Made the Grade: Cat Scratch Fever by Jodi Redford

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 298 KB | Expected Release Date: April 2012 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: Jodi Redford

"Cat Scratch Fever" by Jodi Redford

My Book Summary : Years ago, Lilly's grandfather was swindled out of a big plot of land while playing cards with Dante's father. Therefore, for a while now she has been hounding Dante to sell that plot of land back to her without any success. Nevertheless, is she willing to do just about anything to get back what rightfully belongs to her family, even if it means taking Dante's proposition?

Dante has been avoiding Lilly and her demands for years, but now with his father's mate-bond ultimatum he is in desperate need to find someone to mate with that isn't the girl his father wants, and Lilly seems to be the perfect choice. Especially with the chemistry that flies between them and with Lilly currently being in heat right now the sexual tension is flying high. However, will Dante's pack or Lilly's family allow or approve of this match between them? Will Dante & Lilly be able to keep this proposition only a business agreement between them without letting their hearts get evolved? In addition, will Lilly be able to stand up to the competition that wants to mate with Dante and have Lilly out of the picture?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this sexually intense novel is entertaining with all that the drama that ensues between the main characters' budding relationship! I really enjoyed the sarcastic comments and sassy comebacks that fly between Dante and Lilly. Along with reading about the unusual type of things, Dante decides on using as foreplay items. It's really a quick but fun read that is overloaded with sex between the stubborn main characters.

I only wish it didn't end where it did, meaning, "I wish there was more!!" Since where it ends leaves a bunch of questions in the air ... Is Lilly really okay? What happened to Anna? Did Dante's father know anything about what she did? How is there relationship now? If this novel was a part of a series, then I could possibly let the unknown questions slide but since as far as I know it isn't then I wish I could have answers to my questions. However, I AM very happy with how Lilly and Dante's relationship ends up in the book it was quite charming.

I recommend this novel to everyone who's a fan of Jodi's, as well as, those who enjoy reading paranormal erotic romances!!

-- Check out Jodi's response to my questions above!! --

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author or the Author's Characters : November 2011 | February 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : That Voodoo You Do | The Naughty List | Maximum Witch | Getting Familiar With Your Demon

Book Teaser(s) :

Dante turned and watched the approach of Lilly’s SUV. Even with the distance separating them, he could clearly see the wide-eyed apprehension overtaking her face as she took in the amount of Morgans camped on his porch. He had to give her credit for not flooring it in reverse and hightailing it the fuck out of there.
Hell, it was probably what he would have done.
A weighty silence descended on the group as Lilly parked her vehicle and made the slow trek toward the porch. Dante’s gaze dipped toward her neckline, where the tag for her sweater was hanging out in plain view. She’d jumped into her clothes so fast earlier, he hadn’t noticed she’d put the sweater on backwards.
His mouth quirked, and Lilly glanced down. A groan fell from her. “Aw crap.” Her motions swift, she tugged her scarf in place to cover up her wardrobe malfunction.
Something about her obvious embarrassment stoked his protective instincts. Cupping her elbow, he pulled her close and dropped a kiss on her forehead.
The collective spell of silence that’d gripped his cousins shattered as they all began talking at once. In his typical fashion, Theo outshouted everyone else. “Holy shit, Shane wasn’t talking out of his ass.”~ within Chapter 10

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

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Brody

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

"Brody" [The Circle Eight Series, Book 2] by Emma Lang (aka Beth Williamson)
Expected Publication Released Date: June 26, 2012

Author's Book Description:

A year after their family was brutally torn apart, the Graham siblings begin to put their lives back together at their ranch in East Texas. With their parents gone, their bonds will truly be tested...

Olivia Graham has worked hard to take care of her family at the Circle Eight Ranch. But their family circle was broken when their young brother Benjy disappeared. Liv can’t shake the feeling that he must be out there, somewhere.

Brody Armstrong, a handsome but rough-around-the-edges Texas Ranger, has been working on their case for months, and now he has a promising lead.

As Liv follows him across the rugged Texas landscape and into Mexico, she’ll begin to find the answers she needs—as Brody finds a passion he didn’t know he wanted...

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Matthew

Teaser Tuesdays: Trinity Bound

Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Trinity Bound" [Redwood Pack Series, Book 3] by Carrie Ann Ryan

Book Teaser:

He seemed to hurt more than she. They had chained him to the wall, same as her, but far enough apart they couldn’t touch. And if they were to speak to each other, the guards came in and beat Reed. Never her though. It was almost like a cruel joke to have someone share her burden but be allowed no contact. Her gut twisted, and bile filled her mouth.
Her fingers ached to touch his smooth skin and heal his pains as the healer she was. But she couldn’t get close enough to him to do so. Another cruelty. She couldn’t bear to see him hurt. ~ within Chapter 1

Feasted On: Heart of a Wolf Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 420 KB | Release Date: March 2012 | Publisher: Werewolf Tails Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"No Remorse" [Heart of a Wolf Series, Book 1] by MaryLynn Bast

My Book Summary : Throughout Amber's life she has been living on the run, never getting involved with any werewolf packs, and trying to stay hidden as much as possible. It started out because of her mother needing to run from her own pack with the belief that Amber would be safer if she could only stay hidden. However, over the years it has turned into a way of life for Amber. Especially since it has taken her more years to transform into her werewolf then it does for other female werewolves. When she was younger her mother was with her, then when Amber was a teenager they were split up (her mother was found out by her old pack making Amber believe they killed her), which is why from that point on she started taking care of herself. Now that she can finally transform into her werewolf form she's been learning more about her abilities while keeping on the run and hiding away from everyone else.

With that being said she has never forgotten about the boy (teenage werewolf at the time) who helped her out years ago, Blake, who is also the only one she has ever allowed to become close to her (other than her mother). So, when she witnesses an accident happen while on a run in her wolf form in her latest location she's been staying she is surprised to see find that Blake is the man behind the wheel and that he's hurt. However, after she helps him to safety she ultimately knows that her life is about to change once again with Blake back in her life. All of her instincts are telling her it's time to leave that town and go somewhere knew, another part of her doesn't want to be apart from Blake. In addition, once Blake is out of the hospital and realizes who saved him, he makes it his personal mission not to have her leave his side again even if mating her is the way to do so.

Nevertheless, just settling into her new life with Blake and his pack isn't easy when old secrets, rivalry packs, and the Werewolf Council seem to be determined to finding ways to keep them apart.

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars, taking you into the life of a werewolf who has always been on the run from a past she's not all familiar with, abilities she is still learning to control, and the romance that blooms throughout the pages between the one man who will to take her on. It is a dark, suspenseful, and highly intriguing paranormal romance novel! Amber's story has so many twists that you have to be sure your paying attention or you might miss something. Along with throwing some spicy sex scenes into the mix that will curl your toes. All of the characters (at least the main characters and the ones from Blake's pack) are dynamic and have very commanding presences that I wish I could find out more about them now and not later in another book (hopefully they will be in another book).

My only problem with the book is that even though I liked how the ending wrapped up for Blake & Amber, I wasn't impressed with how the author handled all of the twists that were thrown in about Amber's past and mother. I think it might have been better if the revelations didn't feel so rushed, making Amber just having to except it and move on.

Otherwise, I truly enjoyed this novel and have high hopes for the others in this series IF they are like this one!! I recommend this novel for those looking for a different and a bit darker take on werewolf romance books!! Or for anyone who likes shifter romances!

Book Teaser(s) :

"What have you done to me!?" she demanded to know, running her hand agitatedly through her hair. She didn't give his time to answer before she stomped off into the bathroom and slammed the door.
Amber stared at herself in the mirror. Her skin practically glowed and her dark chocolate eyes were misted with yellow specs. Her wolf was close to the surface, yet was no help to her at all. The wolf urged her to go to Blake, go to his wolf. Yet, her human instincts warned her to run, run as far away and as fast as she could from the man who had marked her.
"But you marked him, too!" She accused herself sharply in the mirror. ~ within Chapter 11

Blake and his wolf were pissed that she was touching them, but Amber had to get her point across to the men what her abilities were, and also to let Blake know that she would not be controlled. If she wanted to touch another man she would. At the menacing growl in her head Amber sent laughter to Blake and told him in mock exasperation. Not sexually, I have you as my sex toy, why would I want anyone else? Even though he was still angry, he smiled at that. ~ within Chapter 18

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

Invisible Children | Kony 2012

I learned about this organization when a coworker of mine emailed me this link wanting me to check out the video that the article has on the page because her son sent it to her and she said it just had a wonderful message and I really should listen to it. Well that was about a month ago (in March) and today I finally got around to going to the link and looking into it. As you can see (unless it's changed since I've been to the link) the video has been taken down so I went to the Invisible Children's website to see if the video was there and to learn what I could and WOW I am SOOO glad that I did. They have an even better video posted (view below) and now I am so informed that I wish I could do more than just make a blog post about it but I HAD to tell you about what was going on encase (like me) you didn't know but feel you should help out. So, please view the below video it talks about what Invisible Children is, how they are trying to make a difference, and how you can too. It's only 20 minutes of your time. Thank you in advance.


A Brief Description of Invisible Children & Kony 2012:

WATCH & SHARE KONY 2012: Part II - Beyond Famous
This generation has responded to the call to make Joseph Kony famous. Now we need to dig deeper and turn awareness into informed action. Part II gives a closer look at the Lord’s Resistance Army, the international efforts to stop them, the progress that has already been made, and what we can all do to help.

What is the goal of KONY 2012?
Invisible Children has been working for 9 years to end Africa’s longest-running armed conflict. U.S. military advisers are currently deployed in Central Africa on a “time-limited” mission to stop Kony and disarm the LRA. If Kony isn’t captured this year, the window will be gone. [read more]

Find out MORE INFO / HOW TO HELP :

• Invisible Children - Website
• Kony 2012 - Website (Facts, Videos, Q&A, How to send your message to the policy makers)
• MAKE A DONATION
• Purchase An Action Kit (Among other items from Invisible Children)
• Invisible Children's Movement
• Cover the Night (April 20th 2012) - Invisible Children's Campaign
• Invisible Children's Programs
• Invisible Children's Q&A
• Invisible Children's Blog
• Invisible Children's Twitter Acct
• Invisible Children's Facebook Page
• Invisible Children's Tumblr

Happy Easter 2012!!

From my family to yours we wish you a HAPPY EASTER!! I hope you'll enjoy hunting for eggs as much as my daughter did yesterday at her first egg hunt!

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.