Book Review: The Roanoke Girls

                                                                                  BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

A gripping, provocative thriller about the twisted secrets families keep, perfect for fans of The Girls.

Beautiful.
Rich.
Mysterious.
Everyone wants to be a Roanoke girl.

But you won't when you know the truth.

Lane Roanoke is fifteen when she comes to live with her grandparents and fireball cousin at the Roanoke family's rural estate following the suicide of her mother. Over one long, hot summer, Lane experiences the benefits of being one of the rich and beautiful Roanoke girls.

But what she doesn't know is being a Roanoke girl carries a terrible legacy: either the girls run, or they die. For there is darkness at the heart of Roanoke, and when Lane discovers its insidious pull, she must make her choice...

                                                                       MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

This was just crazy good. I am really conflicted though. This book was completely triggering but completely wonderful for me. I am almost upset for rating such a dark and frankly disturbing story five stars. This tragic story completely enveloped me and I had to keep flipping the pages in order to figure out what is happen. The story completely captivated me.

I was just simply addicted to this story. The story will stick with me for decades. It has a stomach-twisting almost throw up worth storyline. The characters are developed and wonderful despite all that happens. I was completely engulfed in their lives and sick situation. I won't spoil anything.

Overall this was a great book!

Disclaimer: I received this book from blogging for books in exchange for an honest review.

Book Blitz: Drawn to Dark

Drawn to Dark
Emma Tharp
Publication date: February 27th 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Being a Rock God isn’t easy. Kingston Lawless has survived a lot of things – alcoholism, ultimate betrayal, and an ill sister only he can save. But Kingston is ready to get his life back on track.
When his path crosses with nurse Camilla Watts, he immediately knows she’s different than all the other women he’s met. Sweet, innocent, and she didn’t even know he’s famous. Could Cam give him the kind of life he wants?
Unable to deny their chemistry, Kingston and Cam start a whirlwind romance. But King’s past isn’t ready to let him go. Will their love be able to overcome the lies or will his dark past rip them apart?

Goodreads / Amazon

—

Author Bio:
Emma was raised in upstate NY. Being an only child, she spent a great deal of time alone dreaming up characters that would keep her company on long family road trips. Putting her writing on the back burner, she went to college and became a chiropractor. After spending 14 years healing patients, Emma decided—with the help of her amazingly supportive husband—to use the creative side of her brain and let her characters come to the page.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or at a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.

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Book Blitz: Fire and Bone

Book Blitz: The Rules of Rebellion

The Rules of Rebellion
Amity Hope
Published by: Entangled Crush
Publication date: April 2nd 2018
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

The Rules of Rebellion
1. Skinny dip (her idea)
2. Stargaze (his idea)
3. Prank someone (her idea)
4. Go on a date (his idea)
Leo Zimmerman has had a crush on his curvy friend Kylie Jenkins since forever, so when he discovers the girl with a flair for candy making has a newfound plan to rebel against her overbearing parents, he’s determined to be the one to help her carry it out. Who better than himself to show her the ropes of letting loose?
Sure, taking her to her first high school party, helping her sneak out of the house, or watching a sunset together isn’t exactly a hardship, but much harder is masking his feelings the more time they spend together. And when he suggests adding “a first date” to Kylie’s plan and she accepts…suddenly all his dreams seem to be coming true.
But Leo’s got a secret that could change everything between them, and it’s only a matter of time before it comes to the surface.

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Author Bio:
Amity lives in beautiful northern Minnesota with her two sons, two cats and their Rottweiler.
She has a degree in elementary education and worked in that field for ten years before deciding to self-publish.
Her first self-published novel, Twisted, was listed by Amazon as a Top 100 Kids & Teens Kindle Book of 2012. It hit Amazon's Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance Best Sellers List in several countries. Truths and Dares held the #1 position on Amazon's Best Sellers in Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance eBooks in the UK.
If she's not writing, or spending time with her boys, she's most likely reading.

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Blog Tour: Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding Hearts
By Dana Louise Provo 
A new adult romantic suspense novel 
Published by Clean Reads

Orphaned at an early age, now twenty-four-year-old Camryn Lucks is ready to commit to find that special someone, and so accepts a date from a charming, gallant, handsome stranger. The last thing she imagines after accepting that first date with Carson would actually be the beginning of her worst nightmare.

Red roses, a reminder of her parents' killer, soon become an emblem of horror for Cami as one by one, those closest to her fall victim to a serial killer. Cami becomes an obsession for Carson, the man she had finally allowed herself to love. Not only is he vying for her heart, but also her life. 

Finding herself in a whirlwind of torments shadowed by the blood-colored bloom, Cami finds solace in Isaac, a neighboring police officer. She’s desperate to escape the haunting memories, but she must revisit them in order to catch her would-be killer. Living life in constant fear has driven Cami to second-guess every choice she makes. Will the police catch the illusive murderer, or will Cami be forced to face him once again? 

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When Cami Lucks accepted a date with a charming, gallant stranger she didn’t know it would be the beginning of her worst nightmare. She becomes an obsession for Carson, her first love. Not only is he vying for her heart, but also her life. Now Cami must work with the police to stop the illusive murderer before he finds her.

EXCERPT:

My arm trembles as I grip the cool handle of my pistol, keeping a firm grasp to ensure it doesn’t slip out of my sweaty hand. It usually stands sentry in my left nightstand to scare the nightmares away. But this isn’t a dream. The room is dark and hides the face of the man whose intent is to kill me. But I know who he is. A metallic taste fills my mouth; I want to gag. My blood drips off the blade in his hand in slow, steady beats on the carpet. My arms shake as I lift the barrel and point it in his direction. He doesn't move. His heavy breaths alert me to the meager distance between us.

We’re at a stalemate.

A soft glow from the lamppost just outside my window casts a sliver of light on his face. His dark, beady eyes that I have grown to know rake over my body like I'm another one of his many victims. He lifts the edges of his mouth into a smile. My heart plunges into my stomach. I know what that sinister expression means, and I think back to all the times he had looked at me like that before. I had been so blind.

Before I react he lunges at me, grabbing onto my waist and twisting me to the ground. I shriek as my head slams against the bed frame. Black spots flood my vision. I squeeze my hand only to find it empty. My gun is gone. The sound of the knife clattering on the floor gives me slight hope. Not much though. He climbs up my body trying to pin my arms to the floor. I thrash my fists around, desperate to knock him off.

“Get off!” I scream, pulling on his shirt and kicking him off balance. Wrapping his hands around my arms, my attacker cuts off the circulation of blood. Rug burns flare across my skin as he drags me across the carpet. He closes his hands around my neck, shutting off my air supply. I pull at his hands but it's no use; he has always been stronger than me. My pulse drums a frantic beat in my ears. The air slowly leaks out from my lungs, killing any hope I may have left. I search for the gun around the room; it may be my only savior now.

"Why are you doing this?" I struggle to get the words out. He squints his dark eyes. I'm wondering if there might be a chance that he will stop this madness. I am wrong.

"It'll be over soon, sweetheart." His hands again tighten around my neck, blocking the air from entering my lungs. 

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About the Author

Dana Provo has always loved books and reads everything from young adult fantasy to adult historical romances. When she’s not reading or writing her next novel, Dana can be found riding her horses and getting ready for competition. Dana lives with her husband and two house plants in Richmond, Virginia.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordanaprovo/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanaProvo

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Blog: https://authordanaprovo.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/authordanaprovo

Amazon: https://goo.gl/aL1YR8

Book Blitz: Captive

Captive
Jenny Lynn
Publication date: March 2018
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

In the city of sin, who will be saved?
Beckett Carter is the last of his family; the head of Carter Enterprises and a reclusive billionaire living in a luxurious Las Vegas penthouse. Since his parents murder his obsession with justice has steadily grown stronger, leading him to become the masked vigilante known to criminals as the Phantom. When he’s not out playing the part of a filthy rich playboy he trains his body hard, and in his disguise he brings the criminal underworld to its knees.
Crime reporter Ella James keeps everyone at arm’s length, throwing herself into her work and her quest to find out what happened to her missing sister. She doesn’t let anyone get close enough to her to see how damaged she really is and afraid to trust anyone fully, she has never let a man touch her. While going undercover she puts her life in danger and discovers the secret identity of the Phantom as he ruthlessly eliminates a room full of criminals. This one night sets off a chain of events neither of them expected.
Faced with the threat of being exposed, Beckett is left with only one choice. He takes Ella captive, keeping her in a secret room until he can complete his mission. In Ella, Beckett finds an opponent unlike any he’s met before – she’s smart, resourceful, and worst of all, innocent. The untouched woman locked away in his penthouse is the greatest temptation he has ever faced.
A tense rivalry between the two grows into something so much more than either could have imagined. When Beckett gives in and shows Ella how dark he can be, can she succeed and show him the light?

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Author Bio:
Jenny Lynn writes contemporary romance novels about charismatic billionaires, cocky bad boys and dominant alpha males. She loves to throw in exciting plot twists and plenty of steamy scenes that will keep you up at night. She writes men worth falling in love with, and definitely worth lusting after. Jenny has won awards for her writing but there is nothing that makes her happier than when people discover and enjoy her books. When she’s not writing Jenny is spending time with her family and trying not to burn dinner.

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Ronald Dahl: Charlie and the glass elevator

One of my primary goals in 2018 is to read all of Roald Dahl's books. I believe his works are lovely and don't want to miss a page. Follow along with the journey here. 

                                                                                   BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

Now that Charlie has won the chocolate factory, what's next? Even wilder adventures, that'swhat! Join him, Grandpa Joe, and, of course, Willy Wonka for the amazing, intergalactic sequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

                                                                        MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

* I realize this may be your favorite book so be kind and know that we all have different opinions on things.  

This book was such a let down for me compared to the first book. The book was readable and fun but it missed the magic of the first book. I rated this book three stars because I love him as an author and I believe the writting is worth it.

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator was interesting for the first quarter of the book, and the book isn't very long and is a quick read. So that is saying something right there. I was so disappointed as I read this book directly after reading Charlie and the Choclate Factory.  

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator as you would have guessed it takes place mostly inside of an elevator. It suprisingly also has next to nothing to do with the Factory either. In the rest of the book the finally go back to the factor and the umpa lumpas sing. Many do they sing songs. You would then think man this must be were it gets relevant again, but nope.  

It was a let down. 

Book Blitz: Perfect

Perfect
Felice Stevens
(Soulmates #4)
Publication date: February 23rd 2018
Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Romance

Despite multiple degrees and business success, in his heart Jeremy Strauss feels he’s never measured up. While he hasn’t lacked for men or women to share his bed, Jeremy has yet to find someone who sees beyond his muscles and perfect smile. Taking it slow with a lover isn’t how he operates, but something about the shy accountant he rescues in a snowstorm makes him want this time to be different. So what if Blake drops little comments here and there about Jeremy’s pretty face? Their relationship is perfect.
Or is it?
Lonely most of his life, Blake Myers is as careful with his heart as he is with a balance sheet. The last thing he expects is for a man like Jeremy to fall for him, and he can’t help but wait for the bubble to burst on their relationship. When the stress of a professional crisis turns personal, Blake sees the perfect relationship he and Jeremy have built start to crumble. Caught in an ever-tightening web of lies, rather than wait for Jeremy to leave him, Blake breaks it off and vanishes.
Perfection is an illusion.
Jeremy doesn’t know which way to turn and for the first time in his life, he’s lost and uncertain. Believing he’s no longer the man Jeremy needs, Blake sinks deeper into despair. Both men struggle with secrets, lies, and hurtful memories until they are forced to look inside their hearts and learn the truth—that love is perfectly imperfect.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

At around six thirty, his desk phone buzzed. “Yeah?”
“Blake here to see you?”
His pulse sped up. “Be right there.” Jeremy ran a hand through his hair and walked out of his office to the front desk. In his suit and tie and dark wool overcoat, Blake looked sexy and sophisticated. Jeremy felt like an underdressed slob in his sweats and T-shirt. His heart pounded, and his palms turned sweaty. What the hell was happening to him?
“Hey. I’m here.”
When their eyes met, Blake’s face lit up, and he smiled. “Hi. This place is great. I can’t believe you started it from scratch.”
“Yep. I did.” Seeing the curious glances of both Benny and Gino, Jeremy took Blake’s hand in his. “Guys. This is my boyfriend, Blake. Blake.” He squeezed Blake’s hand. “The dark-haired guy is Gino, and the redhead is Benny. They’re my right-hand men.”
“Nice to meet you both.”
Gino gaped at him. “Boyfriend? You never said you were even dating anyone.”
“I didn’t realize I owed you an explanation.” Jeremy chuckled and shook his head. “Blake and I are going back to my office, so unless it’s my brother or the mayor, no interruptions. Got it?”
They nodded, staring at him with wide, shocked eyes, but he ignored them and pulled Blake along, anxious to be alone with him.
He pushed Blake into his office and slammed the door shut behind him, locking it. “Finally. I’ve been waiting all day to do this.”
He covered Blake’s mouth with his and kissed him deep and hard, his tongue pressing at the seam of Blake’s lips. For a moment, Blake stiffened, but when Jeremy slipped his tongue inside, Blake grabbed on to his shoulder and began to kiss him back with equal fervor.
“Mmmm. That’s better.” His hands sure and steady, Jeremy first pushed off Blake’s coat and suit jacket, then loosened his tie. “Wanna know what sexy fantasies I’ve been having all day since you said you were coming over?”
Blake stared at him, wild-eyed and panting. “Yeah. Tell me.”
“You, bent over my sofa, naked. Me fucking you, while outside people are walking by. Maybe they hear us, maybe they don’t.”
He watched Blake’s eyes glaze over with lust. Jeremy was more than willing to make Blake’s fantasy a reality. Getting him off in semi-public was hot as hell, and the desire Jeremy stemmed all day burst free. He wanted Blake. Now.
“Take off everything.”
Breathing heavily, Blake licked his lips. “But what if someone needs you? They’ll knock on the door and—”
“And I won’t answer because I’ll be too busy being inside you. Come on. Get naked.”

Author Bio:
If you join my newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/y85e69ab you'll get exclusive content, sneak peeks at new books and contests. I feature favorite authors, recipes and free short stories!
I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, My characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love, but getting there is oh so fun and oh so sexy.
I live in New York City with my husband and two children. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass (or two of red wine). I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there are bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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Book Review: The Lover's Dictionary: A Novel

                                                                                   BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

basis, n.

There has to be a moment at the beginning when you wonder whether you're in love with the person or in love with the feeling of love itself.

If the moment doesn't pass, that's it―you're done. And if the moment does pass, it never goes that far. It stands in the distance, ready for whenever you want it back. Sometimes it's even there when you thought you were searching for something else, like an escape route, or your lover's face.

How does one talk about love? Do we even have the right words to describe something that can be both utterly mundane and completely transcendent, pulling us out of our everyday lives and making us feel a part of something greater than ourselves? Taking a unique approach to this problem, the nameless narrator of David Levithan's The Lover's Dictionary has constructed the story of his relationship as a dictionary. Through these short entries, he provides an intimate window into the great events and quotidian trifles of being within a couple, giving us an indelible and deeply moving portrait of love in our time.

Check it out here.  

                                                                        MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

abstraction, n.
Love is one kind of abstraction. And then there are those nights when I sleep alone, when I curl into a pillow that isn't you, when I hear the tiptoe sounds that aren't yours.

This was my first David Levithan novel. I know some disagree that this is a novel but it is in its own way.  I don't recommend starting with this novel if you don't like experiemental fiction. I loved that this was set up in a dictionary format along with being quick and easy to read. When I say quick I really mean quick. It is a small book and some pages only have one sentence on them

“It was a mistake," you said. But the cruel thing was, it felt like the mistake was mine, for trusting you.”

There is really raw emotions on these pages. You can see that author David Levithan poured his heart out in this tiny novel as seen by the beautiful quote above. 

“misgivings, n.

Last night, I got up the courage to ask you if you regretted us.
"There are things I miss," you said. "But if I didn't have you, I'd miss more.” 

Overall this is a cute and fun read. 

Book Blitz: Control Freaks

Ronald Dahl: The BFG

One of my primary goals in 2018 is to read all of Roald Dahl's books. I believe his works are lovely and don't want to miss a page. Follow along with the journey here. 

                                                                                   BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

Captured by a giant! The BFG is no ordinary bone-crunching giant. He is far too nice and jumbly. 

It's lucky for Sophie that he is. Had she been carried off in the middle of the night by the Bloodbottler, the Fleshlumpeater, the Bonecruncher, or any of the other giants-rather than the BFG-she would have soon become breakfast. 

When Sophie hears that they are flush-bunking off in England to swollomp a few nice little chiddlers, she decides she must stop them once and for all. And the BFG is going to help her!

                                                                        MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

“Don't gobblefunk around with words.” 

This is a book that blew my mind. This book was just sooo good. I haven’t had emotions from a book like this in a long time, especially not a children's novel. I don’t know what it is about Roald Dahl’s work but it just speaks to me in a way many other authors don’t. I loved everything about this book. The characters, writing, message, and everything in between. I finished this in one day as I do with most of his short works. I am so glad to have read this book. 

“Words', he said, 'is oh such a twitch-tickling problem to me all my life. So you must simply try to be patient and stop squibbling. As I am telling you before, I know exactly what words I am wanting to say, but somehow or other they is always getting squiff-squiddled around.” 

In The BFG we follow Sophie who is an orphan who gets kidnapped by a giant named BFG or Big Friendly Giant. She sees him at the witching hour which is a time when everyone else is sleeping but her. The giants show up at this point in time. He takes her away from everyone because he is afraid he will be found out. He isn’t like his fellow giants, he doesn't eat people. Sophie and him will band together to stop them. I loved the way they captured the giants but I wont spoil anything for you. 

“The witching hour, somebody had once whispered to her, was a special moment in the middle of the night when every child and every grown-up was in a deep deep sleep, and all the dark things came out from hiding and had the world all to themselves.” 

I loved the history of the giants. Dahl always goes into such deep detail about things and sort of drones on about it. I love this but I am sure this is something other people will dislike. 

“Giants isn't eating each other either, the BFG said. Nor is giants killing each other. Giants is not very lovely, but they is not killing each other. Nor is crockadowndillies killing other crockadowndillies. Nor is pussy-cats killing pussy-cats.

I highly recommend this to people young and old. A must read!  

Book Review: Sunny side up *SPOILERS*

                                                                                   BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

Sunny Lewin has been packed off to Florida to live with her grandfather for the summer. At first she thought Florida might be fun -- it is the home of Disney World, after all. But the place where Gramps lives is no amusement park. It's full of . . . old people. Really old people.

Luckily, Sunny isn't the only kid around. She meets Buzz, a boy who is completely obsessed with comic books, and soon they're having adventures of their own: facing off against golfball-eating alligators, runaway cats, and mysteriously disappearing neighbors. But the question remains -- why is Sunny down in Florida in the first place? The answer lies in a family secret that won't be secret to Sunny much longer. . . 

                                                                        MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

Warning: Drugs 

I thought this was such a needed book with the issues facing America today. Although it is different than I expected since I picked it up based on the cover. 

Above all else, this is a charming graphic novel. Even though it covers a very serious and sensitive topic. This book is ultimately the story of a young girl who is sent to live with her grandfather in Florida for the summer. This book is set in the 70s, and she finds Florida to be boring given the fact she spends most of her time at her grandfather's retirement home. Meanwhile, she is carrying a dark secret that you find out by various flashbacks to her life months before this trip. 

Through these flashbacks, we notice a downward spiral it seems her brother is on. He goes from happy to mean and angry over the course of the book. Sunny must keep his terrifying secrets even after he hurts her. 

I believe this is a critical book for teens and tweens to have if they are going through a family member with a drug or drinking problem. Even without this in their lives, they will still be able to relate to Sunny and being bored over the summer. I know I was. 

It has a great moral to it. That addiction shouldn't be hidden, that no secrets that make you feel horrible should be kept, and to seek help from an adult. 

I am so thankful I picked this up from the library. 

Book Review: His Outback Nanny by Annie Seaton

                                                                                   BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

Jemima Smythe is over the world of fashion. But when her dream of teaching falls through, Jemmy is determined to show her hometown she’s ready to put down roots. Three beautiful and boisterous kids in need of a nanny offer her an opportunity to prove just that. But their smoking-hot dad, Ned, offers her another—become his wife, as a matter of convenience only.

Ned McCormack is at his wits’ end. A single father to three kids, he quit the city and moved home to the Australian Outback in order to spend more quality time with his family. Unfortunately, the farm needs a lot of work. Just when he’s ready to give up, help comes unexpectedly in the form of a supermodel mistaken as his wife-to-be. 

Not a bad arrangement, if only they can stick to the rules of their strictly-business marriage—no kissing and absolutely no falling in love allowed.

                                                                        MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

This was a sweet and charming romance novel. Not my normal cup of tea but this was quite the story it was fun, advenerous, and cute. I read this book in one day it was that good. I need to see what happened to the characters and where the story was leading to. How were they going to figure things out? 

The story follows Jeminma who is the sweetest woman, she has a huge heart. Suprised by her emotions when she met Ned's children she knew she wanted to be their nanny. Gwennie was the sweetest child ever in this story. When ned counters her offer with a plotonic marriage porposal she has no idea what to think. She can't help but wonder if this was a mistake, if she made the wrong choice agreeing to this platonic marraige. 

She starts falling for him when she sees him wiht his kids, relaxed and at ease. When he smiles more and they play. She has to gaurd that tender heart of hers. But Ned constantly reminds her that her marriage is a business arrangment not one of love. 

Ned was a great character, a single dad trying his best to make life work when he lost his wife. Of course being a single dad it was hard for him to spend time with his children. He is trying to get his ranch up and opperational again. To do this he needs a loan from the bank. One mierical next and he has the loan. Seems sometimes things just work out for Ned. 

His Outback Nanny was filled with the Austrilain outback and was fun for me to read. The story was quick and fast paced. While others might not have loved the lack of romance, I still thought it was quite romantic. 

I want to read more of the Prickle Creek series.