Made the Grade: Dundee, Idaho Series, Book 8

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 1127 KB | Release Date: March 17, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin MIRA | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About @ Brenda Novak's Newsletter

"Coulda Been A Cowboy" [Dundee, Idaho Series, Book 8] by Brenda Novak

Author's Book Description : Grandpa Garnier used to say: Love is like a bucking bronco. It takes guts and determination to hang on, but it’s worth the ride.

If only Grandpa was around now to help Tyson Garnier out of this mess. The famous pro football player is suddenly saddled with a very public scandal–and an illegitimate child. Tyson needs a good nanny now if he’s going to salvage his career. And plain, no-nonsense Dakota Brown is the ideal candidate.

Dakota doesn’t care for football–or for a man who doesn’t seem to want his own son. But she needs this job and that precious little baby needs her.

Dakota isn’t Tyson’s kind of woman. But the more he sees of her—and the more he sees of his son—the harder he wants to hang on.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Tyson's life is falling apart. That's why he takes up his friend's offer to stay at his Idaho home for 8 weeks to recover from his knee injury and come to terms with what he has to do now that he's decided to raise his nine-month-old son. Yet because of his reluctance to get to know his son Tyson hires Dakota as a nanny, and as the days pass finds her more invaluable then ever ... in more ways then one.

This is an intense novel about betrayal, family loyalty, the multitude of love, and finding out who you are as a person while trying to become a better version of yourself. I really liked Dakota and Tyson's ever-growing relationship. They are snarky with each other but once they get to know one another they find that because of the routine they've created they really don't want to loose it, yet they both fear about loosing themselves in the process as they've grown up with bad examples of love.

I can't say I was a fan of how this novel flows, as I thought it dragged in the middle. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed how this novel wraps everything up, even if Tyson is a bit dense.

I recommend this novel to those who are fans of Ms. Novak and/or like contemporary romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : When We Touch | The Bastard / Honor Bound

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Novel Extras : Coulda Been A Cowboy - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Dundee, Idaho Series - Overview | A Baby of Her Own - Overview & Excerpt | A Husband of Her Own - Overview & Excerpt | A Family of Her Own - Overview & Excerpt | A Home of Her Own - Overview & Excerpt | Stranger in Town - Overview & Excerpt | Big Girls Don’t Cry - Overview & Excerpt | The Other Woman - Overview & Excerpt | “A Dundee Christmas” in the That Christmas Feeling Anthology - Excerpt | “A Dundee Christmas” in the Be Mine At Christmas Anthology - Overview | Dundee, Idaho series now on ebook at a great price! | 3 Christmas Stories in 1! Order Today!

Book Teaser(s) :

“Are you enjoying the baby?”
Dakota took Braden, who was starting to cry, from the cart. “Very much!”
The babe quieted immediately. “Ba...ba...ba...ba,” he cooed and nearly broke her nose with his eagerness to give her another wet kiss.
Gabe laughed at the collision. “That kid keeps growing, he’ll be a lineman someday.”
Dakota hugged Braden close. She loved his chubby body, especially the soft rolls at his thighs and the place where he would one day grow a wrist. “He’s in the ninety-ninth percentile for height and the eighty-seventh percentile for weight. I looked it up on the Internet.”
“Sounds like Paul Bunyan’s kid to me.”
She brushed her lips across Braden’s temple, enjoying the scent of his shampoo. “It’s not as if his father is small. Tyson’s at least six-four, isn’t he?”
“Around there.”
“And Braden’s going to be every bit as handsome.” ~ within Chapter 5

“DAKOTA, CALL THE POLICE!”
Wrestling with the last vestiges of sleep, Dakota opened her eyes and blinked at the ceiling. At first she felt a little disoriented—she could hear Braden and her father, so it took a minute for it all to fit into place. Then she realized she was home, in her old room. She could tell by the water damage in the corner, which ran down the wall.
“Dakota?” Her father again. It was his bellowing that had awakened her.
“What?” she called back.
“There’s a strange man and a baby in our house.”
She rubbed her face. No need for alarm. Her father was just being rude to Tyson. “Lighten up, Dad,” she shouted.
“Okay, the baby can stay but the man has to go.”
“You’re real hospitable, you know that?” Dakota heard Tyson say. ~ within Chapter 16

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Brenda, then please check out her website.

Kick-Start Your Summer With These 10 FREE Must-Reads… | Spreading the Word & Blog Tour

AHH, SUMMER. IT'S FINALLY HERE. HOT DAYS, TALL GLASSES OF LEMONADE, AND THE PERFECT TIME TO DIVE INTO A GOOD BOOK...FOR FREE!

Kick-Start Your Summer With These 10 FREE Must-Read Contemporary Novels From Some Amazing Authors!



Ready to feed your e-reader?

---

"First Taste"
[The Lust List: Devon Stone Series, Book 1] by Mira Bailee
Author's Book Description :

Olivia Margot didn’t struggle through college just to serve Hollywood’s elite. But student loans won’t pay themselves, and a gorgeous Stone brother just insisted she cater an event at his family’s mansion.

Devon Stone—sexy, black sheep of Stone Record Label fame—has always been a mischievous tabloid favorite. Now that he’s on The Lust List, it’s that much harder to keep out of trouble. And that’s exactly what he is: Trouble.

Olivia’s always been a good girl. And this bad boy is more risk than she can handle.

The responsible Olivia would keep her head down and do her job. But there’s something about Devon—and the intensifying electricity between them—that makes Olivia completely forget who she is.

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

---

"The Trouble With Goodbye"
[Fairhope Series, Book 1] by Sarra Cannon
Author's Book Description :

One night can change everything…

Two years ago, Leigh Anne Davis shocked everyone in tiny Fairhope, Georgia when she broke up with her wealthy boyfriend to attend an Ivy League university a thousand miles away. At school, she finds a happiness and independence she’s never known.

Until one terrifying night takes it all away from her.

With no place else to go, Leigh Anne heads home to reclaim her old life. A life she worked so hard to escape. On the outside, she seems like the same girl everyone has always known. But deep inside, she’s hiding a terrible secret.

That’s when she meets Knox Warner, a troubled newcomer to Fairhope. His eyes have the same haunted look she sees every day in the mirror, and when she’s near him, the rest of the world fades away. But being with Knox would mean disappointing everyone all over again. If she wants to save what’s left of her old life, she has no choice but to say goodbye to him forever.

Only, the trouble with goodbye is that sometimes it’s about courage and sometimes it’s about fear. And sometimes you’re too broken to know the difference until it’s too late.

"The Trouble With Goodbye" is my first New Adult Contemporary Romance, and is a story extremely close to my heart. As a victim of sexual assault, this novel was both difficult to write and very freeing. It’s an emotional journey, and I hope Leigh Anne’s story speaks to you the way it did to me.

**Due to heavy subject matter and sexual content, this book is appropriate for readers ages 17+**

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

---

"Leashed"
[Going to the Dogs Series, Book 1] by Zoe Dawson
Author's Book Description :

Jack has some ‘splainin’ to do!

That’s right! Callie Lassiter’s normally well-behaved Great Dane Jack has run off and done the wild thing with the neighbor’s dog. It must be puppy love! It’s doubly embarrassing since she’s a professional dog trainer. Of course, the neighbor would have to be hot, hot nightclub owner bad boy Owen McKay, just the kind of man Callie is determined to avoid.

Owen’s comfortable with his playboy status and the hype in the media. But the ground moves beneath his feet when he gets an eyeful of the girl next door. The Dog Whisperer never looked this good! How can he convince this wholesome honey that his player days are behind him? Maybe Jill, his Great Dane can help him with this dilemma now that she’s pregnant and Callie’s dog is to blame.

Is this bad boy a bad bet?

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

---

"Opposing Sides"
[The University Park Series, Book 1] by C. M. Doporto
Author's Book Description :

College senior, Lexi Thompson, finds herself in a relationship to be wed to the university’s star baseball pitcher, Collin Norris. Collin’s damn hot, but his lack of spark has Lexi thinking twice before she says ‘I Do’. When she’s forced to tutor bad boy football quarterback, Raven Davenport, she soon discovers all the things she’s missing in her relationship with Collin. Will she succumb to the temptations enticing her, or will Collin be able to convince his sweet, innocent fiancée that his love for her is genuine despite his lack of affection?

Recommended Age: 18+ for language and sexual situations

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

---

"Belong To Me"
[Moore Crossing Series, Book 1] by Laura Howard
Author's Book Description :

Kate and Noah thought they had the kind of love that could last through anything. Until their world crumbled out from beneath them.

After months of separation, the tragic death of Jack, Kate's twin and Noah's best friend, throws them back together. As they try to heal from the horrific loss, will they be able to overcome old wounds or are they destined to live separately forever?

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **
My Previous Mention(s) of Ms. Howard's Books/Characters : Blog Tour - The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard | Spreading the Word & Giveaway

---

"Derailed"
[Clayton Falls Series, Book 1] by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Author's Book Description :

When you're lost, sometimes the only place you can go is home.

Broken over the death of her fiancé, Molly leaves law school to return to her childhood home in North Carolina. Expecting to lay low until she can figure out what else to do with her life, she finds herself in the arms of her high school sweetheart, the boy who represents everything from the past she tried to leave behind.

Looking for an escape, she instead finds a way back to the girl she almost forgot existed and a future she never dreamed possible.

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

---

"Make It Last"
[Friends & Lovers Series, Book 1] by Bethany Lopez
Author's Book Description :

In a small town, it's hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart. That's just what Briana has to do after Colin leaves her to follow his dreams. She focuses her energy into her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when she finally feels like she's on the right path, he comes back to town.

Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever, and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the sidelines, he's forced to return home. Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories, and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn't take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **
My Previous Review(s) for Ms. Lopez : Indelible

My Previous Mention(s) of Ms. Lopez's Books/Characters : The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2013 | Welcome to Small Business Saturday/Week | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

---

"Break You"
[Coldcreek Series, Book 1] by Jennifer Snyder
Author's Book Description :

Blaire Hayes enjoys a quiet life, spending her days as a CNA at the local nursing home and nights studying for exams. She prefers things to be as uncomplicated as possible — but when her friends drag her to a party and she bumps into her high school crush, the path of Blaire’s life veers in an entirely different direction than what she had planned for herself.

Jason Bryant created a nice life away from his hometown, putting distance between himself and the suffocating sadness of his father’s death. But when he finds out his grandfather’s health is deteriorating, he decides he must return home. Partying was not on his agenda while in town, but it’s how he bumps into Blaire Hayes—the girl he’d always thought of in high school as an unobtainable pass.

Together the two learn there are moments in life that hold within them all the power to break you…

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **
My Previous Mention(s) of Ms. Snyder's Books/Characters : Author Meet & Greet @ Clark Public Library

---

"Summer Sky"
[Blue Phoenix Series, Book 1] by Lisa Swallow
Author's Book Description :

Sky changed her life for a man once, and she has no intention of doing it again – even if he is a six foot, tattooed rock god who makes a mean bacon sandwich.

Sky Davis is fed up of boyfriend Grant taking her for granted and when she comes home to find him wearing a girl, Sky suspects the relationship is over. She takes an unscheduled holiday and leaves the life (and guy) she hates behind.

Rock star Dylan Morgan is struggling with fame and infamy, sick of his life being controlled by other people. Dylan cuts his hair and walks away from his role as lead singer of Blue Phoenix, leaving chaos and speculation behind.

Outside the English seaside town of Broadbeach their cars and worlds collide.

Sky decides Dylan is an arrogant guy with too many tattoos, and Dylan is amused by the smart-mouthed girl with no idea who he is. Dylan and Sky soon discover they’ve travelled to Broadbeach for the same reason – to escape from reality back to a place with happy childhood memories.

Losing themselves in a world where they know nothing about each other, Sky and Dylan begin a summer romance that soon heats up their rainy English summer.

Fantasies can’t last forever and when reality crashes the party, Sky isn’t sure she wants to be more than his ‘summer Sky’ but Dylan doesn’t want to let her go.

Returning to the real world and public scrutiny isn’t their only problem. Blue Phoenix bass player, Jem Jones, has a reason for wanting Sky out of Dylan’s life, and is determined to come between them. Some things won’t stay hidden, even when they’re paid to ‘go away’.

Summer Sky is a contemporary romance where occasionally more than the bacon sizzles. This is the first in the new ‘Blue Phoenix’ series of rock star romances.

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

---

"My Paper Heart"
[Paper Heart Series, Book 1] by Magan Vernon
Author's Book Description :

Getting into my top choice sorority? Done.

Dating one of the hottest guys in the biggest fraternity? Done.

Failing out of College? Oops...

When Libby Gentry's parents receive the letter that she's failed out of school, Libby is forced to pack her Prada bag and head to work for her great aunt in rural Louisiana.

Nothing about tiny Elsbury, Louisiana entices her until she locks eyes with the southern charmer, Blaine Crabtree.

Libby is used to getting what she wants and Blaine is no exception, but as the two grow closer, bigger problems arise.

Libby doesn't know how much more pain her already paper-thin heart can take and when new opportunities in Chicago pop up she is presented with a difficult situation: wait for her redneck Romeo, or move on.

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book) | Smashwords (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

---

Happy Reading!

Be sure to spread the word about these Must-Read #FREE Novels!

Feasted On: Blackberry Island Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 360; Hardcover (Large Print) - Pages: 360; Kindle Edition - File Size: 565 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: March 27, 2012 | Publisher: Mira Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Barefoot Season" [Blackberry Island Series, Book 1] by Susan Mallery

My Book Summary : Michelle and Carly use to be best friends. That is up until their senior year of high school when a BIG secret came between them. However, the secret made them go from best friends to okay acquaintances, so what made them bitter enemies was when Carly's fiancé decided to sleep with Michelle two days before their wedding day!

Now its ten years later and things have really changed ....

Michelle just retired from the army (for which she has been enlisted into for the past ten years) and moves back to her hometown of Blackberry Island with plans of picking back up on her civilian life easily and running her families inn. If only, she didn't have to deal with her hip injury that she receive in Afghanistan not long before she got out of the army. The one thing she never expected was to see so many terrible changes to her inn or to see Carly not only working at the inn as the manager but also living in the owner's suite! Nevertheless, it seems that the troubles keep coming once they begin since not long after Michelle checks the inn's finances she is informed by the bank that her mother overindulged greatly while leaving the inn into an almost foreclosure setup. Therefore, even though Michelle would greatly enjoy in firing Carly from the inn for the sake of the inn she keeps Carly on board in hopes they can turn it around. Will they be able to save the inn before it's too late?

For Carly, the years that Michelle has been away haven't been the greatest. Now she's a single mother and she worked at the inn with the belief that she was one day going to be made a partner only to find out, when Michelle returns, that Michelle's mother (who said she would become a partner) lied to her. She would love to leave, but she doesn't have enough saved up for her daughter and her to go anywhere good. Plus, she LOVES the inn, which has been hers to improve over the years, and she doesn't want to give it up if she doesn't have too. So, once Michelle and her agreement is made they do what they can to salvage the inn while dealing with their own feelings for each other and their turbulent past. Will they be able to become best friends again or will they both be too stubborn to let past mistakes go?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars, this is an emotional, compelling, and entertaining novel about two women who learn to deal with their past mistakes while trying to accept their current realities and overcome their adversity with each other to become best friends again. I truly got wrapped up in this novel with its multiple twists and intriguing storylines. It made me wish that Book 2 of this series was already written so I could start reading it now! The characters were fabulous!!

About the Characters:
• Michelle: Army vet and owner of her family's inn. Tough. Has PTSD but doesn't want to go to any support group for it. She's Jared's roommate.

• Carly: Manager of the inn. Very girly. Is scared of water--swimming or getting to close to it--even though she lives on an island. She's Gabby's mother.

• Gabby: She's 10-years-old and gets along with almost everyone and everything. She's Carly's daughter.

• Damaris: The cook at the inn. Has worked at the inn and known Michelle since she was 16-years-old. Is more of a mother figure to Michelle than Michelle's own mom is to her.

• Jared: Rents out a room in his house to Michelle. Use to be a sniper but now he owns his own boat tour company on the island.

• Sam: Michelle's ex but now her full-time friend. He's interested in dating Carly.

• Ellen: Works at the bank and is in charge of making sure Michelle pays her mortgage on time. She wants revenge on Carly for something Carly did to her in high school.

I'm very curious to see where this series will be going especially in comparison with Miss Mallery's Fools Gold Series. I say that since this novel isn't written in the same way as the Fools Gold Series (meaning it's more about the female characters--Michelle and Carly--instead of any romantic entanglements they might get into) making me wonder if Michelle and Carly's story will be continuing in the next book (and if they'll still be the main characters) or if it'll be someone else on Blackberry Island. I can't wait to find out!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who's a fan of Susan Mallery or to whoever enjoys dramatic novels that have great female leads that has some romance included.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tempting | Accidentally Yours | Falling For Gracie | Chasing Perfect | Having Her Boss's Baby | Only Mine | Only Yours | Only His | Only Us: A Fool’s Gold Holiday

Author's Series Extras : Blackberry Recipes | About Blackberry Island

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1

"You don't know how I feel."
"I know you've never once even tried to kiss me. While you are quite the gentleman, at some point, shouldn't passion have taken over?"
He twisted the shop rag he had in his hands. "I wanted to give you time."
"Ten years?"
Some of the tension seemed to fade away and he sighed. "Okay, yeah. That's a long time. For a while I thought we'd, you know, go that way, but then it never happened."
"For a reason. I think we're great friends. I want that. I want you around. But go on a date. Get laid. It's time."
The corner of his mouth turned up. "Interesting advice coming from you."
"The virgin slut? Yes, I know." ~ within Chapter 13

"It was me."
"I'd wondered who'd massacred the garden."
"I was pissed and I hate the daisies."
"They can be annoying."
Michelle sighed. "This is where you tell me I'm crazy."
"You're not. Is that disappointing to hear?"
Michelle considered the question. "I can't decide." ~ within Chapter 24

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Susan, then please check out her website. To find out more about the town of Blackberry Island then click here.

---

While researching the book, Susan Mallery was incredibly moved by the bravery, heroism, and strong sense of service displayed by the veterans and active duty troops she interviewed. Here are links to three organizations where you can say thank you!

• Hire a Hero: www.hireahero.org
• Soldiers’ Angels: www.soldiersangels.org
• Stripes Military Moms: http://militarymoms.stripes.com

Made the Grade: Shifters Series, Book 1

Format: Paperback | Pages: 618 | Release Date: February 2010 | Publisher: MIRA

"Stray" [Shifters Series, Book 1] by Rachel Vincent

My Book Summary : Have you ever seen a "black panther" before? Well, in this world there is no such thing as a "black panther", actually if you've seen one it is really a werecat (which is a type of shifter). Faythe is a werecat. Technically in her society, she's called a tabbycat, as she is a female werecat. Since there are so few tabbycat's in each werecat Pride across the US (about one, daughter, per Alpha), the tabbies usually choose who will be her husband and the next Alpha of her Pride. But five yrs ago Faythe ran away her boyfriend/fiancé (Marc) and her family so she wouldn't turn into a mother and house wife because she wanted more out of her life. Of course, they found her, and after they realized she wasn't going to change her mind, her dad (the Alpha) agreed to let her go to college. Faythe did so, moving on with her life as much as possible, hoping to never go back to her parents home, and dating other guys (all humans).

But now, five yrs later, her family has come to bring her back home whether she likes it or not because of some one is stealing up neighboring Pride's tabbies (one being her friend and the other her younger cousin). Once home she feels there's no need for her to be there and tries to talk her father into letting her leave, which gets her into having 24-hour guard service to make sure she doesn't plan on running for it. Also, with Marc being her father's second-in-command, he is around her all the time, making her not sure if she should still keep her distance or not from him. Especially when old feelings start to emerge again.

But things start getting worse fast, especially when they find one of the missing tabbies murdered .... her family helps the other Pride members search for the other tabby before it's too late. With everyone else dealing with the mess of the missing girls, Faythe manages to break away from everyone to think about everything that has happened in a short period of time for her, and falls right into a trap.

Will she manage to come out better then the other tabbies? Will the Pride members find Faythe and the other girl before it's too late, and deal justice to the ones responsible?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Faythe is a great strong character: fierce, determined, a protector to those she loves, though a bitch at times, with a small sweet side that is sometimes hard to find around her loud mouth. Her relationship with Marc is on rocky ground but it's hard not to root for them. Even though she happens to get into a bit of a love triangle (or should I say a square) with a friend she never considered before, and with a human boyfriend back at college. It definitely make me curious as to what book 2, "Rogue", might hold. =0)

Book Teaser(s) :

I let my face slip into the water, as much to escape Marc's tenderhearted babble as to rinse my hair, and I only came up when I had to either surface for a breath or drown.
"...can ignore me for as long as you want. For the rest of the day, or for the rest of the month. For five more years if that's what you need. But when you finally realize I'm right, I'll still be here waiting."
He stopped talking, but he wasn't gone. ~ within Chapter 15

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Rachel, 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/ **

---

Related Posts :

Book Trailer for Shifters Series, Book 6 [aka Alpha]	Spreading the Word: Seven Brides for Seven Shifters Series, Book 1	ReRead-A-Thon 2018 Wrap Up | @crista_mchugh @MargoBondCollin @novelsbylia @SEPauthor @ReReadAThon2018 #ReReadAThon2018	You'd be like Heaven to touch. I wanna hold you so much.	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ V ~ Authors

Hashtags: #bookreview #bookreviews #review #RachelVincent #Stray #shiftersseries #Rogue #AdultRomance #AdultFiction #paranormalmaincharacters #paranormal #paranormalfiction #paranormalromance #PNR #Shapeshifter #ShapeshifterRomance #shifters #shifterromancenovels #blackpanther #blackpanthershifter #blackpanthershifters #panthershifters #panthershifter #childhoodcrush #college #collegefiction #collegeromance #NA #NewAdult #NewAdultFiction #NAfiction #NAromance #NewAdultromance #NAnovels #NAReads #AlphaHero #AlphaHeroes #romancenovels #romance #romancereads #romancebooks #romancenovelrecommendations #RomanceRecommendations #SpreadingTheWord #bookish #books #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #readingrecommendation #bookstoread #booktoread #reading #fromjesstoyou #FromJesstoYouServices #frommetoyou #FromMetoYouVideoPhotographyBookReviews #FromMetoYouPhotography #FromMetoYouBookReviews #FromMetoYouVideo #jessbooktube #booktube #BookBlogger #BookReviewer #virtualassistant #socialmediamanager #personalassistant #videographer #photographer #bookblog #professionalreviewer #reviewer #bookpromoter #romancereader #ireadromance #romancetube #romancetuber #RomanceBooktubers #RomanceBooktuber #smallbooktuber #smallyoutuber #websitecoordinator

Made the Grade: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.co.uk: Hardcover - Pages: 272; Paperback - Pages: 304; Kindle Edition - File Size: 351 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: October 05, 2012 | Publisher: MIRA Ink Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Dash & Lily's Book of Dares" by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

My Book Summary : Dash fooled his divorced parents this holiday season, making them believe he was going to be spending the holidays with the other parent. Therefore, both of his parents decided to go on trips for the holidays, while he is left by himself. However, he's happy to have them gone since he likes his solitude and ever since he's parents got a divorce years ago he's not that big of fan of the holidays.

Lily loves the holidays! She cannot get enough of her family traditions and the joys of the holiday season. However, this season is already starting to suck because her parents decided to take a 25th Anniversary trip to Fiji leaving her home alone with her older brother. Even though she is close to her extended family (her grandfather dotes on her, she has a great-aunt who helps her out with almost anything she needs, etc.) it just doesn't seem the same. She is even more disappointed when all her brother, Langston, wants to do is spend time with his boyfriend, Benny, and not with her now that their parents are gone. Therefore, to get Lily out of Langston & Benny's way they take one of her new red notebooks to the Strand, a bookstore that their cousin works at, writes some clues into it and leaves it there in hopes that she might find a guy for herself. And she does ....

Dash loves to read so when wondering the Strand during one of his typical trips there he finds Lily's red notebook and starts her daring game. Soon they both find out more about themselves and push themselves to do things they would never typically do. As they get to know each other, they find that they are highly intrigued and a bit infatuated with each other. Nevertheless, how much of that is real, how much of that is made up in their minds, and would they be willing to give up the notebook and the dares to find out for themselves if they are made for each other?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, Dash & Lily find a fun way to get to know someone new without having to meet each other but they also find out more about themselves along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!! Dash was everything that he portrayed. He was snarly, sweet, independent, and dashing in his own ways. Lily was coming into her own person throughout this novel. She goes from being the "little girl" of the family into a young woman who knows more about who she is and what she wants for herself then she knew before. PLUS, the additional characters---Boomer, Mark, Langston, Lily's Grandpa, Mrs. Basil E., etc.---were wonderful additions that kept this novel lively and bouncing from one activity to the next! The only reason I gave this a medium-ish star rating then I originally wanted to, was because the plot was soo good up until a little after the middle of the novel, then life just gets in the way and even though it made the novel feel more real I was disappointed to have it happen. Nevertheless, the ending was still good enough that I could appreciate how everything ended.

I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good quirky young adult contemporary romance.

My Previous Review(s) for David Levithan : Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Authors' Novel Extras : Book rec: 'Dash & Lily's Book of Dares' | 'Dash and Lily's Book of Dares' authors send readers on a wild tour of Manhattan | 'Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares' Authors Wonder How They Can Cast Justin Bieber | Required Holiday Reading: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

Author's Series Interview(s) :



Book Teaser(s) :

"Have you been a good little boy this year?" he asked.
I didn't feel that I was the right person to determine my own goodness or badness, but in the interest of speeding along this encounter, I said yes.
He actually wobbled with joy.
"Good! Good! Then what can I bring you this Christmas?"
I thought it was obvious.
"A message from Lily," I said. "That's what I want for Christmas. But I want it right now."
"So impatient!" Santa lowered his voice and whispered in my ear. "But Santa does have a little something for you"---he shifted a little in his seat---"right under his coat. If you want to have your present, you'll have to rub Santa's belly."
"What?" I asked.
He gestured with his eyes down to his stomach. "Go ahead."
I looked closely and saw the faint outline of an envelope beneath his red velvet coat. ~ within Chapter 3 - titled '-Dash- December 22nd'

At last I had it---the Christmas present I'd wanted all along, but hadn't realized. His words.
I felt a sense of longing for him such as I've never experienced in my lifetime for any person, or even for any pet.
It seemed weird to me that he'd spent his Christmas alone ... and had seemed to like it. He hadn't seemed to think anyone should feel sorry for him about that, either.
I had spent my Christmas mostly alone for the first time in my life, too.
I had felt rather sorry for myself.
But it hadn't been so terrible, actually. ~ within Chapter 8 - titled '(Lily) December 25th'

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Rachel and/or David, then please check out their websites: Rachel's website & David's website.

2013 100+ Reading Challenge

Check out my previous challenges:
• 2012 100+ Reading Challenge
• 2011 100+ Reading Challenge
• 2010 100+ Reading Challenge

Alrighty ... here's my personal challenge .. or more of a record of how many books I have read in 2013. Anyway ... here we go:

-- January 2013 --
1. "Who's Your Daddy?" by Lauren Gallagher (aka L. A. Witt)
2. "Duality" [Guardians of the Light Series, Book 1] by Renee Wildes
3. "Cat's Meow" [Predators Series, Book 1] by Nicole Austin
4. "Releasing The Wolf" [Eye Of The Storm Series, Book 1] by Dianna Hardy
5. "Every Night Forever" [Hyena Heat Series, Book 1] by R. E. Butler
6. "The Vrykolakas Deviation" [The Narcissus Legacy Series, Book 1] by Sherri Lackey
7. "Virgin" [The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 7] by Cheryl Brooks
8. "Raphael & Parish" [Bayou Heat Series, Books 1 & 2] by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright
9. "Reckless Heart" [Reckless Series, Book 1] by Madeline Baker (aka Amanda Ashley)
10. "Hooked" [Hooked Series, Book 1] by Liz Fichera
11. "Kiss of the Goblin Prince" [Shadowlands Series, Book 2] by Shona Husk
12. "Silver Storm" [Raveneau Series, Book 1] by Cynthia Wright
13. "A SEAL's Secret Baby" [Operation: Family Series, Book 1] by Laura Marie Altom
14. "Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska" [Love Finds You Series, Book 3] by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss
15. "Heir to a Desert Legacy" [Secret Heirs of Powerful Men Series, Book 1] by Maisey Yates
16. "Rogue Rider" [Lords of Deliverance Series, Book 4] by Larissa Ione (aka Sydney Croft)
17. "Heart of Stone" [Frontiera Series, Book 1] by Cathryn Cade
18. "Forever My Girl" [The Beaumont Series, Book 1] by Heidi McLaughlin
-- February 2013 --
19. "Bad Rep" by A. Meredith Walters
20. "The Charm School" [Calhoun Chronicles, Book 1] by Susan Wiggs
21. "Ashes of Angels" [Of Angels and Demons Series, Book 3] by Michele Hauf
22. "Play With Me" by Piper Shelly
23. "The Farewell Season" by Ann Herrick
24. "The Rocker That Holds Me" by Terri Anne Browning
25. "Under Her Skin" by Alexis Lauren
26. "With the Boys in the Band" by Marie Medina
27. "The Sheikh's Heir" [The Santina Crown Series, Book 2] by Sharon Kendrick
28. "The Arrival" [The BirthRight Trilogy, Book 1] by Nicole MacDonald
29. "How Beauty Saved the Beast" [Tales of the Underlight Series, Book 2] by Jax Garren (aka Jennifer Hinson)
30. "A Scandal, A Secret, A Baby" by Sharon Kendrick
31. "Waking Up Married" by Mira Lyn Kelly (aka Moira McTark)
32. "Finding Chrissten" [Legacy Series, Book 5] by N. J. Walters
33. "Drink of Me" by Jacquelyn Frank
-- March 2013 --
34. "Hunger Awakened" [Book 2] by Dee Carney (aka Morgan Sierra)
35. "Seduce Me in Dreams" [Three Worlds Series, Book 1] by Jacquelyn Frank (aka Jax)
36. "Ice Gods" by Helen Scott Taylor
37. "Her Mad Hatter" [Kingdom Series, Book 1] by Marie Hall
38. "Giving Thanks for Baby" [Tiny Blessings Series, Book 11] by Terri Reed
39. "Deuces Wild" [Ridgeville Series, Book 5] by Celia Kyle
40. "Cyber Lover" by Lizzie Lynn Lee
41. "Sexting While Working" by Morgan Marek
42. "Swept Away" [Trouble in Texas Series, Book 1] by Mary Connealy
43. "Hybrid Misfit" by Eve Langlais
44. "Roan's Fall" [Roxie's Protectors Series, Book 1] by Marisa Chenery
45. "Wildcat" [The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 9] by Cheryl Brooks (aka Samantha R. Michaels)
46. "The Canuck Werewolf" [Oh, Canada!/Big City Pack Series, Book 1] by Marisa Chenery
47. "Spellbound" by Emmie Dark
48. "Picture Perfect" [Renegade Saints Series, Book 1] by Ella Fox
49. "Dear Cassie" by Lisa Burstein
50. "Falke's Renegade" [Puma Nights Series, Book 3] by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton (aka Leanne Karella)
51. "Influential Magic" [Crescent City Fae Series, Book 1] by Deanna Chase
52. "Awakening the Warriors" [Legends of the Seven Galaxies Series, Book 2] by S. E. Gilchrist
-- April 2013 --
53. "Lust by Moonbeam" [Oh, Canada!/Alien Abductions/Moonbeam Series, Book 1] by Cynthia Sax
54. "Most Likely to Succeed" [Girls Most Likely to... Series, Book 1] by Kate Davies
55. "Mindlink" by Kat Cantrell
56. "Tempted by the Storm" [The Academy of Magical Arts Series, Book 2] by Maxine Mansfield
57. "A Taste For Moonlight" ['Neath the Veil Series, Book 2] by Aimee Roseland
58. "Not Quite Dating" [Not Quite Series, Book 1] by Catherine Bybee
59. "The Boys of Summer" [Summer Series, Book 1] by C. J. Duggan
60. "The Kissing Booth" by Beth Reekles
61. "Chasing Sam" [Vegas Mates Series, Book 1] by Krystal Shannan
62. "Dare You To" [Pushing the Limits Series, Book 2] by Katie McGarry
63. "One Night Heir" [By His Royal Decree Series, Book 1] by Lucy Monroe (aka L. C. Monroe)
64. "Rush Me" [New York Leopards Series, Book 1] by Allison Parr
65. "Text Me" [Come Together Series, Book 1] by K. J. Reed
66. "A Duke of Her Own" [Desperate Duchesses Series, Book 6] by Eloisa James
67. "A Night Like This" [The Smythe-Smith Quartet Series, Book 2] by Julia Quinn (aka JQ)
-- May 2013 --
68. "How to Romance a Rake" [Ugly Ducklings Series, Book 2] by Manda Collins
69. "The Testing" [The Testing Trilogy, Book 1] by Joelle Charbonneau
70. "Catch a Falling Star" by Beth K. Vogt
71. "Once Upon a Prince" [The Royal Wedding Series, Book 1] by Rachel Hauck
72. "It's a Boy!" [The Camdens of Colorado Series, Book 3] by Victoria Pade
73. "How Beauty Loved the Beast" [Tales of the Underlight Series, Book 3] by Jax Garren (aka Jennifer Hinson)
-- June 2013 --
74. "Beautiful Danger" [In the Company of Vampires Series, Book 1] by Michele Hauf
75. "What I Didn't Say" by Keary Taylor
76. "Don’t Bite the Bridesmaid" [Sons of Kane Series, Book 1] by Tiffany Allee
77. "Magick" [The Coven Series, Book 3] by Trish Milburn (aka Tricia Mills)
78. "A Mating Dance" [Ashwood Falls Series, Book 2] by Lia Davis
79. "Her Warriors’ Three Wishes" [Dante’s Circle Series, Book 2] by Carrie Ann Ryan
80. "Claiming His Mate" [Crescent Moon Series, Book 2] by Savannah Stuart (aka Katie Reus)
81. "A Bead of Blood" [The Wiccan-Were-Bear Series, Book 5] by R. E. Butler
82. "A Twitch of Tail" [The Wiccan-Were-Bear Series, Book 6] by R. E. Butler
83. "Luck of the Dragon" [Las Vegas Dragons Series, Book 1] by Susannah Scott
-- July 2013 --
84. "Witch Bound" [Twilight of the Gods Series, Book 2] by Eleri Stone
85. "Grif" [Redstone Clan Series, Book 1 & Tales Of The Were Series, Book 5] by Bianca D'Arc
86. "The Ice Dragon" [Dragon Knights Series, Book 3] by Bianca D'Arc
87. "Suddenly Royal" [Suddenly Series, Book 1] by Nichole Chase
88. "Lick" [Stage Dive Series, Book 1] by Kylie Scott
89. "Free Agent" [Mustangs Baseball Series, Book 0.5] by Roz Lee
90. "Soul Song" [Dirk and Steele Series, Book 6] by Marjorie M. Liu
91. "Exclusive Interview" [Rock Arrangement Series, Book 1] by Ava Lore
92. "My Boss's Husband" by Eva Hore
93. "The Other Half" by Cotton Nightie
94. "A Child's Heart" by E. Ayers
95. "The Switched Baby Scandal" [Scandals of San Sebastian Series, Book 1] [Previously published as "The Baby Mistake"] by Theresa Meyers
96. "The Sultan's Bride" by Ariadne Wayne
97. "Winter Love" [Seasons of Love Series, Book 3] by Merri Hiatt
98. "The Alpha's Daughter" [The Wolvers Series, Book 3] by Jacqueline Rhoades
99. "Say Yes" by Lyla Luray
100. "Crazy" [Rock Me Series, Book 3] by Arabella Quinn
101. "The Runaway Roommate" [Kdrama Chronicles, Book 1] by C. S. Mae
102. "The Gigolo’s Bride" [The Necklace Chronicles, Book 2] by R. E. Butler
103. "A Weaver Beginning" [Return to the Double C Series, Book 18] by Allison Leigh
104. "The Lost Wolf's Destiny" [The Pack Series, Book 15] by Karen Whiddon
105. "Conquest" by Rebecca York (aka Ruth Glick)
106. "Love Overdue" by Pamela Morsi
107. "Stone Guardian" [Entwined Realms Series, Book 1] by Danielle Monsch
108. "The Surrogate's Secret" by Mimi Barbour
-- August 2013 --
109. "Lovestruck in London" by Rachel Schurig
110. "Sleeping Virgin Seduction" by Nicole Snow
111. "Daddy Love Milk" by Sapna Patel
112. "Taste My Milk, Step-Dad" by Sapna Patel
113. "My Step Sister's Tight Pussy" by Sapna Patel
114. "An Ecstatic Night with Daddy" by Christian A. Turner
115. "Suckled Like a Lollipop" by Bianca Lee
116. "Cabin Fever Breeding" by Eliza DeGaulle
117. "Mates Since Birth" [Half-Breed Shifter Series, Book 3] by Miranda Stowe (aka Linda Kage)
118. "Playing Games" [Games Series, Book 2] by Jessica Clare (aka Jill Myles)
119. "Ice Games" [Games Series, Book 3] by Jessica Clare (aka Jill Myles)
120. "Heavy Metal" [Goddesses Rising Series, Book 2] by Natalie J. Dramschroder
121. "Bonds of Desire" [Wicked Play Series, Book 3] by Lynda Aicher
122. "The Wizard's Heart" [Tales of the Zingari Series, Book 1] by S. R. Howen
123. "Indelible" by Bethany Lopez
124. "Twilight Hunter" [The Execution Underground Series, Book 1] by Kait Ballenger
125. "Before the Midnight Bells" [Once Upon A Romance Series, Book 1] by Jessica Woodard
126. "Savage Possession" [Temple of Luna Series, Book 1] by Moira Rogers (aka Bree & Donna)
127. "The Halfling's Lust" by Tanilen
128. "Craving More" [Tiger Nip Series, Book 1] by Brandy Walker
-- September 2013 --
129. "A Happily Ever After of Her Own" [Ever After Series, Book 1] by Nadia Lee (aka Angelle Trieste)
130. "Battlescars" [Battlescars Series, Book 1] by Sophie Monroe
131. "Her Dark Angel" [Her Angel Series, Book 1] by Felicity E. Heaton
132. "Alien Savior" [The Arathians Series, Book 1] by Nicole Krizek
133. "The Last Bride in Ballymuir" [Ballymuir Series, Book 1] [Previously published as "The Homecoming"] by Dorien Kelly
134. "The Wronged Princess" [Cinderella Series, Book 1] by Kae Elle Wheeler (aka Kathy L. Wheeler)
135. "Romancing His English Rose" [Lady Lancaster Garden Society Series, Book 2] by Catherine Hemmerling
136. "The Fairy Tale Bride" [Once Upon a Wedding Series, Book 1] by Kelly McClymer
137. "First Love" [Now & Forever Series, Book 1] by Melissa Johns
138. "Off Sides" [Off Series, Book 1] by Sawyer Bennett
139. "Blind Wolf" by Aubrey Rose
140. "Steven" [Dallas Billionaires Trilogy, Book 1] by Kirsten Osbourne
141. "Hook's Pan" [Kingdom Series, Book 5] by Marie Hall
-- October 2013 --
142. "Her Sudden Groom" [The Grooms Series, Book 1] by Rose Gordon
143. "Tattoo Thief: Gavin & Beryl" [Tattoo Thief Series, Book 1] by Heidi Joy Tretheway
144. "Untamed Hunger" [Alpha Colony Series, Book 1] by Aubrey Ross
145. "Draco" [Accidental Mates Series, Book 1] by Brenda Steele
146. "Drive Me Crazy" [Holland Springs Series, Book 1] by Marquita Valentine
147. "Escaping Love" [Koning Clan Series, Book 2] by Debra Smith
148. "Double Fault" by Sheila Claydon
149. "Bad Kitty" [Southern Shifter Series & The Black Cougar Trilogy, Book 4] by Eliza Gayle
150. "Friday Night Alibi" by Cassie Mae (aka Becca Ann)
151. "A Promise on White Wings" [The Wiccan-Were-Bear Series, Book 7] by R. E. Butler
152. "The Rough Mating Of A Vampire" [The Vampire Coalition Series, Book 0.5] by J. S. Scott
153. "Wicked Mourning" by Heather Boyd
154. "Desire By Blood" [By Blood Series, Book 1] by Melissa Schroeder (aka Kiera West)
155. "Whitney" [Alpha Marked Series, Book 3] by Celia Kyle
156. "The Alpha's Mate" by Michelle Fox
-- November 2013 --
157. "Twice as Hot" [Tales of an Extraordinary Girl Series, Book 2] by Gena Showalter :: THIS BOOK WAS A REREAD :: Click Here to read my previous review!
158. "Starved For Love" by Annie Nicholas
159. "Beloved" [Where the Heart Lives Series, Book 3] by Robin Lee Hatcher
160. "The Surprise Holiday Dad" [Safe Harbor Medical Series, Book 12] by Jacqueline Diamond (aka Jackie Hyman, Jackie Diamond Hyman, Jacqueline Topaz, & Jacqueline Jade)
161. "Darkness Awakened" [Darkness Series, Book 1] by Katie Reus (aka Savannah Stuart)
162. "His Purrfect Mate" [Shifters, Inc. Series, Book 3] by Georgette St. Clair
163. "Masked Love" by Nicole Zoltack
164. "Untamed: An Alpha's Kiss" by Evelyn Glass
165. "Body to Barter" [Half-Breed Shifter Series, Book 4] by Miranda Stowe (aka Linda Kage)
166. "Meeting Trouble" [Previously published as "Happy Accident"] by Emme Rollins
167. "Misplaced Princess" [Foreign Affairs Series, Book 1] by Mari Carr & Lexxie Couper
168. "Just Desserts" [Holland Springs Series, Book 4] by Marquita Valentine
169. "Draken" [The Draglen Brothers Series, Book 1] by Solease M. Barner
170. "Two Week Trial" [Love Beyond Barriers Series, Book 1] by Missy Jane
-- December 2013 --
171. "One Tiny Miracle..." by Carol Marinelli
172. "Expecting Royal Twins!" by Melissa McClone
173. "A Marriage in Middlebury" by Anita Higman
174. "It Happened Under the Mistletoe" [The Secret Brides Series, Book 3.5] by Valerie Bowman
175. "Crash into Me" [Shaken Dirty Series, Book 1] by Tracy Wolff (aka Tracy Deebs, Tessa Adams, & Ivy Adams)
176. "Ashes" by Sarah Gilman
177. "The Magic Between Us" [Faerie Series, Book 3] by Tammy Falkner
178. "The Scandal Before Christmas" [The Reckless Brides Series, Book 3.5] by Elizabeth Essex
179. "Three Ways to Wicked" [Wicked Shores Series, Book 1] by Jodi Redford

* If you would like to know what I think about the books I didn't share my ratings or reviews with you about, than leave a comment about which one you want info on and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.