eARC: Destination Wedding by Robyn Neeley

Let me just tell you that this is a fantastic story from a debut author Robyn Neeley. Seriously, blown away by the story that is Destination Wedding. First off, you have to view this as a romantic comedy, because it totally could be. I mean from page one screamed "This could be such a romantic comedy movie!" So, let's meet our cast:

Kate Ashby: The wedding planner who is afraid of flying.
Luke Cannon: He's the one who was totally lipped locked with Kate. Twin brother to Drew.
Drew Cannon: The groom. The one Kate believes she made out on the plane.
Lauren Kincaid: The Bride to be. Has no clue whats going.
Miles Payne: Kate's assistant. He's actually a lot of fun.
Vanessa Ashby: Mother to Kate. You probably wondering why she's included in the mix of characters. She does have a purpose, really.
Jack Cannon: Father to Luke and Drew.
Olivia Moore: the wrench, ex-girlfriend of Luke. You know every romantic comedy has a wrench. Where it's like oh no moment. That's all I can say about her.

From the get go I was laughing. I mean Kate is a complete and utter mess. Come on when you freak the guy out you are sitting next to, you know your a spaz. Yet the guy comes back a different person, but you don't notice he is. What a tangle web Luke weaves with not telling her the truth right away, which leads to her hating the groom. Of course Drew has no clue why he's getting the stink eye from Kate. From there we build on the misunderstanding and just makes the story funnier. Luke's half bake plans when he tries to fix the situation, oh dear.

I personally love romantic comedies because you get a little bit of everything. If you think about it romantic comedies have these four elements: romance, comedy, the catch (you know the oh no moment), and finally the happy ending. I have to say Destination Wedding has all these qualities which it makes it the best romantic comedy. Sometimes romantic comedies can get a bit over the top, but not this one. I must say that it was a well balance read. I'm not kidding when I say I was laughing throughout the book. So, if you are looking for a good light-hearted read I would get yourself a copy of Destination Wedding. I'm sure you won't look back this trip.

Copy provided by the author

Rating:


Purchase links:
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Kissing the Maid of Honor Blog Tour (Review Stop)

I'm super excited to share my thoughts on Kissing the Maid of Honor by Robin Bielman. I actually think she's a fantastic writer, and I'm so glad I decided to do a review for the blog tour. Plus, it gave me a chance to read a feel good story. Trust me I need a feel good story after watching one my favorite shows just gut me. However, I'm not going to talk about that, but the positive that is Kissing the Maid of Honor. First off, you need to know what the book is about:

Kissing her best friend's brother never felt so right...

Sela Sullivan is resolved to be the best maid of honor ever, even if it means tolerating the best man. Insufferable, too-handsome Luke Watters is not only the guy who humiliated her at a kissing booth in high school, but he also happens to be her best friend’s older brother. Positive he’s the same arrogant jock, Sela vows to focus on her duties and steer clear of the frustrating—and frustratingly tempting—Luke.

As a world-renowned extreme-sports photographer, Luke is used to undertaking life-risking adventures. But risking his heart for the beautiful Sela Sullivan, who clearly still hates him for his rejection all those years ago? He didn’t see that coming. Sela inspires a passion he’s never known, and the more time they spend together, the more he craves her. But can he prove to the maid of honor he’s become a man of honor?

First off, I thought this story was sweet. I adore Sela and Luke. I think they were so cute together. I love how they were really going against the odds here. Here's why: Sela is best friend's with Luke's younger sister and Luke is best friend's Sela's older brother. Let's be honest there are so many friend codes that are being broken with these two coming together. But hey, how can you stop love? 

Honestly, this is a feel good book. Something sappy and happy that will brighten anyones day. I love how they both try to keep each other at arms length, but that just doesn't work. Plus, you gotta love a small town setting where everybody knows your name and business. 

I'm serious, when I say this is a feel good book it's a feel good book. This would be the essence of pure romance sweet and simple. Sometimes I love that and the Bliss line truly knows how to bring it. So, if you are looking for a romance that is pure, I would say grab yourself a copy of Kissing the Maid of Honor. I'm sure you will have that feel good feeling after your read this. 

Rating:

Purchase links:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

A bit about Robin:

Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and crazy-cute mini Labradoodle, Harry Dresden. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also loves to run, hike, and dip her toes in the ocean. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real.

She is also the author of Worth the Risk and Yours At Midnight from Entangled’s Ever After line. She loves to connect with readers.

Visit her online:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Let's not forget the giveaway. So, if you would like a chance to win just fill out the rafflecopter below. Thanks y'all for stopping by.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The "What If" Guy Blog Tour (Interview with Brooke Moss and Characters)

Today I have with me Brooke Moss the author of The "What If" Guy and along with her Henry and Autumn. I hope y'all will welcome them to the blog.

Henry what were your feelings when Autumn drop the bombshell of her pregnancy? How did you handle it?

H: I was crushed! I mean, I had our whole life together planned out. It was like a punch in the gut. 

Autumn, what was it like to return to Fairfield after being away for so long?

A: Tough. I never wanted to raise my son in a small town, but when life hands lemons, and all that....

How did your son become a vegetarian? I’m just curious how that came about.

He's a quirky kid. He also practiced Buddism for a while. He's very passionate about things, and when he read about the treatment of animals, he decided not to eat meat anymore. But I'm pretty sure I saw him eating a hotdog with his friends at a baseball game the other day.

Autumn and Henry can you guys share what it was like to see each other after 13 years?

Autumn & Henry: (in unison) Shocking.

Can y’all share your feelings about Thanksgiving? Since both of you will have different experience?

Autumn: It was mortifying. I haven't been that clumsy around a guy since I was 12.

Henry: Hilarious. I love making her nervous.

Autumn are you always clumsy or does Henry naturally bring that out?

Um, no. He brings it out in me. I hate that.

Henry how come you kept pushing Autumn way when there was so much chemistry between the two of you?

She'd already broken my heart once. I wasn't exactly in a hurry to go through that again...

Henry and Autumn was it worth the wait? And are y’all happy now that you guys are together?

Henry & Autumn: (in unison) Absolutely.

Now I have a few questions for Brooke:

How come Henry and Autumn had to wait so long to get together?

Because it made for a great book! :)

Was The “What If Guy” everything you expected?

Once my editors were done helping me fine tune it, it was everything and more. 

Is there anything special you are working on and would you be willing to share?

Yes! I'm working on the edits for my first self pub, called Baby & Bump. It will be out July 1st. I'm so excited about it.

My last and final question: if you had to write your own autobiography  what would your title be and why?

Just Tell Me I Can't Do It, by Brooke Moss. The reason I chased my dream of becoming published was because people kept telling me it was too hard, and that I'd never be able to do it. I just said "watch me", and the rest is history. 

The "What If" Guy

What would you do if you're "what if" guy showed up at the lowest point of your life?

(Autumn Cole clocked hers with an encyclopedia.)

After losing her job at a swanky Seattle art gallery and finding out her father has been hospitalized, single mother Autumn Cole reluctantly returns to her tiny hometown of Fairfield, Washington to put the pieces of her life back together.

Her disgruntled twelve-year old son isn’t thrilled about going from hip to hick, but Autumn’s got it worse. She resumes her role as the daughter of the town drunk, promptly facing a crisis with her father that’s been decades in the making.

Running into Henry Tobler, and nearly breaking his nose, is almost more than she can handle, but can rediscovering love–and herself–with her “what if” guy teach Autumn to forgive before it’s too late? 

Purchase Links:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11818466-the-what-if-guy

About Brooke:

Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more!

When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading two books a week (ask her who her faves are), watching movies then comparing them to books, and, of course, wrangling four kids, one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence. 

Where you can find Brooke:

Website / Facebook / Twitter 

Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord by Tiffany Clare

I just finished Tiffany Clare's second book in Dangerous Rogues Series, which is Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord. Some series are flexible and you can start at any point in the series. Technically you can with this book, but I would encourage y'all to read Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady first. However, it is not require to read this book, just suggested.

Well, if you have read Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady you will notice some of the story over laps in both books. However, the focus in Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord focuses more on Tristan Bradley, Marquess of Castleigh and Lady Charlotte Lindsey.

I have to say enjoyed and liked the story. As I said the story focus on Tristan and Charlotte. They both need something from each other, but they are not sure how they will accomplish there task. Charlotte wants to get out of an engagement to an odious man who her father thought would be a good match. How wrong he is, and has no desire to call off the betrothal. While Tristan wants to seek out revenge.

All right, I was on fence with Charlotte. Through most of the book I did like her, but there were somethings I just couldn't stand. Yet, towards the end she was able to redeem herself in my eyes. I think a lot of the issue I had with Charlotte was she acted young. Granted she was young, but she really acted young and naïve at times.

Tristan on the hand, loved him throughout the book. The more I got to know Tristan, he really wasn't really a rake as the TON made him out to be. Yes, he might have been a bit wild in his youth, but he's a great guy. I'm pretty sure he would give his shirt off his back to a friend in need.

Overall, I'm impress on the job Ms. Clare has done with this story. Especially, with some of the story overlapping the first book. Sometimes when you have a story that overlaps, it might become redundant which is not the case with Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord. However, if you want to start with this book first, you should be fine. If are looking for a rogue and girl trying to get out of betrothal, you might want to give Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Copy provided by St. Martin Press

Rating:
1/2


Purchase links:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Book Depository

Once Upon a Twist (An Anthology) by Aimée Duffy & Michelle Smart

When I think of fairytales I automatically think of the Disney endings, because they are happy and cheerful. How many you actually know the real endings of the fairytales that you have come to know and love. Well, I'm not going to spoil that for you, because if you wanted to read the Grimm tales go for it. Really, they are truly not happy endings.

Anyways, I just finished Once Upon a Twist (An Anthology) by Aimée Duffy and Michelle Smart. First these twisted fairytales do have a happy ending. Nothing like the Grimm Tales, but they are a little bit twisted from the Disney version. I must say they are an interesting twisted to the two fairy tales that are used in the story.

In Michelle Smart's story Glass Slipper and Combat Boots we find a very different twist on the classic Cinderella story we have all come to love. Yes, you will still find a wicked step-mother and step-sisters, a fairy god-mother and of a course a prince. However, there are other things you will find in the story that you certainly will not find in Disney. Yet, the main point of the story is Cinderella does get her prince.

In Aimée Duffy's story Reunited with Red we find a seriously different twist on Little Red Ridding Hood. First off, when we think of Little Red Ridding Hood we automatically think little girl (well, at least I do). Anyways,  Red in the story is a bit older and has an interest in the "so-called" huntsman. However, what lies beneath are secrets that need to stay hidden. No, this isn't the typical Little Red Ridding Hood. Believe me you wouldn't want to be caught by the wolves in this story.

I must say that these ladies have done a marvelous job reinventing these classic fairytales into something a little different, but at the same time keeping the integrity of the story. So, if you a tired of same old remake of a classic fairy and would like to try something a little different, I would suggest giving Once Upon a Twist (An Anthology) a try. I'm sure you won't look at Cinderella and Red the same again.

Copy provide by the author

Rating:

Purchase links:

Amazon

June is Here. Vacation Time!

Surf Beach, California

June is upon us and I'm super excited about this month. Why you may ask? Well, I get to go home to visit family in California. Yes, I get to visit the sunny coast of California. So this month might be hit or miss on postings, more towards the end of the month. I will be working from my iPad and Starbucks wi-fi. This shall be interesting. Here is what is coming up:

Here are the events that are plan (but always be on the lookout for changes):
~ June 4: The "What If" Guy Blog Tour (Interview with Brooke Moss and Characters)
~ June 6: Kissing the Maid of Honor Blog Tour (Review Stop)
~ June 10: Bachelor's Special Blog Tour (Interview with Christine Warner)
~ June 12: Interview with Erica Monroe on Upcoming book
~ June 14: The Elusive Wife Blog Tour (Interview with Callie Hutton and characters)
~ June 17- 30 Traveling with Ronald to California. Ronald from Magic "I Do"

Reading List:
~ Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal by Jayne Fresina
~ Fire Inside by Kristen Ashley
~ Skinny Bitch in Love by Kim Barnouin
~ The Secrets of Mia Danvers by Robyn DeHart
~ Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord by Tiffany Clare
~ Flirting with Disaster by Ruthie Knox
~ Playing the Part by Robin Covington
~ Once Upon a Twist Anthology by Aimée Duffy & Michelle Smart
~ The Goddess by Robyn Grady
~ The Switched Baby Scandal by Theresa Meyers
~ Just My Luck by Kelley Vitollo
~ Kissing the Maid of Honor by Robin Bielman
~ Famously Engaged by Robyn Thomas
~ Destination Wedding by Robyn Neeley
~ It Had to Be You by Jill Shalvis
~ Rancher to the Rescue by Jennifer Faye
~ Curveball by VK Sykes
~ The Duchess Hunt by Jennifer Haymore
~ The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter
~ Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James
~ Wife in Name Only by Hayson Manning

All right the recap of last month:

Well, if you notice some of the stories I didn't get to in May are on the June list. Lets hope my successful with this months reading list. Yes, there might be other books that are not on the list. So, wish me luck as I tackle my reading list. Plus, I might need some luck, because Ronald is traveling with me. If any of have read, Tammy Falkner's books you will know I will need the luck. See y'all around.

Long Simmering Spring by Elisabeth Barrett

For the past few days, I have been reading Long Simmering Spring by Elisabeth Barrett, which happens to be the third book in the Star Harbor series. While in the story we still continue with the drug problem that is troubling Star Harbor, we also get to know Cole Grayson a little better.

Cole is the sherif of Star Harbor and suffers from PTSD. Yet, he has done a very good job hiding it from the fine people of Star Harbor. Well, Cole has always had the hots for a certain doctor and finally finds away to get to Julie Kensington. Julie on the other hand doesn't really trust Cole, because all she remembers is the bad boy of Star Harbor. Cole tries his hardest to get Julie to understand that he's not the same guy as he was in high school.

I do like Cole, he's a pretty good guy always looking out for the good people of Star Harbor. I must say that's an excellent quality in sherif. Now Julie is a very independent woman. She feels like she doesn't really need anyone in her life. While everyone else in Star Harbor believes she works too hard and needs a social life. I really do like how Cole and Julie start to hang out and build a relationship. It's funny how each of the Grayson boys seem to gravitate to strong independent women and Julie fits the build.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I love that how all the stories really tie together. I can't wait for Val's book. I wonder if they will be able get rid of the drug problem in Star Harbor. I hope so. I also wonder who's going to be Val's match. Julie and Cole are great together. Here's the bottom line: If you love a series that ties together, I would suggest checking out the Star Harbor series. However, if you have been following the the series and you like damage heroes you might love Cole and should read Long Simmering Spring.

Copy provided by author via NetGalley

Rating:


Purchase links:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo