Thursday, January 31, 2013

Feasted On: The Beaumont Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 385 KB | Release Date: December 2012 | Publisher: Bandit Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Forever My Girl" [The Beaumont Series, Book 1] by Heidi McLaughlin

My Book Summary : Ever since they were fifteen-years-old Josephine (Josie/Jojo) & Liam knew that they were going to be together forever, they had all their lives planned out. However, once they got to college (at different schools) that all changed for Liam. Not he's feelings or love for Josie, never that, but all the goals he had for himself--going to college, playing football, and getting into the NFL--faded away because he lost the love for the game and his college life there. Yet in losing those goals, he got new ones--his love for music and performing. Therefore, he makes the hasty decision of dropping out of college and moving to LA, but in doing so, he thinks it would be better to break it off with Josie too. So, he does and for the next 10 years, he turns away from his old life and everyone in it.

Now 10 years after he left for LA he goes back to his hometown of Beaumont, Texas to face Josie, the town, and to mourn his once best friend to recently past away ... only to have his life thrown into an even bigger loop.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. This is a novel about a couple who has loved each other for years getting back together during a difficult time in their lives. I thought Josie & Liam were great together, they complement each other really well, and I thoroughly enjoyed how they worked their conflicts out between them. I feel bad for Nick somewhat because of how much time he spent with Josie only to still come up short. Yet I don't feel that bad because he was portrayed as being a dick for a majority of this novel. =0/

Nevertheless, during the first half of this novel I really wasn't a fan of Josie too much because of the way she was handling the shock of seeing Liam again and wanting him to not have any contact with their son, Noah. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand her fear and her wanting not to have Liam disrupt her and Noah's lives. However, I hated the way she first handled the situation since I am a big believer of parents (both mothers and fathers) being able to spend time with their children, especially if they can, are willing, and want too! So, yeah, with some of the things she was saying I took defense too, yet as the plot moves on, I liked how all of the issues that came up were resolved fairly quickly for Noah's sake.

Plus, you gotta love reading about a bad boy hot rocker turning back into a sort of good guy again! =0)

I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances, especially ones involving rock stars!!

- On a side note -
I can't wait to see where book 2, Harrison & Katelyn's novel, will take this series!!

Author's Novel Extras : Forever My Girl's Playlist | Forever My Girl Cover Reveal | Blog Tour - Forever My Girl | Forever My Girl Cover & Countdown Widget | Thank You! | Anxious | Forever My Girl Tour Banners | Forever My Girl Tour Stars Today! | Forever My Girl Tour Day 2! | Forever My Girl Tour Day 2! | Blog Tour: "This or That" with Noah from Forever My Girl By: Heidi McLaughlin + GIVEAWAY INFO! | Forever My Girl Tour Day 3 | Forever My Girl Tour Day 4 | Forever My Girl Tour Day 5 | Day 6 of the Forever My Girl Tour | Release Day! | Day 7 of the Forever My Girl Tour | Day 8 & Last Day of the Tour | The Letter Josie Hasn't Seen | What a week...

Author's Series Extras : The Beaumont Store | Pinterest: The Beaumont Series | Team Beaumont Gets a Mention! | Hello inspiration | Name that Band

Book Teaser(s) :
“My friend Johnny says rock stars have like twenty girlfriends and you came with three girls. Are they yours?” If I didn’t know better I’d think his mother put him up to this.
“No, I don’t have a girlfriend or a wife. I have a cat, but he doesn’t like me too much.”
Noah starts laughing, his legs swinging on the chair. I want to reach out and put my hand on his knees just like I used to do Josie. Although she’s so tall she could only do this from the tailgate on my truck.
“Your cat doesn’t like you? How come?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. He’s very mean though and I think about telling him to pack his kitty bags and move out.”
“Where is he now?”
“He’s in Los Angeles where I live. I have a housekeeper that will feed him while I’m gone.”
“Where does he sleep?”
Odd question coming from a boy. “He has one of those cat palace things. Maybe that’s why he hates me – because it’s a palace and not a race car or something like that.”
Listening to Noah laugh has quickly become like music to my ears. I want to record it and listen to it over and over while I write. ~ within Chapter 9 - titled 'LIAM'
As I play, people pair off and dance. This is the first time in years that I’ve done a solo set in a pub and I remember why I like it so much. The fans are involved; they're part of the show. The longer my set, the more show up. Ralph is doing a great business tonight and is keeping me supplied with a steady amount of beer even though he’s taking away half-empty bottles.
Someone yells that she loves me; I say ‘thanks’. Never will I or have I told fans that I love them, even with something as innocent as this. I’ve only loved one person in my life and those words are saved for my girl and now my son.
Sitting up here I realize I want to be a dad to Noah. I want him to see me like this and know there's more to life than just football. He can be an artist, a musician or even live under a bridge and I’d still support his decision, if he’ll let me. ~ within Chapter 15 - titled 'LIAM'
Mason and Liam start laughing and it pisses me off. I walk away from them knowing that Nick just bought himself an ass beating. Katelyn should’ve just handed me the note instead of waving it around.
Before I can turn into my class, a strong hand pushes me through the double doors leading outside. I know its Liam even though he’s behind me. He directs me to the football field, his favorite place to hold a conversation, except we aren’t talking.
He pushes me up against the concrete wall, my legs wrapping around his hips instantly. His mouth attacks mine, our hands everywhere. “Do you want to call Ashford?” he asks as he moves from my mouth down my neck.
I shake my head and it’s the truth. I have no desire to know or talk to Nick Ashford other than being his classmate.
“He’s jealous of me, baby. He wants everything I have. Please don’t give it to him.”
“I won’t, I promise.”
~ within Chapter 28 - titled 'JOSIE'
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Heidi, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Made the Grade: Frontiera Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 282 KB | Release Date: January 27, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Smashwords

"Heart of Stone" [Frontiera Series, Book 1] by Cathryn Cade

My Book Summary : Stone has been a pirate for most of his life, one needed to be a pirate in the place he grew up to be able to survive, but since coming to the new planet of Frontiera he has created a place for himself in it's society that is more civilized then he once was. Nevertheless, he still has people (some being other pirates) after him and/or wants to steal what he has so he needs to be cautious with his dealings and those working for him. Yet when Rose (a sister of one of his employees that he has always been attracted to) comes to his door demanding information about where her brother is his world is thrown for a loop he never expected. Since now that he has Rose within reach his pirate ways start coming out making it so when the time comes he might not want to let her go...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. Follow Stone & Rose as they go about creating a better life for themselves and those around them. A sizzling romance that keeps you on your toes! Rose is a very protective sister that finds herself in a situation that she actually wants to be in (minus the killing parts). Stone is a tricky guy who gets energized by Rose's innocent ways while he tries to protect those around him. They were a great match for each other!

I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys sci-fi romances and don't mind if they are quick reads.

Author's Series Extras : Put Your Promise in a Time Capsule

Book Teaser(s) :
She kept her gaze resolutely on his face. He looked so handsome with his hair sleeked back from his angular face—younger somehow.
He shrugged. "Fair enough. I'm sorry. Anyway, I tried to wake you, siren." Now he was frankly grinning at her. "You wouldn't stir. Reckon something tired you out."
And that, it seemed, was her apology. Fine, then. She was using him as a means to an end and then they were through. So what if he had given her four orgasms, each succeeding one the best she'd ever had?
Not that she had that many to compare. In fact, last night had more than doubled her pleasure. ~ within the novel as there isn't any chapters
"You should have stayed hidden," he gritted.
She frowned at him. "They would've found me anyway. They were going to search the ship."
Stone growled, knowing he had reverted to primitive man and unable to quell it. She'd confronted pirates, in her underthings. She was going to be the death of him. ~ within the novel as there isn't any chapters
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Cathryn, then please check out her website.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Made the Grade: Lords of Deliverance Series, Book 4

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 643 KB | Release Date: November 2012 | Publisher: Grand Central Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Rogue Rider" [Lords of Deliverance Series, Book 4] by Larissa Ione (aka Sydney Croft)

My Book Summary : Jillian was only doing her typical chores on her property but her life chances when she finds a naked and unconscious man lying in a snow bank. She brings him home in hopes of warming him up and hoping he won't die, and thankfully, he recovers quickly. However, when the man comes to, he doesn't have any clue as to how he got there, or whom he was; the only thing he remembers is his name ... Reseph.

As they get to know one another and try to find out anything about whom Reseph really is, others from Reseph's past try to hunt him out too. Soon Jillian will have to decide which is more important to her the man she is beginning to fall in love with, the life that she has created for herself, or getting rid of any demon who crosses her path again...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars!! See how even the most evil being (well not completely) to have ever walked the earth can fall in love! I thoroughly enjoyed how the romance between Reseph & Jillian played out. Especially how, in the beginning when Reseph is trying to learn who he is he feels an instant connection to Jillian in a way that even though he says things like him not enjoy commitment when his instincts take over he completely disproves whatever he says. =0)

Also, I loved the beginning of this novel and the build up of it. However, I wish that when Reseph finally remembers, the build up of the novel continued and not fall as short as it did. Though, even saying that, I did like how the plot played out and how it ended. In addition, I can't wait to see where Reaver's novel (the next book in this series) will take us!!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who enjoys reading new twists on the whole angel vs demons take, or just to anyone who likes paranormal romances!!

- On a side note -
I LOVED the snarky humor that was layered throughout this novel!! Plus, I couldn't get enough of the cover!! =0)

Author's Novel Extras : Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Larissa's Interactive Desk | Demonica: Overkill | For Readers

Author's Series Interview(s) :

Book Teaser(s) :
“Do you know where you’re from?”
“No idea. I can’t remember... anything.” He pushed up, his shoulders and biceps flexing with power, and looked down at his naked body. “Did we fuck?”
She nearly choked. “No.”
“Why not?” He eased back down on top of her and buried his face in her neck, inhaling deeply. This time she felt the distinct presence of an erection settling against her pelvis. The buzz in the very air around him shifted suddenly from menacing to blatantly erotic, but no less dangerous.
Oh, God. “Because we’re complete strangers.”
He lifted his head. “So?”
So? This was not going well. ~ within Chapter 2
“Why do you have a flower in your hair?”
“What, it’s not very Horseman-like?”
“It’s not what I would have expected, no.”
Limos huffed. “It’s a poison-spitting iris that dissolves flesh on contact.”
Jillian edged backward. “Seriously?”
“No.” Limos grinned. “I just like pretty flowers. I could remove your flesh myself. I’m great with a blade.”
Flesh removal? Oh, God. The reality of the situation was starting to sink in now. “And this...” Jillian swallowed sickly. “This is how you convince me to go with you?”
“Sorry. I probably need to work on my sales pitch.” ~ within Chapter 22
So... my boyfriend killed a lot of people.
No, that didn’t have the proper ring to it.
Turns out that my lover murdered millions of people.
Better, but still didn’t quite achieve that jaw-dropping horror factor.
Before I found him frozen in a snowdrift, my half-demon lover tortured and slaughtered men, women, and children by the millions.
Perfect. ~ within Chapter 32
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Larissa, then please check out her website.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Blog Tour - Feasted On: Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss | Review & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss, with a review of "Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska," which is the 3rd book in their Love Finds You Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from January 21 - February 14, 2013 | Giveaway ends on February 11, 2013 | "Glacier Bay" Author Chat Party is on February 12, 2013]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 312; Kindle Edition - File Size: 657 KB | Expected Release Date: January 1, 2013 | Publisher: Summerside Press | Obtained: LitFuse Publicity Group

"Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska" [Love Finds You Series, Book 3] by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss

My Book Summary : A little over two years ago, Ginny ran away from her fiancé, Brett, because she was too scared of letting him into her heart fully and because she wanted to chase her dreams of being a famous singer.

Now all her big dreams have come true but she is still not content with the way her life is. Therefore, instead of signing her most recent record contract she decides on visiting Brett in Glacier Bay, Alaska hoping that he'll be able to get her on the right track for her life. However, once she sees Brett again, gets involved with the town, takes care of his feisty Grandma, and reads some revealing love story letters leaving Glacier Bay might be the last thing on her mind...

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars, this is a tender novel about a woman trying to overcome her past while coming to terms with what and who she wants for her future. I was enraptured in this novel's double dose of love! Ellie & Clay's sweet and thrilling tale made a perfect backdrop to Ginny trying to overcome the hurt and heartache that she had become accustomed too. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed the secondary characters throughout this novel from the mischievous Grandma Ethel to Ellie's playfully joyful Grandfather they were all quite fun to read about!

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes historical & contemporary romances!!

My Previous Review(s) for Tricia Goyer : The Memory Jar

My Previous Guest Post(s) by Tricia Goyer : Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future - December 2011 | What I Am Not - May 2012 | Christmas Mourning - December 2012

Authors' Novel Extras : Alaska Research | Tricia's Pinterest: Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska | Ocieanna's Pinterest: Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska | Pinterest: Help me Find Ginny for Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska | Insider's Peek | My Writing Desk | Tricia Goyer | Introducing My Launch Team: A Christmas Gift to Me! | Birthday Love | Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska | Slideshow | Countdown to Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska! | Win a Copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska! | Three Words: Location, Location, Location



Authors' Series Extras : Tricia's Pinterest: Montana | Ocieanna's Pinterest: Love Finds You in Victory Heights Washington | Tricia & Ocieanna's Pinterest: Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana: facts behind the novel | Live interview about The Swiss Courier! | Writing Teachers - things I've learned ... | Lonesome Prairie FABULOUS contest and blog tour | Multi-Author Summerside BOOK GIVEAWAY!! | Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington | Thursday on Living Inspired: Ocieanna Fleiss | Writing tips from Susan Page Davis! | Thursday on Living Inspired: Homeschool devotions with Anita Mellot and Exploring the old west with author Miralee Ferrell | It's Real Life Photo Assignment | Fall

Authors' Book Trailer :

Authors' Interview(s) :

Book Teaser(s) :
Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 2
Dear Mr. Barnett,
I'm sorry. I fibbed when I wrote you. I mean the letter was a big fib, but I didn't fib that Papa needs a wife and I like the pretty one. But I was wrong to break the commandment and I'm sorry.
Janey
P.S. My dad made me write this. I'm not that sorry because I like Miss Ellie.
~ within Chapter 16
For more information on this book, series, any other books by Tricia then please check out her website, and/or any other books by Ocieanna then please check out her website.



About the Authors :

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.

In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.


Ocieanna Fleiss is a wife and mom of four. Discover ongoing insights from her mom adventure on her Mommy-O blog as well as at MOPS.org. As for writing, fiction is my first love. Ocieanna is blessed to express this passion in two novels she co-authored with Tricia Goyer, "Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana," and "Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington." She enjoys nonfiction as well. Ocieanna's work in progress at the moment is a book about her cardiac arrest called, "Loving Your Kids Like There’s No Tomorrow." She also has edited both fiction and nonfiction for WinePress Publishers for over eight years. Her passion for fiction is rivaled by her love of speaking. Ocieanna enjoys sharing her recent tale, sparked from the cardiac arrest, also called “Loving Your Kids Like There’s No Tomorrow” with MOPS or any parenting groups. She also offers women’s retreat talks. Ocieanna studied the Bible for over twenty years by attending seminary classes, listening to lectures, and sitting under strong teaching at a Bible-believing church. She also taught the Old Testament for two years. To see detailed descriptions of Ocieanna's talks or for more information about having her speak at your event, check out the speaking page on her website.



Giveaways!! :

Celebrate with Tricia and Ocieanna by entering their "Glacier Bay" Giveaway and RSVPing for their Facebook Party on Feb. 12th!


One fortunate winner will receive :

  • A gorgeous handmade “Glacier Bay” bracelet
  • A handmade cowl in "Glacier Bay" blues and greens
  • A bottle of custom-made "Glacier Bay" sparkle polish in blue
  • "Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska" by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss and their two other “Love Finds You” titles {"Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana," and "Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington"}

To Enter : Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 11th. Winner will be announced at the "Glacier Bay" Author Chat Party on February 12th. Connect with authors Tricia and Ocieanna, get a sneak peek of their new book projects, try your hand at the Alaska trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be great giveaways—gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of "Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska" and join Tricia and Ocieanna on the evening of February 12th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Enter via Twitter Enter via Facebook Enter via Email

Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP TODAY. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out LitFuse's other Blog Tour Stops for this novel!!




Find Tricia Goyer :

Find Ocieanna Fleiss :

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Teaser Tuesdays: Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska" [Love Finds You Series, Book 3] by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss

Book Teaser:
"Miss?" A man behind her clear his throat.
"I'm sorry, sir." She cleared the last step and then moved to the side. A man in khakis and a faded blue knit sweater slung a gray duffel over his shoulder as he followed her gaze.
"I think I got off at the wrong stop," she muttered, glancing back up the steps and waving a hand to get the attention of the stewardess. "I'm going to Juneau. That's where I transfer."
"This is Juneau, miss." A businessman exited next, pointing. It was only then Ginny noticed the painted sign. WELCOME TO JUNEAU, ALASKA.
"But it's the capital city...." she said to no one in particular. "It looks more like a pit stop on the way to the North Pole." ~ within Chapter 2

My Previous Review(s) for Tricia Goyer : The Memory Jar

My Previous Guest Post(s) by Tricia Goyer : Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future - December 2011 | What I Am Not - May 2012 | Christmas Mourning - December 2012
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