background

Thursday, February 28, 2013

I'm going to need the Luck of the Irish this month

Oh deary, this going to be a crazy month for reading. I don't know what I was thinking. Seriously, I really need to cap my enthusiastic self and show some restraint. Then again what would be the fun in that, right? So, here is what is going on through the month of March:

First off, it will be my blogs birthday. Yay, I made it one whole year without quitting which is amazing. My last blog didn't make it that long, but What I'm Reading made it. *Throws confetti*

So this is what's going to happen this month:

1~His Reluctant Rancher Blog Tour (Review Stop)
12~Jess Michaels Her Perfect Match  (Guest Appearance Interview)
18~My First... Poison Blog Tour
20~Aubrie Dionne Playing the Maestro Blog Tour (Interview Stop)

List of Reads:
Hero of My Heart~ Megan Frampton
Secrets of A Runaway Bride~Valerie Bowman
Last Chance Book Club~ Hope Ramsey
Heir To A Desert Legacy~ Maisey Yates
Darius~ Grace Burrows
The Summer He Came Home~ Juliana Stone
The Spinster's Secret~ Emily Larkin
Temptation~ Kathryn Barrett
Down and Dirty~ Christine Bell
Down for the Count~ Christine Bell
Magic by Moonrise ~Laura Navarre
Along Came Trouble~ Ruthie Knox
Second Chance Cafe~ Allison Kent
Buyer Beware~ Diane Vallere
Encounter at the Museum~ Claudia Dain, Michelle Marcos, Deb Marlowe, and Ava Stone
The Perfect Match~Jess Michaels

Recap of February, I was able to complete the list. Granted the list wasn't as long, but I manage. So, here we come March ready or not. Wish me luck on the reading list and I will bring you a new list next month.



eARC: If You Give a Rake a Ruby by Shana Galen

We continue the saga of the Jewels of the Ton trilogy with If You Give a Rake a Ruby. In the last book When you Give a Duke a Diamond we were left wondering who is Lucifer and why he was after some particular diamonds. Well, the plot thickens as we learn more about these particular diamonds. Let me say they are not just ordinary diamonds, but Diamonds in the Rough.

Warrick Fitzhugh just happens to be one of the Diamonds in the Rough (a spy, technically a retire spy) and needs the help of Marchioness of Mystery, Fallon. She just happens to be the key to help him find out why Lucifer wants to whack-off all the Diamonds in the Rough.

Fallon is definitely the Marchioness of Mystery, since no one really knows where she comes from. Everyone in the ton believes she could the daughter of some great, but the simple truth is a daughter of a pickpocket and a whore. Yet Warrick found out her background and is using it to get what he needs. You could say he's blackmailing her, but that's a terrible word. Plus, she is key to find her father Joseph Bayley, who she believes is dead. Dun, dun, dun. Yep, the plot has definitely thicken in this story.

All right, I must say compare to the last story this has become a little more darker and sinister. However, still just as good. With so many twist and turns it adds the mystery whats going to happen in the next book and are we going to find out who is behind the sinister plot to kill off the Diamonds in the Rough?

I love Fallon, because she's not the typical tall willowy young woman, but petite (ok she's short, nothing wrong with that). Even though she's a courtesan, she still has insecurities. Especially, when she comes in contact with Warrick. When she's around him, Fallon starts to believe she could have a family with him. However, she has to keep telling herself it's not possible.  

Warrick is an awesome hero. He's describe as not being beautiful in a conventional way, but there is something about him that makes him unique. I love that he has scars and not the ones you can see (even though he does have those too), but emotional scars. Somehow he is able to cope with them better when Fallon is around.

Those two make a fantastic duo and I just love the story. I love how Ms. Galen has made the story even more intriguing and makes you want to know the mystery behind the sinister plot. Seriously, I can't wait to see who the evil villain is and how the Countess of Charm is to help in the next story. So, I hope you get a chance to read this story and wait with me to find out the conclusion to Jewels of the Ton trilogy. You know I'll be anxiously waiting for it. Till next time.

Copy provide by NetGalley via Sourcebooks

Rating:
1/2


Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Guest Post: Wendy Sparrow~ Myth Me, Baby?

Today I have special treat, I have Wendy Sparrow and she will be sharing a tale. So, now I will turn the time over to Wendy and her post.


Myth Me, Baby?

When you write something that most people will see as a retelling of a myth, there is this pressure to reinvent the wheel. You want your story to stand out, right? You want it to be nothing like anything that has come before it!

Whoa, back up there.

Whether you’re an author or a reader, you haven’t seen an original story in your lifetime…and that is a fantastic thing.

Wait! Say what, Wendy?

Once upon a time in medieval Europe, there was a group of people called bards. They performed songs for towns as they travelled. The lyrics were sometimes fiction—sometimes historical events. Sometimes, they’d swipe really good plots from other bards and add their own little shine to it.

Imagine you’re in medieval Europe and you live in a town called…Frostedtown. (Okay, so sue me, I worked in a plug for my book there. Stick with the metaphor.) Now, unfortunately for you, the great bard…uhh Sparrow (it’s a good name) just heard this vague but amusing story about a cow and a duck. While you listen and chuckle a few times (because who doesn’t like a good cow/duck story?) you just can’t connect with the cow on a real level…and that duck is pretty self-involved. (Ducks can be like that.)

Now this hot bard with a fiendishly witty tongue—though, admittedly, a poor singing voice—hears what bits of the story work and what doesn’t and like a brilliant storyteller of their time—fixes it. Sparrow moves on to the next town—and the cow/duck story just slays them. They can’t get enough of it. The story evolves until when Sparrow returns to Frostedtown, the story is amazing. The cow now has a tragic backstory. The duck was born blind but receives its sight by doing a good deed for the cow. It’s not just a few sentences slung together and put to music. You toss money at Sparrow’s feet because, holy freak, that’s a brilliant story. (This wasn’t some subtle mental suggestion, by the way.) (Mostly because it really wasn’t all that subtle.)

Myths and legends are the cows and ducks of our time and writers the bards. Whether we’re using a plot that’s been used by scores of other writers or an actual myth or legend, we’ve filled in details it might have lacked the last time it was told. Or maybe instead of a duck…we have a misunderstood hedgehog. Never mind. Hedgehogs are cliché.

Most plots boil down to a single, solitary line:

Someone wants something, and they have a hard time getting it. 

What authors do with that line is where the story is. Stories evolve. Plots are living, breathing creatures that gain something each time a writer grabs them and wrangles a story out of them.

In Frosted, Jack Frost wants Kate, and he’s having an incredibly difficult time convincing his queen to return to him. Seven years ago, she fell through the ice into the Winter World, and Jack thought he had it made in the shade. His perfect queen was delivered right to his door. Kate may be imperfectly perfect for him, but she also has a mistrust of forever, so when he offers her the chance to return to the mortal world to say goodbye, she grabs it and runs with it…down to Florida.

Unfortunately, Jack can’t be anywhere that hasn’t dipped below freezing recently, so Kate is out of his reach…

Or is she?

The character of Jack Frost isn’t a character invented in the last century. If you thought I invented him, well, you’re cute, and here’s a twenty—you’re a doll. A heralder of winter has been a figure in mythology for a good long time. Now, my Jack Frost is a bit sexier than some of the other reincarnations of someone controlling the cold, but he’s still been done.  (Don’t snicker at that. It’s inappropriate.)

The plot of “boy gets girl” isn’t exactly a new one either. I’m convinced that on some level none of us wants to hear about loneliness—which is why Hades got his Persephone—Adam his Eve. You want the boy to get his girl. You’ll want Jack to get his Kate.

Whether nonfiction or fiction, the stories we retell are the ones when somebody wants something…and they get it. We want them to get it. We need that. Why would you retell a story where someone tries and tries and tries and nothing? That’s not a story. That’s laundry. And no one wants to hear about laundry.

It’s a great thing that it’s all been done before because it gives your favorite authors the chance to take something great and make it a cow/duck story that you’ll read again and again. You are one of the later towns to hear a story that gets better each time it’s told. And it will be retold…because, really, who doesn’t love a good cow/duck story?

(For the record, there are no cows or ducks in Frosted and for that I apologize. Go read it anyway and send me a tweet to tell me if Jack got his Kate.)

I would like to thank Wendy for sharing her post. If you like more information about Wendy or Frosted here's the information:



A bit about Wendy's novella, Frosted:
Seven years ago, Kate Finley fell through the ice into the Winter World and straight into the heart of its king, Jack Frost. Then cold feet set in and Kate ran from the one man who made her feel complete. 
Jack let his queen go back to the mortal world to say goodbye but she escaped out of his reach to sunny Florida. Now time is short, and he must convince his runaway bride to give him a second chance to melt her heart.




A bit about Wendy Sparrow:
At home in the Pacific Northwest, Wendy Sparrow writes for both an adult and young adult crowd. She has two wonderfully quirky kids, a supportive husband, and a perpetually messy house because writing is more fun than cleaning. She enjoys reading with a flashlight under a blanket—the way all the best books should be read—and believes in the Oxford comma, the pursuit of cupcakes, and that every story deserves a happily ever after. Most days she can be found on Twitter where she’ll talk to anyone who talks back, and occasionally just to herself.

If you would like reach Wendy you can click on any of the links listed:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

If you would like a chance to win a lovely snowflake pendant just fill out the rafflecopter. If you would like to see what it looks like click on Snowflake Pendant

Thanks again Wendy you have been a super sport for coming today and creating your own top pick.












a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Love's Revenge by Monica Burns

Last night I finished Monica Burn's Love's Revenge. I must say I enjoyed it. The first thought that popped into my head was intriguing and here's why:

Quentin Blackwell, Earl of Devlyn, still feels scorn by the woman he "loved," Eleanor Hamilton, and basically wants to seek revenge on her and her father. When Sophie, Eleanor's half-sister, offers him a way seek his revenge in exchange for him to give her his name. Why not?

It doesn't sound all that intriguing when put so simply, but I forgot to mention she's nine years older than Quentin. Whoa! Seriously, I was blown away by that fact and so was the hero. Actually he didn't believe her at first, because she aged so well. To have genes like that, anyways I'm digressing.

Sophie was trying to look for a way out of her father's house. Honestly who could blame the girl, because her father was a real piece of work. I'm amazed on how well Sophie dealt living with that awful family of hers.

I actually really liked Love's Revenge. Here's why:

1) The heroine your typical young lady, but a spinster. Not the spinsters that are like late 20s to early 30s, but in her 40s. I can honestly say I haven't seen too many stories like that.
2) The hero doesn't have a problem with an older woman. He actually enjoys the company of Sophie. He's willing to stand up for Sophie, since no one else does.
3) I love the fact Quentin would do anything to show Sophie he absolutely loves her.

However, I didn't like Sophie's half-sister and father. They were truly horrible people, but that's what really made the story. That Sophie was able to break free from them and find her true self. Along the way also help Quentin get pass the past.

Overall, it was a enjoyable read that can be done in a sitting if there is nothing pressing. Nothing like revenge to bring to people together. So, if you get a chance to read Love's Revenge, I hope you enjoy it like I did.

Copy provide by author

Rating:


Purchase Links:
Amazon | Smashwords

Monday, February 25, 2013

The Earl is Mine by Kieran Kramer

Remember a couple months back I got a chance to read Loving Lady Marcia, well Kieran Kramer has continue the House of Brady saga in The Earl is Mine. This time we will be focusing on Gregory Sherwood, the Earl of Westdale. The oldest son of Michael & Caroline Sherwood, the Marquess & Marchioness of Brady.

Gregory tries to run away from his problems after catches the girl he was about to propose to with his best friend. What better way than to escape your troubles and travel to America, because that solves everything.

A year later he comes back, still a tad bit angry with Lady Pippa Harrington with her part with the debacle. However, he starts to notice her and how she has blossom into a fetching young lady. Yet, he's not ready to settle down with anyone.

Pippa doesn't want a husband of any sort especially Gregory, but wants to be a sugar sculptor. A few things happen that causes her to flee her home and try to get to Paris on her own. Yet, fate intervenes and she ends up in the care of Gregory and needs to pretend to be his valet. Oh dear, masquerading as a valet, what could possibly go wrong?

I adore this story. Kieran Kramer's books are always light and fun with the reoccurring message of "love changes everything." The Earl is Mine is no exception to her message. I have to say it was a lot of fun to see Pippa playing valet and trying to hide her true feelings for Gregory. This is not a story to dissect and think about the deep meaning of the story, but just to entertain. Sometimes you just want a story that entertains and this would be one of those story. So, if you are looking for a diverting fun story with a Brady flare, you might want to read The Earl is Mine.

Rating:



Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Keeping Secrets in Seattle by Brooke Moss

When I started Keeping Secrets in Seattle by Brooke Moss, I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to be honest I went through array of emotion when I read this book. So, I might as well share my thoughts on this book.

During most of the book I was a ball full of nerves. I truly was worry with what the secret could be. There was so much tension as the story began. I think a lot of it had to deal with Violet Murphy keeping a secret bottled up for almost 10 years. Honestly that takes a toll on a person. It didn't help that her best friend, Gabe Parker, didn't tell her that he got back with his ex-girlfriend and propose to her. Watching her dream burn up in flames, as she sees the love of her life move on with Alicia.

I was feeling really wound up tight until she let the secret out and I was able to finally relax somewhat. By that time all hell had broke loose and I was feeling more calm and able to enjoy the book. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, but my emotion were everywhere. The subject of the secret of was extremely heavy, which tends to happen when sexual abuse is involve.

Overall, a marvelous work. I was amaze on how the author was able to tackle something that tends to get buried deep down in a dark corner. Through out most of the book was heavy, but worth the read. Most of all Violet and Gabe were able to find there happily ever after. Getting there was the challenge. So, if are looking for a change you might give Keeping Secrets in Seattle by Brooke Moss a try.

Copy provide by the publisher

Rating:


Purchases Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Saturday, February 23, 2013

eARC: The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm

How would you feel if you happen to find yourself somewhere in the past? Would you be excited, scared or more like what the hell just happen? I think I would fall into the last category, what the hell just happen. Today's the selection are heroine just happens to find herself thrown into the past in The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl by Gina Lamm.

In Gina Lamm's novel, Jamie Marten happens to be dealing with a broken heart and what better way than to escape into the world of online gaming. However, her friend Leah needs her to go help Pawpaw Milton with his antiques. Nothing like working in a storage unit in the hot humid air of North Carolina. While she's working she stumbles upon bureau, she just happen to touch it when the bureau starts to pull her in. Now I would be scary out of my mind if an object started to yank me in to another area. Leaving the comforts of North Carolina to who knows where, when she notice a Colin Firth look alike. That actually sounds delightful.

Micah Axelby, Earl of Dunnington, just ended a relationship with psycho mistress Colette Dubois, when he notices a young girl in his room. Not ready for another mistress, but wanting to purse a marriage with Miss Felicity Lyons. Now we have a future girl stuck in 1816, this should get pretty interesting.

I have to say I chuckle throughout most of the book. First off, Jamie had no clue about the lifestyle in the 19th century. I'm sure she would have been better prepared had she ever read a historical romance novel, but then again it might not have been as entertaining if she had. Poor Jamie. Then you have Micah who is very autocratic, after all he's an earl and takes his earldom seriously. He's about to propose a girl of good breeding and we can't have any lingering scandals.

So, the idea of throwing a girl of the 21st century into the 19th century can be kind of scary if you have no idea what to do. Which leaves us Micah and Jamie with conflicting ideas, and it doesn't help that Jamie is so independent. To top it all off, let's toss in a psycho ex-Mistress and meddlesome housekeeper. Entertaining.

Overall, I quite enjoyed this story. I found it delightful and entertaining and I can't wait for more. However, there were a couple of slow parts, but other than that it was well written for having two unlikely characters thrown together. It's a story I plan to actually add to my collection and I could see myself re-reading the story. So, if you are looking for a historical novel with some modern verbiage you might want to read The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl. I leave you today and I hope you don't find yourself in some other time.

Copy provided by NetGalley via Sourcebooks

Rating:



Purchase Links:



Thursday, February 21, 2013

eARC: The Problem with Seduction by Emma Locke

Today I just finished The Problem with Seduction by Emma Locke. So let's just dive into the story and my thoughts.

The last time we saw Elizabeth Spencer, she was falling apart over the lost her child Oliver. Really heart-breaking. However, she came up with an hair-brain scheme to get her child back from her former-lover Captain Nicholas Finn. What better way than ask someone who might be in need some of some funds?

Lord Constantine Alexander happens to be that man. Constantine is in desperate need of funds to avoid the gaol. So, he accepts the terms of the agreement to get these funds. The challenge he has to overcome is to present reasonable doubt that Captain Finn might not be the child's father. Sounds easy enough, right? Oh boy.

First off, I did enjoy the first book The Trouble with Being Wicked and saw a lot of potential. Now that I have I read the second book The Problem with Seduction I have to say  that it might be better than the first book. So here we go with more thoughts.

I absolutely adore Constantine. To his family and friends he appears to be this dissolute rake, when actually he has a heart of gold. Oh my gosh, Constantine would give the shirt off his back to help someone he cares about, which kind of landed him in trouble in the first place. In some aspect he is kind of gullible, but as the story progresses he learns to be a little more firm.

Then you have Elizabeth Spencer. Elizabeth starts to realize she needs to change her lifestyle in order to create a better life for Oliver. So, she is reform courtesan. Granted she doesn't slip back into old habits, but some her her seductive ways still make their presence known. It's hard to make a clean break from something you have been doing for 10 years of your life.

I must say this story is a little different from the first book and I think a lot of has to do with Constantine and his a lovable loyal goofy personality. Don't get me wrong, Constantine might be all those characteristic, but he also carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Yet, he manages not to let it get to him, in my book that makes him amazing. I love the dynamic of Constantine and Elizabeth's relationship and how they get to know one another.

Overall, I enjoyed the The Problem with Seduction and seriously can't wait for more. Especially, since the next story deals with Constantine's older brother and I hope we get to see more stories about the other brothers. So, if you are looking for a story about a reform courtesan and a lovable hero you might want to read The Problem with Seduction.

Copy provided by the author

Rating:
1/2


Purchase Links:


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey

I guess it would be this morning even though the sun has not grace me with its presence, and also it's like 4am my time. Yeah, I know I should still in bed, but I just had to get my thoughts on the computer about the book I just finished. Granted I probably remember most of what I thought of the book at a decent hour, but I figured I'm up might as well get it done.

Anyways, I just finished Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey. Let me just say it was undeniably great. I mean the story had it all to make a great romance. Here's how it had it all:

First off you have a super charming great guy, Kevin Kowalski. I mean super decent, especially when accidentally knocks up Beth Hansen on a one nightstand. I mean he could have backed out of the situation and basically call her an out right liar. Or he could have said I want nothing to do with the child. No; he didn't do that, in fact he step up and took it like a man. He basically wanted to help in whatever way he could.

Beth unsure what to expect, but certainly didn't expect him to step up to the plate. Actually that really scared her. In fact she didn't really want his help, but he wasn't going to backdown. So, you have one extremely independent woman who wants to do everything on her own and not ask for help. Then you have a compassion guy who is willing to do anything to gain the trust and love of this woman.

Oh man, talk about having your heart drawn out and filet. Seriously, Ms. Stacey knows how to make a heart-wrenching story. Even though most of the story has a happy and heart-warming tone, but there's a couple parts where I had tears streaming down my face. Granted the stream of tears didn't happen until I got closer to the end, but it still got to me.

Kevin is a decent caring guy, who is willing to take on his responsibility. Most guys in his situation would have taken the easy way out when given the opportunity. However, he stuck with Beth through thick and thin. Even when she was pushing him away, he made sure she knew he would always be there.

Beth, where do I start with her? Goodness the girl had some screws loose or something, because she had a stand up guy willing to be a part of her life and the baby. Yet she felt like her walls were closing in whenever he offer his support. There were times I just wanted to smack and say, "Come on now, he's a great guy" (I don't normally want to smack the heroine and its usually the man, but in this case she deserved my censure).

Overall, I loved this story. I think a lot of it has to do with Kevin being an awesome guy.
Plus, there some great lines in the story like:
"When the reception was over I went for a walk and... she's pregnant."  (I think it's great makes you think it just magically happens, because you walked with a girl)
"One young voice stuck out. 'Uncle Kevin's having a baby with a hooker?'" (You have to love when there is a misunderstanding when kids are around).
Last fun line which happens around Christmas time: "'Ah.' Paulie set her plate down and leaned against the counter. 'Nothing makes you crave Pepto Bismol and Xanax like decking the hall.'" (Don't we all feel that way when it comes to Christmas shopping). 
With all that's said about Undeniably Yours, I must say that it's undeniably worth the read.

Rating:


Purchase Links:


Sunday, February 17, 2013

Playing the Maestro by Aubrie Dionne

Good morning everyone. Today I bring you another sweet read. I'm really excited to share this book with you all today. Last night I finished Playing the Maestro by Aubrie Dionne. I must say I really enjoy. Here's why:

Melody Mires is a principal flutist in the Easthampton Civic Symphony. She has vow never to date another musician again. Funny how that goes out the window when she sees Wolf Braun the new conductor from Germany.

However, there are a few obstacles that need to be tackled before these two kids can get together. First, Blake Templeton and his conniving scheme to get his sister as principal flutist. Second is the reason Wolf came to America, which happen to be escaping the clutches of an ex-girlfriend. However, she somehow weaseled her way to get close to Wolf.

Really, I did enjoy this book. Granted I did kind of read the book, because the heroine and I share the the same name. If you think about it we have the same initials and not many of you know I do play the flute. Not as well as the heroine, but I still play.

Let me share main reason why I enjoyed this story:
I love how caring and sweet Melody was in the story. She wasn't self-absorbed, but very down to earth. Then you have Wolf who came to America to start fresh and get away from a self-absorbed ex-girlfriend. Wolf wanted to steer clear from any relationship with Melody, because of what happen with his past ex. Plus, it didn't help Mel's case when she looks so similar to Alda. I love when Wolf comes to the realization that Mel is nothing like Alda. You start to hope for the best, then all of a sudden catastrophe  happens and you start to wonder if it's all going to workout. Fortunately, it's a romance novel and you know it will, but it's the how?

Overall, I found this a delightful sweet romance and lives up to the Bliss line. I do love the Bliss line, because they tend bring out the heart-warming sappy romance novels. I think everyone needs that every now again. So, if you are looking for that heart-warming feeling and want it with some musicians, I would say take a look at Playing the Maestro. Who knows you might get the urge to play too.

Copy provided by the publisher

Rating:


Purchase Links:

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Jackson Hole Valentine by Cindy Kirk

I love when I move along in my reading list makes me feel so accomplish. Ok, last night I finished Jackson Hole Valentine by Cindy Kirk. Honestly, I wanted to get this read before Valentines, but as you can see it didn't happen. Oh well, still in the month of February, right?

Jackson Hole Valentine falls under the Special Edition books of Harlequin and you're probably wondering what does that mean? I'll tell you. It means there is a child involve. So, if you don't like kids in your romance novels you might want to steer clear of the Special Edition. However, if you don't mind them, check them out. With that said let me share the book and my thoughts.

First things first, you need to know the characters:

Margaret Fisher (Meg): Best friend to the decease and ends up with shared custody of Charlie
Charlie: the son of the decease
Cole Lassiter: Friend to the decease, also sharing custody of Charlie

So, this happy family is thrown together. Ok, not so happy. Both parties are have held on to a grudge that happen in high school. You know broken hearts and teenage love is volatile at that age. Well, Cole broke up with Meg without a reason. Actually, he thought he had a reason. Cole did the typical guy thing and just stop calling, which just broke her heart. Now they have to work together to raise Charlie, but is trying to figure away to get sole custody of Charlie.

At first I didn't like Cole. I really thought he was a jerk, especially when he toss in front of Meg's face that he would do anything to get sole custody of Charlie. There were times I wanted to punch the guy in the face. Ya, that's bad. Half way through the story, Cole started win me over once he started to learn to trust again. I actually liked Meg character. I thought she was sweet and carrying. She really put Charlie first. I think being an orphan really helped her related to Charlie situation.

Overall, I liked the book. I do like how they were able to make the family work. So, if you are looking for something to read, you might want to checkout Jackson Hole Valentine by Cindy Kirk.

Rating:
1/2



Purchase Links:


Friday, February 15, 2013

A Secret Proposal by Valerie Bowman

I hope y'all had a nice day yesterday. If not, I'm sorry. Anyways. Yesterday I finished A Secret Proposal by Valerie Bowman. I must say I really enjoyed this story. So, here we go:

The last time we saw Amelia Templeton, she kind of was a little bit rude to Lily. Partly because Lily basically took away Colton from her. Yeah, I know not sporting, but always fair love and war, right?

Well, Amelia reemerge after a couple months and determination to find a husband with a fabulous title. Here are the lucky candidates:


Duke of Standford
Marquis of Bartholemen
Earl of Highland

By the way, all these eligible bachelors are old enough to be her grandfather. Oh boy, lucky girl. However, there is one other guy on the list Mr. Thaddeus Hammond, yet her mother would have a fit if she knew he was on the list. Oh dear. So, who is she going to pick a mother approve gentleman or the bad boy. Given the choice I'll the take the younger bad.

At first, I wasn't sure I would like this story. Here's why: I had a really hard time with Amelia in Secrets of a Wedding Night. At the beginning of the story, I just thought she was a silly young woman who was just after a title. Once I got more into the story, I got a chance to really see Amelia and who she really was. After awhile, I really liked her character, especially when she basically made an indecent proposal to Thaddeus. Thad is a fantastic hero. I loved him from the get go. Even though he casts himself as the black sheep of the family, he's really a decent guy. However, he carries the burdens of the past on his shoulders.

Overall, loved it. Love the dynamics of the story and how it all came together. I love how the past influenced future events and how it almost came to be a disaster for Amelia. Not only that I LOVE the title. Seriously, what pops into your mind when you read A Secret Proposal? I mean so many thoughts on what the title could mean. Yes, for a quick read FANTASTIC! Loved and you might too. If you are looking for a novella you might want to read A Secret Proposal.

Rating:


Purchase Links:

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Secrets of a Wedding Night by Valerie Bowman

Happy Valentines day! Well, I hope y'all will enjoy this day and if this is just an ordinary day that's fine too. Yesterday, I finished Secrets of a Wedding Night by Valerie Bowman. I must say that it was a pretty good read for a debut novel, so without further ado I present you this book.

Penniless Lily Andrew (aka Lady Merrill) needs to find a way to save her family from being destitute. What better way than to write a scandalous pamphlet on Secrets of a Wedding Night. Of course it has to be anonymous, otherwise she disgrace her family. Well, there happens to be one person who believes she's the author of that wretched pamphlet, Devon Morgan the Marquis of Colton.

Devon can't let this lovely information get into anymore hands, otherwise he's going to have a hard time finding a bride. After all, he already had one girl cry-off. What better way to break the author than to seduce her? Interesting.

I was entertained by this book. I think what really makes this story is the past relationship that Lily and Devon had at one time. Lily just sees herself doing a public service announcement to ladies in society, while Devon sees her as a menace to society. I enjoyed how these two go head to head with their battle of wits and a lot of it has to do with past feelings. Both of them blame each other for what happen five years prior, yet neither one of them is willing really find out the truth of the matter.

Overall, quite enjoyable. So, if you are looking for something new to read you might want to checkout Valerie Bowman's Secrets of a Wedding Night. Who knows you might find answers to those secrets in this book.

Rating:


Purchase Links:


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

eARC: Lord of Darkness by Elizabeth Hoyt

Yesterday I finished Lord of Darkness by Elizabeth Hoyt. I must say that I loved it more than Thief of Shadows and I loved that book.  Seriously, the story between Godric St. John and Lady Margaret Reading was amazing.

When we last saw Lady Margaret Reading (Megs) she had just found out her lover, Roger Fraser-Burnsby had just died. Oh there is more to the story of course, she need to find a husband quick, because of certain circumstances (if you haven't read Thief of Shadows well here is a spoiler she was increasing). Anyways, her brother was able to blackmail Godric St. John into marrying his sister.

Fastfoward two years: Megs has decided she needed something from her husband and the only way to get it is to consummate the marriage. That's not all. Oh she has decided to take down the Ghost of St. Giles and revenge her dead lovers murderer. However, there is one problem and boy it's a big one. Her husband happens to be the Ghost of St. Giles. Seriously, this can't bode well.

Lord of Darkness captivated from the first page to the last. I love how Megs had decided to start living again after the death of Roger, but still held back on living. She was so consummated on trying to capture Roger's murderer that she couldn't see what was in front of her. Then you have Godric, by the way I loved. Oh my gosh, he had his life turned upside down when Megs decides to come into his life. Yet he took it all in stride.

At times I truly felt bad for Godric who had to compete with a ghost from the past. Yet at the same time he was able to move past his grief of his first wife death and he learned to start to live again. I loved how these two characters both had carried there grief with them and weren't able to get past until started to learn to trust one another.

Overall, I loved it. Loved the story line of two wounded people trying to come to terms that love can happen again. No matter what there is always hope the heart will heal over time. So, I hope you get chance to read Lord of Darkness when it becomes available in a couple of weeks.

Copy provided by NetGalley via ForeverRomance

Rating:


Purchase Links:

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Interview with Jessica Scott and Giveaway

Anything For You Blog Tour 

I would like to Welcome Jessica Scott to What I'm Reading!


Hi Jessica, how are you doing?
So glad to be here! I’m awesome, as you can probably tell, lol!

I’m super excited that you have come to visit us today. First let me just say I love your stories. In fact, your debut novel was my first military romance novel and I loved it. My question is how do you balance work, family and writing?

I’m so glad you enjoyed the stories! I love Shane & Jen. They really are the couple that just won’t leave me alone. I’m glad they were persistent!

On balance, I don’t believe in it. I think anyone who tells you they’ve got it balanced is giving up in some other area. I do my best. Some days, the writing wins, some days the family wins. All in all, you just do your best every day and hope that it’s good enough.

How did you come up with the story of Shane and Jen? I mean I know that you are active duty, but I was wondering about Jen’s character and the breast cancer survival aspect?

When I was writing them, I needed something that Jen was powerless over in order to have her really understand what Shane was going through. I can’t remember how the idea of breast cancer came to me but I remember reading an article about how breast cancer is more aggressive in younger women. It just fit her. It made her a survivor and it made her someone strong. Shane couldn’t be with someone who wasn’t his equal, you know? And she really carried him through that first stage of healing.

What made you to decided to continue with Shane and Jen’s story?

I don’t really know. I knew their story wasn’t done because you see more of them in Laura & Trent’s story but I wasn’t sure what else was there. Then a good friend suggested I write a short story and well, it just came to me! They all fell back into place and it felt really good to write them again.

Will we see more short stories about them or just see them in the other books?
I honestly have no idea right now.

I know in the story we see Laura, and she’s bitter. Is there hope for Trent and her?
She’s frustrated, as I think any woman would be in her position. But yes, they have a story coming and yes, there’s hope! They’ve got a ton of darkness to walk through together first, though!

I was sad to hear the passing of Fluffy the Hamster and I was wondering how her replacement, Squeak the Bloody, was doing?

Aww thanks for your thoughts on Fluffy. She was a good little hamster but she was sick so it was for the best. Squeak the Bloody has moved in, taken over her facebook page and is in general wreaking havoc on the dogs. She owns that hamster ball!

How does the family like Squeak? How does Squeak like the family?
Squeak is getting used to us. She doesn’t bite as much as she first did and she no longer launches herself out of our hands at first tough. She’s getting better, lol!

Well, thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a great book tour. Is there anything you would like to say before you leave? 
I’m just so incredibly grateful for all the support from folks like you! I really couldn’t keep doing what I do if I didn’t have fabulous reader support!




Jessica has been so generous, she is giving away a digital copy of ANYTHING FOR YOU as well as Shane & Jen’s first story BECAUSE OF YOU to one lucky commenter!





From the author of Because of You comes an all new Coming Home short story.

Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison has spent a year recovering from his combat injuries. A year spent in the arms of the woman of his dreams.  But loving Jen comes with a price: every time he touches her, he faces the uncertain fear that loving her might mean losing her forever.

Jen is a breast cancer survivor and with Shane, she’s found a man who loves her despite her scars. But her scars may be too much for their love to survive.

As their love grows, so does the risk to Jen’s life. And Shane must make the toughest decision any man can make to save the woman he loves.

You can buy Anything For You at the following:


About Jess



Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she's a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.


Oprah has called her. True story.

Her debut novel BECAUSE OF YOU launched Loveswept, the first Random House digital imprint.

She's written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of OIF/New Dawn and is currently a company commander stationed at Fort Hood.

Most recently, she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.  

Connect with Jessica:





a Rafflecopter giveaway