Book Review + Blog Tour + Chapter Excerpt: Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Title: Emergency Contact
Author: Mary H.K. Choi
Publication: March 27th 2018
Pages: 400
Synopsis:

For Penny Lee high school was a total nonevent. Her friends were okay, her grades were fine, and while she somehow managed to land a boyfriend, he doesn’t actually know anything about her. When Penny heads to college in Austin, Texas, to learn how to become a writer, it’s seventy-nine miles and a zillion light years away from everything she can’t wait to leave behind.

Sam’s stuck. Literally, figuratively, emotionally, financially. He works at a café and sleeps there too, on a mattress on the floor of an empty storage room upstairs. He knows that this is the god-awful chapter of his life that will serve as inspiration for when he’s a famous movie director but right this second the seventeen bucks in his checking account and his dying laptop are really testing him.

When Sam and Penny cross paths it’s less meet-cute and more a collision of unbearable awkwardness. Still, they swap numbers and stay in touch—via text—and soon become digitally inseparable, sharing their deepest anxieties and secret dreams without the humiliating weirdness of having to see each other.

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MY RATING: 4.5/5 STARS

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to read Emergency Contact because it had Asian representation (specifically Korean) and I wanted to see what kind of take Mary H.K. Choi would spin for her debut novel. I was not disappointed. Instead of filling pages with Korean culture or stereotypes, Emergency Contact does not follow the traditional route of representation but features the classic American-Korean culture readers crave. With words poured onto the pages that can only be written by someone born with the natural ability to write well and beautifully, Emergency Contact was a stellar read.

Book Review: The Taming of the Drew by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Title: The Taming of the Drew
Author: Stephanie Kate Strohm
Publication: April 5th 2016
Pages: 292
Synopsis:

Cass McKay has been called stubborn, temperamental, difficult, and that word that rhymes with “witch” more times than she cares to count. But that’s all about to pay off. She has finally landed the role she was born to play—Kate, in The Taming of the Shrew—in the summer apprentice program of a renowned Shakespeare theater company in the forests of Vermont.

But Cass can barely lace up her corset before her troubles begin. Her leading man, Drew, is a complete troll, and he’s going to ruin Cass’s summer. Even worse, Cass’s bunkmate Amy has somehow fallen head over heels for Drew. Cass can’t let Amy throw herself at a total jerk, so she comes up with a genius plan to give Drew the personality makeover he so desperately needs: they’ll tame Drew just as Petruchio tames Kate! But as Shakespeare’s classic plays out offstage, Cass finds it harder and harder to resist falling for Drew herself.

The best kind of entertainment, The Taming of the Drew is smart, funny, fresh, and original. You’re going to love this badass heroine and her friends. You might even end up liking Drew, too.

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MY RATING: 3/5 STARS

I received a copy from Thomas Allen & Son in exchange for an honest review.

The Taming of the Drew fit the concept of enemies-to-romance and putting our characters into a summer camp specifically designed to showcase their talents on stage? It sounds like the perfect YA novel that will get me excited for summer. In a way, it did. Throughout the book, I longed for the hot blistering days where I hung out with friends like our main character, Cass did.

Book Review: In the Heir by Ruth Cardello

Title: In the Heir
Author: Ruth Cardello
Publication: May 27th 2017
Pages: 242
Synopsis:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ruth Cardello returns with an irresistible series about sexy billionaires and the strong-willed women who tame them.

Brett Westerly is his father’s golden child, but it’s come at a cost. As head of the family corporation, he throws himself into his work—hiding in his office is easier than confronting the reality of his broken family.

After a bitter divorce that split the family and divided loyalties, the wealthy Westerly matriarch offers an early inheritance to any grandchild who marries and invites the entire family to the wedding. Brett’s brother Spencer rashly gets engaged, and Brett knows it’s his duty to intervene. But he never imagined the unwelcome desire Spencer’s fiery fiancée would spark in him. Now the man who’s used to getting everything he could want has met the one woman he can’t have.

Ever since she was a girl, Alisha Coventry considered Spencer and his sister Rachelle the family she didn’t have. When Spencer asks for her help, Alisha has no problem becoming his fake fiancée—until she meets Spencer’s sexy older brother Brett. The chemistry between them is undeniable—forbidden—but as their relationship deepens, Brett is determined to have her.

Alisha only wanted to help the family make amends. Now she’s falling for the wrong Westerly.

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MY RATING 3.5/5 STARS

I received a copy from Thomas Allen & Sons in exchange for an honest review.

Let’s take a look at this cover and really answer the question of why I chose this novel to review. I know as a reader, I shouldn’t be shallow but this cover is too gorgeous and I just had to request because it (Spoiler: the rest of the series look just as beautiful and you should totally buy them because they look fabulous on your shelves). Okay, now that we got me being shallow out of the way, I wanted to also read In the Heir by Ruth Cardello because it follows the troupe of fake relationship but also falling-in-love-with-someone-you-have-no-business-of-falling-in-love-with.

 

In the Heir tells the story of Alisha Coventry, a woman who has been practically raised by the Westerly family ever since she was little. Alisha feels like she owes it to the family for any favors asked of her so when her long time best friend, Spencer, requires a bride in order for him to secure his huge inheritance, she rises to the occasion. Except, Spencer’s older brother and black sheep of the family, Brett is hot on their heels, knowing something is fishy and he won’t leave until he gets to the bottom of it all.

The story has the promise thrilling of a typical billionaire style romance featuring a shy heroine and a too intense and mysterious man. But readers will be surprised when they realize Alisha is a contradiction. She’s shy at times but then busts down the door and jabs her finger into Brett’s chest and tells him off that he’s just a big bully. When in reality, Brett has been the one from the beginning, taking care of all his siblings–secretly. I’m glad we didn’t follow the similar dynamic that many romances have. I was also kind of weary when the jig was up within half the book. I mean, where was Ruth going with the story now?

To my surprise, it turned really fluffy and sweet. The only problem? Alisha kept pulling away from something good. Something real. Something perfect. All because of a character motivation I still don’t comprehend. I’m not going to spoil it for you but it definitely took away some reading enjoyment for me. To me, these characters didn’t feel realistic because of their motivations.

MY RECOMMENDATION

It’s a story featuring a misunderstood villain who falls in love with someone forbidden. I loved the concepts in this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the series because Ruth was able to create a captivating story with intriguing characters.

Book Review: At the Heart of It by Tawna Fenske

Title: At the Heart of It
Author: Tawna Fenske
Publication: October 3rd 2017
Pages: 334
Synopsis:

Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.

TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.

Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.

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MY RATING: 4/5 STARS

I received a copy from Thomas Allen & Son in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read books from Tawna Fenske before from Entangled Publishing and I knew she writes these fluffy romantic comedies so when I was given a chance to read ‘At the Heart of It’ I had to grab it before the chance was lost.

Book Review: Turned Up by Erin Nicolas

Title: Turned Up
Author: Erin Nicholas
Publication: August 29th 2017
Pages: 254
Synopsis:

Dillon Alexander has been Kit Derby’s nemesis since third grade, when he beat her in the school spelling bee. They’ve been competing ever since, driving each other to be the best at everything from science fairs to bake sales. While working together one night during their senior year, they stopped bickering long enough to share an emotionally charged kiss. But a tragedy that same night left them both racked with guilt, driving Dillon out of town and leaving Kit determined to keep her distance.

Now an emergency room physician, Dillon has returned to their hometown of Chance, Nebraska. Soon he and Kit fall back into old habits, sparring in public while trying to stay out of each other’s arms. But when a blizzard traps them overnight at Kit’s grandmother’s farmhouse, the real competition begins: Who will be the first to give in to the feelings they’ve denied for a decade?

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MY RATING: 5/5 STARS

I received a copy from Thomas Allen & Sons in exchange for an honest review.

I love Erin Nicholas. I read her books from Forever Romance last year and fell in love with her works because she always writes the best small town romances that make your heart flutter and your stomach do little flips. Turned Up is no exception. I was 10 pages in when I knew this book was at least a 4 out of 5 stars read because of how it was written. The sexual tension from the characters were palpable and when it wasn’t sexy times, it was like Erin Nicholas dumped sugar into the pages because the characters were so sweet.

BOOK REVIEW: Changing the Rules by Erin Kern

Title: Changing the Rules
Author: Erin Kern
Publication: March 27th 2018
Pages: 384
Synopsis:

This alpha athlete is about to meet his match…

Cameron Shaw knows exactly what he’s doing when it comes to coaching high school boys on the football field, but caring for a six-year-old girl is a whole different ballgame. When a gorgeous, highly opinionated woman shows up with his niece in tow and claims he’s Piper’s new guardian, Cameron’s first response is “hell no.” But he can’t abandon a little girl who just lost her mother….

Audrey Bennett wasn’t planning to stick around town, but Piper’s gruff, way-too-good-looking-for-his-own-ego uncle clearly needs help. The longer she stays-watching Cameron teach Piper to make pancakes and tie her sparkly pink shoelaces-the harder it is to leave. Especially when he stops arguing and gives Audrey the most toe-curling kiss of her life. But just as she thinks he might be the one, a secret he’s been keeping threatens to tear apart their happy little family.

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MY RATING: 4.5/5 STARS

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Erin Kern book and it definitely is not my last. I was unsure about Erin’s books because call me a snob but I didn’t like having characters with children from previous marriages or just children dumped on characters in general. HOWEVER, I have GROWN as a reader and now I love these stories. I especially loved Changing the Rules by Erin Kern because it featured a reluctant uncle who didn’t know what the heck to do with a six year old girl who carries a stuffed animal at all times because her mother passed away from cancer.

Book Review: The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland by Rebekah Crane

Title: The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland
Author: Rebekah Crane
Publication: December 1st 2016
Pages: 272
Synopsis:

According to sixteen-year-old Zander Osborne, nowhere is an actual place—and she’s just fine there. But her parents insist that she get out of her head—and her home state—and attend Camp Padua, a summer camp for at-risk teens.

Zander does not fit in—or so she thinks. She has only one word for her fellow campers: crazy. In fact, the whole camp population exists somewhere between disaster and diagnosis. There’s her cabinmate Cassie, a self-described manic-depressive-bipolar-anorexic. Grover Cleveland (yes, like the president), a cute but confrontational boy who expects to be schizophrenic someday, odds being what they are. And Bek, a charmingly confounding pathological liar.

But amid group “share-apy” sessions and forbidden late-night outings, unlikely friendships form, and as the Michigan summer heats up, the four teens begin to reveal their tragic secrets. Zander finds herself inextricably drawn to Grover’s earnest charms, and she begins to wonder if she could be happy. But first she must come completely unraveled to have any hope of putting herself back together again.

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MY RATING: 4.5/5 STARS

I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Allen & Sons in exchange for an honest review.

I was floored by Rebekah Crane’s latest novel ‘The Upside of Falling Down‘ so I knew I had to read ALL of her works. Have you ever read an author’s works and just want to breathe in every word they have ever written because that was me with Rebekah! I inhaled The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland in one sitting. It’s definitely not a book you could put down. And just a major FYI, if you loved the 80’s classic movie “The Breakfast Club”, you’re going to really like this one.

Book Review: The Bride Next Door by Hope Ramsay

Title: The Bride Next Door
Author: Hope Ramsay
Publication: April 3rd 2018
Pages: 368
Synopsis:

Courtney Wallace loves her job as a wedding planner, but she’s almost given up on her own happily-ever-after. She certainly doesn’t it expect to find it with Matthew Lyndon, the hotshot lawyer she overhears taking a bet to seduce her. She’s not amused by the challenge, but she decides to play along–after all, what better way to beat him at his own game?

Matt never intended to take the bet seriously. And moving next door wasn’t part of his strategy to win-it was just a happy coincidence-but the more he gets to know Courtney, the more intrigued he becomes. When fun and games turn into something real, will these two decide they’re in it to win it?

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MY RATING: 3/5 STARS

I was provided an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I fell in love with my first Hope Ramsay book ‘Here Comes the Bride’ and when I heard the next one in the Chapel of Love Series was coming out, I knew I had to request to read it. Hope Ramsay is one of those underrated authors. She writes romances with the right touch of sweetness, angst, and complicated characters with complicated pasts.

Book Review: London Belongs to Me by Jacquelyn Middleton

Title: London Belongs to Me
Author: Jacquelyn Middleton
Publication: October 14th 2016
Pages: 394
Synopsis:

A New City A New Start. Same Old Demons.

Your flight is now boarding! Join Alex Sinclair for a life-changing, trans-Atlantic journey. London Belongs to Me is a coming-of-age story about friendship, following your dreams, and learning when to let go … and when to hang on.

Meet Alex, a recent college graduate from Tallahassee, Florida in love with London, pop culture, and comic cons. It’s not easy being twenty-one-years-old, and Alex has never been the most popular girl. She’s an outsider, a geeky fangirl … with dreams of becoming a playwright in a city she’s loved from afar, but never visited. Fleeing America after a devastating betrayal, she believes London is where she’ll be understood, where she belongs. But Alex’s past of panic attacks and broken relationships is hard to escape. When her demons team up with a jealous rival determined to destroy her new British life, Alex begins to question everything: her life-long dream, her new friends, and whether London is where she truly belongs.

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MY RATING: 3.5/5 STARS

I was giving a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I was first captivated by the cover of this book when I first saw it floating around my Instagram feed. The cover held the promise of a book featuring travel in a beautiful and cultural city of London so I just had to read it! The cover and synopsis did not fail at all. It perfectly represented the story of an adult who–for the first time in her life–moved across the world to live her dream of exploring the city and finding a place to pursue her dreams of being a playwright.

5 Unconventional Tips to Help You Read More

As a reader, I’ve researched many ways to read MORE. I know that because of my busy schedule at work, my social calendar, and my day-to-day activities, it’ll be hard to always read. The problem with these blog posts or articles is that it always the same tips.

Carry a book with you at all times, set a scheduled time to read, set reading goals etc. While these are all effective ways to read more, it gets boring when you are telling yourself everyday at 8 PM you will read for an hour. It’s routine. It’s forcing you to read that may or may not suck the enjoyment from reading.

So, I figured there has to be ways to read more without the same tips. I’ve come up with 5 that hopefully will help you as much as it helped me. Hopefully, you haven’t heard of them before.