Zara Hoffman's Blog: Zara Hoffman's Goodreads Author Blog, page 18

Book Review: Cashmere by Temple West

My ReviewOMG, this book was amazing. I started reading this once I was reminded by a friend's post on Instagram that she was also reading the ARC. I went crazy reading this. I unfortunately had to read it on Adobe Editions, so I was slowed down by not being used to the software and having to click every time I wanted a page turn rather than hitting the arrows or better yet scrolling on my phone.

Anyway, what was I saying? Oh, right. Amazing. The plot was fast, questions from Book 1 were answered (and like a hydra, for each answer, 3 more questions sprouted in its place). Caitlin didn't whine as much, she (and readers) get to learn more about vampires, and most awesomely: meet new vampires! And she grows closer to Julian, which I thought was nice because despite his prickly attitude in  Velvet , I wanted them to become friends.And... in case you thought I'd lost my mind and thought I'd write a review for a paranormal romance without talking about the romance​, let's move onto Adrian de la Mera. He's as swoon worthy as ever, isn't spending half the book being a jerk to Caitlin to protect them both (something Cait's friend Trish accurately calls unhealthy), and is basically perfect—making Caitlin, me, and probably many if not all readers fall in love with him even more.

Plot-wise (I touched on this a bit before), much more exciting than the first (which I thought was pretty exciting to begin with) as the mysteries of where Lucian went and what Caitlin is puts pressure on her and her allies to go against the Council after some things they learned towards the end of Velvet.

​I generally think middle books can either be great or awful, and this thankfully falls into the first category. I loved this book, think you will too, and can't wait for Book 3!
About the BookTitle: Cashmere
Series: Velvet, 2
Author: Temple West
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Medias Res Publications
Publication Date: February 14, 2017

This high-stakes sequel to Velvet proves that when you’re the only human caught in a paranormal war, high school can get a little tricky. With Adrian’s brother trapped in hell, the Praetorian Guard has made Stony Creek their base-of-operations, but Caitlin has a bad feeling they’re more interested in her than in finding Lucian. Caught in a sea of conspiracies and lies, Caitlin and Adrian perform a risky magical procedure in an attempt to protect Caitlin from compulsion.

Relieved that her nightmares have ended, Caitlin is disturbed to find that something even stranger has taken their place.

Determined to get on with her life, even amid a crazy paranormal manhunt, she applies for a competitive summer fashion internship in New York. Searching desperately for answers about what Caitlin might be, how Adrian’s father is involved, and where Lucian has been kidnapped to, Caitlin and Adrian must rely on each other to survive. But when the truth finally comes to light, the consequences are unimaginable.

And the question still haunts them both: even if they survive, how will they deal with the fact that Adrian is immortal and Caitlin is not?
About Book 1: ​VelvetTitle: Velvet
Series: Velvet, 1
Author: Temple West
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: May 12, 2015

First rule of dealing with hot vampire bodyguards? Don't fall in love.

After losing both her parents before age seventeen, aspiring designer Caitlin Holte feels like her whole world has been turned upside down, and that was before the terrifying encounter with a supernatural force. Then, she learns that her hot bad-boy neighbor, Adrian—who might have just saved her life—is actually a half-demon vampire.

Suddenly Caitlin is stuck with a vampire bodyguard who feels that the best way to protect her is to become her pretend boyfriend. Trouble is, Caitlin is starting to fall in love for real, while Adrian can never love a human. Caitlin trusts Adrian to keep her safe from his demon father, but will he be able to protect her heart?
About the Author The debut author of the YA paranormal romance Velvet is as nerdy in real life as she is on the Twitter. Armed with a very shiny English degree, she spent four months in Oxford holed up at the Radcliffe Camera amongst the hush of ancient books and the rich musk of academia. Returning to Los Angeles, she acquired a concurrent degree in film, mostly as an excuse to write essays about The Princess Bride and Hook. She can sew (poorly), drive stick (please fasten your seatbelt), and mostly lift her feet off the ground while stuttering into first gear on a very small motorcycle. She currently lives in Seattle but tends to wander from city to city like the gypsy she is.

You can order her book, if you're into ordering AWESOME THINGS.

January 2017 Writing Update: The Matchmakers

Today was the day ​The Matchmakers was supposed to be released into the world in all its edited glory. Unfortunately, school, work, and some good old procrastination (if I'm being 100% honest) have prevented me from finishing this book on my projected schedule.

I seem to have run into a creative writing rut, and although it's highly recommended against, I have decided to go back to the start and edit what's there to reignite my fire about this project, start fixing some major issues I already know will be changed, and will then plow ahead to the end, editing, and eventually publication.

Thank you for understanding. In the meantime, you can start reading The Matchmakers ​on Wattpad, and add it on Goodreads. Read on Wattpad Add on Goodreads

Book Review: Any Time, Any Place by Jennifer Probst

My ReviewI loved this book even more than Everywhere and Every Way. I think it's because the emotions here were so much more raw—moved me to tears for the last section of the book. Anyway, like the last book, the characters here were great.

Dalton is the playboy of the Pierce brothers, but he's also a hard worker that never seems to get the credit he deserves from his two older brothers, his future sister-in-law, their assistant Sydney, or even their architect Brady. His mother running away with another man hit him the hardest, and still haunts him with nightmares. At least he has his work—and the owner of My Place, if she'll give him the time of day—to keep him busy.

Raven is the daughter of the man who was running away with Diane Pierce. She knows who the Pierce brothers are and is determined to hate them. But it's a lot harder to do that when one of them is devastatingly hot, is offering to help you fix your establishment, and attracts you like crazy. She tries to stay focused on not falling for him, but life has other plans.I also think the plot was much more interesting than Book 1 of the Billionaire Builders series. Caleb and Morgan's story was a "when will they"? Whereas this one had a lot more "will they or won't they" despite the assumed HEA. With such a big secret tying and also separating Raven and Dalton, how could the plot not be engaging?

Though this book definitely has light and funny moments, it also has deep, sometimes dark emotional moments that make you dig deep. And I love this book all the more for it.
About the BookTitle: Any Time, Any Place
Series: Billionaire Builders, 2
Author: Jennifer Probst
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: January 24, 2017

HGTV’s Property Brothers meets The Marriage Bargain in this second volume in the Billionaire Builders series, an all-new heart-wrenching and sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

When she was a teen, Raven Bella Stratton’s father was killed in a horrible car crash. The bigger shock was the discovery of a woman with him—Diana Pierce—and their two fully packed suitcases with airline tickets to Paris. Devastated by her father’s betrayal, Raven went to live with her aunt, never truly overcoming the traumatic event. When she discovers that the mysterious woman had a family with a husband and three boys, Raven vows to leave the memory of her father behind.

Until Dalton Pierce visits one night and suddenly her past challenges her future...

Leaving his life in California behind to run Pierce Construction with his two older brothers, Dalton Pierce has enjoyed returning home and studying his passion of woodworking. But when he visits the local bar with his brothers one evening, he’s immediately drawn to the smart-mouthed, badass, sexy bartender who sets his body on fire. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem as intrigued by him, and his multiple advances are met with rejection. When he offers to restore the bar back to its original glory, he begins to work with her on a daily basis, and falls harder. His plan of seduction slowly weaves a web around them both, until they are caught up in the spell. But Dalton doesn’t know the secret that can either destroy them both...or finally mend two broken hearts.
Other Books

Book Review: The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan

My ReviewThis book was fun. I didn't love it as much as the Hitched books (you can find my reviews down below under the covers). The plot didn't draw me in as much, but I did enjoy myself.

​Let me get a bit further into it.
I liked Paige, but there's one moment where she just acted crazy that had me going "What the hell?!" I think you'll know it when you read it, but I'll give you a hint: the moment starts with "I did the only thing I could think of" (Chapter 13). I don't know why, but that made it a little hard for me to fully get into her as a character.

Her best friend, and Cannon's older sister, Allie pissed me off. She sprung her brother on her best friend with almost no warning, and then assumes that Paige would hold her brother back. She's a much better sister than she is a friend, and also... not warning Paige about Cannon's crazy ex is straight up shitty. Her brother staying with Paige obviously paints a target on her home and to let your friend go in blind is AWFUL. Paige does kind of call her on her shit later in the book, but it's not enough to redeem her in my mind.

Moving onto the things I like: CANNON! He's amazing! He's smart, kind, considerate, caring, and SEXY AS SIN! What more can you ask for? I literally can't find a fault with him. He's constatly asking Paige for consent, and it really does make a difference when reading their romance.

And, then, just because I liked him as a character, Cannon's co-worker (and I think friend), Peter, is fun and I found him super funny. Normally, I'd say this about both MC's best friends, but Peter is the only one to get that honor here.

All in all? An entertaining read with a fabulous guy, but not much more than that.
About the BookTitle: The Room Mate
Series: Room Mate, 1
Author: Kendall Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: January 24, 2017

The last time I saw my best friend’s younger brother, he was a geek wearing braces. But when Cannon shows up to crash in my spare room, I get a swift reality check.

Now twenty-four, he’s broad shouldered and masculine, and so sinfully sexy, I want to climb him like the jungle gyms we used to enjoy. At six-foot-something with lean muscles hiding under his T-shirt, a deep sexy voice, and full lips that pull into a smirk when he studies me, he’s pure temptation.

Fresh out of a messy breakup, he doesn’t want any entanglements. But I can resist, right?

I’m holding strong until the third night of our new arrangement when we get drunk and he confesses his biggest secret of all: he’s cursed when it comes to sex. Apparently he’s a god in bed, and women instantly fall in love with him.

I’m calling bullshit. In fact, I’m going to prove him wrong, and if I rack up a few much-needed orgasms in the process, all the better.

There’s no way I’m going to fall in love with Cannon. But once we start…I realize betting against him may have been the biggest mistake of my life.

The Room Mate is a full-length standalone romance.
TeasersAbout the Author A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a 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 appeared #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world.

Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her website for the latest book news and fun extras.
Other Books

Release Day Launch: The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan

About the BookTitle: The Room Mate
Series: Room Mate, 1
Author: Kendall Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: January 24, 2017

The last time I saw my best friend’s younger brother, he was a geek wearing braces. But when Cannon shows up to crash in my spare room, I get a swift reality check.

Now twenty-four, he’s broad shouldered and masculine, and so sinfully sexy, I want to climb him like the jungle gyms we used to enjoy. At six-foot-something with lean muscles hiding under his T-shirt, a deep sexy voice, and full lips that pull into a smirk when he studies me, he’s pure temptation.

Fresh out of a messy breakup, he doesn’t want any entanglements. But I can resist, right?

I’m holding strong until the third night of our new arrangement when we get drunk and he confesses his biggest secret of all: he’s cursed when it comes to sex. Apparently he’s a god in bed, and women instantly fall in love with him.

I’m calling bullshit. In fact, I’m going to prove him wrong, and if I rack up a few much-needed orgasms in the process, all the better.

There’s no way I’m going to fall in love with Cannon. But once we start…I realize betting against him may have been the biggest mistake of my life.

The Room Mate is a full-length standalone romance.
TeasersAbout the Author A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a 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 appeared #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world.

Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her website for the latest book news and fun extras.

Book Review: Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst

My ReviewI found this book through Goodreads telling me that the next book in this series was available. I got both immediately, given how much I loved her Marriage to a Billionaire ​series.

I can't quite put my finger on why I liked this story, but I will try.
Firstly, the characters. Caleb Pierce (whose name is only one letter away from the male character in The Belgrave Legacy—complete coincidence) is a strong, smart, handsome, kind man who made mistakes regarding family and business. Well, it's more accurate to say family matters that bleed into business. But, despite his faults, he does his best to right his wrongs and is an all-around great guy. Sometimes he just needs a wake up call and/or a push.

Morgan Raines is a spitfire hidden under Southern belle charm. Don't get me wrong, she's both through and through, which makes her such an interesting character. Just like her work get-up: pink hard hat and pink work boots paired with her work ethic of steel. She can hold her own with any of the Pierce brothers, especially Cal. She's intelligent, sassy, strong, and has a big heart.

And let me just say I love Cal's two younger siblings Tristan and Dalton. They're both interesting characters in their own rights, but I love them best when they're ribbing each other and Cal.

Sydney, their assistant, is also awesome. As is Raven, the owner of the bar My Place that becomes a regular haunt for everyone.

Secondly, the plot. I'll keep this one short and sweet: it was fun, not too generic, despite knowing it had to end in HEA, and made me follow Caleb and Morgan's love story in a way that I felt like I could have been Sydney watching it play out right in front of me. Definitely a great read if you're looking for something happy and lighthearted.
About the BookTitle: Everywhere and Every Way
Series: Billionaire Builders, 1
Author: Jennifer Probst
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: May 31, 2016

Hot on the heels of her beloved Marriage to a Billionaire novels, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst nails it with the first in an all-new sexy romance series featuring red-hot contractor siblings who give the Property Brothers a run for their money!

Ever the responsible eldest brother, Caleb Pierce started working for his father’s luxury contracting business at a young age, dreaming of one day sitting in the boss’s chair. But his father’s will throws a wrench in his plans by stipulating that Caleb share control of the family business with his two estranged brothers.

Things only get more complicated when demanding high-end home designer Morgan hires Caleb to build her a customized dream house that matches her specifications to a T—or she’ll use her powerful connections to poison the Pierce brothers’ reputation. Not one to ignore a challenge, Caleb vows to get the job done—if only he can stop getting distracted by his new client’s perfect…amenities.

But there’s more to icy Morgan than meets the eye. And Caleb’s not the only one who knows how to use a stud-finder. In fact, Morgan is pretty sure she’s found hers—and he looks quite enticing in a hard hat. As sparks fly between Morgan and Caleb despite his best intentions not to mix business and pleasure, will she finally warm up and help him lay the foundation for everlasting love?
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Success: Classes at Boston University

I've officially had 3 of my 4 classes this semester, and I think it's going to be a good year. I already have a bunch of homework, which I'll be diving into once I'm done writing this blog post. I have 1 English class, 1 Psychology class, 1 Astronomy class (I needed a natural science credit), and 1 Women's Studies class (which is the one I haven't yet had). I registered for these classes a few days ago, and am very pleased with all of them—which means I won't be dealing with the headache of adding or dropping classes like many other students.

​If you've started school recently, how is your homework load? Is it already piling up? Or are your professors easing you into it?

Release Day Launch: POTUS by Selena Laurence

Today is the release day for POTUS by Selena Laurence, a sexy political romance! Grab your copy today and snuggle up with a great new love story! And be sure to enter Selena's giveaway below!About the BookTitle: POTUS
Series: Powerplay, 3
Author: Selena Laurence
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Golden Age Press
Publication Date: January 20, 2017

A President beloved by her nation.

Jessica Hampton is the heir to a political dynasty. For nearly ten years she has given up everything in order to fulfill her late husband's legacy. But now, as her first, and she hopes only, presidential term draws to a close, she wants nothing more than to finish with the dignity her family demands. But when Jessica begins to negotiate an important Middle East accord with the sexy Egyptian Ambassador, being President takes a back seat to being a woman, and she will be forced to choose between the Ambassador she might love, the nation she's sworn to serve, and the family who's given her everything.

A son trapped by his father.

Kamal Masri knows all about being an heir. He's not only Egypt's Ambassador to the U.S., he's the first-born son of one of the world's wealthiest men. His father has controlled his fortune, his career, and now possibly his life. Because when the Egyptian parliament instructs Kamal to negotiate an accord that threatens his father's illegal business dealings, all hell is about to break loose, and Kamal will be forced to choose between the American President he might love, the nation he's sworn to serve, and the father who's given him everything.
Giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author Selena Laurence is a USA Today Bestselling author who loves putting the heat in Happily Ever After. In 2014 she was awarded the Reader’s Crown Award for Contemporary Romance of the Year. In 2015 her rock star romance A Lush Betrayal was a finalist in three national contests.
​
Selena lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her kids, Mr. L, “Goldendoodle” and “Demon Cat.” When she’s not writing she can be found at soccer games and tennis matches, or one of her favorite coffee shops.

Success: Three Internships

Yes, you read that correctly. I've clearly lost my mind because for the rest of this month, I will have 3 internships simultaneously. The past 2 you've heard about in a previous blog post, but the new one is as an editorial intern for Filles Vertes Publishing, LLC. Side note: "filled vertes" is French for "green girls" which just makes me think of Elphaba from one of my favorite musicals, Wicked. Which I'm so excited about because as good as I've gotten at PR thanks to being a PA to Melissa A. Petreshock, and now as a PR intern at Inklings Literary Agency, becoming an editor in a publishing house is my dream job.

My responsibilities at FVP will include reading manuscripts (yay, I get to read fun stories in addition to the no-doubt endless reading I'll have for HW—I'm not being facetious here, I'm excited that by this being part of a job, I'll have to make time for reading fiction) and providing feedback. Like I said above, this is my dream job, and to have a go at it so early in life is AWESOME SAUCE.
​Anyway, as you may guess, 3 internships+4 classes=very little time for writing ( The Matchmakers  or even blogging on here). As such, I will try to keep this blog updated whenever big things happen, but otherwise, this place will be pretty quiet aside from some already scheduled participation in upcoming blog tours.

The Matchmakers is still stalled at ½ through the first draft, and I'll be working as much as I can on them, but at this point, the January 27, 2017 publication date is definitely not happening anymore. I'll update the book page when I have a better estimate of my work load this semester & have time to map out how much writing and editing needs to be done before publication.

Until next time!

Cover Reveal: The Play Mate by Kendall Ryan

About the BookTitle: The Play Mate
Series: Room Mate, 2
Author: Kendall Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: March 14, 2017

His best friend's little sister is all grown up … and ready to play in a whole new way.

Smith Hamilton has it all—he's smart, good-looking and loaded. But he remembers a time when he had nothing and no one, so he's not about to mess up, especially with his best friend’s little sister. That means keeping Evie at arm's length … even though the once pesky little girl is now a buxom bombshell. A sexy blonde who pushes his self-control to the limit the night she crawls into bed with him.

Evie Reed knows she's blessed—with an exclusive education, a family who loves her, and a new job managing social media for her family's lingerie company. But she wants more, like a reason to wear the sexy lingerie herself. She has just the man in mind to help with that. She's crushed on Smith forever. Surely tricking her way into his bed will force him to see her in a new, adult way.

Except that when Evie's plan leads to disaster, she and Smith must decide—ignore the attraction sizzling between them, or become play mates and risk it all.

Don't miss this sexy friends-to-lovers romp—get your copy of The Play Mate today!
About the Author A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a 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 appeared #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world.

Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her website for the latest book news and fun extras.