12/31/2014

The One Year Bible

This book breaks down the Bible into 365 daily readings, including a selection from Psalms, Proverbs, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. Each reading takes about 15 minutes, and the book also offers several other reading plans. I have two versions of this book, the ESV and the NIV. I prefer the NIV translation to this one, but the ESV translation is easy to read. If you are looking for a way to read the entire bible in an easily digestible way, this is a good place to start. 

12/22/2014

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Jennifer Probst, Emma Chase, Grace Douglas, Melody Anne, and Kate Meader

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling indie authors Jennifer Probst, Emma Chase, Kristen Proby, Melody Anne, and debut author Kate Meader come together to write a sizzling romance anthology.

Outside it may be frosty, so turn the heat way up with these stories of desire!

Can a determined woman executive and a playboy billionaire survive being stranded together in a snowstorm? Jennifer Probst depicts an encounter almost too hot to handle...

Drew and Kate play an encore to Tangled in this sexy take on a "Christmas Carol" by Emma Chase. When a Christmas Eve argument condemns Drew to a troubled night, three dream women teach him that no gift could be more tantalizing than Kate...

With Kristen Proby, ski slopes are quite delightful. Grace Douglas is sure she'll never learn to ski, but instructor Jacob Baxter could teach her lessons of a different kind...

Can a southern California transplant survive Montana's deep snows? Melody Anne, author of the bestselling Andersons series, melts the icy drifts completely away with the heat between sexy Hawk Winchester and brand-new teacher Natalie Duncan...

What could be hotter than a firefighter? Kate Meader shows how, as Beck Rivera and heiress-turned-tattoo-artist Lucy Cochrane discover, nothing ignites holiday flames like rekindling a lost love...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a fun little collection of sexy holiday tales. Although these stories are connected to varies book series, this book can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I enjoyed all the stories and will definitely be checking out some of the authors I haven't read before. My favorite story came from Emma Chase, and involved one of my favorite book boyfriends, Drew Evans, in a fun twist on A Christmas Carol. If you're looking for a fun holiday distraction, this book fits the bill.

Kiro's Emily (Rosemary Beach #10) by Abbi Glines

The year is 1992, and no one on the rock music scene is hotter than Kiro Manning, the lead singer of Slacker Demon. With a multi-platinum record, total ownership of the Billboard charts, sold-out concerts, and sinful amounts of money, Kiro can have anything—and anyone—he wants.

So when a dark-haired, conservative beauty rebuffs him at a concert after-party, his first thought is, “Who the hell does she think she is?” His second thought: “How do I make her mine?” Kiro has always loved a good challenge, but not every girl wants to get involved with a rock god. Especially this girl.

He let her go that night, but he never forgot her. And when they met again, he vowed not to give up again so easily.

As the world worshipped Kiro, he came to worship the girl, who became everything he never knew he needed. The only girl he would ever love. His Emily.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What a wonderful little gem Abbi decided to give her readers with this one! Reading the Rosemary Beach series would not lead anyone to believe that Kiro Manning is capable of real love, but when Kiro's secret was exposed, I can't deny that I wasn't dying to know more. And boy, does Abbi deliver! This story was sweet and beautifully heartbreaking. It's proof that love can save, but that sometimes there is no coming back from its loss. Absolutely fantastic. 

Ripped (Real #5) by Katy Evans

Every woman wants me--except the one I sing for.

Seattle shakes with anticipation: they call it the concert of the year. They say girls are getting pregnant just thinking about Crack Bikini being in town.

But when you love a girl, you don't leave her with nothing but a ring and a promise. Any man with half a brain should know.

So what did I expect my girl would do when she saw me again?

Well, for starters, she loathes our music. Particularly the song I wrote about her.

When I sing it, the stadium is in an uproar. Thousands of fans scream my name like I'm a god--but yeah, not her. Crystal clear: the girl's not happy to see me.

Black hair, black boots, a bad attitude, that's her -- Pandora Stone is a freaking man-eater and she's out for my blood.

That's alright.

Let her come at me. Because I'm out for her heart and, this time, there's no way she can stop me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Katy delivers another good one with Ripped. Pandora is a fantastic character and the tension between her and Kenna makes for a passionate and hot ride. Even though Pandora is, for all intents and purposes, an unlikable character, I always liked her jaded, tough as nails persona, because I always had a feeling that it was a front. This one got off to a bit of a slow start, but once it got going...holy hell! It was almost like the fall after the long climb up on a roller coaster. Pandora and Kenna prove that there is a thin line between hate and love, and their battle of wills made for a page-turning good time.

I recommend that you read the other books in this series first, because of the character crossovers. While this book doesn't hold up to the freight train that is Remington Tate, I would definitely say that it is worth the read. 

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis that are about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons. Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood--the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of her mothers--Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah--the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that sustain her through a hard-working youth, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate connection with the past. Deeply affecting, The Red Tent combines rich storytelling with a valuable achievement in modern fiction: a new view of biblical women's society.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you pick up this book expecting to read the story from the Bible, then you will be disappointed. Diamant definitely takes some liberties with the story. I found the relationships in this book to be rather interesting. I can't imagine having to share my husband with another woman, let alone several others, but it certainly provided for an intriguing story. The female characters in this novel are much better developed than the male characters, and it was refreshing to read a book were the men were the secondary to strong female characters. I can't say that I loved this book. I just didn't have any real emotional connection to the characters. However, I did enjoy the story and think it's worth a read.

You Were Mine (Rosemary Beach #9) by Abbi Glines

In the eyes of the wealthy playboys who frequent Kerrington Country Club in Rosemary Beach, Tripp Newark is a hero. Under pressure from his parents to become a lawyer and lead a conservative, upper-class life, Tripp disappeared from town five years ago to travel the world, forfeiting the opportunity to inherit millions. Yet few know what he was really running from...

Bethy Lowry was unraveling long before her boyfriend drowned in a riptide trying to save her after she'd had one too many drinks--again. A trailer park kid working as a cart girl among the wealthy patrons of Kerrington Country Club, Bethy has always been impressionable. But five years ago, before she earned her reputation as a hard-drinking, easy girl, she had spent a single summer with Tripp Newark that changed her life forever...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There isn't much to say about this book, other than it's amazing, just like every other book in the series. I have come to expect perfection from Abbi, especially when it comes to books in this series, and somehow she continues to meet and surpass my high expectations. Tripp and Bethy's story is about regrets and second chances, and makes for an emotional read that will have you hooked from page one. Abbi delivers another great installment in this series complete with everything I have come to expect - heartbreak, drama, sexy times, redemption, and a happy ending. You definitely need to have read the other books in the series before picking this one up. I would not call it a stand alone due to the intertwining of story lines and characters, but this whole series is worth the read anyway, and so is this book. Loved it!

Unraveling You (Unraveling You #1) by Jessica Sorensen

Lyric Scott has always had a good life. Outgoing, spunky, and musically talented, she’s constantly surrounded by family and friends, yet she still feels there’s something missing.

Then she meets her new next-door neighbor Ayden Gregory. Mysterious, sweet, and sad, Ayden is the exact opposite of Lyric and exactly what she needs to fill the void in her life.

Ayden has been through more than most people and believes his life is always going to be rocky, so when he’s suddenly adopted by the Gregorys, he’s thrown for a turn. But even with a new, loving family, he still finds himself haunted by the memories of his old life. The only true breath of fresh air is when he’s with his best friend, Lyric Scott.

As Lyric and Ayden grow closer, the lines of their friendship start to blur. But when Ayden's past unexpectedly pushes its way into his new life, their friendship and newfound attraction will be tested.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Holy crap was this book good! I couldn't put it down and found myself flying through the pages. There were so many good things about this book that I find it hard to describe just how good it is. You should definitely read The Secrets series before picking this one up. I loved seeing the characters from that series all grown up and being introduced to the next generation. Lyric is a fun character, and the perfect balance to Ayden's character. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it ended just as things were getting REALLY good. I can't wait for it's sequel, which is expected to be released early this year.

Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food by Lysa Terkeurst

Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman s desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn t a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the "I'll start again Monday" cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today.

Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn t a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is a book and Bible study to help you find the "want to" in making healthy lifestyle choices."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a personal review for me. I have struggled with my weight since I was a teenager. I've tried every fad diet, some with great success, but something always tripped me up. The reviews of this book are quite mixed, so I was hesitant to pick it up. I've never been one for the "self-help" variety, but after seeing Lysa speak, I decided to take the chance on this one. I was raised a Christian, but it wasn't until about a year ago that I truly gave my life over to Christ and began to take my faith seriously. I have since worked to bring every aspect of my life under God's guidance, but never before have I considered turning my weight loss struggle over to Him.

This book does not have a miracle diet plan. In fact, Lysa doesn't real offer any health tips that aren't already common knowledge, and she doesn't pretend to be a health expert. What she does offer is a different perspective through which to view your struggles with food and a how it pertains to your relationship with God. I found this book to be rather profound, and I related to Lysa's story in a big way. Several reviewers criticized the book, saying that it focused on only one cause of weight struggles - emotional eating. While is this true, I don't think that Lysa intentionally ignored other reasons. She wrote about her experience, which included a struggle with weight because she was an emotional eater and turned to food in times of stress and despair. The point of the book was to share what she learned through her journey. I could have easily flown through this book. It's not a long book, but I found myself taking my time and really stopping to think about what Lysa was saying and how it applied to my own experience.

Lysa's style won't be for everyone, and this book is definitely centered around Biblical principles. I have by no means been "cured" of my food cravings, and there are days when it's difficult to walk away from temptations, but what I do have now is a changed perspective on food and tools that I can use to bring me closer to the life that God wants for me. The "struggle" isn't so much of a struggle now, as I have come to know there is someone in my corner that I never realized was there before - God.   

12/21/2014

Maybe Not (Maybe #1.5) by Colleen Hoover

When Warren has the opportunity to live with a female roommate, he instantly agrees. It could be an exciting change.

Or maybe not.

Especially when that roommate is the cold and seemingly calculating Bridgette. Tensions run high and tempers flare as the two can hardly stand to be in the same room together. But Warren has a theory about Bridgette: anyone who can hate with that much passion should also have the capability to love with that much passion. And he wants to be the one to test this theory.

Will Bridgette find it in herself to warm her heart to Warren and finally learn to love?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maybe Someday is one of my favorite Colleen Hoover novels, and I loved Warren's character in it. His character provided  much needed comic relief, and I found his character very endearing, like the big brother that I always wished I had. Of course when I heard that she was going to release this novella about Warren and Bridgette's relationship, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Colleen doesn't disappoint, either. The story was exactly what you would expect with Warren involved - heartwarming, with plenty of humor. Don't read this one until you have read Maybe Someday, but it is definitely worth the read.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Cruel miser Ebeneezer Scrooge has never met a shilling he doesn’t like...and hardly a man he does. And he hates Christmas most of all. When Scrooge is visited by his old partner, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come, he learns eternal lessons of charity, kindness, and goodwill. Experience a true Victorian Christmas!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know this story by heart. I've seen a dozen different movie versions. I love Dickens, but for some reason I have never gotten around to reading this book. It was shorter than I excepted, but I enjoyed reading the story that has been a part of my Christmases since childhood. It could just be nostalgia, but it's easy to see why this story has become a classic. Christmas is a magical time and a season that brings with it new hopes. Dickens captures this so beautifully, which makes for a heartwarming holiday read.

12/20/2014

The Prelude of Ella and Micha (The Secret #0.5) by Jessica Sorensen

**This novella takes place a little less than a year before The Secret of Ella and Micha. It contains glimpses of when Ella and Micha were younger, including a scene of when Micha first fell love with Ella.** 

When Ella Daniels and Micha Scott are fourteen, they make a pact to leave the small town of Star Grove and create better lives for themselves. The pact was made as best friends, but over the next six years, their friendship begins to intensify. Feelings change. Grow. Veer towards love. But one tragic night changes everything. Hearts get broken. And the future they had planned changes forever.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fans of Ella and Micha's story will want to get their hands on this little novella. What I loved the most about this novella was the chance to see inside of Micha's head as his feelings for Ella changed from friendship to something more. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, and was left with the desire to re-read the rest of Ella and Micha's books. Another great read from Jessica!

Ella and Micha: Infinitely and Always (The Secret #4.6) by Jessica Sorensen

After five years of marriage, Ella couldn’t be happier. Her job is great. Her marriage is amazing. But when she receives some surprising news, her world is turned upside down.

Micha loves being a musician, but being on the road, and away from Ella, is difficult. When the industry begins to put pressure on him to change his image, he makes a choice; one he fears is going to drastically change Ella’s and his future forever. That is until he learns Ella has a secret, one that makes his career choice seem hugely insignificant.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a fun little peak into the lives of Ella and Micha, five years after we left them. This novella is not full of the angst and drama that has been a hallmark of Ella and Micha's love story, but rather a sweet culmination of their previous books. You definitely need to read the other books in this series before you pick this one up, but if you are a fan of Ella and Micha's, then you will not be disappointed. 

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices can get to know warlock Magnus Bane like never before in this collection of New York Times bestselling tales, in print for the first time with an exclusive new story and illustrated material.

This collection of eleven short stories illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality, flamboyant style, and sharp wit populate the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices.

Originally released one-by-one as e-only short stories by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Rees Brennan, this compilation presents all ten together in print for the first time and includes a never-before-seen eleventh tale, as well as new illustrated material.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After reading this book, I happened to take a glance at some of the other reviews, and for some reason, there seems to be a lot of hate surrounding this book. I always loved Magnus Bane as a character. I appreciated his sense of humor, style, and willingness to be himself. I was excited when I heard that Cassandra would be releasing a series of shorts about his back story, which was largely a mystery. I found the shorts to be everything that Magnus's character is - funny, daring, and full of heart. I would recommend reading Cassandra's other published works before picking this one up, as there is crossover with story lines and characters.

I don't think these stories really reveal anything new about Magnus's character, but if you are a fan Cassandra's other series and of Magnus as a character, then these shorts are a fun little diversion into the warlock's world. I liked the artwork included with the shorts, and I thought that Cassandra's writing was as good as ever. I'm not sure where all the hate is coming from, but like I said, if you are a fan of Magnus's then I think that you will enjoy this collection. 

12/18/2014

All Broke Down (Rusk University #2) by Cora Carmack

Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one.

Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians you name it, she's probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He's in for a different kind of fighting. And though he's arrogant and infuriating, she can't help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause.

Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it's trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He's met girls like her before fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn't think he's broken, and he definitely doesn't need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about: his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help.

Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All Broke Down is the second installment of Cora's Rusk University series, and again, she delivers another great read. In fact, I think this one is better than the first. Silas's story was far more dramatic than Carson's, and I was caught up in his story from the very beginning. Silas's character turned out to be far more complex than would have been expected from the previous novel. At first glance, he is the handsome troublemaker, who loves nothing more than a great party. In truth, he is a man who's past has him teetering on the edge, poised to lose everything that he holds dear. Dylan, despite the fact that she appears to be his opposite in every way, is his perfect counterpoint. What I loved about this couple, is that they truly were equals. It wasn't one saving the other; they both saved each other. They made each other better. While I love a good "rescue" story, I also love when a couple turns out to be a perfect match.

Even if you are not a football fan, this series is still worth your time. The characters are well developed and the story lines are engaging. These books can be read as stand-alones, but there is some overlap with characters and story lines. Book three, All Played Out, is expected to be released in May, 2015.

12/17/2014

Cover Reveal ~ Asa (Marked Men #6) by Jay Crownover

We are so excited about the cover reveal for Jay Crownover's ASA! ASA is the sixth and final book in Jay's Marked Men Series, published by HarperCollins. Check out the hot cover and don't forget to pre- order your copy today!


      Image Map    

Amazon US ** iBooks ** Barnes & Noble ** Kobo


About ASA: Starting over in Denver with a whole new circle of friends and family, Asa Cross struggles with being the man he knows everyone wants him to be and the man he knows he really is. A leopard doesn’t it change its spots and Asa has always been a predator. He doesn’t want to hurt those who love and rely on him, especially one stunning arresting cop who suddenly seems to be interested in him for far more than his penchant for breaking the law. But letting go of old habits is hard, and it’s easy to hit bottom when it’s the place you know best.

 Royal Hastings is quickly learning what the bottom looks like after a tragic situation at work threatens not only her career but her partner’s life. As a woman who has only ever had a few real friends she’s trying to muddle through her confusion and devastation all alone. Except she can’t stop thinking about the sexy southern bartender she locked up. Crushing on Asa is the last thing she needs but his allure is too strong to resist. His long criminal record can only hurt her already shaky career and chasing after a guy who has no respect for the law or himself can only end in heartbreak.

A longtime criminal and a cop together just seems so wrong . . . but for Asa and Royal, being wrong together is the only right choice to make.



  

And don’t miss the previous books in The Marked Men Series!

RULE

JET

ROME

NASH

ROWDY

 And don't miss Jay at 3pm EST over at the Between The Covers page on Facebook today! Come chat with her!


 About Jay Crownover: Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series. She also introduced the dark and sexy world of The Point that started with BETTER WHEN HE's BAD and is currently working on her newest series The Saint of Denver. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter
Image Map