Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Feasted On: Clockwork by Paige Shelton

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 257 KB | Release Date: August 2010 | Publisher: Penelope Publishing | Obtained: B. Button (Beatrice)

"Clockwork" by Paige Shelton
(Originally published as "SNEAKS," which is what it was called when this reviewer read it.)

My Book Summary : Kally just turned sixteen-years-old and is from the year 2184. Where she is from it's a dreary time for everyone. Growing up guys and girls are meant to be separated up until their 18th birthday, which is when they get the choice to either marry someone who is selected for them (which could end up being an older person who was either preciously widowed or divorced) or end up single with a lousy job position. Kally would rather be single but with the way, the economy is she may not be given a choice. However, since she's only sixteen, for the moment, she wants to avoid the "BIG DECISION" at all costs and she's almost positive she never wants to get married.

On her 16th birthday she is fixing a clock, something that is found illegal by her government, and finds a necklace that has a pendent of a globe showing the "old world" on it. As jewelry is illegal as well, during her time, she decides to try it on, as she wouldn't normally get the chance, and finds herself being shoved to somewhere else---18th Century Scotland.

Once there she finds people who become her first friends that she's ever had, along with some young love along the way. However, there is someone who seems to be trying everything to keep her out of that time period and although she finds she really, likes being there she does miss her mother. Will Kally decide to go back home and stay there or will fate decide for her??

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!! This story was a bit confusing at times but with the way the storyline flows and since it's only from Kally's POV it makes this story one that creates the reader to feel the way she does about the issues going on around her. The storyline in this book is really entertaining and creative in the way the necklace is used, all of the rules that go along with it, and how Kally tries to deal with the changes going on around her. Plus --- the characters are great!! There are some who you can never get a good feel on until the book is about 75% of the way through but it's that more interesting because of it! In addition, I LOVED the romantic relationship that Kally gets into.

I recommend this book to all those who like YA (veering on New Adult) time travel romance novels!!!

Side Note (written when the title was listed as "Sneaks") :: Now that I think of it when I read the title of this book again, "Sneaks," I can't stop but think of the sneakers that Kally couldn't stop wearing. *hehee*

Book Teaser(s) :
Teaser #1
“Kally, I’ll apologize to ye now for my behavior.”
I wanted to ask which behavior he meant – the ride on the horse the day before or his sourness out on the hillside – but I still didn’t trust my voice. Plus, an apology was an apology. I nodded again. “Thank . . .” I coughed. How was he breathing so well?
“Aye. Weel, when ye’re feeling better, we’ll start over, and I’ll attempt to show ye that I can be something other than a horse’s arse.”
I huffed a laugh and then coughed, but this time with less body wracking violence.
“Perhaps ye were destined to save me, Kally Bright, from faraway,” he said.
“I don’t think I saved you.”
“Aye,” he said thoughtfully. ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters

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



** 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.
**



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Teaser Tuesdays: Clockwork

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"Waiting On" Wednesday: Lothaire

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


  • "Lothaire" [The Immortals After Dark Series, Book 12] by Kresley Cole
    Expected Publication Released Date: January 10, 2012

    Author's Book Description:
      The Man. The Myth. The Monster. Evil finally has a name.

      #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole continues her electrifying Immortals After Dark series with this thrilling tale, revealing secrets of the Lore, fierce realm of the immortals. . . .

      ALL FEAR THE ENEMY OF OLD

      Driven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness—until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

      A DEADLY FORCE DWELLS WITHIN HER

      Growing up in desperate poverty, Ellie Peirce yearned for a better life, never imagining she’d be convicted of murder—or that an evil immortal would abduct her from death row. But Lothaire is no savior, as he himself plans to sacrifice Ellie in one month’s time. And yet the vampire seems to ache for her touch, showering her with wealth and sexual pleasure. In a bid to save her soul, Ellie surrenders her body to the wicked vampire, while vowing to protect her heart.

      CENTURIES OF COLD INDIFFERENCE SHATTERED

      Elizabeth tempts Lothaire beyond reason, as only his fated mate could. As the month draws to a close, he must choose between a millennia-old blood vendetta and his irresistible prisoner. Will Lothaire succumb to the miseries of his past . . . or risk everything for a future with her?



    ** 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.
    **



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    Guest Post :: 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

    Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

    AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

    If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.



    ** 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.
    **



    "A Christmas of Kindness" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

    "You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving." Amish proverb

    I do it every year.

    I plan for a simpler, less stressful Christmas season and, every year, by Christmas Eve---I'm exhausted! After our delicious and very-time-consuming-to-make traditional Swedish meal to honor my husband's relatives (think: Vikings), it's time to head to church. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but the last few Christmas Eve's, I have sent my husband and kids head off without me. The pull to spend an hour of quiet in the house feels as strong as a magnet.

    It's odd. My children are young adults now. Wouldn't you think that Christmas would be simpler? Instead, it's just the opposite. Jugging schedules to share the grandbaby with the in-laws, trying to include our elderly parents at the best time of day for them, dancing carefully around recently divorced family members whose children are impacted by the shards of broken relationships.

    The thing is: you can simplify your to-do list, but you can't really simplify people. We are just a complicated bunch.

    Here's where I borrow a lesson about simplicity from the Amish. It's easy to get distracted with the buggies and the bonnets and the beards, but there's so much more to learn from these gentle people if you're willing to look a little deeper.

    Yes, they live with less "stuff" and that does make for a simpler, less cluttered life. But it's the reason behind it that is so compelling to me: they seek to create margin in their life. Not just empty space but space that is available to nourish family, community, and faith. Their Christmas is far less elaborate than yours or mine, but what they do fill it with is---oh so right.

    Christmas comes quietly on an Amish farmhouse. There is no outward sign of the holiday, as we know it: no bright decorations, no big tree in the living room corner. A few modest gifts are waiting for children at their breakfast place settings, covered by a dishtowel. Waiting first for Dad to read the story of Christ's birth from the book of Luke. Waiting until after a special breakfast has been enjoyed. Waiting until Mom and Dad give the signal that the time has come for gifts.

    Later, if Christmas doesn't fall on a Sunday, extended family and friends will gather for another big meal. If time and weather permits, the late afternoon will be filled with ice skating or sledding. And more food! Always, always an abundance of good food. Faith, family, and community. That is the focus of an Amish Christmas.

    And it's also how the story begins for "A Lancaster County Christmas," as a young family prepares for Christmas. A winter storm blows a non-Amish couple, Jaime and C.J. Fitzpatrick, off-course and into the Riehl farmhouse. An unlikely and tentative friendship develops, until the one thing Mattie and Sol hold most dear disappears and then---. Ah, but you'll just have to read the story to find out what happens next. Without giving anything away, I will say that I want to create a Mattie-inspired margin this Christmas season. Mattie knew inconveniences and interruptions that come in the form of people (big ones and little ones!) are ordained by God. And blessed by God.

    Creating margin probably means that I won't get Christmas cards out until the end of January, and my house won't be uber-decorated. After all, something has to give. But it will mean I make time for a leisurely visit with my dad at his Alzheimer's facility. And time to volunteer in the church nursery for a holiday-crowded event. And time to invite a new neighbor over for coffee. Hopefully, it will mean that my energy won't get diverted by a frantic, self-imposed agenda. Only by God's agenda the essence of true simplicity.

    And that includes taking time to worship Christ's coming at the Christmas Eve service. You can hold me accountable! This year, I will be there.

    ***

    Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of "The Choice," "The Waiting," "The Search," and "The Keeper," as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including "Amish Peace." Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award nominee and is the host of an internet radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

    12 Pearls of Christmas - Guest Posts : Margaret McSweeney | Suzanne Woods Fisher | Sibella Giorello | Sandy Ralya | Elizabeth Musser | Deborah Raney | Shellie Tomlinson | Tricia Goyer | Susan May Warren | Tracey Eyster | Debora M. Coty | Robin Dance | Rachel Hauck



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    Guest Post :: She’s...My Everything by Suzanne Woods Fisher | Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl & Giveaway

    Tuesday, December 13, 2011

    Teaser Tuesdays: Clockwork


  • Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here




  • "Clockwork" by Paige Shelton
    (Originally published as "SNEAKS," which is what it was called when this reviewer read it.)

    Book Teaser:
    They suddenly sounded disappointed. The letter would have either said I’d be able to choose a husband from someone never married or someone previously married, perhaps a divorcee or a widower. The women got to choose – but as my Granny would say: It’s the Govment’s, those SOB's, way of making you think you have a choice, but bad choices are as awful as no choice at all, maybe even worse.
    In two years I’d marry someone who’d already been married. ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters



    ** 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 :

    Feasted On: Clockwork by Paige Shelton

    "Waiting On" Wednesday: Clockwork Prince

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    Guest Post :: Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas blogging series!

    Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas blogging series!

    We've gathered several of today's most beloved authors to share their Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along beginning tomorrow (Wednesday the 14th) through Christmas day as Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Rachel Hauck, Sandy Ralya, Sibella Giorello, Susan May Warren and more, share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this most wonderful time of the year.

    If you'd like to share the 12 Pearls of Christmas with your blog readers too, just email Christen and she'll send you the series.

    AND of course there is a giveaway! Beginning tomorrow you and all your friends can enter to win a PEARL NECKLACE and EARRINGS valued at $450! The winner will be announced on New Year's Day! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

    ***

    Just a quick note before the series begins on the 14th ...

    As I write this, I imagine that we are sitting at my kitchen table and chatting over a cup of coffee while familiar Christmas carols celebrate the Season. My twelve year old Chihuahua, Pongo, barks for a pinch of pound cake while my Shih Tzu, Lilly, patiently sits by the chair and waits for a crumb to fall.

    My name is not Martha Stewart, and I will never receive a neighborhood beautification award. Just look at my front stoop. Yes, my never-had-time-to-carve-the-pumpkin-that-now-suffers-from-frostbite slouches next to the front door which is decorated with a Christmas wreath. I plan to roll this large orange ornament to the garbage pile tomorrow. For now, however, I will pretend that my front stoop is a contemplative modern art exhibit capturing the essence of contrast.

    Actually, I love the concept of juxtaposition – placing things together that don’t seem to belong together, yet somehow ultimately make sense being paired. A personal example for me this season is the phrase: “comfort and joy.” Having just completed my manuscript for New Hope Publishers about the aftermath of grief, I fully understand the contrast of those two words. How can comfort bring joy? How can one find joy in loss?

    Perhaps, dear reader, you have experienced loss this year – loss of a loved one, loss of friendship, loss of health, loss of financial security, loss of trust, loss of love, or loss of direction. Even with the best intent, words of encouragement shared by others can somehow seem insufficient to address an inconsolable loss. A spoken word cannot fully restore joy to a broken heart; however the Word can. And that’s the bottom line message of Christmas! God gave us the most amazing gift: His Son - the Word of God, the Holy Comforter.

    “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

    You are not alone this Christmas, dear friend. Juxtaposed to the unexpected grit in life is the gift of God’s grace wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. This year I purposely placed a pearl in the Nativity scene as a metaphoric reminder. When we place our grit into the hands of the Lord, His grace transforms our pain into a pearl.

    “Joy to the world!”

    Thank you so very much for sharing the JOY of the Season with us this year.


    God Bless,
    Margaret
    @mcsweeny

    ***

    Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband, David and two teenage daughters in the Chicago suburbs. She is the founder and director of Pearl Girls. For more information please visit www.pearlgirls.info. Margaret is fast at work on several fiction manuscripts. Her book Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace was written to help fund the Pearl Girl Charities. She is also the host of weekly radio show, Kitchen Chat. Connect with Margaret on Facebook or Twitter.

    12 Pearls of Christmas - Guest Posts : Margaret McSweeney | Suzanne Woods Fisher | Sibella Giorello | Sandy Ralya | Elizabeth Musser | Deborah Raney | Shellie Tomlinson | Tricia Goyer | Susan May Warren | Tracey Eyster | Debora M. Coty | Robin Dance | Rachel Hauck



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    Monday, December 12, 2011

    Made the Grade: Fairwick Chronicles, Book 1

    - This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 448; Kindle Edition - File Size: 425 KB | Expected Release Date: December 27, 2011 | Publisher: Ballantine Books | Obtained: NetGalley

    "The Demon Lover" [Fairwick Chronicles, Book 1] by Juliet Dark (aka Carol Goodman)

    My Book Summary : Cailleach (Callie) just recently accepted a job as a college professor at Fairwick College in New York. Even though she admits to being a "city girl," the town, its occupants, and her new house, the Honeysuckle House, unexpectedly grow on her while she was interviewing for the position. However, good portions of the town’s inhabitants seem to be very mysterious about certain things. Like, why she shouldn't buy the Honeysuckle House or go for long jogs out into the woods. Why a few of the teachers only teach or are seen around town during the night? Then there is the fact the famous novelist, who used to own the Honeysuckle House, left her manuscripts to whoever decides to own the house. And after reading a few of the author's fiction novels Callie finds that the "hero" in most of the novels are very similar to her own "dream lover" who has been visiting her just about every night since she showed up to Fairwick. So, what could really be going on in this town and college?? In addition, when the truth comes out will Callie still want to stay in Fairwick or will she go back to the life she's always known??

    My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Even though this novel has some spicy romance to it, it is mostly a dark mystery revolving around the town of Fairwick, its occupants, Callie's past and what her new roles are within the town. At the beginning of this novel it started out a little slow for me, so I wasn't sure if I would really appreciate it or not. However, not long after the beginning all of the twists and additional storylines come into play leaving you very curious as to what will happen next!! I know I was surprised about some of the turn of events within this novel. Yet, I did love how this author brought out the "dark" side of the supernatural beings without really portraying them as evil.

    About the Characters:
    • Dean Book/Elizabeth Book/Liz: Is very naïve. I didn't like her in the beginning, then towards the middle she seemed okay, and by the end I'm just wondering how she was EVER left in charge of the college (and town).

    • Ralph: He seems so sweet ... I wish I could have one just like him!

    • Frank: I just don't know what to think about him ... he seems bad one second and then he's good. =0/ (same thing can be said about Soheila too)

    • Phoenix: Poor thing. *shakes head*

    • Liam: He's sneaky, mysterious, and passionate.

    • Characters I DID like: Dory | Diana | Nicky | Brock

    • Characters who I thought were BITCHES: Fiona | Mara

    I recommend this to everyone who enjoys reading mysterious paranormal/fantasy novels with a little bit of romance and some erotica thrown in. =0)

    Book Teaser(s) :
    I was in a crowd walking across en endless, rolling meadow. My legs and feet hurt as if I'd been walking for miles. I looked down and saw that my feet were bare in the wet grass. My legs were scratched and bleeding, my dress torn to tatters around my knees. I was alarmed at the sight. ~ within Chapter 11
    Great, I thought, as the sound of wings came closer, where was I going to find a feather on short notice? But I was wearing a down coat, an old one that sometimes leaked . . .
    I patted my coat until I felt something prickly . . . and pulled. I waved the tiny feather in my hand while picturing an empty blue sky and pronouncing (correctly I hoped) the three prescribed words:
    "Vacuefaca naddel nem!"
    Something thumped my back. So much for having magical talents. I turned over, raising my hands to cover my face for protection . . . and found myself looking up at Liam Doyle. ~ within Chapter 22

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



    ** 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.
    **



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    Saturday, December 10, 2011

    Winter Themed Books To Warm You Up During the 2011 Holiday Season

    Well ... since there is only 15 days left until it's Christmas Day, I've decided that I would list the books that have Winter/Holiday themes (or the books that have Winter/Holidays in some form within it), which I've read in 2011 for you. This way you can think about reading them or buying them for yourself (or someone else) as the Holiday Season is now upon us!

    The books below are listed in the order of which I read them this year. [Also, the ones that have no review are ones that I read either during my pregnancy or my maternity leave when I didn't feel like reviewing anything at that time but I promise you those are the star ratings that I gave them!] Enjoy ....
    • "Noble Blood" [The Gray Court Series, Book 2] by Dana Marie Bell: 4 out of 5 stars!! [Read more about this book HERE]
    • "Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor" by Lisa Kleypas: 4 out of 5 stars!! [Read more about this book HERE]
    • "Arctic Winds" [Alpine Woods Shifters Series, Book 1] by Sondrae Bennett: 4 out of 5 stars!! [Read more about this book HERE]
    • "Fireside" [Lakeshore Chronicles Series, Book 5] by Susan Wiggs: 4 out of 5 stars!! [Read more about this book HERE]
    • "Just Breathe" by Susan Wiggs: 4 out of 5 stars!! [Read more about this book HERE]
    • "Anchor" [a Northern Shifters novel] by Jorrie Spencer: 3 out of 5 stars! [Read more about this book HERE]
    • "The Mane Squeeze" [Pride Series, Book 4] by Shelly Laurenston: 4 out of 5 stars!! [Read more about this book HERE]
    • "Pitcher Perfect" by Devina Douglas: 3.5 out of 5 stars .... I loved this book but why it didn't get 5 stars was because I think Allie was too undecided about her relationship with Alex after the fallout between them happened. Otherwise it was a great book ... from the baseball antics to the minor character's story lines! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "Goals for a Sinner" by Lynn Shurr: THE BOOK ITSELF I'M GIVING IT - 3.5 out of 5 stars, BUT OVERALL FOR THE KINDLE EDITION - 2 out of 5 stars. The story was well written, thoughtful, and a true love story!!! I would recommend it for anyone wanting to read it in book form, BUT NOT KINDLE FORM!! In the kindle form I had to make-up sentences at the top of every page so at times it was a little hard to follow which wasn't fun at all. =0( [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "The Stillburrow Crush" by Linda Kage: 3 out of 5 stars! [Read more about this book HERE]
    • "Flat-Out Love" by Jessica Park: 4 out of 5 stars!! This was a novel about what a family does for those they love, and a girl who falls right into the middle of their lives who helps them in a way she never expects. What would you do to cope/survive something that looks hopeless to survive? What would you do to pull the ones you love back to what they once were? This is all from Julie’s POV so you don’t know what’s happening until she finds out, but in some ways it easy to guess at, just the reasoning behind what happened to the family is a little shocking. [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "Wanting Something More" [Stepp Sisters Trilogy, Book 3] by Kathy Love: 4 out of 5 stars!! This is a fun and sweet novel by a fellow Maineiac (someone born in/from Maine)! Marty and Nate are such a great couple!! I'm sooo happy that Nate had gotten attacked since before he sounded like a royal jerk!! =0P But anyways ....

      This is a story about two different people who are in the process of finding themselves again, and fall-in-love along the way. I really liked this new twist that the author takes with her main characters ... very creative. I couldn't stop reading till I got to the end!! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "Wolf Signs" [Granite Lake Wolves, Book 1] by Vivian Arend: 3 out of 5 stars. A great beginning for this fun and spicy series!! Keil is the definition of possessive alpha male in this story. While I loved reading about Keil & Robyn worked through their "communication issues," turning this story into one I've never read about before. I recommend this book and series for anyone who likes to read a werewolf (slightly erotic) romance. [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "Kelsey's Song" [The Wilder Books, Book 1] by Lanie Kincaid: 4.5 out of 5 stars! I've seen "Kelsey's Song" on my Amazon.com 'recommendations list' for a while now, and I am very happy I finally decided to read it!! This is a wonderful story about two people, JD & Kelsey, who are dealing with circumstances in their lives that they never planned and when they aren't sure how things could get any better they meet and teach each other just how to make their lives better for themselves!! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "Wish Upon A Star" by Sarah Morgan: For the full book I give it 2.75 out of 5 stars.

      "Christy" [Previously published as "The Christmas Marriage Rescue"]: 3 out of 5 stars. This was a cute and steamy story of a pair of stubborn and prideful people who are learning how to possibly save their marriage.

      "Miranda" [Previously published as "The Midwife's Christmas Miracle"]: 2.5 out of 5 stars. This was a sweet story of a fiercely independent woman and a very determined man who need each other more then either first realizes. [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "Maybe My Baby" [Baby Times Three Series, Book 2] by Victoria Pade: 3 out of 5 stars ... this is a cute story about a guy and a girl, each hurt from their past relationships by similar situations, who try to do their jobs but when they are in such proximity to each other 24/7 for a week straight anything can happen ... and it does!! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "The Naughty List" by Jodi Redford: 4 out of 5 stars, this story is HOT, Sexy, and Sweet just in time for this holiday season to keep us warm!! The sex scenes in this story are wonderfully written in a way I've never read before and it will definitely rev up your blood pressure!! To top that off I really enjoyed the relationship between Bram, Lacey, & Ry ... it was very sweet and because they've known each other for so long, I enjoyed reading the comrade feel that they all shared for each other. [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "Only Us: A Fool’s Gold Holiday" [Fools Gold Series, E-novella 2] by Susan Mallery: 2.5 out of 5 stars. Ever since Cameron was mentioned in Only Yours I was curious if he was going to have a story of his own, and this book is it! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "Small Town Christmas" by Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay, & Katie Lane: For the full book I give it 3.83 out of 5 stars. All of the stories are really sweet.

      "Kissing Santa Claus" [A Lucky Harbor Novella] by Jill Shalvis: 3 out of 5 stars. It's a sweet story of love, Christmas wishes, and a Santa suit.

      "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Hope Ramsay: 4 out of 5 stars!! This story has the holiday spirit shining though it from beginning to end!

      "O Little Town of Bramble" [A Deep in the Heart of Texas Novella] by Katie Lane: 4.5 out of 5 stars, two best friends finding out what they really mean to each other after being years apart!! I couldn't get enough of Ethan and Sam, they were just sooo sweet!! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "North of Need" [Hearts of the Anemoi Series, Book 1] by Laura Kaye: 3.5 out of 5 stars! After just reading a few chapters of North of Need it reminded me of the movie Jack Frost, even though this book has a different story line, I think it was the whole snowman-coming-to-life thing that made me think it. Anyway ...

      This is a wonderful book!! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "A Vampire for Christmas" by Laurie London, Michele Hauf, Caridad Piñeiro, & Alexis Morgan: For the full book I give it 2.88 out of 5 stars.

      "Enchanted By Blood" [Sweetblood Series, Novella 2] by Laurie London: 3 out of 5 stars, it's a charming story about two people who are undeniably drawn together but because of old laws should ultimately stay apart. I liked the way the story flowed and was intrigued by the characters.

      "Monsters Don't Do Christmas" [A Part of the Beautiful Creatures World] by Michele Hauf: 2.5 out of 5 stars ... it was a cute story with sweet characters but it didn't intrigue me as much as it could have. Which is really to bad since I was really hoping to like this one more then I did.

      "When Herald Angels Sing" by Caridad Piñeiro: 2.5 out of 5 stars. This story definitely takes a different spin on the Christmas Carol story, by doing so I find this story very clever.

      "All I Want For Christmas" by Alexis Morgan: 3.5 out of 5 stars!!! This was a fun and entertaining story, centered around the mystery of what is going on within Eagan's case, Della's motley crew of friends/diners, and the steamy relationship that evolves between Della & Eagan!! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "My Captor, My Love" by Leah Matheny: 4 out of 5 stars, this story is a wonderful and unique take as a contemporary romance, that deals with Native American's kidnapping women for their village based in the twenty-first century. I really liked how the plot is mostly from Dani's perspective and then at the point when you really might hate Honon you get his point-of-view, pretty much redeeming himself in my book. [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "One Perfect Night" by Rachael Johns: 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. [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
    • "The Demon Lover" [Fairwick Chronicles, Book 1] by Juliet Dark (aka Carol Goodman): 3.5 out of 5 stars! Even though this novel has some spicy romance to it, it is mostly a dark mystery revolving around the town of Fairwick, its occupants, Callie's past and what her new roles are within the town. At the beginning of this novel it started out a little slow for me, so I wasn't sure if I would really appreciate it or not. However, not long after the beginning all of the twists and additional storylines come into play leaving you as curious as to what will happen next!! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]



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    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.



    ** 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.
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