Fatal Exchange (Christy #3) by Cindy M. Hogan

For 19-year-old Christy Hadden, it’s life as usual as a spy, only this time in Paris, France. Her mission: retrieve a flash drive containing evidence that a high public official is working to destroy Paris. Pretty standard, until someone steals the drive from her. Forced to abandon her position protecting the informant, she goes after the thief, but returns empty handed—only to find her informant dead.

Christy's failure taints her reputation at Division and the director has lost all faith in her. But Christy isn't one to slink into the shadows. Alone and disgraced, she decides to track down the drive and solve the murder, not only to redeem herself as a spy, but to give meaning to her informant’s sacrifice, and perhaps even save Paris.

Suspenseful, with the right amount of romance, and awash with action, Fatal Exchange will send you on a thrill ride that will be hard to forget.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This book had so many elements that I just love.  I was really looking forward to reading this book and it definitely did not disappoint.

Fatal Exchange is the third book in this Christy series.  Christy is a spy and a good one at that.  I love her spy team because they are so fiercely loyal to each other.  They are friends and they look out for each other one hundred percent.

The pacing of this book is fantastic.  It was fast and I felt like I was on a fantastic ride where I hold on for dear life with a smile on my face the whole time.  There is danger and suspense almost around every turn.  It was great fun.

There is some light romance, but it isn't a main focal point in the book until toward the end.  I think this book probably could stand alone, but I would recommend reading the whole series because that is really how you get to know the characters.  I'm sure this book wouldn't have been so good to me if I hadn't been following the series and had that connection to the characters with the background of knowledge that comes with it.

This is, by far, my favorite series from Cindy Hogan.  She has found her groove with these books and I am a fan.

Content:  Clean- no swearing or sexual content beyond some kissing.

Hope Unbroken (Unveiled #3) by Crystal Walton

Accustomed to loss, twenty-two-year-old Emma Matthews learned long ago how to shield her heart from hope. But she never expected it to be the only thing she has left.

A two-thousand-mile flight to Nashville should’ve been enough time for Emma to sort out her future with Riley. Then again, when has time ever played fair? With a contract ultimatum jeopardizing Riley’s career and a ruthless vendetta sabotaging Emma’s efforts to save the Portland center, the fires they spent the last four months facing are far from over.

As danger strikes, rifts emerge, and delays snowball, the unrelenting war between the past and future tests Emma’s convictions until she has no choice but to put her faith in the one thing she’s always doubted.

Will time once again steal the dreams she’s fought so hard to believe in, or will it finally teach her how to trust in a hope that remains unbroken?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This is the final book in this Unveiled series and I'm very, very happy to be at a conclusion and resolution for Emma and Riley.  The road to happiness has been long and hard for them both as they've grown, made choices, and fought to stay together.

In this book, even more real life problems face Emma and Riley.  I liked the feel of this book as Emma and Riley face more of the difficulties together instead of apart.  They became a better support to each other.   Riley has finally reached his limits with being far away.  He finally put his foot down and headed back to Emma so they could be there for each other.  I liked his determination to figure things out while together instead of apart.  Their relationship was the most important thing to him.  That is what changed the tides of the book for me.  That was the moment that Riley became a grown up to me.  He wasn't sacrificing his music career, he was just finding a way to make it work within his relationship with Emma.

I have enjoyed this series and the journey of Emma and Riley from the first meeting, through the bumps of their relationship and now to the end here, which is really just the beginning.  It's been a good ride, filled with emotion and real life drama.  I love that this series is clean- no swearing or sexual content beyond kissing.  It is now time to say goodbye to Emma and Riley but I do so with satisfaction and contentment.  :)

Love in the Details: A November Wedding Story (A Year of Weddings Novella) by Becky Wade

When Josh returns to his hometown of Martinsburg, Texas, to help his best friend get married, he didn’t intend to run into church wedding coordinator—and ex-girlfriend—Holly. He can’t help but pine after the girl he never got over.

Holly broke up with Josh years ago in an attempt to ensure his future success. But she loved him then and still loves him now. As she helps him plan his best friend’s wedding, she can’t help but feel horrible for the pain she caused him. And even though she longs to be with Josh, she doesn’t feel worthy of his big-time lifestyle when she is more comfortable in her small town world. Will Josh and Holly be able to keep things as they are when their true feelings threaten to surface at every turn?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

It's sometimes hit or miss for me in these Year of Weddings novellas but I knew that this one would be a hit (or at least I had high hopes!) because it was by Becky Wade and I love her.  I knew I had to read this one.

Holly and Josh.  Josh and Holly.  In love but then she dumps him unexpectedly.  He is angry, she is sad.  Years later they cross paths again and the sparks are still there but so are the hurts.  It's not a new idea for a book but I it felt fresh to me.  The characters were real and driven by real emotions.  I liked Holly and Josh.  I liked their story and I liked the re-connection journey.  It was a sweet romance.

Today is release day for Love in the Details!  You can pick it up and read it today.  :)  My thanks to the publisher, Zondervan, for allowing me to read and review for them.  And also my thank to the author who let me jump on board her review team for this novella.

I said above that I just love Becky Wade.  The Porter Family Series is one of my all time favorites!  If you haven't read them yet, you should really check them out.

Sweet & Sassy Anthology: Castle Collection + $25 Giveaway

Readers will be delighted with five sweet, romance novellas in Sweet & Sassy: Castle Collection. In this charming anthology, you will fall in love again and again. Dangerous Truth by Cindy M. Hogan All By My Selfie by Jo Noelle A Savage Ghost by Donna K. Weaver The Ghost of Dunlow Manor by Paige Timothy Rose of Sherwood by Kaye P. Clark

DANGEROUS TRUTH Olivia loves everything about Belgium. So far, her humanitarian trip has gone perfectly--that is, until she sees a picture of a man she thinks is her father in the newspaper. The father who abandoned her family nine years ago without a word. She tries to forget she ever saw his photo. He's forgotten about her, after all. But soon it's apparent that she can't leave without knowing what happened. Armed with years of hurt and the help of a gorgeous French photographer, she decides to confront him and his secrets once and for all. Unfortunately, her father seems determined to keep those secrets hidden. . . and Olivia is one of them.

ALL BY MY SELFIE While on vacation at McLeod Castle in Scotland, Gwen Mackenzie has nightly dreams of an ancient warrior bound by a curse. During the day, she sees Niall, nicknamed #ScottishBoyfriend. Oh, and can that man rock a kilt! As she gets to know him, she realizes that Niall is the warrior from her dreams, cursed to live as a ghost for the past five hundred years, to see life around him but never sense any of it—except Gwen.

A SAVAGE GHOST Lia Savage reluctantly puts her dream of opening a dessert boutique on hold to help her dad remodel a castle he’s inherited in Washington State. Soon, a specter targets her younger sister. Lia enlists the help of Coop Montgomery, the head gardener and her former crush. As they search together for a way to rid the castle of its ghost, the romance she used to dream about with him kindles. But Lia’s gentle giant means to stay in Washington while she’s determined to return to California. She must find the courage to face both the ghost and her future. With Coop. Or without him.

THE GHOST OF DUNLOW MANOR Bestselling author Alexis St. John needs an escape, and Nate, her personal assistant, thinks that a trip to a real castle in England will be just the thing. What neither of them planned on, though, was to encounter an actual ghost. Lady Catherine Dunlow hates the idea of sharing her castle with tourists and does everything she can to chase them out, much to the amusement of her roguish suitor. But when her two newest guests stumble upon a mystery surrounding her death, she decides to let them stay. With an eternal fate in the balance, Nate and Alexis must move quickly to bring the killer to light before Catherine is trapped forever.

ROSE OF SHERWOOD Lady Rosamund, Baroness of Ravenswood Manor, is a destitute widow, imprisoned in Nottingham Castle. When the prince declares she must marry the ruthless man who had seized Ravenswood, she escapes with the help of a band of outlaws to Sherwood Forest. Her first love, a battle-worn knight, promises to help her find safety at a convent. Confused and afraid, her heart yearns for love. But are the risks too high?

* Amazon * Goodreads *

I just love novella collections.  Especially ones revolving around a certain theme- like this one.  This collection is perfect for the month of October.  Here you get five different stories from five different authors but each one revolves around castles and/or ghosts.  It's the perfect Halloween treat!  Read them one after another without stopping or breathing (Ha, just kidding.  You must breathe.) Or, read them one per sitting, whenever you have time.  That is the joy of anthologies.

This time around I slipped one in at a time.  It was better for me with the whole ghost theme.  I'm not really a fan of ghost stories, even the tame and sweeter kind, so for me one at a time was perfect.  Not every story has a ghost, but every one has a sweet romance.  That's the part that I really love.  Each story is unique and different.  So much fun!

Content:  Clean- some kissing

Enjoy the following excerpt from "A Savage Ghost".

Hugh concentrated on the haze that should be the main hearth and willed it to come into focus. Nothing changed at first, but then the fireplace sharpened. His shoulders relaxed. At last, after struggling for so long, enough of his sense of self had returned. And some of his power.

How long had it been? All he could recall were a few times, every once in a while, when he was able to interact with the people in this new place.

He tried to run his diaphanous hand along the mantel, frustrated when it passed through. Staring hard, Hugh grasped the single wooden-framed picture resting on it. The small portrait lifted into the air. He crowed, for once not caring that such a sound was beneath his dignity.

A gasp from behind startled him, and his hand turned translucent again. Without substance, his fingers lost their grip. The picture crashed to the hearth and shattered. Livid, he spun, refocusing his energy. He fueled his will with anger, and his hands took form. The gray-haired woman gave a satisfying shriek before covering her mouth with her hands.

“Remove yourself from my home at once,” he commanded, his voice low and menacing. He kicked a piece of broken frame, and it flew toward her. With a cry, the servant ducked and ran from the room.

About the Authors Cindy M. Hogan is inspired by the unpredictable teenagers she teaches. More than anything she loves the time she has with her own teenage daughters and wishes she could freeze them at this fun age. If she's not reading or writing, you'll find her snuggled up with the love of her life watching a great movie or planning their next party. Most of all, she loves to laugh.

Jo Noelle grew up in Colorado and Utah but also lived in Idaho and California. She has two adult children and three small kids. She teaches teachers and students about reading and writing, grows freakishly large tomatoes, enjoys cooking, builds furniture, sews beautiful dresses, and goes hiking in the nearby mountains. Oh, and she’s two people, Canda Mortensen and Deanna Henderson, a mother/daughter writing team.

Donna K. Weaver: A wife, mother, grandmother, Harry Potter geek, Navy brat, Army veteran, and karate black belt. Donna is an avid cruiser, having sailed the Pacific five times. She’s lived in South Korea, the Philippines, Germany, and many US states. She and her husband raised six children and currently have nine grandchildren.

Paige Timothy has been writing for as long as she can remember… and probably before that, too, because her memory gets spotty at a certain point. She loves watching romantic comedies, blushes when the characters do something embarrassing, and sighs in all the right places.

Kaye P. Clark was born in New York City, grew up in southern California and raised her family living on remote cattle ranches in Arizona. She now makes her home in Idaho where she works part-time at the county library and teaches art to young children. She’s a mother and grandmother with a very patient husband who puts up with her passion for writing.

 

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/1/15 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

  

Blog Tour Schedule

My Home Can Be a Holy Place

Our homes can become holy places that prepare children to grow up in the Lord. This children s picture book tells the story of Lily, a young girl who is helping to make her home a holy place by the things she does each day. The engaging illustrations by LDS artist Dan Burr depict Lily s family in various settings that show how children can contribute to the spiritual environment in their home as they say their prayers, work together, read the scriptures, eat dinner as a family, make good decisions, observe the Sabbath day, participate in family home evening, share the gospel, and learn to love one another. Parents will find additional helps and resources to reinforce these concepts on the author s website. These resources are designed specifically to complement the themes presented in the book.

From one of the world's premier violinists comes a new collection of beautiful songs celebrating family and motherhood. The album features classic hymns, such as "Love at Home" and "I Am a Child of God," stunning classical arrangements, including Brahms's "Cradle Song," and beloved children's tunes. The gorgeous track "Love Is Spoken Here" features Jenny performing with all four of her children, ages eleven and younger.

Track list:
Love at Home
Jesus Once Was a Little Child
Songs My Mother Taught Me
I Feel My Savior's Love
Brahms's Cradle Song
I Am a Child of God
Love Is Spoken Here

I don't usually review religious non fiction on my blog.  But I do review music sometimes because I love music.  Jenny Oaks Baker is an amazing violinist and her music just makes me feel.  The violin is such a beautiful instrument.  I love this track list on this album.  This music is so soothing and peaceful and so, so beautiful.  My favorite was Jesus Once Was a Little Child, I think.  

The book that goes along with this music is just as beautiful.  The pictures are sweet and full of peace and love.  The world can be such a hard and cruel place some days but our homes can be our refuge.  We can make our homes a place where love prevails.  This book does a fabulous job of reminding us how.  As we work together, pray together, learn together and play together, our families and our homes become stronger.

The world needs all the beauty it can get and this music and this book (together or separately) definitely add to the good things of the world.

 * Amazon * Deseret Book * Goodreads *

North for Christmas by Christina Dymock

Ruby Jeavon certainly has her heart set on an engagement. It's the first step in creating the family she's always wanted. But things go slightly off course and instead of flying to Italy with her boyfriend, Ruby heads out of town to work as an elf in Nashville. Even though she's far away from her dream, she's about to discover the magic of a Nashville Christmas through the eyes of North Foxwell, her fellow elf and a Christmas expert. Even though North struggles with his own Christmas ghosts, Ruby manages to bring new light to his life. Can Ruby let go of her dream to find what her heart truly desires? Only time--at the North Pole--will tell.

You can pick up your copy of North for Christmas at your local book store, iTunes,

 * Barnes and Noble * Amazon * Goodreads *

I'm just going to start this review by saying this was the perfect holiday romance book.  I really loved it.  I'm pretty sure it should be a Hallmark show.

Ruby starts out the book expecting a proposal from her boyfriend.  She is fully focused on doing whatever it takes to make this happen and so comes off in the beginning rather self centered and snotty.  Maybe to some extent, she is.  When Ruby's mother gives her an assignment right before Christmas it is both an answer to her prayers, and a nightmare.

I loved North even with his problems because that's how most of us usually come.  He has a kind heart.  Ruby and North are great characters.  There was a spark or two between them and I loved feeling the push and pull of attraction and interest as the book went on.

The whole holiday theme of this book really put me in the mood for Christmas.  It was a good reminder that there are so many people out there that could use a helping hand and extra love and kindness.  

I read through this book so quickly.  It really was like a Hallmark movie playing in my head.  Just perfect for this time of year!

Red Girl, Blue Boy (If Only . . . #5) by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Enjoy Red Girl, Blue Boy and the other standalone titles in Bloomsbury’s contemporary If Only romance line centered around an impossible problem: you always want what you can’t have!

Sixteen-year-old Katie and Drew really shouldn’t get along. After all, her father is the Republican nominee for President of the United States while his mother is at the top of the Democratic ticket. But when Katie and Drew are thrown together in a joint interview on a morning talk show, they can’t ignore the chemistry between them. With an entire nation tuned into and taking sides in your parents’ fight, and the knowledge that—ultimately—someone has to lose, how can you fall in love with the one person you’re supposed to hate?

This title in the If Only line is a frank and funny romance that shows how sparks fly when opposites attract.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This book is set up perfectly to come out in the middle of a very political year for the U.S..  It's so easy to imagine this book actually happening right now.

Katie is red.  Republican all the way and in full support of her father's run for president of the United States.  Drew is the son of the Democratic nominee for president.  And while he isn't into politics like Katie is, he still finds himself in the middle of all kinds of media attention.

These characters felt really young to me.  Maybe even younger than the 16 years they were supposed to be.  Katie is socially awkward and a bit naive when it comes to making friends and talking to boys but she is also endearing.  Katie and Drew form a new kind of friendship that takes some navigation because they are on opposing sides of a very big election.

I liked that Katie and Drew developed more of a friendship than a romantic connection.  It seemed very appropriate for two sixteen year olds.  Even when the storm of misunderstanding came, it still felt very on point for the age.

This was a sweet story of a boy and a girl and first love.  

Content:  some kissing

Kate Unmasked (Code of Silence, #1) by Cindy M. Hogan

The mysteries of her past consume her.

Seventeen-year-old Kate has never stopped searching for the secrets of her past - the secrets that began with her missing birth parents. After years of every lead drying up and every hope turning false, Kate finally lucks onto a promising lead.

Determined to find the truth once and for all, Kate travels to the gritty New Jersey shore. But what she finds is worse than she ever could have imagined. She can't hide from who she is, and now she must face the awful consequences of finding the very people she should have been hiding from.

Some secrets should stay dead and buried.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I'm coming in with a mixed sort of review on this one.  I'm a fan of Cindy Hogan's Christy Series and because of that I had high hopes for this book and the beginning of this new series.  I didn't love it like I wanted to but there were parts I definitely enjoyed.

The main character, Kate, has me so conflicted.  For the most part, I just didn't like her and I liked her best friend even less.  There were some redeeming moments for Kate but overall, I just felt like her character was inconsistent.  One moment she is whining and annoying and the next she is brilliant.  Kate is a teenager though and I've had a few of those, so I know the attitude swing that is possible with teenagers but for some reason I just had a hard time liking Kate.

Duran, on the other hand, was completely likable from the very first moment.  He is the character that kept me feeling hopeful and not crazy like I want to strangle you.

The first half of the book just sort of eeked along.  It felt slow and there was just way too much teenage drama and whining.  It got old.  The last part of the book, things picked up and I was more into the story and what was happening.  There were so many things that as I reader, I just didn't buy into.  I didn't believe it.  Most of it in regards to Kate.

Maybe this is written with the younger teenagers in mind?  I don't know but I'm still debating whether or not to follow this series.  Maybe I'll just stick to the Christy series which I really do love.  I'm reading the next book in that series right now and I'm really loving it.  Look for my review of that one next week!

An Unexpected Love (Treasured Dreams #3) by Susan Hatler

An unexpected offer could be the answer to Holly's dreams or could crush them completely.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This is a short story.  And I mean SHORT story.  If you have five minutes, you have time for this book.  Well, if you haven't read the two previous short stories in this series, then you will need fifteen minutes to read them all.  :)  Do you have 15 minutes?  Think lunch break for waiting for your kids at practice or those 15 minutes of peace right before bed.

This is the continuation of Holly's life.  We get glimpses of her life in these tiny little nuggets.  The first book is An Unexpected Date .  Then comes An Unexpected Kiss .  This one is that moment of love that follows the dates and the kissing.  :)  It is so sweet!  My heart melted just a wee tad.

Susan Hatler is one of my all time favorites for zingy, light and fun romances.  It's amazing what she can accomplish in five minutes of reading for me!

Fire and Ice (Wild at Heart #3) by Mary Connealy

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in
the process?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I have been reading this series from the very beginning and I really love it.  Fire & Ice is the third book in the series and revolves around Bailey, the oldest and perhaps the most emotionally closed off sister of the three.  

Bailey has been masquerading as a male for years.  She served in the war and saw all the hard, awful things associated with war, death and fighting.  Bailey is harboring much guilt and resentment over one event in particular.  Bailey is used to being strong and independent and when Gage comes along and pushes her, she is ready to fight.

We get glimpses of Gage in the previous book and he comes off pushy and rough.  I love that in this book we get to see that while Gage is pushy and rough, he is also hard working and honest.  The more I got to know Gage, the more I liked him.

Bailey has the biggest character arch, I think.  Her growth emotionally really made her endearing to me.  I loved the learning that Bailey and Gage do together as well.  

We get to see the other sisters in this book for brief moments.  It's like checking in with old friends to see how they are doing.  

As I said in the beginning, I have loved this series.  I'm sad to see it coming to an end but I know Mary Connealy must have something great coming up next and I can't wait to read it!

Content:  Clean.  No swearing or sexual content.  Christian Fiction.

The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, Illustrated by Brandon Dorman

This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive. There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves.

Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth. Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume.

Scattered throughout the book are colorful fairies that also mark some of the characters, artifacts, and creatures that will be featured in the upcoming sequel series, Dragonwatch.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

If you are a Fablehaven fan, this book is a must for your collection.  This book is filled with illustrations and explanations about all things Fablehaven.  From spells, potions, artifacts, and tools to fairies, giants, imps, griffins, dragons, wizards and demons.  Some illustrations are done in black and white, and some are in full color.  Every page is a fun new discovery of creatures, places and things.

Not only did I love the illustrations and explanations, but I loved the extra bits written in along the way.  You get little notes from the characters and words of wisdom as well.  There is humor sprinkled in which is always a plus in my opinion.

The pictures really help bring the book to life.  My kids wish they had this book while reading the Fablehaven series but maybe this is a good time to go back and re-read while finding the pictures in this book!  

If you haven't read Fablehaven, you should.  It's a fantastic series to read aloud to younger children and is fit for any age of readers.  My husband finished this series not too long ago and enjoyed it as well.  Everyone loved this Caretaker's Guide.  It is a wonderful addition to this series.

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop! Enter to Win a Book of Your Choice!

It's time for another Giveaway Hop!  These are always so much fun and I love being a part of them.  Sharing books with friends is the best.

I'll be giving away a book of your choice, $12 or less, from Amazon if you are US or The Book Depository if you are INT as long as they ship to you for free.  This giveaway is for a book and not a gift card or anything else.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy October!


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Spotlight (Saint Squad #9) by Traci Hunter Abramson + $25 and Book Giveaway!

Navy SEAL Craig Simmons has pledged his life to serve and protect, so when this newest member of the Saint Squad observes a stunning young woman on the beach being shadowed by an armed man, he leaps into action. It doesn’t take long to realize his mistake, but it also puts him in a position to meet a very well-known actress, Sienna Blake. For Sienna, the timing couldn’t be more perfect—she’s preparing for a role as a CIA agent, and who better to help her prepare than a Navy SEAL? Craig and Sienna develop a lighthearted friendship, though both are aware of their growing attraction. Neither realizes, however, that a treacherous enemy is setting in motion a terrifying plan to destroy Sienna . . . A series of near-fatal accidents on set are too close for comfort, and Sienna has been lucky to escape with her life—so far. Despite the rising danger behind the scenes, the show must go on. When the Saint Squad is enlisted by the FBI to safeguard Sienna on the ill-fated film set, Craig is driven to protect the woman he is quickly growing to love. As the list of suspects and motives grows, Craig and the Saint Squad will do whatever it takes to track down the perpetrator—before things turn deadly.

 * Goodreads * Deseret Book * Amazon *

I was so, so excited to read this book!  I love the Saint Squad series and I love Traci Abramson's books.  Happy is the day a new book comes out for me to delve into.

Craig is the newest member of the Navy Seal team dubbed the "Saint Squad".  He is still trying to find his place among this tight knit group of men.  Craig is a defender.  He takes his jobs seriously and he is dedicated.  He just oozes all strong man, all the time.

Sienna and Craig meet when Craig thinks he is saving her from a stalker guy on the beach.  Oops, wasn't a stalker, but Sienna is impressed with Craig and asks for his help with her upcoming movie.  I enjoyed the growing relationship between Craig and Sienna.  It had a natural flow to it even though the circumstances were anything but normal.

This book is a romantic suspense.  It's not heavy on the suspense so even a "won't read scary" girl like me can read and enjoy it thoroughly.  

Content:  Clean!  No swearing or sexual content.  LDS fiction- some religious elements mentioned as the characters are LDS but nothing preachy.

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*Oct. 12th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 13th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/

*Oct. 14th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 15th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html

*Oct. 16th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/ 

Wedding Date for Hire (Anyone But You) by Jennifer Shirk

Maddie McCarthy is single, between jobs, and (oh, the shame) lives with her mother. To make matters worse, she's the maid of honor for her sister's wedding, and desperately needs a date. Then she sees her salvation—Match Made Easy, a service for women in Maddie’s exact position. If she can't find a boyfriend, she'll do the next best thing...

Hire one.

Trent Montgomery isn't actually part of Match Made Easy. He's just doing a favor for his cousin, but one look at the blonde who hired him, and he's totally hooked. Now Maddie thinks that the attraction sizzling between them is just “part of the package.” And Trent is running out of time to prove to her that her date-for-hire might just be her happily-ever-after...

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Today is release day for "Wedding Date for Hire"!  Yay!

If you are looking for a fun, flirty romance for some light, happy reading, this will fit the bill perfectly.  This book is sure to make you smile.  It sure made me smile!

Maddie is entertaining and a bit frustrating.  She has a crazy family and deals with a lot of pressure about getting married.  She needs a date for her sister's wedding and decides to look into Match Made Easy- a date for hire company.  

Trent is the guy that is matched up with Maddie.  I love how Trent decides early on that Maddie is the girl for him and tries to win her over.  It might start out as a favor for his cousin but quickly turns into something more.  Trent is such a good guy.  So sweet and attentive to Maddie.  There is definite chemistry between Maddie and Trent in this book and it was entertaining to watch their chemistry spark all over the place.  So fun!  I'll be on the lookout for the next book by Jennifer Shirk.

Content:  Some innuendo, kissing, mild swearing

Autumn Masquerade (Timeless Regency Collection) by Josi Kilpack, Donna Hatch and Nancy Campbell Allen

Timeless Regency Collection: Three Brand New Novellas from Bestselling Regency Romance Authors...

A MERRY DANCE by Josi S. Kilpack. When Lila overhears her uncle talking about a man coming to look for property in the county, she doesn’t think twice, until her uncle says he hopes Lila will find enough interest to marry the man. How can she marry someone named Mortimer Luthford, not to mention that his advanced age of thirty-three, and especially since she’s already in love with her absent cousin Neville? But when Mortimer arrives, Lila has to try every trick known to women to act not interested in the rather fascinating man, which proves a very difficult façade to maintain.

UNMASKING THE DUKE by Donna Hatch. The last thing Hannah Palmer wants to do is flirt with men in a crowded ballroom, but when her sister throws a Masquerade Ball, Hannah can’t say no to the invitation and takes comfort behind a mask. She dances with a charming masked man, matching him wit for wit. When the glorious evening culminates in a kiss, and the two remove their masks, Hannah is horrified to discover the man she’s been flirting with all night is her most despised neighbor, the Duke of Suttenberg. No matter how charming the duke was at the ball, and how wonderful the kiss, he is the last man she’d ever accept.

WHAT’S IN A NAME by Nancy Campbell Allen. Penelope Timely has a terrible secret. She’s been writing letters to the Duke of Wilmington, pretending to be her ever-proper twin sister, Persephone. Now, the duke has written that he’ll be coming for the Autumn Masquerade Ball and Festival. Penelope will have to continue the charade while the duke is in town in order to protect her sister. The Duke of Wilmington isn’t fooled for a moment, but instead of confessing that he knows about the deception, he finds himself utterly charmed by Penelope and jumps into the game of deception to see how far the twin sisters will take it.

 * Goodreads *Amazon *

I am so happy I got to read this book.  These three regency romance novellas were simply perfect and they made me smile.  I loved how each one revolved in some way around a Masquerade Ball because it was like a small thread of continuity that linked them all together.

I couldn't pick a favorite of the three if I tried.  I loved each one of these stories.  The regency setting was so fun, the characters were clear and developed.  Each one was light and charming.  This is one of my favorite collections, I think.  Love!

Content:  Clean! (no swearing or sexual content)

Always Will by Melanie Jacobson + $25 and Book Giveaway!

Handsome twenty-eight-year-old Will Hallerman has finally had enough of the dating world—he's ready to find a wife and settle down. This announcement is catastrophic in Hannah Becker's world. After knowing Will her entire life and adoring him from afar since junior high school, she realizes her chance at love with him is in grave danger. Hannah's problem? To Will, she will never be more than his best friend's little sister. Determined to open his eyes to her charms, Hannah sets out to sabotage Will's wife hunt by placing nightmare dates in his path and taking his search on a wild goose chase. Her plan is risky, but she's willing to take a chance to catch the eye of her soul mate.

Despite her crazy schemes, nothing seems to be working. Hannah can't help but wonder if it's time to set aside this childhood crush—to move on and settle down herself. She's ready for a fresh start with a great guy. If only Will weren't suddenly changing the rules of the game... And how can Hannah move on when Will just won't let her forget?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Love, love, love.  That's what I have for this book.  Why?  This book drove me nuts!  I was ready to pull my hair out in anticipation, frustration, COME ON ALREADY!  

Hannah has loved Will forever.  When this book starts, they are the best of friends.  They know each other well.  But Hannah longs for more while Will seems content to treat Hannah like a sister.  Will sure seems pretty dense for most of the book because Hannah is giving off some strong signals.  It was pure agony to see Hannah try so hard and get nowhere in her quest.  My poor little Hannah!  I loved the dialogue in this book.  It was entertaining and snappy.  Just how I like it.

Man, I have to say that I barreled straight through this book.  I could not put it down.  It was a sort of frenzied reading I was doing because I just had to get to the end before anything else in my life could happen.  ha!  I seriously love when that happens.  

This book is so fun.  I was fully caught up in this romantic comedy (clean!) and I loved it.  

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*October 5th: http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/

*October 6th: http://fireandicereads.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*October 7th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/ 

*October 8th: http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*October 9th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

When the Right One Comes Along by Kate James + BIG Giveaway!

On tour with Prism Book Tours.

When the Right One Comes Along

(K-9 Trilogy #1)
by Kate James
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 293 Pages

October 1st 2015 by Harlequin

Brought together by disaster. Kept together by love.

In the aftermath of a deadly earthquake, it's chaos for trauma surgeon Jessica Hansen. Among the many victims, one patient stands out—San Diego Police K-9 search and rescue officer Cal Palmer.

Cal vows to help Kayla, a child orphaned by the disaster. But he needs Jessica's help. Will their shared concern for Kayla and for Cal's canine partner, Scout, allow them to put aside their personal torments and discover the difference love can make?

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin - iTunes - Kobo

Have I ever mentioned before that I love the Harlequin Heartwarming line?  Ha!  Only every single time I read a book from this line, right?  Well, it's worth mentioning again.  If you love good, clean romances that focus on relationships and growing love, then Harlequin Heartwarming is the perfect place for you.  It's the perfect place for me.  I like my romances clean.  :)

There were so many different things going on in this book with the characters.  Some were separate, some were together.  I love how everything sort of melded together and connected.

Cal is a search and rescue officer with a K-9 companion.  He works hard and is very good at what he does.  The book starts off with a daring and heart wrenching rescue of a little girl trapped in the rubble of an earthquake.  Cal has a big hero's heart but it is often closed off because of hurts and frustrations from his past.  Saving that one little girls sets off a chain of events that lead Cal to bigger and better things.

Jessica tries to stay impersonal but she just cannot.  Some people just pull at your heartstrings no matter how hard you try to close yourself off.  Jessica is a helper by nature and so helping Kayla and then Cal happens whether Jessica likes it or not.  Jessica has some big demons to fight but she has been running instead of fighting.  The time comes when she has to either fight or lose everything.

This was a great book to settle in with.  I loved the characters and I loved the struggle.  The chemistry was there between Jessica and Cal- they knew it and I knew it too.  The forward progression of this book was good and the characters were solid.  I read through this book quickly because I just didn't want to put it down.  Yay for a good, clean romance!

Kate James spent eight years of her childhood living in foreign countries as her professional parents travelled on business. She lived in four countries and spoke five languages before settling down in Canada again to attend university. After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, she held a variety of positions in the field of real estate development and operations, and ran three substantial organizations. While her writing during this period was mostly business related, including presentations and speeches she delivered both nationally and internationally, her passion is and always has been fiction.

Kate's business and personal experiences enable her to write fiction with a deep, often first-hand knowledge of what she is writing about. This approach makes Kate's stories richer and more vivid.

Kate’s goal is to entertain you with well-written, engaging stories, set in intriguing places and with strong, likeable characters. “I hope my stories bring you pleasure and entertain you. Nothing pleases me more than receiving feedback from people who have chosen to spend their valuable leisure time with one of my books,” notes Kate.

Kate married her husband, Ken, in an elegant, ocean-front wedding on a tropical island. When they are not traveling, they split their time between their properties in southern and central Ontario in Canada.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter

Tour Schedule

9/28: Launch

9/29: undercover book reviews & The Written Adventure

9/30: Anndawson's Blog & Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima

10/1: Writing Pearls & Amanda Writes

10/2: Slice of Life & Mythical Books

10/4: Christy's Cozy Corners, Beck Valley Books, & underneath the covers

10/5: teatime and Books & Thoughts of a Blonde

10/6: Dixie n Dottie & Wishful Endings

10/7: I Am A Reader, Zerina Blossom's Books, & Getting Your Read On

10/8: Mel's Shelves & Singing Librarian Books

10/9: Kindle and Me

10/11: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

Grand Prize: Spa Gift Basket and a print copy of When the Right One Comes Along (US/CAN only)

2^nd Prize: $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of When the Right One Comes Along (print if US/CAN, ebook if international)

3 – 3^rd Prizes: copy of When the Right One Comes Along(print if US/CAN, ebook if international)

Ends October 16th

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