Sunday, March 22, 2015

Made the Grade: Blue Moon Junction Series, Book 4

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 1093 KB | Release Date: March 5, 2015 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"My Heart Laid Bear" [Blue Moon Junction Series, Book 4] by Georgette St. Clair

Author's Book Description : Bear shifter Clover is steaming mad and ready to be fitted with a new pair of bear skin boots. How dare the sexy head of security for the McCoy clan forbid her younger sister from marrying his brother? His brother knocked the girl up and he’s going to do right by her, or her name isn’t Clover Lulabelle Movie Star Windwalker Jones – which, unfortunately, it is. (Her parents were hippies.)
His. Clover is hotheaded, impulsive, demanding – and she’s his. Sam McCoy knows it the second he lays eyes on her. Sure, he’s arrested most of the members of her family at one time or another, and now she’s blaming him for ruining her younger sister’s life – details, right? Sam has a secret weapon – he gets her a marketing job at his family’s jelly and jam factory, which will help her retain custody of her brother and sisters. Late nights at the office and some sexy honey samplings lead to even sexier times, and the possibility of a future – until Clover’s past comes back to haunt her and threatens to tear apart the family she’s fought to save.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. Clover loves her family. She would do anything for them. Even if they are petty criminals kids who she's hoping to reform. Even if it means making an "enemy" of Sam--one of the nicest guys is town. But with a little luck Sam might "reform" her and her life instead...

This was a sweet novel and it has the typical banter sassiness that Ms. St. Clair likes to throw in. Yet, while I liked the plot and its characters, I found the romance between Sam and Clover a bit lacking. I mean I liked them together but because Clover is in her own head most of the novel dealing with the issues surrounding her and her family I found her a bit restrained when it came to her feelings.

Overall, though, I'd still recommend this novel to anyone looking for a sweetly fun paranormal romance.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Smashwords (e-Book) : The Alpha Claims A Mate (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Bobcat's Tale (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Hard To Bear (Book 3) | Kobo (e-Book) : My Heart Laid Bear (Book 4) | Kobo (e-Book) : Fated Mates: The Alpha Shifter Boxed Set


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : His Purrfect Mate

Author's Novel Extras : “My Heart Laid Bear” to be released this week (March 5) | My Heart Laid Bear should be available today

Book Teaser(s) :
Blue was standing there. “We’d like you to take a tour of the property,” she said. “We need to pick out some good spots before the photographer gets here.”
“Good plan,” Clover agreed.
She followed Blue outside, hoping that her stomach wouldn’t rumble too loudly… and stopped when she saw that Sam was sitting in the driver’s seat of a jeep that was parked outside the front door.
He grinned at her as she slowly walked up to the jeep. “Goodness, I didn’t know we needed a chauffeur,” she said, keeping her tone polite for Blue but shooting Sam a quick, deadly glare.
“And a bodyguard,” Sam said with a smug smile. “There’s all kinds of dangers out there on a blueberry farm.”
“Oh, sit in the front, dear,” Blue said, climbing into the back and shutting her door.
The jeep really wasn’t built for a big bear shifter like Sam – he overflowed in his seat and pressed up against her when she climbed in. Surely he must know that – had he planned this on purpose?
The warm, solid feel of him sent ripples of sensation pulsing through her body. He was wearing that cologne again, faint but unmistakable. She shifted in her seat and pressed up against the door, which was uncomfortable but at least she wasn’t crushing up against Sam.
“I packed a couple of picnic baskets for us so we can all stop and eat,” Sam said. “Got some of my blueberry pie in there.”
Blueberry pie. Damn the man, he was fiendishly clever. ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Georgette, then please check out her website.

Made the Grade: A Snowflake's Chance in Hell by Amy Romine

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 189 KB | Expected Release Date: December 15, 2011 | Publisher: eXtasy Books | Obtained: From Ms. Romine (the author) for honest review

"A Snowflake's Chance in Hell" by Amy Romine

Author's Book Description : Two hearts drawn by hope, linked by love.

All Quinn Lawson wanted was to find her brother. Separated after their parents perished in a drunk-driving accident, Quinn has been searching for him since she became eighteen. She is closer now than ever, but it is her last lead.

Gunnery Sergeant Kevin McCaluson has a choice to make, stay in the military or step away and try life as a civilian. With no family and no prospect of one, Kevin wonders if he can leave the only family he has ever known for the life he’s always dreamed.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, a woman (Quinn) who's on a search to find her long lost younger brother unintentionally recruits Marine Gunnery Sergeant to help her out right before Christmas.

While I found this novella to be very sweet, had fallen a little for Kevin (Gunney) myself, and liked the idea of its plot, this novella didn't keep my attention that well. Yet as a plowed through it, I can definitely say that it has a magical quality to its plot that makes you wish some of that magic could happen for you too.

I recommend this novella who are looking to read about a contemporary holiday romance filled with magic!

Purchase This Book Here : Smashwords (e-Book) : A Snowflake's Chance in Hell | Kobo (e-Book) : A Snowflake's Chance in Hell


My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: A Snowflake's Chance in Hell

Author's Novel Extras :

Book Teaser(s) :
Quinn searched for the lipstick in her purse and pulled down the passenger mirror. To her horror, her long brown hair was a tangled mess, and she hurriedly combed it with her fingers.
“You look fine.” His reassurance came with a stunning grin that made her eyes roll.
“This coming from the Captain America,” she hesitated once the comment left her lips, but the amusement on his face left her in the clear. He parked and they both exited the truck.
He escorted her to the main entrance of the hospital. “I prefer Daredevil.”
“Isn’t that the superhero Ben Affleck managed to singlehandedly torpedo into the beyond?” He stayed close to her when they joined the crowded lobby of the facility.
“I don’t know to what you are referring.” His hand descended on hers, guiding her to the opposite side of the lobby. They came to an elevator and stopped. The surrounding crowd grew louder by the minute and Quinn stepped closer.
“I believe they call that selective amnesia.” He looked down at her with a sideways grin, his green eyes once again freezing her in place.
“Do they?”
“Yes, they say the conscious brain uses it as a form of protection, blocking out those instances that are too traumatic to process. If you are truly a Daredevil fan, I can completely understand the condition. The same type of thing happened to me with the short lived Charlie’s Angel’s remake.” ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Amy, then please check her out on the Goodreads' website.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Second Sentence Saturday: A Snowflake's Chance in Hell


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 :

"A Snowflake's Chance in Hell" by Amy Romine

Her ice cold hands barely felt the keys in her hands.



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!

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Blog Tour - First Blood by Judy Serrano | Spreading the Word & Charm/Novel/Bookmark Giveaways

Today I'm turning my blog over to Judy Serrano author of "First Blood," which happens to be the SECOND BOOK in her Linked 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 from March 2 - 26, 2015 -- Giveaway will run until March 27, 2015]




"First Blood"
[Linked Series, Book 2] by Judy Serrano

Author's Book Description :
    Linked ~ First Blood (Book 2)

    Diamond never asked to be a vampire. Unfortunately for her, her transition requires her to have her first blood given to her by a full-blooded, male vampire. Her father takes her to Dante, the kingpin of the vampire mafia, who is a close and old friend of the family, to do the job. After much resistance, Dante accepts and their worlds are turned upside down. Dante unexpectedly links to Diamond, causing a connection that appears to be unbreakable. The only known cure for vampirism is when a vampire links to the soul of a human: the soul that once belonged to them.

    Diamond is discovered to have a special and unique bloodline, which makes her extremely valuable to the vampire species. As more and more vampires become aware of her gift, the race is on to see who can gain control of her first. With her first blood gone, her new love hovering, and a rival gang hanging in the midst, it is all Diamond can do to stay safe. Will her link to Dante save her, or put her in more danger than she can handle. Sometimes true love is worth the risk.

Book Series Links :

Amazon (e-Book) | Amazon (Paperback) | Barnes and Noble (Paperback)

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



About the Author :

Judy Serrano graduated from Texas A&M University, Commerce with a BA in English. She is currently working on finishing up her masters degree and becoming a certified teacher for high school English. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Service, and was an adjunct professor at a local college. She is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications and writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series, The Linked Series, and "Ivy Vines, Visions."

Although originally form New York, Judy resides in Texas with her husband, four boys, five dogs and now one cat. She sings and plays guitar when she has time and enjoys singing with her very musical family in church when able.


My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 2

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: First Blood



Book Excerpt :

I am not a vampire, but the voices in my head tell me otherwise. My cold skin, my hunger for red meat, it was all a sign. My sister, Sapphire, seemed to miss the whole experience. No symptoms at all. No waking up at night in cold sweats, no sores in her mouth, or pain in her teeth. Why did she always get so lucky? It wasn’t fair.
The rain drizzled before us as a thick fog enveloped the taxi. I looked out the window, trying to steady my hands before we arrived. The guards let us through a tall, Iron Gate, and my sister reached over and grabbed my hand. “It’ll be okay, Diamond. This is what she wanted.” I nodded. It was always about what she wanted. No one else had any say.
“She’s right, you know,” my father added. “You’ll like him. Everyone does.”
I nodded again, still unable to speak. My father’s best friends accompanied us. Ashley, Kyle, and Rex. He wasn’t sure how Dante would take the news and he needed some backup. Kyle was ridiculously sexy. Broad shoulders and muscles other men envied. He had dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, with the bluest eyes I had ever seen. Rex was tall and slender with short spiked, blond hair. Also handsome but he may as well have had “womanizer” stamped on his forehead. He knew nothing of commitment and wore it well. Ashley was blond and gorgeous. I couldn’t understand how none of them ever claimed her. She was about 5 foot 6, thin, and tough as nails. Personally, I had always thought she was in love with my father, but my mother didn’t like to talk about her, so it was just speculation on my part.
The car pulled up to what looked like an old mansion. It was something you might see in an old movie. Terror ripped through me as the car stopped. My dad got out and held the door open for us. We approached the entrance, and my father rapped on the door using an old doorknocker. There was no bell.
A man opened the door and looked at my father. “Cliff,” he started. “You look well.” Then his face dropped. “Oh no… I’m sorry, Cliff. We hadn’t heard.”
“Thank you,” he answered. “Is Dante home? I need to see him.” [CLICK HERE to read more of this excerpt]



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... TWEET about the giveaway!! And you could WIN!! =0)

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



Find Judy Serrano :

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Blog Tour - Feasted On: Dragon Wife by Diana Green | Review & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Diana Green, with a review of her novel "Dragon Wife," which happens to be the FIRST BOOK in her Dragon Clan 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 from March 10 - 31, 2015 -- Giveaway will run until April 3, 2015]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 218; Kindle Edition - File Size: 470 KB | Expected Release Date: August 11, 2014 | Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Dragon Wife" [Dragon Clan Series, Book 1] by Diana Green

Author's Book Description : The clan is waking. After centuries of spellbound sleep, dragon-shifters are returning to the mountains. They are few in number, and the outside world has become overrun with humans.

Huroth, the dragon chieftain, recognizes a need for his kind to adapt, by forming alliances and mate-bonds with humans, but his clan is divided.

From the first time she meets him, Lady Orwenna is drawn to the magnificent chieftain. The mind link he forms with her is both fascinating and frightening, as is the powerful attraction she feels for him. If only she knew what was in his heart.

Does he want her for the woman she is, or for her magical abilities? When war breaks out between kingdoms and ancient enemies of the dragons resurface, the clan will be tested. In the midst of uncertainty, can Huroth and Orwenna find their way together?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Set in a mystical world where old world nobility meets magic and dragon shutters, you follow two individuals who connect during remarkable circumstances and who are trying to carve out better paths for themselves by whatever means they can.

I was intensely drawn to this novel from its prologue and onward. So much so, that I completed reading it in a day! With its fascinating plot and fun characters, I could not get enough! In addition, I really liked how Orwenna (Wen) & Huroth fell in love. Especially I liked that Wen was able to hold onto her new scene of self and purpose throughout the time she was falling for Huroth and how he liked her even more for it.

I definitely recommend this novel to those who like paranormal slightly historical (in their values and traditions) romances.

-- On a side note –-
If you liked reading about "mind linking" type of novels--like Ms. Cantrell's "Mindlink" novel--I'd also recommend this to you!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Dragon Wife (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Dragon Warrior (Book 2)


Author's Series Extras : Dragon Clan Series - Overview | Dragon Clan Series - Excerpts | Dragon Clan Series - Trailers

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
“I don’t have to explain myself, not even to you. It was my decision to come here, and while it may have been rash, everything has worked out. I found you, and now you know of the invasion. Story over.”
“Story not over,” he corrected. “You still have to make it out of these mountains with your skin intact. I don’t want your blood on my hands.”
“It won’t be!”
“If I leave you alone now, knowing the situation, I’m as good as digging your grave. I’ll have to come with you.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Is that so?” He let out a dry laugh. “Right now, you don’t even have a horse.”
“Whose fault is that?” she snapped, almost immediately looking sorry.
“Forgive me,” she said, taking a deep breath. “That was unfair. I called you here, and you’re only concerned for my safety. My nerves are just a little thin right now.”
“Not surprising, all things considered.”
Privately, he respected her stamina. It was no small thing, making a solitary trek through these mountains, and still having fire power enough to argue at the end of the day. ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Diana, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

Since her childhood, growing up in New Zealand, Diana has been an avid storyteller. For years she enjoyed teaching art and special education, while continuing to write as a hobby. After she developed chronic fatigue syndrome, a career change was necessary, but happily this led her to become a professional author.

Diana’s books are mostly paranormal romance, in the fantasy and science fiction sub-genres. She has been a finalist for the CRW Award of Excellence and the Aspen Gold Published Novel Contest. At present, she lives in beautiful Washington State, where she writes for the Wild Rose Press.




Book Excerpt :

The gathering grew quiet as sounds of boot heels on stone echoed from the entryway. A man strode in alone, though to call him a man seemed less than sufficient. There was such raw power about him, such majesty in his bearing. No one could mistake his identity. This was the black dragon, shifted to man-like form, just as legend described. Orwenna felt the hairs stand up on the back of her neck.

“I am Huroth, son of Huren,” he announced, his voice rich and deep. He faced the king, down the long silent hall. “I am chieftain of the dragons who dwell in the Drake’s Teeth Mountains. We offer an alliance to the kingdom of Rhelaun. How do you answer?”

“You are most welcome, honored guest.” The King bowed as he spoke then beckoned the chieftain. “Please, come and talk with me, so we can decide how this alliance should be arranged.”

As Huroth advanced towards the throne, he made an impressive picture. He was tall and broad shouldered, wearing dark leather armor and a heavy fur-lined cloak. His hair tumbled in a thick black mane, his eyes the pale blue of glacier ice. They swept over the courtiers, coolly assessing.

When those eyes came to rest on Orwenna, she felt time slow. Everyone else, all her surroundings, faded to nothing.

And who might you be?

She heard the words in her head, as surely as if he’d spoken aloud. Without consciously choosing, she responded in kind.

Orwenna.

His eyes widened in surprise, and he paused mid-step. Apparently, he had not expected her to hear his musing nor be able to answer.

There is an aura of magic about you. He sent the thought, his gaze on her as sharp as a hawk’s.

That’s from my mother. She didn’t know how she spoke directly into his mind. It made her a little dizzy, like too much wine.

Who is your mother?

Sister to the king and the mage, Vardis.

I see.

He considered a moment, before nodding respectfully to her and continuing down the hall. Those nearby gave Orwenna odd looks, and she realized how strange her encounter with Huroth must have seemed. To everyone else, they would have appeared to be simply standing, watching one another without speaking.

How long had it been…one minute…five? She couldn’t guess. All she knew was that it changed her. Reality had shifted and would never be quite the same again. Dragons lived, breathed, and walked upon the land like lords of men. She had spoken mind to mind with one, his fierce eyes locked on hers. It was not an experience she would soon forget.



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 Diana Green :

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