Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase | ARC Review

Holiday Spice (The Shaughnessy Brothers #6) by Samantha Chase

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publication Date: October 3, 2017

Pages: 384

Source: eARC from InkSlinger PR

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Goodreads Description

Darcy Shaughnessy has gotten used to her overbearing brothers chasing away any man she wants to date. But a chance meeting with a brooding -- and deliciously handsome -- artist is about to make this holiday season one to remember.

There's only one thing Benjamin Tanner loves more than his woodcarving: solitude. Then he gets snowed in with Darcy in his cozy cabin in the woods, and their heated feelings begin to melt the icy barrier between them.

With Ben's need for privacy and Darcy's love of family and social life, will opposites still attract once the snow clears and the holiday festivities come to an end?

My Thoughts

Darcy Shaughnessy has grown up with her five older brothers and dad. Her mom died when she was a baby so they were all she knew growing up. Flash forward, Darcy is now 25 and she is trying to figure where she's supposed to be in life. As a favor for one of sister-in-law, Darcy ends up in Washington state and gets snowed in with Ben, the guys she went to work with. The story basically takes off from there.

With Holiday Spice being the 6th book in what I believe is a companion series, I feel like I missed out on some things coming into it during this story line. Darcy and her family love each other and it is clear how close they are whenever they are mentioned. However, I didn't have the time to personally connect with them. There was a lot of references that were made and they went completely over my head. I also found it hard to keep up with the brothers and who each of them was married to. That being said, I would like to go back to the beginning and learn about each of the members of the family and see more of the family dynamics between all of them. 

It was interesting learning about Darcy and Ben. The two of them are so different but they also have a lot of similarities. As can be expected this sometimes causes issues between them. Both Darcy and Ben have become so set in their ways but when they meet they challenge each other to face their fears. There was some miscommunications on both ends but there was always an undeniable attraction between them. Their relationship is not perfect but that's what I enjoy so much. It's only October but Holiday Spice has already gotten me into the Christmas spirit. Make sure to add this one to your holiday reading list.

Mine for the Week by Erika Kelly | ARC Review

Mine for the Week (Wild Love #2) by Erika Kelly
Publisher: EK Publishing
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 330
Source: eARC from InkSlinger PR
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Goodreads Description

From the award-winning author of MINE FOR NOW comes the next sizzling story in her Wild Love series, about a chance meeting that changes the course of two people’s lives.

As the top collegiate shortstop in the country, Ryan O’Donnell’s life is about discipline. But a growing restlessness causes him to bail on his baseball team over spring break to join his buddies at a singles resort. He just needs one week to escape his life, and then he’ll get back on track. But moments after arriving he meets HER, and the world as he knows it changes irrevocably. It should only be a hookup—that’s what spring break’s all about—but one taste of this sexy, vibrant woman isn’t enough. He has to have her. Even if it’s only for a week.

Sophie Valentine—yes, that Valentine—just found out her siblings want to sell off Crazy Hearts—the Peeps of the Valentine’s Day world. Upset, she takes off with her friends on their spring break vacation. She only wanted an escape—she never imagined meeting HIM. But he’s about to start a Major League Baseball career, and she’s launching a fight for her family legacy. They have no future. It’s just…she’s never felt this way for anyone before. 

Are they really going to walk away from this kind of connection…this passion?

My Thoughts

Erika Kelly is a new to me author and I honestly didn't know what to expect from Mine for the Week. This book follows Ryan O'Donnell and Sophie Valentine. The two of them come from pretty different backgrounds and run each other randomly while on vacation at a single's resort. Their unlikely meeting quickly turns into something more.

I never thought this would be something I'd say but I was happy with the use of insta-love in this story. I'm not one of those people who completely hates insta-love but it can be annoying when it's not done right. There was an instant attraction between the two main characters but in the short amount of time that they knew each other they opened up like they've never done before. Not only that, they inspired growth and change in each other and I couldn't have asked for more.

Even though the majority of the story takes place over only one week, it felt like Ryan and Sophie knew each other for so much longer. The downside to this was getting annoyed with Ryan going through the same cycle of thinking. Whenever Sophie would tell him to think about what he wanted and his happiness, Ryan would would focus on making sure everyone else was happy or he was letting them down. I know this was a big part of himself he needed to overcome but I felt like he was taking too long to get to that point.

This was such an exciting journey and I had fun following Ryan and Sophie each step of the way. Overall, I was surprised with Mine for the Week and am happy I had the chance to read it. I would love to go back and read the first book in the companion series.

The Blackbird Season by Kate Moretti | ARC Review

The Blackbird Season by Kate Moretti
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: September 26, 2017
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Pages: 352
Source: eARC from Publisher
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Goodreads Description

Known for novels featuring “great pacing and true surprises” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) and “nerve-shattering suspense” (Heather Gudenkauf, New York Time bestselling author), New York Times bestselling author Kate Moretti’s latest is the story of a scandal-torn Pennsylvania town and the aftermath of a troubled girl gone missing.

“Where did they come from? Why did they fall? The question would be asked a thousand times…

Until, of course, more important question arose, at which time everyone promptly forgot that a thousand birds fell on the town of Mount Oanoke at all.”

In a quiet Pennsylvania town, a thousand dead starlings fall onto a high school baseball field, unleashing a horrifying and unexpected chain of events that will rock the close-knit community.

Beloved baseball coach and teacher Nate Winters and his wife, Alecia, are well respected throughout town. That is, until one of the many reporters investigating the bizarre bird phenomenon catches Nate embracing a wayward student, Lucia Hamm, in front of a sleazy motel. Lucia soon buoys the scandal by claiming that she and Nate are engaged in an affair, throwing the town into an uproar…and leaving Alecia to wonder if her husband has a second life.

And when Lucia suddenly disappears, the police only to have one suspect: Nate.

Nate’s coworker and sole supporter, Bridget Harris, Lucia’s creative writing teacher, is determined to prove his innocence. She has Lucia’s class journal, and while some of the entries appear particularly damning to Nate’s case, others just don’t add up. Bridget knows the key to Nate’s exoneration and the truth of Lucia’s disappearance lie within the walls of the school and in the pages of that journal.

Told from the alternating points of view of Alecia, Nate, Lucia, and Bridget, The Blackbird Season is a haunting, psychologically nuanced suspense, filled with Kate Moretti’s signature “chillingly satisfying” (Publishers Weekly) twists and turns.

My Thoughts

The Blackbird Season is the first mystery/thriller novel I've read, or at least that I can think of. This story takes place in Mount Oanoke, a small town in Pennsylvania. It is one of those small towns where everyone pretty much grew up with each other and they basically know everything about each other's lives. So imagine living in this small town where the only exciting thing to do is gossip and suddenly one day a thousand birds fall from the sky. However, that news is quickly disregarded when Nate Winters, high school teacher and baseball coach, is accused of having an affair with one of his students.

Early on I was drawn into the story. There was already a sense of what the story was going to be about based on the synopsis that's given. When the book opens up we are following Nate after what's already been revealed in the description then goes back to a previous point, leaving the reader to speculate what lead up to him being where was in the beginning. I really enjoyed this format because as more things were revealed I was able to form my own opinions while trying to figure out what actually happened and who was involved.

As can be expected with anything I read, there are things I didn't like. My main problem was the characters! I found that I didn't like most (if not all) of the characters. Every single character that was introduced had become complacent in their life and was unhappy. Instead of doing things that could improve their lives they only did things that made themselves and their families even more miserable. I'm sure they were meant to be unlikable characters but it's hard for me to stay engaged in a story when I don't like the people I'm reading about. It didn't help that I felt parts of the story weren't really important to the story line I was most interested in.

It was interesting to see the dynamics of Mount Oanoke and how everything changed throughout the book. Everyone pretends like their life is perfect and nothing is wrong even when everyone knows so much about each other. Nate was so well loved by most people in their community and I was surprised to see how quickly people turned on him when the accusation of the affair with his student came out. I was gripped by the mystery of Lucia's disappearance and everything that occurred after that. I had guesses of who might be involved but I wasn't completely sure until it was revealed. The Blackbird Season was a pretty solid mystery/thriller and I now want to check out more.

Show Off Your Love of Reading with Bookish Decor

If you've found your way to my blog chances are you are a fellow book lover. Besides reading (of course), one of my favorite things to do is find bookish decor to show off some of my favorite books. I'm far from having my perfect library but I already know some things I want to include in it.

1. Special Edition of Your Favorite Classic/Book

• Whether it's a favorite classic or a favorite book, displaying a special edition is an easy but practical way to spice up your library/living space. One of my favorite special edition sets of classics  is the Penguin Drop Caps (pictured above). I also really like the Puffin in Bloom edition of children classics. These are only a couple of the editions that are available. If you aren't a fan of classics you can also look for special or even foreign editions of your favorite books These might not be as easy to find but they make amazing decoration as well as add to your book collection.

2. Bookish Home Items

• There are lots of other bookish themed items that can be used around the house to add your personal touch. Some of my favorites are bookish pillows that can have quotes and/or artwork inspired by your favorite book or artwork that can be posters or prints. Another thing most people don't think about is coasters. A lot of people use them and you can personalize them so they show of some of your favorites.

3. Bookish Candles

• This might not be something for everyone. I'll admit I just got into book related candles this year. The candles can represent characters, a specific location, or scenes from a number of books. Some shops even allow you to create custom candles so if you can't find what you're looking for you can have it specially made.

4. NovelTea Tin

• This is one of those things that has a really specific audience. The company makes these tins that have a twist on a vintage book cover and includes a specific tea and a few extra items. There are only a few designs/tea flavors out now but the shop is working on adding more. I don't currently own any of these but they are cute and would be perfect to add some bookish decor to your kitchen.

These are only a few ways to include my love of reading in the format of bookish decor. If you need more inspiration make sure to go visit Havenly. Their website allows you to browse real room renovations based on the type of room or style (there's a quiz if you're not sure) you are looking for. If that's not enough you can speak with an interior designer to find exactly what you want. If you have other bookish decor items you love, make sure to let me know!

Fireblood by Elly Blake | ARC Review

Fireblood (Frostblood Saga #2) by Elly Blake
Publisher: Little Brown
Publication Date: September 12, 2017
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 416
Source: ARC from the NOVL
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Goodreads Description

All hail the Fire Queen.

Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King and melted his throne of ice. But the bloodthirsty Minax that was trapped inside is now haunting her kingdom and everyone she loves. The answers to its demise may lie to the south in Sudesia, the land of the Firebloods, and a country that holds the secrets to Ruby’s powers and past…

Despite warnings from her beloved Arcus, Ruby accompanies a roguish Fireblood named Kai to Sudesia, where she must master her control of fire in a series of trials to gain the trust of the suspicious Fire Queen. Only then can she hope to access the knowledge that could defeat the rampaging Minax—which grows closer every moment. But as sparks fly in her moments alone with Kai, Ruby no longer knows whom to trust. The fates of two kingdoms are now in her hands.

My Thoughts

Before starting Fireblood I decided to reread Frostblood since I didn't remember too much of the story. I have already reviewed it but after this read I decided to drop my initial rating to 3 stars. It's not that I thought the book was bad, I just couldn't understand why I had given it 4 stars the first time I read it. With that being said, Fireblood was amazing!

Everything I felt was missing while reading Frostblood was given to me in this installment of the series. I felt connected to the main character, Ruby, almost immediately and I was invested in her story. I know this might sound a little crazy but before I felt like there was a distance between the main character and myself. So, while I was interested in the storyline I didn't really care what happened to Ruby or wasn't impacted when something bad happened to her during the first book. Everything about Ruby's character felt real and relatable which made me love her.

Going along with that, there was a lot more tension in the actual story. At least it was for me. Ruby takes so many risks throughout Fireblood and my heart was pounding each moment I was waiting to see the outcome of a decision she made. This brings me back to what I mentioned before, I was a lot more invested in Ruby's story. Also, I felt like the story wasn't as familiar as it was in the first book. A big criticism about Frostblood was that its as similar to too many other young adult fantasy novels and while I agreed I still thought the story had its own unique touch. Fireblood took that and expanded upon it, shaping the story into something I've never personally come across.

While I had some predictions I was not expecting some of the bigger plot points that were revealed. Fireblood was luckily not one of those books that was a victim to the middle book slump. Actually it improved upon the foundation that was set in the opening. Although a journey ended by the end of Fireblood I can't wait to see where these characters go and how their story will end in Nightblood, the conclusion of this trilogy.

Temporary by Sarina Bowen and Sarah Mayberry | ARC Mini Review

Temporary by Sarina Bowen and Sarah Mayberry
Publication Date: September 12, 2017
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 302
Source: eARC from Author
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Goodreads Description

The most beautiful man I've ever seen is the one who can ruin everything...

The first time I lay eyes on Callan Walker, I know he’ll be trouble. With his smug grin, hot Aussie accent and thousand dollar shoes, he’s just the kind of rich guy who always gets what he wants. 

And he wants two things: a night of sin, and my cooperation as he outmaneuvers his powerful mother to take control of his uncle’s estate.

I can’t afford either one. I’m the only thing standing between my little sister and the foster care system. He may have money and charm on his side, but I have something even more powerful -- pure desperation. This temp job at his mother’s company can become a full time job for me. It has to. 

But when Callan’s eyes rake over my body, sometimes I forget my obligations. His piercing gaze finds the fun, optimistic girl I used to be and not the tired person I’ve become.

And it works--if only for a moment. Our night together was a mistake. I can't afford to get sucked into his high-powered family’s treachery. But the closer I get to Callan, the more layers I find beneath those expensive clothes. Though I can’t forget this is temporary. He’s temporary. I have too much to lose. 

Too bad my foolish heart didn’t get the memo...

My Thoughts

Sarina Bowen and Sarah Mayberry are new-to-me authors. While I haven't read anything by either of them I have heard praise for Sarina Bowen and her books. A big problem that can come with co-authoring a book is a story seeming like two separate pieces were being forced together but that wasn't the case with this book. Temporary flowed together and was seamless. It felt like the entire book was written by one author.

This book took me by surprise. Based on the cover and synopsis I was expecting this to focus on a steamy romance and while that is part of it, that isn't the only topic this book focuses on. We get to see how the characters have been affected by not having the best home life growing up. It also shows how people deal with grief and different family dynamics.

Temporary was such a fun read. It didn't completely blow me away but it was still an amazing read. I do with this was a little longer. Callan and Grace went through quite a bit in this book but I still feel like it's only the beginning of their story. Not to mention that Temporary left off on a pretty big cliffhanger. I'm looking forward to seeing what stories these two authors come up with together in the future.

Drunk on You by Harper Sloan | ARC Review

Drunk on You (Hope Town #4) by Harper Sloan
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: September 12, 2017
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 350
Source: eARC from InkSlinger PR
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Goodreads Description

It was supposed to be fun.
A mutual use of each other's bodies.
To be a ruse to the world around us.
I wanted to be free from my ex, and he wanted to escape his.

One drunken night turned a joke into a life-changing moment.
He warned me not to fall for him, and I should've listened.

He intoxicated me.
He made me crave him.
He ruined me.
In the end, I'll never be the same.

My Thoughts

Before Drunk on You I've never read anything by Harper Sloan so going into this I had no expectations. This book follows Shane and Nicole and they are currently in similar situations. About a year ago each of them broke up with the person they were dating because they caught them cheating. Deciding to take advantage of their attraction to each other, they start a fake relationship in order to get rid of their crazy exes who will not leave them alone.

Nikki and Shane's relationship. . . . I'm not even sure where to begin. There is already an attraction between the two of them before the book even starts and they finally act on it almost from the very beginning of this book. Although their relationship is supposed to be fake it was clear to me that each of them more than they were letting on. And when they had their steamy moments, they were HOT!! Going along with this, I didn't really care for the dominant/submissive role-play that happened throughout the majority of this book. This is just a personal preference and I don't fell like their roleplaying was ever taken too far.

I thought the overall story was done really well! A big part of why I felt I enjoyed the story so much was because of the characters. Shane and Nikki go through a journey of self discovery and learn to allow themselves to be at the mercy of another person. Throughout the journey each of them goes on I felt they each stayed true to themselves while learning and growing from their experiences. Both Nikki and Shane had a lot to overcome from their past relationships and while things aren't perfect I feel like they came such a long way over the course of this book.

However, it wasn't only the two main characters I enjoyed. I found myself really liking most of the other characters that were mentioned, especially Ember and Nate. Unlike most people that will probably read Drunk on You, I have no connection to these characters. As far as I know there are currently three other books in the Hope Town series as well as another series that's connected to this one. There were a lot of name drops and they went completely over my head. I can only assume that these characters were in other books.

Overall, this was a great story. I'm definitely interested in reading the other books in the Hope Town series as well as other books by Harper Sloan. I'm so happy this author is now on my radar. Make sure you guys go check out Drunk on You and give it some love!

Harper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn't writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand. Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page