5 Heart Review: The Return of the Rebel by Jennifer Faye + Giveaway! (Open internationally)

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The Return of the Rebel
Jennifer Faye
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Page Count: 251
Release Date: July 1st 2014
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author via tour publicist in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Jennifer and Tasty Book Tours!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

The guy from the wrong side of the tracks…

Being promoted should be a dream come true, only it means working closely with Cleo's childhood crush, Jax Monroe. Jax may no longer be the rebel she remembers, but he still gets her heart racing like no other.

Jax cares too much about Cleo to let her get too close—but keeping his distance is proving impossible! As Jax reveals the extent of what he's been through, will Cleo show him that some things are too precious to put off until tomorrow?

Buy the book from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | iTunes | Kobo | Google Play | Publisher

Review

At age fourteen, Cleo had the most painful, most obvious schoolgirl crush on her big brother's best friend: the dangerous, brooding Jax Monroe—and to be honest, she's always been in love with him, even after he left town without a word. Now, she's finally up on her feet with a handsomely paying casino job and the determination to make amends with her estranged mother, so it's a shock—and not even a pleasant one—when, after all these years, Jax comes barreling back into her life.

I was attracted to the "reunited after childhood" storyline of this novel but it was far from dramatic and really just didn't hit the spot for me. The plot revolving around the cute badboy all grown up is normally my thing—I love myself a reformed hero!—but the two main characters are so shallow and so irritatingly boring that I didn't like or sympathize with either of them.

Regarding the romance element, what Jax and Cleo feel for each other is definitely instalove; with poor relationship development, stilted dialogue, and absolutely no chemistry, the "romance" is unrealistic and mundane. There's nothing that stands out to me about this couple, nothing that makes me swoon or ache or smile. They're both just there, taking up space. The Return of the Rebel is a VERY chaste romance, very PG with no steam or sex at all; sure, it's sweet, but it's also rather flavorless. It didn't seem much like a romance novel to me, other than the (rather undeserved) happy ending.

My biggest issue with this book was Faye's tendency to draw out the blandest, most clichéd literary devices and conventions in her writing. She is not a bad writer; while not immensely commendable, her style is smooth, straightforward, and it gets the job done. However, her prose is full of trite metaphors and stereotypical romance tropes (the cool best friend, the loving but troubled family, the helpless heroine, the hero who instantly falls in love with her for no reason at all) that I had a hard time tolerating. At the climax of Cleo and Jax's emotional connection (or whatever constitutes for it), Cleo says, verbatim:

"[Life is] kinda like looking at a glass of water. You can either view it as a glass half-full or half-empty. I choose to look at it half-full."

Deep stuff, isn't it?

And of course, the last line is "I will always love you." Who didn't see that coming?

Pros

Easy, short-length novel // Quick, light read that doesn't make you think too much

Cons

Boring // Wordy and rambles off on irrelevant tangents about furniture and pets and clothing that contribute exactly nothing to the story // Characters are all two-dimensional, hard to like, and rather unintelligent-sounding // Romance is not romantic // No sexual tension... or sex, for that matter // Very formulaic, unoriginal // Flat, unmemorable

Verdict

The Return of the Rebel was not terribly unpalatable; it has a linear storyline and Cleo has a somewhat intriguing backstory that made it a quick, watery read. I was mostly annoyed by how dull the characters, insipid the plot, and unextraordinary the writing is. While Jennifer Faye's newest release serves as a quick, lighthearted, surface-skimming romance novel, I personally don't think it's anything to write home about 

5 hearts: Doesn't particularly light any of my fires; I feel indifferent about this book (x)

Giveaway!

We are giving away three digital copies of The Return of the Rebel and one grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card as part of the virtual tour hosted by Tasty Book Tours—that's four winners tour-wide. Yay!!

To enter, all you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

As a reminder, this is a generic tour-wide giveaway so I do not choose winners or prizes, and am merely a part of the promotional efforts.

Don't forget the entry eligibility terms and conditions!

Sponsored wholly by the tour publicist and author—a huge thank you to Tasty Book Tours and Jennifer Faye!
Giveaway ends July 20th at 11.59 PM (your time).

Open internationally—that means anyone in the world can enter! Woohoo!
Void where prohibited.

As this is a tour-wide giveaway, I have no say in the selected winners and am in no way responsible for prizes, nor for shipping and handling.

As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤

Good luck!

7 Heart Review: Roommates by Katherine Stone

Roommates
Katherine Stone

Page Count: 408
Release Date: 29 June 2011 (trade paperback reprint)
Publisher: CreateSpace (self-published reprint)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Katherine!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Stanford University, California...

Carrie was a wide-eyed freshman when she arrived at the university she had been hearing about all her life. She believed she knew what to expect. And her big brother, her strong and handsome brother Stephen, was there to lean on if she needed help. But she was unprepared for the monumental changes and monumental emotions she would experience. She was also unprepared for Jake.

Gorgeous, seductive, and deadly, Jake was a man of dark secrets and hidden dreams. He was all wrong for the innocent and optimistic Carrie, but she became part of his secrets and his dreams. But would he ever permit her into the deepest places of his badly wounded heart?

Megan was Carrie's roommate. Golden and beautiful, the gifted actress could dazzle and pretend even as her heart was breaking and her world was falling apart. The decision she made would result in a crisis that would reunite them all and open unhealed wounds and smoldering passions

Once entwined, and lives and loves of the roommates would be forever changed. And they would be as turbulent and courageous and shimmering as the extraordinary world in which they lived.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Kobo | CreateSpace | iTunes

Review

He had made a vow [to her] that other time. I must leave her alone. She is too good, too precious.
But now he broke it. Because she kissed him back? Perhaps. And because, as they kissed, she made him feel good and precious, too. And because of his faraway dreams of joy, of home, of her.

Originally published in the 80s, Roommates—recently revived and republished—is an enrapturing, gratifying journey that magnificently illustrates the soaring highs and gloomy lows of the college experience, and how it has the sheer power to change lives forever.

The story begins Carrie's freshman year, set at Stanford, and immediately picks up on the lives of her roommates, the phenomenal actress Megan, and the devastating beauty and brains, Beth, as well. Carrie's imminent "flaw"—her tenacious and resilient loving, despite the occasional rejection—sets her up for a world of possibilities in college, as well as a whole new realm of heartbreak. However, Roommates is not just Carrie's story; it's Megan's, it's Beth's, it's her brother, Stephen's, and it's the mysterious and brooding Jake's. Their individual plots all overlap, and the relationships between these five Stanford students, are unmistakably laced together—and forever will be. This makes for a very complicated, very intricate web of a story. I found it a little too soap opera-esque for my taste, but have to admit how well-concocted it is—Katherine Stone is a flawless writer with such a compelling, lyrical voice.

I like how there's a bit of a thriller subplot that doesn't make the book solely about romance; it was refreshing and gripping, although nothing terribly exciting. As with most of Stone's novels, the depiction of love is cloyingly sweet, grandly optimistic, and rather chaste. If you don't like the guaranteed happily-ever-after story line and the inherently perfect cast of characters (seriously... all of them are attractive, nice, smart, generous, brave, etc. etc.), then you may want to stay away from this book. As for me, I do quite enjoy the spice in novels of today's time, but I still enjoyed Roommates's mellow, sentimental tone.

For a glittering narrative that spans not only the young adulthoods of five unforgettable characters, but also their creeping pasts and unpredictable later lives in 1970s America, definitely give Roommates a try.

Pros

Beautiful style // Well-explored, lovable characters // Evocative of the decade and the campus spirit of Stanford // Nice blend of romance, passion, and drama // Connections between characters satisfyingly elaborated upon and probed // Jake's difficult past and his emotional turmoil particularly resonated with me // Juicy plot twist I never saw coming

Cons

Every character (aside from the obvious villain) is good-natured through and through, which I found unusual // A bit too sugary sweet... but that's the appeal! // On the wordy side... not the kind of book you can read in one sitting

Love

He had told her the truth, every truth, with no omissions. It was a factual recounting, without embellishment, the skeleton without the heart. But to the woman who was listening, and who was hearing his every word with a heart that loved him, the aching details, the ravaged emotions, were there.

Verdict

There's plenty of suspense and danger, as well as love, light, and laughter to go around in the hopelessly romantic—and fabulously nostalgic—Roommates. Days of Our Lives meets a tame, university-level Breakfast Club in an all-American story that flows like magic and is bound to captivate fans of conventional love stories. If you pine for a good ol' traditional romance, then Katherine Stone's 1987 novel—which just happens to be the prolific author's first—is THE book for you 

7 hearts: Not perfect, but overall enjoyable (x)

7 Heart Review: Beach Lane by Sherryl Woods

Beach Lane (Chesapeake Shores #7)
Sherryl Woods

Page Count: 360
Release Date: 31 May 2011
Publisher: MIRA (Harlequin)
Source: Complimentary ARC provided by Romance Novel News in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Carolyn!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods returns to Chesapeake Shores with a heartfelt story about the healing power of love.

In the close-knit community of Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, Susie O'Brien and Mack Franklin's "not dating" claim befuddles everyone, especially since the two spend every spare minute together. Susie's thrilled when their friendship finally heats up. Then, just when happily-ever-after seems within reach, Mack loses the job he loves and Susie faces a devastating diagnosis.

But O'Briens always unite in a crisis. Even her cousin Jess, Susie's rival for most of their lives, becomes her staunchest supporter——especially when Mack's former lover comes to town. The stakes are higher than ever before, but Susie's definitely up to the challenge... …as long as Mack's right there by her side.

Buy the book from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Sony eStore | Kobo | Publisher

Review

Mack and Susie share a solid, ever-loyal love that everyone—except for Mack and Susie themselves—seems to recognize. The onset and eventual defeat of an illness tests this exquisite bond, which exposes its rawest of vulnerabilities, yet at the same time, illuminates upon its unshakable strength. The entire town of Chesapeake Shores will stand by both their sides during the difficult period; many will question—while others will emphasize—the importance of faith and God's will. But when it comes down to things, what matters is that Mack and Susie fit perfectly—always have, always will. And that alone, they know, will get them through it all.

Beach Lane is highly emotional rather than romantic. There's lots of future-planning and emphasis on family matters... reading this book was like watching a short Hallmark movie. It's a quick, enjoyable read with lots of depth within the characters and honest, well-portrayed emotions. Overall, it's chaste and sweet—hardly a romance, and more a family novel.

There's a cast of marvelous, strong secondary characters, which indicates they were or will be fantastic foundations for their own stories in past and upcoming books in the series. Although Beach Lane is the seventh Woods novel to take place in Chesapeake Shores, it serves fine as a standalone novel; I hadn't read any of the previous installments, and still had no problem keeping up. You can tell with how involved all the characters are with each other, that they each have their own backstories and own lives and loves, which is what makes the intricacy of such interpersonal relationships—and in just one small town, at that!—all the more magical.

This was really an undemanding read, perfect for a brief contemporary escape with an east coast beach setting (guaranteeing a gorgeous view and the lingering scent of salt in the air). The story moved me, but in the end, was pretty unmemorable. There's nothing I adored and nothing I hated; it was just an effortless story I breezed over. I did, however, find it it extremely weird how the entire extended O'Brien family meddles in Susie's dating life, as well as in the lives of others. I know this book is strong on family values, but how realistic is it that an entire town—no matter how small—would stick it nose into such personal matters? Sherryl Woods overdid that aspect a little.

Pros

Effortless style—such smooth storytelling! // Deep, grounded, and balanced main characters // Fabulous and likable secondary characters // Clean, chaste romance // One of those books that makes you feel warm and well-loved

Cons

Painfully predictable // No chemistry in the romance since the Susie and Mack have feelings for each other from the beginning // Super-intimate family dynamic that I found weird // A bit too corny for my liking

Love

It seemed [he] had the ability to rob her of common sense, reason, logic—all of those things on which she prided herself. And that made him not only the most inappropriate man she'd ever dated, but the most dangerous.

Verdict

While buoyant in tone, Beach Lane tackles a serious terminal illness that gives it a melancholy feel to it throughout; however, once Susie overcomes her fears and learns to just live her life, there is nothing but triumph. Full of hope and light, Sherryl Woods's seventh book in the Chesapeake Shores series is about believing in yourself and believing in love even in the hardest of times—perfect for all you happily-ever-after fans 

7 hearts: Not perfect, but overall enjoyable (x)

7 Heart Review: Our Song by Jordanna Fraiberg

Read my fascinating interview with the author—which gives so much insight to the book—by clicking here!

Our Song
Jordanna Fraiberg

Page Count: 352
Release Date: 2 May 2013
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin Group)
Source: Complimentary ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review for the Itching for Books virtual book tour (thank you!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Olive Bell has spent her entire life in the beautiful suburb of Vista Valley, with a picture-perfect home, a loving family, and a seemingly perfect boyfriend. But after a near-fatal car accident, she's haunted by a broken heart and a melody that she cannot place.

Then Olive meets Nick. He's dark, handsome, mysterious... and Olive feels connected to him in a way she can’t explain. Is there such a thing as fate? The two embark on a whirlwind romance—until Nick makes a troubling confession.

Heartbroken, Olive pieces together what really happened the night of her accident and arrives at a startling revelation. Only by facing the truth can she uncover the mystery behind the song and the power of what it means to love someone.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Sony eStore | Kobo

Review

Olive's carefully constructed life comes crashing down in the wake of an accident that should have, and almost, left her dead. For the first time she is forced—against her Martha Stewart-mother's will—to face imperfection, to face flaws, and it is only when she finally admits to them, she begins to see clearly who the ones that love her are, and just how special a place they hold.

Olive doesn't want to satisfy the expectations of her mother—the mother who prunes her social circle as she prunes her petunias—and realizes she needs to escape the suffocating grasp of Vista Valley, where she hasn't ventured more than a hundred miles past since she was born, all the more. Enter: Nick, a brooding, devastating British bad boy with a penchant for spontaneity and a wicked, wicked smile. And suddenly, Olive is free. Olive is happy. And if she allows herself to, Olive just might find what she's looking for...

Simply put, Our Song is a sweet, coming-of-age YA romance—nothing riveting, but accurately tender in some parts and emotive of teenage angst, insecurity, and heartache in others. There are so many different issues raised in this teen novel, including friendship, rebellion, sexuality, dating danger(ously handsome boys...), the aftermath of a near-death, and of course, Olive's haunting song. They're all great topics, but I was disappointed by how none of them are fully explored, just sort of dabbled in, and then neglected. They do have proper ties at the end of the book, but it's like the author introduced these great plot points, ignored them, and then brought them back up in the closing chapters just to form a clean conclusion.

I had a bit of an issue with Olive. It's not that she's difficult to sympathize with—in fact, I'd say her frustrations and hard-headed determination are easy to relate to—but she just isn't portrayed in a very likable light; through the story's progression, she grows and realizes her mistakes and, as with most young adult novels, she learns from them, but her general attitude towards her friends and naïve ignorance of her surroundings makes her a hard character to grow on. This was mainly a problem for me since she narrates the story first-person; whenever I got annoyed with her, I was still stuck with her because we only ever get to see through her (narrow) perspective.

Nick, on the other hand... I could use a guy like him in my life! He's wonderfully portrayed (let's not kid anyone here, I had a big-time swoon-fest while reading about him), but poorly developed. As a person he seems wonderful and charming and BRITISH♥ but as a book character, he's too quick in his affections for Olive—making him rather unrealistic—and two-dimensional. I thought his troubling past would really add depth to him, but there's really no suspense nor a huge bang leading up to his "dark" secret... it's just suddenly revealed, which was not only anticlimactic, but also further weakened his character.

Fraiberg is a storyteller at heart and really knows how to integrate the protagonist's point of view into the novel. Stylistically, Our Song is straightforward and contemporary in tone; this could be your own diary.

Pros

Great voice // Fraiberg captures teen spirit perfectly // Authentic depiction of high school horrors // I want Annie as my best friend! // Story moves quickly and smoothly; constantly left me wanting more // Evocative of Los Angeles and surrounding areas // Clean, chaste romance

Cons

Olive is rather bratty // As much as I loved Nick, he isn't anything special... mostly because he's underdeveloped as a character and because his big dark "secret" is too hurried at the end // Olive's romance with Nick, mysterious song, emotional healing, and coming-to-terms with self are all a bit disjointed

Love

There was just a thin piece of cotton separating us, and I could practically feel his warm skin through my sleeve. It was like the charged cackle of static electricity. We weren't touching, but almost. Maybe it was better this way, standing on the edge, suspended in between, where you can't get your hopes up too high or your heart broken.

Verdict

Jordanna Fraiberg's newest novel is a fast-moving account of Olive's post-tragedy struggles that touches upon the pain of heartbreak, the true meaning of love and companionship, and the importance of accepting second chances. As heavy as the topics of this book are, the story itself doesn't go too deeply into them, so for the most part, this was a light, undemanding read—although it does have its share of bleak, depressing notes. I was disappointed by the lack of complexity and weightier content, but still enjoyed Our Song regardless. This is a fun, believable, and ultimately touching book, and simultaneously a fantastic addition to the YA and middle-grade genres 

7 hearts: Not perfect, but overall enjoyable (x)

Read my fascinating interview with the author—which gives so much insight to the book—by clicking here!

A Romance Author's Real-Life Romance Story by Sheila Roberts and Giveaway!

Brought to you by Goddess Fish Promotions...

What She Wants by Sheila Roberts

Hot off the presses from Harlequin MIRA...

What do women want?

Jonathan Templar and his poker buddies can't figure it out. Take Jonathan, for instance. He's been in love with Lissa Castle since they were kids but, geek that he is, she's never seen him as her Mr. Perfect. He has one last shot—their high school reunion. Kyle Long is equally discouraged. The pretty receptionist at his office keeps passing him over for other guys who may be taller but are definitely not superior. And Adam Edwards might be the most successful of Jonathan's friends, but he isn't having any success on the home front. His wife's kicked him out.

When Jonathan stumbles on a romance novel at the Icicle Falls library sale, he knows he's found the love expert he's been seeking—Vanessa Valentine, top-selling romance author. At first his buddies laugh at him for reading romance novels, but soon they, too, realize that these stories are the world's best textbooks on love. Poker night becomes book club night... and when all is read and done, they're going to be the kind of men women want!

To Win a Heart by R.R. Smythe + Giveaway!

R.R. Smythe is one of my favorite author friends, who's here with us today to share some romance tips from her newest novel. R.R. is the YA fantasy alter ego of Brynn Chapman, who joined us in November last year. Readers, please help me welcome the delightful R.R.!

How to Win a Heart

When Karielle asked me to write a guest post, she said a popular theme of the blog was how the heroine ‘gets’ the guy.

I thought on this, related to my new book, Heart Murmurs. But in order to get to there, we need to meet our heroine. Here’s a bit about the book:

Mia Templeton is dying. Or was dying. After receiving a heart transplant, her world is forever altered. Before her eyes open, she overhears her donor was a murdered girl of the same age. Whispers invade Mia’s head before she’s even left the recovery room. She develops tastes for foods she once hated, and dreams so vivid, she feels they’re someone else’s memories. Her personality is altered—once a quiet doormat, she’s now inexplicably flippant, and confident. And her unexplained longing for the new boy at school is borderline obsessive.

Morgan Kelley is new. Adopted by his aunt, a descendent of Louisa May Alcott of the Little Women fame, he’s thrown into life at a new high school, and as a historical guide for his aunt’s store—a homage to all things Alcott. Conspiracy theories abound about his mangled lower leg—but no one has been brave enough to ask. Until Mia.

Something is awry with the Underground Railroad tunnels beneath his aunt's home. Mia and Morgan enter the world of a secret Literary Society—and are drafted to help bring a rogue Literary giant to justice, solve the mystery of her heart donor, the the real fate of Beth from Little Women.

For some, the key to happiness is letting go of the past, for others, it’s embracing it.

Heart Murmurs is based on the concept of cellular memory; that the bodies RNA may carry a part of our consciousness into an organ donor. I researched memoirs of people who experienced this phenomenon. The historical portion is based on the life of Louisa May Alcott, ardent feminist, visionary, civil war nurse and abolitionist.

At the beginning of our story, pre-transplant, Mia is nice. Very nice. Too nice. She allows people to walk on her and rarely asserts her true feelings. 

There is a phenomenon that sometimes occurs (rarely) in heart transplants where the recipient begins to manifest personality traits from the donor.

Rumors abound about Mia’s donor. One says her donor was a murdered homeless girl. Others... say she was someone else.

Back to love. Post–transplant, Mia becomes less fearful, and begins to speak her mind. She feels it is her second chance at life, and she is going to live it.

Morgan, our hero, never met [re-transplant Mia. And although he loves her personality, two integral pieces of her are what make him fall for her: Her goodness. 

Both pre- and post-transplant, Mia is inherently good. Morgan sees that and is drawn to it.

Mia is true to herself, and doesn’t try to be somebody she isn’t, and she’s happy with who she is. Morgan is drawn to her proud yet humble personality.

So being you, and being happy about being you—is the best beginning for any relationship. Morgan and Mia included.

If you enjoy love, enjoy being a little scared, and enjoy history, this is the book for you. Click "read more" for an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 1 to get you started!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: Justice at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels

Justice at Cardwell Ranch (Cardwell Ranch #2)
B.J. Daniels

Release Date: July 17th, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue 

Page Count: 216

Source: Complimentary copy provided by publicist, Little Bird Publicity, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)

Six years ago, Dana Cardwell found her mother's will in a cookbook and became sole owner of the Cardwell Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. Now happily married, Dana is surprised when her siblings, Stacy and Jordan, show up on the ranch... and trouble isn't too far behind.

As danger draws closer to the ranch, deputy marshal Liza Turner quickly realizes that Jordan Cardwell isn't the man the town made him out to be.

What Stephanie Thinks: Titillating suspense and plaguing mystery constitute Justice at Cardwell Ranch, the long-anticipated sequel to Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch. Because I hadn't read the first book in the series, the second was a little confusing at times—too many characters, relationships, and pasts to keep track of!—but overall that didn't detract too much from the book.

I have nothing against the Harlequin Intrigue line, but do have some reservations regarding series romances as a whole. I feel they're published just for the sake of publishing, just to meet monthly deadlines and fulfill subscriptions. This comes at the expense of quality, so don't expect too much out of Justice at Cardwell Ranch. B.J. Daniels is an organized, efficient storyteller, but she's also published so many series novels that she wouldn't be able to name them all off the top of her head. No personal attack here, but I must say this isn't one of your deep, dark, substance reads.

On the contrary, it's written with an breezy, smooth style gives no reader grief understanding the plot's progression. It's a very easy read in terms of level and page count, thanks to fast action and basic structure. The quick, sudden introductions of various characters that are all connected somehow is disorienting at first, but there's enough repetition for confusion to be clarified quickly. I wouldn't say Daniels's voice is particularly compelling or commendable; it's just good: fluid and direct, nothing to ever complain about.

A major theme is the prototypical 'troubled past' that almost all the characters have going on for them. Certain frightening and disturbing scenes will make you reevaluate all your personal decisions, want to repent for the mistakes among them, and hope to never, ever dig up your past again. 

The nightmares and corruption, as well as the ironically magical innocence of the high school social scene is also powerfully rendered in Justice, eliciting a sense of both nostalgia and nausea for the distorted, painful stage of adolescence readers all yearn to return to, but at the same time, fear. While the plot and characters are shallow, the emotions are authentic, one of the biggest strengths of the book.

I would not classify Justice as a romance. There is a cute married couple-dynamic between secondary characters Dana and Hud, as well as a very minor romantic elements involving our protagonists, Liza and Jordan, but the latter is a) unrealistic, b) ambiguous, and c) not even consummated. I would consider it brief, unmemorable flirting and lots of time spent together at best, but not a romance; there's not enough depth nor development to appoint it the title. The book does a great job focusing on their individual inner turmoils and aforementioned troubled pasts, but is it a love story? For me, not at all. I would recommend this one for readers who prefer thrillers and mysteries, but not for romance fanatics, because Justice surely disappoints in the latter department.

This is a fast-paced, standard mystery that's well-thought-out and well-enough-written. Daniels has talent in multiple different areas, though nothing stands out especially. The good guys are lovable and the antagonists loathesome, but they're not deep, haunting characters. The plot is clean, well-scripted, but it's nothing ground-breaking. The voice is reader-friendly, but not a reader favorite. Overall, this book is enjoyable (although pretty banal), featuring a long-standing mystery, as well as its ultimate, satisfying resolution.

Stephanie Loves: "'I'm serious, Liza. You have me thinking crazy thoughts.'"

Radical Rating: 7 hearts: Not without flaws, but overall enjoyable. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: Inheritance by Lisa Barker

Inheritance
Lisa Barker

Release Date: May 31st, 2011

Publisher: Lulu (self-published)

Page Count: 276

Source: Complimentary copy provided by author, via Romancing the Book, in exchange for an honest review

Alcoholism, sexual addiction, child abuse and the suicide of a parent are the inherited demons plaguing and isolating Joe Taylor even after four years of sobriety and celibacy, trying to drive him back to the wild parties of his youth.

Poverty, abandonment and neglect are Wendy Masten's inheritance. And one night, in a desperate attempt to reunite with her long-lost sister, Wendy and Joe meet unexpectedly and begin a quest toward freedom and long-lasting love.

Grow with them as faith unfolds and unleashes its healing power, transforming Joe and Wendy into the people God intended them to be with the inheritance He planned as they become a couple and prepare to enter the sacrament of marriage.

Rated R: For mature topics, language and some brief sexual depictions.

What Stephanie Thinks: Though this contemporary novel's romance is sweet, its themes are crude, and its characters highly flawed and highly troubled. Inheritance is not a sweet romance in that it is chaste and G-rated; it's sweet in that the relationship is not consummated, sticking with traditional values. However, some of the topics such as alcoholism and sex addiction balance out the innocence of the book. Read the full review at Romancing the Book: http://romancing-the-book.com/2012/08/review-inheritance-by-lisa-barker.html.

Stephanie Loves: "Faith, like a seedling, was buried deep inside and awakening. There was a battle ahead, a battle that would strip them to the core, but a battle they would meet well-armed nonetheless."

Radical Rating: 8 hearts - An engaging read; highly recommended. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

❤author: Katherine Stone Interview and Giveaway!

❤ I'm thrilled to welcome author, Katherine Stone, to the blog today. Welcome to ¡Miraculous!, Katherine! Will you please share a short bio with us?

Thank you! I'm delighted to be here. I'm a physician turned contemporary romance novelist. Born in Seattle, I attended Stanford University followed by medical school at the University of Washington. I did a residency in internal medicine in San Francisco and a fellowship infectious diseases in LA. There was also romance in LA. I met my future husband, physician-novelist Jack Chase there...during a spinal tap. I was having difficulty with it - though the patient was fine - and he appeared, as if a knight on a white charger, and saved the day. My twenty-one novels have been translated into over twenty languages and are sold throughout the world.

❤ Tell us about you books, and more specifically, Bel Air, which I reviewed recently!

First and foremost, they are love stories. I write about nice people who are giving life their best shot despite the enormous obstacles I put in their way! Like most of us (I think) they hope to be loved for who they truly are, and aren't at all certain that will ever happen (especially given the aforementioned obstacles), but, in the end, they are rescued by love.

There are other relationships, too: friends and enemies; sisters, brothers, twins, families. I usually have an ensemble cast who lives are entwined in various ways. Soap opera-esque, you ask? Yes, absolutely and unabashedly, with a little Grey's Anatomy and Lifetime Movie Network thrown in. The tension is more emotional than sexual (or so my readers and fellow writers tell me). I can't and don't resist including medical drama - and information - from time to time.

[Bel Air is a sweet romance that incorporates the medical drama as well as extra-romantic dilemmas within the storylines as well!]

❤ What inspired you to write your first book and then how did you get published? Tell us your call story.

The immediate inspiration was my husband, who, after years of hearing me say that someday was going to write a novel, said "Just Do It!" I should mention that I'm a firstborn Virgo, which means I have two scoops of goal-setting and achieving (or bust) combined with the utter inability to resist a challenge. And since age 11, when I wrote my first story, writing had always been a passion and a dream.

I knew nothing about getting published. But it made sense to me to send the completed manuscript directly to the folks who actually made the publishing decisions -- i.e., the publishing companies. In those days, this was possible to do. A book called Writer's Market listed the companies that would accept unagented books "over the transom" to be added to their "slush pile."

I got the we-want-to-publish-it call in my office. I had just returned from making infectious disease rounds at a hospital in Chicago. Needless to say, I was over the moon!

❤ How did you arrive at writing your particular genre? Is there any other genre you'd like to tackle in the future?

Like many writers, I had been telling myself stories forever. As a very young girl I remember looking forward to going to bed so that, before falling asleep, I could find out what happened next.

Romance, relationships, drama, tormented heroes, love conquering all, and happy endings are what have always interested me. It's what I authentically love - and, I think, it is my only authentic voice.

❤ How much of your actual life gets written into your fictional stories?
Lots, although in non autobiographical bits and pieces. I definitely write about places I know and love, and medicine, and things I wish I could do (like be able to sing). And there are certaintly fictionalized glimpses of people I have known and admired. But the specific relationships and characters are imagined.

❤ What are your biggest motivations for writing?

I love it, and those darned stories (dare I say voices in my head?) keep coming.

❤ Can you honestly say being an author is your ideal job? Do you ever sometimes wish you hadn't begun a writing career?

I'm very lucky. I've loved being both a doctor and an author.

❤ How would you describe your writing style and tone?

Dramatic, romantic, soft. 

❤  What about you would surprise your readers?

That I was on stage at the Rolling Stones' concert in Altemont, maybe? My undergrad years at Stanford coincided with the acid-rock era in San Francisco. My brother was - and is! - a gifted musician. So I felt totally comfortable wandering back stage, fiddling with amplifiers, talking to musicians, etc. You could do that then. It was that open and free. But on that sunny California day, the scene went from joyful to terrifying in a heartbeat.

❤ Give aspiring writers a piece of advice you wish you had known before getting published.

Everyone has their own voice, their own unique stories to tell. No author's voice will be every reader's cup of tea, nor does it have to be. Write your story the way you want to write it and believe it should be. Don't put things in - or take them out - because you think that's what another author would do. Go with your instincts, the way that feels true and right to you.

❤ What’s the most interesting comment you have ever received about your books?

I got a lovely postcard from a reader who was vacationing in Italy. She had been in Rome, admiring the roses in the Borghese Gardens, and she felt quite certain that she had spotted Charles and Melanie enjoying the gardens, too.

What's so lovely about this is that Charles and Melanie are characters from Twins.

❤ What's next for you?

Both Jack and I are in the process of publishing our previously published novels in new ebook and trade paperback formats. His brand new medical thriller, The Magruder Transplant [which Stephanie WILL be reviewing soon, once she sits her butt down to it, folks!!!], has also just been released.

It has been great fun revisiting the books. I've discovered, however, that some of my characters have more to say - and now are saying. As a result, this has become a lot more involved than simply converting existing Word docs to ebook ready html files. But I'm really enjoying the revisiting and, of course, I want the books to be the best I can make them.

❤ I'm certainly looking forward to getting to them. They all sounds like good reads -- I've currently just started Roommates, actually! Where can you be found on the web?

My web address is www.katherinestone.com. There's book info, bio, mailing list sign up and, most importantly, a few of the zillion photos I have taken of the 3 canine girls who rule our world: Wendy, Molly, and Scout.

❤ Awww! How precious! Before we conclude this interview, is there anything you'd like to ask our readers?

Not ask so much as tell. You remember that firstborn Virgo thing? Bossiness comes with the territory, too. I'm a huge believer in going for your dreams - and as my wise (Scorpio) husband said to me, "Just Do It.".

Giveaway!

Katherine has been generous enough to offer a new trade paperback edition of Roommates for one very lucky ¡Miraculous! reader! To enter, all you have to do is tell us what you love! Katherine's interested in what you readers enjoy, so leave a question or comment telling us your favorite book, movie, hunk, television show, or anything else that comes to mind! We just want to hear from you :)

Giveaway runs through April 8th, 2012 at 11.59 pm (your time).
Open to readers 13 and older (by the prize provider's request) -- US and Canada only!

Please include your email address in your comment! If I don't know who to contact once you are chosen as the winner, your prize will be forfeited.
As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤

Good luck!