Friday, July 31, 2015

Disappointmentville: Flower Fae Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 973 KB | Expected Release Date: March 14, 2015 | Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing | Obtained: Secret Cravings Publishing

"Awakening Power and Passion" [Flower Fae Series, Book 2] by Nicole Campbell

Author's Book Description : Jasmine Moonflower is an Earth Fae only interested in exploring her talents and developing her gifts. Upon reaching adulthood, she comes into her power and is urged to start looking for a mate. The Elders have said her heart would tell her who her mate is, but none of the males in her village speak to her heart.

Duke Halton Steel knows all about the Fae. Many of his people in Essex are at least part Fae, and he protects them from a dark sorcerer. He is pleasantly shocked when Jasmine literally falls into his arms one day in the woods. She and the Fae she saved from the dark sorcerer return to his keep for safety.

Can the duke, an ally in the form of a Sorcerer of Light, and Jasmine keep them all safe? Will their love be enough to boost Jasmine’s power enough to help the Sorcerer of Light destroy the Dark One?

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. Just as Jasmine gets into what is considered the Fae adulthood, she gets herself into a bind by being caught by a powerful dark sorcerer called Tristen the Dark One. Tristen plans to force her to willingly marry him so he can then take her power as his own. However, Jasmine is stronger than even Tristen could have imagined and finds a way (along with others who were captured) to escape. Once escaped she meets Halton (Duke Roger Halton Steel the Second) who brings out a side of herself she never knew. Will she be able to really escape from Tristen and move on with her life for good?

This fast-paced fantasy romance brings new ideas to what the “typical fae life” could be while throwing the readers right into the nitty-gritty of it all. For me this novel was a little too fast-paced to be as enjoyable as I had liked. In addition, although I found Jasmine to be an entertaining character, and I enjoyed learning about her ways of doing things, by the time she meets Halton I found their relationship a bit forced. Also, while I admit that they have some enchanting chemistry and it was quite cool what her power does when they are together, I never got a chance to really appreciate them as a couple because of how the plot plays out.

Nevertheless, I WOULD still recommend to those looking for an intensely quick fantasy romance and/or to fans of this series!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Smashwords (e-Book) : Warriors of the Veil (Book 1) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : Warriors of the Veil (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Warriors of the Veil (Book 1)


Author's Novel Extras :

Book Teaser(s) :

AWAKENING POWER AND PASSION by Nicole Campbell -- Read my #bookreview here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Friday, July 31, 2015
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Nicole, then please check out her Twitter Acct.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Made the Grade: A Time for Everything by Mysti Parker

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 2602 KB | Expected Release Date: July 7, 2015 | Publisher: esKape Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"A Time for Everything" by Mysti Parker (aka Misty Baker)

Author's Book Description : After losing her husband and only child to the ravages of the Civil War, twenty-five-year-old Portia McAllister is drowning in grief. When she sees an ad for a live-in tutor in another town, she leaves everything behind in hopes of making a fresh start. But as a Confederate widow in a Union household, she is met with resentment from her new charge and her employer, war veteran Beau Stanford.

Despite their differences, she and Beau find common ground and the stirrings of a second chance at love until his late wife’s cousin, Lydia, arrives with her sights set on him. Burdened with a farm on the brink of bankruptcy, Beau is tempted by Lydia’s hefty dowry, though Portia has captured his heart.

In another time and another place, his choice would be easy. But love seems impossible amid the simmering chaos of Reconstruction that could boil over at any moment into an all-out battle for survival. Will Beau and Portia find their way into each other’s arms, or will they be swept away by raging forces beyond their control?

****

What readers are saying:

“The book truly encapsulated the situation of the time – a Confederate living in Union territory. The mere difference of opinion between Union and Confederate…the vestiges of the war…the consequences of one’s actions…the choice of who you love and how you show it.” ~Girl of 1000 Wonders Book Blog

*****

“If you enjoy stories from the Civil War then you will definitely enjoy this one. Don’t forget to grab the tissues before you start.” ~Heather, Goodreads Reviewer

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, Portia’s (Po) life was ravaged because of the American Civil War. With both her husband and baby daughter now dead and not wanting to suffer the ramifications of depression any longer, she has decided to move on by putting her credentials to use and becoming a tutor for a young boy. However, the boy’s father Beau (Beauregard) came home from fighting in the war to find his wife dead and his farm falling apart, and isn’t ready to move on with his life. Both start off on rocky footing but just as they soon find their way to common ground and get a nice friendship going people from Beau past interfere into his life. Everything changes. Will Beau be able to create a life that he’ll be happy with? Can Po find a way to get over her grief while helping the boy in her care get over his own grief too? When unexpected love hits will both Beau and Po, can they be able to accept it or will others interfere enough to mess up both of their lives for good?

Not the lighthearted historical romance that I expected; yet it grips the reader with its dynamic characters and an intriguing plot from the very beginning. Basically, it was darker than I anticipated but it’s based in a more realistic setting then the typical historical romances that I’ve read before for this time-period. Nevertheless, I’m so happy with how this novel turns out, even though some of the twists that happened shocked me and at times, some of the characters choices upset me.

Portia and Beau deal with a lot more than their spouses’ deaths from the start of this novel and because of that hardship; it brings them closer than either of them ever expected. Reading about their harsh banter turning into calm friendship that grows into a strong bond was quite extraordinary and beautiful. They made a great couple! In addition, I LOVED their epilogue.

I recommend this novel to those looking for an intense historical romance!

Purchase This Book and/or the ones from its Connected Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : A Time for Everything


My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Blog Tour - A Time for Everything by Mysti Parker | Spreading the Word & Gift Card Giveaway

Author's Novel Extras : Let's Get Scientifical #18: From Widow to Wife | On Hiatus, and here's why...

**Brentwood, TN, 1865** On a frigid Christmas morning, a young widow decided to join the husband and daughter she had...
Posted by Mysti Parker on Friday, June 19, 2015

Coming July 7: Portia had never seen the man Beau was before the war, but one day she caught a glimpse...Pre-Order...
Posted by Mysti Parker on Tuesday, June 16, 2015

"Her ongoing duty in life was writing news of death."No matter where Portia goes, death seems to follow. Will she get...
Posted by Mysti Parker on Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Cowboy take me away! I could imagine Beau like this with his horse, Scout. Can you? Here's another song from the A Time for Everything playlist: https://youtu.be/MdkIJm65ytM
Posted by Mysti Parker on Friday, July 10, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :
COME MID-MORNING, he was trimming the newest filly’s hooves. Harry occupied the next stall, doing the same with Crazy Girl. And it wasn’t going so well, much to Beau’s amusement and satisfaction.
“Ow!” That was the third “ow” of the morning.
“What now?”
“She bit my ass!”
Beau laughed. “She’s your girl, Harry. Be a good daddy now.”
“Ha, ha, you’re hilarious.”
“Just tie her head tighter and steer clear of those teeth.”
Ezra hollered from outside, “Looks like we’ve got company!”
Beau let the horse’s foot down gently, and with one hand on his aching back, he stood up straight and hollered back, “Be right there!”
Leaving the stable, he squinted into the sunlight and peered down the drive. A coach and two large carriages full of luggage rolled along toward the house. He pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his face and hands. Probably should have taken the time to wash up before they got there, but it was too late now.
Ezra gave him a one-armed bear hug. “Excited?”
“I can hardly contain my joy.”
“Be nice, Beauregard.”
The closer their company came, the harder it became to breathe. He didn’t really know how to feel. Never once had he considered remarriage in the two years since Claire had passed, but that possibility now rolled up their drive on four expensive wheels. Worse yet, he couldn’t deny the obvious. He’d be marrying for money, if he married her at all, and knowing that made him feel like a whore. ~ within Chapter 12

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Mysti Parker -- Read my #bookreview here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Thursday, July 30, 2015
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Mysti, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Blog Tour - Feasted On: Eve’s Rescue by Sarah Marsh | Review & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Sarah Marsh, with a review of her novel "Eve’s Rescue," which happens to be the THIRD BOOK in her Coalition Mates 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 & Giveaway will run on July 20 - 31, 2015]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 337 KB | Expected Release Date: June 3, 2015 | Publisher: BookStrand : Siren Publishing : Ménage Amour | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Eve’s Rescue" [Coalition Mates Series, Book 3] by Sarah Marsh

Author's Book Description : Heat Rating: SEXTREME
Word Count: 36,884

[Ménage Amour: Erotic Sci-Fi Ménage a Quatre Romance, M/M/M/F, with M/M, HEA]

Evangeline Scott was hoping for a fun night on the town after a hellish day. What she couldn’t have imagined was getting kidnapped by alien slavers and then left to die on an abandoned ship.

Kai Dallen and Roan Quinn were having some bad luck of their own when they found themselves set up by an old adversary and trapped in the vault of a Dhuaation Pharaoh's ship with no way out. When Khaman-Ra makes them an offer they can’t refuse, the two space pirates end up rescuing a ship full of human female cargo. All three males are immediately drawn to one of the beauties and make an agreement to satisfy everyone’s desires. The only problem is, they didn’t think to ask Eve and when she wakes up to find that she’s now married to three aliens she’s mad as hell. By the time all four of them realise their true feelings, will it be too late, as a woman from Roan’s past threatens to ruin it all?

A Siren Erotic Romance

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Eve (Evangeline/Evie) lost her job and was out at a club to lighten her mood with some of her girlfriends when on her way home some alien pirates kidnap her. A while later, different aliens who are a part of the Coalition (the alien government) save her, become enamored with her, and rush into marrying her without her knowledge. Yet, once she learns the truth, she won’t just be accepting the changes in her life without some say so, even if that means denying the new men in her life until they get that she means business…

This novel is so fast-paced that it gives you no time not to enjoy the bursting chemistry between Eve and her men! As Eve states, between the three of her men—Kham (Pharaoh Khaman-Ra) with his bestowed passionate ways, Kai with his sweet considering personality, & Roan with his arrogantly humorous attitude—they make the perfect man for her, or really they just suit all of her needs. Basically, it means that when you aren’t reading their intensely HOT sex scenes, you get to read an abundance of fun, flirty, and sweet scenes between the four of them! I could not get enough! Plus, I liked how Ms. Marsh incorporated the previous characters from this series and built it up for the novels to come!

I recommend this novel to those looking for an intensely fast-paced erotic sci-fi romance!

Purchase This Book and/or the ones from its Connected Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Sarah's Crew (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Talia's Match (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Eve's Rescue (Book 3)


Author's Novel Extras : Coalition Mates Terran Newsletter -First Edition | Coalition Mates Newsletter- 2 | Coalition Mates Newsletter – 3 | Eve’s Rescue Cover Sneak Peak | Eve’s Rescue- Coalition Mates 3 Teaser | Eve’s Rescue Release Day!

Author's Series Extras : Coalition Mates series updates | Sarah’s Crew Sizzling Summer Party on The Romance Reviews | Surrender: Coalition Mates 4 Blurb

eBook science fiction romance series
Posted by Sarah Marsh on Sunday, March 1, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :
Eve didn't really hear much after the word husband came out of his mouth again, oh, except for the word husbands that followed shortly after it. She for damn sure heard that!
"This better be some miscommunication, Matty! Because I'm one hundred percent sure that I don't remember getting hitched in between getting kidnapped and waking up in here!” she yelled at the old man as his eyes grew wider and wider, realizing his mistake. ~ within Chapter 7
Whoever came up with that cliché phrase, “Be careful what you wish for, because you may get it,” was kind of a nasty bitch, but annoyingly enough, not entirely wrong. ~ within Chapter 8

EVE'S RESCUE by Sarah Marsh -- #REVIEW, BLOG TOUR, THREE #TEASERS, AN #EXCERPT, & A #GIVEAWAY WILL BE POSTED ON MY BLOG...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Saturday, July 25, 2015
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Sarah, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

Sarah Marsh was born in British Columbia where she still lives, she has only recently began her writing career finding it the perfect outlet for taking the edge off a nine to five office job. She’s been a science fiction and romance junkie for years and when her imagination started to take the characters she’d read about even further in their adventures she decided to try writing something of her own. Sarah’s also a former pastry chef and spends a lot of time cooking and baking for friends and family as well as painting and knitting. Her biggest weakness is animals of any kind, she loves a happy ending.



Book Excerpt :

The door swished open as they stepped up to it, and her breath immediately caught as she saw the golden sculpted pharaoh sitting with his bare chest behind the desk while both Kai and Roan sat in chairs on the other side dressed in black leather breeches and vests. Obviously the temperature of the ship was kept on the warm side to accommodate the Dhuaatian fashion sense, but Roan and Kai must have been used to the heat to be able to wear leather. They looked so dangerous and sexy compared to Khaman’s golden ethereal presence, and God, why did they have to smell so good? When the door opened and she got a rush of warm sandalwood and male musk she began to ache and immediately all she wanted to do was go over and rub herself all over them. Which of course was exactly the kind of slutty alter-ego thought she needed to give her head a shake and put her plan into the works, so she purposely looked each of the now smugly smiling men up and down before she turned back to Mhat-Am and said, “You were right, Matty, this place is much nicer than mine. I’ll totally move in, but where are these guys going to stay?” she said with a thumb pointed toward the men.

It was like watching a slow-motion playback when their smug attitude and smiles at her hormone-struck entrance slowly turned down until all three of the huge men were scowling at her, then in turn they looked toward Mhat-Am like they would string him up. It was all she could do not to laugh out loud. Plan “make these gorgeous bastards squirm” was officially off to a tremendous start. She casually walked out back to the main sitting room, running her fingers over the expensive furniture, pretending not to listen when the pharaoh was the first to express his displeasure.

“Mhat-Am! What is the meaning of this?” he asked in a steel tone, which said he was furious, but he didn’t want Eve to overhear. “You were supposed to explain the situation to Evangeline and then bring her to us to begin the bonding process.”

Poor Mhat-Am looked like he was going to be sick. He kept looking back from Khaman and the two angry Sirotians, to Eve, and then back again like he didn’t know which situation was more dangerous. When he visibly started to sweat and stutter Eve realized that she’d been kind of an asshole to throw him under the bus like that, so she stepped back up to the office. Damn conscience, it just had to ruin all her fun.

“Mhat-Am, I think you can go now. I’ll discuss this with my husbands in private and settle things. Will you be back tomorrow so we can begin my lessons?” she asked with a deceptively sweet tone while still keeping eye contact with the three seething males in front of her.

“Yes, my lady. Pharaoh?” he asked quietly, seeking permission to leave the room as quickly as possible.

“Go,” was all Khaman said between clenched teeth as he watched the older man sigh in relief and scurry out the door leaving them with their new bride.

“So, fellas, how was the wedding? Did my new in-laws spring for the good appies? Anyone on my side get drunk and pass out in the chocolate fountain?” Eve asked as she placed her hands on her hips and expressed her displeasure; a look of surprise on all three men’s faces as they suddenly realized why she was so mad was priceless. Sure it made them even cuter, but Eve was determined to punish them for at least a month before she gave in. As her traitorous eyes took a slight detour down her pharaoh’s golden abs, she did a quick recalculation and decided that two weeks was probably more appropriate. Yes, definitely two weeks…



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post & TWEET about this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

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



Find Sarah Marsh :

Monday, July 27, 2015

Feasted On: The Heartbreak Chronicles, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 336; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1271 KB | Expected Release Date: August 4, 2015 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Heartbreakers" [The Heartbreak Chronicles, Book 1] by Ali Novak

Authors' Book Description : "When I met Oliver Perry, I had no clue he was the lead singer for The Heartbreakers. And he had no idea that I was the only girl in the world who hated his music."

Stella will do anything for her sick sister, Cara—even stand in line for an autographed Heartbreakers CD… for four hours. She’s totally winning best birthday gift this year. At least she met a cute boy with soft brown hair and gorgeous blue eyes while getting her caffeine fix. Too bad she’ll never see him again.

Except, Stella’s life suddenly turned into a cheesy love song. Because Starbucks Boy is Oliver Perry—lead singer for the Heartbreakers. And even after she calls his music crap, Oliver still gives Stella his phone number. And whispers quotes from her favorite Disney movie in her ear. OMG, what is her life?

But how can Stella even think about being with Oliver—dating and laughing and pulling pranks with the band—when her sister could be dying of cancer?

Ali Novak wrote her debut novel "My Life with the Walter Boys" when she was just 15 years old, and has since penned her next book, "The Heartbreakers." First a hit on the online community Wattpad, her second novel has over 38 million reads and is loved by readers around the world.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Since freshman year of high school, Stella’s sister (Cara) has been battling cancer, now about four years later Cara’s battle has been getting harder. Therefore, to give Cara the “greatest 18th Birthday present EVER” Stella and their brother Drew attend The Heartbreakers (the “boy band” Cara loves) autograph signing to get Cara’s things signed by the band as the gift for her. However, the day of signing Stella’s life changes forever and her life gets more embroiled with The Heartbreakers with its leader singer Oliver than she ever expected…

I chose/requested to read this novel for the following two main reasons. The first reason is because I’ve had a sudden urge to read rock star romances lately and with its cover/description, this looked like a good one. The second reason is that this novel’s description reminded me of Ms. Rallison’s “Just One Wish,” because the main characters from both novels are trying to get something from someone famous to make their sick siblings happy, and since I really liked Ms. Rallison’s novel I hoped I’d like Ms. Novak’s novel too. As luck would have it, I liked “The Heartbreakers” quite a lot!

All portrayed through Stella’s POV, you get a great start to a very intriguing series and band! Stella deals with Cara’s illness by hanging onto her family and staying close to them all as much as possible. However, Cara is the one who pushes Stella into accepting the Heartbreakers’ job offer and starting her own life away from her family. No matter what happens to Stella, she is still scared of getting her heart broken, and Oliver has player written all over him. Nevertheless, the attraction between Oliver and Stella is undeniable testing her resistance at every opportunity. It was fun watching her fight to have them stay apart.

Together Oliver and Stella are an electric, fun, and enchanting couple. Simply, they even each other out. Even though Stella feels in the dark about Oliver’s past during most of this novel, I enjoyed how their relationship grew and progressed. Yet, while I really liked Oliver as the “hero” and his relationship with Stella, I found this to be more of a women’s fiction novel instead of a romance as it’s based more on Stella’s personal growth than anything else. Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed how this novel’s plot was laid out. I laughed, I cried, I just could not get enough!

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those looking for a YA version of women’s fiction that also has the bonus of being a romance too!

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


Author's Novel Extras :
A photo posted by Fallzswimmer (@alinovak) on

A photo posted by Fallzswimmer (@alinovak) on

Author's Series Extras :

A photo posted by Fallzswimmer (@alinovak) on


Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
"She's totally adopted," I muttered, which made Drew snicker.
"You're identical."
"Irrelevant," I said and shook my head. "I mean, honestly? Where did she go so wrong?" ~ within Chapter 2

THE HEARTBREAKERS by Ali Novak -- Read my #bookreview here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Monday, July 27, 2015

THE HEARTBREAKERS by Ali Novak -- Read my #bookreview here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Monday, July 27, 2015
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Ali, then please check out her website.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Second Sentence Saturday: Daisy and the Front Man


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 :

"Daisy and the Front Man" [Backstage Pass Series, Book 3] by Rebekah L. Purdy

The whole town had shown up: local television crews, the newspaper, people from school, and even one of the ladies from Entertainment Tonight.



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!
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