Saturday, March 14, 2015

Idolizing In: Whiskey Creek Series, Book 8

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 400; Kindle Edition - File Size: 523 KB | Expected Release Date: March 31, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin : MIRA Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"This Heart of Mine" [Whiskey Creek Series, Book 8] by Brenda Novak

Author's Book Description : First love. Second chance?

As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him—especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next.

Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob’s father isn’t exactly welcoming.

Riley doesn’t trust Phoenix, doesn’t want her in Jacob’s life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he’s about to find both!

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars! After 17 years away a wrongly accused woman is released from prison, heads back home, and hopes to connect with her son. Yet as she grows closer to her son, she also grows closer to his father too. Will she be able keep her heart intact through it all or will she loose it along the way?

I was instantly addicted to this novel!! I loved the main and sub plots!! In truth, even though I loved its plot along with Riley and Phoenix's relationship, I don't think they would've been able to have as meaningful of relationship with one another when Phoenix first got pregnant, as they are able to now. Therefore, while I don't like that Phoenix had to go to prison for a crime she didn't commit, I think the time away from Riley helped their relationship for the better. I couldn't get enough of Phoenix & Riley, didn't want their novel to end, as it was all I could've hoped for and more! Their story made me laugh, it made me tear up a lot, and most of all made me wish for a man like Riley too. In addition, I liked the ending because of its redemption without the huge fallout that I worried would have happened and how Riley & their son protected Phoenix the whole way through.

I can't wait to see where Phoenix, Riley, Jacob, Callie, Levi, and Kyle's stories will go next! I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those who are fans of this series and/or like dramatic contemporary romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Alibris (Paperback) : Together for Christmas: 5-B Poppy Lane\When We Touch (Book 0.5)\Welcome to Icicle Falls\Starstruck | Alibris (Paperback) : When Lightning Strikes (Book 1) | Alibris (Paperback) : When Snow Falls (Book 2) | Alibris (Paperback) : When Summer Comes (Book 3) | Alibris (Paperback) : Home to Whiskey Creek (Book 4) | Alibris (Paperback) : Take Me Home for Christmas (Book 5) | Alibris (Paperback) : Come Home to Me (Book 6) | Alibris (Paperback) : The Heart of Christmas (Book 7)


My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 0.5 (Prequel) | Book 1 | Book 3 | Book 7

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Bastard / Honor Bound | Coulda Been A Cowboy

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Blog Tour - The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak | Spreading the Word, Gift Card Giveaway, & 12 Days Of Christmas Giveaway | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015

Author's Novel Extras : THIS HEART OF MINE - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : WHEN WE TOUCH - Overview & Excerpt | WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES - Overview & Excerpt | WHEN SNOW FALLS - Overview & Excerpt | WHEN SUMMER COMES - Overview & Excerpt | HOME TO WHISKEY CREEK - Overview & Excerpt | TAKE ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS - Overview & Excerpt | COME HOME TO ME - Overview & Excerpt | THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS - Overview & Excerpt | A WINTER WEDDING - Overview & Excerpt | Download Your Simple PDF Of Whiskey Creek Series Character Summary Here

Book Teaser(s) :
"I have a better plan," he said, straightening.
Her eyes lowered instinctively to his chest and the muscles that rippled beneath his skin, but she jerked them up again. "What's that?"
"I'll pick the lock."
"You can do that?"
"I don't see why not. My tools are here."
True. They were hanging on the leather belt that rode low on his hips. "You don't mind?"
"Stop being so damned polite!" he snapped.
"Okay."
"It's driving me crazy." ~ within Chapter 8
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Brenda, then please check out her website.

Made the Grade: Not Quite Darcy by Terri Meeker

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 274; Kindle Edition - File Size: 745 KB | Expected Release Date: January 6, 2015 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley

"Not Quite Darcy" by Terri Meeker

Author's Book Description : How to Woo a Gentleman and Weaponize Dessert

Romance novel junkie Eliza Pepper always thought she was born too late, but now she really is stuck in the wrong time. Tasked with mending a tear in the timeline, she’s trying desperately to fit into 1873 London. But dang it, mucking out a fireplace while looking like the lunch lady from hell is hard.

If she can just keep from setting the floor on fire and somehow resist her growing attraction to the master of the house, she’ll be fine. All she has to do is repeat her mantra: “He’s nothing like Darcy. He’s nothing like Darcy.”

William Brown has always taken pride in his mastery of English decorum, but his new maid is a complete disaster, has thrown his household into chaos…and he finds her utterly captivating.

Though he’s willing to endure extreme physical discomfort to keep their relationship in proper perspective, her arrival has brought out a side of him he never knew existed. And Eliza has an innocently erotic knack for coaxing that decidedly ungentlemanly facet of himself out to play…

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! A historical romance novel fan gets the deal of a lifetime, an offer to travel back in time to help with a "mission"---of which she really knows nothing about---for a short while. Now if she can just obey the rules, especially the biggest one ... not to form any lasting connections and not fall in love.

This was an interesting take on reading about the 'Victorian Era.' I liked that Ms. Meeker held back no punches in not romancing London during that time period, showing how subservient life really was for those who were in those roles. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it all from Eliza's (Bessie) viewpoint, with her quick wit, it was very amusing the way she described everything around her and how her time-period’s "common phrases" seemed to flummox those around her.

As for William, while I agree he wasn't Darcy, he had such a sweet way about him that once he let out his "inner bad boy" I liked him just as much as Eliza did! Also, it was refreshing for this type of novel to have a hero (William) who was so open to Eliza's eccentricities. They worked well together and it felt like as long as they had on another they could've taken on the world.

Yet, while I liked the ending, I wish it wrapped up a bit "sweeter" or just more fleshed out, I guess. Nevertheless, thus far this has been my favorite time travel novel that I've read.

I recommend this novel to those looking for an intriguing historical romantic dramedy!

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Not Quite Darcy


Author's Novel Extras : Not Quite Darcy - Overview | Working on Thanksgiving Day Sucks. But Oh the Plight of the Victorian Maid. | Free Marital Advice! | Party Like It’s 1899 | Launching Darcy

Book Teaser(s) :
She struggled info her still unfamiliar clothes, her head numbed with sleep. After struggling with the strange, split-crotch pantaloons, she pulled her maid's uniform over her head.
"Not-so-little black dress, I hate you already," she grumbled. "It's like my life is being directed by Tim Burton. With any luck, William's best friend will turn out to be Johnny Depp and he'll be my mission here. He's American, after all. A girl can hope." ~ within Chapter 6
"A toast. To William!" She gave him a wide grin. "For slaying the Great Uncle Dragon."
He laughed. "I hardly think that I---"
"No. You stood up to him. You looked him in the eye and told the old windbag to fuck a duck."
To have carnal relations with poultry? Her mind truly went to the most amazing places. He tried to come up with a response, but she placed her fingers on his cheek.
"I was so proud of you." She raised her glass to drink and he joined her in the toast. ~ within Chapter 23
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Terri, then please check out her website.

Feasted On: Bachelors of Battle Creek Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 416; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1473 KB | Expected Release Date: January 6, 2015 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

"Texas Mail Order Bride" [Bachelors of Battle Creek Series, Book 1] by Linda Broday

Author's Book Description : “So Beautiful. You make it impossible to think.” He pulled her against him and found her mouth. “You don’t know how long I’ve waited to do this.”

When he let her up for air, she whispered as though she couldn’t trust her voice, “Is this another Texas custom?”

“Absolutely,” he growled. “Welcome to Texas.”


Rancher Cooper Thorne thinks his life is finally on an even keel–until Delta Dandridge steps off the stagecoach, claiming she’s his mail order bride. Brash and quick-witted, the meddling Southern Belle is everything Cooper thought he never wanted…and everything his heart is telling him he needs.

But Cooper swore long ago that he’d never marry, and he aims to keep his word…especially now that the demons from his past have returned to threaten everything–and everyone–he holds dear.


My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Thrown together based on false promises, two lost souls find their lives turned upside-down, but is it all for the better? Sure, that is if they’re both willing to let their past and their secrets go for good.

With Delta & Cooper's bickering, their magnetic attraction to one another, and Cooper's "band of brothers," this novel reminded me of Ms. Connealy's "Swept Away." Not because of the plots, as they are pretty different---and I do recommend reading both novels---but because of their characters, as big-hearted Delta reminded me of Ruthy, leader Cooper reminded me of Luke and Jenny's husband situation reminded me of Glynna. While Ms. Broday's novel is different, noticing the similarities put a smile on my face.

Yet even though I liked seeing Cooper & Delta together, and watching them deal with their attraction, it was Delta herself and how she embraced the town she recently moved to, that made me fall for this novel. I liked seeing how Delta was able to make a new start for herself and how she went about to help the town in big and small ways wherever she could. It was very sweet. Then throw in Cooper's past and this novel turned into one action-packed western romantic thriller that you never knew where it would take you next.

I'm interested to read about Rand & Brett (Cooper's brothers) to see who will stop them from their bachelor ways.

I highly recommend this novel to those looking for a historical western romance that will keep you on your toes.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Alibris (Paperback) : Texas Mail Order Bride | Kobo (e-Book) : Texas Mail Order Bride


My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Texas Cowboy Blog Tour Featuring Carolyn Brown & Linda Broday | Guest Post, Spreading the Word & Sourcebooks Casablanca Western Romance Bundle Giveaway

Author's Novel Extras : Texas Mail Order Bride - Overview & Excerpt | Pinterest: Texas Mail Order Bride | Home and Family PLUS A GIVEAWAY! | Reticules…er Handbags: A Woman’s Necessity

Author's Series Extras : Twice a Texas Bride - Overview & Excerpt | Pinterest: Twice a Texas Bride | Happy Thanksgiving! | Introducing The Bachelors of Battle Creek!

Author Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
"My dear Mr. Thorne, you're absolutely determined to think the worst of me. I assure you, I try to never say anything I must retract later."
"Look, Miss Dandridge, why don't we start over? We'll be running into each other on occasion. No reason why our hackles should rise every time we cross paths."
"Hackles! I do declare. Your neck may have hackles, but I guarantee that mine does not."
"No, ma'am. I can certainly see that." He was hard-pressed to keep from grinning. "I simply meant we should try to get along."
"I suppose," she murmured slowly. "Just so we can be civil to each other. I don't want you to get the idea that I harbor any untoward ideas about love and marriage, though."
He crooked an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"
"Just because you don't like women---"
"Hey, wait a cotton-pinkin' minute. I never said I don't like women. I love 'em. For your information, I've kissed more than my share. Just don't intend to be married to one."
Delta put her hands on her hips. "Well, don't get any ideas about kissing me."
"You don't have to fret about that." He glared. "Is this your way of burying the hatchet?"
"No, it's yours. Hackles indeed. I'm not a dog." ~ within Chapter 6
"Now why is it that you can refer to my brother as Rand yet you call me Mr. Thorne?"
"You and I are still trying out this friendship thing."
"And?"
Delta couldn't help smiling. She liked keeping the man who seemed so sure of everything off-kilter. It was probably a place he hadn't been very often.
"Haven't decided. After all, you wanted to run the other way when we first met, if I recall."
"Like I said, I'm a donkey's rear end."
"Your words, Mr. Thorne, not mine."
"Can't you consider calling me Cooper? Mr. Thorne sounds like a doddering old fool with half his teeth missing."
"I'll give it some thought." ~ within Chapter 11
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Linda, then please check out her website.

Second Sentence Saturday: First Blood


SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

  • Grab the novel/novella your currently reading
  • Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
  • Share the SECOND sentence from that page
  • Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want



MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"First Blood" [THE LINKED SERIES, Book 2] by Judy Serrano

My cold skin, my hunger for red meat, it was all a sign.



PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Blog Tour - How To Catch A Prince by Rachel Hauck | Spreading the Word & Bracelet/Movie Tickets/Novels Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Rachel Hauck author of "How To Catch A Prince," which is the first novel in her The Royal Wedding Series.

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from March 3 - 23, 2015 | Giveaway ends on March 23, 2015]



"How To Catch A Prince"
[The Royal Wedding Series, Book 3] by Rachel Hauck

Author's Book Description :
    Behind him, beside him, before him, the synchronized cathedral bells began to ring out.

    One, two, three . . .

    Then she said it first. The words his heart burst to share. “I love you, Stephen..”


    She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?

    American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

    But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

    Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.

    When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

    Yet, true love has a destiny all it’s own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.

    Or let it be lost forever?

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Kobo

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Author Book Trailer :



About the Author :

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as "The Wedding Dress," "Love Starts with Elle," and "Once Upon A Prince." She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, "Softly and Tenderly," one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Jesus -- The Reason For the Season - December 2011

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015



Giveaways!! :

An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck's new book, "How To Catch A Prince." True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?

Enter to win a "royal" prize pack!

catchaprince-400

One grand prize winner will receive :

  • A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
  • 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
  • A copy of The Royal Wedding series ("Once Upon a Prince," "Princess Ever After," and "How to Catch a Prince") by Rachel Hauck

To Enter : Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel's blog.

catchaprince-enterbanner

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Litfuse's other Blog Tour Reviews for this novel!!




Find Rachel Hauck :
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