Review: Montauk by Nicola Harrison

This book was on my radar ages ago! As I have mentioned a bunch of times before, I love debut novels and discovering new up and coming authors. This book stood out for me, not just because it was a debut, but also because it had a unique title.

I put this one on my calendar and was excited as the date to start reading it got closer and closer. I also loved the new over design. The original cover art really said ‘chick lit’ or ‘women’s fiction’ to me, but with this new redesign it says more historical fiction.

I love the simple grays of the background and then the stand out teal dress on the woman. It really was a beautiful cover redesign and much more visually eye catching than the original. As I cracked this one open, I was hoping to rad something new and exciting just as summer got underway. Continue reading “Review: Montauk by Nicola Harrison”

Review: The Friends We Keep by Jane Green

This is a book that I might have passed on if it hadn’t been for the thoughtful card from the author included in my pitch request.

I have been reading a ton of women’s fiction lately and while so many of them are good, there are some that are just ok. And as I have been reading so many lately, I am trying to be a little more selective.

This book arrived with the coolest welcome package ever, a makeup bag full of chocolates (and not the cheap kind either!), a fun bracelet, the book (dah!), and a hand written note for Jane Green herself!

I appreciate little things like that and the effort that authors or publishers go to to make a personal connection with their readers. And it wasn’t just a ‘hey thanks for reading this book’ generic note, it was a personalized note made out to me with thoughtful words of thanks.

So hell yes I will read this book. If an author and publisher took the time to think of me to read their book, I am going to do whatever I can to fit that book into my schedule for reviews. Continue reading “Review: The Friends We Keep by Jane Green”

Special Feature/Excerpt: THE SUMMER OF SUNSHINE AND MARGOT by Susan Mallery

Summer reading is in full swing and can I just say that I have been loving so many of the beach reads that I have had up for review lately?!

I am so excited to share this lovely new release just in time for summer from New York Times best selling author, Susan Mallery! I even have an excerpt to share as well so be sure to keep reading to get a little sneak peak before its release on June 11th.

Summery

The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny…

As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in?

Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss.

Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year!

Continue reading “Special Feature/Excerpt: THE SUMMER OF SUNSHINE AND MARGOT by Susan Mallery”

Special Feature: Excess Baggage by Laura Barnard

Audio book lovers!  Excess Baggage, the second chance romantic comedy from Amazon best selling author Laura Barnard, is now available on Audible and soon to be iTunes!  

Synopsis

Stuck in a dead-end relationship, Erica Bennett finds herself daydreaming of her first holiday romance. She was fifteen, it was exciting, new and full of possibilities…and Jack Lawson was hot as hell. That kind of thing leaves a mark.

So when her friends suggest a girls holiday to Luna Island, it’s exactly what she needs to take her mind off things. What she doesn’t expect is to spot Jack – a much older, hotter version of him – across the hotel lobby.

Their attraction is still there and it isn’t long before sparks fly, but fifteen years is a long time. They aren’t the same people they were back then and besides, it’s only a week, right?

Is it a second chance at something real or will their excess baggage ruin their shot at love after they leave Luna Island?

REVIEW: Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors (The Rajes #1) by Sonali Dev

This is an author that I have been really really looking forward to reading. She’s written a number of ‘Bollywood’ books and while I am not Indian, I think their culture is exotic, colorful, and interesting.

This book is the first installment in a new series about the Rajes family and I was thrilled that I got to read this one, especially since there is a Pride and Prejudice element to the story. I would definitely put this book in the retelling category, but it was so much more than just another P & P retelling.

With it’s cultural aspect, this book adds a lot of uniqueness and color to a timeless tale while continuing to maintain the integrity of the classic romance. Also this book has a food element so foodies everywhere rejoice and be prepared to crave curry or unique dishes after this book! Continue reading “REVIEW: Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors (The Rajes #1) by Sonali Dev”