Blog Tour - Feasted On: Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck | Review & $200 “Princess” Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Rachel Hauck, with a review of "Princess Ever After!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from February 13 - March 6, 2014 | Giveaway ends on March 6, 2014 | Rachel's "Princess" Author Chat Party on Facebook is on March 6, 2014]

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 353; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1148 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: February 4, 2014 | Publisher: Zondervan | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group

"Princess Ever After" [The Royal Wedding Series, Book 2] by Rachel Hauck

Author's Book Description : Regina Beswick never dreamed of faraway places. She’s happy with her life as a classic car mechanic and owner of a restoration shop.

But an unexpected visitor and the discovery of a fairytale, drawn by her great-grandma, causes Regina to wonder if she might be destined for something more.

Tanner Burkhardt, Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg, must convince the strong-willed Southerner, Miss Beswick, that she is his country’s long-lost princess. Failure could destroy his reputation and change his nation forever.

As Regina and Tanner face the challenges before them, neither are prepared for love to invade their hearts and change every thing they believe about themselves.

However, when a royal opponent nearly destroys Regina’s future, she must lean into God and trust He has sovereignly brought her to her true and final destiny.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Regina (Reggie) thought she had it all and was on the life path/career path that she was supposed to be on, that is until dashing Tanner comes into her life throwing her a curve ball that she is a princess. Now she needs to visit her great grandmothers home country in hopes of learning about this place that her Gram had to run away from and see if she can turn it around for the better. That is, if she finally decides to commit to being the Princess that everyone expects her to be....

Together, Reggie and Tanner make a great team! Tanner deals with Reggie's hesitation about her "new life" very calmly and helps guide her through all the new rough patches with ease. Plus, because of Reggie's determination, once she agrees to fulfill this part of her new path she really steps up to the plate! Add the fact that their attraction to each other is immediate and ignites very quickly into love, this is one story that wraps you up in it's fairytale and doesn't let go!

In addition, I also liked how Tanner's "big secret" was played out. It makes you like him as a character even more. Especially with the way, it's revealed to the reader and then how it's handled afterwards. Yet, it did make me really dislike his ex. =0/

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes Christian romantic fairytales!! =0)

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

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Jesus -- The Reason For the Season - December 2011

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

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

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Princess Ever After | Princess Ever After - Overview | Princess Ever After – Chapter 1 | Diary of a Writer: Starting A New Book | Diary of a Writer: The Lull... What To Do, What To Do! | Make 2014 An E-Year of E-Romance and E-Weddings | Author Chat Party with GREAT Prizes | My Own Thoughts On Princess Ever After


Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Once Upon a Prince | Pinterest: A March Bride | Once Upon a Prince - Overview | Once Upon a Prince - Discussion Guide | Once Upon a Prince - Sample Chapter | A March Bride - Overview | Diary of a Writer: New Season! | ACK! How many days since my last post... | Diary of a Writer: Deadline | Once Upon A Prince! | The Next Big Thing Blog Hop | Diary of a Writer: Break Off Disappointment! You Are Appointed. | Diary of a Writer: Whine, Whine, And Oh, By The Way, Here’s A Starred Review | Lori Twichell of Radiant Lit | Once Upon A Prince Release Day! | You’re Invited To My Book Launch Party! Y’all Come!

Author Book/Series Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

But the last boyfriend? A narcissistic zombie. Truly. ~ within Chapter 4

Reggie loved Mondays. They were like mini New Years four times a month. A chance for a fresh start, a do-over from last week's failures. Or even success. Monday was the day to renew personal pledges, reset goals, and charge at them wholeheartedly. ~ within Chapter 10

"Open the door." Tanner bent over the door, looking for the lock button.
Reggie inched the car forward. She'd waited too long to get out of here. "Tanner, back up, because I'm going."
"Open the door, you insane girl."
"Insane girl! Is that how you speak to your princess?" She powered forward, scattering the last lingering, daredevil photographers.
"Yes, when she acts like she's lost her last marble." Panic infused his words. "Open the door, Regina."
"I need to think." She gunned the car forward, laying on the horn again. A photographer with a death wish had stepped in front of her. "Maybe I have lost my last marble."
"I'm coming with you. We can search for the lost marble together." ~ within Chapter 16

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

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About the Author :

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated "The Wedding Dress" and RITA nominated "Love Starts with Elle," part of the Lowcountry series, the Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel "Softly and Tenderly," was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004.

Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.

Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

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Giveaways!! :

Don't miss Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of her latest "swoon"-worthy romance, "Princess Ever After," with a fun $200 "Princess" prize package giveaway and a Facebook "Princess" party on March 6th. Grab your tiaras and RSVP today!


One winner will receive :

• A $200 Visa cash card (buy your very own "princess ever after" gown or tanks of gas for your "royal" ride)
• Copies of "Princess Ever After," "Once Upon a Prince," and "The Wedding Dress" by Rachel Hauck

To Enter : Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6th. Winner will be announced at the Rachel's "Princess" Facebook Party on March 6th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of "royal" book chat, princess-themed trivia, laughter, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next book in the Royal Wedding series!

So grab your copy of "Princess Ever After" and join Rachel and friends on the evening of March 6th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP TODAY. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Litfuse's other Blog Tour Reviews for this novel!!

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Find Rachel Hauck :

• Rachel Hauck - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook Page
• Pinterest
• Goodreads

Disappointmentville: Playing To Win by Shelley Munro

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 402 KB | Release Date: January 17, 2008 | Publisher: Cerridwen Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Playing To Win" by Shelley Munro

Author's Book Description : Professional rugby player, Lane Gerrard is used to women throwing themselves at him, but a scurrilous tabloid article naming him as father of a child sends his temper soaring. The woman he confronts doesn’t fit the blackmailer profile. Kate Alexander is attractive with an enchanting innocence, enticing. A total stranger. Her feistiness draws his unwilling admiration, but the child...he is the image of Lane.

Kate can’t deny her son’s similarity to the sexy man at her door but no way will she hand him over without a fight. Kate doesn’t possess money but she can shower her son with love. With public speculation rife, Kate reluctantly works with Lane to discover the truth. They grow closer as distrust slowly turns to mutual fascination, but the tabloid articles bring out a stalker. Mild pranks escalate into danger, and suddenly Lane realizes Kate is a woman he could love. With Kate and her son, he could have a family. Now, with his heart on the line, this is one game he’s playing to win...

My Book Review : 2 out of 5 stars. This is an intriguing suspenseful romance. It's about a huge secret--finding out you had a child with a woman you don't know or don't remember--and trying to figure out how to deal with the consequences and rewards of learning this unsuspected news. Yet, once the "cat is out of the bag" the mother (Kate) finds that having her life on display in the tabloids starts bringing in some scary pranks that put her and her son's lives on the line. Will they be able to keep everyone safe while finding out the truth about what really happened?

This is a captivating novel in the way that no matter how much it dragged on for me I was interested in how it would end and what would happen between Kate, Lane, & their son. Together Kate & Lane just worked, especially when everything seemed to be going against them.

If I didn't feel like I had to push through this novel because of it dragging for me, then I would have given this a better rating. As I enjoyed the main characters & their friends, while the "enemy" always seemed to change for me. I kept trying to guess who the person doing the "pranks" was and--even though I wasn't completely surprised about who it was--I was shocked by the extremes she went through.

Nevertheless, I will admit not to enjoying how the reveal of Kate's son's paternity played out. For me ... if Lane didn't go from finding out (at the end of the novel) the real truth of things, then (in a way) acting like he was saying "oh yeah, now I remember and I did really like/love her," then running away from Kate, and then the following day try to make amends (in a big way) with no real explanation ... I would have also liked it better. =0/

Therefore, I would only recommend this to those who are big fans of Ms. Munro.

Purchase This Book Here :


Author's Novel Extras : Playing To Win - Overview & Excerpt | Behind the Scenes: Rugby’s the Game | Behind the Scenes: A Photo Essay for Playing to Win

Book Teaser(s) :

"Jamie," she called as she tugged off her coat.
Jamie appeared at the top of the stairs. "What?"
"We need to talk," she said. "I want you to feed Ratty and clean his cage then come downstairs to the kitchen." She sighed when her son didn't acknowledge her words but merely turned and stomped back to his room. Nicole should have had a girl, she thought. Then she remembered her own preteen and teenage years and a feeble laugh escaped. "Fool," she muttered. She'd still have problems, just a different set. ~ within Chapter 7

He smiled. "We're here to see Maxine."
The nurse beamed in return, showing a cute set of dimples. "Wait in here," she said, directing them into a lounge full of oak antiques. "I'll go find Maxine for you."
Lane heard a distinct snort of disgust from Kate, the moment the nurse left. "What?" he asked.
"You know very well what I'm thinking. Did you see the extra wiggle of her hips? Your smile needs a license."
Interesting. Kate jealous? "You mean like licensed to kill?"
Kate groaned theatrically. "Please." ~ within Chapter 12

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

Idolizing In: The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 256; Kindle Edition - File Size: 484 KB | Expected Release Date: March 4, 2014 | Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Summer I Found You" by Jolene Perry

My Book Summary : A little over a year ago, Kate found out that she was a Type 1 Diabetic and that her life was changing forever.

About three months ago, Aiden lost his arm and a friend/co-worker of his while stationed in Afghanistan and now is trying to find out what to do with his life now that it has been drastically changed ... forever.

Yet neither are willing or wanting to deal with what forever even means to them. Therefore, when they meet, and find an immediate connection between them, they unintentionally use each other as a way to distract themselves from their own problems.

As their "friendship" grows, can they help each other overcome their fears about what their lives will be like now...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! Two people meet and help each other during difficult times in their lives, while unintentionally falling for one another.

Kind of a NC-17 type of YA novel or rather somewhere in between YA and NA genres, I found this novel to be fun, intense, touching, and romantic! Kate and Aiden's relationship isn't one that either expected or wanted right away but it turns into a relationship that both are hard pressed to giving up, no matter what anyone thinks. With their "disabilities," they are able to sympathize with each other and in turn end up helping each other in more ways then one! Together I could not get enough of them, from their rapid attraction to Kate's random cute statements to Aiden's military ways I was drawn in to them as a couple from the beginning. Loved this novel and its engaging characters!!

I recommend it to anyone who likes NC-17 type of contemporary romantic YA novel!

- On a side note -
Even though I loved this novel, I thought the title was a little misleading as they don't meet during the summer time, they actually meet a few months before Kate's finished with her senior of High School.

Purchase This Book Here :


Author's Novel Extras : THE SUMMER I FOUND YOU - Overview & Excerpt | What’s Up Wednesday :-D | SHARE A RANDOM THING DAY!


Book Teaser(s) :

"You need my car?" he asks.
"Yeah. You can, uh, take mine today if you want." I love my car. Saved up since I was thirteen, bought it when I turned sixteen, and spent time on the thing almost every day until I left for Afghanistan. It's a 1972 Chevelle Super Sport convertible. Grey with black racing stripes. The car is perfect. After years of scrounging through scrap yards and buffing out every fender, everything on my car is perfect.
He shifts in his seat. The words right at the edge of his mouth. I know it. Why don't you sell your car, Aiden? You can't drive a stick with one arm. Definitely when the arm missing is your right one.
Why couldn't I've lost the arm I don't know how to use? ~ within Chapter 2 - titled 'AIDEN CONNELLY'

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

Made the Grade: Safe in the Tycoon's Arms by Jennifer Faye

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 256; Kindle Edition - File Size: 310 KB | Expected Release Date: March 1, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin Romance | Obtained: Jennifer Faye

"Safe in the Tycoon's Arms" by Jennifer Faye

Author's Book Description : The man behind the headlines...

When billionaire Lucas Carrington returns to his New York mansion, he never expects to find beautiful stranger Kate Whitley making herself at home. Invited by his aunt to stay, he soon discovers she's a woman in need. She's raising funds for her sick daughter, so he agrees to let her stay—temporarily!

Kate may not belong in Lucas's high-society world, but she sees there is more to this tycoon than the headlines suggest. Yet with so much at stake, can she trust herself and her heart with New York's most sought-after bachelor?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. Two people find themselves in unusual circumstances and in order to accomplish what needs to be done they'll need work together. While they work together, they open their lives and hearts to each other, learning that if they can get over their rough pasts and are willing to trust again that good things may come their way...

I really enjoyed Kate's determination to save her daughter at all costs. It was very sweet and touching! Plus, Kate and Lucas set each other, and this novel's pages, on fire with their passion.

My only wish is that I could have liked Lucas more so then I did. He was kind of written as an antihero, in a way, so it was hard to thoroughly appreciate him as a character. =0/

Overall, I do recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary romances, especially those with a bit of "girl power" in them!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : SAFE IN THE TYCOON'S ARMS - Overview & Excerpt | Catching up & a New Title! | Tasty Summer Reads Blog Hop | Monday Mayhem: Pressing 'send' | Exciting News... | My Friday Read | Monday Mayhem: Cover Wars! | Monday Mayhem: We Have A Title! | Cover Reveal - SAFE IN THE TYCOON'S ARMS | Monday Mayhem: My Longest Post...Don't Miss It! | Monday Mayhem: New Cover!!! | Monday Mayhem: RT Book Review | Monday Mayhem: Pressing 'send' | New Bookmarks Added | Tired of waiting...get SAFE IN THE TYCOON'S ARMS here! | Monday Mayhem: The Wait


Book Teaser(s) :

“Hey, wait!”
Kate sighed and turned. She didn’t know what else they had to say to each other. And she didn’t have time to waste. “Surely you aren’t going to insist on searching my luggage, are you?”
“Are you always so feisty in the morning? Or are you just grumpy because you skipped your caffeine fix? I know that first cup does wonders for me. See, I’m smiling.” His lips bowed into a ridiculous grin.
She rolled her eyes and shook her head. She honestly didn’t know what to make of the man. His personal hygiene was impressive, but other than the kitchen his house was a disgrace. And last night he was crankier than an old bear, yet this morning he was smiling. He was one walking contradiction. ~ within Chapter 3

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

Made the Grade: Furry United Coalition (F.U.C.) Series, Book 3

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 409 KB | Release Date: August 10, 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Croc and the Fox" [Furry United Coalition (F.U.C.) Series, Book 3] by Eve Langlais

Author's Book Description : Genre: Paranormal/Shapeshifter Romance

Warning: An ornery croc discovers he does have a pulse when a hot to trot fox decides to latch on, and never let go. Tongue in cheek humor, sizzling moments and a tiny, evil villain await. Muahahaha.

A career military man, Viktor lives for the next mission – and his collection of weapons — but a raid on an experimental lab makes him an unwilling protector, mostly because he can’t peel Renee off. A cold blooded croc, he never intended to settle down, but he didn’t count on a foxy lady warming his heart.

The world outside the laboratory was a big scary place. Unsure of how to deal with it, Renee latches onto the biggest, baddest, and sexiest, warrior around. Sharp toothed and with ice in his veins, Viktor’s violent side should have sent her running, but instead, she finds the courage to face her fears –and tame the lizard.

When danger comes knocking, with the intention of turning her lizard into a high priced fashion accessory, will Renee embrace her foxy side and show a croc she’s got what it takes to be his mate?

And will they finally vanquish the evil known as mastermind?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! An old croc learns knew tricks while opening up his heart to love and an "innocent" red fox. Together Viktor & Renee (Project, Project M87, Monique) are an adorable duo! From how they deal with their apparent, differences and the "mastermind" to their budding connection you cannot help but want to root for them.

This novel puts a great new twist on the F.U.C. Series, especially with the reveal of the "Mastermind!" I can't wait to see where this series will go next!!

I recommend this series and novel to those who enjoy paranormal erotic comedic romances!!

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

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Hybrid Misfit

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Feasted On: Ridgeville Series, Book 5 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Novel Extras : Croc and the Fox (Furry United Coalition, #3) - Overview & Excerpt | Wanna F.U.C for Christmas?

Author's Series Extras : Furry United Coalition (F.U.C) Series - Overview | Furry United Coalition Bundle (F.U.C Books 1-3) - Overview | Bunny and the Bear (Furry United Coalition, #1) - Overview & Excerpt | Swan and the Bear, (Furry United Coalition, #2) - Overview & Excerpt | Lion and the Falcon (Furry United Coalition, #4) - Overview & Excerpt | Doe and the Wolf (Furry United Coalition, #5) - Overview & Excerpt | Squeeeeeeeeeeee! | Bunny And The Bear has been nominated!!! | Want to get officially F.U.C’d? | And the five, new FUC Agents are ... | Everyone needs a little FUC in their life... | The F.U.C Bundle is 99 cents for 3 days only!

Book Teaser(s) :

“Where are we going?”
“Away from here.”
“Are you taking me to the labs?”
“Of course not.”
“Locking me in solitary?”
His jaw tightened. “No one will be locking you up, ever again.” Well, unless she broke the law, but he’d let someone else explain that to her when – and if – they ever released her to the world at large.
“So where are we going then?”
“Like I said, away from here.”
“But I don’t want to leave.”
“Too bad. I say you have to. And since I’m bigger than you, what I say goes.” A childish retort for her juvenile arguing.
“This is kidnapping.”
“Rescue,” he corrected.
“You can’t do this.”
“I can and am.” He jogged up the several flights of stairs, ignoring the strange looks he got from the other FUC operatives wandering the place, photographing and boxing anything they found of interest. He also ignored the former prisoner’s demands to put her down. To go away. And to do something anatomically impossible with himself.
“Where did you learn such language?” he finally asked, reaching the top level. The vulgarity of her speech, especially coming from such a delicate looking cutie, surprised him.
“The guards. The doctors. The others in the cells with me. I even know some of them in Spanish. Would you like to hear them?” she replied sweetly.
“Sure, my boys could stand to learn some new ones. Feel free to shout as many as you like because we’re going outside now.”
“No!” she yelled. Viktor stumbled as she buried her face in his lower back and wrapped her arms around his middle, tighter than the anaconda he dated a few years back.
“Can’t breathe,” he joked.
Her grip didn’t loosen in the slightest. Faced with a dilemma, Viktor didn’t immediately exit the building. If this were a soldier, or agent, acting like a great big wuss bag, he would have ignored the terror and thrown them out to meet the source. But, his mystery lady was a victim. Somehow he doubted Kloe, or his coworkers, would approve of him just tossing her into the sunshine given her fear. And, a teensy tiny part of him, didn’t want to scare her further. A tiny part. ~ within Chapter 2

“Hey, red. Nice to see you again.”
Grinning, Renee waved back.
“Mary said you had news,” Viktor stated.
“I do. And I don’t. Also known as good and bad.”
Renee’s fingers tightened around his.
“What’s the bad news?” he asked.
“I couldn’t find a name for her.”
“I have one. Renee. Isn’t it pretty? Viktor gave it to me. The name that is. Apparently, I’m too young for him to teach me about sex.” Beaming, she didn’t understand why her announcement made him bang his head on the wall.
Jessie choked and whirled away from them, shoulders hunched and shaking.
“Is she alright?” Renee whispered. In the cells, when someone shook, it usually meant something bad was about to happen. Or gross. It would suck to lose her clean state to projectile vomit, or worse.
“She is fine for the moment, but I can’t vouch for her state later,” he growled. ~ within Chapter 6

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