Review: Proposal by Meg Cabot

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Proposal by Meg Cabot

Proposal by Meg Cabot
Series: The Mediator #6.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 19th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

The last place Suze Simon expects to find herself during Valentine’s Day is a cemetery. But that’s what happens when you’re a mediator – cursed with the “gift” of communicating with the dead.

That’s how Suze has ended up at the graves of a pair of  NCDPs – Non-Compliant Deceased Persons – whose drama didn’t end with death. It’s Suze’s job to make sure they move on–for good.

But the NCDPs aren’t the only ones with problems. The reason Suze is spending her Valentine’s Day with the undead instead of her boyfriend, Jesse, is because he’s having so much trouble adjusting to life after death . . . not surprising, considering the fact that he used to be an NCDP himself, and now his girlfriend busts his former kind for a living, while he tries to cure his kind of what used to ail him.

Can Suze use her mediating skills to propose a mutual resolution, and bring all these young lovers together – including Jesse and herself – especially on the night Saint Valentine declared sacred to romance?

Or will she end up alone–and possibly undead–herself?

“I’m Suze Simon,” I said. “And you thought being dead was bad? Buddy, your eternal nightmare’s only just begun.”

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Remembrance, but had been saving to read it at the right time – and when better to read it than right after reading Proposal? Proposal is a novella that bridges the original Mediator books to the upcoming adult installment, and if you’re a fan of the series, then you need to get your hands on Proposal before starting Remembrance. Suze and Jesse are back and better than ever – it was absolutely wonderful to be back in the Mediator world!

They think Jesse is what Father Dominic told them he is: a “young Jesuit student who transferred to the Carmel Mission from Mexico, then lost his yearning to go into the priesthood” after meeting me.
That one slays me every time.

The Mediator series is one of my all-time favorites from my childhood – Meg Cabot got me into reading in elementary school with this series, so Suze and Jesse will always have a piece of my heart. Reading Proposal pretty much felt like a throwback – it seemed like no time had passed since the last time I read Twilight, the sixth Mediator book. Suze is now in college but still ‘mediating’ ghosts and kicking ass (or getting her ass kicked). Jesse is away at med school, but since it’s Valentine’s Day, they’re together for a rare moment… but of course another ghost case pops up, so their romantic holiday will have to wait just a little longer.

I loved seeing Suze and Jesse older and physically TOGETHER now that Jesse has regained his body. And obviously from the title, you know what’s going to happen in this novella. But the lead up to the climax was honestly pure fun to read. The ghost case had me hooked onto the pages. Suze is her usual sassy, stubborn, hilarious self, and Jesse is as sexy and patient as ever. I loved the sexual tension between them, how Suze wants everything with Jesse, but Jesse (and his conservative ways) wants to wait for marriage. Overall, it was just a blast to be back with these two – they’re different now, yet totally the same lovable characters I knew from my childhood.

P.S. I’ve already read Remembrance, and I have to say, it just might be my new favorite of the series!

4 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: The Mediator series

   
  Proposal by Meg Cabot Remembrance by Meg Cabot

#1 ~ Shadowland: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Ninth Key: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Reunion: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Darkest Hour: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Haunted: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Twilight: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6.5 ~ Proposal: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Remembrance: My Review • Hardcover • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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Early Review: I Wish You Were Mine by Lauren Layne

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I Wish You Were Mine by Lauren Layne

I Wish You Were Mine by Lauren Layne
Series: Oxford #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 2nd 2016
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Perfect for fans of Alice Clayton and Emma Chase, Lauren Layne’s Oxford series heats up in this story of forbidden desire as a brooding jock hoping for a comeback falls for a woman who’s strictly off-limits.

A year ago, Jackson Burke was married to the love of his life and playing quarterback for the Texas Redhawks. Now he’s retired, courtesy of the car accident that ruined his career—and single, after a nasty scandal torpedoed his marriage. Just as he’s starting to get used to his new life as a health and fitness columnist for Oxford magazine, his unpredictable ex shows up on his doorstep in Manhattan. Jackson should be thrilled. But he can’t stop thinking about the one person who’s always been there for him, the one girl he could never have: her younger sister.

Mollie Carrington can’t say no to Madison. After all, her older sister practically raised her. So when Madison begs for help in winning her ex-husband back, Mollie’s just glad she got over her own crush on Jackson ages ago—or so she thought. Because as Mollie reconnects with Jackson, she quickly forgets all her reasons to stay loyal to her sister. Tempted by Jackson’s mellow drawl and cowboy good looks, Mollie is sick and tired of coming in second place. But she can’t win if she doesn’t play the game.

I’m a huge Lauren Layne fan – she is definitely a go-to author for feel-good, funny, entertaining contemporary romances. I’d been looking forward to reading I Wish You Were Mine ever since reading Irresistibly Yours, even though the blurb had me feeling a bit nervous. But I never should’ve doubted Lauren – while this book isn’t my favorite of hers, it’s still a sweet, heart-warming story. If you have worries about Jackson’s ex-wife, you absolutely shouldn’t – her character didn’t impede on Jackson and Mollie’s romance like I thought she would!

After an accident that causes him to lose his ability to play football, Jackson has a job he hates and an ex-wife who left him for another man. He has nothing going for him anymore… except Mollie, his ex-wife’s little sister. The one who has always been his friend, who has always been there for him when he was going through the rough times in his marriage, the one who he’s always been able to lean on. But seeing her now, all grown up as a beautiful, successful woman, Jackson wonders if he married the wrong Carrington sister after all.

But somewhere along the line, Mollie Carrington had ceased to be that awkward kid who talked about bugs at inopportune times. Somewhere along the line, she’d become his rock. The one person in the world, save for perhaps his parents, who always knew the exact right thing to say to make him feel like a human whenever he’d started to feel like a caricature of himself.

Mollie has been in love with Jackson since forever, but since he was always classified as her sister’s man, he was off-limits. But now that he’s single, and has offered her to room with him in his apartment, all the feelings she once felt come rushing back, as if they never left. Still, she worries about betraying her sister, who raised her when their parents died. Can Mollie find it in herself to pursue the one man she’s always wanted, or will her loyalty to her sister hold her back from having the love of her life?

I adored Jackson and Mollie together. I love friends-to-lovers romances, so of course I enjoyed this book. I loved the history these two characters had between them, how the chemistry simmered until they finally couldn’t help but fall in bed with each other (and they are HOT together!). They are so sweet and wonderful, definitely meant to be, but they have to first get over obstacles that prevent them from together.

“You are your own woman, and you are a woman, Mollie. You’re not a kid. You’re not a girl. And if I’ve been a complete asshole lately, it’s because I’m having a hell of a time coming to grips with the fact that I want you. And fuck, Mollie, I want you. I want you so bad, I’m dying.”

I don’t really like reading romances that involve hero’s exes, because sometimes I get worried about the hero’s loyalty to the heroine. But I absolutely shouldn’t have worried at all about Jackson and his ex-wife. Madison is a total bitch, and Jackson knowns that the woman he thought he loved never really existed. He is 100% done with his ex-wife, which I definitely appreciated.

The main reason why I didn’t fully LOVE this book was because I do wish there had been more romance. We get plenty of Jackson and Mollie as friends and as something more than friends, but we never really see them TOGETHER. As in, in a relationship. If that had been expanded upon more rather than in just the epilogue, I’m sure I wouldn’t hesitate to love the book. I also hated Madison whenever she popped up in the book, but I was expecting that, so it wasn’t too bad.

I may not have loved I Wish You Were Mine, but it was still a thoroughly enjoyable read. The humor, the writing, Mollie and Jackson’s characters, I loved them all. It’s not as light-hearted as the previous Lauren Layne books I’ve read are, as there is some angst and tension, but if you’re a fan of the author, you won’t want to miss this book! You get to see a lot of the Oxford/Stiletto gang as well – right now I’m dying to read Lincoln’s story!

3.5 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Oxford series

Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne I Wish You Were Mine by Lauren Layne 

#1 ~ Irresistibly Yours: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ I Wish You Were Mine: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Someone Like You: Ebook • Goodreads (Dec. 13, 2016)

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ARC Review: The Art of Taming a Rake by Nicole Jordan

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The Art of Taming a Rake by Nicole Jordan

The Art of Taming a Rake by Nicole Jordan
Series: Legendary Lovers #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 26th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Sparks abound in this sizzling new Legendary Lovers tale from New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan, in which a seductive rakehell must woo his spirited but love-shy bride while unmasking a mysterious assailant.

Despite his notorious reputation, Quinn Wilde, Earl of Traherne, has mostly honorable intentions. So when beautiful Venetia Stratham boldly enters a gentlemen’s club, demanding that Quinn stop courting her sister, he does what any bachelor would do: He kisses her. With her sharp wit, intoxicating passion, and surprising vulnerability, Venetia is irresistible—except for all this nonsense about threatening to shoot Quinn. But when clandestine enemies make an actual attempt on the earl’s life, Venetia is implicated. To save her good name, Quinn does what any true gentleman must do: He proposes.

Thus Venetia finds herself wed to arrogant, wickedly sensual Quinn, whose devilish ways are as legendary as his rumored skills as a lover. Yet vexingly, her body rebels against her vow to remain immune to his many charms. If only she could reform the infuriating nobleman—without diminishing his undeniable allure. As Venetia discovers that a true rake is hard to tame, Quinn faces an even greater challenge: winning his wife’s fragile trust . . . while defending both their lives.

I love a good historical romance every once in a while, so I read The Art of Taming a Rake, even though I hadn’t read the previous books in the series. Luckily, it can be read completely as a standalone. I enjoyed the book, though I can’t say I loved it. It was a little too clichéd and nothing I hadn’t read before, but it’s still entertaining. It’s a sexy read between a rakish hero with a reputation and a virgin heroine, but thankfully they have a lot more depth than that.

Venetia Stratham has returned to London after running away to France when she ruined her reputation by calling off her own wedding to a man with status. She’s back now because she’s heard that her sister is being courted by the Earl of Traherne, one of her cheating fiancé’s friends who also has a scandalous reputation. She’s not going to let her sister go through the same scandal and hurt she did, so she sets off to a gentleman’s club the earl attends – but the last thing she expects him to do when she confronts him is kiss her.

Quinn Wilde, Earl of Traherne, has always found himself captivated by Venetia ever since he first met her all those years ago. So when his life becomes in danger and Venetia is in danger by association, he saves her life and reputation by offering marriage. There’s a great chemistry between Quinn and Venetia, but soon enough, Quinn falls for his wife – he just needs to win her trust and heart in order to gain her love.

I liked The Art of Taming a Rake – it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t amazing either. The characters had depth, but I never really connected with them. It’s overall a good book with witty banter and hot chemistry. If you’re a fan of the ‘marriage of convenience’ trope, you should check it out.

3 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: Legendary Lovers series

   The Art of Taming a Rake by Nicole Jordan

#1 ~ Princess Charming: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Lover Be Mine: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Secrets of Seduction: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ The Art of Taming a Rake: Ebook • Paperback• Goodreads

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Release Day Review: Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

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Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters
Series: Pure Corruption MC #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 26th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

“Some say the past is in the past. That vengeance will hurt both innocent and guilty. I never believed those lies. Once my lust for revenge is sated, I’ll say goodbye to hatred. I’ll find a new beginning.”

She came from a past Arthur “Kill” Killian never forgot. She made him sin and made him suffer. She tugged him from the shadows and showed him he wasn’t as dead as he thought. And with her resurrection came betrayal, deceit, and war.

But then they took her. Stole her. Imprisoned her.

Now Kill’s carefully laid plans for vengeance are complete. He craves action, retribution-the blood of his enemies. War has begun. War is all they’ll know until they’ve paid their penance. He will get her back-and rewrite their destiny . . .

I’d been dying to read Sin & Suffer ever since that cliffhanger in Ruin & Rule! I had pretty high expectations for this sequel, since I absolutely loved the first book and fell head over heels for Cleo and Arthur’s story. While Pepper Winters took me in a completely different direction than I expected with Sin & Suffer, I still really enjoyed it. There’s plenty of action, tons of steam, and the beautiful romance is as intense as ever. If you were a fan of Ruin & Rule, you definitely want to get your hands on Sin & Suffer to experience Cleo and Arthur’s raw and passionate ending.

“You are me. And I am you. We might have separate thoughts and minds, Buttercup, but we have the same heart and soul.”

Sin & Suffer picks up right where Ruin & Rule left off, with Cleo being taken and Arthur being attacked. As consumed as these two lovers are with each other, you know that there’s nothing Arthur won’t do to get Cleo back to safety. The highlight of this book is most definitely the gorgeous, all-consuming, dedicated love Arthur and Cleo have for each other. They’ve loved each other since they were children, lost their way for a few years, but now that they’re back together, there’s no force on earth that can keep them apart. I have to say, I loved the romance even more in Sin & Suffer than in Ruin & Rule – it’s in this book that you truly see the extent of their love for each other.

“There’s never been anyone like you. Never. You owned me since I was a boy. And you completely consume me now that I’m a man.”

Sin & Suffer surprised me by the depth of intelligence Pepper Winters has woven into the novel. It isn’t JUST a romance, and it isn’t JUST an MC book. Underneath all the layers of the story is a plan of vengeance that’s been years in the making. Arthur and his MC are fighting for something bigger than a personal revenge, something that will affect people on a much larger scale. It was quite fascinating to read, even if it did seem pretty overwhelming. Sometimes there were too many things going on at once, so I got frustrated with the story a bit. The action and suspense took away from the romance, which I really wanted more of.

“You’re my home, Cleo Price. And through life or death, I’m never letting you go.”

If you’re a fan of well-written MC romances, the Pure Corruption MC series is not to be missed. Everything about this series is addicting, intense, and unpredictable. The love story between Arthur and Cleo is truly unforgettable. Pepper Winters’ writing is also beautiful to read, almost lyrical – I honestly could read anything this woman writes. Overall, Sin & Suffer is an entertaining, worthwhile ending, and I’m so impressed with the way the author has created such a unique, intelligent read!

4 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Pure Corruption MC series

Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

#1 ~ Ruin & Rule: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sin & Suffer: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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Release Week Blitz + Author Interview & Giveaway: Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

Posted in Exclusive, Giveaways, Spotlight by

Sin & Suffer release blitz

Happy Release Day to Pepper Winters – Sin & Suffer is live!
Check out a Q&A with Pepper below, read my review HERE, and enter the fantastic giveaway!

Author Interview: Pepper Winters

­ What would readers be surprised to find out about you?

That I’m really not that interesting. Um…not sure…let’s see. I don’t like tomatoes. That’s a random fact.

Tell us about your writing process. Do you start with an idea or a character? Do you know what’s going to happen from the beginning or do you figure it out as you write?

I have a vague plot line and character script but as I get to know the people I’m writing and the story arc, it normally always changes. It’s great to see characters take control and guide me in a different direction.

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

Not particularly spoken piece of advice, but I do remember reading Laini Taylor’s work and ‘clicking’ with her beautiful writing. That was the day I found my voice.

Is there one thing you have to have when writing?

Yes, a glass of icy cold Coke Zero and lots of water.

How did you choose the names of your characters?

I let them choose. I might have place holders in for a while until it comes to me, or browse on baby websites until something clicks.

How has music played a role in your life and in your writing?

Not at all. I have to have complete silence to write. But I love the way some lyrics can tell the soul of my story and list those in the playlists at the back of my work.

When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?

When I was about six years old and I wrote a story in my school book that was meant to be math homework.

What can you tell us about your couple, that we won’t find in the book?

Oh, not sure. What sort of stuff do you want to know? I guess, you won’t find their generic everyday likes and dislikes. For example, Kill loves coffee black.

Do you have any favorite book boyfriends of your own?

I have too many to count. It wouldn’t be fair to list in case I miss one.

What are five books on your night stand/bookshelf?

Boring ones. I have The Secret, Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad) Napoleon Hill (Think Rich) and a renovation guide to large homes.

What’s your favorite quote or scene from your books?

That’s like choosing a favourite child. There are many but I love the scene in the shower with Tess and Q in Monsters in the Dark.

If your couple’s relationship had a theme song, what would it be?

Um, again, I’m not sure. Their emotional growth encaptures so many theme songs J I kinda suck at this, I know.

Tell us about the cover process. Is this what you had in mind?

Yes, completely. I love an artist that can pluck the idea from your head and make it a reality.

If your book was being made into a movie, who would you include in your dream cast?

I’m going to suck on this question too. I honestly don’t know. My characters are unique in my head, so I don’t see them as anyone else. I know if it was ever made into a movie though, whoever was cast would do a great job.

Where do you find inspiration for you writing? Do you use real people/places as a foundation?

Yes and no. I tend to get random plot ideas while driving or in the shower. I don’t really use outside influences but let the character guide me to the next chapter etc.

Do you have any hobbies or activities that you enjoy outside of writing?

Yes, buying real estate and traveling.

Would the 10 year-old version of yourself kick your butt or praise you for what you’ve accomplished in life?

Praise me. I think I’ve been very lucky and happy with my life so far.

Thanks so much, Pepper, for the interview!

Thanks so much for having me!!

Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters
Series: Pure Corruption MC #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 26th 2016
Add to Goodreads

“Some say the past is in the past. That vengeance will hurt both innocent and guilty. I never believed those lies. Once my lust for revenge is sated, I’ll say goodbye to hatred. I’ll find a new beginning.”

She came from a past Arthur “Kill” Killian never forgot. She made him sin and made him suffer. She tugged him from the shadows and showed him he wasn’t as dead as he thought. And with her resurrection came betrayal, deceit, and war.

But then they took her. Stole her. Imprisoned her.

Now Kill’s carefully laid plans for vengeance are complete. He craves action, retribution-the blood of his enemies. War has begun. War is all they’ll know until they’ve paid their penance. He will get her back-and rewrite their destiny . . .

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • iTunes • Google Play

Reading Order: Pure Corruption MC series

Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

#1 ~ Ruin & Rule: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sin & Suffer: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

about the author button

Pepper Winters is a New York Times and USA Today international bestseller. She loves dark romance, star-crossed lovers, as well as the forbidden and taboo. She strives to write a story that makes readers crave what they shouldn’t, and delivers complex plots and unforgettable characters that keep readers talking long after the last page is turned.

On a personal note she loves to travel, has an addiction to creme brulee, and is married to an incredible Canadian who puts up with her endless work hours and accompanies her on signings. She’s also a firm believer that the impossible can become possible.

Website • Facebook • Pinterest • Twitter

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10 print copies of SIN & SUFFER

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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