Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor by Anna Bradley (Review)

I actually read Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor last week, and I have to say that it a pretty good read. Anyway, I wanted to read this book, because of the cover of course. Seriously, the cover is amazing. Then the title intrigued me, along with the blurb. Who doesn't like a good blackmailing story. Oh my gosh so the hero, well he's kind of a jerk. He's basically blackmailing Eleanor to marry him, because he has a secret agenda. His reasoning for blackmailing her is pretty twisted. As he's forcing her into their arrangement, he gets to know her. Yes, he feels guilty about what he's doing. Love Eleanor, because she's trying to figure a way out of the blackmailing situation and save her sister's reputation. She's one tough cookie and smart. She was willing to dumb herself down to get out of this marriage. Between these characters is a giant battle of wits, and Eleanor definitely keeps Cam on his toes. I actually like these two together. However, there were times I wanted to beat Cam to a pulp, and trust me he would deserve it. However, he does come to his senses, and does the right thing. Trust me it's not the easiest thing for him to do, but good thing he has a loving younger sister that is willing fight for him.

Yes, I enjoyed this story, and I can't wait for Eleanor's sister's story. She's a twit, and she has some serious growing to do. Now the hero does need to be slap upside his head a couple of times in the book, but the heroine totally makes this read. She's smart and quick, and is willing to do what it takes to save her family. Overall, Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor is a definite win for a read.

Copy provided by Lyrical Press via NetGalley

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Don't Call Me Sweetheart by Codi Gary (Review)

Where to beginning with Don't Call Me Sweetheart? Basically, we have a cast of characters that pretty important to the story:

Marley Stevenson- She works for Something Borrow, which is if you have a bridesmaid or maid of honor back out at the last minute, then she would be your go to girl to make the wedding party work. The ultimate bridesmaid.

Luke Jessup- He's the best man. Has the hots for Marley, but isn't sure about her since she's Sonora Star maid of honor. However, there is this attraction to her, but Marley runs hot and cold around him.

Brent Harwood- The groom. In a bind, and marrying Sonora would solve a lot of problems. Is it worth being wrapped up with a gold digger.

Sonora Star- A washed up pop singer who needs to get married. She's bagged a rich one with Brent. She's psychotic to say the least. She makes other bridezillas look like little lizards. She's a bitch to say the least. Extremely vindictive. If she was a real person, you would want to put a hit on her. She's that bad.

Kendall- Sonora's sister. Super sweet girl and is hated by her sister. Not sure why, because Sonora gets everything she wants.

So, those are the key players in the story. Sonora is a real beast throughout the story. We basically see Marley and Luke trying to keep things on the down low. Actually, Marley is trying to keep things professional, while Luke is trying to go out with her. Seriously, the dude is pretty awesome with all the crap Marley puts him through. I have to give Marley credit for handle all the crap Sonora puts her through.

I did like reading Don't Call Me Sweetheart. I'm glad Brent ended up getting what he really wanted in the long run, but it was a long couple of months to get there. I love Luke, because was a super decent guy. I liked Marley, but when she broke Luke's heart I wasn't a huge fan, but I'm glad she came to her senses. I can't wait to see what else happens in this serious. It definitely holds promise. I can't wait to see what the next book holds.

Copy provided by Lyrical Press via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Foolish Bride by A.S. Fenichel (Review)

I decided to take a chance on the Foolish Bride. The first book in the series was so-so, but showed promise to the series. We met Elinor in Tainted Bride. She's portrayed as a ditz in the first book, so thinking it might be interesting. Anyway, she's been burned by Sir Michael Rollins, and she had to withstand some scandal. However, the final straw was when he called off the wedding, because he wasn't whole. Basically lashed out her, instead explaining that he might be able to father children in a rational way. I totally get it, he was angry at the world, and her father didn't help the situation at all.

Anyway, she decides she's done playing the flighty airhead, and decides she wants a backbone. I struggle with this transition, because she started to lash out at everyone too. Tis a good thing she has good friends who stood by her side even when she was being a B. Once Michael came to his senses, all he ever wanted was Elinor's happiness. He might not have handle the situation with tact, but he did love her enough to let her go. However, things start to look up and he feels that he good be the man she needs. Yet, there are few challenges and obstacles ahead. You the know the road to true love isn't always the easiest.

All right, I almost gave up Foolish Bride. I seriously didn't like Elinor's attitude. She was kind of cruel and mean. I did press forward with the story, because I did like Michael. Both of the characters did grow as the story continues and they learn to love the people they have molded. Actually, it wasn't until about halfway through the story I had a change of heart on my feelings. I did start to enjoy the story. The beginning was a little rough for me, but it was a pretty good ending. Plus, the story got good during and after the house party. Overall, I liked Foolish Bride. I'm glad I stuck with the story.

Copy provided by Lyrical Press via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

PUYB Spotlight (Quick Thought): The Sweetheart Racket by Cheryl Ann Smith

The Sweetheart Racket
Brash & Brazen, 1
Cheryl Ann Smith

  Lyrical Shine
September 13, 2016

They used to be on the sidelines. Now they’re out in the field…

Two years ago, Taryn Hall was a pro football cheerleader—until she left her lecherous boss with a bloody nose and a faceful of Mace. Now she’s part of a different kind of squad. An elderly billionaire named Irving has hired and trained Taryn and her two best friends to work as private investigators…

Taryn loves the job, though it sometimes involves boring stakeouts, dog bites—and listening to Irving talk about his golf shoes. Then tattooed, steely-eyed, straight-up gorgeous undercover DEA agent Rick Silva walks into the office and shakes things up…

Rick needs help finding the con artist who’s taken his lonely mother for all she was worth. With multiple aliases and multiple victims, it will be a challenge to track down the coldhearted gigolo. And Rick insists on accompanying Taryn on the hunt, working closely, day and night. This could be dangerous. And the case might be kind of risky, too…

Wickedly Innocent Spotlight + Review + Excerpt: Tainted Bride by A.S. Fenichel

Tainted Bride

Forever Brides, 1

A.S. Fenichel

Lyrical Press

September 27, 2016

Blurb:

Only trust can save her...

Sailing to London, Sophia Braighton only hopes to escape certain ruin. But when she arrives, her Great Aunt Daphne has other plans for the American-born beauty.  Determined to marry off her niece to a man of means, she propels Sophia into London society, not knowing that the young woman’s trust in men is shattered. In fact, Sophia never expects to ever feel anything for a man. Then again, she never expects to find herself in the company of the dashing earl of Marlton….

From the moment he sees Sophia, Daniel Fallon feels alive in a way he has not since his broken engagement.  Though the vulnerable beauty shies from the passion burning bright between them, Daniel is determined to court her and make her his bride. When he learns of the painful secret she harbors, he is equally determined to take revenge on the man responsible. But will the quest destroy him—and his future with his beloved?

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Her One True Love by Rachel Brimble

Her One True Love

By: Rachel Brimble

Releasing March 15, 2016
Lyrical Press

Blurb

She Can't Forget Him…

Jane Charlotte Danes has loved the squire of her idyllic country town for as long as she can remember. He is good, kind, and alluring beyond words… and he chose to marry another. Tired of dwelling on her futile longings, Jane plans a move to Bath, where she dreams of a new beginning. But the man who has so imprisoned her heart is only a few steps behind…

He Can't Let Her Go…

Until now, Matthew Cleaves has endeavored to meet the responsibilities of his position with dignity and good spirits--including his dutiful marriage. But when his wife leaves him for another man, Matthew is at last free to pursue his one true love. Only one vital question remains: will the captivating, stubborn, beautiful Jane allow him the challenge, and the pleasure, of winning her back?..

My Thoughts:

Barclay Publicity Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Reid's Deliverance by Nina Crespo

It’s a night Lauren won’t forget…until Reid leaves to save the world…

A one night stand, a mission in the future and a lost memory. Can this Army Ranger sacrifice everything to finish his mission—including the woman he loves? Find out in Reid’s Deliverance by Nina Crespo…

About REID’S DELIVERANCE

Lauren isn't looking for love when she spends a scintillating night with Reid, the sexy keyboardist of Thane's Redemption. While their passion may be off the charts, her trust issues--and Reid's secret life as a time-traveling covert agent--makes any chance for a relationship impossible.

When operatives involved in a mysterious project begin dying, Reid defies orders and travels alone into the future to find the cause. But when things go dangerously awry, it takes all of his strength to get himself back to safety--and directly onto Lauren's doorstep. While neither of them remembers their night of passion, their intense connection leads Lauren to help him. But as Reid's memories reignite, will he be forced to sacrifice everything to finish his mission--including the woman he loves?

My Thoughts:

2015 Top Picks & Honorable Mention Reads

Last year was a little hard to make the favorite reads, since I was working mainly from my iPad for the holidays. So, I forgo the list. Since this year I was home I had decided to make my list. I decided to go month by month for my list, so here we go:

January:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Lady Who Lived Again by Thomasine Rappold

The Lady Who Lived Again
The Sole Survivor Series #1

By: Thomasine Rappold

Releasing December 8, 2015
Lyrical Press

Blurb

Madeleine Sutter was once the belle of the ball at the popular resort town of Misty Lake, New York. But as the sole survivor of the community’s worst tragedy, she’s come under suspicion. Longing for the life she once enjoyed, she accepts a rare social invitation to the event of the season. Now she will be able to show everyone she’s the same woman they’d always admired—with just one hidden exception: she awoke from the accident with the ability to heal.

Doctor Jace Merrick has fled the failures and futility of city life to start anew in rural Misty Lake. A man of science, he rejects the superstitious chatter surrounding Maddie and finds himself drawn to her confidence and beauty. And when she seduces him into a sham engagement, he agrees to be her ticket back into society, if she supports his new practice—and reveals the details of her remarkable recovery. But when his patients begin to heal miraculously, Jace may have to abandon logic, accept the inexplicable—and surrender to a love beyond reason…

My Thoughts:

PUYB Spotlight + Review of Lyrical Press Historicals

Ella
South Landers, 2
Virginia Taylor
Lyrical Press
October 13, 2015

Ella Beaufort knew better than to rely on a sexy stranger. But with two sisters to support on the modest earnings of the family sheep station, she accepts shearer Cal Lynton’s help—along with his intoxicating kiss. The most Ella can hope for is an affair. Something a woman in her situation wouldn’t dare—or would she?

Heir to his family fortune, Charlton Alfred Landon Lynton abandoned his privileged life to prove his independence. He doesn’t have time for a woman, but once he woos the lovely Ella into his bed, he is ready to make her his wife…until she shocks him with her refusal, claiming she can only marry a rich man! Angry and brokenhearted, the heir in disguise leaves the beautiful golddigger behind…

But amid the breathtaking landscape of South Australia, Ella and Cal are destined to meet again. Will their heated reunion lead to cruel confrontation—or the kind of passion that lasts a lifetime?

Be sure not to miss the first book in Virginia Taylor’s South Landers series!

PUYB Spotlight + Review of Lyrical Press Contemporary Books

His Work of Art

Hot and Nerdy, 4
Shannyn Schroeder
Lyrical Press

October 27, 2015

Reese Carter is definitely not your average college girl. She’d prefer to spend Saturday nights playing Hero’s Crusade than attending a wild frat party on campus. When she bands together with Adam, fellow comic enthusiast and illustrator, it appears that Reese has formed a dream team sure to propel her writing into the comic hall of fame.

Adam Hayes has never met a girl like Reese. She’s sassy, smart, and loves talking comics, although he can’t see why she’d choose DC over Marvel. He’s thrilled to finally put his artistic chops to use in their upcoming comic project. But. this relationship is strictly professional. Or so he tells himself. When the two combine forces, they churn out magic in more ways than they had planned; they never expected to develop a steamy romantic sub-plot of their own…

My Thoughts:

PUYB Lyrical Underground Spotlight + Review

Devil Dead

Claire Morgan, 8
Linda Ladd
Lyrical Underground

August 4, 2015

“A tough, no-nonsense detective…edgy, clever!” —Beverly Barton

Lost Girl

She was last seen in New Orleans. Her father, a rich, powerful arms dealer, believes she was abducted. For ransom. For revenge. For reasons too horrible to imagine.

Lost Innocence

Claire Morgan, recent former cop turned private investigator, and her new partner begin their search at the girl’s school, where a violent junkie attacks Claire with scissors, raves of “demons and devils,” and then takes her own life.

Last Rites

Sinister clues lead Claire on a twisted trail through the bars and bayous of New Orleans to a bloodstained altar in Paris. Vast, secret, and powerful, it is a world that few enter or escape. And Claire is going in—the devil be damned…

PUYB Spotlight on Lyrical Press Titles & Authors

Nightbloom

Nightwing, #3

Juliette Cross
September 1, 2015
Lyrical Press

The love between a human and a Morgon, the dragon-hybrid race, tempts fate once more…

All her life, Ella Barrow has allowed others to make her decisions. Forced to stifle her artistic talents and stay in a loveless relationship with Clayton Kerrington, the man her mother believes to be her perfect match, Ella’s life may be safe—but it’s not her own. Paxon Nightwing, on the other hand, is anything but the safe choice.

A charming and alluring Morgon, Paxon sees Ella for the woman she truly is. His bold confidence and protective nature ignites a passion she’s never felt before. But a dark family tragedy forces their secrecy—until Clayton makes it impossible to hide their clandestine affair. Will Ella be strong enough to fight for herself at last? Or will she succumb once more and risk losing the only man she’s ever loved?

Deception by A.S. Fenichel (Review)

I think I need to start off with the cover of Deception, because I love it. I love the night setting and castle in the background, very beautiful and romantic. Yes, I wanted to read this story, because of the cover. When decided to read this I didn't realize it was a two in a series. Even though it has it on the cover, I was enthrall with rest of the cover that I didn't even notice. However, I persevere and tackled the story. Granted I was a little lost at the beginning and it might have helped a little to read the first book. So, the first couple of chapters I was playing catchup, but once Dorian and Lillian ventured off to Edinburgh. That's when the story started to get interesting.

Now Dorian has had the hots for Lillian, but the more time he spends with her he's like "she's the one." However, Lillian has no desire to marry after all she's a demon hunter and there is so much uncertainty that it isn't worth getting involved with a man and all it entails. She's open for flings and becoming friends afterwards. Yet, Dorian wants to be more than a fling, so he decides to take it somewhat slowly but sleep with her. Plus, she views herself as a nobody. She's a person, but she just never viewed herself becoming more than some mans mistress, after all she comes from lowly birth. Dorian sees that she's more than that and is willing to do anything to prove that she's worth more than what she has deem herself worth. I really like Dorian, because he's just persistent. I also like Lillian stubbornness. Normally that would grate on my nerves, but I could see where she's coming from. I admire that she didn't cave to Dorian, because it would have been so easy to say yes. She did truly care for him and worry about what would happen if they became one.

Overall, Deception was an interesting read. You have these two people who come from different backgrounds come together, but they are fighting for the same cause. I didn't talk much about the demon issues. Yes, it's pretty bad and they are trying to clean up the mess that was made. Not only that they have traitor. Never easy thing to deal with. Yes, you have the romance during  difficult time. However, it is what draws Dorian and Lillian closer. I have to say that it is definitely a unique read that has me kind of curious on to see what happens next. They are just touching the tip of the demon problem.

Copy provided by Lyrical Press via NetGalley.

Rating:
4 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Giveaway: Deception by A.S. Fenichel

Deception
Demon Hunters # 2

By: A.S. Fenichel

Releasing July 7, 2015

Lyrical

Blurb

When Demons threaten Regency London, only a Lady can stop them.

Lillian Dellacourt is beautiful, refined and absolutely lethal. She’s also the most feared and merciless demon hunter in The Company. She’s come a long way from the penniless seamstress’s daughter sold to the highest bidder, and it wasn’t by trusting a man, let alone an exiled Marquis with more on his mind than slaying the hellspawn . . .

For Dorian Lambert, Marquis de Montalembert, being sent to keep track of Lillian is no mean task. He’s wanted the fiery vixen since he first heard of her five years ago. But wooing the lady while fighting the demon uprising is no easy feat, especially when the lady’s tongue is as sharp as the Japanese sai blades she favors for eviscerating the spawn of hell.

These two will have to learn to trust each other fast, because the demon master is back, and he’s planning to turn Edinburgh into a living hell…

Sizzling PR Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Share the Moon by Sharon Struth

Title: Share the Moon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Kensington Books/Lyrical Press

Number of Pages: 285

Release Date: August 4, 2014

Blurb:

"Heart-tugging small town romance with real emotion.  Struth is an author to watch!"

—Laura Drake, author of RITA-award winning The Sweet Spot

Sometimes trust is the toughest lesson to learn.

Sophie Shaw is days away from signing a contract that will fulfill her dream of owning a vineyard. For her, it’s a chance to restart her life and put past tragedies to rest. But Duncan Jamieson’s counter offer blows hers out to sea.

Duncan still finds Sophie as appealing as he had during boyhood vacations to the lake. Older and wiser now, he has his own reasons for wanting the land. His offer, however, hinges on a zoning change approval.

Bribery rumors threaten the deal and make Sophie wary of Duncan, yet she cannot deny his appeal. When her journalistic research uncovers a Jamieson family secret, trust becomes the hardest lesson for them both.