Friday, September 14, 2012

BBAW 2012 :: Weekly Wrap-up

It's time for my weekly wrap-up of this years Book Blogger Appreciation Week ...

DAY 1 :

[Click here to check out the listing of a few of the blogs that I like!]

DAY 2 :

Well the biggest thing for me was I HAD MY FIRST INTERVIEW!! SuziQoregon from Whimpulsive interviewed me and I in return interviewed her. My fave highlights from the interviews:

From SuziQoregon's Interview with me :
    3. Two favorite genres that you read and review and what do you like about them.
      • Paranormal -- I love this genre because of all of the freedom it has as well as a fun way to think of the world, since I like the idea that there are romantic werewolves and/or shape-shifters out there. As long as they are looking for their one true mate and not trying to kill me then I’m all for it.
    [Click here to read the rest of her interview with me!!]

From My Interview with SuziQoregon :
    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.
    [Click here to read the rest of my interview with her!!]

DAY 3 :

[Click here to check out my POV on what book blogging means to me.]

Here are a few more fun posts that I enjoyed from others:

DAY 4 :

I love spreading the word about books ... especially ones that I love ... so again Click here to check out this great book!! And like so many others I'm happy that I was able to find more books to add to my ever growing pile of TBR novels. =0)

DAY 5 :

TODAY!! I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who became knew followers of mine throughout this week!! It really means a lot! Please comment as much as you'd like since I love getting responses from you guys!!

I hope you all will have a great day and a good weekend!!

Take care, Jess

Thursday, September 13, 2012

BBAW 2012 :: Valor by Taylor Longford | Spreading the Word

As a part of Book Blogger Appreciation Week I'm spreading the word about ...



"Valor" [Greystone Series, Book 1] by Taylor Longford

Imprint : Self-Published
Audience : Young Adult
Novel length : 287 KB / 201 pages
Format : eBook
Publication Released Date : June 12, 2011

Author's Book Cover :

My Book Summary :
    MacKenzie has a typical life. She lives in Colorado, mostly by herself, with her mom (who travels a lot for her job), step-person Greg (who she doesn't like but thankfully he travels a lot too), and brother (who's away at college). Nevertheless, she has two wonderful best friends, Mim and Whitney, and a protective dog named Hooligan. Along with a lot of unruly red hair. Yet, one day after she waited at home for one of her step-person's important shipments to arrive at their house her life changed forever. Since the shipment that step-person thought was of an antique statue of a young male actually turns out to be Valor a gargoyle who, along with his two brothers and six cousins, was trapped in his "statue form" for the past 800 yrs until MacKenzie opened his box. Now MacKenzie is thrust into Valor's world and honor bound to keep his and his families secret while helping them out to fit into her world. In addition, Valor and his family are honor bound to protect MacKenzie too. However, Valor and MacKenzie are drawn to each other in a way that is stronger than just pure attraction, but with all of the risks, secrets, and mystery that surround both of them could anything good really happen between them? Will they find out the truth before it's too late?? [Click HERE to read my review of this novel!]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, & Smashwords

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Find Taylor Longford :

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



"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.



"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.



"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.



"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.



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'.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

"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 ...
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