tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87257244143103278922024-03-19T08:02:34.670-05:00storybound girlAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-17598698582622959132014-12-16T08:42:00.000-06:002014-12-16T08:42:13.420-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Hey, fellow booknerds!<br />
<br />
FYI: I'm blogging with my BFF over at <a href="http://www.cookiepocket.org/" target="_blank">cookiepocket.org</a> 2-3 times each week. (And my last post just so happens to be on <a href="http://www.cookiepocket.org/2014/12/five-books-to-read-this-winter.html" target="_blank">books to read over the holidays</a>!) Our focus is basically feminism, pop culture, cute things, current events, and funny stuff.<br />
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See you around!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-20468791300404965042014-10-16T18:45:00.002-05:002014-10-16T18:45:24.311-05:00Texas Teen Book Fest 2014!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm heading to Austin this weekend for the <a href="http://texasteenbookfestival.org/">Texas Teen Book Festival</a>! A friend and her daughter (an actual teen!) are riding with me and my sister is meeting us there (from Houston). We're going to have an awesome time. Say hi if you're there too. (If you can't go, follow what's going on using #TTBF14. And I'll be updating via Twitter (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/storyboundgirl">@StoryboundGirl</a>) when I can.)<br />
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PS: Life is calming down now, so I'm ready to get back to talking about books. More soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-75345859377083938842014-08-24T18:26:00.001-05:002014-08-24T18:26:07.359-05:00I've read a zillion books...I've read a zillion books this summer... I should really write about them! Also, I need to freak out over Dangerous Girls (and then Boys!), and Isla, and how much I love Sarah MacLean.<br />
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However, I'm starting my first year teaching (ahh!), so I'm really, really busy. As of tomorrow, I'll be teaching history to middle schoolers. Keep me in your thoughts.<br />
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Back soon, I swear! :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-77029201486766668802014-06-19T14:24:00.001-05:002014-06-23T14:15:57.253-05:00Oh, hey, a life update.Hi! Just a quick life update -- I've got some <b>huge, awesome, super fun things </b>going on right now (and for the whole summer), so I'm a bit behind on finishing up book posts (although I've got a whole bunch of halfway done drafts). Soon! I swear! (This post is to hold me accountable.)<br />
<br />
Anyway! My husband & I <b>bought a house</b> and are super excited to move into it next month. Before then, we'll be getting some work done on it (electrical update, sheetrock/door changes, new hardwood floors!).<br />
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And, oh yeah, I'm in a <b>summer class (for teacher certification)</b> that is Monday-Thursday from 6-9pm and all day Saturday for seven weeks. After my husband leaves for work in the morning, I don't see him again until 9:30pm! And I eat dinner IN MY CAR BEFORE CLASS. Yikes! I sort of hope it speeds by... but I'm excited to learn all I can and thankful I don't have to work in the daytime before I go to class. It sounds crazy, but apparently the state of Texas doesn't allow an accelerated teacher certification program reduce the requirements, so my course and the next several months has to involve just as many class hours, and observations as any regular program that takes much longer. Phew.<br />
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I'm reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6437356-educating-esme">EDUCATING ESME</a> right now, which is probably not of any interest to people not pursuing a teaching certification, but still! It's an interesting journal documenting a new teacher's whole first year teaching 5th grade in Chicago.<br />
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And, of course, I've read a bunch of romances and some YA and some historical fiction recently, so posts for those will be up soon. Swear. (Some have NetGalley due dates, so I definitely won't miss them!)<br />
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Hope you're having a great June!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-87747599069633253242014-06-17T19:04:00.000-05:002014-06-17T19:04:00.204-05:00Until We Touch (Fool's Gold #15)<br />
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<h3>
UNTIL WE TOUCH</h3>
(Fool's Gold #15)<br />
by Susan Mallery<br />
Published June 24, 2014 by Harlequin<br />
Romance - Kindle edition, 384p.<br />
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<i>Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing me with a digital copy for review.</i><br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
After a family tragedy, former football hero Jack McGarry keeps the world at arm's length—a challenge now that his PR firm has moved to neighborly Fool's Gold, California.<br />
<br />
Larissa Owens knows where she stands—Jack sees her as just another one of the guys. No matter what her heart wishes, Jack's her boss, not her boyfriend. But then Larissa's big secret is revealed…by her mother!<br />
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When Jack discovers the truth about Larissa's feelings, her touch suddenly becomes tantalizing, and he's not sure he wants to resist. But if he gives in to desire, heartache is sure to follow. Friendship or true love—will Jack go for the ultimate play?<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span></h4>
UNTIL WE TOUCH is the story of PR firm owner/former pro-football player, Jack, and Larissa, his assistant/the company masseuse. He has trauma in his past that makes him refuse to truly connect with someone, and she's always on a mission to rescue something (usually an animal, even if it means Jack ends up with a woodland creature sleeping in his living room for a few days). When Larissa's mother visits and plants the seed in Jack's mind that his relationship with Larissa could be more than professional/close friends, suddenly he's unable to relax in his massages, and starts to consider her from a new view.<br />
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Since I've read fifteen books in this series, you could say I'm invested. I love going back to the town of Fool's Gold with each book to enjoy a new story, and also pop in on a bunch of the previous characters and favorite places. At times, it can be a bit repetitive (Yes, the mayor still somehow always knows everything & old lady, Eddie, is still eye balling the younger men.), but that's part of the fun... A new Fool's Gold book is like heading back to a tiny town you love, where you know everyone and enjoy seeing them find true love. The author keeps things from going stale with interesting careers, as well as by mixing previous characters into different groups of friends around town to keep things familiar, but fresh. She also frequently includes lovable pets, and UNTIL WE TOUCH is no exception.<br />
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If you're a fan of the Fool's Gold series, UNTIL WE TOUCH should be on your reading list. Focusing on Jack and Larissa brings the story's focus into the PR firm and a group of people who are newer to town, and therefore still find surprises lurking around the corners for them.<br />
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If you haven't read any of the series yet, I'd recommend heading back to the first book and starting there. While I'm sure you could pick this one up and figure things out, a lot of the richness in the story lies in how well you know the characters and the town from the previous books, so you'd miss a lot of what I love most.<br />
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<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20733399-until-we-touch">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I66BQEO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00I66BQEO&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=E3AO45YG7YPHNWFB">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780373778935?aff=SarahB">IndieBound</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Until-We-Touch-Susan-Mallery/9780373778935?a_aid=Storyboundgirl">Book Depository</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-34914801463127542902014-06-06T22:00:00.000-05:002014-06-06T22:00:13.610-05:00Four Friends by Robyn Carr<br />
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<h3>
FOUR FRIENDS</h3>
by Robyn Carr<br />
Published March 2014 by Harlequin MIRA<br />
Fiction - Kindle edition, 400p.<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-align: justify;">Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing me with a digital copy for review.</i><br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
Gerri can't decide what's more devastating: learning her rock-solid marriage has big cracks, or the anger she feels as she tries to repair the damage. Always the anchor for friends and her three angst-ridden teenagers, it's time to look carefully at herself. The journey for Gerri and her family is more than revealing—it's transforming.<br />
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Andy doesn't have a great track record with men, and she's come to believe that for her a lasting love is out of reach. When she finds herself attracted to her down-to-earth, ordinary contractor—a man without any of the qualities that usually appeal to her—she questions everything she thought she wanted in life.<br />
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Sonja's lifelong pursuit of balance is shattered when her husband declares he's through with her New Age nonsense and walks out. There's no herbal tonic or cleansing ritual that can restore her serenity—or her sanity.<br />
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Miraculously, it's BJ, the reserved newcomer to Mill Valley, who steps into their circle and changes everything. The woman with dark secrets opens up to her neighbors, and together they get each other back on track, stronger as individuals and unfaltering as friends.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span> </h4>
FOUR FRIENDS is not my usual sort of book. In fact, when I'm making a point about why I like YA so much, I'll often say that one reason is I never have to read about a character going through a divorce or a married protagonist cheating on their spouse. (It's totally different to read about it through a teens perspective if one of their parents are doing it.) So, it took me quite a while to get past the point where I kept wanting to stop reading this book... There was just so much bad marriage mojo and it made me feel bad.<br />
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The four friends are four women living on the same street. Three have been close friends for a while and one is a hesitant newcomer. The three friends all experience some major upheaval in their married lives, which I wasn't crazy about reading as a happily married woman... It was just so depressing and sometimes infuriating and didn't leave much room for happiness in their lives.<br />
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However! Once the bonds of friendship are really defined and visible, once Bob and his sweet dog show up, and once a few of the kids start mattering more to the story, things improved. The women are great friends to each other, no matter what, even when each of their own lives are falling apart. I loved not ever having to wonder which one of the women would backstab the other, because their devotion to friendship is just so clear throughout. Beyond the women themselves, Bob is great, and the two older teen sons of Gerri and Andy have a few lovely moments. <br />
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So while FOUR FRIENDS is not an easy read and certainly took time for me to want to keep reading, at a certain point I did find myself wrapped up in knowing the outcome for each of the four women, rooting for them in different ways, and having to keep flipping the pages to find out as soon as possible. There's a good amount of adultery (or at least mentions of it) in here, so if that's a particular sore spot, tread carefully. (It's not the four friends scheming about cheating on their husbands though, so don't worry that you'll be forced into rooting for anything super shady.) Robyn Carr is obviously a solid writer and I'll certainly be checking out some of her other books... maybe I'll go with one with a bit more romance next time!<br />
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<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19185112-four-friends">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GPDYNAE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00GPDYNAE&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=WNDIM54DHBEJCRDW">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780778317180?aff=SarahB">IndieBound</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Four-Friends-Robyn-Carr/9780778316817?a_aid=Storyboundgirl">Book Depository</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-35387497522770379782014-06-03T08:30:00.000-05:002014-06-03T08:30:01.025-05:00Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14)<br />
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<h3>
BEFORE WE KISS</h3>
(Fool's Gold #14)<br />
by Susan Mallery<br />
Published May 27, 2014 by Harlequin<br />
Romance - Kindle edition, 384p.<br />
<br />
<i>Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing me with a digital copy for review.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool's Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.<br />
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Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend's bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her "wild youth" to raise her sisters. She doesn't want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would've been nice.<br />
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His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam's luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span></h4>
BEFORE WE KISS is the classic fun and sexy Fool's Gold novel you should expect fourteen books into the series. Sam, one of the former football players who moved to town as a part of the PR firm, has a track record of choosing the wrong woman. When he ends up at Dellina's one night, he thinks things are going well (and totally normally), until he accidentally sees her guest room, which is full of wedding gowns and a white board featuring a troubling list. So of course he runs! Months later, the firm needs an event planned, and Dellina is just the person they need to do it... as long as Sam can clear up the awkwardness that has plagued them since he ran out on their night.<br />
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I absolutely loved watching their relationship unfold. The guest room that made Sam run is a source of hilarity and a fun explanation for why their promising connection stalled months before. While watching Dellina plan the event, you see she runs her business well, except for the accounting bits... and Sam just happens to be great with numbers. They're fantastic at working together professionally, which leaves you wondering if that could translate to their personal lives. They're both sweet and in need of a solid, loving relationship, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book... even when they were trying to avoid it.<br />
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BEFORE WE KISS is a great addition to the Fool's Gold series. I love the relationships within the PR firm and it was nice getting to know Dellina and her event planning business, too. Sam was overdue for a successful romantic relationship, and Dellina's been waiting for one forever, too. If you're a fan of the series, this one won't disappoint... I'm looking forward to book #15!<br />
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<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20256403-before-we-kiss">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HAZ6BHO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HAZ6BHO&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=3M4AX36UHZEK5IM3">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780373778812?aff=SarahB">IndieBound</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Before-We-Kiss-Susan-Mallery/9780373778812?a_aid=Storyboundgirl">Book Depository</a></div>
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Wondering if you'd like to start the Fool's Gold series? Take a look at my quick rundown of the first six books right <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/susan-mallerys-fools-gold-romance-series.html">here</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-1887313486848030432014-06-02T13:00:00.000-05:002014-06-02T17:13:18.375-05:00Waiting On You (Blue Heron #3) by Kristan Higgins<br />
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<h3>
WAITING ON YOU </h3>
(Blue Heron #3)<br />
by Kristan Higgins<br />
Published April 2014 by Harlequin<br />
Adult Romance - Kindle, 384p.<br />
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<i>Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing me with a digital copy for review.</i><br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
Colleen O'Rourke is in love with love... just not when it comes to herself. Most nights, she can be found behind the bar at the Manningsport, New York, tavern she owns with her twin brother, doling out romantic advice to the lovelorn, mixing martinis and staying more or less happily single. See, ten years ago, Lucas Campbell, her first love, broke her heart... an experience Colleen doesn't want to have again, thanks. Since then, she's been happy with a fling here and there, some elite-level flirting and playing matchmaker to her friends.<br />
<br />
But a family emergency has brought Lucas back to town, handsome as ever and still the only man who's ever been able to crack her defenses. Seems like maybe they've got some unfinished business waiting for them—but to find out, Colleen has to let her guard down, or risk losing a second chance with the only man she's ever loved.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span></h4>
WAITING ON YOU may be my favorite book in the Blue Heron series. It's full of so many great moments, both funny and full of emotion. Colleen loves to give out romantic advice from behind the bar at her tavern, but isn't nearly great at advising herself. Lucas is her first love who shows back up in town due to a family emergency. They're both available and obviously have a lasting connection. Their relationship obviously involved a whole lot of intensity and passion, and it definitely hasn't all disappeared with time! Colleen's the great friend you want to see happy and Lucas is the guy who's been selling himself short.<br />
<br />
The book is a bit of a roller coaster, with some seriously cute & funny moments and plenty of emotionally draining parts too. Characters from previous books pop back up in this one, and since Colleen co-owns the bar with her brother, Connor, we get to know him a whole lot better too. (Maybe a Connor book is coming?)<br />
<br />
WAITING ON YOU is full of heart and humor and makes me wish the next book in the series was out so I could stay in the world Kristan Higgins has created.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19410534-waiting-on-you">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373778589/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0373778589&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20">Amazon</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-34423817094850035192014-06-02T09:00:00.000-05:002014-06-02T11:21:20.186-05:00Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After #1)<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“I know. I know. You’re a dangerous ravisher, with brothel bills as long as my arm. Really, I can’t imagine you have any remaining ways to communicate the message, short of stitching ‘A WARNING TO WOMEN’ on your breeches placket. I’m not a ninny. It’s understood. I have not cast you in any chivalric fantasy.”</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_x33bRT4sgxogXvtp_cjyzcms_CY2cKWIiGilTvNnTrUBL5G9D5uu_ayjQrc9C0DToi-iQZYF-DcrJtu9w5pQgG8XJGrgTw-TtDU0YU3YyQRsq4qMEbc5cB7H-0v1KWHW5dFB00GEPI/s1600/bookcover-romancingtheduke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_x33bRT4sgxogXvtp_cjyzcms_CY2cKWIiGilTvNnTrUBL5G9D5uu_ayjQrc9C0DToi-iQZYF-DcrJtu9w5pQgG8XJGrgTw-TtDU0YU3YyQRsq4qMEbc5cB7H-0v1KWHW5dFB00GEPI/s1600/bookcover-romancingtheduke.jpg" height="400" width="247" /></a></div>
<h3>
ROMANCING THE DUKE</h3>
(Castles Ever After #1)<br />
by Tessa Dare<br />
Published January 2014 by Avon<br />
Adult Romance - Kindle edition, 384p.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities.<br />
<br />
And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one.
Ugly duckling turned swan?
Abducted by handsome highwayman?
Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?
No, no, and… Heh.<br />
<br />
Now Izzy’s given up yearning for romance. She’ll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who’s never even been kissed?
This one.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span></h4>
ROMANCING THE DUKE is Beauty and the Beast, with a touch of Cinderella, and features two fantastic leads. Izzy grew up on fairytales, and when she unexpectedly inherits a castle, she finds herself in one of her own. After her father's death, she was left without a home or money, so the castle, even if it's not in the best shape, is a welcome bit of luck. Ransom is the duke who has locked himself away in the crumbling estate after an injury, and a lifetime of a lack of love. <br />
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Izzy is determined, caring, and she refuses to take no for an answer. She's smart, funny, and you'll root for her right from the start. Ransom, the Duke of Rothbury, is hiding away in his castle after a duel gone wrong. He's grumpy, scarred, and tries to get rid of Izzy as soon as she shows up. He's also handsome and just the right kind of guy for Izzy.<br />
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I loved reading along as their relationship developed, and as Izzy fixed up the castle along with her new friend, Abigail. The rest of the characters that pop in and out of the story are entertaining, and do a good job at keeping the story from relying only on whatever's happening between Izzy and Ransom.<br />
<br />
ROMANCING THE DUKE is full of sweet moments, features a satisfying twist, and a couple you'll root for throughout the story. I found myself laughing and swooning throughout the book in equal measure. I'm officially in love with this series. (My only regret is that the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20605274-say-yes-to-the-marquess">second book</a> won't be out for months!)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18711342-romancing-the-duke">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DB36D5E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DB36D5E&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=INLAEAFHKNBD6DDD">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062240194">IndieBound</a><br />
<br />
<i>"Then she sighed. Just the faintest, softest release of breath. The sound swept through his chest like a hurricane, with the force to topple trees."</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-77769667668983591702014-06-01T11:15:00.001-05:002014-06-01T11:15:25.203-05:00#bookdealsHello, Sunday! It's time for a recap of recent posts & this week's #bookdeals!<br />
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Did you catch all of these posts?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>YA Review: <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/rebel-reboot-2-by-amy-tintera.html">REBEL</a> (Reboot #2) by Amy Tintera (YA sci-fi <3!)</li>
<li>Romance Review: <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/come-home-to-me-whiskey-creek-6.html">COME HOME TO ME</a> (Whiskey Creek #6) </li>
<li>Romance Review: <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/take-my-breath-away-cabin-fever-1.html">TAKE MY BREATH AWAY</a> (Cabin Fever #1)</li>
<li>Romance Review: <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/a-night-to-surrender-spindle-cove-1.html">A NIGHT TO SURRENDER</a> (Spindle Cove #1)</li>
<li>Romance Review: <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/the-perfect-match-blue-heron-2-by.html">THE PERFECT MATCH</a> (Blue Heron #2)</li>
</ul>
<br />
And here are the #bookdeals!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
April 2014 release! TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE by <a href="https://twitter.com/jennyhan">@jennyhan</a> is $3 for Kindle! <a href="http://t.co/jbMzhB1os4">http://t.co/jbMzhB1os4</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a><br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/473128379114618881">June 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by <a href="https://twitter.com/mindykaling">@mindykaling</a> is $5 for Kindle. (Also highly rec the audiobook!) <a href="http://t.co/gkJIq8YNVp">http://t.co/gkJIq8YNVp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a><br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/473110743647531008">June 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
ROYALLY LOST by <a href="https://twitter.com/angie_stanton">@angie_stanton</a> is $3.79 for Kindle! <a href="http://t.co/fUAliFKGAD">http://t.co/fUAliFKGAD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a><br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/473118026045612033">June 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
ROSEMARY COTTAGE (Hope Beach, book 2) is $2 for Kindle today! <a href="http://t.co/12qOVWUzz1">http://t.co/12qOVWUzz1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a><br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/473135421539758081">June 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Happy reading!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-90652776099759349882014-05-31T14:37:00.000-05:002014-05-31T14:37:49.880-05:00The Perfect Match (Blue Heron #2) by Kristan Higgins<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5CPsP6lzqz8L-SWjzhs62Q_yGVW3g_b1xd0RHtEKA5wy9aIKgvJoDtUCfy4CHuw6ilhIoU1zgxmM9fm-F6OryD7FoUGnI7Tofh0JlHs903rk3QevpplAygvelqlVLnhb4xmE4i-_AVE/s1600/bookcover-theperfectmatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5CPsP6lzqz8L-SWjzhs62Q_yGVW3g_b1xd0RHtEKA5wy9aIKgvJoDtUCfy4CHuw6ilhIoU1zgxmM9fm-F6OryD7FoUGnI7Tofh0JlHs903rk3QevpplAygvelqlVLnhb4xmE4i-_AVE/s1600/bookcover-theperfectmatch.jpg" height="400" width="252" /></a><br />
<h3>
THE PERFECT MATCH </h3>
(Blue Heron #2)<br />
by Kristan Higgins<br />
Published October 2013 by Harlequin<br />
Adult Romance - Paperback, 441p.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
Honor Holland has just been unceremoniously rejected by her lifelong crush. And now—a mere three weeks later—Mr. Perfect is engaged to her best friend. But resilient, reliable Honor is going to pick herself up, dust herself off and get back out there… or she would if dating in Manningsport, New York, population 715, wasn't easier said than done.
<br />
<br />
Charming, handsome British professor Tom Barlow just wants to do right by his unofficial stepson, Charlie, but his visa is about to expire. Now Tom must either get a green card or leave the States—and leave Charlie behind.<br />
<br />
In a moment of impulsiveness, Honor agrees to help Tom with a marriage of convenience—and make her ex jealous in the process. But juggling a fiancé, hiding out from her former best friend and managing her job at the family vineyard isn't easy. And as sparks start to fly between Honor and Tom, they might discover that their pretend relationship is far too perfect to be anything but true love…<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span></h4>
Right from the start, I knew I would enjoy THE PERFECT MATCH. When Honor declares her love to her friend, who she's been sleeping with for years, he rejects her. Then her best friend does something awful and... ugh! I spent many, many pages hating them both. However, Honor is likable and part of a great family, so I enjoyed rooting for her as I kept reading and hoping for something good to happen to her.<br />
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Tom is a charming British professor with an expiring visa and a desire to stay in the States to be around the kid who almost became his stepson years before. Honor and Tom decide to help each other out -- He'll help her make the previous guy jealous and she'll help him with his visa issues. (Note: This is the part where I suspend belief, since, as one half of an international couple, I know way too much about immigration and can pick apart their plan like crazy. Just pretend it works, okay!)<br />
<br />
THE PERFECT MATCH is a great second book in the Blue Heron series, and really allowed me to get to know Honor better and come to like her a lot more. It's full of funny, quirky moments, and requires Honor to reflect and grow to make her life into what it should be, rather than what she was settling for before. I'm looking forward to book three!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17738218-the-perfect-match">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DSX0PX8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DSX0PX8&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20">Amazon</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-55033963887239175032014-05-28T14:33:00.000-05:002014-05-28T20:42:59.290-05:00Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold romance seriesFool's Gold #15 is coming out soon. I love, love, love the chance to keep returning to the same small town and the same interesting characters. You could probably hop into the series anywhere and figure out what's what, but why skip any... start with #1!<br />
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Here's a quick overview of the first six books to convince you to read the series...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxkW4vx2P6jroZqNJ3dAQWFVv2Da0ueELd8PfM847tgB1YXwq-ucz-MHMdlqXYUaN41FPyV-iL8-xc5isw_DNZRTwXJRfgtfwWfLqLLF3tZKXmDwewlqCZdbRUnme56dwHYVerlvdjZ4/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxkW4vx2P6jroZqNJ3dAQWFVv2Da0ueELd8PfM847tgB1YXwq-ucz-MHMdlqXYUaN41FPyV-iL8-xc5isw_DNZRTwXJRfgtfwWfLqLLF3tZKXmDwewlqCZdbRUnme56dwHYVerlvdjZ4/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold3.jpg" height="200" width="126" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMZRyST17KXC9J4zwa-0Rke2SYptPADhaND8Hv2NFlNSXnedBn5f8Ffq1a76P1S1BWSvRMmbkNJjdNRq4jeol_O3n8zlrlg4240S5SpwwftACV5LhrhnNI9CsoDacs3SbiMP7NAxLIes/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMZRyST17KXC9J4zwa-0Rke2SYptPADhaND8Hv2NFlNSXnedBn5f8Ffq1a76P1S1BWSvRMmbkNJjdNRq4jeol_O3n8zlrlg4240S5SpwwftACV5LhrhnNI9CsoDacs3SbiMP7NAxLIes/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold1.jpg" height="200" width="126" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP7T-Za3ex4HwqjMFLjRIIMlrO__84axy-deXivFYpNLiITQQTWCHm9MRmMWKuKzX714W6Pmr5S8teSblbJyZ5VhfteVmDd3xBQaZFs89sJ2VV2ZL_UenX6KwCd5hPuVDJm56iFelRbU/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP7T-Za3ex4HwqjMFLjRIIMlrO__84axy-deXivFYpNLiITQQTWCHm9MRmMWKuKzX714W6Pmr5S8teSblbJyZ5VhfteVmDd3xBQaZFs89sJ2VV2ZL_UenX6KwCd5hPuVDJm56iFelRbU/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold2.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></a></div>
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<b>CHASING PERFECT (Fool's Gold #1)</b> -- Charity moves to Fool's Gold for a new job and gets to know the town and Josh Golden, local celebrity. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8207310-chasing-perfect">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084ZZ6AM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0084ZZ6AM&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=Q46GSXXVPJV7VX2A">Amazon</a></div>
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<b>ALMOST PERFECT (Fool's Gold #2) </b>-- Liz and Ethan had a bad breakup years ago. When she returns to town with a son (who's just the right age to make people wonder), they discover their chemistry is still there. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8540653-almost-perfect">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084ZZAMG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0084ZZAMG&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=PWQCBPBWNYOURVXB">Amazon</a></div>
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<b>FINDING PERFECT (Fool's Gold #3)</b> -- When Pia's best friend died she left her the frozen embryos she'd hoped to carry someday. Pia decides to have a baby in her friend's memory and Rauol doesn't run away. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8886818-finding-perfect">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZK5MAA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003ZK5MAA&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=DZCK725AJEXNRISA">Amazon</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECqpDyuiB5DkEjbE13JhKCXS76G50vSpBt9nqGCTuC6u6op8sBrnwU3-pBEkzjLCX0LrdELNtDgr45ireFef-Hz7DlFzMkb-gaZiiw-F7WwVBDSYJie-FoiAbhCLs5xuQZUYEy__gLLc/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECqpDyuiB5DkEjbE13JhKCXS76G50vSpBt9nqGCTuC6u6op8sBrnwU3-pBEkzjLCX0LrdELNtDgr45ireFef-Hz7DlFzMkb-gaZiiw-F7WwVBDSYJie-FoiAbhCLs5xuQZUYEy__gLLc/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold6.jpg" height="200" width="122" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9cRdZNtIpkvvwufBVuPeYt4IYialXCcJG4RI6nJHAsYft3bE8V_wZTd24Yr5fIJw3zXz5y3xKvBBL0UDJWwdQ8LI-LaUdJrkcZmS3yIo-KKUTioN9aDgkz3BMcVg5i3ZgV4WiyQTsCQ/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9cRdZNtIpkvvwufBVuPeYt4IYialXCcJG4RI6nJHAsYft3bE8V_wZTd24Yr5fIJw3zXz5y3xKvBBL0UDJWwdQ8LI-LaUdJrkcZmS3yIo-KKUTioN9aDgkz3BMcVg5i3ZgV4WiyQTsCQ/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold4.jpg" height="200" width="125" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSvWmo-H9WUIt6RSqA57Hrqb84_rsIsXXlRc1OwsrGar-mw3hNgQdHRQafKQuhnA5DS-gA0t2cfLx7ZWuEyjot0lq_6U-w8jeoYXo3h3ifmxUP1ednkxYvbbPWOAkU3nq1l1-iErn6Z4/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSvWmo-H9WUIt6RSqA57Hrqb84_rsIsXXlRc1OwsrGar-mw3hNgQdHRQafKQuhnA5DS-gA0t2cfLx7ZWuEyjot0lq_6U-w8jeoYXo3h3ifmxUP1ednkxYvbbPWOAkU3nq1l1-iErn6Z4/s1600/bookcover-foolsgold5.jpg" height="200" width="126" /></a></div>
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<b>ONLY MINE (Fool's Gold #4)</b> -- Dakota Hendrix gets stuck overseeing a romance-themed reality show filming in Fool's Gold. When Finn shows up to stop his brothers from participating, he's suprised to find a reason to stay in the strange little town. </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11789602-only-mine">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055PRQ4S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0055PRQ4S&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=BQXMTFEYJO4SAXSP">Amazon</a></div>
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<b>ONLY YOURS (Fool's Gold #5)</b> -- Montana Hendrix finds her calling in caring for and training therapy dogs. Simon is scarred (inside and out) and resists connection... until he can't resist Montana, of course. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12238279-only-yours">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EHFLGM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005EHFLGM&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=3RWHKUJFBLHD6APE">Amazon</a></div>
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<b>ONLY HIS (Fool's Gold #6) </b>-- Nevada Hendrix lands her dream job only to discover that her new boss is her first love. Tucker has a personal policy not to mix business and pleasure... of course, it doesn't last long once Nevada shows up. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12397855-only-his">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HRPWYA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005HRPWYA&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=JOQM5AUOB4E57IWK">Amazon</a></div>
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There are 15 books in the series so far (plus some novellas in between), so once you start, be prepared to keep reading & reading & reading. I'm especially fond of Pia, and Simon, and ooooh, just the whole town and all of the quirky inhabitants and constant festivals.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-62345419288732152152014-05-24T19:06:00.000-05:002014-05-24T19:06:00.024-05:00Book Releases: May 22-31<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSEueRuWlXRJ0MoxRpBRJXogQen-62i5obsX-qfCirHwa_cTxg1vzCdApGjq9Glni7M6X4-wJJagDiK_rCKRbfD5hePGRAhwqGQT02pNAFtCUFMhuFr3ZNwbepdDg5aRMFSaSO7uF2Ak/s1600/bookcover-theswiftboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSEueRuWlXRJ0MoxRpBRJXogQen-62i5obsX-qfCirHwa_cTxg1vzCdApGjq9Glni7M6X4-wJJagDiK_rCKRbfD5hePGRAhwqGQT02pNAFtCUFMhuFr3ZNwbepdDg5aRMFSaSO7uF2Ak/s1600/bookcover-theswiftboys.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<h3>
THE SWIFT BOYS & ME</h3>
by Kody Keplinger<br />
Published May 27, 2014 by Scholastic<br />
YA - Hardcover, 272p.<br />
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ABOUT THE BOOK:<br />
Nola Sutton has been best friends and neighbors with the Swift boys for practically her whole life. There’s the youngest, Kevin, who never stops talking; the oldest, Brian, who’s always kind and calm; and then there’s Canaan, the ringleader and Nola’s best-best friend. Nola can’t imagine her life without the Swift boys — they’ll always be like this, always be friends.<br />
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But then everything changes overnight.<br />
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When the Swifts’ daddy leaves without even saying good-bye, it completely destroys the boys, and all Nola can do is watch. Kevin stops talking and Brian is never around. Even Canaan is drifting away from Nola — hanging out with the neighborhood bullies instead of her.<br />
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Nola just wants things to go back to the way they were — the way they’ve always been. She tries to pull the boys back to her, only the harder she pulls, the further away they seem. But it’s not just the Swifts whose family is changing, so is Nola’s, and she needs her best friends now more than ever. Can Nola and the Swift boys survive this summer with their friendships intact, or has everything fallen apart for good?<br />
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Nola’s struggle to save her friends, her unwavering hope, and her belief in the power of friendship make Kody Keplinger’s middle-grade debut a poignant story of loss and redemption.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcn4_-k69Hk97a4fj46m7vIRDs5Gh-JiIllgQ77TFqFUGdVJu3oEUHwNmnvPloCA6KspFvW4YZzyMoxE9uFZU-3S0mgM4pqYtVOUxoKrULYGky3Dl9Yaxd5EzUcXUnZjyn7SyuDntN7I/s1600/bookcover-played.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcn4_-k69Hk97a4fj46m7vIRDs5Gh-JiIllgQ77TFqFUGdVJu3oEUHwNmnvPloCA6KspFvW4YZzyMoxE9uFZU-3S0mgM4pqYtVOUxoKrULYGky3Dl9Yaxd5EzUcXUnZjyn7SyuDntN7I/s1600/bookcover-played.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<h3>
PLAYED</h3>
by Liz Fichera<br />
Published May 27, 2014 by Harlequin Teen<br />
YA - Paperback, 352p.<br />
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ABOUT THE BOOK:<br />
He said: I like to keep under the radar and mostly hang out with my friends from the rez. But when I saved Riley Berenger from falling off a mountain, that rich suburban princess decided to try to save me.<br />
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She said: If I can help Sam Tracy win the heart of the girl he can't get over, I'll pay him back for helping me. I promised him I would, no matter what it takes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC51_ym3Xasf51Tws_mEIBawVucnqtk3e4JxJzAV3VQLKHNlYUdPmUFIN1zy8ILfbhQXNe5QMf5YqqvcAx_D438LAn7Ezz0coIwUenK9Mo7hrEh-YbLqwj0v2JGPXgeAA5WqiWf2lfjYw/s1600/bookcover-beforewekiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC51_ym3Xasf51Tws_mEIBawVucnqtk3e4JxJzAV3VQLKHNlYUdPmUFIN1zy8ILfbhQXNe5QMf5YqqvcAx_D438LAn7Ezz0coIwUenK9Mo7hrEh-YbLqwj0v2JGPXgeAA5WqiWf2lfjYw/s1600/bookcover-beforewekiss.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
<h3>
BEFORE WE KISS</h3>
(Fool's Gold #14)<br />
by Susan Mallery<br />
Published May 27, 2014 by Harlequin<br />
YA - Paperback, 368p.<br />
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ABOUT THE BOOK:<br />
Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool's Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.<br />
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Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend's bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her "wild youth" to raise her sisters. She doesn't want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would've been nice.<br />
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His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam's luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-13916299888894922014-05-23T12:30:00.000-05:002014-05-23T12:50:38.539-05:00Rebel (Reboot #2) by Amy Tintera<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I sort of liked the sound of bones breaking. It was like home."</i><br />
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If you haven't read Reboot, the book that comes before this one, here's <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2013/05/reboot-by-amy-tintera.html">my review</a> of it from last year. (Highly recommend!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx86GiTkM-hAnwwH3tyL0CtSOG-HiX7WXSr-_STdUg4rqoSj7ONTis28lD_ddEQfbKv-fFEZb7QAzE-htxuicLx12iC_0Jh-HSszaW8Cj5fOTaMQ_1zG9ErXf5TGSPAcCikwttTPLDCc/s1600/bookcover-rebel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx86GiTkM-hAnwwH3tyL0CtSOG-HiX7WXSr-_STdUg4rqoSj7ONTis28lD_ddEQfbKv-fFEZb7QAzE-htxuicLx12iC_0Jh-HSszaW8Cj5fOTaMQ_1zG9ErXf5TGSPAcCikwttTPLDCc/s1600/bookcover-rebel.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<h3>
REBEL (REBOOT #2)</h3>
by Amy Tintera<br />
Published May 13, 2014 by HarperTeen<br />
Paperback, 352p.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn't what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren's instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he's underestimated Wren and Callum.<br />
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The explosive finale to the Reboot duology is full of riveting action and steamy love scenes as Wren and Callum become rebels against their own kind.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span></h4>
REBEL picks up right where Reboot left off, and since the Reboot series is a duology the book races toward a final conclusion. Because the scene was set in Reboot, this book is able to jump right into the world and keep things moving along. It also gives time to explore certain spaces more thoroughly, such as the cities around Texas (both original and new), the reboot camp, and Wren's life before rebooting (and how it may have contributed to her reboot style).<br />
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The book rotates between two points of view this time: Wren (again), and Caleb. Wren continues to be a fun and interesting character to follow, and Caleb's portion is a nice addition, since his perspective can be so different from hers. They care for each other, though, so they're not actually on opposite sides of the issues, only approaching them from different viewpoints. He's sure of his remaining humanity and forced to question his refusal to accept violence as necessary (because maybe sometimes it is), while Wren has spent years believing she's an emotionless reboot, but learns that may not be exactly true.<br />
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While Reboot focused on the individuals rebooting and the world in which that occurs, Rebel takes a look at what happens with those reboots, whether under the control of the government that created them or off on their own. The book considers what it means to be a leader, how power can corrupt, and unexpected alliances.<br />
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<a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2013/05/reboot-by-amy-tintera.html">I loved Reboot</a> and I might just like Rebel even more. It's full of interesting politics between reboots and humans, features a relationship between Wren and Caleb you can truly root for, and plenty of funny moments to keep the serious issues and deadly threats from being overwhelming. Rebel is well-written and will keep you hooked throughout. I can't wait to see what Amy Tintera publishes next!<br />
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<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18847703-rebel">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJ330VO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FJ330VO&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=I4OKPYCA4UWDJF4Y">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062217103?aff=SarahB">IndieBound</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Rebel-Amy-Tintera/9780062217103?a_aid=Storyboundgirl">Book Depository</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"You could've at least let me know you weren't dead</i></div>
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<i>by the way. I was actually kind of sad about that." </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> "That's a pretty incredible sentiment, coming from you."</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-53905835754801367082014-05-21T10:30:00.000-05:002014-05-21T10:41:17.603-05:00Come Home to Me (Whiskey Creek #6)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRih89UYXjtTw1TDuWBMGNxl4BEPOF04PgTI0PB0WBs7c815sAOSWqbU990eCT87zQbwRb7jZnEgfM0aKNV-vDfMu2rYLxxrt9aCJSbzi34QexxPsILhlPc5yhHxqkBIisF6yMGHokm_U/s1600/bookcover-comehometome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRih89UYXjtTw1TDuWBMGNxl4BEPOF04PgTI0PB0WBs7c815sAOSWqbU990eCT87zQbwRb7jZnEgfM0aKNV-vDfMu2rYLxxrt9aCJSbzi34QexxPsILhlPc5yhHxqkBIisF6yMGHokm_U/s1600/bookcover-comehometome.jpg" height="400" width="252" /></a></div>
COME HOME TO ME</h3>
(Whiskey Creek #6)<br />
by Brenda Novak<br />
Published March 2014 by Harlequin MIRA<br />
Adult Romance - Kindle, 416p.<br />
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<i>Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing me with a digital copy for review.
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<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
When Presley Christensen returns to Whiskey Creek with her little boy after two years away, she has completely changed her life. She's made peace with her past and overcome the negative behavior that resulted from her difficult childhood. Now she's back in the small town that was the closest thing to "home" she ever knew—the town where she can be with the sister who's her only family.
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There's just one catch. Aaron Amos still lives in Whiskey Creek, at least until he moves to Reno to open a branch of the Amos brothers' auto body shop. And no matter how hard she's tried, Presley hasn't been able to get over him. Seeing him again makes the longing so much worse. But she hopes she can get through the next few months, because she can't fall back into his arms…or his bed. She's come too far to backslide now. And there's a secret she's been guarding—a secret she'll do anything to protect.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span></h4>
COME HOME TO ME focuses on Presley and Aaron, the siblings of the couple from book two, Cheyenne and Dylan (<a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/brenda-novaks-whiskey-creek-series.html">When Snow Falls</a>). Her sister, Presley, and his brother, Aaron, are old friends (with benefits) who have seen their fair share of trouble together. Two years after Presley left town, she returns to Whiskey Creek to be closer to her sister again, in hopes of having a permanent home. She and Aaron are both cleaned up and more stable now, and their attraction remains, so sparks fly.<br />
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However, Presley has a secret she's not ready to share that will certainly change things with Aaron. As the story progresses, along with their relationship, the reader will likely wish she would just TELL HIM ALREADY! (I know I did.) I'm generally not a huge fan of books with problems that could basically be solved if people just had a conversation, but this one had a bit more to it, so it kept me interested and didn't let my frustration boil over. (Plus, I like when couples and friends from the previous books in the series pop in, so I'm always watching out for them.) Presley's dilemma is a legitimate one and Aaron's reaction is hard to predict. Plus, she has to consider that they're family now, since their siblings are married, and doesn't want to blow up the harmony they've all found with each other. (Her sister knows the secret and hasn't shared it with her husband, so that presents a serious problem, as well.)<br />
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I'm a huge sucker for a series set in a small town with recurring characters and places, so even with the issues I had with both Presley and Aaron, I didn't mind reading along for the moments with other characters in the town I've come to know (and in hopes that they'd finally both get their acts together at the same time). COME HOME TO ME is a solid addition to the Whiskey Creek series and I'll certainly keep reading.<br />
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<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19246093-come-home-to-me">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FTQ2L70/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FTQ2L70&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20">Amazon</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-52500550320725069492014-05-20T08:30:00.000-05:002014-05-20T09:41:04.315-05:00Take My Breath Away (Cabin Fever #1)<br />
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<h3>
TAKE MY BREATH AWAY</h3>
(Cabin Fever #1)<br />
by Christie Ridgway<br />
Publishing May 27, 2014 by Harlequin<br />
Adult Romance - Paperback, 384p.<br />
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<i>Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing me with a digital copy for review.</i><br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
Poppy Walker has a plan to restore the family resort, and she's sticking to it. So when a good-looking guy with plenty of cash rents one of her half-repaired vacation cabins, she figures he's just what the handyman ordered. But when a late-winter storm blows through, it takes down some trees, her roof and then…her self-control. Even though she's been burned before by a wealthy passer-through, she can't stay away from the brooding but gorgeous stranger in the bungalow next door.<br />
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Former teen idol turned Hollywood exec Ryan Hamilton wants a private place in which to endure his very personal heartbreak. Finally, at this rustic mountain cabin, he has all the seclusion one man could want—until sparks begin to fly with his sexy, formerly chilly landlady. By the time the weather dies down, they're both hot, bothered and certain they're still wrong for each other. But there's no telling how they'll face the new storm brewing on the horizon…<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK: </span></h4>
TAKE MY BREATH AWAY, the first book in Christie Ridgway’s Cabin Fever series, is just the book for fans of contemporary romance. Poppy is a single mom who goes to her family’s dilapidated, secluded resort with plans to restore it and turn it into a thriving business. Her problems go beyond the general state of disrepair: Money’s tight and her co-owners/siblings don't share her vision.<br />
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Ryan hates the month of March and decides to go off the grid until it’s over. He happens upon Poppy's unopened resort and convinces her to let him stay in one of the cabins that hasn't totally fallen apart. He's famous and frequently targeted by paparazzi, but she has no idea who he is.<br />
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Poppy and Ryan have an instant interest in each other, but both avoid it for their own reasons, until it bubbles over and they take a chance. He's standoffish, but that doesn't mean he's a jerk. She's a dreamer, but not clueless. Through a series of mishaps and setbacks, they end up spending much more time together than they meant and, well, you know what happens.<br />
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TAKE MY BREATH AWAY is cute, and full of tender and passionate moments. Poppy's sweet optimism is a great balance to Ryan's hard-earned weariness. He's a solid guy and she recognizes that, even when he's at his worst for the month of March. The story is interesting and well-paced, and the secondary characters are a welcome addition to their blooming romance. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, especially so I can follow along with how Poppy's plans for the cabins fare.<br />
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<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18168516-take-my-breath-away?from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F12GZAG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00F12GZAG&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20">Amazon</a></div>
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<i>This one's out on May 27th!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-31995110688468264332014-05-19T15:22:00.001-05:002014-05-19T15:22:55.752-05:00Book Releases: May 15-21<br />
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<b>EVERYTHING LEADS TO YOU</b><br />
by Nina LaCour<br />
Published May 14, 2014 by Dutton Juvenile<br />
YA Contemporary - Hardcover, 320p.<br />
<br />
ABOUT THE BOOK:<br />
A wunderkind young set designer, Emi has already started to find her way in the competitive Hollywood film world.
Emi is a film buff and a true romantic, but her real-life relationships are a mess. She has desperately gone back to the same girl too many times to mention. But then a mysterious letter from a silver screen legend leads Emi to Ava. Ava is unlike anyone Emi has ever met. She has a tumultuous, not-so-glamorous past, and lives an unconventional life. She’s enigmatic…. She’s beautiful. And she is about to expand Emi’s understanding of family, acceptance, and true romance. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18667779-everything-leads-to-you">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525425888/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0525425888&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=BJGT7ASMCUS3FVZX">Amazon</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm89mmCCr3278_CARuxj4i-zGQeexijhChr2Rf9pCPPqfTlbseebDnFfk0kumpeWHtds-I_hFrzHnNHlGj8ujokWmSXpEjYiAwmUTODSWAJgwlaMNv3RZ9OFXWAxa6KHvGe3_mleY2NYc/s1600/bookcover-nowandforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm89mmCCr3278_CARuxj4i-zGQeexijhChr2Rf9pCPPqfTlbseebDnFfk0kumpeWHtds-I_hFrzHnNHlGj8ujokWmSXpEjYiAwmUTODSWAJgwlaMNv3RZ9OFXWAxa6KHvGe3_mleY2NYc/s1600/bookcover-nowandforever.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImbSTBh5XKuiEMibShyphenhyphenfF5LOU7DlfmeZDYRiEgBT1EkdB8cdOIxeWOURJnVOsZ_wW7Nj0bdhdJJvlAO5mWJdtiBW1F6RiAq6lpQ3I4UQmz1IcwGRnV_dUKxjcqeKo8My6RVElbjfo00c/s1600/bookcover-theartoflainey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfdQlJzGXi9s-ahujCl4E6IlAOSsahKFcDDZxrI-dXOE7cKuVI0iQB7-xkY52CHj6eN4dXWg-K1Fk9E2Yv-ZWw1UzU5x6-3B7oIMj6ZKZDtWeltPzXVmHW2oDoy2iqiYzC_Y-s1d9lf4/s1600/bookcover-biggestflirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfdQlJzGXi9s-ahujCl4E6IlAOSsahKFcDDZxrI-dXOE7cKuVI0iQB7-xkY52CHj6eN4dXWg-K1Fk9E2Yv-ZWw1UzU5x6-3B7oIMj6ZKZDtWeltPzXVmHW2oDoy2iqiYzC_Y-s1d9lf4/s1600/bookcover-biggestflirts.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImbSTBh5XKuiEMibShyphenhyphenfF5LOU7DlfmeZDYRiEgBT1EkdB8cdOIxeWOURJnVOsZ_wW7Nj0bdhdJJvlAO5mWJdtiBW1F6RiAq6lpQ3I4UQmz1IcwGRnV_dUKxjcqeKo8My6RVElbjfo00c/s1600/bookcover-theartoflainey.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></div>
<br />
<b>BIGGEST FLIRTS</b> by Jennifer Echols -- Tia avoids a relationship with Will, so he starts dating someone else. When they're voted Biggest Flirts for yearbook, their chemistry is obvious... so should Tia change her mind? <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16140838-biggest-flirts">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FNVSUF8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FNVSUF8&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=2AS26XQD2Y3QBQDE">Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ART OF LAINEY</b> by Paula Stokes -- Lainey gets dumped & uses methods from The Art of War to try to get her boyfriend back. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068910-the-art-of-lainey">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062238426/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062238426&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=Y2CEIUNL3KAQQY3U">Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<b>NOW & FOREVER</b> by Susane Colasanti -- What happens when your boyfriend becomes a huge rockstar and you find yourself swept up chasing his dreams? <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18350328-now-and-forever">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670014249/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0670014249&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=WVNXU7D2KCB5HL33">Amazon</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-47685729216983822322014-05-19T08:30:00.000-05:002014-05-19T08:30:00.250-05:00A Night to Surrender (Spindle Cove #1)<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
"This journeyed far beyond “like,” rocketed straight past “fondness,”</div>
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and pushed all the way to the brink of absurdity."</div>
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<h3>
A NIGHT TO SURRENDER</h3>
(Spindle Cove #1)<br />
by Tessa Dare<br />
Published August 2011 by Avon<br />
Historical Romance - Kindle edition, 405p.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
A peaceful resort by the sea, Spindle Cove is a retreat for Regency ladies—offering intelligent, often unconventional women a temporary escape from men and their madness. Unfortunately for Miss Susanna Finch, the seaside safe haven she has so painstakingly nurtured is no longer quite so safe. The Cove’s been invaded—not by Napoleon’s forces, but by battle-weary, barely civilized, dangerously handsome men.<br />
<br />
Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn’t belong in Spindle Cove. So far as he can tell, there’s nothing in this godforsaken place but spinsters… and sheep. But he’s stuck here—with orders to gather a local militia. It’s a simple mission, made complicated by the spirited, exquisite Susanna. Not only has she driven all red-blooded men from the place with her "modern" notions, but her lively wit and tempting beauty are distractions Bram doesn’t need.<br />
<br />
Bram fears he may have met his match, for Susanna won’t easily surrender.
The scene is set for an epic battle ... but who can be named the winner, when both have so much to lose?<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span></h4>
A NIGHT TO SURRENDER kicks off Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove series. Susanna, the unmarried, independent, and unofficial town leader, lives in a town nicknamed "Spinster Cove," because of the ladies it attracts. The town is a place "where women were safe to be their best and truest selves" and being a spinster or having an ailment aren't exilable offenses.<br />
<br />
When Bramwell, a soldier with a knee injury, ends up in Spindle Cove, he's ready to leave as soon as he can. He finds the low number of male inhabitants odd and the tavern-turned-tea-room to be unacceptable. However, his goal to be fully healed and return to battle requires him to stay in town for a while, and the surroundings become more agreeable the longer he spends there. It doesn't hurt that Susanna is smart, tall, and commanding... just the right kind of challenge for a guy used to issuing the orders.<br />
<br />
This book started slow and took me a while to get into, but once the story started moving along, I found myself invested in Susanna finding her happy ending with Bram. Their romance blossoms beautifully and includes many great moments between them, both public and private. Plus, as usual, Tessa Dare injected a good amount of humor into the pages, and the town features a quirky cast of characters.<br />
<br />
How quirky? Here's an excerpt from when a resident recited a poem in front of a crowd at the local tea room:<br />
<br />
<i>"Mrs. Lange, won’t you favor us with a poem?” </i><br />
<i>Bram sat back in his chair. A slender, dark-haired young woman ascended to the dais, clutching a paper. She appeared meek and shrinking. </i><br />
<i>Until she opened her mouth, that was. </i><br />
<i>“O, vile betrayer! O, defiler of vows!” </i><br />
<i>Well. Now she had the room’s attention. </i><br />
<i>“Hear my rage, like distant thunder. My heart, the beast doth ripped asunder. My cove, the wretched brute did plunder—though not thoroughly.” She glanced up from her paper. “Small wonder.” </i><br />
<i>Miss Finch leaned toward him and whispered, “Mrs. Lange is estranged from her husband.” </i><br />
<i>"You don't say."</i><br />
<br />
Hilarious!<br />
<br />
A NIGHT TO SURRENDER is a great introduction into the town of Spindle Cove. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10870288-a-night-to-surrender">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QWZJY0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QWZJY0&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=VYGHBI2YMYC7DBEE">Amazon</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-13157477825918669692014-05-18T15:25:00.000-05:002014-05-18T15:25:32.125-05:00#bookdealsIt's Sunday, so it's time for compilation post of tweeted #bookdeals & a recap of the week.<br />
<br />
This week's posts:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Review: <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/ask-passengers-by-as-king.html">ASK THE PASSENGERS</a> by A.S. King</li>
<li>Review: <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/when-we-touch-whiskey-creek.html">WHEN WE TOUCH</a> (Whiskey Creek #0.5) by Brenda Novak</li>
<li>Review: Brenda Novak's <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/brenda-novaks-whiskey-creek-series.html">WHISKEY CREEK series, books 1-5</a></li>
<li>Review: <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/the-best-man-blue-heron-1-by-kristan.html">THE BEST MAN</a> (Blue Heron #1) by Kristan Higgins</li>
<li>Book Releases: <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/book-releases-may-1-7.html">May 1-7</a> & <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/book-releases-may-8-14.html">May 8-14</a> & <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/rebel-release-day.html">REBEL</a> (Reboot #2) by Amy Tintera</li>
</ul>
<br />
Now onto are the #bookdeals!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
THE BOYFRIEND LIST (RUBY OLIVER, book 1) by <a href="https://twitter.com/elockhart">@elockhart</a> is $2 for Kindle! <a href="http://t.co/6EjioexnPR">http://t.co/6EjioexnPR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a> (LOVE RUBY!)<br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/468110706584616960">May 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
WHERE THINGS COME BACK by <a href="https://twitter.com/corey_whaley">@corey_whaley</a> is < $6 for Kindle & in paperback! <a href="http://t.co/5dppkAVNz4">http://t.co/5dppkAVNz4</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a><br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/468109489150115840">May 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
JUST ONE KISS (Fool's Gold 10) by Susan Mallery is $2 today! <a href="http://t.co/4nIobMrPc0">http://t.co/4nIobMrPc0</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a><br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/468107494251069440">May 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL by <a href="https://twitter.com/_jesse_andrews_">@_jesse_andrews_</a> is < $5 for Kindle and in paperback! <a href="http://t.co/InZQMdbeEu">http://t.co/InZQMdbeEu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a><br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/468111307242491905">May 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
THE AVERY SHAW EXPERIMENT by <a href="https://twitter.com/kellyoram">@kellyoram</a> is $3 for Kindle. <a href="http://t.co/EQG3GJ42kW">http://t.co/EQG3GJ42kW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a><br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/468114297722515456">May 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
THE SOUND OF US by <a href="https://twitter.com/ashposton">@ashposton</a> is $2 for Kindle. <a href="http://t.co/sWJZ5A6Hm4">http://t.co/sWJZ5A6Hm4</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a><br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/468117590859333633">May 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE OF MY HEART by <a href="https://twitter.com/TA_Martin">@TA_Martin</a> is $2.51 for Kindle. <a href="http://t.co/mpLR5jgpoz">http://t.co/mpLR5jgpoz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a> (Retelling of Austen's Persuasion!)<br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/468119476630986752">May 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
SHIVER by <a href="https://twitter.com/mstiefvater">@mstiefvater</a> is $2.24 for Kindle. <a href="http://t.co/NBLytnI4AA">http://t.co/NBLytnI4AA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a><br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/468119970275414016">May 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
LET ME BE THE ONE (The Sullivans, book 6) by <a href="https://twitter.com/bellaandre">@bellaandre</a> is $1 for Kindle. <a href="http://t.co/zbiR5FavtD">http://t.co/zbiR5FavtD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bookdeals&src=hash">#bookdeals</a> (steamy romance!)<br />
— Sarah B. (@StoryboundGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoryboundGirl/statuses/468124345077096448">May 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
Happy reading!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-74328405143768440752014-05-16T08:30:00.000-05:002014-05-21T17:01:23.339-05:00Brenda Novak's Whiskey Creek Series, Books 1-5I introduced the adult romance series, Whiskey Creek, recently with <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/when-we-touch-whiskey-creek.html">When We Touch</a> (#0.5). Here I've listed each of the next five books below, along with a quick summary and my thoughts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcUlEwmG1u_kUPXKLdBNyxROtbu6j0FJkP1h_GvxKgTGGrssnSroNfwCJ-H_xk8KTFJIGQ9Y0I7TSEHw4_spuXY2_uh3WVk1hpDm_o_PDAD5T7wu-EFze-0hZT_6TEf9nNsw_D08MK8Q/s1600/bookcover-whenlightningstrikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcUlEwmG1u_kUPXKLdBNyxROtbu6j0FJkP1h_GvxKgTGGrssnSroNfwCJ-H_xk8KTFJIGQ9Y0I7TSEHw4_spuXY2_uh3WVk1hpDm_o_PDAD5T7wu-EFze-0hZT_6TEf9nNsw_D08MK8Q/s1600/bookcover-whenlightningstrikes.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></div>
<h3>
WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES</h3>
(Whiskey Creek #1)<br />
by Brenda Novak<br />
Published August 2012 by Harlequin MIRA<br />
Adult Romance - Kindle edition, 445p.<br />
<br />
Gail's a PR expert with a-list clients, and Simon's a movie star with a bad reputation who needs to clean up his act to get custody of his son. When Gail returns to her hometown, Whiskey Creek, claiming Simon has her husband it's for a business deal, but then their feelings start to evolve beyond business.<br />
<br />
MY THOUGHTS: <i>With the fame aspect, this one's fun and different than your average small town romance, and it's nice to watch Gail return home.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15985207-when-lightning-strikes">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088NH068/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0088NH068&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=7B4KRUEO4MBNYFJJ">Amazon</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXw8p6iyZwA17_cOZBCn4T4uyHdMP3K2FEACHCZWvDNqDDLmZFe3Vatk1oFAeROidXukXgpH1k8J1iWl7z2KPmTorVuNq1J6kTM0vuIGeuQW2R99FIetIrotKPgBmjsAAZw2Vq0c7fMs/s1600/bookcover-whensnowfalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXw8p6iyZwA17_cOZBCn4T4uyHdMP3K2FEACHCZWvDNqDDLmZFe3Vatk1oFAeROidXukXgpH1k8J1iWl7z2KPmTorVuNq1J6kTM0vuIGeuQW2R99FIetIrotKPgBmjsAAZw2Vq0c7fMs/s1600/bookcover-whensnowfalls.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></div>
<h3>
WHEN SNOW FALLS</h3>
(Whiskey Creek #2)<br />
by Brenda Novak<br />
Published October 2012 by Harlequin MIRA<br />
Adult Romance - Kindle edition, 446p.<br />
<br />
Cheyenne grew up all over the place, staying in cheap motels with her mom and sister, until they settled in Whiskey Creek and she found a great group of friends. When her best friend, Eve, admits she has feelings for the mutual friend Cheyenne has been crushing on for years, Cheyenne finds herself making a new connection with Dylan. He's the eldest brother in a house full of town bad boys, and exactly the kind of guy she's sworn to avoid in pursuit of a stable life, or so she thinks. Dylan isn't nearly as unreliable or risky as she imagines and he's prepared to convince her.<br />
<br />
MY THOUGHTS: <i>Cheyenne & Dylan are one of my favorite Whiskey Creek couples & two of my favorite characters overall. She's triumphed over a hard childhood and a big shock, and he's a good guy inside what everyone assumes is a bad guy shell.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17305311-when-snow-falls">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008X47FJY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008X47FJY&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=7ZNXGFPJESVKQXVH">Amazon</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QfqaOp6f-qCUbf7wqT9Gd58TjZ0fyFB7UncxnbfkcRg2HQ-WVUeUZQ3rYyCoqLEakBphjRHBiUY89JxfBlOFWfyQ03QRika9Ezzg8FLmS8wdnajdL9enGKSLkHC_W7ZJwQSI_T5xCJc/s1600/bookcover-whensummercomes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QfqaOp6f-qCUbf7wqT9Gd58TjZ0fyFB7UncxnbfkcRg2HQ-WVUeUZQ3rYyCoqLEakBphjRHBiUY89JxfBlOFWfyQ03QRika9Ezzg8FLmS8wdnajdL9enGKSLkHC_W7ZJwQSI_T5xCJc/s1600/bookcover-whensummercomes.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
<h3>
WHEN SUMMER COMES</h3>
(Whiskey Creek #3)<br />
by Brenda Novak<br />
Published January 2013 by Harlequin MIRA<br />
Adult Romance - Kindle edition, 400p.<br />
<br />
When Callie finds out she needs a liver transplant and isn't likely to get one before dying, she moves out to her late grandparents' farm to live in a place she's loved all her life. The farm hasn't been worked in years, though, so when it starts to look like it'll be too much labor for a woman with a serious illness, she considers moving back to town. Then one day when Levi, a drifter, shows up offering to work in exchange for a place to stay temporarily while he repairs his broken down motorcycle. He's got a mysterious past that he's not willing to share, and she finds herself enjoying his company more than she would've guessed. As the time for him to leave approaches, they find themselves wishing he could stay and she could have more time, and realize their wishes might be granted.<br />
<br />
MY THOUGHTS: <i>I hated that Callie wouldn't tell her friends and family about her illness, but loved her otherwise. I was rooting for Levi early on, even before the mysteries in his past were revealed, and loved them together.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16283399-when-summer-comes">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009YEVFQQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009YEVFQQ&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=UIAFOQS3GD2PHJG2">Amazon</a><br />
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<h3>
HOME TO WHISKEY CREEK</h3>
(Whiskey Creek #4)<br />
by Brenda Novak<br />
Published July 2013 by Harlequin MIRA<br />
Adult Romance - Kindle edition, 400p.<br />
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Adelaide returns to Whiskey Creek to help her grandma run the family restaurant. She left town years before after a horrific event at a party right after graduation and never wanted to come back and face those who hurt her. Noah's a good guy, but has a familiar face. His twin died the same night Adelaide wishes she could erase and seeing his matching face isn't easy at first. However, he's a kind and well-respected guy, and he's determined to find out what happened to Adelaide and see her through her troubles.<br />
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MY THOUGHTS: <i>This one was a tough read because of the trauma Adelaide experienced and her treatment by some of the townspeople after her return. The whole story read much more seriously than any others in the series. I don't recommend automatically skipping it, but I do advise anyone wary of violent acts be mindful when deciding to read it or not.</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17251443-home-to-whiskey-creek">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C3U9U2E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00C3U9U2E&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=ZXXS7UKQCHKXKUL4">Amazon</a><br />
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<h3>
TAKE ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS</h3>
(Whiskey Creek #5)<br />
by Brenda Novak<br />
Published October 2013 by Harlequin MIRA<br />
Adult Romance - Kindle edition, 400p.<br />
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Sophia has lived in Whiskey Creek for years, but has found herself on the outside of the friends group she's longed to be a part of ever since breaking Ted's heart. He's part of the weekly coffee friends group and still hasn't forgiven her. When her husband, a powerful and abusive man, goes missing along with their money, she's left struggling to make ends meet to support her daughter. When Ted announces his need for an assistant, he's convinced to hire Sophia to help her out. Spending time together reignites old feelings and allows them to get to know each other as adults in a way he's avoided for years.<br />
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MY THOUGHTS: <i>I enjoyed seeing long-suffering Sophia be more accepted by the friends, as I always felt like her exclusion in previous books seemed pretty high school/Mean Girls of them all. Ted has remained mostly a mystery in earlier books, outside of popping up at coffee dates and friend hangouts, so it was nice to get to know him better and understand his issue with Sophia. Plus, I'm always up for seeing a woman get away from an abusive husband, so I'd been waiting for Sophia's escape for a while, and I'm glad it happened.</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18302281-take-me-home-for-christmas">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DSX0KWY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DSX0KWY&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=JTIUYSTM7MWCYZQ4">Amazon</a><br />
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COME HOME TO ME (#6) came out recently... Click <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/come-home-to-me-whiskey-creek-6.html">here</a> for a full review!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-27727688637661850172014-05-15T09:00:00.000-05:002014-05-15T09:00:04.503-05:00The Best Man (Blue Heron #1) by Kristan Higgins<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“Maybe love isn't just a bouquet of roses once in a whole. Maybe it's just</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>sticking </i><i>it out, when it's hard, when you're mad, when you're tired.”</i></div>
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<h3>
THE BEST MAN (Blue Heron #1)</h3>
by Kristan Higgins<br />
Published February 2013 by Harlequin<br />
Adult Romance - Paperback, 426p.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
Faith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she’s ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family’s vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there’s some great scenery there....<br />
<br />
Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief - and best friend of her former fiancé. There’s a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it’s not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she’s having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosé, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk down the aisle.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span></h4>
THE BEST MAN opens with Faith being left at the alter, and then skips forward to when she returns to town years later to finally face it and return to work at her family's vineyard. She's lively and hilarious, and the perfect romance heroine to root for. Levi is the former fiancé's best friend, which makes Faith's feelings toward him less than stellar. He's grumpy and closed off, but a great guy once you crack his stony exterior. They've got a love-hate thing going on, and their chemistry is fantastic. The books tells their story in present time and through flashbacks to allow the reader to truly get to know each of them and find a way to root for the possibility of a romance between them.<br />
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I've read several books by Kristan Higgins now and all of them leave me with a smile on my face. Her characters are interesting, with rich lives outside of the romance, and provide plenty of comic relief. Once I start reading one of her books, I always want to keep reading right through to the end. THE BEST MAN continues that streak.<br />
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<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15803757-the-best-man">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A9V253A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A9V253A&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20">Amazon</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-11777180464573608292014-05-14T12:00:00.000-05:002014-05-14T12:00:03.495-05:00When We Touch (Whiskey Creek #0.5)<br />
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<h3>
WHEN WE TOUCH</h3>
(Whiskey Creek #0.5)<br />
by Brenda Novak<br />
Published August 2012 by Mira<br />
Adult Romance - Kindle edition, 102p.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></h4>
You're invited to a wedding in Whiskey Creek, Heart of the Gold Country.<br />
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Unfortunately, it's the wrong wedding. Olivia Arnold is arranging the festivities—and it's the hardest thing she's ever done. Because she should be marrying Kyle Houseman. They were together for more than a year…. But her jealous sister, Noelle, stole him away—and now she's pregnant.<br />
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All their friends in Whiskey Creek know as well as Olivia does that Kyle's making a mistake. His stepbrother, Brandon, knows it, too. But Kyle's determined to go through with it, for his child's sake.<br />
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Olivia's devastated, but surprisingly Brandon—the black sheep of the family--is there to provide comfort and consolation. The intensity between them, both physical and emotional, shows Olivia that maybe Kyle wasn't the right man for her….
But is Brandon?<br />
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<h4>
<span style="color: #bb86d6;">MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</span></h4>
WHEN WE TOUCH is a novella that kicks off Brenda Novak's Whiskey Creek series. The series focuses on a close knit group of friends in a small town and their love lives (sometimes with each other). Two of the friends, Olivia and Kyle, dated for over a year, until her jealous sister, Noelle, stole him away and Olivia got stuck planning their wedding. She's too sweet to bow out, even though their friends wouldn't blame her.<br />
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Kyle's stepbrother, Brandon, to whom he isn't close, is irritated at the injustice of Olivia's current predicament and offers her support. As their friendship develops, Brandon and Olivia (who had a crush on him before) start to wonder if they've been the better match all along. He's a bit of a black sheep in his own family, and Olivia's overbearing parents are the reason she can't refuse to be the wedding planner for her sister's wedding.<br />
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Throughout the book, it's hard to find anything about Noelle to like or sympathize with, and almost impossible to understand why Kyle is marrying her. Luckily, his brother, Brandon, slides right in as an appealing option to ease Olivia's pain and help her move on.<br />
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While this isn't my favorite book in the Whiskey Creek series, it does serve as a solid introduction to the characters who star in the future books. The ridiculous idea that Olivia should ever have to plan a wedding for her sister and her ex is hard to get over (and really made me irritated with her parents for insisting she do it). However, Olivia and Brandon are a great couple, and I've enjoyed when they pop in during future books, so I'd recommend reading it to get going in the series (but don't quit after this one if it's not quite your thing).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GET THE BOOK:</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15796160-when-we-touch">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JI9EHU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008JI9EHU&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=MVM5DSINFMLDHWZ4">Amazon</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-22973439713580271522014-05-13T10:30:00.000-05:002014-05-13T10:53:32.760-05:00Rebel Release Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9WHwQpYHsQDbsYvO1rOB4WMwTQzA2xgJu9Ll-v1z59e579a9Vlg3-nhyphenhyphenqL58aahldyJhEsHrXlXqkjIRn6DzxcnSTc5Sm_0f0qsLeDeUP8QexZ-hgnLuszE9RPwua3fNfP5UTcjroiE/s1600/gif-excitedlucillebluth.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9WHwQpYHsQDbsYvO1rOB4WMwTQzA2xgJu9Ll-v1z59e579a9Vlg3-nhyphenhyphenqL58aahldyJhEsHrXlXqkjIRn6DzxcnSTc5Sm_0f0qsLeDeUP8QexZ-hgnLuszE9RPwua3fNfP5UTcjroiE/s1600/gif-excitedlucillebluth.gif" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
Last year, <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2013/05/reboot-by-amy-tintera.html">I told you about how I loved Amy Tintera's REBOOT</a>, and today book two, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJ330VO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FJ330VO&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=42TXWQ3RWQB6NQXK">REBEL</a>, is out! (If you still need to read REBOOT, it's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062217070/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062217070&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=ASHXFASSC3BFOV4P">$2 for Kindle</a> at the time of this post going up.)<br />
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I can't wait to start reading! It's book 2 of 2, so this is the end and there won't be a cliffhanger!<br />
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However! One thing that's so hard about books in a series releasing so far apart is that it can be hard to remember EVERY LITTLE DETAIL from the previous book (and I can't re-read them all!), but Amy Tintera has saved the day! She posted a recap of book 1 to help you jump right into REBEL. (How nice!) You can read it <a href="http://amytintera.tumblr.com/post/85228031539/previously-on-reboot">here</a>. (But don't look if you haven't read the book! A recap won't do it justice!)<br />
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So, now that I'm all caught up and have my copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJ330VO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FJ330VO&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=42TXWQ3RWQB6NQXK">REBEL</a>, please excuse me...<br />
Haha!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-42332263924617240252014-05-13T08:00:00.000-05:002014-05-13T08:00:00.722-05:00Book Releases: May 8-14Releases for May 1-7 are <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2014/05/book-releases-may-1-7.html">here</a>. May 8-14 are listed below.<br />
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<h4>
THE SECRETS OF LILY GRAVES</h4>
by Sarah Strohmeyer<br />
Published May 13, 2014 by Balzer + Bray<br />
YA - Paperback, 304p.<br />
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With the intrigue of Pretty Little Liars and plenty of romance, bestselling author Sarah Strohmeyer weaves a story of secrets and lies—set in a funeral parlor.<br />
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Growing up in a house of female morticians, Lily Graves knows all about buried secrets. She knows that perfect senior-class president Erin Donohue isn’t what she seems. She knows why Erin’s ex-boyfriend, hot football player Matt Houser, broke up with her. And she also knows that, even though she says she and Matt are just friends, there is something brewing between them—something Erin definitely did not like.<br />
<br />
But secrets, even ones that are long buried, have a way of returning to haunt their keeper.<br />
<br />
So when Erin is found dead the day after attacking Lily in a jealous rage, Lily's and Matt’s safe little lives, and the lives of everyone in their town of Potsdam, begin to unravel. And their relationship—which grew from innocent after-school tutoring sessions to late-night clandestine rendezvous—makes them both suspects.<br />
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As her world crumbles around her, Lily must figure out the difference between truth and deception, genuine love and a web of lies. And she must do it quickly, before the killer claims another victim. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18635076-the-secrets-of-lily-graves">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062259601/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062259601&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=JYBM3SGUD5TBZPEK">Amazon</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPcXcjSPiCQsFdkbIeStwf6MHg7a5C9lTSINElg8jHrpWLY_XC042eRWIX1eRxQwnseK5nogKysU5lU6ncpQthdrasa0FxmS_pnu0sQZe6zCQsa-jwt8LgaFIhpLSVoB3mpw6hcpXnn4/s1600/bookcover-wewereliars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPcXcjSPiCQsFdkbIeStwf6MHg7a5C9lTSINElg8jHrpWLY_XC042eRWIX1eRxQwnseK5nogKysU5lU6ncpQthdrasa0FxmS_pnu0sQZe6zCQsa-jwt8LgaFIhpLSVoB3mpw6hcpXnn4/s1600/bookcover-wewereliars.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pHjvjZZkjmKWVzlLxKM7KAHk5iaOidKOPK85AFlb_8YRIQmHXcaZqzPOYaKUSxxyickjVS1Cw8I_uWF8CfAUm3asAg011UQZg4Yk90myMSaasvYMRqPQWqsxSLX01kJHlc-DQ5F92p8/s1600/bookcover-freetofall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pHjvjZZkjmKWVzlLxKM7KAHk5iaOidKOPK85AFlb_8YRIQmHXcaZqzPOYaKUSxxyickjVS1Cw8I_uWF8CfAUm3asAg011UQZg4Yk90myMSaasvYMRqPQWqsxSLX01kJHlc-DQ5F92p8/s1600/bookcover-freetofall.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlNEJ1mJ1vF5d8dtkXxmlXw2kuNSAiJy6mA-zGC_Lf64EgspPwi-TIxixSbbdonl9MNL20fdZT6N9wDR8tgC-WVSParvWuZ8qhPoLV-3yIDWDtj0RIpF6IDNXLYwT3uccnZ557EdYPhM/s1600/bookcover-secondstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlNEJ1mJ1vF5d8dtkXxmlXw2kuNSAiJy6mA-zGC_Lf64EgspPwi-TIxixSbbdonl9MNL20fdZT6N9wDR8tgC-WVSParvWuZ8qhPoLV-3yIDWDtj0RIpF6IDNXLYwT3uccnZ557EdYPhM/s1600/bookcover-secondstar.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a> </div>
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<b>FREE TO FALL</b> by Lauren Miller -- In the future, an app exists that makes all of your decisions for you and guarantees happiness. What happens when Rory feels like something's wrong and meets a boy who doesn't use the app? <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18602289-free-to-fall">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062199803/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062199803&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=XH53WCROF6AAIZNI">Amazon</a><br />
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<b>SECOND STAR</b> by Alyssa B. Sheinmel -- A contemporary Peter Pan retelling with a touch of magic. Hmm. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465577-second-star">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374382670/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0374382670&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=NJEUHZATAOKL3NWM">Amazon</a><br />
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<b>WE WERE LIARS </b>by E. Lockhart -- I buy every book by E. Lockhart without question. I've seen this book described as "atmospheric"... Throw in the setting (a private island!) and a bunch of liars, and I'm super intrigued. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16143347-we-were-liars">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FPOSDGY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FPOSDGY&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=R25CR3YYG6DYWGZE">Amazon</a><br />
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<b>REBEL (REBOOT #2) </b>by Amy Tintera -- I loved Reboot (<a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2013/05/reboot-by-amy-tintera.html">see</a>!) and this book wraps up the story. (Yep, it's NOT a trilogy!) It's sci-fi, and different from anything else I've read. Reboots are teens who have died and come back to life... how many minutes they were dead determines some things about them. I'm being vague because you should just read it. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15769788-rebel">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062217100/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062217100&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=YBYGVAINSXLDJY7N">Amazon</a><br />
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<b>FINALLY, FOREVER (FIRST COMES LOVE #3)</b> by Katie Kacvinsky -- College basketball player... so it's New Adult! The author says it can be read as part of the series or on its own. I've seen lots of people mention loving the couple from the books, so will have to see why. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17883553-finally-forever">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/149521866X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=149521866X&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=T335COJXFYUDMLOQ">Amazon</a><br />
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<b>ALL LINED UP (RUSK UNIVERSITY #1)</b> by Cora Carmack -- Texas football and Friday Night Lights? I'll give it a try! <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18505845-all-lined-up">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062326201/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062326201&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20&linkId=L3DKGNNGRBNTALJP">Amazon</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8725724414310327892.post-42272272023214117772014-05-12T09:30:00.000-05:002014-05-12T09:30:01.613-05:00Ask the Passengers by A.S. King<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“Hold on. You’re not an androgynous bookworm?” she asks, </i></div>
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<i>and pulls out </i><i>her phone. “Shit. I need to update my files.”</i></div>
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<h3>
ASK THE PASSENGERS</h3>
by A.S. King<br />
Published October 2012 by Little, Brown<br />
YA Contemporary - Hardcover, 304p.<br />
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<h4>
ABOUT THE BOOK:</h4>
Astrid Jones desperately wants to confide in someone, but her mother's pushiness and her father's lack of interest tell her they're the last people she can trust. Instead, Astrid spends hours lying on the backyard picnic table watching airplanes fly overhead. She doesn't know the passengers inside, but they're the only people who won't judge her when she asks them her most personal questions--like what it means that she's falling in love with a girl.<br />
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As her secret relationship becomes more intense and her friends demand answers, Astrid has nowhere left to turn. She can't share the truth with anyone except the people at thirty thousand feet, and they don't even know she's there. But little does Astrid know just how much even the tiniest connection will affect these strangers' lives--and her own--for the better.<br />
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In this truly original portrayal of a girl struggling to break free of society's definitions, Printz Honor author A.S. King asks readers to question everything--and offers hope to those who will never stop seeking real love.<br />
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<h4>
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:</h4>
A few years ago, I read Please Ignore Vera Dietz and said it was <a href="http://www.storyboundgirl.com/2011/11/please-ignore-vera-dietz-by-as-king.html">one of the best books I've ever read</a> and I stand by that. A.S. King is an auto-buy author for me, and ASK THE PASSENGERS only re-confirms that. When I want contemporary YA that will make me think, and struggle with emotions, and latch onto and love a flawed character, I pick up an A.S. King book.<br />
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In ASK THE PASSENGERS, Astrid struggles with her identity, being true to what she feels, and how to share herself with the world. She's coming to terms with her sexuality and dealing with a dysfunctional family on top of the usual teenaged high school troubles. She spends a lot of time lying on the picnic table in her backyard sending her love to the passengers of planes as they fly by overhead. The book jumps into the planes for a quick glimpse into different passengers' lives, which sounds like it might be distracting and pull the reader out of the story, but it's actually done really well. The connections made between Astrid and her struggles, and the passengers to whom she sends her love, are interesting, sometimes poignant, and add an extra dimension to the story.<br />
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Astrid's family is odd, and yet it's basically reflective of how every family has its own issues and ways of dealing with things. Her mom talks at her, her dad is pretty checked out, and her younger sister is reputation-obsessed. She struggles to find anyone to confide in and uses her time sending love up to the passengers above as a way to cope with what she's going through.<br />
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ASK THE PASSENGERS is as fantastically written as one expects an A.S. King novel to be and will take you through feeling both hopeless and hopeful, and wishing you could help Astrid out. The only problem with the book is it makes you remember you'll have to wait a while before the author's next is available (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17453303-glory-o-brien-s-history-of-the-future">Glory O'Brien's History of the Future</a> -- October 2014).<br />
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<b>GET THE BOOK: </b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13069935-ask-the-passengers?from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F6E47Q8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00F6E47Q8&linkCode=as2&tag=storygirl-20">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780316194679">IndieBound</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10635109856872256368noreply@blogger.com