"Falling For Gracie" [Los Lobos Series, Book 2] by Susan Mallery
My Book Summary : When we're young, crushes usually come and go, but when Gracie was fourteen she tried to hold onto her crush by doing anything possible. She was upset that Riley never liked her or even was nice to her back (even though he was four years older then her), that she made his life a living hell, by sticking a skunk into his car to slipping diarrhea pills into his soup before the school dance.
Now fourteen years later she's finally back to the hometown where it all took place. Even though she's been over her crush for some time now (or so she thinks), her past antics have made her a legend and not one that she is proud of. Therefore, she's planning to do everything in her power to stay as far from Riley as possible. But it's hard to accomplish when people around her keep putting her into situations where they run into each other....
After talking a few times they, both realize that they have more in common then, either could have believed, and they become friends. However, with Riley running for Mayor, they find that some people in town will do anything to see both of their reputations ruined...
Will they make it through? And quite possibly become closer then either ever believed possible....
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. Very cute, quite funny, and I loved Riley and Gracie! I breezed through this book not wanting to put it down until the end! I will admit that the ending was kind of corny but that still didn't ruin the book for me. =0)
"We can't do this, Gracie. I have rules and one of them says the women in question is easily forgotten. We both know you're not that."
She pressed her hands against his chest. "Are you referring to my stalker past? Haven't we talked about you letting that go?" ~ within Chapter 6
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Susan, then please check out her website.
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Last night I finished reading .. "Husbands" by Adele Parks, which I'll give it 3 out of 5 stars. I mean .. it was a good book and I think I loved it right up until the last few chapters. =0P
It's about Bella/Belinda who is thirty but is still living in the past (even though she thinks she's moved on). The problem is when she moves on she has a tendency to ignore things like '2 weeks notices' or telling those around her how she really feels ... so she just walks away (by avoiding calls or moving). Which is how she has gotten into the mess that the book talks about.
It starts off about her married life with her husband Phil ... and how wonderful that life is. Then her best friend Laura gets a new boyfriend ... and the twist is that this boyfriend of Laura's is Bella/Belinda's 1st and current husband Stevie, whom she left about 8 years previously without any note and never divorced from.
Throughout the book it's all about how Bella/Belinda is planning on handling her mess of a situation (since she has 2 husbands). The book is funny, charming, and sweet ... making you wish that everything will work out for the best. And I will admit I like who all the characters ended up with. Yet I guess I just don't like the ending ... it could have been better.
However, I think I will look into more of Adele Parks' books since I do like her writing style. And I do love me some British literature. =0) To find out more about her and her books yourself ... then check out Adele's website.
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She can create havoc everywhere from Harrods to Harvey Nicks to her own christening. She hires taxis at random, her favourite word is "Mine", and she s even started bidding for designer bags on ebay.
On top of everything else, there s a big financial crisis. People are having to Cut Back including all of Becky s personal shopping clients and she and Luke are still living with Becky's Mum and Dad. To cheer everyone up, Becky decides to throw a surprise birthday party on a budget but then things become really complicated.
Who will end up on the naughty step, who will get a gold star and will Becky's secret wishes come true?
This series is sooo cute!! I cannot believe some of the things that Becky has gotten herself into and out of! And I can't WAIT to find out about her daughter!! =0) Check out teasers from this book here!!
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A story that warms the heart and can still be ... funny ... about friendship ... about love and first loves ... about family ... and more. "My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, & Fenway Park" by Steven Kluger is a really great book. I usually love books that are written completely out of letters / IMs / Emails / notes .... etc. and this one is no exception.
Even though I should have listened to Augie when he told me that Alejandra needed special handling, I didn't. Instead on the first day of school I stuck a note into her social studies book.
DEAR ALLIE: I'M CONSIDERING A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU. AND BY THE WAY, FORGET THAT MRS. FITZPATRICK CALLS ME ANTHONY. YOU CAN CALL ME T.C. - T.C.
After phys ed there was a vanilla envelope on my desk with purple writing on it that looked like it came from the principal's office--and I usually don't get called in there until at least November.
Dear Anthony,
I appreciate your recent interest, but I'm not accepting applications at this time. Your letter will be kept in our files and someone will get back to you if there is an opening.
Soo cute! =0) It gives you the usual teenage drama ... along with other things not every kid has to deal with. Definitely I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!! To find out more about Steven Kluger and/or his other books then check out his website.
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Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here
"You Wish" by Mandy Hubbard Publication Released Date: August 5, 2010
Book Description:
Kayla McHenry’s sweet sixteenth sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla’s secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin’ do.
Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year’s supply of gumballs arrives. And a boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla’s wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride… but they MUST STOP. Because when she was 15? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her.
And Ben is her best friend’s boyfriend.
This sounds like a really cute book. And if it's as good as Mandy's other books then I can't wait to check it out!
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Is it possible for you to move back into your old life after you've grown up and done so much? That is what Izzie and Nick try to figure out in "Overexposed" by Leslie Kelly. Izzie grew up being "in love" with her older sister's brother-in-law, who was only 4 years older then her .... but when she was 14 and chubby .... and Nick was 18 and sexy ... she couldn't help but have a crush ... just too bad it wasn't a mutual feeling. Almost a decade passes ... now their older, wiser, but are at points in their lives where they're looking for the next thing to do .... and both just happen to move back to their hometown. Much to each families delight but not theirs. Since Izzie got home she has been living two lives .... one where she helps out at her families bakery by day ... another where she plays a mysterious stripper by night. When they first see each other again at Nick's families pizzeria .... Nick notices Izzie right away and feels like he has to get to know her ... the only problem is he doesn't remember who she is, until after she gets mad at him and walks out the door. Later Izzie finds out that Nick is going to start being a bouncer at her club and tries to keep her secret from him so it won't get out to anyone else. ...... Does Izzie ever get over her crush? Will Nick find out who the mysterious stripper is? And the big question ..... if they meet on common ground will they stay together or will Izzie run away?
I liked the story. Izzie was a great character. 3 out of 5 stars. The only thing I didn't like was that behind the Izzie/Nick story .... there was a story of Izzie's cousin Bridget with her co-worker ... but they really didn't finish it well and just left it hanging. =0/ Which was disappointing.
To find out more about this book or other books by Leslie, then check out her website.
** Title is from the song Rump Shaker by Wreckx'n Effect **
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Have you ever felt like you had a perfect boyfriend and you never understood why he was with you? I know I have. However, my boyfriend(s) growing up were never as 'perfect' acting as Lauren's in "Bloom" by Elizabeth Scott. Lauren has been together with Dave for almost a year and a half. And even though he is 'perfect' and treats her right ... things with them just never amount to much. She doesn't understand why he's with her. Then a person from her past comes back into her life that she hasn't seen for at least 10 yrs or so .... and he lights something within her. Making her be able to be herself in a way she hasn't been able to be with anyone in a very long time. But as she gets closer to her old friend, the thing she has to deal with but doesn't know how is does she want to give up the life she has let it become or does she want something more?
Bloom gets 4 out of 5 stars. Very cute. The characters were well written and you just wanted to find out more.
To read more about this book or other books from Elizabeth Scott then check out her website.
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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 320; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1632 KB; Audible - Unabridged; Audio CD - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: August 1, 2015 | Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. : Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition | Obtained: NetGalley
What was I thinking? : As stated above I received this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. When I first saw the novel I was intrigued by its cover and book description, therefore I felt confident that I would enjoy this novel as I have with other Amish romances. Sad to say I was wrong... yet while I didn't love this novel my goal is to always promote the book that I've read, if you don't like my review make sure to check out the extras posted to promote the novel underneath it. So, here we go...
Author's Book Description :Publisher’s Weekly, CBA and ECPA Bestseller
Follow the heart-wrenching story of Adam Beachy, whose mother walked out on him and his family—and away from the Amish faith. Now he balks at the idea of ever marrying and having a family of his own. But when tragedy strikes, Adam is suddenly a father figure to his three nieces and finds himself needing a wife. Despite their differences over her practice of reflexology, Leah Mast seems the best option to fill that role. Can they make it work in a modern-day marriage of convenience?
My Book Review :1.5 out of 5 stars. A continuation from Ms. Brunstetter's "The Decision," focuses around Leah and Adam. Leah practices reflexology, which she learned from her grandmother and considers it a gift she can give to others. Adam is a confirmed bachelor, with plans to stay that way, and owns the local hardware store. Neither really like each other because of their view on reflexology. However, when a freak accident leaves Adam's three nieces in his care both Leah and Adam's lives will be forever changed ... but will those changes be for all the better?
Okay while I didn't love this novel, I have to get these facts straight...
FIRST -- This is the first time I've read a book by Ms. Brunstetter.
SECOND -- I have read Amish romance novels before and really liked them.
THIRD -- When choosing this novel to read/review I was hoping the novel would be a little like Patricia Davids' "Katie's Redemption" as the "heroes" from both novels have slightly similar backstories.
While I'll admit that Adam's childhood is deeply sad it has turned him into a harsh man who doesn't know how to deal with social interactions well. In addition, he seemed like a dense and uncaring character that it was hard to believe him when he tried to act sincere. Nevertheless, as this novel progressed and who Adam's mother was became revealed (which I had already guessed prior to it coming out) you find out that some of Adam's attitude/behavior might be inherited from his parents as his mother seems dense too I mean just read this quote from her...
What if she located the place where the wedding was being held and found out that she wasn't welcome? ~ Adam's Mother
Basically, Adam's mother's plan was to show up uninvited to his wedding, which knowing their tremulous relationship wasn't a good idea. Between Adam and his mother, I felt like giving up on this novel more than once.
What made me stick with this novel was Leah, her family, and her friends. Leah is sweet, kindhearted, and a good woman. I would have loved having her as a friend and learning a bit about her reflexology was cool too. In addition, I was very sad to hear that one of Leah's friends pass away as I had come too really like her in this novel.
As this was the first novel from this series that I've read, I will say that some of the multiple subplots threw me for a loop. The scenes from Elaine and Priscilla's POVs seemed a bit strained, while the POV's from Adam and his mother made me want to pull my hair out half the time, whereas the scenes from Leah's POV mostly made me happy.
Overall, if you are not a fan of Ms. Brunstetter's before looking into this novel (like me) than I DO NOT recommend it.
He might be the most attractive single Amish man in Arthur, but as far as she was concerned, he had the personality of a donkey. ~ within Chapter 1
Leah suppressed a giggle. "I seem to be falling a lot lately whenever Adam's around."
"What do you mean?"
"I saw him at Rockome Garden Foods the other day and managed to slip in honey that got on the floor when he dropped a jar of the stuff."
"Oh no! Maybe it's a sign that you're meant to stick together." Priscilla snickered. ~ within Chapter 8
Book Preview(s) :
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Wanda, then please check out her Amazon Acct.
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Format: Paperback | Pages: 347 | Release Date: reissue - January 2009 | Publisher: HQN Books
