 One night with him will change her life... Between her waitressing job, volunteer work, and college classes, there are never enough hours in Maggie Reilly’s day. Especially not for a relationship. Luckily, she’s got the perfect arrangement: a lover she meets three or four times a year. But when she shows up at the hotel expecting to hop into bed with one man, she accidentally ends up with another—Ben Barrett, Hollywood’s most notorious bad boy. Ben, determined to lay low after another scandal, just wants some much-needed sleep. What he gets is a scorching make-out session with a gorgeous, naked redhead. He won’t accept her apology, but what he will accept is a place to hide out…and if there’s some hot, no-strings sex involved, why the heck not? But Ben soon discovers that one week with his sassy, bed-hopping waitress is definitely not enough. He wants more. A lot more. Now he needs to convince relationship-averse Maggie that a bad boy might be oh so good for her—and the best thing that’s ever happened to both of them.
* Previously published in 2008, Bad Apple (formerly Midnight Encounters) features almost entirely new content, including a point-of-view switch. Enjoy this new version of an old favorite!
*******
My Review: 4/5 Stars
A short standalone novel from Elle Kennedy that is pretty hilarious as it is romantic. Maggie doesn't have time for relationships when her life is constantly balancing, work, school, and volunteering. But she does give herself two (or three) times a year for a hookup with a familiar face. Except this time, the guy she goes to meet isn't there. She accidently enters the room of Ben Barrett, famous movie star. Though she doesn't know that. With her crazy life, she doesn't exactly have time to watch TV. Ben, meanwhile, is just looking for some peace and quiet. The paparazzi are constantly on his tail hoping for a new scandal. And when he meets Maggie, he is drawn in by her down to earth personality. He convinces her to let him crash at her apartment for a week to hide from the paparazzi. Their chemistry is off the charts and it doesn't take a long for them to accept that. But there are always complications and that is Maggie's one rule: Don't complicate her life. Really hilarious their exchanges and banter. And their romance is just another swoon worthy one by Elle Kennedy.
|
Monday, October 28, 2019
Bad Apple by Elle Kennedy
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
 |
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.
********
My Review: 5/5 Stars
So freaking cute. Loved every moment of this adorable book. Fun, romantic, hilarious, and throw in a Renaissance Faire, it's the perfect package. Well Met was just such a fun book to read and one I couldn't put down. I love when you find such a fun book that makes you smile and swoon and laugh and Well Met does all that. When Emily moves in with her sister and niece, after they are an in accident, she ends ups volunteering at the small town's Renaissance Faire fund-raiser so her niece can participate. What she doesn't expect is for the town to grow on her and the spirit of the Faire. And of course a grouchy English teacher who makes an excellent pirate. After her previous relationship had left her hurt and feeling unloved, she is hesitant to make the same mistake twice. Yet, there is something about Simon that makes her want to take a risk. Cause despite his attitude, she learns to see past his mask. Their flirting on the Faire grounds soon proves to be more than act as they navigate their feelings for one another. Such a fun story! And I learned there is a second one on the way, so I will definitely be checking that out and I'm curious to whose story will be told next.
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Shatter Me Series Book 5.5: Reveal Me by Tahereh Mafi
 |
| Shatter Me Book 5.5 |
This fourth companion novella to Tahereh Mafi’s New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series is narrated by fan favorite character Kenji Kishimoto!
The explosive revelations in Defy Me have left readers reeling and desperate for answers. This fourth and final novella in the series will bring readers back to the world of the Shatter Me before the final novel installment hits shelves in winter 2020.
And don’t miss Find Me, the gorgeous paperback bind-up that brings together Shadow Me and Reveal Me in print for the first time!
********
My Review: 5/5 Stars
Another perfect novella to hold us over as we wait for Imagine Me to come out. And with one of our absolute favorite characters, Kenjii, how can it be anything but great? And it is! Picks up right where Defy Me left off, Kenjii isn't feeling so great. A lot has happened in just a short amount of time and Kenjii is having a hard time wrapping his around around it. Especially that Adam and James are missing... Turns out he was right to worry. And then we get another peek at his relationship with Nazeera and things take an interesting turn for them. Love Kenjii. Just a great character and getting a peek inside his head it always super interesting. Cannot wait for the final book.
Sunday, October 6, 2019
The End and Other Beginnings by Veronica Roth
 |
Bestselling Divergent and Carve the Mark author Veronica Roth delivers a stunning collection of novella-length stories set in the future, illustrated with startling black-and-white artwork.
No world is like the other. Within this masterful collection, each setting is more strange and wonderful than the last, brimming with new technologies and beings. And yet, for all the advances in these futuristic lands, the people still must confront deeply human problems.
In these six stories, Veronica Roth reaches into the unknown and draws forth something startlingly familiar and profoundly beautiful.
With tales of friendship and revenge, plus two new stories from the Carve the Mark universe, this collection has something for new and old fans alike. Each story begins with a hope for a better end, but always end with a better understanding of the beginning.
With beautifully intricate black-and-white interior illustrations and a uniquely designed package, this is the perfect gift for book lovers.
********
My Review: 4/5 Stars
A futuristic story collection full of novellas that I wouldn't have minded seeing a few as full length novels or a series being built off some of the worlds that were created. The novellas from the Carve the Mark world were definitely interesting and I loved re-visiting that world. The other novellas definitely held my interest. Some more than others, but still all were pretty good and unique.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
A Legend Novel Book 4: Rebel by Marie Lu
 |
| A Legend Novel Book 4 |
Respect the Legend. Idolize the Prodigy. Celebrate the Champion. But never underestimate the Rebel.
With unmatched suspense and her signature cinematic storytelling, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Marie Lu plunges readers back into the unforgettable world of Legend for a truly grand finale.
Eden Wing has been living in his brother’s shadow for years. Even though he’s a top student at his academy in Ross City, Antarctica, and a brilliant inventor, most people know him only as Daniel Wing’s little brother.
A decade ago, Daniel was known as Day, the boy from the streets who led a revolution that saved the Republic of America. But Day is no longer the same young man who was once a national hero. These days he’d rather hide out from the world and leave his past behind. All that matters to him now is keeping Eden safe―even if that also means giving up June, the great love of Daniel’s life.
As the two brothers struggle to accept who they’ve each become since their time in the Republic, a new danger creeps into the distance that’s grown between them. Eden soon finds himself drawn so far into Ross City’s dark side, even his legendary brother can’t save him. At least not on his own . . .
********
My Review: 5/5 Stars
Now THAT is how you return to a series that was completed, to tell one more story after an ending that was emotional and in a way a cliffhanger since you desperately wanted just a few more pages to get a satisfying happy ending. Rebel was exactly what I needed to read after finishing Champion way back when. Rebel was just so satisfying. When Champion ended I was a heartbroken. Even with that ending that was supposed to leave you hopeful for the future of characters you've come to love. Re-visiting the world of Legend and its amazing characters was great. We got the pleasure of seeing characters we love, while exploring new ones. We got Eden's point of view, someone who had a bigger impact on the original trilogy than you may think, and here he was grown up and facing his own challenges. We revisited Daniel's point of view and how he has changed and how he is finding his way back to June. Rebel kept you on your toes with a new conflict that challenged our characters but gave you a taste of the previous books as well. To sum it up, like I said earlier, it was just a satisfying read. And I loved every moment of it. And with all good books you wish for more and I would love more from this world, but this was a solid closing to a great series. And a much needed one at that. Great, great book. For fans of Legend, Prodigy, and Champion, Rebel does not disappoint!
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Briar U Series Book 3: The Play by Elle Kennedy
 |
| Briar U Book 3 |
A brand-new standalone novel in the New York Times bestselling Briar U series!
What I learned after last year’s distractions cost my hockey team our entire season? No more screwing up. No more screwing, period. As the new team captain, I need a new philosophy: hockey and school now, women later. Which means that I, Hunter Davenport, am officially going celibate…no matter how hard that makes things.
But there’s nothing in the rulebook that says I can’t be friends with a woman. And I won’t lie—my new classmate Demi Davis is one cool chick. Her smart mouth is hot as hell, and so is the rest of her, but the fact that she’s got a boyfriend eliminates the temptation to touch her.
Except three months into our friendship, Demi is single and looking for a rebound.
And she’s making a play for me.
Avoiding her is impossible. We’re paired up on a yearlong school project, but I’m confident I can resist her. We’d never work, anyway. Our backgrounds are too different, our goals aren’t aligned, and her parents hate my guts.
Hooking up is a very bad idea. Now I just have to convince my body—and my heart.
********
My Review: 5/5 Stars
These books always take me by surprise. I knew I would love the book seeing as I loved them since I read the first one from the original series, Off-Campus, and then when Elle Kennedy did her spin-off, Briar U, I was ecstatic that we were still in that Briar U hockey world. But what always surprises me are our main characters in each one. I think I know what is going to happen and then...plot twists! Turns out we don't know these characters as well as we thought and truthfully that makes it better. I had a picture in my mind of how this story would go and I'm glad it wasn't predictable at all. Sure, there were some predictable things, but you can say that about a lot of books. Hunter and Demi took me by surprise. Hunter especially since we have met Hunter before and have been seeing him through the eyes of his friends. And finally we get his point of view and wow! So much we didn't know and I loved getting to know his character. And then there is Demi. New character and she was absolutely hilarious. Her and Hunter's interactions were golden. And she was just an overall awesome character to get to know. Another great addition to this series. As we know Hunter made a vow to avoid women this hockey season and let's say that Demi puts that to the test. They start off as friends and as their friendship shifts to best friends and then shifts into something more, it just ends up being really satisfying. It wasn't rushed. It was more real. I loved the cameos of some favorite characters and that ending had way more twists and turns than what I would have expected. Loved this book!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
The Trials of Apollo Book 4: The Tyrant's Tomb by Rick Riordan
 |
| Trials of Apollo Book 4 |
In his penultimate adventure, a devastated but determined Apollo travels to Camp Jupiter, where he must learn what it is to be a hero, or die trying.
It's not easy being Apollo, especially when you've been turned into a human and banished from Olympus. On his path to restoring five ancient oracles and reclaiming his godly powers, Apollo (aka Lester Papadopoulos) has faced both triumphs and tragedies. Now his journey takes him to Camp Jupiter in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Roman demigods are preparing for a desperate last stand against the evil Triumvirate of Roman emperors. Hazel, Reyna, Frank, Tyson, Ella, and many other old friends will need Apollo's aid to survive the onslaught. Unfortunately, the answer to their salvation lies in the forgotten tomb of a Roman ruler . . . someone even worse than the emperors Apollo has already faced.
********
My Review: 5/5 Stars
The Burning Maze left us heartbroken and after waiting over a year and a half for The Tyrant's Tomb, well at least I can say it was worth the wait. A lot when down in the book. And I will say I was still emotional, especially in the beginning seeing as this book picked up where the last one left off, but there were plenty of fun and laughing moments. Apollo has changed a lot since The Hidden Oracle. He values the friends he has made along his journey and is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure he loses no one else. Now at Camp Jupiter, Apollo and Meg work with Frank, Hazel, and Reyna to prepare the legion for the emperors who will be arriving on the blood moon. The legion has lost a lot but their hope is gone just yet. There may be a way to turn the tides in the upcoming battle, Apollo just has to be ready for the sacrifice when it comes. Great, great book. Emotions were up and down and plenty of plot twists. And the surprises at the end? Just wow! One more book to go and I cannot wait to see how Riordan closes this series.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)