The Party Planning Committe by Amy Matayo {Review}

The Party Planning Committee by Amy Matayo

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given. 

 

When Charlotte Pringle Frost won The Party Planning Committee three years ago, she gained name-recognition, money, and enough wealthy clients to keep her Beverly Hills party-planning business running for months. But when her father used all her winnings to pay off his gambling debts, he left her with nothing but the clothes on her back and a damaged reputation. Now she’s living in Arkansas, was just fired from her party store cashier job, and can’t figure out how it all went wrong.

Lance Dutton hasn’t been at his mental wellness retreat in Switzerland five minutes when his mom calls to tell him his little sister is engaged. Alexandria is twenty-two, and her overly tattooed fiancé fronts an underground boy band; so much for mental wellness. It isn’t enough that Lance has spent ten years of his life starring on Dealing with the Duttons—his family’s reality show; now he’s expected to come home and oversee the wedding. With multiple product lines and new endorsement deals in the works, his family can’t afford any bad press.

When Alexandria impulsively hires some random contestant she remembers from an old reality game show to plan the wedding, all Lance sees is a disaster in the making. It’s bad enough that the wedding is in four weeks and his sister wants the whole process aired live, but this Charlotte chick is cuter than he expected, and she’s messing with his head. Suddenly he’s thinking about the future, and nothing could possibly be worse than that.

Nothing, that is, until Alexandria tells them her ridiculous wedding theme.

As the only sane people around, it’s up to Lance and Charlotte to make this disastrous wedding a success, a nearly impossible feat that soon has them both wondering…

Even if the wedding doesn’t work out, could they?

 AMAZON  ***  GOODREADS 

My Review: 5 Stars

Reality TV. A girl who lost it all. A super hot, super sweet guy. The wedding of a century. An off-limits relationship with the most underlying sizzling chemistry ever. An elderly, outspoken, quirky neighbor. What's not to love about this book? Why, absolutely nothing! I loved every minute of every page and didn't want it to end.

Anyone who's followed me for awhile knows I'm not a reality TV watcher, but I love stories with that plot line. Charlotte is a fantastic character and makes the rich and famous life look unappealing. I love how she gets so much satisfaction out of the simple things in life, yet she's so hard working and creative. And Lance? Whew, where do I even start? This reality star playboy seems to shun the spotlight, yet loves the lifestyle, but he's so down-to-earth and absolutely lovable. Even the wedding couple was deeper than first glance, although Alex (the bride) came off like a fickle coin--fun and adorable on one side and a spoiled brat on the other. The romantic tension was wonderfully perfect--sigh--so perfect. 

Content: mild+ romance (swoony, kissing, some innuendo); mild language

Snowed In For Christmas by Kimberly Krey {Review}

Snowed In For Christmas by Kimberly Krey

Kindle edition

Published: November 24, 2020

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

Three things are to blame for the chaos:

Easton lost a bet.
Ivy wants a promotion.
And Denver was hit with the biggest blizzard its seen in years.

Now, they're stuck in a hut for Christmas with nothing but the fire to warm them. Unless, of course, they can warm up to each other.

   

My Review: 5 Stars

I have yet to meet a Kimberly Krey book that I haven't loved! When Easton loses a bet to his baby sister, he finds himself roped into the latest bachelor-finding-love on TV series. He's the manliest man ever and thrives in the great outdoors. Ivy has to interview him before heading home for the Christmas holiday and will do anything to get that interview--including renting a 4x4 SUV and driving through a blizzard. The magic of Christmas snow allows for a steamy clean chemistry to develop and I was frozen in my spot, devouring this one as fast as a batch of delectable fudge.

Although Easton and Ivy know each other for a very short time, they instantly click into place. They slide into an easy relationship of sarcasm, useless facts about random things, and balancing out their opposite pasts, and I loved every minute of being snowed in with them. I was transported right into their yurt, absorbing their sweet and spicy connections with big gulping breaths.

Of course, there has to be some drama, but it was perfectly written, allowing for some soul-searching character growth. I adore the way Krey writes her romances. The underlying swoon is present throughout the entire story, but it isn't sickly sweet. There are some wonderful moments of loyalty, family ties, and insecurity, which even out to be an incredibly fun and swoony story. This one is perfect for the Christmas romance lover.

Content: mild+ romance (steamy clean kissing, some innuendo); very mild moments of danger/peril

Stepping In For the Billionaire Groom (A Benton Brother Romance) by Kimberly Krey {Review}

Stepping In For the Billionaire Groom (A Benton Brother Romance) by Kimberly Krey
Published by Candle House, April 16, 2020
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Kat Morgan signed up for asocial experiment called Married at First Meet in hopes to find Mr. Right. But what happens when Mr Right's twin steps into his place?

Kat can't trust her feelings. Not since she fell in love with a man who kept his true identity from her. That's why Married At First Meet, the social experiment that selects your perfect match, is right for her. Formulas are more trustworthy than feelings.

Zander Benton has saved Duke's bacon more times than he can count; that's what identical twins are for. But when Duke needs Zander to walk down the wedding aisle in his place during a live broadcast, Zander draws the line.

Until his family convinces him to do it.

The Bentons must avoid the repercussions that would follow if the famous groom left the bride--not to mention millions of viewers--without a groom. Besides, Duke will be there in time for the honeymoon, right? Wrong.

Zander and Kat are whisked away to the Maldives.
Both develop deep feelings along the way.
What will Kat do when Zander tells her that he--like the ex-boyfriend who ruined her trust--has been lying about who he really is?

My Review: 5 Stars

I'm a total sucker for a secret identity and these Benton brothers are where it's at. Duke and Zander are twins and of course, Duke finds himself in a pickle when he agrees to a new reality tv show where they match you up and you get married at first sight and he's not in town. His twin brother, Zander, comes to the rescue and what a rescue it is!

Kat and Zander have a charged first meeting before the wedding, but the chemistry between them after the wedding is off the charts. I loved the glimpses into the reality tv world, but my favorite moments were the chemistry-laden exchanges between this newly married couple. 

I'm the type who connects with the more serious kind of guy, as is Kat, and although Zander wasn't who she thought he was, she truly was matched with her perfect math. This reads like a delectable tv show and I couldn't get enough. 

Ms. Krey does a brilliant job of taking two strong characters and melding them into something sugary sweet and perfect. And now I can't wait for Duke's story. 

Content: mild+ romance (steamy clean, kissing, innuendo) 

Saving the Rookie by Jennifer Youngblood and Stephanie Fowers {Review}

Saving the Rookie by Jennifer Youngblood and Stephanie Fowers

Kindle Edition

Published March 1st 2020 by Ditch Lily Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Friendship or flames? What’s a girl got to do to get a certain firefighter to see her as more than just “one of the guys?”

Ani Hyde’s steely heart won’t open to anyone.

Before her mother’s drug overdose, she learned to take care of herself and it made her fiery—maybe too fiery. Now, years later, she’s become a professional heart-breaker, keeping everyone at arm's length and rejecting every bachelor on her reality TV show.

Only one man has ever broken through her defenses… and he hasn't got a clue.

Rhett Singer was always protective of Ani, but she left him smoldering after she fled their hometown for LA without so much as a goodbye. Now that she's returned to Jackson Hole with a camera crew and a possessive boy-toy, Rhett realizes that she is also igniting the forgotten embers of his heart. Though Rhett’s supposed to be the firefighter covering Ani’s event, he can't seem to keep things professional and the “rookie” finds himself running headlong into the fray once again to rescue the girl he once knew.

Can Ani and Rhett temper their fiery hearts before it all goes up in flames? Or will the misunderstandings of the past engulf them?

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Jackson Hole has a special place in my heart and I'm loving this series! Rhett is one of the newbies and has a past with his backdoor neighbor, Ani, who is a big reality TV star. This concrete cast of characters drew me right into the book and I loved every minute of it.

  

The sparks sizzle into flames in this childhood love romance, especially as Ani brings her show back to her hometown, and I really enjoyed the blazing danger, wisps of love, and daredevil adventure that this story delivers. The solid friendship and delicate affection fastened themselves right to the core of my heart and kept me fully engaged, leaving me eagerly watching this escapade unfold.   

 

I'm definitely not one to take risks and it was fun to read about characters who are way more brave than I am. I felt some anxiety with the perilous feats that Ani and her team practiced, particularly when Rhett was involved, but loved that this component helped escalate the romantic excitement. It was a treat to watch these embers come to back to life and ignite a full-on forest fire of love.

 

Content: mild romance; mild moments of danger 

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant {Review}

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

Paperback, 313 pages

Published September 2nd 2014 by Zondervan
Source: I received a copy through Netgalley, which didn't affect my thoughts and opinions in any way.

    

Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie's bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat's best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself, her, is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat's senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

My Review: 4 Stars

A cupcake competition is just what is needed to spur Kat and Lucas to explore the idea of moving from friends to lovers, but much like a piping bag overfull of buttercream frosting, things become a huge, sticky mess instead.

Kat and Lucas have an unusual best friendship because they seem to keep so many secrets from each other and things seems skewed more to one side, which drove me a little batty at times. All it takes is a little communication to keep the friendship from turning into a battlefield, people.

Kat is so determined to stand out in the world like a pumpkin scone cupcake that she can't see that sometimes strawberry is okay. The stress of this baking competition was almost the downfall of something great, but I loved watching the events unfold through the delicious and unique flavors and challenges.  

St. Amant does a great job of blending multiple tropes into a charming, cut-throat story, but do not read this if you're hungry, or you'll be craving a sugary treat (or two or three...) all day long. 

Content: mild romance; moderate religion

Reality Show Romance by Shannon Kent {Review with GIVEAWAY}

Reality Show Romance by Shannon Kent
165 pages, ebook
Published: January 23, 2019
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

‘Til the end of the show do us part

Letty McDonnell—a hug first and ask questions later kind of gal—stumbles into an unexpected scandal with her favorite K-pop star when she spots him at the airport. Is it bad timing or a blessing in disguise? The international publicity leads to a job offer from the reality show Marry My Stalker, where the two pretend to be man and wife as they complete a variety of crazy couple missions.

Wacky challenges, jealous fangirls, and a language barrier can’t slow Letty down. Especially when she has handsome translator, Ben Park, whispering in her ear. He steers her away from cultural faux pas and offers behind-the-scenes encouragement as she maneuvers the unfamiliar public arena. But is he sincerely interested or just doing his job? The affectionate words her fake husband says for the cameras are always repeated by Ben’s caring voice, and Letty begins to wonder if a romance without spotlights or red carpets is the real path to true love.

My Review: 5 Stars

I'm so excited that Letty gets a story of her own and what a fun one it is! We first met Letty in Flower Boy Tour Guide, where she was a secondary character. A case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time leads her to claim the title of "stalker" for Korean boy band, B4U, and a slot on a new Korean reality TV show, which matches each member of the band with one of their stalkers.

Letty is one of the most gregarious characters I've ever known. She is contagiously friendly and sweet, and her bumbling antics had me laughing. She always manages to turn an embarrassing situation into a positive experience. I absolutely loved the connections she made on and off the set. And let's not forget that she's someone who is truly true to herself--vintage style, curves, and all.

I'm happy to report that I've watch a K-drama and they are fun! It was fun to visualize Letty in her full glory and to picture the drama that was going on. This author writes such fun scenes and characters and I'm hoping there's another book to take me back for more.

Content: mild romance

Giveaway: 
TWO ebooks! One copy of Flower Boy Tour Guide and one copy of Reality Show Romance!
Ends 1/30/19

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Victoria's Promise by Julie Wright

 

Victoria's Promise: A Newport Ladies Book Club Novel by Julie Wright
Published: January 2014, 240 pages
My Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

Description: A luxurious mansion. Thirty stunning bachelorettes. One very eligible bachelor. All of the ingredients are in place for a successful reality dating show, and behind the scenes, Tori Winters is set to pull the romantic strings as assistant director of Vows. Despite her distaste for public exhibitions of love—which spelled the death of her last relationship—Tori intends to give the public exactly what they want: scintillating footage of a bevy of beauties vying for the attention of Christopher Caine. But Chris, a consummate Southern gentleman and the star of Vows, seems almost too good to be true—and soon, even Tori finds herself falling under his spell. Despite legal obligations to avoid fraternizing with the talent, it’s clear her feelings are anything but unrequited. With the support of her friends in the Newport Ladies Book Club, Tori must make a life-altering decision: is she willing to jeopardize all she’s worked for in order to embrace her own fairy-tale ending?

My Review: Once again, I love these bachelor-type books, even though I don't watch the show! I've read this whole series and I'm always amazed at the details I learn about each character when a book is focused solely on her. 

Victoria (Tori) is a busy girl in the other books. She does something in the television industry and is always on the go, yet in this story, the reader really delves into her personal life. And what a life she leads! She's an assistant director of a reality tv show and against all odds (and legal contracts), she finds herself falling for the bachelor. What's a girl to do? 

That bachelor...Christopher Caine. Woo-ee! He's quite the Southern gentleman and definitely comes across as way too good to be true. But who cares, right? He's got it all--the looks, the manners, etc.

I loved Tori! She's so dedicated to her job and cares so much for those around her. She notices that Ilana, from the book club, needs a little extra friendship and extends that hand to her. She befriends Shannon (also from the book club) and doesn't even seem to neglect her best friend or her family! 

I love the way she interacts with the bachelorettes. She's pretty much seen it all, so she almost treats them like children. Yet, amid all of her capabilities, I couldn't help but to feel a little sorry for her. Her true feelings bleed through her tough exterior.  

I absolutely loved every minute of it and adored the ending! One of my favorites of the series!

Content: clean!

Amazon  ||  Barnes & Noble

About the Author:
Julie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen. She's written fourteen novels since then and has nine traditionally published. She is represented by Sara Crowe at Harvey Klinger Inc. and is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her book Cross My Heart.

She has one husband, three kids, one dog, and a varying amount of fish, frogs, and salamanders (depending on attrition).

She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.

She hates mayonnaise.

Goodreads  ||  Twitter  ||   Website 

Review: The Selection Stories: The Prince & The Guard by Kiera Cass

 

The Selection Stories: The Prince & The Guard by Kiera Cass
Published: February 2014, HarperTeen, 227 pages
Source: I borrowed a copy from the library

Description: Two novellas set in the world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series are now available in print for the first time. The Prince and The Guard both offer captivating views into the hearts and minds of the two men fighting to win America Singer's love. This collection also features exclusive bonus content, including a sneak peek at The One, the eagerly anticipated third novel in the Selection series.

Before America arrived at the palace to compete in the Selection, there was another girl in Prince Maxon's life. The Prince opens the week before the Selection begins and follows Maxon through the first day of the competition.

Raised as a Six, Aspen Leger never dreamed that he would find himself living in the palace as a member of the royal guard. In The Guard, readers get an inside look at Aspen's life within the palace walls—and the truth about a guard's world that America will never know.

My Review: I love The Selection series and really enjoyed getting into the heads of these two awesome men. I had no idea what Maxon was really thinking and feeling throughout this process. I can't imagine being "forced" to choose a bride from a handful of women that he's never met before. What if he loves another? Does that even matter? The first novella, The Prince, is about Maxon's life just before the competition and during the first days. I loved getting his perspective. Maxon comes off as kind of cocky, but he's got reasons for protecting himself.

The Guard shows us things from Aspen's view and it takes place more towards the middle of the series. I believe it's a #2.5 story. I really like and admire Aspen. He's so loyal and sweet. I love the way he interacted with the servants and how thoroughly he did his job.

Content: a few mild expletives; some violence (being attacked by rebels, beatings, etc); mild romance.

Goodreads  *  Amazon  *  B&N

About the Author:

  

Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling.

Goodreads  *  Twitter  *  Website

Review: The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass

The One (The Selection) by Kiera Cass
Publication: May 2014, HarperCollins Children's Books, 323 pages
My Source: I borrowed a copy from the library.

Description: THE SELECTION changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. Now, only one will claim Prince Maxon’s heart…

It’s swoon meets the Hunger Games in the final instalment of THE SELECTION trilogy!

For the four girls who remain at the palace, the friendships they’ve formed, rivalries they’ve struggled with and dangers they’ve faced have bound them to each other for the rest of their lives.

Now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realises just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

The breathtaking finale to THE SELECTION trilogy will make you swoon!

My Review: I've been dying to read this one since Book 2 (The Elite) ended! The One picks up right where The Elite left off--there are 4 girls left in the competition to win Prince Maxon's love and the crown. The events that unfold were not always expected and left me feeling on edge a lot of the time. America is a very outspoken, kind young woman, who longs for things to be fair in the kingdom. Some of the decisions that she made didn't make sense and caused issues for her, yet she stood her ground. She seems a little more certain and content in what she wants in life, but she just can't let go of her old dreams. I went through a range of emotions with this one and was satisfied with the way it all wrapped up.

I loved the relationships between a lot of the characters--friendships, family, loyalty, new friends and old, romance, etc. I kept thinking of the quote, "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." I wish America would have taken care of all that right from the start. There's so much more that I could say, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. I really enjoyed it and was sad to see it come to an end.

Content: some swearing (maybe 6); some violence (shootings, death, fighting), but nothing too graphic; kissing (one scene was a little more suggestive and could have lead to more but they were interrupted and stopped), a couple sleeping in the same bed, but nothing happened. I would consider it technically clean. The one scene didn't get into anything that should be kept behind closed doors, yet it might not be appropriate for a younger reader (pages 268-273).

Goodreads  ||  Amazon  ||  Barnes & Noble

About the Author:
100 Things I Love:

Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling.

Goodreads  ||  Twitter  ||  Website

Review: Choose Us by Caylie Marcoe

 

Choose Us by Caylie Marcoe
Published: April 2014, 238 pages
Source: Borrowed from a friend

Description: Riley Logan and Travis Grayson have been best friends for the last fifteen years. She would do anything for him, go anywhere for him…and she has, countless times. Except now. Now he’s asking for too much. Their friendship has reached a breaking point and she doesn’t know how to go back. But as Travis’ personal assistant, Riley spends her every waking moment by his side.

When a fractured ankle puts Travis’ BMX career on hold he’s given more downtime than he knows what to do with. Always one for excitement, he agrees to become the bachelor on a televised dating show, but only if Riley goes in undercover to help weed through the girls.

What was supposed to be eight weeks of freedom has turned into eight weeks of hell surrounded by desperate girls all vying for Travis’ attention. He promised her the show would be smooth sailing. He promised he would listen to her advice on which girls should be eliminated. But now he’s breaking those promises and getting way too close to the girl Riley despises the most.

She shouldn’t care. Except she does. Much to her surprise there is one girl she wants Travis to choose…

Her.

Will she get what she wants, or will Riley lose her best friend along with getting her heart broken on national television?

My Review:  I don't watch The Bachelor, but I love these types of books. There's just something about them (reality tv type) that's a lot of fun. Travis is a BMX racer and is a pretty big deal in the sport. He is asked to be "the bachelor" in a reality tv show and is pretty hesitant--until his best friend of 15 years and personal assistant, Riley, agrees to be a part of it (undercover) to give him some insight on who to choose.

Travis is a pretty confident guy. He's on the verge of cocky, yet he's still likable. I don't think he truly appreciates what he has with Riley. Her entire world revolves around him and his life and he just seems to take her for granted. He asks her to be there for him to help him decide, yet he won't listen to her. It blew me away that he would take the word of someone he's known for 15 years over someone he's known for days. Does their friendship really mean that little? He's very good-looking, adventurous, and kind. He tries hard to be fair and patient.

Riley tries so hard to be selfless, but the jealousy kicks in and makes that really hard to do. Riley is a pretty tough woman and tries so hard to portray that, but deep down, she's human, just like everyone else. I really would have liked to see her move on and grow through this hard time, but she didn't. I honestly don't know how she put up with everything that she did. I would've snapped long before she did.

I really did enjoy the story, especially the friendship that develops between Riley and another contestant. I can see how hard it would be to always be in the spotlight and still try and maintain a friendship. I liked the way it all ended, especially the way that Riley and Travis worked things out.

Content: no violence, but some mean/catty girls; moderate swearing (it really didn't need that); kissing and mild innuendo, but stayed clean. I would have rated it higher, had the swearing been more minimal.

Amazon  *  Goodreads 

About the Author:

Born and raised in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin, Caylie fell in love with reading at a young age. With her lively imagination, she created numerous stories in her head throughout her childhood and teenage years. Finally at 16 she sat down at the computer and wrote out her first full length novel. That pacified her for a time. However, the stories kept swimming through her mind. Finally in 2013 she typed out Chapter One of three different novels and sent them off to a close friend for review. At her friends advice, she started exclusively writing Choose Us.

When she isn’t slaving away at the keyboard, Caylie is an avid reader, and lover of coffee… copious amounts of coffee. She also has an unhealthy addiction to tv shows—binge watching is her favorite.

She chases her two kids around the house all day, and has a husband whom she adores.

Check out my FB page for teasers from upcoming books!!
https://www.facebook.com/CaylieMarcoe

website  *  facebook  *  goodreads  * twitter

Book Review: The Elite (Selection book 2) by Kiera Cass

****--4 Stars
Publication: April 2013
Pages: 323
Description: Kiera Cass’s The Elite is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, fairy tales, and reality TV. This sequel to The Selection will enchant teens who love Divergent and The Bachelor.

In America Singer’s world, a bride is chosen for the prince through an elaborate televised competition. In the second book of the Selection series, America is one of only six girls left in the running. But is it Prince Maxon—and life as the queen—she wants? Or is it Aspen, her first love?

The Elite delivers the adventure, glamour, political intrigue, and romance readers of The Selection expect, and continues the love triangle that captivated them.

My Review: I'm assuming this will be a trilogy series and for me, the 2nd book in a trilogy is often what I call a "bridge book." Nothing much happens but the things that do are essential for the story to connect the exciting book one and the ending in book 3. This book totally blew my theory out of the water!! I was completely captivated and had no idea where the story would lead. I was shocked in places and dreamy-eyed in others. I was amazed at how much feeling this story evoked. I am also completely torn on who to cheer on in this messed up love triangle!!

America. Good grief, girl!! Make up your mind about who you want!! She is only 16 or 17, so she can be given some leeway in her fickleness, but it's making me crazy.

Maxon. I absolutely loved him...until about 1/4 of the way through. I wasn't happy with him at all, but I guess, in a way, he did redeem himself and I may end up cheering him on after all. I'm still torn.

Aspen. He needs to stop taking risks because he's going to give me a heart attack with all his sneaking around.

Anyway...I really, really liked this book and can't wait to see what's going to happen next. I am going to go crazy waiting for the next book to come out.

Content: some language; some violence; some kissing. Nothing too graphic.

To buy it on amazon, click  here.