The Sound of Love (The Sound series #1) by Maria Watts – Review by Jana Teppih

The Sound of Love (The Sound series #1)The Sound of Love by Maria Watts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started reading and the first chapter build my expectations very high. I kept reading and … got more and more frustrated… I kept shaking my head and thinking to myself what the heck… and then, I put myself into the shoes of a 16-year-old sheltered girl who gets pulled into this crazy narcissistic life that seems so fascinating and cool on the pages of a tabloid but in reality is something completely different.
I loved how Maria Watts took the naïve Nina through the steps one needs to take when growing up, the contradictions, the peer/partner pressure, sticking with your principles, insecurity, self-esteem … we could go on and on. I think that Nina could actually be a sort of a role model to those young boy band fans as she is crazy about Chris (and has feelings for Nathan that she is in denial about) and wants to get to know him better and on a deeper lever but still sticking to her guns and not succumbing to the pressure (to have sex).
I did not like Chris very much as he was the stereotypical narcissist hyped boy band member who feels he is entitled to whatever he wants, though we did not get to know a lot what his story is, how he got to where he was… we could share his confusion and his abusiveness but there was no clear progression or growth and maybe it was not needed as for me the story was more about Nina and her self-discovery and growth and the Chris served more like a landscape that it happened on.
I wish that every girl who has a poster of a handsome guy on their bedroom wall (ceiling) and dream about him, would read this book as I think it gives a good glimpse into the reality and they could learn a lot from Nina without needing to suffer so much themselves.

View all my reviews

Tell Me Something (Something, #1) by Aubrey Bondurant – Review by Jana Teppih

Tell Me Something (Something, #1)Tell Me Something by Aubrey Bondurant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tell Me Something sucks you in from the first chapter, it keeps you on your toes and it is hard to put the book down as you want to know how do those 2 hard headed aka independent and strong willed people figure out a working relationship.
The author was able to find a great balance between cute and light-hearted and ‘sturm und drang’ making it an enjoyable read.
Haylee came across independent and strong mostly though at times I got pretty frustrated with her responses in certain situations that were pretty straight forward. At those moments I reminded myself that she is young and has lost her parents and is in the process of finding herself and her way out there.
Josh was complicated, he reminded me some of the other contemporary romance heroes out there being both in control (or wanting to be in control) and vulnerable. He comes across very human with his flaws and shortcomings and his fears and reactions in different situations.
It is a good story and even though it is quite many pages, it does not feel long. Plan with some extra time to give Haylee and Josh and their relationship a chance, there is something we all can take away with us into our relationships. I am looking forward to the next book as there are quite a few intriguing characters in this book that deserve their own story!

View all my reviews

Tell Me Something (Something #1) by Aubrey Bondurant – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

Tell Me Something (Something, #1)Tell Me Something by Aubrey Bondurant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tell Me Something is the first book in the Something series by Aubrey Bondurant. Written in first person, we follow Haylee’s story as she takes a new job as Josh Singer’s assistant. This was my first read of the author’s work and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Twenty-two year old Haylee Holloway has experienced more than her fair share of grief in her short life. Moving to LA for a fresh start, she takes an assistant job to help save money so she can fulfil her dream of going to Law school. The last thing she expects is to step in at a work photo shoot, as the model, in front of the owner of the company she works for. Josh Singer is private, intense, hard to read and completely captivating. His smouldering eyes and sexy voice has Haylee hooked from the moment she meets him. Knowing her dream, her makes her an offer; work for him to save enough money for school. Haylee’s answer is easy, but one thing isn’t: how does she spend so much time with her hot boss and keep her hands off him? Frustrated with the mixed signals Josh is giving her, Haylee finally makes a decision. Blurring professional boundaries may not be a good idea, but they say it’s only temporary. But will either of them accept that maybe things were never supposed to end?

This book brings together a whole range of different factors from across the romance genre. It packs a real emotional punch in places, while creating some really hot and passionate scenes, too. That was not was I was expecting when I started Tell Me Something (although I can’t tell you what I was expecting!), and it was a welcome surprise. I loved the whole premise of the story, as I felt a over-done subject (‘it’s only a temporary arrangement’ kind of thing) got a complete overhaul in this version. The emotion the story drew out (I was not expecting it to be so heart-breaking in places!) was not only varied but extreme; one minute I was laughing, the next I was shouting at the book. I love rollercoaster reads, and this is definitely one of those. To see how things turn out, you’ll have to read it yourself, but I don’t think you will disappointed with Haylee and Josh’s outcome!

Speaking of the two lead characters, I have to say how much I enjoyed reading about them. It was immediately obvious what a strong, independent and ambitious woman Haylee was, and I absolutely love this. This is just how I liked my female leads, so I knew I would fall in love with her (and I did!). Although she had faced some tragedy, she had picked herself up and moved on, which I admire and only adds to her believability and realness. As for Josh, what a complex character! At times, I had no idea what was happening with him and this made me so angry; like Haylee, I just wanted to shout at him. But over the course of the story, I began to like him more and more as we found out more about his past and background, explaining why he is the way he is. I loved the scenes they shared together, and often found myself reading faster so I could get to their next interaction!

Overall, Tell Me Something is a really great read. I love the unique plot, complex characters and the wonderful way the author writes. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and will definitely be recommending this to my friends!

Review by @ashleighw

View all my reviews

The Sound of Love (The Sound Series #1) by Maria Watts – Review by Tracy Manderson

The Sound of Love (The Sound series #1)The Sound of Love by Maria Watts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Sound of Love by Maria Watts
4out of 4 stars
This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Watts and I didn’t know if I liked the story or hated the story. This book makes you keep reading, and the story makes you absolutely frustrated, then it makes you laugh, and maybe even cry. I loved the ninety’s and the boy bands some of the music today stinks compared to the ninety’s.
The story starts off nice and sweet and then you watch them grow and we see them exploring more mature and darker issues.
Nina Bains is a normal schoolgirl from Southampton. She is a typical teenager going to school, hanging out with her friends and fantasizing about Chris Mulligan, one of the lead singers of the Funky Guys.
Nina has the chance to meet and get to know Chris personally. They fall in love and their two worlds collide with such a force that Nina is knocked out of her everyday life before she even realizes what is happening. As she is drawn more and more into Chris’ world, she suddenly finds herself on tour with a boy band phenomenon in a whirlwind of fancy hotels, tour buses, venues, fans, groupies and music. Soon she realizes all that glitters is not gold and she has to question everything she once believed in.

Can Chris and Nina understand the meaning of love? Will she risk everything to love Chris? Will Nina become something she doesn’t like while on the road?
The characters where written well and the way Ms. Watts wrote Nina’s character was real she was intelligent and mature for her age. I was Nina once I fantasized about my favorite boy band and I probably do the same thing Nina did.
By
Tracy Manderson

Review by @tracym

View all my reviews

Chasing You (Thirsty Hearts Series, #4) by Kris Jayne – Review by Jana Teppih

Chasing You (Thirsty Hearts Series, #4)Chasing You by Kris Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chasing You by Kris Jayne is the fourth of the series but it is the first one I read.
It was hard to get into the story at first as it felt like a tennis match and both Alexa and Graham seemed not to want to acknowledge what they really want and kept snapping at each other. Once I got further into the story and let myself go along on a ride, I started to relate to Alexa and her resistance to any kind of personal commitment – it is so much simpler to commit to one’s carrier and friends than one’s romantic interest as it makes us vulnerable and tests our trust.
I liked that it was not a wham-bam thank you ma’am story, I ended liking the long way it took for Alexa and Graham to get together as this is how it is also in the real life out here – we might dream of someone sweeping us off our feet but very often the deep and lasting relationships are built long and slow.
On the surface the story might seem fun and sexy but Kris Jayne manages to create different layers and touch upon important issues that we encounter in our daily lives – stalking, lack of communication, assumptions when it comes to other people’s actions, disconnection when 2 people go at different pace in a relationship…
It is a good read, put aside some time, pick up a glass of wine and enjoy the hours!

View all my reviews

Maggie by Mya O’Malley – Review by Jana Teppih

MaggieMaggie by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maggie by Mya O’Malley is the first book by the author that I have read. The story pulls you slowly in from the first chapter on. It does not start at all like your everyday ghost story so you relax and go with the flow rolling your eyes when Naomi goes to another awful blind date and deals with a horrible and abusive ex.
At the same time, you can feel something creeping in from the side with the objects moving on their own and shadows blinking in and out. I love how Naomi has such an open mind and instead of being weary of the cemetery and all the spirits inhabiting it, she looks at it as a source of inspiration.
The author has an amazing ability to blend the romance and paranormal and I can see how even the ones not believing into paranormal might be thinking “maybe it is possible” if they really allow the story to come alive and be honest with themselves. I love that it is not a ghostly love story but something deeper and more meaningful.
The story keeps you captivating and at the edge of your seat until the last page – I loved the way Mya weaved different stories into the main story, it never got boring or let you down.
I can see myself going back and re-reading Maggie and also reading other Mya’s books.

View all my reviews

Fat Girl (Romance in Rehoboth #1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Shannon Fowler

Fat Girl (Romance in Rehoboth #1)Fat Girl by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fat Girl by K.L. Montgomery is a story, well more like a diary or a column in a paper, about a woman named Claire, who is separated from her husband. She thinks it is due to her weight. She’s the mother of a teenager and works hard at her job. She is turning 40 and really wants to change her body, her mind and her life and ends up changing her heart as well.

“All I need to do is find my own path to happiness. I have all the ingredients I need: a family, amazing friends, a job I love. The only thing that has been holding me back all this time is me. I haven’t let myself be happy.”

O.M.G. I’m a fat girl too!! Of course I already knew this but I swear Montgomery was in my head and heart while she was writing the “fat” parts of this story. While this “story” is a real eye opener, it was also entertaining. Claire is funny, outgoing and sarcastic! She grows a great deal and realizes two things: everyone’s fat is different, and even though we shouldn’t care what others think about us everyone still wants to be accepted and receive unconditional love.

“The point is being healthy, happy, and above all, yourself. Not making yourself crazy trying to be someone else’s idealized version of yourself,”

K.L. Montgomery is a new to me author so I’m not sure how her other books are written but this one hits the spot. Its funny, endearing, and honest. This story is definitely worth a read no matter what size you are!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

View all my reviews

Beats of Life Perception Book 5 by Shandi Boyes – Review By Heidi Eich Wooding

Beats of Life (Perception #5)Beats of Life by Shandi Boyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beats of Life by Shandi Boyes is the fifth books is the fifth book in the Perception Series, and WOW another book that will kick your socks off. While each book in this amazing series are great I have to say that this one ranks closer to the top. Nothing like a great rocker book and add in second chance romance to spice it up even more! SHANDI BOYES I have become addicted to RISE UP, the boys, and the girls that steal the hearts of these sexy guys that you have created for us.

Slaters life is the band! His brother, his bandmates, and his drums is all he needs. Add in the amazing life of a star, rock and roll, and groupies He is the bad boy drummer all the girls want to tame! Out of nowhere he comes face to face with Kylie, the one person he loved even more then his music. Two years ago Kylie left, completely gone and without a trace. Emily, needing an assistant for the upcoming tour, she asks Kylie, which at first she turns down. Once Slater sees that Kylie is struggling with money, he basically makes her take the job. Slater still angry, tells everyone to stay away and he does also, breaking her heart in the process. Thrown together a few times, they both open up and share an EPIC kiss. What will happen when Slater finds out why Kylie walked away, will he be able to forgive her tearing him apart? Will Kylie be able to love without holding back?

This book made me laugh, made my scream, and made me cry and I have to say that I enjoyed every single second of it. Each book in the series gets better and better. Each book I have been able to read in over a day but this one, I read in one sitting. While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend that you read all the books to understand the band and FULLY experience RISE UP! I give this book 5 stars and can’t wait to read more. I hate that at some point this series will stop, but the boys of RISE UP have left a mark in my heart and in my mind!

Review by @heidiew1977
View all my reviews

Emma ( Angel # 2 ) by Tracy Lorraine – Review By Nicole Alamillo

Emma (Angel, #2)Emma by Tracy Lorraine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emma: Angel book # 2 by Tracy Lorraine
I give it 5/5 stars

** This is the fourth book in this series. It can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend you read all the books in proper order. I promise you, you will not be disappointed. You’ll absolutely love this series just as much as I do!!

Oh man, This story is simply phenomenal !! It has taken me a couple days to compose what I want to say in this review. This book has made me think and feel things, in more ways than I can truly understand. Out of Abbi, Molly and Emma… I definitely connect more with Emma than any other character. We have a lot in common. I feel a lot like she does, in the book. Which is a bit difficult to say out loud.
Emma is a beautiful woman, as she is on the outside as she is on the inside. But one thing… she doesn’t see herself as beautiful on the outside. She think she’s overweight and plain. She feels she isn’t good enough… not pretty enough, and not skinny enough.
She is still dealing with the aftermath of losing her twin sister, Hannah. She is trying her hardest to deal with all the grief and sadness as best as she can. She moved to a new house and she’s even in the process of writing her very first book. She is doing the very best she can. She feels she doesn’t need a man in her life to be happy. She is quite content with being single. Until Ruben…
Ruben doesn’t have the best reputation with woman. He’s often known as a womanizer. He even knows about his reputation and doesn’t even care. He feels like he only has one use for woman… he uses them and then disposes of them. Until he meets Emma…
This is a story about Emma and Ruben’s journey. It is like riding an emotional roller coaster. You’ll laugh and then cry. There’s a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns in this book. You will not be disappointed in any way whatsoever!!
I have read this whole series. And I have to say Emma, is my absolute favorite… so far!! Emma and I are a lot alike in many ways. This book made me feel things I haven’t felt in years.
Tracy Lorraine has a way of writing … that sucks you in immediately. Once you start reading , you have a difficult time putting the book down. I adore books like that!! She is an amazing author,with such a talent at writing about these characters with such depth and attitude. I seriously can not wait to read the next book. I’m patiently waiting on pins and needles over here!! Keep up the wonderful books and characters. I can’t wait to read about Connie’s story.

Reviewed by @nikkismiles40

 

The Snowflake Valley Advice Fairy by Holly Tierney-Bedord – Review by Jana Teppih

The Snowflake Valley Advice FairyThe Snowflake Valley Advice Fairy by Holly Tierney-Bedord
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Snowflake Valley Advice Fairy by Holly Tierney-Bedford is an adorable novella perfect for a cold winter evening in front of a burning fireplace after a long and busy day. It is a short feel good read that touches upon real life issues.
Already the first sentence sets the scene for the quirkiness of Snowflake Valley Gazette and the challenges that Elinor will be facing along her journey of growing into her new job, the Snowflake Valley and its people.
I love the way the author pulls at your heart strings and makes you laugh out loud when reading about the problems that Elinor aka the Snowflake Valley Advice Fairy needs to give an advice on. We all can relate to them and I am sure all of us would have the similar initial reaction as Elinor. It was great how she took the concept of the advice column, changed it and made it into something that actually would help the asker.
I hope there will be another book that takes us deeper into the lives of Snowflake Valley inhabitants, I know that I would definitely read it.

View all my reviews

Player For Life, Perception Book 4 by Shandi Boyes – Review By Heidi Eich Woodring

Player of Life (Perception #4)Player of Life by Shandi Boyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Player for Life by Shandi Boyes is the fourth book in the Perception Series. This series follows the band, Rise up, and its members. This story follows, Nick. Nick is the bad boy we all love and because of that, I have to say that this is the best book in this whole series. I love the cocky man Nick is but when he falls, he falls and it is amazing to read about it. Shandi Boyes again gives a book you can wrap yourself in and enjoy from beginning to end.

Nick is your typical player, cocky, headstrong, and thinks every female wants him. After getting caught sleeping with a band members girl, he needs time to really decide if he wants to remain the band. Enter Jenni, who wants to stay away from guys. She dated a player in the past and had her heart broken. Jenni doesn’t want to get hurt so she loves being with her friends and having fun. When Jenni meets Nick, she feels that all she attracts if players and tries very hard to stay away. Nick never has or wanted to get close to a female and Jenni breaks all his rules. Watching all the things these two have to face, and see that nothing will break this bond, makes this an even better read!

Shandi Boyes, truly did an amazing job and I loved that this book reached deeper levels then the other book. I loved how even with the strong attraction Nick and Jenni had, they tried so hard to remain friends. I am truly hooked on this series and in each you are able to get a look into what is going on with other members and their girlfriends. I give this book 5 stars and while yes this book can be read as a standalone, I think reading the other three books will help. This whole series is just wonderfully written and rock and roll romance that will leave you hooked and wanting more and more. WELL DONE SHANDI!!! This truly is an amazing rock and roll romance with heartache, drama, and craziness.

Review by @heidiew1977
View all my reviews

Dancer By Jamie Schlosser – Review by Sue Kemp

Dancer (The Good Guys)Dancer by Jamie Schlosser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dancer
Author Jamie Schlosser
5 stars
Colton and Ellie had known each other from childhood. They were best friends and spent every moment they could together. But disaster struck when Colton’s mom died of cancer. After her death his dad decided they were moving away to start a new life together. For a while Ellie and Colton stayed in touch but it hurt Colton too much so he stopped replying to her letters. They were only young children but the decided they were going to be together forever, and now that had been taken away from them. Fifteen years later their lives were about to collide again. Travis and Angel were taking him out for his birthday, they were going to a club called Caged as that was the only place Angel could get in legally since she was only eighteen. Colton started to relax at the club and thought the girl in the cage at the opposite side of the room looked familiar. He didn’t know where he knew her from but was determined to find out. Alot had happened in the years since they last seen each other Ellie was now a single mom of a four year old girl Ava. Colton and Ellie spent time together at his place since Travis and Angel were away. Ellie was worried about telling him about Ava but knew she had to. When she told him it didn’t bother him that she was a single mom and knew if he was going to love her, he would love Ava to. When Colton met Ava Ellie was surprised how she took to Colton straight away and it seemed he was just as taken to her. Months down the track he decided he was going to marry Ellie and he wanted to legally adopted Ava as his daughter. When he told Ellie this it melted her heart. Colton brought both his girls ring. At a picnic surrounded by all they loved colton took Ava for a walk. Stopping on the walk he sat Ava on his lap and asked her if it.was ok for him to marry her mom, Ava told him yes. He also asked her if he could be her dad, she asked if he would be her really really dad. Ava was so happy when Colton said yes and she asked him for ring. Running back to Elly she yells out mom we are getting married.

View all my reviews

A Trucker Christmas by Jamie Schlosser – Review by Sue Kemp

A Trucker Christmas (The Good Guys)A Trucker Christmas by Jamie Schlosser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Trucker Christmas
Author Jamie Schlosser
5 Stars

Christmas has not always been good for Angel. However this Christmas is the best one she has ever had, she is surrounded by people who she loves and by those who also love her. Her Christmas present from Travis is sitting on her finger a beautiful engagement along with a marriage proposal which of course she accepted. She can’t stop looking at her beautiful ring and is amazed how it sparkles under the lights of the Christmas tree. Travis was nervous when he was preparing to ask her to marry him; he worried that she may say no. They were going to his moms for Christmas lunch and when they arrived she nearly knocked Travis off his feet in trying to get to Angel. Travis was also surprised his mom managed to keep the engagement ring a secret, since she knew what he was planning. The love between his mom and Angel stood out for all to see. Angel spent some of Christmas morning looking through wedding sites with Travis’ mom; they were both as excited as each other looking what could be bought for the wedding. Travis is in awe of how close the two women he loved the most are. Angel squeals with delight when she find a dress that she really like, Travis goes to look but his mom turned her computer away from him so he couldn’t see. When asked when the wedding was to be Angel said she would like a summer wedding, Travis told her he would marry her tomorrow if he could, his mom told him that wouldn’t happen as a wedding takes months to plan. Smiling he leaves the loves of his life finish up with their wedding searches.

View all my reviews

Capturing Us (Cedarville #2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Stacey Baxter

Capturing Us (Cedarville #2)Capturing Us by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Melanie has loved Logan for a long time but never told him if anything lately she’s been extra cranky towards him to try and push him away. Every time she see him her body can’t help but react to him she wants him bad but shes just not sure how to approach him, Melanie is normally in control of things and straight to the point but with Logan she not as confident at first. When Logan gets a offer to work away again on assignment with his photography that give Melanie the push she needs to tell him how she really feels but things don’t go to plan. Ever since Mel was attacked Logan realised there was more to them friendship it shocked the hell out of him to think all this time they could have been more but deep down he knows he wouldn’t of been ready especially considering he would have been away a lot with work so then wouldn’t of been the right time. Logan has been thinking recently that he no longer wants to travel but when what he originally has planned goes through he decide to do one more assignment away but hes in a complete shock when he finds out just before he’s leaving that Mel has had feelings for him for all this time not sure what to do with all this new information he still goes hoping that Mel won’t hate him to much when he gets back. Will Melanie forgive Logan? Will they get together? Do they get there happy ever after…….
I loved Melanie’s and logans story it was amazing the connection they have between them was beautiful and seeing feelings come light was wonderful to read plus the characters themselves have awesome personalities I felt I could really connect with them. The story had you right from the beginning had such a lovely flow to it. I have loved the Cedarville series so far you can read them as standalone but they ate better to read as a series so you don’t miss out on history with the characters amazing.

View all my reviews

Capturing Us (A Cedarville Novel) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Anna Hirsch

Capturing Us (Cedarville #2)Capturing Us by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Capturing Us by Bree Kraemer
4 Stars

This is book two in the Cedarville series. You don’t have to read book one but I would suggest it. You’ll have the back story to this book and book one was excellent. Capturing Us focuses on the relationship between Melanie and Logan. Melanie has been in love with Logan for as long as she can remember. With Logan’s job taking him away from Cedarville for weeks and months at a time, Melanie would suppress her feelings and live her life. She’s had her experiences and went on dates. Now Logan has returned to Cedarville for good and Melanie doesn’t know how to cope with her feelings. They are coming to the surface and she doesn’t know how to hide them anymore.

Ever since Logan found Melanie on the floor after the break in in her house, he realized his feelings are more than just friendship. He doesn’t know what he would have done if she had been seriously hurt. He wouldn’t be able to live without her. He can’t go a day without seeing her. Yet since the break in, Melanie has been acting like she hates him. Logan’s so confused. They finally admit their feelings to each other and embark on a romantic relationship. As in any new relationship, there are trust issues and communication problems. Even though they have been friends forever, these are new issues because they are starting a life together.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are wonderful and the dynamics between them is comforting. They are a close knit group who are there for each other whether they need help or they are making fun of one another. They are funny. This is another book that thrilled me from this author. I’m looking forward to reading more from her.

Review by @annahirsch
View all my reviews