Waiting For Wentworth: 2015

Waiting On Wednesday (215) Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky @goldywrites

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

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

Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky

Expected publication: February 23rd 2016 by Point

Synopsis from Goodreads:

From debut author Goldy Moldavsky, the story of four superfan friends whose devotion to their favorite boy band has darkly comical and murderous results.

Okay, so just know from the start that it wasn't supposed to go like this. All we wanted was to get near The Ruperts, our favorite boy band.

We didn't mean to kidnap one of the guys. It kind of, sort of happened that way. But now he's tied up in our hotel room. And the worst part of all, it's Rupert P. All four members of The Ruperts might have the same first name, but they couldn't be more different. And Rupert P. is the biggest flop out of the whole group.

We didn't mean to hold hostage a member of The Ruperts, I swear. At least, I didn't. We are fans. Okay, superfans who spend all of our free time tweeting about the boys and updating our fan tumblrs. But so what, that's what you do when you love a group so much it hurts.

How did it get this far? Who knows. I mean midterms are coming up. I really do not have time to go to hell.

The first time I saw the title and read that synopsis I knew I wanted to read this. Only because my daughter is ~~psychotically~~ slightly obsessed with One Direction. She even has a Tumblr dedicated to Louis. I can't count the Louis related presents she received for Christmas. It's all 1D all the time around here, and I'm okay with it. I even enjoyed the concert we went to back in July. Fun times, let me tell you. So, yeah, I want to read this even though she doesn't have a least favorite band member, and she'd never want to kill one of them...

What are you waiting on this week?

Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush: The Graphic Novel #1) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publication Date: March 20, 2012
Page Count: 120
Published by: Sea Lion Books
Source: Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgement.

I have no idea what possessed me to pick up this graphic novel at the library. Curiosity maybe? I can't say for sure, but I do know that I should have skipped this altogether and never confirmed just how bad it was. Darn that curiosity!

The Good:

Hmmm. I don't like being too mean in my reviews, so I'll just say I think there's a reason they stopped after publishing only ONE graphic novel.

The Bad:

The characters don't look anything like I thought they would. Or anything like their book descriptions. Okay, fine, artistic freedom. Whatever. But to me, Patch looks like an ordinary teenage boy. There's nothing spectacular about him. And that hat he wore drove me nuts. Nora is dressed like a skank the entire novel and lets it all hang out!

This graphic novel only covers the very first part of the book, so there's nothing really new or different going on. There's an attempt at a bit of new story added at the end, but it wasn't anything special.

Final Thoughts:

There's really no reason for me to recommend buying this graphic novel. So do like I did and borrow it from the library if your curiosity gets the better of you.

2 Stars

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

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

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The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

Expected publication: February 23rd 2016 by Razorbill

Synopsis from Goodreads:

She is the most powerful Jinni of all. He is a boy from the streets. Their love will shake the world...

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years -- a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Aladdin from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

I've had this on my tbr, but I wasn't sure if I was really going to read it. But then I won an eArc on Penguin's First To Read, so now I'm definitely going to read it!

When I read this I am going to have to try really hard to not draw comparisons with Disney's Aladdin (which I LOVE.) 21 years ago Aladdin was the only (THE ONLY) movie that my son would watch, and I still know every word of it. It's a good thing I actually like the movie!

Wild Crush (Wild Cards #2) by Simone Elkeles

Publication Date: September 22, 2015
Page Count: 240
Published by: NLA Digital LLC
Source: Library ebook via Overdrive

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When the only girl you want is the one you can't have...

Bad boy Vic Salazar breaks all the rules except one: Don't make a move on your best friend's girl. It’s a Guy Code that Vic lives by. It doesn't matter that he's had a crush on her for years. Monika Fox is off limits.

Monika has a secret of her own and when a tragedy throws her and Vic together, the only boy she trusts is the one she shouldn’t confide in. Vic.

As Vic struggles to keep his distance, and Monika struggles with her secrets, will their wild connection violate every rule both vowed never to break—about relationships, about friendship, about love?

This book was a long time coming. I was beginning to doubt that it would be released, but it seems the author is now self-published, so... it's here finally, and without much fanfare. When I first came on the YA book blogging scene, Elkeles was all the rage with her Perfect Chemistry, How To Ruin, and Leaving Paradise series. After reading 2 of those series, of course I was interested in reading the Wild Cards series. But so far both books have lacked the oomph that her previous books did. Maybe that's just me. I don't know.

The Good:

Alex (from Perfect Chemistry ) makes a very brief appearance, so YAY!

There was a bit more 'football' in this book than in Wild Cards. (My only disappointment with the football aspect came when the author described something that happened 'in the third period.' Ugh.)

If you enjoyed her Perfect Chemistry series, you'll probably enjoy Wild Crush.

The Bad:

90% of the story was drama and angst, the last 10% was rushed, and the resolution really didn't satisfy me.

The romance came at the very end of the book, and for me it was too little too late.

I really didn't connect with either character, so it was hard to feel anything for them.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I was a bit disappointed with Wild Crush. I do enjoy Elkeles' writing, so I'll keep on reading this series if she keeps releasing them. I'm also looking forward to reading the fourth book in the Perfect Chemistry series - if she ever publishes it!

3 of 5 stars

I haven't been reading very often and I really don't know why! I don't even know if I'm going to reach my Goodreads goal this year, and I lowered it from 75 books to 60 books. That's so sad! I have plans to read a few books over the Christmas break, so hopefully I'll get back in the swing of things by the new year and start it off right. Anyone else going through a reading slump?

This is all I have to report on for new books. I haven't really requested any eArcs lately because I didn't want the commitment. That sounds bad, but it's so true! I have so many other things going on that I didn't want to get bogged down doing reviews.

I received this Victoria Scott 'Titans' package from Scholastic just because I'm awesomely cool. Seriously.

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Pretending to Be Erica by Michelle Painchaud

Borrowed from the library

Velvet Undercover by Teri Brown

Borrowed from the library

So Cute It Hurts!!, Vol. 2

Borrowed from the library

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

Won on Penguin's First To Read

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

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

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Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley

Expected publication: January 5th 2016 by Amulet Books

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. The Brontë siblings have always been inseparable. After all, nothing can bond four siblings quite like life in an isolated parsonage out on the moors. Their vivid imaginations lend them escape from their strict upbringing, actually transporting them into their created worlds: the glittering Verdopolis and the romantic and melancholy Gondal. But at what price? As Branwell begins to slip into madness and the sisters feel their real lives slipping away, they must weigh the cost of their powerful imaginations, even as their characters—the brooding Rogue and dashing Duke of Zamorna—refuse to let them go.

Gorgeously written and based on the Brontës’ juvenilia, Worlds of Ink & Shadow brings to life one of history’s most celebrated literary families.

How interesting! The Brontë family intrigues me, not just their ability to write, but the tragedy that surrounded them. It's so sad that the father outlived all of his children.

What are you waiting on this week?

Christmas Movies 2015 Edition

Be sure to check out my 2014 Christmas Movie recommendations.

Just as I have done in years past, I am on Christmas movie overload. My DVR has been busy recording a lot of the new Hallmark and Lifetime movies. I've watched SO many movies that they are all becoming a blur! Sadly though, I've only enjoyed a few of them. Most of them are just SO bland this year, and the characters have no personality. And they're just so nice... I know that shouldn't be a complaint, but maybe I'm suffering from sugary sweetness overload. Ack!

So far I have watched only 2 movies that I really, really enjoyed. So much so that I will watch them again (when I have more time!) The first movie is Crown For Christmas starring Danica McKellar and Rupert Penry-Jones. It actually had a plot that didn't bore me to tears. Actors who can act! And they have personalities! How refreshing.

And oh my, how I love and adore Rupert Penry-Jones. He is the 2007 movie version of Captain Wentworth from Persuasion, who is the namesake for this blog. So yes, he is dear to my heart. And not bad to look at either. Just sayin'.

The other movie I really enjoyed is Just In Time For Christmas starring Eloise Mumford and Michael Stahl-David. I enjoyed this because it was a little bit different. It's not so much a Christmas movie, but it takes place at Christmastime. And I like Michael Stahl-David. There, I said it. My shallow reasoning for enjoying this movie. Christopher Lloyd plays the grandpa and he has a great line about 'time travel', if you know what I mean.

Totally off topic, but Michael Stahl-Davis has come so far since the first time I saw him on The Black Donnelly's.

Other movies I've seen so far this year are Tis the Season for Love, Ice Sculpture Christmas, Charming Christmas, Christmas Incorporated, Northpole: Open For Christmas, Merry Matrimony, Once Upon A Holiday, 12 Gifts of Christmas, Angel of Christmas, On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, The Christmas Gift on Lifetime, and Christmas Bounty on Netflix.

I can easily say that all of these were duds for me. They're just so blah. Christmas Bounty was the most entertaining, but it wasn't a quality Christmas movie. I've now realized that I'm going to have to go back to my standard favorite Christmas movies next week to get back my spirit of Christmas. Oh, I have a whole stack of older (and really old) Christmas movies that I watch every year. The ones up above are just the new ones that came out this year.

Please share your Christmas movie recommendations with me to help me out of this rut!

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Titans by Victoria Scott

Expected publication: February 23rd 2016 by Scholastic Press

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch.

She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them.

But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.

www.victoriascott.com/

Above is a snippet of the Titan Enquirer, a gossip paper featured in Titans. The paper is printed year round in Detroit, but the news, and gossip, really heats up during the Titans racing season (June - August). This article is from this year's races (not the year Astrid competes), and talks about a jockey being injured on the tracks--something that happens frequently, unfortunately.

Enter through the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a preorder of Titans!

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

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

Passenger (Passenger #1) by Alexandra Bracken

Expected publication: January 5th 2016 by Disney-Hyperion

Synopsis from Goodreads:

passage, n.
i. A brief section of music composed of a series of notes and flourishes.
ii. A journey by water; a voyage.
iii. The transition from one place to another, across space and time.

In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them— whether she wants to or not.

Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are playing, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home . . . forever

Time travel? Yes, please. And it's only a duology? I'm willing to give this a try, even though it IS 464 pages long. 464 pages intimidates me.

What are you waiting on this week?

Looking for some naughty reads that are oh-so-nice?
Welcome the newest Brazen releases to your ereader today!

***

Crashed Out by Tessa Bailey

Jasmine Taveras is the reason Sarge Purcell grabbed his six-string and bailed the hell out of New Jersey four years ago. She's the fuel for every song he's ever written—each one laced with bitter, hard-edged, hungry lust. Now, with his hugely successful band on temporary hiatus, Sarge is determined to prove to Jasmine that this “kid” turned into every inch the man she's always needed...

Men are slim pickings for a single factory girl in Hook, New Jersey…until tall, broad-shouldered hotness walks—or rather storms—into Jasmine's life. Sarge's return shouldn't affect her this way. He's her best friend's much younger kid brother, and the kind of rough, gritty, sexiness Jasmine has no right to taste for herself. Even if he lets her.

But lust is a blinding, insatiable force. And when it crashes, it will take both Sarge and Jasmine down with it...

***

His to Take by Katee Robert

Erin Robinson is having an epically bad year. Her blossoming career on Broadway tanked, forcing her to crawl back to home to Wellington. The icing on her failure cake? Her former on-again, off-again fling is in town, and the sexy Marine is taking up way too much space.

Warren Davis always knew Erin was special, which is exactly why he can’t have her. A girl like her deserves something permanent—something neither of them wants. But now that they’re both back in town and she’s right there in front of him, a challenge in her eyes he’s never been able to resist, he’s questioning everything.

That challenge quickly escalates into an epic game of Truth or Dare. Erin’s sure she’s got him on lock, but as the night progresses, Warren’s dares intensify, drowning her in lust. But with the past still breathing down their necks, there’s no way either of them can win…

***

Say You're Mine by Diane Alberts

Navy SEAL Steven Thomas has only ever been able to count on three things: waking up in the morning, going to sleep sometime during the night, and Lauren Brixton. She’s been his best friend since grade school, and what they have is the only relationship he’s managed not to ruin.

Until one drunken night puts that all in jeopardy.

Lauren’s watched Steven flit from one-night stand to one-night stand, seemingly not interested in something more. So when the long-ignored attraction between the two of them blows up in their faces, she does the only thing she can—she pretends she doesn’t want him. But all’s fair in love and war, and Steven’s not about to lose the only person in his life who matters…

Find your copy of Say You're Mine by Diane Alberts: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads

Title: Into The Woods

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 2 hrs 5 min

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, Chris Pine

Release Date: December 25, 2014

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Musical

A witch tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse the curse put on their family tree.

The Bad:

What the freak did I just watch? Seriously? This was awful. Almost every song sounded exactly the same, so this was one long dragged on mess of a musical. This first half of the movie was a bit interesting, but the story just got worse and worse and darker and more depressing as it went on. I actually had to stop watching after an hour and a half and watch the remainder the following night. I don't know why I bothered because this movie was crap.

The Good:

The movie is pure agony, but the song 'Agony' is insanely awesome! Billy Magnussen? Yes, please! (I haven't seen him since As The World Turns, so this was a nice surprise.) If you care to watch below, the singing begins at 1:20.

Final Thoughts:

Give this movie a pass, it's not worth your time. I'm sorry I didn't spend my precious time watching something far more entertaining.

*Movie Reviews inspired by Chick Lit Fridays at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.*

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

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

The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen #1) by Alison Goodman

Expected publication: January 26th 2016 by Viking Books for Young Readers

Synopsis from Goodreads:

New York Times bestseller Alison Goodman’s eagerly awaited new project: a Regency adventure starring a stylish and intrepid demon-hunter!

London, April 1812. On the eve of eighteen-year-old Lady Helen Wrexhall’s presentation to the queen, one of her family’s housemaids disappears-and Helen is drawn into the shadows of Regency London. There, she meets Lord Carlston, one of the few who can stop the perpetrators: a cabal of demons infiltrating every level of society. Dare she ask for his help, when his reputation is almost as black as his lingering eyes? And will her intelligence and headstrong curiosity wind up leading them into a death trap?

If you've been around my blog before you might know that I prefer reading contemporaries. However, I'm trying to read more of a variety, so I'm always on the lookout for something that sounds different but will still hold my interest. This book sounds really good, so I'm going to give it a go.

What are you waiting on this week?

All In (The Naturals #3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publication Date: November 3, 2015
Page Count: 378
Published by: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Three casinos. Three bodies. Three days.

After a string of brutal murders in Las Vegas, Cassie Hobbes and the Naturals are called in to investigate. But even with the team's unique profiling talents, these murders seem baffling: unlike many serial killers, this one uses different methods every time. All of the victims were killed in public, yet the killer does not show up on any tape. And each victim has a string of numbers tattooed on their wrist. Hidden in the numbers is a code—and the closer the Naturals come to unraveling the mystery, the more perilous the case becomes.

Meanwhile, Cassie is dealing with an equally dangerous and much more painful mystery. For the first time in years, there's been a break in her mother's case. As personal issues and tensions between the team mount, Cassie and the Naturals will be faced with impossible odds—and impossible choices.

The Good:

This is the best book of the series! It just keeps getting better and better. I had such a great time reading this book. Just when I thought things were going to be resolved, new evidence showed up and took the storyline in a whole new direction. Up to about the 80% mark the story was non-stop intensity, but the last 20% was SO exciting and creepy! And that ending? Holy crap, what did I just read?!?!?!

I'm loving the Naturals and their interactions with each other and how they know each other so well. They have this group mentality of one for all and all for one that works really well.

I loved that the 'triangle' from the first two books was nowhere to be found in this book. Actually, there really wasn't any romance at all in this book. And I was okay with that because it really would have taken the focus away from the story.

The Bad:

I can't think of anything negative to say about All In. I really enjoyed it!

If this were a movie:

I would totally watch it!

Final Thoughts:

JLB does a great job of keeping up the suspense and tension in All In. This is a series that is definitely worth reading!

My rating: 4.5 stars

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

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

A Study in Charlotte (A Study in Charlotte #1)
by Brittany Cavallaro

Expected publication: March 1st 2016 by Katherine Tegen Books

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The last thing sixteen-year-old Jamie Watson–writer and great-great-grandson of the John Watson–wants is a rugby scholarship to Sherringford, a Connecticut prep school just an hour away from his estranged father. But that’s not the only complication: Sherringford is also home to Charlotte Holmes, the famous detective’s enigmatic, fiercely independent great-great-granddaughter, who’s inherited not just his genius but also his vices, volatile temperament, and expertly hidden vulnerability. Charlotte has been the object of his fascination for as long as he can remember–but from the moment they meet, there’s a tense energy between them, and they seem more destined to be rivals than anything else.

Then a Sherringford student dies under suspicious circumstances ripped straight from the most terrifying of the Holmes stories, and Jamie and Charlotte become the prime suspects. Convinced they’re being framed, they must race against the police to conduct their own investigation. As danger mounts, it becomes clear that nowhere is safe and the only people they can trust are each other.

Equal parts tender, thrilling, and hilarious, A Study in Charlotte is the first in a trilogy brimming with wit and edge-of-the-seat suspense.

Doesn't this sound really good?

What are you waiting on this week?

Title: North & South

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 3 hr 55 min (235 min) (4 parts)

Starring: Daniela Denby-Ashe, Richard Armitage

Release Date: July 2, 2005 (DVD)
Genre: TV Mini-Series, Drama, Romance

Storyline:

North and South is a four part adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's love story of Margaret Hale, a middle class southerner who is forced to move to the northern town of Milton.

The Good:

Richard Armitage. The entire cast is really good, but it's worth watching just to see him. Perfection! This is a great production, and the cinematography is absolutely wonderful.

The Bad:

Have I mentioned yet that this movie is dark? And depressing? Because it is. But it's SO addicting, and I couldn't stop hoping for things to get better. They just have to get better, right?

Favorite Quotes:

"One minute we talk of the color of fruit, the next of love. How does that happen?" This entire scene was done with heartbreaking perfection!

"Look back. Look back at me." as I shed tears in quiet agony. Oh, the heartbreak while I'm thinking "Look back at him you b!tch! Look back...." *sob*

"I daren't believe such a woman could care for me."

"I knew I was not good enough for her. Yet I think I love her more than ever."

If this were a book:

It IS a book! And a classic at that. You can download the Kindle version for free on Amazon.

Final Thoughts:

I love this mini-series and I've watched it several times. It's quite dark and depressing at times, okay, it's mostly dark and depressing. But then we get these small moments between John and Margaret that make it all worthwhile. Highly recommended!

*Movie Reviews inspired by Chick Lit Fridays at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.*

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

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

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The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry

Expected publication: January 26th 2016 by Razorbill

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Natalie Cleary must risk her future and leap blindly into a vast unknown for the chance to build a new world with the boy she loves.

Natalie’s last summer in her small Kentucky hometown is off to a magical start…until she starts seeing the “wrong things.” They’re just momentary glimpses at first—her front door is red instead of its usual green, there’s a pre-school where the garden store should be. But then her whole town disappears for hours, fading away into rolling hills and grazing buffalo, and Nat knows something isn’t right.

That’s when she gets a visit from the kind but mysterious apparition she calls “Grandmother,” who tells her: “You have three months to save him.” The next night, under the stadium lights of the high school football field, she meets a beautiful boy named Beau, and it’s as if time just stops and nothing exists. Nothing, except Natalie and Beau.

Emily Henry’s stunning debut novel is Friday Night Lights meets The Time Traveler’s Wife, and perfectly captures those bittersweet months after high school, when we dream not only of the future, but of all the roads and paths we’ve left untaken.

I have to admit that I am a bit suspicious of all those 'Amazing' 5 star ratings on Goodreads. BUT, I put this on my tbr because the synopsis sounds really good, so I'm willing to give it a chance.

What are you waiting on this week?

Leveled (Saints of Denver #0.5) by Jay Crownover

Publication Date: November 2, 2015
Page Count:224
Published by: William Morrow
Source: Kindle Purchase

Synopsis from Goodreads:

We all need a hero...let the Saints of Denver begin

Orlando Frederick knows what it is to be leveled by pain. Instead of focusing on his own, he’s made it his mission to help others: sports stars, wounded war vets, survivors of all kinds. But when Dom, a rugged, damaged, sinfully attractive cop, makes his way into Lando’s physical therapy practice, he might be the biggest challenge yet. Lando loved one stubborn man before and barely survived the fallout. He’s not sure he can do it again.

Dominic Voss is a protector. The police badge he wears is not only his job, it’s his identity, so when he’s sidelined because of an injury, the only thing he cares about is getting back on the force. He expects Lando to mend his body, he just doesn’t realize the trainer will also have him working toward a hell of a lot more. As attraction simmers and flares, Dom sees that Lando needs repair of his own...if only the man will let him close enough to mend what's broken.

Leveled is the first book in the new Saints of Denver series, and many of the characters from the Marked Men series make an appearance here. I didn't enjoy reading Leveled as much as I hoped I would. I've only read one of the books in the original series, and I'm interested in starting the Saints of Denver series when it comes out. So I thought I would give this a chance because it's a transition from one series to the next. And that's pretty much all it is. A lot of backstory and updates on the characters, and those same characters in new scenes with Dom and Lando. This was long for a novella, but I still needed more of Dom and Lando's story. I kept waiting for that hard, emotional impact that would make me really fall for the characters, but it never came.

Although I usually love books told in dual POV, I don't think it worked this time because the voices weren't distinguishable enough. I had to look at the top of each chapter to see who's POV it was. I even got confused a few times while reading and had to go back to find out who's chapter it was. Oops.

I'm not an expert at M/M romance (although I've read plenty) but I thought the scenes were awkward and weird. I don't think the author was comfortable with that aspect of the story. That makes me sad because the characters didn't have any spark or sizzle, and I wasn't feeling any chemistry between them. They were just 2 really nice guys trying to sort their crap out and be happy together.

Overall, I thought Leveled was just alright, but not too memorable. I liked Dom and Lando well enough, but I didn't love them.

My rating: 3 stars

On tour with Prism Book Tours.

We'll be highlighting 13 FREE short stories by beloved Harlequin Heartwarming authors that will be available from Harlequin during November. All Heartwarming titles are 30% OFF during November from Harlequin as well! Use code HEART1115.

TODAY'S FREE SHORT STORY:

Heart of a Hero by Pamela Tracy

Now that Nathan Williamson knows that he wasn't born to the family that raised him, he needs to know more about them. Namely, did they arrange for him to be stolen from her birth family just days after birth? Soon, Nathan's uncovering secrets and falling in love with a woman with secrets of her own.

Read it HERE!

     Once upon a time there was a girl named Pamela Tracy (ME!) and when she grew up she wanted to be a writer. It was an interesting choice as she knew no writers. What she did know, however, was books.
     They took over my bedroom. Nancy Drew made me think about how to solve problems; Anne of Green Gables made me want to visit distant; Laura Ingalls made me want to have a sourdough starter and make homemade bread. The older I got, the more books made me want… Stephen King made me weary of rabid dogs; Douglas Adams made me look to the skies; Sue Grafton made me believe I could be tough.
     Then, I found romance. I wish I remember the first ones that marched into my bedroom and started knocking the other books off my shelves. I know that Dorothy Daniels was there alongside Patricia Mathews. I know that Danielle Steele took her turn, and that eventually Nora Roberts demanded the whole top shelf. My first love at Harlequin were the SuperRomances and Intimate Moments. But, Love Inspired tumbled in my cart, and I expanded. Now my shelves were all over the house not just in the bedroom.
     With all the above turmoil, books vying for shelve space, mysteries giving way to romance, and my fingers itching to “write a book, too,” how amazing that Harlequin Heartwarming came along at just the right time.
     See, I had a story about a leopard. I met him when I was a kindergarten teacher and I took my class to the Wildlife Zoo. He was peering down at me from an elevated perch. BAM. A story idea took hold.
     A Heartwarming idea.
     Katie’s Rescue is the first in a five book series all taking place in the fictional town of Scorpion Ridge, Arizona. There’s a wildlife habitat and enough quirky characters to keep the small town from ever rolling its streets up at night. While Katie is a contemporary story, Janie – second in the series – is not. She’s full of suspense. What Janie Saw is about chance happenings and how a moment in time can change everything. I guess that’s true of my next three Heartwarmings: Holiday Homecoming, Small-town Secrets, and The Missing Twin (available January 2015)
     I love Harlequin Heartwarming. Within the pages of the books, I can go places I’ve never been, meet heroes and heroes having adventures, and always walk away knowing that Happily Ever After is the perfect ending.

Pamela Tracy is a USA Today award-winning author who has written contemporary, historical and suspenseful - all in the romance genre. Her 2007 suspense Pursuit of Justice was a Rita finalist. Her 2009 suspense Broken Lullaby won the American Christian Fiction Writers' Book of the year award.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter

Other Heartwarming Titles by this Author

Katie's Rescue (Mills & Boon Heartwarming)

Small-Town Secrets (Mills & Boon Heartwarming) (Scorpion Ridge, Arizona - Book 4)

TOUR SCHEDULE

Don't miss any of these FREE novellas or the extra tour content! Stop by each of the tour stops each day:

11/2: Snow Day Baby by Amy Vastine
Singing Librarian Books, The Power of Words, & Katie's Clean Book Collection

11/4: Wedding at Turkey Run by Liz Flaherty

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing, Babs Book Bistro, & Heidi Reads...

11/6: Her Thanksgiving Soldier by Leigh Riker

Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima, Mel's Shelves, & Brooke Blogs

11/9: Mr. Right All Along by Jen Snow

Katie's Clean Book Collection, Min Reads and Reviews, & Love thy Shelf

11/11: Falling for the Cowboy by Sophia Sasson

Kindle and Me, The Power of Words, & Colorimetry

11/13: The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn

deal sharing aunt, Babs Book Bistro, & Brooke Blogs

11/16: Heart of a Hero by Pamela Tracy

Writing Pearls, Wishful Endings, & Waiting For Wentworth

11/18: Thankful for You by Karen Rock

Christian Chick's Thoughts, Getting Your Read On, & Love, Laughter, Friendship

11/20: Autumn at Jasper Lake by Carol Ross

Reading Is My SuperPower, I Am A Reader, & Colorimetry

11/23: The Firefighter’s Promise by Kate James

Canadian Book Addict, Mel's Shelves, & Beck Valley Books

11/24: Wedding of His Dreams by Cari Lynn Webb

Bookworm Lisa, Kindle and Me, & Zerina Blossom's Books

11/25: The Sweetheart Tree by Rula Sinara

The Written Adventure, Reading Is My SuperPower, & Writing Pearl

11/26: Married by Thanksgiving by Melinda Curtis

Heidi Reads..., Love, Laughter, Friendship, & Singing Librarian Books

11/29: Grand Finale

11/30: Facebook Party

GIVEAWAYS

Goodreads Giveaway

13 Harlequin Heartwarming Books

Enter on Goodreads HERE.

Pinterest Giveaway

Pin one or both of these images to spread the word and enter to win this adorably festive Thanksgiving Table Set:

Pinterest Prize includes: four reversible, quilted placemats, four matching napkins, hand-painted matching napkin rings, matching table runner, matching quilted hot pad/trivet, floral centerpiece in pot, and hand-crafted pilgrim pair.

- Enter via the Rafflecopter below

- Open to US/CAN only

- Ends December 4th

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Tour Giveaway

Grand Prize: Harlequin Heartwarming Year Subscription (Provided by Harlequin and to US/CAN only)

$40 VISA card (US only)

13-Book Heartwarming Prize Pack: The Best Laid Plans, Back to McGuffy's, If I Loved You, Love, Lies & Mistletoe, First Comes Marriage, Once Upon A Marriage, Small Town Secrets, Winter Wedding Bells, If Not For A Bee, When The Right One Comes Along, Wedding of His Dreams, After The Silence, and A Memory Away (print copies if US, ebooks if international)

9-Book Prize Pack: The Best Laid Plans, If I Loved You, Love, Lies & Mistletoe, First Comes Marriage, Once Upon A Marriage, When The Right One Comes Along, Winter Wedding Bells, If Not For A Bee, and After The Silence (print copies if US, ebooks if international)

Ends December 4th

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Harlequin's 10 Years of Digital Publishing SALE

This week only! November 10th – 17th - 11 Harlequin Heartwarming Thanksgiving authors are included in Harlequin’s celebration of 10 years of digital publishing! Get these books during the next seven days for only $1.99 at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Nook, Google and Kobo (US only).

Amy Vastine: THE WEATHER GIRL, THE BEST LAID PLANS, THE BETTER MAN, THE HARDEST FIGHT

Liz Flaherty: BACK TO MCGUFFEY'S

Leigh Riker: IF I LOVED YOU

Jennifer Snow: THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE, WHAT A GIRL WANTS, FALLING FOR LEIGH, THE MISTLETOE MELODY, FIGHTING FOR KEEPS

Tara Taylor Quinn: ONCE UPON A FRIENDSHIP

Pamela Tracy: KATIE'S RESCUE, WHAT JANIE SAW, HOLIDAY HOMECOMING, SMALL-TOWN SECRETS

Karen Rock: WISH ME TOMORROW, HIS HOMETOWN GIRL, SOMEONE LIKE YOU, A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

Carol Ross: MOUNTAINS APART, A CASE FOR FORGIVENESS

Kate James: A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS

Rula Sinara: THE PROMISE OF RAIN, AFTER THE SILENCE

Melinda Curtis: DANDELION WISHES, SUMMER KISSES, SEASON OF CHANGE, ONE PERFECT YEAR, TIME FOR LOVE