Review: Risky Play, by Rachel Van Dyken

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What else can a virgin do when she’s ditched at the altar? Seattle heiress Mackenzie Dupont is treating herself to a single-girl honeymoon in Mexico and a desire to relinquish her innocence to a gorgeous one-night stand. Fake names. True pleasure. But when she wakes up alone, Mackenzie realizes just how much anger is left in her broken heart.

Suffering a tragic personal loss, pro soccer player Slade Rodriguez has his reasons for vanishing without a goodbye. Right or wrong, he’s blaming the beautiful and infuriating stranger he never wants to see again. They’re both in for a shock when Mackenzie shows up as his new personal assistant. And they both have a lot to learn about each other. Because they share more than they could possibly know, including a common enemy who’s playing his own games. And he’s not afraid to get dirty.

Now there’s only one way Mackenzie and Slade can win: to trust in each other and to stop hiding from the lies they’ve told, the secrets they’ve kept, the mistakes they’ve made, and the attraction that still burns between them.

Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit I loved this one!  It was a classic Rachel Van Dyken book.  The perfect amount of angst, humor, chemistry and drama all rolled into one HEA.  Rachel is one of my favorite go to authors, mainly because she seems to nail it every single time. 

Mackenzie is left at the alter on her wedding day - sure she's upset but not in the way you'd expect.  Fast forward several months and in the hopes of self re-discovery she's off on her honeymoon alone.  Here's where Slade Rodriguez comes into the picture and I have to say this meet cute was absolute perfection!

These two connect on a deeper level than either would expect, but to say it's a short lived romance would be putting it mildly.  Here's where the story gets juicy!  Yes, I could give you a play by play but I'm not because this story is one that deserves to be read and experiences first hand!

I loved watching Mackenzie work through her struggles and watching her grow.  From beginning to end it was a beautiful transformation of a character who's been incredibly lost become a strong independent women, who yes would love the support of the man she's in love with, but who finally not only knows what she wants but also has the courage to fight for herself.

Slade is broody, exhausted with the circus that's his life and so angry he honestly cannot stand himself.  But underneath all this is this amazing book boyfriend who's passionate and caring - and let's not forget his looks, basically he's the total package.

They are both lost in their own circumstances but together they make one heck of a couple.  Risky Play is going to be one of those RVD book's you're absolutely going to want to read again and again.  Such a fun escape - thanks Rachel - this is why we all love you so much!!!

Review: Reveling in Sin, by Meghan March

  

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Whitney Gable is the kind of woman you fight to the death to protect. To keep. To cherish. I’ve finally learned my lesson, and it’s time to prove I’m the man who’s worthy of her. I don’t care what it takes, because failure is not an option. No matter who or what stands in our way—this time, she’ll be mine forever   
          
Review
5 out of 5 stars

Meghan March the queen of twists you never see coming!  How is it possible one author can continue to surprise me with the twists and turns of every single plot in every single book she has written?  Nevertheless I love it and I'm going to keep coming back for more and more.  I mean clearly Whtney and Lincoln are going to end up together - they are destined to be together.  That much was obvious and the journey in all three of the books in this series never for one second disappointed.  What I loved so much about the final installment is we finally get to see Whitney and Lincoln actually team up, trust one another and truly fight for their own HEA.  It was pure perfection.  Their characters have grown, evolved and they've finally realized they are stronger together than they are apart.  I'm also going to commend Meghan's ability to cross over character's from other series into each other.  No one else I've ever read has been able to do is as seamlessly.   

This series isn't just a second-chance romance.  It's so much more.  It's drama and chaos with twists and turns.  Kind of like a soap opera where characters lie to one another, where you believe one person is so good only to find out you really don't know them as well as you think you do.  It truly encompasses all aspects of family relations from love and protection to drama and surprise.  I could go on and on but Meghan March's books are the kind of stories enjoyed best when you go into them with as little knowledge as possible.  Just one click, sit back, get sucked into the story and let you own reality slip away. 

                

A New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. Sign up for Meghan's newsletter and receive exclusive content that she saves for her subscribers: http://meghanmarch.com/subscribe To get the inside scoop on a daily basis, search Meghan March's Runaway Readers on Facebook and join the fun. FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | TWITTER | PINTEREST

Review: All Your Perfects, by Colleen Hoover

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Quinn and Graham’s perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes, and secrets that they have built up over the years are now tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage beyond the point of repair.


Review
5 out of 5 stars

One thing is for certain when you start a new Colleen Hoover book, she’s going to take you on a truly one-of-a kind unique experience.  Her stories’ originality continually blow me away.  I feel like if I go into too much detail with this review I’m going to ruin the experience for anyone reading this review so please bear with me as I try and explain my thoughts on this gem!

All Your Perfects is told from our heroine Quinn’s POV.  Throughout the entire book one chapter is told from the past and the next in the present.  Quinn isn’t going to be an easy character for a lot of people to like.  Her story is absolutely devastating and there were so many times when I wanted to scream open your mouth, say something, do anything, and just take a baby step.  But in that same breath I could empathize with her.  I got her struggle, I was able to even sympathize with her obsession.  It literally broke my heart, there were points I honestly wanted to put the book down because I was so sad but at the same time I needed to know how her story was going to end, so I waded through the heavy emotions and pushed forward.  Quinn is one of the most real characters I’ve ever read about. 

Graham our hero is the entire package, talk about a beacon of light.  He fully encompassed romance, sensitivity, humility, grace and determination.  He loves his wife and is prepared to do whatever it takes, even if it means losing her completely in order to put her happiness above his own.  In the end when the contents of “the box” were revealed I was completely blown away by his honesty, sacrifice and pure love.  I have to say it was my absolute favorite part of the entire book!

Quinn and Graham’s story from beginning to end was incredibly well executed and packed full of honest, real, and raw emotions.  It’s a genuine story with what I consider a perfectly designed ending.  All Your Perfects may not be a story I read time and time again, but it’s a story that left an imprint on my heart I won’t soon forget.

Review: The Valiant (Spy Girl #4), by Jillian Dodd

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From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the fourth book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.


What will happen when the world goes ka-boom? 

The assassin known as The Priest was tasked with a series of three hits, and the last one blows up in his face—literally. 
People will die. 
People will go on. 
Unlikely alliances will be formed.
And when British intelligence learns that a series of nuclear backpack bombs were smuggled into their country, there’s a lot more to worry about than discovering why a covert agent was assassinated over six years ago or what’s going to start in Montrovia.


Review
4 out of 5 stars

I was on pins and needles when the bomb went off in book #3 and then ended, leaving us wondering about Huntley and Lorenzo's potential demise!  I mean if they had died there really wouldn't have been a need to continue the story so I felt confident they would make it but I was dying to know how Jillian would spin it.  Let me just say she did it brilliantly!

So what did I love about this installment?  Mainly Huntley and Lorenzo's relationship.  It's like they are both finally on the same page, the same team and have the same goals in mind.  They have finally freely admitted their feelings for one another and while Huntley is struggling to balance feelings she was trained to stay away from she continues to push through and choose love.  I was so excited and felt all the "feels."  She's a girl on a mission and I especially enjoyed the "treasure hunt."  I think watching her re-live her memories left me feeling more connected to her character.

What I found myself frustrated with was trying to keep track of all the secondary characters and their back stories.  Jillian, if you're reading this review, can we get a flow chart or something at the start of the next book with a little brief synopsis of where the previous book left off?  I think because I read other books in between waiting on the new releases of this series I forget important details and then I spend the first several chapters trying to re-familiarize myself with the players and that takes away from really being able to focus on the important details and clues as the new material progresses.  Maybe I should just re-read the previous book before I start the new release?!?!

I do wish Huntley hadn't reacted so quickly and stormed out at the first sign of trouble in paradise.  I would have loved to of seen the two of them stand united, fight for one another and their relationship.  I think they are stronger and better together and only hope they figure this out very quickly in the next  book because I'd much rather see them stand together than apart.

Needless to say I love these characters and really do enjoy this series.  I without a doubt recommend you take the plunge into this series yourself!  It's full of mystery, love and seriously who wouldn't want to pretend they were living vicariously through this Spy Girl as they escaped their own reality?

Review: Love (The Keatyn Chronicles #12), by Jillian Dodd

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From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the last book in the addictive Keatyn Chronicles series. Discover a breathless fairy-tale romance with swoon-worthy characters set in a glittering celebrity world. Fans of reality TV will devour this pulse-pounding, sexy Hollywood drama.

Follow the lives and loves of those who work at Captive Films:

Riley Johnson — Captive Films’ CEO and millionaire playboy is hot, privileged, and seriously single. He’s got it all—a brand new jet, exotic cars, a luxury penthouse, and a different aspiring actress (or two) in his bed every night. His life is perfect until the only girl he ever loved walks back into it, causing him to wonder if he truly has it all.

Keatyn Douglas — Hollywood’s sweetheart and owner of Captive Films leads a chaotic, glamorous life. But running a successful film studio, writing scripts, and her own acting career leave little time for the things she dreams of, like marrying the man she loves and having babies. When drama starts at work, she may decide to give it all up for life out of the fast lane.

Dawson Johnson — The dark and dreamy marketing consultant joins Captive to escape his past. For the last two years, his sole focus has been on caring for his adorable daughters after tragedy struck their lives. He comes to Captive looking for a fresh start and, if all goes well, he might find a lot more than that in Hollywood.

Knox Daniels — Considered the sexiest man alive by a certain magazine, the sentiment is echoed by the actor’s adoring fans. While romance abounds in the roles he plays, he’s convinced he’ll never find his own happily ever after—until he meets a woman who just might change that.

Shelby Benson — The beautiful cocktail waitress and wanna-be actress struggles to make ends meet. A chance encounter with Riley Johnson is her lucky break and the golden ticket to everything she’s ever dreamed of—fame, power, money, sex, and love.

Written soap-opera style with multiple points of view, you can expect lots of drama, sex, and tabloid-worthy events. 

Review

4.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit as soon as I got notification this installment was loaded onto my kindle I wasted zero time sitting down and diving right in. I loved it! Seriously, it was a very well written, fun, happily ever after for ALL of our favorite and even not so favorite characters. I even found myself smiling and enjoying the conclusion to Shelby's story line and for the last several books I pretty much hated her! 

We have watched Keatyn and her friends grow and mature. We've been there through all their ups and downs, good decisions and all their really horrible ones. I've enjoyed every single page of this series and I'm genuinely sad it's over. 

Love is more than just a romantic feeling between two people, it's also found in the bond between family and friends, especially when those friends are as close if not closer than family.  It's all encompassing. It's sacrifice and selfless. Sometimes it's big gestures and other times is the every day small details and this book captures them all.  I think it's why I've constantly gotten sucked in and can never put the books down until I've read to the end.

Yes I wish we could have seen a little bit more of Riley's HEA but I also think we got enough and can you our imaginations to fill in the rest because we know him so well!  The Keatyn Chronicles will probably also be one of my most favorite guilty pleasures and I encourage everyone to let themselves get sucked into this incredibly fun and addicting series!

Review: Crave Part One, by E.K. Blair

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Kason and Adaline.

From the moment they met, they started to fall. Neither of them predicted just how far the drop would be, though.

Loving Adaline was all Kason had ever wanted to do. But layer by layer, he started to unravel, forcing Adaline to face an addiction she never could’ve imagined.

This is what happens when one person loves beyond the craving and the other craves beyond the loving.


Review
3.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit I went into this book somewhat blind - which I NEVER do!  My blog partner loves this kind of experience, me...not so much.  But, I have always loved E.K. Blair's books and thought why not.  Crave centers on the story of two high school characters navigating first love and addiction.  They come from opposite ends of life.  While they both primarily are raised by single mothers, Kason's mom works two jobs and can barely make enough to keep them in a dumpy apartment on the wrong side of the tracks.  Adaline's mom on the other hand is a well-to-do lawyer and they live in a gorgeous house situated in a posh neighborhood.  As far as material things go Adaline wants for nothing and Kason works hard for everything he has.  At first glance they couldn't be more different, yet almost from the first time they meet they are irrevocably drawn to one another.

Before long these two lovebirds are inseparable but is clear Kason is waging a very secret hormonal war.  I'll be honest I didn't think much of it in the beginning because he's a 17 year old teenager - of course he's going to be horny!  But as the story progresses you realize to Kason this is a much bigger deal than at first glance.  His addiction brings forth the catalyst that is the turning point in the story.  It definitely provided a good dose of angst but I cannot help but feel as if something was still missing in the story.  

It's not as if I didn't like Kason because I did and his back story absolutely broke my heart but I just couldn't find myself rooting for either him or Adaline, and I would like to see them together as a couple, they have the potential to be great, but individually they just aren't there yet.  They both have redeeming qualities and I appreciate the fact E.K. Blair chose to have these characters be honest.  Their honesty with one another, no matter how difficult, was truly refreshing and the best part of the book for me because I feel as though I read so much where the climax all boils down to dishonesty or rather a character just not speaking their mind.  So kudos for a change in pace.  I don't know.  I feel like Kason and Adaline have so much potential as both individuals and a couple but they have a long way to go.  My hopes is in the next book they both are strong enough to face their insecurities and choose to do so.  

I'm going to give you fair warning that this one ends on a cliff hanger.  Unfortunately I don't really think I like the direction this cliff hanger is going to take the story, but on the other hand it may be just the catalyst that is needed to allow both Kason and Adaline open themselves up to the power of a healthy all consuming love. 

   

COMING SOON

Crave: Part Two – Releases October 16

AUTHOR BIO 

E.K. Blair, takes her readers on an emotional roller coaster with her dynamic and intense writing style. Noted for her ability to create fleshed-out characters that will evoke a realm of reactions, you can be assured that her stories will linger with you far beyond the last word.

A former first grade teacher with an imagination that runs wild. Daydreaming and zoning out is how she was often found in high school. Blair tends to drift towards everything dark and moody. Give her a character and she will take pleasure in breaking them down, digging into their core to find what lies underneath.

Aside from writing, E.K. Blair finds pleasure in music, drinking her Starbucks in peace, and spending time with her friends. She’s a thinker, an artist, a wife, a mom, and everything in between.


AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://www.ekblair.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EKBlairAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EK_Blair_Author
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorekblair/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/e-k-blair

Review: Shameless (White Lie Duet #2), by Lisa Renee Jones

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The second and final book in the sexy and tantalizing White Lies Duet from New York Times Bestselling Author Lisa Renee Jones.

Nick "Tiger" Rogers, sought out Faith Winter with revenge as his agenda. He made her his obsession. He seduced her. He made her want him. He made here trust him. And then he trusted her. He wanted her. He loved her. 
But now, the lies will be exposed, the truth revealed. 
Hearts will be broken. Lives shattered.
Nick. Faith. 
The truth. The passion. 
The SHAMELESS obsession.

Review

4.25 out of 5 stars

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the conclusion to the White Lies Duet – I always love how Lisa Renee Jones leaves us hanging at the best moments.  While I didn’t suspect Faith was capable of killing anyone nor did I think she was anyone’s “problem” I was beside myself wondering who was behind the supposed murder of her and Tiger’s parents.  I also found myself anxious to see how big of a hole Nick would dig himself into and how his original motives for getting close to Faith would come to light.

Lisa Renee Jones definitely didn’t disappoint in the identity of the murderer, and while I had a hunch I will admit I was super surprised at all the parties who were involved.  Overall I enjoyed the conclusion and I really think Nick and Faith make a great couple.  They truly complement and challenge one another in the best way possible.  However, all these positives aside the overall pace of the book felt a little slow to me.  I found myself frustrated these two characters seemed to be having the exact same conversations over and over.  Can I trust him?  What if he hurts me?  What isn’t he telling me?  Will she leave me?  I want to tell her the truth but now’s not a good time.  It’s as if their inner dialogue was on repeat and I worried their relationship would be doomed before it even really got off to a good start. 

I will say though Nick truly surprised me with his determination to break down Faith’s walls and his ability to embrace the fact he was falling head over heels in love with her and was prepared to literally do whatever it took to protect and win back her heart.  I love seeing a man be a man, step up to the plate and take charge.  I also love it when a strong woman chooses to let a man take care of her because it’s in the choice to let go that we see just how much she has fallen in love as well.

As always I love a good romance mixed with suspense and mystery and Lisa Renee Jones does this genre so well.  If you haven’t read one of her masterpieces yet you’re missing out!

Review: Steal by Rachel Van Dyken

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Steal, the follow-up standalone rockstar romance to the #1 New York Times Bestseller Keep…

It's easy to lose yourself in someone you love.

Easier to lose yourself in someone you hate…

I didn't think it could get any worse than having to babysit a bunch of spoiled musicians on set ― keeping them out of trouble is a cakewalk compared to seeing my ex every day.

Seaside, Oregon isn't big enough for the both of us.

She hates me.

I loathe her.

The plan was simple ― stay the hell away and make sure she gets to set on time.
What I didn't expect was to be faced with our past in front of an audience ― and be forced to face it again.

It's torture.

The way she looks at me.

The way I try to look through her.

Words left unsaid.

The lingering aftermath still as powerful as ever.
I feed the chasm between us, for fear that she'll make me feel again ― and steal the last shred of heart I have left.

We have everything but each other.

It's not enough.

Not when you've lost love.

And replaced it with the only thing left ― hate.

Review 
4 of 5 Stars

The Seaside Pictures series by Rachel Van Dyken is a spinoff of the Seaside series. If you haven't read them from the beginning, I highly recommend you do! I know this is a standalone but honestly, I feel like you miss out on connecting with the secondary characters so much if you start with this book and they all have such wonderful stories why not start with the originals?!?! 

We met Angelica Greene in Tear (Seaside #1) and to say I couldn't stand her would be an understatement. She was rich, famous, entitled and a straight up bitch. I was really unsure I would ever sympathize with her or want to read her story. But, I should never underestimate Rachel Van Dyken! The Angelica in Steal is broken. She is post drug rehab and finally wants to make amends for her mistakes. As a last ditch effort to save her career, Jay gives her a part in his movie filming in Seaside. 

The only manager willing to take on Angelica as a client? Will Sutherland, former lead singer  of Adrenaline and ex-boyfriend/love of her life. Will is extremely bitter of Angelica and can't seem to forgive her for her role in destroying their relationship and completely shredding his heart.  Honestly, he's never been the same post Angelica and as much as he wants to hate everything about her, he can't deny the attraction he still has for her either. How long will they be able to avoid the demons chasing them from their past?

I definitely enjoyed this installment and as always I love how Rachel weaves characters from the other books into her new releases and how important of a role those characters play with each new release.  It's like the best part of a "family reunion."  Without a doubt watching their meddling was probably my most favorite part of Steal. At certain points of the book felt connected to Angelica and Will, but I also had a hard time feeling their passion at times and the pace of this story felt a little rushed.  Regardless, this is still a really fun read and fans of this series definitely don't want to pass on this story.  Take it from me you're definitely going to want to know what makes Angelica tick, how the past has shaped her, what the driving force behind her struggles and cry for attention is, and in the end you will find yourself rooting for this "villain" to get her very own happily ever after!  

Review: Until It Fades, by K.A. Tucker

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Twenty-four-year-old truck stop waitress and single mother Catherine Wright has simple goals: to give her five-year-old daughter a happy life and to never again be the talk of the town in Balsam, Pennsylvania: population two thousand outside of tourist season.

And then one foggy night, on a lonely road back from another failed attempt at a relationship, Catherine saves a man’s life. It isn’t until after the police have arrived that Catherine realizes exactly who it is she has saved: Brett Madden, hockey icon and media darling.

Catherine has already had her fifteen minutes of fame and the last thing she wants is to have her past dragged back into the spotlight, only this time on a national stage. So she hides her identity. It works.

For a time.

But when she finds the man she saved standing on her doorstep, desperate to thank her, all that changes. What begins as an immediate friendship quickly turns into something neither of them expected. Something that Catherine isn’t sure she can handle; something that Catherine is afraid to trust.

Because how long can an extraordinary man like Brett be interested in an ordinary woman like Catherine…before the spark fades? 

Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

There is a Miranda Lambert song that says “everybody dies famous in a small town.”  Catherine Wright knows the truth of those words all too well.   When she was 17 she fell in love with her high school art teacher.  As you can imagine things spun totally out of control.  The teacher and adults who should have protected her didn't and instead she was ostracized from everyone except a couple of true friends; Lou, the owner of Diamonds, the truck stop where she waits tables is wonderful.  I also love Keith, her best friend who is also totally in love with Cath - he loves her so much he selflessly encourages Catherine to follow her heart even though the path probably won't lead her back to him.  (Side Note:  I need to see him get a happy ending so please, please write a book for him!)  And Misty, a fellow waitress who has stuck with Cath through everything and who always manages to bring exciting drama to any circumstance!

One evening, 5-6 years post teacher scandal, following a horrible blind date, Catherine comes upon a terrible car crash and does the unthinkable.  She single-handedly pulls the passenger out of a burning car and saves his life.  Little does she know the life she saved is none other than the rich, famous and hot, Brett Madden, NHL player extraordinaire.  Catherine knows once news reporters break this story keeping her anonymity is going to be difficult, but terrified to be in the spotlight again, to be on the receiving end of judgmental eyes she vows to do whatever it takes to keep her identity unknown. I cannot say I blame her for wanting to stay out of the limelight, her first experience left her all alone with absolutely no self-esteem - all undeserved especially considering she was the victim!  Nevertheless, at her core Catherine is a genuinely honest, hard-working woman who wants nothing more than to get through her life standing on her own two feet.  This girl is in no way looking for a hand-out nor does she expect life to be easy or sadly even for her own dreams to come true. So, it's really no surprise she would run from any attention or money saving a star's life would surely bring.

When Brett eventually learns his hero's name and finally gets to show his appreciation in person and these two meet, the sparks are undeniable for them both.  As a reader, I loved Brett's character - talk about the ultimate "book boyfriend"!  He is famous but doesn’t act like it.  He's the guy next door only so much better.  He may have fame and fortune but at the end of the day he just wants someone to share his life with and for that life to be as "normal" as possible.  His heart is HUGE, and I promise you I'm not embellishing how wonderful this man is.  But, will Catherine ever allow her heart to love again?  She uses absolutely every excuse imaginable to push him away.  And I understand the reasons behind it, but I was desperate for her to have the courage to at least let herself try!  At her core is the worry Brett will only be around until his feelings fade.  The question is can she trust herself?  Can she trust Brett?  Is she willing to risk it all for a chance at love and true happiness?

The feels in this book are off the chart!  I opened my kindle one night because I couldn't find anything I wanted to watch on TV and didn't turn my kindle off until 3 am because I couldn't even think about sleeping without seeing how the story ended.  It's been two weeks since I read the ARC and I'm still swooning!  I love a good fairy-tale, perfect happily ever-after and this book gave me all that and more wrapped up in a beautifully well written, heart-melting story.  

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Review: The Playboy Bachelor by Rachel Van Dyken

She's no Sleeping Beauty. And he's definitely no prince . . . Margot McCleery could have lived her whole life without seeing Bentley Wellington again-her ex-best friend and the poster boy for Hot, Rich Man-Whores everywhere. But Margot's whiskey-augmented grandmother "buys" Bentley at a charity bachelor auction, and now suddenly he's at her door. Impossibly charming. Impossibly sexy. And still a complete and utter jackass. Bentley's just been coerced by his grandfather to spend the next thirty days charming and romancing the reclusive red-haired beauty who hates him. The woman he abandoned when she needed him the most. Bentley knows just as much about romance as he knows about love-nothing. But the more time he spends with Margot, the more he realizes that "just friends" will never be enough. Now all he has to do is convince her to trust him with her heart . . .

Review

4.5 of 5 Stars

It is rare that I ever close a Rachel Van Dyken book and find myself even a little disappointed.  Unfortunately I was very on the fence when I finished The Bachelor Auction, book 1 of this series.  I loved the humor and the characters, but it was a tad too over the top at times even for me.  With all that being said I have to admit I was a little nervous starting book 2, The Playboy Bachelor.  You see RVD is one of my favorite go to authors and I didn't want a book I just sort of enjoyed I wanted it to be one I totally loved.  Guess what?  I am more than thrilled to report The Playboy Bachelor was everything I hoped it would be and all that I love in a Rachel Van Dyken book!  In fact, I can't seem to wipe the smile off my face and it's been hours since I finished reading it!

Bentley Wellington is a cocky, hot, jackass of a millionaire who seems to do nothing other than get wasted and screw his way through life.  Obviously, there is a back story and a reason for his self-destructive ways, but you don't immediately know what they are and I found myself wondering if he would ever be able to redeem himself.  Having finished I'm really not sure why those thoughts ever crossed my mind.  Rachel ALWAYS writes characters I love and Bentley Wellington is no exception.  He will worm his way into your hearts as well, I simply guarantee it!  You'll find he is actually this incredibly sensitive, loyal, decent man who is scared to put his heart on the line because putting it all out there means risking his life spiraling out of control.

Margot McCleery is Bentley's former BFF and her red hair reputation is no joke. The girl has a temper, and I love it.  She is a successful, regency romance author which a huge pile of her very on baggage.  Imagine a reclusive who never leavers her house.  Now imagine a concerned grandmother desperate for anything that will bring the "life" back into her granddaughter's eyes and a grandfather desperate to make amends for poor decisions while raising his grief stricken grandchildren.

Next imagine the fireworks that occur when these two are stuck together in Margot's mansion for 30 days after a discarded friendship and years of silence.  To say Margot and Bentley have a love/hate relationship is an understatement.  I loved the emotions, the POV, the characters and the plot line.  Sure, parts of it were predictable, but they were so good, so swoon worthy you don't mind because your spending your time reading for the enjoyment that comes from being engrossed in a good rom-com.  You can almost always guarantee a HEA with Rachel, but the journey to the end is simply delightful.  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book and highly recommend you one-click it for yourself!

Review: The Young Wives Club, by Julie Pennell

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In Toulouse, Louisiana finding your one true love happens sometime around high school. If you’re lucky, he might be the man you thought he was. But as four friends are about to find out, not every girl has luck on her side in this charming debut novel perfect for fans of The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and Desperate Housewives. 

Laura Landry’s quarterback husband was her ticket out of Toulouse. But when a devastating football injury sidelines him, they’re forced to move back to the small town she was so desperate to leave. As Brian starts drinking instead of rehabbing his knee, Laura must reevaluate what her future looks like…and if it includes her husband.

For years, Madison Blanchette has been waiting for bad-boy musician Cash Romero to commit to her. When wealthy George Dubois asks her out, she figures she may as well wait in style. Life with George means weekend trips to New Orleans, gourmet meals, and expensive gifts. At first she loves how George’s affection sparks Cash’s jealousy, but when George proposes to Madison, she finds herself torn between two men…

All Claire Thibodeaux wants is to be the perfect wife and mother. If she can do everything right she won’t end up like her mom, a divorced, single parent trying to make ends meet. But when Claire’s husband Gavin, a well-respected local pastor, starts spending late nights at work and less time in their bed, she can’t help but fear that history is about to repeat itself…

Gabrielle Vaughn never thought she’d end up with someone like her fiancé. The son of a prominent congressman, Tony Ford is completely out of her league—which is why she lied to him about everything from having a college degree to the dark truth about her family. She knows she has to come clean, but how do you tell the love of your life that your entire relationship is a lie?

As these young wives come together to help each other through life, love, and heartbreak, they discover that there are no easy answers when it comes to matters of the heart. 


Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

When the opportunity to read The Young Wives Club showed up in my inbox I couldn't say no.  The synopsis sounded really good, I love "southern" themed books and seriously if someone is going to compare it to The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, a book I totally loved, then how could I not take a chance on this new author?

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book.  I loved each girl and their individual storyline's but what I thought added depth and humor, what kept me hooked, was the friendship between each of them and seeing their stories weave in and out of one another.  What's even better is Julie Pennell does this effortlessly, making it very easy to follow along and not feel lost.  Four girls, each of them young, each of them in love, and each of them with their own set of unique challenges.  Their stories perfectly capture the essence of what those first few years of marriage are like, you know once the "fantasy" of it all wears off.  

It's a story about being honest with yourself and your spouse.  It's a story about the importance of not loosing yourself once you say "I Do."  It's a story about digging deep and pressing forward when things get tough, when life suddenly takes you down a road far, far away from your dreams.

I found The Young Wives Club to be a fun, easy, somewhat predictable (which I didn't mind at all) and very heartwarming read.  My absolute favorite part of the book was the ending.  Julie Pennell executed it perfectly.  I "turned" the last page and closed the book with a huge grin on my face, with the idea to start giving the book as a bridal gift!

Review: The Bachelor Auction, by Rachel Van Dyken

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Cinderella never had to deal with this crap.

Jane isn't entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn't she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes---or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire---maybe do exist.

Except Brock Wellington isn't anyone's dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk---even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it's karmic retribution that he's tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can't have. But while they can't have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . .

Review

4 out of 5 stars

I have always loved a good romantic comedy, and I've never read a Rachel Van Dyken book that I regretted.  I dove into the Bachelor Auction while on a beach vacation and it was just the ticket for a fun, quick escape.  Jane, an older sibling to two out of control spoiled sisters, finds herself more like a mom to her sisters than an actual sister.  To say she is burnt out is putting it mildly, yet because she loves them and vowed to keep her family together she will continue doing whatever it takes even if it means always putting herself last.

Brock, a handsome and wealthy business man is the oldest and he also has a hard time saying no, but his hesitation comes from a place of fear.  His brothers and grandfather can tell he is miserable but they know he needs to learn to speak up for himself.  So how do you get two people to choose themselves for once, to fall in love?  Why you manipulate them of course!  

Thus begins our romantic comedy.  It was fun watching Brock deal with his feeling for Jane and his frustrations with not only his surroundings but also his commitments.  While I suspected who was pulling the puppet's strings I loved Jane and Brock's individual interactions with Brock's twin brothers.  They knew just how to lighten up even the worse situations and while the story focuses on Jane and Brock I was left wanting to spend a little more time with the twins.

Let's just say Brock's grandfather could give Grandma Nadine a run for her money!  And when Grandma Nadine finally makes her appearance it was icing on the cake.  So why not 5 stars?  The thing is I've practically read all of RVD's books and it's hard for me not to compare this one to the others.  The writing is good and the story was fun, but for me it felt earily similar to The Bet series and while I enjoyed The Bachelor Auction I liked the books in that series better than this one.

The Bachelor Auction is a fun modern twist on the classic Cinderella fairytale, and I truly believe you will adore this story.  Full of romance and wit this book will be the perfect choice for your next book escape!