Meme Crush Monday

Forget about “Man Crush Monday’s,” here #MCM means Meme Crush Monday! For those who don’t have access or don’t wish to use Instagram, I’ll share a bookish meme right here weekly on the blog.

This Week’s #MCM Meme Crush Monday:

I think we’ve all experienced a moment like this. You’re relaxing on your lunch break, engrossed in a book when a well-meaning coworker comes to join you and immediately launches into a conversation about their weekend. So, what do you do? How do you shut the conversation down and get back the book without being rude?  Share your tips with us by commenting below.



Special Thanks to Melanie Combe my Borders bestie for naming this series.

Summer of Fear Week One: Summer of Fear by Lois Duncan

Happy First Saturday of Summer! I know it's not officially Summer but it's June 1st already and it sure feels like it.  I'm kick starting a relaunch of this blog with "Summer of Fear" a weekly series of posts where I will review/revisit a classic YA Horror/Thriller from the 70s-90s.  The serial takes its name from my first review in the series.

I recently, so recently that it was literally just an hour ago, finished reading "Summer of Fear" by Lois Duncan which was first published in 1976 and subsequently republished throughout the years. Duncan is also the author of "I Know What You Did Last Summer," which was adapted into a blockbuster horror film in the late 90s although many elements were changed for the film.  "Summer of Fear" was adapted into a TV movie in the 1978 starring Linda Blair and directed by Wes Craven who went onto to achieve horror legend status for directing “A Nightmare of Elm Street” and my personal favorite “Scream” among many others.  "Summer of Fear," the film is currently available on Amazon Prime and I hope to check it out and bring you a review soon.  If you've already seen it, please comment with your thoughts below.

Covers Throughout the Years (cat image is just a placeholder)

From the moment Rachel's cousin Julia arrives that summer, she seems to seep into Rachel's life like a poison. Everyone else is enchanted by her - including Rachel's boyfriend. But what does Julia really want? - goodreads.com

This book reads like a "Lifetime Movie" and just like a "Lifetime Movie," it was predictable but to me that is the fun of those movies and this book.  I love watching the heroine try to figure out how to outsmart the "big bad."  From the minute Rachel meets Julia, she senses something is not quite right with her and Duncan does a fantastic job of slowly building the creep factor from mild to intense.  One of the elements of the book is a little too odd though but perhaps the fact that it was from the late 70s dates the novel.  Rachel's brother, Pete develops a huge crush on Rachel and tries to date her - his first cousin.  Ummm OK?  Julia ends up rejecting him for someone else.  The lack of cell phones and the internet though keeps this mystery going and makes it a fast, fun throwback read.  This book is light on gore and the relationships kept modest but the creep factor is marked.




Have you read "Summer of Fear" by Lois Duncan? Share your thoughts below.


One note of caution, I initially started reading the most recent reprint of "Summer of Fear," and some changes to include modern technology were added and seemed out of place so I hunted down an older copy.  The copy I began to read is the one with the graphic red head on the bottom right as pictured above and the one I then read was the copy with the photo in the developer solution.  

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.