Made the Grade: Dundee, Idaho Series, Book 8

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 1127 KB | Release Date: March 17, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin MIRA | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About @ Brenda Novak's Newsletter

"Coulda Been A Cowboy" [Dundee, Idaho Series, Book 8] by Brenda Novak

Author's Book Description : Grandpa Garnier used to say: Love is like a bucking bronco. It takes guts and determination to hang on, but it’s worth the ride.

If only Grandpa was around now to help Tyson Garnier out of this mess. The famous pro football player is suddenly saddled with a very public scandal–and an illegitimate child. Tyson needs a good nanny now if he’s going to salvage his career. And plain, no-nonsense Dakota Brown is the ideal candidate.

Dakota doesn’t care for football–or for a man who doesn’t seem to want his own son. But she needs this job and that precious little baby needs her.

Dakota isn’t Tyson’s kind of woman. But the more he sees of her—and the more he sees of his son—the harder he wants to hang on.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Tyson's life is falling apart. That's why he takes up his friend's offer to stay at his Idaho home for 8 weeks to recover from his knee injury and come to terms with what he has to do now that he's decided to raise his nine-month-old son. Yet because of his reluctance to get to know his son Tyson hires Dakota as a nanny, and as the days pass finds her more invaluable then ever ... in more ways then one.

This is an intense novel about betrayal, family loyalty, the multitude of love, and finding out who you are as a person while trying to become a better version of yourself. I really liked Dakota and Tyson's ever-growing relationship. They are snarky with each other but once they get to know one another they find that because of the routine they've created they really don't want to loose it, yet they both fear about loosing themselves in the process as they've grown up with bad examples of love.

I can't say I was a fan of how this novel flows, as I thought it dragged in the middle. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed how this novel wraps everything up, even if Tyson is a bit dense.

I recommend this novel to those who are fans of Ms. Novak and/or like contemporary romances!

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : When We Touch | The Bastard / Honor Bound

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

Author's Novel Extras : Coulda Been A Cowboy - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Dundee, Idaho Series - Overview | A Baby of Her Own - Overview & Excerpt | A Husband of Her Own - Overview & Excerpt | A Family of Her Own - Overview & Excerpt | A Home of Her Own - Overview & Excerpt | Stranger in Town - Overview & Excerpt | Big Girls Don’t Cry - Overview & Excerpt | The Other Woman - Overview & Excerpt | “A Dundee Christmas” in the That Christmas Feeling Anthology - Excerpt | “A Dundee Christmas” in the Be Mine At Christmas Anthology - Overview | Dundee, Idaho series now on ebook at a great price! | 3 Christmas Stories in 1! Order Today!

Book Teaser(s) :

“Are you enjoying the baby?”
Dakota took Braden, who was starting to cry, from the cart. “Very much!”
The babe quieted immediately. “Ba...ba...ba...ba,” he cooed and nearly broke her nose with his eagerness to give her another wet kiss.
Gabe laughed at the collision. “That kid keeps growing, he’ll be a lineman someday.”
Dakota hugged Braden close. She loved his chubby body, especially the soft rolls at his thighs and the place where he would one day grow a wrist. “He’s in the ninety-ninth percentile for height and the eighty-seventh percentile for weight. I looked it up on the Internet.”
“Sounds like Paul Bunyan’s kid to me.”
She brushed her lips across Braden’s temple, enjoying the scent of his shampoo. “It’s not as if his father is small. Tyson’s at least six-four, isn’t he?”
“Around there.”
“And Braden’s going to be every bit as handsome.” ~ within Chapter 5

“DAKOTA, CALL THE POLICE!”
Wrestling with the last vestiges of sleep, Dakota opened her eyes and blinked at the ceiling. At first she felt a little disoriented—she could hear Braden and her father, so it took a minute for it all to fit into place. Then she realized she was home, in her old room. She could tell by the water damage in the corner, which ran down the wall.
“Dakota?” Her father again. It was his bellowing that had awakened her.
“What?” she called back.
“There’s a strange man and a baby in our house.”
She rubbed her face. No need for alarm. Her father was just being rude to Tyson. “Lighten up, Dad,” she shouted.
“Okay, the baby can stay but the man has to go.”
“You’re real hospitable, you know that?” Dakota heard Tyson say. ~ within Chapter 16

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

Disappointmentville: Girls Night Out Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 318 KB | Expected Release Date: June 11, 2012 | Publisher: Shooting Star Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Harvester" [Girls Night Out Series, Book 1] by Lynn Crain

Author's Book Description : Princess Sky Xera Nerezsh came to earth to avoid the normal succession path to the throne. Being the oldest daughter, she will be required to murder her mother in order to secure her path to power. Sky loves her mother and refuses this path, choosing instead to disappear in the vast reaches of space.

When her past collides with her present, she has to think quick on her feet, claim two men and a whole planet just to avoid the inevitable: a meeting with her mother. Along the way, she discovers true love and a burning need to be there for them always. Now if the other Harvesters can just keep to themselves, they’ll have no problems. But who said true love was ever easy.

NOTE: This is an erotic menagé novel with EXPLICIT language and adult situations.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. A creative erotic sci-fi romance! I was really intrigued with this novel’s buildup, as it reminded me a bit of Ms. Brooks' "Slave," book 1 in her Cat Star Chronicles. In addition, because of how protective Sky was in this novel, especially in the beginning, I couldn't help but think of the, "Come with me if you want to live," saying from the Terminator movies.

However, once Sky and her men get to the "big fight scene" I found it falling short of what I thought was going to be a good part of this novel. I understand that it was probably because it's the first novel in its series. However, I found this novel was mostly sex scenes (very hot ones!) and background dialogue that builds up to what should be coming up in the series.

Nevertheless because of its potential and because I really liked the beginning, I recommend this novel to those who like erotic m/m/f sci-fi romances.

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

Author's Novel Extras : Heck...It’s Thursday Already! | Latest News | Lynn's Random News | The First Six Months | My First Six Sentence Sunday | My Second Six | July Sales Update or SHOW ME THE MONEY! | The Harvester's Last Six | Sneak Peek Sunday ~ The Harvester ~ @oddlynn3 #SPeekSunday | The Harvester ~ MFRW Book Hook ~ @oddlynn3 #MFRWhooks #LynnCrain | Doing Sexy ~ @oddlynn3 #MSS43 #Saturday7 #LynnCrain | Sexy Once Again ~ @oddlynn3 #Saturday7 #MSS44 #LynnCrain


Book Teaser(s) :

"Are all the women of your world beautiful?"
Sky frowned. "Pretty much. We all come from basically the same genetic pool with few exceptions I'm told."
"Oh, who are these fine specimens?" her sister purred.
Sky threw her sister a nasty look. "Mine. Now keep your hands off them."
"Aren't we a bitchy girl anymore?"
"Always was when you wanted to play with my things."
"Ouch." Her sister gave a pout. ~ within Chapter 13

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

Disappointmentville: Half-Life Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 1774 KB | Release Date: May 29, 2014 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Three Nights with a Rock Star" [Half-Life Series, Book 1] by Amber Lin & Shari Slade

Authors' Book Description : When Hailey crashes a Half-Life after party, she expects to find the bastard who knocked up her little sister. Instead she meets the sexy front-man who agrees to give her access to his crew if she gives him access to her body.

All Lock demands in return is three days of complete control over the Sunday School teacher. With a contract, because he’s been burned before. One misstep could send the band—and his tenuous sobriety—up in flames.

Hailey and Lock push each other’s limits... Against the penthouse window. Backstage. In the limo and on the elevator. But as the contract counts down, neither are ready for the party to end.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. This novel wasn't what I suspected. Even though I liked the second storyline, even though I liked Lock & Hailey together, even though I was surprised by the threesome twist, I rated this because I found the ending to be a flop. It needs to have more then it does before the epilogue starts.

Yet, I still recommend it to those who like rock and roll erotic romances!

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

Authors' Novel Extras : Pinterest: Three Nights with a Rock Star | Welcome to the First Kiss hop! Introducing my new rockstar series... | Waiting in the Wings | Cover Reveal for Three Nights with a Rock Star | Three Nights with a Rock Star – An Excerpt | Three Nights with a Rock Star is out now!!! | Three Nights with a Rock Star is out now!


Book Teaser(s) :

Taking a fortifying breath, she read the rest of the contract. No monies will be exchanged. So she wasn’t going to get paid for having sex with him— should she be grateful she wasn’t sacrificing her morals?
Or offended she didn’t warrant a tip?
She might be going mad. This was all some weird, gritty Alice in Wonderland. She’d fallen down the hole, into a land where grinning cats led her up elevators and mad hatters invited her to share a Coke. Off with her head, the Queen of Hearts would say, and God. God. She was so screwed. ~ within Chapter 4

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Amber & Shari, then please check out their websites: Amber's website & Shari's website.

Blog Tour - Idolizing In: A Season of Change by Lynette Sowell | Review & Kindle HDX Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Lynette Sowell, with a review of "A Season of Change," which is the 1st book in her Seasons of Pinecraft Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from May 27 - June 12, 2014 | Giveaway ends on June 12, 2014 | Lynette's "A Season of Change" Author Chat Party on Facebook is on June 12, 2014]

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 322; Kindle Edition - File Size: 2866 KB | Expected Release Date: May 20, 2014 | Publisher: Abingdon Press | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group

"A Season of Change" [Seasons of Pinecraft Series, Book 1] by Lynette Sowell

Author's Book Description : An Amish widower finds love in unexpected places

Amish widower Jacob Miller believes it was a mistake to visit the Amish village of Pinecraft for winter vacation, especially after his daughter is struck by a car. Stranded in Sarasota until his daughter recovers, Jacob grows increasingly wary of events that unfold in his unfamiliar surroundings—including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett.

Natalie never thought her circus career as an aerial silks artist would end with a blown-out knee at the age of 25. She also never knew her late mother had a secret—that she was once Amish.

When Natalie meets the Millers at the Sarasota hospital, she is attracted to their warm hospitality and simple ways—and soon wonders if they can help her find her mother’s family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures?

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! This engaging novel will win you over with it's compelling story, about what your faith really means to you and what you're willing to change about yourself or possibly give up so you can openly love the person your falling for. I really liked how this novel gives you a different look into Amish romance while being as accurate, as can be, about some of the struggles that the Amish have to deal with if they happen to fall in love with someone not of their religion.

I really LOVED all of the characters, even Betsy though she annoyed me at times. Jacob is a nice man who is going through a very hard time, from his wife and baby dying to his daughter getting hurt, so it's the perfect time when Natalie comes into his family's lives. While Natalie is struggling about finding out who she truly is and where she belongs, Jacob and his family make her feel whole and give her life a purpose she never knew she was missing. Together Jacob and Natalie are a perfect pair, if they can over come the judgments that surround them by living in "different worlds."

The only thing that this novel is missing was an epilogue. Because of that I hope Jacob and Natalie will be secondary characters within book 2 of this series, "A Path Made Plain," so I can find out how their doing. =0)

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who enjoys Amish romances!

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

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: A Season of Change: Seasons in Pinecraft, Book 1 | A Season Of Change - Overview | But I’m Not An Amish Widower!


Author's Series Extras : Welcome to Pinecraft, Florida 34278

Book Teaser(s) :

“We’ve been praying for her. I suppose you’ll be heading back to the hospital later?”
“Yes, I am.” This time he wouldn’t go alone. If Betsy were to happen back to the hospital, he wouldn’t face her by himself. Also, if Natalie Bennett came back, too, in her pink pants with hems skimming her shins, and her long hair swished as she talked.
Like the women of his Order, Natalie Bennett wore her hair long, but unlike the women in his Order, she wore it down, the walnut-colored strands of silk flowing past her shoulders. Rebecca’s face glowed when Natalie had entered the room. Miss Bennett. He reminded himself of her proper name. Even Bubbles the Clown would do. ~ within Chapter 3

“I think you should know something. My family lives but one county over from your grandmother, in Tuscarawas County, not far from the Sugarcreek area.” Rachel adjusted her kapp and gave Natalie a pointed look.
“I didn’t know that. I’m not big on Ohio geography.”
“Well,” Rachel said as she picked up her house key, “if you go to Ohio, you must let me know. I have some of the children’s things to return to them. Clothing, before it’s outgrown.”
“I . . . I’m not sure if I should—”
“Humor an old woman. We Amish honor our elders and listen to them.” Rachel poked Natalie’s shoulder.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll let you know when I go. Maybe you’d like to ride along with me?”
“Oh, no. Not at all.”
Natalie followed Rachel back into the sunshine. “You’re sure?”
“Pinecraft is my home. I don’t need to travel hither and yon.”
“Well, if I go to Ohio, I will make sure I deliver whatever it is the children have left behind.” ~ within Chapter 22

Could he follow the adage, What happens in Pinecraft, stays in Pinecraft? He’d heard the saying before, which mimicked the Englisch saying about the city of Las Vegas, nicknamed by the Englisch themselves as “sin city.” ~ within Chapter 27

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

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About the Author :

Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of over 15 titles for Barbour Publishing, Harlequin, and Abingdon Press. Lynette was born in Western Massachusetts in the shadow of the Berkshire Mountains, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip. When she's not writing fiction, she works as a reporter for her city newspaper and has a weekly column called My Front Porch.

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Giveaways!! :

In "A Season of Change," book one of Lynette Sowell's new series, Seasons of Pinecraft, readers will discover a different side of the Amish community. "A Season of Change" follows Natalie and Amish widower Jacob Miller as they each discover the mysterious ways God works. Inspired by the image of a Plain woman sitting on a three-wheeled bicycle by the Pinecraft (an Amish community in Florida) post office, Sowell’s latest is a new take on the popular trend in fiction.

Lynette is celebrating with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on June 12th.


One winner will receive :

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A copy of "Season of Change" by Lynette Sowell

To Enter : Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Season of Change" Facebook author chat party on June 12th. Connect with Lynette for an evening of fun book chat, Amish-themed trivia, and prizes. Lynette will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the Seasons of Pinecraft series!

So grab your copy of "A Season of Change" and join Lynette on the evening of June 12th 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!)

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

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

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Find Lynette Sowell :

• Lynette Sowell - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook Page
• Pinterest
• Goodreads

Made the Grade: Ransom Brothers Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 2883 KB | Expected Release Date: April 27, 2014 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"Ransom" [Ransom Brothers Series, Book 1] by Rachel Schurig

Author's Book Description : **The first book in a brand new series from USA Today bestselling author Rachel Schurig. This New Adult Contemporary Romance novel is a complete story with no cliffhanger.**

Daisy Harris has no reason to suspect that her day will be any different than usual. She’ll go to class, alone. She won’t speak or make eye contact. She’ll spend her entire day doing her best to go completely unnoticed. That’s what life is like for Daisy now—an endless cycle of loneliness and fear. A life lived hiding behind the walls she so faithfully maintains.

Then she sees it. A magazine, left behind in class. A simple picture—just his face. And it changes everything.

It’s been a year since she’s seen Daltrey Ransome. A year since he and his brothers left town to pursue their dreams of rock and roll superstardom. A year since he left Daisy behind—left her to watch as everything she knew crumbled around her. She’s been running from Daltrey ever since, desperate to keep her secret.

But she can’t run anymore. And now that Daltrey has found her—the girl he’s loved his entire life, the girl he’d give up everything for—he’s determined never to let her go again.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. I don't know what to say. I know I liked this novel. I liked Daisy and Daltrey, their friendship and their growing relationship. And I really thought this was a good setup to this new series. Plus, I liked Daisy's new friends and Daltrey's family.

With that being said it was hard for me to like the plot, since even though I was rooting for Daisy and Daltrey's relationship the whole way through, I completely agree with what Levi was saying about Daltrey. He was saying that Daltrey should have gone after Daisy from the moment he thought something might have been wrong if he really has been in love with her for as long as he says he was. So, when the troubles came between them (as it does in most romances) it made me not enjoy the novel as much as I was previously because I wish Daltrey behaved differently.

Nevertheless, I recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes rock and roll contemporary romances!

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Lovestruck in London

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

Author's Novel Extras : Ransom | Ransom is here!


Book Teaser(s) :

"We do not need those," Karen says, crossing her arms and giving Paige a stern look. "I mean it. Put them down."
Paige pouts in the middle of the aisle. "Why not?"
I stifle a giggle at the look on Karen's face.
"Why in the world would we need balloons, Paige? Seriously, give me one probable scenario in which a balloon would be necessary over the course of this trip."
Paige thinks for a moment. I'm glad we decided to make this shopping run late at night, though the timing was due to Karen having to work the night shift at the grocery store. Wal-Mart is fairly empty right now, which prevents us from receiving the kind of attention we'd be getting otherwise.
We've spent the last hour picking out snacks and supplies for our road trip. Or rather, Karen and I have been picking out snacks and supplies. Paige has been choosing increasingly ridiculous items that she deems essential for fun on the trip. While Karen has been trying to ensure we'll have the necessities, such as coffee and tampons, Paige has picked up pretty much every shiny, pink, or noise-making item in the vicinity.
"Well, what if we meet new friends waiting in line for one of the shows?" Paige asks. "And we end up staying in the same hotel as them. And then one of them has a birthday. We would want to decorate their hotel room door, wouldn't we?" She grins and holds up the plastic bag. "Thus, balloons!"
I'm pretty sure Karen's head is about to explode. ~ within Chapter 9 - titled 'Daisy'

"Holy crap," Paige says. "Did you know this place was actually on the beach?"
"I didn't even know New Hampshire had beaches," I say. "New Hampshire touches the ocean?"
"Could have fooled me," Paige says.
Karen sighs. "Seriously, you guys? Of course New Hampshire touches the ocean. And why did you not figure this out from the name of the town---Hampton Beach?"
Paige smiles sheepishly. "I thought it was, like, just a name."
I burst out laughing. The entire situation strikes me as completely hilarious---how cold and pissed Karen looks, the fact that it's only eight in the morning and the line is already stretched down the building, the idea of sitting out here all day in the cold with the wind and salt from the ocean only a stone's throw away. And, of course, Paige's and my complete inadequacies in the area of U.S. geography. ~ within Chapter 15 - titled 'Daisy'

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