Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Feasted On: An Heir of Uncertainty by Alyssa Everett

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 462 KB | Release Date: March 10, 2014 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"An Heir of Uncertainty" by Alyssa Everett

Author's Book Description : Yorkshire, 1820

Lina, Lady Radbourne, thought being a countess would rescue her from poverty. Unfortunately, her young groom failed to plan for the future, and his drunken accident left her widowed and pregnant. Now Colonel Winstead Vaughan—Win—will inherit her late husband’s fortune...unless she gives birth to a boy. Win is her natural enemy, so why can’t she stop thinking about him?

Win is stunned to learn he stands to inherit a vast fortune. He’s even more surprised to find himself falling for the beautiful, spirited Lady Radbourne, who is the one woman who stands in the way of a life he’d only imagined.

When someone tries to poison Lady Radbourne, suspicion falls on Win. There’s a clever killer in their midst, and if Win doesn’t solve the mystery fast, Lina may perish. He needs to win her trust, but how can he prove it’s she he wants, and not the fortune?


My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, two strangers find themselves thrown together in this suspenseful historical romance! Lina & Win's romance was one that grows slowly but once they finally trust each other (and get over their pride) everything seems to work out for them. I enjoyed how these two work together to get through the allegations about them and to find who is out to kill them. It made for a suspenseful novel that was a little like "Whodunit?" because of how many twists that appear.

Yet even though the actual killer surprised me, and this novel kept my interest the whole way threw, I just wish that Lina and Win's romance had a little more spark or charm then it did. I mean I'm glad they got together and I understand their reasons for why they held back their feelings to each other when they did but it didn't flow well for me. Or I should say their relationship was very slow paced for a majority of the novel and then rushed threw it by the end, which made me kinda disappointed.

With that being said, I did enjoy the plot, all of the characters, and the twists. Therefore, I'd recommend this novel to anyone who likes suspenseful historical romances and/or are fans of Ms. Everett.

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : An Heir of Uncertainty - Excerpt

Book Teaser(s) :
Win was almost halfway to the abbey, striding in fuming silence alongside his brother, when Freddie broke the quiet. “Is something wrong?”
Win glanced sidelong at him. “Do you mean aside from my itching to throttle Lady Radbourne?”
“You’re itching to throttle Lady Radbourne?”
Win gestured with an emphatic jab of one hand in the direction of the dower house. “Well, wouldn’t you be angry if you were in my place?”
“I can’t say.” Freddie deliberated a moment, his forehead wrinkling. “What is it you’re angry about?”
“What is it I’m angry...?” Win sometimes had trouble believing Freddie inhabited the same world he did. “Didn’t you hear what Lady Radbourne said? She accused me of trying to poison her.”
Freddie’s eyes narrowed in confusion. “I thought she said she wasn’t accusing you.”
“Yes,” Win replied hotly, “and she also said I’m new to the neighborhood, I have the most to gain if any harm should come to her baby, and it’s only natural for my presence here to arouse suspicion.”
Freddie tilted his head to one side. “Isn’t all of that true?”
“What?” Win let out his breath in an angry huff. “Well...strictly speaking it may be accurate, but it’s not as if I go about menacing females. I’m not some cursed Bluebeard.”
“But you just said you were itching to throttle Lady Radbourne.”
Win rounded on his brother in exasperation. “For the love of God, Freddie, do you imagine I would really do such a thing? That was a figure of speech.”
“I did suspect you didn’t intend to follow through,” Freddie said, unfazed. “After all, you had an excellent opportunity to throttle her at the dower house just now, and you didn’t take it. You often say things you don’t mean. But then, you’re my brother, so I have a fair measure of confidence you’re no murderer.”
A fair measure. “Thank you. ~ within Chapter 5
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Alyssa, then please check out her website.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Made the Grade: Jersey Boys Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: 351 KB | Release Date: April 1, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition | Obtained: NetGalley

"More Than She Expected" [Jersey Boys Series, Book 2] by Karen Templeton

Author's Book Description : Laurel Kent has learned the hard way that the only person she can trust – aside from her slightly crazy grandmother – is herself. So when Tyler Noble, her too-cute-for-his-own-good next door neighbor, starts hovering like a sheepdog when he finds out she’s pregnant, she doesn’t dare let herself get used to the attention. Especially since Tyler’s made it more than clear he is so not a family man. And Laurel would rather raise her son by herself than in something fake, like her parents had...even if she does see all the good in Tyler he doesn’t yet see himself...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! A woman who has been unlucky in love finds herself in a tough situation yet plans to make it on her own by any means necessary, that is until her neighbor brings her into his life and family offering her support, friendship, and a little something more. Yet, will she be willing to take what he's offering no matter the circumstances?

Laurel & Ty turn out to be great friends, who just happen to fall in love. I really enjoyed the plot and how these two get to know each other. I especially liked that Ty took it upon himself to fix some of the things in Laurel's life that she didn't know how to or didn't know how to ask for. They made quite a pair.

Yet, when it came to their personal issues, I thought they could have fessed up about their feelings a bit sooner. If they did open up sooner it would have made the story flow better, I think. Since I really enjoyed how everything was going until Laurel gives birth to her son (Jonny), because not long after Ty & her have a falling out that I feel was unnecessary and basically throws off the rest of the novel. Therefore, even though I liked how this novel ends I had a hard time liking the characters by then. Good thing they redeem themselves...

Overall, I recommend this novel to anyone who is fans of the series (as it keeps you updated with the characters from book 1), fans of Ms. Templeton, and/or those who enjoy contemporary romances!

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

Author's Novel Extras : MORE THAN SHE EXPECTED - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : THE REAL MR. RIGHT - Overview & Excerpt

Book Teaser(s) :
"You don't date? Go out?" She gave him another look, her mouth twitching at the corners. "Hey. You're the one who said there's no line. So I'm curious why you're always home. Since you seem really nice," he pushed on. Because he was an idiot, for one thing, and it wasn't like he ever intended to make a move on the woman, for another. "And you're okay looking---"
She laughed again. "So much for thinking you were one of those charmer types."
"And you've got a really nice laugh---"
"Dude. Awesome last-minute save."
"Not to mention a pretty decent sense of humor."
"Why, thank you."
"You're welcome." He paused. "You think I'm a charmer?"
"I've seen you with your lady friends. From time to time. So, yeah. You definitely know how to work it."
"You've been spying on me?"
"Says the man who wonders why I'm always home."
"Touché." ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Karen, then please check out her website.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Disappointmentville: His Ring Is Not Enough by Maisey Yates

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 304 KB | Release Date: September 1, 2013 | Publisher: Harlequin Presents | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About @ Maisey Yates' Facebook Page

"His Ring Is Not Enough" by Maisey Yates

Author's Book Description : After “I do...”

Ajax Kouros had a plan. Being jilted at the altar? Not part of it—especially when facing a thousand guests and one hundred reporters. His company’s future depends on marrying a Holt, and when his bride’s sister steps up to the…altar, can he say no?

Leah Holt grew up watching her beautiful socialite sister hang on Ajax’s arm. Now she has the chance to stand in the spotlight and save her family’s fortune. But saying “I do” is only the beginning, and Leah soon realizes that the man she married is far more complex and distracting than the boy of her childhood fantasies....

My Book Review : 2 out of 5 stars, this novel is about a lost soul getting married to his fiancĂ©e’s sister because of a snafu that happens right before the wedding and them coming to terms with their new life together...

I was optimistic for this novel because I liked the previous novels I've read by Ms. Yates. Therefore, I was disappointed to find that I had a hard time enjoying this novel because I didn't feel there was a good connection between Ajax & Leah. I mean, yes, if you follow through with this novel you'll see how there relationship grows, while coming to terms with Ajax's past life. Yet, their relationship always felt one-sided right up until the last chapter (and epilogue), which was hard for me to enjoy.

Even though I didn't enjoy it, as I'd have liked, I did think the storyline was well thought out and unique. I recommend it for those who are fans of Ms. Yates and/or like contemporary romances!

Purchase This Book Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : An Accidental Birthright | Heir to a Desert Legacy

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Novel Extras : His Ring Is Not Enough - Overview & Excerpt | Year in Review, Next Year in Preview

Book Teaser(s) :
“Sorry, did you need something?”
“I forgot to mention that there is a charity event tonight Rachel and I planned on attending. Given the circumstances surrounding our marriage I’m certain the media will be there, and they will be waiting for the story.”
“You mean... we have to go to this?”
“Yes. If we miss it... if we miss it we’re inviting speculation. I will not give that to the public. I’ll not give it to Christofides.”
She put her hand on her forehead. “Oh, jeez.”
“Yes. Have you got a gown?”
“I have several. It’s a bad habit of mine, buying dresses that I don’t really have any reason to wear. Don’t judge. Everyone needs a hobby.”
“Well, in this case it seems it’s served us both well.”
“I suppose.”
He looked at her, and more specifically, at the way she wasn’t looking at him. Not really. Not the way she usually did. Usually when he looked at her, he saw the girl with sparkling eyes.
She looked different now. No glitter. Her face a bit more drawn, sculpted. And she seemed tired. He’d never seen her looking tired before. Leah was a woman of endless energy, at least she’d always seemed so to him. A constant sugar high that never seemed to end.
But it had ended sometime. She was so much harder now, but he hadn’t seen it till the past twenty-four hours.
“You will need to be ready by six.”
“Okay,” she said, not looking back up at him.
“And you will need to not look like you’re contemplating putting my head on a pike.”
“No guarantees, darling,” she said, her words carrying a razor-sharp edge.
“We’re supposed to be newlyweds.”
“We are newlyweds. Marriage is hard. First twelve hours is the hardest.” ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Maisey, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Disappointmentville: Feeling the Heat Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 852 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Release Date: February 10, 2014 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Catching Heat" [Feeling the Heat Series, Book 3] by Alison Packard

Author's Book Description : Feeling the Heat #3 – Life has taught Angie DeMarco that all baseball players are womanizers, and her incredible one-night stand with sexy San Francisco Blaze back-up catcher J.T. Sawyer seemed to prove it. Determined not to give in to their sizzling chemistry a second time, she’s kept her distance ever since, focusing on her accounting job with the team. But now she’s laid off…and pregnant.

J.T. was hurt by Angie’s rejection, but with one more year with the Blaze, he has no time for love. He needs to spend the off season training hard so he can negotiate a better contract with a new team at the end of the year. But when Angie shows up on his doorstep, he‘s overwhelmed by wanting to not just do right by her but pursue a relationship with her. Hoping for a second chance, he proposes.

Angie agrees to marry J.T. on one condition: the marriage will be purely a business arrangement. But as Angie spends time with him and his family, and J.T. neglects his training to spend time with her, what begins as a union in name only slowly grows into something more—something that looks a whole lot like love and friendship.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. Does love at first sight really happen? J. T. (James Taylor) & Angela (Angie) are going to prove the theory that it can happen, even if they don't originally believe in it.

Together this duo tries to come to terms with the curve ball they've been given and goes about dealing with it pretty badly. Angie has major issues with ballplayers, because of her father, and seems determined to take them out on J. T. Thankfully, after a while of them getting to know each other Angie's views/feelings change and she tries to make things work out between them.

Nevertheless, I felt that this novel dragged a lot. It especially dragged, for me, when it came to about the 50% mark (according to me kindle) and even though Angie finally agreed that J. T. is nothing like her dreadful father she still tries to not let things progress between them. Basically, it made me want to smack her and stop reading. Yet I force my way through and I'm glad I did, as I was intrigued with how Ms. Packard wrapped everything up between them.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this novel unless you're a fan of Ms. Packard and/or her series.

- On a side note -
• I really hated Angie's mother (Selena), it seems like she's an evil bitch. Even though she has her reasons to be that way.
• I'm also not that big of fan of J. T.'s older brother, Justin, even though he redeems himself at the end of the novel. It makes me curious as to what he'll decide to do about his career.

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

Author's Novel Extras : Catching Heat - Overview | CATCHING HEAT ~ A Preview and a Giveaway! | Catching Heat Virtual Book Tour

Author's Series Extras : Love in the Afternoon - Overview | The Winning Season - Overview | A Christmas for Carrie - Overview | The Latest from Alley! | The Call | My First Book Deal! | It’s Official | The Latest From Alley! | Love in the Afternoon – A Preview | The Next Big Thing Blog Hop | Cover Reveal ~ The Winning Season | One Crazy Summer | A Christmas for Carrie – Cover Reveal | A Christmas for Carrie – A Pre-Release Day Excerpt | Feeling the Heat aka My Series Finally Has a Name!


Book Teaser(s) :
Matt squinted. “Is that flop sweat on your forehead?”
J.T. wiped his brow and found it dry. He scowled as Jake laughed and Matt shot him an amused grin. “Do you have the rings?” he asked Jake.
Jake’s eyes widened. “Rings?”
“I gave them to you the night you came over for dinner,” he said as Jake furiously patted his jacket pockets. “Please do not tell me you forgot them.”
“I don’t think he has them,” Matt chimed in as Jake looked up with a stricken expression on his face.
“Son of a bitch.” J.T. kept his voice low and ran a hand through his hair. This was not the way to start off his marriage. “You’re the best man. That means you’re in charge of the rings.”
“See. This is why I should have been the best man.” Matt smirked. “I’d never forget the rings.”
“I had them this morning.” Jake stuck a hand in his pants pocket, then grinned. “Here they are,” he said and triumphantly held up the dark blue felt bag that held the simple white gold bands J.T. and Angie had picked out the day they’d applied for their marriage license.
Over Matt’s shoulder, J.T. saw his mother enter the room with the minister following close behind her. “It’s time,” he said as his heart began to pound.
“Are you sure about this?” Matt asked in a low voice.
No. I’m not sure of anything right now, J.T. wanted to say. But instead he looked at Matt, swallowed hard and nodded.
Matt clapped J.T.’s back with a firm hand. “Then relax, man. After winning the World Series, getting married is a breeze.”
Easy for him to say ~ within Chapter 10
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Alison, then please check out her website.

A Must Read For All Bloggers

A must read for all bloggers who post pictures on their blog. You can get sued. Read what happened to one author. It’s not pretty.

You CAN Get Sued For Using Pictures on Your Blog by Roni Loren

Monday, March 3, 2014

Blog Tour - Feasted On: Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck | Review & $200 “Princess” Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Rachel Hauck, with a review of "Princess Ever After!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from February 13 - March 6, 2014 | Giveaway ends on March 6, 2014 | Rachel's "Princess" Author Chat Party on Facebook is on March 6, 2014]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 353; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1148 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: February 4, 2014 | Publisher: Zondervan | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group

"Princess Ever After" [The Royal Wedding Series, Book 2] by Rachel Hauck

Author's Book Description : Regina Beswick never dreamed of faraway places. She’s happy with her life as a classic car mechanic and owner of a restoration shop.

But an unexpected visitor and the discovery of a fairytale, drawn by her great-grandma, causes Regina to wonder if she might be destined for something more.

Tanner Burkhardt, Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg, must convince the strong-willed Southerner, Miss Beswick, that she is his country’s long-lost princess. Failure could destroy his reputation and change his nation forever.

As Regina and Tanner face the challenges before them, neither are prepared for love to invade their hearts and change every thing they believe about themselves.

However, when a royal opponent nearly destroys Regina’s future, she must lean into God and trust He has sovereignly brought her to her true and final destiny.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Regina (Reggie) thought she had it all and was on the life path/career path that she was supposed to be on, that is until dashing Tanner comes into her life throwing her a curve ball that she is a princess. Now she needs to visit her great grandmothers home country in hopes of learning about this place that her Gram had to run away from and see if she can turn it around for the better. That is, if she finally decides to commit to being the Princess that everyone expects her to be....

Together, Reggie and Tanner make a great team! Tanner deals with Reggie's hesitation about her "new life" very calmly and helps guide her through all the new rough patches with ease. Plus, because of Reggie's determination, once she agrees to fulfill this part of her new path she really steps up to the plate! Add the fact that their attraction to each other is immediate and ignites very quickly into love, this is one story that wraps you up in it's fairytale and doesn't let go!

In addition, I also liked how Tanner's "big secret" was played out. It makes you like him as a character even more. Especially with the way, it's revealed to the reader and then how it's handled afterwards. Yet, it did make me really dislike his ex. =0/

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes Christian romantic fairytales!! =0)

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

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Jesus -- The Reason For the Season - December 2011

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

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Princess Ever After | Princess Ever After - Overview | Princess Ever After – Chapter 1 | Diary of a Writer: Starting A New Book | Diary of a Writer: The Lull... What To Do, What To Do! | Make 2014 An E-Year of E-Romance and E-Weddings | Author Chat Party with GREAT Prizes | My Own Thoughts On Princess Ever After


Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Once Upon a Prince | Pinterest: A March Bride | Once Upon a Prince - Overview | Once Upon a Prince - Discussion Guide | Once Upon a Prince - Sample Chapter | A March Bride - Overview | Diary of a Writer: New Season! | ACK! How many days since my last post... | Diary of a Writer: Deadline | Once Upon A Prince! | The Next Big Thing Blog Hop | Diary of a Writer: Break Off Disappointment! You Are Appointed. | Diary of a Writer: Whine, Whine, And Oh, By The Way, Here’s A Starred Review | Lori Twichell of Radiant Lit | Once Upon A Prince Release Day! | You’re Invited To My Book Launch Party! Y’all Come!

Author Book/Series Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
But the last boyfriend? A narcissistic zombie. Truly. ~ within Chapter 4
Reggie loved Mondays. They were like mini New Years four times a month. A chance for a fresh start, a do-over from last week's failures. Or even success. Monday was the day to renew personal pledges, reset goals, and charge at them wholeheartedly. ~ within Chapter 10
"Open the door." Tanner bent over the door, looking for the lock button.
Reggie inched the car forward. She'd waited too long to get out of here. "Tanner, back up, because I'm going."
"Open the door, you insane girl."
"Insane girl! Is that how you speak to your princess?" She powered forward, scattering the last lingering, daredevil photographers.
"Yes, when she acts like she's lost her last marble." Panic infused his words. "Open the door, Regina."
"I need to think." She gunned the car forward, laying on the horn again. A photographer with a death wish had stepped in front of her. "Maybe I have lost my last marble."
"I'm coming with you. We can search for the lost marble together." ~ within Chapter 16
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Rachel, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated "The Wedding Dress" and RITA nominated "Love Starts with Elle," part of the Lowcountry series, the Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel "Softly and Tenderly," was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004.

Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.

Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.





Giveaways!! :

Don't miss Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of her latest "swoon"-worthy romance, "Princess Ever After," with a fun $200 "Princess" prize package giveaway and a Facebook "Princess" party on March 6th. Grab your tiaras and RSVP today!

princessever-400-click

One winner will receive :

  • A $200 Visa cash card (buy your very own "princess ever after" gown or tanks of gas for your "royal" ride)
  • Copies of "Princess Ever After," "Once Upon a Prince," and "The Wedding Dress" by Rachel Hauck

To Enter : Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6th. Winner will be announced at the Rachel's "Princess" Facebook Party on March 6th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of "royal" book chat, princess-themed trivia, laughter, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next book in the Royal Wedding series!

So grab your copy of "Princess Ever After" and join Rachel and friends on the evening of March 6th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

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




Find Rachel Hauck :
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