Book Review: Public Relations by Tibby Armstrong

Public Relations by Tibby Armstrong

Blurb:

Public relations, private complications–it’s all about to hit the front page.

Billionaire playboy Peter Wells pays for sex. His girlfriend-for-hire arrangements are tidy, simple, and not apt to land him with a palimony suit. When an anonymous gossip columnist reveals his predilections for escorts and control Peter vows revenge.

Georgia Whitcomb is a lot of things–incognito journalist, aristocrat, and best friend to a sleep deprived and slightly neurotic editor–but she isn’t really girlfriend material. She’s old money pretending to be no money, and has her independence to maintain.

When the paper won’t name its source, Peter buys the business and dubs Georgia his personal assistant. Georgia is mortified to learn exactly what type of person Peter is–generous, compassionate, demanding. Peter is unprepared for the deep passion and commitment Georgia inspires from him.

As Peter’s past comes to light, the walls around Georgia’s heart erode and her lies begin to unravel. In the end, there seems to be no way to reveal her true self without destroying their fragile romance. With Peter’s investigation peeling back the layers of her deception, only one thing is certain: the fallout from falling in love will be front page news.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve been in a slow, progressive book funk, so, I totally needed this! To be honest, I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. In fact, it’s been a while since I finished a book in one sitting.

I know the premise sounds quite cliche — yes, billionaire playboy — but it’s a really entertaining read.

Book Review: Bird After Bird by Leslea Tash

Bird After Bird by Leslea Tash

Blurb:

Dear Birdy, Princess Birdzilla von MuffinStuff, Keeper of Dreams, Lover of our Fine Feathered Friends, queen of my life and light of my world, I hope this letter finds you well. If you are reading this then I am gone, and sweetheart, I am so sorry.

Chi-town professional Wren Riley is 25 and a rising star in the business world. She can eat a man alive and laugh about it to her girlfriends in seconds flat–and she does, on the regular. Behind the power suits and the flashing, flirty eyes, however, Wren has a secret, vulnerable side. Following a devastating loss and the discovery of a bird journal she and her father made together years before, Wren sets out to seek peace, closure, and something she just can’t name. Is that something tied to the little paper cranes she keeps finding along the way? 

Laurence Byrd grew up a lanky Hoosier kid with the good/bad fortune of having the same name as the state’s perennial basketball legend. With a better affinity for dogs than sports or school, he ends up in the Army instead of the Chicago art school of his dreams. Still, his service to our country is something he can be proud of–until an argument with the girl who means the world to him results in a series of events that blows his life apart. With no one left to understand him, black sheep Laurie pours out his heart into letters and drawings he never intends to send–then he folds them into paper cranes that he leaves behind like messages in little winged bottles. He never dreams someone might be finding them.

God damn it, Sylvia, for a few moments I tricked myself into feeling really alive. I cut it off before anyone got hurt, but just for a moment or two, I really thought I might feel something again–something like trust. Something like love. Not the kind of love we had, but something new. Something like hope.

Spoiler alert: Wren and Laurie are going to meet. And when they do, their lives are never going to be the same.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

The first time I read the blurb, I thought it sounded different from all the current New Adult books I’ve been reading. It also reminded me a little bit of Message in a Bottle because of the letters, so I got really excited about it. Of course, when the author, Leslea Tash, emailed me afterwards about doing an ARC review, I got way pumped up about it even more.

Bird After Bird is one of those sweet reads that can warm your heart. It is about a 25-year-old career woman, Wren Riley, who comes home from Chicago to small town Birdseye after her father’s death. There she finds a bird journal she and her father made together years before which leads her to rediscover her love for birds and her vulnerable side. She then meets hometown boy Laurence “Laurie” Byrd, who at only 22, has had one too many heartbreaking deaths in his life.

The two quickly move from friends to lovers, but living in different worlds get them both questioning themselves about what they want in life and who they are meant to be. Will their obvious connection be enough to see them through?

This Byrd wants a Wren.

Book Review: Awakening Foster Kelly by Cara Rosalie Olsen

Awakening Foster Kelly by Cara Rosalie Olsen

Blurb:

If only a pile of wayward curls and the inability to stay on her feet were seventeen year-old Foster Kelly’s most pressing concerns. Unfortunately, stubborn hair and clumsiness is just the tip of it. It was only a mistake, but when at the age of five Foster is told “You don’t belong here” the result is one broken heart. These four carelessly spoken words have shaped and shadowed Foster, and now—a senior at Shorecliffs High School—she seeks the wallflower’s existence, denying herself the most casual of friendships, much too afraid that someone will see what Foster believes is certain: she does not belong anywhere – or with anyone. This reality would continue to suit her just fine, however . . .

Love has a long-standing history of undoing broken hearts.

Like a comet, an unexpected arrival knocks Foster out of the crowded, starry sky, sending her directly into the limelight. Exposed and afraid, she will attempt to regain anonymity; but it isn’t so easy now that someone is watching. He pursues this shy enigma, confronting Foster’s deepest fears head-on, and in the process falls wholly and completely in love with her. But there is something he is not saying; a secret capable of certain ruin. There are two probable outcomes: either he will break her heart once and for all, or he will heal it.

In the end, though, it is Foster who must decide if she is worth mending.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.75 to a solid 4 stars

Before diving into this, I was warned by the author that this was going to be a lengthy book—672 pages to be exact—and I knew from reading the reviews that this had an interesting ending. So halfway through, I was almost sure I knew what I was going to say about this in my review, but the last 10% completely threw me off guard that I had to rethink everything, as well as forget most of my preconceived notions. I just did not see THAT coming. AT ALL!

Now, to be honest, I don’t think I can give justice to the story with my own recount, but I believe Cara Rosalie Olsen sums it up perfectly when she ends Awakening Foster Kelly by saying that this is “not for the logical, certainly not for the unimaginative; it belongs to the dreamers.”

Blog Tour: He Belongs With Me by Sarah Darlington Review

He Belongs with Me by Sarah Darlington

Blurb: 

Identical twins, Maggie and Clara Ryder, both grew up with Leo Maddox, billionaire playboy, apparent alcoholic, and heir to his grandfather’s world-famous Maddox hotel empire. Their roles were cemented long ago: Maggie, as his best friend and Clara as his childhood nemesis.

But when a simple twist of fate changes everything and both girls start to fall for the lean, mean, ridiculously sexy and seemingly spoiled Leo… which girl will win his heart?

Throw in a little mischief, drama, and one smoking-hot bartender and lines are sure to blur. But one thing’s for certain, neither good-girl Maggie nor rebellious Clara will be satisfied until they each figure out where they belong.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two things I loved about He Belongs With Me right off the bat – the cover, and the fact that it’s a standalone! Sorry, but this was definitely one of those times when I totally judged the book by its cover. I mean, come on, you have to admit it looks so gorgeous! Also, we’re now in a literary world where almost every book has to be a part of a series so yes, this was refreshing.

Maggie and Clara Ryder are identical twins who live privileged lives, being the daughters of golf legend and country club owner, Reed Ryder. The downside is that the two cannot be more different from each other. Typically, Maggie’s the good twin while Clara’s the rebellious one. Maggie lives and breathes the country club life while Clara wants nothing more than to run away from it all. Enter the other part of this sticky equation, Leo Maddox. He’s the seemingly too serious and spoiled heir to a billion dollar hotel empire (naturally), and he also happens to be Maggie’s best friend and Clara’s nemesis (of course).

Book Review: Only for You (For You #1) by Genna Rulon

Only for You by Genna Rulon

Blurb:

“In its purest form love is self-sacrificing, eternal, selfless, enduring, truthful, forgiving and indulgent. It also feels an awful lot like a kick to the stomach when you try to fight it!”

All Everleigh Carsen wanted to do was complete her final semester at Hensley University and begin the life she carefully planned.

When a wave of violent crime seizes campus, Everleigh is persuaded to attend a school sponsored self-defense seminar by her best friend, where she meets volunteer instructor, Hunter Charles. After Everleigh’s biting sarcasm induces Hunter to eject her from class, a tempestuous relationship is born.

Everleigh is determined to forget the striking man, but fate—that fickle shrew—continuously intervenes. Unable to escape him, she declares Hunter an enemy combatant. The only complication…Hunter is resolutely pursuing vindication…by any means necessary. Verbal warfare ensues, and despite Everleigh’s ingenious efforts, in Hunter, she has finally found her equal.

Only For You is a compelling tale of friendship, desire, and redemption—brimming with intelligent characters, witty dialogue, unexpected twists, profound sorrow, unfettered hope, and love’s unassailable perseverance.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a slow paced book but it did pick up nicely when it was supposed to. I enjoyed the banter between Everleigh and Hunter but I didn’t feel like there was a lot of sexual tension between them – well, not the kind that I wanted, that is – there was just enough to keep me interested.

Book Review: Off the Record (Record #1) by K.A. Linde

Off the Record by K.A. Linde

Blurb:

Liz Dougherty has no idea a single question is about to change her life.

Her first big reporting assignment for her North Carolina college newspaper has her covering a state senator’s impromptu press conference. Brady Maxwell may have everything it takes to be a politician—a winning pedigree, devastating good looks, a body made to wear suits—but his politics rub Liz the wrong way. When Liz’s hard-hitting question catches the upstart senator off-guard, it impresses Hayden Lane, Liz’s editor who feels she’s headed for a promising career as a reporter.

But Liz is also headed into a secret romance with Brady that could destroy both their ambitions. Though he’s a bachelor, potential voters might frown on Brady cozying up to a reporter. And Liz isn’t sure sneaking around is enough for her—especially when things between her and Hayden might be less platonic than she thought.

Sleek, sexy, and smart, Off the Record ventures into a high-stakes campaign and an even higher-stakes affair to answer the question: When politics and love collide, can there ever be a winner?

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2.5 to a low 3 stars

Now that I’ve had time to think things over, I think I may not be so willing to read the sequel of Off the Record. This is my first K.A. Linde book and judging by people’s reviews of her Avoiding series, she definitely loves her angst. But I don’t and I try to stay away from love triangles (so I wonder why I even picked this up in the first place).

Actually, I thought the premise was really interesting. I do appreciate a good book with a politician MC and I’ve read several, so I am quite familiar with the whole forbidden aspect of it.

Book Review: Crashed (The Driven Trilogy #3) by K. Bromberg

Crashed by K. Bromberg

Blurb:

When life crashes down around us, how hard are we willing to fight for the one thing we can’t live without, each other?

Life is full of moments.
Big moments.
Little moments.
And none of them are inconsequential. 
Every single moment prepares you for that one instance that defines your life. You must overcome all your fears, confront the demons that chase you, and cleanse the poison that clings to your soul or you risk the chance of losing everything.

Mine started the minute Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet. She made me feel. Made me whole when all I thought I could ever be was incomplete. Became the lifeline I never knew I needed. Hell yes, she’s worth the fight…but how do you fight for someone you know you don’t deserve?

Love is full of ups and downs.
Heart stopping highs.
Soul shattering lows.
And none of them are insignificant. 
Love is a racecourse of unexpected twists and turns that must be negotiated. You have to break down walls, learn to trust, and heal from your past in order to win. But sometimes it’s the expected that’s the hardest to hold on to.

Colton has healed and completed me, stolen my heart, and made me realize our love’s not predictable nor perfect—it’s bent. And bent’s okay.But when outside factors put our relationship to the test, what lengths will I have to go to prove to him that he’s worth the fight?

Whoever said love is patient and love is kind, never met the two of us. We know our love is worth it—have acknowledged that we were meant to be—but when our pasts crash into our future, will the repercussions make us stronger or break us apart?

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love books with cheesy lines, this is a fucking 5-star read. If you eat, sleep and breathe New Adult, with all the typical angst and drama, this right here deserves a freaking Oscar.

“I want to be your motherfucking checkered flag, Rylee. Your pace car to lead you through tough times, your pit stop when you need a break, your start line, your finish line, your goddamn victory lane.”

Book Buzz: He Belongs With Me by Sarah Darlington Release Day

Title: He Belongs With Me
Author: Sarah Darlington
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 4, 2014

Synopsis:

Identical twins, Maggie and Clara Ryder, both grew up with Leo Maddox, billionaire playboy, apparent alcoholic, and heir to his grandfather’s world-famous Maddox hotel empire. Their roles were cemented long ago: Maggie, as his best friend and Clara as his childhood nemesis.

But when a simple twist of fate changes everything and both girls start to fall for the lean, mean, ridiculously sexy and seemingly spoiled Leo… which girl will win his heart?

Throw in a little mischief, drama, and one smoking-hot bartender and lines are sure to blur. But one thing’s for certain, neither good-girl Maggie nor rebellious Clara will be satisfied until they each figure out where they belong.

ADD TO GOODREADS:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19081595-he-belongs-with-me

WHERE TO BUY: 

Amazon I Amazon UK I Barnes and Noble

GIVEAWAY:

Click here for a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About the Author:

Sarah Darlington lives in the DC metro area, is married to her high school sweetheart, and currently spends her time chasing around a very active toddler. As a former flight attendant, she misses the days of pantyhose, galley gossip with good friends, and traveling to new places. In the future she’d like to return to that career, but, just as flying gets into your bones, so does writing. Whenever she gets a free moment these days, she writes.

Connect with Sarah:   Blog I Facebook I Goodreads I Twitter

Book Review: Seconds Before Sunrise (The Timely Death Trilogy #2) by Shannon A. Thompson

Seconds Before Sunrise by Shannon A. Thompson

Blurb:

Two nightmares. One memory.

“Chaos within destiny. It was the definition of our love.”

Eric has weeks before his final battle when he’s in an accident. Forced to face his human side, he knows he can’t survive if he fights alone. But he doesn’t want to surrender, even if he becomes the sacrifice for war.

Jessica’s memory isn’t the only thing she’s lost. Her desire to find her parents is gone and so is her confidence. But when fate leaves nightmares behind, she decides to find the boy she sees in them, even if it risks her sanity.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

OK let me start by saying that I was really excited to receive an ARC after waiting for months for this especially since I very much enjoyed the first book, Minutes Before Sunset. However, I do think that I just wasn’t in the right state of mind or mood while reading this because I couldn’t get into it as much as I wanted to. I feel like I had to say it as it may have unfavorably affected my overall rating.

Thud-thump. Thud-thump. Thud-thump. The heartbeat was unmistakable. It was his heartbeat – the dream boy’s – and he was here, with me, holding me, being with me. He wasn’t gone.

Seconds Before Sunrise picks up a few months after Jessica lost her memory, of her own choosing, and for her own protection. But it seems there are loopholes to the spell because she remembers things, and have haunting memories of a boy and a life she can’t understand. She also freaks out about the confusing gaps in her memory, especially forgetting whatever happened at prom.

Book Review: Ashes to Ashes (Experiment in Terror #8) by Karina Halle

Ashes to Ashes by Karina Halle

Blurb:

It’s been two months since Perry Palomino and Dex Foray’s relationship reached a new turning point, two months since Perry started a new life in Seattle, and two months since their Experiment in Terror show took on a new partner, ex-Wine Babe Rebecca Sims, and found a new level of success. But whenever there is light in their lives, the madness still has a way of coming back in.

When the team is sent back to the stormy Oregon coast to investigate a haunted school, Perry wants to use the opportunity to reconnect with her family and reintroduce Dex into their lives. Only Perry’s not the only one who’s reaching out – her grandmother Pippa has started appearing to her with disturbing warnings and Perry’s presence at the school has ignited a chilling new wave of supernatural phenomenon. Once used a century ago as a sanatorium to house children dying of tuberculosis, the school’s past residents are slowly coming back to life and with one thing on their mind. They want someone to play with, someone to join them. Forever.

Even when dead, some children get whatever they want.

And they want Perry.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, now. Just when I thought it was a tiny, tiny bit anticlimactic, THAT ending happened! How I wish that in a blink of an eye, May is upon us. Sigh.