Saturday, November 8, 2014

Second Sentence Saturday: Once Upon a Christmas Scandal


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 :

"Once Upon a Christmas Scandal" [within Christmas Brides] & [Lords of Vice Series, Book 7.5] by Alexandra Hawkins -- MY REVIEW

What were you and Father thinking?



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!

Friday, November 7, 2014

Blog Tour - Coming Home To Love by Katie O'Boyle | Spreading the Word & Novel Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Katie O'Boyle author of "Coming Home To Love," which is second book in her Lakeside Porches 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 & Giveaway will run from November 3 - 21, 2014]




"Coming Home To Love"
[Lakeside Porches Series, Book 2] by Katie O'Boyle

Author's Book Description :
    With his health deteriorating and his spirit dying, Justin Cushman has come home to the Finger Lakes to assist his injured nephew Joel. Sick of accumulating wealth for its own sake, Justin knows that his life is meaningless without a loving relationship and a purpose for his billions. On a whim, he visits Joel’s spa, looking for a massage to relieve his pain. Gianessa Dupioni is a gifted masseuse who starts the boss’s irritable uncle on a journey of health and happiness. Too bad for Justin that Gianessa is devastated by personal losses and strictly focused on rebuilding her career. Justin may be a master strategist in the financial world, but can he persuade Gianessa to let love in?

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

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



About the Author :

Born in the upstate-New York village known as the Birthplace of Women’s Rights, Katie O’Boyle loves the Finger Lakes in every season. She enjoys lunch with friends at charming inns, and she cherishes the lakeside porch as a place for intimate sharing, laughter, and inspiration. To the outside world, she is a tech-savvy college professor. In her soul, she is a passionate author of warm-hearted romance. She is hard at work on book four of the Lakeside Porches romance books and novellas.



Book Excerpt :

“You know,” Gianessa said, as she stroked his palm with her thumb, “I was prepared not to like you. Look how that turned out.”

He blustered. “Not like me?” He winked.

“The first time I saw you, you were badgering Grace.” She leaned forward, leading with her breasts. “That ticked me off.”

“And you wore your hair in that French braid, which ticked me off.”

She gathered her long, toffee tresses behind her shoulders. “You never said you didn’t like my braid.”

“I wanted from that first moment to get my hands in your hair. I plotted six ways to Sunday to get rid of the braid.”

“My braid is perfect for work. It feels elegant and simple, and it makes me feel put together and focused.”

He caressed her cheek and jaw and neck with eager fingers. “But you’re elegant and complex, and I prefer you undone.”



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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



Find Katie O'Boyle :

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Made the Grade: The Jorda Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 509 KB | Expected Release Date: August 1, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : Escape Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley/Escape Publishing

"Loving The Prince" [The Jorda Series, Book 1] by Nicole Murphy (aka Elizabeth Dunk)

Author's Book Description : Cassandra Wiltmore is the heir to the throne of Rica, but it’s unlikely she’ll be stepping up any time soon. So she spends her days managing and building the Rican Balcite Mining Company. The company has made her family wealthy beyond imagination, but that kind of power needs careful control, and Cassandra is just the Wiltmore to control it.

When a new bid for the mining license is announced, Cassandra is determined to squash it. Then the thefts and threats begin, and every step she takes seems to be wrong. Taking on a new protector seems like an indulgence Cass can’t afford, but she equally cannot afford to be caught off-guard. If only the best man for the job wasn’t also the best-looking man she’s ever seen.

Kernan Radaton has ambition, and as protector to Cassandra Wiltmore, he’s well placed to reach all his long-held goals. If only his new all-business boss didn’t make him think of only pleasure. With the company, the heir and the family under attack, the last thing anyone needs is a distraction. But once everything is safe again, Kernan is developing new ambitions — ones that involve a lot of very personal time spent getting to know his boss on a very personal level.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! A woman finds a man who might be her perfect match if only threats, relatives, and obsessed "fans" don't get in their way.

This intense dynamic novel keeps readers on their toes as they follow Cassie & Kernan's search as to who could be planning to hurt her company while watching them fall in love at the same time. I enjoyed its plot, especially when it came to the mystery of who was trying to take down Cassie's company. In addition, I liked how Kernan & Cassie's relationship was pretty much instantaneous and how they dealt with it. Basically, the last six chapters of this novel were my favorite because I loved how everything gets wrapped up!!

I recommend this novel to those who like sci-fi suspenseful romances!

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

Author's Novel Extras : Loving the Prince - Overview | Loving the Prince - Deleted Scenes | Flash Fiction – new WiP | Announcement – new books sold! | Where I’ve been | Flash Fiction Friday – Loving the Prince preview | Flash Fiction Friday – heroine and hero meet! | All about promotion | Flash Fiction Friday – and the book is go! | Musings on writing – early versions of Loving the Prince | Musings on writing – early versions of Cassandra | Time to boast – reviews! | Musings on writing – early versions of Loving the Prince | Musings on writing – early versions of Loving the Prince | Musings on writing – early versions of Loving the Prince

Author's Series Extras : The Jorda Series - Overview | Celebrating the end!

Book Teaser(s) :
'Well, if the pace is too much for you, say the word and I'll find something calmer.'
Kernan grinned. 'Work me hard. Whip me. I'll enjoy it.' ~ within Chapter 7
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Nicole, then please check out her website.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Blog Tour - The Gladiator's Bride by Nhys Glover | Spreading the Word & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Nhys Glover author of "The Gladiator's Bride," which is fifth book in her 1st Century CE Imperial Rome 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 & Giveaway will run from November 3 - 7, 2014]



"The Gladiator's Bride"
[1st Century CE Imperial Rome Series, Book 5] by Nhys Glover

Author's Book Description :
    Crippled by shyness, shunned for being not-right-in-the-head, gifted artist and Roman noblewoman, Marcia Mica, has only two people in the world who truly love her – her teacher, Daedalus, and her childhood friend, Asterion, both slaves in her father’s household. But when forbidden love blooms between the unlikely friends, only disaster can come of it. That disaster leaves Marcia horribly scarred and Asterion sold into the arena as a gladiator.

    Years later, Daedalus brings a broken Marcia to Britannia, and Sabrina, the healer who saved his life when he was a boy, works miracles on the scarred girl. However, not all scars are physical and those Sabrina has no ability to heal.

    When Sabrina and Marcia are kidnapped by a Celtic leader bent on revenge, Asterion must depend on the dreams of a Celtic Seer to find the love of his life and help foil a revolt that threatens the fragile peace in Roman Britannia. But even if he and his friends succeed, can scars that are more than just physical ever really be healed and can those whose lives are owned by others ever truly be free to follow their hearts?

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

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

Author's Book Trailer :



About the Author :

After a lifetime of teaching others to appreciate the written word, Aussie author Nhys Glover finally decided to make the most of the Indie Book Revolution to get her own written word out to the world. Now, with almost 100,000 of her ebooks downloaded internationally and a winner of 2013 SFR Galaxy Award for "The Titan Drowns," Nhys finds her words, too, are being appreciated.

At home in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales of England, Nhys these days spends most of her time "living the dream" by looking out over the moors as she writes the kind of novels she loves to read: The ones that are a little bit steamy, a little bit different and wholly romantic.




Book Excerpt :

That was when he saw it. That was when he knew this wasn’t a dream. Or if it was it was, it was his worst nightmare: The whole right side of her face and body were covered by red, ugly burn-scars.

He gasped and dropped to his knees, his legs unable to hold him up a moment longer.

Daedalus came to his side and rested a hand on his shoulder. ‘It’s a bit of a shock the first time you see it. But after a while you don’t notice it.’

He stared up at the man who had been like a father to him; the man he blamed for being right about Marcie and him. How could he say this was a bit of a shock?

But before he had a chance to snap out a retort, Marcie’s body began jerking as the healing commenced. Though he couldn’t see anything happening, he could sense it. And so it seemed could Daedalus.

‘It’s her... By all the gods, it’s her,’ Daedalus whispered in awe as he watched Sabrina’s face, transformed by the Urge that had taken control of her.

He didn’t know what Daedalus meant. He didn’t care what he meant. This man had had his Marcie all this time. She’d been alive, all this time, and no one had told him. They’d let him leave the Estate thinking she was dead. And he’d died that day because of it.

‘You bastard. Why didn’t you tell me?’ he sobbed out, his voice breaking on the last word.

‘Tell you?’ Daedalus looked at him as if he’d grown a second head.

‘That she lived. They told me she was dead. Her sister told me she was dead.’



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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



Find Nhys Glover :

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Made the Grade: Martin's Crossing Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: 324 KB | Expected Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : Love Inspired | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Rancher for Christmas" [Martin's Crossing Series, Book 1] by Brenda Minton

Author's Book Description : A Family for Christmas

Raised on the run, free-spirited Breezy Hernandez has never stayed in one place too long. But now that she has joint custody of her late brother's twin daughters, she's determined to give them a stable home. Even if it means cooperating with the twins' bossy uncle. Texas rancher Jake Martin learned the hard way that women can't be trusted. But as he and Breezy care for the orphaned girls, Jake begins to open his heart. Is Breezy ready to put down roots in Martin's Crossing, or will she run from the one thing she's always wanted: A family?

Martin's Crossing: In this small Texas town, every heart finds a home

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, a man (Jake) who has raised his siblings ever since their mother ran out on them now has joint custody of his twin toddler nieces with a woman (Breezy) who has a history of being a drifter after the parents of his nieces unexpectedly die. Will they be able to find a way to raise the girls in a loving home even if they aren’t together or will their hearts show them what is waiting for them if only they are willing to trust one another?

This intriguing suspenseful contemporary romance will charm you from the beginning. I liked how Breezy & Jake came together while trying to overcome their pasts and dealing with what seems like someone trying to tear them apart. In addition, the parts with the twins (Rosie & Violet) in them were very sweet and I thought the part where Breezy tries to corral a herd of cattle by herself was pretty funny too!

The only thing that I wish could have been better was if this novel could have held my interest more. It wasn’t that the plot was bad or that the characters weren’t interesting as it all was good but there is a lot of back-story and sub-plots that look to be building up for other novels, which while usually can be helpful, I found at times it made my mind wander instead of keeping my attention. Therefore, I hope if you read this, it’ll hold your interest more then it did mine.

Nevertheless, I still recommend this novel to those who like contemporary romances based around the holidays!

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

Book Teaser(s) :
"Back in the field. If you please, Sir Loin."
She shooed him with her hands. He shook his massive head. She started to run at him, slipping a little on the frosty glass.
"Listen, hamburger, I was giving you the benefit of the doubt when I thought you were a gentleman, now go." She charged at him, waving her arms.
He snorted and took a few quick steps away from her before turning back to face her again. It clicked in her city-girl brain that she wasn't going to win a battle against a one-ton animal. ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Brenda, then please check out her website.

Idolizing In: A Marietta Christmas Novel & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 297 KB | Expected Release Date: October 13, 2014 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Montana Born Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Blame The Mistletoe" [A Marietta Christmas Novel & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 1] by Dani Collins

Author's Book Description : Liz Flowers has never enjoyed Christmas, but this one is shaping up to be the worst by far. She let her ex take her daughter to Mexico while she stays behind in a strange town, sitting her former mother-in-law’s high strung little dog. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, but this California girl doesn’t have much in common with the ranchers in small town Marietta.

Blake Canon perks up with male interest when he sees a new face at his friend’s Christmas cocktail party. His son is away and a light affair would take his mind off his financial troubles. Then he realizes he knows Liz. She was once married to the brother of his ex-wife.

Their children might be cousins, but Blake and Liz do the kissing—under the mistletoe. It’s the beginning of a new view of Christmas for Liz, but when their children arrive home unexpectedly, and family secrets are revealed, Liz isn’t sure she’ll stay in Marietta for Christmas after all.

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! LOVED, love, loved it!! It was hard not getting sucked into this sweetly steamy romance about an ex-brother-in-law & an ex-sister-in-law falling in love and dealing with their unique challenges! Blake & Liz were a hard couple not to root for, their romantic and self-deprecating ways were very charming to read about. Plus, I enjoyed reading their banter!

I highly recommend reading this novel to those who like contemporary holiday romances!!

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

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

Author's Novel Extras : Blame The Mistletoe - Overview & Notes | #TeaserTuesday - Blame The Mistletoe | #TeaserTuesday - Blame The Mistletoe (2) | #TeaserTuesday - Blame The Mistletoe (3) | #TeaserTuesday - Blame The Mistletoe (4)

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Montana Born | Pinterest: Mistletoe Wedding - Tyler and Meg | Hometown Hero - Overview & Notes | Mistletoe Wedding - Overview (with links to more) | A Welcome from Marietta Chamber of Commerce | Release Day for Mistletoe Wedding | A Marietta Christmas: Alissa Callen’s The Mistletoe Cowboy | #SampleSunday - Hometown Hero (3) | #SampleSunday - Hometown Hero (4) | Mercury Retrograde - *Why* | #TeaserTuesday - Sneak Peek


Book Teaser(s) :
As she talked, he found himself staring at her lips. Not a wide mouth. Kind of set in a permanent almost-invitation to kiss. She had a dot of birthmark on her bottom lip, slightly off center. "I thought it would be good for me---Do I have something on my mouth? Sometimes people think I do, but it's just a freckle . . ."
"What? No, you're fine," he rushed to assure her, wits dulled by a sucker-punch of thinking about running his tongue over that little dot. Which was okay. They weren't related. It was just maybe unwise and yeah, possibly fueled by irony and a desire to mow down the Flowers.
And desire for Liz. She was classy and pretty and intriguing. He would love to tear up the sheets with her.
Which would start to show if he wasn't careful. He made himself catch up to the conversation. "What do you mean that coming here is good for you?"
"You know. I thought I should mingle with the natives."
"You're eating your social vegetables?"
"Kind of," she agreed, flashing straight white teeth. "Yes, I suppose that's exactly what I'm doing. Chewing community kale to stave off a bad case of isolation rickets."
He nodded, liking that she could be playful. ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book, series and/or any other books by Dani, then please check out her website.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Talk to Kirsten Campbell -- Do you have any questions for her?

Yesterday -- HALLOWEEN 2014 -- Ms. Campbell "took over my blog" with my blog tour post and she asked to be more one-on-one with you ... so here's her note to you...



Hey Jessica,

Thanks for having me on your blog! This is SO exciting! It's a special day, one of my favorites, Halloween!

I just love Halloween. Don't you? I mean, its a lot of work getting those lil ones into their costumes in the morning for the school parade, but they are sooooo cute! And I think all the dancing and hugs are worth it in the end. (Of course, there's nothing like sticky kisses from the little ones.)

Anywho, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am available for any questions about "Blood Master" - Book 1 of The G.O.D.s Series, the writing life and craft or anything else that one might find pertinent to the days activities. Come on, I'm easy. Let's get this party started! :)




So if you want have any questions and/or comments for Ms. Campbell please comment on this post or on my blog tour post!! Have a good day!

Friday, October 31, 2014

Blog Tour - Blood Master by Kirsten Campbell | Spreading the Word

Today I'm turning my blog over to Kirsten Campbell author of "Blood Master," which is the 1st novel in her G.O.D.s Series. [Blog Tour will run on October 29 - November 12, 2014]




"Blood Master"
[The G.O.D.s Series, Book 1] by Kirsten Campbell

Author's Book Description :
    2052 : Two-thirds of the human population has been killed by the Great War, the Clover Virus and the Death Plague. Only one man survived the Death Plague, an albino man named Griffin Storm. He’s the only albino in existence. No one knows what happened to the other albinos, but most believe the rumors that they were eliminated by the Guild Faction’s deadly experiments.

    Griffin is hiding out in Underground Atlanta. He has special abilities. He can manipulate crystal and glass. He uses these abilities for good, raiding warehouses and old buildings for food and medical supplies to give to the abandoned children that live in the Underground. During a raid, he meets Tassta Vinetti. She’s a resident of the legendary Brotherhood Fortress. Griffin is taken to the Brotherhood and chaos ensues as Tassta, her twin brother Penn and her Uncle Lerin Sanctobous keep their new visitor and his untold powers secret. They can not disclose that the only albino in existence is now at their fortress or they could all be in great danger.

    Fact is, the Guild is hunting Griffin. He is the only survivor of their deadly experiments and his survival will have dynamic consequences. The Guild believes Griffin will transform into a G.O.D., a Genetically-enhanced Omni Dimensional being. If he transforms, he will have inter-dimensional doors within his body, doors that lead to heaven and hell. Griffin will become a Blood Master and he’ll be able to control the demons from the Dimension of Blood.

    Will Griffin save the children of the Underground from their tragic life? Will he transform into a G.O.D. and become the Blood Master? Only time will tell...

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

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



About the Author :

Kirsten Campbell is the author of several short stories and poems that have been published in Bewildering Stories, Ascent Magazine, Beauty Talk, The Fairfield Review, Poets-Artists & Madmen, Interracial Voice, Sagazine Online, The Write Gallery, The Pittsburgh Quarterly Online, COBRA, The CoffeehousePress Journal and several other magazines.

Kirsten was abandoned by both mother and father at six-years-old and she somehow survived a very devastating childhood. She found strength and courage through reading and writing and she graduated from school, got married and raised four wonderful children. She also cared for several children that were abandoned by their parents and by society, (a few were literally left on her doorstep.) She fed and clothed them and sent them to school and taught them to be upstanding, decent members of society.

Kirsten wrote "Blood Master" several years ago and it developed into The G.O.D.s Series, a series of books that deal with Griffin Storm, a hero with feet of clay, a hero that saves the lives of several people, but most importantly, he saves hundreds of children from abandonment and neglect; takes them to a better life, (something of which Kirsten always wished for when she was a child.)

Her short story, "Dark Matters," was published in Bewildering Stories and a character from the G.O.D.s Series made a special appearance in the story. Said character appears in the second book of the G.O.D.s Series, "Blood Storm."

As a side note, Ladybug Press published her chapbook, "Poetry from the Covert Bourgeoisie," in 2006 and her chapbook, "The Abandoning Kind," was published by Pudding House Publications in 2009. She lives in Brewster, NY., with her daughters and her five unbelievably beautiful grandchildren!




Book Excerpt :

Prologue

It’s 2052 and earth has lost a third of its population to the Great War. Many more lives were lost to earthquakes, the Clover Virus and the Death Plague. Years later, survivors are clumped into factions on the East and West Coast of America. Over the years the factions developed laws and a barter system that is in place, even now.

I am Tassta Vinetti and I live in the Brotherhood Fortress, an underground dwelling that houses three hundred and ten souls. We are a cultural soup that has thickened to a receptive stew of every race, creed and color known to mankind. Yet, there is a missing factor in our equation of humanity. There are no albinos at the fortress and as far as I know, there are no albinos anywhere in 2052. Where did they go? How did they disappear? I have no idea. All I know is what I’ve been told and what I’ve read.

The old text books say that in 2012 albinos were numerous, what with 1 albino birth in every 17,000. Yet, even then it was rare to see an actual albino walking the streets. Now, they are never seen and most people believe they were wiped out in the Great War or killed by earth quakes or the Death Plague. It’s a mystery that has plagued my people for decades, mainly because of a prophecy. It is written in our Master Scroll Books that an albino man with untold powers will come to the fortress. This man will rid the fortress, and eventually the world, of a great evil, the Guild Faction. (That’s a tall order, even for a legend.) I never believed in prophecies or legends, especially since in all my travels and all the raids I’ve ever gone on for the fortress, I’ve never once come upon a single albino-until now...



Find Kirsten Campbell :

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Blog Tour - The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak | Spreading the Word, Gift Card Giveaway, & 12 Days Of Christmas Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Brenda Novak author of "The Heart of Christmas," which is seventh book in her Whiskey Creek 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 run on October 28, 2014 -- Giveaway #1 will run until October 29, 2014 -- Giveaway #2 will run until November 30, 2014]



"The Heart of Christmas"
[Whiskey Creek Series, Book 7] by Brenda Novak

Author's Book Description :
    Just call her Christmas Eve...

    Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn’t have. Almost all her friends are married now, and that’s what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B-and-B she manages and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem...confining.

    As Eve turns thirty-five, she’s worried that her future will simply be a reflection of her past. She’s dated all the eligible men in the area. There’s no one she could even imagine as a husband—until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve’s definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her. But his darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve’s happily ever after—just when it finally seems within reach. Just when she’s counting on the best Christmas of her life!

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

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



About the Author :

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak is the author of more than fifty books. A four-time Rita nominee, she has won many awards, including the National Reader’s Choice, the Bookseller’s Best, the Book Buyer’s Best, the Daphne, and the Holt Medallion. She also runs an annual on-line auction for diabetes research every May at www.brendanovakforthecure.org (her youngest son has this disease). To date, she’s raised over $2 million. For more about Brenda, please visit www.brendanovak.com.

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 0.5 (Prequel) | Book 1 | Book 3

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Bastard / Honor Bound | Coulda Been A Cowboy

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013



Book Excerpt :

Moving slowly to compensate for her hangover, she managed to prop herself against the headboard and, once there, frowned at her bedmate.

Who the heck was he?

She had no idea, but she was relieved to see that he was no bum off the street. He wasn’t even one of those “he looked a lot more attractive last night” kind of pickups everyone joked about. This guy was so far above average that she began to wonder why he wasn’t already taken. Heaven forbid that was the case! She didn’t see a ring on his left hand, which rested on the pillow above his head. But he had to have some story. If he looked this good sleep-tousled, she could only imagine what he’d be like once he had a chance to clean up.

It was his bone structure, she decided. Those pronounced cheekbones. The narrow bridge across his nicely shaped nose. The distinct ridge of his upper eye sockets. He also had a strong chin and a manly jaw, which certainly didn’t detract.

So maybe she couldn’t point to just one or two features. With his long, sandy-colored hair spread across his pillow, he resembled a fallen angel—and his body further enhanced that image. Although bedding covered his lower half—thank goodness—she could see his torso. He was built like a greyhound or panther, lean and sinewy and ideally proportioned with very little body hair. What body hair he did have was golden and downy, as appealing as his tanned skin.

He’d make a nice subject for a painter, she mused, someone looking for refined masculine beauty—a man who could even be called elegant.

But not everything about him was elegant. When she looked closer, she could see that he had some very unusual scars....

What types of injuries could’ve caused those? she wondered. It seemed to her that he’d been shot, and more than once. Several round, bullet-size marks dotted his chest. Then there was a long, jagged scar on his side that must’ve come from something else....

Out of nowhere—he didn’t open his eyes first, so she had no warning—he grabbed her wrists in a crushing grip and slammed her onto her back.

Eve gasped as she stared up at him. Gone was the image of an angel, fallen or otherwise. Shocked at being so easily and unexpectedly overpowered, she couldn’t even scream. His fierce expression, as if he was intent on causing her bodily harm, made it worse.

Had she brought home a homicidal maniac? Was he about to kill her?

The terror that surged up must’ve shown on her face because he suddenly came to his senses. He gave his head a shake. His expression cleared and, letting go, he eased off her and slid back onto his side of the bed.

“Sorry about that. I thought...” His words trailed off, and he covered his eyes with one arm as if he needed a moment to pull himself together.

Her heart was now pounding in unison with her head. But once she could speak somewhat normally, she prompted him to finish his sentence. “Thought what?”

His lips turned down. “Never mind. I was dreaming.”

She pressed a hand to her chest as though she could slow her galloping pulse. “It couldn’t have been a pleasant dream.”

“They never are,” he muttered.



Giveaways #1 :

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!



Giveaways #2 :

CLICK HERE to ENTER Brenda's 12 Days Of Christmas Contest

Prize Details






Find Brenda Novak :

Teaser Tuesday: The Parchment Scroll


"The Parchment Scroll" [Highland Secrets Trilogy, Book 3] by C. A. Szarek -- MY REVIEW

Book Teaser:

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Made the Grade: Highland Secrets Trilogy, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 248; Kindle Edition - File Size: 877 KB | Expected Release Date: August 12, 2014 | Publisher: Paper Dragon Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Parchment Scroll" [Highland Secrets Trilogy, Book 3] by C. A. Szarek

Author's Book Description : Book Three in the time travel, fantasy romance trilogy, Highland Secrets!

Her sister is lost...in the past.

Three weeks after her sister goes missing, Juliette McGowan encounters her on a beach in Scotland. Her sister gives her a scroll full of claims about time travel and disappears—literally.

As a sister, Jules is determined to find her. As a cop, she can’t go to the authorities. The piece of parchment declares magic exists; they’d think she’s nuts.

When a mysterious woman vows she can help her get to the seventeenth century, Jules goes along with it out of desperation.

He’s an infamous barbarian...

Hugh MacDonald is intrigued when he finds a disoriented naked lass on the beach. She holds a scroll that was written by his rival’s wife. Clan MacLeod will pay ransom for her safe return, so he takes her captive.

She challenges his authority—and his desires. What started off as a plan to anger the MacLeods ends with Hugh wanting to keep her for himself.

Can Jules break free of the barbarian, find her sister and return to the future or will she give in to her attraction and desire to remain in the past?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, a woman who is searching for her missing sister finds a lead of a lifetime if only she can get around the fact that she has to travel into the past to find her. Than once she sees her sister again, she learns that the woman who helped her is trying to tear apart everything she's now opened up her heart too. Will she stay to love and protect her new loved ones or will she reconcile that going back to her reality would be the best choice for her after all?

I really liked how this novel is stand-alone while still updating the reader as to what the MacLeod clan is up too! However, what pulled me into this novel was the constant banter that Juliette (Jules) & Hugh share, as it's hilarious at times and sweet while you get to see how their feelings grow for one another. I like how everything wrapped up between them and the other characters, yet I wish this novel had a longer epilogue to really see how things turned out for them later on. Also, I'm curious to see if there will be another novel included in this series to see where everyone will end up next.

I do recommend this novel and series to those who like paranormal historical romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : SMASHWORDS : The Tartan MP3 Player | SMASHWORDS : The Fae Ring | SMASHWORDS : The Parchment Scroll


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

Author's Novel Extras : The Parchment Scroll - Overview & Excerpt | COVER REVEAL! The Parchment Scroll (Highland Secrets Trilogy Book Three)! And 2500 likes giveaway! | The Parchment Scroll is OUT!!!! Excerpt!!!!!!

Author's Series Extras : Highland Secrets Trilogy | The Tartan MP3 Player - Overview | The Fae Ring - Overview | COVER REVEAL: The Tartan MP3 Player! | My Writing Process Blog Hop. Process? WHAT the HECK is that? #AMWriting | COVER REVEAL!! The Fae Ring and GIVEAWAY!!


Book Teaser(s) :
"I made a choice. I chose Duncan and the past. My life is here. Duncan and Lachlan are my life."
She bit down until her teeth ached and her jaw creaked. "I can't lose you, little sister."
"I don't want to lose you, either. But I'm happy here, Jules. I promise."
"Without...everything you know?"
Claire laughed. "I do miss tampons."
Jules swallowed a giggle. "But not antibiotics?"
Her sister scrunched up her nose, reminding Jules of when they were little. "An epidural woulda been nice."
"I bet." She snorted. ~ within Chapter 9

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

Second Sentence Saturday: Love Me To Death


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 :

"Love Me To Death" [The Underveil Series, Book 1] by Marissa Clarke -- MY REVIEW

The skinny guy in the black baseball cap leveled the gun at the clerk behind the counter and without a word, pulled the trigger.



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, October 23, 2014

Idolizing In: The Underveil Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 350; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1394 KB | Expected Release Date: October 28, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Love Me To Death" [The Underveil Series, Book 1] by Marissa Clarke (aka Mary Lindsey)

Author's Book Description : What you want the most just might kill you...

Medical research scientist Elena Arcos has always lived her life under the radar. When she is shot in a convenience store robbery, Elena finds herself rocketed into supernatural insanity courtesy of a sexy immortal law enforcer. He's convinced she's some kind of freaky half-vampire thin and that her deceased dad was the real deal: a blood sucking monster. Yeah, right.

Nikolai Itzov never anticipated battling the urge to kiss the offspring of his father's murderer. As a slayer, and elite law enforcer descended from Azrael himself, his orders from teh Underveil General are clear: Kill her or die.

Nikolai and Elena find themselves in a life and death battle to stop a plot designed to lift the Underveil and enslave humans. With her analytical mind and his centuries of training, they might be able to foil the plot with their lives and maybe their hearts intact. But in order to succeed, he must help her become the very thing he hates the most: an Undead.

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! A fated couple, who started out as enemies, comes together to save the world and learn that there is more out there then what they know...in more ways then one.

Oh My Goodness!! I am already ADDICTED to this series, as I LOVED this novel!! All of the characters are very compelling and entertaining! It was fun reading about their many background stories, which were continuously coming out of the woodwork. Overall, this novel takes the reader on a thrilling ride where they'll not expect everything that is thrown their way.

To top it off ... I could not get enough of Nikolai (Nik) & Elena (E) being together!! With Nik's abrasive/protective manner and Elena's caring ways it was exciting to watch their relationship grow, especially since with their dispositions they had to work out how to understand each other while not being offended which was kind of sweet! Additionally, I really appreciated that this novel has a beginning and end, so other then some secondary plots that weren't completed everything involving Nik & Elena's romance comes together in this novel!!

I cannot wait to see where this series will go next and whom we'll get to read about!! I recommend this novel and series to those who like paranormal thriller romances!!

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

Author's Novel Extras : Love Me To Death Has a Cover! | ALA 2014 Las Vegas

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
“You have to promise me something: Don’t let me become one of those creatures. I can’t live like that. You have to promise to use that sword and end me before it happens.” A tear ran down her cheek, and he brushed it away with his thumb. “Promise me,” she insisted.
He shook his head. “Humans don’t just change over into vampires. They replicate by killing humans, draining their blood, and replacing it with some of their own. You were born of one, not bitten and turned by one. It’s unprecedented.”
“Promise, Nikolai, or I’ll kill myself before it happens.”
Seeing her fear made him ache. If a promise would make her feel better, he would give it, even if there was no way he could carry it out. He reached under the water and grabbed her ankle, then gently tugged her closer from her side of the tub. “I promise you, Elena Arcos, I will kill you.”
“Aww. Isn’t that romantic?” Stefan said from the bathroom door. “Sweeter words have never been uttered. I bet you are a real winner on Valentine’s Day, Slayer.” ~ within Chapter 6

Cats stared at her from everywhere: from the bushes, the lawn, the roof, under the porch, and even from inside the house. Gold, blue, and green eyes glowed and followed her from the windows. So many. Too many. The back of her neck tingled. There was a threat or some kind of danger here.
One of the closer cats growled low in its throat. Elena slipped the latch from the gate, and the beast crouched lower and twitched its tail. The growl got louder. It was going to pounce.
Nik stilled her hand on the latch. “They fight like their shifter animal even in human form. They will bite and scratch. They can leap great distances in either physical manifestation. Don’t let their looks deceive you. Even unshifted, you’re not dealing with house cats here. They’re dangerous. You must be careful.”
Well, crap. That’s not what she needed to hear. She used to cuddle and pet these guys.
He leaned closer. “They won’t be expecting you to channel. Zap a few and they’ll back off. Cats don’t like water or electric shock. Go get ’em.”
The cat closest to them hissed, and Elena flinched. “Wait. Where are you going to be?”
“I’ll be watching from here. You wanted training. Well, here it is. Hands- and claws-on training.” He slid the latch all the way open and swung wide the gate. “You’re on!”
Holy. Freaking. Shit. ~ within Chapter 22
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Marissa, then please check out her website.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Blog Tour - Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series by Melissa McClone | Spreading the Word & Gift Card with Mini Swag Bag Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Melissa McClone author of "Mistletoe Magic," "Kiss Me, Cowboy," & "Mistletoe Wedding," which are all in her Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series & her Copper Mountain 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 run from October 16 - 22, 2014]



[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series] by Melissa McClone

Author's Series Description : Three couples. Three stories, where you can follow one pair from meeting to wedding day!
  • "Mistletoe Magic" – short story – FREE at Amazon and Smashwords
  • "Kiss Me, Cowboy" – eBook novella — $0.99 on Kindle from October 17 - 23, 2014
  • "Mistletoe Wedding" — eBook novella — New Release! Only $2.99




"Mistletoe Magic"
[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, A Copper Mountain Christmas Series, Book 3, & Montana Born Brides Series] by Melissa McClone

Author's Book Description :
    Spending a quiet Christmas housesitting and reading novels about hot cowboys sounds perfect to Caitlin Butler. Until a stray kitten brings her face-to-face with Noah, her crush from college. Watching the handsome vet in action melts Caitlin’s heart and brings back long forgotten emotion. She would be safer back at the house lost in the pages of a book. But a toe-curling mistletoe kiss tempts her to stay. Maybe she won’t be spending this Christmas... alone.

    Veterinarian Noah Sullivan isn’t a Scrooge, but the Christmas Eve tradition of hanging mistletoe in the clinic’s waiting room annoys him. Kissing doesn’t belong at the Copper Mountain Animal Hospital. Noah rethinks his position when Caitlin arrives with a stray kitten she found freezing in the snow. All he wants now is to maneuver the pretty preschool teacher under the mistletoe. If he’s not careful, he’ll wind up on Santa’s naughty list.

My Book Review :
    3.5 out of 5 stars, exes meet again after years apart at a veterinary clinic while trying to save a kitten, with all that "mistletoe" around they might just ignite their old passions for one another in time to celebrate Christmas!

    This was a sweet story about college sweethearts finding one another in unexpected circumstances. [READ MY FULL REVIEW]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Smashwords

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




"Kiss Me, Cowboy"
[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, & Montana Born Rodeo Series, Book 3] by Melissa McClone

Author's Book Description :
    She didn’t mean to kiss him...

    When dude ranch wrangler Charlotte – aka Charlie – Randall kisses Zack Harris in an act of empathy, she falls hat over spurs for the handsome military veteran turned cowboy. Zack has too many demons, however, and refuses to get involved. A year later, he’s still stonewalling, and Charlie needs to move on with her life so she can find a fulfilling relationship, not frustrating unrequited love. Putting distance between them seems the best way to get Zack out of her head and heart…but that means quitting the job she loves and accepting a position in Colorado.

    He didn’t mean to kiss her back...

    Growing up, Zack longed for a real family, and had one with his squad while deployed in Afghanistan. Now, he’s back in the States and doesn’t want anything messing up his new ranch family, no matter how much he’s attracted to the sexy, hard-working Charlie. She could break his heart and ruin the comfortable working relationship they and the other wranglers enjoy. Besides, her friends claim she’s looking for the perfect guy, and perfect he’s not.

    A kiss is just a kiss...or is it?

    When Zack learns Charlie’s thinking about leaving the ranch, he decides to find her a boyfriend — someone so good, so perfect, she has a reason to stay in Montana. Until he realizes too late that the only cowboy he wants her kissing is him. Can he commit to love and convince Charlie not to leave? Or has she made up her mind to put the past, and the kiss that started it all, behind her and move on without him?

My Book Review :
    3 out of 5 stars!! Past experiences come back to haunt two friends/co-workers. One who has chosen to get over her heartache if only she can find a way to forget about her seemingly unrequited crush. While the other uses his past as a guide of "what not to do" and in doing to he stifles his options for his future. Will they finally be able to be honest with each other in hopes that everything will work out between them the way it's suppose to be or will new options for them come to light instead?

    A sweet romance that reels you in and doesn't let go! Charlotte and Zack are so alike that it’s hard not to see them together as a couple. [READ MY FULL REVIEW]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

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




"Mistletoe Wedding"
[Bar V5 Dude Ranch Series, Copper Mountain Series, A Marietta Christmas Novel, & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 2] by Melissa McClone

Author's Book Description :
    Event planner at the Bar V5 Dude Ranch, Meg Redstone is dreaming of a white Christmas with twinkling lights, sparkly decorations and strategically placed mistletoe. She loves making dreams come true for others, whether planning a holiday wedding or giving her young daughter the best Christmas ever.

    Ranch foreman Tyler Murphy loves the holidays, but his newest employee has taken over his barn with her over-the-top decorations. He admires Meg’s desire to give her daughter the perfect Christmas while planning a winter wonderland wedding, but he wants to show her that a Montana Christmas is more than glitter and lights.

    After raising his younger sister, an instant family is not on Ty’s Christmas wish list. But he finds himself falling hard for the single mom and her little girl. Meg, however, is not interested in a romance with a cowboy like Ty, or any man. Getting her under the mistletoe is going to take a Christmas miracle . . . or a little help from Santa.

My Book Review :
    4 out of 5 stars!! Tyler (Ty) finds a woman he could truly fall for, if she didn't already have a child it might have been a no-brainer for him but with the magic of Christmas in the air and a little mistletoe, these two might get what they truly deserve for Christmas .... a family.

    Out of the three novels I've read by Ms. McClone in her series, I liked this one the best!! This fast-paced holiday romance puts the reader in a festive cheer while you watch Ty & Megan (Meg) work their way through their pasts to find out what they really want for Christmas, which is each other. [READ MY FULL REVIEW]

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

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



About the Author :

With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Melissa McClone worked for a major airline where she traveled the globe and met her husband. But analyzing jet engine performance couldn’t compete with her love of writing happily ever afters. Her first full-time writing endeavor was her first sale when she was pregnant with her first child! Since then, she has published over thirty romance novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. She’s also been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her driving her minivan to/from her children’s swim practices and other activities. She also sends care packages to deployed service members and fosters cats through a local no-kill animal shelter. Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house. They do!



Book Excerpt from "Kiss Me, Cowboy" :

A few minutes later, Charlie stepped out of the barn. Two copper braids hung down from her hat. The only time he'd seen her wear make-up had been at Nate and Rachel's wedding. Charlie had worn a dress showing off long, toned legs no one expected, east of all him. He'd had to keep his distance that night and keep the other wranglers away from her, too.

She might act like a cowboy, rough and tumble, ready to jump into a fight if called upon, but she was girl-next-door pretty, with blue eyes that sparkled and a generous mouth that
readily curved into a smile. He didn't let himself think of her as a woman often. Treating her like a guy kept him from focusing on her soft lips, sweet scent, and sexy curves.

She rubbed the back of her neck. "Thought you'd be at the bunkhouse by now."

He shrugged. "Was waiting for you."

She inhaled sharply.

Ty was right about them not getting along. She seemed more pissed off today. He jumped off the fence and closed the distance between them. "Got a few minutes?"

"For?"

The blues of her eyes reminded him of two tempting, deep pools of water. Perfect to jump into when he was hot and sweating. Truth was, drowning in her didn't sound like a bad way to go. The reason that would be a mistake poked at him like hungry mosquitos.

"I want to talk," he said.



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 Melissa McClone :
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