Monday, March 31, 2014
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PROMOTIONAL EVENT: FALL INTO FOREVER by BETH HYLAND |
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TEASER TUESDAY: THE DAY HE KISSED HER by JULIANA STONE |
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:
·Grab your current read
·Open to a random page
·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.
Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.
Series: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: 4/1/14
He can’t wait to leave…
Mac Draper finally has everything he’s always wanted: An amazing career. A New York City apartment. He’s this close to being free of his past forever. But a mind-blowing encounter with the sexy yet tough-as-nails Lily St. Clare has him delaying his plans to put Crystal Lake in his rearview mirror for good.
She’s finally found a place to stay…
For Lily St. Clare the charming small town of Crystal Lake is her haven – a place she can hide from her famous, back-stabbing family. It’s as close to happy as she’s ever been. Until an unforgettable night with tall, dark and tortured Mac Draper gives her a glimpse of what true happiness feels like.
Lily can’t help but melt a little under the sizzling heat of Mac’s touch. But Mac’s scars run deep, and Lily’s afraid she may be falling for the one man who can never return her feelings...
My Teaser
Lily inched forward and then froze when she heart that voice. That deep, husky voice with a touch of sandpaper that sounded as if every word was soaked in sin.
What do you think? I've enjoyed this series and am sad it's over. My review posts next week.
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FOOL FOR BOOKS GIVEAWAY HOP |
GIVEAWAY
Open to US only
Open to US only
Sunday, March 30, 2014
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REVIEW: JADED (WALKERS FORD #2) by ANNE CALHOUN |
Series: Walkers Ford #2Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: 2/4/14
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars
They can’t hide from desire…
After life as a cop in Denver leaves him burned-out, Lucas Ridgeway returns to Walkers Ford, South Dakota, to serve as their chief of police. He’s hoping to start over with a clean slate and avoid any emotional entanglements—even after his next-door neighbor kisses him senseless. Alana is passionate, dedicated, and most importantly leaving town soon. So why not have some fun?
Alana Wentworth comes from a larger-than-life political family, yet all she wanted was to be a librarian. Then after an embarrassing marriage proposal from Mr. Not-For-Her, she jumps at the chance to live her dream for a few months. She wasn't supposed to get involved with the community—or sexy, troubled Lucas. But when the time comes for Alana to put Walkers Ford behind her, she’s not ready. And Lucas may not be ready for her to go….
Jaded is the second book in Anne Calhoun's Walkers Ford series, and yes, it can most definitely be read as a stand alone, though the couple of book one do show up and have some significant moments that were enough to have me wanting to read their story, Unforgiven.
In Jaded, we have the story of Alana and Lucas, two lovely, lonely people who think they have their lives figured out, have what they need, only to discover that every moment is better when you have someone to share it with. While it does focus more on Alana, I felt Lucas' story was just as important.
Lucas and the people of Walkers Ford show Alana that every person, every step in the community engagement/betterment process is important. You don't have to effect change on a global scale to matter. Searching for a quiet place to find herself, Alana instead finds a home, a community in which she has the power and know-how to effect change, friends, and love. Alana, through her involvement in bettering the community and mentoring Cole, reminds Lucas why his job matters. That he might not be able to save every troubled kid, but it is good enough to save any troubled kid.
Jaded is a love story, but the author gives us a socially relevant story as well. There is a strong focus on small town America, the power of a involved community, and simply caring for your neighbor. The story touches on addiction, poverty and hunger, the isolation that can come from being poor in a rural community and the power change can evoke. That even the most basic amenities we take for granted - a library, Internet access, art supplies, or simply a safe place - can make a difference.
I had an interesting experience with Jaded. I liked it, though I wasn't especially wowed at an particular point. It wasn't a book that I had to devour, but I did feel sort of compelled by the story and wanted to keep reading. Though it didn't have a huge wow factor, I did sit back at the end and realized that as a whole, Jaded was a very nice story. There's a bit of sequel bait dangled at the end, and if my suspicions are correct and the next book is about Alana's friend Nate, I'm so on board.
Favorite Quote:
"I want to finish what we started last night."
"Too general," he said bluntly. "Be specific."
The blush heated her cheeks as she looked at him. His five o'clock shadow dusted his cheeks and jaw like dark sand, and as time slowed and heated between them, she found she could name one very specific longing.
"I want to know what your beard feels like against my lips."
The Walkers Ford Series
(covers lead to GoodReads)
Purchase Links
About the author
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REVIEW and GIVEAWAY: A MATCHLESS ROMANCE by CHRISTI BARTH |
Series: Aisle Bound #4Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: 2/17/14
Format: eARC
Source: Author
Rating: 4.5 stars
Tabitha Bell is the face of Chicago's premiere matchmaking service. At least, she hopes it will be someday, once business really takes off. What she needs is more clients, so when she meets a sexy gamer in need of help, it's the perfect opportunity.
His discomfort talking to women almost cost Drew Watson his job. He'd be happy holed up in his office, designing blockbuster video games, but his boss considers talking to investors a nonnegotiable requirement. Who better than a matchmaker to teach him how to be comfortable around the opposite sex? Trouble is, Drew wants to get more than comfortable with Tabitha, while she's determined to keep their relationship all business.
Soon Tabitha learns that beneath the geek-chic hoodie lies six feet of sexy physique--and the more time she spends with Drew, the more she appreciates his brainy brand of charm. Will she succumb to his sweet-but-nerdy charm offensive or will it be game over before he can win her heart?
I'm going to start by quickly getting two important points out of the way. One, though A Matchless Romance is the fourth in the Aisle Bound series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone with no problem, as I did. And two, I ADORED this story!
I have a confession: I can be a fickle reader. It sometimes seems my preferences change by the day. (I'm a Gemini, it's allowed) I've genuinely enjoyed all the many alphas men I've partaken in over recent years, truly. But these days I'm finding that I'm enjoying a different variety of hero, the nice guys, or at the very least, the men who can be strong and confident and demanding, but who also don't completely trample over the lady in their sights. Normal guys who some days come across strong and other days are happy to let the lady lead. I am specifically in the market for beta heroes. Drew Watson of A Matchless Romance happens to be one of the best I've come across.
Drew is a socially awkward game developer who needs help to comfortably discuss the business side gaming for his job. The socially awkward angle is not surprising, right? But... there is more to Drew than a being a smarty pants gamer/creator. He is also a former Olympian, currently training for marathons to challenge himself. Drew is comfortable among his peers, or apparently sexing his way through the Olympic Village and various gamer cons he attends. But when it comes to a normal conversation outside his comfort zone, it's a no-go. His school years, with the taunts and shunning, left Drew convinced he will never fit in. What's more, he has NO idea that he is in fact a gorgeous, athletic man with a lot to offer any lucky woman. He just needs to tone down the literalism he brings to every discussion, and to relax. I don't know about anyone else, but that just sounds like a challenge to me. Bring it, Drew.
Tabitha Bell, matchmaker extraordinaire is also up for the challenge. Tasked with helping Drew become more relaxed in social situations, especially when it comes to not thoroughly pissing off investors. Tabitha, a gamer herself, and a fan of Drew's work, is quick to see his appeal. She is torn between helping Drew with the opposite sex, and claiming him for herself. Her surprising and complicated background makes Tabitha very wary of complicated work relationships. How does she reconcile wanting Drew for herself with doing her job well?
So what we have her is a SLOW BURN and it is delicious. Drew wants Tabitha, but doesn't believe a geek like him can land a babe like her. Tabitha wants Drew as well, but doesn't want to jeopardize her new career. Plus, with Drew's behavior, he doesn't exactly seem like a sure thing. The build-up between the two was slow and delicious, as I mentioned. But despite the lack of heavy sexy times between them, I never felt the story was lacking steam. The flirtation was a strong dynamic in the story, and most definitely made up for the slow-building sexy times. I like that the (hopefully) inevitable moment was built up through a series of increasing steamy interactions. I appreciate the author taking her time and allowing a true and strong connection to develop. Letting Drew and Tabitha earn their moment.
I have a surprising amount to discuss for such a short book. That is because despite the length, A Matchless Romance was a very well-developed story. I never felt as if the author skipped vital pieces to the story or that I was cheated out of important moments and feelings. And wow, I haven't even gotten into the humor. In short, this was a very funny novella. Almost every quote I highlighted was a funny, and lemme tell you, I highlighted a lot of passages.
A Matchless Romance is my only second Christi Barth read. You can bet that I will be checking out the rest of the Aisle Bound series, and will be keeping a sharp eye on her future works.
Favorite Quotes:
Drew was used to assuming that he didn't stand a chance with women who looked like that. But he'd bet his biggest hard drive and his limited edition, mint-in-box Star Trek phaser that these women were flirting with him.
"I thought you were only this sure of yourself on a track or behind a computer," she tried to joke. Instead, it came out squeaky and breathy. Because he was still doing that stroking thing on her hand and it made Tabitha want to simply writhe.
"That's all you've seen. Doesn't mean that's all there is. I'm sure of myself, most comfortable doing things I'm good at. And let me assure you, Tabitha, I excel at sex."
"I thought you were only this sure of yourself on a track or behind a computer," she tried to joke. Instead, it came out squeaky and breathy. Because he was still doing that stroking thing on her hand and it made Tabitha want to simply writhe.
"That's all you've seen. Doesn't mean that's all there is. I'm sure of myself, most comfortable doing things I'm good at. And let me assure you, Tabitha, I excel at sex."
The Aisle Bound Series
(covers lead to GoodReads)
(covers lead to GoodReads)
Purchase Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks
Open Intl; must be 18+ years of age to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
GIVEAWAY
Carina Press is giving one lucky winner an ecopy of A Matchless Romance.Open Intl; must be 18+ years of age to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the author
Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance.
Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | GoodReads
Saturday, March 29, 2014
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THE WEEKLY REWIND, #93: BOOK HAUL AND GIVEAWAY |
Book Haul
Purchases:
Freebies:
So, I'm going to quickly recap what's happening with the books I received/bought. I read Her Best Laid Plans the day I got it. The story is a sexy vacation fling novella set in Ireland. It's Cara McKenna, so I obviously loved it. I've already read Twisted, but am thrilled to have a finished copy. I'm really excited to read Sweet Filthy Boy, I hope it's as good as the BB series. I've had good luck with Xcite and Sourcebooks novels so I'm looking forward to reading Substitute and Troublemaker Next Door. I'm a huge fan of Jen Frederick's and was excited when she sent me her Hitman books. She couldn't even scare me away by warning that they are"different". Imaginary Lines is the third in a series that my cousin (a librarian) recommends. Laugh is the follow-up to Live by Mary Ann Rivers, one of my favorite books of 2014. I've been anxious to read Roman Holiday since reading a post from Ruthie Knox on writing realistic sex.
As far as the "Review Consideration" books go, I'm not sure that I will be able to make time for Rebecca's Lost Journals anytime soon, but I hope to eventually. This is my second copy received. Where the Horses Run doesn't seem like my typical read, but the synopsis caught my attention. I'm thinking of giving it a try. Same with Up At Butternut Lake, it actually sounds like a great Women's Fiction. The Goblin Emperor is really not my thing. I feel bad when publishers keep sending me books in genres I don't even read.
For "Purchases", I'd been meaning to get the print of Tangled, but receiving Twisted was a great reminder (way to go publicists). I bought Hers to Choose and His to Lose because of Amanda (Hootie's) reviews. How books with such awfully worded sex scenes can still be sexy and good is beyond me, but I can't wait to give these a try! I bought Love Hacked because Penny Reid is often recommended alongside Laura Florand, Mary Ann Rivers, and a few other authors I adore. Got Power Play because Charlotte Stein is a fantastic erotica author and it was on sale.
And "Freebies". Just This Once was a done deal when I read the words "New Zealand" and "rugby player". Sleeping with the Enemy is the second in a series and I already have book one. Violet Duke's entire Nice Girls to Love Collection was free. I've heard good things about her books.
- Harlequin
- Gallery Books
- Sourcebooks
- Carina Press
- Loveswept
- Berkley
- William Morrow
- Tor Books
Reviews
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Last Week's
- Falling For Her Soldier (Perfect Kisses #3) by Ophelia London - 3.5 stars
- Tempting Fate by Jane Green - 4.5 stars
- Twisted (Tangled #2) by Emma Chase - 4 stars
- Dare Island Series (1-3) by Virginia Kantra - 5 stars
- Seduced by Fire by Tara Sue Me - 3 stars
This Week's
- A Matchless Romance (Aisle Bound #4) by Christi Barth
- Black Dagger Brotherhood (#3-7) by JR Ward
- Jaded (Walkers Ford #2) by Anne Calhoun
- Beyond Series (#1-4) by Kit Rochas
- Surrender to Temptation by Lauren Hawkeye
GIVEAWAY
Must be 18+ years of age; open to US only.
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