Review: CHASING RED (Red #1) by Isabelle Ronin

Source: Received from Netgalley.
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: September 5, 2017


Description:

Find out why millions of readers love Chasing Red

Chasing Red is the Wattpad phenomenon with over 130 million reads, and one million reads each week. Revised and with new original content, it will be published in two volumes, Chasing Red and Always Red. New readers and fans alike will fall in love with Red and Caleb--over and over again.

HER HEART MIGHT BE THE ONE THING HE CAN'T WIN...
When cynical straight-A college student Veronica "Red" Strafford gets kicked out of her apartment, notorious basketball player Caleb Lockhart offers her a place to stay. Intensely drawn to her, Caleb wants something for the first time in his life. But Veronica's painful past makes trusting difficult, and her heart might just be the one thing Caleb can't win.

They said she was going to be my ruin...then let her ruin me.

Purchase Links:
Indigo | Kobo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com

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REVIEW

Well, well, well! This book was a crazy whirlwind and I loved every moment of it! CHASING RED is described as addictive and that's so incredibly fitting—I couldn't put it down!!

I know not everyone enjoys romances with dual POVs, but I've always been loved them. I love getting to see both sides of the romance and I love knowing what's going on in both characters' heads. In this case, I thought that the dual POV worked perfectly! I loved seeing what Caleb was thinking and I loved getting to see Veronica/Red's thoughts, too! I loved both characters so much, and Caleb is definitely on my ever-growing list of book boyfriends. ;)

As I said, I loved getting to see Caleb's POV, too. He's a bit of an open book so he wasn't as hard to read as Red was, but I loved seeing him work through his feelings for her. I pretty much loved everything about Caleb though, he was charismatic, generous, and funny and goofy--he was constantly making me smile. He wasn't experienced when it came to relationships, but he was honest and so adorable when he was trying to show Red how much he cared...seriously my feelings were constantly on high alert and I said "Awww Caleb" more times than I can count. :p

Now that I've gushed about Caleb, I have to let you know that I loved Red, too. I don't want to get into too much detail about her though because I'm trying to avoid any spoilers, but she does have trust issues and I admired her for how she tried to move away from her past. I still feel like she's a bit of a mystery, but I loved her sense of humour and I loved how she interacted with Caleb and her friends. I loved her friends Kara and Beth and Caleb's best friend, Cameron, too. I'm most looking forward to seeing more of Red and Caleb in the sequel, but I'm thrilled to get more of their friends, too.

So I've gushed about the characters, but now, you're wondering about the story right? The story was definitely dramatic, which I'm not always a fan of, but I liked it here. It kept me on my toes and I couldn't stop reading because I NEEDED to know what would happen next. It seems to be a bit of a trend that romances that are broken up into duets or series like this end on crazy cliffhangers and this one wasn't an exception to that. The ending hit me right in the feels. It left me desperate for the sequel and now I'm just going to be sitting her waiting for ALWAYS RED because I need to know what happens next for Caleb and Red...I need to know you guys!

If you can't tell...I loved CHASING RED! It wasn't perfect (what book is really?), but it was exactly what I wanted in a slow-burning new adult romance! It was intense, full of drama, and it gave me so many feelings. It made me gush and grin when it was sweet and it tore at my heartstrings when the drama was in full-swing! I loved every single moment of this book and if you love slow-burn, sweet yet sexy romances full of drama, I think you'll love this one too! ;)

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This book comes out next week, and the sequel is out a couple of months later, on November 7th!

What do you think?
Does Chasing Red sound like a book you'd like?
Who's excited for Chasing Red to release?

Review: MISTER HOCKEY (Hellions Angels #1) by Lia Riley

Source: Edelweiss
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Release Date: July 11, 2017
Number of Pages: 256 (ebook)


Description:

Her biggest fantasy is about to become a reality. . .

Jed West is Mr. Hockey. The captain of the NHL’s latest winning team, the Denver Hellions–and the hottest player on the ice—at least according to every magazine. .and Breezy Angel. Breezy has been drooling over Jed at games for years, and he plays a starring role in her most toe-curling fantasies. But dirty dreams don’t come true, right?

Then Jed saunters through the doors of her library, a last minute special guest for a summer reading event, and not only is he drop dead gorgeous up close, his personality is straight up swoon-worthy. He even comes to the rescue when she has an R-rated “Super Book Worm” costume malfunction. But when he mistakenly assumes she’s more into books than pucks, she’s too flustered to correct his mistake. And then comes a big kiss, followed by a teensy-tiny problem. Jed’s dating policy is simple: Never date a fan.

So what’s a fangirl going to have to do to convince her ultimate crush that he’s become less of a perfect fantasy, and more like the perfect man. . .for her?

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REVIEW

I'm a HUGE sports romance fan, so when I saw MISTER HOCKEY available for review on Edelweiss, I jumped at the chance to read it! I'm always looking for new sports romances and authors who write it because I just can't get enough! Lia Riley was a new author to me when I started MISTER HOCKEY, so I thought that it would be the perfect book to introduce me to her and I ended up really enjoying it!!

At this point, I've read quite a few sports romances! Not many of them have been laugh-out-loud funny though, but MISTER HOCKEY had me constantly laughing! Parts of it were outrageously silly, but I still couldn't help chuckling while reading⎯no matter how silly it got! From the blurb and the heroine's name (Breezy), I was expecting a lighter book right from the start, but I was still a bit surprised by how quirky and silly it was. When I first started reading I thought it was so outrageous  that I actually wasn't sure if I'd end up liking it, but it really grew on me! Breezy's euphemisms and strange sayings ended up making me laugh so much—and I still chuckle when I think, "Holy guacamole with a side of chips!" So beware, if you start MISTER HOCKEY and find it really goofy, give it a bit of time! Once the romance gets rolling, you might get as hooked as I did!

Part of the reason that I found the book pretty silly was that Breezy was super quirkier (she seriously takes quirky to a whole new level!), but I loved that she was a major bookworm, and I could definitely relate to her epic crush on Jed. And Jed...I loved Jed! He was sweet, thoughtful, generous...and super sexy, too! I loved that Breezy and Jed had the most awkwardly-adorable meet-cute and I got a major kick out of the ridiculous antics that followed! Their dynamics were great, and they had amazing chemistry! I did feel like their romance was a little rushed⎯it only takes place over a couple of weeks, but I still thought it was adorable, and I loved how cute they were together!! This is by no means a realistic romance, but it was super cute nonetheless. ;)

 Overall, MISTER HOCKEY had its dramatic moments⎯what story wouldn't when the romance involves a couple where the heroine starts out as a mega-fan of the hero⎯but I still thought it was adorable! MISTER HOCKEY was quirky, light, fun, and outrageously funny! I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a romance that isn't too serious, especially for readers looking for something to make them smile and laugh!

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What do you think?
Are you a fan of quirky stories?
And does anyone else actively search out new books and authors in their favourite genres or sub-genres? If you do, what do you look for?

Review: WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI by Sandhya Menon

Source: Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: May 30, 2017
Number of Pages: 380 (Hardcover)


Description:

A New York Times bestseller

The rom-com that everyone’s talking about! Eleanor & Park meets Bollywood in this hilarious and heartfelt novel about two Indian-American teens whose parents conspire to arrange their marriage.

Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right?

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself.

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not?

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

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REVIEW

I'm an absolute sucker for anything rom-com related, and I've been wanting to read more diverse books, so as soon as I heard about When Dimple Met Rishi, I immediately added it to my to-read list! This book has been highly buzzed about so I was a little worried that it might not live up to my expectations, but it completely delivered for me, and I thought it was adorable and really loved it!

I tend to read books really quickly when I'm loving them, but with When Dimple Met Rishi, I forced myself to slow down. I wanted to really enjoy the story, and to take my time with it, especially since I was really loving how Dimple and Rishi's relationship developed. I thought that both Dimple and Rishi were fantastic characters! While I thought that the romance was absolutely adorable, I loved that the story was about more than just romance. It was about family dynamics, cultural and societal pressures, friendship, self-acceptance, pursuing your passions, and so much more! I'm definitely a sucker for romance, and I loved that part of the story, but what I enjoyed most was that Dimple and Rishi's relationship was about so much more than just romance. The both grew so much throughout the story, and I loved that they helped push each other to become their best selves.

I will say that I did get a little confused with the timeline of the book while reading though...time passed in a weird way so I honestly was a little confused about the timing between certain scenes, but while that made me wrinkle my brow in confusion a little bit, it didn't stop me from loving the book.

Overall, I thought that When Dimple Met Rishi was fantastic and adorably perfect! It had me laughing, smiling...sometimes cringing, and it constantly had me glued to the page! If you're looking for a sweet, diverse romantic comedy that delves into some deeper topics while staying light and fluffy, then this is a book for you!

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Have you read When Dimple Met Rishi yet?
If you have, what did you think?
And if you haven't, do you plan to read it?

Review: THE DARK TOWER I: GUNSLINGER (Dark Tower #1) by Stephen King

Source: Received a copy from the publisher for an honest review.
Publisher: Scribner
Release Date: June 13, 2017
Number of Pages: 288 (Paperback)


Description:

Soon to be a major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba

“An impressive work of mythic magnitude that may turn out to be Stephen King’s greatest literary achievement” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution), The Gunslinger is the first volume in the epic Dark Tower Series.

A #1 national bestseller, The Gunslinger introduces readers to one of Stephen King’s most powerful creations, Roland of Gilead: The Last Gunslinger. He is a haunting figure, a loner on a spellbinding journey into good and evil. In his desolate world, which mirrors our own in frightening ways, Roland tracks The Man in Black, encounters an enticing woman named Alice, and begins a friendship with the boy from New York named Jake.

Inspired in part by the Robert Browning narrative poem, “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came,” The Gunslinger is “a compelling whirlpool of a story that draws one irretrievable to its center” (Milwaukee Sentinel). It is “brilliant and fresh…and will leave you panting for more” (Booklist).

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REVIEW

  I'm not much of a horror reader, so for the most part I've kind of skipped any and everything Stephen King. I've watched quite a few adaptations of his books so I did already know that he was an amazing storyteller, but until The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger, I hadn't actually ever tried to read one of his books. While I'm not a horror reader, I do love fantasy, so I've had this book recommended to me a few times in the past few years, and I've been considering reading it for a while. When I was asked if I would like to review it right around the movie adaptation's release I jumped at the chance to finally read it! 

I'm a little conflicted over this book just because it left me with so many questions, but I did definitely like it! I especially enjoyed the writing style, and I can see why Stephen King is such a beloved author amongst so many readers⎯if I loved horror, I'd be reading ALL his books now! Story-wise, I felt a little all over the place while reading The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger. The characters were intriguing and very mysterious, but the way that the narrative jumped around back and forth between flashbacks had me a little lost at first⎯it took me about 100-pages before I was hooked, but once I got that far, I didn't want to put it down. I really loved the writing style and characters though. Both aspects of the story had me hooked, and I was compelled to see what would happen for Roland next! 

Overall, I thought that The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger could've been a bit tighter as a story and I felt that left me hanging as a reader in a lot of ways, but it did captivate my interest and it has me very curious about the other books in the series! I'm not sure when I'll get to them, but I definitely think that I'll continue on with the series because I need to know how the prophecy surrounding Roland pans out. If you're a fan of fantasy, and you like a bit of mystery, some alternate universes/realms, and books that have chosen ones, prophecies, and oracles, then you should definitely give this series a shot! Don't get discouraged if you're a bit lost at first though. :)

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Thoughts??
Have you read started The Dark Tower series yet?
Have you seen the movie yet?

Review: DATING YOU / HATING YOU by Christina Lauren

Source: Received an ARC from Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: June 6, 2017
Number of Pages: 350 (Paperback)


Description:

All’s fair in love and work. The first standalone romance by New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Beautiful Bastard) is a sexy, compulsively readable romantic comedy that dives headlong into the thrill and doubt of modern love.

Despite the odds against them from an embarrassing meet-awkward at a mutual friend’s Halloween party, Carter and Evie immediately hit it off. Even the realization that they’re both high-powered agents at competing firms in Hollywood isn’t enough to squash the fire.

But when their two agencies merge—causing the pair to vie for the same position—all bets are off. What could have been a beautiful, blossoming romance turns into an all-out war of sabotage. Carter and Evie are both thirtysomething professionals—so why can’t they act like it?

Can Carter stop trying to please everyone and see how their mutual boss is really playing the game? Can Evie put aside her competitive nature long enough to figure out what she really wants in life? Can their actor clients just be something close to human? Whether these two Hollywood love/hatebirds get the storybook Hollywood ending or just a dramedy of epic proportions, you will get to enjoy Christina Lauren’s heartfelt, raucous, and hilarious romance style at its finest.

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Well I had to take a pause while reading this one because of some blog tours, but I'm so glad that I was able to get back to DATING YOU / HATING YOU! I definitely didn't want to stop reading either times that I picked it up and it was constantly making me chuckle, gasp, grin, and smirk. While it wasn't my favourite Christina Lauren book, and I'd probably give it a 4.5 rather than a 5 (but I love this writing duo so I'm always going to round up for them :P), I did love Evie and Carter and their story was fantastic!

The things that held me back for this one honestly had to do with the fact that I've loved their Beautiful series and Wild Seasons series so much. This is the only place I'd take off that half a star. Both series have a wide cast and the further you get into the series, the more you love all of the characters and that's what I missed here. The characters were all fantastic and vibrant and I loved them, but I would've loved more of them! I wanted more of Steph, Michael and their daughter, Morgan. I wanted more Amelia and Daryl...and maybe to know more about Eric, too. I think I've just been spoiled by their other books that way or maybe they're so skilled at writing compelling side characters that I want all that I can get. Haha

As far as the romance goes, it wasn't quite what I expected actually. I was expecting a dynamic similar to Beautiful Bastard, but that's not even close. Evie and Carter had fantastic chemistry. They did great banter, had some adorkable flirtations going on, and were just downright amazing together. I was expecting them to have a hate-to-love type story but it was more new fledging lovers to reluctant rivals, which I actually really enjoyed. It made their dynamics really interesting and I loved seeing them get together. I loved the moments that we got of them together so much. Dating You/Hating You definitely isn't Christina Lauren's steamiest book, but the parts that are there are fantastic and they didn't disappoint! ;)

Overall, I absolutely adored this romance and while I could've done with more moments with the side characters and I wouldn't have minded a bit more steamy parts, I was extremely happy with Evie and Carter as a couple!!! I can't wait to read what Christina Lauren comes up with next!

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What do you think?
Are you a fan of Christina Lauren?
Does Dating You/Hating You sound like something you'd like to read?

Release Day Blitz: THE SOUL MATE (Roommates #4) by Kendall Ryan

I've gushed about her on Twitter, but I don't think I've shared my love of all things Kendall Ryan on my blog yet, but that changes today!! I finally read one of her books earlier this year, and I've been hooked ever since!!! I've really started to love her Roommates series, and guess what?! The newest book in the series releases today! 

That's right, today is the "due date" for her Kendall's new book, The Soul Mate! 

Is anyone else as ridiculously excited as I am? I've had this book pre-ordered for months now and I'm so glad that I can finally read it! 

In case Kendall Ryan and The Soul Mate are new to you, here's a bit about them:

THE SOUL MATE
By Kendall Ryan
Release Day – August 14, 2017

From New York Times Bestseller Kendall Ryan comes a sexy new stand-alone novel in her Roommates series.

The smoking-hot one-night stand I was never supposed to see again?

Yeah, well, I might be pregnant, and he’s my OB-GYN.

Get ready to fall head over heels madly in love with the hottest OBGYN doctor you have ever met! This full-length standalone contains the most hilariously awkward lady-doctor visit, lots of playful banter and some good ol' fashioned baby-makin'!

Goodreads | Amazon | iBooks | Nook | 
Kobo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

Subscribe to Newletter

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

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Now to get you just as excited as I am, here are some teasers!!!

TEASERS

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 What do you think?

 Are you planning to add The Soul Mate to your TBR?

Is anyone already as excited about this one as I am?

Review: CHECKMATE: THIS IS DANGEROUS (Logan & Kayla #1) by Kennedy Fox

Source: Received a copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: July 6, 2017
Number of Pages: 232 (Kindle)

DESCRIPTION:

Logan Knight is a real life knight in shining armor. 
A detective godsend in a sleek black suit has me thinking less than secretive thoughts. Brooding and mysterious, he's the kind of guy every girl instantly notices. Between his seductive smirk and charming good looks, it's no wonder I can't help the way he makes me feel whenever I'm near him. 
Too bad he's unavailable—or so he says.

He thinks I'm a do-gooder who shouldn't get involved with a guy like him. His past is messy and relationships just add to that. He insists the timing is all wrong and he's devoted to his career, but I don't buy that excuse for a second. I see the way his body tenses and his jaw ticks every time another guy is around me. He just won't admit it, but I'm more determined than ever to show him what he's missing.

I'm a devoted animal rescuer and I'll risk everything to save them, but when a dramatic turn of events puts both our lives at risk, I'm positive Logan will write me off for good. But when he asks for my help with a personal crisis, I know it's my last chance to finally show him I can handle anything he throws my way—messy past and all.

He might think he has me all figured out, but I'll prove him wrong no matter what he thinks. This game of push and pull has me running in circles. One wrong move and we could both lose.

Checkmate, Knight.

PURCHASE LINKS:

iBooks | Kobo | B&N
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

A secret duo of romance authors team up under the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym, Kennedy Fox who share a love of You’ve Got Mail and The Holiday. When they aren’t bonding over romantic comedies, they like to brainstorm new book ideas. One day, they decided to collaborate and have some fun creating new characters that’ll make your lady bits tingle and your heart melt. If you enjoy romance stories with sexy, tattooed alpha males and smart, independent women, then a Kennedy Fox book is for you!

CONNECT WITH KENNEDY FOX:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Merch Shop | Email | Newsletter

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REVIEW

I've been hooked on Kennedy Fox's books for a while now, so when I had the chance to sign up to read and review their newest book...the one that started Kayla and Logan's romance, This is Dangerous, I was so there!! 

Right from the first time we saw Kayla and Logan interact, I knew I would love their romance! And sure enough, once I started This is Dangerous, I couldn't put it down!

Wowzers!!! 

I've loved/really enjoyed the previous Checkmate books, but this one is definitely my favourite so far!! I absolutely adored Kayla and felt a major kinship with her. Her love of dogs, indulgence in bath bombs, and just overall love of all things donuts made me recognize her as a kindred spirit immediately! And Logan....oh, Logan. *dreamy sigh* I love Travis and Drew...but Logan, Logan is my man. I've always been a sucker for the broody guys, and my love of Veronica Mars Logan and Gilmore Girls Logan makes me immediately gravitate towards any other hunks named Logan, too, so this book was clearly meant to make its way into my hands. :P

The romance was AMAZING!!! The story was fast-paced and riveting--I didn't want to put the book down at all!! And the build-up and development of their relationship was absolutely wonderful! I've loved the idea of Kayla and Logan together from the first time we see them together in the previous books, but getting to see them actually come together in This is Dangerous was wonderful! They both have some darkness in their pasts, but they bring out the best in one another, and I love seeing them together soooo much!

Overall, I loved This is Dangerous! As always, the cliffhanger was soooo brutal, but this one is definitely my favourite of Kennedy Fox's Checkmate books so far and I can't wait to read the conclusion to Logan and Kayla's story, This is Beautiful!!!

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Romance fans!! Have you started reading Kennedy Fox's books yet?
If you have, how are you liking them?
Which couple is your fave?
If you haven't, do you plan to start?

#Giveaway - The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger by Stephen King (Movie Tie-in Edition)

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I'm going to start this giveaway post with a confessions...I have NEVER read a Stephen King book!

The Dark Tower movie releases this Friday, so the amazing Simon & Schuster Canada offered to send me a copy of the book to read, and I jumped at the chance!

I've been told to read The Dark Tower before, so now that I've gotten my hands on a copy of the new movie-tie in, I'm finally going to read it. I'm ridiculously excited to dig into this book...and guess what?!

Simon & Schuster Canada has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway, so I'm also giving away a copy, now if you're the lucky winner, you'll be able to start the series, too!

I'm going to keep this giveaway super simple!

Here are the terms:

- Must be 13 years or older

- Canada Only

- Giveaway ends on August 9th at 11:59 pm EST!

- Winner will be drawn randomly using Rafflecopter

- Winner will be contacted via email, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize before a new winner is drawn.

ENTER USING THE RAFFLECOPTER WIDGET BELOW:

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Any other Stephen King newbies out there?

 If you win, will you keep the book or give it away?

And are you excited for the movie?

GOOD LUCK!!!