(ARC) Book Review (421): Bad Romeo (Starcrossed #1) - Leisa Rayven

Bad Romeo (Starcrossed #1)

by Leisa Rayven 

Publication: 1st January 2015

Publisher: Macmillan

Pages: 416

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Appropriate: New Adult

Buy It: Amazon  |  iBooks  |  Barnes & Noble  |  The Book Depository  |  Kobo  |

When Cassie Taylor met Ethan Holt at acting school, sparks flew. She was the good girl actress. He was the bad boy about campus. But one fated casting choice for Romeo and Juliet changed it all. Like the characters they were playing, Cassie and Ethan's romance seemed destined. Until he broke her heart and betrayed her trust. Now the A-list heartthrob is back in her life and turning her world around. One touch at a time. 

Cast as romantic leads once again, they're forced to confront raw memories of the heartbreaking lows and pulse-pounding highs of their secret college affair. But they'll also discover that people who rub each other the wrong way often make the best sparks

My Thoughts.

I read many great books last year, it was just my luck that the very last book that I read in 2014 was one of my favorite reads all year long.

From the very first page I was enthralled, Bad Romeo is new adult contemporary romance at its best: the bad boy, a virginal good girl, an extremely enjoyable story and the inevitable plotline of any new adult book featuring a main character with a hurdle to overcome before the hero and heroine can find their happily ever afters.

Cassie is reunited with ex-boyfriend Ethan in a new play on a Broadway, after a disastrous relationship that broke both their hearts, Cassie is hesitant about seeing Ethan again, she is shocked when Ethan admits to her that he wants her back and that he won't take no for an answer.

Interspersed throughout are flashbacks to their past, of the first time they met, their friendship and eventually their relationship leading to the end of their time as a couple.

The dialogue and witty banter between the two leads made for such a wonderfully entertaining, amusing and engaging novel.

I'm eager to read the next book to see what becomes of Cassie and Ethan's relationship.

This was such a well written debut novel, highly recommended.

I give this 5/5 stars.

Writing has always been a passion for Leisa, and even though she originally intended to be an actress, it wasn’t long into her time at drama school that she began writing plays.

Those plays were bad. Very bad. Well, her friends thought they were good, but that’s because they were always cast in them and any opportunity to be on stage was met with an obnoxious amount of enthusiasm.

Since then, she’s honed her craft, and several of her plays have been produced and toured
throughout Australia.

These days, playwriting has given way to fiction writing, and Leisa’s debut novel, BAD ROMEO, will be available in a worldwide release through Macmillan Publishing in December 2014.

Leisa lives in Australia with her husband, two little boys, three cats, and a kangaroo named Howard.

(Howard may or may not be her imaginary marsupial friend. Everyone should have one.)

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

(ARC) Book Review (420): Contradictions (Woodfalls Girls #3) - Tiffany King

Contradictions (Woodfalls Girls #3)

by Tiffany King

Publication: 6th January 2015
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pages: 304
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Appropriate: New Adult
Buy It: Amazon + Barnes & Noble + The Book Depository

When everything starts spinning out of control . . .

Three years into college, Tressa Oliver’s life is a nonstop party. She’s skating by in her classes, and there’s no shortage of drinking, dancing, and general hell-raising. The only aspect that hasn’t been much fun: She can’t shake the toxic jerks that always seem to gravitate toward her.

It will take someone totally wrong . . .

Trent Lawson is the classic anti-bad boy: smart, boring, and way too serious. To a wild girl like Tressa, there’s no way in hell they’re compatible—especially since Trent seems to see straight through her defenses.

To set her right.

When a college prank goes terribly wrong, Tressa starts to suspect that her partying ways are leading nowhere fast. Now she has to turn to the last person she ever thought she’d ask for help—and quickly discovers that there’s more to Trent than meets the eye . . . 

My Thoughts.

Contradictions is one of my favorite books in the Woodfalls Girls series.

Read in just one sitting, I could not put this book down, I was entranced and utterly absorbed in the story of Tressa and Trent.

Tressa is in College, a party girl who's grades are failing, after a fraternity hazing goes wrong she is put on academic probation and is given a set amount of time to improve her grades, Trent is from her hometown, a geek who has had a crush on Tressa for years, he is assigned to be her tutor to help her in her classes.

Tressa has always gone for the bad boys, so of course she doesn't have any interest in Trent whatsoever deeming him too boring and nerdy to interest her at all.

But with all the time they end up spending together, Tressa finds that there's so much more to Trent than she gave him credit for, and just maybe she has found the one she wasted her time dating bad boys to find.

This was such a fantastic read, so enjoyable and I really loved all the pop culture references scattered throughout.

 Ultimately I've become a big fan of Tiffany's writing and I aim to own all her books eventually.

A great series that all fans of new adult books should definitely pick up.

I give this 5/5 stars.

USA Today Bestselling author Tiffany King is a lifelong reading fanatic who is now living her dream as a writer, weaving Young Adult and New Adult romance tales for others to enjoy. She has a loving husband and two wonderful kids. (Five, if you count her three spoiled cats). Her addictions include: Her iphone and ipad, chocolate, Diet Coke, chocolate, Harry Potter, chocolate, zombies and her favorite TV shows. Want to know what they are? Just ask.

Where to connect with Tiffany

Webpage- www.authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com

Twitter- @AuthorTiffany

Facebook-Author Tiffany King

Email- authortiffany@yahoo.com

(ARC) Book Review (419): There Will Be Lies - Nick Lake

There Will Be Lies

by Nick Lake

Publication: 6th January 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Pages: 464

Genre: Contemporary

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

Buy It: Amazon + Barnes & Noble + The Book Depository

In four hours, Shelby Jane Cooper will be struck by a car.

Shortly after, she and her mother will leave the hospital and set out on a winding journey toward the Grand Canyon.

All Shelby knows is that they’re running from dangers only her mother understands. And the further they travel, the more Shelby questions everything about her past—and her current reality. Forced to take advantage of the kindness of unsuspecting travelers, Shelby grapples with what’s real, what isn’t, and who she can trust . . . if anybody.

Award-winning author Nick Lake proves his skills as a master storyteller in this heart-pounding new novel. This emotionally charged thrill ride leads to a shocking ending that will have readers flipping back to the beginning.

My Thoughts.

There Will Be Lies is a story that will keep you guessing up until about halfway through when the plot changing reveal occurs.

And while I had my suspicions about what was going to happen, the revelation when it occurred was none the less shocking made more so by the fantastic writing.

Shelby is a seventeen year old girl who is homeschooled by her Mom and who is more often or not accompanied everywhere by her Mom, who doesn't seem to want to let her out of her sight for too long if at all.

When Shelby is hit by a car and injured, she is whisked away from the hospital by her Mom so fast it's as if the devil was on her heels.

But this starts a chain of events that will change Shelby's life forever.

With a subplot taking part in 'The Dreaming', where Shelby is given a task to fulfill, this symbolically  crosses over into her real life and the situation she finds herself in.

Full of suspense, intrigue, mystery and adventure this story will keep you on your toes and fill you with anticipation, as we discover the truth along with Shelby that's been kept from her most of her life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I plan on seeking out Nick's other releases as well.

Highly recommended.

I give this 4/5 stars.

My name is Nick and I write and edit books for young adults. My first YA novel IN DARKNESS, was published by Bloomsbury in 2012 and won the Michael L Printz Award for Excellence in YA Literature. I also wrote a book called HOSTAGE THREE about a girl kidnapped by Somali pirates.

THERE WILL BE LIES is coming in January 15 and is about a girl who learns that everything she knows is a lie. To say it's a book with a twist in the story would be a massive understatement. There is also a talking coyote in it.

I live with my wife, daughter and son in a 16th century house in England with almost 19th century amenities. Sometimes the heating even works. 

I like: reading, art, music, food containing sugar, cities at night, the countryside in the daytime, vintage furniture, modern standards of heating (see above), travelling.

I dislike: being sick, failing, being underdressed in the cold, being overdressed in the heat, the unnecessary suffering of children, being punched in the face.

Website + Facebook + Twitter + Goodreads

Book Review (418): The Good Chase (Highland Games #2) - Hannah Martine

The Good Chase (Highland Games #2)

by Hanna Martine

Publication: 2nd December 2014

Publisher: Berkley

Pages: 304

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It: Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

The second in the Highland Games series, following Long Shot

Gleann, New Hampshire’s annual highland games always deliver the best of Scottish culture—rowdiness, rugby, whiskey, and unexpected romance…

Even though Shea Montgomery’s swanky bar and distinguished palate have made her a highly regarded whiskey connoisseur, she’s happiest bringing her favorite spirit to various highland games around New England. Her demanding ex made her wary of men obsessed with money and status, and she’s now more comfortable in the country than in the city. Still, when a gorgeous rugby player straight from Wall Street barrels into her whiskey tent, she’s tempted to change her mind…

J.P. Byrne went from poor beginnings to international high roller by using his charisma and wit, and holding fast to his dreams. A strong, independent woman like Shea is exactly what he’s looking for, only he has no idea how to prove he’s more than his three-piece suits—especially when he’s spent years doing just the opposite.

But as Shea and Byrne battle old demons, they discover together that the best remedy for past pain is a good, stiff shot of present pleasure…

My Thoughts.

The Good Chase is the second book in the Highland Games series, contemporary romances that incorporates the Scottish Highland Games played throughout the book and series as a whole.

Shea Montgomery is a renowned whiskey expert, with a famous bar Amber, she also runs whiskey taster tents at the Highland Games when she can, it's through these games she makes the acquaintance of Byrne who is persistent in asking her out, her answer is always no until one day she tells him yes and they start to date, but what's keeping Shea from getting any closer to Byrne is the fact that he's very rich, after suffering through a marriage with a wealthy man, she vowed to never get involved with someone like that again, but there's just something about Byrne that draws Shea to him, and maybe it's because he's so completely different to her ex-husband and may have judged him unfairly, with both Shea and Byrne carrying pasts that affect their lives to this day, can they both let go and finally move forward with their lives together?

I thoroughly enjoy this series, the characters are extremely likeable, the story lines are enjoyable and I love the inclusion of all the Scottish elements, I eagerly await the next book in the series.

Highly recommended.

I give this 4/5 stars.

I have loved stories–particularly the romantic kind–since I was very young. I spent a decade working in an office, but I’ve since dedicated myself to writing. I’ve traveled to many wonderful places around the world, including the haunted Scottish castle in which I got married. Though I live outside Chicago with my family, my heart will always belong to Australia.

The books listed here on my Goodreads page are ones that have influenced my writing, that have spoken to me in some deep and wonderful way, and that I enthusiastically recommend.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Book Review (417): Razed (Barnes Brothers #2) - Shiloh Walker

Razed (Barnes Brothers #2)

by Shiloh Walker

Publication: 2nd December 2014
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Appropriate: Adult
Buy It:  Amazon| B&N

Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options…

Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness.

As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother’s wedding have him thinking maybe there’s a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist…for her. 

My Thoughts.

Razed is the second book in a contemporary romance series about the Barnes Brothers.

Zane is the eldest of the Barnes Brothers, a photographer who has finally set his mind on making a career out of his photography, whilst also pursuing Keelie the co-owner of his brother Zach's tattoo shop.

Zane has had a crush on Keelie for quite a long while now, when she finally agrees to meeting for coffee as a start he is over the moon, but Keelie is hiding secrets from her past, for her to move forward and have a future that involves Kane she will need to face what she's been running away from for all these years.

Zane and Keelie made such a cute couple, I really enjoyed their story and I see the beginning of a potential romance between Travis and Anais.

From the backstories, romance and the camaraderie between the brothers, these books are so good and a treat to read.

I look forward to the next book and Trey's story.

This Shiloh Walker series is one to watch.

I gives this 4/5 stars.

Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more…ah…serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.

 Website / Goodreads / Twitter/ Facebook

Book Review (416): The Masseuse (The Body Works Trilogy #1) - Sierra Kincade

The Masseuse (The Body Works Trilogy #1)

by Sierra Kincade

Publication: 2nd December 2014

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Pages: 352

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It: Goodreads + Amazon + Barnes & Noble.

First in the sexy and suspenseful Body Work Trilogy

Anna Rossi lives by one simple rule: don’t get attached, don’t get hurt. But Alec Flynn doesn’t play by the rules…

Anna never takes on a massage client without screening him first, but the paycheck offered by billionaire Maxim Stein is too good to turn down. Stein is the richest man she’s ever laid her hands on, and despite the risks, she trusts that she can take care of herself. After all, she’s handled difficult clients in the past. What she isn’t prepared for is getting caught in a compromising situation by Maxim’s tall, dark, and gorgeous bodyguard—or the desperate desires he awakens in her…

Alec is dangerous. The mysterious, hard-bodied man is completely irresistible and won’t be refused, no matter what walls Anna puts up to protect herself. But as Anna falls fast for his careful ministrations and mind-blowing skills, she begins to realize that giving herself over to a man with so many secrets isn’t just putting her heart at risk—it’s endangering her life…

My Thoughts.

There are just three letters you will need to describe this book H-O-T!

From the very first page I was caught up in this enjoyably steamy story.

The first meeting between Anna and Alec is quite funny, the chemistry and attraction between these two is combustible and I knew I was in for something great.

Anna is a masseuse, she is hired by the incredibly rich Maxim Stein, and through him she meets his bodyguard Alec and sparks fly, Alec pursues Anna and she soon succumbs to a relationship with him,  with both of them carrying secrets that keep them both from getting closer and which may ruin their romance before it's even begun.

I really loved this book, the love scenes are sizzling and the backstory is intriguing, plus with a mix of action and suspense you have so much happening in this story there's never a dull moment.

I look forward to the next book to continue on with Anna and Alec's story.

A great start to a new series.

I give this 5/5 stars.

Sierra Kincaid lives in the Midwest with her husband and son. When she’s not writing naughty books, she loves eating chocolate cupcakes, binge-watching cable series, and singing loudly in the car. She wholeheartedly believes that love stories are real, and you should never choose a partner who doesn't make you laugh.

A few of Sierra’s favorite things:

Bad boys with dirty mouths – English Breakfast tea with two packets of Sugar in the Raw – any movie or show with a choreographed dance routine – cinnamon toast – kids who say funny things – friends who raid her pantry without asking – bootleg jeans – making lists – old Garth Brooks songs – and of course, massages.

Goodreads+Twitter+Website+Facebook.

Book Review (415): Wickedly Wonderful (Baba Yaga #2) - Deborah Blake

Wickedly Wonderful (Baba Yaga #2)

by Deborah Blake

Publication: 2nd December 2014

Publisher: Berkley

Pages: 352

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It: Amazon + Barnes & Noble

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

Though she looks like a typical California surfer girl, Beka Yancy is in fact a powerful yet inexperienced witch who’s struggling with her duties as a Baba Yaga. Luckily she has her faithful dragon-turned-dog for moral support, especially when faced with her biggest job yet…

A mysterious toxin is driving the Selkie and Mer from their homes deep in the trenches of Monterey Bay. To investigate, Beka buys her way onto the boat of Marcus Dermott, a battle-scarred former U.S. Marine, and his ailing fisherman father.

While diving for clues, Beka drives Marcus crazy with her flaky New Age ideas and dazzling blue eyes. She thinks he’s rigid and cranky (and way too attractive). Meanwhile, a charming Selkie prince has plans that include Beka. Only by trusting her powers can Beka save the underwater races, pick the right man, and choose the path she’ll follow for the rest of her life…

My Thoughts.

Wickedly Wonderful is the second book in an Urban Fantasy series, based on the Russian folklore of Baba Yaga, a Witch who travels around in her magically disguised home, and their Chudo- Yudo's which are Dragons disguised in the form of a dog.

Beka and her two sister Baba Yaga's are in charge of the United States, Beka is approached by the King of the Selkies and the Queen of the Merpeople after they are forced from their underwater home when their people become extremely ill from unknown toxins, they ask for Beka's help in identifying the problem and it's cause and fixing it.

Aiding her is Marcus a former Marine and his Father who owns a fishing boat and agree to take Beka out diving old shipwrecks unknown to them what she's really doing.

From their very first meeting Beka and Marcus butt heads denying their attraction for one another, when she meets Kesh the Selkie Prince he seems to pursue Beka unbeknownst to her of his nefarious plans towards her, with her mind undecided about whether she wants to continue on being a Baba Yaga or not.

With a story full of action, adventure, magic and romance this a great instalment to this series.

An original concept that will keep you intrigued.

I give this 3/5 stars.

Author of seven non-fiction books from Llewellyn. Circle, Coven & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice (2007), Everyday Witch A to Z (2008), The Goddess is in the Details (2009), Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook (2010) Witchcraft on a Shoestring (2010), Everyday Witch Book of Rituals, and The Witch's Broom. I am also the author of the Baba Yaga series from Berkley Romance, including Wickedly Magical (novella), Wickedly Dangerous, and Wickedly Wonderful.

I live in a 120 year old farmhouse in upstate NY with five cats, and run an artists' cooperative shop when I'm not writing.

Website + Facebook + Twitter + Goodreads