Places We've Never Been by Kasie West

 

A sweet and swoony contemporary Young Adult novel about a cross-country family road trip that puts one girl and her childhood best friend on an unexpected road to romance!

Norah hasn’t seen her childhood best friend, Skyler, in years. When he first moved away, they'd talk all the time, but lately their relationship has been reduced to liking each other’s Instagram posts. That’s why Norah can’t wait for the joint RV road trip their families have planned for the summer.

But when Skyler finally arrives, he seems...like he’d rather be anywhere else. Hurt and confused, Norah reacts in kind. Suddenly, her oldest friendship is on the rocks.

An unexpected summer spent driving across the country leads both Norah and Skyler down new roads and to new discoveries. Before long, they are, once again, seeing each other in a different light. Can their friendship-turned-rivalry turn into something more?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I don't read a lot of YA books but author Kasie West is an author whose books I never miss.  She really has a way of making characters and situations feel realistic.  This book is about reconnecting with old friends, building new connections and dealing with life's tough moments.  It's family and it's friends.  It's learning to trust again.  It's adventure!

Norah and Skyler have a bumpy road back to friendship from all misunderstandings.  But, as per usual, once they started communicating and stop fighting, they figured it all out.  All the characters were easy to settle in with and I enjoyed them all.

I loved the two family road trip and the different places they went.  I've been lots of those places too so it was easy to imagine where they were and what they were doing and seeing.  The story felt very age appropriate and it made me smile. This is a book I would have easily passed off to my daughters when they were teenagers.  They would have loved it.

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

Addie is visiting Ireland for her aunt’s over-the-top destination wedding, and hoping she can stop thinking about the one horrible thing she did that left her miserable and heartbroken—and threatens her future. But her brother, Ian, isn’t about to let her forget, and his constant needling leads to arguments and even a fistfight between the two once inseparable siblings. Miserable, Addie can’t wait to visit her friend in Italy and leave her brother—and her problems—behind.

So when Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, Ireland for the Heartbroken, hidden in the dusty shelves of the hotel library, she’s able to finally escape her anxious mind and Ian’s criticism.

And then their travel plans change. Suddenly Addie finds herself on a whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle, trapped in the world’s smallest vehicle with Ian and his admittedly cute, Irish-accented friend Rowan. As the trio journeys over breathtaking green hills, past countless castles, and through a number of fairy-tale forests, Addie hopes her guidebook will heal not only her broken heart, but also her shattered relationship with her brother.

That is if they don’t get completely lost along the way.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

First of all, I love this cover.  So simple, so cute.

I was pretty excited to read this book because I read Love & Gelato and fell in love with it.  This one wasn't as good as Love & Gelato for me but I really did enjoy a lot of it.  This is a contemporary YA book, no romance really, just some family and friends working things out.  

Road trip anyone?  Through Ireland?  Yes, please.  But maybe with a touch less drama than Addie and Ian's.  Real life issues face both Addie and Ian who are the best of friends and the closest of siblings until secrets come out and feelings are hurt.  Then they are at war with each other.  Just like with any real relationships, there are bumps in the road and sometimes you have to work through the hard stuff to find the beauty on the other side.  

I loved the real and messy feel to Addie, Ian and Rowan's feelings.  They are young, trying to find their way and becoming stronger.  It was a satisfying journey.

I didn't love the travel book excerpts so much.  I liked the idea behind it- especially how it ended, but the "voice" was a touch over the top and had me rolling my eyes a bit.  Maybe this would appeal more to the younger crowd?  I just might be too old for it.  Ha.

Content:  mild swearing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Perfectly Misunderstood (Perfect #4) by Robin Daniels

Jayden Valdez is an overachieving intellectual. Mike McGinnes is Franklin High School’s dumbest jock. Even though they barely know each other, she finds his personality repulsive and he thinks she’s got a giant stick up her you know what.

Mike and Jayden are surprised and annoyed when their teacher pairs them together for Spanish tutoring. Both feel it’s a complete waste of time, since nobody could learn from a person who bugs the crap out of them. Not to mention that their reputations might be ruined if people realize what they’re doing.

But it doesn’t take long for Jayden to discover that Mike has a secret—he isn’t the person he appears to be. Much to her dismay, Jayden finds 'Secret Mike' strangely attractive. And for some crazy reason, Mike is amused by Jayden’s clever insults and witty banter. Suddenly, they have a much bigger problem than their mutual disdain. What started as irritating tension is beginning to feel more like romantic tension and acting on it would be a very bad idea. 

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

I think this book may be my favorite of the whole Perfect series.  Why?  I'm not sure exactly.  I just really like the push and pull between Jayden and Mike.  The whole misjudging thing in the beginning, the tension, the building friendship. . .  It was all so fun!  I loved the dual perspectives in this one and how it really helped me make those deeper personal connections with both characters.

This is definitely a YA book, on the younger side of that spectrum.  The characters are in high school, they act like typical high school students and it all felt very true to age and perspective.  I wish I would have had a Mike to tutor me when I took Spanish in high school.  Heaven knows I needed it!

I smiled a lot reading this book.  I read through it quickly and enjoyed it for the most part.  I would recommend taking a look at the content warning before reading or handing this book to your young teenager.

Content Description: This is a stand-alone YA contemporary romance with companion novels. While part of a series, each book can be enjoyed independently. It contains minor language, innuendo, crude humor, kissing, and conversations that mention sex. There are no sexual relationships, written or implied, and there's no explicit language.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Robin Daniels is a sixteen-year-old trapped in a middle-aged body. She's married to an amazing guy and has five cute but crazy kids. When she's not chasing children or writing books, she's coaching volleyball or working on her blog. She tries to read as much as possible, but often gets distracted by Netflix. Robin's favorites include napping, dessert, pedicures, Christmas, Arizona winters, and Diet Coke.

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Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Robin-Daniels/e/B001KMMURI

Website: https://www.robinsbooksandblogs.com/

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On Tour with The Carpenter's Daughter by Jennifer Rodewald + Giveaway!

Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Fiction

Publisher: Rooted Publishing

Publication date: April 15, 2016

Number of pages: 349

Sarah Sharpe has grown up as a carpenter’s daughter, knowing only the rough and work-heavy world of her father’s blue-collar profession. Abandoned by her mother as a baby, she’s lived twenty-one years content to drive nails at her dad’s side. Following her father into the world of construction was a natural path, and she took it without a second thought. But a harsh comment about her “butch” appearance sends her on a search for identity.

Enter handsome and easygoing Jesse Chapman, the roofer she meets on her first foray into volunteer work

for Homes For Hope. In every way, the quirky man is her opposite—confident, a people kind of guy, and most importantly, happy. His likable qualities continue to draw her in, and for some reason he keeps coming back to her. But they can’t be more than friends—he’s made that crystal clear. Except for a handful of times…and the confusion is driving her crazy.​

Sarah’s quest for self-definition becomes more tangled than she ever imagined, and she discovers that the journey will take her deeper than clothes and makeup. Filling the void in her heart becomes an obsession she cannot escape. How far is she willing to go to discover who she really is?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

One word.  One sentence.  Words.  They can hurt or they can build.  In this book, Sarah overhears two women talking about her.  One word in one sentence shatters her.  Sometimes I think we just don't think about how much weight our words hold.  Words hold so much power.  I wish more people would use their words to build and love instead of to hurt and destroy.

This is a story of journey and overcoming, I think.  Sarah's life is so very limited by her father's design.  She doesn't love herself and she doesn't even know who God is.  She struggles with self worth.  I think most young women will be able to relate to this to some degree.  

I really liked Jesse.  I think he was a good and honorable man.  And SO very patient.  Maybe more than was realistic, but I admired him and his devotion and conviction.  

This is a very, very Christian book.  It is heavy on the religious elements.  I felt like the book swirled around in the same place for a long time before moving a small step and then swirling again.  The same thoughts and feelings were reiterated many times and I wished that things would move forward a bit faster.  But, there is something very satisfying in watching a character evolve and transform and that is exactly what Sarah did.  It took someone believing in her and helping her along and that is such a good reminder for us all. 

The moral of this story for me?  First, use your words in the kindest ways.  Second, be ready to help those who need it.  Words and actions combined for good can transform lives.

Content:  Christian fiction, some heavy kissing and making out, removal of clothing.  Drinking and bar scenes.

3/5 stars for me.

I received a copy of this book from SLB tours in exchange for my honest review.

Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.

Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.

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June 6--Singing Librarian Books
June 7--Just Commonly | Katie's Clean Book Collection
June 8--Bookworm Lisa
June 9--Reading Is My SuperPower | Smiling Book Reviews
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June 11--Getting Your Read On

Just One Kiss (Kissed By the Bay #3) by Susan Hatler (It's Release Day!!)

Charlie Rockwell’s divorce from her rock star ex left her with a broken heart, a mansion on the bluffs in her hometown of Blue Moon Bay, and an empty back account. Now, Charlie has to generate enough income to keep the house she loves.

When producers of the soap opera, Just One Love, offer to rent Charlie’s house for a sizable fee, Charlie’s tempted. Only she wants nothing to do with the spotlight or dating someone famous again, and the show’s sexy star, Luke Montgomery, has her in his sights. Reluctantly, Charlie agrees to rent her home and vows to stay out of Luke’s way.

Unexpectedly, as filming progresses, Charlie witnesses Luke’s sweet side. She also remembers her college theater days and love of acting. During an on-set emergency, she’s asked to stand-in during a scene, and her undeniable chemistry with Luke impresses the producers enough that they want Charlie full-time.

Can Charlie finally have the career she’s dreamed about? And will Luke break her heart, or will he be everything he seems and what she always wanted?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Happy release day to Just One Kiss!!

I was SO looking forward to this book.  After reading the previous books, I just KNEW Charlie's story was going to be good.  Charlie and Luke.  Luke and Charlie.  LOVE.

BUT.  The road to love is rarely easy.  Up and down.  Give and take.  Misunderstanding.  And kisses.  Don't forget the kisses.  It's what makes up a great love story!

One of the things I love about this book is that it really makes me feel like I'm Charlie's friend.  I'm right there with her through every thought and every action.  The dialogue is familiar and easy.  I was rooting for Charlie before the book ever even started and I loved getting to know her.  This book was so much fun!

Susan Hatler is one of my favorites.  Her books sit right in my happy, comfortable place.  I really love reading her books.  They are the perfect romantic escape.

This is the third book in this series.  It can stand alone, but you will feel more connection to all the secondary characters if you read the books in order, I think.

Content:  Clean!  Yay!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Captive (Griffin Force #1) by Julie Coulter Bellon

Former Navy SEAL Jake Williams is the newly appointed head of a task force assigned to rescue a kidnapped American diplomat. Their only hope is Mya Amari, the daughter of a notorious Algerian hostage negotiator, but she is full of secrets and complications–something Jake takes as a personal challenge. As they grow closer, the threat to the mission escalates and time runs out for the hostages. Can Jake unravel the web of deception to save them all without getting caught in the crossfire?

Mya Amari has been in hiding nearly her entire life to escape her father’s enemies. But when her sister is kidnapped along with an American diplomat, she’ll do anything to bring her home–including walking into the enemy’s lair. She doesn’t trust anyone, especially the too-handsome-for-his-own-good Commander Williams, but when all her careful plans explode out of control, he’s the only one she can turn to with the truth about her family. Is it too little, too late?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

It is always a happy day when I get to sit down and read one of Julie Bellon's books.  New releases from her are like Christmas for me.  Lucky me, I got to read this book over the Christmas holiday so it was like Christmas and Christmas for me!  :)

This book is the beginning of a new series but still brings the same elements that I've come to know and expect from Julie Bellon.  There is always action and mild suspense along with the romance in her books and this book was no different.

Jake is all things a male lead should be.  Strong, brave, smart, handsome and determined to keep people safe.  He is a take charge kind of guy but he is also kind.  Especially to Mya when she doesn't really look to deserve it.  I really loved Jake consistently in all situations.

Mya was a bit more prickly but it's her moments of weakness that helped me connect with her.  That and her love for her family.

I read through this book quickly and was a bit sad to see it come to an end.  It's so easy to get wrapped up in books by Julie Bellon.  She is one of my favorites!

Joni, Underway by Kelly Oran and Jonathan Harrow

Nineteen year old Joni Monday is loving life as an adult—living on her own, dealing with grown-up things like jobs, hook-ups, and doing her own laundry. Best of all: after finishing her first year at ASU, she will never again be called a freshman.

But when her brother is suddenly killed in a car accident, Joni’s adult life is turned upside down. Struggling to cope with loss, guilt, and anger—not to mention the meddling of friends and family trying to “fix” her—Joni is relieved to be presented with an escape in the form of a sailing trip her brother had been planning for months before he died.

With her first step onto the sailing vessel Lady Marguerite, Joni plunges into an adventure that will mark the beginning of her real adult life—a journey across the ominous dark blue of the Atlantic Ocean with a small, eccentric crew, and the young Captain Reid, whose gorgeous looks are only outmatched by his talent for care and kindness. Unfolding through the ups and downs of life at sea is an unforgettable story reminding us that love will always be a work-in-progress and coming of age never gets old.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Kelly Oram is an author who knows how to write such vivid and real characters.  Her books are always witty and full of life.  In this book, she co-authors with Jonathan Harrow, her husband.  So, something new from her this go round.

This book takes on a more serious note, I think.  The vibe isn't gloom and doom but it's definitely not as light and fun as most of Kelly's other books.  The characters are still stand out though- with quirks, histories and stories of their own to tell.  I loved this sailboat full of such diverse people, each on their own journey.

The way the whole story unfolds from Joni's perspective is good.  It made me feel like I was really on the journey right along with Joni.  I became personally invested in the characters and the story.  Captain Reid is a truly a hero.  His heart is gold.  And the ending bit?  Ugh, rip my heart out!

My only hesitation with this book is the swearing and the sexual innuendo.  That's a personal thing for me though.  There are sexual situations although nothing described in detail outside of kissing.  

A 4th of July Book Review: An American Love Story by C.S. Moore

An American Love Story by CS Moore

Contemporary Romance

Length: 99 Pages

ISBN: 9781621351603

Tessa is visiting her hometown for the first time since her breakup almost nine months ago. Even though it’s just a short visit for the Fourth of July weekend, it kills her to be there. She and Phillip had made so many memories, both good and bad there—but her loving family is so worried, she has to go back.

Heartbreak and regret make each day worse than the last, but still she refuses to take back her ex. In fact she has sworn off men all together…until she gets roped into a blind date with a soldier. She doesn’t want to go, but even she can’t say no to going out with a soldier on the Fourth of July.

The last thing she expected was the tall, dark, and handsome man that showed up to take her out. Garrett awakens a long dormant part of her as soon as she lays eyes on him, but can he heal her shattered heart?

I figured this was the perfect book review for the 4th of July.  (my favorite holiday, btw)  What could be better than a book where the beginnings of love happen on the 4th of July with a dreamy soldier?  Hum, let me think....  Not much.  :)  Oh, and there are fireworks.  (wink, wink)

You will feel for Tessa and the difficult position she is in~ rough break up, small town, lots of memories.  She even runs across her ex's mother in the grocery store!  Yikers!  Who deserves love more than a broken heart?

This is a super-dee-duper short story that will take you an hour or less to read straight through.  So go grab an ice cold drink (I'm grabbing lemonade) and settle in for an hour of love.

Content:  Clean  (yeah!)

C.S. Moore grew up in a small town and always had her nose in a book. She was raised by a detective, which didn’t leave much room for normal teenage shenanigans! So she had to read about them instead. She found her love of writing while performing stand-up comedy, and humor is something readers will find in everything she writes. Ever the hopeless romantic, she met her husband — and 30 days later, they were engaged! They now have two beautiful children and live on five lovely acres.

Geek Girl Review, GIVEAWAY and Blog Tour

From Goodreads:  Jen's life of partying and sneaking out has grown stale. So on a whim, Jen makes a bet to turn Trevor, a goody-two-shoes geek, into a "bad boy." As she hangs out with Trevor, however, she finds it's actually kinda fun being a geek. But when Trevor finds out about the bet, Jen must fight for the things she's discovered matter most: friendship, family, and, above all, love.

I think this was one of my more favorite contemporary YA reads in awhile.  I'm so glad I was able to be a part of the blog tour for Geek Girl.  My thanks to Cedar Fort for providing the opportunity.  They are also generously providing for the giveaway!  THANKS!


Wow, life has dealt Jen many cruel blows.  My heart went out to her and the many like her who suffer from such uncontrollably difficult things.  As a young child Jen endured physical and mental abuse.  Her mother left her behind with a horrible excuse for a father.  Her mother ended up in prison so Jen was placed in the foster care system.  No wonder this girl guards her heart with anger and trouble.  


Enter Trevor who seems to envelope all that is good and wholesome.  I love how polite and accepting he is.  He is willing to assume the best in everyone which is a rare thing, I've found.  It's exactly how I hope my son treats others.


I found the developing relationships with Jen, her family and Trevor to be endearing.  I could feel the struggle Jen had as she wanted to be loved but was so afraid of being hurt and abandoned again.  The emotional transformation as well as the physical transformation Jen makes is genuine and sweet.


The thing that makes this book work for me is that I can find bits and pieces of me and my life in there.  Insecurities are a part of us all, I think.  And while I was fortunate to grow up in a house full of safety and love, I know many who were not so fortunate.  This world can be so cruel and ugly.  But it can also be good and kind.  Love is out there and there are so many people who try to make a difference in the lives of these kids who are hurt and scared.  The social labels we put on people, especially as portrayed in high school are also very real.  My kids talk about social groups from school too.  


I know this book touched on so many heavy, sad topics.  But, for all that, it was still hopeful and happy and fun too.  It was real but not overdone.  The happily ever after wasn't easy and it didn't just fall together.  Jen made mistakes and I liked that there was an accountability for that.  This book left me feeling like love can make a difference.  Helping and understanding people takes effort, but it is worth it.  I loved reading this book and I applaud Cindy Bennett for a job well done.


You can find out more about Cindy Bennett here.
If you are interested in reading what others think about Geek Girl, you can find a list of participating blogs here.


This giveaway is open to everyone!  Yipee!  If you are US, you can have either a print copy or an ebook.  International can win an ebook.  To enter, leave a comment letting me know why you are interested in this book, as well as your email address so I can contact you if you win.  Contest ends 11/18/2011.