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

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Blog Tour - Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series by Melissa McClone | Spreading the Word & Gift Card with Mini Swag Bag Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Melissa McClone author of "Mistletoe Magic," "Kiss Me, Cowboy," & "Mistletoe Wedding," which are all in her Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series & her Copper Mountain Series!!

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!! [Blog Tour will run from October 16 - 22, 2014]

[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series] by Melissa McClone
Author's Series Description : Three couples. Three stories, where you can follow one pair from meeting to wedding day!

"Mistletoe Magic" – short story – FREE at Amazon and Smashwords
"Kiss Me, Cowboy" – eBook novella — $0.99 on Kindle from October 17 - 23, 2014
"Mistletoe Wedding" — eBook novella — New Release! Only $2.99

"Mistletoe Magic"
[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, A Copper Mountain Christmas Series, Book 3, & Montana Born Brides Series] by Melissa McClone
Author's Book Description :

My Book Review :

[READ MY FULL REVIEW]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Smashwords

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

"Kiss Me, Cowboy"
[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, & Montana Born Rodeo Series, Book 3] by Melissa McClone
Author's Book Description :

She didn’t mean to kiss him...

He didn’t mean to kiss her back...

A kiss is just a kiss...or is it?

him

My Book Review :

[READ MY FULL REVIEW]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

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

"Mistletoe Wedding"
[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, A Marietta Christmas Novel, & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 2] by Melissa McClone
Author's Book Description :

My Book Review :

[READ MY FULL REVIEW]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

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

About the Author :

With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Melissa McClone worked for a major airline where she traveled the globe and met her husband. But analyzing jet engine performance couldn’t compete with her love of writing happily ever afters. Her first full-time writing endeavor was her first sale when she was pregnant with her first child! Since then, she has published over thirty romance novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. She’s also been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her driving her minivan to/from her children’s swim practices and other activities. She also sends care packages to deployed service members and fosters cats through a local no-kill animal shelter. Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house. They do!

Book Excerpt from "Kiss Me, Cowboy" :

A few minutes later, Charlie stepped out of the barn. Two copper braids hung down from her hat. The only time he'd seen her wear make-up had been at Nate and Rachel's wedding. Charlie had worn a dress showing off long, toned legs no one expected, east of all him. He'd had to keep his distance that night and keep the other wranglers away from her, too.

She might act like a cowboy, rough and tumble, ready to jump into a fight if called upon, but she was girl-next-door pretty, with blue eyes that sparkled and a generous mouth that
readily curved into a smile. He didn't let himself think of her as a woman often. Treating her like a guy kept him from focusing on her soft lips, sweet scent, and sexy curves.

She rubbed the back of her neck. "Thought you'd be at the bunkhouse by now."

He shrugged. "Was waiting for you."

She inhaled sharply.

Ty was right about them not getting along. She seemed more pissed off today. He jumped off the fence and closed the distance between them. "Got a few minutes?"

"For?"

The blues of her eyes reminded him of two tempting, deep pools of water. Perfect to jump into when he was hot and sweating. Truth was, drowning in her didn't sound like a bad way to go. The reason that would be a mistake poked at him like hungry mosquitos.

"I want to talk," he said.

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 Melissa McClone :

Melissa McClone - Website & Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Goodreads
Mistletoe Magic : Amazon.com | Smashwords
Kiss Me, Cowboy : Amazon.com
Mistletoe Wedding : Amazon.com

Blog Tour - Good Faith by Liz Crowe | Spreading the Word & Kindle Fire/Gift Cards/Full Series Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Liz Crowe author of "Good Faith," which is eighth book in her Stewart Realty Series.

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!! [Blog Tour will run on October 21, 2014 -- Giveaway will run until October 30, 2014]

"Good Faith"
[The Stewart Realty Series, Book 8] by Liz Crowe
Author's Book Description :

Good Faith

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo | iTunes

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

About the Author :

Amazon best-selling author, beer blogger and beer marketing expert, mom of three, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town. She has decades of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse. While working as a successful Realtor, Liz made the leap into writing novels about the same time she agreed to take on marketing and sales for the Wolverine State Brewing Company.

Most days find her sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, unless she’s writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.

Her early forays into the publishing world led to a groundbreaking fiction subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” which has gained thousands of fans and followers interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”). More recently she is garnering even more fans across genres with her latest novels, which are more character-driven fiction, while remaining very much “real life.”

With stories set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch, in successful real estate offices and many times in exotic locales like Istanbul, Turkey, her books are unique and told with a fresh voice. The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight, frustrate, and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Book Excerpt :

That morning his father had roused him from a sound sleep. He’d blinked, confused, by the angle of the sunlight. He rarely slept much past eight since he usually had some sort of training or the other.
“Let’s go son. Time for lunch.”
Brandis had dragged himself up, his limbs feeling like they weighed a thousand pounds each. His brain buzzed with a strange sort of energy, his typical state, and not at all welcome considering it normally didn’t hit him until later in the day. The conversation his father began as soon as they were seated at their usual diner did not help.
“So, listen, Brandis. These girls…Katie’s friends from college....”
Brandis sipped his ice water, waiting for his father to finish the thought. His heart pounded, and his face flushed hot with embarrassment.
Jack sighed, as if exasperated that Brandis didn’t pick up the thread on his own, leaving him to carry on with the awkwardness about to ensue. Then he leveled his gaze, his face open, not angry or judgmental. “I think that you may be in for some...I mean, they’re...shit.”
“If you are gonna tell me where babies come from again,” Brandis said, after deciding to ease his father’s obvious distress. He cocked an eyebrow and half a smile. Jack seemed to relax somewhat as Brandis continued. “Don’t bother. I already know.”
He flashed his brightest smile up at the middle-aged woman who stood at their table, coffee pot in hand. She blinked rapidly at him, and at that precise moment, Brandis got his first flash of...something...about his power. Up until now he’d merely been “Brandis the trouble maker, the causer of strife.” Suddenly, he felt strong, amazingly so, stronger than even the man sitting across from him, a taller, older version of himself. His body tingled all over, as he tested the smile out again on the woman, making her slop some coffee out onto the table. His father frowned, but then chuckled as the woman walked away after they gave their orders.
“Son,” he said, leaning back and cradling the coffee mug to his chest. “Your adventure has only just begun.”
“Huh?” Brandis picked up his cup but didn’t drink any. He hated coffee, but had ordered it in a burst of need to be more like Jack. As he sipped the bitter stuff, he was transported back years before when he and his dad would spend every single Saturday morning together, eating breakfast at this very diner. He had adored the man, he remembered distinctly. His chest hurt at the simplicity of their relationship then. He looked away from Jack’s deep blue, knowing gaze.
The subject changed of its own accord, and Brandis let it. Although part of him wanted to ask for advice, a much bigger part would not allow the words past his lips.
They ate, discussing the upcoming football season and Brandis’ part in it. The recruiting company Jack had contracted last year to video his every move would start up with the first game. He’d made varsity again, technically as backup quarterback to a senior boy. Brandis didn’t see this as a setback and had every intention of starting under center by the second or third game.
Finally, when they pushed their empty plates back and sat looking at each other, Brandis felt more comfortable in his father’s presence than he had been in a long time. Jack said, “I am pretty sure at least one of those girls sleeping in the basement is determined to change the status of your virginity for you probably as soon as tonight.”
Brandis choked on the last sip of lukewarm coffee. His face burned, and his body tingled again. “I’m...it’s...uh....” He clutched the napkin in his lap unable to meet his father’s eyes.
“No need to say anything. Let’s just say your mother is an astute reader of female intent. While I was busy admiring your sister’s friend’s ass, she apparently read the girl’s mind or something.” Brandis’ face flushed even hotter.
He resisted the urge to protest, to proclaim his innocence of such things. Because he wanted it back—those mornings between them, father and son, man and boy, not this awkward, man and almost-man bullshit. Because while the thought of one of his sister’s college friends popping his cherry remained a pleasant fantasy, it also made him feel older than he wanted to be right then.
“So, I bought a box of condoms this morning,” Jack went on. “Put some downstairs in the side table drawer and the rest in your room. Use them please.” He sipped the last of his coffee, looked as if he were about to get up, then leaned forward, touching Brandis’ wrist. “Have fun. Don’t be an asshole to women. Let every experience teach you...something. Because you are nothing as a man if you don’t learn from every woman you...love.” Jack looked out the window onto the nearly empty parking lot. Then he turned back, tightened his grip on his son’s arm. “God, you are so...young.” His face fell a moment, then he perked up again, his eyes twinkling. “Okay, so, your mother told me to tell you not to let them corrupt you. But all I’m gonna say is this: always wear protection, no matter what, no matter how much you don’t want to. And don’t let your mom catch you in the act. I’ll handle her otherwise.”
Then he let go, stood and smiled, draping a friendly arm around Brandis’ shoulders as they exited the restaurant.
“You really didn’t tell me you were admiring Katie’s friend’s ass, did you, Dad?”
“No, son. I most certainly did not. You obviously misheard me.” Jack winked as he stood by the passenger’s side of his classic Corvette convertible and tossed the keys to Brandis. “Remember what I told you. Don’t ride my clutch.”

Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... TWEET away on twitter!! And you could WIN!! =0)

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

Find Liz Crowe :

Liz Crowe - Website
Liz Crowe - Blog #1
The A2 Beer Wench - Blog #2
Twitter
Facebook Page
The Official Liz Crowe Fan Group
Amazon.com Acct
Goodreads
Good Faith : Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo | iTunes

Teaser Tuesday: The Brickmaker’s Bride

"The Brickmaker’s Bride" [Refined by Love Series, Book 1] by Judith Miller -- MY REVIEW
Book Teaser:

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

Monday, October 20, 2014

Feasted On: Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, A Marietta Christmas Novel, & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 307 | Expected Release Date: October 16, 2014 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Montana Born Books | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions/Melissa McClone

"Mistletoe Wedding" [Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, A Marietta Christmas Novel, & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 2] by Melissa McClone

Author's Book Description : Event planner at the Bar V5 Dude Ranch, Meg Redstone is dreaming of a white Christmas with twinkling lights, sparkly decorations and strategically placed mistletoe. She loves making dreams come true for others, whether planning a holiday wedding or giving her young daughter the best Christmas ever.

Ranch foreman Tyler Murphy loves the holidays, but his newest employee has taken over his barn with her over-the-top decorations. He admires Meg’s desire to give her daughter the perfect Christmas while planning a winter wonderland wedding, but he wants to show her that a Montana Christmas is more than glitter and lights.

After raising his younger sister, an instant family is not on Ty’s Christmas wish list. But he finds himself falling hard for the single mom and her little girl. Meg, however, is not interested in a romance with a cowboy like Ty, or any man. Getting her under the mistletoe is going to take a Christmas miracle . . . or a little help from Santa.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Tyler (Ty) finds a woman he could truly fall for, if she didn't already have a child it might have been a no-brainer for him but with the magic of Christmas in the air and a little mistletoe, these two might get what they truly deserve for Christmas .... a family.

Out of the three novels I've read by Ms. McClone in her series, I liked this one the best!! This fast-paced holiday romance puts the reader in a festive cheer while you watch Ty & Megan (Meg) work their way through their pasts to find out what they really want for Christmas, which is each other. The plot was sweet, and it made me love all of the characters (main & secondary)!! In addition, while it was a bit confusing because of the question of 'how could Meg's daughter (Brooklyn) know about her father' at the end of the novel, I really liked the endearing way everything was wrapped up and how officially Meg & Ty came together as a couple!

I hope to read more of this lovely town and it's entertaining characters!! I recommend this novel to those who like contemporary holiday romances!!

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

My Previous Review(s) for the Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series & the Copper Mountain Series : Mistletoe Magic | Kiss Me, Cowboy

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Expecting Royal Twins!

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: Kiss Me, Cowboy

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Mistletoe Wedding - Tyler and Meg | Mistletoe Wedding - Overview (with links to more) | Release Day for Mistletoe Wedding

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Marietta, Montana - Zach | Home for Christmas - Overview (with links to more) | Mistletoe Magic - Overview (with links to more) | Kiss Me, Cowboy - Overview (with links to more) | A Welcome from Marietta Chamber of Commerce | Home For Christmas | Mistletoe Magic! | Out a Day Early! | I Wear Her Necklace | Amazon Top 100 Best Seller! | Update and New Release! | Sierra: The Story Behind a Dedication | Copper Mountain Rodeo: Alissa Callen’s Cherish Me, Cowboy | Copper Mountain Rodeo: Rachael Johns’ Tease Me, Cowboy | Kiss Me, Cowboy Playlist | Copper Mountain Rodeo: Megan Crane’s Please Me, Cowboy | The Bar V5 and a Countdown Deal! | A Marietta Christmas: Alissa Callen’s The Mistletoe Cowboy

Book Teaser(s) :

“Asking more questions is not going to get you off the hook. You said you came to the barn to find me, but that doesn’t explain why you’re in here.”
“The music was so loud. I wanted to find some place quieter. A cat went through the doggy door so I followed.”
“The music is loud,” Ty agreed.
Meg shot him a look. She didn’t need him encouraging her daughter to misbehave or think what she did was right. “You could have asked me to turn down the volume.”
“I didn’t know where you were, and my ears hurt,” Brooklyn answered, even though Meg had been talking to Ty. “A light was on, and it was much quieter inside with the door closed. I saw the cats napping and wanted to see what that would be like.”
“To sleep.”
Brooklyn rolled her eyes. “Don’t be silly, Mommy. Everyone knows what it’s like to sleep. But I wanted to see what sleeping like a cat would be like.”
“What’s the verdict?” Ty asked.
“The ledge isn’t big so I had to curl up tight into a ball, but the carpet’s soft.” She crinkled her nose. “A little smelly though.”
Ty grinned, as if he was enjoying this. Well, Meg wasn’t. ~ within Chapter 2

“All the animals doing well?” Noah asked Ty.
“They are fine. No need to make a house call on your day off, Doc. Concentrate on your pretty fiancée and wedding plans.”
“You’re asking the impossible,” Caitlin said. “That’s why I’m wearing a Hello Kitty wedding gown, so I’ll be more appealing to my beloved vet.”
Noah’s eyes widened, as if in horror. “You are not.”
“Okay, I’m not,” Caitlin relented. “Charlie convinced me that would be a bad idea.”
“Good for Charlie,” Ty said.
Meg nodded. “That’s why a bride has a Maid of Honor.”
Noah blew out a puff of air. “Thank goodness for the cowgirl.” ~ within Chapter 4

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

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

Blog Tour - The Brickmaker’s Bride by Judith Miller | Spreading the Word & Kindle Fire HDX/Novel Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Judith Miller author of "The Brickmaker’s Bride," which is the first novel in her Refined by Love Series.

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from October 10 - November 4, 2014 | Giveaway ends on November 4, 2014 | Judy's Refined by Love Facebook Author Event is on November 4, 2014]

"The Brickmaker’s Bride"
[Refined by Love Series, Book 1] by Judith Miller (aka Judith McCoy Miller)
Author's Book Description :

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble

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

About the Author :

Although born and reared in a small suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Judy moved to Kansas at the age of seventeen and has considered the sunflower state ‘home’ ever since. She currently lives in Topeka. She enjoys reading, traveling, researching history, and Bible study.

Writing Christian fiction is Judy’s second career. For many years she worked as a legal assistant in law firms and later worked in government law offices. She has retired from legal work in order to write full-time, a vocation she considers both a ministry and a blessing.

Judy has authored or co-authored more than twenty-five books since she began writing in 1996. She is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, several of which have placed in the CBA and ECPA top ten lists. It is her deep desire to point readers to the love and grace of Jesus.

Giveaways!! :

Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, "The Brickmaker's Bride." CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."

Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.

One winner will receive :

A Kindle Fire HDX
A copy of "The Brickmaker's Bride" by Judith Miller

To Enter : Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!

So grab your copy of "The Brickmaker's Bride" then join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP TODAY. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

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

Find Judith Miller :

Judith Miller - Website & Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
The Brickmaker’s Bride : Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Disappointmentville: Refined by Love Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 346; Kindle Edition - File Size: 4142 KB | Expected Release Date: September 30, 2014 | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group : Bethany House Publishers | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group

"The Brickmaker’s Bride" [Refined by Love Series, Book 1] by Judith Miller (aka Judith McCoy Miller)

Author's Book Description : Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man–a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, a man sets out to America to create a better life for himself and his three younger sisters has to deal with deceiving relatives and powerful men hoping to see him fail while praying that God will see him through.

I had high hopes for this novel, and while I liked Ewan, Laura, and their relationship, it still didn't meet my expectations. I mostly feel that way because it was hard for me to take Ewan's Uncle Hugh & Aunt Margaret's constant scathing comments. If Ewan was real instead of fictional, I wouldn't know how he could've put up with the remarks as long as he did. In truth, the actions of Aunt Margaret, Uncle Hugh, and Winston (Laura's suitor) really made it difficult for me to get through this novel because animosity seemed never ending at times.

However, as I said before I liked Ewan & Laura. Them being together and seeing how their relationship played out was the only reason I stuck with this novel. Ewan has a great head on his shoulders and with Laura's sweet ways; together they make a good couple. I did like how their personal story wrapped up it was very endearing.

Since this is the first novel in Ms. Miller's Refined by Love Series, I am very curious to see where this will go next.

Even though I had a hard time reading this novel I did like its plot, because of that I do recommend it to those who like Christian historical romances.

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

Author's Novel Extras : The Brickmaker’s Bride - Overview

Author's Series Extras : Refined by Love Series - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :

"I will have you know that a brick is not a brick, Winston, and Ewan did not wave a white flag." Laura's eyes flashed with anger. "Do you also believe that all shoes are alike?"
"There's nothing similar about shoes and bricks, Laura." There was a hint of disdain in Winston's voice.
Laura stopped short. "There is a similarity between shoes and bricks. A good shoe depends upon how the leather is tanned and on the talent of the cobbler. A good brick depends upon the quality of the clay and the talent of the brickmaker. If a brick isn't dried long enough before entering the kiln or if the burner doesn't know how to maintain a proper fire, the brick may look good on the outside, but crack under pressure." She tipped her head to one side and lifted an eyebrow. "I believe politicians sometimes crack under pressure, as well. Don't you agree?" ~ within Chapter 9

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

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

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Second Sentence Saturday: Kiss Me, Cowboy

SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab the novel/novella your currently reading

Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue

Share the SECOND sentence from that page

Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want

MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"Kiss Me, Cowboy" [Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, & Montana Born Rodeo Series, Book 3] by Melissa McClone

Gone.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!

Made the Grade: Duals and Donovans: The Different Series, Book 4

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 836 KB | Expected Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley

"Witches' Waves" [Duals and Donovans: The Different Series, Book 4] by Teresa Noelle Roberts (aka Sophie Mouette)

Author's Book Description : The ocean is on their side. But the fight is on land—and it’s about to get dirty.

Duals and Donovans: The Different, Book 4

Long held captive as the Agency’s secret weapon—a blind witch with visions—Meaghan has come to a line she refuses to cross. Rather than betray the infant “child of five bloods” to the Agency’s scientists, she chooses death. Except when she throws herself into the ocean, she doesn’t die. Her repressed water magic comes to life.

When the sodden, delirious witch drifts into Kyle’s arms, his otter dual instincts tell him to get her to the Donovans as fast as possible. Even though one particular surfer-dude Donovan broke his heart.

Declan Donovan continually kicks himself for pushing Kyle away, but his touchy combination of water, earth and lightning magic is too volatile, and Kyle wanted more than Deck was ready to give.

When they come together to help Meaghan control her new magic, it leads the Agency straight to the child of five bloods. They’ll have to dive head-first into total trust—in their magics, in themselves and in each other—to save the child and stop the Agency once and for all.

Warning: Contains an oceanful of sex between an ethereal blind heroine who swears like a pissed-off Marine, an overly serious otter shifter, a would-be beach bum who may be descended from a Norse god, in permutations as fluid as the sea – and themes of abuse and recover.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! A woman--who has the power to see the future and has been raised in a facility where they use her and her power for evil--finds out she's dying and finds a way to get to the water with hopes to kill herself. Yet, fate decides to throw her into the arms of two men who change her life for the better. This was the first time I've read a novel from this series, which could be why I felt a bit lost at times, but this novel was standalone enough that you still get to read a full story.

In truth, at the beginning I only liked the scenes that Meaghan was in because everything else seemed to be dragging a bit. As the novel progresses I liked how the plot sped up and the interaction between Kyle, Deck, & Meaghan turned into something that I couldn't stop reading about. Together they make a wonderful combo that balances each other out in ways that where surprising and fun.

In addition, one thing that I loved about this novel was it's main characters' unique abilities! With Deck's massive supply of power yet needing to still maintain enough control as to not kill anyone; to Meaghan's foresight and her growing into the abilities that are no longer dormant; to finding out about Kyle being an otter shifter along with what that means and being both a dom and sub in the bedroom (depending on who he's playing with); it was all very exciting getting to know them!

This novel definitely hooked me for this series, I'm curious to see where it will all go next. I recommend this novel and series to those who like paranormal romances, don't mind reading about light bdsm, and are fans of m/f/m romances too!

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

Author's Novel Extras : WIP Excerpt: Witches’ Waves | Teaser time! Witches’ Waves is ready for pre-order

Author's Series Extras : Duals and Donovans: The Different series - Overview | New “Best” Anthology

Book Teaser(s) :

Great. What Deck was saying made the situation even more hopeless. "So...cosmic power, no knowledge of magical ethics, working entirely on instinct and about a million reasons to be trigger-happy. As if simple decency weren't enough reason to keep my hands off her, there's always not wanting to get killed because I did something stupid." His path was clear. "I need to not touch her. Need to stop wondering what it would be like to be insider her, to have that ocean and amber scent around me as I fuck her...and damn, that's not helping one bit."
Deck laughed. ~ within Chapter 11

"If we live through this, you are so getting spanked," he whispered as he shoved the otter behind him. ~ within Chapter 25

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

Friday, October 17, 2014

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Violca's Dragon by Leilani Love | Review & Gift Cards/Swag Packs Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Leilani Love, with a review of her debut novel "Violca's Dragon," which is the first novel in her Dragon Ruby Series!!

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 October 17, 2014 -- Giveaway will run from ???]

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 895 KB | Release Date: July 5, 2014 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Violca's Dragon" [The Dragon Ruby Series, Book 1] by Leilani Love

Author's Book Description : Violca knows life can change instantly. Her parents died suddenly, leaving her to raise four younger sisters and keep them safe ~ even from the golden-eyed stranger.

Chase knows the Grey sisters possibly hold the key to his fate. He is determined to to get close, protect them and bring them to his Dragon King. What Violca doesn't know is that once a dragon decides he wants something, there is no stopping him from getting it.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Five sisters find out there is more to this world then what they knew when others come into their lives to try to protect them from those who would like to use them for evil gain, in the process they learn more about their parents and their pasts then they originally knew.

This unique novel takes the typical paranormal romance situations and throws them into a contemporary setting. Typically, I would like the idea if the romance works out but in this case, it just made me feel bad for Scott (one of the secondary characters who is a panther shifter). One of the things that made it difficult to flow along with the novel was its transitioning between its scenes and between its characters POVs throughout the novel as it wasn't as smooth as I'm used too in other novels. Otherwise, I thought that it has great potential since the plot is engaging and entertaining while making sure the novel never dragged.

As for the main characters, I thought that Violca (V) and Chase were good together once their romance got going. Plus, I enjoyed how close Chase became with her sisters; it was really sweet to read about and it got the reader more involved with the novel too. In truth because of how Chase acts it made me root for them being together even more. I just wish that their mating was more "planned out" in a way that made it not seem so fumbled, but I guess that happens sometimes just like everyday life.

I am definitely interested to see where this series will go, who will end up with who, and if/how the prophecy will come true.

I recommend this novel to those who like paranormal suspenseful romances.

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

Author's Novel Extras : Started the fight scene. | Yay I have my iBooks link. | The blog blast is this Friday.

Book Teaser(s) :

“Where’s Eryk?”
Scott looks up at him and by the look on his face, Chase can tell he is upset. “He is taking Kati home.” Taking a big swig of his beer, he shakes his head. “Man, I don’t know what happened, but I think I fucked up?”
Chase frowns. “How the hell could you have fucked up? Did you tell Violca something you shouldn’t have?”
Scott shakes his head. “No, when Kati was here, I almost punched Eryk for touching her.”
Chase starts to smile until he sees Scott’s face and hears him growl, his eyes narrowing on him. “I don’t understand, he’s not the type of kid to take advantage of a girl. Why would you care if he was touching her? What happened?”
Scott stares at his beer, his thumb stroking the top. “I don’t know, she smells like honeysuckle and I...”
His voice trails off and Chase thinks about it for a second before smiling at him. “Did you imprint on our very young witch?”
Scott growls, shaking his head. The idea had obviously never entered his mind. Chase tries not to smile as he sees his friend thinking about what he just said. Suddenly Scott growls, “Shit.” The sudden outburst causes Chase to laugh.
“What the fuck am I supposed to do now? She is too young to claim and if Viktor finds out…”
Chase shakes his head and walks to the kitchen. “I think you need another beer and I am going to join you.” Grabbing two beers from the fridge, he opens them both before walking back into the living room. Handing one to Scott, he smiles. “Think this is karma for you teasing me about getting to close to the older sister?”
Scott takes a drink of his new beer. “Viktor is going to kill us both.” ~ within Chapter 17

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

About the Author :

Leilani Love is a proud mother of two very active boys. A military wife she loves getting to meet new people wherever they move. She loves to read books crossing many genres. Her love affair with dragons started when she was young and one day dreams of having her own dragon and black panther.

Book Excerpt :

Opening the door, she steps onto the patio and smiles at Eryk. Her eyes are drawn to some movement behind him and she looks up to see Chase walking in from the woods. He is wearing his pants low on his hips and no shirt. Her breath catches as she notices his rippling muscles and the light traces of a six pack on his abs. When her eyes finally roam up to his face, she feels her cheeks heat up. His self-satisfied smile tells her he saw her checking him out.

Eryk clears his throat. “Good morning.”

Violca swears she must be beet red. She smiles at Eryk. “Morning, I just wanted to invite you guys in for eggs and sausage.”

Scott peaks his head out of the tent. “Did you say sausage?”

“Yep, do you want to join us?”

“Hell yeah,” Scott replies, crawling out from the tent.

Violca’s eyes widen. Scott is also in only a pair of jeans, no shirt, and Violca smiles thinking Linda and the girls would be mad to find out that she is the first to see him with his shirt off. She hears a growl and turns to see Chase watching her. “Be careful, I think there is an animal close by,” she says, wondering where that sound came from. “It shouldn’t be too much longer.”

Giveaways!! :

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Find Leilani Love :

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Violca's Dragon : Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo | iTunes

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Made the Grade: Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, & Montana Born Rodeo Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 316 | Expected Release Date: September 7, 2014 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Montana Born Books | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions/Melissa McClone

"Kiss Me, Cowboy" [Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, & Montana Born Rodeo Series, Book 3] by Melissa McClone

Author's Book Description : She didn’t mean to kiss him...

When dude ranch wrangler Charlotte – aka Charlie – Randall kisses Zack Harris in an act of empathy, she falls hat over spurs for the handsome military veteran turned cowboy. Zack has too many demons, however, and refuses to get involved. A year later, he’s still stonewalling, and Charlie needs to move on with her life so she can find a fulfilling relationship, not frustrating unrequited love. Putting distance between them seems the best way to get Zack out of her head and heart…but that means quitting the job she loves and accepting a position in Colorado.

He didn’t mean to kiss her back...

Growing up, Zack longed for a real family, and had one with his squad while deployed in Afghanistan. Now, he’s back in the States and doesn’t want anything messing up his new ranch family, no matter how much he’s attracted to the sexy, hard-working Charlie. She could break his heart and ruin the comfortable working relationship they and the other wranglers enjoy. Besides, her friends claim she’s looking for the perfect guy, and perfect he’s not.

A kiss is just a kiss...or is it?

When Zack learns Charlie’s thinking about leaving the ranch, he decides to find her a boyfriend — someone so good, so perfect, she has a reason to stay in Montana. Until he realizes too late that the only cowboy he wants her kissing is him. Can he commit to love and convince Charlie not to leave? Or has she made up her mind to put the past, and the kiss that started it all, behind her and move on without him?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars!! Past experiences come back to haunt two friends/co-workers. One who has chosen to get over her heartache if only she can find a way to forget about her seemingly unrequited crush. While the other uses his past as a guide of "what not to do" and in doing to he stifles his options for his future. Will they finally be able to be honest with each other in hopes that everything will work out between them the way it's suppose to be or will new options for them come to light instead?

A sweet romance that reels you in and doesn't let go! Charlotte and Zack are so alike that it’s hard not to see them together as a couple. I liked how these two played out their love interests in a way that they both have to find the truth of what they truly wanted for themselves.

Not completely, what I expected. Yet, I liked how the plot plays out while getting fun updates of the previous characters in this series. Can't wait to see where this series will take us next!

I recommend this novel and series to those who like contemporary romances!

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

My Previous Review(s) for the Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series & the Copper Mountain Series : Mistletoe Magic

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Expecting Royal Twins!

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Marietta, Montana - Zach | Kiss Me, Cowboy - Overview (with links to more) | Update and New Release! | Sierra: The Story Behind a Dedication | Kiss Me, Cowboy Playlist

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Mistletoe Wedding - Tyler and Meg | Home for Christmas - Overview (with links to more) | Mistletoe Magic - Overview (with links to more) | Mistletoe Wedding - Overview (with links to more) | A Welcome from Marietta Chamber of Commerce | Home For Christmas | Out a Day Early! | I Wear Her Necklace | Mistletoe Magic! | Amazon Top 100 Best Seller! | Copper Mountain Rodeo: Alissa Callen’s Cherish Me, Cowboy | Copper Mountain Rodeo: Rachael Johns’ Tease Me, Cowboy | Copper Mountain Rodeo: Megan Crane’s Please Me, Cowboy

Book Teaser(s) :

"I'm supposed to be looking for a guy. I can't do that if we're"—Charlie pointed to him, then herself—"dancing."
Leaving off the kissing seemed to be best.
He flashed a cocky grin. "I'm a guy."
Her breath caught in her throat, and her pulse skittered. "Does that mean you've thrown your no dating people you work with rule out the window?"
Please tell me you have. Please, oh, please. She crossed her fingers behind her back.
"I haven't." A muscle twitched at his jaw. "I'm sorry. You're right. This was—"
"If you say this was a mistake and apologize, I will hurt you bad."
Amusement gleamed in his eyes, along with something else. A challenge, perhaps. "Think you could?"
She raised her chin. "I'd give it my best shot."
"I'd like to see that, sweetheart, but I wasn't going to say either of those things."
"Oh." Had he just called her sweetheart? Or maybe she was hearing things. ~ within Chapter 6

"Ready?" he asked.
"As I'll ever be." She looked up at him. "Kiss me, cowboy."
"You can kiss me, cowgirl."
Charlie lifted her chin. "Your idea."
Fine. She wasn't going to have to twist his arm. He would kiss her. Gladly.
For Arrow.
Better not forget that key point.
Zack lowered his mouth to hers, touching her lips gently.
Soft, warm, sweet.
The words described Charlie's lips, her kiss, the woman. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer, but the jacket she wore—more life vest than piece of clothing—and his kept them more separated then he'd like.
Still no complaints. ~ within Chapter 7

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

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