4.5 "You know what they say about assuming things..." Stars
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I've said it time and again, I love a good enemies to lovers story.  RoomHate adds old friends to the mix and now you have all of the pent up frustration and anger behind a falling out along with the passion and intensity that comes from the hurt of losing a close friend culminating in a grudgingly bad attitude complete with scathing remarks and hurt feelings followed by wishful thinking, longing looks, and serious sexual tension.  We're talking the kind of tension that at times is so thick and electric it makes your heart race and your palms sweat.  The kind that makes you anxious and nervous and starry-eyed and turned on all at the same time.  You know, the very best kind.

There are two kinds of romance in my book.  First, there is the dreamy fairytale in which anything and everything that sounds too good to be true and over-the-top romantic can and does happen before the hero and heroine ride off into the sunset together.  These romances are wonderful for an escape, for fantasy, for comparing to your own love life, and often resulting in feelings of inadequacy.  I enjoy these just as much as the next girl, but I find there is a time and a place for these in my life and it is usually few and far between.  The romance I enjoy the best is the lets-be-real, tell-it-like-it-is, everything-is-not-always-perfect kind.  The kind where people have lives and responsibilities outside of falling in love, where life can be hectic and can often get in the way.  The kind where dragons don't have to be slain, love is not made for countless hours at a time, and I love yous aren't spouted within hours of meeting or reconnecting.  I appreciate even more the true-to-life sweet gestures such as a heartfelt all-nighter spent talking or a much needed break from dishes or laundry that is sure to buy an appreciative roll in the hay.  These are the truly touching stories for me, the ones that I believe in and cherish, the ones that are the most affirming and fulfilling.

This story, and Justin especially, is the epitome of realism.  Justin is far from perfect.  He doesn't always say the right thing, he doesn't always do the right thing, he doesn't have all the answers all of the time and, honestly, that's what makes him all the more appealing.  I love the way Justin doesn't just jump in with both feet.  He has a life and commitments and obligations that he doesn't all of a sudden drop as soon as he sees Amelia again.  He has morals, he's level-headed, he takes things one day at a time, and he doesn't make any promises he can't keep.  Is it the most excessively romantic situation ever?  No, definitely not, but actions absolutely speak louder than words and his actions, his care and concern, and his dedication and support make him even more charming and attractive and incredibly sweet.  He may not be over-the-top swoony, but when he loves, he loves hard and you just can't help but be drawn to that kind of intensity, devotion, and adoration.

Complete with an incredibly shocking twist that proves to be a total game changer, there are surprises around every corner.  You think you can see where things are headed a mile away, but this shocker and its aftereffects will keep you guessing, second guessing, and triple guessing what this could mean for the future and how it could change anything and everything Amelia has ever wanted.

Going in I was expecting something hot and steamy with a somewhat egotistical yet irresistible roommate and some seriously intense sexual tension.  What I got was all of this and even more.  What I would consider Penelope Ward's most heartwarming and touching story of all, RoomHate is hot and sweet, fun and stirring, a heady mix of ups and downs of every kind that will keep you glued to its pages.
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I read the first in this new series about status quo and college romance. I must say that it did not disappoint. I was familiar with this author through some of her other works, such as the Heven and Hell series (YA, paranormal), also highly recommended. Then she started branching into more New Adult novels like her Take if Off series, and has become widely successful and respected in the Indie Author community.

This new series tells the story of Roman "Romeo" and Rimmel, a football jock and a nerd, that fall in love, despite the obstacles of silly things like social circles and fitting in. Rimmel is on scholarship to pursue her passion of becoming a Veterinarian, since animals are easier to understand than people. When she finds out that she must tutor the quarterback in order to keep her scholarship, she is less than pleased to be put in such an awkward situation. However the odds may be, these two find they have a lot more in common than first meets the eye.

I know what you're thinking: We've all read this story before. The predictable love story of two unlikely people, popular and unpopular, finding a connection that no one can break. This story has that, but it adds much more under the surface.

Rimmel had one goal in mind: to get her degree and to stay away from drama. She dressed comfortably baggy, without a fuss, and she was there for her studies, nothing else.

Romeo has a dream of becoming part of the NFL, and one of the major ways for this to happen is to be a part of the Omegas, a prestigious fraternity that has connections making it a much smoother route. At least, he thought it would be easy. Romeo was not expecting the leader, Zach, to have a major issue with him for some reason. This makes rush a living pain.

When Romeo starts going to tutoring sessions with Rimmel, she is clad in her typical oversized clothing, clutzy, and very reserved. As they get to know each other, however, sparks that they both can't seem to deny begin to form, and they start seeing each other for the first time. Rimmel tries to deny what feelings are erupting inside her by this "Romeo," and she knows he's going to be trouble for her plans of keeping her head down in books, but the dominos have already been set into motion on this ride, and there's no turning back.

Romeo is curious about this girl that is hiding from the world, and as he begins to uncover truths and peel back the layers, he finds that Rimmel really is the girl that captures his heart like no other. Despite being worlds apart, and not being the typical girl he's gone after, he starts to discover why he could never seem to settle for one girl, until now.

The odds are stacked against them in every direction, and hardships are around every corner, but can Romeo and Rimmel's love survive through it all? I guess you'll have to read to find out.
2860988
Four Solid Stars

"The magic of first love is our ignorance that can never end. ~ Benjamin Disraeli"

I was a bit hesitant in picking up this book; it seemed to scream ANGST! But something about it drew me in and once I started to read it, I honestly couldn't stop. I actually read this in one day. As for the angst, it wasn't as bad as I first pegged it to be. Yes, there was a love triangle of sorts, which I have a love/hate thing going on. I did love the whole hot Rockstar falling for the shy, unassuming heroine; yea, I'm a fan of these types of stories.

"No reason.
No excuses.
He simply bailed on me.
What the hell."

Tinley's life is completely turned upside down when her boyfriend, James, just up and leaves her with no warning whatsoever. He was Tinley's first love and first everything. She was devastated and broken after he left, and her life was never the same again. After months of mourning the loss, she decides to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a Broadway star. So she moves to the Big Apple. With the help of her cousin, Tatum, she starts to acclimate herself into New York City life. Things were looking up for Tinley, especially when she keeps running into a certain sexy stranger; he's a mystery, but something about him seems familiar and awakens a part of her that died when James left her.

"He didn't do romance, he f*ed like a rock star and then sent you on your way.
What the hell was I thinking?"

Van Whitaker is the leading singer of the rock band Ripping Pages. He's the epitome of the typical Rock Star: Sexy, talented and is quite the womanizer. He's intrigued with Tinley and knows there's something different something about her. She's not a groupie and she definitely seems like the relationship type. But does that deter his pursuit of her? Of course not. He's Van-freaking-Whitaker. However, Tinley has other plans and she doesn't make it easy. Van screams danger, and she knows better than to fall for him. But alas, as it always goes (and thank God for that), she does eventually give him a chance.

"You, Tinley, are my new beginning, and I love you more than anything. I've never felt this kind of love before. I've never felt the way I feel when you're near me. You bring out the best in me. You make me want to be a good man for you. Just you."

Things are looking up for Van and Tinley. They have a strong connection, and are very passionate about each other. However, things start to slowly fall apart when circumstances throws them curve ball after curve ball, especially when Tinley's ex is suddenly back in her life. Oh what to do, what to do.

"You are my ever after"

This was such an entertaining read. I do love my bad boy rockers and Van was no different. The relationship between him and Tinley was pretty intense and when things take an unexpected turn, you feel their heartache. As far as the love-triangle goes, I did feel a little sympathy for both Van and James, but once secrets start to unravel, the choice between the two became pretty clear (though, for the record, I was Team Van all the way.) The angst was just enough to keep my emotions high, but low enough to not make me want to throw my iPad out the window. Definitely a good Rocker read.
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A feel-good read with enough depth for my angst-loving heart.

I don't usually read in this genre, but I was pleasantly surprised by Teagan Hunters I Wanna Text You Up. The banter between the two MCs was hilarious, but more importantly, natural. I think thats where a lot of rom-coms miss the mark, but Hunter nailed this one, giving the age-old concept of dating and courtship a modern twist.

Zoe and Caleb were developed enough to make them three-dimensional, but also leave some intrigue. Ive got a soft spot in my heart for Caleb, a kind, chivalrous hero we don't see enough of in contemporary romance, and the chemistry between these two leaped off the page. And I adored Zoe. She was a take-me-as-I-am kind of character and unapologetically herself. I loved how the author didn't shy away from creating a REAL, flawed heroine, and REAL, flawed relationships.

4.5 Text You Up stars!
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** I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review **
*Actually, +4.5 stars*

PLAYING DEFENSE is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance written by Cate Cameron, its a lovely story, and even when this is not a standalone because actually its the second book in the Corrigan Falls Raiders series don't worry if you're like me and you haven't read the first because you didn't have idea of this book or series, you can still read it because its easy to understand all facts from the first book and follow the story youll be a spoiled by some facts, due to both male main characters are best friends, and this book is set in a short time after the first one, so of course if you have the chance to read Center Ice first, I think its better. But as I just said you can still read this, and I hope I can read CI really soon!

PD tells us about the life of two teenagers Claudia and Chris.

Clau or Dia is certainly a smart girl. What I liked about her character was the way she started to make new friends the way she, somehow, grew up. She has her goals set, and she is focused in go to a good university and be successful someway, I started to think about high school, the choices you have to make in order to be accepted at a school, that kind of things.
"It doesn't rhyme? Damn. You know, if it doesn't rhyme. I don't think I do want to hear it. Sorry. I've got my standards."
On the other hand, we have Chris. He likes to play hockey and of course, he wants to make a life from it. I liked his character, too. I think he was really well described, and the best is that hes not and he hasn't a bad-boy-issue, actually hes kind, hilarious, and made me smile a lot! Also, just as with Dia, I thought about my life in high school, but not in the same way, in those long four years I was there, for example, I was bad at Language and Communication, I hated writing my life has turned around and Im still understanding it.
"I'm not giving up anything. Being with you isn't a sacrifice." He frowned. "Also, puck bunnies don't really line up. It's more of a cluster, usually."
Anyway, we can see the chemistry between both character from the very beginning not just in a romantic way but also in a friendly one, because best relationships are those in which you can be friend and really trust each other. And even when they have been going to the same high school for a while, they haven't met yet.

School is not Chris fort, so when he has to request for a tutor, is when he finally met Clau, and here all this amazing story begins. BUT Claudia from the beginning let him know this is just a way to have more things on her applications. What does happen when they start to know better? Thats something you have to find out. Also, this book has dual POV something I always appreciate due to know what characters think about something, anything.

Overall, this is a sweet, fun, and adorable romance. I love when drama is involved, and of course they have some problems but not the common thing, believe me, just wait to see it by yourself. I adored their story how along all this book we can see their growth, it was fantastic, and one of the reasons I enjoyed this book. And I guess what I liked most was the way their relationship was based help each other to be more awesome. I want to know more about them, and maybe the end wasn't one of my favorites and Im going to have to wait until Winging It the third book to know what happens, at the end this was a good read. I recommended it to those who likes a good Young Adult Romance.
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Tessa has a problem. Shes engaged to a great guy  well, everyone says so. But something isn't quite right so when the mysterious gifts, emails and phone calls start arriving she is tempted to walk away from what she has to take a gamble on the unknown. And, as if that wasn't enough for her conscience to wrestle with, Caleb was getting into the act now too! Her best friend for years, he was always someone she could talk to, rely on and have a beer with. When he starts questioning her love life, and his place in it, she is even more confused. Even if she admired his backside in a most non-friendly way on occasion. Tessa needed to figure this out before, at the end of the day, it all blows up in her face.

Oh to have Tessas problem! Ditching her fianc may not be the hardest decision to make, but choosing between Caleb and her secret admirer is going to be tough. Switching between Tessa and Calebs point of view you can see the struggle on both sides to do the right thing. Tessa begins to look at Caleb in a new light but still cant let go of the stranger who has touched her heart and intrigued her for months. Im definitely on team Caleb as he reveals himself to be much more than a friend in a sexy package

Im a long-time fan of this author and this short story just proves again why. Snappy dialogue, an intriguing spin on a familiar story, with heat to wrap it all up in a satisfying bow.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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There were points throughout Say the Word that it felt like 5 stars for me, but ultimately some things fell short for me. That being said, this is definitely not a book where I'd be confused when I see dozens of fawning, five star reviews. I can see Say the Word being a favorite for many, so definitely give it a read!

Lux (love that name-sorry future child of mine, hope you can handle the weird stares you'll be getting at role call in school) is a poor girl from Georgia with absentee parents (seriously where the hell are her parents?!) and an amazing twin brother, Jamie. Her focus is to make it through day-to-day doing all she can to help pay her brother's medical bills from his battle with cancer, and feed herself the bare minimum. Yet one fateful day a walk home from school leaves her drenched and furious at the boy who sped by, dousing her in puddle water. Sebastian Covington, also adorably known as Bash *swoon*, is the son of a state senator and leads a life different from Lux in just about every way possible. But as different as they may be, their love for each other quickly becomes undeniable, as they embark on one of the cutest teenage love stories I've read about in a while (though you only get bits of their past). As strong as their love is for each other, Lux is unable to stop them from being torn apart. Fast forward seven years later and Lux has long abandoned her Georgia life, trading it all in for louboutins and her hated job at a fashion magazine in NYC. While she is undeniably different on the outside, she's never been able to let go of her love for Bash or the pain she knows she caused him. When they cross paths yet again, Lux struggles between letting the past stay in the past, and trying to bring him back to her. All the while, she's picking up some Nancy Drew tendencies, trying to figure out where her young friend, an immigrant girl, disappeared to.

This story alternates between Lux's teenage years in Georgia and her present years in NYC. I much preferred the story of her Georgia life, and would have loved if it could have been made the first book in a sequel instead. Jamie, her twin brother, is just about one of my favorite characters I've read of in a while. His bits in the story made me smile, then cry, and always wishing I could have him in my life. Bash as a teenager is also absolutely adorable-I loved his attitude and the way he thought. He manages to be a bit corny with it just coming across as sincere and butterfly inducing. The characters in Lux's adult life, Fae and Simon, are just as likable. One thing this story really does have going for it is likable characters. Honestly, all the characters you're supposed to like, I genuinely did, Lux included.

The one big downside I found in this story, that probably stopped me from being sure it's 5 stars, is that it is very, very wordy and descriptive. Johnson no doubt has some amazing writing skills; nothing came across as corny or awkward in the dialogue, and she is able to paint a very clear picture of every situation. Yet sometimes I wish she had reeled in her incredible ability for descriptive writing. There were many times where it was just too much, and made the story drag a bit. This often had me going from loving the story, and being so excited to see what was about to happen, to the story then hitting a lull and being a bit slow to get through. Even so, the storyline, while a bit predictable, is enjoyable, and I'm happy I finally read it!
103434
4.5 Stars. I have a confession to make: After reading half a dozen books featuring rotten players who were supposed to be heroes, wishy-washy heroines who could do much better, and nothing but sex everywhere with nary a real story in sight, I quickly became disenchanted with the "new adult" genre. I vowed not to allow myself to be drawn in again by a sexy cover and a flashy description. So when the blog tour invitation arrived for Finding It, I was hesitant. But I was drawn to the different setting of this one--who can resist a European tour with a hunky guy? So I read it. Actually, I inhaled it. And upon finishing, I was like,

Holy cow, this is what new adult is supposed to be like!

I was drawn into Kelsey's story right off the bat and I couldn't put it down. It's been awhile since a book has really gotten under my skin, and I'm grateful to Finding It for pulling me out of my slump. Not only is the book exceptionally well written, but there's actually a real, meaningful STORY to go along with the sexy times. Kelsey has just graduated from college and is attempting to find some purpose to her life. She comes from a wealthy family, a product of a loveless marriage, and her parents are far more concerned with appearances and their own projects than they are with their daughter. As her friends settle in to post-college jobs and relationships, Kelsey feels lost. So what better way to find herself than to spend a few months partying across Europe on her daddy's credit cards? But Kelsey soon realizes that putting thousands of miles between herself and her problems doesn't make them go away, and she's not finding that sense of purpose and meaning she's desperately seeking in clubs and bars. So when she meets sexy fellow American Jackson Hunt, who is not into drinking and casual sex, but is into showing her what she's been missing on her grand tour, Kelsey decides a change in gears is exactly what she needs.

I loved reading along as Jackson took her to some of his favorite places in Europe, many of them off the beaten track and none of them including a bar or a club. I could feel the point where Kelsey started to finally get the big picture, when she realized that slowing down and just being, just enjoying the view and savoring the moment, was what it was really all about, and I was so happy for her. I was also happy that she got to experience one of the most awesome first kisses ever (real first kisses--you'll know what I mean when you read it)! And I loved that Kelsey and Jackson didn't just fall into bed together. She wants him from the beginning, and she knows he wants her and that he feels the deeper connection growing between them, but something is holding him back. At one point, I had a niggling little suspicion about the secret Jackson was hiding, but I had completely forgotten about it by the time the bomb was dropped, and I was left reeling just like Kelsey was. But she needed that experience too. Because in the end, Kelsey's European tour does finally serve its purpose--helping Kelsey find hers. It's not easy and there are some bumps in the road, but she emerges stronger, more grounded, and ready to be an adult and start the rest of her life.

The only drawback to this story is that I felt like I didn't really get to know Jackson terribly well, and he has a very interesting and meaningful back story, so I would have liked to see more of it come out. But at its heart, this is Kelsey's story, and when the only complaint you have is that you want more, more, more, can you really call it a complaint? I would say that this is actually the first "new adult" novel I've read that really gets across the "new adult" experience. It's not about having as much sex as you can and getting the guy that no other girl can get. It's about discovering who you are, what's most important in life, and what you want to do with yours. And Finding It nails it. Loved it.
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WHO YOU WIT? by Paula Chase is the fourth installment of the Del Rio Bay Clique series and again features the teenage angst of friends: Mina, Lizzie, Cinny and Kelly.  This time around sex, and what to do about it, is the hot button topic.

Feeling pressured by her boyfriend, Todd, Lizzie decides  to embark on a virginity pact for one year, problem is she needs the crew to go along with her.  For Kelly it's a no brainer, she doesn't have a steady, so sex is the furthest thing from her mind.  Mina is harboring a secret, instead of telling Lizzie she and Brian, a star basketball player at Del Rio Bay High School, already crossed the line, she hides this fact, but others know and when one knows its bound to be revealed.  The pact is a moot point for Cinny because her period is late and she fears she's pregnant.  As Lizzie embarks on the pact, Todd feels he's the odd man out.  How can his girl make such a commitment without discussing it with him?  When all is revealed, allegiances are tested and the Del Rio Bay clique may not survive.

Chase has touched on a myriad of subjects teens face on a daily basis.  Her social commentary is subtle, but on point.  Cinny was sent to live with her aunt from Northern Del Rio Bay to attend Del Rio Bay High School, the premier suburban school, to receive a better education, however she finds herself possibly pregnant.  Kelly is trying to outrun her former boyfriend, Angel, a drug dealer who swears he's gone legit and at the same time begins a new relationship with a star lacrosse player.  For her, this is what a real relationship feels like.  Mina is trying to spend as much time as she can with Brian before he heads off to Duke University in the fall.  The parents, grandparents and other family members of the teens play pivotal rolls with their knowledge of growing up, which is highlighted in the story.

Even though this is a tough subject for many to tackle, Chase has added many humorous scenes and one-liners that provide laugh out loud moments.  Her use of imagery is detailed and vivid and the behavior of the characters is stereotypical but realistic.  There is one more installment to the Del Rio Bay Clique and at that point I suppose we'll see how everything plays out when the boys head off to college, return and head off again.

This is a very good story for high schoolers and parents alike to read.  Want to know what is running through the minds of teens and issues they face regardless of where you live, read this.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
665716
I called everything. Even the "big twist" at the end. Now, this doesn't mean that I disliked the book because I didn't. It just means that either I have super sleuth powers when it comes to unearthing plots or the author wasn't as sly as she thought she was.

Gemma Hart is...well, she's kind of a horrible person and kind of dumb. When she was eleven, she was convinced that her parents separation was a passing thing and that by the end of summer they would be back to being one big happy family. Realizing this wasn't going to happen, she plots to to remove the one thing standing in her way: her fathers new girlfriend and her daughter. Now, five years later, Gemma is returning to the Hamptons to spend the summer with her father. She figures there's no way she'll run into Hallie (the daughter she hurt) and things even start looking up when she meets a cute boy on the train. But as fate would have it, the cute boy aka Josh is Hallie's older brother and she suddenly finds herself face to face with the friend she hurt. So what does she do? She lies. She pretends to be someone else. She figures that she'll get Hallie to like her again and then apologize, thus revealing who she really is.

I honestly don't understand how a girl this old doesn't get how wrong this is. You're going to lie to someone to get them to like you only to reveal your lie and hope for the best? Nope. That's not how life works. On top of that, what she did to Hallie's mom in the past was something that even an eleven year old would know was wrong. And how she didn't get caught, I'll never know.

Now, I know that it seems like I didn't like the book. And I did. It wasn't amazing, but it kept me reading - even if it was just to find out if I was correct about my suspicions. But honestly, I was interested in what would happen with Josh. Gemma didn't really have any interactions with him back in the day but I was sure that he knew everything that happened and once he found out who she was, s*** was going to hit the fan. I felt for Josh. He was dealing with a break up and was having trust issues, and along comes Gemma who he clicks with instantly but she's lying to him and it's a pretty big lie. I spent the whole book just waiting for this to blow up in her face. And there were a lot of near misses, let me tell you.

Aside from the my issues with the story, I really enjoyed Finn's writing. It felt like I was watching a high school drama series and I just couldn't look away. The book definitely ends on a cliff hanger that sets up the next installment and color me curious, I want to know what happens.
4554241
Well-paced, taut and suspenseful build up that had me second-guessing the whole book through!
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AudioBook Review:
Stars:  Overall 4  Narration 4  Story 4

I adore the tensions and narrative voices in a Christina Lauren book, and Roomies is no exception. Smart characters, humor and a touch of sparkle that makes them feel oh so absolutely right together, each one of her books makes me happy.  In Roomies, the setting is New York and the influences of Broadway, buskers, coffee shops and the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps are tactile and present in the story  always waiting stage left to make an entrance.

Holland is an aspiring writer, working for her uncle on Broadway. She loves music and the city, and a well-turned phrase.  A bit at loose ends, the opportunity to be in the middle of the New York scene is too good to resist  and then she spots him.  A busker, playing his guitar on the platform, gentle melodies that speak to the heart.  Calvin is a talented musician with an Irish accent that is beyond adorable and a heart of gold. He just wants to stay in the city for opportunity  but with his visa set to run out, his only chance may be a marriage.

Together these two are off the charts adorable  a flirtation and crush on Hollands part lead to an offer of marriage so Calvin can stay. But theres so much more here:  Calvin is sweet and gentle, challenging Holland to take those chances and grow in ways unexpected.  For her part, Hollands feelings for Calvin are developing, but there are obstacles to cross and secrets to reveal.  The development of their relationship, with plenty of input and interference from secondary characters with sharp comments and questions reveal more layers and moments for both Calvin and Holland to grow, together and separately.  Each moment of their relationship  full of firsts and revelations drags listeners along through the relationship as it grows and changes: allowing the emotions and firsts to feel plausible and possible  and the relationship and romance grow to be real and tangible as the story progresses.

Narration for this story is provided by K. C. Sheridan, and the gentle performance clearly allows the text to speak to readers, while giving moments of additional emotional impact with pauses, hesitations, breathy releases and even a bit of bubbly smiles.  Holland is clearly presented as someone searching for a purpose and attempting to do the best for all in her circle along the way: Calvin has that touch of Irishness that clearly presents in his phrasing and approach to telling a story, smooth and graceful.  A lovely listen and hopefully just the first of many with this narrator.

If you (like me) enjoy a Christina Lauren book  you won't go wrong here. If youve not tried one  go for a trope that is rare in contemporary romance and take a chance with this marriage of convenience story: you won't be disappointed.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Simon and Schuster Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
4299227
AudioBook Review:  Stars  Overall 4  Narration 4 Story 4

As I said before, going in I knew this was going to be a wild ride: Emma Chase writes her male characters with a varying degree of misogynistic attitude and maturity, and she seemed to heap all of that frustration on Stanton.  Qualities that make him a solidly successful defense attorney don't work in the real world, at least not without consequences.

In high school, Stanton and Jenny were an item, and then she got pregnant. Unwilling to use that pregnancy to trap Stanton in their small Mississippi town, she made it easy for him to move on, go to school and start a career.  In the ten years since that time, Stanton has visited his family back home, but it has been nebulous and untethered, he prefers the fast track and the fast women who occupy it.

Sofia is a litigator in the office with Stanton: good at her job and driven, and their friends with benefits situation is one she is fully on board with.  But. She is spoiled, entitled and a bit too full of herself for my taste.  Sure, she is smart, and good at her job: but she and Stanton have taken a few too many pages out of the books of their clients: NOTHING is ever their fault, their problem or their responsibility. It is always a situation that brought it on or someone MADE them do it. Really? GAH

Fast forward to Jennys wedding (YAY JENNY) to a character that will be familiar to readers of Chases work.  And Stanton completely loses his mind. Think three year old with 3 trucks and one friend who wants to play with the truck he abandoned in the corner.  THAT sort of Lost His Ever Loving Mind.  And Sophia isn't far behind: not only did she accompany Stanton in his mission to STOP the wedding, but she was deluded enough (or clueless enough) to think that her feminine wiles would keep Stanton reasonable.  Can you say doormat?

Through all of the moments  funny to gaspingly incredulous  I couldn't walk away  there is something to these characters. Perhaps I want to see if they actually get it, or grow up, or find out just how wrong they have been, but even wanting to use a Whack A Mole mallet on Stanton and Sophia, I couldn't look away.

Narration is provided by Jason Carpenter and Charlotte Penfield and these two portrayed each character beautifully.  Carpenter captures that star high school football player arrogance in Stantons tones, while Penfield gets Sophia and gives her plenty of vocal nuances that fit her perfectly, from uber-feminist I am woman, hear me roar to rather bratty spoilt child.  The dialogue is fast paced and laden with humor, these two allowed for the laughs and moments of I cant believe you just said that without losing pacing or momentum. Additional characters, accents and delivery were spot on, with just enough variation in tone, delivery and accent to present each character as a recognizable change.

Alternately funny, infuriating, sweet and moments that will leave you gasping this is a story perfect for when you want an escape, not necessarily into the lives of people who have it all together, but people who are so fabulously dysfunctional that you will wonder how they make things work at all.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Simon Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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3.75 stars

Finished by Anne Holster is a new adult romance that centers around a group of friends who are sharing a memorable summer on the Jersey Shore. They are at various stages of their journey to adulthood but joined by their determination to balance work and the desire to party enthusiastically and enjoy their summer. Jess makes some unwise decisions while under the influence, but manages to get past most of the repercussions and learns to guard her heart. Finn has an easygoing and carefree attitude toward booze, girls, and his job, but this summer is going to be lifechanging for him, in ways he least suspects!

This new adult contemporary romance gave plenty of warning in the blurb of what kind of angst- and drama-filled story this was going to be, and it definitely delivered. I was reminded why I didn't appreciate the reality show of this ilk, because that has never been a lifestyle I really understood. I think this story would be most appreciated by those who like folks who are prone to drama, questionable decisions, and getting into situations by being either deliberately blind to danger or pretty obtuse about what is going on around them.

I think the author did a good job of portraying the slippery slope one can find oneself on through insecurity, loyalty (mistaken or not), naivete, and inaction, but wow, I am not sure I would have wanted most of these people as my friends when I was that age. There are fascinating twists and horribly embarrassing situations but I think that there is also a nice message about living life long enough to grow up a bit and that theres a way to survive almost everything (including ones parents, lol). Some of the resolution was a little too pat for my tastes, and I have my concerns that many of these characters need to learn how to communicate, but overall, I think a lot of the events were portrayed in a realistic fashion. There are a few technical issues that need to be smoothed out a bit, but overall this was an engaging new adult story that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the genre.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review
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Favorite quotes: "That's when you really lose people, you know. When the pain passes."

"Hate isn't the most dangerous thing" he'd said. Indifference is."

Oh, where do I even begin. First of all, I'm kind of a snot because I bypassed this book a few times just based on it's cover. Some probably love it, but I'm not a fan of people's faces on the cover unless it's some angsty guy in a hoodie.

What I didn't like:
1) The cover...already "covered" that.
2) Some of the love stuff bugged me at first because it was a little too romancy for me, but I also know that it was necessary since Lena was deprived of love and when she discovers it, she has to scream about it to the world, or at least inside her head...a lot.
That was about it...really.

What I loved:
1) Everything else!

Okay, let's get a little more specific. Oliver reminds me a little of Maggie (hold on a minute while I get up and get my copy of Shiver since I don't EVER know how to spell Maggie's last name)....okay, I'm back. Where was I now? Oh yeah, Oliver reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater because they are both amazing poets who know who to weave that into some amazing fiction.

I saw on a thread somewhere someone was asking who the hottest heartthrob in books was? Where was Alex? He, by far, has got to be my favorite. I'll tell you why. He actually had a reason for loving Lena. He caught her at a moment where she was honest and it struck a chord in him. So much more refreshing than he just fell in love with her because she was beautiful or just because. On that note, Lena is not really described as beautiful and sometimes that will bother me because if I'm being honest...I like my heroine beautiful. It's why we read. We want to be transported for a while and be someone else and live one of a thousand different lives. This is the first time this didn't bother me because I didn't care if Lena was beautiful or not, I just felt like I knew her, and I suspect that she was beautiful in her own way anyway.

Another thing I loved. She's a runner. I love it when authors do this because it is fun to read about and it's also showing that the main character is not afraid of pain and in another way, it's a way to show young adults that you can get high off something that is natural and actually good for you.
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***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

If I Lie by Corrine Jackson
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Copy sent from the author

Summary (from Goodreads):

A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.

Quinn's done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey's not just any guy--he's serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.

Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she's vowed to keep--secrets that aren't hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she'll go to protect her boyfriend...and her promise.

What I Liked:

I have not read many books dealing with the military (other than Something Like Normal by Trish Doller, which I read AFTER I read this book), so I was not sure what to expect from this book. I have to say, this book pulled at my hearstrings and made me want to cry many, many times (and I am NOT a crier, for movies or books or anyone).

I had a feeling I knew what was wrong with Carey, both physically, and why Quinn had to lie for him. I felt so bad for Quinn, because she went through so many awful things, in order to keep a secret. I really felt bad for Blake, because he did not deserve to not get what he wanted.

This story is so twisted, but in a bittersweet, heartbreaking way. Quinn cannot be happy no matter what she does. Blake cannot get what he wants. Carey cannot get what he wants. It seemed like there was no way that anyone could get any silver lining out of this situation.

I really liked the mutliple plots - of Quinn dealing with Carey's secret, and Quinn dealing with her mother, and Quinn's past being revealed. It made me sad for Quinn, sad for Quinn's father, and sad for Quinn's mother. I just felt bad for everyone, even though, in a way, everyone did something that was bad. I do not know how Ms. Jackson did it, but she wove this story in a way that made me hate and love everyone. I think if I had to really hate anyone, it would be Carey, for asking Quinn to keep that secret. Not because of what the secret was, but because he ruined her life by asking her to keep it.

I liked how the story switched from past to present. This kind of thing is either done very well, or absolutely abysmally. Ms. Jackson did a wonderful job with the switches. It kept me on my toes, to make sure I understood what was going on. And it was an interesting way of revealing Quinn's past and present at the same time.

The ending was very bittersweet, but I think it ended well. It is resolved, but there are some things about the end that not everyone will like. I completely respect Quinn's decisions. Honestly, I may have done the same thing if I were her.

What I Did Not Like:

I said it already, but I really did not like the fact that Carey asked Quinn to keep that secret, and I guess, that Quinn actually kept the secret. That is SO not something that you should ask a person to keep quiet. Obviously, there would be no book if Quinn had not kept the secret. But I still did not like this. Also, I really, really wish Quinn could have, um, had a nice ending with that nice boy, instead of doing what she did. But that's okay, because I completely understand why she did what she did.

Would I Recommend It:

Yes! This book is so bittersweet, but it is so, so good. And sad. And good. It's not a light, quick read, but it's definitely worth the time.

Rating:

4 stars. This contemporary novel is definitely one for the ages!
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Although I sometimes get irritated by the label of "chick lit" as a book genre, I'm going to be my own oxymoron and say that PLAN B by Jenny O'Connell is, indeed, teen chick lit. And that I also really liked the book, thoroughly enjoyed it, in fact, and can now no longer say "chick lit" with my previous snobbish sneer.

Vanessa has her life all planned out. All she has to do is survive the next nine months of senior year at the prestigious and private Cabot Academy, ace her SATs, and then spend a year touring Europe with her best friend, Taylor. After that, she'll be more than ready to enroll at the same college in Connecticut that her boyfriend, Patrick, attends, and life will be perfect.

Except life isn't perfect, and it's the definite fault of Reed Vaughn, Hollywood "It" guy, the most good-looking hottie to have graced the planet with his existence in the last several years. Taylor is already ga-ga over him, and although Vanessa can appreciate his good looks, she's not entirely sure about his appeal. Appeal is the last thing on her mind, though, when she finds out that there's more to Reed Vaughn than meets the eye--he's actually her half-brother, the son her father never knew he had.

As if a previously unknown sibling wasn't bad enough, Reed is coming to stay with her family in Chicago. Even that wouldn't have been so bad, if not for the fact that Reed is also a senior, will also be attending Cabot Academy, and will, without a doubt, ruin her life as she knows it. Now school is going to be as messed up as her home life, where tensions are running high between her parents and the lack of regular phone calls from boyfriend Patrick is driving Vanessa insane. How can she possibly survive this last year of high school with a celebrity brother, a maybe-cheating boyfriend, a disgruntled mother, and a shell-shocked father? All the plans she's worked so hard on getting perfectly arranged might just have to go out the window--and it will be time to put PLAN B into action.

This is a fun story about friendship, family, love, and loss that will have you remembering the ups and downs of having a sibling, and the trials and tribulations of getting ready for college. PLAN B is an engaging, entertaining read from a talented new author, and you won't go wrong by picking up a copy.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"