Jen in Bookland

Ready to Fall Synopsis: When you fall, you fall hard...  Tall, dark, and handsome is an understatement when it comes to John Day. With rugged good looks, his ever present plaid shirt, and a dog named Babe, John is a modern alpha male lumberjack in more ways than one.  Lurking beneath the gruff exterior and beard could be the heart of a romantic. Or is John a wolf in flannel clothing?  After his favorite neighbor rents out her cabin for the winter, John finds himself playing fireman and tour guide to Diane Watson, a beautiful brunette with her own messy past and recent battle scars.  Will he be ready to fall in love? Or will he go back to his old, flirty ways?  Hold onto your heart... and get ready to fall with John Day as he tells his story in this contemporary adult romance/romantic comedy told in male POV. This is a spin-off from Geoducks Are for Lovers. It isn't necessary to read that novel first. Review: I was really looking forward to

Jake Undone Synopsis: Nina Kennedy was alive…but not living…until she met him. Planes, trains, heights…you name it, Nina was afraid of it and led a sheltered life ruled by irrational fears and phobias. When she moves to Brooklyn for nursing school, that life is turned upside down, as she develops an intense but unwanted attraction to her gorgeous roommate, who’s pierced, tattooed and just happens to be the smartest person she’s ever met. Behind Jake Green’s rough exterior and devilish smile, lies a heart of gold. He makes it his mission to change Nina’s outlook on life. When he agrees to tutor her, they forge a bet and the stakes are high as Jake forces Nina to face her demons. He just wasn’t expecting to fall hard for her in the process. What Nina doesn’t realize, is that Jake has been living his own private hell. Once he drops a bombshell, will their love survive it? Told in two parts from both Nina and Jake’s points of view, Jake Undone is a standalone stor

The Weight of Blood: A Novel Synopsis: For fans of Gillian Flynn and Daniel Woodrell, a dark, gripping debut novel of literary suspense about two mysterious disappearances, a generation apart, and the meaning of family-the sacrifices we make, the secrets we keep, and the lengths we will go to protect the ones we love. The Dane family's roots tangle deep in the Ozark Mountain town of Henbane, but that doesn't keep sixteen-year-old Lucy Dane from being treated like an outsider. Folks still whisper about her mother, a bewitching young stranger who inspired local myths when she vanished years ago. When one of Lucy's few friends, slow-minded Cheri, is found murdered, Lucy feels haunted by the two lost girls-the mother she never knew and the friend she couldn't protect. Everything changes when Lucy stumbles across Cheri's necklace in an abandoned trailer and finds herself drawn into a search for answers. What Lucy discovers makes it impossible to ignore the s

Three Broken Promises: A Novel (One Week Girlfriend Quartet) Synopsis: Commitment. That’s what I really want from Colin. Ever since my brother, Danny, died in Iraq, Colin’s done so much to help me, including giving me a job at his popular restaurant so I can leave my crappy waitressing job at the strip joint. But lying in bed with him every night to comfort him from his horrible nightmares isn’t enough anymore. I know he feels guilty about Danny’s death, about not going to Iraq, but I can’t keep living this double life.  I love him desperately, but he’s got so many demons, and if he can’t open up to me now, then he’ll never be the real partner I need him to be. I gave him a month, and now I’m out of here. If he truly loves me like he says, he knows where to find me. Review: I remembered enjoying One Week Boyfriend more than I thought I would. When I realized there were now more books in this series (I read OWB a while ago) I had to check them out. I really enjoyed T

Sierra Synopsis: Alyssa Fontaine’s life, loved ones—everything familiar and dear—are brutally taken from her.  Taken captive by two men, she endures a horrific nightmare. A new life is forced upon her and even a new name.  Just when it appears that no hope is in sight, she is saved by an unlikely twist of fate. Trapped in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, life will open its arms to her again and she will embrace it. She will find love such as she never knew existed.  Sierra is a heart-wrenching story of the power of the human spirit to survive amidst impossible circumstances and severe losses. It is a story of survival . . . and hope. Review: I started reading Sierra and thought wait a minute...Did I really enjoy the other books I have read by this author? I remember loving For Nick , but did I really? The writing for most of this book was really not good for me. I read some of the amazing reviews this book has and it seems like most people feel this is

This Same Earth: Elemental Mysteries Book Two Synopsis: Beatrice De Novo thought she had left the supernatural world behind…for the most part. But when the past becomes the present, will she leave her quiet life in Los Angeles to follow a mystery she thought had abandoned her? Where has Giovanni Vecchio been, and why has he returned? Giovanni has his own questions, and he’s looking to her for answers. The sequel to A Hidden Fire will reunite Beatrice and Giovanni to continue their search through the past while both wrestle with the future. When the world as you knew it has changed forever, is there any way you can turn back? This Same Earth is the second book in the Elemental Mysteries series. It is a paranormal romance/mystery for adult readers. Review: Man I am glad I am done with this book. This Same Earth was not for me. I didn't really like A Hidden Fire , but when it ended I thought it was alright so I started This Same Earth . I then proceeded to read

It is here! The follow up to Neanderthal Seeks Human is here! More Janie and Quinn to love! This one, Neanderthal Marries Human , might be even better than the first, though it was for sure more emotional. The first book, and the other books by Penny Reid, are pretty hilarious, but this one was funny and sad and sweet and everything all rolled into one. I almost cried numerous times. Loved it. Amazing. Go get this book now! But read Neanderthal Seeks Human first if you haven't already. Love love love Janie and Quinn! Look for my full review coming soon. Synopsis: There are three things you should know about Quinn Sullivan: 1) He is madly in love with Janie Morris, 2) He’s not above playing dirty to get what (or who) he wants, and 3) He doesn’t know how to knit. After just five months of dating Janie, Quinn—former Wendell and unapologetic autocrat—is ready to propose marriage. In fact, he’s more than ready. If it were up to Quinn, he would efficiently propose, ma

A Hidden Fire: Elemental Mysteries Book One Synopsis: "No secret stays hidden forever." A phone call from an old friend sets Dr. Giovanni Vecchio back on the path of a mystery he'd abandoned years before. He never expected a young librarian could hold the key to the search, nor could he have expected the danger she would attract. Now he and Beatrice De Novo will follow a twisted maze that leads from the archives of a university library, through the fires of Renaissance Florence, and toward a confrontation they never could have predicted. A Hidden Fire is a paranormal mystery/romance for adult readers. It is the first book in the Elemental Mysteries Series. Review: A Hidden Fire was recommended by someone in my book club. Others read it and loved it so I thought I would give it a try. I wish I wouldn't have. It was so boring, though by the end it had gotten better. At least something happened at the end. B works in the rare books department of t

A Cat Called Cupid: A Romantic Comedy Novella Synopsis: Cupid the Cat is fed up with his Lady, Ann. She has no taste in men. Her current boyfriend reeks of cologne, is deliberately careless with his feet, and openly states that dogs are fundamentally superior to cats. However, Craig, Cupid and Ann's human neighbor, is practically perfect. He’s handy with a can opener, he politely steps around napping felines, and he never ever turns up the stereo to earsplitting decibels. It also doesn’t hurt that Craig and his cute Siamese lady-cat come as a package deal.  The way to a cat’s heart may be a can of tuna, but Cupid’s having a little trouble figuring out the key to human relationships. Helping Craig win Ann’s heart proves to be an unexpected challenge. Cupid will have to employ all of his feline wiles to purge the place of the odious cat-hating boyfriend and ensure a happily-ever-after for Craig and Ann. Review: A Cat Called Cupid was a cute, quick read. Cupid's

Breathe (Sea Breeze) Synopsis: In the shore town of Sea Breeze, Sadie discovers that fame is nothing in the face of passion. A steamy read from bestselling author Abbi Glines. Sadie White’s summer job is at the beach, but she won’t be working as a lifeguard. Since her mom is pregnant and refuses to work, Sadie will be taking over as a domestic servant for a wealthy family on a nearby island. When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie were normal—if she hadn’t spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house—maybe she’d be excited about working for a rock star. But she’s not. Even though Sadie isn’t impressed by Jax’s fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax, but he fights his attraction: Relationships never work in his world, and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. Yet as the

Until Nico (Until Series Book 4) Synopsis: Sophie Grates has never had it easy, but she’s finding her way through life one step and one day at a time. That is, Until Nico comes in and flips her world upside-down. He forces her to see you cannot live life from the outside looking in, and sometimes you have to step out onto the ledge so you can really enjoy the view.  Nico Mayson knew the moment he saw Sophie Grates that she was the one. His whole life, he has been judged by what’s on the outside, so finding a beautiful woman who sees the real him only makes his feelings that much stronger.  Nico knows the kind of man he is, and the things he is capable of, and he will do everything in his power to help Sophie fight her demons so they can have their happily ever after. Everything in life worth having is worth fighting for. Review: Until Nico is another great book by Aurora Rose Reynolds. I just love all of the Mayson boys and their big, over possessive, caveman alph

Until Trevor (Until Series Book 2) Synopsis: Trevor Mayson had his life planned out - make the family business successful and play the field for a few more years before eventually settling down. Then he sees her. Liz Hayes was beautiful, shy and everything that he could ever want...but she didn't fit into his plans. After Trevor painfully rejects her, Liz finally starts to move on, but Trevor is finding it difficult to truly let her go. It seems the more he tries to stay away, the more intense his feelings for her become. Like a stretched rubber band, he can only take so much before snapping.  Liz Hayes is done waiting for Trevor and isn't interested in getting her heart broken by him again, but Trevor is making it difficult for her to forget him when he shoves his way back into her life.  Can Trevor prove to her that he is worth falling in love with again, and is he ready to change his life plan to let her into his heart? Review: Man oh man. I thought Ash

Coulda Been a Cowboy Synopsis: Grandpa Garnier used to say, "Love is like a bucking bronco. It takes guts and determination to hang on, but it's worth the ride. " If only Grandpa was around now to help Tyson Garnier out of this mess. The famous pro football player is suddenly saddled with a very public scandal-- and an illegitimate child. Tyson needs a good nanny "now" if he's going to salvage his career. And plain, no-nonsense Dakota Brown is the ideal candidate. Dakota doesn't care for football-- or for a man who doesn't seem to want his own son. But she needs this job, and that precious little baby needs "her." Dakota isn't Tyson's kind of woman. But the more he sees of her-- and the more he sees of his son-- the harder he wants to hang on. Review: Coulda Been A Cowboy is the first book by Brenda Novak I have read. It was an alright read, I enjoyed it for the most part. Tyson is a pro football player w

Until November (Until series Book 1) Synopsis: November is looking forward to getting to know her father and the safety of a small town. After leaving the Big Apple and her bad memories for Tennessee, November starts working for her dad at his strip club doing the books. The one time she’s allowed there during club hours she runs into Asher Mayson. He’s perfect until he opens his mouth and makes assumptions. November wants nothing to do with Asher but too bad for November, fate has other plans.  Asher Mayson has never had a problem getting a woman, that is until November. Now all he can think about is making November his and keeping her safe.   Review: Until November is the second book in this series I have read, even though it is really the first book. Man did I love November and Asher. Aurora Rose Reynolds sure knows how to write an alpha male in such a way that I don't care about the things I would normally care about. It is amazing. The whole girls need pro

Until Lilly: Until Lilly (Until Series Book 3) Synopsis: When Cash Mayson was forced to choose between the love of his life and his unborn child, he knew exactly what he had to do. No matter how broken it left him.  When Lilly Donovan was forced to accept that the guy she loved wasn’t who she thought he was and became a single mother, she knew exactly what she had to do. Proving just how strong she was.  What happens when years later you find out that everything you thought you knew was a lie?  Can two people who once loved each other overcome the obstacles that are thrown at them and fall in love all over again? Cash Mayson had forgotten how it felt to be loved Until Lilly came back into his life. And now that he remembers, he will do everything within his power to keep not only the woman that he loves, but also his children.  The power of love is a beautiful thing. Review: I didn't realize Until Lilly was the third book in a series until after I

Ender's Game: 1 (The Ender Quintet) Synopsis: In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn't make the cut—young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training. Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he

Love Notes Synopsis: How do you cope when the people you care for hurt you the most? When the way you feel on the outside, smothers you on the inside. And when you are left to face your demons alone, will you learn that only you have the power to overcome them? Charlie has never had it easy. Between the constant moving and the incessant fat comments and jokes from her father, her self-worth is nonexistent. Her reflection in the mirror shows her nothing but a plain Jane. Music is the only thing that keeps her sanity in check. Charlie catches the eye of the town star quarterback, Maverick. With her curves, her brunette hair, and the voice of an angel, Maverick has never met anyone like her. Everything that is different about Charlie just makes Maverick like her more. Unfortunately, Charlie doesn’t see it herself. Proving it to her may deem harder than he thinks, especially when tragedy strikes and tears them apart. Now standing on her own two feet she may final