COVER REVEAL: Damien by J. Kenner

COVER REVEAL!!  J. Kenner has a new entry in her bestselling and fabulous “Stark” series called “Damien.” We’re thrilled to be part of a group of book bloggers and bookstagramers who were asked to spread the news!  “Damien” will be released 01/08/19 but is available for PRE-ORDER NOW!!!

 

I am Damien Stark. From the outside, I have a perfect life. A billionaire with a beautiful family. But if you could see inside my head, you’d know I’m as f-ed up as a person can be. Now more than ever.

I’m driven, relentless, and successful, but all of that means nothing without my wife and daughters. They’re my entire world, and I failed them. Now I can barely look at them without drowning in an abyss of self-recrimination.

Only one thing keeps me sane—losing myself in my wife’s silken caresses where I can pour all my pain into the one thing I know I can give her. Pleasure.

But the threats against my family are real, and I won’t let anything happen to them ever again. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe—pay any price, embrace any darkness. They are mine.

I am Damien Stark. Do you want to see inside my head? Careful what you wish for.

Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Kz8iu7
iBooks: https://apple.co/2njN3TZ
Nook: https://bit.ly/2vSDO0X
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2KAllvd
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2ON7sgJ
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2APgarN

Seven Days of You by Cecilia Vinesse

Since it’s YA week, I thought I’d review the last YA book I read and adored.

Seven Days of You by Cecilia Vinesse is sweet romance that tells the story of Sophia (Sofa to her friends) and her last 7 days in Tokyo before her mother relocates the family back to NJ for work. All Sophie wants to do is spend her final week taking advantage of the beautiful city that’s been her home for the last few years and savor final moments with her besties. Then Jamie, a former classmate from the US shows up and he inadvertently upsets all her plans leading her to discover who her true friends and what type of person she truly is.

I loved that this book was not just a “girl meets or re-meets boy” story. It’s a story about love of self, family, friends and home. Ms. Vinesse also does a fantastic job of making Tokyo come to life on the pages. It’s almost a character in itself. I’d love to visit Tokyo on day.

If you’re a fan of contemporary YA romance, don’t miss Seven Days of You by Cecilia Vinesse. You won’t be disappointed.

Review by Jenn N.

Special thanks to Netgalley for the digital ARC!

What We're Currently Reading

Hey everybody, we're back like Backstreet, LOL!! Here is the first of what we hope to be many blog posts as we endeavor to relaunch our blog.



I thought we'd keep it simple by checking in to see what everyone has been reading lately.


I have been on an Greek Tragedy kick, so I'm reading through The Complete Greek Tragedies Volume III: Euripides. The collection includes different translators, some of whom I like and some of whom I do not. (I'm not a huge fan of Richard Lattimore, for whatever reason. I did enjoy William Arrowsmith's "Heracles.") I am currently reading "Helen." I love reading the plays that connect with the House of Atreus and all of the drama and angst that invariably happens. All the drama. All of it.

Strange Weather by Joe Hill. I’ve been in a bit of  a reading funk lately, and his books have never failed to suck me right in. This one is no exception. It’s a book of 4 novellas, and one of the stories was so deliciously horrible that it ruined my entire day.

The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie. I am also in a bit of a reading rut and her books always help me get back into it.










The Centurion's Wife by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke. I've been working my way alphabetically through the books on my Nook and this one was up next! It's about a slave in Pilate's house who is betrothed to a Centurion who has been tasked to track down the truth around Jesus' death. 

My daughter and I are reading Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth by Jane O'Connor.  It's an early reader book featuring an older Nancy from the Fancy Nancy picture books. 

Basic Economics: 5th Edition, by Thomas Sowell.

Why? Self education. 










Danielle C. is reading Real Men Howl by Celia Kyle and Marina Maddix. It's pretty good so far has some elements that I haven't seen before which is nice.

Albert is reading The Vegetarian by Han Kang.  It had great reviews.

Stacey is reading Into the Water by Paula Hawkins. I was shopping at Barnes & Noble, and then went to grab a coffee at the cafe and relax a bit with a book, and it caught my eye so I added it to my "to be read" list on my phone. My sweet boyfriend went back and grabbed it for me.

I’m currently reading When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger. It's the second sequel to The Devil Wears Prada. It’s focused on Emily who is now in PR and she’s hilarious. 








What about you?  What are you reading?  Share with us!

I Need a Lifeguard Everywhere but the Pool by Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella

The bestselling and “perennially hilarious” mother-daughter team is back with a new collection of stories from their real lives, guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Join Lisa and Francesca as they regret drunk-shopping online, try smell-dating, and explore the freedom of a hiatus from men – a Guyatus. They offer a fresh and funny take on the triumphs and facepalm moments of modern life, showing that when it comes to navigating the crazy world we live in, you’re always your own best lifeguard. - scottoline.com

Lisa and Francesca are back with another great collection of humorous real life essays.  As a mother-daughter, best friend duo, I could easily relate to all of these stories as my mother is one of my best friends.  However, I think almost anyone could find something to relate to here.  My personal favorite was Lisa's piece on how she finds the 70MPH speed limit on the PA Turnpike absolutely terrifying.  I know that white knuckle grip on the steering wheel all to well from visiting friends in PA.  Lisa's take on that popular twisty fitness board also made me snort with laughter as mine is currently parked under a lounge chair in my living room.  Fortunately no one will experience any buyers remorse from purchasing "I Need a Lifeguard Everywhere but the Pool."  Pick up a copy at your local bookstore or favorite online retailer.

You may also wish to meet these lovely ladies on their book tour!

Also, because I love this book so much, I'd love to give a copy away to one of our lovely readers!! To enter, head on over to the Rafflecopter and kindly comment below by telling us your favorite "beach read."  Please note due to shipping costs, you must be a US resident and/or use a US mailing address to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Special Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for review in exchange for a honest review and again to the publisher for providing this blog with a giveaway copy.

Tease by Penny Wylder

Welcome to Club Deep-- the hottest new place on the block. All your fantasies can happen here... but I had NO IDEA it was that kind of place when I applied to be a waitress.
I didn't realize until my first night, and by then, it was too late to back out.
Especially when I met my boss.
Cole Andrews... how do I describe him? Sinfully tempting, a living sculpture you just want to run your hands down. He's impossibly sexy and he can't keep his eyes off of me.
When he pulls me into a private room and shows me what he can do with his wicked lips, I know I'm in trouble.
Club Deep is like no place I've ever been.
The longer I work here, the more I feel myself changing.
Can I change enough to keep Cole interested in me?
Or will this club ruin me first? - amazon.com

I’m not teasing. If you’re looking for a super and I mean a scorching hot read, look no further than Tease by Penny Wylder.  Penny is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with her HEA (happily ever after) delightfully smutty novellas.  She always delivers a pleasing quickie and Tease is one of her best so far.  It’s currently priced at just .99 cents so you’re quite the bang for your buck. Actually you’re buying a lot of banging for just .99 cents with this one! I can’t wait for the next installment of the Club Deep series.   

For more about Penny Wylder and her novellas, visit her on Facebook. 

Special thanks to the author for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Perennials by Mandy Berman

Rachel Rivkin and Fiona Larkin used to treasure their summers together as campers at Camp Marigold. Now, reunited as counselors after their first year of college, their relationship is more complicated. Rebellious Rachel, a street-smart city kid raised by a single mother, has been losing patience with her best friend’s insecurities; Fiona, the middle child of a not-so-perfect suburban family, envies Rachel’s popularity with their campers and fellow counselors. For the first time, the two friends start keeping secrets from each other. Through them, as well as from the perspectives of their fellow counselors, their campers, and their mothers, we witness the tensions of the turbulent summer build to a tragic event, which forces Rachel and Fiona to confront their pasts—and the adults they’re becoming. - penguinrandomhouse.com

I never had a real summer camp experience as a kid, after a week at a Girl Scout day camp, I had enough of bugs, dirt, and awkward swimming lessons.  However, Rachel, Fiona and the girls of Camp Marigold relished their youthful camp days. Unfortunately all that changes as the girls age and face adulthood but that’s where the root of this story really takes hold as alternating narratives by Rachel, Fiona and other campers and counselors give us a fuller picture of the dynamics at Camp Marigold.  Perennials by Mandy Berman is a summer treat that manages to perfectly counterbalance the froth and fun of childhood summer camp friendships while also exploring the complex dynamics of long standing female friendships. ****/5

For additional information, visit the author’s website and look for Perennials by Mandy Berman at your local bookstore online retailer. 

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying me with a digital ARC for review. 

One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline

A handsome stranger moves to the small Pennsylvania town of Central Valley, and his name is Chris Brennan. He’s applying for a job as a teacher and varsity baseball coach at the local high school, and he looks perfect, on paper. But his name is an alias, his resume is false, and everything about him is a lie. And he has a secret plan – for which he needs a pawn on the baseball team.
Susan Sematov loves her younger son Raz, the quirky and free-spirited pitcher of the team. But Raz’s adored father died only a few months ago, and the family is grief-stricken. Secretly, Raz is looking to fill the Daddy-shaped hole in his heart.
Heather Larkin is a struggling single mother who’s dedicated to her only son Justin, the quiet rookie on the team. But Justin’s shy and reserved nature renders him vulnerable to attention, including that of a new father-figure.
Mindy Kostis is the wife of a busy surgeon and the queen bee of the baseball boosters, where her super-popular son Evan is the star catcher. But she doesn’t realize that Evan’s sense of entitlement is becoming a full-blown case of affluenza, and after he gets his new BMW, it’s impossible to know where he’s going – or whom he’s spending time with.
The lives of these families revolve around the baseball team – and Chris Brennan. What does he really want? How far will he go to get it? Who among them will survive the lethal jeopardy threatening them, from the shadows?
Enthralling and suspenseful, One Perfect Lie is an emotional thriller and a suburban crime story that will keep readers riveted to the shocking end, with killer twists and characters you won’t soon forget. 

One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline is one perfect novel.  It weaves lots of little lies and story threads through a compelling tale that examines both the darkness of domestic terrorism as well as the ordinary struggles of suburban life. I've read nearly every book Lisa Scottoline has written and while they're all terrific, One Perfect Lie is outstanding and her best yet. Definitely pick up your copy today and come out and meet her on her book tour, not only is she a great author, she's a really great woman to meet!  Odds are you'll get a warm hug with your signed book.  Visit her website for tour dates and additional information on her books.

Special thanks to St, Martins Press and Netgalley for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for honest review.

Lisa & I at Book Expo circa 2013