Talk Bookish To Me Review

 ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Synopsis (from Amazon):  Kara Sullivan’s life is full of love—albeit fictional. As a bestselling romance novelist and influential bookstagrammer, she’s fine with getting her happily-ever-after fix between the covers of a book.

But right now? Not only is Kara’s best friend getting married next week—which means big wedding stress—but the deadline for her next novel is looming, and she hasn’t written a single word. The last thing she needs is for her infuriating first love, Ryan Thompson, to suddenly appear in the wedding party. But Ryan’s unexpected arrival sparks a creative awakening in Kara that inspires the steamy historical romance she desperately needs to deliver.

With her wedding duties intensifying, her deadline getting closer by the second and her bills not paying themselves, Kara knows there’s only one way for her to finish her book and to give her characters the ever-after they deserve. But can she embrace the unlikely, ruggedly handsome muse—who pushes every one of her buttons—to save the wedding, her career and, just maybe, write her own happy ending?

"A fun and sexy romp, with chemistry that gave me all the feels!" —Jennifer Probst, New York Times bestselling author of Our Italian Summer

"Add this book to your TBR list immediately!" —Sarah Smith, author of Faker

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Talk Bookish to Me is a great book to read and to put in your beach bag as you head out to enjoy summer. Fun romantic with some tugging at your heart. Kara and Ryan meet up again at a wedding, Kara is the maid-of-hone and Ryan is a groomsman. Things didn't end well before with and Ryan gives Kara another punch in the gut. 

Kara is a romance novelist and takes off to Italy for six months.  This does not make up a large part of the book, but is one of my favorite parts. Kara does some self discovery as does Ryan back state side. In the end it all works, as we would expect it too. 

Great summer time (really any time) read. I enjoyed having it in my beach bag!

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: Yes I would love to read Kate's next novel.

Kate Bromley lives in New York City with her husband, son, and her somewhat excessive collection of romance novels. (It's not hoarding if it's books, right?) She was a preschool teacher for seven years and is now focusing full-time on combining her two great passions--writing swoon-worthy love stories and making people laugh. Talk Bookish to Me is her first novel.

Amazon

The Honeymooner (another MUST read by Melanie Summers)

~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Synopsis (from Amazon):  From bestselling author Melanie Summers comes the wickedly funny, ridiculously romantic spinoff of her highly-acclaimed Crown Jewels Series… 

Twenty-nine-year-old workaholic Libby Dewitt lives by the motto ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’ She’s finally about to start her dream life with her steady-as-a-rock fiancé, Richard Tomy. Together, they’re the perfect power couple—right down to the fact that he’s agreed to use their honeymoon to help further her career in mergers and acquisitions. But ten minutes before the wedding, her dreams dissolve via text message.

Devastated and humiliated, Libby escapes to Paradise Bay alone. She’s got two goals for her trip: to devise a plan to get Richard back and to convince resort owner Harrison Banks to sell his property to her company. Unfortunately, when she arrives, she discovers that tall, dark, and built, Harrison is not about to make anything easy for her. 

Instead, he derails her plans while at the same time, bringing out a side of Libby she’s kept carefully tucked away—a carefree, adrenaline junkie. After a few days together, Harrison’s got her wondering if the life she always wanted was meant for some other girl. Suddenly, Libby must decide which version of herself she wants to be. 

Will she go back to her comfortable, safe life, or risk everything to be with the only man who’s ever made her feel truly alive? 

One (or more) Sentence Summary: ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!  I immediately fell in love with Libby (okay and Harrison).  Libby is so well put together with her life planned out to the minute, but is so unbelievably funny.  The two ends met to make one amazing character.  Harrison, owner of Paradise Bay, is so caring and carefree (and hot).  Libby and Harrison end up working together as things get turned upside down.  Libby's focus is on a "take over" report for her mergers and acquisition company, while Harrison is trying to figure out how to save Paradise Bay.  There are lots of other great things going on in-between.  I don't want to spoil it.  

Tons of steamy (PG) moments, laugh out loud crazy mishaps, jilted bride, best friend, groom returns, sexy resort owner, and much more in The Honeymooner. I read this on my kindle and in day one I was at 50%.  I hit panic mode....I didn't want this book to end.  I ended up pacing myself and only read one chapter a day.  It was pure torture as I didn't want to stop reading, but I didn't want it to end either.  I felt the same way with Melanie's Crown Jewels series - another must read.

Good news, Whisked Away (book 2) will be out this fall.  Crap its still summer.  The Honeymooner is a must read, get it today....and start laughing.

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: Bring them on.....all day long!  Absolutely love Melanie Summers' books!

Melanie Summers currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, with her husband, three young children, and their goofy dog. When she's not writing romance novels, she loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. 

Melanie also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken ‘from above’. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something. More like just staying until they turn the lights off. 

Melanie is a member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as the International Women's Writing Guild. Melanie would love to hear from you! She does her best to respond to all inquiries and emails personally. If you would like her to attend a book club meeting via Skype please contact her to book a date. 

Contact her at mjsummersbooks@gmail.com or visit www.mjsummersbooks.com.

Amazon 

I Followed the Rules

Synopsis (from Amazon): Catriona Buchanan, a thirty-six-year-old journalist and single mother, lives a quiet life in Glasgow with her daughter Grace. Single for six years but for a handful of failed relationships with all the wrong men and a string of one-night stands, Cat decides she's had enough of her homegrown efforts to find love. Instead, she purchases the infamous dating bible The Ten Rules of Enticement, and vows to obey its advice to the letter and chronicle her experiences.

The novel follows Cat as she tries to discount everything she thought she knew about the dating world in her quest to become the kind of woman men desire to be with. Eventually, as her efforts are rewarded and she nets not one but two viable new love interests, Cat must decide whether pretending to be someone she's not is worth the payoff of having a man in love with her for all the wrong reasons.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  I Followed the Rules was extremely funny.  The characters really make the book.  The Ten Rules of Enticement......I hope was totally made up! Humor + Sex + Great Characters = Must Read.

Favorite Character(s):  I really didn't have a favorite, because I adored them all.  

Fast read/slow read:  I listened to I Followed the Rules, but I would imagine it would have been a fast read for me.

Would I Read Other Books by the Author:  More please!  

Joanna Bolouri worked in sales before she began writing professionally at the age of thirty. Winning a BBC comedy script competition allowed her to work and write with stand-up comedians, comedy scriptwriters and actors from across the UK. She is the author of The List and she's had articles and reviews published in The Skinny, the Scottish Sun, the Huffington Post, and HecklerSpray. She lives in Glasgow with her daughter.

Amazon 

Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City

~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Synopsis (from Hollysinbox.com): For Holly Denham, life seems too good to be true. She loves her job as a receptionist at swanky investment bank D.K Huerst. And she’s going out with the man of her dreams. All she has to do is stay out of trouble But things are about to go disastrously wrong. There’s a scandal in the City and the gossip is all about Holly. And she discovers someone’s been keeping a very big secret from her…. Can she save her job and her relationship? For Holly, time is running out…

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Email-azing!  Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City is absolutely HILARIOUS!  I couldn't get enough or read it fast enough.  I love the format of telling a story through email.  My very first Meg Cabot that I read was in email too - The Boy Next Door.  

This is 100% chick lit and I LOVED IT!  Even though it is a stand alone book, you must read Holly's Inbox first - merely for the enjoyment!  I also think the second book will make more sense (all the underlying comments) if you read Holly's Inbox first!

Favorite Character(s):  Of course Holly is my favorite, but I have to mention Grandma too.  She was too funny.  There could be a separate book just on the emails between Holly and Grandma.  I also have to say….Ron emailing for Holly's brother….roll on the ground laughing.

Fast read/slow read:  SUPER fast!

Cover:  I like it!.

What Others Are Saying:  You can see what others are saying at Holly's website, including comments from Jill Mansell, NBC News, New York Post, Ok Magazine and more.

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: Absolutely!  I loved Holly's Inbox and was so excited when I stumbled upon Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City.  Please, please write more!

Holly Denham is the pen name for Bill Surie, the owner of a placement service for receptionists and secretaries in London. He started the Holly's Inbox website as a place to serialize his first novel, and it became an overnight sensation. He lives in Maida Vale, England.

Amazon |  Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Construction Beauty Queen

~ I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author to facilitate this review.  I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Synopsis (from Amazon): She's on the job…and out of his league.

Chicago socialite Veronica Jamison is determined to shake off her sheltered lifestyle and overbearing parents. She heads to her grandfather’s small town of Kortville, ready to roll up her sleeves and work for the family construction business. She’ll prove her worth, even if it means answering to the company’s ruggedly handsome co-owner, Matt.

Matt Shaw just wants to run his business, spend time with the niece he’s raising on his own, and give back to the townspeople who have stood by him. Managing a spoiled-rotten princess he knows he’ll never be good enough for? Not part of his plan. But as he gets to know Veronica, he learns there’s more to her than her beautiful looks and designer clothes. She’s got a heart as rich as her background. 

With the quirky townspeople rallying against Veronica inheriting her grandfather’s business, it’s up to Matt to try to drive her out of town. But how can he, when instead she’s driving her way into his heart?

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Veronica is a perfect chick lit type of lady!  She could have easily stayed in Chicago in her pampered life, but she had something to prove!  Given I have never been a socialite, but would love to give it a try (!!!), I don't think I would have taken on the challenge.  I love how she doesn't go running back home, even though she has plenty of opportunity and reasons to do just that!

Favorite Character(s):  This is a toss up between Veronica and Matt.  Let's just say I was cheering for both of them.

Setting:  Small town where everyone knows your business.

Fast read/slow read:  Quick read!

Cover:  It works.  I would have loved to have seen Veronica in front of her tailor too!

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: I would, Construction Beauty Queen provided an escape and was a quick read.

Sara Daniel writes what she loves--irresistible romance, captivating drama, and quirky characters. She writes to entertain and to give people hope and a belief that everything can and will turn out happily ever after.

On the personal side, she's a frazzled maid, chef, chauffeur, tutor, and personal assistant. She was once a landlord of two uninvited squirrels. She's crazy about country music and the drama of NASCAR. And she has her own happily-ever-after romance with her hero husband.

Amazon |  Barnes & Noble | Author's Website

The Boy Next Door

Synopsis:  Through middle school, high school, bad dates, and an ill-advised punk phase, Tasha has always been able to count on Jason. Since the day he moved in next door, he’s gone from the weird kid in a wheelchair to Tasha’s most trusted friend. But lives change and the friends are going in different directions. When Jason and Tasha rekindle their friendship, sparks fly. After years of being a wild soul, now the ex-lead of a band turned music teacher is just looking for a relationship to last.

When none other than Jason introduces her to a man who can give her what she wants, Tasha is on the verge of throwing passion and love away just so she can forget her troubled past and settle down. But Jason isn’t ready to give her up just yet.

My Review:  I enjoyed The Boy Next Door.  It was a very quick read.  For a complete review, check out my guest post at Chick Lit Central!  I was THRILLED to be a guest reviewer at a blog I love!  Make sure you check it out for a chance to win The Boy Next Door.  The giveaway at Chick Lit Central ends January 7th at midnight EST.  Hurry over there!

Purchase It:  You can buy The Boy Next Door online at Amazon for $12.99 ($4.99 Kindle version).

Thank You:  Thanks ladies at Chick Lit Central for allowing me to be a guest reviewer!

There Goes the Bride

My Rating: Must Read - I LOVED it!


Synopsis:  Happily ever after isn’t always what you expect… 


Polly Atkins, a Londoner living in New York City, is headed back across the pond for her wedding, a grand affair that has her older sister, Bella, in a whirlwind of excitement. Bella can’t wait to take over the wedding plans—and neither can Polly’s best friend, Grace, whose life as a wife, housekeeper, and mother is making her feel older than her twenty-eight years. She’s desperate to see Polly settle down in the same city—and the same life. 


The only one who isn’t bursting with enthusiasm is Polly. Which is why, before things can get any more chaotic, she calls the whole thing off and lets go of the most perfect man on the planet. There’s no way that Polly is going to tell anyone why she’s changed her mind. Some secrets are best kept hidden. But Grace and Bella are determined to get Polly and her fiancé back together if it’s the last thing they do. After all, solving someone else’s problems has got to be better than dealing with your own. . . .


My Review:  I absolutely loved There Goes the Bride.  It was a very "new" style of book to me.  The story is told by two people, and one of them is NOT Polly!  So there are actually three different stories inter-weaved together.  The book alternates between Bella, Polly's sister, and Grace, Polly's best friend. 


Bella is the opposite of Polly.  She is a carter, slightly overweight and average height.  Polly is perfect in every way.  Bella tends to date "losers" and can't have children.  Polly is engaged to a "catch," Dev.  Grace is more like Polly.  Grace is perfect in every way, but in a miserable marriage.


In There Goes the Bride, will find a great story that unwinds as you read the book, a steamy affair, a bully of a husband (I didn't like Grace's husband), an unbelievable secret, a heroine (loved Bella!) and a hot (but hairy!) Irishman!  


I don't want to give away the ending, but I was so shocked when I found out the secret Polly was keeping.  I was so happy for Bella and Grace - way to go girls!!!  There Goes the Bride would make an excellent summer read (or any time).  I just loved it.  Chick lit at is best, for sure.


I have never read any of Holly McQueen's books, but I can't wait to get my hand on them.  She has written three books (a series - The Adventures of Isabel Bookbinder):  The Glamorous (Double) Life of Isabel Bookbinder, Fabulously Fashionable, and Confetti Confidential.  Have you read them?  What did you think?

Meet the Author:  Holly McQueen is the author of three previous novels: Confetti Confidential, Fabulously Fashionable, and The Glamourous (Double) Life of Isabel Bookbinder. She lives in London.


You can connect with Holly on Goodreads, Twitter and/or Facebook.


Purchase the Book:  You can purchase There Goes the Bride at Amazon ($15.00 paperback, $10.98 Prime Members, $9.99 Kindle), Barnes & Noble (same prices) and Book Depository ($11.83).

In the Bag - TLC Book Tours

My Rating: GREAT Read!  I LOVED it!

Synopsis:  A European vacation.
A luggage mix-up.
A note from a secret admirer.
Meet two single parents who think they're too busy to date.
And two teenagers who can't stop writing flirty emails.

This is a tale of connections—missed and made—in a universe that seems to have its heart set on reuniting Ms. 6B and Mr. 13C.

Webb
I can't believe I picked up the wrong bag at the airport. My dad is never going to let me hear the end of it.

Coco
I don't understand why Mom told me to pack my worst underwear. And now I've lost my bag? Ack! 

Andrew
I cannot stop thinking about that woman in seat 6B on the flight to Paris.

Daisy
I don't have time to worry about the creep sitting in 13C who slipped a note in my purse. I have to find my daughter's missing bag before this ruins our vacation.


In the Bag is a smart and stylish story that explores the old-fashioned art of romance in a modern world, where falling in love can be as risky as checking a bag on an international flight. Buckle your seat belt—it's going to be a bumpy vacation!


My Review: First, let me just put a few things out there.....

• chick lit at its best, 
• extremely fast and easy read, 
• funny, cute, so many laugh out loud parts,
• unique story line,
• didn't want it to end,
• Kate Klise....I hope you are writing fast, I for one can't wait to read another book by you!

In the Bag is a fantastic story about two identical bags getting mixed up in Paris. It includes a father/son and mother/daughter relationship, young love and experienced love. The chapters alternate between the four characters. They are short chapters, so the story moves along very quickly and smoothly.   

How Kate Klise has inter-woven themes throughout In the Bag with each character is utterly amazing (even right down to the caterer calling in unable to carter the opening).  I could never have been so creative.  Kate Klise thought of everything.  The end....Cinco por Cinco and sleeping bags behind the couch had me in stitches. What a perfect ending! Clever, clever story writer, Kate Klise, I want more!  You all just need to read to In the Bag to understand what I mean.  I don't want to give anything away here. 

The characters were very believable, in fact I could picture them and what they were going through. I loved them all.  Usually there is a person in a book you don't care for so much, not so in In the Bag.  I was cheering for all four of them through out the book. I do wish that Coco would have treated her mother a little kinder, but I think Kate Klise nailed the typical mother/18 year old daughter relationship perfectly.  In the Bag is a wonderful, must read book. In the Bag would be excellent for summer reading. I think for all ages 16 and up.  I wouldn't go any younger than 16 (just my opinion).

Meet the Author:  As a correspondent for People magazine, Kate Klise covered everything from celebrity scandals to serial killers. After writing several bestselling children’s books, Kate decided to write In the Bag, her first novel for adults, when she found a note from a fellow passenger in her carry-on bag.

Connect with Kate on her website.

Buy It: You can purchase In the Bag, starting today, May 1st on-line at amazon ($14.99 paperback,  $10.98 prime members and $9.99 kindle version).

Other TLC Book Tours Stops: I can't wait to see what others have to say!

Tuesday, May 1st: Seaside Book Nook

Thursday, May 3rd: 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews

Monday, May 7th: Walking With Nora

Tuesday, May 8th: Book Hooked Blog

Wednesday, May 9th: Book Journey

Thursday, May 10th: A Musing Reviews

Monday, May 14th: A Cozy Reader’s Corner

Tuesday, May 15th: Life In Review

Wednesday, May 16th: Book Reviews by Molly

Thursday, May 17th: Good Girl Gone Redneck

Date TBD: A Bookworm’s World

Rock Star's Girl

Rating: Great Read:  This is a book that would be 7.5 starfish out of 10.  I want to read it all night long.


Synopsis: "Emily Watts just wants a weekend break from the workaholic hours she's taken on to keep her business — a popular fashion-snark web site — up and running. What she gets is overnight celebrity and a career-killing media scandal.

While taking time out to attend a concert in support of friend Jesse Cinder, a struggling musician, Emily meets Cory Sampson, the lead singer of a chart-topping rock band. When she agrees to a date with Cory, making entertainment headlines is the last thing she expects. Even so, it's a minor surprise by comparison to her discovery that in the music world, media notoriety trumps all. Tabloid allegations erupt when Cory and fame-hungry Jesse use Emily for personal gain, and her tarnished image spells disaster — personally and professionally. To save the web site and writing career she's made her life and dream, Emily must go from being a pawn in the Hollywood headline game to becoming the media mastermind."

My Review: I really enjoyed Rock Star's Girl. It is a fun, fast moving read. I really wanted Em to end up with Xxxxxxx. You will just have to read the book to figure if Xxxxxxx is Jesse or C-Samp! I can't give the ending away. I was pulled into Em's world in Chapter 1.


As one reviewer put it....Chick-Lit for Smart Chicks!  Rock Star's Girl is just that and I thought it was a perfect way to say it. Em and her best friend are smart young women (bonus). I had to laugh as her best friend is a CPA for a big firm and was in Cleveland on an audit - I too am CPA and worked for a big firm for many, many years. I also spent a lot of time in Cleveland!  Small world, we should talk J.F. Kristin! Maybe you could write a sequel and I could give you all the research material!


I enjoyed that the book takes place in LA/Hollywood as I tend to read a lot of Chick Lit that takes place in NYC or London.  It was very refreshing. Em was really a down-to-earth kind of Chick, which I liked as well.  She was concerned about her career, her reputation, her family and friends. There was not all the drama of designer this and that, oohing and aching over celebrates, etc. As I said, this was a very fast read for me and that means one thing.....a really good read!  


Read it: You can purchase Rock Star's Girl for Kindle for just 99 cents right now at Amazon.  


Blog Update: Check out J.F. Kristin's blog too for the latest on Rock Star's Girl.


Have a great week!