Lingerie Wars by Janet Elizabeth Henderson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This seemed like a quick, easy summer read (although it is set during winter). I sped through it rather fast. There was nothing outstanding here for me, either good or bad. I did realize how NOT Scottish I am though as there were terms or phrases that were lost on me. Sentence structure did not always make sense to me but I was able to get the gist of things.
The characters were entertaining but nothing great. The biggest problem I have with contemporary romance-this one included, is that they get us to hate the hero before he has to atone for all his sins. I get there has to be conflict but I want someone to root for, not a hero to hate. There is a reason I've had to stop reading romance like these.
I loved the underwear mascot though, I thought that character was developed really well. Not a fan of Lake's sister though, way too whiny and a pushover for me.
One of the reasons I do read romances is for the steamy bits. I mean if I ain't gettin' any I like to read about those who are. This book skipped over all of that. I was a bit disappointed.
To sum things up, this knocked another book off my quote for the year but I do not think I will be reading the next one in the series.



View all my reviews

Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If there was ever a book to sum up exactly where I am at in life right now, this would be it. I am 24 (almost 25, and will be able to rent a car, thank you very much), out on my own-with a roommate and her two cats and overall just trying to make it through life feeling like I somewhat know what I am doing.
This book helped remind me of some things, taught me some new lessons and at the same time provided some reinforcement for things I am trying to do. While reading this book I praised myself for making my bed daily. I also cleaned my bathtub (that bleach thing really does work). I accidentally bleached a really awesome shirt in the process, but I have a cleaner apartment. I made a daily to do list- with things like wash dishes and put away clothes.
Some of the steps here were not for me, some were. This book did not change my life but I did love it. I loved the humor and the sarcasm and I loved the tips. For anyone in their 20s I think this is a great read, especially if like me they feel like they're still a kid.

View all my reviews

Honey Pie by Donna Kauffman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Funny story: About halfway through this book I realized it was part of a series (4th one to be exact- discovered upon some internet searching). Then about 60% through this book I discovered I actually owned book three but had yet to read it. Oops. That being said, you definitely do not have to read the previous books to get this one. I have a feeling I would have actually bonded less with Honey (the heroine) if I had read the others first since she was the out of towner.

Now it really took me awhile to get into this book. I probably took about 2 months to read the entire thing because I was not drawn in and I would find other books I wanted to read first. But I am glad I kept going back, though to be honest it was Dylan that kept me coming back, not Honey.

It was a cute story, nothing phenomenal. I really do not like the paranormal aspects in my romance novels though, wish I got some warning before they got mixed in together but it seems to be a surprise every time. By the end of the story though I was ready to wring Honey's neck. I want my heroines to have some type of self confidence and not play the poor me, pity party game. I need stronger characters than that. Dylan gets a huge thumbs up from me, but how he would end up with someone as hard on herself and with such low self esteem I will never know.

View all my reviews

Love Rehab: A Novel in Twelve Steps by Jo Piazza
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My mother actually sent me this novel as a recommendation. And before I start my review I must point out a few things, I come from a very different perspective than most- I have no urge to get married someday (though a wedding does sound fun, the being married part does not interest me) and I am also a licensed substance abuse counselor (which does also include love addictions).
With that said, I did enjoy this book, though I frequently had to stop and remind myself that it was fiction and not a self help book as I was getting affronted at some of the preposterous notions as self help. SLAA (Sex and Love Addictions Anonymous) is a real thing and I do hope this opens the eyes of many women in terms of help that is out there. I feel like so many women have addictions to what we see in every rom-com. Even I have that problem, I feel like my life should end all happy with unicorns and rainbows but it won't, not without work by me and on me. The morals here were great and some of the rules (avoiding facebook anyone?) are really helpful.
Sometimes I did get a bit lost in the number of characters, I felt like I got confused occasionally on who was who. I feel as though Annie could have been fleshed out a bit more- but maybe she'll have her own novel, who knows. I did enjoy the story and think most women will too. And the nice thing is that this book reminded me I'm not alone in wanting the perfect rom-com life, and I have to remember those movies are escapism, not something to model my life after.

View all my reviews

Heart Like Mine - Amy Hatvany

I really enjoyed this book till the end. I was not satisfied with how it ended. I really liked that we heard this story from 3 different people. Victor's ex wife, his daughter and the current women in his life. (don't want to give too much away here) We start the story with Victor and Kelli already divorced and Victor dating. Their 2 children live with Kelli and as we read the chapter we learn a lot about Kelli's childhood, her marriage. There are not a lot of extra characters in this book - a few 'best friends' make small appearances. So that was a plus.

Bare It All by Lori Foster
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The best thing about this book for me was the reappearance of Trace! I love love love the Men who walk the edge of honor series, but this is not one of those honestly. I'm not sure what it is but it's not the same, the tone seems lighter, the characters just your typical romance novel people. Not sure I will ever be able to give them up but these are just not the same for me.
The story line is ok, pretty typical. Easy to see who the next books in the series will be about. The climax of the story was rushed to me. I mean it's an ok book but I do not feel the need to reread it (unlike I do with Dare, Trace and etc.'s stories).

View all my reviews

Starting Now - Debbie Macomber

This is another Blossom Street Novel by Debbie Macomber. I enjoyed it but was a little surprised by it. Libby has always dreamed of making partner in the law firm, she works crazy hours and when she is called into her boss's office she is sure that they will offer her the Partnership, instead she gets laid off and told 'go enjoy life'. This is how Libby learns to enjoy life and the pleasant surprises and friendships she makes along the way. As in any good book there is some conflict, joy, sorrow, love, relationships that grow and a few surprises along the way.