Made the Grade: Made for Marriage by Helen Lacey

Format: Paperback | Pages: 216 | Release Date: January 2012 | Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition | Obtained: Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau's Book Exchange

"Made for Marriage" by Helen Lacey

My Book Summary : Calliope (Callie) has moved to Australia (the country her father was from) in hopes of escaping her past. She has started an equestrian riding school, something she has wanted to do for a long time, and settles into her new life. A life she is very happy with until a new riding student, Lily (a girl who is trying to sort out some problems of her own), and Lily's father, Noah, come barreling into it. They both make her feel things she'd rather not think about and makes her deal with her past that she really doesn't want to deal with. Can Noah, with the help of his children, breakthrough the barriers that Callie keeps around herself so they all might be able to be together for the long haul or will Callie decide that giving up what she could have be better than letting others get close?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this dynamic book was one I didn't want to put down!! Callie and Noah's pasts are what keeps them from getting into any type of new relationship, but once they meet each other their chemistry flies off the page and even though Callie really doesn't want to get over her past mistakes/grievances Noah makes her do so without even trying. I really loved them as a couple! Plus, this story has such fun secondary characters! From Lily (a thirteen-year-old girl who still can't get over the mother who abandoned her four years ago) to Evie (Noah's sister who acts like a mother hen when it comes to Noah and his children) and the rest of Noah's family to their friends (Fiona and Cameron), I just couldn't get enough of everyone. Therefore, I cannot WAIT for the next books to come out by this author (Evie's story "Marriage Under The Mistletoe" in November 2012 & Fiona's story in early 2013).

I recommend this book to everyone who likes contemporary romance novels!!

Book Teaser(s) :

"Who is that?" Cameron asked.
"Fiona."
Cameron raised his eyebrows. "I meant her friend with the great legs."
"Callie Jones," Noah replied quietly.
Cameron chuckled. "The horse lady? Very nice. No wonder you've been keeping her to yourself."
"That's not what I've been doing."
"Sure it is." Cameron smiled. "Shall we go over so you can introduce me?"
"No."
"I just wanna talk to her."
Noah stood perfectly still. "Hard to talk without teeth."
Cameron laughed loudly and began walking toward them. "Okay, I get the message," he said once Noah caught up. "But introduce me anyway."
He did so begrudgingly. ~ within Chapter 4

"I'm so sorry, Fee."
Fiona managed a brittle smile. "I guess what I'm saying is that we all have things in our past that can stop us from looking for happiness or make us blind to it when it comes along. The trick is having the courage to take the chance." ~ within Chapter 7

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

Disappointmentville: The Nanny Bombshell by Michelle Celmer

Format: Paperback | Pages: 185 | Release Date: January 2012 | Publisher: Harlequin Desire | Obtained: Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau's Book Exchange

"The Nanny Bombshell" [Billionaires and Babies] by Michelle Celmer

My Book Summary : Cooper's (Coop) life has just changed, since his older brother (and only living family member) and his sister-in-law recently died in a serious plane crash he now has custody of the couple's adopted five-month-old twin girls (his nieces). His partying days are numbered but he plans to take on this responsibility as well as he can. Especially since he feels like he owes it to his brother. However, he knows he can't take care of them on his own, so he plans to get a live-in nanny to help him out. He hopes he'll find someone who will just care about the girls more so then his hockey star fame.

But he might get more then he's asking for when it comes to Sierra ...

Sierra has a secret. She is the biological mother to Coop's nieces. Therefore, once she heard about what the deaths of the twins adopted parents she had to make sure they were going to be safe and loved under Coop's care in any way possible, even if that meant leaving her job as a pediatric nurse and becoming her girl's full-time nanny. She would do anything for them.

However, after a week of living under Coop's roof she realizes that he's a good person and loves her girls but will her secret stay a forever or will she be found out??

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. I agree with what one of the Goodreads' reviewer said, "...it doesn't sugarcoat the story by making all the characters perfect. It shows that the characters are imperfect and with flaws." This book is about getting over a loss, protecting the ones you love at all costs, and learning to trust others. I thought this book had a good plot but I got too annoyed with how Sierra kept doubting Coop's motives to her and the twins for at least 3/4s of this book. Because of Sierra's attitude towards Coop, I almost stopped reading the book a few times. However, I wanted to read what happened when Sierra's secret finally came out and I'm glad I did since from that point on it was a good book but then the book was basically over.

This book wasn't one I really got into so I'm not recommending it. However, on Goodreads there are quite a few good reviews for this book so if you read it hopefully you'll like it too.

Book Teaser(s) :

It was that mind-reading thing that he did. So annoying. "To call it 'torment' is an exaggeration. They were just...pranks. And you can't tell me that she didn't deserve it. She's so mean."
"She just quit."
She gasped and slapped a hand over her heart. "She didn't!"
"She did, just now in the kitchen. This is her last day."
"Oh my gosh, Coop. I'm so sorry. I wanted to annoy her, not make her leave. This is all my fault. Do you want me to talk to her? Promise to behave from now on?"
He grinned and shook his head. ~ within Chapter 8

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

Feasted On: Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 280 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: April 23, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Improper Relations" by Juliana Ross

My Book Summary : Years ago when Hannah's husband died she was left with nothing, no money (once all her husband's debts were paid) and no family (since her relatives were dead too), so she begged her late husband's Aunt Augusta (Lady Dorchester) to take her in. However, even though Aunt Augusta agreed to let Hannah become her lady's companion she knows her place and that is of a just a poor relation living with the Marquess of Dorchester's family. From the years living with them she has become accustom to being looked over and ignored.

Therefore, one day when she's in the library enjoying a bit of alone time for herself she's not surprised when Leo (Second son of the Marquess of Dorchester) is unaware of her presents. What really surprises her is when she is caught in her spot in the library while Leo has his own relations with one of their maids. Unsure as to what she should do, and curious all the same as to what the twosome is doing, she is surprised to be addressed by Leo once the maid has left the room. Then they get into a very inappropriate conversation that turns both their worlds around. Should Hannah take Leo up on his proposal about teaching her the finer arts of improper relations? Can she risk everything she has for something she's not curtain she'll ever want to give up? Will her heart get lost in the process?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this clever and racy novel pulls you into the life of Hannah, a woman who has to be a lady's companion (which isn't much higher in position than a maid) to be sure, she'll have somewhere to live in England during 1858. Even though Hannah is thirty-years-old and is a widow, she's very naive as to the act of "love making" and after she witnesses in the library, between Leo and a maid, Leo seems more then happy to instruct her into the acts she was really unaware. It's intriguing to read about how Hannah really grows into liking herself and about her budding relationship with Leo.

Leo and Hannah do have a unique relationship. More so because even though Hannah is older than Leo is (I'm very curious as to how many years but the book never says). Leo has more experience then Hannah when it comes to the ways of the world. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading about them together as they made a good couple.

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes historical erotic romances! It's definitely a sweet read that will leave you hot under the collar. Plus, I loved how the epilogue wrapped everything up so nicely!

Book Teaser(s) :

“Are you certain you’ve never done this before?” he asked, gasping a little, and I could hear how his breathing had quickened. I pulled away for a moment, just long enough to allow myself to look up at him, and was rewarded by the glint of excitement I glimpsed in his eyes.
In that instant, I felt a spark of power kindle within me. Somehow, despite my inexperience, despite his dauntingly vast store of experience, I was pleasing him. The last of my inhibitions melted away, leaving nothing but a limitless swell of possibilities and pleasure to be captured and savored. ~ within Chapter 4

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Juliana, 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

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Finding Chrissten

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

"Finding Chrissten" [Legacy Series, Book 5] by N. J. Walters
Expected Publication Released Date: May 8, 2012

Author's Book Description:

For eighteen horrific months, Chrissten Lawton was at the mercy of a crazy doctor and his pureblood werewolf flunky. She was subjected to experiments, beaten, mated against her will...and fading fast.

Just as she reaches the breaking point, the Haven pack comes to her rescue. Although any strange male makes her nervous, one of her rescuers stays by her side night and day, and something within her responds to this wolf’s gentleness.

From the moment Hank Brewer picked up Chrissten’s unique scent, he’s been driven to help her overcome her trauma-fed fears. He may be a half-breed, but he never does anything halfway. As he dedicates every waking moment to her healing, their fragile link leads them toward something they both hesitate to name.

But the danger isn’t past. Chrissten’s mate is still on the loose and he won’t rest until she—and the rest of Haven’s females—are taken for the cruel enjoyment of his rogue pack. Even though Hank would give his life to save her, the biggest challenge lies ahead. Admitting their love to each other.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Alexandra's Legacy

Teaser Tuesdays: Barefoot Season

Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

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

Book Teaser:

"You okay?" he asked.
She nodded.
He stepped back and studied her. The dog stayed back, his eyes dark with worry, a low whine indicating his concern.
She held out her hand to the dog. "It's okay, Buster. I'm fine."
The dog stepped forward and sniffed her fingers before giving them a quick lick.
"Hey, I wanted to do that," the kid said, managing a shaky laugh.
Michelle smiled. "Sorry. He's more my type." ~ within Chapter 1

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

Disappointmentville: The Cowboys Of Cold Creek Series, Book 10

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 227; Kindle Edition - File Size: 422 KB | Expected Release Date: March 20, 2012 | Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Cold Creek Reunion" [The Cowboys Of Cold Creek Series, Book 10] by RaeAnne Thayne

My Book Summary : A decade ago, Laura and Taft were engaged to be married. However, not long before that, Taft's parents were murdered and he decided that pushing Laura away instead of letting her help him get over his loss would be best. Therefore, Laura gave him a choice let her help him and postpone the wedding until he was in a better place or they would be through. So, a week before their wedding when Taft still wasn't allowing her to help him get over his pain Laura decided to be the one to end their relationship. Yet, she did it with hopes that Taft would quickly come around and come after her...but he never did.

Now, ten-years later, Laura is back in town with her two little children in hopes of helping her mother straighten out and spiffy up their historical hotel. Will Taft and Laura be able to get past everything all of the history between them so they might have a chance to be friends again---if not something more? Or will old hurts and past reputations ruin what could be the best thing that has ever happened to them?

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. This is a story about redemption, of a lost love and of a little family trying to make through a recent loss. I liked the characters and the plot line in this novel. Alex and Maya are very entertaining when it comes to guessing what they'll get into next. Taft is a nice hero, that is mostly the wild card, making you not sure what he'll do next. However, I did feel in the beginning he was moving too fast in trying to rekindle Laura and his relationship, which is what put off Laura even more. For Laura's part I think she was too wishy washy, since I know she was trying to protect herself as well as her kids from heartache but she could have saved a lot of time if she stopped denying her feelings a bit and tried to work through them better, it would have saved a lot of time.

Overall, it was a good book and plot but it really just dragged on too much for me to really like it.

Therefore, I'd only recommend it to those who've read the other novels in this series and liked them.

Book Teaser(s) :

"Sorry, say that again. You did what?"
"I didn't think you'd mind, darling," her mother said, with a vague sort of smile as she continued stirring the chicken she was cooking for their dinner.
Are you completely mental? she wanted to yell. How could you possibly thing I wouldn't mind?
She drew a deep, cleansing breath, clamping down on the words she wanted to blurt out. ~ within Chapter 3

"Don't."
He blinked, startled at her low, vehement tone. "Don't what?"
"Try to charm me by acting all sweet and concerned. It might work on your average bimbo down at the Bandito, but I'm not that stupid."
Where did that come from? "Are you kidding? You're about the smartest person I know. I never thought you were stupid."
"That makes one of us," she muttered, then looked as if she regretted the words.
More than anything, he wanted to go back in time ten years and make things right again with her. ~ within Chapter 5

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