Beyond Today by L. Simpson

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BLURB

Ticking all the boxes, the new man in Hannah's life also has a past with enough baggage for a voyage, and she can't see how they'll make it work between them beyond today.

THE PRICE OF FORGIVENESS

When Hannah meets Howard, the elusive best man in her friend's wedding, Hannah is instantly drawn to the damaged alpha because they share a connection that makes her heart race and her head spin. But his past, his family and how he slaked his sexual needs keep him prisoner, and challenges her faith in people. With time, Hannah sees the real him, but when he does the one thing she can’t accept, her own demons whisper: Run away from the only man who has ever made her heart full.
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36551337-beyond-today
 

EXCERPT
No matter how shitty the day, I shed my crankiness as I got closer to my cottage at the base of Mount Buffalo. Thoughts of Molly’s Hen’s night and getting my groove on further lifted my mood so when I turned down my long dirt driveway I was happy.

Inside, I gave my dogs Patsy and Eddie some attention then rushed into the shower, almost tripping into my clawfoot bath before putting on my dress, more mascara and some Chanel Mademoiselle. With five minutes to spare before I would be end-of-friendship late, I stoked the fire, fed the hounds and headed out.

The winery was situated on a hill surrounded by grape vines wearing their autumn coats. The wedding would be held at the renovated butter factory that now served as the cellar at the winery. It was made of old red brick with high ceilings and big wooden doors, and was attached to the farmhouse where Molly lived. As I neared the house, I could hear our friend Annie’s English accent animatedly recounting something, and Bruce snorting in response. Walking up the back steps I was met at the door by a relieved Dave and a near to tears Molly.

“Oh shit,” I muttered as she threw her arms around me. I leaned down to hug her, resting my head on her blonde curly hair. She was usually a little ray of sunshine, but not tonight.

“She won’t let me kick her out,” Dave ground out. Clearly the twig bitch had brought her A-game. Molly shook her head and I whispered fiercely in her ear, “She ain't got nothin’ on us.” And she didn’t.

Molly gave me a small smile in return, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s fine, I only have a few more weeks to endure it.” Molly had decided to tolerate Franny, but I wanted to give her a bloody nose. I released my friend and turned to walk inside, even thirstier now.

“I need a fuck,” I started to say before going smack-bang into a wall of muscle. The wall was tall because I was staring at a tanned throat and I was no short-ass. I stumbled back before looking up again. Fuck. I felt slammed into all over again. I’d run into a GQ model with broad shoulders, a square jaw and short dark hair that was faultlessly un-coiffed. I eyed his perfectly formed lips (that were turned down) and beautiful chocolate eyes that were, at this moment, looking at me from under raised eyebrows. I felt a pull of desire as my eyes moved south along his body. The irony that I’d just declared I needed a fuck wasn’t lost on me. Dave cleared his throat to snap me out of my exploration. I blinked slowly and stepped back.

“Ah Hannah, this is Howard.” Molly introduced us, and I could hear amusement in her voice.

So Howard was not a sixty-year-old banker, I thought, still dazzled. It was a shame I hadn’t met him sooner. After a moment, Dave made a strangled sound, disrupting my musing. I turned to see him looking down trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to stifle a laugh. Bugger. I’d spoken out loud. Now I was flushing red like a sunburnt ginger kid.

Slowly, I raised my eyes to Howard’s. “Well, Howard, it’s a pleasure to meet the man I’ll be joining at the end of the aisle,” I quipped as if I was hilarious. I wasn’t. This was embarrassing.

“Hannah.”

One Word. He didn’t need to say more—my undies incinerated.

So deep and melodic, he had a voice that made my mouth go dry and my girl parts tingle. I hadn't had sex since my ex, almost two years ago, and that sad realisation made more blood rush to my cheeks, twice in two minutes. Shit. I needed to lie down before I fainted.

Howard stood there looking at me, neither smiling nor scowling, probably trying to figure out what planet I was from.

“Well, about that drink, ” I said breaking the awkward silence abruptly, moving past him into the kitchen to drown myself in a bucket of wine.

“I can’t believe you said that out loud,” Molly stage-whispered as she followed me, closing the door. I was humiliated but at least Molly was smiling.

“Sorry I sounded like a complete cock. I didn’t embarrass you too much did I? He didn’t look happy.”

“Oh, he wasn’t unhappy.” Molly smiled suggestively.

“What happened? What’d I miss?”Annie rapped out as she walked in, hands on hips and demanding an answer. Annie, my other closest friend was also tiny like Molly, but had raven black hair cropped short and jewel-like eyes now glittering with anticipation. She was a smart ass. My antics were perfect cannon fodder for her.

“Nothing.” I yawned, feigning nonchalance.

“She met him,” Molly said to Annie with a knowing wink.

 I sighed. “Yeah, and I made a complete dick of myself.” This would’ve been hysterical if I wasn’t the dick.

“Oh, I don’t think he saw it that way,” Molly said smirking. I huffed, grabbed a drink and went through to the dining room to get away from my friends making fun of me.
 

^{*Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review*}

The thing that makes this book unique is Howard. I loved him! He is so sensitive and it was interesting to see a bit of a gender swap in a way with him. In romances, it is usually the girl that has the issue that the book focuses on. In Beyond Today, this is not the case because Howard's issue is the main focus. I was happy to see that because it gives a different perspective to this particular issue. I also appreciated how the author doesn't make him seem weak even though he feels like he is weak or less of a man because of it.
Everything about the book besides Howard was meh for me. I didn't feel that the other characters were unique and there wasn't much background to any of them even Hannah. The story seemed to follow the typical pattern that other romances do and was extremely predictable. It didn't take me long to figure out exactly what was going to happen in the story. The only reason that I kept reading was because I wanted to read more of Howard's point of view. I wouldn't have minded if the book was all from Howard's point of view.

 

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AUTHOR BIO
As a girl growing up, Laura was lost in the world of Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. During high school, volleyball dominated her life; there had to be something positive about being 6’1” with red hair.

Representing Australia from a young age she eventually took up a scholarship at the University of Iowa. Living in America and being a full-time athlete in a college town was an eye-opening experience and lots of fun (from what she can remember). #gohawkeyes

Returning from the States, her career took a different turn as she started working at the Red Cross and completed her Masters of Law in Human Rights. As one of the few non-lawyers in the class, her essays were far more floral than the rest, something that caused the discerning professors to shake their heads. Through working and studying, she realised there are other ways to win hearts and minds.

While she’s spent the last 14 years as an advocate against poverty and homelessness, the desire to change the world through storytelling has gotten stronger. She now lives in the Alpine Valley of North East Victoria, Australia with her husband, daughter, two dogs and seven chooks. When she’s not doing the whole mum thing, working at a homelessness agency, renovating her farmhouse or trying to do laundry bleary-eyed at midnight, she is writing.
 
AUTHOR LINKS
Website: http://www.lsimpsonauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/l.simpson.romance
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lsimpsonauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lsimpsonauthor

The Dark Intercept (The Dark Intercept #1) by Julia Keller

🌟🌟🌗 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:

The State controls your emotions. What would you pay to feel free?
In a radiant world of endless summer, the Intercept keeps the peace. Violet Crowley, the sixteen-year-old daughter of New Earth’s Founding Father, has spent her life in comfort and safety. Her days are easy thanks to the Intercept, a crime-prevention device that monitors and provokes emotion. But when her long-time crush, Danny Mayhew, gets into a dangerous altercation on Old Earth, Violet launches a secret investigation to find out what he's hiding. An investigation that will lead her to question everything she's ever known about Danny, her father, and the power of the Intercept.

^{*I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I thought the idea behind this book was interesting. A machine that can monitor and provoke emotions in someone's head and use it to incapacitate people who may be committing a crime?!? I loved the idea of that because it isn't something that I think has been used before in dystopian or sci-fi books before. It is an interesting thing to think about because I don't think that people may realize how much power emotions have over people. They can motivate a person to commit certain acts or to react differently to situations. 
My main issue with this book was Violet. I felt like the majority of her actions were prompted by her feelings for Danny.  I'm all for romance but she didn't seem to care about anything else besides him. It was really frustrating for me because I wanted the book to focus on more interesting aspects of the book but since Violet was the only point of view it didn't end of happening. 
I wish that the author would have spent more time on the actual story rather than what I just mentioned because book ended up feeling fragmented. I wanted to have more information about many other things that are brought up in the story like how people are chosen to come to New Earth or about the intercept itself. I know that there is supposed to be another book after this one which may help to explain more but I don't plan on reading it.} 

True Abandon by Jeannine Colette

🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

SYNOPSIS:

Can the sins of the past be forgiven with the actions of today?
Trish Hogan's life was destroyed when she gave her trust to her high school boyfriend, Jackson, and he threw it away, changing the course of her life forever.
A decade later she’s living in Manhattan -- she has a roommate, a steady boyfriend and a career. When a hurricane puts the city on lock down, Trish gets a message she never thought she’d receive: Jackson is dying and alone. In a city of millions, she is the only person who can sit by his side.
Jackson Davis was once the golden child of a senator who went against his father’s plans and became a musician. Tatted up and broken, he wakes up in a hospital only to see Trish -- the one person he needs to atone his sins to -- standing before him. He will recover from his injuries, but not from the pain he caused in the past.
Trapped by the storm, they embark on a night of reckoning that has one running away to Hawaii and the other following in her steps. As the victim becomes the villain, the two are forced to face the past, live in the present and find a way to navigate into the future.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32879795-true-abandon

 EXCERPT:
“I want you to get to know me now, as a man.”
I hold a finger up to him. “No.”
“Yes.”
Shaking my head, I state, “You can’t force me to spend time with you.”
“Yes, I can,” he retorts with a wink. He flicks a gaze around the room—the fourteen-hundred-square-foot Pele suite with two king-size master bedrooms, a living room, lanai looking out to the Pacific Ocean, and—
Realization strikes.
“Oh, no.” I put both hands up in the air and start to back away. “No, no, no, no, no.”
He smiles.
“You’re sick,” I state.
He strides toward me, each step more purposeful than the last. “Eight days and seven nights of personal concierge service.”
I continue to back up. “You’re insane.”
“Sit back and relax at our five-star luxury resort while your every need is met,” he recites the words from the hotel’s website.
My heels continue to retreat backward. “I don’t know what you think this service includes, but it’s not—” My back hits the wall.
“Not what?” His palms are pressed flat against the wall by my head, his body pinning me in.
I gasp at the proximity.
The buttons of his shirt are level with my eyes. The fire of the dragon peeks over the top of his collar. His strong legs encase me. The well-defined upper half of a man who clearly treats his body like a piece of art paired with the intoxicating smell of warm honey radiating off his skin trap me. I’m consumed by the power of this man, yet not one single part of his body is touching me. Not one tiny inch.
I look up and am a breath away from lips whose kisses are still ones I dream about. I dare myself not to, but I find myself glancing further up, and my heart stops at the look he’s giving me—the heated one of a man who is fixated on the one thing he wants. The determined yet yearning gaze of someone who has been deprived for years. The look of someone who is staring at what he needs.
My body ignites.
From the tips of my fingers to the swell of my chest and right down to the simmering of my core, I’m reacting to having this hard, powerful body so close. It’s so intense, so direly missed—and so very, very dangerous.
I tilt my head to the side, causing Jax to lean in and whisper into my ear, his breath hot against my skin, “There once was a time when you looked at me like I was your savior. Now, your eyes scream in disgust. Where you once melted, now, you flinch. I did that to you, and it kills me.”
He pushes off the wall and stalks back to the middle of the room with his chest heaving. I was so concerned about my physical reaction, I didn’t even notice he had one of his own.
“I’m not the monster you think I am.”
 

^{*Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review*}

I appreciated how the author made sure to focus on having the main characters discuss their issues. It wasn't as simple as "you did a bad thing but I love you so no big deal".
I thought that the main issue that tore the main characters apart was an interesting one. I thought that the explanations from each of the characters of how it changed them made sense. It made the story seem realistic and not overly dramatic. I thought that Jackson's side of what happened was believable and slightly redeemed him enough for readers to want them to be together in the end. Teenagers don't usually think about the possible long term ramifications of their actions and it seemed to be the case for these characters in the book.
I thought that t g e book was predictable to an extent but I enjoyed the creativity that the author employed. I thought the issue that comes up towards the end of the book was a nice touch. It helps the reader to see the different sides of the issue and how different people act after going through something difficult. I can't say that I was surprised by the character that caused issues. I saw that coming from a mile away and frankly I never liked that character anyway. I found them to be self absorbed.

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GIVEAWAY There is a giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card + a signed paperback of True Abandon (1 winner, open internationally) 
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AUTHOR BIO
Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.

A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.
AUTHOR LINKS
Website: https://jeanninecolette.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeannine-Colette/919964628027920
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeannineColett
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanninecolette/
Newsletter: http://www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter
 

Wires and Nerve, Volume 1 (Wires and Nerve #1)

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Synopsis:

When rogue packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers threaten the tenuous peace alliance between Earth and Luna, Iko takes it upon herself to hunt down the soldiers' leader. She is soon working with a handsome royal guard who forces her to question everything she knows about love, loyalty, and her own humanity. With appearances by Cinder and the rest of the Rampion crew, this is a must-have for fans of the series.

This graphic novel was everything that I hoped that it would be and more. I have to admit that I was nervous about reading it because it focuses heavily on Iko. I was used to the other books that focused on the other characters with Cinder's story always being the main focus. It's not that I didn't like her but I was nervous about this being more of her story. I was actually surprised by how much I liked Iko. She was funny and girly but also knew how to kick butt. I didn't mind having the focus being on such a strong, independent individual. I was interested in what she would do or say next. 
The other main characters are featured in this as well which was nice because readers will still get to see what  is happening in their lives since the events that happened in Winter. This book is essentially an expansion on the world and a continuation of  the series.
I loved how action packed the other books in this series were and this one did not disappoint on that front either. There was plenty of action and I'm sure there will be even more in the next installment coming out at the beginning of next year. The illustrations in this book were well done but I wish that it wasn't entirely done in blue. It makes it difficult to depict what is in some of the panels in the book. 

On the Way to You by Kandi Steiner

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌗 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:

What makes you happy?

That was the question Emery Reed asked me the day we met, and I couldn’t give him a single answer. I could have said my dog, or my books, or yoga — but I just stared.

And then, I got in his car.

It was crazy to take a road trip with a stranger, but after years of standing still, he was my one-way ticket to a new life, and I wasn’t going to miss it.

We shared the same space, the same car, the same hotel room — and still, we were strangers. One day we’d be laughing, the next, we wouldn’t speak. Emery was surrounded by impenetrable walls, but I wanted in.

Discovering his journal changed everything.

I read his thoughts, words not meant for anyone’s eyes, and the more I learned about him, the harder I fell. It turned out nothing made Emery Reed happy, and I wanted to change that.

I earned his trust by violating his privacy, and as wrong as it was, it worked — until one entry revealed a darkness I never knew existed, a timer I never knew was ticking.

Suddenly, what made me happy was saving Emery from himself. I just didn’t know if I could.

This book is my new favorite from Kandi Steiner. There was very little that I disliked about it. I thought that the characters were interesting and unique from what I have seen in this genre before. Each of the characters had an issue albeit the male character, Emery was the main focus in the book. He is struggling with demons that only he can fight as he meets Cooper and they set off on their road trip. It doesn't take Cooper long to realize this and she seems to struggle with how to help him throughout the book. I really enjoyed learning about each if them as the story progressed. There were moments where I was frustrated with them, Emery more than Cooper, but I understood where he was coming from. It was interesting to be presented with Cooper and Emery's challenges and to watch how they coped. Cooper was the more positive character and she tried to see the good in life whereas Emery got weighed down by his. 
I enjoyed the story even though it was another love story set amid a road trip. I think that the characters and the purpose of the road trip are what made thus story different from others. We don't find out Emery's reason until later and I will say that it may not be what you think it is. 
I think that my only issue with the book was the pace of the main characters relationship. It seemed to move fast especially where intimacy is concerned. I wouldn't classify their relationship as insta-love  but I would have liked to have seen them slow certain parts of their relationship down.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

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Synopsis:

Pay close attention and you might solve this.

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.

Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule.

Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.

Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.

Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.

And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose?

Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.

At first, I thought that this book was going to be a lame version of breakfast club if it was a thriller. I am happy to say that I was partially wrong. The author was inspired by The Breakfast Club and wanted to experiment with what would happen if there was a thriller aspect to it. I thought that it was an interesting idea and I appreciated the author's creativity.
The best part of this book was the reveal towards the end of who the murderer was. I didn't really see it coming. There were aspects of it that I guessed but I didn't see the full picture. I was worried about how the author would choose to end the book because I thought that it would be too obvious and typical of the genre. I enjoyed how the author presents every character in a way that makes them look as if they each have motive to get rid of Simon. It makes it difficult to pin down who did it because they each look guilty. Each person has secrets that they don't want to be revealed. I wish I could explain exactly why I  loved the path that the author took with the reveal but I don't want to spoil anything. Just know that it was unexpected and refreshing. 
The characters themselves weren't presented as anything new. They were each like the characters in The Breakfast Club, stereotypical high school students from separate cliques that don't really acknowledge each other until detention. The author is able to keep readers as well as the characters guessing until the very end as to who murdered Simon. No one is who they seem and everyone is hiding something.

Six Little Secrets by Katlyn Duncan

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Synopsis:

The newest fast-paced YA thriller novella from Katlyn Duncan

Some secrets can never stay hidden for long…

Six teenagers meet in Saturday detention: a brain, a beauty, a cheerleader, a rebel, a recluse and the new girl.

But someone is watching. Someone has made sure that they are all in the same room at the same time. Someone knows that each of them is hiding a terrible secret…

…and by the end of detention, everyone will know the truth.

^{*I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*}
I appreciated the fact that this book was a quick read because I was able to knock it out pretty quickly but I think that it needed more time and pages in order to make it a fully finished book. There wasn't enough depth in order for the me to feel the full weight of the story. I know that it was supposed to be a thriller but it ended up looking like a someone was pulling dangerous pranks on the students in the detention. The reveal of why the person is putting the kids through the trials so to speak is serious but it ended up feeling silly. I was disappointed because it made the book feel like a joke and I couldn't help but not take any of the characters seriously. I will say that the book was able to keep my attention throughout even with all the improvements that I feel needed to be made.
^{I thought that it was interesting that the author did flashbacks for each character and they each got to explain what brought them to detention in their point of view. Each of their points of view let the reader see what their personality was like and where they fell in the social hierarchy at the high school. I'm still not sure why the author chose Zoe to be the point of view that the reader sees for the majority of the book. I did think that she was the most likeable character in the book because the rest of the kids were awful. Well...that isn't entirely true. I did like Teddy but he made some bad decisions so it made him a bit less likeable. 
This book reminded me of a more messed up Breakfast Club if anyone is a fan of John Hughes movies. Each clique was represented in detention and none of them wanted to listen to the teacher in charge no matter how cool he was trying to be.} 

Mr. Control by Maya Hughes

🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:
She’s the one woman I should stay away from, but I can’t help myself...

They say being a billionaire has its perks, but I hardly notice. After being widowed, my beautiful little girl is the most important thing to me. Esme hasn’t spoken to anyone but me since her mother’s death. When she goes missing, I’m thisclose to losing it.

When Esme turns up safe and sound with a cute waitress, I’m ready to give the lady a reward and be on our way, but then Esme speaks to her. It’s simple, a mere “thank you”, but I know I can’t let the waitress get away.

Melanie is nothing like the woman who throw themselves at me. Her big brown eyes take my breath away from the minute I lay eyes on her. She fills out her pink waitress uniform with curves I can’t wait to get my hands on. I can’t get her out of my head.

Melanie’s bringing my little girl out of her shell, which means she’s strictly off limits. But having her under my roof and close enough to touch is too much of a temptation. My legendary control is beginning to slip and I don’t know how much longer I can resist breaking every rule I have.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36571276-mr-control

^{*Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review*} 

I read a book very similar to this one just this year so this book wasn't unique to me. I liked the characters and appreciated the similarities in the things that they each were struggling with. I really liked Mel. She had so much self doubt but cared so much for Esme. She could have been bitter because of what she went through in her life but instead she tried to pay it forward by caring for Esme in the way she wanted for herself growing up. Rhys was also an interesting character in that he had a very controlled, strong air about him. I thought that his upbringing was unique and like nothing I had seen in other books. I almost wished that the author would have spent more time going into it because I found it do interesting. I had an issue with how quickly things wrapped up in the end. I would have liked for the main characters to have hashed things out more thoroughly. It didn't seem like anything was learned from the mistakes that were made or that any growth was achieved for either character in that regard. 

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AUTHOR BIO

 Maya Hughes has always loved romance novels. One look at her Kindle is confirmation. She started writing her first romance novel while pregnant with her third child and she hasn’t looked back. Now, her romance writing addiction has replaced her romance reading addiction.
You can find her writing on her foldable keyboard and phone anytime inspiration strikes. Her sweet and steamy stories range from rockstars to small towns and everything in between. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her three kids, running errands or vegging on the couch with the love of her life and biggest fan, her husband.
AUTHOR LINKS
Website: http://mayahughes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayahugheswrites
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/MayaHughesGroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayahugheswrites/
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Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:
"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you..."

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say . . . ?

I had some trouble with this book and I think it may in part be due to the hype. It feels like everyone I know is in love with Attachments for one reason or another. I love romance books especially when they have comedic elements in them but I had a hard time with this one.
My problem was that I was bored. The story seemed to be very drawn out and I got tired of reading the girls emails after a while. It began to feel like I was reading the same thing over and over again. It seemed like the majority of the book revolved around the emails and Lincoln's mother hovering over everything he did and said. I wanted there to be more interaction between the two main characters than there was.
I didn't really have any other problems with the story other than that. The writing was well done and I liked the characters. Lincoln was so sweet and nerdy. I love a man that is not afraid to let his inner nerd show by playing D and D and talking about movies like Star Wars. Beth was also a cool character because she had an interesting point of view on things. She didn't sugar coat things but was still sensitive to how Jennifer felt making her a good person and friend. She was also nerdy in her own right which I loved. 
I also loved how the author included deeper topics in the story so that it wasn't just a one dimensional love story. The characters are each dealing with issues that don't overwhelm their lives but are common things that people deal with on a daily basis. I think that I felt the worst for Beth because she didn't have much of a support system other than Jennifer and she seemed to be in denial about her issue.

This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

🌟🌟🌟🌗 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:
10:00 a.m. The principal of Opportunity High School finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve.

10:02 a.m. The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class.

10:03 a.m. The auditorium doors won't open.

10:05 a.m. Someone starts shooting.

Told from four different perspectives over the span of fifty-four harrowing minutes, terror reigns as one student’s calculated revenge turns into the ultimate game of survival.
 
Wow! This book packs quite a punch! My heart was in my throat for the majority of it. It does not take long at all before the shooter reveals himself and the terror begins. The rest of the book is spent on the time that the shooting takes place inside of the school and how long it takes for help to arrive. I thought that the numerous points of view in the book were a nice touch. We get to see how each of the characters are effected by what is happening as well as where they are all at as events unfold. I would have liked to have had more character development but I can understand how it could be difficult with this particular type of book. It was interesting to see how each of the characters were effected by the shooter and how they effected him. Each character provides a different perspective on him and the place that he held in their lives. I thought that the flashbacks that they each had involving him provided insight into the shooter and how his mental health appeared to decline as time went on. I would have liked to have seen more depth for him. The author really only gives a taste as to what his life was like and what led him to bringing firearms into school with the end goal of violence. Anyone who reads this book should prepare themselves ahead if time as it is very intense and dark.

If Love was Fair by Savannah Stewart

Genre: Standalone Second Chance Romance

Blurb: Life wasn’t fair…and I’d learned that on far too many occasions. Arbor Kenton had one goal, to flee the toxicity of her hometown. She’d thrown a dart at a map and decided wherever it landed she would move without hesitation. 

One night was all she had left before she’d hit the road and never look back. But little did she know just how life altering that night would be.  

I know I can’t ask you to stay, and you wouldn’t ask me to leave. Colin Banks was an aspiring musician traveling from town to town looking for his big break. One night in a new town would end up shaking the once firm foundation of his dreams. What he didn’t foresee is what that night would end up meaning to him. If love was fair, so much would be different. 

Add on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36462996-if-love-was-fair

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:

A contemporary YA novel that examines rape culture through alternating perspectives.

Alex Craft knows how to kill someone. And she doesn’t feel bad about it.

Three years ago, when her older sister, Anna, was murdered and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best—the language of violence. While her own crime goes unpunished, Alex knows she can’t be trusted among other people. Not with Jack, the star athlete who wants to really know her but still feels guilty over the role he played the night Anna’s body was discovered. And not with Peekay, the preacher’s kid with a defiant streak who befriends Alex while they volunteer at an animal shelter. Not anyone.

As their senior year unfolds, Alex’s darker nature breaks out, setting these three teens on a collision course that will change their lives forever

 I thought that the book was good but there wasn't much of a story involved other than seeing Alex in the wild so to speak. I would have liked to have had more of a plot to go off of but it was still a page turner that was hard to put down.

I didn't mind the different perspectives which was surprising to me because I usually have a hard time with it when there are more than two. I thought that they intertwined in such a way that you could see how the characters lives intersected and how they perceived each other. It helped the story to achieve more depth. I especially enjoyed having a male point of view because of the nature of the subject matter of the book. The character that stole the spotlight for me was Alex. I loved everything about her. The author was able to make her a complex character without having to try too hard. Alex was very intelligent but almost had a childlike way of seeing the world. She saw things as being black and white with the people who commit crimes against women being those who should be punished. It appeared that she saw herself as the force that would oversee said punishment. Alex was a very flawed character but it was her flaws that made for such a fascinating voice to listen to. I enjoyed seeing how people reacted to her or her perspective on normal everyday social interactions. I took issue with the end not necessarily because it didn't make sense or fit with the story. I just would have liked a different ending. It was unexpected in a way but predictable in others and I wanted closure that I don't feel that the author gave. 


 

Forever Yours (Letters in Blood #3) by Liz Lovelock

🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:
Dear Captor,

You show me you care, but then something changes. The brightness in your eyes shines through on your good days, but when you come to me on your dark days, the blackness has taken over.
At least I know what I’m in for . . . pain.

You’ve managed to crawl under my skin in the most excruciating yet sensual way, my darkest secrets are now yours, and the emotions I feel for you are something I’ve never felt before. This sensation is strange, yet exhilarating.
Do you feel the same?
If you do love me, please . . . let me go.

Forever yours,
Elenore

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36249719-forever-yours

^{*Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review*} 

I was surprised how quickly the identity of the captor was revealed in this final installment of the Letters in Blood trilogy. I can honestly say that I was surprised by the reveal. I didn't see it coming and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. It doesn't feel right to me.
There was actually a second reveal as well with the identity of the intruder from the end if the second book. I wasn't as surprised by who that turned out to be. I actually thought that person was the captor though so I guess I was a bit surprised by how I mixed things up.
I wish that the flow of the book wouldn't have been quite as quick. I didn't feel that I had time to soak in everything that was happening due to the rapid fire nature of the flow of the book.

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ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE LETTERS IN BLOOD SERIES

#1 Dear Captor
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#2 With Love
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AUTHOR BIO
Liz is from bright and sunny Queensland, Australia. She has always been a reader. When she was little, she’d be up late reading Garfield and Asterix comic books and also Footrot Flats. When Liz hit high school, they gave her Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden, and from there her love of books continued to grow.

Liz keeps a notebook and pen beside her bed for when those late-night ideas pop into her head, plus she’s a stationery addict and loves pens, notebooks, and, well, anything stationery.

 

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