Royal Games (The Royals of Monterra #3) by Sariah Wilson

Genesis Kelley didn’t just get her heart broken. The aspiring veterinarian had it crushed in front of millions of viewers on the dating reality show Marry Me. Now, just as she’s getting her life and dignity back together, her royal heartbreaker, Prince Rafael of Monterra, has landed in Frog Hollow, Iowa. And he’s renting out her aunt’s guest cottage.

Deceiving TV audiences for his brother’s sake cost Rafe the girl of his dreams. But he’s going to fix it, even if it means moving from his mountain-kingdom home to small-town Iowa. A prince doesn’t give up on his rightful princess—especially once he realizes Genesis is in deeper danger than she knows.

Between fixing her truck, whisking her off to Monterra for a whirlwind date, and charming the entire town, Rafe is thawing the ice around Genesis’s heart. Will it be enough to earn back her trust, protect her from her past—and sweep her into a real-life fairy tale?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I've been waiting and watching NetGalley like a hawk for this book.  It might be a bit of an obsession.  But, stalking sometimes pays off because all of a sudden, one day, there it was.  My heart was happy- giddy with excitement!  Ummm, I love me some Monterra royals.

The last book left me happy but I knew fully well that Genesis and Rafe had a whole story to be told.  It was on the outer reaches of the last book- there but not quite clear until the awful ending for them and me needing to know what happened.  Thus, the stalking on NetGalley.

I was so glad that while this story started well after the last book ended, I had flashbacks and the backstory of the characters to help me understand them better.  Otherwise, I would have been so, so annoyed by Genesis and her stubborn refusal of Rafe.  Well, I kind of was anyway.  She won't even let Rafe explain anything!  That's just not nice, Genesis.  Rafe is so charming and kind.  His kindness overflows to everyone he meets.  I was half in love with him myself.  Genesis has some major hangups.  Valid hangups, but still the main conflict in the book. 

I loved how the story unfolded for me.  There was sparky fireworks going off everywhere and the attraction was tangible which only added to the satisfaction I was feeling all the way through.  I loved the added bit of light suspense and how I kept thinking "it" was always going to happen.   This was another yummy addition to this series that I'm in love with.  

Content:  clean (some passionate kissing)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.

Proposals and Poison (Wedding Planner Mysteries #3) by Rachelle J. Christensen

Love can be a very dangerous thing.
At least it seems that way to Adri Pyper, the premier wedding planner in Sun Valley, Idaho. When one of her clients dies mysteriously, Adri takes the advice of the local detective and swears she will stay out of the investigation . . . this time. Luke Stetson's involvement in the case, along with the possibility of a kiss between the two, should be enough incentive to keep Adri out of trouble. But when a dog-themed wedding is almost ruined by a suspect, Adri and her assistant, Lorea, are thrust into private eye mode. When poison enters the picture, even a reluctant sleuth can’t steer clear of danger.

* Amazon * Goodreads *

This is the third book in this Wedding Planner series featuring Adri Pyper.  If you love cozy mysteries, you will love this one.  Well, the whole series, really.  This series reminds me of the culinary cozy mystery series by Josi Kilpack starring Sadie Hoffmiller.  Instead of recipes for food (although there are some of those too), this one provides ideas for weddings and other helpful crafty ideas.

It's true.  Adri cannot keep herself away from trouble.  She finds it.  It finds her.  Murders surround this girl.  I think she is a dangerous friend to have.  Adri is a nice girl though and you cannot help but like her.  It's easy to find connections to her.  Well, aside from the whole murders thing.  That is one thing I cannot connect to.

There is a very slow moving romance in this series.  Very slow moving.  Definitely not the focal point but instead gently woven in everything else going on.  There are always a lot of characters in these books but I never feel overwhelmed by them.  The author does a good job of bringing them in naturally and allowing me to get a clear picture of who they are.

I think Rachelle Christensen is a fantastic writer.  This isn't my favorite genre- the cozy mystery series- and I have enjoyed other books by Rachelle better, but it was still good. 

Candlelight Kisses $50 Book Blast

 

  Candlelight Kisses by Jennifer Youngblood & Sandra Poole A romantic and zany new series by bestselling authors Jennifer Youngblood and Sandra Poole. Gracie Louise Andrews led an ordinary, humdrum life--right up until the day she died and became an angel ... err ... almost an angel. In order to become a real angel, she must prove herself. She's given the assignment to help couples find lasting love--an overwhelming task, considering her own love life was a complete disaster. Begrudgingly, Gracie accepts her new role and is assigned her first couple: Alex Swanson and Dawson Allen. Alex, a self-made business owner who has her nose constantly to the grind, regrets losing Dawson, the love of her life. Formerly the Marketing Director of Alex's company, Dawson has moved out of state and is no longer a part of her life. Gracie uses her newfound angel powers to orchestrate a wacky plan to bring the couple back together. Things go awry when a handsome, mysterious stranger sweeps Gracie off her feet and threatens to distract her from her mission. Will her zany antics save the day, or will she bumble the whole thing up and forgo any chance of ever becoming an angel?

   

  Praise for the Book: "I did not see that ending coming! Gracie is not what I expected either...she doesn't fit the mold of what you think an "angel-in-training" is supposed to be like, and it will be fun to see her continue to learn and change. I love her mentor, Gertrude! It is a fun, clean romance that keeps you interested and entertained. Eagerly anticipating the next one in the series!” by Verified Amazon Customer

 "Do NOT miss this one! I loved the way Gracie's character pulled me in and kept me reading! Kept me up all night!” by Always Reading

"I really enjoyed this book! It was romantic and fun. Gracie is so spontaneous and carefree, and I got attached to Alex and Dawson. I can't wait for the next one!” by Verified Amazon Customer
    
  Excerpt From Candlelight Kisses 

She was floating, drifting without a care in the world. It was the feeling of being caught up in a glorious dream where time and space were irrelevant. “Wow! This is incredible!” Gracie sighed contentedly, not wanting to wake up, but her eyes seemed to have a mind of their own as they popped open. She glanced around, expecting to see the familiar surroundings of her bedroom but then realized with a jolt that her favorite overstuffed chair and other comfy furnishings had been replaced with a metal chair, nondescript walls, and some sort of medical device. There was a solid red line going across the screen, and this annoying beeping kept wailing like an opera singer who’d gotten stuck on the same note. Her mind whirled in confusion as she realized that she was hovering in midair, her back pressed against the ceiling. Then she noticed that the room was full of people, gathered around a hospital table, frantically working to revive someone—a woman. She looked down, only mildly curious about whom the person could be. She was too busy enjoying being weightless and the carefree feeling that had overtaken her. All of her problems seemed obsolete, and she felt free and unencumbered, a happy balloon sailing in the air. Something about the scene below drew her attention, and she realized that the people scurrying about were doctors and nurses. Their faces were pinched and drawn. She wondered why they were all so sad. The doctor, a middle-aged man with graying temples shook his head. “We’ve done all we can do.” There was a note of finality in his voice as his hands fell limp to his side. A nurse nodded and began pulling a sheet over the woman’s head. It was only then that Gracie caught a glimpse of the lifeless girl on the table. A soundless scream wrenched from her throat as she recognized the face. It was her!  

 

Jennifer Youngblood & Sandra Poole Jennifer and Sandra—daughter and mother writing duo—have been writing together for many years and have over a dozen published novels, a collection of short stories, and a children’s book (released under the pen name of Periwinkle Blue). They feel it’s a great privilege to be able to collaborate with each other as it adds a depth and spice to their work that neither of them could get independently. For them, writing is a continual journey of discovery. They have so many ideas for books that it’s hard to focus on one at a time. Both of them have a penchant for chocolate, seafood, and movies. Jennifer has a B.A. in English and Social Sciences from BYU Hawaii, and Sandra has a Masters in Business Administration. Jennifer and Sandra now live in the Rocky Mountains with their families.

Website * Facebook * Newsletter

  Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/24/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today's New Release! The Independent One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance by Cami Checketts

I am so thrilled to announce the release of The Independent One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance.

Find it on Amazon * Goodreads

Haley Turnbow escapes to the tropical Isla del Sol for an ideal vacation with her five-year old. She doesn’t plan on the resident ghost stalking her and the island’s fine-looking owner drawing her in with his confident, fun personality.
Cal Johnson is king of his own island, happy and busy. A beautiful mom and her wild little boy flip his world upside down. He falls in love with both of them knowing they’re going to leave at the end of their vacation and he might not recover from the loss.
Can these two independent adults trust their hearts or is it not worth the risk?

Excerpt:

A tall, well-built man swept in before Haley could reach Taz and easily lifted her boy into his arms. “Hey, bud, you’re not supposed to do flips on this staircase, that’s for the diving board.”

Taz laughed and Haley’s heart slowed a few beats. “Taz,” she cried out.

The man turned with her son and she noticed dimples and blue eyes, but she could only focus on her boy. Taz launched himself into her arms. Haley held him close, inhaling the baby lotion he kept claiming he was too old for. She took several long breaths as she tried to reassure herself he was okay. 

Their rescuer turned to the older couple. “Are you both all right?” he asked.

“Oh, sure,” the man said, his arm around his wife’s waist. They were a darling couple, dressed to the nines with her hair perfectly coiffed and his hair missing.

“Is the little boy okay?” the woman asked, patting her hair.

“I think so,” Haley said. “I’m so sorry he hit you.”

“No, dear, I’m just fine.”

Haley nodded, grateful for their graciousness. She checked Taz for injuries. He had some rug burns on his face and elbow, but thankfully only the one on his elbow was bleeding. “Oh, bud, you scared me! Do you hurt anywhere?”

“Nothing ‘cept my endbow.” Taz held up his arm for her to see. “Kiss it?”

Haley laughed shakily and kissed near the ouchy spot. “We’ll find you a Band-aid.”

“A Ninja Turtle one?” Taz’s dark eyes lit up. He covered himself in Ninja Turtle Band-aids quite regularly. 

The man with the dimples turned back to her as the older couple wished them well and headed down the hallway to the shops. He placed a warm hand on her back. “Ma’am, can I take him from you? You’re shaking like a belly dancer.”

Haley laughed, but clung tighter to Taz. This was her little man and she wasn’t about to hand him over to some stranger—she couldn’t resist looking the man over—no matter how intriguing the contrast between his dark hair and skin and his deep blue eyes. “I have specialized belly dancer training so it’s okay.”

His dimples deepened. “Nice.”

“Thank you for your help Mr…”

“Johnson.” He kept his arm on her back and wrapped his other hand around her elbow. His hands were strong and warm and she couldn’t help but notice how nicely he smelled, a great combination of musk and man. “Come up to my office so I can check both of you out.”

Haley bristled. The only men she let tell her what to do were her dad and her brother. Scratch that, the only men who ever tried to tell her what to do, but failed, were her dad and her brother. She shook him off. “Sorry, not going to some strange dude’s office and nobody needs to check me out.”

He laughed. “My apologies, ma’am, but I’ve already checked you out.” He pumped his eyebrows and she was struck by the fact that he was much too attractive and much too friendly. 

A Lady's Favor by Josi S. Kilpack

Lord Strapshire is the most-eligible bachelor in town, and he has set his sights on the lovely Bianca Davidson. It’s too bad that Bianca finds him to be an insufferable boor. In order to deflect his attention, Bianca plans to ask Mathew Hensley to pretend to court her. The problem is, Bianca hasn’t spoken to Mr. Hensley since they were both involved in a particularly embarrassing incident years before. But he owes her a favor, and Mr. Hensley might be Bianca’s only hope.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

The saying, "pretty is as pretty does" fits this book perfectly.  Well, maybe it should be "handsome is as handsome does" because it's all about a man.  On the outside Lord Strapshire looks perfect.  He is all the rage in society but once Bianca spends a small amount of time with him, she realizes that he is anything but a gentleman.  Too bad the boor has his sights set on Bianca.  Bianca is desperate to escape his clutches and looks to Mathew for help.  They hatch a plan that leads to a little bit of a mess and a fantastic kiss.

This story is a novella but I loved the easy flow and progression.  It didn't feel hurried and I was left so satisfied in the end.  It was the perfect little diversion.  If you love regency romance, don't miss this one.   Josi Kilpack is a fantastic author that has proven herself through many genres.

Content:  Clean

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Loving Leah by Lynne Larson + $25 and Book Giveaway!

Caught in the middle of a massacre in Lawrence, Kansas, during the Civil War, Leah Donaldson, a twenty-year-old Mormon governess, must risk everything to save two children in her care—and she lives to pay dearly for the decision. Young Ethan Pace loves Leah and can hardly stay still as she is taken away by the enemy for refusing to reveal where he and his sister are hiding.

Five years later, Ethan desperately searches for her, trying to reconcile all that has happened and grappling with his feelings for her. Still idealizing Leah, he hopes she has survived and that he can help her get to Zion and her people. But after everything she’s been through since they last met, will Leah overcome her regrets and allow love into her life? Will she come to see Ethan as the caring man he has become rather than the lovesick boy she once knew?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I love historical fiction and learning about events that happened in our country's history.  I knew nothing about the massacre in Lawrence, Kansas before reading this book.  It always just baffles my mind what we as human beings do to other human beings.  This event is heart breaking.  It really, truly was a massacre of epic proportions.  I'm so glad this author chose to tell this story.  It deserves to be remembered and those people honored.

Obviously this is fiction, so the main characters of this book are fictional, but many of the characters mentioned were real.  The event was real.  Stories always take on a different feel when they are based on true and real events.  At least that's how it is for me.

Aside from the obvious devastation of the actual massacre, this book is gentle in nature.  It flows slowly and easily.  You get to know the characters in a very natural way.  It was a good story.

Content:  Some violence, clean otherwise

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

*April 25^th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/

*April 26^th: http://empowermoms.net/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/, https://atransparentmom.com/

*April 27^th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/,  http://www.littlelightdesigncollective.com/category/entertainment/books/

*April 28^th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/,http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/

*April 29^th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/adults, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

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Marry Your Billionaire by C.J. Anaya

Six years ago, Midge Knightly walked away from her trust fund, her Hollywood producer father, and the expectation that she would join the family business. Avoiding handsome playboys with hidden agendas was just an added bonus. Now one semester shy of graduation, she is shocked to discover her scholarship has lost its funding.

Her estranged father is having problems of his own. A contestant on his latest reality TV series has cancelled two months before shooting.

His solution?

Midge gets her trust fund back if she stands in as a potential marriage candidate for the dating series Marry Your Billionaire. Twenty women competing for one arrogant guy. Not Midge's cup of tea. Agreeing to this proposition sucks her back into the world she happily broke ties from, but no trust fund equals no college degree.

Brody Prescott, CEO and owner of an online dating company, has recently been pegged as a heartless playboy-among other things-by a disgruntled female after a disappointing date.

His solution?

Become the first bachelor on Marry Your Billionaire and hope that one of the contestants holds some potential. So what is he supposed to do when the woman who intrigues him the most wants to be eliminated?

Marry Your Billionaire is a fun, romantic romp set against the backdrop of reality TV. Throw on your PJ's, grab some chocolate and popcorn, and settle in for an entertaining love story.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

I was so excited to finally get to this book in my reading schedule!  I've been waiting with anticipation to read it and it seems like lots my friends on Goodreads and around the blogging world are reading it.  Before me!  But I'm hearing good things about it so that's awesome.

First I have to say that this book is long!  Like a double book, really.  Be prepared to settle in for a good, long romantic adventure.  Not an escape.  An epic romantic adventure.  :)

I have to say that Brody completely stole the show for me.  He was so consistent from beginning to end.  He set his sights on Midge and he never waivered.  His words and actions had MY toes curling and I loved how he never missed an opportunity to kiss that girl.  Even after he gets slapped.  Ha!

The chemistry is sizzling in this book.  Sparks are flying all over all the time.  But, I love how it's a little more than that.  There's a little mystery and suspense along with some of the classic misunderstanding and family issues.  Things weren't always what they seemed.

This book was fun and entertaining.  Definitely not a book to be taken too seriously.  The whole reality TV dating stuff has been done and redone but if you enjoy that- don't miss this one.  It will make you smile.