Review: THE THIRD WIFE by Lisa Jewell

Publisher: Century

Published: July 3, 2014

Genre: Mystery

Source: e-ARC

Rating: 4 Stars

GOODREADS

Blurb:
In the early hours of an April morning, Maya stumbles into the path of an oncoming bus.

A tragic accident? Or suicide?

Her grief-stricken husband, Adrian, is determined to find out.

Maya had a job she enjoyed; she had friends. They'd been in love.

She even got on with his two previous wives and their children. In fact, they'd all been one big happy family.

But before long Adrian starts to identify the dark cracks in his perfect life.
Because everyone has secrets.
And secrets have consequences.
Some of which can be devastating.

Review:

Going into 'The Third Wife' I knew I was going to be getting a story that delivered. Call it an intuition, but I just knew that I would end up loving this. The book had me guessing until the very end...it's one that you have to keep reading and not stop until you finish. That's exactly what I did too. I think readers will find that The Third Wife will exceed expectations and will leave them wanting more.

The story starts off with Adrian's wife, Maya. Right away we know something's wrong when Maya gets killed by oncoming bus. We are then told that Maya is actually Adrian's third wife. Not surprising since that's what the name of the book is: THE THIRD WIFE. Maya dies and Adrian is left with the aftermath of the tragedy. Questions arise and a mystery is set in stone as we discover as to why Maya does what she did. 

As much as I did love this, the pacing at times was a little too slow for my taste. I like my books to have a slow burn that makes me want more a do r the most part it did. But it's those chapters that dragged that had me wondering if I would be able to finish. I'm glad I did because it ended up getting really good! The family dynamic was astounding because I don't think many families would be so...drama free. Or maybe they are, I just haven't heard about it. Regardless, the first two wives are great and I'm glad that everyone was able to get along so well.

Overall, I think I found a new author to look forward to reading from. This complex but wonderfully written story will have you thinking for days about every day life and how things aren't always what they seem.

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review.

About the Author:
Lisa Jewell (born 19th July 1968, Middlesex, London) is a popular British author of chick lit fiction. Her books include Ralph's Party, Thirtynothing and most recently 31 Dream Street. She lives in Swiss Cottage, London with her husband Jascha and daughters Amelie Mae (born 2003) and Evie Scarlett (born 2007).

Lisa's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/LisaJewelloff...

Buy Link:

AMAZON 

AMAZON UK

Review: AFTER (After, #1) by Anna Todd

 

Publisher: Gallery Books

Published: October 21, 2014

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Source: Bought

Rating: 4 Stars

GOODREADS

Blurb:

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She’s got direction, ambition, and a mother who’s intent on keeping her that way.

But she’s barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin. With his tousled brown hair, cocky British accent, tattoos, and lip ring, Hardin is cute and different from what she’s used to.

But he’s also rude—to the point of cruelty, even. For all his attitude, Tessa should hate Hardin. And she does—until she finds herself alone with him in his room. Something about his dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss it ignites within her a passion she’s never known before.

He’ll call her beautiful, then insist he isn't the one for her and disappear again and again. Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, yet every time she pushes back, he only pulls her in deeper.

Tessa already has the perfect boyfriend. So why is she trying so hard to overcome her own hurt pride and Hardin’s prejudice about nice girls like her?

Unless…could this be love?

Now newly revised and expanded, Anna Todd’s After fanfiction racked up 1 billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. Experience the Internet’s most talked-about book for yourself!

There was the time before Tessa met Hardin, and then there’s everything AFTER ... Life will never be the same.

Review:

Okay yeah, I enjoyed this.

I'm going to be honest here, I almost didn't finish this book. Scratch that, I almost didn't even make it past 10% of the book. My thoughts during those times? I thought everyone was over dramatic and overreacted over everything. Oh yeah, Hardin was an asshole and not the endearing kind and Tessa was an obsessed little virgin. Let me explain, I felt like she thought about Hardin every other paragraph, which is beyond annoying. We get it! Hardin is a bad-ass with tattoos, piercings, and is hot as hell. But why does that mean he has a right to act like a dickhead? To answer my own question, he doesn't! He just is...

So I still kind of think those things after reading the book but guess what? I kept on reading and I couldn't stop. And more importantly, I didn't want to. Sitting in bed was ALL I wanted to do but I have a life I have to live...and kids that are too young to feed themselves. Dang it... Just kidding! I would have loved it though if I were able to read it more during the day. I wanted to know more about Hardin even though he was such a jerk. I even wanted to know about Tessa even though I found her character too dramatic.

During the night when I would get my reading done, I would talk to the characters, laugh at them, and  of course cussing them out. Yes, I talk to my kindle. I would giggle like a school girl in the most inappropriate times. And I just couldn't help asking myself, is this really one direction fan fic?! To answer my own question, yes, yes it is. Thank god I didn't picture them while I was reading though. That's pretty much why I've put off reading it for so long.

You guys have all read the synopsis so I won't waste your time with summarizing the book. All I know is that it was full of angst and borderline dysfunctional people. Like for real...it's not borderline, it's full on dysfunction. They spend most of the book getting mad and yelling over stupid s***. It wasn't just one either, both of them were very irrational but weirdly, that's what made me like them. I hate books that have over-dramatize characters but if its written well, I can handle it. Such as this one...obviously!

It was very tough for me to put the book down. I'm glad I took the chance to read this. I'm already on book 2 and plan to get the rest. This is definitely my guilty pleasure read. If you're wondering if you should pick this up or not, I suggest you do. So what if one direction was behind the inspiration? Just picture your own characters and go into this with an open mind. 

About the Author:

ANNA TODD is a first-time writer spending her days in the Austin area with her husband, with whom she beat half the statistics by getting married one month after graduating high school. Between her husband's three deployments to Iraq, she worked odd jobs from a makeup counter to the IRS processing counter. Anna was always an avid reader and boy band and romance lover, so now that she’s found a way to combine the three she’s enjoying living a real-life dream come true. 

Buy Links:

 AMAZON 

AMAZON UK

Check back to the site later for the rest of the After series book reviews! And if you want to stay up to date on book reviews, tours, etc. Please follow the blog via GFC, email, and/or Google+.

Blog Tour: THAT CHESAPEAKE SUMMER by Mariah Stewart

Today's stop on the blog is the ninth book in the Chesapeake Diaries series! We are excited to bring to you a story that will be "sure to win readers' hearts". Please check out the blurb below and make sure you get your very own copy!

THAT CHESAPEAKE SUMMER

The Chesapeake Diaries #9

Mariah Stewart

Pocket Books

June 23, 2015

$7.99

“[THAT CHESAPEAKE SUMMER] deftly uses the tools of the genre to explore issues of identity, truth, and small town kinship… Stewart offers a strong statement on the power of love and trust, a fitting theme for this big-hearted small town romance.”

—Publishers Weekly

 

“A touching story of self-discovery and homecoming that is sure to warm readers’ hearts…fans are sure to feel right at home in Stewart’s idyllic seaside setting and follow this emotional journey with avid interest.”

—RT Reviews

 

New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart returns to her Chesapeake Diaries series and to St. Dennis on the idyllic Eastern Shore of Maryland in the “big-hearted small town romance” (Publishers Weekly) THAT CHESAPEAKE SUMMER.

Jamie Valentine is the wildly successful author of self-help books that advocate transparency in every relationship.  But when her widowed mother passes away unexpectedly, Jamie discovers her own life has been based on a lie.  Angry and deeply betrayed, she sets out to find the truth—which may be in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay.  Cutting her most recent book tour short, Jamie books a room at the Inn at Sinclair’s Point, just outside St. Dennis.

The death of Daniel Sinclair’s father forced him to take over the family inn, and his wife’s death left him a single parent of two children, so there’s little room for anything else in his life.  His lovely new guest is intriguing, though, and he’s curious about the secret she’s clearly hiding.  But in the end, Jamie and Dan could discover the greatest truth of all: that the search for one thing just might lead to the find of a lifetime—if you keep your heart open.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MARIAH STEWART is the award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories.  A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens.  Visit her website at www.mariahstewart.com, and like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorMariahStewart.

Buy Link:

 Amazon

Blog Tour:

►6/22:                 Harlequin Junkies

►6/23:                 USA Today’s Happy Ever After

►6/24:                 Reviews from the Heart

►6/25:                 Booked on a Feeling

►6/26:                 From L.A. to LA

►6/27:                 From the TBR Pile

►6/28:                 Abigail Books Addiction

►6/29:                 Romancing the Book

►6/30:                 Bibliotica

►7/1:                   Four Chicks Flipping Pages

►7/2:                   The Lovely Books

►7/3:                   Sara’s Organized Chaos

►7/6:                   Reviews by Crystal

►7/8:                   Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

►7/9:                   Bookfan

►7/10:            Emily-Jane's Book Corner

►7/13:                 Literary Gossip

►7/19:                 Ramblings from this Chick

►7/26:                 Svetlana’s Reads

Upcoming:

If Only In My Dreams

November 30, 2015

Pocket Star EBook Holiday Novella (.99)

 

The Chesapeake Diaries #10

July 2016

Pocket Books

$7.99

Cover Reveal:Bradley's Whistle by Kristy Dallas!!

Bradley’s Whistle

Was he a hitman? A Navy Seal? Gigolo? I had no idea what Bradley Emerson did for a living. I’d figure it out though, secrets didn’t sit well with me and I loved a challenge. ~ Wiska

I wanted her. I didn’t want to want her, but the brain in my head was no longer in control of this vessel. Wanting her went against my rules, but apparently my male member was a rule breaker.  ~ Bradley

A comedy romance

By Kirsty Dallas

Release Date ~ August 2015

Goodreads TBR

Cover Model

Alex Crockford

www.alexcrockford.com

Facebook

Photographer

Emma Shamaya

Graphics Designer

Graphics Covered

Many Thanks to FMR Book Grind and Nicole from One Click Bliss, for helping me get this reveal off the ground, and all the bloggers who continue to support not only me, but all us authors!

You guys rock!!

Connect with Kirsty Dallas

www.kirstydallasauthor.com

Facebook

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Blog Tour feat Review and Giveaway:Beat by Vi Keeland!!!!

Title: BEAT Author: Vi Keeland Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: June 15, 2015

Buy Beat

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Dimpled smile of a boy
Hard body of a man
Sings like an angel
Fucks like the devil

I was stuck between a rock(star) and a hard place.

At fifteen, his poster hung on my bedroom wall. At twenty-five his body hovered over mine. Every girl’s fantasy became my reality. I was dating a rockstar. Yet I was slowly falling for another man. The problem was—the two men—they shared a tour bus.

Flynn Beckham was the opening act.
Dylan Ryder was the headliner.

What happens when the opening act begins to shine so bright, it seems to dim everything else in its wake?

I’ll tell you what happens. Things get ugly.

My Review:

Beat was the first book that I had read by Vi Keeland and it definitely won’t be the last.

The beautiful cover is what first drew me in, but once I read the blurb I knew that I HAD to have it. A love triangle between a girl and two rock stars? Hell yes. Count me in.

Luciana Valentine, aka Lucky, seems to have it all. Not only is she the co-owner of a wildly popular karaoke bar, but she also happens to be dating one of the biggest rock stars around – Dylan Ryder, lead singer of Easy Ryder. She grew up with his posters on her walls and after having been together for a year, she assumes she’s in love.

Then Flynn Beckham walks into her bar and she’s instantly drawn to him. He’s charismatic, insanely hot, and down to earth. When he joins the Easy Ryder tour, the two end up spending more and more time together. They have great chemistry but Lucky is torn and doesn’t know who she belongs with – the rocker that she’s adored for years or the guy who makes her heat beat just a little bit faster.

I was drawn into this book from the very first page. I immediately liked Lucky and thought she had spunk. Watching the way she was with her best friend and the way she handled the bar patrons, I just knew she was my kind of heroine. I did want to reach into the book and smack her a few times for the way she handled some things, and there were times that I wish she would have grown a backbone, but that’s okay. She’s human and we’re allowed to make mistakes.

Flynn was amazing. I loved him from the start and that love only got stronger as the story progressed. He was funny, caring, thoughtful, and hot. It was also very endearing to see how loving of an Uncle he was to his young niece. He definitely wormed his way into my heart and into a top spot on my book boyfriend list.

Dylan was a douche. I wish I could say kind things about him, but I can’t. He was so full of himself and I detested every single thing he did. I don’t know how Lucky stayed with him for a year. Maybe I’m just blinded because of how hard I fell for Flynn’s character, but Dylan just didn’t cut it for me.

I’d have to give Beat 4.5 I-will-read-you-again-and-again stars. It was definitely a great read and a book that I didn’t want to put down for a second. I was captivated by the characters and the story. There may have been some transitions from one scene to the next that I thought could have been a bit smoother, but nothing that took away from my enjoyment of the novel.

It made me laugh, it made me feel, and it made me fall in love. And holy crap! There were some swoon worthy and hot scenes in this book. I definitely recommend picking up a copy today.

Excerpt:

Getting through Flynn singing is incredibly hard. The way his throat moves, the way his mouth caresses each syllable of the low, raspy sound that falls from his lips. I should be watching his posture, his breathing, the way his larynx forces out the words—but instead I’m focused on the beauty of his mouth and how the sound of his voice glides over my body, making it feel both warm and tingly at the same time. I’m lost when the song finishes, yet I haven’t really observed him yet.

“So. Give it to me straight. What am I doing wrong?”

Ummm … absolutely nothing from what I can see. Everything was perfect. Don’t change a thing. Shit. “Could you do it again? Maybe a different song, one you haven’t sung in a while. So the sounds are less familiar to your body. Sometimes that can give me a different view.” At least I make it sound like a real thing when the words come out.

He sings again, and this time I force myself to observe. “Hmm … your posture is great. Most people have a tendency to favor one side of their neck, which makes them tilt a bit when they speak, and it becomes magnified when they sing, which puts strain on the muscles around the vocal cords. Your alignment is perfect.”

“Thank you, it goes with the rest of my perfectness,” he says with a teasing arrogance that, from the little I know about him, I know isn’t real.

“You didn’t let me finish.”

“You can’t now tell me I’m not perfect. I was already basking in the glow.”

“Actually, it was perfect…but almost a little too perfect. Which makes me think you don’t usually stand this way when you sing.”

“It isn’t the way I normally sing. On stage, I usually have a guitar over my shoulder. Even if I’m not playing it, it’s there.”

“Well, I need to see you holding your instrument to assess you fully, then.”.

Flynn’s eyebrows quirk up and the dirty grin on his face is unmistakable.

“The guitar. I’d need to see you holding the guitar.”

“That’s a shame.” He shrugs, the playful smile still on his face. “But okay. It’s your call. Whatever instrument you want to see me hold is fine with me.”

“How big of you.”

“So now we’re talking about the other instrument again?”

I roll my eyes, although this conversation is having more of an effect on me than I let on.

About the Author:

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn't change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

Follow Her Here: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Promo + Giveaway- Age of Alandria Series by Morgan Wylie

Silent Orchids (The Age of Alandria #1)

by Morgan Wylie

Release Date: 05/05/13

238 pages

Summary from Goodreads:
A dying realm.

The ancient evil of the Droch-Shúil has been unleashed.

The Orchids have been silenced… but for how long?

Daegan, elite of the Ferrishyn warrior tribe of Faeries, is charged with a mission to find the Sol-lumieth, a mysterious new power that could change the fate of all in the realm of Alandria. But he is conflicted by his purpose, and he cannot trust the motives of those he serves. He has too many questions and they must be answered.

Kaeleigh, a girl abandoned as a small child just outside Missoula, Montana, is now 18. She is trying to discover who she is and where she belongs. In her heart, she feels she has family out there… somewhere. Desperate to unravel the mysteries of her past, she embarks on a journey that will forever change her along with her two best friends, Finn and Chel—who have secrets of their own.

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:
Amazon│Barnes&Noble│Smashwords│Kobo│iTunes

Veiled Shadows (The Age of Alandria #2)

by Morgan Wylie

Release Date: 10/01/13

360 pages

Summary from Goodreads:
Shadows linger where light is obstructed, and truth is veiled.

Evil is an untreated disease in the once beautiful realm of Alandria.

Kaeleigh is faced with a revelation that she must reconcile. She will decide if discovering the truth is worth the unknown consequences to both herself and her friends.

Daegan, the Ferrishyn warrior, is conflicted by more than his loyalties, and is confronted with emotions he doesn’t know how to deal with. A choice must be made. A choice… that may cost him more than he ever wanted to give.

The Droch-Shúil—enforcers and servants of the ancient darkness—continue to cast their shadow over Alandria seeking those who can be turned to their side.

The magic of The Orchids is growing, but not everyone will survive what is to come.

Veiled Shadows is the second installment in The Age of Alandria series: the story of the Sol-lumieth’s quest for freedom of self and the power to battle the evil of the Droch-Shúil.

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:
Barnes and Noble│ Kobo│Smashwords  

Fractured Darkness (The Age of Alandria #3)

by Morgan Wylie

Release Date: 01/29/15

325 pages

Summary from Goodreads:
The darkness in Elnye is growing.

There is screaming in Exhile.

The mysterious woman, known only as “She”, is in a rage. Her pawn, Maleina has made a dangerous move and severed her communications with the dark mistress. Now as dueling dark forces, master and willing initiate, they begin to jockey for power as the stage is set for the coming war.

Kaeleigh and her small band of loyal companions have escaped the dungeons of Elnye and found their way to the secret home of the Ehsmia. After breaking the vicious bond that enslaved Daegan to Maleina’s will, the walls between Kaeleigh and her Ferrishyn warrior begin to fall, as their feelings for each other begin to give way to passion.

The darkness is fractured, but its relentless quest for power goes unabated. A war is coming. However, the power of the Sol-lumieth has finally come together and found its light. A blinding light of freedom, that may be the salvation for all of Alandria.

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:
Amazon│Barnes and Noble │iBooks

About the Author
Morgan Wylie, originally from the Pacific Northwest, now resides near Nashville, TN with her husband and daughter. She and her husband work everyday at their individual and combined creative pursuits while she learns to balance being “Mama”, wife, and mediator to the many voices and muses constantly chattering in her head.

Author Links:
Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

Book Tour Organized by:
YA Bound Book Tours a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blitz feat Excerpt:Beat by Vi Keeland!!!

Title: BEAT Author: Vi Keeland Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: June 15, 2015

Buy Beat

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Dimpled smile of a boy
Hard body of a man
Sings like an angel
Fucks like the devil

I was stuck between a rock(star) and a hard place.

At fifteen, his poster hung on my bedroom wall. At twenty-five his body hovered over mine. Every girl’s fantasy became my reality. I was dating a rockstar. Yet I was slowly falling for another man. The problem was—the two men—they shared a tour bus.

Flynn Beckham was the opening act.
Dylan Ryder was the headliner.

What happens when the opening act begins to shine so bright, it seems to dim everything else in its wake?

I’ll tell you what happens. Things get ugly.

Excerpt:

Ten minutes later I’m still alone behind the bar and Avery is nowhere to be found. I’m sure she’s in the back alley smoking, even though she swears every day that she’s quit. I check the IDs of three very young-looking pretty girls—they’re over twenty-one, but barely. I can’t miss their conversation.

“Seriously, he has to be gay.”

“Why, because he hasn’t noticed you yet?”

“No, because he’s too perfect to be straight.”

“Could we buy someone a drink?” one of the young blondes asks me.

“Of course. What do you want me to send over?”

They giggle for a few minutes, then decide on a Screaming Orgasm for their intended target. I mix the vodka, Bailey’s and Kahlua and pour it over a tumbler of ice. “Okay. Who’s the lucky recipient?”

All three of them point to the other end of the bar and say in unison, “Him.”

Lord. That is one beautiful man.

The three blondes were clearly not the only ones to notice. The brunette next to him with her full boobage on display is giving him her rapt attention when I walk over. Yet I feel his eyes on me as I walk down the long bar. I’m used to being hit on. Men seem to find an attractive woman whose sole purpose is to deliver them alcohol an alluring combination. They tend to become even bolder after tossing back a few drinks.

Halfway down the bar, I stop to refill a beer for a patron. I don’t need to look up as I pour to know Beautiful Man is still watching me. The hair on the back of my neck is all the confirmation I need. He never takes his gaze off me, even when I turn, catch his eyes, and silently call him on his staring.

“I’m here to deliver you a Screaming Orgasm.” Damn, he’s even hotter up close. Sandy-brown, shoulder-length hair tousled just the right amount to make him look like he’s just gotten laid. Long, lean torso, tattoos on his forearms peeking out from his long-sleeve fitted shirt. Nice. Then he smiles. Dimples. Yep. He definitely just got laid.

“Thank you. But I have a ladies-first policy.” He winks.

I stare at him for a moment, then drop my eyes down to the drink, leading him to follow.

“Oh. You meant the drink.” He smirks—it’s sexy as hell, and he knows it.

I roll my eyes, but there’s a reluctant smile hidden just beneath the surface. “It’s from the three barely legal ladies down at the end.” I nod in their direction and all three smile broadly and wave.

“Well, that’s disappointing.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Those three women buying you a drink with a name that tells you what their plans are for you later is a disappointment?”

“I thought you were buying me the drink.”

Cheesy, I know, but there’s a flutter in my stomach nonetheless. “Sorry. But you get the Doublemint triplets as a consolation prize.” I shrug, trying to come off nonchalant, and turn to walk away. This close to him, the guy is making me fidget. It’s a big bar, but the way he looks at me makes me feel like we’re in a confined space.

“Wait,” he calls after me, and I turn back. “What’s your name?”

I smile and point at the sign over the bar. Lucky’s.

About the Author:

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn't change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

Follow Her Here: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads