Only Beloved by Mary Balogh (Review)

Rules for reading Mary Balogh, you should always start with the first book, always. Do I heed my own advice? Not really. I should listen. Since I didn't heed my own advice, might as well proceed, granted you're not going to be too terribly lost on story. However, it might give you some insight on our hero, George Crabbe, Duke of Stanbrook. Yes, the stories kind of intertwine with one another.

Anyway, we have come to the end of the series and George has decided he wants to take a wife again, and he knows the perfect woman, Dora Debbins. Now if y'all followed the series you would remember her from Only Enchanting. I haven't read that one, but it's a pretty good guess since it has her sister, Agnes. Anyway, they meet there and he figures she would make a good wife and they could have a good life together.

Now Dora is a declared spinster. She never dreamed marriage would come to her, since she's almost 40. When a duke comes in wishing to marry, might as well jump on board, after all she's not getting any younger.

For the most part they have a nice marriage, and we learn it was a lot better than his first marriage. I have to say that I kind figured out the reason why his marriage didn't work. I was shocked and at the same time not really. Think GoT, and you will understand. Everything seems hunky dory until someone from the past crashes the party and makes a mess.

Even though I didn't read the previous books, I actually liked Only Beloved. I like the growth between George and Dora. I did have a hard time with the heroine's name, because all I could think of her has Dora the Explore. I have kids, it makes sense to me. I like that the couple were a little older. Yes, they both had baggage from their lives. I mean Dora had issues with her mother and father. Okay this is my speculation on the father and it could be totally wrong: I wonder if the father was cheating on his wife. I kind of wondered about that. I mean he threw accusations about his wife and divorced her. Makes you wonder. Back to my other thoughts. I liked how Mary ties up the end of the book nicely and how they all return each year. Over the course of the series their bond is wonderful. I'm glad George was able to find true happiness, because his wife was a peach. I guess, I better get reading the beginning.

Copy provided by Penguin via First to Read Program.

Rating:
4 Stars

Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt: Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

DUKE OF SIN 

The Maiden Lane, 10

Elizabeth Hoyt

Grand Central Publishing Mass Market 

May 31, 2016

A MAN OF SIN

Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans.

A WOMAN OF HONOR

Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery's household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous.

A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH

Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can't resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets-and neither may be as nefarious-or as innocent-as they appear . . .

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Kiss Me That Way by Laura Trentham

Kiss Me That Way
Cottonbloom #1

By: Laura Trentham

Releasing May 31, 2016
St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Blurb

A river divides Cottonbloom in two: the upscale enclave on the Mississippi side and the rundown, rough and tumble side in Louisiana. They’re worlds apart—but nothing can build a bridge like love…

Cade Fournette never had it easy Cottonbloom. He stuck around long enough to raise his orphaned siblings and then hightailed it out West—and never looked back. Even though he’s made a success of himself in Seattle, Cade never lost the toughness and the angry edge that helped him survive down South. His only weak spot: the girl he left behind…

Monroe Kirby came from the wealthy side of town, but that didn’t protect her from her mother’s drinking—or her mother’s boyfriend. It was Cade who did that, on a long-ago hot September night, before he disappeared…along with a piece of her heart. Now Monroe is a physical therapist who can fight for herself, and it’s Cade who could use some conditioning when he makes an unexpected return back home. Will he and Monroe pick up where they left off and finally explore their mutual passion—or will the scars and secrets of the past divide them once more?

Excerpt

RockStar PR Spotlight: Demand by Lisa Renee Jones

Demand
Careless Whispers Book 2

Lisa Renee Jones

May 31, 2016

Blurb:

The sexy, breathtaking mystery continues in New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones's stunning second novel in the suspenseful Careless Whispers series--where shocking revelations will reveal themselves and nothing, and no one, will ever be the same.

Still struggling with amnesia, Ella questions everything she's known about Kayden Wilkens--the alluring stranger who claims to have found her unconscious in an alleyway. But was he truly a stranger--or did Kayden know her before his supposed rescue? Tormented by the potential betrayal he denies, with fleeting memories of a bombshell in her recent past, Ella must face a hard reality. Every action has consequences . . . and trusting Kayden, the one thing she most desires, might result in the direst consequences of all.

Lusting for Covers (125): Sanctuary Island by Lily Everett

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:

Sanctuary Island by Lily Everett 

Publisher: St. Martin Press (July 2013)

Series: Sanctuary Island, 1

Genre: Contemporary

Blurb:

When Ella’s sister decides to reunite with their estranged mother, Ella goes along for the ride—it’s always been the two Preston girls against the world. But Sanctuary Island, a tiny refuge for wild horses tucked off the Atlantic coast, is more inviting than she ever imagined. And it holds more than one last opportunity to repair their broken family—if Ella can open her carefully guarded heart, there is also the chance for new beginnings.

Grady Wilkes is a handyman who can fix anything…except the scars of his own past. When he accepts the task of showing Ella the simple beauties of the island that healed him, he discovers a deep sense of comfort he thought he’d lost. But now he must convince the woman who never intended to stay that on Sanctuary Island, anything is possible—forgiving past mistakes, rediscovering the simple joys of life, and maybe even falling in love.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Why:

The horses and the background. Plus, I needed something to quick to pick. Not a lot of thought this week. What do you think of my pick?

Tasty Book Tours Pre-Sale Blast + Excerpt: Inseverable by Cecy Robson

Inseverable
A Carolina Beach Novel (Book One)

By: Cecy Robson

Releasing June 21, 2016 
Self-Published

Blurb

How can you imagine forever with someone who's leaving everything behind?

Callahan, a former army sniper, wants to make an escape from his past and everything he experienced at war, but most of all, just not feel. Feeling leads to pain and he's suffered enough. When he inherits a house on South Carolina's Kiawah Island, he packs his bags, lured by the peace and seclusion he thinks it will bring. But, Callahan never counted on meeting anyone like Trinity . . .

Trinity has always been the cute, and funny one, who most guys overlook inpursuit of her "hot" friends. She became used to being everyone's pal, until the day the young man she was attracted to, was drawn to her in return. He became her first great love, and first crushing heartbreak when she found him in bed with one of her closest friends.

To move forward, and to carry out her commitment to helping those in need, Trinity enlists in the Peace Corps, but not before returning to Kiawah for one last memorable summer. She just never imagined it would be so unforgettable.

Callahan doesn't want to get close to anyone-let alone Trinity. He finds her perkiness insufferable and her attempts to entice a smile distracting. After all, he's in Kiawah to leave all feelings behind. But when it comes to Trinity, who feels everything, it's hard not to feel something.

Neither expected to fall in love. And no one could have predicted how inseverable they'd become.

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: An Accidental Affair by Holly Blackstone

An Accidental Affair
Liliana Batchelor #1

By: Holly Blackstone

Released March 2013
Self-Published

Blurb

Two souls meet at a dark railroad crossing… there's no hint this night will be the beginning - and end - of everything. 

Lily doesn't exist any more - old Lily, anyway. That night made her different, rewrote her life, tore up everything she thought she knew and understood. 

How do you go back to normal after you've met someone who has turned your life upside down? When you fear the passionate connexion but don't want to live for anything else? When those few moments were the most intense and intimate of your life and it was the barest taste of what you could have together? 

How do you find the strength to not run away from something that has the power to shatter your heart? 

Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language and situations that some readers may find objectionable (including spanking and bondage). Content intended for adults only.

Excerpt: 

Harper Collins Cover Reveal: Bedmates by Nichole Chase

Bedmates 

America Royalty, 1

Nicole Chase

William Morrow Paperbacks

October 4, 2016

Blurb

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Incapable by Marie Skye

Incapable
Incapable #1

By: Marie Skye

Releasing February 19, 2016
Self-Published

Blurb

Emmalin

Gone.

Everything I ever had is gone. Ripped away, taken before I was ready. So I just hid. Hid in the shadows, hoping to disappear, blending in, fade away. I didn't want to be found, and I sure as hell didn’t want, to be discovered.

But one man did. He saw me. Saw right through me.
He's overbearing, egotistical, and did I mention a total asshole?
When I'm with him, I want to scream, Punch him,
And then have him rip my clothes off.

I gave him one night.
He wants more.
And so do I.
I'm his.
Grayson Mandrake owns me.

Grayson

I take, because I can.
I claim, because I can.
She was mine the moment I saw her,
And I will destroy her soul to keep her. Have her. Own her.

I'm ruthless,
And relentless,
A total asshole.
And I will do anything for her.
Emmalin Ross is mine.

Excerpt:

The Wicked Duke by Madeline Hunter (Review)

First off, I haven't read the previous book. I actually have them, because Herding Cats & Burning Soup glowed about these books, also I LOVE the covers. They are sitting in a box getting ready to move to Oklahoma with me. Anyway, I can't honestly tell you that if it would be beneficial to read the previous books or not. How I felt you could read this book without worrying.

As you read the story, you learn that Lance lived the life of the spare. Half the time he didn't remember what he was doing. He eventually found himself with the Dukedom and the prime suspect of murder. Sucks to be him. Basically, he's been living like a monk. No more, and try to find out who killed his brother. That's pretty much what's going on. How does Marianne Radley playing into this story. Well, her loving wonderful uncle decides he's going to blackmail Lance into marrying one of his relations. Isn't he so wonderful? He would prefer his own daughter, but she has a few issues. Lucky for him he has a wonderful niece. I adore Lance, because he refused to be coerce into marriage. The best way to scare off a young lady would be his natural self. Now Marianne is a unique young woman, who doesn't frighten easily. Honestly, they should have come to understanding, but that would be too simple. Basically these two play a game of cat and mouse, which never ends well with two people trying not to marry anyone.

Overall, I did like these two characters. I liked how they started to work together to figure out who killed his brother. However, we learn a lot about his brother and looks are not always what they seem to be. Even though Lance was wild and wicked, you knew who he was up front. I didn't like Marianne's uncle. He was definitely a piece of work. He makes my crazy Uncle Joe look like a decent guy, and that's bad. Honestly, I didn't think Lance was all that wicked, especially when you got to know his decease brother. If you are looking for something to read, you might consider The Wicked Duke.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley.

Rating:
4 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Tommaso by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Tommaso
Immortal Matchmakers, Inc. #2

By: Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Releasing May 24, 2016
Self-Published

Blurb

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff…

TOMMASO, Book #2, Immortal Matchmakers, Inc. Series (Standalone)

SOMETIMES, HOT MEN CAN BE REAL MONSTERS…

Tommaso Fierro is used to the finer things in life—nice suits, nice car, nice house. Okay, his past isn’t so nice, but that’s in the past. Or at least it was until he blacked out after meeting the woman of his dreams.

Annnd possibly capturing her.
Annnd possibly terrorizing her before she got away.

Annnd discovering that he’s turning into a horrible creature he loathes with all his heart.

Luckily, there’s a cure. Unluckily, it will require him to track this woman down and convince her to give him a second chance. But if he finds her, will she ever believe that he’s really not a monster?

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tour Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Hostage by Jamie Begley

Hostage
Predators MC #3

By: Jamie Begley

Releasing May 23, 2016
Young Ink Press

Blurb

The Enforcer’s Oath: Protect the club at all costs.

Jackal made an enemy out of Penni when he kidnapped her years ago. He let her go, never imagining she would take a piece of his soul with her. Now protecting Penni against a former brother will force him to place the club against her once again.

She may be the Hostage, but he’s the one held captive by the lust she refuses to admit binds them together.

She thinks The Last Riders and another man will be all the protection she needs to end the tug of war between them. However, he’s never lost a battle, especially against a tiny blonde with an attitude, begging him to teach her that her place is under him.

To end the battle, he’s going to have to reclaim the piece of soul she stole from him or claim a part of her soul as prisoner.

When a predator takes you hostage, you’re his forever.

Excerpt:

Tasty Book Tour Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Shadow by Alexa Dawn

Shadow
Assassins Club #1

By: Alexa Dawn

Releasing May 23, 2016
Young Ink Press 

Blurb

MADDOX KING
CODE NAME: SHADOW
AGE: 27
WEAPON OF CHOICE: PISTOL
JOB: KILL SCARLET DANIELS 

The first rule in the assassins club is simple: every job comes with a price. 

Shadow has been given countless jobs since joining the club, and all of them have been carried out, no matter the price. 

Killing Scarlet Daniels, the heiress to the world’s biggest electronics company, should be no different … 

Or so he thought. 

You are cordially invited to join the Assassins Club, but once you enter, there is no turning back. 

Excerpt:

Lusting for Covers (124): The Viscount and the Vixen by Lorraine Heath

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:

The Viscount and the Vixen by Lorraine Heath

Publisher: Avon (Nov. 2016)

Series: Hellions of Havisham, 3

Genre: Historial

Blurb:

Love begets madness. Viscount Locksley watched it happen to his father after his cherished wife’s death. But when his sire arranges to marry flame-haired fortune hunter Portia Gadstone, Locke is compelled to take drastic measures to stop the stunning beauty from taking advantage of the marquess. A marriage of mutual pleasure could be convenient, indeed...as long as inconvenient feelings don’t interfere.

Desperation forced Portia to agree to marry a madman. The arrangement will offer the protection she needs. Or so she believes until the marquess’s distractingly handsome son peruses the fine print . . . and takes his father’s place! Now, the sedate—and, more importantly, secure—union Portia planned has been tossed in favor of one simmering with wicked temptation and potential heartbreak. Because as she begins to fall for her devilishly seductive husband, her dark secrets surface and threaten to ruin them both—unless Locke is willing to risk all and open his heart to love.

Preorder Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Lorraine's Website

Why?

Totally love this cover. I mean she's like leading the hero to the bedroom or at least that is what it looks like. Love the background. Plus, it sounds like an interesting read. So, glad this bad boy pop up in the newsletter today. 

TLC Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: Out Rider by Lindsay McKenna

Out Rider
Jackson Hole, 11
Lindsay McKenna
HQN
April 2016

Blurb

With her return to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, New York Times bestselling author Lindsay McKenna shows how love can find a way out of the darkness…

A fresh start—that’s all Devorah McGuire wants. As a former Marine and current Ranger with the US Forest Service, she’s grown accustomed to keeping others safe. But when the unthinkable happens, she can only hope that a transfer to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, will allow her to put the past behind her for good.

Dev’s mentor at Grand Tetons National Park is fellow canine handler and horseman Sloan Rankin. He shows Dev the spectacular trails, never knowing the terror that stalks her every move. Despite her lingering fear, Dev feels an attraction for Sloan as wild as their surroundings.

With Sloan, Dev can envision a new life—a real home. Unless a vengeful man fresh out of prison succeeds in finishing what he started…

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tour Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Bodychecking by Jami Davenport

Bodychecking
Game On in Seattle #7

By: Jami Davenport

Released April 30, 2016
Sedona Enterprises

Blurb

As the wild child of the family, Bellani Maxwell isn’t interested in settling down. Between a fledgling party crashing business, teaching self-defense at a martial arts studio, and hitting the bar every night, she has her hands full. She doesn’t need the added responsibility or commitment of a relationship.

Hockey star Cedric Pederson has all the puck bunnies he could ever want, but a chance encounter eighteen months ago leaves him with eyes only for the gorgeous, free-spirited Bella. Too bad she isn’t interested in what Cedric has to offer beyond frequent hookups, and he’s grown tired of their on-again, off-again non-relationship. He wants to be all-in or all-out.

When a brutal attack leaves Bella in need of comfort, protection, and healing, the only person she wants is Cedric. But once she’s living in his condo, Bella is confronted with a decision she’s been avoiding—can she finally commit to Cedric, or will she let him go one last time?

CONTENT WARNING: Contains graphic and potentially disturbing descriptions of an assault.

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Book Blast + Excerpt + Giveaway: Between Midnight and Dawn by Cheryl Yeko

Between Midnight and Dawn

By: Cheryl Yeko

Releasing May 19, 2016
Soul Mate Publishing

Blurb

Kyle Wade has spent over half his life seeking justice for his mother’s brutal murder at the hands of the serial killer known as C.H.K. His efforts lead him to Nicole Chambers, a woman he quickly develops strong feelings for.

Now he’s torn between keeping Nicole safe, or using her as bait to capture the monster stalking her.

Excerpt

Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt: Too Hot to Handle by Tessa Bailey

Too Hot To Handle

Romancing the Clarksons, #1

Tessa Bailey

Forever 

May 17, 2016

When rescue looks like a whole lot of trouble…

The road trip was definitely a bad idea. Having already flambéed her culinary career beyond recognition, Rita Clarkson is now stranded in God-Knows-Where, New Mexico, with a busted-ass car and her three temperamental siblings, who she hasn't seen in years. When rescue shows up—six-feet-plus of hot, charming sex on a motorcycle—Rita's pretty certain she's gone from the frying pan right into the fire… 

Jasper Ellis has a bad boy reputation in this town, and he loathes it. The moment he sees Rita, though, Jasper knows he's about to be sorely tempted. There's something real between them. Something raw. And Jasper has only a few days to show Rita that he isn't just for tonight—he's forever.

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Sale Blast + Excerpt: Of Flame and Promise by Cecy Robson

Of Flame and Promise
Weird Girls #6

By: Cecy Robson

Released January 12, 2016
Loveswept

Blurb

Perfect for fans of Keri Arthur and Bella Forrest, this short novel kicks off a sizzling new series in the award-winning Weird Girls saga as Celia’s sister Taran fights to have it all: independence, hot romance, and enough firepower to torch an army of blood-thirsty supernaturals.

Cursed by a spell meant to destroy them, Taran Wird and her sisters instead developed unique magical talents. With the power of fire and lightning literally at her fingertips, Taran doesn’t fear much. Demons, vamps, whatever—bring ’em on! Only one thing terrifies her: commitment.

Taran is crazy about her boyfriend, Gemini, a sexy were with the incredible ability to split into two separate wolves. But after watching her sister go through heartbreak with the pack’s Alpha, Taran knows not to count on happily ever after—despite Gemini’s desire to claim her as his mate. Reluctantly, she agrees to meet his very traditional and conservative parents. Taran’s a badass with a mouth to match, and Gemini loves her for it. She’s just not positive these attributes will please Mom and Dad.

Unsurprisingly, every attempt by Taran to bond with Gemini’s folks proves disastrous. But in the end, Taran finds that winning them over means unleashing her powers . . . and proving that this foul-mouthed fire-starter is a force to be reckoned with.

Excerpt

Lusting for Covers (123): If I Only Had A Duke by Lenora Bell

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:

If I Only Had A Duke by Lenora Bell

Publisher: Avon (Aug 2016)

Series: The Disgraceful Dukes, 2

Genre: Historical

Blurb:

After four failed seasons and a disastrous jilting, Lady Dorothea Beaumont has had more than enough of her family’s scheming. She won’t domesticate a duke, entangle an earl, or vie for a viscount. She will quietly exit to her aunt’s Irish estate for a life of blissful freedom. Until an arrogant, sinfully handsome duke singles her out for a waltz, making Thea the most popular belle of the season.

The duke ruined her plans and he’ll just have to fix them.

Dalton, Duke of Osborne, is far too heartless for debutantes or marriage—he uses dalliances and public spectacle to distract from his real purpose: finding the man who destroyed his family. When his search leads to Ireland, the last thing he needs is the determined, achingly innocent Thea, who arrives in the dead of night demanding he escort her to her aunt. His foolish agreement may prove his undoing. The road to the Emerald Isle is fraught with unforeseen dangers, but the greatest peril of all might just be discovering that he has a heart...and he’s losing it to Thea.

Preorder:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Lenora's Website

Why?

I picked this book, because of the title. Love the title, and here's why: I can make up new words to If I Had a Brain to If I Only Had a Duke. I don't know what the words would be, but I know the chorus. Now I'm going to singing if I only had a duke. LOL. Of course, the dress is pretty and cover is pretty too. Yes, we have seen similar covers to this one, but it was the title that drew me. Plus, Lenora Bell is someone you should be on the lookout for reads. Her first book was pretty good and I hope that this one is just as good. What do you guys think of my pick?

Why Romance?

From time to time, I get a chance to encounter a person who doesn't appreciate the nuance of romance. You know when you run into those people when they say things like:

Oh you read those kinds of books.I only read biographies.
Those kind of books don’t interest me.

Personally, I don't mind, but I do mind when they come with a judgmental attitude. Especially, when give you the look, "Oh child come talk to me when you decided to read grownup books." Those are the times I want to say, " Hey, do you know how much work goes into this book." Yet, I say nothing, because deep down they are going to continue believing romance is fluff stuff. Don't get me wrong there are some fluff stuff out there, but there are also stories that are complex and in depth.

Truth be told I have learned a lot from romance. I have learn quite bit of history. Yes, I do look things up to verify if somethings that happen in the story could happen or did happen. I have learned about geography. These authors have to take into consideration location and it's important to do the research otherwise you have someone in that area calling them out.

Honestly, the main reason to read romance is a happy ending. I hate depressing endings, because it leaves me in a funk for a while. Granted not every book has a glum ending, but with romance I get happy ending that brings me a smile. Yes, I have been told they are unrealistic to have happy ending. DUH! It's a story.

I read to escape. I read because I want an adventure from the safety of my home. It might be my Disney up bringing that makes me want a happy ending. However, I think it's just me. I want everything to be rosy and perfect. I can't get that in real life, because real life is messy. Yet, romance can give me rosy perfect ending. Granted they might face obstacles along the way, but you have a happiness. If I'm called silly for reading romance, I'm okay with that. I think everyone should try at least one romance, before they knock the genre.

Why do you guys read romance?