A GIRL WALKS INTO A BAR

A Girl Walks Into a Bar

Helena S. Paige

ISBN: 978-0-06-229197-4

William Morrow

March 2014

Chick Lit

Throughout this book YOU will be the main character, deciding what YOU will be doing for a whole night “out on the town”. The evening starts off with you getting ready for a night out with your best friend, Melissa. The big predicament and first decision to make is what underwear you will wear underneath your dress.  The options cover almost every type of underwear, from a purple lacy G-string (which I picked) to a control-top underwear. Once you have made your choice, you are directed to another page in the book to begin the journey from the bar since your best friend Melissa couldn’t make it to meet you (stupid work!).

Depending on your choices for your night out, there were different ones that could lead to staying at the bar talking to the cute bartender, going to an art gallery by invitation from the muse of the pictures, or heading back to your apartment watching movies and drinking wine. After each pick, there is a little twist to your choice, especially to your friend Melissa; depending if you choose the same choices I did! Even though it was a little fun to pick out how your story ended up; the choice options didn’t seem realistic for a twenty-something like me.  For example, (an invitation to be a part of a cover shoot) is far-fetched. If you want a quick read and aren’t too overwhelmed with the options, then this is the book for you.  

Reviewed by Chelsea McConnell

Rating: 4

Review of NO GOOD DUKE GOES UNPUNISHED - Sarah MacLean

NO GOOD DUKE GOES UNPUNISHED
Rules of Scoundrels Book Three
Sarah MacLean
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-206854-5
December 2013
Historical Romance

This third installment features the Duke of Lamont, William Harrow. Known as the Killer Duke, he fled his life as he knew it when he woke up in a bed covered in blood and Mara Lowe missing on the night before her wedding to his father. Accused of murder and no memory of what actually happened, he went to the gaming life, became the wealthy and powerful man named Temple. Then, twelve years later, she shows up unexpectedly in the streets offering him absolution.

Mara Lowe is desperate. Desperate enough to come out and let everyone know she isn't dead. Her brother, Christopher, owes a large mound of debt to the Killer Duke and his gaming hall. So she offers him a choice - forgive Christopher's debts and she will come out of hiding and clear Temple's name. Once the shock wears off, Temple is determined to get to the bottom of her secrets. There's more to Mara's story than meets the eye, and in the end, it is a dangerous game of life, death and love.

Sarah MacLean shows time and again why her historical novels are stories of romance. Even though there is a plot here, it's more about the hearts and minds of the characters and why they do what they do. I loved Temple from earlier books and couldn't wait for his story, which did not disappoint. Mara was a tough lady, but still had a few flaws that made her believable. The previous two books are necessary to read before this one, but I loved Cross's story and do suggest reading the series to get the full grasp of Temple's character. This book will grip you til the end.
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Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

THE WICKED WALLFLOWER
Maya Rodale
Avon Publishing
ISBN# 978-0-06-223114-7
November 2013
Historical Romance

A fun read about two people who make the most of a situation neither had anticipated. When Lady Emma Avery, London's most boring and least likely to do anything, suddenly finds herself engaged to the Duke of Ashbrooke by accident, she figures her future as anything but a laughing stock is finished. Yet, she is surprised to discover that the Duke actually accepts this and gets her to agree to play along. For Lady Emma, though, she wants to be engaged to the man she loves, Benedict, who for the past several years has failed to come up to scratch. He needs an heiress and Lady Emma is definitely not one of those. The Duke, Blake, has a proposition for her: pretend to be engaged so that he can attend his aunt's famous Fortune Games - a yearly event that has the winner declared her sole heir - if she happens to pass away that year. This year might be the last and the winner will take all. If Emma agrees and they win, Blake will split the money - she can have her winnings and perhaps Benedict can marry her after all! She agrees. Blake, even though he starts out using Emma as a means to an end, finds himself slowly drawn to her. He can't possible fall in love with her, but what if he does? How can he compete for her heart when it's already engaged elsewhere?

Enjoyable banter, especially with Blake's feisty old aunt, keep this romance lively and quick. Blake did some self-studying and changed during this book, which was great to read. Emma, however, was the only weak link, as she continually fought against her feelings for Blake, even to the point of ....well, don't want to give away any spoilers, but suffice to say she rather got on my nerves. All in all, a lovely book, minus the heroine (at times).

Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones

WAIT FOR YOU
Wait For You series, Book #1
J. Lynn
William Morrow
ISBN # 0062294776
September 2013
Contemporary Romance

Avery Morgansten hates being late for class, while racing up the staircase she barrels through the double doors only to run into a brick wall.  Well the wall, wasn't a wall after all but a hunky guy with a deep voice and a great smile who he introduces himself as Cam.  Later arriving at her apartment, Avery realizes her neighbors across the hall are having a party.  She is even more surprised to find out that Cam is her neighbor.  Later while checking through her email, Avery finds a suspicious email with her name on it containing three threatening lines.  Avery is concerned about how " they" found her, the only people who knew her cell phone number and email are her parents and cousin.

 When Avery was fourteen she attended a party where she was abused by an older boy.  Trying to cope, she knew suicide was never the answer, it was a lesson Avery learned all on her own.  Avery is trying to move on with her life having moved away from her hometown, into her own apartment and making new friends.  Avery is ok with Cam being just a friend, after all he is charming harmless flirt, someone who likes to hand out cookies to pretty girls.  Avery is very attracted to Cam and he makes sure he seeks her out but she is afraid once he knows her dark secret he won't have anything to do with her.  Will she be able to open her heart, and put her trust in him?

WAIT FOR YOU is a contemporary romance.  There are so many  things that I loved about this book, first off the romance wasn't hurried, it was a gradual build up between Avery and Cam.  Second Cam was patient, sweet, and so very loving. The author has created a very tender love story.  The heroine must over come a rape and learn to trust not only herself, but those around her.  Most of all, she has to learn to live and love again.  This is a story you won't want to miss!

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Reviewed by  Gloria Gehres

Rated  4

The Submissive Trilogy, Book #3
Tara Sue Me
New American Library
ISBN # 0451466241
October 2013
Ultimate Romance

Before I start on my review of THE TRAINING, I would like to summarize the books THE SUBMISSIVE and THE DOMINANT. THE SUBMISSIVE is a look into the world of BDSM. We meet Abby King, a young woman who has fantasys of being a submissive and has led her put in her application to millionaire, CEO, Nathaniel West. The story is a look from Abby's point of view. In THE DOMINANT, readers will get the same story, only now you get Nathaniel's thoughts and feelings, his struggles of not wanting to lose control, and what drives him.


THE TRAINING - Abby is excited to go to Nathaniel's house,  he has even given her keys to his home.  They are finally working out their issues but she doesn't feel complete until Nathaniel returns her collar to her.  They have agreed to a more traditional relationship Sunday thru Thursday, but Friday and Saturday are reserved for their dominant/submissive sides that they both need.  Abby knows the best gift she could give to Nathaniel is absolute trust and obedience but doubts continuously creep into her mind. She considers that Nathaniel has a housekeeper who does the cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping.  He can even cook for himself, so why is she really here? Is the relationship only about sex? 

Nathaniel has anticipated they would have odd moments they would still need to work out.  He feels confident that as long as they can keep talking their relationship will stay strong.  He wants to make sure he takes things slow but he still wants to give Abby everything she needs as her dominant and while Nathaniel struggles to re-establish their connection, he is at a loss exactly how to do it. 

THE TRAINING is a Erotic Romance and the third installment of the submissive trilogy. Readers will see how much Abby and Nathaniel have grown. Trust, understanding, and love all play a part in making sure lines are not crossed and things don't get out of hand.  When I started this book I thought it was going to be the training of Abby.  But I quickly realized, THE TRAINING was for Nathaniel's benefit as well.  As Abby finally lets go of doubt, Nathaniel knows he has finally found someone he can share his life and goals with.  THE TRAINING gives us an interesting look into BDSM world but this story is not for the faint of heart.

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Reviewed by  Gloria Gehres
Rated  3