The Night We Said Yes
by Lauren Gibaldi
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: June 16th 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Music

Synopsis:

A fun, romantic read, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Susane Colasanti!

Before Matt, Ella had a plan. Get over a no-good ex-boyfriend. Graduate from high school without any more distractions. Move away from Orlando, Florida, where she’s lived her entire life. 

But Matt—the cute, shy, bespectacled bass player who just moved to town—was never part of that plan.

And neither was attending a party that was crashed by the cops just minutes after they arrived. Or spending an entire night saying “yes” to every crazy, fun thing they could think of.

Then Matt abruptly left town, and he broke not only Ella’s heart but those of their best friends, too. So when he shows up a year later with a plan of his own—to relive the night that brought them together—Ella isn’t sure whether Matt’s worth a second chance. Or if re-creating the past can help them create a different future. 

In alternating then and now chapters, debut author Lauren Gibaldi crafts a charming, romantic story of first loves, lifelong friendships, uncovered secrets, and, ultimately, finding out how to be brave.


My Review:

First off I would like to thank Lauren for allowing us to host her in the FFBC. I had been excited for this book since the first time I read it's synopsis and when Lauren agreed to allow us to host her I was thrilled.

'The Night We Said Yes' is one of those books that grabs your attention from the start and keeps it to the very end.  We start off in the present day summer with Ella a recent high school graduate who is getting ready to move out of town for summer. Ella is quiet, unhappy and almost socially awkward. The story begins when she runs into Matt, her ex boyfriend from the summer before and we thrown back in time and watch as their story plays out.

The infamous night where Matt and Ella met was super fun to read about. There is just something about letting go of inhibitions and just saying "yes" to everything that sounds so thrilling. I also really enjoyed reading about the friendship between Ella and Meg. I am always a big fan of reading about friendships. Girl-Girl, Boy -Boy, Girl-Boy, this story had it all.

My only real complaint of this book, was I wanted more. More development, more story arc etc. I feel like once we learned the truth it was kind of anticlimactic and the ending left me wanting more. However that being said,  I still enjoyed reading it and would recommend it for anyone looking for a book that can be devoured in one sitting.

Follow the The Night We Said Yes by Lauren Gibaldi Blog Tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.

Public librarian and author of THE NIGHT WE SAID YES (HarperCollins / HarperTeen, June 16, 2015) and MATT'S STORY (a The Night We Said Yes Novella, out August 2015). Fan of dinosaurs and cheesy jokes. And you.

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Hey Everyone! 

Thank you for stopping  by my stop in the SAVE ME Blog Tour by Jenny Elliot!

Title: Save Me

Author: Jenny Elliot

Publisher: Swoon Reads

Published: 01.06.15

Pages: 309

Acquired: Arc from the publisher

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Book Depository

Synopsis:

Debut-novelist Jenny Elliott’s thrilling romance, chosen by readers, writers, and publishers for the first list in the new Swoon Reads imprint, pours on the tension and danger in an addictive combination that will keep you turning pages!

Something strange is going on in the tiny coastal town of Liberty, Oregon. Cara has never seen a whale swim close enough for her to touch it—let alone knock her into the freezing water. Fortunately, cute newcomer David is there to save her, and the rescue leads to a bond deeper than Cara ever imagined.

But then she learns something about David that changes everything, and Cara is devastated. She turns to her best friend for support, but Rachel has changed. She’s suddenly into witchcraft, and is becoming dangerously obsessed with her new boyfriend….

Cara has lost her best friend, discovered that her soul mate is off limits, and has attracted the attention of a stalker. But she’s not completely alone. Her mysterious, gorgeous new friend Garren is there to support her. But is Garren possibly too perfect?

My Review:

There are certain books that you just have to be in the mood to read. SAVE ME by Jenny Elliot was one of those books for me. I attempted to pick them it up a few weeks back and could just not get into it. But I picked it up again a few days ago, determined to give it one more try and I am glad that I did! 

SAVE ME had by far one of the best first chapters I have ever read. There must have been something wrong with me the first time I picked this up, because I don't know how I could have read through that chapter and not have been hooked. 

On top of an amazing first chapter, other great things about this book was the mixture of all the different elements of the story.  Sometimes mixing different genres together can turn into a chaotic mess, but I thought SAVE ME was executed very well. I specifically liked how certain aspects of the story line kept you guessing until the very end. 

My only real issue with this book was the insta-love. Our main character Cara falls in love within the first few pages. Yes, it is not the perfect relationship and there are obstacles in the way, but that relationship took off a little too quickly for my taste.  But as this being a SWOON READS book, I guess that was to be expected. 

All in all this was a great debut for Jenny Elliot and I will definitely be picking up more of her work in the future! 

GIVEAWAY!

The wonderful people at Swoon Reads have been gracious enough to offer 

a copy to one lucky reader.

Enter below!

Ends 02/01/15

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Hey Everyone,

Welcome to my spot on The Saint blog tour! This book has been one of my most anticipated

books of 2014! I literally counted down and begged the ladies of The Novel Tease until 

they send around the signs ups for this tour!  And even though I had been approved for arc of this book via Netgalley a while back, I hesitated and prolonged starting it. I knew once I finished this book the wait for the next book in the series would be brutal. But alas,  I read it and it was better than anticipated and is probably my favorite Tiffany Reisz book to date! And that is definitely saying something, as all our her books are brillant! 

Goodreads

Amazon

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Book Synopsis:

In the beginning, there was him. 

Gutsy, green-eyed Eleanor never met a rule she didn't want to break. She's sick of her mother's zealotry and the confines of Catholic school, and declares she'll never go to church again. But her first glimpse of beautiful, magnetic Father Søren Stearns and his lust-worthy Italian motorcycle is an epiphany. Suddenly, daily Mass seems like a reward, and her punishment is the ache she feels when they're apart. He is intelligent and insightful and he seems to know her intimately at her very core. Eleanor is consumed—and even she knows that can't be right. 

But when one desperate mistake nearly costs Eleanor everything, it is Søren who steps in to save her. She vows to repay him with complete obedience…and a whole world opens before her as he reveals to her his deepest secrets. 

Danger can be managed—pain, welcomed. Everything is about to begin.

 My Review:

This book was the perfect kind of nostalgia for me. It was so wonderful to be back with this group of characters and to see them in a brand new element.

This book starts off with two big shockers. First of all there is someone in Nora's bed who you would never suspect. I was a bit startled to read who it was and was off the bat curious to see how it would effect a different relationship, one that I oh so love! Second there is an angle that is hinted at that made me gasp, re-read the pages and over and over to again to see if  had misread the passages. I had the same reaction to the way this book started as I did with how The Mistress ended. I was floored and immediately took to twitter and tweeted Tiffany going, "No say it ain't so." She told me to trust her and keep reading. And I was glad that I did.


Nora is by far one of my favorite leading ladies and to read the story of her youth was probably one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. It was fascinating reading about her teenage years and to see how she still had that snarky and take no prisoners attitude.  To watch her meet Soren and Kingsley and her initial thoughts and reactions to them was wonderful. We even get to see bits and pieces of Sam which was very nice. I knew I would enjoy this book, but I thought there's not much then could happen that would make me love this book more than the original 4. I thought we already know some of the stories from Nora's youth, her troubled relationship with her parents, her run with the law, how she met our favorite Priest. We'd seen bits and pieces of this story in the Red Years. Yes, I knew I would have enjoyed this book, but I was completely moved and enamored with it.
I didn't think it was possible to love Soren more. But I do. I didn't think it was possible for Kingsley to get any hotter. But did he! And I didn't think it was possible for Nora to get even more kick ass then she is - but oh boy did she.

I loved how she from the beginning Ellenor knew what she liked and experimented with what she could.  And I absolutely loved watching her explore Soren's and Kingsley's world and watching her take the ropes was amazing. There is this one scene in the book, that is actually very comical, I mean it is supposed to be. It involves an empty chair and a conversation with God. It was meant to be comical, but it also completely moved me and frankly brought tears to my eyes. It just showed how out of this world, the love between Nora and Soren is and how even at a young age, before anything had even happened between them, she knew she would make any sacrifice for this man!

Tiffany said to trust her and I will never question what she does with our favorite characters ever again!

5 stars all the way!!! Bring on book 2!

Excerpt:

Want to read some excerpts before diving in?

Read Chapter 1 of The Saint via Scribd:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/227548549/The-Saint-by-Tiffany-Reisz-Chapter-Sampler

Read Eleanor and Kingsley Finally Meet via Tiffany Reisz author site: http://bit.ly/UMTvm4

Author Bio& Contact Links:

Tiffany Reisz lives with her boyfriend (a reformed book reviewer) and two cats (one good, one evil). She graduated with a B.A. in English from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky and is making both her parents and her professors proud by writing BDSM erotica under her real name. She has five piercings, one tattoo, and has been arrested twice.

 When not under arrest, Tiffany enjoys Latin Dance, Latin Men, and Latin Verbs. She dropped out of a conservative southern seminary in order to pursue her dream of becoming a smut peddler. Johnny Depp’s aunt was her fourth grade teacher. Her first full-length novel THE SIREN was inspired by a desire to tie up actor Jason Isaacs (on paper). She hopes someday life will imitate art (in bed).

 If she couldn’t write, she would die.

Twitter: @TiffanyReisz  https://twitter.com/tiffanyreisz

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

Website: http://www.tiffanyreisz.com/

 Giveaway

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Ces Creatively is on tour with her new book Reach For Your Light, part 1 in The Light Direction series. Follow the tour to visit some fantastic blogs for reviews, guest posts and the chance to win a huge haul of prizes.

 

Reach For Your Light - Ces Creatively

What they say:

'Emma Williams is searching for a new direction. Leaving behind a dead end career and harrowing relationship in London, she makes a fresh start in Bournemouth bonding immediately with flat mate Denzil and enjoying coastal life.

Falling in love with delicious Jeremy White she soon discovers that her new life is not as uncomplicated as she’d hoped. It may look like she has the perfect beach apartment and gorgeous man of her dreams but when visions of a mysterious stranger become reality and manipulating exes are out to cause trouble in paradise, Em just wants to find the truth in a world of deceit.

Reach For Your Light will take you on a fast-paced roller coaster of hot sex, mind games and supernatural visions that will leave you hungry for more.'

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK - UK

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK - US

CLICK HERE FOR MERCHANDISE

 GIFTS

My Review:

This story starts off with a heart wrenching first few chapters. Emma has moved from Cornwall to London to start a job at an advertising agency. When she started her job she didn't realize her job roles were going to consist of doing university work for the owner's daughter and wearing risque clothing to try to win over  perspective clients. 

But things start picking up for her her when she starts a fling this one of those said clients. He is sexy and controlling and does a great job an wining and dining her. But at the same time he is elusive and secretive and he always slams on the breaks when things start to get hot and heavy. Emma is sure he is just not into her, but one day wakes up to find that he has stolen her access pass to her agency and all of her money. But he left her with a promise. A promise that he would be back for her. 

Emma does the only thing that a girl can do and picks up the pieces of her life and moves to start over. She gets a job as a bartender at a poplar club Topaz, and starts falling for the Jeremy White, the bar owners son. But she has a foreboding feeling that someone is watching her and following her. As she tries to move on from her past, it seems like the past as followed her. 

I have to admit that I was completely drawn in to the beginning of the story. At first when you meet Nic Fellows the hot sexy business consultant, I was ready to be disappointed. My first instinct was, oh no here is another story about a a naive innocent young woman being seduced by a domineering rich man. But then I was pleasantly surprised  with they mystery of it all and it kept me intrigued to find out what was going to happen next. 

To me this story had two main plots - The mystery behind Nic Fellows and Emma's budding relationship with Jeremy. Both of the plots were interesting and keeps the reader invested to find out whats happening next. It was a definite fun read with a great ensemble cast of character. I like how the book is told in two POVs and actually would like to have read more told in Jeremy's perspective. 

This story was the perfect amount of love story and intrigue to make it a fun quick read! The story does continue and I will be anxious to find out how it concludes. 

Ces Creatively is an inspiring mum of three from Poole who loves to spend time at Poole Harbour, Sandbanks Dorset. Juggling being a mum with running graphic design business www.biz-brand-buzz.co.uk, popular website with a book blog www.supportivebusinessmums.co.uk and hand made gifts business www.prettyinspiring.co.uk she miraculously also finds time to write www.the-light-direction.co.uk novel series which she has dedicated to her son in heaven. A tireless champion of small businesses and other authors, Ces has won several awards for supportive innovation and dedicates time every week to promoting others online. In a unique twist, her debut paranormal romance novel The Light Direction - Reach For Your Light features real small businesses and talented creatives.

Author Links

http://the-light-direction.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/TheLightDirection

https://twitter.com/light_direction

https://twitter.com/Ces_Creatively

***GIVEAWAY***

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Hey Everyone!

Welcome to my stop on the Branded Blog Tour!

This book was action packed and definitely took me by surprise!

Title: Branded

Series: Sinners #1

Author: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Pages: 252

Published: 06.27.13

Acquired: Netgalley

Goodreads Rating: 

My Rating: 4.0

Goodreads

Amazon

Synopsis:

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 

Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.

The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. 
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. 
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

My Review:

I had been seeing talks of this book show up all over my social media lately. So when the authors contacted me to read this book, I decided to give it a shot. Especially when I saw some of the bloggers who are apart of our FFBC had read the book when it first came out and gave it some great reviews. 

I have to say that the best part of this book was the beginning. The story starts off right when Lexi is being arrested. Of the bat you are drawn into the story. The pace that is set up in the beginning of the story continues all the way to end. The story is action packed and keeps you engaged through out the entire story. But I have to admit that I kind of wished that the paced slowed down somewhat towards the last third of the book. So much happens that I wished we had more time to really absorb and digest the plot points before the next thing occurred. 

Other than pacing, this book is filled with some great characters. Our main character Lexi is put into a terrible situation. Falsely Accused of having a sexual relationship with her step-father she is arrested and "Branded" with the color blue that signifies she been arrested for a sexual act. Once she arrives at the Hole - where all sinners live, she is taunted with cat calls and indecent proposals. But regardless she stays strong and does not let it rattle her. Then there is Cole - SWWWOOON ALERT! It is has been a long time since a I have lusted after a YA male character, but Cole is definitely worth it. There are a few surprising characters that pop up through out the book. And one of them plays an important role in the story. I don't want to give away who it is, but I do wish we got to know more about him in the overall story. 

The story ended on a good note. Even though I had problems with the packing towards the end, I did like how the authors were able to set up the next book without leaving it with a cliff hanger. There are so much left to figure out and discover that I am really looking forward to find out how things get resolved. 

Sinfully Summer - Aimée Duffy Blog Tour + Giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here to put a little sizzling sunshine in your life is the Sinfully Summer Tour!

The smash-hit contemporary romance novel by Aimée Duffy has just been released in paperback so take a look at the details to find out why fans are loving it! There will be reviews and guest posts along the way, plus the chance to win a personalised signed copy of the book.

 

Sinfully Summer – Aimée Duffy What they say: A Summer Bonkbuster perfect for fans of Jackie Collins, Tilly Bagshawe, Jilly Cooper and Victoria Fox! SUN, SEA AND SEX FLINGS & FLIRTATIONS Notorious heiress Alexa Green has certainly been enjoying her most recent girls-holiday in Marbella. Just as we thought, she’s been knocking back the cocktails and showing off her fabulous bikini body on the beach… SECRETS & SCANDALS But rumour has it she’s also been spotted sneaking out of Enrique Castillo’s penthouse in the early hours of this morning – in nothing but her underwear! Our question is, doesn’t this fiercely private billionaire know what he’s letting himself in for? He’s got the millions… and she knows how to spend them! So lie back on your sun lounger and get comfortable, because this summer fling is going to be a sizzler!

 

  Click Here To Buy The Paperback  

  Want the book instantly?

 CLICK HERE to download the eBook via Amazon UK

 CLICK HERE to download the eBook via Amazon US.  

 

 

My Review:

 

 

OMG this book was SO MUCH FUN! First off let me say that this story started off with one of the funniest first chapters ever! All I have to say is that it involves a dare which has our main character Alexa caught running around a luxurious hotel in nothing but her underwear. This may sound funny enough as it is, but she ends up in the penthouse of the sexy Hotel owner.

 

What may have showed the humor of the situation is the instant sexual chemistry between them too. The relationship between Rico and Alexa is a perfect yin/yang opposites attract one. Rico comes from a troubled almost heart breaking childhood. Adopted by this successful parents he took their generosity and their money for granted and now he is determined to get his act together and run a successful business to thank them for saving his life. The last thing he needs is to be distracted by Alexa, a British Heiress who he feels spends way too much time partying with not enough clothing. Catching her in a bad situation he decides to use it to his advantage and have her help plan a charity event that rings close to home.

 

Alexa is determined to make something of herself without the help of her father. Having lost her mother to what Alexa feels is thanks to her father treating her like nothing but a trophy wife, Alex wants nothing to do with her father and never wants to be treated like a possession. She is determined to shed her party girl reputation and create a successful business of her own. When she meets Rico is immediately drawn to his gorgeous Spanish looks, but at the same time repulsed by the fact that he represent everything she does not like about her father.

 

As they develop a close working relationship, Alexa is determined to make Rico have more fun, whereas Rico will do everything he can to make Alexa respectful and more professional. Will opposites attract or will their differences be too much over come. And how will they handle this burning chemistry between them. All of this combined to make a story that is absolutely perfect for the summer.

 

The title of this book is absolutely spot on. This is a perfect summer read and I absolutely enjoyed reading by the beach. I loved both of the main characters and the chemistry between them was amazing. I felt both of their stories were enjoyable to read about, and the author did a great job at developing the sexual tension between them. My only complaint of this book was that it was too short! I wanted to read more about Rico and Alexa!  All in all a fun, playful read that is perfect fun summer time read!

 

 

 

 

 

Author Bio: Aimée writes steamy, contemporary romance for the 21st century woman who enjoys the 21st century alpha male. She’s addicted to reading, shopping and can’t go a day without music. When she’s not writing you can find her traipsing up the Ochils (weather permitting of course) or procrastinating on Facebook and Twitter.    

Follow Aimée  Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Pinterest / Google +

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***GIVEAWAY***

Enter the giveaway and you could land yourself a personalised signed copy of Sinfully Summer, the book readers have dubbed "Sexy", "Fun" and a "Must Read!"

 

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CandleLit Author Services and Aimée Duffy reserve the right to amend the giveaway details at any time and without prior notice. No responsibility is taken in the event of prize non-delivery.

 

 

Hey Everyone

Welcome to my tour stop for BLOODGIFTED

by Tima Maria Lacoba.

This book really took me by surprise and I think a lot of you will

enjoy it as well!

 

 

Title: Bloodgifted

 Author: Tima Maria Lacoba

 Release date: August 7^th, 2013

 Genre: Paranormal Romance

 Tour: Irresistible Reads Book Tours

 

My Rating: 4.5

 

 Goodreads:

Amazon:

Barnes & Noble:

 

Book Description:

What’s a girl to do when she learns she’s descended from a vampire? Being unable to age is only the beginning…

Laura Dantonville is a Primary school teacher with one wish—to marry her boyfriend, Detective Matt Sommers. When her aunt Judy reveals a frightening family secret that explains her rare genetic mutation, it threatens to propel her into a dark underworld where her true family waits.

Laura’s future with Matt hangs in the balance.

Alec Munro never wanted to become guardian to a Dantonville regardless that her blood is coveted by his vampire-kind. But his sire, Lucien Lebrettan, gave him no choice. Now he’s faced with not only protecting the girl, but fathering a child with her in order to end his servitude—and a centuries-old curse.

… which some among his kind will do anything to prevent.

 

My Review:

Paranormal is one of my favorite genres, but I am always so hesitant to give it a new author a shot as paranormal is one of those genres that can is either a huge hit or big flop. But I am happy to report that this book was absolutely amazing! I actually read all 400+ pages in one day and could not put it down.

This book is told in two perspectives, which is very common in books now a days. But the way that these two perspectives are told is completely different than what we have become accustomed to. The two main characters are from different eras so the dialogue was easy to get into the mind of each character.

But in my opinion the best part of this book was the story line. It was so unique and engaging and kept me intrigued the entire time. I am always craving originality and boy did this author give me what I wanted. I think I spend about 20 minutes after finishing this book explaining the story to one of my non-blogging friends and that should tell you how much I truly enjoyed this book. Bravo to the author and I can't wait to read more of her work!

 

 

About the Author:

 My name is Tima Maria Lacoba and this is my first novel.
For the last seventeen years I’ve taught English and History in a high school in southern Sydney. Before taking up teaching I was a practicing archaeologist, working on several digs around the world. Unfortunately, steady contracts in this field were hard to obtain, hence my gravitation to teaching. It was fantastic being able to teach my field to Year Eleven and Twelve students and then take them on overseas excursions to visit the amazing sites they’ve only seen in books.

Two years ago I resigned and surrendered to the itch of writing. After a many years of reading and correcting my students’ creative writing tasks and essays, I decided it was time to write my own. I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

 

Official Website: http://www.timamarialacoba.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TimaMariaLacoba

 

 

Giveaway

 Prize: 5 USD Amazon Gift Card

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Tour Schedule