Author: Marsha

Walk Through Fire by Kristen Ashley

Posted November 6, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Walk Through Fire
Series: Chaos #4
Author: Kristen Ashley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 27, 2015
Publisher: Forever
My Rating: 5+ stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Millie Cross knows what it’s like to burn for someone. She was young and wild and he was fierce and even wilder-a Chaos biker who made her heart pound. They fell in love at first sight and life was good, until she learned she couldn’t be the woman he needed and made it so he had no choice but to walk away. Twenty years later, Millie’s chance run-in with her old flame sparks a desire she just can’t ignore. And this time, she won’t let him ride off . . .

Bad boy Logan “High” Judd has seen his share of troubles with the law. Yet it was a beautiful woman who broke him. After ending a loveless marriage, High is shocked when his true love walks back into his life. Millie is still gorgeous, but she’s just a ghost of her former self. High’s intrigued at the change, but her betrayal cut him deep-and he doesn’t want to get burned again. As High sinks into meting out vengeance for Millie’s betrayal, he’ll break all over again when he realizes just how Millie walked through fire for her man.

Read on for my thoughts on Walk Through Fire. No true spoilers, promise.

His Christmas Gift by Sarah Mayberry

Posted November 6, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: His Christmas Gift
Series: Montana Born Christmas
Author: Sarah Mayberry
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: November 2, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Since tragedy estranged defense attorney Jenna Macintosh from her family, she’s done her best to pretend Christmas doesn’t exist. Not so easy this year when she needs to work with client Lacey Gallagher, who is living on her brother Sawyer’s Christmas tree farm. All those fragrant pines dripping with twinkling lights are bad enough, but when disaster strikes, Jenna is stuck alone in a wooded cabin with Sawyer, the hottest man she’s ever met.

Experience has taught Sawyer Gallagher that smart city women like Jenna don’t want men like him, but when Jenna falls ill, he must abandon his plan to keep his distance and soon he’s trying to work out ways to make her his—and not just for Christmas.

Read on for my thoughts on His Christmas Gift. No true spoilers, promise.

Three Nights Before Christmas by Kat Latham

Posted November 6, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 1 Comment

Title: Three Nights Before Christmas
Series: Montana Born Christmas
Author: Kat Latham
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 25, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

After three years in prison, freight train engineer Lacey Gallagher doesn’t expect this Christmas to be very merry and bright. At least chopping down trees for her brother’s Christmas tree farm will help her save money to get her life back on track. All her plans derail, though, when her new job puts her in territory patrolled by the man who haunts her dreams—the forest ranger who sent her to prison.

Austin Wilder isn’t thrilled about Lacey working in his forest—but he soon realizes he needs her help. His family is depending on him to restore an old steam train for a spectacular Christmas event, and train expert Lacey is his only hope of finishing in time.

Working together challenges every assumption Lacey and Austin have about each other, and they discover a desire hot enough to melt even the deepest Montana snow. But will the season of second chances be enough to mend the most hardened broken heart?

Read on for my thoughts on Three Nights Before Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

2016 New To You Reading Challenge

Posted November 6, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

This Reading Challenge is simply for pure fun — and adventuring out beyond my own comfort zone in the genres that I don’t normally read.

I honestly don’t intend to get caught up in Challenge madness this year. The three Challenges that I’ve posted about this morning will probably be the only ones that I do this year. I have a better idea of my time limits going into this second year of book review blogging. I’m not super blogger by any means *grin* I wish.

The New To You Reading Challenge is simply reading an author that you’ve just discovered, or trying out a far different genre than you usually read. It’s simple, uncomplicated and just about anyone could do it.

So head over to the sign up page at The Herd Presents and check out the rules and suggestions. I’m going for Level 4 of 50 books. I believe I can master that, after all I’ve got an entire year. 🙂

2016 Blogger Shame Review Challenge

Posted November 6, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

This Reading Challenge is a bit different – but so needed.

As book reviewers who blog, we sometimes get overwhelmed with books that need to be read and reviewed – like yesterday. And sometimes books fall through the virtual cracks. Anna of The Herd Presents and herding cats & burning soup has come up with a solution. A fun way to challenge ourselves to get caught up, be accountable and do it in good company.

In the 2016 Blogger Shame Review Challenge we are asked to go through our bookshelves and e-readers in search of books we needed to review (for whatever purpose) — the ones that got left behind for some reason. You can click on that link above and go to the signup page with all the rules, suggestions and Mr. Linky.

I don’t have any official review copies that are old enough to qualify for this Challenge. BUT... I do have both paperbacks and ebooks that I purchased for the express purpose of reading and reviewing. It might have been a series I wanted to read or some new releases that got lost in getting the NetGalley deadlines met. It is vastly important to me to get my Kindle and bookshelves cleared out in 2016 to a more reasonable amount of reviews that I’d like to do. And of course there are going to be more books added in 2016 *sigh*.

If this sounds like a Challenge that is calling your name – head on over to the signup page and read all about this one.

UPDATE: Although Anna was gracious in allowing my non-arc idea to continue in this Challenge — I have reconsidered, and it really isn’t fair to ask her to let me do something that is not really, truly representative of her Challenge. I love Anna, she is a rock star blogger and I simply cannot do anything that is not within her guidelines. It was my choice to remove myself. I will tackle my overloaded bought to review books in another fashion..

Best of luck to everyone who has ARCs to catch up with. I just know everyone will be successful at this one.

2016 Pick Your Genre Reading Challenge

Posted November 6, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 1 Comment

I love the idea of Reading Challenges. In January of 2016 I will have been back to dedicated, daily book review blogging here at Keeper Bookshelf for one year. I know – still a babe at this really… but it’s been one solid, fun and exciting year.

I’m celebrating that year by being a bit more realistic about the Reading Challenges I join. It is so easy to get caught up and join left and right (I see you nodding) but for me it simply wasn’t realistic since I was learning so many new things this past year – it got a bit overwhelming and I didn’t do near as well as I had hoped to.

So, this year Anna of herding cats & burning soup has come up with a simply brilliant Reading Challenge. You pick what genre you want to read in this Challenge – it could be one category or it could be several. It’s all totally up to you and the best part… it’s all in one place. Now that is what I need.

From what I understand, Anna has two places where you can sign up for this Challenge. Since she is running all Challenges through her The Herd Presents website that is one link you can use to find out more and sign up. Or there is a signup post on her herding cats & burning soup website as well.

I have decided to enter four genres for this Reading Challenge – Contemporary, Paranormal, Historical & Erotic. But… I have a couple questions for Anna before I commit any further. And I will update this post when I have those answers. Sorry to be mysterious but I do want to know that something I have in mind is okay with Anna first… it is after all her Reading Challenge. 🙂

It’s not too early to think about your blogging plan for 2016 – and if that includes joining some Reading Challenges, this one might just be perfect for what you want to accomplish. So click on any of the links or graphics in this post – go over to Anna’s and read the rules on the signup page and simply plan to have some fun next year.

I’m looking forward to this. Thanks Anna!

Alphas Uncaged Bundle by Various Authors

Posted November 5, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Alphas Uncaged
Series:
Author: Various Authors
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: October 10, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Bear in Sight
Piper Alexander has a gift. At least that’s what her grandmother called it. But seeing into the future isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially because the visions she sees rarely come true. When she meets Noah Hunter, who looks remarkably like the man her grandmother predicted she would marry, it suddenly seems like maybe her grandmother was right. Maybe destiny does exist.

The Write Bear
Riley James has one assignment: help bestselling author Hudson Highland finish his latest book. She travels to his family home ready to help him tackle his writer’s block. The only problem is Hudson has been hiding out from the world and women.

For Bear or For Worse
Bear shifter Cole Maddox is used to getting everything he wants, especially when it comes to women. When members of sleuth start to have problems with their shifting abilities, the elders start to pressure him to find his mate to solidify his alpha line.

Lonely Wolf
Erica needed to get away from it all. Hiking and camping alone is a bad plan, though, and a dangerous mishap leaves her fearing for her life.
On the advice of his Omega, Brandon is taking a long hike in the woods, despite not being happy about doing so. A scream of terror leads him to Erica, who’s trapped in a dangerous situation.

Bear Tycoon
Everyone wants a piece of Luke. With his alpha temperament, dashing good looks, and a 9-digit bank account, he is among Boston’s most eligible bachelors. No one knows he is a bear shifter and he intends to keep it that way.

Bearly Breathing
Shy and curvy Breanna is used to being overlooked. Just weeks before the wedding, she runs away, knowing she can’t marry someone she doesn’t love. As she flees to her friend in Canada, she wrecks her car in the mountains. Rafe, the man who rescues her, is a bear-shifter wintering in his cabin. Snowed in together, the passion flares between them, and he soon realizes she is his mate.

A Mate For Bear
An Alpha Werebear Lord and an innocent, strong willed woman fighting for her survival.
Eldest daughter of her clan, curvy Annina fights a powerful enemy for her family’s survival. Complicated territory politics force the North American Bear Shifter Council to send an overlord to make the Seven Clans clean up their act.

Shades of a Shifter
Viola St. James is an ice-cold assassin by trade, who thought she was done with men. But when she meets her latest target, the handsome billionaire philanthropist Graham McCallum, she finds herself breaking her cardinal rule; never fall for your prey. Viola finds it hard to resist Graham’s powerful confidence and charming refinement. Little does she know behind Graham’s arresting gaze lies a dark secret.

Slice of Honeybear Pie
When Mina Brooks’ dreams of opening her own bakery go up in literal flames, she has no choice but to run. Bad men are after her and they won’t stop coming until she’s silenced for good. It’s hard to escape though when you roll your car off a mountain road and get tangled up with the local police. Trapped in jail with her enemies closing in, Mina is all but done for.

Promised
Wolf Shifter Kara Smith is on the run from her old pack. Her only goal – to escape the man she has been promised to and live on her own terms. The problem is that her chosen protector – the Alpha of the Colstone Wolf Pack – is sexy as hell, making her wolf sit up and pant, begging for a taste. Definitely not part of her plan.

Art of Cunning
Alexandra Kline has landed her dream job – curating her first art exhibition at the prestigious Halt Institute in the small English village of Crookshollow.

Read on for my thoughts on Alphas Uncaged. No true spoilers, promise.

Dangerous Games by Tess Diamond

Posted November 5, 2015 by Marsha in Mystery / 0 Comments

Title: Dangerous Games
Series: O’Connor and Kincaid #1
Author: Tess Diamond
Genre: Mystery, Thriller Romance
Published: November 5, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Author
Cover Description:

A thirteen year-old girl has been taken – and Special Agent Maggie Kincaid is the only one who can get her back.

When a Senator’s daughter goes missing, every minute counts. The FBI’s best hostage negotiator, Agent Kincaid, knows what it’s like to be a terrified victim. Kidnapped as a child, those memories haunt her every day – and give her an insight into the evil mind behind this deadly crime.

But the Senator’s family has other plans, and have brought in ex-forces security expert Jake O’Connor to oversee negotiations. He’s got secrets of his own, and doesn’t play by the same rule book. With time running out, Maggie and O’Connor will have to overcome their differences to keep this case from ending in tragedy.

Read on for my thoughts on Dangerous Games. No true spoilers, promise.

The Christmas Tree Ranch by Lorane Kaye

Posted November 4, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Christmas Tree Ranch
Series:
Author: Lorane Kaye
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 17, 2013
Publisher:
My Rating: 2 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Corrine Thomas desperately needed to make a change in her life, not only for herself, but for her beautiful eleven year son as well. Life in San Francisco had just gotten too complicated! Working in the mortgage banking business gave her the break she was looking for by way of a small foreclosed ranch in North Idaho—and what a lovely name it had—The Christmas Tree Ranch!

Cleveland Mitchell had always watched over and protected his baby sister per his mother’s dying request. And even though Bonnie was all grown up and married, he still felt responsible for her and he would be damned if he was going to let some dame from California waltz in and steal his sister’s land right out from under her!

Sparks flew the moment Corrine and Cleveland met in more ways than one! For her, seeing that tall, handsome cowboy in her front yard stirred something deep inside—until he started accusing her of stealing this ranch! For him, the moment he lay eyes on her he knew she was trouble. But was it trouble for heart or was it because she was standing in front of him with an old broom aimed directly at his head!

Read on for my thoughts on The Christmas Tree Ranch. No true spoilers, promise.

Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount by Anabelle Bryant

Posted November 3, 2015 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Title: Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount
Series: Regency Charms #3
Author: Anabelle Bryant
Genre: Regency Romance
Published: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Carina
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

When rules are made to be broken…

Viscount Kellaway may sound like a gentleman, but he doesn’t act like one. As far as Kell is concerned, drink, women and the wrong side of the law are much more attractive indulgences than could be found in polite society – much to the scandal of the ton.

With all of Brighton’s women to choose from, Kell has never settled for one – and his devilish good looks mean he’s never had to. But when he spies Angelica Curtis walking on the beach by moonlight, the living vision of a familiar dream, all that changes.

Suddenly, Kell finds himself craving the touch of a single woman…and it just so happens that the woman in question won’t have him! But if Kell’s bad ways have taught him anything, it’s that nothing is truly out of bounds.

Read on for my thoughts on Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount. No true spoilers, promise.

The Irresistible Rogue by Valerie Bowman

Posted November 3, 2015 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Title: The Irresistible Rogue
Series: Playful Brides #4
Author: Valerie Bowman
Genre: Regency Romance
Published: November 3, 2015
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Lady Daphne Swift comes from a family with two brothers who have proudly served the Crown. She may be a female, but she’s willing to do whatever it takes to prove that she’s as useful to the war effort as her brothers. She even went so far as to secretly marry a spy. The fact that she just happened to have been pining for Captain Rafe Cavendish for years didn’t hurt matters. But after their first mission, when she realized their marriage had been strictly business, Daphne immediately wanted an annulment. The fiery Daphne has always been a multi-tasker and now she’s hell bent on two things: finding the men who killed her brother and securing her engagement to another man to forget about Rafe forever.

As a spy for the War Office, Captain Rafferty Cavendish has been on dozens of missions. But one mission haunts him, the mission that resulted in the death of Daphne Swift’s eldest brother, Donald. Rafe agreed to work with Daphne once and put her life in danger. Now he must find the men who killed Donald, avenge the family, and convince Daphne to give him one more chance. But Daphne’s enlisted her other older brother, Julian, to help her get a quick and quiet annulment so that she can marry a fop who only wants her for her title and money. Can Rafe convince Daphne to give him one more chance, on the mission and win her heart?

Read on for my thoughts on The Irresistible Rogue. No true spoilers, promise.