Disappointmentville: Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos

Format: Paperback | Pages: 307 | Release Date: December 2006 | Publisher: Plume | Obtained: Friends of the Pasquotank-Camden Library - Fall Book Sale

"Love Walked In" by Marisa de los Santos

My Book Summary : When Martin walked into the cafe that Cornelia managed she didn't realize but her life was about to change forever. Cornelia definitely is smitten with him; especially since he's exactly her, type and looks just like Cary Grant (whom she has a crush on for years). Nevertheless, their relationship isn't an easy one especially when Martin takes a while to open up and he has a few secrets, Clare being one of them.

Clare is Martin's eleven-year-old daughter who is dealing with her own issues that seem to be getting out of control. She and her mother (Viviana) used to be a duo that always worked together. Yet recently Viviana has been acting strangely, not her normal-self, and not being a very good mother either.

Soon Cornelia, Clare, & Martin's lives will change in ways that none of them expect and in some ways that make them better people. If only everything else could work out the way, they want it to.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, this is a moving story about what happens when love comes to you in unexpected ways. I really did not enjoy this story, mostly because I hated Clare's parents (Martin & Viviana). They were both too self-involved for my liking. Plus, even though the ending was sweet and I liked who Cornelia ended up with, it still didn't end the way it should have.

I don't recommend this book but it you decide to read it then I say I hope you'll enjoy it more than I did.

On a side note -- I loved Cornelia and the way she was described. Since she's described as being quirky, a small woman, with dark short hair, and all I kept thinking about was how she was just like Kristan Higgins' Cordelia from "Until There Was You."

Author's Novel Extras : Acclaim | Excerpts | Reading Group Guide

Book Teaser(s) :

I brought up the previous tweaked quotation mainly to discuss how it's only partly accurate because, as far as I can tell, no matter what the circumstances, parenthood is thrust upon a parent. No one is ever quite ready; everyone is always caught off guard. Parenthood chooses you. And you open your eyes, look at what you've got, say "Oh, my gosh," and recognize that of all the balls there ever were, this is the one you should not drop. It's not a question of choice. ~ within Chapter 11

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

Made the Grade: Take a Chance Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 217 KB | Expected Release Date: May 23, 2012 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Try Me" [Take a Chance Series, Book 1] by Diane Alberts

My Book Summary : It's been seven years since that terrible night when Jeremy lost the friendship of not only his best friend, but also the girl he has always loved (Erica) his best friend's little sister. All because of one lie that he didn't even tell.

However, when he thought about the day when he would see Erica again he never envisioned himself being dirty, bruised, and dehydrated on the side of the road outside of Las Vegas. He had hoped if they ever did see each other again he'd be painted in a better light then looking like he was following in his old man's footsteps. Nevertheless, here they are hanging out again and he's soon realizing that he is still completely in love with her, while she still seems unattainable to him.

Yet Erica has her own secrets .... one is that she has always loved Jeremy too! Also, her love for him hasn't seemed to lesson over the years. But her other secret might just scare him away for good if they ever get closer, like every other man, so she has to keep Jeremy at arms length no matter the cost. The only thing is will Jeremy allow her to do that??

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this intense novel deals with two stubborn main characters that have loved each other for years but haven't had the best of luck. Follow how they work through their troubled pasts while creating the life they want to have with each other.

I loved Jeremy!! He has this intensity that I think would be wonderful in a spouse!! My only problem was how both Erica and Jeremy deal with bring up their issues which is they either accuse each other or hide out of fear from what the other would do. Yet, even though I say that, I don't know how I'd rather have it written since it seemed to work out for them. I like them as the characters they were so I wouldn't have changed them, even their insecurities...I guess. =0)

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes to read about hot military men finding the love of their lives. Or to those who enjoy contemporary romance novels!!

Author's Novel Extras : Sell Sheet | Six Sentence Sunday- TRY ME | #SixSunday– #TryMe from @entangledpub | #SixSunday– #TryMe #3 @entangledpub

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1

Erica took a more cautious bite, then closed her eyes with a blissful sound. Not only was he gorgeous, but he cooked like a damned rock star.
So not fair.
"Wow. You really know your way around the kitchen. I thought you were just showing off."
"Me? Show off? Please. I'm just so naturally attractive to members of the opposite sex that it just seems like I'm showing off. This is all me, baby."
"Call me 'baby' one more time, jerk."
He grinned. "Anything you want, baby." ~ within Chapter 3

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

"Waiting On" Wednesday: The Booby Trap

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

"The Booby Trap" by Anne Browning Walker
Expected Publication Released Date: September 1, 2012

Author's Book Description:

Welcome to The Booby Trap, a seedy bar where waitresses’ skirts are high, necklines are low, and customers show up for the eye candy.

When brainy, beautiful, Harvard Ph.D. candidate Bambi Benson wants to study the women of the Booby Trap for her dissertation, she goes undercover and joins them. All is going well for Bambi until handsome local celebrity Trip Whitley enters the scene.

Hoping to shock his high-society family by dating a bimbo, Trip offers to pay Bambi to pretend to be his girlfriend. She accepts his offer and bides her time, waiting for the right moment to reveal her true identity and teach Trip not to judge based on appearances.

After a series of dates carefully orchestrated for their publicity value, Bambi’s trap is set. But there’s one problem: the predator might have fallen in love with her prey.

Teaser Tuesdays: Try Me

Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Try Me" [Take a Chance Series, Book 1] by Diane Alberts

Book Teaser:

With a snort, he ducked his head against the sunlight and trudged along the road. At least he'd get to work on his tan.
That tan was turning into the beginning of a sunburn before he finally heard a car engine rumbling behind him. It was the first sign of life he'd seen since he stumbled out of the desert. Finally. He'd started to think he'd slept through the end of the world. Zombies optional. ~ within Chapter 1

Feasted On: Sharing Hailey by Samantha Ann King

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 436 KB | Expected Release Date: July 9, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Sharing Hailey" by Samantha Ann King

My Book Summary : Hailey just got out of a very bad relationship. She knew for a while now that she should have broken up with Daniel sooner then she did but for some reason she always thought their relationship would get better. That was until the emotional abuse for Daniel escalated to physical abuse.

Now she's going on her family/friends annual trip to Hawaii with hopes to enjoy the sun while putting Daniel and their broken relationship out of her mind.

However, the one thing she never thought would happen .... her older brother's two best friends, Mark & Tony--whom she has had crushes on for years now, would declare their love for her and propose getting into a monogamous ménage à trois. It's all so tempting especially when they all agree to give it a try and start steaming up their sheets/bathrooms/lounge chairs.

Nevertheless, their newfound happiness is put to the test when Daniel decides he won't let her go .... no matter what the cost!

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this sexually charged romantic thriller is sweet, exciting, and mysterious as you follow the ramifications that Hailey goes through after breaking up with her ex. I loved the relationship and love that Hailey shares with Mark & Tony! Especially since, they've found a way to make them all happy without hurting their friendships. However, even though all relationships have their own trials and tribulations, the ones that these three deal with are harder then usual since Daniel turns out to be a psychopath! It definitely puts a different spin on what happens to their relationship, while keeping the reader entertained enough to see what is going to happen between them!

The only problem I had with this novel was Hailey towards the end of the novel. I mean I loved that the guys understood her worries and concerns, and I loved how the novel turns out at the end, but some of her complaints and worries really annoyed me. And had me wishing she had made some different decisions along the way.

With that being said....I still would recommend this novel to anyone who likes to read ménage romances!

Book Teaser(s) :

“Think about it, Hailey. We’ve been sharing you for years.”
She blushed and tightened her fingers on the mug, trying not to squirm. “Not like that.”
“The only thing that’s changing is that we’ve told you how we feel about you.”
She raised her eyebrows in disbelief.
His crooked grin was a little sheepish. “Well, that and the sex.”
Hailey’s glanced to the crotch of his khaki cargo shorts, and her face got hotter. Her ears were actually burning. Forget that. Her whole body was burning.
“Yeah,” he said. “I’m hoping to do something about that too. Do you have any idea how uncomfortable it is to have a constant hard-on when I’m around you?” ~ within Chapter 4

“But I don’t believe for one second that you two have been celibate for a whole year.”
“You’re right. It’s been fifteen months for me.” Mark shrugged. “I know it sounds pathetic.”
“Bullshit,” she said.
Mark blinked. “Huh?”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Why would he lie?” Tony asked.
“I don’t believe you either,” she replied.
“Why would we lie?”
“I don’t know. But there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that the women of Albuquerque have allowed you two to remain celibate for the last twelve—” She stared hard at Mark, “—to fifteen months.”
“Are you saying we’re easy?” Mark asked indignantly.
Hailey laughed. “I’m saying you’re hot and women throw themselves at you and you’d have to be a saint not to succumb.”
“Then call the pope and start the paperwork,” Mark replied smugly. ~ within Chapter 12

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

Guest Post :: The Appeal of Romance by Susan Mallery

Today I'm turning my blog over to Susan Mallery author of "Summer Nights," which is the 8th book in her Fool’s Gold Series! Today's Guest Post is from the speech Susan prepared to read this summer at the American Library Association national conference in Anaheim, California, on a panel called “Isn’t It Romantic?” The conference ties in with Susan’s latest book, "Summer Nights," because it's dedicated to librarians who have done so much to introduce readers to her books.

Here you go ... I hope you'll enjoy!! =0)

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The Appeal of Romance
The appeal in romance is that our books offer readers a celebration of community. Romances are all about connecting. Sure the boy-meets-girl part is fun and exciting, but often what really brings a reader back again and again are the connections made within the novel.

Most romances happen in a larger context of relationships. Families and friends play an important role. We want to experience falling in love with a hunky guy, but we also want a sense of belonging. The most popular books feature a cast of usually likeable, sometimes annoying, generally realistic characters who are amazingly like people we know. Or people we get on an emotional level.

These other characters, sometimes seemingly unimportant, can be the glue that holds our books together. Our hero and heroine are revealed through their relationships with secondary characters. The gruff solitary man who unexpectedly cares for a wounded puppy wins our heart forever. The exhausted single mother staying up until midnight to frost cupcakes for her son's first grade class reminds us of ourselves. While the romance is central to the story and the reason we think we read "those kind of books" I believe the real truth is we love the sense of community a romance brings to the table. The sexy guy on the cover draws us in, but the heroine's relationship with her sarcastic best friend turns out to be just as satisfying and meaningful.

The majority of romance readers are women. Women are usually the keepers of relationships in their lives and the lives of those around them. We are the ones who maintain the friendships, remember birthdays, make sure each of our children has a moment to feel special. We can spend a weekend with our girlfriends and when we get home, still think of something we could have told them. When I travel to a writers’ conference and hang out with my writer friends for days, then return home and get a call from one of them, my husband can't believe there's anything left to say. I've tried to explain there's always more to talk about but he just shakes his head.

In our lives we want friends and family. We want connection. Romances offer that in our fiction. We can meet women we want to have lunch with and men we want to fall in love with. Romance isn't man against nature or man against himself. It's man and woman falling in love in a much bigger context. One or both of them have a family, there are friends, coworkers, pets. It's a real world populated by the funny and the strange and if done well, it's a world we want to return to again and again.

For years now, romances have been written in groups. Trilogies, sisters, brothers, a band of warriors. Sherrilyn Kenyon gives us her immortal warriors. Debbie Macomber gives us Cedar Cove. In between lie stories only limited by the imaginations of the writers who create them. It is the combination of the familiar and the unknown that draws us back.

I started writing in category romance. I wrote about 80 books for Silhouette. I wrote about sisters and cousins and brothers and even neighboring sheik kingdoms. The longer a series went on, the more readers responded. When I moved into writing single title, I continued with families. One day a very successful writer friend sat me down and said, "Write about a town. It's limitless."

From that very intelligent advice, my Fool's Gold series was born. www.foolsgoldca.com It's a small town set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. I started with the idea of a town suffering a man shortage, which gave me the chance to put women in non-traditional jobs. I decided to write the books in trilogies, with the idea each trilogy would stand on its own, allowing readers to join at any point. By the second Fool's Gold trilogy I'd realized the man shortage wasn't that interesting, but the non-traditional jobs were, so modifications were made.

Reader response has been terrific. They love the town. Mayor Marsha, California's longest serving mayor, is a fan favorite. I keep track of previous heroes and heroines using a data base and often feature births in subsequent books. I use social media to increase the level of connection with my readers. We have the usual interactions, but there is another level on my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/susanmallery. Readers help me name characters, pick careers and suggest new businesses for the towns. When a former heroine is due to give birth, readers usually vote on the gender of the baby and offer name suggestions. Next year three new businesses will open in Fool's Gold and each one of them is the result of something a reader said to me.

A romance can take place nearly anywhere, in any time. We have smart ass heroines who rescue themselves, timid virgins and librarians who dance on bars in our books. Every romance writer has a specific vision for what she wants to write, but what we all have in common is connection. Sisters who are drawn together because of a dying parent. Vampires fighting enemies while protecting the women they love. Handsome dukes who marry the most unlikely of spinsters, drawn to her against all odds, in part because she takes care of her younger siblings.

In romances we find the relationships that matter most to us personally. Those who adore babies in books can be endless entertained by the antics of newborns. If you prefer sexy, sassy heroines, there are dozens of writers to give you exactly that. The appeal of romance is how the stories speak to us so personally. They show us women who are brave, who overcome odds, who always have a snappy comeback and in the end find not just love, but also a place to belong. Romances celebrate the very best of us, and that ideal state is often illustrated in the connections our characters make with each other.

Romances are a reading escape that also touches the heart. Romances affirm what is most important to each of us—the people we love, who love us back.

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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.

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"Summer Nights" [Fool’s Gold Series, Book 8] by Susan Mallery
Authors' Book Description :

Wild hearts cannot be tamed...

Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he’s determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher’s wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill.

Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can’t understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool’s Gold festival. And maybe while he’s at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too—some lessons, a girl shouldn’t learn from reading a book!

Author's Series Trailer :

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author : May 2012

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 | Barefoot Season | Summer Days

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Find Susan Mallery :

• Susan Mallery - Website
• Fool's Gold - Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Goodreads
• Susan's Members Area

Made the Grade: The Blood Rose Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 441 KB | Expected Release Date: June 12, 2012 | Publisher: Spencerhill Associates | Obtained: NetGalley

"Embrace the Dark" [The Blood Rose Series, Book 1] by Caris Roane (aka Valerie King)

My Book Summary : In Gerrod's world, as mastyr vampire of the Merhaine Realm, he bares the weight of having to take care of everyone and always putting their needs before his own. He's never wanted something of his own until he meets Abigail, a human, who makes him crave things that he never dreamed of having. However, are his needs and wants more important then everything that Abigail would have to give up if she agrees to a lasting relationship with him? Will Abigail agree to "embrace the dark" with him...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. This sweet mysterious erotica keeps you on your toes and wanting for more!! The relationship between Abigail & Gerrod is very sensual and sweet in how they slowly find their love for each other. I also enjoyed the unique world that the characters were set in, as it is quite unusual and creative.

I cannot wait to hear about Ethan's story!!

I recommend this story to anyone who likes paranormal erotica’s that have a little mystery thrown into the mix!

Book Teaser(s) :

"Then how the hell can I do this?"
"I do not know, Abigail. It worries me."
She nodded several times but fell silent. Finally, she said, "Very well, we can't understand everything right now but we'll just have to make the best of it." Then her smile appeared. His breath caught. He realized he loved her smile, that just seeing that bright display of even teeth, her expression full of nothing but good-will, eased his heart.
His own need for her grew. ~ within Chapter 3

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

Made the Grade: The Coven Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 162; Kindle Edition - File Size: 401 KB | Expected Release Date: June 1, 2012 | Publisher: Bell Bridge Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Bane" [The Coven Series, Book 2] by Trish Milburn (aka Tricia Mills)

My Book Summary : After fighting her coven in North Carolina Jaxina (Jax) and her friend, Egan, leave their friends (Keller & Toni) behind and head to the place where they believe everything started for their people---Salem, Massachusetts. However, it seems like finding clues is like finding a needle in a haystack for them, especially when they don't know where to begin looking. That is until they get some unsuspected friends in the form of witches with very little powers yet they have an abundance of knowledge of how the covens were formed. Now if they can only find some way that tells them how to defeat the covens before it's too late. Since time is definitely running out for them with Jax's personal battle against the darkness within her and everyone (all of the covens and hunters) out to kill her and her friends....can they trust anyone or even be able to win??

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, Trish has done it again with this enticing, spellbinding series!! However, even though I say that because I could NOT and did NOT want to put this book down for the life of me, the ending angered me enough by what happened that I'm giving this novel a poorer rating than I would have if it didn't end the way it did. =0/ I'm sorry about that, but WOW, really that actually happened---is all I've been thinking since I finished the book. I just cannot believe it ended the way it did. Yet it does still make me curious as to what will happen in the next book, "Magick,"---hopefully---it'll redeem Jax.

All in all ...

About the Characters:
• Jaxina (Jax): Right now, she's living with a split personality. As the darkness within her becomes stronger within herself she ends up doing and saying things that she typically wouldn't do, and it's slowly corrupting her unless she can find a way that she can defeat it.

• Egan: Ever since the fight in "White Witch" it's made Jax and him bonded in a way that they can now sense each other's emotions. This is a good and bad thing because that also means that it’s harder for Egan to have control over the darkness within himself too.

• Rule: Fiona's grandson and Adele's son. A witch with a highly good sense of intuition but has no actual powers. Has a crush on Jax.

• Fiona: Rule's grandmother and Adele's mother. A witch with a highly good sense of intuition but has no actual powers. Believes that Jax is good at heart and has a feeling that Jax could be the one to change everything. A mother hen type of person.

• Adele: Fiona's daughter and Rule's mother. A witch who has no actual powers. Doesn't really trust or like Jax and Egan that much.

• Sarah: A librarian who's very secretive.

I recommend this novel to anyone who read and LIKED "White Witch!" Since if you don't read "White Witch" first then you might not understand everything that is happening in the plot of "Bane."

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1

Book Teaser(s) :

"Then why did you come back here?" Adele asks.
"Because we are in Salem seeking information, and I sense that you're hiding something. From us, specifically."
"What type of information?" Fiona asks.
"The kind that keeps the covens out of our lives," Egan says.
"A way to keep them from hurting anyone ever again," I say.
"We don't know how," Adele says.
I look from her to Fiona. "Maybe not, but you're right when you say the covens have lied to us. We need to know the truth."
Fiona holds my gaze for several seconds, assessing, as silence settles around us. "Why you?" ~ within Chapter 2

"Anything new?"
He shakes his head. "No. And honestly, that's a bit odd. Usually somebody's saying something interesting."
"How do you get access to all this stuff anyway?" I lean forward and squint. "Is that a video feed of your house?"
"You don't want to know, and yes."
"So, nothing more about Keller and Toni?"
"Nothing. I even tried their cell phones and got voice mail. Granted, they just might not want to talk to me."
Or me. ~ within Chapter 6

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

Made the Grade: Texas Twins Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 216; Kindle Edition - File Size: 401 KB | Expected Release Date: June 26, 2012 | Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired | Obtained: NetGalley

"Her Surprise Sister" [Texas Twins Series, Book 1] by Marta Perry

My Book Summary : Violet's life started to fall apart when her mother fell off her horse, especially now that her mother is in a coma slowly recovering. Along with hoping her mother will recover soon and her older brother blaming himself about the accident while not helping out at their ranch, everything seems to be landing in her lap to deal with.

In a desperate to make her life normal again, she travels to the town she was born in with hopes to find her father (a man she's never met and doesn't really know who he is). Nevertheless, when Violet gets into town she learns of a twin sister who she never met and a whole lot of secrets that her mother was hiding from her brother and her...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this was one mysterious inspirational romance that I could not get enough of and am now excited to see where this series will lead. Violet and Landon both deal with their own issues while slowly falling in love. It was fun to see where this story was going. It was especially fun when all of the secrets seemed to be coming out of the woodwork.

I'm actually most interested in reading Carter's story! However, I do recommend this whole series. In addition, I recommend this novel to anyone who likes to read a mysteriously sweet contemporary romance.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Hide in Plain Sight

Book Teaser(s) :

"What are you doing here?"
Violet looked up, surprised. "What?"
"I said, what are you doing here?" He pulled out the chair opposite her, uninvited, and sat down. "I told you I'd be at your apartment..." He slid back the sleeve of his suit to consult the gold watch on his tanned wrist. "In five minutes. So why are you in the coffee shop instead of at your condo? Are you trying to avoid me?"
Okay, he was crazy. That was the only answer Violet could come up with. ~ within Chapter 1

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "You just found this?"
Violet nodded. "They...they look so young. So happy." The sobs overtook her again.
He couldn't help it. He drew her into his arms, stroking her hair. She wore it loose today, it flowed through his hand like silk. He murmured any sort of nonsense that came into his head that he thought might be soothing.
It probably wasn't a good idea, holding her this way, but at the moment he didn't care. He dropped a light kiss on top of her head. ~ within Chapter 8

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

Blog Tour - Feasted On: The Patriot Girl by Toni Lynn Cloutier | Interview, Review, & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Toni Lynn Cloutier, who I interviewed about her debut novel "The Patriot Girl," which is the 1st book in The No Bulls Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from June 18 - 22, 2012]

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My Q&A with Toni Lynn Cloutier :

Jess : What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?

Toni Lynn : I didn’t like reading at ALL. It wasn’t until I was in my early twenties when my best friend introduced me to "Butterfly" by Kathryn Harvey. Had I known these books existed I would have been an avid reader! :)

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least want to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Toni Lynn : I would invite Jodi from "The Patriot Girl" because we think alike. No question we’d get a long. My least to invite would have to be Vicky. Although she’s a sweet old lady, I think I would be intimidated.

Jess : What sparked the idea for "The Patriot Girl?"

Toni Lynn : The thought of “What would happen if a woman fell in love with the man she blamed for killing her husband?” had to have been trigged by something I read. I’m not sure how it actually came about. I do recall where and when it happened.

Jess : Is there one particular scene in "The Patriot Girl" that you’re dying for readers to read?

Toni Lynn : Yes, MaKayla’s ah-ha moment.

Jess : Can you tell us anything about it?

Toni Lynn : I don’t want to ruin the scene, but I will tell you a personal story. My husband walked in on me while I was writing this scene and said, “You’re not crying because of what you’re writing, are you?” I nodded and laughed. He walked away smiling, shaking his head. I just wonder if my readers will have the same tear-jerk experience while reading it as I had writing it. Hmmm...

Jess : If "The Patriot Girl" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Toni Lynn : Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds...because love interests start on a movie set and I would love to see these two hook up in real life!


Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?

Toni Lynn : Idea...I usually have the beginning and several scenes plotted before I think of character names.

Jess : Please describe your heroine, from "The Patriot Girl," in one to two sentences.

Toni Lynn : MaKayla is an unselfish and loyal woman who puts others first.

Jess : In regards to your most recent novel, if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Toni Lynn : Noooo. "The Patriot Girl" has been through nine years of revisions. IT’S DONE!! :)

Jess : How many books have you written?

Toni Lynn : Seven romances, but only one is published. Four puzzles book, only two are in print now.

Jess : Which is your favorite and why?

Toni Lynn : "Lassoing Love," which is in my editor’s hands at the moment. I think this is my favorite because I’m not sure who has fallen in love with the foster child more, my heroine or me. I’m crossing fingers and toes that this one sells.

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Toni Lynn : If you’ve been following the tour, you know that I also write under the pseudonym, www.reneeashleywilliams.com. This short erotic m/m is available June 29, 2012. I am working on another story by her ("Lucky Waters"). I am working on book two of the No Bulls Series, Jesse’s story, ("Count Down To Love") under www.tonilynncloutier.com.

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About the Author :

The youngest of five children, Toni was born and raised in Rhode Island. After graduating East Providence High School as a member of the Rhode Island Honor Society, she held several jobs from accounts receivable to billing before attending Rhode Island Associates of Realtors. She has a wonderful husband and is a stay-at-home mom to their teenage son. She is the author of two educational word search puzzle books. Her week is filled with writing romance novels and listening to country music while cleaning house, rearranging furniture, and playing with the cat they adopted from the shelter.

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 238; Kindle Edition - File Size: 365 KB | Expected Release Date: June 2012 | Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"The Patriot Girl" [The No Bulls Series, Book 1] by Toni Lynn Cloutier (aka Renee Ashley Williams)

My Book Summary : MaKayla has been struggling with letting go of her past, and her husband Paul, for the past three years since he passed away from a car accident. She's knows she should come to terms with everything but it's very hard to do, especially when the accident's case hasn't been settled yet. Soon MaKayla will find out that even if she doesn't want to move on fate has other plans for her. The only question is will she accept those plans and get over the past or will she find that letting go is just too hard to do?

Ever since the car accident Dustin was in three years ago, he has tried to move on and put together a life for his three-year-old daughter and himself the best he can. Therefore, he gave up being a lawyer and opened a country club called No Bulls with his best friend. Things are running smoothly until he meets MaKayla, who turns his world upside down. Especially after he finds out about their shared past and now has to embrace an unknown future with or without her. However, is he willing to give MaKayla up after he just got her, even if she thinks it's for the best? Or will he be able to convince her otherwise?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this dramatic romance throws a lot of twists your way and keeps you wanting more! I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry and relationship between MaKayla and Dustin!! It's as if they were made for each other! Also, I appreciated MaKayla's dedication to Paul, even though at times I just wanted her to give up her personal fight earlier than she did so she could have been with Dustin sooner!

My only big problem with the book was all the little secondary storyline questions that were left unanswered. Like .... What happened to Tiffany to make her not show up to meet Buck? Did Tiffany's Dad like the "gift?" Will MaKayla and Dustin have more kids? What did MaKayla's in-laws think of Dustin? ... etc. So, I hope that within the next book in this series they will answer some of these questions and more. =0)

Otherwise, I recommend this novel to those of you who like reading a dramatic-packed contemporary romance!!

Author's Novel Extras : My Journey To Publication

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1

He’d never seen a woman with so many ideas for one project. “I think you’ve put a lot of effort into planning.”
“Well, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately.” She handed him a list of what she’d explained. “After I get your information and take a few pictures, I’ll compile some materials for you to go through. First, sign here and here.”
The longer he procrastinated the sicker his stomach felt. He needed to end the misery.
He signed her copy of the contract, which would probably be ripped up before the night ended.
She glanced at the paper. “You have a doctor’s penmanship. What’s your last name?”
Standing, he dodged her question by taking her hand, then leading her toward the opposite end of the bar. She would learn exactly who he was soon enough. ~ within Chapter 6

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

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Book Excerpt :

She tilted her head toward his touch. “We do have an unusual chemistry, but anything more between us would complicate things.”

“In what ways?”

“Alex wouldn’t understand. Not to mention Paul’s parents.”

“What about what MaKayla wants?” A loaded question she didn’t know how to answer.

She wanted what she couldn’t have—not to be alone, the noises in her backyard to go away, a husband to spoil, and another child to mother. “It doesn’t matter what I want. What matters is doing the right thing.”

“For who?”

“For everyone.”

“Even if it means being unhappy? When was the last time you did something for MaKayla without worrying about consequences?” He rolled his tongue and smiled.

“There was liquor involved. Otherwise, I never would have growled at you.”

“Why not?”

She shrugged. “Because it’s inappropriate.”

“A tease?”

“Yes.”

He cupped her cheeks between his palms. “I find you sexy as hell and I’m going to kiss you. The time to stop me would be right now.”

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Find Toni Lynn Cloutier :

• Toni Lynn Cloutier - Website/Blog
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• Goodreads