From Me to You ... Video, Photography and Book Reviews

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Feasted On: Hometown Heroes Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 905 KB | Expected Release Date: June 16, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Bliss | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Taming the Country Star" [Hometown Heroes Series, Book 1] by Margo Bond Collins

Author's Book Description : He’ll do anything to win her heart. She’ll do anything to keep him away. Country star Cole Grayson is in town, and Kylie Andrews is less than thrilled.

As if months of changing the radio station and tearing down his posters weren’t bad enough, now she has to deal with a town of fans swarming toward the man who deceived her the year before. But when Kylie’s eyes meet Coles again, she cant deny the electric chemistry that drew her to him the first time around. Cole Grayson is on a mission. Ever since Kylie left him, he hasn’t been able to forget her sweet country smile.

After writing a song just for her, he sets off for her hometown to prove he’s not the player she thinks he is. But as much as Cole cant forget her, Kylie wonders if she can forgive him.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Cole & Kylie had a "fling" over a year ago while they were both on vacation, since then they haven't been able to get forget about their time together or how much they wish it could have turned into something more. Therefore, when Cole arrives in Kylie's town for his next performance he makes certain that he'll find a way to get them back together. When he sees her, again their connection is undeniable but will Kylie's past and her fear of repeating history ruin their reunion or will they find a way to overcome her concerns...

Together these two are able to reconnect and deal with their differences in a ways that make for such a fun sweet read. For such a quick read, I loved how this novel was able to fill the reader in about Kylie & Cole's shared past without loosing its flow. In addition, I like how determined Kylie was about not turning into her mother by taking her fears head on and after dealing with her brief panic over her concerns, she finds a way to deal with the rapid changes that go on in her life.

I just couldn't get enough of them. I can't wait to see where this series will go next and maybe (at some point) Kylie's friend LeeAnn will find her own "hometown hero" too!

I recommend this to anyone looking for a fun quick slightly erotic contemporary romance!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Fort Worth, Texas ~ Cowboy Charm: Springtime in the Country Blog Hop Giveaway

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

But her friend was no longer listening. Instead, she stared over Kylie’s shoulder toward the entrance. “It’s almost a hundred degrees outside,” she said. “So why is that guy all wrapped up in a serape?”
Turning to follow LeeAnn’s gaze, Kylie caught sight of a man standing outside the door, peering in. He was draped in a Mexican-style blanket, a dark-brown Stetson pulled low over the sunglasses covering his eyes. He balanced a carryout tray with two Starbucks coffee cups on it.
“Does he think he’s Clint Eastwood?” LeeAnn asked.
“Worse,” Kylie responded with a sigh. “He thinks he’s in disguise.” When her friend shot a puzzled look her direction, Kylie explained. “I’m pretty sure that’s Cole.” ~ within Chapter 4

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

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Rumspringa’s Hope by Beth Shriver | Spreading the Word & Kindle Fire Giveaway

"Rumspringa’s Hope"
[The Spirit of the Amish Series, Book 1] by Beth Shriver
Author's Book Description :

Torn between the affections of two men, will Emma's time away from home help her choose?

SERIES DESCRIPTION:

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

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

About the Author :

Childhood memories of her grandfather’s ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Her parents grew up in the country, so she appreciates pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She visits a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. And on the way home she stops at the community store to get some plum jam!

Beth received a degree in social work and psychology from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a caseworker for Boulder County Department of Social Services before starting a family. Beth and her husband, two children, along with two cats and a beagle live in Texas after moving from their first home in Colorado. She freelances for the local papers in her area and writes columns, devotionals for magazines, and novels in a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction.

Giveaways!! :

Don't miss the first book, "Rumspringa's Hope," book one of Beth Shriver's new Spirit of the Amish series.

Beth is celebrating the series launch with a Kindle Fire Giveaway!

One winner will receive :

A Kindle Fire
A copy of "Rumspringa's Hope" by Beth Shriver

To Enter : Enter today, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 22nd. Winner will be announced June 23rd on Beth's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Beth's blog on June 23rd to see if you won.

Find Beth Shriver :

Feasted On: Entwined Realms Series, Book 1.1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 172 KB | Release Date: June 9, 2014 | Publisher: Romantic Geek Publishing | Obtained: Danielle Monsch

"Stone Embrace" [Entwined Realms Series, Book 1.1] by Danielle Monsch

Author's Book Description : In the New Realms, Love can be the Most Dangerous Battle of All...

Terak has fought all enemies to claim Larissa. It does not matter his own Clan looks upon the union with misgivings. It does not matter her family see a monster when they see him.

It does not matter, because Larissa is his.

And any who would try to take her away? They will see what a Gargoyle will do to protect his mate.

*****
NOTE: "Stone Embrace" is not a complete story. It would best be described as an extended 30 page epilogue to the novel "Stone Guardian." You'll probably have the most enjoyment reading this story if you have read "Stone Guardian" and already know the characters and world of the Entwined Realms series.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A wonderful "epilogue" that proved why I love Larissa and Terak so much! It definitely got me excited again to see where this series will take us next!

I would definitely recommend this novella but ONLY if you've read "Stone Guardian," and hopefully liking it as much as I did!!

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

Post by Danielle Monsch.

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 Series Extras : Pinterest - Entwined Realms | Stone Guardian - Overview & Excerpt | COVER REVEAL! Stone Guardian – First book in my Entwined Realms series! | Sneak Peek and First Read – Stone Guardian | What’s next for the Entwined Realms?

Book Teaser(s) :

Even if he believed those two loved each other – and dammit, he did, he really did – that didn’t change the fact this was a bad match. Larissa was in danger by being with Terak, and as much as Larissa pushed to the side any objections to Terak being a gargoyle, that was no small difference.
But before him Jack saw the same look he was sure was on his face when he confronted Bill Campbell about marrying Laura – flinty determination and the willingness to set the world afire if that was what it took to accomplish his objective.
Bill Campbell was probably chortling in heaven even now, looking at his son-in-law being put through the same hell he’d given as a young man. ~ within Chapter 2

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

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

What was I thinking?: A Marsden Novel, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1215 KB | Release Date: July 17, 2014 | Publisher: Kensington Books : eKensington | Obtained: NetGalley

"Picture This" [A Marsden Novel, Book 2] by Jayne Denker

What was I thinking? : I've been interested in reading about "celebrities" falling in love with "normal people" lately. So, once I read the Author's Book Description I thought this was going to be right up my alley. Yet, even though the plot was what I wanted, in some ways, the main characters were annoying when it came to how they expressed their feelings for each other that after a while they ruined my enjoyment of it.

Author's Book Description : It’s where everyone knows your business—and remembers everything you’d rather forget. But somehow the little Catskills town of Marsden draws the most unlikely people back home, turns their lives every which way, and helps them finally figure out what—and who—they want most...

As a celebrity photographer’s assistant, Celia Marshall is used to seeing all kinds of weird antics. But subbing as the model in irrepressible movie star Niall Crenshaw’s latest endorsement ad—while wearing his silk boxers, no less—is definitely not in her job description. Neither is falling for him, especially since he’s dating his latest co-star. To complicate things further, Celia is returning to Marsden to keep an eye on her eccentric grandmother—and Niall is driving her there, then staying to judge a talent contest...

Soon Celia is pulled in a dozen different directions, trying to get her grandmother to act her age, placating her frantic former boss who’s organizing the contest—and attempting to stay away from funny, sexy Niall. Celia’s always been level headed, but suddenly she’s wishing she could get reckless right along with him. Has the time come for sensible Celia to cut loose?...

My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars. I really tried to like this novel; the beginning was good yet from the halfway point until the end I had to push through it. There were just SOO many second-guesses by Celia and Niall that all I really wanted to do was shake some sense into them most of the way through. Thankfully, some of the secondary characters (like Nora and Holly) and Neil's comedic timing were entertaining.

I couldn't see how this was a Rom-Com, as I found it more to be a Dramedy being heavy on the drama and indecisive characters.

Overall, I wasn't a fan of this novel so I don't recommend it.

Nevertheless, if you were a fan of "Down on Love," book 1 of this series, and/or enjoy Dramedies then you'll like this novel.

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

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Picture This - Marsden, NY | So This Is Happening...Time to Go Back to Marsden!

"You mean it's going to take longer than just this weekend?" Niall couldn't keep the disappointment out of his voice.
Celia actually smiled, though her eyes were watery. "Gran's pretty darn stubborn."
"Imagine that."
"What are you implying?"
"Nothing! Nothing. I am saying absolutely nothing about certain traits running in the family. So . . . Vic's okay with it, right?"
She shrugged. "He told me not to expect him to hold my job for me if I'm gone for more than a week."
"Dick."
"He's got a business to run."
"What did you tell him?"
"That if there wasn't a job for me at his place when I got back, I'd get a better job as a leg model."
Niall laughed heartily. "Atta girl." ~ within Chapter 6

"Tell me you love me."
"Dude . . ."
"Say it, or I'm not telling you the good news. Say, 'Trent, I love you. You are the most amazing personal assistant anyone could ever have. I'm doubling your salary.'"
"Trent, you are the most annoying person on the planet, and if you don't tell me right now, you're fired."
"Empty threat. I have the advantage."
"Come on---!" ~ within Chapter 20

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

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.

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