Made the Grade: The Duke of Snow and Apples by Elizabeth Vail

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1433 KB | Expected Release Date: August 26, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Duke of Snow and Apples" by Elizabeth Vail

Author's Book Description : Frederick Snow, first footman, is the perfect servant: efficient, hardworking, and completely bereft of emotion. Unbeknownst to his employers, he’s the lost Duke of Snowmont, on the run from a suspicious stepfather and a powerful magic he can only control by burying his passions beneath his frosty demeanor. He’s managed to hide behind his carefully ordered life until an impertinent miss arrives and challenges everything he thought he wanted.

If Charlotte Erlwood wants to land a wealthy, titled husband at her great aunt’s house party, she has to stop losing her temper – especially with inordinately handsome footmen. Perhaps if she recruits Frederick for her matrimonial schemes, she’ll be able to direct her attention toward suitable single noblemen and away from inappropriate dalliances. But Frederick’s frigid control is no match for Charlotte’s irrepressible spirit, and her passionate kiss could summon the darker side of his magic...or wake his heart from its frozen sleep.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, a darker version of the Snow White fairytale with unique twists! Set in a historical feyish world, this dynamic novel gets you hooked from the beginning with its intriguing plot and entertaining characters.

I truly liked the idea of how the roles in this novel were switched from the original story, making Frederick to be "Snow White" and Charlotte to be "the Prince." Yet, even though that is what it seems they both end up saving each other while turning each other’s worlds’ upside-down in the process. Together they prove that you can fall in love no matter what the circumstances, as what is inside you matters more then anything else.

In addition to the main characters, I liked Charlotte's Aunt Hildy and the other "Dowagers/Diamonds." They keep up the humor throughout this novel while giving you different glimpses as to what the rest of society is like for where they live.

The only reason I didn't give this novel a higher rating was because of how much Charlotte and Frederick annoyed me at times with the refusal of their feelings. Also, because of how Frederick seemed to be a bit oblivious as to everyone around him (a little too much in my opinion) when all the pieces of "his mystery" were finally adding up. I guess I just wish it wasn't as dragged out as it was.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy this novel and hope there will be a sequel or another book to turn this into a series!

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading twists on fairytales and/or fantasy romances!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : "The Duke of Snow and Apples" and the End of Aspiration

Book Teaser(s) :

An overpowering urge to laugh rose from his belly, the kind of wild, uninhibited laughter that clenched the body like a fist to wring as much mirth as possible from every pore. He hadn’t laughed that way in such a long time he had a sudden fear he might forget how and end up howling or screaming instead, so when the laughter seized his throat he spat it out as words.
“I’m sorry I kissed you,” he said. Vivid hues bloomed in the air between them, rich, varied shades of longing, most of them his.
Charlotte cocked her head to one side. Her lips bowed into a slow, lopsided smile. “Liar.”
“God help me.” He chuckled weakly. “I’m not very good at being a rapacious footman.”
“True. But I can always use a friend. So could you, it seems.” ~ within Chapter 11

“I see you’ve met Quicksilver,” she said. The mare in question whickered as the lady approached. “Isn’t she fine? When I heard you were coming to hunt today, I knew I couldn’t allow you to ride any other. Smart as a whip, but patient as well, if you’re not sure of your seat. Don’t just stand there gawking, Freddy—mount my grandniece!” She turned to examine her harness, only to be distracted by frantic coughing sounds. “My word, Freddy, whatever is the matter?”
“Nothing,” Frederick wheezed. Charlotte, however, thought she heard, “just swallowed my tongue, is all,” muttered under his breath. She stifled a laugh into the back of her glove. ~ within Chapter 12

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

Teaser Tuesday: It Girl

"It Girl" by Nic Tatano -- MY REVIEW
Book Teaser:

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Made the Grade: The Braddacks Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 420 KB | Expected Release Date: July 3, 2014 | Publisher: Bell Bridge Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Born In Secret" [The Braddacks Series, Book 1] by Susan Kearney

Author's Book Description : BEST MOM EVER.
When a checkup reveals that 5-year-old Skye is not Brooke Evan’s daughter, a heart-broken Brooke hunts down the biological parents. It’s the right thing to do . . . for Skye.

INVENTOR, BUSINESS MAN, DAD?
But when Brooke shows up on Max Braddack’s doorstep, he suspects she has ulterior motives. It’s hard for the laid-back, billionaire, Max to believe that Brooke is simply doing what’s best for her daughter.

A CHILD TO LOVE.
Yet, the more time Max spends with Brooke and Skye, the more he comprehends that other forces besides his growing feelings are in play. The little girl who was born in secret is in terrible danger . . . and she needs Max and Skye to protect her.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This gripping novel keeps you on your toes and in suspense the whole way through! I liked this novel and it’s build-up for this seemingly dynamic series. Typically this isn't usually the type of novel I'd go for but I like reading novels where the premise is about a couple meeting and falling in love because finding out that their child (which they got help in creating through a clinic) isn't really theirs, the only difference about this novel was its darker twists to it.

As a couple I liked Max & Brooke together. Their personalities are very similar and I enjoyed that no matter what was happening Brooke stuck to her convictions. Add Skye into the mix and they make a sweet family. Plus, its sweet how the novel wrapped up their romance.

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

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

Book Teaser(s) :

While she and Max filled their plates, Red joined them.
Max took a seat beside Skye but spoke to his dad. "Catch anything?"
Red winked at Brooke, his eyes reminding her of Max when he was up to devilment. "Nothing as good as you did."
Brooke fought the heat rising to her cheeks, thankful when Skye piped in, "Max wasn't fishing. The only thing he caught was a mud pie in the face." Brooke admonished Skye with a grin. "That'll be enough sass, young lady. Eat." ~ within Chapter 7

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

Feasted On: Love Michaelson Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1093 KB | Expected Release Date: June 20, 2014 | Publisher: Moon Flower Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Homecoming" [Love Michaelson Series, Book 1] by Jackie Sexton

Author's Book Description :

Ariane Michaelson is always the quiet girl in the room, the one that her kooky mother and three sisters lovingly call the wallflower. After graduating from college she finds it more than a little difficult to find the graphic design job of her dream...or any job, really. She’s more than given up on painting, and a terrible run-in with her twin sister’s fiancé makes each day harder to keep a life altering secret.

Liam Ashdown was just the moody small town nobody, with one friend and a busted pickup—until he moved to LA. Spotted by famous actor and producer Michael Jennings during a late night shift at the bar, Liam is transformed seemingly overnight into Tinsel Town’s hottest bad boy. The life Liam once knew is turned upside down with models and mayhem...and there isn’t much down time in-between.

The only thing that keeps him sane is the paintings. Beautiful ocean portraits that remind him of home, painted years ago by some friend of a friend.

What he wouldn’t give to know her. To tell her that her art saves him everyday.

The engagement of his childhood friend, Todd, brings him back home to Craryville, to deal with a drug-addicted mother and an ailing grandmother. But it also brings him hope—somewhere in the bridal party is the woman who has been his calm and respite in the storm of fame.

The only question is, can she save him?

This book contains sexual content, drug abuse, and language. For ages 18 + only!

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This was a dynamically intense novel! About two people who are at impasses in their lives, meeting again after years apart and finding out what their true dreams are while getting to know one another. I really enjoyed this novel. Even though it seems more fantastical then anything with there being a family curse and someone falling in love while not ever meeting the other person, but it was also because of that "imaginary stuff" that made me fall into Liam & Ariane's worlds and like them as a couple. In some ways Liam reminded me of Travis from Jamie McGuire's "Beautiful Disaster" because of both of their intense and possessive nature's, also because they both seem to fall instantly in love with their "girls."

I found Liam & Ariane to really balance each other out, which--in turn--made me root for their relationship no matter what they ended up doing. It also make me curious as to what will come next in this series, as this novel was written (it seemed) like a stand-alone.

I do recommend this novel to those who enjoy contemporary NA romances that have a little fantasy thrown in! =0)

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

Author's Novel Extras : Homecoming is released! Finally!


Book Teaser(s) :

"Are you even listening, Liam?" Mike Jennings asked, taking another shellfish appetizer from a tray. Liam shook his head, and the party staffer left with a courteous nod and smile.
"Sorry. You-know-who is closing in."
"Are you really going to refer to your ex as Voldemort?"
"She does have a very small nose." ~ within Chapter 2

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

Teaser Tuesdays: Wolf Slayer

"Wolf Slayer" [Order of the Wolf Series, Book 2] by Angela Addams -- MY REVIEW will be posted on September 14th 2014!
Book Teaser:

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