Book Review: Three Bells, Two Bows and One Brother's Best Friend by Willa Nash

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Three Bells, Two Bows and One Brother's Best Friend
Holiday Brothers #2

Author: Willa Nash
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: 4th November 2021
Review Source: Purchased

I pride myself in being grounded. Sure, I’ve had my share of childhood fantasies. Winning an Oscar. Winning the lottery. Winning an Olympic medal for an athletic talent I have yet to discover. But the only fantasy I ever thought might actually happen was winning my brother’s best friend.

Heath Holiday.

My crush on him has ebbed and flowed over the years, but the day I started working for his construction company was the day I smothered it for good. Sort of. Mostly. It was on my to-do list. Making it a priority would have been easier had he not arrived at his family’s annual Christmas party looking ridiculously handsome in a suit.

Then he kissed me. We stepped into an alternate universe and he kissed me. I assumed the next day I’d just be Guy’s little sister again. The office newbie. Our kiss forgotten. Except he keeps showing up at my house. With gifts.

A gold bracelet carrying three jingling bells. Two dainty jeweled earrings, each shaped as a bow. And finally, he brought himself.

One brother’s best friend, asking if I can keep a secret.

This installment has one of my favourite tropes - the falling-for-my-brother’s-best-friend trope, which, in my opinion, is always a good addition to any book. Stella had a crush on Heath since way back when, and now they’re both finally doing something about it.

For a while their romance sizzles in secret, Stella and Health fearful of her brother’s reaction (who, by the way, is a bit of a douche) and now things are a little bit more complicated since they work together. I really enjoyed reading their journey.

Honestly, Stella was the shining star of this book. Her quirky personality made her my favourite character from this series (alongside Violet from The Naughty, The Nice and The Nanny). She had the best sense of humour. Here’s a small snippet to show you what I mean:

“Thank you. I know he’s going to be as mad as a hater but . . . he’ll get over it.”
“You’re welcome.” A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. This woman and her messed-up sayings. “And it’s as mad as a hatter.”
“I know. But—”
“You like your version better.”
“Yeah. Haters gonna hate.”
“You got that one right.”

Three Bells, Two Bows and One Brother's Best Friend is a cute, fun read with hot sex and a pinch of tension mixed in. After reading it injected a feel good mood and I'm here for it!

Giveaway: The New Hunger: A Warm Bodies Novella by Isaac Marion

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The New Hunger

A Warm Bodies Novella

Written by Isaac Marion

Release Date: October 6th 2015

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books

 

The must-read prequel to the “strange and unexpected” (Audrey Niffenegger) and “highly original” (Seattle Times) zombie love story Warm Bodies—the New York Times bestseller and inspiration for the hit film—from the critically acclaimed author whose clever debut turned the classic horror story on its head.

The end of the world didn’t happen overnight.

After years of societal breakdowns, wars and quakes and rising tides, humanity was already near the edge. Then came a final blow no one could have expected: all the world’s corpses rising up to make more.

Born into this bleak and bloody landscape, twelve-year-old Julie struggles to hold on to hope as she and her parents drive across the wastelands of America, a nightmarish road trip in search of a new home.

Hungry, lost, and scared, sixteen-year-old Nora finds herself her brother’s sole guardian after her parents abandon them in the not-quite-empty ruins of Seattle.

And in the darkness of a forest, a dead man opens his eyes. Who is he? What is he? With no clues beyond a red tie and the letter “R,” he must unravel the grim mystery of his existence—right after he learns how to think, how to walk, and how to satisfy the monster howling in his belly. The New Hunger is a glimpse of the past and a path to an astonishing future…

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Zombies, we all know about them and nowadays with all the different books, movies and TV shows that have depicted a Zombie, we are confused. Why confused, well because what we originally grew up thinking was a "Zombie", has evolved with the times. Now a Zombie can be faster than a human (World War Z) or even sexy like in the Warm Bodies film played by Nicholas Hoult. The concept is still an undead creature but Zombies are not your grandmother's zombies anymore.

Walking Dead fans will probably argue and say the Zombies in the show are a true form of a Zombie and probably the majority of people will agree. Just imagine what a Zombie will look like in another 10 years. Look how Vampires have involved too.

So here at OUaT, a few of us shared a picture that we took from the world wide web of what we considered to be a Zombie.

What about you? Share with us what your ideal Zombie looks like in the comment section below.

Here is what OUaT's Shannon H. shared:

Basically, I think The Walking Dead hit the nail on the head with zombies. Slow and forced movements, the decaying of their discoloured skin with each day that passes because they are, in fact, dead. The moaning and groaning because that's all they know. My true interpretation of zombies are vicious and animalistic with no chance of redemption. I like my zombies very much on the horror side of the scale!

Here is a picture that OUaT's Bri shared:

Bri is on the same page as Shannon H. 

And here is what I (Yara) believe to be a true form of a Zombie:

Yes, I did choose the Zombies from Michael Jackson's Thriller video. This was my first experience on what a Zombie was, so needless to say what I saw as a child has stuck with me now as an adult. Plus they danced!!! LOL! (I don't like gory anything)

Thanks for reading along, remember to leave us a comment with what is your ideal type of Zombie. Now here is the perk that comes with this post. 

We are giving away 2 copies of Isaac Marion's soon to be released novella The New Hunger: A Warm Bodies Novella. Perfect timing, just before Halloween. This giveaway is for US residents only. The giveaway is provided by Atria books. 

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Book Blitz: Beautiful Beloved | Christina Lauren | Exclusive Playlist | Giveaway

We are thrilled to share with you all this release day blitz for Beautiful Beloved written by Christina Lauren. 

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Beautiful Beloved

Beautiful Bastard #7 (#3.6)

Author: Christina Lauren

Release Date: February 2nd 2015

Publisher: Gallery Books | Pocket Books

The seventh work in the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling series that started with the Beautiful Bastard, Beautiful Stranger, and Beautiful Player novels. Featuring all the Beautiful characters…plus one tiny new addition to the group.

In Beautiful Stranger, finance whiz Sara Dillon met the irresistibly sexy Brit, Max Stella, at a New York City club. Through the series we’ve watched them learn to balance commitment with their less than private brand of playfulness. In Beautiful Beloved, Max and Sara take it to the next step. But the question is: Will they be able to find a balance between the wild sexcapades they aren’t ready to retire, and the demands of parenthood that come along with their new Beautiful bundle of joy? Parenthood: it’s not for the weak of heart.

Did you miss our 4.5 trees review of Beautiful Beloved yesterday? CLICK HERE to read it.

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Beautiful Beloved Playlist from Christina Lauren

Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

Newborn – Elbow
Say Yes – Elliott Smith
One Red Thread – Blind Pilot
She Came Along to Me – Billy Bragg & Wilco
3x5 – John Mayer
I Will Possess Your Heart – Death Cab for Cutie
Burn – Ellie Goulding
The Violet Hour – The Civil Wars

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Once again the amazing team at Gallery Books is offering one winner in the US a eBook copy of Beautiful Beloved and a paperback copy of The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy: Second Edition. Just enter below and the normal terms and conditions apply.

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Cover Reveals: Maybe Not | Fifty Shades of Grey Movie Tie-In | The Recovery

There have been quite a few cover reveals in the bookish world lately. 

Here are a few that stand out to us.

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Maybe Not: A Novella

Author: Colleen Hoover

Release Date: November 24th 2014

Publisher: Atria Books

Colleen Hoover, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe Someday, brilliantly brings to life the story of the wonderfully hilarious and charismatic Warren in a new novella, Maybe Not.

When Warren has the opportunity to live with a female roommate, he instantly agrees. It could be an exciting change.

Or maybe not.

Especially when that roommate is the cold and seemingly calculating Bridgette. Tensions run high and tempers flare as the two can hardly stand to be in the same room together. But Warren has a theory about Bridgette: anyone who can hate with that much passion should also have the capability to love with that much passion. And he wants to be the one to test this theory.

Will Bridgette find it in herself to warm her heart to Warren and finally learn to love?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

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Fifty Shades of Grey Movie Tie-In Edition

Fifty Shades Trilogy
Author: E. L. James

Release Date: January 6th 2015

Publisher: Vintage

SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

This book is intended for mature audiences.

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The Recovery 

The Program series

Author: Suzanne Young
Release Date: February 24th 2015

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Digital Sales

Six months after the fall of The Program, ex-handler Michael Realm is struggling with his guilt. After all, he was instrumental in erasing the memories of several patients—including one he claimed to love. With a lifetime of regret stretched before him, Realm vows to set things right.

Along with his friend, James Murphy, Realm will track down those he’s hurt in an attempt to give them back their lives—starting with Dallas Stone. He’s not looking for forgiveness or redemption; he’s not a hero. But Realm hopes that with each recovered past, he’ll be able to reclaim a small bit of his own.

Book Review: Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh

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Rock Courtship
Rock Kiss #1.5
Author: Nalini Singh
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 30th 2014
Review Source: TKA Distribution | NetGalley

What happens when the Gentleman of Rock decides to play dirty?

A drummer for the hottest rock band on the planet, David has a single, powerful weakness: Thea, the band's publicist and the woman who steals his breath away with her every move.

Only problem is, Thea doesn't date clients--or musicians. Emotionally scarred by a cheating ex, she's not about to risk her heart with a man who has groupies buzzing around him like flies. Even if his sexy smile ties her up in knots.

What she doesn't know is that David is a one-woman man...and he's madly in love with her. David's determined to prove he's worth the risk, and willing to court her, step by exquisite step. Thea's about to discover just how long and hard this handsome drummer can play.

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

Note: you don’t have to read book 1 in order to understand this novella. I haven’t read the first installment and I understood the storyline perfectly.

David is head over heels for Thea, a beautiful and strong woman who is also the band’s publicist. Thea doesn’t date clients or musicians and the scars from a ex’s betrayal are still running deep. She’s not interested but David isn’t giving in. He wants her and is willing to prove that he’s a risk she should take. 

“He wasn’t going this on a whim or to add a notch to his belt. 

He was gone for her.

Seriously head over heels.”

I love David. How could I not? Classed as the Gentleman of Rock and all. David showed me a different rockstar from what I’ve seen before, but that didn’t make him any less badass. He wasn’t afraid to kick some butt when his manhood was threatened, but his heart and differentiation from the rest of the band stood out, gave him his own identity and he’s the most likable rockstar I’ve ever read. And he had the perfect woman, too. Thea is a strong, kindhearted female with an awesome reputation. You mess with her clients or family and she’ll sink her teeth into you.  I found her admirable. I loved the characters as individuals and together.  At the end of the novel I found myself grinning like an idiot. David and Thea were such a cute couple.

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Click on the book cover to check out the 1st book in the Rock Kiss series.

Rock Addiction

Book Review: The Transfer by Veronica Roth

The Transfer
Divergent #0.1
Author: Veronica Roth
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian
Released: September 3rd 2013
Review Source: Purchased

More Four!
Fans of the Divergent series by No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth will be thrilled by ‘The Transfer’, the first of four new short stories told from Four’s perspective.

Each brief story explores the world of the Divergent series through the eyes of the mysterious but charismatic Tobias Eaton, revealing previously unknown facets of his personality, backstory and relationships.

We all want to know his story. We want him, we care for him and we all want to know every detail of his life. We all want to know more of Tobias ‘Four’ Eaton.

The Transfer was a beautiful and well written short story of Four’s childhood along with his toughest decision. We can better understand why Four is scared of his father and the reason behind his choice of picking Dauntless as home. We get to see life the way he sees it.

The story begins at the moment when Tobias emerge from the simulation. Asking if he is pleased with his result, Tory is the person that tells him that he is the one that has to live with the choices he makes.

Four grew up being scared of his monstrous father. Tobias’ father keeps him away from the others to protect his reputation. Tobias is the outcast at the Abnegation table. Everyone believes there is something wrong with him. No one suspect that his father is the one with the issue. While reading, I had flashbacks of ‘A Child Called It’. Poor Tobias, he survived such tragic childhood. His father is an abusive and manipulative individual. Tobias only hopes to be free from his father and this is when he becomes free – choosing Dauntless.

In this short story, we found out about his transfer to a new beginning. I cried during his transfer. Tobias was finally free from his father. “He looks stunned. I smirk a little. I did it, I put that expression on his face”. HE IS FREE! God, the happy tears soon comes to stop when his fellow initiates begin to test him. Tobias is soon nicknamed ‘Stiff’ for his lack of knowledge but is soon changed due to his results of the fear landscape simulation. “We should come up with another name for you… Something tougher than ‘Stiff’”. With a new record, Four gets the courage to stand up for himself, “My name is Four,” I say. “Call me ‘Stiff’ again and you will have a problem”. GOD FOUR IS BADASS. I cannot wait to learn more of him!

Cora Carmack's Keeping Her Preview Package!

Today we have some goodies to share with you all from the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack! 

Keeping Her: A LOSING IT Novella

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Mark your calendars because on Wednesday, June 26th Cora and Jay Crownover will be participating in a Goodreads chat. Plus on Thursday, June 27th Harper Collins will be hosting a FAKING IT book club on Cora's Facebook page from 3-4pm ET (12-1pm PT), you will be able to live chat with Cora about her book and ask her all your burning questions.

Preview Package: Cora Carmack's KEEPING HER by AvonBooks

Book Review: Play with Me by Piper Shelly

Play with Me
Author: Piper Shelly
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: December 8th 2012
Review Source: Purchased
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Ryan Hunter's parties are legend. And tonight she's going to be there.

Liza Matthews anticipates the return of her best friend and only love since kindergarten from soccer camp. But when Tony finally shows up, his mind is more focused on another girl. And worse, she's a soccer player. Fighting for the attention Liza craves, she's just a hairbreadth away from making a very stupid decision. But when extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, she's prepared to play ball to get her man.

The tryouts are hell, the first match ends bloody, and the morning after the selection party she wakes up in the worst place possible—in the arms of the captain of the soccer team. The hottest guy in school. Ryan Hunter.

First off I want to say that I absolutely loved this novella. It was an easy read and I never felt bored at all. It made me feel like a teenager all over again. Piper did a wonderful job and I look forward to reading more of her works.

The story starts off with Liza awaiting her best friend to come home from soccer camp. She is very much in love with her best friend, Tony. They are neighbors and have been inseparable since kindergarten. Liza even fantasizes about her name with his last name. So cute!! He finally gets home but Liza soon finds out he is interested in another girl. She ends up joining the soccer team to spend more time with Tony since the captain of the team is taking away her valuable time with her best friend. It started off great, she made the team! But why? She has never played soccer before; she always was on the sidelines watching, Tony. All the sudden Liza was asked to go to Ryan Hunter’s house, he threw the biggest parties but they were always invite only parties and frankly Liza never was invited. Tony ended up taking her to the party only to leave her to fend for herself while he was off with Chloe, the new girl. Liza finds herself being perused if you will by Ryan and ends up waking the next morning next to him in his bed. Whew, I literally loved this moment! The fact that Liza started to have a liking to Ryan made Tony quite jealous, and the fact that Tony was Liza’s best friend made Ryan quite jealous as well. Who will Liza end up with?

In all, this novella was amazing and I am looking forward to reading more like it. Like I said before it was an easy read, very cute. I would say it’s more for the older young adult crowd only because of the sexual innuendos. It definitely made me feel whatever Liza was feeling whether it is embarrassed or shy, I really love when a book can give you the chills or make you blush. I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation to what was going to happen next and couldn’t stop reading. The ups and downs of this story were spectacular.

Book Review: Elixir by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Elixir
A Covenant Novella #3.5
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal/Mythology
Released: November 27th 2012
Review Source: Purchased
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex.

Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for. 

Even if it means making war against the gods.

This is exactly what I needed right after reading Deity. I needed to know what was going to happen to Alex after she became the Apollyon and Elixir gave me a little peek – a little tease actually. LOL This series just keeps getting better and better with every book. I cannot wait to read Apollyon next! If you haven't read Deity, this review might spoil a little bit of the ending, so I suggest you read Deity ASAP!

Elixir is in Aiden's POV. It starts up right where Deity left off – Alex finally waking up as the second Apollyon. If you loved Aiden before, you will absolutely adore him in Elixir. We finally get to see what Aiden is thinking and how he feels about Alex. You can tell he is head over heels for her. There is so much love and passion and Aiden has this guardian quality about him that is admirable. Simply Breathtaking. He will stand in front of anyone and I mean ANYONE to protect Alex. Even if that ANYONE is a God. Now that’s love. As you can tell by the title of the book, the Elixir is involved and it’s the only thing that can be used to break the bond between Seth and Alex. You will see two sides of Alex that will break your heart. Aiden is heartbroken and but still has hope that Alex will get through this. But can "hope" alone actually prevent a war and total destruction on earth from happening? I guess we will have to wait and see what happens.