Off Sides (Off Series #1) by Sawyer Bennett

I started Off Sides one night when I went to bed.  Next thing I knew it was 2:30 in the morning and I was wishing I had started earlier because I did not want to put it down!  Danny and Ryan fall for each other hard and fast, but their love does not come easy.  I was glued to their story from the very beginning and hated every moment I had to be away from them!

Danny (aka Daniella - which, I mean really how can I not love her when we practically share a name?!?!?) is a beautiful girl inside and out, despite her purple hair and piercings (so me when I was her age!).  She is working hard and loving life despite all that has been taken from her.  Ryan leads the charmed life of a rich hockey star and never realizes just how lucky he is until Danny helps him open his eyes .

There is lots of angst in this story, however it doesn't come in the typical package.  Instead of the traditional does he/she love me, do I love him/her, is this right - Danny and Ryan's story is about how outside forces can ruin a beautiful relationship if the people involved don't want to work at it.

So what could make this awesome book any better?  How about being the first book in an awesome series!  Go check out book two, Off Limits, and book three, Off the Record, due out June 11, 2013!

Now for a bit of tricky tricky for us Nook users. Off Sides is available now on Nook, and Off the Record will be available on Nook on June 11th.  However, book two Off Limits will not be available on Nook till sometime in late July 2013.  I'm just going to say its worth the buy on Amazon and reading it on your phone because, well - its amazing!!!! (Its also worth waiting for, if your the patient type... I am not.) Look for my review soon!
Review by Danielle

Seduction and Sacks (Chocolate Lovers Series #1) by Tara Sivec

Seduction and snacks was exactly what I needed! A lot of laughs, a few tears and some good hot scenes mixed in. 

I only had two problems with this book. 1. I almost woke hubby and Tiny Tot a few times from laughing so hard. 2. Carter made my hubby pale in comparison to how perfect he was! 

In all seriousness, if your looking for a fun light read this is the perfect book! There is a good mix of romance and perfect men, skeezy pervy humor , and tell you exactly like it is bluntness! I immediately dug right into book # 2, Futures and Frostings!! 
Review by Jillian
See Danielle's review of this series in our Book Honor Roll.

GIVEAWAY: For Everly by Raine Thomas

Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She’s consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.

Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn’t fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.

In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind.

When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life…not just for his career, but for Everly’s love.

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Where to buy?

B&N, Amazon

Excerpt:

She folded her jeans and set them on the lounge chair. Taking one final deep breath, she pulled her top over her head, then set it neatly by her jeans.Her gaze shifted to Cole, who was suddenly silent. She realized he was staring at her with a rather strange expression on his face. Had she somehow managed to shock the world-famous Cole Parker?She didn’t speak, but walked over to the stairs. His eyes followed her every move. He had yet to meet her gaze. He was honed in on her body. Something about that was empowering.Liberating.Although she had no experience with playing the temptress, the situation felt right to give it a try. Dark, seductive lighting…clear, warm water…a hot, transfixed male. Yeah, she was pretty sure the circumstances were right. She just didn’t know if she had it in her.She slowly descended the steps into the water. “So, Mr. Parker,” she said in a casual tone, “what shall we do in this magnificent pool of yours?”“Um…”He didn’t move as she walked from the shallow end to where he stood with the water lapping at his waist. She allowed her gaze to move over the hard muscles of his upper body as she approached. Even as she fully appreciated his fine physique with a woman’s eye, she felt pride for helping him maintain it.“The water feels wonderful,” she said.She walked to his side until the water reached her belly button, then came to a stop less than a foot from him. His gaze finally moved to hers. For the first time, she read stark desire in a male’s gaze. Her pulse raced.What in the world was she doing? Temptress? Yeah, right.“Everly,” he said.His voice was low. Ragged. He closed the distance between them. Her nerves shimmied.Oh, God. Was he going to kiss her? What should she do?He paused. His eyes swept over her face. Whatever he read there had him backing up. Once again, she felt both relieved and disappointed.Why was she so awkward with guys? With intimacy?“You’re not nearly wet enough,” he said then.Her mouth fell open. Then he grabbed her and leaped with her into the deep end. When they surfaced, she laughed and splashed him for dunking her. She realized the pool was filled with saltwater instead of chlorine as she pushed her hair out of her eyes.“I’m totally getting you back for that,” she said, fighting a smile.The chase was on. He was a strong swimmer, but she was lighter and sleeker. When he would have powered his way across the pool to evade her, she zipped along beneath the surface and paced him. After several minutes of pursuing him, she cornered him near the waterfall that spilled in from a spa off the far side of the pool. They were both breathless and laughing like idiots.“I think grabbing my swimsuit to drag me back was playing dirty,” he said as he caught his breath.“Sure it was. Serves you right.”“Remind me not to dunk you again unless I want to skinny dip.”She laughed again. His back was turned to her, the position in which she’d finally caught him. Only then did she register that her arms were still around his waist.The feel of his body pressed against hers…his taut skin beneath her fingertips…it was—“Tell you what,” he said, turning around to face her. She didn’t want to move her hands, and since he didn’t try to escape her touch, she didn’t. “That was too easy. I’ll find you with my eyes closed.”“Oh, yeah? Marco Polo style?”“Something like that. And when I do, I want a reward.”She could only echo him as she held his intent gaze. “A reward?”“Yes, Ms. Wallace. I want a real kiss.”

About the Author

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA Fantasy/Romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and the Firstborn Trilogy, and a New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer's Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

Twitter|Facebook|Goodreads|Pinterest|Linkedin|Website|Blog

GIVEAWAY!!

Raine Thomas is hosting a Release Giveaway of (2) signed paperbacks of For Everly, a custom For Everly inspired bracelet worth $35, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card. This is open to the U.S. and Canada. To enter, fill out the Raffelcopter below!

: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Event Hosted by:

Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan

Unbreak Me delivers oodles of angst and lots of steamy romance while delivering a touching message.  I really love when characters take a bad situation and turn it into something beautiful.  What can I say?  I'm a sucker for a happily ever after.

Maggie is s a sweet girl who just wants to move beyond her reputation.  Will is a safe straight laced man from Maggie's past.  Asher is the bad boy ex-rockstar with a damning history who thinks Maggie is too strong for her own good.   As the world works against Maggie the men in her life do what they each think is best to help her survive.

I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for more of Maggie's story to unfold.  I was rewarded with surprises and heart warming moments that made me love Maggie more and more.  I loved how her art reflected her life, even if she didn't see it, and the thing with the note cards at the end, I totally teared up! (You'll see.)

*Sigh* Asher.... I think I love you!  I'm sure there will be a big "Team Asher" vs "Team Will" thing, but I'm telling you right now, I was Team Asher from the moment he first danced with Maggie!

This was a great read.
ARC Recieved from AToMR Tours
Review by Danielle

Disastrous (Disastrous #1) by E.L. Montes

What do you do when your heart and your head are telling you two different things?  When Mia meets Marcus all she can see is "Mr. Right." However, Mia suddenly discovers that Marcus is leading a double life that has "Mr. Wrong" written all over it and she doesn't know what to do.

Mia has serious trust issues, and doesn't feel she can trust Marcus because he has secrets he insists he cannot share.  The tug and pull in their relationship left me just as frustrated as Mia.  The entire time I wanted to love Marcus, but at this point in the story (and there is more!) I just didn't.  He has all the makings of the perfect guy, but the bad decisions he made in his past haunt his present.  Though, to be honest, I think its all his mother's fault!

I'm hoping my feelings for Marcus will change by the end of Cautious, because I REALLY want to love him as much as Mia does.  I have a strong suspicion that I will!  Check back for my review.
Review by Danielle

GIVEAWAY: Rock and a Hard Place by Angie Stanton

One day while watching the Interstate exit for her dad's long awaited return, Libby's life is rocked when Peter Jamieson steps off his tour bus and into her life. After a couple chance meetings with Peter, Libby breaks away from her perfect behavior and her life changes course.

Peter longs for normalcy away from the screaming fans who know nothing about the real him. He is amazed to discover Libby has never heard of him or his band. Soon their friendship turns to love. While Peter battles his family's growing interference so he can spend time with Libby, she struggles with her eccentric aunt who turns more bizarre each day.

Their lives are torn apart when Peter's family intrudes and Libby disappears. Peter's desperate search for her comes up empty. Can they find their way back to each other while the world plots against them?

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Where to buy?

B&N, Amazon

Excerpt

“I have something for you.” He had moved heaven and earth to pull this together.“You do?” Her eyes glittered in surprise.“Yup. Close your eyes and hold out your hands.” He couldn’t wait to see what she thought. Libby obeyed. Her dark eyelashes lay against her rosy cheeks. His heart beat in anticipation. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a white plastic bag, then glanced up. Her closed eyes changed to little slits.“Hey, stop peeking!”Libby squeezed her eyes closed and laughed. She held out her hands and waited. Peter pulled the slim item out of the bag and placed it in her hands.“Okay, look.”She peered at the shiny device and then back at him in disbelief. “You gave me a cell phone?” She stared at the gift. “You gave me a cell phone!” This time she yelled it.Her excitement touched him. “It seemed like a good idea. You didn’t have a phone number to give me, and I really missed you. It’s gonna get harder to see you. I thought this way we could stay in touch and actually talk whenever we want.”She closed her hand around the precious phone and turned pensive.“Is something wrong?” He wondered what could have upset her.“I don’t know if I should accept this.” She gazed up at him with large doe eyes. He couldn’t believe this. She needed to take the phone.“We barely know each other, and, well…” Mischief lit her face, and he wondered what she was up to. “We’ve never even kissed.”Peter paused and took a good look at her. He’d been wondering how to sneak a kiss; she just made it simple.He tossed the umbrella aside and pulled her close. He let his fingers tangle in her wet hair and lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her long and slow, taking his sweet time. Cold rain trickled down his neck as he savored each moment. Startled at first, Libby now matched his kiss. He enjoyed each touch of her tender lips.He slowly pulled away.“Now can you take the phone?” His forehead rested against hers.“Yeah, I think so,” she answered in a breathy voice.“I’d better be sure.” Empowered by their perfect chemistry, he leaned in for more. Her body melted against him. He wrapped his other arm around her and pulled her close.“Wow,” she whispered, her eyes dark and smoky.“Haven’t you ever been kissed before?” His eyes searched hers.“Not like that.”~Angie Stanton-Rock and a Hard Place

About the Author & Where to find her:

Angie Stanton never planned on writing books, she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in a rural setting with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head she began to write them down and the rest is history.

She loves dipping french fries in chocolate shakes, all natural disaster movies and Broadway Musicals. When not writing, Angie is concocting ways to make more dreams come true, whether it be tickets to a Broadway show or convincing her family they should rent an RV and travel the country. She's still working on that one.

Angie is a proud double finalist of the 2011 National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em, as well as a finalist for the Golden Quill Awards.

Angie's blog: http://angiestanton.wordpress.com/

For regular updates, like Angie at www.facebook.com/AngieStantonAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/angie_stanton 

GIVEAWAY:

Angie Stanton is hosting an awesome giveaway: 5 Autographed Books AND 10 eBooks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Event Hosted by:

COVER REVEAL: Smash into You by Shelly Crane

 

Title: Smash Into You

Author: Shelly Crane

Expected release date: Summer 2013

Genre: Contemporary

Age Group: Young Adult

Cover Designed by: Okay Creations

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

  Jude has spent the whole twenty three years of his life running. From what, he wasn't quite sure. His mother tried to keep him safe; a low profile, a constant move on the horizon, a week's pay always stashed away. She tried to instill in him that he was special somehow, though would never elaborate. He never felt different. He was so completely normal and vanilla that he wondered if it had all been in her head. But then she was murdered and all he saw was a running silhouette of a man as his mother said three final words to him. Three words that changed his whole being. Never stop running… Now he's semi-settled into a big town. The college is huge and easy to blend into. It's been three months since he had to move because 'Biloxi', as he calls the man who killed his mother, found him once more. Then Marley, an eighteen year old girl who is as infuriating as she is blissfully ignorant of her gorgeousness, smashes into his car with hers. Then smashes into his life as he realizes that whatever it is he has that Biloxi wants, she has it, too. And now, they're after them both.   About the Author Shelly is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in everywhere USA as they happily travel all over with her husband's job. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, site see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read. Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.  

Shelly Crane | Facebook | Twitter

 

Don't Hate the Player...Hate the Game by Katie Ashley

I went to a super small high school - 400 or so kids in the entire district K-12.  It seemed like every year we lost a senior, car accident, boating accident, suicide... it almost felt commonplace in my school. The years we didn't have a death, someone had a baby instead!  Though I thankfully never lost one of my close friends this way I think my experiences really helped me connect with Noah.  

My heart ached for Noah as he came to terms with the shocking death of his best friend, Jake.  When Jake's mom asked Noah to find the girl her son was in love with and had planed on proposing to my heart broke even more.  I was honestly worried that the process of finding his best friends "one" would drag out Noah's grief and pain.  Thankfully I was wrong, but a whole side of Jake came to light after his death that no one, especially Noah, seemed to understand or accept.

Noah spends a lot of time with Maddie and finds out a lot of things he never knew about Jake.  There is a lot I could say about Maddie, the preachers daughter, but Maddie should experienced, not explained.

I loved the relationship between Noah and his mom.  He may put on a "tough guy" act, but Noah is all Mama's boy!  I hope that if I ever have a little boy that he love me as much as Noah loves his mom.  He might not always show it but Noah is dedicated to his mom and looks up to her almost reverently.  He truly appreciates the sacrifices she made in order to give him a happy life despite being only 17 when she had him and her drive to still make it though medical school to become an ob/gyn.

Great book for any summer reading list!

 

a beautiful mess by Ali Berlinski

This is not my typical read, not angsty or overly emotional, yet still thoroughly enjoyable.  Its the story of a girl (the author) coming of age and finding herself.

In this debut novel we learn that Ali is far from traditional in any sense of the word.  She is biracial with divorced parents and siblings all over the place.  Ali shares the lessons she has learned growing up in New Jersey and California.  Ali has endured heartbreak and loss while still maintaining her sense of humor.    Having two complete sets of families Ali never really feels like she belongs anywhere.  I was surprised how well the story flowed despite the lack of dialogue   I as though Ali was just simply telling me about her life over a cup of coffee.

This book is available though amazon as a paper back, and not currently available (to the best of my knowledge  in any ebook formats. The upside to this is that, according to the Amazon description, every time someone buys Ali's book a book will be donated to a child.  That's a win/win in my eyes!
Advance copy received from NetGalley
Review by Danielle

Collide (Collide #1) by Gail McHugh

This is one of those books where the main characters drove me crazy the entire time. Really if I could of reached into my Nook and throttled each and every one of them I would of!

Emily is trying to put her life back together after losing her mom to breast cancer and moves from Colorado to New York City to be closer to her boyfriend, Dillon, and her best friend.  On her first day at her new job Emily meets Mr. Tall Dark and f*#%able Handsome, aka Gavin.  Gotta love a good love triangle right?  Except in this triangle it was apparent to me right away that one boy was very wrong for Emily... wrong for anyone really if you ask me!

I was able to relate to Emily, unfortunately, and understood why she kept making the stupid decisions that were aggravating me.  She is sadly blind to what is right in front of her because she is too scared to take a chance on her own feelings.  And Dillon, UGH, lets just say I hate him. :)  I haven't made a decision about Gavin yet, he can still go either way for me, guess I'll just have to read Pulse, due out this summer, to find out!
Review by Danielle

Cover Reveal: Love of Truth by CT Oliver

For the next eleven days all Amelia Adler wants is a nice relaxing vacation on the beach. All she’ll do is drink pineapple margaritas and read sexy steamy romance novels. She doesn't want to think about the stress of her daily life nor the fact that she doesn't know what to do with her life. 

Craig Patrice just wants to spend his last spring break catching wave after waves during the day in the Pacific Ocean, and relax as much as he can at night. This is his last break before finishing law school and starting at a firm this upcoming summer. He has no desire for a fling or a girlfriend. All he wants is to buckle down and finish this year off right. That is until he gets a glimpse of his vacationing neighbor, and for the life of him, he can’t look away.

Though Craig and Amelia are somewhat reluctant for a relationship, they seem to find comfort in one another and can’t let go of each other. Finding romance on vacation is one thing, but can their relationship withstand the demand of real life and once their past catches up with them will believing in each other’s truth save their future.

Check out this book, coming May 31st!  Get updates on CT Oliver's Facebook Page.
Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY: Let Love In by Melissa Collins

What would happen if you lost everything?  If the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally were no longer there for you, how would your world change? 

That’s exactly what happened to Madeleine Becker when her parents died when she was ten years old.  Ripped from her home and everything that she has ever loved, she is forced to start all over again.  The only way for her to move on is to build walls around her heart and keep everyone at a safe distance. Her logic: she can't get hurt if she doesn't fall in love.

That theory is blown to pieces when she meets Reid Connely during her freshman year at college. He is gorgeous and darkly mysterious. He understands Maddy's pain all too well, but sharing his pain would mean breaking down the walls he put up around his own heart. Conflicted between loving Maddy and hiding his dark past, Reid starts to reevaluate his world.  Maddy's inner strength, snarky personality and breath taking beauty help Reid to make peace with his past.

Together they find out what happens when they let love in.

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Where to Buy

Amazon (more links coming when/if they become available)

About the Author

I’ve always been an avid reader.  Majoring in English Literature was a no brainer.  Becoming a teacher and instilling my love for reading into my students was also a no brainer.  I’ve spent the last ten years teaching and I’ve loved (mostly) every minute of it.  When I was home on maternity leave for my third son, I discovered a new genre that sparked my creativity.  My passion for writing sprang from my love of reading and once I knew I had a story to tell, I couldn’t wait to get it out there.  I only hope that my readers enjoy reading my story as much as I enjoyed writing it. 

Where to find her?

Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Website

Giveaway!!!!

Meliisa Collins is giving away a signed paperback, a hand stamped Let Love In necklace by Sassy Riley and a $5 Amazon gift card and swag pack!  Fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

A girl.
A coma.
A life she can't remember.

When Emma Walker wakes up in the hospital with no knowledge of how she got there, she learns that she's been in a coma for six months. Strangers show up and claim to be her parents, but she can't remember them. She can't remember anyone. Not her friends, not even her boyfriend. Even though she can't remember, everyone wants her to just pick up where she left off, but what she learns about the 'old her' makes her start to wish she'd never woken up. Her boyfriend breaks up with the new girl he's dating to be with her, her parents want her to start planning for college, her friends want their leader back, and her physical therapist with the hazel eyes keeps his distance to save his position at the hospital.

Will she ever feel like she recognizes the girl in the mirror?
Add to your Goodreads TBR list!
Our Review

Where to buy?

B&N, Amazon, Smashwords

Excerpt: 

            "I'm not their daughter anymore. They lost their daughter in that accident. I can't give her back to them." A sob finally came and took my breath. "I don't even know who I'm supposed to be now."

            He pulled back, wiped a tear from under my eye with his thumb, and smiled. "You're the girl that I'm falling madly in love with."

            I felt all the breath leave me. My mouth fell open, but no words escaped.

            He chuckled. "A speechless Emma. That's really cute."

About the Author:

YA author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in everywhere USA as they happily travel all over with her husband's job. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, site see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.

Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.

Where to find her?

Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, & Barnes and Noble

What to win an e-book copy of this awesome read?

Just fill out the Rafflecopter below.  The giveaway will be closed midnight 3/15, prize will be awarded by the author as a Smashwords coupon.  Please allow 3 weeks for delivery from the end of this giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Because of You (Playing with Fire #2) by T.E. Sivec

This book elicited some very strong emotions from me.  VERY strong, like I had thoughts of hunting down T.E. Sivec to yell at her for what I thought she had done as I was blubbering as quietly as I could so I didn't wake up The Hubs (why is it things always happen when I read her books that disturb my husband sleep?).  Needless to say I got over it and I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Famous pop star, Lalya, needs some increased security because she seems to have a stalker.  Enter Brady, super hot ex Navy SEAL/ex cop, whom you might remember from A Beautiful Lie (Playing with Fire #1) (also by T.E. Sivec).  Brady has a past that has left him riddled with guilt.  Lalya is living a life she hates.

I liked that we got both Lalya and Brady's prospective at different points int the book, it really enhanced the story for me.  There were a lot of flashbacks to things that happened prior to the books timeline as well a s a few that we missed being in the other characters "head."  It was different and I really liked that.

Definitely add this one to your TBR list!  Oh, and while your at it add the third installment of the Playing with Fire series (yet to be titled) too.  This one looks like its about Navy SEAL Austin and Gwen, Brady's sister!
Review by Danielle

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Walking Disaster was amazing! Yes, it's Beautiful Disaster's story told in Travis's POV, so the main plot and story is the same (so do yourself a favor, and DON'T re-read beautiful disaster again before reading this book), but it has SUCH a different feel coming from Travis's thoughts. Even reading a scene that is exactly the same as the original (say the party scene that starts off "to douche bags..." because it happens to be one of my favorite from the whole book) it still gives you a completely different feeling while reading it because you get insight into Travis that you never got in Beautiful Disaster. This book also humanizes Travis much more than the original. It gives you a little more of a view into his relationship with his family than before, and I now LOVE all Maddox men!!

There were a few things about this book I didn't love (though they wouldn't be nearly enough for me to not recommend reading it, because you SO should!). One was that in parts, I did feel like it was a bit rushed and could have been developed a little more. And second was the epilogue. I don't want to go into it too much, and ruin anything for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but I don't think it was necessary and almost a bit cheesy. I also think that by doing this epilogue she completely killed any chance for a follow up book.

All in all a great read. It brought me to tears once or twice, and that is saying a lot considering I knew exactly what to expect!
Review by Jillian

Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

 Looks like I have a new book boyfriend to add to the list.  Mason Wright is top ten worthy for sure... maybe even top five!  He is a true knight in shining armor, sweet as can be with the biggest heart.  What an amazing read! I may or may not have stayed up WELL past my bedtime to finish this, thankfully The Hubs is home to take care of Baby Girl today ;)

Emma wakes up not knowing who or where she is only to discover that she has been in a coma for the last six months after a hit and run accident.  The first thing she sees is Mason, her physical therapist, and she feels an instant connection to him.

Emma struggles with who she is now and who she used to be.  The more Emma learns about her former life the less she wants to ever be that girl again.  Everyone in her life expects her to be something she no longer is and she can't seem to get anyone to accept that, except for Mason.  Emma struggles though her new life and just wants to feel normal.  Through everything Mason, with is "broad shoulders", is her rock.  Mason guides Emma in no only psychical recovery but her metal recovery as well, all while carrying is own immense burdens.

If you want a story about a girl changing her life and dealing with tragedy while falling for the "wright" guy (sorry couldn't resist!), this ones for you!  The best part?  There is a book two!  That's right, due out this December is Wide Open, which is all about Masons troubled little brother, Milo.
Review by Danielle

The Truth About You & Me by Amanda Grace*Advance Review*

This is not a happy love story.

I really enjoyed the "realness" of this book.  Its written as a letter from Madelyn to Bennet after the end of their relationship; one that should of never happened and that ended poorly.  You see,  Bennet is known to the rest of Madelyns peers as "Mr. Cartwright"  because he is her college professor.  To make things worse, Madelyn is a high school student in an advanced placement program allowing her to attend collage during her Junior year of high school.  She is only sixteen.

It really felt as though I was reading a letter written by a sixteen year old girl.  I really got a glimpse into the head of a girl who is just starting to figure out herself and life.  It didn't feel overly polished and the emotions expressed felt young and appropriately immature, even frantic at times.  She just wants to tell their story how it really happened, and why she did what she did.    Madelyn makes the types of decisions I would expect a girl her age to make.  Ones  that are not fully thought though and have major consequences, like withholding her real age from Bennet when they become more than teacher/student.

Overall I really enjoyed this read. Definitely one to add to your TBR list you can pick up a copy once its released on September 8, 2013!
Review by Danielle
ARC received from Net Galley

This Girl by Colleen Hoover

DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVE NOT READ SLAMMED AND POINT OF RETREAT BY COLLEEN HOOVER!  This review will not reveal any new information, however, it will touch on events that occurred during Slammed and Point of Retreat.

Oh Will Cooper, how I adore you!  Hearing how tormented Will was over Lake the entire time leading up to   them finally being together made me fall a little bit more in love with him.  I honestly think Will was more tortured by the whole situation than Lake was, and that's saying a LOT!  Every step Will took he was thinking about Lake.

I assumed my favorite part of This Girl would be seeing Lake though Will's eyes, it was his interactions with Julia.  I love Julia, she may actually be my favorite character in the series after this book.  I appreciated that Julia's death wasn't glossed over or dragged out while still allowing her to continue to be a positive influence in everyone's life.  

It did take a while for me to get used to the present/flashback way the book was presented.  It was like one of those end of the season montage episodes of friends where not much time passes in "real life" but the story covers almost a full years worth of time.  It seemed like odd honeymoon talk to me, but hey, Will and Lake have never had a typical relationship, right?

Definitely don't skip the last installment of the Slammed series, its well worth the read and this time, everyone gets their "Happily Ever After."
Review by Danielle

Best Date Night Ever!

Date nights are so import once you have kids, really important.  Its really hard to spend QT with the Hubs on a consistent basis unless we make time to spend together alone... it doesn't happen nearly often enough.  That being said, we just had the BEST date night EVER!  No hiccups in the evening.  No one got angry or short with the other from being over tired or too stressed out.  It was just a sweet evening that we got to spend together and really take the time to talk to each other and enjoying each others company without Baby Girl climbing all over one of us.

Back in February when Valentine's Day rolled around I didn't have very high expectations for a gift from the Hubs.  I had just gotten back from a horrible trip to see my mom (Baby Girl had a temp of 102 for 5 days AND my mom wound up in the hospital for 7 days, then to top it off my step-dad got a stomach bug) so I wasn't around to hint much at what I would like for Valentine's Day and lets just say we have a bad Valentines's Day history.

So, when I opened my tickets to see Cirque Du Soliel's Totem I was ECSTATIC!  I'm constantly saying how I want to see them live, and that I have wanted to see them live since I was just a little girl.  HE LISTENED!  I was sooooooo happy.... then I looked at the ticket dates... I had to wait 2 months... *sigh*

Okay, so as bad as that sounds, it really was a good thing, and he knew it would be.  Two weeks after Valentine's Day I was scheduled for (and had) surgery on my ankle.  (Long story short I broke it back in August walking down a hill and it never got better)  By the time the show came around I was actually feeling better than I had been before the surgery and was able to wear shoes and drive and everything that would of ruined my night before the surgery.  Score 1 for the hubs!

We get all gussied up (I even got a new dress and shoes!) and we drop off Baby Girl at Grandma's house for the evening and set out for our date night.  The hour ride took an hour and a half, but was actually pleasant   We pull into the lot and take advantage of my temporary handicap parking permit (at this point I'm still anxious about my ankle giving out on me) and we score an awesome spot!  We get there about 15min before they open the main gate, perfect timing as far as I'm concerned since the Hubs picked up some sandwiches from the local Italian deli for us to eat before we went inside.

Once inside we take our time and walk around the few concession stands that are around.  The Hubs sweetly gets me a coffee mug and a fridge magnet to remember our evening, then we head inside.  Our seats are front row.... we are so close to the stage I'm afraid someone might fall on us. Seriously, we felt air moving when people flew over our heads it was NUTS!  Needless to say the show was amazing.  I cannot wait to go back, once was definitely not enough!

The ride home was great, took the expected hour, then just to make the evening perfect Hubs washed out my new mug to make me a cup of coffee, gave me two Tim-Tams, turned on the fire  and handed me my book!  WHAT A MAN!

It was the perfect date night and well worth waiting for!

Love you baby! ~Danielle