Thursday, November 29, 2012

Made the Grade: The Windham Series, Book 6 & The Duke's Daughters Sub-Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 359; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1179 KB | Expected Release Date: October 1, 2012 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight" [The Windham Series, Book 6] & [The Duke's Daughters Sub-Series, Book 3] by Grace Burrowes

My Book Summary : Secrets come in all shapes and sizes ... Some secrets can be as small as a book, while others can surely fill up a house.

However, when secrets fall into the wrong hands trouble can form in all shapes and sizes too...

Because of a childhood dare that one of Louisa's old brothers gave her years ago she is now in constant fear that the result of that dare (quite a few published books) will get into the wrong hands and she will be found out as the author, there by creating scandal that will haunt her for years to come. Therefore, she has console herself to knowing that until all the books are found she will not be in the market for a husband any time soon. Yet she might not have a choice in the matter when her big helpful family tries to get involved making anything possible...

Sir Joseph, a family friend, has troubles of his own ... two little daughters in need of a mother and the possibility of a title being thrust upon him soon. Thus, he plans to find himself a wife even if that means going to functions he typically doesn't find enjoyable. While he partakes getting involved in "polite society," he becomes close to Louisa (as a friend even though he wishes it could be more).

Then, after being asked to look after Louisa from her brothers, Joseph protects her from what could have been bad circumstances if he hadn't been there. In need to protect her honor, Joseph asks for her hand in marriage and Louisa gracefully accepts.

Nevertheless, Louisa still hasn't found all of her books and Joseph has a big secret as well that he has yet to inform Louisa about. When they both find themselves being blackmailed, will they be able to save themselves and their new fledgling family before scandal brakes out everywhere? Has Louisa found her Christmas Knight in Joseph? Or will everything they've worked for fall apart at the seams?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. This is a novel about finding hope and love during the Christmas season.

Okay to verify before I get into truly reviewing this novel I will state that this is the first novel I have had the chance to read by Ms. Burrowes. Therefore, because I have not read any other novels within this series, I am giving her (a bit) of a benefit of the doubt. However, if I had not liked the last 150 pages of this novel as much as I did I would have given it a lower rating.

With that being said ...

I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Louisa's family is all very quirky and fun to read about, especially when they start bantering with each other! In addition, I liked the subtle romance between Joseph & Louisa when they first got together. Then it was humorous and sweet reading about how Louisa goes about taking care of Joseph's daughter and him after they get married. Very charming.

My only real issue with it (which could be because this was my first book to read in this series as I mentioned above) was how slow the build up in this novel was. As well as, how it seemed you'd get into a good part within a scene and then it would just skip off and move onto another, leaving me feeling a bit lost. Then there was the fact about Joseph's big secret, or, more to the point, Joseph's personal background. I mean throughout the novel you will find out everything about Joseph's background yet in the beginning because I didn't know anything about him it made me feel more lost then ever. At times, I felt like I was deciphering riddles when it came to Joseph's past, which is why I hope that if I had read the series in order this would not have been the case. However, it's too late for that now, so I don't know.

Because of all of this, I still recommend this novel but to only those who are fans of Ms. Burrowes' books. Also, to those who like and/or have read the other books within The Windham Series and/or The Duke's Daughters Sub-Series.

Author's Novel Extras : Deleted Scene : Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight | The Right Words | The Right Words | Happiness Rules | What’s Afoot for June 10, 2012 | What’s Afoot for June 24, 2012 | What’s Afoot with Grace for July 15, 2012 | What’s Afoot September 2, 2012 | Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight received more encouraging words... | What’s Afoot with Grace for October 1... | Merry Christmas!!! | What’s Afoot with Grace for October 13, 2012 | What’s Afoot with Grace for Nov 18, 2012

Author's Series Extras : Please view the Windham Family Tree. | The Duke's Obsession | The Duke's Daughters | A Duke and His Duchess | Deleted Scene : The Heir | Deleted Scene : The Soldier | Deleted Scene : The Virtuoso | Pertinaciously Yours | Bare ruin’d choirs... | When Enthusiasm Fizzles | The Joy of Discovery | "The Heir" Goes Airborne | "The Soldier" Marches Out Smartly! by Grace Burrowes | What’s afoot with the Windhams? | Three Faces of Grace Burrowes | Happy Valentine's Day! By Grace Burrowes | The Virtuoso is available now! | What Ails My Valentine? | Writing a Resurrected Dream | 8 Spinsters Singing with Grace Burrowes | What’s Afoot December 21 | It’s Called “Earthing...” | What’s Afoot for March 4 | The 1810 Underwear Blues | What’s Afoot with Grace for July 1, 2012 | What’s Afoot for July 22, 2012 | What’s Afoot With Grace for Nov. 4, 2012

Book Teaser(s) :
Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1
"You will get coal in your stocking for Christmas," Sir Joseph groused at his horse. "You allowed me to sit there, blathering to a woman---a lady---about domes and docks and whatnot. When a man recites poetry to a beautiful, intelligent woman, he ought at least to be mentioning roses."
He ran his stirrup irons up the leathers, loosened the girth, and glowered at his horse. "Stand, while I try to find a headstall of sufficient size for that empty noggin of yours. Daffodils would have been an improvement---daffodils and lonely clouds."
He stalked off, finding the halter on its customary hook while Sonnet stood, docile as a lamb in the barn aisle.
"Lambs wouldn't have gone amiss either, though nobody reads Blake except eccentrics."
The horse lowered its head and started rubbing against Sir Joseph's jacket. After a few moments of this, Joseph stepped back. "Filthy beast. I'll smell like horse for the rest of the day." ~ within Chapter 3
"Nervous?" Fairly put the question quietly, though they were downwind of Grattingly, suggesting the doctor wasn't a complete fool.
"Would I admit such a thing to a stranger?"
"You don't have to. There's tension about your mouth and eyes, your breathing is shallow, and you've been pushing the snow around with the toe of a riding boot that deserves better treatment."
Joseph turned to regard the man. "If your medical acumen is commensurate with your powers of observation, perhaps my nervousness is misplaced."
"I can also tell you that Grattingly's breath reeks like a gin whore's when the fleet has docked. He's very likely still the worse for drink from last night's excesses."
"Which makes him unpredictable."
Fairly nodded and said nothing more. ~ within Chapter 9
For more information on this book, series', and/or any other books by Grace, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Black Moon

• Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here

"Black Moon" [The Alpha Pack Series, Book 3] by J.D. Tyler
Expected Publication Released Date: December 4, 2012

Author's Book Description:
    A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometimes those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for...

    Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them—one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard.

    With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To protect his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to battle a terrible evil, unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all...

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Teaser Tuesdays: Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight" [The Windham Series, Book 6] & [The Duke's Daughters Sub-Series, Book 3] by Grace Burrowes

Book Teaser:
"Louisa's saving her supper waltz for Lord Lace," Eve murmured. "I declare that man wears more gold for a hunt ball than I have in my entire jewelry case."
"He maintains standards," Louisa said. Town standards, even Carlton House standards---assuming the jewelry was real, which Louisa privately doubted. "And he dances well enough." ~ within Chapter 1

Monday, November 26, 2012

Feasted On: Soldiers of Fortune Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 342; Kindle Edition - File Size: 414 KB | Expected Release Date: December 11, 2012 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Fortune's Hero" [Soldiers of Fortune Series, Book 1] by Jenna Bennett (aka Jennie Bentley)

My Book Summary : Four months ago, Quinn and his crew were betrayed by Josie, the woman he was infatuated with at the time, who let them become captured by the Rhenians--an enemy group/planet that is trying to take over a part of space from another group/planet called Marica--while Quinn and his crew were trying to help the Marican people obtain weapons. Since then, he--and his crew--has been held captive in a Rhenian prison tortured on a constant basis in hopes that he'll give away the information he has about the Maricans.

Doctor Elsa Brandeis has witnessed and been a part of all of Quinn's torture sessions, since she is the head assistant behind the lead Doctor she is like the second-in-command. However, even though she believes in the reasons for trying to get the knowledge Quinn has, she really hates torturing anyone, especially Quinn whom she has found she respects a little.

Therefore, when Quinn finds himself with an opportunity to escape the prison, even if it means taking Elsa as a hostage, he takes the chance and finds having the "good doctor" to be a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because she helps him escape with little to no difficulty. A curse because he starts to realize his fondness for her too during their time together.

As they battle the grueling elements of life outside of the prison walls, Quinn tries to come up with a way to save his crewmembers too, and finds himself questioning his feelings for Elsa and whether or not he's able to trust her. Will Quinn be willing to risk the lives of his crew and himself in the hands of another woman? Or will old hurts get in the way of everything he's trying to accomplish?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this suspenseful endearing novel will entrap you into a world of torture, unusual temperatures, and survival at all costs. Even though the beginning of this novel starts off on the slower side, I have no doubt the plot will pull you in and keep you entertained until the end, just like it did for me. Along with the suspense that builds up throughout this novel, it was the underlining humor that really got me to like it even more than I expected too.

Plus, I was frankly shocked by how it ended that I am overtly curious as to what will happen next in "Fortune's Honor" book 2 for this series. Especially since I'm so frustrated with the way, the ending just leaves you hanging. Yet I'm happy because I have a feeling that each book in this series will be sure (I hope) to carry out all of the crew's (Quinn, Toby, Isaac, Holden, and--now--Elsa) antics, so we'll still be able to learn what everyone is up too even if they aren't always together. *crossing fingers*

Either way ... no matter what happens ... so far, I feel this novel was a great start for this series!

I recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspenseful sci-fi novels with just the right amount of romance.

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author : August 2012

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Mysteries and More - November 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tall, Dark, and Divine

Author's Novel Extras : Fortune's Hero - Excerpt | BEHOLD!!! | Cover Love: Fortune’s Hero, by Jenna Bennnett | Lucky 7 - peek at a new story | Start Spreading the News... | Update on Fortune's Hero | D-DAY! | #SampleSunday - Fortune's Hero

Author's Series Extras : A new frontier | Space guys are hot

Book Teaser(s) :
“Here.” She cupped the back of his head and lifted to shove the folded-up uniform underneath.
He looked at her for a second, his expression unreadable. “Thank you, Doc.”
“You’re welcome, Captain.”
Another weak grin lit his face. “I think you should probably call me Quinn. Seeing as we spent the night together and all. Wet and naked.”
Elsa could feel the blush creeping up but could do nothing to stop it. Hopefully the light was too low for him to notice. “I’m not sure I feel comfortable doing that.”
He looked at her for another long moment. “Doctor-patient issues? Or prisoner-jailer ones?”
“I’m not your jailer, Captain Conlan.”
“No,” he agreed. “Out here, I figure I’m yours. As long as I’ve got the pistol, anyway.”
“You won’t shoot me.” She wasn’t quite sure where the words came from, but she was sure she was right.
“You don’t think so?” ~ within Chapter 15
He looked around, searching for anything familiar. And saw white walls and bright lights. He was lying on something cold and hard. Everywhere he looked was white, bright, and icy.
A face swam into view above him. Pale, gorgeous. The most beautiful face he’d ever seen. Hair the color of wheat pulled straight back from perfect features, eyes the color of glacier ice under bird-wing brows.
His sweetest memory and his worst nightmare rolled into one.
“Ah, shit!”
He wasn’t dead, after all. He was back in his cell in the goddamn prison on that godforsaken moon. Again.
She smiled. “Oh, good. You’re awake. Finally.”
“I’m supposed to be dead, damn you! I asked you to kill me!” ~ within Chapter 25
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Jenna, then please check out her website.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Welcome to Small Business Saturday/Week


Since today is Small Business Saturday I thought I would support some of my local businesses and host some giveaways for YOU! Starting today I am hosting 3 GIVEAWAYS --

I hope everyone will be nice enough to support your local businesses this weekend and throughout the holiday season!!

Also -- I'd like to give a BIG THANK YOU to all of the authors who were willing to donate a book or item for a giveaway. Plus, a SPECIAL THANKS to Jenna Bennett & Michael Matthews Bingamon for wanting to do some guest posts for me at the last minute!!

I hope everyone will have a wonderful SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!! And be sure to sign up for the GREAT Giveaways today!!

Best regards, Jess

My Giveaways!! :

All giveaway ends December 1, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway(s) you are eligible for.

Giveaway Prize from Page After Page Bookstore is for US & Canadian residents only. [Click the book titles to find out info about them]



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaways from The Recycled Reader Used Bookstore are for US & Canadian residents only. [Click the book titles to find out info about them]



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Prizes from a few authors are for US residents only. [Click the book titles to find out info about them]
  • An e-book copy of "Deadly Obsession" OR an e-book copy of "Deadly Addiction" WINNERS CHOICE to TWO randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • An Kindle e-book copy of "Face The Music" to FIVE randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • "The North Poe" Christmas Cards -- Click Here to get a look at them -- to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • An e-book copy of "The Booby Trap" to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A hardcover copy of "Savage Worlds" to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post :: Jane Addams Book Shop by Michael Matthews Bingamon | Small Business Saturday

In honor of Small Business Saturday (today--November 24th) I'm hosting guest posts by author's wanting to support a favorite local business of theirs! So, here is a post by Michael Matthews Bingamon, author of "Savage Worlds," about his favorite local bookstore!!



Jane Addams Book Shop

Jane Addams Book Shop is located at 208 N Neil St, Champing, Illinois and has been in business for over twenty seven years. They carry over 70,000 used, hard to find, unique books covering all possible subjects. This store is three stories and more than a dozen rooms for different sections. You can’t spend enough time exploring this place—trust me, I’ve tried.

Jane Addams’ newest owners, Don and Susan Elmore, operate the store with the family. It is a warm experience visiting this small business in downtown Champaign under the green awning. For anyone in central Illinois it would be worth the visit. With frequent author signings, poetry readings, and frequent contests Jane Addams Book Shop offers more than the standard fare.

Hometown small and family owned businesses offer so much compared to chain stores. The service is unbeatable and often more insightful than a nationwide or regional chain. The passion of Elmore’s is sincere and as a both a writer and avid reader I feel most at home when I visit Jane Addams Book Shop.



My Giveaways!! :

All giveaway ends December 1, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway(s) you are eligible for.

Giveaway Prizes from a few authors are for US residents only. [Click the book titles to find out info about them]
  • An e-book copy of "Deadly Obsession" OR an e-book copy of "Deadly Addiction" WINNERS CHOICE to TWO randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • An Kindle e-book copy of "Face The Music" to FIVE randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • "The North Poe" Christmas Cards -- Click Here to get a look at them -- to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • An e-book copy of "The Booby Trap" to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A hardcover copy of "Savage Worlds" to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Find Michael Matthews Bingamon :

Guest Post :: Mysteries and More by Jenna Bennett | Small Business Saturday

In honor of Small Business Saturday (today--November 24th) I'm hosting guest posts by author's wanting to support a favorite local business of theirs! So, here is a post by Jenna Bennett, author of "Tall, Dark, and Divine," about her favorite local bookstore!!



Mysteries and More

Let me tell you a little story.

Once upon a time, there was a young lady named Mary. A very lovely young thing, with soft blonde hair and a sweet smile and all that.

(No, this isn’t a romantic story. She was married. His name was Greg. He was dashing and handsome. They had a couple kids too, but that doesn’t figure into this, except peripherally.)

To continue:

Mary loved to read.

She loved it so much, she got a job in a bookstore, so she could be around books all day.

She read everything, the way people who love to read do, but what she particularly liked to read were mysteries.

Like Agatha Christie and Elizabeth Peters and Carolyn Hart.

Ah, yes. Carolyn Hart.

The Death on Demand series, about Annie and Max Darling, and their mystery bookstore – Death on Demand – in South Carolina.

You know a mystery reader who works in a bookstore is gonna lo-o-o-ove Death on Demand, don’t you?

Fast forward a few years, and that lovely girl and her dashing husband retired, and moved to Nashville, Tennessee.

And guess what they did?

Yup, they opened their very own Death on Demand!

Only it’s called Mysteries and More.

That’s right: I’m talking about Nashville’s only mysteries-only bookstore: Mysteries and More in Lenox Village, and its owners, Mary and Greg Bruss: that sweet young thing herself, and her dashing and handsome husband.

Ask any writer who’s ever been to visit, and they’ll tell you it’s the second most magical place on earth, right after Disneyland. And maybe the North Pole.

Like the name implies, there are mysteries... new ones and old ones, vintage ones and previously loved ones. Adult mysteries, young adult mysteries, kid mysteries.

All kinds of mysteries, by practically any author you can imagine. Certainly a lot I’ve never heard of.

But there aren’t only mysteries. There’s more.

See, Mary likes books, but Greg likes other stuff.

Much of it quite... interesting.

Remember those mystery role-playing parties we used to have back in the 80s?

No, me either, but you can buy the games there.

Fancy a copy of Clue! The Movie? They’ve got it.

And you can buy notepads with old Nancy Drew covers on the front.

And BandAids that look like crime scene tape.

Knife sharpeners that look like dead people. (No, I’m not kidding. I bought one.)

Mystery themed jewelry.

Christmas cards with the likeness of Edgar Allen Poe.

In fact, in honor of the season, I think someone deserves a box of Christmas cards with the likeness of Edgar Allen Poe. In a puffy parka. With a red scarf around his neck. And a raven holding a sign saying “The North Poe.”

Who wants it?



About the Business :

    If you’re ever in Nashville, don’t forget to stop in at Mysteries and More, on Sunnywood Drive in Lenox Village. Greg and Mary are never too busy to hang out and talk mysteries. But if you don’t have any plans to visit Nashville, you can find them and their store on the web, at www.mysteriesandmore.net.



About the Author :

New York Times bestselling author Jennie Bentley/Jenna Bennett writes cozy mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, romance for Entangled Publishing, and whatever she wants for self-publication. Among other things, “whatever she wants” includes the Amazon bestselling Cutthroat Business mysteries, as well as "Act of Redemption," first book in a series of romantic suspense novels about the FBI’s Art Crime Team, ACT. For more information about her books, whether traditionally or self-published, please visit her website, www.jennabennett.com.

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author : August 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tall, Dark, and Divine



My Giveaways!! :

All giveaway ends December 1, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway(s) you are eligible for.

Giveaway Prizes from a few authors are for US residents only. [Click the book titles to find out info about them]
  • An e-book copy of "Deadly Obsession" OR an e-book copy of "Deadly Addiction" WINNERS CHOICE to TWO randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • An Kindle e-book copy of "Face The Music" to FIVE randomly drawn people from Rafflecopter
  • "The North Poe" Christmas Cards -- Click Here to get a look at them -- to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • An e-book copy of "The Booby Trap" to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
  • A hardcover copy of "Savage Worlds" to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Find Jenna Bennett :

Small Business Saturday: The Recycled Reader -- Used Bookstore

In honor of Small Business Saturday (today--November 24th) I'm doing promotional posts about my favorite local bookstores!!

The Recycled Reader -- Used Bookstore

1408 West Ehringhaus Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
252-331-7771

Facebook | Google+ | MerchantCircle

About the Business :
    The Recycled Reader Used Bookstore is a family business that offers a wide variety of quality used books, since 1997. Also -- they have a trade plan!! They give credit for "sell-able" books in very good condition, but they have need for all of the books you bring in. Either way it's very helpful and fun for the reader in all of us!

Check Out the Business :

My Giveaways!! :

All giveaway ends December 1, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway(s) you are eligible for.

Giveaways from The Recycled Reader Used Bookstore are for US & Canadian residents only. [Click the book titles to find out info about them]



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Small Business Saturday: Page After Page Bookstore

In honor of Small Business Saturday (today--November 24th) I'm doing promotional posts about my favorite local bookstores!!

Page After Page Bookstore

111 South Water Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
252-335-7243

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+ | Myspace | MerchantCircle

About the Business :
    Page After Page Bookstore is an Independently Owned, full service bookstore located on the beautiful historic waterfront of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Right on the Inter-Coastal Waterway! They carry all different categories of books, while they specialize in out-of-print/antique books. In addition, they have a large Children’s Book and Toy area with a Train set just for the little ones to enjoy while you browse. As well, they have wonderful Soy Candles, made from NC Soy, Music, Art Supplies, Invitations, Greeting Cards, Knitting Yarn and needles, and many gifts for your shopping pleasure. They are all about supporting their locals, visit and you'll be able to tell why. Also, they host many Author events for adults and children, as well as, host the Page After Page Writers Group in the store on the second Wednesday of each month, and a knitting group, which starts in February each year. Come and visit – they can’t wait to meet you! Customer Service is their number one priority, and if they don’t have it, they'll do their best to get it for you within a couple of days.

Check Out the Business :


My Giveaways!! :

All giveaway ends December 1, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway(s) you are eligible for.

Giveaway Prize from Page After Page Bookstore is for US & Canadian residents only. [Click the book titles to find out info about them]



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, November 23, 2012

Feasted On: A Royal Pain by Megan Mulry

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 338; Kindle Edition - File Size: 647 KB | Expected Release Date: November 1, 2012 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Royal Pain" by Megan Mulry

My Book Summary : Bronte has had a difficult relationship with her father a majority of her life, and that has colored all of her relationships with men since she's been old enough to date. Years later she meets a man, aka Mr. Texas, who seems to be everything that she's looking for and who also is someone her father would dread her being with (which is just an added bonus). However, after she moves to Chicago to be closer to him Bronte finds that Mr. Texas changes because of the closeness therefore they brakes things off which leaves her feeling like her life has fallen apart.

Once she gets her life the way she wants it again, and starts making a name for herself in the advertising world in Chicago, she meets Max. He's a smart, hot British man from England who just happens to live in Chicago for only a few more months while he finishes up his PhD in economics at the University of Chicago. In addition, he's the perfect Transitional Man (TM) because of how long he's going to be around. So, they have eight weeks of fun, getting to know each other, and to be together then they plan to just part as friends. However, that's not exactly how it goes...

Max only agreed for Bronte's sake to be a TM but never had a plan to follow it through once the eight weeks were over, he believed that he could convince her to move to England with him or at least be in a relationship with her still. Nevertheless, as the time ticks down for Max to go a tragedy strikes his family a few days before he planned to leave, which leaves Max with no more time to change her mind making it so he has to leave her in Chicago on bad terms.

Then after Max is gone Bronte finds out a big secret, that Max never shared with her .... he's a Royal Duke!! Shocked and saddened by the way they left things Bronte tries to move on with her life but finds it harder than ever. However, Max still plans to keep Bronte and him together, if only he can convince her and relieve all of her worries about the challenges--and opportunities--of becoming a royal, while dealing with the quirkiness of his family and with the wrath of a bitter Duchess.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! This novel is about finding the right person and keeping them no matter what cost or challenges! It's what I would call a bumpy novel because of how many good things and bad things happen to Bronte throughout this novel. I enjoyed reading about Max and Bronte's relationship, as they seem to suit each other so well!! Also, one thing I was very thankful for was to see how fast this story flows because every time that Bronte had "a freak out" about something going on it didn't last long and didn't give her time to ruin any part of her life or her relationship with Max. Plus, the witty humor throughout this novel was one of the best things to read!

The only thing I was surprised about was the build up about Max's family--especially his mother--and how much it fell short. I only say this because it really makes you think there is going to be a big argument between some of the characters but it never comes. It kind of made me want a fight in the end, even though I am happy with how things with Max's family turned out. I say that, mostly because, it felt to me that everything with Bronte's family--her dislike for her father and why her relationship with her mother is the way it is--wraps up by the end of the novel, and I just didn't feel like it wrapped up for Max's side.

Anyway ... I just hope there will be more of those to in the upcoming novels to find out what happens from there for them. =0)

With that being said, I was infatuated with this novel and I cannot wait to see where this series will go!! I'm so happy Ms. Mulry has already marked on her website that book 2 in this series, "Earl Meets Girl," is going to be about Devon (Max's younger brother) and Sarah (a shoe designer and one of Bronte's best friends)!!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who wants to read a contemporary romance with a historical feel to it!

Author's Novel Extras : On Perseverance | My Summer Vacation | The Recent Pleasantness | Around the Blog-O-Sphere

Book Teaser(s) :
"Hey, Mom, that's my other line. I have to go. I'll see you this weekend."
It wasn't really the other line, but her friend April's desk was close enough that Bronte could give her the now-familiar rotational hand gesture for make-your-phone-ring-really-loud-right-now-so-I-can-get-off-the-damn-phone.
Apparently, that's what mothers were for, right? To make you question (to death) every (goddamned) decision you ever made in an effort to save you from going to all the trouble of making a complete ass of yourself. Or maybe it was just enlightened self-interest on the part of mothers everywhere to save them the hassle of having to pick you up and scrap you off and listen to all the heartache (again) when "the one" turned out to be "that piece of shit" and you were left without that perfectly good job, without that perfectly good, rent-controlled apartment, and (patently) without that boyfriend. ~ within Chapter 2
Much as Ralph Lauren's original ad campaign had offered ready access to the elevated world of polo players and Palm Beach playboys, so Bronte's "Britishness" campaign would do for Mowbray: it would allow the common man to own a tangible piece of the elite.
The irony was not lost on Bronte that the entire campaign served as a microcosm for her relationship with Max. In fact, when she finally pierced the veil that was James Mowbray's outer office and convinced him that it was in his best interest to hear her pitch, she was tempted to ask him if he knew one Maxwell Fitzwilliam-Heyworth. But then she thought she would have sounded like one of those idiotic people who, upon meeting someone from Arkansas, says, "Oh! I know someone from Arkansas!"
Ridiculous.
And what if he did know him? What was the punch line? "Oh, this one time, in Chicago, he and I used a hundred-pack of condoms in record time."
Bronte thought not. ~ within Chapter 8
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Megan, then please check out her website.

Spreading the Word: Savage Worlds

"Savage Worlds" by Michael Matthews Bingamon

Imprint : Self-Published
Audience : Adult
Novel length : 348 pages
Format : Trade hardcover, paperback and eBook
Publication Released Date : January 21, 2009

Author's Book Cover :

Author's Book Description :
    What would you do for love? That was the question posed by Sheri's late mother.

    Sheri Norbella has everything going for her as an attractive, intelligent, but opinionated young woman of sixteen growing up on Zeslin-A colony. Her life turns upside down when her father decides to relocate to a distant settlement called Thaden- a world inhabited by less sophisticated races. Sheri experinces first hand the prejudice against her people as she's the victim of insults and attacks that become intolerable when she encounters Velsa A'Gora; Thaden's most notorious bully. As the two girls clash a dangerous boy, Jaron Loffay, offers Sheri his protection in exchange for her affections. Not trusting him she refuses, but the feud with Velsa escalates beyond a schoolyard drama just as the dreaded Namosene invade. Thaden evacuates stranding Sheri with Velsa on a desolate planet. Tempted to give into Jaron's desires Sheri must weigh her morals against her will to survive. Despite being marooned she unexpectedly discovers the answer to her mother's riddle while surrounded by cruel strangers on a savage world...

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Find Michael Matthews Bingamon :

Spreading the Word: Deadly Addiction

"Deadly Addiction" [Deadly Vices Series, Book 2] by Kristine Cayne

Imprint : Self-Published
Audience : Adult
Novel length : 278 pages
Format : Trade paperback and eBook
Expected Publication Released Date : April 24, 2012

Author's Book Cover :

Author's Book Description :
    A proud people. A nation divided.


    Rémi Whitedeer, police officer turned substance-abuse counselor, dreams of restoring order to his tribe. Violence and crime are rampant throughout the unpoliced Iroquois reserve, and a civil war is brewing between the Guardians, a militant traditionalist group, and other tribal factions. As the mixed-race cousin of the Guardians’ leader, Rémi is caught in a no-man’s land—several groups lay claim to him, but all want him to deny his white blood.

    A maverick cop on an anti-drug crusade.


    When she infiltrated the Vipers to take down the leader of the outlaw biker gang responsible for her brother’s death, police sergeant Alyssa Morgan got her man. But her superiors think she went too far. Her disregard for protocol and her ends-justify-the-means ethics have branded her an unreliable maverick. To salvage her career, she accepts an assignment to set up a squad of native provincial officers on a reserve.

    A radical sovereigntist bent on freeing a nation.


    Decades of government oppression threaten the existence of the Iroquois Nation. But one man, Chaz Whitedeer, is determined to save his people no matter what the price, even if it means delving into the shadowy world of organized crime. When Rémi and Alyssa uncover the Guardians’ drug-fueled scheme to fund their fight for true autonomy—a scheme involving the Vipers—Rémi must choose between loyalty to family and tribe or his growing love for Alyssa. Can Rémi and Alyssa leave everything behind—even their very identities—for a future together?

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Find Kristine Cayne :

Spreading the Word: Deadly Obsession

"Deadly Obsession" [Deadly Vices Series, Book 1] by Kristine Cayne

Imprint : Self-Published
Audience : Adult
Novel length : 284 pages
Format : Trade paperback and eBook
Expected Publication Released Date : January 1, 2012

Author's Book Cover :

Author's Book Description :
    When an Oscar-winning movie star meets a department-store photographer...


    Movie star Nic Lamoureux appears to have a playboy’s perfect life. But it’s a part he plays, an act designed to conceal a dark secret he carries on his shoulders. His empty days and nights are a meaningless blur until he meets the woman who fulfills all his dreams. She and her son are the family he’s always wanted—if she can forgive a horrible mistake from his past.

    A Hollywood dream...


    Lauren James, a widowed single mother, earns barely enough money to support herself and her son. When she wins a photography contest and meets Nic, the man who stars in all her fantasies, her dreams, both professional and personal, are on the verge of becoming real. The attraction between Lauren and Nic is instant—and mutual. Their chemistry burns out of control during a photo shoot that could put Lauren on the fast track to a lucrative career.

    Becomes a Hollywood nightmare


    But an ill-advised kiss makes front-page news, and the lurid headlines threaten everything Nic and Lauren have hoped for. Before they know what’s happening, their relationship is further rocked by an obsessed and cunning stalker who’ll stop at nothing—not even murder—to have Nic to herself. When Nic falls for Lauren, the stalker zeroes in on her as the competition.

    And the competition must be eliminated.

    Click here to read the first chapters.

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Find Kristine Cayne :

Thursday, November 22, 2012

The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2012

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

Okay so last year I started this by doing a top 5 list of the books I was thankful for reading/reviewing and well this year I just couldn't decide. Therefore, since today is Thanksgiving Day, after all, I chose to list ALL of the books that I've read so far (and gave my highest ratings to) for this year that I'm Thankful for!! So, here you go (listed in the order of when I read them this year):
  1. "Bound In Darkness" [Bound (Vampires/Werewolves) Series, Book 2] by Cynthia Eden: 5 out of 5 stars!!! Even though this is a quick read, it is packed with hot romance and fight scenes. Plus, it has a really good plot! Add in some dynamic main characters and you have a paranormal romance novella that you just have to read!!

    I recommend this to anyone who likes to read short and spicy paranormal books then this is a book for you! [Read more of Jess' Review and a Teaser for this book HERE]
  2. "There You’ll Find Me" by Jenny B. Jones: 5 out of 5 stars, this is a touching novel about trying to deal with the heartbreak of loosing someone close to you and how you can over come that heartbreak into getting back to a "normal" life again. I loved the way this novel goes about trying to help the main character, Finley, from the gorgeous views that were described of Ireland (making me wish I could take a trip there) to Finley's adopted grandmother and her cranky ways to the new friends Finley meets. There seemed to be nothing I did not like about this novel!! Especially the relationship between Finley and Beckett, it was sweet, funny (with all of their bickering and unusual ways of talking to each other), and because of the way they go about helping each other it really made me enjoy this novel so much more!!! [Read more of Jess' Review and a Teaser for this book HERE]
  3. "A Familiar Face" by Marie Harte: 5 out of 5 stars!! WOW!! This novel exceeded my expectations and then some! It's a sexually driven, fast-paced, match made from heaven or a little club known as The Python Palace, novel that enthralled me into wishing there was more to read about!!

    About the Characters:
    • Mallory: Sarcastic, funny, sweet, and very playful. A witch who knows how to fight like the best of them. One who might not be much in her own world but means quite a bit in Core's world.

    • Core: Clever. A strong leader. A wonderful fighter. Very protective of Mallory.

    • Rattler: Mysterious. Bossy. A god??

    I can't say enough about this book! [Read more of Jess' Review and a Teaser for this book HERE]
  4. "The Unofficial Zack Warren Fan Club" by J. C. Isabella: 5 out of 5 stars!! I LOVED the characters in this novel!!! Chloe and Zack are quite a pair about keeping false fronts about their feelings to each other for everyone else while their true feelings are quite different!! Plus, I loved the fact that they went, pretty much, their whole lives in love with each other and only now taping into those feelings. *sigh* It is a fun story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!! From them finding out the truth of one another, to getting used to their new living arrangements, to dealing with their new jealousies and old secrets .... I just could not get enough to this book or this pair!! [Read more of Jess' Review and Three Teasers for this book HERE]
  5. "Feral Sins" [The Phoenix Pack Series, Book 1] by Suzanne Wright: 5 out of 5 stars!! This novel has a really good plot along with being spicy enough, with its erotic scenes, to get you all hot and bothered by the time this book is over! Trey is a possessive and domineering werewolf who isn't always in control of his wolf side. Taryn is a sarcastic, smart, feisty, and even though she's on the small side, she knows how to protect herself. Together they are an unstoppable duo that are perfect for each other and fun to read about! [Read more of Jess' Review and Two Teasers for this book HERE]
  6. "My Stubborn Heart" by Becky Wade: 5 out of 5 stars!! I loved the setup of this novel!! The prologue sets up this novel in a way that it fills in what happened, a bit, in the main characters' pasts while leaving you curious to read more about them. Then to read the build-up between Kate and Matt throws you for a loop and back again. When you finally realize what each of them have gone through and how they get into this sweet relationship where they both want more from each other but because of God or their pasts or just life itself makes it so they have to fight for what they want you might just fall in love with this novel too! What also makes this novel is "the seniors!" [Read more of Jess' Review and Two Teasers for this book HERE]
  7. "Valor" [Greystone Series, Book 1] by Taylor Longford: 5 out of 5 stars!! This series is one I bet you have never read about (or any type like it) before and will keep you just as captivated as I was!!! I LOVE THIS NOVEL!! The plot was awesome, intense, dynamic, funny, and very fast-paced! Also -- I could NOT get enough of the characters!!!

    About the Characters:
    • MacKenzie: Human, 16 yrs old. Maybe a witch...? Protective of those she loves. Pretty much lives on her own. Helps out Valor and his family with everything they need. Has a crush on Valor.

    • Valor: Gargoyle, about 18 yrs old. Meets MacKenzie first and tells her about who and what he and his family are. Instantly and intensely drawn to MacKenzie. Likes to hunt. [Read more of Jess' Review and Two Teasers for this book HERE]
  8. "Almost a Scandal" [The Reckless Brides Series, Book 1] by Elizabeth Essex: 5 out of 5 stars, this fun, courageous, and delightful novel will take you on an intriguing ride through the life of a British sailor in the 1800s. I loved how this novel evolves--from Sally boarding the ship trying to hide her identity, to her being in the thick of the crew, getting into fights about shipmates treatment, to the growing love affair between Sally and Col all the while being right in the middle of a war. I could not get enough of this novel! I especially enjoy how Sally wasn't a wuss when it came to her duty and the action on deck or that she wasn't impervious to any causalities of her own, no matter how small. [Read more of Jess' Review and Three Teasers for this book HERE]
  9. "Forever Werewolf" [A Part of the Beautiful Creatures World] by Michele Hauf: 5 out of 5 stars!!! This is a fun & sexy novel about loving who you are and being true to it! I loved Lexi & Tryst together!! They played off each other soo well!! In addition, the plot was great, especially with all of the twists!

    With how many time Tryst mentioned his ice demon friend I really can't wait to find out what will happen to him! And I do hope things will work out between Lana and Liam, since Liam seems like such a good guy. [Read more of Jess' Review and Two Teasers for this book HERE]
  10. "All Summer Long" [Fool’s Gold Series, Book 9] by Susan Mallery: 5 out of 5 stars!! Ever since this year's three-part series from Fool's Gold came out, I have wanted to read more about Charlie's romance! Therefore, I'm so happy that it turned out even better than I expected!!! This is a novel about what the heart is able to overcome when faced with the opportunity to heal. I LOVED CHARLIE & CLAY!!! Together or apart Charlie and Clay were a great duo that I couldn't get enough of!! I loved the way this novel dealt with Charlie's fears, helping Clay with his ambitions, and bringing Charlie and her mother back together again. It was a charming book, which I could not put down!! [Read more of Jess' Review and Two Teasers for this book HERE]
  11. "Forbidden" [The World of Nightwalkers Series, Book 1] by Jacquelyn Frank: 5 out of 5 stars!! Follow Docia along through her death and new life while learning about the world of Nightwalkers, becoming a Bodywalker, and finding your soul mate in the most unlikely of places. This is a hilarious and thrilling start to The World of Nightwalkers Series!! In addition, this is also a bit of a spin-off from Ms. Frank's Nightwalkers Series (a series that I have yet to read) based on the prolog that I'm not sure how that part of the story really fits into the series but I'm hoping we will find out as this series progresses.

    About the Characters:
    • Docia: I enjoyed Docia so much! She is quirky, fun, rambles quite a bit, and is the perfect mix of being shy and daring all at once. Also, I think that with her new "Bodywalker" status she will grow to be more formidable than ever, however I do like Docia's attitude more so then the bits I saw of her reserved counterpart so I hope that later on as this series goes we will see her acting more like herself than anything else. [Read more of Jess' Review and Two Teasers for this book HERE]
Well ... those are all of the novels/novellas that I LOVED (thus far) THIS YEAR!! I hope after reading my reviews and teasers you'll be interested in a few of them too.

One thing I'm finding funny now that I'm looking at my list is that it goes back and forth from contemporary-ish to paranormal-ish without me even trying. *hehee*

Anyway ....

I hope every one of you will have a WONDERFUL and HAPPY Thanksgiving! Please stop back on my blog this Saturday because starting that day until November 30th I'm putting together a couple of giveaway contests and hosting a few guest posts all surrounding Small Business Saturday/Week!!

Take care, Jess

Spreading the Word: Fiancée for One Night

"Fiancée for One Night" [21st Century Bosses Series, Book 1] by Trish Morey

Imprint : Harlequin Presents
Audience : Adult
Novel length : 186 pages
Format : Trade paperback
Publication Released Date : January 24, 2012

Author's Book Cover :

Author's Book Description :
    Old passions never die...
    Leo Zamos persuades his virtual PA, Eve Carmichael, to act as his fake fiancée at a business dinner. Thinking he's never met her before, Leo assumes that Eve's appearance will be as neat and professional as the work she's so efficiently performed for him. But soon he realizes how wrong he's been! With her soft curves, and lips that beg to be kissed, Eve is every bit as tempting as her namesake…....

    Eve has accepted Leo's commission reluctantly—---how can she, a single mom, refuse the fee he's offering her? But will he recognize her as the girl he once briefly met and for whom he felt a simmering attraction? When Eve sees Leo again, she knows that the one-evening masquerade she's signed up for is about to become a whole passionate night...…in his bed.

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Find Trish Morey :

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Spreading the Word: The Incorrigible Playboy

"The Incorrigible Playboy" [The Legendary FINN BROTHERS, Book 1] by Emma Darcy

Imprint : Harlequin Presents
Audience : Adult
Novel length : 185 pages
Format : Trade paperback
Publication Released Date : December 18, 2012

Author's Book Cover :

Author's Book Description :
    Australia's most incorrigible playboy...
    Billionaire Harry Finn's reputation is legendary; formidable in business, charming to beautiful women. What he wants, he gets, and top of his list is secretary Elizabeth Flippence.

    Seeks very personal assistant!
    One month working together on the luxurious Finn Island resort is more than enough time for Harry to sweep this uptight office beauty from behind her desk and into his bed, on the beach and wherever else he decides!

    Elizabeth isn't content to be just another conquest. But there's an unknown side to her incorrigible playboy boss that's even more dangerous than his devastating smile…....

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Find Emma Darcy :

Monday, November 19, 2012

Made the Grade: Angel All Year by Sally Clements

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 222 KB | Release Date: 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Sally Clements

"Angel All Year" by Sally Clements

My Book Summary : What if when people dead somewhere chosen to ascend into heaven right away while others were given another life as an angel, whether they wanted to be one or not?

That is what Angela is dealing with. She has been an angel for a whole year and she still doesn't want to give up her husband, Tom, or move on in her afterlife. However, if Lucen, her dark angel mentor and friend, has anything to say about it those plans are about to change. Especially when Angela realizes that Tom is starting to move on too, it's only then that she tries to embrace her growing feelings for Lucen to see where things will go. Yet when Angela is given the option to finally have Tom by her side again for always will she cast Lucen aside or will her feelings for Lucen override that of the once love of her life?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, it's a story about following your heart and wishing for the best. I will say this novella was a little on the slow side for me. However, with that being said, I did fall in love with the whole "angel afterlife" setup! Lucen made it all seem like such fun, while Angela showed the down sides to it all.

Another thing I enjoyed was reading about the sweet and slowing burning romance that ignites between Lucen and Angela! It was such a heartwarming tale that you couldn't help but root for them!

I recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys soft paranormal-ish romances.

Author's Novel Extras : Just out - my new Book - Angel All Year | The Next Big Thing - Blog stop... | Psst!

Book Teaser(s) :
Trouble.
The moment Lucen surfaced and blinked the cool water from his eyelashes, he recognized the threat. She didn‟t look dangerous dressed in a yellow bikini with white polka dots. In fact, she looked totally spectacular in the tiny bikini that left practically nothing to his imagination. But a threat she was.
How was he supposed to resist her, now the body he‟d felt against his was revealed in all its glory? Imagining her breasts, the dip of her waist, the long, slender legs had been difficult enough, but seeing them clad in mere wisps of fabric was a whole different ball game.
She was irresistible. A threat to his solitary life. Trouble.
Thank God he was treading cool water. ~ within Chapter 5
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Sally, then please check out her website.
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