Wednesday, May 30, 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Desire the Night

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

  • "Desire the Night" by Amanda Ashley (aka Madeline Baker)
    Expected Publication Released Date: September 4, 2012

    Author's Book Description:
      A VAMPIRE IN CHAINS

      Held captive in a basement prison, wrapped in silver chains, the vampire Gideon is too weak to fight the monster who enslaves him. For years, she’s tapped his precious blood like a fountain of youth—sustaining him with human females she captures for his pleasure. But with the latest victim she brings him, he senses something intriguingly different. Something dangerous, yet oh so tempting.

      Kay Alissano is no ordinary woman. Every full moon, she must answer the call of the wild—unleashing the wolf within. As daughter of the Shadow Pack’s Alpha, Kay is extremely powerful—and when she’s offered up to Gideon, she doesn’t surrender easily. In wolf form, she might be able unchain Gideon’s heart and set them both free—if only he can resist the urge to consume her, body and soul, before the next full moon...

    My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Bound By Blood

    Tuesday, May 29, 2012

    Feasted On: Her Best Friend's Brother by T. J. Dell

    Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 618 KB | Release Date: September 2011 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

    "Her Best Friend's Brother" by T. J. Dell

    My Book Summary : Elizabeth (Libby) has been in love with her best friend's, Melanie (Mel), older brother, Anthony (Tony) since she was 7 years old. While Tony has been in love with Libby ever since she was 16 years old. However, because of one miscommunication or another it takes both of them fifteen years to tell each other what they truly mean to each other. This story follows their constant friendship/relationship and their fond memories of each other, while proving that if you don't succeed the first time with the person you want to be with, then you have to try and try again until you get it right!

    My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this novel proves that if you truly love someone it's hard to let them go for good. I loved the chemistry between Libby and Tony! And while I know there are some reviewers that got annoyed with how long it takes the two of them to get together, I believe that it all worked out for the best, because who knows if they would have been able to accomplish everything they did if they had gotten together earlier in their lives.

    Anyway ... as I was saying ... you can't not root for the two of them throughout this book! In truth, other than Tony's gentlemanly tactics when it came to Libby, the only thing that really keeps the two of them apart is Tony's sister, Mel (who is Libby's best friend), and I'm not always certain it wasn't on purpose in a few ways. Therefore, for me the only character I didn't like, mostly/only towards the end of the novel, was Mel and the way she swoops in. True things might not have panned out between Libby and Tony the way they did if Mel didn't create the crisis. However, I still didn't like it. =0/

    Again, with that being said, I LOVED the main characters, Libby and Tony, and this novel!! I recommend it to anyone who likes reading romance novels where the main characters go from teens to adults.

    Book Teaser(s) :
    Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1
    He remembered very clearly the night Ms. McKay had come home in the early morning and found him and Libby fast asleep wrapped up in each other on this very couch. When she had shaken Tony awake he had wanted to crawl under a rug. Although-- she had been very sweet about the whole thing. Thanking him for being such a good friend. For sacrificing his Halloween night and for tucking Libby back into her bed since the medicine had knocked her out cold. That had just made him feel worse; because of course Tony had had his own less than honorable reasons for being there that night. ~ within Chapter 9
    For more information on this book, and/or any other books by T. J., then please check her out on the Goodreads' website.

    Interview with Susan Mallery

    Today I'm pleased to share an Interview with Susan Mallery author of "Summer Days," which is the 7th book in her Fool’s Gold Series!!



    A Q&A with Susan Mallery :

    Tell us about "Summer Days!"

    "Summer Days" is the perfect beach read. It’s funny, romantic, sexy, and it’s light both in tone and in actual weight – you can toss the paperback into your beach bag and go. (It’s also available wherever ebooks are sold.)

    Heidi Simpson had a vagabond childhood with her grandfather. The one thing she wanted most in the world was a home of her own. Now, in her late 20s, she finally has one, but her ranch is put on the line by a scam her grandfather pulled in order to pay for a friend’s surgery. Rafe Stryker is the son of the woman whose money was stolen, and the first of the Stryker brothers to move to Fool’s Gold. He’s on a tear when he arrives, determined to protect his mother’s interests at all costs.

    Since possession is nine-tenths of the law, neither is willing to leave the ranch until a judge can decide the matter. Sparks fly right from page one between Heidi and Rafe! The people of Fool’s Gold take sides in a pretty hysterical way.

    You can find "Summer Days" wherever books are sold – bookstores, online, even the grocery store check-out line. You can read a free excerpt on my website, www.susanmallery.com or in the free app for iPhone and Android (www.mobileroadie.com/apps/susanmallery).

    Who are these Fool’s Gold cheerleaders I keep hearing about?

    Oh, the cheerleaders are beyond fabulous! This year’s squad is made up of 60 Fool’s Gold super fans who are earning prizes all summer for telling other readers about Fool’s Gold. They’re driving around with Fool’s Gold car magnets, wearing Fool’s Gold T-shirts, handing out bookmarks like candy to everyone they meet.

    For those of my followers who have never read a Fool’s Gold book, tell us about the small town known as the Land of Happy Endings.

    "Summer Days" is the seventh book in my series set in fictional Fool’s Gold, California. Fool’s Gold is a small town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It’s a quaint place where people truly support each other – mostly with casseroles. And margaritas. Women rule in Fool’s Gold. For many years, there was a man shortage, which is just now beginning to level out, thanks to the town’s efforts to bring in some pretty spectacular men.

    Fool’s Gold is the most popular series I’ve ever written. In fact, last year, one of the Fool’s Gold books hit #3 on the New York Times and #8 on the USA Today bestsellers lists. Those were personal bests for me and very thrilling.

    Each book is written as a standalone, which means that you can jump in and start with "Summer Days," and you won’t feel lost or confused. While previous characters make an appearance, you don’t need to know their stories to understand this one.

    Why did you decide to write about three cowboy brothers?

    With each year’s Fool’s Gold books, I try to create heroes who represent iconic male archetypes. The men of Fool’s Gold have been athletes, businessmen, pilots, surgeons. Each is a leader, powerful in his own way. His strength goes deeper than the physical. He does what’s right even when it’s not easy. When he falls, he falls hard... and he loves forever.

    This summer, three cowboy brothers will ride into Fool’s Gold on horseback in "Summer Days," "Summer Nights," and "All Summer Long." The Stryker men represent everything I love about a cowboy hero. They are protective, honest, tall and strong. And wow, do they do nice things to a pair of blue jeans!

    Since this is Fool’s Gold, these cowboys come with a special twist – humor. Rafe is undone by Heidi the Goat Girl. Shane has to teach the local librarian how to do the ancient Dance of the Happy Virgin – while riding a horse. And Clay, the youngest, made his fortune as a Hollywood butt double.

    What’s next for Fool’s Gold?

    In "Summer Nights" (July), Shane Stryker will meet Annabelle who, oh my WORD, do I love! Annabelle is my gift to all the librarians who have supported me so wonderfully over the years, putting my books into readers’ hands with a fervent, “You’re going to love this!” Annabelle is a librarian who defies the stereotypes – she’s fashionable, modern... a dangerous, pint-sized sexpot, as far as Shane is concerned. He’s completely undone by her the first time they meet, so much so that he can’t even remember his own name.

    Then comes Charlie, to be paired with Clay in "All Summer Long" (August). Oh, Charlie. She’s so tough and oh, so wounded. She’s got that hard-as-nails firefighter exterior, but when it comes to matters of the heart, she is as vulnerable as they come. Something happened in Charlie’s past that has made her afraid of intimacy with a man. She’s the kind of person who tackles her problems head-on, much to Clay Stryker’s delight. She’s determined to learn how to be with a man, and she’s decided to ask Clay to teach her.



    About the Author :

    New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Publisher’s Weekly calls Susan’s prose “luscious and provocative,” and Booklist says, “Novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.” Visit Susan online at www.susanmallery.com.



    "Summer Days" [Fool’s Gold Series, Book 7] by Susan Mallery

    My Book Summary :

      Heidi hasn't been living in Fool's Gold that long but for someone who has grown up as being a part of a carnival being able to settle down in Fool's Gold with her grandfather and take care of her goats is a piece of heaven she never knew before. However, the security she has made for herself is about to be destroyed after her grandfather scams Rafe's mother into thinking she's buying Heidi's ranch. In the end, while Heidi, Rafe, Glen (Heidi's grandfather), and May (Rafe's mother) wait to see what the judge decides to do about their legal situation, May and Rafe move onto the ranch with Heidi and Glen. Throughout the time that they try living together, they learn about each other’s pasts and presents while sharing what they hope for the future. They all grow closer only with the knowledge that soon they'll find out what the judge has planned soon, which means only one of them can win between them especially since Rafe doesn't seem to know the meaning of compromise. However, what will happen after Heidi and Rafe's feelings involved? Will they be able to reconcile their difference and problems? Or will everything implode between them, making it so the town will have to take sides? [Click HERE to read my review of this novel!]



    Find Susan Mallery :

    Teaser Tuesdays: Her Best Friend's Brother


  • Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here


  • "Her Best Friend's Brother" by T. J. Dell

    Book Teaser:
    “Should we call it a draw? Or see who has the most cash?” Tony smiled slyly and Libby knew exactly what he was up to.
    “No way Marchetti! I have 3 monopolies! You might have more cash but a few more turns around the board and it will all be mine! Nothing doing – we can finish tomorrow.”
    “How do I know you won’t cheat during the night?” Tony played along with mock outrage. So they carefully wrote down who owned what and their cash totals and they even went to the extreme of carrying the board to the garage and locking it inside. When the door was locked and the key solemnly slid underneath Mr. and Mrs. Marchetti’s bedroom door (for safekeeping) the hilarity of it all (compounded by the fact that it was now almost 2:00 in the morning) over took them and they exploded into giggles. Giggles! Anthony Marchetti actually giggled!
    Libby grinned at the memory. ~ within Chapter 1

    Monday, May 28, 2012

    Made the Grade: Fool’s Gold Series, Book 7

    - This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 384; Paperback - Pages: 384; Kindle Edition - File Size: 548 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: May 29, 2012 | Publisher: HQN Books | Obtained: NetGalley

    "Summer Days" [Fool’s Gold Series, Book 7] by Susan Mallery

    My Book Summary : Heidi hasn't been living in Fool's Gold that long but for someone who has grown up as being a part of a carnival being able to settle down in Fool's Gold with her grandfather and take care of her goats is a piece of heaven she never knew before. However, the security she has made for herself is about to be destroyed after her grandfather scams Rafe's mother into thinking she's buying Heidi's ranch. In the end, while Heidi, Rafe, Glen (Heidi's grandfather), and May (Rafe's mother) wait to see what the judge decides to do about their legal situation, May and Rafe move onto the ranch with Heidi and Glen. Throughout the time that they try living together, they learn about each other’s pasts and presents while sharing what they hope for the future. They all grow closer only with the knowledge that soon they'll find out what the judge has planned soon, which means only one of them can win between them especially since Rafe doesn't seem to know the meaning of compromise. However, what will happen after Heidi and Rafe's feelings involved? Will they be able to reconcile their difference and problems? Or will everything implode between them, making it so the town will have to take sides?

    My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This novel is all about the meaning of love and what the main characters willing to give up or do to make sure everything works out for the best. I loved Rafe and his family!! I can't wait to see where they will go from here. Plus, ever since reading more about Heidi, Charlie, & Annabelle in "Only His" I was so happy to read about them again in this book!!

    Rafe is a man who had to grow up quickly when he was a kid after his father past away, and now he has based his life around making sure everyone he loves is protected. Heidi has built a life for herself that she loves and is willing to do just about anything to protect it and her grandfather. Together they make a wonderful couple, if they can only get over the complication that Glen (Heidi's grandfather) put them in. It's very sweet how they are able to turn their situation around and be there for each other!

    I recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of the Fool's Gold series!!! Also, this is the perfect contemporary romance to put you in a good mood!

    My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 4 | Book 5 | Book 6 | E-novella 2

    My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tempting | Accidentally Yours | Falling For Gracie | Having Her Boss's Baby | Barefoot Season

    Author's Series Extras : Fool's Gold Magazines | About Fool's Gold | Fool's Gold News | Meet the main characters from the Fool's Gold Series

    Author Book/Series Trailer :

    Book Teaser(s) :
    Annabelle and Charlie exchanged a look.
    "That's quite a list," Annabelle said.
    "Most of it was about Rafe and she's drinking more than usual," Charlie added. "You know what that means."
    "Trouble." Annabelle shook her head. "Big trouble."
    "Man trouble."
    "There's no man trouble," Heidi announced. "None. Zero. Zip. I'm not attracted to Rafe."
    "But you've kissed him," Annabelle said smoothly.
    "Yes, but it was---" Heidi slapped her hand over her mouth. She wasn't going to mention the kiss. She dropped her arm to her side. "It's not what you think."
    "Was there tongue?" Charlie asked.
    Prepared now, Heidi pressed her lips together and didn't speak.
    "That's a yes," Annabelle said with a sigh. "I miss tongue. Or any kind of kissing. I miss sex and men and orgasms." She sighed again. "I'm sorry. What was the question?"
    "Tongue is exactly what I think," Charlie said. ~ within Chapter 7
    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 Fools Gold then click here.
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