on Five very different first books in series novels by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank.
Ranging from a humorous contemporary romance to a paranormal thriller/urban fantasy, a romance mystery to a young adult light science fiction romance… This box set gives new—or even existing—readers a chance to try Grove Swank’s multiple genres.
The books:
THE SUBSTITUTE (rom-com) New York Times and USA Today bestseller Flying home to her own wedding, a drunk Megan tells her seatmate about dumping her cheating ex. Intent on saving his business, Josh has left this trip up to fate. When he helps Megan off the plane, he realizes fate may be on his side
AFTER MATH (new adult contemporary romance) USA Today bestseller Scarlett Goodwin find solace from her social anxiety by focusing on her math studies. But Southern University soccer star, Tucker Price, enters her world when he needs a tutor, and Scarlett’s not sure she’ll survive the aftermath.
TWENTY-EIGHT AND A HALF WISHES (romance mystery) Multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling series When Rose sees a vision of her murder, she’s done frittering her life away and makes a list. Her sexy neighbor Joe offers to help yet refuses to cooperate with #15-- do more with a man. But time’s running out and suddenly dying a virgin in the county jail becomes the least of her worries.
CHOSEN (urban fantasy/paranormal romance) Emma will do anything to protect her precognitive son Jake, even accept help from Will, a stranger with a dark past. But Will's been hired to deliver Emma to a powerful group. Even though the job screams trouble, nothing prepares Will for Jake's declaration: Will is The Chosen One, prophesied protector of Emma.
HERE (young adult sci fi romance) After an accident kills her best friend, Julia wakes from a coma with false memories and a new artistic talent. Then classmate Evan develops a sudden fascination with Julia and begs her to run away with him, convincing her that Monica is still alive. Julia agrees, never guessing where he’s really from.
This is special! To be able to get the first book from five of Denise's awesome series is a treasure! You will be able to see first hand how versatile this author is, she is amazing in a range of genres.
The Substitute is a fabulous rom com novel about a wedding and three wonderful girls that have a pact to be married by their 30th birthday. This book concentrates on Megan and Josh's story and one you will love and want to read the other two books.
After Math is a new adult contemporary romance based on college / uni students. We have a math tutor and sports jock that needs help to stay on the team. I loved the sweet romance with these two.
Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes. This is my ultimate favourite series, not only from Denise, but ever. I love Rose, who is a sweet 24 year old girl that has the ability to see visions of the future. One she didn't want to see was her own death. This causes her to make a list of wishes, to complete before she dies. One wish is to do more with man, and this could happen with her sexy mechanic neighbour Joe. I can guarantee you once you have read Twenty-eight, you will go on to Twenty-nine, Thirty, Thirty-one, Thirty-two, Thirty-three, Thirty-four and the latest, Thirty-five and a Half Conspiracies. Absolute winner.
Chosen is a different genre to what I am used to, but being a Denise fan, I needed to at least try the first book. She won me over again, and was hooked and needed to finished this series promptly. It is not your usual paranormal romance, there are no vampires or werewolves. But a great story on a mother protecting her son at all costs, defending him against the earth's elements.
Here, is the name of the fifth book in this collection. Again not a genre that would make me one click, and the cover had me worried about it's subject. I shouldn't have worried at all, it is a great story of a young lass, Julia, who is in a car accident that changes her whole world. Just an incredible series.
If you have ever had any doubts on if you would love any of Denise's books this set is perfect. Each book is the first of a series and once you read it you will have to read the rest.
The perfect starting point for a DGS fiction addiciton!
If you're at all uncertain about the magnificence of Denise Grover Swank, this is the perfect place to test the waters. Only the Curse Keepers is left out of this set. You get the first books in each of Denise's other series. I have previously reviewed each of the titles in this compilation separately. They're all pasted below! Please be aware that some of these reviews may contain spoilers. Don’t read it if spoilers offend you. You’ve been warned!
THE SUBSTITUTE (The Wedding Pact #1) has pacing similar to Denise’s Rose Gardner Mysteries. I will say that I initially had a tough time dealing with the point of view, but I eventually got over it. I had fun reading it from beginning to end!
I laughed A LOT. And cried (among other things, over a wedding dress… FOUR TIMES)! Seriously… I cried about Megan initially finding out her mom switched out her dress… then when she tried her original dress on… then when she found out the original dress was sold… then when she was delivered her original dress by her soon-to-be husband. That KILLED ME! Out of all the crazy things that happened, that had me in a puddle of tears.
I’m normally not a fan of “insta-love” stories, but this one just worked. Megan and Josh have a chemistry that’s just off the charts. They’re ADORABLE together! I love the fact that so many characters did not trust Josh from the start (and rightly so)! I have to say that when I finally met the real Jay, I hated him completely. He was mean in a cruel way, and in just a few short minutes was physically abusive with Megan. I wanted Josh and Kevin to do far worse damage to the jerk.
Megan’s grandmother is a scene stealer! She’s got a few screws loose, and is a total hoot! Megan’s besties, Libby and Blair, are a perfect complement to their friendship triangle!
I cannot suggest The Substitute (The Wedding Pact #1) by Denise Grover Swank enough! It’s such a great beginning to what I’m sure is going to be one heck of a series. ****I’m giving it 4.5 stars for the fun story, steamy romance, and all-around hilarity!****
AFTER MATH: Off the Subject #1 (Kindle Edition) The aftermath of After Math. I started out kind of hating this story. I may just be too critical as I'm not a big fan of contemporary romance. However, After Math won me over in the end!
Yes, it was a boy meets girl and they fall in and out and back into love type of story. I appreciated the fact that Scarlett and Tucker had dark histories and issues to confront. I did not appreciate that their relationship moved so fast, but that issue was covered within the plot of their tale. I found myself rooting for them to make their relationship work out.
Denise wrote a story that reels you in and sets you firmly in Scarlett's shoes. I'd give After Math a 4.5, but this ratings doesn't system work that way. Five stars.
TWENTY-EIGHT AND A HALF WISHES (Rose Gardner Mystery, Book 1) (Kindle Edition) So many wishes...so little time. The whole reason I'm addicted to this series, and Denise's work as a whole, is because of THIS book. I got the book free from Apple around the new year, and devoured the series over the duration of a rare vacation. I didn't bother entering contests or trying to find out how I could get the rest of the series free. I dished the dough and I'm ever so happy that I did!
I immediately identified with Rose. I was over the moon when she stood up for herself, actually fist-pumping the air in response! I have an overbearing mother and we've had similar bouts on more than a few occasions. I've had a list of my own since I was a teen, and sadly very few of those items have been marked off. The whole story was a whirlwind roller coaster, a fun one at that. Rose is a right bad-a and while she tends to make questionable decisions about her safety, she's totally lovable. We could be friends! I'd have some stories to share about "visions" and such (watch out, world!)
I had Joe "McAlister" and Daniel Crocker pegged from their first introduction, and it could not have been clearer as the story progressed. However, I'm fine with that because Denise's ability to tell a story is fabulous. And I'm a critical thinker. So there.
This book may serve as a stand-alone if you don't want to get involved with a series, but you'd be doing yourself a major disservice if you do not continue reading the Rose Gardner Mysteries. I LOVE this series and I hope you do too!
My MVP of this book (and the series) is Muffy. That little lady is a fierce animal. I admire her instant connection with Rose and her 100% dedication.
P.S. Mildred: mind your own business!
CHOSEN: Chosen #1 (The Chosen) (Kindle Edition) Buckle up...Emma is a Nascar driver in her spare time! This series is thrilling, to say the least! I came into the series well after it was completed, so I was able to binge read through all of it this past spring. I’ve since read the entire series again! Out of all of Denise’s books, my mind is always floating around in this universe the most.
The protagonists of this series are people who have got a lot of growth ahead of them. Emma Thompson, not to be confused with the actress, is such a strong woman, and her son, Jake, is an angel. (My best friend’s oldest child shares the same name, so I may be biased!) That kid is probably the WISEST character in the series. He’s so so so so young, and goes through so much, but somehow he stays strong and has wisdom well beyond his years. I immediately became invested in their well-being. From the start I did not trust Will Davenport, and with good reason. With that said, Will is NOT a bad guy. He’s fiercely protective. And plays a HUGE role in the series. Don’t ever count him out.
The story of Chosen is one about an epic fight of good versus evil. It really is that simple. You’ve got multiple players in a game who all want the same prize. At times in Chosen, just the first in the series, it’s not exactly clear WHY Emma and Jake are running, but you have to hang in there to learn it all. The journey is worth it and it’s a fun ride. By the end of this novel, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be begging for more! The good news is that there’s three more novels and three accompanying short stories. Happy reading! *****FIVE STARS*****
HERE (On the Otherside Book 1) (Kindle Edition) Here is something unexpected! I love good science fiction. This book is fantastic science fiction! Putting the puzzle together wasn't too difficult because Denise sprinkled little nuggets here and there throughout the first half. When the "twist" arrived I was happy I was correct, happy she went there, and even happier that I knew things were about to get crazy!
Here starts out like a very typical YA romance novel: girl bullied by other students while dealing with a personal drama that keeps her from being a social butterfly. Then girl meets boy and everything changes. When I say everything, I mean it!
Here takes a hard right turn into science fiction and does not look back. It was very unexpected! I. Loved. It. So much so that I couldn't put the book down and read it one sitting. The drama that ensues is both dizzying and fascinating.
Here is very well thought out. Julia, our protagonist, is highly relatable. The others characters are, too! Pay close attention to the nuances. With this series you're getting a little bit of Fringe, one of my favorite TV series of all time. And that makes me happy! Very happy!
Thank you, Denise, for another addictive series! Five out of five stars!
Denise Grover Swank is an author you will want to read. This book set introduces you to a few of her amazing series. Reading this box set will eave you happy and wanting more. Dive into Denise's world and I promise, you will not regret it.
The Substitute: The Substitute is a great summer read. the book has the right amount of heart, laughs and angst to get you through the long summer nights.
After Math: After Math is a new adult romance that does not have over the top angst, which I loved. I not much of an angsty girl. Instead it was a very relatable story of two seeming opposite people who finally find love and acceptance they never though possible.
28 and a Half Wishes: Twenty-eight and a half wishes introduces us to Rose Gardner and her world. We meet a Rose that has been beaten down by life. At just 24 years of age, Rose has resigned herself to the fact that she will never have a life. Stuck in a dead end job, living and taking care of an abusive mother, Rose has no life, no friends and no ambition to experience life.
Here: This was a phenomenal YA Sci-Fi read! Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. make sure you have time to read this book because you probably won't get much sleep once you start it.
Chosen: Chosen follows Emma and her son Jake as they have been off the grid and on the run from people who want to hurt them or use them. Jake has the ability to see the future and Emma has done everything in her power to protect her son. However, Emma is caught by Will, a mercenary tasked with bringing her and her son in.
The Substitute Again, another beautiful story written by Denise and with funnies written in too. I can foresee that this series is going to be another hit and can't wait for June 2015 when No 2 comes out.
the plotline makes you want to be there and experience the wackiness of Megan Vandemeer`s life but definitely not her mother! that is one mother bridezilla I don't want to come across. Josh and Megan try their hardest to deny feelings for each other and follow the harebrained scheme as a way of hiding from the truth but you can't hide away forever.
I look forward to Blair`s wedding soon
Aftermath - after finsihing the Rose Garnder series and being hooked to Denise's style of writing, i decided to start with the Off the Subject series, again this series grabs your full attention and absorbs you into romance and truama that lust brings! it was also nice to re-live those uni days without having to go through it all again in real life. an absolute must read for all DGS readers.
Twenty Eight 1/2 Wishes - This book is easy to read and then pulls you in with the catchy storyline making it a read you don't want to put down until you reach the end. I am glad I didn't read this before the second book was written as I don't know how I could have waited for Rose and Joe to develop in their characters and what the next mystery is going to be.....
Chosen - I love Denise and her writing style for grabbing you and keeping you enthralled with the book and be prepared as you will want to buy the others books in the series! The story of Emma Thompson and her developing relationship with Will Davenport is an interesting concept as she struggles with herself to accept the help from him when in danger and her son Jake then binding them together whether they like it or not! The paranormal theme is very interesting and i couldn't put the book down as i wanted to reach the end to find the conclusion!!
Here - This book is awesome. I could NOT put it down. I fell in love with Julia right from the start and I feel like she really finds her strength as the book progresses. She is so much stronger than she realizes. I'm beginning to wonder if I will love ALL of Denise Grover Swank's books this much. I haven't disliked one yet. Now I can't wait to read the sequel.
These are five of Denise's best novels in one place. Warning these books are highly addictive and impulse to buy entire series will take place!
The Substitute is a laugh out loud romantic comedy, that everyone will love! It's book one of three in the Wedding Pact series. The characters are lovable and hilarious. You'll have a very hard time saying no to the rest of the series.
After Math is modern romance that takes place in a college setting. It a cute love story about a math nerd with severe anxiety forced to tutor the soccer star. This is also a book one of three book called the Off the Subject series.
Twenty-eight and half wishes is one of my favorite books of all time! The opening line of the book had me hooked. "It all started when I saw myself dead." Rose a shelter girl with visions makes life changing decisions after seeing her death at work one day. She makes a list of wishes on back of a Walmart recite, and decides to start living. This is just beginning for Rose as story continues in a series called Rose Gardner Mysteries.
Chosen is paranormal/urban fantasy romance. This series is a nail bitter, emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of it! You can't help but be sucked into Emma, Jake and Will's story. Needing to know what will happen next. The Chosen series is a four book series, but also has 3 novellas that share the character's point of views.
Lastly we have Here, a young adult sci-fi romance. Julie lost her best friend in a car accident that she blames herself for causing. Stuck in her grief, strange things start happening. Suddenly she has the attention of a boy she never thought she would. This is the first of two books in the Other Side series.
All these are great books! I hope you'll try them out yourself.
I have read all five of these books more than once.
In The Substitute, Megan dreads facing her mother with the news that the wedding is off...the week of the wedding. On the flight home, she gets into some interesting stuff and ends up having to be carried from the plane. That is when the fun starts.
In Aftermath, Scarlett is a bookworm, happy in her life of books, school and arithmetic. Then along comes Tucker. That soccer player turns her world on it's butt.
Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes finds Rose lives at home with her abusive mother, works at the DMV and did I mention her visions? Yeah, Rose is a heroine like no other. She has a vision of herself murdered but arrives home to find her mother dead. What happens next is all for you to discover.
Chosen has Emma living her life on the run, trying to protect her 5 year old son. Who are the men chasing them and what do they want? They are doing fairly well in staying one step ahead until the day Jake tells her that she NEEDS Jake.
In HERE, Julia wakes up from a coma to find that her best friend died in the car accident that put her in the hospital. She draws the attention of classmate Evan, someone who never noticed her before the accident. What about the new artistic talent she has and the stories Evan is telling her. Could it be true? Is her friend still alive? Is Julia really who she thinks she is?
I have to say that reading Denise Grover Swank is one of my guilty pleasures. Denise has a way of putting so much life in her characters. There is no doubt that Denise Grover Swank can write any genre she sets her mind to. Love her work!
This book is a great book to get a taste of all Denise's work.
THE SUBSTITUTE is a funny story with twist and turns that have you on the edge of your seat laughing. This whole series has become one of my favorite. It covers love that I have said before reminds me of falling in love.
AFTER MATH was a good story. I felt it covered a lot of what girls face when dealing with collage drama and love. It brought out some emotions that had me crying for Scarlett. It didn't take long to read this fast passed book.
TWENTY-EIGHT AND A HALF WISHES, If you pick up this book you will never let Rose go. This book starts a series that becomes a part of your family. seriously when reading about Rose my teen will ask what is Rose up to now. This was the first book I read of Denise, you will not be disappointed.
CHOSEN, I was a emotional mess when I finished this book. I am a fantasy/paranormal reader at heart. So this was the next book I read of Denise's.This book and the set is my go to recommend for ppl wanting to read fantasy/paranormal. It kept me guessing the whole way through, Will she have powers what about Jake's powers. I felt scared for Emma being a mother trying to protect her child the best way she could. Will I thought was going to turn on them. you will be left wanting more.
HERE,I got this book for my daughter but ended up reading it myself.I had a problem with writing a review for this one bc what I wanted to say was repeated in other reviews. It is a good book. I'm glad I did read it. I did recommend it to my sister and her girls and they LOVED it.
First, the rose mysteries series... the best series out of all of them if you like mystery, romance, and suspense. Throughout the series rose finds herself in different situations she has to get out of while juggling her own life and solving mysteries from her past and her friends and family!! It is an amazing series and after the first book you will be addicted!!! The substitute is a hilarious light hearted fun loving romance! This series continues that fun spirited feel though out them all some a little more serious but all together a fun series that will put a smile on your face Aftermath is also a light hearted romance not as good as the wedding pack series but still a really good read that you'll enjoy reading Choosen is a fast paced keep you on your toes through the entire series kind of book with twist and turns that stun you and keep you turning the pages definitely an amazing must read series Here is a very good dystopia/paranormal series it's really good written to be directed more towards young adult readers but it's still a really good series! All and all after reading all the first books of this amazing writer you will become addicted and have to continue until you have read every book she has written!!! Enjoy!!:)
Five of the best books out there! Get a taste of Denise's books with the first book in some of the top series. There is something for everyone. Substitute is finding love in all the wrong places...but making it work even if it started out a lie. After Math is college fun at its best with two opposites learning about life and love. Twenty-eight and a Half Wishes is a shy girl finding herself and dealing with visions of the future whenever they pop up. Chosen is a mother's love and fight against a huge evil and not knowing who to trust. Here is learning to live again after heartache and the fight to save the world a young girl loves.
This is the perfect chance to introduce Denise Grover Swank into your reading world. With this, you get the five first in series novels. What is that you ask? Well, you get the first book of her five series The Chosen, Off the Subject, The Rose Gardner Mysteries, The Wedding Pact, and The Otherside all in one! You can't ask for anything better than that! It's like the DGS starter pack! Once you start this, there's no turning back! You will want more but it's all good we have a support group for that!
This set is beyond amazing. Since it is the first book of each series it is an amazing way to get a taste of each one and fall in love. With each novel that you read you will fall into the book and disappear. Denise Grover Swank writes a web a suspense, mystery, intrigue and love. You get caught up and stuck in this web with every page and never want to leave. Once you finish every book you want to pick another one of her books and start being stuck in this wondrous web again. I highly recommend making this web your new home. I guarantee you will love it and never want to leave.
Welcome to the world of Denise Grover Swank! This would be a great read for anyone not familiar with Denise Grover Swank. This is an anthology of the first books in five of her most popular series. She writes several different genres, so there is something in this for everyone. I would especially recommend it for anyone who is unsure of venturing out of their comfort area and trying a different genre - I have yet to meet a DGS book that I didn't like. As of last night, I have officially read all of her published books to date.
This is a great introduction to Denise's books. She is my favorite author and I recommend her to everyone. With this set of five different first books, you will see first hand how she can write any genre with ease. Her books are humorous, intriguing, suspenseful, romantic and heartwarming. She has a ability to draw you into the story so you are just along for the ride. The characters are well developed and the stories always flow easily. Be prepared when you start one of her books, you won't want to put it down. And she has the knack to leave you with a major book hangover.
I have read each of these books and LOVE THEM! Each series is so amazing! The characters are so well developed that yes, at times I even got annoyed with them...you see I do that with the people in my life so if I do it with a character than I know they are becoming "real" to me as I am reading :-) Denise Grover Swank seems to be able to write it all! Her writing is always fresh, and her story lines are always intriguing! Love this authors work!
This is incredible for any new readers or readers that have been hesitant to try out Denise's books. There is a variety of books, from romance mystery, urban fantasy, adult contemporary romance, to y/a sci-fi romance. Denise is so versatile and I'm honestly amazed at her gift. Not many authors can do what she does and can crossover to different genres and be amazing at it! So dive in and be ready to purchase the entire sets to all of these books!!
Denise Grover Swank is my favorite author. She can pull you in and evoke emotions like no other author. This book contains the first book of five series and is a must read. It is a sampler and a chance to taste different genres of her writing. You will not be disappointed. I love all of her books and think you will too after reading Love, Laughter and Legends.
If you are looking for a variety of genres all written by one brilliant author, this compilation is a must buy! You will get to sample the first book in several amazing series by Denise Grover Swank and trust me, you won't be disappointed. Start out with the genre you are most familiar with and after you realize how much you like that book, jump into another one, you won't be disappointed!
If you are unsure on which of Denise's books you need to start with, don't worry, this box set makes it easy. These are all the first books in every one of her series!! Read all 5 of them then decide where to go next! I can guarantee that you are going to want to finish each series, they are that good!! huge fan of all of Denises' series, you will be too!!
This is the perfect set for anyone who loves to read, and is looking to be intrigued and sucked into a new series (or five!). All of Denise's works are different from each other, yet still display her outstanding reading style. Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes is the book that introduced me to Denise and totally sucked me in to reading every. single. book. that she has written!
Having read all of these series, this is a great way to get your feet wet. But I guarantee you will only want more. Definitely give them a try though and you world will be introduced to a whole new world of books. Denise has such a gift and can write such a variety of novels but I find myself glued to each and every one of them. Love, Love, Love her books!!!
I absolutely love this. If you're not sure whether you would like these books then here's your chance to try them out. This is the first book of five of Denise's series. Everyone of these series is great, Denise is an amazing writer. There's a little bit of everything for everyone, you won't be disappointed.
I have read all five of these firsts, and each one will have you running out and throwing your money at your nearest book provider to just give you all the books! There isn't one book in here that won't leave you begging to read the next in the series.
Like a DGS Sampler Pack! Five of Denise’s first novels in one collection. Such a great assortment of books! This is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and try a new genre. All the books in the collection are great!
What a great way to experience Denise's books! There is something here for everyone. Adult Contemporary, YA, Paranormal. All in one place wrapped up together just waiting for you. Once you start reading Denise's books you won't be able to stop!
This is a great way to get new readers into Denise Grover Swank. I have read all of these books more than once and I still can't wait to read them again. I have read most of what Denise has written and I can't wait for more.
Such a great way to get a taste of several of Denise's awesome series! But Beware...once you read the first of the series you will be hooked and will want to read more! Denise is one of my favorite authors!
Love love love this! I love that DGS has compiled the first 5 of her series novels into 1! I highly recommend, you won't regret it- as a matter of fact you will fall in love.
Denise Grover swank is a mastermind, all five of these books are completely different from one another but I bet you won't be able to put any of the books down they are just that good.