Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2012

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!
In honor of it being Valentine's Day and all ... here is a list (in no particular order) of couples that I really enjoyed reading about within this past year:

♥ means that I gave the novel 5 stars

• Samantha (Sam) & Ethan [from "O Little Town of Bramble" [within Small Town Christmas] by Katie Lane]: Two best friends finding out what they really mean to each other after being apart for years!


• Isabel (Belly) & Conrad [from "We'll Always Have Summer" [A Summer Novel, Book 3] by Jenny Han]: Belly had a crush on Conrad for as long as she could remember and when he finally reciprocates those feelings she's thrilled, but reading about their trials and tribulations throughout the 'A Summer Novel' series made me love this couple all the more.


• Renee, Galen, & Jack [from "Trinity" [de La Vega Cats Series, Book 1] by Lauren Dane]: This is one of my fave paranormal tri-mate couples!! Renee is a people pleaser who has a heart of gold but if she mad you had better stand back! Galen is a fierce jaguar shifter who despite his family and what some of them feel he can't get enough of Renee and would do anything for her. Jack--is a werewolf and an enforcer in his pack--comes in and riles up this couple turning them into an exceptional trio who I could stop wanting to read about!! I love their dynamics and the way their relationships played out!! ♥


• Sabine & Ciar [from "Sabine" [...and the Beast Series, Book 1] by Moira Rogers (aka Bree & Donna)]: Even after fighting in a war, then dealing with Sabine's curse and Ciar's mean mother, it seems this couple can make it through just about anything!


• Cordelia (Posey) & Liam [from "Until There Was You" by Kristan Higgins]: I have to say that I love the "good girl" with the "bad boy" type of romances and this romance between Posey & Liam has that and a whole lot more!! ♥


• Lacey, Bram, & Ry [from "The Naughty List" by Jodi Redford]: Three best friends who are trying to make it work by being together, putting to use the remark 'that love can concur all.'


• Alexis & Seth [from "Racing Outside the Line" [Love Stories at 190 mph Series, Book 1] by Kimberly Montague]: This is a couple who have had to deal with a LOT of trials to even get into a relationship, but seemed to pull through whatever came their way once they were both on the same page about what they wanted from each other! ♥


• Sophie & Nathan [from "See You In My Dreams" [Speed Series, Book 1] by Jess Dee]: Their story is so great because their chemistry flies off the page that you just want to root for this duo from the very beginning!! Plus, you have the added mystery of their dream meetings and this unique nursery rhyme that only the two of them know because of their grandmothers. Their story is like an Adult Fairy Tale!


• Merit & Ethan [from "Hard Bitten" [Chicagoland Vampires Series, Book 4] by Chloe Neill]: I don't know why they "work" as a couple but they just do! I love their relationship from how to they "fight" each other in a constant battle of wills but in the end they care about each other more then their responsibilities and more then they should. ♥


• Stevie Rae & Rephaim [from "Awakened" [House of Night Series, Book 8] by P. C. Cast & Kristin Cast]: Their love story started out very unique, it will be very interesting to see how it will evolve, and how their relationship and choices will change as this series goes on. Now they're so cute together I just can't see them apart.


• Mercy & Adam [from "River Marked" [Mercy Thompson Series, Book 6] by Patricia Briggs]: I'm sooo HAPPY that these two are finally "officially" together!! They have fought hard to get where they are, I just hope that now they can make it all work out for themselves! ♥


• Kally & MacCauley (Mac) [from "Sneaks" by B. Button]: It's a unique situation that they fall in love within---both being from different time periods and that the first time that they meet Kally is 16-years-old and Mac is an infant. However, over the years (only 3 for Kally yet many more for Mac) they become very close and create a bond that was wonderful to read! It makes you think that they were always meant to be together. They were soul mates.


• Dakota & Finn [from "Only Mine" [Fools Gold Series, Book 4] by Susan Mallery]: A chance meeting, the town Dakota live in, and a reality show brought this couple together. Before they met, they had completely different life plans and now they never want to be apart!! They are just one of those couples that you want to keep getting new information about.


• Liliana & Micah [from "Lord of the Abyss" [Royal House of Shadows Series, Book 4] by Nalini Singh]: They are a couple who despite their many differences (at first) prove that who you are on the inside is what matters most. Their story is a part of a series, each book taking a new spin on a fairy tale, and theirs is a new version of The Beauty and The Beast. ♥


• Carna, Sebastian (Blue), Austin, Jacob & Marcus [from "Claiming Their Mate" [Pack Seduction Series, Book 1] by Stacey Espino]: Four best friends find their destined mate, who just happens to be a tad reluctant at being mated with anyone (let alone the four of them). However, it's nice to read a story about sexy-dominant-shifter-males who will do anything for the woman they love.


• Mary & Rhage [from "LOVER ETERNAL" [Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Book 2] by J. R. Ward]: I love the story between these two!! Mary soothes Rhage and his beast, making them want nothing more then to keep her forever ... no matter what the cost. ♥


• Christy & Alessandro [from "Christy" [within Wish Upon A Star] by Sarah Morgan]: Even though they were recently separated, now they are back together and hotter than ever!! Looking at the relationship these two have together (within and without of work) it's hard to see why they ever needed to be apart!


• Meghan & Ash [from "The Iron Knight" [The Iron Fey Series, Book 4] by Julie Kagawa]: Their relationship has gone through many trials and tribulations throughout 'The Iron Fey' series but in the end it's all about how much you (and your friends) will go through for the one you love. ♥


• Aurelia & Stephen [from "Only Mine" [Fools Gold Series, Book 4] by Susan Mallery]: They met on a reality show where they were matched up, even though Aurelia was quite a few years older than Stephen (something she didn't like at first). But in the end, they were each other’s perfect match!! They are just soo cute together, that you want the relationship to work out!!


• Bronwyn (Bryn) & Chase [from "Raised By Wolves" [Raised by Wolves Series, Book 1] by Jennifer Lynn Barnes]: Brought together by unusual circumstances these two share a bond that most aren't lucky enough to have. However, with the constant danger that seems to exist around them it will be interesting to see where their choices will take them and their relationship. ♥


• Jemma & Griff [from "That Voodoo You Do" [That Old Black Magic Series, Book 1] by Jodi Redford]: They have been friends since college but laws between witches and their familiars keep them apart, until Jemma takes it into her own hands to being them together. After she does ... there is nothing Griff won't do to make sure they stay together for good. You just gotta love those possessive cat-shifters. =0)


• Ellie & Mikey [from "You Against Me" by Jenny Downham]: They have a common bond, both want to do and become more than what is already planned for them. Even though it's better for everyone (meaning their families) if they stay apart, they just can't. Once they meet, and even though they shouldn't, it's hard to tear them apart from each other.


• Kara & Dupree [from "Kiss of Twilight" [Dark Bonds Series, Book 2] by Loribelle Hunt]: These two make quite a pair. Even though they are destined to be together, Dupree thinks he's not good enough for Kara and tries his hardest to be sure that she really wants to be bonded to him before it happens. They just make one great duo, I couldn't get enough of reading about their love story.


• Abby & Travis [from "Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McGuire]: They are a couple who stay friends no matter what life throws at them. The relationship that these two share is very fun to read about from the antics that they get each other into to the love that they have for one another. ♥


• Jordan & Sam (Henry) [from "Catching Jordan" by Miranda Kenneally]: These best friends try to prove that no matter what happens nothing will change between them. But will they make it??
  
  I did love their friendship and how it progresses throughout the novel.


• Charlotte & Trace [from "Enchanted By Blood" [within A Vampire for Christmas] by Laurie London]: They were meant to be together, so much so that even the laws of Trace's society couldn't keep them apart.


• Beth & Wrath [from "DARK LOVER" [Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Book 1] by J. R. Ward]: They are just so cute together. Even though the King of all vampires (Wrath) probably doesn't want to here that he's cute ... oh wells. *hehee* Beth brings goodness back into Wrath and the Black Dagger Brotherhood's lives. ♥


• Amy & Tristan [from "His Eyes" by Renee Carter]: They had a rough start when they first got together since they both were from different worlds. However, over time Amy & Tristan's relationship grows from mutual respect with a tentative friendship into something a whole lot more.


• Alexia & Lee [from "King of Darkness" [Chronicles of Yavn, Book 1] by Elisabeth Staab]: These are two people who are very protective of their friends. And even though they are complete opposites in some ways, they seem very similar in others. I can't wait to see what will happen to these two and were they'll end up as this series progresses.

Is there any couple who you would add to this list?? If so---who, from which book, and why??

Blog Tour Guest Post & Giveaway -- Odd by Leigh Ellwood

Let's give a grand welcome to Leigh Ellwood, who I'm turning over my blog to today and is talking about her latest novel "Odd!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's and this blog's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Book Tour will run from February 13 - 17, 2012]

So ... here we go ...

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About "Odd" :

Hello, and thank you for reading. I am Leigh Ellwood, author of romance and erotica, and I am happy to be the guest blog today. My latest release, "ODD," is an M/M contemporary short and part of the All Romance Perfect Strangers series. It is available exclusively through All Romance in digital format.

The theme of this story, naturally, is written to suit the ARe imprint, which focuses on stories of total strangers who meet and instantly fall in love/like/lust, whatever you wish to call it. Is this something that happens in real life? I can’t say that it’s happened to me personally, though I will admit the first time I saw my husband – nearly 20 years ago in an English class we shared – there was definite immediate interest. We didn’t start seeing each other until several months after that first meeting, however. So if there was love at first sight happening there, there was no love at first action.

The one challenge to writing a story like "ODD" is making the relationship believable. I’ve talked with enough people who affirm that love at first sight is possible. In fiction, you must write it in a way that a reader accepts. There may be hesitation on part of one person to move forward, but if the emotions are strong enough a writer can take two characters in love and make the relationship last.

If you have fallen in love at first sight, I hope it worked out for you and that you are living the happily ever after! Thanks for visiting.

If you comment on this post, I’ll give a random visitor two free downloads from my backlist (see below for more info). I have a number of M/M and het erotic romances, which I hope you’ll enjoy.

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About the Author :

Leigh Ellwood is an award-winning author of erotica and erotic romance fiction. Following the release of her first novel, "Truth or Dare," in 2004, Leigh has since written several novels, novella, and short stories. She is an EPIC Award winner and has been nominated for many reviewers awards for her works.
Leigh welcomes reader mail at kspatwriter (at) yahoo (dot) com.

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"Odd" [Perfect Strangers Series] by Leigh Ellwood
Author's Book Description :

Greg Hargrove has a ticket to the hottest party in town: Drew Bradley's annual Odd Ball. Dressed for the theme as one half of a popular sitcom duo, Greg doesn't expect to meet his match and engage in a secret night of passion while the festivities rage on. When handsome Rick Wade falls on his radar, however, Greg decides to partake of more explicit party favors. Is Rick more than a one-night stand, though, or can Greg look forward to many passion-filled reruns?

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Book Excerpt :

In the ten years Drew Bradley hosted his annual Odd Ball, people knew to expect two events: sometime toward the end of the evening Drew would lose his pants, and the two winners of the Best Oscar and Best Felix costume awards would immediately hook up afterward and live happily ever after. That many of the happy couples continued to come to the big party as their chosen television personas stood testament to their host’s impeccable matchmaking—and entertaining—skills.

Greg Hargrove personally didn’t care if either happened on his watch. After years of watching siblings primp and prepare for the biggest bash in town, he’d finally reached the requisite legal drinking age and could now attend. Though he’d never seen the television show that inspired the theme of the party, he’d gleaned enough by living vicariously through older friends—and researching YouTube clips—to know the score.

On November fourteenth, Felix Unger was asked to his leave his apartment. This request came from his wife...

There was more to the prologue, he knew, but in his excitement Greg thought himself fortunate to recall his own name, much less those of characters from a TV show that ceased airing first run episodes long before he was a “glint in the mailman’s eye,” as his brothers liked to tease.

Greg adjusted his Yankees ball cap and smoothed a hand over his three-day-old stubble. It itched like hell, but he wanted to shoot for realism even if he didn’t win the grand costume prize. Would be nice, though, since neither of his older brothers had won before, and Greg had heard Drew didn’t skimp on the goods. Last year’s couple, he’d been told, won matching gold watches.

At the front door of Drew’s McMansion of a home, a wiry, unsmiling man with a long nose looked down at Greg over his John Lennon glasses. “Your invitation?” He held out a pale, almost wrinkleless palm.

“Sure.” Greg surrendered the requisite card given him by his brother Joe, who couldn’t make it this time. Joe hadn’t kidded him when he warned about the exclusivity of the event. What the hell went on here that required protection against crashers?

The butler-bouncer, for lack of a better description, peered down at the invitation for a long moment, as though determining its authenticity. Then, curling it in his bony hand, he addressed Greg. “You may access all designated party rooms with the exception of the VIP area, and you must stay in character. How everyone behaves throughout the evening will determine the final judging for the contest.”

“Got it.” Damn, people sure took this party seriously. At least, going as slovenly Oscar rather than uptight Felix, Greg believed he could blend in easily. Acting like a slob came naturally to him anyway.

“Good.” The man startled Greg with a warm smile that completely softened the landscape of his face. “Enjoy yourself.”

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Giveaways!! :

• A $10 All Romance eBooks gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour
• Giveaway for a randomly drawn commenter on this specific blog: Readers choice of two downloads from Leigh’s backlist!

Soo .... COMMENT, COMMENT, COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

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Find Leigh Ellwood :

• Leigh Ellwood
• Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• AReCafe
• Goodreads

Feasted On: The Baby Chase Series, Book 5

Format: Paperback | Pages: 219 | Release Date: June 2010 | Publisher: Silhouette Books Special Edition | Obtained: Friends of the Pasquotank-Camden Library - Fall Book Sale

"The Billionaire’s Baby Plan" [The Baby Chase Series, Book 5] by Allison Leigh

My Book Summary : After finding out about her brother's betrayal Lisa agrees to meet with Rourke in hopes that he'll be willing to invest in her family's fertility institute. However, she soon finds out that for Rourke's help she'll need to agree to become his wife and the mother of his children. Because of her dedication to her family, their business and the necessity of the situation she's in, Lisa agrees.

During their honeymoon, Rourke and Lisa started to really have feelings for one another that could turn their situation into a blessing. If only, the reasons for getting involved weren't over their heads all the time. In addition, Rourke has some secrets of his own that could turn everything that they have created together into a complete shame if they come out. Will they be able to make everything work out together or if everything finally does come out ... will they even want to stay together in the end?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. This novel was about two strong-minded individuals, who on the surface don't seem to have anything in common or want the same type of things, but when thrown together passionate sparks fly between them in a way it's hard to keep them apart. A fun read with all the sudden twists and secrets that seemed to come out of the woodwork. The characters were intriguing and lively, creating an entertaining story that I didn't want to put down!

I recommend this novel to anyone who has enjoyed this series thus far and/or anyone who likes romance novels.

Book Teaser(s) :

"Is she your girlfriend?"
Lisa nearly choked, particularly when Rourke sent her a sidelong look. "Does she look like she's my girlfriend?"
The little girl's eyes were just as dark as Rourke's; a startling contrast considering the golden curls spilling around her head. And they focused on Lisa with an unnerving intensity. "Maybe," she determined. "But I'm gonna marry Uncle Rourke, anyway. He's mine."
Lisa couldn't help but smile. "I see." ~ within Chapter 2

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

Made the Grade: A Waltz at Midnight by Crista McHugh

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 238 KB | Expected Release Date: February 27, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Waltz at Midnight" by Crista McHugh

My Book Summary : Set in 1866, right after the American Civil War, Susanna finds her life completely changed. Instead of living in the home she grew up in the south, her brother and her now live in their Aunt's boarding house in New York. Where she works as a servant there, dealing with spoiled debutantes. However, when one of the debutantes receives a letter from a suitor that she would like to discourage but doesn't know how, she hires Susanna to do so for her.

One letter turns into two and then she finds that she enjoys written to this suitor more than she should. However, what will happen when emotions get involved and it finally becomes time to meet, will she be able to tell him the truth in hopes he won't get angry or will she let him go for good??

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Even though this isn't true, this is a short story that seemed to be a clever mix of Disney's "Cinderella" and Lisa Kleypas's "Love in the Afternoon." From the way Susanna is now a servant (like in "Cinderella") to how she is asked to respond to someone else's suitor (like how the plot is in "Love in the Afternoon"). However, since I like both of those novels it made me enjoy this short story that much more.

I really liked reading the letters between Susanna and Theodore, they were flirty, well written, and have enough banter, between the two of them, that I could see the romance bloom after each letter. Then, of course, the author wraps up the story in such a sweet way that makes everyone happy .... except, probably, Theodore and Charlotte's parents.

I recommend this to anyone who liked the two stories listed above and to anyone who would enjoy reading a short story historical romance. One that is very sweet and charming. =0)

Book Teaser(s) :

She paused, wanting to continue to berate him by sharing her personal stories of the tears she shed when her father was killed at Gettysburg, the brave face she was forced to show when her brother returned missing a leg and half-dead from fever, or her flight from Columbia when Sherman came marching in with lit torches. But then she remembered she was posing as Charlotte. Mr. Blakely didn’t know who she was and wouldn’t even care about a refugee from the South.
She signed Charlotte’s name and sealed the letter in an envelope. The first flakes of winter’s snow were falling outside, but she didn’t care. She just wanted to be done with Mr. Theodore Blakely. ~ within Chapter 3

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

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.