Roomies by Christina Lauren ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@seeCwrite, @lolashoes, @HachetteAus)

What a fun read Roomies was... because, you know, Sexy Irishman! Calvin and Holland were fantastic together, and I had hopes that these two would fall hard!
Roomies
Title: Roomies
Author: Christina Lauren
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: December 5th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

Marriages of convenience are so…inconvenient.

Rescued by Calvin McLoughlin from a would-be subway attacker, Holland Bakker pays the brilliant musician back by pulling some of her errand-girl strings and getting him an audition with a big-time musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadway—until he admits his student visa has expired and he’s in the country illegally.

Holland impulsively offers to wed the Irishman to keep him in New York, her growing infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves from awkward roommates to besotted lovers, Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway. In the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting, what will it take for Holland and Calvin to realise that they both stopped pretending a long time ago?

If you didn't know by now, I'm a fan of the writing duo Christina Lauren, and I was super excited to get my hands on Roomies! I mean, who wouldn't want to marry an Irishman so he can stay in the country, and them you happen to fall for one another?! I tell you Roomies was a sweet and fun read that had plenty of swoonworthy moments that made my heart flutter!

I loved Holland! She seemed to be a little lost when it came to figuring out what she wanted to do with her life, but when an opportunity arose to help her uncle and Calvin, the young guitarist that she had a crush on, she took the chance! She was a very selfless person, and really looked out for those she was close to.

Calvin!! Oh my what a sweet hottie he turned out to be! He was talented, kind hearted and had a rocking body! He looked out for Holland and made her feel special. I could see that they were both slowly falling for one another, but were both a little scared to take the plunge... until they did!

Of course their story had plenty of hurdles, but they were able to work through most of them together. I loved how they married and then fell in love! It may have been backwards, but it was beautiful! I just wanted an epilogue... a little more of Holland and Calvin together again! I also liked seeing how close Holland was to her uncles, the musical ear that she had that brought Calvin into all of their lives, and how they both had family that they were close to. It really was a magnificent romance that I didn't want to end!

Complimentary copy provided by Hachette Australia in exchange for an honest review.


*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point.  So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***


I just had to share their first kiss... at the wedding. It was a little awkward, but sweet!

“Calvin, you may kiss your bride.”
I do a double take toward the officiant before I can help it. It never occurred to me that he would. That we would.
Calvin laughs a little at my wide eyes. “I promise to make it nice.”
It takes every bit of focus I have to remain upright. “I . . . believe. you.”
A tiny cocky grin curves his mouth. “If you can’t be good, at least be good at it.” His hand comes to rest at the back of my neck; his fingers thread into my hair. “So come here,” he whispers, licking his lower lip. As he leans in, I have to tip my head back to see him. His eyes are closed, his breathing even, and there’s a moment of hesitation where I know we're both thinking, This is it. We’re really doing this.
I bring my hand to rest on his chest and it's that solidness that spurs me on, has me closing the last bit of distance be- tween us. His lips are warm, smoother than I imagined, and tiny explosions travel along my body like a rush of caffeine filling my veins. It’s a perfect kiss, not too wet, not too soft, and I count to two before he pulls away, his forehead resting against mine. And just as I’m wondering whether he’ll ever kiss me again—unprompted—he whispers a sweet, nearly imperceptible “Thank you.”

Paperback Page 97
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Yes, there are two of us! Lauren (on the left) and Christina (on the right).

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced nine New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 23+ languages.

Lauren Billings (but everyone calls her Lo) has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and before she made writing her full-time job, would spend her days doing nerdy research-type things wearing a lab coat and goggles. She is silly Mommy to two littles, wife to one mountain biking homebrewing scientist, bestie to a shoe-stealer, and an unabashed lover of YA and romance.

Christina Hobbs (but you’ll always hear Lo call her PQ) used to spend her days in a junior high counseling office surrounded by teenagers. These days you’ll probably find her on tumblr. She is married and absolutely not old enough to be the mom of a 14 year old (right??), thinks she’s the luckiest person in the world to write books with her best friend, and is an unapologetic lover of boy bands and glitter. She also likes to steal Lo’s shoes.

You can follow their shenanigans at:

@lolashoes (Lauren) & @seeCwrite (Christina) on Twitter. On TumblrWhere we post kissing gifs and writerly stuff and Wattpad for short stories and sneak peeks!

For official information about their books, events, interviews, movie news and more, follow @christinalauren.

Website / Facebook / Twitter - ChristinaLauren 
Goodreads / WattPad / Tumblr / Pinterest




Other reviews featuring Christina Lauren
Beautiful series







Would you like me to add the link up code to this post, so you can add it to your own posts?
read more "Roomies by Christina Lauren ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@seeCwrite, @lolashoes, @HachetteAus)"

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@ChanelCleeton, @penguinrandom, @BerkleyRomance)

Here is my first review for 2018! 
I'm starting off with a book that is released tomorrow, Next Year in Havana. This is the first book in a new series by Chanel Cleeton, and I was pleasantly surprised as to how much I enjoyed it!
Next Year in Havana
Title: Next Year in Havana
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Genre: Historical Contemporary Romance
Published: February 6th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N iTunes Kobo

After the death of her beloved grandmother, a Cuban-American woman travels to Havana, where she discovers the roots of her identity--and unearths a family secret hidden since the revolution...

Havana, 1958. The daughter of a sugar baron, nineteen-year-old Elisa Perez is part of Cuba's high society, where she is largely sheltered from the country's growing political unrest--until she embarks on a clandestine affair with a passionate revolutionary...

Miami, 2017. Freelance writer Marisol Ferrera grew up hearing romantic stories of Cuba from her late grandmother Elisa, who was forced to flee with her family during the revolution. Elisa's last wish was for Marisol to scatter her ashes in the country of her birth.

Arriving in Havana, Marisol comes face-to-face with the contrast of Cuba's tropical, timeless beauty and its perilous political climate. When more family history comes to light and Marisol finds herself attracted to a man with secrets of his own, she'll need the lessons of her grandmother's past to help her understand the true meaning of courage.

Next Year in Havana was a read that really touched my heart. I loved that it was told through two perspectives: Marisol—present day—and her Great Grandmother Elisa—past. Although I've never been to Cuba, it was interesting to get their perspectives on a country where their people struggle daily, unless they are born into wealth.

Marisol was in Cuba so she could scatter her Grandmothers ashes. She met a lot of people that her Grandmother knew and saw a different side to Elisa, that left her wondering if she truly knew the person who raised her. She uncovered secrets, discovered some truths and allowed her heart to fall for someone when she least expected it.

I loved Elisa's perspective, seeing the difficulties she had to face and how politics dictated her life. She fell in love with a guy that her family would never approve of and was willing to put herself in danger to save him. She had to leave the only home she knew to begin again in a new country. I could never imagine how hard that would be!

I've read about 90% of Chanel Cleeton's work, and to be honest, I wasn't sure that I'd enjoy this one, so boy was I happy to be proven wrong! I loved both time-lines and was introduced to a lot of characters, some I can't wait to see more of. The romances were sweet and the story was addictive, even with the hint of danger on the horizon. I would've liked a little more of Marisol after she returned home, instead the ending felt a little rushed. I am looking forward to Beatriz's story (Elisa's sister). Being the carefree and deceptive sister, I'm sure it will be an entertaining ride!

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have two Quotes today. One featuring Elisa and Pablo, the other with Marisol and Luis!

Pablo takes my hand, his thumb stroking the inside of my wrist, teasing the soft skin there.
“You’re going to be difficult to walk away from, aren’t you?” he asks, his voice resigned.
My heart thuds.
“I hope so.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1510

My fingertips trail against the sea as it caresses my navel. I dive under the waves, and when I pop up again, Luis is there, his back to the sun, watching me.
It feels like a line of dominoes falling into place, like somehow I was meant to end up here, with the grandson of beloved family friends, my feet on Cuban soil, history catching up to me.
I take a step forward. Then another. I stop an inch away from Luis, and our lips meet, the salt from the sea between us, the smell of the ocean filling my nostrils, the sun warming his skin beneath my hands, his beard scratchy against my cheek.
Ages pass before we come up for air.

Kindle Arc Loc 2911

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Chanel CleetonOriginally from Florida, Chanel Cleeton grew up on stories of her family's exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England where she earned a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master's degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She loves to travel and has lived in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.





Other reviews featuring Chanel Cleeton
Wild Aces series
Into the Blue #2
On Broken Wings #3
Capital Confessions series
Flirting with Scandal #1
Playing with Trouble #2
Falling for Danger #3
International School series
read more "Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@ChanelCleeton, @penguinrandom, @BerkleyRomance)"

JANUARY WRAP-UP

 Hello Everyone! Welcome to 2018!!
I'm so happy to be back even though things have been hectic in the Hop Household. We are in the process of moving into a new house while we wait on our land to settle so we can build. The kiddos are excited for the change, and are keen to move into a brand new home (eventually!). 

So in between packing I've still had time to read. I gifted myself a box set for Christmas, and devoured it during the holidays. I read a few awesome books at the end on 2017. I've also read some books that I've had in the kindle app for a while. I'll be sharing all these reviews very soon!

I'm still working at the hospital, it's been a year now. I'm finding it hard to juggle blogging, work and family life. I don't always have enough time to blog, but I somehow manage time to read, if only in short spurts! 

The kiddos all began a new year of school this summer. Grades 7, 5 and 3! They are growing up so fast! 
Anyway, I hope to be around more, and I plan to get a lot of posts scheduled before we relocate in only 7 days! See you all soon!
These are the books I've picked up over the past month!
(Click on covers to take you to Goodreads)

The Selection Series 1-5 Book Set (The Selection, #1-5)
The Selection Series by Kiera Cass
This was my $10 gift to myself for Christmas!

Dating You / Hating YouRoomies
Dating You / Hating You and Roomies by Christina Lauren
Thanks to Hachette Australia for these fab reads!

Room Mates The Series
Room Mates (The Series) by Kendall Ryan
99c purchase at the end of 2017

The Dark Light of Day (The Dark Light of Day, #1)
The Dark Light of Day by T.M. Frazier
Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up is a combined meme with the Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book ReviewerBought, Borrowed and Bagged hosted by Braine @ Talk Supe and Stacking The Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.
read more "JANUARY WRAP-UP"

Happy Holidays & Life Wrap Up!

Hello everyone! I hope you had a great Christmas and I wish you all the best for 2018!!

Well, as you probably all see, I've been a little MIA lately, even though it kills me not to be hanging out and blogging. In January 2017 I landed a job at the local hospital which began as only a couple of shifts per fortnight. By mid year and being a reliable person, I was basically full time! I know it's a good thing, and I have a little time to read, but I lack time to blog. I try to get two posts a week up, but it's not always possible. I am also waaaayyyy behind on comments and visiting blogs. I'll to try and be a little more constant next year, but it will be hard.


So, what else have the family and I been up to? you may ask... well, we were busy with our sports, as usual. The boys played well in the finals, but were knocked out in the second last week. Hop (my husband), Joey (daughter) and I all made the Grand final and won! Mind you my game had to go into overtime as we came from behind to draw the match at the end of normal play, so it was touch and go there! 
Joey has finished primary school! Next year she begins high school and is starting to get excited! I thought I'd share a pic of her on the night she graduated. She is getting so tall, she's catching me!

Hop and I went to one of his cousin's weddings this year, and it was nice to get away and send time together without the kids tagging along. We had a good time with Hop's Dad, his brothers and their wives.
To top it all off halfway during the year we decided we might sell our little place here and get more land and a bigger house, so we gave the place a coat of paint and a good clean up. It took a few weeks but it was looking pretty good. We asked a friend in Real Estate to come out and take some pics (Thurs), the day after he came (Fri) they rang saying they wanted to bring someone through the following day (Sat), so by that afternoon we had an offer! Three whole days and it was sold! So, we will be busy packing in January as we need to be out mid Feb! 

So there it is! Life has been hectic and will continue to be so in 2018! I will still continue to blog where I can and as often as I can. I already have a few books that I've read in 2017, that will kick off 2018, but I may not schedule them until late Jan. I also managed to snag a few good reads for Christmas that I cannot wait to dive into!

Anyway peeps, I hope you all manage to bring 2018 in style! From my family to yours, be safe and I hope you have a happy and healthy 2018!

💙💚💝💛💜
Always
read more "Happy Holidays & Life Wrap Up!"

The Fifteenth Minute by Sarina Bowen ~ Audio book Review & Quote-tastic (@SarinaBowen)

I know! I'm on a Sarina Bowen binge at the moment, because I love each set of characters that she introduces! Lianne and DJ went through some difficult moments, but were amazing once they got together!
The Fifteenth Minute (The Ivy Years, #5)
Title: The Fifteenth Minute
Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: The Ivy Years #5
Narrators: Saskia Maarleveld and Chris Podehl
Genre: NA Sports Romance
Published: June 16th 2016 (first published October 13th 2015)

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible B&N Kobo

Freshman Lianne Challice is known to millions of fans as Princess Vindi. But sometimes a silver screen sorceress just wants to hang up her wand, tell her manager to shove it, and become a normal college student. Too bad that’s harder than it looks.

She’s never lived a normal life. She hasn’t been to school since kindergarten. And getting close to anyone is just too risky — the last boy she kissed sold the story to a British tabloid.

But she can’t resist trying to get close to Daniel "DJ" Trevi, the hot, broody guy who spins tunes for hockey games in the arena. Something's haunting his dark eyes, and she needs to know more.

DJ's genius is for expressing the mood of the crowd with a ten second song snippet. With just a click and a fade, he can spread hope, pathos or elation among six thousand screaming fans.

Too bad his college career is about to experience the same quick fade-out as one of his songs. He can't get close to Lianne, and he can't tell her why. And the fact that she seems to like him at all? Incredible.

After meeting Lianne in The Shameless Hour, I jumped into The Fifteenth Minute immediately! I fell in love with her, so I needed to get her story as soon as I could. She became such a great friend for Bella, and I could see chemistry blossoming between Lianne and DJ.

Lianne has had a sheltered life for a person who may've grown up in the spotlight. She was trying to lead a normal life by going to college and expanding her career but it was hard for her to fit in. She found some normalcy with her friend Bella but she enjoyed her time with DJ the most, when he wasn't avoiding her.

DJ had feelings for Lianne, but he had complications that made his life hard. He was fighting to remain in college and his family made things difficult for him too. He enjoyed his DJ job for the ice hockey and spending time with Lianne brightened his day.

I am continuing to love The Ivy Years series, and the complex characters that Sarina Bowen introduces in each book. Each story has been unique and leaves you wanting more. I enjoyed DJ and Lianne's story, it was sweet and intense despite her high profile. DJ helped Lianne with her lines, and Lianne gave DJ some faith that he could pull through his difficult time. I am looking forward to more stories form this world... or anything that Bowen produces!

OMG! These two were so perfect together! They had their tough times, but this here shows they deserve one another!

I sweep the pad of my thumb across her perfect cheekbone. Then she leans into my hand. It’s slight—almost imperceptible. But it’s there. A sign.
It’s a short journey to her mouth, but I say a little prayer along the way. Please.
On the first pass I’m still cautious. I take just a brush of her soft lips, landing on her jaw. She smells of berries, I think. Something sweet. I pause there, pressing a kiss to her skin, and she shivers. Then instinct kicks in. I slip my fingers to the nape of her neck and pull her closer to me. The warmth of her small body finds mine, and I have to kiss her. I turn my head a few degrees and find her soft mouth with my hungry one.
The noise she makes is a whimper. I kiss it away.

Kindle Arc Loc 40

Catching her chin in one hand, I tilt her face up to mine. She looks…embarrassed. But I don’t see why that should be. I kiss her perfect forehead, her sweet scent enveloping me once again. “Sure glad I came out for pizza tonight,” I whisper.
“Me too,” she breathes. “Um…” She gives herself a little shake. “I should go.”

Kindle Arc Loc 40

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Sarina BowenSarina Bowen is the USA Today bestselling author of steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction. She lives in the wilds of Vermont.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college. Also, the The Gravity series.

With Elle Kennedy, Sarina is the author of HIM and US.




Other reviews featuring Sarina Bowen
The Ivy Years series
True North series
Keepsake #3
Bountiful #4 
Other reviews featuring Sarina Bowen & Sarah Mayberry
Temporary
read more "The Fifteenth Minute by Sarina Bowen ~ Audio book Review & Quote-tastic (@SarinaBowen)"

Sweet as Sin by J.T. Geissinger ~ Audio book Review & Swoon Thursday (@JTGeissinger)

I decided that it was time to give the Bad Habit series a go! You know how much I enjoy reading about tough rockers! It was also about time I tried J.T. Geissinger, and I hope to read more of her work in the future.
Sweet as Sin
Title: Sweet as Sin
Author: J.T. Geissinger
Series: Bad Habit #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 14th 2015 by Brilliance Audio

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible B&N

For a feisty young woman and a rock star god, love and rock 'n' roll don't mix--they ignite.

Twenty-something Kat Reid is loving life as an in-demand Hollywood makeup artist. She has absolutely no interest in rock ’n’ roll, but in order to pay the mortgage, she agrees to work on the set of a rock video for the world-famous rockers known as Bad Habit…which brings her face-to-face with Nico Nyx, lead singer of Bad Habit and Adonis in the flesh.

However, the fiercely independent Kat isn’t impressed by the hard-living, womanizing rock star. But when Nico’s model girlfriend shows up to the set drunk and Kat is tapped to replace her as the video’s sexy bride, her combustible chemistry with Nico suddenly threatens to consume the set. Nico feels it, too—and becomes determined to win Kat over, body and soul. Yet behind his rock god swagger, Nico hides a dark secret. Can he rock Kat’s world forever, or will he just break her heart?

J.T. Geissinger is an author I've seen around for a while, and when I was browsing for my next audible read, I snapped this one up on sale! Who doesn't love a famous lead singer falling for an unsuspecting make up artist... who also happened to land the female lead in their next music video!

I loved Kat and how true she was. She stood up for a girl who was under the weather, even though she didn't know her. I liked that she was that kind of strong, confident woman. She caught Nico's eye and tried to keep him at arms length, but Nico was a persistent fella!

I enjoyed meeting the secondary characters, particularly Kat's friends Chloe and Grace; they were like the Angel and Devil that gave advice in any situation. I loved that she had people that she could rely on at any moment, that didn't take crap either! Nico's band members supported him when he needed them, but I'm not sure about A.J. I think I'd like to see more of him, he's not rubbing me the right way as yet...

I was hoping to really enjoy this one, but unfortunately it fell a little flat for me. Nico seemed a little too much alpha male and over protective, not wanting Kat to make any decisions for herself. Kat made stupid decisions at times when she should've listened. It was like they couldn't get on the same page at the same time. I'm also wondering if the narration was one of the reason's I couldn't connect to these characters and I think I should've read the book instead! I do hope that I try her work again in the future though.
*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point.  So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***


I thought this moment was really sweet, where Nico told Kat how much she meant to him.

“What’s more romantic, Kat? Fallin’ in love because you don’t know any better . . . or fallin’ in love, knowin’ it’s gonna ruin you, knowin’ it’s gonna rip out your fuckin’ heart and smash you into a million little pieces, but doin’ it anyway, because you’d rather pay the price and be ripped and smashed forever than never get a taste of it at all?”
My lips parted. A funny little noise escaped my mouth. The edges of everything grew fuzzy, because of the water welling in my eyes. “I’m not going to ruin you,” I promised in a vehement whisper.
His lips curved to a sad smile. “Yeah, you are. You already have. Just the way you’re lookin’ at me right now has ruined me for any other woman.” His quicksilver eyes grew intense. “And I’m gonna make damn sure I ruin you for any other man.”
I felt the kiss he gave me all the way to my toes. It was hungry—no, it was devouring. I clung to him, feeling what little reason I had left regarding this relationship slipping away.

Kindle Page 137
Originally inspired by YA Bound
For a feisty young woman and a rock star god, love and rock 'n' roll don't mix--they ignite.

Twenty-something Kat Reid is loving life as an in-demand Hollywood makeup artist. She has absolutely no interest in rock ’n’ roll, but in order to pay the mortgage, she agrees to work on the set of a rock video for the world-famous rockers known as Bad Habit…which brings her face-to-face with Nico Nyx, lead singer of Bad Habit and Adonis in the flesh.

However, the fiercely independent Kat isn’t impressed by the hard-living, womanizing rock star. But when Nico’s model girlfriend shows up to the set drunk and Kat is tapped to replace her as the video’s sexy bride, her combustible chemistry with Nico suddenly threatens to consume the set. Nico feels it, too—and becomes determined to win Kat over, body and soul. Yet behind his rock god swagger, Nico hides a dark secret. Can he rock Kat’s world forever, or will he just break her heart?











Would you like me to add the link up code to this post, so you can add it to your own posts?
read more "Sweet as Sin by J.T. Geissinger ~ Audio book Review & Swoon Thursday (@JTGeissinger)"