Publisher: Originally Penguin Books
Release Date: September 25, 2013 | Macmillan Audio on March 25, 2014
Format: MP3
Pages: 352 (Hardcover) / Audio Length: Approx 10 hours
Narrator: Jane Green
Source: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Romance, Chick Lit
Review Date: Recorded November, 2014
Rating: 4 bookmarks

Synopsis: When Gabby first met Elliott she knew he was the man for her. In twenty years of marriage she has never doubted her love for him - even when he refused to give her the one thing she still wants most of all. But now their two daughters are growing up Gabby feels that time and her youth are slipping away. For the first time in her life she is restless. And then she meets Matt . . .

Intoxicated by the way this young, handsome and successful man makes her feel, Gabby is momentarily blind to what she stands to lose on this dangerous path. And in one reckless moment she destroys all that she holds dear.

Consumed by regret, Gabby does everything she can to repair the home she has broken. But are some betrayals too great to forgive? 

Disclaimer: I received this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are genuinely my own.

I enjoyed the audiobook, but I'd like it better if all the characters didn't have an British accent.  The story was great, so I'd recommend reading it. I'd like to read more by Jane Green.  If you've ready anything by her, please do recommend something for me.  

Check out my video review of Tempting Fate.  Did you read this book? What did you think of it?

Happy Reading & Listening,
~Tamara
On a mobile device? Watch the coordinating video here!

Publisher: Atria Books
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Format: ebook
Pages: 337
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Genre: Romance, New Adult
Review Date: May 19, 2013
Rating: 4 bookmarks

Synopsis: Livie has always been the stable one of the two Cleary sisters, handling her parents' tragic death and Kacey's self-destructive phase with strength and maturity. But underneath that exterior is a little girl hanging onto the last words her father ever spoke to her. “Make me proud,” he had said. She promised she would...and she’s done her best over the past seven years with every choice, with every word, with every action.

Livie walks into Princeton with a solid plan, and she’s dead set on delivering on it: Rock her classes, set herself up for medical school, and meet a good, respectable guy that she’s going to someday marry. What isn’t part of her plan are Jell-O shots, a lovable, party animal roommate she can’t say ‘no’ to, and Ashton, the gorgeous captain of the men’s rowing team. Definitely him. He’s an arrogant ass who makes Livie’s usually non-existent temper flare and everything she doesn’t want in a guy. Worse, he’s best friends and roommates with Connor, who happens to fits Livie’s criteria perfectly. So why does she keep thinking about Ashton?

As Livie finds herself facing mediocre grades, career aspirations she no longer thinks she can handle, and feelings for Ashton that she shouldn’t have, she’s forced to let go of her last promise to her father and, with it, the only identity that she knows.


Disclaimer: I received this ebook courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I'd heard so many good things that I was nervous about it being all hype. There's this tragic thing called a "sophomore slump", and thank goodness this was a far far cry from that!  While not perfect, One Tiny Lie delivered. I knew that the story would be from Livie's POV instead of Kacey's and that it wasn't exactly a continuation of Ten Tiny Breaths, instead a story in a different time from a different POV. Each of the stories in this series focus on different characters that we were initially introduced to in Ten Tiny Breaths. I knew it would be a little different so I kept an open mind going into it. 

There are a few points in the story that cross with something that happened in the previous book, whether it's from the epilogue or somewhere else in Ten Tiny Breaths, those connections really add to the back story.  On the flip side, the way that Tucker writes this installment, you can read this as a stand alone as well. For those of us who read the previous book, it's a bonus seeing the characters who started it all, but it's not mandatory.

Publisher: Papoti Books
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Format: ebook
Pages: 262 (paperback)
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Genre: Romance, New Adult
Review Date: January 24, 2014
Rating: 5 bookmarks

Synopsis: Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I've had this hanging around on my NetGalley shelf for an embarrassing long time. I can not believe it's taken me so long to read it.  I'm sort of upset about it because this book was wonderful! I read this book in three sittings, but it really could have been one.  At first I was trying to pace myself, but of course that idea was soon forgotten because it was so good I wanted to devour the story instead.

There's a shocker at about the 80% mark is not what you could ever guess!  Well....maybe you could guess. You know when someone seems to perfect and you're sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop? Well....the shoe more than dropped. It's crazy...seriously!  

Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books/ Viking
Release Date: December 31, 2012
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 369 (Hardcover)
Source: Viking
Genre: Romance / General Fiction
Review Date: November 5, 2013
Rating: 4 bookmarks


Synopsis: Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher: Author, Prescott Lane 
Release Date: April 14, 2013
Format: PDF
Pages: 283
Source: Author
Genre: Romance
Review Date: October 21, 2013
Rating: 3 bookmarks

Synopsis: Emory faces life’s challenges at the one place that’s never failed her, the ballet barre. But even the barre can’t steady her when fate brings her face-to-face with her old college flame, Mason, who’s hoping to return to the NFL after a career-threatening injury. Before they can surrender to their sexual desires and find salvation in each other’s arms, they need to come to terms with their past. Mason must confront the demons that have set him on a path of self-destruction, while Emory must decide whether to keep her painful secrets locked away, or expose them and risk losing the love of her life. But nothing can prepare Mason for what Emory has kept hidden, or the possibility that he himself may be to blame for the very secrets she keeps – and why they continue to haunt her.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook as a courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.

Everyone knows that I'm a sucker for a pretty cover.  I found this cover appealing then add to that the synopsis and it captured my attention. I've previously enjoyed stories where sports are mixed in with romance so at first glance this was a win-win.  First Position is a story I've never read before, by that I mean that it's unique and original.  Which is always a good thing. I also liked that the story seemed more realistic than the average romance. It absolutely doesn't follow the typical reunion romance formula and I appreciated that.

Hey friends!
I have a mini review for you today!  A mini review is my short and sweet analysis of a book.  You'll know in 350 words or less if this is a book I recommend.

Publisher: Koehler Books
Release Date: July 1, 2011
Format: Kindle (borrow)
Pages: 262
Source: Amazon
Genre: Romance
Review Date: October 9, 2013
Rating: 2 bookmarks 

Synopsis: AMBER’S WORLD IS SHATTERED when her husband Jeff dies suddenly in an accident. On the day of his funeral, in the midst of her grief, she is blind-sided with divorce papers, served only hours before the service. Forced to face how flawed her marriage truly was, Amber finally begins to deal with the lies and deceit that were at the very foundation of her relationship.

When the ruggedly handsome Kentucky horse breeder Dalton loses his beloved wife shortly after the birth of their child, he thinks he will never find love again. Four years later, he knows something is missing from his life, but just can’t seem to place it. Until he meets the raven-haired beauty – the woman of his dreams.

Will Amber overcome the fear of being hurt again and find true love?

Will she be able to see clearly through her tears of betrayal?

This is another book club selection, not my choice, but I'm a good member and read all the books. :-)  There are good ones and not so good ones. Which that said, on with the review!

Publisher: Forever
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Format: Kindle
Pages: 240
Source: Amazon
Genre: Romance (New Adult)
Review Date: August 7, 2013
Rating: 3 bookmarks 

Synopsis: "I have a proposition for you." Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. It's been years since Kacey's seen her childhood friend Jake, but the minute Jake mentions his ill grandmother, Kacey is ready to do anything for the sweet old woman. And if that means pretending they're engaged for her sake-so be it.

But Kacey wasn't counting on Jake's older brother Travis still being there. She calls him "Satan" for a reason: she's never forgotten the way he teased and taunted her. Yet when they meet again, Travis's gorgeous smile is a direct hit to her heart . . . and Kacey's more confused than ever. As the days pass, only one thing starts to become alarmingly clear-she never should have accepted Jake's deal . . .

I'm going to keep this review light and short, just like the book itself.  This was a fun, light summer read.  This was a book club pick. I wouldn't have chosen to read this book for myself, but it was a change of pace because I haven't read a cheesy romance in a very long while.  To be honest, the story is predictable, the characters are a little cheesy, but I thought they were hilarious.

Even though I didn't care for the fact that Kacey was acting so naive and "brand new" to romance and relationships, the interaction between Kacey and Travis was hilarious at times.  Van Dyken had me laughing out loud at certain points. This book follows the typical romance formula, but like I said, it's fun.  I haven't read Rachel Van Dyken in the past, since I don't prefer this type of book, it's unlikely that I will again. Regardless, you'll enjoy this book if you don't take it too seriously. Take it for what it is, a lighthearted romance.

Happy Reading,
~Tamara

Publisher: Harlequin Kimani
Release Date: January 22, 2013
Format: Kindle
Pages: 224
Source: NetGalley, Courtesy of Harlequin Kimani
Genre: Romance, AA Fiction
Rating: 4 bookmarks

Synopsis: In the wake of political defeat, former mayoral candidate Ainsley St. James does something totally out of character-she has a one-night stand with a seductive stranger. Never expecting to see him again, she accepts a job covering a breaking story in Hilton Head, South Carolina...only to discover that the island's most desirable recluse is the lover she has yet to forget. 

Winston Coltrane can't get that incredible night-or the sexy, sophisticated beauty-out of his mind. The marine biologist is developing a secret formula that could be a major medical breakthrough. But there's something Winston is keeping from Ainsley: his feelings for her have grown beyond the bedroom. Kiss by breathtaking kiss, Ainsley is transforming his oceanside sanctuary into a sensual retreat. Will they be able to turn a passionate fling into forever in each other's arms?

Disclaimer: I received this book as a galley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

I've read a few books from Brenda Jackson in the past and she never disappoints. I'd recommend her if you're wanting a fun, light-hearted romance. There a little heat in the bedroom scenes, but the old school way. Nothing over the top or embarrassing to admit that you're reading. Haha! This book was short and sweet, which makes these type of books perfect for summer or vacation reading. If you've read any romance novels, you know that there's a formula that works for these kind of books. If the author doesn't deviate too far from it, the story is always enjoyable. Boy meets girl. Boy sleeps with girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Girl falls for boy. Girl find out boy has a secret and turns out he's a millionaire...etc...

Bachelor Unclaimed was an easy read with a good story and pretty well developed characters, given that the book is so short. I also could believe this romantic fantasy could be real enough. What I mean by that is the story wasn't so over the top that you'd be like "What the hell?!" It's just the right amount of real with the fantasy perfect man and his perfect match.

This book is actually the fourth in a series. But never fear, you don't have to read the others to read this one. They all connect through the Bachelor featured in each book, but the books can be read as a stand-alone story too. If I get some free time, I may go back and read the others in this series.

Going on a beach vacation soon? I recommend taking this along with you.

Happy Reading,
~Tamara