Saturday, June 30, 2012

What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn

What A Boy Wants
by Nyrae Dawn
Publication date: April 6, 2012
Genre: YA Contemporary
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon


Courtesy of watching his mom’s relationships, Sebastian Hawkins knows what girls need to do to get a guy. He has what he considers a PHD in hooking up. When he needs extra cash for a car, Sebastian starts up an online venture as The Hook-up Doctor, to anonymously help girls land the guy of their dreams. Of course, his services don’t offer a happily-ever-after guarantee. He’s seen firsthand getting together never means staying together. And then he falls in love…  With the last girl he would expect…Totally not in his game plan. Suddenly, Sebastian finds himself muddled in the game he’s always prided himself on. He can’t even pick up girls at parties anymore! Why would anyone want to be in love when it turns you into a stuttering, screwed-up, mess with really lame stalker tendencies? Stalking? Totally not his gig. But the Hook-up Doctor won’t let himself go down easily. He’s always known how to give a girl what she wants and now it’s time to figure out what a boy wants… and he definitely plans on getting it.(synopsis from Goodreads)
What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn was my first ever YA contemporary experience. Are you shocked? Excluding Harry Potter and Twilight I am basically a YA newbie. I began reading them in earnest a little over six months ago. My YA drug of choice has been; dystopian, paranormal and urban fantasy. I am not a huge contemporary fan to begin with -with the exception of small town series and anything with a cowboy *swoons*..but I digress. I could not have picked a better book to try. This was a fun, hilarious, sweet and touching tale of first love. I was able to connect; simply from remembering that first crush, that first kiss and that first love.

The tale begins when we meet Sebastian Hawkins. He is just finishing his junior year of school and needs to find a job so that he can get some wheels.  He starts an online venture called the Hook-up Doctor. For a fee he gives advice to the ladies on landing the guy of their dreams. Sebastian comes from a single parent home and he’s seen his mom hurt more than once. He makes it clear to all the ladies that he doesn’t date and only does hook-ups. He and his friend, Jayden have no problems in this department. His best friend is Aspen mainly because he has lived a few doors down from her all of his life. She has always been just one of the guys, his BFF. Lately he has been noticing how she smells, her hair, and embarrassingly her butt. He finds himself saying all kinds of stupid things. The tale that unfolds is predictable, but filled with sweet moments, teenage angst, and humor as Sebastian tries to help his love patient get her man and figure out what he’s feeling for Aspen.

Sebastian is a real hottie and he knows it. He’s a smooth talker but has a jaded opinion of relationships. His friends would say he is protective, sensitive and a talented musician. He is an attentive son and really looks out for his mom. Despite outward appearances he is a normal teen with fears and flaws. Aspen has been in love with Sebastian since they were six years old. She has come to realize he will never see her that way, and this summer she is determined to move on. I liked Aspen, she was sweet, funny and felt grounded. Their friends Pris and Jayden add to the tale, although we don’t get to know them as well. The relationship that develops is sweet, fragile and totally reminded me of my high school. Why didn’t we just communicate with each other.. can you say misunderstandings and drama!

The tale Dawn delivered was unique. First it was told from a male POV. Yay! Despite the fact that the author is female, I think she did a fairly good job of it. While Sebastian was a little more sensitive then I know most 17 yr olds to be, he felt genuine. The idea of an online business venture felt fresh and I loved the interaction between the Hook-up Doctor and his patient. There are a few side stories, which added to the overall tale. Dawn’s writing style and pace kept me engaged. The character’s voices and conversations felt real. (there is even a little mild cursing.) I consumed this book in a single evening and thoroughly enjoyed it. I connected with both Sebastian and Aspen and truly wanted them to get their happily-ever-after. I will definitely try reading another contemporary YA.

I recommend What A Boy Wants to anyone who wants to read a feel good romance, laugh, and experience first love all over again. I have added Nyrae Dawn to my author’s to watch list and look forward to reading more of her work.

I gave this novel 4 coffee cups out of 5. 
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Friday, June 29, 2012

The Sandcastle Girls: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian

The Sandcastle Girls
by Chris Bohjalian
Publisher: Knopf 
Publication date: July 17, 2012
Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository


In his fifteenth book, The Sandcastle Girls, he brings us on a very different kind of journey. This spellbinding tale travels between Aleppo, Syria, in 1915 and Bronxville, New York, in 2012—a sweeping historical love story steeped in the author’s Armenian heritage, making it his most personal novel to date.When Elizabeth Endicott arrives in Syria, she has a diploma from Mount Holyoke College, a crash course in nursing, and only the most basic grasp of the Armenian language. The First World War is spreading across Europe, and she has volunteered on behalf of the Boston-based Friends of Armenia to deliver food and medical aid to refugees of the Armenian genocide. There, Elizabeth becomes friendly with Armen, a young Armenian engineer who has already lost his wife and infant daughter. When Armen leaves Aleppo to join the British Army in Egypt, he begins to write Elizabeth letters, and comes to realize that he has fallen in love with the wealthy, young American woman who is so different from the wife he lost.Flash forward to the present, where we meet Laura Petrosian, a novelist living in suburban New York. Although her grandparents’ ornate Pelham home was affectionately nicknamed the “Ottoman Annex,” Laura has never really given her Armenian heritage much thought. But when an old friend calls, claiming to have seen a newspaper photo of Laura’s grandmother promoting an exhibit at a Boston museum, Laura embarks on a journey back through her family’s history that reveals love, loss—and a wrenching secret that has been buried for generations.(synopsis from Goodreads)
"How do a million and a half people die with nobody knowing? -- You kill them in the middle of nowhere." –Chris Bohjalian, The Sandcastle Girls

The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian is one of the most beautiful and touching novels that I have ever had the pleasure to read. I just finished reading this and I sit her with puffy eyes and a heavy heart. This was both an epic family love story and a look at one of the most atrocious genocides in history. I am referring to the Armenian genocide that occurred between 1914 and 1917. I was amazed that this wasn’t taught during world history. Sadly my meager knowledge of the terror that reined in the desert of Der-el-Zor comes from an episode of NCIS: Los Angeles. Bohjalian beautifully brings this story to life, painting a tale and characters that will forever be etched in my heart.  

Inspired by his own family history Bohjalian brings this tale to life through the fictional character Laura Petrosian. She lives in present day America and is seeking information about her Armenian heritage and her late grandparents. Through her, Bohjalian takes us on a journey to Aleppo, Syria in the year 1915. American, Elizabeth Endicott, has just arrived with her father. They have come to assist the Armenian League of America. Thousands of refugees are pouring into Syria to escape the terror. Some are marched in by Turkish soldiers. Mostly woman and children; they are emancipated, naked and burned from the blazing sun. Here Elizabeth, her father and others work to save as many lives as they can. It is also here that Elizabeth will meet Armen. He is an Armenian who survived the onslaught in Van. His wife wife and daughter are believed to be dead. He is an engineer and is in Aleppo with soldiers working on railroads. The tale that unfolds transports us back and forth as Laura shares the story of what occurred in Aleppo and the grandparents she knew in America. Bohjalian weaves a tale that both opens your eyes to the tragedy the occurred and has you falling in love with the characters he has created. I literally consumed this novel as the tale swept me up. It is one, I will talk about, recommend, and remember forever.

The characters while fictional could just as easily have been real as Bohjalian weaves them through this time in history. I liked the narrator Laura. She was honest and feisty and brought such an air of authenticity to this story. She is someone I would like to share a cup of coffee with. Elizabeth while educated, caring and capable..is something of a wild child. I adored her and the way she stepped in to help. Armen’s story is touching and I was amazed at how he kept it together. Events revealed to us, shape the man he becomes and the grandfather Laura will come to admire. We met other characters in Aleppo that touched my heart. One in particular a nine year old girl named Hatoun. She survived the desert with the help of Nevert, but not before witnessing the horrific murder of her mother and sister. Karin’s story moved me to unspeakable tears. We meet allies and brave people who helped to get the story out.

Bohjalian’s world building was spectacular and eerily surreal. Already a proven artist, it is evident that he poured his heart and soul into these pages. He brings this dark, ominous, evil time in history to life all while shining a light on the good of those who tried to aid the Armenian’s plight. His characters have such depth that I find it hard to believe they didn’t exist. He painstakingly portrayed these horrific atrocities against human life. Even in the darkest corners of my mind I cannot fathom how any human could commit such acts. Please understand that while the events occurring in this novel are dark, the author also brings light and joy into the tale. Through his characters, I laughed, giggled and experienced moments of true joy. The romance that spanned a lifetime was beautiful, bittersweet and left me feeling warm and fuzzy.

I highly recommend this thought provoking saga to fans of historical fiction. Anyone who wants to learn more about what historians and politicians covered up for the sake of allies and diplomatic ties should read The Sandcastle Girls. Bohjalian is forever on my auto-buy list and I look forward to his next endeavor. Bravo and well done Chris!

I want to thank Knopf Publishing and netGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. 

I gave this novel 5 cups of coffee out of 5. 
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See my review of The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian here
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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Dark Companion by Marta Acosta

Dark Companion
by Marta Acosta
Publisher: Tor/Macmillan
Publication date: July 3, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository



When foster teen Jane Williams is invited to attend elite Birch Grove Academy for Girls and escape her violent urban neighborhood, she thinks the offer is too good to be true. She's even offered her own living quarters, the groundskeeper's cottage in the center of the birch grove.
Something's not quite right about the school -- or is it Jane? She thinks she sees things in the birch grove at night. She's also beginning to suspect that the elegant headmistress and her sons are hiding secrets. Lucky is the gorgeous, golden son who is especially attentive to Jane, and Jack is the sardonic puzzling brother.
The school with its talented teachers and bright students is a dream for a science and math geek like Jane. She also loves her new friends, including hilarious poetry-spouting rich girl, Mary Violet. But the longer Jane stays at Birch Grove, the more questions she has about the disappearance of another scholarship girl and a missing faculty member.
Jane discovers one secret about Birch Grove, which only leads to more mysteries. What is she willing to sacrifice in order to stay at this school...and be bound to Birch Grove forever?(synopsis from Goodreads)
Dark Companion by Marta Acosta caught my attention on Tor’s website and I knew I had to review it. I am pleased to tell you that this creepy, dark and unique novel delivered. It has mystery, romance, interesting characters and a plot filled with twists.

It begins when we meet Jane Williams an emancipated minor who is leaving her foster home to attend an all girl’s school known as Birchwood Grove Academy for Girls.  In an attempt to change her life, Jane has studied diligently and has received a full scholarship from this elite academy. She says good-bye to her old life, and friends, in run down Hellsdale. School is set to begin in a few days, and she quickly settles in at the cottage that will be her home. The tale that unfolds is fun, suspenseful and eerily creepy as Jane learns things aren’t quite normal at Birchwood. She meets two brothers. One wants to protect her and the other desperately needs something from her. I quickly became immersed in this world and consumed this novel in the course of two evenings.

The protagonist Jane has had a tough life. She was involved in a horrific event when she was a child and has no memories of it. Growing up in foster care was difficult but another child influenced her, and pushed her to reach for her dreams. She is driven, kind and unique. She is grounded in her belief that she is ordinary. She believes that with hard work anyone can overcome. She is flawed and that becomes apparent in her relationships with both Lucky and Jack. I adored Jack and was unsure of Lucky. They are the only boys living on campus as they are the head mistresses sons. Jane tutors Lucky. He is impossibly good looking, popular and extremely quirky. Jane’s relationship with Lucky was really creepy and at times made me feel downright uncomfortable. Jack has already graduated, plays in a band and teases Jane unmercifully. While he doesn’t have Lucky’s god like looks, he is charming and lovable. I questioned Jane's actions and at one point wanted to slap her and yell are you crazy!  I love when a book gets me this involves. My favorite character was Mary Violet and she made me laugh with her poems and comments. This child is an original and I loved that about her. Other characters rounded out the cast and added to the mystery of Birchwood.

The tale Acosta has spun is unique and at times very dark. The whole tale is shrouded in mystery and we learn things as Jane does. This added to the whole creepy factor and I loved every minute of it! The pacing is well done and the author’s writing style brought the tale to life. With a secret society, rituals and lore, this book is sure to keep you spellbound.  She even manages to deal with prejudice and social differences. I love that despite the mystery the main characters were well fleshed out. Acosta kept me guessing as to who everyone was and what their intent was. I loved this aspect of it. While the reveal of the secrets at Birchwood was very, very strange it was unique and felt surreal. As I stated in the previous paragraph parts were creepy and kind of made me feel of balance as I read them, but it all came together nicely.

I recommend Dark Companion to fans of dark paranormal mysteries with a splash of romance. I think you will enjoy discovering the secrets within the halls of Birchwood Academy. I am adding Marta Acosta to my author’s to watch list.

I want to thank Tor for providing this finished copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novel 4 cups of coffee out of 5. 
Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba The Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday ~ Black City

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme
 hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine
where we spotlight books we are eagerly anticipating.

Black City
by Elizabeth Richards
Publisher: Putman
Publication date:November 13, 2012
Genre: YA Post-Apocalyptic Romance


A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war. In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable— they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash's long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they're caught, they'll be executed—but their feelings are too strong. When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.


Doesn't this sound awesome...like a post-apocalyptic Romeo and Juliet? I love the cover too and cannot wait to read this one!  

What are you waiting for?
Leave me a link :)

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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Sweet Savage Blood by Carolina Courtland

Sweet Savage Blood
by Carolina Courtland
Part 1: Reunion
Publication date: March 6, 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon 


Dominique is a typical teen in a boring Texas town, where the most exciting thing is the annual turnip green festival. When the charismatic Caden Hanover enrolls in her high school, her life takes a heart-pounding turn. From the moment she sees Caden, she is irresistibly drawn to him. She has no idea that not only is he a vampire, but that he knows she is the reincarnation of his human wife—the wife he hasn't seen in almost two hundred years. He is determined to reestablish their passionate love. He won't stop until he claims Dominique as his own—and eventually makes her his vampire bride. Sweet Savage Blood is a story of undying love sweeping across time from the 19th century to the 21st century.(synopsis from Goodreads)
Sweet Savage Blood by Carolina Courtland is the first of three novels. This is an epic YA romance that spans nearly two hundred years. It is also the story of a vampire hunter, a witch and reincarnation. I quickly consumed this novel in a single evening and look forward to continuing this saga.  

The tale begins as we meet both Dominique and Caden. She is walking across the street and he stopped at the red light. As she crosses, Caden Hanover immediately recognizes her as the reincarnation of his human wife. A wife named Dominique, who died almost two hundred years ago. He follows her and enrolls in her school to reestablish their love. Dominique is irresistibly drawn to Caden. The tale that unfolds is complicated as Dominique’s best friend Madison is a vampire slayer. Filled with suspense, romance, vampires and slayers I quickly became immersed in this world.

The characters in this novel are complex. Dominique lives with her irresponsible mother and pot smoking younger brother. She has to take on the role of mother to accommodate her mother’s long work hours and boyfriend addiction. She begins having dreams about another time and a strange man, who she has mixed feelings for. When she awakes, she finds bite marks on her neck. She quickly hides them and wonders if she is losing it. She is a typical insecure sixteen year old who wants to be asked to the dance. She is instantly drawn to Caden and seeks him out in the crowds. Caden looks like he is in high school but has the experience of a two hundred year old vampire. He has looks that make woman swoon but he only has eyes for Dominique. The story on how and why he became a vampire was bittersweet. Madison was awesome. I really liked her and her vampire killing techniques. While she has supernatural abilities and lives a double life, she is still very much a teenage girl. She fears her own death, is a fashionista and wants romance. Quentin is Caden’s uncle and a vampire. He doesn’t get true love or soul mates but cares for Caden and agrees to help him. He is a real ladies man and when he steps in to distract the vampire slayer he gets more than he bargained for. The romances that developed were sweet, complicated and kept me completely enthralled.

The world-building was interesting as several stories were taking place at once. Told from multiple POV’s Courtland takes us into the minds of each of the characters. There were two separate story-lines, one involving Caden, and the other Madison the vampire slayer. The two intertwine, adding suspense and the fear of discovery. The tale wasn’t without flaws but as a first novel for this author it was exciting to read. None of the issues distracted from the overall story. The tale flowed at an even pace with action-packed scenes, danger and excitement. I became invested in the key players and look forward to continuing the tale. It ended with a cliff-hanger and I am anxious to begin the next book.

I recommend Sweet Savage Blood to fans of paranormal romance. The next books are currently available in eBook format. They are Sweet Savage Blood (Part II:Revelations) and Sweet Savage Blood (Part III: Blood Ties). Sweet Savage Blood (Part 1: Reunion) is currently available in both eBook and paper formats.

I want to thank the author for providing this finished copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novel 4 coffee cups out of 5. 
Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba The Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Monday, June 25, 2012

The Ravenous Dead by Natasha Hoar


The Ravenous Dead
by Natasha Hoar
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication date: July 16, 2012
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Purchase:Barnes and Noble/Amazon


This time the dead are hungry…
Rachel Miller doesn't just see dead people, she rescues them. As a member of The Order of Rescue Mediums, she spends most of her time helping stubborn spirits move on from the world. But after she learns the details of three brutal murders, she knows the culprit can only be a reaper, an undead monster that relentlessly stalks its victims to feed on their souls. A reaper once consumed the soul of Rachel's mentor as she watched frozen in fear. Now, Rachel is in the role of teacher to Kit Elkeles, a rodach just learning to control his wraithlike powers. After Kit and Rachel rescue a half-vampire, they work to protect him while searching for a way to stop the reaper. But when Rachel realizes who the monster is really after—and just what kind of dark magic she'll need to stop it—will she be able to do what is necessary before it devours one of her friends…or even herself?(synopsis from Goodreads)
The Ravenous Dead is the second novella in the Lost Souls series by Natasha Hoar. This is a fantastic urban fantasy series featuring protagonist Rachel Miller. This tale finds Rachel dealing with a reaper. It delivered suspense, mystery, paranormal creatures and kick-ass action. I quickly consumed this and was left wanting more!

The tale picks up where the Stubborn Dead, the first novella ended. You can read my review of it here. Protagonist Rachel Miller is a rescue medium and a member of the Order of Rescue Mediums. She removes stubborn souls from this world when they wreak havoc here. Kit Elkeles, the rodach she handled in the first novella; is living with her as she trains him to control his wraithlike powers. She gets a call from the city morgue about some strange deaths. They quickly realize they have a reaper on their hands. As they begin searching for it, they end up saving a half-vampire and need to protect him. Rachel has to confront some of her biggest fears as they hunt this creature and stop the killings. The tale that unfolds is suspenseful as they scramble to contain the reaper. 

I love the characters in Hoar’s novels. Rachel has had one heck of a messed up life, but she is dedicated to the cause and is totally kick-ass in the rescue department. This case however shakes loose some of her old childhood fears and she falters. Kit has to step in and assist. Kit is adorable, inquisitive, and all male. I think he has a little thing going for Rachel. While there is no romance in this tale, something is brewing between these two and I cannot wait to see it unfold. Luke is the half-vampire they save and I am anxious to learn more about him. We meet other characters and some old ones who help round out this tale.

The world-building in this series is action packed and I am beginning to have a sense of all the paranormal players in this world. While each novella could be read as a standalone there is a side plot that builds with each tale. Something or someone is watching/wants Rachel dead. This adds additional suspense and I cannot wait to see how it plays out. I love the supernatural creatures that appear in this series and love learning about the different orders and rules. We get to see a vulnerable side to Rachel and I liked getting to know her better. The plot possibilities are endless and Hoar’s writing style makes them a pleasure to read. My only complaint; I want more. I am hoping these develop into full length novels!

Ravenous Dead and the Lost Souls trilogy is a must for fans of urban fantasy.  I quickly consumed this in one sitting and cannot wait for the next chapter. I have added this author to my list and look forward to reading more of her work.

I want to thank Carina Press and netGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novella 4 coffee cups out of 5. 
Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba The Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Sunday, June 24, 2012

The Sunday Post ~sharing news and books~


The Sunday Post ~9th Edition
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.
Good Morning the coffee is hazelnut today. Enjoy a cup! I hope all of you enjoyed the first day of summer. We grilled outback to celebrate. This week I participated in a read-a-thon and have lots of reviews to write. Have a wonderful day and be sure and visit the participating blogs. 






This past week I shared the following reviews:
I also brought you:
This week on the blog I will have reviews of:
  • Ravenous Dead by Natasha Hoar
  • Sweet Savage Blood by 
  • Dark Companion by Marta Acosta
  • The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian 
  • What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn
Also look for an exciting:
  • Waiting on Wednesday

Here are the books and goodies I received this past week:


For Review:


Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore
courtesy of BookSneeze


A finished copy of Dark Companion by Marta Acosta
courtesy of Tor/Forge :)


Purchased or Downloaded:





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Saturday, June 23, 2012

Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey

Slow Summer Kisses
by Shannon Stacey
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication date: June 4, 2012
Genre: Adult Romance
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

*Novella/ eBook *sexual content

Anna Frazier is used to living life at 100 mph, but being downsized out of a job in the financial industry has her permanently stalled. With nowhere to go, go, go, Anna hails a cab to her grandparents' neglected New Hampshire camp to plan her next move. It seems like a good idea—until she realizes there's no takeout to be had and the boy next door has grown into a sexy but surly recluse.
Cameron Mayfield knows he can kiss his peace and quiet goodbye when Hurricane Anna blows in. She was loud and bossy as a ten-year-old—and besides developing some attractive curves, she hasn't changed. Cam's not looking for a relationship, especially not with a woman like Anna. He nearly broke down on that road once before. So why can't he stop thinking about her?
It's not long before their sizzling attraction leads to smoking-hot kisses. But as the days get shorter, Anna must decide if she's found a new road to happiness, or just taken a detour.(synopsis from Goodreads)

Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey was a heart-warming romance. While this is a novella, the story felt complete and I enjoyed every minute of it. I quickly became wrapped up in this tale and consumed it in one sitting.

The tale begins when we meet Anna Frazier. Up until now she has been a go-getter in the financial industry. One could say she is high-strung and moving in the fast lane. She has recently lost her job, and rather than tap into her savings, she moves into her grandparents, New Hampshire camp home. She discovers her next door neighbor, is her childhood summer friend Cameron Mayfield, and boy has he grown into a fine specimen of a man. The tale that unfolds is sweet, as Cameron tried to avoid the high-maintenance, talkative but oh so beautiful Anna.

The characters in this novel are sweet, damaged and captured my heart. I laughed at their antics and became invested in their outcome. Stacey gives us plenty of humorous scenes which I thoroughly enjoyed. While the story line was predictable it delivered exactly what I was looking for. Watching the two of them fall in love was fun.

While this wasn’t a full length novel the story-line was fully developed. It does contain sexual content but it was mostly implied. I connected with both characters and Stacey did a good job of making me feel like I knew and understood where they were coming from.

Slow Summer Kisses is the perfect summer read. It is light, sweet and perfect for an afternoon escape. I plan to read more from this author. This is currently available as an eBook.

FYI..this story and others are available in a collection called Carina Press Presents: Editor's Choice Volume I: Kilts &Kraken\Negotiating Point\Slow Summer Kisses. Had I known..i would have purchased this.

I gave this novella 4 coffee cups out of 5. 
Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba The Caffeinated Book Reviewer Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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