Monday, March 7, 2016

Made the Grade: The Man of the Month Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition - File Size: 3787 KB | Expected Release Date: April 7, 2015 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | Obtained: NetGalley

"Burning for You" [The Man of the Month Series, Book 2] by Michele Dunaway

Author's Book Description : Mark your calendar: The Man of the Month series is back--with a sexy new hero who will definitely heat things up...

The Man of the Month The last thing Taylor Krebs wants is a man. Her crazy, possessive ex-boyfriend has caused her enough drama to last a lifetime. Putting drama and men behind her she focuses on her fledgling photography business. That is, until gorgeous fireman Joe Marino--otherwise known as Mr. September on the Sexy Public Servants Charity Calendar--walks into her life. Joe wants Taylor to photograph burn victims pro bono for a book he's spearheading for the Burn Recovery Support Group...and he'll do everything in his power to persuade her to take on his cause.

Taylor soon finds out that she isn't immune to Joe's persuasive charms--both professionally and personally--and soon they are burning up the sheets. But will Joe's secrets and Taylor's need for quiet stability tear them apart? Or will this Man of the Month also end up being Taylor's love for all days?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, while at the photoshoot for a hunky heroes calendar that will bring money in for charity, Taylor meets Joe (Mr. September and a confidently viral firefighter who's holding a deep secret from his past). At first, she finds Joe very cocky but as they quickly get to know one another Taylor realizes that he is keeping a deep secret that he may never open up about. Yet after Taylor's own past relationship issues will she be willing to help Joe move past his own or will everything they've worked for fall apart? Thankfully friends and family plan on keeping them together no matter what...

I LOVED the setup of this novel, it was intense and endearing with a little of Joe's "Marino Charm" thrown in to keep you laughing. I truly enjoyed the places and depth that this novel took its readers. So, sweet and heartwarming! I just wanted to keep reading about these too! Together I found both Joe and Taylor to be two stubborn fools, but so alike that I did not want to see them apart from one another either. Plus, it helped that I'm an amateur photography geek so I was very intrigued by all of the photo scenes. =0)

Nevertheless, I was NOT happy with this novel's buildup to the ending. While I understand that all romance novels need some kind of wrench to be thrown into the main couple's relationship, the one that happens between Joe and Taylor wasn't one that I enjoyed. Taylor didn't make a mistake she made an omission because she didn't want to fight about it until afterwards and while I get that Joe did need to move on and I liked the way the argument was handled afterwards seeing the way Taylor justified it all beforehand annoyed the crud out of me. Even though I mean all of that, the last chapter was cute.

Overall, I DO like this novel and recommend it to those who are fans of Ms. Dunaway and/or wanting a meaningfully hot contemporary romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : eBooks.com (eBook) : A Little Christmas Jingle (Book 1) | eBooks.com (eBook) : Fan the Flames (Book 3) | Amazon (Kindle) : A Little Christmas Jingle (Book 1) | Amazon (Kindle) : Fan the Flames (Book 3) | Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) : A Little Christmas Jingle (Book 1) | Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) : Fan the Flames (Book 3)

Burning for You
eBooks.com (eBook) : Burning for You (Book 2)

Amazon (Kindle) : Burning for You (Book 2)
Burning for You
Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) : Burning for You (Book 2)

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

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesday: A Little Christmas Jingle | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015

Book Teaser(s) :
"So your perfect plan went to hell."
She laughed. "As it so often does. Case in point, I'm here with you." ~ within Chapter 3

BURNING FOR YOU by Michele Dunaway -- Read my #bookreview here:...

Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Monday, March 7, 2016

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

Saturday, March 5, 2016

What was I thinking?: The Prairie State Friends Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 320; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1632 KB; Audible - Unabridged; Audio CD - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: August 1, 2015 | Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. : Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Gift" [The Prairie State Friends Series, Book 2] by Wanda E. Brunstetter

What was I thinking? : As stated above I received this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. When I first saw the novel I was intrigued by its cover and book description, therefore I felt confident that I would enjoy this novel as I have with other Amish romances. Sad to say I was wrong... yet while I didn't love this novel my goal is to always promote the book that I've read, if you don't like my review make sure to check out the extras posted to promote the novel underneath it. So, here we go...

Author's Book Description : Publisher’s Weekly, CBA and ECPA Bestseller

Follow the heart-wrenching story of Adam Beachy, whose mother walked out on him and his family—and away from the Amish faith. Now he balks at the idea of ever marrying and having a family of his own. But when tragedy strikes, Adam is suddenly a father figure to his three nieces and finds himself needing a wife. Despite their differences over her practice of reflexology, Leah Mast seems the best option to fill that role. Can they make it work in a modern-day marriage of convenience?

My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars. A continuation from Ms. Brunstetter's "The Decision," focuses around Leah and Adam. Leah practices reflexology, which she learned from her grandmother and considers it a gift she can give to others. Adam is a confirmed bachelor, with plans to stay that way, and owns the local hardware store. Neither really like each other because of their view on reflexology. However, when a freak accident leaves Adam's three nieces in his care both Leah and Adam's lives will be forever changed ... but will those changes be for all the better?

Okay while I didn't love this novel, I have to get these facts straight...
  • FIRST -- This is the first time I've read a book by Ms. Brunstetter.
  • SECOND -- I have read Amish romance novels before and really liked them.
  • THIRD -- When choosing this novel to read/review I was hoping the novel would be a little like Patricia Davids' "Katie's Redemption" as the "heroes" from both novels have slightly similar backstories.

While I'll admit that Adam's childhood is deeply sad it has turned him into a harsh man who doesn't know how to deal with social interactions well. In addition, he seemed like a dense and uncaring character that it was hard to believe him when he tried to act sincere. Nevertheless, as this novel progressed and who Adam's mother was became revealed (which I had already guessed prior to it coming out) you find out that some of Adam's attitude/behavior might be inherited from his parents as his mother seems dense too I mean just read this quote from her...
What if she located the place where the wedding was being held and found out that she wasn't welcome? ~ Adam's Mother
Basically, Adam's mother's plan was to show up uninvited to his wedding, which knowing their tremulous relationship wasn't a good idea. Between Adam and his mother, I felt like giving up on this novel more than once.

What made me stick with this novel was Leah, her family, and her friends. Leah is sweet, kindhearted, and a good woman. I would have loved having her as a friend and learning a bit about her reflexology was cool too. In addition, I was very sad to hear that one of Leah's friends pass away as I had come too really like her in this novel.

As this was the first novel from this series that I've read, I will say that some of the multiple subplots threw me for a loop. The scenes from Elaine and Priscilla's POVs seemed a bit strained, while the POV's from Adam and his mother made me want to pull my hair out half the time, whereas the scenes from Leah's POV mostly made me happy.

Overall, if you are not a fan of Ms. Brunstetter's before looking into this novel (like me) than I DO NOT recommend it.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) : The Decision (Book 1) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Hardcover) : The Decision (Book 1) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Compact Disc) : The Decision (Book 1) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) : The Restoration (Book 3) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Hardcover, Large Print) : The Restoration (Book 3) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Compact Disc) : The Restoration (Book 3) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - MP3 CD) : The Restoration (Book 3) | Amazon (Kindle) : The Decision (Book 1) | Amazon (Kindle) : The Restoration (Book 3) | Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) : The Decision (Book 1) | Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) : The Restoration (Book 3)


Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) : The Gift (Book 2)

Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Hardcover, Large Print) : The Gift (Book 2)

Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Compact Disc) : The Gift (Book 2)

Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - MP3 CD) : The Gift (Book 2)

Amazon (Kindle) : The Gift (Book 2)

Amazon (Paperback) : The Gift (Book 2)

Amazon (Audible) : The Gift (Book 2)

Amazon (Audio CD) : The Gift (Book 2)
The Gift
Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) : The Gift (Book 2)
The Gift
Barnes & Noble (Paperback) : The Gift (Book 2)
The Gift
Barnes & Noble (Audiobook - CD) : The Gift (Book 2)

Amazon (Kindle) : The Prairie State Friends Series
Amazon (Paperbacks) : The Prairie State Friends Series

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: The Gift


Author's Novel Extras :

Author's Series Extras : The Prairie State Friends Series - Overview

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
He might be the most attractive single Amish man in Arthur, but as far as she was concerned, he had the personality of a donkey. ~ within Chapter 1
Leah suppressed a giggle. "I seem to be falling a lot lately whenever Adam's around."
"What do you mean?"
"I saw him at Rockome Garden Foods the other day and managed to slip in honey that got on the floor when he dropped a jar of the stuff."
"Oh no! Maybe it's a sign that you're meant to stick together." Priscilla snickered. ~ within Chapter 8

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

Second Sentence Saturday: The Gift


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 or previously read
  • 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 :

"The Gift" [Prairie State Friends Series, Book 2] by Wanda E. Brunstetter

The muscles in her calves felt as if they could give out at any moment, but she ignored the pain, concentrating on just getting home.



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!

Friday, March 4, 2016

Blog Tour - You Were Here by Cori McCarthy | Spreading the Word & ARC Giveaway

Today I'm showing off Cori McCarthy's "You Were Here," which is her recently released novel. [Blog Tour & Giveaway will run from March 1 - 31, 2016]



"You Were Here"
by Cori McCarthy

Author's Book Description :
    Cori McCarthy delivers an emotionally taut page-turner from multiple points of view–combined with stunning visual storytelling.

    Jaycee is about to accomplish what her older brother Jake couldn’t: live past graduation.


    Jaycee is dealing with her brother’s death the only way she can–by re-creating Jake’s daredevil stunts. The ones that got him killed. She’s not crazy, okay? She just doesn’t have a whole lot of respect for staying alive.

    Jaycee doesn’t expect to have help on her insane quest to remember Jake. But she’s joined by a group of unlikely friends – all with their own reasons for completing the dares and their own brand of dysfunction: the uptight, ex-best friend, the heartbroken poet, the slacker with Peter Pan syndrome, and… Mik. He doesn’t talk, but somehow still challenges Jayce to do the unthinkable-reveal the parts of herself that she buried with her brother.

    Cori McCarthy’s gripping narrative defies expectation, moving seamlessly from prose to graphic novel panels and word art poetry, perfect for fans of E. Lockhart, Jennifer Niven, and Jandy Nelson. From the petrifying ruins of an insane asylum to the skeletal remains of the world’s largest amusement park, "You Were Here" takes you on an unforgettable journey of friendship, heartbreak and inevitable change.

Praise for "You Were Here" :
  • “The mix of forms as well as the insights each character gleans through their urban explorations render this book both readable and teachable on multiple levels.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, STARRED Review
  • “Readers who appreciate stories of searching for personal truths will be happy to join this meaningful quest for identity and independence.” – Booklist
  • “"You Were Here" is wrenchingly beautiful in its honest and achingly accurate portrayal of grief and how it breaks us--and the way unconditional friendship puts us back together.” – Jo Knowles, award-winning author of See You At Harry’s and Read Between the Lines
  • “Through razor-sharp wit, no-holds-barred momentum, and heart-wrenching twists, Cori McCarthy dares you to climb through the broken, abandoned wreckage of the past, stand on the edge of the world, and face something even scarier: the truth.” – K. A. Barson, author of 45 Pounds (More or Less) and Charlotte Cuts it Out
  • “The urban explorers of "You Were Here" dive deep into the forgotten man-made spaces all around them--and their own feelings of loss, love, and fear. McCarthy deftly intertwines the characters' stories, filling them with authentic pain and heartache as well as soaring moments of grace and humor. I dare you to read it!” – Maggie Lehrman, author of The Cost of All Things

This book is available to order on :

Amazon (US - e-Book) | Amazon (US - Hardcover) | Shop Indie Bookstores (US - Hardcover)

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






About the Author :

Cori McCarthy studied poetry and screenwriting before falling in love with writing for teens at Vermont College of Fine Arts. From a military family, Cori was born on Guam and lived a little bit of everywhere before she landed in Michigan. Learn more about her books at CoriMcCarthy.com

















Book Excerpts :

“What do I see?” I asked, turning back to the halo effect created by Margaret’s splayed hair. “It was a game. She died because she was playing a game.”

“Just like Jake,” Natalie said.

“Right,” I quipped, trying to mask not only my annoyance at Natalie’s psychoanalyst tone but also a flare of grief. My chest grew tight. Why wouldn’t it go away? Why did all this still buckle me to the ground? Tears burned my eyes, and I took my hair out of my ponytail. This never happened when I came here with Mik. Mik didn’t talk or prod. Mik let me be while we walked around Jake’s old haunt, wondering if he was actually haunting it.

“My dad said that OU will raze the TB ward.” Bishop pointed out the window toward the building on the very top of the hill, by far the spookiest and most unkempt in The Ridges compound. “It’s the only fully abandoned building.”

“Raze?” I asked, suddenly angry. “When?”

“End of the summer, I think. My dad said it was going to cost a ton but that leaving the old building there while it was falling in is just asking for lawsuits.”

“Jake loved the TB ward,” I said. “They haven’t stripped it down like this building.”

“TB?” Zach asked.

“Tuberculosis,” Natalie said.

Bishop squinted at his friend. “TB has been one of the leading terminal diseases in society since the dawn of civilization, Zach.”

“But it doesn’t exist anymore,” Zach said. “Like leprosy.”

“It totally exists,” Natalie said. “And so does leprosy. Where do you learn these things?”

“TB is still the leading cause of death for all people with HIV,” Bishop said. “But don’t worry, Zach. You won’t get it.”

I was surprised to find Zach looking at me. “What kind of things are in there?”

I shrugged. “I’ve never been, but I know it’s more dangerous. All the windows and doors are boarded up to keep drunk undergrads out.”

“So there’s no way in?” Bishop asked.

I shook my head. “Didn’t say that. Every building in The Ridges compound is connected by basement tunnels. If we get into the basement, we can get into any building.”

We all shuffled to our feet and stood around the last portrait of Margaret Schilling.

“I’m in,” Bishop said, and I nodded. Bishop was cool; we’d been partners for two semesters straight in woodshop. He said odd, grandiose things sometimes, but I liked him for it. Plus there was a pretty good chance that Mik would show himself with only Bishop around.

“I’ll take you two to the exit,” I told Natalie and Zach.

“Well, hey,” Zach said. “What if I want to come?”

Natalie looked at him, stunned. “You want to go? What about Kolenski’s three kegs?”

“Kolenski gets kegs every couple of weeks.” Zach shoved his hands in his pockets. He had sobered up since they’d entered The Ridges, and now he just looked worn down. Even his hair had flattened. I’d written him off years ago, but the way he’d helped me find Jake’s footprint and waylaid Natalie…maybe he wasn’t such a garden-variety “dude.”

“Who else can say that they did this the night after graduation?” he added with a shrug.

“So Natalie’s the loose end?” I said. “Big surprise.”

“Wait a second. It was my idea to follow you in the first place. And I…I want to see it.”

“Really?” Zach asked her. “Even if it’s dangerous?”

“I’m going to minor in history. It’ll be like walking around inside of history.”

I knew Natalie well enough to know that she was deluding herself, but when I opened my mouth to point it out, I saw something instead. Bishop did too.

“Apple.” He pointed to the ground. “Guys. There’s an apple.”

A shiny, green Granny Smith apple sat in the doorway. I picked it up.

“Where the hell did that come from?” Zach asked, fear trilling his voice. “Is someone else here? That wasn’t there a few minutes ago, right? Right?”

They all looked up and down the hall. Nothing.

“Maybe Jake’s ghost put it there. Or Margaret’s,” I said. A thump of what could only be described as happiness resounded through my chest. It was foreign and weird, and yet welcome.

“You’re smiling,” Natalie said. “Why are you smiling? You never smile.”

I rubbed the apple on my shirt and took a huge crunching bite. Natalie looked like she was going to pass out. I winked. “This way to the basement.”




Book Preview(s) :




Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Find Cori McCarthy :

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Idolizing In: Dead in the City Series, Book 4

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 322; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1227 KB | Expected Release Date: January 5, 2016 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire" [Dead in the City Series, Book 4] by Sara Humphreys

Author's Book Description : “Sara Humphreys combines vampire and cowboy into a devastatingly sexy hero! "The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire" is a compelling, pulse-pounding, titillating adventure that grabs you from the first page, tosses you down, and steals your breath. Humphreys is a must-read in the paranormal genre!”–NYT Bestselling Author, Rebecca Zanetti

Beloved author Sara Humphreys’ acclaimed paranormal romance series continues with sweltering attraction between two vampires who have all the time in the world to satisfy their desires..

He wants eternity?
Dakota Shelton is a vampire cowboy with a penchant for cinnamon lollipops and Johnny Cash. Though highy skilled and deadly dangerous to his enemies, he’s still a Texas good ol’ boy at heart. And he has that heart set on wooing Trixie LaRoux-the most badass punk rock chick in town-the old-fashioned way.

Over her undead body…
Trixie is tough as nails and sharp as a silver stake-the last thing she wants is a man to sit on a porch and not grow old with. So it’ll take going to hell and back fighting a new threat to vampires before she admits Dakota’s courtship makes her blood hum. Turns out chivalry’s not dead after all.

Dead in the City series:
"Tall, Dark and Vampire" (Book 1)
"Vampire Trouble" (Book 2)
"Vampires Never Cry Wolf" (Book 3)
"The Good, the Bad and the Vampire" (Book 4)

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! Trixie (Trix) loves being a vampire, being one has changed her life for the better but even after thirty years without her humanity, she still struggles with leaving her daughter behind. Therefore, at least once a week, she watches over her daughter in hopes of making sure she is okay and protecting her from anything bad that might come her way. Nevertheless, Trixie isn’t prepared for the gargoyles that force themselves into her daughter’s life and she’ll do anything it takes to protect her, even if that means transforming her daughter into a vampire as well, something she never wanted to happen. With a slow drawling cowboy vampire (Dakota) to help her keep her family together and hunt down the ones who destroyed her daughter’s life everything might be okay, that is until lies from their pasts are revealed. Now both Dakota & Trixie’s futures are the line … will they be able to right old wrongs before it’s all too late?

This fast-paced suspenseful paranormal romance is one that kept me wanting to read more! Ms. Humphreys’ writes a spectacular tale full of heart and heroism. Written in a way that the reader doesn’t need to follow the series yet made you fall in love with all of the characters, you’re bound to be entertained!

I loved the odd combo of Trixie and Dakota together. With her being a punk rock chick and him being a “good ole boy” cowboy it was interesting and charming to see how put up with being bloodmates. Yet as the reader finds Trixie and Dakota were destined to be together from day one, because of their surprising shared past adventures. They were such a sweet couple. I couldn’t get enough of them, loved how they came together, and wanted to read more! In truth, they intrigued me into this series. I hope it will be continued, as I want updates on them and the other members of Trixie’s coven!

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those who are fans of Ms. Humphreys and/or to those looking for a uniquely delightful vampire paranormal romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : Tall, Dark, and Vampire (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : Vampire Trouble (Book 2) | IndieBound (Paperback) : Vampires Never Cry Wolf (Book 3) | Amazon (Kindle) : Tall, Dark, and Vampire (Book 1) | Amazon (Kindle) : Vampire Trouble (Book 2) | Amazon (Kindle) : Vampires Never Cry Wolf (Book 3)


IndieBound (Paperback) : The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire (Book 4)

Amazon (Kindle) : The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire (Book 4)

Amazon (Paperback) : The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire (Book 4)

Amazon (Kindle) : Dead in the City Series
Amazon (Paperbacks) : Dead in the City Series

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Untouched | Undenied

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013



Author's Novel Extras : The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire - Overview & Excerpt

It's #TeaserTuesday. Here's a snippet from THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE VAMPIRE. (Links in the comments)

Posted by Author Sara Humphreys on Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Author's Series Extras : Ms. Humphreys' Blog: Dead in the City Series | Tall, Dark, and Vampire - Overview & Excerpt | Vampire Trouble - Overview & Excerpt | Vampires Never Cry Wolf - Overview & Excerpt


Book Teaser(s) :
"Well, smack my ass and call me Sally."
The deep Texas drawl echoed around her, stopping Trixie dead in her tracks. A shiver of lust whispered beneath her skin as it usually did when he was nearby, but she swiftly shoved it aside.
"Okay, Sally." Trixie rolled her shoulder and fought the buzz of attraction. "But you can smack your own ass." ~ within Chapter 1

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE VAMPIRE by Author Sara Humphreys -- Read my #bookreview here:...

Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Tuesday, March 1, 2016

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