AudioBook Review: The Ex by Alafair Burke

The Ex by Alafair Burke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
 

Jack Harrison is an author who has suffered great loss in his life. In high school, he lost his mother. A few years later, his father. A few years after that, his brother. The same day his brother died in a car accident, was the same day he found out that his long-term girlfriend, Olivia Randall had been cheating on him. Jack goes on and lives his life and after being married for about 10 years, he loses his wife to gun violence. The person who killed his wife was a young boy whose father thought guns were the right way to reach his mentally troubled son. So the families were suing the boys father for wrongful death. But that suit was dropped and everyone is devastated. A few days later, Malcolm Neeley, father of the boy who killed Jack's wife is shot to death along with two other people. All signs point to Jack as the person who committed this crime. But, Olivia knows Jack and he would never do something like this, right? Is Jack guilty or innocent. As time goes on, it's hard to tell.

Thank you to my Bookaholic friends for suggesting this book to me. This is the first book I have read by Alafair Burke and I can't wait to read more.

Imagine what you would do if you were accused of a crime you know you didn't commit. But all signs point to you. How can you handle it? What if your ex-girlfriend is the one who is representing you, do you think that would be a good idea? Jack Harrison seems like your typical guy, living his life and minding his business.

This book really touched me from start to finish. I had to know if Jack was really guilty or if someone was framing him and why would they do that? Jack is a man without too much in his life. It's just him and his daughter and his best friend. Why would his risk losing what little he had to get back at a man, whose son killed his wife.

Even though Olivia knew Jack 20 years ago, does she know the man today? Is she able to put aside their differences and see the evidence for what it is? You will have to read the book to find out.


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Blog Tour Review: Making Up by Helena Hunting

Making Up by Helena Hunting

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Published: July 2019
 

   
Cosy Felton is almost done with school and ready for her next adventure. She's 22, living in Las Vegas and about to get her degree in hotel management. Currently, though, she is working at a sex toy shop to help with her bills and when Griffin Mills walks in, she can tell he is a fish out of water. Griffin drew the short straw when he has to go and buy toys for his friend's bachelor party, but he doesn't mind when he sees Cosy. Cosy is not interested in dating a customer, but this customer is insanely good looking and easy to talk. Griffin isn't in town for long, so this will just be fling, or will it?

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this title.

I instantly fell in love with this book. It grabbed me right from the start and it didn't let me go. I had to find out what was going to happen next. You never knew what was going to happen next. Just when you think that Cosy and Griffin had found their stride, there is something to throw a wrench in their plans.

I liked these characters. They seemed like people I would know in my real life. Although, I don't think I would know too many billionaires. Cosy seems like a girls girl and someone I would want to be friends with. I'm not sure about her sister though.

Overall I really liked this book. And I can't wait to read more books in this series. Even though this is a series, each book is a stand alone.  I've read one other, I Flipping Love You and you can read that review if you click on the title.
Happy Reading!!

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Helena Hunting Blog Tour Q&A MAKING UP

What inspired you to write Making Up?

I’d introduced Griffin in the previous Shacking Up Series novels, Shacking Up and Hooking Up—he was a bit of a mystery for readers because he was talked about, but not really present. I had a very clear picture in my mind of who he was, and the kind of woman who would end up being the perfect fit for him, and it was not his fiancé from the previous books.


Introduce us to your main characters!

Griffin Mills is the oldest of the three Mills brothers. At thirty-three he’s had several very long term relationships and was formerly engaged, but that relationship went up in flames. He’s gorgeous, smart, loves the numbers side of the family business he’s part of—a chain of hotels he’s set to inherit with his brothers. Also, he’s a little awkward, which I love, because there’s nothing quite like a hot guy who doesn’t have all the lines and fumbles a bit when he’s dealing with someone he’s attracted to. It makes for some hilarious banter with his love interest, Cosy Felton. Our heroine is a twenty-two year old who has been a bit of a nomad for most of her life, but is finally finishing school and happens to work at an Adult Toy Store part time. It’s definitely not her favourite job, but it pays the bills. She’s sassy, not much of a planner and definitely more than Griffin bargained for.


Lots of aspiring authors out there. Any advice for them?

Just keep writing. Every day put words on the page and surround yourself with positive people who are there to support you. Ask questions, join book groups, be an avid reader and an observer.

How is Making Up different from your other books?

Making Up has a trope I’ve never really explored or played around with before, so it was a lot of fun to write. While I’ve written age gaps before, it hasn’t been a key part of the storyline, or had a significant impact on how the characters perceive the relationship. Griffin and Cosy are from two very different worlds and balancing their expectations and insecurities was one of my favourite parts of writing their story. Making Up has my signature quirky, sassy heroines and I love writing heroes that are sexy, yet a little awkward. While it’s a light read, there’s some drama, and some heavy baggage, which I think grounds the story and balances out the hilarity.

I know asking someone’s all-time favorite book is a loaded question so what’s your current favorite read?

I’ve been so lucky to read so many amazing books this year but I’m going to go with Broken Knight by LJ Shen which releases this August. I love YA/NA romance and angst, and she knows how to deliver both flawlessly.

Alright, the ultimate question: why should we read your book?

We all need a little escape from our own realities once in a while and Making Up is a fun, sexy romance that’s perfect for the summer. Also, Griffin is hot, and not particularly suave at times. I think we can all appreciate a guy who doesn’t have all the lines, especially if he looks like he should.

A famous movie producer wants to make your books into movies and they want you to cast your characters from Making Up. Which actors/actresses make the cut?

This is always a fun question and I’ll be 100% honest, I never actually look at actors prior to writing a story because I generally have a picture of the character in my head. But, I went on a Pinterest mission and Alex Morgan (she’s a soccer player, not an actress) would make a fabulous Cosy if she suddenly switched career paths. Hailee Steinfeld (Bumblebee) is super sassy, and could definitely play up the humor in this story, so she would be a legitimate actress choice. Gabriel Macht has a great smolder and can rock a seriously sexy suit, so I think he’d be great as Griffin.


Favorite quote or scene you wrote in Making Up?

Making Up is definitely a rom-com with some incredibly hilarious moments, but Griffin has some heavy baggage, which means there are also serious moments, and this is one of my favourites: “Talk to me. Fall apart on me. Show me your weakness so I can give you my strength.”

What inspired you to become a writer?

I’ve always loved to write, but finding time was a challenge during university and then afterward I was building a career and we renovated a house down to the studs—which takes up a lot of time and doesn’t leave much of an opportunity for putting down words (but it was an amazing experience). When I gave birth to my daughter she struggled to sleep—or rather stay asleep—and that meant I spent a lot of time awake in the middle of the night. So I started writing again during those late nights, and finally penned my first full novel.

What is a typical writing day like?

I usually start with a run and then copious amounts of coffee while I manage the administrative side of things—ie emails, social media posts etc. But when I sit down to write I have a playlist I put on repeat, more coffee, sparking water (so I can stay hydrated) and my cat Pumpkin generally lies on top of my closed laptop and supervises me for the day.

Do you have any interesting writing quirks or habits?

I listen to the same playlist while I write a novel. So if it takes me two months, then I listen to the same set of songs for two full months. I’ve destroyed A LOT of albums for my husband over the past several years. I just need the background noise, and listening to the radio or unfamiliar songs can be distracting.


What has been one of the most surprising things you’ve learned as a published author?

I’ve only been in the industry for five years and there has been so much change, learning to adjust and adapt and just staying true to your personal goal is really the most important thing I’ve learned. I think when you start out there are just so many unknowns, and taking risks can be scary, but if you don’t take those risks, it’s hard to grow as an author.


Can you tell us about what’s coming up next after this for you writing wise?

I have one more book in The Shacking Up Series, HANDLE WITH CARE, which releases at the end of August! Griffin’s cousin and best friend, Lincoln Moorehead, is the hero and if you didn’t know, he is also Armstrong’s brother. Lincoln is the polar opposite of Armstrong so it was so fun to write. I can’t wait for people to meet Griffin and Cosy and Lincoln and Wren.

How can readers connect with you online?

They can connect with me all over social media!

Website→   http://www.helenahunting.com/
Amazon →  http://amzn.to/1y6OBB7
Twitter → http://bit.ly/HelenaHTwitter
Facebook  → https://www.facebook.com/helena.hunting69/
Pinterest →  http://bit.ly/1oQYRVN
Instagram →  http://instagram.com/helenahunting
Goodreads→ http://bit.ly/GoodReadsHH
NEWSLETTER  → http://bit.ly/HelenaHnewsletter
Bookbub →  http://bit.ly/BookBubHH
Facebook Reader Group  →  http://bit.ly/TheBeaverDenHH

To learn more about the books in the Shacking Up Series or to order, click the book cover below:

Review: Booty Call Series by Frankie Love & C.M. Seabrook

BOOTY CALL SERIES BY FRANKIE LOVE & C.M. SEABROOK

I have dubbed these ladies the Queens of the Quickie!!  They write novellas that get you hot and bothered and wanting more.  I was thankful to receive from them through BookSprout, Bootyversary and Booty Camp, but I had to go and get the other books in the series as well to have the full story.  So here we go.

Bootyogomy 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Max and Kendall have known each other most of their lives. But each of them has feelings for the other, but they don't know. After the opening night of Kendall's new roller rink, they decide that they are going to have a Bootyogomy. No strings attached, but they are the only ones they call for late night nookie. When Kendall finds herself in trouble, Max is there to rescue her as always. Will they keep their bootyogomy or will it become something more serious.

I had to get this book since I was gifted with other books in the series. Frankie Love and C.M. Seabrook write quick steamy books that you can get through in less than an hour. I read this one before bed last night.

When Max lost his family, he moved in with Kendall and her brother Grady who is Max's best friend. Kendall and Max have pined for each other since that time, but never did anything because of Grady. But now is their chance. They are both adults and are doing exactly what they want to be doing.

Bootyversary 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Peyton and Lance are about to celebrate their one year Bootyversary. They have been making booty calls for the past year. With Lance in the military and shipping out every few weeks, it's hard for them to make a plan to be together. Plus, Peyton doesn't want to be with a man in the military. That was how she grew up and she didn't want to have to go through all the worry her mom went through every time her father was away. But they love each other, right? Will love conquer all?

Thank you to the authors and BookSprout for a copy of this book to read and review.

Another quick cute story from Frankie and C.M. For me, this one wasn't as exciting as the first book in the series . I think it was because I knew what was going to happen at the end. I still enjoyed the book and will read the rest of the series.

I never had the desire to date anyone in the military. Not for the same reasons as Peyton, but because I knew a few people in the military growing up and there were not my cup of tea. If you're looking for a quick steamy romance with a HEA, pick this one up.

Humpany 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Andre and Camille have known each other for a while now. They were both in their friends, Peyton & Lance's wedding. But Camille left the party early and Andre sees no reason to stick around. When he gets home, he's lonely and wants a warm body by his side. He goes on the the app Booty Call and who does he find there buy Camille. He invites her over and one thing leads to another and the next thing you know, they're in bed together and neither one of them is mad about that. But can friends become lovers, or will it ruin the friendship.

Humpany is the 3rd book in the Booty Call Series, and this one I liked. I liked that Andre and Camille had a friendly relationship and didn't just jump in bed every time they saw each other. Camille is the type of girl I would be friends with. She is laid back and knows what she wants.

Another quick read from the Queens of the Quickie.

Booty Camp

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mila and Grady practically grew up together. Grady's sister along with Mila and other friends just opened a new roller rink in town. Mila is beautiful, but quiet and shy. Every time Grady sees her, he wants to devour her. What he doesn't know is that Mila is a virgin and she's crushing on the douchebag who runs the roller hockey league. But before Mila gets with him, she would like a few lessons and who better to teach her than Grady. They are up for a weekend of Booty Camp to teach Mila everything she needs to know to be with another man. Will Grady be able to let her go to another man after this weekend?

Thank you to Frankie Love, C.M. Seabrook and Booksprout for a copy of this book to review.

Booty Camp is the final book in the Booty Call series.

Even though Grady, as a pilot, has a different woman in every city, there is only one woman he wants. And teaching her to be good at sex for another man, might just kill him. Mila is surprised at how well things are going between her and Grady during their Booty Camp. Will she go to the other man or will she pine over Grady, a man she knows she can't have, or can she?

What will happen between these two friends? Will they become lovers or have to just deal with being teacher and instructor?


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Review: The Perfect Date by Evelyn Lozada

The Perfect Date by Evelyn Lozada

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Published: June 2019
 

Angel Gomez is a single mother, doing the best she can to raise and support her son. Finishing up her nursing degree and working as a bartender has Angel always busy. When she meets Duke, a Yankees pitcher, she doesn't even know who he is, but he needs her help. His team can't know he's not ready to take the mound, so Duke needs Angel to pretend they are dating so he has an excuse for why he's visiting the clinic where she works. But Angel has enough drama in her life with her boss's trying to hit on her all the time, to be worried about Duke's drama as well. Will she go along with the fake dating or will she pass?

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I have been watching Basketball Wives from the very first season. Then Evelyn Lozada had a shoe store in Miami. Now she's living in L.A. as a single mom to 2 children and is still on Basketball Wives. I can hear her in this book. Her voice rings through Angel's character.

Now this book was no literary piece of art, but it held my attention throughout. I didn't like the repetitiveness of the book and there were a couple of things in there that seemed so unreal. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I got it because of watching the show and I wanted to see what it was all about.

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Review: Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Published: July 2019
 

Jules has just lost her job, her boyfriend and her home all in the same day. She is currently living with her best friend, Chloe. When the opportunity presents itself for her to live in one of the most exclusive apartment buildings in New York City, The Bartholomew, she can't pass up on the chance. Not only does she get to live there, she's getting paid to do so as an apartment sitter. This is an opportunity Jules can not pass up despite the protestations of Chloe, she has to get back on her feet. So she takes the job even though the rules are a little strict. Shortly after moving in, Jules meets another apartment sitter, Ingrid, who is unsure about continuing to live at The Bartholomew. When Jules is ready to ask her about it, Ingrid disappears without a trace. What happened to Ingrid and other apartment sitters that have gone missing? What dark secrets lie within The Bartholomew?

Thank you to NetGalley & Dutton books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was so excited to get this book from NetGalley. Last year I read both of Riley Sager's books and I was looking forward to this one. It did not disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and I definitely didn't see the ending coming.

If I was a single young woman and was given the opportunity to live in an exclusive apartment and get paid for it, I would jump on that in a heartbeat. I don't think I would care about rules or anything, just tell me where to sign and let me sit back and collect the cash.

Another reason Jules is so quick to accept this opportunity is because her favorite book is set in the building. I think many readers would love to live in the place where their favorite book is set if they don't already. And Jules needs a little fantasy in her life since she has lost both parents and her sister. At first The Bartholomew seems like a dream place to live. With a courteous doorman, friendly neighbors and a doctor as one of the residents, it's idyllic. But when Ingrid goes missing, Jules starts to question everything. The explanation she receives for the sudden departure doesn't sound right and the police aren't willing to help because she doesn't know enough about Ingrid to form a case.

What is she going to do? Will she discover the secrets of the building before it's too late?

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Audio Book Review: Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter

Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: August 2018

Andi Oliver and her mother, Laura have been living an idyllic life in Belle Isla, Georgia when everything gets turned upside down. A gunman disrupts their lunch and Laura's actions during that ordeal send their whole world in a tailspin. Laura immediately kicks Andi out of her home and Andi is confused by her mom's decision. Following instructions given by her mother, Andi finds a person she never knew existed.

I really enjoyed this book. It was pretty long though, so it took me a while to get through it. There are twists and turns around every corner and you never know what is going to happen next. Just when you think you know what is going on, there is another surprise around the corner.

Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was surprised.  This is an unbelievable story that is going to be on Netflix next year.  I can't wait to see it.  Click here to learn more about it.

Karin Slaughter really knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. My heart raced, and I could feel myself riding along with Andi as she tried to find out the truth about her mother. If you have never read a Slaughter book, this is a great one to start off with.


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June Readin' Roundup

June Readin' Roundup

I had a pretty good reading month in June.  Although life has gotten in the way of me getting my reviews out to you.  Hopefully, I will be able to get them out soon.  So be prepared to be bombarded the next couple of weeks with posts from me.  

I was able to finish 6 books this month and all of them were pretty good. Four books got 4 stars, One with 3.5 stars and two with 3 stars.   Let's jump right into it.  

FOUR STAR READS

The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian
Cassie Bowden is a flight attendant who works international flights out of JFK airport in New York City. On a flight to Dubai, Cassie meets, Alex Sokolov, a finance guy who is in town on business. They decide to have dinner after they are both settled in the city and that leads to much more. Cassie ends up spending the night with Alex, there's only one problem. She wakes up in the morning and he does not. Laying in a pool of his blood, Cassie doesn't know whether she is responsible or not. She is known for her drunken escapades, but has never encountered anything like this. Instead of telling anyone, she returns to the U.S. She will grapple back and forth with herself, her friends, family, attorney, and FBI about what really happened that night in Dubai and who is Alex Sokolov.


The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma
Cecile Dowd is a single mother, just trying to keep life together in 1933 for her and her three year old daughter Millie. Cecile is a widow and it's the great depression. Without her husband, it's difficult to always control Millie's behavior and make sure there is enough food on the table. Cecile decides she needs to get another job to help make things easier. While she goes out looking, she leaves Millie with a neighbor. When she returns to pick up Millie at the end of the day, Millie is gone. The neighbor says, that Cecile can't handle the child and has given her to someone who can help, Georgia Tann the head of the Tennessee Children's Home. They "help" parents find loving families for their children. But Cecile didn't ask for this and neither did a lot of other parents. Ms. Tann is taking children from parents she deems unfit and sending them to other families in the area. Ms. Tann has most of the Tennessee government in her back pocket and no matter who Cecile goes to for help, it's to no avail. Will she be able to find Millie before she's gone forever? With people trying to stop her at every turn, Cecile is determined, no matter what the cost.


The First Mistake by Sandie Jones
Alice's life hasn't been the same since she lost her husband, Tom. When Nathan comes into her life, she feels like she can conquer anything with him by her side. She has two beautiful daughters and a best friend who always has her back. Then, in the blink of an eye, her whole world comes crashing down and she is questioning everything she knows to be true. Who can she trust and will she find out the truth before it's too late.

THREE AND A HALF STARS

In West Mills by De'Shawn Charles Winslow
The town of West Mills is a small close knit community. Everyone knows everyone and keeping your business to yourself isn't necessarily something that happens. Knot is a teacher in West Mills but when she is not teaching, she likes to drink her moonshine and enjoy time with her men friends. When her long time friend leaves town, Knot goes down the rabbit hole. And things for her take a change that no one expects coming. Knot's neighbor Otis Lee and his wife Pep are the only family Knot has in West Mills. She trusts them with her secrets and they trust her with theirs. Will Knot's actions in her life keep the friendship going or will it tear them apart.

THREE STARS

Just One Bite by Jack Heath
Timothy Blake is waiting on the side of the road for someone to drop of a package to him. While he is waiting he decides to take a short walk through the woods and he stumbles upon a body. Being the man that he is, he takes the body and goes home since the person never arrives. He puts the body in his freezer for another time. Then he gets a call from his friend Thistle who is also an FBI agent. She needs his helps to solve the case of a missing person. Blake knows where the missing person is, but if he tells her this, he will be charged for the murder, which he didn't do. So he helps the FBI for just as much reason to keep himself clean as to find out what happened to this guy. Will they find the real killer before the body is found in his freezer?


The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport
Hidden Run is a B&B in the small town of Canyon Mines, just outside of Denver, Colorado. When a stranger comes to town looking lost, Jillian and her father Nolan are determined to help her find her way. Meri comes from a family of doctors, but that is not what she wants to do. Maybe coming to Colorado, a place she last felt like herself will help her to find the future that is best for her.



That's all for the month of June.  Click on any book cover to learn more about the book or to order a copy.  Click on the title to read my full review. 

Share with me in the comments any of these books you have read, or any books you read in June that you would recommend.

Happy Reading!!!