My First Love Event with A.J. Pine

A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a bit of Netflix and Hulu, nourishing her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs where she resides with her two amazing kids and three little devils disguised as cats. Her latest book, Hard Loving Cowboy, is available now from Forever Romance.

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Blind Date with a Book Event with A.J. Pine

A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s the author of the If Only series (Entangled Embrace), the Only You series (Berkley/Intermix), the Kingston Ale House series (Entangled Select), and the upcoming Crossroads Vineyard series (Forever Romance). When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a tiny bit of TV where she nourishes her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs.

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My Favorite Things Event with A.J. Pine

A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s the author of the If Only series (Entangled Embrace), the Only You series (Berkley/Intermix), the Kingston Ale House series (Entangled Select), and the upcoming Crossroads Vineyard series (Forever Romance). When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a tiny bit of TV where she nourishes her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs.

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Feature and Giveaway: The Six Month Rule by A.J. Pine

She created the game, but the rules are about to change.

Taurus: Hold fast to your single-minded nature today—no matter how long her legs or how lush her red lips.

Gemini: You were a shining star last night, but reality can be a real—well, you get the picture. Just remember: Tall, dark, and British equals no corner office for you.

Will Evans never wanted a reason to stay.

Holly Chandler wants nothing more than for him to go.

But neither one is prepared for what can happen in six months. Because it doesn’t matter what you want when what you need walks out the door.

Holly’s been busting her butt to make partner at Trousseau and there’s no way she’s going to let some stuck-up British arsehole get in her way—no matter how drop-dead gorgeous he is. But that doesn’t mean she can’t have a little fun in the process. She has a six-month rule: date just long enough for the honeymoon phase to wear off, then walk away before anyone gets hurt. If they both know the rules up front, walking away will be a piece of cake. Or maybe not…

*SIX MONTH RULE is a stand alone book in a connected series.

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ARC Review: The One That Got Away by A.J. Pine

The One That Got Away by A.J. Pine is the first book in her new Kingston Ale House series. Each book is a standalone contemporary story with interconnected characters. I honestly couldn't wait to read this book after seeing the gorgeous cover and reading the blurb for this one, and it had some really great moments. There were a few things that I did have some issues with, but it was a good story and definitely won't be the last I read from Pine. 

Jamie Kingston and Brynn Chandler have been best friends since they were kids. They only crossed that line of friendship one time when they shared a kiss, and since Jamie pushed her away they have never gone there again. But now ten years later as they attend their reunion, old feelings are brought to the surface and both begin questioning the status of their friendship. But now that Jamie seems to have finally made up his mind to go after Brynn like he has always wanted to, Brynn seems to have set hers sights on an old crush. Jamie offers to take her on road trip in which he hopes to win her over once and for all. But will Brynn end up with the one waiting for her at the end of the trip, or the one that has always been there for her? 

I really liked Jamie and Brynn together. These two had such a solid foundation of friendship, and it was so easy to see just how natural they were with one another. They had a really strong connection, and it just felt right for them to be together. I will say that the chemistry for me was a bit harder to feel, though they had feelings for one another, I just wasn't getting a ton of sparks right away. One of my issues here was the fact that each of these characters acted a bit young for their ages. Both Brynn and Jamie came off as immature at times, and each had a lot of insecurities and fears. (Jamie's being the worst of the two) Each of them had feelings for one another, and yet they had so many misunderstandings and communication issues. Some of the things they did just didn't feel entirely believable for characters of their ages. I would have expected a lot of this from high school aged characters, but not from those approaching 30.

I also felt like there was a lot of push and pull here, and Jamie got on my nerves quite a bit here. As much as I wanted to love him, I really didn't like the fact that he kept pushing Brynn towards Spencer. He had so many opportunities to change things with Brynn (and she was willing on more than one occasion!) yet he for some reason kept on pushing her away. It just aggravating watching him be sullen and wish for more with Brynn, yet when he had the chance he tried to get her to be with someone else. It didn't make sense to me and frankly I just didn't really understand his motivation. I understood even if I didn't like it when they were younger, but in the present it just didn't make sense anymore. These two were great together though and I really liked seeing them spend more time together when they were actually exploring a relationship between them. Though the chemistry wasn't strong at first, when they did get together there was a ton of steam between them! I just wish that I had been able to see more of them together and less of Jamie pushing Brynn away. A.J. Pine has a great writing style though, and this was a light and fun read. I loved this world and the characters she has created, and I can't wait to see where this series goes. If you are looking for something fun and light, I think it is one worth giving a shot. I look forward to reading more from Pine in the future and seeing where this series goes.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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RFTC I've Got a Secret Event with Author A.J. Pine

AJ Pine writes stories to break readers’ hearts, but don’t worry—she’ll mend them with a happily ever after. As an English teacher and a librarian, AJ has always surrounded herself with books. All her favorites have one big commonality–romance. Naturally, the books she writes have the same. When she’s not writing, she’s of course reading. Then there’s online shopping (everything from groceries to shoes). And a tiny bit of TV where she nourishes her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. You’ll also find her hanging with her family in the Chicago ‘burbs. AJ is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary.

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ARC Review: '80s Mix Tape by Karen Booth, Gwen Hayes, Autumn Jones Lake, Jenny Holiday, A.J. Pine, Bobbi Ruggiero, and Rachel Cowell

'80's Mix Tape is the second Romance Rewind Anthology and features short stories from Karen Booth, Gwen Hayes, Autumn Jones Lake, Jenny Holiday, A.J. Pine, Bobbi Ruggiero, and Rachel Cowell. Each story can be read as a standalone. 

Save a Prayer-Karen Booth

Save a Prayer by Karen Booth was actually the first story I have ever read from her. I really liked the characters and they had a ton of history and a solid connection. Angie and Graham were together until his band made it big and she caught him cheating on her. She dumped him and has been trying to move on with her life ever since. Ten months later she gets a huge career opportunity to photograph his band for a magazine. Graham realizes his mistake and knows that he needs to do whatever it takes to get her back. But can he convince Angie to give him another shot, or will she view it as the opportunity to have a one night stand with her ex? 

While I did like these two and I felt like their connection was still there, this one just didn't fully work for me. Things seemed to be smoothed over far too easily considering that Graham had cheated on Angie and hadn't really made an effort to make things right before she just appeared again. It seemed to work out more because of the circumstances, rather than him actually making it happen. I also felt like Graham was a bit all over the place. One minute he was full steam ahead with making Angie his again and never letting her go, even going so far as to randomly propose, the next minute he was freaking out about a future with her and what that meant. There were some enjoyable moments, but this one just seemed to be a bit rushed and convenient. 

Need You Tonight-Gwen Hayes

Gwen Hayes is another new to me author, so I had no idea what to expect with her story Need You Tonight. I really enjoyed this one! I will definitely be looking for more from Gwen Hayes in the future. Becky McDonald and Jacob Stone have had feelings for one another since they were kids. They always planned on ending up together until one night changed everything. Having been on the run for a crime he didn't commit, Jacob is shocked when he runs into Becky in an airport. Knowing that it is dangerous for them to be together, Jacob finds that he needs one more night with Becky if that is all he can get. But Becky has a secret that she has been keeping as well, and it could change everything. With the feelings they have always had for one another, both of them know that one more night will never be enough. 

I really liked these two. They had so much between them, and I couldn't get enough. It was obvious that their feelings ran deep and that it had only ever been each other. I really loved that they had always only felt that way about the other, despite everything that had happened. Becky and Jacob clearly belonged together, but life had other plans for them. I did think that the ending was a bit abrupt, but this was one of my favorites from the anthology. 

Kickstart My Heart-Autumn Jones Lake

Autumn Jones Lake's Kickstart My Heart is also another first for me. This story had some great moments, but honestly it was just okay for me. It wasn't anything really memorable or special. After Mallory's father is sent to prison, she heads to LA to start over. She is excited to score her first job as an actress in an up and coming band's new music video. Chaser is hoping to make it big with his band and pursue music while he can since he knows that his dad has expectations for him down the road. While at first Mallory and Chaser don't appear to have anything in common, they quickly realize their lives are more alike than they thought. 

I liked both Mallory and Chaser. My biggest issue here though was that I just didn't really feel their connection. These two definitely had heat and their lives were actually very similar, but I just wasn't really seeing any emotional connection form. The story felt rushed and a bit forced, and I think that left me feeling as though I just wasn't invested and couldn't really get into this one. 

867-5309- Jenny Holiday

867-5309 by Jenny Holiday was my least favorite of the anthology. As much as I wanted to like it, I just didn't connect at all and I was never able to feel invested in the story. Jenny Fields is the editor of her school's newspaper and is a crusader at heart. When the administration announces that they are going to be tearing down a historic art building, she sets out to save it. Knowing she needs an in with the art department and someone to back her, she sets her sights on the school's most talented art student Matthew Townsend. But Matthew has no interest in anything but his senior portfolio. 

I wasn't able to connect with these characters at all. It wasn't that I disliked them, yet there wasn't really much that I liked either. I couldn't relate to them, and I found myself bored and wanting to skim their story. There just wasn't any real spark here and I wasn't seeing much of a connection with these two either.

Drummer Girl-A.J. Pine

I was really excited to read Drummer Girl by A.J. Pine. I have read and loved several books from her, so I couldn't wait to get her story. I really loved Ben and Sam! Sam is set to graduate when her best friend talks her into going out for one last epic night before real life starts. She locks eyes with the sexy drummer of the live band and things between them heat up. But Ben is set to leave for London the next day with his band and they know that one night is all they have. But as the night continues and their connection grows, they find themselves wondering what if? 

I loved Ben and Sam together! These two were so perfect for one another and their connection was clear right away. I couldn't get enough of them together and despite how quick everything happened between them, it felt right. It was natural and their chemistry was off the charts. These two just understood one another, and I didn't want their story to end. 

There was one thing here that bothered me, and that was a mistake when it came to the timeline of this story. The day this story starts on is May 13, 1989 and Sam is set to graduate when she makes a reference to Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell. (she also references Saved by the Bell later on) I am a huge Saved by the Bell fan, so this one stuck out pretty big to me because Saved by the Bell didn't air until August 20th, 1989. Most people probably wouldn't have picked up on that, but it did bother me since that information is really easy to research and find online. Since this anthology is set in a different time period, I expect facts to be checked ahead of time and to be consistent with the time frame, so to me that was something that definitely should have been caught. Even with that mistake though, I really loved this story and it was my favorite of the anthology. 

Young Teacher-Bobbi Ruggiero

Young Teacher is my first read from Bobbi Ruggiero, and I really liked it! This one was absolutely adorable and I can't wait to read more from Bobbi Ruggiero. Julia is used to having control and hates surprises. She is always working and has little time for anything else. But she has a crush on the cute younger man that makes her sandwiches at lunch time. Matthew Gordon wants nothing more than for his band to make it big. But while he waits, he works making sandwiches and giving private guitar lessons on the side. So when Julia's friends give her a surprise birthday gift of guitar lessons, she is shocked to find none other than her sandwich making crush. But when Julia isn't great at the guitar and struggles with something she can't control, it threatens to ruin everything that she has been building with Matthew. 

I really liked these two. Their story was so cute, and I loved how different they were. They worked perfectly together, and I couldn't get enough of them. I don't usually go for the older woman/younger guy stories, but this one really worked. These two had such a great connection and I just really enjoyed it from start to finish. Definitely one of my favorites from the anthology. 

Just Like Heaven-Rachel Cowell

Rachel Cowell is another new to me author, and her story was Just Like Heaven. This one had some cute moments, but it was just okay for me. Josh Chapman and Sarah Lattimore find themselves attracted to one another from the first moment they meet. Unfortunately for both of them, he is her TA and though there isn't a formal rule, it is known that TA's shouldn't have relationships with their students. But when it becomes impossible for them to avoid what is happening between them, they both quickly realize how much they both stand to lose if anyone finds out. 

While I did like parts of this story and the characters, it wasn't my favorite. Josh and Sarah were cute together at times, but they were also super awkward. If I had to describe this story as a whole, awkward is the word I would use. It was even mentioned several times throughout the story as things were happening, and it couldn't have been more accurate. I also had a tough time with how young and immature the characters seemed at times, even for their ages. Both Josh and Sarah both seemed to act younger than what they should have, and it went beyond them just being shy or anything. There was a sex scene in which Sarah starts giggling about what is happening and then can hardly even use the word penis, and it was seriously a huge turn off for me. It just made me cringe and lost all interest in what was happening. 

Overall

Overall, this anthology was fun to read and I mostly enjoyed each of these. There were a few that I had some issues with, but I think that if you are a fan of NA stories and anthologies or love the '80s this is one worth checking out.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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ARC Review: What If by A.J. Pine

What If is the second book in the If Only series from A.J. Pine, though each book is a standalone with interconnected characters. I was really glad that Griffin was getting his own story after the first book, and I have to say that I did enjoy this book more than the first. I have liked all the characters since the beginning of this series, but there were a few things that kept the first book from being one I loved. While I did have some frustrations here in What If, it was nowhere near what I experienced in If Only and I was so glad to see how things have progressed since the first book.

Griffin has always been the live in the moment type of guy, until he went and got feelings for a girl that was in love with someone else. Having returned home from his trip to Aberdeen, Scotland, Griffin is now set to follow his father's footsteps. Though Griffin would rather do something else with his life, his parents expect him to follow their carefully laid out plan. But when he meets Maggie, everything changes. Maggie is different than anyone he has ever met before, and she makes him want to be better person. But Maggie has a secret that could change their entire relationship, and she is afraid to tell Griffin. Can Maggie and Griffin truly let each other in and find their way together, or will their secrets keep them from having a chance at a future with one another? 

I have liked Griffin from the very beginning of this series, and I loved him here. We really got to dig deeper when it came to his character, and it was good to see beneath the surface with him. He was so much more that what we got to see in If Only, and I was surprised at just how much he had felt for Jordan. I felt like in If Only we really didn't get to see just how much he had been affected by how things happened with Jordan, and I had no idea that he had cared as much as he did. But Jordan wasn't the right person for him, and that was never more apparent than it was here when he met Maggie. Maggie and Griffin were so good for one another, and I loved them together. They were able to help each other and support one another, and I loved the connection that was there right from the start. Griffin and Maggie were able to be their true selves with one another, even if they weren't able to fully open up to one another at the beginning of their relationship. The more they spent time together though, the stronger their bond grew and I really felt like these two were perfect for each other. They had great chemistry and the attraction was obvious, but it was really about the emotional connection and bond these two had. 

Overall, I enjoyed this story a lot and I liked the characters. I really liked Griffin's sisters and those that were close to Maggie, especially her friend Miles. These secondary characters really added a lot to the story and I thought that they werea great support system for Maggie and Griffin. It was also good to see familiar faces here, and the progress that all of the Aberdeen crew had made was really good to see. I was frustrated a few times throughout this story with both Griffin and Maggie, but I really felt like most of that fell on Maggie. She needed to be honest with Griffin, and I really wish that she would have explained her situation with him. I didn't really care for the way it was all revealed, though his response was beyond sweet. If I hadn't already been in love with Griffin at that point, his actions there definitely would have sealed the deal. I recommend this book to fans of the NA genre, and if you have read If Only I think that this book is a must read! I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, and it will be great to catch up with all these characters again.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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