Idolizing In: Holland Springs Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 359 KB | Release Date: February 2, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Smashwords

"Drive Me Crazy" [Holland Springs Series, Book 1] by Marquita Valentine

My Book Summary : Ever since Carter picked her to be on his football team when they were kids, Melanie has been in love with his in some way or another. Now years later, she has a chance to see if her feelings could ever be returned while he is back in town, retired from being a NASCAR racer and trying to figure out what he'd like to do with the rest of his life. Therefore, to find out for sure--and because she needed the extra money--Melanie "convinces" Carter to have her become his temporary assistant. Quickly the sparks fly between them and it's hard to deny the attraction/lust any longer. Yet, will Carter's feelings/reaction mean that he is willing to love her forever like she wishes or are they fated to be only close friends in the long run?

Either way, it might be hard to find out the full truth of Carter's feelings with his stubborn mother always slightly putting her down and with a lying ex-fiancée who will do anything to get him back...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! Follow this sweet and spicy romance between a girl who has been in love with her best friend's older brother for just about all of her life and see if it's truly unrequited love or not. It's hard not to get wrapped up in this love story; the main characters are just that captivating. Plus, the sex scenes were a fun and entertaining inclusions too.

Carter & Melanie were one couple that I loved reading about and couldn't get enough of, so I hope they'll be secondary characters in the other books within this series. For the secondary characters in this novel the ones that stood out and all I have to say about them are:

• Zoe: Melanie's best friend. Carter's sister. A writer who has a big secret she's keeping about her time in Los Angeles. I can't wait to read her story!

• Leah: Carter & Zoe's mother. Very old fashioned and set in her ways. Isn't a fan of Melanie, disapproves of Zoe's friendship with Melanie, and doesn't want Melanie involved with any of her sons. Like's April and wants her to get back together with Carter.

• April: Carter's ex-fiancée. She is the quintessential bad girl and trying to win Carter back by any means necessary. Uses her "friendship" with Leah to get on Carter's good-side and/or because she knows Leah will assist her in getting Carter to go back to her. She was the type of character you love to hate, so I don't think I'll be reading her story.

All in all, I adored this novel! I recommend it to anyone who likes contemporary romances that have an erotic touch to it.

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

Author's Novel Extras : First Book in Holland Springs Series only 99 PENNIES!!

Author's Series Extras : Holland Springs Series - Overview | Seduction of the Billionaire - Overview | Twice Tempted - Overview | Third Time’s a Charm - Overview | His Christmas Wish - Overview | Holland Springs Series Reading Order

Book Teaser(s) :

“Carter,” she whispered against his mouth. “Kiss me.”
“Patience, sweetheart.”
“I’ve waited my whole life for this.”
“You say the most amazing things to puff up a man’s ego.” He her drew in her bottom lip and lightly bit it. Her knees went weak and she sagged against him. “Like that?”
Nodding, she rose up on her toes. She used the tip of her tongue to trace the seam of his mouth. As soon as he parted his lips, she slid inside and his tongue met hers. He growled, his shoes crunching on gravel as he moved out of the parking lot light. ~ within Chapter 5

“You’re going to drive this car.”
“No.” Even as she said the word, she climbed inside and put on her seatbelt. He closed the door after her and got in on the passenger side. She glanced at the floor and nearly jumped right back out. “I can’t drive stick anymore, Carter, not since I wrecked Ryan Sawyer’s truck.”
A wicked grin kicked up the corners of his mouth. “Hate to argue with a lady, but the things you were doing to me this morning say otherwise.”
Her mouth fell open, cheeks heating to beyond acceptable levels. Flicking her eyes at the rearview mirror, she wanted to die. Her face was a red as the paint job. Great...just great.
“What if I mess up the car?”
“I’ll be right here with you.” He touched her cheek. “Trust me.”
There he went with those words again. “Okay.”
“Know what to do first?”
“Yes.” Starting up the car or even putting it in reverse wasn’t the problem. It was getting out on Highway Thirteen and putting it into a higher gear. The last time she’d attempted this, she’d down-shifted her dad’s truck so many times she’d almost stripped the gears and given them whiplash. Her palms began to sweat as she pulled out of the parking lot.
“Doing good, baby.” He placed a warm hand on her thigh, gliding it down over her knee to cover her hand. A hand that had a kung-fu grip on the gearshift. “We’re going to do this together.”
Some of the tension that had worked its way into her shoulders began to fade away as he helped her shift from first to second. “Carter,” she whispered, knowing that her next move was where she had the most trouble.
“Put the pedal to the metal,” he said, his voice so confident that she did exactly what he said. “Ready?”
Don’t close your eyes, she silently reminded herself.
“Don’t close those big brown eyes of yours.”
Together they shifted into third, then fourth, and the only thing that happened was exactly what should have happened.
She let out a little cheer and Carter squeezed her hand. “You did it.”
“We did it,” she said. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do with him at her side.
“Fine,” he said and she could hear the smile in his voice. “It was a team effort. Where to next, Miss Smith?”
Grinning she flicked her eyes to him then back at the road. “Wherever the road takes us.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.” Pulling her hand to his mouth, he kissed it. She fully expected him to let it go, but he laced his fingers through hers and every time she had to shift gears, he stayed with her.
Don’t ever let me go, she thought. ~ within Chapter 9

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

Teaser Tuesdays: Untamed Hunger

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Untamed Hunger" [Alpha Colony Series, Book 1] by Aubrey Ross (aka Cyndi Friberg)

Book Teaser:

His warm hands caressed their way down her arm; then he took one of the cuffs and wrapped it around her wrist, securely buckling the straps. “How does that feel? You shouldn’t be able to pull your hand free, but it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.”
“It feels odd, but not uncomfortable.”
“Why does it feel odd?”
“I know I’ll be helpless as soon as you secure the chains, and I don’t like being helpless.”
He paused, his thumb gently stroking her palm. “Sweetheart, you’re helpless now. I wouldn’t need restraints if I chose to hurt you. You’re safe because I care about you, and I would never intentionally harm you. The rest accents the connection forming between us and allows us to heighten the pleasure.”
There was no conceit in his tone, no arrogance. He was reminding her of the fundamental truth that existed in all living creatures. The strong either protected or destroyed those weaker than themselves. And there was no denying Grayson was stronger than she was.
She could either trust him or remain suspicious, and he would either prove worthy of her trust or disappoint. Only time would tell how this scene would play out.
He bound her other wrist and then her ankles. His fingers stroked her skin, lightly massaging her muscles, gentling her. Then he paused on his knees and looked up into her eyes. “Move your legs apart. Make sure you can comfortably stand, but give me plenty of room to play.” His lips brushed against her belly as he smiled, and his hands moved from her hips to her ass, caressing her cheeks as he waited for her to obey.
Plenty of room to play? With his fingers or his mouth or toys? What did he intend for her? There was a lot of time between now and sunrise, and all he’d promised was that he wouldn’t fuck her. ~ within Chapter 2

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

Blog Tour - Feasted On: Tattoo Thief by Heidi Joy Tretheway | Review & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Heidi Joy Tretheway, with a review of her latest novel "Tattoo Thief: Gavin & Beryl," which is the 1st book in the Tattoo Thief Series!!

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 October 7 - 27, 2013]

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 306; Kindle Edition - File Size: 496 KB | Release Date: October 8, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: InkSlinger PR

"Tattoo Thief: Gavin & Beryl" [Tattoo Thief Series, Book 1] by Heidi Joy Tretheway

Author's Book Description : Tattoo Thief will be released Oct. 8. Watch for the blog tour sponsored by InkSlingerPR.

22-year-old Beryl doesn’t know why Gavin Slater trashed his penthouse, abandoned his dog and fled the country. But as his house sitter, she must pick up the pieces for the front man of the white-hot rock band Tattoo Thief.

When ultra-responsible Beryl confronts the reckless rock star, she wants to know more than just what to do with his mess. Why is he running? What’s he searching for? And is he responsible for the death of his muse?

New York newbie Beryl must find her footing in Gavin’s crazy world of the ultra-wealthy to discover her own direction and what can bring him back.

Steamy, sassy and tender, Tattoo Thief is a story of breaking from your comfort zone to find a second chance.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! A girl wanting a life full of adventure and opportunities meets a famous rock star dealing with grief and learning responsibility. This enticing duo go from a harsh employer/employee relationship to friends to a whole lot more while getting to know each other through internet messages and colorful banter. It took me by surprise by how much I enjoyed it, I just wish there was more to read about while they were face to face.

I loved the build up for this series as Gavin's friends/band mates’ sound like a fun group. Plus it will be interesting to see what Beryl's friend's big secret is in book 2! I can't wait to see where this series will take us next!

I recommend it for anyone who thoroughly enjoys reading contemporary romances, especially ones dealing with bad boy rock stars trying to reform. =0)

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

Author's Novel Extras : Tattoo Thief: Gavin & Beryl - Overview | Finding Gavin Slater | Inspiration is everywhere. | What’s in a name? | Tattoo Thief: Chapter One | Win a slice of Beryl and Gavin’s life

Author's Series Extras : Tattoo Thief: Tyler & Stella - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :

Stella’s apartment is a no-go. She kept up the text campaign this morning until I finally replied with “I’ll call you after work,” to make her stop, but I still don’t know what I am going to say to her.
I wonder if I’ll even get my rent money back? After my run-in with Blayde, I doubt it.
At least housesitting for The Gavin Slater buys me time to find somewhere else. I’ve got his keys, I’ve got his dog—moving in is practically a requirement to take care of his screwed-up life. Once again, I find myself astounded by his utter lack of responsibility.
Who raised this caveman?
I steer Jasper to the crappy hotel and skip past the front desk clerk so she doesn’t see me with a dog. I pack quickly and glare at Jasper as he hops up on the bed and curls into a perfectly round dog-bagel. He covers his nose with his paw.
No respect.
Like owner, like dog.
I buckle on my camping backpack and bump my fifty-pound suitcase (which I am coming to think of as That Bitch) over the doorsill and out through the lobby, dropping my cardkey on the front desk.
“You can’t bring your dog in here!” the clerk is indignant, as if I’ve just trespassed on her grave.
“Not my dog,” I sass back. “He’s just along for the ride.”
I leave the clerk open-mouthed and push through the double doors to the street, where That Bitch swerves wildly as I navigate uneven sidewalks, curbs, brick-covered tree planters, and bags of garbage. To his credit, Jasper doesn’t yank on his leash much.
Good boy. Maybe there’s hope for Jasper, even if not for his owner. ~ within Chapter 8

Me: Mr. Slater? Are you there?
Gavin: Who’s this?
Me: Beryl Sutton. From Keystone Property Management.
Gavin: I thought it was Barry.
Me: Never mind. I want to talk to you about your place. I have some questions.
Gavin: What kind of a name is Beryl? Are you a guy or a girl?
Me: It’s a good name. I was named after a famous pilot who crossed the Atlantic in her airplane, solo.
Gavin: A woman? I thought that was Amelia Earhart.
Me: There’s more than one woman pilot in history, asshole.
My fingers freeze over the keyboard and adrenaline shoots through me. What the hell did I just do? After all the horrible things I’ve been thinking about Gavin, that word just flew from my fingers.
I want to bang my head on my desk. I am so screwed.
Me: Oh my God, Mr. Slater, I am SO sorry. I did not mean to type that. I meant there are more women pilots than *Amelia.* Please forgive me!!
Gavin: Liar.
Me: Excuse me, sir? I am truly sorry. That was totally unprofessional. It must have been autocorrect?
Gavin: You’re a rotten liar. You meant to call me an asshole. Admit it.
Me: No. I meant ... it’s been a rough morning. PLEASE forgive me. I don’t want Keystone to lose your business because of my mistake.
Gavin: Look, Beryl, it’s not like I haven’t heard it before. And if you lie about it, I’m not sure I can trust you with the rest of my business.
Me: Mr. Slater, I am very, very, very sorry I called you an asshole. I totally did not mean to offend you. (Are you very mad?)
Gavin: No. It actually made me LOL, and I don’t remember the last time that happened.
Me: I’m sorry. My brain is always two steps behind my mouth. Fingers. Whatever.
Gavin: Stop apologizing. And stop calling me Mr. Slater. I’m twenty-five. Mister makes me sound like a geezer.
Me: Yes, sir.
Gavin: Sir sounds like I’m a drill sergeant. Just Gavin, OK? ~ within Chapter 13

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

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About the Author :

Heidi Joy lives in Happy Valley off Sunnyside Road. She swears she did not make that up.

Heidi’s obsessed with storytelling. Her career includes marketing, journalism, and a delicious few years as a food columnist. Media passes took her backstage with several rock bands, where she learned that sometimes a wardrobe malfunction is exactly what the rock star intends.

You’ll most often find Heidi Joy with her husband and two small kids cooking, fishing, exploring the Northwest, and building epic forts in their living room.

She loves to hear from readers via messages at facebook.com/author.heidi.

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Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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

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Find Heidi Joy Tretheway :

• Heidi Joy Tretheway - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook Page
• Goodreads

Made the Grade: Kingdom Series, Book 5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 330 KB | Expected Release Date: April 23, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"Hook's Pan" [Kingdom Series, Book 5] by Marie Hall

My Book Summary : Both are haunted by past events that stole a loved one from them ...
... but will their hearts be able to heal and show them their true feelings for each other or will they part as friends?

Ever since Trishelle's (Trisha) older sister died, she has held herself apart from getting close to anyone who could hurt her especially her heart. So when her best friend, Betty, informs her that soon a fairy named Danika (demon bug) plans to take her to Neverland where she will meet her mate, Captain James Hook, Trisha dosen't believe her thinking it's all a joke. That is until she meets the demon bug and literally lands at Hook's feet. However, when neither believes that Trisha is the reincarnated version of Hook's mate, and even if it was true she is quite different then who she once was, will they be willing to give each other a chance at love before it's too late? Or will they let bygones be bygones and part ways amicably?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, two people learn to open their hearts again to someone new, if only fate and a demon bug or two can give them a helping hand...

Trisha and Hook are a stubborn, adventurous, and entertaining duo that makes you root for them as soon as they meet! Both are still dealing with the deaths of loved ones who have been gone for quite some time, and with through the help of each other they learn to love "again." In addition, their novel opens up a whole new bunch of questions about what will happen next in this series! I cannot wait.

The only thing I do wish is that I liked the first few chapters of the novel, since I found them to be a bit slow. Yet, once Trisha and Hook get into the same room the action starts getting good!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes new takes on fairy tales, especially if you were the one always rooting for the "bad guy." =0)

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

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

Author's Novel Extras : Forbidden teaser | Hook's Pan updates | Sorry I've been M.I.A. | Weekend Writing Warriors: Post #2 (Hook's Pan) | Hook's Pan Update | Guess what I just uploaded tonight?? | Woot! It's out, it's out, it's out, it's out!! | Hook's Pan Book Tour Blog Hop Time!

Author's Series Extras : Kingdom Series - Overview | Thoughts...and fun factoid friday! | Don't bet on it, you goose stepping harpy!! | Hi guys | Gotta love new covers! | Wow! | Hatter! | Six Sentence Sunday: Her Mad Hatter | Gerard's Beauty Update | Her Mad Hatter is now FREE! | Hot Heroes Part Deux | Red and Her Wolf... da da da da... | Six Sentence Sunday (Or is it??) Red and Her Wolf | Amazon aggravations | Wow!! Lots of updates!! | I have a surprise!! | Her Mad Hatter, Kingdom Series Omnibus COVER REVEAL | ALPHA MALE BLOG HOP!! | Some quick updates | Cupcakes and Books... is there anything better?? | Getting so excited!!! | Kingdom Collection! | Update on Jinni's Wish | Black Friday Blog Hop | Thank you all for hopping! | New Years Blog Hop | Kingdom Collection Bargain | .99 cents Kingdom Series Collection! | HER MAD HATTER: NEW COVER REVEAL! | Lots of updates( Hook's Pan, Her Mad Hatter contest, etc..) | I have the *sniff sniff* best fans | Cover Reveal: Kingdom Chronicles PART 2 (Jinni's Wish/Hook's Pan/Danika's Surprise and bonus sneak peek of The Huntsmans Prey!)

Book Teaser(s) :

"You're lying. You're just teasing me."
He lifted one shoulder, picking at the tip of his hook. "Hmm."
She licked her lips. "You know that's not really an answer. And anyway, I thought genies could only grant three wishes."
"It's a cursed chest, the genie can deny the wisher nothing. Endless treasure."
"And it's inside your cabin, maybe it's not a lie. Seems like the kind of thing a dastardly pirate would want to keep close to him."
Eyes sparkling, he tipped his head. "Perhaps. Or perhaps it was an elaborate lie to force you to bend over so I could sneak a look at your red drawers again."
Biting her lip, she tugged the frock down, only now realizing she'd completely exposed herself to him. "You jerk."
He laughed. "Be that as it may, you will not leave this room unless you change. So what will it be, little bird? Trust or no?"
"Why do you keep calling me that?" she growled, more because if she didn't, she'd laugh. The man was obnoxiously hot and funny, who knew the villainous Hook had it in him?
"Because you've the skinny little legs of a bird and you fell in front of me like a chick from a nest. I'll admit, I've another reason for asking you to change. I despise your clothing. In fact, I fight the urge to rip it from you."
At first she almost grinned, until she noticed the sparkle in his eyes was gone. One part of his story did seem true, Hook hated Pan as much as the book portrayed. ~ within Chapter 7

"Call me a bastard," he growled, refusing to censure his thoughts in that moment because his heart was thumping too hard and his chest ached with something he could not name, "but I aim to ruin you for any other man." ~ within Chapter 13

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

Made the Grade: Dallas Billionaires Trilogy, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 200 KB | Release Date: August 15, 2013 | Publisher: Unlimited Dreams Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Steven" [Dallas Billionaires Trilogy, Book 1] by Kirsten Osbourne

My Book Summary : Steven has a great life, he's rich, and he's just happy with whom he is. However, he didn't know anything or anyone was missing in his life until she walked through his door claiming he was a father.

Bailey's life is holding on by its seams. Her older sister recently passed away leaving her with a baby niece (Faith) to take care of (even though she looked after her mostly even before her sister died it's just now permanent), she lost her job, and just that morning got kicked out of her apartment. So, she goes to see Steven, the man her sister claimed was Faith's father, to see if he can help her support his own daughter. She just never considered he'd want her to move in with him as Faith's nanny, but since she loves her niece and wants to make sure, everything will work out for the baby girl, Bailey agrees.

Both of their lives are about to change in memorable ways, will they be able to keep their hearts out of the line of fire?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this is a sweet novella about two people being brought together by a baby and learning more about themselves then they ever expected. As a couple, Steven and Bailey are very charming and playful. I liked them together and their banter.

My only wish was that these two were more on the same page with each other and talked about their feelings a little more then what they did. Plus, after finishing the novel and thinking about how Bailey and Steven's relationship progressed so quickly I thought it was a little unusual that for Steven Bailey was willing to change about 75% of her values just so she could "get to know him better." In some ways, it was sweet but mostly just surprising.

Overall, I do recommend this novella to anyone who is looking for a quick contemporary romance.

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

Book Teaser(s) :

“You can have cars delivered?” Her voice echoed the amazed look on her face.
He laughed. “With enough money you can have just about anything done.” He loved how innocent she was about money. Her sister had known exactly how to use it, and had expected him to buy her an expensive gift every time they went out. She was a refreshing change.
“Well how will I feed her and diaper her today?” She only had two diapers left and enough formula for one more bottle. They wouldn’t make it through the next three hours, let alone the next twenty-four.
He shrugged. “Connie can go. Make her a list.” His tone of voice made it clear he was used to ordering others to do whatever he didn’t want to do.
“Faith has been riding in that car since the day she was born. It’s never hurt her.” She had to make one more protest. She couldn’t just let a man she’d met the day before buy her a car. People didn’t really do that, did they?
“There’s always a first time. I didn’t know about her before. Now that I do, she’s not riding in that rattle-trap.” He didn’t say another word as he turned to go back into his office.
Bailey turned and stalked to the kitchen to make a list for Connie. “Your daddy is a pain in the butt, Faithy.”
“I heard that!”
“You were meant to!” ~ within Chapter 2

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