Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Heart of Steel by Elizabeth Einspanier | Review & Gift Certificate Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Elizabeth Einspanier, with a review of her latest novel "Heart of Steel!!"

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 will run February 17, 2015 -- Giveaway will run from February 17 - 20, 2015]



- This is an ARC book - Expected Release Date: February 17, 2015 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Heart of Steel" by Elizabeth Einspanier

Author's Book Description : Science Fiction Romance

When amnesiac cyborg Dr. Alistair Mechanus meets the injured ER doctor Julia Parker, his plans for world conquest are set aside in favor of trying to win her heart. However, due to ten years of solitude dedicated to mad science, his initial efforts terrify her rather than charming her, driving her to try to escape his clutches. When events conspire against both of them, she is forced to trust him with her life, and discovers a vulnerable side to Mechanus beneath his armor plating–but will her efforts to help him unlock his lost memories save his soul, or shatter his mind once and for all?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Alistair (Michael) is a genius. One that time has turned into a bit of a mad scientist, who sequesters himself in his lair he built within a volcano not far from Hawaii. However, when Julia and her crazy boyfriend fall into Alistair's life, the things he thought he once knew about himself get questioned when old memories start surfacing again. Is Julia the key to his forgotten past and if so will she be willing to help him in the future??

Sort of setup like a "Beauty & the Beast" novel, this action-packed book will keep you guessing the whole way through. It was interesting watching Alistair become more human with each passing encounter with Julia. I especially liked his enthusiasm and affection that he had for his chimeras, it was sweet and made me really root for him. While I can understand Julia's hesitancy throughout this novel because of all of the trials and tribulations she had been under recently I had a hard time liking her as a character. Yet her being unsure makes the story more real and helps the plot. Even so, once the "big showdown" starts up in the middle and Julia decides to help Alistair too, I got to see a side to her that I liked. In addition, I found that with everything she does to assist Alistair she really became worthy of his devotion in my book. It would be interesting to see where these two would go next in their relationship.

I recommend this novel to those looking for a sci-fi romance and are willing to keep an open mind on certain things.

-- On a side note –
Okay I typically write my ‘side notes’ underneath my reviews but since it has a bit of a spoiler in it CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY NOTE! =0)

Author's Novel Extras : Heart of Steel - Overview | Attention Deficit Creative Disorder and How to Make it Work for You | Writing Scenes that Tear Out Your Characters’ Souls | Give Geeks a Chance: Unconventional Romance Heroes | Handling Athena Characters | To-Do List for 2015 | Writing Progress Report: Jan 12, 2015 | Heart of Steel Release Day!

Book Teaser(s) :
You never seemed concerned about your memories before. Arthur pointed out. In fact, you believed them irrelevant to your projects.
Perhaps... Mechanus conceded. But then, I didn’t start having flashbacks until she came here.
How do you plan to get her help, then? Arthur asked.
By asking, of course. Certainly she will see the benefits of providing aid to one in need—particularly if that one is her generous host.>
She’s terrified of you, sir.
Mechanus blinked, and then frowned. But I’ve given her everything she’s asked for.
Allow me to explain, sir. She is currently on a remote island, far from anyone else she knows, with no clear way home, and her boyfriend has been turned into a cyborg.
There was a long pause.
Yes? Mechanus prompted, not seeing where Arthur intended to go with this.
Arthur trilled out a digital sigh. You will need to reassure her that you are not a frightening monster.
But... if she’s afraid of me, then how—?
You could explain your feelings to her, Arthur suggested.
Mechanus sighed. That won’t work at all. I barely understand them myself. ~ within Chapter 6
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Elizabeth, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

Elizabeth Einspanier is the self-published author of the Weird Western novella "Sheep’s Clothing" and the upcoming sci-fi romance novel "Heart of Steel." Her short stories have been published in "Down in the Dirt" and "Dark Fire Fiction." She is a member of the St. Louis Writer’s Guild and an associate member of the Horror Writers of America. She lives in St. Louis, but frequently spends extended periods in worlds of her own creation.



Book Excerpt :

“I need you to keep talking,” he said quietly, and was surprised by the tremor he heard in his own voice. He cleared his throat. “I’m not used to being alone in my own head. It’s...” he shook his head. “It’s too quiet, without Arthur.”
She touched his shoulder, just below the ragged fabric where his sleeve had once been. Her fingers were warm and soothing against his bare skin.
“How’s your arm feeling?” she asked.
“I don’t expect it will fall off,” he said. “It still hurts, but I can manage.”
She was quiet for another interval, though two or three times he heard her inhale as if to speak.
“I... look,” she said, sounding uncertain. “You’ve... done a lot for me. You saved my life… you led me to safety… you even put your life on the line for me—and this is just today. I don’t... I don’t think I really thanked you for all that. I was hung up on the parts you didn’t do, or did wrong, and that isn’t right.”
“You tended to my injuries,” he pointed out. “Was that not gratitude?”
“That was me being a doctor,” she said. “That’s different.”
He wasn’t sure where she was going with this, and had no idea how to request that she get to the point already without sounding peevish. That absolutely wouldn’t do.
However, the silence between them stretched, a yawning void that he could not bear to leave empty. He turned his head to look at her again, and that was when she kissed him on the mouth.



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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



Find Elizabeth Einspanier :

Monday, February 16, 2015

Side Note/Novel Discussion: Heart of Steel --CONTAINS SLIGHT SPOILER(s)--

Okay this goes with my review for "Heart of Steel" by Elizabeth Einspanier that you can check out HERE (it'll be posted on February 17th 2015). So ...


Now I know that Alistair is a genius and by his own admission, he can create anything. Therefore, I don’t think what I am curious about and the question I am about to pose will be a huge issue for him. Nevertheless, in the middle of the BIG FIGHT SCENE Alistair states that he, “fully appreciated the advantage of not having external genitals.” Now if that is true for him then what does that mean for Julia and him if their relationship gets more involved? I mean I know he is new to the whole romance thing and by his omission I believe he is still a virgin, but I guess I'm a bit boggled by how it would all work out. *hahaa*

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!

Time to spread the love!! In honor of it being Valentine's Day ... here is a list (in no particular order) of book couples that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this past year (from February 2014 - January 2015):

means that I gave the couple's novel a 5 star rating
-- Read more about the novel (and a teaser or two) each couple is in by clicking their title links --

Is there any book couple who you really enjoyed reading about this past year?? If so---who, from which book, and why??

-- Click here to check out my best couple list for 2014. --

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Feasted On: Baby Twins to Bind Them by Carol Marinelli

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 260 KB | Expected Release Date: March 1, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin : Medical Romances | Obtained: NetGalley

"Baby Twins to Bind Them" by Carol Marinelli

Author's Book Description : The ultimate baby bombshell!

For delicious Dr Guy Steele, life is all about the flirting and never about forever! It’s the only way to avoid discussing the painful issue of his infertility. So a fling with Candy Anastasi, the sexiest nurse in the hospital, is the perfect solution...right?

Candy’s desperate to take her mind off her good-for-nothing ex — and six weeks of the best sex of her life is the ideal distraction! Until she realises that she’s fallen for Guy...and that she’s pregnant — with twins! Could her double baby bombshell ultimately bind her to Guy...forever?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A doctor (who is only consulting at the hospital for the next few weeks) meets a nurse (who is going through a slump and has plans to go on vacation/holiday soon); they begin a friendship/fling already knowing that they have an end date. Yet, their feelings for one another grow more quickly than expected, so when a big surprise (the twins) throws a wrench into their plans it makes them both rethink everything they've ever wanted for themselves. Will it bring them closer together or make things awkward for them both?

This novel enticed me with its unique twists, touching depth, and intriguing characters. Candy is so sweet and funny, pairing her with a charismatic man like Guy (Steele) was great! Together Guy and Candy were an entertaining couple! They livened each other up while broadening their own views about what they wanted out of life. Yet what really made me fall for their romance was how everything played out within the last few chapters, it's just so charming!!

I recommend this novel to those who like medical contemporary romances!!

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book)


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : One Tiny Miracle...

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

Book Teaser(s) :
'A professional mistake?' Steele probed, and Candy let out a small laugh at his very direct question.
'No, it was a personal one.'
'Do tell.'
'No way.'
'So there are two things I have to find out about you now,' Steele teased. 'The story behind your name and the mistake that Nurse Candy made.'
'You can try, but it won't get you anywhere,' Candy said, and closed her eyes. 'I'm going to have a little rest.'
'Hopefully you talk in your sleep.' ~ within Chapter 3
'Work...' Steele said, and his hand wavered in the air. 'That's a tough one.'
'I like what I do.'
'I know.'
'What's "Ha-ha-ha" for?'
'Money,' Candy said, and he laughed. ~ within Chapter 15
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Carol, then please check out her website.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Idolizing In: Moonlight Beach Bachelors Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 458 KB | Release Date: February 1, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin : Desire | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About @ Charlene Sands' Newsletter

"Her Forbidden Cowboy" [Moonlight Beach Bachelors Series, Book 1] by Charlene Sands

Author's Book Description : Nothing is off-limits for this cowboy in USA TODAY bestselling author Charlene Sands's story of fame and redemption

Jilted by her ex-fiancé, Jessica Holcomb finds refuge at her former brother-in-law's beachfront Southern California mansion. There she discovers country superstar Zane Williams still hunkering down after the devastating loss of his wife.

These two wounded souls find their easy friendship healing. So Jess's sudden attraction to Zane comes as a complete shock. Even more shocking, Zane's acting like a jealous boyfriend, running interference with men who show interest. Is he just being overprotective? The answer becomes clear when Jess ends up in his bed...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5! Two years after the tragic loss of his wife and unborn child Zane is still overcome with grief and not sure what to do with himself. When his wife’s younger sister decides to stay at his vacation home in California in hopes to pick up the pieces of her own life, Zane comes to realize what he’s been missing and starts living again but does he really want to move on with his life for good?

I totally enjoyed this novel. With its subtle ways in romance and the emotions both Zane and Jessica (Jess) go through to deal with their grief this novel hits a homerun on many levels! Zane and Jess are quite the pair. I can’t picture them with anyone else, so much so that I kept having the bad thought that if Zane really had to choose between the two sisters (if Janie was still alive) which would he like more throughout me reading this novel. Yet, it’s just that Jess seems so perfect for Zane and likewise for Zane with her that I have a hard time seeing anything else.

This very moving and touching novel is one I HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for a slow burning contemporary romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Her Forbidden Cowboy (Book 1) | Alibris (Paperback) : Her Forbidden Cowboy (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Harlequin Desire February 2015


Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Her Forbidden Cowboy Images

Author's Series Extras : Moonlight Beach Billionaires Giveaway

Book Teaser(s) :
“Jessica, have a nice morning. And if you’re around Zane today, please give him a hand. He may look like a superhero, but he’s really not Superman.”
Could’ve fooled her. Last night, he’d been super heroic.
Mariah pivoted on her heels and strode out the door.
Zane chuckled.
“What?”
“The look on your face.”
“I’m mortified about last night. Where on earth did you sleep, and does Mariah know what happened?”
“First off, don’t be upset. It’s our little secret. Mariah doesn’t know that you’re a margarita lightweight.” He smiled. “That woman’s been babying me for weeks. Doesn’t do a man a bit of good being so dang useless. For the first time in a month of Sundays, I was able to help out and do something useful with this banged-up body.”
“I took your bed.”
“Glad to give it up.”
“Where did you sleep?”
“The office sofa is the most comfortable place in the whole house.”
“Oh, boy. I’m sorry. The first night I’m here, I give you trouble.”
He smiled again, a stunning heart-melter. “If livening up my life some is trouble, then bring it on. Fact is, I’m glad you’re here. You bring a bit of home with you. I miss that.”
She needed to believe him. She’d been afraid coming here would remind him of Janie and all that he’d lost. To have him say he was glad she’d come made a big difference. “Okay.” ~ within Chapter 2
“I win, Jess.”
“Just barely.” She gave a good fight.
“Still, a win is a win.”
He reached up and helped her off, his large hands handling her with ease as she slid down the length of him. Tucked close, she didn’t mind being in his trap. The exhilaration of the race and the handsomest darn face she’d ever seen brought on palpitations. Her heart pounded like crazy.
“So what do I win?” he asked.
“Is this a trick question?”
“Not even close.”
“What do you want?”
A soap-opera villain couldn’t have produced a more wicked grin. “A kiss, for starters.” ~ within Chapter 8
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Charlene, then please check out her website.

Made the Grade: The Hot Streak: A Baseball Romance by Cecilia Tan

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 157; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1518 KB | Expected Release Date: June 18, 2014 | Publisher: Riverdale Avenue Books : Desire | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Hot Streak: A Baseball Romance" by Cecilia Tan

Author's Book Description : “"The Hot Streak" is an interesting take on loving someone who is in the limelight. I enjoyed the book and found it to be an entertaining read.”—Coffee Time Romance

Casey hits it big when she meets major league baseball player Tyler Hammond at a photo shoot and they start up a steamy romance. Traveling with Tyler, she’s living it up and enjoying all the hot sex she can get between games. Now Tyler’s on a winning streak, and he thinks it’s thanks to Casey—but she has to decide for herself: is this the real deal, or just a summer fling?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Casey meets Tyler (a hot shot baseball player) through her job and gets thrown into a whirlwind romance, but when Tyler's winning streak keeps getting hotter is the affection she see from him because of her "helping his wins" or is it true love?

This hot novel keeps you on your toes with its spicy scenes and drama. Yet what I loved most about it was Tyler with his happy-go-lucky look on life and infectious personality! Tyler's so optimistic that he balances out Casey's pessimistic ways and together they just seem like a great team. However, I really enjoyed how both Casey & Tyler deal with the major conflict that comes between them, as it helped me like them both even more.

I recommend this novel to those looking for a fun contemporary romance and doesn't mind a bit of erotica added in too.

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book)


Author's Novel Extras : THE HOT STREAK, now published! | Wow I’ve been a busy bee lately... | Another rave for THE HOT STREAK! | New Edition Now Available! THE HOT STREAK, my baseball romance novel

Book Teaser(s) :

"Look, they'd happily spend fifty grand without blinking on a team psychologist, right? If flying you in and paying you to quit your job keeps Tyler from self-destructing, it's a bargain."
"I didn't actually quit the job. You think the team is going to want me to go to all his starts?"
"Unless he loses tonight, in which case, well, The Streak's broken." Missy shrugged.
Casey was surprised to find she didn't want that to happen. She still wanted to kill Tyler Hammond, but she didn't want him to lose. He's crazy, baseball's crazy, and I'm crazy, too, she thought. ~ within Chapter 9
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Cecilia, 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/