Saturday, June 30, 2012

Reviewed Sparks Fly by Heather Rainier...

BOOKSTRAND
Sparks Fly! A Divine Creek July 4th Family Reunion (MFM)Sheltered Jayne Sheridan, the town librarian, is ready to live the fantasies she writes now that she's free from the shadows of her past. The art buff she meets in the library sets all her creative juices flowing.
Well-traveled Seth Carter, Divine's new tattoo artist believes life experience and globe-trotting are overrated. He encounters Jayne in the library and thinks she's too good to be true.
Matchmaker Grace Warner has enigmatic Seth and her cousin Jayne in her crosshairs. All she needs is an excuse to bring them together. Add in a Fourth of July celebration and a reunion with the Divine Creek Ranch family and what happens? Sparks fly!
Sparks Fly! is a sexy little romp that intimately reacquaints readers with all the beloved characters in the entire series and introduces Seth and Jayne, the main characters in the upcoming twelfth Divine Creek Ranch novel entitled His Tattooed Virgin .


LOVED IT!!!
I am one of those readers that always makes sure to read the dedication and acknowledgments in books. Some are so heartfelt and beautiful and others are funny or even sad. I especially love the dedication in Sparks Fly from Heather to her husband--so good!! I think this set the tone of the book for me.


The Divine Creek Ranch series is one of my favorites. I have reread these books so many times and still continue to do so. Sparks Fly is another great addition. The length is shorter then the rest of the books but it's not short on romance, love, laughter, friendship and most of all SMOKING HOT SEX!!! Everything that I have come to expect and look forward to when reading books by Heather Rainier.


I LOVE LOVE LOVE Sparks Fly. Not only was it a great way to introduce the characters for the next book (Seth and Jayne) but every couple, from each book in the series, got their own separate little scenes. I loved that!! The scenes with Richard, Boone, Kendall and Maya; Ash and Juliana and of course Jack, Adam, Ethan and Grace were just some of my favorites.  Heather also introduced some new characters that I hope will be getting their own books soon. 


I have been a HUGE fan of Heather Rainier since reading Divine Grace. The way she writes her characters involved in a menage relationship, making it more than just about the sex (although that is definitely HOT) but about the love that surrounds them and their intense loyalty to one another as well as the trusting, caring, protective, intimate way they treat each other, always pulls me right into the story. I think she is one of the best writers in this genre.


Just a really great book that entertained me from the start and makes me want to go back and reread the series from the beginning and also has me anxiously awaiting Seth and Jayne's full story in their own book.  5 out of 5 rating.


Heather Rainier Website                             


Reviewed: Love My Way by Karen Booth...


Love My Way
After her fiancé penned a “Dear Katie” letter, Kate Stillman vowed she’d never give a man more than one night. Free from emotional entanglements, her photography career has skyrocketed, she’s had some hot one-night stands and her heart has stayed off-limits. It’s the perfect plan until a Miami getaway brings her face-to-face with Peter Barrett.
Hunky rocker Peter has been pursuing Katie from afar ever since she photographed his band. In the flesh, it’s clear it was more than flirtation. Katie gives in to their sizzling chemistry, thinking Peter will appreciate her one-night rule. Instead, he balks and extends an invitation for a second night of pure abandon, an offer too tempting to refuse. When they part, Katie realizes her rule protected her heart only too well. Time away from Peter leaves her wanting him more. Every steamy, late-night phone call makes her wonder if she can love again. But when Peter returns and her trust is tested, Katie must overcome her past to see that love her way was never the way at all.
LOVED IT!!!
This is the second book that I have read from Karen Booth and I loved it just as much if not more than Long-Distance Lovers.  Love My Way was a satisfyingly sexy read!!
I immediately fell head-over-heels in love with Peter. He was just so sexy, charming, caring and sweet it was impossible not to fall for his character.  I loved the relationship between him and Katie. The shower scene was just plain HOT!!! I definitely want my own Peter!! LOL :)
Love My Way was exactly the type of romance book that I enjoy reading.  It was entertaining right from the beginning. I loved the flow of the story and how it was basically centered around Peter and Katie with not to much in the way of secondary characters. 
Just a great romantic sexy read!!! I will definitely continue to look for more from Karen. 
5 out of 5 rating.


Karen Booth so very graciously sent me Love My Way to read and review and I did so with pleasure!! :)    Click here for my 5 star review of Long-Distance Lovers.  Thanks again Karen!! :)



Amazon
Long Distance Lovers

Friday, June 29, 2012

Release Day: Sparks Fly by Heather Rainier...

Sparks Fly! A Divine Creek July 4th Family Reunion (MFM)Sheltered Jayne Sheridan, the town librarian, is ready to live the fantasies she writes now that she's free from the shadows of her past. The art buff she meets in the library sets all her creative juices flowing.
Well-traveled Seth Carter, Divine's new tattoo artist believes life experience and globe-trotting are overrated. He encounters Jayne in the library and thinks she's too good to be true.
Matchmaker Grace Warner has enigmatic Seth and her cousin Jayne in her crosshairs. All she needs is an excuse to bring them together. Add in a Fourth of July celebration and a reunion with the Divine Creek Ranch family and what happens? Sparks fly!
Sparks Fly! is a sexy little romp that intimately reacquaints readers with all the beloved characters in the entire series and introduces Seth and Jayne, the main characters in the upcoming twelfth Divine Creek Ranch novel entitled His Tattooed Virgin .


Excerpt from Heather Rainier's Facebook:
Here's the excerpt from Grace, Jack, Ethan and Adam's scene. They've taken a short detour on their way home from The Dancing Pony. Some language has been edited since this is Facebook and prudes abound;-)  (hehe!!)

 Ethan and Adam both climbed from the vehicle and moved around to the back door, talking, and seemed to be inspecting the area behind the vehicle. Jack chuckled as he and Grace caught their breath.

“You know what would really rock their world?”


Grace lifted her head as she panted. “What?”


“If they had to chase you down first. The moon's bright. This is a private road and there are no houses on it. The owners use it as a deer lease and it’s not deer season. You’re safe out here, just stay on the road. I guarantee they’ll make it worth your while. Why don’t you give them something to work for?”


Grace giggled as she lifted off ***(him. Though spent, he throbbed at the prospect of what would happen)*** when they caught her. She kissed him and smiled with eyes that twinkled.


“Put on your sandals first. The rough gravel won’t feel good on your bare feet. They must be scoping the spot out right now, so you should get a pretty decent head start. I’ll dim the dome light so they don’t notice when you open the door.”


“Okay. Thanks, Jack. That was awesome, by the way.”


“I agree completely. Off ya go.”


She slipped from the vehicle and pushed the passenger door closed softly.


Jack pulled himself together and grinned when they finally opened the back tailgate. He got a glimpse of Grace’s lush derriere as she ducked past a bush on the side of the road a little ways down. Thank goodness Ethan had shut off the headlights so they couldn’t have seen her.


“What took you so long?” Jack asked with a chuckle as he buttoned his fly.


“Adam found this by the wheel so we were making sure it’s previous owner wasn’t in the vicinity.” Feeling tingly and satisfied, Jack turned in the seat and did a double take at what Ethan held up.


“Motherf****r! How long is that?” Jack gasped, panic pouring through his body making his hands shake as he grabbed for the door handle.


Adam shrugged as he looked at the rattlesnake skin. “I dunno. Five…six feet? Where’s Grace?”


Stupid, stupid, stupid! Jack finally got the handle to work and kicked open the door.


“Where’s Grace?” Ethan demanded with an edge of panic in his voice.


“Out there!” He stumbled as his feet got tangled in the straps of her white satin bra.



I love this series!!! It is one of my favorites and I have read the entire series more times then I can remember!! Grace, Jack, Adam and Ethan still remain my favorite characters and it is great to see all the characters continue on throughout the series in each book!!!


Divine Creek Ranch Series Books 1 thru 11  Bookstrand / AMAZON


Heather Rainier Website                             

Currently Reading: Love My Way by Karen Booth...

Love My Way
After her fiancé penned a “Dear Katie” letter, Kate Stillman vowed she’d never give a man more than one night. Free from emotional entanglements, her photography career has skyrocketed, she’s had some hot one-night stands and her heart has stayed off-limits. It’s the perfect plan until a Miami getaway brings her face-to-face with Peter Barrett.

Hunky rocker Peter has been pursuing Katie from afar ever since she photographed his band. In the flesh, it’s clear it was more than flirtation. Katie gives in to their sizzling chemistry, thinking Peter will appreciate her one-night rule. Instead, he balks and extends an invitation for a second night of pure abandon, an offer too tempting to refuse. When they part, Katie realizes her rule protected her heart only too well. Time away from Peter leaves her wanting him more. Every steamy, late-night phone call makes her wonder if she can love again. But when Peter returns and her trust is tested, Katie must overcome her past to see that love her way was never the way at all.



This is the second book that I will have read from Karen Booth. I love the cover. Karen so graciously sent me this book to read and review and I do so with pleasure!! :)
Click here for my 5 star review of Long-Distance Lovers.  Thanks again Karen!! :)




Amazon
Long Distance Lovers

Minnie Nails...

I am a HUGE Disney fan so I absolutely love this!!! :)

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Reviewed Racing to Love by Amy Gregory...


Racing to Love - Carter's Treasure
From the outside, Molly West had everything, beauty, brains, and a career she'd retired from not once, but twice. Being in the limelight and in a sport that was male driven, she was often surrounded by men. She ignored first the boys, and as she got older, the men. Her cold shoulder and patented not a chance in hell look were usually enough to get her point across. Molly had no plans in changing what was a perfectly good system. That is until she walked into the pits. Carter Sterling had traveled the racing circuit since he was a boy. He'd heard all the old standbys, She's out there somewhere, love comes along when you least expect it. Good things come to those that... Yeah, he'd heard them all. The last place he expected to meet the love of his life was on a pro track. All she did was smile, and he knew, looking into her sapphire blue eyes, Molly West was his. Forever. If it was only that easy. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he had a gripping feeling in him. An overwhelming need to protect her-a girl he'd just met. Carter had learned a long time ago that gut feelings are almost never wrong. Molly now held his heart in her hands, but it was going to take a lot more than just love to protect her from the past she thought she'd buried a long time ago. 
REALLY LIKED IT!!
Amy Gregory is a new author to me. While I enjoy finding new authors and books, it is always a risk as to whether it will be worth the time and money spent.  I have been lucky with a lot of the new authors that I have read lately and my luck still holds true with Amy Gregory. 


I really enjoyed Racing to Love.  It was such a sweet read with romance, a little suspense, laughter and of course some sexy touching love scenes. 


I just loved Carter and how caring, protective and supportive he was with Molly. Molly was the perfect mix of sweet, sassy and vulnerable. They were a perfect match right from the beginning.
It is so nice to read a book where the H/h fell in love at first sight without all the angst and fighting that normally happens between couples as they work their way towards falling in love.
Great set of secondary characters that added so much to the story. I loved Brody and Erin. Oh, and I hope that Mike, Eli and Jesse will get their own books. 


Just a really sweet and enjoyable read and I will definitely be looking for more from this author. 
4 out of 5 rating. 


I found Racing To Love at Ramblings From This Chick blog - thanks so much for sharing!!! :)

Shawn Kirsten Maravel Free Giveaway of Shifting Gears...

Shawn Kirsten Maravel is having a Random Act of Kindness GIVEAWAY: Free Copy of Shifting Gears Book #2 in The Rider Series
Wesley Pierce, a Virginia State Trooper, is in search of the perfect log cabin to settle down in. After losing his brother and doing his best to care for the family he left behind he decides, a year after Nathan’s death, that he’s finally ready to move forward.

 Olivia Michaels, a realtor in search of her own dream home and a way out of her parents’ attic, takes on a client who can help get her that much closer to affording her freedom. Little does she know that it isn’t the perfect home that she finds but through Wesley Pierce she manages to find herself. And maybe, if she’s capable of taking the leap, she might even manage to find love.

 *** 
This novel, not unlike its predecessor in the Rider series, The Wanderer, is not a story about life altering suspense and mystery or a love that seemed impossible from the very start. Instead, this story is of love in its purest form. In life it isn’t mystery and excitement that drive our hearts but trepidation and the moment in which we all decide to jump unguarded into the arms of another.

Per Shawn's Blog:
"My birthday is coming up in a week, I'm pregnant, AND I'm about to go on vacation. Needless to say, I'm feeling like spreading a little happiness around. SO from now untilJuly first you can head over to Smashwords and get your FREE copy of Shifting Gears with this code:QC62F."


All Shawn asks for in return for this great offer is to leave a comment on her blog letting her know that you stopped by, she would also greatly appreciate a review whenever and wherever you can post it and to make sure to share her post including the code with other readers. 

Shawn is a new author to me and I having been wanting to read one of her books since I found her. This is a great opportunity and I can't wait to start reading.  Thanks so much Shawn!! :)

Book #1 in The Rider Series  AMAZON / SMASHWORDS

New Release: The Letter by Marie Tillman...

The Letter: My Journey Through Love, Loss, and Life
In 2003, Pat Tillman, serving in the US Army, hastily wrote a "just in case" letter to his wife, Marie. When he returned on leave before his departure to Afghanistan, he placed the letter on top of their bedroom dresser. For months it sat there, sealed and ever-present, like a black hole through which Marie knew her stable life would be pulled if she ever had reason to open it. Then, in April 2004, Marie's worst nightmare came true. In the days following his death, it was Pat's letter that kept her going and, more than that, it was his words that would help her learn to navigate a world she could no longer share with her husband. 


In THE LETTER, Marie's talks for the first time about her journey to remake her life after Pat's death. In it, she recalls meeting and falling in love with Pat when they were kids, his harrowing decision to join the army after 9/11, and the devastating day when she learned he'd been killed. She describes how she withdrew from the public spotlight to grieve, learning along the way the value of solitude, self-awareness and integrity in the healing process. And, finally, Marie recounts her work to rebuild her life, including founding The Pat Tillman Foundation, an organization established to carry forth Pat's legacy of leadership, and her decision to step back into the public eye in order to inspire people to live with meaning and purpose.


Filled with the lessons Marie learned and the wisdom she gained since Pat's death, THE LETTER is both a heartrending love story and an inspiring tale for anyone, young or old, whose life has taken an unexpected hard turn -- and who struggles to get back on the right path.


Marie Tillman wedding day

I don't usually read books like this but their story just touched me so much and had such an incredibly sad ending that I had to add to my TBR pile. Just reading the snippet at Amazon 
had me in tears!!! I will be breaking out the tissues for this one.


Marie Tillman on Twitter: @mariektillman

Sexy Covers: Reflected In You by Sylvia Day...

October 2, 2012  AMAZON  Book #2 The Crossfire Series
Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... mine.
My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We'd never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.

We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession...

Here is a teeny tiny peek from Sylvia Day's Facebook
Okay... a peek (can't say it won't change... or disappear...):

The sudden flash of his grin stopped my heart. 

Confronted with that breathtaking face framed by that roguish fall of dark hair, I felt my knees weaken just a little. He was so polished and urbane except for the decadent length of those silky strands.

He nuzzled his nose against mine. “You can’t smile at me like that, then walk away. What were you thinking about when I was on the phone?”

My lips twisted wryly. “How gorgeous you are. It’s sickening how often I think about that. I need to get over it already.”

He cupped the back of my thigh and urged me tighter against him, teasing me with an expert roll of his hips against mine. He was outrageously gifted in bed. And he knew it. “Damned if I’ll let you.”

Can't wait for this book!!!! Click here for my Bared To You review-the 1st book in
The Crossfire Series.



Book #1

Wishing I Was Here...


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Reviewed: Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia...

AMAZON    
Poughkeepsie
He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day. 
Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.
When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.
Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?
In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

BEST OF THE BEST!!!
 Debra Anastasia is a new author for me. I had Poughkeepsie in my TBR pile but honestly, I wasn't sure when I would get around to buying it. So when I got the email from Debra stating that she got my blog link from Sam, E and R's Awesomness blog (thanks BTW) and would I be interested in reviewing Poughkeepsie, I thought well sure why not--it was already in my TBR pile.  Sometimes in life you just get lucky--everything comes together and out of the blue something truly great happens to you.  For me that is what happened when I received this email and I will always be grateful that this author and book found its way to me!!!  


Ever since reading Twilight, I have been on a reading frenzy! Devouring any and all books that I could get my hands on. Some I loved, some were just okay and others I hated. I laughed, cried, smiled, tore my hair out and thought about some for days after. I have applauded and cursed authors. I have loved and hated characters. I have read books that I never thought I would and absolutely loved them. But never have I read a book that touched me as deeply as Poughkeepsie.  This is the best book that I have read and I have  trouble finding the right words. I just never expected this book to be all that it was. It was truly an honor for me to read.  Poughkeepsie is the reason that I love to read and has only increased my addiction. It is everything that I could want in a book and a whole lot more.  I just wanted to gather the characters and put them in my pocket!! LOL   Blake (love him), Beckett (Oh, Beckett), Cole, Livia (love her), Kyle (love the things she says), Eve (Oh, Eve) and Mouse (Oh, Mouse-- Debra really got to me with him). 


Poughkeepsie pulled me under from the beginning and I drowned in it until the last word was read.  Debra had such a way with her writing of the characters that I was absorbed into the story by them. UGH... just so freakin' amazing!!!! Just within the first couple of pages, I knew I held something special. This book wore me out--I laughed and cried so much that I was exhausted when I finished this book just from all the emotions it brought out in me.  The relationship between Livia and Kyle was great--I just love the back and forth between them!! Such funny, tender, heartbreaking moments with the two of them. Their dialogue kills me!!! So foul mouth--love it. Same to be said of Beckett--Oh, I think I might have loved him the most. I just wanted to see him get his HEA so badly. Same for Eve--she deserved a HEA also.  They were just two tortured souls. I finished this book 2 days ago and the story and characters are still with me. 


There is not a high enough rating that I can give this book. And I know that my review does not even come close to doing it justice. It was just such an outstanding read. It was my absolute pleasure to read Poughkeepsie and I look forward to reading more from Debra Anastasia. She has definitely secured herself a fan. 


I have some favorite authors and some favorite books that I cherish and I just recently read Kristen Ashley and stated that her writing has ruined me for all other authors and books but after reading Poughkeepsie, Debra's writing has also ruined me and I will forever cherish this book!!! I will definitely be recommending Poughkeepsie and Debra Anastasia to anyone and everyone who will listen!!!! BEST OF THE BEST rating!!! 


Some of my favorite lines: 
"Beckett's probably the hardest man there is to love," Blake said. "He does life wrong for all the right reasons."


Cole talking to Livia about Blake:
"Four hundred forty-six," Cole whispered.  "He counts. You've smiled at him four hundred and forty-six times as 
of a few minutes ago. He announces the number every time I see him."


I don't want to spoil it so I will just say Blake and Livia and the scene with the cooler. *sigh*


Kyle gave her sister the finger. "You're a pecker sniffer." Kyle lived to shock Livia any chance she got. "A wakemare-I don't know, people take sleep meds and think they're sleeping but really they're up ordering pizza and then doing the delivery guy."

A tall, greasy man, clad in a cliche trench coat, flashed his long, white, naked body at anyone who looked his direction. Once he spotted Kyle and Livia, he made a beeline for their car. He flashed his coat open with great flourish in front of them as if on his own personal stage. He wiggled his meager offerings while the sisters watched, their noses wrinkled in distaste. 
Trench Coat then added a song to his pitiful dance: "Lulooly, Lulooly, Lulooly!"
Kyle pointed right at him and with great seriousness confronted Livia. 'Please tell me Mr. Frank n' Beans isn't Blake or Beckett."
"No Cocktail Weenie has nothing to do with why we're here." 
"That's one pale, hairless nightmare," Kyle said, still pointing. " I think I can smell his ass from here." Livia had to work not to smile. 
The McHugh girls could do this for hours. The flasher seemed offended by their repartee and closed his coat. 
Debra Anastasia Website


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New Releases...


 Try MeAngelique (MFMMM)Mikayla (MFMMM)Kianna and Her Three Alpha Wolves (MFMM)

Beauty (MFM)