Jen in Bookland

Erased Synopsis: There’s that moment – you know the moment – when you emerge from sub-consciousness and enter full awareness. Now imagine reaching that moment with a pounding head, throbbing body, hospital ID band around your wrist, and no memory. No idea why you hurt the way you do, or how you got where you are. No clue what your own name is, or who the people next to you are. I’m seventeen-year-old Ryan Farnsworth, and that’s what happened to me. Now I have to walk a mile in my own, unfamiliar shoes; view myself through the eyes of a perfect stranger; live the life a former me chose. I also need to figure out why that former me tried to kill me. Review: Erased was such a surprisingly good read. I thought the idea sounded interesting and right from the first page I was hooked. I loved that it was written from a guys point of view. It was just a really great book about Ryan becoming the guy he has always wanted to be and reconciling/fixing who he used to be. The main ...

Her Best Friend's Brother Synopsis: Libby has been in love with Tony Marchetti since she was seven years old. The problem? Tony is her best friend's older brother. Lately Tony has started looking at her in a new way and he emails her all the time. Could it be possible that he is starting to see her as more than his kid sister's best friend?  Tony knows Libby McKay is off limits. She's his sister's best friend for crying out loud! But she is also smart, funny, and seriously hot. Plus she's not afraid to get a little sweaty-- on the track that is. Tony can't seem to help himself, besides what's a few emails? The occasional phone call? He can keep things light and friendly-- Can't he? Review: Phew, Her Best Friends Brother was a frustrating read. If Tony and Libby could have just talked there wouldn't be a story. If Tony wouldn't be so stupid there wouldn't be a story. It was just a bit much at times and you just are like o...

The Stranger Beside You (A Thriller) Synopsis: How well do you really know the person in bed beside you? Brynn Nelson is living the American dream. She has a nice home in the suburbs, a husband working on Wall Street, and two fabulous kids. But when the FBI rings the doorbell at midnight, storming her home and arresting her husband Tom for murder, her peaceful world is shattered. When Tom is killed under mysterious circumstances within hours of his arrest, Brynn finds herself following a trail of cryptic clues planted by Tom himself. Soon it's clear that her husband was leading a secret life, and now those same secrets threaten to kill her next. Review: The Stranger Beside You started off really good, but once you started to find out what was happening and why it was just a bit much for me. It didn't really seem like something someone would do, especially not the characters I saw in the book. It was just a bit unrealistic for me and it made the book no...

White Noise Synopsis: A brilliant satire of mass culture and the numbing effects of technology, White Noise tells the story of Jack Gladney, a teacher of Hitler studies at a liberal arts college in Middle America. Jack and his fourth wife, Babette, bound by their love, fear of death, and four ultramodern offspring, navigate the rocky passages of family life to the background babble of brand-name consumerism. Then a lethal black chemical cloud, unleashed by an industrial accident, floats over their lives, an "airborne toxic event" that is a more urgent and visible version of the white noise engulfing the Gladneys—the radio transmissions, sirens, microwaves, and TV murmurings that constitute the music of American magic and dread. Review: I originally read White Noise in college for an english class I took. I remembered enjoying it so when it was the pick for book club this month I was excited to re-read it. I didn't remember the story (it has been about 13 y...

Scoring Wilder Synopsis: What started out as a joke— seduce Coach Wilder—soon became a goal she had to score.  With Olympic tryouts on the horizon, the last thing nineteen-year-old Kinsley Bryant needs to add to her plate is Liam Wilder. He's a professional soccer player, America's favorite bad-boy, and has all the qualities of a skilled panty-dropper. • A face that makes girls weep – check.  • Abs that can shred Parmesan cheese (the expensive kind) – check.  • Enough confidence to shift the earth’s gravitational pull – double check. Not to mention Liam is strictly off limits . Forbidden. Her coaches have made that perfectly clear. (i.e. “Score with Coach Wilder anywhere other than the field and you’ll be cut from the team faster than you can count his tattoos.”) But that just makes him all the more enticing…Besides, Kinsley's already counted the visible ones, and she is not one to leave a project unfinished. Kinsley tries to play the game her...

Valkyrie Rising Synopsis: Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there.  What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them. Deadly legends, hidden ide...

Kissing Kendall: A Maritime City Novel (Entangled Bliss) Synopsis: Kendall Grisbaum is finally taking charge of her life—pouring her heart into opening a new bakery business and even allowing her best friend Georgie to play matchmaker for her. Trouble is, the one guy she secretly wants is Georgie’s older brother, Brad, who is decidedly off limits. Brad can’t seem to get his little sister’s best friend out of his mind. He and Kendall used to be close friends, too, and as a local policeman, Brad can’t help but play protector, looking out for Kendall. When he offers to help her renovate her new bakery space on the side, their friendship—and their attraction—flares back to life. Amid the temptation of doughnut muffins and blueberry cobbler, a new temptation draws them both closer. Can they take a chance on love when it means risking their friendship, even when not doing so risks everything? Review: Can I just start by saying thank you to the author for writing a boo...

Cruiser (Cruiser & Lex, Book 1) Synopsis: Lex is the girl of Cruiser’s dreams. But his twin brother got to her first.  I’ve got a million voices telling me why I shouldn’t kiss her. She’s Rey’s girl and off limits. He’s been good to her. I know he will continue to be good to her. Look out for her, protect her. Lex’s been good to him, too. Only a jerk would try to break them up, and I’m no jerk.  But dammit, I want her. Review: Cruiser was a bit frustrating at times. Lex was annoying at times, but she is also a teenager so...I don't know. it was a bit too much drama for me and too much wishy washy emotions. Cruiser, Rey, and Lex have always been best friends. Lex has always been closer to Cruiser, but then there was an accident involving Lex's sister that leaves the sister in a wheelchair and Lex blames Cruiser. Since Lex shut him out, and he is the "bad" son, he goes away for a bit. When he comes back Lex and Rey are an item, and Cruiser tri...

Forecast: Shakespeare Sisters Synopsis: The Shakespeare women were what the locals of Greenwich Village called “gifted.” Sure, Rowie’s predictions were helpful for forecasting the weather or finding someone’s lost grandkid. But when it came to love, her abilities were more like a curse. Why bother dating a guy if you knew at the first kiss he was destined for some blonde from New Jersey? Nope, Rowie was much happier bringing together the people she knew were a perfect match. Until the day she kissed the man whose future she couldn’t foresee. Review: Forecast was a cute read. I enjoyed the main characters and it was just fun. Rowie is psychic just like the rest of the women in her family. She helps her grandmother run their store, though she wants more from her life. She doesn't want to be stuck there forever, something her grandmother doesn't understand. Her mother has always had her head in the clouds a bit and never got over her father (who her mother had ...

Four Years Later: A Novel (One Week Girlfriend Quartet Book 4) Synopsis: New Adult bestselling author Monica Murphy winds up her sensational series with this sexy story of two college kids with nothing in common but a bunch of baggage and a burning attraction. Over. That about sums up everything in my life. Suspended from my college football team and forced to cut back my hours at The District bar because of my crappy grades, I can’t keep turning to my sister, Fable, and her pro-football playing husband, Drew, to bail me out. I just can’t seem to find my own way. Weed and sex are irresistible temptations—and it’s messed up that I secretly hand over money to our junkie mom. A tutor is the last thing I want right now—until I get a look at her. Chelsea is not my type at all. She’s smart and totally shy. I’m pretty sure she’s even a virgin. But when she gives me the once over with those piercing blue eyes, I’m really over. But in a different way. I won’t deny her ass is ...

Just for Fun (Escape to New Zealand Book 4) Synopsis: What if the person who broke your heart turned out to be the only one who could mend it?  Nic Wilkinson is a responsible, organized, disciplined rugby player at the top of his game. Emma Martens is a sometimes-scattered, often-emotional, and always-broke would-be designer with a big chip on her shoulder where Nic's concerned.  They have no history together, except one perfect week. Nothing in common anymore, except the most important thing of all. Getting together again would be messy. Complicated. Scary. And, just maybe, worth every risk. Review: Just For Fun was a great read. I enjoyed it a lot more than the previous book, Just For Now. I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the dialogue, I loved the book. It was just a lot of fun! Nic and Emma shared one amazing week together 7 years ago, and they haven't seen or spoken to each other since. Nic promised to call, but never did. His...

Just For Now (Escape to New Zealand Book 3) Synopsis: There's no place like home . . . For teacher Jenna McKnight, nothing spells "heartbreak" like finding her husband with somebody else--in her bed. It's clearly time to reinvent herself. A new body, a new city, and a new job later, she's done just that. The beautiful Auckland villa isn't really her home, though. Finn Douglas and his kids aren't really her family, however much she wishes they were. And playing house can be a dangerous game. Rugby star Finn Douglas is just looking for a temporary nanny and housekeeper. Not a girlfriend, and definitely not a wife. He can't resist Jenna's cooking, it's true. Who knew he'd have so much trouble resisting her? He wants to do what's right for his kids. But waiting is so hard . . . Review: Just For Now is the third book on the Escape to New Zealand series. I remember enjoying the first two more than I thought I would so I...

Bet the House (Magnolia Bay Book 1) Synopsis: Willamena Dunn is having a lousy week. Not only is her baby sister about to marry into the family of Dunn-Right Preservation’s biggest professional rival, but the historic bungalow of her dreams has just been bought by the most infuriating (not to mention exceedingly handsome and notoriously wicked) man to ever hammer a nail in Magnolia Bay, Knox Loveless.   But when Knox offers her a wager she can’t refuse, a bet with the coveted bungalow as its prize, Willa is sure her bad luck might finally be turning around—until Knox surprises her with a passionate kiss, and suddenly all bets are off.  Could this be just another one of Knox Loveless’ games, or will two rivals finally surrender to a long-simmering attraction and declare a truce once and for all? Review: Bet the House was an annoying read for me. I really didn't like Willa and found her to be incredibly self centered and selfish and she just was kind of ter...

Because of Low (Sea Breeze Book 2) Synopsis: It’s steamy in the Gulf town of Sea Breeze. Physical attraction is the only way to beat the heat in this start to a series from bestselling, previously self-published author Abbi Glines. Playboy Cage owns the apartment, and he hosts a revolving door of people, in and out, at all times. Most of them are long-legged hot girls who are never there more than a night or two. When Cage’s new roommate, Marcus, enters the picture, he’s just looking to nurse a broken heart. But there’s one particular semi-frequent regular who catches his eye. Willow—“Low”—is the one Cage wants to marry. But the two of them are night and day, and Marcus can’t see how Low puts up with all of Cage’s womanizing. What she really needs is a real man....like good-looking and sensible Marcus. But that’s going to get real complicated and real messy—real fast. Review: I saw Because of Low on my Kindle and decided to re-read it as it has been a while. I di...

Until We Touch (Fool's Gold Book 15) Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery comes the story of secret desires finally fulfilled…  After a family tragedy, former football hero Jack McGarry keeps the world at arm's length—a challenge now that his PR firm has moved to neighborly Fool's Gold, California.  Larissa Owens knows where she stands—Jack sees her as just another one of the guys. No matter what her heart wishes, Jack's her boss, not her boyfriend. But then Larissa's big secret is revealed…by her mother!  When Jack discovers the truth about Larissa's feelings, her touch suddenly becomes tantalizing, and he's not sure he wants to resist. But if he gives in to desire, heartache is sure to follow. Friendship or true love—will Jack go for the ultimate play? Review: Until We Touch was another great Fool's Gold read. It was hot and fun and I really enjoyed it. The issues at the end seemed a lot darker tha...

Falling For Her Fiance (Accidentally In Love Book 1) Synopsis: Danielle and Wes have been best friends since college, so when Wes needs a date for his sister’s wedding and Dani needs a partner for her company’s retreat, they devise the perfect plan: a fake engagement to get through both events unscathed. Adrenaline-junkie Wes can prove to both his ex and his family that he’s well and truly moved on, and serious-minded Dani can prove to her boss that she’s worthy of the promotion he seems to only want to give to a family-oriented employee. But amid the fake swoons, fake kisses, and forced proximity, neither expects the very real feelings that develop. There’s nothing more dangerous than falling for your best friend…but what if the landing is worth the fall? Review: Falling for Her Fiance was a very frustrating book, but not in a bad way. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the story since I thought it would just be a cheesy summer romance. Dani and West have be...

Wild Cards Synopsis: After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek’s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else’s family drama. Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain--people you care about leave without a backward glance. A football scholarship would finally give her the chance to leave. So she pours everything into winning a state championship, until her boyfriend and star quarterback betrays them all by joining their rival team. Ashtyn needs a new game plan, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and win it all? Review: Note: On Amazon this book is listed as Be...

First Ink (Wicked Ink Chronicles Book 1) Synopsis: Rush Women in his bed, celebs and rockers in his chair and a killer bank account at his disposal, life is pretty freaking swell. Then she walks back into it again. With her mismatched eyes, perfect pink mouth and a laugh that still haunts him, she gave him nothing but marvelous misery. Now she wants his hands on her again. Not for pleasure, but for pain. For Ink. A bleeding heart to match the one she left him with five years ago. Addison She can’t forget him. No matter how hard she’s tried. The pain she caused him in the past eats at her daily, and she can’t move on with her life. But she has a plan, a hope for redemption – a way for him to take his revenge out on her flesh. But it’ll only work if he lets her inside his exclusive world, under his famous artist’s needle and into his bed—and heart-once again. Review: I didn't realize First Ink was a novella when I started reading it. If you follow my review...

If you have been following my reviews recently you know that I read the Until Series by Aurora Rose Reynolds and love love loved it! Assumption, her next book and first in a new series, comes out September 5th! This will be Kenton's story who we did meet in the Until series. So so so excited!! September 5th can't come soon enough! And without further adieu the cover! Synopsis: as·sump·tion: a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof They say when you assume that you make an ass out of you and me. Kenton Mayson learned this lesson firsthand when he made assumptions about Autumn Freeman and the kind of woman she is based on what little information he had. What he finds out is she’s not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, a fighter, and exactly the kind of woman he wants to share his life with. Autumn made assumptions of her own about Kenton, and now he needs to prove her wrong in order to protect her and their future. ...