With the fate of her disgraced family resting on her shoulders, Lady Christina Barclay has arrived in New York City from London to quickly secure a wealthy husband. But when her parents settle on an intolerable suitor, Christina turns to her reclusive neighbor, a darkly handsome and utterly compelling inventor, for help.

Oliver Hawkes reluctantly agrees to a platonic marriage . . . with his own condition: The marriage must end after one year. Not only does Oliver face challenges that are certain to make life as his wife difficult, but more importantly, he refuses to be distracted from his life’s work—the development of a revolutionary device that could transform thousands of lives, including his own.

Much to his surprise, his bride is more beguiling than he imagined. When temptation burns hot between them, they realize they must overcome their own secrets and doubts, and every effort to undermine their marriage, because one year can never be enough.

After a series of tragic events, Oliver becomes reclusive and apathetic. His only concerns are his sweet sister and his work. That all changes though after an unexpected encounter with caring and bashful Christina.
I had always thought that opposites make the best couples but Christina and Oliver proved me wrong. Christina was one of the most timid, introverted, fearful heroines I’ve ever read. Although I prefer my heroines to be more witty, self-assured, and even proactive, her tender heart and innocence made up for whatever traits I might have thought were lacking, not to mention her steel determination when it came to protecting Oliver made her a well-rounded character. 

The story kept the perfect pace. I was particularly happy that the budding romance between the main characters didn’t feel rushed or forced and I loved the way Oliver went from a grumpy recluse to a more pleasant man. And his world! It was fascinating to say the least, but unfortunately it was also ignorant and unjust. The treatment of “unorthodox” people in those days was truly appalling and if someone thinks otherwise needs to open a history book and educate themselves – At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it ¯_(ツ)_/¯

It was such a wonderful story and definitely my favorite in the series so far. If you love stories with plenty of heart, a troubled yet swoon-worthy hero, and a heroine that may seem meekly at first but proves to be a worthy opponent when she sets a mind to it, then this is the book for you. 




I received this book from the author at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher. 

When Eva and Phillip first meet he comes off as the brooding type. A next encounter lets Eva discover he’s got a fun-loving side that she’d have loved to know more of but her dreams of becoming a well-renowned architect stops her from pursuing more with him.

I liked the chemistry these two developed from the start. It was fun to see how the relationship goes from ardent strangers, to a cold employer-employee status, to passionate lovers.
As Eva tries to prove she’s the capable professional she professes to be, she has to overcome many obstacles, some created by the people that want to see her fail, and some by her own doing. All in all she faces everything with temper and grace. I liked that about her character. I think she could have come across as a fearful woman but instead her decisiveness let us see she’s no wilting flower.

Overall it was an enjoyable and fun read. The thing is I think so many things could have been prevented if they had only told the truth from the start or at least not keep so many secrets. However that might actually be on me because the “concealed truth” trope is one of my least favorites. Either way I still recommend this book to anyone that likes strong heroines, charming billionaires, and a scorchingly sexy, engaging story.

Lady Nora, daughter of an English Earl, is sent to New York by her father for committing an indiscretion and for humiliating him in front of his Parliament peers. Now in America, she believes the only way for her to return home and to the arms of her beloved Robert is to fake an engagement to a man so outrageously roguish that her father would have no other choice than to send for her as soon as he heard the news of the engagement. 

Impetuous and witty Nora sets everything in motion once she meets Julius, the man with exactly the kind of reputation she needs for her plans. The way these two meet was both funny and outrageous (there is a note by the author at the end of the book for those thinking nothing so oulandish could have been possible.) Just picturing Nora facing Julius for the first time in such circumstances was enough to keep turning the pages after such encounter. Julius agrees to Nora’s deceit only because he’s got a secret of his own and their engagement will grant him access to places he was denied before due to his notorious reputation. 
Their relationship evolves at a steady pace, easy banter and flirtatious moments. I liked that even though they liked each other physically, Robbie is never far from Nora’s thoughts and Julius knows that very well. So much so that I thought it was selfish of him to keep flirting with Nora when he knew their accord was only temporal. We learn about his past, which explains why he likes to live so ostentatiously (I mean, he lives in a castle with a moat) and about his family and friends however for some reason I didn’t connect with him until the very end. Even so, his relationship with Nora was both endearing and passionate and I loved how both understood their feelings and talked openly about them. One of my many peeves in romance is when the main characters decide to hide their feeling from each other for whatever reason, and so if I read about characters that are open with each other I just get really happy. 

The suspense aspect of the story left me a little displeased though. It wasn’t bad but I was disappointed when we get to find out there is a villain that I didn’t think needed to be and I ended up feeling bad for the poor guy. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read and I will definitely read more from this author. 

~3.5 stars ~ 

** I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***

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The latest in the Hundred Oaks series it OUT NOW. Have you grabbed your copy yet? This series is a fun young adult one that needs to be read.

Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally

(Hundred Oaks series #6)
Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: 7th July 2015
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Practice Makes Perfect.

Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.

But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo?

My Review

"I don't want to shadow a spoiled pretty boy who sings about making love on tractors anyway."

I became a fan of Miranda Kenneally’s books after reading Breathe, Annie, Breathe a year ago. It was a fabulous young adult romance and I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for me this time. I was definitely hooked to Jesse’s Girl, the characters were fun and I liked the fact they had realistic flaws just like me. As with the last book, this one was fabulously written, with easy flow and great paced.

Seventeen year old, Maya Henry is the middle child in the Henry household. With career day coming up, Maya stated she wanted to be a musician. Her principal, Dr Salter teed up for Maya to meet the infamous Jesse Scott. Maya picked up her first guitar in first grade and knew from then she wanted to perform and play guitar.

Meeting Jesse is like a dream come true and Maya has an all-access pass backstage. When she sees him, Maya cannot deny how good-looking he is, but she is immediately put on the defensive when he believes she just another groupie.

Maya is severely disappointed with meeting Jesse, she just wants to learn about the industry and he is rude, arrogant and moody. Although Maya cannot deny that once he’s on stage, he’s a different person and is fabulous.

Friday is THE day for Maya to shadow Jesse Scott. She will get her chance to see what it’s really like to be a famous musician. From the moment she walks inside his house, Jesse makes it known he isn’t impressed at having her around. Once they actually begin talking business though, Jesse pushes Maya and a plan forms. The schedule for the day goes out the window and Jesse gives Maya the best day of her life.

It seems Jesse has his own issues in life that’s hidden from the rest of the world and with Maya being the up front and no nonsense type of girl, sets him straight. She shows Jesse what a real teenager should be doing and how many people could benefit from his generosity.

Will Maya actually learn anything from this country superstar besides being hounded by press and fans? Why is Jesse not following his heart? Will Maya find the courage to follow her dream? Can Jesse find room in his life for a girl that pushes his boundaries and makes him smile?

Follow along the journey of discovery for Maya AND Jesse. This is a fabulous book that shows dreams can come true if you follow your heart, work hard enough and have enough determination to prove yourself. I love how generous, kind and charming Jesse can be when he opens himself to possibilities. Maya shows how heartache, betrayal and hurdles can be overcome. Ms Kenneally truly is a master and I cannot wait to see what’s next.

About the Author

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

Giveaway

Tour wide giveaway
Open Internationally
$50 iTunes Gift Card
Ends 16th July 2015
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