Book Spotlight and Review: In Bed with Mr. Wrong by Katee Robert

Title: In Bed with Mr. Wrong

Genre: Romance
Author: Katee Robert
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Pages: 250
Language: English
Format: Ebook

The blind date from hell is about to get hotter…

Brianne Nave is never doing her friends a favor again. When they begged her to go on a blind date, she didn’t expect someone so perfectly gorgeous. She’s a mousy librarian—totally not in this man’s league. And judging by his odd reaction when she opens the door, he knows it, too.

Air Force Pararescuer Ryan Flannery avoids his hometown at all costs. He’s not thrilled about the date until he’s shocked silent by the prickly little librarian’s sweet curves and kissable lips…and her smart mouth. But then an argument leads to a kiss that spirals out of control. How can two people have so little chemistry outside the bedroom when they fit together so perfectly in it?

When their friends strand them in a cabin to “work things out,” Bri’s not sure whether to kill him or put the industrial-sized box of condoms they find to use. Bottom line—Ryan’s career military and hates the tiny town she loves. He’ll leave, just like everyone else in her life. And if she’s foolish enough to give him her heart, he’ll take it with him.

AMAZON

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ABOUT KATEE ROBERT

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Katee Robert, learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

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My Thoughts:
This was a pretty standard love story involving two people so wrong for each other, they have to be right for each other. To say they don't hit it off in the beginning is an understatement of epic proportions. They snap, they snarl, they end up in a very intimate position on her front porch by the end of their first date - which is a set up, by the way. Oh, yes, they're on a blind date. This sets the tone for the bulk of the story where every time they get together, they snipe at each other, then get physical. How these two end up working things out and coming to an understanding is something you just have to read to really enjoy. And though it was so stellar it stood above everything else I've ever read, it was quite enjoyable. So if you're looking for a fun, fast, kind of light romance, try this one out.

True by Erin McCarthy: A Review

A captivating New Adult novel from New York Times bestselling author Erin McCarthy.


When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…

(From NetGalley)

My Thoughts:
This is a pretty standard story about a girl from the right side of the tracks meeting and falling in love with a guy from the wrong side of the tracks. There aren't a lot of surprises in this story; it hits all of the expected marks with the precision of someone checking off a to-do list. Good girl meets Bad Boy, check. They try to deny their attraction, check. They get thrown together, check. Examples of his horrible home life versus her near perfect home life, check. There are so many reasons why this relationship shouldn't work out and yet it does.

That being said, it is a well-written story that just sucks you in and keeps you up all hours of the night, reading when you should be sleeping. After just a few chapters, you will find yourself invested in what happens to these characters - and their friends and family. I know I was. I really wanted things to work out for Rory and Tyler because, appearances aside, they are both very decent and caring people who deserve to have that happy-ever-after. I really liked how they cared not only for one another, but for the people in their lives. They are both very loyal and generous people, often to the point of self-sacrifice and it is at once endearing and heart-breaking to endure at some points.

Ultimately, this is a wonderful story of two people who just want to be together despite the hand life dealt them - and what they do to achieve that end. I enjoyed it very much and can't wait to read more from this author - I am so looking forward to the next book!

In Leah's Wake by Terri Guiliano Long

About the Book:

The Tylers have a perfect life--beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest daughter, Leah, an exceptional soccer player, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine, more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years, just wants her sister's approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly together kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life...until Leah meets Todd, a high school dropout and former roadie for a rock band.

As Leah's parents fight to save their daughter from a world of drugs, sex, and wild parties, their divided approach drives their daughter out of their home and a wedge into their marriage. Meanwhile, twelve-year-old Justine observes her sister's rebellion from the shadows of their fragmented family-leaving her to question whether anyone loves her and if God even knows she exists. Can this family survive in Leah's wake? What happens when love just isn't enough?

(From Amazon.com)

My Thoughts:

Sometimes, reviewing a book can be hard, especially when you really want to like the book...and it just doesn't happen. I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't get lost in it enough for the magic to happen. And for me, that is essential, that is how I decide whether or not a book is a winner. I need to be totally lost in it, begrudge the time I can't spend reading it, and groan at the time that I have to devote to other things - like eating or sleeping. I want to think about the book when I'm not reading it, and long after it's done. That is the sign of a great book to me.

Although this book was written in a concise, readable style (I've read many lately that weren't, so I have a broad base for comparison), I found myself struggling to get into it. Whenever reading feels like a chore to me, I know it's not the book for me. Nothing against the author, nothing against the book itself. It just didn't speak to me as a reader. But I am certain that it will for many others. In fact, if Oprah was still doing her book club, this would be a perfect candidate for her selection. So try it for yourself and you decide.

Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund: Spotlight and Review

Unending Devotion

by

Jody Hedlund

My Thoughts:

Although well-written and researched, this book just didn't capture and hold my attention like I thought it would. I liked the premise, but it just took too long evolving and I lost interest quickly, which is never a good sign. I read a lot of books and if my attention is not caught and snagged  early on, it usually won't be later on.

But, as I'm certain this is the type of book that will appeal to someone who likes sweet historical romance, I will let the blurb speak for itself. And if you want to snag my copy, just let me know in the comments below. I will be happy to pass it on to one lucky reader.

About the Book: 

Michigan, 1883

In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?

Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer’s assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan–and the sights of Connell McCormick.

Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.

Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell’s help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what’s right cost them both everything?

Link to buy the book:

http://ow.ly/dihgn  

Meet Jody: 

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of "The Doctor's Lady" and "The Preacher's Bride". She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Visit her website: http://jodyhedlund.com/

Starlight Saturday

Weekly Book Review

When Kat Martin joined us back in December to promote Reese's Bride, I gave readers a very brief review, more like a teaser review, which I will restate here to save time:

"From the first word of Reese's Bride, I was hooked, which, as you've discovered if you've read my reviews lately, doesn't happen easily. From the beginning, I felt the anger and loathing Reese felt toward this woman, Elizabeth.

So right away, there's this mystery of what did this woman do to incur such wrath from this man? Then when you find out why he's so mad with her, you then want to find out why she did what she did. That's just the first couple of pages!

This book proves to offer some interesting encounters between Reese and Elizabeth..."

This book stayed true to those words. There was mystery, intrigue, crime, suspense, romance and obstacles galore in this book! It was not a book I wanted to put down. If I did, it was because there were moments the book was too electric to hold because I was giggling with glee and/or points where things happened, and I was like, "Oh my God, I can't believe that just happened!" and had to put the book down so I could wrap my head around what I had just learned.

This was unfamiliar territory for me because, I don't get "Oh my God" moments when reading books. I usually know how a story will play out because I've been able to interpret all the clues left by the author. However, Kat doesn't really provide you with any foreshadowing clues, so the outcome to some of the mystery, intrigue and crime were complete surprises. I'd tell you, but that would be giving away the best parts, and you know I don't do that!!! I don't want to ruin the fun of reading it for yourself!

The characters, plot and storyline are very strong and well constructed. The dynamics between Reese and Elizabeth, Elizabeth and Mason Halloway, Elizabeth and Aunt Agatha, Elizabeth and her son Jared, Jared and Reese, Reese and his brothers, Reese and Mason Halloway combine to give a wonderfully complex feel to the story and depth to the characters. You learn so much about each character through the way they interact with each other.

[On a side note, I was kind of bummed that rather than taking the story of Annabell and Travis Greer into a book of their own, it was played out here in Reese's Bride. Now, I know I am probably in the minority here, but I would have enjoyed it if the HEA for Reese and Elizabeth wouldn't have been so neatly tied up in one book. I like how the relationship of Annabell and Travis was used a catalyst for the HEA, but part of wishes that it would have been kept off as a cliffhanger to be answered in another book - the story of Travis and Annabell. These two were superficially covered, but these two could be developed further into some very strong and interesting characters! If they do not get their own book, I sincerely hope that they are developed in Rule's Bride!]

My tastes in reading are so eclectic that I tend to get saturated with one type of novel and need to mix it up frequently (which is why I have ventured into some erotic romance as well as YA Fiction). This book offered me so many of my favorite elements that I was never bored. It was an adventure from beginning to end. I just discovered her, but she has been added to my list of favorite authors.

Kat Martin joins Jayne Ann Krentz (Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle), Nora Roberts (J.D. Robb), Mary Jo Putney, Sylvie Kurtz, Patricia Cornwell, R.A. Salvatore, Tad Williams and Chris Evans.

So how would I rate this book?
The following scores are out of a possible 5, with 3 being average.

Romance:
Mystery:
Intrigue:
Crime:
Suspense:
Heat:

With all of these threes, I bet you're expecting my overall score to be a three, well, you'd be wrong! All of the above elements combine to make a great reading experience! My overall score is: