Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Made the Grade: Fated Match Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 977 KB | Expected Release Date: January 27, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Covet | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Love at Stake" [Fated Match Series, Book 1] by Victoria Davies

Author's Book Description : Hunting for love is a pain in the neck...

Abbey is the lone human working for Fated Match, a company that pairs members of the supernatural community with their eternal mates.

To snag a young vampire socialite as their next client, Abbey journeys to the home of Lucian Redgrave, the oldest vampire on the East Coast. But he’s not willing to allow his vampire daughter to use the agency... unless Abbey can first find his perfect match in a month.

As Abbey coaches Lucian through his dates, she can’t deny the chemistry between them. But humans are toys for vampires, and risking her heart isn’t a part of the plan.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! After years of working as the only human at Fated Match--a supernatural matchmaker/mate finder business--Abbey is about to have first hand experience as to how well her company's services really work. In doing so, she'll also find out what it means to be a potential mate herself...

I really enjoyed this engaging and entertaining novel! Abbey & Lucian are a pair of opposites that just seem to make the perfect match-up! Abbey tests Lucian's typical control while making him feel more alive then he has felt in a long time. In addition, their banter and robust flirtation keeps you wanting more from this novel! =0)

In truth, I would have given this novel a slightly higher rating if only the ending was better. I mean, yes I liked the way Abbey & Lucian's relationship came together yet, I wish that there weren't so many secondary loose ends when it came to the other small story plots. Therefore, I hope that as this series progresses those other plots will be wrapped up too.

I 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 : Love at Stake - Overview | Share your worst date story! | Love at Stake Tour & Giveaway

Book Teaser(s) :
“You need to drive out there and give our pitch.”
Abbey blinked. “No.”
“Abbey, this is no time to be difficult. We need to land Melissa.”
“I don’t go near vampires. You know that. The bloodsuckers are far too peckish when they get around humans. No way I’m driving for hours to lock myself in a house with two of them.”
“Probably more than two. They have servants, after all.”
“Not happening.”
“I’ll give you three evenings off.”
“Nope.”
“Four.”
“Free time is no good if you’re dead.”
Vivian threw up her hands. “Don’t be dramatic. Lucian is a vampire elder. If he can’t hold it together, no one can. You’ll be perfectly safe.”
“Highly unlikely,” she muttered.
“I’ll let you make your own schedule next week and I’ll give you five extra vacation days. I’ll even set you up with a nice griffin I know.”
“Not interested in dating nonhumans,” Abbey said for the millionth time. “I only made a profile because it was part of my job description.”
“Whatever. You are going. Case closed.”
“Jessie can do it when she’s back from lunch. Or Chloe.”
“It has to be a human. You have no allegiance to any race and no ulterior motive to get an audience with an elder. You have no idea how in demand that vamp is.”
“I also have no way to defend myself if this goes bad.”
Perfectly manicured nails clacked on the marble countertop, a sure sign of Vivian’s waning patience. “Let me cut to the chase. If we don’t land Melissa Redgrave, I will hold you personally responsible. You will be fired immediately and without a reference, and you know as well as I do that matchmaking is a small world. One word from me and no agency in this town will touch you, human or otherwise. You’ve got a good thing going here, Abbey. It would be a shame to lose it.”
More than a shame, it’d be disastrous, and Vivian knew it. As a college dropout, Abbey had few prospects to begin with. Matchmaking was work she excelled at, and if she ever did leave Fated Match, it would be for another agency. But Vivian could ruin all her credibility with a few well-placed words. Then it’d be back to waiting tables and tearing her hair out trying to make rent.
“Underhanded, Viv.”
The siren didn’t look at all regretful of her vicious promise. “Take a recruitment briefcase with you. Everything you need to sign up Melissa Redgrave is in there. I’ll text you the address and you can use one of the company cars. Oh, and change into something a little more professional.”
Abbey looked down at her T-shirt, which read “Team Human.”
“I think it suits the situation just fine.”
“Change.”
Vivian flounced away without another word. ~ within Chapter 1
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Victoria, then please check out her website.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Blog Tour - Feasted On: The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd | Review & “School” Your Desk Kindle Giveaway

Today & tomorrow I'm turning my blog over to Sarah E. Ladd, with a review of "The Headmistress of Rosemere!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from January 17 - 28, 2013 | Giveaway ends on January 28, 2013 | Sarah's "The Headmistress of Rosemere" Author Chat Party on Facebook is on January 28, 2013]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 307; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1324 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: December 31, 2013 | Publisher: Thomas Nelson | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group

"The Headmistress of Rosemere" [Whispers on the Moors Series, Book 2] by Sarah E. Ladd

Author's Book Description : Darbury, England – 1816
Patience Creighton will finally find the peace she lost years ago—if she can open her heart and forgive the man who loves her.


Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she finds contentment teaching at her father’s school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to keep her father’s dream alive.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin’s edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of land but possesses little money to manage the upkeep. He is desperate to find a new source of income, including the sacrifice of land connected to Rosemere.

When her brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience is heartbroken to no longer be responsible for her beloved school and is forced to reassess God’s purpose for her life. After her sister-in-law’s matchmaking brings Patience and William together, they both learn new truths about their character and find a common goal in restoring Eastmore’s legacy.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! This charming historical romance will touch your heart with it's characters while keeping you entertained with it's suspenseful plot! For a Christian romance, it has everything I was looking for (love/heartache/redemption) and more!

About the Characters:
• Patience: The Headmistress of Rosemere while her brother, Rawdon, is away. Feels that working at her family's school is what she's meant to do with her life. Still getting over her father's death. Tries to keep her mother from being depressed, but isn't really successful in doing so. Once she meets William, again she feels an instant connection to him but knows nothing between them will ever happen.

• William: The owner of Rosemere and it's surrounding property. In debt because of some poor choices and needs to come up with the funds soon. Is trying to create a better life for himself but isn't sure how. Finds out a big secret that changes his life for the better. He's a hero in the way he protects Patience and "her girls" by any means necessary, at least when it's needed. Even though he vowed long ago never to fall in love again it's hard for him to not admire Patience ... and have it grow into something more.

• Emma: A young girl who attends Rosemere. Is an orphan. Loves the school's goat. Gets into an accident.

• Cassandra: A teacher at Rosemere. Patience's best friend. In love with Patience's brother.

• Lewis: Eastmore Hall's groom. William's best friend.

• Rawdon: Patience's brother. In charge of the school since his father died. Has plans to expand the school with the help of someone from Patience's past.

• Lydia: Rawdon's young wife. Tries to play matchmaker.

• Jonathan Riley: William's neighbor who hopes to soon be his business partner too.

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes Christian and/or historical romances!

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

Book Teaser(s) :
"Rawdon intends to expand the school. He wants to operate a boys' school from the west wing. He thinks it will be profitable. He has asked O'Connell to oversee the school."
"Where will you live?"
"Rawdon intends to build a cottage on the school grounds."
"Oh." Cassandra's voice fell in wistful thought. "And what of the girls' school? Surely you will remain as headmistress after you have worked so hard?"
Patience shrugged. "I do not know. Rawdon thinks I should marry and settle down."
"And whom does he think you should marry?"
Patience managed a little laugh. "I think you know the answer to that question." ~ within Chapter 23
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Sarah, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

Every word has a melody.
Every sentence has a rhythm.

This truth has intrigued me since my early years. Even before I fully understood the meaning behind many of the words, I devoured literature and consumed poetry.

Austen, Alcott, Wordsworth: I left no piece of literature untouched, left no author unexamined. I continue to see magic in how a word is transformed by the word next to it and how written thoughts can incite emotion and evoke change.

In addition to a lifetime of writing and exploring fiction, I have more than ten years of strategic marketing and brand management experience, including five years of marketing non-fiction books and three years of marketing the musical arts. I live in Indiana and am blessed to share my life with my amazing husband, sweet daughter, and very lovable Golden Retriever.





Giveaways!! :

Don't miss Sarah Ladd's latest Regency novel, "The Headmistress of Rosemere." She is celebrating the release of book two in her Whispers on the Moors series with a fun "School" Your Desk Kindle Fire Giveaway and an Author Chat Facebook Party!

rosemere-400

To Enter : Between January 17 – 28, visit Sarah Ladd's Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day and be entered to win a Kindle Fire grand prize. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on January 28th! (Don't have a Facebook account? Enter here.)

RSVP today for Sarah's "The Headmistress of Rosemere" Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Sarah will be hosting a book chat, testing your Regency trivia skills, announcing the winner of the "School" Your Desk Giveaway, and giving away books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving partygoers an exclusive look at the next book in the Whispers on the Moors series!

So grab your copy of "The Headmistress of Rosemere" and hope to see you on the evening of January 28th! (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Enter via Facebook Enter via Email

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 28th!

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




Find Sarah E. Ladd :

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Feasted On: Dark Warriors Series, Book 8.5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1085 KB | Expected Release Date: November 5, 2013 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Midnight's Surrender" [Dark Warriors Series, Book 8.5] by Donna Grant

Author's Book Description : Dale has been on the run–on the run from himself and the demons that haunt him. However, when he comes across a stunningly beautiful woman he cannot resist, he knows that he must do whatever it takes to possess her. She is a Druid with secrets of her own, but he is drawn to her like no other. Even when danger closes in around them, Dale knows that the true threat is to his very soul, which he will sacrifice in order to save her.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Drawn towards a magic/woman he can't deny. Unsure of her own lonely future. Together Rennie & Dale find a power that will destroy the evil coming after them if only Rennie can embrace her destiny and open her heart!

For such a short story, it is jam-packed with action, erotica, and romance! I really enjoyed Dale & Rennie as a couple, as well as, how everything plays out for them in their novella!!

I recommend this novella to anyone who is a fan of this series or Ms. Grant and to those who like paranormal erotic romances!

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Dawn’s Desire

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : "Waiting On" Wednesday: Dawn’s Desire | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Novel Extras : Midnight’s Surrender - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : The Dark Warriors Series - Overview | Dark Warriors - Description | Midnight’s Master - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Lover - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Seduction - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Warrior - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Kiss - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Captive - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Temptation - Overview & Excerpt | Midnight’s Promise - Overview & Excerpt | Dark Warriors - The Gods | Dark Warriors - Glossary | Meet the Characters | Take the Warrior Quiz


Book Teaser(s) :
He reluctantly ended the kiss, but he couldn't release Rennie. Her body trembled in his arms as she clung to him.
How long had he watched the couples from MacLeod Castle and yearned to have a woman of his own? How many times had he wondered how it would feel to have someone look at him with love and devotion?
"Why did you stop?" she asked.
Dale made a sound at the back of his throat. His body was asking him the same thing. For once he was going to do the right thing. "I doona want to take advantage of you."
"Liar."
He looked in her eyes and because lost. He was falling, tumbling. Plunging.
It was her compassion, her gentleness that transfixed him. With a smile she had mesmerized, charmed. Fascinated.
No longer did he want to lie about who he was or what he had done. If there was a way to wash the sins away, he would do it in a heartbeat.
How could he, who lived and breathed evil for so long, dare to be in the presence of someone as pure and good as Rennie? He should walk away that instant.
But the invisible ties that had drawn him to her had been fused. He knew in that instant that he would never be able to walk away from her. ~ within Chapter 3
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Donna, then please check out her website.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Made the Grade: When a Lord Needs a Lady by Jane Goodger

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 250; Kindle Edition - File Size: 883 KB | Expected Release Date: February 6, 2014 | Publisher: Kensington Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"When a Lord Needs a Lady" by Jane Goodger (aka Jane Blackwood)

Author's Book Description : Lord Graham Spencer needs a wife.

But not just any girl will do. She must have the money to save his dilapidated estate and desperate tenants. So when he meets a charming American lady’s maid on the beach at Brighton, the last thing he ought to do is kiss her.

Katherine Wright is hunting a titled husband.

Or at least her mother is. But Katherine can’t get the memory of a most inappropriate kiss out of her mind. The handsome stranger who took her in his arms in Brighton was only a valet, but even if she is an heiress, she’d rather spend her life with him than some stiff British aristocrat.

Can true love survive two false identities, two scheming mamas, and two lavish house parties where all is revealed? It can ...

When A Lord Needs A Lady

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! A woman who is on a trip she doesn't want to be on meets the one man who could win her heart, if only they can overcome their past obligations everything should be fine...

Katherine & Graham are quite the pair! I especially loved how they fell in love with each other while they both were pretending to be poor and how once they learn the truth it made them even more enamored with each other too. The secondary characters were another fun bunch to read about too, Katherine's maid & Graham's friend Mr. Norris were two of my favorites!

My only wish was that, even though I loved the build up to this novel and loved wrap up at the end, the "big issue" that happens to them and changes their lives for good had turned out a bit differently. I mean, like I said, I enjoyed the ending and how everything turned out and yet I really wished that Graham didn't feel like he had to second-guess himself about Katherine's intentions because of what happens. I mostly wish that because I don't like how it made me second guess Graham as a good hero in this novel even when I understood why he was behaving the way he did. =0/

Overall, though, I do recommend this novel to anyone who likes historical romances!

Purchase This Book Here :

Book Teaser(s) :
"I imagine there will be an announcement soon, sir?"
Was Chase purposely trying to grate on his nerves? Or was he genuinely excited about the news of his engagement?
"I imagine so," Graham said, as if the pending announcement was his own date for the gallows. He wished at that moment he'd never gone to Brighton Beach, that he'd never known what it was like to finally feel something other than mild interest in a woman. She was angry with him and he supposed she had a right to be. He acted like a besotted idiot when he was around her, fully aware that nothing could ever come of it. Good God, it was a wonder she hadn't slapped him. He deserved it.
"I ought to be horsewhipped," he said, sitting down upon his bed.
"I do think that's a bit harsh, sir. Perhaps a caning would do."
Graham let out a chuckle. "You always were soft, Everett." ~ within Chapter 9
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jane, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Made the Grade: Valhalla/Mail Call Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 279 KB | Release Date: November 1, 2009 | Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About @ Ellora's Cave

"Planet Mail" [Valhalla/Mail Call Series, Book 1] by Kate Pearce (aka Catherine Lloyd)

My Book Summary : Douglass works as a United Planetary Parcel Service (the UPPS) delivery pilot. She's now heading home from her latest delivery/mission when her space craft crash lands on Planet Valhalla, a world completely different then Earth, then gets unwittingly immersed into it's society by becoming the King's consort. Her life being turned upside-down is tough but the King eases her into it while promising to help her get home to her son. As they spend time together and get to know one another, they end up falling in love. Yet, what will happen when a woman, from before the King and Douglass got together, shows up at the palace to inform the King that she's pregnant with his child? Will the King commit to Douglass and their love or will he give her up for good so he can bring follow through for the good of his world? Especially once Douglass' rescue ship arrives to bring her home...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Fall into a world of sexual delight on Valhalla! Fast paced, thrilling, and highly erotic, this novel has enough going on to keep you interested from beginning to end! While the characters are entertaining too! In addition, Douglass & Marcus are an interesting match up. With their different sizes to their opposing feminist views, they were quite the pair!

I recommend this novel to anyone who like sci-fi 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 : Interview with Jodi Redford

Author's Novel Extras : Planet Mail - Overview & Excerpt | Yes, it’s late, I know... | Oh well... | No more World Cup posts after this | A writer’s life for me | Other people’s birthdays

Author's Series Extras : Secured Mail - Overview & Excerpt | Captive Mail - Overview & Excerpt | Media Kit - FAQ | Reviews | Ah...relaxing... | new book cover! | I love Vikings! | ‘Give it away now...’

Book Teaser(s) :
“I want to make you mindless. I want you to give yourself up to my control completely.”
“Is this because I disobeyed you and left my suite?”
He chuckled. “Nay, although I will punish you for that too if you wish.”
She lifted her head to glare at him, saw the mixture of lust and amusement in his eyes and relaxed. He ran his finger over her lower lip and sighed.
“Consort, if you keep your promise not to go outside, I will allow you to train with your servers. I should have taken care of the matter sooner.”
Douglass studied him through half-closed eyes as he leisurely coated her nipples in scented oil. His concern for her seemed genuine. How did he know she had more to give? She had to leave this planet and return to her old life and her child. How would she feel if she gave him everything? Relieved that she’d allowed a man to possess her completely for once in her life or horrified by her lack of control? Would she yearn to be back with him or be glad to have escaped? ~ within Chapter 6
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Kate, then please check out her website.
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