Showing posts with label New Adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Adult. Show all posts

Friday, November 20, 2015

November 9 by Colleen Hoover ~ Review & Giveaway

Title: November 9
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 10th November 2015
Pages: 320
Book Source: Atria Books


Synopsis: Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

My Thoughts:
I jumped on the Colleen Hoover bandwagon just last year and 3 books in I'll happily say I'm a CoHo fan. November 9 has that unmistakable Colleen Hoover stamp ... 

Maybe Someday had music, Confess had artwork and in November 9 the point of difference is the uniqueness of the story ... Fallon and Ben meet in unusual circumstances and continue to meet up each year on the same date; with absolutely no contact outside of that date. 

What a wonderful mix of sweet, angsty, funny, heart-achy messiness. And that twist; did not see that coming. I don't have a problem with tragic pasts in fiction, I'm someone whose real-life past reads like a soap opera ... so November 9 #gotmerightinthefeels 

I loved the bookie references, tongue-in-cheek, clever, funny but there were still things that bothered me (that note from Ben's mother was a biggie) and a couple of throw-up-in-my-mouth lines.  

"Baby," he says, his lips forming a smile. "You already made this the best sex I've had and I'm not even inside you yet."

November 9 was not issue-free (for me) and yet here I am loving on it ... 

Colleen Hoover's writing is just so darn addictive!! 

Seriously, how the heck does she do that?


Connect with Colleen Hoover


Purchase November 9













Giveaway: 
Win 1 of 5 prize bundles of one signed copy of NOVEMBER 9 and a pair of #November9 sunglasses! Contest is open until November 30th. 

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Thursday, July 30, 2015

Racing the Sun by Karina Halle - Review & Giveaway

Title: Racing the Sun
Author: Karina Halle
Genre: NA Romance
Publication Date: 28th July 2015
Pages: 384
Book Source: Atria Books/Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: When I’m traveling, I feel like the secret to my life, to myself, to really becoming, is one step ahead. It’s in the next destination, the next town I get lost in, the next stranger I talk to. It’s always next but never here . . . 

After six months of backpacking and soul-searching across the world, Amber MacLean is flat broke. There are worse places for a twentysomething to be stuck than the Amalfi Coast, but the only way she can earn enough money for a plane ticket home to California is to teach English to two of the brattiest children she has ever met.

It doesn’t help that the children are under the care of their brooding older brother, ex-motorcycle racer Desiderio Larosa. Darkly handsome and oh-so-mysterious, the young master of the crumbling villa tests Amber’s patience and will at every turn—not to mention her hormones.

When her position turns into a full-time nanny gig, Amber grows dangerously closer to the enigmatic recluse. But can she give up the certainty of home for someone whose closely guarded heart feels a world apart from her own?

My Thoughts:
Not just right book, right time but the perfect feel-good read for one of those not-feeling-so-good days. Which is kind of weird because this isn't a fluffy romance or even just a hot romantic romp, although it is hot. This romance has issues and I love issues. 

And I read it in one sitting, which if you've been reading my blog lately you'll know how not-like-me that is ... Racing the Sun kicked my snail's pace to the curb. It was heat and heart and I loved it. 

I suddenly remember where I am. Sad lemon house. Capri. New job. Traumatized twins. Hot mysterious Italian boss.

Sums it up well.


The breeze wafts in from the sea and carries the scent of fresh herbs and bracing salt and lemons, the way I imagine sunshine should smell. 

When July slides into August like a hot greasy egg sliding off a frying pan, Capri becomes its most unbearable. 


The descriptions of the Amalfi coast, Positano, Naples, Capri and the Villa dei Limoni Tristi had me dying for my own slice of Italy ... I settled for pizza. At least it was real Italian pizza :) 

I loved Amber, she's adventurous and brave and she tells it like it is. 


Somehow, and I don't know how, because that banana hammock is just begging for people to stare, I manage to tear my eyes away from him just as he looks up.

I turn around, about to ask Derio and his penis whether this is the place to go in the water, but he strides to the edge of the water and does a perfect swan dive off. 


HA banana hammock :) Guys in Australia mostly wear boardies. Speedos (budgie smugglers) are so not cool. Unless you're a surf life saver or Derio. 


The only thing I didn't love ... Amber's disparaging comments about her body. I hang there like a fat orangatan ... sheesh really? luckily when things heat up with Derio, she gets over herself quick enough.


"Did you feel anything?"
"No," he murmurs. "I felt everything."


Racing the Sun will have you fang-ing for Italian food. Hey, if you're not single, putting it out there that you want your very own hot Italian guy is just not on. So. Food it is. 

Ciao. My bags are packed, I'm ready for Italy.

... Ok I'm off to plan my pinterest holiday. 

Alrighty ... I'm heading to the Italian restaurant at the end of our street. 


Connect with Karina Halle

Purchase Racing the Sun

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Giveaway:
Check this out for a giveaway ... woohoo!
Grand prize of a $50 AMEX Gift Card + 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN and 1 copy of WHERE SEA MEETS SKY….PLUS: 6 x Runner Up Prizes of 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN.


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Monday, March 30, 2015

Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

Title: Confess
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 10th March 2015
Pages: 320
Book Source: Simon & Schuster AU


Synopsis: Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin… 

My Thoughts:
I confess to a little case of Colleen Hoover insta-love after I succumbed to my friend Karen's nagging and read Maybe Someday. I meant to jump straight into Ugly Love but you know best laid plans and all that. So ... Confess 

"The confessions you read within this novel are true confessions, submitted anonymously by readers. This book is dedicated to all of you who found the courage to share them." 

What a dedication. Doesn't that just grab you and suck you right in?? I loved this unique aspect. And it's not just the confessions. In Maybe Someday it was music, in Confess it's the art. 

Owen Mason Gentry (OMG ... HA) is a local artist whose paintings are inspired by anonymous confessions. Auburn answers a 'help wanted' ad in his studio window. I liked them both, I felt the chemistry sparking between them and their growing connection. That doesn't mean I liked everything about them, at times I wanted to slap Auburn for her lack of backbone but I also felt for her and the awful position she'd been manipulated into.

Who else ... Auburn's flatmate Emory was weirdly awesome, a real bad-ass, she needs her own book. Trey, what an asshat, I'd have cheered if he'd been hit by a bus. And Trey's mother ... two-for-one. Confession: I have zero tolerance for abusive manipulators (can you tell??)

Confess includes original artwork by Danny O’Connor and it is beautiful! Check it out here. It defines Owen and provides intimacy between Owen and Auburn, it's a beautiful vehicle for emotion and communication and gives the story added depth.

The only thing that annoyed me was the whore/slut self-talk. I really wish Colleen Hoover wouldn't do that. Is that just my age showing? Whatever, it's so unnecessary. And Trey ... where's that bus? 

Once again CoHo's writing is highly addictive ... real, sensitive and intensely emotional. Confess is hard to describe, it's not just a love story, it's multi-faceted ... love, loss, strength and courage, sacrifice, self awareness and second chances. 

Lucky for me Ugly Love awaits ... time to feed the addiction. 


Connect with Colleen Hoover




Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Review: Forever Sheltered by Deanna Roy

Title: Forever Sheltered
Author: Deanna Roy
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series: Forever Series #3
Publication Date: 23rd July 2014
Pages: 300
Book Source: From author for review

Synopsis: Tina would rather sew up her girl parts with dental floss than go on a second date with a man. She's been dumped enough to know not to get attached.

But when Dr. Darion Marks comes into her art therapy room to ask a favor for a special patient, Tina recognizes the haunted look he buries beneath his stoic professionalism. So rather than be forced to ditch the handsome doctor after a single night, she decides not to date him at all.

So how exactly DO they end up half-naked in Surgical Suite B?

Dr. Darion has a lot to hide. His baby sister is the only family he has left, and he’s not leaving her treatment to some incompetent hack.

But now he’s breaking every hospital rule imaginable. He lied about his sister so he can manage her care, and now he’s banging the art therapy teacher between patient rounds like a fraternity boy at a keg party.

Nobody believes this can end well, not Tina’s friend Corabelle, who is overcoming a tragic history much like Tina’s, or even pink-haired Jenny, who thinks sex with strangers is good for your metabolism.

But Dr. Darion and Tina have one thing going for them – a fierce passion for each other that just might obliterate all their doubts, and solve all their problems.

Forever Sheltered includes many favorite characters from Forever Innocent and Forever Loved, as well as the much-anticipated wedding of Gavin and Corabelle.

Karen's Thoughts:                 
Many of us have experienced miscarriage or suffered infant loss or know someone who has. Even if it has not touched your life directly, as a mother it's difficult to imagine how on earth you can pick yourself up after such a loss. After years of fertility issues I am very blessed to have given birth to four healthy babies. Whilst I was pregnant with my fourth child, one of my closest and dearest friends was also expecting her fourth child. We were very excited to be having babies within months of each other. Sadly her baby boy was stillborn. I can still remember where I was and what I was doing when my husband called me to tell me. He wasn’t able to come home to tell me in person, but he also didn’t want me to hear the news from anyone else, or God forbid if someone posted about it on social media. Many people expected that I wouldn’t be able to face my friend and some even suggested it was heartless of me to attend the funeral as it would be a real slap in the face for my friend to be reminded that I still had a baby to look forward to and she no longer did. I remember how grateful she was that I didn’t avoid her as many friends did. She didn’t blame them, they had no idea how to deal with this tragedy. I recall her proudly showing me the photos that were taken in the hospital and how her baby boy looked absolutely perfect, just like he was sleeping. My friend is now a passionate supporter of SANDS here in Australia and is helping others walk the path that she has walked herself.

Forever Sheltered is the third book in the Forever series and can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend that you read the entire series and Gavin and Corabelle’s journey after the death of their newborn son.

Forever Sheltered centers around Tina and Darion. Tina suffered infant loss herself when she was only a teenager. She’s had a troubled time dealing with her grief and has reached out to her audience, publicly speaking about suicide awareness. At the end of the second book in this series, Tina is offered a job at a hospital as an art teacher/therapist for patients with long term illness. Through this role she is able to reach out and support patients through art, but likewise I felt they reached out to her as well.

This is where Tina meets the very lovely Dr Darion Marks and what a special young Doctor he is. Tina recognizes a hidden pain in Darion. Tina has stayed well away from relationships after being abandoned by the father of her baby when she needed support the most. She does her best to keep her distance from Darion, but strong chemistry keeps pulling them together. Darion is walking through a web of lies trying to protect the person he loves the most and I found myself desperate to see both Tina and Darion break down walls and be each other’s support.

Deanna Roy has become one of my favourite authors. I was deeply touched by Deanna’s dedications in the book to families affected by cancer.  I applaud Deanna for reaching out to readers in such a personal way.

Guest review by Karen

Connect with Deanna Roy
Forever Sheltered (The Forever Series, #3)



Friday, September 12, 2014

Review: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Title: Maybe Someday
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 18th March 2014
Pages: 367
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…

My Thoughts:
Thanks to my friend Karen (who guest reviews here) for raving about Maybe Someday and cheering when I finally picked up my first Colleen Hoover book. I'm so happy I did. Colleen Hoover's writing is smart and funny and sweet and refreshing and she's big on music.

I have a thing for stories with music.

Music has always played an important part in my life, it's my warm place and safe harbour, it connects people, it comforts, inspires and uplifts. Music plays an integral part in Maybe Someday, it's a character in itself and I LOVE that in a book. The unique thing about the music in Maybe Someday is, Sydney and Ridge write the lyrics, they connect through music, it's their way of communicating, expressing themselves, the music moves the story forward. 

I loved what was happening between Sydney and Ridge, their dynamic, the humour, awkwardness, the sweet heart-skippy feeling it gave me. BUT it didn't sit well that Ridge was emotionally cheating on his girlfriend and I didn't buy into his bullshit justifications. It felt real, I might not have liked it (that's just me) but Colleen Hoover kept it real. 

Maybe Someday is sensitive, emotional and surprisingly refreshing. I wish I could tell you why it is so refreshing but that would spoil things so just trust me and read it :)



I think I might dive into Ugly Love next. All you die-hard Colleen Hoover fans out there ... any other recommendations?


Connect with Colleen Hoover

Maybe Someday Soundtrack
Music by: Griffin Peterson

Purchase Links:
Maybe Someday



Monday, August 25, 2014

Review: Shatter by Erin McCarthy

Title: Shatter
Author: Erin McCarthy
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Series: True Believers #4
Publication Date: 2nd September 2014
Pages: 304
Book Source: Penguin Group & NetGalley

Synopsis: Kylie Warner prides herself on being optimistic, but after finding her best friend in bed with her boyfriend and flunking chemistry, her upbeat attitude has taken a dive. Even an impromptu hook-up with her sexy new chemistry tutor only brightens her mood slightly. After all, it’s not like she’ll ever see the tattooed scholar again…

While he’s a whiz at complex equations, Jonathon Kadisch has trouble when it comes to figuring out women. So when Kylie tells him that she’s pregnant after their night of passion, he’s at a complete loss. He’s prepared to be a good father—unlike his own deadbeat dad—but he’s less prepared to fall for the genuine and alluring blonde bearing his child.

With emotions running high, Kylie wonders if Jonathon’s devotion is out of growing love or looming obligation. And when heartbreak threatens to tear them apart, Jonathon will have to fight for the only girl who’s ever made him feel whole ...

Karen's Thoughts: 
This series has had many and varied reviews, some good and some not so good. It’s a series I have particularly enjoyed and would recommend reading it for yourself.

I really like how the author touches upon issues that are aimed at the College age group. Whilst the issues are not entirely pleasant to read about, I feel they have been quite realistic. In this book Ms McCarthy touches on Kylie’s ex having certain expectations in their physical relationship due to the amount of porn he watches online. Whilst Kylie was trying to be a ‘good girlfriend’ and please Nathan, it wasn’t making her feel particularly good about herself. Finding out that he had slept with one of her best friends has absolutely crushed her confidence. It was refreshing that she was sensible when it came to Nathan and didn’t believe his promises of better things.

Kylie is failing chemistry and here is where we get introduced to the geeky and extremely lovely Jonathon Kadisch, her new chemistry tutor. Fitting that not only is there chemistry on the pages they are studying, but also between themselves. On a whim they share a night together. Their attraction to each was just heart warming. I loved that Jonathon got to show Kylie just how a guy should treat a girl and that she was able to experience that it is about her just as much as it is him. Kylie then discovers she is pregnant yet they barely know each other and have a lot they need to work out.

I loved the geeky Jonathon and the chemistry jokes he shares with Kylie created some lightheartedness in their journey to being together. 

I have really enjoyed Erin McCarthy’s True Believers series and Shatter is most definitely my favourite.  I hope Ms McCarthy has more in store for us in this series.

Guest review by Karen

Connect with Erin McCarthy



Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Review: Believe by Erin McCarthy

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Series: True Believers #3
Publication Date: 21st January 2014
Pages: 232
Book Source: Penguin Group & NetGalley

Synopsis: Robin used to be a party girl… until she got black out drunk and woke up in bed with her best friend's boyfriend. Now she's faced with being THAT girl, and couldn't be more disgusted with herself. She can't even tell her friends the reason for her sudden sobriety and she avoids everyone until she meets Phoenix—quiet, tattooed, and different in every way that's good and oh, so bad…

Phoenix is two days out of jail when he meets Robin at his cousin's house, and he knows that he has no business talking to her, but he's drawn to her quiet demeanor, sweet smile, and artistic talent. She doesn't care that he's done time, or that he only has five bucks to his name, and she supports his goal to be a tattoo artist.

But Phoenix knows Robin has a secret, and that it's a naïve dream to believe that his record won't catch up with them at some point. Though neither is prepared for the explosive result when the past collides with the present…

Karen's Thoughts:
I loved Erin McCarthy’s contemporary Fast Track series and am happy to report that I’m enjoying her foray into New Adult.

I like reading about two people from very different backgrounds or social standings managing to overcome the hurdles and make their relationship work. Phoenix is a bit rough around the edges, but after hearing about his childhood, it's not surprising. He has an absent father and a mother who is a drug addict. Phoenix has basically had to fend for himself his whole life. He has just been released from jail after serving a short sentence for assaulting his mother’s boyfriend. His mother’s boyfriend deserved the beating I can tell you.

There is an instant attraction between Phoenix and Robin and I enjoyed ‘watching’ their interactions with each other. I believed in their chemistry. The storyline moves very quickly, but I still felt the growth of their relationship was believable.

I really liked Phoenix, with everything he’s been through, he’s doing his best to rise above it all and I love reading about someone who overcomes hurdles to make something of themselves.

“I’m alive, I’ve got my freedom, a job, two bucks in my pocket, and a beautiful woman who sees something in me.  What else could I need?”

I feel like this series is getting better and better. I've read mixed reviews for Believe, but I really enjoyed it from beginning to end. I agree with some reader’s comments but I also feel that in this day and age, the events presented were plausible. There were a few little things in this book that I had issue with or would have preferred resolved in a different way but it didn't really affect my enjoyment of the story.

Guest review by Karen



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