"One Night...Nine Month Scandal" By: Sarah Morgan Review

One Night...Nine Month Scandal

By: Sarah Morgan

Synopsis

A sleek Ferrari in the sleepy English village of Little Molting was always going to create a stir—but for schoolteacher Kelly it only means one thing. Her ex, Alekos Zagorakis, has stormed back into her life the way he left it: completely on his own terms.
Four years ago Kelly stood, bridal bouquet in hand, realizing that her gorgeous groom wasn't walking down the aisle to meet her. Now he's come back to claim what's rightfully his—and that includes one night with Kelly….
But it's a night that has lasting consequences!

My Thoughts

    Kelly was left at the altar by the love of her life, Alekos years before. Having thought she moved on, she decides to sell her engagement ring on eBay. Imagine her surprise when Alekos shows up ready to claim the ring...and her! Only a few months after their initial meeting again, Kelly finds out she’s pregnant and reaches out to Alekos.

    This is my first Sarah Morgan book and it will likely be my last.  I know that sounds incredibly negative and I honestly don't mean for it to be. I just felt a huge disconnect between myself and the characters.  Kelly seemed like such a pushover and not realistic at all. Would she really be wearing around a ring of the man who left her years and years before? Would you she immediately sleep with him when she saw him for the first time...in years after everything he put her through? Again, I just had a hard time connecting with the character and her motivations behind her actions. I didn’t care for Alekos AT ALL...he seemed arrogant, self centered, and just blase about the whole situation. I wanted a little redemption after what he had done, but I never got what I wanted.

    

Book Details

Publisher: Mills & Boon

Date of Publication: July 16, 2010

# of Pages: 192

ISBN: 9780263878257

Location: Greece

"Who's Who" By: Ken Geist Review

Who’s Who

By: Ken Geist

Synopsis

Over in these pages where it's hard to tell who's who, live six pairs of twins who are the best at what they do.
"Laugh!" say the twins. "We laugh!" So will you.
And you'll giggle as you read while you try to tell who's who.

My Thoughts

     I’m not a children’s librarian, and although I do enjoy a good picture book, I sometimes don’t agree with what’s on the best of lists. I read them purely for enjoyment, and some more than others as with everything in life, are simply better. This is not one of those books. While the illustrations are incredibly cute and playful, the text and rhyming rhythm of the book seemed off to me.

     The story is comprised of small poems in the wildlife kingdom. From a farmyard to the jungle, the author describes two animals’ antics through rhyming. While it was a cute concept, it didn't work for me. The rhyming doesn’t seem well done in places and the story is disjointed.  In contrast, the illustrations are well done in pastel and earth tones. I enjoyed the subtle jokes within the illustrations, especially the twin bats with the “Batman” shirts. So I guess I would suggest this one for the pretty pictures, but definitely not a good one for read alouds or using to learn rhyming words.      

2013 Missouri Building Block Nominee

Book Details

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Date of Publication: August 7, 2012

# of Pages: 28

ISBN: 9780312644376

Source: Library Checkout

Challenges

2014 New Author Challenge

"The Tycoon's Revenge" By: Melody Anne Review

The Tycoon’s Revenge

By: Melody Anne

Synopsis from Goodreads

Jasmine Freeman’s world is about to tumble down around her and the one responsible for it is none other than her first love, Derek Titan. She hasn't seen him in ten years, and they are both going to learn the truth of what happened back then.  

Jasmine grew up wealthy and oblivious to the destruction her father caused all around him. Derek was from the wrong side of the tracks. In ten years their lives will be reversed. He is now a multi-billionaire tycoon and she works hard, but barely gets by due to her father’s unethical business practices.  

Derek comes seeking revenge and instead finds out he has a half grown son and the woman he's been angry with for so many years is not who he thought she was. They both fight against the passion they still feel for each other, but in the end it is irresistible.  

Come take the journey with Derek and Jasmine as they rediscover a passion that never died and the lies that kept them apart

My Thoughts
     Having just finished this book, my thoughts are still a little jumbled, but I am overwhelmed by just a sense of disappointment. There was a lot of potential here and it just never came together for me.
    Jasmine and David have known one another for years. Following a failed marriage attempt, the two have separated and went there own ways. Nearly a decade later, fate brings the two back together with David buying the company were Jasmine works.
    There was a lot of conflict in this book, so the author had a ton to work with. A secret baby (Jasmine was pregnant when she left David, gasp!), daddy issues, David’s millionaire status, faded love, and a whole lot more. But it never took off and I felt like the book was half finished. Issues weren't dealt with, or when they were it was finished in like two paragraphs when it could have taken pages. I hardly ever complain about a book being too short, but this one most definitely was. To add to the whole half finished idea, I never felt like I knew Jasmine or Derek well enough, even though I read an entire book about the two.
     This one just never worked for me. I think its a trilogy but I’m not even interested in the slightest. I wanted to like this one but...I never did.

Book Details

# of Pages: 147

Date of Publication: September 7, 2011

Source: Personal Purchase

Challenges
#12 for the 2013 E-Book Challenge
#11 for the 2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge
#12 for the 2013 Women's Reading Challenge
#12 for the 100 Books in a Year Challenge
#12 for the 150+ Books in a Year Challenge
#11 for the 2013 Where are You Reading Challenge {Seattle, Washington}

"Ink Lust" By: Jayne Kingston Review

Ink Lust

By: Jayne Kingston

Synopsis from Goodreads

Leni Brewster should have been disappointed when her twin sister had to bail on holding her hand during her first tattoo, but going to her appointment solo means time alone with the sexy-as-hell tattoo artist who falls into the Do Not Touch category. Only Jamie Rodriguez isn't as off-limits as Leni thinks. Privately single for months, Jamie finds himself more than looking forward to having the hot little librarian in his chair. And when she accidentally reveals a naughty secret about herself, he can't get his hands on her fast enough-he has to know what else she's hiding under that buttoned-up exterior. What he discovers sets his blood to boiling, igniting a burning determination to test every single one of the boundaries, both personal and physical, that she's set for herself.

My Thoughts
     I’m going to be completely honest here and admit I picked this book up because it featured a librarian. I like tattooed heroes, add in a naughty librarian, and you have a recipe for a perfect book right? Unfortunately, those were really the only two things I enjoyed about this book.
     The story starts out with Leni getting a tattoo from Jamie. He has tattooed her sister previously but always had a bit of a crush on Leni. Once the tattoo is finished, he offers her a ride home. What do you think happens once they enter her apartment?
    I have a problem with instant lust stories and this book is pretty much that to a T. I appreciated the author trying to get the librarian stereotype broken but it was not very tastefully done. I didn’t care for either of the characters, they both seemed vapid and just flat out irritating. I tried to like this one and honestly thought the whole package was there, but I couldn’t get past the flat characters and almost zero story line.

Book Details

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Date of Publication: July 25, 2012

ISBN: 978-1419940798

Source: Personal Purchase

Challenges
#20 for the 2013 E-Book Challenge
#22 for the 2013 Women's Reading Challenge
#24 for the 100 Books in a Year Challenge
#24 for the 150+ Books in a Year Challenge
#17 for the 2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge
#21 for the 2013 Where are You Reading Challenge {Toledo, Ohio}

"Down to You" By: M. Leighton Review

"Down to You"

By: M. Leighton

Synopsis from Goodreads

Olivia Townsend is nothing special. She’s just a girl working her way through college so she can return home to help her father run his business. She’s determined not to be the second woman in his life to abandon him, even if it means putting her own life on hold. To Olivia, it’s clear what she must do. Plain and simple. Black and white.

But clear becomes complicated when she meets Cash and Nash Davenport. They’re brothers. Twins.

Cash is everything she’s always wanted in a guy. He’s a dangerous, sexy bad boy who wants her in his bed at any cost. He turns her insides to mush and, with just one kiss, makes her forget why he’s no good for her.

Nash is everything she’s ever needed in a guy. He’s successful, responsible and intensely passionate. But he’s taken. Very taken, by none other than Marissa, Liv’s rich, beautiful cousin. That doesn't stop Olivia from melting every time he looks at her, though. With just one touch, he makes her forget why they can never be together.

Black and white turns to shades of gray when Olivia discovers the boys are hiding something, something that should make her run as far and as fast as she can. But it’s too late to run. Olivia’s already involved. And in love. With both of them.

My Thoughts

      Down to You is a page turner, that’s for sure, but a few days after reading it I’m still a little lost on if I liked it or if I am going to view it as a prequel. Clearly sequels are coming afterward and while I enjoy that most of the time, with this title it just didn’t work for me. The Cash vs. Nash debate was irritating and I think it took away from the enjoyment of the novel. It sounds complicated I know, but really, the novel was fairly complicated itself.
      Olivia is our heroine. She is a fairly simple girl, somewhat poor, and is currently living with her crazy mean cousin, Marissa. When she finds herself attracted to her cousin’s boyfriend Nash, who by the way is a up and coming lawyer, she’s embarrassed and ashamed. She finds herself a job with Nash’s brother, Cash, who happens to own a bar. Sound confusing? Cause it totally is!
     Cash and Nash are two twins and Olivia digs them both. Cash is the badboy owner of a bar who has a devil may care attitude and a sexy smile who looks really good on a motorcycle. Nash is the lawyer who is steady, thoughtful, and super responsible. Who should Olivia pick? What will happen if she can’t?
     To be honest, I really wanted to love this one but it just never worked for me. There is a twist near the end if you can’t figure it out already which really irritated me. It seemed contrived and irrelevant to the story. When it was revealed I had kind of seen it coming but had hoped it wouldn’t be that silly. Quite frankly, Olivia seemed pretty naive too to have believed it in the first place. Oye.
     Down to You has some naughty fun that’s for sure, but the characters failures and its unfinished ending kind of ruined it for me. Olivia had lots of potential but Cash and Nash annoyed me beyond belief. The ending is left wide open for a sequel which may have a bit of potential, just not for me.

Book Details

Publisher: Smashwords

# of Pages: 215

Date of Publication: September 21, 2012

ISBN: 9781301716722

Find out a bit more about M. Leighton!

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"Take It Like a Vamp" By: Candace Havens Review

"Take It Like a Vamp"

By: Candace Havens

Synopsis from Goodreads:

     Vampire Nick Christos might have been born in the Middle Ages, but those days seem tame compared to the last eight years spent ruling the Supernatural Council. The only respite in his long days of governing is with his sweet neighbor Casey Meyers. Sure, he’s forced to take a cold shower after every encounter, but no way will he risk anything more with a human. Not with his blood thirsty ex on the prowl and out to ruin Nick’s life.     But when said crazy ex shows up at the ball and flies her freak flag high, Nick has more to worry about than keeping his hands off his neighbor. He’ll have to stay closer than ever if he hopes to keep her alive, but will she want to leave him forever when she learns the truth? 

My Thoughts

     “Take It Like a Vamp” is a brand new paranormal by Candace Havens, an author I have never read before. I picked up this short e-book during the week it was released when it was on sale. I just hate to miss a vampire romance, if you know what I mean. While the story had promise, I was never really drawn into the story nor its characters.
     Nick Christos is the Vampire King or leader of the vampires in some form. He has a downstairs neighbor, Casey, who is both a human and a friend. Sure he’s attracted to her and really likes her, but he worries that if he brings her into his vamp world, her human life would cease.
     Casey has a bad case of hero worship for her upstairs neighbor. She has no idea he’s a vampire, but does think he’s insanely cute and they are pretty good friends. Nick randomly invites her one night to a party and her whole world is turned upside down when other vampire factions threaten her and she has to deal with what and who Nick truly is.
      Charming premise and I was really excited to see where this was going. Honestly, the plot wasn't bad but I just didn’t care for the hero or the heroine, which was certainly disappointing. It seemed as if every problem Nick faced should or could have been dealt with much sooner or with better communication. Casey had a huge, huge, HUGE case of hero worship going on. Anything Nick did or said was just so wonderful and it began to get annoying very quickly.
     Another thing that seemed to bother me was the absolute un-vampireness of the whole thing. Nick was a vampire, sure, but none of the normal rules applied. He could go outside in the sun, eat regular food, etc. Really the only mentions of him being a vampire, beyond it being repeated a thousand times, was the appearance of his fangs once or twice. If I’m going to read a vampy romance, I want a little vamp in it!
     “Take It Like a Vamp” was an ok read for me, I did finish it. The characters seemed flat, stereotypical and just not for me but the plot moved along quickly. It was an interesting take on the vampire world, just not for me.

Book Details

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Date of Publication: July 21, 2012

ISBN: 978-1622669509

"The Theory of Attraction" By: Delphine Dryden Review

"The Theory of Attraction"

By: Delphine Dryden

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Camilla can set her watch by her hunky rocket-scientist neighbor who jogs past her window each day. She relishes each glimpse of his shirtless abs, and is dying to see more. But it’s hard to connect with a man who doesn’t seem to know she exists…

Ivan feels at home in the lab, not in social situations. When he finally approaches his attractive neighbor, it’s not for a date—he wants tutoring in how to behave at an important fundraiser. Ivan doesn’t expect the chemistry between them to be quite so explosive, and is surprised when Cami actually accepts his proposal to embark on a series of “lessons”

My Thoughts:
      What started out with a promising premise, “The Theory of Attraction” left me feeling a little flat when I finished. The story had promise, but I never really connected with the characters. Honestly though, when you are reading the description, doesn’t it sounds a bit like the Big Bang Theory??
     Camilla is attracted to her downstairs neighbor, Ivan. Ivan is extremely intelligent and works at a college, but he definitely has a few quirks. Extremely uncomfortable in social situations, Ivan worries he will lose his job and asks his popular neighbor Camilla for help.
     Neither Camilla nor Ivan ever really clicked with me. Camilla seemed a little needy to me and was easily manipulated. Ivan was a huge jerk! He wanted things his way continually and the “oh I don’t know how to act in social situations” angle was played a little too much. Even going so far as to not call Camilla his girlfriend but his submissive. Ugh.
     I've read many other positive reviews, so I know this book works for others, just not for me. The plot may have worked but the characters ruined it for me. Check out the reviews on Goodreads and Netgalley for more information!

Book Details

Publisher: Carina Press

# of Pages: 136

Date of Publication: July 9, 2012

ISBN: 978-1426894046

I received this book from Netgalley free of charge and in exchange I promised a honest review.

"Bedding Lord Ned" By: Sally MacKenzie Review

"Bedding Lord Ned"

By: Sally MacKenzie

Synopsis from Goodreads:

      Determined to find a husband, Miss Eleanor "Ellie" Bowman attends a ball put on by the Duchess of Greycliffe, fondly referred to as the Duchess of Love. But she roundly dismisses the suitors the matchmaking hostess has invited on her behalf. For it's the duchess' dashing son, Ned, Lord Edward, who long ago captured Ellie's heart—and roused her desire. All it takes is a pair of conveniently misplaced silky red bloomers to set the handsome widower's gaze on this unusual girl who is clearly more than meets the eye.

      After four years of mourning, Ned must find a wife. At first glance, the birthday ball his mother has thrown in his honor is decidedly lacking in suitable mistresses. But he senses something unexpectedly alluring beneath the veil of Ellie's plain exterior—and suddenly she's invading his dreams in a decidedly scandalous manner.

My Thoughts:

     “Bedding Lord Ned” is the second installment in the Duchess of Love series by Sally MacKenzie. Telling the story of the Duchess of Love’s son, Lord Edward “Ned” Greycliffe and his longtime friend Ellie Bowman, “Bedding” is an interesting take on the friends turned lovers romance.
     While not a favorite, after reading “Duchess of Love” I was really interested in beginning the series. Ned was married young yet lost his wife during childbirth years before this novel takes place. Finally deciding to move on, Ned decides it may be time for him to think about remarrying. His mother wholeheartedly agrees and encourages him to find a new wife.
      Enter old friend Ellie Bowman. Ellie has known the Greycliffe family since she was a child and had actually grown up with the Greycliffe children. She had been in love with Ned for years, was devastated when he married her friend, and is ready to now act upon her attraction.
      Ned’s mother decides to have a house party to introduce him to eligible young ladies and of course, Ellie attends. It really is your standard, we’ve been friends for years and now we are suddenly realizing we could be more, romance. Sweet and fun, yet this novel adds a bit more in the way of an eccentric cat. Honestly, my favorite parts of the book was reading what Sir Reginald the cat would find in the party attendees rooms.
      “Bedding Lord Ned” is an ok romance. I’m glad to have read it because I had read the prequel, yet something just didn’t work for me on this one. It was sweet, don’t get me wrong, but I felt it was just a bit dull. I usually read a book in a day’s time and many times just in a few hours, yet it took me a week to read this one.
     Ned just seemed so oblivious to everything and everyone...and Ellie was a pushover. For probably the first 70% of the book everyone is telling Ned and Ellie they belong together yet there is very little evidence beyond their shared history of why they should be together. No zing, no passion, just hey you both are single and you know each other, why not? It was funny at different points, don’t get me wrong, but I think this book could easily have been told in a much, much shorter form and with a bit more pizazz if you know what I mean.

Book Details

Publisher: Zebra

Date of Publication: June 5, 2012

# of Pages: 325

ISBN: 978-1420123210

"Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure" By: Sophie Barnes Review

"Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure"

By: Sophie Barnes

Synopsis from Good Reads:

It's going to be a wild ride . . .

     Lady Alexandra Summersby is not your average society miss. Not only is she more likely to climb a tree than she is to wear a dress, but she has also sworn off marriage. Alex loves taking chances, which is how she finds herself embroiled in a secret mission as she races across the country with the Earl of Trenton. But Alexandra is about to discover that the real danger lies not in duels, but in her completely unexpected reaction to Lord Trenton's company.

     Michael Ashford, Earl of Trenton, is a man of duty. Honorable, charming, and a hit with the ladies, he's never had trouble staying focused-until now. Lady Alexandra is like no other woman he's ever met, and suddenly the prospect of marriage seems far more appealing. Now, to convince Alexandra that a life together could be an adventure like no other . . 

My Thoughts:
    “Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure” is one of those books that you want to love, you strive to really, yet it falls just short of the mark for me. While at times interesting, Alexandra was just a little too bratty for my tastes and Michael just a little boring. The drama seemed forced and the characters didn’t react in realistic ways to one another. Not a favorite of mine, but for people who enjoy historical action romances, it may appeal to them. Maybe next time we'll connect Ms. Barnes!

Have you read "Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure?" What did you think?

Book Details

Publisher: Avon Impulse

Date of Publication: May 22, 2012

# of Pages: E-book

ISBN: B007US2YFO

I received this title through Edelweiss in exchange for a fair opinion and review of the book. No monetary or other compensation was given.

"Bunny and the Bear" By: Eve Langlais Review

 

"Bunny and the Bear" 

By: Eve Langlais

Synopsis from Amazon:

What's a poor bear to do when all he wants is some sweet, bunny pie?

     Bears and bunnies aren't supposed to mix, or that's what Chase keeps telling himself when his bouncy new neighbor won't stay out of his business--and his mind. However, the more he gets to know his overly perky neighbor, the more he craves her, a desire worse than his addiction to honey and pie. Miranda's on a mission for the Furry United Coalition, and it involves secretly guarding one grumpy ol' bear. Staying focused on the job isn't easy when all she can think about is turning his frown upside down, a task made harder when she gets a glimpse of his passion. When she hears about his theory on woodland creatures and predators not mixing, she thinks all is lost, but she didn't count on a bear's curious nature--and possessive need. When an evil force abducts Chase, Miranda unleashes her bunny in order to save him, but the revelation of her shifter side puts her in danger. Is one ornery bear enough to save her from a mad scientist? And if he does, can a bear forget her woodland creature status long enough to love her and make her his mate?  

My Thoughts:
     “Bunny and the Bear” is one of those books that you see on Amazon, if you like this then you'll like that, sort of things. It sounded sweet, funny, and totally corny...and who doesn't like a zany book once in a while? I mean come on, the Furry United Coalition?! Ha :)
    First off, I should explain that is definitely a paranormal romance, if you didn't get that you'd be completely lost. Chase (a bear shifter) has a new neighbor named Miranda (a bunny shifter). He's attracted to her, but of course, why would a carnivore be attracted to a sweet little furry bunny? Yet as it turns out, Miranda is a secret agent for the Furry United Coalition, kind of a private firm for shifter security. Someone has put out an order to capture Chase and its up to Miranda and the FUC to save him.
      While this book isn't one of my favorites, it does have its funny moments. It's so implausible that you shake your head, the character are over the top and the plot is just silly. The author tries to make it fun and sexy and I think she just went way too far. Not something I will read again, but it filled my afternoon and did make me giggle.  

Book Details

Publisher: CreateSpace

Date of Publication: August 11, 2011

# of Pages: 182

ISBN: 978-1466220676