Saturday, September 19, 2015

Friction by Sawyer Bennett

Sawyer Bennett is one of my favorite contemporary writers. She just knows how to hook you in with her plot lines, especially her Legal Affairs Series and spin-offs. This book definitely had the Good Wife feel to it (reminded me of Will and Alicia) because it had two strong-willed protagonists. They are both top-notch lawyers, on opposing counsels, determined to win their case until love gets in the way. 

Leary Michaels, coming from a not so fortunate childhood, has to use her skills and charm to succeed in a field dominated by men. She'll do whatever it takes to be at the top of her game. So what happens when she meets the opposing counsel with the same game plan? Sparks fly. Reeve Halloway knows his way around the courtroom but an encounter with Leary changes everything. 

The chemistry between the two characters is amazing because Sawyer Bennett knows how to build the tension (in and out of the courtroom). As their relationship changes from enemies to lovers, walls begin to break down and it can potentially turn into something more. But as the case takes a serious turn, will they risk it in order to win? 

I love books with dual POVs because you can see the plot at different angles. Especially since some scenes take place in a courtroom, you'll get to see how each of them process and build their case against the other. You just get the full effect. Even when the relationship grows outside of the courtroom, you'll get to see their thoughts and emotions. No need of wondering how the guy feels in a situation or vice versa. 

It's a really great book. I don't even know how to describe how great it is. If you love banter between two very charming and tenacious characters, you'll love this book. This might be my favorite Sawyer Bennett thus far. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series! I hope there will be more because Ford deserves one. We'll just have to wait!

5 STARS - Loved it!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Make Your Own Rules Cookbook by Tara Stiles

I usually don't read cookbooks but this one was a treat. My sister is a fan of Tara Stiles so I decided to check this out before buying it. It's such an inviting read. 

The color scheme chosen for the book is eye catching and not distracting. With it's bright colors, cool designs, and small illustrations, it makes you want to flip through it over and over again in case you missed something. 

The layout of the book is simple and easy to follow. The first section starts out with what you need in general for your kitchen so you are always prepared. From appliances and tools to produce and spices, she'll help guide you through the process and keep you organized. As for the recipes, I love the way she titles them because it gives them a bit of a personality. She also gives a description for each recipe, sharing her experiences/thoughts about why she chose it or why it's special. The pictures included also gives the book a more personal touch. Not only does she share the end result of some recipes, there are pictures of the people she met and places she have gone to gather information for these recipes. It's like a story book of recipes. 

Overall, it is easy to follow and easy to make so if you are a newbie in the kitchen, this may be a great book for you. She includes alternative ingredients to make dishes more healthy without losing the flavor or authenticity of the dish. If you want to change your eating habits (and not by a lot), you will love it. I will definitely buy this book for myself and for my sister!

5 STARS - Love it!

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Should've Said No by Tracy March

Where do I even start?! This is my first book by Tracy March and after reading this, I am definitely reading more books in this series. Should've Said No takes place in a small town called Thistle Bend. Although it's not real, it was based off of Crested Butte, Colorado (gonna add that to my list), which is filled with various mom & pop stores, beautiful scenery, and a handful of interesting characters. March reels you in to become part of it and it's just so darn cute.

It starts off with Lindsey Simms, a museum curator whose job went from organizing the Smithsonian in DC to a not so known place in the middle of nowhere. Although she may not like the change, it will be a challenge to organize the town's history when a feud between two families runs deep. (It had a Romeo and Juliet kinda feel to it) So who is the Romeo, you may ask? Carden Chreshaw. Not only is he the most eligible bachelor in Thistle, but the most swoon-worthy character. He knows how to woo a woman while not trying to woo a woman. haha The chemistry between the two is so strong that you wish there is someone out there like him. I just love it.

The feud is what drives the story. While trying not to take sides, Lindsey has to figure out the true story behind the land deal without getting on someone's bad side. As the history unravels, it gets harder for her to not reveal any secrets. Since Carden has a few secrets of his own, there is bound to be some drama. There may be a plot twist and it all depends on how good you are with predicting things. Overall, I love the way it is written. It's detail oriented, has alternating POVs, quirky secondary characters and great character development. You never know what might happen! Will the feud ever be solved? Will she finish what she is set out to do? Will they fall in love and live happily ever after? You just gotta read it. :)

5 STARS - Love it!

Monday, September 14, 2015

This Love of Mine by Miranda Liasson

Just finished my first ARC from NetGalley today! This Love of Mine by Miranda Liasson is a cute HEA read. Overall Rating: 3 stars

When I read the description for This Love of Mine, I knew instantly that it will be a good one. I am a sucker for small town romances, especially series of which follow different family members/friends and their quest of discovering love.

Meg Halloran is an independent, tell it how it is kind of women. And Benjamin Rushford is a big hot shot, always gets what he wants kind of man. While she is busy running her own bridal store and he aiming to get a promotion as an ER doctor, fate throws them together again in an elevator years later. This may not be a second chance romance where a couple falls out of love and falls back again. But it is a second chance of putting everything that happened in the past aside and being able to fall in love. 

Why not 4-5 stars? 
Some parts of the book were easily predictable. I usually like a twist in the plot to make it more exciting. And everything that can possibly go wrong, went wrong and it all magically gets resolved. I just couldn't help but laugh at the parts when everything is just perfect and it all falls into place. It just wouldn't happen in the real world for me but it may for someone. If you like a book where every character gets a happy ever after, you will love this book! On the flip side, there was great chemistry between the two, swoon-worthy moments, and charming side characters! I love Grandma Gloria and her sassiness. Especially Ben's sister, Sam, and her own little drama with love. And I bet Sam will get her love story in the 3rd Mirror Lake Novel. I hope it is because it was actually one part of the book that was not fully resolved! I also love books with weddings and doctors it was good read overall! 

3 STARS - Like it!