Book Review: How (Not) to Fall in Love by Lisa Brown Roberts

Title- How (Not) to fall in Love

Author- Lisa Brown Roberts

Publisher- Entangled Publishing

Release Date- February 3, 2015

Amazon-   http://goo.gl/Z2rVdh

Book Summery:

Seventeen-year-old Darcy Covington doesn’t know the difference between a pawn shop and a thrift shop. Even her dog eats gourmet food, so she’s totally unprepared when her car is repossessed from the parking lot of her elite private school. Turns out her father, a semi-famous motivational speaker, has skipped town, abandoning his family while his business collapses. Even David Letterman comes up with ten reasons why her father won’t ever return home.

Desperate to sell her expensive jewelry for much-needed cash, Darcy discovers that her dad’s brother runs a funky thrift shop on a street full of eccentric characters, including a coffee shop owner named Liz and one supremely hot fix-it guy named Lucas.

Darcy finds some solace hanging out with her uncle and Lucas in the thrift shop and working in Liz’s coffee shop, while the rest of her life falls apart. The time she spends with the uber hot Lucas helps takes her mind off her family’s troubles, even though she’s sure he’s only nice to her because he works for her uncle, especially when she meets the cover girl beauty she thinks he’s dating.

Can Darcy find the courage she needs to adapt to the necessary changes brought about by her family’s drastically reduced lifestyle? And will she open her eyes to the amazing realization that Lucas wants much more than friendship from her?

My Thoughts:

“ Because you’re stronger than you realize and you have potential to be heroic”

How (Not) to fall in Love is a sweet heart-warming story about family, friendship and love. I did not expect this book to have the message it did in the end and I think a lot of young readers can learn from this.

Darcy’s father disappears leaves her and her mom to stand on their own two feet. The problem is Darcy’s mom can’t handle it and mentally checks out. This is when Darcy decides she needs to grow up and take care of things on her own. I love that she took charge and didn’t sit back and watch her world fall apart.

I loved the secondary characters as well!!!! Charlie was such a sweet man who wanted to be a part of his family’s lives, even if his brother didn’t want him to be. I love that he would send a salt shaker to Darcy every year and she kept each and every one of them! The salt and pepper shakers play a role throughout the whole book which I enjoyed as well. It took me a while to figure out Lucas, it always seemed like he was hiding something. I am still kind of unsure of his relationship with a girl named Heather, and what they really were to each other. I like that Lucas was always there for Darcy too, always trying to be her knight! Also, how can anyone not like his little sister Pickles?!?! She was too stinkin cute and always spoke her mind!

There were some times where I found myself skimming some parts of the book, but all in all I really enjoyed it and it did engage me from beginning to end.

Book Review: Love, Lattes and Mutants by Sandra Cox

Title- Love, Lattes and Mutants

Author– Sandra Cox

Publisher- Kensington Books

Release– February 27, 2015

Amazon- http://goo.gl/xdWsai

BOOK SUMMERY:

Finding love is hard, even when you aren’��t a mutant.
Like most seventeen-year-olds, Piper Dunn wants to blend in with the crowd. Having a blowhole is a definite handicap. A product of a lab-engineered mother with dolphin DNA, Piper spends her school days hiding her brilliant ocean-colored eyes and sea siren voice behind baggy clothing and ugly glasses. When Tyler, the new boy in school, zeroes in on her, ignoring every other girl vying for his attention, no one, including Piper, understands why…

Then Piper is captured on one of her secret missions rescuing endangered sea creatures and ends up in the same test center where her mother was engineered. There she discovers she isn’��t the only one of her kind. Joel is someone she doesn’��t have to hide from, and she finds herself drawn to the dolph-boy who shares her secrets. Talking to him is almost as easy as escaping from the lab. Deciding which boy has captured her heart is another story…

MY THOUGHTS:

Love, Lattes and Mutants is a cute YA fantasy book about a girl named Piper who isn’t what she seems, instead she is a mutant. She doesn’t have any special powers, but she is part dolphin. She is able to stay underwater for about 20 minutes and she swims pretty quickly.

At first I couldn’t tell if Tyler truly liked her for herself or because he saw her without her “nerd” clothes. Then I read more and more and I truly liked them together. I also loved Gramps! He was too adorable and was always looking out for his granddaughter!

My biggest issue with this book was the pace of it all. I felt that were rushed in meeting the main character, but then the next 74% dragged on with them. I was waiting for the whole book to see what happens when Piper gets kidnapped. Since there was only 26% of the book left, I felt that part was rushed as well. The test center was very intriguing and I want to know more about it and see what will happen next.

I have never read a story where the main character was a mutant or one that had mermaid qualities. I am looking forward to book two to see where Piper will end up next!

Book Review: Glad I Did It by Cynthia Weil

Title- Glad I Did It

Author- Cynthia Weil

Release Date- January 27th, 2015

Amazon- http://goo.gl/FCgfCN

Book Summery:

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and songwriting legend Cynthia Weil’s extraordinary YA debut opens the secretive doors of the Brill Building-the hit factory that changed history. Part Mad Men, part Grace of my Heart, part murder mystery, I’m Glad I Did is a coming-of-age story at an unforgettable cultural tipping point: the summer of 1963.

JJ Greene, a gifted 16-year-old songwriter, defies her lawyer parents by secretly applying for a job in the famed Brill Building-the epicenter of songwriting for a new genre called rock-n-roll. But their warnings about the evils of the music industry prove far darker than she imagined when she finds herself at the heart of a cover-up that involves hidden identity, theft, and possibly murder.

My Review:

I’m Glad I Did It was such a nice, clean young adult story; I thought it was extremely age appropriate. I was originally draw to the cover of this book and only skimmed the book summery. This made me a little surprised when I stumbled upon the mystery element, which I really enjoyed reading. I just found it a little unrealistic that two recently high school graduates would be able to investigate a murder without getting in trouble. Also, it bothered me that it never seemed like JJ was actually working, she seemed to be caught up in Luke and a murder case.

While reading this story I kept forgetting it didn’t take place during the 2000s, I kept asking myself, “Why does she have to get all her phone calls at the office? She doesn’t have a cell phone?”. I think it’s great that the author stayed true to the time period of the 1960s; she had demos cut on records and addressed race differences in a very tasteful way. There was a wide range of issues that were talked about that might allow a wide range of children to relate to, even though it took place in a different time period.

I would recommend this book to the older children I know and tutor with hesitation.

Mad Mondays: The Trouble with Bree by Kristen Strassel

Title- The Trouble with Bree

Author- Kristen Strassel

Release Date- January 15^th, 2015

Amazon- http://goo.gl/OoOQAb

BOOK SUMMERY:

The trouble with Bree is…

Bree Farrell is ready to turn her life around. A twenty-one-year-old mother of two, she’s not sure where to start. She could use a little help, but her string of horrible ex-boyfriends keep setting her back. First step: she’s swearing off men forever. Or at least until she gets back on her feet.

Josh Maxwell got a second chance at life, and now he wants to help kids who are in the same situation he was in. His new job as the coordinator at a preschool for underprivileged kids is the perfect place to do that.

On paper, the policy not to get involved with the families of the students makes perfect sense. But when Bree meets the new coordinator of her son’s school, she and Josh learn that some rules are made to be broken, no matter what the consequences.

BOOK REVIEW:

I loved so many things about The Trouble with Bree, which doesn’t surprise me since I love Kristen’s writing.

This was a very sweet story about a girl who always falls in love easy and always picks the wrong guy. That is until she meets the director at her son’s new preschool. How can you not fall in love with a man that will be there for not only you, but for your children as well? I know I fell in love with Josh by reading his interactions with Bree’s children!

One thing that I did not like about this book was that it was so short!!!! I could have seen/love to see this as a full novel, but if you need a quick read, I recommend it!

Read Me Fridays: Accepted By Coleen Lahr

Title- Accepted

Author- Coleen Lahr

Publisher– Astraea Press, LLC

Amazon- http://goo.gl/d4G5up

Book Summery:

Ashley Smith spent her life being shipped from one family member to the next. When Ashley’s estranged father dies, she finally has the money to go to college and the chance to find a place where she belongs.

Within days, Ashley has found the one thing she’s always longed for – a family. She may have even found love. There’s only one problem. Ashley likes Colin…a lot, but so does Randi, and everyone likes Randi. Randi’s approval is the single easiest way to belong. Falling in love with Randi’s crush is the single easiest way to find oneself on the outside for the next three years.

When Ashley arrived at college, she never dreamed she’d find this kind of happiness. Will she allow herself to hold on to this happiness, and Colin, or will her fear of losing her friends, the only friends she’s ever known, dictate her actions?

Book Review:

Accepted was a sweet new adult romance which dealt with friendship, love and tearing down walls. I loved so many parts of this book, the characters, the plot and every compelling scene. I absolutely adored Ashley, she was such a sweet girl that desperately wanted to feel wanted and loved. The thing was she was missing out on some of that while worrying about what she would lose if she would allow Colin in. Becca and Colin were also great characters! I wish this story was longer so I could have seen more interaction between Becca and Ashley, they seemed to become great best friends and I wanted to see/feel that a little more. Colin on the other hand was a sweetheart, he was behind Ashley every step of the way and even did things that made me say “aww” after I found out.

The things that I didn’t like aren’t huge; I just wish the story was longer!!!!! I did not want to give up reading right when Ashley and Colin started their relationship! I was left wanting more, maybe a second book can be written 😉

Book Review: Written on HerHeart by Paige Ryan

Title- Written on her Heart

Author- Paige Ryan

Publisher- Createspace

Amazon- http://goo.gl/DBMv9b

BOOK SUMMERY:

Andi Callaway has dreamed of becoming a published author her entire life. Ford Delaney has always wanted nothing more than to escape his past.

An opportunity of a lifetime. This is what Andi finds when she returns home to Callaway Cove on summer break. A chance to work for her literary idol Ford Delaney is up for grabs, and she’s willing to risk everything-her boyfriend, her best friends, and her education-to get it.

She’s positive this will be the key to reaching her dreams. But the moment she begins working for the reclusive author, Andi realizes there’s more to him than just a name. As attraction builds between Andi and Ford, she begins to discover consequences must come hand-in-hand with something great-which could loosen control over her tightly wound life. And once romantic sparks fly, Andi’s other relationships start to crumble, Ford’s fame comes back to haunt him, and the heat they generate will either forge a powerful, enduring love or threaten everything she holds dear.

MY REVIEW:

“Your family and friends are important to you. You wear your heart on your sleeve and you emotions, as well, which is why you are to easy to read.”

I think I enjoyed reading “Written on her Heart so much because I see a lot of myself in Andi, as a character she was so relatable and down to earth. There were somethings that I did not agree with, like her cheating on her boyfriend, but I think since I didn’t feel any connection between her and her boyfriend, it didn’t bother me so much. The connection I felt was between Andi and Ford, and I just wanted her to give into it. I just wished she would have broken up with her boyfriend and not cheated!!!!

Whoa, Andi’s friends were not at all friends to her. First, they never told her about the job she would have like, instead they both went for it on their own. Second, Rachel kept trying to steal Andi’s job from her. Not only was she trying to get the job, but also Ford, even after she sensed that Andi might have feelings for him. Third, this is more about Andi’s boyfriend, but he was such a jerk about not supporting his girlfriend.

I found the fact that the story involved writers was pretty interesting, as a writer Ford intrigued me. I like how h based some stories based on his life and didn’t hide that fact. He also seem to see something in Andi as a writer, at first I kind of thought he was going to steal her story and turn it into his own book.

This was such an easy flowing read that grabbed me from the beginning and before I knew it, I was done reading!!

Book Review: Play of Light by Debra Doxer

Title- Play of Light

Author- Debra Doxer

Synopsis

At fourteen, my life was perfect. The beach was my playground, and the boy who stole my heart lived just around the corner. But perfect never lasts. In one horrifying moment, I lost it all. My family was destroyed, and the boy I believed in turned his back on me. Paradise became a nightmare.

That was five years ago. Everything changed when we moved from our home by the sea. I’ve changed, and I don’t like who I’ve become. I miss the smiling, carefree beach girl who disappeared that terrible night. I want to find her again. I want to face the people we ran from so long ago. Most of all, I have to face Spencer. So I can prove that when he broke my heart, he didn’t break me.

But when I see him again, Spencer Pierce is no longer the boy from my memories. He’s now a man who could devastate me if I let him. He watches me when he thinks I’m not looking. There’s regret written on his face when he’s near. Each time I see him, my heart aches for what might have been, and I think his does too. How can I convince myself I’m over him when I suspect he never got over me?

MY REVIEW

Play of Light was a story about Sarah and Spencer whom shared a past, not only did the story dive into the characters present life, but also the past. Most stories that I read in this genre speak about the past relationship two people have together, but do not it really show what went on or events that conspired. Play of Light on the other hand spent several characters showing how Sarah felt about Spencer and how their relationship grew from strangers to friends. I think this allowed me to grow an attachment to both Spencer and Sarah.

There was a lot of mystery while reading this story; we never really knew what was going on with spencer and his uncle. I also like how at the end of the story there were a couple of events that I knew was coming. I kind of thought I knew what Spencer’s BIG secret was, but boy was a wrong and I am very glad I was.

This was definitely a nice simple romance novel and worth the read!

Sizzling Saturdays: Out of the Dark by April Emerson

Release Date: December 4 , 2014

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

Genre: FICTION/Romance/General

ISBN e-book:   978-1-61213-288-4

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PHMy Review

This was the first book that I have read by April Emerson and enjoyed it. I really didn’t think I would, since the story was about a woman being engaged to one man and falling in love with another man.

Carina Porter’s parents have given a trip to Italy as a graduation gift, this way she could explore the cuisine and have an adventure. This gives her the opportunity to be another person, do things she would never do. As soon as she is on the plane a man sits next to her and she is instantly under his spell. Stefan and Carina talk about their lives and he dazzles her with his life on the vineyard. Once they are off the plane and it is time to say goodbye, Stefan offers Carina to come stay with him and come to the vineyard. Normally she would say no, but this is the new Carina, and she agrees to go with him. She is given more taken when she spends more time at the vineyard with Stefan but not everything thing as it seems, especially her feelings once she meets Stefan’s nephew, Lorenzo.

As soon as Carina came to the vineyard she was introduced to Stefan’s servants, there is more to their story then meets the eye and Carina uncovers it. I think it was very interesting that the love triangle between the servants was a bit of a foreshadow of how her relationship would be between herself, Stefan and Lorenzo.

As a boyfriend/fiancé, Stefan, was very absent. At first things were great they did things together, but once Stefan was in his business world, he was never around. When he was around he wasn’t really there. He seemed to never truly listen to Carina, there were many times where she would say, “Don’t you remember? I told you I like _____”. He wasn’t only absent with her, but his family as well. Lucy was a young girl in his family and had not attachment to him, as much as he seemed to care for her. Lorenzo on the other hand was always listening and asking Carina what was wrong, he remembered everything she told him as well. Family was everything to him and as a reader I could feel how much they adored him as well.

I found the end of the story very interesting and had many thoughts of, but I of course do not want to spoil that for anyone who wants to read this story.

~~SUMMARY~~

Everyone makes choices in life. Carina Porter may have made the wrong one.

After graduating college, she sits beneath her complimentary blanket in first class dreaming of grand adventures when she lands in Italy. Carina always put others first, but now, she’s resolved to indulge in an extraordinary vacation alone in Tuscany. Finally free from the demands of school and family, she’s determined to break away from her sensible nature and take risks. When a handsome man sits beside her on the plane, those daydreams vanish.

Stefan Savano is dashing and handsome. As he shares tales of his family and vineyard, Carina is swept away by his charm. After a brief courtship, Carina falls hard, but events come to light that make her question whether Stefan is as kind-hearted as he appears to be.

Things aren’t as they seem at Savano vineyard. Carina seeks answers, but it seems everyone is keeping a secret. When Stefan’s nephew, Enzo, pays a visit to the estate she’s drawn to his kind and free-spirited nature, and they form a friendship. Stefan becomes preoccupied with work, and when Enzo’s stay ends, Carina finds herself feeling isolated. It is then that illness and responsibilities require Stefan and Carina to return to his small vineyard in quaint Ravine Creek, New York.

There, Carina meets Stefan’s entire family and the time she spends with Enzo becomes more frequent. She tries to deny her traitorous feelings for him, but their attraction grows each day.

When Carina experiences a tragedy, she learns what true love means and must choose between an unhappy existence and a life of passion.

Her decision could do more than destroy a family—it could be fatal.

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~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~

April Emerson moved to New York City after graduating from college with a degree in literature. As a nature lover, living in the city was a culture shock, but she soon began to enjoy being surrounded by so much energy. Submerged in perpetual crowds, April developed a fondness for people  watching, which inspired her to start writing. Drawn to both the light and dark of humanity, she strives to tell sexy and romantic stories with exquisitely complex characters. When she isn’t writing, she loves listening to music or reading a good book while enjoying a glass of wine.

~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~

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Praise for Out of the Dark 

“I could recommend this book. It’s hot and I really liked the suspense element. I hope to read a book a out Stefan and his life after Carina.”  – Liz  Goodreads Review