Made the Grade: Christmas Brides by Suzanne Enoch, Alexandra Hawkins, Elizabeth Essex, & Valerie Bowman

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 384; Kindle Edition - File Size: 937 KB | Expected Release Date: September 30, 2014 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Christmas Brides" by Suzanne Enoch, Alexandra Hawkins, Elizabeth Essex, & Valerie Bowman

Authors' Book Description : Relax on a silent night and dive into Christmas Brides, a lush historical holiday anthology featuring a brand-new story from USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Hawkins. And back by popular demand from last Christmas, previously published One Hot Scot, The Scandal Before Christmas, and It Happened Under the Mistletoe are back to deck the halls in this sensual Christmas collection.

One Hot Scot by Suzanne Enoch
Duncan Lenox lives surrounded by enemies, a MacLawry in a land of Campbells. But when an English beauty has nowhere else to turn, he feels obligated to help. Now that they must spend a night together in an abandoned cottage while a storm rages on, will their mutual passion save—or doom—them both?

Once Upon a Christmas Scandal by Alexandra Hawkins
Lady Ellen is outraged when she learns her dowry’s been increased by her dad, eager to draw every bachelor in England to her front door. So when Lord Swainsbury comes knocking, Ellen assumes he’s another dreadful fortune hunter. Little does she know that Swainsbury has completely fallen for her—body, heart, and soul...

The Scandal Before Christmas by Elizabeth Essex
Lieutenant Ian Worth needs a wife by Christmas. He has to find her, woo her, and wed her before he goes back to sea. Anne Lesley is a shy spinster with no prospects, so she accepts Ian’s hasty offer only for the security it will bring. But when a midwinter storm rolls in, things start to heat up between them...and they might just find true, honest-to-goodness love

It Happened Under the Mistletoe by Valerie Bowman
Oliver Townsende intends to avoid the hordes of marriage-minded misses at a friend’s holiday party. When he meets Miss Cerian Blake, who’s dodging her own unwanted set of admirers, the two decide to join forces and fake an infatuation to keep their suitors at bay. But when mistletoe becomes involved, will their Christmastime prank turn into a love to last all seasons?

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"One Hot Scot" [Christmas Brides Anthology, Novella 1] & [Scandalous Highlanders Series, Book 0.5] by Suzanne Enoch

Author's Story Description : While attending her aunt's wedding in Inverness, Julia Prentiss is literally swept off her feet by a man who kidnaps her for her fortune. Julia manages to escape from his estate in the Highlands, only to find herself alone, lost, and hunted in a strange land. When she stumbles across a naked man in a lake, she thinks her luck has gone from bad to worse...or has it?

Duncan Lenox lives surrounded by enemies, a MacLawry in a land of Campbells. With three sisters at home who rely on him, he's become a very cautious man. But when an auburn-haired English beauty has nowhere else to turn, he feels obligated to help. When the two are forced to spend the night in an abandoned cottage while a storm rages and enemies circle, they find a mutual passion that could save -- or doom -- them both.

My Story Review : 3 out of 5 stars, a woman sets out in the Highlands in hopes of celebrating Christmas the way she wanted but finds herself alone in a cabin/cottage with a stranger who promises to help her get back home, if only she doesn’t lose her heart to him first.

It’s a sweet story. Yet, I found the beginning to be a bit slow even though Duncan is naked then. =0)

Nevertheless, I enjoyed how this story picked up in the middle and how Duncan & Julia’s relationship grew throughout it. I do recommend this story to those who like holiday romances that have hot Highlanders in them!

Purchase This Story and/or The Other Stories From It's Series Here : AMAZON.COM : One Hot Scot | KOBO : One Hot Scot | ALIBRIS : The Devil Wears Kilts | AMAZON.COM : The Devil Wears Kilts | KOBO : The Devil Wears Kilts | ALIBRIS : Rogue With A Brogue | AMAZON.COM : Rogue With A Brogue | KOBO : Rogue With A Brogue | AMAZON.COM : Mad, Bad, and Dangerous in Plaid | KOBO : Mad, Bad, and Dangerous in Plaid

Author's Story Extras : One Hot Scot - Overview

Author's Series Extras : The Devil Wears Kilts - Overview & Excerpt | Rogue With A Brogue - Overview & Excerpt

Story Teaser :

She picked up a black knight and showed it to him. "Did you think this would be you today?"
He chuckled. "A black knight? Nae a white knight?"
She grinned back at him. "Well, you were naked."
"Aye. That I was." ~ within Chapter 2

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Suzanne, then please check out her website.

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"Once Upon a Christmas Scandal" [Christmas Brides Anthology, Novella 2] & [Lords of Vice Series, Book 7.5] by Alexandra Hawkins

Author's Story Description : Lady Ellen is outraged when she learns her dowry’s been increased by her dad, eager to draw every bachelor in England to her front door. So when Lord Swainsbury comes knocking, Ellen assumes he’s another dreadful fortune hunter. Little does she know that Swainsbury has completely fallen for her—body, heart, and soul...

My Story Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! A woman, who is coming into her "spinster years," finds out that her parents want her to get a husband so badly, before her father might die, that they raise her dowry and now has to fight off "fortune hunters." Hopefully she won't fight off the one man who wants her for herself...

I love how this story thrusts its readers right into the action from the very beginning. It's a charming story about an independent woman finding a man who tries to protect her from an unknown man. Ellen & Derrick are a perfect matchup, I'm so glad they ended up together! Their romance was one I would read again!

I recommend this story to those who are fans of Ms. Hawkins historical series and to those who like historical holiday romances!

Purchase This Story and/or The Other Stories From It's Series Here : ALIBRIS : All Night with a Rogue | AMAZON.COM : All Night with a Rogue | KOBO : All Night with a Rogue | ALIBRIS : Till Dawn with the Devil | AMAZON.COM : Till Dawn with the Devil | KOBO : Till Dawn with the Devil | AMAZON.COM : After Dark with a Scoundrel | KOBO : After Dark with a Scoundrel | ALIBRIS : Sunrise with a Notorious Lord | AMAZON.COM : Sunrise with a Notorious Lord | KOBO : Sunrise with a Notorious Lord | ALIBRIS : All Afternoon with a Scandalous Marquess | AMAZON.COM : All Afternoon with a Scandalous Marquess | KOBO : All Afternoon with a Scandalous Marquess | ALIBRIS : Dusk with a Dangerous Duke | AMAZON.COM : Dusk with a Dangerous Duke | KOBO : Dusk with a Dangerous Duke | ALIBRIS : Twilight with the Infamous Earl | AMAZON.COM : Twilight with the Infamous Earl | KOBO : Twilight with the Infamous Earl

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: Once Upon a Christmas Scandal

Author's Story Extras : Christmas Brides - Overview & Excerpt


Story Teaser :

"Enough." Her father raised the book in his hands as if he was fighting down the urge to fling it at the nearest wall. "And what of Mr. Neese? What was wrong with him?"
"His right leg is shorter than his left," she blurted out. "The difference sends him into tables, plants, and walls."
She had exaggerated a bit about Mr. Neese's clumsiness. However, she had sensed her mother's meddling the moment the gentleman had awkwardly asked her to dance. She had put them both out of misery as quickly as possible.
"And Lord Rouger?"
Ellen tried not to share at the muscle twitching near her father's left eye. "What of him?"
"Did you truly liken his handsomeness to your favorite horse?"
She leaned forward, her face guileless. "It was a sincere compliment, Papa." ~ within Chapter 1

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Alexandra, then please check out her website.

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"The Scandal Before Christmas" [Christmas Brides Anthology, Novella 3] & [The Reckless Brides Series, Book 3.5] by Elizabeth Essex

Author's Story Description : Lieutenant Ian Worth needs a wife by Christmas, and he can’t afford to be choosy. He has to find her, woo her, and wed her before he goes back to sea—all within a matter of days. Anne Lesley is a shy spinster with no prospects, and nothing and no one to recommend her but her own self. She accepts the lieutenant’s hasty offer only for the comfort and security it will bring. But when a midwinter storm snows her and Ian in, they both find they got much more than they bargained for—laughter, light, and a Christmas filled with honest to goodness true love...

My Story Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this is a sweet historical romance that keeps entertained while allowing you to enjoy catching up with favorite past characters.

Ian and Anne's story is charming in the way that they become friends, to confidants, to lovers. Plus it helped that they have similar interests.

All in all, I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the series and to those who enjoy historical (slightly erotic) romances!

Purchase This Story and/or The Other Stories From It's Series Here : ALIBRIS : Almost a Scandal | AMAZON.COM : Almost a Scandal | KOBO : Almost a Scandal | ALIBRIS : A Breath of Scandal | AMAZON.COM : A Breath of Scandal | KOBO : A Breath of Scandal | ALIBRIS : Scandal in the Night | AMAZON.COM : Scandal in the Night | KOBO : Scandal in the Night | AMAZON.COM : The Scandal Before Christmas | KOBO : The Scandal Before Christmas | ALIBRIS : After the Scandal | AMAZON.COM : After the Scandal | KOBO : After the Scandal | ALIBRIS : A Scandal to Remember | AMAZON.COM : A Scandal to Remember | KOBO : A Scandal to Remember | AMAZON.COM : A Scandal to Remember | KOBO : A Scandal to Remember

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 3.5

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Almost a Scandal | Feasted On: Eloisa's Fairy Tales Series, Book 4 | The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2012 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Story Extras : Pinterest: The Scandal Before Christmas | The Scandal Before Christmas - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Almost a Scandal | Pinterest: A Breath of Scandal | Pinterest: Scandal in the Night | Pinterest: After the Scandal | Pinterest: A Scandal to Remember | Almost A Scandal - Overview & Excerpt | A Breath of Scandal - Overview & Excerpt | Scandal in the Night - Overview & Excerpt | After the Scandal - Overview & Excerpt | A Scandal to Remember - Overview & Excerpt | Sal & Col named Best Book Couples

Story Teaser :

Yet still, she did not speak.
But with the mother still carrying on---"This chimney appears to draw well. So important to have a fire that draws cleanly, don't you think? I always say..."---no one could get a word in edgewise. It was no wonder the girl was silent as the tomb.
God's balls. Maybe she was a mute, who never spoke. Or couldn't. Maybe--- ~ within Chapter 3

TEASER #2 ~ within Chapter 5

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Elizabeth, then please check out her website.

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"It Happened Under the Mistletoe" [Christmas Brides Anthology, Novella 4] & [The Secret Brides Series, Book 3.5] by Valerie Bowman

Author's Story Description : When Oliver Townsende escapes to his friend’s house for a Christmas party, he intends to avoid the hordes of marriage-minded misses who have been dogging his steps in London ever since he inherited a dukedom. He soon learns a bit of Yuletide peace and quiet is too much to ask for. When he encounters Miss Cerian Blake, who’s dodging her own unwanted set of admirers, the two decide to join forces and fake an infatuation to keep their suitors at bay. But when a bough of mistletoe becomes involved, will their Christmastime prank turn into a love to last all seasons?

My Story Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Two people are looking for the same thing in finding a spouse ... a love match but, because of their inheritances, it's hard to find that certain person who is being true ... that is until they meet each other.

Oliver and Cerian's blossoming romance is one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about. From their growing friendship to their personal worries/feelings for each other, this novella is one that I didn't want to finish, as I liked the main characters so much. In addition, that mysterious cat was fun to find out about, especially when it kept showing up at the most opportune times and suddenly wearing random decorations.

Overall, I recommend this novella to anyone who likes historical romances!

Purchase This Story and/or The Other Stories From It's Series Here : ALIBRIS : Secrets of a Wedding Night | AMAZON.COM : Secrets of a Wedding Night | KOBO : Secrets of a Wedding Night | AMAZON.COM : A Secret Proposal | KOBO : A Secret Proposal | ALIBRIS : Secrets of a Runaway Bride | AMAZON.COM : Secrets of a Runaway Bride | KOBO : Secrets of a Runaway Bride | AMAZON.COM : A Secret Affair | KOBO : A Secret Affair | ALIBRIS : Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage | AMAZON.COM : Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage | KOBO : Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage | AMAZON.COM : It Happened Under The Mistletoe | KOBO : It Happened Under The Mistletoe

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 3.5

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Story Extras : It Happened Under the Mistletoe - Overview & Excerpt | Dashing Duchess Release: It Happened Under the Mistletoe (Giveaway!) | It Happened Under the Mistletoe is on Sale Now and FREE Christmas Presents!

Author's Series Extras : The Secret Brides Series - Overview | Secrets of a Wedding Night - Overview & Excerpt | A Secret Proposal - Overview & Excerpt | Secrets of a Runaway Bride - Overview & Excerpt | A Secret Affair - Overview & Excerpt | Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage - Overview & Excerpt | Valerie Bowman Books May News! | New Release, Signing, & a Workshop at the RWA National Conference in Atlanta! | August Workshops, Preorder Gift, and Say Yes to the Dress Update! | Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage earns a STARRED review from Publishers Weekly! | Runaway Bride is an RT Reviewers’ Choice Nominee and December News!

Story Teaser :

TEASER #1 ~ within Chapter 2

"Seems the entire house party is talking about us," he began.
She pursed her lips. "No doubt they're agog at our antics."
He nodded.
"It is what we wanted, after all," she pointed out.
"Indeed."
He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. Then he repeated both actions. Twice.
"Your grace?" ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Valerie, then please check out her website.

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My Book Review : For the full book I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars!! These were engaging holiday romances that I believe anyone who likes reading about historical books would enjoy! I definitely recommend this anthology to those who what to read about handsome and charming historical heroes who end up winning a wife during the holiday season!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books That Connect To Some Of The Above Stories Here : KOBO : Christmas Brides | ALIBRIS : Christmas Brides



Authors' Anthology Extras : Ms. Hawkins' Christmas Brides - Overview & Excerpt | Ms. Essex's Christmas Brides - Overview & Excerpt | Ms. Bowman's Christmas Brides - Overview & Excerpt | Ms. Bowman's Christmas Brides - Overview & Excerpt | September News! Maggie Finalist and the Christmas Brides are Coming!

Book Teaser(s) :

Post by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews.

Feasted On: Cinderella Sister Hood Series, Book 5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 334; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1265 KB | Expected Release Date: May 31, 2016 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | Obtained: NetGalley

"His Wicked Wish" [Cinderella Sister Hood Series, Book 5] by Olivia Drake (aka Barbara Dawson Smith)

Author's Book Description : MARRIAGE TO A NOBLEMAN? NOT IN HER WILDEST DREAMS. . .

The daughter of a disgraced woman and a common actor, Madelyn Swann has been shunned by the nobility. No proper lady would traipse about on a Covent Garden stage, let alone sell herself at auction to the highest bidder. So why in heaven’s name would Nathan Atwood, Viscount Rowley, make a generous offer for her hand?

Turns out Maddy is exactly the type of woman Nathan wants as his wife. Finally, he can embarrass his snobbish and cruel father, the Earl of Gilmore―and scandalize London society―with his beautiful, unsuitable bride. Then he’ll depart England forever and leave his wife behind. Having secret plans of her own, Maddy is happy to play the role … only to find that enjoying her husband’s seduction requires no acting whatsoever. But as she falls madly in love with Nathan, can she persuade him to stay with her for always?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! After ten years of being away Nathan (Nate) comes back home to London believing his father has passed away, only to learn the bitter truth that in actuality his older brother is dead while his father still lives, which makes Nathan the new heir. As a way of punishing his father, Nathan plans to marry the tawdriest woman he can find, and with the help of his godmother, he thinks he finds the perfect woman in Maddy (Madelyn). However, though Maddy grew up as an actress the secrets in her own past could ruin the possible future that they’ve carved out for themselves. Will all their plans come crashing down around them or will fate have other plans in store?

This dynamic novel was entertaining from the very beginning! The ways Nathan and Maddy go about trying to exact their revenge was hilarious and I was fascinated with how Maddy slowly seemed to fit perfectly into Nathan’s life and into his family. While the characters were a bit all over the place in their demeanor it was all of their eccentricities that regaled me the whole way through.

Nathan and Maddy were a unique couple, in that though they were virtual strangers, their revenge made them their most trusted allies and that in itself made their rapid relationship to be very believable. I liked their comrade and respect for one another, especially with how that grew into a loving relationship. Though I am still upset with how Nathan handled Maddy’s big revealing, I appreciated how he made his grand gesture at the end of the novel. They were a sweet charismatic couple that I enjoyed reading about!

I recommend this novel to those looking for a compelling historical romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Amazon (Kindle) USD : If the Slipper Fits (Book 1) | Amazon (Paperback) USD : If the Slipper Fits (Book 1) | Amazon (Kindle) USD : Stroke of Midnight (Book 2) | Amazon (Paperback) USD : Stroke of Midnight (Book 2) | Amazon (Kindle) USD : Abducted by a Prince (Book 3) | Amazon (Paperback) USD : Abducted by a Prince (Book 3) | Amazon (Kindle) USD : Bella and the Beast (Book 4) | Amazon (Paperback) USD : Bella and the Beast (Book 4)

Shop Your Indie/Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) USD : His Wicked Wish (Book 5)	Kobo (e-Book) USD : His Wicked Wish (Book 5)	BAM! / BooksAMillion.com (Paperback) USD : His Wicked Wish (Book 5)
eBooks.com (e-Book) USD : His Wicked Wish (Book 5)	Amazon (Kindle) USD : His Wicked Wish (Book 5)	Amazon (Paperback) USD : His Wicked Wish (Book 5)
Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) USD : His Wicked Wish (Book 5)	Barnes & Noble (Paperback) USD : His Wicked Wish (Book 5)	Amazon (Kindle) USD : Cinderella Sister Hood Series Amazon (Paperbacks) USD : Cinderella Sister Hood Series

Author's Novel Extras : His Wicked Wish (Book 5) - Overview

Author's Series Extras : ​If the Slipper Fits (Book 1) - Overview | Stroke of Midnight (Book 2) - Overview | Abducted by a Prince (Book 3) - Overview | Bella and the Beast (Book 4) - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :

Book Preview(s) :

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Olivia, then please check out her Amazon Acct.

Feasted On: The Playful Brides Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 350; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1178 KB; Audio CD - Unabridged; Audible - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: May 5, 2015 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Unlikely Lady" [The Playful Brides Series, Book 3] by Valerie Bowman

Author's Book Description : Inspired by Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing

FOR THE BACHELOR AND THE BLUESTOCKING…

Certain that no man wants a bluestocking for a wife, Miss Jane Lowndes is careful to wield her books and her spectacles as weapons against matrimony. Convincing her ambitious mama that she’s content to stay a spinster is easier said than done, however. It’s a good thing Jane is not above a bit of manufactured scandal if it will keep her from the altar, and the argumentative, contrary Lord Garrett Upton…

ROMANCE IS NEVER BY THE BOOK

With the war over, Garrett is determined to enjoy his bachelor’s life while he can, even when it means attending a house party in celebration of a friend’s wedding—and suffering Jane’s notorious disdain. But when a masquerade ball leads to a mistaken kiss, he’s surprised to learn that Jane’s bookish exterior hides a truly passionate soul. When two such headstrong people are determined to remain unattached, can love lead to a happy ending?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! Ever since Jane was old enough to understand what she had for assets, she strived to become a bluestocking spinster, much to her mother’s dismay. So, at the age of twenty-six, she schemes up an idea for her to attend one of her best friend’s wedding festivities with a pretend chaperone as a way to get some independence and space from her mother’s social call exploits. However, not long after she arrives for the wedding celebration her friends and she agree that what would top off her independence would be a scandal. Yet, once everything is in place it all begins to unravel and the controlled scandal she hoped for turns into something she never dreamed or even hoped for, will it be what she really needs though in the end?

Even though this novel talks about Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing" (meaning the main plots are probably slightly similar) this novel reminded me more of "Beauty and the Beast" because I can totally see Jane as Belle (especially with her love for libraries), Garrett (Upton) as the Beast, and Isabelle (Mrs. Langford) as the complete set of angry/crazy towns people. *hahaa* With so many twists it kept my eyes glued to the pages, I was pleasantly surprised with this novel. In truth, while I was intrigued by the book’s description, I was nervous as to where the plot would lead (like have drawn out slow points or have the hero make a blunder that not even I could forgive) but this novel did nothing to make me not love it as much as I did! This was the first novel I read from this series and I can already say I want to read more about this quirky crew! To top it off Garrett & Jane were unknowingly soul mates. I mean with so many similarities it’s hard not to believe they were just meant to be and their blunders as they came to realize that was very entertaining.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those looking for a dynamically written sweet comedic historical romance that has a few sexual moments at the end.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : The Unexpected Duchess (Book 1) | IndieBound (MP3 CD) : The Unexpected Duchess (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Accidental Countess (Book 2) | IndieBound (MP3 CD) : The Accidental Countess (Book 2) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Irresistible Rogue (Book 4) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Untamed Earl (Book 5) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Unexpected Duchess (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Accidental Countess (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Irresistible Rogue (Book 4) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Unforgettable Hero (Book 4.5) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Untamed Earl (Book 5) | Amazon (Kindle) : The Unexpected Duchess (Book 1) | Amazon (Kindle) : The Accidental Countess (Book 2) | Amazon (Kindle) : The Irresistible Rogue (Book 4) | Amazon (Kindle) : The Unforgettable Hero (Book 4.5) | Amazon (Kindle) : The Untamed Earl (Book 5) | Amazon (Paperback) : The Legendary Lord (Book 6)

IndieBound (Paperback) : The Unlikely Lady (Book 3)	IndieBound (MP3 CD) : The Unlikely Lady (Book 3)	Kobo (e-Book) : The Unlikely Lady (Book 3)
		Amazon (Paperback) : The Playful Brides Series

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : It Happened Under the Mistletoe | Christmas Brides

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014 | Teaser Tuesday: Christmas Brides

Author's Novel Extras : April News: The Unlikely Lady is Getting Terrific Reviews! | May News: Hip, Hip, Hooray! The Unlikely Lady is Here! | June News: The Unlikely Lady and New York City!

Posted by Valerie Bowman Author on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Author's Series Extras : July News: The Unexpected Duchess is a NERFA nominee! | December News: Two Christmas novellas and Delilah news! | January News: Coming Soon!

Did you know that the first Playful Brides novella comes out February 2nd?
Posted by Valerie Bowman Author on Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Book Teaser(s) :

THE UNLIKELY LADY by Valerie Bowman -- Read my #bookreview here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Tuesday, January 19, 2016

"Don't walk away from me, Lady Blue." ~ within Chapter 23

"I hope you're proud of yourself, Upton," she finally managed. "You've done the impossible. You've rendered me speechless. What do you think of that?" ~ within Chapter 24

Teacakes and a giant library? She might just stay in here indefinitely and devil take Upton if he tried to forcibly remove her. ~ within Chapter 29

Book Preview :
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Valerie, then please check out her Amazon Acct.

Made the Grade: The Mistletoe Effect by Melissa Cutler

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1953 | Expected Release Date: October 7, 2014 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Mistletoe Effect" by Melissa Cutler

Author's Book Description : A cowboy and an heiress find themselves a pretend marriage—and a very real passion—in THE MISTLETOE EFFECT, a delightfully sexy Christmas e-novella from Melissa Cutler.

It’ll be a Christmas to remember when hotel heiress Carina Briscoe falls for cowboy James Decker, the bad boy stable manager of her family’s Texas resort, after they’re roped into pretending marriage. The marriage might be a sham but the sparks between them are anything but. Still, with a little help from the heroine’s interfering family, they might end up with the greatest Christmas gift of all: true love.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! After lusting after each other from afar over the past few years, Decker & Carina finally get a chance to see what a relationship between them would be like ... if only it didn't start out with them having to pretend. Will they be able to over come the lies that Carina's family forces them to agree too or will they decide to part ways once everything is said and done?

This was a sweetly humorous romance that has slight erotic tendencies. I really liked how Decker encourages Carina to step up and become the woman she's meant to be (in more ways then one). It was nice seeing these two get together, especially since they already care about each other at the beginning so it was nice to see that "care" grow into something more over the course of this novel. In addition, once you include Carina's quirky family and her friends it'll keep the reader guessing the whole way through!

The only thing I had a hard time with was how it seemed to drag a bit in the middle. Yet otherwise, I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone looking for a comedic contemporary holiday erotic romance!

-- On a side note --
I loved Carina's holiday undies ideas, especially when she wears them as a rebellion against the Christmas theme. Also, I can totally see this novel being turned into a series. I mean it just has all the makings for a series, I'd be interested to see where Ms. Cutler could take it and these characters!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : The Mistletoe Effect - Overview | The Mistletoe Effect - Chapter One


Book Teaser(s) :

Carina whirled on Decker. "If you'd thrown Wendell a bachelor party with strippers, this never would have happened."
Her face was instantly hot. What a ridiculous thing to say. It was amazing how easy it was to get sucked into her parents' vortex and let her concern for the business overshadow her concern for Haylie's well-being, but screwed-up priorities were her parents' gig, not hers. Haylie was better off without marrying Wendell, even if it cost the Briscoes' business hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue and irreversibly changed the course of the resort's growth.
Decker seemed unfazed. Crossing his arms over his chest, he rocked on his boot heels and arched a brow. "This must be one of those damned if I do, damned if I don't arguments you women are so fond of." ~ within Chapter 1

Post by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews.

"Nice apron, too."
"Yeah? You should probably know I'm not naked under this thing."
Bummer. But before she could voice her disappointment, he spun, showing off his butt in the pair of Halloween-themed cotton boxers she'd sewn for him. The sight made her laugh, it was such a nice surprise. ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Melissa, then please check out her website.

Idolizing In: Temptation in Shadows by Gena Showalter

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 825 KB | Expected Release Date: June 17, 2014 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | Obtained: NetGalley

"Temptation in Shadows" by Gena Showalter

Author's Book Description : Tall, lean and muscular -- and definitely rough around the edges -- Sean Walker is not your typical nightclub bodyguard. He controls shadows, able to wield darkness at will. When a beautiful woman with the ability to download computer files straight into her brain is threatened, he'll do everything in his power to protect her...and seduce her...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! What started out as a mission quickly turns into something a whole lot more! Sean & Gabrielle (Gabby) have an instant connection that was easy to fall for, this novella has it all. A thrilling paranormal romance that will sweep you off your feet just like Sean swept up Gabby. In addition, it was fun jumping into their world of powers and agencies. I hope this is a part of a series or will be soon as there are a few small cliffhangers that I'm curious to see the results too.

I recommend it to anyone who is fans of Ms. Showalter and/or like paranormal romances!

Purchase This Book, The Other Books From It's Series, and/or Connected Books Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Pleasure Slave | Catch A Mate | Playing With Fire | The Nymph King | Heart of Darkness : The Darkest Angel | The Stone Prince | Twice as Hot | Unraveled | Lord of the Vampires

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Spreading the Word: The Bodyguard | July 2010 - Contest Winner! | Contest Craze: Mini Challenge - Zombie Survival | Blog Tour - Tall, Dark, and Divine by Jenna Bennett | Interview & Giveaway | Teaser Tuesdays: Twice as Hot

Author's Novel Extras : Temptation in Shadows - Overview | Temptation in Shadows ebook | Happy book birthday TEMPTATION IN SHADOWS!

Book Teaser(s) :

"So what's his ability?"
"Charm."
She snorted. She was dumb, yes, but not completely brain-dead. "You don't want to tell me the truth about your friend, fine."
Sean merely smiled.
Frustrating man. ~ within Chapter 5

Post by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews.

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Gena, then please check out her website.

Made the Grade: Faeriewalker Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 407 KB | Release Date: June 2010 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press

"Glimmerglass" [Faeriewalker Series, Book 1] by Jenna Black

My Book Summary : Dana grew up knowing that she was different. Different in a way that made her pack up and leave every time she seemed to be fitting into her new home/school. Basically her mother was scared that Dana's father would find out about her and find a way to steal her from where they were and take her back to his home in Avalon (a location in the United Kingdom that has the ability for humans and fairies to co-exist).

You see, Dana's mother grew up in Avalon even though she is a human but around the time she got pregnant she had a relationship with a fairy, so Dana is half-human and half-fairy. But for all of Dana's curiosity about her father she has mixed views about him from her mother. As when her mother is sober (or relatively so) she tells Dana about what a scary and mean man he is, and when her mother is drunk she tells Dana about how nice he is or was to her. However, for as long as Dana can remember her mother is usually on the drunk side of things, meaning she has to take care of things and she's more of the adult between the two of them. So, after putting up with her mother for so long she has decided that she should contact her father, let him know she exists, and hope that he will take care of her so she can be as much of a "kid" as she can now that she's sixteen yrs old.

However, as soon as she shows up in Avalon things have been going from bad to worse. To top off everything she finds out that she is a Faeriewalker, a rare person who has the ability of traveling between two worlds, and because of this ability there are a lot of people who are out to get her .... either to kill her or to find a way so she can be controlled by them.

Will her life ever be "normal" again?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, it was not what I was expecting. However, the story did pull me in and there were plenty of twists and turns along the way!! I hope that things turn into something more between Dana and her fighting instructor, since as they say opposites attract! =0) But I'm more curious then anything to see if she can find out the new qualities she has in being a Faeriewalker and how she'll be able to weld them.

Book Teaser(s) :

He actually flinched, and I almost felt bad about it. Almost.
"Understood," he said. "But I presume you'll accept my help getting out of here even so."
"And go where?"
"Wherever you want."
I chewed that one over for a bit. I sure as hell didn't want to go back to that nasty little room in the tunnels, but I didn't want to find myself stuck with Aunt Grace, either. Not until I'd had time to consider my options, at least. I had no money or ID, so I still needed help, even though at this point I'd have preferred not to have to depend on anyone. ~ within Chapter 13

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jenna, then please check out her website.

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