Feasted On: Love ‘em or Leave ‘em by Angie Stanton

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 1039 KB | Release Date: September 4, 2012 | Publisher: Montlake Romance | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Love ‘em or Leave ‘em" by Angie Stanton

My Book Summary : Luke is used to women wanting to be with him and he's usually more than happy to oblige. However, he's family wants him to settle down, preferably soon. Therefore, after loosing a bet with his younger brother, Luke is now the latest bachelor for a new reality show called "Love ‘em or Leave ‘em," for which the setup of the show is similar to "The Bachelor." Initially Luke is wary about the process but enjoys being surrounded by the beautiful women. Nevertheless, Luke's feelings change about the process and grow for a few of the woman but one in particular ... Ashley.

Ever since high school where Ashley had to deal with a vicious boy who worked on the newspaper, she has disliked being on camera in any shape or form. However, as a last minute favor to a best friend she agrees to go on "Love ‘em or Leave ‘em" in hopes to stay in the background and be voted off quickly. Too bad for her, that plan backfires quickly when she falls right at Luke's feet when she meets him. Then has to deal with one calamity after another. Throughout the show, Ashley tries to prove to Luke that they are not the perfect match, but as they get to know each other, they find that their hearts don't seem to agree.

Will Luke find the girl for him? Will Ashley get what she truly wants? Are these to better off as friends or should they stay together because of their amazing chemistry? Find out all your answers on .... "Love ‘em or Leave ‘em!"

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, Luke is usually the love ‘em or leave ‘em kind of guy but once the reality show starts he'll find what he's really been looking for is closer then he ever believed. I loved the chemistry that constantly sparks between Luke & Ashley!! In addition, I enjoyed how much Ashley grew throughout the reality show process. It also put a little perspective on those types of game shows for me.

I recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance novels with a bit of reality TV thrown in.

Book Teaser(s) :

"Now approach the ball and get a feel for the pressure you'll need to hit it out"
Ashley raised an eyebrow at him and followed his directions. "I am now approaching the ball." She walked cautiously up to the ball talking to it as she went. "Okay, I'm in. Ball, we need to get you out of here safely. What's the plan? Do you feel pressure? What pressure do I need to hit you out of here?" She peeked over her shoulder at Luke. "Oh, you want me to pick you up and throw you?" She bent down to pick up the ball, and Luke grabbed her gently by the arm. The touch of his warm grasp went straight through her whole body.
"Oh no you don't. You're going to hit it fair and square." He let go of her arm and she felt suddenly chilled. ~ within Chapter 8

"You took quite a beating. I don't think your legs are going to look too good in shorts for a while, not to mention a swimsuit."
She scrutinized her legs. "I think you may be right. However"---there was optimism in her voice---"this may actually be a good thing. There are so many scrapes, I have that much less leg to shave. My morning shower will go so much faster."
Luke shook his head. ~ within Chapter 11

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

Blog Tour - Rafael by K. Victoria Chase | Spreading the Word & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to K. Victoria Chase author of "Rafael," which is the 1st book in The Santiago Brothers Series!

ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAY (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from September 10 - 21, 2012]

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"Rafael" [The Santiago Brothers Series, Book 1] by K. Victoria Chase
Author's Book Description :

The last time Detective Genie Green let a man humiliate her was her college sweetheart—never again. Yet, when former high school lothario Rafael Santiago returns to town as the consulting detective on her case, Genie’s rule of never allowing another man to best her is challenged. Can she trust him long enough to solve this case and get the glory?

Rafa can’t seem to outrun his delinquent past. When The Snakes, a criminal organization he used to belong to, begin murdering people from his hometown, he has a chance to right some of his past wrongs. Will arresting the murderers be enough to redeem him, or will a certain beautiful detective pay the ultimate price instead?

A Christian interracial romantic suspense.

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About the Author :

From childhood, bestselling author K. Victoria Chase enjoyed writing stories and plays and reading Christian romance. She received degrees in Criminal Justice and Diplomacy and worked as a federal law enforcement officer for several years before deciding to try her hand at writing a complete novel. "Serial Games" (Virginia Justice Book One) is the third completed work and the first published by Desert Breeze Publishing. Book two of the series, "Marked by the Mob," will be released in November 2012. She has recently signed with Astraea Press for the first in her Santiago Brothers series, the Amazon bestselling "Rafael." Until she can make writing a full-time venture, K. Victoria Chase continues to work in the field of counterterrorism, identifying potential terrorists that threaten the United States and the world. She currently resides in Leesburg, VA and writes both clean and Christian interracial romance.

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Book Excerpt :

“Wow. You know, you have a real talent with women.”

Rafa gave her a sideways glance but didn’t answer. She saw the corners of his mouth fight an upward pull.

“I bet they have you working all the female subject interviews.” Genie tugged hard on the door handle.

“You don’t have to be jealous Genie,” came his smooth reply.

“Jealous? Ha! Why would I be jealous of her? Over you?” She got in and slammed the door closed.

Rafa slid effortlessly into the seat, calmly closed the door, and jerked his seatbelt on when the car surged forward. Genie nearly forgot to brief the surveillance team, and she whipped the vehicle around and pulled alongside the other car. She rolled down her window. “Let’s give it another day fellas. I’ll let the Lieutenant know and if there is any change to the plan, then we’ll give you a call. Until then, your relief will come as scheduled.” They nodded in affirmation, and Genie drove away.

“Watch your speed,” Rafa teased.

“My speed? What about your speed?”

“My speed?” His voice feigned innocence to her insinuation.

“In another minute Ms. Flores Cera would have forgone the call and invited you in. I’m sure she could whip up some fajitas and rice in no time.”

Rafa roared with laughter. “Do you hear yourself? Fajitas and rice? Who knew Ms. Church could toss around stereotypes.”

Genie blinked. Did she truly say that? Shame swept through her. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “That was unkind. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“I do.”

Genie heard the smile in his voice. She wasn’t jealous.

She. Wasn’t. Jealous.

Jealousy was an emotion for the weak...for a girl who couldn’t keep her man interested in her. Sure, plenty of women fell all over Jeff. He was classically handsome, a jock, and destined to follow in his parent’s footsteps and be a doctor or a high-powered attorney. Genie’s parents were middle-class, not poor, but not rich. She was considered pretty but not the stunner that should have been on Jeff’s arm. But Jeff chose her. She had no reason to be jealous, but she was. Those women who fell all over Jeff? He fell all over them, too. Wherever smoke rose, fire always followed. Always.

“Wait a minute. Ms. Church? What is that?” Her anger suddenly rekindled.

“Oh, just what we used to call you in school.”

“Who used to call me?”

“Me and some of the other boys,” he said casually, as if it were a time long past.

He had noticed her! I must have looked cute. Plaid skirts and flowered blouses came to mind. And her hair...always in a braid. I did not look cute. “That’s not very original,” she muttered. But it was news to her, and it stung.

“Well, weren’t you president of the Chastity Club?”

“Chess Club!” Genie flushed hot. “And the Bible Club.”

His triumphant laugh enveloped her. “Close enough.”

Genie resisted the urge to stare at him, knowing if she did she wouldn’t be able to stop glaring and then they would run off the road. Instead, she silently counted to ten. Then she counted to ten again. She heard Rafa chuckle softly. Genie gripped the steering wheel. I can’t believe I even considered him a changed man. I even felt guilty! Her prejudgments were correct.

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Giveaway!! :

• A $10 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour

To Enter : Please leave a comment on this post, with a valid email address included at the end of it.

Soo .... COMMENT, COMMENT, COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites! Commenting on the other stops on the tour will also increase your chance of winning!

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Find K. Victoria Chase :

• K. Victoria Chase - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Goodreads

Made the Grade: Wife for Hire by Christine Bell

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 247 KB | Release Date: August 18, 2012 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Indulgence | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Wife for Hire" by Christine Bell (aka Chloe Cole)

My Book Summary : After his sister had seven-hundred thousand dollars stolen from her by Nico, her ex-boyfriend, Owen decides to take the matter into his own hands. He found out that Nico has used the stolen money to put together what looks like a legitimate married couple's retreat and completely believes it's another scam, now he only needs to find proof. Owen put an ad on Craigslist saying he was looking for an actress and his last candidate for his "wife for hire" job is Belinda (Lindy).

Lindy isn't too keen on the idea of lying to anyone let alone about herself, but after Owen explains the situation she would love to help out anyway she can. Her only stipulation is that no matter how much she is attracted to Owen (and he to her) that they not take their personal relationship any further then what they need to pretend in public. However, how long will that vow last between them once they are in the middle of their investigation and the temperature between them flies? Will they be able to prove Nico for the scam artist Owen believes him to be or will they find out that the retreat is just too good to be true?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a novel about fighting for what you believe in, even when there is nowhere to go with your belief. I loved Owen and Lindy together--they were a dynamic duo that brought out the best in the other. Plus, even with the things that go on at the retreat I really enjoyed the activities that they were thrown into, especially how many times Lindy kept dissing Owen's manhood/stamina. =0)

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes a contemporary romance that has a little mystery in it!!

Book Teaser(s) :

A few days earlier, a man in a sleek black carhad dropped off two suitcases and four garment bags filled with clothes. He’d handed Melba a sumptuous, ivory-colored envelope before backing out of the door with a bow.
“Feel this paper, would ya Lindy? It’s softer than a baby’s bottom. I bet it’s from your dreamy Mr. Phipps,” she’d said with a delighted cackle.
“He’s not my Mr. Phipps. I don’t want you getting ideas in your head. This isn’t a real marriage, Melba. I’m helping him out with a job. That’s all.”
The older woman waved her off. “You keep saying. Still, it’s so romantic. It’s like he’s James Bond or something and you’re Octopussy.”
Lindy had winced. ~ within Chapter 3

The cool blonde gave him an encouraging smile. “Let yourself go. Pretend it’s you and your beautiful wife, alone in a room where no one is watching.”
World’s worst idea, so instead, he did the exact opposite, imagining they were in a room filled with people. Tons of people. Screaming babies. Grumpy old men. His sister. Hell, anything to distract him from the feel of Lindy’s tight little body swaying sinuously against his to the throbbing Latin beat. ~ within Chapter 10

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

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:

• Reading Angel
• Jo @ Booklover Book Reviews
• an unfinished person (in this unfinished universe)
• Jennifer @ YA Book Nerd
• Silver's Reviews

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

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 :

• Taylor Longford - Website/Blog
• Goodreads
• Smashwords