emberlydakota

[emberlydakota]

Breaking up with your high school boyfriend then finding out your pregnant with his baby is not an ideal situation. Unfortunately for main character, Tonya, in Welcome To Your Life, that's her reality. Instead of heading off to college her new future is cramming in as many classes as she can at the local community college as she preps for her child.

Throughout the book I met several characters. Starting with Jake, the ex boyfriend. Immediately the impression he leaves is not a great one. He's drunk and lashes out on Tonya for wanting to leave a party early. Tonya does not tell Jake about her pregnancy right away but he does quickly discover it. Of course he wants to get back together with Tonya. She doesn't feel the same. Jake leaves for school and isn't mentioned until he comes home for break. When he is home all he wants to talk about is getting Tonya back. Rarely does he ask about the baby. He loses even more respect from me when not long before Tonya gives birth Jake asks for more time to get used to the idea of being a father. He needs to either get it together or let them go.

Cami. What's a story without the ride or die best friend. Like Jake, Cami wasn't in the story too much as she was away at school. She is Tonya's go to person whenever she needs advice or a confidence boost. She is easily lovable and a person we wish to have in our lives.

There is a love interest for Tonya and his name is Reaf. He is in Tonya's Saturday art class and they get paired for an assignment. She doesn't like him at first, but she changes her mind as she gets to know him. I don't learn much about Reaf besides little tidbits. That's okay as the story focus isn't about Tonya finding a new love. Do I wish there was more Reaf in the story? Absolutely! He is the guy any girl would be lucky to date. He is the perfect boyfriend, understanding her in ways that Jake never did. I hope him and Tonya work out.

Overall it's a nice story about Tonya coming to terms with her pregnancy. Getting herself out there and living despite a new obstacle in her life. She is happy and it was an enjoyable journey to read.

Because this is a series I want to read the next two books at least. Book two will cover Cami's life and book three is about Jake. I'm especially interested in reading Jake's just to see if he comes around to being a dad or will he continue being a jerk now that Tonya is with Reaf.

It's not a long read and I was able to finish it in a few hours.

[emberlydakota]

When a vacation from hell becomes a vacation of a lifetime. Nina, taking a time out from her English fiance, ends up in Colorado for a two week vacation in the mountains. Within the first chapter there is a mix up with her rental and the owner is home occupying it. Once her and the owner Max meet, this story leads into everything you could want in a story. Romance, murder, kidnapping, crazy family, nutty townsfolk, and of course a sexy mountain man. You get hooked reading Nina's two week adventure that starts with her getting sick and Max taking care of her despite them arguing as soon as they meet. Max is everything a woman wants in a fictional character (maybe in real life too). He is passionate from the start. Knows what he wants a goes for it, even with Nina's constant protests. Max is domineering, which often pisses of Nina who is stubborn. A lot of the time Max's personality is a good thing because it draws Nina out of her comfort zone she put herself in with men and realize her fiance is not who she wants. While their relationship grows they are dealing with the aftermath of the murder of the town's big shot. It was no love lost for the town with the death, for he was the one who accidently killed Max's wife and crippled his own. On top of that he was messing around on his wife with a woman who was too old in my opinion to be messing with several guys at once hoping to get their fortune. This woman, Shauna, as soon as she is introduced is immediately considered a bitch and Nina certainly learns how so when she often lies to her own best friend. Max and Nina's relationship is definitely a whirlwind and oh so hot at the same time. That doesn't mean they didn't have troubles. There was one point I didn't like Max, even if I agreed with him a little. Max had found out that Nina had known about his dead wife for at least a week. He hadn't told her but several people in town made passing comments about her. When he learned she knew he got mad, not because she knew, it was because with all that was going on and dredging up bad parts of his pasts, Nina never offered him comfort about it. If I was in Nina's situation I probably wouldn't bring up knowing either since it seems like something he should do in his own time. How do you bring up knowing that the love of his life was killed when you are building up something with him? It can't be easy and it will bring up stuff that maybe she doesn't want to know. Max certainly tells her everything about him and his wife that further cements how much he wants a life with Nina. Second chances don't come around everyday and he was taking his. There a triggers throughout the story with mentions of rape, suicide, attempted suicide, and miscarriages. It's not always a pretty story line and the author does a great job of making sure these triggers are done well and not tossed in to add drama. This story is a long one and it's worth every minute spent reading it. Plus in the epilogue there is a brief third person view of Max. It was nice seeing his happy ending with his family and the gamble they took paid off well.

[emberlydakota]

A slow burn romance with just the right amount of drama to keep it from being boring. Caden just hit another home run not expecting the ball to hit someone. Learning that the person who was taken to the hospital for injuries was named Murphy, he was in for a surprise to find a young woman being treated. New model Murphy just had her life shaken up. Model contract gone. Boyfriend cheated on her with her roommate(s). The person she could count on was the one who put her in the hospital in the first place. Both Caden and Murphy connected well from the beginning, forming a friendship neither were expecting. Caden helped her get back on her feet after her surgery and taught her his love for the game of baseball. The pair each have issues that come to light, mainly with Caden's three strikes rule. He never takes a women out more than three times. After discovering that his dad walked out on him and his older sister it is easy to understand the rule. Once Caden let go of his platonic feelings for Murphy, that rule went out the window. Caden, especially had great character growth without changing too much. He was adamant about never seeing his father who turned up back into his life to forming a bond he didn't have over the last twenty-five years. The MCs' relationship was cute. They really were happy to be friends and didn't have feelings that one or both tried to bury. Favorite moments were the ones where Caden gave Murphy his hat and she would write the date given to her inside it. She ended up having a decent collection by the end of the story. This story wasn't filled with much drama. Some internal conflicts and a rare fight between the MCs, at least until 3/4 of the way in. That's when Christy brought in Murphy's scamming ex in for his final blow. A sex tape that the ex threatened Caden he would release of her. Oh boy did he. Right in the middle of the game on the jumbo-tron for thousands to see. After an argument with Caden and fleeing for her home state Murphy returns strong and back at Caden's side. It's a great read that keeps you entertained without being long and drug out like some other stories that are slow burn. Definitely want to read the next books in the series because Christy teased enough about the two characters to make you want to read more about them during this story.

Bonus: Screenshot of my favorite lines in the book

[emberlydakota]

Her Boys

Part 1

Rory continuously stared down at the packet of papers that arrived the day before. She knew that this was a great possibility, which is why she gave him a choice in what he wanted to do. Being tangled up in his dynastic plan could lead him to be pushed away further than he already was.

And it did. For good.

It shouldn’t have come as a shock. She could see after that last night he wasn’t going to be with her. Maybe he was waiting for her to give him the option of being together. He was the one with the fiancee and he needed to leave on his own free will if he wanted.

Clearly, his choice was made when Logan hadn’t even bothered to call to let her know his decision. He over-nighted the papers to terminate his parental rights to the child, that gender hasn’t even been found out yet.

Now her growing baby would never know their father. A tear dripped off her face. Rory couldn’t help crying over the situation. This wasn’t how she expected her life to go. Only recently a paid employee, still living at home with her mother and her new husband, in her childhood bedroom that looks like a museum of her glory days.

She hadn’t expected the world of journalism to change. Everything was about click-baits. It didn’t matter the content as long as websites were getting their clicks. Rory struggled to find her place in this new world, following her job on the campaign trail and freelance jobs that took her all over the world.

Then Logan came back into her life, leading her to strike up the Vegas agreement, only keeping Paul as a cover when Logan was set up with Odette. To make matters worse, her grandfather passed away and Rory was just lost. Flittering around trying to make roots somewhere.

One bad decision left Rory pregnant by an engaged man. Now she has to deal with those consequences alone.

Knocking on her mother’s front door interrupted Rory’s thoughts. Pushing the papers aside, Rory stands up. Hand on her stomach, she frowns wondering who would be here. It was a surprise as she peeked out the glass to see three familiar faces. She hadn’t seen them since her final goodbye.

They smile sadly as she opened the door. She knew that they knew of the situation. Finn, being the closest, opened his arms wide, which Rory ran straight into. As her tears poured out, she felt more arms wrap around her.

“We got you, Rory,” Robert whispered. Somehow she knew with her boys, things will be okay.

Her boys were with Rory every step of the way during her pregnancy. It took Lorelei a while to get used to and before long they were part of the family. They helped her move into her new place making sure it was safe for their future niece or nephew.

Robert took over Rory’s diet, feeding her extra fruits and vegetables, much to Rory’s protests. He earned Luke’s approval for properly taking care of his stepdaughter when he wasn’t around to feed her. Robert also limited Rory’s junk food intake. In the evenings when the weather would permit, they would take walks around her neighborhood.

Colin with his crazy buying habits made sure Rory lacked for nothing. She had everything she could ever need, making having a baby shower useless. The day she found out she was having a boy, Colin went into overdrive, giving his credit card a workout. Rory fears that it is only going to get worse once her son is old enough to play with toys.

Finn alternates between being tolerable and intolerable. He was always willing to help Luke and Lorelei in setting up any furniture in Rory’s home, sometimes getting in the way. In his downtime, Finn would come up with a list of baby names. He was terrible at it or at least joking about it. Names such as “Dugal” or “Mort” would be texted to her in the late-night hours. His favorite was Finn Jr.

The day she went into labor, her boys happened to all be over. Each would make sure someone was always with her towards the end of her pregnancy. That evening they were watching a movie and she had not realized that she started labor early that morning until a contraction hit that made her yelp in pain. The boys were frantic, yelling over one another on what to do. Should they call an ambulance? Once she got them calm and her a fresh change of clothes they nearly left her in the house heading for the car.

When Dorian was born the next day a picture was taken. Rory and all her boys.

Part 2

Rory once again found herself flooded with tears. This time for an entirely different reason. Rory is attending wedding number three in four years. Her boys one by one found their perfect matches.

Robert was first after meeting one of Rory’s nurses after she delivered Dorian. Within a year the couple found matrimonial bliss.

Finn wasn’t far behind Robert who already had been seeing someone while Rory was in her late stages of pregnancy. He had everyone they wanted to be flown out to Vegas eight months after Robert’s wedding to tie the knot.

As for Colin, he was happy being single. Marriage wasn’t appealing to him after seeing his father’s many failed relationships in his nearly forty years of life. Which is why this day is surprising to many. He fell head over heels and had no problems proposing. Now they are less than an hour away for him to meet his bride.

“Put the tears away mother. Today is a happy day,” Colin teases fixing his bow tie.

“I know and I’m so incredibly proud. You all are going to be in the married club. You won’t need me anymore.”

Colin thought she was joking until he caught her expression in the mirror. Colin turned around. “Hey, that’s not true. We will always need you especially when we piss off our wives.”

“That’s very true,” the other two agreed.

“Maybe it’s time for you to start dating. Plenty of single men here tonight,” Robert offers.

After what happened with Logan, Rory was not eager to start dating again. Then she threw herself into motherhood, work, and book writing she made excuses when anyone would want to set her up. She wasn’t in love with Logan anymore but avoided him. She was still hurt by what transpired between them.

“I better go get Dorian and see where my mom found seats. Love you guys.”

The three men let things go for now as Logan arrived shortly after to check upon them. They still had their friendship with their old friend only it wasn’t the same after they learned he brushed off his responsibilities. Plus they made sure Logan stayed far away from Rory and her son.

It was during the reception where her boys sat around scotch in their hands and cigars hung from their lips. Finn spoke up.

“I think we should find someone to set up Rory with.” Robert and Colin quickly agreed. The question is with who? This led to an argument on who would be a better match for the woman who took care of them for the last twenty years.

“What about Cas?” Colin suggests. Caspian, a distant cousin of Colin and also works at the same company as Robert.

“Cas!” The men agree with excitement. “So do we just lock them up together somewhere?” Finn asks, earning glares from his friends.

“No. We need to come up with something that doesn’t involve some mild kidnapping,” Robert tells him. He taps his finger on the table, as he eyes the crowd trying to think of a plan of introduction.

“I don’t think we need to do anything,” Colin said, causing the other to look in the direction Colin was pointing discreetly.

A few feet away from them, Rory was trying to stop her son, Dorian from racing off without her. He wanted cake that his Uncle Colin had promised him. Right as Rory reached out to take his hand, her son ended up sprawled out on the floor. He inherited her gracefulness.

“You alright there buddy?” A man stopped and helped him up.

“I’m okay,” Dorian replies ready to take off again. “Thank you,” Rory tells the man, noticing how good looking he was. The first thing she thought was attractive. His pale green eyes are what she noticed first. A strong jawline, with just the right amount of scruff, very few men could pull off. He was a few inches taller than her. A good height. Rory blushed as she realized that she was checking this man out.

“No problem,” the man smiles at her. “Your son?” He questioned.

“Yes. Dorian here got excited about the cake,”

The man smiled wider. “One of the best parts of a wedding.”

“Mommy,” Dorian whined, not wanting to stand there a moment longer. Before Rory had a chance to say anything Finn whisked her son away. “Bye, you two. Go have fun, dance a little.”

Rory stood there dumbfounded, unsure what just happened. That was Finn for you.

“You know Finn?” Rory nodded her head slowly turning her head from her retreating friend. “We met at Yale. He’s been like my brother for a long time.”

“Ah.” He holds out his hand. “I’m Caspian, one of Colin’s cousins. I also work with Robert so I know that whole gang.”

Rory shook his hand. “Rory.” Caspian held onto her hand not letting it go.

“Well, shall we go dance? I believe that is what Finn told us to do?”

Just like that Rory found herself agreeing.

Part 3

Rory stood in front of a floor-length mirror smoothing out her dress. She was alone at the moment, everyone leaving the dressing room to give her a few minutes of peace.

A knock sounded on the door followed by hearing Finn bellow, “Darling, may we enter?”

She chuckles softly, calling them in. Her boys walk into the room and she slowly turned around.

“You look absolutely stunning, Rory,” Robert comments with a grin.

“Thank you, Robert. Colin, are you crying?”

Colin hastily wipes at his eyes. “No. You are losing it, Reporter Girl.” Finn clasps his shoulder. “Good if you were crying we all would be,” she hears him sniffle followed by Robert.

“Damnit, someone hand me a tissue before my grandmother throttles me for ruining my makeup before I walk down the aisle.”

Colin hands her his handkerchief. “It’s not too late to back out you know. We can get a car waiting out back in less than two minutes.”

Rory laughs. “I’m not surprised at that, but I think I’ll keep Cas. We do have children together.”

Rory and Caspian started dating shortly after Colin’s wedding. It was one of the best decisions she made. He got her like none of her other boyfriends. He stayed with her after she told him all about her not so great past. Most importantly he loved her son like his own. He was more than Rory could ever picture for herself. He was outgoing while enjoying a night in. He loved to joke and mock. She could also talk about books and current events with him without him getting bored or tuning her out.

He proposed just after a year together. Caspian didn’t let his failed first marriage stop him from falling in love again. Just four months later, Rory knew for sure she found the love her life when she found out she was pregnant. She was terrified after what happened with her first pregnancy. She was almost scared to tell him. Once she did she had nothing to fear. He was over the moon, happy.

They put their wedding on hold, deciding to wait until after Rory gave birth, much to Emily’s dismay. Now their daughter Lorelei Violet, or LV as they call her is eight months old. Once they wed, Caspian is going to adopt Dorian, making their family more official.

It took Rory a long time, but she finally found all her roots.

At the reception, she danced with her new husband. She felt light and happy.

“Excuse me, may I cut in?” The audience laughed when Dorian asked to dance with his mother. Caspian grinned and bowed out. “Certainly. There’s another pretty lady I want to dance with.

As Rory danced with her son, Caspian returned with LV in his arms swaying her side to side causing giggles to erupt. Rory stayed on the dance floor a while longer taking turns with each other her boys.

Rory may not know a lot. One thing for sure if she hadn’t met her boys all those years ago her life wouldn’t be what it is today.  

[emberlydakota]

If no one gets married while in Vegas, were they actually there? Waking up married is a story line that many have done. It's funny and frightening at the same time. Preston's main characters fly to Vegas for Brody's 21st birthday along with his brother and sister plus his long time family friends. Being the youngest at 18, Wren had to beg to go on the trip. Her and Brody don't get along and anytime they talk involve snippy and sarcastic remarks. Sounds like this trip will be fun for the pair. Brody originally was going to leave Wren to do her own thing while he drinks, gambles, and beds a different woman as often as he can. This plan was working up until he sees Wren flirting with a guy who is definitely older than her by a few years. Brody decides to spends his night making sure Wren doesn't sneak out to see this guy while everyone else is at the club's. One night of drinking turns into two nights. On that second night is where the trouble happens. They meet a couple who is getting married the same night and suddenly for Wren and Brody that is what they want to do. Boy, were they in for a surprise in the morning. Following a failed annulment the gang has to go back home where the newlyweds have to look into a divorce. I'll give it to the pair they handled the divorce preceding muturely without arguments. While all this is going on you wonder when their parents and Brody's best friend who is Wren's older brother will find out. Wren and Brody don't always make things easy when their sexual chemistry is off the charts and of course Brody wants to keep sleeping with her. Not a great idea when Brody can't decide what he wants. I wanted to slap him a few times when he tells Wren he doesn't want to divorce her but never explains why. He just couldn't say he had feelings for her. Why would Wren stick around when he never told her how he felt? There was no doubt that the pair would get together, they just had to get through a car accident first. Just a last bit of drama before the book ends. A few last bits: Yes, their families freaked out when they found out about their kids. Yes, the older brother was pissed. Yes, everyone ended up happy for them when they decided to stay together. Realistically, I could never see this happening in real life to two people who never had any sort of romantic feelings prior to the trip. Book wise, it was enjoyable to read.

[emberlydakota]

June 2047

The sun was beginning to set on that warm June day. The gang gathered at the Erikson's summer home in the Hamptons to catch up for the first time in a while. The gang's kids and grandkids were currently on the beach getting a fire started. Laughter could be heard from the house as the grandkids ran around their parents.

Marshal, Lily, Ted, Barney, and Robin remained on the porch, playing a card game. They never did learn to play bridge even after all those years. Ted looked over at everyone at the table, stealing a glance at the beach deciding he needed a moment alone. He stood up going over to the railing. The sun dimmed further and Ted looked up at the sky, wrapping his arm around the column supporting the porch roof.

He spoke softly up towards the sky, "Hey beautiful."

It had been over twenty years since his wife Tracey had passed away. He still missed her terribly. Especially moments like this.

"You were supposed to be here. You were the only one to get Lily's front porch approval."

Ted had asked about if Tracey passed Lily's test shortly after their return from Italy. Lily confirmed no doubt that Tracey had a place with them. Definitely with cookies. Only they never made it to their old age together. He lost the love of his life after eleven years with her. After eight years of searching for the one.

Ted had lost all hope of finding her in New York, opting to start new in Chicago. Hours before he is set to leave he finds her. The bassist for the Stinson wedding. He noticed how beautiful she was on stage. Even more beautiful close up holding her yellow umbrella.

He learned that woman was Cindy's former roommate. The same roommate he wanted to meet after learning about her. They crossed paths several times in his journey to get to her. Being in the class he wrongfully taught. How he ended up with her umbrella and him returning it accidently. Their journey was slow, long, sometimes painful, but damn was it beautiful.

It's funny that had Ted not decided he wanted to find his one he would have never met Tracy. Everything in those eight years had a purpose and if one thing was different so would have the outcome. If he never gotten the butterfly tattoo or if Tracey hadn't talk to Barney that night.

Ted was glad he loved Tracey fully each day she had been in his life. He didn't waste a second. Tracey died knowing she was well loved.

He struggled after her death. He was dealing with his grief and sudden single parenthood. Six years it took before he was ready to move on. Him and Robin rekindled their romance only it wasn't the same. Ted was different, trying to cope with truly moving on. Robin realized her heart was still with Barney. They mutually decided it was for the best to let each other go.

After Robin Ted hasn't had another relationship. No one could compare to Tracey and he was okay with that. He still had female companionship with a women he met at a support group, Veronica. She had lost he husband while he was overseas. The two understood each other than anyone else they know in the sense of loss.

The kids have grown up and married. Penny and Luke each have kids living their own lives much like he had done once he left for college. Making their own group of friends, but nothing compared to the family the love returning home to.

"Everyone is doing great, but we miss you so much." He brushes away a tear. "Just remember how much we all love you and I'll be seeing you before you know it."

A gust of wind caressed hi , making Ted feel like Tracey was answering him back.

"Alright beautiful, I got to get back to the game. I'm sure someone has started cheating by now. Love you forever." He stared up at the sky one more time before returning to his seat.

Lily reach out to give Ted's hand a squeeze knowing he needed it. "Trust me, we will have our front porch moment," she says to him. Knowing Lily, Ted smile back because he knows she will make it happen somehow.

[emberlydakota]

Pacey couldn't pinpoint the exact moment of when he fell in love with Joey he could tell you when he knew for sure. It was the night after when he had the critic he called to stay at the Potter B & B where their friends and family stayed as guests. The furnace wasn't working so he stayed outside chopping wood for the fireplace so there would be warmth. Pacey was feeling terrible after discovering what Bessie had put on the line to get the place open and here he was possible helping in taking away everything the Potter women worked hard for. Once the fire was going after assistance from Grams everyone sat around the fire telling stories. One In particular that stood out to him was hearing about her watching her late husband sleep. How she could do it for hours. It was how she felt she knew she loved him. That next night after a successful sleep and breakfast he had gone in to find Joey and tell her about getting the furnace fixed when he found her curled up on the couch by the fire. A smile crept onto his face as he made his way over to her, gently pulling up the blanket to cover her better. Here, Pacey had a rare opportunity to watch Joey sleep and he took that opportunity by sitting in a chair across from her, face glowing by the flickering of the flames. It was a beautiful sight. Very rarely would Joey Potter allow her self be vulnerable to others, letting her tough girl persona shine through. However, lately Joey had been breaking down her walls around him. Him, the guy who at one point couldn't even admit their friendship. They started growing closer when Jen pulled up in the Taxi taking the interest of Joeys long time friend and not so secret crush. Over a day of searching for snails and wading in water due to their boat drifting away he felt something then. He even talked to Dawson about making a move that did end up backfiring. It was for the best at the time because not long after he met his first real love and not the love he had for a teacher that was twenty years his senior. Andie was a surprise and a welcome one. She brought out a better version of him and was devasted when they had to part the previous summer. It was summer Pacey and Joey worked on their friendship because each other was all they had. The new school year had brought a new chapter neither teenager was expecting. For Joey her love wanted distance, for Pacey he had to let go of his after learning new information. So Joey and Pacey leaned on each other from encouragement of Dawson to look out for the smart mouth Potter. They bonded over tutoring and dance lessons. Each passing day Pacey found himself in awe over the girl who he had share witty banters with for years wanting to be near her more. Suddenly sitting there watching her sleep was the greatest joy he could have. It took a while longer and many ups and downs then there she was confessing her love to him. The summer was everything he could wished for. For nearly a year they were together before life got in the way, different expectations, and soul searching made him break her heart. It needed to be done, but he felt like an ass on how he done it. That prom will certainly never be forgotten by them. Nearly two years go by before they are given a chance too bad for wrong timing and he missed out on her. Five years they were on their own paths, finding their dreams. As soon as he saw her in her red shirt Pacey was falling all over again. Only Joey could pull those feelings out of him. Even after ten years since those feelings were first discovered. Her time home and the passing of their beloved friend had made him see that as long as she is happy he is happy and he was going to let her go. Let her off the hook. Turns out Joey has been doing what Joey does best. Run. He was always her skittish kitten and now she is running towards something. Him. There are no words to describe his feelings to have his affections returned. Everyday he is thankful despite the highs and lows they faced that they love each other.

[emberlydakota]

It was a few years ago when I first read this book and I've read it a few times since then. I love hockey romance novels, so when I found this free ebook I didn't hesitate to purchase it. While it is a hockey romance, hockey isn't exactly the main focus of the book. Instead, it focuses on what the two main characters call "the shit they shovel". Callahan and Hartley are both living in the handicap dorms when they first met. Corey Callahan for the injury that left her wheelchair bound and Adam Hartley because he broke his leg. They both lose their spots on each of their hockey teams and have to deal with that. The pair form a friendship of battling evil stairs and playing video games. Corey falls for Adam easily. Problem is she likes a guy who has a girlfriend. A girlfriend that is everything she's not. Rich, gorgeous, and able to walk. Bright side, said girlfriend is in Europe for the semester allowing her to lust after him without interruption. Adam is dealing with not being able to play with his team, a gone girlfriend, an absentee father, and slowly falling for his new best friend. They give into their lust in one chapter, not completely though. Mainly to found out what Corey can feel. Right after that Adams girlfriend returns. Literally the next morning. I was proud of Corey when she tells Adam that it was hard to be his friend while she has feelings for him. She spent that first semester mainly around him and her roommate. Never branching off to meet new people. That is what she does. Joining a sport she could participate in allowed her to meet a whole group of people. The author didnt waste time after that getting Adam and Corey together. He breaks with his girlfriend and goes right for Corey the next day. He wasn't allowing anyone else to shoot their shot with him. He only had one girl on the brain. By he end of the book the characters "shoveled their shit". Everything wasn't perfect but it was better than before. I hope these two characters pop up on occasion in the other books in this series because they are great characters.

[emberlydakota]

As a person who has never seen any of those dating shows I almost didn't read this book. Reading about a fictional dating show and watching a real one are a bit different and gave it a go. Jack and Lou are friends from high school, living together as Lou is the nanny to Jack's kids after the passing of his wife. The comfortable life they love is shaken up when an old friend, Miranda comes to town, finding out if she brings in the new Mr. Perfect she us on her way to a promotion. She sees that Lou is in love with her best friend and won't move on while Jack is ever oblivious to her feelings. So why not get Jack a new wife, allowing Lou the chance to love her dreams? The friends decide that is the best course of action, with some (a lot) of manipulation from Miranda. Jack misses home, but easily falls into the gimic of the show with a few women. He's male and finds some one the thirty women attractive. Can't blame him. I felt for Lou who was going between telling Jack she loves him and letting him fall for someone new. No matter how much it hurt her. A few kisses between Jack and Lou pulls out feelings he never realized he had for her. He doesn't want to push her knowing if he asks her to stay she will. He wants her to decide for herself what she wants. A twist is thrown into the show once Jack knows what he wants and it isn't any of the women throwing themselves at him. Though he seemed to enjoy very much at first. Lou is unknowingly a contestant and Jack isn't allowed to tell her his feelings until the engagement ceremony. This causes a lot of conflict for Lou because she doesn't know what Jack feels and it was hurting her so much to know that she will have to watch him get engaged, thus forcing her out of his and the kid's lives. Thankfully there is a happy ending and Miranda's plotting worked out in everyone's favor. It easily could have gone sideways and ended a ten year friendship. I dont like her in this story, but I understood what she did even if it seemed self-centered. The dating show game intrigued me and I'll possibly look into reading more books in this Mr. Perfect series.

[emberlydakota]

Ah, The Upside of Falling. I only have good things to say about Alex Light's debut novel. While this is the first time I've read the published book, I'm familiar with different versions that have been posted on Episode and Wattpad. Each better than the last. Becca and Brett alternate POVs in this novel as they navigate a fake relationship that is mutually beneficial. For Becca she accepts the relationship, well for one, because she lied and said she was dating someone when she wasn't. Brett stepped up to help her out. Two she is jaded about love, preferring fictional love in books, and wants to make her mom happy that her dad's abandonment after her parent's divorce. Brett, on the other hand, is opposite of Becca. He is well-liked in school, on the football field, and in the town. His parents to everyone including him believe they have the ideal marriage, despite getting pregnant and married so young. Brett wants his dad to be proud of him. If dating someone will make his dad happy he is willing to do so. As Becca and Brett continue with the charade, they uncover that maybe Brett's father isn't as perfect as they thought. He is keeping secrets and that is his affair. The characters have setbacks. Moments of clarity and realization that sometimes you can't changes things. Both Becca and Brett accept that their fathers made poor choice and decided to move forward. Eventually they turn that fake love into somwthing real. What I love that there wasn't unnecessary drama. Where the main characters constantly make decisions to push the other away. No unwarranted fights. No evil girl trying to get between the main female and male because she believes she is destined with the male. Nope, just inner conflict and dealing with their fathers. I hope Alex writes more in the future. In the meantime I'll do what Becca does. Get lost in the book all over again.

[emberlydakota]

[emberlydakota]

I first started this series on Wattpad, so of course when the books were published I had to get them. The Text Message, definitely stirred up emotions from the beginning once learned that the main character, Emily had lost her twin brother during a robbery gone wrong a few months prior. She took his death hard, even more so when her brother's best friend, Adam blamed her for the death at the funeral. On the first day of school she gets a text message meant for her brother that sent Emily into a whirlwind. That text lead Emily to discoveries about Adam, who didn't know that she now has her brother's number, thinking he was talking to a stranger, coincidentally about Emily. They managed to forgive one another for the hate and blame, entering into a relationship that honestly shouldn't have happened while they were still grieving. Problems after problems occurred for the couple. Not to mention that Emily was hiding a secret about who his mystery texter was. They held onto the relationship, scared to let each other go. To be alone after something so tragic happened. Meanwhile, another guy, Mason was proving he could be there when Emily needed it. Showing that sometimes the relationship you are in may not be the healthiest. This book shows how much Emily struggled with her brother's death that she was making poor choices. Ultimately it led her parents finding another school out of state if she choices to get away, regroup, and to start finding herself again.

Again I love this series of The Yellow Note, The Postcard, The Letter, and The Text Message. Really any book by this author is good to me and I hope others will give these books a chance.

[emberlydakota]

No one wants their parents to get involved in their dating life. In this book that is exactly what happens to hockey player Caleb and miniatures artist Zara. For Caleb having his mom get involved was to fix a mistake he made while Zara is helping her dad in another get-rich-quick job. They have to complete five dates, easy enough when they strike a deal. Like any romance story we all know that their deal with their rules is never going to work. The pair fall and don't want to admit it to the other because they know once they complete the fifth date it's over for them. Once they admit their feelings after a bit of struggle and drama they agree to never go on another date again. This is a fun read and you definitely laugh at the scenes with Zara's great Dane. I love the part where her dog would set off the alarm just to get her home.

4/5

[emberlydakota]

First, and foremost I love modern retellings of Cinderella. A Cinderella Story is one of my favorite movies. So when I saw #TheRealCinderella for free on Amazon I was excited to read it. Ella, just like the fairytale is stuck with a terrible stepmother and twin stepsisters. She is often forced to do all the household chores, among other things in order for her stepmother to pay for her college, which her stepmother holds over her held. Ella is a smart girl, working in building an app that she hopes will win her a scholarship to get her away from her family. She also tutors in math, which led her to building a friendship with a basketball player online. They don't know each other's names or where they go to school. Not for long anyways. Once they find out they go to the same school he is set to meet Ella. Much like the fairytale they meet, he has no idea who she is, and she runs away before she can reveal her identity. Using Twitter, the basketball player, Jesse wants to find his Cinderella. When they finally get together after a bit of drama, the readers hardly get to see any relationship between them. On the upside is the amazing friendships Ella formed with four girls from her school. All of different backgrounds, one is even a cheerleader that Ella once despised because of her stepsisters. These girls rally together to lift Ella's spirits to prove that she is worthy of someone of the popular crowd. I would definitely read more books of this series. 4 out of 5 stars.

[emberlydakota]

The Matchmaker's Match by Nicole Flockton is the third book of the Man's Best Friend series. I haven't read the first two books and to me unless you want to know more about the side characters, it's not needed. This book is in duel points of view from Meredith Turner and Lincoln (Linc) Forrest. Both characters, I learned quickly, are trying to figure out their next steps in life and meet at a hotel bar. There's instant attraction that leads them to a night in Linc's hotel room. Like everyone after a one night stand they don't plan to see each other again. They certainly don't plan on running into each other at the same wedding dinner rehearsal where they are the maid of honor and best man. There remeeting goes south quickly when Linc ushers Meredith to urgent care for her stomach pain. The pair find out that they conceived a child that night. Due to an eptopic pregnancy, they weren't able to follow through with it. As the story continues Meredith discusses hat she was planning to inserminated, wanting to go through parenthood alone. Linc on the other hand, though sad about the loss of his child is a bit relieved. He never thought he would make a good father. Of course, as predicted, Linc offers to be a sperm donor for Meredith. That was up until he wanted a real relationship with her. What I didn't like about this book is that the character's relationship really didn't develop. They jumped into a relationship and planned to have children later on when the time was right. Next thing I read is that they are in love. Another thing is that there wasn't any considerable drama throughout the story until the very end. It was a typical she sees him with another girl looking happy, but then she finds out it's his sister. With her being upset, she runs into her ex, then he sees her pretending to be happy to hurt him. Kind of unnecessary in my opinion. This wasn't a great read, not terrible either. I'd give it a 3/5.

[emberlydakota]

I recently finished How To Choose A Guy In 10 days by Lila Monroe. The story itself was an easy read, taking no longer than a day for me to complete.  Gemma a stylist works for a company where she is up for a promotion against her rival. The two place a bet on who can better style the client of their rivals choosing in order to win the promotion. Gemma's rival chooses her annoying neighbor, Bigfoot, I mean Zach. To Gemma, Zach seems like an unemployed, very hairy, annoyance, who somehow manages to consistently bring women home with him. Zach wants nothing to do with the makeover at first until he finally gives in. Throughout the story we learn the background on the characters stories. Like how Gamma is this shallow, vapid fashionista. Or that Zach recently divorced from a woman who did a number on his confidence and sold his project for big money. The pair grows closer in their ten days up to the night the winner is chosen at a gala. After Gemma gets picked for the promotion, her rival purposely tells Zach that it was a bet to transform a loser. Having his confidence shattered by his ex wife, Zach believes the rival that Gemma only slept with him to improve her chances of winning. I won't spoil the ending, that's for anyone who wants to read this book to find out. Personally, I would give this book a 3 out of 5. It's good, funny at times. My favorite lines had to be "do onion rings count as a vegetable? If so, then pickles do, too. I'm practically eating a salad." Otherwise it doesn't rank high in my favorite reads. Still, I'm willing to read more books from this author.

[emberlydakota]

stranger things season 2: was literally only confirmed a few days ago, probably won’t even start filming until next month

me, a person with no concept of the passage of time: