Falling For The Wrong Guy Book Review + Interview

Falling For The Wrong Guy

Sara Hantz

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 12, 2015

Publisher: Entangled Crush

ISBN: 978-1-6337-539-3

ASIN: B014CQ0UDO

Pages: 266

Goodreads Rating: 4.10

My Rating: 5.0

Book Description:

She had no right to want him. And no way to resist…

Ruby Davis has a crush on her brother’s best friend. At least, he was his bestie until the big betrayal. Now Drew is off limits to everyone, especially Ruby. She can’t stand the way people treat him, or the way he feels about himself. It isn’t right. And those deep green eyes are calling to her.

Drew is scarred and damaged, and he has no business even looking at Ruby. But he can’t help himself. She’s beautiful, but he does his best to stay away. When they are assigned a school project, they become reluctant friends – even though they want so much more.

She’s torn between her feelings for Drew and loyalty to her brother. There’s no way they can ever be together…but love just might find a way.

My Take:

Did you love this Entangled Teen Crush novel?

That was the question asked at the of the story... and I'm not ashamed to admit that I squealed a resounding 'yes' like a little girl.

This book has all the components to a good romance and that is exactly what we are given as readers.

Each character is strongly developed, both individually and interactively with others. The romance is typical of what you would expect in high school but different in so many ways. I really love that this book focuses on some serious problems. And if I were to sit here and list them all and may seem a tad overwhelming, but the execution was almost flawless. I never felt like there was too much information or too little. There was always this healthy balance between story and backstory.

5 Quills

It's an absolutely beautiful coming of age story with a heartwarming romance. I sincerely recommend this book for anybody looking for a relatively quick but moving story with a beautiful romance that will move you. If it doesn't move you, then your heart is made of icy stone.

Interview with The Author

Q. Where did you get the idea for this story?

 I was watching the news one day and saw a story about a young guy who’d been burned badly in a fire and it got me wondering how he’d cope with life from that moment on.

Q. What do you love about these characters? What do you hate/dislike about them?

 Oh my goodness…. You can’t ask me what I hate/dislike about them…. They’re like my children hahahahaha. Seriously, I love them both despite their faults. I love that Ruby is so warm and caring. As for Drew. He’s just Drew. He’s in such a bad place, but he makes it out of there in the end.

Q. What is it about writing that calls to you? 

I love reading and story ideas often stem from something I’ve read. Especially when it’s something bad that’s happened to someone. I always want to know how they’ve coped psychologically.

Q. What inspires you to write? 

 I get inspired to write after reading books that I can’t put down. Or when I meet readers who tell me how much my books mean to them.

Q. Can you explain your writing process?  

 Because I work full-time my time is precious, so I plan in detail. First, I do a beat sheet, and from that I do a story-board. After that I begin to write the book.

Q. What was the hardest part about writing this particular story and these characters? 

 It’s hard when you have a character like Drew who is so damaged. Without Ruby he would’ve remained in the awful situation he found himself in.

Q. What are some of the books and authors that made you feel something and want to become a writer?  

 Elizabeth Scott inspired me, especially her book Living Dead Girl. It gave me the courage to write my book In The Blood, which is a very dark story featuring a guy who has to deal with the consequences of his dad being found guilty of the murder and abuse of 5 young boys.

Q. What was it about those books and authors that drew you in? (pun not intended).

Because they dealt with issues that people don’t like to think about, but that are very real to a lot of people.

Q. What advice would you give people who wanted to be a writer?  

 Join a writers group because that’s where you will learn so much and meet like-minded people. Romance Writers of America has a Young Adult chapter and is     great.  Also, get your butt in the chair and start, there’s no time like the present!

Bonus Question: What can a person expect to find on your desk? 

 A big mess. Paper, pens, post-its, books. Very little space for me. I try to be tidy but it just doesn’t happen, or if it does, then not for long.

About The Author

Sara Hantz is an international published author of young adult and adult fiction. She has also written non-fiction as Sally Rigby. A graduate of both Manchester University and Leicester University in the UK, fourteen years ago she crossed the globe with her partner and two children to live in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand and the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Sara lectured for many years before deciding to devote more time to her writing. She has been listed on the New York Public Library’s ‘Books for the Teen Age’. She has presented many writing workshops with her partner-in-crime Amanda Ashby.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Thanks for stopping by,

 
 “I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher via NetGalley for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”

Neighbors with Benefits by Marissa Clarke Book Review

Neighbors with Benefits

Anderson Brothers

Book #2

MarissaClarke

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 30, 2015

Publisher: Entangled: Lovestruck

ISBN: 978-1943336555

ASIN: B00Z637D2Y

Pages: 225 ebook, 248 paperback

Goodreads Rating:  4.02

My Rating: 4.5

Book Description:

A satisfying category romance from Entangled’s new Lovestruck imprint…

 
Love thy sexy jerk of a neighbor…

 
CEO Michael Anderson might be something of a “control freak.” Still, he’s not quite sure why his therapist thinks dogsitting will fix anything—especially since he and the canine share a kind of mutual loathing. And to make matters worse, a house sitter moves in next door disrupting his peace—and his dates—with the worst possible music at the worst possible time... every time. 

 
Free-spirited artist Mia Argaropolis has settled into the perfect gig—housesitting in NYC’s Upper West Side while working as an art therapist. Too bad she’s stuck living next door to a bossy control freak with a penchant for calling building security when she blasts music to drown out the noises coming through his bedroom wall. 

 
Post-apocalyptic dinner rolls that nearly take her kitchen with them, a douchebag ex, and a Shih Tzu with the personality of Godzilla attack Mia in one day, and her unlikely neighbor comes to the rescue. Like it was her fault. And now, somehow, they find themselves engaged? Both agree, this neighborly feud just got taken to a whole new level.

My Take:

Squeeee!

Yup, I've been reduced to a giggling and giddy fan girl. That is a pretty hard task to accomplish.

This was a really fun and flirt read and devoid of anything sinister. There are no 'bad' guys save for a douchey ex-boyfriend that is so unimportant you kinda forget he exists until he is mentioned.

It's a light read that is perfect for a day on the beach and a quick read to boot. I literally finished it in under 3 hours with a short interlude for food.

The Great (Pros):

• The romance. It was steamy, enlightening and fun. Everything a reader looks for in a good romantic pairing. The chemistry is on point and the evolution of Mia and Michael as a unit as well as separate entities is perfect. 

• The Queen Bs. I loved those kooky old ladies. The scenes with them were some of the funniest.

• Clancy. He's fluffy and adorable. What's not to love. His antics had me thinking about some of my pets and giggling at the memories. 

• Subject matter. I really liked that although Mia is 'beautiful' this book touches on some insecurities that have nothing to do with physical appearance. I really enjoyed reading about Mia learning to respect and appreciate herself as well as Michael reinforcing that she is a somebody and worthy of love. It made their relationship that much more beautiful.

The Not So Great (Cons):

• Pace. It felt a little rushed at times and too slow at others, but all in all its not anything too serious and doesn't draw away from the story. 

• Mia's Friends. Sure they aren't bad people, but I felt like they should have been a little better to her or at least a little more apologetic. 

4.5 Quills 

About The Author

Marissa Clarke lives in Texas, where the everything is bigger, especially the mosquitoes. 

When not writing, she wrangles her rowdy pack of three teens, husband, and a Cairn Terrier named Annabel, who rules the house (and Marissa's heart) with an iron paw. 

Also writes YA for Penguin USA as Mary Lindsey

Represented by Kevan Lyon of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.  

  Thanks for stopping by,

 
 “I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”

Pepper Jones Series (Books 1-3) Review + #Giveaway

 (Click the banner to see the tour schedule)

Pepped Up
Pepper Jones Series
Book # 1
Ali Dean

Genre: Young Adults Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 17, 2013

Publisher: Amazon/CreateSpace

ISBN: 978-1493794881

ASIN: B00ES4N3ZI

Pages: 211

Goodreads Rating:  3.94

My Rating: 5.0

Book Description:

Pepper Jones is ready for an epic cross country season. She wants to qualify for Nationals, and she’s willing to do anything it takes to make it happen. She can handle long miles and hill sprints, but boys? That’s an entirely different challenge.
Pepper’s never considered revealing her deeper feelings for her longtime friend, Jace Wilder. After all, he’s got the personal magnetism and good looks to hook just about any girl in town — and he has. Their friendship stands apart from high school social circles, and they’re both just fine with that (or at least they pretend to be).
That is, until running star Ryan Harding moves to town.

When it comes to running, Pepper’s goals are clear. But when it comes to Jace and Ryan, it’s nowhere near as simple.
 

All Pepped Up 

Pepper Jones Series
Book # 2
Ali Dean

Genre: Young Adults Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 1, 2014

Publisher: Amazon/CreateSpace

ISBN: 978-1500576011

ASIN: B00LP2HHJO

Pages: 295

Goodreads Rating:  3.95

My Rating: 5.0

Book Description:

Pepper Jones knew that being Jace Wilder’s girlfriend wouldn’t be simple. But she didn’t predict just how many complications would arise from his past. Jealous girls? That she expected. Family secrets? Not so much. At least Pepper can always hit the trails to clear her head… except when it comes to racing. The high expectations from her phenomenal cross country season haunt her, and she can’t seem to get psyched up for track season. Pepper’s junior year at Brockton Public is full of challenges on and off the track, but she’s not afraid to face them.

Pepped Up & Ready
Pepper Jones Series
Book # 3
Ali Dean

Genre: Young Adults Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 28, 2015

ISBN: 978-1514114315

ASIN: B00X691C0Y 

Pages: 242

Goodreads Rating:  4.50

My Rating: 5.0

Book Description:

Pepper is finally a senior, and she’s determined to defend her national cross-country title. Although Jace is busy with the demands of college football, he’s still at Pepper’s side, supporting her goals. But is she taking her renewed enthusiasm for training too far?
As Jace and Pepper focus on their athletic ambitions, they discover that Jace’s social status has followed him to college, despite his attempt to keep a low profile. With her boyfriend as an idol on campus, Pepper discovers that she might just be a target to those who find Jace threatening.
Are Jace and Pepper strong enough to withstand the pressure from those who want something from them? It won’t be easy fighting for her title and her boyfriend, but nothing easy is worth winning… or keeping.

My Take on the Book(s):

 Ahhhhhhhh! Okay I know I'm being an absolute dork, but I can't help how much I love these books, this series. It was a non-stop read-a-thon for me. I started book 1 about 3 p.m. and finished book 3 by about 6 a.m. I literally could not stop reading. I had every intention of only reviewing one book from the series as I wasn't sure if my hectic schedule for the fact that there were three books given to us would allow for me to get through the whole series... But I did.

So, there were a few inconsistencies throughout the series but nothing too major. I have a problem where I noticed even the minute details in every book I read so I'm always sure to find some minor discrepancies in the timeline. But honestly most people wouldn't even notice what I notice and it was just minor character traits or little things that happened with the characters that don't really matter in the grand scheme of all things. For example, Pepper has a taste of wine in book 1 and then in book 2 she’s mentioning that she’s never had any… see nothing too serious.

So, because I love this series so much, I want to give a little insight on each book.

Book 1 – Pepped Up

I got to say I was very jittery reading this book, giggling a lot at the silly antics and falling in love with these characters. But I think what drew my attention the most was the realism of this book. Most times when I read a series of books or a stand-alone that takes place in a high school type of environment you get a lot of the innocence. You get the light side of the high school experience, unlike this book where you get it all, the good and you definitely get down into the nitty gritty.

There were some scenes that made me slightly uncomfortable knowing that these are young characters but then I realized it reflected my high school experience more so than any of the other books taking place in this setting.

And honestly, I think that's what made this book so likable, the characters ARE so likable. The fact that each character was real and flawed was very endearing.

Another thing that I really enjoyed was that even though the romance of this series is very importance it doesn't dominate the story. Sure it's interwoven into basically every chapter and very important to Pepper's character and very important to Pepper's character growth and the story development, BUT I don't feel like I'm drowning in high school romance which can get very tiresome especially when it’s the light and fluffy kind.

Book 2 – All Pepped Up

I should say that if you haven't read book one you may not be interested in reading the synopsis of any of the books in this series after book 1 as they do giveaway some of the information that happens in the prior books. You also may not want to read these reviews to in-depth.

With that warning in place, I gotta admit that I literally screamed ‘FINALLY!’ at the end of book 1. Effectively annoying my roommate when they realized it was just my reaction to the ending of yet another book. Whoops.

This book takes a whole new level. It touches on the very real subject of burning out. I grew up playing sports as my father is a school coach and athletic director. So I often saw athletes losing their competitive spirit, and/or letting fame their head.

Luckily Pepper is very level headed. But she does have to deal with other people's expectations and how she should handle them.

Another big theme in this book is how Pepper is adapting to her newfound fame and her new relationship. They are forced to deal with petty jealousy and the typical high school drama that follows.

But it was great to see the relationship evolve. Though, I will admit to enjoying book 1 a smidge more than this one!

Book 3 – Pepped Up & Ready

This book has me really frustrated with Pepper. She pushes herself too hard and spend a good portion of this book in denial. I spent a lot of it wanting to shake her and throw a few well timed smacks on the back of the head.

But, as always, she definitely pulls through in the end.

I find this book is a lot harder to review as anything I say can and will give away the whole story.

But one thing I really can say, is how refreshing it was to see Jace 'growing' up. He does a lot of it in book 2 but his emotional maturity in this one in particular is astounding. He is one character that is really gone through the whole growth process.

5 Quills

Literally, each book on its own deserves 5 stars, and as a whole I wish there was a higher rating I could give it. Stay tuned because once I'm through reviewing all the books I've made a prior commitment to review I've got a long list I plan on sharing with you, including getting my hands on book 4 and reviewing that one!

About The Author

Ali Dean lives in Colorado with her husband and two children. In addition to reading and writing, she loves the outdoors- everything from marathon training and biking to snowboarding and skiing.

Author links:

Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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$10 Amazon gift card + a signed copy of any book in the Pepper Jones series

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Book Tour Organized By:

 “I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”

Unexpectedly Yours Release Day Blitz + Review

Unexpectedly Yours

Beachwood Bay (The Callahans)

Book #6

Melody Grace

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: December 4, 2014

ISBN: 9781310009976

ASIN: B00QJLP3OC

Pages: 101

Goodreads Rating:  4.51

My Rating: 4.5

Book Description:

Sophie Young has been dreaming about the perfect Christmas in New York ever since she was a kid. But when her boyfriend bails on their romantic trip for two, she finds herself stranded in the city on Christmas Eve, with only a holiday-hating smooth-talking, utterly sexy stranger for company…

Rock-star Austin Kelly is fed up with Christmas – he’s more interested in who’s going to be cozying up under the mistletoe. But when his little black book comes up empty, he finds himself on a whirlwind tour of the city with the most unlikely partner in festive fun…

The snow is falling, but things are definitely heating up inside. And by the time the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve, there will be plenty to celebrate with old friends and familiar faces back in Beachwood Bay.

A heart-warming, sexy new stand-alone holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Melody Grace!

My Take On The Book:

I really loved this book. It was an awesome read with the perfect mixture of sweet and sexy. I loved the characters and the progression of the romance. It was a really short read taking me a little over half an hour to read thru it but it was worth it. I can definitely see what the appeal of this series is. the author did a great job of putting us right in the situation. I didn't feel any disconnect with the characters even if it was a short read. Everything was easy to follow and felt natural. I can def. see myself picking up other books from this series because I enjoyed this one so much.

My only complaint was that I felt like the story may have ended too soon for my liking BUT not too soon for the story. I loved the characters and their chemistry so much I wanted to read more and unfortunately, as this was not a full length novel I couldn't. 

4.5 Quills

Purchase The Book:

AMAZON | ITUNES | SMASHWORDS

Haven't started reading the Beachwood Bay series yet?  Untouched is free!

Free on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GSYLYY

Free on iBooks: http://bit.ly/1sIPBUh

Emerson Ray is trouble. Juliet knows it the minute she lays eyes on Beachwood Bay's resident bad boy. Forced to spend her summer before college in the sleepy beach town, she never expected to crash into the most devastating guy she’s ever met—or for Emerson’s blue eyes to strip through her dark secrets, and make her feel a desire she’s never known. Their connection is undeniable, but Juliet is torn. She knows, once she gives him everything, there’ll be no turning back.

Juliet McKenzie is dangerous. Emerson can tell from the way she blows through all his defences, laying bare the demons he’s carried alone all his life. He’s left a trail of broken hearts and empty beds in his wake, but Juliet is different. Her innocence is intoxicating—and the passion she keeps hidden, just below the surface. He wants to be the only one to set it free, but with every kiss, he’s closer to losing control and doing the one thing he swore he never would: fall in love.

One summer. Two damaged hearts. Their story is only just beginning…

UNTOUCHED is a prequel novella to the USA Today Bestselling UNBROKEN. It also can be read as a stand-alone story.

About the Author 

  

Melody Grace is the New York Times bestselling author of the Beachwood Bay series. A small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover, after spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk. She is author of USA Today & international bestselling Beachwood Bay series.

Website     Facebook     Twitter 

Thanks for stopping by,

Tour Organized by:

“I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”

Christmas Actually Review + #Giveaway

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

Christmas, Actually

Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, & Melinda Curtis

Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 1, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

ASIN: B00K9ZZ9XE
ISBN: 9780373367023
Pages: 202

Goodreads Rating: 5.0
My Rating: 4.5

Discover the magic of Christmas Town, Maine!

Three lonely strangers come to Christmas Town, Maine, and find love with three Banning siblings in the town that celebrates the holidays by decorating its square with lights and ribbons and a holiday pageant on Christmas Eve. Tradition has it that a kiss beneath the mistletoe that night means marriage for the couple in the new year.

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams:

Jack Banning promised to support the mother of his unborn child. But she doesn't need money, she only needs him.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart:

Callie Banning's student has declared war on Christmas, so it's up to her to help the little girl and her widowed father believe again.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis:

Gina Vernay is about to meet her online mystery date and she's in for the surprise of a lifetime!

My Take:

Omg, that was soo cute. I actually squealed those exact words when I finished reading this... in public. This story takes place in the town of ahem Christmas Town, Maine during, you guessed it right... the holidays. Its told in 3 parts told in 3 different perspectives. Each story following one of the Banning siblings and written by 1 author respectively. 

I personally love Christmas and all that comes with. The corny music, the soppy movies, the classic musicals and ballets and yes of course the romantic stories. It is one of my favorite times of the year and this book, these 3 stories capture in my humble opinion the essence of the holiday. Its about family and forgiveness. I tells 3 beautiful stories about moving on and finding love. It was a relatively quick read, coming just short of under 30 chapters total. The first story is only 10 chapters and so on and so forth. But what I truly loved about this book was that it didn't feel at all repetitive which can be a big hindrance to books like this especially if written by multiple authors. It was an absolutely beautiful story, one that I look forward to reading again next year at this time and it was the perfect way to start off the season. 

4.5 Quills

If you love the holidays, romance or stories with strong family bonds then this one is definitely for you and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Buy the Book at any of these retailers:

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin - iTunes

About the Authors

Anna Adams wrote her first romance in wet sand. The Atlantic Ocean washed it away, but Anna kept going. Her stories are of love, like the proverbial stone in a lake, making ripples that spread and contract and involve. From Iceland to Hawaii, and points in between, Anna and her own hero share with children and family and friends who've become family. All this living and loving gives Anna plenty of fodder for stories of love set in real life. Come along and live them with her!

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Anna J. Stewart can't remember a time she didn't have a book in her hand or a story in her head and credits her mother never saying no to a book for turning her into a writer. Anna lives in Northern California with an overly attentive cat named Snickers and is happiest when setting her heroes and heroines on their road to happily ever after amidst family, fun and laughter.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Melinda Curtis grew up on an isolated sheep ranch, where mountain lions had been seen and yet she roamed unaccompanied. Being a rather optimistic, clueless of danger, sort she took to playing "what if" games that led her to become an author. She spends days trying to figure out new ways to say "He made her heart pound." That might sound boring, but the challenge keeps her mentally ahead of her 3 kids and college sweetheart husband.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Tumblr - Pinterest

Tour-Wide Giveaway

- Gift Card Prize Pack: $20 Amazon gift card and ebook of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)

- US Prize Pack: Paperback of Christmas, Actually and three Christmas ornaments (US only)

- 3 ebooks of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)

Ends November 30th

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11/10 - Launch

11/11

Christy's Cozy Corners

Coffee Books & Art

11/12

Getting Your Read On

The Book Lovers' Lounge

11/13

Colorimetry

Southern Chelle

11/14

Kelly P's Blog

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing

11/16

The Wonderings Of One Person

Christian Chick's Thoughts

11/17

Bookworm Lisa

fundinmental

11/18

Beck Valley Books

Mel's Shelves
Painted Words

11/19

I Am A Reader

Deal Sharing Aunt
Wishful Endings

11/20

Harlie's Books

JoJo's Corner

Underneath the Covers

11/21

Undercover Book Reviews

Katie's Clean Book Collection

11/23 - Grand Finale

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Tour Organized By:

“I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”