Blog Tour: A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers – Review & Giveaway!

About A LITTLE TOO HOT

Author: Lisa Desrochers

Series: A Little Too Far #3

Publication Date: January 21, 2014

Publisher: William Morrow Impulse

Description…

From USA Today bestselling author Lisa Desrochers, comes the third book in her sizzling New Adult series.
If you play with fire…
Tossed out of college and cut off by her parents, Samantha West is in pretty dire straits. So when her rocker best friend hooks her up with a job dancing at a gentlemen’s club, who is she to turn it down? Plus, there are rules to dancing at Benny’s: No touching, keep your clothes on at all times, and never get closer than three feet. Unfortunately for Sam, her first private client makes her want to break every single one of them.
Harrison Yates is scorching hot, but he’s got a past that involves being left at the altar not too long ago. Sam is determined to make him forget about his ex, but when she makes her move, it flings her life into a spiral of chaos she never saw coming.
Because Harrison Yates isn’t who he seems to be. And his secret will probably get her killed.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY

I am going to be up front and honest about this - I really did not enjoy the dancing aspect at the beginning of A Little Too Hot. Even though Sam was working at a gentlemen's club and not a full out strip club, it had the same feel to me. I don't believe in it, I don't understand why women lower themselves to that level, and I would never encourage someone to take that route. This is just a story, and this is my personal preference, I know, but it's degrading to read about. I wanted to tell Sam to get up off the floor and have some self-respect woman! Geez. This part of the story was also a bit boring and repetitive - music thumping, grinding, pretending to have sex with a pole while a room full of horny guys watch is not my idea of a good time. Sooo...... Thankfully (Yes!) the dancing came to an end at about 30% and the REAL story began. The complete turnaround came out of nowhere and was like BAM! I was really impressed with the direction the story took, and I was able to enjoy the book from here on out.

While the 2 previous books were a bit more... steamy, I loved that Sam and Harrison really wanted to get to know each other rather than giving in to their desires immediately. I loved the easy connection they had, and I really enjoyed their scenes together in the middle part of the book. The sexual tension between them increased as the story went on, but I couldn't help wanting them to wait before getting in too deep. They were both coming off bad breakups and not looking for a new relationship, but I thought they were awesome together and I really wanted things to work out between them.

Harrison ran a bit hot and cold, especially when it came to Sam, but I could completely understand his behavior. As the story progressed, and Harrison began to let his guard down, I started enjoying his character and I found him even more appealing. I really liked how he controlled himself around Sam, and how he was always doing nice things for her. I thought Sam was a bit childish, especially in the beginning. I wanted to tell her to put on her big girl panties and suck it up because you only have yourself to blame for your problems. She came to realize this as the story unfolded and I was impressed by her turnaround.

A Little Too Hot is an interesting and action packed story that kept me entertained. The writing is very good, I liked the plot (except for the dancing stuff!), and I enjoyed spending time with these characters. I highly recommend this if you enjoy new adult contemporary romance with a few surprises and a bit of intrigue.

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Praise for A LITTLE TOO HOT

“Every page is deliciously breathtaking, wickedly sexy and sensational. A LITTLE TOO HOT is wonderfully unique and a LOT HOT! I am a HUGE Lisa Desrochers fan.”
— Katy Evans, New York Times bestselling author of REAL, MINE, and REMY

“Lisa is brilliant at creating sizzling sexual tension and impossible circumstances that make the reader hold their breath all the way to happy ever after. Sam and Harrison are more than A Little Too Hot, they are scorching!"
— Jay Crownover, New York Times bestselling author of RULE, JET, and ROME

“Lisa Desrochers’ best yet! A LITTLE TOO HOT is hotter than hot with all the emotional punch to back it up!”
— Sophie Jordan, New York Times bestselling author

About Lisa Desrochers:

Lisa Desrochers is the USA Today bestselling author of A LITTLE TOO FAR , courtesy of HarperCollins, and companions, A LITTLE TOO MUCH (Nov 12, 2013), and A LITTLE TOO HOT (Jan 21, 2014). Also in stores is her YA PERSONAL DEMONS trilogy (Macmillan).
She lives in central California with her husband and two very busy daughters. There is never a time that she can be found without a book in her hand, and she adores stories that take her to new places, and then take her by surprise.

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

The Giveaway:

Note: This giveaway is shared between both tours for A LITTLE TOO HOT and is not run by Rockstar Book Tours. It is hosted by the author who will choose the winner.
The giveaway is international.

The GRAND PRIZE is a blurb pack of all three REAL series books signed by Katy Evans, all three Marked Men series books signed by Jay Crownover and FOREPLAY signed by Sophie Jordan, plus signed swag.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out today's other tour stops:

Jan. 29th - Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks - Review + Character Interview
Jan. 29th - Nestled in a Book - Review
Jan. 29th - The Scarlet Siren - Review
Jan. 29th - Nerd Alert Book Love - Review
Jan. 29th - Allodoxophobia: The Fear of Opinions - Review

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Waiting On Wednesday (115) Stolen (Taken 0.5) by Erin Bowman @erin_bowman

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my favorite day of the week because I get to share books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

Stolen (Taken 0.5) by Erin Bowman

eBook - Expected publication: February 4th 2014 by HarperTeen

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Before Gray Weathersby uncovered the truth about Claysoot and the Laicos Project, a girl named Bree came of age in the coastal settlement of Saltwater—and made her own surprising journey to the world beyond its borders. In Stolen, discover the story of Bree’s life before she was Snatched from her home, before she joined the rebellion, and before she met a boy named Gray…

Stolen is a 50-page digital prequel novella that comes out next week. Hopefully this will satisfy me until I can get my hands on Frozen (Taken #2), which comes out April 15th.

Have you read Taken (Taken #1) yet? Will you be reading Stolen or Frozen?

Please be sure to leave a link to what book are you waiting on this week.

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Review: Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill

Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill

Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Page Count: 352
Published by: Delacorte
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Meet Sloane Emily Jacobs: a seriously stressed-out figure-skater from Washington, D.C., who choked during junior nationals and isn’t sure she’s ready for a comeback. What she does know is that she’d give anything to escape the mass of misery that is her life.

Now meet Sloane Devon Jacobs, a spunky ice hockey player from Philly who’s been suspended from her team for too many aggressive hip checks. Her punishment? Hockey camp, now, when she’s playing the worst she’s ever played. If she messes up? Her life will be over.

When the two Sloanes meet by chance in Montreal and decide to trade places for the summer, each girl thinks she’s the lucky one: no strangers to judge or laugh at Sloane Emily, no scouts expecting Sloane Devon to be a hero. But it didn’t occur to Sloane E. that while avoiding sequins and axels she might meet a hockey hottie—and Sloane D. never expected to run into a familiar (and very good-looking) face from home. It’s not long before the Sloanes discover that convincing people you’re someone else might be more difficult than being yourself.

I was really expecting to love this book more than I did. It wasn't terrible by any means, but it didn't have any kind of emotional impact on me and I never really got a good feel for the protagonists.

Being Sloane Jacobs is told in alternating POVs from 2 girls named Sloane. There were many times when I was confused by which Sloane was which, and I had to stop and think about who's POV I was reading. This occurred even though each chapter was clearly titled, so it was probably caused by me reading too fast to bother with reading the chapter titles. Or maybe it was because the girls didn't have distinctive enough voices and personalities. Both Sloanes were interesting enough, but I didn't feel a connection to either girl.

While I don't feel that this book is very plausible, I liked the concept and found that it was still enjoyable to read. It was cute and fun at times and showed a lighter side to role reversal and switching places. The girls had very different reasons for wanting to escape their lives and trade places. Both Sloanes struggled to find themselves and define their places in the world. They thought they were taking the easy way out by running away from their problems.

Overall, I thought Being Sloane Jacobs was an okay read and a pleasant enough way to spend a few hours. The characters were tolerable and the writing wasn't too bad, but the execution didn't work for me. I don't feel that enough time was spent on resolving their familial conflicts, which is what originally sent them off on this weird journey. The hockey/ice skating aspect was entertaining enough, and I did like this more than I did Meant To Be, so that's something positive. If you enjoy reading cute contemporaries aimed at a younger crowd, then you should definitely pick up Being Sloane Jacobs.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Waiting On Wednesday (114) Chasing Stars (After Eden #2) by Helen Douglas @helenmdouglas

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my favorite day of the week because I get to share books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

Chasing Stars (After Eden #2) by Helen Douglas

352 pages

Expected publication: June 5th 2014 by Bloomsbury Childrens Books

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The boy Eden loves just saved her life. Now she must save his. To do so she must make a huge sacrifice. Eden can never see her friends or family again, as she travels a hundred years into the future. But the dangerous risk Ryan took to rescue Eden has been uncovered, and now Ryan faces an exile ...which will leave Eden separated from him - the one person she can't live without - and stuck in the future. She must fight to save both of them.

The mesmerising sequel to the author's wonderful debut, After Eden.

More time travel! I enjoyed reading After Eden and I can't wait to see what happens when Eden travels to the future with Ryan! Sounds exciting.

What are you waiting on this week?

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Review: Where You'll Find Me by Erin Fletcher

Where You'll Find Me by Erin Fletcher

Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Page Count: 211
Published by: Entangled: Teen
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When Hanley Helton discovers a boy living in her garage, she knows she should kick him out. But Nate is too charming to be dangerous. He just needs a place to get away, which Hanley understands. Her own escape methods (vodka, black hair dye, and pretending the past didn't happen) are more traditional, but who is she to judge?

Nate doesn't tell her why he's in her garage, and she doesn't tell him what she's running from. Soon, Hanley's trading her late-night escapades for all-night conversations and stolen kisses. But when Nate's recognized as the missing teen from the news, Hanley isn't sure which is worse: that she's harboring a fugitive, or that she's in love with one.

I'm having a hard time reviewing this book because I am truly conflicted. On one hand there are things that I really enjoyed, but on the other hand are things that I couldn't stand. So this review could go either way....

I really didn't care for Hanley. I thought she was selfish and self-centered and immature. The entire book revolves around the fact that she lies to her parents and sneaks out of the house practically every night to go party with her friends. She spends all of her time devising ways to deceive her parents, planning and plotting her next great escape AND return - let's not forget that she also has to get back IN the house without being caught. Then she blames her lying and sneaking around on her parents because they didn't care to notice what she was doing. Wait. What? She also has this annoying habit of making everything about her.

Nate's story captured my interest and is what really kept me reading. I was curious about what happened to cause him be on the run and hiding out in Hanley's garage. He was a bit of a mystery and I wanted to figure him out. He seemed really sweet, and at times he acted weird and suspicious, but I still wanted to believe that deep down he was a good guy.

I found it really hard to root for Hanley and Nate as a couple. Aside from the insta-like (or is it insta-attraction?), their relationship had no depth. It was a bit painful at times because they were strangers and their conversations reflected the fact that only knew each other in the most superficial way. I feel honesty is important in any relationship, and they didn't have it.

I didn't enjoy how stupid Hanley's parents were made out to be. Especially since their stupidity is what made the entire plot progress. I take great offense in how clueless they were written. As a mother of 2 teenagers myself, I would like to point out that I know where my kids are at all times, and I would certainly know if a stranger were living in my garage. Just sayin'. This is lazy writing by the author, and all just to give Hanley a way to sneak out and run around without parental interference. The whole thing was beyond ridiculous and bordering on absurd.

Where You'll Find Me was a quick read, but definitely not light. The writing was pretty good, and the pacing is rather fast throughout. Near the end is when a lot of action occurred and I think the story was wrapped up way too neatly. I think it would have worked better and been more realistic if it had ended on a hopeful note rather than HEA (which was quite unbelievable, by the way.) Overall, I thought this was a good debut. I just wish I had enjoyed it more.

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

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Sunday Updates (40)

Inspired by features from The Sunday Post from Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Sunday Summary from Book Twirps.

I haven't done one of these posts in over a month, so I thought it was time to update with some of the books I have received for review.

Stormbringer (Weather Witch #2) by Shannon Delany
(Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for the review copy)

This is the 2nd book in the Weather Witch series. Am I the only one reading this series? It's a mix of steampunk and I don't even know what else, but it's definitely different and interesting.

The Hunt (Project Paper Doll #2) by Stacey Kade
(Thanks to Disney-Hyperion for the review copy)
I loved the first book in this series, The Rules. The protagonist is a lab created alien/human hybrid, who is now on the run from her creators. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

(Thanks to Scholastic for the review copy)

A guy and a girl who are BFFs and nothing more? Sounds like a really cute contemporary!

Deceiving Lies (Forgiving Lies #2) by Molly McAdams

(Thanks to HarperCollins for the review copy)
I'm not going to lie - this one has me worried. From the synopsis it sounds like her kidnapper falls in love with her? Talk about a weird love triangle!

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Review: After Eden (After Eden #1) by Helen Douglas

After Eden (After Eden #1) by Helen Douglas

Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Page Count: 288
Published by: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The day Eden met Ryan changed her world forever. Actually, not just her world. Ryan has time traveled from the future to save the world. In a few weeks, Eden’s best friend Connor will discover a new planet—one where human life is possible. The discovery will make him famous. It will also ruin the world as we know it. When Ryan asks Eden for help, she must choose between saving the world and saving her best friend’s greatest achievement. And a crush on Ryan complicates things more than she could have imagined. Because Connor is due to make the discovery after the girl he loves breaks his heart. That girl is Eden.

Grounded in a realistic teen world with fascinating sci-fi elements, After Eden is a heart-pounding love triangle that’s perfect for dystopian fans looking for something new to devour.

I loved this book! After Eden was such a fun and refreshing book with likable characters. I really enjoyed the setting and the unique storyline. Helen Douglas has such a lovely writing style. YA science fiction is not something I normally pick up, but I couldn't resist this one after reading that synopsis. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the time travel and astronomy aspects, and how they played such an important part in this story.

Eden was sweet and caring and had a great sense of humor. She was very level headed, and I liked that she didn't freak out when she learned the truth from Ryan. Ryan was very interesting to me. He was really sweet and so naïve, and he was terrible at keeping secrets, especially when being confronted by Eden. He was also very smart and he made it a point to stay focused on his mission. The way the romance developed between Eden and Ryan seemed very natural. I could totally understand why Eden fell for Ryan! I loved how cute they were and I enjoyed reading about the time they spent together.

Connor seemed like a really great guy, and I thought the friendship between him and Eden was believable. I definitely felt really bad for Connor when he realized that Eden didn't return his feelings. Connor changed and became so jealous, rude, and immature after Eden showed an interest in Ryan. I thought his behavior was disrespectful to Eden and their lifelong friendship.

Overall, this was a pretty darn good book. The plot was interesting enough to keep my attention and I thought the sci-fi parts were very well done. There was a terrific mix of characters, setting, and story that I loved. It was completely entertaining with a really sweet romance and a satisfying ending. I enjoyed reading After Eden and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Waiting On Wednesday (113) The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my favorite day of the week because I get to share books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor

Hardcover, 368 pages

Expected publication: June 24th 2014 by Katherine Tegen Books

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Bettina Vasilis can hardly believe it when basketball star Brady Cullen asks her out, and she just about faints when her strict father actually approves of him.

But when school starts up again, Brady changes. What happened to the sweet boy she fell in love with? Then she meets a smoldering guy in his twenties, and this “cowboy” is everything Brady is not—gentle, caring, and interested in getting to know the real Bettina.

Bettina knows that breaking up with Brady would mean giving up her freedom—and that it would be inappropriate for anything to happen between her and Cowboy. Still, she can’t help that she longs for the scent of his auto shop whenever she’s anywhere else.

When tragedy strikes, Bettina must tell her family the truth—and kiss goodbye the things she thought she knew about herself and the men in her life.

Leslie Connor has written a lyrical, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about family, romance, and the immense power of love.

I'm always adding contemporaries to my tbr, and I saw this one when it popped up on Edelweiss recently. Sounds interesting.

What are you waiting on this week?

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December Recap and January TBR

I thought it was time to post this. Yes, it's 2 weeks late, but that's how I roll. Better late than never, and it really helps me keep track of what I have going on. I'm old and my memory isn't what it used to be.

Books Read in December:

Another Little Piece of My Heart by Tracey Martin 
Ink is Thicker Than Water by Amy Spalding
The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine
A Little Too Much (A Little Too Far #2) by Lisa Desrochers
Drowning in You by Rebecca Berto

Total Pages Read: 1725 pages


I'll be a tennis watching fool for the next 2 weeks, so I plan on getting caught up on my reviews. I wrote 2 reviews on the first day of the Australian Open, and I'm feeling pretty positive right now. I have my favorites I'll be rooting for: Novak, Rafa, Andy, Roger, Serena, and Maria. Then I have other players that I just love to watch play: Milos, Jerzy, Del Potro, Tsonga. Unfortunately Big John Isner retired, and so did Tommy Haas, both of whom I enjoy watching.

Reviews posted in December: (Links will take you to my review.)

Fault Line by Christa Desir
Isn't She Lovely by Lauren Layne
Another Little Piece of My Heart by Tracey Martin
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
A Little Too Much (A Little Too Far, #2) by Lisa Desrochers






January TBR:

Me After You (Willowhaven #1) by Mindy Hayes
And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard
A Little Too Hot (A Little Too Far #3) by Lisa Desrochers
Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott
Where You'll Find Me by Erin Fletcher
Stormbringer (Weather Witch #2) by Shannon Delany

I need to kick it up a notch on my reading speed. It seems like it has been taking me forever to read some of my most recent books. I read a couple of stinkers lately, so that really didn't help me any. I have a ton of books that I am really looking forward to reading, so hopefully I can do better and read more in the near future.

I need to do something with my blog. I like my layout and colors, but I'm in serious need of new graphics, and I want a new star rating graphic thingy, and I just don't have the time to mess with stuff.

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Review: Drowning in You by Rebecca Berto

Drowning in You by Rebecca Berto

Publication Date: April 5, 2013
Page Count: 314
Self Published New Adult
Source: Purchased

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Secretly crushing

Crushed by a tragedy

Charlee May’s been crushing on Dexter Hollingworth since she was fifteen. Five years later, a horrific skiing disaster at Mason’s Ski Lift Resort leaves her millionaire dad critically injured and her mom dead at the hands of Dexter operating the lifts. Charlee is suddenly the sole caretaker for her little brother while their world falls apart.

Dexter couldn’t be more different from Charlee. He’s tattooed, avoids exclusive relationships and his Dad has a fair share of illegal dealings. With Dexter’s reputation, almost everyone believes he planned the Mason’s skiing disaster.

And after all these years he’s still crushing on Charlee May, the girl who’s too good for him.

When this cruel twist of fate ties Charlee’s family and Dexter’s reputation together, Charlee and Dexter wonder if their feelings are reciprocated, while Dexter discovers his dad is trying to steal the May’s millionaire fortune.

But like an addiction, one look, one touch, one taste—they’re hooked no matter the consequences.

Disclaimer: Recommended for mature readers due to sexual content and crude language.

I've had this book on my tbr for quite a while, and I really wanted to enjoy it. The synopsis sounded appealing to me and I thought it would be a good angsty type love story. However, I was really disappointed in this and had to force myself to finish.

I will tell you right up front that the writing is horrible, and there is no easy way to say that. Horrible writing really makes a horrible reading experience. I had such a hard time knowing what was going on for most of the book. And it was really difficult following and figuring out the dialogue. During text exchanges it wasn't clear who was texting or what the conversations were about. The whole book is a jumbled and confusing mess.

I don't know how I feel about the characters. I couldn't relate to any of them, and their personalities were so blah that nothing really stood out about them. Dexter needed to get his shit together and quit blaming everyone around him for his problems. He had heartache in his past, and he didn't get along with his father, but at 21 I would expect him to be able to take some responsibility for himself and do something about his situation. I also didn't like his passive aggressive behavior towards Charlee. Decide if you want to pursue a relationship with her or not, and then take some action.

Charlee got on my nerves because she was constantly acting so immature. She was in extreme denial about her father's condition, and she really tried to avoid situations where she would have any responsibility. Even though I could understand and sympathize with Charlee about her feelings for Dexter, her constant indecision about him bothered me. Make up your mind if it's worth being with him and then do something about it.

The accident that happened at the ski resort and the real reasons behind it were hard to figure out. Dexter's father went from being an abusive asshole to simply being misunderstood, and I couldn't get behind the reasons for his character's turnaround. I felt that the story wrapped up way too neatly and easily.

I usually love dual POV because you really get to know both characters, but it didn't work for me this time. The changes from chapter to chapter were too noticeable, and it seemed like the timeline got too confusing for the author. Being inside both Charlee and Dexter's head really didn't add anything to the story for me.

While I believe that this could have been an awesome book, it had way too many problems to make it enjoyable.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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2014 Reading Challenges

These are the reading challenges I will be participating in during 2014. The numbers are low because I'm trying to be realistic. I'm feeling pretty confidant that I can achieve these goals.

2014 Standalone Reading Challenge hosted by Icey Books.

The challenge is to read 15 Young Adult and Middle Grade standalone novels released in the United States between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014.

Goodreads List

2014 Debut Author Challenge hosted by The Story Siren.

The challenge is to discover and read 12 YA, MG, or NA books by debut authors.

Goodreads List

2014 Contemporary YA Challenge hosted by Katie's Book Blog

My goal this year is to reach Level 3: 15+ books.

Goodreads List

2014 Goodreads Challenge

My goal is to read 75 books.

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Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway Me After You by Mindy Hayes

Me After You (Willowhaven #1) by Mindy Hayes

Source: Tour Hosted by Itching For Books
Published November 18th 2013
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Widowed at twenty-five, Sawyer Hartwell has no choice but to return to her hometown. Broke and alone, the intention was to heal and find herself again, but how can she heal in a place filled with so much sorrow and memories she yearns to forget?

Dean Preston has regretted leaving Willowhaven since the day he rode off on his motorcycle six years ago, destroying the only love he had ever known. Returning too late, he's found small comfort in a new life with Lily, but with Sawyer back he's not sure of anything anymore.

The time has come for Sawyer and Dean to face the past, to learn from their mistakes. The road to healing is paved with old wounds, each one threatening to tear them down completely. Carrying their own scars close to their hearts, they must both confront what's gone before or lose their second chance.

The measure of who we are is what we survive. Who we become is up to us.



I'm glad I had the opportunity to read Me After You because I really enjoyed it. It was a super sweet story with terrific characters and a very clean romance. I made a short list of the things that made this book so enjoyable for me:

• Dual POV
• Protagonists are likable and relatable
• BFFs are wonderful
• Angsty and emotional without being over the top dramatic

While I couldn't personally relate to Sawyer, I still thought she was a great character. I think the thing I really enjoyed most about her was that she didn't compare Dean and Grayson, or her love for them. She had a different type of relationship with both men, and they brought different things to her life, but that didn't mean she loved one more than the other. I'm glad the author didn't trivialize Sawyer's marriage to Grayson for the sake of the story.

I liked Dean from the beginning. Even though he made some really bad choices, I thought his heart was in the right place. He truly regretted how his actions hurt Sawyer, and he really tried to make things right. You can't find fault with a guy who can admit his mistakes and try to find a way past them.

I loved the relationship between Sawyer and Dean. I enjoyed their interactions and I loved that their relationship was built on familiarity. I was happy to see them getting their 2nd chance at happiness.

I enjoyed the secondary characters more than I thought I would. Aiden was someone who I didn't expect to like in the beginning, but I adored him by the end. Alix was a great friend and was very protective of Sawyer.

Me After You was a quick and enjoyable read. It's a heartwarming tale about love and second chances. The story and the characters blend together to make it a very entertaining book. Sawyer and Dean had an interesting journey to their HEA. You should pick this one up so you can see for yourself how wonderful it is.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mindy Hayes grew up in San Diego, California exploring her interest for singing and playing the piano. She first discovered her passion for reading when she had to take her first flight alone to South Carolina to visit her then fiancé. Mindy's love for writing followed shortly after. She and her husband have now been married for six years and live in Summerville, South Carolina.

Website / Facebook/ Twitter




a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Waiting On Wednesday (112) The Secrets of Lily Graves by @sarahstrohmeyer @BalzerandBray

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my favorite day of the week because I get to share books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer

Paperback, 304 pages

Expected publication: May 13th 2014 by Balzer + Bray

Synopsis From Goodreads:

With the intrigue of Pretty Little Liars and plenty of romance, bestselling author Sarah Strohmeyer weaves a story of secrets and lies—set in a funeral parlor.

Growing up in a house of female morticians, Lily Graves knows all about buried secrets. She knows that perfect senior-class president Erin Donohue isn’t what she seems. She knows why Erin’s ex-boyfriend, hot football player Matt Houser, broke up with her. And she also knows that, even though she says she and Matt are just friends, there is something brewing between them — something Erin definitely did not like.

But secrets, even ones that are long buried, have a way of returning to haunt their keeper.

So when Erin is found dead the day after attacking Lily in a jealous rage, Lily's and Matt’s safe little lives, and the lives of everyone in their town of Potsdam, begin to unravel. And their relationship — which grew from innocent after-school tutoring sessions to late-night clandestine rendezvous — makes them both suspects.

As her world crumbles around her, Lily must figure out the difference between truth and deception, genuine love and a web of lies. And she must do it quickly, before the killer claims another victim.

Doesn't this sound awesome and different? A funeral parlor, female morticians, and the last name Graves. What a combination! I haven't read anything by this author before, but I am looking forward to reading this one.

What are you waiting on this week? Be sure to leave me a link to your WoW post.

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Top 14 Most Anticipated Books of 2014

My tbr list on Goodreads keeps growing and growing..... it's getting out of control! As of right now, these are my top 14 most anticipated books of 2014. I didn't put too much thought into this, I really just went through my Goodreads TBR and picked the ones that really stood out. Some of the books don't have covers yet, so they are at the end of this list.

In no particular order....



The Treatment (The Program #2) by Suzanne Young
Frozen (Taken #2) by Erin Bowman
On the Fence by Kasie West
Magnolia by Kristi Cook

I loved The Program and I can't wait to see what happens in The Treatment. I thought Taken was awesome. It made my 2013 favorites list. I haven't read the Pivot Point series by Kasie West, but I did read The Distance Between us and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading her next contemporary On The Fence. Have you read the synopsis for Magnolia? It sounds awesome!



#scandal by Sarah Ockler
Lady Thief (Scarlet #2) by A.C. Gaughen
What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Only Everything (True Love #1) by Kieran Scott

Sounds like a there will be a good bit of drama in #scandal. I can't wait to read Lady Thief because Scarlet was SO good. If you haven't read it yet, you really should! What I Thought Was True and Only Everything sound like great contemporaries.



Rebel Belle (Untitled Series #1) by Rachel Hawkins
Blue Notes by Carrie Lofty
Nantucket Red (Nantucket #2) by Leila Howland
Gasp (Visions #3) by Lisa McMan

I loved the Hex Hall series and the spinoff School Spirits, so I can't wait to read Rebel Belle. Blue Notes sounds awesome! I loved Nantucket Blue and I can't wait to find out what happens next in Nantucket Red. Visions is a great series. I really love the characters.



Killer Instinct by S.E. Green
After the End (After the End #1) by Amy Plum

Hunting down a serial killer? Count me in for reading Killer Instinct. I haven't finished reading The Revenants series, but I am looking forward to starting a new series with After The End.

Honorable Mentions

The Hunt (Project Paper Doll #2) by Stacey Kade
Untitled (All Our Yesterdays #2) by Cristin Terrill
Untitled (The Raven Cycle #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

I can't wait to continue these series!

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