eARC: Claiming His Mate by Savannah Stuart

This morning I finished Claiming His Mate by Savannah Stuart. Since this is a novella I'm not going to go into too much detail about the story. The most important things you need to remember are Lauren Hayes is jaguar shifter and Max McCray is a wolf. Yep, these two shouldn't really be together, but when nature calls it's kind to hard to ignore. Anyways, they are both drawn to each other.

I actually thought Lauren was pretty cool, because she's able to mask her scent. The only person who can find her is her mate when she masks it. Max is pretty hot and isn't going to stop at nothing until he has Lauren's scent around him all the time. Actually I liked this story. It was pretty good read. So, if you are looking for a paranormal read that's quick, I would suggest taking a look at Claiming His Mate.

Copy provided by author

Rating: 4 Stars

eARC: Falling for the Backup by Toni Aleo

For hockey stories, I absolutely love Toni Aleo. Seriously, they are fantastic and worth the read. Toni's latest novella is no exception. If you love hockey and romance you really should get Toni's books. Anyways, I just finished Falling for the Backup, which I LOVED. I think Jordan Ryan would be one of the top hockey heroes to love.

If you have been keeping up with the Assassins series you would know that Jordan was injury awhile back and hence Tate became the goalie. Now Jordan has been warming the bench for sometime, but he wants to get back on the ice. So, he has been looking for a new team. Not an easy thing to do. However, on his return trip home he happens to meet Aynslee Shaw. They hit off, but he's a bit gun shy ends up running away a couple of times.

LOVED this story. I'm serious when I say Jordan might close to the top of my favorite hockey characters. Lucas is number one for me. Anyways, Aynslee and Jordan are fantastic together. Toni brings a great story to life in Falling for the Backup. I'm so amaze on how well the story worked as a novella. I mean sometimes you feel cheated because it's not a full story. Not with this one, I think its absolutely fabulous. Plus there are some laugh out loud moments you don't want to miss. I'm telling you, you really don't want to miss getting your hands on Falling for the Backup. If you are a hockey and romance fan, you want to grab a copy.

Copy provided by Random House via NetGalley

Rating:


Purchase links:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

eARC: Baring It All by Megan Frampton

This is probably going to be one of my shortest review, because this is really short novella. However, it an entertaining read. I actually liked Baring It All by Megan Frampton.

I really don't want to go into too much detail, because it is a short read. However, the story focuses on Lady Violet and Lord Christian Jepstow. They are betrothed to be married, but Violet isn't having doubts. She has good reason to, after all Christian is going into this marriage for a practical reason. The reason: he needs to marry and why not his sister friend. Eek! Doesn't sound good. Violet decides to matters into her own hands. Talk about getting into some trouble.

As I said, I did like this quick read. I seriously can't wait for Christian's sister's book. Now that should be a fun read. I wonder if Christian and Violet will be her story. So, if you are looking for a really quick read, you might want to try Baring It All. It might be the trouble your looking for.

Copy provided by Random House via NetGalley

Rating:


Purchase links:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

eARC: Once Upon A Darkness by Aria Kane

All right, most of you know I'm not a fan of zombies. My least favorite show is The Walking Dead and here is a tidbit: it took me three days to watch Zombieland. My husband makes fun me, because he tells me it's not that scary. Hey, I don't like zombies, but I will try a zombie story every now and again. Todays zombie selection is Once Upon A Darkness by Aria Kane.

First off, I actually liked the story. I know, this is huge deal. Anyways, we have this group who do search and rescue for survivals in a post apocalyptic world of zombies. Now you wondering how romance fits into this book, but it does. Gretchen and Clint work together to find her brother Hank. Of course they have feelings for one another, but they can't focus on that because of the mission.

Overall, I did like this novella and I'm surprise to say this, but I wish the story was a little longer. I know, the non-zombie fan would have liked the story a little longer. For a quick zombie read it was pretty good. So, if you are fan of The Walking Day, you might enjoy this quick read of Once Upon A Darkness.

Copy provided by author

Rating:



Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Fire Inside by Kristen Ashley

Yesterday I finished Fire Inside by Kristen Ashley. When I read the book blurb of Fire Inside I was actually kind of excited, because the story sounded really interesting. Plus, it was motorcycle story so I was expecting a thrilling, exciting, dangerous read. However, the story fell flat from my expectations. I normally don't go into a story with too many expectations, but it's a motorcycle story. Whenever, I think of motorcycles I think of danger.

Majority of the story was Lanie Heron and Hopper Kincaid trying to workout there relationship. Both of them have had feelings for one another, but afraid to open to one another. I honestly don't mind a lot of sex a story as long as there is a decent storyline. There wasn't much a storyline. There wasn't too much conflict and the conflict didn't really appear till the towards the end of the story.

I had a lot of problems getting into the story and I wish there was more drama throughout the story instead of 3/4 into the story. As I said it got better towards end, but that's a lot of reading to get to some action other than sex. Overall, the story didn't work for me. Who knows it might work for you, so if you are looking for a motorcycle book and delay gratification of action, you might want to give Fire Inside a try. The one positive about the story is you don't have read book one to read this book. So, I hope you have a great day.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley

Rating:


Purchase links:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Flirting with Disaster by Ruthie Knox

All right, yesterday I finished the latest book by Ruthie Knox which is Flirting with Disaster. This is the third installment of Camelot series. So, we make our trip back to Camelot, Ohio where we will catch up with Katie Clark and Sean Owens. Yep, we better check in with these two.

Poor Katie. She's definitely been through the ringer. Dealing with her self-doubts of being a desirable woman (all cause of her loser ex-husband). However, she has an opportunity to get ahead in her brother security company, but she needs to prove herself. In order to prove herself she needs to tag along with Sean Owens. Who doesn't say much her. Actually he doesn't talk to her. You're wondering how this is going to work? You would never guess that Sean is actually this self-confindent guy. However, when he gets around Katie all that goes out the window.

Goodness, I think Flirting with Disaster is the best in the series. I had a good laugh and it even got me choked up at times. I absolutely adore Katie and Sean. I think Sean is one of my favorite heroes. I love the stuttering hacker, because he's just adorable and lovable. Seriously, perfect with his flaws and all. Katie can be clueless at times, especially when she's around Judah. I was a little worry about Katie and Judah's relationship, but there was no need to worry. Let's be honest, I was clueless with Katie on that account.

Honestly, Ruthie knows how to write a witty charming story. Not only that, she's the queen of writing awkward situations and making them work. Absolutely, love this story. So, if you are looking for a fun story with a stutter hacker and a girl who can't stop talking at times, you will love Flirting with Disaster. Seriously, this is a disaster you don't want to miss. Really I couldn't put it down once I got started.

Copy provided by Random House via NetGalley

Rating:


Purchase Links:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

The Elusive Wife Blog Tour (Interview with Callie Hutton and The Earl and Countess)

This is a super exciting interview today. I have with me Jason, Earl of Coventry, Lady Olivia Grant (now Countess of Coventry) and Callie Hutton, the author of The Elusive Wife. I would like y'all to welcome them to What I'm Reading.

Welcome, I hope you are all doing well this day and I hope you don’t mind my living room. After all, most homes aren’t built with parlors or sitting rooms these days.

Callie: Thank you so much for inviting us, Melody. You have a charming home.

Thank you.

Jason: Yes, and you are a charming, lovely lady yourself.

Olivia: And it’s a pleasure to meet you.

Would y’all care for some tea and scones? Before you ask, I don’t have any brandy. However, I do have a bottle of two-buck chuck, but I would advise against that.

Jason: No brandy?

Sorry, my Lord. I just didn’t think to get any, but the tea is very good. It’s a vanilla bourbon, one of my favorite.

Olivia pats his arm: It’s all right, dear. We have plenty at home.

Now the pleasantries are out of the way, lets get to the facts:

Lady Olivia, could you explain to my readers why you went by Lady Olivia instead of Lady Jane? Some may not know you are the same person, since they might not have gotten a chance to read the story yet.

Olivia: Certainly. My full legal name is Lady Jane Olivia Grant. Because my mother was also Jane, my father always called me Olivia, and that is how I view myself.

Lord Conventry, when did you come to the conclusion it would be a great idea to come to your own wedding drunker than a skunk?

Jason: Perhaps I will have a drop of that two-buck chuck.

Olivia shakes her head.

Jason: Very well. To answer your question, I was not happy about giving up my bachelorhood to a woman I’d never met. I know it was childish of me, but I’ve since realized what a gem I have in my wonderful wife. (He gazes adoringly at her.)

Callie:  Good one, Jas.

Have you ever had two-buck chuck? Seriously, vile stuff. Anyways.

Lady Olivia, what did you think of your wedding day?

Olivia: (sniffing) It was an absolute horror. But, as a lady, I did my best to present a happy front to the few people who attended.

How did you find London to your liking?

Olivia: It had been many years that I’d been in London, so it was quite entertaining. I soon drew tired of the balls and other social events, but really loved the opera.

Callie:  Olivia, tell Melody about your trip to the theater.

Olivia: Oh yes, it was wonderful. I agreed to attend the theater with Jason. We saw A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

How was your first encounter of your husband at the ball and having him not recognize you?

Jason: (Clears his throat) May I again request a tiny bit of that two-buck chuck?

Olivia (ignoring him): I was a bit nervous about seeing his lordship again. Fretted about what I would say, what he would say. I hoped we could come to an amicable arrangement. When he didn’t recognize me, I was not at all pleased.

Jason (mumbling under his breath): Why is the rum gone?

I’m telling you the tea is great.

I must say that you handle yourself marvelously. I personally would have handled the whole situation differently. I personally would have been out for blood.

Callie: Now, now, Melody, let’s not stir things up. (giggle). Maybe we can move along with the interview?

Callie, I’m just being honest. However, I believe you are correct, we should move on.

Lord Conventry, how did you feel when you started to receive the bill to your wife’s wardrobe?

Jason: I was stunned. I mean, here she was running about town, charging a new wardrobe to my name, but never made the effort to contact me.

Olivia (eyebrows raised): Indeed?

Callie: Melody, next question, please.

How did you handle it when you found out Lady Coventry and Lady Olivia were one in the same person?

Jason: Anger at first, but then I was thrilled. I wanted nothing more than to have Lady Olivia in my bed. Errr. I mean, in my life. (wipes brow)

Now that this whole mess is over, how is your marriage doing?

Olivia and Jason at the same time, gazing into each other’s eyes: It’s perfect.

I’m so glad.

Now Callie, where did you come up with the idea for the story?

Callie: I just thought about it in church one Sunday morning. The family in front of me had a little girl named Olivia and when I heard her name, I imagined a grown up Olivia in Regency England. I took out my checkbook and wrote the outline for The Elusive Wife right then and there.

I think that is awesome.

Will there any hope for Drake finding himself married anytime soon?

Jason: My best friend better had. It’s time for him to become leg-shacked, too.

Callie: Actually, Drake’s story is in the making. His will be fun and funny. Miss Chloe Hickson will give him a run for his money. Not like Olivia did Jason, but in her own unique way.

I can’t wait to see what mess he ends up with.

What makes Lady Olivia and Lord Coventry special?

Lady and Lord Coventry are special because all my characters are to me. Their story is romantic and edgy at the same time. And funny.

Final question I like to ask authors: if you had to write your own biography what would your title be and why?

“Rainbows and Unicorns.” I tend to be a very optimistic and upbeat person. Like most adults, I’ve weathered some storms, but always managed to look at the bright side.

I would like to thank my guests for coming out today. Is there anything you would like to say before y’all take your leave?

Olivia (standing, shaking out her skirts): Yes, thank you so much for having us today.

Jason (bends over and kisses Melody’s hand – she blushes): My thanks as well, my lady. (she sighs)

Callie: Thank you, Melody. It’s been fun.

The Elusive Wife Book Blurb & Info:

Author:  Callie Hutton

Genre:  Historical Romance

Release Date:  May 2013

Imprint:  Scandalous

Jason Cavendish, the Earl of Coventry, is trying to discreetly locate his unwanted and abandoned bride among London society to request an annulment. However, he doesn’t remember what she looks like because he was blind drunk at his arranged wedding and hasn’t seen her since.

The fascinating Lady Olivia has captured the Earl’s attention. Newly arrived from the country to stay with her school friend for the Season, she is appalled to discover that her husband, Lord Coventry, doesn't even recognize her. She's not about to tell the arrogant arse that she is his wife. Instead, she flirts with him by night and has her modiste send her mounting bills to him by day.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned… Too bad this woman finds her husband nearly irresistible.

Purchase links:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Callie Hutton’s Bio:

Callie has been making up stories since elementary school, and writing gave her a way to turn off the voices in her head. After having a number of articles and interviews published in newspapers and magazines, she took on what she’d always dreamed of. Writing that book. She currently has a number of both historical and contemporary romance books published.

She currently lives in Oklahoma with her husband and adult children who move in and out with alarming regularity. Add three rescue dogs and the household is complete—and full. She enjoys hearing from her readers, and would love to have you visit her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Just My Luck by Kelley Vitollo

Now moving on to something sweet and innocent. The latest book from Kelley Vitollo which happens to be Just My Luck. Yes, this is the latest news from Shamrock Falls.

If you have been keeping up with the gossip (or at least reading the previous stories) you would know that Betsy Harris has been nursing a serious crush on Jace Macnarama. She's totally hopeless. We all know it's never a good idea to fall for the player of the town, but alas the heart doesn't listen.

However, this player has a problem. Yep, he needs to find a wife, or forfeit his home to his grandfather's wife. Oh no! Now where is he going to find a women who will keep house with him for at least six months. Nothing like going to the old reliable friend. Betsy is the best bet to get his childhood home.

All right, I was little worry how this story was going to workout. Granted I do love a story with a marriage of convince. However, I did fret how Jace and Betsy relationship would change. Yet, somehow it magically worked out. I must say I found some surprising facts about these two. For instance, shy quiet Betsy is a closet sports fanatic. Yep, you would never guess that. And Jace is, well, I guess there isn't really anything secret about him. He's a pretty straightforward guy.

I really did like this story and how the dynamics of their relationship change. I did love the fact his grandfather was looking out for Jace, even though he didn't understand why Wallace did what he did. As I said, I wasn't sure how this would have worked out after all he's a player and she's a shy gal who has a serious crush on him. You would think it would spell disaster. So, if you are looking for a sweet romance with friends who came to each others aid, I would suggest checking out Just My Luck. It leave you with that warm-fuzzy feeling.

Copy provided by publisher

Rating:
1/2


Purchase links:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

ARC: The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter by Jillian Stone

All right today I finished The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter by Jillian Stone. Which happens to be book three in the Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator. First off, I haven't gotten to the first two books, but now I really want to. The great thing about this story is you don't have to be worry about being to lost.

I did enjoyed this story. I must say that it was feisty romp of a read. The most important thing to remember is they are looking for Phaeton who happens to be in a bit of a pickle. Other than that the story does focus on Mia and Exeter.

Yes, they have an unique relationship. Mia would like Exeter become more than her guardian, but Exeter doesn't want to cross that line. However, Mia is a bit unique and needs help controlling her inner feline. Yep, that does complicate things and who better than to guide than Exeter.

So, here is the bottom line: Yes, there is some steamy sex, but along with some witty dialogue. Plus, they need to save Phaeton Black. I actually enjoyed how Mia bates Exeter. So, if you are looking for something a little different with some steamy sex scenes, I would say checkout The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter. Now I need to go back read the first two books.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
1/2


Purchase links:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Book Depository