This Week's New Releases

Today is the longest day of the year, the Summer Solistic. Which means, if you enjoy reading outside, you had more daylight to enjoying your outside reading nook.  As the summer continues to heat up, you might have to seek the cool of the inside but that won't stop any of us from buying new books!

It looks like it's the week of the contemporary romance! Any historical releases this week? If you have any new releases not on the list, please mention them in comments. :)

I haven't read anything by Ms. Michaels but I do enjoy the second chance romance trope. I find I'm curious to see how this one works out.

Say You'll Stay
Corinne Michaels
Contemporary Romance

One word.
Stay.
It was all he had to do. Instead, he got on that bus and took my heart with him.

That was seventeen years ago.

I moved on. Marriage. Kids. White picket fence. Everything I ever wanted, but my husband betrayed me and I was left once again.

Alone, penniless, and with two boys, I had no choice but to return to Tennessee. He wasn’t supposed to be there. I should’ve been safe. However, fate has a way of stepping in.

This time around, the tables are turned. It’s my decision. Second chances do exist, but I don’t know if we can repair what’s already been broken . . .

I've read a couple of Ms. Sheridan's novels and have always intended to read more... it's that darn TBR pile, always getting in the way. I like the fact the hero is the one who goes through the change from "quiet, sensitive" to "gorgeous, powerful". And I'm curious to know what the heroine did to break his heart.

Ramsay
Mia Sheridan
Contemporary Romance

Lydia De Havilland is shocked when Brogan Ramsay suddenly reappears in her life. Several years before, Brogan was the son of her family's gardener, and the boy she hurt and betrayed. But Brogan is no longer the quiet, sensitive boy she remembers. Now he's a man—gorgeous, powerful . . . and seeking vengeance.

Brogan Ramsay can't let go of the memory of Lydia tricking him cruelly, leaving his heart shattered and his family penniless. And now he's back to destroy her family the way his was destroyed. There's only one problem . . . the girl who wounded him so badly years ago is now a woman who still has the power to render him breathless.

Ramsay is the story of betrayal and wrath, of the strength of regret and the power of forgiveness. It is the story of the thin veil between love and hate, and how more often than not, when we seek to inflict pain on others, the heart we wound is our own.

Let's just take a moment to enlarge the cover, (click on it), and bask in all that luscious ink!

Okay, come back and read the blurb. Sounds good, yes? I love starting over stories and this one looks like both the hero and heroine will be starting over but for different reasons.

Broken
Jordan Silver
Contemporary Romance

Kerryanne Lashley is trying hard to pick up the pieces of her life after suffering a horrible betrayal. Not only did her husband of ten years, her high school sweetheart the man she thought would be hers for a lifetime cheat on her, but he did it with her best friend.

Now she’s taken to hiding herself away in a ratty apartment, which is all she can afford these days.

Kyle Clancy wants out of the little nowhere postcard town as soon as possible. He hadn’t set foot in the place since he was a kid, and the only reason he’s here now is to try to talk his grandpa into moving to the big city since his grandma’s passing.

He had no more interest in a relationship of any kind than Kerryanne did, but one fateful encounter on a sidewalk in the early morning sun would soon set these two on a collision course with destiny.

Well, it wouldn't be a complete list without a book from a series I'm behind on. Although, technically I'm not behind on this series since it's a spin-off, and new adult, of Ms. James' Rough Riders series. Still, it reminds me I need to catch up on the series and add this one to my reading list.

Unbreak My Heart
Lorelei James
New Adult/Contemporary Romance

The right love is worth the wait.

Sierra

Seven years have passed since I fell for Boone West. The brooding bad boy. We were friends, even when I secretly wanted more, but I settled for what he offered. After he left Wyoming--and me--I grew up. Moved on. Or so I believed until he blew back into my life with the scorching force of an Arizona desert wind. 

I'm not that innocent sixteen-year-old girl anymore--I'm a businesswoman who swore never to settle again. But this older, wiser, version of Boone unsettles me. How am I supposed to resist his megawatt smile and his built-army-strong body? Especially when he's inserting himself into every aspect of my life? Now he's determined to prove he can offer me everything that he couldn't before--and he's the only man that can fix the heart that he broke.

Boone

Joining the army? Best decision I ever made. Even though it meant I had to leave her behind. Sierra McKay. The wide-eyed beauty, who saw more in me than I saw in myself. I didn't dare offer her anything more than friendship, because one kiss, one touch and I wouldn't have had the guts to go.

I've worked hard to become the man I am. I have a career. A purpose. After a chance encounter with the one woman I never forgot--I'm not leaving else to chance. Now that I've chased her across three states, I'm ready to demonstrate that the passion we couldn't act on before burns hotter than ever between us. And I'll use every weapon in my arsenal to show Sierra McKay that she's always been mine.

It's a friends-to-lovers, one of my favorite tropes. The blurb doesn't give much away but it does sound like a fun romp!

Man Candy
Melanie Harlow
Contemporary Romance

He’s back. 

Not just back in town, but living in the flat right beneath mine. And he looks good enough to eat, which is just one more reason to stay away from him.

But I can't resist. 

The sex is incredible (pretty sure we’ve shaken the house right off its foundation), but he can’t fool me—not this time. A degree in marketing and five years in advertising have taught me that “true love” is a fairy tale used to sell lipstick, diamonds, and perfume. It doesn’t exist.

He thinks I’m wrong, and he wants to prove it.

I think he’s crazy, so I dare him to try.

It might be the biggest mistake of my life.

Review: Getting Lucky Number Seven

Getting Lucky Number Seven
Cindi Madsen
Contemporary/New Adult
Taking Shots/Book 1
Entangled Embrace/April 28, 2015

What's your lucky number?

Lyla Wilder is done being the shy, chemistry nerd extraordinaire. While every other college student is out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well, she's played it "safe" quite enough, thank you. So she creates a "College Bucket List"―with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex...

But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend.

Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla's transformation would be subtle. Man, was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he's not careful, he'll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might just be her lucky #7...

Don't you just love it when you find a new author you like and she has a back list? For me, Cindi Madsen is that author. Thanks to Goodreads and someone (sorry, I forgot whom), gave a wonderful advance review of Getting Lucky Number Seven. The review was so enthusiastic that I couldn't help but get caught up in their love for this book. Definitely got my interest and made me want to read it. Plus, this is a friends-to-lovers romance which is one of my favorite tropes!

Lyla is an extremely intelligent college student but has little experience with college life outside of the classroom. She is determined to change that but rather than simply going to a frat party like most college students she makes up a bucket list. Lyla hasn't had what you would call a traditional upbringing. She is determined to change in spite of her background. As she gains new experiences, she methodically checks off her list with the help of her chemistry partner and friend, sexy Beck Davenport.

Beck looks out for Lyla. Although he initially only sees her as a friend, there is definitely an attraction Beck tries his hardest to suppress. He doesn't want to give up their friendship and thinks if they become romantically involved he would eventually lose her completely. This tells of his maturity, since many a guy would give in to the attraction and damn the consequences.

The story is told from both Lyla and Beck's point of view which makes it much more interesting than had it only been told in Lyla's POV. I liked getting a look inside Beck's head. His thoughts are sometimes what you would expect from a guy Beck's age. But when he gets deep, that's when you can see what an effect his life circumstances have had on him. How they have aged his perception of life.

This is such a sweet friends-to-lovers romance. Love the college backdrop and how it affected their relationship. Lyla is studious while Beck is the popular jock on campus. But we are shown how there is more to both of them then first impressions. It was amusing to see Lyla experience "college life" in all its vivid glory. And to see Beck's reactions to this "new" Lyla.

Rating: A-

Taking Shots Series ~

Getting Lucky Number Seven
Anatomy of a Player

Review: The Fifteenth Minute ~ Sarina Bowen

The Fifteenth Minute
Sarina Bowen
New Adult/Contemporary
The Ivy Series/Book 5
Rennie Roads Books/October 13, 2015

Freshman Lianne Challice is known to millions of fans as Princess Vindi. But sometimes a silver screen sorceress just wants to hang up her wand, tell her manager to shove it, and become a normal college student. Too bad that’s harder than it looks.

She’s never lived a normal life. She hasn’t been to school since kindergarten. And getting close to anyone is just too risky — the last boy she kissed sold the story to a British tabloid.

But she can’t resist trying to get close to Daniel "DJ" Trevi, the hot, broody guy who spins tunes for hockey games in the arena. Something's haunting his dark eyes, and she needs to know more.

DJ's genius is for expressing the mood of the crowd with a ten second song snippet. With just a click and a fade, he can spread hope, pathos or elation among six thousand screaming fans.

Too bad his college career is about to experience the same quick fade-out as one of his songs. He can't get close to Lianne, and he can't tell her why. And the fact that she seems to like him at all? Incredible.

The final book in the Ivy Series was an excellent installment and the best news - there will be a spin-off series! I've enjoyed this series from the start and look forward to seeing some of these characters in the future.

The character of Lianne Challice made me think of what it would be like for Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies, to go to college. To drop the celebrity and try to be a student like everyone else. As Lianne proved, it's not easy. She tries to be as inconspicuous as possible but she is recognized and whispered about. I felt sorry for her when she would hide away in her dorm room, not wanting to deal with the whispers and teasing. She is desperate to shed her Princess Vindi reputation and take more mature roles. Meanwhile, she must deal with a serious attraction to a guy who doesn't seem too phased by her fame.

DJ has had some serious trouble in recent months and while he's attracted to Lianne, he doesn't feel like he's in the right place to start a relationship. Still, it doesn't stop him from spending time with her and getting to know the real Lianne. DJ was such a good guy! He was considerate, funny and tries to do the right thing, especially when it comes to Lianne. They made a superb couple.

Between DJ's troubles with the school and Lianne's trouble with her career, these two have plenty to keep them stressed over. They do, at times, come across as far more mature than their ages. (Lianne-19/DJ-20). One of the best ways they de-stress is sharing their love of music. DJ aka Daniel, provides the music for the college hockey games. Prior to reading The Fifteenth Minute, I had no idea how detailed and critical the selection and playing of music was to a game.  I appreciated the details Ms. Bowen applied to the story and found myself looking up quite a few songs to listen to as I read.

The resolution of both DJ and Lianne's difficulties was almost too perfect. Still, the ending was appropriate for them both with the combination of both of their passions. I'll miss spending time at Harkness College but look forward to reading the spin-off series.

Rating: B+

The Ivy Series ~

The Year We Fell Down
The Year We Ran Away
Blonde Date (novella)
The Understatement of the Year
The Shameless Hour
The Fifteenth Minute

Review: The Shameless Hour

The Shameless Hour
Sarina Bowen
New Adult/Contemporary Romance
The Ivy Years/Book 4
Rennie Roads Books/April 12, 2015

The girl who’s had everyone meets the boy who has no one.

For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself. 

Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright sinister fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.

Bella doesn’t want Rafe's help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can't be extinguished.

*Apologies. I planned to post this review before posting the review for book 5, The Fifteenth Minute, which I posted yesterday. This is what happens when you have numerous reviews partially written. You don't always finish them in the right order. :)

When you think of a hero, you don't usually think of a virgin. When you think of a heroine, you don't usually think of a promiscuous woman. But that is what the reader is given in The Shameless Hour. In some cases, this set-up might not work. Sarina Bowen not only writes believable characters but creates a plausible relationship.

Bella is the team manager of the Harkness hockey team which means she spend a lot of time around guys. Bella is comfortable being around the guys and it shows. It's safe to say she has far more male friends than female, in fact, she doesn't really have any true female friends, just some acquaintances. Most of the females tend to be either intimidated by Bella's confidence or jealous of her access to the hockey players. Whichever it is, Bella seems to have accepted her position in a world dominated by males.

I was surprised at how much I liked Bella. Admittedly, I thought I might have difficulty seeing past her promiscuity. She honestly doesn't see anything wrong with having sex simply for the sake of having sex. No lasting attachment necessary, just physical gratification for a short period of time - like an hour or two. The truth is, Bella is lonely. She seems to have all of these friends but in reality, there isn't anyone whom she can confide in. At one point, there was someone she felt close to, not only physically but emotionally, but she was terribly hurt and now trust is something she doesn't give out. I felt genuine empathy for Bella, which surprised me.

Rafe is perfect! This guy has it all going for him. A loving mom, a wonderful extended family, great soccer player, handsome and an all around nice guy. He also still has his V card when the story begins but Rafe has a plan to change that status. There's a saying that goes something like, "The Fates laugh when we make plans." Poor Rafe because the Fates must have really had it in for him. All his plans come crashing down in the most terrible way possible. Except no one died so it could have been worse. You can't help but feel sorry for this guy. He's tried to do the right thing and in doing so, gets screwed but not in a good way. But a little time, a bottle of wine and a desirable woman can make all the difference in the world. And in the end, Rafe really did ended up with the finest outcome.

The secondary characters are some familiar faces if you've been reading the series as well as some new faces. Rafe's roommates are the ideal foil for his perfection. And while Bella doesn't have a roommate, she does share a bathroom with an intriguing character. Harkness College creates its own presence with the dorms, dining halls, frat houses, library and hockey rink producing emotional reactions from the characters. It has all the aspects of a small town, both the good and bad.

The Shameless Hour was another welcomed addition to what has become a favorite series.

Rating: B+

The Ivy Series ~

The Year We Fell Down
The Year We Ran Away
Blonde Date (novella)
The Understatement of the Year
The Shameless Hour
The Fifteenth Minute

Review: Third Degree

Third Degree
Julie Cross
Contemporary/ New Adult
Flirt/March 25, 2014

I used to be “Isabel Jenkins, child prodigy.” As lame as that sounds, at least it was an identity. But now I’m not sure what I am. I just failed the most important exam of my life—the emotional readiness test required to get into a medical residency program—and it turns out my parents can’t stand each other. Now I’m trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces of my life, and that means re-enrolling as a college freshman, but this time I’m shutting the books and majoring in being eighteen.

But so far, my roommate hates me and I’m not into the party scene. The only good thing about school has been getting to know my insanely hot RA. Marshall Collins makes me wonder about everything I missed while I was growing up too fast. Pretty soon we’re hanging out constantly, but for the first time, I find myself wanting more than a no-strings-attached physical relationship. And the lesson I really need is one Marsh definitely can’t teach me: love. Because I’m going to be alone forever if I don’t learn fast.

Oh, this was such an enjoyable story! I'm surprised at how much the young me inside could identify with Izzy and it has nothing to do with her genius IQ. Izzy's an oddity in the world of medicine. An eighteen year old with her M.D., she is freakishly book smart but her life experiences are so limited when it comes to human interaction she stumbles and falls often.

After failing to get into a residency program, the genius Izzy heads back to college. Not so much for the traditional classroom experience but for the life experience. To help Izzy gain this experience is her R.A. (resident adviser), Marshall Collins. He's hot, funny and attracted to Izzy. He also genuinely likes Izzy for who she is. He does give her advice about tempering her need to diagnosis everyone as he helps Izzy learn to fit in.

Marsh comes up with a plan for Izzy to experience college life and teen life to the fullest. To experience what she has been missing out on while she was busy earning her doctorate when most teens were in high school. Marsh is playful, cheerful, mischievous and sweet and just an all around good guy. Yes, we females tend to be intrigued by "bad boys" but there is something to be said about the good guys.

Izzy and Marsh's relationship is running along fairly smoothly but we know it will hit a rough patch and it does. How they both handle it shows that maturity and intelligence do not always go hand in hand. Izzy begins to realize just how much she has missed out on because of her unconventional upbringing. She has had great opportunities but missing those everyday teenage activities has lead to her struggles to form healthy relationships. Cross does a good job showing this through Izzy's revelations about herself as she works through her new emotional side.

Third Degree is a smart, funny and adept look at how Izzy and Marsh cope with their challenges and how they learned to lean on each other's strengths.

Rating: B+

Review: Switch

Switch
Janelle Stalder
New World/Book 1
New Adult/Dystopian
CreateSpace/August 27, 2013

Two thirds of the world's population has been wiped out, devastated by the worst war earth has ever seen. Still standing amongst the ruins is a mind reader who finds herself on the wrong side of the war. Everyone does what they must to survive.

When the rebels bent on bringing down the New World leader start to rise up, it is her job to make sure they stay down where they belong. That is, until one rebel sneaks past her defenses and into her heart. Love will blossom from the ashes, but will it be enough to save them, or will it mean the end of them both?

So glad I took a chance on this one. It's different than the usual dystopian novel. The world is not full of zombies or aliens but people who want power and will do whatever it takes to get it. What sets this story apart is the heroine isn't always heroic. She is willing to do what it takes to survive. Some might say her choices are less than honorable but honor doesn't always keep you alive.

Charlotte finds herself in the midst of the enemy but to her mind, there is no enemy, only the need to survive.  She forms this odd family of sorts with two very powerful men.  Even so, she keeps herself detached, doing her job while trying not to let any emotions color her perspective.  It isn't always easy for Charlotte when those emotions creep up on her. She pushes them down but you can see they still affect her, even if she doesn't think they do.

The evolution of the story shows how Charlotte not only changes her thinking but the causes of those changes. She is not a stagnate character by any means but continues to grow with her experiences and mistakes. The growth is often painful but far from dull. There are also very strong secondary characters who cause Charlotte to question her motivation and her loyalty. The darker side of life, love and loyalty are all explored with fascinating answers from each of the characters.  Switch was certainly an unexpected treasure!

Rating:  A-

New World Series ~

Switch
Masked
Tested

ARC Review: Tease

Tease
Sophie Jordan
New Adult Contemporary
The Ivy Chronicles/Book 2
William Morrow/May 27, 2014

What happens when a girl who always calls the shots meets a guy who't too wild to even her? 

A born flirt and good-time party girl, Emerson has never had a problem finding a willing guy. She's always chosen her hookups carefully, and she's never broken her three cardinal rules: Never let them see the real you. Never fall in love. Always leave them begging for more.

Then Shaw comes along. A hottie from the wrong side of the tracks, he's immune to her flirtatious banter and come-hither smile. After rescuing her from a disastrous night at a biker bar, he doesn't even try to take her to bed--he calls her a tease and sends her home instead. Unable to resist a challenge, or forget the sexy, dark-eyed, bad-boy biker, she vows to bring him to his knees. 

But instead of making Shaw beg, Emerson finds herself craving him. For the first time in her life, she's throwing out her rule book. Suddenly, she's the one panting for a guy she can't control--a guy who won't settle for anything less than the real Emerson and who forces her to do things she's never imagined, including facing a past she thought she'd buried. A guy who just might leave her wanting more. . .

After reading Ms. Jordan's first book in the series, Foreplay, I was curious to find out about Emerson and how much of her party girl persona was real.  Turns out there is a lot more going on with Emerson than just flirting and hook-ups.  And that's what Shaw sees, the woman behind the mask Emerson wears.

Emerson - so much more to her than meets the eye.  I really enjoyed getting to know her more than the glimpse we got in the first book, Foreplay.  She has her reasons for being how she is and living her life the way she does.  It's why it is hard to relate the party girl Emerson to the serious Emerson.  Her family life is a wreck and really left me angry for her.  There were also times when I just wanted her to be mature and deal with her problems head on.  While I liked Emerson I also found her frustrating at times.

A man who knows what he wants is very sexy.  Shaw had the looks but he also had the determination to not only go after what he wanted, Emerson, but let her know how he feels about her.  Imagine!  A guy who isn't afraid to voice his feelings.  Granted, he doesn't get all touchy-feely, but he does make his feelings clear.  No playing games with this guy.  Too bad Emerson wasn't as open with her feelings.  It made for a rough road for Shaw and Emerson but the end result was so worth it.

Looking forward to the next book, Wild, due out this November.


Rating:  B

The Ivy Chronicles Series ~

Foreplay
Tease
Wild (November 18, 2014)

ARC Review: Foreplay

Foreplay
Sophie Jordan
Contemporary/New Adult 
The Ivy Chronicles/Book 1
William Morrow/ November 5, 2013

Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.

Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real...

Oh, this was a such good read! I was expecting and hoping for a fun, light contemporary romance. What I got was a wonderfully enjoyable look at how intentions and objectives can be overcome by passion and need.

Pepper feels she is ready to experience more in the area of romance.  She has one particular guy in mind but her extremely limited experience makes her think her skills in attracting a guy are in need some training before she goes for her real target.  So her friends lead her to a hot bartender at the local hangout.  Pepper gets a hottie bartender but not at all who she was expecting!  I enjoyed Pepper and Reece's interaction both with clothes on and off but it did move a little too fast when you consider Pepper's lack of experience and the push her friends give her to get things moving.

Reece is intrigued by Pepper.  She's far from a typical party girl and it's obvious she doesn't have the experience of many of the girls he comes in contact with at the bar.  But Reece is attracted to this girl who can't seem to make up her mind if she wants him or not.  She's a challenge and Reece is up to the challenge.  I liked Reece a lot.  He doesn't play games but is upfront with what he wants.  I'd say he's almost too good, too mature for this Pepper.  Maybe a Pepper who has more maturity when it comes to relationships would have been a better fit from the beginning but fortunately for her, Reece is patience and teaches her what relationships are about.

There were times I found myself alternating feeling sorry for Reece then for Pepper.  Then I would get frustrated with Pepper for her fixation on Hunter.  She has blinders on when it comes to Hunter.  It's obvious the chemistry is there with Reece and not with Hunter.  Yet, Pepper insists on pursing her final objective - Hunter.  It's not that Hunter a jerk or a loser, that would have made Pepper into a complete idiot.  Nope, Hunter's actually a good guy, just not the guy for Pepper.  I expect the next time we see him it will be as the hero.

Pepper has a couple of gal pals at college with her who give her advice on how to attract a guy. They help her come out of her shell in the form of a makeover.  While I didn't see anything wrong with this, they were trying to help her, I was glad Reece liked Pepper for who she was without the sexy clothes, hair and makeup.

Foreplay is a strong start for this New Adult romance series.

Rating:  B+

The Ivy Chronicles ~

Foreplay
The Tease (May 24, 2014)