Wednesday, June 15, 2016
$100 Book Blast for Second Chances by Kimberly Krey
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Willowkeep by Julie Daines + $25 and Book Giveaway!
Henry has worked hard his entire life, but all the money he’s saved won’t be enough to get his father out of debtor’s prison. Henry’s fondness for Charlotte and her sister is only another reminder of his low status and lack of money. Though he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Charlotte happy and looked after, as the county’s wealthiest lady, she can never be his.
Courted by a charming man of the ton, threatened by those desperate to get their hands on her money, and determined to keep her sister safe from the same fate that cost her the rest of her family, Charlotte turns to the ghost of the beheaded queen, Anne Boleyn, for help. But no matter the size of the fortune, life—and love—are never smooth sailing.
* Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *
I absolutely adored this book. The characters, the setting, the time period- everything. I was drawn in from the very beginning and had a hard time putting this book down.
Nobody has a better, kinder heart than Charlotte Darby. I love how fiercely she protects her sister and how ready she is to help those around her. Charlotte longs for family and a safe place to fall. She is so endearing. My heart loved her almost at once.
I dare you not to fall in love with Henry. Honest. He is exactly the kind of male lead I love. Strong, steady and reliable. So unassuming and he's never late. :) His quiet strength gives Charlotte exactly what she needs. He is always there for her. It was perfect.
This book had a bit of intrigue and suspense and it played out like an excellent movie in my head. I can still picture it now. This will go down as one of my favorite regency novels so far this year.
Content: Clean- some mild violence
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Schedule:
June 13th: http://mybookaday.
June 14th: http://
June 15th: http://www.
June 16th: http://fireandicereads.
June 17th: http://booksaresanity.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
On Tour with The Carpenter's Daughter by Jennifer Rodewald + Giveaway!
Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Fiction
Publisher: Rooted Publishing
Publication date: April 15, 2016
Number of pages: 349
Enter handsome and easygoing Jesse Chapman, the roofer she meets on her first foray into volunteer work
for Homes For Hope. In every way, the quirky man is her opposite—confident, a people kind of guy, and most importantly, happy. His likable qualities continue to draw her in, and for some reason he keeps coming back to her. But they can’t be more than friends—he’s made that crystal clear. Except for a handful of times…and the confusion is driving her crazy.
Sarah’s quest for self-definition becomes more tangled than she ever imagined, and she discovers that the journey will take her deeper than clothes and makeup. Filling the void in her heart becomes an obsession she cannot escape. How far is she willing to go to discover who she really is?
One word. One sentence. Words. They can hurt or they can build. In this book, Sarah overhears two women talking about her. One word in one sentence shatters her. Sometimes I think we just don't think about how much weight our words hold. Words hold so much power. I wish more people would use their words to build and love instead of to hurt and destroy.
This is a story of journey and overcoming, I think. Sarah's life is so very limited by her father's design. She doesn't love herself and she doesn't even know who God is. She struggles with self worth. I think most young women will be able to relate to this to some degree.
I really liked Jesse. I think he was a good and honorable man. And SO very patient. Maybe more than was realistic, but I admired him and his devotion and conviction.
This is a very, very Christian book. It is heavy on the religious elements. I felt like the book swirled around in the same place for a long time before moving a small step and then swirling again. The same thoughts and feelings were reiterated many times and I wished that things would move forward a bit faster. But, there is something very satisfying in watching a character evolve and transform and that is exactly what Sarah did. It took someone believing in her and helping her along and that is such a good reminder for us all.
The moral of this story for me? First, use your words in the kindest ways. Second, be ready to help those who need it. Words and actions combined for good can transform lives.
Content: Christian fiction, some heavy kissing and making out, removal of clothing. Drinking and bar scenes.
3/5 stars for me.
I received a copy of this book from SLB tours in exchange for my honest review.
Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.
Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.
Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.
June 6--Singing Librarian Books
June 7--Just Commonly | Katie's Clean Book Collection
June 8--Bookworm Lisa
June 9--Reading Is My SuperPower | Smiling Book Reviews
June 10--Book by Book | Red Headed Book Lady
June 11--Getting Your Read On
June 7--Just Commonly | Katie's Clean Book Collection
June 8--Bookworm Lisa
June 9--Reading Is My SuperPower | Smiling Book Reviews
June 10--Book by Book | Red Headed Book Lady
June 11--Getting Your Read On
Thursday, June 9, 2016
On Tour with Finders Keepers by Sarah Monzon + Book Giveaway!
Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Historical, Romance
Publisher: Radiant Publications
Publication date: May 23, 2016
Number of pages: 272
The same evil that stole her mother’s life stalks Isabella Castellano. Afraid for her safety and with no one to help her, Isabella disguises herself as a cabin boy and hires on to one of His Majesty’s treasure fleet vessels. But has her flight from a known threat only led her to be ensnared in a sea of dangers?
Present Day, Florida
Summer Arnet will go anywhere to capture the perfect shot that will get her marine photography noticed by the prestigious natural magazine, Our World—even diving in waters haunted by Great White sharks. When a treasure hunter with a ladies’ man reputation approaches her about a sunken ship at one of her past dive locations, it might be the chance she’s been looking for to launch her career…if his charming smile doesn’t derail her first.
A past tragedy has left a hole in Trent Carrington’s life—a hole he’s tried to fill with women, money, and adventure. Could the feisty marine photographer be the missing piece or will Trent finally accept that the treasure he seeks can’t be found where rust and moths destroy? Three lives. Three hundred years. One ship that ties them together.
This story is sort of two stories in one. The bigger focus is on the present day but I loved the way it toggled back and forth and then came together full circle in the end. It made me feel like I was getting a historical novel with my contemporary novel. Very fun.
I really enjoyed this book and it's characters. Summer is an easy character to like. She is smart and works hard for what she wants. I love how she is independent and strong but still utterly feminine and slightly flawed. She doesn't take anything from Trent who is more than willing to dish plenty. Trent is selfish and arrogant but I love how he softens and how hard he works at becoming the man that Summer needs. He is out to prove himself and he does a fantastic job of it.
Content: This is a Christian fiction book and has some heavier Christian elements in it. There is some mention of past casual sexual relationships.
I received a copy of this book through SLB Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Enjoy the following excerpt!
Summer's cell vibrated on the desk next to her outstretched hand. The ID registered a number she didn't recognize. She tapped the green Accept button.
“Hello?”
“Hey, beautiful, you want to grab some coffee?”
Furrows formed between her eyes. Who in the world? “I'm sorry. You must have the wrong number.”
She pulled the phone away from her ear but stopped short of disconnecting when she heard the voice on the other end say her name.
Her lips turned down. “Who is this?”
“Who do you think it is, babe? I told you I'd call.” Summer hadn't known it was possible to hear a smile until then. The flirtatious, mischievous smile she'd seen on Trent Carrington's face before resounded over the phone lines. And babe? Really? She set her teeth. The guy knew it irked her to be called that, but it seemed he got perverse pleasure in pushing her buttons.
Ignore it. If he can't get a rise out of you, he'll eventually stop. At least that was how it had worked when the boys had teased her in elementary school.
Summer stared at her computer screen. She really needed to get these photos edited by the end of the day. “I'm in the middle of something right now, Trent. If this is about the trip, you can e-mail me the itinerary.”
The door to her studio pushed open, and there stood Trent. All six foot plus of him. The sun shone through the open door, causing his blond hair to glow like gold. One side of his mouth whirled up in a lopsided grin. Her breath whooshed out. From irritation. Obviously. The reaction couldn't have been for any other reason.
“I'm not taking no for an answer.” Summer heard his voice from across the room as well as from her cell. She hung up and sent him a glare.
“As you can see, I'm working.” She indicated the screen in front of her.
He walked across the room and sat in one of the chairs opposite her desk, leaning back in it like he had all the time in the world.
“Coffee will only take fifteen minutes.” He bestowed one of his flashing smiles upon her.
Summer looked at him. She took in his laid-back manner, the way he was quick to smile, and the ease in which he charmed. For goodness’ sake, the man thought all he had to do was smile and he'd get his way. She pursed her lips. Already she'd given in to him, but that was because she needed some edgy photos forOur World, not because he'd smiled at her, said pretty please, and made her go all gooey inside.
Someone needed to start telling this man no.
“Thank you for the offer, but I really don't have time right now.”
He continued to lounge in her chair, his gaze never leaving her face, the lopsided grin never faltering. “All right. No problem.”
Really? He wasn't going to put up more of a fight? No cajoling? No begging? No persuasion of any kind? Summer was surprised at the twinge of disappointment in her midsection. Guess he didn't think her worthy of any added effort.
Trent stood, and Summer's eyes followed the motion. His gaze continued to lock on her, and she swallowed hard.
“I'll just go and bring some coffee back. Better that way anyhow. Now I won't have to worry about getting you back at a specific time. And since I don't have anything else going on right now, I can stay and keep you company while you work. I could stay all day if I wanted to.”
All day? Her nerves already stood on end with his constant stare. No way she'd be able to get any work done. And how so like him to manipulate a situation so he got exactly what he wanted. Any twinge of disappointment was replaced with annoyance.
She met his gaze and took in the cocky slant of his eyes. He thought he was so irresistible. One look, one smile, and she'd fall all over him. Not going to happen.
“Do you always get what you want so easily?”
His head tilted as if thinking it through, then his eyes bored into hers once more. "No. Not everything is worth pursuit. But when I find something special, I'll do everything within my power to claim it as mine."
“Hello?”
“Hey, beautiful, you want to grab some coffee?”
Furrows formed between her eyes. Who in the world? “I'm sorry. You must have the wrong number.”
She pulled the phone away from her ear but stopped short of disconnecting when she heard the voice on the other end say her name.
Her lips turned down. “Who is this?”
“Who do you think it is, babe? I told you I'd call.” Summer hadn't known it was possible to hear a smile until then. The flirtatious, mischievous smile she'd seen on Trent Carrington's face before resounded over the phone lines. And babe? Really? She set her teeth. The guy knew it irked her to be called that, but it seemed he got perverse pleasure in pushing her buttons.
Ignore it. If he can't get a rise out of you, he'll eventually stop. At least that was how it had worked when the boys had teased her in elementary school.
Summer stared at her computer screen. She really needed to get these photos edited by the end of the day. “I'm in the middle of something right now, Trent. If this is about the trip, you can e-mail me the itinerary.”
The door to her studio pushed open, and there stood Trent. All six foot plus of him. The sun shone through the open door, causing his blond hair to glow like gold. One side of his mouth whirled up in a lopsided grin. Her breath whooshed out. From irritation. Obviously. The reaction couldn't have been for any other reason.
“I'm not taking no for an answer.” Summer heard his voice from across the room as well as from her cell. She hung up and sent him a glare.
“As you can see, I'm working.” She indicated the screen in front of her.
He walked across the room and sat in one of the chairs opposite her desk, leaning back in it like he had all the time in the world.
“Coffee will only take fifteen minutes.” He bestowed one of his flashing smiles upon her.
Summer looked at him. She took in his laid-back manner, the way he was quick to smile, and the ease in which he charmed. For goodness’ sake, the man thought all he had to do was smile and he'd get his way. She pursed her lips. Already she'd given in to him, but that was because she needed some edgy photos forOur World, not because he'd smiled at her, said pretty please, and made her go all gooey inside.
Someone needed to start telling this man no.
“Thank you for the offer, but I really don't have time right now.”
He continued to lounge in her chair, his gaze never leaving her face, the lopsided grin never faltering. “All right. No problem.”
Really? He wasn't going to put up more of a fight? No cajoling? No begging? No persuasion of any kind? Summer was surprised at the twinge of disappointment in her midsection. Guess he didn't think her worthy of any added effort.
Trent stood, and Summer's eyes followed the motion. His gaze continued to lock on her, and she swallowed hard.
“I'll just go and bring some coffee back. Better that way anyhow. Now I won't have to worry about getting you back at a specific time. And since I don't have anything else going on right now, I can stay and keep you company while you work. I could stay all day if I wanted to.”
All day? Her nerves already stood on end with his constant stare. No way she'd be able to get any work done. And how so like him to manipulate a situation so he got exactly what he wanted. Any twinge of disappointment was replaced with annoyance.
She met his gaze and took in the cocky slant of his eyes. He thought he was so irresistible. One look, one smile, and she'd fall all over him. Not going to happen.
“Do you always get what you want so easily?”
His head tilted as if thinking it through, then his eyes bored into hers once more. "No. Not everything is worth pursuit. But when I find something special, I'll do everything within my power to claim it as mine."
a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 7--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance | Wishful Endings
June 8--Bookworm Lisa | Colorimetry
June 9--Getting Your Read On | Katie's Clean Book Collection
June 10--The Editor's Note | Book by Book
June 11--Reading Is My SuperPower | Just Commonly
June 8--Bookworm Lisa | Colorimetry
June 9--Getting Your Read On | Katie's Clean Book Collection
June 10--The Editor's Note | Book by Book
June 11--Reading Is My SuperPower | Just Commonly
Monday, June 6, 2016
From Fake to Forever by Jennifer Shirk
Ben is enjoying teaching more than he thought he would, but that doesn’t mean he’s looking for a permanent position. Sure, he’s ready for more serious movie roles and less goofing off, but the buttoned-up, beautiful Sandra and her young daughter are more than he bargained for. Plus, Sandra still won’t trust him—what if it’s all an act, research for the role? As the lines between make-believe and reality blur, Ben will have to decide if love is worth casting aside the role of his life for a new role…that could last a lifetime.
Previously released as The Role of a Lifetime - (May 2008) and has been enhanced with new material.
Happy Release Day to From Fake to Forever! I love posting release day reviews. It's like attending a birthday party for a friend. :)
This isn't a new plot- girl hates famous because she's been burned but then a famous boy comes into the picture and sparks fly- but it is a fun plot when it's done right, and this one was. There was all sorts of sparking chemistry flying between Sandra and Ben. Between that and the witty banter, this book was so much fun to read. It was easy to give in to the pull of the story.
Ben starts off iffy for me. He's kind of an arrogant jerk but at least he comes around and tones that down so I could end up liking him. I guess you convince yourself you don't want something right up until you find that "someone" who changes how you view things. That was Ben. I loved his gentle swing from one side to the other. And once that swing happened, he was all in.
Amber puts up a good fight against Ben's charms but alas, she is really doomed from the very beginning. Even when Ben is acting like a spoiled actor, she is attracted to him. So, when he starts acting like a nice guy, she is done for. I loved Sandra's mama bear side- something most mothers can relate to.
This was a fun, romantic and zingy story. I enjoyed it and I'm on the lookout for the next Jennifer Shirk book!
Content: some mild innuendo
* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Just One Kiss (Kissed By the Bay #3) by Susan Hatler (It's Release Day!!)
When producers of the soap opera, Just One Love, offer to rent Charlie’s house for a sizable fee, Charlie’s tempted. Only she wants nothing to do with the spotlight or dating someone famous again, and the show’s sexy star, Luke Montgomery, has her in his sights. Reluctantly, Charlie agrees to rent her home and vows to stay out of Luke’s way.
Unexpectedly, as filming progresses, Charlie witnesses Luke’s sweet side. She also remembers her college theater days and love of acting. During an on-set emergency, she’s asked to stand-in during a scene, and her undeniable chemistry with Luke impresses the producers enough that they want Charlie full-time.
Can Charlie finally have the career she’s dreamed about? And will Luke break her heart, or will he be everything he seems and what she always wanted?
Happy release day to Just One Kiss!!
I was SO looking forward to this book. After reading the previous books, I just KNEW Charlie's story was going to be good. Charlie and Luke. Luke and Charlie. LOVE.
BUT. The road to love is rarely easy. Up and down. Give and take. Misunderstanding. And kisses. Don't forget the kisses. It's what makes up a great love story!
One of the things I love about this book is that it really makes me feel like I'm Charlie's friend. I'm right there with her through every thought and every action. The dialogue is familiar and easy. I was rooting for Charlie before the book ever even started and I loved getting to know her. This book was so much fun!
Susan Hatler is one of my favorites. Her books sit right in my happy, comfortable place. I really love reading her books. They are the perfect romantic escape.
This is the third book in this series. It can stand alone, but you will feel more connection to all the secondary characters if you read the books in order, I think.
Content: Clean! Yay!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Sweet & Sassy Anthology: Sand and Kisses by Elana Johnson, Cindy M. Hogan, Jo Noelle, Candice N. Toone, Donea Lee Weaver
Five new clean romance novellas from Sweet & Sassy Anthologies.
Open for Love by Elana Johnson
Sabrina Arnold loves running her family's Bed & Breakfast in sunny New Orleans. What she doesn't love is the new establishment going up right next door. While Bri's snooping around the place to see how it compares to hers, she's caught by tall, dark, and handsome Carter Hammond.
What she doesn't know is that Carter owns the property where she's trespassing, though he claims he doesn't. He's in New Orleans to start his first business venture, get out from underneath his father's thumb, and learn about the mother he's never known. As he and Bri spend more time together, he knows it's only a matter of time before she finds out that he owns the building she hates. Can their fledgling, summer love survive against the odds?
Secrets in the Sand by Cindy M. Hogan
Sometimes staying hidden, even for a spy, is nearly impossible.
Christy Hadden, spy extraordinaire, thinks she’s created the perfect getaway in beautiful South Beach, Florida. A place where she and her handler, Jeremy, can give their forbidden romance a chance - in secret.
But when they hear cries of alarm in an alley nearby, they can’t resist the pull to help, even if it exposes them. And when Christy becomes a person of interest in a murder committed in that same alley, they must hunt down the real killers and clear
Christy's name.
In this game of hide and seek, it seems their secret is sure to be found out. Christy may have to choose between the love of her life and her life's purpose - and the stakes are higher than she ever bargained for.
Life’s a Beach by Jo Noelle
Jenna Brennan doesn’t believe in love. She doesn’t believe in marriage, and she’s learned to only count on herself. At her Uncle Walter’s insistence, and a little emotional blackmail, she returns to Misty Harbor Cottages to help him for one last summer in a place that's really the only home she’s ever known.
Cole Zamora has worked at Misty Harbor for more than half of his twenty-three years, and imagined someday owning the place. He met Jenna when they were ten-years-old, and his young heart fell hard for her, relishing every summer she came back. That is, until two years ago, when she broke his heart and never returned.
Uncle Walter proposes a challenge between the two, with the winner becoming the new owner of Misty Harbor. Now, there’s a real chance Cole could lose his heart and his home. Jenna isn’t sure which worries her more—a summer of rivalry or romance?
The Upgrade by Candice Toone
Moving on after college can be tough. Especially when former sorority president and dance team captain, Amanda Ford, takes a job at her alma mater. Her big plans to help host a study abroad tour to Peru and to launch a dance fitness program back on campus nearly come undone when she meets Spencer Elliott, an adorable undergrad who’d love to date the girl she used to be. She gives in to a final hurrah date, but regrets that choice when Spencer shows up at the study abroad orientation. Customs regulations, professional insecurities and social unrest combine to challenge Amanda’s developing professional prowess, often leaving her pitifully vulnerable to the unfortunate combination of an emerging sense of self, a handsome near-stranger, and a beautiful Peruvian beach.
Surfboards and Star Trek by Donea Lee Weaver
When Anna meets much-younger-looking Derek while on vacation at the beach-it’s not exactly love at first sight. How could a handsome surfer be interested in a divorcee like her? When she finds their age difference is nominal and that she and Derek share a love for all things Star Trek, she hopes love might blossom. But, long-distance relationships are tough. And when a waitress mistakes her for Derek’s mom, she starts to doubt the budding romance. Can a California surf-connoisseur and an older woman who sucks at all things water-sports find enough common ground to make a relationship work?
I always love anthology collections. Having several stories from different authors keeps things interesting and new. Sometimes I wish the stories were longer- but it is nice to have shorter stories that you can finish up when you just have a short time to read.
A beach setting for books is love for me! I love the beach and I'm always longing to be there. Since I can't get there easily in my real life, escaping there with a book is the next best thing! :)
I really enjoyed all these books. Each one had their own style and flavor. They were fun to read and I was engaged and happy the whole time. What more can you ask for? This book was the perfect way to kick off summer!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content: Clean
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