Sunday, June 17, 2012

Disappointmentville: Callahan Cowboys Series, Book 6

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: 377 KB | Expected Release Date: May 1, 2012 | Publisher: Harlequin American Romance | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Callahan Wedding" [Callahan Cowboys Series, Book 6] by Tina Leonard

Author's Book Description : “Holy Smokes. I’m A Father.”

Sabrina McKinley broke Jonas’s heart when she left him for another man. Then the eldest Callahan brother gets the surprise of his life when he sees her again...holding his son. Even at six months, his bouncing baby boy was wearing the legendary Callahan smile!

Which means Sabrina has got to marry him, even if Jonas has to drag her to the altar.

Sabrina’s been head over heels for the hunky cowboy doctor since the day she first came to Rancho Diablo; it’s always been Jonas Keeping her at arm’s length. She won’t settle for anything less than the real deal–the love and happiness that Jonas’s five brothers have found.

But when a revelation about a family secret comes out, Sabrina can see Jonas is ready to look toward the future. He won’t be the last bachelor on the ranch. After all, he’s a Callahan!

My Book Review : 2 out of 5 stars. I'm sorry but by Chapter 4 (24% of the book or so my Kindle said) in this book I just could not finish reading anymore of it. I couldn't put up with finishing this book because...

• For one I haven't read any other books from this series so it bounced around a little too much for me to follow the plot.

• Another thing is Jonas (the hero in this novel) was really whiny and not much of a lead character during the parts I did read.

Otherwise .... I think this book had potential so if you do decide to read it then .. Good luck and I hope you'll enjoy it more than me.

Book Teaser(s) :
Jonas was satisfied with his non-emotional approach to his chosen lady. "How would Sabrina know what I need to do to make myself into a good life partner?"
"Well, you ran off and got engaged to a woman you didn't love because the woman you did love was pregnant with your child. Call me crazy, but you may have some issues to iron out, bro."
He scowled. ~ within Chapter 3
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Tina, then please check out her website.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Feasted On: Portals of Destiny Tales, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 481 KB | Release Date: April 2012 | Publisher: Digital Crystal Press | Obtained: Book Lovers’ Buffet & Amazon.com

"Dragon Rider's Gift" [Portals of Destiny Tales, Book 1] by K. H. LeMoyne

My Book Summary : Roark was a solider for a long time until he heard rumors of the possibility of an attack to their kingdom. He goes on a quest in search of an ancient red dragon (Kraz) he heard of being captured, so he can free him in hopes they'll bond and the dragon will help in protecting everything in the kingdom. However, convincing Kraz that bonding together and getting involved in Roark's plans are harder than he originally thought. Yet in the end, they head toward the King and the castle to share their knowledge and become a part of the King's dragon guard.

Everything seems to fall into place for them when it comes to protecting the kingdom. However, Roark never expected on losing his heart in the process to Princess Nira. Three souls. Two hearts. And a bond that links them all. Can they find a way to protect each other and the kingdom before an evil mage comes for them all?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars. "Three souls. Two hearts. And a bond that links them all." is how this novel is best described! I LOVED the characters!! Kraz is an egotistical dragon who put humor throughout this novel! While Roark & Nira have chemistry that flies off the page and wouldn't slow down! Then to top it off the plot was fast-paced and made me not want to put it down!! Wonderful!

I hope that there will be a story about Lord Joach since he went from being the most hated character to one of my favorite characters in the novel! Plus, there were quite a few other secondary characters that were enticing too (like Nira's bodyguard, Aegon).

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes paranormal romances that have a lot of action and a bit of erotica in them!!

Book Teaser(s) :
One large spin presented him a view of land in place of air, his eardrums thrumming as gravity pulled at his head instead of his feet. He didn’t bother to hold in his whoop and laughed as Kraz roared and released a fire plume as they cut along the currents.
A good day to fly with the gods, Rider.
Aye, my friend. A good day indeed.
Friend. Don’t mistake me for friend, Rider.
If I am to trust you with my life, beast, then you will be either friend or foe. I have few of either, so consider yourself precious as a friend.
Hmm...yes. Precious I am. ~ within Chapter 2
Roark stood, watching his pitiful path up the cavern stairway and his retreat into the tunnel. He is not my favorite, by any means. But it takes strength to realize one’s failings and make reparation. He’s at an impasse. If he chooses wisely, he’ll be a man worthy of respect.
He handled our princess in a manner unworthy of a rider. You should have ground him to dust.
Her wish was to grant him a chance to make amends. She is our liege. However, Roark had wanted to crush Joach after his cruel assault on Nira’s innocent nature. She did not want him humiliated and sees worth where others might not.
Hmm, dragons do not juggle these needless emotions. We don’t debate right and wrong. We protect our hoard and annihilate threats.
That is what makes you a warrior and my lady a future queen, Roark countered. Our lady.
Roark bent his head with a chuckle. Our queen—my lady. ~ within Chapter 13
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by K. H., then please check out her website. Check out all of the books offered for the Book Lovers’ Buffet Vacation Getaway [going from June 8 - 22, 2012], HERE!

From Book to the Movies: The Host

"The Host" by Stephenie Meyer, I haven't read this novel of hers but since the movie stars Saoirse Ronan, and I loved her performance in "Hanna," so I'm very interested in watching it!!

Movie Release Date :: March 29, 2013

Movie Preview ::


To find out more about this movie :: CLICK HERE!!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Crewel

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

  • "Crewel" [Crewel World Trilogy, Book 1] by Gennifer Albin
    Expected Publication Released Date: October 16, 2012

    Author's Book Description:
      Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

      That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

      Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

      Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

      Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

      Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

    Tuesday, June 12, 2012

    Teaser Tuesdays: One Wet Summer


  • Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here


  • "One Wet Summer" by Ann Montclair

    Book Teaser:
    The little girl stuck her tongue out at him and flipped away like a dolphin, swimming with sure strokes to the shallow end. Maura swam in her wake and met her at the pool stairs.
    “You should say thank you to the lifeguard,” she said, as the little girl’s pink, sparkly, swimsuited bottom flounced up the steps in front of her. “He was trying to help, you know.”
    “Oh, you’d think he’d have figured it out by now. I play that game nearly every day. It’s fun to float and hold my breath as long as possible. I don’t know why it freaks everyone out.” She sounded dramatically exasperated and Maura couldn’t help but laugh at the child’s adult tone.
    The little girl smiled up into Maura’s face, and continued. “You swim fast, lady. No one has ever beat Fred before.”
    “So, you pull this trick often, eh?” Maura tried not to sound too impressed. “I bet only the new guests give you that satisfying scream, huh?”
    “Yep,” the little girl agreed, twisting her long dark hair around one of her dimpled fingers. ~ within Chapter 1

    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 :
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