Jessica Samuelsen's Blog, page 42

Blog Tour with Review – Natalie’s Getting Married by Rosa Temple

Natalie's Getting Married by Rosa Temple
on March 14th 2016

I received this book for free from I

Goodreads
Amazon

Career minded, Natalie Spencer, had never been in love. She could never understand what all the fuss was about. But when she met Jackson Humphries during Fresher’s Week at university, that all changed.

Utterly infatuated, Natalie quickly discovers the meaning of love and, before she knows it, she's heading up the aisle – for the first time, that is.

This is a tale about four wedding dresses, a runaway groom and a girl who got so carried away, she couldn’t see true love staring her right in the face.

Natalie has never been in love so she doesn’t get what the big idea is until she meet’s Jackson Humphries. In a whirlwind romance, they plan their wedding where things don’t go as planned. Natalie takes the experience and runs with it while she learns about love and life with her best friend Gabriel always at her side.

In an Oyster Shell –  Must read romantic-comedy!

The Pearls –This book was a surprising jewel. I thought it was going to be cliche’ but it wowed me in turning into a coming of age story. The theme of this book is love is not always what you think it is. Sometimes you are looking for it and it’s been beside you all along.

The humor in this book was just hilarious. Written in British English the characters were very amusing. They were well-developed.

The plot was wonderful there were a lot of twists and turns, and the ending was unexpected. The story concluded pleasantly. I would read this story again. I highly recommend it!

The Sand – There were some definitive love scenes but nothing too graphic.

5 Pearls!

 


About Rosa Temple

Rosa Temple began writing romantic comedies and chick lit because of her passion for what she calls the ‘early chick lit films’, like: Sabrina, Barefoot In the Park and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She honed her skills as a ghost writer, gaining experience writing romantic novellas, both sweet and on the slightly steamy side. In her notebooks, she constantly jotted down story ideas of her own and she eventually completed her first novella Sleeping With Your Best Friend and now, the full length novel, Natalie’s Getting Married.

Rosa Temple is a Londoner and is married with two sons. She is a reluctant keep fit fanatic and doer of housework and insists that writing keeps her away from such strenuous tasks. She spends her days creating characters and story lines while drinking herbal tea and eating chocolate biscuits.

To find out more about Rosa and to catch up on all her musings please join her here on Rosa Temple Writes…

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway –

Thank you to Mary @bookhounds for hosting.

This book made me feel really lucky. It was a most excellent book. Read my review!

I want you to be lucky too! I’m offering a copy of the book (it’s only available in e-book!) and a 10$ Amazon gift card good luck!

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Book Blitz – Freeing Destiny

Freeing Destiny
Faith Andrews
(Fate #2)
Publication date: March 14th 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Words to live by:

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Don’t break the rules.

I’d managed to fail at both by fraternizing with the enemy’s brother. Guess I’d followed in my mother’s footsteps by ignoring all the rules when it came to love.

Mom was marrying a man only six years older than me. A man who was also her student. But the biggest surprise that came out of their wedding wasn’t my new stepdad’s academic status or his age.

It was Jack Davis—my stepfather’s best friend.

Jack was the guy who could change the whole game. He was quite possibly my soul mate. But time and circumstance were against us—there was no easy way around it. I was moving back to New York in two weeks and his sister, Aubrey, was the one person my family hated most in this world. How would his sister—the enemy—deal with another Edwards girl claiming what she believed was hers? The idea of letting Jack go crippled me. Would I have to cut ties with the only man I’d ever let into my heart?

Goodreads / Amazon

Other books in the series:

—

EXCERPT:

“I don’t think you’re a tease, Stella.”

“Then what do you think?” I was dying to know what was running through his mind. I wasn’t playing a game—honest to God—but I could see how it might look that way. Unlike the way I’d felt in the beginning of all this, I didn’t want him to give up on me because my actions were yo-yoing all over the place.

I wanted him to pursue me while we still had time.

Taking my hand in his, he placed one finger under my chin and turned my face in his direction. “What I think is that you’re a phenomenal kisser. And I plan on doing a lot more of that tonight and all the other nights until you leave—maybe even some of that kissing will convince you not to go. But in the meantime, we’re going back to my place, we’re going to order whatever you want to eat, then relax and watch a movie or whatever makes you comfortable. As long as we get to spend time together . . . there’s no rush.”

The saddened look in his eyes told me that last part was a lie. It was painfully obvious that we were running out of time. I hated it. There were so many things I wished for in that moment—the ability to freeze the clock, or travel back in time, or to have an endless do-over of the last few days with Jack on a repeat reel. It felt like some odd and cruel twist of fate. What kind of messed up destiny would throw Jack in my path now?

Forgoing all the bitter thoughts playing out in my frazzled brain, I nodded in answer to Jack’s questioning eyes. “Okay. I like the sound of that.”

It was time to abandon plans and worries and strategies. The only thing I planned on doing from here on out was whatever I felt was right—in the moment. I wanted to kiss him again, and if kissing led to more then I was ready for that, too. Jack was right when he said all that mattered was that we spent the time we did have together. The memories would be worth it, even if it meant hurting in their absence.

Author Bio:

Faith Andrews is living out her dream right outside the greatest city in the world, New York City. Happily married to her high school sweetheart, she is the mother of two beautiful and wild daughters, and a furry Yorkie son named Rocco Giovanni. When she’s not tapping her toes to a Mumford & Sons tune or busy being a dance mom, her nose is stuck in a book or she’s sitting behind the laptop, creating her next swoon worthy book boyfriend. Coffee addict, lover of wine and cheese, and sucker for concerts and Netflix, Faith believes in love at first sight and happily ever after.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!

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Hosted by:

Sunday Post – March 13th

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

In Review – 

On Tour – 

Giveaways – 

This week’s discussion is about Friday Coffee.

Question of the Week – What is your go to spring outfit? This year for me it’s leggings and a long shirt.

Friday Coffee & Bookish Speaks – Friday Coffee

Today I am drinking a fresh roasted coffee topped with heavy whipping cream. I am cutting down on sugar thus the heavy cream more fat, less sugar.

It just occurred to me that I don’t think I have ever explained to you lovely readers why I do the Friday Coffee. I was first inspired by a post I saw called If we were having coffee. I wish I could reference who that was if I see it again I will update the post. I thought what a lovely thought. There are many of you I would love to enjoy a cup of coffee with so I do, at least virtually every week.

Then I correlated the coffee experience with my 12 plus years of being a barista. Friday’s are always busy at the coffee shop because everyone wants to treat themselves for making it through the week. Friday’s were my favorite days to work because I got to see so many people that I didn’t usually see the rest of the week.

My conclusion – Friday and coffee just go together! It’s a time to reward yourself for making it through the week. Spend some time doing a little extra for yourself… like reading a great blog discussion.

What do you do to treat yourself on Fridays?

ARC Review – Playing Defense by Cate Cameron

Playing Defense (Corrigan Falls Raiders, #2) by Cate Cameron
Series: ,
Published by Entangled: Crush on March 14th 2016
Genres: YA, Romance
Pages: 178
Source: Entangled Publishing

I received this book for free from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Goodreads
Amazon

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains adult language, swoon-worthy kisses, and sexy hockey players. It may cause you to watch a hockey game…or ten.

Sixteen-year-old Claudia Waring has never kissed a boy. Never been popular. Never been to a hockey game. All that’s about to change. Assigned to tutor Chris Winslow, a prank-loving, gorgeous hockey player, Claudia’s perfectly planned life immediately veers off course. And she kind of likes it. But as fun as Chris is, she knows she'll never fit in his world.

After his latest prank lands him in hot water, Chris has to get serious about school or lose hockey. Not an easy thing for someone as carefree as the defenseman. The biggest problem, though, is how much he wants to help his cute, buttoned-up tutor loosen up a little. But while confidence has never been a problem for him, around Claudia, Chris is all nerves. Why would a girl as smart as her ever fall for a jock like him?

Corrigan Falls Raiders Book 1: Center Ice (Can be read out of order)Corrigan Falls Raiders Book 2: Playing Defense (Can be read out of order)

Never been kissed Claudia Waring has one focus school to become an engineer. Her guidance counselor advises her that there is more to a college application than academics. It is suggested that Claudia becomes a tutor. Reluctantly, she starts tutoring for Chris Winslow. Chris is easy going guy not too worried about school because he’s got hockey going for him. With stuck in the books Claudia and anything goes Winslow can their tutoring relationship help strike a balance between the two of them?

In an Oyster Shell – This was a provocative YA romance that left you feeling like nerds can rule the world.

The Pearls –  The story premise was nice. Being from Alaska, I enjoy hockey, so I was more than thrilled to read a hockey themed novel.

The romance was sweet and edifying. There was a lot of growth development that needed to happen between the two characters in order for it to work. It was a fun journey through the story as the both grow tremendously.

The theme of the story was encouraging. Learning how to let relationships with others help you be a better person.

The Sand – The setting of the book was unclear to me. The writing of the book was simple could use a more diverse vocabulary. There were parts of the story that did not fit.

3.5 Pearls!

About Cate Cameron

Cate Cameron grew up in the city but moved to the country in her mid-twenties and isn’t looking back. Most of her writing deals with people living and loving in small towns or right out in the sticks – when there aren’t entertainment options on every corner, other people get a lot more interesting!

She likes to write stories about real people struggling with real issues. YA, NA, or contemporary romance, her books are connected by their emphasis on subtle humor and characters who are trying to do the right thing, even when it would be a lot easier to do something wrong.

Goodreads | Amazon

Review – The Fountain by Suzi Vadori

The Fountain by Suzy Vadori
Published by Evil Alter Ego Press on December 8th 2015
Genres: YA, Romance, Paranormal
Pages: 206

I received this book for free from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Goodreads
Amazon

Careful what you wish for. It just might come true.

In the forbidden West Woods, Ava stumbles on the secret fountain that has granted wishes to St. Augustus students for generations. Unknowingly, she watches the coin she tosses disappear and with it the world around her as she knows it.

In a quest to undo the damage she’s done, she and alumni kid Ethan break every campus rule unravelling a tangled web of history. Ava discovers that what’s right isn’t always clear and finds herself torn between a love she’s always known and one she has yet to explore.

 

Ava wants to go to the school that her parents went to. Against her father’s better judgement she goes. She is met with mean girl that is out to get her from the first day. A fountain shows up and she wishes her hearts desire. Alarmingly it comes true. As Ava tries to find a way to undo it she is found with an unlikely ally. Ava learns the hard way to be careful what you wish for.

In an Oyster Shell- This is the first really good book that I’ve read in a long time where I was sad that it ended.

The Pearls – This was a really good book. The premise was interesting and the execution was spot on. The writing was well-done. It was imaginative a poignant at the same time.

The characters were well written. It was a good balance of circumstance and character growth.

The tone of the book is just magnificent. It gives a positive vibe. I would recommend this book to any YA enthusiast.

The Sand –  Needs a more original title. I couldn’t find the book on Goodreads because there are so many books named that.

5 Pearls!

Blog Tour With Review – Urban Boys by K.N. Smith

The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses by K.N. Smith
Published by Two Petals Publishing on September 29th 2015
Pages: 292
Goodreads

The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses is an action-adventure story about five teen boys who are mysteriously exposed to a foreign energy source that gives them extremely heightened senses. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become hypersensitive gifts that forever change the world. The story offers young and mature readers central themes of loyalty, responsibility, honesty, fear, and triumph, which become artfully integrated with cinematic-level action and high drama. The story twists, turns, and grinds through elements of paranormal and action-adventure in a diverse, exciting, edge-of-your-seat narrative.

Overview: The story’s small town of Danville Heights, a carefully crafted universe, contrasts with the dark, gloomy town of Sandry Lake, where evil abounds. Upon the boys’ mysterious incident with the energy source, they’re instinctively called to Sandry Lake to root out evil. Their senses guide them each time. However, secrecy about their mission, furious battles with evil thugs, extreme fatigue, and stress and pressure soon overwhelm the boys, but they must find a way to embrace their fate. A lurking, Dark Stranger seems to know their plight, and a strikingly beautiful, fearless girl lends way to heightened confusion. Shocking details about these two characters, and the evil antagonist, the dreaded Druth, twist and grind the story even further. Despite tension and fierce battles, will the boys hold it together long enough to fulfill their destiny? Intriguing, intelligent, and full of action, The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses offers a memorable, emotion-packed, thrilling ride for young and mature readers alike!

In an Oyster Shell – A unique paranormal teenage read that has an almost fable-like feel.

The Pearls – This book had an interesting premise that was executed satisfactorily. The setting was nice. I thought there was appropriate symbolism between the setting of the two cities. The story had great parallels.

It’s always a tricky thing to juggle multiple points of view. I feel like the author pulled it off. There was so much diversity in the different points of view. It added to the distinctiveness of this read.

Overall, the book had a morality that seems to be lost in most modern day storytelling. After I finished reading the book I had a distinguished feeling of hope.

The Sand –  The books tone was flat all the way through though consistent, made the book less than enjoyable.

3 Pearls!

Tour Schedule:

Feb 29 –     The All Night Library – review / guest post

Feb 29 –     Rachel’s Book Reviews – review

March 1 –   #redhead.with.book – review / giveaway

March 1 –   Cheryl’s Book Nook – review / author interview / giveaway

March 2 –   T’s Stuff – review / author interview / giveaway

March 3 –   Book Reviews, Nature Pictures – review

March 4 –   A Mama’s Corner of the World – review / giveaway

March 7 –   Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine – review

March 7 –   Worth Reading It? – review

March 8 –   Writing Pearls – review

March 9 –   Laura’s Interests – review / guest post / giveaway

March 9 –   Between Books – review / guest post / giveaway

March 10 – Zerina Blossom’s Books – review / giveaway

March 10 – CelticLady’s Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway

March 11 – Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine – guest post

March 11 – Book Room Reviews – review / guest post

March 14 – Amie’s Book Reviews – review / guest post / giveaway

March 15 – Bookworm for Kids – review / giveaway

March 16 – The Autistic Gamer – review

March 17 – Bound 4 Escape – review / giveaway

March 18 – Splashes Into Books – review / author interview

March 21 – bookmyopia – review / giveaway

March 21 – Reading Authors – review / giveaway

March 22 – Library of Clean Reads – review / giveaway

March 23 – JBronder Book Reviews – review / guest post

March 24 – Readers’ Muse – review / guest post

March 25 – Room With Books – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

March 25 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – review

March 28 – Ali – The Dragon Slayer – book spotlight / guest post

March 28 – Comfort Books – review

March 29 – The Page Unbound – book spotlight

March 30 – Over the hills and far away – book spotlight / giveaway

March 31 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – book spotlight

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About K.N. Smith

K.N. Smith is an American author and passionate advocate of childhood and family literacy programs throughout the world. She continues to inspire students of all ages to reach their highest potential in their literary and educational pursuits. Her creative, lyrical flair sweeps across pages that twist, turn, and grind through elements of paranormal and action-adventure in diverse, exciting, edge-of-your-seat narratives. She lives with her family in California.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Sunday Post – March 6th

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

Woo Hoo! It’s March the start of my birthday month and the countdown to Writing Pearls anniversary. Exciting times indeed.

In Review – 

On Tour – 

Giveaways – 

Other notable things – 

I don’t know if you have figured it out by now but Writing Pearls is all about helping other writers. I have been helping Joann Keder set up her blog. Why don’t you go give her a friendly hello. 

Lucky is Reading Giveaway

Thank you to Valerie at Stuck in Books for hosting.

Today I am giving away a hardback copy of Galgorithm with a 10$ Amazon gift card. (US Only)

Click image to see review.

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