Author's Pal Spotlight + Excerpts + Giveaway: League of Rogues Series by Darcy Burke

Are you all looking for something new to read? Or have you read Darcy Burke, but haven't tried her historical? Or maybe you are just discovering this series? Today I'm spotlighting Darcy's League of Rogues series. Check it out. Today there's blurbs, mini excerpts, and giveaway. Have fun. 

Blurb Lady of Desire:

Miss Margery Derrington and her dear aunts are in dire straits. Their discovery of a rare manuscript will hopefully stave off their creditors—if it’s worth what they hope. Margery reluctantly allies with a reclusive scholar to use the book to pursue a treasure that could solve their woes. Only, the irresistible desire she feels toward her partner is neither expected nor wanted.

Rhys Bowen can’t believe he has his hands on the elusive de Valery text. Solving its hidden code and unearthing its legendary treasure would establish him as one of Britain’s leading antiquaries, finally casting him out of his brilliant late father’s shadow. But when a centuries-old organization convinces Rhys of the perils of disturbing the past, he must choose between his conscience…and the captivating woman he’s sworn to help.

Excerpt:

Avon Books' Digital-First Imprint, Avon Impulse, Celebrates Five Years

AVON CELEBRATES LANDMARK ANNIVERSARIES:

AS ICONIC ROMANCE PUBLISHER AVON BOOKS TURNS 75,

ITS DIGITAL-FIRST IMPRINT, AVON IMPULSE,

MARKS FIVE YEARS OF UNPRECEDENTED ACHIEVEMENT IN CULTIVATING FUTURE STARS

New York, NY; April 28, 2016 – This is a momentous year for Avon, the iconic romance imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. The year marks not only the 75^th anniversary of Avon Books, widely acclaimed for popularizing the historical romance category, but also celebrates the fifth year for the Avon Impulse digital-first imprint. Today, Avon is an acclaimed (or illustrious?) publishing powerhouse, renowned for nurturing the careers of the best and brightest authors in the romance industry, in large part due to the success of the Impulse program. Avon Impulse is a thriving brand with a proven aptitude for cultivating future stars of the genre.

How The Duke Was Won by Lenora Bell (Review)

I have to say that How The Duke Was Won by Lenora Bell isn't like anything I have read. At the beginning, it reminded of me Eloisa James A Kiss At Midnight, because the heroine of the story had to pretend be her half-sister at a house party. Charlene Beckett had to pretend to be her half-sister Lady Dorothea Beaumont. After all Dorothea's mother would love her to catch a Duke. Charlene is willing to play along, after all this will secure her families freedom. Right there makes the story unique. We watch Charlene pretend to be something she's not, and fall in love with someone she can't have.

Now James, he finds himself as the Duke after a tragic accident that takes his father and brother away. Now he's stuck being the Duke, but he has other plans. Basically, he needs a wife to create an heir to secure the title, and make sure everything stays hunky-dory while he's away. This is where it kind becomes like the bachelor. He invites four young ladies with outstanding pedigree, and they need to prove who could be his duchess. Seriously, it's like regency bachelor, except you down to the last few. All Charlene has to do is prove that she's the most Duchess-like out of the bunch.

A creative way to tell the story of How The Duke Was Won. I found myself laughing and rooting for Charlene. Even though she was pretending to be someone else, we still got to see the real Charlene. She's definitely character to see, because did for her family. Yes, I did get a little choked up at the end. Overall, How The Duke Was Won was masterfully done for debut story. I can't wait see what happens in the next book.

Copy provided.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt: Welcome to Forever by Annie Rains

Welcome to Forever
Hero's Welcome #1

By: Annie Rains

Released December 1, 2015
Loveswept

Blurb

If you love Kristan Higgins, Susan Mallery, or Jill Shalvis, you won’t want to miss the Hero’s Welcome military romance series! Welcome to Forever introduces a small coastal town where America’s best and brightest risk everything for love.

In Seaside, North Carolina, there are two kinds of people: Marines, and kids of Marines. Then there’s Kat Chandler. Recently hired as the principal of Seaside Elementary, Kat makes it her mission to turn the school into a place of peace and calm. That’s not going to be easy with hard-liner parents like Micah Peterson storming in, telling her how to do her job—and then kissing her with those gorgeous lips of his and turning her brain into mush.

As a Marine Sergeant and a single dad, Micah Peterson has just two priorities: doing his job better than anyone else, and getting the absolute best for his son, Ben. But when he meets Ben’s beautiful new principal, a different yearning shifts into focus. He wants her, sure, but he’s also moved by the connection Kat forges with her students. So after learning that she refuses to date Marines, Micah sets two more objectives: convincing Kat to give him a chance . . . and then holding on to her forever.

Excerpt

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Forever With You by Heatherly Bell

Forever with You
Starlight Hill #6

By: Heatherly Bell

Releasing April 26, 2016
Tydandon Publishing and Heatherly Bell Books

Blurb

She forgot something on the way to the courthouse …

Sophia Abella has a good life, even if she is a little stuck.  Not quite single, not quite married, she keeps men at a safe distance. But when her ex-Marine husband returns to town and takes the job of chief of police, it might finally be time to get that paper work done once and for all. After all, most of her family already thinks she’s divorced.

They’re not actually, in the fullest sense of the word … divorced.

Years ago, Riley Jacobs chose the Marine Corp over his wife and has regretted his decision every day since. But once a Marine always a Marine, and he’ll use every tactical advantage he has to get Sophia to realize that she’s the only one for him.

Love and marriage … take two

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tours Pre-Release Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: His Scandalous Kiss by Sophie Barnes

His Scandalous Kiss
Secrets at Thorncliff Manor #3

By: Sophie Barnes

Releasing July 26, 2016.
Avon

Blurb

Thorncliff Manor is the perfect setting for a masquerade ball . . . where the heart’s secret desires are about to be uncovered in this scintillating Regency romance from Sophie Barnes

Richard Heartly has exiled himself from society since the war, plotting his revenge for a terrible betrayal. A masked ball at Thorncliff Manor is intended to be a brief diversion. Instead, he encounters a fascinating young woman as entranced by the music as he is. He can’t reveal his identity to Lady Mary. But her siren song keeps drawing him back, and their clandestine meetings could be hazardous to his plan—and to her virtue . . .

Avoiding an unwanted marriage was easy when Lady Mary was ignored by the ton. Thanks to her dazzling appearance at the masquerade, she’s a wallflower no longer. Eligible suitors abound, yet the only man she wants is the brooding, seductive companion who keeps his face hidden. A man who tempts her to disclose her own shocking secret, one that could divide them forever . . .

Excerpt:

Forever Romance Q&A + Excerpt + Giveaway: Matt by RC Ryan

Q&A with RC Ryan 

What would readers be surprised to find out about you?

I met my husband in first grade. And on the first day of school, he came home and announced that he was going to marry Ruthie Ryan. (And did, sixteen years later.)

Tell us about your writing process. Do you start with an idea or a character? 

I start with both. A bare-bones idea about an interesting plot, and the kind of character who would make it work.

Do you know what’s going to happen from the beginning or do you figure it out as you write? 

I figure it out as I write, or rather, as the characters write their story.

What’s one book you read in the last 6 months that has left a lasting impression and why? 

When I’m not writing, I love reading biographies. I love seeing how and where famous world figures started out, and where they ended up. My latest bio was MORNINGS ON HORSEBACK by David McCullough. A biography of Theodore Roosevelt. He went from feeble boy with crippling asthma to a rugged Rough Rider living a strenuous life. He was so far-seeing that he set aside thousands of acres of wilderness as our National Parks, and bullied himself all the way to the White House. Just a fascinating, larger-than-life character. I highly recommend it.

If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why? 

Hemmingway. He’d be a great story-teller and a shameless flirt. J. D. Salinger. He’s such a solitary, secretive writer. Shakespeare – because he’s Shakespeare.

What’s one characteristic that you like to give all your heroes? 

A kind heart.  

What’s a “must” have that every heroine you write has? 

Basic goodness.

Lightning Round w/ Heroine: Vanessa Kettering
a. I’d never be caught dead in…a lie. And yet I’m forced to live one for a little while.
b. On a Friday night you can find me…in a high-end restaurant in Chicago, but here in Montana, at Clay’s Pig Sty.
c. One thing my family and friends would be surprised to know about me is…I’ve gone country.

 

MATT

A MALLOYS OF MONTANA, 1

RC Ryan

Forever Romance 

April 26, 2016

Blurb: 

RockStar PR Spotlight + Review + Excerpt: Return of the Bad Boy by Jessica Lemmon

Return of the Bad Boy 

Second Chance, 4

Jessica Lemmon

Forever Romance 

April 26, 2016

Blurb:

He's a mess...

Asher Knight has three constants in his life: music, beautiful women, and a bottle of Jack. He lives for the next gig, the next city, and dreams only of a life spent in front of an arena full of screaming fans. But Asher's nomad ways come to a sudden stop when he learns he's the father of a three-year-old from a past relationship and suddenly this rock star bad boy is forced to put down roots.

Only she can clean up

Gloria Shields is no one's fool. Sure, the sexual chemistry between her and Asher has always been intense, but she'd never risk giving her heart to a man who has a perfect record for breaking them. Except the man desperate to make things right with his newfound son is nothing like the rock god she's guarded her heart against for years. And it isn't long before she starts to wonder if life with this bad boy might be the best thing that's ever happened to her.

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: How I Married A Marquess by Anna Harrington

HOW I MARRIED A MARQUESS

The Secret Life of Scoundrels, 3

Anna Harrington 

Forever Romance

April 26, 2016

A SHOCKING DECEPTION . . .

Josephine Carlisle, adopted daughter of a baron, is officially on the shelf. But the silly, marriage-minded misses in the ton can have their frilly dresses and their seasons in London, for all she cares. Josie has her freedom and her family . . . until an encounter with a dark, devilishly handsome stranger leaves her utterly breathless at a house party. His wicked charm intrigues her, but that's where it ends. For Josie has a little secret . . .


. . . LEADS TO AN EXQUISITE SEDUCTION

Espionage was Thomas Matteson, Marquess of Chesney's game-until a tragic accident cost him his career. Now to salvage his reputation and return to the life he loves, the marquess must find the criminal who's been robbing London's rich and powerful. He's no fool-he knows Josie, with her wild chestnut hair and rapier-sharp wit, is hiding something and he won't rest until he unravels her mysteries, one by one. But he never expected to be the one under arrest-body and soul . . . 

My Thoughts:

2016 Lift 4 Autism: Info on the Auction

lift4autism.com

1 in every 68 children is diagnosed with Autism. 1 in every 42 Boys

The LIFT Campaign is a charitable initiative rallying the romance reading community around Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) families in April, Autism Awareness month. Experts estimate that many ASD families spend up to $60,000 out of pocket each year on medical and therapy expenses. This year we're raising funds to assist families struggling to manage these staggering costs. All profits go to the family scholarship program of Talk About Curing Autism (TACA). The online auction is LIVE! There are too many items from authors and bloggers up for bid to list here, but we have full signed collections from some of your favorite bestselling authors. We have non-book items like Kindle Paperwhite, Amazon Echo, VIP Tickets to the Mile High Denver author signing, and so many other goodies! So start bidding while doing good!

BID HERE NOW!

(Bidding closes Friday, 4/29/16!)

Even if you don't want to bid, you can still make a tax-deductible donation to the scholarship program through our efforts HERE!

Don't miss a thing! Join the LIFT 2016 Facebook Group for bidding alerts and campaign information.

Wanna stylishly support the LIFT Campaign? Buy your LIFT T-shirt before it's too late!

All profits benefit TACA!

 

A special thank you from Lisa Ackerman,

Founder & Executive Director of Talk About Curing Autism (TACA).

Tasty Book Tours Guest Post + Review + Giveaway: One Dangerous Desire by Christy Carlyle

FIVE BET'S TO MAKE WHEN MARRYING A RAKE

Bet #2

Enjoy Your Dance with a Rake

Every rake has his tried and true methods for capturing a woman’s interest. Some may come by charm naturally, but the dance of wooing a woman takes effort and determination. There are books that advise men how best to approach a lady and what to do to appeal to women. Believe me, ladies, it’s no coincidence that rakes are some of the most charming and appealing men you’ll ever meet. Many speak of a woman’s wiles, but rakes have mastered the art of seduction. Worst of all, they expect every lady to fall for their lures. Yet, have you ever found that a rake quickly loses interest in a lady who responds to his flirtation too easily?

I suggest you, ladies, refrain from doing so. Enjoy the dance. If a rake is set on wooing you, and you are set on allowing him to do so, then enjoy every step. Accept his offer to sweep you across a ballroom now and then, and allow yourself to acknowledge a compliment here and there. Test his techniques until he’s exhausted all of his practiced methods and is left to appeal to you by revealing his true nature. You just might find that your rake is a man of substance underneath all of that gloss.

One Dangerous Desire
Accidental Heirs #3

By: Christy Carlyle

Releasing April 19, 2016
Avon Impulse

Blurb

Lusting for Covers (120): While the Duke Was Sleeping by Sophie Jordan

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

This Weeks Selection:

While the Duke Was Sleeping by Sophie Jordan

Publisher: Avon (Oct. 2016)

Series: The Rogue Files, 1

Genre: Historical

Blurb:

Sometimes the man of your dreams . . .

Shop girl Poppy Fairchurch knows it’s pointless fantasizing about the Duke of Autenberry. Still, dreams can’t hurt anyone . . . unlike the carriage Poppy spies bearing down upon the unsuspecting duke. After she pulls him to safety, the duke lapses into a coma and Poppy is mistaken for his fiancée. But one person isn’t fooled:

His arrogant and much too handsome half-brother, Struan Mackenzie. Soon Poppy isn’t sure what she wants more . . . the fantasy of her duke or the reality of one smoldering Scot who challenges her at every turn.

. . . is not who you think.

An illegitimate second son, Struan may have built an empire and established himself as one of the wealthiest men in Britain, but he knows he will always be an outsider among the ton. Just like he knows the infuriating Poppy is a liar. There’s no way the haughty Duke of Autenberry would deign to wed a working class girl. It doesn’t matter how charming she is. Or tempting. Or how much Struan wants her for himself.

Preorder Links: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Sophie's Website

Why?

This was actually my first choice last week, but I decided to hold off till there was a blurb. I'm funny like that. Anyway, the dress and her look that she's trying to flee caught my attention. The dress alone is stunning. I love the dynamic purple of the dress. Avon always impresses me with their covers. Absolutely stunning. What do you guys think of my pick of the week? 

Tasty Book Tours Sale Blitz + Excerpt: Blurred Lines by Laura Layne

Blurred Lines

By: Lauren Layne  

Released August 25, 2015  

Loveswept

Blurb

In a novel that’s perfect for fans of Abbi Glines and Jessica Sorensen, USA Today bestselling author Lauren Layne delivers a sexy take on the timeless question: Can a guy and a girl really be “just friends”?

When Parker Blanton meets Ben Olsen during her freshman year of college, the connection is immediate—and platonic. Six years later, they’re still best friends, sharing an apartment in Portland’s trendy Northwest District as they happily settle into adult life. But when Parker’s boyfriend dumps her out of the blue, she starts to wonder about Ben’s no-strings-attached approach to dating. The trouble is, even with Ben as her wingman, Parker can’t seem to get the hang of casual sex—until she tries it with him.

The arrangement works perfectly . . . at first. The sex is mind-blowing, and their friendship remains as solid as ever, without any of the usual messy romantic entanglements. But when Parker’s ex decides he wants her back, Ben is shocked by a fierce stab of possessiveness. And when Ben starts seeing a girl from work, Parker finds herself plagued by unfamiliar jealousy. With their friendship on the rocks for the first time, Parker and Ben face an alarming truth: Maybe they can’t go back. And maybe, deep down, they never want to.

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Mafia Secret by Angie Derek

Mafia Secret

By: Angie Derek

Re-Releasing on April 12, 2016
Thorough web Press

Blurb

Lessa Noelle grew up never knowing she was the illegitimate daughter of a mafia king pin. After his murder, she finds herself a surprise heiress immersed in the dangerous world of organized crime with only the guidance of Marco Santos, her father’s second in command, to help her.

An uneasy attraction blossoms between the two as Marco searches for her father’s killer. He tries to keep the realities of his life from touching her and an already dangerous situation turns volatile when a killer turns his attention to Lessa.

Excerpt

InkSlinger PR Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Ride Hard by Laura Kaye

Laura Kaye has something hot and fun and new to share with you today – a scene from her upcoming book, Ride Hard, the first in her Raven Riders Motorcycle Club series about a new kind of MC with a protective mission. You might’ve first met the Ravens in the Hard Ink world, but this series stands on its own and is even sexier, edgier, and grittier! So read on for a taste and grab your copy of the first book in this sexy new series.

About Ride Hard (Raven Riders #1):

Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders…

Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President Dare Kenyon rides hard and values loyalty above all else. He’ll do anything to protect the brotherhood of bikers—the only family he’s got—as well as those who can’t defend themselves. So when mistrustful Haven Randall lands on the club’s doorstep scared that she’s being hunted, Dare takes her in, swears to keep her safe, and pushes to learn the secrets overshadowing her pretty smile.

Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father and is suspicious of any man’s promises, including those of the darkly sexy and overwhelmingly intense Ravens’ leader. But as the powerful attraction between them flares to life, Dare pushes her boundaries and tempts her to want things she never thought she could.

The past never dies without a fight, but Dare Kenyon’s never backed down before…

My Thoughts:

InkSlinger PR Teaser: The Darkest Torment by Gena Showalter

The Queen of Paranormal Romance, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter, returns with THE DARKEST TORMENT, the eagerly anticipated twelfth novel in her Lords of the Underworld series, available May 31, 2016! Pre-order your copy today!

   

THE DARKEST TORMENT Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with her most explosive Lords of the Underworld tale to date, about a fierce warrior on the brink of sanity who will stop at nothing to claim the exquisite human with the power to soothe the beast inside him… 

Driven to his death by the demon of Distrust, Baden spent centuries in purgatory. Now he's back, but at what cost? Bound to the king of the underworld, an even darker force, he's unable to withstand the touch of another…and he's quickly devolving into a heartless assassin with an uncontrollable temper. Things only get worse when a mission goes awry and he finds himself saddled with a bride—just not his own.

Famed dog trainer Katarina Joelle is forced to marry a monster to protect her loved ones. When she's taken hostage by the ruthless, beautiful Baden immediately after the ceremony, she's plunged into a war between two evils—with a protector more dangerous than the monsters he hunts. They are meant to be enemies, but neither can resist the passion burning between them…and all too soon the biggest threat is to her heart.

But as Baden slips deeper into the abyss, she'll have to teach him to love…or lose him forever.

Patriot's Pride by Penelope Marzec (Review)

It's always hard to find a balance when it comes inspirational reads, because they tend to come off a little too preachy. This tends to turn off people who like mainstream romance novels. Yes, there are some out there that have the perfect balance. Patriot's Pride wouldn't be for those how like a little mainstream in their romance. However, those who love inspirational and deep messages might enjoy this particular title.

However, I struggled with Margaret and Derrick's story. There were a few good parts, but I really did struggle with the beginning. We have Margaret who is very spiritual, then we have Derrick who is a man of science. Both are on extreme spectrum and you wonder how on earth are they going to get together. Is Derrick going to have an epiphany that makes him see the light. Plus, he's a doctor there are somethings that better explain with science that believing that it's a higher power. Don't get me wrong, I do have religious beliefs, but it makes this story a little hard to grasp. So, the boat ride over to England is a little rough. When they touchdown on English so the story does pickup and I did start to like the story. Yet, there were a couple issues I had with the story. At times it felt a bit rushed. Eventually these two get their happy ending.

Overall, Patriot's Pride is probably not the book for me. I had a few issues with the story. However, there were a few things I like. For instance, I really liked Margaret's traveling companion, Mrs. Ulery. Now she had a salty personality that kind help Margaret see things in perspective. I love that she wasn't perfect and never proclaim she was. Mrs. Ulery was human with flaws like everyone else. So, if you are a person who loves inspirational reads, Patriot's Pride might be the story for you. It works for others, but not me.

Copy provided

Rating:
2 Stars

Give Me Books Book Blast + Review: Lust Is The Thorn by Jen McLaughlin

Lust Is The Thorn 

Jen McLaughlin 

Loveswept

April 19, 2016

Blurb

From the bestselling author of Bad Romance (“A sexy, emotional, steamy read.”—Addison Moore) comes an edgy novel about a reformed bad boy training to be a priest and the fallen angel who makes him think twice about giving up earthly pleasures.

Growing up hard and fast on the mean streets of Chicago, Thorn McKinney didn’t have a prayer—until tragedy inspired him to join the seminary. Now the time has come to take his vows, and yet he’s haunted by the woman he can’t leave behind: his best friend’s little sister. Despite Thorn’s promises that he’d keep her safe, she’s going through hell. And now he finds himself torn between duty and desire, entranced by the seductive pull of her trusting eyes, innocent heart, and sinfully sweet curves.

Trying to let Thorn pursue his calling, Rose Gallagher has been hiding some things: namely her abusive boyfriend and her job as a stripper. But when she hits rock bottom, Thorn is there for her—and now there’s no denying the raw temptation that draws them together in their darkest moments. Rose may have found salvation in his strong arms, but she knows that Thorn must choose his own path: in the church, or in the warm embrace of a woman’s love.

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Review + Giveaway: River of Love by Melissa Foster

River of Love
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor #3

By: Melissa Foster

Releasing April 20, 2016
World Literary Press

Blurb

Fall in love with Sam Braden in the Bradens of Peaceful Harbor. Hot, sexy, & wickedly naughty second cousins to the Weston, Colorado Bradens we know and love.

River rafting and adventure company owner Sam Braden works hard and plays harder. He’s fast, focused, and determined—and never at a loss for a willing woman to share his time with. The trouble is, the only woman he wants refuses him at every turn.

Physician assistant Faith Hayes escaped her painful past and built a safe, happy life in Peaceful Harbor. She’s also put what she’s learned to good use helping others by founding Women Against Cheaters, an online support group. When her boss’s sinfully sexy brother sets his sights on sweet Faith, she knows the self-professed player is everything she shouldn’t want, and she’s determined to resist him.

Sam pulls out all the stops, proving to Faith that his past doesn’t have to define his future. As she lets down her guard and begins to trust Sam, intense conversations turn to intimate pleasures. But when real life steps in and their pasts collide, it’s Faith who’s left with something to prove.


My Thoughts:

Lusting for Covers (119): Hell Breaks Loose by Sophie Jordan

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

This Weeks Selection:

Hell Breaks Loose by Sophie Jordan

Publisher: Avon (July 2016)

Series: Devil's Rock, 2

Genre: Contemporary

Blurb:

Hell hath no hunger like a man let out of a cage . . .

Shy and awkward, First Daughter Grace Reeves has always done what she’s told. Tired of taking orders, she escapes her security detail for a rare moment of peace. Except her worst nightmare comes to life when a ruthless gang of criminals abducts her. Her only choice is to place her trust in Reid Allister, an escaped convict whose piercing gaze awakens something deep inside her. Reid is nothing like her other captors.

He’s tougher, smarter…and one blistering look from him makes her hotter than any man ever has.

Reid spent years plotting escape and revenge . . .years without a woman in his bed. For this hardened felon, Grace Reeves isn’t just out of his league—she’s from another planet, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting her. Escaping Devil’s Rock was tough, but resisting this woman could be the end of him. For a man with nothing to lose, protecting her . . . claiming her as his own, becomes more necessary than his next breath.

Preorder Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Sophie's Website

Why?

Okay, this wasn't my original choice, but I happen to notice it when I went looking for a blurb for another Sophie book. When I saw this it was like "Damn." Like in Friday with Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. If you don't know then you need to check out the clips for Friday and damn. Anyway, Loving it. Yumminess for his bod. What do you think of the pick of the week?

Nantucket by Nan Rossiter (Review)

I finished Nantucket by Nan Rossiter. I wouldn't quite classified this as a romance, because Cadie and Liam do not get a happily ever after, and not really a happily for now either. I mean someone dies in the end. It kind of reminds me of Nicholas Spark novel, might as well go through an emotional wringer. Yes, there are happy times, but majority of the story has sad feel. It's broken down into three sections.

The first part focuses on Liam as he is now with the flashbacks of the love he lost. So, we go back and forth to the present and the time he was 17. I have to say that the author did a beautiful job with the transitions. Definitely flowed well.

The second part focuses on the reunion of Cadie and Liam. However, there was never going to be happily ever after with what Cadie was going through. It was extremely sad to see them go through what they did in the two month span. They were able to get a little time together. Emotional part of the story.

The third part is the about moving on after Cadie and learning to survive. Liam learned a lot about himself during this whole book.

Even though this isn't something I normally read Nantucket is actually a well written story that is moving. I found myself wanting to read more after the first chapter. the pace of the story is fairly quickly even though there are emotional parts. I found myself in tears. This would be a very good story to have as a book club selection. It's thought provoking and it would be an interesting to hold a discussion after reading the book. So, I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a book club pick.

Copy provided

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

This Love of Mine by Miranda Liaison (Review)

I was fortunate to receive an opportunity to read the second book in Mirror Lake Novels, which is This Love of Mine. I did enjoyed the story. Both the characters are likable, but I'm a fan of the whole fake relationship thing. It's always fun to see how it will all play out in the end. So, we have Meg Halloran who has been in love with Ben Rushford FOREVER. However, he has permanently friend-zoned her, because he feels guilty about the death of her brother. Guilt sucks monkey balls. Basically, Meg has decided that she's moving on from Ben, because there are other guys to give a try. Yet, Ben sucks her into a fake relationship so he can get a job in area. She's not sure about the situation, but she's willing to play along.

Meg is sweet and carrying. She did stuff outside of her comfort zone in order to help Ben. Now Ben he's kind of selfish and he doesn't truly see it. He does have feelings for Meg, since the accident with her brother he feels he's unworthy to be with Meg. I love what Meg does for him to help alleviate the guilt he carries. Like most fake relationship, it somehow manages to move towards real. I like what Ben did towards the end to win Meg back. Super sweet.

Overall, This Love of Mine is a sweet story about two friends who manage to find love in a fake relationship. It's pretty light and fun, and nothing overly dramatic. I'm anxious to find out what happens to Sam, and I hope others get a story too. I would love to see if Cole get a story. However, I have no control of that just a wish. Anyway, I liked the story.

Copy provided.

Rating:
4 Stars

This Thing Called Love by Miranda Liasson (Review)

At the beginning Miranda Liasson's This Thing Called Love, I wasn't sure if I would like the story. I personally wanted to throat-punch the hero. Normally it's usually the heroine, but this time the hero got my hackles in an uproar. I wasn't sure if I was ever going to like him. Here's what started my dislike to him:

Brad Rushford is handsome, fun, and charming, but he had to play I know how raise kids card when he found out Olivia Marks was name legal guardian of their niece Annabelle. During the first part of the book he tried to undermine Olivia making her feel like she couldn't raise a child on her own, and that Annabelle should stay closer to her family. Yes, I hated his guts. Who was he to say that Olivia couldn't handle it. Hey, she might be new to the whole parenting thing, but it's not like she's going to harm the child. Plus, she was named guardian for a reason, by the end we find out the reason, I kind of figured it was similar to what happen. It wasn't until Brad's family helped him realize that Olivia isn't a bad choice, and she needed time to adjust.

Poor Olivia. She's thrust into responsibility to care for newborn and she has no clue what to do. She doesn't understand why she was named guardian, and she's not sure if she can handle the responsibility. She didn't need Brad undermining her at every opportunity. Seriously, she need someone to throat-punch Brad for her. Once Brad mellowed out and started seeing Olivia isn't doing a bad job.

Now the romance. Yes, This Thing Called Love is a second chance love story. Brad and Olivia use to be an item in high school, but they started to grow apart when she left for college. Both of them played a part into the breakup, but Brad held Olivia more responsible for the issue. I love how his family had to point out some of his issues when it came to his relationship to Olivia. It was eyeopening to him towards the end.

This Thing Called Love is not for everyone. Not everyone is going to like Brad. He's pretty unlikeable for a good portion of the story. However, I did warm up to the guy. I automatically liked Olivia, but then again I felt protective over her. I mean she needed someone to stand up for her. However, she took the responsibility like a champ. If you can get pass the hero's flaws it's an enjoyable story.

Skater's Waltz by Peggy Jaeger (Review)

In Peggy Jaeger's Skater's Waltz we find a friends-to-lovers romance. Friends-to-lovers romances can be a little difficult at times to pull off. I mean you have been friends forever and the you want to move to on to the next step, or you have one that would love to be more than friends and the other wants things to stay the same. This situation is a little different, because there is a an eight years age gap and they met when the heroine was six and the hero was 14. Right there is hard. For a contemporary piece that is hard to swallow at times, and it's easier to get away with something like that in a historical romance. Anyway. Yes, I did struggle with the romance part of the story. Here's why I had a little trouble with the romance. He basically watched her grow up, because his uncle married her mother and he was being raised by his uncle. Slew of complications.

When Skater's Waltz begins Tiffany 23 and Cole is 31, Cole is home from assignment he's spending a little time with his family. He comes home to find a grown up Tiffany, and he's attracted to her, but he wants to keep things the same. However, Tiffany is determine that she's the perfect girl for him. Anyway, I found the romance part of the story a bit awkward. I guess I had a hard time wrapping my brain around the whole situation. However, what I did like was the story about situation happening with ice program. Some was trying to take Tiffany out of the program, so we all these things happen to Tiffany. Of course this brings out the protectiveness of Cole. Yes, I did like that part of the story. Which helped me warm up to the idea of relationship between Tiffany and Cole. Tiffany was willing to let Cole do his own thing and almost causes a riff between the two.

Overall, not a bad read. A few issues here and there, and they it might be me.

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