REVIEW: The Girl's Guide to Summer

THE GIRL'S GUIDE TO SUMMER

by Sarah Mlynowski

Pages: 352

Publisher: Orchard Books

Publication Date: June 15th 2017

Received From: Orchard Books

Sydney Aarons is leaving her Manhattan townhouse for a summer backpacking around Europe with her best friend, Leela. They're visiting London, France, Italy, Switzerland and everywhere in between - it's going to be the trip of a lifetime.
BUT... The trip gets off to a bad start when Leela's ex-boyfriend shows up on their flight out of JFK. When they touch down in London, Leela Instagrams their every move in the hope Matt will come and find them... Which he does, along with the most gorgeous guy Sydney has ever seen.
Will Sydney's summer fling last the distance? And what will happen when they all head home? 

The Girls Guide To Summer is the story of Sydney, a college student who has always put her family first and herself second. However, this summer that is all about to change when her best friend Leela insists Sydney join her on the European adventure they have always dreamed of. For the first time in a long time Sydney isn't thinking about her family, she's off backpacking around Europe and nothing will get in her way... well other than Leela's ex boyfriend Matt that is. Throughout the course of the book the two best friends are pushed too their limits as they try to juggle romance, loyalties and eight new countries. It will be a summer they'll never forget, but will it be for the right reasons? Only one way to find out!

Okay so confession time. When I received this book from the lovely people at Orchard Books I was more than a little sceptical because I have read a book by Sarah Mlynowski before and if i'm honest it was not my cup of tea. HOWEVER, the story line for The Girl's Guide to Summer did sound interesting so I thought I would give it a go and I have to say I was not disappointed! Okay, it still had the same niggling annoyance of the other book, which was certain characters *cough* Leela *cough* do come across as annoyingly self-centered at times. However, the overall story had me hooked and I fell in love with this book almost instantly.

As a character Sydney is so easy to connect with as she has strong family morals, girl code ethics and just a really endearing personality. She is one of those characters that you want to have as your best friend and I don't think anyone who has read the book can disagree with me on that. The story is sweet and honest and probably one of the most captivating summer romances I've read in a long time... after all who doesn't love a bad boy gone good? The plot tests Sydney's strength as she learns to take control of her own life and live for herself and no one else. However, with twists and turns around every corner The Girl Guide to Summer will leave you begging for more.

Overall this book was completely my cup of tea - despite previous reservations. It is a story that will have you mentally packing your backpacks and dreaming of European cities long after the last word has been read. It is a testament to the author at just how fast I fell for Sydney's story as Sarah Mlynowski found a way to combine the magic of Europe with the realities of teenage relationships. It is challenging, heartwarming, honest, endearing and engaging from the very first page and if you haven't read this book yet then I hope you do soon! The perfect book to keep summer alive as we enter into the autumn months.

**I received this book as an ARC from Orchard Books to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

Review: The Seventh Miss Hatfield

THE SEVENTH MISS HATFIELD

by Anna Caltabiano

Pages: 270

Publisher: Gollancz

Publication Date: July 31st 2014 (paper) 

ISBN: 1473200393 
Received From:  Gollancz 

Summary 

Rebecca, a 15-year-old American, isn't entirely happy with her life, comfortable though it is. Still, even she knows that she shouldn't talk to strangers. So when her mysterious neighbour Miss Hatfield asked her in for a chat and a drink, Rebecca wasn't entirely sure why she said yes. It was a decision that was to change everything.
For Miss Hatfield is immortal. And now, thanks to a drop of water from the Fountain of Youth, Rebecca is as well. But this gift might be more of a curse, and it comes with a price. Rebecca is beginning to lose her personality, to take on the aspects of her neighbour. She is becoming the next Miss Hatfield.
But before the process goes too far, Rebecca must travel back in time to turn-of-the-century New York and steal a painting, a picture which might provide a clue to the whereabouts of the source of immortality. A clue which must remain hidden from the world. In order to retrieve the painting, Rebecca must infiltrate a wealthy household, learn more about the head of the family, and find an opportunity to escape. Before her journey is through, she will also have - rather reluctantly - fallen in love. But how can she stay with the boy she cares for, when she must return to her own time before her time-travelling has a fatal effect on her body? And would she rather stay and die in love, or leave and live alone?
And who is the mysterious stranger who shadows her from place to place? A hunter for the secret of immortality - or someone who has already found it?

Review

The Seventh Miss Hatfield is a romantic and bewitching tale that will break your heart, spark your imagination and have you dreaming of turn of the century America. It is wonderfully written by an incredible author that I can't wait to read more from. Taking the myth of The Fountain of Youth Anna creates a story that is exciting with so many twists and turns that it will have you turning the page well into the early hours of the morning.

The book itself is about destiny and impossible loves. It follows the newest Miss Hatfield as she comes to terms with her newfound immortality and the conditions that come with it. Endless life isn't all it's cracked up to be and finding somewhere to belong is next to impossible when you no longer fit into any one time. Cynthia has to be able to let go of who she was and embrace her new identity. But can she keep to the constrictions of her new life without it suffocating her? Can she be the seventh Miss Hatfield without loosing who she once was?

At the heart of this book is a love story to rival some of the greats. There wasn't a part of me that didn't want these two to find a way to make it work. Henley and Rebecca were unbelievably perfect for one another and they have this old school magic between them that is endearing and heart breaking all at the same time. On the back of the book it says "A spellbinding story of time-travel and unrequited love." But what it doesn't tell you is that the 'unrequited' love will turn you into an emotional wreck. I spent the whole last third of the book holding my breath with a knot in my stomach willing the two of them to find a way to be together.

The only issue I had with this book was at the very beginning. Everything happened so fast and as well written as it was I needed Cynthia to question what was going on around her more. She seemed to simply take everything in her stride and with the severity of her situation it didn't seem realistic. Honestly if it was me I would have thrown one hell of a tantrum!

Overall this is a great book. It had one or two moments towards the beginning where I wasn't so sure. However, it didn’t take long for this book to win me over with its rich characters and beautiful writing. I'm practically busting to get my hands on the second book in the series and will be waiting - rather impatiently - for the day I get to read more of Rebecca's story.

So go lovelies and add The Seventh Miss Hatfield to your TBR lists. It's not out until the 17th of July but I highly recommend this one. I couldn't but it down and I know if you've enjoyed my other recommendations you'll adore this story.

@TheYANightstand Promise you won't be missing Henley for long!
— Anna Caltabiano (@caltabiano_anna) June 30, 2014

**I received this book as an ARC from Gollancz to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

Tour Post: Marry Me for Money

Marry Me for Money

by Mia Kayla

Marry Me For Money by Mia Kayla 
Publication date: May 4th 2014
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Summary

Leaving her small town behind, Bethany Casse moves to Chicago in search of a new life. Working at a top financial bank brings her into contact with two men who are as different as night and day.
Kent Plack, heir to Plack Industries, has no interest in being with a woman for longer than one night. A spoiled and lazy man-whore, he is completely content with his playboy lifestyle, and Beth is surprised when they form an unlikely friendship.
Brian Burcham, a finance banker, is gorgeous and respectful. A man plucked from Beth’s dreams, he is definite husband material. Unfortunately, Beth has a hard rule against dating coworkers, but Brian is determined to change her mind.
When a deadbeat mother and money problems follow her to Chicago, Beth is offered a solution that could fix everything. Marrying for money seems simple enough, but when lines become blurred, Beth faces difficult choices, making her realize that the easy way out just made her life even harder than before.

GET YOUR COPY

Amazon || B&N

About Author

Mia Kayla is a New Adult/Contemporary Romance writer who lives in Illinois.
On the weekdays, she can be caught wearing a suit, commuting to her corporate job in downtown Chicago and raising three beautiful munchkins in the suburbs, four if you count the husband.
In her free time she loves reading romance novels, jamming to boy bands, catching up on celebrity gossip and designing flowers for weddings.
Most of the time, she can be caught on the train with her nose in a book sporting a cheeky grin because the main characters finally get their happily-ever-after at the end.
She loves reading about happy endings but has more fun writing them.

TWITTER || FACEBOOK || GOODREADS || WEBSITE

**EXCERPT** 

Not like the pictures are saying it did. My head was pounding, and the light was shining too brightly in the room. I flipped over, placed the pillow over my eyes, and inhaled the scent of freshly laundered sheets. The smell of the detergent was one I was not familiar with. I opened one eye and took a peek from under the pillow to take in my surroundings. Immediately, I jumped up to a sitting position, causing my head to spin from the abrupt movement. Glancing under the thick duvet, I saw I was only wearing my underwear and a man’s T-shirt. My heart pounded in my chest as I remembered the last person I had seen was Luke.In a king-sized bed, fluffy down pillows surrounded me. In front of me was a massive flat screen TV, and at the foot of the bed was a low white couch. One wall was floor-to-ceiling windows while the other was painted a neutral beige. I deciphered that I was in a hotel room.I could feel the heat building up behind my eyes, tears threatening to spill over. I placed my hands over my face. I was on the verge of crying. I was not this kind of girl. I never drank myself to the point of oblivion where I couldn’t remember what had happened the night before. I cocked my head up as I heard the door open, and when I peered up from my hands, I gave the look of death.I was surprised to see Kent. He studied me and scanned the room. Raising one eyebrow, he paced around and stopped in front of me. “Is something wrong? Is someone here?” he asked, his face concerned as he peered over the side of the bed.I could feel the color draining from my face, and I pulled the covers up to my chin. “No,” I snapped, narrowing my eyes at him. “How did I get here? Why am I only in a T-shirt? What happened last night? Why am I here in this hotel room with you?”His eyes filled with confusion. “I brought you here. I changed you last night because your clothes were covered in vomit. I have no idea what happened. I found you passed out in my car. This is not a hotel room. This is my condo,” he said in one breath.He walked toward me, his arms cautious and careful at his sides. “Why are you so mad? Actually, I think a thank-you is in order. Also, I’d like to thank you for leaving vomit that has now hardened on the exterior of my brand-new car.”“Did we sleep together?” I asked, barely audible. I couldn’t even hear my own voice. I was afraid of his answer, but I needed to know. Panic began to rise within me, and I held my breath.

Book Blitz + Giveaway: ONE TWO THREE

If you love a little YA you'll probably already have hear of One Two Three by Elodie Nowodazkij, but just in case you haven't here's everything you need to know about his exciting new release. 

ONE TWO THEE

by Elodie Nowodazkij

Publication date: 26th June 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

When seventeen-year-old Natalya’s dreams of being a ballerina are killed in a car accident along with her father, she must choose: shut down—like her mother—or open up to love.

Last year, Natalya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive.

But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career.

At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present, and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell.

But when upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself.

Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?

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AMAZON || B&N || KOBO

**EXCERPT**

The shortcut to the lake from our home is a dirt road that isn’t well lit, but I know the 
way by heart. I hurry down the path, tuning my iPod to Chopin’s happier music. But I can’t drown out Mama’s voice. It resonates in my head. It’s my fault! I know she’s wrong because she’s not the one who killed him. I did. If only I didn’t get into an argument with him in the car. If only I had warned him about the truck. I bite back a sob and rip off my knee brace to walk even faster. At first, my knee is stiff, but at least I can extend my leg much better now. 
Seeing the lake calms me down, soothes me. This place is always crowded in the 
summer, but on this crisp September night, there’s no one. The lights surrounding the area 
flicker, the tall trees leave interesting shadows on the ground, and a discarded pink umbrella stands next to the bench by the grilling area. I turn up the volume of my iPod even more, 
settle on the bench, and search through my backpack. My pointes show the wear and tear 
of the last years, and no matter how much I scrub, there’s one smudge that doesn’t want to go away. 
Memories flash back when I slip them on: my father handing me a bouquet of lilies 
after each of my recitals, the crew from the School of Performing Arts sneaking out to get 
ice cream, the summers I spent on the raft at the lake with Becca and my babushka, the 
hours at the barre. 
Everything’s gone.
Dancing’s always been my escape from reality: from the fights my parents had more 
and more often, from my babushka passing away all alone at the hospital because no one 
told me she was sick, from my fears of letting anyone get really close. 
Dancing’s always been my future. 
Dancing’s always been who I am. So even if I can’t dance like I used to, even if I can’t 
put too much pressure on my knee, I’m convinced I’ll train my way back to the top, that 
I’ll show Dr. Gibson and the rest of them that they got it wrong, when they said it was very unlikely I would ever go back on stage. Juilliard postponed my audition and the director of the School of Performing Arts said he was holding a spot for me if I wanted to come back. If I could come back. 
I use the bench as my own personal barre, slowly bend my knees, keeping them 
over my toes. Grounding my heels on the ground, I stretch down as much as I can, but 
I don’t make it past a demi-plié. I warm up for ten minutes, losing myself in the familiar 
movements. The stars reflect on the water; it could be the perfect backdrop for a 
production of Swan Lake. I wish I could position myself for a grand jeté, feel the wind 
surround me as I fly into the air, but I know better than to jeopardize the progress I’ve 
made. The last time I tried, my kneecap almost snapped again. Both my knees were 
smashed in the car crash, but my pivot leg suffered the most. 
I angle my feet for some small pas de bourrée. I go faster and faster, until I bump into a 
rock. Fear steals my breath away. I avoid landing on my leg and instead fall on my ass.

About Elodie 

Elodie Nowodazkij was raised in a tiny village in France, where she could always be found a book in hand. At nineteen, she moved to the US, where she learned she'd never lose her French accent. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Modern Language & Linguistics, and later earned master's degrees in German Cultural Studies and European Studies. Unbeknownst to her professors, she sometimes drafted stories in class. Now she lives in Germany with her husband and their cat (who doesn't seem to realize he's not human), and uses her commuting time to write the stories swirling in her head. She's also a serial smiley user.

Website: www.elodienowodazkij.com 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/commutinggirl 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/elodienowodazkij 

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COVER REVEAL - Two Little Lies

TWO LITTLE LIES
by Rhonda Helms

Title: Two Little Lies (Edgewood Falls #2)

Author: Rhonda Helms

Publishing Date: June 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis

Natalie Goldsmith has a fabulous life and an equally awesome boyfriend. So what is her best friend Bianca thinking when she says she suspects West is cheating—and confesses that she’s hired a PI to prove it? Totally not cool.

Especially since the cynical PI, Kyle Winslow, is her grade school nemesis. With a smug, know-it-all look on his face, Kyle declares he can smell a cheater from a mile away, and he’s willing to bet it all on West. Well, if he wants to waste his time chasing a lie, more power to him. But just days later, he presents irrefutable evidence of her boyfriend’s unfaithfulness, and Natalie’s enviable life takes a total nosedive.

Determined to not let this ruin her New Year’s Eve, she goes out on the town, dressed to the nines…and ends up having a drunken night of mind-blowing sex with Kyle. Now the guy she hates is the one person she can’t get out of her mind. Even crazier, he seems just as drawn to her too. The more time they spend together, the more she realizes Kyle could be everything she’s been looking for. But should she risk it all on a guy who says he doesn’t believe in love?

AUTHOR BIO

Rhonda Helms started writing several years ago. She has a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. She also edits for Carina Press (an imprint of Harlequin Publishing) and freelance edits.

When she isn't writing, she likes to do amateur photography, dig her toes into the sand, read for hours at a time, and eat scads of cheese. WAY too much cheese.

Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family.

    

COVER REVEAL

TRYST
by Cambria Hebert

Publishing Date: January 17th 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

ISBN: 0802723093

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis

Sometimes all a girl needs is a little fling...

Talie Ronson needs a vacation.

From life. 

Since she caught her cheating, loser husband in bed with his assistant, her life has been on a steady spiral - right into hell. Her car's a junker, her job sucks, and her perfect, gorgeous sister likes to brag about her wonderful life ever time they "do" lunch.

In an effort to salvage what's left of her life and her sanity, she takes the advice of her kooky best friend and takes off to Topsail Island. A week at the beach, alone, is exactly what she needs to recharge, regroup, and relax. 

Only, her alone time is about to get derailed. 

Gavin Palmer's favourite activity is walking around in her boxers and eating junk food. He and his neighbours have an understanding. They stay out of his business and he stays out of theirs. He lives at the beach, not for vacation, , but for isolation. He's had enough of people to last him a lifetime. 

Gavin's isolation is interrupted when his normally quiet neighbour starts disturbing his peace. He stomps across the sand to give the guy a piece of his mind... only it isn't a guy.

It's Tali.

She's maddening, nosy and talks too much.

But she's hot and her bedroom eyes have him thinking maybe he's had enough solitude. Maybe a week of company is exactly what he needs. 

Maybe what they both need is a no-strings-attached tryst. 

About Cambria

Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heven and Hell series, the new adult Death Escorts series, and the new adult Take it Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor's degree, couldn't pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. 

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