Second Sentence Saturday: In Your Dreams

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

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MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"In Your Dreams" [The Blue Heron Series, Book 4] by Kristan Higgins -- MY REVIEW

Okay, okay, she hadn't used the Taser yet and she probably wouldn't get to (dang), but the tiny thrill of anticipation didn't lie.

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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: Sweetbriar Springs Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 688 KB | Expected Release Date: November 24, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Indulgence | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"The Movie Star's Red Hot Holiday Fling" [Sweetbriar Springs Series, Book 2] by Christine Glover

Authors' Book Description : One dare and he’ll lose his heart… Determined to qualify for the fire department’s grueling physical, former marine Jessie Sullivan never gives up, despite the pins in her leg. The last thing she needs is a tall, incredibly hot action movie star sharing her gym...and who makes her want to trade in her reps for some sexy physical activity. Of the naked kind.

Blake Johnston is more than just a Big Screen Sex Machine, and he’s willing to prove it. Especially to a spirited and sexy ex-marine like Jessie. But when a harmless dare leads to sizzling fireworks, Jessie and Blake’s workout ends up generating some serious heat between the sheets. And it’s more than Jessie could have imagined. Much, much more. But flings don’t last forever. And in two weeks, Jessie will have to say goodbye to her red-hot Christmas fantasy...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! A heartwarming novel about a Hollywood action hero meeting a wounded ex-Marine, healing each other’s past pains and their hearts, with a little holiday magic thrown in. I really enjoyed this fast-paced novel. It shows brings the reader into Jessica’s (Jessie) world, shows you her struggles about her current self-worth post being honorably discharged from the Marines, while seeing Blake prove how great she is and verifying that she has nothing to be guilty about. Even though this novel made me cry a few times because of how sweetly written the scenes were I couldn’t help but root for Jessie & Blake the whole way through!

In addition, with the subtle build up for more stories in this series I am interested in where it’ll all go next!

I recommend this novel to anyone looking for a sweet slightly erotic contemporary romance based around two different kinds of heroes!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : KOBO : The Maverick's Red Hot Reunion | KOBO : The Movie Star’s Red Hot Holiday Fling


Authors' Novel Extras : Makeover Madness on the Veranda

Author's Series Extras : Break Out the Bubbly & Dark Chocolate: Celebrating Christine Glover’s Debut Novel The Maverick’s Red Hot Reunion | A Debut to Celebrate & What’s Happening Next in Sweetbriar Springs

Book Teaser(s) :

“What would your diehard fans say if they knew you have a serious addiction to hot chocolate?” She released it, but not before their fingers brushed. Electricity sparked, igniting another sharp yearning under her skin.
His gaze was firm, rooting her to the floor. “She puts marshmallows in it. The tiny kind.”
She exhaled a long breath. “And you’re partial to tiny marshmallows?”
“Among other things,” he said, lifting one brow.
Her insides flipped again. There was no mistaking the intent in his voice. ~ within Chapter 2

The early morning sunrays illuminated his amazing sculpted muscles, and a hint of light caressed his gorgeous features. His eyelashes swept the planes of his cheekbones and not a single line marred the perfection of his brow.
Here was a man, a glorious and beautiful male, who commanded a movie empire as its star, but in sleep she could see beyond the gild he used to guard his emotions.
He wasn’t just a Hollywood icon. Not to her. He was so much more. Oh, how she longed to draw out this time, stretch it through eternity, if only to keep this man in her life. But that was the stuff fairy tales were made of, and Jessie was a realist. ~ within Chapter 6

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

Feasted On: Tempting the Governess by Vivienne Westlake

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 111; Kindle Edition - File Size: 266 KB | Expected Release Date: October 9, 2014 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"Tempting the Governess" by Vivienne Westlake

Author's Book Description : Never fall in love with your employer. Any respectable governess knew the cardinal rule. Christine Aubrey prided herself on her devotion to her charges, never suspecting that one day a former pupil would tempt her to break every rule in the book.

Theodore Blake was a “good boy” who grew up into a responsible man. Shouldering the burden of raising his sister’s children and managing his older brother’s affairs, Teddy has always done the right thing. But when his former governess returns to Birchwood, all he can think about is how good it would be to be bad.

*Contains the following themes: older heroine/younger hero, former student/teacher, and forbidden love.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Old feelings come into play when a governess comes back into the lives of the family she used to be employed with will she be able to deny her feelings to her boss or will she open her heart to him for good?

This quick read was one that reminded me of an enchanting mixture of Ms. Ross’ "Improper Relations" (because of the ‘sweet/hot older woman’ angle) and Ms. Kleypas’ "Married By Morning" (because of the ‘governess’ angle)! I really enjoyed how Christine & Theodore (Teddy) come together and prove they have more feelings for one another than just lust. It was all very erotically sweet!

I recommend this novella to anyone looking for a fast-paced historical erotic romance!

Purchase This Book Here : KOBO : Tempting the Governess


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Lady’s Wicked Proposition

Author's Novel Extras : Tempting the Governess - Overview & Excerpt

Book Teaser(s) :

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

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

Idolizing In: The Blue Heron Series, Book 4

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 473; Kindle Edition - File Size: 635 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: September 30, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : HQN Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"In Your Dreams" [The Blue Heron Series, Book 4] by Kristan Higgins

Author's Book Description : EVERYONE LOVES JACK HOLLAND, BUT EMMALINE NEAL NEEDS HIM.

Her ex-fiancé is getting married in Malibu and, obviously, she can’t go to the wedding alone. In Manningsport, New York, tall, blond and gorgeous Jack Holland is practically a cottage industry when it comes to rescuing desperate women. He knows the drill, Em figures, so he won’t get the wrong idea.

What Jack needs is an excuse to leave town. Ever since rescuing four teenagers from a car wreck, he’s been hailed as a hero and the attention is making him itchy, especially since his too-pretty ex-wife is back, angling for a reunion. He’s always liked Emmaline. She needs a weekend date? No problem.

So when they wind up in bed together, Em chalks it up to red wine and chocolate cake, just one impulsive night not to be repeated. But Jack’s pushing for more, and if she lets down her guard, either she’ll get her heart crushed again, or discover that Jack’s worth more than just dreaming about.

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! Two people trying to move on from bad exes become friends and a whole lot more, if only they can get over their heartaches.

Witty, fun, and dramatic! This had everything you'd want from a Ms. Higgins' novel and more!! I couldn't get enough of Jack & Emmaline's (Em) developing relationship with them being so sweet together! Plus, reading all of the township's antics and the nonstop banter between everyone was entertaining too!

This novel definitely makes me more intrigued about this series and I can't wait to see where everyone will go next!

I recommend this novel for those who like contemporary dramedy romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Alibris : The Best Man | KOBO : The Best Man | Alibris : The Perfect Match | KOBO : The Perfect Match | Alibris : Waiting On You | KOBO : Waiting On You | Alibris : In Your Dreams | KOBO : In Your Dreams


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Just One of the Guys | The Next Best Thing | All I Ever Wanted | Until There Was You | Somebody to Love

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : "Waiting On" Wednesday: All I Ever Wanted | "Waiting On" Wednesday: Until There Was You | Teaser Tuesdays: Until There Was You | Top 5 Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2011 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2012 | "Waiting On" Wednesday: Somebody to Love | Disappointmentville: Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos | "Waiting On" Wednesday: The Best Man

Author's Novel Extras : In Your Dreams - Overview & Excerpt | The delights of Nordstrom’s | Sisters & All Their Glory | Everyday Heroes | Family

Author's Series Extras : The Best Man - Overview & Excerpt | The Perfect Match - Overview & Excerpt | Waiting On You - Overview & Excerpt

Book Teaser(s) :

"Are you guys playing?"
Emmaline, who hadn't said boo, cleared her throat. "We thought it was volleyball. By the way, Jack and I are pretend engaged."
Connor gave him a look, and Jack shrugged. Colleen clapped her hands. "I told you--you should've just committed to that plan to start with. Come on, Connor. Naomi's summoning me. God, I wish Lucas was here!"
"You're not the only one," Connor said.
"Well, believe me, I didn't want to be here with my grumpy-ass brother---oh, and by the way, Connor, you should've said yes to coming to this with Emmaline, because then you wouldn't be here with your sister as your date." ~ within Chapter 8

"You need a ride, Abs?" he asked.
"No, no, I've got Mom's car. You know what I found in it last week?"
"Do I want to?"
"No, but I feel like someone should share my pain, and you could use a distraction. You ready?" She paused for effect. "A riding crop."
"Please tell me she's taken up horseback riding."
"She has not."
"You're a cruel child, Abby."
She grinned. ~ within Chapter 14

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

Teaser Tuesday: Flirting on Ice

"Flirting on Ice" by Veronica Forand & Susan Scott Shelley -- MY REVIEW
Book Teaser:

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

Idolizing In: Shark Shifter Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 5897 KB | Expected Release Date: August 27, 2014 | Publisher: Pouch Productions | Obtained: NetGalley

"Touching Paradise" [Shark Shifter Series, Book 1] by Cleo Peitsche

Author's Book Description : "TOUCHING PARADISE" (Shark Shifter #1) is an erotic romance of 41,000 words.

Despite his billions in the bank, Koenraad is a shark shapeshifter haunted by secrets and regrets. Unable to move on with his life, he relentlessly patrols the waters near the island he once considered home. Fate puts the beautiful Monroe in his path, and duty demands he offer his services, but one look into her eyes and he knows the lonely, frightened woman secretly yearns for adventure.

Monroe is having a hard time getting into the vacation spirit. She’s surrounded by powdery white sand and swaying palm trees, but she’s terrified of the ocean. When her tour boat breaks down at sea, she’s thrilled to skip the so-called trip of a lifetime. However, a gorgeous man with a sleek yacht is determined to change her mind... and maybe her life.

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!!! While on vacation on a remote island for a friend's wedding Monroe meets a mysterious bachelor who changes her world and life in unexpected ways!

Intensely hot with intriguing twists, I could not put this novella down! I ended up reading it in 3-4 hours! Koenraad & Monroe are an unusual pair that will be interesting to see where their relationship will take them. In addition, I'm curious to find out more about Koenraad's son, since much is alluded about him throughout this novella.

I love the shifter dynamic and Koenraad definitely sold it for me. I hope Monroe will stay as accepting as she was in this novella about his abilities throughout the series. I say that because even though I expect drama to come into their lives I really don't think I'd enjoy reading about anything or anyone permanently coming between them for a while.

I highly recommend this novella and series to those who like paranormal erotic romances!!

-- On a side note --

It reminded me a little of Ms. Arend's Pacific Passion Series.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Smashwords : Touching Paradise | KOBO : Touching Paradise | Smashwords : Master of the Deep | KOBO : Master of the Deep | Smashwords : Oceans Untamed | KOBO : Oceans Untamed


Author's Novel Extras : Touching Paradise (The Shark Shifter Paranormal Romance #1) Available!!!

Author's Series Extras : Shark Shifter Series - Overview | Master of the Deep (The Shark Shifter Paranormal Romance #2) Available!!! | Oceans Untamed (The Shark Shifter Paranormal Romance #3) Available!!!

Book Teaser(s) :

"I'm such a dork," she said.
"Thank you for being a dork."
Her smile almost turned genuine. "You were right, again," she said. "I would have kicked myself later."
"That's twice in one day."
"Don't let it go to your head."
"Never." ~ within Chapter 8

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

Second Sentence Saturday: This Weakness for You

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 :

"This Weakness for You" [Taming the Pack Series, Book 2] by Wendy Sparrow

Jordan was torn between satisfaction and trepidation.

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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!

Feasted On: Atlantic City Hustlers Series, Novella 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1502 KB | Expected Release Date: November 17, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Lovestruck | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Flirting on Ice" [Atlantic City Hustlers Series, Novella 1] by Veronica Forand & Susan Scott Shelley

Authors' Book Description : Mr. Perfect has found his kind of trouble...

Professional hockey player Zac Elliott is in top form. He’s having the best season of his career, the local fans can’t get enough of him, and he’s in the middle of the most successful contract negotiations of his career. When the sexy little spark between Zac and the team owner’s daughter blazes to life, no matter how forbidden, he can’t resist.

Philanthropist Heather Ryan can’t keep her hands off of Zac. If her father finds out, it could end Zac’s career and ruin her reputation. What they share is deeply passionate and intensely private...until the press exposes their illicit relationship.

Now the fans have viciously turned against Heather, Zac’s game is faltering, and even his team has deserted him. The only way out of the penalty box is for Zac to play hockey like life—and love—depends on it...

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars, after four years of getting to know each other through her family's hockey organization Heather finally gives into her desires to know Zac better, however once their relationship becomes known everyone tries to keep them apart. Is sticking together really worth the effort they are going to have to put into winning the approval of everyone or is being apart for the best?

This fast-paced holiday romance will win you over from the beginning! I liked how charismatic Zac is. Also, I enjoyed how he goes about winning over Heather and proving to everyone that their relationship is more than a one-time thing. It was steamy, sweet, & charming!

If this is truly a series, I am interested into seeing where the characters main & secondary will go next!

I recommend this novel to those who want to read an enchanting holiday romance!

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


Authors' Novel Extras : Get Wicked With Entangled Blog Hop

Book Teaser(s) :

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

Sequoia frowned, and any sign of his oldest, dearest friend evaporated. “I don’t usually give you dating advice, but in this case, it’s needed. Don’t screw around with Heather. She’s a good kid and doesn’t need the shit the fans put her through tonight.”
“It’s not like that.”
“What’s it like?”
“I like her. A lot. And I know she feels the same way. She gets me. Almost as much as you do.”
A grin emerged on Sequoia’s face and transformed the two-hundred-pound right-winger back into a friend. “What can I do to help?”
“I need your car. Can you get a ride from someone else tonight?”
“I’ll go with Mikael.” He tossed Zac the keys to his Escalade. “Have fun.” ~ within Chapter 4

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

Feasted On: Taming the Pack Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 350 KB | Expected Release Date: November 17, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select Otherworld | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"This Weakness for You" [Taming the Pack Series, Book 2] by Wendy Sparrow

Author's Book Description : She’s exactly what he wants to sink his teeth into...Jordan is his pack’s Alpha dog. The Big Bad Wolf. And after his last breakup, he’s opting to be the lone wolf, too. But then his rival’s little sister—a human, of all creatures—comes to his door. And suddenly, what should be a tasty little snack turns out to be something more than Jordan could ever imagine...

Christa is simply looking for a place to stay. Yet the dark shifter smells irresistibly like forever. But getting involved with the wolf who tried to kill her brother—twice—is lunacy. Besides, in the unforgiving, shadowed world of shifters, there is no room for weakness. And falling for her family’s enemy won’t just be her downfall...it will be his, too.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Get swept up into a world of werewolves with Christa, a human who finds out that she is scent-matched to an Alpha Lycan (Jordan). Will Christa be able to cope with the rapid changes in her life or will it be too much for her?

I really liked this unique pair, Jordan & Christa, as they prove that appearances aren't everything. It was also intriguing to read about a heroine who has a deteriorating disease (multiple sclerosis -- MS) show her worth without that being the sole focus of the novel. I thought it was great! In addition, I liked how Christa kept proving her value to Jordan and his pack. However, what really won me over for this novel was its constant banter and one-liners, as it made it hard for me to choose which teasers I liked the best!

I'd love to see this series expand and see where it goes! Overall, I highly recommend this novel to those who like paranormal romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : KOBO : Past My Defenses | KOBO : This Weakness for You


Author's Novel Extras : This Weakness for You - Overview

Author's Series Extras : Taming the Pack Series - Overview | Past My Defenses - Overview | Titles Read in 2012

Book Teaser(s) :

This was the longest, freakiest road she’d ever driven on. Anything this led to could only end badly.
When she saw a house lit up ahead, she almost turned back. She stepped on the brake, but her leg went limp, so she leaned forward and pressed her hands down on her thigh. The car shuddered to a stop. Yeah, she was real safe to be out on the roads. Reaction time like a ninja.
“I swear this is what her directions say!” She gestured at the house. “I mean, not go to the creepy house at the end of the street, but that turnoff was in the directions.” She grabbed the paper. “And then there’s a happy face.” Shaking her head, Christa threw the directions on the floor. “It’s because I ate the last three marshmallows. How the hell was I to know that marshmallows are sacred? There should have been a sign. ‘Keep out, Christa, if you value your life.’” ~ within Chapter 3

“I feel like Little Orphan Annie...I mean, you saw my last apartment.”
“I don’t think Annie and Daddy Warbucks had this sort of relationship, though, Squeaky. If they did, well, that certainly changes the meaning of some of those songs.” ~ within Chapter 6

“I have never been called a white rabbit, by the way,” he said.
“It was meant to be a compliment.”
“Really?”
“No, not really. I was hoping the insult to your honor would be too much for you to bear, and you’d come home immediately to challenge me.”
“Did you get me ice cream?”
“Either that or I got me a whole lot of ice cream.” He heard the freezer door open, and she popped off the top of the ice cream while opening the silverware drawer. A moment later, she said around a mouthful of ice cream, “Better come home soon.”
“You’re eating that straight from the carton.”
“Yep.”
“What...were you raised by wolves?”
She laughed so hard that she choked and had to get a drink of water before she could talk again. ~ within Chapter 9

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

Happy Veteran's Day 2014

-- Below are photos of my Grandfather when he served in the Army. --