Monday, September 17, 2012

Blog Tour - Rafael by K. Victoria Chase | Spreading the Word & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to K. Victoria Chase author of "Rafael," which is the 1st book in The Santiago Brothers Series!

ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAY (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from September 10 - 21, 2012]




"Rafael" [The Santiago Brothers Series, Book 1] by K. Victoria Chase

Author's Book Description :
    The last time Detective Genie Green let a man humiliate her was her college sweetheart—never again. Yet, when former high school lothario Rafael Santiago returns to town as the consulting detective on her case, Genie’s rule of never allowing another man to best her is challenged. Can she trust him long enough to solve this case and get the glory?

    Rafa can’t seem to outrun his delinquent past. When The Snakes, a criminal organization he used to belong to, begin murdering people from his hometown, he has a chance to right some of his past wrongs. Will arresting the murderers be enough to redeem him, or will a certain beautiful detective pay the ultimate price instead?

    A Christian interracial romantic suspense.



About the Author :

From childhood, bestselling author K. Victoria Chase enjoyed writing stories and plays and reading Christian romance. She received degrees in Criminal Justice and Diplomacy and worked as a federal law enforcement officer for several years before deciding to try her hand at writing a complete novel. "Serial Games" (Virginia Justice Book One) is the third completed work and the first published by Desert Breeze Publishing. Book two of the series, "Marked by the Mob," will be released in November 2012. She has recently signed with Astraea Press for the first in her Santiago Brothers series, the Amazon bestselling "Rafael." Until she can make writing a full-time venture, K. Victoria Chase continues to work in the field of counterterrorism, identifying potential terrorists that threaten the United States and the world. She currently resides in Leesburg, VA and writes both clean and Christian interracial romance.



Book Excerpt :

“Wow. You know, you have a real talent with women.”

Rafa gave her a sideways glance but didn’t answer. She saw the corners of his mouth fight an upward pull.

“I bet they have you working all the female subject interviews.” Genie tugged hard on the door handle.

“You don’t have to be jealous Genie,” came his smooth reply.

“Jealous? Ha! Why would I be jealous of her? Over you?” She got in and slammed the door closed.

Rafa slid effortlessly into the seat, calmly closed the door, and jerked his seatbelt on when the car surged forward. Genie nearly forgot to brief the surveillance team, and she whipped the vehicle around and pulled alongside the other car. She rolled down her window. “Let’s give it another day fellas. I’ll let the Lieutenant know and if there is any change to the plan, then we’ll give you a call. Until then, your relief will come as scheduled.” They nodded in affirmation, and Genie drove away.

“Watch your speed,” Rafa teased.

“My speed? What about your speed?”

My speed?” His voice feigned innocence to her insinuation.

“In another minute Ms. Flores Cera would have forgone the call and invited you in. I’m sure she could whip up some fajitas and rice in no time.”

Rafa roared with laughter. “Do you hear yourself? Fajitas and rice? Who knew Ms. Church could toss around stereotypes.”

Genie blinked. Did she truly say that? Shame swept through her. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “That was unkind. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“I do.”

Genie heard the smile in his voice. She wasn’t jealous.

She. Wasn’t. Jealous.

Jealousy was an emotion for the weak...for a girl who couldn’t keep her man interested in her. Sure, plenty of women fell all over Jeff. He was classically handsome, a jock, and destined to follow in his parent’s footsteps and be a doctor or a high-powered attorney. Genie’s parents were middle-class, not poor, but not rich. She was considered pretty but not the stunner that should have been on Jeff’s arm. But Jeff chose her. She had no reason to be jealous, but she was. Those women who fell all over Jeff? He fell all over them, too. Wherever smoke rose, fire always followed. Always.

“Wait a minute. Ms. Church? What is that?” Her anger suddenly rekindled.

“Oh, just what we used to call you in school.”

Who used to call me?”

“Me and some of the other boys,” he said casually, as if it were a time long past.

He had noticed her! I must have looked cute. Plaid skirts and flowered blouses came to mind. And her hair...always in a braid. I did not look cute. “That’s not very original,” she muttered. But it was news to her, and it stung.

“Well, weren’t you president of the Chastity Club?”

“Chess Club!” Genie flushed hot. “And the Bible Club.”

His triumphant laugh enveloped her. “Close enough.”

Genie resisted the urge to stare at him, knowing if she did she wouldn’t be able to stop glaring and then they would run off the road. Instead, she silently counted to ten. Then she counted to ten again. She heard Rafa chuckle softly. Genie gripped the steering wheel. I can’t believe I even considered him a changed man. I even felt guilty! Her prejudgments were correct.



Giveaway!! :

  • A $10 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour

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 K. Victoria Chase :

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Made the Grade: Wife for Hire by Christine Bell

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 247 KB | Release Date: August 18, 2012 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Indulgence | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Wife for Hire" by Christine Bell (aka Chloe Cole)

My Book Summary : After his sister had seven-hundred thousand dollars stolen from her by Nico, her ex-boyfriend, Owen decides to take the matter into his own hands. He found out that Nico has used the stolen money to put together what looks like a legitimate married couple's retreat and completely believes it's another scam, now he only needs to find proof. Owen put an ad on Craigslist saying he was looking for an actress and his last candidate for his "wife for hire" job is Belinda (Lindy).

Lindy isn't too keen on the idea of lying to anyone let alone about herself, but after Owen explains the situation she would love to help out anyway she can. Her only stipulation is that no matter how much she is attracted to Owen (and he to her) that they not take their personal relationship any further then what they need to pretend in public. However, how long will that vow last between them once they are in the middle of their investigation and the temperature between them flies? Will they be able to prove Nico for the scam artist Owen believes him to be or will they find out that the retreat is just too good to be true?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a novel about fighting for what you believe in, even when there is nowhere to go with your belief. I loved Owen and Lindy together--they were a dynamic duo that brought out the best in the other. Plus, even with the things that go on at the retreat I really enjoyed the activities that they were thrown into, especially how many times Lindy kept dissing Owen's manhood/stamina. =0)

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes a contemporary romance that has a little mystery in it!!

Book Teaser(s) :
A few days earlier, a man in a sleek black carhad dropped off two suitcases and four garment bags filled with clothes. He’d handed Melba a sumptuous, ivory-colored envelope before backing out of the door with a bow.
“Feel this paper, would ya Lindy? It’s softer than a baby’s bottom. I bet it’s from your dreamy Mr. Phipps,” she’d said with a delighted cackle.
“He’s not my Mr. Phipps. I don’t want you getting ideas in your head. This isn’t a real marriage, Melba. I’m helping him out with a job. That’s all.”
The older woman waved her off. “You keep saying. Still, it’s so romantic. It’s like he’s James Bond or something and you’re Octopussy.”
Lindy had winced. ~ within Chapter 3
The cool blonde gave him an encouraging smile. “Let yourself go. Pretend it’s you and your beautiful wife, alone in a room where no one is watching.”
World’s worst idea, so instead, he did the exact opposite, imagining they were in a room filled with people. Tons of people. Screaming babies. Grumpy old men. His sister. Hell, anything to distract him from the feel of Lindy’s tight little body swaying sinuously against his to the throbbing Latin beat. ~ within Chapter 10
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Christine, then please check out her website.

Friday, September 14, 2012

BBAW 2012 :: Weekly Wrap-up

It's time for my weekly wrap-up of this years Book Blogger Appreciation Week ...

DAY 1 :

[Click here to check out the listing of a few of the blogs that I like!]

DAY 2 :

Well the biggest thing for me was I HAD MY FIRST INTERVIEW!! SuziQoregon from Whimpulsive interviewed me and I in return interviewed her. My fave highlights from the interviews:

From SuziQoregon's Interview with me :
    3. Two favorite genres that you read and review and what do you like about them.
      • Paranormal -- I love this genre because of all of the freedom it has as well as a fun way to think of the world, since I like the idea that there are romantic werewolves and/or shape-shifters out there. As long as they are looking for their one true mate and not trying to kill me then I’m all for it.
    [Click here to read the rest of her interview with me!!]

From My Interview with SuziQoregon :
    Jess : Out of the books you’ve read thus far in 2012, which characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?
      SuziQoregon : The character I'd most like to invite to dinner from my 2012 books is Armand Gamache from Louise Penny's series that features him. I've had a literary crush on him from the very first book. I could chat with him for hours.

      As for the character I'd least like to invite to dinner, well that would probably be Amy from Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl." I won't say why but if you've read the book, I'm pretty sure you'll understand.
    [Click here to read the rest of my interview with her!!]

DAY 3 :

[Click here to check out my POV on what book blogging means to me.]

Here are a few more fun posts that I enjoyed from others:

DAY 4 :

I love spreading the word about books ... especially ones that I love ... so again Click here to check out this great book!! And like so many others I'm happy that I was able to find more books to add to my ever growing pile of TBR novels. =0)

DAY 5 :

TODAY!! I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who became knew followers of mine throughout this week!! It really means a lot! Please comment as much as you'd like since I love getting responses from you guys!!

I hope you all will have a great day and a good weekend!!

Take care, Jess

Thursday, September 13, 2012

BBAW 2012 :: Valor by Taylor Longford | Spreading the Word

As a part of Book Blogger Appreciation Week I'm spreading the word about ...



"Valor" [Greystone Series, Book 1] by Taylor Longford

Imprint : Self-Published
Audience : Young Adult
Novel length : 287 KB / 201 pages
Format : eBook
Publication Released Date : June 12, 2011

Author's Book Cover :

My Book Summary :
    MacKenzie has a typical life. She lives in Colorado, mostly by herself, with her mom (who travels a lot for her job), step-person Greg (who she doesn't like but thankfully he travels a lot too), and brother (who's away at college). Nevertheless, she has two wonderful best friends, Mim and Whitney, and a protective dog named Hooligan. Along with a lot of unruly red hair. Yet, one day after she waited at home for one of her step-person's important shipments to arrive at their house her life changed forever. Since the shipment that step-person thought was of an antique statue of a young male actually turns out to be Valor a gargoyle who, along with his two brothers and six cousins, was trapped in his "statue form" for the past 800 yrs until MacKenzie opened his box. Now MacKenzie is thrust into Valor's world and honor bound to keep his and his families secret while helping them out to fit into her world. In addition, Valor and his family are honor bound to protect MacKenzie too. However, Valor and MacKenzie are drawn to each other in a way that is stronger than just pure attraction, but with all of the risks, secrets, and mystery that surround both of them could anything good really happen between them? Will they find out the truth before it's too late?? [Click HERE to read my review of this novel!]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, & Smashwords

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

Find Taylor Longford :

Made the Grade: Once Upon a Ballroom by Caroline Linden, Katharine Ashe, Maya Rodale, & Miranda Neville

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 304 KB | Release Date: July 20, 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Once Upon a Ballroom" by Caroline Linden, Katharine Ashe, Maya Rodale, & Miranda Neville



"The Truth About Love" by Caroline Linden

My Story Summary : Miranda (Lady Roxbury) has been away from her husband, Damien (Lord Roxbury), for about the past two months while he advises the Prince Regent on the grandiose pavilion that the Prince is having built. During that time, they have been consistently passing notes back and forth to stay in contact as much as possible. However, even so they miss each other, Miranda knows they'll be together again soon so she just waits until it's time for Damien to come home. Nevertheless, when a "rumor" begins about Damien taking on a mistress while he's been away will Miranda's faith in her husband be forever ruined or will their love be able to pull through this scandal?

My Story Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!! This was a captivating short story. It's about a husband and wife, both deeply in love, dealing with a scandal that could pull them apart. I wished I could have read it from Damien's POV as well as Miranda's POV, but I did love how this story flows! Miranda is a unique character, that even though she is a very strong person emotionally, everyone seems to walk on her and think they know what is best for her because she is so shy that she doesn't stick up for herself much. Plus, Damien's display at the end was very sweet! I wish I could get to know them more!

Author's Story Extras : In Case You Were Wondering...

Story Teaser :
"I don't know," she said at last. "Suggested the Pavilion extend into the water, for indoor sea-bathing?"
Clara started. "No! Of all the---how did you think of such a thing? Did he tell you that?"
Miranda lifted her cup to hide a tiny smile. "No," she murmured, sipping her tea. How lovely; she had finally thought of something worthy of Damien's imagination, at least in Clara's outraged eyes. ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Caroline, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.



"Ask Me to Dance" [The Falcon Club Series, Novella 1] by Katharine Ashe

My Story Summary : Felix fell in love with Fiona ever since he read her childhood letters that she sent to her older brother years ago when he was away for the war. However, since then things have changed, not his feelings for her but a secret from their shared past will make it impossible for Felix to tell Fiona about his affections for her. Nevertheless, will Fiona be able stay away from the intense man, Felix, who holds her attention? Or will she take matters into her own hands?

My Story Review : 4 out of 5 stars. This is a cute story of acquainted love if only they can get on the same page. I thought the way Fiona & Felix finally meet was very unique and sweet! They were great together!

Author's Series Extras : How My Books Are Connected | Saturday Salon – Time Keeping | (Mystical) To Do List | Parlor Games: Regency Word-Libs with Manda Collins | Saturday Salon: My Cherry Tree | TRANSCRIPT: Parrot vs. Raptor

Story Teaser :
"You came over to me."
It was not what she had intended to say. It simply popped out instead of "My friend dances delightfully, does she not?" or "Have you tried the petit fours?" She bit her tongue.
"You beckoned. I came." He did not smile. Not precisely. Not with his mouth. But he did with his eyes, quietly, as though he were unaccustomed to naked expressions of pleasure. ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Katharine, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.



"Once Upon a Dream" [The Writing Girls Series, Novella 1] by Maya Rodale

My Story Summary : This seems to be a "dream" summary of Ms. Rodale's "Seducing Mr. Knightly" which will be released on October 30th 2012.

My Story Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this is an enticingly sweet short story that gives you a preview of what you should expect in Ms. Rodale's "Seducing Mr. Knightly." I definitely was caught up in Derek & Annabelle's hope, wishes, and dreams...and I think you will too!

Author's Series Extras : About The Writing Girl Romance Series | Who’s Who in the Writing Girl World | Who’s Who at The London Weekly | St. Brides, church of the press

Story Teaser :
Wordlessly, Knightly started to thread his way through the crowds as he. Followed. Her.
Her lips curved into a smile. She shivered in anticipation. She kept walking, every now and then sending another inviting look over her shoulder.
Annabelle, seductress. Who would have ever thought it?
Not Dear Old Spinster Auntie Annabelle. ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Maya, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.



"The School of Wooing for Inept Book Collectors" [The Burgundy Club Series, Novella 2] by Miranda Neville

My Story Summary : After the recent passing of her father, Belinda is in need of a husband. However, she only has eyes for James, her long time friend, and whom their parents always hoped would marry. Though it looks like James either only has brotherly feelings for her or doesn't find her attractive, so Belinda plans to change his mind during the masked ball happening soon. Will she get what she wants or will her heart be broken?

My Story Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, going from close friends to lovers is hard especially when insecurities get in the way. I loved James and Belinda's "game of chase" on the dance floor. Plus, I was pleasantly surprised by the way James' proposal happened, since it was quite humorous. They made a sweet pair! =0)

Author's Story Extras : Introducing Once Upon a Ballroom

Author's Series Extras : About the Burgundy Club: How the books connect | Regency Book Collecting | Regency Book Collecting | Historical Notes for The Dangerous Viscount | Historical Background: some notes on Regency "Sex Ed." | Confessions from an Arranged Marriage: Extra Scene | Ladies Make Passes at Viscounts in Glasses | Tarquin's Book has a Title | The Burgundy Club Meets in The Ballroom | A New Cover & A Spot of Matchmaking

Story Teaser :
“I’ve always intended to marry her.”
“For her books?”
“No, for herself. Our shared interest is important, but it’s not everything. She’ll make a fine wife. A sensible girl, at least that’s what I always thought. She wears spectacles.”
“Poor eyesight is no guarantee of common sense. And I strongly recommend you do not tell her she’s sensible when you propose marriage.”
“If I ever do. I thought we had an unspoken understanding, but it occurs to me she may not feel the same. I was trying to pluck up my courage, but then she started talking about bonnets.”
“That’s a good sign. The female of the human species is like the male bird. They sport their finest plumage to attract.” ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Miranda, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.



My Book Review : For the full book I give it 3.75 out of 5 stars! This is a sweetly fun novel with adventurous characters all trying to find happiness with their one true love. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who are already fans of the authors' and/or if you enjoy their series'.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Dawn’s Desire

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

"Dawn’s Desire" [Dark Kings Series, Book 0.3] by Donna Grant
Expected Publication Released Date: September 25, 2012

Author's Book Description:
    For centuries, the immortals knows as the Dragon Kings have hidden their shapeshifting powers from the world. But when a mortal enemy threatens to expose them, the warrior Banan must leave his secret lair in the Highlands, risk his life for the dragons within – and resist the temptations of human love... Jane Holden has never considered herself beautiful. But when the impossibly handsome Banan casts his gaze upon her, smoldering with sensuality, she feels like the sexiest woman on earth. Banan, however, is a man on a mission. He refuses to succumb to this modern woman’s charms – or his own desires. Two of his warrior brethren have already surrendered to forbidden love. But as the danger closes in, Banan realizes that he needs to possess Jane – mind, body, and soul. For she is more than his match. She is his destiny...

BBAW 2012 :: What does book blogging mean to you?

As a part of Book Blogger Appreciation Week I have been asked ...

What does book blogging mean to you?

What does book blogging mean to me? Well the first thing that comes to my mind is promotion! It's about spreading the word about the book you’re into or the latest book coming out by either your favorite author and/or an indie author. Over the years I have grown into this belief because as you can tell from most people's book rating on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, etc that everyone has their own opinion about what makes a good novel and what was good/bad about the novel they most recently read. There is NO WRONG answer. Therefore, the best way I feel to review a novel is by saying what I think about the novel while promoting it as much as I can with whatever I can find for my post. This has made my reviews on the longer side because I want to get everything in, yes that even means if I give the novel 1 out of 5 stars. Just because I might have not liked the novel doesn't mean someone else would. So I do my best to show the good and the bad if I didn't like a novel and the good and the even better when I do like a novel!! =0)

Here are a few examples of what I mean ...
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