New Release Review ~ The Barefoot Summer ~ Carolyn Brown

The Barefoot Summer by Carolyn Brown
Release Date: January 3, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley
Rating: 3 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Leaving one widow behind is unfortunate. Leaving three widows behind is just plain despicable. Oil heiress Kate Steele knew her not-so-dearly departed husband was a con man, but she's shocked that Conrad racked up two more wives without divorcing her first. The only remnant of their miserable marriage she plans to keep is their lakeside cabin in Bootleg, Texas. Unfortunately, she's not the only woman with that idea.

Fiery, strong-willed Jamie wishes Conrad were still alive--so she could kill the scoundrel herself. But for their daughter's sake, she needs that property. As does Amanda--twenty-eight, pregnant, and still weeping over the loss of her true love. On a broiling July day, all three arrive in Bootleg...with a dogged detective right behind who's convinced that at least one of them conspired to commit murder. One momentous summer filled with revelations, quirky neighbors, and barefoot evenings on the porch offers three women the chance to make the journey from enemies to friends, and claim a bright, new beginning.

I've read Carolyn Brown before so when I saw her name attached to this title, I didn't hesitate to request it. The Barefoot Summer wasn't exactly what I was expecting but it was a pretty good read.

The premise is what originally drew my attention. Three women realizing they were all married to the same man? And that realization coming at his funeral?? Yeah. And then all three showing up at a cabin they'd shared with said man, ultimately deciding to share it for the summer? Well, it kinda sounded like a fun read. However, the story ended up being a bit deeper - murder investigation notwithstanding - and if the execution had been a tad tighter, it'd have been excellent. As it stands, it was pleasant.

The story overall is about these three women doing some soul searching. Do our decisions determine the direction of their lives? Karma? Fate? God? What makes a family? These are questions they ask themselves and each other as they spend the summer together. It's set in small-town Texas, where everyone knows everyone else's business - and I loved that element. The three wives Conrad left, Kate the oil heiress and determined businesswoman, Jamie the school teacher who is also mother to adorable Gracie, and Amanda the pregnant thrift store owner and youngest of the three, are all so different. And yet there are qualities they share, obviously, as they all married the same man. What they learn about themselves and each other over the course of the summer was a delight to be witness to.

My issue with the story is mostly that everything happened rather quickly and I didn't get to develop a deep connection with the characters. I liked them all well enough but the connection could have been stronger. And there was one element where my suspension of disbelief was challenged. Not sure that element was at all realistic.

At any rate, it was a sweet read. It had so much potential and could have been outstanding if only...

**Blog Tour Review ~ Here, Home, Hope ~ Kaira Rouda**

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Kaira Rouda's Here, Home, Hope. My stop includes all the details for the book, my review, and a giveaway!

***

Here, Home, Hope

by Kaira Rouda

Genre: Women's Fiction/Chick Lit

Release: May 1, 2011

Source: I received a complimentary copy, as part of the blog tour, in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 3 Bookworms

Goodreads

Synopsis

Kelly Mills Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her middling middle-American existence and her neighbors' seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding. But Kelly's own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan.

*National Indie Excellence Book Award for Chick-Lit (2011), Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Award Nominee for Mainsteam/Literary Fiction (2011), USA Best Book Awards for Fiction: Chick Lit/Women's Lit (2011)

Purchase Here, Home, Hope

Amazon ~  B&N ~ iTunes

I picked up Here, Home, Hope thinking it was a story I could identify with...one I'd really relate to. The MC, Kelly Mills, is close to my age, married with children, and at a point in her life where she's needing a change. I did connect with Kelly, to a certain degree - but not completely. As Kelly is a list-making kind of girl, I thought I'd share my feelings in a list.

• I liked the premise as of Here, Home, Hope as I think many women go through a mid-life crisis and should know it's normal and okay
• I like a story set in a small town with a large cast of characters
• I enjoyed seeing how Kelly's personality was reflected in how she discovered her passion and made the change she was seeking
• I admired that Kelly made a decision to affect change in her life and she did it
• I like that Rouda is trying to empower women through her writing - both to make changes in their lives and to know they can start their own businesses
• I adored that Kelly's husband, Patrick, always supported her

But...

• I felt the pacing was off - too fast - as everything seemed to happen so quickly
• It upset me that Kelly didn't discuss anything with Patrick until after the fact
• I didn't necessarily feel Patrick's reactions were realistic - he was never upset - and maybe he was just used to her acting in the manner but I, as a reader, wasn't
• The conflict - cancer scare, depression, anorexia, divorce, death - all resolved so quickly and easily as to make it not much of a conflict
• The quick/easy conflict resolution meant that several characters were rather one-dimensional

Overall, this was a pretty good read. It had its good points but it could have been a much richer experience. And that was disappointing to me considering the 'bones' Rouda was working with and her good intentions.

About the Author:

Kaira Rouda is an Amazon #1 bestselling, multiple award-winning author of three women's fiction novels including HERE, HOME, HOPE, ALL THE DIFFERENCE and INTHE MIRROR.

Tule Publishing Group's Southern Born imprint is publishing her new contemporaryromance series set on INDIGO ISLAND: WEEKEND WITH THE TYCOON, Book 1; LINES IN THE SAND, Book 2; and THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS, Book 3. Four more books in the series will be out in 2015.

Her nonfiction title, REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, continues to inspire women internationally.

She lives in Southern California with her husband and four almost-grown kids, and is atwork on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter, @KairaRouda, and on Facebookat Kaira Rouda Books. For more about Kaira and her books, please visit wwww.KairaRouda.com.

**#COYER Review ~ The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones ~ Ellen Harger**

The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones by Ellen Harger

Release Date: July 21, 2014

Genre: Adult Contemporary

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis

An apartment fire costs everything, including the illusion of a tolerable marriage.

Gillian is depressed, her moods shifting like earthquakes raising deep, roiling anger. Convinced her friends and family won't understand, she turns to strangers through a blog she writes as Mrs. Jones, a nondescript anyone.

Despite exposing herself on the internet, she assumes no one will notice her among millions of voices. Cathartic writing helps her to transform as she makes new friends, seeks help from a non-traditional therapist, and considers divorce.

Then Mr. Write answers. A strange man who asks questions, who peels away the layers. Gillian finds love, but life is absurdly stubborn. She must confront her husband, Evan, before she can move on.

The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones is a well-crafted, provocative, and moving novel. Told, in part, through blog posts and comments, it is a unique look at soul searching and finding a second chance at love.

Gillian is trapped. Trapped in a mediocre job. Trapped in a marriage. Trapped in the chair her depression won't let her leave. Following a fire where she and her husband lose everything, Gillian and Evan seem to have lost each other as well. After almost a year, Gillian feels it's time to make some changes. She begins seeing a therapist, accepts the offer of friendship from a coworker, asks Evan for a divorce, moves in with a roommate, and she starts an anonymous blog.

It is through all these changes that Gillian begins on the path of finding herself. Oh, she changes and had changed following the fire. But she finds the Gillian at her core - her inner self - and that's what leads her towards love.

The blog allows Gillian to express herself and explore herself in a way where there is no judgement. She finds a lot of freedom in this. Particularly when Mr. Write, whom Gillian began writing to as Mrs. Jones, answers her. Mrs. Jones and Mr. Write really converse with one another and, in turn, realize what they're missing...what they want in life.

I think there is probably a point in every marriage where one or both spouses wonder whether or not the marriage is built to last. So I could relate to Gillian's feelings. I enjoyed living through Gillian's soul searching experiences. She found friends and new hobbies. She learned things about herself - about her needs in a relationship and how to just be. I think her most important lesson was how to communicate. Through everything - but especially the connection with Mr. Write, Gillian was able to shed her old self and embrace the new Gillian. And she was able to fall in love.

I love stories of second chances. The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones is endearing and fulfilling. Ms. Harger drew me into Gillian's life and struggles. And in the end, I was happy to have been on the journey with her.

I’m a word gypsy and emotion sifter, writing about broken condoms, unhappy marriages and women’s issues at the chick-lit end of women’s fiction and women’s fiction end of chick-lit.

I believe great storytelling asks readers to confront what they've stuffed deep down. We all get blinded by emotion and stuck in ruts. In June 2005, I woke up to a wall of fire. Watching the flames eat away my life was my biggest turning point in life. 

My first novel Strong Enough released February 2013. My sophomore work, The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones, debuts this July.

Find us at: ellenharger.com. Contact me at ellen@ellenharger.com.

**Promo & Guest Post ~ Stupid By Choice ~ Leighton Summers**

About a year ago, I read and reviewed Leighton Summers' Stupid By Choice. Being from Texas, I enjoyed the story and characters quite a bit. So it's my pleasure to let y'all know that Stupid By Choice is now available in paperback. And, from July 1-5, the ebook is **FREE**.

***

Stupid By Choice 

by Leighton Summers 

Genre: Women's Fiction, Drama, Romance

Looking for an intriguing tale about learning to “love smarter”? You’ve found it with this engaging debut novel about the adventures and regrets of a Texas Oil Princess’s quest for finding love...

Go inside Melanie St. John’s world as she attempts to find lasting love amongst the handsome, wealthy, jet-set, spoiled, sought-after playboy bachelors in the elite worldwide social circles of Texas, Monte Carlo, Manhattan, Newport, Aspen, and Palm Beach. Experience all the rewards, expectations, passions, and struggles that constantly have her having to decide between being smart or stupid with her choices in love and life in order to be truly fulfilled and happy...

Though the story is fiction, it’s written by a sixth generation Texan (Leighton Summers) who was born into this unique, privileged world, giving you—the reader—an up-close, insider’s view of both it and the way love and relationships are found. Does Melanie ever find the true love she’s seeking, or will this world of wealth and excess always get in the way? Read Stupid By Choice to find out! It’s the perfect summer “weekend at the beach” read! 

Now available in both paperback and as an ebook on Amazon!

Get the ebook for FREE on Amazon July 1 – July 5, 2014

Attention Book Club Members: 
Have a themed “T.O.P. Champagne Party” (that’s short for "Texas Oil Princess Champagne Party") for your next gathering! Menu suggestions and free recipes are available on the website, www.StupidByChoice.net.

What inspired you to write Stupid By Choice?

First of all thank you so much for having me as a guest on your blog. I truly appreciate it! Your question of wanting to know what inspired me to write Stupid By Choice is a great one, for though overall it is meant to be a fun “escape” read into the lives of the “privileged wealthy,” I was also first inspired to write it because I wanted to explore some serious themes that I hoped people could learn from. 

Two of those themes are from the saying, “Don't be fooled by the fiery wild stallion of love and the silver saddle of vast wealth,” which I heard often growing up, for I was fortunate to be born into (and continue to stay living in) this upscale world the book is set in, and I see the effects money can have on people constantly. But people with means can trick you and hurt you just as much as those without it—not always, but often. So I felt it was important to show in a story how no one should be completely influenced by money, both in life and in regards to relationships. Always remember that appearances are just that, only “appearances,” and you never really know what is underneath them. It can be very enticing and alluring to belong to exclusive country clubs and attend private galas with a handsome, charming, sexy man—but keep in mind that it could all be a total façade. (Even if his family is hosting the party!) 

The main character of Melanie St. John is totally caught up in this “glamour” of both the men and the worlds in which they live when she first meets each one throughout the book; the fabulous parities, exclusive after parties, romantic get-a-ways, etc. But after one week of marriage to one of them—on her honeymoon, actually—she realizes she made a huge mistake.

Creating this kind of huge mistake in the main character’s relationship journey was done for a big reason too—I was highly inspired to write this book for my daughter so I could try and show
her how to not make the same stupid, foolish choices with men that I saw way too often growing up in my particular social circles. This book is fiction, but I’ve witnessed some pretty sad (and funny) things about dating and marriage in this elite world while also raising my daughter in it. I thought writing about it could help her (as well as all women) think very carefully before saying “I do.” I think it’s hard for anyone to find healthy, lasting love in any environment, but hopefully with some help through some examples of what not to do through Melanie’s relationships I truly hoped people would learn how to choose more wisely and “love smarter” overall.

Lastly, I was also inspired and encouraged by many good friends to write about this particular world and character I created, for we all knew there were lots of situations (both comedic and dramatic) that we had all seen too many times that could easily be recreated in a fictional story set in this environment. It was not easy, for I am not a trained writer and this book took four long years to complete, but now it is finished I am very proud I stuck with it. I hope anyone who reads Stupid By Choice enjoys it (and hopefully learns something from it)!

Leighton Summers is a sixth generation Texan who has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe her whole life. During her travels she was always surrounded by interesting, successful (and often eccentric) people who encouraged her to find her passion and live life to the fullest. Writing novels always intrigued her, and so one day while in New York City she took out her laptop in a café and decided to jot down some notes about how a female character
created from her own world could “love smarter.” Over the next four years the notes turned into both funny and sad adventures of a woman’s quest for finding friendship, love, self, and family and she weaved them all together into this, her debut novel. 

Visit the website StupidByChoice.net for more information about the book. 

To contact Leighton, please e-mail author@StupidByChoice.net. 


Happy Reading!

**Blogger 'Duel' Review ~ Rock Chick Redemption ~ Kristen Ashley**

Best bet I ever made and lost?!? The Super Bowl bet between my pal Robyn Jones (@RobGirlBooks) and I. She lives with Seahawk fans and I live in Colorado and therefore root for the Broncos...well, at least my hubby does. ;) Since the Seahawks won, I had to gift Robyn a book set in Denver. Rock Chick was the gift. And we enjoyed reading and reviewing Rock Chick together so much, we decided we're gonna read 1 book from the series per month...unless we can swing more! This series ROCKS!!!!

Okay, on with the review...

***

Rock Chick Redemption by Kristen Ashley
Rock Chick #3
Release Date: November 8, 2010
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased ebook
Rating: 5 Bookworms

Synopsis

Roxie's on the run from a bad boyfriend who will not catch the hint that it is o-v-e-r. She's in no mood for love at first sight, but when her eyes fall on Hank, it's trouble from the get-go. Roxie tries to hold Hank at arms length but Hank wants to be a closer (as in, a lot closer). Roxie's trouble catches up with her and Hank wants to help but Roxie knows in her heart that she's no good for a white hat guy. The problem is no one agrees with her, especially her crazy hippie best friend Annette or her parents; the even crazier small-Indiana-town Herb and Trish. Toss into the mix the gant from Rock Chick and Rock Chick Rescue and Roxie finds herself totally outnumbered.

Climb in for another Rock Chick wild ride through Rock Chick Redemption. As the odds stack up against Roxie, she has no choice buy to hold on and just ride it out through the kidnappings, car chases, society parties, a riot at the strip club, Hank getting "Mom Bombed" and one crazy night at the Haunted House.

During all this Hank works at convincing her she really wants to stay and he, along with the Hot Bunch, go all out to make her safe. Hank also needs to work on showing Roxie that her past decisions don't mean her future can't include something as downright delicious as...normal.

**********

First off, are we setting daily reading limits? It's way past my bedtime and I've been mostly good with going to sleep early-ish. But all I want to do is stay up and read the whole damn book! I love it.

The vibe is different, maybe because I do actually get Roxie more than Jet or Indie, except for the high maintenance girly stuff. I just love her, and Hank is my kind of Alpha. Oh man, my favorite so far. I love Tex! I'm curious about Eddie's instant reaction to Roxie. Was it just because of her appearance, or did she give off some girlfriend of a criminal vibe? And Vance, if this story didn't rock so much I'd be demanding his story right now! But I can wait.

I bet you love that Daisy made an appearance early on. How about that speed walking (or running?) to the burger joint? Ha! That's my kind of hangover remedy. Have you been to any of the places they mentioned? I've been on the light rail...hehe. Yes I have.

Look at how late it is, but I'm stopping. I have to. I didn't even do any work. None! Kristen Ashley, look at what you have done! (that's a Will quote)

Oh sh#t! If we're doing daily limits, I'm screwed. I can't put this book down! I've been diligently trying to take notes so I'd know what I wanted to talk about though. :) Does that count?!? How far are you? I'm at 56% and I was about to go outside to read more. ;)

Yes, the vibe is totally different. And I KNEW there was some of you in Roxie. I love her too, I gotta say. Of course, i don't get the girly stuff either, but I still love her. I think she's more sure of herself and wants to do right by everyone. And Hank...yeah, he's my favorite so far too. (go ahead, call me a slut! ;) I think I like Hank's brand of Alpha because he's such a gentleman...he says 'please' when he's commanding something. *ha*

I'm enjoying all the Springsteen references too. I like that this book has more music in it - I liked that about #1 as well. What did you think about "She's the One"?

Daisy - I adore this chick!! That she's ingratiated herself into 'the clan' is just fantastic! Yes, I loved the power-walk to the burger joint. That was hysterical even if it did defeat the purpose of a power-walk. And the outfit she wore for the Haunted House/maze??? Omigosh!

Tex being such a prominent figure in this books adds so much! He's such a hoot! And a total softie inside that Paul Bunyan body of his. ;)

OH, I had written a note about Eddie's initial reaction to Roxie too. I don't know what was up with that. Maybe it'll be explained...but maybe it was just a 'shit, she's trouble' vibe he felt.

I'd also made note of Vance's interactions with Roxie and what you thought of them...personally, I think he was kinda screwing with Hank but yeah, I hope he gets a book! AND we finally meet Luke! Andrea (The Bookish Babe) says he's her fav. 

What did you think of the conversation between Malcolm and Roxie at the police station?? I think I love Hank's dad!! 

AND I love Shamus!! I love that Hank has a dog and the he obviously adores Roxie just as much as Hank does. I think this may be another reason Hank is my fav - there's just something about a man who owns an animal and takes such good care of it.

I want your opinion of that lightning strike when Hank and Roxie first see each other, Ms. Love-at-First-Sight. It kinda rocked! ;)

The visit to the Haunted House/Corn Maze (yeah, I lived in Thornton for the first 13 years here) was hysterical...well, except for the whole Billy situation...that stun guns and body guards are standard issue on a night out with these girls is too funny!!

SO, I know I still don't know all the guys really well, but Hank is my fav so far. See, I made a choice. Although I reserve the right to change my mind. We sluts are allowed that right! *ha*

You know my opinion of the lightning strike between Hank and Roxie. I so believe in it. There is this sweeping rush through your whole body. that goes way beyond plain attraction because that's what fun crushes are for. Love at first sight is all about sudden courage, insanity, and freaking hormones! I love that Hank likes all of Roxie, her stubborn uppity side, her high maintenance side, her warm sweet side. He's just so in to her and she's crazy about him. Okay, I'm totally nutty for Hank. I love him like I love Adam from Mercy Thompson's world. He'd be a great werewolf. I can see these guys all furry and fangy, Can't you? 

I love Roxie's reaction to the secretary! I was waiting for it and I wasn't disappointed. I want to meet her just so I can mutter bitch under my breath like the rest of the Rock Chicks. 

You're so right about the music! I love the music references. I missed that in Jet's book. The sports talk is pretty cool too. And it really got me that they both see the other in a song.

What do you think about Roxie's mental battle with herself? Jet was all about thinking she was too dull to hold Eddie's interest, which was hard for me to understand. He liked her, so she wasn't boring for him. But Roxie's has this undeserving dirty girl bit going on and I just want to hug her. That's the downside to love at first sight. You make big calls for your life based on pure romanticism. Sometimes the guy is total shit like Billy.

Oh, oh, I love Hank's dad too! Jet's book was heavy on the moms, but this book is heavy on the guys from the hotties to Tex. What did you think of the Diablo playing? Did you remember that Anna and Cody from my books played Diablo II? I think Kristen Ashley is a gamer.

I'm addicted too! I put the book down at midnight and somehow I had my Kindle in my hand at 2am wide awake and wanting more!

*sigh* Yeah, I so believe in that lightning strike too. And that one between Hank & Roxie was a doozy! ;) It's fabulous that he loves every single thing that makes her Roxie. And he so totally does. Especially the stubborn part since that leads to the convincing. ;)

Yep, I'm a total Hank fangirl! I still reserve the right to change my mind but he's my favorite from the Hot Boy Brigade. :) And yes, he would make a great werewolf ALPHA! Each of them would be great having fur or fangs. Truly!

Roxie's reaction to Dawn was hysterical. I was laughing out loud. That girl is one class A bitch! To give Roxie a once over and then smirk! Whatever!

Roxie's mental battle had me shedding a tear or two - definitely wanted to hug her. I think the saying "you can't help who you fall in love with" applies here. And she couldn't help that she opened her heart to the wrong guy. BUT she 'started living' the day she met Hank. ;)

This book really does have a different feel to it - I still can't quite put my finger on it. But it's really my favorite so far. Maybe it's because of the focus on the guys - all the dads getting their two-cents in. Even Marcus showing his 'good' side. Do you think that's it?

Oh Diablo...that cracked me up. "better known as losing 5 hours of my life" or something like that. I knew the game sounded familiar but of course, I couldn't remember where I'd heard of it until you asked. YES! I totally remember Anna and Cody playing it. :) Oh, and Brody really makes me giggle...he soooo doesn't belong with the Hot Boys. *ha*

I just read the chapter heading, Denver Men are Men. hahaha That's what I think too! Not that I've sampled Denver men. I've spectated. I laughed so hard at the huanted house corn field place. Oh my goodness, to pair Indy and Roxie together. It was so funny. I want to read it again.

Yep, Denver Men are Men! I laughed over that one. I really dig the chapter headings in these books...I don't always pay attention to chapter headings in books, but these ROCK...naturally! The corn maze was awesome. I could just see Indy and Roxie running and bumping into things and screaming their heads off. It was the modified brawl. *haha*

I finished it! First off, when are we reading Renegade? Hmm? End of May? I have 2.5 books lined up before I can hit the next Rock Chick. 

I think this is my favorite one even though the first book is also my favorite. I love Roxie's mix of attitude and kindness. I'm not sure about all this gray they talk about in the book, good people doing bad things. What do you think about this? I love Daisy and appreciate Marcus and the rest of the lovable bad guys, but drug runners and possible murderers are mixing with cops and cop girlfriends. Do you think that story line is going to get serious?

What about Luke? So far he's my favorite unexplored side character. I want him bad. hehe. I'm happy to jump into the land of Vance though. Who was the standout side character for you? Kristen Ashley really knows how to create characters. And she knows how to make me laugh. My favorite funny scene had to be the haunted house/cornfield.  

I really rooted for Hank and Roxie, even more than Lee and Indy and Jet and Eddie. What did you love most? 

End of May is EXCELLENT! I really want to read Renegade NOW but I have other books I have to read first as well. And I can't wait to chat about Surrender. ;)

I was hoping you'd finish today! I finished too! How could I not... I couldn't put it down! Seriously, I didn't want to take the kids to school. *ha* This is totally my favorite even though they're all my favorites. *ha*  Roxie is one awesome chick! Hank was right on when he told Roxie she knew Indy because they're so much alike. And they are - but then different. I like the gray story line because I believe there are people who see the world in black and white - right and wrong. And there are sooo totally shades of gray. Good people do sometimes make bad decisions...doesn't make them bad people. Just human. Roxie, I'm not so sure she's gray. I don't think Daisy is either. Now Marcus...he's gray, right? He's a good, kind and caring person when it comes to Daisy. He was even kind towards Roxie. Yes he does do bad things...but does that make him ALL bad? I don't know. See? Gray. *haha* I'm intrigued to see where all this goes.

Yeah, Luke is definitely swoon-worthy. I can't wait for his story. What kind of girl is going to tame this man of so few words? I love that Roxie hugged him. Honestly, I'd say I'd be hugging them all but then again, I'd probably just stand, stare and blush like mad! I don't know who the ONE standout is for me...I loved Luke. I enjoyed Vance screwing with Hank. I adore Daisy. Annette was pretty dang funny too. Tex was magnificent. Malcolm stole his one major scene. And Roxie's parents sent me into fits of laughter. 

I think my favorite scene is the one in the castle...you know the one. It was tense but had moments of humor and swoon - if I can say that Roxie's words were swoon-worthy?? I really, really rooted for Roxie and Hank too. Maybe it was that lightning strike. ;) 

So I think I figured out why I like Hank's brand of Alpha so much - he's a sweet-talking Alpha. He's telling Roxie what to do in such a way it doesn't seem like he's being bossy - well, sometimes.

I didn't want to put it down either. I don't think I won any mom awards today. Nope. 

I love the chapter headings too. I either like them like this, a line from the chapter, or when they're witty. I'm not a fan of cryptic or poetic because then I'm thinking about what that means instead of falling into the story.

As far as the vibe goes, the mothering coming from the men changed things up. There was a lot more swearing. Hank's form of bossiness was the good stuff. My freaking heart fluttered. But there was also a difference in the narration style. It starts with Roxie telling us how much trouble she's in physically because she's cuffed to a sink, but emotionally because of Hank Nightengale. Then here and there she jumps back into narration mode in the story, like "I didn't know that at the time..." sort of thing. It made me feel like we were having a coffee and she was sharing her story. 

The only thing missing from this awesome buddy read is driving the streets of Golden, CO with you looking for a coffee shop perfect for us to sit for hours and fangril over this book!

Sweet-talking, yeah. Here's why I like Hank's brand of Alpha, he's a giver. hahahehehoho.

If this book were a movie, I wouldn't be able to stay in my seat in the castle scene. 

I don't know if Marcus is gray. Eddie doesn't think so, right? Hank sees his world differently after falling for Roxie. Darius would say there wasn't a gray thing about his life since he took over for his criminal father. It's all a mess! 

Roxie's parents! Crazy town for sure. They are just like Tex. Annette is hilarious. I love that she wants to be a stripper and will let Daisy do her hair. 

Yeah, he's a giver alright...hehe He does a lot of giving in his convincing. ;)

So you think Roxie changed Hank's world view? Hmm...maybe. I think Darius muddies the waters. Oh, and Lee too. Both Eddie and Hank know Lee doesn't always play by the rules and they use his 'skills' when they need them...

You know you said that I probably had lots of Eddie quotes when we were reading RCR...Hank blew him away! Completely...the things that come out of Hank's mouth make me melt and my toes curl. Seriously! *sigh*

**Review ~ Dear Emily ~ Trudy Stiles**

Dear Emily by Trudy Stiles
Forever Family Series #1
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
Source: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review...and then I bought my own copy
Rating: 5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Two women. Carly and Tabitha. They each have suffered life-altering events that have left them both traumatically damaged.

Carly Sloan's life was perfect until her security and innocence was torn from her. The vast repercussions from horrific evens threaten to destroy her stability and her chances for a happily ever after. Kyle Finnegan comes into Carly's life at the height of her turmoil. Can he help her find what she desires most?

Tabitha Fletcher has constantly suffered from a very young age. She has been hiding from her past, which was full of sadness, loss and abuse. She has been so brutally damaged that she has very little hope for redemption. The revolving door of men only leads her deeper into misery.

What circumstance brings these two women together and can they help each other heal? And will they each find what they need?

Redemption.
Love.
Family.

**I'm going to do my best not to spoil any part of this story. So if my review seems vague in places, it's intentionally so.**

Dear Emily is an incredible story about two women surviving, forgiving, loving and healing. I loved these two women's story and the hows and whys they intersected. And I love the way in which Ms. Stiles told their story - from past and present, from both Carly's and Tabitha's POV. Carly and Tabitha's stories are heartbreaking, inspiring, and poignant.

Carly's story is told as she's 18 and 29. When she was in college, she experienced a trauma that had far-reaching consequences. As a 29 year old, happily married woman, she's coping with those consequences and searching for a way to heal and have the happiness she and her husband are hoping for.

Tabitha's story is told from her 19 year old self and her 22 year old self. She has experienced abuse and suffered great loss. She has made a decision, which causes her life to cross with Carly's, that she hopes will bring about happiness, forgiveness, and healing.

Dear Emily is also conveyed through letters to Emily, from both Carly and Tabitha. The letters are cathartic for both women. And this was such a unique way to render this part of the story. I think this composition made the story resonate that much more strongly.

I connected with both Carly and Tabitha - despite them being very different women. They're both survivors, although I don't feel either saw their own strength. I did think that Tabitha is a bit more complex of a character, but perhaps that was only because she'd never really had the comfortable life Carly'd had. I delighted in their both having supportive friends. Kyle, Carly's husband, is the strongest person in her life. And I have to say he's a heck of a guy! He stuck by Carly through all that happened to her in college and it made their relationship that much stronger. Tabitha meets Alex and Seth soon after she arrives in Philadelphia, and both serve as friends. They each provide Tabitha with what she's in need of at the time. I was glad that she made some friends but honestly, I wasn't sure either was a healthy choice for Tabitha. 

Ms. Stiles did an excellent job in conveying the conflicted feelings, the frustration and feelings of shame, blame, and inadequacy both Carly and Tabitha have in their current circumstances. 

Dear Emily is certainly a read full of feels. I laughed, I cried...A LOT. But I think Ms. Stiles delivered a realistic story. And one that was as evocative as it was provocative. It had moments that made me wonder at humanity. And it also gave me hope.

The ending was a shocker! And I'm very anxious to get my hands on Dear Tabitha.

**Cover Reveal ~ The One Who Loves You ~ Sydney Simon**

I'm so excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Sydney Simon's The One Who Loves You. I have all the details about the book and a giveaway for y'all!

This reveal was organized by Angie @Angie's Dreamy Reads.

***

The One Who Loves You by Sydney Simon

Release Date: TBA

Synopsis
After a near death car accident, Siena Carson wakes up from a coma with no recollection of who she is.

Standing in front of her are two men - she has no idea who they are, or what they mean to her- but she's certain that two separate worlds have collided.

What if these two men would do anything to make her remember what she meant to them...
Both men spend the next week talking her through her past, each secretly hoping for a future.

The choices are there.
Decisions need to be made.
Would you choose the one who loves you or the one you love?

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I was born and raised in Southern California, where I worked in a medley of colorful jobs. Today I am a wife, full time mom, shuttle service and student, in that order. I love pop culture and music, especially from the 70's and 80's. I was too busy partying through the 90's to remember much, other than there were too many boy bands (I am grateful for JT though). I believe that things happen to everyone for reason; I hope that this path I'm on is both a learning experience and a journey for tomorrow. The One Who Loves You is my first published novel.

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