Friday 31 May 2013

Stacking the Shelves: May.

What is Stacking The Shelves all about?
Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!
 
Welcome to my monthly round up!
May is my absolute favourite month as it's my birthday month! However this year's presents didn't feature any books except a couple of history related ones.
 
Borrowed Shelf!
Reckless by S.C. Stephens.~ My library reservation finally came through!
So excited to finish this series off with a hard copy :)
 
Virtual Shelf!
 
Crossing the Line by Katie McGarry~ This one popped up free so I snapped it up!
Second Chance Boyfriend by Monica Murphy~ I needed more Drew and Fable!
Indulgent Pleasures by Karen Erickson~ I love Monica Murphy so I thought I'd try her other books.
Unbroken by Melody Grace~ This one kept getting highly recommended and it was 77p!
Don't Hate the Player... Hate the Game by Katie Ashley~ This one just caught my eye!
Four Summers by Nyrae Dawn~ I love Nyrae Dawn  so I had to pick up her latest book!  
Untouched by Melody Grace~ I got this after speeding through Unbroken!
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy~ This one sounds like a perfect summer read!
 
Review Shelf!

NetGalley
True by Erin McCarthy.
Dragonfly by Leigh T. Moore.
The Bell Between Worlds by Ian Johnstone.
Blog Tours
The Trouble with Goodbye by Sarra Cannon.
Between Friends by Andrea Cowen.
A Sliver of Hope by Karla J. Nellenbach.
Play with Me and Ryan Hunter by Piper Shelley.
Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman.
 
Other
Undeclared by Jen Frederick.
Faster We Burn by Chelsea M. Cameron.

I didn't realise quite how good of a month it had been!
What have you added to your shelves in May?
Much Love!
Lettie.

Xxx

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Book News!


I sometimes feel like I'm the last to find out about book deals or new books so I thought I'd do a round up post of recent news!

I feel like May contained a lot of books news to digest so I've rounded up the news I've been most excited by!

Nicole Williams
Lost and Found is now a series!
Lost and Found is a very recent love of mine, I loved the characters, the setting and basically the whole thing!
NEXT! (30th July 2013.) Near and Far- Jesse and Rowen's story continues! Lost and Found did leave me wanting more Jesse and Rowen. I'm looking forward to the new distance factor in their relationship and how it changes the dynamic between them.
COMING UP! Garth Black is getting his own book! I can't say I was a fan of him in Lost and Found but I do want to find out more about him! 

Steph Campbell
Shayna and Carter get their own book!
I always enjoy Steph Campbell's books and I loved the themes and characters in the 'Quinn' series. (I don't know if the series has an 'official' name I refer to it as Quinn seeing as she's the constant!) 
Friend is a Four Letter Word- I think Shayna and Carter definitely deserve their own book and I'm looking forward to 'seeing' them take centre stage!
with Jolene Perry
My Heart from Yours goes from Stand Alone to Quartet!

I found My Heart from Yours a sweet quick read with surprising depth so I'm so excited for more!
NEXT! July) My Fate for Yours- A prequel featuring Tobin's brother Eamon! I'm kinda apprehensive for this one as I know how it ends. However I was very intrigued by Eamon and the mystery surrounding him!
COMING UP! My Love for Yours and My Life for Yours complete the quartet but no other details...

Monica Murphy
Drew and Fable's series has been expanded!
One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend were great reads and a few of the side characters definitely need their own books!
NEXT! Three Broken Promises- Jen and Colin's story
I loved the hints and glimpses about the backstory and situations between them so I'm excited to find out more about them!
COMING UP! Owen's story and maybe more Drew and Fable!

Have you heard of any other book news I've missed?
What books are you looking forward to?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxxx

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Mini Reviews~ Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn.

Mini reviews~ Sometimes I love a book but I just can't do a full review or I just back log reviews!

*This is a new feature so the format isn't fully tested! I think I will post the cover, blurb, one thing I loved and one thing I didn't and a rating!*

This edition isn't dedicated to just one author- it's dedicated to two! Jolene Perry and Nyrae Dawn :)
 
Falling
Dana is definitely not the kind of girl to be living in the dump of a wilderness lodge she finds herself waitressing in. But when Craig, the sexy cop who’s handling the murder case where she’s a witness, suggests it—it seems like a good idea. Now she’s got no BMW, no shopping and an assortment of hairy Alaskan men who definitely belong in a run-down old lodge. Her exciting visits from Craig are getting less exciting, and the lodge owner, Jason, is quickly moving from grouchy and judgmental, to funny, smart and unexpectedly complex.
Jason knows exactly the type of girl Dana is—beautiful, spoiled, and high maintenance. She’s everything that hurt him in the past, and why he now lives as far away from city life as he can manage. If he wasn’t so hard-up for help, he would have never said yes to his friend, Craig. Despite his reservations, Dana becomes the perfect antidote to everything in his life—both his disaster of a divorce and precocious little sister who shows up on his doorstep. Jason realizes he’s falling for Dana too late to stop it, or even slow it down.
As the trial approaches, Dana knows it’s time to move on with her life—but is her life back in the city she left or with a guy she never meant to fall for?

 
This was my drunk eBook buy! I'm so glad I managed to snap it up for 77p!
What I Loved:
Setting- I posted in my Top Ten Settings that I wanted to read an Alaskan setting! I was so pleased to find this one- I loved the snow and the snow mobiles. The wilderness aspect added an unique layer to the story as well!
Dana- She definitely grew on me! I didn't like her to begin with she seemed a bit prissy and stuck up. But as she grew as a character I began to warm to her and see all the different shades of her personality. Dana actually made for a vulnerable easily to relate character in the end!
Jason- I was initially confused as to whether or not he was the love interest or he was Craig. I liked him from the start though, he was intriguing with his past divorce and writing! I loved how he warmed up to Dana and how their relationship developed. He did however need to get a backbone when dealing with Craig. I definitely wanted to know more about him though, about his writing and his family. 


 
What I Didn't Love as Much:
Craig- What a disgusting cop! I couldn't believe he hit on a witness as she lay in a hospital bed! I also could not believe he had the nerve to shack up his mistress in his wife's family's cabin. I did feel sorry for his wife until it became apparent she was enabling his cheating!.

I loved the setting and it was so easy to read!
 
Dizzy
Dylan doesn’t do relationships. He and his older brother watched their dad go through hell and back, so they made a pact years ago—no girl would come between the Gibson boys. But his brother sells out. He's getting married anyway. To the sister of a chick Dylan met at a party, who's probably the angriest girl he's ever met. Unfortunately, she happens to be hot, too.
Ziah’s life is upside down—her safe boyfriend turns out to be not-so-safe, and now her sister is getting married before college is over to the older brother of a spoiled, party boy who drives her crazy. And also makes her heart beat too fast.
There’s no denying the attraction, but there's also no denying how much they irritate each other. When they’re thrown together as forced wedding planners, they find an ally in each other--neither wants this wedding to happen.
But instead of putting a stop to the crazy nuptials they find themselves at fittings and cake testing. And maybe even…a few dates?

This was one of my automatic buys!
 What I Loved:
Chemistry-  The chemistry between Ziah and Dylan was very real and tilted perfectly between sweet and intense. It was beautifully written.
Paul- I loved Paul and Dylan's bromance! Paul was genuinely a part of Dylan's family, teasing everyone! He also knew all about the family issues but let Dylan believe what made him happy- such a good friend! I loved when he was flirting with Ziah just to wind up Dylan!
Side Cast- I loved how different the families were! Dylan's family was very relaxed and male orientated obviously! Whereas Ziah's family seemed very organised and structured. I loved how the parents embraced the marriage idea whereas the siblings hated it!
What I Didn't Love as Much:
Slow burner- This book didn't grab me straight away, I read a decent part of the book before it really sucked me in.
Confusion- I found it a bit confusing in places! Was Dylan in High School or College? Was Ziah?

I did love the characters and the chemistry but it was slow to get in to!

Measuring Up
Seventeen-year-old Annabel Conway is tired of the Hillcrest High School elite making her life miserable because she’s not a size two. This summer, she's hiring a personal trainer to help her lose weight.
Annabel doesn’t expect her trainer to be a gorgeous guy around her age. Boys like Tegan are jerks. They pretend to like girls like her so they can make an idiot out of them. Been there, done that. Totally not going there again. She kind of hates him on principal. Blond. Muscular. Funny. It doesn’t help that he knows her measurements!
Soon, Tegan's so much more than that. He’s the boy who teaches her to box when she has a bad day. Who jogs with her and lets her set the pace. Who kisses her until she melts. He makes her feel beautiful regardless of what the scale says. Unlike her mom, he doesn’t expect perfection, and he doesn't try to shield her from the world like her dad and best friend. Tegan likes her the way she is.
But what happens when he’s not there? He can’t always be there…
Will Annabel be able to stand on her own and learn that she already measures up? That her worth doesn’t lie in what the world thinks, the scale says, or even what Tegan tells her—but in herself?


I kept missing the offers on this one and then when I did snap it up I kept putting off reading it! I had to look up American sizes as a 14 isn't fat at all in UK so I was really confused!

What I Loved:
Annabel- I loved how spunky she was and deep down she was confident and tough she just needed to believe it. I liked that she was losing weight for her. I loved how genuinely nice she was.
Side Cast-Dana and Tim were supportive and welcoming towards Annabel from the start. I loved Tim's whole outlook on life and how funny he was!I loved Em's devotion and auto defence of Annabel- I wanted to see more of her. I loved how protective Annabel's dad was, constantly trying to enforce that she was fine as she was and all his nicknames were so cute. I even liked Annabel's mum a little despite her awful qualities obviously loved Annabel and just failed to show it properly.
What I Didn't Love as Much:
Billy- Such a typical horrible high school guy. The things he did to Annabel were awful and mean, the way he fought with Tegan was downright cowardly especially when he clearly cried to his mum. I could not believe it when he then made a play for Annabel!

Lovely quick read

I'm so glad I picked these up!
Have you read any of these?
Can you recommend any of these authors' other books?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Saturday 25 May 2013

Blog Tour: Emancipating Andie by Priscilla Glenn


Ever since the one time Andie Weber threw caution to the wind - and paid the price for it - she’s learned that it’s safer and smarter to live life playing by the rules. Now she’s got a great apartment, a steady job, and a wonderful boyfriend in Colin; he’s sweet, stable, and essentially perfect – except maybe for the fact that his best friend is Chase.
Chase McGuire lives his carefree, unstructured life strictly for himself. Dripping sarcasm and oozing wit, he refuses to censor his feelings or opinions for anyone, making no apologies for either and wearing his abrasiveness like a badge of honour. No one has ever gotten under Andie’s skin the way Chase does – and vice versa.
So when Andie and Chase find themselves forced to take a two-day road trip together, they are already dreading an inevitable all-out war. But as the trip progresses, and the undeniable friction that has always defined their relationship slowly begins to wear away their preconceived notions of each other, Andie and Chase discover they both have a lot to learn about life, courage, happiness, and the age-old battle between logic and love.
 
I loved Back to You so I was glad to get the chance to read Priscilla's newest book!
 
What I Loved:
Chase- I really liked Chase! I liked how when he was introduced he seemed like a completely one dimensional arrogant guy but as the story progress he revealed all these different layers to his character. Chase really challenged Andie and brought out the real her buried under layers of rules, he couldn't resist winding her up! I loved his passion for photography, how he approached it and only lived on what he earned from selling his photos- perfect philosophy. I would have loved to see he interact with his Dad just to see the dynamic now but I admired how he's forced himself on his own path,
Plot- I liked how the flashback prologue really laid the foundations of the whole story. I loved the road trip element at the beginning, I always love road trips and this road trip really explored Andie's and Chase's personalities. I liked how the story covered the whole of the relationship and didn't end after they got together!
Andie- I found that Andie was a character who grew on me! She was so uptight but as she relaxed and more of her background was revealed I really started to warm up to her. I loved her secret writing and how it connected with her personality so much more than her actual job!

Ending- Without spoiling anything I loved how the ending flashed forward just enough to show how the events of the book had changed Chase and Andie's outlook and approaches to life. It also wrapped up loose ends and gave closure to all the characters.


What I Didn't Love as Much:

 Premise- I didn't initially like the idea of Andie going with Chase and occasionally it bugged me. It was however well written and made sense to the characters.
 
I really enjoyed Emancipating Andie, I loved the use of flashbacks and the backstory to the main characters!
 
Emancipating Andie is currently on offer for 99c/77p to celebrate the Bank Holiday Weekend!

I think I'm officially a Priscilla Glee fan!
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Friday 24 May 2013

Blog Tour: The Last Hour by Charles Sheehan-Mi​les


Twenty-seven year old Carrie Thompson-Sherman has the life she always wanted: her PhD, a prestigious fellowship, and an amazing husband.
Her life begins to unravel as a jealous colleague puts her fellowship in jeopardy and a haunting secret Ray Sherman carried home from Afghanistan comes to light.
Hounded by a federal investigation and the ensuing media feeding frenzy, Carrie and Ray desperately lean on each other, until a disastrous accident puts both Ray and her sister's lives at risk.
In the last hour, Carrie and Ray will each find themselves faced with a choice.
A choice that will change everything.


The third book in the Thompson Sisters series promises to be just as full of drama and surprises.
I've got an exclusive extract for you, guaranteed to interest you in this fab series!

Carrie nodded, her eyes vacant. Peterson swiped his access card, and the door slid open. Carrie stepped inside just as a man briskly walked across the hall and followed her in. Doctor Peterson turned away, and I followed the man in, my eyes narrowing.
“Doctor Thompson-Sherman?” the man said, and I felt a sudden flash of unchecked rage. Carrie felt it too: I could see it, her shoulders suddenly turning stiff, feet coming to a stop. She spun around, disbelief on her face.
Behind her, Dylan and Alex were sitting against one wall, next to Jessica. My parents had moved marginally closer to them, no longer all the way across the room but not next to them either. Sarah was across the room from the rest of them, loitering near the nurses’ station. Nobody noticed her there.
 The man I knew. He was Ronald Lafferty. A reporter from the New York Daily News.
The first time I met Lafferty was a few days after the Army decided they were going to charge me after all. I’d taken the metro from Walter Reed to Bethesda and walked the two blocks back to the condo. He was standing at the door, and as I reached to open it, he’d aggressively approached me, calling out questions. I’d answered repeatedly, “No comment,” and the next day my picture was spread, tabloid style, across the Daily News. The headline read “War Criminal Living in Lap of Luxury?”
That was only the first of many articles smearing both Carrie and me. Lafferty had made a career of trying to destroy our lives.
“Leave me the hell alone,” Carrie said, her face showing rage. Dylan stood up, concern on his face.
“Carrie,” Lafferty said, “Can you comment on the accident? Did you know the other driver?”
“I’m not commenting on anything. Get out of here now.”
Lafferty wasn’t intimidated. “Come on, Carrie. We’re going to run the story anyway. Tell us your side. Were you surprised to find out the other driver was also in the Army?”
“What?” Carrie said, her face betraying shock. “Leave me alone! You have no right to be in here!”
Dylan’s face was red, and he approached the reporter rapidly. From the other side, Sarah was approaching, anger on her face.
Dylan said, “You heard the lady. Get out of here now.”
A nurse saw the commotion and a look of concern crossed her face. She said, “Excuse me, sir. Are you here to visit an immediate family member?”
“Carrie, an Army source is saying the other driver is connected to the investigation somehow. Tell me what you know, and you can finally get your side of the story out.”
Horror mixed with shock flashed across her face. She covered her ears and yelled, “Get out!”
At Carrie’s shout, Dylan exploded into violence, running forward and grabbing Lafferty by the collar. He slammed him into the wall with a loud thud, and said, “Get the hell out of here, now!” .

Check out the rest of the Tour for reviews and more extracts!

What's your favourite book of the Thompson Sisters series?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Thursday 23 May 2013

Cover Reveal: Off The Record by Sawyer Bennett


The sparks of dislike burn hot, but the sparks of mutual attraction burn even hotter.
Ever Montgomery suffered the ultimate betrayal by the one man who she should have been able to count on for anything. It has left her hurt, jaded and incapable of forming relationships, but it also means that she can spot a liar a mile away. These traits are earning her a reputation as a reporter with a keen nose for a good story and a complete understanding of the extreme power of the written word.
Lincoln Caldwell, is the hot goalie for the New York Rangers. At twenty-four and a rising star, he works hard and he plays even harder. He’s gorgeous and carefree—the ultimate charmer. Ladies fall at his feet and the single life has never been lived the way Linc Caldwell does it.
When Ever publishes an article about Linc containing information that she received off the record, she finds herself on the receiving end of the athlete's fury. Rather than basking in the glory of exposing Linc as a shameless user of women, she finds herself at his mercy when he demands and receives retribution. Required by her editor to trail Linc for six weeks, Ever is forced to look at the real Linc Caldwell.
And she just might find that she has misjudged him.


I loved Off Sides and Off Limits so I'm really looking forward to Lincoln's story.
How hot is the cover model? Sawyer Bennett was lucky enough to interview him which you can read here!

Off the Record should be available on 11th June!
Are you excited for Lincoln's story?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxx

Saturday 18 May 2013

Blog Tour: Stripped by Brooklyn Skye.


College freshman Quinn Montgomery will do anything to avoid the mistake her sister made—killing herself over a boy. But when she is forced into nude modelling at a local college to support her family after a bankruptcy, she begins to crack, just enough to let Torrin, the university’s top varsity oarsman, see that the real Quinn is not as feisty and unapproachable as she wants everyone to think. But letting someone in comes at a steep cost and, it turns out, Torrin is connected to Quinn’s family in more ways than she could ever imagine.
First Impressions!
I instantly liked Quinn! Hunter made nude modelling sound so matter of fact and boring- almost had me convince it wasn't a big deal!

What I loved:
Quinn- I really felt for Quinn! Her normal life was shattered twice in such a short amount of time that she struggled to rebuild it. I admired how determined she was to stay at college even going as far as nude modelling and sticking to it. The role reversal with Quinn being the mysterious one and Torrin pursuing her despite he initial indifference was different and interesting to read. I loved reading her reactions to all the reveals and to Torrin as her reactions were never what I expected!
Torrin- Torrin had such a great personality and persistent to him that he was so easy to read and believe in. I liked how he didn't let Quinn walk over him and how he was  prepared to stand up for himself. I loved how his backstory slowly went from boring to interesting and how it all made perfect sense. I could gush over Torrin for ages, I really loved this character!
Side Plot- I loved how character driven this book was! It was so layered and almost every character added a new angle and secret to the plot. It kept me guessing and intrigued the whole way through. I loved Zoe and Quinn's relationship and how it was so fundamental to Quinn's self belief. I liked finding out more and more about Zoe as Quinn did especially the unexpected secrets. Quinn's family had more than a few secrets or misunderstandings surrounding their bankruptcy. I suspected Torrin's family's had hidden secrets as well but I couldn't have guessed the layers to their secrets! I loved how all the secrets connected together in the end and gave you a clear view of both their pasts and their possible future!

What I didn't love as much:
Derek- I found Derek such a creepy character! I kept waiting for him to attack Quinn or something. I did feel sorry for him but he obviously didn't get Quinn!
I loved all the side plots and I adored Quinn and Torrin!

I can't wait to read more from Brooklyn Skye!
Much love!
Lettie
Xxx

Thursday 16 May 2013

Blog Tour: Off Limits by Sawyer Bennett.


Two years ago, Emily Burnham, had an epiphany about the shallowness of her life. And she made it her mission to become a different person…a better woman. Out from under the controlling thumb of her mother, Emily is tasting the real world for the first time. And she likes it.
Nixon Caldwell has served his time in the Marine Corps, surviving two brutal tours in Afghanistan. He is back home, surrounded by what he likes best…isolation. It's certainly the best way to avoid confrontation of the consuming guilt that is weighing him down.
When an accident brings Emily and Nix together, he soon learns he is not the master of his own fate. Struggling with his own pain, Nix tries to guard himself against Emily’s charms. He wants her in his bed, but he doesn’t want her in his heart. 
Having grabbed life by the horns, Emily wants it all. But is she willing to accept just the small part of himself that Nix is offering? Can she reach the part of his soul that he has deemed to be Off Limits?

First Impressions!
I wasn't sure about Emily after reading Off Sides so I was pleasantly surprised with her new outlook!

What I loved:
Nix-I loved how his character grew and evolved during the course of the story. His backstory was well thought out, clever and informative. It was realistic and as the whole story emerged it really explained Nix's actions. I loved how he was with Emily, how drawn to her. Without spoiling too many of Nix's secrets I liked how he had the capacity to deal with his own issues even if he took awhile to recognise the issues! I also liked how he was with Harley who was such a friendly and clever dog!
Emily- I went from disliking Emily to loving her in Off Limits. I loved how she had changed from a selfish girl to a sweet independent woman who tried to help people and stood up for herself. sweet girl!
Family- Family seemed to be very important in this book which I loved! I liked how different their families were in terms of structure. Nix understandably had a male orientated family who all worked hard and stuck together. I liked how Emily's family was changing and evolving realistically as different members started to stick up for themselves or make themselves heard. I even started to feel an affinity with Emily's mother despite her rude and arrogant ways she did think she was doing what was best and I liked that in the end she had the capacity to try and adjust. I loved seeing more of Danny and Ryan especially how close Emily had grown to them.
Epilogue- I always love epilogues! I liked that Off Limits gave closure to Danny and Ryan's story and to an extent the Burnham family. I loved the way it hinted subtely at the next book in the series and gave hope to Nix and Emily. 

What I didn't love as much:
....- I didn't really dislike anything! I didn't like Todd but even he had his reasons!
I loved the characters and their development, the relationships and I could not put it down!

Are you loving the Off Series too?
Much love!
Lettie
Xxx

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop!

Featuring Lighthearted/Contemporary Young Adult Romance
& Sweet, Clean Adult Romance
16th May to 22nd May.
Giveaway time!
I thought I'd give the winner £5 to spend on Amazon! Or whatever £5 is where you are!

Here's a Few Suggestions of what you could buy!
Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
A recent read, perfect for this time of year!
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
All the little road trip details and build up really make a great book!
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.
A retro sweet contemporary set in the 1980s!

Enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the rest of the Giveaways!

Good Luck!
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxx

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Blog Tour: Friends and Lovers Trilogy by Bethany Lopez.

 
Make it Last:
In a small town, it's hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart. That's just what Briana has to do after Colin leaves her to follow his dreams. She focuses her energy into her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when she finally feels like she's on the right path, he comes back to town.
Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever, and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the side-lines, he's forced to return home. Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories, and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn't take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.
I Choose You:
Up until now, Nicole's life has been mapped out for her. She'd go to college, marry Jake and become the upstanding minister's wife. When she leaves that life to begin again in a small town in Texas, she finally has the freedom to live as she chooses. There, she meets Kent, a guy whose charm and passion make it hard to stick to her morals.
Dodging his father’s fists and protecting his twin sister made Kent into the man he is today. He learned by watching his mother stay by his father’s side that it’s better to keep relationships simple. Then he meets Nicole. Her sweet smile and genuine response to him land like punches to his resolve. After a lifetime of learning to protect his heart, can he finally let down his guard?
Trust in Me:
Roni’s dreams of becoming a contemporary dancer were smashed under the brutal rage of her ex-husband's fists. Getting divorced and starting over at the age of twenty-two was never her plan, but maybe in Texas, she'll find her path. When the town's local player, Rich, opens a Rec Centre, she sees a way to rekindle her dancing dreams...and maybe have a little fun with her sexy new boss.
Rich never expected to fulfil his dreams in the town he planned to leave behind, but that's just what he's doing. His reputation as a noncommittal ladies' man might make it challenging to earn respect in the business world, but he's willing to prove that he's serious. In fact, when it comes to pursuing Roni, he's more than willing. But she's taking a page out of his book, not wanting to risk another relationship. Can he convince her that his playboy days are over and that she can trust him with her heart?

I love Bethany's Friends and Lovers series! I've already reviewed Make It Last and I Choose You which I enjoyed but Trust in Me was my favourite!
 
Why?
Rich! I think Rich was the main reason I loved Trust in Me so much! I loved Rich in Make it Last so I couldn't wait for him to take a more main role! His recreation centre was such a clever and giving idea- I loved how devoted he was to the idea and how seriously he took all aspects of setting it up. The way he was with Roni was so sweet despite his so called reputation.
I also liked the deeper plot line regarding Roni's past. After I Choose You I knew there was more to Kent and Roni's background so I was both intrigued and disgusted to read the full extent of their awful parents and Roni's ex husband. I loved how connected Kent and Roni were and how Nicole fit in with their little family.
I loved Alex and Jason- I was hoping they would get their own story! There was definitely more than met the eye with them!
The only negative, as usual, was I wanted more closure on Roni and Rich!
 
Epilogues!
I mentioned in all of my Friends and Lovers' reviews that I felt they were too short so I was so glad all the books got bonus endings!
Make It Last:
I loved that Brianna and Colin are really growing in to their new lives together although I was a little disappointed that their extra scenes weren't in their new home!
I Choose You:
Kent and Nicole were definitely the sweetest couple of the three and their extra scenes were exactly what I expected. I loved that it tied up some important threads from their book and paved the way forward for them as a couple.
Trust in Me:
Rich and Roni's story had a more muted ending so I was eager to see how they were progressing. I liked how their scenes included flashbacks to important moments that happened after the end of the book. I loved that their scenes really gave them hope and a definite future together!
 
I'm sad that Friends and Lovers is over but I'm looking forward to more from Bethany Lopez!
Which couple is your favourite?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Friday 10 May 2013

Blog Tour: Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

 
For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she’ll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams.
Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn’t. 
When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-coloured tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer.
But it’s the things Cricket hadn’t counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality.
A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue.
Why?
Nantucket Blue was on my 2013 radar for ages so when I caught wind of this blog tour I was so excited!

First Impressions!
The first chapter brilliantly set up the cast of characters and Cricket's world view through a game of lacrosse. It felt unique and I was instantly drawn in.

What I loved:
Cricket- I loved Cricket! I really felt for her with her divorced parents and the ending of her surrogate family. I loved how she grew so much during one summer. She started out as a girl who had dealing with her parent's divorce by immersing herself in her best friend's family and believed heavily in her ideals of people, but she ended as a girl secure in her own worth, independent and self sufficient.
Diary feel- The whole book felt like Cricket's personal diary with all her thoughts and feelings laid bare. This increased with the addition of her mum's actual diary entries that popped up. It made Cricket's emotions and issues much more real and authentic.
Side Cast- I loved the side cast. Jules, I felt for her but she was at times unfairly harsh to Cricket especially with Jay. I loved Zack he really owned who he was and showed Cricket true friendship despite his own situation. I loved how brash Liz was and how she was so friendly towards Cricket. George, I liked how his project really connected Cricket to the Nantucket and opened up a surprising plot line. The whole Nantucket community had such a feel of community and all the different personalities even the horrible ones added to the feel of the book.
Twists- I loved all the little twists and turns! I guessed a few and a few shocked me! They all really added to the plot, the flow of the story and kept me guessing
Setting- The setting was what initially drew me in and I really enjoyed it! It was removed from Cricket's comfort zone forcing her to adapt to the situation. I loved the small community feel and the isolation.
Timeframe- I loved how summer framed the book from beginning to end. Summer is always a magical time and this book explores that time through so many different avenues. I liked that the book ended at the end of summer, even though I do want to read more I think it was the best ending point for such a summery read.


What I didn't love as much:
Resolution- The book did end at the end of summer which was appropriate but I wanted more resolution! Especially between Cricket and her Dad and with Jules!
Cricket's Dad- I was appalled by her father's lack of enthusiasm in his own daughter! He'd divorced his wife not his children. He put more thought, effort and expense into his new wife's son's 6th birthday than his own daughter's 18th and was surprised that she was upset! Cricket's mum may have been abit vacant but she clearly adored her daughter the same could not be said for her Dad!

 

I really enjoyed this book and I know I'll be dipping in and out of it for ages it was the perfect combination of light sweet beach read and serious contemporary!
 
Will you be giving Nantucket Blue a try?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx


Tuesday 7 May 2013

Blog Tour: Lost and Found by Nicole Williams.

Follow the rest of the tour here.
There’s complicated. And there’s Rowen Sterling.
After numbing pain for the past five years with boys, alcohol, and all-around apathy, she finds herself on a Greyhound bus to nowhere Montana the summer after she graduates high school. Her mom agreed to front the bill to Rowen’s dream art school only if Rowen proves she can work hard and stay out of trouble at Willow Springs Ranch. Cooking breakfast at the crack of dawn for a couple dozen ranch hands and mucking out horse stalls are the last things in the world Rowen wants to spend her summer doing.
Until Jesse Walker saunters into her life wearing a pair of painted-on jeans, a cowboy hat, and a grin that makes something in her chest she’d thought was frozen go boom-boom. Jesse’s like no one else, and certainly nothing like her. He’s the bright and shiny to her dark and jaded.
Rowen knows there’s no happily-ever-after for the golden boy and the rebel girl—happily-right-now is a stretch—so she tries to forget and ignore the boy who makes her feel things she’s not sure she’s ready to feel. But the more she pushes him away, the closer he seems to get. The more she convinces herself she doesn’t care, the harder she falls.
When her dark secrets refuse to stay locked behind the walls she’s kept up for years, Rowen realizes it’s not just everyone else she needs to be honest with. It’s herself.

Why?
I love Clash and Crash so I was looking forward to reading one of Nicole's stand alones!

First Impressions!
Rowen was not what I expected much more self-loathing and hesitant. Willow Springs Ranch was also not want I was expecting. I was thinking reform harsh ranch and Willow Springs was everything but! I could not put this book down!

What I loved:
Rowen- Rowen was such a conflicted character who really evolved during her time at Willow Springs. I liked how beneath it all she was simply just a misunderstood girl who had made a few bad decisions and been unlucky in the parent lottery. I loved how she slowly learnt that she needed to be honest with herself and that she deserved love and trust.  The gradual shift in her outlook in response to the kindness of the Walker family and Josie was realistic and exactly what Rowen needed.
Walker Family- I loved this family! The whole family were so welcoming and accepting from the start! Jesse, wow! Jesse was literally perfection, from his tight jeans, to his way with words to how perceptive he was to his surprise past! Rose was so maternal and loving towards Rowen straight away, I knew I'd love her! I liked how tactfully she approached Rowen's fashion choices, making it clear that she loved her style  and giving her the option of sticking with her clothes or changing for work hours. I did not get how she was ever friends with Rowen's mother but I loved how she adopted Rowen and really nurtured her over the summer. Lily was obviously excited for Rowen's arrival and I loved how that didn't really diminish when Rowen wasn't exactly what she expected! Rowen and Lily bonded so well, I loved how Lily brought out a sisterly side to Rowen with the makeovers and advice. I would love to read more about Lily! I also adored Hyacinth, Clementine and Nell who were all just as warm, welcoming and non-judgemental as the others!
Setting-  I loved the difference between Rowen's home of Portland and Willow Springs. It took her so far out of her comfort zone! I liked how 'small town' it was and how remote it felt.
Plot- I liked how the characters really drove the book forward. I loved all the situations Jesse and Rowen got in to and their subsequent interactions. I really enjoyed all the hidden plot points like Garth Black, Jesse's past and Rowen's mother. They all surprised me in their own way and moved the plot on well

What I didn't love as much:
Rowen's mum- I did not understand this character at all! She could not care less about Rowen's feelings and treated her so awfully I'm surprised she cared enough to send her away. I have no idea what made her friends with Rose who how on earth the friendship lasted so long! Awful woman!

I loved the setting and the characters. I just enjoyed pretty much everything in the whole of the book!

Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you a Nicole Williams fan?
Can you recommend any other ranch setting books?
Much love!
Lettie
Xxx