Made the Grade: Legacy Series, Book 5

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 428 KB | Release Date: May 2012 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Finding Chrissten" [Legacy Series, Book 5] by N. J. Walters

My Book Summary : Ever since Hank met Quinn (Chrissten's twin brother), he has been obsessed with her and with rescuing her from whoever kidnapped her over a year ago. With the help of an unusual vampire and Hank's pack, they finally track down Chrissten and break her out of captivity. However, will she ever be able to live among their "normal" society again? Hank will do everything in his power to keep her safe even from himself if necessary...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! What would you do if you found that your "true mate" was forced to mate with another? How far would you go to protect her? Would she ever be willing to open her heart to you have everything she's suffered? These questions plague the whole novel, while Hank and Chrissten try to understand the connection between them and deal with the men who abused her.

Maybe it was because I had such high hopes for this novel, but even though I liked the plot and the main characters (Hank & Chrissten), I felt this novel was dragged out way too much. It made it so that even though I liked how everything was going so well for Chrissten and Hank at times I would just start thinking, "Why is there so much left to the novel?" Basically, I felt that there were some scenes that just really didn't need to be included.

Overall, though, I did like how Chrissten & Hank's love story came together, especially the main fight scene where Hank went all Rambo-style! =0)

I recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of the Legacy Series or of Ms. Walters.

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1

Author's Novel Extras : New Cover! | FINDING CHRISSTEN Available Today! | 4 Stars for Finding Chrissten | Finding Chrissten on Amazon Best Seller List! | Fresh Friday Reads: Shifters, Witches, Elves, and a Sexy Historical | 5 Blue Ribbons for Finding Chrissten | 4 1/2 Stars for Finding Chrissten | 5 Hearts for Finding Chrissten

Author's Series Extras : Legacy Overview | New Contract...New Series! | Another New Cover! | Recommended Read for Alexandra's Legacy! | Two New Contracts! | New Cover!!!!! | Isaiah's Haven Available Today and Guest Blogging | 5 Book Review for Isaiah's Haven! | Two New Contracts! | A New Year Dawns... | Website Updates! | Week in Review | 5 Blue Ribbons for Legacy Found | Week in Review | 5 Blue Ribbons for Quinn's Quest | All 5 Legacy books on Samhain Paranormal Best Sellers List | The Voices in My Head...Part 2 | It's all about perspective | 2012--Year in Review | I'm Doing...Stuff

Book Teaser(s) :

A mated wolf usually couldn’t stand the scent or touch of another. That made the attraction between him and Chrissten even more unusual. Hank knew in his soul he was her true mate and she was his. Maybe it was because they were both half-breeds that they were able to get past the restrictions that ruled mated pairs. Maybe it was because they were true mates that Brian’s mating didn’t seem to affect either of them in quite the same way it would a pure werewolf mated pair.
He didn’t know and didn’t care. He could smell Brian’s scent on her skin. It permeated her flesh, a never-ending reminder that she belonged to another. It marked her as surely as a brand and would only disappear with Brian’s death.
Most males wouldn’t be able to stand the stench of another male on their female. Werewolves were nothing if not possessive.
But Hank wasn’t most men and Chrissten belonged to him. ~ within Chapter 9

Patience. He needed to woo her with patience. Even if it killed him. ~ within Chapter 10

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

Great Observations from a "Real Food" Evangelist

While at work today my co-worker was watching a YouTube Video (see below) of Robyn O'Brien who shares her personal story and how it inspired her current path as a "Real Food" evangelist. The video is one that my co-worker plans on sharing at our Science Café next month (click here for more info) and it was so well thought out that I felt I should share it with all of you. So, please watch it, especially if you have or know someone who has food allergies! Thanks.

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About the Speaker :

A former financial and food industry analyst, who had the opportunity to meet Goldman Sachs' Henry Paulson, Ebay's Meg Whitman and Martha Stewart while working on the desk, Robyn O'Brien is an author, public speaker, strategist and mother of four. She brings insight and detailed analysis to her research on the health of the American food system as documented in her first book, The Unhealthy Truth, and has been called "food's Erin Brockovich" by the New York Times.

Her work has appeared on CNN, the Today Show, Good Morning America, FOX News, in the Washington Post and countless media outlets, and she currently writes for Prevention. Robyn has been named by SHAPE Magazine as one of 2009’s “Women To Shape the World”, along with First Lady Michelle Obama, by Forbes Woman as one of “20 Inspiring Women to Follow on Twitter,” and by The Discovery Channel as one of its 15 Top Visionaries. Her TEDx talks have been widely received.

Recruited by institutions like Enron and the oil and gas industry, Robyn is the founder of www.allergykids.com. The mission of AllergyKids is to restore the health of American families by addressing the needs of the 1 in 3 American children that now has allergies, autism, ADHD and asthma and the role that additives in our food supply are having on our health. The Foundation also works closely with those fighting cancer, particularly those with specific dietary needs.

On Mother’s Day 2009, Random House published her acclaimed book, "The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It" and today, Robyn is regarded as a food and health expert and sought after speaker who lectures and writes extensively, addressing the economic burden that disease is placing on our families, our companies and our country.

Robyn earned an MBA on a full scholarship, graduating as the top woman in her class. And today, her work is recognized and supported by renowned individuals such as Dr. Oz, Robert Kennedy Jr., Ted Turner, Bonnie Raitt and Prince Charles.

She serves on the Board of Directors of Healthy Child Healthy World and is on the advisory board of the Just Label It Campaign.

Since giving her first TEDx talk in which she discusses research she conducted six years ago, the World Health Organization now reports that the U.S. ranks 7th out of almost 200 countries worldwide in cancer rates due to the remarkable efforts to reduce tobacco use in our country.

And she firmly believe that while we can't change the beginning of our stories, we can change the end. And hope is the knowledge that change is possible, even when it seems hard to imagine.

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Find Robyn O'Brien :

• Robyn O'Brien - Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Goodreads

Disappointmentville: Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 181; Kindle Edition - File Size: 350 KB | Expected Release Date: January 22, 2013 | Publisher: Harlequin KISS | Obtained: NetGalley

"Waking Up Married" by Mira Lyn Kelly (aka Moira McTark)

Author's Book Description : Her first thought: "Who are you?"
It's the morning after her cousin's bachelorette party in Vegas and Megan Scott wakes up with the mother of all hangovers. Even worse, she's in a stranger's penthouse having woken up with something else as well—a funny, arrogant, sexy...husband!
Up until now, finding even a boyfriend had seemed impossible—been there, got the broken heart, sworn off men for good. Then a few martinis with Carter...no, Connor Reed and she's gone from first meet to marriage in one night!
Megan wants a lawyer. But Connor's shocking bombshell?
"I don't want a divorce."

My Book Review : 2 out of 5 stars. Two pragmatic people have a little fun spending time together and fall into a situation that they both believe will be beneficial to them, only to wake up the next morning with one not remembering a thing that she agreed too...

I soo wanted to enjoy this novel, especially since the plot seems so light and fun, but I just couldn't get into it at all. The characters, while funny and intensely sweet at times, were hard to like (mostly Megan) because of how they seemed to talk around each other while not really moving along. Therefore, I could only read up to 34% of this novel before I stopped reading it all together.

I don't recommend this novel. However, if you do decide on reading it, I hope you'll get into it better then I did, then you should know it’s for people who enjoy contemporary romances.

- On a side note -
It has a cute cover! =0/ Plus, Megan & Connor's playful banter when they first meet was fun to read.

Author's Novel Extras : Read an excerpt | Almost here... | FREEBIE ANYONE??

Book Teaser(s) :

She'd had sex. With a stranger. Someone she maintained only the foggiest recollection of meeting. And then...she'd gone and married him.
Or maybe they'd waited...gone the more traditional route and saving themselves for after the wedding. So it would be special.
Ugh! ~ within Chapter 1

Pouring another coffee for himself and a glass of juice for Megan, he listened with half an ear as she checked in with Gail. She'd barely gotten past hello before a suspicious silence, followed by some stuttering and then more silence, confirmed what he'd known from the start. Jodie and Tina had been running at the mouth, probably since Megan and he took off the night before.
"I did stay with him... Of course I'm fine, but that's not---Gail, you're getting married today--- Yes, he is very handsome..."
This is the difference between men and women. When Connor texted Jeff to let him know something had come up and he'd get in touch next week, the guy had texted back a single word. Later. End of discussion. Granted, it might have gone longer if he'd mentioned the something in question was an exchange of vows, followed by a case of acute amnesia...but whatever. ~ within Chapter 6

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

Made the Grade: A Scandal, A Secret, A Baby by Sharon Kendrick

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 379; Kindle Edition - File Size: 379 KB | Expected Release Date: February 19, 2013 | Publisher: Harlequin Presents | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Scandal, A Secret, A Baby" by Sharon Kendrick

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"A Scandal, A Secret, A Baby"

Pages: 222

My Story Summary : Dante & Justina used to have a relationship full of intense passion and love. However, they have always had to opposite of personalities and both are full of stubborn pride to be able to make it completely work. Especially after, Dante's family informs them of their disapproval of the relationship.

Now five years later, they meet again at a mutual friend/acquaintance’s wedding and even though they try to avoid each other, to some degree, the sparks between them still fly high. Their desire for each other is strong enough again that they throw caution to the wind just to be together ... forgetting about the consequences for the time being.

Soon though they both have to face those consequences and the expectations that come with them. Can these two work through everything together or will hurt pride and past mistakes still get in their way?

My Story Review : 3.25 out of 5 stars, two people, who still care for each other even though they weren’t aware of their own feelings, try to get to know each other again while they deal with the consequences left from one night of passion. In some ways, Dante & Justina were like oil and water, while in other ways these two were inseparable. I liked reading about the passion between these two, and I liked how the beginning of the plot's storyline built up. However, when it came towards the end of this novel I didn't like how everything wrapped up so quickly or the way that it did. I mean don't get me wrong I'm happy that these two finally end up together but I really wished that Dante was a bit more romantic about it instead of waiting for Justina to be the one to make the first official move. =0/

Author's Story Extras : Excerpt from A Scandal, A Secret, A Baby | MAGIC AND MAKE-BELIEVE | Celebrity and Infidelity, by Sharon Kendrick

Story Teaser :

There was a pause as he brushed a fingertip over the back of her neck. 'You don't like me very much, do you?'
She shook her head. 'No.'
'Brutal, but honest,' he mused, his fingertip retracing the path it had taken, as if he was fascinated by the innocuous column of flesh he found there.
She tried to fight against the sudden whisper of pleasure that touch had given her. 'What are you doing?'
He began to massage her shoulders, briefly expelling a breath as he felt her soft flesh beneath his fingers again. 'I'm trying to make you relax, but it isn't easy because you are very tense, tesoro,' he observed softly. 'Very, very tense.'
Justina swallowed. ~ within Chapter 6

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"Marriage Scandal, Showbiz Baby!"

Pages: 144

My Story Summary : Jennifer (Jenny) & Matteo (Matt) are going through a blistery divorce, which is made even more awful because of them being major celebrities. Now with their latest film (that they made prior to their separation) being presented at the Cannes Film Festival they both find themselves having to deal with each other again.

Passion flares high between them but they do their best at avoiding each other. That is until Matteo saves Jennifer from some unwanted attention and helps her leave the after party, then all bets are off!

Weeks later, they find that passion isn't the only still alive between them; it only takes someone new to come into their lives to make them understand this. Now if only they can stop past mistakes from ruining the new future they have created for themselves...

My Story Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This couple finds a way to reunite while dealing with their past mistakes and tries to create a hopeful future for themselves. I really loved these two together! They are an understanding couple (in some ways) who when faced with a special surprise they deal find a way to work through their differences in such a sweet way. I just wish it was longer!! =0)

Story Teaser :

'Oh, it's beautiful,' she said automatically, and turned around to find that he was watching her. She gave a nervous laugh. 'What the hell am I doing talking about the view? Isn't this the kind of situation where you wish you could just wave a magic wand and suddenly it's different?'
'Don't you think I spend most of my life doing that?' he asked bitterly.
'Matt---'
He shook his head. 'Let's not waste any time with recriminations. There's no point.'
'No. But I have to say this. Thanks for...rescuing me and bring me back here.' ~ within Chapter 4

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My Book Review : For the full book, I give it 3.625 out of 5 stars! Both novels revolve around couples who have broken up in some way, the ladies finding out not long after the break up that their men have then slept with another woman, then months or years later they unintentionally reconnect and being left with a "pleasant surprise" that forces them to rethink about their relationships.

I recommend these novels to anyone who likes dramatic contemporary romances, especially ones based on people who live/have "celebrity lifestyles."

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Sheikh's Heir

For more information on these novels and/or any other books by Sharon, then please check out her website.

Idolizing In: Tales of the Underlight Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 327 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: February 11, 2013 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"How Beauty Saved the Beast" [Tales of the Underlight Series, Book 2] by Jax Garren (aka Jennifer Hinson)

My Book Summary : Now that "Beauty" has met the "Beast," it is time to save him...

Ever since Jolie was recruited to join The Underlight she has been trying to prove it to them that it was the right decision. To prove that, and to stay on top of her game, Wesley (Hauk) has been helping her in intense training sessions. From the sessions and because of how they met their personal relationship & friendship has grown immensely stronger, which makes them both start to consider about taking it to the next level...

If only Jolie & Hauk can stop what the Order of Ananke has planned for them, as well as not letting their insecurities and their ex's stand in their way...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! Now that "Beauty" has met the "Beast," it is time to save him! This is one vivacious novel that I did not want to put down! Jolie & Hauk are so similar it was like they were made for each other! I could not get enough of these two and their cast of colorful friends!

Plus, if you were like me and ended up skipping (aka not reading) "How Beauty Met the Beast," book 1 in this series, than never fear! Since if you did read it you would probably like the series more, yet you don't need too read it because of how well "How Beauty Saved the Beast" flows with it's plot and makes sure that you understand the back story enough that you won't be lost at all!

In addition, I especially LOVED how this novel wraps up at the end!! Now I am VERY excited to see what "How Beauty Loved the Beast," book 3 in this series, will bring when it comes out in May 2013!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone looking to read a romance that takes a unique twist on a fairy tale!

- On a side note -
I absolutely HATED Hauk's ex!! I am really hoping that she'll redeem herself in book 3. =0/

Author's Novel Extras : How Beauty Saved the Beast Excerpt | Six Sentence Sunday-12/09/12 | Six Sentence Sunday–12/30/12 | Six Sentence Sunday–1/13/13 | Blog Appearances for February... and there are a LOT of them! | War Stories from My Family | Guilty Pleasures

Author's Series Extras : Tales of the Underlight Overview | How Beauty Met the Beast–Holiday Playlist | How Beauty Met the Beast–Location Pictures | Black Friday: How the Beast Survived an Afternoon at the Mall by Jax Garren (+Contest) | Tales of the Underlight Banners | Five Books I’m Excited About! | Monday Mo-tivations 11/5/2012 | Interview and Reading on Blog Talk Radio | Book Launch Fun | Why Start with a Novella? | Creating a Modern Beast | The Next Big Thing Q&A | Six Sentence Sunday-12/16/12 | Six Sentence Sunday – 12/23/12 | Six Sentence Sunday–1/06/13 | Six Sentence Sunday–1/27/13 | Heartbreaker Hop w/ Carrie Ann


Book Teaser(s) :

She got up onto wobbly feet.
Hauk pivoted to Ashley, his form still battle-ready, and assessed her like a threat.
Ashley cringed back against the wall, eyes round in horror. “What’s wrong with him?”
“It’s okay...” Jolie started, hoping that was the truth. She reached toward Hauk, debating if she should touch him or if that would set him off.
But Hauk straightened up; apparently Ashley didn’t need killing. He looked back and forth between the two women.
Jolie relaxed and turned to Ashley. “Nothing’s wrong, really. He’s just sort of—”
Hauk scooped Jolie up and tossed her over his shoulder.
“—oh, shit!—lost his mind. He’ll be fine in the morning.”
He turned as if to carry her away from the club.
“Hauk, sweetie, put me down.”
Instead of setting her down, he started walking. ~ within Chapter 8

Dropping the pretense she grumbled, “I’m not used to being jealous. Apparently it does bad things to my character.” ~ within Chapter 14

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