Feasted On: The Men of Lancaster County Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 352; Kindle Edition - File Size: 909 KB | Expected Release Date: August 1, 2014 | Publisher: Harvest House Publishers | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Amish Blacksmith" [The Men of Lancaster County Series, Book 2] by Mindy Starns Clark & Susan Meissner

Authors' Book Description : New from bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner, "The Amish Blacksmith" (Book 2 in The Men of Lancaster County series) explores the men of an Amish community in Lancaster County, how their Amish beliefs play out in their unique roles, and the women who change their lives.

Apprenticed blacksmith Jake Miller is skeptical of Priscilla Kinsinger’s innate ability to soothe troubled horses, especially when he has own ideas on how to calm them. Six years earlier, Priscilla’s mother died in an awful accident at home, and Priscilla’s grief over losing her mother was so intense that she was sent to live with relatives in Indiana. She has just returned to Lancaster County.

Not that her homecoming matters to Jake, who is interested in courting lighthearted Amanda Shetler. But Jake’s boss is Priscilla’s uncle, and when the man asks Jake to help his niece reconnect with community life, he has no choice but to do just that. Surprisingly, he finds himself slowly drawn to the beautiful but emotionally wounded Priscilla.

Jake then determines to prove to her that it’s not her fault her mother died, but what he discovers will challenge everything they both believe about the depth of love and the breadth of forgiveness.

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars. A heartwarming novel about an Amish blacksmith who feels he has everything he ever dreamed of and is on the path that God wants him to be on, that is until a girl--now woman--from his past shows up and throws his beliefs into question. Jake & Priscilla are a great pair. Together they are able to challenge each other into becoming who they are meant to be without fear of being mocked for being different then the norm.

I truly enjoyed this novel. For being a single POV, from Jake's perspective, I really liked how the reader enters his world in a way that makes you feel like you're a part of his life while feeling like it's a diary of sorts too. In addition, it was intriguing to watch how both Priscilla & Jake grow, as well as trying to solve the mystery that is Priscilla throughout this novel. At times though this novel was to slow for me and was hard for me to understand why Jake acted so dense. Yet, I'm happy with how everything plays out in the end.

I recommend this novel and series to anyone fond of Amish and/or Christian romances!

-- On a side note --
I never read book one of this series and I never got lost, as this one is enough of a standalone novel that I didn't felt left out.

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

Authors' Series Extras : Mindy's research and learn more about the Amish | Mindy and several other authors regularly blog about the Amish | The Amish Groom - Overview & Trailer

Book Teaser(s) :

"I'm sure the horses will remember you," I offered, once again trying to ease an awkward moment. "I mean, the ones that were here back then."
In response, Priscilla gave me a look I could only describe as curious. "Think so?"
For a moment, it almost felt like the old Priscilla and the old Jake, just talking about horses as usual, as if not a day had passed.
"Of course. You spent enough time with them."
"Ya," she replied, her expression growing unreadable. "So did you." ~ within PART ONE : Chapter 2

Leaning forward, I propped my elbows on the fence and placed on foot on the lower rail. "So how come I'm not allowed to go near your horse, but you can use mine as your own personal party date?"
She smiled, though I couldn't quite tell if it was meant for me or for Willow. "It's not my fault your horse if a far better conversationalist than anyone I've met at this party thus far."
"I thought you told me animals can't talk."
"Exactly."
I chuckled. ~ within PART ONE : Chapter 12

Post by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews.

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

Feasted On: The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 10

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 416; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1217 KB | Expected Release Date: July 1, 2014 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"Rebel" [The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 10] by Cheryl Brooks (aka Samantha R. Michaels)

Author's Book Description : He helped to find her kidnapped friends. Will he let her steal his heart?

Kimcasha has lived by her wits since she lost her family when she was ten years old. So when three of her friends vanish, she has no qualms about using herself as kidnapper's bait, until a stranger foils her plot...

After ten years of selling his services in a brothel, Onca has decided to retire. A refugee of planet Zetith, he has no family, no surname, and no woman—until he rescues a young homeless girl from a kidnapper.

Onca helps Kim find her friends, but as their intense attraction deepens, he begins feeling too jaded for someone so innocent. It's up to Kim to convince him otherwise...

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! I LOVE this series, always have and I don't believe I'll ever stop. However, even though it has the typical erotica and intrigue that you'd find in this series, I found this novel to be more heartwarming and sweet then its predecessors. Onca's story is one that makes you fall in love with this softhearted man just as quickly as Kim does. Their fast-paced romance was enticing to read about while they battle to save Kim's friends and bring down a corrupt system.

Not only were Kim & Onca fun to read about, but also I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know more about Onca's friends and his home computer while being caught up on what was happening to the previous leads in this series!!

I hope to read more from this series and/or possibly read a spin-off series, as these characters have always been entertaining and fun to read about. Yet, if this is to be the last novel in this series, as I've heard rumors of it being, I really liked how it all wrapped up. I do wish there was more yet I'm not sure if I'd ever get enough. Nevertheless, this novel has made me interested in Valkyrie and "the clones" making me wish there was a novel about them too.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel and series to anyone who is a fan of Ms. Brooks and/or enjoys paranormal erotic romances!

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 4 | Book 8 | Book 7 | Book 9

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : End of the year 2010 Update | "Waiting On" Wednesday: Stud | Liebster Blog Award - 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Teaser Tuesdays: Wildcat | The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Novel Extras : What's in a name? | Thursday Thoughts | A bit bleary-eyed at the moment... | Just wanted to share... | Monday, Monday... | The Call is only the beginning... | Cowboys, Aliens, and Rebels... Oh, My!!!! | Final Rebel Cover! | RAGT 14 Goodie Bag Giveaway! by Cheryl Brooks

Author's Series Extras : The Cat Star Chronicles Blog Tours | Beginnings and Endings | Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate, and...Recover? | Hot, Hot, HOT? | Let it snow? | Wildcat Launch Party and Giveaway!


Book Teaser(s) :

"Oh, I don't live in here," Rashe said. "I've got a house out back. You'll be safer there."
"But I didn't see a house..."
"You wouldn't." Rashe grinned. "That's why it's so safe."
Having just gotten out of an invisible speeder, Kim shouldn't have been surprised. "It's cloaked."
He nodded. "Lift that flap over there and you'll see what I mean."
Kim found a break in the leather and pushed it aside to reveal a standard-sized door that certainly wouldn't have admitted a Darconian.
"I'll let you in the other way, Ganyn," he said. "Just don't let anyone see you. We need to get that speeder inside too."
Kim had no idea how he planned to do that and didn't bother to ask. "This is getting weirder all the time." ~ within Chapter 21

Post by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews.

~ within Chapter 33

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

Feasted On: Brides of Amish Country Series, Book 11

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: 333 KB | Expected Release Date: July 15, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : Love Inspired | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Amish Nanny" [Brides of Amish Country Series, Book 11] by Patricia Davids

Author's Book Description : A Family in Need

A reclusive Amish logger, Ethan Gingerich is more confortable around his draft horses than the orphaned niece and nephew he's taken in. Yet he's determined to provide the children with a good, loving home. The little ones, including a defiant eight-year-old, need a proper nanny. But when Ethan hires shy Amishwoman Clara Barkman, he never expects her temporary position to have such a lasting hold on all of them. Now this man of a few words must convince Clara she's found her forever home and family.

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!! Three Amish children, loose their parents in a freak lightening accident, move into their Uncle's home and with the help of their Amish nanny they become a family again. It's a sweet story about redemption, love, and the meaning of family.

Clara and Ethan are cute pair that help each other overcome their past heartaches and fears while embracing new futures for themselves. I enjoyed reading about these characters, especially Ethan's niece and nephews. In addition, I liked the plot and ending, yet I wish that the secondary plot that brings them together at the end was completed instead of being left hanging. Since I believe, I would have liked to read about their united front against Ethan's Aunts.

Overall, though, I do recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of this series, a fan of Ms. Davids', and/or to those who like Amish romances!

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

Author's Novel Extras : The Amish Nanny - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Brides of Amish Country series - Overview | Katie's Redemption - Overview & Excerpt | The Doctor's Blessing - Overview & Excerpt | An Amish Christmas - Overview & Excerpt | The Farmer Next Door - Overview & Excerpt | The Christmas Quilt - Overview & Excerpt | A Home for Hannah - Overview & Excerpt | A Hope Springs Christmas - Overview & Excerpt | Plain Admirer - Overview & Excerpt | Amish Christmas Joy - Overview & Excerpt | The Shepherd's Bride - Overview & Excerpt | Why the popularity of Amish books? | Hope Springs, a place for Amish romance. | A Career Highpoint | USA Today Bestseller List, December 5, 2013 | The Things I Do For Research.

Book Teaser(s) :

"That sure smells goot." Amos came into the room with a hopeful expression.
"Would you like a slice of hot bread?"
His eyes brightened. "With church spread on it? That's how Mamm used to fix it."
She dumped the loaves on the counter and wiped the sweat from her brow with her sleeve. "Yum. Peanut butter and marshmallow crème all melted and gooey on fresh hot bread. That sounds perfect. Why don't you go tell Micah to come down and we'll all have some."
Amos darted for the stairs. "Micah! We're having church spread on hot bread!"
Clara smiled at his enthusiasm. She sliced the bread, put it on plates and began mixing the ingredients for the treat. Lily came in and climbed onto her chair. She propped her chin in her hands. "What's the matter, Lily? Don't you like church spread?"
"I do, but this is going to make more dirty dishes to wash."
Clara laughed out loud. "I will do them." ~ within Chapter 5

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

Feasted On: Unintentional Virgin by A. J. Bennett

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 203; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1025 KB | Expected Release Date: December 4, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"Unintentional Virgin" by A. J. Bennett

Author's Book Description : *Mature teens due to sexual content and language.

Karma Points is cursed. Cursed with a stupid name and the inability to lose her virginity. She's determined to lose her virginity before she turns twenty if it's the last thing she does.

One night, her good friend Eva brings her to an underground club where Karma meets a tattooed bouncer. He’s far from the clean-cut type she normally falls for, which makes her think this might finally be the night she crosses the threshold of womanhood.

Excited, she goes home with the bouncer named Jax and as always, her dreams crash down once again. Jax cannot believe she is willing to give away her virginity to a stranger she met at a club. As the only son with five sisters and a widowed mom, he can't morally go through with it, even though he's never been more tempted in his life.

Unwilling to let her walk away he strikes a deal. Karma has to spend three weeks dating him and then decide if she wants to have sex or walk away.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A girl grows into her "womanhood" after meeting a man who shows her how beautiful and special he believes she is. This is a scorching novel in its intensity and drive to bring these two characters together and prove to themselves that what they have between them is more then an illusion of misplaced lust ... it could even be love.

When you read this novel, you cannot help but want Jax & Karma to get together for good!! They even each other out and their feelings for each other are undeniable.

In addition, I loved all of the secondary characters, but Karma's dads the most!

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary NA romances!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Cover Reveal Coming Soon! | Unintentional Virgin (New Release)

Book Teaser(s) :

Karma groaned and laid her head on the armrest. "You might as well know the truth. Your friend is a total loser."
"You're not a total loser, Karma. What, are you waiting till you get married?" Eva raised an eyebrow.
"Hell no! I just can't get a guy to have sex with me."
Eva laughed so hard she looked like she was going to fall off the chair. ~ within Chapter 2

Post by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews.

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

Made the Grade: Highland Secrets Trilogy, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 228; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1114 KB | Expected Release Date: June 3, 2014 | Publisher: Paper Dragon Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Fae Ring" [Highland Secrets Trilogy, Book 2] by C. A. Szarek

Author's Book Description : Book Two in the time travel, fantasy romance trilogy, Highland Secrets!

She’s always been a dutiful daughter...

Janet MacLeod has spent the last ten years dedicated to her clan, acting as the Lady of the castle—at the cost of her own happiness.

She aches every time she looks at her brothers, both happy with their wives, and wants nothing more than a love of her own.

He’s a broken soldier...

Xander, a former Fae Warrior, sacrificed his wings and magic to live in the Human Realm and became a traitor to his people.

When he finds Janet forlorn on the beach, Xander gives her a ring he’s had since childhood, not realizing it’ll reveal her as his fated mate.

The ring’s magic activates the Faery Stones, and Janet is sucked into the Fae Realm. Her life is in immediate danger, for the Fae sense—and seek to destroy—any human who dares step into their world.

Xander is the only one who can retrieve her, but he too, wears a target.

Can he rescue his soul-mate and return with her to the Human Realm or will temptation of great magic and the rebirth of his wings force him to abandon their destiny?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! A compelling story about a woman who has taken the role of "lady of the house" since her mother died years ago and pretty much raised her nephew now wants a family of her own. Fate has come to her rescue in the form of her fae warrior mate, but is she willing to trust fate or does she want to hold out for love?

Xander and Janet are an intriguing pair, the more you learn about them the more you root for their relationship. Plus, I enjoyed that even though I never read book one it didn't make me feel left out in the on goings of the series, while leaving me curious as to see where Ms. Szarek will take these characters next.

The reason I rated this novel as I did was because of how Xander distances himself towards the end as it really threw off the flow of the novel for me. I understand that because of the situation they were in he could have assumed some things about himself but the way he handled it overall hurt him as a character for me.

Nevertheless, I'd still recommend it to those who like paranormal historical romances!

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

Author's Novel Extras : The Fae Ring - Overview

Author's Series Extras : Highland Secrets Trilogy | The Parchment Scroll - Overview | COVER REVEAL: The Tartan MP3 Player! | My Writing Process Blog Hop. Process? WHAT the HECK is that? #AMWriting | COVER REVEAL!! The Fae Ring and GIVEAWAY!!


Book Teaser(s) :

He was drowning in her. His mind shouted that he needed to regain control, even as his body and his magic needed more.
What the hell is happening?
Xander felt something wrap around them both. His senses spiked. He ripped his mouth off hers, though she was still in his arms, plastered to his chest. Magic surrounded them. Flowed through them.
A golden rope.
He could see it. Xander didn't have to squint. There it was, glowing. Pulsing. Different colors flashed over and spun around them, but that rope didn't waver. ~ within Chapter 2

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