The Way We Fell by M.J. Fields

The Way We Fell by M.J. Fields
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Kendall Ross and Ben Sawyer run into each other in Dublin; sparks fly. Not only has Kendall crushed on Ben since forever but they are now in their 20s and Ben is a singer/song writer in Dublin, who sees a girl dancing in the crowd and falls hard. As he pursues her, they finally realize they know each other. Ben falls hard and Kendall is adamant they not date because she has two years of school left; he is famous and very experienced. I loved Ben's strong, confident personality when it came to Kendall. But he also had family drama he contends with as well. But Kendall is herself confident, attracted to Ben but wants to wait until marriage, besides she is going to be in school for the next two years. I loved the story of these two people who were meant to be together and all that they did to make it happen. A great romance, sizzling chemistry and great family support!

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The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn

The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must admit I was getting really uncomfortable with Beatrix's meanness and her best friend, Meg's fear of getting on Beatrix's bad side because of a freeze out the year before middle school begins. But I also knew Gillian McDunn was spot on writing about the drama and bullying that can go on in friendships and middle school. With the introduction of Hazel as the new girl, Beatrix's anger and hostility knew no bounds, worse yet, her mother fanned the flames of keeping Hazel friendless. Readers young and old will see the real world in this book about friendship, being true to yourself, feeling alone (in the classroom, being bullied with words, actions, and buzzing). I was glad to see the different types of teachers represented in Meg's school- Ms Dupart, the advanced science teacher who does not put up with any student drama while a male teacher will not even listen to Meg as she tries to tell her teacher about the problem between Hazel and Beatrix (I found it interesting that Meg later realizes if she wanted to tell that teacher about boy problems, he would have listened and not shut her down while girl problems were DRAMA). I loved the way McDunn writes---the science project, Hazel and Meg's growing friendship (because they talk out problems, likes & dislikes, unlike with Beatrix) and Meg's supportive family. I rooted for Meg and was in awe of her speech about the positives of bees! A must read!

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Yhe Princess and the Fangirl (Once Upon a Con, #2) by Ashley Poston

The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Geekerella and this 2nd book in this series is just as good! Jess is Princess Amara of the Starfield series but she only sees the harsh side to her fame while Imogene is a start struck fangirl who wants to make sure the Princess is brought back from the dead in the final episode. At the annual ExcelsiCon, look-a-likes Imogen and Jess clash, decide to change places and the fun, suspense, drama begins! I loved the old friendships ((Ethan and Jess (who is really Imogen)) and the new friendships (Harper and Imogen (who is really Jess) as well as the cloak and dagger mystery to prove who is leaking the new script at the con. Poston really knows how to "retell" stories and the surprises were delightful! I loved all the costumes, Imogen's moms and brothers, the world of nerd culture, the good and bad of fandom.

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Winter in Paradise (Parasie, #1) by Elin Hilderbrand

Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first Elin Hilderbrand novel and oh did I love it!!! The family of Russ Steele is completely blindsided with his New Years Day death in a helicopter in St. John. Once Irene and her sons go to St. John for the body, they are even more horrified to learn he owns a palatial villa, has a woman on the side who is an island girl, Rosie,she also perishes in this crash. I loved the plot, the characters and the beauty of St John---Elin Hilderbrand crafted a suspenseful novel with so many questions and feelings crashing into Irene, Cash and Baker. But once they reach the island, they are not the only ones with questions---Huck, Rosie's stepfather to Rosie and grandfather to her daughter, Maia and Ayers, Rosie's best friend realized Rosie kept her lips tight about her Invisible Man, but now has become the time to try to deal with Rosie and Russ' secrets. The beauty of the island, the beaches and the local points of interest were awesome, I want to live there too! A series I can't wait to delve into more, I have the 2nd in the series, What Happens in Paradise on my kindle to read next!

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When You Know What I Know by Sonja K. Salter

When You Know What I Know by Sonja K. Solter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an important book to read; Tori is eleven years old when something awful happens to her by a favorite uncle. At first her mom does not believe her and also her grandmother; devastating to say the least and the author does a great job in her novel in verse with the many stages that Tori experiences within herself (fear, loathing, anger), her family, in school, and with her best friend. Tori for the longest time can only think about and agonize over it; she is frozen in time, back when it happened. She languishes more and more each day----until her mom believes her (sounds the alarm to school and officials) and when Tori begins to get help, resources (a therapist), confiding in her sister, slowly Tori begins to hope. A must read for all- kids, parents, teachers!

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All of Me by Chris Baron

All of Me by Chris Baron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ari is a big boy; he is big like his mother and grandmother, bullied, self conscious with few friends. I was compelled to journey with Ari as he sees his artist mother and salesman father's marriage fall apart, how he cherishes friendships with Pick, Jorge and Lisa and his summer with them in a seaside town. But as he is bullied Ari struggles with his image, is set upon by bullies (but does nothing to stop their punches and kicks) Ari descends even further into depression. Ari's relationship with the rabbi as he readies for his bar mitzvah was hopeful since his parents were never around and the few times he talks to the rabbi help him through his agonizing self hatred. I rooted for Ari in a world where he receives little parental help and care but finds support and worth in his friendships and himself. Deeply unsettling, compelling and much needed reading; highly recommended.

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A Perfect Storm (Men Who Who Walk the Edge of Honor #4) by Lori Foster

A Perfect Storm by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 4th book in romance author Lori Foster's series Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor. Spenser is a bounty hunter and has helped Arizona before in exposing human trafficking. When he wakes up and finds Arizona has broken into his house, the chemistry that was there before continues. But Spenser knows Arizona is not like anyone he has met before---she has been on the end of human trafficking and suffered as a result. She has become tough, standing on her own 2 feet and still out to prove herself. She offers to partner with Spenser to expose a human trafficking ring she has tracked to a dive bar; will he help her? I could not put this down, Lori Foster's romances always have me turning those pages and this book was suspenseful, riveting and the chemistry between Arizona and Spenser continued to ratchet up with each page!

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