Made the Grade: Once Upon a Ballroom by Caroline Linden, Katharine Ashe, Maya Rodale, & Miranda Neville

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 304 KB | Release Date: July 20, 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Once Upon a Ballroom" by Caroline Linden, Katharine Ashe, Maya Rodale, & Miranda Neville

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"The Truth About Love" by Caroline Linden

My Story Summary : Miranda (Lady Roxbury) has been away from her husband, Damien (Lord Roxbury), for about the past two months while he advises the Prince Regent on the grandiose pavilion that the Prince is having built. During that time, they have been consistently passing notes back and forth to stay in contact as much as possible. However, even so they miss each other, Miranda knows they'll be together again soon so she just waits until it's time for Damien to come home. Nevertheless, when a "rumor" begins about Damien taking on a mistress while he's been away will Miranda's faith in her husband be forever ruined or will their love be able to pull through this scandal?

My Story Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!! This was a captivating short story. It's about a husband and wife, both deeply in love, dealing with a scandal that could pull them apart. I wished I could have read it from Damien's POV as well as Miranda's POV, but I did love how this story flows! Miranda is a unique character, that even though she is a very strong person emotionally, everyone seems to walk on her and think they know what is best for her because she is so shy that she doesn't stick up for herself much. Plus, Damien's display at the end was very sweet! I wish I could get to know them more!

Author's Story Extras : In Case You Were Wondering...

Story Teaser :

"I don't know," she said at last. "Suggested the Pavilion extend into the water, for indoor sea-bathing?"
Clara started. "No! Of all the---how did you think of such a thing? Did he tell you that?"
Miranda lifted her cup to hide a tiny smile. "No," she murmured, sipping her tea. How lovely; she had finally thought of something worthy of Damien's imagination, at least in Clara's outraged eyes. ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Caroline, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.

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"Ask Me to Dance" [The Falcon Club Series, Novella 1] by Katharine Ashe

My Story Summary : Felix fell in love with Fiona ever since he read her childhood letters that she sent to her older brother years ago when he was away for the war. However, since then things have changed, not his feelings for her but a secret from their shared past will make it impossible for Felix to tell Fiona about his affections for her. Nevertheless, will Fiona be able stay away from the intense man, Felix, who holds her attention? Or will she take matters into her own hands?

My Story Review : 4 out of 5 stars. This is a cute story of acquainted love if only they can get on the same page. I thought the way Fiona & Felix finally meet was very unique and sweet! They were great together!

Author's Series Extras : How My Books Are Connected | Saturday Salon – Time Keeping | (Mystical) To Do List | Parlor Games: Regency Word-Libs with Manda Collins | Saturday Salon: My Cherry Tree | TRANSCRIPT: Parrot vs. Raptor

Story Teaser :

"You came over to me."
It was not what she had intended to say. It simply popped out instead of "My friend dances delightfully, does she not?" or "Have you tried the petit fours?" She bit her tongue.
"You beckoned. I came." He did not smile. Not precisely. Not with his mouth. But he did with his eyes, quietly, as though he were unaccustomed to naked expressions of pleasure. ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Katharine, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.

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"Once Upon a Dream" [The Writing Girls Series, Novella 1] by Maya Rodale

My Story Summary : This seems to be a "dream" summary of Ms. Rodale's "Seducing Mr. Knightly" which will be released on October 30th 2012.

My Story Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this is an enticingly sweet short story that gives you a preview of what you should expect in Ms. Rodale's "Seducing Mr. Knightly." I definitely was caught up in Derek & Annabelle's hope, wishes, and dreams...and I think you will too!

Author's Series Extras : About The Writing Girl Romance Series | Who’s Who in the Writing Girl World | Who’s Who at The London Weekly | St. Brides, church of the press

Story Teaser :

Wordlessly, Knightly started to thread his way through the crowds as he. Followed. Her.
Her lips curved into a smile. She shivered in anticipation. She kept walking, every now and then sending another inviting look over her shoulder.
Annabelle, seductress. Who would have ever thought it?
Not Dear Old Spinster Auntie Annabelle. ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Maya, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.

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"The School of Wooing for Inept Book Collectors" [The Burgundy Club Series, Novella 2] by Miranda Neville

My Story Summary : After the recent passing of her father, Belinda is in need of a husband. However, she only has eyes for James, her long time friend, and whom their parents always hoped would marry. Though it looks like James either only has brotherly feelings for her or doesn't find her attractive, so Belinda plans to change his mind during the masked ball happening soon. Will she get what she wants or will her heart be broken?

My Story Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, going from close friends to lovers is hard especially when insecurities get in the way. I loved James and Belinda's "game of chase" on the dance floor. Plus, I was pleasantly surprised by the way James' proposal happened, since it was quite humorous. They made a sweet pair! =0)

Author's Story Extras : Introducing Once Upon a Ballroom

Author's Series Extras : About the Burgundy Club: How the books connect | Regency Book Collecting | Regency Book Collecting | Historical Notes for The Dangerous Viscount | Historical Background: some notes on Regency "Sex Ed." | Confessions from an Arranged Marriage: Extra Scene | Ladies Make Passes at Viscounts in Glasses | Tarquin's Book has a Title | The Burgundy Club Meets in The Ballroom | A New Cover & A Spot of Matchmaking

Story Teaser :

“I’ve always intended to marry her.”
“For her books?”
“No, for herself. Our shared interest is important, but it’s not everything. She’ll make a fine wife. A sensible girl, at least that’s what I always thought. She wears spectacles.”
“Poor eyesight is no guarantee of common sense. And I strongly recommend you do not tell her she’s sensible when you propose marriage.”
“If I ever do. I thought we had an unspoken understanding, but it occurs to me she may not feel the same. I was trying to pluck up my courage, but then she started talking about bonnets.”
“That’s a good sign. The female of the human species is like the male bird. They sport their finest plumage to attract.” ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Miranda, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.

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My Book Review : For the full book I give it 3.75 out of 5 stars! This is a sweetly fun novel with adventurous characters all trying to find happiness with their one true love. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who are already fans of the authors' and/or if you enjoy their series'.

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Dawn’s Desire

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

"Dawn’s Desire" [Dark Kings Series, Book 0.3] by Donna Grant
Expected Publication Released Date: September 25, 2012

Author's Book Description:

For centuries, the immortals knows as the Dragon Kings have hidden their shapeshifting powers from the world. But when a mortal enemy threatens to expose them, the warrior Banan must leave his secret lair in the Highlands, risk his life for the dragons within – and resist the temptations of human love... Jane Holden has never considered herself beautiful. But when the impossibly handsome Banan casts his gaze upon her, smoldering with sensuality, she feels like the sexiest woman on earth. Banan, however, is a man on a mission. He refuses to succumb to this modern woman’s charms – or his own desires. Two of his warrior brethren have already surrendered to forbidden love. But as the danger closes in, Banan realizes that he needs to possess Jane – mind, body, and soul. For she is more than his match. She is his destiny...

BBAW 2012 :: What does book blogging mean to you?

As a part of Book Blogger Appreciation Week I have been asked ...

What does book blogging mean to you?
What does book blogging mean to me? Well the first thing that comes to my mind is promotion! It's about spreading the word about the book you’re into or the latest book coming out by either your favorite author and/or an indie author. Over the years I have grown into this belief because as you can tell from most people's book rating on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, etc that everyone has their own opinion about what makes a good novel and what was good/bad about the novel they most recently read. There is NO WRONG answer. Therefore, the best way I feel to review a novel is by saying what I think about the novel while promoting it as much as I can with whatever I can find for my post. This has made my reviews on the longer side because I want to get everything in, yes that even means if I give the novel 1 out of 5 stars. Just because I might have not liked the novel doesn't mean someone else would. So I do my best to show the good and the bad if I didn't like a novel and the good and the even better when I do like a novel!! =0)

Here are a few examples of what I mean ...

Three novels that I've read recently and either gave 1 or 2 out of 5 stars...
• "ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE WITH...A GOD?" [Accidentally Yours Series, Book 1] by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
• "Saving You Saving Me" [You & Me Trilogy, Book 1] by Kailin Gow
• "Moon Kissed" [Wicked Games Series, Book 2] by Michele Hauf

Three novels that I've read recently and enjoyed...
• "The Booby Trap" by Anne Browning Walker
• "Dash & Lily's Book of Dares" by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
• "All Summer Long" [Fool’s Gold Series, Book 9] by Susan Mallery

Teaser Tuesdays: Samson's Lovely Mortal

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Samson's Lovely Mortal" [Scanguards Vampires Series, Book 1] by Tina Folsom

Book Teaser:

“How was your day?”
“Don’t ask.” She sounded exhausted. He knew just the right remedy for that.
Samson brushed a feather light kiss on her lips. “I missed you.” He had, despite the fact that he’d been up only a few minutes.
“Hmm, that’s better,” Delilah murmured as he sought her lips again. Her hands embraced him and slowly moved from his back farther south. He felt her slip them into his boxers, touching his firm ass. Ah, but her hands were soft.
“You’re not dressed.”
“You noticed that, huh?” He chuckled. “I was just about to take a shower.” But why shower alone when she was back? “Care to join me?”
Should he just lug her over his shoulder, or would he be acting too much like a caveman? Woman. Sex. It was all he could think of. ~ within Chapter 9

BBAW 2012 :: Interview with SuziQoregon from Whimpulsive

Today I'm pleased to share my Interview with SuziQoregon blogger of Whimpulsive as a part of Book Blogger Appreciation Week!

[Click here to check out the interview she gave me!!]

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My Q&A with SuziQoregon :

Jess : Can you tell us a bit about yourself & your blog?

SuziQoregon : I live outside of Portland Oregon with The Hubster and two very spoiled cats. No kids - The Hubster says he's the child in our family and he’s right. My blog really didn't start out to be a book blog. Like many of my fellow bloggers of the "class of 2006" I started my blog as an online reading journal. I didn't know that such a thing as a book blog existed until I started getting comments and browsing other bloggers blogrolls. It initially started out as only about the books I read but over the years I have branched out into other things with my photos and my knitting and crochet projects. That's what prompted the name change back in 2009 to Whimpulsive because it just fit better. It's still primarily about books but as my tagline says Whimpulsive describes both my reading and blogging habits.

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

SuziQoregon : The ones with words. I read anything I could get my hands on. I read books, comic books, cereal boxes, the back of my mom's hairspray can if I forgot to take my book to the bathroom with me. You name it, I read it. As a kid my favorite days were the Saturdays I took the bus to the library (this was ages ago when folks didn't think twice about letting kids do such things). I'd spend hours browsing the shelves and taking out as many books as I was allowed. I would scan the shelves and seek out the fat books because otherwise I'd be done too soon. I wanted more pages to make the reading experience last longer. I'd read my favorites over and over again.

Jess : Out of the books you’ve read thus far in 2012, which characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

SuziQoregon : The character I'd most like to invite to dinner from my 2012 books is Armand Gamache from Louise Penny's series that features him. I've had a literary crush on him from the very first book. I could chat with him for hours.

As for the character I'd least like to invite to dinner, well that would probably be Amy from Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl." I won't say why but if you've read the book, I'm pretty sure you'll understand.

Jess : You post some great photos, are you a photographer or an enthusiast? What type of camera do you use?

SuziQoregon : Oh I'm totally a wannabe when it comes to photography. I just play and hope for the best. I love digital photography because I can take a gazillion shots and be completely surprised at how interesting some of them are once I get them downloaded. I'm lucky to live in a beautiful area and never get tired of taking photos. I have a Canon Powershot G11 that I just love that is my real camera.

I also use my iPhone for many of my photos. The Photo-A-Day project hosted by FatMumSlim has made me use my phone camera and editing apps more and more. I've been taking daily photos since mid-March for this and I like the way it makes me look for ways to interpret the daily photo prompts. I’ve been promoting this every month on my blog since I started because it’s fun and fun to share with friends.

Jess : Do you have a favorite place you like to read?

SuziQoregon : My favorite place to read is a comfy chair within sight of moving water (river or ocean) with a nice glass of wine or cold beer. That's also my requirements for any and all vacation destinations.

Jess : Do you have a proudest blogging moment? If so, can you tell us about it?

SuziQoregon : I'm not sure I really have a proudest blogging moment. It's been fun for over 6 years now and full of great moments. I'd say the highlights have been comments from authors, and the friends I may have inspired to start their own blogs.

Jess : What are your top 3 favorite genres to read? Any reasons why?

SuziQoregon : Mysteries, Thrillers, and light stuff that makes me smile. I like to jump around in genres just for the ever changing mood and pace but I read far more mysteries than anything else.

Jess : How many books have you reviewed? Do you have a favorite review of yours that you’d like to share a piece of or have me link too?

SuziQoregon : Oh jeez - I've read nearly 500 books since I started my blog and while the first year they were more quick thoughts and nothing close to a review I have at least talked about nearly all of them on the blog. Picking a favorite would be hard but three years later and I'm still trying to get everyone I know to read "Eli the Good" by Silas House.

[Click here to check out her review!!]

Jess : What book out in 2013 are you most looking forward to reading?

SuziQoregon : I'm probably not a good person to answer this question because I honestly have not paid any attention to what books might be out in 2013. I’m kind of gradually drifting away from reviewing new releases because they’re so thoroughly covered in today’s book blogging world. I'd have to say that 'the next book in any of my current series' will have to suffice for an answer to this question.

Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

SuziQoregon : "Slightly Off Kilter and Seeking Balance"

Jess : List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

SuziQoregon : I'm going to go with the three from 2012 that I rated 5 stars:

• "Before the Poison" by Peter Robinson
• "The Buddha in the Attic" by Julie Otsuka
• "A Good American" by Alex George

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About the Blogger :

I am (alphabetically) a beersnob, blogger, booklover, duck football fan, evil genius trainee, oregonian, photographer-wannabe, wine-enjoyer, & zucchini-hater.

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