Review: The Proposition

 
   

 Author: Katie Ashley

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis: With her thirtieth birthday looming, Emma Harrison finds her biological clock clanging and the elusive knight in shining armor yet to appear. She’s running out of options, especially after her gay best friend backs out from being her sperm donor. Of course, there’s always a sperm bank, but Emma fears a donor mix-up might impregnate her with the spawn of Satan.

Resident company womanizer, Aidan Fitzgerald, is used to always getting what he wants, especially in the bedroom. When Emma spurns his advances at the company Christmas party, he's determined to have her no matter what it takes. After Aidan learns of Emma's predicament, he is quick to offer a proposition that will benefit them both. He will father Emma's child, but she must conceive it with him naturally. Not one for hook-ups or casual sex, Emma is reluctant to take him up on his offer, but his charm, coupled with her intense desire for motherhood, wins out.

Soon their baby-making sessions become more than just physical. Aidan can't seem to walk away from her while Emma begins to wonder if Aidan could be the one. But can Aidan leave his past behind to become the man Emma needs him to be?

Review:

Just when I couldn't wait to finish reading a page so I can turn it to the next one, then I was smacked by...

"To be continued in The Proposal out on March 15, 2013"

After a dramatic and quite exciting scene for me, the story ended with a killer cliffy. But aside from that, this is just filled with romance, sweetness and drama that would knock you off your feet. It could easily be one of those books that would make you want to cuddle.

There are times when I can't stand Emma. There were few times in the beginning of the story when she was a bit whiny and such a good girl but after first night with Aidan, there seem to be a change in her personality that I liked. Or maybe it was her when she's with someone she's comfortable with.

According to others, Aidan was a player--the one girls usually avoid but he seems to be a sweet and attentive guy despite of his reputation. Well, maybe except for a certain incident. But the way he was presented is opposite to how he was described by other characters who knows him. I am excited to get to know him more in the second book.

Ashley made two amazing and cute characters. The secondary characters were even lovable. They were easy to read. The plot wasn't even complicated. Despite the drama this story ensures, it wasn't due to the complexity of the story. It was actually easy to digest. It's just the way it was written that made the feelings in this exist.

I cannot wait for the next one! I am ready to be swooned by Aidan's ways to win Emma back, and I'm thrilled to meet the kid. I just hope he will be exposed to the readers more than just being in the epilogue.

Review: Marriage by Mistake

Author: Alyssa Kress

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis: He woke up to discover two days of his life completely gone.

Workaholic Boston blueblood Dean has made it his life's goal to be the opposite of his irresponsible, womanizing father.

But Dean discovers that while in a hypnotic trance he'd acted exactly like his father, traveling to Las Vegas where he'd wooed and wed some sexy, airhead dancer.

Now, Kelly may be sexy, but she's no airhead. She knows the cold and puritanical man who claims to be her husband is not the man she'd married. But she suspects the warm and tender man she does love is buried somewhere deep inside. And she's determined to find him...

Review:

"Divorce is a coward's way out. I've always thought so. Once a vow is made, it should be kept." - Dean

Ooh, Las Vegas--The City of Sin. A suitable place to start with the story. Or the place where Dean and Kelly's story started.

At the first chapter, I immediately figured out that Kelly was a badass. Who would fly to Boston from Vegas just to see the man who left her in bed? Her character was easy to love and was what I expected with the female protagonists in most romance novels. She's fun, carefree and can easily charm people into liking her. Too bad, her husband seems adamant about the liking part.

Other than Dean and Kelly, we get to meet Troy and Felicia too. The two unlikely pair who gets to deal with their own story. I actually liked reading about them compared to the lead couple. I don't know but maybe it was because of Troy. I liked him more than Dean despite his sort of irresponsible behavior.

Although I obviously enjoyed reading this, there were unfortunately few things that didn't satisfy me. First was the character development and growth. Yes, they changed at the end of the story but I didn't actually felt it. There was something that held me back into embracing them although they were lovable. And oh, unfortunately after I've read this novel, the cover made me cringe. I don't want to be mean or anything but the those two on the cover doesn't really represent Dean and Kelly from the book.

All in all, I liked it. It wasn't that marvelous or amazing or incredible but I assure you that this is good. If you're looking for some light romance that has some heart in it, I guess you're in for a treat.

Review: Scent of Magic

 

Author: Maria V. Snyder

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | TBD

Synopsis: Hunted, Killed—Survived?

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again.

Review:

"No place is safe."

After reading Touch of Power, I couldn't wait till I start reading this second book. It started where the first one left off and I can't wait for more adventures.

This book has shifts with Avry's POV and a third-person POV to focus on Kerrick's sort-of solo adventure. We get to meet more characters and see the soldier-ish part of Avry. It strangely feels different compared to the second one because I was used to them being a team and travelling with each other. I was also used to that creepy feeling every time I read Tohon's name that I expect him to surprise our protagonists.

The only thing I felt off with this is that the whole book feels like a huge filler before an epic ending. Not that I want its pace to go faster, it's just that it lacked action compared to the previous one--maybe because those involved the group compared to this one. Everything felt like routine. But this gave each of them a chance to develop individually, especially Kerrick. His adventurous experience in the North wouldn't be like that if he's with the group. It became more challenging.

Oh and I love the return of one of my favourite character! I understood Avry's protectiveness of him.  Although I kinda grossed out at the scene where the Lily spit him out. I can't help but imagine some sticky saliva or maybe I'm just playing with my own mind. The mystery of the Peace and Death Lily wasn't fully exposed yet but I'm expecting it to help them more and maybe fight back?

This book just showed how alliances are forged and broken in times of war. It's like waiting for the next person to stab your back. The last fight scene was, ugh, I didn't see it coming! I didn't expect *toot* to be the traitor. I didn't expected the sister (not Noelle, mind you) to be that vicious. I thought she will fold and go against Tohon in the end.

With the last freakin scene, waiting for the next book is an agony. Prick me with the Death Lily's needle, I seriously need to start reading the next book. But I also don't want to rush the author because I want an epic, helluvah ending to this series. So, let the waiting commence..

--

This copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way.

Review: Take a Bow

 

Author: Elizabeth Eulberg

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | TBD

Synopsis: From the fantastic author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom & Prejudice comes a story of all the drama and comedy of four friends who grow into themselves at a performing arts high school.

Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business.

For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage.

Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates.

Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform.

The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.

Review:

I was about to give up on this at first because of Sophie but good thing I didn't. Eulberg did a very good job with this that almost covered everything.

Though this book was written in four POVs, it really did worked out for the book. It wasn't confusing at all. There was also raw passion felt from the characters when they're talking about music. I also loved its fast pace which didn't drag everything and add too much drama but still didn't feel like something was cut short from the story.

Oh and the characters. I definitely love how they were all written. The moment I started reading this, I already had it in my mind that Sophie will come out as the lead female protagonist in this and I was expecting myself to like her. But I really hated her. She was, ugh, self-centered and selfish and I really wonder how could people put up with her. What's new with this is I got used to hate manipulative bitches based on how other characters, usually the one narrating the story, interact with them. But in this one, we get to read and see what's going on with Sophie's mind and that's just downright nauseating. She was perfectly molded by the author to symbolize those people who climbs their way to the top no matter who they hurt. I hated her but I loved the way she was written.

Reading Carter, Sophie's boyfriend who is a former child star felt like someone's caged. Although he didn't have much POVs, he clearly delivered the message his character's meant to do. I loved how he was not overly exposed yet he still did well.

Emme and Ethan--oh I love these two. They are the most interesting POVs I've read and not to mention that their friendship was superb. They were each others rock and despite Ethan's self-destructive behavior, he really did care for Emma. Their 'journey' towards happiness was heartwarming and sweet to read, although my heart broke at some parts of it.

This is a story of friendship, fame, betrayal, love and art. It shows how people's mind work under the pressure of reaching their dream and keeping their relationship with others afloat.

Review: Reflected in You

 

Author: Sylvia Day

My Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | TBD

Synopsis: Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... mine.

My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We'd never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.

We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession...

Review:

I had my expectations, especially about the maturity of Eva and Gideon's relationship, after reading Bared to You last week. But after reading this second installment, all I had to say was, "What the fuck was that?"

I get it. Their relationship was nothing but normal and was almost based on sex. There wasn't much emotional investment between them other than saying that they desperately need each other every time one of them tries to run away. But each argument ends up with both of them in bed--which is not healthy.

What irks me most is how Gideon recoils from sharing his life with Eva. Sue me for being biased on women but it was totally unfair. I know he's scarred and he is not used to have someone so close to him but the fact that he doesn't want to compromise is stupid. I even understand his possessiveness towards her, making sure that he knows where she is and what she's doing. Eva even mentioned the give-and-take relationship but it was still not visible in them.

Gideon has a totally different way on how to keep those he loves safe and I get it. People have their own ways but the way it was explained at the end of the book was off. I know Eva hates Nathan so much but I didn't expect her to be okay with how Gideon solved the problem. Well probably not entirely okay with it but sort of based on how thankful she was at the last scene.

Let's not forget the issue with Corrine either. He was almost out of his skin trying to tell Eva that she's nothing to him but what did he do? Of all women to hang out and throw off the scent, he chose his ex-fiancee? The way he was acting was like he hates it when Eva spends some time with other guys but it's totally okay for him to spend time with his ex-fiancee, even knowing how much Eva hated her guts. Again with the freakin give-and-take. Worst is he won't even talk to her or give her anything other than, "Trust me, Eva" and "Wait." I think I had enough of those two, it could last for a year.

Well the only thing I disliked with Eva was the damsel-in-distress thing after the break up. Though I understand how invested she was with her relationship with Gideon, I expected her to come out stronger than she was given what she went through in the past.

Yes, I'm disappointed but I'm not giving up in reading this trilogy just yet. Although this book was filled with the insanity of their unhealthy relationship and its effects, their personal issues and never-ending fights; I think the way it was lengthened was necessary to make the healing process for both of them believable. With their kind of relationship, rushing things up is not even an option and I'm glad Day pointed it out when she said that she might write a fourth installment to make Eva and Gideon's relationship quite believable and end up being a healthy one. I just wish things won't be dragging in the next book. We need more answers to some questions or maybe some explanations. After this one, I feel like I don't really know them at all. We need more than running-away-from-each-other-then-fucking-each-other's-brains-after routine which kinda devoured this book. Their shifting personalities were in the way and I hope this will be solved in the next book.

Review: Touch of Power

 
   

Author: Maria V. Snyder

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | TBD

Synopsis: Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Review:

"I could heal their friend of the plague, but then I couldn't heal myself."

Oh wow. The last dystopian novel I've read that has its own world was also written by Snyder and I have to say that she's marvelous. It felt like I entered a different world and was with the characters in their adventure. I love how it was written. I wasn't overloaded or overwhelmed with information in one sitting. Instead it felt like I was picking each piece as the story goes along.

The characters were amazing. Avry's compassion as a healer was heartwarming. As she describe how she felt every time she healed the others, I felt proud of her as if I was Tara, her mentor. But despite her undying compassion, she was also strong-willed and really smart. I also love reading Belen, Flea, Loren and Quain. Even Kerrick can be sweet and thoughtful underneath his standoffish attitude. Each of them were really connected with one another, even I felt their loyalty. I wish there were more description about what they looked like though. Snyder mentioned a bit of their physical features but it wasn't enough to form a concrete image of them in my mind.

I have never read anything like this before. It felt like I was in an LOTR-kind of world with the Realms and mountain and forests. It was unique compared to others, even with their names! I love how Snyder really put an effort with their names.

I only wished a few things were elaborated and given more reason that what it presented. Just like Tohon's evil plans--they felt like they're just present because no one would fill in the part of an evil king. Although he did a good job, especially with his creepy army. But it felt like his reasons weren't enough for me. He was greedy, okay, but I kinda need more.

I also wished Ryne's involvement in the last few parts of the story gave more explanations, since he and Avry spent some time together but there wasn't much. Most information I expected to come from him was even supplied by Kerrick. I still have hopes for him though. I really want to know more about him and his background in the second book.

"I feared I had lost you without even telling you how I felt."

Thank god the romance part of the story wasn't presented immediately. I love how it didn't clouded the characters' decisions except for the last few parts after the confession.

I'm quite excited to read the rest of the story.

Review: A Match Made in High School

 

Author: Kristin Walker

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | TBD

Synopsis: When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can't get any worse. Then she marries her "husband": jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona's long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer.

Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.

Review:

"I wonder if true love is more subtle. If it sneaks up and just stands there next to you, and you don't recognize that it's true love until you turn and look at this thing that's been right there in front of you all along, and you realize that you never want to be without it."

 At one glance, this seems like the typical girl-and-boy-hates-each-other-but-eventually-falls-in-love and I actually expected it to be. From the first few chapters, I expected Todd to reveal an ultimate secret why he's acting like a jerk. This was hilarious and I enjoyed myself reading it. The best part was Sam, the kid Fiona babysits and some of the pranks she did. 

Unfortunately, there were two parts where I had to raise an eyebrow.

One is with their guidance counselor, Maggie. I expected her to act like an adult. I thought she'd be the one to shed some light about Fiona and Todd's mutual hate but she acted like some teenager who'd grovel at a handsome boy's feet. How her character acted at the end was also a bit off in my opinion. I understand stress and but I guess I expected her to be composed and not to whine about what's happening.

Second is the exaggeration of the girls being dumb.

"It took several minutes, as many of the senior girls had not yet mastered the intricacies of the English alphabet."

Well I seriously find it stupid to emphasize their stupidity by pointing out their lack of knowledge about the alphabet. I actually don't believe it. They live in America, and they're seniors for gods' sake. I might have understood if it was spelling or maths but this is quite eyebrow-raising moment for me.

Other than Sam, the only character I got to know was Fiona and Todd. I think they bring out the better qualities of each other and I like how breezy their friendship is like. He didn't lose the jerk attitude which is good because it was already embedded in his character and it would be quite weird for him to be suddenly two-goody shoes.

I also understood the way Fiona acted. Actually, it's how minorities usually act when they're used to bullying. Unlike Todd, I don't accept Amanda's reason for her behavior towards Fiona. I know I'm being biased but if Fiona became understanding despite all of it, I would cry bullshit. She was the most real character in the book and I actually liked how the author wrote her.

I definitely didn't expect the end. I was again blinded by the typical formula of boys and girls, but I was okay with it. I actually like this guy. I only wish we had the chance to get to know him more. It seems like the story revolved more around Fiona and Todd that other characters weren't able to develop.

All in all, I liked this story. One of those books I want to read after a stressful day from school.

Review: Five Flavors of Dumb

Author: Antony John

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | TBD

Synopsis: THE CHALLENGE: Piper has one month to get a paying gig for Dumb—the hottest new rock band in school.

THE DEAL: If she does it, she'll become manager of the band and get her share of the profits, which she desperately needs since her parents raided her college fund.

THE CATCH: Managing one egomaniacal pretty boy, one talentless piece of eye candy, one crush, one silent rocker, and one angry girl who is ready to beat her up. And doing it all when she's deaf. With growing self-confidence, an unexpected romance, and a new understanding of her family's decision to buy a cochlear implant for her deaf baby sister, Piper just may discover her own inner rock star.

Review:

"Music. It's not about those things. It's about a feeling. It's about expressing yourself. It's about letting go." - Kallie

For the nth time, I made a mistake of not reading a book the moment it was recommended to me. *facepalm*

I did expect this book to be good, but I never expected it to win me not just because it's related to music. It slammed home! I never expected any book to make me feel what How to Kill a Rock Star did in my personal perspective but this book definitely came close.

Once again, a book showed us how music could change our lives despite not having the talent to make it. It's the passion that counts and in this book, it was not Josh, Will, Tash, Ed or Finn that made me realise that. It was Kallie and eventually Piper.

The plot itself was awesome. How could a deaf girl manage a band? I'm sure everyone had doubts even those who loved Piper so much but her determination and belief in the band made it all possible.

This was just the right mix I was looking for. It has raw passion, right pull of emotions, some drama and everything else including friendship, family and love.

"Bands fall out. But at the end of the day, they're like family." - Baz

The characters were awesome. It made it more real because of how they were uniquely written. Each of them had their own personality and made the story whole. Even Josh's asshole-ness (is that a word?) made it complete.

I love how it featured Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix. Both legends made the characters love and reverence for music made it all real. I am honestly emotional, like Kallie, when it comes to Kurt Cobain and I was having a hard time trying to hold back my tears while I was reading it at school. I love how the author managed to teach not just Piper but also the readers how these legends rose to fame and how much they've influenced their listeners. I just love reading them here.

This, without a doubt, goes to my list of all time favourite books that I would not get tired of rereading. I hope whoever reads this will also feel that amazingly indescribable feeling I felt.

Review: Bared to You

 
   

Author: Sylvia Day

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | TBD

Synopsis: Our journey began in fire...

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness—beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.

The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...

Review:

There were push-and-pull moments while reading this book. I like how I see its potential based on its plot and how the characters go together rather than the sexual chemistry they have with each other. Of course, the sexual tension was undeniable at the beginning of the story.

Both characters were royally fucked up and there's something with these two that makes them whole when they're together. Although I've had enough of controlling and dominating men after reading adult novels, there's something about Gideon that makes me okay with it. I think it's his vulnerability he's showing when he's alone with Eva and his obvious attraction to her and not being able to deny it. It made his feelings and relationship with Eva genuine than it would be if he's trying to show his possessiveness without making Eva feel that she has the power over him.

So why were there moments when I felt being pushed away from the story? It's because of the immaturity the characters implies sometimes, and it's not just Gideon and Eva. Even Cary seems immature sometimes, especially in the latter part of the book. I admired Cary since the start of the novel, and I get it that he's also a scarred kid but the way he was acting at the end seems shit. I expected him to be Eva's rock when everything falls down. Or maybe I expected too much from him.

It's also sad that Gideon and Eva maturity towards their relationship stayed the same at the end of the book. I sort of expected them to meet halfway but after compromising, something happens that makes the other one back out. I wish this would change in the second book.

All in all, I liked it. And I get it how others would compare it to FSG but this is far better than that one. The plot makes you keep guessing and reading, which is good in terms of suspense. And the writing, ah! This is so much better. Day has a way of writing characters and scenes vividly without exaggerating it and I thank her for that or else I would have thrown up.

Review: And All the Stars

 

Author: Andrea K. Höst

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis: Come for the apocalypse.

Stay for cupcakes.
Die for love.

Madeleine Cost is working to become the youngest person ever to win the Archibald Prize for portraiture. Her elusive cousin Tyler is the perfect subject: androgynous, beautiful, and famous. All she needs to do is pin him down for the sittings.

None of her plans factored in the Spires: featureless, impossible, spearing into the hearts of cities across the world – and spraying clouds of sparkling dust into the wind.

Is it an alien invasion? Germ warfare? They are questions everyone on Earth would like answered, but Madeleine has a more immediate problem. At Ground Zero of the Sydney Spire, beneath the collapsed ruin of St James Station, she must make it to the surface before she can hope to find out if the world is ending.

Review:

"All for one!'

I started reading this book confused and going back to the same line twice before getting the gist of it. I seriously felt bad thinking about not liking this, but thank you Höst for proving me wrong.

I admit, I still had that difficulty of picturing out some scenes but I was sucked into the story, I can't think about any disappointments at that time. It has one helluvah plot which was completely foreign to me but was blown away by it.

Madeleine, an artist who skipped school was caught in this whirlwind of alien invasion and became the strongest threat to the invaders. I can't imagine the doubts and confusion she must have felt. Not really good with PR, she was suddenly given the biggest load to carry being the strongest from the group. I wish it was explained why she was different than the others though. But I liked how she was written. The undeniable doubt and fear despite being determined to save the world was a kick.

Other characters were definitely lovable, especially Pan and Noi! It felt like they were the icing on the cake with the sense of humor and strong determination.

The plot twist was a twist in my gut. I am passionate when it comes to shipping and it was a blow. I blurted out "ohmygod" while I was in our school's cafeteria after reading that line with full emotions. But I was glad everything turned out okay with the two of them. I was also glad it didn't happen during the battle which would make it unbelievable.

"There were some people that you were just meant to be friends with."

The very highlight in this story was the friendship between The Blue Musketeers. It was tough as a cookie, no invader can break and I admire it a lot. Those survival moments they spend altogether, saving each others ass despite being strangers was touching. Especially how Noi and Madeleine became friends and checked the apartment.

All in all, this is a very good read. If you're confused at the first few chapters, do not give up! It'll be worthwhile. And don't you think having stars on your skin rock? I loved imagining having nebulae all over me.

--

This copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way.

Review: Waking Up Married

    

Author: Mira Lyn Kelly

My Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | TBD

Synopsis: Her first thought: "Who are you?"

It's the morning after her cousin's bachelorette party in Vegas and Megan Scott wakes up with the mother of all hangovers. Even worse, she's in a stranger's penthouse having woken up with something else as well—a funny, arrogant, sexy...husband!

Up until now, finding even a boyfriend had seemed impossible—been there, got the broken heart, sworn off men for good. Then a few martinis with Carter...no, Connor Reed and she's gone from first meet to marriage in one night!

Megan wants a lawyer. But Connor's shocking bombshell?

"I don't want a divorce."

 Review:

"You want to win the genetic jackpot, then skip the pit stop at Gamblers Anonymous altogether. Obviously your best bet is on me." - Connor

3.5 stars

After agreeing to have a marriage of convenience, Connor and Megan set some rules about their family and everything seems to go on their way until their hearts decided to intervene.

There's something about two couples being in love but trying so hard to deny it that I find appealing. I like to read about the way they resist to their pull towards each other.. and fail. It might be a cliche but it usually depends on how it's written and I like how Kelly did it.

Connor was adorable. He might not be the most handsome guy ever described in books but he was damn attractive the way he was written. I like the fact that he's not a one-night stand kind of guy despite his cynic views about love.

Megan too was fun to read. Her vulnerability and her doubts makes her character genuine. The only problem I had was her and the sperm donor issue. It was implied numerous times that she wanted to have a kid, thus the artificial insemination but it wasn't emphasized why and how much she wanted this other than mere mentions about it. I don't understand whether she wants to have a kid that bad or she just wants it just because.

"She'd been a hassle from the start. The kind of work he never invested in the relationships. She'd taken time. She'd taken romancing. She'd kept him on his toes, kept him working, kept him guessing. She'd infuriated and confused him. And he'd relished every minute of it."

This is one of those books that I don't mind being predictable. It was fun and easy to read, not to mention that this is also pack with sexiness and romance.

--

This copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way.

Review: On Dublin Street

 
   

Author: Samantha Young

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | TBD

Synopsis: Four years ago, Jocelyn Butler left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Edinburgh. Burying the grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without any real attachments has worked well for her so far but when Joss moves into a fantastic apartment on Dublin Street, her carefully guarded world is shaken to its core by her new roommate’s sexy older brother.

Braden Carmichael is a man who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is Jocelyn in his bed. Knowing how skittish Joss is concerning any kind of relationship, Braden proposes a sexual arrangement that should satisfy the intense attraction between them without it developing into anything ‘more’. An intrigued Jocelyn agrees, completely unprepared for the Scotsman and his single-minded determination to strip the stubborn young woman bare…to the very soul.

Review:

"I didn't want tomorrow. I knew what was waiting for me in tomorrow, and what was waiting was an inevitable mess. Everything was a lot nicer in the present."

Oh wow. This is the best adult novel I've read so far. I'm pretty sure this book doesn't sell just because of sex but because of the story itself.

Jocelyn (because she's a woman in my eyes too) was a dynamic character. She's been through hell and back and she obviously wants to stay away from attachments in any form. The way she was written was not like some damsel-in-distress. Jocelyn was strong and determined to do things her own way.

Braden, though described as controlling and sometimes gave the impression, wasn't that controlling that seems popular now with the heroes of adult novels. I didn't even felt like he was 30. He was fun to read and quite easy to get but definitely not boring.

Other characters, especially Ellie were lovable! Each characters were given roles that made the story better than it would have been if the only characters emphasized were Jocelyn and Braden.

I love how they didn't jumped into each other at the first few chapters. It made their relationship more genuine and had made it believable. The drama also helped in developing the plot. I personally liked how Jocelyn's conversation with her therapist was inserted every time she felt confusion.

All in all, it was cute, angsty, sad, steamy and sweet. I would definitely love to read more of Samantha Young's books because of this.