#TravelingtotheTerminus Review ~ The Vincent Brothers ~ Abbi Glines

The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines
Vincent Boys #2
Release Date: December 18, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased Paperback
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Getting a boy to fall head-over-heels in love with you isn't easy. Especially when he's been in love with your cousin for as long as you can remember.

Lana has lived her life in her cousin's shadow. Ashton always made perfect grades, had tons of friends, and looks model-perfect. And she's always had Sawyer Vincent--the only boy Lana's ever wanted--wrapped around her finger. But now things are different. Lana has a chance to make Sawyer see her, and she's taking it. If only he'd get over Ashton--because Lana is sick of second-best.

Sawyer's heart is broken. He's lost his best girl to his best friend. And then Lana comes to town. Ashton's cousin has always been sweet and soft-spoken, but now she's drop-dead gorgeous as well. Sawyer doesn't know if Lana can heal his broken heart, but spending time with her might at least make Ashton jealous.

What starts as a carefree fling becomes a lusty game of seduction. Sawyer and Lana may have different motives, but their scintillating hookups are the same kind of steamy...

Yet another book I've put off reading since May of 2013, where I met Ms. Glines and had her sign a copy of The Vincent Brothers. *sigh* Oh well. I'm happy I finally read it.

After finishing The Vincent Boys, it was important to me that Sawyer have his day - or rather, find the girl that truly made his heart go pitter-patter (can I say that in regards to a boy?). Maybe I should say the one that turns him into a neanderthal because that tends to be a Vincent reaction when it comes to his "woman." But I digress. I couldn't have been more delighted that Lana was the girl for Sawyer.

What Worked:

• Lana's tenacity. She'd always lived in Ashton's shadow, even with her own mom, but she decided she wanted something - in this case Sawyer - and she went all out in her effort to get him.
• The premise. Even though Lana and Sawyer's intentions differed when they began their "fling", I liked the entire setup. Sawyer did irritate me with some of his decisions but since he's only 18, I suppose they were rather realistic.
• Small town setting. I love the bonds between families and the community in a small town.
• The drama being downplayed. Despite the fact that Ashton and Beau have pivotal parts in Sawyer's and Lana's story, I didn't feel like that drama was overdone.
• Football. Both Sawyer and Beau are football players and I liked the role it played in their story - even their college choices.
• Dual POV. I so enjoy getting the story from both protagonists because  it allows me an inside look, so to speak, and helps me connect that much more with the characters.
• The resolutions. They left me satisfied.

What Didn't Work:

• The resolutions. At least a few of them. They were reached too quickly, too simply.
• Dangling plot lines. There were a few plot lines left hanging and they seemed rather important.
• Underage drinking. This is a reflection of where I am in my life but as a mom of teens, all in high school or college, it bothered me there was so much underage drinking. 

Overall, The Vincent Brothers was a pleasant read. It stirred up my emotions, had me rooting for Sawyer and Lana, and falling for all he characters all over again.

Audio Review ~ My Heart's in the Highlands ~ Angeline Fortin

My Heart's in the Highlands by Angeline Fortin
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
Release Date: May 24, 2016 (audio)
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Tantor Audio sent me a complimentary copy
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sixty-eight seconds. Can a life be lived in sixty-eight seconds? Can the love of a lifetime be discovered and lost in just a minute? Mikah Bauer stepped into the street in front of the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art and found herself lost in a nightmare that became a dream come true when Ian Conagham, the Marquis of Ayr, appeared before her. Mikah found herself living another life, a fairy tale of love and passion such as she never imagined. Then came the nightmare that tore it all away as quickly as fate had handed it to her. Contains mature themes.

I have to admit to choosing this book for two reasons:

1. Highlands = Highlanders
2. Kirsten Potter

Yep. Luckily, in Fortin I've found an author whose storytelling I like. My Heart's in the Highlands is a little difficult to categorize - it's kinda time-travel, it's sort of historical romance, and it's a little contemporary. But it is 100% entertaining.

Do you believe that two souls so deeply in love in one lifetime could meet again in another? I do now.

I love how Fortin had the story unfold - a young woman finding herself in the body of another woman, in the past. I adored seeing Hero and Ian fall for one another. They found a love so deep and profound. I felt it acutely. I liked Fortin's use of reincarnation and the allusions to Mikah experiencing a past life. I liked the subterfuge and the suspense it created in Hero and Ian's life. And I liked how Fortin brought everything back to the present as well as the resolution.

Yes, this is all rather vague. But I think My Heart's in the Highlands is a book to be experienced. Particularly with the excellent narration of Kirsten Potter. Potter excels at expressing the emotion and pacing of a novel. She never fails to have me gasping, experiencing butterflies or goosebumps, or making me bawl my eyes out. Yes, I know the story must be impressive as well but I've not listened to a book yet narrated by Potter that I didn't love. I'm eager to continue this series - I don't believe the stories are linked but I know I'll enjoy the story as well as the narration.

1. Highlands = Highlanders
2. Potter = Excellent Narration
3. Fortin = Fantastic story

#COYER Blackout Signup Post ~ I'm Ready, Are You?

Have y'all heard the winter forecast? A COYER Blackout is heading our way! 

I'm once again participating on COYER - a challenge where we work diligently to clean out our ereaders! And this time, it's going to be a tough challenge. Here are the basic rules. For complete details, including how to use your GENERATOR during the challenge, click the graphic above.

• Sign up by December 17.
  COYER Blackout runs December 19, 2016-March 3, 2017.
• All books you read during the challenge period *MUST* be procured prior to December 17th. (so get your one-click fingers primed!)
• All books you read during the challenge period *MUST* have been procured for 99 cents or less.
• All books you read during the challenge period *MUST* be at least 100 pages in length.
• You may listen to audiobooks ONLY IF they were purchased prior to December 17, 2016 AND cost no more than $5.
• You may read ARCs obtained from Edelweiss or Netgalley as long as they were requested PRIOR to December 17, 2016.

There is a Facebook group where we cheer each other on, ask questions, etc. There are Instagram and Twitter parties. This challenge is A LOT of fun! I hope you'll consider joining. It's a great way to clean off your ereader, and this particular version will help you clear off some of those books you've had lying around for years! ;)

And just a fun fyi for y'all, I started creating a shelf on my kindle specifically for this challenge. When I noticed I was up to over 350 books, I stopped. I mean, there's no way I can read that many books. AND THAT'S A RIDICULOUS NUMBER OF BOOKS, RIGHT? And I didn't even finish! Yeah, I need this challenge in a BIG way! :D

#TravelingtotheTerminus Review ~ With All My Soul ~ Rachel Vincent

With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent
Soul Screamers #7
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased Paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
What does it mean when your school is voted the most dangerous in America? It's time to kick some hellion butt...

After not really surviving her junior year (does "undead" count as survival?), Kaylee Cavanaugh has vowed to take back her school from the hellions causing all the trouble. She's going to find a way to turn the incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity against one another in order to protect her friends and finish this war, once and forever.

But then she meets Wrath and understands that she's closer to the edge than she's ever been. And when one more person close to her is taken, Kaylee realizes she can't save everyone she loves without risking everything she has...

I put off reading this last book for a long time. A really long time considering I've had it in my possession, a signed copy no less, since May of 2013. But I adore this series and these characters and I didn't want to say goodbye. So I put it off. However, I'm happy to say that I couldn't be happier with this ending. If I had to say goodbye, at least Vincent made it worth my self-imposed wait. ;)

I think the bar was set very high for Vincent in wrapping up this series. We all love Kaylee and crew and were loathe to say goodbye. I'm sure it was difficult, wanting to make all readers happy but knowing that's an impossible feat. I, for one, am pleased with how things wrapped up.

With All My Soul finds Kaylee wanting justice - nay, vengeance - against the hellions who have taken so much from her. Before she can even formulate a plan, Avari strikes again. In attempting a rescue, Kaylee realizes she's going to have to sacrifice much more if she wants to end the hellions' reign of terror.

I love this entire cast. Okay, there are a few I just love to hate but still. The character development I've been witness to is heartwarming and incredible. They've each grown in some way, some more than others.

Vincent took a risk, I think, with the introduction of a new hellion and the repercussions of the lessons he teaches Kaylee. It was fascinating watching Kaylee, and a few others, learn more about themselves, figuring out what's most important in this life or the after-life in Kaylee's and Tod's case.

I appreciated the action Kaylee took - what she gave up - and the wiliness used in accomplishing it. And I appreciated how it all wrapped up. So even though I waited 3 years to read this because I seriously didn't want it to end, I'm satisfied with where all these characters ended up.

Books & Crafts #8 ~ #BookBlogger #CraftCircle

Welcome to Books & Crafts, a craft circle composed of book bloggers, a sporadic meme where we share our other creative pursuits aside from reading and blogging. Everyone is welcome to join, just add yout tag/label links below and you're good to go!

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This month, I'm once again sharing a way to present a gift card. If you'd like more specific information on the "how to", just let me know. I like these little gift card envelopes a lot!

I made gift card-sized envelopes using the envelope maker from Stampin' Up (I can't recall the proper name) and then adhered the envelope to three mattes of varying sizes (using coordinating papers). I embellished the actual envelope with punches which also serve to seal the envelope.

The materials used are paper, envelope maker, punches, stamps, and adhesive. These are pretty easy to make and like I said, I really like them!

Do you craft too? Wanna get in on the fun? Just add your link below. And don't forget to check out the other hosts' crafts! :D
(If the linky doesn't appear correctly or doesn't work, head over to Talk Supe and link up there.)

#SeasonedRomance Sale ~ It's Never Too Late to Fall in Love

SeasonedRomances.com

99 Cent Sale ~ December 7-9

I confess I'm rather fond of seasoned romances. You know, those love stories with protagonists who are a little bit older. There's something to be said for reading books with characters closer to my age, with similar experiences. If you love seasoned romances OR are interested in giving one a try, there's no better time than now. These 24 romances are on sale for only 99 cents each. But hurry because the sale runs only from the 7th through the 9th.

Need a suggestion? Karen Booth's Bring Me Back is a favorite of mine. :) Click on the link above or the graphic below for all the book sale links.

#ShelfLove Discussion ~ Year-End Wrap-up

As part of the #ShelfLove Challenge, we have monthly discussion topics. December's topic is The Year-End Wrap-up.  

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#ShelfLove 2016 Wrap-up

Highs:

• So far, I've read 69 books which is 12 more than last year. Of those books, 24 were physical books which were moved from my TBR shelves to my Read shelves. I read enough physical books this year to require a major shift on my Read shelves. Score!
• I co-hosted with the ladies at Chapter Break and Second Run Reviews - my first time to do such a thing. :)

Lows:

• I still added books to my shelves and did so faster than I can read them. In my defense, many, if not most, were free as I acquired them at book events like BEA or one-clicked.
• I feel like I failed as a co-host. I didn't visit as much as I'd have liked and I didn't participate enough on social media. Also, I had technical glitches with graphics and link-ups because I'm just not as technically savvy as my cohorts. ;)

Will I do it again?

Absolutely! I love the #ShelfLove Challenge. It gives me a goal as well as a sense of accomplishment to know I'm reading books I already own - most of which I've owned for awhile. ;) As for hosting, I supposed I'd be up for trying again if the ladies would have me.

What about y'all? What bookish item(s) are you most thankful for?

An InLinkz Link-up

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audio Review ~ Sweet Nothing ~ Jamie McGuire & Teresa Mummert

Sweet Nothing by Jamie McGuire & Teresa Mummert
Narrated by: Carly Robins and Nelson Hobbs
Release Date: April 5, 2016 (audio)
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Tantor Audio sent me a complimentary copy
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
It is enough to break any man: watching what could have been my future slip away before it was ever in my grasp. The possibility of losing someone I loved, before she was even mine, is something I never would have imagined. Certainly nothing I'd ever wish on anyone. I go to her every day and wait. Wait for the impossible, for a sign, for her to look at me...hoping that sinners are granted miracles, too. Just one glimpse of him was all it took. In the next lane, at a stop light, was the man I would fall in love with and marry. People talk about the kind of lover that takes time, love you fall into. We were more like a crash and burn, and when our lives intertwined I would never be the same. He was the man I would cherish the rest of my life, who would father my children. In an instant our life together began, and in an instant it would end. The late night; the excuses; the lies. And in the blink of an eye, it was like we never were. Contains mature themes.

This review is really hard to write without giving anything away, so my vagueness is intentional. I have to admit that while I liked the story, at about 2/3 in, I was thinking this would be a 3-star read. Then things kinda got turned on their head. And in the end, I felt that the way things wrapped up - reminiscent of a favorite movie - earned the story a few points.

Can one moment really change your life? Can its impact be so profound as to change your perspective - change the way you look at and live your life? That's what Avery and Josh consider after a life-changing event.

Avery, an ER nurse, is steady, hard-working, always playing it safe. Even in her love life, she doesn't risk anything so that there's never anything to lose. Josh, an EMT, is a player with a penchant for nurses. He plays the field always letting the ladies know where they stand. He doesn't get emotionally involved because he knows he can't be there for anyone in that way.

But one moment with Avery changes everything.

I enjoyed how McGuire and Mummert alternated POVs to convey the story. Getting to know Josh and Avery as they got to know each other was fun. Their banter was playful and seeing Josh and Avery invest emotionally in each other ended up being beautiful. When things started going bad, I got frustrated. I felt like Avery was irrational a lot of times as well as too harsh. Of course, Josh wasn't making the best choices either and that was frustrating as well. I couldn't believe, or at least I didn't want to, that they'd throw it all away - all they'd built together. It was maddening.

The ending was completely unexpected but I quite liked it. It eased some of the tension I'd been feeling towards Avery and Josh and moved Sweet Nothing from a just okay read to a good one.

The narrators were excellent. Carly Robins and Nelson Hobbs were new-to-me narrators and they embodied Josh and Avery. They kept the pace of the story even as well as conveyed all the emotion and turmoil being experienced.

Overall, Sweet Nothing was a good listen. I liked the twist thrown in that took Josh and Avery's story up a notch.