Made the Grade: Dark Kings Series, Books 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, & 0.4

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 447; Kindle Edition - File Size: 947 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: December 31, 2013 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | Obtained: NetGalley

"Dark Heat" [Dark Kings Series, Books 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, & 0.4] by Donna Grant

Authors' Book Description : The Dark Kings are sworn to defend an ancient legacy of dragon magic. But their fiercest challenge lies in the modern world, where a woman’s love conquers all. These are their stories.

Dark Craving
Fueled by ancient magic—and enflamed by human desire—the Dragon King known as Hal can transform himself at will into one of the legendary winged creatures he is sworn to protect. But one thing he can never do is fall in love…with a mortal woman.

Night’s Awakening
The dark immortal warriors were never meant to experience human desire. But when Guy, a member of an ancient order of shape-shifting warriors, meets Elena—a mere mortal whose beauty and blind ambition shakes him to his core—all bets are off...

Dawn’s Desire
For centuries, 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 to risk his life for the dragons within—and resist the temptations of human love.

Passion’s Claim
Banan has been waiting for centuries for someone like Jane. Guy knew it was love at first sight with Elena. Can two Dragon Kings commit to two immortal women for eternity? Or does fate have something else in store?

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"Dark Craving" [Dark Heat Anthology, Novella 1] & [Dark Kings Series, Book 0.1]

Author's Story Description : Fueled by ancient magic—and enflamed by human desire—the Dragon King known as Hal can transform himself at will into one of the legendary winged creatures he is sworn to protect. But one thing he can never do is fall in love...with a mortal woman.

Searching for her brother in Scotland—and succumbing to the freezing cold—Cassie Hunter awakens to find herself in the arms of a magnificent Highland warrior. Across his chest is the tattoo of a fiery dragon. And in his heart is a burning passion that, once unleashed, will consume them both...body and soul.

This is a story of destiny and desire, magic and mystery, warriors and lovers.

These are the forbidden cravings of the Dark Kings.

My Story Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Looking for a new beginning, a woman moves to Scotland to be closer to her brother and ends up getting more than she bargained for with her hot new neighbor!

It’s a great start to this series! I liked how “self-involved” it was, meaning the only danger this novella had was the main characters (along with their friends/comrades assistance) messing up their own love lives. Haldor (Hal) and Cassie are a very sweet couple, who’s story I enjoyed in its simplicity. It was also interesting reading about Constantine (Con) in a “fatherly figure” role, it made for entertaining and dramatic scenes.

Purchase This Story Here : AMAZON.COM | KOBO

Author's Story Extras : Dark Craving - Overview | Dark Craving - Fun Notes | Dark Craving - Learn More About Hal!

Story Teaser :

"I'm not sure if I'm ready for this," she said to Duke. "I haven't slept in thirty-six hours, I'm freezing, and I'm driving a stick. On the wrong side of the road. This is a really shitty day, Duke."
In answer, he nudged his large head against her shoulder. She smiled and scratched him behind the ear.
Her morale fortified--by a dog--Cassie started the car and headed out on the M90 north toward Perth. ~ within Chapter 1

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"Night’s Awakening" [Dark Heat Anthology, Novella 2] & [Dark Kings Series, Book 0.2]

Author's Story Description : Fueled by dragon magic, the dark immortal warriors were never meant to feel human desire, much less fall in love. But when Guy, a member of an ancient order of shape-shifting warriors, meets Elena Griffin—a mere mortal whose beauty and blind ambition shakes him to his core—all bets are off...

Having left America to explore the Scottish Highlands, Elena suddenly finds herself lost in a dark cave—alone, injured, and utterly hopeless...until Guy appears from out of nowhere. Is she dreaming her own rescue when she falls into his arms? A man—and a passion—this strong is too good to be true. It’s only a matter a time before she learns the truth about the flames in his heart. And the dragon in his soul...

My Story Review : 3 out of 5 stars! A woman’s boss cons her into caving on the dragons’ private property and during the excursion she gets herself into serious danger, but once Guy finds her will her world turn out for the better or worse?

This novella was a hard one to completely fall for. I felt that way mostly because even though I liked Guy & Elena’s growing relationship instead of being mostly about them it was more about the storyline of the series and based around that. Nevertheless, in regards to Guy & Elena, I enjoyed how quickly they responded to one another and while Elena showed a few indecisive traits, I was happy with how swiftly she decided that Guy was the one for her.

Purchase This Story Here : AMAZON.COM | KOBO

Author's Story Extras : Night’s Awakening - Overview | Night’s Awakening - Excerpt | Night’s Awakening - Learn More About Guy!

Story Teaser :

Right before he went over the side, she giggled.
"Something amusing?" he asked.
"I was just thinking of Jurassic Park, where the little girl was in this same position and she choked Dr. Grant." Elena laughed harder. "She was so scared of falling, and of the T. rex, of course, that she didn't know she was choking him."
"Well, let's no' choke me, shall we?" ~ within Chapter 3

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"Dawn’s Desire" [Dark Heat Anthology, Novella 3] & [Dark Kings Series, Book 0.3]

Author's Story 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...

My Story Review : THIS NOVELLA WAS A REREAD:: Then (December 2012): 4 out of 5 stars | Now (January 2015): 4 out of 5 stars! Being a klutz and typically being looked over had never felt like positives to Jane until danger seems to slowly surround her, thankfully she unknowingly has one hot Dragon King looking over her. Hopefully, she’ll be able to handle and deal with the fallout once all the secrets are out in the open...

I’m very happy that I reread this novella since it made so much more since while reading it as a part of the series. I still enjoyed reading about Banan and his sweetly growing relationship to Jane, again. [READ MY PREVIOUS FULL REVIEW]

Purchase This Story Here : AMAZON.COM | KOBO

Author's Story Extras : Dawn’s Desire - Overview | Dawn’s Desire - Excerpt | Dawn’s Desire - Learn More About Banan!

Story Teaser :

There was a soft knock on the door, and then it opened. Banan glanced behind him to see Rhys fill the doorway.
"Whoever that was willna be bothering you again," Rhys said to Jane.
There was a pause as Jane pulled both the knife and the pepper spray from her purse. She released the purse and flipped the knife open so that she held a weapon in each hand.
"Ah ... Banan, what's going on?" Rhys asked as he softly closed the door behind him.
Jane lifted the Mace toward Rhys. "Stop right where you are. I didn't invite you, and I don't want you up here."
"I've made a muck of things," Banan answered Rhys. ~ within Chapter 5

Teaser #2 ~ within Chapter 6

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"Passion’s Claim" [Dark Heat Anthology, Novella 4] & [Dark Kings Series, Book 0.4]

Author's Story Description : Banan has been waiting for centuries for someone like Jane. Guy knew it was love at first sight with Elena. Can two Dragon Kings commit to two immortal women for eternity? Or does fate have something else in store?

My Story Review : For the full story I'm giving it 3 out of 5 stars it wraps up both novella's #2 & #3.

Part 1 – 3.5 out of 5 stars, Banan (being such the charmer he is) romantically proposes and binds himself to Jane in this sweet novella.

Part 2 – 2.5 out of 5 stars. Talk about communication issues! Guy is giving up on his feelings for Elena so she can have the happiness he thinks she deserves, if only he told her his reasoning before tensions between them had escalated. Yet, I’m happy I read about their bonding too even if it had dramatic results.

Story Teaser :

"You're thinking of stripping off my clothes."
"Oh, aye. I'm thinking of much more than that."
"I know," she murmured. "It's written all over your face when you look at me like that."
"I thought you liked it."
"I don't like it, Banan. I love it." ~ within Part 1 - Chapter 2

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My Book Review : For the full book, I’m giving it 3.4 out of 5 stars!! I had originally only read "Dawn’s Desire," because I liked its book description the best, a few years ago and now that I've read all of the novellas prior to the full series I feel like I get the gist of this series even more. Plus I enjoyed getting to know Cassie, Hal, Elena, & Guy while getting to read more of Banan & Jane! Very cute, I'm interested to see where this series will go next!

I recommend this novel (and its individual novellas) to anyone who is a fan of Ms. Grant and/or to those who like paranormal romances!

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Dark Heat | Alibris (Paperback) : Dark Heat


My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 0.3

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Midnight's Surrender

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : "Waiting On" Wednesday: Dawn’s Desire | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Novel Extras : Dark Heat - Overview | Dark Heat - Excerpt

Book Teaser(s) :

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

Feasted On: Gargoyles Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 320; Kindle Edition - File Size: 734 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: December 31, 2013 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Heart of Stone" [Gargoyles Series, Book 1] by Christine Warren

My Book Summary : Ella has had a hard life. Her parents died when she was 12-years-old leaving her to be raised in the foster care system and because of the magic inside of herself she has always felt different and alone. Now, at 27-years-old, she is working in a place she loves--at a historical museum as it's docent and gift-shop manager--and has carved out a pretty normal life for herself.

Yet, that normal life is about to change when Kees--a gargoyle from her museum--suddenly comes to life. He's a guardian, meant to help defeat evil when it pops up every so often and to sleep during the rest of the time. Kees wakes up when he witnesses Ella being attacked. From that moment on they are thrown together in trying to find out--why he's awaken, how Ella was able to awaken him, where the Warden's are (a magical group of people who work with the guardians), and if there is demon's about find out what the battle plans are--how they can help save the world. However, during the process of learning the why's of it all they loose their hearts to each other. That is if gargoyles even have hearts and if Kees is willing to admit it...

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!! One hot know-it-all gargoyle and one reluctant magical woman team up to save the world while they fall in love along the way!

I thoroughly adored the novel! From the ways Kees learned of the world around him, to Ella learning about her abilities, to their growing relationship, to the antics the two of them kept falling into....I couldn't get enough of it! Kees and Ella are one of those couples whose banter made their love story that much better! Plus, the sex scenes were a bonus too! =0)

In addition, I really enjoyed how this novel wraps up and leads you onto the next in its series. Which just happens to be "Stone Cold Lover" coming out in the Fall of 2014.

I recommend this novel and it's series to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances!!

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Born To Be Wild

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : "Waiting On" Wednesday: On the Prowl

Author's Novel Extras : Heart of Stone - Overview & Excerpt

Book Teaser(s) :

“I don’t know what you think I have to do with anything. I mean, clearly if I didn’t know you existed until after you, er, woke up, then I’m not the one who woke you up. If you Guardians are big defenders of evil, then maybe you woke up just to defend me from that nocturnal guy. I did scream pretty loud when I saw him.”
“No, it is impossible. The Guardians slumber until one of the demons of the Darkness stirs. If I am awake, there must be something very grave afoot. I cannot sense a demon directly, but perhaps my earlier theory is partially correct.” He eyed her with speculation. “Perhaps the nocturnis are working toward summoning one of them, and they think to use you and others like you to feed the creature and restore its strength once it has reappeared.”
Oh, this just kept getting better and better.
“Maybe you should just go ask this Warden of yours. I’m sure he’ll be more helpful than I am, and you don’t need me for that.”
Kees made no move to leave, not by the door and not by the window to the fire escape where he’d come in. In fact, he didn’t stir from the sofa. The only movement he made was a slow shake of his head.
“No. Of course, I will find Gregory and ask him many questions, but I have no intention of letting you out of my sight. You clearly had something to do with my awakening, and the Guild will want to know what that was. They will want to meet you.”
“Um, no offense or anything, but I don’t particularly want to meet them.”
He watched her so intently that she squirmed—literally—under his gaze.
“Look, I had nothing to do with you waking up. Just because I was there, doesn’t mean I had any effect on you whatsoever. And frankly, this is all a little much for me to deal with. I’d be a lot happier if you just went off to find your buddies and save the world, or whatever, and forgot all about me. That’s what I’m going to try to do.”
Kees frowned, and she tried to ignore the way that made her want to squirm some more.
“I do not believe you have that option, little human,” he said. “What you have learned cannot be unlearned, and having met you, I must inform the Guild of your existence. I’ve never met a human who needed training more than you.”
She glared at him. “I’m not a dog. ‘Training’ can go screw itself.” ~ within Chapter 3

She promptly kicked him in the shin.
Once again, he felt no pain, but his female’s growing penchant for violence was something he thought they should maybe discuss. “What was that for?”
“Excuse me?” Her glare could have flayed the flesh from his bones. “What was that for? I don’t know, do you think it could maybe have had something to do with the fact that you don’t make decisions for me, you giant bat-winged jerk? Or how about that I just got finished saying no to something, and the last time I checked, I was the only person allowed to change that to a yes? Which there is no way I’m doing, by the way. You think I want to be bound to an arrogant, high-handed, dictatorial asshole who can’t even admit when something makes him feel good? Fat frickin’ chance, big guy. You can just bite me.” ~ within Chapter 10

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

Made the Grade: The Secret Brides Series, Book 3.5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1083 KB | Expected Release Date: October 29, 2013 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"It Happened Under the Mistletoe" [The Secret Brides Series, Book 3.5] by Valerie Bowman

Author's Book Description : When Oliver Townsende escapes to his friend’s house for a Christmas party, he intends to avoid the hordes of marriage-minded misses who have been dogging his steps in London ever since he inherited a dukedom. He soon learns a bit of Yuletide peace and quiet is too much to ask for. When he encounters Miss Cerian Blake, who’s dodging her own unwanted set of admirers, the two decide to join forces and fake an infatuation to keep their suitors at bay. But when a bough of mistletoe becomes involved, will their Christmastime prank turn into a love to last all seasons?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Two people are looking for the same thing in finding a spouse ... a love match but, because of their inheritances, it's hard to find that certain person who is being true ... that is until they meet each other.

Oliver and Cerian's blossoming romance is one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about. From their growing friendship to their personal worries/feelings for each other, this novella is one that I didn't want to finish, as I liked the main characters so much. In addition, that mysterious cat was fun to find out about, especially when it kept showing up at the most opportune times and suddenly wearing random decorations.

Overall, I recommend this novella to anyone who likes historical romances!

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

Author's Novel Extras : It Happened Under the Mistletoe - Overview & Excerpt | Dashing Duchess Release: It Happened Under the Mistletoe (Giveaway!) | It Happened Under the Mistletoe is on Sale Now and FREE Christmas Presents!

Author's Series Extras : The Secret Brides Series - Overview | Secrets of a Wedding Night - Overview & Excerpt | A Secret Proposal - Overview & Excerpt | Secrets of a Runaway Bride - Overview & Excerpt | A Secret Affair - Overview & Excerpt | Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage - Overview & Excerpt | Valerie Bowman Books May News! | New Release, Signing, & a Workshop at the RWA National Conference in Atlanta! | August Workshops, Preorder Gift, and Say Yes to the Dress Update! | Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage earns a STARRED review from Publishers Weekly! | Runaway Bride is an RT Reviewers’ Choice Nominee and December News!

Book Teaser(s) :

"I met your cat this morning," Cerian offered in a bid to change the subject.
Kate blinked at her. "My what?"
"Your cat."
"I don't own a cat."
"Whose cat is she then?"
Kate shook her head. "To my knowledge there is no cat in this house. Perhaps one of the guests brought him."
"Not a him. She's a female and she's fluffy and gray and has pretty green eyes. She's exceedingly friendly and seems to like people a great deal. Acts something like a dog, this cat. I found her in the silver closet."
Kate's eyes widened. "I won't even ask what you were doing in the silver closet," her cousin said with a laugh. ~ within Chapter 2

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

Made the Grade: Hot Toy by Jennifer Crusie | #BookReview @JennyCrusie

- This was an ARC Read / Jess read this novella within an anthology novel called "It Must Be Christmas: Three Holiday Stories." -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1130 KB | Print Length: 83 Pages
Publication Date: October 13, 2015 | Language: English
Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | ASIN: B012N98XPE
Main Genre(s): Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance, Quick Read/Short Story
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: NetGalley

"Hot Toy" by Jennifer Crusie

Author's Book Description : Previously published in the anthology "Santa, Baby," "HOT TOY" is now available as a standalone e-story for the first time!

Mayhem ensues under the mistletoe as a determined shopper grabs the very last hot toy action figure off the shelf, only to find herself plunged into the middle of a real-life spy game and in the arms of a sexy secret agent...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! On Christmas Eve, Trudy is out at an older toy store in hopes of finding the “IT” toy for boys that year. But of course because of it BEING Christmas Eve she doesn’t find it. She only finds last year’s model, yet that throws her life into a chaos-filled adventure!

This novella was not what I was expecting, yet I enjoyed its action-packed plot and Trudy’s quick wit.

Feasted On: Dark Warriors Series, Book 8.5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1085 KB | Expected Release Date: November 5, 2013 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Midnight's Surrender" [Dark Warriors Series, Book 8.5] by Donna Grant

Author's Book Description : Dale has been on the run–on the run from himself and the demons that haunt him. However, when he comes across a stunningly beautiful woman he cannot resist, he knows that he must do whatever it takes to possess her. She is a Druid with secrets of her own, but he is drawn to her like no other. Even when danger closes in around them, Dale knows that the true threat is to his very soul, which he will sacrifice in order to save her.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Drawn towards a magic/woman he can't deny. Unsure of her own lonely future. Together Rennie & Dale find a power that will destroy the evil coming after them if only Rennie can embrace her destiny and open her heart!

For such a short story, it is jam-packed with action, erotica, and romance! I really enjoyed Dale & Rennie as a couple, as well as, how everything plays out for them in their novella!!

I recommend this novella to anyone who is a fan of this series or Ms. Grant and to those who like paranormal erotic romances!

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Dawn’s Desire

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : "Waiting On" Wednesday: Dawn’s Desire | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Novel Extras : Midnight’s Surrender - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : The Dark Warriors Series - Overview | Dark Warriors - Description | Midnight’s Master - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Lover - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Seduction - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Warrior - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Kiss - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Captive - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Temptation - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Promise - Overview & Excerpt | Dark Warriors - The Gods | Dark Warriors - Glossary | Meet the Characters | Take the Warrior Quiz


Book Teaser(s) :

He reluctantly ended the kiss, but he couldn't release Rennie. Her body trembled in his arms as she clung to him.
How long had he watched the couples from MacLeod Castle and yearned to have a woman of his own? How many times had he wondered how it would feel to have someone look at him with love and devotion?
"Why did you stop?" she asked.
Dale made a sound at the back of his throat. His body was asking him the same thing. For once he was going to do the right thing. "I doona want to take advantage of you."
"Liar."
He looked in her eyes and because lost. He was falling, tumbling. Plunging.
It was her compassion, her gentleness that transfixed him. With a smile she had mesmerized, charmed. Fascinated.
No longer did he want to lie about who he was or what he had done. If there was a way to wash the sins away, he would do it in a heartbeat.
How could he, who lived and breathed evil for so long, dare to be in the presence of someone as pure and good as Rennie? He should walk away that instant.
But the invisible ties that had drawn him to her had been fused. He knew in that instant that he would never be able to walk away from her. ~ within Chapter 3

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

Made the Grade: House of Night Series, Book 9 | #BookReview #HouseofNight

Format Jess Read This Novel In: Hardcover
Hardcover Print Length: 323 pages | Publication Date: October 25, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Griffin
ISBN-10: 0312650256 | ISBN-13: 978-0312650254 | Language: English
Main Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Vampire Fiction, Paranormal Romance
Jess Obtained This Book Through: Office Max in Sale Bin

"Destined" [House of Night Series, Book 9] by P. C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Author's Book Description : Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet – which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together – as long as he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow...

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more – or possibly less – than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him...

Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect him – and everyone – from his own fate?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, Zoey and her friends continue on fighting against Neferet and other Dark evils ...

This novel I read in 2018 and before I could post my “official” review, that review got accidentally deleted (find out the whole story on my blog). Therefore, I leave you with the videos I created while I vlogged my reading experience of this novel (below). In addition, I will say that I wish I had read this novel

Made the Grade: Jewell Cove Series, Book 1.5 | #BookReview @DonnaAlward

- This was an ARC Read / Jess read this novella within an anthology novel called "It Must Be Christmas: Three Holiday Stories." -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1740 KB | Print Length: 198 Pages
Publication Date: October 7, 2014 | Language: English
Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | ASIN: B00L73JQNQ
Main Genre(s): Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance, Quick Read
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: NetGalley

"Christmas at Seashell Cottage" [Jewell Cove Series, Book 1.5] by Donna Alward

Author's Book Description : It's Christmas in Jewell Cove...

And local doctor Charlie Yang finds her quiet, steady life disrupted by both an abandoned baby in the nativity manger, and a real-life mystery man. Sure, she's always wanted a family of her own, but she didn't imagine it coming from a baby that wasn't hers and a man who was more interested in living day by day than making long-term plans.

Ex-SEAL Dave Ricker hadn't planned on making Jewell Cove his forever home, but the talented and　tender-hearted Charlie has him reconsidering his position on settling down. Can a beautiful woman, adorable baby and a small-town full of holiday spirit change his mind for good?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, brought together because of unforeseen circumstances Dave (David) and Charlie (Charlene) have an immediate connection but will it be able to grow into an everlasting relationship or just the "fling" that they agreed too?

This was a charming novel that hooked me from the time Charlie tried to "use baby Jesus" as a weapon. 😂

Blog Tour - One More Taste by Melissa Cutler | Interview & Spreading the Word

Today I'm showing off Melissa Cutler's "One More Taste," which is her recently released novel, the SECOND novel in her One and Only Texas Series, and the novel I recently interviewed her about!

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My Q&A with Melissa Cutler :

Jess : Please describe "One More Taste" in one sentence.

Melissa : When a brazen chef tries to prove her chops to her sexy new boss, they heat up a lot more than the kitchen.

Jess : What can readers expect from "One More Taste?"

Melissa : Readers can expect my signature combination of a book full of both humor and emotional resonance…with one seriously spicy romance woven throughout it.

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

Melissa : The characters from this series that I’d most like to invite to dinner are all those hot, sexy cowboy heroes (surprise, surprise!). Decker, Micah, Knox, and (from upcoming books) Paul and Gentry. Mmm….sexy cowboy heroes at my dinner table…now there’s a dream come true!

The character from the series that I’d least like to have over for dinner, and which readers of the series would probably agree with me, is Ty Briscoe, the villain of the first three stories.

Jess : Are there any differences and/or similarities between Emily from "One More Taste" and Carina from "The Mistletoe Effect?"

Melissa : While Emily and Carina are best friends, they have very different personalities. Carina is all about becoming a mom and not working too hard, which is a shift because she used to be a work-a-holic, which Emily still is. On the other hand, Carina is a rule follower, while Emily is more of a rebel. What they do have in common is that they love each other and their home of Briscoe Ranch Resort very much.

Jess : Out of all of the secondary characters within One and Only Texas Series, do you have one or two favorites so far? If so, who are they and can you tell us why?

Melissa : What a fun question. I tend to write books that have huge casts of characters, so there are lots of secondary characters to choose from. My current favorite is from next year’s release, "ONE WILD NIGHT," and it’s the heroine’s grandmother, Mama Lita, who clashes with Granny June at every turn because, while Granny June is the consummate matchmaker of the series, Mama Lita is a wild spirit who doesn’t believe a woman needs a man in her life.

Jess : June Briscoe is one of my favorite characters. She's appeared in all the books. How did you come up with her and her amazing personality (sneakiness, quirks and all)?

Melissa : She’s one of my favorite characters in the series, too. When I wrote her character’s first ever scene, in scene one of "THE MISTLETOE EFFECT," she seemed like an old, strict Italian mafia grandma with old world superstitions at first, which probably would have been fine, but I then wrote a draft that lightened her up and turned her into the scene’s comic relief…and I instantly fell in love with her! Hence, the Granny June we all know and love was born.

Jess : Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

Melissa : Growing up, my house wasn’t a pleasant one, and so I kept to myself in my bedroom as much as possible. In a huge way I’m grateful for the way my childhood played out, because my imagination flourished. The earliest I can remember writing stories and poems is age four. Writing them and reading books took me away to other times and places and let me live, for a little while, in magical places. Even then, I knew I was a writer, an identity that stayed with me in all the years since.

Jess : What do you think most characterizes your writing?

Melissa : What most characterizes my writing is a combination of humor and emotion weight. I’m really interested in real issues and the struggles that everyday people face in their lives, not just romantically, but with family and friends and their careers. My heroines tend to be quirky, smart, career-focused women and my heroes tend to be blue collar workers. In that way, Knox Briscoe, the hero of "ONE MORE TASTE," is unusual. I rarely write about wealthy men because they don’t tend to hold my interest, but what I love about Knox is how he rose to wealth from blue collar roots, which makes his relationship to his wealth and his family really complicated in the best, juiciest possible way for an author to explore.

Jess : What question(s) do you wish that someone would ask about "One More Taste," but no one has? Please write it out here, then answer it.

Melissa :

1. Have you ever executed a revenge plot (like Knox does in the story)?
   • Mwahahaha! I’ll never tell! 😃
2. Has your car or house ever been haunted by a dead relative?
   • No, but I fully plan on returning to my high school to haunt it after I pass away like the ghosts at Hogwarts do in the Harry Potter series. [kids whispering to each other] “They say she never recovered from getting that C in Spanish her freshman year, and now she walks the halls begging for extra credit to raise her grade. Poor, tortured soul.”

Jess : If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Melissa : I can’t decide between these two: 1) controlling the weather, or 2) having the power to heal people with a touch. Either one would make the world a better place in significant ways.

Jess : What literary character is most like you?

Melissa : Depends on the day. You know how it goes—some days you’re George, while other days you’re Lenny. Captain Ahab pops up every so often. And Jack Reacher, sometimes. And then there are those days that we all have when we’re Frankenstein’s monster. Mostly, I aspire to be Olivia, the pig from the children’s picture book. Oh, if we could all be more like Olivia.

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"One More Taste"
[One and Only Texas Series, Book 2] by Melissa Cutler
Author's Book Description :

If you can’t take the heat...

Chef Emily Ford has the talent and ambition to make it in the cutthroat culinary world—which is why she refuses to accept her demotion at the hands of Knox Briscoe, the new CEO of Briscoe Ranch Resort. He has grand plans that include bringing in a celebrity chef to helm an exciting new restaurant at the resort, but Emily has plans of her own—to do whatever it takes to change his mind…

ONE MORE TASTE

Cut out of the Briscoe fortune by an old feud that left his family in ruins, Knox grew up dreaming of revenge. Out-maneuvering his uncle for control of Briscoe Ranch is merely the first step in a grand plan that doesn’t include the brazen and beautiful Emily Ford…or the attraction that sizzles between them. With both their futures on the line, can they keep their desires on simmer—or are they headed from the frying pan straight into the fire?

Return to Brisoce Ranch Resort in the second book in Melissa Cutler's One and Only Texas series!

This book is available to order on :

Amazon (e-Book) USD | Amazon (Paperback) USD | Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) USD | Barnes & Noble (Paperback) USD | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) USD | Kobo (e-Book) USD

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

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About the Author :

Melissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world writing sexy contemporary romances and romantic suspense. She was struck at an early age by an unrelenting travel bug and is probably planning her next vacation as you read this. When she's not globetrotting, she's enjoying Southern California's flip-flop wearing weather and wrangling two rambunctious kids.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Mistletoe Effect

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015

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Book Excerpt/Teaser(s) :

A knock sounded at the open door. Everyone turned, relieved at the distraction. A woman Knox would recognize anywhere filled the doorway, a folder clutched in her arms and a hard-set look of determination on her face. Chef Emily Ford.

***
“Ty told me about you. You’ve worked at this resort since right out of culinary school a decade ago. No internships, no stints as a sous chef at a celebrated restaurant, nothing remarkable, not even a chef competition show on TV. Your whole career, you’ve been here at Briscoe Ranch, laboring in obscurity. If you’re so talented, then why have you been holding yourself back?”

He watched the shift of her weight from one foot to the other, the extra squeeze she gave the folder in her hand. He’d hit a nerve. Good. Turnabout was fair play.

“I’m not holding myself back. All the years I’ve worked here, laboring in obscurity”—she said with a scoff—“I’ve had the freedom to cook what I want, every dish completely original instead of imitations of more prominent chefs or attempts to pander to critics’ fickle tastes. Over the last decade, I’ve risen from a graveyard-shift line cook in the room service kitchen to the executive catering chef, one of the principal roles at the resort.” She spun the folder onto his desk and speared a finger on it. “A few months ago, Ty agreed to my proposal to open a high-concept, signature restaurant at the resort. Subterranean, I’m going to call it. We were in the process of securing funding when you showed up and ruined everything.”

He took a step nearer to her, then another, stopping just short of arm’s length. This close, those freckles on her cheeks came into focus again, as did a faint, hairline scar along her jaw that curved to her chin. He refocused on her furious green eyes. “I did not take this opportunity away from you. Ty did. He was the one who contacted me, looking for investors. My presence here to execute my vision for the resort, as well as the timing of it, was at his invitation. If he let you believe your restaurant would be possible under this new vision, then he was stringing you along. He’s your enemy, not me.”

Emily blanched, but only for a split second before recovering her wits. “He wasn’t stringing me along. I’m sure he was grooming me for your takeover, knowing you’d want to step up the caliber of the resort’s dining options. He’s not my enemy. He’s the employer who gave me a chance. All I need is an open door and a budget and I will give you the restaurant of your vision.”

She’d been dead on about his sixth sense and the rush he got with each thrill of discovery. He felt that familiar rush right now while sparring with her. He couldn’t wait for her to leave so he could read her proposal. He should have eaten the damn soup. Now he’d never know what he’d missed. “You and I aren’t so different in our ambition, you know.”

She sniffed at that, feigning a nonchalance he saw right through. “You couldn’t be more wrong. I possess a patience that you clearly lack.”

Oh, this woman. She wouldn’t stop pushing his buttons. He felt heat rising on his neck. He had to stuff his hand in his pockets so he wouldn’t give in to the discomfort and tug his tie loose. Emily had no idea how much patience it had taken to wait for the right time to make his move against Ty Briscoe. Years of planning and strategy, years of positioning himself in the right business, with the right connections, silently closing in on his prey, waiting to pounce until the time was right—until the prey thought it was his idea and came to him, on the verge of bankruptcy and begging for a bailout.

“Prove it,” he heard himself say, not knowing exactly what he meant by the dare.

Her gaze was unflinching. “How?”

He had to think fast. “I’ll give you four weeks. If you can prove to me in that time that you’re as gifted a chef as you claim, then I’ll hand you the reins of the restaurant along with whatever budget you require for this . . . Subterranean.”


CREDIT: From ONE MORE TASTE by Melissa Cutler. Copyright © 2016 by the author and reprinted by permission of St. Martin's Paperbacks.

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Book Preview(s) :

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Find Melissa Cutler :

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This was put together by myself (From Me to You ... Video, Photography & Book Reviews), please contact me if you'd like your own Author Interview post, while the tour is through St. Martin's Press and they supplied some of the info/questions.

Blog Tour - The Careless Whisper Series by Lisa Renee Jones | Spreading the Word & GC Giveaway

Today we have the blog tour for The Careless Whisper Series by Lisa Renee Jones. Check out this fantastic series, and grab your copy before the final book, Surrender, releases this December!



 



 



About The Careless Whisper Series:



From New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, the CARELESS WHISPERS series. This is a spin-off of the INSIDE OUT series (in development for TV) that follows Ella Ferguson, Sara McMillan's best friend.



Ella Ferguson awakes alone in Italy, unsure of who she is, and a gorgeous man has claimed her as his own. He's tall, dark, and sexy, with money and power, the kind of man who makes a girl want to be possessed. And he does possess her, whispering wicked wonderful promises to her, stealing her trust and her heart. Soon though, the past finds her, yanking her from a cocoon of passion and safety. Everything is not how it seems. The truth will shatter her world, but it can set her free, if it doesn't destroy her first.



Book Excerpt:

Crossing behind the couch toward the kitchen, I find myself remembering those naked, intimate moments with Kayden only a short time ago. The passion. The trust I’d felt for him. And then his words: “We both want more. Until we don’t.” The words send a surge of adrenaline and nerves through my body.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee teases my nostrils as I reach the kitchen, where I immediately find Kayden standing behind the island. But it’s not him that makes my heart lurch, as usual. It’s my gun that’s lying on the counter between us.

And when I should perhaps step backward I find myself charging forward to claim the other side of the counter.

“What is that for?”

“You thought you needed it earlier,” he says. “I want you to have it now.”

My fingers curl on the tiled counter. “Do I need it?”

“That’s for you to decide.”

“That isn’t the answer I want.”

His jaw sets hard. “If you’re expecting an answer you’ll want, you’d better pick up that gun.”

We stare at each other, a push and pull between us that has nothing to do with fear or intimidation, and everything to do with a bond we both know is being tested. “I know what you’re doing.”

“What am I doing?”

“The same thing you did outside that church, when you helped me hold the gun to your chest.”

“Which is what?”

“Offering me the façade of control.”

“You holding a loaded gun on me in no way equals a façade.”

“I know you now,” I counter. “You don’t give up control, even when you say you are.”

He rests his hands on the counter, one turned just enough for me to catch a glimpse of the hawk inked on his wrist, its wings spread, the mark of a man whose rules of many must dictate his actions. “There are two sides to this coin,” he says, his words drawing my attention, his pale blue eyes piercing mine. “The me with you, and the me with everyone else.”

“We barely knew each other at the church.”

“I’d already decided you were mine. You just didn’t know it yet.”

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About Lisa Renee Jones:



New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series, which is now in development for a television show to be produced by Suzanne Todd of Team Todd (Alice in Wonderland). Suzanne Todd on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with. I’m thrilled to develop a television show that will tell Sara’s whole story - her life, her work, her friends, and her sexuality.



In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.



Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.



Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.



Connect with Lisa:



Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaReneeJones



Twitter - https://twitter.com/LisaReneeJones



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My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Wicked Werewolf Night | Wicked Werewolf Secret

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