Saturday, July 4, 2015

Made the Grade: Again, Alabama by Susan Sands

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 978 KB | Expected Release Date: June 12, 2015 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Southern Born Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Again, Alabama" by Susan Sands

Author's Book Description : Cammie Laroux is back in Alabama—again.

Dragged back to her small town to help her mother recover from surgery while rescuing the family event planning business should be a cinch. Even for a disgraced television chef, right? Wrong.

Among the many secrets Cammie’s family’s been hiding is the fact that their historic home is falling down. Oh, and the man hired to restore the house, Grey Harrison, is the same high school and college love of her life who thrashed her heart and dreams ten years ago. Yeah, that guy.

Grey, a widower with a young daughter, has never stopped loving Cammie, and when they are face to face once again, the chemistry is off the charts. Cammie may be in full-blown denial, but letting go is no longer in Grey’s vocabulary, even when winning Cammie’s forgiveness and renovating their love may seem like an impossible build even for a master architect and carpenter.

As Cammie finds herself forgetting all the reasons she can’t trust Grey or love again, he finds himself remembering all the reasons he wants her to stay with him in Alabama… forever.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. This is a riveting tale about a woman who comes home to pick up the pieces of her life while setting to rights her family’s business and dealing with a ten-year-old betrayal by having her ex back in her life.

Ten years ago Cammie and her longtime boyfriend Grey (both being in college at the time) got into an argument, misunderstanding ensue, and Grey made the drunken mistake by having sex with Cammie’s then best friend Deb. Because of how Deb manipulates Grey after their drunken encounter, both Cammie and Grey never got to get over Grey’s terrible mistake and their lives have irreconcilably change from then on. Now ten years have passed, Deb (Cammie’s ex best friend and Grey’s wife) recently died in an accident, and both Grey & Cammie are back in their hometown for personal reasons. With them working and living closely together again, old hurts are back out to play while they find that their interest in one another hasn’t gone away. However, will they be able to reconcile after everything that has happened? In addition, if they can get over the past will they be able to try for a new future together no matter the cost?

Yet, as riveted as I was with the plot I found the pacing slow and hard to stick with at times. I liked both Cammie and Grey. Moreover, while I did root for them to be together it was hard to do so with all the angst that is a constant play in this novel, which at times had me resenting Grey for what he did when he was younger. Then to top it off this novel has secrets galore, which seemed to keep coming out of the woodwork and mostly from Cammie's mother Maureen. A majority of the surprises were dramatic twists that were hard to handle, especially on top of Grey and Cammie’s “relationship.”

While I liked the ending, Grey’s commitment to Cammie by making a relationship and family with her work, and how Grey hopes to improve his daughter’s life by working with a counselor as much as possible, I thought it was very rushed and wrapped up to quaintly after everything the characters go through. In addition, I kind of wanted to read a scene or two between Cammie and Samantha (Sammie) that would show that their relationship was improving.

Overall, this novel was a good read. I would recommend it to those looking for a contemporary romance high on drama.

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Again, Alabama


Author's Novel Extras : The Big News!


***AGAIN, ALABAMA RELEASE BLITZ W/EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY*** By Susan Sands! Visit our blog for Synopsis, Excerpt, Social and Buy Links along with a Giveaway! TBP~~~~> http://bit.ly/1KqVtQ9
Posted by Two Book Pushers on Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

AGAIN, ALABAMA by Susan Sands -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Saturday, July 4, 2015
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Susan, then please check out her website.

Second Sentence Saturday: The Evolution of Emily


SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

  • Grab the novel/novella your currently reading
  • Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
  • Share the SECOND sentence from that page
  • Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want



MY Second Sentence Saturday :

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

The only thing separating me from the world was a worn old pair of running shoes.



PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Made the Grade: Montana Born Brides Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 367 KB | Expected Release Date: May 4, 2015 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Montana Born Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Fairy Tale Bride" [Montana Born Brides Series, Book 1] by Scarlet Wilson

Authors' Book Description : It seems that wedding fever has hit the little town of Marietta...

Lisa Renee loves weddings. As owner of Marietta’s bridal salon, Lisa takes charge when a celebrity wedding rolls into town and does what she does best: hosting the fairy tale wedding her clients dream of. But the celebrity’s badly behaving bridesmaids shatter Lisa’s poise, excitement, and hopes of putting Marietta and her boutique on the map. The only place she can find peace is on the pediatric ward of the local hospital where she volunteers, a place that holds more meaning to her than anyone knows. Leave it to the handsome and charming new doctor to change all of that...

Dr. Adam Brady is enjoying his new job and anonymity at Marietta’s hospital, but he hasn’t been able to focus entirely since the gorgeous business owner and hard-working volunteer piqued his interest. As he spends more time with her, sparks fly, and he realizes that he’s not the only one in Marietta with secrets…

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! This is a cutely quaint story about Lisa, a bridal shop owner who is still getting over her disastrous ex fiancé, and Adam, the "Millionaire" doctor who recently moved to Marietta. Both have secrets that they'd rather keep hidden, yet after getting so close will they be ready to trust each other with their truths?

I found the setup and plot of this novel very well portrayed. Lisa & Adam a good matchup and complemented each other well. However, the novel itself didn't capture and hold my interest, as I'd have liked which is why it got the rating it did.

Nevertheless, I recommend it to those looking for a sweet quick contemporary romance.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : The Fairy Tale Bride (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : His Blushing Bride (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Bride by Mistake (Book 3) | Kobo (e-Book) : Finally His Bride (Book 4) | Kobo (e-Book) : Kiss The Bride (Book 5) | Kobo (e-Book) : Two Nights With His Bride (Book 6)


Author's Novel Extras : Cover reveal - Montana Born Brides Series

The new Montata Born Bride Series!
Posted by Scarlet Wilson Author Page on Saturday, March 28, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

THE FAIRY TALE BRIDE by Scarlet Wilson Author Page -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Tuesday, June 30, 2015
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Scarlet, then please check out her website.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Feasted On: The Ugly Stepsister by Aya Ling

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 452; Kindle Edition - File Size: 535 KB | Expected Release Date: June 10, 2015 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Ugly Stepsister" by Aya Ling

Author's Book Description : To-do list:
*Persuade the prince to give the ball
*Learn how to act like a noble lady
*Find fairy godmother
*Prevent other stepsister from sinking her claws into Prince Charming
*Find out why Cinderella has a mother and two brothers in the poorhouse



When Kat accidentally rips apart an old picture book, she's magically transported into the world of Cinderella--as Katriona, one of the ugly stepsisters! Life turns upside down now that she’s a highborn lady and must learn how to survive the social season, including how to get through the door in a huge metal hoop skirt. To get back, she'll have to complete the story, right to the end of happily ever after. But the odds are huge: the other stepsister is drop-dead gorgeous, the fairy godmother is nowhere to be found, and the prince, despite being insanely hot, openly dislikes balls. Can she ever return to the modern world?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! Typical shy seventeen-year-old Kat (Katherine/Katriona) transforms into a confident young lady after being sent into the Cinderella story-world because she fell and accidentally "broke" the Goblin kings book. Her only way home or back to her family and her "reality" is by insuring the Prince's (Edward) happily-ever-after. But with her being thrown into the "ugly stepsister" role, finding that her "sister" is model-worthy gorgeous, and that she suspects her maid (Elle) is really Cinderella yet she's without proof, Kat isn't sure how she'll accomplish her goal of getting home. Nevertheless, she's determined no matter what obstacles or lovelorn hearts get in the way...

I LOVED this novel!!! I just wish that the scenes after the happily-ever-after happen could have been a bit more magical, I suppose, as if those scenes were more magical than I'd definitely have given it the full 5 stars. However, I was enchanted with how Kat puts up with and tries to change the storybook world for the better. It was endearing, entertaining, heartwarming, and delightful!!! I was so wrapped up in every scene (I laughed, got teary-eyed, etc.) that I wish it didn't have to end.

As a huge fan of fairytales, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the new twists this Cinderella plot had and how you could see both Edward and Kat falling for one another even though she fights it to the very end. They were a very forward-thinking fairytale couple that charmed me. I couldn't get enough of their relationship.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those looking for an intriguing YA fantasy fairytale romance!

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book) : The Ugly Stepsister


Author's Novel Extras : The Ugly Stepsister - Overview & Excerpts | First Draft of Ugly Stepsister Done! | Sequel simmering | Endless Editing | Fairy Tale Retellings: Cinderella | Endless Editing | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (I) | Endless Editing | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (I) | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (part 2 & 3) | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (part 4) | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (part 5) | Excerpt from Ugly Stepsister (part 6) | Excerpt from Ugly Stepsister (part 7) | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (part 8) | Excerpt from The Ugly Stepsister (part 9)


HOW "The Ugly Stepsister" CAME TO BE by Aya Ling -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, June 28, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

THE UGLY STEPSISTER by Aya Ling -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, June 28, 2015
"Doesn't the prince have a say in his own future bride?"
Bianca smirks, but Claire actually looks thoughtful. "His character, from what I have heard, does lean heavier toward making his own decisions, but since he hasn't shown a strong attachment for any woman, he might not care if his parents choose a bride for him."
Dang. Please don't let it turn out he's gay. How am I to marry Elle to the prince if he swings in the other direction? She is most definitely not a man in drag. ~ within Chapter 5
In the courtyard I look for my carriage. But after a frantic search, all I find is the pumpkin, shrunk back to its normal size. The coachmen and horses have transformed as well; in fact, the cat is chasing after the mice under the carriages.
No. Freaking. Way. ~ within Chapter 41
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Aya, then please check out her website.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Second Sentence Saturday: Perfect Summer


SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

  • Grab the novel/novella your currently reading
  • Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
  • Share the SECOND sentence from that page
  • Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want



MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"Perfect Summer" [The Lone Stars Series, Book 1] by Katie Graykowski

With a can of Diet Coke in each hand, she jumped into the cab of her grandfather's 1959 Chevy Apache pickup and stowed the drinks in the two plastic cups holders she'd super-glued to the dashboard.



PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!
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