Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Made the Grade: Anything & Everything Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 280; Kindle Edition - File Size: 484 KB | Expected Release Date: March 2011 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Anything You Want" [Anything & Everything Series, Book 1] by Erin Nicholas

My Book Summary : Sabrina (Seattle - Marc's nickname for her) has always been close to Luke ever since she was 13 years old and he protected her from her father's overbearing ways. Since that day on, he has been her hero, her best friend, her safety net, the person she always called when she desperately needed something. At least that was until 4 years ago when she tried to take their relationship to the next level (from friends to lovers) and found out that even though she truly cared for Luke she just couldn't settle into the lifestyle he wanted. Therefore, she left for Seattle and never looked back (for the most part)....

Now it's 4 years later, her dreams of being a famous singer still have not come true, she's broke because someone recently stole all of her money, and is .... pregnant! On her way back to her hometown, her car brakes down and she's stranded with nowhere to go and no one to call but Luke. However, Luke isn't the one who comes to rescue her ... Marc does.

When Marc was in 5th Grade, his family died in a car accident and Luke and Luke's family were kind enough to take him in and adopt him. Ever since then he has loved them and would do anything to protect them. Even if that means stepping in and keeping Sabrina away from Luke, so she cannot break his heart again. Now if only he can try to protect himself and his heart from Sabrina too...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a story of finding one's true passion, of overcoming one's fears, and fulfilling those dreams! I really loved the characters!! Sabrina/Seattle is clever, funny, smart-mouthed, and witty while being a passionate singer. Marc is protective, creative, amusing, cocky, flirtatious, and dynamic while being a passionate chef. Together they are the perfect duo to keep each other on their toes while being very supportive of each other’s dreams.

With that being said, I was very annoyed with how Sabrina kept falling back on Luke. I mean I understand that that was the whole point of the plot but it's like as soon as she gets around Luke she second-guesses her choices and wants making her seem like she looses her backbone altogether. This is why I loved her with Marc because they played off each other well. In addition, when they were together it's the only time that Sabrina made any real choices that worked well for her and were "smart" choices.

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes to read a good contemporary romance that has a little comedy thrown in!

This review is a part of a Blog Tour through Goddess Fish Promotions -- Be sure to check out the tour around the other blog sites! Commenting at the stops on the tour will also increase your chance of winning! Here's my stop for this blog tour! [Blog Tour will run from May 28 - June 25, 2012]

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author : June 2012

Author's Novel Extras : Series Trading Cards | We have a problem... | This #$%&-ing book | This #$%&-ing book, Part II | This #$%&-ing book, Part III | This #$%&-ing book, Part IV

Book Teaser(s) :
“I need some hydrocortisone cream.”
“What for?”
Marc never had been particularly tactful where she was concerned.
“I have a rash.”
“A rash?” He wrinkled his nose as if she’d announced she had an STD.
Heat rash.”
“Heat rash?”
Marc was an intelligent guy but sometimes she wondered how he’d managed to obtain his Master’s degree.
“I have heat rash from where the denim of my shorts rubbed on the back and inside of my thighs as I walked down the highway in eighty-seven degree heat, looking for a service station for my damned car.”
He stared at her for a full ten seconds. Then his eyes dropped to her thighs. He stared harder, seeming puzzled.
“What?” she finally demanded.
“How’d I miss that?”
“Excuse me?”
“You were standing there in your panties and I thought I looked you over pretty good.”
She felt a jolt of heat remembering his eyes on her. If he’d been looking really closely he could have seen her heart thumping in her chest. “You were staring at my tattoo.”
“And thinking about proceeding with caution.” ~ within Chapter 2
Teaser #2 ~ within Chapter 8
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Erin, then please check out her website.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Blog Tour - Anything You Want by Erin Nicholas | Interview & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Erin Nicholas, who I interviewed about her novel "Anything You Want," which is the 1st book in Anything & Everything Series!!

I will say, I'm sorry, because I have been sick this week so I haven't been able to finish reading "Anything You Want" yet. So, I don't have a review for it yet BUT my review will be posted within the next few days! Sorry again but I hope you'll enjoy this fun interview with Erin!

-- EDIT on June 12th 2012 -- Check out my review for this novel here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2012/06/made-grade-anything-everything-series.html

ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from May 28 - June 25, 2012]



My Q&A with Erin Nicholas :

Jess : What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?

Erin : My parents were, and still are, avid readers. My mom is a romance reader—and started me off with Julie Garwood and LaVyrle Spencer in my teens. My dad is a sci-fi/fantasy reader and made sure I read the "Chronicles of Narnia," "The Lord of the Rings" and C. S. Lewis growing up, among others.

Jess : What appeals to you when writing a romance novel?

Erin : I love creating the characters. Figuring out what makes them tick, making them into people readers will care about, finding ways to challenge them and then bring them together is fun and truly what I look forward to the most.

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Erin : Wow, interesting question! Honestly, I would most like to have all the guys from my Bradford books over together. They’re pretty funny all together! Least? Hmm... honestly, I like all my characters! Maybe Adam, my hero in "No Matter What." He’s pretty intense and intimidating until he really likes you (though I would expect him to like me!).

Jess : Tell us about your Anything & Everything Series.

Erin : "Anything You Want" is the story of Sabrina, a singer/songwriter who four years ago left home to pursue her dream. That dream hasn’t turned out quite the way she expected and now she has to think for two. Her unexpected pregnancy forces her to come home to make a life for her baby. Her plan to make her own way is seriously derailed though by two men, Luke—the guy who’s been in love with her since childhood—and Marc, his brother and best friend. Luke’s heart’s been broken by her before but he still steps up and offers to marry her and take care of the baby. Marc, on the other hand, dislikes her intensely, mostly because of the hurt she’s caused Luke in the past. So, he’s determined to keep the two of them apart. In the process, he realizes that he’s not just attracted to her, but he actually likes and then respects her. And soon it’s too much to resist... for both of them.

Jess : What is the most romantic thing one of your characters, from "Anything You Want," said or did?

Erin : Marc has many great moments. I think what makes those moments even better is that he’s trying really hard not to even like Sabrina, not to mention fall in love with her. But she keeps surprising him—and he admits it. One of my favorite romantic moments is when Marc continues to believe in Sabrina’s dream even when she’s given it up.

Jess : If "Anything You Want" was to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Erin : I love this question! For Sabrina, I would cast Sarah Shahi and for Marc, Joshua Jackson would be perfect!


Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?

Erin : I’ve had it happen both ways, honestly. Probably more often it’s a character in a specific situation that then leads me to ask more about who this person is and why, which leads to questions about what would challenge them most, what they want most, and who is the best person to help make them into who they’re meant to be.

Jess : In regards to your most recent novel, if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Erin : No, I don’t think so. I really try not to look back, but only ahead. There are things I learn though, that carry over into future books for sure!

Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Erin : I’ve written ten full novels. Seven are published and the other three are contracted. It’s so hard to pick a favorite! There are things I love about all of them! One of my favorites is "Just Like That," the second of the Bradford series. I love Sam. He’s my favorite hero in a lot of ways :)

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Erin : Always :) I’m really excited about the Bradfords project I have coming out this year. In mid-July we’re releasing a free short story about the Bradfords that readers met in my original Bradfords triology. A week later, book four in that series, "Just For Fun" will be released and book five, "Just A Kiss" will come out in late October!

Here’s a peek at "Just For Fun" :

“I need your help. And you owe me.”
“You need my help?” He faced her fully for the first time. He’d been avoiding it because he knew the moment he looked into her eyes, he’d feel like he’d been punched in the stomach.
He was right.
She was stunning. She had auburn hair that fell to her mid-back when it was down.
She had a killer body with generous breasts and curvy hips, enough for a man to have something to hold onto. But her legs were long and toned and her butt was tight.
She just should have been a stripper. It wasn’t fair to humankind to not share every glorious inch.
She had a red-head’s pale, creamy skin, but there hadn’t been a freckle in site. At least as far as he could tell. The lighting in the elevator had been good, but he hadn’t gotten her completely undressed. Just enough.
Her startlingly bright green eyes could have easily been mistaken for contact lenses but they were real. They’d looked at him as if he could give her the world. Which had been exactly what he’d wanted her to think that first night. That was supposed to be their last night as well.
She wasn’t looking at him like she thought he was a big shot hero right now. He was dressed, as usual, in a pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt. His tennis shoes had seen better days, which made them his favorite shoes. They’d just come off a twelve hour shift and he had some stubble going and knew his eyes were bloodshot from the lack of sleep he’d had last night.
He looked nothing like the man she’d met five weeks ago.
He did look great in a tux.
“Believe me, I’m not thrilled about it either,” she said referring to needing his help. “But, as unbelievable as this may sound, I need your sophistication and,” she looked him up and down in obvious doubt, “charm.”
There was a moment of shocked silence and Dooley braced himself.
Then his friends let loose with three equally delighted and loud whoops of laughter.
Sophistication and charm were not adjectives most people would assign him.
But Sugar—well, she’d seen his best side for sure. The side he’d almost forgotten he had.
Dammit, it had been fun.
Suddenly Kevin Campbell, another of his friends, bumped into her. Sam and Mac had shoved him forward.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, with the goofy grin that always had girls making goo-goo eyes at him.
“This is the best we can offer in the sophistication and charm department,” Mac said, slapping Kevin on the shoulder. “There are no promises here either, but he goes to church and eats with utensils.”
Dooley rolled his eyes. He deserved all of this. Had any of his friends been on the receiving end of the gorgeous red-head’s attention he would have been doing the same exact thing.
He had to get her out of here.
But before he could tell her that, she turned and looked Kevin up and down. “The next time I need to pray or have dinner I’ll keep him in mind. What I need right now, though, I need from him.” She pointed at Dooley.
Mac, Sam and Kevin’s eyebrows went up in unison. “You sure?” Sam asked.
“Oh, yeah.” She said it in a husky, seductive voice that had Dooley’s blood pumping harder.
There were only three things she knew he was good at: dressing up, playing Blackjack and giving her orgasms.

Jess : What book are you reading now? How do you like it so far?

Erin : I’m currently reading Jennifer Bernard’s "Hot For Fireman." And yes! Definitely liking it so far! Sexy, fireman hero—what’s not to like?!



About the Author :

Erin Nicholas is the author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, flawed heroines, sex with food and happily ever afters. She does not like to write dark moments, synopses or bios. You can find Erin on the web at www.ErinNicholas.com, www.ninenaughtynovelists.blogspot.com, on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ErinNicholas) and even on Facebook (when necessary).



"Anything You Want" [Anything & Everything Series, Book 1] by Erin Nicholas

Author's Book Description :

    Suppose the solution to all your problems is the one thing you never wanted...

    It figures the one time Sabrina Cassidy is determined to do the responsible thing, karma kicks in. After four years on the road chasing her musical dream, she's stranded six hours from home with no money, a ruined credit history—and morning sickness.

    Out of options, she swallows her legendary independent streak and calls the only person who won't hang up on her. Luke, the man she left behind.

    Marc Sterling's first instinct is to protect his business partner and best friend from another broken heart. That means letting her think she's talking to Luke, then finding a way to send her in the opposite direction.

    When he shows up at her hotel room, there's something in the air beside their customary insults. Sure, her rebellious attitude, smart mouth—and purple panties—still drive him crazy, but now it's a different kind of crazy. The kind that has him driving her home instead of to the nearest airport.

    And when Luke offers to solve all her problems if she'll only say "I do", Marc realizes he's just crazy enough—about her—to forget whose heart he wanted to protect.

    Warning: Contains two people who don't like each other very much, a Toyota that can't quite handle the road trip home, and a spontaneous proposal. Or two. Or three. And foreplay with—what else—pie filling.



Book Excerpt :

That wasn’t going to fly. If he didn’t want to fight with her now, he soon would.

She reached out and grabbed the closest thing, a can of apple pie filling. She scooped out a handful and flung it at him, hitting him directly in the center of the chest.

He froze, the rolling pin gripped in his hands.

When he didn’t react further than that, she took another handful and threw it. It hit him on the front of his right shoulder.

He put the rolling pin down and finally looked up her. There was a dangerous glint in his eyes as he began unbuttoning his shirt. “That’s how you want to do this?”

Her heart was pounding and she was sure it was from anger. It had to be anger.

But as more and more of his chest was revealed she knew that lie wasn’t going to make it much further. He shrugged out of the shirt entirely a moment later and her heart rate kicked into high gear.

Wow. He was muscled and broad, skin tanned with light hair gracing his pecs and stomach. She wanted to touch it. All of it. With her tongue.

This was bad.

He started toward her. She backed up. “How I want to do what?”

“Get me naked.”

“I...don’t...” But she couldn’t quite get the lie out. She did want him naked. Bad.



Giveaway!! :
  • A $25 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour

  • A choice of an eBook from her backlist to one commenter at every stop

To Enter : Please leave a comment on this post, with a valid email address included at the end of it.

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

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites! Commenting on the other stops on the tour will also increase your chance of winning!


Find Erin Nicholas :

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Disappointmentville: Nadia Knows Best by Jill Mansell

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 480; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1500 KB | Expected Release Date: May 1, 2012 (Reissue) | Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark | Obtained: NetGalley

"Nadia Knows Best" by Jill Mansell

My Book Summary : Nadia has been with Laurie for quite a long time, going from friends to lovers’ years ago. However, their relationship is a little tougher now that he is a model and traveling the world. Even so, she'd never cheat on him, even if the man she runs into (Jay) and is trapped alone with for a night was tempting.

Now, over two years later, things have completely changed since now Nadia's single, she's run into Jay again recently and is now working for him. Therefore, when everything seems to be working well in her life Laurie moves back to town and says that he plans to get back together with her no matter how long he has to wait. Will she decide on going back to Laurie (the one who broke her heart but shares a lot of things with her) or stay with Jay (the one she doesn't really know but has a connection with)??

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. So not what I expected, this novel was a soap opera that has a story for every character with so many twists that you could never be sure where this novel was going at times. Even so, it kept my attention and me hoping everything ended the way I wanted it too. Nevertheless, by the time everything wrapped up and turned out the way I wanted it was over and not even with the best of endings since it leaves you hanging. =0/

About the Characters:
• Nadia: She's the oldest sister. Has dated/been friends with Laurie for years. Likes Jay as a friend and boss (and thinks he's hot). Doesn't like her mother (Leonie) that much. Has more of a "head on her shoulders" like her father then her sister Clare.

• Jay: Nadia's boss. He likes Nadia and goes to her for comfort during his difficult time. Whenever Nadia and he get closer, something always seems to get in the way.

• Laurie: Nadia's friend and "Ex-boyfriend." Still in love with Nadia. Was a male model turned actor for a while.

• Clare: Nadia's sister and the middle child, twenty-three years old. An artist. Very flighty and bratty. Is in love with Piers, who's rich and treats her poorly.

• James: Nadia & Clare's father. Falls in love with Annie (a convenience store employee).

• Tilly: Nadia & Clare's younger half-sister who has grown up with them, thirteen years old. Wishes she had a mom who wanted her in her life more. Very idealistic. Gets the lead in the school play and makes new friends.

• Leonie: Nadia, Clare, & Tilly's mother. Doesn't like being a mother so she took off years ago, but calls and makes visits often-ish. Puts herself and her own agenda first.

• Miriam: James' mother. Let James and the girls move into her house years ago when Leonie left and they all still live together. Has a secret past that she's afraid will get out.

Plus, this story would have been better if some of the secondary stories wrapped up (like did Suzette ever come clean with Nadia about what happened between Laurie and her?? did Laurie and Suzette get together in the end? etc) instead of them being left hanging.

I just wish it were a bit better. However, if you’re interested in reading a comedic contemporary romance novel filled with drama then this is the book for you!

Book Teaser(s) :
"OK, it's over. But you were still going to sleep with me tonight." Nadia waited, holding his gaze. "For the last time." Another pause, followed by a tiny playful smile. "Well? Do you still want to?"
It was as easy as asking a five-year-old if he wanted to open his Christmas presents a week early. She saw the spark of relief in his eyes as he reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
"Of course I still want to," said Laurie.
When in the history of the world had any man ever said no?
Feeling powerful for the first time that evening and deciding that sometimes it was worth forking out for a taxi, Nadia rose to her feet and said icily, "Well, that's a real shame, because you can't." ~ within Chapter 4
"Not always. You can meet girls anywhere. At the gym," said Jay. "Or the squash club. Or at auctions, parties, art galleries..."
Was it really that easy? Nadia pictured girls flinging themselves at him everywhere he went. Locking himself in his house and drinking himself to death was beginning to sound preferable.
"Once I even found one crashed in a ditch."
Oh humor, very droll. Now he was making jokes about the situation. ~ within Chapter 33
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jill, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Feasted On: The Bevelstoke Series, Book 3

Format: Paperback | Pages: 377 | Release Date: June 2010 | Publisher: Avon Books | Obtained: Loaned to me from my mom

"Ten Things I Love About You" [The Bevelstoke Series, Book 3] by Julia Quinn

My Book Summary : Annabel is a country girl through and through. However, when money starts getting tight after her father passes away and being the oldest girl out of eight children, it's her duty to provide for her family. This is why she’s now living in London with her grandparents trying to find a rich and titled husband, if possible, to marry her and help support her family. Yet, to her dismay, the only rich and titled man who seems to really want to marry her is her grandparent's friend, Lord Newbury. Who is also fat, old, and smelly, he wants her only for her body (especially her childbearing hips) but his main goal is to get Annabel to produce an heir for him (as his only son and previous heir has already died) since he doesn't want his title and wealth to go to his nephew, Sebastian Grey. Nevertheless, is Annabel willing to sacrifice herself and her wants out of life for her family?? Or will something happen or someone help her out to make everything all better for her?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Fun, eccentric, and infectious infatuation is just some of the words I would use to describe this delightful novel! It has so many twists it made my head spin at times but I still could not get enough! Annabel and Sebastian were a joy to read about, especially in their scenes together, along with Sebastian's creative views when it comes to his writing!

I hope at some point that the author will write a book for Lady Louisa McCann (Annabel's cousin) as she was a great secondary character who sounded like she could use some romance in her life!

I recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys comedic contemporary romances!!

Author's Series Extras : Music & Lyrics | FAQ About This Series

Author's Book Trailer :

Author's Book Interview :

Book Teaser(s) :
She glanced in the direction of the house. She ought to go. She really ought.
"I don't bite," he assured her. "Or anything else you'd need to worry over." He sat up and patted the blanket beside him. "Have a seat."
"I'll stand," she said. Because she hadn't completely lost her sense. At least she hoped not.
"Are you certain?" He gave her a winning smile. "It's much more comfortable down here."
Said the spider to the fly. Annabel only barely managed to avoid letting out a squeak of nervous laughter. ~ within Chapter 4
"I came in third for Winslow Most Likely to Outrun a Turkey."
He did not laugh this time, but this appeared to require a valiant effort on his part. "You are a country girl," he said.
She nodded.
"Is it so very difficult to outrun a turkey?"
"Not for me."
"Go on," he urged. "I find this fascinating."
"That's right," she said. "You have no siblings."
"A lack for which I have never been so bereft as tonight. Just think of the titles I might have won."
"Grey Most Likely to Join a Pirate Ship?" she suggested, with a nod toward his patch.
"Privateer, if you please. I'm much too refined for piracy."
She rolled her eyes a bit, then offered: "Grey Most Likely to Get Lost on a Heath?"
"You are a cruel woman. I knew where I was the entire time. I was thinking Grey Most Likely to Win a Fortune at Darts." ~ within Chapter 15
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Julia, then please check out her website.

"Waiting On" Wednesday: The Cowboy and The Princess

  • Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here

  • "The Cowboy and The Princess" [Jubilee, Texas Series Series, Book 2] by Lori Wilde (aka Laura Anthony)
    Expected Publication Released Date: July 31, 2012

    Author's Book Description:
      Brady Talmadge was a cowboy with five unbreakable rules
      1) Never pick-up a pretty hitchhiker
      2) Avoid damsels in distress
      3) Never order chili at a truck stop
      4) Always trust your gut
      5) Never tell a lie...
      This is what happened when he broke all his rules…and got into a whole lot of trouble!
      ***

      On the run from an arranged marriage, Princess Annabella of Monesta dons the guise of a hitchhiking cowgirl. But when she finds herself drenched, alone, and hungry she has no choice but to trust the tall Texas horse whisperer who offers her a ride. He’s like no one she’s ever known—a strong, sexy man who says just what he thinks.

      And when one wild kiss leaves her breathless, she quickly realizes she’ll give up everything to spend a lifetime of nights in his arms. But how can there be a happily-ever-after with palace guards hot on her trail?
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