Review: The Would-Be Mommy

Title - The Would-Be Mommy

Author - Jacqueline Diamond

Series - Safe Harbor Medical #1

Genre - Harlequin Romance

Format - Kindle 

Published - February 9th 2010

Publisher - Harlequin

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

From the moment he arrives at Safe Harbor Medical, Ian Martin is on infant overload. But the story he's covering gets a lot more interesting when the adventure-seeking reporter meets Jennifer Serra, an intriguing PR director who has created a stir by taking home one of the center's unwanted newborns Jennifer has always wanted a child of her own. Her dream becomes thrilling reality when she agrees to temporarily--permanently?--be a mother to a sweet baby girl. Ian could complete the picture--Jennifer sees how easily he bonds with little Rosalie.

But just when she begins to look at Ian as potential father material, the dashing journalist dredges up a scandal from Jennifer's past that could jeopardize her plans for adoption...and for a future with Ian.

Review

Jennifer is the PR director for Safe harbor Medical which is a hospital that’s just finished renovations to make it the leading baby hospital. While Jennifer’s goal is to make sure the press conference goes off without a hitch but her plan for perfect goes up in the air with a young mother shows up wanting to leave her baby with Jennifer to raise her. Waiting in the wings to get the story is Ian a reporter who’s been all over the world. While Jennifer is hesitant to take the baby the young mother is determined it has to be her and after agreeing she knows this little girl will change her life.

As Jennifer falls in love with little Rosalie she knows that she must keep her daughter safe being reminded of the child she lost. She also begins to fall in love with Ian after spending some time but it’s not meant to happen since he’s going to head off to New York for his new assignment. As a secret from her past threatens her future Jennifer will risk it all to save the little girl she loves.

I love Jennifer she’s an honest good person with a good heart who I couldn't help connection with. I wasn't sure how I felt about Ian but as the story progressed I liked him more and more. The story has a interesting selection of characters that I’m hoping may appear in future books from this series.

The Would-Be Mommy is exactly why I love Harlequin novels so much. I was turned on to Harlequins as a young teenager a long time ago by my grandmothers. The book has characters you can connect with I couldn’t help feeling Jennifer’s emotional feelings as everything happened. I even felt bad for the McCoy’s like Jennifer did. I love that the book has everything it needs to tell an enchanting story. I really enjoyed the story it was hard to put down. I actually finished the book in just a few short hours. This is my first book by this author but I know already I’m hoping to read more from Safe Haven. A novel worth reading, I may even read it again when I get the baby bug and have a craving for happy ever after.  

5 out of 5 stars

S&S Review: Glitches

Title - Glitches

Author - Marissa Meyer

Series - The Lunar Chronicles 0.5 

Genre - YA Sci Fi Fantasy

Format - Kindle

Published - December 5th 2011

Publisher - Tor

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. In Glitches, a short prequel story to Cinder, we see the results of that illness play out, and the emotional toll that takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch...

Review

I read Glitches out of order. It’s the prequel to the first book in the Lunar Chronicles Cinder. Glitches give us a short insight into the arrival of Cinder with her new family. With no memories of her childhood she learns everything from the cyborg parts that where installed. She also has one foot and one hand that are cyborg. As Cinder learns to deal with her new family we learn more about how she ends up as a mechanic.

I love Cinder she’s one of my favorite characters in fiction. While the story was short only 32 pages it was interesting to catch a glimpse into Cinder’s first experience living with her step-mother and new sisters. While short the author has created a prequel that sparks the imagination so that you want to read the rest of the series. I know I want to read Cinders books from the start all over.  Glitches is a perfect start to a brilliant sci fi fantasy that teens as well as adults will enjoy. I only wish the story was longer because I can’t get enough of Cinders world. 

4 out of 5 stars

Review: Scarlet

Title - Scarlet

Author - Marissa Meyer

Series - Lunar Chronicles

Genre - YA Sci Fi Fantasy

Published - February 5th 2013

Publisher - Feiwel and Friends

Format - Ebook

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Review

Scarlet starts right after the end of Cinder. While the first book is based all around Cinder the second book adds new characters to the story while still continuing to give us Cinders story. We are introduced to Scarlet and Wolf in this story as well as Thorne. While Cinder escapes from prison she gains the aid of another prisoner Thorne who happens to have a ship stashed not far away. As the pair flees into space, Cinder is able to give Iko a temporary body as control of the ship. After learning about her past from Dr. Erland Cinder has a lot to think about and a lot of reasons for Queen Levana to want her dead. When Kai is unable to deliver Cinder as the queen has demanded she threatens to start a war between the Lunar’s and earth.

Scarlet’s grandmother has gone missing it’s be over two weeks and the police are ruling her out as wanting to disappear on her own. Only Scarlet knows she would never run off without telling her. When her father shows up at the farm looking for what her grandmother is hiding she knows it’s not good. With the help of a stranger in town a street fighter Scarlet sets off for Paris hoping to convince the people who have her to let her go. What she finds in Wolf is an unlikely friendship but he knows more than he lets and it could cost Scarlet everything.

I really loved Cinder in the first book she’s a fantastic character I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to her next in Scarlet. She’s easy to connect with and you can’t help cheering her on as she risks her life to stay alive. While Scarlet is equally awesome in her own right after all she’s drawn the attention of a deadly predator. Oh my what can I say about Wolf other than yum. My heart goes out to emperor Kai he’s a good guy with a bad situation. However I hope it gets better after everything he’s had to deal with.

What else is there to really say other than Scarlet is amazing. The concept for the Lunar Chronicles is unique and exciting it’s one of those series that I have a hard time putting down. I actually read all of Scarlet it on day because I wanted to know what would happen next. The world that they live in imaginative and fresh it’s set in the future and touches on aliens, advanced technology and even genetic engineering. Scarlet is action packed, loaded with secrets, fighting, sassy androids, evil queens, romance and a kick ass heroines.  I love the characters they each have their own story but they are intertwined together to create a beautifully written story.  I think the author has done a fantastic job creating another installment in the Lunar Chronicles and I can’t wait to see what will happen in Cress. 

5 out of 5 stars

Cover Reveal: Black Moon

Cover Reveal: Black Moon by Teri Harman

Series - The Moonlight Trilogy #2

Genre - YA paranormal

Expected Publication - September 16th 2014

Publisher - Jolly Fish Press

(Goodreads)

Synopsis

Simon Howard accidentally killed three people. Four months later, the nightmares won’t stop. Willa Fairfield, his girlfriend, his soul mate, wants nothing more than to help him move on. But guilt isn’t the only thing getting in Simon’s way. 

When unexplained earthquakes hit the small town of Twelve Acres, and dozens of people go missing, the Light witches discover their most feared enemy, Archard, is still alive. Employing the twisted, dynamic magic of a legendary witch known as Bartholomew the Dark, Archard plans to exact his revenge and take control of the Powers of the Earth on the night of the black moon, a rare lunar event infamous for Dark magic. 

As the Light Covenant fumbles to defend against Archard’s sadistic intentions, Simon’s magic grows inexplicably more powerful, even dangerous. Willa throws all her efforts into solving the mystery of Simon’s transformation, but when the events of the past storm into the present, the couple’s future changes forever.

About the author 

Teri Harman has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. Currently, her bookshelf is overflowing, her laundry unfolded, and her three small children running mad while she pens bewitching novels. 

Teri also writes a monthly book column for ksl.com, Utah's number one news site and contributes regular book segments to Studio 5, Utah's number one lifestyle show. 

Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter /
Instagram @authorteriharman

What's Next?

What's Next? 

Hosted by IcyBooks

Picking out what to read has always been a struggle for me. I've got lots of review books and even more non-review books. 

My Choice's for what's next:  


On Dublin Street by Samantha Young (Goodreads)

Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare…

Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.

Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.

But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to the very soul.

or 


Werewolf in Seattle by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Goodreads)

The last thing Colin McDowell wants is to inherit his Aunt Geraldine's mansion in the San Juan islands off the coast of Washington. As the pack leader of the Trevelyans in Scotland, he had little time to travel halfway around the world to take care of his inheritance.

But the trip takes a pleasant turn when he meets Luna Reynaud, the young secretary his aunt hired shortly before she died. He isn't sure which surprises him more-Luna's clever plan for turning the mansion into a resort of the fact that she's drop-dead gorgeous. Both intrigue him-until he learns that Luna is only a half-breed. There's no way a pack leader can mate with a woman who's partly human...or is there?

or

Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan (Goodreads)

Come and meet Issy Randall, proud owner of The Cupcake Cafe. Issy Randall can bake. No, more than that - Issy can create stunning, mouth-wateringly divine cakes. After a childhood spent in her beloved Grampa Joe's bakery, she has undoubtedly inherited his talent. When she's made redundant from her safe but dull City job, Issy decides to seize the moment. Armed with recipes from Grampa, and with her best friends and local bank manager fighting her corner, The Cupcake Cafe opens its doors. But Issy has absolutely no idea what she's let herself in for. It will take all her courage - and confectionery - to avert disaster ...

Which do you think I should read next?

My Dusty Bookshelf

My Dusty Bookshelf

I've got an addiction for adding books to my bookshelf but never getting around to them. I'm sure I'm not the only one either. It's just so easy with all the new books to forget about the older ones. I'd like to start reading some of the books I've had for years and just haven't read. I thought this would be a good way to share and rekindle some interest in my dusty books. Plus I love giving books a little extra spotlight when I can. 

I've had this one on my bookshelf for over a year. It's sounded interesting and I liked the paperback cover. So when I found a deal on the second one I picked it up two even though I haven't read the first one yet. So now I'm thinking it's time I give it a shot. 

The Adoration of Jenna Fox 
by Mary E. Pearson
(Goodreads)

Everything is different 

Seventeen-year-old Jenna Fox has just awoken from a year-long coma - so she's been told - and she is still recovering from the terrible accident that caused it. But what happened before that? She's been given home movies chronicling her entire life, which spark memories to surface. But are the memories really hers? And why won't anyone in her family talk about the accident? Jenna is becoming more curious. But she is also afraid of what she might find out if she ever gets up the courage to ask her questions.

What happened to Jenna Fox? And who is she really?

What's on your Dusty Bookshelf? Be sure to share. 

Wishlist Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the list and onto our wonderful shelves. 

Hosted by Pen to Paper

With the movie coming out in the near future I think it might be time read this one. I've heard lots about it but I've been on the fence torn between wanting to read it and not. 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 
(Goodreads)
Synopsis

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer? 
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

Have you read this one?

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday February 26th 2014

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating. In my case not so patiently waiting for the new releases, which I lack.

Gosh the month of February has flown by so fast. I like the cover and synopsis of this one. It sounds like my kind of book. Plus it's coming our right around the corner. 

Gilded
by Christina L. Farley 
Expected Publication March 1st 2014
(Goodreads)

Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Jae Hwa Lee is a Korean-American girl with a black belt, a deadly proclivity with steel-tipped arrows, and a chip on her shoulder the size of Korea itself. When her widowed dad uproots her to Seoul from her home in L.A., Jae thinks her biggest challenges will be fitting in to a new school and dealing with her dismissive Korean grandfather. Then she discovers that a Korean demi-god, Haemosu, has been stealing the soul of the oldest daughter of each generation in her family for centuries. And she's next.

But that’s not Jae’s only problem.

There's also Marc. Irresistible and charming, Marc threatens to break the barriers around Jae's heart. As the two grow closer, Jae must decide if she can trust him. But Marc has a secret of his own—one that could help Jae overturn the curse on her family for good. It turns out that Jae's been wrong about a lot of things: her grandfather is her greatest ally, even the tough girl can fall in love, and Korea might just be the home she's always been looking for.

What do you have on your wishlist this week?

Cover Reveal: One Broke Girl

Title - One Broke Girl

Author - Rhonda Helms

Series - Edgewood Falls #1

Publication date - April 2014

Genres - Contemporary Romance

Cover Designed by Okay Creations

(Goodreads)

Synopsis

Anna Parker’s life disintegrates with one phone call. Her dad’s selling their ritzy New York City condo because her Wall Street banker mom emptied their bank account and ran off with another man. Which means Anna has to drop out of her elite college and move with Dad back to their small Ohio hometown. Anna’s determined to reclaim her life ASAP, so she’ll use the next few months to save money, help Dad get back on his feet, and find and confront her mom.

But Anna doesn’t anticipate things going so wrong. The only job she can get is working as a lunch lady in an elementary school. Their money-pit duplex is falling apart around their feet. And her dad is depressed without her mom, who’s proving hard to find.

One bright spot in the chaos is Gavin Metcalf, a kindergarten teacher she dated when they were young teens. With his easy wit and sexy smiles, he makes her forget her stresses—and the fact that her boyfriend Steven back in New York doesn’t know the truth yet about her dire circumstances. When past and present collide, Anna has to decide where her future lies…

AUTHOR BIO

Rhonda Helms started writing several years ago. She has a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. She also edits for Carina Press (an imprint of Harlequin Publishing) and freelance edits.

When she isn't writing, she likes to do amateur photography, dig her toes into the sand, read for hours at a time, and eat scads of cheese. WAY too much cheese.

Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family.

Author links:

http://www.rhondahelmsbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rhondahelmsbooks

https://twitter.com/rhelmsbooks

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5555317.Rhonda_Helms

Review: A Soul's Kiss

Title - A Soul's Kiss 

Author - Debra Chapoton

Genre - YA Paranormal

Expected Publication - March 15th 2014

Publisher - Creative Prose Publishing

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

When a tragic accident leaves Jessica comatose, her spirit escapes her body. Navigating a supernatural realm is tough, but being half dead has its advantages.

Like getting into people’s thoughts.

Like taking over someone’s body.

Like experiencing romance on a whole new plane - literally.

Jessica learns an amazing truth as she struggles to return to her body before the doctors pull the plug, only she can’t do it alone. Now the only two people willing to help Jessica’s splintered soul are the two she’s hurt the most. They must find a way to guide her soul back to her body ... before it’s too late.

Review

I received A Soul’s Kiss in return for an honest review from the author. Jessica is in love with Michael but he doesn’t really notice her. When she finally takes the chance in hopes of getting his attention fate knocks her down literally. After being knocked down accidentally she’s loaded into the car with Michael his girlfriend Hannah and Keith. While taking her home there is an accident leaving Jessica in a coma and having out of body experiences. While Jessica is in the worst shape she isn’t the only one who leaves her body. Michael and Hanna escaped free with no injuries but Jessica feels connected to them.

Jessica learns that she can get into her friends dreams but she leaves traces of herself. She also learns that she can jump into Hannah and control her. The more time she spends outside her body the more she learns about herself as well as her friends. That maybe Hannah’s life isn’t perfect or that Michael isn’t the great guy he appears to be. What about Tyler who’s been in love with her forever? Will Jessica make it back to her body or be lost forever? Will she make it back before the doctors pull the plug?

I like Jessica she reminds me a lot of a typical teenager wanting to have it all. I like that she has grown as a character throughout the book. Jessica has a best friend who stays her rock even though she’s been hurt by Jessica but she does what she can to help save her. She reminds me a lot of myself as a teenager. Well I didn't want to be homecoming queen and our drum major was cute in a nice guy kind of way.

A Soul’s Kiss is a unique novel filled with engaging characters that captivate our heart as well as the imagination. An emotional ride loaded with intrigue, secrets, romance, and the paranormal that hooks the reader till the very last page. The author has created a story that gives us the point of view from all the major characters which is still a new idea for me but the way the book flows it works really well. I always wonder what the other people are thinking but this time I knew what was up. I like the way the author has given us a insight into the other characters it made it harder for me to hate Hannah but I ended up feeling sorry for her. The story is a quick paced book for me it was hard to put down because I wanted to know more about this secret as well as if Jessica would wake up. It’s a clean novel so teens as well as adults will enjoy the complex story. I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next. 

4 out of 5 stars

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday February 25th 2014

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

~Grab your current read

~Open to a random page

~Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on the page

~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! ( make sure that what you share doesn't give away too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

~Share the title & author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (Goodreads)

Teaser

One
She did not know that the wolf was a wicked sort of animal, and she was not afraid of him.

One
Scarlet was descending toward the alley behind the Rieux Tavern when her portscreen chimed from the passenger seat, followed by an automated voice: “Comm received for Mademoiselle Scarlet Benoit from the Toulouse Law Enforcement Department of Missing Persons.”
Heart jumping, she swerved just in time to keep the ship’s starboard side from skidding against the stone wall, and threw down the brakes before reaching a complete stop. Scarlet killed the engine, already grabbing for the discarded portscreen. Its pale blue light glinted off the cockpit’s controls.
They’d found something.
The Toulouse police must have found something.
“Accept!” she yelled, practically choking the port in her fingers.
She expected a vidlink from the detective assigned to her grandmother’s case, but all she got was a stream of unembellished text.

I'm just starting this book after I finish up my todo list. 

What's your teaser today?

Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Brookish. Who doesn't love lists. They make life easy! And fun!! It's always a never ending topic.

This week's topic:
Rewind : Books whose titles or covers made me buy it. (That I have yet to read)

I picked one of my favorites and added a little twist. I do most of my book buying based on cover title or synopsis.

1. Landry Park by Bethany Hagen (Goodreads) I added this one on ebook when it came out not to long ago. I love the cover it's interesting and the first line in the synopsis sold me. "Downton Abbey meets The Selection in this dystopian tale of love and betrayal" Does that not sounds fantastic? Well it does to me. 

2. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge (Goodreads) I love the cover for this one it's beautiful. The synopsis sold the deal "Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart." It just sounds like it will be awesome. 

3.The Loch by Steve Alten (Goodreads) This one just screams read me. I've seen more shows about Loch Ness than I would like to admit. It's kind of embarrassing but I'm a dreamer who likes to think that all the sightings are true. I plan to one day travel with the hubby to Loch Ness. I hope to catch my own glimpse of Nessy. However this one sounds creepy and I can't help not wanting to read the book. 

4. Teardrop by Lauren Kate (Goodreads)  I love the cover for this one it's beautiful. I admit I had no idea what it was about till after I had paid for it at the bookstore. It's still sitting on my TBR list with hopes of being read in the near future. 

5. Paradox by A.J. Paquette (Goodreads) The giant sandworm like creature coming at her is why I picked up a copy. The colors are eye catching plus I can't get over the whole creepy worm thing. 

6. Splintered by A.G. Howard (Goodreads) I purchased this one on ebook the day it came out. I love the cover it's beautiful however I cheated a little and knew it was inspired by Alice in Wonderland. I haven't read the book yet but I even picked up a hardcopy when I placed an order a while back. Like I told the hubby what's one more. 

I don't know much about these four other than I liked the cover so I added them to my kindle. I haven't read any of them but they all have great covers. 

 Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase (Goodreads)
The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar (Goodreads)
Slayers by C.J. Hill (Goodreads) 
 The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin (Goodreads)

What's your rewind this week?

Cover Reveal: Perfectly Messy

Perfectly Messy

by Lizzy Charles

Release Date: May 2014

Summary from Goodreads:

Popularity isn't everything it's cracked up to be. Justin Marshall knows this better than most. For the captain of the basketball team, small business owner, and son of Minnesota's next governor, life can get pretty overwhelming. But Justin can handle anything as long as he has Lucy, the girl who fell for the man he’s trying to be.

But for Justin and Lucy, finding time together proves challenging. Stolen kisses and whispered promises just aren't enough. That is, until scandalous photos of the couple are leaked to a press intent on creating a juicy scandal during Justin's dad's gubernatorial campaign. And when Lucy becomes fair play for the tabloids and gossip pages, Justin does the only thing he can to protect her: he breaks her heart.

For Lucy, junior year is everything she hoped it would be: new friends, second chances, and a boyfriend she can’t stop kissing. That is, until the boy she’s pretty sure she loves chooses the life his family wants for him, over her.

Now it’s up to Lucy to teach him what it really means to have everything. Because for Justin, being who everyone needs him to be just might cost him the one person he can’t live without.

Book One:
(linked to Goodreads)

About the Author

When Lizzy Charles isn’t scrambling to raise her two spunky toddlers or caring for premature and sick babies as a neonatal intensive care nurse, she’s in a quiet corner writing or snuggled up with a novel and a few squares of dark chocolate. Black tea keeps her constant and she loves guacamole. She married her high school sweet heart, a heart-melting musician, so it’s no surprise she’s fallen in love with writing contemporary YA romance novels.

Author Links:

   

Cover Reveal Organized by: