Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Disappointmentville: Color Me Crazy by Carol Pavliska

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 307; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1590 KB | Expected Release Date: May 26, 2015 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select Contemporary | Obtained: NetGalley

"Color Me Crazy" by Carol Pavliska

Author's Book Description : Never fall for a rockstar…

Julian Wheaton views the world through a kaleidoscope of synesthesia, seeing the colors of every sound he hears. His life as an iconic rock guitarist was a stressful psychedelic trip that nearly destroyed him. Now he’s abandoned the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle for the peaceful sanctity of his recording studio, but when fiery Cleo Compton comes to work for him, she brings chaos with her.

Cleo Compton has had her flings with rockstars – and it’s left her wary and bruised. Julian may have those sexy bedroom eyes and drool-worthy tattoos, but Cleo is determined to keep things strictly professional – until Julian turns out to be every dream she’s ever chased. When he risks it all to hit the road with a band again, Cleo fears he’ll return as the one thing she can no longer abide – a rockstar.

    “The characters are so beautifully atypical, the relationships are so breathtakingly flawed, and the journey is so brutally honest that I was caught between never wanting it to end and needing it to just so I could pry the Kindle out of my hand.”- Elizabeth Hayley

    “Author Carol Pavliska’s rock star romance debut stimulates your senses with vibrant characters, witty humor, and sizzling sexual chemistry. Warning: Color Me Crazy is a highly addictive must-read!”- Alison Bliss

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. Cleo’s life is in a rut. She is about to be evicted from her apartment. She’s trying to turn her personal wants into something more mature, like instead of lusting after hot bad boy rock star guitarists (as she’s been doing since she was a teen) she decides to date a starchy young lawyer who works with her father. And she’s hoping to land a job soon. However, by a slight twist of fate she gets a job and a new place to live with a best friend hers brother. A brother who just so happens to be a music studio-owning, guitar playing, ex-rock star, will Cleo be able to keep course on reforming her life or will old ways cause her trouble?

I LOVED its beginning, HATED its middle, and ENJOYED the wrap-up of this novel. Cleo is so hopeful & determined in everything that she did in the beginning that it was easy to want good things to happen for her. I was fascinated reading about Julian’s synesthesia condition (defined: a neurological phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway) from his POV. As it really gave the reader an idea about the obstacles someone who deals with that condition has to deal with on a daily (if not hourly) basis. Together, I found Cleo & Julian very companionable and loved reading about their growing romance. They were just so sweet and I thought Julian being calmed by her was just SOO sweet!

However, the major flaw in this novel and between Julian & Cleo was THEY NEVER REALLY TALKED ABOUT THE IMPORTANT THINGS!! This (as you can tell) annoyed me to know end! I mean, yes, Julian does tell Cleo about his condition and she handles everything quite well while their relationship gets closer because of it. Yet, neither of them talked about their feelings with each other all that much but Julian more so then Cleo was to trapped in his past that he never believes his feelings for her or the feelings she admits to for him. Then to top it off Julian becomes obsessed with the idea that he needs to turn into the rock star again so Cleo will stay with him for good, which turns out to be a complete disaster and the rest of the novel has them resisting their feelings for or trying to make amends with one another. Because of how they both handle the “rock star situation” made me want to give up on them and this book (it was about 74% of the way through). I didn’t give up on it though; and because I stuck with this novel, I got to see how they worked their way back together. The only problem I had with how they got back together is after they both pushed so hard to stay apart I felt like the ending was quite rushed.

Nevertheless, I WOULD STILL RECOMMEND this novel to those looking for a unique rock star romance!

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Color Me Crazy


Author's Novel Extras : Color Me Crazy - Overview & Excerpt | It’s Just Me…Naked in the Middle of the Room

ROCKSTAR FRIDAY. It's a thing. Amazon: amzn.to/1Emfzpv B&N: bit.ly/1I0DVYNKobo: bit.ly/1IoQMEl iTunes: apple.co/1duAPAJ
Posted by Author Carol Pavliska on Friday, May 29, 2015

So a little thing happened today. My book was released. I'm just sitting here all relaxed and casual and not even...
Posted by Author Carol Pavliska on Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :
"So," Julian said as he grabbed Addie's arm to steer her clear of a wino. "Tell me about these friends of yours and why I won't be interested in shagging them."
"Real breasts," she replied.
"Come again?"
"Real breasts. They've got them."
"Hey, I've got nothing against natural breasts. They're just usually not attached to women I'm attracted to, is all." That wasn't true, but getting Addie worked up was a habit. ~ within Chapter 1
"Hello, love," Julian said. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"I'm exploring the hotel."
"Lovely, isn't it? You should see the room. Wait, you can't. You don't know where it is."
"You're a hoot."
"We're in 512. Don't be intimidated by the king-size bed. They're bringing up a rollaway for you."
"I'm sleeping in the bed. You can have the rollaway if you're that scared of me."
"I'm fucking terrified of you, but since the room is in my name, I get the bed. You're technically my guest."
"I received my own invitation to this affair, so if I'm anybody's guest, it's Cory Maxwell's. Maybe I should see what kind of bed he has in his room."
Julian stuttered a little before saying, "Fine. You get the bed. And stay away from Maxwell."
"Maybe I will, and maybe I won't." ~ within Chapter 10

COLOR ME CRAZY by Author Carol Pavliska -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Wednesday, June 3, 2015
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Carol, then please check out her website.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Idolizing In: A Will and A Way by Claudia Harbaugh

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 537 KB | Expected Release Date: April 7, 2015 | Publisher: SilkWords, LLC | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Will and A Way" by Claudia Harbaugh

Author's Book Description : When Pippa’s father dies, she learns he was an earl — and that she is illegitimate. Part of her inheritance is a London Season, although she must masquerade as her half sister's cousin. Provincial Pippa knows nothing of rakes and routs, and she fears repercussions should Society discover her deception. In this sweet Regency romance, Pippa must remain faithful to herself as she navigates the ton and seeks a husband. But if she does meet a man she can love, will he be able to overlook the circumstances of her birth?

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! After seventeen years of believing her father was just a traveling sales merchant, Philippa (Pippa) finds out that her father was actually the Earl of Milbank upon his death. In addition, he learns that she is actually a bastard. Approximately a year later, Pippa learns that in her father’s will she and her half-sister, Charlotte (Charlie), are to have a Season in London together without the interference of either of their mothers. During Pippa and Charlie’s time together, they grow close as sisters while trying to navigate the confines of the ton. Yet, Pippa is still uncertain if the ruse to pass off her being there as Charlotte’s cousin is the right one, but is telling the men in her life the truth about her parentage any better?

This fast-paced novella reminded me a bit of Ms. Austen’s "Pride & Prejudice" because of how much Pippa & Lord Trent (James) mimic Elizabeth Bennet & Mr. Darcy’s pride/stubbornness. I liked how nice Charlie is to Pippa and how their relationship grew into an undeniable friendship. In addition, I found Pippa & Lord Trent’s banter fresh and entertaining while making me want them to get together from the beginning.

I recommend this novella to those looking for a fun quick historical romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : A Will and A Way


Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
"I do not think he preferred me to you, just as most parents love all their children equally. But ..." I hesitated, not sure that I could say the words that hung on the veriest tip of my tongue.
"But he preferred your mama to mine," said my sister, speaking my thoughts aloud, sparing me the embarrassment of it.
I nodded and then, despite the rolling carriage, Lady Charlotte managed to gracefully transfer from her seat to mine. She gently took my hand in hers.
"Could we be real sisters, do you think? I would truly love to have a sister."
"Of course. I mean, we are sisters, if only half."
"I have never had anyone to confide in, you see. And sisters must keep each other's confidences."
"I will gladly keep any confidence of yours, Lay Charlotte, sister or no." ~ within Chapter 2
"What should I do if he is there?" she asked.
"You should say 'how do you do,' smile, and move on," I said matter-of-factly.
"I cannot."
"Mama, you have always told me I must face my fears. Now you must do the same."
"It is hard when my only child throws my words back in my face."
"Hard it may be, but still true." ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Claudia, then please check out her website.

Feasted On: Kennedy High Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 201; Kindle Edition - File Size: 4594 KB | Expected Release Date: November 17, 2014 | Publisher: Elliott Books | Obtained: edelweiss

"The Evolution of Emily" [Kennedy High Series, Book 2] by Kate Scott

Author's Book Description : Emily Charles knows how to run away. Away from her overprotective, agoraphobic mother. Away from her biology-obsessed, autistic sister. Away from her quiet sheltered claustrophobic homeschooled life. When Emily's escape plan involves starting her junior year at Kennedy High School, she realizes she's no longer running away. Now she's running towards. Towards her quiet thoughtful cross-country teammate, August. Towards her zany enthusiastic lab partner, Miles. Towards friendship, love, independence, and life.

Thanks to her sister's special interest in biology, Emily knows all about the birds and the bees. Boys are a lot more confusing!

Readers who enjoyed "Counting to D" will won't want to miss Scott's second novel, also set at Kennedy High School.


My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Emily's life has been within the confines of her home. With a mother who fears the outside world and a younger sister with her own special needs, Emily is very lonely. Her only reprieve from her everyday life is running. During one of her running excursions, she runs by the local high school and decides to get paperwork to enroll. After convincing her father that going to high school is what she needs, she begins her new school year that fall. Now Emily is faced with her greatest dream and biggest fear ... socialization. Will it all turn out the way she hopes? Can her family come to terms with the life changes she's throwing their way? And is the cute guy on the cross-country team everything she believes he is?

This was a uniquely intense YA romance that makes the readers think, helps them learn, and gets them addicted to its inspiring characters. I was truly surprised by the direction this novel played out but I couldn't have been happier with its outcome! Emily is a compelling girl who is brave enough to take control of her life and fight for what she wants even if it's hard fighting against a family who doesn't want to change like she does. Then to throw in her new relationship with August (a sweet cross-country star) and her budding friendships with Sam & Miles, just topped off my liking of this novel. Plus, it helped that the chemistry between August and herself is off the charts. While at times August seems to good-to-be-true, he helps Emily more than ever to navigate her new world. August definitely charmed me.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those who are looking for a dynamic YA romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : Counting to D (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Evolution of Emily (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Counting to D (Book 1) | Alibris (Paperback) : Counting to D (Book 1) | Alibris (Paperback) : The Evolution of Emily (Book 2)


Author's Novel Extras : Bootcamp Check-In | Buckle Up for Writing | The Evolution of Kate | The Evolution of Emily - Cover Reveal

The Evolution of Emily is now available. Do you have your copy yet?
Posted by Kate Scott on Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Author's Series Extras : The Dyslexic Brain | Love List | Opening Sentences | 2014 Is Already Looking Good | Spring Writing Boot Camp | Happy New Year

Today is "support teen literature day", what have you done to celebrate? #RockTheDrop
Posted by Kate Scott on Friday, April 17, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :
My dad had always been my ally, when I really needed him. He insisted my mom let me leave the house to go running every day. He set the boundaries, allowing Olivia and me to spend as much time as we wanted outside on the porch. He made sure we were safe every day, even though he left us at home with a crazy person---a crazy person he loved enough to overlook her insanity. ~ within Chapter 2

THE EVOLUTION OF EMILY by Kate Scott -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Monday, June 1, 2015
"Bravery isn't the same as fearlessness. Yes, you're afraid, but you don't let that fear paralyze you. Emily, you forced two very overprotective parents to let you go to public school, participate in extracurricular activities, and start dating. I'm pretty sure you're a superhero."
I looked up at him. "Do you really think that?"
"Absolutely." ~ within Chapter 25
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Kate, then please check out her website.
This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/