Mini Book Reviews: April 2021

Shipped
Angie Hockman

Release Date: January 19, 2021

Book Description:

The Unhoneymooners meets The Hating Game in this witty, clever, and swoonworthy novel following a workaholic marketing manager who is forced to go on a cruise with her arch-nemesis when they’re up for the same promotion.

Between taking night classes for her MBA and her demanding day job at a cruise line, marketing manager Henley Evans barely has time for herself, let alone family, friends, or dating. But when she’s shortlisted for the promotion of her dreams, all her sacrifices finally seem worth it.
The only problem? Graeme Crawford-Collins, the remote social media manager and the bane of her existence, is also up for the position. Although they’ve never met in person, their epic email battles are the stuff of office legend.

Their boss tasks each of them with drafting a proposal on how to boost bookings in the Galápagos - best proposal wins the promotion. There’s just one catch: They have to go on a company cruise to the Galápagos Islands...together. But when the two meet on the ship, Henley is shocked to discover that the real Graeme is nothing like she imagined. As they explore the Islands together, she soon finds the line between loathing and liking thinner than a postcard.

With her career dreams in her sights and a growing attraction to the competition, Henley begins questioning her life choices. Because what’s the point of working all the time if you never actually live?
Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne, Shipped is a fresh and engaging rom-com that celebrates the power of second chances and the magic of new beginnings.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:

5 stars

Great read and it's wonderful on audio as well - Inés del Castillo does a great job as narrator! 

This book really had strong The Hating Game vibes, which I also loved. 

(Audio)Book Review: Loathe at First Sight

Loathe at First Sight 
Suzanne Park 
Great Jung (Narrator)

Release Date: August 18, 2020

Book Description:
Melody Joo is thrilled to land her dream job as a video game producer, but her new position comes with challenges: an insufferable CEO; sexist male coworkers; and an infuriating - yet distractingly handsome - intern, Nolan MacKenzie, aka “the guy who got hired because his uncle is the boss.”

Just when Melody thinks she’s made the worst career move of her life, her luck changes. While joking with a friend, she creates a mobile game that has male strippers fighting for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Suddenly Melody’s “joke” is her studio’s most high-profile project - and Melody’s running the show.

When Nolan is assigned to Melody’s team, she’s sure he’ll be useless. But as they grow closer, she realizes he’s smart and sexy, which makes Melody want to forget he’s her intern. As their attraction deepens, she knows it’s time to pump the brakes, even with her Korean parents breathing down her neck to hurry up and find a man.

With her project about to launch, Melody suddenly faces a slew of complications, including a devastating trolling scandal. Could the man she’s falling hard for help her play the game to win - in work and in love?

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
3 stars

This book was not what I expected. It was more about perception and hardship of working in a male-driven industry for an Asian-American woman, which I guess is one of those "it" topics these days. But the description of this novel sells at as romance, that basically is an afterthought here. I'm not mad about reading (or rather listening to) this book, but I wasn't thrilled with the presentation and execution.

Book Review: A Court of Silver Flames

A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #4)
Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: February 16, 2021

Book Description:
Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.
Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
5 stars

Epic! 

It was an engrossing roller-coaster ride and is a strong fantasy romance on its own. (I dare say this reads as a stand-alone and not a spinoff, although one would greatly benefit from prior knowledge of these characters and this fantasy world’s lore). There is a lot of emotion and other aspects of the story that are brutal in many ways - Nesta takes a long road in rebuilding her character. I honestly, didn't think I would care as much but to my surprise I quite enjoyed it. To me the love story was not as strong/interesting, as Nesta's journey of coming to terms with herself and carving her own pass in life with her new friends. 

It’s been awhile… :)

Life has a way of getting busy. Priorities change so do views and interests. And then there are the everyday to-dos, endless projects, a myriad of wishes and wants. Things tend to get away from you (or rather me). I certainly don’t have the time or the freedom (or maybe even a wish) to blog as I used to some years ago (as you can tell, it’s been a few years since I did this last). I’m also not the same voracious reader that I once was. Still an adventurous cook though. Thankfully that comes in handy when one is mostly stuck at home.

2020 was not a good year for reading. Even though we were stuck home most of the year I found it hard to keep reading – something that I love(d) to do. These days I find audiobooks more my style. Nonetheless there are always at least a dozen books on my nightstand waiting for the spur-of-the-moment all-nighter or (who am I kidding?) at least five minutes for me to get a few pages in.

In the words of Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie: “and just like that” I thought to dust off my writing skills. Perhaps share a few good reads from the past few years and maybe some great recipes and ideas too. This is by no means to be a regular thing, but hopefully the mood strikes more than this one time. ;) So here are some books/series and authors that I’ve been reading and listening to:

Romance

 

Love and Other Words (2018)

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating (2018)
The Unhoneymooners (2019)
In a Holidaze (2020)
The Soulmate Equation (2021)

By Christina Lauren – I’ve been slowly making my way through CLo’s back catalog ever since I read Love and Other Words, which is such a touching and sweet story. From Macy and Elliot to Josh and Hazel, and others – there is humor, love, family… gah! These novels give me all the right feels. Also, I just scored an early copy of The Soulmate Equation from Goodreads and am so excited to dive in! If you are a fan of romance, I highly recommend you check out at least one of this writing duo’s novels.

The Happy Ever After Playlist (2020) – Dreamy and romantic! Highly recommend it on audio as Zachary Webber and Erin Mallon do an excellent job as Jason and Sloan.
The Friend Zone Series
By Abby Jimenez

Book Review: Mystery Man

Mystery Man (Dream Man #1)
Kristen Ashley

Release Date: December 11, 2012

Book Description:
Night time is the right time...

Gwendolyn Kidd has met the man of her dreams. He's hot, he's sexy, and what started as a no-names-exchanged night of passion has blossomed into a year and a half-long pleasure fest. Sure, it's a little strange that he only appears in her bed at night, but Gwen is so sure he's the one, she just can't turn him away...

Hawk Delgado knows more about Gwen than she could ever imagine. She's gorgeous, headstrong, and skittish about relationships. But Hawk is facing his own demons, demons that keep him from connecting with anyone. Yet when Gwen is drawn into Denver's lethal underground scene, Hawk's protective nature comes out full force. The problem is, when Gwen gets a dose of Hawk's Alpha attitude in the daylight, she's not so sure he's the one anymore....

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
3.5 stars

I'm struggling a bit here with how to honestly rate and review this novel... On one hand, I was pretty engrossed with the story. On the other, I had major issues with some plot details and characters' behavior. So I decided I needed a list to sort my feelings:

Good:
There were many great moments throughout the book, both touching and emotional, as well as humorous. I always enjoy humor and sarcasm - you have to be able to laugh at yourself and situations you are in. (I even noted a bit of self-promotion from the author on her other series, and it was done in a good, fun way. As Gwen would think it: "Nice!").

If you are a big fan of the Hot Alpha man trope then this book is certainly for you! There were plenty of alpha men here (yup! multiple alpha men, lots of them). Although, I think they might've be a tad too alpha for my taste.

Add hot, steamy sexy time galore! There was palpable chemistry on these pages. Gah!

It was an addicting read - my first KA, and I'm afraid aside all the problems I had with both hero and heroine, I would still read it. (Towards the end of the book I started thinking of it in terms of Ward's BDB series except without the paranormal [I used to roll my eyes at that series as well and look where it got me!])

Bad:
Did I mention? Hot alpha men everywhere - the testosterone was a little suffocating. Major control issues, caveman attitude with a bit of stalker syndrome mixed in. Yikes! -- Rein it in MM, would you!?

The heroine was a major problem for me. First, I don't really have a problem with one-night-stand turned epic-love storyline, but when that one night stand turns into [a year-and-a-half long sex-only relationship on a I-don't-need-to-know-your-name basis] I got an issue with that. Also, can someone please tell me what was so extra special about Gwen that everyone wanted to be with/save her? Can you say: damsel in distress?

And I can't even go into all the ridiculous nicknames, and over-the-top descriptions. It felt a bit cheesy, but again, when I started to think of it in BDB terms it seemed somehow okay...

***
So, would I read another KA book? I think the answer is "yes" - I am really tempted to know what happens to all the other alphas.

Proceed with caution! Fair warning: If phrases such as, "my woman"and "Badass World" make you cringe and throw away your beloved reading device/book, perhaps this book is not for you. *winks*

Dream Man Series:
Mystery Man (Dream Man #1)
Wild Man (Dream Man #2)
Law Man (Dream Man #3)
Motorcycle Man (Dream Man #4)
Merry and Bright (Dream Man #4.1)
Law Man Short Story (Dream Man #4.2)

Book Review: Dreamfever

Dreamfever (Fever #4)
Karen Marie Moning

Release Date: August 18, 2009

Book Description:
MacKayla Lane lies naked on the cold stone floor of a church, at the mercy of the erotic Fae master she once swore to kill. Far from home, unable to control her sexual hungers, MacKayla is now fully under the Lord Master’s spell.…In New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning’s stunning new novel, the walls between human and Fae worlds have come crashing down. And as Mac fights for survival on Dublin’s battle-scarred streets, she will embark on the darkest—and most erotically charged—adventure of her life.

He has stolen her past, but MacKayla will never allow her sister’s murderer to take her future. Yet even the uniquely gifted sidhe-seer is no match for the Lord Master, who has unleashed an insatiable sexual craving that consumes Mac’s every thought—and thrusts her into the seductive realm of two very dangerous men, both of whom she desires but dares not trust.

As the enigmatic Jericho Barrons and the sensual Fae prince V’lane vie for her body and soul, as cryptic entries from her sister’s diary mysteriously appear and the power of the Dark Book weaves its annihilating path through the city, Mac’s greatest enemy delivers a final challenge.…

It’s an invitation Mac cannot refuse, one that sends her racing home to Georgia, where an even darker threat awaits. With her parents missing and the lives of her loved ones under siege, Mac is about to come face-to-face with a soul-shattering truth—about herself and her sister, about Jericho Barrons…and about the world she thought she knew.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
In light of Saint Patrick's Day, it seemed appropriate to share my thoughts (so far) on the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning, which I've been enthusiastically reading for the past month. Happy, happy! *winks* 
 
Caution: If you are not into epic cliffhangers DO NOT READ this series! Cause OMfG - fecking cliffhangers are really starting to annoy - lucky for me - I'm so late to this series that 9 of the series books are already published (i.e. no wait time for me to discover W T F happens next).

Now that we got this over with... Finally!!! I'm so, so happy to see Mac thinking for herself and doing some a$$ kicking, at least occasionally. Don't get me started on the whole repercussion of the previous book's cliffhanger though; at least Mac got some special skills for her ordeal - I guess... *(Btw, so sorry for swearing so much, it is so not like me at all, but having spent half the night reading, only to discover that at 87% in, I was at the end of the book, not 2-3 chapters away from it -- I do not have other tools to express all the feels this book left me with.)* Which brings me to our favorite anti-hero *read: jerk*, - Jericho Barrons, who makes me want to throttle him with every entitled comment of his! He makes me so, so mad, with all the omissions and mysterious aura, but I do love to hate/love him - he's such a fascinating although frustrating character.

Book Review: Separation Games

Separation Games (The Games Duet #2)
C.D. Reiss

Release Date: January 3, 2017

Book Description:
The stunning conclusion to the New York Times Bestseller.

These are the unbreakable rules in the game.
Stay collected. Compartmentalize. Think your next move through. Never let your heart dictate your tactics.

The heart is impulsive.
The heart makes bad decisions.
The heart doesn’t see the long game.

Because the heart may have decided to get Adam back, but when the endgame comes, the heart’s going to be the first thing to break.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
If I had to pick one adjective to describe the feeling this novel invoked it would be "exasperating".

I know I will probably get some backlash from all the Reiss' fans (and I do count myself among them) but I couldn't bring myself to find anything redeeming in either Diana nor Adam throughout this novel. And as they went on and on, in the angst-drenched mess of a relationship my irritation and dislike of these characters grew exponentially stronger.

2016: My Year in Books

Here we are... 2016 has been a tough year in many ways, but I'd like to remember it for all the great reads I had the pleasure of reading: both new and old.

Review

It's been a year of Ilona Andrews' books for me. I finally took the plunge and basically devoured most of their back catalog, including Kate Daniels, The Edge, and Innkeeper Chronicles (this time on audio, which is absolutely fabulous by the way). The only problem now, I'm all caught up and have no idea what I shall do with myself - perhaps I need a re-read?! #sendhelpandbooks

Book Review: A Stone-Kissed Sea

A Stone-Kissed Sea (Elemental World, #4)
Elizabeth Hunter

Release Date: December 6, 2016

Book Description:
An immortal wanderer. A brilliant scientist. A centuries-old menace written in blood.

Lucien Thrax, son of the earth and child of the ancients, is a healer of immense power. But years of work on a deadly vampire virus have not led to a cure, nor have they softened the wall he built around his heart. When he’s forced to work with Doctor Makeda Abel, Lucien is convinced he’s reached his limit of patience with humanity.

Makeda Abel may be human, but she’s far from impressed with the brooding vampire healer, even if his mind draws her reluctant admiration. She’s learned how to survive in the immortal world, and it’s not by being afraid. Working together may lead them to answers, but it also pushes Lucien and Makeda’s attraction to the boiling point.

When nightmares become reality, Makeda will have to trust Lucien with her life. Finding answers has never been more vital. Finding love has never been more deadly. To heal the Elemental World, Lucien and Makeda must follow ancient paths and ask for help from the most inhuman of immortals. Because even with a cure in hand, the battle has only begun.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for fair and honest review. Thank you!

Aah... I'm both sad and excited to see this story-arc come to an end, but what a way to do it! Bring on the ancients, the lush settings, grandiose style, tradition, battle, and, of course, a fiery and explosive couple - I guess even an earth and a water vampire can bring those adjectives to mind...

Book Review: Marriage Games

Marriage Games (The Games Duet #1)
C.D. Reiss

Release Date: October 22, 2016

Book Description:
THIRTY DAYS
That’s all Adam Steinbeck demands of his wife.
Thirty days in a remote cottage, doing everything he demands. After that, he’ll sign her divorce papers and give her complete ownership of their company.

THIRTY DAYS
That’s how long he has to rediscover the man he once was. The Dominant Master he hid when he fell in love with her five years ago.

THIRTY DAYS
She wants the business they built badly enough to go to the cottage for a month. Cut off ties to the world and do his bidding. She can submit to him with her body, but her heart will never yield.

She thinks this is his pathetic attempt to repair their marriage.

She’s wrong.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
Gah! I don't know what to say about this book. I loved it and hated it at the same time. C.D. Reiss always writes such complex, multi-layered characters and stories - you think you know where it is going but really, you have no idea... 

"The world we inhabited wasn’t designed for people to be in love. It was designed for intensity, pain, pleasure, courtesy, and ritual." Marriage Games (Kindle Location 584).

Book Review: Magic Burns

Magic Burns (Kate Daniels #2)
Ilona Andrews

Release Date: April 2008

Book Description:

Down in Atlanta, tempers – and temperatures – are about to flare…

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.

When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest – and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can’t stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive…

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
I don't know if I'm quite sold on Kate Daniels and the whole UF genre is not quite my thing, but I'm intrigued and look forward to reading more from the dynamic author duo of Andrew and Ilona Gordon.

Magic Burns is the second book in the series and I happened to get this one on audio, which in turn slightly affected my opinion of the story. The narrator - Renée Raudman does a decent job, but her inflections often felt exaggerated and forced. I also found some of the voices and accents that she employed to portray certain characters take something away from their appeal for me. It is unfortunate, but narrators can truly affect your perception of the book.

Book Review: Beneath a Waning Moon: A Duo of Gothic Romances

Beneath a Waning Moon: A Duo of Gothic Romances

Elizabeth Hunter, Grace Draven

Release Date: September 29, 2015

Book Description:

Two delightfully dark tales of Gothic romance from Elizabeth Hunter and Grace Draven.

In A VERY PROPER MONSTER, Josephine Shaw spends long nights filling the pages of her Gothic stories with the fantastic and the macabre, unaware that the suitor her father has arranged is one of the dark creatures she’s always dreamed. For Tom Dargin, courting an ailing spinster was only one duty in a long life of service to his sire. But after he meets the curious Miss Shaw, will Tom become the seducer or the seduced? Can a love fated to end in tragedy survive a looming grave?

In GASLIGHT HADES, Nathaniel Gordon walks two worlds—that of the living and the dead. Barely human, he's earned the reputation of a Bonekeeper, the scourge of grave robbers. He believes his old life over, until one dreary burial he meets the woman he once loved and almost married. Lenore Kenward stands at her father’s grave, begging the protection of the mysterious guardian, not knowing he is her lost love. Resolved to keep his distance, Nathaniel is forced to abandon his plan and accompany Lenore on a journey into the mouth of Hell where sea meets sky, and the abominations that exist beyond its barrier wait to destroy them.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:

A VERY PROPER MONSTER

Recipe: Russian Syrniki

Hi there! How have you been guys?

It’s been a very long time since my last post; in fact, I’ve taken a semi-permanent break from blogging to do some other fun and exciting things (a bit on that later). So I know it’s a little strange to find this blog post pop up here, especially since early last year I joined Karina’s blog – Nocturnal Book Reviews (which you should totally check out!) and closed the shop here, so to speak. But, tonight I made these absolutely easy and delicious syrniki that I felt the need to share with you – so here I am with a new recipe!

And, no, before you ask, I’m not back to blogging, (just yet at least). Life is a bit crazy around here these days, that I don’t want to commit to a regular blog. But it is certainly fun! What, with an addition of a rambunctious, adorable little boy in our household who is already quite fond of my cooking and loves books – a man after my own heart!

***

Russian Syrniki
Servings 4 – 5

Release Day Blitz: V-Card by Alicia Michaels

Hi guys! I'm pleased to welcome New Adult, Romance author Alicia Michaels to the blog! She's celebrating the release of her newest book, V-CARD, out today! Enjoy the excerpt, and don't forget to enter the giveaway before you leave. Good luck! :)

Enjoy!

V-Card

Alicia Michaels

Release Date: April 20, 2014

Book Description:

Jennifer Nolan has been unlucky when it comes to love; even more unfortunate when it comes to sex. In fact, the twenty year-old college junior is about to enter her senior year still carrying her v-card. All she wants is to be with that special someone without it resulting in a trip to the emergency room, runaway office supplies, or being scarred for life by someone's weird fetishes. With several botched attempts under her belt, she begins to fear she'll end up a lonely spinster or a crazy cat lady.

With only 60 days until her 21st birthday, Jennifer is determined to lose her virginity once and for all. Little does she know that her mission will lead her down a path toward love. She never expects that her mission will lead her to a discovery of what true womanhood is, and where true and lasting love begins.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Excerpt:

My mission? To lose my stupid virginity by my twenty-first birthday ... which is in two months. I can’t very well go into the next phase of adulthood with my v-card. How can I honestly call myself a ‘woman’ if I fidget, wheeze, and just about have a heart attack at even the thought of intimacy? Any guy I date is going to wonder what the hell is wrong with me.

So, it’s happening. I’m not sure when, or with who—since I’m not dating anybody—but I’m determined not to see twenty-one without shedding that one last thing keeping me at girl-status.

Drastic, much? I don’t think so. Maybe if you knew some of my history, you wouldn’t either. First, there was Jeremy …

Cover Reveal: Tied

Hi guys! Today I’m taking part in the cover reveal of the fourth book in the Tangled series by Emma Chase – Tied. So check out the lovely cover and add it to your to-read list!

Tied (Tangled #4)
Emma Chase

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Book Description:
In the fourth sexy romance by the New York Times bestselling author of Tangled

and Twisted, Drew and Kate can’t wait to tie the knot—if they can survive the pre-
wedding festivities.

For most of my life, I never imagined I’d get married. But Kate did the impossible: she changed me. I think we can all agree I was pretty frigging awesome before, but now I’m even better.

The road to this day wasn’t all rainbows and boners. There were mistakes and
misunderstandings worthy of a Greek tragedy. But Kate and I made it through with our inexhaustible lust, boundless admiration, and everlasting love for one another intact.

That being said, there were some unexpected incidents in Vegas last weekend that could have been a problem. It was kind of…my final test.

I know what you’re thinking—what the hell did you do this time? Relax. Let’s not judge, or call for my castration, until you’ve heard the whole story.

And hold on tight, because you’re in for a wild ride. Did you expect anything less?

Amazon US | Goodreads | Barnes & Noble

Book Review: My Paris Kitchen

My Paris Kitchen: Recipes and Stories
David Lebovitz

Release Date: April 8, 2014

Book Description:
A collection of stories and 100 sweet and savory French-inspired recipes from Chez Panisse pastry chef turned popular food blogger David Lebovitz, reflecting the way modern Parisians eat today and featuring lush photography taken around Paris and in David's Parisian kitchen.

French cooking has come a long way since the days of Escoffier. The culinary culture of France has changed and the current generation of French cooks, most notably in Paris, are incorporating ingredients and techniques from around the world. In My Paris Kitchen, David Lebovitz remasters the French classics, introduces lesser known French fare, and presents 100 recipes using ingredients foraged in the ethnic neighborhoods of Paris. Stories told in David's trademark style describe the quirks, trials, and joys of cooking, shopping, and eating in France, while food and location photographs reveal modern life in Paris.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
Egalley courtesy of Ten Speed Press via NetGalley in exchange for fair and honest review.

Paris! What can I say? I simply can’t resist my fascination, love, and admiration for the city of lights. Then you add food to the mix… and I really can’t help it. I spied My Paris Kitchen while browsing on NetGalley one day and I had to have it, so I’m incredibly grateful for a chance to get acquainted with this gorgeous and inspirational cookbook and feel honored for a chance to share it with you.   

David Lebovitz, the man behind My Paris Kitchen, is no stranger among foodies and food enthusiast. He is a celebrated food writer, blogger, and former top pastry chef. He first started his food blog in 1999 (you can check it out here), and even though I don’t regularly follow the blog myself, I peek around once in a while and often find his recipes and suggestions – creative and inspirational. But what I enjoy most about the blog and this cookbook, are the approachable manner in which David manages to present his recipes and ideas.  

Excerpt & Giveaway: Copper Girl {Blog Tour}

Copper Girl (Copper Legacy #1)
Jennifer Allis Provost

Release Date: June 25, 2013

Book Description:
Sara had always been careful.

She never spoke of magic, never associated with those suspected of handling magic, never thought of magic, and never, ever, let anyone see her mark. After all, the last thing she wanted was to end up missing, like her father and brother.

Then, a silver elf pushed his way into Sara's dream, and her life became anything but ordinary.

Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Excerpt Chapter 1:

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

My office, like most modern offices, cranked the air conditioning down to Arctic proportions during the summer months. Consequently, we workers arrived in the morning dressed in sandals and sleeveless tops, donned heavy sweaters upon reaching our desks, and ended up shivering by noon. Ironically, when our workday ended we were hit by a wall of oppressive heat the moment we stepped outside the main doors. No, this wasn’t a flawed system in the slightest.

That day, I wasn’t having it. I had the grand idea of spending my lunch hour outside, away from the icy wind stiffening my fingers and chilling my neck. After I unwound myself from the afghan I kept in my desk (and only used in the summer months), I gathered up my lunch and my phone and headed out for an impromptu picnic in my car.

What I hadn’t considered was that the office runs the air conditioning so cold because it was, well, hot outside. Very hot, in fact. So hot that the cheese was melting in my sandwich and the lettuce looked like something that had washed ashore months, maybe even years, ago. I was parked in the shade and had taken down my car’s convertible top, but I still couldn’t manage to get comfortable. I’d already shed my sandals and cardigan, which left me wearing my sundress and…

Dare I?

I glanced around the parking lot of Real Estate Evaluation Services, the ‘go-to firm for all your commercial real estate needs’, according to the brochures. No one, human or drone, was taking a noontime stroll, and, by virtue of my being on the far side of the lot, no cars were near mine. Most of my coworkers didn’t even have cars, so the lot was rarely more than half-full. What was more, from where I sat, I couldn’t even see the office.

I dared.

Book Review: Neanderthal Seeks Human

Neanderthal Seeks Human (Knitting in the City #1)
Penny Reid

Release Date: March 14, 2013

Book Description:
This is a full-length, 110k word novel and is the first book in the Knitting in the City series.

There are three things you need to know about Janie Morris: 1) She is incapable of engaging in a conversation without volunteering TMTI (Too Much Trivial Information), especially when she is unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her more than Quinn Sullivan, and 3) She doesn't know how to knit.

After losing her boyfriend, apartment, and job in the same day, Janie Morris can't help wondering what new torment fate has in store. To her utter mortification, Quinn Sullivan- aka Sir McHotpants- witnesses it all then keeps turning up like a pair of shoes you lust after but can't afford. The last thing she expects is for Quinn- the focus of her slightly, albeit harmless, stalkerish tendencies- to make her an offer she can't refuse.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
Fun, quirky, romantic and totally adorable!

Neanderthal Seeks Human has been on my to-read list for quite some time now and since I had a long weekend planed I eyed my opportunity to finally read and have a proper introduction with Janie and Quinn. Now, I admit, I’ve read second and third books of the series previously (I know! It is so improper of me, but fortunately Penny Reid’s books work as standalone(s) too *score!*) and I’ve since become quite a fangirl of hers, so I expected nothing less than a delightful reading experience, which was exactly what I got.

Cover Reveal: West

Hi guys! Today, I’m very excited to unveil the cover of West, which is out this April. West is the second book in the Campbell series by a Toronto-based author C.S. Starr. I read Campbell last year, when it first came out (check my review here). It was brutal, unapologetic, and surprisingly refreshing among the myriad of dystopian novels populating the market today, so my hopes and expectations are high for this next installment and I can’t wait to share it with you. Let’s see what the future brings us…

Have a great weekend!

West (Campbell #2)
C.S. Starr

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Book Description:
After her world was turned upside down by the death of her twin and a new alliance forged through an unexpected friendship, Lucy Campbell left West determined to return to her old life.

It took four years and a natural disaster for her to admit that was impossible.

Hatched from a lie devised to keep them both safe, the conflict with East has affected Lucy and Tal Bauman in different ways. It’s left Lucy engulfed in a bitter power struggle with her war-hungry brother. It’s forced Tal to align himself with Campbell, despite questioning their motivations in continuing to attack East, when peace seems attainable. He’s also left to sort out the mess left behind by his predecessor and best friend, Connor Wilde.

When they are reunited by a tragedy, Lucy and Tal are forced to question how far their duties stretch, where their loyalties lie, and how far they would go for one another.

They’re also left reevaluating their morals, values, and the futures of those around them.

West is the second book in the Campbell trilogy.

Goodreads

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Victoria, xoxo