Tied (Tangled #4) by Emma Chase

In the fourth sexy romance by the New York Times bestselling author of Tangled and Twisted, Drew and Kate can't wait to tie the knot, if they can survive the pre-wedding festivities.

For most of my life, I never imagined I'd get married. But Kate did the impossible: she changed me. I think we can all agree I was pretty frigging awesome before, but now I'm even better.

The road to this day wasn't all rainbows and boners. There were mistakes and misunderstandings worthy of a Greek tragedy. But Kate and I made it through with our inexhaustible lust, boundless admiration, and everlasting love for one another intact.

That being said, there were some unexpected incidents in Vegas last weekend that could have been a problem. It was kind of my final test.

I know what you're thinking, what the hell did you do this time? Relax. Let's not judge, or call for my castration, until you've heard the whole story.

And hold on tight, because you're in for a wild ride. Did you expect anything less?

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Drew Evans is one of my favorite book boyfriends. I love his confidence (or arrogance), his charm, and his sex appeal. I have loved watching him and Kate fall in love and grow as a couple. It was nice to be back inside Drew's head for this final installment, and I can't help but be proud of the man that he has become. What a long way he has come from when we first met him! While I enjoyed that version, I have to say that his final version is so much better. This was the perfect conclusion and happy ending for this couple, and Emma delivers everything you would expect - wit, humor, and plenty of sexy. I once again found myself laughing out loud at some parts, while tearing up at some of the sweeter moments. Fans of the series will not be disappointed.

Unravel by Calia Read

Six months ago, I was happy. I was simply Naomi Carradine.

One month ago, I was admitted into a psych ward.

Yesterday, Lachlan visited me. Kissed me. And told me that I’m starting to lose my mind.

Hours later, Max haunted my thoughts, reminding me I’m not crazy and that he needs my help.

A few minutes ago, I drifted further from reality, trying to unravel the past.

And now...everyone thinks I’m insane. But, I know he's real, and I know he needs me.

Do you believe me?

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This book was amazing! I was hooked from the very first page, and the story had me guessing the entire time. I lost myself so completely in this story, and it kept me flying through the pages. I didn't even start to figure the mystery out until almost the very end. When it was finally revealed, I couldn't help but replaying the entire story in my head, seeing all the clues I missed. It is fantastic! This story is so well written, I am in awe of Calia's talent. Definite book hangover.

The Resolution of Callie & Kayden (The Coincidence #6) by Jessica Sorensen

Things are going well for Callie and Kayden. They’re still dealing with their past and the pain connected to it, but for the most part they’ve moved on. The biggest decision they have at the moment is what they want to do with their lives in the future.

Eventually, though, the past catches up with them and they’re left facing tough choices. But Callie and Kayden learn that as long as they have each other, they can make it through just about anything. And in the end, they discover what they really want out of life.

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This is one of my favorite couples from Jessica Sorensen. Their story has been an emotional roller, full of angst and drama from the beginning, and this was the perfect ending. These characters are amazing. They have overcome so many obstacles, and I loved watching them grow stronger together, and finally find their happy ending free of their pasts. I have zero complaints about this final book. In fact, this book earned a big book hug when I finished it.

The Certainty of Violet & Luke (The Coincidence #5) by Jessica Sorensen

Violet Hayes’s life is a mess. Between her stalker, Preston, refusing to leave her alone, her parents’ case still being unsolved, and falling behind in school, she always feels on the verge of losing it. When some unexpected news comes her way, it’s the final straw and she ends up doing something that almost costs her life. Thankfully, she survives and makes a promise to herself to put her life back together and to try and figure out exactly how she feels about Luke Price, the one person that’s always there for her.

But as a recovering alcoholic and gambler, Luke has his own struggles to overcome. He’s also fallen in love with Violet, but fears telling her the truth, that it will scare her away or worse, she won’t reciprocate the feeling. Plus, there never seems to be a right time to say it, either the case, Preston, or life getting in the way.

Can the two of them ever get enough peace in their lives to conquer their fears and finally tell each other the truth about how they feel?

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I have slightly mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, I loved it. I have been rooting for Violet and Luke as a couple since their first book, The Destiny of Violet & Luke. I enjoyed watching them get over the last of their personal and relationship hurtles, and finally find the happy ending that they so deserve. However, I was also slightly disappointed. After The Probability of Violet & Luke and all of the secrets that were revealed in that part of the story, I was expecting a more drama filled conclusion than what I got. I was dying to know what would happen with Luke's mother and Preston, and the way that Jessica left the story left me anticipating lots of angst and drama. While there was some, I was left wanting more, hence the four star rating. Everything just seemed to tie up neatly too quickly. Nevertheless, I still love these characters and their story, and if you are a fan of the series, this one is worth your time.

Captain Tomahawk and the Sky-Lion by Marty S. Dalton

Shot down and stranded with no way home, contagiously exuberant and self-proclaimed “greatest pilot there ever was,” Captain Anna Tomahawk, must fight through a retro-futuristic landscape to save a rebellion, rescue her friends, and—one way or another—finally lead the way out of the desert.

In a wildly fun, steampunk spirit reminiscent of "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "Watership Down," "Captain Tomahawk and the Sky-Lion" is an adventure filled with talking animals, mechanical wizardry, and barely-believable action, where one eccentric girl is all it takes to prove that anything good is possible and that even a little hope can overcome the longest odds.

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This is a debut novel from Marty S. Dalton, one of my favorite poets. It is a fun little novel, with engaging characters and plenty of action. I have been reading it aloud to my 7th grade students, and they are enjoying the story immensely. They have even gone so far as to suggest that it be made into a movie. While the book lacks a bit of sophistication and polish (that is really only developed over time), Marty's wildly imaginative storytelling makes up for any of its faults. The story has a great moral (and vague Christian undertones, although that maybe my interpretation), and makes for a wonderful addition to any YA library. I hope to read more about Captain Anna and her adventures in the future.

Happenstance Series by Jamie McGuire

Erin Easter, one of three Erins in the small senior class of rural Blackwell High School who not only share a first name, but also their birthday. Erin Easter, raised by a neglectful single mom, keeps to herself and admires Weston Gates from afar. The other Erins, Erin A. and Erin M. are the darlings of the community: daughters of the two wealthiest families in town, best friends, cheerleaders, and everything Erin Easter isn't--and they never let her forget it. Erin A. has even claimed Weston since the 8th grade.

Weston is a well-liked star athlete, and the son of two prominent attorneys. He struggles daily with the pressures of living up to his family name and secretly empathizes with Erin Easter's feeling that she belongs somewhere else; in a different life. Not until he begins sneaking nights out with Erin does he gain the courage to buck expectations and acknowledge his feelings ... both for his future, and for her.

But when a shocking tragedy rocks the tiny town, Erin's life is turned upside down in the best way possible. But when the truth is revealed and everything Erin thinks she wanted falls into her lap, life only becomes more complicated.

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Erin Easter was now Erin Alderman, because Erin Alderman was dead.

In the second installment of this USA Today bestselling series, follow protagonist Erin, a high school senior in tiny Blackwell, Oklahoma. After a terrible accident leaves two classmates dead, Erin learns that she was switched at birth. Shortly after, she moves into the home of her true parents, Sam and Julianne Alderman, transforming Erin over night from pariah of Blackwell High School, to the only child of one of the most affluent couples in town.

Also being pursued by her childhood crush, Weston Gates, the dream she once had is now reality. But when Erin stumbles upon secrets that gives her the answers she’s been searching for, she also finds a truth she never wanted to know.

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This novella series by Jamie McGuire is a fun little read that has lots of plot twists. Erin is a sweet girl, and you really can't help but sympathize with her and the raw deal she has been dealt. The story has some interesting twists as we watch Erin's whole life change overnight. At times the story felt a bit rushed to me, but I suspect that is because it is not meant to be a full novel. I found myself wishing for more at times, but overall, I am enjoying this series. I'm eagerly awaiting installment number three.

Rusty Nailed (Cocktails #2) by Alice Clayton

Playing house was never so much fun—or so confusing. With her boss on her honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy long hours to keep the interior design company running—especially since she’s also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel on Sausalito. So with her hotshot photographer boyfriend gallivanting all over the world for his job, she and Simon are heavy-duty into “absence makes the heart grow fonder” mode. Neither has any complaints about the great reunion sex, though! 

Then Simon decides he’s tired of so much travelling, and he’s suddenly home more. A lot more. And wanting Caroline home more, too. Though their friends’ romantic lives provide plenty of welcome distraction, eventually Caroline and Simon have to sort their relationship out. Neither wants “out of sight, out of mind,” but can they create their own happy mid-ground cliché?

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This was a great next installment in Caroline and Simon's love story. We get to see them evolve as a couple and navigate the transition from the "honeymoon phase" to the "serious relationship phase." It has all the humor and spice that made the first book so enjoyable, with a lot more heart. Caroline becomes a much more dynamic character as she faces some serious decisions with career, while Simon grows as he faces his past. I think the characters and story line were much more mature than the first one, but Alice balances it well, keeping all the good stuff from the first book, while moving the story on to its natural progression. Because let's face it, the honeymoon phase doesn't last forever, and sooner or later, all relationships are tested. I enjoyed this one quite a bit.