Friday Fling! Take It Like a Vamp by Candace Havens

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick (sexy) reads that are definitely worth checking out!



At some point it's going to seem like "Friday Fling!" is just my soapbox to talk about my love of Entangled Publishing (and maybe that's true just a little bit), but they honestly put out really great romance reads. This week's feature was truly a gem of a read. The teaser on their website had me laughing so I knew I had to buy it! Check out this super fun read from Entangled's newest line--Covet!

Publisher: Covet (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: July 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Nick and Casey are best friends. Just friends. Nothing but FRIENDS. At least that's what they each spend a significant time convincing themselves. When Nick finally takes a chance and invites Casey into his world as more than a friend, will she be able to handle the consequences? Better yet, will Nick learn to trust that this feisty woman is one tough chick?

I can't remember the last time that I laughed and smiled as much as I did reading Take It Like a Vamp. The main character, Casey, is awesomely fun to get to know. I loved her snark and her real, curvy body and her insecurities and her fierce loyalty and her strength of character.  This chick had it all and I seriously loved her.  Top that off with Nick--the loyal, hot, BFF next door guy--and you've got a friends-to-lovers romance that will knock your socks off. The sizzling chemistry is rounded off with a dash of danger, a fabulous cast of side characters (LOVED Linc and Mason), and a trip to the Greek Islands, creating a fabulous, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud romance novel.  I can't help but hope that Ms. Havens gives us more stories like this (can you say series potential?!). I do believe I'll be heading off in search of more of her books while I wait hopefully for another one like this. :)

Friday Fling featuring Try Me by @dianealberts!

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!

Diane Alberts has quickly climbed the charts of my personal favorite romance writers.  Her stories are full of the passion, romance, and good writing that I expect when I pick up a romance novel or novella.  She makes you give a damn about her characters from the very beginning.  She's earned a place on my "instant buy" when her new stuff comes out (or at the very least my "buy this as soon as you have money" list). I've already reviewed a couple of her books on "Friday Fling!":

Here's the cool thing:

Today's "Friday Fling!" features book is her most recent release from Entangled Publishing's Ever Afters line.  Diane is having an awesome contest to promote the book.  Help us get it into the Top 100 on Amazon or B&N by the end of June and enter for your chance to win a free e-reader OR a signed poster of Jeremy's abs the book cover. :)

Publisher: Ever After (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: 25 May 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

When Sgt. Jeremy Addison wakes up bloody and bruised in the Nevada desert, it's pretty obvious that Las Vegas was a terrible idea. And to make matters worse, his ex-best friend's little sister, the girl he's loved forever, is the one to find him on the side of the road.  Erika couldn't be more surprised to find Jeremy beaten up and wandering in the desert. The two have a history and fate seems determined to give  them a second chance.  Can Erika open up to the possibility and take a chance on Jeremy?

I could easily sum this book up as follows: "Jeremy is awesome. And sexy. The End." :) Diane has a true gift for crafting characters that steal your heart within seconds of meeting them.  They worm their way into your mind and take up residence there while you read their story.  Jeremy and Erika are no exception.  Jeremy is a Marine taking his leave time in Las Vegas when a drunken bar fight leaves him stranded in the desert and then being nursed back to health by none other than the girl he's loved forever.  He's obviously wary, however, because last time he saw he, he told her he loved her and she ran away.  Erika's got her own baggage--the kinds of scars that have scared men away in the past--and she's not really ready to open up to anyone yet, especially Jeremy.  Their chemistry is electric from the moment they're together. They're both dealing with low self-worth and I think that makes their path toward each other a more beautiful story where each one learns to see through the others' eyes. Definitely a romance novella worth every penny and moment of your time.

So, I haven't done a random personal giveaway in awhile, and I've decided to take this opportunity to do so and show my support of an author that I greatly enjoy!  So here's what's up!

One lucky winner/entrant will be gifted two (2) e-books by me! I'll "gift" you e-book copies of Try Me and one of the other books I've reviews by Diane (On One Condition or Divinely Ruined) from either Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com (Or if you already own Try Me or want to buy/read it OMG RIGHT NOW, I'll buy you the other two, kk?).  All three are fabulous books. This is the first time I'll be giving away adult books instead of YA, lol, so I hope y'all are excited! 

One thing before you enter: you must be 18 to win. It's not that I totally don't support teens reading romance novels. Heck, I was reading Danielle Steele novels from the library at the impressionable age of 12.  However, due to the adult content of these novels, I'm going to say that I will only give them to adults--I don't want parents coming after me!

So...if you're 18--enter away!!!

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Friday Fling - Romance for a Good Cause!

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!

While I was already obsessed with Entangled Publishing, their Love Knows No Bounds Anthology is a truly phenomenal set of novellas for a very worthy cause. As someone who's studied/studying to work in education, children with autism are very special young people and I can truly appreciate the struggles  that a family with a child on the autism spectrum face.  I hope that if you haven't already, you'll consider buying this great anthology for just $2.99.  100% of the net profits go to support Autism Speaks.

Buy it! Amazon | B&N

Sooo....The Devil is on Twitter. You probably shouldn't follow him? Right? Well, shy Faye Albert figures it's harmless--probably a joke, really--so she follows him, realizing much too late that she actually HAS bound her soul to the Dark Prince...forever. Unless, of course, she can figure out how to Unfollow him...which appears to be harder to do than you'd think.  She enlists the help of coworker Christopher White, the man she's had a hopeless crush on forever.  As they work together to find a way to undo her contract, she finds the attraction is mutual and wonders--is it true love or a trick of the devil?

Faye is such a fun character to read about. Her antics in dealing with the attention heaped on her by men as a result of her little contract with the Devil are quite amusing. I really enjoyed watching her relationship with Christopher develop throughout the story and found myself hoping that he was the real deal--not just another Devil-induced lust-driven man in her life that day.  It was fun to see how her personality changed in little ways as she felt the love of someone else and felt like she could start to open up more. She finally didn't let her model roommate walk all over her.  Ultimately, this was a fun novella to read and a great start to the anthology.

It's not easy being a single-mom with a special needs child and Anna should know.  She's been on her own for a long time raising Bowen, her 8-year-old autistic son.  He's picky about food and textures, but the boy adores being in the kitchen.  When Bowen's therapist sets up cooking lessons for him with her sexy brother, how's Anna going to resist the sexy man who deftly and gently handles her son and whose smoldering good looks make her weak in the knees?  Surely she doesn't have the time and energy for romance...

Bittersweet is the second story in this new anthology from Entangled Publishing and it absolutely stole my heart.  Complete with fabulous mother-son relationship, sexy chef, and meddling friend, this story is sure to warm your heart as well.  It's a beautiful story that I think demonstrates the difficulties of raising an autistic child but also shows just how special it is to have a relationship with a child like Bowen.  The dynamics between Anna and Bowen (and eventually Leo) will melt your heart from the very beginning.  If you buy this anthology for no other reason, buy it for this story.

In attempting to grant his mortal wife eternal life, Caden is banished from heaven and destined to search for his wife's soul in every life from then on.  When he finally finds her, he must convince her to love him in only 5 days time without revealing their true connection from her past life. Will he be able to convince her that they are destined to be together before it's too late?

Of the three novellas in this anthology, this was probably the hardest for me to really get in to, possibly because it starts off in the far-reaching past and has a different tone than the other two stories. It's a bit darker and the paranormal element definitely sets it apart. However, giving it a day or two's space after reading the first two, I started over and dove into this story headfirst and absolutely fell in love. The relationship between Cade and Phoebe is full of sexual tension and mutual attraction.  I found myself desperately hoping that Phoebe would figure out what was up and allow herself to love Caden. Caden is so tortured over the possibility of losing her--and this time forever.  Phoebe's subconscious clearly remembers SOMETHING and you want her to just GET IT already. It's really a great PNR novella.  Well written and developed for such a brief story. Nina Croft is definitely a romance writer to explore. :) (Oh, and her Indulgence novel, Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire, is AWESOME. Just FYI.)

Saturday Morning Shorts (1)

Reading books is and should be just for fun sometimes! We can't always write out detailed reviews that pick apart or break-down the books we've read and enjoyed, so I've decided to throw a few mini-reviews up on books that I've flown through recently.

There will probably be minor spoilers in most of these since they're parts of series, so read on with caution, especially if you haven't started a series!!

Series: Shade #3
Release Date: 1 May 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Add it on Goodreads

Shine was an absolutely stunning conclusion to a trilogy that many, many readers have/can/should fall in love with.  Jeri Smith-Ready really delivers a perfect ending to her trilogy. PERFECT.  This book opens with a bang--almost literally--with a disaster that will have you on the edge of your seat. That tension is maintained throughout the book and you'll keep turning the pages (well into the late-night hours, if you're like me). The relationship between Aura and Zachary really develops as Aura moves on (now that Logan has moved on) and the two are finally able to more deeply explore their feelings for each other. They are both put through the ringer emotionally (and physically) and it causes little rough spots in their relationship--but those things happen in real life when we go through devastating things so they really make the relationship more real! If you haven't picked up this conclusion (or the first two), you're really missing out and I suggest you do so ASAP.

Series: Bumped #2

Release Date: 24 April 2012

Publisher: Balzery + Bray

Add it on Goodreads

In the sequel to last year's Bumped, Megan McCafferty has crafted an awesome conclusion to the story of Melody and Harmony, twins separated at birth and now the most famous pair of girls in the country.  Their "Double Double Due Date" is national news and their adoring fans follow their every move--even though the pair is keeping a whopper of a secret! I, personally, think I enjoyed this sequel even more than its predecessor! The lingo is familiar now and really seemed less prominent this time around.  We get a lot more insight into the girls and their personal feelings and struggles than we did in the first book and I liked the action and suspense that was built right into the story.  Minor characters like Johndoe and Ram really shine in this book as well as they take on larger roles in the overall story. The conclusion seems fitting and pulls things together rather neatly.  This two-book satirical dystopia is a fun set to read and I highly suggest that if you're looking for something that falls on the "lighter" side of dystopian reads, pick these up!

Series: Goddess Test #1.5
Release Date: 1 March 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Add it on Goodreads

In this in-between novella, we get a bit of a glimpse of Kate's time between 6-month periods in the Underworld.  She's been traveling in Greece with James when they seemingly get lost and have a chance encounter Castor and Pollux. (Hmm...did you really get lost James? I do not think so...)  The pair have been on the run from the gods for centuries and Kate, the new soon-to-be-Queen of the Underworld, is practically the last person they want to see.  However, Kate is determined to help them.  We get fresh insight into her fierce and loyal personality.  We also get moments from Henry's POV in this one that I really liked. This novella is really a great bridge between The Goddess Test and Goddess Interrupted and it's definitely one not to miss if you enjoyed the first book. You'll want this glimpse into both Kate and Henry before you dive into book 2 and really, for less than $2, how can you refuse?

Series: The Mortal Instruments #1

Release Date:  27 March 2007

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Add it on Goodreads 

The Mortal Instruments is one of those series that has been on most peoples' radars for quite some time (well, since it came out in 2007).  While it's been on my to-read list for awhile, I have to admit that it was a class assignment to read a bestseller that finally gave me that little push to actually read this one.  There's so much hype surrounding this series that I don't feel like I really need to go into detail on the story so we'll stick with my minimalistic thoughts.  I enjoyed this book--but it wasn't my favorite novel by any means.  Clary and Jace are perhaps a wee-bit stereotypical YA characters in that they are seemingly normal, but wait, they aren't actually and they're really super special. That aside, I enjoyed the fast-paced action that this story had and honestly, I felt like Cassandra Clare really did craft a good story. There were enough twists that the story kept you on your toes and the right mix of action, suspense, and a sprinkling to romance.  It's definitely worth reading if you're interested and want to know what all the hype is about and I'll more than likely pick up at least the next book or two to see where the story goes.

Friday Fling! The Sexy Side of Jennifer Armentrout aka J. Lynn

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!

This week's romance feature is really a MUST READ! If you're a fan of Jennifer Armentrout's YA novels and you're mildly a romance reader, then trust me when I was you want to pick up a copy of this ebook! It's only $2.99--so really, you have nothing to lose!!

Publisher: Indulgence (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: 23 April 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Madison Daniels is not at all excited for her brother's upcoming wedding.  Not because she's unhappy with her brother's choice of significant other--because she absolutely, positively does NOT want to be reunited with Chase Gamble--bad boy extraordinaire who stole her heart at age 10. Fate, however, has different ideas when a hotel mix-up leaves Madison and Chase sharing the outdated honeymoon suite.  Passions ignite and emotions run high--but can they overcome a difficult past?

J. Lynn (aka Jennifer Armentrout) stole my heart with this story of friendship, family, and second chances.  Madison is the type of female character we can all relate to. She fell hard for a boy she grew up with but believes she has no chance after a failed encounter years ago. Her clear turmoil over what to do about her feelings toward chase make her a relateable, three-dimensional character who pulls you into the story from the very beginning. Chase is the ever-loveable not-really-bad "bad boy" who has to learn that he's not destined to be just like his father.  Jennifer has an amazing skill for crafting wonderful stories with just the right amount of humor, snark, and sexy romance. I hope that J. Lynn sticks around the adult romance world because this is the kind of story that I could read over and over again.  I'll continue to hold out hope that maybe we'll get to know the other Gamble brothers...

YA Book Review: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

Release Date: 12 June 2012

Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher

Get a copy! Amazon | Chosen Ones

Goodreads description:

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

My Thoughts...

Friday Fling! The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!



I haven't featured a YA novel on Friday for awhile so I wanted to spotlight a really fun book that I read this week!

Publisher:Little Brown/Poppy
Release Date: 7 September 2010
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face. But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him. Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. (from GR)

There was just SOMETHING about this novel that really, truly pulled me in.  In discussing it with a friend shortly after finishing it, I think that what really struck me was the depth of the characters and the way in which Kody Keplinger nailed teenage emotions (perhaps because she was so young herself when she wrote this). The characters felt like real people to me and they all had their ups and downs.  I enjoyed watching the not-a-relationship relationship develop between Biana and Wesley and picking out the moments when there was clearly a shift in one or both of them.  Also, I really liked her friends because they were not at all like I expected them to be (in a good way).

Friday Fling! New Titles from @EntangledPub!

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!

I have a new favorite romance publisher and it's not a secret at all!

It's really probably pretty obvious if you look at the majority of my Friday Fling! posts. Entangled Publishing has been featured more than any other publisher.  They really put out quality stories and they (in my opinion) price most of them at a very reasonable $2.99, which makes me pick almost all of them up the instant that they come out.  If you haven't read an Entangled romance...why not?!

Publisher: Ever Afters (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: 25 April 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Rebecca is not your typical angel, especially with hr penchant for swearing. But a dark and difficult past led her to accept the potential for redemption as an angel.  Her first assignment, however--the one to help her earn her wings--is proving more difficult than anticipated. Tony Weis and his adorable daughter tempt Rebecca with the possibilities of a life that she's given up. Will an accident, anmesia, and the devotion of a man weaken her resolve to accept her calling as an angel?

Diane Alberts has crafted a wonderful angel love story--and not the type of angel story that you'd generally think of first! Her wonderfully flawed characters will pull at your heartstrings and capture your imagination. Rebecca and Tony have this crazy-awesome relationship that begins pretty much with this: R-"Hey, I'm an angel and I'm here to save your soul." T-"F* off, crazy lady."  Makings of a great relationship, right?! The pages fly by as you fall in love with Miranda (Tony's daughter), watch her melt Rebecca's heart, and witness Tony falling in love for the first time since Miranda's mom left him. I adored the way that their romance developed throughout their time together. It was touching to see how each could make be influential in essentially thawing the heart of the other because both of them had some immense hurt in their past. It's a great, quick read that will have you waiting for more from Diane Alberts.

Publisher:  Ever Afters (Entangled Publishing)

Release Date: 25 April 2012

Get it!  Amazon | B&N

Samantha Bennett is finally going to get a solid job that will help her prove to her father that she's capable of succeeding on her own. Too bad it turns out her competition is none other than Dean Malloy, the boy her broke her heart 5 years ago and she's never gotten over.  While they wait to find out who will win the contract, the two spend an electric weekend together--but will they really be able to go their separate ways at the end?

Sam and Dean are both strong-willed people who are passionate about the work they do. I loved Sam's determination to find her own path in the world and walk away from her father's law firm when she found what truly inspired her. Dean's devotion to his family, despite his differences with his father, was also truly refreshing to read--I always appreciate a family that can try to resolve their issues. The professional tension between them as they battle for their desire to win the one thing that will make their individual careers dissolves in moments of pent-up passion that's been hidden away for years since their mutual heartbreak over each other. Worth the Risk is truly everything that Charlene Sands' blurb says it is: "smart, sexy, [and] delightfully sexy"

Friday Fling! - Two more @EntangledPub authors to fall in love with!

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!



As I mentioned last week, I went on a romance reading binge not too long ago.  I got away with it because that's what we were studying in class that week and I could tell my hubby that it was homework. ;)  Here are two more of the fabulous titles that I devoured.

Publisher: Indulgence (Entangled Publishing)

Release Date: 14 February 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

As a result of a business disagreement (or really, disaster), Kizzy Dean is forced to accompany Andreas Lazarides to Greece, where he promises her employment.  The tension between the two runs high as Kizzy alternately wants to strangle and ravish the man.  The two are a well-matched  pair and temptations eventually win out...

Kizzy and Andreas are a phenomenal pair to watch.  Their sexual tension is sky-high and their relationship is anything but docile and easy.  Andreas is definitely the alpha-male type who's used to gold-digging women and never being told no, and Kizzy is definitely a challenge for him.  She 's not willing to cave to his every desire and it makes the tension truly explode between the two. This one has absolutely GORGEOUS settings, sizzling sexy times, and fabulous characters for you to fall in love with.

Publisher:  Indulgence (Entangled Publishing)

Release Date: 14 February 2012

Get it!  Amazon | B&N

Brit is known as The Slayer for his ruthlessness in the boardroom...and the bedroom.  When he meets high-powered attorney Tori Anderson, his plans to seduce her for information are shot to hell when he finds himself actually falling for a woman for the first time. As their one-night-stand turns into a fling and then possibly more, will their relationship survive his initial deceit?

With another sexy alpha-male, how can you go wrong?! Tori is also simple stunning to read about. She's ferocious in her career and she stands up for herself, yet she's vulnerable in many ways when you consider how she cares for her mother and her simple desire to feel like a woman.  This story is simply delightful--two people who micro-manage their lives becoming helpless in the face of love and a respite from their loneliness.