Sunday, September 7, 2014

Feasted On: The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 352; Kindle Edition - File Size: ?? | Expected Release Date: October 7, 2014 | Publisher: Kensington : Zebra Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Huckleberry Christmas" [The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series, Book 3] by Jennifer Beckstrand

Author's Book Description : Young widow Beth Hostetler has come to Huckleberry Hill to start afresh and make her own way without the interference of her late husband’s family. In addition to a feisty toddler, Beth has dresses to sew, cows to milk, and great-grandparents to care for. She doesn’t have the time or the inclination to entertain thoughts of a husband, even if every widower and bachelor in Wisconsin seeks her hand. Her first marriage to a harsh, demanding man was hard enough. She is perfectly happy being alone, not answering to anyone but God. Tyler Yoder is no different than the rest. With his infuriating sense of duty, he sees Beth as a woman in need of rescuing. His offer of marriage doesn’t tempt her in the least, but his handsome face and kind heart just might. Will this be the Christmas that she finally finds love?

After having been burned by love once, Tyler Yoder has given up on the whole idea of romance. He simply wants a godly wife with whom he can share companionship and the load of daily living. Beth Hostetler comes along at just the right time. She’s a hard worker, an excellent mother, and a beauty, to boot. And, with a son to raise, she needs a man’s protection. But when Beth spurns Tyler’s marriage proposal and offers to help him find a proper Amish wife, Tyler realizes where his affections really lie. Will he be able to convince Beth that love is at the heart of his persistence? And will she accept his heart for Christmas?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, two Amish grandparents are up to more matrimony scheming by trying to bring together their granddaughter Beth--a widow with a toddler son who plans to never remarry--and Tyler. This charming romance deals with serious issues yet is still lighthearted throughout with Anna and Felty Helmuth's anecdotes and Beth's humor.

For it being the first novel in this series that I've read, it kept me updated and involved without feeling lost, which was helpful. In addition to liking the plot, Beth & Tyler's unique romance was a delight to read about!! Together they were a fun couple that kept each other on their toes while building a sweet relationship between them. It was also entertaining to read about Toby (Beth's son) with his new words, mannerisms, and cute "rebellious" ways.

Plus, I loved Anna and Felty's buildup for "Huckleberry Spring," I can't wait to see what Anna will talk Felty into doing for that novel. *hahaa*

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who enjoys Amish/Christian romances!

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

Author's Series Extras : Huckleberry Hill Reviews | Huckleberry Summer Reviews | My near-death experience, or Does anyone have a good meatball recipe? | My trip to Wisconsin Amish Country! | Huckleberry Hill and a few of my favorite things | Amish Authors Break Their Silence | Teenage boys and raisin pie | Ask an Amish author about books and such... | Recipes and Hilarious Food Disasters | Writing process blog tour

Book Teaser(s) :
"I'm not a homeless puppy."
Puzzlement flooded his expression. "I never said you were."
"You want to help everybody because you are a naturally nice person, but I refuse to be one of your projects. I don't need rescuing. Like a puppy."
"I'm not fond of dogs."
"I'm not helpless. You don't have to bring bratwurst to make me feel better."
"I thought Felty might like it."
"We all liked it. You're so thoughtful."
He scratched his head. "You're not upset about Amos?"
"Nae."
His lips twitched. "You are annoyed because I'm nice to you?"
Beth rolled her eyes. "Well, when you put it that way, I sound like a crazy woman."
Tyler chuckled softly. "Jah, you do."
She growled and smacked him on the shoulder with what was left of her sunflower.
He laughed louder. ~ within Chapter 9
"She's here," Mamm said. "Time to put my plan into action."
"Don't even think about it, Mamm."
She pulled a pen from the drawer. "Don't worry. Beth won't suspect a thing." She scribbled on her palm. "Will she think I'm odd if I want to shake hands?" She opened her hand.
Tyler is a good catch, she had written.
Tyler chuckled. "You are odd, Mamm. No escaping that." ~ within Chapter 17

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

Disappointmentville: Texas Rodeo Barons Series, Book 5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: 362 KB | Expected Release Date: October 7, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : American Romance | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Texan's Surprise Son" [Texas Rodeo Barons Series, Book 5] by Cathy McDavid

Author's Book Description : Taken By Surprise

Jacob Baron is shocked to discover he's a father. But he's determined to do right by his son, despite the lack of strong role models in his own life. Jacob's a bull rider, and there's no halfway with him. He'll be the kind of dad his son needs...even if Cody's attractive aunt, Mariana Snow, seems to question his daddy skills at every turn.

Jacob cooks, cleans and has a nice touch with a two-year-old. He also has broad shoulders, gorgeous eyes and a mouth that can only be described as sexy. But Mariana's own part-time, no-good father was a rodeo star. She knows their charms can't be trusted. She's hanging around for Cody's sake, that's all. At least, that's what she keeps telling herself....

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, a cowboy from a big family--who never thought he really fit in--gets the promotion of his dreams if only he can earn the championship title at the National Finals Rodeo, but months before the Finals his world gets thrown for a loop by a mesmerizing woman who informs him that her nephew is his son...

I really liked the storyline/plot for this novel. Because I feel the same way (though not for the same reasons), I liked that Mariana searched out Jacob to let him know about Cody, and I liked how the three of them built a relationship with each other. All together, they make a cute family.

Nevertheless, even though I liked the plot, it was hard to like Mariana and her mother at times. I understand that because of their past experiences it hard for them to trust men but the accusations they both gave and the level of trust Mariana wouldn't give was hard to read through at times.

However, even though this was the first novel I read from this series, it did make me interested in reading about the rest of the Baron clan. I'm also now interested to see where this series will go next.

Therefore, I do recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes contemporary romances about cowboys, and to those who are willing to keep an open mind by not letting Mariana's nuances annoy you as they did me.

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

Authors' Series Extras : New Kid On The Block | The Allure of Cowboy Stories | Writing from the Heart


Book Teaser(s) :
Before she quite realized what was happening, Jacob gave her cheek a peck. "For luck."
Her whole face instantly warmed. After that, he and Daniel sauntered off as if their entire worlds hadn't just tilted on their axis. Mariana's certainly had.
She watched Jacob's form grow smaller until he disappeared behind a metal building, the warmth spread until it reached all the way to her fingertips and toes.
"Cody, your aunt Mariana might be in a bit of trouble."
"Bye-bye."
"Yeah, bye-bye good sense." ~ within Chapter 6
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Cathy, then please check out her website.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Idolizing In: Lone Pine Pride Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 678 KB | Expected Release Date: September 30, 2014 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley

"Taming the Lion" [Lone Pine Pride Series, Book 2] by Vivi Andrews

Author's Book Description : When she's in heat, there's no cooling down...

Wilderness guide and cougar-shifter Patricia “Patch” Fontaine has known the dangers of lone-shifter life since she was ten, when her parents mysteriously vanished. All grown up now, she thrives on her hard-won independence.

When rumors of a new rash of shifter abductions crop up, she’s forced to come home to the Lone Pine Pride for protection—right as the man she’s always secretly wanted is about to marry her best friend. And right as she’s going into heat.

Roman Jaeger values his role as Alpha heir apparent, but he isn’t thrilled about his arranged marriage to the Alpha’s daughter—especially when his bride is just as nonplussed as he is—but he’ll do his duty for the pride. Seeing Patch again challenges his noblest intentions. The wildness in her sets him on fire, and he can’t resist the chance for one last fling.

Both know a future together is impossible. But when chemistry and sowing wild oats grows into a need deeper than lust, their bond could threaten the very heart of the pride they both love.

Warning: This book contains a strong sexy Alpha-to-be, an independent cougar-shifter who knows her way around a lion’s heart, secret affairs, arranged marriages, politics, passion, and a pride full of lions and tigers and bears. Oh my.

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! This novel reminded me of Ms. Andrews' Serengeti Shifters Series because of it's intensity and romantic swagger, which is why I think I liked it so much!

Even though I haven't read book 1 of this series, from what I have come up with this novel takes place during the same time period as it does. I really liked the development of Patricia (Patch) and Roman's relationship. Together they are a fiery duo; from their passion for each other to their love for their pride, they take the readers on a wild ride!

I can't wait to see where this series will go next!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who are fans of Ms. Andrews' (like me) and/or like paranormal erotic romances!

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Serengeti Heat | Serengeti Lightning

Author's Novel Extras : Taming the Lion - Overview & Excerpt | Tame Those Biceps

Author's Series Extras : Jaguar's Kiss - Overview & Excerpt | Get Your Shifter On! | Shiny gorgeous gushy happiness of the Shifter Variety | Jaguar's Kiss Release Day!

Book Teaser(s) :

A smart woman would pacify the half-rabid beast barely holding it together. A smart woman would soothe him, calm him with the reminder that she wasn’t in danger, that she was, in fact, heading back to her car and leaving the attack to the professionals.
But Patch had already established she was an idiot. ~ within Chapter 31
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Vivi, then please check out her website.
This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/