Come Back to Me (Come Back to Me #1)
by Mila Gray
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: December 8th 2015
Genre: Young Adult, New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Drama, War, Fiction, Death
Rate: 5.0!!!

Synopsis:

In this heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a young Marine and his best friend’s sister plunge into a forbidden love affair while he’s home on leave.

When a Marine Chaplain knocks on her door, Jessa’s heart breaks—someone she loves is dead. Killed in action, but is it Riley or Kit? Her brother or her boyfriend…

Three months earlier, Marine Kit Ryan finds himself back home on leave and dangerously drawn to his best friend Riley’s sister, Jessa—the one girl he can’t have. Exhausted from fighting his feelings, Kit finally gives in, and Jessa isn’t strong enough to resist diving headfirst into a passionate relationship.

But what was just supposed to be a summer romance develops into something far greater than either of them expected. Jessa’s finally found the man of her dreams and Kit’s finally discovered there’s someone he’d sacrifice everything for.

When it’s time for Kit to redeploy, neither one is ready to say goodbye. Jessa vows to wait for him and Kit promises to come home to her. No matter what.

But as Jessa stands waiting for the Marine Chaplain to break her heart, she can’t help but feel that Kit has broken his promise…

Riley or Kit? Kit or Riley? Her brother or her boyfriend? Who’s coming home to her?

OMG this book guys! First of all let me just say that this book has something that I haven't experienced in a long time. A first chapter that just keeps you hooked from the first page. There is something to be said about a great introduction that grabs your attention from the very first page and keeps your turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. 

I have to come to realize that I have a soft spot for books about marines. But this book? This book is a on a league of its own. Yes it has a similar formula; boy meet girl, they fall in love, boy goes to war. But it was so much more than that. In addition to the love story between Kit and Jessa, we also have a beautiful coming of age story for Jessa who had struggled between what her family wants of her and her desire to be an actress. We also see a family struggle between a war-stricken father who struggles from his own days in the Iraq war. 

But the love story is one that truly tugged on my heart strings. Kit is not only a bad ass marine, but a sweet gentle romantic. There were also some really funny scenes in this book that had to do with Riley's ignorance of his sister's and best friend's romance. 

So keep your tissues near by and prepare your heart for a new book boyfriend! This is definitely a book I will be picking up in the future and can't wait to hear about the next book in the series. 

Follow the Come Back To Me by Mila Gray Blog Tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.

Mila Gray is the pen name for Sarah Alderson, author of Hunting Lila, Losing Lila, The Sound, Fated and Out of Control.

Originally from London she has lived in Bali for the last four years with her husband and daughter.

As well as writing young adult fiction under the name Sarah Alderson and adult fiction under the name Mila Gray, she also writes screenplays.

You can find out more at www.milagray.com and on facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahjalderson.

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Title: Meg Cabot

Series: The Princess Diaries #11

Published: 06.02.15

Pages: 435

Acquired: Purchased Barnes & Noble

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding—but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn't need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone—especially herself—that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?

My Review:

I have to admit that I have never read any of the other books in this series. But I was a fan of the movies when I was younger so I decided to give it a go. After reading some heavier books this last couple of weeks, I wanted to pick up something light and fun and quick read. This book definitely was light and fun, but I didn't realize it was 400 pages! Adult paperbacks can be misleading! 

Almost immediately when I started this book I was taken back to the Disney movie! Yes you shouldn't compare the movies to the book, but since it was my only form of reference to this story I couldn't help it. I couldn't help but picture a young Anne Hathaway and Dame Julie Andrews! But alas shortly after I was disappointed to find that some of the characters I really enjoyed from the movies either did not have as big of a part or their characters were completely differently. Book Clarice (Juile Andrews) character is not as warm and loving as she is in the movie. And Lily Mia's best friend doesn't have as big of a role as I would have liked. 

This story was told in the form on journal entries, text messages and e-mails. A from of writing that I am really starting to enjoy. Even though story telling through the form of journal entries was sometimes choppy I never felt like we were missing anything in the over-all story plot. 

There were three main plot-twists and two of were ones that I saw coming mile away and the predictability took some of the excitement away from the story. One of the plot twists was just blatantly thrown in there with a clue that was frankly so out of place that I doubt anyone reading this story missed it. 

Lastly the main aspect that made give this book only an average rating was the fact that even though the book is titled "Royal Wedding" the wedding in and out of its self for only a minor arch in the over-all story plot. This book was one I enjoyed but one that I will probably not-reread of have stand out in the long list of books involving a royal story line. 

So because I don't believe that this is a book I will ever re-read I am giving my copy of away! So enter away! 

GIVEAWAY!

Open internationally!

All entries will be checked! 

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Hello to all my book lovers and friends out there

It feels so good to be back! 

I've missed every single one of you!

First of all Happy 2015! 

In case you were wondering where I've been,

I have been away due to happy news.

Well long story short, my sister got engaged the second

week of October and decided to have a NYE wedding. 

Btw I mean a NYE 2014 wedding. That was less than

9 weeks to plan not only a wedding, but a bridal shower

and bachlorette party too. 

Somehow we pulled it off and it was the most amazing

experience of my life to date. It is so amazing to see my 

sister so happy and I am absolutely thrilled for her. 

I have to say a big thank you to my friend and sister Patricia over at The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club. She has been keeping The Fantastic Flying Book Club alive. She has been on her own in the running of The FFBC since October and I am beyond thankful to her. 

But enough of the mussy stuff back to why we are all here BOOKS!

Unfortunately for me 2014 was not a GREAT year in reading, but an 

amazing one for my personal life. I passed my Nursing boards,

started a job that I still love, and my sister got married. So I completely

failed my Goodreads yearly challenge. 

Even though I do have another big even coming up (I'm apartment

hunting), I am determined to make 2015 a better year in reading.

In order to do that I have made myself some 2015 goals.

1- Write reviews right after reading the book! Currently I have about 

20 (+) books in my currently reading pile on Goodreads. But majority of those

are books I have read and have yet to right the review! So I am hoping if I make myself

right reviews before moving on to another book this will allow me to stay up to date.

2- Finish series that I already own that I have not completed: This year I really want to make a dent in my TBR pile. I have TONS of books that I own that I have not read. And many of them are completed series! So 2015 will be dedicated to finishing those up. 

3- Read more ARCs before release date: I really need to get my percentages on Netgalley and Edelweiss up! 

4 - Plan more giveaways!  Okay this one is more for you guys then for me, but 

I definetly want to do more giveaways on my blog. I have so many blessings in my life and I really want to pay it forward!

And what better way to start then NOW!

So far in 2015 I have attended 2 book signings and they both happen to be 

signings for PIERCE BROWN and the sequel to Red Rising - Golden Son.

My friend Lisa over at The Consummate Reader  went down to The Book Soup for Pierce's 

Release party. The place was awesome and it was packed. I don't think the book store was

anticipating that many people to come, so they didn't have any copies of Red Rising left and I needed to pick up a few.

So Lisa and I decided to head down to the new Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego to see Pierce again yesterday and I called head to make sure they put enough copies of hold for me!

So of course I HAD to pick one up for you guys!

So friends here is my first giveaway of the year!

GIVEAWAY!

Win 1 autographed PB of Red Rising by Pierce Brown!

Open INT

Ends: 01/18/15

All entries will be checked! 

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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.

 

We are so excited to be working with Paula Stokes and Harper Collins on the release day launch of Paula's young adult contemporary romance!! This book is so much fun--and Paula has shared a really great excerpt from it! Check it out below!!

 

Excerpt:

GOT HEART? The music pitches and swells, violin and guitars, drumbeats and thudding bass. As I sway back and forth in front of the stage, it feels like being in the eye of a tornado, where it’s calm, but everything is going crazy whirling around me. I can’t stop looking at Micah, at the way the lights reflect off his mohawk, at the way he’s completely lost in the storm of overlapping chords. I see every part of him, tiny pieces I never knew existed. The slight bend in his nose, the wedge-shaped scar on his right temple, the outline of his bicep hiding beneath the pyramid tattoo. His lips part, just barely, when he exhales. As I imagine the invisible mist of his breath hanging in the air, I inch closer to him. Here, in the strange blue light, while the bass pulses and pounds, all I can think about is touching him. Our fingertips brush. A shockwave courses through me. I want to grab him and pull him into my calm spot, closing my eyes and kissing him while the world spins topsy-turvy around us. My thoughts feel hot inside my head, like they should be radiating a laser beam across the club, but Micah’s eyes are still closed, his body loose. He’s oblivious to the fact I’m thinking about kissing him. He has no idea my eyes are skimming their way down the lines of his body. His cheekbones. His beard stubble. The ridge of muscle connecting his jaw to the center of his chest. The faintest trace of sweat glistens where his neck meets his right shoulder. I want to touch my lips to it. This is crazy. It’s Micah. I don’t like Micah. He doesn’t like me. We have about as much in common as, well, nothing. I sneak another glimpse at him. He’s still completely entranced by the song. He’s still completely kissable. It has to be the beer, or the music, the violins and guitars and electronic pulsing, the whole otherworldly quality to this song. Or maybe it’s just because I’m not myself here, and I don’t have to obey the rules of Lainey.  

GOT GAME? I sub back into the game a few minutes later and stay through the end of the half. It’s still 1-0. The Yellow Jackets tie it up on a breakaway goal in the second half. At this point I’m running from one end of the field to the other, playing more defense than any striker forward ought to be playing. I can’t help it. It feels so good to be in the game. Matt Clifton saves a shot on goal and drop-kicks the ball in my direction. I dribble up field, out maneuvering two of the other team’s defenders. I pass the ball to Jason who sends it across to our right wing forward. The defense kicks the ball out of bounds and we get a corner kick. Jason goes to take it. I position myself in front of the goal, dancing back and forth as I vie for position with one of the Yellow Jacket fullbacks. It’s a beautiful kick—high and strong, and it’s coming right at me. The other players, the shouting, the movement, they all fade into the background as I keep my eyes locked on the ball. Angling my body just slightly, I propel all five feet and eight inches of myself into the air at exactly the right moment—I think, I hope—and the crown of my head connects squarely with the ball. The players around me all turn to watch as it arcs through the air…    


GET LAINEY! I flip on the radio as soon as Leo fires up the engine. I hit the tuning arrow up until it lands on the station Micah put on for the ride home from the baseball game. Leo looks over at me. “I didn’t know you liked this kind of music,” he says. Me neither, but I do. Kind of, anyway. “I’ve been branching out. Anything gets old if you listen to it twenty-four seven, you know?” “I hear you. I like new stuff too.” I don’t answer. If you asked me whether I was the type of person who liked trying new things or preferred sticking with what was familiar, I would have told you I’m the second girl. The if –it-aint-broke-don’t-fix-it girl. I also would have told you plays were lame. It suddenly occurs to me that I don’t seem to know very much about…me. It’s a weird feeling, like maybe a stranger is inhabiting my body. Or maybe a stranger was, and I kicked her out.

About The Book:

 

The Art of Lainey Synopsis: Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back. And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game. What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with, if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be? Amazon | Barnes and Noble  

About the Author: Paula Stokes is half writer, half RN, and totally thrilled to be part of the world of YA literature. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri where she graduated from Washington University and the Goldfarb School of Nursing. When she's not writing, she's kayaking, hiking, reading, or seeking out new adventures in faraway lands.


 Paula loves interacting with readers! Find her online at www.authorpaulastokes.com or on twitter as @pstokesbooks. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | Author Goodreads  

Paula has an awesome swag pack and a signed copy of The Art of Lainey!!!

 

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Hey Everyone -

 

Welcome to another FFBC Event!

 

This week we have the pleasure of hosting Author Liz Fichera and her new book PLAYED!!

 

Find out more about the book and about Liz herself below and

enter to win your own signed copy open internationally!

 

 

 

 

 

Played (Hooked #2)
by Liz Fichera
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: May 27th 2014

Synopsis:

This Game Is Getting All Too Real

He said: I like to keep under the radar and mostly hang out with my friends from the rez. But when I saved Riley Berenger from falling off a mountain, that rich suburban princess decided to try to save me. 

She said: If I can help Sam Tracy win the heart of the girl he can't get over, I'll pay him back for helping me. I promised him I would, no matter what it takes.

"The book stands out in its nicely realistic portraits of the teens." (Kirkus)

"The plot is the perfect mix of real-life scenarios and swoon-worthy romance, while the issues of race and class that Fichera interweaves into the story add substance. In an alternating first-person narration style similar to Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor and Park, readers are given insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings. The tale sticks to the formula but the captivating ways in which the sequence of events plays out keep this take fresh and exciting." (School Library Journal)

I'm an American author living in the American Southwest by way of Chicago.  

Born and raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, after college, never expecting to live more than one year among cactus and people who’d never seen snow. I was wrong. It certainly didn't hurt that I met my future husband in Phoenix too. 

Most of my stories are set in the American Southwest because I think the desert is a cool place. Living in Phoenix, I'm surrounded by Native American culture and influences, not to mention intriguing Hohokam petroglyphs and centuries-old canals. There are over 20 tribes in Arizona and I'm lucky to be neighbors to the Gila River and the Salt River Indian Communities. 

When I'm not busy writing my next novel, I like to travel, visit museums, support local theater productions, hike, and pretend that I'm training for a triathlon. I post a lot of photos from my desert and mountain hikes on my Facebook and Twitter pages. In no particular order, I've been chased by javalinas, rattlesnakes, coyotes, and even one curious black bear.

It would be impossible for me to choose just one as I read voraciously across genres. I have many faves. My latest is STILL ALICE by Lisa Genova.

My favorite time to write is after a long hike in the desert, usually in the afternoons, preferably with a big pitcher of iced coffee right next to my keyboard.

SEINFELD and Twilight Zone (especially the black and white episodes from the 60’s.)

Gah! Once again, I have many. GONE WITH THE WIND has been a fave of mine for years. I just love the epic-ness of it. And Rhett Butler.

See #2.

It depends on my mood. I love everything from Italian opera to New Country to heavy metal. I’ve loved The Proclaimer’s “500 Miles” forever.

Anything Italian. 

Although Rhett Butler is kind of old for me (although still a total hunk), I’d happily spend an afternoon (or a week) with Jamie Frasier from OUTLANDER if Rhett is not available. Thank you very much!

“If you can’t get through the front door, kick in a window.” That’s my motto and mantra. You need it as a writer.

Magic!!

My parents. Always have been; always will.

Adam Beach.

I admire anyone who’s not afraid to put themselves Out There with their art. 

Thanks so much for supporting authors. It’s a lonely business. And it’s an honor when someone takes the time to read your work—whether they *get* your story or not.

Hi Liz! We are really happy to host this FFBC. We are super excited to have Played in our FFBC and I can’t tell you how many times I found myself fangirling over hosting Played in our FFBC section. 

PLAYED explores the intersecting yet opposite lives of Riley and Sam, two secondary characters from HOOKED. PLAYED can be read as a standalone.

I did not originally plan on a second book; however, Riley and Sam were two of my favorite characters from HOOKED. After I finished HOOKED, I knew that I had to torture them a little bit more in PLAYED.

It follows the lives and loves of a group of high school students in Phoenix, Arizona, who attend the fictitious Lone Butte High School. 

Riley and Sam are in many ways very different from Fred and Ryan, even though Riley is Ryan’s little sister and Sam is a member of the same tribe as Fred. Riley and Sam, at least not initially, do not have as a mature and solid relationship as Fred and Ryan’s. However, like with Ryan and Fred, there’s a definite spark there that draws them to each other—whether they want to be together or not :)

Riley suffers from anxiety and at one point took medication for it. She also loves TEEN WOLF, chess, and thin crust cheese pizza. She also wishes she knew how to play guitar. Sam is more of a mystery and would prefer to keep it that way. He hates talking about his feelings and sharing secrets—they’re secrets for a reason, right? Anyway, he hates to lose at chess (or anything) and although he would never admit it, he has written poetry but thinks his poems are pretty stupid and has never shared them with anyone. Yet.

Once I got to know Riley, it wasn’t hard at all to write these scenes. Riley is very impulsive. Sometimes she acts and then thinks about her actions later (rather than sooner). Sometimes even smart girls can make poor decisions and Riley is no exception. 

Tension! It’s just not about a handsome or likeable hero (or heroine). The characters (and their relationship) has to be compelling. Compelling, in my opinion, is way more important than likable.

Some songs that I listened to (over and over) while writing HOOKED and PLAYED include:

1) “Whole Wide World” – The Proclaimers – perfection!

2) “Lover, Lover” - Jerrod Niemann – sexy and sultry. Totally swoon-worthy.

3) “The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert. I love anything by Miranda.

4) “Thunderstruck” – AC/DC – I could totally see Sam cranking anything by AC/DC as he rides his motorcycle or works in his yard.

5) “A Thousand Years” – Christine Perri. I know it’s cliché but Riley loves this song so I include it. J

6) “Boys ‘Round Here” – Blake Shelton. It’s a country thing. Country is big in the American Southwest, where this story takes place. 

“Whole Wide World” by the Proclaimers.

Hmmmm. A girl can dream, can’t she? :) I’d love to hear what readers have to say.

I have an idea for a third book in the HOOKED series, however it is still in the idea stage. I’m currently finishing two other contemporary YAs that have nothing to do with HOOKED or PLAYED. Time will tell!

Thank you, Liz! ;)

Question of the Day!

 

 

In high school - what sport had the cutest players ;) 

Follow the FFBC Played blog tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.

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