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Janet Evanovich - Notorious Nineteen

Publisher: Bantam

ISBN: 9780755385010

My rating: 3/5

 
After a slow summer of chasing low-level skips for her cousin Vinnie’s bail bonds agency, Stephanie Plum finally lands an assignment that could put her checkbook back in the black. Geoffrey Cubbin, facing trial for embezzling millions from Trenton’s premier assisted-living facility, has mysteriously vanished from the hospital after an emergency appendectomy. Now it’s on Stephanie to track down the con man. Unfortunately, Cubbin has disappeared without a trace, a witness, or his money-hungry wife. Rumors are stirring that he must have had help with the daring escape . . . or that maybe he never made it out of his room alive. Since the hospital staff’s lips seem to be tighter than the security, and it’s hard for Stephanie to blend in to assisted living, Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur goes in undercover. But when a second felon goes missing from the same hospital, Stephanie is forced into working side by side with Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, in order to crack the case.
The real problem is, no Cubbin also means no way to pay the rent. Desperate for money—or maybe just desperate—Stephanie accepts a secondary job guarding her secretive and mouthwatering mentor Ranger from a deadly Special Forces adversary. While Stephanie is notorious for finding trouble, she may have found a little more than she bargained for this time around. Then again—a little food poisoning, some threatening notes, and a bridesmaid’s dress with an excess of taffeta never killed anyone . . . or did they? If Stephanie Plum wants to bring in a paycheck, she’ll have to remember: No guts, no glory. (evanovich.com)


My thoughts

I didn't mind this story. It wasn't exciting, and it wasn't the as good as the first Plum novels, but much better than the ones of late.
The plot is the same as the previous novels, Steph needs money, one big bond is Cubbin, who's disappeared, but unlike the few before this one, one doesn't lose the oversight of who she's actually chasing at the time. Lula is ok, but the jokes are the same. Grandma Mazur has a few more lines in it, but they're getting old, as well. Morelli / Ranger - same here as well. So it's basically the plot that keeps the story going.

Better than the previous ones, but no 'halelujahs' in that one either. Lots of 'Babes' - I DID LIKE THAT :-)


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Six Sentences Sunday - 16/12/12

Welcome to Six Sentence Sunday. My six today come from my latest release "Innocent Tears".





With an arched eyebrow he said quietly,

"Sweetheart, lips are there to be kissed. Not to bite on them until they bleed.”
Emma placed her fingers on her lips instantly, and then she
blushed. Good grief. She was about to turn her head away from him,
when he slowly brushed away a strand of her hair. Flynn took her fingers into his hand and cupped her chin with his other hand.





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Matthew Reilly - Ice Station

Publisher:  Pan Macmillan Australia

ISBN: 9780330360890

My rating: 3/5


At a remote ice station in Antarctica, a team of US scientists has made an amazing discovery. They have found something buried deep within a 100-million-year-old layer of ice. Something made of METAL.
Led by the enigmatic Lieutenant Shane Schofield, a team of crack United States marines is sent to the station to secure this discovery for their country. They are a tight unit, tough and fearless. They would follow their leader into hell. They just did…


My thoughts


Truth be told - it wasn't my cup of tea. I felt like actually being at an ice station, getting hot and cold as I read along. I almost gave up after only the first twenty or so pages. As a movie I would've probably liked it but as a book .....
Shane Schoefield (Scarecrow) is a great new hero, but IMHO Reilly exaggerated just a few times too often in how he escapes death; falling off a cliff in a hovercraft, blowing up a sub ... I like the story in general, it was a great setting, in theory a great plot, but too long in battles, personally to gruesome and as a lover of killer whales ... yup didn't like their portrait of hunting down people. (which didn't influence the rating ;-) )

Not sure whether I'd go for another Reilly book.



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Goodreads Book Giveaway "Journey to Her Dreams"



Goodreads Book Giveaway

Journey to her Dreams by Iris Blobel

Journey to her Dreams

by Iris Blobel

Giveaway ends December 17, 2012.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to win




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Six Sentence Sunday - Innocent Tears

Welcome to Six Sentence Sunday. My six today come from my latest release "Innocent Tears".


 
Flynn looked at Nadine. “Are you scared?”
She nodded.
“So am I.”
“Mum said you weren’t scared of anything.”
He choked back a smile. “Did she?”
“Hm-hm.”


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whispers from a book: Interview with Iris Blobel

whispers from a book:

Interview with Iris Blobel
Today I'm thrilled to...
: Interview with Iris Blobel Today I'm thrilled to share an interview with Iris Blobel on writing, editing and her newest release, In...

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inklings: Touring Innocent Tears with Iris Blobel

inklings: Touring Innocent Tears with Iris Blobel: Thank you, Laura, for having me today on your blog, and a big hello to all your readers. My current story is called Innocent Tears  and this...



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My guest today - Jennifer Rae Gravely

A warm welcome to Jennifer Rae Gravely, a fellow Astraea author to talk about her fabulous new release: Knight of the Dead


I’ve always loved words. As a child, I earned the nicknames motor-mouth and jabber jaws for my love of talking and telling stories. Later, as an avid reader, I wrote mainly to analyze. A triple major in history, politics, and English , I viewed life in terms of paper topics! Still, I played with writing short stories and poetry. Then life took over—I became a wife, mother, teacher, and coach—and even though I continued to read, I rarely wrote anything creatively.
About ten years ago, some teacher friends and I were talking about books and decided to try to write our own. One friend found her groove with the challenge, and has had numerous novels published. I spent years on two connected novels, both still unpublished. However, at the encouragement of my friend, I tried once again to write a novel. I choose the name Persephone for my heroine because I teach mythology, and used the tale as a springboard.   

Knight of the Dead
Persephone Richards is in a pinch. With a wrecked car and bills stacking up, the income from her job at the daycare isn’t enough. Mark Lawrence needs a sitter for his little girl and Persephone is perfect for the job. What begins as an employment opportunity leads to romance. However, a secret Persephone hides threatens the happy ever after and puts the three of them in danger.


You can purchase Knight of the Dead on Amazon or Barnes & Noble



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Sweet Saturday Sample - 24/11/2012

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you all taking the time, especially as I know how busy we all are nowadays.

I hope you enjoy this week's little sample from my current book "Innocent Tears".



With her child-sized suitcase and doll in arm, Nadine looked even smaller and frailer than the previous day. The lines of Flynn’s mouth tightened a fraction more as he spotted the little girl. Good grief, he was nervous. With only a few long steps he walked over to Teresa, William and Nadine. Like the day before, he kneeled down
and looked into his daughter’s eyes. “Hello, Miss Muffin. It seems we’re going to spend some time together.”
He noticed Nadine’s nod only came hesitantly. Her eyes did not reflect the warmth he had seen the previous day when William had held her in his arms.
He pointed to her suitcase. “Is this yours?”
She nodded again and then looked to William. “Grandpa?” she whispered.
William picked her up and gave her a massive hug. “You’ll be fine, love. And remember, Grandma and Grandpa love you very much.”
Nadine hung onto him even tighter, and that nearly broke Flynn’s heart.



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Jill Shalvis - At Last (Lucky Harbor #5)


Publisher: Forever

ISBN:  978-1455503742

My rating:  4/5

 
 
HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . .
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.
(amazon.com)
 

My thoughts

"I do trust you," she whispered.

Well, trust Jill Shalvis to present another ripper of a story! Not quite "Ty" or "Jax", but another memorable hero: Ranger Hot Buns - Matt Bowers.
 
Amy Michaels gets lost in the woods and out of all people, her friend Mallory sends Matt Bowers to the rescue - resulting in a night out in a tent. Both are attracted to each other, but both have baggage from the past which seems like a heaven burden. Resulting in avoiding a relationship .... but in true Shalvis style, with wit, humor and the perfect touch they're able to move on.

The side story with Riley fits in perfectly and it wouldn't surprise me if any of the future "Lucky Harbor" books will tell her story.

All in all - a must for Jill Shalvis / Lucky Harbor fans, and a good read I can only recommend.

#SweetSat Sample - 16/11/2012

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you all taking the time, especially as I know how busy we all are nowadays.

I hope you enjoy this week's little sample from my current book "Innocent Tears".



“Flynn? Flynn!”

He dipped his head and shook it regretfully. “Yes, Mum, I’m still here.” He paused for a moment and then continued. ”Sarah’s parents came for a visit.”

The surprise was obvious by the moment of quiet. “Teresa and William?” she asked in disbelief, her voice an octave higher than usual.

His hand was holding the bottle of beer next to him like his life depended on it. “Mum, I’ve got a young daughter.”

Silence.

“Flynn, have you been drinking?”

“Mum, I’m serious as serious could be. Remember Sarah not wanting to live in Melbourne, and then saying she had someone else in her life?”

He heard her sigh. “How can I forget? I don’t think I’d ever seen you so upset and depressed.”

“Well…” He took a deep breath. “That someone was a baby. I’ve got a little girl, Mum.”

More silence. His mouth curved into a grin when he heard his mother whisper to his father, “Get me a stiff drink, Carl. We’ve just become grandparents.”

She lifted her hand off the receiver and rattled out questions. “How old is she? What’s her name?”

The grin disappeared and he rubbed his face. “Six, and Nadine,” he murmured.

Jenny screamed into the phone. “Si-i-i-ix?”

Flynn almost dropped the bottle. “Good grief, Mum. Keep it down.”

He heard her sipping her drink – whatever it was. “How am I supposed to keep it down? Flynn, why on earth… why the… Teresa and William… and where’s Sarah–“

“Mum!”

Silence.

“Jenny Rose McCormack.”

She sighed. “Yes?”

“Ask Dad for a glass of water.”

“Oh my goodness gracious, Flynn.” He heard her holding her hand over the phone. “Carl, he says I need a glass of water.”

Flynn shook his head. Carl wanted to talk to his son as well – of course, because so far he was just serving her with drinks and listening to outbursts of disbelief and questions. “Not now… in a minute… It’s my turn”

“Mum?”

“Your father is a bit of a pain here.”

“Mum?” he said more firmly.

“Yes?” she replied flustered.



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JL Salter - Rescued by that new Guy in Town


Publisher: Astraea Press

ISBN: 9781621350828

My rating: 4/5


When Kris awakens in a costume, behind wooden bars inside a pitch-black community center, her only available rescuer is the hung-over new guy in town (who’s dressed as a pirate). Problem is: she’s sworn off men, especially buccaneers.

Badly burned four years ago by a player who ruined her financially, Kris Prima’s heart is locked down as tightly as her lifestyle is confined by those massive debts. When first assisted by recent newcomer Ryan Hazzard, Kris is resentful, slightly afraid, and determined never again to trust men. But when court-ordered community service brings them together once more, she begins to appreciate Ryan’s charm, good looks, and capable manner.

With all the rumors and assumptions which followed Ryan from a large metropolitan area, how can small-town Kris even begin to trust him? And why won’t he explain any of those situations? Through her efforts to learn Ryan’s mysterious past, they share further experiences: many comedic, one quite dangerous, and others very tender. Despite several misunderstandings, Kris’s bottled-up feelings slowly re-awaken and she finally learns enough about Ryan to know she wants him in her life somehow. Kris regains her ability to trust a man and her heart is freed from its jail.
(astraeapress.com)


My thoughts

Once I got used to JL's writing style, I couldn't put the  book down. JL Salter owes me lots of hours of sleep!
 
It begins with a big bang when we find the main character, Kristin, locked up in the dark - only to be rescued by the "new guy in town". Hilarious. Comedy at its best, yet at times somewhat drawn out for me.

Please, do yourself a favour and read this one.


 

Susan Elizabeth Phillips - The Great Escape


Publisher: William Morrow

ISBN:  978-0062106063

My rating: n.a.

Returning in The Great Escape are some of Phillips’s most adored characters, including headstrong, impetuous ex-president’s daughter, Lucy Jorik, who’s just abandoned her fiancé, Ted “Mr. Irresistible” Beaudine, at the altar. Now she’s looking for adventure—and perhaps a little romance—embarking on a wild and hilariously unpredictable road trip that begins on the back of a rather menacing-looking stranger’s motorcycle. The winner of more Favorite Book of the Year Awards than any other romance author, including Nora Roberts, Susan Elizabeth Phillips offers her fans an Escape to remember, and they’ll certainly want to come back for more! (susanelizabethphillips.com)



My thoughts

I didn't like it .... that about sums it up. And if you do pick it up to read (which every SEP fan should do, try not to listen to the Audio!)

Kay Springsteen - Heartfelt



Publisher:  Astraea Press

ISBN:  978-1-62135-071-2

My rate: 4/5


The story that began on a North Carolina beach with a blind marine, a divorced mother, and a child with Down syndrome continues as the young family struggles to adapt to a new addition. Now eight months pregnant, Trish worries about her baby, her daughter, and her husband. But maybe she should be more concerned with herself. Dan struggles to prove himself at work in the face of what others consider his disability. As he wrestles with his job, he is also concerned with life at home and the impending birth of his son. How will he connect with a son when he’ll never even be able to play a game of catch with him?  (Astraeapress.com)
 

My thoughts
 
I was looking forward to reading another book with Trish, Dan and daughter Bella. I loved Heartsight and Camp Wedding - if you have as well, this one is a must!

Trish is eight months pregnant, and Dan's worried about the impeding fatherhood. Worried about his ability to bond and look after his child.

Once you pick up the book, you won't want to put it aside again. Kay Springsteen's writing and use of words draws you in and doesn't let you go until the last page - and then you'll feel a warmth rushing through you when you've finished.

Loved it and have to give 10/10 for the Epilogue!

Let's hope for more :-)



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The Book Depository 24 Hour Sale

 
What is the 24 hour offer? We have limited stock of 24 great titles to cover 24 hours. Each hour we will be offering one of these at a superb price with up to 70% off RRP (and maybe even a sneaky bonus offer here and there too). Each title is for sale for one hour only or until the stock runs out.
The campaign will run from 8th Nov 2012 Noon(GMT) till 9th Nov 2012 Noon(GMT).     

 






Susan Elizabeth Phillips - Honey Moon

Publisher: Pocket

ISBN:  978-0671735937

My rating: 2.5/5


Honey Jane Moon is a scrappy little know-it all—brave, smart, but ill-prepared to become the most famous child star in America, even though she’s not quite as young as everyone believes. It won’t take her long to drive the men in her life crazy. There’s Eric Dillion, a smoldering bad boy and one of Hollywood’s most gifted actors. And Dash Coogan, the last of the cowboy heroes, a man trapped on a screen too small to contain a legend. When Honey falls in love, she’ll do it the only way she knows how—with all her heart. (susanelizabethphillips.com)


My thoughts

Not really my coup of tea. A big fan of SEP's books, I have to admit I'm struggling a bit with the 'older' books by her. This one is one of the them.

It  takes about I-don't-know-how-many pages to get through Honey's back story and, bang, within only couple of pages we learn of so many other characters it was confusing.

Short of the story is Honey Moon is an orphan and grows up with her auntie,uncle and cousin, but makes it to Hollywood. She becomes a star and then it really messy.

As I said, not my story, too many people, too little of SEP's usual wit and humour

Give it a go if you're a SEP fan, but if not, you should read her Chicago Stars series - they're brilliant!

May I introduce - J Andersen "At What Cost"

 
 
Please welcome J Andersen today to my blog.


J Andersen only recently released her book  "At What Cost". Reviews have been very good:
  • "At What Cost is a MUST READ for all teenage girls"
  • "Author J. Andersen created a realistic story that is well-written and easy to get lost in…"
  • "At What Cost is a realistic contemporary that offers glimpses into family tension and relationship reconciliation through a situation that reaches the point of no-return. If you like sensible stories that talk about realistic issues, you’ll want to add this title to your read list."

.... Definately on my TBR list now!

And I'm grateful J. Andersen took some time to do this speed interview for this blog.

 


1. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
2. Night owl or early bird? Night owl
3. Outline or fly by the seat of your pants? Outline
4. Traditional or self publish? Traditional
5. Hand write or type? Both
6. Milky way or Snickers? Milky Way!!!
7. Chinese food or Mexican? Chinese
8. Wine or coffee? Eek. Both. Wine in the evening; coffee in the morning.
9. Dogs or cats? Dogs
10. Amazon or In-store purchases?In store
11. Cook in or out to dinner? Out
12. Starbucks or Tim Hortons? STARBUCKS!
13. Twilight or Hunger Games? Hunger Games
14. Introvert or Extrovert? Extrovert
15. Indoors or outdoors? Indoors
16. Music or silence? Silence
17. Sedan or Minivan? Crossover
18. Endless edits and revisions or One time through...perfection? Endless edits
19. Camping or Hotel? Hotel
20. Organized or disorganized? Organized

 

Do you share the same answers ?




 

 Blurb for "At What Cost"


During her junior year, sixteen-year-old Maggie Reynolds expected to shop for prom dresses not maternity clothes. Now, instead of studying for the SATs, she’s reading, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Maggie’s ‘Mother Dearest’ lives in fear that Maggie will somehow taint the family name, so Maggie can’t turn to her for help. Meanwhile, her father is oblivious to anything but his 9-9 job. And her boyfriend, Justin? She’s pretty sure he’ll stay by her side.
While Maggie wrestles with her options, Justin offers a solution: abortion. It would solve all her problems quickly, easily, and effectively. And her parents would never know, which means they won’t throw her out and cut her off like they’d always threatened if she got herself knocked up. Now Maggie must decide which choice she can live with: abortion or teenage motherhood. Either way, it’ll be a tough road to travel.
 

 Available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
 

#SweetSat Sample - 06/10/2012

Welcome back To Sweet Saturday Sample!
Here's a little teaser from my recently released story "Innocent Tears".
 
Enjoy :-)
 
 
****
 
He sat next to her and she stiffened, her hand tightening around her wine glass. Biting her lip, she slowly moved her head towards him. Mistake! Big mistake. When their eyes met, he smiled a deviously handsome smile and the silence in the room echoed in her ears.
As he took a deep breath, he placed his glass onto the table next to the sofa. “I’d better not keep you up too long then,” he said as he turned back to her. “Thanks again for having Nadine.” He smiled.
She was still biting her lip.
With an arched eyebrow he said quietly, “Sweetheart, lips are there to be kissed. Not to bite on them until they bleed.”
Emma placed her fingers on her lips instantly, and then she blushed. Good grief. She was about to turn her head away from him, when he slowly brushed away a strand of her hair. Flynn took her fingers into his hand and cupped her chin with his other hand. He hesitated for a moment before he leaned forward to touch her lips with his. His touch sparked shivers down her spine as his fingers traced along her jaw line. Emma’s hands moved to his flat chest to gently push him away, but when she sensed his hands exploring the hollows of her back, she just closed her eyes and kissed back. Mixed sensations rushed through Emma’s body, and she slowly relaxed next to him and sunk into his cushioning embrace.
 
****
 
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Innocent Tears - Chapter One




Chapter One

“My Mum is dead.”
Somewhat startled by this statement, Emma peeked over the reception desk into beautiful green eyes that belonged to a cute little girl with brown curly hair and a freckled button nose. She couldn’t help but smile. There was something in the girl’s eyes that held a hint of mischief and curiosity, as well as some sadness, and Emma was drawn to her instantly.
“Nadine!”
The stern voice of an elderly woman approaching the reception caused Emma to nearly jump out of her skin. The girl stiffened with eyes wide open.
“My apologies for that,” the woman said to Emma, though her expression didn’t actually reveal any signs of apologies. The woman’s face reflected a life of bitterness, the lines appearing deep and weathered.
Emma smiled. “No need to.”
An elderly man joined them, and after a brief nod of acknowledgment she asked, “May I help you?”
“Yes. We would like to check in. Gibbs. William and Teresa Gibbs,” the woman replied.
Emma typed the name on the keyboard, and while she waited for the details, she smiled at the girl, and asked, “Holidays?”
Nadine’s face spread into a small smile, but it was enough to show she had her two top teeth missing.
“And I see the tooth fairy has been to see you recently.”
“Excuse me–” Mrs. Gibbs glanced at Emma’s name badge. “–Emma. Can we proceed with the check-in please?”
“My apologies, ma’am.” Emma read the details on the screen, made a few notes and turned around to activate the automated door card in the back office. All the while, she felt Mrs. Gibbs’ glare on her and instinctively pulled on her navy uniform skirt feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Emma sighed inwardly. In her early twenties and she still lacked confidence in what other people thought of her. Tucking a lock of her curly, tawny hair behind her ear, she tried to keep a positive attitude because, after all, she loved working at the “All Stars” Hotel in Melbourne. It was something she always wanted to do – to greet people to this beautiful city, and make their stay as comfortable as possible. And she was often told how popular she was with staff and guests alike for her positive attitude, her generous heart and kind spirit.
“Ma’am, that’d be room five-o-two. If you go to the right over there, take the lift to the fifth floor and follow the hall to the near end, you will find room five-o-two on your right.”
Teresa Gibbs took the card from Emma and turned it in her hands.
“Ma’am, you slide that into the door instead of a key. I’m happy to ask someone to come with you and show–”
“I’ll be fine thank you.” And Mrs. Gibbs turned to go.
Emma leaned across the counter and smiled at Nadine. “Enjoy your holidays,” she said and winked. “And come see me sometime to tell me about the tooth fairy.”
“We’re not on a holiday,” the girl said in almost a whisper. “We’re here to meet my dad.” Then she hopped off after Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, who Emma assumed were the little girl’s grandparents.
Emma wondered about that remark and then remembered what the girl had said about her mother. She watched as Mrs. Gibbs rushed her husband and Nadine into the lift, and the door slid shut.
A familiar voice startled her. “Emma! Come on, stop dreaming.”
Emma turned around and saw her colleague Jack standing next to her. She smiled.
“Jack! Where’ve you been?”
He lifted one side of his mouth. “Morning tea.”
“Are you for real? You’ve been gone for an hour.”
Grinning, he ruffled her hair. “Another bad hair day?”
She gently pushed him away and rolled her eyes. “You’re avoiding the subject!”
With raised eyebrows he asked, “Which subject?”
She poked her tongue out at him. Why should I care if he gets into trouble!
“Miss Gallagher!” The familiar authoritative voice came from behind them.
Emma startled and with heat creeping up her cheeks she slowly turned, only to see her boss standing behind her. “My apologies, Mr. Morgan,” she said with a tilt of her head. Deep inside she cursed Jack. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him attending to a guest. Typical of him to leave her to vices.
Leo Morgan’s square jaw tensed visibly. A man in his mid-forties, he was still handsome with his olive skin. Even though the hair showing the first signs of grey around his temples, it suited him well and emphasised his blue eyes. He took a deep breath and stepped slightly closer.
“Listen Emma,” he whispered. “I only hear good things about you. People like you and you have a good–” he paused seemingly trying to find the right word, “–let’s call it repute. But there’s a certain standard here, and I need you to uphold that. Are we understood?”
She nodded. “Yes, sir”
“Good. Now, go and do your job and whatever it is between you two, keep it outside the hotel.”
She stood straight. “But there is nothing–”
“Miss Gallagher!”
“Yes, sir. Understood.”
Emma turned around and checked-in the next few guests. It was only after she had finished her shift that she was able to talk to Jack.
“Thanks for getting me into trouble again.”
Jack placed his arm around her, and gave her a kiss on her forehead. “Sorry for that. But you seem to attract this guy.”
“Yes, and it’s exactly every time when I muck up, his focus seems to land on me.”
“You’ll be right. How about dinner at my place?”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Jerk!”
He grinned, and held his arms up in defence. “What?”
****
“You’ve got to be joking,” Flynn said into the phone. “What do you mean you need to see me?” Pacing up and down his office he finally settled by the window. He looked out, and his gaze wandered along the Yarra River watching people strolling along the Southbank Promenade. He liked the view – seeing the people walking at different paces as they took in the sights, or looking for restaurants, or as they were simply in a rush to get to their next destination. His eyes wandered further up and took in the sight of the Eureka Tower and a small shiver came up his spine as he remembered what he gave up for being there, for making his life in Melbourne and for getting this job.
The conversation he was having wasn’t going well, and he let out a long breath. “Yes, I’ll be there. And this better be worth it.”
He walked over to the door and swung it open with such force his assistant Joyce almost jumped out of her chair.
“Joyce, could you please reschedule the appointment tomorrow afternoon with Harry? I’ve got some private business I’ve got to attend to.”
“Not a problem, Flynn. You’ve got your hair cut tomorrow at–”
“Slipped my mind,” he mumbled and cursed a few words, but looking at Joyce’s face he knew she ignored his small outburst, but patiently waited for an answer.
He exhaled, and while heading back into the office he said, “I’ll go by tonight and see whether Richard can squeeze me in.” And he slammed the door shut.



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Eva Márquez - Sweetest Taboo

Publisher: Terra Mia Press
 
ISBN: 9781478136811
 
My rating: 2/5
 
Isabel Cruz was fifteen years old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they started dating, and 16 when she lost her virginity to him. By the time she turned 18 and went to college, everything had fallen apart.

This hadn’t been an ordinary love, though. Not a love between two dear friends, or even high school sweethearts. This had been the most taboo sort of love there was: a relationship between a student and her teacher. Isabel started her high school career as a normal student, but set her sights on Tom Stevens as soon as she met him, and pursued him with an intense – and sometimes reckless – fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous relationship.

Join Isabel as she makes her way through this dark love story, hiding from teachers, lying to her parents, and defying the authorities to make a life with the man she loves. Watch as she discovers the wonders of love and romance, and the terrible betrayal of jealous friends. And cry with her when she learns the hard truth about life and the people in her world.

Sweetest Taboo is inspired by the true and tragic stories of students who fall in love with their teachers, and live with the hard truths of forbidden romances. In a world full of after-school specials on sexual predators, this touching book seeks a different path, casting both student and teacher in a gentle light, and showing that true love may lie at the base of even the most illicit romance.
(goodreads.com)
 
 
My thoughts
 
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
 
I'm really sorry, but I didn't like the story. And having said that, it's got little to do with the subject, more the whole package. I'm actually a bit surprised that it did so well at the Amazon Breakthrough Award.
 
Anyway, I thought it was boring, nothing really happens over the almost 300 pages, except the love story of a young 15-year-old student and her teacher. Well written and I won't even go into the subject of student/teacher relationship, but nothing else.
 
I wanted to give it 3 stars, but there were a few issues I had:
 
*There was a lot of assumption on the girl's side re the teacher's feelings, but we never found out why, out of all students, she was the one he was so attracted to.
 
*What happened to the girl who reported the whole affair to the police. Did I miss something or was she never mentioned again?
 
*What was the significance of the parking ticket?
 
*Why did she go out the guy from the department store? To figure out what?  For me, she came across double cheap, not only did she have an affair with a married man, no, she went out with a guy who was about to get married.
 
*And the teacher's excuse that he didn't love his wife, he was drunk and on drugs when he proposed to her seemed wayyyyy to convenient to be believable.
 
 
I wish Eva Marquez all the best for the launch of this book, and thanks again for giving me the opportunity to read it.