Tag Archives: Great Books

Releasing Now: Inflame

Posted in Books I love, Releasing Now Book Addicts, Review Post by

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Inflame (Explosive #3) by Tessa Teevan

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 Synopsis:

Easy going soldier Kale Montgomery, a self-proclaimed ladies man, has no plans of settling down, especially not with his best friend- the sexy, sassy schoolteacher Lucy Dawson. Their relationship, though unconventional, is mutually beneficial, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Friends with benefits? Casual lovers? Whatever you want to call it, they’re having fun, in and out of bed, and to them, that’s all that matters. At least that’s what they think, but how long can you spend in someone’s bed before you find they’re also infiltrating your heart?

As their casual fling with no strings attached progresses, it’s not long before they realize they’re both in way over their heads. One fateful night changes their lives forever in ways they could never have imagined, giving them the push to finally admit that maybe, just maybe they want more than they’ve let on. Their mutual attraction rapidly intensifies as it shifts from burning lust to unrelenting want, need, and possibly even love. Suddenly the idea of settling down doesn’t seem so bad. In fact, it sounds pretty damn perfect.

Just when things seem to be falling into place, past pain and renewed insecurities rise to the surface and threaten to smother the flames of their passionate relationship, reminding them both why they’ve always kept the idea of love at arm’s length. Will Kale and Lucy realize that what they’ve been waiting for is each other, or will the blazing whirlwind of their feelings burn out too quickly, causing it to all go up in smoke?

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 Excerpt:

She looks me over, and I love the fact that she’s checking me out. I don’t know why I’m so drawn to her, but I am, and I want to get to know her better, at least where the bedroom’s concerned. Eventually, she extends her hand, and I give a firm handshake, the kind she wanted when we first met. “Please, Kale, call me Lucy.”

Shaking her hand, I say it out loud. “Lucy. I like it.”

“That’s fortunate since I’m stuck with it. Okay, Montgomery. As much as I love flirting with a hot ass soldier in the parking lot of an elementary school, I’ve got to get going. Maybe I’ll see you around?”

She starts to walk away, but I grab her hand, reeling her back in. I’m not ready for her to go, yet I don’t want to seem like some crazy stalker guy.

“Can I see you again? You know, outside of an elementary school?” I ask, my eyes bearing down into hers, begging for her to say yes.

She hesitates, and I’m afraid she’s about to say no when she finally responds. “I don’t date. I’m not looking for anything serious, so if that’s what you’re looking for, I’m the wrong girl.”

My cock practically sings at her words. A no strings attached relationship with a hot teacher right before I deploy? I couldn’t have asked for better luck.

“I don’t do relationships, either, Lucy. I just want to get to know you and to have some fun. No feelings, no strings, no nothing,” I tell her, and watch as a look of relief washes over her.

She starts digging in her purse and I watch as she scribbles something on a piece of paper before hanging it to me. “Number’s right there. Call me when you’re feeling adventurous,” she says. Before I can say anything, she spins around and swiftly walks away, leaving me to wonder just how adventurous she can be.

My Review:

As many of you know by now, I tend to list my reasons of why I love a book, and nothings changing with this post. What I absolutely loved about Inflame:

  • The spark between Lucy and Kale. The chemistry between these two characters was off the charts. You could feel it in every scene in which they were together, and it really made it that much more enthralling to read their story. I am not exaggerating when I say that you will feel the absolutely kinetic spark between them.
  • The painful pasts both characters have. Both of these seriously well-developed characters have painful pasts for different reasons. They’ve both got their issues and flaws that lead them to have similar dissatisfied views on love, and if it really exists. Those painful pasts come across wonderfully, and reveal so much about both of them individually and as a couple. It also makes what’s going on between them in the present tense that more important.
  • Kale. Kale is getting his own bullet point because I truly adore his character. He’s probably my favorite character so far in this series, because he really just struck a chord with me. I felt for him from the first page, and I just wanted to reach in and make him feel better. He had a past that just made me want to cry, and fight for him. He is a gem of a male character, and is so charming that you’re going to wish he were very real.
  • Lucy’s and her undeniable strength. Lucy is an extremely strong female character which freaking rocked. She’s got some serious personality, and I loved that even in the toughest of situations and conversations, she could totally hold her own. Seriously, don’t mess with Lucy! I also simply loved that Lucy came across as extremely relatable, and it was so easy to understand why she felt and thought the way she did.
  • The gangs all here. I have to say that Tessa Teevan did a phenomenal job of including the other characters from the previous books in the series, without making this book all about them. The balance of these characters was freaking fantastic, and it gave more of the characters that I have fallen in love with over the course of each book in the series. Bottom line: the gang is all here, and they still rock, which makes this book terrific.
  • The female friendship dynamic. The female friendship dynamic in this book adds a lovely little layer to the overall book, and its easy to relate to each of these female characters. The interactions, friendships, and connection between Lucy, Charlie, and Alexa is so well written, and you truly feel the authenticity in each of their friendships.
  • The light moments. There are plenty of heavy moments in this book, but those light moments of humor and just downright love add a pretty magnificent layer to this book. They help break down the heavy, and they just make you smile.
  • The fight for it all to work. Lucy and Kale are both working through a lot of things when they come together in this book. They’re both fighting for something, and watching that “fight” build over the book was seriously engaging.
  • The seeds for the future. Many seeds were planted in this book with many different characters in Inflame. These seeds fits seamlessly into the story, and have me seriously intrigued to see what happens next with the characters yet to be explored.
  • The pace of the book. This book’s pacing is remarkable. It is extremely well paced, and makes total sense for the events taking place in the book. The pacing also makes it easy as pie to get sucked into the book. Be forewarned you’re probably gonna read this one in one sitting. It’s just that good, and you’re not going to be able to stop!

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My Rating:

 I have loved every book in Tessa Teevan’s Explosive Series, but I have to say Inflame is probably my favorite. I just absolutely loved reading Kale and Lucy’s story, and I couldn’t help but love every minute of it. They were also really easy to connect to, and that made it all the easier to just love them, and want to fight for them. I am telling you that you need to discover this book as soon as you can, and I have to give it…

5 Hot Hot Hot Stars!

Seriously, get you fan ready while you prepare to read this one.

Purchase the Series:

Tessa Books

Inflame (Explosive, #3)

Amazon: US | UK | CA | AU // Barnes & Noble

 Ignite (Explosive #1)

Amazon US | Goodreads

Incinerate (Explosive #2)

Amazon US | Goodreads

 About the Author:

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I’m a twenty six year old book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and have been married to my own book boyfriend for over seven years. We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats.

If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter.

 Connect with Tessa:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Email | Goodreads

 Giveaway! (Click to Enter!)
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Bait (The Wake Series #1) by M. Mabie (It’s a Cover Reveal!)

Posted in All The Mumbo Jumbo, Cover Reveal, Releasing Now Book Addicts by

Coming this Summer…

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Synopsis:

He was trouble from the start, but I couldn’t resist.

She was the best kind of trouble. The kind that was so wrong, it felt right.

I’ve tried and failed to stay away from him.

I’ve done everything in my power to make her mine and keep her.

He’s almost impossible to say no to.

She never tells me yes.

We’re always fighting.

When we’re not fighting, we’re… well… making up.

He makes me laugh so hard.

I miss her laugh the most.

I’m a liar.

She knows the truth, but won’t admit it.

Sometimes, I wish I’d never met him.

I wish we could meet all over again. I’d do better.

His sweet girlfriend knows.

The guy she’s with is a fool.

I’ll never love anyone like I love him.

She doesn’t love me enough to choose us.

It was the wrong place.

It was the wrong time.

It should have been him.

It will always be her.

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Links:

Add Bait (The Wake Series, Pt.1) to your TBR on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1p6YoAn

M. Mabie Social Links:

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1hzmhkk

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ovAayx

Mailing List: http://bit.ly/1kMbfmo

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1pRBigO

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1hznYOO

Website: http://bit.ly/1nP9q04

Bio:IMG_61562025444146

M. Mabie lives in Illinois, NOT Chicago, with her husband. She is the author of Fade In, a contemporary romance novel; and loves writing for Fifty5Cents Book Blog, which she owns and operates, usually poorly.
She cares about politics, but won’t discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne’s World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head.
M. Mabie has never been accused of being tight lipped or shy. She’s THAT girl.
(She doesn’t usually speak in third-person, but surprisingly does when she’s weirded-out about writing her bio.)

Teasers:

 
 

 

Relentless Hope (It’s a Cover Reveal!)

Posted in All The Mumbo Jumbo, Cover Reveal, Releasing Now Book Addicts by

Releasing June 24, 2014

Synopsis

Sometimes playing by the rules and doing everything right is just not enough. A single mistake can turn your entire existence upside down, and irreversibly change the course of your life.

Aleah Lateef’s life changed after one bad judgment led to her being attacked, threatened, and abandoned by all her friends and family. Having been forced to drop out of college, with no money, no job, and no one to turn to, Aleah finds herself on the verge of homelessness and about to lose all hope. One chance encounter with an unlikely savior, however, takes her life on a journey she never imagined taking. 

Relentless Hope is book 1 in a story of losing everything and finding yourself as a result. It is a tale of the resiliency of the human heart in the face of continuous difficulties. This is the journey of a young woman’s struggles to find her way in the world and the unlikely friendships she forms along the way. It is the story of finding love in the most unlikely places and losing it all when you least expect it.

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Teaser

 

 

MeetTheAuthor

FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / WEBSITE / TWITTER

Ashley Cassidy is an avid reader with a lifelong passion for writing, who has decided to share her love of writing with the world. Though she reads all genres, her favorite books are romance novels with happy endings.
When she’s not reading or writing, Ashley can be found spending time with her family, enjoying the outdoors, and sipping on a cup of coffee.

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Life is Like a Game of Football (The One & Only by Emily Giffin)

Posted in Books I love, Releasing Now Book Addicts, Review Post by

I am a sports fan. Maybe not your traditional one, but I’m still a fan tried and true. I’ve participated in sports my entire life, and I thoroughly enjoy watching a good sporting event. (Especially baseball…Go Nats!)

I also happen to be a big Emily Giffin fan.

Never did I think that my fanaticism for both would combine to make for such a captivating reading experience. But that’s exactly what I got with Giffin’s newest novel, The One & Only. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a book that created and captured the magic of sports along with building some seriously engrossing and engaging characters along the ride.

The One & Only is a book about a lot of things. It’s about love. It’s about friendship. It’s about discovering what you truly desire. It’s about blinding passion for so many things. It also happens to be about sports, and the magic and loyalty that sports create.SONY DSC

This book presents a plethora of wonderful characters, but is told from the perspective of Shea, a woman who’s lived in the small town of Walker, Texas her entire life. She grew up there, went to school there, and even began working for the University after college. To say that Walker University football is her life is a pretty big understatement. She’s a diehard fan, and is as loyal as the days are long.  She’s grown up there with her oldest and best friend Lucy, the daughter of the College’s legendary football coach, Coach Carr.

This book has a serious Friday Night Lights feel to it. The world of Walker revolves around football. It’s the engine that keeps that town and its inhabitants going in more ways than one, and it’s what brings every one of these truly authentic characters together. But this book isn’t just about football (though football does play an extremely important role in many ways), it’s about so many more things…

Now I’ve read and absolutely loved all of Emily Giffin’s book, but I have to say this one set the bar on a whole new level. What I absolutely loved in The One & Only:

  • The out of this freaking world build up. I’m not going to reveal specifics, but let me tell you I could feel the buildup and tension growing with every page, and it was magnificent. In all honesty the whole book is a grand buildup to so many different things, and I constantly found myself waiting for the moments when that tension would finally come to ahead. And those moments coupled with the fanfreakingtastic build up took my breath away.
  • The true capture of the essence of sports. Emily Giffin did a phenomenal job of creating the true essence of sports, and what it means to be a sports fan. She made it so easy to understand the world of Walker University football because she beautifully captured a town and its people that breathes sports. The loyalty, the passion, and the magic of sports is all there. It’s also chalk full of sports references and metaphors that make so much sense individually and with the story as a whole.
  • The flow. This book just flowed. It covers a span of time easily, with no gaps, while it presents a seamless story that just moves. It’s extremely easy to read and you’re going to get absorbed into instantly.
  • The theme of deciding what feels right, what you want, and what you need. Shea is at a point in her life where she needs to decide what she’s looking for in her life. Up until now she’s made choices without giving anything a second thought. (Kind of the easy way out.) But the events in The One & Only force Shea to reexamine things. She’s got to decide what she wants and what she needs, and what she’s gonna fight for, because it’s time for her to step up to the field and play. The choices Shea makes thrust these characters into some interesting predicaments, and that was ridiculously enthralling in the best possible way.
  • Real human beings with real human feelings. All of Emily Giffin’s novels have this characteristic, but The One & Only has it in spades. All of its characters are real, with real feelings, thoughts, and actions. That’s what makes them all wholly believable, engaging, and easy to connect to in the blink of an eye. They’re all just real, and that’s what I adored about them all. (Especially Miller!)
  • The bond of friendship. Shea and Lucy have a friendship that has lasted decades. Reading about their friendship was refreshing, and it added another fantastic layer. One of Emily Giffin’s strong suits in writing is female friendship, and that rings true here yet again.

    I actually had the awesome opportunity to meet Emily Giffin with one of my best friends. (And yes, my eyes are definitely 89% closed, but I don't care!)

    I actually had the awesome opportunity to meet Emily Giffin with one of my best friends. (And yes, my eyes are definitely 89% closed, but I don’t care!)

  • The magic. There is magic in this book. Not literally, but there is a true sense of magic flowing its way through this book and its characters. It’s there with every detailed mention of sports that’s beautifully created, and it’s there with the many relationships being built and examined in this book. That magic makes this book, and you will feel it from beginning to end.
  • We’re down to Earth here. All of these characters are down to earth in the best possible way. It all adds to that realness thing, and it makes it feel utterly real and believable.
  • Shea’s journey. Shea goes on one hell of a journey full of highs and lows. She goes through a ton of self-discovery to find out what it is that she wants to do and have with her life. She makes mistakes and has missteps over the course of this self-discovery, but that’s what makes her, her. Shea ends up in some pretty unexpected places and in some events that were just awe inspiring, but that’s what makes this book what it is. The One & Only is really about Shea and her journey to find something to believe in within herself and the world around her. And it’s gonna leave you speechless with one hell of a book hangover.

I have to say this may be my favorite of Emily Giffin’s books to date. It’s different than the rest, and I think that’s what makes it my personal favorite and what sets it apart.

Don’t get me wrong, the book is full of what makes all of her novels great, but this one pushes the boundaries. It makes you think, it makes you feel, and it makes you really wonder where the journey of this book will take you. Enjoy that journey, because that’s not something that happens every time you open a book.

I honestly don’t think I could recommend The One & Only or any of Giffin’s other booksto you enough. Reading this book will give you a seriously remarkable reading experience. It’s got truly believable characters that you’re going to eat up and adore, it’s got a world you’ll be able to fully sink into by about page 4, it’s got some serious plot with highs and lows that’ll take your breath away, it’s got the dynamics of love and friendship that make this novel, and in the end you’ll be oh so glad you had the chance to experience it all.

You’re really missing out if you pass this one up. So don’t be a sore loser, and check it out today.

(Oh, and if you’re real curious about how the title of this post ties into the book, you’ll just have to read the damn book to find out….)

Happy Reading!

To learn more about Emily Giffin and her books, check out the following links:

Website               Goodreads          Facebook            Twitter

 

I’m a Giver (22 Books Recommended Just For You)

Posted in Books I love by

In less than 72 hours I will end my 22nd year and begin my 23rd. Eeek!! So as to celebrate this not so momentous occasion, I am giving back to you my fellow book addicts at The Never Ending Book Basket.when-it-comes-to-advice-i-m-a-giver-170

What can I say, I’m a giver.

So how am I going to give back on here, you ask?

Well we all know I love to recommend books until the cows come home, so in honor of that sense of giving I am composing a list of 22 books that I HIGHLY recommend you read. I picked 22 since I am officially “ending” my 22nd year. (How cyclical, right?)

Yeah, I know I’m weird. Get over it.

Some of these books I’ve blogged about on here, and some I read well before I started this blog thing, but you need to read all of them ASAP. No joke. (If you look closely, you may even see a few of these books in the cover image for this blog…) This list represents a pretty wide range of books. It’s a little all over the place, but so am I, so it works.

And don’t let my horridly brief descriptions of each one deter you from these books. They are all oh so very worth a read!

(Be sure to click on the titles and authors in the list because they’ll take you to the Goodreads page for the book and the authors’ websites respectively. Click away!)

22 Books You Have Got to Read Today: (In no particular order…)

  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: A coming of age story that I’ve loved since I was in high school. It truly is one of the best, and I will defend that this book isn’t a depressing one until the day I die.

    Books by Sarah Pekkanen

    Books by Sarah Pekkanen

  • Falling Home by Karen White: This one’s set in the south, has tons of family drama, and it’ll suck you in right away with its plethora of engaging southern charmers.
  • These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen: I’ve never connected to a book so personally as this one that follows 3 young women as their lives begin to intertwine while they build a friendship with one another. (It’s also got some multiple perspectives!!)
  • The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: This book is worth all the hype. I read it in one sitting, and my cheeks hurt from how much I was smiling throughout its reading. Literally.
  • 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher: This book is unlike any other book I’ve ever read. It follows Clay who is listening to a recording of 13 reasons why his classmate Hannah took her own life. It’s extremely emotional and it all connects in some really interesting ways.
  • On My Knees by Meredith Wild: Get ready for an emotional roller coaster full of some serious ups and downs that will tear you apart and put you back together all in the same breath. You’ll feel it in your core, and you’ll love it.
  • I Couldn’t Love You More by Jillian Medoff: A moving story of a blended family full of some seriously quirky and unique characters. This one also takes a major turn in the middle that you will NOT see coming, but will seriously love.
  • The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom: I heart me some Mitch Albom books something fierce. This one was particularly touching, and it just makes you feel like there’s some kind of purpose to all of this madness that we call life.
  • East of Eden by John Steinbeck: Two families. Multiple generations of turmoil. Good and evil. It’s all there and more in East of Eden.
  • Such a Pretty Face by Cathy Lamb: Stevie Barret has just had a major life change. She just lost over half her body weight, and is discovering that she’s now got to face what led her to this point in her life. And what led her there is hugely raw, and will make you adore Stevie and all her vulnerability.
  • Pieces of Perfect by Elizabeth Hayley: You gotta love a love triangle. Add in a heavy dose of sarcasm and you got Lily, Adam, and Max, and their overall awesomeness. I’m sworn to not reveal who I root for, but rest assured this one will suck you in until you figure out who you want to root for.

    Books by Emily Giffin

    Books by Emily Giffin

  • Where We Belong by Emily Giffin: I adore all of Emily Giffin’s book, but this one truly stands out. It’s got a love story, mixed in with secrets and tons of OMG moments. And there’s a gorgeous character named Conrad who loves the Great Gatsby, so there’s that too. 🙂
  • Bared to You by Sylvia Day: Two extremely dynamic characters with some very rough pasts come together in this book and it’s electric. You can’t help but feel the heat, and you’ll just eat up some Gideon Cross.
  • The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley: One of the most emotionally charged books I have EVER read, and pegs a question: What would you do? This book will make you wonder how you’d answer that very question and more.
  • Still Missing by Chevy Stevens: Tons of mystery, some seriously jaw dropping moments, and a main character with some serious flaws. This one was initially out of my comfort zone, but I loved it, and am so glad I took a chance on it.
  • Fade In by M. Mabie: This one is a new contemporary romance book that coupled a truly fantastic love story with tons of quick witted banter from some seriously engaging characters. I’m sold, and I know you will be too!
  • Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: Melinda Sordino is a character I will never forget. She begins her freshman year of high school rougher than most for a lot of reasons, and getting to read her story and seeing her evolve is simply moving.
  • This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper: This book is partially responsible for my love of Yiddish terms. It’ll have you loving this crazy ass family as they come together to sit shivah together after the passing of a family member in this truly hysterical book that personifies what it means to have an out there family.
  • Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver: Living the day you die over and over again is what you’ll find in this one. It’s a rougher version of groundhog’s day, but it really is something.

    A little Meredith Wild and Elizabeth Hayley...

    A little Meredith Wild and Elizabeth Hayley…

  • These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf : This one was another leap outside of my typical comfort zone. Told in multiple perspectives, each chapter is a piece to the overall puzzle that’ll leave you guessing until the very end.
  • All You Could Ask For by Mike Greenberg: Cancer. It’s something we’ve all seen in some way, and this book focuses on 3 very different women and how come together in the face of something they never wanted or expected to have.
  • Two Kisses for Maddie by Matt Logelin: On the day Matthew Logelin’s daughter Maddie was born his wife passed away suddenly. This book follows the first year of Maddie’s life, and how they moved through that year together. I told myself I wouldn’t cry reading this book, and I was successful until the very last page.

And one more for good measure…

  • The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch: I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with so many fantastic messages than this one. Its chalk full of them, and once you read this book and embrace its message, you will be better for it. Trust me.

So there you have it. My gift to you. A list of 23 books you should plan on discovering today.

A little Perks of Being a Wallflower love...

A little Perks of Being a Wallflower love…

They are all out of this world for very different and distinct reasons, and while I could never pick one favorite book, rest assured that all of the books listed above would make my list of favorites any day of the week.

Now go off and enter the wonderful world of any of these books.

Ready, set, go!

p.s. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to enter to win a FREE SIGNED copy of Sarah Pekkanen’s newest book by clicking the following link:

http://tinyurl.com/loj7sm9

(I’m trying to spread all of the book love I can, so be sure to enter!)

 

There’s a First Time For Everything (It’s Giveway Time!)

Posted in All The Mumbo Jumbo, Releasing Now Book Addicts by

You know what they say: There’s a first time for everything…

Well, I’m about to do something I’ve never done before here at The Never Ending Book Basket…

It’s Giveaway Time!!

And what better to GIVEAWAY than a book?! (The answer to that is nothing by the way. Unless it’s a book and chocolate.)

Sarah Pekkanen and myself with a little Ryan Gosling thrown in for good fun!

Sarah Pekkanen and myself with a little Ryan Gosling thrown in for good fun!

I recently had the chance to meet the fantastic author Sarah Pekkanen at a book signing for her newly released book Catching Air.

Talk about a fabulous night! Not only does she write some spectacular books, she puts on one hell of a book signing. (She had a picture of Ryan Gosling’s face on a stick, and she gave us chocolate. What’s not to love?)

I have read every single one of this author’s books, and I can tell you that I have absolutely loved and enjoyed them all. Each of her books has a dynamic group of characters that provide a thoughtful, engaging, and highly entertaining reading experience.

On a more personal note, I also had a serious sense of connection with one of her books because of past events in my family’s life, and I honestly don’t think I had ever felt such a strong connection to a book or a character in a book until that point. That connection is something  I will truly never forget.

Suffice to say, I absolutely adore this author and her books.

You could win a FREE signed copy of Catching Air!

You could win a FREE signed copy of Catching Air!

So as a way to spread the book love, I am giving away a FREE SIGNED copy of her newest book Catching Air.

Don’t worry you don’t have to give blood or offer your first born to enter. I am just looking to give back to all of you, and introduce you to a truly phenomenal author and her remarkable books! (I just gotta keep spreading this book addiction thing around!)

To enter the giveaway* simply click on the link below for a chance to win: (I’ll let you in on a little secret. To enter all you have to do is like a Facebook page. Nothing too complicated at all!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway (Click here to enter!)

Be sure to check out Catching Air TODAY!! Each of Sarah Pekkanen’s books have provided me with a unique reading experience that introduced me to some pretty dynamic characters that I simply adored. I highly recommend all of her books! They’ve got all you want: truly engaging characters, plenty of moments that’ll make you smile, some much loved drama and tension, and of course a story that’ll capture you in right from the get go.

Catching Air is at the top of my Never Ending Book Basket, and I am looking forward to diving into it head first ASAP! (And I totally think you should do the same!)

We’re clearly in this together!

Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen

Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen (photo credit: Goodreads)

Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen (photo credit: Goodreads)

A chance to run a B&B in snowy, remote Vermont—it’s an offer Kira Danner can’t resist after six soul-crushing years of working as a lawyer in Florida. As Kira and her husband, Peter, step into a brand new life, she quells her fears about living with the B&B’s co-owners: Peter’s sexy, irresponsible brother Rand, and Rand’s wife, Alyssa…who is essentially a stranger.

For her part, Alyssa sees taking over the B&B as the latest in a string of adventures. Plus, a quiet place might help her recover from the news that she can’t bear children. But the idyllic town proves to be anything but serene: Within weeks, the sisters-in-law are scrambling to prepare for their first big booking—a winter wedding—and soon a shy, mysterious woman comes to work for them. Dawn Zukoski is hiding something; that much is clear. But what the sisters-in-law don’t realize is that Dawn is also hiding from someone… Relatable and dynamic, Catching Air delves deeply into the vital relationships that give shape to women’s lives.

 

To learn more about Sarah Pekkanen and her wonderful books check out the following links:

Facebook            Website               Twitter                 Goodreads

Be on the lookout for my review of this book soon….
(Something tells me it’s going to rock my socks off!)

Be sure to enter the giveaway to win a FREE SIGNED Copy of Catching Air, and check out Sarah Pekkanen and her books today!!

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As always, sharing is caring, so feel free to share this post and spread the book and giveaway love!

*No purchase necessary. Open to US, Canadian, and UK residents only. Chances of winning depend on number of entries received. Giveaway will run from 5/14/14 to 5/22/14. Winner will be chosen at random on 5//14. Winner will need to claim prize within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Releasing Now: Inflame

Posted in Releasing Now Book Addicts by

Are you ready for a spicy new read just in time for these warm spring nights? Well be ready to feel the heat book addicts with Inflame by Tessa Teevan!

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Title: Inflame (Explosive #3)

Author: Tessa Teevan

Release Date: May 12, 2014 (That’s TODAY people!)

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Synopsis:

Easy going soldier Kale Montgomery, a self-proclaimed ladies man, has no plans of settling down, especially not with his best friend- the sexy, sassy schoolteacher Lucy Dawson. Their relationship, though unconventional, is mutually beneficial, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Friends with benefits? Casual lovers? Whatever you want to call it, they’re having fun, in and out of bed, and to them, that’s all that matters. At least that’s what they think, but how long can you spend in someone’s bed before you find they’re also infiltrating your heart?
As their casual fling with no strings attached progresses, it’s not long before they realize they’re both in way over their heads. One fateful night changes their lives forever in ways they could never have imagined, giving them the push to finally admit that maybe, just maybe they want more than they’ve let on. Their mutual attraction rapidly intensifies as it shifts from burning lust to unrelenting want, need, and possibly even love. Suddenly the idea of settling down doesn’t seem so bad. In fact, it sounds pretty damn perfect.
Just when things seem to be falling into place, past pain and renewed insecurities rise to the surface and threaten to smother the flames of their passionate relationship, reminding them both why they’ve always kept the idea of love at arm’s length. Will Kale and Lucy realize that what they’ve been waiting for is each other, or will the blazing whirlwind of their feelings burn out too quickly, causing it to all go up in smoke?

 

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 Excerpt:

She looks me over, and I love the fact that she’s checking me out. I don’t know why I’m so drawn to her, but I am, and I want to get to know her better, at least where the bedroom’s concerned. Eventually, she extends her hand, and I give a firm handshake, the kind she wanted when we first met. “Please, Kale, call me Lucy.”
Shaking her hand, I say it out loud. “Lucy. I like it.”
“That’s fortunate since I’m stuck with it. Okay, Montgomery. As much as I love flirting with a hot ass soldier in the parking lot of an elementary school, I’ve got to get going. Maybe I’ll see you around?”
She starts to walk away, but I grab her hand, reeling her back in. I’m not ready for her to go, yet I don’t want to seem like some crazy stalker guy.
“Can I see you again? You know, outside of an elementary school?” I ask, my eyes bearing down into hers, begging for her to say yes.
She hesitates, and I’m afraid she’s about to say no when she finally responds. “I don’t date. I’m not looking for anything serious, so if that’s what you’re looking for, I’m the wrong girl.”
My cock practically sings at her words. A no strings attached relationship with a hot teacher right before I deploy? I couldn’t have asked for better luck.
“I don’t do relationships, either, Lucy. I just want to get to know you and to have some fun. No feelings, no strings, no nothing,” I tell her, and watch as a look of relief washes over her.
She starts digging in her purse and I watch as she scribbles something on a piece of paper before hanging it to me. “Number’s right there. Call me when you’re feeling adventurous,” she says. Before I can say anything, she spins around and swiftly walks away, leaving me to wonder just how adventurous she can be.

Buy the Book:

(And be sure to check out Ignite and Incinerate also by Tessa Teevan! They’re gonna light you on fire!)

Buy Links:

Inflame (Explosive #3)

Amazon              Nook               Amazon UK               Goodreads

Incinerate (Explosive#2)

Amazon              Nook               Amazon UK               Goodreads

Ignite (Explosive #1)

Amazon              Nook               Amazon UK               Goodreads

About the Author:

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I’m a twenty six year old book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and have been married to my own book boyfriend for over seven years. We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats.
If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter.

Connect with Tessa:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Email | Goodreads

Giveaway:

(Be sure to click the link to enter! YOU could win books!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So what are you waiting for? Check out Inflame and the fabulous Tessa Teevan today! I’ve read both Ignite and Incinerate, and if Inflame is anything like those two fantastic books, then you’ll be feeling the heat and loving it in no time.

So don’t you dare dilly dally on this one!

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On My Knees

Posted in Books I love, Review Post by

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On My Knees by Meredith Wild

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Purchase Links:

      Amazon US        Google Play       Barnes & Noble       I Books              Amazon Paperback          KOBO             Autographed Books

Synopsis:

Haunted by the responsibility of caring for her troubled family, Maya Jacobs gave the only answer she could when Cameron asked her to marry him. Years later, entrenched in a soulless professional routine, she distracts herself from the lingering regret of her decision with a “work hard, play hard” lifestyle that guarantees no man will ever find his way into her heart again.
Cameron Bridge has spent the past five years married to the military, trying to escape the painful memory of losing Maya. After fighting his own war in the desert, he starts a new life in New York City, with his siblings, Olivia and Darren, by his side.
When fate brings Maya back to him in the heart of a city filled with its own hopes and shadows, can Cameron find the girl he once loved in the woman she’s become?

About the Author:

Meredith Wild is a USA Today and international bestselling author of erotic romance. She lives in Boston with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing or interacting with fans, she’s working with high-tech startups.

Meredith WildSocial Links:

                   Facebook            Twitter            Goodreads        

  Instagram            Pinterest

My Review & Rating:

Now I had the pleasure of reading On My Knees before its release, and it’s pretty safe to say that I’m pretty head over heels for this book. At The Never Ending Book Basket I tend to use my crazy ass tendencies to list the reasons of why I loved a book. Today is no different, but I’m going to try to reign it in a smidge because I could seriously go on and on about how much I loved this book. Think I’m merely joking? Go ask the author how many pages of “happy” notes I sent her after beta reading the book… It was kind of ridiculous.
Let me preface this review by letting you in on a not so little secret: I am a BIG Meredith Wild fan. I’ve read all her books (possibly more than once…), I’m on her street team, Team Wild, and I pretty much tell anyone who is breathing and standing upright to read her books.
Suffice to say, I like the Kool Aide she’s selling. 🙂
But what I really want you to know this very instant, is that this review will not do On My Knees or Meredith Wild as much justice as they both deserve. It just won’t be good enough. This book and its author are just that extraordinary that my words are going to pale in comparison. But don’t you worry your pretty little head one bit because I’m still going to let you know what I thought of On My Knees. (You were worried, weren’t you?)
On My Knees was visceral, extremely vulnerable, and raw in many instances. It had moments that will break your heart and put you back together all in the same breath, and it was magnificently sweet in the way all us lovers of love stories will just simply love. (Can you tell I like the word love?)
So staying true to my OCD form, here is what I truly adored about On My Knees:
  • You hit the ground running. This book jumps feet first into this couple, all their feelings, and all their extremely raw emotions. It’s wham bam thank you mam from the get go, so be ready to get sucked into it all. You will feel Maya and Cameron from the very beginning, and you won’t stop feeling with them until you’re done on that very last page.
  • The repercussions of choice. In the beginning a choice is made, and both Cameron and Maya are still presently reeling from the repercussions of that choice. Those repercussions effect each of them differently, but affect them they do. The reasons for that choice are thoughtfully explained and presented over the course of the story, as Maya and Cameron are presented with another chance with at being together. Seeing those repercussions up close and personal in the present tense makes for a truly thoughtful and enthralling story in On My Knees.
  • Maya’s got some chutzpah. Maya is who she is, and she’s got some serious backbone. She is unapologetic in a lot of ways, and she completely owns that. Even though sometimes I wanted to shake her because she was being so difficult, I simply adored her. I felt for her from beginning to end, and I thought her character development was SPECTACULAR. It felt extremely well-paced, never too fast or too slow. Just right. Maya’s vulnerability comes across beautifully, and it’s easy to understand why she feels, thinks, and acts the way she does. Maya also has a past that gets revealed over the course of the story, and I felt that these revelations came across wonderfully, and helped really explain why the chips fell the way they did.
  • Cameron’s making my heart melt. Cameron was just a good guy. He is honest from the get go, and he’s not afraid to put it all out there. He puts his vulnerability on display, and I liked that he was just willing to go there. He recognized his mistakes and he owned them, which took a lot in my opinion. He knew when he fucked up, and boy did he try to make up for the choices he made. Cameron is also possessive of Maya in a way that is endearing, yet doesn’t make you want to call the cops. It was balanced well, and it fit his character exponentially. He was stubborn as all get out,  but he never stopped trying and his feelings were truly  his. Hence why he just made my heart melt throughout the whole book. He’s also really good looking, so there’s that too…
  • Team Eli all the way! This book had a ton of supporting characters that I just wanted to eat up, but one kind of stuck with me. That was Eli. He is a voice of reason in this book. He also added some much loved light heartedness at points in the story, and best of all he doesn’t take any bullshit, and I like that something fierce.
  • The chemistry between Cameron and Maya. Get your fans ready because Cameron and Maya have a spark that flies off the page in spades. It’s palpable at times, and you will feel their connection to one another as if it were you yourself feeling those things. How that connection and spark changes, evolves, and grows over the story also makes for something pretty darn lovely too.
  • The supporting characters that round it all out. Now I may have a favorite (cough cough Eli) but this book has some supporting characters that will blow you out of the water. At times they add the humor that you didn’t even know you needed, the drama you love, and the clarity our two main love birds kind of lack when they’re busy with their heads up their butts. (In their defense though, they do have a lot of baggage within their past and present, so it’s easy to see how they could get caught up in it all.) Each of these characters add their own flavor that fits seamlessly in with what is happening with Maya and Cameron. They all work together like very intricate pieces of a seriously well thought out and developed puzzle.
  • More emotion than you can shake a stick at. This book will run the gamut on your emotions. It is chalk full of gut wrenching ups and downs that will leave you breathless, laughing, smiling like a fool, melting into puddles of emotion, fanning yourself repeatedly, and it’s just honestly outstanding. The level and range of emotion makes the story what it is, and it honestly sets it apart from other books I’ve read. Do not doubt that you will feel every single emotion with every fiber of your body.
  • Feel the balance. This is probably too simple a word to describe this book, but it honestly fits the book like a glove. Every aspect works together to tell a story of pain, some very raw and visceral emotion, some serious stubbornness, transformation, healing, and of course, an overwhelming sense of love. This story follows Maya and Cameron as they try to find, build, and cross the bridge from where they were to where they actually want to be. Their journey is wholly theirs, and makes for an extremely engaging story that in the end will leave you feeling extremely balanced, and extremely in love with these two majorly enthralling characters.
Now here on The Never Ending Book Basket I typically don’t give ratings within my reviews of books. Sure I give books ratings on other sites that I post reviews to, but I’ve never put a rating within one of my posts because it just wasn’t part of my shtick. (Those ratings are typically on a 1 to 5 star scale.) Well that’s about to change. Like right now.

So if you ask me to rate On My Knees using that scale I’d have to give it:

5 out of this world stars

To say that I recommend this book to you is like the understatement of the century right now. If I could I would give this book so many more stars on that same scale. It is a truly magnificent book that will have you on your knees with love in no time. This book will capture you in right from the beginning, and you will have a truly phenomenal and out of this world reading experience as you see Maya and Cameron attempt to put themselves back together.  Believe me, its impossible to resist, and you’re just going to love every single piece of this story.

Teaser:

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Giveaway: (Be sure to click to enter. YOU could win a copy of On My Knees!)

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Links Again: (Be sure to check out Meredith Wild and On My Knees TODAY!) 

Purchase Links:

Amazon US        Google Play       Barnes & Noble          I Books        Amazon Paperback          KOBO             Autographed Books

Social Links:

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Fade In

Posted in Books I love, Review Post by

Fade In Book Cover.... Be sure to check this book out asap!

Fade In by M. Mabie

Links:

Facebook            Twitter            Goodreads Author Page

Goodreads Fade In Page               Amazon             Website               Newsletter

Synopsis:

Tatum Elliot is a successful writer on a hit television show, lives in an Upper East Side apartment and loves her life. She wouldn’t change a thing. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have a choice. She’s losing her sight.
Tripping over her tongue and her heels, Tatum all too quickly realizes that the things which appeared so important before are slowly slipping away leaving room for what really matters. With the support of her best friends, family and colleagues, she begins to see that there’s much more to life… and herself.
When Ben Harris enters her life as her new personal assistant, she can’t tell if it’s his good looks and charm that are working on her libido, or his kind and helpful nature working on her heart? Whatever it is, neither one of them can resist it.
As her vision fades out, a world of love and happiness just might…Fade In.
(Fade In is a contemporary-romance novel about laughing through your tears and telling life to, quite frankly, “Suck it.” This novel contains sexual situations that the author may or may not have tried at home… for your safety, of course.  Research is research.)

About the Author:

M. Mabie lives in Illinois, NOT Chicago, with her rock-star husband. (True story.)  She loves writing for Fifty5Cents Book Blog, which she owns and operates- at the moment quite poorly.  She’s a proud member of the Indie Author Romance Author Chicks writing group where she maintains a high standard of professionalism and lady-like maturity- or not. She cares about politics, but won’t discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne’s World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head.
M. Mabie has never been accused of being tight lipped or shy. She’s THAT girl. (She doesn’t usually speak in third-person, but surprisingly does when weirded-out about writing her bio.)
This teaser is from one of my favorite scenes in Fade In....

This teaser is from one of my favorite scenes in Fade In… (And this scene is also pretty darn phenomenal, believe me!)

Excerpt:

I only met her briefly on one occasion, but she left a pockmark in my mind. She was dynamite and she had an indefinitely long fuse that never stopped burning. Those around her never knew when she would blow up, not looking away because she was a mess who was fun to watch.
I hope she’s still like that when my mind drifts back to her through the years that pass by.
Maybe I should have shared the cab. Got in with her. Stayed with her.
I don’t know.
Who ever really knows that it is the first time, the first time you meet? It’s only the first time after there’s a second time. Up until then, it’s just an only. One moment to the next could alter everything.
Every decision pushes you or pulls you where you’re going in life.
At times, after running into her, when I felt like I was pushing every day to do better, to get further, make a bigger difference, and like I was getting nowhere and I was just spinning my tires, I’d think of her.
She pulls life along. That girl was making life keep up with her.
And that’s too special to forget.

My Review & Rating:

As many of you know, at The Never Ending Book Basket I use my OCD tendencies to list the reasons of why I loved a book I am reviewing. So staying true to form, here is what I truly adored about Fade In:
  • Tatum is a spitfire, and girl is she proud of it. Tatum says exactly what she’s thinking all the time. She tells it like it is and doesn’t hold back one bit, which added some pretty darn good humor on just about every other page. Overall though, it just made me heart her something fierce. That girl was not afraid to be her, and her spitfire attitude was electric. It ignites you, energizes you, and engages you with her and the story right away. She’s got some spark that girl, and I dare you to try and resist that spark.
  • Ben just kind of makes you swoon on just about every page. Ben’s character was pretty much to die for. Sure he’s good looking, but there’s a lot more to him than that. The things he says and does in will pretty much make you swoon, and he has a serious sweet side to him. He also compliments Tatum in a way that feels truly authentic. They just kind of fit. He has a way to see right through her, right to her core. He just gets her, and what she’s feeling and thinking. Honestly, he’s just a really good guy who you’ll love swooning for.
  • An abundance of humor. This book is bursting with humor. If it wasn’t Tatum’s spitfire attitude or Ben’s lovable big mouth, it was the outrageous moments involving everyone else. It’s chalk full of moments that’ll have you in fits of laughter. (One in particular had me almost hyperventilating because it involved a recreation of a certain Lion King scene without the animals…) Bottom line: the humor in this book will make you smile and laugh ridiculously. Enjoy that.
  • The hodge podge of charming supporting characters. These characters hit this story out of the park in so many ways. They add some lovable humor, some necessary heavy conversations, some great looks at different relationship dynamics, and some all-around entertaining moments. Winnie, Cooper, the Devons, Neil, Dr. Evil aka Dr. Meade, Ray, and pretty much every other character will definitely win you over by the end. Or by like page 15.
  • Get back into the closet! Some pretty big and defining moments happen in none other than Tatum’s closet. These moments are breathtaking with their level of emotion and what takes place. They will pull at your heart with the level of honesty and vulnerability. Almost like a come to Jesus moment, these instants define the story and its characters in the best possible ways.
  • The tangible vulnerability. A lot of the characters, especially Tatum, put up some heavy fronts. But the level of vulnerability that comes through from them is almost tangible. In those moments you see them in their most honest form. No fronts, no boundaries, no walls, just them. You truly see what they’re feeling deep down inside, which makes them all the more real and relatable. (I honestly can’t say this enough with Tatum. I could go on for days about those moments of vulnerability she had. Just utterly magnificent.)
  • Getting over the hump. When you read, you kind of have to get over a reading hump to really really get into a book, but once you’re past that “hump” you just can’t put the book down. Literally. Well you’ll be happy to know I got over that hump on page 2. So be prepared that you’ll want to devour this book. It’s so gonna suck you in, and you’re just going to love that!
Now here on The Never Ending Book Basket I typically don’t give ratings within my reviews of books. Sure I give books ratings on other sites that I post reviews to, but I’ve never put a rating within one of my posts because it just wasn’t part of my shtick. Not that I don’t love ratings, but those ratings just never made their way here. (Those ratings are typically on a 1 to 5 star scale.) Well that’s about to change. Like right now.

So if you ask me to rate Fade In using that scale I’d have to give it:

5 mind blowing stars

I honestly couldn’t recommend this book more to you. If I could I would give it like 22 stars on that same scale. It was that phenomenal. It is just an honest to god fantastic and extremely engaging story that I promise you will find shear delightment in while reading.

Interview:

So I had the amazing opportunity to ask M. Mabie herself some questions! Check out the interview below to learn more about her and Fade In!
1. What was the thing/moment/event that sparked your idea for Fade In? (Was it something specific that just came to you, or was it something that built over time? Basically what was that “aha moment.”)
I can’t really put my finger on the exact moment. I had this character, Tatum, that kept popping into my head. I thought it would be interesting to read about a girl losing her sight. Ben was different. I didn’t really have his character lined out completely until I really dissected hers. He had to be perfect for her… and he is.
2. What would be the “big thing” you would want a reader to take away from reading your book?
I love when readers message me about laughing and crying. I enjoy books that play roughly with my emotions and I’m proud, that at least for some, Fade In has been able to provoke those kinds of reactions. Also, the premise that even thought everything doesn’t always go the way you want, sometimes it is what you need. Isn’t that a Rolling Stones song? Smart men, those Stones.
3. What did you find the most surprising or interesting in writing Fade In?
Surprising? Was that I became so enveloped. I knew I’d love them, but I didn’t expect to be that obsessed. The most interesting part was in the process was learning, from my editor, that I write like a Brit. There were many notes in the side bar in my manuscript highlighting it. We laughed about it and decided that I ought to try writing a hot British guy sometimes soon. Very soon.
4. Do you have a favorite scene from Fade In? And if so, why is it your favorite?
I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t read it, but my favorite scene is “The Closet” scene. It’s been named that by everyone who has mentioned it, for obvious reasons. I love it, because that is when Tatum finally lets some of her guard down and finally shows her true feelings. It was the only scene I wrote out of order and one of the very first scenes I completed for the book. I also love The Epilogue, but who doesn’t love a happy ending?
5. What’s the one thing you cannot live without while writing? ( i.e. coffee, gum, etc.)
Lollipops or life savers. Chocolate if the chapter is emotional. Ha-ha. And talking out scenes with NA Alcorn. I literally couldn’t write without her. Sometimes just saying things out loud to someone else can trigger better things or bring to light when something is missing. True story

Playlist:

https://play.spotify.com/user/12120286539/playlist/6YwvLM9tsgQm6Y81gV4zVF

Giveaway: (Be sure to click to enter. YOU could win!)

  a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Links: (Be sure to check out M. Mabie and Fade In TODAY!) 

Facebook            Twitter            Goodreads Author Page

Goodreads Fade In Page               Amazon             Website               Newsletter

One last little tease of Fade In before you leave....

One last little tease of Fade In before you leave….

 

A Title is Worth a Thousand Words (Big Girl Panties)

Posted in Books I love by

We all know the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

Well while I kind of agree with that sentiment, I also think the title of a book can be worth a thousand words too. Truly good titles leap out at you, and grab your attention from the get go. They’re unforgettable, and typically their meaning fits the book like a glove.

The title of the book I’m discussing today definitely fits that bill.

The first thing I noticed about this book was its title. I was perusing the book shelves, and it just jumped out to me. It stood out. Big time.

Its title also happens to be a saying that I use more frequently than I’d probably like to admit, but I do just love saying it. Like all the time. The second thing I noticed about this book was its cover. It was just too fun, and I couldn’t help but pick the book up, and boy am I glad I did.

Long story short I bought the book, read it immediately, and I can’t wait to introduce you to today’s seriously fun and engaging book being discussed at The Never Ending Book Basket:

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich

Big Girl Panties tells the story of Holly Brennan. She is a young widow still dealing with the many repercussions and emotions that come with the loss of her husband’s, one of which being that she’s taken to eating more than she probably should. Then you got Logan Montgomery, a well known personal trainer with a bit of an ego. And when I say a bit, it’s about the size of Texas.

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich (I’ll apologize for the quality of the picture. Note to self: don’t forget your camera at home next time…)

These two seriously enjoyable characters meet on a plane, and have a life changing conversation for them both. Though neither of them really realizes it at that moment. Logan offers to train Holly and get her to a healthy place physically, though over the course of this seriously engaging book he’ll get her healthy on so many more levels.

Big Girl Panties follows these two as they train together, and work on building a friendship that ends up taking them to places they never really thought they’d be together or individually. Soon those inevitable sparks begin to fly, but of course nothing is as simple as it appears. Holly has to put on her big girl panties, and Logan needs to pull his head out of his ass, but watching these two phenomenal characters attempt that, makes for an extremely entertaining book you’ll just adore.

What I loved about this book:

  • The title: Titles make or break a book in my opinion. The title of this book is what made me pick it up. It hooked me in, and it just fits this book perfectly. And it’s just really fun! What more could you ask for?

    Big Girl Panties (In the sun!)

    Big Girl Panties (In the sun!)

  • Amanda and Chase Walker: Don’t know who these people are? Well let me enlighten you: they’re the couple that makes it all happen. They act kind of like a catalyst. These supporting characters make the book shine, and help the two main characters pull their heads out of their butts, so what’s no to love? (They’re even getting their own book which I can’t wait to read!)
  • Holly’s got spirit (And I don’t mean cheerleader spirit!): Holly was a genuinely vibrant character to read. She had a pretty emotional and bumpy past, but that didn’t stop her from being her, and pushing back full force with everything she had. Whatever that pushing back meant. She’s spunky, and honestly there’s nothing you won’t love about her.
  • The sarcasm: Do I really need to explain this one? We all know I heart me some sarcasm something fierce. If it wasn’t Holly and her pushing, it was Amanda’s and hers. The one liners these girls had had me cracking up. And since it was mainly at the expense of the opposite sex, that made it all the better.
  • The points of view: I love a little multiple perspective, and this book provides that in spades. It’s told in third person omniscient (which means all the thoughts and feelings of every character presented is shared. Basically you get to jump inside the head of everyone!) So since I love multiple personalities, it was fantastic to see a wide array of them here. They’re all thrown in together too so the transitions are quick, so bring on the instant gratification if you’re dying to know what a characters is thinking.
  • Logan’s attempt at redemption: Logan was kind of a dick. And when I say kind of, I mean I wanted to reach in and slap him half the time. He’s got some things he’s gotta work out personally before he even really gets to know Holly. When they start building their friendship/relationship/whatever label you want to use, those issues rear their ugly head. Logan does some pretty messed up stuff, but his fight to cut the crap and redeem himself made me actually root for him, and like him a hell of a lot more by the end.

    A sign bought for me because it held one of my favorite phrases....

    A sign bought for me because it held one of my favorite phrases….

  • The body image honesty: Holly’s journey with her weight loss and her own body image pretty much nailed it on the head. It couldn’t have been more honest and authentic, and I couldn’t help but relate to many of the emotions and thoughts she was thinking and feeling. (And I know you will too!) Seriously, try not to be a female and relate to what Holly is going through. I dare you.
  • The whole nature of starting a relationship: This book follows Holly and Logan as they build different types of relationships. First its friendship, then it’s more, and then it really gets crazy. But through it all, the emotions, self-esteem issues, doubts, and questions that are raised fit exactly what it means to be starting any kind of relationship. And that just feels right as you’re reading this book.

Big Girl Panties is an extremely fun and lovable book that will have you adoring its characters, smiling and laughing on a pretty consistent basis, and feeling an overall connection with every aspect of this book. It’ll make you smile, it’ll piss you off, and it’ll just make for a pretty fabulous reading experience.

It’s definitely full of moments that will make you swoon, but it’s still got a little spice that may or may not make you want to slap someone silly.

Like I said, a title can be worth a thousand words, and that sentiment definitely rings true here. So do yourself a favor, and find out how good those words are asap.

To check out more on the author Stephanie Evanovich, check out the following links:

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