Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: I Adored a Lord by Katharine Ashe

I Adored a Lord

A Prince Catchers Novel

By: Katharine Ashe

Releasing July 29^th, 2014

Avon Romance

Blurb

She’s intended for his brother. He’s destined for adventure. Then a dangerous mystery throws them together, and all they want is each other.

All that clever, passionate Ravenna Caulfield wants is to stay far away from high society’s mean girls.

All that handsome, heroic Lord Vitor Courtenay wants is to dash from dangerous adventure to adventure.

Now, snowbound in a castle with a bevy of the ton’s scheming maidens all competing for a prince’s hand in marriage, Ravenna’s worst nightmare has come true. Now, playing babysitter to a spoiled prince and his potential brides, Vitor is champing at the bit to be gone.

When a stolen kiss in a stable leads to a corpse in a suit of armor, a canine kidnapping, and any number of scandalous liaisons, Ravenna and Vitor find themselves wrapped in a mystery they’re perfectly paired to solve. But as for the mysteries of love and sex, Vitor’s not about to let Ravenna escape until he’s gotten what he desires…

My Thoughts:

When I started I Adored a Lord, oh my gosh I'm reading the regency version of Clue. For those who love that game and regency you are going to love I Adore a Lord. I can't say if it's anything like the movie, because I have never seen it. Anyway, a murder happens and Ravenna and Vitor try to figure out who dun it. I have to say that it was pretty interesting to see how Ravenna and Vitor whittle  their way through the suspects. Let me say, that I was never very good at the game of Clue, so I can say I didn't have a clue who was the killer. However, when all the information came out, I got a good chuckle on the murderer. Enough about that.

All right, I haven't gotten a chance to read the first book, but I do own it. Anyway, I liked the story, because of main characters. Ravenna is a delightful character with hoydenish tendency. Honestly, I think she would have done just fine as a commoner, alas she can't be that cause her sister had to go and marry a duke. So, she doesn't quite fit into either worlds, in a sense she's in limbo. However, she tries to make the best out her situation. Now Vitor is an interesting hero, because of his parentage. He's unique because doesn't do the typical second son thing. I mean he could be a total manwhore and no one would fault him, because he's a second son and family secrets. However, he's a pretty decent guy. I love that he tries to protect Ravenna, even though she tells him she doesn't need his help.

Yes, I Adored a Lord was entertaining, but at times I did get overwhelm with each of the character and how they played into the story. I do believe Katharine did a pretty good job at making sure you didn't know who the murder was till it needed to come out. I liked how Ravenna and Vitor worked well together. I enjoyed their banter between one another. Overall, a pretty good story. So, if you have a love for regency romance and the game Clue, you might not want to miss I Adore a Lord. After all it brings the best of both worlds together. 

Buy Links

Amazon |  B&N | iBook  

Author Info

Award-winning, best-selling author KATHARINE ASHE writes intensely lush historical romance, including How To Be a Proper Lady, among Amazon's 10 Best Books of 2012 in Romance, and eight other acclaimed novels set in the era of the British Empire. With the publication of her debut novel in 2010, she earned a spot among the American Library Association's "New Stars of Historical Romance." She was a nominee for the 2013 Library of Virginia Literary Award in Fiction, and in 2011 she won the coveted Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Historical Romantic Adventure. Katharine is also a finalist for the 2014 RITA® Award, the highest honor in the romance fiction industry, for How To Marry A Highlander.

She lives in the wonderfully warm Southeast with her beloved husband, son, dog, and a garden she likes to call romantic rather than unkempt. A professor of European History at Duke University, Katharine writes fiction because she thinks modern readers deserve high adventure and breathtaking sensuality too. For more about her books, please visit her at www.KatharineAshe.com.

Author Links

Twitter | Website | Facebook | Goodreads

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Link to Follow Tour: 

http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/06/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for-i.html

Virgin: A Novel by Radkika Sanghani

Well, I have mentioned Penguin's program First to Read, a few times. Some of the books, I have grabbed them and made sure I had a guarantee copy, and other times I received them on a whim. All right, I got a copy of Virgin: A Novel by Radhika Sanghani on a whim. I clicked on the book cause it sounded interesting. Plus, if I got it, great, and if I didn't, I was fine. As you can see I'm writing about the book, so I received a copy.

Anyway, I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Virgin. Virgin is a story about a young woman, Ellie, who is lamenting that she's still virgin. Oh dear god, she's still virgin. At first. I was frustrated with Ellie. Seriously, what is wrong with being a virgin. I was a late bloomer and I survive. She didn't realize it was important to her until after the fact.

I struggle with her character, because she was so desperate to get rid of it that she was willing to give to any guy. I'm sorry, but that some pretty low self-esteem there. It wasn't until she made a new friend, Emma, who was like you need to embrace being a virgin and not be so hang up on being a virgin. I liked Emma a lot, because at times she was Ellie's sounding board.

Surprisingly, I did like the book. I wouldn't normally pick this book up. For one thing I love happy endings, and Virgin is more a coming of age kind of story. Yes, Ellie discovers herself, and of course she learns a valuable lesson by the end. By the end, Ellie learns more about herself from her bumps in the road and hopes her wisdoms helps others. The first part of the book is a bit rough, but once Ellie starts her vlog (virgin/vagina blog) it starts to get a bit funny. Overall, not a bad read and I'm surprise by my reaction. However, US readers need to be aware that there a lot of british terminology that they might not be familiar with. I know I got a few confused and it took a times before I realize what the author was trying to saying. So, if you are looking for a story with a young woman who is trying to figure a way to lose her virginity, you might want to give Virgin a try.

Copy provided by Penguin via First to Read Program

Rating:
4 Stars

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Review + Giveaway + Excerpt: Batter Up by Robyn Neeley

Batter Up

By: Robyn Neeley

Releasing August 1st

Escape Publishing

Blurb

She mixes more than flour and sugar into her cake batter, and he’s about to find out if a little bit of magic is to his taste…

Bakeshop owner Emma Stevens has a secret, a delicious, slightly unorthodox secret. Each Monday, she mixes up a premonition to share with the bachelors of Buttermilk Falls, and sets one lucky man on the path to true love.

When reporter Jason Levine finds himself mixed up in a Las Vegas bachelorette party, he hears the strangest rumor: the marriage is happening thanks to magical cake batter. Seriously skeptical and sick of frauds, Jason journeys to the backwater town of Buttermilk Falls to expose the baker and release the townspeople from her evil clutches.

But when Jason meets Emma, tempers flare and sparks fly. Will Jason cling to his logic, at the expense of a future or will he let himself fall under Emma’s spell?


My Thoughts:

If you are looking for cute, fun stories, you will always find that in a Robyn Neeley book. I have to say, Batter Up is pretty darn cute with lovable characters. So, lets head to Buttermilk Falls.

First off, I love the towns name, Buttermilk Falls. It just sounds so quaint and cute. Plus, there's something magical about the town or at least the bakery. I like Emma, she's a fun and caring. She helps the bachelors of Buttermilk Falls find there happy-ever-after. At least she guides them with her magic cake batter. The batter never lies. Anyway, Jason hears about this magic batter and is skeptical. After all, he's a reporter and it's in their blood to be skeptical. When these two meet first meet, lets say they don't get off on a good start. Sparks are flying between, but not in a good way.

There's something magical about this story. Yes, it gives that warm fuzzy feeling that sometimes is just needed. I like that Emma gives hope to those who didn't know what to look for, but at the same time she finds something she didn't know she needed. Jason is a logical guy, who holds to those beliefs to almost the end. His logic almost shields him from finding happiness again.

Batter Up is filled with lovable characters. It even has a nemesis for Emma. Gotta love nemesis that try to ruin a person happiness. It's one of those stories that just leaves you with a smile on your face by the end. So, if you are looking for that magical feel good book, you might want to give Batter Up a try. Who knows, you might want to look into the batter yourself?

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Author Info

Robyn Neeley is an East Coaster who loves to explore new places, watches way more reality TV than she cares to admit, can’t live without Dunkin Donuts iced coffee, and has truly never met a cookie she didn’t like. If you have a must-read romance suggestion or a fabulous cookie recipe, she wants to know.

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Rafflecopter Giveaway 

($5.00 Amazon Gift Card & Backlist Romance from Robyn and a Second Winner will receive a Digital Backlist by Robyn)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt

Emma spooned up a huge dollop of batter. “So, Jason, are you ready?” she asked in a suggestive voice.

“Sure.” He closed his laptop. His eyes danced with amusement.

“Here’s what I need you to do. Close your eyes.”

He obediently shut them. Emma couldn’t help but take this opportunity to stare at his handsome face. Her eyes lingered on his full lips. Stop it, Emma. He’s the enemy.

“Everything okay?” Jason opened one eye.

“Shut them.” She reached for his hand and inserted the spoon. “Repeat after me. Batter

I’m about to taste. Show me my true love, and make haste.”

Abby giggled. Emma put her finger to her lips, motioning her cousin to be quiet.

Jason repeated the chant, eyes still closed. “Now what?”

“You eat the spoonful. You have to do it in one large swallow, got it?”

“Okay, easy enough.” He shoved the spoon into his mouth. Within seconds his eyes

flew open and he reached for his throat, gasping for air. “Water,” he choked out.

Abby rushed over with a water pitcher and glass. He drank the full glass and

demanded another. His eyes were red and watery. Little droplets of sweat began to form on

his forehead.

Emma smiled and picked up the mixing bowl, hugging it tight to her chest. “I think you

should leave now. This stool is no longer available.”

Jason stood and shook his head. “You got me good, Ms. Stevens.” He grabbed his laptop

and started for the door, still coughing.

Abby rushed over and handed him a bottle of water. “For the road.”

“Thanks.”

Turning back to Emma, she grinned. Something was forming in her cousin’s pretty

little head. “So, Jason, does anyone call you J?”

“What?” Jason turned around. He twisted the bottle cap and took a large swallow.

“You know. Just by your initial?” She handed him a napkin.

“My mom did.” He took another drink and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“I see.” Abby shot Emma a smug expression.

Emma walked over and crossed her arms, her voice firm and in control. “Get out of my

bakery, Mr. Levine. There’s no story here.”

Link to Follow Tour: 

http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/06/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for_4896.html

Lusting for Covers (31): A Rake By Any Other Name by Mia Marlowe

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:

A Rake By Any Other Name by Mia Marlowe 

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (Nov 2014)

Series: Somerfield Park, 1

Genre: Historical Romance

Blurb:

When his father, Lord Somerset, tumbles off the roof, Richard Barrett, Lord Hartley, is called home from his Grand Tour to take the reins of the estate while the marquess recuperates. Somerset is in serious financial difficulty, which can only be remedied by marriage to an heiress, Miss Sophie Goodnight, lately arrived from India with her nabob father.

Unfortunately, Richard believes he has already lost his heart to Lady Antonia Pruett. And Miss Goodnight isn’t too keen on becoming Somerset’s purse with feet, so she foils their families’ attempts to throw her and Richard together at every turn. To make matters worse, the reason Lord Somerset fell off the roof in the first place is a secret that threatens to upend all their lives.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Author's Site

Why?

I love the softness of the cover. It's pretty. I love soft pink of the dress and I love soft blueish-purple of the sky. It's truly a pretty cover. Plus, the story sounds intriguing. I'm curious if Richard will catch his purse with feet or if it will run away. So, what are you lusting for, a pretty cover or something totally different?

InkSlinger PR Cover Reveal: Dare to Submit (New Covers for previous books) by Carly Phillips

RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 8

Decklan Dare knows about the unexpected loss of loved ones and for this reason, he values control in all areas of his life. Amanda Collins enjoys the freedom she finds in casual encounters without the emotional connection a relationship brings. They meet and their physical attraction is mutual but both experience feelings that could run deeper – if they drop their guard and let each other in. Decklan is first to trust, but when he discovers the secret Amanda’s been hiding, will he forgive? Or will he rebuild every wall before she has a chance to explain?

Pre-Order:

iTunes

THESE GREAT TITLES ARE ALREADY RELEASED BUT HAVE AMAZING NEW COVERS

Dare to Love

When it comes to family, Ian Dare gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. Until one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him dealing his half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget. 

Riley Taylor believes herself immune to domineering men – until charismatic Ian Dare turns a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and she discovers she likes his brand of control in the bedroom. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything. (love story, contemporary romance, alpha heroes, beach reads, sports heroes, bad boys, billionaire)

Amazon | B&N | iTunes 

Dare to Desire

Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all -- an all-star football career and his choice of willing women -- until a severe injury forces him into early retirement. Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows what it means to have-not. She isn't impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. 

This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily. But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. Can he convince Madison to take a risk and dare to love? 

Amazon  | B&N  | iTunes 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today's readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She's a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she's a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.

Website | Facebook  | Twitter  | Goodreads  | Amazon Author Page  

Tasty Book Tours Cover Reveal: Jilted by Rachel Johns

She'd left him at the altar, but her heart was always his……

After more than ten years away, Australian soap opera star Ellie Hughes returns to the small town of Hope Junction, determined to fly under the radar while caring for her injured godmother, Matilda.

But word spreads fast in the tight-knit community. It isn't long before the people of Hope Junction are gossiping about the real reason for Ellie's visit and why she broke the heart of golden boy Flynn Quartermaine all those years ago.

Soon Ellie and Flynn are thrown back together, forced to deal with the unresolved emotions between them. Because Ellie is not the only one with secrets. Flynn has his own demons to battle, and Matilda is hiding something from her much-loved goddaughter.

When all is uncovered, can the ill-fated lovers overcome the wounds of their past? Or is Flynn destined to be jilted again?

Rachael Johns is an English teacher by trade, a mum 24/7, a supermarket owner, a chronic arachnophobic, and a writer the rest of the time. She rarely sleeps and never irons. She writes contemporary romance for HQN and Carina Press and lives in rural Western Australia with her hyperactive husband and three mostly-gorgeous heroes-in-training. Rachael loves to hear from readers and can be contacted through her website at www.rachaeljohns.com.

WEBSITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER   |   GOODREADS

Get Your Digital Copy Today!

InkSlinger PR Book Trailer: Dante's Fire by Jennifer Probst

Book Blurb:

It’s Time To Meet A New Kind Of Hero... 

Dante Stark has a dark secret--a legacy left to him by his father which is both a blessing and a curse. A traumatic experience as a small boy gave him special powers of healing, but it comes with a price. Destined to wander the world alone to heal others, he's accepted his fate. Until Selina Rogers forces him to confront his deepest fears, erotic desires, and question his capacity to love. 

Selina Rogers has made a name for herself at Inferno Enterprises. She's tough, confident and prepared to succeed. She's also built a world she believes is safe, until she's attacked and then saved by a masked stranger. As he helps her heal physically and emotionally, she becomes fascinated by his overwhelming power and gentle touch. Determined to show Dante the love he's been denying himself, Selina surrenders her heart, and dreams of a future with the mysterious man who completes her. 

But will his dark legacy destroy them...or save them both..

Pre-Order:

Amazon

Undeniable by Shannon Richard

So, I finished Undeniable by Shannon Richard. This is the second book in the Country Roads books. I have to say I liked majority of the story, but at times it got a bit busy. So, let's proceed with my thoughts.

We have Grace King and she's been in love with Jaxson Anderson forever. She tries to get his attention, but every time she moves one step forward, Jax takes two steps back. This happens at the beginning of the book. Finally, Jax gets the wake up call that he wants Grace. So, they finally get to together. YAY! However, it can't be that simple. If it was it would be an extremely boring book.

Anyway, Jax is dealing with his self-loathing and believing he's no good for Grace. At the beginning you see a lot of that, but once Grace and him get together it dies down until one night. However, Jax isn't the only one who has troubles. Nope, Grace has her own troubles, and growing up in a small town doesn't always help. Grace has always wonder her father was and wonder why he didn't stick around. So, she was picked on for being a bastard. We also see that some members of town wonder if she's going to become like her mother. If that wasn't enough for the story, we also have robbers going on. So, we have Jax trying to figure out what's going on in little ol' Mirabelle.

Overall, not bad. I did like Undeniable, but I liked Undone more. I hope that the next book will be better. I did get some good chuckles out of the story. Grace is a sweet heart and she loves Jax so much that I think she tries to rescue him. Deep down Jax loves Grace. He does comes to her rescue, but he has a hard time letting go the negative words his dad shove down him. I look it at like this Grace and Jax get there happy ending and Jax does try to make up for the hurt he cause.

Copy provided by publisher

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars