It's Release Day: LOVE ON THE LAKE by Helena Hunting

 

LOVE ON THE LAKE 

by Helena Hunting

Publication Date: March 15, 2022

Can Aaron love her, even when she can’t love herself? 

Love on the Lake, an emotional small town, standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is live now!

Teagan Firestone has always been the dutiful daughter, especially since her mom died. But as her father finally begins to move on, it’s her turn to do the same. Her destination: Pearl Lake, a close-knit community with an entrepreneurial spirit and secrets of its own.

One of them is Aaron Saunders, who dropped out of college to work construction for Pearl Lake’s upper class. He’s a mystery and has a playboy reputation—that is, until he meets Teagan. Neither of them is looking for love, but in a town this small, it’s hard not to let your heart get involved.  

As their romance heats up, Aaron’s elusive past comes to light and Teagan is there for him, bringing them even closer together. But when Teagan is forced to face her own demons, her inability to accept the support of friends and family threatens the life she’s worked so hard to build. 

Can Aaron love her, even when she can’t love herself? 

Fall in love today exclusively on Amazon or read FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sv3Rbd

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/LoveonLake

Audio CD: https://amzn.to/3g870sK

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3sn7Lmo

Add Love on the Lake to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3iU4rfi

About Helena Hunting 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy. 

Connect with Helena

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kN5wdZ

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2mloUim
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5
Facebook Fan group: http://bit.ly/2kN5yCD
Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/

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Review: IN A NEW YORK MINUTE by Kate Spencer

 

IN A NEW YORK MINUTE

by Kate Spencer

Publication Date: March 15, 2022

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 304

Source: Publisher

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

 

A clever, tender, and romantic novel for readers of Christina Lauren, Jasmine Guillory, and Sophie Cousens, this laugh-out-loud debut is a perceptive reminder that fate can have a sense of humor, and that love can happen…In a New York Minute.

Franny Doyle is having the worst day. She’s been laid off from her (admittedly mediocre) job, the subway doors ripped her favorite silk dress to ruins, and now she’s flashed her unmentionables to half of lower Manhattan. On the plus side, a dashing stranger came to her rescue with his (Gucci!) suit jacket. On the not-so-plus side, he can’t get away from her fast enough.

Worse yet? Someone posted their (entirely not) meet-cute online. Suddenly Franny and her knight-in-couture, Hayes Montgomery III, are the newest social media sensation, and all of New York is shipping #SubwayQTs.

Only Franny and Hayes couldn’t be a more disastrous match. She’s fanciful, talkative, and creative. He’s serious, shy, and all about numbers. Luckily, in a city of eight million people, they never have to meet again. Yet somehow, Hayes and Franny keep running into each other—and much to their surprise, they enjoy each other’s company. A lot. But when Franny’s whole world is turned upside down (again!), can she find the courage to trust in herself and finally have the life—and love—she’s always wanted?

MY THOUGHTS

I wanted a fun book to start off my 2022 and that's why I picked IN A NEW YORK MINUTE as the first book to read this year. There was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm surrounding it, that as soon as it was available to request for review, I clicked that request button. IN A NEW YORK MINUTE gave me all of the laughs that I needed, and this story is exactly what I wanted.

What I Loved:

• So much, where do I even begin? Getting to spend some days in New York with people who love their city
• Franny drips Italian ice on herself and just rubs it into her shirt without a thought. This was relatable and Franny joined the ranks of one of my favorite characters. 
• idea of #subwayQTs and everyone's imagined stories
• Franny's friendships with Cleo and Lola and how they show up for each other literally and figuratively
• The moments when Franny and Hayes began falling for each other - especially the moment when Franny recognizes Hayes's awkwardness as just part of who he is and she finds it endearing

Memorable Quote:

"This is your journey."

"Please do not use that word around me ever again," I said with a laugh . . . 

I really felt this. I'm so over the use of the word "journey" that it's starting to become comical and trite. 

IN A NEW YORK MINUTE was the best book I could have selected to start off my year. I've already recommended it to so many friends and I'm excited that it's finally published and now they have the chance to read it and we can chat about it. IN A NEW YORK MINUTE is a favorite book of 2022. I just love it!!! 

Disclaimer: I requested this ARC from the publisher for review consideration. I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: FURIA by Yamile Saied Mendez

 

FURIA

by Yamile Saied Mendez

Paperback Publication Date: February 15, 2022

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Pages: 368

Source: Publisher

Synopsis

 

An #ownvoices contemporary YA set in Argentina, about a rising soccer star who must put everything on the line—even her blooming love story—to follow her dreams.

In Rosario, Argentina, Camila Hassan lives a double life.

At home, she is a careful daughter, living within her mother’s narrow expectations, in her rising-soccer-star brother’s shadow, and under the abusive rule of her short-tempered father.

On the field, she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent. When her team qualifies for the South American tournament, Camila gets the chance to see just how far those talents can take her. In her wildest dreams, she’d get an athletic scholarship to a North American university.

But the path ahead isn’t easy. Her parents don’t know about her passion. They wouldn’t allow a girl to play fútbol—and she needs their permission to go any farther. And the boy she once loved is back in town. Since he left, Diego has become an international star, playing in Italy for the renowned team Juventus. Camila doesn’t have time to be distracted by her feelings for him. Things aren’t the same as when he left: she has her own passions and ambitions now, and La Furia cannot be denied. As her life becomes more complicated, Camila is forced to face her secrets and make her way in a world with no place for the dreams and ambition of a girl like her.

MY THOUGHTS

FURIA is a book that I would have read time and time again as a teen. Camila Hassan is fierce. She is confident. She's a dreamer. And she goes after what she wants. 

After my second reading of FURIA, I shared Camila's story with a reader friend, and I couldn't contain my enthusiasm for how good this book is. It has it all. It's about friendships and family, competition and ambition, and love and respect. I loved reading about Camila playing fútbol and all that she did to make that a possibility for herself when her family's focus was on her brother or on themselves.

I love the romantic elements between Camila and Diego and the moments that they share together. And I like that this isn't the driving plot of the story. It was wonderful to go along with them on their dates and be with them as they spent time together and explore their friendship and the opportunities presented to them.

But FURIA isn't just about fútbol and fun. It shows the realities of the real world where women aren't safe and their guard is always up. For Camila, this is even a reality in her own home. 

The reader will always be aware that Camila doesn't need to be saved. She's going to save herself. And once her secret of being a fútbol player is revealed to her mother, she is unstoppable. Camila knows who she is and is ready to let everyone else know it too. 

Camila Hassan is an unforgettable character and I loved getting to know her in FURIA. I may not always remember the details of her story, but I know I will remember her.

Disclaimer: I requested a promotional copy from the publisher for review consideration. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Select Praise for Furia

A REESE WITHERSPOON • HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK

RECIPIENT OF THE 2021 PURA BELPRÉ AWARD

One of BuzzFeed’s Must-Read Books of 2020

A Cosmopolitan Best Book of 2020

Named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2020

A SheReads Best Book of 2020

A New York Public Library Best Book of 2020

“This book will set your dreams on fire . . . It’s fabulous.” 
—Reese Witherspoon

“An engrossing #OwnVoices novel.”

—PopSugar

“Furia will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to follow their own dreams amid parental expectations and societal pressures.”

—BitchMedia

“Saied Méndez captures both the breathless beauty of fútbol and the depth of its political power… A thoughtful, vibrant addition… [with] incorrigible passion.”

—Chicago Review of Books

“A powerful, contemporary YA novel about a rising soccer star who must put everything on the line to make her life her own. Perfect for fans of The Poet X and

 I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.”

—Barnes & Noble, B&N Reads

“In Yamile Saied Méndez’s YA debut, the Argentinian-American writer tackles tough issues like feminism, personal growth, abuse, and more.”

—Betches

“A vivid Argentinian setting provides the backdrop for romance, sports heroism, and a powerful story of a girl trying to create her own identity in the world.”

—A Mighty Girl

“[A] high-energy #OwnVoices novel.”

—Booklist

“With a mix of Spanish words, vivid dialogue, and rich description, Mendez paints a realistic image of a young woman battling to become herself against the odds… This inspirational story is an important read for young adults everywhere to witness the dynamics and pressures for a young Argentinian.”

—School Library Journal

“A feminist story of pursuing your dreams… An engrossing story about using your talent and pursuing your goals with messages about gender equality and the complexities of love. Highly recommend for people who enjoy powerful #ownvoices stories.”

—YA Books Central

“There’s a satisfying intensity about the way soccer infuses everything in Camila’s life.”

—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“The book you wish you had when you were in high school.”

— Dead Darlings

“[A] fiery and inspiring YA debut… A novel rich in cultural surroundings, motifs and age-appropriate wisdom, is a must-read. It matters little whether you love fútbol or the U.S. equivalent because Furia cannot be defined by one category of literature, just as Camila herself cannot be defined by the larger society she finds herself in, nor the practical desires of her mother and father, nor anyone who manages to get in her way. She is Furia, a fútbol player too headstrong, and a force too mighty to be ignored.”

—Daily Utah Chronicle

“In this stirring novel by Argentine American author Méndez, passion for sports and personal growth intersect in Camila’s powerful, feminist first-person narrative about her experiences as an ambitious athlete, a teenager deeply in love, the daughter of an abusive father at the point of taking charge of her own life, and a young woman finding her voice in a deeply sexist, patriarchal society… A riveting coming-of-age story.”

—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“In this stirring novel by Argentine American author Méndez, passion for sports and personal growth intersect in Camila’s powerful, feminist first-person narrative about her experiences as an ambitious athlete, a teenager deeply in love, the daughter of an abusive father at the point of taking charge of her own life, and a young woman finding her voice in a deeply sexist, patriarchal society… A riveting coming-of-age story.”

—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Review: CRUSHING by Sophie Burrows

 

CRUSHING by Sophie Burrows

Publication Date: January 11, 2022

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Pages: 160

Source: Publisher

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

 

She’s lonely and searching for connection. He’s lonely and afraid to reach out.

Life in the big city means being surrounded by connections—making them, missing them, and longing for them. But is finding someone else really the answer to their problems?

Crushing, the stunning debut graphic novel from Sophie Burrows, is a story told in silence; a story without words but bursting with meaning; a story about loneliness and love.

Achingly beautiful, quietly defiant, and full of subtle wit and wisdom, Crushing is a unique meditation on the human condition in the twenty-first century, and a timely examination of young adult life in an age of isolation.

MY THOUGHTS

Graphic novels have become a comfort go-to for me during times that I've found it difficult to get lost in reading, but still want to experience the joy of a good story. There is something very soothing about CRUSHING and getting caught up in this story told mostly in pictures and imagining the inner thoughts of the characters as they move through their world. 

The characters' stories are both sad and joyful as they relate to the people who come into their lives. Each storyline shows that we are all just complex creatures trying to find our way. I found it all so relatable - the desire for connection, seeking it out, but also shying away from it when you feel comfortable in your solitude.

I really liked the minimal use of color and the emphasis of using the color red to draw the eye, but then also discovering everything happening in the scenes that aren't highlighted with the primary color. Two images that I found the most memorable in CRUSHING are the view of the sky and nature after a long run through the park, and also the image of the man receiving care and compassion from a stranger after an accident - again the solitude and the companionship.

 I'm glad to have this book in my collection and I know I'll pick it up often. I hope that other readers will find acknowledgment in CRUSHING in a way that makes them feel comfort as well as compassion.

Disclaimer: I received this promotional copy from the publisher for review consideration. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Books I Read in 2021

No Fanfare. Just a List. Here are the books I read in 2021. 

The date listed is the date I finished the book. 

January

1: In Love & Pajamas by Catana Chetwynd

2: The Mall by Megan McCafferty

3: How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

16: The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

19: A Turtle's Guide to Introversion by Ton Mak

23: You'll Believe What Happened to Lacey by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar

25: Happily Ever After and Everything In Between by Debbie Tung
28: Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Sarah Morganthaler

31: The Jake Ryan Complex by Bethany Crandell

February
2: shine your icy crown by amanda lovelace

6: After All by Heidi McLaughlin

14: Candy Hearts by Tommy Siegal

19: Enjoy the View by Sarah Morganthaler

21: Muted by Tami Charles

22: Layla by Colleen Hoover

27: Beauty Mark: A Verse Novel of Marilyn Monroe by Carole Boston Weatherford

27: Sanctuary by V.V. James

March

3: Candy Colored Sky by Ginger Scott

7: Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry

11: Float Plan by Trish Doller
22: Heartstopper, Vol. 2 by Alice Oseman

25: Sandcastle Beach by Jenny Holiday

27: Lost at Sea by Bryan Lee O'Malley

April
1: The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell

3: Good as Gone by Amy Gentry

10: Buns by Alice Clayton

14: Until Then by Heidi McLaughlin

19: The Cousins by Karen McManus 

29: Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi, Yusef Salaam

May

2: Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

2: Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera and Celia Moscote

9: A Wicked and Beautiful Garden by Katie McGarry

12: Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

13: I'm Not Dying with You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal

22: Dust and Decay by Jonathan Maberry

28: How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

June

4: What Girls are Made Of by Elana K. Arnold

6: Cowboy Come Home by Carly Bloom

14: Nice Girls Don't Ride by Roni Loren

14: Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

22: How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton

23: Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

July
6: Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

18: Up All Night ed. by Laura Silverman

24: Must Love Cowboys by Carly Bloom

26: Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssia Friedland

August

1: Fourth Down by Heidi McLaughlin

8: The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

14: The Good Lie by A. R. Torre

16: Heartstopper Vol. 3 by Alice Oseman

22: The Sun Will Rise and So Will We by Jennae Cecelia

24: Love Next Door by Helena Hunting

29: Oddball by Sarah Andersen

30: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

September

3: Fangirl: Manga 1 by Sam Maggs and Rainbow Rowell

4: Up from the Sea by Leza Lowitz

5: Where the Line Bleeds by Jesmyn Ward

14: The Highland Fling by Meghan Quinn

17: There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

22: The House on Sunshine Corner by Phoebe Mills

25: the bitter end by kaliane faye

29: Sunny Song Will Never Be Famous by Suzanne Park 

October 

3: The Guilt Trip by Sandie Jones

3: It's OK to Feel Things Deeply by Carissa Potter

5: No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood

10: The Happy Accidents by Jamie Beck

17: A Stormy and Sultry Sea by Katie McGarry

18: Hallowed Moon by Kelly Fox

24: One and Only by Jenny Holiday

25: Trick by Shae Sanders

25: Treat by Shae Sanders

November 

1: I Like You, I Love You by Carissa Potter

3: This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Philipps

9: 19 Love Songs by David Levithan

14: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

16: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

16: Scenes from Isolation by Cathy Guisewite

21: My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithewaite

22: The Color of Us by Jessica Park

22: The Prince and the Troll by Rainbow Rowell

23: Hazel and Gray by Nic Stone

27: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

29: The Wickeds by Gayle Forman

December

1: The Princess Game by Soman Chainani

1: The Cleaners by Ken Liu

4: Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez

6: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

7: Oh. What. Fun. by Chandler Baker

9: From the Desk of Lady Miss by Keke Palmer and Jasmine Guillory

9: My Dear Friend Janet by Keke Palmer and Jasmine Guillory

11: The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

18: The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Lizzie Shane

It's Rlease Day: FOREVER MASON by Heidi McLaughlin

 

      FOREVER MASON

by Heidi McLaughlin

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: December 28, 2021

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

Purchase link:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3H2fPiO

Book Description:

Mason Powell. Best friend. Boyfriend. Husband. Father.

He’s the young man you know but have never met.

He’s the man who chose love over friendship.

He’s the man who would do anything for his family and friends.

He’s the man who stepped up when someone wasn’t there.

He’s the man who has a story to tell.

Be there when Mason tells his life story.

Be there when Mason falls in love with Katelyn.

Be there when Mason makes the fateful decision that ends his friendship with Liam Westbury.

Be there when his life changes forever.

Be there when . . .

About Heidi:

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018, and is now available on DVD & Digital.

To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com

Social Media:

Website: http://heidimclaughlin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiMcLaughlin/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiJoVT/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidimclaughlinauthor/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6568302.Heidi_McLaughlin 

Goodreads Group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/184432-heidi-s-hangout
Text GETHEIDISBOOKS to (833) 926-1009
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/HeidisNewsletter 

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-mclaughlin 

Mini-Reviews: THE GOOD LIE, THE GUILT TRIP, and THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE

 A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. Check them out!

THE GOOD LIE by A.R. Torre

Publication Date: July 20, 2021

Pages: 254

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I read THE GOOD LIE through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. 

Fans of murder mysteries, podcasts, and CSI type shows will really enjoy this book. I loved the "who done it" aspect with all of the theories, media responses, and kept/withheld information that kept my guessing. It was fun playing detective and trying to figure out the motives and who the real killer is.

THE GOOD LIE has a high level of creepiness that kept me on edge until the very end. It was so good and now I get to decide which book by A.R. Torre that I get to read next. I'm excited to read more by this author!

THE GUILT TRIP by Sandie Jones

Publication Date: August 3, 2021

Pages: 320

Source: Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

THE GUILT TRIP was another book that I read with my book club. I love the play on the title - the trip of a destination wedding and all of the guilty parties.

THE GUILT TRIP read like a soap opera and the best possible way. It was full of drama, secrets, scandals, and misdirection. It offered a lot to be discussed and considered during our book club and it left us with some questions that we still don't have the answers too. THE GUILT TRIP was a great book club selection.

THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE by Stephanie Perkins

Publication Date: September 26, 2017

Pages: 287

Source: Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I've been a longtime fan of Stephanie Perkins and her YA contemporary books ever since I read ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, so of course I bought a copy of THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE when she wrote a thriller. I wanted to read her talent in a new genre. However, it took me a while to finally read it. (I've had the book on my shelf since 2017). Once I found out that the Netflix release day of the movie adaptation was coming up, I decided I needed to read it ASAP. And I thought I wanted to be creeped out, so why not? Well, it did creep me out for sure. It's definitely a gory thriller. It was so gory (more than what I've read in a long time) that I was almost hesitant to watch the movie. Almost. Let me just say that I was covering my eyes in just the few minutes and if I'm being honest I did that pretty much throughout. 

If you like horror and being freaked out, then this book is for you.