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Monday, November 9, 2015

No Interest in Love by Cassie Mae

I've had the pleasure of reviewing Cassie Mae's not-yet-released young adult book. I love a book where I have several laugh-out-loud moments, and this book was chock full of them.

Here's the Amazon description of No Interest In Love: An All About Love Novel (link contains my affiliate code):

When Jace Carver snags a minor part in his buddy’s zombie flick, he suddenly starts getting noticed all over the place. Even Hollywood megastar Carletta Ocean—known for her extensive “research” with her male co-stars—wants Jace for her new rom-com. The role could be a game-changer . . . if Jace nails the audition.

As Jace’s agent, Shaylene Kwak is all business, and isn’t about to let her favorite client blow this opportunity. Since their college years, Shay has been immune to Jace’s charm and rock-hard body. But long hours in close company have a way of wearing down even the best defenses, and when their platonic teasing turns into serious flirting, Jace and Shay are no longer able to resist what’s been right in front of them the entire time.

Shay knows Jace’s love-’em-and-leave-’em history with women. She’s not about to be just another notch in his belt. And it’s true, Jace has never wanted more than a one-night stand—until now. But at the end of the line, he’s got a choice: sleep with Carletta and seal the deal, or risk his career for a shot at true love with Shay.

This was a nice twist on the famous actor/Mary Jane storyline in that Jace isn't famous quite yet. Interspersed through the story, told entirely from Jace's viewpoint (until the epilogue), are little snippets of how he came to know Shay.

The premise sparkles with promise, as Shay, agent to the up-and-coming Jace, is determined to get him across country to an interview with a leading actress. Peril after peril befalls the two of them to the point where I really did laugh out loud and wondered..."What else could possibly happen to these two?"

I couldn't stop turning the pages to see how much more intimate they got. They already have a little of the comfy old shoe feel, but being in such close quarters definitely changes the dynamics. I love that Shay gets the parts of Jace he's most vulnerable about and doesn't want others to know. And I love how Jace avoids the word "adorable" to describe Shay, as that word comes loaded with emotions he doesn't want to deal with.

Cassie Mae is just one of those authors whose next book I'm going to read. Period.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Julie Lessman's Contemporary Isle of Hope Series Kicks off with Unfailing Love

I haven't been around in a looooong while, and I'll address that at a later date. But I am coming back, and I thought it fitting that the one author who could bring me out of obscurity is none other than the fabulous Julie Lessman.


In a departure from her signature historicals, Julie branched out with this contemporary novel set in Georgia, on the Isle of Hope, a land mass southeast of Savannah that becomes an island at high tide.

This book will speak to all demographics, because the issues dealt with are so prevalent in society. Anyone who's ever been estranged from their family, run away from problems, lost their faith or integrity, hurt a romantic partner or friend, went too far with their passion, had difficulty forgiving, aggressively retreated from regrets or perceived failures, suffered through the sickness of a child or marriage, lost themselves in workaholism or alcoholism to try to forget...these are just a sampling of the themes from Julie's new book Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love (Isle of Hope Series Book 1) (link contains my Amazon affiliate code).

This book had Julie Lessman's stamp all over it. Her brand of "Passion with a Purpose" is so unique to her, and so recognizable. She's self-publishing this book, but her fans (or those who haven't had the pleasure of reading one of her books yet) won't be disappointed. In fact, there was more overt spirituality in this book than any of her others, and I loved the way she seamlessly worked in healing for her characters through the unfailing love and grace of a Savior, who gives Hope a second chance.

Julie is a master at drawing readers into her books. She's got a storyline for older readers and for younger, features viewpoints of both men and women. Like the finishing bow on a gift, she wraps up every thread at the end save one. Even with this segue, her book doesn't have one of those unsatisfying endings that makes you wish you'd waited until all the books come out. Quite the contrary...I thought it one of her finest.

All for now...I'll be back soon.