**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**Forever Mine and Always Been Mine are the first two books in the Moreno Brothers series. They are both really great romances, with the first one being a little more on the sweet side and the second one being a little more on the saucy side. I think I enjoyed the first book, Forever Mine a little bit more but both were good. As you may have guessed the series follows the Moreno Brothers. Alex (from Always Been Mine) is much more intense, and he matched the tone of his story.

Forever Mine follows Sarah and Angel. Theirs is a story of sweet love. It had a first love kind of feel and is the perfect book for summer. On the other hand Always Been Mine follows Alex and Valerie. Theirs is a story of second chance love. They have a very volatile on again off again relationship that led to a more drama and angst filled story. I liked that though both books focused on the Moreno Brothers, they couldn't have been more different. You don't need to read them in order to understand them, but it would be good to see all of the characters. But if you are in the mood for something a little darker and sexier, start with book 2. If you are looking for sweet, go with Forever Mine- book 1. And if you just can't get enough the brothers, don't worry there are almost 10 books and novellas in their series, so these are great for binge reading.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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BIGLAW is a hilarious book that will appeal to lawyers and non-lawyers alike. It reminded me a bit of Kate's Escape from the Billable Hour by Petula Parker, and I liked this book for the same reason's that I loved Kate's "Sanity Break"- it is freakin' hilarious. and BIGLAW plays off of enough truth to make it even funnier. I am not from the BIGLAW world (I am much happier at my smaller boutique firm), but I did spend a summer at BIGLAW so I certainly know a lot of the inns and outs, and some of my peers have filled in the rest of associate life for me. And Mackenzie works in a New York firm in the Corporate Law department, which can be extra demanding.

BIGLAW is told from female associate, Makenzie's point of view. Mackenzie is a super bright, super hard working attorney that is doing just about everything to impress the partners at her firm. She has to if she wants to move up in the ranks, after all. When she was describing all of the "perks" that the office has to make life comfortable I couldn't help but snicker. They all but stick a sign on your office door saying YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE. I think some of the details are exaggerated for the effect of the story, but many of the details ring true to some degree.

BIGLAW will have you cringing, laughing and sympathizing right along side with Mackenzie. I think as an attorney I got an extra kick out of this story, but Lindsay Cameron has a real gift for comedic writing. Readers, no matter their profession, will find BIGLAW enjoyable. I went through the gamut of emotions as I put myself in Mackenzie's shoes. I rejoiced when she got very rare "good job", I seethed whenever she has to deal with a few choice people, and I wanted her tell off a partner or two on more occasions than I care to count. While I do think that Attorney's will derive a little more humor and a little more sick satisfaction out of BIGLAW, this is a book that I would recommend to everyone looking to feel a little bit better about their job. Or looking for a good laugh in a book with smart and witty dialogue.

P.S. I thought it was hilarious that Mackenzie didn't think her boyfriend would understand the stress and pressures of her job as well as her, because even though he is an attorney at the same firm as her, he works in the Trust department which is not as high pressure as the corporate department. I guess that means I made a good choice as a Trust and Estate Planning attorney. ;)


This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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3.5/5
Alice Takes Back Wonderland by David Hammons is a young adult fairy tale mash up, that will remind fans of a younger version of Once Upon a Time. I have a love for all things Wonderlandian, so it is no wonder that I was immediately drawn to Alice Takes Back Wonderland. The book starts out when Alice is about 7 and is somehow in Wonderland. But she is not the Alice from the story, she is an American Alice from the Midwest. Her first trip in Wonderland is short, but it left a lasting impression on her. Fast forward 10 years, and she Alice has almost convinced herself that it was just a dream. But then the Rabbit shows up at her door and takes her back to a very different wonderland.

Although I found the start of the story a bit slow, I really did love the set up. I loved that this was not the Alice from the story, and I loved the idea that the Villain in this story- the Ace of Spades, didn't want to just take over Wonderland. He wanted to change Wonderland into something more ordinary. Something more like Alice's world. What a fresh take! I have never read a story like this one. Author David Hammons did a great job with nonsense. I don't mean that in a negative way, nonsense is essential in a story about Wonderland. And Alice is a very nonsensical girl. I felt like she truly belonged in Wonderland.

Alice Takes Back Wonderland brings us characters from many different story worlds, and they overlap in delightful ways. I had never guessed some of the pairings that David Hammons treated us readers to. The literary geek in me was super excited to see some of the crossovers. This is why I love Wonderland as the backdrop for fairy tale mashups and re-imaginings, because there is so so much that can be done with this fantastical setting. Alice Takes Back Wonderland is a really interesting read. Fans of fairy tale re-tellings and of Once Upon a Time should check it out. And keep reading, if you found the beginning a bit slow like I did, keep going because it really picks up speed after Alice's return.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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This Book Will Change Your Life is a really cute contemporary romance that straddles the line between Young Adult and New Adult. I loved the book store setting in the story and I really enjoyed the rollercoaster romance between Ben and Hannah. The title was worked into the book in a really cute way, and I think the interactions that centered around this were my favorite aspect of the Ben and Hannah's story. Hannah is a college freshman who has worked her whole life to be a chemistry major. Only problem is, she is flunking her honors chem course. Hannah is struggling with something so many new college students struggle with...what do they really want to do. She finds herself in a bookstore to escape the rain and she meets Ben.

I loved watching Ben try and pick out a book for non-reader Hannah. A book that would "change her life". Hannah and Ben's friendship formed around the books that Ben would pick for Hannah and then they would talk about them. I thought it was so freakin' cute. Even if Hannah was using the books to avoid her chemistry classes.

Ben and Hannah each frustrated me a bit with some of their choices. Ben with his Alex situation. And Hannah with her not really putting effort into her major (or at least we didn't see any effort as the reader) and not at all supporting Ben with law school. I know why she didn't support him, if she thought it wasn't what he wanted, but that is his choice to make, not hers. Their situations were very similar to each other, but with enough differences that each of them thought their situation was the tougher one. But it would not be a satisfying romance without a few roadblocks, detours and bumps in the road. (I sound like I am describing an episode of the Amazing Race.) This is a good book for when you need a break from all those creepy Halloween and fall books. I like to spread out my suspense reading and horror books with a cute romance thrown in every now and again. This is that book.


This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**First & Then is one of my favorite high school reads of 2015. I loved the premise of First & Then because I think that First & Then will mean many different things to different readers. For me it was all about finding yourself in high school. It is such an important time in your life, and such a scary time if you have no idea what you want to do next. There is so much pressure to have your whole life planned out when you are 16 years old, that I totally got the main character Devon. She is surrounded by people that have obvious talents, and passions and she didn't think that hers was quite as obvious. She didn't know what she wanted to do next. And I just wanted to hug her and tell her that was ok. But that was the beauty in her journey in First & Then.

First & Then is full of classic high school moments that took me down my own memory lane. I loved the feature of football in First & Then, and not only did I love the bright friday night lights of the games, but I liked that the football stars were so atypical to many young adult reads. Devon's best friend is a football player, and Devon's cousin is a freshman with a kicking talent, but I am mostly talking about the breath of fresh air that is Ezra. I can't even adequately put into words how much I loved Ezra. I think what I loved most about him was how strange he was. He hardly ever spoke, and he certainly seemed like a grump most of the time, and yet, I could not get enough of him. You have to meet Ezra for yourself to understand his odd brand of magic.

And then we have Forest. Forest and Devon's relationship was so heartwarmingly adorable. I heart the heck out him. There is something so special about him. He has this air of innocence with so many of the blunt things that he says, but on the other hand he has experienced so many very adult things in his life that have haunted him. For him to maintain some of his child like innocence was so intriguing to me. He was my favorite character, which is a hard feat to accomplish because I loved so many of the characters. This book just made me want to hug it. And I am speaking in the literal sense. I am so in love with First & Then, and even though it seems like a standalone book, I am ready to start a riot demanding a second story featuring Ezra (and Devon). I need more. If you are a fan of high school young adult books, this is a must read. Heck this is a must read for everyone.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Rare Form is the first book in the new adult paranormal series, called Descended from Dragons. I love not only the cover, but also the fact that I know this book will deal with dragon shifters in some way. I don't get to read too many books about dragon shifters, and after reading Rare Form- I want more! And I have to let you in on a little secret. (half secret really, because I don't want to spoil anything.) but there is a secret surrounding the main character, Stella's shifter form. Mainly that she didn't know what she was going to turn into since she was new to this whole world. And I know you may be thinking that is a silly thing for me to say because...hello look at the cover and series name. But trust me, it was my favorite aspect of the story. Jen Crane, I applaud you.

Like is the case in many paranormal books that I have read over the years, Stella has a mysterious parent that, unbeknowst to her, is not of this world. And because of that, Stella is swept up and deposited in another world, in a school for magical beings and shifters. What I loved about Jen Crane's imagining of this other world, is that it is not only one, or even a few, kinds of shifters. So often, shifters turn into fearsome fighting creatures, but here in the world of Thayer, there are evolutions of every kind of animal turned shifter. I loved that it wasn't just the typical kinds, but even deer, crows, lizards, etc.

Stella is left, not only to try and fit in, but also to harness the power of her shifter, without knowing anything about it. That is a task in and of itself. But Stella has a great mentor in Rowan. Yum yum, and also a really great group of friends. As far as the school is concerned, think grown up Hogwarts with way less rules. There is a big point made in the story that these are not school kids, these are adults. Because in the world of Thayer, only adults are allowed to start harnessing the power of their shifter animal, which I think makes a whole lot of sense. Teenagers are not known for their restrain and maturity. So it fits in perfectly with the new adult age grouping, and I love that this story is new adult. There is the inkling of what migth turn into a love triangle, but I am really not to sure on that front. I will have to report back after the next book.

Rare Form is a great start to what looks like it will be an epic series. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book. I just know that I am going to like it. I finished Rare Form in one quick afternoon. I am kind of hoping that the next book is a little bit longer because I loved this one so much that I really want more. If you like paranormals, magical boarding schools and shifter romances, Rare Form and the Descended from Dragons series is the one for you. Read it now.


This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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3.5/5

Here They Lie by D'Ann Burrow is a new adult southern gothic romance. I love these kinds of reads during this time of year. I have a confession to make. Normally I am not a seasonal reader. I will read a "beach read" romance every single day of the year, and same goes for sci fi, fantasy and paranormal. But for some reason, the exception to this is during fall, and more particularly during the month of October. October brings out a desire in me to read creepy, horror books. But my favorite of all are southern Gothic paranormal/magic romances. I want to light a candle and curl up in a warm sweater (with cool weather, please!) and read books just like Here They Lie. The cover practically screams fall/Halloween to me. And the story was great too.

The description of Here They Lie initially reminded me of the Heirs of Watson Island series, with the mention of the three families and a secret that bound them together, plus the whole southern Gothic things, but it is really nothing like that series at all. I loved getting to know Aunt Kate through Reese's eyes, and I was really into the budding romance between Reese and Colton. I can't speak too much about the whole secrets aspect because, while we did find out a little bit about it, it was not nearly enough for my liking and it was kind of all crammed into the end of the book. I will have to wait until the next book to dive into that part of the story.

Here They Lie was a really good book to set the stage and meet the characters. It read more like a romance to me, which I really enjoyed. I would have also liked a little more time spent on the family secrets, and why some people in the families seemed to know about them and why others did not. That didn't make a whole lot of sense to me, but I am thinking there will be more clarity on that question and dozens of other questions I have surrounding the families. I will definitely be continuing this series because it has been ages since I have found a good pure magic story, without a paranormal element. So even though I do wish we got some more answers throughout the story, the basis of the plot is more than enough to keep me interested. I really like Reese and the plot is intriguing.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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An Inheritance of Ashes is a standalone young adult fantasy. The book takes place after a war has ended. A war between humans, the Wicked God and Twisted Things. That right there should tell you one thing about this book. It is going to be creepy. And honestly the chilling atmosphere that Leah Bobet created was my favorite aspect of An Inheritance of Ashes. Fans of atmospheric reads, will love that about this book. I am not going to lie, the first time that I read the summary, and started the book for that matter, for An Inheritance of Ashes, I thought it was a sequel. It is describing a war that just took place, and I thought I missed the first book that had the war in it. So if you are like me, that is not the case. An Inheritance of Ashes is the first book.

Hallie and Marthe are sister's, and they are the main characters of this book. They are taking place of the family farm in the aftermath of this war. I don't want to spoil too much about the book, so I am only going to say that the "drama" or the strife that they face comes from threat of the Twisted Things. An Inheritance of Ashes is an intense read! It is a war time setting and everyone is still reeling from their loss. There is a slight romance, but on the whole the book is more somber in tone. It does leave way for some really cool fantasy elements. I loved learning about the the wicked god and the twisted things. They creeped me out man!

As far as characters go, I really liked Tyler and I liked Hallie. I would have liked to have seem more on the romantic front between the two of them, but what romance was there was really sweet. I love a good friends turned more plot. Hallie and Marthe get along like only sisters can...meaning that they sometimes didn't get along at all. An Inheritance of Ashes was a different kind of young adult fantasy altogether, and I really enjoyed that Leah Bobet took the plot to such a unique place. I love reading books that make me stop and think, and give me something different than I was used to. If you like creepy, atmospheric reads that develop and build slowly, with really interesting fantasy elements, An Inheritance of Ashes is the book for you!


This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Signs Point to Yes is an adorable, or adorkable as the summary calls it, young adult contemporary romance. If it is starting to get cooler where you are, Signs Point to Yes is the perfect book to have you feeling like you are back in summer. Or, if you are like me, it is a great book for any time of the year.

Jane is a high school girl just trying to figure out what she wants to do next with her life. Instead of going to work at a college, like her mom wants, Jane signs up to be a nanny for a neighbor and their little girls. I loved that Jane didn’t know what would come after high school for her. I think a lot of times in books we see characters that knew exactly what they wanted out of life and were laser focused on it. Which is great! I was like that. My mom said I knew I wanted to be a lawyer in middle school, but the vast majority of 16 years olds do not know that. Jane is a great role model for them.

Teo happens to be the older brother of the girls that Jane is babysitting. Jane and Teo used to be good friends, but Teo’s best friend Ravi hates Jane. In fact, he calls her his mortal enemy. I thought this strange triangle dynamic was hilarious. (and no Ravi didn’t have a crush on Jane.)

Signs Point to Yes was such a fun read. Teo and Jane were great characters and super cute together. Sandy Hall did an excellent job writing realistic teenagers, with realistic teenage problems. And it was a fresh and fun romance to boot. I highly recommend it fans of young adult contemporary.



This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

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Touch Me Not is the first in a new, new adult contemporary romance series by Apryl Baker. It is called the manwhore series, named after the main character Nikoli. I had a hot and cold relationship with this book. The start was very, very bumpy for me. The book eventually picked up momentum and became more enjoyable for me, but the start had me wavering on just what I would say in my review. Let me try and explain.

Touch Me Not overall, is a fun and sexy new adult read. It has so many elements in it that I love- a bet, great chemistry, and a college setting. And the romance really did build up into something really great for me. I even ended up liking Nikoli, but not at the beginning. And not for the typical, oh he is a total pig reasons. I would have been fine with that. My main issue is that the characters seemed one dimensional to me. I don't know how to describe it other than they felt flat for me. The story picked up steam and the plot interested me enough to make me want to keep reading, but the characters still felt a bit lacking. That says a lot about the plot, because I am a character driven reader so for the plot to make me want to keep reading when other aspects of the story felt stilted is a strong positive in the plot column for Touch me Not.

The turning point in Touch Me Not came at about 30% into the story, that was when I put aside my frustrations with the characters and the kind of blunt narration and really dove into the storyline. When the agreement was upped to include the car is the scene where I found myself saying,"now this this getting interesting." I was also interested to see how the whole touching phobia was going to play out. And how it played out, ended up being a solid new adult romance. The first 1/3 of the book was a solid 2 star for me, but the second 2/3rds was more like a 3.5 star read, so it averaged out to right around 3. If you are die hard fans of new adult romances that feature bets, and you love a good reformed manwhore, then check out Touch Me Not. I think it will be right up your alley. And if you are like me, and the start has you cringing a bit, push through it- it really does get better!


This review was originally posted on Book Briefs