It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from

"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.

Books I've Read...

The Viscount Who Loved Me

By: Julia Quinn

1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.
And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...
--Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry--he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield--the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do notmake the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister--but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

Ink Lust

By: Jayne Kingston

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.

Curve Ball

By: Charlotte Stein

When Judy Myers is offered a relaxing vacation to get away from her latest heartbreak, she can’t say no. A cruise on her brother’s yacht sounds like heaven...until she realises her brother’s best friend has been invited along for the ride.

Steven Stark is big, he’s loud, and he’s obviously not interested in the plump, plain little sister he used to tease unmercifully. In fact, he’s still quite happy to tease her – until she turns the tables on him. Now Steven can’t seem to keep his thoughts, or his hands, to himself. And worse, Judy’s not sure she can resist the attraction she’s kept buried for so many years.

Being trapped on a boat isn’t the best place to be, when you’re suddenly thrown a hunky curveball.

Reaper's Property

By: Joanna Wylde

Marie doesn’t need a complication like Horse. The massive, tattooed, badass biker who shows up at her brother’s house one afternoon doesn’t agree. He wants Marie on his bike and in his bed. Now.

But Marie just left her abusive jerk of an ex-husband and she’s not looking for a new man. Especially one like Horse—she doesn’t know his real name or where he lives, she’s ninety percent certain he’s a criminal and that the “business” he talks with her brother isn’t website design. She needs him out of her life, which would be a snap if he’d just stop giving her mind-blowing orgasms.

Horse is part of the Reapers Motorcycle Club, and when he wants something, he takes it. What he wants is Marie, but she’s not interested in becoming “property of”.

Then her brother steals from the club. Marie can save him by giving Horse what he wants—at home, in public, on his bike… If she’s a very, very good girl, she’ll get lots more of those orgasms only he can offer, and he’ll let her brother live. Maybe.

What I'm Reading Now...

Bring Me Back

By: Karen Booth

Music critic Claire Abby is a single mom dreading her daughter’s departure for college and worried that turning forty will leave her career running on fumes. She’s floored when she lands a Rolling Stone cover story on 80s British rock legend Christopher Penman. She spent her teenage years fantasizing he was her boyfriend.

In person, Christopher is everything Claire feared he’d be—charming, witty and unwilling to address the rumors he’s dodged for a decade. Still, she contains her adolescent fantasies and manages to earn his trust, unearthing the truth and the devastating secret behind it. His blockbuster story is her first priority when she returns home, a nearly impossible task when Christopher starts calling and flirting. She knows she should maintain a professional distance. She knows she should focus on the story. She knows it would be best to simply walk away. But how can she say “no” to the man she could never forget?

"Knight" By: Kristen Ashley Review

Knight

By: Kristen Ashley

Synopsis from Goodreads

Anya Gage has learned that to get anything good in life, you have to work for it. She has no expectations, no dreams. Then she finds herself at a party where she doesn’t want to be and she meets Knight.

Knight Sebring knows who he is, what he wants and what he likes. And he gets it. But he never expected something as sweet as Anya Gage to wander into his bedroom during a party he did not expect to be having to borrow his phone. Knight tries to leave Anya to the life she deserves of white picket fences and a man who watches football on Sundays – good, normal and clean. But when Anya comes to his nightclub and finds herself in a situation, he knows someone has to look after her, he can’t fight it anymore and he decides that man will be him.

Knight teaches Anya that, just as with the bad, in life you should also expect the good. And he teaches her this by giving it to her. But Knight has a dark past and just as he desires Anya for exactly who she is, he fears when she finds out exactly the man he has become and always intends to be, she’ll leave him for good, normal and clean.

My Thoughts
     Oh my gosh. Seriously. Whew. I just finished “Knight” and I honestly don’t know what to think. Did I like it? I just don’t know. Did i love it? I just don’t know! It kept me enthralled, I read it in one sitting, but when I was finished, I couldn’t help but think, whew. “Knight” is the ultimate readalike to “Fifty Shades” and is easily one of the most controversial books I’ve read this year.
     Anya is an innocent student who meets Knight when she’s at a party at his apartment. He arrives home enraged that his irresponsible brother is having yet another party and Anya happens to be there with her friend.
     Knight is intense, serious, and absolutely is not someone to be messed with. When he finds Anya living in a rundown building with no security, a terrible car, and creepy neighbors, he decides she needs a protector and sets about becoming that man. It doesn’t matter that he is the owner of a nightclub and he most certainly isn’t a knight in shining armor, he is attracted to Anya’s vulnerability and she’s attracted to his power.
     So how do I feel about it? Not letting any spoilers get in the way, Knight is not a good guy. In certain aspects he’s a good person, but there is a relatively large plot point that ensures he can never be totally a good person. Yet, I was strangely rooting for him. He was more than the underdog, he WAS the Unfinished Hero the series is named after. Anya was sweet, a bit gullible, but very lovable and ultimately kind. I enjoyed her but looooved me some Knight and that’s what sticks with me.
     Fans of “Fifty” will love this book I’m certain. “Knight” brings back those feelings of confidence and a take charge attitude that attracted so many women to Christian. Intense and powerful, yet with that unknown quality, “Knight” left me uncertain but thoughtful. A definite read heavy with the romance and naughtiness, I’d love to know what you thought!

Book Details

Publisher: Kristen Ashley

Date of Publication: April 8, 2012

# of Pages: 273

ISBN: B007SFBPFY

Source: Personal Purchase

Challenges

#14 for the 2013 E-Book Challenge
#13 for the 2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge
#14 for the 2013 Women's Reading Challenge
#14 for the 100 Books in a Year Challenge
#14 for the 150+ Books in a Year Challenge
#13 for the 2013 Where are You Reading Challenge {Denver, CO}

"On the Plus Side" By: Tabatha Vargo Review

On the Plus Side

By: Tabatha Vargo

Synopsis from Goodreads

Big girls need love, too, but at what cost?

Lilly is loaded, not only with money, but with weight. Both things she could do without. But even with her undesired millionaire status, she doesn’t hold on to false hopes of finding true love. So when a sexy stranger comes into her life dripping with seduction, she finds it hard to resist. The bigger they are the harder they fall and Lilly falls straight through the floor in love with Mr. Sexy.  

Too bad he’s there for all the wrong reasons.  

The chance of losing it all will make you do some crazy things and Devin’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep his life together. All seems lost when out of nowhere he’s approached by a Millionaire Momma with an offer he can’t refuse. But even a womanizer like Devin has a heart and when the short, chunky girl with the carefree attitude breaks through his icy façade, he finds that losing everything takes on a whole new meaning.

My Thoughts
    Whew! I just finished this book this morning before I went to work (I totally got up early to finish it, it was kind of insane) and even now I’m left in a lurch as to what I thought about it. I liked it but there were so many things that just made me mad that I can’t get it out of my head. The librarians I work with say if you can’t get a book out of your head, it’s a good thing so we’ll just have to wait and see.
    First off, I’m totally going to start this off and say I’m a chunky girl myself. Proud, confident, and self-assured I was excited to read about another plus sized gal finding love. Trust me honey, these Missouri boys just ain’t cutting it for me. So I did love Lilly in certain ways. She’s plus sized and insecure about her weight, but confident about her social and working areas in her life. She has good friends and lives life to the fullest. She’s incredibly sweet and when Devin walks into her jewelry store, she’s flattered by his attention and kind of immediately falls for him.
   Now Devin, oye. A bit of backstory - Devin’s family is getting ready to lose everything. Lilli’s family is loaded so when Lilli’s mom overhears of Devin’s money problems, she approaches him with a proposition. She will pay him to pretend to be her boyfriend. He is honestly a nice boy and finds this behavior distubing, but he ultimately decides he can spend time with Lilli, get money and no one is hurt.
     I had two huge pet peeves with this story. First off, I kind of resented the idea that Lilli had to have a boy paid to be her boyfriend. I know the point was that ultimately it wasn’t needed, but it was so dang crazy of her mom to even think of. I don’t resent Devin but the idea a mom would do this boils my blood. I don’t know if we are supposed to like the mom or not, but throughout the story I disliked her immensely.
      Secondly, while I liked Devin and think he redeemed himself ultimately in the end, I hated how he kept referring to her weight. It seemed like whenever we were in his head he was referencing her weight, what she looked like, and how her chunkiness would impact his life. Over and Over and Over. Maybe boys think like this, I don’t know, maybe it was done to show he was insecure, but in my opinion it was a little overdone. We know she was heavy, let’s get over it.
     On to the positive stuff, I am so happy the plus size romance heroine got her man! I liked their journey, it seemed like life kept throwing things in their way and they worked through it. Beyond the repetition of the weight, I liked how Devin viewed Lilli. He loved how she was kind and how she wanted to get involved with his family. I think the relationships began with Devin’s family were realistic and honestly, Devin’s relationships with Lilli’s friends seemed incredibly real to me too.
     I guess what I’m trying to say in this long review, while I had a few problems with certain aspects of the book, I honestly enjoyed it. I loved the epilogue with Devin and Lilli and when I finished I was left with a big old smile. If you can get past the crazy mother and the mentions of poundage, you are left with an incredibly lovely romance filled with friends, hope and love. I’m looking forward to what Tabatha comes up with next and I’ve gotta admit, I hope Devin and Lilli at least make a cameo!

Book Details

# of Pages: 340

Date of Publication: January 21, 2013

Source: Personal Purchase

Challenges
#11 for the 2013 E-Book Challenge
#10 for the 2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge
#11 for the 2013 Women's Reading Challenge
#11 for the 100 Books in a Year Challenge
#11 for the 150+ Books in a Year Challenge
#10 for the 2013 Where are You Reading Challenge {Charleston, North Carolina}
#2 for the 2013 New Adult Reading Challenge

"The Redhead Revealed" By: Alice Clayton Review

The Redhead Revealed

By: Alice Clayton

Synopsis from Goodreads

As their careers catch fire, Grace and Jack -- everyone’s favorite foul-mouthed, funny, and feisty couple -- find themselves on opposite coasts. Grace has landed in New York City, where she loves being onstage again, particularly because she’s playing a fabulous character in a musical written by her old college flame, Michael. Their rekindled friendship makes exploring the city that much more fun.

Wait, it’s just friendship, right?

Meanwhile, in L.A., Jack can scarcely keep up with the swirling throngs of women who track him everywhere he goes, the endless press appearances, and the ridiculous rules his manager, Holly, keeps concocting for him -- all part of the buildup to the release of Time, his steamy new film. 

Thank goodness for phone sex.

But even when their schedules allow them to connect, Grace and Jack must keep their relationship off the radar and away from paparazzi cameras. Sure, the sex is sensational, but can this duo survive swirling rumors, the demands of their chosen professions, Grace’s raging internal battles, and a whopping nine-year age difference?

Tick-tock, the clock is ticking. Isn’t it?

Alice Clayton brings the second installment of a tale told with her magical mix of humor and heat, so cuddle up under the sheets and flip on the Golden Girls. Grace and Jack are at it again.

My Thoughts
      Grace and Jack are back!! After reading The Unidentified Redhead, I immediately ran over to BN.com and downloaded The Redhead Revealed. I just couldn’t get enough of Grace and how much did I love Jack? With a wide open ending and a romance just starting cross country, I was dying to find out what happened.
      The novel starts out with Grace in New York acting in a play and Jack still in Los Angeles getting ready to promote his movie. The bulk of the novel deals with the long distance relationship. When Grace had left to go to New York, the couple had only been together a few weeks. So we really see Grace and Jack out of their element, trying to be a couple even with the sometimes insurmountable obstacles in their way.
     I know it doesn’t sound like a novel length synopsis, but the book is really rich in character development and its previous awesomeness. Grace is insecure about the age difference between her and Jack but it doesn’t seem to bother Jack at all. Jack is dealing with his new found stardom and finds himself uncomfortable with all of the attention. I loved how we watched each character grow and change with the differences in their lives and their relationship.

“So if you think for a second I’m going to let you end this without giving me a legitimate reason, you are truly crazier than I thought. I’m in this thing with you, a willing participant, and you can’t decide for both of us. Not anymore.”

      Filled with funny situations, heart wrenching disappointments, and soul soaring achievements, I loved it from page one. Grace and Jack were some of my favorite characters ever and I can’t tell you how sad I was when I finished and realized I wouldn’t read about them anymore. Alice Clayton has a wonderful way of writing that can make you smile, laugh out loud and within a couple of pages an have you sniffling. Excellence throughout, I’m hoping for another sequel, so cross your fingers!

Book Details

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

# of Pages: 228

Date of Publication: September 28, 2010

Source: Personal Purchase

Ways to find Alice...

Alice Clayton’s Website

Alice on Goodreads

Alice on Facebook

Alice on Twitter

Challenges
#7 for the 2013 E-Book Challenge
#7 for the 2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge
#7 for the 2013 Women's Reading Challenge
#7 for the 100 Books in a Year Challenge
#7 for the 150+ Books in a Year Challenge
#7 for the 2013 Where are You Reading Challenge {New York City, NY}
#2 for the 2013 Sequels Challenge

Waiting on Wednesday "Crystal Cove" By: Lisa Kleypas

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of. 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine


Crystal Cove
By: Lisa Kleypas

When Justine Hoffman was born her mother cast a spell to protect her from heartbreak, and as a result, she is incapable of falling in love. Eventually Justine's irrepressible curiosity —and her wish to lead a normal life —get the better of her, and she finds a way to temporarily block the enchantment. 

However, when Justine meets the mysterious Jason Black, she accidentally unleashes a storm of desire and danger that will threaten everything she holds dear . . . and together Justine and Jason discover that love is the most powerful magic of all.

Expected Publication: February 13, 2012

"The Unidentified Redhead" By: Alice Clayton Review

The Unidentified Redhead

By: Alice Clayton

Synopsis from Goodreads

When Grace Sheridan returns to Los Angeles to become a working actor, it's a second shot at a life-long dream. With some help from her best friend and agent, that dream could become a reality, but at thirty-three, has Grace missed her chance at the big time? Will an unexpected sizzling romance with the entertainment industry's newest 'it' boy shine an uncomfortable spotlight on her life? Alice Clayton spins a playful and erotic May to December romance in this, her debut novel. Clayton's funny, borderline neurotic heroine is perfect in her imperfections, and the off the charts sexual chemistry between her and her charming, yet blissfully unaware leading man are the true heart of The Unidentified Redhead. With laugh out loud dialogue and a super steamy romance that will get your heart racing, sneaking around in L.A. and dodging the Paparazzi has never been so fun

My Thoughts
    I initially bought this book thinking I wouldn't like it. I know that’s a terrible thing to say, but the synopsis doesn’t sound very fun and I normally HATE first person fiction. But it had awesome reviews, and I had really enjoyed Wallbanger Alice Clayton’s newest romance, so I ponied up a few bucks and decided I’d try it.
   The Unidentified Redhead begins as Grace Sheridan returns to Los Angeles. She’s a struggling actress and living with her agent/best friend. Having had little luck finding work, she’s beginning to get disheartened with the whole Hollywood scene. Drug to a party with her friend, she meets up and coming actor Jack.
     Jack is the next “it” boy who will really pop when his movie finally releases. He hasn’t really hit that big fame yet but people are starting to know him and the paparazzi are starting to pick up on him. So when he meets Grace, an older, fun, wild red headed girl who isn’t impressed with his star status, he is instantly smitten.
    I think what I liked most about Grace and Jack is how stinkin’ cute they are together. They flirt, they joke, they plain have fun with one another. There isn’t jealousy, there isn’t cattiness, they are just two happy people trying to better themselves in Hollywood. They are both pursuing their dreams and finding love. I can’t tell you how refreshing that was.
     I loved this book so stinkin’ much, I’ve already reread it. I know I do that quite a bit, but usually not so soon. A wonderful story filled with great characters. Fast paced and super funny, the only thing bad I can say is that it leaves you wanting for more. Good thing there is a sequel! 

Favorite quotes:

“Grace, did you just sniff my shirt?" He asked, incredulous. 

“Yep, I did. What of it? And after you leave, I’ll probably lay on your side for a while because the pillow smells like you. I’m ridiculous when I’m in love. We’re talking Hallmark over here.” 

“There's all kinds of stuff on the internet. You could've Googled it." he stated. still moving his hand closer. I could feel the energy between us begin to hum again. "I think that you should go Google yourself, Brit boy. I'm not interested in Googling you .”  

Book Details

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

# of Pages: 276

Date of Publication: Febraury 16, 2010

ISBN: 978-1936305063

Source: Personal Purchase

Ways to find Alice...

Alice Clayton’s Website

Alice on Goodreads

Alice on Facebook

Alice on Twitter

Challenges
#6 for the 2013 E-Book Challenge
#6 for the 2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge
#6 for the 2013 Women's Reading Challenge
#6 for the 100 Books in a Year Challenge
#6 for the 150+ Books in a Year Challenge
#6 for the 2013 Where are You Reading Challenge {Los Angeles, CA}

Blog Tour: "Seducing Avery" By: Barbara Han

SEDUCING AVERY

By: Barbara Han

Synopsis

Avery McAdams believes in order to truly be herself she needs to keep her head down, her guard up and her focus on her career. Until she’s hired by sexy, charismatic Ryker Li to pull off the event of the century, and he shows up personally to convince her to handle his next party. When she meets him face-to-face, she realizes a piece of her wants him to see her as attractive, which goes against everything she’s convinced herself she believes.

Rich, powerful Ryker has made an art form of getting what he wants, when he wants it, and then moving on. But something about Avery makes him want to stick around.

When he finds everything he never dreamed to look for in a woman, can the billionaire playboy commit to the biggest deal of all? Or will a lifetime of mistrust and suspicion turn them forever into rivals?

About the Author

Barb Han lives in North Texas with her husband, has three beautiful children, a spunky Golden Retriever/Standard Poodle mix, and too many books to count.

When she’s not writing, researching, or otherwise getting lost in a story, she volunteers at her children’s school, is in the kitchen ‘creating’ dinner, or can be found on or around a basketball court.

Writing contemporary romance and romantic suspense has been a dream come true for Barb—something she’s wanted to do for as long as she can remember. She left her corporate job, at her husband’s urging, and has been happily playing with her imaginary friends ever since.

In her down time, she plays video games and loves reading with her children. She also enjoys traveling with her family. Many of the places she visits end up in her books.

LINKS

http://www.barbhan.com

I'm on Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/BarbHan

Twitter @BarbHanAuthor

Goodreads

A Q&A with Author Barb!

What song always makes you happy when you hear it?

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole’s version of Somewhere over the Rainbow. It’s just his voice and a ukulele. Every time I hear this song, I smile. Can’t help it. Check it out on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I

What was your favorite sitcom growing up?

Oh, great question! There were so many good ones. I’d have to say Three’s Company was at the top of my list. I was clueless about the sexual innuendoes, but I laughed at the antics. Such a funny show!

What favorite food puts you in a great mood?

Food. Mmmmmm. Any good food can put me in a great mood. Add a glass of wine and good friends/family, and I’m in heaven. I love to cook, so I’m in the kitchen a lot.

What was the best vacation you ever had?

I’ve been on a lot of great vacations, so this is a really hard question. There was this one trip to Mexico where we could snorkel right from the beach and it was fantastic. We were at the gateway to the Caribbean so the water was fairly clear. We were also very near Belize and there were all these cool Mayan ruins around us. We ate incredible food. One night, the resort roasted a pig! At night, we could sit outside on our balcony and look up to a sky literally filled with starts. There had to be thousands of them. I’d have to say that trip ranks right up there with the some of the best.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?

I just checked my phone log and that would have to be my friend and critique partner, Jerrie Alexander. I’d tell you what we talked about, but then I’d have to kill you. That’s just how we roll! LOL.

What music are you listening to right now?

I’m listening to Secrets by OneRepublic

What was the last thing you ate?

Deep dish pizza. Mmmmm. I’m hoping there are leftovers.

Who was the last person you hugged?

My husband and kids. Do they count? The last thing we do before we walk out the door each morning is tell each other to have a great day and then we hug. My friends will tell you I’m a hugger. Don’t stand too close if you don’t want to get caught in my clutches.  

EXCERPT

Avery figured one word from Ryker was all it usually took to get heads nodding and feet scrambling. And yet, there she stood, watching him as though he were about to make out with her family's silver. 

His lips curled into that arrogant but devastating trademark smile. "Let me know when you're ready to play anything besides this cat and mouse game. You can start by telling me who you really are."

"My family name? Well that's none of your business. Or anyone else's for that matter." She heard her own voice rise and quiver toward the end of her sentence defensively. She took a lot of pride in her accomplishments, especially because she hadn't used her family name to get them. She'd worked for them. Hard. And no one had the right to dig into her past or question her history.

"Covering tracks are you?" he asked. "The hallmark of a good thief."

She froze as his gaze landed hard on hers. He was trying to rattle her. Fine. She'd be damned if she'd bite. Instead, she leaned back and folded her arms. "You had me investigated. Why don't you tell me who I am?"

Cold, calculating anger scored his brown eyes. "As a general rule I like to know who I'm doing business with beforehand. The only reason for the investigation." Ryker's gaze narrowed to slits. "What I'd like to know is why you're so determined to refuse my job?" 

Seducing Avery Tour Stops

1/14/2013 Ramblings From This Chick

1/16/2013 Musings from an Addicted Reader

1/18/2013 Queen of the Night Reviews

1/18/2013 Books and Other Spells

1/21/2013 Crazy Four Books

1/21/2013  Christine Young-Romance Writer

1/23/2013 Bodice Ripper Novels

1/25/2013 Kaisy Daisy's Corner

1/28/2013 Black Velvet Seductions Blog

1/30/2013 Welcome to My World of Dreams

2/1/2013 Christy McKee Writes About Women in the "Sweet Spot" of Life 

2/1/2013  Megan Johns Invites

2/4/2013 The Brunette Librarian

2/8/2013 Long and Short Reviews

It's Monday! What are you reading??

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from

"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.

Books I've Read...

All My Friends are Dead

By: Avery Monsen and Jory John

If you're a dinosaur, all of your friends are dead. If you're a pirate, all of your friends have scurvy. If you're a tree, all of your friends are end tables. Each page of this laugh-out-loud illustrated humor book showcases the downside of being everything from a clown to a cassette tape to a zombie. Cute and dark all at once, this hilarious children's book for adults teaches valuable lessons about life while exploring each cartoon character's unique grievance and wide-eyed predicament. From the sock whose only friends have gone missing to the houseplant whose friends are being slowly killed by irresponsible plant owners (like you),All My Friends Are Dead presents a delightful primer for laughing at the inevitable.

F in Exams

By: Richard Benson

We've all been there. You've been studying hard, the day of the BIG test arrives, you turn over the paper, and 'what the *&%@ does that mean?!' Not a clue.
This book is packed full of hilarious examples of the more creative ways that students have tackled those particularly awkward exam questions.

Thank You For Riding

By: Meg Maguire

Stung ego or not, Caitlin’s relieved her fizzling relationship is over, even if she’s just been unceremoniously dumped between the copier and a dead ficus tree. At least she has an excuse to ditch the lousy office Christmas party in time to catch the last subway home…to her cat, and early-onset spinsterhood.

Instead of a lonely, chilly ride, she gets an unexpected holiday treat in the form of a nearly familiar face—a handsome stranger she encountered last week at the blood drive.

At the end of the line, neither can seem to let their chance meeting end—until their extended flirtation finds them facing the prospect of spending a frigid winter night locked in an unheated subway station. And they wonder if keeping each other warm is merely a delightful form of rebound therapy…or a memorable first of many more dates to come.

Ticket Home

By: Serena Bell

When Amy Moreland left Seattle, she never expected to see her workaholic ex-boyfriend again. Encountering him on her Connecticut-to-New-York-City commute is the surprise of her life. He seems hell-bent on winning her back, but every time his cell phone rings, it's a painful reminder of how he failed to put her first.
Jeff Havers can't help that his phone keeps interrupting his carefully composed apology speech, but having Amy sic the Metro North security team on him is a bit much. Once he talks his way out of handcuffs, he focuses on coaxing Amy to talk about the fears that drove her away.
As the train ride takes them through the landscape of their lost life together, sparks fly and remembered heat reignites. But if they're not brave enough to overcome the still-fresh pain of old wounds, it could be too late to pursue what really matters--their ticket home.

The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After

By: Julia Quinn

For the first time in print, New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn presents a collection of "second epilogues" to her Bridgerton series, previously published as e-originals, plus a new bonus Bridgerton novella: Violet in Bloom," a short story in which we finally meet Edmund Bridgerton.

Currently Reading...

The Viscount Who Loved Me

By: Julia Quinn

1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.
And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...
--Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry--he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield--the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do notmake the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister--but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

Giveaway: "Order of Darkness: Changeling" By: Phillipa Gregory

Order of Darkness

Book One: Changeling

By: Phillipa Gregory

Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of this first in a four-book teen series from the #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl.

The year is 1453 and all signs point to it being the end of the world. Accused of heresy and expelled from his monastery, handsome seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is recruited by a mysterious stranger to record the end of times across Europe. Commanded by sealed orders, Luca is sent to map the fears of Christendom and travel to the very frontier of good and evil.

Seventeen-year-old Isolde, a Lady Abbess, is trapped in a nunnery to prevent her from claiming her rich inheritance. As the nuns in her care are driven mad by strange visions, walking in their sleep, and showing bleeding wounds, Luca is sent to investigate and driven to accuse her.

Forced to face the greatest fears of the dark ages—witchcraft, werewolves, madness—Luca and Isolde embark on a search for truth, their own destinies, and even love as they take the unknown ways to the real historical figure who defends the boundaries of Christendom and holds the secrets of the Order of Darkness.

Visit the Official Site

Watch the Book Trailer

Check out Goodreads

About the Author

Philippa Gregory is the author of several internationally bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen, and is a recognized authority on women’s history. She lives in the north of England with her family and welcomes visitors to her website, PhilippaGregory.com. Order of Darkness: Changeling is her first novel written for teens.

Find out more: http://www.philippagregory.com

My Thoughts
     I am a Young Adult & Adult Services Librarian in my real life and I make it no secret that I'm always on the lookout for great YA fiction. Today's teens seem to want something different, they want stories about their characters going on a journey. Throughout the Hunger Games trilogy, Katniss had both a physical and metaphorical journey to find herself and save her world. As I was reading Changeling I couldn't help but think about journeys and where we find ourselves at the end of the day.
     I think the synopsis does a wonderful job of describing the story, so I'm going to focus on the characters and the world Ms. Gregory has created. As I was reading, I felt myself becoming immersed in the world of the 1400's. I enjoyed how the characters seemed to blossom as the book advanced. Isolde and Luca both seemed to grow and change, which appealed to me and I can see appealing to teens. Set in an interesting setting, the unusual time period works perfectly for the novel and the characteristics of the characters.
     Philippa Gregory has a distinct voice in historical fiction which I love. Whenever I read her, I can almost always tell its her just by the tone in her writing. Her tone is prevalent within Changeling, which is a plus for both teens and adults reading this new series. I know several readers who are hesitant when authors change genres, almost as if they were jumping ship, but that isn't at all the case here.
     All in all, I can see the Order of Darkness becoming a huge series in both Young Adult and Adult fiction. I enjoyed the adventure but I think what I'm most excited about is the sequel, Stormbringers, coming out June 2013. When I finished with Changeling, I couldn't wait to see what comes next. Crossing my fingers for a movie adaptation, be sure to check out Changeling for adventure, a bit of mystery and the beginning of a wonderful new series.

Book Details

Publisher: Simon Pulse

# of Pages: 256

Date of Publication: May 24, 2012

ISBN: 9781442453449

Source: Publisher 

Giveaway

Would you like a chance to read Changeling for yourself? Simon Pulse is giving away TWO paperback copies to lucky commenters! Comment away until February 4th where two people will be chosen at random to win :) Be sure to leave your e-mail and say thanks to Simon Pulse!