, and free of pets. But Gavin hadn't reckoned on Fiona blasting back into his life and crashing his wedding. In the space of twenty-four hours, he loses a fiancée and a job, and gains a wife and a labradoodle. Can he salvage his bland-but-stable life? More importantly, can he resist losing his heart to Fiona all over again?

WARNING: This book features a crashed wedding, a labradoodle with attitude, sexy times, and love and laughter, Irish-style.

My Thoughts: Love and Shenanigans is the first book in the Ballybeg series by new to me author Zara Keane. This book introduces the reader to two wonderful characters, Fiona Byrne and Gavin Maguire and many other supporting characters in and around the charming town of Ballybeg. Fiona has come to Ballybeg to participate in her cousin, Muireann’s wedding to Gavin. Fiona has been in love with Gavin for as long as she can remember and after a drunken one night stand in Vegas 8 years before, Fiona knows that Gavin does not feel the same for her. As if that humiliation isn’t bad enough, Fiona experiences the ultimate fashion emergency which exposes her backside to Gavin. On the morning of the wedding, Fiona and her best friend discover that the drunken night Fiona and Gavin had in Vegas was actually a drunken wedding night. As soon as Fiona discovers she and Gavin are married, she tries to do the right thing, even when unforeseen events cause her to extend her stay in Ballybeg, postponing her world trip adventure to Singapore and Australia.

I really enjoyed this story. The story moves smoothly and I did not want to put the book down. This book had so many laugh out loud moments and also includes a little bit of a mystery surrounding Fiona’s grandmother’s last will and testament. Add in some very hot and sensual passion between Gavin and Fiona and you have a book that has it all.

The author does a fabulous job of bringing these characters to life. As a reader, it is important to me to feel connected to the characters. Fiona and Gavin were wonderful and easy to relate to. Ms. Keane takes it one step further and does a brilliant job of bringing the less desirable characters to life that elicited strong feelings of dislike. I could not stand Fiona’s cousin Muireann initially. I found her to be selfish, vain and spoiled. By the end of the book, I felt sorry for her, but not enough to go out of my way to help her. She may be redeemable in the future but not her father. Fiona’s Uncle Bernard is truly despicable and I wouldn’t wish him as a father-in-law on anyone. Fiona’s Aunt Bridie was wonderful and I loved the bond she and Fiona share. I loved that the characters in this book are not afraid to speak their mind, no matter how profane their thoughts or with fear of who they may offend.

My Final Verdict: This is a wonderful start to a series that will be a fun adventure in reading. I am looking forward to getting to know more of the characters and reading their stories, especially Gavin’s friend, Jonas and Fiona’s friend, Olivia. If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh and fan yourself at the same time, give Love And Shenanigans a try.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Love And Shenanigans from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: We Are The Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

Title: We Are The Goldens
Author: Dana Reinhardt
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: May, 2014
Genre: Teen / Young Adult

Description: Nell knows a secret about her perfect, beautiful sister Layla. If she tells, it could blow their world apart.

When Nell and Layla were little, Nell used to call them Nellayla. Because to Nell, there was no difference between where she started and her adored big sister ended. They're a unit; divorce made them rely on each other early on, so when one pulls away, what is the other to do? But now, Nell's a freshman in high school and Layla is changing, secretive. And then Nell discovers why. Layla is involved with one of their teachers. And even though Nell tries to support Layla, to understand that she's happy and in love, Nell struggles with her true feelings: it's wrong, and she must do something about it.

My Thoughts: We Are The Goldens by new to me author Dana Reinhardt explores relationships with two closely knit sisters at the center. Nell and her older sister Layla have always been close, more than sisters, they are an extension of one another. When Layla starts to change and become secretive and withdrawn, Nell notices and when she discovers that Layla is involved with one of the teachers, Nell struggles with what she should do. She loves Layla and wants her to be happy but she knows it’s wrong and knows she has to do something about it.

The entire book is written from Nell’s point of view as if she is speaking to Layla, almost like a letter. Through Nell’s recollections and perspective, we learn about Layla’s relationship with her teacher, Mr. B and about Nell’s infatuation with Sam Fitzpayne. We meet Nell’s best friend, Felix. I didn’t care for Layla. I felt she took advantage of Nell and put her in an awkward position by expecting her to keep her secret. I thought she was selfish and as the elder sister, Layla should have been a better role model. Where Layla falls short, Felix was fabulous. He is a wonderful best friend and the author touches lightly on them being more in the future. I would have liked to see more of that explored because I thought Felix and Nell had great chemistry as friends.

I felt bad for Nell. She loves her sister and wants to be happy for her but she struggles through the entire story to decide what to do. The entire situation is a Kobayashi Maru. No matter what Nell does, she will come out the loser. We learn at the very end of the book what Nell decides to do but there are too many unanswered questions with no closure. I would have liked to read the outcome of Layla’s situation, the condition of Felix’s dad, the budding relationship between Felix and Nell and what happens with Sam Fitzpayne.

My Final Verdict: Overall, I enjoyed this book but I do not care for loose ends in a stand-alone story. I recommend this book for the good writing and interesting story. It moves at an acceptable pace and Nell and Felix make the story worth reading. If loose ends and unanswered questions at the end of book bother you, this may not be the book for you.

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

REVIEW: 11/22/63 by Stephen King

Title: 11/22/63
Author: Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner
Publication Date: November, 2011
Genre: General Fiction / Thriller

Description: Life can turn on a dime—or stumble into the extraordinary, as it does for Jake Epping, a high school English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine. While grading essays by his GED students, Jake reads a gruesome, enthralling piece penned by janitor Harry Dunning: fifty years ago, Harry somehow survived his father’s sledgehammer slaughter of his entire family. Jake is blown away...but an even more bizarre secret comes to light when Jake’s friend Al, owner of the local diner, enlists Jake to take over the mission that has become his obsession—to prevent the Kennedy assassination. How? By stepping through a portal in the diner’s storeroom, and into the era of Ike and Elvis, of big American cars, sock hops, and cigarette smoke... Finding himself in warmhearted Jodie, Texas, Jake begins a new life. But all turns in the road lead to a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald. The course of history is about to be rewritten...and become heart-stoppingly suspenseful.

My Thoughts: I am not a fan of the horror genre so I have not followed the writing of Stephen King and must admit I have not read many of his books. Stephen King has proven himself as a master storyteller over the years with his ability to weave a story outside the genre he is known for. I was intrigued by the premise of 11/22/63 because the concept of being able to go back in time to stop the most pivotal moment in our history is something many Americans have thought about. What if…? How would our world change if Kennedy had lived? What other tragic events would have changed as well? Would stopping Kennedy’s assassination make the world a better place or worse…?

The main character, Jake Epping, is a high school English teacher in Maine. One evening he reads an essay by one of his adult GED students named Harry Dunning about how he is the sole survivor of his father’s vicious murder of his entire family. Jake’s friend, Al, tells Jake about a time portal in his diner’s storeroom and asks him to help him stop Kennedy’s assassination, Jake is filled with doubt it could work. Jake goes back in time and arrives in 1958 and decides to stop the murder of Harry’s family first. Jake learns that the past doesn’t want to be changed and it will fight back to deter Jake from his goals. Jake is told that every time he uses the portal to go back to the past, everything is reset to the way it originally happens. After a few practice attempts involving many stops and starts, Jake decides to stay in the past to stop Kennedy’s assassination. He finds himself in the small community of Jodie, Texas going by the alias of George Amberson and teaching high school. He meets and falls in love with Sadie Dunhill, the school librarian. Meanwhile the clock is ticking forward to the infamous date of 11/22/63 and Jake is torn between letting history play itself out or following through on his promise to Al.

I really enjoyed this story and the suspenseful build-up of events leading Jake to his date with destiny. The author gives us a close-up into the life of Lee Harvey Oswald and his wife. Life in Dallas and the surrounding area in the late 1950s-early 1960s is described with such detail, I got a very good sense of what it was like for Jake. I really loved the secondary characters, especially the people Jake meets in Jodie, Texas. I was torn as to whether or not Jake should continue with his mission or not. Loyal fans of Stephen King will also enjoy the references to his other work in this book.

I highly recommend this story if you enjoy books loaded with details and a storyline that sucks you in and keeps you guessing at the outcome. I thought the ending was very unexpected, but I wouldn’t change anything about this story.

New Additions To The TBR Pile In March

Spring has sprung and what better way to welcome in new life and new beginnings than with a new book? What does spring mean for you? Bring in the new or clean out the old? I love both and, either way, both my to read pile and my reading passion will benefit. All of the new arrivals in March look wonderful and I am filled with much anticipation to dive in. Happy Spring!

Faking It by Leah Marie Brown
Description: Haven't you ever told a little lie in the name of love?

Vivia Grant couldn’t be happier. She has her dream job and is about to marry her dream man. Does it really matter that she’s led him to believe she’s a virgin? After all, being in love makes every experience feel like the first time anyway! But an unexpected encounter with an ex-lover is about to expose her embarrassing lie…

When Vivia’s fiancé discovers the truth, he ends their engagement—via text—and uses his connections to get her fired. Unemployed and heartbroken, Vivia begins planning her new future—as a homeless spinster. But her best friend has a better idea. They’ll skip the Ben & Jerry’s binge and go on Vivia’s honeymoon instead. Two weeks cycling through Provence and Tuscany, with Luc de Caumont, a sexy French bike guide. Too bad Vivia’s not a big fan of biking. And she’s abysmal at languages. Will she fib her way through the adventure, or finally learn to love herself—and Luc—flaws and all?

Looking For Charlotte by Jennifer Young
Description: Divorced and lonely, Flora Wilson is distraught when she hears news of the death of little Charlotte Anderson. Charlotte’s father killed her and then himself, and although he left a letter with clues to the whereabouts of her grave, his two-year-old daughter still hasn’t been found.

Flora embarks on a quest to find Charlotte’s body to give the child’s mother closure, believing that by doing so she can somehow atone for her own failings as a mother. As she hunts in winter through the remote moors of the Scottish Highlands, her obsession comes to threaten everything that’s important to her — her job, her friendship with her colleague Philip Metcalfe and her relationships with her three grown up children.

Milked by Lisa Doyle
Description: By and large, Amanda Keane makes pretty good decisions. Okay, she might not have the best taste in men, but she’s got great friends, a good job, and an independent spirit. That is, until her 30th birthday ushers in a whirlwind romance with a sexy Irish musician who leaves her, not at the altar as she imagined, but accidentally pregnant. And when he disappears, she’s downsized out of a job, her apartment is robbed, and lapsed health insurance coverage leaves her with a C-section to pay for, Amanda is launched headfirst into the life of a broke single mom. But her friend and uber successful ob-gyn, Joy, clues her in to an unlikely temp position with one of Chicago’s celebrity elite that just may be the answer to all her woes. Or could it be just the beginning?

It’s with serious trepidation that Amanda embarks on her surprisingly lucrative new career: underground wet nurse to the offspring of Chi-town’s rich and famous. Amanda must quickly understand how to live at the whims and mercy of the one percent as she deals with the irony of nursing – and loving – someone else’s child, while still making ends meet for her own daughter. And then there’s Cute Daycare Dad (aka Dan), who’s obviously interested in her. But can she afford to tell him what she really does for a living? Is her new job (something she thought went out with the 19th century) a shameful thing? Just another way of selling her body? Or does it have something to teach her after all?

A novel of motherhood, its many demands, and all the little triumphs along the way, MILKED is a warm and witty debut about making tough choices and traveling the roundabout road to happiness.

Sweet Girl by Rachel Hollis
Description: Max Jennings is in a bad mood. It’s not anything you did; it’s just that secrets from her past make it her natural state of being. But she’s not going to talk about it or share her feelings, so don’t bother asking.

Max’s bad mood means that very few people actually truly understand her or know that her secret dream is to be a pastry chef. When a rare opportunity to work for world-famous Avis Phillips presents itself, Max jumps at the chance. Avis and her staff aren’t stingy with the tough love, so Max spends every spare minute practicing her craft. As she bakes brownies and custards, cookies and galettes, she builds an unlikely friendship with a man she once loathed and finds herself falling into something she’s spent the last six years avoiding. Will she let her painful past stand in the way, or will she muster the strength to forgive herself and realize her full potential?