Friday, August 30, 2019

FRIDAY FIVE: Top 5 August Reads


FRIDAY FIVE: TOP 5 FAVORITE AUGUST READS 

I read 23 books so far in August and here are my 5 favorite! What was your favorite August read? My #1 was The Best Thing by Mariana Zapata, but I loved all these lots!!!

xoxo Christy 

5- Well Met by Jen DeLuca
(releasing September 3rd, 2019)
Blurb:
All's faire in love and war for two sworn enemies who indulge in a harmless flirtation in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author, Jen DeLuca.

Emily knew there would be strings attached when she relocated to the small town of Willow Creek, Maryland, for the summer to help her sister recover from an accident, but who could anticipate getting roped into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire alongside her teenaged niece? Or that the irritating and inscrutable schoolteacher in charge of the volunteers would be so annoying that she finds it impossible to stop thinking about him?

The faire is Simon's family legacy and from the start he makes clear he doesn't have time for Emily's lighthearted approach to life, her oddball Shakespeare conspiracy theories, or her endless suggestions for new acts to shake things up. Yet on the faire grounds he becomes a different person, flirting freely with Emily when she's in her revealing wench's costume. But is this attraction real, or just part of the characters they're portraying?

This summer was only ever supposed to be a pit stop on the way to somewhere else for Emily, but soon she can't seem to shake the fantasy of establishing something more with Simon, or a permanent home of her own in Willow Creek.


4- Wild Tendy  by Toni Aleo 


Blurb:
Nico Merryweather loves women—all women. Sure, they’re sexy and fun. But “Player” is an easy reputation to hide behind, a way to keep the good times rolling and reality at bay. He’s loud, he’s cocky, he says exactly what he’s thinking, and people just laugh it off because they think they know him. But Nico makes sure no one is close enough to know the truth. With a new season starting, he is ready to play the game he can control. They’ll all be watching Nico, the goalie, but they’ll never know the man behind the mask who is just trying to breathe. He hasn’t ever wanted anyone close enough to him to see the truth, until Aviva rams herself into his ass. Literally. 

Aviva Pearce’s life is a collection of bad days all wrapped up without a bow. If it can go wrong, it will. All she wants is to run her business, take care of her sister, and keep her head above water. But with a father who is out to ruin her like he has himself and debt trying to drown her, it’s hard to stay afloat. Aviva isn’t the type to waste time dwelling on her misfortunes or to give up, though. She’s got too much fight in her. And she definitely doesn’t have time to waste on the wildly sexy, rich, showboating goaltender everyone wants. She’s got goals. 

What she doesn’t know is that Nico has goals of his own. 

And she’s number one on his list.


3- Heartstopper (graphic novel Vol 1 & Vol 2) 


Blurb: 
Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. An LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the second volume of HEARTSTOPPER, for fans of The Art of Being Normal, Holly Bourne and Love, Simon.

Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie's gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn’t.

But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family ... and himself.

Heartstopper is about friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie's lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.

This is the second volume of Heartstopper, with more to come.


2- Down Too Deep by J. Daniels
(releasing October 8th, 2019)


Blurb:
Following the sudden death of his wife, Nathan Bell has spent nearly two years burying himself in work and neglecting his biggest responsibility: his daughter. Overcome with guilt, he wants to connect with little Marley, but he doesn’t know how to do it alone. And then Jenna Savage throws him a lifeline.

A single mom of twins, Jenna is more than capable of taking care of Nate’s adorable two-year-old, and wants to help Nathan however she can. Soon, attachments are made, forcing Jenna and her kids into new territory. And the closer everyone becomes, the more right it feels.

Falling in love forces Nathan to face his biggest fear, and when hearts, both big and little, are on the line, the only thing scarier than needing someone is losing them all.

1- The Best Thing by Mariana Zapata


Blurb: 
Some things are easily forgiven. Other things… not so much.

Lenny DeMaio made herself a promise: she was done.
Done thinking about him.
Done worrying about him.
Done reaching out to a man who clearly didn’t want to be found.

Too bad no one gave Jonah Collins the memo.



Thursday, August 29, 2019

Cover Reveal: Headstrong Like Us by Krista & Becca Ritchie




HEADSTRONG LIKE US (Like Us #6) by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Release Date: November 19th


Add to Goodreads: 





Blurb:
You’re cordially invited to the wedding of Maximoff Hale & Farrow Keene, and according to Celebrity Crush—the ceremony for this American prince and his tattooed bodyguard is going to be the event of the century. 

There will be no wedding crashers.

Including but not limited to: hateful people, rabid fans, nosy paparazzi, and other so-called media.

There will be no drama.

None whatsoever. Because when you put three famous families and their hot bodyguards together, nothing will go down.

There will be no fighting.

No brawls, fists flying, verbal slingshots, or rifts that tear into craters. Lovers only!

Everything will be perfect.

Nothing will go amiss during the happiest, most anticipated occasion of the year. But then again…

They don't call it the Hale Curse for nothing.

The Like Us series is a true series, one continuous timeline, that follows a family of wealthy celebrities and the people that protect them. 


The Like Us Series Reading Order:
Damaged Like Us (Maximoff & Farrow)
Lovers Like Us (Maximoff & Farrow)
Alphas Like Us (Maximoff & Farrow)
Tangled Like Us (Jane & Thatcher)
Sinful Like Us (Jane & Thatcher)
Headstrong Like Us (Maximoff & Farrow)
Book 7 (Oscar & Jack)
Book 8 (Akara & Sulli)





About the Authors:
Krista & Becca Ritchie are New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors and identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—but with their shared passion for writing, they combined their mental powers as kids and have never stopped telling stories. Now in their twenties, they write about other twenty-somethings navigating through life, college, and romance. They love superheroes, flawed characters, and soul mate love. 

Connect w/Krista & Becca:

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Wild Tendy by Toni Aleo is LIVE!



Nico has goals...and she's number one on his list.
Wild Tendy by Toni Aleo is available now!
Universal -- mybook.to/WildTendy






Nico Merryweather loves women—all women. Sure, they’re sexy and fun. But “Player” is an easy reputation to hide behind, a way to keep the good times rolling and reality at bay. He’s loud, he’s cocky, he says exactly what he’s thinking, and people just laugh it off because they think they know him. But Nico makes sure no one is close enough to know the truth. With a new season starting, he is ready to play the game he can control. They’ll all be watching Nico, the goalie, but they’ll never know the man behind the mask who is just trying to breathe. He hasn’t ever wanted anyone close enough to him to see the truth, until Aviva rams herself into his ass. Literally.


Aviva Pearce’s life is a collection of bad days all wrapped up without a bow. If it can go wrong, it will. All she wants is to run her business, take care of her sister, and keep her head above water. But with a father who is out to ruin her like he has himself and debt trying to drown her, it’s hard to stay afloat. Aviva isn’t the type to waste time dwelling on her misfortunes or to give up, though. She’s got too much fight in her. And she definitely doesn’t have time to waste on the wildly sexy, rich, showboating goaltender everyone wants. She’s got goals.


What she doesn’t know is that Nico has goals of his own.


And she’s number one on his list.
Cover Designer: Lori Jackson Design
Cover Photography: FuriousFotog







Christy's 5 Star Review: 
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Toni Aleo is one of my favorite sports romance authors. My all time favorite hockey series is her Assassin's series. I always enjoy her books, but it's been a while since she's had a 5 star hit for me. Wild Tendy is the book I've been waiting for. I did not expect Nico's book to hit me this hard, but man... it really did. I loved it so much!

Nico Merryweather is the goalie for the IceCats and a notorious ladies man. We first meet him in Chandler's book, then in Shelley's we see him again. I didn't know how I felt about Nico in those books. I mean, I liked him, but I wasn't sure how he would be as the hero of the story. He's a bit extra and a lot to handle at times, but the more you get to know him, the more you love him. He just needs to find the right girl.


"You need the kind of woman that is strong and can handle your extra-ness."

When he meets Aviva he knows he found that girl. The only problem? Aviva wants nothing to do with him. It's not Nico, it's men in general. She doesn't have time for them. She's barely breaking even after all her bills running her family business and raising her teenage sister. Her life is crazy busy and she's doesn't have time for any extra complications. But Nico is a hard man to say no to. Especially when he becomes chummy with Aviva's sister. It makes him even harder to resist.

With time, Aviva sees that Nico really does care for her and wants to make her life easier. She has not had an easy life and finds it hard to accept help, though. Nico has such a beautiful and giving soul, he just wants to make things better for her. It causes a bit of tension. Both Nico and Aviva have been through a lot. Hearing about both of their backstories and seeing where they are now was inspiring and beautiful.

This story was wonderful. I smiled, I laughed, and I cried like a baby through this book. A lot of the tears were happy, but some parts just hit me so hard. Nico is a one of a kind character who I adored. He's funny, sweet, and amazing just the way he is. Toni wrote him perfectly. And Aviva is one of the strongest heroines ever. She was stubborn and tough but she had to be. I loved watching Nico wear her down. When she finally let him in, she let him all in. I loved this couple together so much, and the family dynamic was everything. I think my favorite part was their relationship with Aviva's sister, Callie. I especially loved her and Nico together. Partners in crime.

This book was so special to me. I truly loved everything about it. If you're a fan of strong heroines, swoony heroes and sports romances, pick this one up! It was fantastic. I can't wait to read more from the IceCat's series and I'm hoping one day we get a Callie book because I love that girl!!


About the Author:

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?
Connect with Toni!


Audio Review: White Knight by Meghan March


I never expected to be anyone’s white knight. That’s not a role I’ve ever played.

But when the Casso crime family shifts into uncharted territory, they’re looking for a new hero, and they’re looking for me - Cannon Freeman, the black sheep.

But my time in disgrace is at an end.

It’s my turn to rise up and save the people who matter most to me.

Even if my family has never given a damn about me, I will not let them fall. More than anything, I will not let her fall.

One thing I know is true - in my life, nothing is ever what it seems.

White Knight is the conclusion of the Dirty Mafia Duet and should be listened to following Black Sheep.


CHRISTY'S REVIEW: 

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This duet was my first venture into reading anything by Meghan March, and I can see why she's so popular amongst fellow readers. These books were addicting, captivating, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I actually enjoyed this book a little more than the first in the duet, and that rarely happens for me. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of her books. Especially ones that are already out about some of the secondary characters of this duet.

Cannon knows Drew's secret... now what? I was so anxious starting this book. I didn't know what would happen between Cannon, Drew, and the Casso family. I won't say much, because, spoilers, but this took us on a ride. Drew and Cannon have the most amazing chemistry. I loved them together. And I can't rave enough about how much I loved the direction this book took.

I listened to the audio version of these books and I couldn't press pause. I had to know what would happen, and the narration was amazing. I wouldn't expect anything less of Andi Ardnt and Sebastian York. I highly recommend audio format if you have these on your tbr.

There is nothing I love more than reading a book that has twists and turns that I don't see coming. I loved that this book surprised me. It could have went in so many different directions, and I thought it was great that Meghan took this unexpected way. I thought the ending was fantastic, the characters were endearing, and the writing was strong. If you're looking for a short and sexy romantic suspense duet, put these on the top of your tbr list! 


Monday, August 26, 2019

BLOG TOUR: Broken Knight by LJ Shen

BROKEN KNIGHT BLOG TOUR BANNER.jpg

"Everyone needs to read this book. "


- Harloe Rae, USA Today bestselling author.


Broken Knight, an all new standalone about first loves, betrayal and loss from USA Today bestselling author L.J. Shen, is available now!

IMG_1621


Not all love stories are written the same way. Ours had torn chapters, missing paragraphs, and a bittersweet ending.

Luna Rexroth is everyone’s favorite wallflower.

Sweet.

Caring.

Charitable.

Quiet.

Fake.

Underneath the meek, tomboy exterior everyone loves (yet pities) is a girl who knows exactly what, and who, she wants—namely, the boy from the treehouse who taught her how to curse in sign language.

Who taught her how to laugh.

To live.

To love.

Knight Cole is everyone’s favorite football hero.

Gorgeous.

Athletic.

Rugged.

Popular.

Liar.

This daredevil hell-raiser could knock you up with his gaze alone, but he only has eyes for the girl across the street: Luna.

But Luna is not who she used to be. She doesn’t need his protection anymore.

When life throws a curveball at All Saints’ golden boy, he’s forced to realize not all knights are heroes.

Sometimes, the greatest love stories flourish in tragedy.


Photo Jun 22, 4 45 13 AM.png


Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

$2.99 for a Limited Time Only

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BrokenKnight


audiofacebook


Amazon Audible: https://amzn.to/2HdgKQH

Amazon Audible WorldWide: http://mybook.to/BrokenKnightAudio
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2YbCrun

Christy's Review: 


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Broken Knight was one of my most anticipated summer reads. I mean, look at that cover. Also, the fact that Knight's parents are my favorite Shen couple, I was just so excited. There were A LOT of 5 star moments in this book. It was angsty, beautifully written, and addicting to read. There were also a few points where I considered DNFing the whole thing. I was that upset and stressed about a few things that happened. Overall, I did love it it for the most part.

There were two Knight Coles. One was mine. The other everyone else’s.


Knight Cole and Luna Rexroth have been best friends since they were kids. They are each others person, their ride or die. But their relationship is complicated. They are connected to each other and share a bond that can't be broken, no matter how hard it's put to the test...

Knight Jameson Cole is a character I felt so conflicted about. I loved him, but I also hated him at times. He has issues. He's a jerk, he's also a sweetheart and mama's boy. All those moments I almost quit this book, well, that's all thanks to Knight. The miscommunications were insane. Luna is a complex character, but I understood her. I felt she was justified with most of her actions and I really felt for her. I did root for these two to be together, through all the pain and all the hurt, they truly were meant for one another.

“There will be no one else, Moonshine. I will never let you get over me.”


Luna and Knight's journey to each other was pure torture at times. It was hard to read, tumultuous, and broke my heart. This book broke me. I cried so much while reading. I swear there was a solid 15% of the book I just bawled. It's not an easy read. Prepare yourself. Obviously, I don't want to say too much about the story. There are plenty of reviews with spoilers out there, but mine won't be one of them. Whether you love it or hate it, I think books like this are best to be read blind.

There is one thing I can say about LJ Shen's story telling.... she can wreck you like no one else. This book was captivating, alluring, intense, angsty, and a beautiful coming of age/friends to lovers story. If you're looking for a book that is raw emotion and will devastate you, but also leave you with that romance you crave, pick this one up.

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Excerpt:

Right now I wanted to just be here in silence with my best friend. And somehow, I don’t know how, but Luna sensed it. So we sat there for what felt like two hours but was probably a lot less, until I opened my eyes again. Her eyes were closed, too. I watched her for a while.

When she opened her eyes, it felt like she took something away from me.

“Let’s jump,” she said.

“I’m quite fond of my limbs, Moonshine.”

“Stop being such a big baby.”

“Big, quarterback baby who just finished a football season in one piece and would like to keep all his body parts intact.”

She crawled out of the treehouse and settled on the branch. It was thick, but I doubted it could carry my muscular ass for more than a few seconds before snapping. I rolled my eyes and settled next to her. She slipped her hand in mine.

“Three, two, one.”

It was a short, sweet way down.


LJShen

About LJ Shen

L.J. Shen is a USA Today, Washington Post and Amazon #1 Best-selling author of contemporary, New Adult and YA romance. Her books have been sold to nineteen different countries.

She lives in California with her husband, son, cat and eccentric fashion choices, and enjoys good wine, bad reality TV shows and catching sun rays with her lazy cat.


Connect with L.J. Shen

Stay up to date with L.J. Shen by signing up for her mailing list:




Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Review: The Last Post by Renee Carlino

See you on the other side.

Laya Marston’s husband, Cameron, a daredevil enthusiast, always said this before heading off on his next adventure. He was the complete opposite of her, ready and willing to dive off a cliff-face, or parachute across a canyon—and Laya loved him for it. But she was different: pragmatic, regimented, devoted to her career and to supporting Cameron from the sidelines of his death-defying feats.

Opposites attract, right?

But when Cameron dies suddenly and tragically, all the stages of grief go out the window. Laya becomes lost in denial, living in the delusion that Cameron will come back to her. She begins posting on his Facebook page, reminiscing about their life together, and imagining new adventures for the two of them.

Micah Evans, a young and handsome architect at Laya’s father’s firm, is also stuck––paralyzed by the banal details of his career, his friendships, and his love life. He doesn’t know what he’s looking for, only that there is someone out there who can bring energy and spirit to the humdrum of his life.

When Micah discovers Laya’s tragic and bizarre Facebook posts, he’s determined to show Laya her life is still worth living. Leaving her anonymous gifts and notes, trying to recreate the sense of adventure she once shared with her late husband, Micah finds a new passion watching Laya come out of the darkness. And Laya finds a new joy in the experiences Micah has created for her.

But for Laya, letting another man in still feels like a betrayal to her late husband. Even though Micah may be everything she could wish for, she wonders if she deserves to find happiness again.


Christy's Review: 

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The Last Post is a story about grief, moving on, and finding a second chance at love.

Laya is a newlywed who is finishing up her fellowship to become an orthopedic surgeon. Her life is on track, even though she's married to someone who is her opposite in so many ways. Cameron is a professional daredevil and even though it terrified Laya, she supports him. They have a whirlwind romance until one stunt doesn't go right and her world is forever changed. Laya never thought she would be widowed before thirty. She doesn't know what to do with herself, so she comes home to NYC.

Micah works for Laya's dad's architectural firm and from the moment he first sees her, there is something about her that draws him in. He knows she's widowed and going through a lot, and even though they don't know each other, he feels a pull. He wants to help her, wants to know her.
 
   
“There’s something about her. Something I can’t stay away from.”
 

I wanted to love Micah and Laya together, and maybe by the last 20% I did, but it took me quite a while to connect to the two of them and their story. There were things with the posts and the reaction to all that I didn't jive with. I don't know if it was my mood, or the book itself but this book didn't evoke the emotion or the feels I wanted it to. There were parts I really enjoyed, but overall it was just alright for me.

As always, Renee Carlino's writing is superb. This is true with every single book she writes. Although The Last Post isn't my favorite of her books (primarily because I didn't personally connect with the characters or become invested in their story) I still enjoyed parts of it, and her writing style and story-telling are two things that made this book enjoyable for me. If you're looking for a romance that focuses on overcoming loss and finding yourself and love again, give this one a go. It might just be the book for you.

                               ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Renée Carlino is a bestselling author of contemporary women's novels and new adult fiction. Her books have been featured in national publications, including Cosmopolitan Magazine, InStyle Magazine, USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Redbook, Sunset Magazine, Coastal Living and the Union Tribune. She lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com

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