TRUST by Kylie Scott has a NEW COVER

I adore this new cover for TRUST by Kylie Scott!!

It fits the story so much better - it provides some context and shows the connection between Edie and John.

 TRUST

by Kylie Scott

Publication Date: July 18, 2017

Pages: 374

Source: InkSlingerPR | Netgalley

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Synopsis

Being young is all about the experiences: the first time you skip school, the first time you fall in love…the first time someone holds a gun to your head.

After being held hostage during a robbery at the local convenience store, seventeen-year-old Edie finds her attitude about life shattered. Unwilling to put up with the snobbery and bullying at her private school, she enrolls at the local public high school, crossing paths with John. The boy who risked his life to save hers.

While Edie’s beginning to run wild, however, John’s just starting to settle down. After years of partying and dealing drugs with his older brother, he’s going straight—getting to class on time, and thinking about the future.

An unlikely bond grows between the two as John keeps Edie out of trouble and helps her broaden her horizons. But when he helps her out with another first—losing her virginity—their friendship gets complicated.

Meanwhile, Edie and John are pulled back into the dangerous world they narrowly escaped. They were lucky to survive the first time, but this time they have more to lose—each other.

My Thoughts

(originally posted 7/19/2017)

After finishing TRUST, Kylie Scott has me on my knees begging her to write more young adult. PLEASE!!!

I wanted to read TRUST from the moment I read the synopsis about a seventeen year old girl begin held at gun point. When I was seventeen, I was help at gunpoint at my place of employment, and it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. This connection to the character was immediate. I wanted to know how Edie felt. I wanted to know how the people around her treated her. I wanted to know how it affected her and how it changed her. 

Kylie Scott describes moments of great intensity and fear, and she captured the connection of these characters who went though this traumatic event together. Scott creates an atmosphere where you are in the moment Edie and John and you understand the pull that is so strong it continues to bring them together. 

And even with all of the intense moments, Scott brings in a lot of humor to their story. Her dialogue kept me laughing throughout. I loved Edie's sarcasm and strength when she realizes she's not going to take crap for anyone any more. An empowered Edie is fierce.

I loved reading about Edie's friendship with Hang. I've read a lot of books with some awesome best friends in them lately, and I would add TRUST to that category. Hang and Edie are a fun, supportive, and entertaining pair. I hope we get to see more of Hang - maybe in a companion novel. I mean, I am begging for more YA! 

It was easy to fall in love John. For many reasons, John Cole gave off the Marcus Flutie vibe. (If you know Marcus Flutie from the Sloppy Firsts series, you would know this is a high compliment. LOL!) He's the bad boy trying to reform and he tries not to drag Edie into his mess. One of my favorite scenes is the first night of texting with Edie. It was sweet and funny.

Favorite Quotes:

"It's okay to be afraid, Edie. You Just can't let it stop you from doing anything."

"If he makes you cry, he's not worth it."

"Justice is about to be served sunny-side up."

"How about we play spin the bottle, later. Just you and me."

I've already recommended TRUST to a few friends. It's a book I'll recommended to readers who like their YA a little bit edgier. It's one I'll recommend to adults who think they don't like YA because I think this book would change their mind. 

I loved this book so much, I am already ready for a reread. And I can't wait to listen to the audiobook!

Review: IN A DAZE WORK by Siobhan Gallagher

IN A DAZE WORK

A Pick-Your-Path Journey Through the Daily Grind

by Siobhan Gallagher

Publication Date: July 25, 2017

Published by TarcherPerigee

Source: Publisher

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Synopsis

Choose your way to a perfect day with this adventurous book full of personality, tongue-in-cheek wordplay, and gorgeous illustrations. 
From small-talk to dating to death, In A Daze Work is an exciting, playful new spin on the minute and mundane decisions that make up your daily life. 
Each flip of the page puts you in control of the story: 
Will you stay in or go out?
Do you wake up or sleep in?
How will you navigate a bad date, or a party full of cookie-cutter couples (available in vanilla flavor only)? 
More importantly, where will your decisions take you? 
Bringing humor and sly self-reflection to the humdrum details of adulthood with hand-drawn illustrations and sharp wit, this relatable visual journey will help you find the extraordinary (or at least hilarious) moments in any day of the week.

My Thoughts

IN A DAZE WORK is clever, hilarious, and spot-on. I loved that as I "chose my own adventure", a new option or obstacle presented itself. And as days have passed and choices are made, I still haven't seen all that this book has to offer. This reveals a bigger picture that, maybe I need to make some new choices and take some chances in my every day life. 

I appreciate the humor depicted in every day life or making seemingly simple choices and were that can lead you. What's really funny is that I see myself as a social person, but with every path I choose, I avoided people at every turn. Now I wonder, is that what I do in real life?!

Favorite Quote:
"Hit the snooze button you know you want to" - pretty much how I start EVERY DAY

This book cracked me up. I love the subtle gems of humor, the illustrations, and the nostalgic feeling of reading a "choose your own adventure" book. IN A DAZE WORK would make a great gift for friends who enjoy office humor, friends stuck in the daily grind, and friends who just need a good laugh. 

Disclaimer:  I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the book provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US by Rachel Higginson - Available Now

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US

An Opposites Attract Novel

By Rachel Higginson

Available Now

Blurb for THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US

I’m cursed.

At least when it comes to finding Mr. Right.

I’m tired of men that only want one night stands or blind dates that are nothing but awkward and uncomfortable. I’m tired of avoiding inappropriate text messages and the constant disappointment of always meeting Mr. Wrong.

After all these years of dates that lead nowhere, I can admit that it’s me. I’m the problem. I’m shy and picky and cursed. Definitely cursed.

So I’ve decided two things.

The first? I’m giving up dating and relationships and men in general. Maybe, possibly, forever.

The second? I’m going to have to try harder to avoid Ezra Baptiste.

If I couldn’t hack it in the kiddy pool of dating, I certainly can’t swim in his deep end. He’s too successful. Too intense. He’s all man when I’m used to nothing but boys pretending to be grownups. He’s everything I’m afraid to want and so far out of my league we might as well be different species entirely.

So he’ll need to find a different artist to paint his mural. And a different graphic designer to help him with his website. He’ll need to find someone else to glare at and flirt with and kiss.

It can’t be me.

We’re too different.

PURCHASE LINK

AMAZON

Enjoy this Excerpt

My phone buzzed with an incoming email and I resisted the urge to check it during the middle of spin class. I could wait to open it. I didn’t need to know what it said just this second.

Really, it would be fine.

It could wait.

I could wait.

The sender could wait until after I’d sweated off the three pounds of pasta I’d gained this week from my favorite Italian takeout spot to hear back from me.

I couldn’t help the small smile of anticipation that lifted the corners of my mouth though or the way I suddenly didn’t notice the pain from pushing up the hill climb at five-forty-five a.m. Resisting the urge to pick up my phone, I opted for my water bottle instead.

But even after a big, refreshing gulp, I still didn’t manage to lose the smile.

“Why do you look happy?” Vera panted next to me, her legs moving approximately one thousand miles per hour. “You should be miserable right now. At the very least you should be contemplating puking. No smiling.”

“I think I see Jesus,” I wheezed said serenely. “I’ve pedaled myself to death. He’s coming to get me.”

Vann chuckled on my other side. “This is only the warmup.”

“Stop showing off, Vann.” My smile disappeared. “We get it. You’re a super cyclist. The bike seat up your ass isn’t bothering you at all. Stop bragging.” To Vera, I said, “Why did you invite him again?”

“Hey!” Vann protested.

She rolled her eyes. “I didn’t invite him. I tried very hard to keep this a secret from him. But when he heard we were doing something bicycle related, he invited himself.”

“I’m here to motivate you,” he said seriously. “This is good for you girls. You both are in serious need of some cardio.”

“Your face is in serious need of some cardio,” Vera snarled back. At my look of not-the-best-insult-you’ve-ever-come-up-with, she shrugged. “My brain is still sleepy.”

Vann leaned forward on his bike, lifting his bum off the seat and adjusting his bike to make it harder for himself. Because he was crazy and liked weird things- like exercise. This was the end of our friendship forever. I officially hated him. His overachieving did nothing to motivate me to work harder. This was it. This was as hard as I spinned. Spun? My brain was sleepy too.

Review: TRUST by Kylie Scott

TRUST

by Kylie Scott

Publication Date: July 18, 2017

Pages: 374

Source: InkSlingerPR | Netgalley

Add to Goodreads

Purchase Amazon | B&N | iBooks

Synopsis

Being young is all about the experiences: the first time you skip school, the first time you fall in love…the first time someone holds a gun to your head.

After being held hostage during a robbery at the local convenience store, seventeen-year-old Edie finds her attitude about life shattered. Unwilling to put up with the snobbery and bullying at her private school, she enrolls at the local public high school, crossing paths with John. The boy who risked his life to save hers.

While Edie’s beginning to run wild, however, John’s just starting to settle down. After years of partying and dealing drugs with his older brother, he’s going straight—getting to class on time, and thinking about the future.

An unlikely bond grows between the two as John keeps Edie out of trouble and helps her broaden her horizons. But when he helps her out with another first—losing her virginity—their friendship gets complicated.

Meanwhile, Edie and John are pulled back into the dangerous world they narrowly escaped. They were lucky to survive the first time, but this time they have more to lose—each other.

My Thoughts

After finishing TRUST, Kylie Scott has me on my knees begging her to write more young adult. PLEASE!!!

I wanted to read TRUST from the moment I read the synopsis about a seventeen year old girl begin held at gun point. When I was seventeen, I was help at gunpoint at my place of employment, and it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. This connection to the character was immediate. I wanted to know how Edie felt. I wanted to know how the people around her treated her. I wanted to know how it affected her and how it changed her. 

Kylie Scott describes moments of great intensity and fear, and she captured the connection of these characters who went though this traumatic event together. Scott creates an atmosphere where you are in the moment Edie and John and you understand the pull that is so strong it continues to bring them together. 

And even with all of the intense moments, Scott brings in a lot of humor to their story. Her dialogue kept me laughing throughout. I loved Edie's sarcasm and strength when she realizes she's not going to take crap for anyone any more. An empowered Edie is fierce.

I loved reading about Edie's friendship with Hang. I've read a lot of books with some awesome best friends in them lately, and I would add TRUST to that category. Hang and Edie are a fun, supportive, and entertaining pair. I hope we get to see more of Hang - maybe in a companion novel. I mean, I am begging for more YA! 

It was easy to fall in love John. For many reasons, John Cole gave off the Marcus Flutie vibe. (If you know Marcus Flutie from the Sloppy Firsts series, you would know this is a high compliment. LOL!) He's the bad boy trying to reform and he tries not to drag Edie into his mess. One of my favorite scenes is the first night of texting with Edie. It was sweet and funny.

Favorite Quotes:

"It's okay to be afraid, Edie. You Just can't let it stop you from doing anything."

"If he makes you cry, he's not worth it."

"Justice is about to be served sunny-side up."

"How about we play spin the bottle, later. Just you and me."

I've already recommended TRUST to a few friends. It's a book I'll recommended to readers who like their YA a little bit edgier. It's one I'll recommend to adults who think they don't like YA because I think this book would change their mind. 

I loved this book so much, I am already ready for a reread. And I can't wait to listen to the audiobook!

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. I've also purchased a finished copy for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/

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Release Day Review: WRECKED by JB Salsbury

Wrecked
By JB Salsbury
Publication Date: July 18, 2017
Published by Forever
Pages: 353
Source: Publisher | Netgalley 

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Synopsis

When you can't trust yourself, how can you ask anyone else to?

It's been months since Aden Colt left the Army, and still the memories haunt him. When he moved into a tiny boat off the California coast, he thought he'd found the perfect place to escape life. Then Sawyer shows up and turns his simple life upside down. Beautiful and sophisticated, she seems out of place in this laid-back beach town. Something is pushing her to experience everything she can—including Aden. But as much as he wants her, starting a relationship with Sawyer puts them both at risk. For Aden, the past doesn't stay there; it shows up unexpectedly, uncontrollably, and doesn't care whose life it wrecks.

My Thoughts 

I can't believe I almost passed this book over.

At first glance, WRECKED would not be the kind of book I'm immediately drawn to. The hero, Aden, is ex-military with memories that still haunt him. This is where I would think this book isn't for me - I don't read military books. There's too much heartache, too much emotion, too much of pain that I can't handle. But I didn't want to dismiss a book out of fear or assumptions. I know I miss out on a ton of great books because for this reason. I needed to take a chance. Plus, I haven't read any of JB Salsbury's books and I wanted to read a book by a new-to-me author.

WRECKED did stir up my emotions. The story was painful and there was heartache and secrets, but there was also hope and possibility and healing. Aden and Sawyer have their pasts and their fears - and as they tried to get lost in each other and make each other forget - they became something more. Aden pushed Sawyer to be adventurous. Sawyer gave Aden someone who could give him comfort and peace. 

 What I liked:

• How much this book surprised me. It's not at all what I thought it was going to be.
• The kisses! JB writes some smoking hot kissing scenes. Seriously, Aden and Sawyer didn't have to take it any further (even though they did 😜)- because the kisses were epic.
• How I could completely relate to Sawyer's fear of sharks - THOSE TEETH!
• The humor - Sawyer was a little bit awkward and Aden was straight forward at it was endearing.
• It is set in San Diego! I love San Diego and have been to Sunset Cliffs and I liked connecting with the book this way.

 Favorite Quote:

 "Because life is beautiful and terrifying," she whispers. "And we deserve to feel it down to our bones."

WRECKED is a beautiful story about two people finding each other and living a life they didn't imagine for themselves. Aden and Sawyer found their way into each other's hearts and this story found its way into mine. I loved it!

 

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling author JB Salsbury spends her days lost in a world of budding romance and impossible obstacles. Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. Since 2013 she has published six bestselling novels in The Fighting Series and won a RONE Award. JB Salsbury lives with her husband and two kids in Phoenix, Arizona

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Excerpt and Giveaway: THE FORBIDDEN by Jodi Ellen Malpas

THE FORBIDDEN

by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Publication Date: August 8, 2017

Published by Forever

Pages: 368

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Read an Excerpt of THE FORBIDDEN by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Keeping his eyes on mine, he calls to the barman. “Two tequilas, please.”

“Tequila,” I muse, looking over my shoulder when the salt and lemon land behind me. “Is that my challenge?”

“Crying off?” he goads, reaching into his pocket and pulling out some notes.

“Never,” I scoff, turning into the bar. I don’t know what his game is, but I want to play. With him. “You’re asking me to prove I’m sober by doing a shot?” I narrow my eyes on him, teasing. “Or is your plan to get me drunk and take advantage of me?”

He smiles to himself as he pays the barman. “You don’t look like the kind of woman who could be taken advantage of.”

“What kind of woman do I look like, then?” I challenge quietly.

He turns into me, watching me for a few moments. “I don’t know, but I think I’d like to find out.”

I hold his gaze for a few seconds, no retort coming to me. I think I want him to find out, too, just as much as I want to find out what kind of man he is. My eyes drop from his sparkling greys, down his tall, lean frame to his feet.

Oh…fuck…

“Let’s play,” he says, moving in closer and pulling one of the glasses forward. I don’t mean to, but I yank my arm away abruptly when he brushes against me, startled by the tiny stabs of pleasure that pitter-patter all over my skin. The fleeting touch tells me he would feel as good as he looks, and—give me strength—he smells divine, all manly and earthy and fucking edible.

The sudden lapse in movement and talking from both of us becomes slightly awkward. I can feel him looking down at me.

“What do I have to do?” I ask again quietly, almost on a breathy gasp.

He clears his throat. “You’re not drunk?”

“Not even the slightest bit.” I raise my nose in the air.

“Good. Then you’ll smash this challenge first time.” He places a finger on the brim of one of the shot glasses. “Brace your palms on the edge of the bar,” he orders, firm but softly. I look at him, finding a serious face. “Go on.”

Frowning, I place my hands on the edge of the bar. “Okay?”

He takes my hips. He takes my fucking hips! I freeze from top to toe and swallow hard, waiting. My insides are quickly furling, my mind in chaos. “Move back a bit,” he says, pulling at them a little until I step back.

Oh, Jesus. I’m on fire. I have a strange man bending me over a bar in public, and me, Annie I’m-immune-to-men Ryan, isn’t fighting him off. It’s like he has me under a spell. What gives? I dare not look behind me. I’m not stupid enough to think Lizzy isn’t currently watching a man manipulate my body to where he wants it.

“You feel tense,” he observes, releasing me and moving back to my side.

I don’t deny it; neither do I confirm it. His big hands felt so good resting on my hips, so much so I have to resist not claiming them and putting them back where they were. “What now?” I ask, evidently struggling for air, damn me.

“Now.” He picks up his beer and grins. “I get to gloat that I had you bent over a bar within five minutes of meeting you.” He takes a swig, still grinning, and I hear the roar of a man down the bar laughing his head off.

Oh, the fucker! Part of me has admiration. Another part of me wants to slap him stupid; I don’t care how beautiful he is. And another part of me wants to rip his clothes from his body and ravish the sly bastard.

I cannot believe I fell for it! How many women has he played like a fiddle? I drop my head, shaking it to myself.

I knew that smile was dangerous. A man who can bend a woman to his will so easily and so soon couldn’t be anything less than lethal. And the fact that he got me with his wicked game means hats off to him. I can’t possibly take that away from him, and since I’m lacking in the dignity department right now, I decide not to slap him. Nor will I chuck a drink over his head, or fire a load of verbal abuse at him.

I’ll do what he least expects.

I push myself up and turn to face him, unable to stop myself from smiling at his half-grin. Holding his gaze, I slowly lick the back of my hand, blindly take the salt off the bar, sprinkle a bit, and take one of the shots of tequila. But as I’m taking my hand to my mouth to lick the salt up, he seizes my wrist and takes the shot from my other hand. My heartbeat accelerates, our eyes glued to each other as he moves into me and slowly brings my hand to his mouth. I watch, gripped, as he lazily licks up the salt from the back of my hand, eyes on mine, and then knocks the tequila back. Kill me now, for I will certainly die a happy woman. His tongue on my skin. His eyes boring into mine. His hold of my wrist. I must look like a statue—unable to talk, move, or think clearly.

“There’s one more tequila,” he says, cocking his head toward the bar but keeping me in his sights. “And it’s yours.”

Oh good lord. My heart is speeding up by the second as I watch him lick the back of his hand and sprinkle some salt. Then he offers it to me. I stare at his hand, and then slowly look up at him. I could get lost in those grey glittery eyes.

“I taste good,” he whispers.

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