Sunday Spotlight

Happy Sunday all! I hope this finds you all having had an awesome weekend. I, for one, am not ready for the work week to start but adulting must be done. 

So a little update... I recently purchased a Cricut machine and have been playing around with it. Along with reading, crafting has always been a favorite hobby. While at Walmart the other day, I came across these adorable cups that sparked some inspo for a blog / Cricut mashup. While Lindsay and I haven't been super active on the blog, we are still very much actively reading and working on getting back to regular scheduled programming. 

Anywho... I spent some of my lazy Sunday working on these cups for Lindsay and I, and I wanted to post them and show you guys! 

Well, that's about it. I know, not a super titillating post but I just wanted to show off these cute cups and say hello. We're hoping to get back to posting on a more regular basis and maybe adding some new fun things along the way... So please stay tuned! And to all our followers, thank's for sticking around 😊

The Matchmaker's Playbook: Book vs. Movie

Welcome back to our Sunday Spotlight!!!! It's been absent for a while, but we're happy to have it back!

For our first week back, Lindsay is going to be talking all things books and movies...ok, she's talking Passionflix! So, Let's get to it!

I must confess...I love Passionflix. Like seriously love them.

When I heard that there was a new streaming service that was going to be turning romance novels into movies, I immediately signed up.

I've waited with great anticipation for each release day of their original content.

It finally dawned on me...I have a blog, and I've read (most of) the books. Why haven't I blogged about this before!?

I might be starting a little backwards, but here we go!

The Matchmaker's Playbook (Wingmen Inc., #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

So, I won't give you my full review of the book in this post, but if you're interested, feel free to click on it above (FYI, I gave the book 4 stars). But the basic thing that stuck with me about this book was how much Blake annoyed me. I didn't like her for Ian and for the first time ever, I actually WANTED a cliffhanger and for Ian to find someone else.

So...that brings me to the movie. Yes, I was super excited. Regardless of the way I felt about the book, I was going to watch this movie. I couldn't wait to find out how close they stuck to the source material, how the actors did portraying the characters and so on.

I have to say, this is one of those few times that I loved the movie more than the book. When I read the book, I remember it taking FOREVER for me to come to like Blake. She was just off putting. But I liked her much more in the movie.

Photo Credit: Passionflix

One thing that was done better in the movie vs. the book was the chemistry between Ian: right;">

Photo Credit: Passionflix




I have to admit that I was really surprised by Nick Bateman. I've only ever seen his social media feed and pictures of him as dream casting. I had no idea if he could act or not. Now, I wouldn't think that they'd cast him just because he's a pretty face and looks the part, but...you never know. But I thought he played Ian PERFECTLY. And his 4th wall breaks...LOVED IT.

Photo Credit: Passionflix

One thing that stayed true to the book for me (feelings wise) was the easy banter/friendship between Gabi, Lex and Ian. I LOVED the scenes where they were all together. Although to be honest Lex totally stole the show. I can't wait to see his movie! And let me tell you, when the whole group is sitting around, watching a movie, a Passionflix movie!, one that stars the same guy that plays Lex...I died laughing! That was probably one of the best moments ever!


So, check out the trailer below, and don't forget to grab a copy of the book!

So, have you seen the movie? Did you read the book? What did you think? Drop a comment and let us know! :) 

SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT: PIFY update

Welcome to our first PIFY update!

Just as a recap, Lindsay and Nikki decided to pick a book a month for each other to read. Each month has a theme. January is MC/Biker Romance.

The book Lindsay picked for Nikki was: Persuasion (Sons of Odin, #1) by Violetta Rand

Blurb: If you love the motorcycle romances of Joanna Wylde and Julie Ann Walker, don’t miss Violetta Rand’s irresistible novel about a sexy-as-sin biker who tempts a good girl to go bad.

Lang Anderson may be the new leader of the Sons of Odin motorcycle club, but his personal life is in shreds. He’s struggling to take care of his three young sisters in the wake of tragedy, while rumors of drug dealing within his ranks jeopardize everything he’s built. The last thing he needs is another distraction—like a bar brawl over a woman—but Lang is a sucker for a damsel in distress. And this one gets him roaring like a finely tuned engine.

High school guidance counselor Lily Gallo is no fender bunny. So why can’t she get Lang off her mind? Lily’s head says the rugged, rough-and-tumble biker who came to her aid is bad news. Her body begs to differ. But when Lang’s troubled kid sister walks into her office, Lily’s determined to help, even if it puts her in the crossfire of a gang war. On a crash course with danger and desire, Lily partners up with Lang to fight for his family—and for love.

Lindsay's reason for picking the book: Ok, to be perfectly honest, I picked this book because it was one that Nikki hadn't read. We've done so many buddy reads together on biker books, that it was hard to find one that I've read and Nikki hasn't. So when I read this, I thought it would be a good choice for Nikki.

Lindsay's Rating: ★★★★☆ (You can find Lindsay's review here)

Nikki's Rating:  ★★★☆☆ (you can find Nikki's review here)

The book Nikki picked for Lindsay was: Silver Bastard (Silver Valley, #1) by Joanna Wylde

Blurb: First in the new Silver Valley series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Reapers Motorcycle Club Novels

Fourteen months. For fourteen months, Puck Redhouse sat in a cell and kept his mouth shut, protecting the Silver Bastards MC from their enemies. Then he was free and it was time for his reward—full membership in the club, along with a party to celebrate. That’s when he saw Becca Jones for the first time and set everything in motion. Before the night ended he’d violated his parole and stolen her away from everything she knew.

Five years. It was five years ago that Puck destroyed Becca and saved her all in one night. She’s been terrified of him ever since, but she’s even more terrified of the monsters he still protects her from... But Becca refuses to let fear control her. She’s living her life and moving forward, until she gets a phone call from the past she can't ignore. She has to go back, and there’s only one man she can trust to go with her—the ex-con biker who rescued her once before.

Puck will help her again, but this time it’ll be on his terms. No more lies, no more tears, and no more holding back what he really wants...

Nikki's Reason for picking the book: Well, the main reason I thought it would be good for Lindsay was because Puck is all about the revenge. He had some pretty violent tendencies that were pretty hot (in my humble opinion ;) ). Plus I  love this author and I just wanted her to experience this story. :)

Nikki's Rating: ★★★★★ (You can find Nikki's review here)

Lindsay's Rating: ★★★☆☆ (You can find Lindsay's review here)

*SOME SPOILERS MAY BE PRESENT IN THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION REGARDING BOTH BOOKS...YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! :) *

I think it's safe to say that this month's PIFY was a bust.

Sadly, I have to agree. I don't know why though! We both love biker books and this should have been a cake walk! :(

You're right, this should have been an easy month. I hope this isn't an indication of the months to come! So, which book do we want to start with?

How about mine. As in, the one I read :)

Sounds like a plan Stan! I guess I should start out apologizing for my pick for you. After reading it, I did think you'd like it. The book isn't as hard core as some but it had a decent plot and some very nice steam ;) 

Lol. And like I said before, I didn't hate it. I just didn't love it. I honestly can't even tell you why  I didn't love it. It was just ok for me. I do agree the plot was pretty good and the steam factor was on point. There was just a lack of connection for me.

Yeah, I totally get that. Another reason I decided to pick the book was because of the events near the end of the book. I thought it was an interesting twist that Lang opted to leave the MC for Lily and his sisters. I don't think that's ever happened in a MC book before. 

I agree. I actually had to reread a few lines at that part to make sure I didn't zone out and miss something! Lol That was definitely unexpected and out of the norm for biker books. 

It made me wonder if he would be back in future books, reentering the club and such. 

I could totally see that. And I think I'd be disappointed if she didn't have him show up here and there. Especially in book two, since it's his buddy Vincent's book.

Totally agree. Even though I did give it 4 stars, I will say that I did have some issues. The biggest one being that after Lang and Lily started dating, the sister story line was dropped. That bothered me. 

Yeah. I didn't like that it just kinda fell to the sidelines. 

Should we move on to your pick for me?

Yeah, let's see why you didn't love Puck...

LMAO. I wouldn't go that far. I actually really did love Puck....it was just the rest of the book I had issues with. 

Lol! Well, to be honest, I know one issue and I do apologize for no warning. I actually had forgotten that part about the back door action...

LOL. Just to be clear, we're talking about the events of the prologue right? 

Yup ;)

LOL. Honestly, while I'm not a fan of back door action, that wasn't my issue with the prologue. My issue was the whole thing. I mean, it started out all right but then things went hinky and you found out what her stepfather was doing and the age difference and I was just so ticked off and honestly, I was shocked that the author went there and people weren't upset and calling her out and crap. I mean, I'm not saying they should have, but if anyone else had tried what she did, Amazon would have banned the book left and right you know? But anyway, the revelations in the prologue left me wanting to DNF it right then and there. 

But the thing that kept me going was that I wanted to know the exact age difference between Puck and what's her face. Lol, and that didn't happen until something like 70% (fyi, it was only 5 years) so by that point, I was like, wth, may as well finish it. ;) 

Well... I can't say I don't agree about the particulars of the prologue. I didn't love it either.


Lol. As I was reading that prologue, I was honestly shocked that a) you made it past the prologue and b) that you didn't warn me. I know you freaked on me when there was a book we read that had not quite the same thing, but a creep in it and you blew up at me because I didn't warn you. ;) 

You know, you're right. And to be completly honest, I totally forgot about that happening, or I would have warned you. It has been a while since I read this book. And while I loved it, there were some details I had forgotten / blocked out ;) 


You're forgiven. :) The other thing I didn't like was Becca. Well, to be honest, I liked her in the beginning. I admired her for overcoming everything she went through, making a life for herself and trying to make something of herself. But once she and Puck started their relationship, she turned into a nasty shrew that would try to hurt Puck just because he was honest. I'm sorry, but calling him a rapist when he wasn't was just nasty. And Puck's friend was dead on when he told Becca that Puck deserved better! 

Omg I totally agree! While I LOVED Puck 100% and even ordered the paperback just for him, Becca was not my favorite. I hated when she treated him like dirt. He totally deserved better (me)! :D

I also hated when she called him a rapist. He so would not have gone there had he known her true age, hell he even stopped when he realized she wasn't into it! And he beat himself up about it once the truth came out!


Uh...NO. He deserved ME! He's like my perfect guy in biker form! If Nero were a biker, he'd be Puck! I totally agree with you. Puck was pure awesome and he was bending over backwards to help Becca and not hurt her and every time she turned around, she was calling him names, trying to hurt him and trying to make him feel bad. And what was he doing to provoke her?....he was being honest and telling her things that she didn't want to hear because she was stupid and in lala land. 

I choose to ignore your first comment. And you're right about her being in lala land. I get her life was hard, and she defintely got the shit end of the deal, but PUCK took her out of that situation and helped her get to a place where things were better. He didn't deserve to have that thrown in his face. And can we just touch on her TSTL decision to strip?! At a rival club no less!


OMG. It was bad enough that she went there once but TWICE!? That was beyond stupid!!!! And of course it had to be the day that Puck's club was raiding the place! *blushing* I was kind of hoping that she'd get killed in the raid and Puck would find a better girl. (Namely me! ;) )

LMAO. Omg! That's awful.... ly hilarious! ;) 


LOL. What can I say, I'm Evil-ly gifted! ;) 

Lol. I think that about wraps it up for this post. 


What!? You're cutting my evil short! 

Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to be evil in the next conversation about our February books! 


LMAO. I can't wait! 

A year of PIFYOU! Mwahahaha

A year of PIFYOU! Mwahahaha

We decided to do something fun for 2016…it will be the YEAR OF PIFYOU! (MWAHAHAHAHAHA!)

Nikki and Lindsay will be following a list of options we came up with. Every month, they’ll each pick a book for the other person in one of these categories. We’ll be doing special posts for when we pick our books and another post for when we discuss what we thought.

We’ll update the blog with our reviews and the books chosen under the month headings below.

January: Biker Book

Lindsay's Pick:            Nikki's Pick:

         

          

February: Paranormal book

March: Book with a tattoo artist/tattooed Hero

April: One of Lindsay/Nikki’s favorites

May: Out of their comfort zone (ie. musicians for N and vinyards for L)

June: Athlete romance

July: A book that we have resisted reading even though Lindsay/Nikki says it’s awesome

August: Historical Romance

September: Romantic Suspense

October: Military Character

November: Navy SEALs

December: Holiday Romance

Sunday Spotlight: Guest Post from author Marsha Greene!

Hey everyone! Today we have a special guest on the blog, Author Marsha Greene! 

She just released her first book, Perfect Dreams back in May. Jenn recently reviewed the book, and you can check out her review here. 

Why I love romance

Hi everyone, Thank you for having me here today.

I thought that maybe I can talk about romance today and what it means to me.

Is romance a form of excitement, mystery or is it another name for a sexual encounter. I think it could mean different things to different people. To me romance is sharing a drink with my husband and reading a book while he watches a game. Romance is not idealistic, nor does it believe in showmanship. According to me, Romance lies in preserving one's identity and thoughts while giving strength and support. I love romance. I love reading it, writing it, imagining it. Romance is the blood that runs through the veins of love. Without it, love, however strong and mighty would die a slow death. Romance in books especially is my poison. It pulls me in and brightens my life. It makes me happy and excited and without it, I honestly believe that my love for reading and writing would not have been as strong as it is now.

I have been blessed to have books in my life. They have given me direction, hope and at times peace and romantic books are my absolute favourite not only because of the escapism they provide but also because through the push and pulls of life they have always served as a diversion either in form of reading or writing.

Perfect Dreams marks another turn in my love for romance books. I am excited and hopeful to see where this journey takes me. Meanwhile thank you all for taking the time to read my ramblings. Love you fantastic people.

XOXOXO

Marsha

We want to thank Marsha for spending some time with us today! 

Don't forget to check out her book: 

Perfect Dreams by Marsha Greene

Book Description: 

Julia Simmons has a dangerous secret. 

Six years ago Julia had fled New York and made a quiet life for herself in Nashville but in a twist of fate, her past and present collide with the ferocity of a runaway train and leave betrayal, death and mayhem in its wake. Her and her loved ones’ existence is threatened as Julia becomes a target for a notorious gangster and the only one who can save her is the devastatingly handsome private detective Andrew Seaton.

After one encounter, Julia is captivated beyond reason without realizing that Andrew is hiding a secret of his own. Much too soon she is swept away in Andrew’s untamed sensuality, handing him over her mind and body. Their fatal attraction riddled with suspicions, results in a tragedy and it might be too late by the time they both realize that trust is all they ever needed. Will Andrew turn her perfect dreams into a reality or will he destroy her completely? 

Warning* Intended for mature readers. Contains sexually explicit scenes.

SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Marsha Greene

For today's Sunday Spotlight, we've got an interview with an author! Her first book just came out and we can't wait to read it. 

Welcome we want to give a warm welcome to up and coming author Marsha Greene. Marsha, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down with us at Confessions of 2 Book lovers. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

First of all I thank you ladies for having me and a huge HI (Marsha waves) to everyone who is here. It is such a pleasure to talk to fellow book lovers. I live in the pretty little town of Caledon in Canada with my husband and two children, and I love books, cooking, travelling and antique shops. 

Sunday Spotlight: Book Signing and Street Fair

I love going to book signings so when I saw that this wasn't too far from home, I couldn't resist! 

I wasn't sure exactly what it was going to be, but it said books and authors so I was there! 

It was  basically like any other book signing except local bookstores also had tables. 

The authors varied in genre and subject matter.

One of the most exciting people to see was Tom Daldin. He hosts a local television show on PBS called Under the Radar. He travels all over Michigan finding cool and unique restaurants and activities. I snapped a pic of him posing with a fan. 

Local TV Personality & Author Tom Daldin posing with a fan

I also got to see local author Ashley Jeffers. I read her first book Blood of the Immortal (review can be found here) and it was really good for a debut novel! I'll be reading her newest book Heart of Lavora soon, so keep your eye out for my review! I've heard great things about it!

Author Ashley Jeffers

The Street Fair was a little smaller than what I expected, but I had a great time! I met some awesome authors and even a publisher or two! :) 

SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT: Mid-Year Reading Recap

Upon completion of a couple really great books, we got talking and decided to do a little mid-year round up of our favorites so far...

Lindsay's list is in no particular order while Nikki decided to actually go and rate them. 

So, without further ado, here are our top reads of the first half of 2015! 

Cannon by Sabrina Paige

Sabrina Paige is easily my favorite and go-to author for stepbrother romances. She knows how to blend the forbidden with regular romances in a way that it doesn't completely revolve around the step issue.

The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan

I know I'm totally on a friends-to-lovers kick recently but this one is just plain awesome! Not only was it great chemistry, it was funny and sweet and just all around perfect!

Sincerely, Carter by Whitney Garcia Williams

Told you I was on a friends-t0-lovers kick! I loved that this book spanned pretty much their whole lives. And I loved the notes that were passed back and forth between them, starting with actual notes before progressing to text and email. Carter is probably one of my favorite heroes ever. (HE'S MINE NIKKI! HANDS OFF!)

No One Like You (Barefoot William #4) by Kate Angell

Yes, technically it's book 4 in the series but it helped me bridge her first series (the Richmond Rogues) with her new one. With this book, I rediscovered one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to catch up with the books I missed in this series!

Present Perfect (Perfect #1) by Alison G. Bailey

I'd really love to plead the fifth on this one just so I didn't have to admit to Alyssa how much I loved it. She's begged me for almost 2 years to read this and I kept saying no. But she was right, I loved it. This is another friends-to-lovers book that spans childhood to adult hood. Word of warning...have tissues handy when reading this!

Prick by Sabrina Paige

This book was everything I'd been looking for in stepbrother romance! Not only was it basically perfect, it turned me onto a new and fantastic author!

Amour Amour by Krista and Becca Ritchie

This is another one I have Alyssa to thank for. It didn't appeal to me at all. I mean, THE CIRCUS!?...uh....no. But it was BEYOND amazing. It hasn't left my head at all since then. I totally fell in love with the characters, and the authors. 

The Deal (Off-Campus #1) by Elle Kennedy 

I love this author but I wasn't sure how she'd pull off a NA book...and she pulled it off effortlessly! This book was awesomesauce!

Matched by by S.E. Hall & Angela Graham

I hate reality TV but I couldn't put this one down! I loved the hero and heroine and how they finally connected and came together.



Vincent (Made Men #2) by Sarah Brianne

It should be no surprise that Sarah Brianne ends up on my list. I totally love her books. No one does alpha mobsters like she does. 


Kulti by Mariana Zapata

This book was BEYOND AMAZING! The tension was off the charts and the slow build romance was perfect. 

Bringing Home the Bad Boy (Second Chance #1) by Jessica Lemmon

I loved this friends to lovers story. I loved the connection that was there and how all in Evan was when he decided he wanted Charlie

Soaring (Magdalene #2) by Kristen Ashley

I have a real love-hate relationship with KA's books but this one was one I couldn't put down. I read it in one sitting and loved every minute of it! 

Ride Steady (Chaos #3) by Kristen Ashley

I'm more shocked than anybody that there are two KA books on this list! I haven't been into biker books lately but I loved Joker and Carissa, this book just worked for me. 

ShutterGirl (The Hollywood Project #1) by C.D. Reiss

I've never read C.D. Reiss before. All I knew is that her books are typically darker than what I prefer. So I was hesitant to start this but I couldn't resist. 

1. What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor 


Yes its total YA and not sexy AT ALL, but this book pierced my heart and took hold. Very very good book.

2. Until You're Mine (MINE #2) by K. Langston  

Another great read that I couldn't put down. Loved it!

3. Piercing Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #5) by Setta Jay


Book 5 in one of my all time favorite series and it was fan-freaking-tastic!

4. The Will (Magdalene #1) by Kristen Ashley

KA is on the short list of all time TOP favorite authors and she can do no wrong for me!

5. Soaring (Magdalene #2) by Kristen Ashley 


If it's possible, even better than the first in this series!

6. Risking it All (Crossing the Line #1) by Tessa Bailey

Another all time TOP favorite author who also can do no wrong. This book is def one of my top favorites of hers!

7. The Deal (Off-Campus #1) by Elle Kennedy 

I love this author and this is by far an awesomesauce book that was not what I expected, but waaaaay better!

8. Beneath This Mask (Beneath #1) by Meghan March

Another amazing book that wasn't what I expected and was so good!!!

9. Binding Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #6) by Setta Jay


Book 6 in one of the greatest series' I've read! I just love this author and her books!

10. Silver Bastard (Silver Valley #1) by Joanna Wylde

My most recent 5 star book that is my top favorite from this author! Totally changed what I'm looking for in a man! (real life included ;) )

So, there you have it, our favorite books for the first half of 2015!