Naming of the Queen (Return of the Ancestors, Book 2) by JJ Makenzie

 

What is the cost of a name? Everything.

The princess always knew her name would come with a price, but she never knew how steep the cost would be. Falsely accused of killing her husband’s family, she’s on the run with the father she never knew. With help from him and a band of outcasts, she’s learning just how much she might have to pay, not only to save herself but all of Greatland. It’s up to her to learn who she truly is and restore the ways of the Ancestors. Yet what her heart yearns for most is to be reunited with the man she must speak her name to first—Rowan, king of Northrend.

Rowan vowed no woman would ever own the heart of the king of Northrend again. But the woman with no name captured not only his heart but his soul. And despite the crimes she’s been accused of, he’s having a hard time believing he was wrong about her. Yet with the balance of Northrend and Greatland in his hands, he has a choice to make—choose the woman he loves, or save his kingdom from going to war.

It is a dangerous game they play. One where it’s hard to know who is a friend and who is a foe. But if they wish to win, the lovers must reunite and help their people choose love and freedom before a shadow overcomes the land. The people must name their queen before it’s too late.

* Amazon * Goodreads *

Oh. My. Heart.  It's feeling all the emotions like a roller coaster.  Up and down.  Over and under.  Around and around.  Frustration, anticipation.  Sadness, happiness.  Hope, relief.  The thing about these emotions?  They are BIG.  This book (and this series) is like riding the wave of emotions.  I love books that make me feel.

First, I should say that you absolutely need to read the first book, The Queen with No Name, before you dive into this one.  And if you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?!?!  It's time.  Seriously.  

This second book really brought out my love for the princess.  She will capture your heart in the first book but she really steps into who she is in this book.  As her power as a woman and a leader settles within her, I could feel her strength growing.  It made me so proud of her.  Even with the growing power she keeps the softness and kindness present as well.  Princess/Queen is such a fantastic balance of all things a strong woman should be.  I love her.  Adore her.  AND!!  She finally shares her name!!  Sigh.  It's perfect.

The story really ramps up in this book.  The first book left me in a state of worry and concern and luckily the second book picks up right where the first left off.  I was worried for a minute that I was going to have to hate Rowan (again) 😂.  (Their angry reunion is awesome.)  As I said before, it was a roller coaster of emotions but I'm happy to say that it all ended in such a satisfying place.  I am still basking in the afterglow of happiness and contentment.  This book is still in my mind and my heart days, weeks after reading it.  And, I've read it twice already.  It's full of intrigue, action, emotion and magic.  I love it so, so much!!  

I have hopes for a book three.  I REALLY want to get a story about Marek and Sasha!!  Or anyone really.  I just want more of this type of book.  🙏🙏🙏

Both of the books in this series are on KU if you have that.

Content:  violence, peril.  Kissing.  Intimate relations between a married couple with fade to black.  Some innuendo between them.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book but have since purchased my own copy.

In This Moment (Timeless #2) Gabrielle Meyer

 

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until, that is, she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of an influential senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a Navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she's asked to join a hospital ship being sent to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon, yet unable to use her modern skills in her other paths.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era. The mysterious British gentleman. The prickly, demanding doctor. The charming young congressman. She's drawn to each man in different ways, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer.

With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Do reviewers make a difference when recommending a book?  They absolutely do for me.  I have so many fellow reviewers that I trust so when several of them mention a book and rave over it, I'm going to pick it up and read it.  That's what happened with this book.  It popped up multiple times in my reading circles and everyone was gushing over it.  I knew I had to pick it up.  Plus, the combination of genres was just too enticing to me.

Historical Fiction.  Time Travel.  Romance.  Sounds like a good mash up, right?  This book had me hooked from the very start.  It's a fascinating concept with Maggie living in three alternate time periods.  It's like three stories in one, three lives in one.  I liked that it didn't hurt my head to try to figure out the time travel aspect and Maggie was such an easy character to like.  I was so invested in which pathway she was going to choose.  There were some surprises along the way and I always like that too. 

Every time I had to put this book down, I was thinking about it and wishing I was back reading it.  I love when books have a powerful pull like that.  This is actually book two.  I didn't read book one but I had absolutely no problems with anything.  From what I understand, this book may be a spoiler for the previous book and it's characters though.  I will be going back to read that one and I will be following this new to me author and reading whatever comes next.  LOVE!!

Content:  peril, kissing.  Some Christian elements (mention of God and praying, faith)

- I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Before Time Runs Out (Charles & Company Romance, #1) by Amy Matayo

 

Graduate student Bree Sanders is failing the one class she needs to get her degree. So when her professor gives her an ultimatum—ace her dissertation or risk having to repeat her final semester—she knows she has to pull out all the stops. After scrambling for an idea, she decides to create her own Ghost Club, a club that blames ghosts for unsolved crimes, the same type of club originally founded two centuries ago by Charles Dickens.

What she doesn’t expect is to find an original copy of one of Dickens’ early works, or to be transplanted into Dickens’s actual ghost club meeting, circa 1870, the instant she picks it up.

When Bree shows up in nineteenth-century England wearing cut-offs and an old t-shirt, her only option is to hide. The Cambridge of 1870 won’t look kindly on a woman dressed like her. So, when Theodore Keyes finds her tucked behind a bookcase at the Trinity College library and immediately demands to know where she came from, she knows he doesn’t belong here either. Turns out she’s right; the same book caused him to time-travel from 1947 almost three months ago and he’s been stuck in England since.

Together, the two vow to work side-by-side in their search for the lost book that will take them home. But as their feelings for one another deepen, Theo and Bree are caught between a desire to return to the lives they each left behind, and the knowledge that if they find the book, they won’t be able to leave together.

In the end, they each must decide which sacrifice is worth making—the one that will cost them their hearts, or the one that could cost them their very existence.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Happy release day to this new book by author Amy Matayo!  I don't know how this feels as an author, but as a reader, it can be a bit scary when an author you love steps into a new genre.  Into the unknown. . . (is anyone singing with me?!)  Because what if you don't like it?  That's how I was feeling about this book.  Time travel romances can be hit or miss for me.  It's not a genre that is easy to do well.

I shouldn't have worried.  Honestly, I freaked myself out for nothing.  haha.  It took me a little bit to be convinced and to really invest in the characters and the story but once I was in, I was in.  The plot of this book is interesting and it wasn't like anything I've been reading lately so that felt really good.  It had a couple surprises for me that I didn't quite predict so that was also fun.

This author always does a good job of giving her characters substance and making them feel like every one of us.  A little bit broken in some places but brave in moving forward and facing life.  That was both Theo and Bree.  I really liked them both.

This is the first book in a new series and I'm excited about it!  Time travel romance, here we come!  This book is available in KU if you have that.  Happy reading!

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I Will Follow Him (Oceanic Dreams #5) by Holly Tierney-Bedord

A bachelor party on a cruise ship. What could go wrong?
When private detective Francie is hired to spy on a groom-to-be as he and his bachelor party set sail for the Caribbean, she thinks she's landed herself a week of paid vacation. Between lounging in the sun and sipping margaritas, she just needs to--best case scenario--report back that he's on the up and up, or--the unfortunate, more likely scenario--snap a few photos of her target in compromising positions, buy a box of sympathy chocolates for her client, and then collect her pay along with a nice golden suntan.

Blame it on the island breezes or the alcohol, but within hours of setting sail, Francie's leisurely vacation gets complicated when she starts making careless mistakes. Like accidentally becoming friends with the groom and falling for his best man.

Can she get herself and her mission back on track, or has she blown her cover and possibly even her career?

This novella-length romantic comedy is book five in the Oceanic Dreams series where each book is written by a different author.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

This book made me smile.  A lot.  I enjoyed Francie's humor and the sometimes awkward situations she found herself in.  It was entertaining and I love to be entertained while reading!  This story is short- novella in length- and it was over before I was ready.  This is my first book by Holly Tierney-Bedord and I probably won't be reading her previous books just based on content and what I'm comfortable with but if she writes more like this one, I'll be ready to snatch it up.  😁

Content:  drinking alcohol, some swearing 

I picked this book up on Kindle Unlimited at the author's request.

Missing in Maplewood by Elizabeth Bromke

Can a plane ride save a turbulent marriage? Only if the couple survives the flight...

After marrying his high school sweetheart, everything falls into place for Ben Stevens. He nails a college coaching gig. He and his wife have twin boys. Life is perfect.

Erica Stevens disagrees. Desperate to prove she’s as perfect as she seems, she needs more. After an early miscarriage and a cross-country move back to the state she was happy to leave, her picture-perfect image shatters.

Things get worse before they get better…

As if miscarriage and a looming divorce aren’t enough, Ben’s father falls ill. Together the couple boards a private flight to the small mountain town to see his dad. But they never arrive.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

A failing marriage, a looming divorce, a plane crash.  These are all fantastic elements to base a story on.  I was very interested in this book after reading the blurb.  I haven't read any of the other books in this series or any books by this author at all, actually.  This is my first and I do believe this book can stand completely on it's own. 

From the very beginning of this story we know that Ben and Erica are struggling.  Because the story is told from alternating perspectives, we can see both sides to the frustrations and arguments.  We also get the point of view of Erica's sister, Bo.  Even though I was interested in this story and the events happening, I had a hard time connecting emotionally to these characters.  They felt a little rough around the edges.  I was missing the backstory and foundation that made these characters likable- and I was missing the foundation of their love.  I got little snippets later in the book, mostly Ben thinking back but it just wasn't enough.  I think coming into the struggles with these two characters both acting at their worst was hard.  Maybe some flashbacks to earlier in their relationship would have helped?  I don't know but I just had a hard time connecting emotionally and feeling good things toward the characters.  Ben really did step it up the last bit of the book.  He change the downward spiral with one simple gesture and it was really sweet.

I will say again that I was interested in the story from beginning to end.  It had good forward momentum and the ending of the book was satisfying.  This was a plot driven book for me.

Content:  frequent mild swearing, mention of intimacy outside of marriage.  Some innuendo between a married couple.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Winning his Heart (Marietta St. Claires, #2) by Lara Van Hulzen

Michael St. Claire, a widower and single father, fears his heart could never make room for another. Between raising his young daughter Annalise and rebuilding his dreams as a race car driver, love isn’t on his mind… Until feisty Franchesca shows up and changes everything.

With her mom’s health failing, Franchesca needs extra income. An offer from Mike St. Claire to be his daughter’s nanny is an offer she can’t refuse. She has always dreamed of making it on Broadway and living in New York, but her immediate attraction to Mike challenges all she thought she wanted.

Mike can’t deny his feelings for Franchesca, even with the risk of losing his heart again. But he doesn’t want to stand in the way of Franchesca’s dreams. Will his past and what she wants in the future tear them apart?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This is the second book in this series, but this book can easily stand alone.  I knew I was missing the back history of Michael's brother and his wife, but I can always catch up on that later.  :)

I liked Mike and Franchesca and the opening scene for the book.  It got the couple off to a good start and I could feel the zing of initial attraction.  Annalise was a good addition to the book- so cute and innocent.  Relationships become a bit more complicated when you add in children!  Especially during kissing scenes.  Ha.

While I liked the book, the intensity of Mike and Franchesca's relationship waned a bit through the book.  I wasn't as connected to the characters as I would have liked to have been but I did like them.  Both Franchesca and Mike are stand up people who take care of their family.  Mike's family created a great supporting cast of characters.  And, hopefully with a couple more siblings to go, more books to come.  :)

3/5 stars

Content:  frequent mild swearing (too much for my taste), kissing

- I received a copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Wasted Time by Mya O'Malley

Do you believe that some souls are destined to be together, even through hardship and deceit?

After 9-11, Declan’s heart is torn between wanting to stay with Morgan and needing to fight for his beloved country. Knowing that the future may be uncertain, he kisses his fiancée goodbye and focuses on his mission until that dark day from which he will never fully recover. Injured in Afghanistan, Declan has lost more than part of his leg; he’s lost part of himself, now plagued in grief and guilt. How could he possibly ask Morgan to take care of him for the rest of his life, being nothing but a burden to her? Which would be more heartbreaking, feigning his own death or bringing her unhappiness every day? If only he could eradicate her from his mind and be at peace with his decision.

Morgan prays day and night for Declan’s safe return, but when his letters stop coming, Morgan knows in her heart that she has lost him forever. Morgan has a hard time believing in fate and destiny after her fiancé is taken from her. With Declan gone, Morgan’s hope for true love is destroyed, but eventually she finds comfort in the arms of another, even though Morgan’s new love knows that her heart belongs to Declan.

Will Morgan eventually be able to move on, or will Declan haunt her dreams forever?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

If you enjoy watching soap operas, you will probably really love this book.  It had all things soap opera going for it.  Attraction, love, engagement, off to war, injury, she thinks he is dead, he is hiding from her, she moves on, he doesn't.  They reconnect in a dramatic way.  There is cheating, lying and stalking.  I am actually not a fan of soap operas, so this book wasn't my favorite, but there were a lot of good elements.

Two words that describe this book for me would be angst and DRAMA.  Both are very well done in this book.  The drama is like a constant swirl.  There are a lot of crazy things going on.

I really liked Morgan and Declan together.  They complimented each other well.  Even though there was still angst and drama, it felt like a real part of their relationship.  They definitely had a connection no matter what else was happening.  I couldn't help but admire Declan and his sense of duty to his country and the events surrounding 9-11.  He was a fantastic representation of the many men and women who gave so much for our country and our freedoms at that time.  (and still do)  It really leaves me so grateful for such brave people.

Content:  frequent mild swearing, profanity, implied sexual relations with no graphic details, sexual relations outside of committed relationship (cheating) with no details.  PTSD, depression, death, stalking

The Peppercorn Project by Nicki Edwards

One heartbroken woman. One bitter cop. One community to save them.

After the tragic death of her husband, single mum Isabelle Cassidy is bereft and broke. When she hears about The Peppercorn Project – a scheme that offers affordable rent in the tiny but vibrant town of Stony Creek – Issie sees it as her family's best chance at a fresh start.

Newly single police officer Matt Robertson moved to Stony Creek to lick his wounds after a bitter divorce. Wanting only peace and quiet, Matt is against the Project, seeing it as a threat to the peace he's found in the country town – until he meets Issie. Despite himself, Matt is drawn to the widow and feels inexplicably protective of her fragile family.

Just when Issie begins to imagine a future with Matt, an accident proves how far she has to go before she can move beyond her grief. But the citizens of Stony Creek won't rest until they see these two broken souls find a new beginning, together.

Can Issie move beyond the pain of her past and entrust Matt with her family, and her heart?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Happy release day to The Peppercorn Project!  

I've always wanted to go to Australia.  It's interesting to me how I could tell that this author was actually from Australia verses someone from America trying to write about Australia.  :)  I loved the way the words sometimes threw me for a loop but because of context clues I knew what they meant.  I once had a friend living next door to me from Australia and this book just reminded me of her.  I could almost hear the accents.

Issie is broken.  No doubt about it.  She is managing and surviving but not really living.  When she shows up in the small town of Stony Creek, the people there are determined to save her and her children.  I really loved the small town, community feel to this book where people know how to take care of each other.  Issie is the underdog and it is easy to root for the underdog.  It was satisfying to see her emerge from darkness and find her footing again.

This book was really slow moving for me.  I had a hard time staying with it at some points because I just wanted things to move along more quickly.  I was a little let down by the "suspense" moments.  I thought with the build up there would have been more to it.

The last third of the book was the best bit for me.  Things pick up a bit- there is more movement and dialogue.  Relationships grow.  Everything goes crazy and then comes back together.  I love where and how the book ended.

A solid 3 stars for this one!

Content:  Fade to black, behind closed doors sex.  Some innuendo.  Mild swearing and profanity.

The Bad Boy's Baby by Cindi Madsen + $25 and Book Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Bad Boy's Baby

(Hope Springs #3)

by Cindi Madsen

Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 284 pages

May 16th 2016 by Entangled: Bliss

There are certain words that have always described Cam Brantley: Town bad boy. Soldier. Protector. But never, ever dad. Until he returns home from his latest military tour to discover the girl he had one smoking-hot night with is now mom to the adorable two-year-old Zoey. Who has his eyes.

Plenty of words could describe Emma Walker these days. Mom, dutiful granddaughter, budding designer, the town’s golden child. But when her longtime crush Cam Brantley comes back to town, she knows the perfect word to describe herself: screwed.

Cam and Emma are both shocked to discover he truly wants Zoey in his life. But Cam’s not sure he’s ready to be a dad, and Emma can’t gamble her daughter on maybes. As the long-simmering heat between Cam and Emma reaches a boiling point, he’ll have to work past his demons in order to be the man both girls need.

Daddy duty might be his toughest mission yet…

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The Bad Boy's baby is the third book in this Hope Springs series.  I haven't read the other  books in the series but I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.  Each book can stand alone.

This is a great story of second chance love.  The characters had a brief encounter years ago, right before Cam left the country for his military duties.  Emma ended up pregnant and she never told him- but she didn't know how to find him.  Now, years later, Emma runs into Cam again and knows she has to tell him about his daughter.  Yikes!  That's a big secret to drop on the unsuspecting man!

This makes for some charged moments between Cam and Emma.  The old attraction is still there but now there is a bit more to consider.  It's more than just lusty attraction.  Cam and Emma battle their own personal demons- Cam more than Emma, I would say.

I enjoyed this book and it's characters.  It was easy to settle in and get carried away in the fantastic drama of Cam and Emma's lives. 

Content:  This isn't what I would classify as "clean" romance because of the swearing and sexual encounters.  The details stop at taking clothes off and the rest is behind closed doors.  There is sexual innuendo.

Other Books in the Series

Second Chance Ranch

(Hope Springs #1)

by Cindi Madsen

Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 232 pages

September 15th 2014 by Entangled: Bliss

Sometimes love is right where you left it.

Sadie Hart has a plan: return to her small town of Hope Springs so she can regain her confidence—and bank account—before giving one more shot to her country music dream. The dream that means more to her than anything. The dream she chose over her high school sweetheart, the brooding and sinfully handsome Royce Dixon.

Royce has moved on from his memories of the beautiful Sadie. Now he’s focused solely on running Second Chance Ranch, where he rehabilitates troubled teens through ranch work. But when he needs a new employee and Sadie’s the only one to volunteer, he has no choice but to offer his old flame a job.

Whether riding a horse with the wind in her hair or mucking out the stalls, Sadie can still get Royce’s heart beating like no one else. But Nashville is her dream, and Royce can’t settle for second best.

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Crazy for the Competition

(Hope Springs #2)

by Cindi Madsen

Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 277 pages

June 9th 2015 by Entangled Publishing: Bliss

The road to trouble is paved with sweet temptation… 

Always the rebel in her ultra-conservative family, Quinn Sakata dreams of quitting her dad's real-estate business and restoring the old Mountain Ridge Bed and Breakfast in her hometown of Hope Springs. Except that Quinn's not the only person bidding on it. Worse still, her competitor is her high school crush, Heath Brantley, who is all kinds of ripped, tattooed hotness...

So much for her "nice, conservative boys" rule.

Heath has his own reasons for bidding on Mountain Ridge, and he won't give in without a fight - even to the red-lipped hottie with a sailor's mouth. But when their rivalry shifts into an unexpected zing of chemistry, Heath realizes he's in deep trouble. Because it's inevitable that emotions will get involved, and he needs to keep his eyes on the prize before they both get hurt.

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Cindi Madsen is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she'd be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they're sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

May 15th: Launch

May 16th: LibriAmoriMiei, The Written Adventure & With Love for Books

May 17th: Booksomereads, Katie's Clean Book Collection & Colorimetry

May 18th: Becky on Books, & Bottles & Books Reviews & underneath the covers

May 19th: Harlie's Books, Zerina Blossom's Books & EskieMama Reads

May 20th: Getting Your Read On, deal sharing aunt & Fangirls Ahead

May 22nd: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon eGift Card

ebook of Crazy for the Competition

Open internationally

Ends May 27th

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A Cupcake Christmas (Touchstone Series #5) (A Christmas Elf Romance) by Beth Barany

What if you risked losing your baking legacy by cooking up a love truly special?

Florian MacMillian needs a final job to complete his baking resume—preferably a job where he’s unlikely to blow things up with his unruly magic—before returning to the North Pole and taking his rightful place as Master Baker to all the elves.

Kate Delore desperately needs help in her fast-growing cupcake business. Florian is a perfect fit, so she brings him on as baker. For a short time, Florian is happily up to his elbows in batter, and Kate’s business is booming.

But when things heat up between them, Florian wonders if he should risk his legacy to cook up something truly special.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

If you are looking for a quick romantic read with a touch of magic- you might want to check this one out.  Be warned though: don't read while hungry.  You will be craving all kinds of cupcakes.

I haven't read any other books by this author and this is the fifth book in this Touchstone series.  I got a glimpse of some other characters that might have been in previous books, but I don't think that made any difference in reading this book.  It can stand alone.

The whole premise for this book is fun.  Elf falls in love with cupcake girl.  He must choose between her and his magic.  Unfortunately, I didn't feel the chemistry between Florian and Kate.  I read about it, but I just didn't feel it.  The connection between me and the characters was missing.  My tummy never got the flutters, my heart never pounded.  I was  never dying to know what came next.  Everything was cute, it just fell a little flat for me.  I read this right on the heels of a fun, romantic book that did give me flutters and heart palpitations and I just couldn't put it down so I cannot help but compare the two.

Florian and Kate jump into bed together pretty quickly after knowing each other only a few days.  Their sexual relationship is not described in any detail but you know it happens.  Other than this, the book is clean.

I loved the setting.  I grew up with Oakland and San Francisco in my backyard so reading about it was a bit like going home.  I love San Francisco.  I also loved the cupcake aspect.  Those cupcakes sounded so yummy!

True To You (Taking Chances #2) by Liwen Y. Ho

Wanted: A man with the four C’s (Chinese, Christian, Cash and Career). Ability to cure hives a definite plus.

Melanie Koo may be a physician skilled in helping others, but the one thing she can’t fix is her own love life. That’s why her mother comes up with the perfect remedy-an arranged marriage. Being the dutiful daughter that she is, she agrees to this loveless match … until a chance meeting leads her straight to the cure for her hopeless heart.

Ben Peters is everything Melanie was not looking for in a guy, but she can’t help but be drawn to his passionate and kind nature and, not to mention, those adorable dimples. For once in her life, she considers breaking parental expectations to go after what she wants. The only thing standing in her way is a five foot one traditional Chinese mother and her scheming ways.

Now Melanie has to make the biggest decision of her life. Will she stay true to her family or will she choose to believe that true love can be colorblind?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

What a fun little romance!  I was pleasantly surprised by this book and how much I liked it.  There were so many little things that made me smile throughout.  

The characters were easy to like.  Especially Ben.  I loved his attitude toward life and how he was so easy going.  He brought out the best in Melanie and that is what love should do.

It was interesting to have the Chinese culture so embedded in this story.  I loved learning about cultural ideas and phrases.  In fact, the book refers to Chinese people who act more white as bananas.  Yellow on the outside, white on the inside.  And white people who act more Chinese as eggs.  White on the outside, yellow on the inside.  I'd actually never heard of that before.  I was sitting in a college class later that day and the instructor mentioned this very thing.  It was so weird because I had JUST read about it.  At least I could say I knew what she was talking about.  Ha!  In a way, this book reminded me of My Big, Fat Greek Wedding.  Only Chinese instead of Greek.

I really enjoyed this story and I'll be looking forward to more by this author.

Content:  Clean (there is a reference to sex outside of marriage that resulted in a pregnancy but no details)

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

Reawakened by Colleen Houck

When seventeen-year-old Lilliana Young enters the Metropolitan Museum of Art one morning during spring break, the last thing she expects to find is a live Egyptian prince with godlike powers, who has been reawakened after a thousand years of mummification.

And she really can't imagine being chosen to aid him in an epic quest that will lead them across the globe to find his brothers and complete a grand ceremony that will save mankind.

But fate has taken hold of Lily, and she, along with her sun prince, Amon, must travel to the Valley of the Kings, raise his brothers, and stop an evil, shape-shifting god named Seth from taking over the world.

From New York Times bestselling author Colleen Houck comes an epic adventure about two star-crossed teens who must battle mythical forces and ancient curses on a journey with more twists and turns than the Nile itself.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Squeeeeeeeeee!  I cannot tell you how excited I was to get my hands on a review copy of this book.  Colleen Houck and the Tiger's Curse series are right at the top of my favorite list and when you see the beginning of a new series coming out by an author you love it's like Christmas day.  Yay!  I'll admit I did the happy dance for this book.

When you love an author and a series so much, it's equal parts excitement and trepidation starting a new series.  Will you love it as much?  Will it live up to all you are hoping for?  There are so many expectations.

I'm happy to say that I did really enjoy this book.  Was it better than Tiger's Curse?  I don't think so, but this is only the beginning of the series and I would expect that by the end, I will probably love it just as much.  It is definitely off to a grand start.

How would it be to discover a mummy coming back to life?  Freaky and creepy, I tell you.  That's what it would be.  I think Lily would agree.  At least at first.  Amon will grow on you though.  His quest will become your quest and you will have no choice but to be sucked into the world of good vs. evil in Egypt.  There is a scary cast of evil characters but an awesome cast of good guys as well.  It was so easy to be swept up in this finely crafted story.  And of course, true to Colleen Houck form, the ending leaves you pulling your hair out in frustration knowing you have to wait at least a year for the next installment.

So, this was an action packed, pushing you forward kind of book.  I could barely catch my breath.  It was awesome because I love being sucked into a book, not wanting to put it down because I just have to know what is going to happen next.  How will they get out of this mess?  My mind was filled with all sorts of magical and mystical things.  And best of all?  It was clean.  No swearing or sexual content to make me squirm.  

My thanks to the publisher, Delacorte Press, for allowing me to read and review this book.  I sure feel like a lucky girl.  Reawakened releases on August 11th!  

The Calm After the Storm by Mya O'Malley

The storm of the century raged through the northeast, causing destruction and despair, millions were left without power and hope. Weeks later, countless people were still devastated by the destruction of Hurricane Sandy, Emma Riley among them.

Determined she didn’t need the help of a man, Emma was convinced that she could brave the aftermath of the storm on her own. That is, until Jake came into her life.

After having suffered heartbreak and embarrassment, Jake Mack, a utility foreman, volunteered to travel north from small town, Georgia to assist with the aftermath of the storm. Jake was decidedly done with women. But he didn’t count on meeting Emma or falling in love so quickly. Can he trust this woman or will his past get in the way and ruin the relationship with the one woman he truly loves?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I was immediately drawn into this book simply based on the setting and the events happening.  Emma and Jake meet because of a powerful hurricane that has left behind devastation.  Emma survived it and Jake is there to help people rebuild what was lost.

Emma and Jake meet and it's basically attraction at first sight.  They delve right into a physical relationship (sex but behind closed doors) without the friendship and trust any relationship needs to be strong.  I think this led to the crazy back and forth game that drove me nuts in this book.  One chapter they are together.  The next chapter they are not.  Then they are.  Then they are not.  It was so back and forth I wanted pull my hair out.  

Jake definitely has a lot of drama in his life.  A LOT of drama.  Emma gets sucked into the drama by default.  This book for me was more plot driven than character driven.  While there were many "things" going on, I lacked the emotional pull to the characters.  I just couldn't connect with them.  But, I did like the basic plot and Jake's devotion to his daughter.  I just wish there had been less of the back and forth game between he and Emma.

Content:  Sex behind closed doors between an unmarried couple.  Drug and Alcohol abuse, child abuse, mild violence and fighting.

Hope In Every Raindrop by Wesley Banks + a $25 and Book Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Hope In Every Raindrop

by Wesley Banks

NA Contemporary

ebook, 202 pages
May 26th 2015

“Small towns have big stories.” That was a lesson Katie’s father taught her years ago. A lesson she’s taken to heart. And right now, Katie is desperate for a big story. Reeling from the recent loss of her father and with her agent breathing down her neck for the next book, the twenty-one-year-old writer picks a spot on the map and finds herself bound for a middle-of-nowhere town called Bishopville, South Carolina.

Taking a chance on the words of a local grocer, Katie stumbles upon a rare breed of dogs raised by the town doctor and his nephew Kyle. The only problem? Kyle isn’t interested in telling stories—especially not to a big-city girl who can’t seem to sit still. In an attempt to win him over as the clock winds down, Katie finds herself immersed in Kyle’s world, doing everything but writing.

When inspiration finally strikes, Katie is faced with an unforeseen catastrophe and a truth she can no longer ignore. While she has come to love the dogs, the real story may be about Kyle Walker.

Amazon - Smashwords

I love the title of this book "Hope in Every Raindrop" and the running theme of it throughout the book.  I also loved the dogs in this book and how they played a large roll in the life and learning of the characters.

Katie is taking a risk for something that she loves.  She wants to write a meaningful story and she is willing to work hard for it, even if she is frustrated by the circumstances.  I admired her drive and her love for the written word.  She was both strong and vulnerable and a connection to her was easy to make.

Kyle was a bit of an enigma throughout the whole book.  I'm not sure what Katie saw in him other than his devotion to the dogs.  The emotional connection was lacking a bit for me but the story was still a good one and I really enjoyed reading it.

Content:  Mild swearing and sex behind closed doors between an unmarried couple.  No description, but you know it happened.

Wesley Banks was born in 1983 and grew up on the west coast of Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. After spending over 7 years building movable bridges from Florida to Washington he decided to focus on his true passion: writing.

Wesley recently moved from Florida to Oregon to get back to the great outdoors that he’s love so much. He lives with my wife Lindsey, and his two dogs Linkin and Story. Most of his time these days is spent writing, with as much rock climbing, hiking, or skiing as they can fit in.

Wesley’s debut novel, “Hope In Every Raindrop,” is set to be released May of 2015.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Follow the Tour

May 21st - Launch

May 22nd - Getting Your Read On & The Written Adventure

May 24th - Writing Pearls

May 25th - Words for the Journey & Story Broads

May 26th - View from the Birdhouse

May 27th - Mommabears Book Blog

May 28th - Underneath the Covers & Min Reads and Reviews

May 29th - Katie's Clean Book Collection

May 31st - Zerina Blossom's Books

June 1st - My Love for Reading Keeps Growing

June 2nd - A Novel Kind of Bliss

June 3rd - Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card
3 ebook copies of Hope In Every Raindrop
Open internationally

Ends June 8th

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It's a Rough Edges Release Day Party! Review, Excerpt AND a Three Book Giveaway!!

Happy Birthday to you.  Happy Birthday to you.  Happy Birthday dear Rough Edges.  Happy Birthday to you!

It's a good day when I get to read a new book by Kimberly Krey.  Yeah, she's one of my favorites.  I'm not even going to try to contain my happy dancing.  When I'm in the mood for some good romance, Kimberly is my go-to gal.  And, honestly, I'm always in the mood for a good romance.  ;)  I'm so excited!

Rough Edges kicks off the beginning of a new series by Kimberly.  I like the second chances theme in this book.  I liked the older characters, the added situations of older kids and divorce in the mix and how Allie had to navigate those issues.   It was good stuff.  

Allie and Braden share some intense chemistry.  There are some steamy make out sessions (but nothing beyond that).  Let's just say that I never knew kissing in a wood shop could be so, um, steamy.  Sizzle, Crackle.   Kim's motto is "keeping it clean without losing the steam".  She really sticks to that motto.  This book does contain kissing and it is steamy but it never goes farther than that.  There is also a few instances of mild swearing.

I'm so happy to be posting along with Kimberly today.  Did I mention she is one of my favorite people?  Here's what she has to say about all this:

Allie Emerson gets her happy ending at last in my new release, Rough Edges, available now on Amazon.

Rough Edges starts off my newest series, Second Chances – a companion to the Sweet Montana Bride series. Featuring some of the characters you know and love, this series will give Allie, Logan, and a new character, Bree, (you'll meet her in Allie's story) a second chance at romance. If you haven't read the Sweet Montana Bride series, no worries. This series, as well as each book within, will stand alone just fine. Now for a bit about the book.

Divorced mother, Allie Emerson, never imagined she’d be raising two teenage girls on her own. Between parenting and paying the bills, she hasn’t even thought about meeting a man. That changes once she hears local carpenter, Braden Fox, is in need of a secretary. Back in high school, Allie had done all she could to deny the sparks burning between her and Braden; but would the chemistry still be there after all this time?

Braden has heard all about what Terrance did to Allie and the girls. He’s been planning to stop by and see how she’s getting along, but Allie beats him to it by showing up at his shop in search of a job. Her unexpected visit reignites the old flame Braden used to torch for her; trouble is, old feelings of resentment return as well. Allie did choose Terrance over him, after all. And as much as Braden wants Allie in his life, he’s not sure he can open his heart to her again.

With a second chance at romance, will the bumps in their relationship be too much to get over, or will this carpenter learn to smooth out the past?

  * Amazon * Goodreads *

Now for an excerpt from the book:

Their eyes met once more, and a shot of heat flooded his chest like a liquid bolt of lightening, forcing his pulse to rush. “I’ve missed you,” he blurted.
Her eyes widened in response, and Braden wondered if he’d been too bold. He’d hardly meant to speak it. It’d been more of a thought. A longing, really.
At last she nodded. “Yeah,” she said, her voice soft and low. “I … I’ve been wondering about you too. How you’ve been over the years. I kept asking Terrance who you were dating. If you were close to marrying anyone…” Her words drifted off for a breath, but then she spoke up again. “You admitted that you’d turned down our offers to come to dinner and catch up.” She studied him for a moment, a challenge presented in her gaze. “All those years. Why didn’t you just come?”
“You know why.” He’d nearly spoken over her, but he couldn’t help it.
“No, Braden, I don’t.”
He nodded adamantly, taking a step back and folding his arms. “Think about it, Allie.” ...
“I have thought about it –”
“Not nearly enough, apparently,” he snapped.
“I’ve thought about it all these years. It hurt my feelings. I thought we were friends.”
... Braden bit back his words and broke into a pace.
“Braden,” she said, “I wanted you to stay a part of our lives. You were the best influence Terrance had and you just stopped being his friend? Why would you do that?”
Braden froze in place. “I was a better friend to him than you’ll ever know.” Or possibly the worst, he realized. He strode back, his gaze set on her. “And I didn’t want to be your friend, Allie. I wanted more than that and you know it.”
Her face fell flat. Her lips parted. But no words came. She cleared her throat, casting her eyes to the floor. “Yeah,” he said. “Don’t pretend that you don’t know. I made it clear. And as soon as I did you started setting me up with every friend you had. Including Kayla.”
“That’s not…” Her face flushed red. Her lips tightened. “That’s not how it went, Braden.” The silence that followed was painful. The tension wedged in each passing second pressed at Braden’s last nerve.
“Well,” he said, “this has been a nice trip down memory lane, but if you don’t mind I’ve got to get back to work. Come on out when you’re ready.” He turned away from her in one quick jerk and walked out of the kitchen, one long stride after the next.

To celebrate the release of Rough Edges, I'm giving away THREE FREE paperbacks! After entering here, you may enter again by leaving a comment HERE.  Good luck, my friends!

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Me Tarzan, You Jane by Camelia Miron Skiba

Moving on doesn’t always have to mean goodbye.

Widowed makeup artist Jane Sullivan is more comfortable keeping her husband's memory alive than dating a pool full of sharks. Ella, her 4 year-old daughter, is her whole world.

When Jane meets Lucas Oliver, famous cover model, it’s hate at first sight. His playboy persona rubs her the wrong way.

Accustomed to every woman fawning over him, Lucas is drawn to the shy, uncompromising single mom and completely melts at the sight of Ella. He is determined to convince Jane that sometimes a second chance can mend a broken heart.

It took me a little while to get into this book.  It started off shaky with a whole bunch of stuff that I don't really love in my "clean" books.  I almost put it down but decided to give it another chapter or two to see if things settled down or kept up.

When Jane and Lucas finally become more isolated as characters in the book and we start to get to know them more individually, I enjoyed the book a lot more.  The growing friendship and romance was good.  I think the book is well written and it kept my attention.  

I wouldn't classify this book as "clean" though.  Even though there are no descriptive sex scenes, there is plenty of sexual talk, innuendo, and sex behind closed doors.  Alcohol and drinking are prominent in this book, and in most situations lead to unhealthy places (not knowing who you slept with, ER, etc.).  There is also swearing and profanity.  So, this book crossed the "clean" line for me.  If those things don't bother you, you will probably really enjoy this book.