Wednesday, October 31, 2012

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater



From Goodreads

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.


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I was very excited to read The Raven Boys this month. I kept looking at it at the bookstore, debating whether or not I should try it out. And finally, I gave it a go. I thought by reading the synopsis that I had the story all figured out. I was wrong. It was so much more than what I was expecting and I loved every bit of it.

During each chapter of the book, the story is told from alternate characters points of view. I enjoyed this feature a lot more than just the regular one person POV because instead of seeing everything through one person’s eyes you get several which help you to understand each character and the story a little bit better.

I loved Blue. I felt like she was relatable. She is eccentric, strong, and sensible; surprisingly so for just a sixteen year old. I liked how determined she was to find a way to help Gansey. She wouldn’t just accept his imminent death, for her there has to be some way to change things.

“Once she’d seen his death laid out for him, and seen that he was real, and found out that she was meant to have a part in it, there had never been a chance she would just stand by and let it happen.”Maggie Stiefvater, The Raven Boys

All the raven boys...Gansey, Adam, Ronan, and Noah are loyal to each other. I liked their friendship and how they would protect and stick up for each other.  And how easily they took Blue into their group like one of their own.

Maggie Stiefvater creates a one of a kind world filled with magic and unique solid characters that pique the readers curiosity and makes them want to not only explore Blue, Gansey, Adam, Noah, and Ronan’s world alongside with them, but to explore further into the characters themselves.

The Raven Boys is not a fast paced story, and there was not a constant amount of action going on either. That being said though, there were enough things happening that kept be interested and engaged the whole time. Each time I finished a chapter, all I wanted to do was finish the next one and the next one.  The surprises and little twists in the story helped to create a thrilling read.

The ending had me saying WHAATTT????!??!?? It teases you just enough so that you cannot wait to read the second book in the series. Unfortunately for me, the next book isn't scheduled to be released until September 2013!!! Though I am hopping it might be released early…I know that is wishful thinking on my part, but a girl can hope right?


Rating: 4 out of 5.


Find The Raven Boys here:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo


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Monday, October 29, 2012

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines



From Goodreads
There was something wicked about Beau that drew me to him. What was wrong with me? Why did I want to sin so badly

Ashton is getting tired of being good, of impressing her parents and playing ideal girlfriend to Sawyer Vincent. Sawyer is perfect, a regular Prince Charming, but when he leaves town for the summer, it’s his cousin Beau who catches Ashton’s eye. Beau is the sexiest guy she’s ever seen, and even though he’s dangerous, Ashton is drawn to him.

Beau loves his cousin like a brother, so the last thing he wants to do is make a move on Sawyer’s girl. Ashton is off-limits, absolutely. That’s why he does his best to keep his distance, even though he’s been in love with her forever. When Ashton wants to rekindle their childhood friendship in Sawyer’s absence, Beau knows he should say no.

Ashton and Beau don’t want to hurt Sawyer. But the more they try to stay away from each other, the more intense their urges become. It’s getting way too hard to resist....

****************************************

I have been hearing so many good things about this book that I finally had to give it a try for myself. And I am so glad that I did.

Ashton is close childhood friends cousins Beau and Sawyer Vincent.

Ashton is a preacher’s daughter. She is always trying to be there for everyone in her life. And she constantly feels the pressure to be the good daughter for her parents and do what they want. Because of this, it made sense that she would want to later on rebel and have some fun in her life. She questions if she should do what people expect her to do, or follow her heart instead.

Sawyer is the all-round nice guy.  He goes to church every Sunday with Ashton, and he comes from a good respectable family. He cares what people think of him. He enjoys having the perfect family and the perfect girlfriend.

I love bad boys in romance stories, and Beau is just that. He had his jerk moments, but he turned out to be sweet and protective of Ash, and I liked that.  Beau is more of his own person. He doesn’t care what other people say about him or think of him.

As they become older Beau and Sawyer start taking notice of Ashton and Sawyer decides to ask her out first, which Ashton accepts. They continue to have a happy relationship for the next three years. But when Sawyer goes away during the summer, Ashton and Beau begin to spend more and more time together. And that is when everything between these three changes.

“If I’d ever taken the time to wonder about my soul being as black as this town seemed to believe, I knew the moment Ashton stepped out of her little white Jetta looking like an angel from Heaven that my soul was damned to Hell.”Abbi Glines, Beau from The Vincent Boys

The story interchanges between Ashton and Beau’s point of view, which gives the reader a better looking into their lives to understand them better.  

The Vincent Boys felt like a little bit of an emotional rollercoaster. It’s an intense story made me sad, frustrated, and happy. The characters felt real and the story was one I easily got into once I started reading. I did not want this story to end. I cannot wait to read Sawyer’s story in The Vincent Brothers. Oh and for those who like the feel of a physical book in your hands, The Vincent Boys will be released in hardcover and paperback tomorrow October 30, 2012!



Rating: 3½ out of 5.

Purchase the Vincent Boys here:





Three Schemes and a Scandal by Maya Rodale




From Goodreads: 
Enter the Regency world of the Writing Girls series in Maya Rodale's charming tale of a scheming lady, a handsome second son, and the trouble they get into when the perfect scandal becomes an even more perfect match.

Scheme: A folly, a swan, a little lie . . . a compromising position.

Lady Charlotte Brandon is always up to something . . . but somehow her best schemes for matchmaking often end in disaster.

Scheme: A family feud, outrageously false rumors, a shattered priceless vase . . . an even more compromising position.

It's no wonder she's considered by at least one devastatingly handsome man to be devious, destructive, and dangerously appealing.

Scheme: A fox, a rabbit, a childhood foe, and a dashing rogue . . . the proposal to end all proposals.

It's high time someone turned the tables on the lovely Lady Charlotte, and James Beauchamp is just the man to do it. Even if it means beating Charlotte at her devious game with a scandalous scheme of his own.

********************************************

 Charlotte and James used to be partners in crime during their childhood days. They were always together getting into all kinds of adventures. But after James went away to school at age 15, and Charlotte discovering her beloved dead pet rabbit stolen from his graven and roasting over a fire by James and his friends, their close friendship ended.

Now eight years later at a garden party to celebrate Lord Hastings newly built Folly, Charlotte comes up with a plan to match her friend Swan Lucy and James together in hopes that they will fall in love and them marry.  Well that plan pretty much ends in disaster as she is the one who gets locked into the Folly with James and they try to figure a way out without being seen.

It is one hilarious misadventure after another as Charlotte’s infamous schemes keep throwing her and James together; proving that even after eight years apart, they still feel something for each other…more than they had realized.

“Charlotte was … Charlotte. She was devious and dangerous, maddening, exasperating. The damned thing was, she looked so pretty while she turned your world upside down. But then one had to endure punishment and lectures and go to great lengths to repair all the damage her clever ideas had wrought.” Maya Rodale, Three Schemes and a Scandal

Some may call her a stubborn and a troublemaker, which she is, but I thought she also kept life interesting. Charlotte has only the best of intentions for her friends and loved ones. For whatever reason, she thinks she is the only one who can help them to achieve their happiness.

James and Charlotte’s sweet romance is fun to watch unfold as they start to see that they could be each other’s perfect match.  For those who are looking for a light historical romance read with a feisty heroine, a devilishly handsome rake, swoon worthy romance, and enough humor that will have you laughing often be sure to check out this novella. It is a short read, but still entertaining.

Rating: 3½ out of 5.

You can buy Three Schemes and a Scandal here:




Saturday, October 27, 2012

Something Witchy This Way Comes by H.P. Mallory



From Goodreads
A witch’s work is never done, and in bestselling author H. P. Mallory’s mesmerizing new novel, Jolie Wilkins finds that the real magic is only just beginning.
 
For smart and sexy witch Jolie Wilkins, being Queen of the Underworld is a royal pain. Back from a round of time travel, Jolie must now protect her realm from the sinister Lurkers—a powerful breed of half-humans bent on conquering the undead. And if there’s one thing she knows, it’s that the supernatural never go down without a fight. 
 
At least Jolie has her soul mate (and 
finally official boyfriend), warlock Rand Balfour, by her side. Honorable, brave, and unbelievably handsome, Rand is everything Jolie wants in a man. So why can’t she forget the dangerously alluring vampire, Sinjin Sinclair? With her private life heating up and a battle boiling over, Jolie sets out to prove that in matters of love and war, the fairer hex has its own set of charms.

*************************

Jolie Wilkins has come a long way. She went from a physic who owned a small fortune-telling shop to a witch who is now the Queen of the Underworld. Currently she has a whole new set of problems though to deal with as she tries to find a way to take care of the Lurkers.

Even though Jolie and Rand are now bonded and together, the ever-present triangle with Jolie, Rand, and Sinjin still manages to pop up. Jolie loves Rand, but there is still some conflict between these three. To top it off Sinjin ends up doing something that eventually gets him banned from the Underworld. 


As the story progresses, Jolie starts to question what is the truth and what is not. There are quite a few surprises and twists in the story that keep things exciting and entertaining.  Apart from Jolie, Rand, and Sinjin, H.P. Mallory has created a fun and in depth world filled with vampires, faeries, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures to grab the readers’ interest.

Something Witchy This Way Comes is a fun Halloween read that is the fifth and last installment in the Jolie Wilkins Series. For this being the last book, I felt like I was still left with some questions… Questions I am wondering if will be answered. I hear there will be spin-offs, but to me, it would be disappointing if the things that were left unanswered took a back seat in the spin-off books.  Looks like I will just have to wait and see what happens when H.P. Mallory releases the possible spin-off. 

Rating: 3 out of 5.

You can purchase Something Witchy This Way Comes here:




** I received this ARC from Random House/Bantam in exchange for nothing, but my honest review. Thank you.** 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Weekends Required by Sydney Landon




From Goodreads: 
Claire Walters has worked for Jason Danvers as his assistant at Danvers International for three years, and he has never thought of her as a woman until the day she jumps out of a cake at his friend's bachelor party.

Claire is forced to work a second job at a party planning company to support her ailing mother. She is horrified when Jason not only finds out, but has a front-row seat to the action. With Danvers in the process of merging with another company, Claire is forced to travel with Jason as well as work weekends. Suddenly all the fantasies she has entertained for years about her boss seem to be coming true. Her outspoken best friend Suzy thinks that just getting laid will solve everything. The problem is, Claire sees much more in Jason than just sex.

Jason is determined to know how the beautiful, sexy woman in the cake could also be his Plain Jane assistant who tries her best to blend into the background from 8-5 every day. Now not only does Jason see her as a woman, he fully intends to give her the fairy-tale ending that she deserves!

*************

Jason is a strong confident man with good heart. No emotional baggage or troubled past, which is a nice change from past stories I have read.
Claire is independent, caring, but sometimes accident prone woman. I like how dedicated she is to her mom. To her, it doesn't matter how hard she has to work; if she has to work three jobs in order to help take care of her mom and their family home then she will.

I wasn't completely sold that during the three years Claire has been working for Jason, he never really looked or paid attention to her.  Especially since there was a point in the story were Jason was mentioned as being a solid guy who not only knows each and every employee in his company, but also cares about their welfare in/out of work. But maybe it was just me; I thought it was a bit odd, but it could be plausible.  

After Jason found out what Claire’s side job was he kept referring to her as a stripper. She doesn't even take her clothes off at that job…a point which was stressed on numerous occasions. So when Jason kept calling her one, it became very annoying…to Claire and to me.


Despite that, their romance soon takes off and things go well for a short time. But things are not rosy for long. There has to be a few curves thrown into the story of course. One of which happens when Jason goes behinds Claire’s back to do something, even though he already knows she doesn't want his help.

Their differences and similarities seemed to mesh well together, making them a good couple. I was happy to see them get their HEA. All in all I thought this was a cute romance story with some nice humor in the mix. It was enjoyable and entertaining; perfect for a quick weekend read.  

Rating: 3 out of 5.

You can buy Weekends Required here:



@ Kobo

Sunday, October 21, 2012

It’s Releasing When????

This is a short list of books releasing soon that I am excited read. For me the release date cannot come soon enough! Happy Reading J

 A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano – November 1, 2012


I love historical fiction, especially a good inspirational one. Even though it’s not a genre I consistently read, since it’s hard for me to find good ones I like, I immediately added this to my to-read list. It sounds like an engaging story that I look forward to reading.  

********

Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her finance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London. 
Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone. 
Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence. 
When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.
(Synopsis from Goodreads)

The Marriage Mistake by Jennifer Probst – November 6, 2012


 Jennifer Probst sure knows how to write entertaining romances that will make you laugh and swoon. I was hooked from the very first book in the series, The Marriage Bargain.  And now after reading The Marriage Trap, I cannot seem to get enough. The only downside is that The Marriage Mistake is the last book in the Marriage to a Billionaire series!

********

Carina Conte has had a crush on her brother Michael’s best friend, Max Gray, since she was a teenager. Now she’s earned her MBA and come to work at Michael’s new venture, America’s fastest-growing bakery empire. But some things never change: her family still treats her like a child. With three drop-dead gorgeous siblings, she’s still the ugly duckling of the bunch. And Max, the company’s new CEO, still barely notices her.

Max knows Carina Conte is strictly off limits. But hot-blooded lust wins out at a conference when the two share a scorching one-night stand—and are busted by her mother! Now, forced by old-world Italian tradition into a marriage he’s not ready for, Max is miserable—and Carina is furious. Her new husband is about to realize that hell hath no fury like a woman transformed…
(Synopsis from Goodreads)

Sirens by Janet Fox – November 8, 2012 


I love the 1920s time period. I don’t know, but there is just something about that time that screams glamour and seduction.  And when a book is filled with flappers, romance, gangsters, and deadly secrets all set against the backdrop of a 1920s Manhattan, what is not to love?  Let the countdown begin!

*********

When Jo Winter’s parents send her off to live with her rich cousin on the glittering island of Manhattan, it’s to find a husband and forget about her brother Teddy’s death. But all that glitters is not gold. Caught up in the swirl of her cousin’s bobbed-hair set—and the men that court them—Jo soon realizes that the talk of marriage never stops, and behind the seemingly boundless gains are illicit business endeavors, gangsters, and their molls. Jo would much rather spend time the handsome but quiet Charles, a waiter at the Algonquin Hotel, than drape herself
over a bootlegger. But when she befriends a moll to one of the most powerful men in town, Jo begins to uncover secrets—secrets that threaten an empire and could secure Jo’s freedom from her family. Can her new-found power buy her love? Or will it to ruin Jo, and everyone around her?
(Synopsis from Goodreads)

Every Which Way by Calia Read – November 20, 2012



Who doesn't enjoy a nice little love triangle every now and then? Every Which Way is a story filled with romance, angst, frustration, and I am hoping also a happy ending.  I have been anxiously awaiting this story for months. (Keeping my fingers crossed for an early release J)

********

Severine Blake has a plan - a precise course of action when it comes to protecting her heart. She has seen far too many of her friends hit in the crossfires of dating. 
This was before she met Thayer and Macsen.
When the Sloan brothers come into her life, nothing is the same.

Thayer is self-possessed and arrogant. He's used to getting what he wants. Being near him leaves her unsteady and shaken from everything she's used to.
Macsen contradicts his brother in every way. His calm personality captivates her. Severine's drawn to him instantly.
But quickly, Severine discovers that when you want something, that want can turn wicked. Giving in is not always easy. Especially when your heart refuses to give up the fight. What little illusion of love Severine has is soon destroyed. Every option is broken, and the protection she has built around her heart instantly crumbles. 
Severine is discovering there's no right way with the Sloan brothers.
(Synopsis from Goodreads)



Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Princess Elizabeth's Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal



From Goodreads
Susan Elia MacNeal introduced the remarkable Maggie Hope in her acclaimed debut, Mr. Churchill’s Secretary. Now Maggie returns to protect Britain’s beloved royals against an international plot—one that could change the course of history. 
 
As World War II sweeps the continent and England steels itself against German attack, Maggie Hope, former secretary to Prime Minister Winston Churchill, completes her training to become a spy for MI-5. Spirited, strong-willed, and possessing one of the sharpest minds in government for mathematics and code-breaking, she fully expects to be sent abroad to gather intelligence for the British front. Instead, to her great disappointment, she is dispatched to go undercover at Windsor Castle, where she will tutor the young Princess Elizabeth in math. Yet castle life quickly proves more dangerous—and deadly—than Maggie ever expected. The upstairs-downstairs world at Windsor is thrown into disarray by a shocking murder, which draws Maggie into a vast conspiracy that places the entire royal family in peril. And as she races to save England from a most disturbing fate, Maggie realizes that a quick wit is her best defense, and that the smallest clues can unravel the biggest secrets, even within her own family.

**********************

Princess Elizabeth’s Spy takes place during WWII with Maggie Hope not passing her undercover agent training for MI-5 and getting reassigned. She is then sent to Windsor Castle under the premise of tutoring the young Princess Elizabeth in math. Protecting the Princess and helping to stop the Nazi’s in their attempt to take over England becomes the real agenda for Maggie. As she tutors the young Princess, she has to deal with family issues arising, and not to mention a murder, spies, and a kidnapping plot. Maggie tries to juggle everything to the best of her abilities, but finds it challenging at times to separate her spy life from her personal one while trying to expose dangers to the Royal Family.

I have not read the previous book, Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal, but that did not hamper my enjoyment of this book at all. And Maggie is a smart and brave character with a great personality that I liked from the get go. Princess Elizabeth’s Spy is a fun standalone novel that is easy to read and get into. Especially for those who enjoy WWII storylines or British Historical Fiction. 

Everything was described in such great detail that I felt like I was in England during that time period. There was a lot of action during the course of the story, which kept the excitement level high and me constantly turning the page to discover what was going to happen next. Nothing in the book was predictable for me which is good since it’s a mystery novel. The ending has me already excited for the next book in the series.

Rating: 3½ out of 5

You can buy Princess Elizabeth's Spy at these locations: 




** I received this ARC from Random House Publishing / Bantam Dell in exchange for nothing, but my honest review. Thank you.** 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Cold Light by Jenn Ashworth





I'm sitting on my couch, watching the local news. There's Chloe's parents, the mayor, the hangers on, all grouped round the pond for the ceremony. Its ten years since Chloe and Carl drowned, and they've finally chosen a memorial-a stupid summerhouse. The mayor has a spade decked out in pink and white ribbon, and he's started to dig.

You can tell from their faces that something has gone wrong. But I'm the one who knows straightaway that the mayor has found a body. And I know who it is.

This is the tale of two fourteen-year-old girls, best friends, and one terrible summer when lies, secrets, jealousy, and perversion ended in tragedy more tangled and evil than a tight-knit community can possibly believe.


A dark tale with a surreal edge, Jenn Ashworth's gripping novel captures the intensity of girls' friendships and the dangers of a predatory adult world they are just grown up enough to think they can handle. And it shows just how far that world will go, sacrificing truth in the name of innocence.

****************

When I first read the synopsis of this book, my interest was piqued. Cold Light is a gritty and thought-provoking novel that is told through the eyes of the main character Laura. It is a dark and sad story that dips from present to the past as Laura recounts the events that lead to the recently found body ending up in that location.  In the present Laura is a 24 year old woman who cleans a shopping center for a living. She is not very happy sounding with her life, but accepts it. Flashbacks to the past, has Laura as a fourteen year old who has befriended Chloe at her school and then later on Emma. 

It seemed like neither one of the girls were good influences for anyone.  They liked to drink, smoke, shoplift, and talk/act older than their teenage years.  They didn’t appear to have anyone that great to really depend on or look up to growing up.  Pretty soon a boy becomes the object of attention, rumors and lies begin to form, and something bad lurks ahead.

The characters felt real and the story genuine...something I felt could have actually occurred.  Jenn Ashworth created a well written novel about what could happen when teenage girls are filled with insecurity, petty jealousy, and cruelness.  I wasn’t immediately drawn into this story when I first began reading it, but once I got a few chapters in I was able to get into it and enjoy the story.  It wasn’t my favorite, but it was still a good and interesting read.

Rating: 3 out of 5


You can buy Cold Light at these locations:




** I received this ARC from HarperCollins/William Morrow in exchange for nothing, but my honest review. Thank you.** 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Cover Reveal!! - The Pirate's Wish (The Assassin's Curse #2)


For those of you who fell in love with The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke, here is the cover reveal for the sequel, The Pirate's Wish!!

I love the cover for the Assassin's Curse, and this one is equally gorgeous. I am excited for this book to be released. Strange Chemistry will be releasing The Pirate's Wish in June 2013, so make sure to mark it on your calender and on Goodreads!


Making You Mine by Elizabeth Reyes



Can I just say that I thought this book was awesome? Well it was. It was fun watching Grace & Sal's story unfold.

Grace Zendejas is attending Culinary Arts School with her friend Joey. She desperately wants to be a Chef, but she keeps being told she is too young and inexperienced to be one.  Even though she is still in cooking school she has had years of experience cooking in Mexico at her grandmother’s restaurant. Her mother thinks she is being too picky and should apply to places as a bartender since she already has a bartender’s license. She lines up an interview as a head chef at the well-known Moreno’s restaurant where the three insanely good-looking Moreno brothers work. She snags an interview with the oldest brother Salvador. Because of her age and to him lack of experience he doesn’t want to hire her for the head chef, but would consider her for a bartender. Grace doesn’t want to be a bartender and is only interested in cooking. When Sal notices a lie on her resume about her age he doesn’t want to hire her. Even though he becomes annoyed with her attitude and her lying on the resume, he cannot stop thinking about her or talking about her to his brother.

Truth was, he’d wasted way too much time already thinking about Ms. Zendejas. He’d actually gone back to read her resume several more times. He’d even considered calling her and asking straight out why she lied. But something told him not to. It was probably better that he just let it go. At twenty-one, she could t have much experience anyway so what difference would it make?
Sal sat back and chewed the end of his pen. With that cute little accent and those hypnotic eyes, she’d be more of a distraction than any help. Nope. He threw her resume in the desk file. He was done thinking about her.    -Elizabeth Reyes, Making You Mine (The Moreno Brothers)

When Grace does not hear back a few days later, she decides to make a visit to the restaurant to follow up with Sal. Instead of speaking with Sal she encounters his brother Alex. He tests out her skills as a bartender and is quickly impressed. He then offers her the bartending job with a promise that he will give her a shot at working in the kitchen.  When Sal finds out he gets upset, but eventually becomes okay with it. But things don’t go very smoothly.  I think it’s safe to say that these two get off to a rocky start. They sort of disliked each other at first which makes for fun interactions between them. It wasn’t instant love with them, which I liked.

Sal is used to being in control and being the serious one; especially when it comes to him helping run the family business. He focuses a lot of his time and energy into work. He wasn’t looking for a relationship and he was definitely not looking to fall in love with the sexy new bartender Grace who speaks her mind, and has a temper to boot.

“You have no idea what you do to me. Then he smiled. Hell, I don t even know how to explain it. The way he looked at her at that moment made her wonder if he could actually be feeling what she was feeling. I can’t explain what I’m feeling either. All I know is…it scares me.”
“Don’t be. I’m not scared.” He lifted his eyebrows. “Okay, maybe a little. But it’s a good kind of scared, like I just boarded the ride of my life.” He kissed her nose and whispered, “Hold on tight.”
  -Elizabeth Reyes, Making You Mine (The Moreno Brothers)

But nothing is perfect and before their relationship has a real chance to bloom and grow Sal ends up making a mistake that could potentially cost him Grace.

This was my first book by Elizabeth Reyes that I have read, and I am glad I was able to discover this story. She is able to write an engaging story with solid characters that you end up falling in love with and rooting for. I loved it.  And if you like Making You Mine or the previous Moreno Brothers books, take a look at Fate  (A Moreno Brothers spin-off series) also by Elizabeth Reyes, which tells the story of Rose (Grace’s little sister) and Vince (Sal’s cousin) who were introduced in Making You Mine.

Rating: 4½  out of 5