Book Review: It’s Not Me, It’s You by Mhairi McFarlane

itsnotmeGenre: Women’s Fiction. Adult Literature.

Delia Moss isn’t quite sure where she went wrong.

When she proposed and discovered her boyfriend was sleeping with someone else – she thought it was her fault.

When she realised life would never be the same again – she thought it was her fault.

And when he wanted her back life nothing had changed – Delia started to wonder if perhaps she was not to blame…

From Newcastle to London and back again, with dodgy jobs, eccentric bosses and annoyingly handsome journalists thrown in, Delia must find out where her old self went – and if she can ever get her back.

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This story had me aching with the intensity reserved for stories that really touch my emotions. The beginning had me gasping and being all of the sad, but it set me on a path that throughout the book I was rooting for Delia to get through life and make good choices. There were many times were I didn’t know where the author was going to go in regards to relationships in the book, and it made me even more excited and anxious to keep reading. This book was a great read, and will leave the reader on an emotional roller coaster, but fear not, you’ll get to the end and be ready to ride again! I vote this book as very enjoyable, clever, smart, funny, and emotional. Get on it! This is McFarlane’s third novel and I’m now on a mission to read her first two, especially if they’re as clever and easy to read as this one was.

Buy Links:

 Find a local bookseller

About The Author:

McFarlane11443Mhairi was born in Scotland in 1976 and her unnecessarily confusing name is pronounced Vah-Ree.

After some efforts at journalism, she started writing novels. It’s Not Me, It’s You is her third book. She lives in Nottingham, with a man and a cat.

Author Page on Harper Collins   Twitter   Goodreads

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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Book Review: Operation: Valentine by Loretta Hill

OpValetnine582Genre: Romance

From the author of the bestselling The Girl in Steel-Capped Boots and One Little White Lie, comes a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about dating in the modern world…

“Once upon a time, there was a young girl called Sarah Dubert who needed to fall in love in six weeks . . .”

Thanks to food poisoning, broken dates, airport malfunctions and even death, Sarah Dubert has never had a boyfriend on Valentine’s Day. However this year she’s determined to break the curse and snare herself a man before Big V. Signing herself up to the online dating site soulmates.com, she begins eliminating possible candidates through dates at her favourite bar, The Blue Saloon . . .

Owen Black, the handsome new owner of The Blue Saloon, likes his women fast, experienced and temporary. A woman on a mission to find love – particularly one with a six-week deadline – would normally have him running for the hills. So why is he so uncharacteristically interested in Sarah’s search? And, more importantly, the success of her dates…?

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It’s the month of luuuuurve so I thought I’d review luuuurve stories this month!

Whilst the cover wasn’t the most favourite one I’ve seen, the book itself was well written and fun to read. Being a Valentines theme story I definitely wasn’t expecting anything serious or crazy. What I got was a cute, definitely predictable story that I really did like reading. The predictability didn’t diminish the lovely way it was written at all. I was entertained with a few laughs along the way Sarah always seemed to be having a tough time catching a break, while Owen sat back watching, waiting! This was a nice clean romance perfect for a sit down with a cup of coffee. Enjoy! You’ll have it read in no time!  I look forward to checking out some of her other books as well!

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BUY LINKS:

iBooks    Amazon.com     Ebooks.com    Google eBookstore    Kobo

  About the Author:Hill, Loretta

Loretta always wanted to be a writer. As a kid she filled pages of exercise books with stories to amuse her friends. Her father, who never wasted his time on fiction, didn’t see much worth in this pass time and pushed her to pursue a ‘sensible’ career. Fortunately, she had inherited some of his talent for numbers and decided to give it a go. She graduated from the University of Western Australia as structural engineer and took her first job with a major West Australian engineering company.

A few years later she met a lawyer at a Black Friday party hosted by a friend. She was dressed as the devil and he just came as himself. They are now happily married and living in Perth with their two young sons and infant daughter.

Despite her career in engineering, her interest in law and her journey into motherhood, Loretta continued to write. Not because she had a lot of time but because it was and always had been an addiction she couldn’t ignore.

books1bI received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Review: Cover Story by Rachel Bailey

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Genre: Contemporary Romance. Romance. Women’s Fiction.

Unfortunately, her editor doesn’t have the same vision. His vision has her investigating a series of gnomicides. Yes, gnomicides the wagardengnome1nton murder of garden gnomes.

It’s a nightmare for Tobi. She’s spent her life working towards a career she can be proud of and proving she’s nothing like her mother. She’s intelligent, independent and so uptight she can’t even let go to sneeze properly and, unlike her colleagues, she certainly can’t appreciate the funny side of the situation. She wants to work on the big story a cover-up in a senator’s office.

Reluctantly, she interviews Simon, the man who reported the ‘incident’ to the newspaper clearly a lunatic his four-year old daughter, and the other residents of the street. Each has their own theory about the murderer, ranging from the slightly possible to the ludicrous and Tobi, unfortunately affected by her pollen allergy and having to repress sneezes regularly, writes the story.

Her editor loves it and demands more; interstate papers pick it up and reader feedback is overwhelming. Apparently, she’s not going anywhere just yet and, dammit, that means facing her pesky attraction to Simon. Along the way, Tobi discovers there are many truths and secrets to be uncovered other people’s as well as her own. The question is, will the truth really set her free?

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By far one of my favourite reads of 2014. The gnome puns kept me smiling throughout the book, and the relationships of the street meshing together made for a gnomely (read: homely rhymes with gnomely!!) feel. I enjoyed the relationship / romance build up of the main characters, and it was nice to read a female character who was in control, but not obnoxiously so. Watching her unravel and release that control without realising it was a delight, and I loved the way it all wrapped up in the end. This book proves you don’t need R rated scenes to create a love/suspenseful/mystery story. The author did a great job giving each of the multitude of characters their own story and background without going overboard. It’s a story that shouldn’t be taken too seriously. A great, fun, clean read for the summer.


Buy Links:

Amazon (Kindle)

Amazon UK (Kindle)

Barnes and Noble (Nook devices)

Google Play (All devices except Kindle)

iBooks Store (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac)

Kobo (All devices except Kindle)

Print (Dead Tree Book)

Bailey_RachelAbout the Author:

Rachel Bailey developed a serious book addiction at a young age (via Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck) and has never recovered. Just how she likes it. She went on to gain degrees in psychology and social work but is now living her dream writing romance for a living. Her books have hit the USA Today bestseller list, are published in over twenty-six countries and have been translated into sixteen languages. She lives on a piece of paradise on Australia’s east …

Author WebsiteFacebook : Twitter :

books1b*I received a copy of this book from NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review

Book Review: Too Loud by Alexia Haynes

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Genre: Erotica. New Adult.

Sophie is afraid that loving someone will only bring pain. After dating a guy she couldn’t care less about, she decides that a safe, boring date for her parents’ social events isn’t enough for her. She longs to live life out loud. When she lays eyes on Logan, she knows she has to risk her heart by getting to know the sexy drummer better.

Logan’s new band, Feral, is a perfect fit, but it brings up nightmares from his past Since he’s the new guy, he isn’t in a position to make demands.

Sophie and Logan struggle to mesh their different worlds. Can Sophie commit to Logan or is his life TOO LOUD?

I’m usually all for hot guys in rock bands and hooking up with them..waitwhat.. I mean, I’m all for READING about them *grin*. Unfortunately I couldn’t get into this book. I’m wondering if it’s because I didn’t read the first one in the series, called Too Fast.  I think I wanted more from it. I can’t quite tell you why I didn’t like it, but it didn’t grab me. Have you read it? Did you like it? I’d love to know! It’s got a great cover going for it..all mystery man with the tattoos. I can imagine him playing the drums in a band.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Author Facebook Page : Author Website Twitter

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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review*

Pre-Release Review: Call Sign Karma by Jamie Rae

cskbbokGenre: Romance. New Adult Romance. Contemporary Romance.

cks5Love in the no-fly zone…

Distraught over the loss of her brother in a fighter jet accident, Tinklee Pinkerton decides to follow in his footsteps and prove the tragedy wasn’t his fault. But when she’s chosen as the first woman to fly the Air Force’s F-35, her plan for a life that revolves around work is thrown off course by a handsome, mysterious stranger…

Thanks to Locke’s seductive British accent, sweet nature, and one too many beers, Tink is soon inspired to throw caution to the wind and herself into his arms. She thinks maybe love can heal after all—until she discovers Locke is her superior officer. Tink has no problem risking her life in the air, but with everything on the line, is she brave enough to risk her heart on the ground?

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I absolutely loved this book. It kept me awake all night reading it. I laughed, I gulped, I sobbed, I sighed. An emotional roller coaster of a read. I was a bit sad and slightly annoyed that the main character was so bent on beating herself up, but in the end I really liked how the author managed to play it all out. Tinklee, a female fighter pilot has to be one tough chick, in the middle of a boys world, I found the characters emotions of strengths and weaknesses came through csk1well on the page. The two main male characters, Locke and Ash, were worthy of a starring role, and were believable hotties to drool over.  It also helps that one of my all-time favourite movies is Top Gun, and it was just on tele the other night! Something about a uniform, a fighter pilot, and managing to handle all that expensive equipment…. *proceeds to fan self* Recommend this book as a great summer (or winter, autumn, spring) read. This book had it all – tension, laughs, and love. Out on January 5th be sure to grab this pre-order now! It’s worth it!

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Buy Links:

Amazon : Barnes & Noble : Book Depository : Kobo : iBooks : Google

About The Author:

JAMIE RAE is a New Adult and Young Adult author. She writes with one goal in mind–to create stories with a positive message that will stay with the reader long after they’ve finished reading.

jamieraeJamie is an avid reader and loves discovering stories with a great hook, though she will not eat, sleep, or speak until she reaches the end. The Harry Potter years weren’t pretty!! Convinced that her Hogwarts letter was lost in the mail, she keeps a watchful eye for owls hoping her children will have better luck!

In her other life, Jamie Rae enjoys creating smiles that will last a lifetime as an orthodontist and keeps her heart overflowing with love as a mother of three. She has perfected the art of nomadic living as a military spouse and Air Force veteran. Jamie has a passion for critters of all shapes and sizes and you can often find her sneaking them into her own home or volunteering for rescues.

Dream~Write~Inspire

Author Web Site : Good Reads : Facebook : Twitter  

books1b*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Blog Tour: A Little Faith by Emma James

 

Cover Design : Jemina Venter
Book Nerd Fan Girl Designs

Genre: Contemporary Romance. New Adult Romance.
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the
only choice you have.”

~ Bob Marley

 Faith was nearly fifteen when her life was torn apart, she sheltered herself from knowing anything about that fateful day.

Six years later she is older and stronger and has decided to confront this sexy brotherhood of hot men she ignored for her own survival.

Harley, Keanu, Text, Levi and Retro will reveal to Faith all is not what it seems and she will discover the level of strength these friends possess.
She will come to realize the secrets they have all been shielding her from in humorous and emotional ways.

Faith isn’t going back to Dallas in a hurry, not until she can help those that need her the most.

This is a story of new beginnings, a strong brotherhood of sexy guys and a love that has been lost along the way. It is a story with twists and surprises that will tug at your heart as well as make you laugh.

Humor is a weapon that can only last so long until life peels the layers back and what is underneath and hurting shows through.

Faith wasn’t there for them when they needed her, but she damn well will make sure she is now.

Welcome to Ocean Beach.

Sometimes you just have to have A Little Faith.

REVIEW:

This book was a little different for me. Each chapter is written in a different point of view and often I feel quite put off when that happens. Luckily for me, Emma James was able to create a rhythm and tone that allowed the reader to slip into each character as their chapter came up. From the first page of this book I was immersed into the world of the boys of Ocean Beach and after the first chapter, there was no way I could pass this book up. I was not expecting the events and characters of the first chapter to be the way they were, but it is a well set-up chapter to begin the story.

I enjoyed the way the author portrayed every character and their interaction, it was really what made the storyline weave together, knitting the struggles, the dreams that haunt them, and the underlying guilt that’s binding them all as one. I really feel Faith comes into the story as a bit of a heroine, and saviour to all of the boys. Give it a read if you’re after a storyline that will most likely make you gasp, laugh, cry, and feel like you can’t wait until the next book in the series comes out.

I commend James on her bravery with her writing style, and wish her wonderful things for the future.

EXCERPT
FAITH POV
I’m swiveling back  and forth, searching the crowd for Harley.

“Hey, short  stuff.” A deep voice slices into my thoughts from over my right shoulder.

I slowly turn around, meeting Harley’s smiling face. I may have been short once, but now I am five-foot-eight, not exactly below-average height.

I take in Harley. He’s tall—six-four, at least—and gorgeous with light brown, short hair; tanned skin; and does he have some ink work on his arms? I’m normally very curious about tattoos, but now isn’t the time to look. 

I know I’m looking him up and down, but it’s  been so long, and he has changed. The softer boy features have been replaced by a big, muscular, chiseled man.

I swallow.

“Wow, is that really you, Harley Madden?” I’m drinking him in. I don’t remember Harley being so big and buff. His charcoal t-shirt molds tightly to his chest like a second skin. He wasn’t this muscular the last time I saw him. His belted, black jeans and boots complete his handsome look that has quite a few people in the crowd appraising him. He looks a little dangerous in his dark clothing. He would make Will purr like the cat who got the cream. I must admit, even I’m a little taken back.
He leans in and grabs me in a bear hug, lifting me off the ground, leaving me a little breathless. My face is nestled in his
neck, catching his scent of cologne and soap.


Wow.

“Okay, big guy, you can stop squeezing the life out of me now,” I try to breathe out. He loosens his hold and slowly let’s go
while I take a step back.


“You look amazing, Harley.” I find myself smiling. It feels good. I was worried about feeling awkward meeting Harley again after so long, but something just clicks. He was my brother’s best friend, and I’ve known him all my life. “It’s been a long time.”

“I could say the same about you. I might have to start calling you Faith.” He flashes me an amused grin, showing me perfect, white teeth and a dimple.

The baggage carousel starts up and everybody squeezes in tighter, trying to jockey for a position to get their luggage when it appears.

“Whoa!” I’m already beginning to feel less nervous having Harley here with me when I’m suddenly knocked off balance.
Harley’s left arm snags me around the waist, bringing me up against his hard side. He shoots the person beside me a dirty look. Some people really do need to chill out when they travel.


I step away from him when I notice my case coming towards me.

Harley stops me with a gentle, firm hand on my arm. “I’ll get it for you, which one?”

With one, bright blue suitcase and camera bag in his hands, Harley walks me out the sliding doors of the airport and we cross to the parking garage.

The sun is shining, and my grey hoodie jacket is making me too hot. I unzip it, taking it off as I’m walking, revealing a tight white tank top. Much cooler.

Harley is staring at my chest and nearly trips over. I roll my eyes. You can never take the boy out of the man.

“Harley, are you finished staring?” I laugh a little at the look on his face. “So I grew up.”

“You certainly did,” he mutters and looks away. I could have sworn I heard him swear and mumble something about guard duty.

As we approach his vehicle, I’m stunned. wow! Harley has a black Hummer. I do my best to hide how surprised I am.

Harley stows my luggage in back, and then we climb in and set off.

The Hummer suits Harley; he is such a big, masculine guy.

“Beautiful car. Where to James?”

Harley slides on a pair of vintage aviator Ray Bans, giving me a superstar smile that is a heart stopper. “La Jolla. I have a
place up on Vista De La Playa.” Harley then assures me we will be at his place in less than half an hour with the lunch time traffic.


The radio is playing Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruisewith Nelly. I put my sunglasses on, roll my window down, prop my right arm up on the open window, and hold onto the outside of the car. I can’t help tapping my fingers and nodding my head to the
beat, quietly singing along as the breeze blows my hair free.


I can see Harley out of the corner of my eye, stealing glances and smiling.

We don’t talk, although it’s not uncomfortable. I think we both have a lot swimming about in our heads. I’m simply taking it
all in, while he knows why I’m here. He knows this isn’t easy for me. I pull my phone out of my bag, take a quick snap of the coastline, and text Mom and Dad, attaching the pic. I let them know Harley has me, and we are heading to his place now. I then send Will a text and tell her I’ll chat in a couple days when I have something to tell her. I don’t hear back straight away.


Holy shit is all I can think the closer we get to Harley’s place. The view of the beach is incredible. As we drive higher, I’m itching to get my camera out and ask Harley to pull over so I can take some photos. We are driving past some beautiful homes, overlooking the coast. It’s not long until we make a turn, and then he drives up a long driveway towards an unbelievable looking place.

“You sure you got the right address?” I know my mouth is gaping open.

Harley looks over at me then reaches out, gently pushing my chin up so my mouth closes.

“What did you do? Rob a bank!”

Harley lets out a full blown belly laugh, which makes me turn and stare at him. “No.”

Wow! The Hummer and now the house, or what I would call a freakin’ big, two-story, contemporary mansion. It’s beautiful.

And the view!

This is when I realize I don’t really know anything about Harley and where these guys have all ended up.

He sobers up, and I see him looking at the black and chrome Jeep Cherokee parked farther up the drive. His hands grip the steering wheel while his jaw tenses.

What now?

Something tells me I’m going to be meeting the guys sooner rather than later.

“So, is this the girlfriend, the ex-girlfriend, or the guys?” I joke because that’s all I know how to do when I feel cornered.
*I saw this pic as I was reading it and I am pretty sure I wiped some drool off my chin!

PURCHASE LINKS:

About the Author:
Emma James lives in Queensland, Australia with her smexy husband, three children and a big black Labrador. Life is busy and most entertaining in the James household.


Writing has been a part of her life for many years. Life was getting on and it was time to put her fears aside and do what she does best. It was time to show readers what she was made of, take that leap off the diving board and see where it takes her.

Emma is a creative person at heart. She loves to read as much
as write, devouring books into the wee hours of the morning. Who needs sleep, right? Photography is another great passion of hers.


A Little Faith, the first book released in the Ocean Beach series is proving to be quite the surprise read of 2014 for contemporary romance lovers. She hopes you will join her and her sexy brotherhood of characters.

Because…sometimes you just have to have a little faith.
Giveaway ButtonClick on the image below to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway
*Open Internationally – Giveaway is hosted by Author
 
REVIEWS ONLY GIVEAWAY As a thank you to everybody who reads and reviews A Little Faith there is a rafflecopter giveaway set up for a chance to win one of two $15.00 Amazon
Gift Cards. Open internationally and only to those who read/review honestly on
Goodreads and Amazon.
 
 
 






HOPE IS LOST –  RELEASING JANUARY 2015 
 

New Release & Review – Anyone? by Angela Scott

ANYONE Cover SMALL  Genre: Young Adult. Action. Drama.

The end of the world? That’s the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters and deep philosophical exercises in school. No need to sweat it. So when sixteen-year-old Tess’s doomsday-dad builds a bomb shelter in their suburban backyard, everyone thinks he’s gone crazy….

…Until fire rains down from the sky, sinking whole cities into colossal craters and setting much of the world ablaze.

Tess’s dad gives her a few short minutes to gather her emergency bag and her freaked-out kitten, then leads her outside and into the underground shelter. Terrified, the last thing she expects is for him to leave her there all alone, but he has no callie catchoice—he must find her missing brother.

Before leaving, he makes Tess promise to keep the hatch door shut, not to open it for anyone but him, and to stay put until he returns.

But he forgot to tell her one thing: What is she supposed to do if he never comes back?

Surprisingly, I wasn’t sure how I was going to with this book. I’ve been watching so much The Walking Dead and Zombie or Apocalypse stuff of late that I was sure it would all blend in together. Luckily, Angela Scott has done a wonderful job of creating a worlds end that left me begging for more! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I think this is my “first apocalyptic” story I’ve read (as I said, watched is different). The story starts with an action packed scene of Tess frantically racing around her house as the world begins to end. Her dad takes her to a bomb shelter he’s prepared, (cue flashbacks of Doomsday Preppers! – that show!!!!!)  and then he leaves with the promise of coming back…but he never does….

IMG_2598From this moment, the reader is taken on a journey with Tess, as she navigates burning suns, sink holes, massive tornadoes and hail storms. All with her kitten, Callie, in tow. Along the way she meets a couple of characters who helped to keep the story line fresh, and interesting. I really love how the author has fleshed this story out, and although you might think you know what’s happening, suddenly there’s another corner turned and you’re left wondering. This book has given me a severe book hangover. I stayed up late into the night reading it because I had to know what happened in the end. Grab it now, and read, because I’d love to know your thoughts.

Apparently she also writes zombie stories…I must get onto these!

BUY LINKS:
Amazon anyone3Dtransparent
Barnes & Noble
iTunes
Kobo


About The Author:
I hear voices. Tiny fictional people sit on my shoulders and whisper their stories in my ear. Instead of medicating myself, I decided to pick up a pen, write down everything those voices tell me, and turn it into a book. I’m not crazy. I’m an author.

For the most part, I write contemporary Young Adult novels. However, through a writing exercise that spiraleme3d out of control, I found myself writing about zombies terrorizing the Wild Wild West—and loving it. My zombies don’t sparkle, and they definitely don’t cuddle. At least, I wouldn’t suggest it.

I live on the benches of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains with two lovely children, one teenager, and a very patient husband. I graduated from Utah State University with a B.A. degree in English, not because of my love for the written word, but because it was the only major that didn’t require math. I can’t spell, and grammar is my arch nemesis. But they gave me the degree, and there are no take backs.

As a child, I never sucked on a pacifier; I chewed on a pencil. I’ve been writing that long. It has only been the past few years that I’ve pursued it professionally, forged relationships with other like-minded individuals, and determined to make a career out of it.

Giveaway Button
Click on the Image below to enter* the huge prize giveaway from the author.
Prizes included a book, a bracelet, Cute kitty plush, mayday emergency kit!
72 hr kit giveaway*Giveaway is hosted by the author. If you have any questions about entries, please visit her website.

books1bI was supplied a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review
(glad I loved this one!)

Review – Three of Hearts by Kelly Jamieson

 threeofhearts

Genre: Contemporary Romance. Erotica. Menage (MMF).

Haylee Tremayne is tired of the road. The concert tour for Three of Hearts was a success, but she’s confused by the inexplicable tension between her bandmates, Ben and Lucas. She’s also ready to go home to her boyfriend in Nashville. Time off would probably help everyone relax, even if it is Christmas, a season with too many bad memories.

But right before their last concert, Haylee discovers she’s been dumped for a sexy girly-girl. Story of her life: all guys see is tomboy Haylee. At the after-concert party, she drowns her sorrows and—desperate to feel feminine for once in her life—asks Ben and Lucas for a threesome. And it’s just as sexy and fun as she hoped.

Back in Nashville, Ben and Lucas prove again and again that their first night wasn’t a mistake. But the tension between them is still high, and on Christmas Eve, their ménage takes a stunning turn. When it all falls apart, Haylee is terrified that their crazy relationship might cost them the band, their success, and worst of all, each other.

A generous story about how being together can bring you closer, but not before tearing you apart. I enjoyed this story, with the mix of intimate scenes, as w3ofheartsell as storyline. I felt like there could have been a bit more drama and fleshing out of the ‘issues’, but in the end it was wrapped up nicely. The chemistry between the three main characters was believable and the sex scenes weren’t outrageous, which can sometimes happen in menage. I have a thing for guys with guitars, so of course I was all over the guys in this book! I loved the cover as well. I would recommend this book to friends, and love the fact that profits of this book help the It Gets Better campaign.

~ If you like the book – be sure to check out the Pinterest board!

*Twenty percent of all proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the It Gets Better Project.

The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them. Visit their website for more information and to find out how you can get involved: http://itgetsbetter.org/pages/about-it-gets-better-project.

Buying Links:

Riptide Publishing Buy Links
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

I’m a married mother of two who lives a very ordinary life outside of my imagination. When I’m not writing I’m usually reading. I also like to cook and that means I like to read cookbooks and cooking magazines. In the summer I enjoy spending time gardening and in the winter I like to read gardening magazines and seed catalogues. I love lying on the beach or on my deck with a glass of wine and a good book. I also love to travel. As you can see, pretty much all my activities involve reading somehow! Although I don’t have as much time for it any more, I also love to shop, especially for clothes and shoes. Some think I’m obsessed with shoes but that is not true (although my husband would point out that there is no room left in our closet).

I love to hear from readers, so Tweet me on Twitter, leave me a comment on Goodreads or Amazon or my blog, or email me at info (at) kellyjamieson.com.

Twitter : Website : Goodreads : Facebook

musiclife*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

 

Review: Only in New York by Lily Brett

LilyBrettNYcover

Genre: Entertainment. Nonfiction (Adult)

New York is a walker’s city. You can walk for hours. The streets slip by. There is so much to look at, so much to take in. I walk a lot. Especially when I am not writing…

Lily Brett’s love affair with New York began as an outsider in her late teens when she was posted on assignment there as a young Australian rock journalist. In her early forties she returned, together with her soul mate and three children, to start a new life, and for the last twenty-five years she has called New York home.

This witty, candid and moving collection of short pieces celebrates the city that’s now part of her heartbeat. A compulsive walker, Brett takes us to her favourite places and introduces us to the characters of the city that has nurtured, perplexed and inspired her. She brings to life the delights of Chinatown, the majesty of Grand Central Station, the lure of spandex and sequins in the Garment District, and the peculiarity of canine couture. And she muses on the miracle of love in the Lodz ghetto, the possibility of loneliness amidst skyscrapers, and the joy and redemption in a child’s curiosity.

Full of wisdom, humour and grace, Only in New York is a human portrait of a city much loved – and of a woman in step with herself.

This witty, clever book was a change of pace for me. It was a delightful read. I enjoyed reading about the insight into one woman’s relationship with a city she calls home.

Her short, sharp ‘scenes’ transport you throughout New York and make you want toOnlyinNYQuote write a list of ‘places that the locals go’ next time you visit. From places she loves to walk, restaurants she loves to frequent, to a brief encounters with someone she is ‘sure she knows’, Lily Brett creates refreshing and fun storylines that lends itself to remind us that human contact has been lost in our world of technology, but really is just a phone call away. There is no ‘beginning’ and there is no ‘end’, but there is a wonderful amount of stories told ‘in between’.

Penguin Books Australia – Only In New York Book Link
E-book Purchasing Link
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About the Author:

Lily Brett was born in Germany and came to Melbourne with her parents in 1948. She is one of Australia’s most prolific and successful authors. She has published six works of fiction, nine books of poetry, and three essay collections to much critical acclaim in Australia and around the world. Lily Brett is married to the Australian painter David Rankin. They have three children and live in New York.

lilybrett.com

Review: Unlucky for Some by Carla Caruso

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Genre: Women’s Literature. Romance.

Sassy Italian-Australian newspaper reporter Raffy has been ultra-superstitious ever since her ex-fiance saw her in her bridal gown before they got hitched – and left her at the altar. But as luck would have it, one of her new assignments at Press Publishing is a feature series challenging some of the most common superstitions in the lead-up to Friday the thirteenth. It’s her worst nightmare – not helped by the grumpy, yet annoyingly handsome cameraman accompanying her to film the daily online videos for the newspaper’s site.

Need a super quickie read to tie you over between longer reads?!? I’ve got it right here. This book was just released on the 1st of November, so it’s nice and fresh! This was a really fun quick contemporary women’s fiction, I managed to read half of it whilst I was making dinner!
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I enjoyed the characters, and although just a novella, the writing was done in a way that all the background character information was weaved throughout the story, making it seem like a much longer novel. Set in Adelaide, it was another great Aussie read. I really liked the male character lead in this, although not quite sure of the name choices!!

This book gives you thought to question, what would you do if you were forced to break ‘superstitions’?!?!

Be sure to check out the authors goodreads and website for more exciting titles.

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books1b*this book was obtained from Netgalley/publisher in exchange for an honest review*