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Happy New Year! I hope everyone has a great new year full of happiness, health and love :)
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Top 10 Most Anticipated 2014 Books
In my last post I listed my Top 10 Books Read in 2013, now in this post I'm listing my Top 10 Most Anticipated 2014 Books. Now before getting to my list, I want to take a second to look back at my first blogging year. I joined the blogging community over a year now and I have discovered some awesome bloggers/blogs that have inspired me and helped me find great new books/authors that I wouldn't have otherwise. So I thank those that have recommended me awesome books and I hope everyone has a great New Year ahead full of happiness and lots of new books! :)
Thank you to those that have followed me and read this blog, you guys are amazing!
*Click on the title to go to its Goodreads page.
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Bright Before Sunrise by TiffanySchmidt
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Thanks for stopping by! :)
Top 10 Books Read in 2013
Hi everyone! I wanted to make a post of my top 10 books that I read in 2013. I know there was a meme going around last week (I think) of a similar theme, but I wasn't able to join. But now since we are so close to 2014, I thought I would make a post with some of my favorite books that I've read over the past year. It was tough picking just 10 since I found a lot of great books this year, but at the end I came up with the following list. Enjoy! :)
*Click on the title to go to my review or click on the cover to go to its Goodreads page.
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Those were my top 10 books that I've read this year. Thanks for stopping by my blog and I will also be posting a separate post of my Top 10 Most Anticipated Books of 2014 so be on the look out for that post as well. :)
Thanks for stopping by! :)
Friday, December 27, 2013
Feature and Follow Friday (#35)
Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! or just check out the weekly questions and see what others respond.
*If you would like to follow me, you can do so by GFC, Bloglovin, Goodreads, or Twitter :) Just let me know if you are a new follower and I will follow back :D
Question: Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! What books did Santa stuff your stocking with this holiday season? Do a holiday book haul for us! If you don’t celebrate just show off your books that you got this week. Pictures!!!
Answer: No books! Unfortunately, but I got myself a book after. :) I still haven't had the chance to read it, but I love the cover and the synopsis sounds great!
Thanks for stopping by!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Review: A Kiss by Design by Christy Hayes
by Christy Hayes
Released Date: Published November 27th 2013 by Cah LLC
Series: Kiss & Tell #1
Pages: 244
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
What's a girl to do when her best friend is making a mistake? Stop him, of course. College sophomore Emily Dilbert has been best friends with Dylan Chamberlain since they were kids. All she wants is for him to be happy and she knows him better than anyone. That's why when she finds an engagement ring in his backpack she has to stop him from marrying the wrong girl. Dylan Chamberlain has been in love with his brother's girlfriend, Emily, since the second grade. When his brother asks for help planning a surprise proposal, Dylan knows it's time to bury his feelings and finally let Emily go. Too bad his heart refuses to cooperate. All of Emily's attempts to lure Dylan away from his girlfriend fail, forcing her to turn up the heat on their friendship. Will Dylan reveal his long-buried secret and tell Emily how he feels? Or will Emily be forced to use any means necessary to show him the error of his ways?
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
My Review:
I really enjoyed reading A Kiss by Design, it had an interesting plot and characters. Christy Hayes did a good job executing the story as well as describing what each other the main characters were feeling/thinking by adding their point-of-views as well.
Emily Dilbert is a college sophomore, who is content with her boyfriend and friends. She knows that whenever she is in need of help her best friend, Dylan, will always be there. But it all soon starts to change when she finds an engagement ring in his backpack. That's when she realizes that the time with her friend is almost over. Emily cares deeply for Dylan, they have been friends since they were kids and she knows him more than anymore else, and all she wants is his happiness. With that in mind, she formulates a plan to get him to see reality before he makes a great mistake by marrying someone that he is not going to make him happy.
Dylan Chamberlain has been in love with his brother's girlfriend ever since they were kids. He knows her more than anyone else and he hates to see his brother with Emily and not treat her right. But when his brother asks him to keep the engagement ring safe for him, he realizes that his love for Emily has to stop and that he needs to move on. He tries to ignore her to keep his sanity safe, but he can't ignore her for long before he starts to miss her. As Emily's plan is in the works, she does everything she can to get Dylan to realize that he is making a mistake. But the close they get, the more they start to see that their friendship can turn into something more.
The way the story is executed was great. I liked how it started and overall idea. I had some issues with Emily as a character, she doesn't make the smartest decisions in the story. I enjoyed reading Dylan's point-of-view the best, he is adorable and charming. I liked him a lot in the story and how caring he is. What I didn't like as much was the end, it felt too rushed for me. The last couple of chapters could have been executed differently. It's predictable how everything is going to turn out, but I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend anyone to give it a try. I'm most definitely be reading the second book in the series.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
My Rating:
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Review: Kissing Under The Mistletoe by Bella Andre
by Bella Andre
Released Date: Published September 24th 2013 by Harlequin MIRA
Series: The Sullivans #10
Pages: ebook 400
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
For Mary Sullivan Christmas is, and always has been, about family. And this year is no different. As she awaits the arrival of her eight children and their partners at the cottage in Lake Tahoe, she hangs the ornaments that they made for her over the years. Each decoration brings with it a tide of memories, all of which she holds dear to her heart. But when she comes across the oldest ornament, the one her beloved husband, Jack, gave her on their very first Christmas together, Mary is immediately swept back to the first days of their whirlwind romance, to the love that would be the foundation on which they built the family she is so proud to call her own.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
My Review:
A heartwarming story of love and new beginnings...
Kissing Under the Mistletoe is by far one of my favorite holiday books that is a must read.Bella Andre does it again with this book and it didn't disappoint at all. I love the Sullivan series and to read where it all begin brought me to tears. This book is a heartfelt story of true love and what it can accomplish when two souls are truly destined for each other.
While waiting for her children to arrive to their Lake Tahoe cottage, Mary Sullivan finds herself putting the last touches to her Christmas tree. With each ornament that she pulls out, she remembers back to where every single one of them took place. She recalls the precious moments that she has had over the years with her children and just how much joy she had with them and her husband. But there is one specific ornament that she holds dear the most, and that is the one her husband, Jack Sullivan gave her on their first Christmas together. Meeting Jack was not on Mary's agenda and it wasn't planned at all. Some might call it destiny, or it might have been fate that brought them together. But just when Mary thought she had nothing else to look forward to in her life, she meets a handsome engineer whose irresistible looks pulled her in the minute he spoke to her for the first time. Jack was only looking to get his big break and invention out to the public, but when his idea is rejected, he took it upon himself to find the one person that would save him and his invention. Little did Jack knew that by asking Mary to help him would it change his life forever.
It all happened fast for the two of them, the chemistry between them brought them closer and their story truly begins when they start facing obstacles in their lives. Mary's past hasn't been the easiest, she left her parents in Italy as a young girl to pursue a modeling career, but not even the most luxurious life would bring her back to her parents and she understood that. Now after many years away from home, she is faced with challenges that only she can overcome. From the very start it's evident that Jack and Mary have had their struggles in life, the two seem to be lost souls, but when they are together it's impossible to pull them apart. That's one of the many things that I loved about this book, the characters are so believable that I really connected with them till the very end.
Bella Andre did not only created one of my favorite series of all time, but she also created memorable characters that give me a sense of hope every time I read one of her books. From the story line to the setting, everything flowed beautifully and it comes together very well in the end. I highly recommend everyone to give this series a try, you will not regret it.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
My Rating:
Waiting on Wednesday (#39)
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:
Wish You Were Italian
by Kristin Rae
Expected publication: May 6th 2014 by Bloomsbury
Pippa is in Italy for the summer and, despite her parents’ wishes, she has no intention of just studying the local art! She has a list of things of her own to do: from swimming in the Mediterranean Sea to getting a makeover – and falling for an Italian boy! As Pippa explores the dramatic ruins of Rome and Pompeii, she is swept into her own drama with two guys: an irresistible local she knows is nothing but trouble and a cute American archaeology student . . . Will she find her true love?
The perfect reckless romance to enjoy whether you are home or abroad.
The perfect reckless romance to enjoy whether you are home or abroad.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
***I can't wait to get my hands on this book! I love the cover and it sounds like it's going to be a great book. ;)
What are you guys waiting to read? Let me know and I'll make sure to check your WoW. Thanks!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Review: Let Me Be the One by Bella Andre
by Bella Andre
Released Date: Published August 28th 2012 by Oak Press
Series:The Sullivans #6
Pages: 227
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
When Vicki Bennett saved Ryan Sullivan’s life as a teenager, it was the beginning of a close friendship that never wavered despite her failed marriage to someone else and Ryan’s well-earned reputation as a ladies man. So when she suddenly needs a pretend boyfriend to protect herself and her career from a powerful man’s advances, he is the only person she can imagine asking.
Ryan will do anything to protect Vicki from harm, but when their “fake” kisses and caresses lead to an incredibly sensual night that neither of them can resist, will he have made the biggest mistake of all by irreparably jeopardizing their friendship? Or is it possible that what they’ve both been looking for has been right there the whole time…and the perfect combination of wicked and sweet, friendship and love, is finally within reach?
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
My Review:
Let Me Be the One is the story of two best friends hiding their true feelings for one another while learning to overcome obstacles coming their way. They met when they were in high school and ever since then Vicki Bennett and Ryan Sullivan have been best friends. Over the course of their lives, they have met all sorts of people, created lives far from each other until Vicki surprises Ryan with her return to San Francisco and that's where their story truly begins.
Vicki has been used to not having a lot of friends, especially when her family tends to relocate a lot. But that didn't stop her form noticing the popular/handsome guy at school, Ryan Sullivan. Their friendship was instantaneous and so was their attraction for one another. Now years later, she comes back to San Francisco after getting divorced . Wanting to start fresh, she enters an art fellowship, where she will have to create different pieces and have them scored by major art sculptors. But it wasn't too long before she found herself asking for her best friend's help. In order to get one of the directors to stop harassing her, she'll have to pretend that Ryan is her boyfriend. Soon she discovers that asking for his will change her life forever.
Ryan has had a very successful career, he has everything he could ever want, expect the women he loves. Ever since meeting Vicki in high school, he has felt the need to protect her and be by her side. Falling in love with her and not being able to tell her kills him, but is only right to help his friend in need. With this in mind, he decides to help Vicki, but with all the pretending soon things start to become real for the both of them threatening their years of friendship.
I really liked Vicki's character, her artistic side brought more interest to the story. She does have a lot of insecurities, but as the story progressed she was able to change and grow as an individual. Bella Andre did an amazing job showing the growth of the characters, and it all flowed perfectly fine until half way to the end, which I thought it was a bit rushed. Nevertheless, the story as a whole was great. Ryan Sullivan is just amazing, he is caring and a good brother. I love the interaction that he has with Vicki and his family. He brings the cuteness to the story and the sizzling romance. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I really liked the very end. I would recommend the whole series to anyone that wants to read good romance stories full of great characters and plots.
*ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
My Rating:
Monday, December 23, 2013
Review: The Reunion Lie by Lucy King
by Lucy King
Released Date: Published November 19th 2013 by Harlequin KISS
Pages: 224
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
It was only meant to be a little white lie.
Inventing a fake fiancé was an act of desperation for Zoe Montgomery - a knee-jerk response to her horrifying high school reunion! But now that she's convinced London's most unattainable bachelor to play the part, her little white lie is spiraling out of control.
Because everyone wants a piece of tycoon Dan Forrester. Including Zoe! Especially once she's seen the view from his bedroom - this might be a fake engagement, but she's certainly not faking anything else!
Now the reunion is over, and Zoe and Dan have convinced the world they're meant to be! But convincing each other? A whole different challenge...
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
My Review:
The Reunion Lie is a fast-paced romance that is enjoyable to read. I like the overall idea of the book, it has a great premise that immediately pulls you in and the cover is stunning. Lucy King did a good job portraying the characters and the challenges that they have to face. Both with painful pasts, Zoe and Dan are the perfect couple that need each other in order to overcome their separate obstacles. Having triumph in her career, Zoe would have never imagined that after attending her high school reunion everything in her life was going to change.
She didn't want to attend her high school reunion and have to see all the people that hurt her in her past. But thinking that she was brave enough to do it, she attends her reunion only to be questioned by her high school classmates. Not knowing what to tell them that would impress them, she invents a whole story of having the “perfect” fiancé. When things get out of hand, she stumbles upon Dan and after she kisses him, she asks him to be her fake fiancé (at least around her old classmates).
Dan was only getting to the restaurant when Zoe bumps into him and he is surprised to hear her ask him to be her fake fiancé. He sees how desperate she is and decides to help her, but soon he is forced to tell everyone who he is without measuring the consequences of his actions. As the two start to spend more time together, their attraction grows and so is their love for one another. Little do they know that spending time together will leave them to make difficult decisions in the future.
The writing of the book is very well-written and it flows quite well. I liked Zoe's character the most, she is driven and straight to the point. Both Dan and Zoe have insecurities and by being near each other, they are helping one another overcome their troubles. Overall, the story had a great plot and I would recommend everyone to give it a try.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
My Rating:
Friday, December 20, 2013
Feature and Follow Friday (#34)
Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! or just check out the weekly questions and see what others respond.
*If you would like to follow me, you can do so by GFC, Bloglovin, Goodreads, or Twitter :) Just let me know if you are a new follower and I will follow back :D
Question: Pick a book in your favorite genre that you'd recommend to a reluctant reader.
Answer: This is a tough one, I love to read just about any genre but anything YA will be great for a reluctant reader. I couldn't pick just one, but it would either Anna and the French Kiss and/or The Iron Fey Series.
Anna and the French Kiss
by Stephanie Perkins
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming,beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
The Iron King
by Julie Kagawa
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
***Both books have romance and adventure, but the Iron Fey Series has a mythical/fantasy twist to the series. It would really depend on the person and what he/she might be interested in reading :) What would you guys recommend a reluctant reader to read? Let me know and don't forget to leave me your FF links.
Thanks for stopping by! :)
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Waiting on Wednesday (#38)
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:
The Lost Boys
by Lilian Carmine
Expected publication: January 1st 2014 by Ebury PressFate has brought them together. But will it also keep them apart? Having moved to a strange town, 17-year-old Joey Gray is feeling a little lost, until she meets a cute, mysterious boy near her new home. But there’s a very good reason why Tristan Halloway is always to be found roaming in the local graveyard.
The Lost Boys is a magical, romantic tale of girl meets ghost.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
***This is definitely a book that I'll be getting as soon as it's released. I love the cover and the synopsis really caught my attention. :) What are you guys waiting to read?