Made the Grade: Whiskey Creek Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 400; Paperback - Pages: 400; Kindle Edition - File Size: 508 | Expected Release Date: January 29, 2013 | Publisher: Harlequin : MIRA Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"When Summer Comes" [Whiskey Creek Series, Book 3] by Brenda Novak

Author's Book Description : One day, Callie Vanetta receives devastating news. . .

She needs a liver transplant. But her doctors warn that, in her case, the chances of finding a compatible donor aren’t good.

Determined to spend whatever time she has left on her own terms, she keeps the diagnosis to herself and moves out to her late grandparents’ farm. She’s always wanted to live there. But the farm hasn’t been worked in years and she begins to fear it’s too much, she’ll have to return to town.

One night, a stranger comes knocking at her door...

He’s an attractive and mysterious drifter by the name of Levi McCloud who offers to trade work for a few nights’ shelter. Callie figures she doesn’t have anything to lose. He needs a place to stay until he can fix his motorcycle; she needs an extra pair of hands. The arrangement seems ideal until what was supposed to be temporary starts to look more and more permanent. Then she realizes she does have something to lose — her heart. And, although he doesn’t yet know it, Levi stands to lose even more.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! An Army vet, who's on the run, stumbles onto Callie's front door and into her life after being attacked by dogs seeking help. Little does Callie know that Levi will give her the hope that she needs to keep fighting for her life, if only they both are willing to sacrifice their hearts for one another.

After reading "When Lightning Strikes" I found I wasn't a fan of Callie (at least from how she acted in that novel), therefore I was delighted to find that I enjoyed her as a heroine in this novel. She is a strong woman who doesn't know how to inform her friends and family about her illness. When Levi comes into her life he gives her an unknowing reprieve to forget about her own fears, a chance take care of someone else for a change, and a way to come to terms about what she really wants out of her life no matter how little she might have left of it.

I found Levi and Callie's romance to be heartwarming and fun. I liked how Levi held his previous love in such high regard that it took him a while to come to terms with his own feelings for Callie. Together they found a way to lighten each other’s burdens and create prospective futures for themselves, if they are willing to get over their pasts and fight for what they want.

The only reason I didn't give this novel a higher score was because of how long it took Callie to inform her friends, family, and Levi about her illness. I understand she was under a lot of stress and liked to pretend everything was normal for her but it was very annoying how long she waits and then the way she just throws the results out there for them was terrible too.

Nevertheless, I liked how this novel wraps up, how Levi steps up, and the epilogue. In addition, I liked how this one was written in a multi-POV way and updated us more on Kyle's divorce along with a bit about Olivia and Brandon's relationship.

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary romances that deal with intense situations.

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 0.5 (Prequel) | Book 1

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Bastard / Honor Bound | Coulda Been A Cowboy

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

Author's Novel Extras : WHEN SUMMER COMES - Overview & Excerpt | When Summer Comes Hit USA Today’s Top 100! | WHEN SUMMER COMES & THROUGH THE SMOKE are NRCA Finalists!

Author's Series Extras : Whiskey Creek Series - Overview | WHEN WE TOUCH - Overview & Excerpt | WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES - Overview & Excerpt | WHEN SNOW FALLS - Overview & Excerpt | HOME TO WHISKEY CREEK - Overview & Excerpt | TAKE ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS - Overview & Excerpt | COME HOME TO ME - Overview & Excerpt | THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS - Overview & Excerpt | THIS HEART OF MINE - Overview & Excerpt | Whiskey Creek Store | WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES is a 2012 NRCA Finalist! | WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES is a 2013 finalist in the Booksellers Best! | WHEN SNOW FALLS is a Golden Quill Finalist | WHEN SNOW FALLS Named Best Contemporary of 2012 by RT Book Reviews! | Next up on the Whiskey Creek Series... | HOME TO WHISKEY CREEK is a RITA Finalist! | HOME TO WHISKEY CREEK is a Booksellers Best Award Nominee!

Book Teaser(s) :

The hair rose on Callie's arms. Her dog meant business. She'd never seen him like this. What had him so upset? And what should she do about it? She'd watched too many true-crime shows not to realize what could happen. But, given her health, getting murdered would be too ironic. Surely, this couldn't be leading there. ~ within Chapter 1

"We're going over approved content for when we're making love."
She smiled at his playful expression. "I see. How about 'just shut up and kiss me'?"
"Not bad. I've used that one myself," he said, his mouth so close to hers they exchanged breath.
"Do you have a list?" she asked.
"Just some suggestions."
"Like..."
"'Give me more' is fine. 'God, that feels good' is even better. And 'Ah, yes, fuck me' in broken gasps is pretty much my favorite. But I'm in a precarious state when it comes to control, so you might not want to use that one too soon."
She laughed; she'd never seen this side of him. He'd always been so serious. "What about 'nice ass'?"
He nipped at her lips. "I give you 'fuck' and you give me 'ass'? That's grade school stuff." ~ within Chapter 20

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

Made the Grade: Whiskey Creek Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 448; Paperback - Pages: 448; Kindle Edition - File Size: 533 | Expected Release Date: August 28, 2012 | Publisher: Harlequin : MIRA Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"When Lightning Strikes" [Whiskey Creek Series, Book 1] by Brenda Novak

Author's Book Description : Simon O’Neal’s causing trouble again. And it’s up to Gail DeMarco to stop him.

Gail DeMarco left Whiskey Creek, California, to make a name for herself in Los Angeles. Her PR firm has accumulated a roster of A-list clients, including the biggest box office hit of all — sexy and unpredictable Simon O’Neal. But Simon, who’s just been through a turbulent divorce, is so busy self-destructing he won’t listen to anything she says. She drops him from her list — and he retaliates by taking the rest of her clients with him. Desperate to save her company, Gail has to humble herself by making a deal with Simon. The one thing he wants is custody of his son, but that’s going to require a whole new image. He needs to marry some squeaky-clean girl who’ll drag him off to some small, obscure place like Whiskey Creek. . . Gail’s the only one he can trust. She agrees to become his wife — reluctantly. But she isn’t reluctant because he’s too hard to like. It’s because he’s too hard not to love!

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, a woman agrees to marry her ex-client as a way to help out his image and get custody of his son while getting her company back on better footing. What neither of them expect is to loose their hearts along the way to achieving their goals.

This novel was not what I expected, as I had hoped for it to be a bit lighter and fun then it was. Even though, I did like its plot, at times it was hard to read the amount of Gail protesting about her feelings for Simon or how much she discredited his feelings. After a while, I found Gail a bit annoying and had to force my way through the novel to the end. Nevertheless, I am happy I finished it as I feel it really redeemed Simon and proved how much their relationship was beginning to mean to both of them.

I will say I liked them together, once they put all of their insecurities to the side, they seemed like they could be a good couple.

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

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 0.5 (Prequel) | Book 3

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Bastard / Honor Bound | Coulda Been A Cowboy

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

Author's Novel Extras : WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES - Overview & Excerpt | WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES is a 2012 NRCA Finalist! | WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES is a 2013 finalist in the Booksellers Best!

Author's Series Extras : Whiskey Creek Series - Overview | WHEN WE TOUCH - Overview & Excerpt | WHEN SNOW FALLS - Overview & Excerpt | WHEN SUMMER COMES - Overview & Excerpt | HOME TO WHISKEY CREEK - Overview & Excerpt | TAKE ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS - Overview & Excerpt | COME HOME TO ME - Overview & Excerpt | THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS - Overview & Excerpt | THIS HEART OF MINE - Overview & Excerpt | Whiskey Creek Store | When Summer Comes Hit USA Today’s Top 100! | WHEN SNOW FALLS is a Golden Quill Finalist | WHEN SNOW FALLS Named Best Contemporary of 2012 by RT Book Reviews! | Next up on the Whiskey Creek Series... | HOME TO WHISKEY CREEK is a RITA Finalist! | WHEN SUMMER COMES & THROUGH THE SMOKE are NRCA Finalists! | HOME TO WHISKEY CREEK is a Booksellers Best Award Nominee!

Book Teaser(s) :

"Something wrong?" he asked when she couldn't get comfortable.
He hadn't moved in some time. She'd assumed he was asleep. "No, why?"
"I thought you didn't want to watch Here Comes Pussy."
She could hear the laughter in his voice and felt a certain amount of embarrassment. "I didn't really watch it. I was just...surfing around."
"Sure you were."
He'd caught her and he knew it. "It was your fault!" She threw a pillow at him, which he batted away.
"You were in charge of the remote." ~ within Chapter 11

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

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Prince Hafiz's Only Vice by Susanna Carr | Interview, Review, & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Susanna Carr, who I interviewed about her latest novel "Prince Hafiz's Only Vice!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run from September 29 - October 24, 2014]

---

My Q&A with Susanna Carr :

Jess : Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Susanna : I read my first Harlequin when I was ten years old and that started a lifelong passion for all things romantic. My favorite romantic movie is FRENCH KISS, my all-time favorite TV show is REMINGTON STEELE, and my favorite romance authors are Lori Foster, Lynne Graham and Jayne Ann Krentz.

Jess : Please describe Lacey, from "Prince Hafiz’s Only Vice," in one to two sentences.

Susanna : Lacey loves unconditionally but she is never the top priority of those she loves.

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Susanna : I would invite Hafiz because he had done and accomplished a lot in his life. I would also invite Lacey but I think they would only have eyes for each other and I would feel like the third wheel.

I would not invite the Sultan from "PRINCE HAFIZ'S ONLY VICE." He would decline anyway because he would disapprove of me.

Jess : Is there any differences and/or similarities between Hafiz from your "Prince Hafiz’s Only Vice" novel and Travis from your "Wild Weekend" novel?

Susanna : Hafiz has to consider his countrymen who rely on him when he makes a decision. Travis, on the other hand, makes choices so he is not bound to anyone any place.

Jess : What sparked the idea for "Prince Hafiz’s Only Vice?"

Susanna : I wanted to write a story about forbidden romance. Once I decided to set it in a desert kingdom, I started to think about the characters and why they were the best, the worst, and the only ones for each other.

Jess : What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write in a novel and why?

Susanna : The epilogue is my favorite part of "PRINCE HAFIZ'S ONLY VICE." While I was writing the book, I stopped to write the epilogue to see their happy ending and then went back to writing the book.

Jess : What is the most dramatic thing one of your characters, from "Prince Hafiz’s Only Vice," said or did?

Susanna : I won't give away too much, but I would say Hafiz's sacrifice was probably the most dramatic thing he did in the story.

Jess : Out of all of the secondary characters within "Prince Hafiz’s Only Vice," do you have one or two favorites so far? If so, who are they and can you tell us why?

Susanna : My favorite secondary character is Hafiz's brother, Ashraf. While he is considered the perfect prince, son, and even perfect brother, I think he has some dark secrets--and dark passions--that are just ready to break free.

Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Susanna : I have written over thirty romances and each one has a special meaning to me. For example, "THE WRONG BRIDE" is an important book to me because it was my first print book. "SECRETS OF A BOLLYWOOD MARRIAGE" is one of my favorites because I've been thinking about the idea for years. "PRINCE HAFIZ'S ONLY VICE" is one of my favorites even after several rewrites and I kept at it. I'm glad to see it out in the world.

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Susanna : My next book "LET THEM TALK" is a Harlequin Blaze and will be in stores February 2015. It's about three women who take part of a risqué book club and try out what they've read with unexpected results. I also have another Harlequin Presents coming out in July 2015. "TYCOON'S DELICIOUS DEBT" is a revenge story that offers readers glamour and scandal in exotic locations.

Jess : Do you have a favorite aspect of fall or tradition in your family during fall/Halloween season that you’d like to share with us?

Susanna : Once the trick-or-treating is over, we have a tradition of watching WAIT UNTIL DARK starring Audrey Hepburn. We turn off all the lights to watch and--it never fails--I jump at the one famous scary scene.

Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Susanna : "STILL AT IT"

Jess : What cartoon character best represents your personal philosophy?

Susanna : One of my friends gave me the nickname of Eeyore. I can see the downside to anything.

Jess : List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

Susanna : I've been on a novella kick these days and I really enjoyed:
"BACK IN THE ITALIAN'S BED" by Annie West
"THE GREEK'S STOLEN BRIDE" by Kate Hewitt
"THE LADY ALWAYS WINS" by Courtney Milan

---

About the Author :

Susanna Carr is an award-winning author known for her contemporary romances. Readers throughout the world find Susanna's stories a delightful escape that has often helped them through difficult times. Reviewers frequently describe her work as "fun", "sexy" and "a must read." When she isn't writing or spending time with her family in the Pacific Northwest, Susanna enjoys reading romance and connecting with readers online.

---

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 192; Kindle Edition - File Size: 294 KB | Expected Release Date: October 1, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin Presents | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Prince Hafiz's Only Vice" [Royal and Ruthless Series, Book 8] by Susanna Carr

Author's Book Description : What a royal wants...

Prince Hafiz devotes his days to his people and his nights to indulging his desires with his stunning American mistress, Lacey Maxwell. But duty requires him to marry a "suitable" bride.

In her deepest secret fantasies, Lacey naively hopes to one day wear Hafiz's ring, until her dreams are shattered and he chooses someone else.

Faced with the reality of a passionless union, Hafiz realizes the years spent with Lacey have done nothing to slake his hunger for her. Instead he's determined to turn his only vice into a virtue for the sake of his country...and each other!

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, a man struggles to deal with his two worlds. Feeling like he has no hope in bringing those worlds together he is forced to give up one of them, either the only woman he’s ever loved or the life he’s built for himself and the country he hopes to help prosper.

In truth, this novel was a struggle to get through, mostly, because both Hafiz and Lacey make their situation sound so bleak even though I understood where each of them were coming from. It would be easy to have stopped reading this novel as soon as things went down hill between them and not have liked Hafiz because of his attitude about keeping Lacey only as his mistress. Yet if you don’t stick with it you’ll never get to read the sweet redemption scenes that each of them have or find out that even though Hafiz didn’t like his own decisions he thought they were the only options he had at the time. I liked how this novel was able to redeem it’s characters enough that I was able to root for their relationship, hope for something more/better for them, and not completely hate them for being dumb while everything was going on. =0)

Basically, if you really think it over, Hafiz isn’t the bad guy; he’s just a product of the life he was born into and struggling to make the best of the situation while making up for his past mistakes. Hafiz’s parents are the true bullies in this novel. So much so that I wish there was more interaction with them so the readers could hate them more. *hahaa*

Together I feel that Hafiz & Lacey help each other flourish into something better. Both of them admit to it in the novel more then once and it was hard not to it notice too. I liked their romance, it was intense and hard, but not every novel can be a fairytale even when its own character tries to compare herself to a certain longhaired princess.

I do recommend this novel to those who are looking for an intense contemporary romance!

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

Author's Novel Extras : PRINCE HAFIZ'S ONLY VICE is available for pre-order (with a TEASER) | Readers in Canada can also pre-order (with a TEASER) | You can pre-order the larger print edition of PRINCE HAFIZ'S ONLY VICE (with a TEASER) | Get the print or eBook edition of PRINCE HAFIZ'S ONLY VICE now (with a TEASER) | The print edition of PRINCE HAFIZ'S ONLY VICE (with a TEASER) | PRINCE HAFIZ'S ONLY VICE is now in stores (with a EXCERPT)


Book Teaser(s) :

Lacey leaned against the wall and sighed. Hafiz flattened his hands next to her head, her sunglasses dangling from his loose grasp. He stared at her mouth, his lips stinging with the need to kiss her.
But this was as close as he would allow himself. If he leaned into her softness, he wouldn’t leave.
The tip of her tongue swept along her bottom lip. “Hafiz, we’re outside,” she reminded him, her voice hitching with scandalized excitement. “You shouldn’t be this close.”
He knew it, but it didn’t stop him. She was his one and only vice, and he was willingly addicted. He had already risked everything to be with her. Each day he made the choice to risk everything for her. But now the choice was taken away from him, and it was all coming to an end. ~ within Chapter 1

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

---

Book Excerpt :

"I will miss you, Hafiz," she said brokenly as her throat closed up. The tears she thought couldn’t happen beaded on her eyelashes.

Hafiz let out a shuddering breath. He swept his fingertip against the corner of her eye, taking her tears with him. The moisture clung to his knuckle, and he rubbed it into his skin with his thumb, silently sharing her agony.

The image took a chink out of her hard-earned resolve. Lacey wrapped her arms around her stomach before she crumbled altogether. "I had so many questions to ask you, and now I can't remember what they were." All except for one that danced on her tongue. "Did you ever love me?"

Silence throbbed in the air.

Lacey blinked at the question that had tumbled from her mouth. Of all the things to ask, her mind screamed.

Hafiz went unnaturally still.

"I don't know why I asked." She shrugged as her pain intensified. "Please, don't answer that."

The words were ripped from deep within her. She desperately wanted to know the answer. She never questioned it before, but she had been living in a fantasy.

Lacey had always felt Hafiz loved her. It was in his touch, in his eyes, and in his smile. But he never said the words, even when she chanted her declaration of love in the height of ecstasy.

It was too late to find out. If he didn't love her, she would never recover. If he did love her, then she would never let go. Even if he was married, even if he kept her hidden. And she couldn't let that happen.

---

Giveaway!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Soo .... COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!

---

Find Susanna Carr :

• Susanna Carr - Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Goodreads
• Prince Hafiz's Only Vice : Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

Feasted On: Texas Rodeo Barons Series, Book 6

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: ??? | Expected Release Date: November 1, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : American Romance | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Texan's Christmas" [Texas Rodeo Barons Series, Book 6] by Tanya Michaels

Author's Book Description : HER CHRISTMAS WISH

The last thing rodeo cowboy Daniel Baron needs is a commitment. After a lifetime of feeling like an outsider among his larger-than-life stepfamily at Roughneck Ranch, Daniel is ready to leave the ring—and Texas—behind forever. Except he can't stop thinking about the woman he just met—beautiful, bighearted...and pregnant.

Of course Nicole Bennett is attracted to strong, sweet Daniel—he's pretty much perfect. But he made it clear that he doesn't want a family, the one thing Nicole's dreamed of her whole life. Now, just as that dream is coming true, Nicole could lose the only man she wants to share it with...unless Daniel can find the courage to open his heart.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! I loved how this series wrapped up with Daniel’s story! It is a lighthearted novel about two people, who have always felt like they were living on the outside looking in, finding each other. Yet, after a while of spending time together they have to decide if they want to stick to their personal dreams or to listen to their hearts.

Daniel & Nicole sizzle from the beginning and their chemistry doesn’t let up! I especially liked how these two fall into a relationship with no expectations yet end up caring for each other from the very beginning. So sweet, I didn’t want this novel to end!

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

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 5

Authors' Series Extras : New Kid On The Block | The Allure of Cowboy Stories | Writing from the Heart


Book Teaser(s) :

"You're what?" He dropped his gaze to her midsection in disbelief. "Seriously?"
She scrambled down from the railing. "No, not seriously. I always make random jokes about carrying a baby after a guy kisses me."
"Right. Stupid question." ~ within Chapter 5

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

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

Idolizing In: Temptation in Shadows by Gena Showalter

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 825 KB | Expected Release Date: June 17, 2014 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press : Paperbacks | Obtained: NetGalley

"Temptation in Shadows" by Gena Showalter

Author's Book Description : Tall, lean and muscular -- and definitely rough around the edges -- Sean Walker is not your typical nightclub bodyguard. He controls shadows, able to wield darkness at will. When a beautiful woman with the ability to download computer files straight into her brain is threatened, he'll do everything in his power to protect her...and seduce her...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! What started out as a mission quickly turns into something a whole lot more! Sean & Gabrielle (Gabby) have an instant connection that was easy to fall for, this novella has it all. A thrilling paranormal romance that will sweep you off your feet just like Sean swept up Gabby. In addition, it was fun jumping into their world of powers and agencies. I hope this is a part of a series or will be soon as there are a few small cliffhangers that I'm curious to see the results too.

I recommend it to anyone who is fans of Ms. Showalter and/or like paranormal romances!

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Pleasure Slave | Catch A Mate | Playing With Fire | The Nymph King | Heart of Darkness : The Darkest Angel | The Stone Prince | Twice as Hot | Unraveled | Lord of the Vampires

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Spreading the Word: The Bodyguard | July 2010 - Contest Winner! | Contest Craze: Mini Challenge - Zombie Survival | Blog Tour - Tall, Dark, and Divine by Jenna Bennett | Interview & Giveaway | Teaser Tuesdays: Twice as Hot

Author's Novel Extras : Temptation in Shadows - Overview | Temptation in Shadows ebook | Happy book birthday TEMPTATION IN SHADOWS!

Book Teaser(s) :

"So what's his ability?"
"Charm."
She snorted. She was dumb, yes, but not completely brain-dead. "You don't want to tell me the truth about your friend, fine."
Sean merely smiled.
Frustrating man. ~ within Chapter 5

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

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

Disappointmentville: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 321; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1165 KB | Expected Release Date: April 1, 2014 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Day He Kissed Her" [Bad Boys of Crystal Lake Series, Book 3] by Juliana Stone (aka Julie Bale)

Author's Book Description : He can’t wait to leave...

Mac Draper finally has everything he’s always wanted: An amazing career. A New York City apartment. He’s this close to being free of his past forever. But a mind-blowing encounter with the sexy yet tough-as-nails Lily St. Clare has him delaying his plans to put Crystal Lake in his rearview mirror for good.

She’s finally found a place to stay...

For Lily St. Clare the charming small town of Crystal Lake is her haven – a place she can hide from her famous, back-stabbing family. It’s as close to happy as she’s ever been. Until an unforgettable night with tall, dark and tortured Mac Draper gives her a glimpse of what true happiness feels like.

Lily can’t help but melt a little under the sizzling heat of Mac’s touch. But Mac’s scars run deep, and Lily’s afraid she may be falling for the one man who can never return her feelings...

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, a man goes home for an annual get-together and finds the one woman who sets him on fire, can he win her over and not give away his heart or will their non-relationship be more then either of them can handle?

I loved reading about Mackenzie (Mac) & Lily's "non-relationship," it was HOT and sweet while still giving themselves room to grow even if they don't want it too. In truth, their banter and spicy tales together really made me like this novel. However, this novel also had heart because it wasn't all light and fun as I expected it to be. Throughout this novel, while they deal with their growing feelings for one another, Lily & Mac try to overcome their pasts and families both of which were harsh because of how they were treated. It wasn't what I expected to read about but it made this novel more dynamic.

Nevertheless, because of how the plot was laid out it was hard for me to fall in love with this novel. The first chapter was a struggle for me to get through because of how slow the pace was, yet once Lily & Mac meet again in chapter two the pace moves along. Then it was hard for me to appreciate the last few chapters because of how Mac reacts to everything around him and how he deals with the clean up of it all. I mean I like that he didn't take long to correct his wrongs, yet I think for what he did it all wrapped up a bit too nicely. And I say that even though I feel happy about them getting together.

Overall, it was an okay novel. Therefore, I recommend it mostly to those who are fans of Ms. Stone and/or of this series.

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

Author's Novel Extras : The Day He Kissed Her - Overview | The Day He Kissed Her - Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : The Summer He Came Home - OverviewThe Christmas He Loved Her - Overview | The Summer He Came Home - Excerpt | The Christmas He Loved Her - Excerpt

Book Teaser(s) :

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

Lily's eyes feasted on the sight of his wide shoulders, muscular back, and, damn those old, faded cargo shorts were dangerously close to exposing what she knew was one hell of a butt. God, he probably wasn't wearing any---
"I know you're staring at my ass," Mac said over his shoulder.
Wait. What?
Liam snorted and shot a look her way before running ahead of his uncle and disappearing inside.
"I was not," she began and froze when he turned back to her. The man could stop traffic with that face and smile, and at the moment, he seemed to have stopped not only her heart but all rational thought.
"It's okay. You can admit it," he said with a wicked grin. ~ within Chapter 21

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

Blog Tour - Feasted On: Cinderella & Prince Dom by Sydney St. Claire | Review & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Sydney St. Claire, with a review of her latest novel "Cinderella & Prince Dom!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run on September 24, 2014 -- Giveaway will run from September 24 - 25, 2014]

---

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 238 KB | Release Date: September 12, 2014 | Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Cinderella & Prince Dom" [Once Upon A Dom Series, Book 1] by Sydney St. Claire (aka Susan Edwards)

Author's Book Description : Jaimie Newberry is jobless, her rent is due, and her cat just died. On top of that, she was accused of embezzling before she was fired. When her friend invites her for a weekend of kinky fairytale role playing, she agrees to go as Cinderella. What has she got to lose when sex with a handsome prince is involved?

CEO Bryce Langston needs to know if Jamie is innocent of embezzlement or just very clever. He arranges for her to be his weekend sub but soon realizes the pretty scullery maid is naïve to the BDSM lifestyle. As her prince and her Dom, he intends to not only learn the truth but to make sure she has a fantasy come true.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A woman’s friend tries to give her a weekend of her fantasies, while the man she gets setup with sets out to prove himself to her and find the information he seeks. This is an interesting take on the “fairytale romance novels,” as it gives you the illusion of a fairytale while it still being a contemporary erotic romance.

As partners Bryce (Prince Charming) and Jaimie (Cinderella) are matched set, they just end up working so well it is hard not to root for them to be together. In addition, I liked how they grew within their chemistry for one another. They didn’t have an instant connection but something that was able to grow, with hopes of it possibly lasting.

Nevertheless, though I liked the way it all wrapped up at the very end, I wasn’t pleased with what happened leading up to the ending. I know this wasn’t a step-by-step version of Cinderella but I wish Bryce could have been a bit more gallant than he turned out to be.

Overall, I did enjoy this novel and I’m intrigued to see where this series will lead us from here.

I recommend this novel and series to anyone looking for a fun erotic contemporary romance!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Cinderella & Prince Dom - Overview & Excerpt | Sneak Peak Sunday-Cinderella & Prince Dom | Sneak Peek Sunday #2


Author's Series Extras : Once Upon A Dom Series - Overview | Red & Her Big Bad Wolf - Overview & Excerpt | THE BEAUTY OF POWER WRITING | GHOSTWRITING SPARKS CAREER CHANGE

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

Dropping the towel, she pulled the dress over her head, then gasped. The elastic top barely covered her. “Um, I think this too small.”
Her prince smiled. “No, just right.” He reached out and yanked the top down, easing the elastic beneath her breasts then stepped back. “Perfect.”
Jaimie stared down at her breasts, held up and out by the bodice of her dress. She flushed. “I can’t wear it like this.”
“Why not?”
“I feel like a slut.”
Her Dom reached out and cupped her, one breast in each palm. “You, my sweet sub, are my slut. You have beautiful tits. Would you deny me the joy of viewing them?” ~ within Chapter 3

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

---

About the Author :

Sydney St. Claire is the pseudonym of Susan Edwards, author of 14 Historical Native American/Western/Paranormal romances and the author of the popular "White" Series. During her career, she has been nominated for the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Western Historical and Reviewer's Choice Best Book Award.

Sydney loves writing and sharing stories of love, happiness and dreams come true with her readers. She credits her mother for her writing as she was encouraged to read as a child and preferred happy endings which meant romances were her favorite genre. When the writing bug bit, she followed the sensible advice to “write what you know” and has been writing and publishing her stories since!

Sydney takes her readers into the world of erotica romance where her characters come together in explosive passion as they solve life's problems and find true love along with the best sex our hero and heroine have ever experienced.

Sydney resides in California. Her office is quite crowded with two small dogs at her feet, another huge girl in her recliner and five cats to keep her company while she writes. Three cats always insist on beds on her desk, barely leaving enough room for her monitor and keyboard. Life gets fun when all five insist on supervising...

When not writing, she enjoys crafts of all sorts including quilting, sewing, cross-stitch and knitting. Knitting and crochet are her current passions. She and her husband of 30 + years are avid gardeners. He takes care of the veggies, and Susan is in charge of the 'pretties'. Her medicine wheel garden is in a contact state of war: flowers vs. weeds. Sadly, right now the weeds are wining...

Camping, fishing, biking and hiking (when not hot) are other outdoor pursuits she and her husband enjoy. She is of course, an avid reader and hates cooking and housework. While writing, she listens to a wide variety of music, including Neil Diamond, Celtic, Native American, New Age, Classical, and mood music (bagpipes and howling wolves drive my family nuts). Her current favorites are Blackmore's Night and David Lanz.

---

Book Excerpt :

“What are you thinking?”

Flushing at his question, which sounded more like a demand, Jaimie wrinkled her nose. “I’m thinking that you have a very fine ass.”

He lifted a brow. “Eager to begin?”

When nervous or excited, Jaimie’s lips twitched on her left side, which made her a horrible poker player. Her lips were twitching now. “I’ve never—”

“I know,” he interrupted. “Let’s get back to business.” He flicked his wrist, and an envelope landed neatly on the table in front of her.

A bit put out by his abruptness, Jaimie lifted a brow but reached for the envelope. She eyed her partner warily.

“That is the result of my blood work, assuring you of my clean bill of health. I’ve seen yours.”

Jaimie scanned the single sheet of paper, noting that the name had been blacked out. She set it down. “Okay, what now?”

“Let’s talk about your sex life. I read the questionnaire you filled out and understand you’re game for a bit of light BDSM.”

“What?” The spit in Jaimie’s mouth dried. “What do you mean by light BDSM?” She was going to kill Lucy. She’d assumed many of the men and women she’d seen earlier were into some kinky stuff, but there’d been others wearing normal costumes. Like her.

“Dominant and submissive role playing.”

“Roles? As in I’m Cinderella and you’re the Prince?”

His lips curved in amusement. “Not quite. I am a Dominant who requires a submissive. I am your Dom and you are my sub. Those are our roles for the weekend.”

Jaimie stood. Yep. Her friend deserved a slow, torturous death. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I’m not into kinky sex or pain. I agreed to a weekend of free food, being waited on, and having sex with my prince charming.”

---

Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Soo .... COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!

---

Find Sydney St. Claire :

• Sydney St. Claire - Website
• Sydney St. Claire - Blog
• Email: Sydney at sydneystclaire.com
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Goodreads
• Cinderella & Prince Dom : Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | The Wild Rose Press

Teaser Tuesday: Sunsinger

"Sunsinger" [Cy’ren Rising Series, Book 3] by Robyn Bachar -- Review to be posted on November 23rd 2014!
Book Teaser:

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

Blog Tour - Pie Girls by Lauren Clark | Interview, Spreading the Word, & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Lauren Clark, who I interviewed about her novel "Pie Girls!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run from September 16, 2014 - January 6, 2015]

---

My Q&A with Lauren Clark :

Jess : What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?

Lauren : I was a huge Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys fan. I would imagine myself on all of those adventures! And a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan. I still love those books.

Jess : Please describe your heroine, from "Pie Girls," in one to two sentences.

Lauren : Searcy Roberts is a Southern belle who finds out that struggle and challenge make her a much better person. During the course of "Pie Girls," Searcy transforms from spoiled rotten to sweet and sensible!

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Lauren : I would love to have Julia and Shug from "Dancing Naked in Dixie." They are my favorite characters, and I am outlining a sequel right now. I need to get some updates about just exactly where their romance is going!!!! Oh, and Roger, the Dixie B & B owner in Eufaula, Alabama. He’s fabulous.

Least like to have? That would have to be Mary Katherine, Shug’s ex girlfriend, who everyone loves to despise. I have a feeling she’ll be showing up in "Dancing Naked in Dixie’s" sequel!

Jess : If "Pie Girls" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Lauren : A blond Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada). She’s smart and sassy, and I think could pull off the spoiled Southern belle act by injecting some empathy into her character. (Searcy is very lonely and wants to be loves, after all). Alice Eve from Star Trek: Into Darkness also comes to mind.

or
Oh, and I think Luke has to be played by Chris Pine. I have a major crush on the guy. He’d be adorable.


Jess : Are there any differences and/or similarities between Melissa from your "Stay Tuned" novel and Searcy from your "Pie Girls" novel?

Lauren : Melissa is a total career girl with a college-aged daughter. Searcy doesn’t have children yet. They both have mothers who are stricken with a serious illness, which changes their lives and helps them grow into better people. Both women are flawed characters who definitely become the BEST versions of themselves after some serious trials and tribulations.

Jess : What sparked the idea for "Pie Girls?"

Lauren : The answer is really two-fold. First, I grew up enjoying the wonderful pies that my grandmother baked for us from the time I was a baby. No holiday or special occasion would be complete without a pie that my grandmother baked. They were always delicious and the perfect way to end a great meal.

Sharing her recipes in "Pie Girls" is a small way to pay tribute to my grandmother. Several years after she passed away, I asked my mother to write down all of her recipes so that I could have them and share them with my family and friends.

Second, I visited a place in Greensboro, Alabama called the Pie Lab, a restaurant written up many times in Southern Living, Bon Appetit, and many newspapers around the Southeast. I kind of fell in love with the idea of such a place in Fairhope, Alabama, a lovely waterfront community near where I live. I decided to create a shop named "Pie Girls" there, and thus, Searcy’s story was born.

Jess : What is the most dramatic thing one of your characters, from "Pie Girls," said or did?

Lauren : Searcy had to douse herself in liquor at her husband’s high-rise office in Atlanta! (I can’t tell you more or it would spoil it!)

Jess : What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write in "Pie Girls" and why?

Lauren : I absolutely loved crafting the parts with C.C., who is Searcy’s mother-in-law. She was deliciously evil, and her dog was just as bad!

Jess : In regards to "Pie Girls," if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Lauren : I might have developed some of the community relationships a little more. A bit more about Luke’s background, and perhaps his sister. I wanted to show that "PIE GIRLS is really the “place in Fairhope, Ala. where everyone knows your name.”

Jess : Out of all of the secondary characters within "Pie Girls," do you have one or two favorites so far? If so, who are they and can you tell us why?

Lauren : Tobi, Searcy’s best friend, was the total voice of reason throughout the novel. She is Searcy’s rock and the friend we ALL want to have. Phillipa and Mimi were so fluffy and clueless, it was hilarious. But they were well meaning, so it was hard not to enjoy them!

Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Lauren : I’ve written 6. Four are women’s humorous fiction set in the Deep South. Two are women’s suspense books, which will be released beginning July 2015. Because the genre is so different, they will be written under Laura McNeill (which is my real name!). They will be a Harper Collins imprint, under the Thomas Nelson division. Pretty exciting stuff! I’ll be releasing details on Facebook and my website and blog later this year.

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Lauren : I’m almost done with outlining the sequel to "Dancing Naked in Dixie." Working title: "Skinny Dipping in Dixie."

Just when Julia Sullivan's life gets settled—with a great job, an adoring boyfriend, and a bright future—things start falling apart.

• Julia's tapped to head up a new travel magazine—in Europe.
• Her 70 year-old father, David, gets caught in a very compromising position—and then decides to get married.
• And there's big trouble in Eufaula, Alabama—putting the city's beloved historic district and Julia’s relationship with Shug Jordan in jeopardy once more.

In a matter of days, Julia's up to her neck in hot water. Will she take the plunge and escape to the glamour and intrigue of Paris? Or follow her heart and head for Eufaula—home of sweet tea, magnificent mansions, and the annual Pilgrimage?

Jess : Do you have a favorite aspect of fall or tradition in your family during fall/Halloween season that you’d like to share with us?

Lauren : Generally, on October 1st, I pile my boys into the car and we take a trip to Dollar General or somewhere that carries tacky Halloween decorations. I give the boys $10 each and let them pick out whatever they like (yep, it’s pretty tacky stuff). We go home and decorate, adding all of the severed feet and gravestones from years past. Such fun!

Jess : What cartoon character best represents your personal philosophy?

Lauren : If we can pick anyone, I chose Merida from Brave! Here’s her description from a September 19th posting on http://www.telegraph.co.uk: Merida was Pixar's first female lead character in the 2012 film Brave, and she appeared in a blaze of self-possession, fiery red hair and perfectly-aimed arrows. While on paper she was a princess, she had absolutely no intention of settling quietly into married life: Merida knew her own mind, and set out to make sure she could keep her independence. Though Merida's journey starts out as a stereotypical princess-in-a-castle fairy story, it escalates into a dark folk tale about dangerous magic, fate, and the changing relationship that every growing teenage daughter has with her mother.

Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Lauren : "Has anyone found my keys?" OR "Stop! Pass the coffee, please!"

Jess : List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

Lauren : "Me Before You," Jo Jo Moyes
"Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands," Chris Bohjalian
"If I Stay," Gayle Forman

---

"Pie Girls" by Lauren Clark
Author's Book Description :

Princess, Southern belle, and spoiled-rotten social climber Searcy Roberts swore on a stack of Bibles she’d never return home to Fairhope, Alabama. After marrying her high school sweetheart and moving to Atlanta, Searcy embraces big-city life—Carrie Bradshaw style.

But now, Searcy has a teeny, tiny problem. Her husband’s had a mid-life crisis. He’s quit his job, cancelled her credit cards, and left her for another man.

Searcy returns to Fairhope, ready to lick her wounds. But when her mother falls ill, she’s is thrust into managing the family business—only to discover the beloved bakery is in danger of closing its doors forever.

Enlisting the help of the adorable bike store owner next door, an array of well-heeled customers, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Searcy hatches the plan of the century to save Pie Girls.

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | iBooks

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

---

About the Author :

Lauren Clark writes contemporary Southern novels sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets. A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends.

She is the author of four award-winning novels, "Dancing Naked in Dixie," "Stay Tuned," "Stardust Summer," and "Pie Girls," as well as a short story, "A Very Dixie Christmas," published in the Merry & Bright holiday collection. Lauren is a member of the Gulf Coast Writers Association and the Mobile Writers Guild. Check out her website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com.

---

Book Excerpt :

Chapter 7

"C.C.," I exclaim, standing on tiptoes for an air kiss. "What a lovely surprise."

She clears her throat, and I step back. "You haven't greeted my Precious," C.C. warns in a lilting voice, tilting her head toward the pink sequined bag hanging over her left forearm.

Precious? Like as in the Lord of the Rings? Surely she doesn't mean...

A tiny black nose and beady eyes poke out of the bag.

"Eek!" I jump back and squeal, clapping a hand to my chest and dropping the keys.

The dog—if you can call it that—begins yipping and complaining like I've just whipped it with a cat o' nine tails.

I freeze in place, flush a lovely shade of violet, and want to self-destruct; certain that I've committed what equates to a mortal sin in the world according to C.C. Anderson. She's carrying her new puppy, a tiny Min-Pin; complete with pink collar and matching pink toenails.

"I'm so sorry—"

C.C. waves her own pink manicured fingernails an inch from my face.

"Mama's poor little baby," she coos in a high-pitched falsetto. "Are you okay, my sweetie-weetie, lovey girl?"

My jaw drops open slightly. I've never heard the woman utter a word of endearment toward any human being or living creature.

When I first dated Alton, I was almost certain that C.C., in fact, was among the un-dead. Five years ago, when she and Alton’s father decided to move to Atlanta—under the auspices of closer to their only son—I almost had him talked into buying some dove's blood from Marie Laveau's shop in New Orleans just to see if she'd drink it.

"Mama's Precious will be all right, won't she?" C.C. continues. "Searcy's just a bad girl. She'll do better, I promise, darling."

---

Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Soo .... COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!

---

Find Lauren Clark :

• Lauren Clark - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook Page
• Pinterest
• Pie Girls : Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | iBooks