Falling For Her Fiance

BOOK INFORMATION (Goodreads)

Danielle and Wes have been best friends since college, so when Wes needs a date for his sister’s wedding and Dani needs a partner for her company’s retreat, they devise the perfect plan: a fake engagement to get through both events unscathed. Adrenaline-junkie Wes can prove to both his ex and his family that he’s well and truly moved on, and serious-minded Dani can prove to her boss that she’s worthy of the promotion he seems to only want to give to a family-oriented employee.

But amid the fake swoons, fake kisses, and forced proximity, neither expects the very real feelings that develop. There’s nothing more dangerous than falling for your best friend…but what if the landing is worth the fall?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Adult Fiction

Formats: Kindle, Ebook

Number of pages: 153 pages

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Publishing Date: January 14, 2013

Language: English

ISBN: 9781622668151 

My Rating:

I found this book through a link on twitter and I have to say that I am not disappointed.  I was looking for a light-hearted, easy read, and I found it!

We've all been there, don't lie.  You've had that one best friend that you've always wondered...what if?  Sure, in the beginning you're both like "We are just friends, what's everyone's problem??"

"No one seemed to get that they simply loved each other without being in love."

And then..sure enough..you start primping yourself more, noticing things about them that you never noticed before.  You just don't want to be the one to make the first move because you don't want to ruin what you already have. Because no matter what, this person is like coming home.

"..and the fact that Wes was here--It felt like coming home."

Dani and Wes are no exception to the above statements.  Dani and Wes have been friends since college, brought together by their love for all things history.  But they truly were just friends.  Besides, Dani is in Arkansas and Wes is back home in North Carolina.  Let me tell you..Long distance relationships just never work, right?!  Dani has been trying to get a promotion, but believes since her boyfriend left her, she doesn't have a chance.  Her boss wants family oriented people.  Wes needs a date to his younger sisters wedding.  He's tired of these looks his family gives him about his ex-fiance, Sophie, especially since she's in the bridal party!  So they come up with this devious plan without fully thinking it through.  I mean, These best friends can pull this off, they know everything about each other.  But once Dani get's home, they both start to notice each other in a different light.  Dani realizes how Wes has always been there for her and vice versa.  Wes started really to take note on how Dani just understood him and it..

"..wasn't like he'd failed to notice that Dani was naturally pretty, her Mexican ethnicity giving her an exotic look he'd seen plenty of dudes drool over."

After Dani lands in North Carolina, you're continously thinking.  This is where they finally tell each other!!! You get all excited....and then....

Too many times you just want to scream and yell "JUST TELL HIM ALREADY!" or her, depending on who you were following at the time.  Then it comes down to the nitty gritty..you think..yes, this is it. They are finally getting together and one (No...I won't say which one..) finally is ready to tell the other, right?  And you're all giddy and emotional..and you so do not get the outcome you were expecting and now you're mad, yelling..

And while your emotions are raging and you're telling yourself how you would never be that pig-headed.  You're mad..at both parties, but secretly wanting them to somehow pull it off.  But will they?  Guess you'll have to read it to find out! 

This was such a great read.  No I wasn't really "fangirling" per se.  But I really did enjoy the relationship between Dani and Wes.  Wes is the impromptu, impulsive, exciting one; whereas Dani was more of the level headed, over-thinker.  This is why they work so well together!  I really wish there was more of an ending.  It seemed like it just sort of..well stopped.  I'm not saying things weren't resolved..they were, but there was just..no meat to the resolution.  I wanted more!  Of course, that could have been the author's devious plan! 

If you like cute, yet sometimes infuriating romance novels, this definitely is a good read.  

Happy Reading!

The Fault In Our Stars

BOOK INFORMATION (Goodreads)

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Drama

Formats: Kindle, Nook, Paperback

Number of pages: 318 pages

Publisher: Dutton Books

Publishing Date: January 10, 2014

Language: English

ISBN: 0525478817

My Rating:

I truly was scared to pick up this book and read it. Honestly.  I had so many people tell me how good it was, how I needed to read it and fast! However, the subject matter hit really close to home. So I pushed it aside and read something else..and then I'd see it on my IPad causing various emotions in me..Ok..maybe just one...

Alas, when I hear about a book being made into a movie, I bite the bullet and insist on reading it before it comes out.  I mean, how can I not??  So..I digress..

I can honestly see why everyone loved this book.  Even in dealing with the heartbreaking and truthful subject matter, the whole three quarters of the book tended to be light-hearted, funny and..well just cute!  The relationship and dry humor between Augustus and Hazel was very warming and comforting, even with the "ticking-time bomb" (Hazel's words, not mine) that she was.  Hazel and Augustus really complimented each other.  They both taught the other one things they may have never known otherwise. However, I fell in love with that careless attitude that Augustus had...Yes..I had a book crush on a one legged boy..and???  The sweetness and tenderness that he showed Hazel..being her crutch almost..helping her to see the world, to help her live a little..It just made him such an amazing and lovable character! Ok, Hazel was lovable too, just in a different way!

The plot, well for me there really wasn't a "roller-coaster" ride.  That being said..it was an emotional ride, but instead of a roller-coaster, it was more like a paddle boat on a lake.  There didn't tend to be lots of up's and down's, just a story that headed out on an open road....And then BAM! You hit a brick wall and this story just completely does a 180. It leaves you asking..

 

You're struck..You're down for the count..The last third of the book you just have..

You can't think, you can't eat (or over eat depending on if you are an emotional eater) and you just cry.  You cry until your eyes can't cry any more and then you want to curl up into your little bed and have a sobfest because there's no way to prepare, regardless of weak and feeble attempts before beginning the book.  

And then, the calmness sets in.  You realize just what these characters did for you.  They helped you to understand that life..all life..is terminal and that we need to live life to the fullest, regardless of the circumstances.  And that ladies and gentlemen is the greatest gift you can give yourself, your friends, and your family (not necessarily in that order).  I highly recommend this book! Is it depressing?

But it doesn't keep you from coming away with a better outlook on life.  You'll love it...after you spend two weeks crying! 

Stepping Off A Cliff

BOOK INFORMATION (Goodreads)

An otherworldly, evil and dangerous force infests America’s oldest and most haunted city, St. Augustine, Florida. Everyone living there, or visiting, is at risk in ways too horrible to imagine.

Standing between this invader and the people of St. Augustine are teenagers Jeff and Carla, the mysterious Native American shaman, Lobo, and Lyle, the homeless guy.

In their quest to save themselves and all the inhabitants of this ancient Florida city, Jeff and Carla uncover lost parts of St. Augustine history, push past the limits of space and time, and come face-to-face with what they come to realize are the true walking dead.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Supernatural

Formats:  Ebook, Paperback

Number of pages: 394 pages

Publisher: Old St. Augustine Publications

Publishing Date: November 12, 2013

Language: English

ISBN: 0983368430

My Rating:

Let me just say, I am such a lucky gal! Mr Dillon, you have roped me in again! I am SO in love with this authors writing and story telling ability. The characters have so much life, as well as the setting. All of the historical facts that are brought into play with this book just make it that much more believable, entertaining, and dare I say..real?! 

Stepping off a Cliff starts with Jeff telling his story of what happened after he and his girlfriend Carla were sucked into his ancestors past. It easily slides into the time line. We meet some new and interesting characters and their stories are just as fascinating. Jeff and Carla both struggle with attempting to hone their abilities, with the help of Lobo of course, an "old" friend and shaman. The antagonist in the story, the PB (read it and you'll know what I'm talking about) was a little far fetched for me.

That being said, however, it really did explain why Lyle and lobo are the way they are. The characters compliment each other very well and in the end, goodness must prevail right???? Dun...Dun..Dun...

We shall see...

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this amazing story. If you like paranormal mixed with historical significance you'll love this series. I'm excited to see what comes next and perhaps have another opportunity to read and review Dillon's work of art!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Sliding Beneath The Surface

BOOK INFORMATION (Goodreads)

In America’s oldest and most haunted city, St. Augustine, Florida, teenager Jeff Golden is in trouble. Horrible dreams won’t let him sleep, and he is up to his eyeballs in terrifying, paranormal experiences.

Finally, Jeff turns to his girlfriend Carla, and Lobo, the mysterious Native American shaman, for help. But what he discovers is a lot more than he bargained for.

A ghostly presence linked to a local historic cemetery is not only threatening Jeff’s sanity but his life as well. And before he knows what’s happening, Jeff finds both himself and Carla pulled into one of the nastiest and bloodiest events in Florida history. It is a place from which they may never escape.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Supernatural

Formats: Kindle, Ebook, Paperback

Number of pages: 294 pages

Publisher: Old St. Augustine Publications

Publishing Date: September 2, 2011

Language: English

ISBN: 0983368414

My Rating:

Sliding beneath the surface is another one of those books that really stands out, to me at least, as an original piece. Doug Dillon does a great job incorporating history of St. Augustine into this book, and let me tell you...I'm not one for history...But he made it interesting. Of course, I'm not sure how much of it is actually true??

Following Jeff Golden, you see this story as told from his perspective. And boy was Dillon right on the money in portraying a 15 year old's mind!! Through this series you learn about Jeff's past, Carla's past and Lobo is kind of their guide through their "now" journey. The weird dreams, the alternate realities, copied images of people that they make themselves, ghosts, shaman's...and the list goes on. This book keeps you on your toes every step of the way. 

I loved Sliding beneath the surface and I believe that people who like ghost stories and paranormal books will too! Give it a try, Dillon won't let you down!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.