Feasted On: Whiskey Creek Series, Novella 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: ?? | Expected Release Date: August 1, 2012 | Publisher: Mira Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"When We Touch" [Whiskey Creek Series, Novella 1] by Brenda Novak

My Book Summary : Olivia's life has taking one hard hit after another. First not long after she asks her long-time boyfriend, Kyle, to take a break so she can be sure of their relationship before they move onto the next level (thinking they were going to get engaged and then married) she finds out that Kyle has slept with her younger sister. Then she finds out that her sister is pregnant and because of that, Kyle plans to marry her. To top that off, since she is a wedding planner, to save her parents money she reluctantly agrees to arrange their wedding.

However, when she arrives a few days before the wedding she finds an unlikely alliance in Brandon, Kyle's stepbrother. As the wedding comes, together Olivia and Brandon find themselves rekindling an interest in each other they've shared in high school. Will they find that what they have together is worth fighting for despite everything? Or will they realize that this is just short-time spark between them?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this is a fun & sweet novella that sets you up for what seems to be a great series! I could not get enough of Olivia and Brandon; they were just so cute together!! Then with the story of both their families ... it made it all the better.

However, I really hated Olivia's sister, Noelle, she was such a bitch, and Olivia's mother wasn't much better. Yet I understand why her mother tries to make peace between her daughters but I just didn't like how she always seemed to side with Noelle. =0/

Even so, I would definitely recommend this novella and series to anyone who likes contemporary romances. Or whoever are fans of Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold Series!!

Book Teaser(s) :

Despite the pressure she was feeling to hurry, she could only move gingerly. She made her way to the door before turning back. "Did Kyle come to the bar last night?"
He met her eyes. "He did."
"I thought maybe I dreamed that part."
"No."
They stared at each other for a few seconds. Olivia didn't understand why, but she couldn't look away.
"You could steal him back if you want," he said at length. "You know that, right?"
He was serious. He was telling her that if Kyle was the man she really wanted to be with, she could fight for him and would probably win.
But it wasn't so simple. There were other people involved. Not to mention the baby.
"I wouldn't want to hurt the people that would hurt," she said.
"Despite what Noelle has done to you?"
She sighed. "Yes." ~ within Chapter 7

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

Feasted On: Blackberry Island Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 360; Hardcover (Large Print) - Pages: 360; Kindle Edition - File Size: 565 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: March 27, 2012 | Publisher: Mira Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Barefoot Season" [Blackberry Island Series, Book 1] by Susan Mallery

My Book Summary : Michelle and Carly use to be best friends. That is up until their senior year of high school when a BIG secret came between them. However, the secret made them go from best friends to okay acquaintances, so what made them bitter enemies was when Carly's fiancé decided to sleep with Michelle two days before their wedding day!

Now its ten years later and things have really changed ....

Michelle just retired from the army (for which she has been enlisted into for the past ten years) and moves back to her hometown of Blackberry Island with plans of picking back up on her civilian life easily and running her families inn. If only, she didn't have to deal with her hip injury that she receive in Afghanistan not long before she got out of the army. The one thing she never expected was to see so many terrible changes to her inn or to see Carly not only working at the inn as the manager but also living in the owner's suite! Nevertheless, it seems that the troubles keep coming once they begin since not long after Michelle checks the inn's finances she is informed by the bank that her mother overindulged greatly while leaving the inn into an almost foreclosure setup. Therefore, even though Michelle would greatly enjoy in firing Carly from the inn for the sake of the inn she keeps Carly on board in hopes they can turn it around. Will they be able to save the inn before it's too late?

For Carly, the years that Michelle has been away haven't been the greatest. Now she's a single mother and she worked at the inn with the belief that she was one day going to be made a partner only to find out, when Michelle returns, that Michelle's mother (who said she would become a partner) lied to her. She would love to leave, but she doesn't have enough saved up for her daughter and her to go anywhere good. Plus, she LOVES the inn, which has been hers to improve over the years, and she doesn't want to give it up if she doesn't have too. So, once Michelle and her agreement is made they do what they can to salvage the inn while dealing with their own feelings for each other and their turbulent past. Will they be able to become best friends again or will they both be too stubborn to let past mistakes go?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars, this is an emotional, compelling, and entertaining novel about two women who learn to deal with their past mistakes while trying to accept their current realities and overcome their adversity with each other to become best friends again. I truly got wrapped up in this novel with its multiple twists and intriguing storylines. It made me wish that Book 2 of this series was already written so I could start reading it now! The characters were fabulous!!

About the Characters:
• Michelle: Army vet and owner of her family's inn. Tough. Has PTSD but doesn't want to go to any support group for it. She's Jared's roommate.

• Carly: Manager of the inn. Very girly. Is scared of water--swimming or getting to close to it--even though she lives on an island. She's Gabby's mother.

• Gabby: She's 10-years-old and gets along with almost everyone and everything. She's Carly's daughter.

• Damaris: The cook at the inn. Has worked at the inn and known Michelle since she was 16-years-old. Is more of a mother figure to Michelle than Michelle's own mom is to her.

• Jared: Rents out a room in his house to Michelle. Use to be a sniper but now he owns his own boat tour company on the island.

• Sam: Michelle's ex but now her full-time friend. He's interested in dating Carly.

• Ellen: Works at the bank and is in charge of making sure Michelle pays her mortgage on time. She wants revenge on Carly for something Carly did to her in high school.

I'm very curious to see where this series will be going especially in comparison with Miss Mallery's Fools Gold Series. I say that since this novel isn't written in the same way as the Fools Gold Series (meaning it's more about the female characters--Michelle and Carly--instead of any romantic entanglements they might get into) making me wonder if Michelle and Carly's story will be continuing in the next book (and if they'll still be the main characters) or if it'll be someone else on Blackberry Island. I can't wait to find out!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who's a fan of Susan Mallery or to whoever enjoys dramatic novels that have great female leads that has some romance included.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tempting | Accidentally Yours | Falling For Gracie | Chasing Perfect | Having Her Boss's Baby | Only Mine | Only Yours | Only His | Only Us: A Fool’s Gold Holiday

Author's Series Extras : Blackberry Recipes | About Blackberry Island

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1

"You don't know how I feel."
"I know you've never once even tried to kiss me. While you are quite the gentleman, at some point, shouldn't passion have taken over?"
He twisted the shop rag he had in his hands. "I wanted to give you time."
"Ten years?"
Some of the tension seemed to fade away and he sighed. "Okay, yeah. That's a long time. For a while I thought we'd, you know, go that way, but then it never happened."
"For a reason. I think we're great friends. I want that. I want you around. But go on a date. Get laid. It's time."
The corner of his mouth turned up. "Interesting advice coming from you."
"The virgin slut? Yes, I know." ~ within Chapter 13

"It was me."
"I'd wondered who'd massacred the garden."
"I was pissed and I hate the daisies."
"They can be annoying."
Michelle sighed. "This is where you tell me I'm crazy."
"You're not. Is that disappointing to hear?"
Michelle considered the question. "I can't decide." ~ within Chapter 24

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Susan, then please check out her website. To find out more about the town of Blackberry Island then click here.

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While researching the book, Susan Mallery was incredibly moved by the bravery, heroism, and strong sense of service displayed by the veterans and active duty troops she interviewed. Here are links to three organizations where you can say thank you!

• Hire a Hero: www.hireahero.org
• Soldiers’ Angels: www.soldiersangels.org
• Stripes Military Moms: http://militarymoms.stripes.com

Feasted On: Virgin River Series, Book 18

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 377; Paperback - Pages: 377; Kindle Edition - File Size: 547 KB | Expected Release Date: February 28, 2012 | Publisher: Mira Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Redwood Bend" [Virgin River Series, Book 18] by Robyn Carr

My Book Summary : After living across the country away from Katie's older brother, her only family, she's ready to move closer to him, possibly even in Virgin River, so she can give her 5 year old twin boys more stability again. However, during their move, just on the outskirts of Virgin River, their vehicle gets a flat tire and Katie gets a chance meeting with Dylan, who just happens to be on a motorcycle ride with his buddies while staying in Virgin River. The chemistry and attraction between them is immediate. Soon even after Dylan's friends all head back home, he sticks around to be with Katie and her boys pushing back his original plans until his time runs out. Nevertheless, after everything they shared together will either of them be willing to let the other go once it's time to do so?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! A romantic, heart-warming, sweet, and enticing novel that makes you wish there was more to read about! I fell in love with the main characters while getting to enjoy the brief updates of the other characters around the town. To tell you the truth, even though I requested to read/review this book from NetGalley because I wanted to see what happened to Virgin River's characters after I read "Temptation Ridge," book 6 in the Virgin River Series, I was still a little worried that I would be disappointed in this novel as I was with the previous novel. Therefore, I am delighted to say I was really impressed with how this story was written, how the plot was laid out, and the antics that the characters of Virgin River got into!

The only flaw I found in this book, and it almost made me not enjoy this book as much as I did, was when Katie found out her big surprise! She doesn't handle it well at all. So much so, that I was very annoyed with her. However, I was very happy with how it all turned around once Dylan came back to make amends.

I would recommend this book to ANYONE who likes contemporary romance novels, and to those who are already fans of the Virgin River series!! Read it!!

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 6

Author's Series Extras : Jack's Bar Chatroom | Preacher's Recipes | Meet the People of Virgin River

Author Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

"Ever been on a motorcycle?" he asked.
"Of course I've been on a motorcycle. I secretly dated a boy with a bike in high school."
"Secretly?"
"I was not allowed on the back of a motorcycle or in the bed of a pickup truck. I beat the odds." Then she grinned.
That grin of hers was completely irresistible. It made him want to grab her right here in front of the new elementary school. "If I were going to be around when the boys were sixteen, I'd tell."
"I'm not worried" she said confidently. He'd be gone before they were five and a half. "You won't be."
He didn't like the way she said that, but he shook it off. Ignored it. ~ within Chapter 5

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

Disappointmentville: Virgin River Series, Book 6

Format: Paperback | Pages: 416 | Release Date: March 2009 | Publisher: Mira Books | Obtained: Friends of the Pasquotank-Camden Library - Fall Book Sale

"Temptation Ridge" [Virgin River Series, Book 6] by Robyn Carr

My Book Summary : After putting her life on hold for the last five years, at 25-years-old Shelby's life finally changes once her mother passes away. She sells their house, moves in with her Uncle Walt and cousins for the fall and winter, and plans to travel and get back into college within the next year. However, while she's making plans for college and traveling doesn't mean she can't have any fun while she's visiting/staying with family in Virgin River ....

Luke just recently retired from the Army. He plans to move into and rebuild the rundown house and cabins, in Virgin River, that he and his younger brother purchased a while back, and plans to overhaul them and sell them to earn some profit. However, he soon realizes that Virgin River isn't the usual type of town. It's a place where they take care of their own, and make any newcomers feel like family.

Once Shelby and Luke meet, their attraction to each other is undeniable! Nevertheless, the 13-year age difference and personal life plans make it so Luke tries to stay away from Shelby as much as possible. However, as they get to know each other more over the weeks/months in Virgin River will they be able to stay apart from each other for long??

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. This is the first book that I've read from this series, and even though it's within a series, I feel that each book can be read as a standalone novel. However, with that being said this novel/series, I've come to realize, is written in a way that each novel may have main characters but still has a bunch of sub-plots throughout the whole book. This makes it so some of the sub-plots that come up in one of the novels might not end until the next novel or a few novels after that. It's definitely a unique concept that made me even more interested in this series.

Nevertheless, I find that even though I thoroughly enjoyed reading about each of the main characters, the different plots, and the town. I didn't like this novel that well because of how the main characters (Luke and Shelby) story was dragged out. The first half I can understand, but by the time Thanksgiving came around and Luke is now having issues with his past come back to haunt him, it just got to be a little too much for me. Also, there were times when I got so caught up with what was going on between Luke and Shelby that I did get annoyed with having a new sub-plot come up because than I had to wait a couple of pages or chapters to get back to information about them.

Overall, though, I think this is a great series with lively characters and a wonderful town that I wish was real so I could visit! I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys reading Susan Mallery's Fools Gold Series!!

Author Series Interview(s) :

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) :

She gave him a peck on the lips. "How long will Sean be here?"
"Seriously, I'm going to kill him and hide the body."
"How long?" she demanded, though she smiled.
"He says a few days. But he doesn't know about his impending murder." ~ within Chapter 6

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

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Related Posts :

Feasted On: Virgin River Series, Book 18	Made the Grade: Fools Gold Series, Book 1	Made the Grade: Whiskey River Series, Book 2	Made the Grade: The Virgin Witch and The Vampire King Series, Book 1	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ C ~ Authors

Made the Grade: Shifters Series, Book 1

Format: Paperback | Pages: 618 | Release Date: February 2010 | Publisher: MIRA

"Stray" [Shifters Series, Book 1] by Rachel Vincent

My Book Summary : Have you ever seen a "black panther" before? Well, in this world there is no such thing as a "black panther", actually if you've seen one it is really a werecat (which is a type of shifter). Faythe is a werecat. Technically in her society, she's called a tabbycat, as she is a female werecat. Since there are so few tabbycat's in each werecat Pride across the US (about one, daughter, per Alpha), the tabbies usually choose who will be her husband and the next Alpha of her Pride. But five yrs ago Faythe ran away her boyfriend/fiancé (Marc) and her family so she wouldn't turn into a mother and house wife because she wanted more out of her life. Of course, they found her, and after they realized she wasn't going to change her mind, her dad (the Alpha) agreed to let her go to college. Faythe did so, moving on with her life as much as possible, hoping to never go back to her parents home, and dating other guys (all humans).

But now, five yrs later, her family has come to bring her back home whether she likes it or not because of some one is stealing up neighboring Pride's tabbies (one being her friend and the other her younger cousin). Once home she feels there's no need for her to be there and tries to talk her father into letting her leave, which gets her into having 24-hour guard service to make sure she doesn't plan on running for it. Also, with Marc being her father's second-in-command, he is around her all the time, making her not sure if she should still keep her distance or not from him. Especially when old feelings start to emerge again.

But things start getting worse fast, especially when they find one of the missing tabbies murdered .... her family helps the other Pride members search for the other tabby before it's too late. With everyone else dealing with the mess of the missing girls, Faythe manages to break away from everyone to think about everything that has happened in a short period of time for her, and falls right into a trap.

Will she manage to come out better then the other tabbies? Will the Pride members find Faythe and the other girl before it's too late, and deal justice to the ones responsible?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Faythe is a great strong character: fierce, determined, a protector to those she loves, though a bitch at times, with a small sweet side that is sometimes hard to find around her loud mouth. Her relationship with Marc is on rocky ground but it's hard not to root for them. Even though she happens to get into a bit of a love triangle (or should I say a square) with a friend she never considered before, and with a human boyfriend back at college. It definitely make me curious as to what book 2, "Rogue", might hold. =0)

Book Teaser(s) :

I let my face slip into the water, as much to escape Marc's tenderhearted babble as to rinse my hair, and I only came up when I had to either surface for a breath or drown.
"...can ignore me for as long as you want. For the rest of the day, or for the rest of the month. For five more years if that's what you need. But when you finally realize I'm right, I'll still be here waiting."
He stopped talking, but he wasn't gone. ~ within Chapter 15

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

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Book Trailer for Shifters Series, Book 6 [aka Alpha]	Spreading the Word: Seven Brides for Seven Shifters Series, Book 1	ReRead-A-Thon 2018 Wrap Up | @crista_mchugh @MargoBondCollin @novelsbylia @SEPauthor @ReReadAThon2018 #ReReadAThon2018	You'd be like Heaven to touch. I wanna hold you so much.	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ V ~ Authors

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