Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Blog Tour - Feasted On: Madison's Song by Christine Amsden | Review & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Christine Amsden, with a review of her novel "Madison's Song," which happens to be a spin-off from her Cassie Scot Mystery Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour & Giveaway will run on July 15, 2015]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 555 KB | Expected Release Date: June 30, 2015 | Publisher: Twilight Times Books | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Madison's Song" by Christine Amsden

Author's Book Description : Her voice is enchanting; his soul is black…

Madison Carter has been terrified of Scott Lee since the night he saved her from an evil sorcerer – then melted into a man-eating monster before her eyes. The werewolf is a slave to the moon, but Madison’s nightmares are not.

Despite her fears, when Madison’s brother, Clinton, is bitten by a werewolf, she knows there is only one man who can help. A man who frightens her all the more because even in her nightmares, he also thrills her.

Together for the first time since that terrible night, Scott and Madison drive to Clinton’s home only to discover that he’s vanished. Frantic now, Madison must overcome her fears and uncover hidden strengths if she hopes to save him. And she’s not the only one fighting inner demons. Scott’s are literal, and they have him convinced that he will never deserve the woman he loves.

*Stand-alone companion to the Cassie Scot series

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A spin-off from Ms. Amsden’s Cassie Scot Mystery Series about Cassie’s best friend Madison who deals with coming to terms with her “magic,” using her gift of song as something more than the kids she teaches, finding a way to help her brother, and finding out to deal with her feelings towards Scott, the local Alpha werewolf.

I found this novel to be intensely riveting, especially with how Madison goes through the process of being a “little mouse” of a woman to standing on her two own feet. The changes Madison goes through throughout this novel are dramatic. Yet, I liked how determined she was help her brother even if that made her “evil.” In truth, though I was sucked into all of the drama flying around later on, the beginning didn’t hook me. It wasn’t until I was able to start reading from Scott’s POV in Chapter 2 that I started to get reeled in.

From all of the buildup about how they met to the night that has held them hostage with nightmares for the past two years, it was hard not to feel that Scott and Madison were meant for one another. Even with the fact that Scott is a werewolf, and neither feel comfortable about her safety with that side of him, they are both have similar temperaments and wants that it made me want to push them together myself. After reading about their adventure, I strongly feel that this dynamic duo are a great pair.

I would be happy to read more about Scott and Madison. =0)

I recommend this novel to those looking for an adventurous paranormal romance!

Purchase This Book and/or the ones from its Connected Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : T-Minus 2 Days to Madison’s Song | Madison’s Song Ebook Release!!!!

Book Teaser(s) :
“You’re not safe with me.” He could feel himself caving, though. He wasn’t that worried about his ability to keep her safe, and he knew from experience that new wolves transitioned better if the people they had loved in their former lives didn’t reject them.
“If you were going to kill me, you’d have done it two years ago.”
“Then maybe I’m not safe with you,” Scott said. ~ within Chapter 2

MADISON'S SONG by Christine Amsden Author Page -- MY REVIEW AND BLOG TOUR POST WILL BE POSTED ON JULY 15TH 2015!! Please...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Tuesday, July 14, 2015

MADISON'S SONG by Christine Amsden Author Page -- MY REVIEW AND BLOG TOUR POST WILL BE POSTED ON JULY 15TH 2015!! Please...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Tuesday, July 14, 2015
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Christine, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and relationships, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that affects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams.

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.




Book Excerpt :

The first police car screamed into the lot, skidding to a halt so close to the front of the truck that it was a miracle it hadn't hit. They were caught. Madison glanced at Scott for instructions, but his eyes were closed and he was muttering something under his breath – casting a spell.

Two uniformed officers spilled from their car, but they didn't come towards them. Instead, they went for Mick and his dad, cutting them off before they could pile into a rusty Toyota. Then another squad car screamed into the lot, ejecting two more officers who went into the building.

“Go,” Scott murmured.

She barely heard him, but she obeyed. She put the truck in reverse, carefully backed away from the police car trying to kiss their bumper, then threw the truck into drive and peeled away. Madison kept glancing at the mirrors, even though the angles were wrong, looking behind them for the cars that would surely give chase. They didn't. The police officers acted as if they couldn't even see them.

It wasn't just the policemen who couldn't see them, as Madison discovered when she pulled into traffic. She screamed and slammed on the brakes, barely missing a collision when a car changed lines directly into their side.

“Are we invisible?” Madison asked.



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post & TWEET about this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Christine Amsden :

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Blog Tour - Sweet as Sin by J. T. Geissinger | Interview, Spreading the Word & Kindle/Novel Giveaways

Today I'm turning my blog over to J. T. Geissinger author of "Sweet as Sin," which happens to be the FIRST BOOK in her Bad Habit Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run on July 14, 2015 & the Giveaway will run from July 14 - 16, 2015]



My Q&A with J. T. Geissinger :

Jess : What inspired your new Bad Habit series? What is it about?

J. T. : I was a serious Van Halen fangirl when I was a teenager, and my best friend was a die-hard Zeppelin fan. We went to a million rock concerts together. Growing up in LA, one of the things to do on weekends was to go into Hollywood and hang out at all the famous rock clubs on Sunset strip, so I have tons of memories and experiences from that time. After I finished my paranormal Night Prowler series, I wanted to make a change to contemporary, and thought stories about a rock band would be a blast to write.

Jess : Please tell us more about members of the band?

J. T. : Nico is the passionate, extroverted lead singer. He’s the hero of the first book in the series, "Sweet As Sin." A. J. Edwards is the surly, tatted badboy drummer with a past even more screwed up than Nico’s. (If you read "Sweet As Sin," you’ll know that’s pretty bad!) Then there’s Brody Scott, aka “Scotty,” the lead guitarist, who’s a bit of a fashion plate. Ethan and Chris are the keyboardist and bassist, respectively, but I don’t know too much about them yet because they haven’t told me.

Jess : What qualities does Nico have that make him a swoonworthy hero?

J. T. : Nico is your typical alpha male, with a twist. He’s passionate and possessive, but not douchey, like so many alpha bad boys can be. He has a dirty mouth and loves to use it, but he’s very much into doing anything that will make Kat feel happy and protected. He loves to spoil her, and lets down his guard almost from the first moment they meet. He’s not one of those guys who sleeps with other girls to make Kat jealous, or acts wishy-washy about commitment. He’s all in, one hundred percent, from the get-go. He’s very intense, but he knows exactly what he wants, and will do anything to get it. And keep it.

Jess : What makes Nico and Kat perfect for each other?

J. T. : They’re two damaged souls who are straight talking, no-bullshit kind of people. All the things that have happened to them in their pasts make them both very protective of and loyal to those they love. Both of them are mature beyond their years, both are sensitive and soulful, and both are willing to risk everything for love. They’re irresistible to one another.

Jess : What’s the most romantic thing Nico does for Kat?

J. T. : Nico is a die-hard romantic, so he does a lot of over-the-top romantic things for Kat in the book. One of the most romantic is the mariachi band he flew in from Mexico to surprise Kat for her birthday. (They heard some mariachi music at a restaurant on their first date, and watched a movie together that had a mariachi song she loved, both of which he remembered.) She has a terrible story about why she hates her birthday, and Nico wanted to make her some better birthday memories. What comes along with the mariachis is a great surprise, and very Nico.

Jess : What’s your favorite scene in the book?

J. T. : There’s too many to pick just one. But I love the scene when Nico first visits Kat at her house, and she asks him why he’s into her. Here’s a snippet:

“Can I ask you a serious question?”

He nodded.

I had to gather my courage for a second before I could ask him what was on my mind.

“Why me?”

I promise I wasn’t fishing for a compliment this time. I was just confused. This man could have any woman he wanted. Literally—any one. I thought I was better than average looking, but I certainly wasn’t a stunner. Especially in a town like L.A. where beautiful women practically grew on trees. I could be funny on occasion, and I’d been told by past boyfriends I had a quirky, adorable charm.

But I wasn’t on Nico’s level. I was boxing out of my class. If he was Mike Tyson, I was the guy who emptied the spit bucket. I just needed to understand.

“Could be those freckles. First girl I ever loved had freckles. I was six.” Nico regarded me very seriously, but I sensed the humor behind his tone. “Or it could be those Cleopatra eyes. Or that killer body. You got a woman’s body, classic hourglass curves made for a man’s hands.”

I blushed again, looking down.

Nico’s voice grew quiet. “Or it could be that when you look at me, I feel like I could fuckin’ fly.”

I looked up at him. Now he was deadly serious, staring at me with something like wonder.

“I don’t have a lot of real in my life, Kat. You’re real. Knew it when you stood up to me when I got mad at Avery. Protectin’ a girl you didn’t even know, puttin’ yourself out there for someone else. And not backin’ down an inch. I liked that. Liked it too that you didn’t let me push you around or intimidate you. You’d be surprised how old that shit gets, people bowin’ and scrapin’, thinkin’ they’re gonna get somethin’ outta you if they kiss your ass just right. And then you demanded I explain what the deal was with me and Avery before you’d even consider talkin’ to me about there bein’ anything between us. Which I loved, by the way. Shows you got class. And self-respect. To top it all off, you got two girlfriends who obviously love you and have your back, which means you’re a good friend. Which means you’re trustworthy. Which means fuckin’ everything to me.”

I let it all sink in, just breathing. I wasn’t sure if I trusted myself to speak.

“So that’s why I got you the necklace. That’s what we’re gonna have: trust. It’s important to me, and it’s important to you. All this other stuff . . . ” He squeezed me into a tight embrace, nuzzled his face into my neck, and inhaled deeply. “Is just a bonus.”

“Other stuff?” I sounded like Minnie Mouse I was so breathless.

He chuckled. “The way my dick gets hard just lookin’ at you. The way you get wet when I touch you.”

Oh, God. We were back to the dirty talk. And we were in my house. Alone.

Jess : Can you give us a sneak peek at the next book in the series?

J. T. : The next book will star A. J. and Chloe, two characters that are introduced in "Sweet As Sin." A. J. is the drummer for the band, and Chloe is one of Kat’s best friends. And the two of them can’t stand each other. But A. J. has some very good reasons why he wants to keep Chloe away. Honestly their book, "Make Me Sin," is my favorite book I’ve ever written. It’s a pretty devastating read. I’ve never cried so much writing anything in my life! I can’t wait to hear what readers think of it.




"Sweet as Sin"
[Bad Habit Series, Book 1] by J. T. Geissinger

Author's Book Description :
    Inside a drop-dead sexy, hard-partying rock star lies a good heart…and a dark secret.

    Twenty-something Kat Reid is loving life as an in-demand Hollywood makeup artist. She has absolutely no interest in rock ’n’ roll, but in order to pay the mortgage, she agrees to work on the set of a rock video for the world-famous rockers known as Bad Habit…which brings her face-to-face with Nico Nyx, lead singer of Bad Habit and Adonis in the flesh.

    However, the fiercely independent Kat isn’t impressed by the hard-living, womanizing rock star. But when Nico’s model girlfriend shows up to the set drunk and Kat is tapped to replace her as the video’s sexy bride, her combustible chemistry with Nico suddenly threatens to consume the set. Nico feels it, too—and becomes determined to win Kat over, body and soul. Yet behind his rock god swagger, Nico hides a dark secret. Can he rock Kat’s world forever, or will he just break her heart?

My Book Review :
    5 out of 5 stars!! When Kat (Katherine) meets Nico during his music video shoot, she never expected her world to change in the blink of an eye. But it does. The question is does she have the courage to stay on and enjoy the ride or will "she run for the hills" too soon?

    If you’re looking for an EXTREME romantic rollercoaster read than this is the book for you!! Very well written! At times, it made me feel like I was reading Kat's diary. Overall, Kat makes you fall in love all of the characters, even herself. [READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon (e-Book) | Barnes and Noble (e-Book) | IndieBound (Paperback) | IndieBound (Audiobook/MP3 CD)

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


SWEET AS SIN by J.T. Geissinger - Author -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, May 17, 2015



About the Author :

J. T. Geissinger is an award-winning author of paranormal and contemporary romance featuring dark and twisted plots, kick-ass heroines, and alpha heroes whose hearts are even bigger than their muscles. An entrepreneur since she began hand-addressing envelopes for a local beauty pageant when she was 14, she has owned businesses as diverse as a temporary employment agency to a flower shop. It wasn't until hitting a significant birthday that she became motivated to realize her life-long dream of writing a novel.

Her debut novel, "Shadow's Edge," was a #1 Amazon domestic and international bestseller, and won the Prism award for Best First Book. Her follow-up book, "Edge of Oblivion," was a RITA© Award finalist for Best Paranormal Romance from the Romance Writers of America. Book 6 in the Night Prowler series, "Into Darkness," won the Golden Quill award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers' Best, National Readers' Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

Foodie, wine enthusiast, and nap connoisseur, she lives in California with her husband, on whom all her heroes are based.

To receive notification of new releases, contests, and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter at www.jtgeissinger.com


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Sweet as Sin

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: Sweet as Sin




Book Excerpt :

“Some good things are free,” I whispered, staring into his eyes.

“Yeah? Name one.”

I bit my lip. Heat rose in my cheeks. Nico didn’t miss it, but he didn’t comment on it, instead stroking a thumb over the flame on my skin, waiting.

I swallowed, deciding to be brave. “Love.”

His eyes flashed. The muscle in his jaw flexed. He was quiet long enough for me to want to slink away into a corner and curl into a tiny little ball. But then he closed his eyes just longer than a blink, shaking his head.

“Baby, that’s the costliest thing of all.”

After an awkward moment, I said, “Excuse me, Debbie Downer, I was wondering if you could find Nico for me?” When he just looked at me, silent and smoldering, I prompted, “You know, the grand romantic gestures guy? The gold jewelry guy? The lavender roses guy? The unremorseful stalker? Any of this ringing a bell?”

He stared deep into my eyes. The depth of emotion I saw there took my breath away. “What’s more romantic, Kat? Fallin’ in love because you don’t know any better . . . or fallin’ in love, knowin’ it’s gonna ruin you, knowin’ it’s gonna rip out your fuckin’ heart and smash you into a million little pieces, but doin’ it anyway, because you’d rather pay the price and be ripped and smashed forever then never get a taste of it at all?”

My lips parted. A funny little noise escaped my mouth. The edges of everything grew fuzzy, because of the water welling in my eyes. “I’m not going to ruin you,” I promised in a vehement whisper.

His lips curved to a sad smile. “Yeah, you are. You already have. Just the way you’re lookin’ at me right now has ruined me for any other woman.” His quicksilver eyes grew intense. “And I’m gonna make damn sure I ruin you for any other man.”

I felt the kiss he gave me all the way to my toes. It was hungry—no, it was devouring. I clung to him, feeling what little reason I had left regarding this relationship slipping away.

Because even if he was right, even if we were destined to ruin one another, I didn’t want to stop. In my heart of hearts, I didn’t care what happened in all my tomorrows, as long as I could have this, right now. His kiss and his smile and the fever that burned so brightly between us.

The fever that might just leave a smoking path of destruction in its wake.



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post & TWEET about the giveaway!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find J. T. Geissinger :

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Made the Grade: Her Stepbrothers’ Demands by Trinity Blacio

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 260 KB | Expected Release Date: June 30, 2015 | Publisher: Riverdale Avenue Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Her Stepbrothers’ Demands" by Trinity Blacio (aka Maria MoonStar)

Author's Book Description : Her Stepbrothers’ Demands by Trinity Blacio – Romance>Multiple Partners

When her mother agrees to be transformed into a werewolf to join her mate, Jasmine feels abandoned and alone, and does the only thing she can do; she tries to leave.

The fact that the man she had considered her real father’ isn’t human, but an actual werewolf, just proved that there were other beings, not human, in this world. It made her remember that her real father (who had abused her as a child), had given her to the Nightmare Man that one night (a secret she had kept hidden from all, until now).

But now that she learns that in addition to having a werewolf for a mother, she has two were-cowboy stepbrothers (who are too hot to handle), it’s almost too much to take. They were the dark cowboys of her dreams as a teenager..... Can she give in to her were-cowboy stepbrothers’ demands?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, Jasmine's (Princess) life changes dramatically when she learns that her longtime stepfather is actually a werewolf, her mother is turned into one too, and that fate has made her the mate of the stepbrothers she just recently met. With her own past coming back to hurt her, and her new pack/family, she is more scared than ever that everything will fall apart. However, her new mates plan to protect her at all costs, even from herself and her reckless choices if necessary...

This fast-paced paranormal erotica romance is one that hooks you with Jasmine's feistiness and then keeps you entertained with the possessive males who plan to claim her. I found R. D. and Logan to be hot and intense yet sweet in the way they try to take care of Jasmine. Together this triad was one that captivated me in the way they go about joining and dealing with threats against them. Their connection was fun to watch, especially how Jasmine tried to fight it most of the way. This is one triad that I wouldn't mind reading more about as there is plenty of secondary plots left as cliffhangers.

I recommend this novel to those looking for a thrilling fast-paced paranormal romance.

-- On a side note --
I wish their was a bit to read from Logan's POV since we got to read from the other two's POVs. In addition, at times it was hard to follow when the names were messed up here and there.

Purchase This Book Here : Smashwords (e-Book) : Her Stepbrothers’ Demands | Kobo (e-Book) : Her Stepbrothers’ Demands


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Virgin Witch and The Vampire King: Weddings Bells Times Four

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

HER STEPBROTHERS' DEMANDS by Trinity Blacio -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, July 12, 2015
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Trinity, then please check out her website.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Made the Grade: Diamonds in The Rough Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 192; Kindle Edition - File Size: 584 KB | Expected Release Date: July 1, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin : Desire | Obtained: NetGalley

"Pregnant by the Cowboy CEO" [Diamonds in The Rough Series, Book 3] by Catherine Mann

Author's Book Description : From one-night stand to one huge secret! Only from USA TODAY bestselling author Catherine Mann…

Jewelry designer Amie McNair would do anything for her dying grandmother, including promise to travel with the outsider chosen to run her family's business empire. Simple. All she has to do is keep her hands to herself…and find a way to let the sexy new CEO know she's pregnant with his child.

Preston Armstrong has secrets of his own. But spending a week with Amie has this tight-lipped cowboy longing to open up. Even if his past threatens their future—as a couple, and a family.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! An intensely surprising encounter between Amie (Amethyst) and Preston, the newest CEO of her family's company, leaves an instant connection between them in more ways than one. Will they be able to get over their past hurts and be able to work together or will they find their differences to extreme to overcome?

I liked reading about their instant connection and how they work into a friendly romantic relationship during the week they spend together. I also enjoyed the compelling way that the plot handles Preston's past heartache and how he deals with being a parent at this late stage of his life. Together I found Amie and Preston to be a spicy and fun pair that challenge each other into being better versions of themselves. It is all a very sweet read.

I recommend this novel to those who are fans of this series, fans of Ms. Mann, and/or like contemporary unexpected pregnancy romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : One Good Cowboy (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : Pursued by the Rich Rancher (Book 2) | IndieBound (Paperback) : Pregnant by the Cowboy CEO (Book 3) | Kobo (e-Book) : One Good Cowboy (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Pursued by the Rich Rancher (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Pregnant by the Cowboy CEO (Book 3) | Alibris (Paperback) : One Good Cowboy (Book 1) | Alibris (Paperback) : Pursued by the Rich Rancher (Book 2) | Amazon.com (Kindle Edition) : One Good Cowboy (Book 1) | Amazon.com (Kindle Edition) : Pursued by the Rich Rancher (Book 2)


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Bossman’s Baby Scandal

Author's Series Extras : One Good Cowboy - Overview & Excerpt | Pursued by the Rich Rancher - Overview & Excerpt

Check out Ms. Mann's earlier live chat about recent books from her Diamonds in The Rough Series!
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Saturday, July 11, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

PREGNANT BY THE COWBOY CEO by Catherine Mann (Author) -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Saturday, July 11, 2015

PREGNANT BY THE COWBOY CEO by Catherine Mann (Author) -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Saturday, July 11, 2015
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Catherine, then please check out her website.

Second Sentence Saturday: Color Me Crazy


SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

  • Grab the novel/novella your currently reading
  • Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
  • Share the SECOND sentence from that page
  • Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want



MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"Color Me Crazy" by Carol Pavliska

He also pretended not to notice the clouds of green and blue mist floating in the air around them.



PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!
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