Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Book Review: Twisted by Emma Chase

 
Twisted (Tangled #2) by
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, August 10, 2014

The Monster Thon Wrap Up

One week till Nursing School starts. I can't believe it! More on that here!



 
 
 

I'm happy to say that the monster readathon was a success in my book. Though I didn't manage to read a 100 pages everyday or write a review or finish my audiobook, I'm beyond excited about the books that I finished reading. One of which was on my NetGalley list and two of which were historical!




A quick look at my week:
 


Finished:
 
Twisted by Emma Chase -- Review to Follow :D
The Irish Devil by Donna Fletcher --  Major Alpha male alert!
Irish Hope by Donna Fletcher -- Reminded me of She's the Man and Mulan! Lot of fun!
Where She Went by Gayle Forman --- Perfect Ending to this series. Bring on the movie (and the tears)
 
Started & Continued With:

 
 
Craving Absolution by Nicole Jacquelyn -- Love the ACES MC!
Easy by Tammara Webber -- Heard great things about this one.
Rock Chick Revenge by Kristen Ashley -- LUCAS STARK *sigh*
 
 
Love to hear about your week too.  How did your reading or review goals go? Thanks to The BOOK MONSTERS for hosting.
 


Sunday, August 3, 2014

Monster Thons / ARC August Challenge

Both of this challenges are perfect for me. I'm fixing to start nursing school (more about that here) and wanted to get as many books knocked out of the way as possible. Cause I'm about to beyond busy once the middle of this month rolls around.   There is no way I want my NetGalley ARCs looming over my head during school.  And there is a few books that I've been dying to get my nose in, so I'm hoping to get those read during these challenges too.


Monster Thon (August 4th- 10th)

 
Goals:

  • Read 100 pages a day
  • Read at least 1 ARCs
  • Write 1 review
  • Read one historical fiction book
  • Finish listening to my audio book
Updates:

 
ARC August
Here's to getting that NetGalley ratio back in the green. I have five books that I need to read and review. Since this challenge runs all month long, it would be amazing if I could knock out all five books. However, since there is some books that I want to get finished in August that aren't ARCs/reviews -- I'll be tickled pink with three read and reviewed from my NetGalley shelf.




I'm aiming to read & review:
  • Twisted by Emma Chase
  • Ruthless People by J.J. McAvoy
  • Trust by Sherri Hayes
Updates:


 
Hope you all meet your goals this week/month. Feel free to leave a link, I'd love to jump by and see your goals/progress!
 
 


Saturday, August 2, 2014

Stacking the Shelves : Historical Fiction Addiction


 
Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!
 
Can't get enough historical fiction lately. It's my current reading addiction -- thanks to BAM and my new friendship with half.com. Used books are perfect for summer outings too, cause it doesn't bother me to get grass or sand on them. And my debt card doesn't try to divorce me, well, as much.
 
Bought:
 
 
 

 
Secrets of A Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas (New)
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks
The Irish Devil by Donna Fletcher
Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught (5 Star Read)
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost (New)
Until You by Judith McNaught
Simple Gifts by Judith McNaught & Jude Deveraux
 
Borrowed:
 
 
Where She Went by Gayle Forman
About halfway through this one and it's already heartbreaking.
Can't wait for the If I Stay movie.
 
Not a bad haul. Actually, I'm tickled pink with all the books here. Besides Halfway to the Grave and Where She Went, you can see my growing love of Judith McNaught and other historical fiction writers. Any author suggestions for me? 

 

 

Friday, August 1, 2014

Book Review: Between the Sheets by Molly O'Keefe




Between the Sheets (Boys of Bishop #3) by
 
 

Between the Sheets is my second Molly O'Keefe book, and it did not let me down. After reading Never Been Kissed (review here) and thoroughly enjoying all the macho man moments, I couldn’t resist meeting Ty the motorcycle bad boy. 

With a name and cover like Between the Sheets supports, it is easy to believe the book is just like all the other heavily romanced geared books. While there is a lot of steam (again, how could there not be?) , this books dives into some serious heartbreaking emotions.
Shelby and Ty both are faced with these issues, and in return seek refuge in each other’s arms.


Ty is dealing with a new town, new people, and becoming a new dad. Only his son isn’t a newborn.
Casey is a troubled elementary school student that recently tracked his father down. Not only is Casey scarred from his past experiences with his mother, he’s uncertain that this safe place with Ty will last.   Acting out in class to fighting to stealing the occasional item, Casey doesn’t know how to deal with all these new emotions colliding with his past.

Ty can’t help but blame himself for all of the pain the boy has been through.  And even though Casey reminds Ty of himself, he doesn’t know how to reach out to his hurting son. 
Cue, Shelby.

Shelby is the art teacher at Casey’s school. And great with dealing with Casey because she is one of the few people that Casey actually respects. 
Shelby is tough, guarded, and broken.  Dealing with a scandal from years past and with her mother’s worsening dementia, plus teaching at school and the art barn, Shelby doesn't have time to deal with her sexy new neighbor, Ty.  But even so she can't help being attracted to him, and the momentarily distraction from her hectic life that he offers.


Shelby learning to cope with her mother’s dementia was heartbreaking. And really, spot on. As someone who has worked with dementia patients, O’Keefe has really researched her topic and has conveyed well all the emotions of guilt, fear, confusion, and hurt that family members/caregivers deal with on a daily bases.
Ty and Casey’s part of the story was also very moving. In fact, it was my favorite part of the book. Casey was an excellent character. With moments of growth and heartache, Casey and Ty slowly learn what it means to be father and son.

Yes, there is some romance. But this book showcases more than the lover next door scenario. It is a heartfelt story of survival. And what happens when you allow those around you to help -- so you don't have to carry the burden alone.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.