2 Novellas in 1: Life of the Party by Kate Davies & Waiting for Ty by Samantha Ann King

I haven't done one of these in a while. Today, I have 2 from Carina Press. Enjoy!

Life of the Party 
Author: Kate Davies
Publisher: Carina Press
Date f publication: July 2013

In high school, Tess Bonham was the ultimate party girl. So it's ironic that building a successful party planning business has resulted in all work and no play. But Tess loves her job—most of the time. Planning her own ten-year reunion weekend promises to be the highlight of her career, even if making it perfect for her former classmates means she won't actually have time to enjoy it herself.

Hotelier Jeremy Wright has wanted Tess for years, and he's tired of never fitting into her overbooked calendar. So when she's short-staffed, Jeremy jumps at the chance to help out with her reunion during the day—if Tess surrenders the nights to him. He's got plans for a private party, and she's the guest of honor…

Life of the Party is the conclusion to the "Girls Most Likely To.." series.  I reviewed the first two books back in March here.  Out of the three books, I liked this one the most.  Finally, we get to see where Tess kept disappearing to and what she was up to with Jeremy.  Tess and Jeremy were cute together.  I liked this couple the most.  They spent a lot of time getting to know each other before acting on the attraction.  Their relationship was flirty and lots of fun.  I wish the story was a little longer, but the ending was a satisfying wrap-up to the series.  

Waiting for Ty
Author: Samantha Ann King
Publisher: Carina Press
Date of publication: July 2013

Tyler Coil doesn't do men. But it’s harder to remember that each time he visits his best friend, gorgeous Landon Burke. As a political reporter, Ty is good at reading people, and he can tell the lust is mutual. But giving in to it could mean alienating his ultra-conservative family.

Landon never desired a man badly enough to explore that side of his sexuality—until he met Ty. He’s waited four long years for a sign that Ty wants him too, and he can’t deny his needs much longer. So when a career opportunity arises out-of-state, Landon wonders if maybe it’s time to move on.
 
Waiting for Ty is the second book in the "Friends and Lovers" series.  I didn't care too much for the first book, but I enjoyed this one.  Tyler and Landon have been best friends for a long time. When they finally give in to their attraction, sparks fly.  I liked them together.  I think being friends first made the relationship that much sweeter.  Their experience came across as very real to me.  The obstacles that they face were very realistically portrayed.  I really wanted to punch Tyler's family!  The ending was sweet.  I hope this couple shows up in later books in the series.  I'd love to check back in with them.

2 novellas in 1: Most Likely To Succeed & Cutest Couple by Kate Davies

It's that time again!  Today, I have two novellas from Carina Press.  Most Likely to Succeed and Cutest Couple are the first two books in the "Girl Most Likely Too..." series by Kate Davies.

Publisher: Carina Press
Date of publication: March 25, 2013

Book one in The Girls Most Likely to…

Ten years after being voted Most Likely to Succeed, Kelsey Moore is still living in her hometown, still working in her family's flower shop, and too embarrassed to attend her high school reunion. Only the chance to reconnect with her study buddy—and secret crush—Nathan Barrow tempts her to go.

The series revolves around a ten year high school reunion.  Kelsey, Bree and Tess are  long time friends who graduated together   Kelsey was the brain of the trio.  She had a full ride scholarship to college, but circumstances made her stay home and help her mother out.  Her best guy friend and lab partner, Nathan got out and has been traveling the world.  When Nathan and Kelsey get together, she is reluctant to tell him what she has been up to.

I liked this one the best out of the two.  It was fun to see Kelsey and Nathan look at each other differently after ten year.  The chemistry between them is sizzling.  They really heat up the sheets!  It was nice to see that their friendship was so strong in high school that after so long, it was like no time had passed.  I loved what Nathan does for Kelsey in the end!  While, I'm not a huge fan of HFN endings, this one was pretty satisfying.


Publisher: Carina Press
Date of Publication: April 29, 2013

Book two of Girls Most Likely to…

Ten years ago, Marc and Bree were voted Cutest Couple—until a graduation-night argument destroyed their relationship. Unable to contact him, Bree had no choice but to forget Marc—and raise the son she never got to tell him about.


Out of the two, I think I liked this one the least.  Bree and Mac were high school sweethearts.  He left to join the Army and Bree found herself pregnant.  She makes exactly one attempt to contact him about it and then proceeds to paint him as a deadbeat dad for 10 years!  I kind of lost respect for her there.  I felt so badly for Marc.  

Despite their history, I didn't really feel the attraction between them.  I also didn't hold out too much hope for a HEA.  They spend most of the time in the story fighting with each other.  I understood Bree's reasons for hating the military, but still.  Maybe if the story had been longer, I would have liked it more. 

Both stories take place at the same time.  That was kind of neat.  Throughout both novellas, there are hints to what Tess is up to.  I look forward to reading Life of the Party in May!