Author: Marsha

Heart Like Mine by Maggie McGinnis

Posted April 5, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Heart Like MineTitle:  Heart Like Mine
Series:  Echo Lake #2
Author:  Maggie McGinnis
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  April 5, 2016
Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Paperbacks
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Delaney Blair loves her job at Echo Lake’s Mercy Hospital, where she’s developed a reputation for being smart, fair, and driven. When she’s assigned to cut funding, she has to temporarily relocate her office, put on borrowed scrubs, and go toe-to-toe with Dr. Joshua Mackenzie, the interim head of the pediatrics department. His killer smile and rock-star body are distractions Delaney could do without, but she’s determined to stay focused while she brings his budget into line. It’s not working.

Beloved by his colleagues and patients alike, Josh is too busy caring for sick kids to talk numbers with the sexy, stiletto-clad Delaney. Every time they talk business, tensions run high…but so does a powerful attraction neither of them can ignore. When an emergency brings Mercy to its knees, Delaney and Josh must work together to save lives. But can they also find a way into each other’s hearts?

Read on for my thoughts on Heart Like Mine.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Love Walks In by Samantha Chase

Posted April 5, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

Love Walks InTitle:  Love Walks In
Series:  The Shaughnessy Brothers #2
Author:  Samantha Chase
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  April 5, 2016
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

He lives by a schedule. Aubrey Burke is on the run from an about-to-be-disastrous mistake when resort owner Hugh Shaughnessy catches her climbing through his office window. Until Aubrey tumbled into his life, Hugh had relied on work and discipline to safeguard a heart damaged by family tragedy. Now his careful world will never be the same.

She lives for the moment. Hugh’s approach to life and love is the opposite of Aubrey’s, but she soon finds herself falling hard for the handsome hotel mogul. There’s a darker reason behind her “live for today” attitude than Hugh could possibly know, but for the first time Aubrey dares to hope this man’s love might make it worth taking a chance on the future.

Read on for my thoughts on Love Walks In.  No true spoilers, promise.

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It’s Blog Ahead Time Again

Posted April 5, 2016 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 4 Comments

Blog Ahead May 1-15Wouldn’t you like a little wiggle room in your posting schedule for your blog?  Then the Blog Ahead event hosted by Anna of Herding Cats & Burning Soup is perfect for you.

From May 1 – 15, 2016 there is a challenge to write up blog posts for the future, to give yourself a break and just get a little bit ahead.  Some breathing room so to speak.  The goal is 15 additional posts during the event, that’s just one extra post per day (or you could decide your own number) – but the point is to do it, even make it a habit so that when life happens (and it always does) you’re prepared with posts that will pop onto your blog even though you’re nowhere around at the moment.

Last Blog Ahead I had gotten several weeks ahead and was breezing along just fine – then a sudden house move and knee surgery… and I was back at square one.  So I’ve got some catching up to do come May – but that’s okay, by then I’ll be physically able to sit at the computer for the time I’ll need to get ahead again.

There’s still plenty of time to think about it and plan what you might blog ahead about — but in the meantime, head on over to Anna’s and check out her Sign Up Post right here.  I think you’ll be glad you did.

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Shifted For Love by C. A. Tibbitts

Posted April 5, 2016 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Shifted For LoveTitle:  Shifted For Love
Series:  Pepper Valley Shifters #1
Author:  C. A. Tibbitts
Genre:  Paranormal Romance Shifters
Published:  October 29, 2015
Publisher:  Booktrope
My Rating:  3 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Jace moved in with Fiona and her father when she was fourteen. Tall, lean, and hotter every day, he caught Fiona’s eye on day one, and she has had a crush ever since. The problem is, Jace has never looked at her as anything but a friend.

On Fiona’s sixteenth birthday, her dad announces she is going to mate a shifter she has never met when she turns twenty-one. Zane, though cute and muscled, is arrogant, older, and not at all her type.

One night, Jace finally sees Fi for the woman she has become. In a moment of weakness, he succumbs to her request for “just one kiss.” A mate’s addictive taste is something neither Jace nor Fiona can deny.

Caught by a secret past, Jace believes he will never deserve a woman like Fi. However, Fiona harbors a deep dark secret of her own, a secret that may change all of their lives.

Pepper Valley: A town where shifters, vampires and other creatures are a part of society. What will happen when two shifters fight — over a love that has been ordained, and one that is forbidden?

Read on for my thoughts on Shifted For Love.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Resisting The Moon by L. P. Dover

Posted April 3, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Resisting The MoonTitle:  Resisting The Moon
Series:  Royal Shifters #2
Author:  L. P. Dover
Genre:  Paranormal Romance – Shifters
Published:  December 17, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

The past was pain. The present unclear. For Tyla Rand, her future couldn’t be bleaker. Death follows her everywhere, especially to those she loves. Being a member of the royal pack, she believes her time of happiness will come. That is, until wolves from her old pack show up missing. Her mission is to find them, but she won’t be going alone.

Sebastian Lyall, a true born royal and the one man Tyla’s been trying to push away, has offered to help in her quest. Their journey not only brings out their true desires, but attracts the attention of another, someone from Tyla’s past.

However, nothing is as it seems. Death is not done with her and now he wants her to pay. He won’t be satisfied until he’s taken everything away . . . including those she loves.

Read on for my thoughts on Resisting The Moon.  No true spoilers, promise.

Normally I do not put a warning on my reviews – but although it fits within the story, in Resisting the Moon you will find a higher level of violence and some scenes that may be triggers for some readers  Please be aware that there is the threat of rape and if that is a trigger for you, continue with caution.

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Romancing The Ranger by Jennie Marts

Posted April 3, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Romancing The RangerTitle:  Romancing The Ranger
Series:
Author:  Jennie Marts
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  March 14, 2016
Publisher:  Entangled
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Reese Hudson meant to destroy mementos from her last failed relationship, not burn down an outhouse and incur the wrath of a sexy park ranger. When the judge rejects her offer to pay for the structure and sentences her to rebuild it—with the hot ranger supervising—she embraces the challenge to take control of her life.

Park ranger Wade Baker wants nothing to do with the rich city girl, no matter how tempting he finds her lush curves. She’s too much like his ex-fiancée, and if he’s learned anything, it’s that women like Reese don’t fit into his world. And he sure as hell wants no part of her big city life.

Reese may not know a hammer from a screwdriver, but she’s working hard to prove she’s not just some pampered princess to be toyed with. And damn it if Wade doesn’t admire her tenacious spirit. If only they got along half as well outside the bedroom as they do in it, there might be a chance for them after all.

Read on for my thoughts on Romancing The Ranger.  No true spoilers, promise.

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After The Hurt by Shana Gray

Posted March 29, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

After The HurtTitle:  After The Hurt
Series:
Author:  Shana Gray
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  march 29, 2016
Publisher:  Loveswept
My Rating:  3 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Pepper Chapman refuses to throw in the towel. Six months ago, she made the biggest mistake of her life. Blinded by grief after her mom’s death, Pepper abandoned the man she loves. Now she wants a second chance at everything she gave up: strong hands driving her to ecstasy . . . a deep voice whispering naughty promises in her ear . . . the future they’d planned since they were teenagers. So Pepper comes home looking for forgiveness, ready for a new beginning—if he’s willing to give her a shot.
 
Retired MMA star Tank Sherman may be used to low blows, but Pepper’s emotional sucker punch left him reeling. Trying to ignore the pain and forget the pleasure of her body beneath his, Tank is prepared to ring the final bell on their relationship. Then Pepper shows up out of the blue, radiating pure sex. But Tank won’t let himself get hurt again, and that means resisting the heat that still burns between them. Because if he takes Pepper back, he knows he’ll never be able to let her go again.

Read on for my thoughts on After The Hurt.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Training The Temp by Melinda Di Lorenzo

Posted March 29, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Training The TempTitle:  Training The Temp
Series:
Author:  Melinda Di Lorenzo
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  March 21, 2016
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  Owned, Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

Part-time journalist Beth Styles has been assigned the terrible task of reporting on one of Seattle’s most eligible bachelors. All she has to do is get in, get the story, and get out. Everything is going fine, until she opens her big mouth and challenges the man of the hour to a bet. Thank goodness the only thing on the line is her career. And her integrity. Oh, and her hand in marriage…

Real estate mogul Parker Stephenson likes to be in control, and he hates the press, so he’ll do anything to keep from ruining his reputation, including taking on this pretty, mouthy journalist. Even if that means promising – in front of thirty witnesses, no less – that he can make her fall in love with him in just 28 days. Too bad he can’t seem to take charge of her, the way he takes charge of everything else.

Read on for my thoughts on Training The Temp.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Marry Me by Karen Stivali

Posted March 28, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 1 Comment

Marry MeTitle:  Marry Me
Series:
Author:  Karen Stivali
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Light Erotica
Published:  March 24, 2016
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  3.5 stars
Source:  Owned, Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

When British drummer Ben Davis lost his childhood sweetheart, he vowed to never love again. He immerses himself in his music, which propels him to international stardom and a lavish lifestyle, but has left his heart cold—until he meets creative and sexy clothing designer Julia Jones.

Julia’s career may be skyrocketing, but her personal life tanked when her last boyfriend crossed the line from controlling to violent. Certain that romance is not in the cards for her, she focuses on her career. Then devastatingly sexy Ben strolls into her life and his intoxicating charisma is impossible to resist.

Once Julia allows Ben into her bed and her heart, they fall hard and fast. But when Julia’s life is endangered, Ben’s reaction terrifies her. They both must confront their past demons if they want a chance at a future together.

Read on for my thoughts on Marry Me.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Playing The Witch’s Game by Zoe Forward

Posted March 25, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Playing The Witch's GameTitle:  Playing The Witch’s Game
Series:  Keepers of the Veil #3
Author:  Zoe Forward
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Published:  March 21, 2016
Publisher:  Entangled (Covert)
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Pleiades witch Jennifer Marcos is certain that the host of Extreme Survivor is her soulmate. All she has to do is find a fake boyfriend, get on the show, and voila! She’ll have her destiny.

Unfortunately, she has to rely on ex-Russian spy Nikolai Jovec’s six-foot-something of gorgeous, infuriating hotness. To make matters worse, the electric attraction between Jen and Nikolai is hotter than ever.

But the only way Nikolai can protect Jen is by hiding the identity of her true Destined…him.

Read on for my thoughts on Playing The Witch’s Game.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Doing It Scared But Determined

Posted March 15, 2016 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 2 Comments

knee injuryIn a couple hours I’m going to be offline for a while – not exactly sure just how long.  See at this time tomorrow I’ll be in an operating room having my right knee replaced.  So kinda hard to get reviews up when that’s happening.  *trying for ironic humor here :)*

Wish I could say I’m being all brave and happy about this – I’m not.  I am scared, more scared than I can ever remember being… and I’ve had some scary moments in my life.  And it’s not a fear for myself, what is to be will be I’ve long ago accepted that in my life.  It’s for that kid of mine – the 35 year old young man who is such an amazing person – even when a disease has kept him in a wheelchair and dependent on a ventilator for his every breath… he’s still an upbeat, amazing kid of mine.  But I’ve always been there in the forefront and now in the background, his safety net so to speak – so this surgery, though totally necessary, is frightening for us both for perhaps different reasons.  I can already imagine the guilt for me when he needs something that I (for the moment) simply cannot do.  Or should there be complication to the surgery… hey, it happens there are no guarantees in life.

But there comes a time when a person simply has to take care of them first – even when it goes against every instinct.  Today I am in a level 9 on the 1 -10 pain level the doctors ask about.  It’s been that way, with spikes higher, consistently for two years now… I cannot do it any longer.  That level of pain is slowly wearing me down to the point of barely functioning.

Yes, the pain of the next few weeks will likely make that seem like a stroll in the park – but down the line, in a couple months, if I do what I need to do – then I can be almost pain free and get back to living life, doing what I need to do and those things that I want to do – like planting a garden, getting a puppy and taking long, energetic walks through the woods that border our back yard.  Simple things but things I want to do again.

So for the rest of today I’ll be getting my home in order, last minute trips to the grocery story – all those things that you do when you don’t really know what is coming but you’d better be prepared.  And trying not to overthink – trying to find that calm place where I can just go with the flow and hope for the best outcome.

Yep I’m scared… but determined.

See ya all when I can get back online and back to the stories that I love to tell you about.

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