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Friday, February 10, 2012

Made the Grade: Pack and Coven by Jody Wallace

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 501 KB | Expected Release Date: February 20, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Pack and Coven" by Jody Wallace (aka Ellie Marvel)

My Book Summary : Ever since Harry had issues with his previous pack, he has never joined another one and has no plans too. He's happy being an indie werewolf, enjoys his "grandmother" type friends, and being the local mechanic at the town he's living in. However, the local pack is in need of a new alpha and wants him to step up to the plate and take the position ... which is the last thing that Harry wants to do.

Knowing Harry's predicament June, a friend of his, makes plans to help him any way possible, even if that means going against her own coven's rules. Nevertheless, helping Harry also has the potential to inadvertently expose secrets from both of them to come out to each other. With each new secret that comes out has the potential to ruin both of their lives, depending if the pack and/or coven finds out that the secrets have been told. How much are Harry and June willing to risk for each other and keep their lives the way they want them??

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is one action-packed romance novel that takes a whole new twist on what it means to be a witch within a shifter world. From finding out the secrets, that June was hiding to finding out how eccentric the witches were I enjoyed reading about how dynamic the world is that this story is set in.

About the Characters:
• June: Sweet, older than she looks, a witch who's keeping secrets.

• Harry: Protective about those he cares for, Alpha male, an independent werewolf, someone who has a secret past.

• Bianca: The Alpha female of her pack who plans to do whatever it takes to have Harry join her pack.

• June's Coven: Funny, quirky, and unique. Willing to do what it takes to make sure their secrets stay that way.

• Gavin: A wannabe Alpha werewolf willing to do anything to be sure he gets what he wants.

I liked the way this story is wrapped up (Harry and June's tale). However, I wish it didn't leave off some things about the other characters. Like what happened to the guys that came with Gavin, Maurice especially since he seemed kinda sweet. =0/ I think this has the potential to turn into a cool series if the author wanted to. You just never know. Anyway ....

I recommend this novel to everyone who enjoys paranormal romances that are action-packed in more than one way! =0)

Book Teaser(s) :

Fighting the urge to curl up and sleep, she pushed Harry’s face into her neck and peered at the old shifter awaiting an answer. A pure white beard and mustache surrounded his face, and his head hair had given in to the recessive gene not even shifters were able to avoid. He looked like Santa Claus, if Santa wore flannel and denim instead of red and white. ~ within Chapter 5

“Are you saying I could alter my appearance?”
“It’s a theory. We haven’t been able to experiment.”
“You looking for a guinea pig?” He liked new things—yet another reason he was no packer.
“No.” But her gaze lost focus as she considered it, just like when she had an idea for pie.
“How about a compromise?” He started grooming her PJs, removing pine needles. “If you stay in the tree, I’ll see what’s going on at the house.” He could sneak down there, listen in and sneak back before Maurice caught up to Gavin.
“No, sir. In horror movies when the actors separate, neither of them make it.”
“I can outrun Michael Myers.” ~ within Chapter 10

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

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Feasted On: Dark Bonds Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 540 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: December 26, 2011 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Kiss of Twilight" [Dark Bonds Series, Book 2] by Loribelle Hunt

My Book Summary : Dupree has been with the Order for years/centuries now. The Order is a place where hybrids (half-demons) work to fight full demons and try to keep the peace throughout the land. However, with the new animosity that has started, ever since Dupree's old leader, Ben, went rogue and now councilor's are starting to turn up dead, things for the Order have gone from the everyday norm to complete chaos.

To top that off ... Kara, who Dupree has known since she was a little girl and who is also his potential bond mate, has come to the age when she can decide to become a hybrid or not. Even after long counseling sections (something that's always required before it happens), and even against Dupree's wishes, Kara decides to become a hybrid. However, with her new powers coming in place, attacks against the compound they are located in and the Order itself, will anything start becoming right for them once and for all? Or is there someone on the inside who has plans to make things a whole lot harder for them?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This novel takes off where "Kiss of Darkness" (Book 1) ends, while still being a novel that has the potential to be read as a standalone novel. I was really happy and appreciative about that since I hadn't read Book 1 in this series yet. Anyway ....

This novel has three plots going on...

First - is the plot that connects everything. It's about Ben being a rogue, what he's doing and how they can kill him and what is going on within the Order and its people.

Second - (and most important, I think) is about Kara and Dupree. Their love for each other. Their personal wants. The push/pull effect Dupree puts in their relationship because he wants to do the right thing for Kara, yet he's not sure if he is the right guy for her.

Third - (I think these two are going to be the lead characters in Book 3 in this series) is about Gia and Luke. Gia was kidnapped by Ben, and about how everyone can find her or if she escapes on her own. Luke and Gia had a relationship going before she was kidnapped but after Gia was gone, Luke finds out that their relationship was more serious than either of them originally planned.

All together, it is a very interesting novel that has great potential as an addicting series!! I recommend this story for those who are interested in novels like J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, because even though their plots are very different they have the same feel of writing behind them. =0)

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1

“She was out alone?”
“Near as we can tell.” Dupree sighed. It didn’t make more sense now than it did then.
“Was that unusual?”
Dupree snorted. “You let your woman run around alone? Neither did Ben.”
“I don’t get away with telling my wife what to do anymore than you do.”
“I’m not married,” Dupree pointed out. Beside him Kara got very quiet.
Gray grinned. “Yet?”
“Like I told Winter. My business. Not yours.” He wasn’t discussing his personal life with Gray. He didn’t trust the Grand Master and he wasn’t about to say or do anything to put Kara in more danger. Or make her angrier with him than she already was. ~ within Chapter 17

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

** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

Related Posts :

Teaser Tuesdays: Kiss of Twilight	Made the Grade: Love Is... by 40+ authors from the Romance Divas writing community	Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2012	Blog Tour - Of Beasts and Bonds by N. D. Jones \| Spreading the Word & GC/ARC Giveaways	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ H ~ Authors

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Feasted On: One Perfect Night by Rachael Johns

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 425 KB | Expected Release Date: December 19, 2011 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"One Perfect Night" by Rachael Johns

My Book Summary : Penelope (Peppa) has heard some stories about her new hot boss, Cameron, not all of them good stories, and now she has to meet him face-to-face to tell him how she dented his Lamborghini earlier that day. Eeek!!

Cameron would like nothing better than to leave his work's Christmas Party for the staff's families but since he is the boss, it's required for him to be there even if he dreads it. So, when this hot little woman, Peppa, comes up to talk to him he is completely enamored with her and happy to find an excuse to leave the party even if it is to deal with his vehicle. After a little while of talking, as a way to spend more time with Peppa, Cameron propositions her---instead of her pulling money together to pay for fixing his vehicle she should attend his family's Christmas Party (which is that same night) as his girlfriend so his family will get off of his back about dating again. To which Peppa reluctantly agrees.

That night they find themselves addicted by lust with each other, making one perfect night turn into a whole lot more. However, they both want different things---Peppa wants a family and Cameron is determined never to get close to anyone again---and both know they shouldn't do anything with each other, as they're co-workers. Yet, fate seems to have other plans for them .... will they listen to fate or be determined to stick to their plans?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this novel is thoughtful, sweet, spicy, and poignant!! I loved how the story was written--by not dragging out scenes, filling in the character background when needed, and everything wrapping up nicely! Plus, the characters were great!! Peppa is a sweetheart. Cameron has his own demons but deep down he takes care of everyone he knows. Then the secondary characters just energize this story, making it one I didn't want to put down!

I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances that are a bit erotic too.

Book Teaser(s) :

“So what am I doing here?”
“I need you to play a role tonight,” he explained. “Act like you were made for the nook of my arm and you’ll have paid your debt. I’ll take you back to collect your car and we’re even. It’s not like I expect anything more.”
At the word more her cheeks instantly flamed. The thought that he expected sex from her had never crossed her mind but now...well...the idea was shockingly enticing.
And laughable. Guys like Cameron McCormac didn’t need to coerce women into sleeping with them. Women’s knees buckled at the feet of men like him.
Which begged the question...exactly why did he need her specifically this evening? Surely he had a little black book thick to bursting with numbers of women more appropriate than she.
Stop thinking, Peppa. ~ within Chapter 2

She felt his smile as his lips brushed teasingly against her ear. “You look tired.”
Her body responded with a delicate shiver and a shake of her head. His hot breath made her feel anything but. “Not. At. All.”
“Still,” he began in a mock-earnest tone, “I think the gentlemanly thing would be to take you in to bed.”
Her lips curled at the dangerous thought. “And I thought chivalry was dead.” ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Rachael, then please check out her Amazon Page.

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Winter Themed Books To Warm You Up During the 2011 Holiday Season	Made the Grade: Pitcher Perfect by Devina Douglas	Made the Grade: Married to a Perfect Stranger by Jane Ashford	Made the Grade: Perfect Chemistry Novel, Book 1	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ J ~ Authors

Friday, October 7, 2011

Giveaway CANCELLED - Falke's Captive by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton

This Giveaway was Cancelled since no one played. Sorry.

You could WIN a Kindle Edition (E-copy) of ....

"Falke's Captive" [Puma Nights Series, Book 2] by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton

Format: Kindle Edition - E-copy | File Size: 428 KB | Expected Release Date: October 10, 2011 | Publisher: Carina Press

Author's Book Description :

A graduate student working in animal genetics, Beth Coldwell is in town to track and tag big cats in the wild. Her prospects for the summer only improve when she meets Kelan and Reidar Falke and decides the sexy brothers are the right pair to fulfill her other, less than scientific, desires...

But her research is a threat to the Falke family secret. When Kelan, in cougar form, is captured, that secret comes closer than ever to being revealed. He escapes, but not before Beth draws a blood sample, and analysis shows this is no ordinary mountain lion.

Kelan and Reidar cannot deny the powerful attraction they feel toward Beth. She might just be their destined mate. But if they reveal themselves to her, will she embrace who they are or see them as just another science experiment?

63,000 words

A Puma Shifter Ménage Story

Read Jess' Review for this Book

The Fine Print:

This contest ends on October 21st 2011.
This contest is open Internationally!! (E-copy only and will be purchased/sent through Amazon.com -- Yes you can still read this book even without a e-reader - click here to find out how!)
Write up a blog post with your Where/When from the game below, then comment with a link to that post, your name, and your email addy below to enter the contest.
Additional Entries are possible information on how you can is below!
Official winner will be chosen by Random.org

LET'S PLAY THE Where and When Are You? GAME
Here's How To Play ::

With the Current Book you're reading tell us WHERE AND WHEN You Are in post on your blog!!
If you'd like you can give us a bit more info (like who you are with) you can if you want to, but it's not required.
Be sure to include the name of your book and it's author so we can pick it up if we like! Thanks

Here's An Example ::

Right now I'm with Mari in New York City in the middle of a witch/vampire war. We're on the search as to how her mother died, and finding out some things about herself she never knew. In "The Vampire's Seduction" by Cynthia Cooke

To Receive Additional Entries ::
To receive additional entries all you have to do is name one or more of Kelan & Reidar's siblings within your WHEN/WHERE GAME post!! They have 4 brothers & 1 sister in total. For each CORRECT name you give me for their siblings I'll count that as an additional entry to win FALKE'S CAPTIVE!!

DON'T FORGET TO LINK YOUR POST AND LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDY HERE -- GOOD LUCK!!

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Sunday, October 2, 2011

Made the Grade: Puma Nights Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 428 KB; | Expected Release Date: October 10, 2011 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Falke's Captive" [Puma Nights Series, Book 2] by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton

My Book Summary : After a long day at work Kelan & Reidar are just hanging out at the bar and relax. That is until Beth walks in and sets their lusts on fire!!

Beth is new in town trying to scout good spots for her professor's research study on pumas in the area. She never expected that she would get to indulge in her wildest fantasies while she was here though. And these two hot brother spark her inner sex kitten in a way she has never felt before.

However, when Beth ends up catching Kelan while he is in his puma form, being "Falke" during the day light, assuming him to be a typical puma to start her research on sets off a chain of events that none of them could have suspected.

What will Kelan & Reidar do when they find out that the woman they cannot get enough of, and want her to possibly be their mate, might end up being their enemy after all??

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! The beginning of this novel is a bit slow, and I didn't like some of it, but after a quarter of the way in this story picks up and there is action ALL around!! =0)

The relationship that develops between Kelan, Beth, & Reidar is spicy and very entertaining. Plus, I really liked finding out how the brother's world and their family dynamics works.

I recommend this book who have read "Falke's Peak" and/or are fans of Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton's books!!

Book Teaser(s) :

“Your sister said he was born in captivity. But if you take him out in the wild, what if he found a mate out there? A female in heat would trump your pampering. He could run off until he’d secured his line.”
The brothers were silent for a minute, but then Kelan chuckled. “He doesn’t pay much attention to other cats, other than to warn us of their presence.”
“Excuse me? He isn’t fixed. I know that much from the exam I did.”
Reidar found that statement hilarious, nearly choking on his beer, but Kelan groaned and swiped his hand through his hair.
“I’m serious,” she insisted. “Are you going to get him neutered?”
“God, no!” Kelan said.
Reidar damn near fell out of his chair laughing, but Kelan looked serious. Overly serious.
“You can’t keep an animal that’s wild by nature as a house pet,” she continued in spite of the looks Reidar’s amusement drew from other tables. “It won’t work. Eventually he’ll go off to spread his seed.”
“No. He won’t,” was Kelan’s response, and it made her roll her eyes. ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Madison and/or Anna Leigh, then please check out their websites: Miss Layle's Amazon Page & Miss Keaton's Amazon Page.

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Monday, September 5, 2011

Made the Grade: Just a Little White Lie by Lynnette Hallberg

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 468 KB | Release Date: September 12, 2011 | Publisher: Carina Press

"Just a Little White Lie" by Lynnette Hallberg

My Book Summary : Lucinda (Lucy or Luce) has just walked in on her, now ex, fiancé lip-locked and doing a whole lot more with his ex-girlfriend inside the church they were just about to get married in. Now completely upset especially with what her father says about it she runs off, after telling her now ex-fiancé that it's definitely over between them. Trying to get as many miles between her and her ex as possible, she comes to another upset when her vehicle decides to break down on her while on the highway and she has no way to get help.

Thankfully a great looking guy, Jake, just happens to stop by to see if he can do anything. However, he recognizes her, though unbeknownst to her not just for her heiress reputation but for what he was battling with Lucy's father through his law firm. Even though Jake has a background with her family, he helps her out.

Soon though, helping her out becomes into something more when their attraction comes into play, and he asks her to help him out, during her week off. Lucy agrees, as she decides to pretend to be Jake's fiancée for his family. Since he's not ready to settle down, but his family really wants to see him married off, and with his grandmother Hattie getting up there in age, about 89-years-old, he can't seem to deny them anymore.

However, after one 'little white lie' grows into two, and more, once other people try to come between them. Also, with the time between them almost ending will their hearts be safe from each other once this is over and would they be willing to make their lie come true?? Or will they just say goodbye and let their pride get in the way of what could be love??

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars!! Jake and Lucy are a sweet, funny, and caring couple, who I couldn't get enough of!! They made a great pair that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about!!

The only thing that I didn't like was when it seemed things were working out the next day Lucy would take two steps back. Very annoying to say the least.

Otherwise, Jake and his family (and friends) really saved this story into one I could not get enough of and, of course, the chemistry between Jake and Lucy (when they were 'on') flew off the page! This is a great novel for someone looking for a romance that has a lot of drama and layers to it! =0)

Book Teaser(s) :

Lucinda Darling spelled trouble with a capital T.
He hadn’t lied to her. He had brought strays home before. A few of them had even been the two-legged variety. But they’d been guys. Friends who had needed a place to park for a day or two, usually while the women in their lives cooled off. Forgave them for whatever transgression they’d committed.
What he had here, though, was a stray who would tempt a saint. And he sure as heck had never claimed to be that.
On top of that, regardless of who her father was, she was a hurt and very vulnerable stray.
He’d be a heel to try anything with her.
That kiss had been over the line.
He wished he could regret it. He didn’t. ~ within Chapter 5

For more information on this book go to the novel's Amazon Page. For more information on any other books by Lynne check out her Amazon Page that she has listed under a different pen name.

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Made the Grade: The Game of Love by Jeanette Murray

- This is an ARC book - Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 468 KB | Release Date: August 29, 2011 | Publisher: Carina Press

"The Game of Love" by Jeanette Murray

My Book Summary : Christina (Chris) has just started a new job as a high school math teacher and the girl's tennis coach, making plans to start a new life. And with her past behind her she can finally move on .... right?

When Chris meets Brett, the high school football coach, for the first time she already knows she wants nothing to do with him. Especially since after her first few times talking with him he seems arrogant and selfish, not to mention that he used to be a pro athlete--which is already a major red mark against him. However, for Brett, after getting to know Chris a bit, he'll do his best to prove to her that he's the guy for her.

Now, after a while of spending time together, and complying to their attraction for each other, Brett will have to prove to Chris that what they have is more then just an affair. But will Chris agree or be ready to take that next step??

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, it was a cute/sweet novel but I didn't enjoy it as much as I could have. I mean the main characters were good and the plot was okay, but around 2/3s of the way in it was just WAY to dragged out. I got really annoyed with Chris. I mean I could understand her motives but I just felt like shaking her at some points. I did love the secondary characters, the last chapter and epilogue though, those redeemed the book for me.

I recommend it for those who want a light read that's a romance too.

Author Book Trailers :

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.
Book Teaser(s) :

“What the hell was that?” The kid wasn’t even watching the damn ball. Tossing his clipboard down, he crossed the field. As the grass crunched beneath his Nikes, he noticed that one by one, his team’s heads were turning. And they weren’t looking his way.
Following their line of vision, he found the distraction. The damn tennis team, running the perimeter of the football field in some half-assed formation, following their fearless leader. They weren’t looking at the field, weren’t yelling or causing a scene. Just concentrating on keeping up with Chris. ~ within Chapter 7

Teaser #2

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jeanette, then please check out her Amazon Page.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Made the Grade: Learning Curves by Elyse Mady

- This is an ARC book - Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 383 KB | Release Date: June 2011 | Publisher: Carina Press

"Learning Curves" by Elyse Mady

My Book Summary : Leanne has had to deal with her mother pushing her to be more like her (a beauty queen type) all of her life but it seems she was good enough. Or at least never as good as her mother's goddaughter, Gillian, who can seem to do no wrong in Leanne's mother's eyes. Because of all that, Leanne went in the complete different route, then what her mom wanted, by being the studious type of girl.

Now years later Leanne is just about finished getting her PhD in English, and because of her mother she gets dragged to Gillian’s bachelorette party. While at the party, located at a strip club, Leanne is enamored with one of the male strippers and Gillian soon decides that she wants to proposition that same stripper. So, out of regard for Gillian's fiancé Leanne decides to make sure that nothing will happen between Gillian and the stripper. But once she gets into the greenroom in the back things completely change for her when she meets Brandon, the stripper she liked, and they have scorching encounter, afterwards though they go their separate ways.

That is until they both find out that they go to the same college for their PhD's, so it's harder then they thought to not be involved. Especially when Brandon starts acting like a friend and whenever they get close to each other their attraction seems to get harder and harder to deny. However, just when things start going good for each of them, the bottom seems to fall out when a certain nemesis makes plans to ruin both of them and their relationship.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This novel was sweet and sexy!! The sex scenes were very HOT and I could not get enough of Brandon!!!! Brandon pretty much made this novel for me! Since Leanne is nice, but the way she acted within the first half of the book made it hard for me to relate to her, but in the end the plot was great and everything fell into place.

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1

Brandon was going to explode.
Here, in his pants, next to his ten-speed, in his narrow hallway. Next to his ten-speed and just down from his closet.
And it was all Leanne Galloway’s fault.
She was driving him out of his ever-loving mind. ~ within Chapter 9

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Elyse, then please check out her Amazon Page.

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