Made the Grade: The King’s Riders Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 4114 KB | Release Date: February 21, 2013 | Publisher: Paper Dragon Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Sword’s Call" [The King’s Riders Series, Book 1] by C. A. Szarek

Author's Book Description : For generations, the Ryhans, ruling family of the Province of Greenwald have been keepers of a sword rumored to possess enough magic to defeat kings. Lord Varthan, a former archduke and betrayer of the king, covets the sword and invades Greenwald.

Lady Ceralda Ryhan, daughter of the murdered duke, gains the sword and flees, trusting only her white wolf, Trikser—magically bonded to her. Cera needs nothing more to aid in her fight.

Jorrin Aldern, half elfin and half human, left his home in the mountains of Aramour to find his human father who disappeared twenty turns before, but finds Cera with Varthan and his shades on her tail instead. His dual heritage and empathic magic will tempt Cera in ways she never thought she’d desire. But can he convince her trust and love can pave the path to redemption or will the epic battle end in tragedy and evil conquer them all?

Cover Art for "Sword’s Call" by Nicole Cadet

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Ceralda (Cera) is out for revenge. Her whole family has been brutally murdered while she was away and now she is on the run with hope of killing the man who murdered them along the way. While on her way to her Uncle's castle, Cera meets a half-elfin empath named Jorrin, who decides to help her accomplish her quest. They grow very close during their journey. Yet, are they willing to open up to one another for good or will they muddle up the best thing that could happen to them? Also, will Cera be able to exact her revenge or will her courage falter?

I was familiar with Ms. Szarek's writing style prior to purchasing this novel when it was on sale. I found that when it comes to this novel I enjoy its plot, the world everything was set in, and the characters. However, what was annoying was some of the drawn out character descriptions and how the main characters (Cera & Jorrin) always seemed to think that not communicating was the best course of action for them. *shakes head* Nevertheless, I'm glad I stuck with it as it really built up the series well.

As for Cera & Jorrin's relationship, I thought when they did actually talk to or followed through on their lust for one another then they were great. It just they are both SOO stubborn that when they get upset (which happens quite a bit) their communication goes out the window, which made me want to smack them both upside their heads by the end of the novel.

Overall, I DO recommend this novel and series to those looking for an eclectic fantasy romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Smashwords (e-Book) : Sword's Call (Book 1) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Love's Call (Book 2)


My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Fae Ring | The Parchment Scroll

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesday: The Parchment Scroll | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015

Author's Novel Extras : Sword’s Call - Overview & Excerpt | The Alphabet Game (Writer Alphabet Soup?) | A is for Ash | B is for Book | C is for Cunning | E is for Effort | F is for Forsaken | G is for Gown | H is for Home | I is for Intuition | L is for Lucan | M is for Mine | O is for Oracle | S is for Second | U is for Union | W is for Wail | Six Sentence Sunday: Sword's Call Teaser | Art Art Art! | Cover Reveal SWORD'S CALL! *squeeeeeeeeeeeee* | Three Sentence Thursday: Sword's Call! | IT'S MY BOOK'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | Three Sentence Thursday: Sword's Call | Sword's Call Virtual Signing is NOW LIVE! | Tell Me About it Tuesday: Sword's Call Makeover!

Author's Series Extras : The King’s Riders Series - Overview | Love’s Call - Overview & Excerpt | D is for Dragon | J is for Jonah | N is for Night | T is for Touch | V is for Valley | X is for Xander | Six Sentence Sunday: First Meeting | Author Tag: I'm IT! | COVER REVEAL!!!!!!! Love's Call!


Book Teaser(s) :

“Trikser.” Her smile was brilliant when the wolf looked at her, tail wagging. Jorrin’s heart quickened. “Want to go outside?”
Her bondmate rose to all fours and headed for the door before either of them. When they didn’t come immediately, he glanced over his shoulder.
“See? He understands me.” Cera threw him a smug look and crossed her arms over her breasts.
Jorrin chuckled and shrugged.
They slipped out the door, leaving Hadrian and Avery deep in discussion. Neither seemed to notice that they’d left.
“All right, then, elf-boy. Show me what you got.”
He laughed and had to restrain himself from kissing the look off her face. ~ within Chapter 6

SWORD'S CALL by C.A. Szarek -- Read my review here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/05/made-grade-kings-riders-series-book-1.html #teaser #meme #fantasyromance #romance #fantasynovel #books
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Saturday, May 30, 2015

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

Second Sentence Saturday: Sweet as Sin

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 :

"Sweet as Sin" [Bad Habit Series, Book 1] by J. T. Geissinger

After a lengthy absence, Saturn returns to you sign today, bringing strange luck, creating problems, changing your plans, and exposing your faults.

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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: Toronto Collection, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 235; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1387 KB | Expected Release Date: November 1, 2010 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"Go Small or Go Home" [Toronto Collection, Book 2] by Heather Wardell

Author's Book Description : Massage therapist Tess Grayson has long dreamed of turning her hobby of building intricate miniature dioramas into an art career. She's finally ready to grab for that tiny brass ring, but her potential new massage client shakes her resolve.

Forrest Williams had finally healed from the car accident that killed his fiancée, but a new injury now threatens his professional hockey career. Even allowing for everything he's suffered, the depth of the emotional and physical pain Tess senses in Forrest at their first meeting shocks her, and she puts aside her artistic aspirations for two months to help him recover.

When Forrest shows Tess's dioramas to his mother, who owns a top Toronto art gallery, she agrees to sell Tess's work but her rules and restrictions stifle Tess's creativity. Giving up the career of her dreams is unthinkable, but losing the freedom and joy she'd always found in her art is unbearable, and Tess can't seem to find a way to have both at once.

One of Ms. Wardell's favorite reviews for "Go Small or Go Home," on I'd So Rather Be Reading: "Heather Wardell is my favorite new author. She takes the emotion of Anita Shreve, the relationship development of Jodi Picoult, and the romance of Nicholas Sparks, and puts them all together to create books that are impossible to put down." (See more reviews of this book.)

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! Tess longs to take her hobby of creating miniature scenes and turn it into a fulltime career. However, when she goes for an interview to be Forrest's (a pro-hockey athlete who recently was injured) massage therapist she knows that it's the right decision to take the job. Forrest recently lost his fiancée in a car accident and with this new injury, he is in bad shape both physically and emotionally, and Tess believes she can be the one to help him. During their time together, they become closer and Forrest lets it slip that his mother owns a popular art gallery and he encourages Tess to meet with his mother to start her career. Yet, as things get going Tess comes to realize that doing what she loves professionally comes with more strings attached than she might be willing to deal with. As time goes on Tess' relationship with Forrest becomes extremely close but is he willing commit to a new relationship with her? Is Tess able to deal with her massage position along with putting all her efforts into her dream job? Something has to give but what out of Tess' life is she willing to put the most into, and when she does will it all work out in her favor?

This intensely complex novel reeled me with Tess' candid commentary and then hooked me with her compassion for Forrest which subtly turns into something more. I was pleasantly riveted with this novel and couldn’t be happier about it! Well, in truth, it would have been nice to read it also from Forrest’s POV but that’s the only flaw that I can recall about it. Otherwise, I loved this novel’s plot and flow. It’s steadily paced and the way the plots built themselves on top of one another was sensational.

Together Tess & Forrest are a bit of a heart wrenching pair. They made me want to root for them no matter what, yet because of Forrest past, it doesn’t always seem like it’ll be a happy ending for them. I thoroughly enjoyed their relationship. In addition, with Tess working with Forrest, the reader gets to know more about his teammates and I couldn’t help but enjoy the growing camaraderie they all get into.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to anyone who likes hockey and/or intense contemporary romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : Planning to Live (Book 3) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo (Book 1) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Go Small or Go Home (Book 2) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Planning to Live (Book 3) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Stir Until Thoroughly Confused (Book 4) | Smashwords (e-Book) : A Life That Fits (Book 5) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Live Out Loud (Book 6) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Blank Slate Kate (Book 7) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Finding My Happy Pace (Book 8) | Smashwords (e-Book) : All At Sea (Book 9) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Good to Myself (Book 10) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Pink is a Four-Letter Word (Book 11) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Everybody's Got a Story (Book 12) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Fifty Million Reasons (Book 13) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Plan Overboard (Book 14)


Author's Novel Extras : Go Small or Go Home - Overview & Excerpt | Guide for "Go Small or Go Home" (PDF)

Go, Leafs, Go! (I keep hoping I'll see Forrest Williams but I doubt it. :)
Posted by Heather Wardell on Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Book Teaser(s) :

GO SMALL OR GO HOME by Heather Wardell -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Wednesday, May 27, 2015

"Talk to me," I said. "Be the injury and talk to me."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me. What's your name?"
"You've forgotten my name?"
"Not your name." I laid my hand gently across his right inner thigh. "Its name."
He studied me. "You're serious."
"Totally."
"A million sane massage therapists in the world and I get you."
"I know, aren't you lucky?" I said, and he laughed. Unwillingly, but still a laugh. I smiled at him. ~ within Chapter 3

"How's he doing?" Jen said as I sat down.
"Fine. Gave him a hand rub and he's good to go."
Jen's mouth dropped almost to her knees.
"What?"
"Say that again."
"I gave him a hand rub," I said, bewildered. "Massaged both hands."
She grinned. "I heard 'job' instead of 'rub.'"
I laughed. "And then I came marching up and announced it?"
"I was surprised, I admit."
I shook my head. "You're a pervert."
"Moi?" She flashed me an innocent grin. "Here he is. Gee, Tess, he sure looks relaxed. Are you sure you didn't--"
My elbow in her ribs cut off her words but not her giggles. ~ within Chapter 7

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

Blog Tour - Feasted On: The Proposal At Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray | Review & 5-Book Giveaway(s)

Today I'm turning my blog over to Shelley Shepard Gray, with a review of her recent release "The Proposal At Siesta Key," which happens to be the SECOND BOOK in her Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAY(s) (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from May 26 - June 12, 2015 | Giveaway ends on June 12, 2015]

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 288; Library Binding - Pages: 500; Kindle Edition - File Size: 2320 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: May 12, 2015 | Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers : Avon Books : Inspire | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group / edelweiss

"The Proposal At Siesta Key" [Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series, Book 2] by Shelley Shepard Gray (aka Shelley Gray)

Author's Book Description : A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.

But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.

But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Ever since her sister was murdered about twelve years ago, Penny (Pen) has lived a sheltered life a life that has recently been stifling. She is now ready to “spread her wings” so-to-speak and defy her parents’ wishes enough to make her way in the world. As Penny grows into her new life, she meets Michael, an evangelist who tours with his family to speak about the Lord and to share his story of struggle and triumph. During Michael’s time in Pinecraft Penny and he grow close, as close as “friends” could be, but once Michael’s time comes to an end will they be able to take their budding relationship and turn it into something more? Or is just being friends all they’ll be able to agree too?

I LOVED how this novel embellished on Beverly & Eric’s story from “The Promise of Palm Grove” (Book 1) while still centering on Penny & Michael’s romance. I really enjoyed seeing where the previous characters’ lives were going while getting to read about a new mix of characters too! Penny & Michael are an uplifting because of how their relationship naturally grew from how they meet, to their “working relationship,” to them falling for one another. Especially with how they help each other come to terms with the “cards they were dealt with” and inspire to make new experiences for themselves so they won’t have any regrets in their futures. It was just so sweet I could not get enough. Yet, I hate to say it, it was also so sweet that I kept waiting for another “shoe to drop” because of how nicely everything does wrap up for them. Thankfully, though, it doesn’t and I got to be swept away in their enchanting tale.

The epilogue also has a nice build up for the following novel in this series, which will be interesting to see as to where it’ll lead us next. While keeping the readers happy (me especially) as it gives you a better wrap up on Michael & Penny’s romance then I felt “The Promise of Palm Grove” (Book 1) did with Leona & Zack in that “where are they now” kind of way.

I HIGHLY recommend this series and this novel to those looking for a sweet Christian/Amish romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | IndieBound (MP3 CD) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | IndieBound (MP3 CD) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | IndieBound (Library Binding, Large Print) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | IndieBound (Library Binding, Large Print) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | Alibris (Paperback) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1)


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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Hidden | Joyful

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY | The Proposal At Siesta Key - Overview

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: THE PROMISE OF PALM GROVE | The Promise of Palm Grove - Overview | Introducing the Bride Blog | Bride Blog: Perfect Proposals | A Visit to NYC | Bride Blog: Engagements

Book Teaser(s) :

THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY by Shelley Shepard Gray -- MY REVIEW WILL BE POSTED ON MAY 27TH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LITFUSE PUBLICITY GROUP'S BLOG TOUR.
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, May 24, 2015

"Tricia, don't be a worrywart," he said in a breezy way, which was strangely appealing. "I'm feeling much better. And since you're neither my nurse nor my mother, I have no concerns about where you think I am supposed to be."
"You know, it's no wonder you speak on stage," she said sarcastically. "You certainly like to make your point."
He grinned. "Loud and clear." ~ within Chapter 21

THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY by Shelley Shepard Gray -- MY REVIEW WILL BE POSTED ON MAY 27TH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LITFUSE PUBLICITY GROUP'S BLOG TOUR.
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, May 24, 2015

"I liked her description of you the best, Bev," he said as he spooned up a bite of chocolate chip.
"Oh? How did she describe me?"
His lips twitched. "As a 'green-eyed goddess of the kitchen.'" ~ within Chapter 25

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

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About the Author :

I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.

I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree...but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.

Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.

I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.

Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.

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Giveaway(s)!! :

Don't miss Shelley Shepard Gray's newest series, Amish Brides of Pinecraft, and the second book in the series "The Proposal At Siesta Key!" “Shelley Shepard Gray brings readers into the Amish world with style and grace,” says Romantic Times Bookclub. Penny’s time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?

Enter to win a copy of The Proposal at Siesta Key—five winners will be chosen! The winners will be announced June 15 on Shelley's blog!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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Find Shelley Shepard Gray :

• Shelley Shepard Gray - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook Page
• Pinterest
• Goodreads

Made the Grade: The Cinderella Body Club Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 4403 KB | Expected Release Date: March 23, 2015 | Publisher: Books to Go Now | Obtained: NetGalley

"Cinderella Had it Easy" [The Cinderella Body Club Series, Book 1] by Jennifer Conner

Authors' Book Description : Story one from the a new romance series of the timeless Cinderella story re imagined where four girlfriends make a wish on a locket. They all wish they were beautiful, and look like the girls they've always wanted to be. The belle of the ball.

Cami works in the basement of a television station which airs history documentaries. With scars on her face that she acquired in a car accident as a child, Cami finds it easier to be by herself. She gets into a heated debate with the handsome new host of the show she’ll be working on. Is Lance the knight in shining armor who can drag Cami out of her safe zone? With no carriage and no helpful mice, she has to rely on the magic from her grandmother’s locket.

Cami only has 24 hours in her Cinderella body, what will she do with it? Will she keep hiding or can she learn how to live life?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. Camille (Cami) is a fact checker for a history TV station who deals with old scars inside and out. On her usual girls night she tells her friends about her Grandmother's "magical" locket that for 24 hours it'll turn the wisher into the person they most wanted to be. Therefore, all four girls wish on the locket .... and their wishes come true. During Cami's 24 hours she meets the new host of the show she is working on, Lance. They have a magical night together, but once the 24 hours are over will Lance still like Cami for who she is with scars and all?

This was a very sweet slightly erotic quick read. I really liked it. I just wish the characters relationship could have been embellished a bit more so I could have enjoyed it better. Otherwise, I thought that Cami and Lance seemed to be a good matchup. In addition, I was happy with the slight twist about what the "magical" locket really did, as it made the ending even more entertaining!

I recommend this novel to those looking for a flirty quick-read romance!

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

Author's Novel Extras : New Release Drawing for Cinderella Had it Easy | Cinderella Had it Easy is # 6 on Amazon! | Magical lockets - magical moments - magical love across the generations. | Join me for the 4th Annual Authors in Bloom Blog Hop

Book Teaser(s) :

"Prince Charming...where are you? Come out, come out, wherever you are." ~ within Chapter 1

"You're the guy I've only wished for in private fantasies."
"Really?" He grinned at her. "Be careful, my ego will burst." ~ within Chapter 5

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