Archives

Review: You’re Still the One by Rachel Harris (Blog Tour + Excerpt)

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: You’re Still the One by Rachel Harris (Blog Tour + Excerpt)You're Still the One by Rachel Harris
Series: Country Blues #1
Published by Entangled: Bliss on February 15, 2016
Pages: 254
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Love is one dare neither of them can take...

Arabella Stone, Nashville’s darling, is eager to shuck her prim-and-proper rep, and a few wild months spent checking items off her “ summer bucket list” is the way to do it. First up: kiss the man she’s crushed on since she wore a training bra, the bad boy of country himself, Blue bassist Charlie Tucker.

For Charlie, a beautiful woman flirting with him isn’t out of the norm—but a beautiful woman bolting after the hottest kiss of his life sure is. And when he finds out his kiss-and-run Cinderella is none other than Arabella Stone, daughter of his label’s CEO, he knows he’s in trouble. Because not only is she a Stone, she’s also his employee for the next few months at the recording studio he just bought.

Over the course of one thrilling summer, Arabella and Charlie chip away at her bucket list and fight the simmering attraction between them...knowing that once it's all over, so is their time together.

~*~*~

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

You're Still the One - Review & Excerpt Tour banner 
We are so excited to bring you the Review & Excerpt Tour for Rachel Harris’s YOU’RE STILL THE ONE, the first novel in Rachel’s Country Blues Series! YOU’RE STILL THE ONE – a novel published by Entangled Bliss – is out now. Grab your copy today!

We have a lot of fun things for you today! First, here’s my review! Enjoy!

~*~*~*~

I absolutely LOVED this book! I mean, I love all of Rachel Harris’ books, but I REALLY loved this one! Ella and Charlie were amazing and definitely my OTP, out of all of Rachel’s couples. I loved them, the secondary characters and the plot! And, as always, Rachel’s writing was epic and full of swoons and feels!

Ella was both adorably awkward and fierce. That sounds like SUCH a contradiction of descriptions, but she really exhibited both personalities. At times, she was really shy and withdrawn. But she had moments where she came out of her shell and really shined. I loved her backstory and the way she fought for her reputation, to make a name for herself outside of her father’s influence. She was stronger than she gave herself credit for.

Charlie was epic – the ultimate bad boy musician with a reputation to boot. But, of course, he had a softer side that he kept well-guarded. Basically: tough exterior, gooey interior. He cared deeply for his family and his band. His passion for both really fueled him.

I totally, 100% shipped Charlie and Ella. I used to think Tyler and Sherry were my ultimate ship within these books, but Charlie and Ella totally trump them! The banter and sexual tension between them was intense and epic! There was one particular chapter that was pure perfection, for so many reasons! I can’t say why because of spoilers but.. *Fans self!!!*

I love the way Rachel weaves together all her books and characters. It never feels forced or unnecessary. I love the way their lives and stories come together and the way they’re all family – whether directly related or because of budding relationships or friendships. I still LOVE Tyler and Sherry, so it was awesome seeing so much of them, as well as Colby and Cane. I also officially need a Deacon/Hannah novel. Make that happen, Rachel!

This whole book can be summed up in two phrases: ‘grinning like an idiot’ and ‘swooning like a fool.’ Basically, those are the two things I did throughout the entire book. When I wasn’t grinning like an idiot at something Charlie and/or Ella said or did, I was swooning and fanning myself! There were moments that were hilariously awkward and epic. There were moments that were HOT HOT HOT. And there were a LOT of moments that were filled with feels. MY POOR FEELS!!! SO MANY FEELS!!! Rachel Harris’s books always have me smirking, grinning and cackling. But this book took that up a notch!

Also, Life & Lyrics Foundation SO needs to be a real thing. I absolutely loved the concept and what it could mean for those with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

And then that ending! OMG OMG OMG!!!! Usually, Rachel’s books are stand-alones within the overall series. But if I don’t get more Charlie and Ella, I think I’ll break down into hysterics and tantrums like a toddler! Okay, maybe that’s a bit extreme.. But.. I NEED MORE ELLA AND CHARLIE!!!!

Overall, if you couldn’t tell from my review (Uh.. Did you even read it?!?!), I LOVED this book! I ADORED IT TO PIECES! Charlie and Ella were epic and amazing and are my OTP. Rachel’s writing was on point in this book! The plot was amazing, the ending was amazing and the feels and swoons were non-stop amazeballs! You NEED to read this book and every single one that Rachel has ever written. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

~*~*~*~

You're Still the One - Review & Excerpt Tour Teaser

~*~*~*~

And now here’s the excerpt! Enjoy!

Yup, this was a recipe for unmitigated disaster. With the hot sting of jealousy currently roiling in his gut, demanding he lay claim to what was his, the smart thing for Charlie to do would be to turn tail and run before they breached the point of no return.

Don’t push too far, Tucker. Remember, she’s not for you.

Even his conscience knew better than to suggest bailing. Completely walking away wasn’t an option anymore. The attraction was too strong. The oppressive Louisiana heat boiled his blood just enough to make dangerous ideas seem possible.

“It’s a beautiful night.” Arabella was a low whispered voice behind him, and when Charlie turned it was in time to watch her cover-up fall to the ground.

Sweet Jesus. The dress she’d worn all day had been typical Arabella, classy and feminine. She’d looked beautiful as always, so much so that it hadn’t been a shocker to find another guy hanging on her with drool on his chin. But the swimsuit hidden beneath the simple dress almost dropped Charlie to his knees.

The two-piece was emerald green, a spectacular color set against her olive skin that made those doe eyes pop. It was vintage in style, like everything she owned, and the bottom consisted of more fabric than half the women’s shorts today, but it cupped her hips and thighs in a way that his hands itched to replicate. And the swimsuit’s top… Charlie swallowed thickly. Arabella’s small, high breasts were lifted in a mouthwatering display of cleavage that was a feast for the eyes.

She looked seductive and innocent and, good God, she was trying to kill him.

Charlie was moving before he even realized it, walking in a lust-filled daze toward her. But then, his feelings were more complicated than simple lust…and that was the problem.

“You take my breath away.” The line was cliché, like a lyric from some lame power ballad, but for the first time in his life, Charlie understood the meaning. Arabella’s eyes latched onto his, and her chest rose and fell as her pink lips parted in an exhale and, for a moment, he legitimately forgot his own name.

Arabella made his chest ache with want. She made him forget everything in the world other than how it felt to hold her in his arms. How their bodies aligned, her height allowing her to rest her head on his shoulder if she wanted to. Or stare into his eyes if and when he kissed her.

Right now, he wasn’t thinking about the many reasons why he shouldn’t want that, why he didn’t deserve her or why it would be so wrong to reach out and slide his hand along the gentle curve of her waist. No, Charlie forgot all those things, so when his palm grazed across her petal-soft skin, and Arabella’s gasp hit his ears, he also forgot why it was wrong, so very wrong, to act on his needs.

Lowering his head, he breathed in her floral fragrance and closed his eyes.

“Baby girl, you destroy me,” he whispered against her lips. “You have to tell me if you don’t want this, because I’m holding on by a thread.”

“Then let go.”

~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~

And now here’s the giveaway! Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*~*~*~

Rachel Harris 022About the Author:
 
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Vibrant settings, witty banter, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing.

An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!
 
 

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Rachel Harris Goodreads | Newsletter Sign Up

~*~*~*~

Rachel Harris’ YOU’RE STILL THE ONE – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

February 16th

What I’m Reading – Review & Excerpt

Alpha Book Club – Review

I Love Romance – Review & Excerpt

Ficwishes – Review

Book Starlets – Review & Excerpt

FMR Book Grind – Review

Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

February 17th

Lovin’ Los Libros – Review & Excerpt

Angel Reads – Review

SassyCat’s Books Review – Review & Excerpt

Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt

Books According to Abby – Review & Excerpt

First Dream of Books – Excerpt

February 18th

Friends Till The End Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

What Is That Book About – Excerpt

Tsk Tsk What to Read – Review & Excerpt

Oh the Book Feels – Excerpt

Book Junkie: Not-So-Anonymous – Review & Excerpt

SnoopyDoo’s Book Reviews – Excerpt

E-Reading After Midnight – Review & Excerpt

February 19th

thebookdragon – Review & Excerpt

Adventures in Writing – Excerpt

Reviews With Rah – Review & Excerpt

Cyn’s Reviews AndPromotionals – Review & Excerpt

Extreme Bookaholic’s – Excerpt

Jack of All Trades, Master of None – Review & Excerpt

February 20th

The Lovely Books – Review & Excerpt

Miss Riki – Excerpt

Bookaholics Reading Haven – Review & Excerpt

Literary misfit – Excerpt

We All Make Mistakes in Books – Review & Excerpt

Liz’s Reading Life – Excerpt

BookWorm221 – Review & Excerpt

February 21st

Four Chicks Flipping Pages – Review & Excerpt

The Bibliophile Confessions – Review

Jen’s Reading Obsession – Review & Excerpt

Short and Sassy Book Blurbs – Review

Romance Reviews and More – Review & Excerpt

Debbie’s World of Books – Excerpt

February 22nd

The Book Hammock – Review & Excerpt

Books, Coffee & Passion – Excerpt

Crazy Cajun Book Addicts – Review & Excerpt

Vi3tbabe – Review

Ticket to Anywhere – Review & Excerpt

Worth Reading It? – Review

My Fictional Escape – Review & Excerpt

February 23rd

Bridget’s Book Bungalow – Review & Excerpt

Dazzled by Books – Review & Excerpt

The Cover Contessa – Excerpt

Bound By Books Books Book Review – Review & Excerpt

All For Love of the Word – Excerpt

February 24th

Book Angel Booktopia – Review & Excerpt

The Phantom Paragrapher – Review

Sultry, Steamy Reading – Review & Excerpt

Alphas Do It Better Book Blog – Excerpt

Library of a Book Witch – Review & Excerpt

Book reviews by lexi – Review

My Fictional Escape – Review & Excerpt

February 25th

Jax’s Book Magic – Review & Excerpt

Lazy Book Lovers – Review

Romantic Reads and Such – Review & Excerpt

A crazy vermonters book reviews – Review

Books Eater – Review & Excerpt

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club – Review

Karen McCoy Books Presents: The Writer Librarian – Excerpt

February 26th

Ramblings From This Chick – Review & Excerpt

G & T’s Indie Café – Excerpt

phishbowl’s bookshelf – Review & Excerpt

Beneath The Covers Blog – Excerpt

The Power of Three Readers – Review & Excerpt

Becky’s Book Bytes – Excerpt

Pandora’s Books – Review & Excerpt

Girl with a Pen and a Dream – Excerpt

 

~*~*~*~

InkSlinger Blogger Final

five-stars

Review: Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel HarrisAccidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris
Series: Love and Games #3
Published by Entangled: Bliss on July 14th 2014
Pages: 266
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

One ring plus one wild night equals one crazy love.

Sherry Robicheaux loves men. She loves love. And she loves an adventure. So when she meets a mysterious man while working backstage at a country music concert in Vegas, she’s all about what’s happened in Vegas staying there.

Country music superstar Tyler Blue just wants a weekend of anonymity…though there’s something about the spunky waitress with the streaks of purple hair that tempts him like no other. Until the next morning, when they both wake up with fuzzy memories…and rings on their fingers.

Convincing Sherry to maintain the ruse for his public image isn’t the hardest part—it’s reminding himself that their time spent playing husband and wife in her small town of Magnolia Springs can’t last. Tyler’s first love will always be music—and the road is no place for a sweet downhome girl.

Rachel Harris has done it again! Accidentally Married on Purpose was adorable, fun, hilarious, sob-inducing (at times) and filled with incredible characters and sexy, swoony guys. The lovable characters alone made me unable to put this book down (I read it in about two sittings!), but the epic plot made it my favorite in this series!

I’ve always been a Sherry fan, ever since we met her in Taste the Heat. In fact, my original notes from when I read Taste the Heat say that Sherry is “a great character. Funny and insightful with the perfect blend of annoying little sister and friend.” And my review of Seven Day Fiance said, “There’s going to be a third book in this series, and I’m DYING to know which hunky guy and girl-next-door are going to be front and center in that one! (Fingers crossed for Sherry!)”

So, obviously, I was beyond thrilled when Sherry was the female lead in Accidentally Married on Purpose. She’s an intriguing character, both tough and vulnerable all at the same time. She acts like she doesn’t have a care in the world, but she’s been hurt before and it’s hard for her to trust. She absolutely has the biggest character growth from the beginning of the book to the end – Even from the first book in the series to the end of this one! She really changed – and definitely for the better.

Also, I loved how much of an animal lover Sherry was. She said she would adopt all the animals if she could, and I can definitely relate! Plus, I loved her sense of humor. It had me laughing out loud!

Tyler was soooo yummy. He was kind, sweet and swoon-worthy! *Fans self!!!* Plus, he was ADORABLE with Elvis. So beyond adorable that every time he interacted with Elvis, I was a puddle of mushy awwwwww’s! A man who loves dogs as much as Tyler seemed to, is a man after my own heart! He had a heart-breaking back-story that nearly brought me to tears a few times.

I absolutely loved the plot and the situation Sherry and Tyler were in. It reminded me a lot of Open Road Summer by Emery Lord and Behind the Scenes by Dahlia Adler (though those are young adult books). I love the whole “famous singer falls for regular person” thing. I love seeing the behind the scenes of the music and movie world. It completely intrigues me! On the one hand, it almost never happens, but on the other, it holds just enough reality that you can completely picture yourself in Sherry’s shoes. With the right place, right time, why couldn’t a famous singer/song-writer fall for a non-Hollywood person?

It’s always intriguing when one character doesn’t realize the other is famous. It adds a more wholesome, honest feel to the plot. The character that’s famous can open up more and they become more vulnerable by sharing their secrets. Also, Sherry not recognizing who Tyler was kind of reminded me of Jason not recognizing Colby right away, so it felt like things came full circle. Plus, the chemistry between Sherry and Tyler was undeniable!

Of course, I loved seeing Colby, Jason, Cane and Angelle in Accidentally Married on Purpose! I think that’s the best part of Rachel Harris’ books – getting to see all the characters you know and love from the previous books. It just brings all the plots together and you can see how the different characters have grown and see how they interact together. It’s very heart-warming. Personally, I really wasn’t an Angelle fan in the beginning – for reasons obvious to those of you who read Taste the Heat. But I adored her in her book, Seven Day Fiance, and I loved what a great friend she was to Sherry!

And that ending! That ending!! That ending was amazing and wonderful and perfect and I LOVED IT! I can’t say anymore without spoiling it, so I’ll stop now.. But I LOVED it!

Overall, Accidentally Married on Purpose was my absolute favorite book in the series. I loved Sherry, I swooned over Tyler and I adored the plot. The ending was one of my absolute favorite HEA’s ever! And as always, if you haven’t read any of Rachel Harris’ books yet… Well, what are you waiting for?!?!?!? No, seriously. Stop reading this and GO READ HER BOOKS! ALL OF THEM! NOW! You’ll thank me later, promise!

five-stars

Review: My Not So Super Sweet Life by Rachel Harris (Blog Tour + Giveaway)

I received this book for free from Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: My Not So Super Sweet Life by Rachel Harris (Blog Tour + Giveaway)My Not So Super Sweet Life by Rachel Harris
Series: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #3
Published by Entangled Teen on April 21, 2014
Pages: 250
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Cat Crawford just wants to be normal—or at least as normal as a daughter of Hollywood royalty can be. And it looks like fate is granting her wish: she’s got an amazing boyfriend, Lucas; her fabulous cousin, Alessandra, living with her; and her dad planning his second marriage to a great future stepmom. That is, until her prodigal mother reveals on national television that she has something important to tell her daughter…causing a media frenzy.

Lucas Capelli knows his fate is to be with Cat, and he’s worked hard to win her over once and for all. Unfortunately, Lucas has his own issues to deal with, including a scandal that could take him away from the first place he’s truly belonged.

As secrets are revealed, rumors explode, and the world watches, Cat and Lucas discover it’s not fate they have to fight if they want to stay together…this time, it’s their own insecurities.

Well, and the stalkerazzi.

Super Sweet Banner copy
Hey everyone! Welcome to my stop on the My Not So Super Sweet Life blog tour! I’m very excited to be a part of this blog tour! Rachel is AMAZING and I absolutely loved My Not So Super Sweet Life!! I hope you enjoy my review!

Rachel Harris has done it again! My Not So Super Sweet Life (MNSSSL) was an amazing journey filled with beloved characters and timeless lessons. I’ve loved every book that Harris has written and she will continue to be on my auto-buy list for a long time to come.

Cat has grown so much since My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century (MSSSC, book one). In the beginning, she kept her feeling and emotions well guarded. She didn’t trust anyone and didn’t let anyone get too close. She didn’t have many friends because of this and she refused to let herself fall for anyone, for fear she would end up heartbroken. So much of this changed after her trip to the past, but she still had a lot of trust issues. In MNSSSL, she really worked through a huge chunk of those trust issues. I definitely think having Alessandra around helped. She also never forgot the lessons she learned in the past and she constantly tried to remind herself of those lessons. I wasn’t a huge Cat fan in MSSSC but I really grew to love her in MNSSSL.

Lucas… Wow, Lucas… Can I just say I swooned over him and leave it at that? No? You want more details? Okay. Lucas is amazing, kind, sweet, patient, loving and wonderful. Like all of Harris’ swoon-worthy guys, he makes you grin like an idiot and wish fictional boys were real. He knew when to be there for Cat and when to give her space. He was always a gentleman and always seemed to say the right thing. I LOVED LOVED LOVED having his POV in this book. Getting into his mind took this book to a whole new level. I felt like we really got to know him and feel for him and we got to see a whole new side of Cat by seeing her through his eyes.

I still adore Austin to pieces and I’m glad he was in MNSSSL as much as he was. He and Alessandra are amazingly adorable together and I loved how he had Cat’s back and the ways in which he was there for Lucas.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED Ransom. Before reading MNSSSL, I saw a lot of friends reading and commenting on how amazing he was – they even asked, begged and pleaded for a book with him. Now that I’ve read it, I can see why!!! And I truly hope he gets his own book, as well!!! I’d love to learn more about him, get inside his head and find out about his past.

I also loved the little bit we got from Reyna’s perspective and I’d absolutely love to see her get her own book, too. She’s a fascinating character. Until now, we’ve only seen her as a Gypsy guide. She’s constantly helping others, but I’d love to see her help herself for once. She deserves a happily ever after and, as a reader, I’d love to go on that journey with her.

There were some really intense, emotional scenes in this book. And I feel like I went through every single emotional upheaval that the characters went through – When they were happy, I was happy; when they were crushed, I was crushed. My heart broke for them at times; yet, at times, my heart soared with joy for them. The ending felt like it went full-circle from the first book, too, which gave closure to everything.

Overall, I adored this book so much; I could go on and on, gushing about it for hours. But I’ll leave you with this: Rachel Harris is amazing. Everything she writes is amazing. All her guys are swoon-worthy and hot. If you haven’t read her books yet, DO IT. What are you waiting for?!?! I promise, you won’t be disappointed!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

rachel-harris-199x300
As a teen, Rachel Harris threw raging parties that shook her parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels. As an adult, she reads and writes obsessively, rehashes said embarrassing fodder, and dreams up characters who become her own grown up version of imaginary friends.

She grew up in New Orleans, watching soap operas with her grandmother and staying up late sneak reading her mam’s favorite romance novels. Now a Cajun cowgirl living in Houston, she still stays up too late reading her favorite romances, only now, she can do so openly. She firmly believes life’s problems can be solved with a hot, powdered-sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.
She homeschools her two beautiful girls and loves watching reality television with her amazing husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult Fun, Flirty Escapes, and LOVES talking with readers!

Find Rachel Online:

Website | Blog

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

And finally, we also have a giveaway going on for this blog tour! Up for grabs?
-One handmade sterling silver necklace that retailed over $130. It is an eight petal rose and a replica of the one Lucas gives Cat for Valentine’s Day in the book.
– One rare, signed paperback. US Only.

necklace 1 necklace 2

Please enter by using the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Full Tour Schedule:

Week One:
4/21/2014- Jenna Does Books– Review
4/21/2014- Coffee, Books and Me– Interview
4/22/2014- Meredith & Jennifer’s Musing– Review
4/22/2014- Vi3tbabe– Excerpt
4/23/2014- Pandora’s Books– Review
4/23/2014- Stuck In Books– Guest Post
4/24/2014- The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club– Review
4/24/2014- Library of a Book Witch– Excerpt
4/25/2014- Every Free Chance Book Reviews-– Review
4/25/2014- Book Loving Mom– Excerpt

Week Two:
4/28/2014- The Book Belles– Review
4/28/2014- Mercurial Musings– Excerpt
4/29/2014- Mundie Moms– Review
4/29/2014- The Cover Contessa– Guest Post
4/30/2014- Book Angel Booktopia– Review
4/30/2014- Swoony Boys Podcast– Interview
5/1/2014- Bookaholics Anonymous– Review
5/1/2014- TSK TSK What to Read– Excerpt
5/2/2014- Once upon a twilight– Review
5/2/2014- Fantasy Book Addict– Guest Post

five-stars

Review: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris

Review: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel HarrisMy Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris
Series: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #1
Published by Entangled Teen on September 18, 2012
Pages: 260
Format: Paperback
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

I’ve had My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century (MSSSC) sitting on my TBR since August 2013 when I was lucky enough to score an eARC of A Tale of Two Centuries (ATOTC), the sequel. I had heard that ATOTC was more of a companion and could be read on its own, so I read ATOTC and then planned on reading MSSSC soon after – Well, it’s not exactly “soon after,” but I DID finally read it and man, oh man – Rachel Harris has done it again! A gorgeous story, amazing characters and a swoon-worthy guy, all set within the breathtaking back-drop of sixteenth century Renaissance Italy.

I loved Cat almost from the beginning. At first, I even thought I liked her more than Alessandra (from ATOTC). In the end, I still like Alessandra more (sorry, Cat!) but Cat was an amazing character. She was strong-willed and defiant, the exact opposite of what a sixteenth century girl should be. But when she’s thrown into the past, she has no choice but to do what she can to fit in and not draw attention to herself. Along the way, she has some lessons to learn.

I loved, loved, loved seeing Alessandra in her own time-period, considering that in ATOTC, we *Spoiler alert* almost exclusively see her in the twenty-first century. She was the same kind-hearted, generous person, if even more modest and demure in MSSSC than she was in ATOTC (since she has yet to come out of her shell). She embraces Cat from the start and even believes and trusts her later on, when Cat confides her in.

Lorenzo!! We met at last, Lorenzo. I can see what everyone was swooning over now! And wow… Let me just say, wow! Rachel Harris sure knows how to write swoon-worthy hotties! Lorenzo, Lucas, Austin, Jason and Cane = all swoon-worthy! However…. Don’t hate me Lorenzo fangirls, but I think I like Lucas better! *Hides from the egg-throwers and mob with pitchforks* HEAR ME OUT! Because I read ATOTC first, I met Lucas first. I fell head over heels for him and I saw how things ended for him and Cat. So though I LOVED Lorenzo, I do like Lucas more and I like Lucas and Cat together more! I just do! *Nods firmly*

I knew who Lucia was almost immediately. I loved, loved Aunt Francesca – she was so kind and loving, something Cat definitely needed. I adored Cirpriano – he was the over-protective big brother where both Alessandra and Cat were concerned.

Now, I think I’ve mentioned this before. But I want to say that Rachel Harris renewed my faith in time-travel stories. Before I read ATOTC (and now MSSSC), I read a HORRIBLE book with time travel. It was pre-blogging, but if I were to rate it as a blogger now, it would probably have been 2 stars, if not lower. After that book, I swore off reading time-travel books because I was just too scared to. Well.. Clearly Rachel Harris fixed that problem! She does such an incredible job, I can’t help but love everything she writes. Her characters are amazing and lovable and her plots are intriguing. I also wasn’t a fan of romance until I started reading her books. So, yeah, that all says a lot!

Overall, once again, Rachel Harris wrote a gorgeous, fun, amazing tale of time travel, love and self-discovery. She is one of my favorite authors – one of my auto-read authors. I highly recommend her books. If you haven’t read them, definitely check them out ASAP! You won’t be disappointed, I promise!

four-stars

Review: Seven Day Fiance by Rachel Harris

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Seven Day Fiance by Rachel HarrisSeven Day Fiance by Rachel Harris
Series: Love and Games #2
Published by Entangled: Bliss on October 14, 2013
Pages: 211
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Angelle Prejean is in a pickle. Her family is expecting her to come home with a fiancé—a fiancé who doesn’t exist. Well, he exists, but he definitely has no idea Angelle told her mama they were engaged. Tattooed, muscled, and hotter than sin, Cane can reduce Angelle to a hot mess with one look—and leave her heart a mess if she falls for him. But when she ends up winning Cane at a charity bachelor auction, she knows just how to solve her fiancé problem.

Cane Robicheaux is no one’s prince. He doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t fall in love. When sweet, sultry-voiced Angelle propositions him, he hopes their little game can finally get her out of his head. He doesn’t expect her to break through all his barriers. But even as Angelle burrows deeper into his heart, he knows once their seven days are up, so is their ruse.

When I read Taste the Heat (Love and Games #1) by Rachel Harris, I knew right away I was hooked – by her writing, her characters and her sexy, swoon-worthy men. Jason was an incredible character and I fell in love with him so hard and so fast, my head spun. Cane was just a secondary character in that book, as Colby’s older brother. We saw some of his personality and swoon-worthyness (yes, that is a word.. I just made it a word!), but we didn’t see a whole lot of him. In Seven Day Fiance, that all changes.

Angelle was a great character to read. She really grows and evolves as a person throughout the book and that growth is very obvious. She starts out timid and humble and, by the end, becomes a woman who can say no and ask for space. She stops trying to please everyone else in her life – her family, her friends, her ex and even Cane – and she starts focusing on herself, who she is and who she wants to be. She’s a strong character from the beginning, but she becomes even stronger by the end and she doesn’t realize how strong she is until the end.

Cane is just… I can’t.. *Fans self.* Cane is yummy! Cane is hot. Cane is MINE! But besides that, he’s an incredible, incredible person. No offense to Jason, but I’m totally Team Cane now! There is so much depth to him, and we don’t realize that in Taste the Heat because we only see so much of him. But in Seven Day Fiance, his personality and fears are front and center for us to see. It’s difficult to watch Cane go through everything he does in this book, because you can tell how painful it is for him and how conflicted he is. He’s the resident playboy, the tattoo-covered, leather-wearing bad boy who doesn’t believe in relationships – until Angelle comes into his life. And even then, he’s conflicted, confused and unsure. He’s haunted by his past – a past we learned about in Taste the Heat, but that we truly begin to understand in Seven Day Fiance.

This book made me laugh, cry and swoon. There were a few moments where I was ready to sob, where my heart broke and where I begged Cane and/or Angelle to NOT do what they were doing. But the end was INCREDIBLY sweet and amazing and wonderful and the epilogue made me giddy and excited!

There’s going to be a third book in this series, and I’m DYING to know which hunky guy and girl-next-door are going to be front and center in that one! (Fingers crossed for Sherry!)

All in all, I absolutely loved this book. I love everything Rachel Harris does and I highly recommend everything she does. So get reading!

five-stars

Review: A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel HarrisA Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris
Series: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #2
Published by Entangled Teen on August 6, 2013
Pages: 320
Format: eBook
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Alessandra D’Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin, Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea.

One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat’s Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen…until she meets the infuriating—and infuriatingly handsome—surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in…and introduces her to a world filled with possibility.

With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she’s come to love?

Rachel Harris has written a touching and heartwarming love story with this sequel to My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century. It is beautifully written, both vivid and descriptive. Alessandra’s voice feels authentic, making the reader feel as if they truly have time-traveled to the sixteenth century.

Alessandra is everything you can possibly want in a main character. She is a proper young lady who yearns for more, but feels trapped in her own time. She wants “passion, equality and freedom,” all the things women in her time period cannot have. All she has to look forward to is a loveless marriage and a life of propriety and society rules. Until fate intervenes and sends her to the twenty-first century, where her distant cousin, Cat, lives.

There’s definitely an adjustment period for Alessandra. Her exploits in the twenty-first century were hilarious. My favorite moment was when she identified a Hooters as an owl shop. It’s amusing seeing how Alessandra’s sixteenth century mind views the twenty-first century technology, dress and ideals. She’s adorably clueless, and so fascinated by simple things – it makes her seem humble and lovable.

So… Austin. Ahhh, Austin. Normally, male characters as cocky as Austin would turn me off. He’s just so full of himself in the beginning, thinking he’s some kind of bad-boy rebel. But, he’s so adorable while teasing Alessandra and her absolute cluelessness makes it that much funnier. So, despite my reservations, Austin won my heart almost immediately. Alessandra’s outrage over Austin (she call’s him the “embodiment of evil” and likens time with him to the symptoms of an illness) only make you root for Austin even more. He takes the prim and proper lady and turns her into a typical outraged teenager.

The whole time I was reading, I pretty much alternated between laughing hysterically and crying (Sometimes just a few tears, and sometimes lip-trembling sniffles). Honestly, I wish I could go into greater detail here, but I don’t want to accidentally go into spoiler territory. Just trust me and make sure you have tissues by your side at all times!

The other couple to take note of in this book is Cat and Lucas. I know you Cat and Lorenzo fans are probably ready to egg my blog for this, but trust me, you’ll love how it all turns out for Cat!

The ending was absolutely perfect. My heart was in my throat for most of it, and I was pretty much close to tears the whole time, as well. But it was awesome, amazing, and perfect. Overall (if you couldn’t tell from my gushing review), I loved this book so much and I would highly recommend it.

Honestly, before I began reading Rachel Harris’ books, I wasn’t a huge romance fan. It kinda bugged me… It was too mushy and rainbows and kittens for me – I prefer science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, etc. I liked romance that had vampires in it… Does that count at all? Anyway, I won an advanced eBook of Taste the Heat, Harris’ adult romance (published July 8, 2013) from Foreward Lit. Not only is she an amazing and talented writer, but she really pulls you into a world with characters you care about, who feel real and relatable. The romances are always genuine, and the plots are well thought-out. For those reasons, among others, I would recommend Rachel Harris to anyone and everyone – especially to those who want to read romance, but aren’t sure where to start.

five-stars