With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevado | Review

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevado
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: May 7, 2019
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 388
Source: Purchased
Find on Goodreads

Goodreads Description

Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness.

Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.

My Thoughts

PERFECTION! Okay that might not be a universal opinion, but Elizabeth Acevado has a way with words that has me living in every moment with Emoni.

The book follows 17 year-old Emoni as she going into her senior year of high school. While most kids her age are thinking about hanging out with friends and what college to go to, she struggles with pursing her dreams of becoming a chef and making sure her 2 year-old daughter wants for nothing. 

This was a refreshing take on the topic of teen pregnancy. The majority of the books I’ve heard of deal with the teen finding out they’re pregnant and making a decision on what to do. With the Fire on High follows life after that decision has been made. The author did not shy away from all the stereotypes placed on teen moms from their surroundings (i.e. her peers, the baby’s father and his parents, and the public). I love how through everything Emoni had the love and support of her family, friends, and teachers.

It’s no secret that I loved this book and I will be singing its praises as much as I can from now on. I knew just from The Poet X but now I can confirm that Elizabeth Acevado is one of my favorite authors and I will be reading everything she puts into the world.

Ruthless King by Maya Hughes | Release Blitz

Title: Ruthless King

Author: Maya Hughes

Genre: New Adult Romance

Cover Design: Najla Qamber, Qamber Designs

Release Date: January 10, 2019

BLURB

My d*ck never got me in half as much trouble as my heart...

We were high school sweethearts. I was head over heels for her and no one could tell me we weren’t going to last forever. College? Going pro? My family’s money? None of it mattered. She was all I needed.

Then she ripped my heart out. But I’m not going to let that happen again.

She’s back. Invading my life and acting like she was the wronged one. The pain is still there, but I can’t keep my eyes off her. I can’t stop thinking about her and how much was left unsaid between us. Being this close is making me question everything I thought I knew about her.

This time everything will be on my terms. Everything…

GRAB YOUR COPY AT THE SPECIAL RELEASE PRICE OR READ IT FREE IN KU!

ADD TO GOODREADS

Author Bio

Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! :-) I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe and traveling with my family.

FREE WITH YOUR KINDLE UNLIMITED SUBSCRIPTION!

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MBZ1XNV

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MBZ1XNV

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07MBZ1XNV

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MBZ1XNV

Author Links

INSTAGRAM

BOOKBUB

GOODREADS

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jock Rule by Sara Ney | ARC Review

Jock Rule (Jock Hard #2) by Sara Ney
Publisher: Three Legacies, LLC
Publication Date: December 6, 2018
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 214
Source: eARC from InkSlinger PR
Find on Goodreads

Goodreads Description

Kip Carmichael is no pretty boy.

He's a rough. Dirty. Giant. Hair so unruly, and a beard so thick, his friends on the team call him Sasquatch.

The first time Sasquatch lays eyes on Theodora "Teddy" Johnson across the keg at a party one night on Jock Row, she'd been relegated to the sidelines by her jock hungry "friends."

Week-after-week, he watches beautiful but bashful Teddy getting overshadowed, and overlooked. Sasquatch finally broad shoulders his way through the crowd, offering to to be her hairy godmother. But the minute their eyes meet? He's a goner.

Teaching her the RULES for winning a jock will be the easy part. Not falling in love with her is going to be a losing game.

My Thoughts

I wouldn't even know how to begin to explain my level of excitement when I found out I was approved for a review copy of this book. When the first book in the companion series, Jock Row, came out earlier this year I picked it up and finished the book in 2 days. Since I'm a pretty slow reader that's a big deal for me. Jock Row is one of my favorite romances of the year, especially when it comes to new adult romances. Similar to the previous book, Jock Rule follows two characters that meet randomly at a party and their unexpected romance afterwards.

Sara Ney has a way of writing protagonists that I almost immediately feel attached to. Teddy and Kip had some similarities to the characters from the other book but they didn't feel like they were the same people in a different setting. I loved the connection between the two and how their time together throughout the novel progressed. There were moments where I was shocked by the escalation of the physical connection but it never felt like things between Teddy and Kip were rushed.

Another unexpected factor of joy in this story was Kip's family, mainly his sister. When she first appeared I wasn't expecting her to have such a prominent role. However, Kip has consistent communication with his sister throughout the entire novel. I really loved it because they had such a strong sibling relationship and she brought a lot of humor whenever she appeared.

Jock Rule was another book by Sara Ney that I had a lot of fun with while reading. I wish we had a little more time with Teddy and Kip before their story ended but overall I really enjoyed it. I am definitely looking forward to whatever else this author releases in this series!

Jock Rule (Jock Hard #2) by Sara Ney | Cover Reveal

     

     

Kip Carmichael is no pretty boy.

He's a rough. Dirty. Giant. Hair so unruly, and a beard so thick, his friends on the team call him Sasquatch.

The first time Sasquatch lays eyes on Theodora "Teddy" Johnson across the keg at a party one night on Jock Row, she'd been relegated to the sidelines by her jock hungry "friends."

Week-after-week, he watches beautiful but bashful Teddy getting overshadowed, and overlooked. Sasquatch finally broad shoulders his way through the crowd, offering to to be her hairy godmother. But the minute their eyes meet? He's a goner.

Teaching her the RULES for winning a jock will be the easy part. Not falling in love with her is going to be a losing game.

 

ADD TO GOODREADS

FOR A KINDLE LIVE ALERT SIGN-UP HERE

         

   

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte's, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. She lives with her husband, children, and her ridiculously large dog. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter | Website    

Love, Sincerely, Yours by Sara Ney and Meghan Quinn | Review

Love, Sincerely, Yours by Sara Ney and Meghan Quinn
Publisher: Self Published
Publication Date: October 9, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 273
Source: eARC from Ink Slinger PR
Find on Goodreads

Goodreads Description

Dear Mister...**strike out** no, too formal.
Hey there sweet cheeks *strike out* no, too forward.

To whom it may concern,
Full disclosure; before we move forward with this email, I would like it to be known that I have consumed an adequate amount of alcoholic beverages to intoxicate myself tonight. Three margaritas, two shots, and one beer—because it was free.
I think it’s important to be open and honest with your co-workers, don’t you?
So here I am, being honest. Drunk but honest. Or just drunk with lust? You decide.
I like you so much it’s clouding my judgment and making me do things I never would sober. Like write this letter.
I have a hopeless, foolish, schoolgirl crush on you when you are the last person on earth I should be falling for. Did you know people around the office call you a sadist? An egomaniac. An insensitive, arrogant prick. Your bark is worse then your bite, and you don’t scare me. The fact is, I’d love that bite of yours to nip at my bare skin while we’re both wearing nothing but sheets.
For once I want you to look at me as more than one of your employees. 
And as long as we're being honest, that navy blue suit you wear? With the crisp white shirt? It really makes me want to loosen your tie and show you who’s boss. 
Love,
Sincerely,
Yours.

My Thoughts

When I first saw this book I knew I had to pick it up! Office romances can be hit or miss for me but Love, Sincerely, Yours sounded promising. In this book we are following Peyton who works running the social media for Roam, Inc. Pretty early on she reveals she has a secret crush on her boss and CEO of the company, Rome Blackburn. When she goes out with a few friends she ends up sending Rome an anonymous email with details on how she feels about him.

Oh man!! I was not expecting the slow burn but it was so good! I realized it was going to take about halfway through the book for Rome to realize it was Peyton emailing him and I was worried the romance would feel rushed from that point on. That was not the case. The waiting made that moment right after he found out really intense. Also, it was even better because Rome started noticing Peyton outside of the emails. At this point they had a closer connection than just physical attraction. Although they had this connection and Rome was finally fully aware, they didn't automatically jump into a relationship which I really appreciate.

The pacing of this entire story was amazing! It never felt like anything that happened between Peyton and Rome was happening too fast or slow. I absolutely loved the two characters and the effect they had on each other when they were together. On a bit of a side not the, I was disappointed that one of the subplots wasn't fully developed. Since Rome thinking Peyton betrayed him was a major part of their relationship, I wanted to know who the mole in the company was and if what happened with Peyton was a set up. I had my suspicions but I would have loved a definite answer.

Before starting this book I had already read a couple books by Sara Ney and enjoyed her writing. However, I've never read anything by Meghan Quinn so I wasn't sure what to expect from the two of them. The two authors writing together was magical and I never wanted to put the book down. With the way this book ended I'm guessing these two are planning to collaborate for at least one more book and I can't wait! Love, Sincerely, Yours is on of my new favorites this year and I highly recommend for anyone wants some romance in their life!

Cold Spell by Mia London and Susan Sheehey | Review

Cold Spell (Sweet Escapes #3) by Mia London and Susan Sheehey
Publisher: Amepphire Press
Publication Date: October 3, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 147
Source: eARC from InkSlinger PR
Find on Goodreads

Goodreads Description

She can't stand him. He thinks she's never more adorable than when she's angry at him. 

Liddy Drake would rather gamble on double black diamond runs than take a chance on love. Escaping dreary San Francisco for a Colorado mountain resort with her besties is just what the doctor ordered. But an injury on the first day lands her in the lap of a loud-mouthed ski instructor who knows exactly how to get under her skin. She doesn't have time to waste on a playboy with a too-easy laugh and gorgeous blue eyes.

Luke Sawyer left New York ten years ago for the ski runs of Colorado, concealing his identity as a Rothchild heir. He'd seen money change too many people, never for good. Scrappy, sassy, and oh-so-sexy Liddy doesn't fall for the mask of his over-the-top charm. He accepts the challenge to show her his true self.

Their chemistry is enough to melt snow-capped mountains, until she finds out the truth. There's no way her humble background could compete with America's royalty. How can he melt the ice around her heart and convince her that Mr. Wrong is actually Mr. Right, who loves her just the way she is?

My Thoughts

Cold Spell is the third and final book in the Sweet Escapes series. As soon as I realized Hot Spell would be following Jordan I was curious to see how Liddy's love story would play out. At the start of this book Liddy had a pretty tough year after going through a break up and getting drugged on their last vacation. This time around the three friends decide to go to a ski resort right before Thanksgiving. Due to an unexpected injury Liddy has to sit out most of the trip and as a result spends a lot of time with Luke.

I was on the fence about Luke for a while. When he was mentioned I had a feeling he would be the love interest. He seemed a bit obnoxious but not in a terrible way. There was a scene pretty early on where Luke accidentally sees Liddy naked. The scene and Luke's actions in them didn't feel right considering the two main characters didn't know each other. While the situation was funny, Luke's actions were inappropriate. I appreciate that Luke immediately called himself out and thought what he did was wrong, however he never apologized to Liddy or at least talked to her about how he crossed a line. After that scene Luke started to grow on me and I felt like he would be a good match for Liddy.  They had amazing chemistry and in between their intimate moments they talked!

I have mentioned this in reviews of the previous two books but I absolutely love the friendship between Sam, Jordan, and Liddy. They are always supportive of each other but always call one another out when one isn't thinking clearly. I was sad we didn't get to see them together as much in Cold Spell but I still love them. I was also a little disappointed we didn't get a Sam and Chase wedding. Overall I think this was a satisfying conclusion. If you want to read about an amazing friend group, stunning vacations, and swoon worthy men make sure to check out the Sweet Escapes series.

Blood Highway by Gina Wohlsdorf | Review

Blood Highway by Gina Wohlsdorf
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 320
Source: eARC from Publisher
Find on Goodreads

Goodreads Description

A gripping, surprising, and sexy thriller with a big, pounding heart, Blood Highway takes a seventeen-year-old girl on a brutal journey into adulthood on a road trip that threatens to kill her before she reaches the end.

Rainy Cain, a tough, troubled high school senior, desperately wants to escape the confines of her life in Minneapolis. When her increasingly unstable mother suddenly commits suicide, Rainy thinks she has found her chance. Instead, her father, Sam—who she had always believed died before she was born—escapes from prison and abducts her, taking her on a cross-country trek in pursuit of millions of dollars that he believes her mother had kept from a botched robbery years earlier. On their heels the whole way is a young Minneapolis detective intent on bringing Rainy safely home. It is an odyssey that will test Rainy’s considerable instincts about sanity and madness, and keep readers turning pages till the twisty end.

My Thoughts

ARC provided by Algonquin Books for honest review.

Typically I don't read a lot of thrillers so I never know what to expect when I start one. I was really intrigued after reading the synopsis and was excited to see how the story would play out. Unfortunately, Blood Highway had a bad case of giving away too much of the plot in the description. If so much of the story hadn't been revealed before I even started reading it could've had a stronger impact.

It took me a while to get into this story. The beginning was really confusing and I'm still not completely sure I understood what was going on. We are following 17 year old Rainy as she does her best to deal with the crappy life she's been dealt. It's not clearly stated but it's hinted that her mother might have some type of mental illness. It has gotten so bad it's like Rainey doesn't exist to her mother. She's forced to lie and steal to take care of herself.

I'm not sure if Rainy, or any of the other characters that appeared were meant to be likable. Each were well rounded but they had so many flaws it was hard to feel connected to any of them. I didn't exactly like Rainy but I admired her tenacity, especially when it came to her survival. Throughout the story Rainy made some bad decisions but every step of the way I hoped she would succeed. Also, I wasn't sure how I was supposed to feel about Blaine but I quickly grew to like him. I've never felt so conflicted about a set of character but I was happy Rainy and Blaine were able to be there for each other.

Blood Highway was such a dark, twisted story. It took me a while to wrap my head around some of the things that happened. Some of what happened still makes me feel wrong and violated. There was so much build up throughout the majority of the story and I didn't like the way it ended so suddenly. It left me feeling really unsatisfied with the ending. This was an intriguing and sometimes unsettling story but there was too much that felt missing for me to enjoy it more.

Trigger warnings for abduction, extreme violence, drug use, suicide, child neglect.