Feasted On: Mindlink by Kat Cantrell

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 503 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: April 1, 2013 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Mindlink" by Kat Cantrell

My Book Summary : Ashley (The Redhead/Eleanor) is a movie star whose life has gone down the toilet lately and nothing seems to make it better, especially when the gossip magazines keep bringing out all of her flaws. Therefore, when she hears about aliens asking the people of Earth to send 10 specially trained scientists---so they can meet, talk, and possibly find out the meaning of a few things they aren't aware of---she makes plans to be one of them. As she just knows that if she can fool everyone into believing that, she is one of the scientists her life will fundamentally turn around for the better.

However, that was before she arrived on this other planet and learned that the aliens lied about their plans. Now, with the help of an alien she calls Sam, she'll find a way back home. If only she can stop herself from falling in love with Sam during her stay...

ZXQ-One (Sam) had plans to become the head of his research division and believed that the life he led was the one he was supposed to lead. That all changed once Ashley fell into his life, making him question everything and all of his beliefs, which leaves him being a traitor in his leader's eyes and sent to be "recycled." While waiting to be recycled Sam and Ashley really meet and accidentally mindlink. Together, and much to their both initial annoyance, they work out a plan to escape the confides of the prison and the only city/world that Sam knows to face the unknown and a future that Sam never expected could exist or plan for...

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars--this novel is full of deception, lies, mixed truths, and two people learning more about themselves and what they are capable of then they ever thought possible. I found the "mindlink" between Sam & Ashley to be similar, in a way, to Ms. Royce's Outsiders Series especially in regard to her novel "Love Beyond Sight" because of how the hero & heroine in Ms. Royce's novel use their link like the way Sam & Ashley do. While I also found that "Mindlink" has, a unique alien-Egyptian flare like Ms. McHugh's "Tangled Web" that reels you into its world and keeps you captivated and curious as to see where the author will take you.

I enjoyed reading and learning about how the "mindlink" worked. As well as, seeing how Sam & Ashley's relationship grew because of the link. Sam grew to turn into as "normal" a human he could become, while Ashley learned to overcome her past mistakes because of Sam's gentle touch and help. They were just like Natalie (another character in this novel) said:

“You guys are like yin and yang, finishing each other’s sentences, and staring at each other all googly-eyed. I’m so jealous it makes my teeth numb.” ~ within Chapter 17

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes sci-fi romances!

Author's Novel Extras : Mindlink is available in Audio! | MINDLINK releases today! | Release Party! Kat Cantrell’s MINDLINK | Would You Be On The List?

Book Teaser(s) :

“Do you have a name?”
He hesitated and she narrowed one eye. “Too hard of a question?” she asked. Maybe the aliens didn’t have names.
“I am ZXQ-One.”
She snorted. “That’s not a name, that’s a model number. I think I ordered something online with that exact one. Do Telhadas not have real names?”
“I am not a Telhada. The Telhada is the ruling class to whom all citizens of Alhedis pledge loyalty and obedience. Only the noble members of the Telhada have proper names.” He rubbed his forehead and blinked hard. It looked like his vision was coming back. “You ask a lot of questions.”
“You started it.” She reeled back her temper and the edge to her voice. Attacking him wasn’t going to get her anywhere. “Well, I’m not calling you ZXQ-One, like you’re a Terminator or something. My friend Sam played an alien in a movie and you look a little bit like him, so that’s what I’m going to call you.”
Sam suited him better anyway. A good, upstanding name for a solid sort of guy. Even if he was on the thinner side, he had a responsible air about him like he never forgot to file his taxes or fill up his car with gas. A guy named Sam was dependable and never late for anything. “So, Sam it is. My friend Sam’s alien movie grossed—”
“You also talk a lot.”
Okay. Of course he wasn’t impressed by who she knew. ~ within Chapter 3

He lunged into action before further analysis could give him pause.
He crashed into UBA and caught the High Priest in a tight bear hug, flung them both to the ground and rolled. Their similar weight and build might have evened the odds but One had surprise and determination to his benefit.
At the perimeter, he released UBA and kept going. His world narrowed to this one singular act. His breath caught as he rolled past the pylons and into the Badramun. Everything hinged on The Redhead’s assessment of the implant’s functions and his faith in her quick mind.
Needlelike pricks exploded behind his eyes. In that split second, he prepared to die, to join with the Ancestors in the afterlife, where he would beg for mercy in failing his charges.
One of The Redhead’s images from Earth sprang into his mind, of a human wearing a cape and a tight uniform with an “S” on the chest.
Not dead. Alive. Pent-up breath hissed out. ~ within Chapter 8

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

"Waiting On" Wednesday: The Princess and the Porn Star

• Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here

"The Princess and the Porn Star" by Lauren Gallagher (aka L. A. Witt)
Expected Publication Released Date: May 2013

Author's Book Description:

She’s got the moves. He’s got the heat. Will their hearts catch the rhythm?

Rachel Taylor’s manager has to be kidding. A porn star dancing beside her in her next music video? She didn’t claw her way back from near obscurity in the pop music world only to become a laughingstock all over again.

Yet the moment she meets Lee, a.k.a. the infamous Buck Harder, their chemistry sizzles. There’s much more to the man behind the stage name than the obvious attributes that make him so successful, and soon she’s fantasizing about sharing more than just a stage.

In only a few steps, they find a perfect, dance-floor groove hot enough to melt the camera lens. But when the video’s release blows up in their faces, her record label exercises an obscure but ironclad clause—stay away from each other. Or else.

Meeting in secret seems the most delicious solution. But they can’t hide this kind of heat for long…and when the paparazzi sniff them out, she realizes choosing to stay with the man she’s fallen for could cause her to fall off the pop music map—permanently.

Warning: Let’s just say there’s a reason Buck Harder went into his line of work, and it ain’t his pretty smile. Wink wink.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Who's Your Daddy?

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

Disappointmentville: Girls Most Likely to... Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 194 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: March 25, 2013 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Most Likely to Succeed" [Girls Most Likely to... Series, Book 1] by Kate Davies

My Book Summary : When Kelsey graduated, she was known as the Girl voted Most Likely to Succeed. However, ever since then she has been feeling that was a cursed placed on her, especially because of family obligations she was never able to go to college let alone find a way out of her hometown. Now ten years later, her 10-year high school reunion is happening the following weekend and her best friend Tess--who is putting together the reunion--talks Kelsey into going. Soon she'll get to see her high school crush and old lab partner, Nathan, again--will she be able to get over her fears of what she feels are her past failures? Or will she let past regrets get in the way of something wonderful?

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. Two high school friends learn that their feelings for each other have only grown over the years. I liked the moral of this novel, which was that it doesn't matter about everyone else's opinion of you but what you think about yourself. Also, Kelsey and Nathan made a very fun and sweet pair.

However, I felt that this novel rushed through all the scenes that weren't about Kelsey and Nathan hooking up. It seemed like there could of been more added to this novel to make it come together a little better.

Therefore, I don't recommend this novel but if you decide on reading it then you should know it is for those who like contemporary romances.

Author's Novel Extras : Most Likely to Succeed - Excerpt | New Cover Reveal! | The Next Big Thing Blog Hop | Most Likely To Succeed - First Look! | Countdown to Most Likely To Succeed! | Blog Tour for Most Likely To Succeed | Now Available: MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED! | MLtS Update! | What’s Your Favorite Book?

Author's Series Extras : Girls Most Likely to... Overview | Cover Reveal - Cutest Couple! | Blogging on NNN - My Reunion! | The Yearbook Curse

Book Teaser(s) :

“I want you,” she gasped. “Want you so much.”
“Feeling’s mutual,” he growled, lifting her other leg so she was wrapped completely around him. He turned and strode toward the bedroom, carrying a laughing Kelsey in his arms.
A few steps inside and his knees hit the edge of the mattress, so he tipped forward, dropping Kelsey gently onto the bed. She grinned up at him, arms raised. “Hey, gorgeous,” she said.
“I think that’s my line.” She scooted backward until her head reached the pillows. He climbed onto the bed, stretched out over her and leaned down for another kiss.
He had intended it to be soft and slow, to build the tension again. But the best of intentions disappeared as the kiss turned hot and wet and more than a little dirty. Kelsey scrabbled at his shirt, dragging the hem out of his jeans and tugging it until it bunched under his arms.
“Off, off, I want it off,” she mumbled against his lips. “Need your skin. Now.”
Hell, he could get on board with that. Sitting up until he was on his knees, straddling her body, he pulled his shirt off over his head and tossed it on the floor.
She reached up and stroked one hand down his chest. “Damn, were you really hiding this under those lab coats all those years?”
He grinned and shook his head. “Trust me, I was a late bloomer.”
“Well, you’ve blossomed quite nicely, Mr. Barrow.” ~ within Chapter 4

“But I certainly didn’t live up to my potential,” she retorted.
“You could say the same thing about me,” Bree reminded her. “Unwed teen mom, blah blah blah. Am I a failure in your eyes?”
Kelsey’s mouth dropped open. “Of course not!”
“Then cut yourself some slack.” Bree eyed her closely. “Unless Nathan’s said or done something to make you feel this way, in which case, my rusty knife has an appointment with his balls.”
Kelsey coughed, waving a hand in front of her face. “Oh, God, Bree, don’t do that! You’re killing me here.”
Bree shrugged. “I’m just saying.” ~ within Chapter 6

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

Made the Grade: Oh, Canada!/Alien Abductions/Moonbeam Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 181 KB | Release Date: October 2011 | Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About @ Ellora's Cave

"Lust by Moonbeam" [Oh, Canada!/Alien Abductions/Moonbeam Series, Book 1] by Cynthia Sax

My Book Summary : Catherine (Cathy) has always felt alone, ever since her parents died when she was a little girl she has felt out-of-place and never fit in with anyone even when she tried. Now she's visiting Moonbeam to prove that the dead tree o-rings they have are either naturally occurring or a hoax thereby to disprove the small town's alien landing reports, which won't win her any friends in Moonbeam either. Yet when she first arrives she meets Veterellec (Rellec), who the towns people call Frank, the owner of the property that she'll be studying and a man who turns her on like no other...

Now if she only can trust her heart not to fall for him before she is ready too she might be fine. That is if she can get over his beliefs about being an alien and all...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! One woman is about to learn the meaning of love at first touch.

Cathy and Rellec's story is sweet and erotic! His world is seems a bit confusing to me in the explanation, and I'd love to see a drawing of what he really looks like (since his ridges vibrating is hard to imagine sometimes), but I liked how these two came together and fight for each other. Also, this novella does have quite a few funny spots, mostly because Rellec still learning Cathy's slang words of the English language. =0)

The only reason I didn't give this novella a higher rating is that the two of them are too much of exhibitionists for my taste. Which I know might seem weird because it is a book and I can't see them, it's still the truth of the matter.

Nevertheless, I do recommend this novella and series to anyone who likes sci-fi erotic romances!

My Previous Review(s) for Ellora's Cave Oh, Canada! Series : The Canuck Werewolf

Author's Novel Extras : Revew For Lust By Moonbeam | Lust By Moonbeam FREE

Author's Series Extras : Great Review For Exposed By Moonbeam! | Cyn-Sights: Alien Languages | Review For Ravished By Moonbeam | Review For Exposed By Moonbeam | Ravished By Moonbeam Wins Sensual Reads 2012 Reviewers’ Choice Award

Book Teaser(s) :

“The thrusters obliterated the trees.” Although Rellec slowed his pace, Cathy’s heartbeat remained joyfully erratic, her pulse jumping each time his broad shoulders brushed against her smaller form. “The thrusters are too powerful or the trees are too delicate. I will adjust the thrusters first.”
“That’s all you can adjust.” She narrowed her eyes. The Ministry wouldn’t appreciate him mucking around with genetics. “And the thrusters are used for?”
“Our transport vessels, my Cathy. The thrusters enable the transport vessels to leave the surface of your blue and white planet. The gravitational pull is very strong.”
Cathy stared straight ahead, keeping her face carefully blank. Damn it. He was hunky and hot for her, so, of course, he was also batshit crazy. ~ within Chapter 1

“He thinks of me as some sort of breeding...cow?” He wouldn’t ever love her, not in the way she loved him, and when he found out she didn’t know how to be a mother or a daughter-in-law or a wife, he’d hate her. Cathy rubbed her hand over her face. This was her biggest disaster yet in a life filled with disasters.
“That comparison is unlikely, as large domesticated ungulates are not native to Sila.” Vern waved a beeping wand over Cathy’s head and frowned, the ridges on his forehead condensing. “Hmmm... Your thought processes are not logical, yet you do not have damage.”
Cathy narrowed her eyes at the young alien. “I’ll give you a tip, Vern. When you meet your own prospective breeding cow, do not tell her she’s illogical. We don’t like hearing that.” ~ within Chapter 5

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

Giveaway Winner of Dear Cassie by Lisa Burstein

Shannon B.
Congratulations, Kim!! You just won an e-copy of "Dear Cassie" by Lisa Burstein!! You should be receiving an email from me and the publisher soon.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway for "Dear Cassie" and checked out Ms. Burstein's Guest Post!! Please keep up-to-date with my blog tours by checking out my event calendar so you'll know when you really want to stop by From Me to You.... Or you could just friend/follow the blog too!!

If you didn't win in this contest yet also signed up for my "Face The Music" by Andrea K. Robbins Giveaway than click here to see if you won!!

Have a good day everyone!

Take care, Jess

Giveaway Winner of Face The Music by Andrea K. Robbins

Kim K.
Congratulations, Kim!! You just won an e-copy of "Face The Music" by Andrea K. Robbins!! You should be receiving an email from me and the publisher soon.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway and checked out my review for "Face The Music!!" Please keep up-to-date with my blog tours by checking out my event calendar so you'll know when you really want to stop by From Me to You.... Or you could just friend/follow the blog too!! *BIG GRIN*

If you didn't win in this contest yet also signed up for my "Dear Cassie" by Lisa Burstein Giveaway than click here to see if you won!!

Have a good day everyone!

Take care, Jess

Made the Grade: Legends of the Seven Galaxies Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 187 KB | Expected Release Date: May 1, 2013 | Publisher: Escape Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley

"Awakening the Warriors" [Legends of the Seven Galaxies Series, Book 2] by S. E. Gilchrist

My Book Summary : Fran is seriously reconsidering her decision to leave Earth to move onto a new colony located on another planet, especially since she is currently trapped in a dungeon because of a war going on. The only way of escaping and protecting her fellow inmates is if she can awaken the sexual power two of the male inmates’ posses. Now if she can protect her heart along the way she might survive everything...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! A brave woman takes it upon herself to find a way to escape confinement and possible experimentation with the help of two sexy men.

This novella has potential. However, even though I knew it was a short story before I began to read it, it felt overly rushed. It's only redeeming quality was the hot scenes between the Fran, Jerrell, and Quain.

I recommend everyone to try this novella since the series does sound interesting. It's mostly for those who like sci-fi erotic romances!

Author's Novel Extras : New Release : Awakening the Warriors

Author's Series Extras : An Exciting, Delicious Dilemma | Legend Beyond the Stars #Six Sentence Sunday 4 | Villains & Character Development

Book Teaser(s) :

By sheer effort of will, I stopped myself from running after them. My vision blurred. Stupid to feel as if I'd been abandoned.
"I find I am envious," murmured Relia stepping closer to me. She indicated the disappearing men with a jerk of her chin. ~ within Chapter 3

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

Feasted On: Crescent City Fae Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 318; Kindle Edition - File Size: 995 KB | Expected Release Date: March 8, 2013 | Publisher: Bayou Moon Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley

"Influential Magic" [Crescent City Fae Series, Book 1] by Deanna Chase

My Book Summary : Four years ago, after Beau, Willow's twin brother, died she joined the Void as a part-time vampire hunter with hopes of finding out why and how he was killed. Now her life is a mixture of tracking down the bad guys and baking delicious magically yummy treats at her bakery The Fated Cupcake.

However, her life is about to get a drastic change when her ex-boyfriend and recently turned vampire Davidson (David) comes back into her life with plans of protecting her whether or not she wants it. Conspiracy runs rampant in her life as soon as David gets back into hers, and now she doesn't know whom to trust. Maybe with her best friend and long-time crush, Talisen, by her side she might be able to muddle through the murky waters that have become her life and job... if only she can keep her heart/mind straight about what she truly wants during the process...

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, one kind hearted faery deals with a conspiracy against her while trying to protect those she cares about most. This novel reminded me of an intriguing mixture of "Sunshine" & the Cassandra Palmer Series. It is full trickery, excitement, a faery that can't decide which guy she loves more, a shape-shifting dog who can't control his urges, and friends that would seem to do anything for each other.

Plus, it didn't hurt that I liked both of Willow's guys, David and Talisen. In some ways, I wish she could end up with both but I know that's not possible. Talisen is her childhood crush, her brother's best friend, and an honorary family member. Also, they have such a sweet relationship and great banter. While David and her were together for over a year and it's hard to just give up on the love that they share, especially since he was the one who broke up with her. It will be interesting to see where she'll end up in her relationships as this series progresses.

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes suspenseful action-packed sorta romances.

Author's Novel Extras : The Stigma of Self-Publishing | Influential Magic is Here!

Author's Series Extras : Crescent City Fae Overview

Book Teaser(s) :

Talisen searched my eyes, his gaze serious and intense. What was he looking for? "You can trust me with anything. You know that, right?"
Ah. He'd been searching for the link. Our common thread of trust. "Of course I do." I took his hand and squeezed. "Sometimes I think you're the only one."
He raised an eyebrow. "Not Phoebs?"
"Oh sure. But it's harder. She has strong opinions on everything."
He laughed, and the sound helped ease some of my tension. ~ within Chapter 13

Another crash rumbled upstairs. We all glanced at the ceiling. Jesus. Good think David came from money, because anything he broke, he was replacing. With an upgrade. ~ within Chapter 22

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

Made the Grade: Puma Nights Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 331 KB | Expected Release Date: April 22, 2013 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Falke's Renegade" [Puma Nights Series, Book 3] by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton (aka Leanne Karella)

My Book Summary : When Heidi gets a call asking for her assistance because of an accidental shooting of a big black jaguar, she is stunned but jumps to help immediately. However, not everything about this big beautiful cat isn’t like he seems, especially when her sister-in-law, Beth, confirms that he is actually another shifter. Even so, Heidi feels it's her duty to assist this "man," Javier, even against her family's wishes.

As the days pass and they get to know one another better they find that both of their desires for the future are beginning to change drastically, if only Javier can get over his past losses and open his heart once more...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, probably the only known female shifter in existence recently rescues a new male shifter that could just be her one if only he wasn't so hung up on his past...

I enjoyed this dramatic novel! Javier and Heidi pushed each other in ways I never expected, while I liked their constant need to protect each other even through Javier's personal denial of what he wanted being right in front of him. This novel seemed to have more substance and drama then "Falke's Captive," yet it keeps you updated on the dynamics of Heidi's family. I especially appreciated reading about Beth & Heidi's friendship and Beth's cute little one-liners.

I recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of this series and/or to anyone who likes paranormal romances!

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 2

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Jess' Update :: September 20th 2011

Author's Novel Extras : Falke's Renegade - Contracted! | Falke's Renegade Update!

Author's Series Extras : Puma Nights Overview | Falke's Peak - Excerpt | Falke's Peak is #1 at Carina Press | A Peek at Our Technique | Whew! It's off! | Harlequin's Carina Press Called (Sort of...) | Checking In... | Falke's Captive - Excerpt | Falke's Captive finals in the Passionate Plume | Falke’s Peak On Sale


Book Teaser(s) :

How many brothers do you have? Javier asked while Heidi worked on removing his cast. He wanted to know how outnumbered he would be whenever the confrontation occurred—and it would. His pretty, petite vet might be naïve enough to think her brothers would let him get this close and not react, but he was under no such delusions. She was rare, and this town was their home. The men in her family would respond the same way he would if some stranger encroached on his territory.
“Six.”
Mierda.
She met his scowl with a frown. “I take it by the volume, that’s a curse. You don’t have to worry. I can handle my brothers. It’s the pesky reporter we have to worry about.”
She was wrong, but he didn’t argue the point. As soon as he was strong enough, he’d find his car and get the hell out of here. His fight was not with her family.
She continued to work on his cast. “So, where are you from?”
Nowhere.
“What brings you here to Washington?”
Nothing.
“Is your name really Javier Montero?”
He didn’t respond at all to that snarky question. ~ within Chapter 4

“He is seriously injured.” Burke pulled Heidi away from her thoughts. “Fridrik and I haven’t had time to question him, yet. But we will. For now, let him be,” he said, adding a stern look at both Kelan and Reidar. Then her dad’s mood changed. “Will dinner be ready on time?”
Heidi sighed with relief and sagged against the door. “Yes, Daddy. Of course.” She gave Burke a kiss on the cheek and headed down the hall toward the kitchen.
Kelan said to Beth, You are in trouble, woman.
Her sister-in-law could handle the boys, and her brothers would never harm their mate, but Heidi was glad she wasn’t in Beth’s shoes. Keeping secrets from brothers was one thing. Keeping them from your mates was quite another.
More than half an hour passed before Beth came into the kitchen just as Heidi was putting the pork chops under the broiler. “What do you need me to do?”
Her sister-in-law’s face glowed, and Heidi didn’t need three tries to guess what had kept her occupied. “Hope they weren’t too hard on you.”
Beth waggled her eyebrows. “Just hard enough.” Then she burst out laughing before she leaned over the counter and stage whispered, “They’re such pussycats.”
“Pussycats?”
Beth batted her eyes. “‘You mean you’re upset I didn’t tell you about Heidi’s patient? But...what does that have to do with us?’”
Heidi rolled her eyes. “And they fell for that?”
Beth just gave her a toothy grin and changed the subject. ~ within Chapter 6

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Madison and/or Anna Leigh, then please check out their websites: Miss Layle's website & Miss Keaton's website.

Feasted On: Dear Cassie by Lisa Burstein

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 305; Kindle Edition - File Size: 552 KB | Expected Release Date: March 5, 2013 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Teen | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Dear Cassie" by Lisa Burstein

My Book Summary : Since Cassie was only 17-years-old when her arrest took place, she gets to be sent to a Wilderness Survival Camp instead of jail. However, Cassie feels like she deserves being there, not because of her arrest during her horrible prom night but because of what happened as a result after that night. Now she's fighting her personal demons while dealing with teens that have their own issues, a Drill Sergeant type of "counselor," and a hot annoying boy--Ben--who wants Cassie to spill all of her secrets to him.

Cassie might just find that this is the one place that will break down all of her barriers...

Will she be able to keep her secrets to herself? Will she loose her identity and possibly her heart during her time there? Or will she find a way to escape under the radar of everyone around her before it's too late?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! A girl tries to protect herself and her secrets while being thrown into a "wilderness survival camp." This novel is a spin-off/follow-up to Ms. Burstein's "Pretty Amy," and while I never read "Pretty Amy," it gives a good view point of what Cassie went through to get where she is as well as the process she goes through to slowly get better. However, I will say from Cassie's POV it made me really not like Amy.

Cassie as a character goes through severe personality changes, even without her being aware of it at times, throughout this novel. She starts out as a tough character, and while she keeps some aspects of that, by the end of this novel she turns into someone who doesn't try to keep everyone at arm’s length anymore. Plus, I really enjoyed reading about the secondary characters and the small romance between Ben & Cassie.

Ben is a guy who would do anything, literally, to help those he loves or feels he needs to protect. Together Cassie & Ben seem like oil and water, but in truth, they balance each other out in a way that surprises Cassie and scares her because of how that changes her in some ways too.

The ending has a few surprising twists that I didn't expect. However, what I loved most about this novel was the constant mystery of learning about Cassie's secrets and her past while wondering what she'll do to make her future better.

I definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes dramatic YA/NA sorta romances with a strong female main character.

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : A Day in the Life of Lisa Burstein - March 2013

Author's Novel Extras : BIG News! PRETTY AMY WILL HAVE A BOOK SISTER! | DEAR CASSIE NEWS | To Fuck or not to Fuck- Editing Dear Cassie for Content | DEAR CASSIE COVER REVEAL SIGN-UP & CONTEST | My new book: DEAR CASSIE COVER & First 5 pages!!!! | DEAR CASSIE Diary Contest Finalists!- VOTE | DEAR CASSIE Diary Contest WINNER!!! | Which of your books should/can I read first? | Entangled in Love Blog Hop! | The NEXT BIG THING Blog Hop | HAPPY Dear Cassie NEWS! | WIN a Kindle/Nook or other great prizes in the Dear Cassie Launch Celebration | DEAR CASSIE is AVAILABLE- Free Bookplates & Bookmarks | CONTEST! Guess how many F*cks are in Dear Cassie | DEAR CASSIE Book Trailer! | WINNERS of the How Many F*cks in DEAR CASSIE Contest!

Author's Book Trailer :

Author's Book Interview(s) :



Book Teaser(s) :

We had a long, tiring day ahead of us. That would have been bad enough, more than bad enough, but, of course, the boys were waiting at attention for us at the trailhead. They stood in a line: Nerone, the guys next to him in order of height. Ben was in the middle, grinning at me like someone behind him was pulling back his skin.
“Claire, what’s with the smile?” Rawe asked.
“Just ready to hike with my fellow hikers,” Ben said.
“You look deranged,” I said.
“You look like you’d be into deranged.” He smirked, daring me.
“No more talking,” Nerone yelled.
I smirked back, thinking Ben was lucky that Nerone had told us to be quiet. Not that I had any idea how to respond. I was into deranged. ~ within DAY 9 - titled '21 Fucking Days to Go'

“I’m not taking your hand,” I said, like I was reminding myself not to as much as I was saying it to him.
“I’m patient,” he said, starting to hum.
“You are a zombie that won’t die,” I said, looking up at him.
He held his arms out in front of him and shuffled his feet. “Brains,” he moaned. “Mmmm, Cassie brains.”
I started to laugh. I couldn’t help it.
“Mmmm, Cassie laughs,” he moaned, still acting like a zombie.
“You’re seriously crazy,” I said, finally standing up.
“But that’s why you love me,” he said, pretending to tap dance.
I started to laugh again and it made him dance harder, faster, his tongue lolling out of his mouth.
“I’ll keep this up all day if I have to,” he said. He was clearly out of breath, but he didn’t stop.
Laughing at him, I felt warm, safe. Like I had at the lakeshore, in that moment when I had let myself hold his hand. When I had forgotten I needed to stay away.
“You can’t keep dancing forever,” I said.
“Well, you can’t keep pushing me away forever,” he said. “Eventually one of us is going to have to give up.” ~ within DAY 18 - titled '12 Fucking Days to Go'

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