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Yours to Keep
by Serena Bell
Released Date: Published November 11th 2013 by Loveswept
Pages: 304
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Ana Travares has been looking over her shoulder her whole life. Her U.S. visa expired when she was a young girl, and if her secret is discovered, she’ll be forced to return to the Dominican Republic. Ana allowed herself to get close to someone once before—and after he broke her heart, she swore never to make the same mistake again. But when a handsome doctor asks for her assistance, she fantasizes about breaking all her rules.
Even though pediatrician Ethan Hansen is a natural when it comes to little kids, as the single father of a teenage son he just can’t seem to get it right . . . except for the Spanish tutor he’s hired for his son, Theo. Ana has managed to crack Theo’s shell—and he isn’t the only one taken with her. The sexy tutor has fired up Ethan with a potent mix of lust and protectiveness. But as he starts to envision a future with Ana, Ethan is devastated to learn the truth about her citizenship. Somehow he’s got to find a way to help her—and hold on to the woman he’s falling hopelessly in love with.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
My Review:
Serena Bell does a good job describing the issues in the novel as well as the characters. I found myself intrigued at what was happening to them and the overall picture. Hiding in the shadows has become part of Ana Travares ever since she was a little girl. After coming to the States with her family, she suffers from a series of events that have changed her life and that of those around her. When she discovers that her visa has expired, her older brother has to take action and protect his family after the sudden death of their mother. Now, twenty years later and she is still living in fear of getting caught and deported. Ana has learned not to trust anyone, and that includes any love interest in her life. But when she meets Ethan Hansen, it becomes very clear that not trusting him will be a hard thing to do.
Ethan Hansen, a pediatrician and a widower has had trouble connecting with his teenage son, Theo. After the death of his wife, he was left to take care of his son all on his own. But having a teenage son isn't easy, especially when his son starts rebelling against him. When he finds out that his son is in need of an Spanish tutor, he hires Ana. It didn't take long before his son's tutoring sessions become some more for Ana and Ethan. But what he doesn't know is that she is hiding a secret from him, one that he'll have to decide whether to help her or move on.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was fresh and it gives audiences a new perspective to a subject such as illegal immigration. Serena does a outstanding job by focusing more on the story rather than on the politics of the issue. Although it was part of the story, it didn't overshadow the romance within the book. The characters are very well developed and the story flowed well. Overall, I recommend everyone to give this story a try, you will not regret it. *ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
My Rating: 4.5/5
Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes
by Gina Lamm
Released Date: Published September 3rd 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Series: Geek Girls #2
Pages: 352
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Leah Ramsey has always loved historical romance novels and dressing in period costumes. So when she has a chance to time travel and experience the history for herself, she jumps at it—figuring it can't be too hard to catch the eye of a duke. After all, it happens all the time in her novels.
Avery Russell, valet and prize pugilist, reluctantly helps Leah gain a position in the Duke of Granville's household . . . as a maid.
Domestic servitude wasn't exactly what she had in mind, but she's determined to win her happily ever after. Even if the hero isn't exactly who she's expecting.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
My Review:
I'm really enjoying Gina Lamm's Geek Girls Series so far, the first book completely captured my attention and this book did exactly the same thing. From the cover to the title, I was very much interested in reading this book from the very beginning. The author mixes humor with romance and history all in one, and it works very well.
From the start we meet Leah Ramsey, she loves dressing up in period costumes and dreaming about her own fairy tale romance, but she hasn't been lucky when it comes to finding the right person to love. She knows that time travel is possible since her best friend, Jaime, has traveled back in time to find the love of her life. Leah knows that if she stays she is not going to find anyone that is going to make her happy. So she goes back in time, to Regency England to find the Duke she has been destined to be with. But not everything looks as it seems and she soon realizes that she might be making a mistake and her Duke wasn't meant for her at all. The more time she spends back in time, the more adventures she has, including meeting Avery Russell, whose help she desperately wants in order to find her true love.
I really liked Leah's personality in the book, she is strong minded, yet she is vulnerable when it comes to finding love. She is funny and I can only imagine what it would be like to travel back in time. Avery Russell is a very likable character, he is sensible and charming. Although he is not a Duke, he is a hard-working men who deeply cares about Leah and he does everything he can to keep her safe. The writing makes the story flow beautifully and I can easily connect with the characters which made everything that much more exciting. From action scenes to romantic nights, this book has it all. I recommend everyone to give this book a try, you will not regret it.
*ARC provided by NetGalley*
***Click to see My Review on the first book of the series:
My Rating:
Undertow
by K.R. Conway
Released Date: Published October 11th 2013 by Conway
Series: Undertow #1
Pages: 398
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
Eila Walker knows luck is not a friend, so she is downright shocked to inherit a million-dollar Cape Cod home. And yeah, her new town isn't perfect: the cheerleaders are heinous clones, the local undertow can kill ya, and her Great Grams was supposedly fried by lightning in the harbor square. Still, Eila is hopeful her luckless days are in the past . . . until history decides to repeat itself.
When drool-worthy Raef O’Reilly becomes her friendly, yet weirdly protective shadow, Eila thinks life is pretty darn perfect – until she is hauled beneath the waves by an unnatural undertow. Revealing coal-black eyes and iron-like strength as he rescues her, Raef can no longer hide what he is . . . or what she can do. Eila, last of her kind, can supposedly channel the power of human souls, while Raef is more adept at stealing them. Even worse, the legend about her ancestor isn't such a myth, since Eila’s grandmother was one kick-butt warrior until her lightning-like power backfired. A power that is written all over Eila's DNA.
Determined to stay one step ahead of a dangerous clan that is hunting her, Raef, along with three unlikely allies, will do all they can to protect her. But as hidden pieces of their brutal histories unravel, Eila begins to understand just what went down in the harbor square. She soon realizes that following in her grandmother’s fearless footsteps may be the only way to save those she loves . . . including Raef.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)
My Review:
I really enjoyed reading Undertow, it had fresh ideas that I liked reading a lot. From the very start there is a mystery feel to the story, and as it progressed the more intrigued I was to know more. Elia Walker has struggled with her life, and not having her parents with her has made things difficult, but she is shocked to find out that she has inherited a million-dollar Cape Cod home. Not knowing who has giving her the house, she decides to take the opportunity of a life time. With that she moves to Cape Cod where adventures await and her family past is revealed.
Elia wasn't expecting to meet Raef O'Reilly, but the more time they spend together, the more protective and charming he gets. It is then that unexpected events happen and she notices how quick he is there to safe her. When Raef's true identity resurfaces, everyone around Elia is in danger including her. Now she has to find a way to safe those she loves. With a unique story line, Undertow is the perfect mix of mystery and paranormal. I'm really looking forward to reading more of the author and of the series. I recommend everyone to give this book a try.
*ARC provided by NetGalley*
My Rating:
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