Throwback Thursday – The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

 

 

 

 

throwback thurs 1

Today’s Throwback Thursday book is one that I just finished reading with my 4th graders.  This is definitely a classic.  It was first published in 1911.  We have been reading and listening to the audio book which is available for free.  My students truly enjoyed this beautiful story.  If you haven’t read this classic, then check it out.  The audio  is quite enjoyable.  Here’s the link:  http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/book/the-secret-garden-by-frances-hodgson-burnett

 

Have you read this classic?

What classic read do you recommend for Throwback Thursday?

 

 

 

the secret garden

 

 

What secrets lie behind the doors at Misselthwaite Manor? Recently arrived at her uncle’s estate, orphaned Mary Lennox is spoiled, sickly, and certain she won’t enjoy living there. Then she discovers the arched doorway into an overgrown garden, shut up since the death of her aunt ten years earlier. Mary soon begins transforming it into a thing of beauty–unaware that she is changing too. But Misselthwaite hides another secret, as mary discovers one night. High in a dark room, away from the rest of the house, lies her young cousin, Colin, who believes he is an incurable invalid, destined to die young. His tantrums are so frightful, no one can reason with him. If only, Mary hopes, she can get Colin to love the secret garden as much as she does, its magic will work wonders on him.

 

42d87-waxcreative-goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2998.The_Secret_Garden?from_search=true

Newsworthy- Gallery Books to Publish Wattpad’s Popular Series AFTER by Anna Todd @imaginator1dx

Gallery Books to Publish Wattpad’s Popular Series AFTER

after 1 anna todd

 

NEW YORK, May 27, 2014—Gallery Books will publish the Wattpad phenomenon After as a New Adult series, in both e-book and print editions, it was announced today by Jennifer Bergstrom, Publisher of Gallery Books.   Originally serialized on Wattpad, the world’s largest community of readers and writers, the first book in the After series is scheduled to publish in Fall 2014; the second and third books will be published in early 2015.

 

After, written by Anna Todd, is one of the most talked about stories on the internet and has become an online phenomenon with more than 800 million reads of the three-part Wattpad series.   Written serially with daily updates to meet reader demand, After became Wattpad’s most shared story of 2013.   In addition to the massive popularity of After on Wattpad, the story regularly trends on other social networks, including Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.   The success also caught the attention of United Talent Agency, which is now handling the film and television representation of After.  The original fanfiction will remain on Wattpad.

 

“Anna used Wattpad’s mobile and social storytelling features to captivate millions of readers with After,” said Bergstrom.  “We are thrilled to be able to reach an even broader audience in book form.”

 

“Partnering with innovative publishers like Gallery Books gives Wattpad writers the ability to share their stories in new formats and attract additional readers around the world,” said Wattpad’s Head of Content, Publishing, Ashleigh Gardner.

 

Adam Wilson, Senior Editor at Gallery Books, negotiated the deal with Gardner, which includes world and audio rights.

 

#             #             #             #

 

 

 

 

ABOUT GALLERY BOOKS

Gallery Books is an imprint dedicated to publishing a variety of must-read books on a wide array of topics.  Launched in February 2010, Gallery is designed to showcase established voices and to introduce emerging new ones—in both fiction and nonfiction genres.   Some of Gallery Books’ bestselling titles include Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible by Tim Gunn, Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me Chelsea by Chelsea Handler, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Love Anthony by Lisa Genova, Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill, and The Untold History of the United States by Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznick.

 

ABOUT SIMON & SCHUSTER

Simon & Schuster, a part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com

 

ABOUT WATTPAD

More than 25 million people have joined Wattpad, making it the world’s largest community of readers and writers.  People use Wattpad to connect with each other while they discover and share millions of free stories.  Wattpad stories are available in more than 50 languages and can be read or written from any phone, table, or computer.  The company is proudly based on Toronto, Canada.  Learn more at http://www.wattpad.com.

http://www.wattpad.com/after

Guest Review – Ella Reviews Rush Too Far by Abbi Glines @AbbiGlines

Ella Reviews Rush Too Far by Abbi Glines

rush too far cover

 

Fallen Too Far was Blaire’s story. Now it’s time for Rush to share his side.

Everyone in Rosemary Beach thinks they know how Rush Finlay and Blaire Wynn fell in love. But Rush is back to tell his side of the story…

Rush has earned every bit of his bad-boy reputation. The three-story beach house, luxury car, and line of girls begging for time between his sheets are the envy of every guy in Rosemary Beach, and Rush handles it all with the laid-back cool of a rock star’s son. All he needs are his best friend, Grant, and his sister, Nan.

Until Blaire Wynn drives into town in her beat-up pickup truck with a pistol under her seat. The Alabama farm girl instantly captures Rush’s attention once he discovers that the angelic beauty is his new stepsister, but he vows to keep his distance. Even if she needs his help. Even if he craves her.

Because Rush knows why Blaire is all alone in the world, forced to ask for help from the father who abandoned her three years ago. And he knows if he gets too close it will destroy Nan, who has a secret connection to Blaire.

He has every reason in the world to stay away from her. Find out why he doesn’t.

 

Ella’s Review

 

Of the many series I’ve read, one of my favorites is Abbi Glines’ Rosemary Beach series, of which the first three books focus on the love story between Blaire and Rush.  The first book in the series, Fallen Too Far, was told entirely from Blaire’s POV, while the next two alternated between Rush and Blaire’s perspectives.

 

When I found out Fallen Too Far would soon have a companion novel, Rush Too Far, told entirely from Rush’s POV, I was beyond excited, but also hoped I wouldn’t be disappointed.  I hoped it wouldn’t just retell the story, but also offer insight into Rush’s thought process and help me understand what had been going on behind the scenes, when Blaire wasn’t present.

 

Well, I’m happy to report that I absolutely loved Rush Too Far!  Reading the story from Rush’s perspective explained so much of what he’d done when he and Blaire first met, including things that, initially, had made me wonder about his true intentions and the type of person he was.  The more I understood his family history, and particularly his relationship with his sister, Nan, the more I sympathized with him.  I watched as he struggled to reconcile the lies he’d been told, his entire life, with what, he was learning, was the truth about Blaire and her family.  Many of his actions, which had seemed cruel or insensitive when I’d read Fallen Too Far, suddenly made sense, and helped me see that Rush’s heart had always been in the right place, despite how things may have looked when originally told from Blaire’s POV.

 

This book actually made me love Rush even more, and helped me better appreciate his and Blaire’s story on the whole.  Naturally, I couldn’t help myself, and wound up rereading the entire Rosemary Beach series yet again!

I highly recommend this book, and give Rush Too Far a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

 

*Please note that the prologue in Rush Too Far makes reference to events from the second and third books, so I would recommend reading those prior to Rush Too Far.*

 

Be sure to check out the other books in this series.

fallen too far cover 1

 

neve too far 2

 

forever too far 3

 

About the Author

Abbi Glines

Since publishing her first novel Breathe in May of 2011, Abbi has also released The New York Times bestselling Seabreeze Series which includes Breathe, Because of Low, While It Lasts, Just For Now and Sometimes It Last, The Existence Trilogy that includes the USA Today Bestseller Ceaseless. New York Times and USA TODAY bestsellers The Vincent Boys and The Vincent Brothers. Last but not least her most popular series to date, Rosemary Beach which includes The New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers Fallen Too Far, Never Too Far, Forever Too Far, Twisted Perfection and Simple Perfection. Her newest book scheduled to be released on December 17th, 2013 is Misbehaving (Seabreeze).

When Abbi isn’t locked away in her office typing away she is hauling her kids to and from their many social activities. You could say her second job is the Glines Kids personal chauffeur. It’s a rather illustrious job.

Follow Abbi Glines on Social Media:

a34a9-twitterbutton

 

 

42d87-waxcreative-goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4872191.Abbi_Glines?from_search=true

 

 

79cc1-facebookbuttonhttps://www.facebook.com/abbiglinesauthor

 

 

http://www.abbiglines.com/

 

Thank you Ella for your guest review!

Mwah…

~Susi

 

 

 

Blog Tour -Soundtrack – TouchStone for ever by @sydneyjamesson

TSFE cover

 

 

What would you give to save the one you love …

Ayden Stone and Elizabeth Parker are soul mates. They have played at love, succumbed to the magnetic pull of destiny and forgiven themselves and each other for misadventures in life and love.

Now they must look to the future and forever, bearing the scars of battles they have fought and won, together. To keep a promise one of these fateful lovers must make an agonising choice and dedicate themselves to an impossible task; to embark upon an adventure filled with magical moments and unforgivable acts of personal sacrifice.
But … with self-sacrifice comes betrayal.

TouchStone for ever is the culmination of an epic love story written in the stars, involving a contemporary princess and her charming Prince; experience blazing passion, the anguish of a breaking heart and every emotion in between as Beth Parker shares her thoughts and feelings about love, life and her desperate wish for her happy ever after. 

Sleeping Beauty has been awoken from a great sleep but, sadly, not all fairy-tales have a happy ending … not even when you belong together, for ever and you’re prepared to give …
Everything !

 

SOUNDTRACK_touchstone (2) jpeg

touchstone for ever image 3 blog tour

 

 

touchstone for ever image 4 blog tour

 Book Trailer & Buy Links

YouTube:
Amazon US:
Amazon UK:

 

sydney jamesson picAbout the Author

 

There are those moments in life when a person you respect says something to you that strikes a chord, we’ve all had them … that moment came one Parents’ Evening when I was 16. An inspirational teacher said; “Your daughter should consider a career in Journalism or as a writer, she has a vivid imagination and a flair for creative writing …” As a wide-eyed teenager, those words were music to my ears. How prophetic was it that I went on to do just that …

I have worked in Insurance, Fashion and in advertising as a Copywriter and Commercial Journalist and loved every minute of it; creative people are a lot of fun to be around. I swapped the day job for a more meaningful enterprise: having our daughter Jenna. Now 29, she’s a fiercely independent woman living the dream in Australia. She was a heavenly surprise that had me working freelance for four years, doing what I could between feeds, playgroups and afternoon lessons in preparation for starting school. It’s a ‘story’ we can all identify with, I’m sure.

I made a sideways move into teaching in 1997 and, six years later, became Head of English in a High School, making it my mission in life to introduce young people to a range of quality reading material. I try to foster a love of all things creative in my students and encourage them to find that creativity within themselves.

For as long as I can remember, I have lived with The Story of Us in my head. The fact that Elizabeth Parker is an English teacher should come as no surprise; as novelists we write, initially, about what we know … Yet, I should confess, she isn’t me but rather that young, sensitive and naïve woman we all were or still are. The difference being, she has been victimized and, because of it, remained hidden. But, unlike some characters who may have suffered at the hands of others, she is not damaged: wary yes, but not damaged. She still believes people are innately good and that is one of her many qualities. It is her propensity for compassion that allows her to invite Ayden Stone into her world when, on the face of it, he’s exactly what she doesn’t need.

So that’s me, furiously typing away until the early hours, unveiling the intricacies of a 21st century fairy-tale; creating an epic story that melds a heady mixture of romance suspense and a touch of the miraculous.

Connect with Sydney:

On the Web
Facebook
Twitter

 

Blog Tour – Excerpt – TouchStone for ever by @SydneyJamesson

Here is the Fairy Tale you have been looking for!

 TouchStone for ever by Sydney Jamesson

TSFE cover

 

What would you give to save the one you love …

Ayden Stone and Elizabeth Parker are soul mates. They have played at love, succumbed to the magnetic pull of destiny and forgiven themselves and each other for misadventures in life and love.

Now they must look to the future and forever, bearing the scars of battles they have fought and won, together. To keep a promise one of these fateful lovers must make an agonising choice and dedicate themselves to an impossible task; to embark upon an adventure filled with magical moments and unforgivable acts of personal sacrifice.
But … with self-sacrifice comes betrayal.

TouchStone for ever is the culmination of an epic love story written in the stars, involving a contemporary princess and her charming Prince; experience blazing passion, the anguish of a breaking heart and every emotion in between as Beth Parker shares her thoughts and feelings about love, life and her desperate wish for her happy ever after. 

Sleeping Beauty has been awoken from a great sleep but, sadly, not all fairy-tales have a happy ending … not even when you belong together, for ever and you’re prepared to give …
Everything !

 

touchsone for ever image 1 blog tour

Photo Image by Anne Boudreau.

 

 An Excerpt from TouchStone for ever, Chapter 13…

 

With dexterous hands, he leans back and unbuttons my dress; it falls from my arms and flutters to the carpet like falling leaves. I’m standing without shoes; flimsy underwear is all that lies between my modesty and my nakedness.

He lowers my hands from his chest to his hips and them places them on his belt, inviting me to relieve him of his trousers, all the time kissing and nibbling the skin beneath my ear.

I quickly unfasten the belt and release the buttons so the zipper comes down almost of its own accord. With my eyes closed I slide my hand down his jeans, over muscle and through pubic hair until I have him wrapped in one hand. He groans into my neck and the heat of his desire scorches my skin, urging me to tighten my grip and feel the pulse of a rigid cock rippling in my hand. He’s dipping and shuddering, making the kind of noises that have me clenching and so aroused I can barely stand.

With steaming breath he whispers, “Show me how to love you, Beth.”

With my free hand I move his hand to my left shoulder and ease down my bra strap. He follows through, left and right and leans into me to unclip it before it falls and dangles off my right wrist. I begin to pull out my hand.

“Leave it where it is,” he says with a smile and then proceeds to snap the strap and toss it across the room. With it discarded, I am captured in candlelight. This is the first time he has seen my naked breasts. Before, there was only the glow of moonlight. Now there are shadows and the flickering light cast by 20 candles. I feel exposed and lower my head, embarrassed by his stare.

“Look at me!”

I raise my eyes to meet his. “Don’t ever be shy about who you are. You are beauty personified. I have lived many lifetimes, travelled through space and time; read a thousand books and recited a hundred poems, but even I cannot find the words to describe you.” He rests his palms on my breasts and strokes my nipples with the pad of his thumbs, making my body tremble.

“See how you respond? Your body recognises the touch of these hands and no other. These hands are the key to untold pleasures.”

I throw my head back as I feel his erection growing, forcing its way through material, seeking freedom from containment. With both hands I lower his jeans and boxers, allowing it to spring free. When I see it, I gasp. It’s bigger than I remembered, standing long and thick without support. I’m aroused further by its magnificence.

“Give me your hand.”

I lift up my right hand. Enfolding it with his own, he places it around the skin coated rod of iron and begins to move my fingers and thumb up and down the length of it; rolling my thumb back and forth on the upward motion.

With a throaty voice he urges me to give him my other hand. I do.

He places it between my legs, his hand over mine, his firm fingers sliding between my own until they are wet and soaked. With our hands moving rhythmically he begins to fuck my mouth with his tongue. He moans into me, stimulating me even more, and I gasp, caught up in a sexual frenzy that has us both teetering on the edge of an orgasmic high.”

touchstone for ever image 2 blog tour

Photo images by Anne Boudreau.

 

 Book Trailer & Buy Links

YouTube:
Amazon US:
Amazon UK:

 

sydney jamesson picAbout the Author

 

There are those moments in life when a person you respect says something to you that strikes a chord, we’ve all had them … that moment came one Parents’ Evening when I was 16. An inspirational teacher said; “Your daughter should consider a career in Journalism or as a writer, she has a vivid imagination and a flair for creative writing …” As a wide-eyed teenager, those words were music to my ears. How prophetic was it that I went on to do just that …

I have worked in Insurance, Fashion and in advertising as a Copywriter and Commercial Journalist and loved every minute of it; creative people are a lot of fun to be around. I swapped the day job for a more meaningful enterprise: having our daughter Jenna. Now 29, she’s a fiercely independent woman living the dream in Australia. She was a heavenly surprise that had me working freelance for four years, doing what I could between feeds, playgroups and afternoon lessons in preparation for starting school. It’s a ‘story’ we can all identify with, I’m sure.

I made a sideways move into teaching in 1997 and, six years later, became Head of English in a High School, making it my mission in life to introduce young people to a range of quality reading material. I try to foster a love of all things creative in my students and encourage them to find that creativity within themselves.

For as long as I can remember, I have lived with The Story of Us in my head. The fact that Elizabeth Parker is an English teacher should come as no surprise; as novelists we write, initially, about what we know … Yet, I should confess, she isn’t me but rather that young, sensitive and naïve woman we all were or still are. The difference being, she has been victimized and, because of it, remained hidden. But, unlike some characters who may have suffered at the hands of others, she is not damaged: wary yes, but not damaged. She still believes people are innately good and that is one of her many qualities. It is her propensity for compassion that allows her to invite Ayden Stone into her world when, on the face of it, he’s exactly what she doesn’t need.

So that’s me, furiously typing away until the early hours, unveiling the intricacies of a 21st century fairy-tale; creating an epic story that melds a heady mixture of romance suspense and a touch of the miraculous.

Connect with Sydney:

On the Web
Facebook
Twitter

 

Cover Reveal – The Raven by Sylvain Reynard @sylvainreynard #TheRaven #CoverReveal

I am so excited to share this cover!  
Here it is!  

“The Raven

By Sylvain Reynard

 

Book Blurb:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel Series comes a dark, sensual tale of romance in a city shrouded in mystery…

Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery restoring fine works of Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semi-conscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attacker’s screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her…

Cassita vulneratus.

When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. She returns to the Uffizi, but no one recognizes her and more disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of the events leading up to her disappearance, Raven also learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history – the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the baffled police force identifies her as its prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth about her disappearance. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets…

 

Release Date: Early 2015

Book Link:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18964169-the-raven

 

Author’s Bio:

I’m interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition – particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I’m also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter account.

 

Author Links:

Website:  http://www.sylvainreynard.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sylvainreynard

FB Author Page:https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSylvainReynard

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4562483.Sylvain_Reynard

 

         

Of Happiness – Review and Excerpt by Olivia Luck @authorluck

of happiness cover

Synopsis

“Now that I have you, I’m never letting you go.”

Edith Neff relocated to Chicago to capture her own piece of happiness. Now bombarded with more change than she knows how to manage, Eddie struggles to pick of the pieces of her torn heart and decimated friendship.

Standing in the middle of a sidewalk while her (ex?) boyfriend Harris Grant pleads for forgiveness, Eddie’s at a loss what to do next. So when her estranged father provides a lifeline – she has no option than to take his offer.

But Harris won’t let Eddie go without a fight. He’ll use whatever tactics necessary to win back his girl. While Eddie and Harris find their way back together, darkness lurks, unwilling to relent on destroying their relationship. Permanently.

Note: Of Happiness is the sequel to In Pursuit. Content intended for readers 18+.


 

My Review 

First of all, thank you Olivia for not making me wait too long to get to the conclusion of the love story of Edith and Harris.  They became one of my favorite book couples instantly.  When I finished In Pursuit, I was literally biting my nails and full of angst.  Cliffhangers will do that to me.

Of Happiness picked up right where In Pursuit ended.  There was no guessing and the well written story flowed naturally.  I loved how you addressed and intertwined the themes of love, friendship and family.  You answered all those lingering questions about Harris and Edith’s relationship. Claire, Cooper, Jared and Edith’s father all get their balance of story time as well.  Sean and Luke continue to be my favorite friends and I loved how their supporting roles in the story were so significant to Edith and Harris.

Just as in your debut, Of Happiness continued with the witty and fun writing style I came to enjoy so much.  Again, your use of alliterations always made me smile.

There were moments of angst, love and many revelations along the way.  Perfectly blended, you kept me on edge and interested throughout the book.

Your love scenes were ultra romantic and had just the right amount of steamy.  The chemistry between Harris and Edith is definitely strong.

I recommend this book along with its debut prequel.  The two books make up a beautiful love story from the very start to finish.

of happiness pic quote for review

 

I gave this book 4 Stars!

I look forward to reading more of Olivia’s writing soon!

I received and ARC from the author.

 


 

 Excerpt

 

An inexplicable shiver rolls through my shoulders. The low murmur of my friends and the other patrons at Rusty’s falls away.  

Harris.

He’s the only person who elicits this type of bodily response. I remain rigid and unmoving except for my sweaty palms which I place on my thighs.

“Luke, my man! How are you?” A strong hand slaps Luke’s shoulder.

“Matt, hey.” His worried expression eases into a cheerful one when he shakes hands with a man wearing a large, black boot cast. Next to Matt is the beautiful, caramel-haired woman, Jane, who was with Harris in his convertible.

And then it’s him.

Harris’ masculine scent surrounds me. He braces his arms on the back of my chair, overwhelming me with his physical presence. I’m swirling in a sea of Harris, unable to resist his pull. He dips closer and then his lips brush oh so gently against my flushed cheek. The intimate contact sends my heart into overdrive.

“Hello, Edith,” he murmurs against my skin before pulling away.

I nearly swoon against the wood chair. Damn.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble

Goodreads

 


 

About the Author

olivia luck image

 

Olivia Luck lives in the middle of America with her loving husband and her obsession with writing. She wrote her first romance novel at age eight. When she’s not reading, editing, or writing, you can find her in the kitchen learning to cook. Olivia loves to travel and spend time with her family.

 

Get in touch with Olivia, she adores emails: olivialuckauthor@gmail.com

https://www.goodreads.com/authorluck

https://www.facebook.com/OliviaLuckAuthor

http://olivialuckauthor.wordpress.com/

Throwback Thursday – Fun with Dick and Jane

dick and jane cover

Throwback Thursday: Fun with Dick and Jane 

 

 

How many of you remember this series of books?  I recently found several of them that I purchased at an antique shop in St. Augustine, Florida.  I shared them with my students who found the books to be quite amusing.  I never read them when I was in school.  Did you?

With innocent entertaining exploits and simple repetitive declarations, these charming characters helped millions of Americans learn to read.

These books were actually used between the 1930’s-1970’s in schools.  I can’t imagine using these books to teach students today.

“Look, Jane, ” said Dick.  “Here is something funny.  Can you guess what it is?”

 

Do you remember any of your childhood readers?

Feel free to comment.

 

Happy Thursday!

~Susi

 

 

 

Coming up, Coral Gables Restaurant Week

cg banner

 

 

Mark your calendars!

There are so many delicious restaurants in Coral Gables for you to enjoy.  

Be sure to check this event out.  #foodie  

 

CORAL GABLES RESTAURANT WEEK 2014

Downtown Coral Gables is celebrating our 7th Annual Coral Gables Restaurant Week presented by Bacardi USA from June 9th-29th with exciting new restaurants and new unique events. This year, you have three whole weeks to taste your way through Coral Gables, giving you plenty of time to try new eateries and return to old favorites, all offering amazing prix-fixe menus at a discounted price.

For three weeks, restaurants will offer special three-course lunch and dinner menus. Guests (21 years of age and older) can pair those meals with the classic BACARDÍ® Cuba Libre, the official cocktail of Coral Gables Restaurant Week, and MARTINI® Prosecco as the featured wine.

So what are you waiting for… on your mark, get set, eat!

  • CHOOSE A RESTAURANT
  • MAKE A RESERVATION (Not required, but strongly suggested)
  • ENJOY YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE (Make sure to ask for the Coral Gables Restaurant Week prix fixe menu)

 

Check out all of the fantastic restaurants that are participating in this gastronomical fest.  

 

http://coralgablesrestaurantweek.com/

 

Follow @shopcoralgables to stay socially connected with everything foodie related including special events, happy hour deals, weekly promotions and more. 

Whisper to Me by Christina Lee Blog Tour and Giveaway @Christina_Lee04

 

Whisper to Me Blog Tour Banner

 

whisper to me cover 2

Hot and consuming, this is a New Adult romance about a wayward musician and the one girl who keeps him grounded…

At college, Rachel has a reputation for being a sarcastic flirt with a thing for ripped athletes. No one at college knows her heart was ripped to shreds by her high school boyfriend, who’d driven them both off the side of the road on a borrowed motorcycle. And then subsequently abandoned her. No one really knows Rachel Mattson at all, with one exception…
Ever since he helped nurse his sister’s feisty best friend back to health, pierced bass player Kai Nakos has been head over heels in love. But the supposed bad boy can’t risk letting Rachel know the truth—especially now that the two of them are back in their hometown for the summer, together for the first time since the months following that horrible night. Never mind that Rachel’s ex is also back, groveling for her forgiveness.

Shaken by her ex’s return, Rachel finds herself turning to the one guy she knows she can trust. Now that Kai has had a taste of Rachel, he’s willing to do anything just to have her touch him again, even hiding his true feelings. After all, she only wants a temporary fling. Until it becomes something more. But perhaps it had been more all along.

 

My Review

 

Dear Christina,

I decided to write my review in the form of a letter to you.   I want to start off with these words.  “Kai is smoking hot!”  Seriously!    I am so glad that I went on to NetGalley and discovered your book.  I had never read any of your books until Whisper to Me.   I picked it out because I noticed that it could be read as a stand alone.  Well, you have a new fan.  I truly admire and enjoy your writing.  This story, my introduction to your writing was an amazing read.  I am now working my way back to the first two books because I loved your characters and want more of their stories.

As a fan of New Adult books, Whisper to Me  has now made it to the top of my faves list.  Your well written characters have found a place in my heart.  They are easy to relate to and easy to love.  From the moment I met Rachel, I instantly liked her.  She seemed real, friendly, and proved to be a pretty tough girl.  Her traumatic experience may have left her scarred but it also made her find love.

Then, I met Kai.  Swoon…… He is the epitome of hot!  What woman doesn’t love a sexy musician with piercings?  Oh… the piercings.   He was easy to love from the very beginning of the book.  His tender caregiver side makes him so perfect too.  Did I mention I love his “dirty talk?”  Oh, he can whisper into my ear any time.

I loved the way you created characters with such a significant similarity.  This similarity helped make them all the more compatible.  Their chemistry once reunited is totally undeniable. Their connection emotionally made their physical connection more intense.

Like I said, I had not read the previous books but this book was so well written and gave me enough background on the characters that I was able to follow and understand the story/plot with ease.

I am a true romantic.  I am also a fan of stories where the boy next door falls in love with his longtime friend.  Written in both Rachel and Kai’s POV allowed me to get into their heads and understand their emotions and their own internal struggles.  Thanks for making them such fantastic characters.

Finally, I cannot forget the sex, well, after all, Kai…. need I say more.  This dirty talker made his way into my heart.  You did an amazing job writing and bringing their intense sexual chemistry to life.

This is one of the books that truly made me smile when I got to the point where I understood the title.

As I mentioned before, you have a new fan.  I look forward to reading more of your writing.

I gave this book 5 sexy stars!

Sincerely,

~Susi

Reading and Writing Between The Wines Blog

 

kai review pic with words

 

 

Christina Lee Author Photo

Author Bio:

 

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys. She’s addicted to lip gloss, salted caramel everything, and believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

 

 

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