Review: The Opposite of Wild (Clover Park #1) by Kylie Gilmore

Image & description from goodreads.com

Ex-cop Ryan O'Hare takes one look at buttoned-up control freak Liz Garner and just itches to loosen the woman up. Not that he’s into her. Because a woman like that comes with way too many expectations. Not to mention, she practically works for him, and he didn’t hire Liz to watch after his beloved Harley-stealing Gran so he could turn Liz loose in his bed. Still, there’s something about her, a hidden wild side, that makes him wonder what it would take. 

Liz must be crazy to work for the insensitive, arrogant, horribly…hot man she's avoided for years. Unfortunately, she needs the money and Ryan's grandmother needs a keeper. (Midnight tango lessons and ziplines with Gran, anyone?) Ryan's rare smile and swaggering confidence have Liz torn between throwing her favorite pinot grigio at his head or throwing herself at him. Can this control freak find a way to let loose with the tough, no-strings guy who once broke her heart?

My Thoughts:
There were some great "LOL" moments in this book!  Maggie a.k.a. Gran was hilarious.  She was just what uptight Liz needed to get out of her comfort zone.  Gran's new adventurous outlook on life has her grandsons all in a tizzy, especially Ryan.  He hires Liz to watch out for Gran and to talk her out of her crazy shenanigans.  Ryan & Liz are thrown into chaos when an unexpected visit from Liz's sister effects both their families.  Both Liz & Ryan have let things from their past mold them as adults.   They help each other deal with those issues all the while trying to keep up with Gran.  This was a great start to a series I know I'm going to really enjoy.  The characters are funny & endearing.  

Recommended for 17 & up.  Mild language & moderate sexual content.

Review: Crazy, Stupid, Fauxmance by Shellee Roberts

After Mariely Hinojosa and Cabot Wheeler both break up with their significant others at the same party, Mariely sees a way to get even with both of their exes. Everyone knows that the best way to get over a breakup is a hookup—a fake hookup, that is. Three weeks, all fun, no strings, and definitely no heartbreak at the end. 

But somewhere between the sweet hand-holding and melt-your-mind kisses, their fake relationship starts to feel less like an act and more like the real thing...but Mariely’s a free-spirited girl from the other side of the tracks, and Cabot’s the hot trust-fund guy from the Hills. 

They’d never work for real...

My Thoughts:
I live near Austin so I LOVED that this book was based there.  Mariely was an amazing character.  I would have loved to see her sense of style on the cover.  I liked how determined she was not to let her circumstances hold her back.  Mariely & Cabot both do an excellent job of calling each other out when it comes to dealing with their personal issues.  While their past relationships seemed to hold them back, their "fauxmance" pushes them out of their comfort zones and into something much better than they ever imagined.  In the end, things fall into place and the scene is set for other characters to take center stage.  That last sentence is really clever after you've read the book.  I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the Creative HeArts series.  
Recommended for 15 & up.  Mild language & sexual content.

Review: If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram

   

If We Were a Movie by Kelly Oram (Power of the Matchmaker #3) Music meets Movies in this sweet college romance from the bestselling author of Cinder & Ella. NYU freshman Nate Anderson is a triplet who is desperate to escape his wild and crazy brothers. After they screw things up for him one too many times, Nate flees his housing situation and takes the first available room for rent as far from his brothers as he can get. Enter his new roommate Jordan--a quirky LA girl who believes that everything in life has already been done in the movies. In this heartfelt tale of love, friendship and family, Nate learns how to deal with his new adult life using Hollywood films as a guide.

My Thoughts:

I loved this book just like I love EVERY, sappy, happy ever after, Hallmark movie.  That's right!  I am one of those women who will watch every single Hallmark movie at Christmas, Valentine's & basically anytime I can get a 2 hour window without my husband & kids.  I record them until my DVR is almost out of space.  I don't care if the plot is basically the same, or that the endings are "cliche'".  I. Love. Them.  This book was all the things I love about those movies.  

The movie, music & pop-culture references were the sprinkles on the sundae.  There's a great ice cream theme happening in this book too so that previous sentence is pretty perfect, if I do say so myself.

Nate & Jordon are fantastic!  Their quirky way of finding a movie or song to describe the awkward situations they find themselves in is comical.  Then there's Nate's brothers, Chris & Tyler, who make Nate's problems 10 times worse in the most hilarious ways.  Throw in a conniving, psychotic girlfriend, a very outspoken gay friend & you have the perfect rom-com in the making.  The pace of the story is just right.  The characters and setting are extremely well written.  I will be looking to read more of Kelly Oram's books if they're all as good as this one. 

 

What readers just like you are saying about If We Were a Movie:

"WOW! This book is great! The concept is so inventive, and the writing is brilliant."

"I thought Cinder & Ella jerked with my emotions too much but this one might have it beat."

"I finished reading If We Were a Movie yesterday. I loved it! I fell hard for Nate. Jordan was amazing! And Pearl's timing was perfect! "

"Amazing concept with movies as chapters, and fantastic storyline." "I loved this story and was humming along to the songs from the book whilst reading. I can see this book becoming the movie it was written to be." "If We Were a Movie made me want to binge watch movies, listen to old playlists and re-read it all at once."

TEASER: “So this is what a Pearl-approved guy looks like.” She shook her head once and cracked a smile. “She’s got good taste, I’ll give her that. You’re an odd mix of sexy and adorable. Don’t see that often.”

I was a little taken aback by the compliment, if that’s even what it was. She may have just been stating what she considered to be fact. She laughed at my surprise and held out her hand to me. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jordan Kramer.”

I’d been afraid of that. “You’re a girl.”

Jordan laughed. “That’s what it says on my birth certificate, but I’m really glad you were able to figure it out without needing to read it.”

Nope. I definitely didn’t need that.

 TEASER: I handed Jordan the electric guitar that I’ve had since I was twelve, and laughed when her eyes got really big. “You play the electric guitar, too?” “Music major,” I teased, picking up my keyboard. “I play this, too. A little. And the bass guitar.” “Awesome.” She examined the electric guitar with awe. “Why do you seem so surprised?” She looked at me as if the answer to that question should be obvious. “Hello. Have you met yourself? You with an acoustic guitar singing soft songs around a campfire or in a coffee house makes perfect sense. But I can’t picture you up on a stage, jamming on your electric guitar like a rock star.” She studied me a moment, then shook her head. “You’ll have to play for me, or I’m not going to believe it.”

 

Author Kelly Oram

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen--a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which her family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and likes to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Mr. Darcy.

 

   

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Review: Heroes (Eirik #2) by Ednah Walters

Eirik wants nothing more than to show Celestia—the Witch who pulled him out of the darkness—that his feelings for her are real, but his parents expect him to avenge a wrong done to his family. To make matters worse, Celestia is moving on and is already dating another guy. Then Eirik discovers she is the key to accomplishing his goals. Caught between love and duty, Eirik will do whatever it takes, including getting up close and personal with Celestia, to get his way.


Celestia is convinced she is drawn to Eirik because of the bond created by the dragon's kiss, so she pushes him away. But when he comes to her for help, she is once again thrust into his world, where things are never what they seem.


From Earth to the realms of the gods, betrayal follows them and help comes from unexpected sources. But when the time comes for Eirik to choose, will he fulfill his duty or follow his heart? Everything rests on his shoulders as the wrong choice may lead to Celestia's worst fear—the rise of the Harbinger of Death.

My Thoughts:
Let's face it.  I'm never going to adequately express the awesomeness of this author & series.  Awesomeness isn't even close to describe the gift Ednah Walters has when it comes to weaving the intricate tapestry of these books.  Not only did she take 3 books, in 3 different POVs, with essentially the same story and make each one unique; she had twists & surprises that kept each book interesting. The 3 books I'm referring to are Souls (Runes #5), Witches (Runes #6) & Heroes (Eirik #2).  
Heroes is from Eirik & Celestia's POVs.  If you're familiar with this series, Eirik is Raine's bestfriend/brother from another mother.  From the time they were small children Raine & Eirik had each other's backs.  And while they've both started forging their own paths they're still there for each other when the need arises. 
Eirik has literally been to Hel & back.  Now that he's come to terms with who he is and his linage he's ready for some revenge.  The only thing distracting him is Celestia.  She's determined to keep her distance knowing that Eirik has duties to fulfill.  She doesn't realize it's not the dragon's kiss that pulls them together but a bond stronger than any magic could conceive.  
Having read the other two books, Eirik & Celestia's POVs were a fresh look at things that were happening only in the back ground of the other books.  It's like seeing the story in 3D and all the behind the scenes stuff too.  I got so many answers to questions I didn't even know I had!  There is a slight cliff hanger at the end to set us up for the next epic installment.  You can't read this as a stand alone.  But why would you want to?  Start this series and join the adventure!
Recommended for 14 & up.  Mild to moderate language & sexual content.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Links:

Ednah Walters’ Website: http://www.ednahwalters.com
Follow Ednah Walters in Facebook http://bit.ly/EdnahWFans
Follow Ednah Walters on Twitter http://bit.ly/EdnahTwitter
Follow Ednah Walters on GoodReads http://bit.ly/EdnahWGoodreads

Review: Defending Taylor by Miranda Kenneally

Image & Description from goodreads.com

Captain of the soccer team, president of the Debate Club, contender for valedictorian: Taylor’s always pushed herself to be perfect. After all, that’s what is expected of a senator’s daughter. But one impulsive decision—one lie to cover for her boyfriend—and Taylor’s kicked out of private school. Everything she’s worked so hard for is gone, and now she’s starting over at Hundred Oaks High.

Soccer has always been Taylor’s escape from the pressures of school and family, but it’s hard to fit in and play on a team that used to be her rival. The only person who seems to understand all that she’s going through is her older brother’s best friend, Ezra. Taylor’s had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But it’s hard to trust after having been betrayed. Will Taylor repeat her past mistakes or can she score a fresh start?

My Thoughts:
"Oh what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive." - Sir Walter Scott (Marmion, 1808) 

That pretty much sums up Taylor's predicament.  She's put her trust in the wrong person & now all her hard work will seem wasted.  I think Taylor showed some great maturity in most of her decisions.  The pressure she put on herself added with that of her family's demands caused her to make a bad choice.  Taylor does a good job of taking responsibility for her actions and accepting the consequences.  When most kids in her position would have felt entitled, Taylor changes her whole life and adjusts really well.  I loved Ezra.  I liked how he & Taylor supported & encouraged each other.  Both come from families that have high expectations.  That's not necessarily a bad thing but sometimes those expectations can be so high they inhibit instead of help.  
This is a fantastic story about learning from your mistakes and growing from them.  The writing is as awesome as Jesse's Girl, also by Miranda Kenneally.  I love all her books!
Recommended for 15 & up.
Moderate sexual content & adult situations.     

I received this book from the publisher through NegGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Lost Heir by Allison Whitmore, Erin Virginia & Grace Arden

Image & description from goodreads.com

Isabella Foxworthy was just another girl…until she learned she was an empath, able to read the energy of others. A secret world known as the Violet City lies beneath her family’s hotel in Los Angeles. Through this discovery, Isabella is catapulted into a whirlwind of magic, adventure, and danger. The Violet City holds the key to protecting her stability; her family hotel, her friends, and her very sanity. With morphlings, empaths, and fair folk also comes a powerful entity that twists her mind into knots, threatening everything she loves. Now, Isabella and her new friends—a guitar-playing jock, his gifted but neurotic brother, and a set of over-indulged twins—have until her 16th birthday to save her world with the help of someone who's been lost for a very long time...the lost Foxworthy heir. But will they find him in time? And will he be a friend or foe?

My Thoughts:
To start let me say that the cover of this book is GORGEOUS!  Moving on to the thick of things...there is a lot, A LOT, going on in this book.  It was over whelming to be honest.  Things moved at such a fast pace that you never really have time to acclimate to all the changes.  Therefore, it seemed like the characters really didn't have any realistic time to adapt to all their changes either.  I liked Isabella, Seth, Micah, Cleo & Xander.  However, the domino effect set in motion by the pace of the story is that there is little room for character & world development.  The world the authors write about sounds amazing but I couldn't really picture it.  The characters were erratic and I never got a feel for them.  The idea of the story is a really good one.  I just wanted to understand it more.  I can't really elaborate more without throwing in spoilers.  Isabella is 15 but she seems more like she's about 12.  Her circumstances from the start seemed confusing.  She lives with her grandmother who she claims doesn't really want her, but yet as the story progresses all her grandmother wants to do is protect her.  Several things just didn't add up.  Even though we clearly find out who the villain of the story is other characters are left a mystery.  And where did Isabellas' grandmother & Theophilus go at the end, then suddenly come back?? 
I could go on & on.  
So, it's not that I didn't like the book .  The story could have been amazing.  I just think this book could have actually been two books with a lot more structure & development.  There is a slight cliff hanger at the end so I know there will be another.  I just don't know if I have the patience to read it.  There's always hope that things will slow down and be explained better in the next one.

I received this book from the publisher through NegGalley for my honest review.

Recommended for readers 12 & up.  Mild language.  

Cover Reveal: Proposals & Poison by Rachelle J. Christensen

Proposals and Poison, Wedding Planner Mysteries book #3 Rachelle J. Christensen “Cozy mystery meets romantic comedy in this fabulous, fast-paced story.” Cami Checketts author of The Resilient One, A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance Love can be a very dangerous thing. At least it seems that way to Adri Pyper, the premier wedding planner in Sun Valley, Idaho. When one of her clients dies mysteriously, Adri takes the advice of the local detective and swears she will stay out of the investigation . . . this time. Luke Stetson's involvement in the case, along with the possibility of a kiss between the two, should be enough incentive to keep Adri out of trouble. But when a dog-themed wedding is almost ruined by a suspect, Adri and her assistant, Lorea, are thrust into private eye mode. When poison enters the picture, even a reluctant sleuth can’t steer clear of danger.   

 

 “Packed with danger and romance, intrigue and entertainment, Rachelle Christensen's Wedding Planner series is romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages late into the night!” --Maria Hoagland, Author of The ReModel Marriage (Romance Renovations series)

Author Rachelle J. Christensen Rachelle is a mother of five who writes mystery/suspense, nonfiction, and women’s fiction. She solves the case of the missing shoe on a daily basis. She enjoys raising chickens and laughing with her husband. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. Rachelle is the award-winning author of ten books, including The Soldier’s Bride (a Kindle Scout Selection), Wrong Number, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, and Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology. Her novella, “Silver Cascade Secrets,” was included in the Rone Award–winning Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection. Rachelle has a VIP mailing list where all subscribers get access to free books, guides, and other resources. Sign up now to hear what exciting news Rachelle has to share. http://eepurl.com/eFD3o

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Series endorsements “Mystery, suspense, murder and romance all intriguingly tied together in one very fun walk-down-the-aisle cozy mystery!”—Shauna Wheelwright, reviewer “I love a great mystery that keeps my interest and keeps the pages turning. I loved the Hawaiian setting, that was a character on its own. As the story progressed, I enjoyed where the author went with the mystery, doing a perfect job of planting the right amount of seeds to try to throw me off the trail of who the killer was.”—Mindy Holt, reviewer   Giveaway Details $25 cash giveaway plus an ebook bundle of the Wedding Planner Mystery Books 1 & 2. (gifted via Amazon) Ends 3/3/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway