Made the Grade: Return to the Double C Series, Book 18

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: ??? KB | Expected Release Date: September 17, 2013 | Publisher: Harlequin Special Editon | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Weaver Beginning" [Return to the Double C Series, Book 18] by Allison Leigh

My Book Summary : Abby moves to Weaver with hopes to raise her little brother and give him the stable life she had with their grandparents. She wasn't expecting to find love not even with her hunky next-door neighbor--Sloan--but feelings growing between them seem to be stronger then ever. If only they can overcome the demons from Sloan's past so they'll be able to possibly create a better future for them all...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a sweet, fun, and charming novel! It's about a young woman protecting her little brother while trying to raise him right, falling for her "dangerous," handsome, and protective neighbor with hopes of a great future for them all. I really liked how Sloan fights himself over his feelings for Abby throughout this novel, because of what he believes himself to be so he tries to protect her and Dillon as much as possible. Also, their attraction is undeniable and so captivating that I couldn't get enough. However, at the end of the novel I wish Sloan dealt with his past better then how he did and wish their was an epilogue or something more to see where they go from there.

Since this was the first book I've read in this series, I will say I liked learning about the Clay family and can't wait to read some more about them!

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes a bit suspenseful contemporary romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Billionaire’s Baby Plan

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Series Extras : The Clay Family Tree

Book Teaser(s) :

"Look," she whispered, leaning to the side to peer around him. "The ball in New York is nearly down."
He glanced over his shoulder. Sure enough, the TV showed the famed crystal ball inching its way down while a mass of people around it cheered and screamed.
"Three." He turned back to watch Abby, whose gray gaze was focused on the countdown.
"Two," she whispered on a smile.
"One," he finished.
Her pretty eyes lifted to his. "Happy New Year, Sloan."
Maybe it was the devil. Maybe it was the angel.
Maybe it was just him.
"It is now," he murmured. And he leaned the last few inches across the counter and slowly pressed his mouth against hers. ~ within Chapter 2

"There's nothing wrong with being a virgin."
"Really?" She didn't look at him as she pushed off the counter and bent to retrieve her sweater. "Then why are you looking at me with such horror?"
"It's not horror. It's surprise." He turned his back on her because watching her put on her sweater was torment. He wished he could rewind time and undo the past hour or so.
Hell, if he was wishing for the impossible, why not rewind the past ten years?
The devil on his shoulder laughed maliciously. She'd have been thirteen. ~ within Chapter 11

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

Idolizing In: Goddesses Rising Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 352; Kindle Edition - File Size: 609 KB | Expected Release Date: August 27, 2013 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select | Obtained: NetGalley

"Heavy Metal" [Goddesses Rising Series, Book 2] by Natalie J. Damschroder

My Book Summary : After dealing with so many of a life changes recently, Riley--a girl who never thought she'd have Goddess powers yet now does--decides to get in contact with Sam. Riley hopes that after meeting Sam she'll be able to see if he can help her and if he can let her know if The Society for Goddess Education and Defense is a organization she can trust or not. Since based on her family's experience, and rants, the society isn't someone she should trust.

Once Riley and Sam meet they notice their immediate attraction and connection to each other that is undeniable yet both find excuses to try to keep distance between themselves because of various reasons even if it's hard to follow through.

Sam reluctantly agrees to bring her to the society. Not long after they get there, they both fall into secrets and personal missions that need to be taken care of soon. This will test Riley's trust in the society and in Sam, as well as their budding relationship...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars, this novel takes up where "Under the Moon" left off and throws you into a world of intrigue, suspicion, romance, passion, and a whole lot of suspense! I loved Riley as a character. She is smart, brave, courageous, and wise beyond her years. Then add Sam with her and I could not get enough of this novel or it's duo!

In addition, if you are like me and haven't read the first novel in this series, DON'T WORRY because you don't need to have read it for you understand the plot or to like the characters!!

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Heavy Metal - Overview | Heavy Metal - Excerpt | Heavy Metal Cover Reveal | Heavy Metal is Available for Pre-Order! | Pre-Order Heavy Metal on iTunes | Heavy Metal Goodreads Giveaway

Author's Series Extras : Goddesses Rising Series - Overview | Under the Moon - Overview | Sunroper - Overview | Sunroper Cover Reveal

Book Teaser(s) :

Riley took a deep breath and let it out slowly. And then she did it again. She’d stepped outside after her shower thinking to check the temperature to determine how cold she’d be with her shirt still damp at the seams after washing it in the sink last night. She hadn’t expected to see Sam standing out there, half naked, fairly magnificent, and petting a damned cat with more gentleness than those big hands should have been capable of. Now she was all flustered and flushed. And maybe some more F words.
So inappropriate. ~ within Chapter 2

“I want to know about your Riley. You like her.”
“She’s likeable.” He tried not to fidget under her stare, but his fortitude crumbled in seconds. “I was trying not to.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “She’s young.” Of course Quinn laughed, and even he had to smile. “Younger than I was,” he tried, but he couldn’t keep it up. “Okay, the age doesn’t matter.”
“Not unless you want to be a hypocrite.” She bounced her knee to rock the chair. “I talked to Marley about her. She’s tough. Riley, I mean. Pretty strong considering all she’s been through.”
“Yeah.” He told Quinn about the night they’d met and everything that had happened since. “I think she’s still not sure who to trust, especially anyone tied to the Society.”
Quinn grinned. “And yet she followed you there, and you’re the first person she called when she was in trouble again.”
“Well, I convinced her to give them a chance. That’s all.”
“Nick would say it’s your puppy-dog eyes, but I know it’s more than that.” Her eyes twinkled, and she briefly looked less tired. “The attraction’s not one-sided.” ~ within Chapter 11

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

Feasted On: Games Series, Book 3

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 346 KB | Release Date: July 29, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Ice Games" [Games Series, Book 3] by Jessica Clare (aka Jill Myles)

My Book Summary : When Zara was fourteen she ruined her Olympic skating career when she stomped off the ice during the middle of her performance. Since then life hasn't been the best for her, but now--about eleven years later--Zara thinks she will be able to redeem herself by being a replacement as one skating professionals on Ice Dancing With the Stars. However, her world is in for a major twist when she finds out the celebrity she'll be working with happens to be MMA Fighter, Ty Randall, who's known as "Ty the MMA Biter" for quite a good reason and who has no real interest about being on the show other then making sure he'll get some good PR.

This duo is in for one hell of a ride throughout the show. Will they be able to make it through, win the game, and end up together for good? Or will all of Zara's bad juju get in the way?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! Two former high-end stars are trying to turn their pride-ruined careers into something better, while finding love in unexpected places. I really liked this duo. Zara and Ty are more alike then they'd like to admit at first when they meet but as they become friends during their time together sparks begin to fly and soon they both know it's not a question about if they'll get together but when!

This novel was spicy, intimate, fun, creative, and one I didn't want to end. Yet, even though I liked it, there were a few (not all) twists that I didn't enjoy and wish had happened a bit differently.

Overall, I would still recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary romances, especially ones about strong/fierce men showing off their steamy and tender sides.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 2

Author's Novel Extras : Ice Games - Overview | Covers and a few upcoming releases! | Teaser chapter of ICE GAMES | ICE GAMES is out, baby!

Author's Series Extras : Wicked Games - Overview | Playing Games - Overview | I Lied | Wicked Games has a new cover | But what about... | I stink at updating! BUT I HAVE COVERS!!

Book Teaser(s) :

Ty Fucking Randall.
I didn’t watch Mixed Martial Arts, but I sure knew who he was. Everyone did. He’d made headlines about a month or two ago when he’d been headlining a fight in Vegas, and he’d bitten his opponent. Bitten. As in, chomp chomp. As in, tore a hunk out of his nose. People had been scandalized, and he’d been put on hiatus. No one wanted to fight him. It wasn’t exactly that you were expected to fight clean in MMA, but you didn’t tear your opponent’s face apart. I mean, Jesus. He’d made public apologies through his reps, but the incident was still too new and fresh on everyone’s minds for this to be anything besides a shock.
And I was filled with a cold ripple of dread, thinking of all the beer in the fridge. Something told me that Michael Michaels wasn’t going to be my partner. Oh no. Oh, nonono.
I didn’t want to be with Ty the Biter.
It was clear he didn’t want to be here. He leaned against the sedan and crossed his legs, and then crossed his arms over his brawny chest. He looked bored. Pissed.
He wouldn’t want to win. I had a feeling he was just here for some good PR. He sorely needed it. But my guess was that he’d also be just fine with last place. Not me. I needed to win.
If he were my partner, I was screwed. ~ within Chapter 2

“A virgin. I so did not need this.”
I tried to squirm out of his arms. “You dick. Aren’t guys supposed to be excited when a chick’s a virgin?”
“Why? I thought we were going to have some sexy, no-strings-attached sex. Now I have to freak out about hurting you because you’re a fucking flea, and I’m a big guy.”
I rolled my eyes. “You know what? This is really killing my mood right now. Forget I said anything.” I tried to get up again.
He pulled me back down once more, and I thumped back onto his lap, earning a small groan from him. “You sure as shit can’t go now.”
“Why not?” ~ within Chapter 11

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

Idolizing In: Games Series, Book 2

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 350 KB | Release Date: June 15, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Playing Games" [Games Series, Book 2] by Jessica Clare (aka Jill Myles)

My Book Summary : Katy would be happy to just be in her kitchen baking up a storm for her business Katy's Short Cakes. However, when her older brother--Brodie--insists that she help him out to get on a reality TV show by being his partner and she agrees ... things just seem to keep going from bad to worse. Especially after Brodie plays a strategic move in the game without consulting her before hand that make her switch up partners with a guy she dislikes on site, Liam, who happens to be the lead guitarist for Finding Threnody.

Soon as Katy and Liam start to get to know one another and work together as a team, things quickly go from "snarly" to "fervent." Everything seeming to look up for the pair, that is until Brodie decides to shake things up again and let the pieces fall where they may. Will either be able to full come to terms with the consequences of Brodie's actions? Will they be able to trust each other still? After everything is said and done once the game is over, will they be able to make it work out between themselves or will they go their separate ways?

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!!!! This is one feisty, fun, adventurous, steamy, erotic, sweet novel that I didn't want to have end or put down! Liam and Katy are quite a pair! Both seem to be complete opposites but soon learn there is more to each of them then what they appear. In addition, they also find out that they are better suited as partners then who they were originally partnered too.

Liam just has this way about him, that pierces Katy's heart in all of the right places!!

Katy is just a good girl at heart who wants to help out those she loves and is friends with the most. Yet, Liam finds many ways to slowly bring the bad girl out of her too. =0)

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes adventurous contemporary romances, which have a bit of erotic spice to them!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Playing Games - Overview | But what about...

Author's Series Extras : Wicked Games - Overview | Ice Games - Overview | I Lied | Wicked Games has a new cover | I stink at updating! BUT I HAVE COVERS!! | Covers and a few upcoming releases! | Teaser chapter of ICE GAMES | ICE GAMES is out, baby!

Book Teaser(s) :

"Some of these people are stronger than they look. That short blonde with the pigtails? She looks all sweet and innocent, but she's scrappy as hell. The brother's kind of a jackass, though. I hope they go home soon." — Liam Brogan, Greenland Leg of The World Races ~ within Chapter 3

The drive to Trinity College took a few hours, and they were weird hours. Neither myself nor Liam were in a chatty mood. We'd gone back to our efficient sort of quiet, speaking only when directions needed to be given or to speculate about the race.
I didn't know what to say, so I didn't blame him for being silent. We'd gone from hating each other last night in the igloo to practically making out atop Blarney Castle this morning. He probably thought I was nuts.
Hell, I wasn't sure that I wasn't nuts.
I did keep playing with my lip as he drove, though, thinking of the feel of the metal in his mouth against mine. His lips had been soft in contrast to that. The lip ring on his lower lip had pressed into my skin, and I'd felt that tongue stud graze against my tongue in a way that had made me dazed. I'd known that he'd had it, but I just hadn't thought about it when it came to kissing.
And now I couldn't stop thinking about it.
"Almost there," Liam told me in his quiet voice, breaking my reverie. His dark gaze locked on my face via the rearview mirror.
I put my hand down, realizing with a slight flush that he’d caught me playing with my mouth. “Great.” ~ within Chapter 4

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

Feasted On: Half-Breed Shifter Series, Book 3

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 250 KB | Release Date: July 4, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Mates Since Birth" [Half-Breed Shifter Series, Book 3] by Miranda Stowe (aka Linda Kage)

My Book Summary : When Ari was born, Dane was seven-years-old and thought he was only protecting her when he marked her not long after she was born, not realizing doing so would link them forever. However, once Dane reached puberty (while Ari was only 5 years old), Ari's father spirited his family away to start a new life, with hopes that if Ari & Dane were separated for a long while their bond would weaken.

Twenty years later, Dane has finally tracked down Ari and after so long of being unintentionally bonded he wants to find a way to break their bond so they each can be free. Yet, what if, once Ari learns the truth, she doesn't want to be separated from Dane? Will they be able to find a solution that they can agree too? Hopefully, before others come to tear them apart for good...

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars, two young mates grow up to find that distance does make the heart grow fonder! I was thoroughly intrigued with this novella, from the erotic scenes to the sweet emotions surrounding this spicy couple. I could not get enough.

However, even though I know Ms. Stowe needs to build up the series to what novel is coming up next, I wish there was more in the ending/epilogue about Dane & Ari. I just liked them together so much!

I recommend this novella to anyone who likes quickish paranormal erotic romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Winter Themed Books To Warm You Up During the 2011 Holiday Season

Author's Novel Extras : Mates Since Birth - Overview & Excerpt | Sold a Book! | New Book Covers and Release Dates! | MATES SINCE BIRTH Blog Tour | Mates Since Birth - Republished

Author's Series Extras : Caught in Heat - Overview & Excerpt | Dreams of Wolf - Overview & Excerpt | The Half-Breed Series - Promotional Campaign | December Updates | Release Day - Interview with a Killer!!!

Book Teaser(s) :

Shoving an irritating shock of dark hair out of her face, she once again held her hands up toward the lowest branch of the oak tree in her front yard, straining on tiptoes to reach the stuck kitten.
The feline laid its ears back flat and hissed at her, inching away on its precarious ledge.
“Oh, come on,” she muttered. “I don’t smell that much like a dog, do I?”
Damn it, she did.
With a frustrated rumble, Ari glared. If anything, her growl alarmed the tabby even more. Her new pet mewled out a pitiful yowl as it leapt up onto an even higher branch.
“Fine,” Ari muttered, setting her hands on her hips. “Be that way. You can sit up there and rot for all I care.” But she really did care. She wanted the stupid animal to at least like her. ~ within Chapter 1

Dane’s nostrils flared and his throat worked. Instead of moving in closer though, he pulled back and glanced at the needle in her hand. “You’re not seriously going to poke me with that thing, are you?”
She grinned and set the needle on her old nightstand. “No. Dad and I never had the heart to tell Mom how fast we heal. She found so much joy in tending to our wounds, and since we loved her attention, we let her to do whatever she wanted.” Lifting her arm to show him a faded scar where her mother had stitched the underside of her elbow once, she pointed out the mark. “We call them love patches.”
He smiled fondly and barely touched the scar, sending a thrill through her that shot out all her hot points. “Love patches,” he murmured, lifting his gaze to hers. His eyes lit with warmth. “I like that.”
The intensity between them was more than she could take. ~ within Chapter 4

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

Feasted On: Sleeping Virgin Seduction by Nicole Snow

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 175 KB | Release Date: July 6, 2013 | Publisher: Ice Lips Press | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Sleeping Virgin Seduction" by Nicole Snow

My Book Summary : Cassie has had a crush on her mother's boyfriend--Matt--ever since they started going out over two years ago. Recently she has been hearing their arguments have become more frequent with what seems to be no end in site. Therefore, now that she has graduated high school, she feels it's time to put her plan in action...seduce Matt in a way that he knows she willing and hope that things will progress from there...

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. Cassie is mischievous and very devious in her plans to seduce Matt. Yet, I thoroughly enjoyed how this plot played out and how for the two of them it all worked out for the best. It's one scorchingly seductive story that I could not get enough of and loved how it all turned out.

I recommend this novella to anyone who likes erotic stories about "step-dad" & "step-daughters."

Purchase This Book Here :

Book Teaser(s) :

Small flashes of all the time I'd spent with Matt came to me.
I tried to bite my lip, remembering the way he waved to me with a big, serious smile while we were at his baseball game last summer. He'd looked amazing in his uniform, just like a Pro about to knock a home run high into the dark evening sky.
The memory made me want to bite my lip, but I couldn't. Instead, I tried to focus on my breathing. ~ within a chapter titled 'I: Dreaming Up a Devious Plan'

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

Feasted On: Lovestruck in London by Rachel Schurig

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 524 KB | Expected Release Date: May 19, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"Lovestruck in London" by Rachel Schurig

My Book Summary : Elizabeth (Lizzie) is the youngest of six children in a very close nit family. Growing up she's always felt a bit out of place compared to everyone else she knew and it doesn't help that her family has high expectations for her to become just like them, graduating from college then getting a stable job--as a school teacher--and possibly settling down soon by getting married. However, after graduating from college she is still not ready to settle down, so when she hears about an additional courses she can take for nine months in London she convinces her best friend to join her and off they go for knew adventures.

Within the first week of living in London, Lizzie meets Thomas, an up-and-coming movie star, and they have an instant attraction between them that is undeniable. Quickly they become an item and start dealing with the reality of trying to spend time together while doing school work and managing an up-and-coming acting career with all of the perks and nightmarish things that come along with it.

Over time, their relationship gets stronger and they fall into a wonderful routine for themselves. Nevertheless, they knew at the beginning, that their relationship was going to have to deal with a major separation at some point. When that time comes, will they be able to make it through their separation or will they be able to find a better solution for everyone?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This sweet, enthralling, fun novel lets you enjoy the historical aspects of England, while capturing you in an intense romance involving its main characters. I really wish I could be Lizzie. She was a spunky character when she wanted to be, while staying very down-to-earth. Plus, it helped that Thomas was charmer that I could not get enough of, he captured me from the beginning. Together they evened each other out, especially when it felt like the world kept trying to pull them apart.

It also helped that Thomas' friends and Lizzie's best friend, Callie, were an entertaining group too. They made the novel light and fun during the times when Lizzie kept wanting to be depressing, while being great characters in their own right.

I only wish that Lizzie dealt with her situation at the end of the novel better then she did. Then after Lizzie did smarten up, I wish there was an epilogue or something to see how Lizzie and Thomas were doing not long after the ending. =0/

Nevertheless, I do recommend this novel to anyone who likes the New Adult romance genre and/or romances dealing with movie stars.

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Crazy Dreams | What I’m Working On | How is it April?? | Cover reveal! Title reveal! Contest! Exclamation points! | Chick Lit Author Blog Hop! | New Book!


Book Teaser(s) :

"He's been, uh, talking about me?" I asked, feeling my heart rate start to increase.
"Oh God, yeah," Sarra went on, oblivious to Meghan's death stares in the mirror. "Sunday brunch, all we heard about was your date on Saturday. When we saw him Wednesday night at trivia, it was even worse. And I must have at least gotten four texts from him about this evening, warning me to be nice and not make you feel uncomfortable."
"Texts which you clearly took to heart," Meghan said drily. "Way to embarrass her." ~ within Chapter 8

There was plenty of wine, the food smelled amazing, and everyone seemed happy and excited. I couldn't have asked for a better Thanksgiving.
"Hang on!" Thomas cried, before I started to fill my plate. "You haven't seen my special dish."
Sarra crossed her arms. "He's been talking about this secret dish all day. Meghan made an entire turkey! Have some perspective."
He stuck out his tongue at her as he turned to run back to the kitchen. "Do you know what this is?" I asked Meghan, but she only smiled at me.
He returned a moment later, carrying a covered casserole dish. Grinning at me, he pulled off the lid to reveal a layer of tamales, my very favorite food.
I stared at him. "What...what is this?"
"I may have emailed your cousin," he said. "To ask her what your favorite Thanksgiving food was. She said your family always had tamales, in addition to the traditional stuff. She even sent me your mum's recipe. It might not taste quite as good as hers, but I wanted you to have a taste of home today."
I couldn't believe he had gone to so much trouble. It was my turn to get teary.
"Can you guys be sappy some other time?" Charlie called out. "I'm starving."
"Wait!" Callie said. "We haven't said what we're thankful for yet. It's tradition! Everyone has to go around and say what they're giving thanks for this year."
Charlie grumbled about cruel and unusual punishment, but, under a glare from Callie, he dutifully said he was thankful for how many photos he'd sold lately. ~ within Chapter 15

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