Bouquet Toss (Love of My Life #1) by Melissa Brown

From Goodreads:

Ever since Daphne Harper graduated from college, all of her friends have fallen in love, become engaged and walked down the aisle. Be it a blessing or a curse, Daphne (a hopeless romantic and perpetual single girl) catches the bouquet at every single wedding she attends. 

Daphne’s love life is a mess. Her first love, Mayson, haunts her heart and keeps her from pursuing happiness with any man who comes along. As she struggles to move on from the one who got away, Daphne wonders if she will ever break her curse and find her happily ever after.

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Bouquet Toss is such a sweet and emotional story that follows Daphne Harper.

Daphne is very much a hopeless romantic. She is forever catching the bouquet at weddings, but can never seem to catch Mr. Right. All she wants is to find the one she can spend her life with and will love her for who she is. Like most things, this is easier said than done. It is hard for her to completely live in the present because she is constantly thinking about her past. A past involving Mayson, the guy who she fell in love with and broke her heart years earlier.

“I just wish the memories would fade.   I wish the songs wouldn't bring tears.  And, I wish that his name would stop making my heart tremble.  I want to forget. I need to forget. I deserve to forget. I have to forget.”

-Melissa Brown, Bouquet Toss

Daphne is filled with self-doubt and insecurities that make it hard to have a good relationship. When she was with Mayson she was afraid if she was her true self he would not really accept her and he would end up leaving. Which he did anyways. There were moments when I wanted to shake Daphne and tell her to just get over it and move on. But getting over someone you love is never easy, especially when it is your first love.

I think she was more in love with the thought or idea of who she believed Mayson to be versus who he actually was. She had this image of him in her head and that was what she clung to.  Despite her thoughts of Mayson, she knows even though it is hard to do, she has to move on with her life. Daphne goes on dates and attempts to find a connection with someone.  And just when things start going well for her, Mayson comes waltzing back into her life. Now she has to decide if Mayson is worth the trouble or should she move forward in her life and possibly find love with someone else.

One of the things I liked about Daphne is that she never gives up hope, she is relentless. I could easily relate to her and her situation. I thought I had the story figured out, but there were some twists thrown in there and I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. I enjoyed the story a lot. Bouquet Toss took me on an emotional journey; one that I would gladly venture again.  If you like a side of angst to go with your romance reads then I would definitely recommend this book.

Rating: 3½ out of 5.

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** I received this book from the Author in exchange for nothing, but my honest review. Thank you!** 

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Top Ten Most Anticipated Books For 2013

During this round of Top Ten Tuesday which is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish blog, I will be listing my list of the top ten books I cannot wait to read for 2013. In just a little over a month the New Year will be upon us, but the release dates of these books still seem to far away! Here is what I am looking forward to reading next year.

(P.s. If you click on the covers it will take you to the book synopsis on Goodreads)

                

1. 

                                 Expected Release Date: February 12, 2013

This cover is just gorgeous. As if that wasn't enough to pique my interest, add the fact that it is a fantasy book with romance in the mix and I was sold. 

2.

                                   Expected Release Date: February 13, 2013

I love historical fiction. This one is set in New Orleans in the 1950’s following the daughter of a prostitute. Sounds like a story worth reading to me. 

3.

                                  Expected Release Date: March 12, 2013

A re-telling of a fairy-tale  About Bluebeard? Well count me in! I hope this one lives up to the hype because I am dying to get my little hands on this one. 

4.

                                    Expected Release Date: March 26, 2013

This book looks like a super cute fun read. Ever since I saw the cover I wanted to read it. 

5.

Expected Release Date: April 4, 2013

The cover first caught my attention with this book, then the synopsis; a seventeen year old girl who seemingly lives a great life, but struggles to find her way in New York during the 1980’s. Sounds like a moving novel. 

6.

   Expected Release Date: April 16, 2013

I loved “Beautiful Disaster,” so wanting to read this book was a no-brainer for me. I love Travis!!

7.

   Expected Release Date: June 11, 2013

After the cliffhanger in the first book,” If I Were You” I just have to find out what is going to happen next. I’m sad this book won’t be releasing soon, but hopefully it will be even better than I originally hoped. 

8.

       The Sequel to the Raven Boys (Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater 

Expected Release Date: September 2013

Because I loved “The Raven Boys” so much and cannot wait a moment longer for the sequel!

9.

                            Scare Crow (Crow’s Row #2) by Julie Hockley

                                                        Expected publication in 2013

I really enjoyed “Crow’s Row” and after the way it ended “Scare Crow” cannot be released any faster for me. I am dying to find out what happens next with Emily and Cameron.

10.

                          Turning Point (Kathleen Turner #3) – by Tiffany A. Snow 

                                            Expected Release Date: April 2013                   

I just finished the first book in this series, about the start the second, and I know I am not going to wish the third book was out already. I love a good Thriller/Suspense with  a little romance thrown in. I cannot get enough Kathleen, Kade, and Blane!

Okay so that is my short list. What are you guys excited to read in the upcoming year? Drop me a comment and let me know! Happy Reading/Waiting J          

Stacking the Shelves: Book Addict Edition 1

I decided to participate in the Stacking the Shelves meme hosted by Tynga’s Review’s and see how it went.  Since this meme is flexible I am thinking of doing it every other Sunday. Today I am showcasing the books I have bought recently and received for review.

Books I Bought:

Don’t judge me I went a little crazy at the bookstore this month….

Click on the cover to see the book synopsis at Goodreads :)

                             

                               
                   
                                                            
                                                          

Books that I received for Review:

Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund (Courtesy of Bethany House Publishing)

Pantomime by Laura Lam (Courtesy of Strange Chemistry & Angry Robot)

Shadow on the Crown (Courtesy of Penguin Group and Edelweiss)

How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski (Courtesy of Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss)

Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt (Courtesy of Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss)

So that’s it for this month’s haul. I am trying to resist going into a bookstore this week. Anyone else buy or receive anything good to read?

Cover & Trailer Reveal - Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout!!

I have a treat for all of those Daemon and Katy fans out there who are hooked on the Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout! Check out the new sexy cover for the latest book Opal and watch the official trailer below. Isn't Daemon dreamy?? *Sighs* Oh and don't forget to mark your calendar, add Opal on Goodreads, and pre-order this baby because on December 18th 2012 Opal releases in both print and digital forms!!!

From Goodreads:

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

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Opal (The third book in the Lux Series)
Available in both print and digital version on December 18, 2012
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

                                                                    Official Opal Book Trailer!! 

                     

  USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you've heard about her state aren't true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russel Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Check out Jennifer L. Armentrout on the following sites:

Facebook
Twitter
Official Website 
  Goodreads

Top Ten Books/Authors I’m Thankful For

a    This is my first time participating in the Top Ten Tuesday which is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish blog. This week’s topic is to list ten books/authors I am thankful for.  So here goes…

1

1     1. The Gemma Doyle Series – Libba Bray. This series was the first to grab my interest in witches, spells, and spooky things all happening in a Victorian/Gothic setting. I loved it.

2     2. Beautiful Disaster – Jamie McGuire. Travis & Abby are such a dysfunctional couple, but I still rooted for them to have their happy ending. This book helped to fuel my reading again after I had been in a bit of a reading hibernation. 

a                                                          

                                                                

1     3. The Oath – Frank Peretti – I read this book not long after it came out and it scared me so much I had to put it down at times and walk away. I never thought I would like scary/horror books, but Frank Peretti had me hooked. It was then I realized the fun in reading about things that go bump in the night.  His books never disappoint me.

 

 4. Gabriel’s Inferno/Gabriel's Rapture – Sylvain Reynard. This man wrote an awesome love story that I will not soon forget. This touching story about love and redemption left me feeling affected like no other book has.

                                                          

3     5. A Long & Fatal Love Chase – Louisa May Alcott. When you hear the name Louisa May Alcott I think most people would automatically thing ‘Little Women” & “Jo’s Boys.” That’s what I think too or at least I did until I came across this book at the bookstore. It’s completely different from her other works. This one is a Gothic style suspense/thriller about a man who is obsessed with the main character and will stop at nothing until he haves her. I was enthralled. It’s been one of my all-time favorites.

                                                           

4     6. Jane Austen – I remember receiving “Pride and Prejudice” for my 14^th birthday…that was first time I had read a Jane Austen novel. Even though I had to carry a dictionary with me to look up a lot of the words, I thought it rocked. It’s a book I can and have re-read countless times and still manage to fall in love all over again. I’m thankful that Jane Austen wrote such touching and fun romances for the hopeless romantic in all of us. In my opinion no one does it better.

 

5     7. Ann Rinaldi – She is an awesome writer of historical fiction for young readers. The reason I mention her in my list is because she brought history to life for me when I was younger and for that I am thankful. It all started with “Hang a Thousand Trees With Ribbons” and “The Coffin Quilt.” And from there I was goner. I was instantly hooked on historical fiction.

                                                            

                                                         

6    8. Agatha Christie – No one does mystery/suspense like Agatha Christie. I never see the ending coming when I read one of her books. They keep the reader guessing until the very end; which is the whole point in mystery books. Her books wills always stay on my bookshelf.

                                        

                                                

7     9. Ellen Hopkins – I never thought I would like a book written in verse, until I read “Burned” by Ellen Hopkins. I’m thankful I gave this one a read because it opened me up to several other books of hers that I love. She writes about real and oftentimes hard situations regarding teens/young adults that combined with the verse style makes each book a unique read. When I read one of her books, I feel like I can connect with the characters and I enjoy that.

                               

8     10. This last one isn't a book, but it is something I am still thankful for. I am thankful for all of the books I have been introduced to, discovered, and read. Reading is such a great way to gain more knowledge and it gives us the opportunity to explore a variety of worlds and situations that we might not be able to do in the real world. And most importantly, it’s fun! Happy Reading J

Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard

From Goodreads:

Enigmatic and sexy, Professor Gabriel Emerson is a well-respected Dante specialist by day, but by night he devotes himself to an uninhibited life of pleasure. He uses his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm to gratify his every whim, but is secretly tortured by his dark past and consumed by the profound belief that he is beyond all hope of redemption. When the sweet and innocent Julia Mitchell enrolls as his graduate student, his attraction and mysterious connection to her not only jeopardizes his career, but sends him on a journey in which his past and his present collide. An intriguing and sinful exploration of seduction, forbidden love and redemption, "Gabriel's Inferno" is a captivating and wildly passionate tale of one man's escape from his own personal hell as he tries to earn the impossible...forgiveness and love.

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I first heard about Gabriel’s Inferno through word of mouth earlier this year. I was a little hesitant to start reading it, but I am so glad I went ahead and tried it anyways.  Sometimes you have a feeling when reading a book that you will like it and it will be an entertaining way to pass the time. Sometimes a book turns out to be way more than just a quick entertaining read. This was one of those times. To say that this book will forever be in my top ten all-time favorites list should say it all, but I won’t stop there.  I have not read a book this year that I have thoroughly enjoyed as much as this one.

If by reading the synopsis you are thinking troubled professor + innocent student= regular student/teacher love story with secret sexual rendezvous’. You would be wrong. Instead you would find a strong story that is romantic, compelling, sweet, and sensual.

The characters were solid but not perfect.

At first I thought Paul was the sweetest guy and I loved his character, but as the book went on he started to irritate me. I hated the term “Rabbit” that he gave Julia. I didn't see her as a scared little creature that needed someone to be extremely gentle with her and guide her every step of the way.  It could be just me, but it really bugged me.

Christa….I did not understand why she had to be so mean. I know some people are just like that though. She kept things interesting for sure, but I just wanted her to disappear or at the very least, get what was coming to her.

Gabriel at times was too pretentious. I get that he is smart and very good at what he does, but I kept thinking he needed to get over himself. As the story continued however, his behavior and attitude started changing and he redeemed himself in my eyes. I could see how he would be good for Julia.

A couple of instances occurred where I thought Julia should have known better or not been so naive. Aside from that, I did like her. She has insecurities with men and relationships because she was hurt in the past. She is caring, shy yet independent, and does not mind working hard to earn the things she has and wants. Julia for her young age has some moments when she is wise and has the ability to teach even Gabriel and Paul a thing or two about life.

“Why not think that sometimes—just sometimes—you can overcome evil with silence? And let people hear their hatefulness in their own ears, without distraction. Maybe goodness is enough to expose evil for what it really is, sometimes. Rather than trying to stop evil with more evil.”  -Sylvain Reynard, Gabriel’s Inferno

Gabriel and Julia’s relationship is far from perfect and they get off on a rocky start. But once they push through some of the bad stuff and they start to reconnect and fall in love….their romance was incredibly sweet and made me sigh on more than one occasion. I loved it. I fell in love with them as a couple.

“When I am an old man and I can remember nothing else, I will remember this moment. The first time my eyes beheld an angel in the flesh. “I will remember your body and your eyes, your beautiful face and breasts, your curves and this.” He traced his hand around her navel before dragging it lightly to the top of her lower curls. “I will remember your scent and your touch and how it felt to love you. But most of all, I will remember how it felt to gaze at true beauty, both inside and out. For you are fair, my beloved, in soul and in body, generous of spirit and generous of heart. And I will never see anything this side of heaven more beautiful than you”  -Sylvain Reynard, Gabriel’s Inferno

When I finished reading Gabriel’s Inferno I wanted to re-read it all over again.  This book left me feeling like no other book has. It took me on a trip through a myriad of emotions. Julia and Gabriel both had dark pasts they were trying to escape and forget and they ended up finding each other I think when they needed to the most.  I know I am probably gushing too much on this book, but I cannot help it. It could have been a littler shorter, but I thought it rocked and I would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat. 

Rating: 4 ½ out of 5.

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Sugar Rush by Rachel Astor

Sugar Rush follows Dulcie Carter who runs Candy Land Confections, her family’s homemade candy store.  When her mother passed away, Dulcie was left to run the business on her own. Dulcie leads a very busy life and doesn't have time to date; nor does she want to date just a string of random guys. She wants to be with someone who is worth her time.

While she is out with her friend Lila, Dulcie becomes instantly drawn to one of the band members playing the bass guitar. He happens to spot Lila sitting at a table and can’t stop looking at her. The guitar player is Nick whose family owns the store How Sweet It Is, Candy Land Confections major competition. After the set, Nick approaches Dulcie and they share an awkward if not cute and nervous conversation. And then…

They sat for a few seconds, bathing in the tension, moving another inch closer, when he spotted something, his eyes flickering over her chair, then widening. The logo on her jacket. No. “Candy Land Confections? That’s your family business?” he asked, leaning back, his voice higher than he would have liked. “Uh, yeah, sort of,” she said, shifting in her seat. “Why?” No. It couldn’t be. The first time in forever he found someone he actually felt something for and her family was Candy Land? He cleared his throat. “You guys have great caramel-filled macaroons.” He leaned as far back in his chair as possible… as far away from her as possible. “Thanks,” she said, and smiled. Damn, she had a great smile. He had no idea what to do, so of course he did the exact wrong thing. “Not as good as ours, mind you,” he said.

Her eyebrows crinkled in a maddeningly cute way as she struggled to understand, and then… it hit her. Only one other place in town even made similar caramel-filled macaroons. Her mouth opened. “Oh my God,” she said, panic finding a home on her face, and she almost threw herself backward off her stool. Nick was already putting his coat on. “Seriously?” she said, sounding defensive. “You think your macaroons hold a candle to ours? You must be delusional.” He snorted. “Yeah, as delusional as the thousand customers who come in,” he said, leaning toward her again, “every day.” He regretted the words the moment they came out, but there was no taking them back.

-Rachel Astor, Sugar Rush

Now home after college Nick is working at How Sweet It Is. His father is set to retire soon and he is determined to make his father proud and show him that he is the perfect one to take over the company. He loves to put his creative energy to good use which is one of the reasons he plays in a band. He doesn’t get the opportunity to do anything creative at his work since all the sweets are made from an automatic machine. When he spots the invitation for the annual Assembly of Chocolatiers competition, thinking it is the perfect chance he has been waiting for, he convinces his father to let him enter.

Apart from Dulcie running her own business she is also finishing up her Master’s degree in Business Administration. But going to school and running a business takes up a huge chunk of her time and money. Money that she is running out of if she can’t bring in more business. Even though she is hesitant at first to enter the Chocolatier competition due to her embarrassment about failing the it previously, she decides to enter in hopes of winning the prize of $50,000. That would definitely help out with all of the bills that keep piling up.

They each have their own reasons for winning; Nick to prove himself to his father and Dulcie to save her shop and keep it afloat. But during the competition the more time they spend around each other the more sparks continue to fly. Soon they have to decide which is more important; a potential shot at love or winning first place?

Sugar Rush is a short and sweet read. The romance between Dulcie and Nick is adorable. They are a little awkward with each other which I thought was cute. It made them seem a little more real. I wasn't a huge fan of the instant draw between them, but it was fun seeing these two interact with each other. It’s a good choice if you are in the mood for a light romance with lots of talk about chocolate. Just be prepared to feel like indulging in your sweet tooth by the time you are done reading. 

Rating: 3 out of 5.

You can buy Sugar Rush here:

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

** I received this ARC from Entangled Publishing/Bliss in exchange for nothing, but my honest review. Thank you.** 

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Walking Disaster Cover Reveal!!!!!

From Goodreads:

Beautiful Disaster told in Travis point of view.

How much is too much to love?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. Just when he thought he was invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Jamie McGuire's New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster Abby had her say. Now it's time to see the story through Travis's eyes.

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

Did you see the amazingly hot cover for Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire?!?! That tattoo is wicked cool. I loved Travis in Beautiful Disaster; so naturally I am super excited to read Walking Disaster. It will be fun to see what Travis has to say this time around. Mark your calendar for April 16, 2013 when it will be released in paperback and e-book form!! I just hope that April gets her very, very quickly…

You can preorder a copy of Walking Disaster at these locations:

IndieBound

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

Naturally, Charlie by S.L. Scott

From Goodreads: 

Twenty-five year old Charlotte “Charlie” Barrow is caught between her old life and the one she is beginning to build when she crosses paths with a handsome stranger on the subway. Not looking for romance, she closes her heart off to the possibilities of love. With a knack for mishaps, Charlie maintains her sense of humor while befriending the kind stranger who seems to be there at all the right times.

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Naturally, Charlie is a story told from the alternating point of views of two Charlies; Charlotte and Charles.  

Charlotte is a smart and caring woman. She has been hurt in the past and so she is cautious and insecure about some things.

Charles is from Upper Manhattan. He comes from a privileged family and realizes that money isn't everything. He is determined to make his own way in life and become his own person.

These two first spot each other in New York City on a subway, but they never approach each other. After that they keep running into each other and so a friendship ensues. These two relate to each other in a light and easy way that makes it fun to watch. 

Their friendship grows more and more as time goes on and gradually that friendship leads to romance. This is not a love story with an instant attraction/I have to have you now type of thing, which is a nice change I think.  There are ups and downs in their relationship and for a while I was not sure which way the book was going to end.  But I enjoyed each moment.

Naturally, Charlie is a cute story about friendship, love, and fate. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. It made me happy. I would recommend this book to romance readers if they are looking for something a little different than the typical romance story.

Rating: 3½ out of 5.

Buy Naturally, Charlie here:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

** I received this ARC from The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House in exchange for nothing, but my honest review. Thank you.** 

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