{Review} Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Posted by Donna
Release Date: August 6th, 2009
Finished Date: July 15th, 2014

Publishers: Razorbill
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Gifted 
Format: Paperback

Pages: 321

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Sometimes a good-bye is just the beginning.

When Emily Carson’s parents die in a plane crash, she’s left with nothing but her mother’s last words scrawled in lipstick on a tray table: Emily, please forgive me.

Now it’s fall and Emily moves to New York City, where she attracts the attention of two very different boys: the cute, popular Owen, and her quirky chemistry partner, Anthony. With the help of some surprising new friends, Emily must choose between the boy who helps her forget and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately heal.

Debut author Jennifer Jabaley has written a wonderful, feel-good romantic comedy with real emotional depth. Full of lovably wacky characters, Lipstick Apology is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of forgiveness.

The Review: Lovable and emotional, Lipstick Apology is an entertaining YA contemporary story that had me hooked from the start. 

When Emily's parents die in a plane crash, her world is left turned upside down. With so much media attention and her mother's strange last words written in lipstick on a plane table, everyone wants to know what it means. To Emily though, she can't find the strength to move on. Months later having no other choice but to move to New York city with her famous aunt, Emily's starts a new school where things sure are different. Finding herself in with the popular crowd and getting the attention of one of the most popular guys at school, Emily does the best with moving on, but the other boy in her life - Anthony, encourages her to try and find out what her mothers message means, but is she ready for the secrets that will unfold?

I've had Lipstick Apology sitting on my shelf for just over 3 years and I can't believe I waited so long to read it. I didn't go into it with much hope because I've noticed it's not a very popular book, however, everyone should read this book if you're a fan of YA contemporary. It's a heart-warming story that can't help leave a mark and it's about moving on after a difficult tragedy and then trying to find yourself. 

I really liked all the characters throughout the story. Emily was very likable, although she could be a tad difficult at times because I found that understandable because of everything she's been through. She had a strong group of friends and family behind and I definitely think that helped. And Anthony, how sweet he is. He's the type of friend all guys need, someone reliable, sweet and someone who can cheer you up no matter what.

In all, I really enjoyed Lipstick Apology and hopefully soon I'll get around to reading Jennifer Jabaley's other story, Crush Control.

Favourite Quote: “Thunder only happens when it's raining. Players only love you when they're playing.” 

{Feature} Showcase Sunday (#54)

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly meme hosted by Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea. We will now be taking part in Showcase Sunday instead of In My Mailbox. If you'd like to join see HERE for more details.

For Review:

Killing You Softly (St Jude's Academy #2) by Lucy Carver

Eternal Dawn (Vampire Queen #3) by Rebecca Maizel

In the Age of Love and Chocolate (Birthright #3) by Gabrielle Zevin

Bought:

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo
Winter Longing by Tricia Mills

Won:

Signed Dark Heat: The Dark Kings Stories (Dark Kings 0.1-0.3) by Donna Grant from The Darkest Reader.

Signed Pulled (Twin Flames Trilogy #1) by Danielle Bannister from Stuck in Books.

Review eBooks:

 

The Spell of Summer by Dianna Hardy

Free eBooks:

Wild Fever (Chiasson #1) by Donna Grant

Lost in Me (Here and Now #1) by Lexi Ryan 

Thank you to all the awesome publishers who sent me books in the last two weeks and of course thanks to Amazon for all the awesome freebies! 

 

{Author Promo + Giveaway} Dianna Hardy & Mila Gray

The Spell of Summer 
by Dianna Hardy
Release Date: June 17th, 2014

Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance 

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Words can change everything, but can they change your destiny? 

Meredith is leading a straight-laced life in London with her straight-laced fiancé, determined to forget her reckless, wild-child past. They're about to get married.

Jamie is an old, poetic soul with a broken heart returning home to Cornwall to get his life back in order.

What binds them?

One chance meeting thirteen summers ago; one innocent spell spoken after one perfect night...

And now history is unravelling; the past and present, merging...

Words can change everything, but can they change your destiny?

And in the messy world of magic, what part does love play?

It's summer all over again, but the spell has only just begun.

An Accidental Spell, First Love, Second Chances and a Giveaway!

Living, loving and letting go… These are the themes for The Spell of Summer, book one in a brand new, magical contemporary romance series, by Dianna Hardy. Completely different from her other works, this series touches on real life issues and emotions, all set by the sunny shores of Cornwall, and is a heartfelt, summer read, with a slight, magical kick. It can be read as a standalone.

If you loved Practical Magic, you’ll love this gem!

What reviewers have said:

"...a wonderful contemporary romance with a paranormal twist." (Book Reviews By Lynn)

"...addictive and amazingly wonderful." (The Paranormal Bookshelf)

“Dianna always manages to touch me with her writing and this one was no different, I felt a LOT! This beautiful book proves that Dianna really can turn her hand to anything!” (Fiction Fascination)

AUTHOR BIO:

Dianna Hardy is the international bestselling author of The Witching Pen series, and the Eye Of The Storm series. She writes paranormal / urban fantasy and contemporary fiction that's twisted in plot, big on the romance, high on the erotic, with a dusting of humour. She currently lives in Surrey (United Kingdom) with her partner and their daughter, where she writes full-time.

Official site: http://www.diannahardy.com 

Come Back to Me 
by Mila Gray 
Release Date: June 19th, 2014

Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Home on leave in sunny California, Marine and local lothario Kit Ryan finds himself dangerously drawn to his best friend's sister, Jessa - the one girl he can't have.

But Kit's not about to let a few obstacles stand in his way and soon Jessa's falling for his irresistible charms.

What starts out as a summer romance of secret hook-ups and magical first times quickly develops into a passionate love affair that turns both their worlds upside down.

When summer's over and it's time for Kit to redeploy, neither Kit nor Jessa are ready to say goodbye. Jessa's finally following her dreams and Kit's discovered there's someone he'd sacrifice everything for.

Jessa's prepared to wait for Kit no matter what. But when something more than distance and time rips them apart they're forced to decide whether what they have is really worth fighting for.

A breathtaking, scorchingly hot story about love, friendship, family and finding your way back from the edge of heartbreak.

Hot boy in uniform? Check. Super sexy summertime romance? Check. Heartbreak and loss? Check. Kissing and more? Check Check Check.

If you love Alex and Jack then guaranteed you’ll love Kit and Riley – the guys from Sarah Alderson’s newly released New Adult book COME BACK TO ME (Pan Macmillan) penned under the name MILA GRAY.

Not only is it set in Oceanside just like Hunting Lila but Kit and Riley are also Marines based at Pendleton. That’s where the similarities end however… there are no psys. But there’s way more steam…

Follow Sarah’s alter-ego Mila Gray and find out more about the book which will be released in June.

What reviewers have said; 

"Absolutely heart-breaking, Come Back to Me is a whirlwind of a roller-coaster that will leave you an emotional mess!" (Book Passion for Life)

"Come Back To Me is a tender, heartbreaking love story that will tug at your heart strings and have you reaching for the tissues more than once." (The Shadow Realm) 

"Come Back to Me, really was a gorgeous but heart breaking read, I loved watching the relationship between Jessa and Kit develop...." (The Readers Den)

Win a chance to come to tea (with a friend) to meet Mila Gray!
Sarah is also running a contest at moment where if you review Come Back to Me on amazon you can win a chance to come to tea (with a friend) with me in London on 2nd August at a blogging tea event. Want to enter? All you need to do is comment and like this post once you have reviewed the book; HERE! Click here! Remember to tag Mila Gray in the post too, so she knows you've entered! 

AUTHOR BIO:

Mila Gray is the pen name for Sarah Alderson, author of Hunting Lila, Losing Lila, The Sound, Fated and Out of Control.

Originally from London she has lived in Bali for the last four years with her husband and daughter.

As well as writing young adult fiction under the name Sarah Alderson and adult fiction under the name Mila Gray, she also writes screenplays.

You can find out more at www.milagray.com and on facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahjalderson

Giveaway

Both Dianna Hardy & Mila Gray have kindly offered ONE winner a copy of their book. 

All you need to do is enter via the rafflecopter details. 

Giveaway ends 29th July. 

The copy of Come Back to Me will be send to the winner after 2nd August this is so we can get it signed for you. 

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{Review} The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass

Posted by Donna 
Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Finished Date: May 17th, 2014

Publishers: HarperCollins UK 
Genre: YA Dystopia, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 323

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

THE SELECTION changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. Now, only one will claim Prince Maxon’s heart…

It’s swoon meets the Hunger Games in the final instalment of THE SELECTION trilogy!

For the four girls who remain at the palace, the friendships they’ve formed, rivalries they’ve struggled with and dangers they’ve faced have bound them to each other for the rest of their lives.

Now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realises just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

The breathtaking finale to THE SELECTION trilogy will make you swoon!

The Review: It’s over and I’m so sad! The Selection series is one of my favourite dystopia stories ever and I couldn’t help but be excited and nervous for The One. I was dying to see how it would all end for my favourite characters and it was definitely spectacular. 

As the competition for Maxon’s heart and crown draws to an end, America finds herself in a difficult situation because the rebels are determined to put an end to the casts and ultimately take over the throne. But can America change the fate they’ve all been drawn or will she lose everything she’s worked for?

I’m so thrilled with The One. What a fantastic and beautiful end to end the series, bravo Kiera! Of course I was worried with how things would turn out because of how much I love this series but I believe Kiera Cass did the best she possibly could with the ending and it really reflects in the end. It was exciting, dangerous and very exhilarating, not to mention swoon-worthy, heart-breaking and of course full of love. 

I didn’t think America and Maxon could get any cuter but they did. They are the perfect match – even despite the casts they are given. They really bring the best out of each other and even though they may not agree on everything, they complement each other so well. They are fantastic together and their love really shines throughout this book. 

In all, The One is simply a breath-taking ending and it was more than I could have possibly hoped for. I cannot wait to revisit this series in a few years and start it all over. 

Thank you to HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review! 

{Review} Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy #1) by Josephine Angelini

Posted by Donna
Release Date: August 28th, 2014
Finished Date: July 6th, 2014

Publishers: Macmillan Children's Books
Genre: YA Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

The exhilaratingly seductive new series from the author of the bestselling Starcrossed series

Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.

Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.

But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?

The Review: As soon as I heard Josephine Angelini was writing a new series I was immediately excited because I adore her Starcrossed series, and I couldn’t wait to see what she would do next. 
I have to admit, once hearing the story was about witches, I was hesitant. There are only a number of witch stories that really stand out for me and I was worried Trial by Fire wouldn’t. However I was completely and utterly wrong because Trial by Fire is a completely unique story, full of magic, secrets, danger, love with a stunning plot and fabulous characters!

Lily Proctor is a sheltered girl because of the life threatening illness’s that she has – that no one can explain – but that forbids her to do the things a normal teenage girl can do. After deciding to take a chance and go to a party, it’s there that something happens to Lily and it’s something that will stay with her forever. When the chance comes to escape the life she lives, Lily rushes to take the chance, not realizing that this was a part of a plan – a plan by Lillian – a girl who is Lily but lives in another world. Lily soon finds herself in a world that she could never have imagined existed and for some reason everyone wants her, including her evil self. As Lily is thrown into danger she realizes that there are lives depending on her and she must do what she can do help, even if that means changing the person she is.

With a gripping start and an intense ending, Trial by Fire is a book that was hard to put down. I was welcomed into a captivating and imaginative world that I couldn’t help but love and wanted to discover all of its secrets within the first few chapter. It’s one of them reads that I wish I had all the information to hand to start with, so I could figure out the plot. But upon finishing it I knew that would have been a mistake because it would have stolen the perfectly crafted ending that leaves you with a nail biting cliff-hanger and definitely leaves you wanting more. Eek! It was intense I’ll tell you that.

Lily at first was a weak character and that wasn’t that her personally was weak, it was her illness that made her weak. It’s not until she steps into the other world that she can finally breathe and be her true self. Even though her true self is unbeknown to Lily at this time, she notices a change immediately. I loved that she continued to grow throughout the story, she was feisty and determined and damn stubborn too. But without the help of Rowan, Caleb and Tristan she wouldn’t have been as strong as she was. The three boys are like brothers and after a rocky start, they quickly welcome Lily into the fold, but it’s Rowan that Lily has that deep connection with. I adored Rowan – even though it was hard to like him at the start, he was still swoon-worthy. You could see how much he felt for Lily even though he tried to deny himself. Their connection wasn’t an easy one it’s one that takes trust and love but, I loved how everything came together. I guess you could say it was meant to be.

I think what I enjoyed about this story so much was how different it was from Starcrossed. I do still favour that over this, but still I really couldn’t fault Trial by Fire. 

In all, Josephine Angelini has created another spellbinding series and I cannot wait to see what she comes with next. For me, Lily and Rowan’s story so far is quite unforgettable and it’s going to be a long wait for the sequel.

Thank you to Macmilliam's Childrens Books for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} Come Back to Me by Mila Gray

Posted by Jess
Release Date: June 19th, 2014
Finished Date: July 8th, 2014

Publishers: Pan MacMillan
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 373

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Home on leave in sunny California, Marine and local lothario Kit Ryan finds himself dangerously drawn to his best friend's sister, Jessa - the one girl he can't have.

But Kit's not about to let a few obstacles stand in his way and soon Jessa's falling for his irresistible charms.

What starts out as a summer romance of secret hook-ups and magical first times quickly develops into a passionate love affair that turns both their worlds upside down.

When summer's over and it's time for Kit to redeploy, neither Kit nor Jessa are ready to say goodbye. Jessa's finally following her dreams and Kit's discovered there's someone he'd sacrifice everything for.

Jessa's prepared to wait for Kit no matter what. But when something more than distance and time rips them apart they're forced to decide whether what they have is really worth fighting for.

A breathtaking, scorchingly hot story about love, friendship, family and finding your way back from the edge of heartbreak.

The Review: I knew it. I knew it from the moment that I found out that Sarah Alderson was going to write an NA book that I would not be disappointed. Come Back to Me was a great book. Sarah Alderson was made to write NA. 

Come Back to Me was a roller coaster of emotions. So many feelings in one book, and a story that captures your heart from that very first scene. You're hooked. This book touches on very real subjects, and very real situations that are currently happening in this world, and it's handled well and with care. 

From the moment we meet Jessa and Kit, you feel those sparks, you feel that instant chemistry, and it just jumps right off of that page! They're a great pair, and I loved reading about their budding relationships, both feeling unrequited to start, but then giving in to their desires and just letting go. 

Come Back to Me has it all, love, jealousy, sex, betrayal and whole big bag of emotion that you just feel everything the instant it's there. This book is all very real, you are right there constant in the whirlwind of these two lives, their fears and doubts, their loves and losses. It's all there and it's all brilliantly captivating, that you will not be able to get enough of this.

I've read all of Sarah Alderson's books so far, and this is probably, if not, the best yet. If you're looking to read something by this author, starting with this book would be a great idea. Not only will you not regret it, but you'll find within it a story of one of the deepest and purest loves that you may have ever read in an NA novel. 

Sarah Alderson (or Mila Gray) is a genius and I cannot wait, for another NA book from her. Simply brilliant.

Note: This book is best for ages 17+ due to adult scenes and content

Thank you to Pan MacMillan for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.  

{Blog Tour + Giveaway} Breaking Free (Others of Edenton #4) by Brandy L. Rivers

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: June 10th, 2014
Finished Date: June 25th, 2014

Publishers: Self Published 
Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eBook

Pages: 210

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

*18+

They say that dreams can come true, but as a Dreamwalker, Devlin had yet to experience anything but nightmares. Then again, the druid had been held by sadistic vampires and dark mages for twenty years, forced to do their bidding. Newly escaped, he stumbles upon a dreamrealm where he can’t resist a little werewolf.

Jamie just wants someone to call her own. She feels like she’s been waiting for an awfully long time, when a man who teases her memory begins to visit her while she’s dreaming. From the moment she feels his turmoil, she’s drawn in, wanting nothing more than to heal his broken soul.

Before Devlin can decide what to do, he has to make a trip to Edenton. His first goal is to make sure someone who can’t remember him is safe and happy. The little werewolf of his dreams happens to live there, and she’s even more irresistible in real life. 

When you’ve been taught all your life to run, what will make you change? Can Jamie convince her mate to stay and fight? Will he risk everything to have what he needs? Or run to save them all?

The Review: Breaking Free might be the fourth book in the ‘Others of Edenton’ series but there is no let up in the story, the action and the sexytimes. If you’re onto the fourth book, you’re obviously aware of the world of Edenton and its residents and boy are we in for a few surprises this time around because some skeletons are tumbling out of those closets.
In this book, it’s Jamies’ turn to find her mate…… in her dreams! Devlin is a Dreamwalker, a rare kind of supernatural and sought after by those who practice the darker magics. He has been held captive by one of the worst, most sadistic kinds of supernatural for over twenty years where he has been forced to use his magic for evil…. Until he escapes. Soon after his escape he enters Jamies’ dreams, he doesn’t know why it’s hers that enters and neither does Jamie, they just both know that their connection is deep. Devlin has never felt this way about anyone and for some reason feels drawn to use his freedom to seek out Jamie in Edenton, to hold her at least once….. and of course, Jamie will be more than willing. Devlin knows that no matter what he feels for Jamie, he simply cannot stay because evil is on his tail, they want him back and will not stop in their endeavour so his only option is to do what he’s done for most of his life – run! but there is more in Edenton for Devlin than Jamie, someone who has no memory of him… but he knows her and he loves her too making it a really hard decision to take his troubles to their doorstep but the temptation to be near Jamie is too strong. Jamie will not stand for finding her true love only for him to up and leave and when she finds out his ties to Edenton, the whole town will be behind him as they all stand together to banish evil once more.
I thought that Falling into Place was the best book in the series and it was but this book is not far behind it, infact action wise and progression of storyline wise – this tops it! I have not once been disappointed in any of the books in this series, they are easy to read, flow well and hit about every spot in what I like about this genre. Jamie has been a constant character since book one so we already have a sense of who she is and what she is about, she went through a couple of bad times and a break up with another character – Preston – her sister and friends always fear her taste in men because she has not got a good track record of choosing the right one, she has a heart of gold and she is just as powerful as others but chooses to downplay it. Devlin is very untrusting, most of his life has been spent on the run and the last 20 yrs or so have been spent in captivity where his magic has been used for evil under coercion, he thinks himself evil, he has no confidence in what he can do, who he is or that he is worthy of love; quite a pitiful character really but we get to see him grow under the right guidance and the love of a good woman. They made a great couple, Jamie was the perfect remedy to Devlins’ feelings & doubts and I loved how they started off, they smouldered together from the get go and you want them both to have this piece of happiness.
The storyline was awesome and was filled with lots of secrets and revelations; skeletons in the closet causing an avalanche here! It’s a bit hard to discuss the storyline with so much hinging on the secrets that are revealed so I’ll try and tease a little of it out…. I mentioned that Dev is connected to someone else in Edenton which is secret #1 but then who & what comes after Dev brings more secrets and for more than one character. I liked this storyline most because of the intertwining of the ‘secret’ threads, it involves & will affect multiple characters and will have a major impact on Edenton as a whole. I loved how everyone came together against a common enemy, banding together, willing to give their lives for each other, willing to help break others free & make things right. I have always felt the community of these characters but this made me have a sense of family between each and every one of them and it felt good. Yes we get a lot of Jamie & Devlin building a relationship, we also move forward in a couple of other relationships, seeing happiness for our much loved characters but on the flip side we see a real evil and how that can be used, how a good person can be used for evil and what that evil has planned for the future if not stopped. The action was amazing, the climax of the book was superb where everything and everyone came together for a final battle with full on action & fighting, magic being flung around like no ones business – it was awesome! And just the icing on the cake for this fantastic book and I loved it! It did kind of feel like a conclusion to the series but seeing as how I know there’s more to come – I’m a happy bunny =) 

AUTHOR BIO:

Brandy L Rivers is the author of the Others of Edenton Series. There are more Others of Edenton in the works. She is also working on the first couple books in the Others of Seattle series.

As an avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. She has a file full of manuscripts she plans to edit and put out there eventually.

She lives in Western Washington with her husband and three kids, where she is already working on the future stories in the series.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – http://Author.to/BrandyLRivers

WEBSITE / BLOG – http://brandylrivers.com

FACEBOOK – http://www.facebook.com/brandylrivers

TWITTER – http://www.twitter.com/brandylrivers

GOOGLE+ - https://plus.google.com/u/0/+BrandyLRivers/posts

PINTEREST – http://www.pinterest.com/brandylrivers/

TUMBLR – http://brandylrivers.tumblr.com/

GOODREADS – http://www.goodreads.com/brandylrivers 

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{Blog Tour + Giveaway} Boomerang (Boomerang #1) by Noelle August

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 10th, 2014
Finished Date: July 13th, 2014

Publishers:  William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: For Review

Format: eARC

Pages: 336

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Welcome to Boomerang.com, the dating site for the millennial gen, with no-fuss, no-commitment matchups and where the action on the job is steamier than any random hookup

Mia Galliano is an aspiring filmmaker. Ethan Vance has just played his last game as a collegiate soccer star. They're sharp, hungry for success, and they share a secret.

Last night, Ethan and Mia met at a bar, and, well . . . one thing led to another, which led to them waking up the next morning—together. Things turned awkward in a hurry when they found themselves sharing a post-hookup taxi . . . to the same place: Boomerang headquarters.

What began as a powerful connection between them is treated to a cold shower, courtesy of two major complications. First, Boomerang has a strict policy against coworkers dating. And second, they're now competing for the same job opening in the fall.

As their internships come to an end, will they manage to keep their eyes on the future and their hands off each other, or will the pull of attraction put them right back where they started?

The Review: Funny, sexy and romantic, Boomerang is definitely a New Adult novel that you should pick up this summer! 

The story starts with Mia and Ethan who wake up next to each other not remembering a whole lot from what happened the night before. As Mia and Ethan get through that awkward next-morning stage, it’s upon arrival at their new jobs that they realize they are both fighting for the same job, internship’s at Boomerang – a top dating company. It’s there that they realize that their feelings run deeper than they should but they can’t break Boomerang’s number one rule, no dating co-workers. Who will win the job at the end of the internship? But more importantly, will Mia and Ethan find the happiness they both deserve? 

I’m a massive fan of Veronica Rossi’s, so when I heard she was writing a new adult novel under a pen name, I just had to read it. Now I’ve not heard of Lorin Oberweger so this was my first venture into some of her work, but Boomerang really popped and I thought that Veronica and Lorin made a fantastic writing team. 

I absolutely fell in love this this story. It was fun, very quirky and very sexy. Within the first few chapters you just know it’s going to be an entertaining read because of the fun dialogue from both Mia and Ethan. I thought their dual narratives worked perfectly together and really added to the insensitivity of the story. And the plot of the story was a lot of fun, reading these two pitted against each other while trying to hide their attraction for one another was very entertaining and full of mystery too. 

It’s impossible to not like Mia and Ethan. Noelle August has written two fantastic and lovable characters that really make you root for them. Ethan is completely swoon-worthy and I loved getting in his head and finding out his true feelings. And Mia was just so much fun too.

In all, Boomerang is a fun-loving story, one full of heat and angst. Overall, a great read and I cannot wait for Adam’s story. 

About Noelle August: NOELLE AUGUST is an anagram for Veronica Rossi and Lorin Oberweger. Just kidding, it's a pen name!

VERONICA ROSSI is the author of the New York Times Best-selling UNDER THE NEVER SKY trilogy for young adults. The books are available in more than thirty countries and the film rights have been optioned by Warner Bros. Veronica completed undergraduate studies at UCLA and lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons. She is fond of dresses with pockets, fluffy dogs, and cheese and chocolate -- but not together.

LORIN OBERWEGER began her storytelling career by captivating her first-grade class with tales of her summers on a kibbutz in Israel. Lorin had never been to Israel. While teacher/parent night put an end to her first experiments in fiction, she’d already caught the bug and eventually made a career of all things story. As a long-time independent editor and story development guru, Lorin's client successes range from small press publications to major bestselling novels. She's an award-winning author and has also worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter on a variety of projects. Her work has received starred Kirkus reviews and glowing mentions in The New York Times. Oh, she did get to see a kibbutz, eventually, and found out she had it pretty much right all along.

Veronica and Lorin met at a writing workshop and just knew they were destined to create awesome things together.

Connect with Noelle August:

Website: http://noelleaugust.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7255661.Noelle_August

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoelleAugustBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/noelle_august

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My Life in Baking #3: Mini Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes

Hey everyone! So yep, we have another baking post today! It's Birthday season in my family and friend circle so it's definitely cupcake making time. I just wanted to thank you all for the comments for the Lemon Meringue Cupcakes, I love you all! 

So today we have something a little different. I was asked to make these very special cupcakes for my friends daughter's 2nd birthday party and with little kiddies running around, what's best? Well mini cakes are best, but what child doesn't like Oreo's...none that I know anyway. ;) 

So today's pick is Mini Oreo chocolate cake with an Oreo cream cheese buttercream. 

1) Pre-heat oven on gas mark 2 or 3

2) Prep your baking cases by placing them in the trays then adding one Oreo to the bottom of every cake case

3) Place butter and caster sugar in a bowl and cream together until the mixture turns fluffy and light

4) Add in the flour, coco powder and eggs and mix all together 

5) Stir in the vanilla extract and the milk

6) Use a spoon or ice-cream scoop and place an even amount of mixture into your cases. 

7) Bake on a low gas. I use 2 or 3 and bake until the cakes have risen - usually around 10 minutes or place a tooth pick inside one cake and see if the mixture is cooked.

8) Take out of the oven and place on a cake rack to cool. 

8) While your waiting for the cakes to cool down. Make the Oreo cream cheese buttercream. 

9 ) Mix the unsalted butter in a bowl until the butter is light and fluffy

10) Add in half the icing sugar and mix together, repeat until all the icing and butter have all been mixed together. 

11) Add the cream cheese and mix, then add the tsp of vanilla extract and some crushed up Oreo biscuits.

12) Beat all together until your buttercream is very fluffy and light 

13) Only decorate your cakes ONCE the cakes have cooled down. Then decorate as you wish and place a Oreo on top!

Enjoy!