Review: One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

Book One of the Drew + Fable series

Publication Date: January 10, 2013

Rating: 4 stars
Source: Bought from Amazon

**Mature situations and sexual content - recommended for ages 17+**

Summary (from Goodreads):

Temporary. That one single word best describes my life these last few years. I’m working at a temporary job until I can finally break free. I’m my little brother’s temporary mother since our mom doesn't give a crap about either of us. And I’m that temporary girl all the guys want to get with because I give it up so easily. According to the rumors, at least.

But now I’m the temporary girlfriend of Drew Callahan, college football legend and all around golden guy. He’s beautiful, sweet—and he’s hiding way more secrets than I am. He’s brought me into this fake life where everyone seems to hate me. And everyone seems to want something from him. The only thing he seems to want though is…

Me.

I don’t know what to believe anymore. All I know is, I think Drew needs me. And I want to be there for him.

Forever.

What I Liked:

First, let me say that this book is considered "New Adult". If you have any doubts or aversions to the "New Adult" age level, or the "New Adult" contemporary romance genre, please wait.I have grown tired of the "New Adult" contemporary romance genre, too! But this is seriously one-of-a-kind.

This book was recommended to me by a blogging friend, who also reads a lot of "New Adult" contemporary romance, and who also has grown slightly weary of the genre. She said that she was impressed by this one, and this that one was very original, compared to some of the other "New Adult" contemporary romance books. 

So I bought a Kindle copy. It was even on sale! And, the second book was due to come out soon after I bought the book. Sounded like a good plan to me!

Guys. This book was SO not what I was expecting. I was warned, but you know the feeling when you discover something you were already told, by yourself. OH MY GOSH. I did not expect to like this book so much, especially with such an ending.

Drew and Fable do not hit it off, or create sparks and flames, or even really like each other at first glance. Or first meeting. I love the progression of their relationship. This book is not very long, and yet, Drew and Fable's relationship seemed very gradual and drawn-out. This is a good thing! The last thing I want to read about in a "New Adult" contemporary romance novel is more insta-love!

Drew is probably my favorite character. He is so kind, and so generous, and he is not the typical alpha male, arrogant "New Adult" male protagonist. He is a "good" guy, meaning that he is a good college student, and a good athlete, and an okay son, but I have a feeling that I will really appeal to readers.

Fable is a very raw character. I do not really understand what makes her so different from the other "New Adult" female protagonists in the contemporary romance genre, but she definitely is a unique heroine. She is rough around the edges, she is not perfect, and she works hard for her brother and mother. I liked that she stuck with Drew, throughout all of his weird family moments and problems, especially with the stepmother.

I love Drew and Fable's relationship. The romance part of this book is so well done, and I was very impressed. There is no love triangle! Made me happy. 

The ending is a good ending, but it is also sad. I know that there is a second book, and that the very end of this book alludes to the second book. So, do not be discouraged! I know I was not. Also, this book lasted the duration of about a week (hence, the title). So, it is meant to be continued to another book, in my opinion!

What I Did Not Like:

I actually did not have any real problems with the book, the plot, the characters, the writing, or anything. A few things bothered me, but they were things that were put in the book to bother readers. 

For example:

Adele, the wicked stepmother from the evilest of places. It is not a negative point toward the book or the writing or the author, but really, just towards this character. UGH, I HATE HER. Read the book. You will see. She is INSANE. But if she was not in the book, well, then the book would not be the same.

Would I Recommend It:

YES! Definitely! "New Adult" contemporary romance will like this book, "New Adult" lovers in general will like this book, adults will like this book... basically, anyone of an appropriate age level (17+, says the author), will like this book. It is very original and unique! Trust me. 

Rating:

4 stars. I think anyone who is hesitant about "New Adult" contemporary romance books, or is tired of them, should read this book. It is a great read! And this is coming from the girl who is sick of "New Adult" contemporary romance books. Go read it!

Author Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

Stacking the Shelves (#19)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, in which bloggers share the books and swag they've received in the past week!

So, what did I get in the week of Sunday, April 28th to Saturday, May 4th?

(all links to Goodreads are provided!)

In the mail:

An ARC of Obumbrate by Alivia Anders

A signed copy of Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid 

(WHICH I HAD NO IDEA SHE WAS SENDING!!! AHHH!!!!)

An ARC of The Elite by Kiera Cass

An ARC of Weather Witch by Shannon Delany

From NetGalley:

This Girl by Colleen Hoover

Shadowlark by Meagan Spooner

A Wounded Name by Dot Hutchison

From Edelweiss:

The Program by Suzanne Young

The Hunter by Monica McCarty

(My guilty pleasure of the week. There's always one!)

Faking It by Cora Carmack

YAY! That's it! This coming week, I have a couple of cool giveaways, blog tours, and reviews. Also, during this coming week are AP exams. I'm taking five this week coming, and three the following week. So... you may not see me around very much! Or you might :)

SO! Tell me about your week!

Feature and Follow Friday (#17)

The Feature & Follow is a creative meme that allows bloggers to get to know each other, and gain more followers! It is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

If you would like, it would be great if you followed me via Email, GFC, Linky, Bloglovin, or Google+ (all on the right). Let me know in the comments if you did, leave a link to your blog, and I will comment and follow back! I always do, I promise! Thank you!

Q: Give us a sneak! What are you reading? Tell us about a fun or fail scene in your current read.

Well... if you check out my post from yesterday HERE, you'll see what I am currently reading! And there is a swoony excerpt! But I'll copy it here:

"I kiss him. He kisses me back It's probably the last thing we should be doing but I don't care because I need to feel this right now. I need to feel his love so badly, I'm afraid I won't survive without it. He's being gentle so as not to hurt me, but I'm kissing him like I'm starving to death.

'Can I take this off you?' I whisper, sliding my finger down his sweatshirt...He's kissing me more hungrily now, trailing his hands down my arms, to my waist. When he touches my stomach this wild electricity goes through me like I'm alive for the first time. Then I'm guiding his hand down, toward the waist of my pants."

- eARC, 77%

Author Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Check out my blog tour post, excerpt, and giveaway for this book HERE!

Hope you all liked that swoon! This book is on and off for me, but I hope it ends well.

Swoon Thursday (#16): The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher

Swoon Thursday is a hot meme hosted by the fabulous ladies at YA Bound!

- From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering

- Try to make the swoon excerpt 140 characters (or less), if you are going to tweet about it. Use the hashtag #YABOUND when tweeting

This week, my swoon is from The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher!

"I kiss him. He kisses me back It's probably the last thing we should be doing but I don't care because I need to feel this right now. I need to feel his love so badly, I'm afraid I won't survive without it. He's being gentle so as not to hurt me, but I'm kissing him like I'm starving to death.

'Can I take this off you?' I whisper, sliding my finger down his sweatshirt...He's kissing me more hungrily now, trailing his hands down my arms, to my waist. When he touches my stomach this wild electricity goes through me like I'm alive for the first time. Then I'm guiding his hand down, toward the waist of my pants."

- eARC, 77%

Author Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Check out my blog tour post, excerpt, and giveaway for this book HERE!

I haven't finished this book yet! But it's on and off for me. Hopefully the ending is great!

So, what made you swoon this week?

Waiting on Wednesday (#18): A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I'm featuring:

A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

 Book Two of the My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century series

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Publication Date: August 6, 2013

Summary (from Goodreads):

Alessandra D’Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin, Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea.

One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat’s Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen…until she meets the infuriating—and infuriatingly handsome—surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in…and introduces her to a world filled with possibility.

With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she’s come to love?

Author Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Truth is, I loved Rachel Harris's debut, My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century! So, I cannot wait to read this awesome-sounding sequel! This time, it's a girl from the sixteenth century coming to modern times, instead of the other way around. So, I am excited! :D

What are you waiting on? Leave me a comment!

Book Blitz and Giveaway: The Haunting Season by Michelle Muto

Hey hey! Today I have an awesome book blitz to share with you! Check out The Haunting Season by Michelle Muto! I have a description, excerpt, and giveaway! Enjoy!

The Haunting Season by Michelle Muto

Publisher: Dreamscapes, Ink

Publication Date: December 21, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

Be careful what you let in…

Siler House has stood silent beneath Savannah’s moss-draped oaks for decades. Notoriously haunted, it has remained empty until college-bound Jess Perry and three of her peers gather to take part in a month-long study on the paranormal. Jess, who talks to ghosts, quickly bonds with her fellow test subjects. One is a girl possessed. Another just wants to forget. The third is a guy who really knows how to turn up the August heat, not to mention Jess’s heart rate…when he’s not resurrecting the dead. 

The study soon turns into something far more sinister when they discover that Siler House and the dark forces within are determined to keep them forever. In order to escape, Jess and the others will have to open themselves up to the true horror of Siler House and channel the very evil that has welcomed them all.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

About the Author:

Michelle Muto lives in northeast Georgia with her husband and two dogs. She loves changes of season, dogs, and all things geeky. Currently, she’s hard at work on her next book.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

The Excerpt:

“Allison?” she called out. She checked the bathroom. No Allison there, either. She must have already gone downstairs without her. Jess turned and walked back into their room. 

“You shouldn't be here,” said the little girl standing in front of the dresser. 

Startled, Jess took an involuntary step back. She thought she’d be used to the way ghosts appeared and disappeared by now, but she wasn't  Probably would never get used to it. The girl wore a pretty white dress and black shoes. The dress was tied around the middle with a red bow that matched the one in her curly, dark hair. 

She’s a ghost. She’s the ghost of either Gracie or Emma Siler, Jess thought, aware of her quickening heartbeat. Finally! Her first ghost sighting in months! The girl looked young and sweet, so why did she feel so jumpy? Probably because her roommate would have her believe the small girl sporting dimples and curls was Satan in disguise. 

Damn you, Allison! 

Her face didn't look anything like Jess would have expected of a child who had been murdered. The girl’s complexion was healthy, with a glow like that of a living ten-year-old. Not one who had been dead for well over a hundred years. But, ghosts were like that—appearing how they wanted you to see them, or so she believed. Or, maybe it was how they saw themselves. Jess had never thought to ask. 

She could still see ghosts, which meant there was hope—hope of seeing Grams again and her father, too! Jess’s unease began to fade. 

The girl waited patiently for her to do or say something. 

“Hello,” Jess said softly. 

“Hi,” the girl replied. 

“I’m Jess. Are you Emma or Gracie?” 

The girl smiled. “I know who you are. I’m Gracie.” 

Jess tried to keep the remaining nervousness from her voice. “Thanks for letting me see you, Gracie. I like ghosts.” 

Gracie’s smile faltered. “You’re still a little scared. I can tell. Are you here to hurt us? To make us go away?” 

Ghost or not, Gracie’s words melted Jess. Hurt her? Never. Jess knelt down in front of Gracie. She reached out for Gracie’s arm, realizing she couldn't actually touch the child—the gesture was simply automatic. Gracie stepped back, her arms still at her sides. 

She thinks I’m going to hurt her, Jess thought. “No, Gracie. I’d never hurt you. In fact, I’m here to help you.” 

“You’re very kind,” Gracie said, looking down at her shoes. 

“I try to be,” Jess replied. 

Gracie’s head jerked toward the mirror, then back to Jess, her eyes wide. “I have to go now. You should go, too.” 

“Is someone there, Gracie?” 

She nodded. 

“Who’s there? Is it Emma?” Somehow, she didn't think it was Emma at all. 

Gracie frowned. “It’s Riley. He says I can’t talk anymore right now.” 

Jess stood and looked in the mirror. Once again, she saw nothing but her reflection and oddly, Gracie’s, in the old mirror. Unease seeped back into Jess’s skin. 

“I’ll help you Gracie. You and Emma. I promise,” Jess said, although she had no idea how to do that yet. She turned back to the child, but Gracie was gone. 

Slowly, as if a child were writing it from the other side of the mirror, the word hurry appeared. And underneath, we need you.

The Giveaway:

- The winner chooses the format: ePub, Kindle (.mobi), or PDF

- Winner has 48 hours to respond to my email

- The giveaway begins on May 1st at 12:00 am EST, and ends on May 24th, at 11:59 pm EST

- Void where prohibited; no purchase necessary

- The number of eligible entries received determine the odds of winning

- There will be ONE winner

- Winner will be selected via the Rafflecopter

- The mandatory entry MUST BE COMPLETED.

- Open internationally!

- DO NOT CHEAT.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Come Back To Me by Coleen Patrick

Hi everyone! Today I have a massive blitz post for you! There is some book details, an excerpt, a guest post, and an internationally open giveaway at the end of the post! Enjoy!

Come Back To Me by Coleen Patrick

Publication Date: March 4, 2013

Summary (from Goodreads):

Whitney Denison can’t wait to start over.

She thought she had everything under control, that her future would always include her best friend Katie… Until everything changed.

Now her life in Bloom is one big morning after hangover, filled with regret, grief, and tiny pinpricks of reminders that she was once happy. A happy she ruined. A happy she can’t fix.

So, she is counting down the days until she leaves home for Colson University, cramming her summer with busywork she didn't finish her senior year, and taking on new hobbies that involve glue and glitter, and dodging anyone who reminds her of her old life.

When she runs into the stranger who drove her home on graduation night, after she’d passed out next to a ditch, she feels herself sinking again. The key to surviving the summer in Bloom is unraveling whatever good memories she can from that night.

But in searching for answers, she’ll have to ask for help and that means turning to Evan, the stranger, and Kyle, Katie’s ex-boyfriend. Suddenly, life flips again, and Whitney finds herself on not only the precipice of happy but love, too, causing her to question whether she can trust her feelings, or if she is falling into her old patterns of extremes.

As she uncovers the truth about her memories, Whitney sees that life isn't all or nothing, and that happy isn't something to wait for, that instead, happy might just be a choice.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBookstore

About the Author:

Coleen Patrick grew up in New Jersey, Virginia, Michigan, Louisiana, and Indiana. Always being the new kid, she learned that books and friends are precious—and dessert. She never met a dessert she didn't like (except for flan).

When she’s not writing, reading (or avoiding flan), she enjoys TV, arts and crafts, quoting movies, and trying to take cool photos.

She lives in Virginia with her husband and two kids.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

The Excerpt:

I took a few leisurely steps toward TEA (after all, I was undercover, just call me Gucci P.I.), until I found myself in front of a large storefront window, which undercut my entire stealth factor. Not that it mattered, since the place seemed empty. I leaned toward the glass. The place had wood floors and tables, and a large counter bar in the center. From the outside, through the smudged glass, it looked cozy and warm. 

No sign of Evan, though. I shielded my eyes and peered closer. There was a low stage in the back with a mic stand and a piano. Still no people. Was the place even open? 

My gaze slid downward, checking for a sign that displayed the hours, and I noticed the couple. They sat at a table right next to the window, shooting me sideways glances. 

Uh, yeah, it was open. 

I jumped back, and offered a sorry smile and wave to the couple, only to step on a shoe. 

“Hey!” 

I turned to see the scowling face of a man in scrubs and a white coat—a doctor, probably heading back to the hospital two blocks down. 

“Sorry, so sorry,” I mumbled, holding up my hands in surrender as I twirled away from the sidewalk traffic. I ducked into TEA. 

Inside, it smelled awesome, an intoxicating combo of cinnamon, pepper, and vanilla. 

That was where my original view of cozy and warm ended. Upon closer inspection, I saw scratched wood floors and tables, legs gouged with dents. The two plush but lopsided chairs in the opposite corner reminded me of the chair I used to love to read in on my grandmother’s screened in porch—if her porch had been exposed to the wind and the rain. Tired baskets crammed with books were wedged between chairs, and the piano was just a dusty, upright that appeared to be missing a couple of keys. Spanning the length of the back wall was the main counter with a glass pastry case underneath, displaying cupcakes, giant cookies with crumbly edges, and something that sort of resembled a scone. 

I stared at the cupcakes. What was that color of frosting? Neon and gray, it was the first time I ever saw a cupcake that didn't look appetizing. 

How was this place in business? I understood why they stuck with such an unimaginative, generic name—TEA. The smells of their obvious variety of teas was the only appealing aspect of the place. Actually, the place smelled perfect. 

I closed my eyes and inhaled. 

“Whitney?” 

My eyes snapped open. Evan. He stood next to a tall, wooden table, with a bowl of haphazard sugar packets and a lone silver milk thermos. He stirred a paper to-go mug that had a square tea bag tag hanging over the side. 

“Oh. Um, hi,” I said. I cleared my throat. After more than two hours of aimlessly riding around on a bus in silence, my words sounded rusty. 

“Hi.” He smiled, effortlessly, but I caught how his eyebrows lowered ever so slightly. Was he confused? Did he know I followed him there? 

“What are you doing here?” I asked, mentally cringing the moment my words fell out, because I totally sounded like I belonged at TEA, and Evan was the one stalking me. 

“I was going to ask you the same question,” he said, pressing a black plastic lid onto his cup. He stepped toward me and, for a second, I thought he was going to extend his arm out for a handshake. Instead, he moved his hand to push a book deeper into his back pocket. His shirt lifted slightly, and I couldn't help but notice a hint of skin where the last button ended. Warmth crept up my neck. I didn't need to be caught stalking and checking him out. Although it was surprising to note he was actually kind of cute. I never noticed that before. 

I focused on a spot near his ear. His hair was dark, neat but for a slight upward curl at the ends. After adjusting his book, he stuffed his free hand in the front pocket of his jeans. His white sleeves, rolled almost to the elbow, contrasted with the tan of his forearm. 

“I've never seen you here before,” he said. 

I smiled a little because it sounded like a variation of Do you come here often? 

But after the smile, I had nothing. Not even the tiniest glitter speck of sparkling conversation. I couldn't lead with the night he took me home. It was beyond cringing and awkward, not your average jumping off point. But of course, my mind was blank. It wasn't like I could say something normal like TEA was my favorite place, or that I was meeting someone there. 

I glanced at the couple by the window, a pot of tea between them. I imagined myself walking over to them. Remember me? We met through the window? 

“Well, I like tea,” I said. It was true, even if he didn't know whether I was talking about the shop or the beverage. After all, I did like the social, civilized, even soothing aspect of tea. I used to choose it over coffee when I went to Starbucks at Bloom Town Center. 

Next up? A scintillating recap of the day’s weather. 

“Then you've come to the right place,” he said, but he looked unconvinced, and his gaze dropped to my outfit. “Unless you’re looking for cucumber sandwiches and high tea?” 

I rolled my eyes, but I knew my silk suit clashed with the laid-back atmosphere. “I thought it was no shirt, no shoes, no service. Where does it say no Gucci?” 

Evan smiled, and I felt a bit of triumph over the fact that I was actually having a conversation, one not prompted by Emily or one of Vivienne’s group games. Okay so it was still kind of pitiful, as was my reaction, but I needed to start somewhere, especially if I was going to get anywhere close to talking about that night.

The Guest Post: Ten Random Things about Coleen Patrick!

I am the oldest of four siblings and there were times I let that power go to my head. 

Sometimes I run errands only to notice later that I have toothpaste spatter on my shirt. 

I think TV is awesome. Gilmore Girls is a favorite—I could live in Stars Hollow. 

I love the smell of books. When I pull up to the drive thru at my library I inhale deeply when they slide back the window. 

I broke my finger (and wore a cast for six weeks) after a battle with a spider. Obviously, the spider won. 

I think mushrooms are way too chewy to eat. 

I am gluten intolerant, so sometimes cupcakes and pizza seem like sparkly, shiny things. I just can’t look away. 

When I was a kid, I thought it would be cool to marry Godzilla. 

I've lived in the same house for the last 18 years, but before that, I moved 16 times. 

After college, I turned down an interview with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives), and instead got a job working at a library.

The Giveaway:

- The winner chooses the format: ePub, Kindle (.mobi), or PDF

- The giveaway begins on May 1st at 12:00 am EST, and ends on May 16th, at 11:59 pm EST

- Void where prohibited; no purchase necessary

- The number of eligible entries received determine the odds of winning

- There will be ONE winner

- Winner will be selected via the Rafflecopter

- Winner has 48 hours to respond to my email

- The mandatory entry MUST BE COMPLETED.

- Open internationally!

- DO NOT CHEAT.

a Rafflecopter giveaway