Made the Grade: Wagon Train Cinderella by Shirley Kennedy

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 202; Kindle Edition - File Size: 678 KB | Expected Release Date: February 3, 2015 | Publisher: Kensington Books : Lyrical Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Wagon Train Cinderella" by Shirley Kennedy

Authors' Book Description : Love can lead you out of the wilderness…

Callie Whitaker is a mistreated stepdaughter who’s been made to feel inferior all her life. When her family takes a wagon train journey to California, Callie begins to realize she’s not the “Little Mouse” everyone said she was. Among others, rugged guide, Luke McGraw, makes her aware of the courage, beauty, and intelligence she never knew she had–and in the process, falls in love.

From Goodreads: Ms Kennedy did such a wonderful job of making the story so realistic, that at times I felt like I was on that wagon train with Callie and her family. .

From Goodreads: There will be a lots of twist and turns in the good and bad in this read and the readers attention will be their front and center turning the pages to see what will be coming next in this enlightening as well as entertaining read.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. Callie (an adopted daughter who is actually treated like a servant instead of family) follows her family on a wagon train from Tennessee to California. Throughout the journey, Callie comes into her own and becomes independent, learning that she is stronger than she thought.

I liked the beginning and its steady buildup. However, I found that while the ending might have been more historically accurate in regards to the toughness of the trip, I just wasn't happy with how it turned out, even though I appreciated the HEA. Mostly I felt this way because I found romance to be lacking in this novel. Callie & Luke seem to be a good pair but as the novel mostly consists about Callie's growth it’s was really hard to tell. I was happy she stayed away from Magnus though.

Overall, I recommend this to those looking for a historical Women's Fiction novel.

Purchase This Book Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : Wagon Train Cinderella


Author's Novel Extras : Never an ugly romantic heroine! | Inside Wagon Train Cinderella | Wagon Train Cinderella hits #717!

Book Teaser(s) :

"What is it about you that I find so damnably attractive?"
She stepped back, held out her faded skirt and gave him a little curtsy. "The stylish way I dress perhaps?"
His face lit. "That's it! You make me laugh. You make me think of you in the middle of the night. You..." He seemed at a loss for further words, so instead pulled her back into his arms. ~ within Chapter 10

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

Feasted On: Hot Aussie Heroes Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 384 KB | Expected Release Date: January 21, 2015 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Holiday Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Hero" [Hot Aussie Heroes Series, Book 2] by Amy Andrews

Authors' Book Description : The darling of the Aussie small screen, Edwina Calloway, has always had a thing for her ex co-star the hunky Justin Wilde - even before he took off to Tinsel town and became a Hollywood heartthrob. And Justin always had a thing for her. Except she was married already, so neither of them ever crossed that line. But now Justin's back in Oz to take part in a celebrity car rally with Edwina riding shotgun and she isn't married anymore...

It seems the entire country is holding its breath for their much vaunted reunion. Can they survive a five day road trip, just the two of them alone in the car under intense media scrutiny without finally getting naked and doing the Wilde thing? And if they can't, what happens at the end when Justin heads back to Hollywood?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Edwina's (Ed) life changed forever after her life threatening accident about a year ago. Now to honor those who saved her life, she plans to participate in a car rally with her ex-costar turned movie star Justin (Jus) to earn some money for her saviors. However, in the midst of the media spotlight old attraction flares between Justin and her, which makes them really think about what they want for themselves in the future.

Justin really is the hero! He’s so gentlemanly and sultry that it makes you wish he were the one loving and defending you. His relationship with Edwina is combustible from the very beginning; and as the novel progresses, it makes you want to root for them even more.

I recommend this novel for those looking for a fast-paced dramedy contemporary romance.

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

Author's Novel Extras : The Hero - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Hot Aussie Heroes Recipe & Giveaway! | What Makes Aussie Heroes Hot? by Madeline Ash

Book Teaser(s) :

Justin glanced at her legs. He couldn't help it with so much of them exposed. "You know that dress is totally evil, right?"
She smiled. "I thought you'd like it."
"Oh, I think like is far to mild a word. I think I nearly stroked out when you walked on stage."
"Thought I'd switch it up a bit."
Justin chuckled at the understatement. "And me and the rest of the straight male population of Tamworth thanks you for that. Maybe give me some warning next time thought, okay?"
She laughed and it sounded almost as evil as the dress. "And take all the fun out of it?" ~ within DAY THREE

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

Made the Grade: Dukes of War Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 203; Kindle Edition - File Size: 4890 KB | Expected Release Date: December 1, 2014 | Publisher: Intrepid Reads | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower" [Dukes of War Series, Book 1] by Erica Ridley

Authors' Book Description : Oliver York returns from war to find his father dead, his finances in arrears, and himself the new Earl of Carlisle. If he doesn’t marry an heiress—and fast!—he and his tenants are going to be pitching tents down by the Thames. He definitely shouldn’t be trading kisses with a penniless debutante… no matter how captivating she is!

Miss Grace Halton is in England just long enough to satisfy the terms of her dowry. But a marriage of convenience isn’t as easy as she’d hoped. Back in America, her ailing mother needs medicine only Grace’s dowry can afford. Which means the dashing earl she can’t get out of her mind is the one man she can’t let into her heart.

Regency-set Historical Romance Novel

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Oliver comes home from war to find out his father has died and now he is an Earl of a failing inheritance. Grace (an American) enters into the London "Season" in hopes of gaining a husband who wouldn't miss her and would be nice enough to let her use her dowry in hopes of helping her ailing Mother. They meet, start up a friendship between one another, and realize that nothing more should happen between them. Yet their hearts have other plans...

Okay, even though I agree this novel has some meaningful scenes, a lighthearted flair, and while Oliver (Earl of Carlisle) & Grace throw off plenty of hot attraction, all I could think of after finishing it was, "Oh my that was CUTE!" =0)

I really liked this novel. It made me interested to see what will happen as this series progresses. Oliver & Grace make quite a pair as they fumble through Society hoping to help one another out while hoping for the best. I think what I liked about them the most is their gracious hearts, and how they kept putting those they cared for first. Very well written.

I recommend this novel to those who like fast-paced historical romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : The Viscount's Christmas Temptation (Book 0.5) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Earl's Defiant Wallflower (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress (Book 2) | Smashwords (e-Book) : The Viscount's Christmas Temptation (Book 0.5) | Smashwords (e-Book) : The Earl's Defiant Wallflower (Book 1) | Smashwords (e-Book) : The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress (Book 2) | Alibris (Paperback) : The Viscount's Christmas Temptation (Book 0.5) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Earl's Defiant Wallflower (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress (Book 2)


Author's Novel Extras : The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower - Overview & Excerpt | Meet the Hero: Lord Oliver York | Meet the Heroine: Miss Grace Halton | New Release: The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower

Author's Series Extras : Dukes of War Series - Overview | The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation - Overview & Excerpt | The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress - Overview & Excerpt | The Major’s Faux Fiancée - Overview & Excerpt | Join the official Dukes of War Reader Group! | FREE: The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation

Author Book Interview :

Book Teaser(s) :

"I've a better idea. Let's make up something completely untruthful."
The corners of her mouth twitched. "Aha. We'll say I was in my nightrail, brushing my hair in peaceful solitude, when you climbed up to my balcony and---"
"Do you even have a balcony?"
She pursed her lips. "You're not invited upon it, regardless."
He gave her a slow, naughty smile. "No one's ever invited to scale a balcony."
"Some women might be convinced to let you try." Her teasing gaze heated his skin.
"Let's start over," he suggested, rather than consider what the fictional Oliver might do after climbing up her balcony. Answer: everything.
"Why?" Her lips quirked. "Are we not having fun?"
"We're having far too much fun."
"These parties are supposed to be boring?" She lifted an eyebrow.
He gave her a stern nod, well aware his eyes betrayed his humor. "Precisely. You're meant to remark upon the weather, and I upon... the cakes..."
"Good heavens, that is boring," she replied with mock horror. ~ within Chapter 3

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

Made the Grade: Cowboy Heaven Series, Book 0.5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 398 KB | Expected Release Date: February 3, 2015 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"Cowboy Delight" [Cowboy Heaven Series, Book 0.5] by Cheryl Brooks (aka Samantha R. Michaels)

Authors' Book Description : Stranded on a Texas highway while traveling to meet her fiancé’s parents, beautiful pharmaceutical sales rep Lauren Allen accepts a ride from handsome widower Steve Williams. When stormy weather forces them to spend the night at his ranch, sexual attraction ignites, and Lauren becomes convinced she is engaged to the wrong man.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. Lauren is driving through Texas (by herself) on her way to meet her future-in-laws when her car breaks down. From that point on one calamity or another gets in the way of Lauren getting to her destination. During that time, Lauren meets Steven, which makes her question what she truly wants for her own future.

I wasn't disappointed with this novel but I didn't love it either. For one, while I enjoyed the quickly growing relationship between Steven & Lauren, along with their many erotic scenes, it was hard to get around the fact that she was cheating on her fiancé, even if she felt that her fiancé was a bad choice for her. Second, while I understand it is a novella and I expected it to be short, I found the ending to be too rushed and full of things that didn't completely matter. Nevertheless, overall, I found it kinda cute.

I would recommend it only to those who are fans of Ms. Brooks or like reading strong erotic romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : Cowboy Heaven (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Cowboy Heaven (Book 1)


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Slave | Outcast | Stud | Virgin | Wildcat | Rebel

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : End of the year 2010 Update | "Waiting On" Wednesday: Stud | Liebster Blog Award - 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Teaser Tuesdays: Wildcat | The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015 | Blog Tour - Cowboy Heaven by Cheryl Brooks | Spreading the Word & Novel Giveaways

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Cowboy Heaven | Cowboy Heaven Launch Party and Giveaway!

Book Teaser(s) :

“That’s just a coincidence. I bet he’d be haulin’ ass down here if he knew you needed him. Aside from that, you could’ve gotten a ride to Houston with any of those guys in the diner.”
“Yeah, right,” I snorted. “A ride and what else? No, thank you. I don’t need that kind of help.”
A frown furrowed his brow as he aimed his startling blue eyes in my direction. “Then why did you agree to ride with me? I’m no different from the rest of them.”
I had to swallow before I could answer. Drooling over a man can be inconvenient at times. “Kate didn’t seem to think so. In fact, she vouched for your character in glowing terms.”
I hadn’t seen a man blush since high school.
Avoiding my gaze, he checked his side mirror. “Yeah, well, don’t believe everything you hear. You never know what it’ll take to make a guy snap.”
“Snap?” I chuckled. “Are you that irritated with me already?”
“Irritated isn’t the word I would choose.” He stared at the road ahead, practically growling out the words. ~ within Chapter 2

Add considerate to his list of qualities.
If you could call a man plotting to steal another man’s fiancée out from under him considerate. ~ within Chapter 4

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

Made the Grade: Highland Heart Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1151 KB | Expected Release Date: March 24, 2015 | Publisher: Random House Publishing : Loveswept | Obtained: NetGalley

"My Highland Lover" [Highland Heart Series, Book 1] by Maeve Greyson

Authors' Book Description : Maeve Greyson unleashes a thrilling tale of magic and desire as a feisty Southern gal falls into the arms of a rough-hewn Highland chieftain.

As the proprietor of a homeopathic store in rural Kentucky, Trulie Sinclair knows that her neighbors think she’s strange—but they have no idea how strange she really is. Trulie was born in Scotland in the thirteenth century to a line of time-traveling Highlanders. When Trulie’s grandmother convinces her to return to their homeland, Trulie jumps back in time, right onto the powerful chest of Gray MacKenna. Just as his steely good looks send ripples through her body, their fierce attraction will send ripples through the ages.

After his parents murder, Gray is consumed by thoughts of revenge. As the new chieftain of the MacKenna clan, he has reason to believe that there’s a traitor in his midst, and nothing—not even the bonny lass who suddenly drops from the sky—can distract him from his single-minded pursuit of the culprit. But when Gray learns that this sassy beauty possesses gifts beyond the sparkle in her eye, he allows his gaze, and his heart, to linger. While he hunts for the murderer, Gray finds in Trulie a precious companion—and a timeless love.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, the Sinclair women are many things but being time travelers are what they call themselves. Granny is the leader of their family and demands that her eldest granddaughter (Trulie) take her back to thirteenth century Scotland. After quite a few fights Trulie finally agrees to go back, yet as soon as they arrive she finds that her Granny was planning this for a while with far more than a "visit" in mind, especially once who Gray really is comes to light.... Will everything that happens between Trulie & Gray make her realize where she truly belongs?

This intriguing novel shows off a new family with their powerful ways and entertaining personalities! I liked the plot and the characters well enough, but I found the beginning and ending to be slow. During the times I found it to be slow (within the beginning and ending) I think it was because of Trulie's stubbornness about change and her emotions that went with those changes.

With that being said, I still did like this novel and thought the best part of it was when Gray & Trulie were working well together and when they are getting to know one another. In addition, because of how much I enjoyed the characters it makes me excited as to see where this series will go next.

I recommend this novel to those looking for an entertaining time travel romance!

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

Author's Novel Extras : My Highland Lover - Overview & Excerpt | WHOOT!! Check out my cover for MY HIGHLAND LOVER | MY HIGHLAND LOVER - March 2015 - #ComingSoon #FRWST #ROMANCE | Plz help MY HIGHLAND LOVER #shoutout campaign? #IARTG #BOOKBOOST #FRWST | MY HIGHLAND LOVER by Maeve Greyson - Grand Prize #Giveaway $100 Amazon Card #IARTG #BOOKBOOST #RELEASEDAY #FRWST #MUSTREAD


Author's Series Extras : My Highland Bride - Overview & Excerpt | MY HIGHLAND LOVER is released but wait! There’s more! #BOOKBOOST #IARTG #FRWST #TIMETRAVELROMANCE

Book Teaser(s) :

Colum's horse drew closer, fogging the air with a huff of warm, moist breath mere inches from Gray's face. The mount shook its head, grumbled a low nervous whinny, then blew a burst of sliminess across the tops of Gray's freezing hands.
"And how long did it take ye to teach yer horse to snot on command?" Gray flung the mess to the ground then wiped the back of his hands across his arse.
Colum chuckled. "Rua always seems t'know the remedy for any situation."
Gray ignored the urge to knock Colum's grinning arse out of the saddle. 'Twould be unseemly for a chieftain to behave so. ~ within Chapter 5

"Lore a'mighty," Colum shouted from the other side of the clearing. "Yer no' gonna believe yer eyes, man. The clouds are rainin' women!" ~ within Chapter 6

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

Idolizing In: Caller of Light by T. J. Shaw

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 672 KB | Release Date: November 26, 2012 | Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Caller of Light" by T. J. Shaw

Author's Book Description : As a half-blood princess, CARINA MCKAY is considered an outsider. She’s not nobility, yet not a servant either. She’s not loved, but striving to find love. She’s not strong or respected, but more powerful and deserving of admiration than anyone knows. She’s an insignificant who lives in the background, but is destined to save the world.

KING MAREK DUNCAN has closed his heart to love after an arranged marriage withers to a bitter end. He seeks a mistress to continue his family line, and searches for the CALLER of LIGHT, the one who bonds mystical winged Critons to their riders.

Together, they unlock a love that binds them, a love that seals their souls to each other and gives them the strength to follow their hearts down the dangerous path the gods have ordained they follow. A love where legends are made of and legions follow into battle.

"CALLER of LIGHT" — Awards

• 2012 — Yellow Rose Winter Rose contest WINNER
• 2012 — Touch of Magic contest finalist
• 2012 — Cleveland Rocks contest finalist
• 2012 — The Sandy contest finalist
• 2012 — Great Beginnings contest finalist
• 2012 — Smoky Mountain Laurie contest finalist
• 2011 — Oklahoma Finally a Bride contest WINNER
• 2011 — Heart of the West contest finalist
• 2011 — Melody of Love contest finalist

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! King Marek travels to a neighboring kingdom with plans to meet the other King's daughter and agree to marry her, even though he isn't very hopeful or even happy about getting married for again he does need an heir. However, his plans change as soon as he sees then meets Carina, deciding to take her as a mistress instead, setting them both on a path neither expected...

WOW!! I am in love with this intensely dynamic fast-paced novel! It was like a fantasy driven Cinderella romance with surprising twists the whole way through. I especially liked that even if some of the twists made Marek behave in a way I didn't like this novel’s fast-pace made it so you couldn't dwell on his dumb behavior that long as there was more action to get into.

Carina made this novel with her sweet ways and strong defiant courage. Yet, her being with Marek brought me back for more. Their connection is shown as being all-consuming but in a way where they both benefit and strengthen each other. I'm very interested in seeing what else will come their way and their relationship growing because of it.

On a different note, can I say, “oh how I HATE Sampson!” I knew from the beginning that I didn't like his attitude but after what he did all I can say is that I loath him. In addition, really I'm curious if his character could really be redeemed. Since through it all he kept saying that he honored Marek and thought of him as a brother. So, I wonder what his true personality is. My guess is he's either the person Marek trusted and just suddenly had something bad in his head happen to him to make him act as he did or a man who hid behind a kind mask for years just waiting for the right moment to act out.

The other person I didn't like---but as per the "Cinderella" type of storyline it was to be expected---was Carina's half-sister Marissa. Basically, she is vindictive with a capital "B."

Nevertheless, as I said before I loved this novel! Therefore, I HIGHLY recommend it to those looking for a thrilling paranormal fantasy romance!!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Caller of Light | Caller of Light Excerpt | Here’s to you, Mom!

Book Teaser(s) :

Carina’s hand still held him. He could’ve easily wrapped his body around hers and fallen asleep. But he’d vowed to behave according to protocol and now that she would recover, he had no excuse for remaining.
When he tried to remove his arm, her grip tightened and her eyes flew open.
“Where are you going?” The peacefulness of sleep had vanished from her face and borderline panic anchored in the harbor of her eyes.
“Shh,” he whispered. “I’ll be right outside if you need me, but it’d be improper for me to stay,” he finished with a lame shrug.
She snorted. “You’ll sleep with me like the other nights.”
He raised an eyebrow at her forcefulness. Her eyes had slipped closed, but her hand clasped his arm with unyielding firmness.
“Carina,” he mumbled with a helpless sigh.
“You will stay,” she commanded in a sleepy drawl.
He smiled. Maybe her stubborn nature wasn’t such a bad thing. And maybe even a bit endearing, he decided as he curled up beside her and buried his head in the crook of her neck , grateful she was alive. ~ within Chapter 25 - titled 'BRINK of DEATH'

CALLER OF LIGHT by T. J. Shaw
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Monday, March 30, 2015

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

Second Sentence Saturday: Dragon Wife

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 :

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

She should have outgrown such fantasies years ago, but the dreams still came whispering in the night.

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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!