Made the Grade: Heart of the Dragon's Realm by Karalynn Lee

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 354 KB | Expected Release Date: October 29, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Heart of the Dragon's Realm" by Karalynn Lee

My Book Summary : Princess Kimri's life is about to change forever. Recently her brother, the King of Anagard, made an alliance with another realm by offering her hand in marriage. So now, Kimri is off to King Tathan's, also known as the mountain King, realm to become his bride and the Queen of Helsmont. However, when she first gets to Helsmont Tathan informs her that they will be betrothed for a year to get to know one another and back out if either decides they'd like to, which she finds helps her to fall in love with his kingdom and in time the King too.

As things progress Kimri learns that the war between Anagard and a different realm has gotten worse. So much so, that she decides to take matters into her own hands. Nevertheless, will her decisions to help her brother make Tathan not trust her or will he be able to support her in her time of need?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. Respectful, charming, adventurous, and sweet sum up this novel! I enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially everyone living in Helsmont. However, I think I would have enjoyed this novel more if I could have read from Tathan's perspective. Even though I really did like reading about Kimri and Tathan's growing romance. They were very sweet together.

Although, one thing I'm really curious about is what happened to Kimri because of the nick or slice she got on her arm from the sword-dance she was in. The reason I'm stuck on it is that the book acted like something was going to come out of it, at least that's what I thought, but then there was no follow up. I was really hoping that she would change into a dragon or something .... but oh wells. =0/

With all that being said I do recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys sweet light (with a bit of dramatic) romances.

Author's Novel Extras : Author's Notes | Mini Epilogue

Book Teaser(s) :

His expression was uncharacteristically hesitant. “Rendel’s not here yet. Will you come with me? I have something to show you. A sign of spring, despite the snow yesterday.”
Her curiosity leaped up and she fell into step with him. “Where are we going?”
“Outside the city.”
She halted. “Wait a minute.” She dashed to her room. She pulled on her gloves, realized they should be left for last, yanked them off, struggled into an extra overlarge tunic, traded her scarf for a shawl she could drape over her head, found a fur-lined cloak, donned her gloves again and rejoined the mountain-king in the hallway.
He just looked at her.
“I get cold,” she said defensively, voice muffled by the shawl wrapped around her face.
He smiled faintly as they started walking again. ~ within Chapter 5

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

Feasted On: Runaway Heart by Claudy Conn

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 390 KB | Release Date: September 24, 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Smashwords

"Runaway Heart" by Claudy Conn

My Book Summary : For the last year, Chelsea has been sequestered away at her school that she shouldn't be at anymore, since she's almost 19 years old and she graduated last year. Now she has been summoned back to her horrid aunt Augusta (the one who left her at her school). However, Chelsea has other plans. When she finds out that the school needs to send her to her aunt, she sneaks out from the school with her best friend, Sam, to see if her trustee can help her.

Thankfully when Chelsea's trustee found out about what was happening to her he brought Chelsea's godmother, Lady Daisy--whom he had feelings for, to help. Lady Daisy agrees to take her under her wing and present her into society for Chelsea's first season. In doing so, Lady Daisy cohorts her handsome rogue of a nephew, Lord Wainwright (Brett), to help as well by escorting her around the ton.

At first Chelsea and Brett get off on the wrong foot because of her first appearance when they meet. However, soon they fall into a jovial friendship that grows over the time they spend together into something a whole lot more. Nevertheless, Brett has no plans on moving forward with his attentions because of their age difference of ten years. In addition, because Brett has always planned on keeping to his rogue ways and of never marrying. But over time, seeing Chelsea be approached by other gentleman gets harder on Brett then he originally thought. Will they be able find a way to be together or will jealous rivalries keep them apart for good?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars, follow a wonderful story about how handsome rogue falls in love with "his brat." I loved the plot and all of the major characters (Chelsea, Brett, Sam, & Lady Daisy)!! Chelsea and Brett are so cute together! Plus, I thoroughly enjoyed all of the antics Chelsea led everyone (mostly herself) into!! Her antics were especially funny when she was helping some defenseless creature in one way or another. =0)

I recommend this novel to those who love historical romances!!

Book Teaser(s) :

“Miss Halloway.” Beau greeted her with a bow and a sweeping glance. “I am acquainted with your aunt Augusta.”
Brett Wainwright considered his friend, for this statement told him nothing of his opinion, though he fancied he knew it, and then Chelsea stunned him once again with her reply.
“Never mind—I hope you will judge me on my own, for I am not well acquainted with my aunt Augusta and cannot claim to be anything like her.”
His lordship choked and chuckled and choked some more, and he saw the open amusement alive in the Beau’s eyes. The Beau inclined his head and said sweetly, “Indeed, my dear, you are very, very different.” It was said as an obvious compliment. ~ within Chapter 7

Chelsea had the devil in her as she said, “Of the two, I like the younger Miss Breccon over her sister.”
“Chels, how can you say so! Susan ... Susan is an ... angel.”
Still driven to get a rise out of him she said, “Yes, well, angels you know are very good, but very dull ...”
“Dull?” Sam returned in outrage. “Never one moment of dullness have I experienced in her company. Peaceful, restful ...”
Chelsea burst out laughing, and his face slowly relaxed into a smile as he said, “All a hum ...”
“Yes, but a useful one, for now we know don’t we ...?”
He sighed. “She is special, isn’t she?”
“Very ... and I was teasing you as you guessed. I like her very well.” ~ within Chapter 12

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

Feasted On: Tasting Fire by Shelly Holt

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 272 KB | Release Date: September 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Shelly Holt

"Tasting Fire" by Shelly Holt

My Book Summary : Rae is a biologist, who came from humble beginnings in Las Vegas, with a passion for saving Asian Snow Leopards and has dedicated her life to do so. Therefore, when she finds out that her mentor and part-time lover has plans to kill four snow leopards for the "name of science" she leaves her job and brakes off her romance with him.

Kai is an Asian Snow Leopard shape-shifter, the leader of his people, and trying to find a way to keep their secret from coming out to the world. Therefore, when he hears about Rae leaving her job because of her boss' choices he decides to see if he convince her to help him. However, to do so he will need to bring Rae in on his shape-shifter secret.

Once she agrees, one thing after another keeps them busy with finding a way to protect Kai's people from being captured and found out. Throughout Kai & Rae's time together they become closer, and passions fly high. Nevertheless, once a point comes when Kai suddenly has to choose between protecting his people or Rae, what choice will he make, whom will he choose? Or can he find a way to save them all?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. Learn about a new way of life along with Rae, while falling in love with the myth & possibility of Kai's world. I will say when starting to read this novel I was not a fan of either of the main characters. At first, I found them to both be annoying and found their thought processes a little hard to follow. Nevertheless, as I kept on with the novel I couldn't help but get swept away in the plot, which I just happened to LOVE!!

Then -- once you are 60% of the way into the novel .... the twists hit you nonstop, the story turns very fast-paced, and things you never think would happen (but had some idea might) finally do!! Everything that happened from those points onto the very end really made me like this novel so much! Plus it doesn't hurt that it has some VERY HOT sex scenes to keep you entertained throughout.

In addition, I'm happy to say that by the time I finished this novel I fell in love with Rae & Kai as a couple, they really are perfect for one another, especially with the way they get to know each other. They finally found the one person they could be themselves around. ♥

I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys shape-shifter romances or paranormal romances!

Author's Novel Extras : Inspiration for Kai Tenzin

Book Teaser(s) :

This time Rae was able to really appreciate the experience without fainting from shock. Her scientific mind started to process what she was seeing. Kai was a large specimen. Rae estimated he had to weigh at least a hundred and twenty pounds. His eyes were clear and his tail held high. The exotic leopard had excellent muscle tone. His nose looked moist. A very healthy cat! she thought to herself. Kai stood there chuffing patiently as he allowed his men to adjust his equipment. After it was done Kai turned around and was staring right at Rae. She felt herself go weak in the knees and sat down on the couch. Kai was concerned about the effect he was having on the doctor. He didn't change back to human form, but instead padded over to her at the couch. He sat with his haunches on the floor and cocked his head quizzically. He looked for all the world like a giant house cat when he did that. Rae laughed and Kai seemed relieved she wasn't about to take a header off the couch.
He brushed the top of his head against her hand just like a domestic cat to communicate he was glad she was handling it better this time. Rae hesitantly reached out to touch the top of his head. Kai allowed the scientist to pet him. ~ within Chapter 12

The handsome shape-shifter caught her hand and brought it to his lips. Rae remembering the last argument they had before Kai left, looked deep into Kai's eyes and made the first move towards apologizing “I'm sorry we parted the way we did” Rae offered. Kai watched the beautiful scientist with a fiery intensity in his eyes as he also apologized “so am I. Tonight, I'll make it up to you. I promise!” Rae teased lightly “you aren't jet lagged are you?” Kai didn't answer, but the look in his eyes left no doubt that he would be finishing tonight what Rae had started their first night in Hong Kong. Rae's insides quivered in anticipation of what that look would translate to in the bedroom later. ~ within Chapter 26

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

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: No Flowers Required by Cari Quinn | Interview, Review, & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Cari Quinn, who I interviewed about her latest novel "No Flowers Required," which is the 2nd book in her Love Required Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run from August 24 - 29, 2012]

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My Q&A with Cari Quinn :

Jess : Everyone please help me welcome Cari!!

Cari : Thanks so much for having me here today! :)

Jess : Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Cari : Sure! I’m a full time writer with an addiction to pumpkin spice lattes, watching men’s college basketball, and I absolutely love anything Halloween-related. I’m heading to Salem, Mass this weekend with my bestie, so that kind of proves my love of things that go bump in the night!

Jess : Who or what was your inspiration to begin writing?

Cari : I’m not really sure. I just always loved disappearing into books, first others then eventually my own. I was in fourth grade when I started trying to write a book with a friend. It took me until I was 31 to finish a book, but I finally got there!

Jess : Please describe your hero, from "No Flowers Required," in one to two sentences.

Cari : Dillon’s a fiercely devoted, loyal, hardworking guy who sometimes does the wrong things for the right reasons. Oh, and he’s good with his hands. ;)

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

Cari : Oooh, great question! I’d most love to invite Cory from the upcoming "No Romance Required" to dinner (you meet him in "No Flowers Required") because there’s so much more to him than meets the eye and least like to invite Ty from "Ex Appeal" because he’s such a clueless male about being honest about his feelings with his woman!

Jess : Is there one particular scene in "No Flowers Required" that you’re dying for readers to read? Can you tell us anything about it?

Cari : Hmm, tough one! I’d have to say the rooftop in the rain scene. Think rooftop garden, driving rain, and a one-hour-stand that becomes so much more...

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

Cari : Usually the premise comes for me before the characters. Though usually the characters end up twisting my original premise all around until I don’t even recognize it anymore!

Jess : If "No Flowers Required" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Cari : I’d have to say Andrew Stetson for Dillon and Kate Beckinsale for Alexa. Andrew’s got a sort of rough and tumble look about him that’s perfect for Dillon and Kate’s beautiful and strong, the best of both worlds!


Jess : In regards to "No Flowers Required," if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Cari : Wow, such great questions! I can’t think of anything right now, but I guarantee if I were to write it again things would change—I’m the ultimate tweaker and fiddler and nothing’s up to my standards!

Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Cari : I’ve released seventeen books so far, plus a cowboy anthology from various authors and a non-fiction book about writing sex scenes that included an essay of mine. I have more coming out later this year. I’m going to steal Nora Roberts’ answer and say my favorite is whatever one I’m working on, which is so true!

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

Cari : Right now I’m writing Cory’s book, "No Romance Required," and it’s been a blast so far! Let’s just say Cory and Vicky definitely shoot off sparks—and if you’ve read "No Flowers Required," you got a glimpse of that—and heat up the cold winter nights!

Jess : Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Any specific reason why?

Cari : Ebooks all the way! I was slow to convert but I don’t read paper books anymore. I’m so addicted to my Kindle stuffed with samples and the million books I’m reading at once that I can’t imagine going back to carrying around just one paperback at a time.

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

Cari : Love this! Hmm, I’ll go with: "Better With Age." Because I am! Though I could do without the pesky gray hair that goes with it...

Jess : Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

Cari : LOL, no, I haven’t, but I have gone outside with my shirt on inside out...and not realized til I got home. This is why I drink a lot of coffee to be alert in the morning!

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

Cari : "Ashes and Wine" — Taryn Elliott

"My Life Next Door" — Huntley Fitzpatrick

"Trust In Me" — Skye Warren

Thanks for such a fun interview! :)

Jess : YOU'RE WELCOME!! Thanks for being here!!

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About the Author :

USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn saves the world one Photoshop file at a time in her job as a graphic designer. At night, she writes sexy romance, drinks a lot of coffee, and plays her music way too loud. When she’s not scribbling furiously, she’s watching men’s college basketball, reading excellent books, and causing trouble. Sometimes simultaneously.

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 291 KB | Expected Release Date: August 2012 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Brazen | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"No Flowers Required" [Love Required Series, Book 2] by Cari Quinn

My Book Summary : The past year has been tough on Alexa (Lex); first, her brother fell in love with her best friend making her feel a bit left out, second her boss dies and leaves her the flower business she owned. Thankfully, she loved the business and wants it to succeed. However, she never knew how bad the businesses finances were doing until she became the owner of it. And ... WOW they are bad! Nothing she has done seems to help, that is until she sells her house and moves into a "crappy" apartment within the same building as her shop. The same day she moves in, she meets Dillon, who she's instantly attracted too, and believes is the handyman of the building because she see him fixing up an apartment down the hall from her.

However, Dillon is a whole lot more than a handyman, he actually owns the building, a few others, and will soon be the owner of Value Hardware (he's parents store that he and his older brother will soon take over that is like a Lowe's). Nevertheless, Lex stirs feelings in Dillon that he hasn't had in a long while so he decides, at first, to play the part of the handyman to see where things will go between him and Lex. That is until he learns of Lex's strong hatred of Value Hardware he decides to play the part a little longer. Yet the longer he pretends to be someone he isn't completely the harder he finds it is tell Lex the truth. But when the truth finally comes out, will Alexa understand and be able to forgive him or will their relationship be blown to bits?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Find how you can be true to yourself while falling in love. Dillon and Alexa are a combustible duo that could not be more perfect for each other. I enjoyed their trials and tribulations while they stumbled through saving Alexa's flower shop and how they dealt with their growing relationship!!

My only problem was the slowish pace that the book sets in the beginning. Nevertheless, reading their hot sex sessions and their flirtatious ways around each other kept me hooked to this novel.

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances!

Author's Novel Extras : Six Sentence Sunday, No Flowers Required style pt 1 | Six Sentence Sunday, No Flowers Required style pt 2

Book Teaser(s) :

Or at least that’s what he assumed until she turned and dangled the handle of his watering can from her fingertip. A sexy smile ghosted around her mouth, scarcely visible in the moonlight. “Aww, a daisy. Missing this?”
“It’s a watering can,” he muttered, snatching it out of her hand.
“I know. I’ve used them before. You know, a lot of men might be intimidated by using such a...cute item.” Another sexy smile. Damn if he didn’t find them delicious.
“If I didn’t prove my manliness a few minutes ago, then screw the daisy.”
She laughed and the sound smoothed away most of his ire. ~ within Chapter 3

The next night she returned home to a fully painted bathroom, a half-moon daisy rug in front of the sink—an exact match to the watering can she’d laughed at him for toting around—and a new mason jar of flowers on the windowsill. She blushed as she took in the bluish-purple blossoms. Forget-me-nots. Too bad he didn’t realize how truly fitting they were.
Best of all, there was another note. Grinning, she snatched it up.
I’m glad you liked the paint. You don’t have to keep the rug I bought, but when I saw that daisy at the thrift shop today, it reminded me of you. Everything seems to lately. D. ~ within Chapter 5

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

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My Giveaway!! :

• An ARC e-book copy of "No Flowers Required" Book 2 to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
• An kindle copy of "No Dress Required" Book 1 to two randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter

The Fine Print -- To Enter :

1. This contest ends on October 1st 2012.
2. This contest is International!!
3. You must be 18 years-old or older!!
4. It's the author/publisher's responsibility to ensure that the winner gets "No Flowers Required," not mine.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!

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Find Cari Quinn :

• Cari Quinn - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Facebook Page
• Goodreads

Disappointmentville: 10 Days Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 276; Kindle Edition - File Size: 456 KB | Expected Release Date: September 25, 2012 | Publisher: Brava Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"How to Marry a Warlock in 10 Days" [10 Days Series, Book 2] by Saranna DeWylde (aka Sara Lunsford)

My Book Summary : Mordred (Dred) is a billionaire playboy warlock who can have any woman he wants. If the rumors are true about him, it seems like he has already had them all. All possibly, except for Midnight (Middy) Cherrywood, the one girl he teased the most while at the Academy and the one now who he would love to hook up with. However, Dred gets more then he bargained for when one date turns into a fake engagement for a mission he (and Middy) have been requested to do.

Middy has never liked Dred but just because she might not like him doesn't mean she doesn't lust after him. He is the only man she has ever really wanted to hook up with and that's exactly her bargain with Dred for her compliance on this mission, for him to have sex with her. Of course when Middy made the packed with Dred she really thought that he was kidding about the mission altogether.

Now the too are paired up for more then just a little fun, while learning a whole lot more about each other during the process. However, there are other people from an evil warlock that wants to take over the world to Dred's mother who are trying their hardest to either kill them both or push them together for good ... which one will win?

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. This is a unique take on the whole good vs. evil thing since who you think might be good and who you think might be evil aren't always true. Middy & Dred are quite a pair that are definitely made for each other! I loved them and Middy's quirky ways.

However, I SOOO wanted to like this novel but even with me liking the main characters and all of the cute funny stuff it just seemed to drag on too much for me to thoroughly enjoy it. Which is why I stopped reading at Chapter 25 - titled 'Things to Do in Loudun When You're Still Dead' and then skimmed through the rest of the book. =0/ However, I will say from what I read of the ending it was cute and wrapped up nicely.

Therefore, I would only recommend this novel to those who are fans of Saranna DeWylde, those who liked "How To Lose a Demon in 10 Days" (Book 1), or to those who enjoy quirky paranormal romances!! Thankfully, you don't need to read Book 1 to understand the plot of this novel, but you also get to catch-up with the characters from Book 1 to see what they are up too now!!

Author's Series Extras : Treasure Room | Is It Always the Hero... | Book Signing Odyssey | Hex Your Ex Box and How To Lose A Demon In 10 Days | How To Seduce An Angel in 10 Days - snippet

Book Teaser(s) :

"I can't wait until one of you decides that you've found the one. I'm going to make that witch wish she'd never been born." Middy gave them a wicked grin. "All for your own good, of course. Have to test her, make sure she can go the long haul, right, boys? Everything that you dish up to Dred, I'll be taking notes."
"Go ahead, Mids. I don't think any of us is the marrying kind," Raven snorted.
"Yeah, remember that. And don't forget to repeat that little gem in front of Mom."
They all cringed. ~ within Chapter 7 - titled 'The Worst That Could Happen'

Dred's eyes widened and then the bastard had the gall to laugh. It wasn't just a little giggle, or a smirk, it was an all-out belly laugh. As if that weren't enough, it was a deep sound that curled somewhere in her nethers and made her feel all warm inside. Middy found that to be a particularly inappropriate feeling.
She'd made her Grand Confession and he'd laughed and patted her on the head as if she were a favorite puppy who'd been caught chewing on his shoe. "Mother gave you the potion, didn't she?" ~ within Chapter 17 - titled 'Stuck in Old Loudun Again'

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