Package Deal (Ruled Out Romances #2) by Charissa Stastny | A Book Review

I got this from Kathy of ebooksforreview.com and iamareader.com. I've read a book of the same author before and I enjoyed it, so when I saw this one up for review from the same author, I decided to sign up. Thanks again Kathy for the ebook copy.

This is a story of a single mom who tries so hard to raise her two-year old daughter. Then, on her best friend's wedding, she met a very handsome and charming man but when he saw her daughter, he was disappointed. He definitely did not want any excess baggage. 

Spring Flowers. What a cute name, right? Yes, that's the name of one of the main characters in this story. Her cute two-year old is Emma. And to complete the set of characters, we have Hudson Sandel, the handsome man who was smitten with Spring. To him, Spring would have been perfect if not for Emma being part of the package. 

Spring and Hudson's first meeting is a meet-cute. Isn't it romantic to meet someone on a wedding? And Emma in all of her pint size personality threw a tantrum and Hudson came to the rescue which was not exactly what he planned, but he wanted so much to impress Spring. That gentlemanly act is what started to bring them together and there's no denying that Emma has a way of worming slowly into Hudson's heart. 

There were a lot of cute and warm moments here, especially with Emma involved. She's just so cute with all her two-year old vocabulary and not yet able to pronounce words properly. She's one of the things that make this story work and I can't help but fall in love with her also. Hudson also had a lot of moments here. He's just so sweet and caring. After meeting Spring and Emma, he realized what he's been missing in his life. He ended up doing a lot of sweet, generous, and kind things for the mother and daughter and not just because he wanted Spring to fall for him but because he wanted to make these two happy and make their lives easier. Ah, Hudson is just another book boyfriend one could wish for. 

I give this book 5/5 cute little flower girl dresses. I really enjoyed the story. It was so cute that it made me swoon and wish for my own sweet Hudson. This is a feel good story though Spring and Emma's life was not perfect. Spring had to hurdle and overcome a lot of challenges in her personal life, career, and most especially in raising Emma. But her character is just so admirable that you can't help but root for her. Emma is her strength, so everything she does has to be all for the good of Emma. Even falling in love with Hudson has to be favorable to Emma. Fortunately, Emma has made sure that Hudson would fall in love with her also. She's just so adorable and oozing with cuteness, so Hudson was no match for this little devil. He was putty in her very small hands.

What's the hurry Spring? Is winter chasing you? 

Forgiving means you let go of the bitterness poisoning you. 

- Charissa Stastny, Package Deal - 

Other books by the Charissa Stastny:

Between Hope and the Highway

Kiss Me in the Rain (Destined for Love: Mansions #2 ) by Lindzee Armstrong | ARC | A Book Review

Kiss me in the rain. Sounds like a title of a song or a lyric. The fact that it sounds so romantic gives it an even more graceful ring to it. Have you imagined yourself being kissed in the rain? Or have you actually done it? And how was it?

I have not been kissed in the rain. I don't know if that is unfortunate but at least I know how it feels like because of this story. But then again, bridging the great divide between reality and imagination is an entirely different story.

This is a sequel to Kiss Me in the Moonlight. Another title for a song, right? Anyway, this story features two characters who were in Kiss Me in the Moonlight--Layla and Tyler. After spending their summer in Paris as tour guides, these two decided to go back to the US. Layla went back to her home--Cypress Grove. A mansion which is often a venue for parties of the elite. Tyler quit grad school and decided to follow Layla to her hometown.

This is my nth book from Lindzee Armstrong. I didn't realize that I was slowly becoming a fan of this author. It does help being a member of her ARC team. It was one of the first few groups that I signed up for. At first, I didn't know what it all entails but I just read her books which I get for free. No regrets there. I did enjoy her clean and sweet stories. They were easy to read and very relatable. Feel-good reads and very easy to finish in one sitting. Without me knowing, Armstrong's stories became my go-to when I feel like I need to feel good and they never fail me. To this day, I have almost read all of her stories and I am looking forward to reading more of them. I would just like to say my big thanks to the author for her invigorating stories of love.

Like all of the author's other stories, this is a clean read also. It speaks of how two people overcome the divide between economic status and family expectations. It speaks of following one's dream and passion in life. Like the rest of us, these two fictional characters have their own dreams. Tyler wants to build a business flipping houses. Layla wants to be able to do what she wants without feeling guilty about her family's expectations and requirements. Like all good stories, conflicts and antagonists add more spice and flair. In here, a little mystery and embezzling is added for good measure. And betrayal and disappointment packed the whole story into a neat little package. 

Like the first book, this is not a straight romance story but with a mix of a little mystery which leads to a major problem for our two main characters. How they manage and resolve this by helping each other is how this story leads to the kissing in the rain part. Yes, a happy ending. 

I give this book 4/5 umbrellas. I liked that this story or the stories in the Destined for Love series is mixed with mystery and suspense. It sort of brought the story to another level and still remain clean and fun and end with a very happy ending for the characters. If you are looking for clean, feel-good and inspirational love stories, read Lindzee Armstrong's books. You will never be disappointed. They are not too heavy but packed with enough spice here and there to give more life to the stories. 

Her hero, her idol, had fallen off his pedestal, and she'd never again view him the same.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Kiss Me in the Rain - 

Schism (Sparks Saga # 3) by RS McCoy | A Book Review

This is the last and the conclusion of the story of Lark and Kea. After all these two have been through, it is sad to say goodbye to them and their story. For me, the ending was sad too. It was not what I had expected and up to now, I am still trying to get over it. If it were up to me, I would want another ending. A happier one. Yes, you have been warned, this amazing and engrossing story will have an end that you will not ever imagine. It will stun you and leave you immobile.

Every time I think about Schism, my mind goes on autopilot. It directly goes to the ending. Yes, the ending. I have to talk about it  or else I might just explode. I did not ever expect it, though in fairness to RS McCoy, it did make sense if you have really followed the whole story. But then, I hate saying goodbye to characters who I have become very invested in. They are like part of my family. I hate to say that I wished the ending was something else. I wish it did not have to be that way. But being Lark and Kea and knowing they have come to love their island-home, it made sense to go out through the most honorable way as known by the people they have come to love. They have fully embraced the culture and the people, so it was just fitting to choose  to leave this earth the way the brave do. Ah, it was still so sad. I had my mouth hanging open for long after I read that part. It was so hard to accept.

Well, moving on, as I have no choice in the matter but accept how the series ended. It wasn't all that sad. Lark and Kea, after defeating Mathias and Lheda, lived a great life with their son Tona, Lark's father and sister Estha. There was peace and prosperity. No more war and greed. All the hardships that Lark and Kea had to go through did pay off. This story was actually a very great wrap-up but the ending. It was all great and sunshiny until the epilogue. Yes, still can't move on from it. Anyway, with the ending, I was looking forward to another series with Lark and Kea's successors as the main characters. It would be great to know how Tona and Estha fared out.

Even with great sadness as to how this series ended, I still give this a 5/5 great ships. The journey of Lark and Kea has been a very memorable one. From a hard life to a life of greatness and prosperity. I had an absolutely great time sharing their journey and being part of their adventures. I won't ever forget this two amazing and strong characters. I am sure, I will read and revisit this tale again and again when I feel like it. So, it's not goodbye at all, but until then, Lark and Kea. Thank you for a great story.

That's the funny thing about home, isn't it? You think it's a place, but it's not. It's the people that make a place, not the other way around.

- RS McCoy, Schism -  

Thank you again, RS McCoy for the copy.

Spirits (Sparks Saga # 2) by RS McCoy | A Book Review

I was supposed to finish the Sparks Saga series last January but wasn't. I realized I signed up for too many blog tours that I had to review two or three books a week. Last March, I joined only a few tours so I could catch on my too long TBR. True enough, I was able to read a few books that had been in my list for months. 

Spirits is book two of the series. When I landed on the first page of the first chapter, it felt like no time has passed since the first book. It was the best feeling ever. It felt like the adventure was not interrupted with the ending of the first book. The adventure goes on as if there was no necessary pause. It felt like I was back in familiar territory. I was in my comfort zone. 

This second installment talked about Lark and Kea's life on the island, their new home. Lark has to master his other gifts to be able to fight and defend their new home and its people. With this, he found that the best way to master his abilities in a short time would be to find the Spirits. So, Lark, went on a quest to find the spirits and convince them to give him the power to master the elements and objects of their domain.

Wow! Lark went on amazing adventures and met new friends. Undoubtedly, his quest was not anything easy. His adventures were the best part of this story. He has accomplished amazing and extraordinary feats while trying not to worry too much about Kea and the baby inside her womb. 

I was so mesmerized and so involved in this story. I was hoping that Lark will survive each journey and find what he was seeking for. In the end, with his strength of character, his resourcefulness and his faith in himself made him successful in all his endeavors even with a lot of odds against him. He also found very unlikely allies that he thought have gone and left him. Yet, with his new abilities, he was able to summon help from very unexpected places. Thus, helping him also deal with all the issues he was battling with. Really, really amazing and unbelievable.

I realized I should have read this sooner. Good thing I read this book and the third one right after the other. It was the most wonderful journey ever. I give this book 5/5 hot balls of flames. Like Lark being consumed by his guilt and anger for what happened to his friends and his best friend. This book will do the same to you. You will be consumed and engulfed in this story and won't stop until you reach the last page. You won't leave Lark until he gets to terms with his grief and guilt and master his gifts.

Anger is the seed. It is the ember to create all the flames you need.

- RS McCoy, Spirits - 

Thank you again, RS McCoy for the copy.

Pushing the Boundaries by Stacey Trombley | Blog Tour and Giveaway | A Book Review

Pushing Boundaries

by Stacey Trombley

 (Off Limits #1)

Publication Date: January 16, 2017

Publisher:  Entangled Teen Crush

Myra goes to Haiti with one goal: take the photograph that will win a scholarship and prove to her uber-traditional family that she has what it takes to be a photographer instead of a doctor. Her camera has always been her shield against getting too close to anyone, but she didn’t expect the hot teen translator who has an ability to see past her walls.

Elias needs his job as a translator to provide for his siblings. He can’t afford to break the rule forbidding him from socializing with a client. Except, this girl Myra insists on going outside the city to capture the perfect picture, and he steps in as her guide in order to keep her safe.

The deeper they travel into the country, the harder they fall for each other. Now they’re both taking risks that could cost each other their dreams.

If they get too close—it could ruin both their lives.

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This is a very sweet love story that spans oceans, races, and culture.  This is about unexpectedly finding someone that understands and gets you even if you have not known each other for long. It was a mutual attraction between Myra and Elias. Elias proved to be the key to Myra having the courage go after what she really wants to do with her life. A medical mission trip to Haiti has changed Myra's life more than she can ever imagine. The island spoke to her and confided to her its secrets.

This is a very cute and feel-good story. It takes me back to the days when I too was like Myra, trying to find how I fit in in the order of things in the universe. How it is to find yourself in a place where everything is new and discoveries, no matter how mundane are a great novelty. I can still remember my first out-of-country trip. It was to Singapore. I flew alone. I was meeting my two other friends in the airport and our friend who was based there will pick us from the airport. I was so excited, so full of anticipation. It seemed like my body was tingling. I felt so alive. I was looking forward to experiencing a different culture, meet new people, enjoy the sights and take on new and wonderful experiences to be bottled and take home with me.

Like in the story, traveling for whatever reason, whether to volunteer, to work or just to unwind, will always bring unexpected and unassuming people who will touch us one way or another that we can never hope for. Knowing about their daily lives will enrich and inspire us. Like Myra, you will learn to appreciate the differences, be thankful for the things that you have and will put things into perspective. I think my most unforgettable trip was going to Cambodia. We talked to kids and women selling paintings and souvenirs near the Angkor Wat and we were humbled. My friends and I realized that we were so blessed. The kids there find it hard even going to a public high school. There are not a lot of public schools in their country. That's the beauty of traveling, it will put you where you stand in the whole scheme of things. You will realize you are just a speck in this vast universe. The world or the universe for that matter does not revolve around you. You have no right to treat anyone unfairly. It gives you a good smack in the butt.

This story made me remember that I had once thought of volunteering, of going to far-flung places and help in any way I can but I had not gotten the chance. I did volunteer before for a Christian organization helping street children in Quezon City. I went there with my friend for a few weekends to help bathe the children, fed, played games, and taught them. It was a very gratifying experience and it was my way of giving back, but then real life interfered. I got too busy with work. I still hope to volunteer again. 


I give the book 4/5 digital cameras. This just only proves that friendship and love knows no boundaries, race, religion or culture. It speaks to every person. This story also indicates how humanitarian missions to third-world countries are very important and helps a lot of people. Those who are less fortunate are given hope that they can have a better life. If only governments all over the world would care enough of its citizens. No corruption. Then, there would be no need for humanitarian missions at all. 

Stacey Trombley lives in Ohio with her husband and the sweetest Rottweiler you’ll ever meet. She thinks people are fascinating and any chance she has, she’s off doing or learning something new. She went on her first mission trip to Haiti at age twelve and is still dying to go back. Her “places to travel” list is almost as long as her “books to read” list.

Her debut novel Naked released from Entangled Teen in 2015. Find her online at www.StaceyTrombley.com and on twitter @trombolii.

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Pushing the Boundaries Prize Pack including:

* Signed copy of Naked by Stacey Trombley

* Signed copy of Pushing the Boundaries by Stacey Trombley

* Haitian Art as shown in the photo

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Sparks (Sparks Saga #1) by RS McCoy | A Book Review

This book was the first book RS McCoy wrote. This is also the first in a trilogy. 

I am a member of the rep team of Rs McCoy. I signed up to be part of her rep team because I really enjoyed her works and I also believe in her talent. I read about two of her series (The Extraction Files and The Alder Tales) when she wanted people to be a part of her rep team. I readily signed up  and thankfully, I got in. Now, I get to enjoy her books for free while helping her tell the world of how amazing and engaging her books are. 

Last December, we were celebrating The Extraction Files. This month, we are spreading the light on the Sparks Saga. Sparks was free for a week until yesterday on all platforms. This week, Spirits is reduced to $0.99 and next week, Schism will be at the same reduced price also. And as a member of her rep team, I will be holding a giveaway for Spirits and Schism before the month ends. To be exact, on January 22. So, please watch out for the giveaway on Instagram.

Sparks is the story of Lark and Khea. These two were from a very impoverished place that they were forced to leave their family and home to seek fortune in another place when the opportunity came. Lark had to leave his parents in exchange for money so they can afford to buy the cure for his ailing mother. Khea, on the other hand, is an orphan. These two were bound to be together, more than poverty, the same hometown, and their need to survive.

This book was very impressive. Granting that this was the author's first book. The characters and all the details were impressively woven with great attention. I was brought to a different time and to an exotic place, much to my fancy and delight. I eagerly embraced the new characters as part of my ever-growing imaginary family. I love Lark and Khea. I feel protective of them knowing they started as two hungry, scrawny and dirty kids away from home.

Another fascinating character in the story is Avis. He is Lark's assigned mentor. I was so shocked that his character was mean to Lark when they first met. I really hated him. Good thing, it was not all he is. There was a reason to his madness. I grew to like him as the story progressed, just like how Lark felt about him.

There were a lot of characters that were not really who they are. There were hidden agendas and hunger for power. Though this book had teenage characters in them, there were scenes that were a bit mature but were written with care, that did not in any way diminish the wholesomeness of the story. I think it was done with ample sensitivity which I really like so this book could be at least suitable for some teens. Although, I think, this book was not really intended to be a YA novel.

This was a very wonderful and exciting adventure. I am looking forward to the next two books. I actually can't wait to read them and see where the rest of the story will take me.

I give the book 4/5 copper rings. This book is in a way like The Avatar, The Legend of Korra, only the Avatar is much more gifted and more lovable. She is not as moody and impatient as Korra (I liked Aang better than Korra). I find this book and its two heroes very captivating. Unlike the animated series, I was not let down or in any way irritated by the actions and decisions of Lark and Khea. 

Reading books turned out to be much easier than reading people. Words are rather straightforward in a way that humans could never be.

- RS McCoy, Sparks -