Friday, August 31, 2012

Follow Me Friday: Blog Style August 31



Hi! Welcome to Follow Me Friday: Blog Style! I believe that book bloggers should help one another, because well, we all have one thing in common- the love of blogging, and books. I've had the pleasure of meeting and networking with some great bloggers out there, and my little tribute to everyone is to start up this fun Friday post! The power of uniting has helped Storm Goddess Book Reviews & More grow into what it is today, and I'm not about to forget the help I've gotten to achieve this goal. My hopes in starting this is to get other blogs some more followers, whether they are a well known blog or a small one, a blog that's just starting out. I'm here to help.


This Friday I'd like to feature Bringing Passion to Life and Naughty Thoughts to Mind…, The owner/create of this blog is Nicole Morgan. I hope you'll follow along as I ask some questions pertaining to the blog, and a few fun questions. Ready? Let's begin!


Hi! Welcome to Storm Goddess Book Reviews and More! I'm really excited about this, and glad that you have taken part of the fun!

So, tell us a little bit about yourself!
Oh wow, is that spotlight really necessary? LOL. I am a published author, huge military and veteran supporter and I love to spend time with my kids and fiancé.

What made you decide to start a blog?
Honestly, it just seemed like the thing to do. When I started it – years ago – I wasn’t even really sure what a blog was. I have learned as I went throughout the past few years.

How did you come up with a blog name?
Actually, no one ever believes this story, but it’s the truth. I literally sat down to come up with a name and five minutes later had it. It just came to me and I felt it really fit my writing and my mind.

How many people do you have on staff, and how do you decide who does what job?
Staff? Umm…well there’s me, then there’s I, and of course myself. So all in all I’d say my staff rounds out to total one employee. ME! LOL

How long has your blog been live/active?
I started my blog in mid 2009 after my first book was accepted for publication.

What type of things do you do? Services you provide?
I have guests on my blog to promote their work, I participate in blog hops and generally just post about anything and everything. The only things I steer clear of are politics and religion because it’s safer that way. LOL

What are THREE unique things about your blog?
I have received complements about the design, layout and look but I have done all the work myself. I also try to link things whenever possible. So, if I’m having a guest I will go the extra mile and link their author’s pages and other websites their work can be featured even if they haven’t asked me to. I designed my banner myself.

How do you go about spreading the word about your blog, and the posts?
I am very active on twitter and facebook as well as the yahoo groups. On twitter I am nearly 4500 followers and facebook I have close to 3000 connections. I have some great people on both accounts that help me to share things and that is always a big help.

What's the best thing about blogging?
Blogging is fun because it’s different from your website. You can have fun and sort of let your hair down. It brings out a lot of my personality when I post and comment on blogs.
What's the hardest thing about being a blogger?
I would say the toughest part is having enough time to view and comment on all the great blogs I know are out there. There will be times I will come across a blog and realize I haven’t visited it in a couple of weeks even though it has some great content.

Besides blogging, what are some of your other hobbies and passions?
Well my passion is writing. I love it and couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. As far as hobbies, anything with my family is a cherished moment. Life is far too short and I try to relish every single second of it.

Which author have you not hosted on your blog that you'd LOVE to have?
Maya Banks! No! Wait…Joann Ross! No! Wait…Stella Cameron! NO! Ugh…I could name 20 of them easily. Suzanne Brockman, Lora Leigh, Shayla Black, the list can go on and on. LOL

How does one go about getting a review request to you?
I’ve taken review requests before, but I don’t do them very often. Usually if someone I know wants me to review one of their books they just send me an email.

How does one go about becoming a reviewer for you?
Since my blog is an author blog, it’s not something I’m really looking to add onto at this point. Who knows what the future may hold though.

Where can readers find you? How many ways to follow do you have?
Oh geesh, I’m all over the place. I’ll give you the long list of the ones that are off the top of my head:




How would an author go about getting a feature, whether it be an interview, guest post, etc?ll
All an author needs to do is email me and ask. Unless you’re a homicidal maniac or kick kittens I will say yes! LOL

Most memorable post/even?
That’s hard to say, but I would have to say it was one of my blog hops. I had over 60 comments, the most I’ve ever had and it just blew me away! I liked to see that much participation and traffic especially since I spend so much time on every post. I swear I most hit “preview post” a dozen times before I actually publish it. LOL

Let's share some firsts!

First post:
Hmm…well this is a pickle. Since it’s been years I can’t remember my very first post, but in my archives it only takes me back until June 2010. I remember revamping my blog around that time. I wonder if I deleted things? Stop laughing at me! I’m not going crazy. Well, okay, maybe a little. LOL

First review:
The first review I ever received was for Intimate Persuasions, my first release with Siren Bookstrand. It was a 5 star review and the reviewer said they couldn’t take their eyes off of my book. I was in heaven! (Link to review – I wasn’t sure if it could be included: http://ddrreviews.blogspot.com/2010/01/intimate-temptations-book-1-intimate.html)

First author interview:
I don’t think I’ve ever had a guest interviewed on my blog. It sounds like I’ll need to broaden my horizons and take that on this year.

First guest post:
My first guest was M.S. Spencer and she actually did a three day post-a-thon on my blog talking about her suspenseful romantic stories.

First milestone:
I think my eyes about popped out of my head when I hit 10,000 unique blog hits. I was like, 10,000 people have looked at my blog? WOW!

First great compliment about your blog:
Someone asked me who designed it for me and how much it cost. I was so proud to say it was me and I charged myself nothing! LOL

First time your quote has been put in a book- whether it be print or ebook)
I can’t speak for a book, because I don’t know if that’s happened. However, I have been saying a nightly prayer on twitter and facebook for years. It kind of makes me smile when I see other people saying it now. It’s nice to see that it’s caught on. It goes like this… “Rest well and dream sweet, a member of our military is staying awake so that you may sleep in peace.”

First publisher you got to send you review requests regularly.
This doesn’t really apply to my blog, but my hopes are that my publisher is doing this to other blogs. LOL


And now for some fun questions!

Three books on your keeper's shelf.
Powerful Peace: A Navy SEAL’s Lessons on Peace From a Lifetime at War by J. Robert Dubois
The Callahan Brothers Trilogy by Joann Ross
KGI Series by Maya Banks

Favorite authors?
Maya Banks, Joann Ross, Stella Cameron, Beth Kerry, AJ Llewellyn, and the list could go on and on and on and on. LOL

Book you've re-read the most?
The Callahan Brothers Trilogy
Favorite TV show?
Criminal Minds! I am a bit of a crime scene fanatic. It used to be CSI but I’ve seen all those shows so many times I needed a little change.

Favorite color?
I really don’t have one. I like many colors, depending on clothes, decorating or my mood.

What's your dream job?
Being a successful author! J

If you could travel anywhere in the world, no money holding you back, where would you go?
Australia. I’ve been there before and it is so very beautiful!

Anything else you'd like to add in, maybe something I didn't ask in the interview that you'd love to share with readers?
I was engaged in July of this year and am starting a brand new chapter in my life. I’ve never felt happier and feel so lucky to be able to truly have a “do-over” that so many wish to get.


I really appreciate you answering my questions. It's great getting to know other bloggers that share the same interests as I do. Before we end this post, please share any links that come in handy for you and your blog.
Please stop by my blog on the main page here: http://nicolemorganauthor.blogspot.com. There is always something new and fun going on.


Readers, I hope you'll check out this blog and give it a follow if you haven't already!

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Book Barrage: The Pirates of Vampire Island



Title: The Pirates of Vampire Island, A Paranormal Romantic Thriller
Series: Steamy Voyages, Series #1
Author: Phoenix and Lover Boy
Publisher: Self (Amazon and B&N)
Length: 61,700 words
Genres: Paranormal Romance (Adventure)
Heat Level: Sizzling

:




 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-pirates-of-vampire-island-a-paranormal-romantic-thriller-steamy-voyages-1-phoenix-and-lover-boy/1112584812

BLURB:    
Pretty Jane O'Doherty always chooses the wrong kind of guys. Her specialty seems to be guys who have serious flaws and who break her heart.

Her last breakup was a year ago and still she can hear his final words, "I'm sorry, Jane. I've found someone else."

A 30-day cruise through the exotic Indonesian Islands with her best friend seems like the perfect distraction to mend her broken heart.

On board, she meets devastatingly gorgeous Nick, who attracts women in droves, including our lovely Jane.

And she meets Peter, who is the cute geek with puppy dog eyes. 

Will either one just lead to another broken heart?

Should she run the other way from them both and just enjoy the cruise?

But before Jane can decide, the ship is attacked by modern day pirates.

Unlike the pirates of old, these guys are vampires and are more interested in human treasure than gold and jewels.

They take over the ship and take twelve women hostage.

And the handsome pirate leader—with eerie chalk-white skin, and red eyes, is looking for a special prize. He wants a woman for his mate and queen . . . 

Jane catches his eye, but she, along with Nick and Peter, manage to escape in a lifeboat and onto the open sea.

They drift for fourteen days before finally finding an island.

But the fates are cruel, and their island turns out to be the home of the pirates and the lair of the Vampire.

The Pirates of Vampire Island is non-stop action . . . filled with adventure, suspense . . . and steamy romance.



Excerpt: 

As we approached the outdoor swimming pool on the top deck, I saw dark clouds threatening a storm. My hair was whipping in the wind. I shivered. Bad idea. But Remy was undaunted. She immediately ran and did a cannonball. As I stood wondering if I should just go back to the cabin, a waiter came up, a small, dark boy about sixteen, probably a native of the area. He wore a short white jacket with epaulets and black pants.

"Would you like a drink, mum?"

"How about a snow suit?" I laughed. "Just kidding. No, I'm good for now." I surveyed the sunbathers and swimmers. There he was. As usual, he was surrounded by women. He was dressed in a simple white pullover sweater and tan slacks, but the cut and fabric screamed money. His luxurious, curly black hair whipped in the wind, making him look very unkempt, rugged, and nonchalant, as if fine grooming was so not important because he was stunningly handsome no matter what he wore or did.

"Excuse me, sir?" I said.

The waiter turned.

"What's that guy's name? The one with the black curly hair."

"Nickolas Angelopoulos." He stood for a moment. "Anything else I can help you with?"

"Nope. Thank you," I said, not taking my eyes off the amazing-looking man.

"You're gawking."

I shook myself and looked down. Remy was hanging on the side of the pool. "Yeah, I guess I am."

Enough of that.

"I'm coming in." I walked over to the diving board and performed a perfect dive. I had always been very athletic, and I knew my body showed it.

I swam several laps, trying not to look at this guy named Nickolas, and climbed out of the pool, dripping water, and squeezing it out of my thick mane. I shivered a little in the cool wind, and as I finished drying, I saw out of the corner of my eye that Nicholas was staring at me – well, at my chest anyway. I looked down to see that my nipples were perfectly erect through my black bikini. I quickly draped my towel around my shoulders so it covered my breasts and was suddenly looking for a quick way to exit.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:   
I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in California. I came from a long line of Americans who were pioneers and individualists. The family tree is filled with rugged people: rough coal miners, pioneers, and farmers living in log cabins in the early west. I wrote A Whisper from Eden, A Historical Fantasy, but like to write in several genres.

Lover Boy (aka my husband) was born and raised in Anaheim, California and wishes to remain anonymous because he doesn’t want anyone to know he likes to write romance novels. (Let's keep his secret.)

We wrote THE PIRATES OF VAMPIRE ISLAND, A Paranormal Romantic Thriller (Steamy Voyages #1). And we are working the sequel to Steamy Voyages and a dystopian thriller, The Trash Pile People. We live in Hollywood with our ornery tomcat, Snickers.

Twitter: @PhoenixRead
Goodreads: Phoenix Reads
Facebook Page: Fiction by Phoenix
Facebook Profile: Lee Jordan
Pinterest: Lee Jordan
Amazon Author Central: Amazon.com/author/phoenixread
Amazon Reviews by Phoenix Profile Page: http://amzn.to/P8T5QD

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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Cat Lavoie: Breaking the Rules Review + Excerpt

I am pleased to be hosting a review and excerpt for Cat Lavoie as part of a blog tour through CLP.  Thank you for stopping by the blog, and I hope you enjoy. I'd love to see a comment, letting us know you were here!

BLURB:

When twenty-seven year old Roxy Rule’s best friend and roommate accepts a glamorous new job overseas, she expects their relationship to continue as it’s always been—carefree and easy—until they share a heart-stopping kiss moments before his departure. Overcome with mixed emotions, she fights the urge to over analyze the situation and resumes back to her normal life in New York City, working for an intolerable boss at a dead end job, creeping further and further away from her own dreams of becoming a professional chef.

While things become more complicated between her and Ollie, Roxy is sure that nothing can come between two lifelong best friends—not even mild jealousy over a thriving career or a silly little kiss that meant nothing. In fact, it was such a meaningless and forgettable kiss that she convinces herself that it’s not even worth mentioning to her fiancé, although it is all she can think about.

Roxy’s already topsy-turvy life only gets more complicated when her sisters Steffi and Izzie suddenly become her roommates. Steffi is six months into a pregnancy she refuses to discuss and Izzie is in the throes of a premature midlife crisis. Roxy tries to take control of her career, her love life and her sisters – but can she really handle it all? And can the Rule family keep it together – or break under the pressure?


EXCERPT:


"See you Monday, Greta," I say, putting the phone down. The promise of a raise has been dangled before me so many times that I feel like a cat swapping at a piece of yarn that's always a bit out of reach. And now I'm fed up of swapping at dead air. As soon as Greta mentions a raise, I know she's already forgotten about it.
                When I'm at the office, I can organize and choreograph every minute of Greta's day from her morning coffee to her late-afternoon cup of mint tea but now—when it's my time I need to make good use of—I can't get myself off the couch. There are so many things that need to get done for Ollie's party and I know that, at some point, I made a list. But I can't find it. Still, I'm sure that the list didn't mention anything about taking a nap and sitting in front of the TV with a pint of mint-chocolate-chip ice cream. That's the thing about being a working girl; you miss out on the wonderful world of daytime TV. And then when you get a rare day off, you get sucked in by Boot Camp for Out-of-Control Teens and Paternity Tests Revealed for an hour. Or two. Or more.
                By the time four pm rolls around, I am in full panic mode. I still need to clean and decorate the apartment, get out of my ratty pajamas and arrange all the food on platters.
                I jump up when the phone rings. I remember to use my stuffy voice again. This pretending-to-be-sick game is quite exhausting.
                "Hello?" I croak.
                "Darling, you sound sick. Are you ill?"
Ethan. My boyfriend. Fiancé, actually. I go back to my normal voice. "I'm fine. It's a long story. I had to pretend to be sick so Oll-"
                "Anyway," he interrupts. "I'm just calling to tell you that I'm headed to a meeting and I'll be late for the party."
                "Oh," I say, trying not to sound too disappointed.
                "And," he continues, "if the meeting ends late, I might just skip the party altogether."
                "But I'm making bacon-wrapped scallops. You love my bacon-wrapped scallops," I whine, as if anyone would ever rearrange their schedule for bacon-wrapped scallops. Well, I would—but that's just the foodie in me. My friend Adam says I only live and breathe for my next meal. That might be a slight exaggeration but I do love to cook and, of course, eat. In fact, I'm hungry right now. What was that recipe I saw someone make on TV this morning? Ravioli with prosciutto and a tomato-basil purée. It looked delicious. I wonder if I should make that for dinner tomorrow. I could serve it with French baguette garlic bread and baby mixed greens with a balsamic dressing and... Wait. I won't have anybody to serve it to tomorrow. I'll be alone.
                "Roxy. Roxy? Are you there?"
                "Sorry," I say, shaking my head. "Please try to make it, okay? It would mean a lot to me."
                "I'll do my best," he sighs. "Roxy?"
                "Yes."
                "I was planning on telling you later. But I really think you'll be happy about this and I can't wait."
                There's a hint of mischief in his voice. What is Ethan up to? We've been having discussions about our wedding lately and the only thing we've agreed on is to stop talking about the wedding because we can't agree on anything—the time, the place, or the guests. Our latest Discussion-That-Turned-Into-An-Argument revolved around napkins clashing with the tablecloths. When I suggested we hire a wedding planner, he'd dismissed the idea right away saying it would be too expensive.




REVIEW RATING: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS

REVIEW: Humorous and witty, Breaking the Rules takes readers into the life of Roxy, and her crazy cast of friends and family.  Roxy is thrown into the midst of tons of chaos, from her best friend leaving to go to a job of a lifetime, changes within herself, and her relationship with her fiance, and so much more. Written with true chick lit style, Cat Lavoie takes us on an adventure that's full of heart, hope, and laughter. Breaking The Rules delivers a story that is bound to steal the hearts of fans that pick up this book.  I love Roxy! She's got a great attitude and despite the way life throws curves at her, she takes it in stride and keeps getting back up.  This is a fun debut and I can't wait for more from this author, with a great writing style and voice.



Author Bio:

Cat Lavoie was born in the small town of Jonquière in Québec, Canada. At the age of nineteen, she packed up her things (mostly books) and moved to the big city of Montreal where she currently lives with her tempestuous cat Abbie—who is both adorable and quite possibly evil.

An incurable Anglophile since her university days where she studied English Literature, she can often be found daydreaming about her next trip to London. Since she’s an expert at the art of procrastination, Cat is easily distracted by cooking and home improvement shows—even though she’s not particularly good at either.

Cat grew up watching soap operas and legal dramas and—had she not decided to be a claims analyst by day and write chick lit by night—she would have probably become a designer suit-wearing lawyer. Or a character on All My Children (which is what she really wanted to be when she was twelve).
Cat is not sure whether she’s a geek or a nerd—and is afraid she might be both. Breaking the Rules is her first novel.

 Connect with Cat!

Cat blogs about the writing life and posts adorable pictures of Abbie over at the Catenabi Chronicles. Come say hello at: www.CatLavoie.com and follow @Catenabi on Twitter.


www.CatLavoie.com
http://www.facebook.com/CatLavoieAuthor?ref=stream
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440914.Cat_Lavoie
https://twitter.com/Catenabi









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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Review: A Catered Romance


TITLE: A Catered Romance  

AUTHOR:Cara Marsi

PUBLISHER: Amazon Digital Service

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

LENGTH: 139 pages

REVIEWER: Melinda

Rating: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS 

BLURB:Stubbornly self-reliant Mary Beth Kendrick needs financial backing to keep her catering business cooking. A looming corporate buyout forces her to accept help from Tom Sackett, the man who broke her heart and left her distrustful of men.

Unable to forget Mary Beth, Tom sets out to win her forgiveness. As he gets to know her again through their shared business interests, he realizes he wants more than forgiveness from her. He wants her in his life.

Grateful for Tom's support but unwilling to trust him, Mary Beth vows to keep their relationship strictly business. But his attentiveness, culminating in a night of passion, starts to melt her icy resolve and shows her the caring, sensitive man Tom has become.

Can Mary Beth learn to love and trust again? Will she and Tom open their hearts to a second chance at love?


REVIEW:

High school is a time for romance to bloom and yet for Mary Beth Kendrick it was a time of humiliation. She is so in love with Tom Sackett even though she was from the wrong side of the tracks. The Sacketts are wealthy people and Mary Beth was a young girl trying to stay alive in high school among the wealthy kids. Yet years later Tom is back in her life and even though she swore years ago to never fall for him again she can’t help the attraction. Her main goal right now is to make her business a success and that means teaming up with Tom Sackett. Each day with him is torture for her for she wants him yet remembers the joke he played on her in high school. Can Mary Beth trust him again when it’s not just her heart on the line but her business as well?
Tom Sackett is wealthy, handsome and sad to say alone. For years he has never forgotten about Mary Beth Kendrick his first love. He knows that in high school she was the only one who looked at the real him and not the money behind his name. Now seeing her again he is determined to make things right by confessing his real feelings towards her. Just when he thinks something could grow a woman from his past ruins everything once again. Can Tom convince Mary that his feelings now are real of a man in love and not a young boy intent on breaking her heart?
Cara Marsi has created a romance that speaks of forgiveness and second chances in a way that will make your heart warm. I fell in love with Tom Sackett for even though he is wealthy he doesn’t care about money just Mary Beth. Now Mary Beth was a little hard to like for each time Tom made an effort she would step back. These two together are obviously still attracted and understand about Mary Beth’s hesitation in believing him of his love again. Yet through it all Cara Marsi shows us that love can occur no matter how much you deny the love. The story was sweet and though it is a reissue it still a favorite of mine. Great book and definitely can’t wait for more from this talented author.





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Review: Call Me Wild


Book Title: Call Me Wild

Author: Robin Kaye

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Genre: contemporary  Romance

Length-  350  pages

Reviewer name: Chalet

Rating:5 lightning bolts


BLURB:
Uemployed New York Times sports reporter, Jessica James gives up her big city life and moves into a borrowed house in Boise, Idaho. She's determined to become a great romance writer, and she only has one obstacle: she doesn't believe in love. Writing quickly becomes a challenge, so Jessica decides to go out and find some inspiration. She soon meets sexy, outdoorsy doctor Fisher Kincaid, who's more than happy to teach her all about love...(

Review: 

Call Me Wild has it all. Romance, meddling sisters, teasing brothers, drama and more.


Jessie- A sassy and now unemployed sportswriter from New York who moves to Boise Idaho to work on writing her first novel. Writing a romance novel when you don’t believe in love turns out to be harder than she thought.

Fisher- A doctor who has an obsession with fitness, a crazy family and a touch of OCD. He also has a natural rhythm that keeps throwing him into the path of Boise’s newest resident writer.

Karma- Fisher’s little sister. She runs a bar in town and has a thing for fixing her family and friends up with other people. She thinks Jessie and Fisher are perfect for each other and is not above pulling some tricks to throw them together.



When Jessie loses her job and moves to Boise, the last thing she expects is to fall in love. Mainly because Jessie doesn’t believe in love, she believes in lust and she thinks that because she is tall and athletic guys don’t really want her. Her goal is to write a romance novel and she thinks it will be a piece of cake. Little does she know….

Fisher notices Jessie the first time he sees her. Then he keeps running into her and is intrigued. Then fate, well really Karma, intervenes and gives him the opportunity he needs to get Jessie right where he wants her.

Will an accident and forced proximity finally make Jessie believe in love? Or will her stubborn ways drive Fisher away? There are lots of quirks and twists, so start reading now to find out!





Barnes & Noble
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Review: Bonded By Crimson


Title: Bonded By Crimson  

Author: Zrinka Jelic

Publisher: Black Opal Books

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heat: spicy

Length: 350 Pages

Reviewer: Crystal

Rating: 5 LIGHTNING BOLTS 

BLURB:  Love isn’t in the cards for her…

After her short failed marriage, Kate tries to rebuild her life and takes a position as a nanny to three small boys. She quickly grows to love them, but their father terrifies her, while igniting a passion she didn’t know she possessed. Disturbed by his distant manner with his sons, Kate struggles to make him more involved in the boys’ daily lives. Her efforts are mysteriously supported by an entity that cannot really exist. Or can she? And if she does exist, is she really trying to help Kate, or just take over her body?

But when he deals the hand, all bets are off…

Six years after his beloved wife passed away, Matthias Zrin is still trying to become the father she wanted him to be. Not an easy task for a three-centuries-old immortal. His search for the ultimate nanny ends when Kate Rokov stumbles to his home and into his arms. The immediate attraction he feels for her seems like a betrayal of his dead wife, a love he’s harboured for over three hundred years. But when Kate is stalked by a deadly stranger, the life he clung to in the past begins to crumble and break down. Can Matthias learn to trust and to love again in time to save his family from disaster, or will his stubborn pride destroy everything worth living for?

Review:

Bonded By Crimson was such a heart-warming that was masterfully written.

Matthias Zrin is an immortal but he can’t remember how he got that way or what he even is. He had been married to Emina for hundreds of years. After Emina dies in childbirth with triplets. Matthias goes down hill and doesn’t want anything to do with the kids. I could tell his pain and I could completely understand how it would feel to lose the love of your life after being with them for so long.

Kate Rokov needs a job and so she decides to be a nanny for Matthias. When she gets to his house she feels like she’s been there before. She also thinks that a ghostly presents is following her. Kate is hiding some pain to and you really don’t know what it’s about. Kate starts showing the kids the love that they’ve been missing for the past six years. I can see Kate’s loving nature and tell that the children are helping with her pain.

I can’t describe how much this story touched me. I just started reading and it just pulled me in and I got lost in the story. I couldn’t wait to see what Matthias was and see how he got that way. I enjoyed watching how Kate worked her magic and brought out the best in everyone. She made Matthias start living again and he started spending time with his son’s and he started getting to know them. Each one was so different and they took up for each other.

As I read I found out that it wasn’t a book that was about romance. It had adventure and I got to visit new places. It had suspense. You wanted to know why Emina’s ghost was still around and if the man that was trying to get rid of Kate would ever be caught or would he kill her. You wanted to know the mystery around Matthias. What was he and how did he get to be an immortal.

The author did a wonderful job on the plot and it was exciting from beginning to end. I stayed on the edge of my seat just wanting to know what would happen next. I could feel the pain, love and happiness throughout the whole book. Things happened that I never saw coming. It made me yearn for a love that would last for hundreds of years. It was a book about second chances and taking the leap of faith. You just had to keep on loving through the good and bad.

I hated seeing the ending of the book. I really enjoyed the ending and was happy about it. It brought a warm feeling to my heart and I will remember this book and come back to read it again. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It brought happiness to my life and I hope that it brings happiness to yours.






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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Review: Hell on Wheels


Book Title:   Hell on Wheels    

Author:  Julie Ann Walker

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Genre: Romantic suspense, contemporary

Length- 380 pages

Reviewer name: Nikki

Rating: 3 Lightning Bolts

Blurb:

HOLD ON TIGHT…

Ex-Marine Nate “Ghost” Weller is an expert at keeping his cool – and his distance – which makes him one hell of a sniper.  It’s also how he keeps his feeling for Ali Morgan in check.  Sweet, sexy Ali has always revved his engine, but she’s his best friend’s baby sister… and totally off limits.


ROUGH ROAD AHEAD

Ali’s never seen anything sexier than Nate Weller straddling his custom Harley – or the flash of danger in his eyes when she tells him she’s in trouble.  First something happened to her brother, and now’s she’s become the target of some nasty organization.  With Nate, her life in the most capable hands possible – but her heart in another story altogether.


Review:  The first in a new series, Hell on Wheels introduces us to the Black Knights, and to Julie Ann Walker.

   The first scene really grabbed me. It was heartfelt, emotional and touching. I thought: If the rest of the book is like this, I'm set! I loved the concept.

   But to me, it wasn't. It kind of fell flat after that.  While I felt for Nate and Ali, it wasn't enough. Maybe their best qualities didn't shine through enough for me. The suspense wasn't as intense as I imagined it would be.  It turned rather slow and I wondered when the tension would spike again.

 I had more hope for the start of a new suspense series. I am a huge fan of romantic suspense, so when I saw this I was ecstatic. Hell on Wheels just didn't keep my attention. I had to stop and come back.  I do love the author's writing style. If the pace were faster and I felt more in tune with Nate and Ali, or at least one of them, it may have been a better experience for me.

Keep in mind that this is one person's opinion. You may have better luck than I did. If you like romantic suspense, hot men on wheels and in a top secret kind of work, you may like Hell on Wheels.







Paperback and Nook Version on Barnes & Noble
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Review: Deep Autumn Heat


Book Title:   Deep Autumn Heat

Author: Elisabeth Barrett

Publisher:  Loveswept

Genre: contemporary romance

Heat Level-spicy

Length-  322 pages


Reviewer name: Nikki


 Review Rating: 4.5 Lightning Bolts

Blurb: n this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.

Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.

Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.


Review: Things are heating up in the kitchen- and the bedroom! Beware, as two hot young chefs are lighting the sparks and there just may be a happily ever after for the pair! Want to know how to find out? Read Deep Autumn Heat. I think you may enjoy what's on the menu....

Set in New England, a place called Star Harbor, is where Lexie resides and makes a living. She's got her own restaurant, and she's making quite a stir around town.  In walks celeb chef Sebastian Grayson. Known for his attitude, but top notch skills, he makes quite a stir in Lexie. At first, it isn't a good way. He's rude and a bit obnoxious, but on the secret side, he's a bit smitten with Lexie. In fact, he's very intrigued by her.

The sexual tension definitely sizzles between the pair. It's imminent from the start. Add in a serving of a great weaving plot, touching emotion, and a dash or two of suspense, and you can smell what's cooking. This debut is a sure delight,  keeping readers engaged and eyes glued to the pages, eagerly anticipating what's next.  Ms. Barrett's story is fun, fresh, and flirty. Star Harbor is a town I'd love to come back and visit again in the future.

Need some spice in a contemporary romance?  How about Deep Autumn Heat?






Barnes & Noble


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GIVEAWAY! The Trouble With Magic by Patricia Rice

Sourcebooks has a line called Casablanca Classics- reissues of books that have previously gone out of print.  One of those books is The Trouble With Magic, by Patricia Rice. I have been graciously been invited to host a giveaway for this book! It's one print copy. Valid for USA and Canada residents only.  I'm going to let this giveaway go until the end of the month. September 1 will be a winner chosen.







August 2012, Casablanca Classics

Is Her Magic a Gift or a Curse...?

All the Malcolms have some magic, but Lady Felicity's ability to read people's emotions simply by touching them or their possessions overwhelms her. She's reached a marriageable age, but how can she ever wed when she can see so clearly a man's guilty secrets?

Only He Can Tell the Difference...

Ewen Ives, itinerant rake and adventurous inventor, knows better than to underestimate the mischief of the Malcolms. But sparks fly when he encounters Felicity, and Ewen can't seem to refuse her plea for assistance...

PRAISE FOR PATRICIA RICE:
“Rice's enchanting book is truly spellbinding.” —Booklist

“You can always count on Patricia Rice for an entertaining story with just the right mix of romance, humor, and emotion.” —The Romantic Reader

“Patricia Rice's historicals are deliciously fresh, sexy fun. Never has the battle of the sexes been more charming!” —Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With five million books in print and New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists under her belt, Patricia Rice’s emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances have won RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards and have been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA finalists in the historical, Regency and contemporary categories. A former CPA, Patricia Rice is a native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina, and currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information on Patricia’s current releases, please visit www.patriciarice.com.


Now, here's how you can enter the giveaway:

 Comment! But, I have a comment prompt for you.  Would having magic be a blessing or a curse to you? Why?

 And, one more favor? Spread the word about the giveaway! Sure, I know the less comments means a better chance for you, but, share the love anyway? :)

 I can't wait to read the responses! Good luck in the giveaway! 
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Review and Except: Rum Punch Regrets

Welcome to my blog! Today, as part of a tour through CLP, I am featuring an excerpt and review of  Rum Punch Regrets, by Anne Kemp.  I hope you enjoy the post, and we would love a comment, letting us know you stopped by and what you think.


BLURB:

In just a few short weeks, thirty something Abby George has endured the death of her mother, was dumped by her fiancé, and got laid off from her job.

Stunned and seeking a shoulder to cry on, she turns to her perfect older sister, Leigh. But instead of comfort, Abby receives a surprise: Leigh needs her in the Caribbean to help with some mysterious personal business.

While assisting in the sale and repair of a bed-and-breakfast, Abby uncovers a few huge family secrets as she juggles an unexpected roommate, quirky locals, and nasty centipedes.

Abby's world is further complicated when two potential suitors enter her life. Can Abby get beyond her own psycho drama long enough to open her heart to someone new? Or will she neurotically make her romantic life worse?

Packing nothing but her suitcases and a sense of humor, Abby George travels down an unfamiliar road, but it's all she can do to hang on for the ride...


Excerpt:


 Abby smiled to herself, looked directly at Maria and said slowly, “I’m not trying to be a jerk or rude, but you wake me up after a long day of travel to ask me to leave my sister’s home?” Abby waved her hand around the room.  “That I’m here to take care of?”
     Abby looked Maria in the eye, almost laughing at the thought that this was an issue. Yet Maria was not reacting. In fact, she was just rocking and nodding.
    “No time for limin’. Leigh asked me to be kind in telling you since you traveled so far an’ being her sister an’ all. Just no way to wake someone up to say get out, really.” The big pearly white smile was back. This woman needed to share her Crest Whitestrips with Ziggy.
     What is the obsession with picking limes here? Abby thought. Are limes a main source of island income, and do I need to help pick them?
     Abby crossed her arms. She could tell that her quizzical stare made Maria melt a little, wanting to explain further. Yet Abby felt like Maria was stopping herself.
     “Abby, come. Let me make you some coffee. It seems to me that Miss Leigh may have left something out when she sent you here . . . ”
     Oh no. Oh no! Abby’s voices were screaming in her head. Of course there is more to the story. That DAMN Leigh! She never, ever, ever can tell just the truth or tell something like it really is. Oh, hell no. She has to cover up something or . . . instead of lie, “I omitted the truth, Abby,” she says. Humpf. Omits the truth. I always think I know her. All I really know is that I never will know her like I think I do.
     Abby was rubbing her forearms and realized her demeanor had shifted from “I’m the Queen of the Manor” to “I think I’m lost.” Maria took note of this, too, as she lifted herself from the rocker.
     “Abby, come. Coffee and food. It does wonders for the body and the mind, not to mention the surprise of all this. And then I can explain to you the things you need to be hearing. It’s gonna be a bit to take in, oh yes. But Leigh wants you to know it for some reason. Otherwise, it would not be you doing this, right?” And with that, Maria began to walk out of the room, stopping at the door to turn around and wait for Abby.
     Okay, strange Kittian woman with the bright smile, Abby thought as she slid into her flip-flops and shuffled out of the room behind Maria. You have a point. I need coffee. Let’s do this.



 Review Rating: 4.5 LIGHTNING BOLTS 

 Review:  In a time of need, Abby is in for a few surprises of her life....Rum Punch Regrets is a story about no regrets, making the best of things, and just trying to get by. 

   Anne Kemp's book is filled with intrigue, mishap, laugh out loud fun, and so much more.  Some of the characters that you will meet in this story are so full of life! They have their quirks, and totally stand out.  I love the way these characters have been developed. And they do have a way to stick in your mind even when not reading this story.  

  I like Abby. She's a great lead character and can easily be related to. Her sister- Leigh, not so much.  But the secrets revolving around Leigh had me interested. Every time Abby learned something different about this trip that she took for Leigh, I was thrown by a curve even more. This story is full of little surprises! 

 I loved the unique characters such as Ziggy, Maria, and a few others. They sure bring a lot to this book. All the cast of characters has an important and interesting role. 

 Bottom line- Rum Punch Regrets has me hooked. I can't wait to find out more about Abby's future stories. Bravo to Ms. Kemp for penning a story to remember!


Author Bio:
Anne Kemp is the author behind the Abby George Series, which includes her debut novella, All Fruits Ripe, and first novel, Rum Punch Regrets, which is available in print and as an eBook. She is also the columnist behind “Anne In Progress,” which appears monthly in the Frederick News-Post, a newspaper in the DC-Metro area. As a blogger, she was nominated for a 2012 Bloggers Choice Award for Best Humor Blog, and is known for penning “The Ultimate Late Bloomer.”

Follow her on Twitter, @MissAnneKemp, or join her fans on Facebook for fun contests and giveaways. You can always find her at her website: www.annekemp.com.

A portion of Anne's proceeds are donated to Lupus LA.




Barnes & Noble
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Monday, August 27, 2012

Cover Reveal: Naturals




Coming soon From Entangled Publishing.

Very gorgeous cover!



About NATURALS: Tess is finally safe from the reach of the Council, now that she is living in the Middlelands with the rebel Isolationists. With James having returned to Templeton, she easily falls back into her friendship with Henry, though her newfound knowledge of Robert’s chosen one status still stings. Even surrounded by people, Tess has never felt more alone. So she’s thrilled when James returns to the settlement, demanding to see Tess — until she finds out that it’s because her sister, Louisa, has been recruited into Tess’s old position at Templeton, and that the dangerously sadistic chosen one George has taken an interest in her.

NATURALS is the second book in The Lost Souls trilogy, and follows the dystopian hit CHOSEN ONES.


About Tiffany:  Tiffany Truitt was born in Peoria, Illinois. A self-proclaimed Navy brat, Tiffany spent most of her childhood living in Virginia, but don’t call her a Southerner. She also spent a few years living in Cuba. Since her time on the island of  one McDonald's and Banana Rats (don't ask) she has been obsessed with traveling. Tiffany recently added China to her list of travels (hello inspiration for a new book).

Besides traveling, Tiffany has always been an avid reader. The earliest books she remembers reading belong to The Little House on the Prairie Series. First book she read in one day? Little Woman(5th grade). First author she fell in love with? Jane Austen in middle school. Tiffany spent most of her high school and college career as a literary snob. She refused to read anything considered “low brow” or outside the “classics.”

Tiffany began teaching middle school in 2006. Her students introduced her to the wide, wonderful world of Young Adult literature. Today, Tiffany embraces popular Young Adult literature and uses it in her classroom. She currently teaches the following novels: The Outsiders, Speak, Night, Dystopian Literature Circles: The Hunger Games, The Giver, The Uglies, and Matched.
Tiffany's website:  http://tiffanytruitt.wordpress.com/  
Tiffany on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiffanytruitt





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Friday, August 24, 2012

Cover Lovin' - Fearless Love by Meg Benjamin





No blurb posted yet, but had to share! I found Meg Benjamin last year when I read Brand New Me. Then I had to go out and get all the rest of Meg's books in the Konigsburg series.

Only a little bit of wait for this one, as it's scheduled to release October 9.

Cant wait!
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