A Chick Who Reads

Bewitching Book Tours Book Review: The Mask w/Giveaway

2012-02-02T05:00:00.001-05:00

Author: Anya Winter
Title The Mask
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Publish Date: Dec 4, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: The author and Bewitching Book Tours
Book Blurb: Eve Manor is a pastry chef with a passion for chocolate and romance. During the annual masked Black & Lace ball, Eve has a plan. She created a signature chocolate dish that was sure to knock the socks off every famous chef and food critic attending the ball. Everything hinges on the night’s success.

Christian Grier is a man with a secret. In the foodie world, he's known as the Editor-in-Chief of the famous magazine, Sizzle. When his old college roommate, Josh, asks him to attend the ball his company is catering, Christian intended to turn him down. But when Josh reveals Eve's secret plan, he knew he needed to do everything he could to help. Will hiding behind his mask help in his quest to seduce Eve or will she decide he’s not what she wants after all?
Review: This is the second story in the Masquerade Series. It clocks in at just under 40 pages, so I was a bit skeptical about how well the story would be tied together while still being erotic.

For the most part Anya got everything tied together well. We saw Eve and her passion, both for her career as a pastry chef and for Kris, the owner of Ganache a sexy club that she does catering for. The descriptions of the pastries were enough to make me drool.

I have to say though that all the while reading about Eve I was saying to myself never trust a skinny pastry chef!

What I liked about this story was that it was a story. There was more to it than the fact that Eve and Kris wanted to do the nasty. The sex scenes were hot but they weren't overly hot, which I found suited the story. I've never been too keen on erotic stories that are just simply sex. That's why this story worked for me. Plus I can't resist a story with a good cheesecake!

Rating: 4 flowers

Giveaway: Anya is giving away one ebook copy of The Master book one in the Masquerade series to one lucky commenter who leaves their email in the comments. Winner will be announced on Feb 5.

Bewitching Book Tours Guest Post: Anya Winter

2012-02-02T00:00:00.003-05:00

There’s something about a mask that captures the imagination.

Think about it. When you wear a mask, you become someone new. Usually, its that person deep down inside that you’ve always wanted to be that comes out. Or maybe its a new persona you want to test. Maybe there’s a secret longing or a hidden desire that needs a mask?

There’s something so sinfully delicious about wearing a mask. The thought excites me. The possibilities are endless about who I can become, or rather - what aspects of ‘me’ can come out. There’s a false sense of security, anonymity when you wear a mask. Which can also be its downfall.

That’s what happens to my characters in book 2 of the Masquerade Series. Eve Manor is a pastry chef with hidden passions. She thinks the anonymity behind her mask has kept her safe while trying to combine her passion for food with her more ‘inner’ passions. But fortunately, Christian Grier sees past the facade and falls in love. Except, he’s wearing a mask as well and the consequences are a tad bit higher if his secret gets out. As the editor-in-chief of a foodie magazine, it wouldn’t be favorable if work go out that he was also part owner of a ‘fetish’ club.

I enjoyed exploring the aspect of wearing a facade and how the protection we seek isn’t always there. The reality is - the mask only does one thing - shows our true character. It’s how we embrace those aspects of ourselves that really matter.

You can find out more about Eve and Christian and The Mask here.

I would love to know your thoughts on wearing masks. Visit me at www.anyawinter.com and share your thoughts.

The Mask
By: Anya Winter
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Masquerade Series - Book Two
Liquid Silver Books
Blurb:
Eve Manor is a pastry chef with a passion for chocolate and romance. During the annual masked Black & Lace ball, Eve has a plan. She created a signature chocolate dish that was sure to knock the socks off every famous chef and food critic attending the ball. Everything hinges on the night’s success.

Christian Grier is a man with a secret. In the foodie world, he's known as the Editor-in-Chief of the famous magazine, Sizzle. When his old college roommate, Josh, asks him to attend the ball his company is catering, Christian intended to turn him down. But when Josh reveals Eve's secret plan, he knew he needed to do everything he could to help. Will hiding behind his mask help in his quest to seduce Eve or will she decide he’s not what she wants after all?">

Excerpt:

Eve wore a slinky black dress that highlighted her luscious curves. She gazed in awe at the masked dancers as they teased one another with their sexy corsets and tight leather outfits.

The Black Lace Masquerade Ball. A dream come true.

“Is it what you expected, kiddo?” Josh Brown, Eve’s boss, cozied up to her and placed his arm around her waist.

“I’m amazed. It’s better than I imagined. I just wish I was on the other side of the table.” Eve sighed as she gazed around the crowded ballroom. Full of her idols, top-notch chefs from around the country, she dreamed to someday apprentice with one of them.

Despite the sequined masks they all wore, Eve could pinpoint each and every chef she admired. Through Twitter statuses, Facebook updates and magazine articles, she felt like she knew almost every person on the floor.

Jillian Thomas, pastry chef for the Banff Springs Hotel, wore a gorgeous black pinstriped corset with a lace edge that did nothing to hide her voluptuous chest. Lacey Sullivan, Executive Editor for French Cuisine magazine, looked fabulous in a black leather corset dress with a slit up the side and showed the red lining of the leather underskirt. God, she was beautiful.

“You will, one day.” Josh pulled her close and brushed a kiss against her forehead. “That will be you out there, wearing a fuck-me corset and come-hither mask.”

“Josh!” Eve’s eyes widened as she checked to make sure no one heard his words.

Josh leaned down and whispered into her ear. “I saw you coming out of Ganache last night,”

Eve’s body stiffened as her cheeks flushed. Oh no. Without turning to look him in the eye, she tried to step away but his hold tightened.

“Something you want to tell me?”

Eve shook her head as she bit her lip.

“Nothing at all? ‘Cause I thought for sure you’d have something to say about that skimpy little number you wore, or the guy who escorted you to your car.”

What the hell was he doing in that part of the city?

“What would Harold have to say if he knew his little sugar plum was into BDSM?”

Eve dug her elbow into Josh’s side before she turned and glared at him. “I’m not.”

“Really? ‘Cause I know it may be called Ganache, but there’s nothing sweet about the club at all.” He smirked and winked at her.

Damn it all. There was no way she was going to admit anything to him. Not here. Especially not with her grandfather hovering over her every time she turned around.

“Can you forget what you thought you saw and just focus on our plan?” She stepped over to the table where she rearranged platters of petite éclairs, mini cheesecakes and mousse-filled martini glasses.

“It’s going to work.”

“I hope so.” Eve glanced over her shoulder at him and gave what she hoped was an innocent smile.

“Don’t bother sweet’ums. This isn’t my first ball, but it is yours. So let me give you the advice a dear soul gave me oh so long ago—the coach turns back into a pumpkin, the horses into mice and yes, as much as I hate to admit it, the prince does revert back to the Beast.” Josh laid his hand over his heart and sighed.

Eve struggled not to roll her eyes. He couldn’t even get his fairy tales right.

“That dear soul knew what she was talking about, didn’t she?” Madison Pearce, owner of Choco Chic Events, stood behind them, notebook in hand.

Josh stood there, eyes closed as he slowly nodded his head. Eve struggled for composure but lost it when Josh winked at her.

“Eve, your desserts are fantastic. I’ve already had several requests for quotes. You’ve outdone yourself.” Madison smiled before she turned to Josh and gave him a stern look.

Eve breathed a sigh of relief before she took a small step away from the two but still within hearing distance. There was a strong undercurrent filled with tension between them. Whatever was going on didn’t include her. She hoped.

So much was riding on tonight. More than Madison knew. These little desserts were nothing. Not even Madison knew of the plan Josh concocted to help her tonight.

“You promised to behave, Josh. Harold catching you in the broom closet with your new boy toy is not behaving. Honestly. I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately.”

Eve knew she should walk away. “Harold shouldn’t be poking around where he’s not wanted,” Josh crossed his arms and glared at Madison.

Uh oh. She really needed to walk away.

“He was getting a mop to clean up spilled wine. Where else was he to go? Seriously, I need you to step up. If you want a partnership, than show me you deserve it,” Madison hissed between clenched teeth.

Eve spied her grandfather across the room. Now was a good time as any to face him. Josh could handle Madison’s tongue lashing on his own.

She wove her way through the maze of guests and stood beside the man she adored more than life.

“The mask has always mystified me.” He nodded his head at a couple dancing close to them. Eve loved the masks they wore. The female’s face was half-clad in white satin with ribbons tailing down from a large pale pink flower. The man’s mask was a light green with an overlay of black strips.

“Do they not realize that they reveal more of the secrets they wish to hide?” Harold clasped his hands behind him as he surveyed the room.

Eve snaked her arm through his. She would have rested her head on his shoulder but PDAs were highly frowned upon. He believed public displays of affections were for the lower class. She tried to see it from his point-of-view, but for the life of her, she couldn’t. She craved to be out there on that floor wearing a mask that would bring out the girl she kept buried. She thought about the hatbox hidden beneath her bed, containing the beautiful silver mask she’d found in Venice, and a black wig.

“Oh, I don’t know. I find them mysterious, enticing. Seductive in a sense.” Eve tilted her head up and waited for her grandfather’s frown.

“Your generation knows nothing about seduction. Wearing undergarments to a social gathering cheapens the art.” Harold’s lips thinned.

Eve pulled away and studied the man who had moved continents to raise her. She would never have imagined he understood the term seduction let alone have thoughts about it.

“Don’t look at me like that, child. I may be English, but I’m not dead.”

About the Author:

Once upon a time … is how the stories used to start.
Not anymore. Now they start with chocolate (and maybe a little bit of passion).

At least in Anya’s world where passionate pleasures are explored …

One Story at a Time!
Don’t miss out on The Master - Book One of the Masquerade Series.
Twitter @AnyaWinter
Website:www.anyawinter.com

January Recap

2012-02-01T20:41:00.001-05:00

I read quite a few books in January. I am going to try to do better with the whole recap thing this year.

Here's what I've read so far:

All of these book have been reviewed so far except the novella, The Mask. That review will be posted with a giveaway tomorrow for the book tour it is part of.

Here's how my challenges are shaping up.

Crusin' With The Cozies
1 out of of twelve

Regency and Victorian Reads Challenge
1 out of 8

Amish Reading Challenge
1 out of 15.

Goodreads Challenge
15 out of 155

Reading Romances Challenge
3 out of 40.

Historical Romance Reading Challenge
2 out of 12

You can see all the books I've reviewed here

I haven't read anything for the Tudor Reading Challenge or for the Doctor Who challenge, but I hope to change that this month. All in all, I think I had a pretty good month!

Book Review: Blueberry Muffin Murder

2012-02-01T19:50:00.000-05:00

Author: Joanne Fluke
Title: Blueberry Muffin Murder
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: Feb 1, 2003
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Hannah's popular Minnesota bakery, The Cookie Jar, is best known for its tempting confections—until best-selling cookbook author and television personality Connie McIntyre is murdered in its pantry. Despite police warnings to steer clear of the case, Hannah is soon chasing down a bevy of suspicious characters.
Review: I am skipping around in this series rather than reading them in order. Bad me. It doesn't really matter though, all of the books are great stand alone mysteries. This one is the third book in the series and it was a great read, definitely better than the more recent Hannah Swensen books. I think that's how it works though when author's keep series going well past 10 books. But that's not what I'm reviewing.

Blueberry Muffin Murder is a fun cozy. It is a quick read filled with a few dead bodies, an obnoxious cooking show host and a lot of great cookie recipes that make you want to run to your kitchen to try them.

I loved the easy relationship Hannah had with her sister even though the two of them were polar opposites, personality-wise.

There were a lot of twists and turns and subplots on the way to discovering the killer of Connie Mac. (I love that in both Hannah books that I've read the victim is someone you want to kill yourself) Connie was really obnoxious and not nice to her staff. Kind of like the Anti-Rachael Ray!

At one point her sorta-kinda boyfriend (well one of them), Norman is a suspect.

All of this is going on during the Winter Carnival in Lake Eden. I found myself wishing I could attend the carnival, because it seemed like great fun, and I'd get to eat Hannah's cookies! Lake Eden sounds like the perfect picturesque small town.

I would definitely recommend this book to any friend looking for a new cozy. The mystery was fun and I didn't figure out the whodunit at all.

Rating: 5 flowers

Bewitching Book Tours Book Review: The Knight & Maggie's Baby

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Author: Lisa Mondello
Title: The Knight & Maggie's Baby
Publish Date: August 30, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Bewitching Book Tours and the author
Book Blurb: Jonah Wallace knows what it’s like to grow up without love. Despite having more money than the Queen of England, his childhood was cold and stale as he grew up in boarding schools. He’s dedicated his life to helping homeless and displaced children find the love and support they need by creating the Haven House Foundation, work that resulted in him being Knighted by the Queen.

Now that he’s living in America, his work is going along just fine…until his grandfather gives fate a little nudge by insisting he take a wife before he can inherit.

Coffee shop owner, Maggie Bonelli, is pregnant and the baby’s dad has gone AWOL. She knows too well the pain of growing up without a daddy. So when Jonah Wallace comes into her shop proposing marriage for a year, she takes him up on his offer, even if it’s only for a year. Live in a mansion and give her baby a name and a daddy to call his/her own. But can they keep their perfect arraignment strictly business…or will fate’s helping hand bring them love at last?

Review: Do you have a sweet tooth when it comes to romance? If you do, this is definitely the book for you. I absolutely loved this book. It was a light, fluffy, fun read that made me think of Hallmark movies. As the story progressed I wanted it to be a Hallmark movie! I could see myself chillin' on the couch watchin' it.

Why?

Because it is a perfect fairy tale.

The plot is adorable. A pregnant single mother is proposed to by a wealthy aristocrat who needs a wife for a year to keep the family home.

Now can you see why this story is perfect Hallmark Movie fodder? Seriously! Someone should be begging Lisa for the rights to this story.

There was really no serious conflict in this story. The characters just had to decide they really loved both each other and the baby that Maggie was carrying. I loved that it was the baby that really brought everyone together and that even though both Maggie and Jonah suffered from having imperfect families, it was the love of family and family tradition that brought them together.

I recommend this book to anyone that loves sweet romance, like the Harlequin Romance imprint or the Christian Love Inspired imprint. This is a great cozy romance to pass a few hours with. It should leave you smiling too, when you've read the last page.

Rating: 5 flowers

Bewitching Book Tours Promo: Lisa Mondello - The Knight and Maggie's Baby

2012-01-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

The Knight and Maggie’s Baby
By Lisa Mondello

BLURB:

Sometimes fate needs a little help…

Jonah Wallace knows what it’s like to grow up without love. Despite having more money than the Queen of England, his childhood was cold and stale as he grew up in boarding schools. He’s dedicated his life to helping homeless and displaced children find the love and support they need by creating the Haven House Foundation, work that resulted in him being Knighted by the Queen.

Now that he’s living in America, his work is going along just fine…until his grandfather gives fate a little nudge by insisting he take a wife before he can inherit.

Coffee shop owner, Maggie Bonelli, is pregnant and the baby’s dad has gone AWOL. She knows too well the pain of growing up without a daddy. So when Jonah Wallace comes into her shop proposing marriage for a year, she takes him up on his offer, even if it’s only for a year. Live in a mansion and give her baby a name and a daddy to call his/her own. But can they keep their perfect arraignment strictly business…or will fate’s helping hand bring them love at last?

THE KNIGHT AND MAGGIE'S BABY Smashwords Coupon Code: AC96X

Amazon http://amzn.com/B005K0ECFY

BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-knight-and-maggies-baby-lisa-mondello/1105172661?ean=2940013088238&itm=2&usri=lisa+mondello

Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/88367

iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-knight-and-maggies-baby/id467570984?mt=11

Excerpt

“Don't you think you're rushing things just a tad?” She lifted her hand and pinched
her index finger and thumb together for emphasis.

“I'll admit my proposal is a bit abrupt,” he stammered.

“A bit?”

“We've only known each other--”

“Forty-five minutes tops,” she blurted out. “Are you out of your mind?”

Her tone was incredulous. And he really didn't blame Maggie if she thought he was
nuts. He felt nuts. Desperate, too. But he found himself defending his proposal.
“Quite possibly. But you see, that’s exactly my point. I'm have a bit of a time crunch here, and it seems as though--”

Maggie folded her arms across her chest. “How silly of me. Here I thought you
were sweeping me off my feet.”

He shook his head with a chuckle. “I do sound mad, don't I?”

“Recognition is the first step toward recovery.”

Something rumbled up from deep inside him. Jonah laughed at himself, this
disastrous day, and the absurd situation he'd been forced into by his grandfather. It felt good to laugh. That in itself was incredibly surprising, considering he hadn't managed to do much laughing at all since he'd learned of the impending plans for Wiltshire.

He peered at Maggie through moisture filled eyes. She wasn't laughing. But she was
incredibly beautiful. Her sapphire eyes sparkled when she teased him. There were small freckles sprinkled across her nose that looked adorable with the sun shining on her creamy skin.

When she looked at him the way she was right now, it didn't seem like such a crazy
idea to marry her. At least not for the reasons he was proposing. He hadn't given it a second thought. And yet, now he realized just how ridiculous he looked from her eyes.

“I'm not making a pass at you. Truly, I'm not.”

“You just asked me to marry you.”

“I'm asking for your help.”

“Again?”

His lips tilted up to one side. “Again.”

Maggie took two steps down the stairs until they were both standing at eye level.

“Forget the phone call, the nice air conditioned ride in the limo, the coffee, the pie—”

“Which by the way was truly inspiring,” he interjected. “If I didn’t already tell you that.”

“You did. You don't even know me. You’re asking a total stranger to marry you.”

He shrugged. “I know that. But I know you make me laugh.”

“So that's all it takes for a happy marriage? Bet we could make a killing with that
book.”

“I sound delusional,” he said. “Even to my own ears, which is pretty scary.”

He was delusional. He'd just asked a woman he didn't even know to marry him!
And the fact that he was truly considering it was entirely grandfather's doing.

BIO:

Lisa Mondello is the best selling author of 13 published books. Her first published book, the award winning ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU, was recently reissued as an ebook and has had over 226,000 downloads worldwide. In addition to publishing her Fate with a Helping Hand series, which includes THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT and THE KNIGHT AND MAGGIE'S BABY, she is releasing her popular Texas Hearts Romance series as ebooks in early 2012. She currently writes for Harlequin Love Inspired Romance and is collaborating with a film producer/screenwriter on a screenplay.

She loves to hear from readers. You can email her at LisaMondello@aol.com, find her on her blog talking about writing, movies and music at http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com or chat on Twitter at @LisaMondello.

Book Review: 10 Ways To Kill A Cupid

2012-01-29T21:52:00.000-05:00

Author: Leigh Parker
Title: 10 Ways To Kill A Cupid
Publish Date: July 17,2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: The author
Book Blurb: Leigh has a story to tell and despite the absurdity of it, it has to be told before it's forgotten forever.

You see Leigh used to be a Cupid.
A very silly, naive and regretfully bitter Cupid.
And those are traits a Cupid shouldn’t technically possess.
When Leigh’s murderer is the next assignment, revenge stands in the way of helping Natalie McIntyre find her perfect partner…
That is until the appearance of the blue spark.
Review: I never thought I'd like a book as much as I did this one. It was hilarious and sweet and just an all around enjoyable read.

See when you die..we all either become Cupids, Angels or Reapers. Hey, you get a choice at which you'd like to be too! Leigh screws up on the last two and thus ends up a Cupid. (I probably would too).

I spent most of the time reading this book laughing at how Leigh was trying to either annoy Natalie or find her soul mate. And when they say Natalie is hard to like, they aren't being kind. She's totally a huge pain in the butt, but as the story goes on, you come to like her, and you also like the friendship that is blossoming between her and her Cupid.

But she still has to find Natalie a soul mate.

That's where things get tricky!

See Natalie is more than just a girl that Leigh has to match up. She's the person....oh no...I'm not going to tell you that, it will spoil the ending which will knock you out of your seat.

Grab this book because it is the cutest, funniest thing you'll read. This is Leigh Parker's debut, and it definitely worth the time.

Rating: 5 flowers

Book Review: Apple Turnover Murder

2012-01-28T00:00:00.001-05:00

Author: Joanne Fluke
Title: Apple Turnover Murder
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: Feb 1, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Early summer brings plenty of work for baker Hannah Swensen, even before Mayor Bascomb's wife drops by The Cookie Jar to place an order for her charity event...For eleven-hundred cookies! And Hannah almost flips when her business partner, Lisa, suggests setting up an apple turnover stand. But she places her faith in Lisa and agrees to be a magician's assistant in the fundraiser's talent show. The only snag is the show's host, college professor Bradford Ramsey. Hannah and her sister, Michelle, each had unfortunate romances with Ramsey, and when the cad comes sniffing around between acts, Hannah tells him off. But when the curtain doesn't go up, she discovers Ramsey backstage - dead, with a turnover in his hand. Now Hannah must find a killer who's flakier than puff pastry - and far more dangerous.
Review: This is a light flaky cozy mystery that is almost as flaky as an apple turnover. This is book 13 in the Hannah Swensen series. Like most of these types of series, you don't need to read all the books to enjoy them. I might have read one of these awhile back, but I'm not really sure. This book worked as a stand alone for me.

It was a cute story. (That should get you right there...puppy dogs and kitties are cute...I'm not sure if that applies to cozy mysteries). I didn't feel cozy when reading it either. I did find myself wanting to start making cookies though. This book is packed with great cookie recipes! Murder however is not the focal point. In fact, the murder didn't happen until about 100 pages in! Yikes!

So yeah...things were very slow on that front, but by page 100, you've already been treated to a handful of great recipes. So you do have that.

Here are the pros and cons of the story:

Pros:

1. Hannah's family and friends are really funny and quirky.
2. The story is fast moving though the action is not so fast.
3. There are lots of animals in the story...Hannah's cat Moishe and Norman's cat Cuddle's and the dog Dillon. I love stories with lots of pets.
4. The recipes are super awesome and the book is full of them. I want to make the Cottage Cheese Cookies and the Chocolate Crack!
5. I never guess the actual whodunit!

Cons:

1. There was a lot going on in the story. Too much at times. Hannah has two boyfriends and she can't decide which she wants, and this isn't like the Stephanie Plum, Morelli and Ranger dilemma. Neither of these guys seem to be worth her time. Not to mention subplots upon subplots some that left you hanging.

2. Speaking of being left hanging, WTF was up with Norman!!!

3. The victim: it would have been nice if we got to know Bradford Ramsey a bit more while he was alive than through the characters telling of their dealings with him.

I enjoyed this book, it was a fast fun read. I definitely want to check out some of the earlier books in the series, and maybe try some of the recipes!!

Rating: 4 flowers

Book Review: Blank Slate Kate

2012-01-27T00:00:00.002-05:00

Author: Heather Wardell
Title: Blank Slate Kate
Publisher: Createspace
Publish Date: Nov 24, 2011
Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: The author

Book Blurb:Waking up with a strange man is scary. Realizing you lost fifteen years of your life overnight? That's terrifying. With her memories from seventeen to thirty-two gone, Kate has no idea who she is and where she belongs. As she begins to fall for the man who found her, she wonders if she forgot those years for a reason. Should she keep trying to retrieve her original self, or start a new life?

Review: Amnesia is a scary thing. It is even scarier when you wake up in bed naked with a stranger! (It isn't so bad when that stranger is a hottie!)

First let me say, I have read several of Heather's books and I've been impressed by them all. This book was no different. Heather's books all have strong heroines. Kate could have been a weepy, emotional wreck. If you loose 15 years of your life, I think you are entitled to a few meltdowns, but Kate really handles things well, even if she is going through a host of feelings and emotions as she relearns who she is.

This book is really about being able to start over, and there are a lot of reasons Kate has for needing a fresh start. As the story unfolds, we learn a lot about the woman Kate was...her name...her marital status and quite a bit about her personality.

Kate/Donna or Kadonna as her brother Ethan called her, really don't seem like they could ever be the same person, but they are and Kate isn't totally different from Donna. I found myself laughing with her and crying with her many times in this book.

I especially liked the dynamics between Kate and the two men in her life, Jake and Ryan. Once their were two men in her life I expected to instantly favor one or the other, but I didn't. I actually felt bad for the one that got left behind. He may have made some mistakes in his past, but I wanted him to be happy with someone. I hope somewhere down the line that character gets a story of his own. (See how well I did that without giving away any spoilers?) I will let you in on one thing, the ending is not what I expected.

I've said this before and I'll say it again, if you haven't read a book by Heather Wardell, you really are missing out. Her characters are always so realistic in their behavior and you really want to welcome them into your life as new friends.

Rating: 5 flowers

Book Excerpt: Blank Slate Kate

2012-01-26T00:00:00.001-05:00

Heather Wardell is sharing the first chapter of Blank Slate Kate here as part of her book tour. I've loved every book I've read of Heather's. I hope you give her excerpt a try and maybe pick up the book or one of her others.

Stop back tomorrow to read my review of Blank Slate Kate!

Excerpt

Chapter One

My mouth tastes awful, like a thousand people have used it as an ashtray and garbage can. As I try to work up enough spit to swallow, my head begins to pound and my stomach churns. The flu's been going around my high school and I must have caught it. I want to yell for Mom but my throat's too dry, so I force my sleep-sticky eyes open so I can get out of bed.

Horror fills me, shocking the sick feelings away.

I'm not in my bed. I'm in a strange bed facing a sleeping guy. A guy I don't know. An old guy.
I can't breathe. Did I lose my virginity to him last night? I was going to wait until I got married. What happened? How did I end up here?

I scrabble backward and half-fall out of the bed, but before I can run away dizziness sweeps me and I throw up on the worn rug between my feet.
The guy blinks and sits up. "Kate? You okay?"
I stare at him. Kate? It doesn't feel right. I'm...
I don't know. I'm not getting Kate back as my name. I'm not getting anything else back either. My mind is blank.

I don't know who I am.

I'm in a strange man's bedroom, with no idea who I am.

The shock twists my stomach beyond what I can stand, and as I bend over to puke again I realize, as if everything else weren't bad enough, that I'm naked. I don't worry about anything but barfing for the next few unpleasant seconds, but when I'm done I wrap my arms around my body to hide myself and take a quick peek at the guy.

He's out of bed now, fortunately wearing boxer shorts. I do not want my first sight of a guy's thing to be like this. Still, he's mostly naked, so I look away again as he says, "You're not okay. Geez, you must have drunk even more than I thought. I'll get you a glass of water."

He doesn't seem mad that I threw up on his floor, and I'd love some water, but I can't get past what he said. I was drinking? "I'm seventeen," I snap at him. "I don't drink."

His mouth falls open. "You're..."

We had sex. His horror tells me so. I can't believe I did it. I did it and I don't even remember it. "Yeah. You had sex with a minor. And if I was drinking, you made me do it. You're a rapist. And a..." I can't think of a word for 'making people drink' so I say, "You're a bad man."

"Kate, I didn't--"

"I'm not Kate!" My shriek hurts my own ears and reawakens my headache, and it makes him stumble back a few steps. "I don't know who I am but I'm not Kate. Stop calling me that!"

"You're... you don't..." He trails off and rubs a hand over his stubbled chin.

I had sex, drunk sex, sex I don't remember, with an actual man, one old enough to need a daily shave. My stomach flips over again and I give a nasty burp but don't throw up. One good thing today, at least.
He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Then his eyes flicker down my body.

"Hey!" I grab a pillow and hold it to cover myself.

He blushes. "I... sorry. Look, I'm just totally confused." Another long deep breath, then he says, "Okay. Your name is not Kate. You're seventeen, and you don't drink. Have I got it right?"
I'm confused too. I'm a good girl. My mother always says I'm perfect. How did I end up here? "Yeah. That's right."

He rubs his chin again. "Look. I think we need to talk, okay? But we should both get dressed."

He's pretty cute, if you like older men, so it would be easier to talk to him if I couldn't see his naked chest and legs and the bulge of his-- "Yeah," I say, quickly pulling my eyes back to his face. "Yeah, we should."
He takes a step toward me and I flinch. "Oh, sorry. I was just going to grab some clothes from the dresser."

He points.

I step aside, turning to keep the pillow between my body and his eyes, and watch him dig through a few messy drawers.

"Okay," he says once he's gathered his clothes and moved a safe distance from me. "You get dressed and come meet me in the living room. Just outside the door. I'll make some coffee. Do you like coffee?"
I shake my head. "My mother says it'll stunt my growth so I've never had it."

He blinks, once, like he's startled, then says, "I'll make hot chocolate. Does that work?"

Despite how weird everything is I have to smile a little at his clear concern for me. "Yeah. That'd be great."

"I'll see you in the living room. Take your time."

He leaves, closing the door behind him.

I drop the pillow then drop onto the bed. I don't want to go to the living room and talk to the man who took advantage of me last night.

He must have had sex with me. Why else would I be naked? I don't hurt down there, though, and my friend Chloe was in pain for days after her first time, so maybe he didn't.
I hate that I don't know.

I glance around, looking for another way out, and see a glass balcony door behind broken blinds. Unfortunately, a closer look shows that we're way high up, so jumping off the balcony isn't a good plan.
I stand to the side of the door so nobody can see my nakedness and peer out and down. I don't recognize the busy city street below. Where am I?

Giving up on escaping, I begin to look for my clothes. I can't find anything that belongs to me, although there's a beige bra, with matching panties hanging out of a pair of jeans, and a gray sweater and gray socks scattered around the room. It's the only stuff I can find amid the mess that doesn't seem like his, so I gather everything into a pile then reach for the bra.

A movement across the room startles me until I realize a mirror on the wall opposite the bed is reflecting my own movement.

A mirror. Maybe I can see what's wrong with my head. It still really hurts, right at the top. He didn't hit me, did he?

I move closer, but stop well before I can check my head.

Who the hell is that?

The girl in the reflection looks like my older exhausted sister. If I had a sister. Her hair's shorter than I've ever had mine, and dark brown where mine is blonde. Her eyes are the same blue as mine but there are wrinkles around them, not big ones but definite creases, and wrinkles around her mouth too. Laugh lines, I think they call them. Well, I'm not laughing.

I raise my hands to my face, confused and terrified, and she does the same.

My eyes slide down the reflection's body, taking in her shape. It's like I've melted somehow. Everything's a little lower and wider than it should be. I didn't even bother with a bra sometimes and this body definitely needs one, and probably a heavy-duty one to boot. The reflection isn't fat, not really, but it's got a squishy stomach and bulgy hips...

And a tattoo.

It's cute, actually, five happy-looking little yellow cartoon ducks marching along in a neat row around the top of her right thigh.

I look down. The same tattoo is on my right thigh.

I can't get my head around it, but this is my body. It has to be. Every movement I make is duplicated by the girl, the woman, in the mirror, and this tattoo is definitely on my leg. Unless someone's playing a really elaborate and well-planned trick on me this is my body.

But how did I age this much overnight?

I swallow and again notice the awful taste in my mouth, now even worse because I threw up. Clearly I had a rough night, so maybe I'm just really tired. Everything's sagging because I'm exhausted. That could happen, right?

Probably not. And even if it could, there's still the tattoo.

The man put it on me as a joke?

I scratch at a duck but nothing comes off. It looks real.

Trying so hard to understand what's going on makes my head hurt even more, so I stop trying. I'll get dressed, go out there, and make that man tell me what's going on.

*****
The living room is the kind of mess that always makes my mother yell "Clean up your room!" except for one corner, where metal tools are precisely arranged along a pegboard on the wall and a huge something stands nearly to the ceiling under a black cloth.

"What's that?"

The guy, standing by the window, turns to face me and sees where I'm pointing. "A sculpture. I'm an artist."
As he's wearing a t-shirt with a faded Toronto Hogs hockey team logo and ripped jeans, I assume he's not a good artist, but I say, "Cool," anyhow because I don't want to make him angry at me. I need to know what's going on.

I take a breath to start asking questions, but he says, "Your hot chocolate's here. And I made toast too. In case you're hungry."

Since I emptied my stomach in dramatic fashion, I am hungry. Then I remember. "I didn't clean your rug. I'm sorry, I'll--"

He shakes his head. "Sit down. The carpet's old and cruddy anyhow. I'll throw it out later. Drink your hot chocolate. Then we'll talk."

I sink onto the grungy couch and he takes an armchair across from me. I hold my warm mug and realize that I don't want to talk. Things are too weird for this to be a simple misunderstanding or some kind of prank, and I'm afraid to find out what's going on. Something must be: I'm wearing clothes that I don't recognize but which fit me perfectly, my hair's shorter and darker than yesterday even though I've always loved being blonde and having long hair, and I have a tattoo of ducks when my favorite animal is... um...

"Eagle!"

He blinks. "Pardon?"

I shake my head, feeling silly. "Nothing. Sorry. Just remembered something."

He sets down his mug. "What was it?"

I shrug. "I couldn't remember my favorite animal for a second then it came to me. No big deal."
He nods slowly, as if this is deep and meaningful. "What else do you remember? About last night, and me... and you."

I take a long sip of my hot chocolate and it wakes up my stomach. "Can I have some toast?"
"Of course." He pushes the plate across the coffee table.

I take a slice and try to eat it with some sort of control but the moment the bread crunches in my mouth I'm so hungry I could eat the plate too. I put away the toast in no time, then another piece, but when I reach for a third he says, "That's probably enough for now. Since you were sick."

I'm about to protest when my stomach protests instead and I realize he's probably right. "Okay. But I'll want more later."

"Fine." He gives me a smile, friendly but somehow wary too. "So, what do you remember?"
I lick my lips. "Waking up with you."

He shifts in his chair, and I'm sure we're both thinking the same thing. Me exploding naked from his bed then puking on his floor. "Okay. And before that?"

I stare at the toast, thinking. I remember Mrs. Sosa announcing a math test and everyone groaning. "I was at school yesterday. I was there, then somehow I'm here. It's blank in the middle, like how I felt when I had my tonsils out two years ago. But I knew what happened to the time then. I don't know how I got here."
Panic's rising in me and he must see it because he says soothingly, "It's okay. Don't worry, we'll figure it out. Do you know where you live?"

I take a deep breath and try to calm down. I don't know my address at first, but then it comes to me. "3278 West Maple Avenue, apartment 213. We've lived there all my life."

He clears his throat. "That's the low-rise condo building at West Maple and King Street, right?"

"Yup."

He looks like he's filtering a million things to say and coming up with nothing good.

"What?"
"God, I wish Hannah were here," he mutters under his breath.

"Who's Hannah?" Renewed horror hits me. "You're not married, are you? I didn't... sleep with..."

"We didn't have sex," he says, leaning toward me. "I swear to you, we didn't. I wouldn't do that. You were in a fight outside the bar where I work, drunk and freaking out, and in the end I brought you here."
He seems sincere about the sex thing, and I should be relieved but now I have more worries. I was fighting outside a bar? My mother's going to kill me. "I don't drink, I told you."

"Yeah, you did." He sighs. "Look, we'll get back to that. I have to tell you something."

I wait, nervousness flooding me.

"That condo building burned down three years ago."

I stare at him. "Of course it didn't. I live there. With my parents and my little brother Ethan. Why would you say that? Are you trying to scare me?" More than you already have?

He looks as scared as I feel. "Do you know what day it is?"

Finally, something I can answer without any trouble. "My friend Chloe's birthday was yesterday," I say. "So today is March twentieth. Wednesday."

I'm relieved to remember but he looks even more scared. "What year?"

"1996. Duh."
His hand covers his mouth but I can see the horror in his eyes.

When he doesn't speak, I do. "What's the problem?"

He clears his throat. "It's... um. No, it's not. That's not the date."

"Of course it is," I say, but the back of my mind doubts my own words. Something's very wrong here, and

I've known that since I woke up in his bed.

He clears his throat again. "It's March fourth today. Friday."

I've gone back in time? No, that can't be. I look down at my hands, which are perfectly manicured instead of my usual bitten-nail look and seem to belong to someone much older than seventeen, and a horrible possibility hits me. It can't be, but... "What year?" I manage to whisper.

He leans back in his chair. "2011."

You can download "Blank Slate Kate" for $0.99 from:

Smashwords.com (variety of formats)
Amazon.com (Kindle)
Kobo (ePub format)
Barnes and Noble (for their nook reader)

Blank Slate Kate" is also available in paperback at:

Goddess Fish Book Tours Guest Post: J.B. Lynn w/Tour Giveaway!

2012-01-25T00:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome author, J.B. Lynn to A Chick Who Reads. J.B. is the author of Confessions Of A Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman!

Balancing Suspense and Romance

For me, getting the balance right when it comes to blending suspense and romance is about getting a character’s internal journey to keep pace with their external adventure.

At its heart, a suspense novel is driven by the threat of danger.

Maybe the heroine is being stalked by a vicious killer. That’s what happens to Emily Wright, the heroine of my romantic suspense novel THE FIRST VICTIM. That story is about whether the Baby Doll Strangler will be caught AND if Emily, and her childhood sweetheart Bailey, will find the love they deserve with one another.

In CONFESSIONS OF A SLIGHTLY NEUROTIC HITWOMAN, the heroine, poor Maggie Lee, agrees to kill someone (a very bad someone) so that she can earn enough money to pay for the best possible medical care for her hospitalized niece. Of course, by agreeing to do this job for her friendly local mobster, she puts herself squarely in the mob’s crosshairs if she fails to pull off the murder. And things just get worse (much, much worse) for her from there.

Simultaneously, Maggie is faced with taking a chance on the possibility of love.

Just as Maggie struggles with the moral and practical questions of whether she can kill her intended target, she is also faced with the possibility of finding love (or at least lust) with both a hitman and a cop.

Both stories within the story are mysteries. Will the evil be defeated? Will love conquer all?

I’m curious. As a reader, do you read romantic suspense for the love story, the thriller aspect, or because you adore the balance of the two?

Author Info: Most little girls dream of puppies, ponies and Prince Charming, but I grew up to write about murder, mayhem, and the killer next door.

I love stories. I love reading them and I love writing them.

Ever since I picked up my first crayon, I've been spinning tales in one form or another. I've published articles in magazines and on websites, short stories in print and online, and even optioned a screenplay.

Although fascinated by the dark and twisted, I'm also a sucker for tales of love conquering all. These dual interests show up in my stories as creepy, dangerous villains, and the heroines and heroes who must defeat them.

I write with a parrot peering over my shoulder and a dog curled up at my feet. When not writing, I spend the bulk of my time reading, cooking, training for half marathons (I walk more than I run, so don't go being all impressed) and playing Scrabble with my husband. (He tends to win more often than I do...I think he cheats!)

An admitted coffeeholic, I don't really care if the cup is half empty or half full...I just want to know whether it's regular or decaf!

Website: http://www.jblynn.com/Site/Home.html
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JB_Lynn_author
Blog: http://jblynn.wordpress.com/

Book Blurb: Maggie Lee is not your average hitwoman. For one thing, she’s never killed anyone. For another, after hitting her head in the car accident that killed her sister, her best friend is now a talking lizard--a picky eater obsessed with Wheel of Fortune.

Maggie, who can barely take care of herself, is desperate to help her injured and orphaned niece get the best medical care possible, so she accepts a mobster’s big cash offer to kill his son-in-law.

Paired with Patrick Mulligan, a charming murder mentor (who happens to moonlight as a police detective), Maggie stumbles down her new career path, contending with self-doubt, three meddling aunts, a semi-psychic friend predicting her doom, and a day job she hates. Oh, and let’s not forget about Paul Kowalski, the sexy beat cop who could throw her ass in jail if he finds out what she’s up to.

Giveaway: J.B. Lynn is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter during the book tour. The rest of the tour dates can be found here. The more comments you make on tour posts the more chances you have to win!

Book Review: Enchantment

2012-01-24T21:48:00.000-05:00

Author: Charlotte Abel
Title: Enchantment
Publisher: Createspace
Publish Date: August 17, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: The Indie Book Collective & the author
Book Blurb: Channie is a lovable teenage mage that lives a simple but magical life with her clannish community deep in the Ozark Mountains. She’s blessed with the ability to enchant those around her, charming not only her family and friends, but any boy with a pulse that doesn’t know how to shield himself against her magic. When her father’s gambling addiction earns the wrath of a powerful mage, the family is forced to flee for their lives. They escape to the suburbs of Colorado hoping to hide amongst Magically Disabled people (like you and me). Channie’s parents are overwhelmed by the modern world and panic when they catch her flirting with a group of “dirty-minded, non-magical city-boys.” They strip away her power of enchantment and replace it with a chastity curse that automatically zaps any boy foolish, or courageous, enough to pursue her. Josh Abrim -- a BMX racer with a killer smile, Olympic dreams and dangerous secrets of his own -- is exactly that kind of boy. When he and Channie realize their interest in each other is more than just friendship, she turns to dark and forbidden magic, determined to break the curse keeping them apart. Her inexperience makes matters infinitely worse and unleashes a malevolent force with the power to destroy everything they love … including each other.

Review: I have mixed feelings about this book. Not that there is anything wrong with the writing or the story. It just didn't totally click with me. Too make things easier I'm going to tell you what I liked and didn't like about the story

Likes:

1. I loved face that this book was about magic and not in the Harry Potter wizard way...(Not that I have anything against Harry...I love Harry). It was a different twist when it comes to the YA fiction which is flooded with vampires and werewolves at every turn.

2. Power Names: I want a power name!

3. The strange things that have to be done so that Channie and Josh can get close, without Chastity's power causing him pain.

4. Three words: Itches For Bitches. Now there is a useful spell! (You have to read it to understand.)

5. The characters determination. Channie and Josh really wanted to be together. I liked how loyal they were even when they screwed up, and how they really did their best to break the curse.

6. Channie's telling people they can kiss her "Lily white..." Tee hee!

7. The story had a sort of fairy tale appeal. The characters had to overcome so many obstacles to reach their goal.

Dislikes:

1. Way to sexual for my taste in a YA novel. Yeah I know sex happens, but crikey even with a chastity spell these two were really all about sex.

2. I never understood why these two hooked up in the first place.

3. Channie's mom and dad were uber evil. Ok, maybe not evil, but certainly not good parents. You just wanted to take all the kids away from them.

4. How did these kids get away with not going to school or skipping classes without getting in trouble?

5. Channie was a little bit to obnoxious at times.

6. Channie's 16 and Josh is 17 soon to be 18 and erm...they are getting married. OMGWTFBBQ! I know..its fiction.. :)

So I did have my gripes with the story, but I did enjoy it. I felt that the second half moved a little faster. It took me forever to read the first hundred pages but the last 130 zoomed right by. It is part of a series, so I'll be checking out the next book, because I want to know what happens.

Rating: 3 flowers

The Get Loaded Tour!

2012-01-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

How do you feel about fun, prizes and free ebooks?

If you like them, then you definitely want to take part in the Blog Tour De Force that's taking place today, through January 27!

This blog tour is set up like a treasure hunt. Each day there will be clues available on http://indiebookcollective.wordpress.com/ to win more prizes. Feel free to get busy and find yourself some clues and win some prizes :)

Jan 23-Chelsea Fine - ANEW - http://www.chelseafine.com
Jan 24- AK Taylor - Neiko's Five Land Adventure - http://www.backwoodsauthor.wordpress.com
Jan 25- Jackie Chanel - A Hustler's Promise - http://www.jackie-chanel.com
Jan 26- Sherry Roberts - Book of Mercy - http://www.sherryroberts.com
Jan 27 - Liz Schulte - Secrets (Guardian Trilogy: Book 1) - http://LizSchulte.com

A Chick Ponders Bookish Things

2012-01-20T22:55:00.000-05:00

How is your January reading shaping up? I'm starting my ninth book and as I look back on this month I see a lot of superb books. That's really great. The fact that there was only one book that I considered sub-par in my finished pile makes me smile.

I hope the rest of the year turns out as good, book wise. I know from the pile of books, old and new, sitting around on my shelves, that this is definitely going to be a good year, as long as I have time to read everything that I want to read.

How is the year looking for you, on the book front?

Book Review: Confessions Of A Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman

2012-01-19T19:23:00.001-05:00

Author: JB Lynn
Title: Confessions Of A Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman
Publisher: Avon
Publish Date: Feb 7, 2012
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: The Goddess Fish Promotions and the publisher
Book Blurb: Maggie Lee is not your average hitwoman. For one thing, she’s never killed anyone. For another, after hitting her head in the car accident that killed her sister, her new best friend is a talking lizard—a picky eater, obsessed with Wheel of Fortune, that only Maggie can hear.

Maggie, who can barely take care of herself, is desperate to help her injured and orphaned niece get the best medical care possible, so she reluctantly accepts a mobster’s lucrative job offer: major cash to kill his monstrous son-in-law.

Paired with Patrick Mulligan, a charming murder mentor (who happens to moonlight as a police detective), Maggie stumbles down her new career path, contending with self-doubt, three meddling aunts, a semi-psychic friend predicting her doom, and a day job she hates. Oh, and let’s not forget about Paul Kowalski, the sexy beat cop who could throw her ass in jail if he finds out what she’s up to.

Training has never been so complicated! And, this time, Maggie has to get the job done. Because if she doesn’t … she’s the mob’s next target.
Review: Move over Stephanie Plum, there is another Jersey Girl on the book scene! Maggie Lee is one of the funniest characters you'll encounter in a long time. The story is full of color characters that you can't help but love. Oh and some really interesting animals!

It is hard to pigeonhole this book into a genre. It is a little bit chicklit but it isn't a real mystery or thriller either. What it is, is a whole lot of fun and a little bit of a roller coaster ride, with Maggie learning to be a hired gun from the sexy cop/assassin, the three witches (aunts), her BFF Alice, crazy co-workers, a hot cop that is more than a little interested in her...and a talking lizard who likes to be called God.

Oh yeah, this is fun times!

Here's why you should read it:

1. Maggie is just so average that you don't expect her to be a killer. She works in a call center for an insurance company. (One of the worst jobs you can have) Oh and she has a slimy boss!

2. Her father is in prison for bank robbery and murder of a teller, her mom is in the loony bin. And most of her siblings are dead..and her niece is in a coma...hence her need for money and how she got messed up with the mob!

3. OMG! God is the most awesome book animal! He's snarky and not quite what you'd expect. Oh and Doomsday the Doberman = awesome, even if she has lousy communication skills!

4. Maggie's love for her niece is so sweet. I mean, how many people would turn hitwoman to keep you alive!

5. The three witches...erm aunts, Susan, Loretta and Leslie...all with their own special breed of crazy.

If you love series such as Evanovich's Plum and Bond's Body Movers, you'll love Confessions of A Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman.

Rating: 5 flowers

Stop back on January 25th for a special guest post from JB Lynn

A Chick Ponders Bookish Things

2012-01-18T21:50:00.000-05:00

Has this ever happened to you?

I go for the mail and their is a package waiting. I'm super excited because I always love getting books, music etc in the mail. It takes me to my happy place.

I usually know where my books are coming from.

But not this time!

I found a beautiful ARC of T. Greenwood's Grace in the envelope with a dust cover and a binder. However I have no idea what tour this is from.

For my main personal email, I have a folder for all book reviews. There is nothing there about this book. I searched my blog email and nothing showed up again.

I searched my personal Gmail and AGAIN nothing.

I have this beautiful book and I don't know when I'm supposed to review it.

I feel so stupid right now!

Book Review: 150 Pounds

2012-01-17T00:00:00.007-05:00

Author: Kate Rockland
Title: 150 Pounds
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Publish Date: Jan 17, 2012
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: The publisher & Net Galley
Book Blurb: A smartly-written novel of two women starting at opposite ends of the scale--and finding compromise and friendship in their journey towards 150 pounds In the fast paced life of blogging, two women stand out: Alexis Allbright, of Skinny Chick, and Shoshana Weiner, who writes Fat and Fabulous. Both have over five million loyal readers. Both are hungry for success. But the similarities stop there.
With over 100 pounds on the scale separating them, weight isn't their only difference. Alexis is a loner who is so bitchy the only person who can stand her company is her gay best friend Billy. She gives neurotic New Yorkers a run for their money with her strict daily workout routine, and weighing of food. Shoshana is Alexis’s opposite. Living in Jersey with rowdy roommates, she is someone who “collects friends,” as her mother puts it; and treasures a life of expanding circles...and waistlines.

When both appear as panelists on a popular talk show, their lives intersect in ways neither could have imagined. In turns comedic, heartwarming--and familiar to any woman who's ever stepped on a scale--Alexis and Shoshana realize they have far more in common than either could have possibly imagined, and more importantly, something to offer.

Review: This is an absolutely fantastic book that every woman should read. I mean it! Every woman should pick up this book. It is woman's fiction at its finest and funniest. But most of all it is a book that most women can relate too.

Raise your hand if you've had some kind of weight or body image issue?

I bet there are a lot of hands in the air. Mine's up.

This book shows the world from one super skinny woman and one not so skinny woman.

Here's why the book is so great.

1. You get to see two women on a journey to acceptance of their bodies. Neither of them makes a conscious decision to change their weight. Life happens.

2. Alexis, the character you will love to hate, softens as she loosens up. By the end of the book, you can almost like her. (Hey let's face it..it is hard to like a chick that started out weighing 100 lbs and wants to ban girl scout cookies in favor of power bars. Seriously, I was cussing that beyotch out at that part of the book)

3. Shosana is super awesome. I love how she embraces life. Her motto is healthy at any weight, and that is a message everyone should embrace.

4. The blog posts from each of the two women really made the book feel real. I still have to say, I would have been a reader of Fat And Fabulous before I'd read Skinny Chick. (Hungry Girl annoys me too...Tee Hee)

5. I really adored getting to know each character and their friends and families...and the relationships that formed. OMG Noah! is all I can say. I almost want to say, Alexis didn't deserve him..but that would be mean!

This was a fabulous read and I really felt like these two women were my friends by the end. I only had one little gripe. A peahen does not have the beautiful feathers that the male peacock has. She is usually brown or white. So P-hen was not a female.

I'll put that aside though, because this truly was a great read. Go pick it up!!!

Rating 5 flowers

Book Review: Sarah's Choice

2012-01-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

Author: Wanda E. Brunstter
Title: Sarah's Choice
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Publish Date: Dec 1, 2010
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Slip into romance in this eagerly anticipated book 3 of bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Brides of Lehigh Canal series. Widowed Sarah Turner has her hands full, raising three young children, tending the lock on the canal, baking bread, and washing clothes for boatmen. Although she’s not looking for love, she’s vowed not to lose her heart to a boatman. Yet she didn’t count on meeting Captain Elias Brooks. Will she follow her heart where it leads or accept the proposal of a handsome land-loving blacksmith?
Review: When I want to read a feel good book Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the authors I usually reach for. This is the second historical novel of her's that I've read. I usually go for her Amish fiction. This series is more heavily Christian fiction and may come across as a bit preachy to some. At times it felt that way to me, but the story was so sweet that it didn't bother me.

The setting of the book is in Northeastern Pennsylvania the Lehigh Valley. The setting is one of the things that drew me to the book. I love reading books that take place in my home state. Pennsylvania is just not the most glamorous spot, so I always look forward to seeing how author's present the state, either in a historical setting or present day.

Sarah is a widow, who's husband was killed on the canal. She's working at the lock in his place to keep her three children fed and clothed. Her hatred of the canal is easy to understand. There are times when her reactions to things are a bit much, but deep down it is easy to see why she behaves the way she does.

The two men vying for her heart are as different as night and day and it is easy early on to see which is going to win her heart in the end. Elias is all that is good and Christian. He's a little too much for me at times, but he is a kind, gentle, caring soul, oh and he has a disfiguring birthmark. Patrick is everything he isn't.

Yeah, so you can guess which guy she ends up with.

I loved her son Sammy, who really is the child that gets the most time in the story. He runs off with Elias to pull the mulls on the canal, something that his mother forbid him to do.

The other thing that I loved was the dog, Bristle Face, who didn't like Patrick very much. Again, you can see what guy she's going to end up with.

So, sure it is predictable, but it is very enjoyable, light read and it made me smile. Wanda Brunstetter's books never disappoint me.

Rating: 4 flowers

Book Review: Plain Truth

2012-01-15T00:00:00.003-05:00

Author: Jodi Picoult
Title: Plain Truth
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Publish Date: May 1, 2000
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: From the bestselling author of My Sister's Keeper comes the riveting story of a murder that shatters the picturesque calm of Amish country -- and tests the heart and soul of the lawyer defending the woman at the center of the storm.
The discovery of a dead infant in an Amish barn shakes Lancaster County to its core. But the police investigation leads to a more shocking disclosure: circumstantial evidence suggests that eighteen-year-old Katie Fisher, an unmarried Amish woman believed to be the newborn's mother, took the child's life. When Ellie Hathaway, a disillusioned big-city attorney, comes to Paradise, Pennsylvania, to defend Katie, two cultures collide -- and for the first time in her high-profile career, Ellie faces a system of justice very different from her own. Delving deep inside the world of those who live "plain," Ellie must find a way to reach Katie on her terms. And as she unravels a tangled murder case, Ellie also looks deep within -- to confront her own fears and desires when a man from her past reenters her life.
Review: I had a very hard time with this book. I've read a lot of Amish fiction, romance, mystery and otherwise. By 190 pages I was really ready to give up on this book, but I hate abandoning books, so I soldiered on. I will say that I had a little peak at the end because I wasn't sure if I was going to give up.

Here are the things I liked about the story:

1. Picoult did her homework on the Amish pretty well and she really managed to bring to light their way of life and a little about the religion. She did this without making this come across as Christian fiction, when it is in fact a mystery.

2. The romance between Ellie and Coop. This is actually what kept me reading. From the beginning it was terribly hard to like any of the characters in this book, but as these two kind of got together, it made the book a little easier to read.

That said, there wasn't much else I liked about the book. Here's the stuff that bothered me.

1. The courtroom drama. I hated the prosecutor, George. He was a total asshat. Most of the time I wanted to smack him in the face.

2. The characters were so weak at the beginning and terribly unlikable. Ellie was just too unsympathetic and too jaded. Katie was unlikable too. I don't even think I grew to like her much even at the end of the story.

3. The actual mystery itself was hard to take; an Amish girl killing her baby.

4. The sub-plots: How Katie got pregnant, the ghost-hunter boyfriend from Penn State and the ghost of her dead sister Hannah. Please stop already! None of this makes much sense.

5. The ending. We learn the killer but we can safely assume justice is not forthcoming.

I have never read any of Jodi's books before, but this one really put me off. It was also terribly depressing. Not what I want to go for in a read. I doubt I'll be picking up any other books by Jodi Picoult. I'm giving it three flowers because it wasn't awful, but it just didn't do it for me.

Rating 3 flowers

Bewitching Book Tours Promo: Kira Saito

2012-01-14T00:00:00.002-05:00

Today I have a book excerpt and guest post from Kira Saito, for her book, Bound. You can read my review here.

The Arelia LaRue Series

First I just want to say thank you to everyone who bought a copy of Bound, I truly appreciate it, even if you ended up hating the book.

Second, I want to let readers who actually liked Bound where the series is going and why I chose to write it the way I have.
I didn't choose the concept of voodoo because I thought, hey it's never been done before, I chose it because I am fascinated by it and really find it so rich and complex, I think it deserves to be explored a bit more especially in books. However, I didn't want it to become a boring history lesson or anything so I decided to make the series a bit humorous, threw in the Dumptys and gave the spirits their own personalities. But, I did spend a lot of time researching the spirits, yes, in voodoo Erzulie, Bade and Brise all do exist, in the book they stay true to their real functions with a bit more personality.

I made the book light but still wanted to touch on real themes that are historically important to New Orleans like slavery , racial/class differences/amazing food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I wrote Bound, I wanted the book to be about Arelia, the Arelia show. I wanted it to be about her struggle to accept her destiny and all the confusion that it brings.

I didn't want her to just walk into Darkwood and say "Cool I'm a voodoo queen! Yay Lucus is so hot, I'm in love with him." Instead, I tried to put myself in her shoes and tried to see what I would have done at 16. Basically, I would have been emotional, irrational and very confused. If someone told me I was destined to be a great voodoo queen today, I would still be irrational, confused and emotional.

The relationship Sabrina and Arelia have is realistic in my opinion because it's the one I have with my best friend. she's not rich or anything, but we fight and argue and bicker, but in the end we still love one another. I don't think I would be best friends with her if it were a fairy tale type relationship.

So in the first book we find out that Lucus is well, you know....cursed.

In Punished the focus will be more on Arelia's powers and the spirits, a lot more about Lucus, Ivan and Louis Beau and their complex history as well as more focus on Arelia/Lucus.

Finally I don't want readers to think I am insulting their intelligence because I chose to make the series a bit light rather than dark and dreary

Punished Arelia LaRue Book #2 TEASER

Chapter 1

I just want you here…

“But, I thought.” Lucus was frozen as he stared at me. Uncertainty softened his strong features as he brushed away the lock of dark hair that had fallen over his right eye. Why didn’t he just get a haircut? “I assumed you were leaving.”
“I can leave if you want me to.” I gave him a small smile as I took a step back. I didn’t want to let on that I was nervous or anything. I wanted answers and maybe some fried Oreos.
“No, please, come in,” he said quickly as he moved aside making space for me to enter the room. “I’m going to do as you requested and put on a shirt.” He gave me a knowing wink. So, he had caught on that the sight of him shirtless was more than just a little distracting.
“Thanks.” I attempted to gracefully stride into the spacious room and poured myself some overpriced cognac. A warm breeze wafted through the balcony window and the scent of fragrant jasmine filled my nostrils.
“I’m so proud of you,” whispered Erzulie as she hovered outside the balcony. Apparently, in the span of twenty minutes, she had already changed her outfit and was now dressed in a flowing, red dress and matching headscarf. Strands of thick, gold necklaces hung from her neck and her arms were adorned with delicate, wooden bracelets.
“Not now Erzulie.” I was mortified that she chose to make another grand entrance at exactly this moment. The moment I was pretending to be totally calm and in control rather than a raving, mud-flinging lunatic that spoke to voodoo spirits.
Of course, she ignored me and continued, “Jasmine is the flower of love, you know.”
“Thanks for the random info,” I hissed praying that Lucus wouldn’t hear. I wasn’t completely ready to let him listen in on my conversations with the spirits just yet. Even though he wasn’t exactly normal, I wasn’t prepared to expose all of my own craziness to him. Lucky for me, he was too busy hunting for a t-shirt within the massive, antique closet that sat at the other end of the room.
“You should always give love a chance my dear, even if it comes in unexpected forms.” She was giving me one of her motherly speeches again.
“I’m not sure what I’m supposed to make of that ominous advice Erzulie,” I whispered as I inched towards the balcony and unsuccessfully tried to shut the heavy, lace curtains on her.
She laughed delicately before continuing, “you do know what I mean, my child.”
“No, I don’t. I don’t exactly see any epic romance developing here. I’m just sticking around because you asked me to.”
“Sure you are my dear.” Her hazel eyes shone as she gave me a small wink and disappeared.
“I thought you despised that.” Lucus eyed the glass in my hand as he put on a blue t-shirt and walked towards me.
“I do,” I replied. I didn’t want to tell him that I needed something to calm down my nerves. I couldn’t get his speech out of my head. How was I supposed to act around him now?
Lucus placed his smooth hand over mine, and took the crystal glass from me. He raised his other hand up to my cheek and grazed it softly with his fingertips. Consuming chills ran through my body, all the way from my split-ends to my non-pedicured toenails. His scent mixed with the aroma of sugary jasmine and cognac was undeniably intoxicating. His gentle breath was deliciously sweet as it made contact with my sweaty skin.
“There’s no reason to be anxious, I’m perfectly harmless,” he whispered softly. “The last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable or hurt you in any way.”
“Sure.” I grabbed the glass from him, moved my cheek away from his hand and tossed back the cognac. “Gross! How can you actually like drinking this stuff?”
A hint of a smile crossed his full lips. “You get used to a lot of things if you’re around long enough. You’d be surprised at the things you’re capable of as time passes.”
“Well, I don’t think I’m going to get used to the fact that you’re basically a very old man.”
“Is that the way you see me, as a very old man?” Lucus causally asked as he walked over to the heavy, wooden table and poured himself some absurdly expensive cognac. He studied me intently with his intense, dark eyes as he waited for me to answer.
“I mean you don’t look like Mr. Dumpty or anything, but you’re just wearing a disguise to cover up who you really are,” I reasoned clutching the crystal glass just a bit too tightly while tugging on my hair.
He let out a dry laugh and took a sip of cognac. “Aren’t we all?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I raised an eyebrow.
He shook his head and took a step closer. His sharp gaze saw right through me. “If you see me as a very old man, why didn’t you leave? What reason do you have to be here wasting your time?”

ARC Book Review: How To Dance With A Duke

2012-01-12T19:15:00.003-05:00

Author: Manda Collins
Title: How To Dance With A Duke
Publisher: St Martin's Press
Publish Date: Jan 31, 2012
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: What’s a wallflower to do when she’s suddenly in need of a husband? Use all the pluck and moxie she can muster to get what she wants…

SHE’S IN NEED OF A PARTNER

Miss Cecily Hurston would much rather explore the antiquities of Egypt than the uncharted territory of marriage. But the rules of her father’s exclusive academic society forbid her entrance unless she weds one of its members. To clear her ailing father’s name of a scandalous rumor, Cecily needs to gain admission into the Egyptian Club—and is willing to marry any old dullard to do it.

AND HE HAS ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

Lucas Dalton, Duke of Winterson, is anything but dull. He’s a dashing and decorated war hero determined to help Cecily—even if that means looking the other way when she claims the dance card of Amelia Snow, this season’s most sought-after beauty. But Lucas has a reason for wanting Cecily to join the Egyptian Club: His brother went missing during one of Lord Hurston’s expeditions to Egypt. An alliance with the explorer’s bluestocking daughter could bring Lucas closer to the truth about what happened…or it could lead him to a more dangerous love than either he or Cecily could have imagined….

Review: Put down whatever you are doing and buy this book! I mean it! Buy it NOW! Manda Collins' debut novel is absolutely stunning and flawless.

All the characters are well rounded and so likable and the storyline moves along at the perfect pace. It is nearly impossible to find anything to complain about, except it was easy to figure out who the culprit was in the mystery. That I had figured out halfway through, though I didn't understand the full scope of the evil. But the mystery, though it makes up the story, isn't half as wonderful as the love story of Cecily and Lucas.

Cecily is a wallflower who thought she was condemned to a life of spinsterhood, until she started her quest to clear her father's name in the death of William Dalton, and find his journals. Lucas is William's brother and a Duke. The two have an instant attraction, and from the start you want these two together.

When Lucas compromises Cecily and they have to get married, I thought the story would go downhill, but no. Their marriage only made it better. And I so adored Lucas. He was loving and protective and vulnerable and he was in no way the alpha male that dominates so many romance novels. That's not to say he isn't a strong man, he just isn't arrogant or obnoxious in the way he goes about protecting Cecily.

The best part of the story and the saddest was after they found the body of his brother and he sobs that he wished he would have let his brother ride his pony. I was near to tears as I read that.

Lucas is the kind of hero I want for myself!

Cecily was a bluestocking but while she was smart, she was also loving and not totally absorbed in intellectual pursuits. That made it easy to like her, as well as the other two Ugly Ducklings, Juliet and Maddy.

This is the first book in a series and I can't wait to read the next one "How To Romance A Rake." Manda Collins is going on my must read list from this day on!

Rating: 5 flowers

The Never Shrinking Wishlist

2012-01-11T23:40:00.000-05:00

I found one of my old Barnes and Noble wishlists on the floor in my bedroom. This is a wishlist that I made while shopping at B & N one day, while sipping some form of luscious Starbucks coffee. I make one nearly every time I go into the store, because there's never enough money for all the books I want and that damn Goodreads bar code scanner in the app doesn't work on my not so smart phone.

Not to any perspective smart phone buyers...do not buy the Motorola Citrus...it is a piece of doody!

Here are some of the books from that list...I was pleasantly surprised to see I had bought a few of them...and yay..when they were on clearance too!

Bewitching Book Tours Book Review: Bound

2012-01-10T23:19:00.000-05:00

Author: Kira Saito
Title: Bound
Publish Date: Oct 28, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Bewitching Book Tours & The Author
Book Blurb:
Sixteen year old Arelia LaRue lives in New Orleans where the music is loud, voodoo queens inhabit every street corner, and the ghosts are alive and well. Despite her surroundings, all she wants is to help her Grand-mere Bea pay the rent and save up for college.

When her best friend Sabrina convinces her to take a well-paying summer job at the infamous Darkwood plantation, owned by the wealthy LaPlante family, Arelia agrees.

However, at Darkwood strange things start to happen, and gorgeous Lucus LaPlante insists that he needs her help. Soon, the powers that Arelia has been denying all her life, come out to play and she discovers mysteries about herself that she could have never imagined.

Review: I had some mixed feelings about Bound pretty early on in the book. Arelia is a bit too much on the pity me side, and Sabrina is a Super Bitch. It is really hard to fathom how these two girls that are polar opposites have remained friends for so long.

But oddly I got over that, because I absolutely loved the setting of New Orleans and the voodoo and ghosts. It really intrigued me and I had to read on. The story is pretty face paced and it is an easy YA read.

I love that deals with the spirit world and not vampires or zombies. Plus I loved Arelia's Aunt Mae and her grandma. I definitely would have liked more a of a backstory on them, since they were so connected with Darkwood.

Then there's Lucus. He's the hero with a secret...a secret I can't tell you or it will spoil the story for you. I loved how well he behaved like a southern gentlemen..well he was one. What I couldn't stand was how he played along with liking Sabrina. I don't know how anyone could like Sabrina, she was the most unlikable and unsympathetic character I've ever encountered.

Arelia is a voodoo queen and it is her powers that are needed at Darkwood. Of course, until she gets to Darkwood she doesn't know about the queen stuff. That's part of all the stuff she has to sort through in her head.

I had a love/hate relationship with her as the story went on too. She was a bit too moody, yet as I read, she didn't act any different that any teenager I ever knew. Maybe its the truth hurting that bugged me. This is how teenage girls act. Yikes!

Lisa left us with a huge cliffhanger at the end...so...I guess I'll be waiting patiently for book 2 in the series! I have to know what happens!

Rating: 3 stars

2012 Reading Romances Challenge

2012-01-09T23:03:00.001-05:00

The Reading Romances group on Goodreads has a challenge.

The page can be found here.

I've set a goal to read 40 romances this year.

1. Manda Collins - How To Dance With A Duke

Starting Off Slow

2012-01-08T22:07:00.000-05:00

It is the 8th of January and I've only read 2 books. The book I started at the end of the week is really slowing me down. It's Jodi Picoult's Plain Truth and I'm just not lovin' it. I'm barely liking it, but I'm more than 100 pages into it, so I'm going to finish the damn thing if it kills me. (And at this point it just might).

I hate abandoning books. I've not done it very often, but this is one book that could inspire me to cast it aside. I don't know what it is about the plot...the characters and Jodi's writing style...but all of it is making me really bored.

I hate the thought that I've wasted good time reading this book so far, but I also hate the thought that I may not finish the book.

Foolish isn't it?

What makes you decided whether to finish a book that's not working for you?

Book Review: Softly & Tenderly

2012-01-07T19:49:00.003-05:00

Author: Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck
Title: Softly & Tenderly
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publish Date: January 4, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Booksneeze and the publisher
Book Blurb: Maybe out there in the country she could catch her breath, learn to breathe again.

Happily married and owner of two successful boutiques, Jade longs to begin a family with her husband, Max. But when she discovers that Max has an illegitimate son—who he wants her to help raise—Jade’s life is turned upside down.

She flees to her childhood home, a rambling Iowa farmhouse, with enough room to breathe. There—while her mother’s health grows fragile, and the tug of her first love grows stronger—Jade begins to question everything she thought she knew about family, love, and motherhood. In the wide-open landscape, Jade begins to see a future that doesn’t rest on the power of her past but in the goodness of God's tender mercies.

Review: This is probably one of the most emotionally charged books that I've read in a very long time. If you were to lump it into a genre, it is Christian Chicklit. It is very heavy on "Faith" but never comes across as preachy, which I liked.

This is the second book in the Songbird series. (Oh do I wish I had read the first one..but I'll go back and get that one later). It reads like a soap opera. Jade has her issues, she thinks she's barren, her mother is terminally ill. Her husband Max is addicted to painkillers and has kept a child he had with his ex-fiancee from her. Then there's Max's parents...more secrets and infidelities there.

It really is hard to believe that this is Christian fiction, well, except that they seem to try to work things out, though at the end of the book the two marriages in jeopardy haven't been superglued back together.

The most likable character in the book is actually Jade's mom, Beryl. She's everything you'd expect an aging hippie to be; feisty and lovable, and repentant of some of her wild ways but with no regrets. She's not the mother you want to have, but she's the mother you want one of your friends to have. I found myself wishing she'd hang on, but it was obvious she wasn't going to make it. Her death was truly the climax of this story.

I could understand Jade and June and the way they dealt with things, but at times, Jade came across as a little to sanctimonious. There was a little "do as I say and not as I do" thing going on with her. But then again..she found her father-in-law with another woman and then learned her own husband had a fling with his ex, at his bachelor weekend that resulted in a pregnancy.

Yeah...can you say drama and angst?

I can really picture Jade, June and Beryl making the trip in the pink Caddy to Iowa..that is until Jade breaks the top! This book really showed how these women started to make peace with themselves and God...and all their past choices.

I really enjoyed Softly & Tenderly...I'm going to pick up the first book, so I can be totally up to speed with the final book in the trilogy comes out this year.

Rating: 4 flowers

The Doctor Reading Challenge

2012-01-07T14:08:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to join me, you're more than welcome to read any of the published Doctor Who books, graphic novels, non-fiction, or other material. And like most challenges, there are a few (ahem) levels to choose from:

First Doctor - read 2 Doctor Who books
Second Doctor - read 5 Doctor Who books
Third Doctor - read 10 Doctor Who books
Fourth Doctor - read 15 Doctor Who books
Fifth Doctor - read 20 Doctor Who books
Sixth Doctor - read 25 Doctor Who books
Seventh Doctor - read 30 Doctor Who books
Eighth Doctor - read 40 Doctor Who books
Ninth Doctor - read 50 Doctor Who books
Tenth Doctor - read 75 Doctor Who books
Eleventh Doctor - read 100+ Doctor Who books

All the usual rules apply...
*challenge runs 1 January to 31 December 2012 - any books must be read in the 2012 calendar year to count
*any format is allowed
*cross-overs between challenges allowed
*link your post/reviews from your blog, goodreads, shelfari, librarything or the comments section (no blog necessary!)
*no list is needed beforehand - you can choose as you go (or change your choices!)

I'm going to go for The Second Doctor because I only have 5 Who books and getting them is a pain in the bippy here in the US. Apparently the BBC doesn't realize there are plenty of Whovians on this side of the pond!!

2012 Tudor Reading Challenge

2012-01-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

From The Musings Of Almybnenr

Details/Rules:

The challenge runs from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012 (yes, I had this idea two days into the new year and it is now the third day, but if you started a Tudor related book on the on the 1st or later, it counts).
All book formats are allowed for this challenge as long as they have an ISBN number or the equivalent. Both fiction and non-fiction are allowed as well. Re-reads ARE allowed but your review must be a new one.
All the books read for this challenge must be Tudor related. Books that feature any Tudor from Henry VII to Elizabeth I and any spouses, lovers, close family members, or themes count. There are a lot out there, so no worries!
Each month, I will create a new post dedicated to the challenge where you can link your Tudor reviews for that particular month. You do not need a blog to participate! Posting on Goodreads or wherever you post your reviews is fine.
When you add the link(s) of your review(s), please leave the book title and your name/blog (i.e. The Other Tudors (Amber) or The Other Tudors (The Musings of ALMYBNENR)). Do not add your blog link but rather the link that will take us directly to your review.
There is no need to list the books you will read for this challenge in advance. Feel free to list them as you go. Join the challenge at any time before 31 December 2012. Crossovers from other reading challenges do count.
When you sign up, please post the direct link to the post where your books will be listed. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, post a status of what level you plan to complete and link that! If you are on Goodreads, create a shelf of books you hope to read for this challenge and link that! If you do not have any of those, just leave a comment on this post indicating you are signing up and which level you hope to reach. But it IS important that you leave the direct link. Do not just leave the link to your blog’s homepage or your profile, please!!!
Now, for the levels!

Henry VII (Creator of a dynasty): 5 books
Henry VIII (Larger than life): 10 books
Mary I (The first queen of England): 15 books
Elizabeth I (Gloriana & the Golden Age): 20 books

I'm going to go for Henry VIII. I have a lot of Tudor books on my TBR pile..but I don't want to overextend myself!

The Bookish Snob Promotions Book Review: Taken

2012-01-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

Author: L.M. Pruitt
Title: Taken
Publisher: Red Hot Publishing
Publish Date: Oct 28, 2011
Review Copy Provided By: The Bookish Snob Promotions and the author
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Cheating spouse? Stolen jewelry? Missing person?

Call Frances--Frankie--Post. A private detective with a trick of two up her sleeve and a few skeletons of her own.

What starts out as a simple missing person's case dumps Frankie and her lover Jack right in the crosshairs of a dangerous human trafficking organization. With lives on the line, bad blood and old wounds finally see the light of day. And Frankie and Jack are forced to realize: The past always catches up with you.

Always.

Review: I read Shades Of Grey by Pruitt last year and really enjoyed it, so I jumped at a chance to read Taken and I'm glad I did. This is a fantastic PI story with a lot of hot and steamy action going on both in and out of the bedroom.

Yeah. I said hot and steamy.

Like sizzlin' hot and steamy.

Melts ice, hot and steamy.

Have I mentioned hot and steamy?

OK.

Frankie is hired to find the cousin of a lawyer in the DA's office. But this is more than just a missing person's case as they find out through a little sluething. This is something big! Really big. Oh and Frankie has "The Sight." She has an ability to slip into a person's mind, which is how she found Audrey Clark and a whole lot more about her. I like how this helps set things up in the story but doesn't take over the story. For the most part, this is a good PI story, with lots of sex!

Pruitt has created a fun cast of characters for this series. Jack is super sexy and so is Ian, aka Lawyer Boy...and then there's Casey Lynn and the doggie Monster, not to mention Johnny. One of these characters won't make it to book 2, but I'm not tellin' which..because you really have to read it.

There's one more thing about Jack and Frankie...they have a bit of a criminal past..and Jack and Frankie aren't their real names.

Want to find out more?

Read the book! You won't regret it..this was a good one.

Rating: 5 flowers

To read an excerpt, click here

The Bookish Snob Promotions Book Excerpt: Taken

2012-01-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

Thanks so much for joining me for the kick-off of the Taken blog tour, and thanks to a CWR for having me. Not to sound all Julie Andrews, but, let's start at the very beginning--a very good place to start. The excerpt below opens the book, and sets the tone for the crazy roller coaster ride we're about to go on.

The door opened a crack and I stopped in mid-snap, jaw gaping. I used my tongue to shove the wad of chewing gum in one cheek, sucking in a deep breath through my nose. “Whoze there?” The nasal Brooklyn tone would have made even Fran Drescher wince.

The thin wooden door swung open, revealing a giant. He took up all the available space and then some. His head nearly touched the top of the door frame when he stepped inside. Some of his height might have been from the heavy combat style boots he wore. I wanted to believe his width was a result of the bulky jacket, but I was willing to bet most of it came from muscle.

Nothing about this guy looked soft.

“Go get Frankie for me.”

I blinked in shock, almost swallowing my gum. The voice coming from the great pile of hulk was deep, rich and smooth, like melted chocolate poured over creamy fudge. I cleared my throat, pushing more obnoxiousness into my whine. “S’cuze me?”

“I said, go get Frankie. This is Frankie Post’s office, isn’t it?” He swept a look around the small space, lips curling in a sneer. Not that I could blame him. The office left a lot to be desired. Like paint a color other than dog poo. And a window with a view of something besides more buildings. And furniture from sometime in the past ten years. “I require his services.”

“Can I get your name?” I swiveled around in the chair, remembering to drop my left hip at the last second. Nothing I needed less at the moment than to keep spinning and fall out of the chair. My nails, two inches long, the neon pink polish chipped, clacked against the computer keys.

“Ian Hamby.” Mr. Hamby glanced at the sofa that served as client seating, on the off chance someone actually came to the office. “My business is with Frankie.”

“Well, I take care of Frankie’s business, so I’d say your business is with me.” I blew out a breath, lifting a curl of platinum blonde hair from my forehead. When he clenched his jaw, I scowled. “Listen mister, nobody gets to Frankie without going through me. And nobody goes through me without answering some basic questions. Sos, if you want Frankie to even think about helping you out, I’d suggest you start being a little nicer, capiche?”

Ian shoved his hands in his jacket pockets, dull red color creeping up cheekbones. “It’s a personal matter.”

“Honey, everything here is a personal matter. Nothing goes outta this office you don’t want out.” I opened up the client database, clicking on the new client card. The only thing in the entire room worth anything was the computer. “Now tell me what the problem is, Mr. Hamby?”

“I need someone found.” He stepped forward, yanking something out of one of his pockets and tossing it on the doodle-covered blotter covering most of the battered desk. “My cousin has been missing for nearly two weeks.”

I flattened the balled up photo, chewing harder on my gum. Ian Hamby and some girl, the missing cousin, grinned out from the crinkled paper, arms around each other, sun high and bright behind them. I ignored him, even though he looked damned good with a smile instead of a scowl, wearing only low-slung swim trunks, with spiky wet, dark hair.

The girl was tiny, smaller even than me, and I was almost short enough to officially be a “little person”. She barely reached her cousin’s shoulder and I would bet the bikini she wore would have fit a store mannequin and looked as good. I had too much tits and not enough ass to pull off anything that tiny. Blonde hair framed a heart shaped face dominated by bright blue eyes. The eyes were the only similarity I could see between the cousins.

“What’s your cousin’s name?”

“Audrey Clark. Our mothers are sisters.” Ian dropped down onto the couch and I winced when the frame creaked ominously. He shifted and the creak became a squeal. “Is there something wrong with this furniture?”

“Oh, shit. Monster.” I popped up, scooted around the desk, pink stilettos scraping the battered wood floor. I pretended not to notice his eyes linger on my abbreviated hemline, even though I felt the gaze clean to my va-jay-jay.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Not you.” Although I had my doubts. “You’re probably sitting on Monster. Poor baby.” I leaned over the couch, pressing my face in the half-inch space between the back and the wall. “Monster? Come out, baby. Nothing’s gonna hurt you.”

I risked a glance over my shoulder, since I wasn’t entirely sure about my last statement. Ian Hamby’s eyes were glued firmly to my butt, or lack thereof. “Hey, watch it, mister.”

“Apologies.” And yet his eyes didn’t move at all. “Monster?”

“Shit.” Frustrated, annoyingly aroused—you’d think I never got laid, Jesus—I pushed against the wall, dropped to my knees to peer under the couch. Sure enough, Monster cowered directly under where Ian sat. “Come out, baby. Mama won’t let the big, bad man do anything to you.”

He can do what he wants to me, though. I bit my tongue, moving the gum around in my mouth to make clucking sounds. Monster whimpered and whined, inching forward on his belly. I wiggled closer, whispered soothing bits of nonsense. Another half inch of belly crawls and I reached under the sofa and grabbed him, cooed, and sat up on my knees to press him against my chest, letting him cover my face in frantic kisses.

“You called a ball of fluff Monster?”

“Shh, don’t tell him he’s just fluffy. It’ll hurt his poor, little feelings.” I lifted Monster up until we were nose to nose, his entire body shaking in delight. “Don’t listen to the mean man, snookum.” I cradled him against me, the tiny ball of fur trembling like a live wire. I looked up to find Ian staring at me, blue eyes dilated.

“I can safely say I have never been jealous of a three pound hairball until this moment.”

Lust shot through me, making me tremble as viciously as Monster. “Keep your mind out of the gutter, Mr. Hamby.”

“If you’d get off your knees, I might be able to.”

I dropped Monster out of shock. His indignant yelp was overshadowed by my own squeal when I was suddenly yanked off the floor and onto Ian’s lap. Hot blue eyes bored into me, reflecting my hazel ones. His mouth curved up, the smile pure wickedness. “Maybe I was wrong.”

I licked my lips, watching his eyes follow the movement of my tongue. “Wrong about what?”

“My mind’s still in the gutter.” One hand, large and warm, cradled my butt, pushing me closer. The other fisted in my hair, ruining the elaborate up-do I’d struggled with for a good thirty minutes. “Where’s yours?”

“Sharing the road.” I let him yank my mouth up to his, nipping at his full lower lip before darting my tongue inside his mouth. He kissed as good as I’d imagined, full of tongue and teeth and roving hands. I indulged for a few minutes, until I was hot enough to guarantee a few hours discomfort. Pulling back, I slid a hand between our faces, panting out a ragged breath. “All right. That’s enough.”

“Then get off my lap, before I start working on changing your mind.” Ian didn’t give me a chance to move, but shoved me to the side. His hands shook when he dropped his head into them. “Christ. What the hell?”

“Stress. At least for you.” I stood up, straightened out my skirt, pulling it down the two inches I could. I dropped back into the chair and wheeled behind the desk. Better to put some distance between us, although I didn’t think he’d jump me without my permission. “Now, when’d your cousin go missing?”

“Do you do that to every potential client?”

I rolled my eyes, tapping a pen on the desk. “No. Sometimes I give out handjobs.” He jerked his head up and I snorted. “Jeez. Grow up, it was just a kiss. When’d your cousin go missing, the exact date?”

“As best as we can discern, she left Low Places on July 10 around midnight. She went outside to hail a cab for herself and some friends.” Ian leaned back, his body suddenly sagging. “Nobody knows what happened after that.”

“You check her apartment, work, airport, rehab, all the usual places?” I watched him out of the corner of my eye, fingers flying over the keyboard. Audrey Clark was young, tiny, pretty. Any number of things could have happened to her, none of them good. “You contact the police?”

“Yes to everything. We’re not stupid.” His eyes flashed briefly before slipping back into exhaustion. “My aunt is a wreck. My uncle died three years ago and Audrey is her only child.”

I nodded, eyes on the screen. Some clients like sympathy, some don’t. My gut told me Ian wouldn’t appreciate the same cooing I’d given Monster. “Do you have the police report?”

Ian opened a worn messenger bag, something I’d missed until just then. If I was alone I would have slapped my forehead at the lack of observation. He tossed the file at the desk, the manila folder barely clearing the surface. “Will Frankie take the case?”

I looked at the picture of Audrey and Ian and knew this was trouble. The worst kind. “Yeah. I’ll take the case.”

“Pardon me?”

“Don’t worry, I get that a lot.” I waited a beat, watching his eyes widen in shock. “Frankie, short for Francis, Post. Come back tomorrow around nine; you can sign the contract and we’ll go over my fees.”

I flipped the police file open, raising my eyebrows when I saw who’d been assigned as lead detective. “How’d you rate Jack Waters for a missing person’s case?”

“We’re a well-connected family.” Ian stood, face still stunned. “You’re Frankie Post? You’re the private investigator everyone talks about? You’re a girl.”

“Since you just had your hands all over me, that’s an astute observation.” I picked up the phone on the desk, punching in Jack’s number by heart. “Now, I need to do some work. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Ian was still shaking his head as he left, pulling the door shut quietly. I stared at the shoddy wood, waiting for Jack to answer. Something strange there. Something very, very strange.

“Waters.”

“Jack.”

He sucked in a breath and I could imagine him, sitting at his desk, blond hair mussed from running his hands through it for a good eight hours, brown eyes rimmed with red from lack of sleep, five o’clock shadow starting to come on. The lust and hunger Ian had stirred up went nuclear.

“The Waldorf. Meet me there in an hour.”

“This work or play, Frankie?”

“Who says it can’t be both?”

Author Info: L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans, she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would probably kill a plastic plant. She is the author of the Jude Magdalyn Series as well as New Moon Rising, featuring Cari Gravier, and Taken, featuring Frankie Post. She is currently at work on the next book in the Moon Rising series, Harvest Moon Rising, due out April 2012. Ms. Pruitt makes her home in Florida with two cats--one smart, the other not so much.

The next blog stop: January 4 – Jagged Edge http://klearsreviews.blogspot.com/

Buy: Amazon/ Barnes & Noble

Books Read & Reviewed In 2012

2012-01-01T20:26:00.014-05:00

This is my master post for books I've read and reviewed in 2012. This year the reviews will be listed in date order.

For a list of reviews from 2011 click here.

L.M. Pruitt - Taken (1/5/2012)
Sara Evans & Rachel Hauck - Softly & Tenderly (1/7/2012)
Kira Siato - Bound (1/10/2012)
Manda Collins - How To Dance With A Duke (1/12/2012)
Jodi Picoult - Plain Truth (1/15/2012)
Wanda E. Brunstetter - Sarah's Choice (1/16/2012)
Kate Rockland - 150 Pounds (1/17/2012)
JB Lynn - Confessions Of A Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman (1/19/2012)
Charlotte Abel - Enchantment (1/24/2012)
Heather Wardell - Blank Slate Kate (1/27/2012)
Joanne Fluke - Apple Turnover Murder (1/28/2012)
Leigh Parker - 10 Ways To Kill A Cupid (1/29/2012)
Lisa Mondello - The Knight & Maggie's Baby (1/30/2012)
Joanne Fluke - Blueberry Muffin Murder (2/1/2012)
Anya Winter - The Mask (2/2/2012)

2012 Challenge Post

2012-01-01T20:13:00.003-05:00

This is a list of challenges that I am participating in for 2012.

2012 Regency & Victorian Reads Challenge
2012 Crusin' Through The Cozies Reading Challenge
2012 Amish Reading Challenge
2012 Goodreads Reading Challenge (My Goal is 155)
2012 Historical Romance Reading Challenge
2012 Tudor Reading Challenge
2012 The Doctor Reading Challenge
2012 Reading Romances Challenge

Book Review: Patience, Princes Catherine

2011-12-31T22:24:00.000-05:00

Author: Carolyn Meyer
Title: Patience, Princess Catherine
Publisher: Gulliver Books
Publish Date: Jan 2009
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: England anxiously awaits Prince Arthur's betrothed--the Spanish princess who will be its future queen. But when Arthur dies not long after the wedding, Catherine of Aragon's fate becomes uncertain. Will the king and Catherine's parents arrange a marriage with Arthur's brother, Henry, or will she return to Spain a widow? Through all this turmoil, the young princess's resolve remains unshaken: She will one day be England's queen . . . no matter how long it takes.

Review: This is the second book by Meyer that I read this year. The first was The Bad Queen. I wasn't as fond of that one as I am of Patience, Princess Catherine. I think Catherine of Aragon is one of the Tudor wives that gets pushed aside because Anne Boleyn is so much more interesting. This book is part of her Young Royals series, geared toward young adults.

Meyer really brought Catherine to life, and you really liked her and felt sorry for her, because she was a pawn in so many ways between the Spanish and the English.

This book also paints an interesting picture of the Henry, who we see first as the Duke Of York and then as the Prince of Wales when his brother Arthur dies suddenly. Henry is much more likable than I've found him when he became King Henry VIII. Meyer shows the sibling rivalry well and they come across as any other brothers, even though they are royals.

I like Meyer's writing style. As much as I love authors like Jean Plaidy and Phillipa Gregory, sometimes the story can become really dry. With Meyer that's not the case. She humanizes these historical figures, making them down to earth.

If you are interested in historical fiction and like a more young adult approach to writing, Meyer's books are definitely for you.

Rating: 5 flowers

2012 Regency & Victorian Reads Challenge

2011-12-31T07:42:00.001-05:00

Hosted By Royal Reviews

The rules are simple:

-Any sub-genre of Regency/Victorian Reads counts (paranormal, historical, contemporary, young adult etc.)

-To join this challenge, put a post on your blog saying that you are participating in the challenge. You may post a list of the titles that you are planning to read, or you can add them as you go. (Don’t forget to link your review to the book title on your challenge post.)

-Don’t have a blog, but wish to participate? Leave your information in the comment section.

- Any format counts except audio book.

-Challenge begins October, 2011 and ends March 1st, 2012

-Please signup using Mr. Linky, include your name and the link to your Regency & Victorian Eras Book challenge Post, *NOT* the post to your blog. (Don’t have a blog just leave a comment in the comment section)

Challenge Levels:

--Countess/Earl-Read 4Regency/Victorian Books

--Duchess/Duke- Read 6 Regency/Victorian Books

--Princess/Prince-Read 8 Regency/Victorian Books

I'm going for the Princess/Prince level

1. Manda Collins - How To Dance With A Duke (1/12/2012)

2012 Cruisin Through The Cozies Reading Challenge

2011-12-31T07:15:00.003-05:00

hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews

the rules...

1. Choose the level you wish to participate:

Level 1 - Snoop - Read at least 6 books
Level 2 - Investigator - Read 7-12 books
Level 3 - Super Sleuth - Read 13 or more books

2. The challenge runs from January 1, 2012 and ends December 31, 2012.

3. You don't have to choose your books in advance. If you do, you can change your list at any time during the year. Books can overlap with other challenges.

4. Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebooks...it all counts!

5. You don't have to post a review, but I'm sure others would love to know about the books you are reading and may even want to add it to their reading lists.

NOTE: If you don't have a blog and want to participate, that's fine. You don't have to have a blog, just post in the comments section as you finish books.

6. Take the button above, put it on your blog and post about the challenge. Then add your name to Mr. Linky below...Please use the link of your challenge post, not the link to your home page.

I'm going for level 2, so I don't overextend myself this year!

1. Joanne Fluke - Apple Turnover Murder (1/28/2012)
2. Joanne Fluke - Blueberry Muffin Murder (2/1/2012)

2012 Amish Reading Challenge

2011-12-31T07:01:00.001-05:00

From Reviews By Molly

The Rules:
1. The goal is to read 15 or more books. Anyone can join.

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January thru December, 2012. You can join at anytime.

6. GRAB the button and spread the word!

1. Jodi Picoult - Plain Truth

2011 Challenge Update

2011-12-30T23:42:00.000-05:00

I think I started too many challenges this year. I didn't complete several of them...and two I gave up on before I really got started. Bad me.

I'll start out with the challenges I completed.

The 2011 e-book Challenge was a breeze I finished 20 ebooks in June.

You can see my full list of books read for this challenge by clicking here.

I definitely read more than 20, but I stopped keeping track there because it was making me crazy, especially as half of the books I read this year were e-books.

I love my Nook!

I finished the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge this week. I read a combination of historical novels about royalty, romance and mystery. I really enjoyed this challenge and I'll probably be participating in it again this year.

You can see my reads for this challenge by clicking here

Oh and one of my favorites from this category was the new book by Juliet Grey, Becoming Marie Antoinette!

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I finished my 12th book for the Historical Romance challenge this week! Woo hoo!

Historical Romance is actually my favorite genre, so I'm really puzzled at why it took me so long to finish this one.

My reads which overlap some with the Historical Fiction Challenge can be found by clicking here

My favorite reads from this challenge? Victoria Alexander's His Mistress By Christmas and Adrienne Basso's The Christmas Countess. I'm a sucker for all things Christmas!!

I finished this challenge up in the past week too. I read a lot of cozy mysteries for this one.

Have I mentioned I'm a sucker for cozy mysteries?

Check out my reads here

There were quite a few memorable reads in this category. The book that sticks out the most is Amanda Steven's The Restorer. If you haven't read that book yet, I suggest you go find it. Ann Charles' Nearly Departed In Deadwood was a great read too, especially if you are a fan of the Stephanie Plum series.

Now for some challenges I didn't do so good on.

I had hoped to read 20 YA books in 2011. I ended up with 16. There's one review I need to post for that one. So though I didn't make the challenge, I think I did pretty good.

Right?

My reads can be found here.

Another challenge I failed to finish was the Vampire Challenge. Again I'm not exactly sure how I manged to blow this one. I've read a lot of vampire fiction. I guess maybe I'm burned out on vampires. Ah well.

I blame Edward Cullen on that. I've had the last two books of the Twilight series on my TBR pile for a year and I keep putting off reading them.

I did read 11 of the 20 books required for this challenge.

You can see those reads by clicking here

I think it is time for me to give up on those fanged creatures.

Then there was the Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge and the Goodreads Challenge. I set them both to 180.

I'm a big failure there. I'll probably close the year out at reading 152, which is down from last year. But then again, I had some personal issues this year, so that's probably part of it.

As for the other challenges on my list..well I didn't even start them. Bad me.

This year, I vow not to over challenge myself.

Book Review: A Merry Little Christmas

2011-12-29T23:23:00.000-05:00

Author: Catherine Palmer, Jillian Hart
Title: A Merry Little Christmas
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Publish Date: 2006
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Unto Us a Child... by CATHERINE PALMER

Jeremiah Maddox agreed to let university administrator Lara Crane house international students in his guest cottage. But he never expected to host a married couple with three children--or babysit the family's infant at Christmastime. And what he least expected was to fall for the woman responsible for turning his life upside down!

Christmas, Don't Be Late by Jillian Hart

A misunderstanding caused millionaire Colton Nichols to be taken for Santa Claus by Amanda Richards's son. And the letter Jeremy sent broke his heart--Jeremy asked only that his sick sister be well and his mom's heart not be sad. Colton found himself praying for just that--and wishing this family were his own.

Review: This book is two novellas, both very different but both centering around Christian values and family. I'm very impressed with the writers for the Steeple Hill/Love Inspired line. They bring faith into fiction without shoving any religion down your throat. That is very refreshing.

The first story Unto Us A Child is very sweet. It is about an international student and his family and the man who takes them in. Oh and the love interest is the woman that runs the program. They all learn things from each other. But most of all two people that had really bad trust issues come together. (Lara had a bad 6 year engagement and Jeremiah had a bad marriage)

The things that happen with the international student and his wife and children will make you laugh out loud, especially his baby Tobias. This was truly a sweet holiday story.

Christmas, Don't Be Late may make you think of chipmunks, but the story itself will bring tears to your eyes. Amanda's youngest child has cancer and her health is declining, she's short on money, faith and just about everythign else. Through a broken down vehicle she meets her new neighbor Colt who is a millionaire.

Sure their love is a bit cliche, but Colt is the perfect Knight in Shining Armor, who swoops in and makes everything right. This is what we all want. And you cheer him on the whole time. You also find yourself praying for Jessie, in hopes that something will send her cancer into remission for awhile.

This was a heartwrenching read, but a beautiful one as well.

Rating: 4 flowers

Book Review: A Promise For Ellie

2011-12-28T22:27:00.005-05:00

Author: Lauraine Snelling
Title: A Promise For Ellie
Publisher: Bethany House
Publish Date: August 1, 2006
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Ellie Wold can't wait to graduate from high school. She and Andrew Bjorklund have been waiting to get married since...well, since forever, and in June they will finally wed. When Andrew announces they have to postpone the wedding, she's disappointed but takes it in stride--there must be a good reason, or Andrew's pa wouldn't ask it of them.

But Andrew is angry and can't understand why Ellie isn't upset too, especially when they'd been planning to "marry up" ever since they were in grade school. Disgruntled, he works out his frustration in stubborn determination to finish building their barn and mail-order house, working himself to exhaustion. But just when the new house is nearly finished, an unthinkable tragedy occurs. Throwing aside the vow he made to Ellie, Andrew seeks revenge...

As their plans unravel, it looks as if their love may not survive.

Is this the end of their dream?

Review: A Promise For Ellie is the first book in Lauraine Snelling's Daughters of Blessing series. Blessing is a small town in North Dakota where many of Snellings books take place. They also revolve around members of the Bjorkland family. This story takes place in 1900 and its main characters are Ellie Wold and Andrew Bjorkland.

These two have planned to marry since they were kids. From the beginning you can see that they are good for each other. Ellie is a stabling influence on Andrew who has a tendency to be a bit hotheaded. (Something that will get him into a lot of trouble later on)

I really loved Ellie. She was very sweet and hardworking. She loved both her family and Andrew's. Snelling makes that easy because all of her characters are so wonderfully written and enjoyable to read about.
I was surprised at the fact that Ellie's feelings of desire were written. This is a Christian Historical. Most books in this genre skip over physical love, but in this story Ellie feels the first stirrings of desire and to me that made things so much more realistic from that standpoint.

What I found harder to believe was how easy Andrew got off when he got into a fight with Toby Vanders and nearly killed him. I know the laws were different then, but he could have killed a man, and well, that part of the story didn't sit well with me.

This was my first book by Lauraine Snelling, and it made a good impression on me. I definitely want to try some of the other books in this series and her other series.

Rating: 4 flowers

Book Review: The Christmas Countess

2011-12-26T19:39:00.000-05:00

Author: Adrienne Basso
Title: The Christmas Countess
Publisher: Zebra
Publish Date: Oct 1, 2008
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Rebecca Tremaine’s family told her that her baby was stillborn, and that it was for the best, since her fiancé had tragically died. While going through her recently deceased father’s papers, Rebecca discovers that her daughter lived and was given to Cameron Sinclair, the Earl of Hampton, and his wife. When Rebecca insists on meeting with her daughter, Cameron reluctantly invites her to spend the holidays with his family, never expecting that she could help him forget the loss of his wife. Love, family, and the magic of the holiday season bring two different couples together in Basso’s latest richly emotional and elegantly written Victorian historical romance.

Review: This was an interesting plot for a Christmas romance. Usually these are light fluffy reads, and though there is still some holiday fluff, there is also the heartbreak of Rebecca finding out the child she believed born stillborn, was given away without her consent at childbirth.

That's pretty deep for a romance and it really doesn't seem plausible that the actions of characters in this book could have happened, but then again, the things that happened in the film Titanic probably couldn't have happened either and everyone and their grandmother loved that film. (Except me).

In the case of this book, I actually enjoyed it. However, I enjoyed the subplot best of all. There are actually two romances going on in this book. Rebecca and the Earl and Daniel and the Earl's sister Charlotte. For some reason I loved Daniel and Charlotte best of all. I think it was because Daniel fell in love with her inspite of her infirmity (which is one leg shorter than the other). The scenes between those two were so much more romantic.

Rebecca and Cameron had too many inner struggles to make their romance easy to take. For one, Lily, was the child born of her love for her fiancee who happened to die before they married, so that allows you to believe that though she's a free thinking woman, she's also free with her favors, and that doesn't quite sit right with a woman who is a vicar's daughter. She is also very prim and proper in a lot of her doings with Lily.

Overall both romances worked for me in the long haul. I was happy that everyone was matched up in the end. I only wish that in the epilogue there could have been something to show readers how Daniel and Charlotte were doing.

Rating: 4 flowers

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

Now that most of the craziness is behind us, even Santa should be able to sit down and catch up on his reading. That's what I'm going to be doing as soon as dinner is done..that and watch Doctor Who and The Tudors!!

What books are you going to dive into on the last week of the year?

Book Review: Santa Clawed

2011-12-22T12:23:00.000-05:00

Author: Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown
Title: Santa Clawed
Publisher: Bantam
Publish Date: Nov 24, 2009
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: As Harry well knows, there’s hardly a place on earth cozier than Crozet, Virginia, at Christmastime. Snowflakes, carolers, it’s all picture-perfect until Harry and her husband, Fair, find the tree they’ve chosen grimly decorated with a corpse. The tree farm is run by the Brothers of Love, a semimonastic organization whose members live atop the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Now, as the season grows merrier, a murderer is growing bolder. One by one, prominent men of Crozet are being crossed off Christmas shopping lists and added to the morgue. And if Harry and her four-legged helpers aren’t very good–and very careful–this Christmas will be her last.

Review: Santa Clawed is one of the most fun cozy mysteries I've read this holiday season. Harry and her brood of helpful animal sleuths are fabulous. I love Mrs. Murphy, Pewter and Tucker. These furrballs are some of the most well written animals in fiction.

The mystery involves the murder of two monks from the Brothers Of Love and a prominent doctor. There's a lot more to the Brothers Of Love organization than just spiritual life too, and that's what brings about many of the twists and turns in the story. Most of the monks have a criminal past or something scandalous that they are repenting for.

Harry discovers the first body in the Christmas tree she wants to buy at the lot run by the Brothers, but it isn't until much later when her animals find a large sum of money that she really gets drawn into the thick of it and lands her in the ER.

The whodunit wasn't quite what I expected but as I think about it now, it should have been a little more obvious to me, but hey, you shouldn't be able to pick out the killer easily!

This is the first book from this series that I've read, and I look forward to hunting down some of the others!

Rating: 4 flowers

Cover Reveal: Tiffany Truitt - The Chosen Ones

2011-12-22T00:07:00.000-05:00

Isn't this one of the most beautiful covers you've ever seen?

I really want to read the book now!! Its part of a new dystopian series and should be out in April. Here's a blurb from Tiffany's blog about the book.

Tiffany Truitt’s CHOSEN ONES, in which a condemned seventeen-year-old Natural forced to serve penance at the Council of Creator’s training and breeding facility falls into forbidden love with a flawed, artificially-bred Chosen One, forcing both to question what it means to be created — or human — and how they can stop those who would play God with humanity

Year End Wrap Up To Do List

2011-12-21T23:49:00.000-05:00

1. Make sure all my reviews are linked in the Review post for 2011.

2. Update all my challenge posts.

3. Cross post any needed reviews to Goodreads.

4. Update the sidebars and header links.

Going into 2012, I'm going to be more careful with challenges and tours that I sign up for. I'm not going to go challenge crazy like I did this year. I think out of the 9 challenges, I'll have completed only 3 of them. I've even failed to read as much as I did last year, though there has been a lot going on in my life that has prevented me from reading as much as I'd like.

I may change some of my tags to include genre, but I'm not sure yet.

What changes would you like to see on this blog?

Book Review: Chocolate Dipped Death

2011-12-20T20:18:00.000-05:00

Author: Sammi Carter
Title: Chocolate Dipped Death
Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: March 7, 2006
Buy: Amazon

Book Blurb: When poisoned bon-bons end the life of a town trouble-maker, candy shop owner Abby Shaw finds herself trapped in an extremely sticky situation.

Review: This is the 2nd book in the Candy Store Mysteries series. It is a fabulous cozy mystery. It has everything you've come to expect from this kind of book; a spunky heroine, a boyfriend in some area of law enforcement, an absolutely adorable pet, a shop of some sort and a dead body. (You mustn't forget the dead body!!)

What I loved about Abby is that she has a little of what readers love about Stephanie Plum, but she's not quite the Hot Mess, that Steph is. She has problems in her life; her family, trying to run a candy shop etc, dead bodies, but things don't blow up around her...well at least cars don't.

The mystery involves the murder of the town bad girl/trouble maker who has returned for a candy making contest at Abby's shop, Divinity. To say Savannah is disliked is an understatement, so when Abby finds her dead, there are a lot of suspects. Savannah was pretty much a nasty thing to everyone in Paradise, Colorado, when she was in high school. Oh and these people know how to hold grudges too! That makes it harder to figure out "whodunit."

I found Sammi's writing to be really great and I breezed through this book and now I'm longing to find the rest of the series, because I really enjoyed the characters and want to get to know them better. I also want to see how Abby's relationship with Jawarski develops over the next few books.

There were a few things that didn't quite sit right with me at the end...uh, you can't reach the PD? I'm sure there's a thing called 911 in Colorado, even in a small town. There were a few other things too, but nothing detracted me from the story.

Definitely a good afternoon read!

Rating: 5 flowers

Book Review: Dangerous Lord, Innocent Governess

2011-12-20T11:35:00.000-05:00

Author: Christine Merrill
Title: Dangerous Lord, Innocent Governess
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Publish Date: June 21, 2011
Review Copy Proved By: Net Galley
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Daphne Collingham is convinced that her beloved cousin died at the hands of her husband, Timothy, Lord Colton, so decides to masquerade as a governess in his home to discover the truth. What Daphne hasn’t bargained on is how the brooding Lord will make her feel under his dark gaze… Lord Colton is suspicious of the alluring new governess – and with the scandal surrounding him he must control his passion.
But a man has his limits, and the delectable Miss Collingham is pure temptation…

Review: When I first started reading this book, it felt like something I had already read, but I kept plugging on, because I really wanted to learn what really happened to Lord Colton's first wife, Clare.

This book is definitely more gothic than most historicals that Harlequin puts out. The mystery around Lady Colton's character really takes center stage and makes Lord Colton seem villanous even though you know that he's not a killer. After all, it wouldn't be a romance novel if the hero killed his first wife.

The author did a good job at making him come across as more than a little dark and brooding. I would have loved to have known more about the reasons for the voices in his head, that disappeared a bit too quickly for my liking. It was probably one of only two things that really bugged me about this story.

The other thing that bothered me a bit was Lady Colton. We were told a lot about her from Tim's side, but there wasn't a lot mentioned of why she was really such an influence on Daphne. It would have made the story a bit more rounded had we had a way of really seeing her.

Daphne's turn around from a spoiled girl to a woman in love worked well for me. She didn't have her fall instantly for the children, which was good, considering she professed to not really know how to deal with them, least of all as a governess.

This is a great historical with a touch of mystery for those that like the gothic style, plus it has some spice for those of us that like some action in the bedroom in our books. Definitely a good read for a cold winter's night.

Rating: 5 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: The Chicktionary

2011-12-19T07:51:00.002-05:00

Author: Anna Lefler
Title: The Chicktionary: From A-line to Z-snap, the words every woman should know
Publisher: Adams Media
Publish Date: Nov 18, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: The publisher and TLC Book Tours
Book Blurb: You're all over the definitions of "low lights," "ruching," and a "tankini." But can you spot a "Mrs. Potato Head" when you see one?

That's where this book comes in. With the help of Anna Lefler and her collection of 450+ must-know words and phrases, you'll be in the know when faced with terms like:

Aberzombie: Derived from the name of the popular clothing stores, Aberzombie refers to any of nation of plaid shirt-and-tank-top-wearing undead that can be seen staggering through the food courts of malls across America.

Bandeau: From the French word meaning "there's no way that's staying up," this is a type of woman's top that consists of a strip of fabric encircling the chest at breast level and remaining aloft through snugness and prayers.
George Glass: Originally invented by Jan on The Brady Bunch after "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" won yet another boy's heart, "George Glass" is now the generic term for an imaginary boyfriend. It is most often invoked in an effort to hide the fact that you are single or currently sleeping with someone else's husband.

So whether you are dealing with a Residual Girlfriend, diagnose yourself with a bad case of Basset Knees, or need to go on a Briet, you'll be prepared for all that comes your way. At the very least, this book will serve as a delightful reminder that everyone has a skeleton in her closet--right next to her fat pants.

Review: Keep this book around at all times. It isn't necessary to read it through like a novel. Why? Because its really a dictionary....but of "girlie" terms, you know like Hipsters (underwear) to "Not So Fresh Feeling" (We don't need to define this for you, right?)
If you need a pick me up, just open to any page and read for a bit. Its a guarantee that in a few minutes you'll be laughing and smiling.

Its also a given that you'll know many of the words Anna defines in this book. Of course you may not know everything about those words. So crack the book and be prepared to laugh for hours on end.

I actually read most of this when my father was in the hospital near Thanksgiving, and let me tell you, it helped me keep a smile on my face. Plus I learned a few things. ~ wink wink ~

Oh and the book also has some fun facts that we all will be nodding our heads over. Case in point

If you've been waiting impatiently for a package to arrive, slip into your rattiest t-shirt, liberally apply the facial mask of your choice, then sit back and wait. Your doorbell will ring.

This book is definitely the best $12.00 a girl can spend.

Rating: 5 flowers

About Anna Lefler

Anna Lefler is an award-winning writer and humorist whose work has appeared online at McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The Big Jewel, Funny Not Slutty, and My Pheme, among others, while her essays on modern motherhood have been nationally syndicated. She is the author of the comic novel ACT BUSY and recently completed her second, DOING TIME IN THE GARDEN OF HAPPINESS.

Anna has performed standup comedy in Los Angeles clubs including the Hollywood Improv, the Comedy Store, Room 5 Lounge, and M Bar. She has presented her humorous essays at Women Who Write in Los Angeles and has appeared in the “Listen to Your Mother” show in the Los Angeles cast of its national program. Anna’s fiction has been presented onstage by WordTheatre Los Angeles.

Anna writes a popular humor blog called Life Just Keeps Getting Weirder, where she ponders what a Jedi smells like and wonders why more men don’t wear urban sport kilts. She has twice been asked to speak on the topic of comedy-writing at BlogHer, the world’s largest conference for women in social media.

She lives in Santa Monica, California with her husband, their son and daughter, and some judgmental dogs.

Connect with Anna on her website and her blog, Life Just Keeps Getting Weirder.

Anna Lefler’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, November 14th: Life in Review

Tuesday, November 15th: Amused by Books

Thursday, November 17th: Reviews from the Heart

Friday, November 18th: Chick Lit Reviews

Monday, November 21st: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer – author Q&A

Wednesday, November 23rd: The Betty and Boo Chronicles

Friday, November 25th: Melody & Words

Monday, November 28th: Silver and Grace

Thursday, December 1st: Chick Lit is Not Dead

Friday, December 2nd: Overstuffed

Monday, December 5th: Silver and Grace – author guest post

Monday, December 5th: A Musing Reviews

Tuesday, December 6th: Peeking Between the Pages

Wednesday, December 7th: Peeking Between the Pages - author guest post

Thursday, December 8th: Sara’s Organized Chaos

Monday, December 12th: Write Meg!

Tuesday, December 13th: Suko’s Notebook

Wednesday, December 14th: She is Too Fond of Books - Spotlight on Bookstores

Thursday, December 15th: Life… with Books

Friday, December 16th: Colloquium - author guest post

Monday, December 19th: A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, December 20th: 2 Kids and Tired

2012 Historical Romance Challenge

2011-12-17T01:52:00.001-05:00

I'm trying to cut back on my challenges for 2012, but this one is a nice easy one!

Here are the rules from Romance Book Junkies

1. Please post the challenge button on your blog sidebar.
2. Sign up using the linky tool below. Please put your name and your blog name in the linky tool. (example: Danielle @ Romance Book Junkies)
3. The challenge is to read 12 Historical Romance novels in a year. Each month you will post your review using the linky tool in that months post. Your book can be a paranormal, fantasy, erotica etc. as long as it takes place in history and is a romance novel. If you have a question as to whether your book qualifies you can email me at romancebookjunkiesdanielle@yahoo.com. You can also use the same review for other challenges as long as its ok with the other blog.
4. Every month there will be a chance to win a bookmark made by Miss Bohemia similar to the ones pictured on her website here so go check them out.
5. At the very end of the challenge who ever has read their 12 books will be entered to win a grand prize.
6. All the giveaways will be international.
7. Be prepared to have some fun. :)

1. Manda Collins - How To Dance With A Duke (1/12/2012)
2. Wanda E. Brunstetter - Sarah's Choice (1/16/2012)

Book Review: Blackout At Christmas

2011-12-16T23:59:00.000-05:00

Author: Beth Cornelison, Sharron McClellan, Jennifer Morey
Title: Blackout At Christmas
Publisher: Silhouette Romantic Suspense
Publish Date: Nov 2009
Buy: Amazon

Book Blurb:

During a Christmas Eve blizzard in Seattle, three couples find themselves in a citywide blackout...

"Stranded with the Bridesmaid" by Beth Cornelison

When their car skids off the road, the best man and bridesmaid are snowbound. While struggling to stay warm, they spend long hours getting to know each other in the most intimate ways....

"Santa Under Cover" by Sharron McClellan

On a trip to see Santa at the mall, the lights go out and a child goes missing. To stay alive, this couple must outsmart the Christmas bandits holding them hostage.

"Kiss Me on Christmas" by Jennifer Morey

Stuck at a coffee shop during the blackout, a man and a woman must share a hotel room for the night. Will this pair of opposites discover what they've been missing?

Review: The three stories in this collection are all winners as far as holiday short stories go. I really loved the last one "Kiss Me On Christmas." The only problem I had with this set of stories is that only one of them really fit the imprint that they were published under.

There was absolutely no suspense in the first and last stories. Santa Under Cover was the only one that had suspense, thus it was a little light on the romance. A nice trade off, as these short stories had everyone jumping into bed mere hours after they met!

Stranded With The Bridesmaid was cute, though the plot was a little bit cliche. A bridesmaid and a groomsman stranded together...who would have thought they'd fall in love? This one could have been longer. There were things I really wanted to know about each character that were kind of left open, like who the Senator was that Zach worked for. (You get the impression that it might be his father but it is never told to you)

Santa Under Cover definitely had the suspense going on. A jewelry store robbery, a missing child and Christmas! Plus the hero is a hot guy in a Santa suit! What more can you ask for?

Kiss Me On Christmas is my favorite of the three. It centers around a coffee shop owner and guy who comes in with many many dates from an online dating service. The blizzard leaves them stranded and the resulting situation makes for a sweet and somewhat steamy read.

This isn't a perfect set of stories, but definitely a good holiday read!

Rating: 3 flowers

Book Review: Anna's Gift

2011-12-15T12:06:00.000-05:00

Author: Emma Miller
Title: Anna's Gift
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publish Date: Sept 2011
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: No one in Seven Poplars, Delaware, expects Anna Yoder ever to marry. Among her six pretty, petite sisters, big and plain Anna feels like a plow horse. But then Samuel Mast, the handsome widowed father she has secretly loved for years, asks if he can court her. Surely Anna has misheard—Samuel has his pick of lovely brides! She's convinced he seeks a wife only as a mother for his five children. Or could a man like Samuel actually have a very romantic reason for wanting Anna by his side forever?

Review: Anna's Gift is part of the Love Inspired mini-series Hannah's Daughters. It is a sweet love story between a widower and a younger Amish girl.

I've read a lot of Amish books this year and this one stands out among them, because it really was a simple love story. There was conflict but it was normal conflict that is experienced in day to day life whether you are Amish or an "Englischer."

Anna wasn't the typical romance novel heroine. She's fat. Yup, I said it, fat. Sturdy is what many of the characters called her. She considers herself to be very plain, but she has a heart of gold. She's forward thinking but not so much so that it would be considered bad in regards to her faith.

There's a lot of interaction between families in this story and a lot of problems between family members with jealousy and just regular life stuff. I'm glad Emma focused a lot of Samuel's children as well as Anna's grandmother who came to live with them from Ohio. Her grandmother, Lovina is a true character. She's a woman with early onset Alzheimer's and it really is a struggle to deal with her. Anna does well with her and grandma is wonderful with Samuel's youngest daughter Mae.

Watching this couple really start to fall in love, even when Anna had misgivings about letting him court her was a delight. You saw love in its purest form. This is definitely a must read for anyone that adores Amish fiction. I also look forward to reading Emma Miller's next book.

Rating: 5 flowers

Book Review: Becoming Marie Antoinette

2011-12-13T23:44:00.001-05:00

Author: Juliet Grey
Title: Becoming Marie Antoinette
Publisher: Ballentine Books
Publish Date: August 2011
Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb:

This enthralling confection of a novel, the first in a new trilogy, follows the transformation of a coddled Austrian archduchess into the reckless, powerful, beautiful queen Marie Antoinette.

Why must it be me? I wondered. When I am so clearly inadequate to my destiny?

Raised alongside her numerous brothers and sisters by the formidable empress of Austria, ten-year-old Maria Antonia knew that her idyllic existence would one day be sacrificed to her mother’s political ambitions. What she never anticipated was that the day in question would come so soon.

Before she can journey from sunlit picnics with her sisters in Vienna to the glitter, glamour, and gossip of Versailles, Antonia must change everything about herself in order to be accepted as dauphine of France and the wife of the awkward teenage boy who will one day be Louis XVI. Yet nothing can prepare her for the ingenuity and influence it will take to become queen.

Review: This is the second novel about Marie Antoinette that I've read this year. I have to say, of the two, I liked this one better, though it only focused on her young life, up until the time she became Queen of France. There will be 2 more books that will continue her life story.

This book really makes Marie human, rather than the flighty woman who says "let them eat cake." It is true that she wasn't a very intelligent girl, but she wasn't evil or really a bad queen. For the most part, she was a young girl who wanted things that young girls want, pretty clothes and shiny things! Plus you must understand, this girl was shipped off to become dauphine at 14!! She was Queen of France before she was 20 years old. It is no wonder she had the problems she had! She was just a child.

Juliet Grey does a wonderful job bringing Marie, Louis and Maria Theresa to life on the pages. Marie's mother is a formidable woman, who would probably make the Tiger Mom's of today pale in comparison.

There isn't much new to be said in this novel. There are countless books written about Marie Antoinette, so why read this one?

The reason is in the simplicity. This novel doesn't bog you down with lots of history. It is a novel, not a history book. It is a fun read, and a good introduction into the life of a queen that history will not forget. I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in this series.

Rating: 4 flowers

Bewitching Book Tours Book Review: Let Me In

2011-12-12T00:00:00.003-05:00

Author: Lauren Hawkeye
Title: Let Me In
Publisher: Spice Brief
Publish Date:December 2011
Review Copy Provided By: Bewitching Book Tours and the author
Book Blurb:Imogen hasn’t had sex with her husband, Ty, in over a year. She’s still as attracted to him as ever, but they’ve both been looking for something new to renew their desire for one another. Yet she never thought to find it at a friend’s wedding when another couple invites them to share their bed. Ty is obviously aroused by the idea and the thought of a ménage thrills Imogen to her core. Could this be the key to rekindling their passion…and can Imogen go through with it?

Review:Let Me In is the last Spice Brief in the Erotic Me series. I have to say that I really enjoyed all four stories, but I wish they could have been longer. I liked the characters, and in this one, I really liked Imogen. She's real! She's not the usual female you see in erotica. She's a real woman and she has real problems, one of them being her sexual relationship with her husband.

This is where I wish the story could have been longer. I wanted to know why things weren't right with them. It would have helped things along for me. But then again, there is only so much you can do in about 20 some pages, and Lauren does wrap things up nicely. Plus as always the sex is super spicy.

This story is definitely a must read to complete the series, though all four are stand alone shorts. Pick these up and read one before bedtime or devour them all. Just make sure you have something to cool you down by the bed for when you finish!

Book four of Lauren Hawkeye’s Erotic Me series.
Lauren Hawkeye is a writer, theatre enthusiast, knitting aficionado and animal lover who lives in the shadows of the great Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. She’s older than she looks—really—and younger than she feels—most of the time—and she loves to explore the journeys that take women through life in her stories.

http://www.laurenhawkeye.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Hawkeye/242742355752846"
http://twitter.com/#!/Lauren_Hawkeye

Crazy Book Tours Book Review: His Mistress By Christmas

2011-12-10T07:50:00.000-05:00

Author: Victoria Alexander
Title: His Mistress By Christmas
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: Oct 1, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Crazy Book Tours & the publisher
Book Blurb: For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been perfectly happy as a widow — and thoroughly independent. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the tedious restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him. Sebastian will come into his inheritance in a matter of weeks — if his family deems him responsible enough. There’s no better way to prove his maturity than with a home and a wife. But though the lovely Veronica will share his bed, she steadfastly refuses to marry. However, Sebastian has a plan. An intimate sojourn at his new country house will surely change Veronica’s mind. For Sebastian never takes no for an answer. And even in the midst of mischief-making relatives and unexpected complications, he intends to persuade his Christmas mistress that they belong together — in this, and every season to come...

Review: Holiday historical romances are my absolute favorite type of book. When it comes to historicals you can't go wrong with Victoria Alexander either. Her characters are so wonderfully refreshing and colorful.

The story is one we've seen a variations of before, but that doesn't make it any less entertaining. Veronica and Sebastion are wonderful characters. (I'm a sucker for a hero named Sebastion) I love the reversal of roles here. It is usually the man who would prefer to have a mistress. But Veronica and Sebastion aren't your conventional characters and neither are their friends and relatives.

Portia is Veronica's friend and Sebastion's cousin and her prim and proper ways are so, well prim and proper that it is laughable.

The story has a lot of really funny moments too and some fabulous dialogue. It is wonderful to read the exchanges between Sebastion and Veronica. These are two headstrong people that are used to getting what they want. It is a shame that what they want are polar opposites! That's what makes everything fun.

It is a fast paced read, which is unique for me, when it comes to historicals. The pacing is wonderful and everything moves along quickly. If you have a cold December afternoon that you want to spend with a book, this is the one to pick. It is definitely a must read for Christmas!

Rating: 5 flowers

Book Review: Never Have I Ever

2011-12-09T22:37:00.000-05:00

Author: Sara Shepard
Title: Never Have I Ever
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: Aug 1, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: My perfect life was a lie.

Now I’d do anything to uncover the truth.

Not long ago, I had everything a girl could wish for: amazing friends, an adorable boyfriend, a loving family. But none of them know that I’m gone—that I’m dead. To solve my murder, my long-lost twin sister, Emma, has taken my place. She sleeps in my room, wears my clothes, and calls my parents Mom and Dad.

And my killer is watching her every move.

I remember little from my life, just flashes and flickers, so all I can do is follow along as Emma tries to solve the mystery of my disappearance. But the deeper she digs, the more suspects she uncovers. It turns out my friends and I played a lot of games—games that ruined people’s lives. Anyone could want revenge . . . anyone could want me—and now Emma—dead.

Review: The Lying Game was an absolutely fun read. Never Have I Ever picks up where that book leaves off and pulls you in, and once you are in, you don't want to leave.

These books are like candy and Red Bull. Stuff you know that's bad for you, but ooo its so good.

In Never Have I Ever the plot thickens as Emma tries to find her twin's (Sutton's) killer. Sara lets us see some of the events that lead up to the day Sutton was killed through memory flashbacks from the dead girl.

The book moves along really quickly and it is a short read at only around 200 pages. In this story Shepard helps cross a few suspects off the list of people that might have killed Sutton, and there are a lot of people that have motive to do it. Sutton was not a very nice girl.

We see some of the more dangerous things Sutton has done from shoplifting to a really scary prank that could have gotten the whole Lying Game clique killed.

Since this is the second book in the series, we can assume we aren't going to figure out "whodunit" yet, though there are times when you feel like Gabi and Lilli could have been the ones. Shepard also leaves us with a nice cliffhanger ending that will have you wishing book 3 would be out sooner.

This is fluff reading for sure, but it is really fun, especially if you liked the Pretty Little Liars series.

Rating: 4 flowers

Laura Kaye's Giveaway Winner

2011-12-09T20:37:00.002-05:00

christinebails@yahoo.com is the winner of the trading cards for the Kiss and Tell tour.

I forwarded your info on to Laura, so keep watch for an email from her shortly!

Congrats!

Book Review: North Of Need

2011-12-08T23:49:00.000-05:00

Author: Laura Kaye
Title: North Of Need
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publish Date: Nov 1, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Bewitching Book Tours & the author
Book Blurb: Her tears called a powerful snow god to life, but only her love can grant the humanity he craves...

Desperate to escape agonizing memories of Christmas past, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband, realizing too late that she's recreated the very thing she'll never have.

Called to life by Megan's tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.

Megan is drawn to Owen's mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things. But this Christmas miracle comes with an expiration--before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow's grief and learn to trust love again, or she'll lose Owen forever.

Review: First things first, the cover of this book is glorious! I want to put an order in for the model! And I don't usually like muscled up guys. The story is just as awesome as the cover.

Laura Kaye has really created a unique series here. I love the blend of Mythology and erotic storytelling. The sex is super hot, but the plot never gets lost. There's a lot more than sex going on here too, and that's why this book gets props from me. There's romance and there's real emotion. You can really feel for Megan and her loss.

I've said it before I seldom like stories about second chances at love, but this one is a book not to be missed. Laura Kaye writes beautifully. Her sex scenes will steam up any room and they are tastefully written.

I love erotica, but I hate the language that goes with it.

That's why I adore this book.

Oh and Owen? He's the kind of God we all wish would come into our lives. He's sweet, sexy and hot hot erm....cold! Who'd have thought a God of Winter could be so HOT! erm COLD!

I loved that this book had an almost holiday theme too. It is perfect for this time of year and a definite must read.

Rating: 5 flowers

Book Review: An O'Brien Family Christmas

2011-12-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

Author: Sherryl Woods
Title: An O'Brien Family Christmas
Published: Sept 27, 2011
Publisher: Mira
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: Dating Matthew O'Brien—a playboy and a younger man—cost Laila Riley her career and her parents' respect. A high price, even for love—and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew's objections.

But the O'Brien family has other ideas, and they conspire to get Laila to join them on a Dublin holiday. It's a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about the trip. Matthew's bound to be there, and she's far from immune. What if she can't resist temptation?

Meanwhile, the O'Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell's unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?

Review: The Chesapeake Shores series is one of my very favorites. Sherryl Woods introduces you to the fabulous O'Brien clan. Each book is fine as a stand alone novel, but it is nice to have read some of the others, so that the family history is in your mind. If you haven't read any of them, that won't make much difference, after a few pages, the O'Brien's will feel like your family.

This story focuses on Laila and Matthew O'Brien as well as grandma Nell and Dillon O'Malley. There are always a few stories going on in each novel, but this one sticks to two.

I absolutely adored Matthew. He was is one of the few heros that knows what he wants from the get go, and that is Laila. Laila is a little bit harder to like, because she's so stubborn, and that stubbornness sometimes makes her act stupidly, or rather, rashly, giving up things she really wants.

The other love story is between grandma Nell and her ex beau, Dillon. The O'Malley clan is just as fun as the O'Brien's, and it wonderful to see love blossom for the couple that are in their twilight years, and how that love affects the feelings of the family. Mick's reaction to his mom's taking up with Dillon is priceless! Can you say, overprotective much?

You really come away from this book feeling good about life and the holiday. It is full of warm fuzzy feelings. Plus it reminds us all that family is so very important. Definitely a must read holiday novel!

Rating: 5 flowers

Kiss & Tell Promo Tour: Stacey Kennedy - A Deadly Whisper

2011-12-06T00:00:00.001-05:00

Will destiny be enough to break her free of a lifetime of secrets?

Knox, the Seeker, has waited two hundred years for his Watcher and now he’s found her. Paxtyn, however, is unwilling to join him. The more he tries to prove himself to her, the more she pushes him away.
Paxtyn has spent a lifetime keeping her secret hidden from the world, but now, she must confront these deadly visions head on. When a string of murders brings her into New Orleans, she must come to terms with her personal demons and use her gift to communicate with spirits to discover who has ended their lives.
*WARNING: Explicit sex between a sassy Watcher and a sexy Seeker, and a ceremony that will certainly raise eyebrows!
BUY LINK
Teaser:
There was nothing odd about the woman in her late twenties. Her look was exactly what you’d expect in downtown Cincinnati—chic. She wore clothing that looked more like something off the runways in New York than from around here—her high stilettos were fantastically
matched with her cute rose cocktail dress. The black lace shawl wrapped around her shoulders indicated it was chilly, but being that it was June, Paxtyn knew it was more for show than anything else.
And she could appreciate the look. But at the same time, she wished the woman had decided on different footwear. Then, those fantastic heels wouldn’t be about to go to waste.
Paxtyn’s hands closed around the chair as she prepared herself for what she was about to see. Her visions of the past always came the same.
She knew what the outcome would be and it wouldn’t be a good one.
Normally, watching the moment a life was lost was hard for her, but tonight, it was more than that, it was gut-wrenching. The woman looked so much like her—athletic. Even her shoulder-length curly hair was the same, except were hers was jet black; Paxtyn’s was strawberry blonde. But the one thing this woman didn’t have was Paxtyn’s turquoise
eyes.
How many times had she heard “you have the most beautiful eyes”?
The line had run its course and she was sick to death of hearing it. The woman stopped at the curb, digging into her last season’s Gucci handbag and pulled out a cell phone as the street light beamed down. A smile grazed her face as she apparently received a text of interest. She raised her head, looking quickly, waiting for a moment to cross. When the cars cleared, she stepped off the curb, not bothering to look up as she continued to dawdle on her cell phone.
Paxtyn wanted to stand up from her chair, yell to this woman to stop, bang on the window for her to not move, but it was pointless. There was nothing she could do for her.
Within three steps, the life of this woman was forever changed.
A loud screech of the car’s tires, followed by a terrified scream, then the woman was about to discover those Christian Louboutin heels were going to be the only thing left of her.
She really didn’t have a chance. The car was going too fast for her to survive.
The moment the wheels locked, the woman’s ghost stood next to her broken body, shocked, scared and confused. The man who’d hit her jumped out of the car and, when he saw her body, smiled gloriously.
Paxtyn shuddered. Who smiled at such a thing?
Dying wasn’t how everyone thought it was. There wasn’t a flash of golden light with the soul drifting off to heaven. Most times, the spirit stayed, lingered. Couldn’t comprehend what had happened to them. And Paxtyn had witnessed moments of the past just like this a thousand times over.
“Earth to Pax,” Tate said loudly, snapping his fingers, completely unaware of the horror Paxtyn had just seen.
She glanced away from the window, but before she met his gaze, she did what she always did, found the smile to hide it all. “Sorry.” She laughed, but even to her it sounded shaky. The name was Paxtyn really, but Tate opted for the shorter form and she never minded.
“If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you were a nut,” Tate said.
She laughed in agreement. He was right, if he did know her better, he’d believe such a thing. But he probably knew her the best out of anyone. Brought together at a welcoming party in their early days at the University of Cincinnati, they’d immediately hit it off.
A guy like Tate wasn’t to be passed over, and she hadn’t hesitated to try to snatch him up. It wasn’t his all-star bod, or his captivating baby blues, even those luscious lips that presently smiled at her that first caught her eye. It was his kind heart and loyalty. He was about as damn solid of a guy as she’d ever met.
They’d gone a round of it once after a blasted drunken night at a sorority shindig, but the next day, they’d woke up in bed, naked, and laughed. That was the end to anything romantic between them.
But what they had was better. Stronger. She could count on Tate for just about anything and there was no one else in the world who loved her more. Now, their relationship had blossomed into something found between a brother and sister. That was Tate, her protector.
Who just so happened to give her ear a flick. “Fuck, girl! Maybe you shouldn’t drink anymore.”
“I’m fine,” she said, grimacing from the throb of her ear lobe and shot him a look. It usually didn’t take this long to snap out of one of her horror moments.
She took a big gulp to drink away the sight of what she’d witnessed and kept drinking till the buzz settled in. Wasn’t ever a gift to see such horrible things, but one she saw often. Mom and Pa, back in Wyoming, had spent thousands on her as a child on testing and treatments to find out what was wrong with her. Why, as a child, she’d say that she was watching people die. She still couldn’t imagine what was going through their heads, knowing their child had this disability. But by the time she reached twelve, she realized it was best to keep her mouth shut. It ended the doctor appointments and saved her from being medicated or institutionalized.
Now, it was just something she lived with—suffered through. So, she put on her normal face and glanced around the pub. The crowd tonight was loud, as was the band blasting out the soft rock beats.
The O’Bryons Irish Pub had been their life while they’d bunkered down at University, and she guessed it had stuck with them, because they still came here every Friday night. Of course, it had only been two years since they’d completed their degrees so they really hadn’t had much time to grow and move on.
Tate, with his BS in Criminal Justice, had found a job right out of college with the Cincinnati Police Department. Paxtyn had majored in Business. Basically, because she liked the idea of being locked in an office where she could stare at blank walls and not have to look out windows or be anywhere she might have a vision.
When she’d seen the ad for Financial Specialist at the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, she’d jumped on it and, with some luck, she’d actually gotten it. Now, she spent her days glued to a computer, lost in numbers. As much as the job got to her, became a total bore, she couldn’t
really complain—it paid well.
Tate worked three times as hard as she did and his pay was nowhere in the numbers as hers.
“Looks like you have an admirer,” Tate said, drawing her back from her thoughts.
Paxtyn followed his gaze to see that she was in fact being watched, and the moment she met the man’s gaze she was locked in.
He sat off to the far side of the bar with a glass of brandy in front of him. He was older than the others in the pub, but it didn’t make him look out of place—it made him look distinguished. He wore a black dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves with the front unbuttoned showing a bit of smooth chest. His finger slowly rimmed the edge of the glass as his gaze was glued with hers. And those eyes were mesmerizing. Grey with a dark-steeled edge to them. But that seemed to be his thing.
He was all edge—hard and extreme. His features were made up of straight lines, including the squared jaw, high predominant cheek bones, perfectly shaped lips and even his mocha hair was buzzed with a hard look.
Tate knocked Paxtyn’s arm a good one. “Drool much.”
“Over him?” She nodded toward the hunk. “Doubt it.”
“Sure you weren’t.”
~*~

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband.
Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, Facebook and Twitter, she loves to hear from her readers.

Kiss & Tell Promo Tour: Laura Kaye - North Of Need w/Giveaway

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

About North of Need:

Her tears called a powerful snow god to life, but only her love can grant the humanity he craves...

Desperate to escape agonizing memories of Christmas past, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband, realizing too late that she's recreated the very thing she'll never have.

Called to life by Megan's tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.

Megan is drawn to Owen's mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things. But this Christmas miracle comes with an expiration--before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow's grief and learn to trust love again, or she'll lose Owen forever.

EXCERPT FROM NORTH OF NEED, BY LAURA KAYE:

His flaring eyes stole Megan’s breath. Already, the air around them sizzled. Something was happening.

Did she trust him?

“Yes,” she heard herself say. Her answer was instinctual. She didn’t need to think about it to know.

His heated, brilliant smile eased the nervous energy rushing through her veins. This day with him at Wisp had been unequivocally the best she’d had in two years. She had loved every minute of it.

Her body felt awake and powerful. Her heart, full and warm. She was alive. He’d brought her back to life.

“I want to share myself with you, Megan. I want to share everything,” he whispered, his voice nearly that same reverent intonation as when he’d murmured those foreign words against her heart.

“Yes,” she said again.

“It’s going to feel odd to you, like a tingling weightlessness. But it won’t hurt and I’ll bring you back the very instant you desire. If you want to say something to me, just think it. And I promise I won’t let you go.” He bent down and scooped a handful of snow, packed it into a loose ball.

Owen’s words did little to staunch the anxious excitement bubbling up inside her. Every nerve and muscle on edge, she could barely stand still. But she yearned to know what he wanted to show her. Something told her she was about to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “You lead, I’ll follow,” she said, echoing his earlier words.

The flare behind his eyes intensified. He dropped the snow into her bare palm. “Here, eat this, please.”

Megan brought the snow to her mouth with a shaking hand. The way he dragged his tongue back and forth against his bottom lip made what they were doing feel like foreplay. As soon as she’d closed her lips around the last bite, his mouth was on her, kissing, probing. Then, he pulled back, laced his hands around her neck and leaned his forehead against hers.

“Megan Snow, I love you.”

Megan gasped at his declaration. Her brain scrambled, tried to figure out how to respond.

Before she could, she ceased to be corporeal.

Owen! she screamed in her mind.

I’m here angel, and I’ve got you. Just feel. Take it all in.

I’m scared. Though she was no more than consciousness adrift, she would’ve sworn she felt his lips and hands caress her. The impossible sensation squelched the fear, left only a mystical thrill in its place.

I would never let anything happen to you, Megan. On my honor. On my life.

I believe you. What’s happening? The world glided under her, around her, like she was a bird soaring on the ebbs and flows of air currents.

We are the wind.

About Laura Kaye:

A multi-published author of paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance, Laura Kaye’s hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura is the author of the bestselling contemporary romance and award-nominated HEARTS IN DARKNESS and the bestselling and award-winning paranormal romance FOREVER FREED (NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011), as well as an erotic romance novella, JUST GOTTA SAY. Her fourth book, contemporary fantasy romance NORTH OF NEED, is the first in the 4-book Hearts of the Anemoi series. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Buy Laura's Books: Amazon | B&N | Books on Board

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

Giveaway Info: Laura is offering two ways to win on her Kiss and Tell Tour Posts, 11/28 - 12/6. 1) One commenter who leaves their email address on this post will win a full signed set of Laura's romance trading cards for all four of her books. 2) A tour-wide prize will also be chosen on Friday, December 9: Laura will draw three commenters from across all Kiss and Tell Tour Posts to win one of THREE $5 Amazon gift cards. The more Tour Posts you visit and comment on, the more you'll be entered to win! Commenters must leave email address. Both are open to international! Good luck!

Bewitching Book Tours Book Review: Another Chance

2011-12-02T19:28:00.001-05:00

Author: Michelle Beattie
Title: Another Chance
Publish Date: Nov 23, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Bewitching Book Tours and the author
Book Blurb: Being a veterinarian in the late 1800’s is difficult enough, but for Jillian Matthews it’s impossible. Not allowed in the vet schools, she trained at her father’s side until she had the skills needed to move west. Jillian accepts an advertisement for a position in Montana, using only her initials which happen to be same as her father’s. Convinced that in the untamed west, her skills will be valued and appreciated, regardless of her gender, she’s quickly proved wrong.

Wade Parker is sure the pretty redhead claiming to be the vet he sent for is one of his ranch hands’ practical jokes but the fiery woman very quickly puts him in his place and proves him wrong. His impression, however, turns south when the animal she operated on later dies. With a ranch on the verge of bankruptcy, losing an animal was the last thing he could afford and he can’t help thinking the old vet, the male doctor, wouldn’t have let his animal die.

With Wade’s initial reaction guiding them, the town is quick to want Jillian out. But the more Wade gets to know Jillian, the more he sees her grit and compassion, the harder he falls for her. When Wade realizes he was too hasty in his judgment and urges the town to give Jillian another chance, he makes more than few enemies. Enemies that would do almost anything to get her out, and to make sure Wade doesn’t take her side again.

Soon threats turn to violence and both Wade and Jillian must make a stand. The problem is, at what cost?

Review: I'm usually not a fan of western historical romances, but the strength of Jillian's character really made me rethink my feelings about this sub-genre. Jillian as the lead character and Silver as a secondary character were two women that knew their own minds. They did what they wanted even if it totally went against the thinking of the time.

It was easy for Jillian to endear herself to me. She is a true animal lover. When Whisker was killed, I cried. I hated the close minded men that wanted to run her out of town, yet I understood that this kind of thing would happen in that time period. A woman vet was something that simply didn't happen, because it was a "man's" job.

Even Wade, who was easy to love as a hero wasn't immune to that way of thinking, even though he did come around in the end, so that there would be a happily ever after. At times I almost felt sorry for him, because he felt his first wife didn't love him enough, because she wanted the fulfillment of a job. It was nice that when his eyes opened that he realized that he was loved fully both by his first wife Amy and Jillian.

The children in the book are absolutely adorable. Wade's daughter Annabelle is a total handful and Steven's son Jacob is a sweetie. It is hard to believe that such a sweet tempered child came from such a nasty man.

Michelle really created some great characters that you really connect with, whether good or bad in the story. I particularly loved Silver, who owns the saloon. I'm really hoping Michelle is planning to write her story soon.

If you love historical westerns, this is a book not to be missed!

Rating: 5 flowers

Bewitching Book Tours Guest Post & Book Excerpt: Michelle Beattie

2011-12-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

I'll start my diet in January - top ten list of holiday foods - guest blog by Michelle Beattie

Ah, the festive season, how I love thee! I inherited my sweet tooth from my dad's side of the family. In truth, while I do love turkey with the trimmings, I could live on desserts alone. Sure, after a while I crave the healthy stuff. But where I can get sick of turkey leftovers by day three, I NEVER tire of the desserts. So, my friends, here is my top-ten list of holiday foods (you'll notice they are mostly desserts!)
1) Turtles. I know you can get them year round but I seem to only eat them around Christmas and I LOVE them!

2) Popycock. My sister-in-law makes the best. The caramel or toffee is chewy. Add the pecans and popcorn….yum!

3) Cabbage rolls: I like the German version the best, the ones that have the meat, onion and rice inside and not just rice. Although, I will eat those too!

4) Rolo cookies. Again, my sister-in-law makes these best. A rolo inside the cookie, then she rolls the cookie in chopped nuts and then she drizzles chocolate over. Yeah, no calories there!

5) Stuffing. But I'm picky. My dad used to make one that was pork and beef, and really meaty. I'm not a fan of it just being hunks of breadcrumbs.

6) Butter tarts. I usually only make these at this time of year, so they are special.

7) Shortbread cookies. I make the whipped shortbread with a spot of jam in the middle.

8) Mandarin oranges. The first case you buy around mid-November, that really starts me getting in the spirit and feeling festive.

9) Broccoli and Wild Rice Casserole. This is a favorite but I usually make 3-4 around this time of year so by January I don't want to see it again until next Christmas!

10) And finally, the whole plate, heaping with more than I should have taken. Brown meat (I don't like white), mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, Caesar salad, dinner bun, stuffing. Oh, and no cranberries. I don't eat those either. Add a cold glass of white wine and Bon Appetit!

So, what's your favorite holiday food?

Excerpt Chapter One

Montana Territory, May 1879

"They're not going to get here in time."

Wade Parker ran a frustrated hand under his Stetson. What was taking so long? he wondered. He'd sent for the veterinarian almost an hour ago. Once he'd realized he'd had no other choice.

"They'll be here soon, son. But the way the rain's coming down, it'll slow down old Doc and Scott." James rested a calloused hand on Wade's shoulder. "Go check on the cow again, and I'll have a look outside."

Wade had been taught from a very young age that no matter how bad things ever got, there was always something to be thankful for. And right now, he was thankful for two things. One, for James. Not only had James been foreman of the Triple P for as long as Wade could remember, he was also a friend. A friend who, at times like these, was the rock Wade needed.

The other thing Wade was damn glad for was that Doc Fletcher's replacement hadn't arrived yet from Pennsylvania. Not that Wade hadn't helped chose his replacement and not that he wasn't satisfied of the new doc's qualifications, but with the lives of his animals at stake, he needed a familiar face tonight. One that he trusted. One that would get him through this latest crisis.

Because that was all Wade’s life had been since losing first his wife, then his father, a series of crises. He couldn’t afford, in the very real sense of the word, another.

Feeling much older than his twenty-eight years, Wade made his way to the stall. Behind him James' boots squished on the wet barn floor. Wade shook his head, disgusted not only with the decrepit state of his barn, but with the decrepit state of the whole ranch. If only his pa hadn't run them so far into debt. Wade braced his forearms on the stall and wished, not for the first time, that things could be different.

The animal's eyes were glazed with pain; her mooing was now raspy where a few short hours ago it had been loud and strong. Though she struggled to get up, she wasn't able to do more than lift her head. He cursed again, feeling an iron band of tension wrap around his shoulders.

Already in debt until he was practically drowning in it, he needed these animals to live. He'd already sold off a piece of his herd but he couldn't afford to sell them all. He needed enough to keep breeding, enough to keep selling. And if nothing else happened, maybe, just maybe, he'd start thinking about starting that horse ranch.

"They're here!" James yelled.

Relief poured through Wade. "Hang in there, girl. Help's on the way."

Wade ran to the door.

"Well," James said, pushing his hat further up his forehead. "This sure is an unexpected surprise."

"What's the problem?" Wade asked, stepping around James.

He stopped dead, felt his jaw slacken.

What greeted him in the yellow glow of the barn was not even remotely close to old Doc Fletcher, or the J. Matthews they'd hired to replace him. This wasn't the short, plump vet Wade had expected. Neither was he the tall, strapping man that Wade had pictured crossing a country to replace Doc Fletcher. Instead there stood a woman barely tall enough to reach Wade's shoulder.

She held her horse's reins in one gloved hand and saddle bags in the other. Though she didn't seem to notice, water streamed over the brim of her hat in a continuous flow. Her eyes never left his and the directness of that gaze stopped him momentarily. Wade turned to Scott. Scott Taylor, the only ranch hand Wade could afford besides James, shrugged.

"She was at Doc's place. Told me she could help," he explained.

"Doc's place?" Wade shook his head. That made no sense. If Doc wasn't at his place, then it should have been Dr. Matthews, as was the agreement made when they hired the new vet. He turned back to the woman.

Green eyes, a heart-shaped face. She was pretty, no question, but it wasn't pretty he needed at the moment. He glared at Scott then James. "This isn't the time for one of your practical jokes. We need a doctor now, dammit!"

He stepped out into the rain hoping, praying, Doc Fletcher was waiting around the corner with his bag in hand. Darkness and sheets of rain greeted Wade, but no Doc Fletcher.

The woman's voice cut through the rain like lightning. "Could you see that my horse is looked after?"

Wade spun round. She handed the reins to Scott then skirted past James, who stood wide eyed, and strode purposefully into the barn, saddle bags in hand.

"Wait just a minute!" Wade said as he loped behind her.

"What?" she asked, never once breaking stride.

"Where's Doc Fletcher?"

"He left town."

"Since when? He was still here last I heard."

"Apparently he didn't feel you needed to be apprised of his comings and goings," she said, slipping into the stall. She tossed her hat and dripping slicker onto the clean straw. A thick braid of auburn hair fell down her back.

Stunned, Wade could only watch as she opened her saddle bags, set a pristine white cloth onto the straw, and began placing shiny medical tools onto it.

None of what he was seeing made a lick of sense. "What are you doing?"

Her hands stilled, and her fiery green eyes snapped. "What I was sent for." She took her stethoscope, placed the hearing buds in her ears.

His gaze snapped right back. "I didn't fetch you, I fetched Doc Fletcher."

"No, you fetched the veterinarian."

"Exactly! So who the hell are you?"

Her braid had fallen over her shoulder and she tossed it over in frustration. "We don't have time for questions. Do you, or do not want your animal looked after?"

Not waiting for an answer, she shifted to her knees, skimmed her hands over the distended belly of the animal. He couldn't help it, his eyes roved over the woman. Her black belt cinched a tiny waist. Leaning over the way she was, it was only natural that he noticed the way her skirt draped over her trim backside.

He had no idea who she was. Her shoulders didn't look broad enough, nor did her hands appear strong enough to do what needed to be done. Why was she at Doc's? Why had she told Scott she could help? Granted, it did appear she knew what she was doing, yet his mind was telling him it was impossible. But, as she said, they didn't have the luxury of time. If Doc wasn't coming, she was his only hope.

His belly hitched. The band around his shoulders tightened threefold. Just when he thought things couldn't possibly get worse.

She placed the stethoscope to the cow's brown hide. The barn was silent as she worked, except for the constant patter of rain, both inside and outside.

"Is this her first time?" she asked when the cow tried once again to raise her head, then gave up with a low moan.

"It is," Wade answered.

"Calf must be too big for her." She fixed those green eyes on his again. "I'll need clean towels, warm water and all of you to help hold this cow down while I do the surgery."

Wade took a breath, nodded. Whether she knew what she was doing or not, she was here and she was all they had. He'd just have to trust that she could get his animal through this crisis alive.

"I'll get what you need," he answered, refusing to dwell on what ifs. He turned to James, who'd joined him at the stall. "Stay here in case she needs anything else."

Wade strode down the aisle, his pace increasing when the cow moaned again.

Scott, who was in the last stall tending the woman's horse, looked up as Wade approached. "You need me?"

"We will, just as soon as I get back."

"I'll be ready," Scott answered.

Wade ran for the house. His mother came running the moment he stepped inside. Worry filled her eyes.

"Did you lose them?"

"Not yet." Though with this unexpected turn of events, the possibility seemed more likely than ever.

Eileen Parker's shoulders fell. "Well, that's a blessing I'll take." Her hand shot up as he moved. "Don't you step off that rug with those muddy boots!"

"Ma, I'm in a hurry," Wade grumbled, though he placed his foot back onto the rug. "We need hot water and as many old rags or towels you can spare."

"I figured you might and I've had pots simmering on the stove. The rags are right there at your feet, I'll get the water from the kitchen."

About the Author:

Michelle Beattie has been writing for 16 years. Her first pirate novel was released in December 2008 under the title, What a Pirate Desires. Since then she added two more to her series, Romancing the Pirate and A Pirate's Possession.

Changing gears a bit, Michelle has decided to follow the growing trend of published authors independently publishing their own books. She released her first independent title, a contemporary light paranormal, Love By Accident, in October and is following it up with a historical western, Another Chance.

Her pirate books have received wonderful praise from publisher's weekly, Romantic Times and several on-line review sites as well as have been published in several languages. Love By Accident hit #14 in ghosts on Amazon's site on its release day.

Michelle lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband, two daughters and a rabbit.

twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/M_Beattie
facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Beattie-Romance-Author/100613946697175
website:  http://www.michellebeattie.com/

Kiss & Tell Promo Tour: Karen McCullough - Magic, Murder & Microcircuits

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Info for Karen McCullough

Promoting MAGIC, MURDER and MICROCIRCUITS

Cover Image:

Blurb:

A powerful wizard with a physics degree and a checkered past invents a shield to ensure he'll never again be tortured almost to death…

The wizarding powers-that-be fear the repercussions of such a device and send his former girlfriend, an accomplished wizard herself, to retrieve the device or destroy it…

When the shield is stolen by the magical mafia, Ilene McConnell and Michael Morgan have to set aside their differences and work together to recover it. Michael claims he needs the device as insurance against the kind of injury and injustice he suffered once before. Ilene maintains its potential to upset the delicate balance of power makes it too dangerous and that it needs to be destroyed. But none of that will matter if they can’t retrieve it before a ruthless, powerful wizard learns how to use it for his own ends.

Buy links for MAGIC, MURDER AND MICROCIRCUITS:

Amazon Kindle Edition:
http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Murder-and-Microcircuits-ebook/dp/B0060Y5IQ6/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319925543&sr=1-6

Nook Edition:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1035815244?ean=2940013212879&itm=3&usri=karen+mccullough

Order from Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/100257

Author bio:

Karen McCullough is the author of ten published novels in the mystery, romantic suspense, and fantasy genres and has won numerous awards, including an Eppie Award for fantasy. She’s also been a four-time Eppie finalist, and a finalist in the Prism, Dream Realm, Rising Star, Lories, Scarlett Letter, and Vixen Awards contests. Her short fiction has appeared in several anthologies and numerous small press publications in the fantasy, science fiction, and romance genres. Her most recent releases are MAGIC, MURDER AND MICROCIRCUITS, a paranormal romantic suspense now available in most electronic formats, A GIFT FOR MURDER, published in hardcover by Five Star/Gale Group Mysteries, and the re-released ebook of A QUESTION OF FIRE. She invites visitors to check out her home on the web at http://www.kmccullough.com and her site for the Market Center Mysteries series, http://www.marketcentermysteries.com

Web links:

Website: http://www.kmccullough.com
Blog: http://www.kmccullough.com/kblog

Author (substitute) picture:

Excerpt #1
**************************************

Chapter 1

Ilene smelled magic as she drove onto the bridge—a combination that included scents of sandalwood and nutmeg plus a sharper tinge of ozone. Michael’s magic. The aroma roused a trail of memories and evoked the same visceral reaction now that it had twelve years ago. Her pulse sped up and her stomach twisted with longing. Stupid, stupid. She was over him. Had been for years.
She sniffed again, more deeply, as a subtle wrong note in the smell penetrated her awareness. A fainter aroma of burnt coffee grounds mingled in. That wasn’t Michael’s magic, but there shouldn’t be another wizard on the island.
She glanced up through the windshield. Hazy, yellow-orange streaks of warding floated above. Michael’s scrying system. Could it identify her specifically or did it just warn him that someone with power approached? How would he react if he did know it was her? Throw her off the island, most likely, and tell her not to come back.
She planned to stay only long enough to deliver the letter from her father and get the information the Council needed, anyway.
A group of cyclists peddled ahead of her on the bridge, dragging her attention back to the road while she negotiated around them. The bikers all had packs hooked to their bikes and strapped on their backs. They spread out across more than half of the two-lane width. They had to be sweltering in the August North Carolina heat, but they waved cheerfully as she passed them in the left lane.
At the crest of the bridge she caught a glimpse of her destination.
She’d been told Michael Morgan’s home was the largest house on the island and sat on the only piece of high ground. The hulking Victorian-style mansion fit the bill on both counts. No light-colored paint or gingerbread trim softened its stolid proportions, harsh angles, and weathered-dark cedar siding. The place would make a perfect setting for one of those old-fashioned Gothic romances she occasionally picked up in a used bookstore.
Of course, no one but another wizard would see the colorful swirls of magic drifting around it. She could only spare time for a quick glance around, but it was enough to find the signs of a different power in the shading of green to the south.
She lost sight of both house and olive streaks as she headed down toward land. Enormous, twisted live oaks, bearded with Spanish Moss, lined the road, interspersed with the occasional Palmetto palm. Modest, low houses stood well back from the pavement behind the trees. They lazed indifferently in the sweltering heat and humidity, not feeling the prickle of the warding magic that sensed her.
Seconds later a different wave of magic hit her.
More accurately, it slammed into her Toyota as a gale-force wind, sending it veering off to the left, almost into the front yard of the closest house. Fortunately her reflexes clicked in before her brain could recover from the shock. She twisted the wheel and barely missed a Palmetto palm whose leaves sat still and calm except where the breeze of the car’s passing made them flap. Just when she thought she’d regained control, the wind struck again, from the opposite side, and she struggled to keep the car from rolling off the other way.
Turbulent air changed direction from moment to moment, pushing the car one way and then another in an erratic pattern. For some moments Ilene could only clutch the steering wheel, fingers digging into the leather surface, holding on tightly to keep it steady. The tires lost traction and started to skid. She turned into it, allowing her to regain control just before she hit the nearest live oak. Her door scraped against a low branch as she swerved back onto the pavement. The force continued to batter at the car, however, pushing it to the left even as she fought to keep it in the right lane.
This was some kind of welcome to the island. Maybe Michael did recognize her. This magic didn’t smell like his, but it had been twelve years…
With hands locked tightly on the steering wheel, she tried to get a feel for the power assaulting her, seeking a way to block it or turn it aside. She gathered her own power to answer until she realized she dared not pull enough of her concentration away from controlling the car.
The vehicle veered into the other lane and began to fishtail.
Someone really didn't want her on the island. The Toyota did a one-eighty, ending up moving in the opposite direction, back toward the inlet and the bridge. Seconds later, the span loomed ahead. The pack of cyclists was just rolling off it, coming toward her, spread out across the road.
A driveway ahead offered a place to turn around, but as she braked to swing into it, another blast of force jolted the car, and the tires lost traction again. The Toyota began to slide along the pavement at an angle. Panic sucked all the air from her lungs when she realized the cyclists were dead ahead.
Ilene glanced around wildly, fighting to stay calm. She had only an instant to make a choice.
She swung the wheel to right. It took an agonizing moment before the tires gripped and held. The Toyota jounced off the road, across a shallow ditch. She braked as hard as she dared, leaning into the steering. A sharper turn and she might just get past the huge live oak looming too close ahead.
“Oh, damn, damn, damn. God help me,” she muttered as the car headed for the tree. She stood on the brake and rolled the wheel as far as it would go to the right. Not enough room.
The next few minutes blurred. A jarring thud accompanied a series of bangs and scrapes as the car’s front left corner hit an enormous limb of the tree. Ilene snapped against the seat belt. The air bag smacked her in the face. Metal groaned, bent, and shrieked as it scraped other pieces. Parts crunched and banged against each other. Glass and plastic shattered, spraying shards that clattered to the ground.
And then it was quiet. Too shocked to move, she lay against the wheel and the deflating air bag. Her heart pounded furiously, but she couldn’t seem to draw any oxygen into her tight chest. It took a few panicky moments to fill her lungs again.
Ilene lifted her head gingerly. That seemed to work, so she tried fingers and toes. All wiggled on demand, although the effort brought a sharp pain in her ribs. She hoped they were just bruised and not cracked or broken. An experimental deep breath made her gasp and hold herself very still against the knifing pain.
Noises outside the car distracted her. A group of helmeted cyclists tugged at the driver's side door. The crumpled front must have messed up the frame, though. They couldn't get it to budge.
Someone yanked open the passenger side door and leaned in. Ilene twisted her head to look at the man. Not one of the cyclists. He wore a short-sleeved blue work shirt and no helmet. Forcing her neck to bend a bit more, she met the gaze of the most beautiful eyes she'd ever seen. Thready spokes of blue, in shades varying from deep navy to almost silver, wove together and meshed as they radiated from dark pupils. Another sort of shock jolted through her. They were familiar eyes, though it had been twelve years since she'd last seen them. "Michael!" It came out as half gasp, half exclamation.
"Are you all right?" he asked. His voice rasped along her nerves, just the way it used to when she was fifteen and he seventeen. There was a harder edge there now.
"I think so."
"Can you move your legs?" he asked.
"Yes." She shifted her left leg. “Damn, it hurts. Not broken, though.”
One of the cyclists interrupted. "I'm a paramedic. Let me check her out. Has anyone called 911?”
"Don't bother," Michael said while yielding his place on the passenger seat to the cyclist. "The only ambulance headed up to Danboro fifteen minutes ago. It’ll take it an hour or so to get back here. If we can move her, I'll take her to the hospital. I'll call someone to take care of the car also."
The paramedic asked her a bunch of questions and ran his hands over her legs and arms, along her neck, and down her sides. Ilene felt strange, almost distant from the scene, reluctant to move and indifferent to everything but the fact that Michael was there.
His rapid arrival surprised and worried her. Had he been responsible for the wind that caused the accident? She'd known he wouldn't be happy to have her on the island. But he'd responded to her arrival even faster than she'd anticipated. Why was he being helpful now? Because there were witnesses?
The paramedic finished looking her over and checking for damage. "I don't think anything's broken. Do you want to try to get out?"
Ilene nodded, but her aching ribs made it difficult to slide across the seat. The young cyclist assisted her until she could swing her legs down to the ground.
Michael waited nearby as she tried to stand.
"You sure know how to make a girl feel welcome," she told him, though the effect was ruined when she gulped on the last word. Her stomach lurched. Darkness gathered at the periphery of her vision, expanding rapidly.
Arms went around her shoulders and hips. Before the darkness claimed her completely, she felt herself being lifted and pressed against a masculine chest.

**************************************

Excerpt 2:
************************************

The sky was a livid black-purple. The force of the wind continued to increase. Gusts shook the house, the ones Michael hadn’t turned away.
“Damn and double-damn,” Michael said. “Twister coming. I don’t— Crap!”
His hand slid along the other man’s arm, until all that held Jim up were their intertwined fingers and her disintegrating cushion of air.
She had to do something fast.
“Brace yourselves,” she shouted over the roar of the storm. “I’m going to push.” The handyman looked up at her with pleading eyes.
If their attackers could use the storm, so could she—she hoped. She had to wait a few agonizing seconds for a gust coming toward them at just the right angle.
In her head, riding on her own power, she hopped aboard the gust of air that was probably moving at more than sixty miles an hour. The last time she’d tried this it had been like riding a surfboard, rough until you caught the top of it and then you could glide along smoothly. Of course, that had been a calm day with just a gentle breeze, and it had still taken so much energy out of her she’d ended up napping for several hours afterward.
This was more like trying to stay on a bucking bronco. The wind twisted and bumped and rolled beneath her. Exhilarating in its way, but taking every bit of energy she could find to stay with it and guide it. Fortunately she only had to remain in control for a few seconds.
Using the power of her will alone, she nudged the gust to take aim right on the handyman’s rear end, with an upward motion that should bring him straight into the window.
“Now!” she yelled, the word a cue to herself and a warning to Michael.
She guided the gust of wind into Jim, trying to take him on the legs and backside and lift him. She rode with it as his body rose, adjusting the force to the right angle to push him inside, shoving hard, then trying to restrain it and brake once he was mostly within. It still slammed him into the room with too much force. The handyman shot through the window, crashing into Michael and knocking them both backwards. Ilene released the wind and gasped as something hit her with enough force to send flashes of light swirling in her vision. She fell backwards.
She didn’t see what happened next, though she felt the house rattle as the two men hit the far wall. By then she, too, was on the floor. Jim must have kicked her in passing as he was propelled into the room. Fortunately—sort of—he’d caught her thighs and not the bruised ribs.
The gust she’d used retained force enough to overturn an armchair and take most of the remaining books off the shelves before it wore itself out.
Ilene struggled to her feet, gasping as her bruised ribs protested. She’d rather have stayed where she was for a bit, but too many other things were happening.
“Ilene!” Michael called her name.
She looked up and saw him disentangling himself from the other man. Crossing the room to them involved batting away papers that flew into her face, dodging books and other debris flying around the area. Something hard hit her knee, stopping her for a moment. She got to the men just as Michael lurched to his feet.
“Help me shield,” he said, the words more curt order than request. He glanced quickly at the handyman, who was also rising, and Mrs. Wendall, who’d watched the whole thing. “Downstairs,” he told them. “Twister coming. Guest bathroom.”
Ilene didn’t see if they went. The roar of the still-rising wind outside and the gusts rattling furniture around her warned of increasing danger. She immediately began to concentrate on warding off the storm, which also meant fighting whatever powers were using it to attack.
Michael took her hand, led her to the most sheltered corner of the room, and pulled her down to sit beside him with their backs against the wall. He positioned himself so that he bore the brunt of the wind’s battering. Despite the circumstances, she couldn’t help a brief shudder of awareness of his hip and shoulder touching hers. She’d once loved this man so much it had nearly killed her when he’d disappeared.
He used their joined hands as a conduit to touch her power with his.
“You think we’re better at this now?” she asked.
“We’d better be.”
They’d tried this once as teenagers. The flow of their mingled power had quickly grown beyond what either of them expected or could control. In their clumsiness, they’d nearly caused a serious wreck on a major highway nearby. The results had frightened them so much they’d never done it again.
They hadn’t talked about it, so she didn’t know if another feature of that joining had scared him as much as it did her. The intimacy of it had gone beyond even their tentative touches of each other’s bodies. There had been seconds when she felt she was inside him and knew him in ways people weren’t meant to know each other. Bits of his memories and feelings knocked at her brain, which wasn’t ready to accept or process them.
When she felt the tentative nudge of his mind against hers, she shielded against the intrusion into her mind, leaving just enough opening to let his power mingle with hers and his understanding of the situation to penetrate.
A tornado bore down on them, and lightning still threatened. She forced herself to concentrate on directing her power to flow with his. His magic touched her gently and carefully, not with the rush of their youthful experiment. It sought what she would channel to him, rather than demanding all.
She got another surprise as she let her power follow his lead in deflecting the worst ferocity of the storm. He wasn’t shielding just themselves or the house. He protected the entire island.
“Take the lightning and help me with the wind when you can,” he said.
Ilene didn’t answer, but he’d feel her nod. He’d know it when she scanned for the polarizing fields that indicated impending lightning strikes in the area, just as she could feel him working with the air, confronting the extraordinary, essential ferocity of the tornado. He let her see he planned to divert it to a path that would carry it through the unpopulated north side of the island, up to an inlet and then out to sea. It would take an enormous expenditure of energy. A good thing she’d eaten as much as she had that morning.
The lightning strikes came often and viciously, almost all aimed at the house or nearby. The roar of the wind and rumble of thunder made a continual racket that shook the place and pounded at her ears. She struggled to maintain her concentration. It was harder to send her awareness farther away and to continually scan a wider area, but with a stretch of her power, she could do it. Each time she felt the charge building up anywhere on the island, she moved the field and guided the strike to an empty spot. Fortunately there was plenty of now-empty beach area to take the bulk of the discharges.
During the lulls between strikes, she gave Michael a boost in his attempt to redirect the tornado.
Their efforts probably took no more than ten minutes, fifteen at most, but it seemed like much longer to Ilene because every minute of it demanded her utmost concentration. She poured out power in quantities she’d rarely undertaken in the past. It was like running a long distance race for a person who’d trained mostly for sprints, do-able with an effort of will and an outpouring of adrenaline, but it sapped mind, body, and spirit.
As strong as he was, she sensed even Michael found it difficult to control the awesome power of wind moving so fast. They had one small advantage, though. Unlike the lightning, they weren’t fighting another mage for direction of it.
Someone had likely encouraged it to form by increasing the heat differential from ground to cloud and had given the winds’ speed a boost when they began to swirl. Once that was done, the vortex was nudged toward them and set free to do its damage on its own. At least they were only fighting the power of nature and not an opposing magical force as well.
Lightning quieted for a moment, letting her join her power to his. Together, they pushed at the wild, violent winds of the storm. It reminded her of her earlier effort with the gust that had propelled the handyman back into the room. Trying to guide a wind of that speed was like mounting a bucking bull. It rolled and bounced and threatened to suck up everything she gave it without any noticeable effect.
Working together, they redirected the winds. Ilene abruptly found herself riding that crazy, maddened bull of furious wind for a few short moments. She bobbed and rolled with it, part of it for a grand second or two, shoved one way, then another, somersaulting, rolling, clinging onto it for all she was worth.
As they pushed together, something new happened, something even more fantastic and wonderful and amazing than magic. Their power didn’t just join together into one flow this time. It blended. It became not two lines running side by side, but one solid, interlaced river of energy. In the process, it formed something far stronger and harder than just their two individual outflows of power.
Using that blended stream, Michael and Ilene rode the wind of the tornado together. They rolled with it, flew with it, and finally mastered it. She’d never done anything like it. Riding the roller coaster with her father when she was a child had offered a small, pale, weak foreshadowing of this. Skiing down Snowshoe Mountain on a college break only hinted at the glorious rush of speed and power.
And she shared it with Michael, sailing along beside him, joined with him as they flew.
It startled and thrilled her, but it couldn’t last long. It took too much energy out of both of them. With so much force available, though, it didn’t need much time. With just a few seconds of work, they turned the tornado to a path that would take it out to sea.

***********************************

Book Review: Seduction & Scandal

2011-12-01T20:26:00.001-05:00

Author: Charlotte Featherstone
Title: Seduction & Scandal
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: July 1, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: With the scandalous nature of her birth to live down, Isabella Fairmont dreams of a proper marriage—even if a passionless one. She saves her deepest desires for the novel she dares to pen, wherein a handsome lord with dark powers seduces her. But then her courtship with an appropriate suitor is threatened by the sudden attentions of the reclusive Earl of Black…whose pale blue eyes and brooding sensuality are exactly as she described in her book.

Isabella tries to resist the mysterious Earl of Black.

Yet as he pursues her, with inexplicable knowledge of her past and kisses that consume her, Isabella fears she will succumb.

If only the earl could tell Isabella the truth. With very real, and treacherous, thieves endangering her life, Black will need to protect Isabella from the very people she trusts the most….

Review: This book started out a little slow for me, but once the story really got going it was great. Charlotte Featherstone has created a set of characters that you'll enjoy getting to know over the course of three books.

The story within the story is what really makes this a fun read. Isabella wants to write women's fiction, and the story she's working on is really heating up the pages at least in her time period. It makes it more exciting that the story she is writing seems to be paralleling her life!

Lord Black is the kind of hero we all want to find in the pages of these dark/Gothic novels. I loved how the Brethren Guardians were tied in to the Templar's. I've always loved stories that revolve around relics. The mixture of mystery and romance was nicely done too, once the story took off.

The only problem I had with the story was how obvious the pairings would be in the books to come. Lucy and Sussex were definitely destined to be together, and it is hard to believe there has to be a book devoted to them, when they really have feelings for each other in this one. The same can be said about Elizabeth and her marquis.

All this leaves for quite a bit of unfinished business at the end of the story, but it makes you want to read on to the next book, so Charlotte has definitely accomplished her goal. Plus the characters are really so interesting that you don't want them to leave your life too quickly.

Rating: 4 flowers

Kiss & Tell Promo Tour: Warrior's Redemption

2011-12-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

WARRIOR'S REDEMPTION
MALCOLM MACDOWYLT sees himself a failed warrior, haunted by the death of the woman he married to become laird of Clain MacGahan. Neither his Viking heritage nor his claim to descend from Norse gods can restore his confidence in his ability to protect his people. His sister is held captive, her life in jeopardy, and his Magically powerful half brother wants him dead. The last thing he needs is more responsibility, but that's exactly what he gets when his Faerie mother-in-law arrives seeking justice for her daughter in the form of an enticing woman from seven hundred years in the future.
DANIELLE DEARMON has waited fifteen years to discover the life she is supposed to live. She just never dreamed she'd end up in the thirteenth century with a handsome Scot bent on saving everyone but himself.
With the lives of those most dear to him hanging in the balance, Malcolm sets out to battle a powerful evil magic, only to learn that the redemption he seeks exists in the arms of the woman he loves.

BUY LINKS:
http://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Redemption-Melissa-Mayhue/dp/1451640870/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320640707&sr=8-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warriors-redemption-melissa-mayhue/1101913999?ean=9781451640878&itm=1&usri=warrior27s%252bredemption

WEB LINKS:
www.MelissaMayhue.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: @MelissaMayhue
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/Melissa.Mayhue.Author

AUTHOR BIO:

MELISSA MAYHUE began her writing career in 2005 after a vacation to Scotland and a hike on the Black Isle inspired her with the perfect setting for the characters running around in her head. Her resulting debut novel, THIRTY NIGHTS WITH A HIGHLAND HUSBAND, won the Holt Medallion and Book Buyers Best awards in 2008 and made the finals of the Colorado Book Awards.
Since then, her imaginary world of Faeries and Mortals has continued to grow. A HIGHLANDER’S HOMECOMING, sixth book in her award-winning Daughters of the Glen series from Pocket Books, was a 2011 RITA finalist in the Paranormal Category. WARRIOR’S REDEMPTION, her ninth book, is due out December 27, 2011.
Married and the mother of three sons, Melissa lives in beautiful Northern Colorado with her family and two very spoiled Boston Terriers.
You can visit her on the web at: www.MelissaMayhue.com