Feasted On: Paper or Plastic by Vivi Barnes

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 352; Kindle Edition - File Size: 849 KB | Expected Release Date: February 3, 2015 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Teen | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Paper or Plastic" by Vivi Barnes

Author's Book Description : Welcome to SmartMart, where crime pays minimum wage...

Busted. Alexis Dubois just got caught shoplifting a cheap tube of lipstick at the local SmartMart. She doesn’t know what’s worse—disappointing her overbearing beauty-pageant-obsessed mother for the zillionth time...or her punishment. Because Lex is forced to spend her summer working at the store, where the only things stranger than the staff are the customers.

Now Lex is stuck in the bizarro world of big-box retail. Coupon cutters, jerk customers, and learning exactly what a “Code B” really is (ew). And for added awkwardness, her new supervisor is the totally cute—and adorably geeky—Noah Grayson. Trying to balance her out-of-control mother, her pitching position on the softball team, and her secret crush on the school geek makes for one crazy summer. But ultimately, could the worst job in the world be the best thing that ever happened to her?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A girl tries to steal lipstick from SmartMart and is caught. As punishment, as well as to teach her responsibility, her mother gets the manager to hire her for the summer, much to her dismay. Overtime she finds that SmartMart is better than she perceived, most of the employees are really nice, and there is one hot assistant manager who is more than nice in getting to know. Yet, with life at home getting more difficult and the hot assistant manager actually being her best friend’s enemy will she be able to follow her instincts/her heart or will her fears about what everyone thinks get in the way?

Even though at times I wish Alexis (Lex/Lexus) was more forthright to her friends and Noah, I liked how this novel progressed from Lex being snobby to her putting effort into getting to know all her employees to her overcoming her previous misgivings. In addition, the trouble that Lex deals at home with her Grandmother and her mother made her a more complete character, which helped me like her as a character more. Together Noah and Lex are opposites that seem to balance one another out. They’re the definition of “living on different sides of the track” yet in some ways they help the other one stay grounded.

While I liked the buildup of this novel and its surprising twist at the end, I’m not sure what to make of its ending. I say that because while I thoroughly enjoyed Noah & Lex along with their novel, I was expecting/hoping for more. Mostly this novel left me with more questions than answers. Furthermore, it makes me hope that there will be a sequel written so I can see how Noah and Lex’s sweet unlikely relationship works out once school starts up for them.

Overall, I recommend this novel to those who are looking for a “clean” contemporary YA romance to read!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : The Writing Process Blog Tour | What’s up this week?

Book Teaser(s) :

The cutest little girl with dark ringlets twisted in yellow ribbons and the same big blue eyes gripped her mother’s leg, her face buried in her skirt.
“And this is Belle, my sister,” Noah said, patting the little girl’s hair fondly. “She’s three years old. Belle, this is Lex.”
“Hi, Belle,” I said softly, smiling at her. Belle peeked around shyly. “Your name is like a princess, just like my sister’s.” I pointed to the walking pink fluff that had emerged from the dressing room and was now twirling around in front of a huge mirror. “That’s my sister, Aurora.”
My mother gave us a quizzical look as Adrienne and Belle wandered over to a clothes rack, but she didn’t say anything.
Noah tilted his head as he watched his sister squeal over a yellow cupcake dress. “What’s up with parents naming their kids after princesses, anyway? It’s like they planned for all this, you know?” He waved his hand around the shop.
I nodded, but my stomach flipped. I hoped he never learned that my middle name was Jasmine. ~ within Chapter 8

“Everything okay?” I asked him.
His friendly eyes became guarded, but he nodded. “So you’re back to work on Monday?”
“Yeah. You?”
“Yeah.” He reached out and twirled my long blond strands around his fingers, a half smile forming on his face. It was such a familiar yet sexy gesture. It made me want to throw my arms around him and kiss him, and screw what my mom would think.
“Come on, Alexis, time to go,” Mom called from the car. Not helping here, Mom.
I took a deep breath. “If my mom wasn’t looking, I’d kiss you.” The words were bold—maybe it was too much. I had to remind myself I made the first move earlier.
His smile deepened as he placed my hair back on my shoulder, his fingers grazing my collarbone as he pulled away. “Your mom won’t always be looking.”
Oh, sigh. ~ within Chapter 19

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

Feasted On: Going Down In Flames Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1533 KB | Expected Release Date: January 19, 2015 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Teen | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Bridges Burned" [Going Down In Flames Series, Book 2] by Chris Cannon

Author's Book Description : Don’t just fight the system...burn it.

Since discovering she is a shape-shifting, fire-breathing dragon on her sixteenth birthday (surprise!), Bryn McKenna’s world has been thrown into chaos. Being a “crossbreed”—part Red dragon and part Blue—means Bryn will never fit in. Not with dragon society. Not with the archaic and controlling Directorate. And definitely not when she has striped hair and a not-so-popular affection for rule-breaking...

But sneaking around with her secret boyfriend, Zavien, gets a whole lot harder when he’s betrothed to someone else. Someone who isn’t a mixed breed and totally forbidden. And for an added complication, it turns out Bryn’s former archnemesis Jaxon Westgate isn’t quite the evil asshat she thought. Now she’s caught between her desire to fit in and a need to set things on fire. Literally.

Because if Bryn can’t adapt to the status quo...well, then maybe it’s time for her to change it.

"Bridges Burned" is the second book in the Going Down In Flames Novels.

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! Of it's not one thing than it's another were Brynn is concerned. Brynn heads back to school thinking that things couldn't get any worse for her but instead finds herself losing three people who meant a lot to her and gaining a "family" she really didn't plan to have. What she learns in the process of everything else will shake up her values that much more, but will the knowing be worth everything else that she's already lost?

Wow ... in truth I enjoyed how "Going Down In Flames," book 1, was written (even though I didn't agree with some of Brynn’s choices -- like about not truly informing her parents) but I never expected book 2 to be even more action packed! It kept me glued to the pages! Yet, even though I feel for Brynn and all the heartache she deals with in this novel, I really liked the ramped up personalities that Jaxon & Valmont displayed in it too!! Jaxon & Valmont made this novel for me, because of their banter with Brynn and how they both grow closer to her in different ways. It's also intriguing to see that there is a "new" bad guy in the series and it’ll be interesting to see where Ms. Cannon will take the reader next.

I recommend this series to anyone who likes YA paranormal fantasy novels!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo : Going Down In Flames | Alibris : Going Down In Flames | Kobo : Bridges Burned


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

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Spreading the Word for Entangled Teen with 2 Novels by Karri Thompson & Chris Cannon | Blog Tour - Bridges Burned by Chris Cannon | Spreading the Word

Author's Novel Extras : Scenes from Bridges Burned | Snippets from Bridges Burned | Author Release Week Mania

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Going Down In Flames | Brain Candy | Highlight Reel for 2013 | Check out UtopYA 2014 | Going Down In Flames Dragon Decor | Sharing the Writing Process Blog Hop. | Why I Listen to the Voices in My Head: My Writing Process Blog Tour | Fun Food Fantasies | Going Down In Flames -Official Release Date June 30th-Rafflecopter | Release Day Excerpt and Rafflecopter


Book Teaser(s) :

“Thanks for watching out for me and for knocking off the benefactor crap.”
“You’re welcome.” A smile played across his lips. “It’s for the best that I rescinded my offer to act as your benefactor, because if my sister and your grandmother have their way, and if your lineage check to Jaxon comes back compatible, I might end up your uncle.”
“That’s not funny.” She might not hate Jaxon anymore, but she had no desire to be shackled to him in a Directorate-sanctioned farce of a marriage. She crossed her arms over her chest. “If they try to set me up with Jaxon I’m claiming lesbianism.”
Merrick laughed. ~ within Chapter 1

Bryn tensed as Lillith dialed. Who was she calling?
“May I speak to Mrs. Sinclair?”
Crap. Not her grandmother.
Jaxon turned to her with terror in his eyes. “Stop this,” he whispered.
“What do you want me to do?” she whispered back. “Tackle your pregnant mom and wrestle the phone away from her?”
Maybe her grandmother wouldn’t be able to join them.
“Good afternoon, Marie. It’s Lillith. Sorry for the late notice, but Jaxon and I ran into Bryn in Dragon’s Bluff and we planned to lunch at Fonzoli’s. Would you like to join us?”
Jaxon grabbed Bryn’s arm, holding her in place while Lillith kept walking. “Leave. Now.”
“I can’t just run off.” She jerked her arm from his grasp. “Pretend you’re sick or something.”
“Westgates never run from a conflict.”
“But it’s okay if I scurry off.”
“You have no family reputation to uphold,” Jaxon shot back.
“Now I’m staying, just to spite you.” She moved faster and caught up with Lillith. ~ within Chapter 19

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

Made the Grade: Alpha Marked Series, Book 5

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 256 KB | Release Date: January 4, 2015 | Publisher: Summerhouse Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About @ Celia Kyle's Newsletter

"Lorelei" [Alpha Marked Series, Book 5] by Celia Kyle

Author's Book Description : Thirty and single? Well, getcha ass to the Gathering! Wait... what?

Lorelei is a hint over thirty—nobody better ask how much of a hint—and isn’t sure why the hell she’s been magically hauled to the land of werewolves. But she has. Which sucks. At least they stole her while she was at the gun range. Go Pink Pistol of Doom! So, they stole her, she stole a cell phone in return, and all is crazy in her new werewolf-laced world. It gets even crazier when, 1—she discovers her sisters have been kidnapped, too, and 2—werewolves are sexy as all get out. Lorelei is determined to come to her sisters’ rescue and well, see what Dylan and Zeke have to offer.

Dylan and Zeke can’t believe they’ve found their mate. Even though word was passed around that Wardens can have mates, they never thought they’d find theirs. And yet, here she is. Lorelei—gorgeous, lush, and curved in all the right places—calls to their magic and heats up their wolves. They want to lick her from head to toe… together. And they will, once they get that little gun out of her hands. Hell, maybe she could keep it. She is sexy even when she threatens their lives.

They found her and now they’re gonna mate her... as soon as they take care of the powerful five families threatening to take Lorelei from them. Blood may be involved. Sucks to be those guys.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. Gun toting Lorelei is scared when she is thrown into a hotel overrun by werewolves, finds out that they're hunting her and her sisters, and then she hopes to grab her sisters and escape. Yet once she meets Zeke & Dylan all of her well-intentioned plans are thrown out the window.

It is definitely a cute novel, but the last few chapters fell a little short for me. I mean I really liked Zeke, Dylan, & Lorelei. Together they are combustible, scorching, and a trio who relationship I just wanted to read about more. However, when it came to the "background plot" about finding Paisley I just didn't enjoy it, but I can't tell if it was because of how it was all laid out or by its abrupt ending.

Nevertheless, I would still recommend this novel and series to those who like m/f/m werewolf romances that have a little suspense thrown in.

-- On a side note --

I can now say I hate Miles and Holden, so much so that I think they're working for the five families.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Smashwords (e-Book) : Scarlet (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Scarlet (Book 1) | Alibris (Paperback) : Scarlet (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Gabriella (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Whitney (Book 3) | Kobo (e-Book) : Rebecca (Book 4) | Kobo (e-Book) : Lorelei (Book 5)


My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 3 | Book 4

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Deuces Wild | No Ifs, Ands, or Bears About It

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

Author's Novel Extras : Lorelei - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Alpha Marked Series - Overview | Scarlet - Overview & Excerpt | Gabriella - Overview & Excerpt | Whitney - Overview & Excerpt | Rebecca - Overview & Excerpt | Paisley - Overview & Excerpt | Deuces Wild & Alpha Marked-Scarlet & Knight Protectors Update | Alpha Marked:Scarlet, Hard Knocks & Vampage! | Writing Plans! | Snippet Saturday – Scarlet #1 | Six Sentence Sunday: Gabriella | Whitney Release Date & What I’m Working On

Book Teaser(s) :

“Mine,” he growled low. When she paled and her magic flared, his wolf growled at him.
“Ours,” Zeke murmured, and Dylan jerked his head in a quick nod.
Theirs.
They’d strip her, fuck her, and then claim her.
She was theirs. Theirs with...a bright pink gun pointed at him.
Dylan rethought his plan.
Disarm her, strip her, fuck her, and then claim her. ~ within Chapter 2

Staring at his tiny, lusciously curved mate, he had only one thought. Well, two, but the first went along with the second. “What now?”
Dylan hoped someone would say, “Mate with Lorelei.”
He was not that lucky. ~ within Chapter 4

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

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer | Review & Kindle Fire Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Kathryn Springer, with a review of her latest release "The Dandelion Field!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAY(s) (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from January 27 - February 15, 2015 | Giveaway ends on February 15, 2015]

---

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 529, Paperback - Pages: 347; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1904 KB | Expected Release Date: January 27, 2015 | Publisher: HarperCollins Publishing : Zondervan | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group / NetGalley

"The Dandelion Field" by Kathryn Springer

Author's Book Description : The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles.

Nothing has ever come easy for single mom Ginevieve Lightly. Over the years, she’s managed to pay the bills waitressing, and she is deeply devoted to her daughter, Raine. Gin has been satisfied moving from city to city, never putting down roots or making commitments. But when engine trouble temporarily strands them in the small town of Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises her daughter they will stay put until Raine graduates from high school in the spring.
Dan Moretti couldn’t imagine a life without Evie, but she married his best friend. After Max died while fighting a huge blaze, Dan has looked out for Evie and her son, Cody. Evie has always made it clear she thinks of him only as a friend, but Dan has secretly held out hope that her feelings would change. When a small town scandal erupts, Dan is caught in the middle and his loyalty put to the test when he realizes his feelings are the ones that are changing. He’s falling for a beautiful, unconventional waitress named Gin.
As Cody and Raine move closer to making decisions that will affect the rest of their lives, Dan makes a decision, too. But can he convince a woman who doesn’t believe in happy endings to take a chance on a new beginning . . . with him?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Living the "gypsy lifestyle" because it's what you're accustomed to isn't a bad thing. Yet when circumstances change and it’s now up to your daughter to decide about her own future instead of you to do so, you just have to be there to pick up the pieces and hope for the best. That's what Ginevieve (Gin) does, forcing her to stay in one place for the longest time she's had to in years. Now if Gin can protect her heart from Daniel (Dan -- a handsome fire fighter who tries to help out) and the rest of the small town her daughter and her ended up in than everything will be fine.

This dynamic novel has you following Dan & Gin through their struggle to follow God and assist Cody & Raine (Gin's daughter) through their stressful situation. In truth, I was surprised by the twists this novel took me on but happy I was able to enjoy myself along the way. Dan & Gin are wonderful counterpoints to each other, making it so Dan feels more compelled to lean on Gin and have Gin lean on him than his close friend Evie who he has supported mostly over the years. Together they are very sweet and I wish I could have read more about them. Nevertheless, while I enjoyed how it ended, especially Dan's big romantic gesture, it fell short of what I had hoped for as the novel seemed to be building up to something bigger then what actually happens. In addition, I would have loved to read an epilogue to get a brief update about everyone’s lives.

Yet, with all that said, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to those who like contemporary Christian romances that deal with meaningful topics.

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book)


Author's Novel Extras :

Post by Kathryn Springer.

Book Teaser(s) :

The moment Gin drove underneath the metal arch anchored between two brick pillars, the name Rosewood Court entwined in a banner of vines and flowers, she scratched the notion that she and Evie Bennett had anything in common.
"We're not in Kansas anymore," Gin muttered under her breath.
"It's that one." Raine pointed to a two-story brick house rising from the center of the cul-de-sac like a miniature castle. "I know what you're thinking."
"What am I thinking?" Gin parked on the street behind a hunter green pickup, the vehicle of choice for roughly 80 percent of the male population in Banister Falls.
"You're thinking Cody's mom is a snob because she lives in a nice house. Which is just as bad as people thinking we're trashy because we live in the trailer park."
"Well, you're wrong, Miss Smarty-pants." She was thinking that Evie Bennett had made out pretty good in the divorce. ~ within Chapter 9

"Come on, Mom." Raine tugged her forward.
Gin didn't want to go forward. She wanted to go home and change clothes. "Why didn't you tell me everyone was going to be dressed like Cinderella?" she hissed.
"You look great, Mom."
A simple black dress without a sequin or speck of glitter did not fall into the category of "great." Not even close. "I look like one of the caterers."
"No you don't. They're wearing aprons."
Gin gave her a mock scowl and added a nudge for good measure. "Brat." ~ within Chapter 53

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

---

About the Author :

Kathryn Springer, winner of the 2007 Write Touch Reader’s Award (long contemporary), grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child, she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books – which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own.

After a number of busy years, when she married her college sweetheart and became a stay-at-home mom, Kathryn rediscovered her love for writing. An unexpected snow day from school became the inspiration for a short story, which she submitted to Brio magazine. She went on to publish over a dozen more short stories for Brio, but it wasn’t until her youngest child started school that she decided to pursue her dream to write a novel. In August 2004, her Love Inspired® debut novel, "Tested by Fire," was published.

Encouraging women in their faith journey is the reason Kathryn loves to write inspirational fiction. She hosts a women’s Bible study in her home and volunteers in a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ministry. When she isn’t at the computer, you’ll find her curled up with a good book, spending time with family and friends or walking on the trails near her country home.

---

Giveaway(s)!! :

Get ready for Valentine's Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer's "The Dandelion Field." The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn't believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning?

Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!


One grand prize winner will receive :

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of "The Dandelion Field" by Kathryn Springer

To Enter : Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.


{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
ALSO -- Be sure to check out Litfuse's other Blog Tour Reviews for this novel!!

---

Find Kathryn Springer :

• Kathryn Springer - Website
• Facebook Page
• Goodreads

Blog Tour - Feasted On: Just the Way You Aren't by Lynda Simmons | Review & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Lynda Simmons, with a review of her recent novel "Just the Way You Aren't !!"

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 from January 12 - February 6, 2015]

---

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 282; Kindle Edition - File Size: 462 KB | Release Date: October 27, 2014 | Publisher: Bluefoot Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Just the Way You Aren't" by Lynda Simmons

Author's Book Description : What happens when an everyday Cinderella makes a play for the prince?

A moment of madness. That’s all muralist Sunny Anderson expected when she donned a glittering mask and a fabulous gown to crash the gala at Manhattan’s newest boutique hotel. Project manager Michael Wolfe has no idea that the beauty staring up at the mural on the ballroom ceiling is also the artist who painted it. He’s captivated and she’s willing, but when their moment of madness on the sofa in his suite comes to an abrupt end, his princess is off and running, leaving nothing behind but a pair of earrings. He’s determined to find her again, but all he has to do is look closer at the woman painting the mural in his office to see that the one he needs is standing right in front of him.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Since there are bunches of subtle "fairy Godmothers" in this novel I was thoroughly curious to find out who would be marked as the bad guy or "evil step-mother." The main candidates to be crown the behind this scenes title of "evil step-mother" was either going to be Judith (Michael's boss) or Moyra (Sunny's mom). Yet as this novel progressed, you find that both Judith & Moyra are not evil in any way, they are just two very determined women who are set in their ways. And while this compelling story has the buildup of a fairytale, it isn't one, it’s based on a man who's lost the ability to dream and a woman who has the strength to show him the way.

Sunny & Michael are an intriguing couple from their first real meeting at the masquerade to their playful banter with each other to their easy relationship around Sunny's daughter. It all held me spell bound, wanting to read more but also sad to see it end. They’re a great couple!

I recommend this novel to those who like contemporary romances that have whimsical hopes of fantasy included in them!

Purchase This Book Here : Alibris (Paperback) : Just the Way You Aren't


Book Teaser(s) :

She gave Michael one of those big wonky grins. “I have seen the chalk. And it is mine.” She reached into the toys, brow furrowed as she pushed through coloring books and markers, yo-yos and water guns. “Who’s idea was it to use a bin?” she said and bent lower and dug deeper, her skirt rising awfully high in the back.
Michael took hold of her arm, hauling her out before she could cause an accident. “I’ll get it.”
“Are you always so pushy?” she asked as he dug.
“I believe the word is overbearing.” His fingers closed on the chalk and he slowly maneuvered it past the other toys to the top. “Why is this so important anyway?”
“Because next to dancing, sidewalk chalk is Jess’s favorite thing. She draws these wonderfully intricate hopscotch patterns outside the tearoom, then sits like a troll and tells people they can’t come in unless they do it” Her smile was decidedly wicked. “Drives my mother crazy.”
Michael walked with her to the cashier. “There’s a very twisted side to you, isn’t there?”
“Comes from having brothers.” ~ within Chapter 8

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

---

About the Author :

Lynda Simmons is a writer by day, college instructor by night and a late sleeper on weekends. She grew up in Toronto reading Greek mythology, bringing home stray cats and making up stories about bodies in the basement. From an early age, her family knew she would either end up as a writer or the old lady with a hundred cats. As luck would have it, she married a man with allergies so writing it was.

With two daughters to raise, Lynda and her husband moved into a lovely two storey mortgage in Burlington, a small city on the water just outside Toronto. While the girls are grown and gone, Lynda and her husband are still there. And yes, there is a cat - a beautiful, if spoiled, Birman.

When she's not writing or teaching, Lynda gives serious thought to using the treadmill in her basement. Fortunately, she's found that if she waits long enough, something urgent will pop up and save her - like a phone call or an e-mail or a whistling kettle. Or even that cat just looking for a little more attention!

---

Book Excerpt :

Sunny’s feet moved of their own accord and she stared straight ahead, horrified and thrilled at the same time. Wondering what she was playing at and not at all surprised when he fell into step beside her.

This was why she wasn’t ready to leave, she realized. She was enjoying herself too much. Enjoying the fact that as Sonja she could do anything or say anything. Be shocking and sexy, and make Michael Wolfe sit up and take notice.

She glanced over at him as they walked, feeling beauti­ful, powerful, but most of all desirable. Because if that wasn’t hunger she saw in those dark eyes, then she’d been out of circulation for far too long.

Which was a distinct possibility given that her last sexual encounter had been almost a year ago in the back of Vince Cerqua’s convertible when the top wasn’t the only thing that wouldn’t go up. She’d spent the drive home assuring him that it happened to men all the time; at least that was what she heard in the tearoom.

She felt her face warm, knowing instinctively that Michael’s top would never let him down. Not that she wanted to find out. Not really. Not now, at any rate.

“Where will you be going in the morning?” he asked.

“New Jersey.”

He drew his head back and she laughed. “There’s a theater group I’m rather fond of. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. I’m just a wanderer. Never in one place long enough to plant a garden as they say.”

“Is that what you’d like to do? Plant a garden?”

“Yes,” she said, slipping in a touch of Sunny, but staying true to Sonja. “Of course, with so many emerging artists, I’m not thinking about that right now.”

He stopped and took her hand. “What are you thinking about?”

Trouble. And sex. Mostly sex. For all the good it did her.

Truth to tell, Sunny wasn’t the kind to have a one-night stand. She was conservative in her thinking and cautious when it came to matters of the heart. She was the kind who delivered hampers at Christmas, painted faces at the community center on Halloween, and made sure her organ-donor card was signed. No question about it, she was Sunny the good: Balanced. Friendly. And utterly predictable.

But Sonja? Now there was a real vixen. A woman who traveled the world, took risks every day, and was never, ever predictable. It seemed a shame to make her leave the ball so early when she was only in town for one night. And Sunny had the rest of her life to spend being good.

Michael ran his thumb across hers and the pull was stron­ger than ever, bringing her back a step. After all, it wasn’t as though he was a total stranger, some masked man she picked up at the sushi bar. This was Michael Wolfe, Beast of Brighton, Terror of the Tradesmen. And she already knew he looked good without a shirt.

Maybe Hugh was right. Maybe a moment of madness was good for the soul.

The music changed again, the singer launching into a slow, sultry torch song that begged an answer to the question women had been asking for centuries: what is it with men and commitment?

Sunny had wrestled with that issue herself for years, convinced that the boy she’d loved too much would come back for her one day. Pale and contrite, wanting nothing more than to love her the way he should have all along. But commitment wasn’t on her mind at all when she twined her fingers with Michael’s and gave him Sonja’s best come-hither smile. “I’m thinking we should go to your place,” she said, and was sure she was floating as they headed for the door.

---

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 Lynda Simmons :

• Lynda Simmons - Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Goodreads

Feasted On: Billionaires and Babies Series & Sherdana Royalty Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 192; Kindle Edition - File Size: 466 KB | Expected Release Date: March 1, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin : Desire | Obtained: NetGalley

"Royal Heirs Required" [Billionaires and Babies Series & Sherdana Royalty Series, Book 1] by Cat Schield

Author's Book Description : A prince's surprise twins may turn his royal marriage into something more...

Prince Gabriel Alessandro's top priority is continuing the family line, and he's found the perfect bride-to-be in Lady Olivia Darcy. While their royal marriage is not based on love, he desires her. Making a baby together will be pure pleasure. Then Gabriel learns he is already a father to twins.

Olivia surprises Gabriel with her acceptance of his motherless girls, making him believe their loveless union could blossom into something more. But Olivia's agreement conceals a devastating secret. In danger of losing the dynasty he so desires, will he risk choosing love over duty?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. Chosen out of necessity and not because of love, will Olivia be able to become the princess that Gabriel needs her to be or will her one secret get in the way?

This novel threw me for a loop in the best way possible! I expected the twins coming into Gabriel’s life. I guessed correctly, what Olivia’s secret would be. However, I never anticipated the touching depths this novel would have and the heartwarming ways that Gabriel made up for the callous things he said to Olivia.

I loved how Gabriel’s twins took to Olivia so quickly. Yet, even more, I enjoyed how Olivia and Gabriel’s relationship turned into something neither wanted to let go of, it made it all very charming. I couldn’t get enough! I cannot wait to see what is up next for Gabriel’s siblings and I hope Olivia will finally get what she wants to be, a mother, as this series progresses!

I highly recommend this series and novel to those who like contemporary “Princely” romances!

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


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : His Secret Temptation

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

My Previous Review(s) for the Billionaires and Babies Series : The Nanny Bombshell | Baby for Keeps | The Sheikh's Son

Author's Novel Extras : ROYAL HEIRS REQUIRED - Overview & Excerpt | Pinterest: HD - Royal Heirs Required

Author's Series Extras : Sherdana Royalty Series - Overview | Pinterest: HD - Sherdana book 2 | Pinterest: HD - Sherdana book 3

Book Teaser(s) :

Gabriel shot his brother a narrow look. "You just referred to your future sister-in-law and queen as hot. Do you think Mother would approve?"
"I'm her baby boy." The youngest of the triplets, Christian had played the birth-order card all his life. "She approves of everything I do." ~ within Chapter 1

"What about what you deserve?" Libby pushed. "Don't you deserve to be happy?"
"I will be," she assured her secretary. "My life isn't over. I'm just starting a new chapter. Not the one I expected to be starting, but how often do we get exactly what we expect?" ~ within Chapter 10

Post by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews.

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

Blog Tour - A Perfect Catch by Anna Sugden | Spreading the Word & Gift Card/Novel Giveaways

Today I'm turning my blog over to Anna Sugden author of "A Perfect Catch," which happens to be the THIRD BOOK in her New Jersey Ice Cats 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 TODAY -- January 29, 2015 -- Giveaway will run until January 31, 2015]

---

"A Perfect Catch"
[New Jersey Ice Cats Series, Book 3] by Anna Sugden
Author's Book Description :

He's the perfect catch...for now!

When it comes to romance, Tracy Hayden is not looking for a rematch. She's had epic passion—and problems!—with professional hockey player Ike Jelinek. Brilliant on skates and magic in bed, his too-traditional-for-her views were like a bucket of ice water on their affair.

Then an injury takes Ike out of the game, and everything changes. Suddenly he needs her services-providing business—even though he once claimed it was their biggest problem. Tracy's determined to be professional, despite the sizzling attraction between them that won't go away. Maybe they need a second fling to fix that!

Book Series Links :

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Harlequin

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

---

About the Author :

Harlequin SuperRomance author, Anna Sugden, loves reading and writing happy endings as much as hockey! When not reading or watching hockey, she loves football, good food & wine, making simple cross-stitch projects, and collecting memorabilia, penguins and fab shoes!

A former marketing executive and primary teacher, Anna lives in Cambridge, England, with her husband and two bossy black cats. Learn more about Anna, her heart-warming romances and her shoes at www.annasugden.com. You can also follow her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/annasugden.romanceauthor), Twitter (www.twitter.com/annasugden) Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/annasugden) and on the Romance Bandits blog (www.romancebandits.com)

---

Book Excerpt :

Ike swore as he wiped down his sweater and jeans with his handkerchief. From the heat around his zipper, the coffee had got too close to the family jewels for comfort.

Tracy Hayden had been a major pain in his ass from the moment she’d strutted into his life on those killer legs. With a toss of her dark hair and a glint in her brown eyes, she’d challenged him in every way. Still did. Damn woman was as irritating as grit in an oyster, except he never got a pearl. That said, a coffee shower was a first.

“I should apologize.” Tracy’s crisp tone, which emphasized her still-strong English accent, was grudging.

“Why bother, if you don’t mean it?” He stripped off his sweater. Beneath it, his T-shirt was damp but wearable. “I thought the one thing we had left was honesty.”

Her gaze lingered on his chest before flicking up to meet his. Color tinged her cheeks. “You’re right. Your remark was uncalled for, but I reacted badly.”

His conscience pricked him, taking the edge off his anger. It was partly—okay, largely—his fault. One minute Tracy had been cooing over her nephew and the next she was desperately checking her phone. Since she’d just told Maggie that every-thing was under control, what could be so freaking important?

Ike hadn’t deliberately followed Tracy into the waiting room. The cozy family image Jake, Maggie and Joe had presented had scraped on his already raw nerves, reminding him of the life he’d once hoped he could have with Tracy and making the hospital room feel claustrophobic. He’d escaped to get some air. He’d been surprised to find Tracy by the coffee machine and had nearly turned back. But then he’d seen that damn wiggle. That sexy hip-shimmy she always did when she was happy. The one that always fired up his pulse—and his groin.

He’d barely got himself under control when she’d spilled coffee on her hand. He’d wanted to kiss the burn better. The thought of putting his lips on her had sent desire rocketing through his body once more. Frustration had fuelled his annoyance. After all this time, he hated that he was still so pathetically affected by her, while all she felt for him was aggravation. And he’d snapped.

“No harm done,” he said stiffly. “I should apologize, too.”

“Okay.” Tracy dropped her empty cup in the trash and turned back to the coffee machine.

As she tapped in her selection, Ike stifled the urge to offer to buy her a drink. He turned to go when her voice stopped him.

“I know you won’t believe this, but I wouldn’t ordinarily let business intrude on such a special occasion.”

“So why the exception?” He was pleased his question held no hint of his skepticism.

“It was a time-sensitive issue.”

“Aren’t they all?”

“I suppose so.” Tracy smiled ruefully as she collected her drink. “But in this case, it would have been a costly mistake. The Bridgers are a major client.”

He frowned, unsure how one phone call could be that important. Unless she’d been about to lose the soccer team as a client. “Is Making Your Move in trouble?”

“Not at all. In fact I’m trying to broaden the range of services we offer with the new Helping Hands package.” Tracy explained the extra support her company wanted to give players and their families.

Ike obviously had a different definition of emergency. If her company had been struggling, he’d have understood. But how could adding business when her company was already successful be more important than celebrating a new member of the family?

Don’t go there.

What was the point? It would only lead to another fight and he probably wouldn’t survive another dousing unscathed. Besides, all of this only reinforced what he already knew—the two of them would never work. He couldn’t be with someone who put work ahead of everything and everyone else. He sure as hell wouldn’t compete with a woman’s career.

---

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 Anna Sugden :

• Anna Sugden - Website & Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Goodreads