Review: Taming Lily by Monica Murphy

I’m in trouble. Again. And instead of facing my problems head on, I’ve run away. Far away this time, and no one can catch me—not my two younger sisters, Violet and Rose, not my father, my grandmother, or that witch Pilar who wants to take control of my family’s cosmetics company. Now I’m in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and the sand and water, where nobody knows the hot mess known as Lily Fowler. And I’m loving every minute of it.

But someone is watching me. Following me. He’s gorgeous. And soon we’re talking, and against all my instincts, I reveal bits and pieces of myself to Max. It feels good, though I know he can’t be the man for me. These sudden feelings we share are way too complicated, too fraught, too intense.

Then everything explodes and I’m forced to return home. My intentions have always been true, but now everyone’s mad at me. I don’t know who to turn to anymore . . . except to Max. He’s who I want to trust. But I’m not so sure I should. Maybe it’s worth the risk—and what-ifs be damned. . . .

This book was received by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Monica Murphy is amazing. I have followed and adored her since One Week Girlfriend came out. Her writing is captivating!

Lily was so different than she was portrayed in the first two books. I thought she was a vapid girl who partied all the time and didn’t care about anything important. But she completely proved me wrong in this book. She was really smart and really cared about her family’s business. She had a heart of gold.

Max was superrrr mysterious and sexy. I liked how he became vulnerable around Lily and let his inner self show. He was not a good guy at first but then he changed for the better. I liked how he helped Lily with the struggle against the crazy person trying to take over Fleur Cosmetics.

Their chemistry was off the wall right from when they met and it just grew and grew. I was sad to see this series end but it ended perfectly. I cannot wait for whatever Monica has in store for her following!

Rating: 4/5 Tar Heels!

Blog Tour: The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things by Ann Aguirre - Review + Giveaway!

Sage Czinski is trying really hard to be perfect. If she manages it, people won’t peer beyond the surface, or ask hard questions about her past. She’s learned to substitute causes for relationships, and it’s working just fine… until Shane Cavendish strolls into her math class. He’s a little antisocial, a lot beautiful, and everything she never knew she always wanted.



Shane Cavendish just wants to be left alone to play guitar and work on his music. He’s got heartbreak and loneliness in his rearview mirror, and this new school represents his last chance. He doesn’t expect to be happy; he only wants to graduate and move on. He never counted on a girl like Sage.



But love doesn’t mend all broken things, and sometimes life has to fall apart before it can be put back together again…

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This book was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such a cute read! I really enjoyed this YA contemporary novel.

Sage was such a sweetheart. She was truly the queen of bright and shiny things, leaving post it notes for her fellow classmates when she felt they needed a pick me up. She never thought twice about doing sweet things for Shane and I just loved her character. She is actually really similar to my best friend IRL so clearly she’s awesome!

Shane is a guy who is down on his luck. He’s never had someone to care for him after his mother’s passing until Sage. She breathes new life back into him. I loved his piercing blue eyes and sweet demeanor. He’s a hard-worked who never complained. He was also super protective of Sage, and that’s always a great characteristic.

The supporting characters were fun as well. Sage’s Aunt Gabby was about the best guardian ever. She loved Sage as if she were her daughter. Lila was such a fun friend and had great style. The writing is very witty, something that I’ve noticed in Ann’s previous books that I have read. Totally loved it!

When you read this book, you’ll realized what a great cover this is! It matches the book perfectly.

Favorite Swoon-worthy Quote: He kisses me tenderly, and it’s everything that a first kiss should be. I sink my hands into his curls as his arms go around me. Shane’s so warm, his lips moving on mine in slow, gentle glides. It’s a sunbeam of a kiss, all delicious heat and lazy pleasure.
(From an advanced, uncorrected reader copy. Quote may not appear in final copy.)

Rating: 4/5 Tar Heels!

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About the Author:

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author and RITA winner with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. Ann likes books, emo music, action movies, and she writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens, published with Harlequin, Macmillan, and Penguin, among others.

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Blog Tour: As Long As You Love Me by Ann Aguirre - Review + Giveaway!

Most people dream about getting out of Sharon, Nebraska, but after three years away, Lauren Barrett is coming home. There are the justifications she gives to everyone else—missing her family, losing her college scholarship. And then there’s the reason Lauren can’t admit to anyone: Rob Conrad, her best friend’s older brother.

Football prowess and jaw-dropping good looks made Rob a star in high school. Out in the real world, his job and his relationships are going nowhere. He can’t pinpoint exactly what’s missing until Lauren comes back to town, bringing old feelings and new dreams with her. But he’s the guy that women love and leave—not the one who makes them think of forever.

Though she’s terrified of opening up, Lauren’s ready to take that chance. Because the only thing more important than figuring out where you truly belong is finding the person you were meant to be with.

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This book was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the first book of the series since I am such a sucker for sexy men with babies. This one, to me, did not top it but it was still really good.

In book 1, Lauren is a totally different girl. I completely didn’t see any of the things that affect her in this book, such as her crippling anxiety. It was nice getting to know the real her. I thought she overcame so much through out the book and she was a perfect match for Rob.

Rob was completely amazing. He has spent his whole life being undervalued and underrated by everyone in his life and he just needs someone to believe in him and not try to change him. He was so hardworking and adorable and I loved when he was vulnerable. My heart broke for him whenever he opened himself up. He was most definitely my favorite part of this book.

I love that Ann’s characters are completely imperfect. It makes them very relatable. The writing was really easy to get sucked in and I read it in one sitting. I really enjoyed how they both harbored feelings for each other in the past. It was pretty dang adorable.

The last book in the series is about Courtney and Max. Although I wouldn’t mind a book about the fabulous Angus!

Favorite Swoon-worthy Quote: “Not so fast, beautiful.” He kissed me in a way that left me no doubt as to how much he wanted me, as if the point hadn’t been made several times tonight. You’re killing me. His bruised mouth seared mine with heat and longing, and he tasted me so thoroughly that I forgot all my plans.

(From an advanced, uncorrected reader copy. Quote may not appear in final copy.)

Rating: 4/5 Tar Heels!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author and RITA winner with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. Ann likes books, emo music, action movies, and she writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens, published with Harlequin, Macmillan, and Penguin, among others.

Find Ann at:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Tumblr

Goodreads

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