Review: Merger of the Heart by Melia Alexander

Merger of the Heart 
by Melia Alexander
Released Date: December 29th 2014 by Entangled: Lovestruck
Pages: 249
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Author's Links: Goodreads

A satisfying category romance from Entangled's Lovestruck imprint… 

He's about to acquire a whole lot more than a business… When her grandfather dies, Jessica Adams inherits the family construction business. But there are strings attached. Big, deal-breaking strings. For one, Jessica's grandfather was in the process of selling the company to a national firm. And two? The big wig who made the offer for Jessica's business is none other than Daniel Spencer, her ex-lover and the father of her seven-year-old son. Only Daniel doesn't know. What started as a standard business acquisition has turned Daniel's entire world―and his plans―inside out. But even as he offers her the deal of the lifetime, everything changes when he meets her son. Their son. Now Daniel is laying everything on the line to put together a much different kind of merger...if he can convince Jessica to take the biggest risk of her life.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

Merger of the Heart was a well-written story full of romance, second chances, and a merger between two individuals that changes the course of their lives for the better. 

Being the first book I've read by the author, I wasn't sure what to expect of the book. Needless to say I was rather impressed with the story line, and characters themselves. There was a lot of character development that took its own course throughout the story without feeling forced. The story starts off following the death of Jessica Adams's grandfather, amidst all that is happening around her at the time, she finds out that her grandfather has left her a construction company that has been in the process of getting sold without her knowing. Now not only does she have to stop the contract from getting completed to save her grandfather's legacy, and the one of her son. Without knowing who she was going to bump into next, she is surprised to see that Daniel Spencer, an ex-lover who dumped her the minute he could, is the one buying her grandfather's company. Old wounds are open, and a secret that she has been hiding for seven years is revealed the minute Daniel enters her life again. 

Daniel Spencer has always dreamed of making it big some day. Having worked endlessly to make his dream come true, the minute he returns to make the deal that will get him to where he wants to be, he was not expecting to find Jessica, his ex-lover, declining his offer. It could have been the deal of a lifetime for her and for everyone else working at the construction company that her grandfather loved, but she changed the game by saying no. Now Daniel's plans change as soon as he sees the little boy that calls Jessica “mom,” and what surprised him the most was the comparison that he has with the little boy. 

The chemistry between the two main characters is undeniable, they have their own pasts that have kept them from being happy. Jessica has hidden her son from his father, and Daniel is afraid of not meeting the expectations that he has for himself, and when he finds out that he has a son, he worries that he won't be a good father. So, there is definitely a lot that the characters have to learn and overcome if they want to find happiness. I really enjoyed reading the interaction that Daniel has with his son, it was cute to read. Jessica is a loving mother, but she wants to keep a strong face when her son is around, which made that relatable to read. As a reader I connected with the characters, and really rooted for them to fix their relationship. Overall, the story was captivating and I really enjoyed reading it. I recommend it for those that are looking for a quick romantic story. :)

***ARC provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Waiting on Wednesday (#74)

"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:

Never Never

by Colleen Hoover and  Tarryn Fisher 

Release Date: January 11th 2015 by Hoover Ink

Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen. Complete strangers since this morning.
He'll do anything to remember. She'll do anything to forget.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads) 

***I can't wait to read Never Never! I got goosebumps just reading the synopsis, and the cover looks amazing. What do you guys think? Would you be reading Never Never?

 Let me know what you guys are waiting to read? ***

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Review: Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay

Pretending with the Playboy 
by Tracey Livesay
Released Date: December 29th 2014 by Entangled: Indulgence
Pages: 229
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Author's Links: Goodreads, Website, Twitter, Facebook

Commitment makes you weak. It's playboy Carter Richardson's motto. The only exception to the rule is his aunt, and when Carter learns she's terminally ill, he rushes to her bedside. Filled with fear and guilt—and desperate to ease his aunt's mind—Carter does the only thing a guy could do...he panics and blurts out that he's engaged to his aunt's enticing protegée. Lauren Olsen has already had her heart crushed once by Carter. Against her better judgment, she agrees to keep up appearances—until Carter makes their “engagement” public in order to protect the family business. 

Now Lauren's torn between obeying her conscience, and obeying her desire. Because while she could never trust the womanizing Carter she once knew, she seems to be falling for the man beneath the playboy...
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading Pretending with the Playboy, it was a cute romantic story that had it's ups and downs. Tracey Livesay did a good job with the book, it wasn't just about love between two childhood friends that was explored in the book, but also about friendships, and loyalty.

Carter Richardson has made it very clear that he doesn't do relationships. He has also made it clear over the years that he doesn't want to be involved in the family business. His family has made the Richardson name very powerful, but his family's money wasn't about to hold Carter back when he all he wanted was to create a name for himself, and so he left Chicago in order to pursue what he wanted. Working his way up, he easily became very successful. Yet, having everything at his disposal, Carter's only weakness is his Aunt Dorothy. The one he left behind to pursue his career after his parents passed away, and the one that took over the family business for him. Now after been away from his childhood home for years, he receives the shock of his life when his childhood friend, Lauren Olsen, comes knocking at his door determined to bring him back to see his ill aunt. Little did he knew the commitment that he was going to make to make his sick aunt happy again. 

Lauren Olsen had a rough childhood, her parents died, and she suddenly found herself being raised by Aunt Dorothy. She took Lauren under her wing, by giving her a job, and helping Lauren with her studies. Having met Carter before, she was aware of his playboy status, and for that she wasn't too thrilled to bring him back to Chicago. But with Aunt Dorothy's illness, she didn't have a choice, especially when the company could be in deep trouble if they don't find a new CEO to replace Dorothy. But she wasn't expecting to find herself attracted to the playboy that she once knew all over again, and that she had to pretend to be in love with him all to protect his family legacy, and Aunt Dorothy. 

I personally liked both character's personalities, Lauren and Carter have a lot learn throughout the book that made it relatable, and realistic. Carter is a playboy, one that knows what he wants to achieve, yet he also has a soft heart when it comes to his Aunt Dorothy. She definitely had the most influence on him, the drive that he has to make a name for himself takes him away from his family. On the other hand, Lauren does the complete opposite and almost wants to become like Aunt Dorothy, by spending time together, she is constantly looking for her approval. Lauren is a talented artist, and she knows that her calling is somewhere else, but she doesn't want to break the news to Dorothy of fear that she might not get better. 

Things started to heat up when Lauren and Carter started to spend more time together, after he tells everyone in his family's company as well as his aunt, that he is getting married, everyone is pretty much watching their every move. The were some secondary characters that brought out the drama with them and helped speed up the story. All in all, the story line was enjoyable to read. I found myself rooting for the main characters, and always happy to read their romantic scenes. The ending was my favorite part that I almost wish the story would of kept going. I recommend the book, it was romantic, and fun to read. I would certainly keep reading more from the author in the future. :)

***ARC provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Freebie Tuesday (Edition #48)

Hi guys!:) Happy Tuesday! Here is another edition of Freebie Tuesday. I hope everyone finds this posts helpful (if anyone is looking for a new book(s) to read). 

***Note that there will be some books that will be free for limited time only, so make sure to download them as soon as you can. Also if there is any specific genre that you guys want me to find books of, let me know in the comment section below. (:  Enjoy! 

*Older Editions will be linked on the menu section (above) under Freebie Tuesday:)

Now and Then 

by Brenda Rothert

Released Date: August 5th 2013 by Smashwords Edition

Series: Now #1

Now Emmaline Carson has settled into her career as a graphic designer, though she’d rather be painting or shopping with her sister Layla. But then – in the years before she went to art school in Paris – she was a shy, awkward teenager with frizzy hair, a flat chest and a massive crush on the boy across the street, Cole Marlowe. Too bad her incredibly hot neighbor only had eyes for Layla.

Cole is now a confident, laid-back attorney who’s even hotter than he used to be. He’s planning to stay single while working his way up the corporate ladder – until he’s knocked off course by a chance run-in with Emma.

Everything is different between Cole and Emma now. He finally sees her in a way she only dreamed of, and their hot chemistry is fueled by a growing friendship. But Emma’s deception of her sister – who wants Cole for herself – and the secret Cole’s been keeping for more than a decade threaten to tear apart what’s only just begun. Because sometimes the only thing standing in the way of now is then. 

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads) 

      

A Gift of Ghosts 

by Sarah Wynde

Released Date: March 8th 2012 by Smashwords Edition

Series: Tassamara #1

Akira Malone believes in the scientific method, evolution, and Einstein’s theory of relativity. And ghosts.

All the logic and reason in the world can’t protect her from the truth—she can see and communicate with spirits. As far as she’s concerned, though, her ability is a genetic quirk and the ghosts she encounters are simply leftover electromagnetic energy. Dangerous electromagnetic energy.

Zane Latimer believes in telepathy, precognition, auras, and that playing Halo with your employees is an excellent management technique. He also thinks that maybe, just maybe, Akira can help his family get in touch with their lost loved ones.

But will Akira ever be able to face her fears and accept her gift? Or will Zane’s relatives be trapped between life and death forever?

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads) 

      

Breaking Up with Barrett 

by Katy Regnery

Released Date: July 22nd 2014 by Katharine Gilliam Regnery 

Series: The English Brothers #1

Breaking Up with Barrett is the first of six books about the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome English brothers who are all on the look-out for love. 

(Except Alex. He's a womanizing manwhore. And maybe Stratton, because he's wicked hot, but super awkward around girls.)

Barrett English, aka "the Shark," is the fair-haired, first-born of the English brothers, and the CEO of the oldest, most prestigious investment banking firm in Philadelphia. He rules the boardroom with an iron fist, refusing to take no for an answer and always getting his way.

Emily Edwards, a first-year doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, grew up in the gatehouse on the outskirts of Barrett's childhood estate. The daughter of his family's gardener and housekeeper, she was always looking through the window of privilege, but forced to remember her place at the very periphery of the kingdom.

When business partners suggest that a fiancee might soften Barrett's image over business dinners, he approaches Emily for the "job" of fiancee. And while love wasn't necessarily on Barrett's radar, he begins to realize that Emily always has been. But will his take-no-prisoners boardroom tactics work on the heart of the woman he loves.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads) 

     

Happy Reading! ;)

Waiting on Wednesday (#73)

"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 Winner's Crime 

by Marie Rutkoski

Release Date: March 3rd 2015 by Farrar Straus Giroux

Series: The Winner's Trilogy #2

Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads) 

***I can't wait to read the second book in the Winner's Trilogy! I really enjoyed reading the first book and the second sounds promising :) Plus I am absolutely in love with the cover, it stands out and I like how it follows the first book. *** 

~What are you guys waiting to read? ~ 

                                                   (The Winner's Trilogy #1)

                                                  The Winner's Curse

by Marie Rutkoski

MY REVIEW

Release Date Launch: Until Midnight by Melissa Landers (FREE DOWNLOAD & GIVEAWAY!)

UNTIL MIDNIGHT

By

Melissa Landers 

Hi guys! I'm so excited to to be part of the release launch of Until Midnight :) Here is a note by Melissa Landers:

UNTIL MIDNIGHT is here…and it’s FREE!

Happy Holidays, everyone! I’m Melissa Landers, author of the Alienated series, and I have a present for you—a brand new e-short from Disney Hyperion!

UNTIL MIDNIGHT takes place onboard an intergalactic transport, soon after ALIENATED ends and before the sequel INVADED begins. The story details Aelyx and Cara’s last day together before he returns to Earth to mend the alliance and she continues to his home planet. It’s sweet and romantic, and as a bonus, it includes a four-chapter preview of the sequel, which releases February 3^rd.

Oh, and did I mention the best part? IT’S FREE! 

You can download UNTIL MIDNIGHT from the following e-tailers:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1walSLX

Nook: http://bit.ly/1zshdpx

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1sT4CnM

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1AIb45a

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1v06kVd

*If you live outside the USA, no worries. I’ve uploaded the story to Scribd for you. (The only downside is it doesn’t include the bonus preview chapters, due to technical reasons from the publisher.) Link: http://www.scribd.com/AuthorMelissaLanders

To celebrate this new release, I’m offering TWO lucky winners an autographed swag pack complete with a personalized bookplate, mini-poster, bookmarks, and stickers—open internationally! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

Melissa Landers 

Melissa Landers writes romantic science fiction for teens and the young at heart. To learn more, or just to say hello, visit her at www.melissa-landers.com

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Freebie Tuesday (Edition #47)

Hi guys!:) Happy Tuesday! Here is another edition of Freebie Tuesday. I hope everyone finds this posts helpful (if anyone is looking for a new book(s) to read). Since we are getting closer to the holidays, I'm hoping to find book with a bit of a holiday spirit in them :D 

***Note that there will be some books that will be free for limited time only, so make sure to download them as soon as you can. Also if there is any specific genre that you guys want me to find books of, let me know in the comment section below. (:  Enjoy! 

             *Older Editions will be linked on the menu section (above) under Freebie Tuesday:)

The Sweetest Seduction 

by Crista McHugh

Released Date: December 26th 2013 by Crista McHugh

Series: Kelly Brothers #1

Lia Mantovani has created one of the hottest restaurants on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, but all that could disappear if she loses her lease with Kelly Properties. Having had her dreams ripped away from her before, she’ll do everything in her power to keep her restaurant. Her fate hangs on the whims of the frustratingly handsome Adam Kelly.

Adam has spent years trying to convince world famous chef Amadeus Schlittler to open a restaurant in Chicago, but he wants the prime location held by Lia. Business has always come first...until sparks fly when Adam meets her. When things get hot outside the kitchen, though, they’re both in danger of getting burned.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads) 

Cycles 

by Lois D. Brown

Released Date: January 13th 2012 by Levanter Publishing

Series: Cycles #1

When Renee discovers that her neighbor, Dr. Dawson, has bags of his dead daughter's frozen blood stored in his basement, she decides it's up to her to uncover the doctor's mysterious past. What she learns, however, is not what she expects. Now she and her friend Sam Miller are on the run, hiding from scientists who want to use what the two teenagers know to change human life forever.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads) 

     

The Blemished 

by Sarah Dalton

Released Date: August 10th 2012 by Feed a Read

Series: Blemished #1

A beautiful world comes at a price...

In a world filled with stunning clones Mina Hart is Blemished. Her genes are worthless and that takes away her rights: her right to an Education, her right to a normal life and her right to have a child.

Mina keeps a dangerous secret which she never thought she could share until she meets Angela on her first day at St Jude's School. But their friendship is soon complicated by Angela’s adoptive brother Daniel. Mina finds herself drawn to his mysterious powers and impulsive nature. Then there is the gorgeous clone Sebastian who Mina is forbidden from even speaking to…

The Blemished is a frightening take on a fractured future where the Genetic Enhancement Ministry have taken control of Britain. It will take you on a ride filled with adventure, romance and rebellion.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads) 

     

Happy Reading! :)

Waiting on Wednesday (#72)

"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:

Remember

by Shannon Dermott

Release Date: December 31st 2014

When sixteen year old Charlize finds herself unmistakably lost in the forest with no memory how she got there, it was easy for her to assume the angel face boy who saves her was there to. But little did she know that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

With a brush of death, she finds new reasons to live after the unexplained death of her father. Her only regret in last three years was letting the one boy she could have loved get away. 

Plunged into a world not of her making, there are those that will hunt her, a foe that calls her Little Queen, and her torn heart. Most of all, she will have to remember and face her memories if she is to survive.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads) 

**Will be reading this book as soon as it comes out :D What are you guys waiting to read?***

Thanks for stopping by! (: