Author: Jen (Page 11 of 204)

I ♥ Paranormal, Dystopian, Romance, YA, NA & some Fantasy and Science Fiction. I ♥ not being able to knock that darn smirk off my face, crying my eyes out or feeling every emotion under the sun with characters. I ♥ cheesecake, wakeboarding, snowboarding, being a mommy & wife, dancing, singing and being a beach bum addict!
Find me on: Goodreads

BOOK REVIEW: Tomorrow is for the Brave by Kelly Bowen

May 15, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Tomorrow is for the Brave by Kelly Bowen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Based on true events, Tomorrow Is for the Brave is a gripping World War II page‑turner about a courageous woman who risks it all for what is right—perfect for fans of Natasha Lester and Kristen Harmel.

1939, France: Lavish parties, fast cars, and a closet full of the latest fashion—to the average eye, socialite Violet St. Croix seemingly has it all. But what she truly wants is a life full of meaning and purpose. So when France falls to Germany, Violet defies her parents’ wishes and joins the war effort. With her impeccable skill for driving under pressure, she is soon sent to North Africa to shepherd French Foreign Legion officers carrying valuable intelligence through dangerous territory.

But as the Allies encounter one mishap after another, Violet becomes convinced there is a spy in their ranks. And when her commanding officer is murdered, Violet realizes she might be the only one who can uncover the traitor and save the lives of countless soldiers on the front lines. Convincing others to believe her is difficult enough. Finding someone she can trust just might be impossible.

Review:

Tomorrow is for the Brave was a WWII story that will capture your heart. With danger at so many turns, a little bit of romance in the pages, and friendship that will warm your heart, I adored this book! This is my first by Kelly Bowen, and I definitely will be reading more books by this author!

You won’t last a day. Tino’s last words rang just as sharply in her head.

While it took me till chapter 5 to click with this story, once I did, I didn’t want to put this book down till that final page! I didn’t like Violet’s fiancé, Tino. Or her family either. Tino was controlling, grumpy, boring, and he invoked a lot of anger towards him. With the brink of war on their doorsteps, Violet wanted to help and volunteer with the Red Cross. Yet Tino and her father forbade it. But sometimes you have to go with your gut, and I love that Violet did just that!

George linked her arm through Violet’s. “There is a reason we chose to do this together . To come here together. None of this is easy. But having a friend makes the truly hard things bearable. Having you here has made these months away from home bearable.”
Violet heard the slight catch in George’s voice.

Violet was tenacious, brave, and someone that many will remember for their lifetime and beyond! I loved the historical note at the end of this story, that spoke of how Violet St. Croix was inspired by real life Susan Travers and what her experience was! From the moment that Violet signed up with the Red Cross, her entire future changed. I loved how she created independence for herself. I love that how led to her driving an ambulance. Violet was a woman who took charge of a situation, and I was just there gripping the pages having to know what happened next. While fear and horror leaped from the pages.

The first bomb fell somewhere behind them, a dull, crumping noise that ignited the darkness and shook the ambulance. George gripped the side of the ambulance door, and Violet gritted her teeth but didn’t slow.

On top of Violet, I loved her best friend, George. She was true, kindhearted, and the friendship she forged with Violet was beautiful. And besides George, I couldn’t help but love Henri. The animosity between Violet and Henry was done so fabulously! Their banter was smile inducing and fun! So, the moments where Henri listing 5 things about Violet, the book, dancing, and so much more…oh I was a goner. I loved Henri! Yet Henri and Violet were in such dangerous situations. There were no guarantees, and I was so nervous that they could just survive to that next day.

“Henri.” Violet finally stood. “We’ll survive this. We’ve come too far.”
“No matter what happens, I’ll be with you out there. You might not see me, but I’ve got your back. That I promise.”
“I know.” She reached up and touched the side of his face. “And I’ve got yours.”

This book made me scream out loud. I was terrified for Violet in a certain scene! Yet hold tightly onto all your hope, because there is an epilogue that is set in the future. And I closed this book with a smile on my face. Also, there was a mystery. We got a few chapters sprinkled here and there with a spy’s POV. It ended up being my secondary guess, and that’s all I’m saying! So good luck trying to figure it out! And I can’t recommend this book enough for those that love historical fiction with a sprinkling of romance!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Finale (Caraval #3) by Stephanie Garber

May 14, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Finale (Caraval #3)
by Stephanie Garber
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Welcome, welcome to Finale, the third and final book in Stephanie Garber’s #1 New York Times bestselling Caraval series!

A love worth fighting for. A dream worth dying for. An ending worth waiting for.

It’s been two months since the Fates were freed from a deck of cards, two months since Legend claimed the throne for his own, and two months since Tella discovered the boy she fell in love with doesn’t really exist.

With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she’s going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win, and those who will lose everything.

Welcome, welcome to Finale. All games must come to an end.

Review:

Finale was a fabulous conclusion to the Caraval Trilogy! We alternated between Tella and Scarlet in this story, and I kept my fingers crossed that they would both get their happily ever afters! As someone who read OUABH first, I lost a lot of the peril that could be found in the pages. I knew the ending, and how quite a few pivotal moments would unfold. While it affected my reading of this story, there was still so much to love. The characters made this final book, and I loved watching them fight for their happiness every step of the way!

Her steps faltered, but she didn’t stop. If anything, she ran harder. The Fates had won another round.

Finale was so different from the previous two stories. There wasn’t a Caraval, so the magic, intrigue, and mystery from the games were missing. Yet those elements could still be found elsewhere, in the characters and the world around them. And as someone who adored Scarlett and Julien’s book a little more than Tella and Dante, I was shocked that Tella and Dante stole the stage. While I still loved my moments with Scarlett and Julien, Tella and Dante felt otherworldly to me. When they were around one another, it was like the sun shined brightly. The tension between them was palpable. I just wanted to push them together!

He smelled like dirt and tears and perfection. And she decided then that she was never, ever letting go of him.

But then there was also Jacks, and he was the prince of pulling on one one’s heart. I never knew if I could truly trust him, yet I wanted to! And the moments that Tella was in the middle of Jacks and Dante, oh it all made me so giddy! I loved the jealousy and strong emotions that were invoked. While I only had my heart set on one boy, I loved that he gave her an impossible choice. Yet Tella had such a strong head on her shoulders and ultimately knew what she wanted. I loved that she wasn’t willing to bend for her HEA!

Tella had never been attracted to Julian, but for a moment she’d hated how jealous she’d been of what her sister had with him. Enough would never be enough for Tella.

Finale was filled with revelations, twists and happily evers for both sisters. While the ending wasn’t exactly perfect in my eyes, I felt like we got to see more of Scarlett’s than Tella’s ending. Regardless, I still adored how the story ended. This is a series I’ll definitely want to reread down the road, and I can’t recommend it enough for ya fantasy fans!

PS On page 255, there was something foretold…..does this mean we will get another series in this world? I have my fingers crossed!

BOOK REVIEW: Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

May 10, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Legendary (Caraval #2)
by Stephanie Garber
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Donatella and Scarlett Dragna escaped their cruel father and made it out of Caraval alive, but the games aren’t over yet. What Scarlett doesn’t know is that, in order to gain their freedom, Tella made a deal with a mysterious stranger and now it’s time to pay.

Except what Tella owes is something that no one has ever been able to deliver: the true name of Caraval Master Legend. Tella’s only chance at uncovering Legend’s true identity is to enter the dangerous game of Caraval once more, and win. But what will she have to sacrifice to do that?

Review:

Legendary started right after Caraval ended, and Tella had made a dangerous bargain. She was to obtain Legend’s real name, and for that she had to win the next Caraval. Back are the mysterious moments, the what ifs, and not knowing what was going to happen next. Legendary took us through another game that twisted and turned as the story unfolded. The journey was magical, and I loved seeing it through Tella’s eyes. If you adore YA fantasy, definitely give this series a try!

He cradled her sobbing head to his chest. “Can you open your eyes for me?”
“Maybe I want to sleep here,” Tella mumbled. “I’d wager it’s safer than in your arms.”
“What’s so dangerous about my arms?” He murmured.
“For me, everything.” Tella slowly lifted one lid open.

Tella was a sneaky little soul. I was intrigued that she kept one of the Fate cards that she had stolen. It showed her pictures of the future, or possible futures. Her decisions could change what it showed her. So as Tella worked her way to winning Caraval, it was impossible not to feel everything that she did. She was brave, focused, and loved her sister fiercely. And even though Tella didn’t believe in true love, watching her interact with Dante and Jacks were my top favorite moments in this book!

Dante’s voice rumbled with a laugh. “If I were Legend I’d definitely never tell you.”
“Because you don’t trust me?”
“No,” he answered slowly, gently tugging her even closer. “I’d hold onto my secret because I’d want to keep playing the game with you, and if I told you the truth it would spoil all the fun.”

Dante, oh my heart. When Dante created a situation pushing her closer to Jacks, I was intrigued that he would play such a dangerous game. I had already fallen for Dante in the previous book. He was a man surrounded by darkness and the unknown. Yet Dante also came through time and again. I couldn’t help but love him.

His laughter was surprisingly disarming. “Then tell yourself everyone wishes they were me, dancing with you.” With a grin he must have stolen from the devil, Jacks looped an arm around Tella’s hips and swept her on the dance floor.

Jacks created jealousy and tension that was so delicious and palpable. He was a man who was so much more than what he seemed. And I don’t want to say more because of spoilers, but just know that both of those men were so easy to love and obsess over. Yet as someone who read OUABH, I definitely recommend reading this series before Once Upon a Broken Heart. Or else you’ll spoil so many pivotal moments in this story.

He was supposed to break her heart.
She wasn’t supposed to break his.

Legendary was shrouded in mystery, and the story wove itself together so beautifully. With characters that were so easy to like, a story-line that kept you turning the pages, and magic sprinkled throughout the book, Legendary was such a fabulous YA fantasy!

GIVEAWAY: Sweetheart by Cookie O’Gorman

April 27, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

I absolutely adored Sweetheart! It was a fake dating, young adult romance that was smile inducing and will warm your heart. You can check out my 5 Star Review here and make sure to enter in the fabulous giveaway below. Enjoy!

Sweetheart
Cookie O’Gorman
Publication date: April 25th 2024
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Sweetheart (suh-weet-hart): Someone who is kind, friendly, and/or lovable. For reference, see Scarlett Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Kent likes the idea of love—in theory. She’s just never had time for romance. Voted Most Likely to Succeed, founder of a youth mentoring program, and an aspiring professional violinist, Scarlett has goals—and a list of “firsts” she’d like to complete before graduation.

One thing that’s not on her list: Falling for Sam Bishop.

Flirtatious jocks who sleep through class aren’t her type—no matter how good Sam looks in his jersey. But when her car breaks down, Sam stops to help…which leads to an unexpected offer.

Sam volunteers to help Scarlett complete her list. In return, she’ll help him win back his ex.

It’s a sweetheart deal that should benefit everyone.

But between kissing lessons and pretend dates, Scarlett realizes Sam is the perfect fake boyfriend. And if she’s not careful, he could be her first real heartbreak.

This book features two souls who’re meant to be, one fake arrangement, so many heart-melting kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a perfectionist falls for a player?

Goodreads / Amazon

Excerpt:

“Can I ask you something?” he said.

“Okay…”

“Why are you dressed like that?”

I lifted a brow. “Like a blueberry?”

Sam gave a shrug. “I was going to say a cross between Elsa and Cinderella.”

“Well, well,” I said, “the Sam Bishop knows his princesses. Who would’ve guessed?”

“Thanks to my sister,” he said. “And I still don’t get why you keep saying the before my name. Makes no sense.”

It made sense to me.

He’d always been the Sam Bishop in my head. As in the one and only, the original, the Sam Bishop who stole my heart at age ten and refused to give it back. I couldn’t say any of that to him, though, so I just shrugged.

“I was hired to play a wedding,” I said.

“And they asked you to dress like a princess?”

I shook my head. “The bride wanted a very specific shade of blue. Not baby blue, aqua or cornflower. Royal blue is what they asked for. This is what I had, so…”

Sam nodded. “Looks good on you.”

“Yeah, right,” I said with a scoff.

“I’m serious.”

Feeling my cheeks heat, I crossed my arms.

“Gotta be honest, though, I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to fit all that in the car. That’s a lot of material.”

His words startled a laugh out of me, and I gave a mental curse. I would not be charmed by him. The guy couldn’t even remember my name for goodness sakes.

“Is part of it still hanging out the door or…?” he said innocently.

“Ha ha,” I said, “very funny, Bishop.”

“Got a laugh out of you, Kent.”

Well.

At least he remembered my last name, I thought.

“And I’m assuming if I hadn’t been able to fit inside your inadequately-sized sports car”—he scoffed—”you would’ve just left me on the side the road?”

Sam shook his head. “Nah, I would’ve just had you take the dress off.”

About Cookie O’Gorman:

Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, and BOOKWORM are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, and The Total Knockout. Her newest release SWEETHEART came out on April 25, 2024!

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / Bookbub

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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BOOK REVIEW: Sweetheart by Cookie O’Gorman

April 25, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Sweetheart by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Sweetheart (suh-weet-hart): Someone who is kind, friendly, and/or lovable. For reference, see Scarlett Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Kent likes the idea of love—in theory. She’s just never had time for romance. Voted Most Likely to Succeed, founder of a youth mentoring program, and an aspiring professional violinist, Scarlett has goals—and a list of “firsts” she’d like to complete before graduation.

One thing that’s not on her list: Falling for Sam Bishop.

Flirtatious jocks who sleep through class aren’t her type—no matter how good Sam looks in his jersey. But when her car breaks down, Sam stops to help…which leads to an unexpected offer.

Sam volunteers to help Scarlett complete her list. In return, she’ll help him win back his ex.

It’s a sweetheart deal that should benefit everyone.

But between kissing lessons and pretend dates, Scarlett realizes Sam is the perfect fake boyfriend. And if she’s not careful, he could be her first real heartbreak.

This book features two souls who’re meant to be, one fake arrangement, so many heart-melting kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a perfectionist falls for a player?

Review:

Sweetheart was a fake dating, young adult romance that was smile inducing and will warm your heart. The characters were so easy to love, and the story-line had me finishing this book in less than 24 hours! If you love books that have a fun and flirty vibe, are beyond adorable, and radiate happiness, then you need Sweetheart in your life!

“Just get in the car, Starlet,” he said.
He popped the locks, and I did just that.
As I slid into the car, however, I mumbled, “My name’s Scarlett. Not Starlet.”
Sam gave me that half-grin. “I know,” he said.
Sure you do.

Scarlett Kent had a list of “firsts” that she wanted to complete before she graduated High School. When Sam Bishop picked her up on the side of the road, after her car died, he also agreed to help complete her list. In exchange, it would help him win back his ex. But as they made their way through her list, it was hard to keep feelings just fake. And not fall in love with the other.

His hand on my waist burned.
His eyes stared into mine.
His breaths were so close I felt as much as heard his next words.
“You okay, Kent?” he asked.
“Yeah, I—”
A locker door slammed loud enough to make me jump.

I adored Scarlett! She was determined and focused on her goals. Whether it was the youth mentoring program she worked on, or dedicating hours to become a professional violinist, Scarlet gave her all. So I love that she was brave and wanted to conquer her list! Even if she was skeptical of love. And while she was someone who seemed to like to be in control, I loved watching how Sam pushed her outside her comfort zones in the best possible way. Especially when he was constantly being the object of her attention.

“I’m not crying.”
“Yeah.” He reached forward, cupped my cheek, and gently ran his thumb beneath my eye, capturing a tear that had managed to escape. “Must be my mistake,” he murmured.

Sam was a soccer player who was so effortless to love. He was one of those guys who was sweet, but also sexy. Playful, but could also take charge. I loved every single side of Sam! And the little clues he seemed to be dropping were right there, in front of Scarlett’s face. The way he could say one thing, when it was actually something else had me squealing in joy! Yet Scarlett was too focused on the end game to see what was truly going on. Sam will make you swoon, sigh, and fall in love! I loved him with my whole heart!

Sam was right. I’d imagined my first kiss in a million ways, in different places, different scenarios. But try as I might, even with my overly active imagination, one thing remained the same. There was one face that always came to mind.
His.
But the kiss wasn’t real, I reminded myself.
We did it to seal our agreement and check an item off the list.

Sam and Scarlett used to be the bestest of friends, yet that all fell apart when they went to high school. So there was this tension between them that was delicious. And as they started to check things off Scarlett’s list, it was so easy to fall that much deeper for the two of them. From that first kiss, to spinning, kisses on fingers, practicing with a bystander, to mini golf, there were so many memorable moments! Plus I adored the nickname Sam gave Scarlett. Watching their fake dating and love story unfold was not only so much fun, but it was heartwarming too!

“Mission accomplished.” He grinned, but I just shook my head. Before I could think better of it, I said, “I missed you.”
Sam’s expression sobered. “I’ve been right here, Kent.”
I nodded. “Yeah, but…never mind.”

You know that moment, when what started out as fake, no longer feels that way? When they can’t stop thinking about each other, and the touches and glances just move to another level? O’Gorman executed making the reader feel all of their feelings and angst beautifully! And on top of that, there were so many characters that appeared from previous books in this story! Do you need to read any books before this one? No! But I can’t recommend all of her books enough! Scarlett’s sister’s story was Bookworm fyi ♥.

“One more kiss.”
“Whatever you want,” Sam said and pulled me closer.
Those words would replay a thousand different times in my mind.

Sweetheart was an adorable fake dating romance story that will have you smiling from that first page to the last! There were moments that will make you laugh and also have you falling in love. So if you need a feel good story that will leave you happy, definitely give this one a try! I can’t recommend it enough!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*