Sunday, July 31, 2011

Feasted On: Stepp Sisters Trilogy, Book 3

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 419 KB | Release Date: July 2005 | Publisher: Zebra Books

"Wanting Something More" [Stepp Sisters Trilogy, Book 3] by Kathy Love

My Book Summary : When they were in high school Nathaniel (Nate) set up a prank (with his friends) where he got close to Marty (Martha), making her think that he liked her, then at the school dance he asked her to dance and kisses her (a bad kiss) and makes her the laughing stock of the school. After that, and for other reasons, Marty can't stand him.

Now, over 10 yrs later, Marty is coming back to her hometown in Maine thinking that she has had enough of a life as a model and its time to move back home to start something new. Of course the first night back (driving through a nor'easter) she runs into Nate, who is now the towns Chief of Police. What she doesn't know is that after a recent attack that had landed Nate into the hospital (and a coma), he has changed for the better. Or at least that is what everyone in town is saying .... even her older sisters. But can she really give him a second chance, to see if Nate is any better then he used to be? Well there is only one way to find out ....

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This is a fun and sweet novel by a fellow Maineiac (someone born in/from Maine)! Marty and Nate are such a great couple!! I'm sooo happy that Nate had gotten attacked since before he sounded like a royal jerk!! =0P But anyways ....

This is a story about two different people who are in the process of finding themselves again, and fall-in-love along the way. I really liked this new twist that the author takes with her main characters ... very creative. I couldn't stop reading till I got to the end!!

Book Teaser(s) :
He was watching her, his arms folded over his chest, a slight smile curving his lips.
"What?" she asked.
"You dated a soap star named Arturo?"
Marty bristled. "He wasn't a soap star when we were dating."
"Arturo... What is his last name?"
"He doesn't use a last name," Marty admitted dully.
Nate bit back a laugh. "Oh, like Madonna or Cher."
Really more like Liberace, she thought, although she didn't say so. ~ within Chapter 6
That jarred Marty out of her daze; she blinked at Nate. "You sing with these guys?"
"No," he said with chagrin. "Not unless I've had one too many drinks."
"Come on, Nate!" Now the lead guitarist stepped up to the microphone to coax him.
Suddenly the whole room was alive with cajoling, everyone shouting for Nate to sing.
Marty grinned at him. "I think you have to do it or they'll revolt."
"You're just happy the attention is off you," he said dryly.
"Darn right."
He gave her a wounded frown, but then squeezed her fingers and headed to the stage. ~ within Chapter 18

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Kathy, then please check out her Amazon Page.



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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Made the Grade: What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Format: Hardcover | Pages: 402 | Release Date: May 2011 | Publisher: Viking

"What Happened to Goodbye" by Sarah Dessen

My Book Summary : For the past two-three years, every time Mclean starts a new school she changes herself into a new person ... from her first name (being called something like Eliza or Lizbet) to her clothes to her personality (like being a cheerleader at one school to hanging out with the drama kids at another). She never used to be this way, but ever since her parents sold their restaurant, her parents got a divorce, her mother got remarried and then gave her twin siblings, her life has never been the same and she has always felt lost since. So, instead of staying in the town where she grew up and her mother still lives, where she'd have to be around all of that drama related to her parents divorce, Mclean decides to go with her father. Her father's new job, as a person who helps (usually) failing restaurants, makes it so they move around a lot (once the restaurant is back in order). They've recently moved to Lakeview, to help out a restaurant called Luna Blu, and Mclean has every intention to start a new persona for herself.

At least until she seems to end up calling herself by her real first name. Now she keeps having things and friends choosing her instead of the other way around. It seems like this might be a chance to be herself again, but after so long she's not quite sure who even that is anymore ....

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This is a GREAT new novel by a wonderful author! Sarah sticks to her usual format, with creative new characters and one or two older characters coming in to say 'Hi.' Mclean seems to be the typical "floater" girl, who can be just about anyone she wants to be, and yet still has no idea who that is. Dave is great, sweet, and so quiet/thoughtful your never really sure what he'll do or say next. Then you have Dave's bunch of friends and Deb, who are all eclectic, fun, and just bounce around on the page. To top it off you get the people and activities at Luna Blu, which keep the pages turning. As a side you get the background and serious issues that are going on within her family structure that are always included in Sarah's novels. Overall it's a great book! And if you are a true fan to Sarah Dessen and her novels then you shouldn't be disappointed!

Author Book Trailers :

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.


If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

Book Teaser(s) :
She narrowed her eyes at him. "I'm sure you already know that the previous owners of this place ran a very successful Mexican restaurant. When the new management came in and changed the menu, it only made sense to keep some of the more popular dishes."
"I do know that," my dad said. "But the average POTS does not."
"POTS?"
"Person Off the Street. Your generic customer, the person walking by, looking for a place to try for dinner." He cleared his throat. "My point is, this restaurant is in an identity crisis. You don't know what you are, and my job is to help you figure it out."
Opal just looked at him. "By changing everything," she said.
"Not everything," he replied, flipping the menu over. "Remember: pickles." ~ within Chapter 2
"She's early. What am I going to do? It's supposed to look like I have a whole crew here!"
"Two isn't a crew?" Dave asked.
"I'm not a part of this," I said. "I just came to see my dad."
"Oh yes, but, Mclean," Opal said, desperate, "you can just pretend, right? For a few minutes? I will owe you big."
"Pretend to be a delinquent?" I said, clarifying.
"You can do it," Dave advised me. "Just don't smile, and try to look like you're considering stealing something."
I actually had to fight not to smile at this. "It's that easy?" ~ within Chapter 6

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Sarah, then please check out her Amazon Page.



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Feasted On: Breathe by Abbi Glines

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 336 KB | Release Date: May 2011 | Publisher: Wild Child Publishing

"Breathe" by Abbi Glines

My Book Summary : As far back as she can remember Sadie has really been the one taking care of everything at her home. Soon, however, her home is going to expand from just her mom and her to a new sibling too. So, right after the last day of her junior year of high school and the first day of summer, Sadie has to take over her mother's job as a maid for one of the fancier homes in her town, since her mother decides that she just can't do it at all because of her pregnancy (and because she just doesn't want to). However, after a few days of working at this house Sadie soon realizes that the owner of the place she's working for is none other than Jax Stone, world famous (and HOT) teenage rock star! Sadie, however, knows she needs the money more then to fall all over herself for a guy, no matter how famous he is, so she makes sure to get the job done and plans to be invisible.

Being invisible is so out of the question when the family comes home for the summer and Jax notices her right away ... thinking that she made it past his security and is a crazed fan. To which Sadie proves to him otherwise by being completely opposite to the girls he's use too and that seems to intrigue Jax even more.

Over time they chat here and there, which grows into a sort of friendship/relationship between them. Nevertheless, Sadie knows whatever happens between them wouldn't last more than the summer, as Jax agrees too since outside of that house their lives are completely different. However .... after spending just about spending the whole summer together in one way or another .... when they finally part, will they be able to breathe again without each other?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!!! This was a great new twist to the "Cinderella" type of stories. We have Sadie, who is a great lead, that is a strong girl who knows if she didn't take on all of this responsibility the life that she and her mom have would be a lost worse then it is. However, even though she knows this, that doesn't mean she wouldn't want to be able to feel like a teenager for just once. Then she starts working at Jax's house and suddenly she has friends and people who want to look out for her more then she has ever had before, which she loves. And then Jax ..... he is sweet and an all around girls fantasy, especially when it comes to how you would want a "rock star" to act towards you. However, the two know that the world they have created together won't be the same once the summer is over so there is no way they could make it last afterwards .... right? I just could not get enough!!! And even though they had quite a few struggles to overcome, I do think they make a wonderful pair!

I recommend this book for anyone who LOVES (and wants to read) a TRUE Cinderella Story that is set in "our" world! ♥

Author Book Trailer :

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

Book Teaser(s) :
He smiled and leaned over and asked in a soft voice, "Do you know you're beautiful?"
I swallowed, hoping my dry throat allowed the words through without making me sound all choked up. "I wouldn't say 'beautiful.' I realize I have nice hair and eyes. I got those from my mother. But I don't have a good personality. So it really takes away from the others." My words sounded stupid being said aloud, but I realized I managed to bare my soul to this boy again. The power Jax held over me disturbed me. ~ within Chapter 5
I blushed, and all four girls got sappy smiles on their faces, and one of them even sighed. "Wow, I can't believe Jax Stone's girlfriend lives in Sea Breeze."
I started to correct her. I wasn't Jax's girlfriend, and he would be gone soon.
"Well--"
"She worries about my privacy. But then, I like the fact she wants to keep me all to herself." His hand squeezed mine, and I bit back a laugh.
Amanda sighed. "Does my brother know about Jax?" ~ within Chapter 11

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Abbi, then please check out her Amazon Page.



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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Feasted On: Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 450 KB | Release Date: 2011 | Publisher: Self-Published

"Flat-Out Love" by Jessica Park

My Book Summary : Julie has just left Ohio and moved to Boston to start college and found out that the apartment that she was planning on moving into turns out to be a Burrito Restaurant, so much for agreeing to the place through craigslist. Well, now with nowhere to go, she calls her mom in a panic, knowing she can’t live on the side of the road. Thankfully her mother’s old college roommate lives in Massachusetts too and said Julie could move into her house while she begins college and looks for another place to live. So, now Julie moves into a house of near strangers ... there is:
  • Erin – the mother. very smart. a professor at Harvard. really likes to discuss things. doesn’t drive. nice.
  • Roger – the father. equally as smart as his wife. a researcher. quiet. sweet. travels a lot for his job.
  • Finn – the oldest child and son. adventurist. traveling the world. hot. smart. sweet. cares about his sister and family.
  • Matt – the middle child and youngest son. smart. a junior at MIT. takes care of his sister. doesn’t have many/if any friends. is on his computer a lot. cares a LOT about his family.
  • Celeste – the youngest child and the daughter. misses Finn, so has a “Flat Finn” to cope. sweet. very smart. doesn’t fit in with the other high school students her age. very creative.

Even though this family is unique, Julie finds that she does fit in with these strangers. Soon she becomes friends with each of them, even with Finn through their Facebook accounts, and when she doesn’t seem to be able to find another place to live she is told that they have no problem with her staying there for the year. However, it quickly becomes apparent, especially with Flat Finn usually always with Celeste, that something isn’t quite right and Julie takes it on herself to try to help this family that has been so good to her. But nothing stays a secret long so what will happen when it finally comes out and stirs up everything she thought was true?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This was a novel about what a family does for those they love, and a girl who falls right into the middle of their lives who helps them in a way she never expects. What would you do to cope/survive something that looks hopeless to survive? What would you do to pull the ones you love back to what they once were? This is all from Julie’s POV so you don’t know what’s happening until she finds out, but in some ways it easy to guess at, just the reasoning behind what happened to the family is a little shocking. Some also may think what Matt does to Julie is a little mean, but you also have to remember Matt is the one at home still trying to hold his family together while Finn is off, so he does what he thinks is right but then can’t seem to find a way out of his lies. I really liked the relationship Julie finds herself in and the Facebook chats do get really steamy! I really like Matt and his quirky ways. Plus, getting to read about Celeste and how she goes from a recluse to a “typical” teenager is just a bonus!

Book Teaser(s) :
A dark car slowed and pulled to a stop, double-parking in front of Julie. "Mom, I have to go. I think this Matt character is here."
"Are you sure it's him?"
Julie peered into the car as the window lowered. "I see a maniacal-looking guy with brightly-colored candy in one hand, and he's waving a bloody sickle with the other. Oh! He's beckoning me to the car. This must be my ride."
"Julie, stop it!" her mother ordered. "You have no idea how I feel, knowing that my only child is stranded in Boston. I wish I were there with you. Make sure it's Matthew. Ask to see his license." ~ within Chapter 1
Matthew Watkins At the first Thanksgiving, one of the bloodiest battles ensued when it was discovered that the deliveryman forgot to bring extra duck sauce.
Finn is God is, on this enchanting evening, in love with a wonderful guy.
Julie Seagle Going to write a book called, "Binge, Screw, Loathe." It will be about a hateful woman who travels across the U.S. visiting all-you-can-eat brothels. ~ within Chapter 15

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jessica, then please check out her Amazon Page.



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Idolizing In: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 568 KB | Release Date: May 2011 | Publisher: Jamie McGuire, LLC

"Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McGuire

My Book Summary : Abby has just started college with her best friend, America, and is trying to stay away from her past or anything that it closely resembles. Not long after starting school, Abby goes to an underground fight ring, through her college, that America and America’s boyfriend, Shepley, take her too and she meets/sees Shepley’s cousin, Travis, who is one of the fighters in the ring. The next day when she officially meets Travis she doesn’t realize just how much her life is about to change. Quickly Abby and Travis become friends. And after Abby looses a bet between them ... they become roommates! However, even though they become closer and they are roommates, they stay ‘just friends’ until their connection gets harder to deny. Yet, it seems like the closer they come to being officially together, and even after they get together, other people, personal choices, and things they’ve left in their pasts seem to try to keep them apart. Can they pull through anything as long as they’re together? Or would it be easier to just stay apart?

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!!!! THIS WAS A WONDERFUL NOVEL!! The author put together a story full of romance, friendship, and the links some would go to just so they could be a part of the person they love’s life. Abby is an intriguing character who had a great back-story, and the author took that story into turns that I never expected. But I absolutely LOVED the friendship and respect that Travis and Abby shared for each other, no matter what happened between them, they were there for each other no matter what. Travis is a strong Alpha male! That made me wish I had someone who worshiped me as much as he did Abby. Okay maybe not exactly as much ... since he was a little overbearing at times but other than that he was just about the perfect guy! *sigh*

In addition, the secondary characters from Travis’ family/relatives to America to Travis and Shepley’s fraternity brothers made this whole novel an addiction that I could not get enough of!

Book Teaser(s) :
"You wouldn't be here if you didn't like me."
My frown involuntarily smoothed and I sighed. "I didn't say you're a bad person. I just don't like being a foregone conclusion for the sole reason of having a vagina." I focused on the grains of salt on the table until I heard a choking noise from Travis' direction.
His eyes widened and he quivered with howling laughter. "Oh my God! You're killing me! That's it. We have to be friends. I won't take no for an answer."
"I don't mind being friends, but that doesn't mean you have to try to get in my panties every five seconds."
"You're not sleeping with me. I get it."
I tried not to smile, but failed.
His eyes brightened. "You have my word. I won't even think about your panties...unless you want me to."
I rested my elbows on the table and leaned into them. "And that won't happen, so we can be friends." ~ within Chapter 1 - titled 'red flag'
"I wanna go bowling tomorrow. I need a partner."
"Bowling? You couldn't have called me later?" I felt like a hypocrite for saying the words, knowing I had hoped for an excuse to keep Parker's lips off of me.
"How am I supposed to know when you're gonna get done? Oh. That didn't come out right..." he trailed off, sounding amused with himself.
"I'll call you tomorrow and we can talk about it then, okay?"
"No, it's not okay. You said you wanna be friends, but we can't hang out?" I rolled my eyes, and Travis huffed. "Don't roll your eyes at me. Are you coming or not?"
"How did you know I rolled my eyes? Are you stalking me?" I asked, noting the drawn curtains.
"You always roll your eyes. Yes? No? You're wasting precious date time."
He knew me so well. I fought the urge to ask him to pick me up right then. I couldn't help but smile at the thought. ~ within Chapter 10 - titled 'poker face'

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jamie, then please check out her Amazon Page.



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
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