Category: This one’s a Keeper

Review: What A Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling

Posted February 17, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: What A Devilish Duke Desires
Series: The Sinful Scoundrels (book 3)
Author: Vicky Dreiling
Genre: Historical Romance
Published: February 24, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

WILL A FEW FLIRTATIOUS STEPS

Harry Norcliffe never wanted to inherit his beloved uncle’s title. The rigidity of the ton, the incessant reminders from his marriage-minded mama that he must settle down with a highborn lady and produce an heir and a spare: it’s all such a dreadful bore. So when his mother asks him to take part in a dancing competition, he patently refuses. The last thing he needs is another chore . . . until a beautiful, brilliant, delightfully tempting maid makes him rethink his position.

LEAD TO A SCANDALOUS SEDUCTION?

Most women would be over the moon to be pursued by a wickedly handsome—not to mention wealthy—duke like Norcliffe. But Lucy will not be any man’s trophy. She could use a friend, though, and what begins innocently soon ignites into desire. As Lucy tries to resist Harry’s scorching kisses, he makes an utterly irresistible offer. Enter the dance contest with him, and win a prize that could change her life forever . . . if falling in love doesn’t change it first.

Read on for my thoughts on What A Devilish Duke Desires. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Of Shadow & Stone by Michelle Muto

Posted February 17, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Of Shadow & Stone
Series:
Author: Michelle Muto
Genre: Paranormal
Published: February 24, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Gargoyles were created centuries ago to protect mankind, but something went horribly wrong. Now only the sentinel—a mortal chosen to control the stone beasts—stands between them and their human prey.

When the latest sentinel is killed, Kate Mercer is destined to take his place. But Kate has enough going on in her life—like a skyrocketing film career, a delusional ex-boyfriend, and a crazed stalker who will stop at nothing to get to her. But the powers that be have decided, and Kate is transported to Shadow Wood, a mysterious castle that serves as a sanctuary for the supernatural. Although beautiful, Shadow Wood is no safe place for a mere mortal. Yet Kate is drawn not only to the gargoyles but also to Ian McGuire, a charming novelist who might be in the greatest danger of all.

As Kate decides whether to accept the most perilous role of her life, she discovers there are more secrets than answers within the castle’s walls. Her survival and Ian’s depend on her ability to master the gargoyles before time runs out. Is fate really cast in stone?

Read on for my thoughts on Of Shadow & Stone.

2015 New Release Challenge

Posted February 15, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

New-Release-Challenge-450x450 Lexxie Oh Lexxie, Lexxie – I swore no more Challenges.

Okay, one more but that’s it. (roll eyes) Yeah. Right.

So, there is this New Release Challenge going on that Lexxie from (un)Conventional Bookviews and Stormi from Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! are co-hosting. Pretty simple Challenge. Read certain levels of new novels released in 2015 – and what got me to join in was the mention of the NetGalley Challenge… what the heck, I might as well combine them, I’m going to be reading them anyway. 🙂

Here are the basic rules (from Lexxie’s page):

The rules for the 2015 New Release Challenge are simple:

Books has to be read and reviewed in 2015, and the book has to be released in 2015
Other challenges can be used as well, if you are participating in the Netgalley / Edelweiss challenge or in the COYER challenge, books can count towards more than one challenge, as long as the ones you use for the 2015 New Release Reading Challenge qualify to the first rule.
The minimum length for a book to qualify is 130 pages, it can be in any format though, physical, e-book, ARC or audiobook.
The New Book Release Challenge is open from January 1st through December 31st 2015, and sign-ups are open until March 15th.

There are four levels in the New Release Challenge:

1-15 books per year – New Release Newbie
16-30 books per year – New Release Pro
31-45 books per year – New Release Veteran
+45 books per year – New Release Enthusiast

I’m heading for New Release Veteran – I “think” I could do more, but not 100% sure so I’m hedging my bet here. If I do more great if not… next year. Muhahahaha.

So, what are you waiting for go here now:

2015 New Release Challenge Sign-up Page

Review: What A Wallflower Wants by Maya Rodale

Posted February 15, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: What a Wallflower Wants
Series: Wallflower (book 3)
Author: Maya Rodale
Genre: Historical Romance
Published: September 30, 2014
Source: own, given to me by a friend

Story Blurb:

Miss Prudence Merryweather Payton has a secret.

Everyone knows that she’s the only graduate from her finishing school to remain unwed on her fourth season—but no one knows why. With her romantic illusions shattered after being compromised against her will, Prudence accepts a proposal even though her betrothed is not exactly a knight in shining armor. When he cowardly pushes her out of their stagecoach to divert a highwayman, she vows never to trust another man again.

John Roark, Viscount Castleton, is nobody’s hero.

He’s a blue-eyed charmer with a mysterious past and ambitious plans for his future—that do not include a wife. When he finds himself stranded at a country inn with a captivating young woman, a delicate dance of seduction ensues. He knows he should keep his distance. And he definitely shouldn’t start falling in love with her.

When Prudence’s dark past comes back to haunt her, John must protect her—even though he risks revealing his own secrets that could destroy his future.

**I feel I must be very clear right now. This novel, and therefore, this review deals with the aftermath of rape. In the novel, the despicable action is presented in a brief way (as in non-graphic) – but Pru’s life since and her recovery from the rape during this novel must be addressed now. This may be a trigger for some readers – I apologize and ask that you read no further. Just as I feel it was a gutsy move for the author to write about this subject – I also feel the need to give my thoughts on this novel.**

Read on for my thoughts on What a Wallflower Wants.

Review: The One by Belle Ami

Posted February 15, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

The One Belle Ami Title: The One
Series: The Only One
Author: Belle Ami
Genre: Romance
Published: February 10, 2015
Source: Net Galley

Story Blurb:

How well do you really know the one you love? An erotic novel full of obsessive love, dark secrets, and unquenchable lust, Belle Ami’s The One proves that no one is quite who they seem.

Adelia, a rising star in the equestrian world, is still reeling from her parents’ deaths in a tragic car accident when she meets green energy investment banker Miles Bremen and his charming yet inscrutable twin sister, Karolin. With his insatiable lust, Miles ignites a passion within Adelia she never knew existed, and the two quickly find themselves entwined in a torrid affair that knows no bounds. Little does Adelia know, however, that her meeting of the Bremen twins was no accident. Carefully selected as “the one” for her unsettling resemblance to the emotionally and physically damaged Karolin, Adelia is targeted to marry Miles and bear the children that Karolin cannot have.

The One is a razor edge mystery that enfolds on the playgrounds of the super rich, from Trump Tower to the Hamptons and Palm Beach; to the Amalfi Coast aboard Miles’s mega-yacht Green Way, The One is irresistible as the reader is drawn into Adelia’s journey through a suspenseful – and erotic world. An edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave readers breathless in more ways than one, The One is an irresistible journey through—new territory that fans of romantic fiction are bound to love.

*I received an e-ARC of The One from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Usually at this spot I would send you on to the next page. Trust me, we won’t be here that long. Normally I do not publish negative reviews… and this isn’t so much a negative one as a “what just happened” review. There will be those readers who think this is an awesome novel. It wasn’t – not for me. Maybe for you, but it just didn’t do it for me. The only reason that I’m doing this review is for what the next book might bring us that would turn this into a good series with a rocky start. Remember, folks, this is my opinion – not a bash the author thing.

Everything you need to know is up in the story blurb. If that blurb had been fleshed out it would have been a really sexy, interesting read. In my opinion, it wasn’t. We already know that the twins had planned to draw Adelia into their nasty web. We already know that Miles is just a bit too close to his twin since he agreed to this scheme of hers. And Karolin just comes off as a bitch in the blurb and more so in the novel. Adelia is sweet, innocent and vulnerable – the saddest part was that this lovely woman was taken in by the twins. The only possible save I can see for the series is bringing David in to truly save Adelia and be the hero of the entire series. But… I’m not sure that will happen.

IF I can find and be approved for the second book through NetGalley – I’d read it, just to see if I was totally wrong in my thoughts on this one. But I certainly won’t spend money to find out.

It could have been amazing – instead it was just, meh.

Review: Marked by Sarah Fine

Posted February 14, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Marked Title: Marked
Series: Servants of Fate
Author: Sarah Fine
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Published: January 1, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

In a broken landscape carved by environmental collapse, Boston paramedic Cacia Ferry risks life and limb on the front lines of a fragile and dangerous city. What most don’t know—including her sexy new partner, Eli Margolis—is that while Cacy works to save lives, she has another job ferrying the dead to the Afterlife. Once humans are “Marked” by Fate, the powerful Ferrys are called to escort the vulnerable souls to either eternal bliss or unending fire and pain.

Unaware of Cacy’s other life, Eli finds himself as mesmerized by his fierce and beautiful partner as he is mistrustful of the influential Ferry clan led by the Charon—who happens to be Cacy’s father. Cacy, in turn, can no longer deny her intense attraction to the mysterious ex-Ranger with a haunted past. But just as their relationship heats up, an apparent hit takes the Charon before his time. Shaken to the core, Cacy pursues the rogue element who has seized the reins of Fate, only to discover that Eli has a devastating secret of his own. Not knowing whom to trust, what will Cacy have to sacrifice to protect Eli—and to make sure humanity’s future is secure?

*I received an e-ARC of Marked from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Read on for my thoughts on Marked. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Enchanter’s Echo by Anise Rae

Posted February 13, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Enchanter's Echo Title: Enchanter’s Echo
Series: Mayflower Mages Book 2
Author: Anise Rae
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Published: February 17, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Aurora Firenze lives a quiet life hiding in a junkyard. Her repair shop is the last hope for gadgets and gizmos before they get tossed onto the trash towers. Fortunately, Aurora can fix almost anything, including mages, though repairing people with metal enchantments is highly illegal.

Edmund Rallis, heir to the Rallis senate seat, has spent months hunting down his errant enchantress. He’ll play every game he knows to win her back and entice her to share the secrets she hides. But he’s inadvertently put her on the frontlines of a new game, one with an opponent who’s determined to destroy Rallis Territory and drive the Republic toward war. If the new enemy isn’t stopped in time, Edmund will lose his enchantress again—and this time there won’t be another chance.

*I received an e-ARC of Enchanter’s Echo from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Enchanter’s Echo is the second book in the Mayflower Mages series. The first was Syphon’s Song.

Read on for my thoughts on Enchenter’s Echo. No true spoilers, promise.

Feature & Follow #5

Posted February 13, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 20 Comments

FeatureFollowParaAlison Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers — but you have to know — the point of this hop is to follow other bloggers also. I follow you, you follow me.

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts,Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!

The two Feature blogs this week are; The Macabre Masquerade and Rabbit Ears Book Blog

This weeks Question:

Do you use the # FF on twitter on Fridays? If you do, are you afraid you’ll forget someone and they’ll be sad?

My Answer:

I am not on Twitter – yet. I know, I know. I have been working on this blog to get it into shape. I have a list of things I still have to do, but Twitter has not been on the top of that list. Well, it is almost the weekend, so I guess it’s time to get that to-do list finished up!

Now it’s time to get following – hope you find awesome new blogs today.

Because this blog cannot use GFC – I prefer Bloglovin’ please.

Review: Cinderella and the Ghost by Marina Myles

Posted February 12, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Cinderella and the Ghost
Series: The Cursed Princes (Book 6)
Author: Marina Myles
Genre: Romance, Paranormal
Published: February 17, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

When her demanding stepmother died, Ella Benoit knew just how far their fortunes had fallen, unlike her spoiled stepsisters. So she never expected the bequest from her late father. A chateau in France and the freedom to live her own life, all at once!

The chateau has seen better days, but Ella knows she can put the ruined house to rights. The life-size portrait of its first owner, Jean-Daniel Girard, seems to watch her work with approval, even pleasure. With bright blue eyes, strong features, and an athlete’s body, the viscount is a tempting sight even now, more than three hundred years after his tragic death. But the more she looks at the portrait, the more convinced Ella is that she’s met Jean-Daniel before. In another life, perhaps—or maybe, as the form who haunts the halls at night, invading Ella’s dreams…

*I received an e-ARC of Cinderella and the Ghost from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Read on for my thoughts on Cinderella and the Ghost. No true spoilers, promise.

I absolutely loved Cinderella and the Ghost. Some might call it a retelling novel, but it was so much more than just putting Cinderella in a different time period. I find I really don’t want to tell too much of this story. You have the blurb above to give you the basic premise – after that I’d love for you to just dive into it.

The author, Marina Myles, has managed to bring us to an amazing woman, Ella in the present time… and pair her up with a handsome ghost who needs a bit of help in order to claim his lady-love.

The journey for Jean-Daniel and Ella to finally get to their happily ever after is as simple as falling in love – and as complicated as time travel. The blending of a contemporary love story with a time travel epic, mixed liberally with a haunting ghost story is simply amazing. Oh, don’t forget to toss the step-sisters (please toss the step-sisters down a staircase)!

Not everyone is going to enjoy every novel. Some will want just a historical romance, others will be content with a modern day telling and others will go wild for the possibility of time traveling. No matter which genre you enjoy the most, please give Cinderella and the Ghost a chance to win your heart. I do not think you’ll be disappointed.

I would recommend this one to anyone who just wants to fall in love.

Review: Black Wolf’s Revenge by Tera Shanley

Posted February 12, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Black Wolf's Revenge
Title: Black Wolf’s Revenge (book 2)
Series: Silver Wolf Clan
Author: Tera Shanley
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Published: February 17, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Morgan Carter witnessed her sister’s murder, has been turned into a werewolf and is now raising her young niece. Then her fiance, Greyson Crawford, proves he wants to be with her for the wrong reasons, and she knows her life couldn’t be any stranger. Devastated, she retreats to her cozy house in the city with her sister’s little girl, Lana. There, they’ll have normalcy, and maybe eventually, even happiness.

But Morgan’s the only living silver wolf. Her uniqueness—the ability to produce werewolf offspring—means, without Grey’s protection, she’s unknowingly put herself and Lana in deadly danger. Other werewolves want to claim her for their pack, and she’s the easiest, most tempting prey ever.

When they strike, Grey has to find her and rescue her before it’s too late. Not so simple a task; he has only the uncontrollable beast inside him, Wolf, and an unlikely pack of allies he’s forced to rely on. Can he get to her in time? And if he does, can he convince her he’s there for the right reasons, saving them both?

*I received an e-ARC of Black Wolf’s Revenge from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Read on for my thoughts on Black Wolf’s Revenge. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Die For Me by Cynthia Eden

Posted February 11, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

She thought her fiance was the perfect man—until he turned out to be the perfect killer…

Title: Die For Me
Series:
Author: Cynthia Eden
Genre: Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Published: February 12,2013
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Katherine Cole is running for her life, desperate to escape the Valentine Killer—so-called because he stabs his victims through the heart and leaves them holding a telltale single red rose. Still he tracks her to New Orleans and begins carving a bloody path to her door. But this time, Katherine refuses to run any farther. This time, she’ll do anything to stop the madman she once loved, even trust the sexy cop promising to keep her safe…

Detective Dane Black never lets his emotions interfere with his job, even as the Valentine Killer surfaces in New Orleans to stalk his prey. But when Dane agrees to protect the killer’s ex-fiancee, Katherine Cole, he can’t ignore the passion kindling between them. After a single unforgettable night binds them body and soul, Dane knows he won’t rest until Katherine is safe in his arms—and the Valentine Killer is dead. Dark and intensely sexy, this romantic suspense novel from USA Today bestselling author Cynthia Eden is sure to leave readers breathless.

*I received an e-ARC of Die For Me from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange
for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

I can’t imagine how it would feel to love a man enough to be ready to marry him, only to discover that he is killing other women.

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

Waiting on Wednesday #4

Posted February 11, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 12 Comments

“Waiting on” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I’m waiting for the second installment of Silver Wolf Clan to be released next week.

Black Wolf's Revenge Morgan Carter witnessed her sister’s murder, has been turned into a werewolf and is now raising her young niece. Then her fiance, Greyson Crawford, proves he wants to be with her for the wrong reasons, and she knows her life couldn’t be any stranger. Devastated, she retreats to her cozy house in the city with her sister’s little girl, Lana. There, they’ll have normalcy, and maybe eventually, even happiness.

I love a good werewolf story. How about you? What are you dying to get your hands on soon?

Teaser Tuesday #4

Posted February 10, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 6 Comments

teaser tuesday One of the fun parts of taking part in blog hops (aside from getting to visit new to me blogs) is finding great ways to interact with other book lovers. This is one:

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

(I know, it’s longer than two sentences – but it’s so worth it Forgive this one? 😉 )

And then he frowned , because there was no pulsing warmth oozing now. No sticky residue on his skin. His fingers probed, and then he bowed his head, staring at his bared chest. His clean bared chest.

No blood . No wound. He blinked, pressing both hands to his chest now, moving them, pressing again, searching for the bullet hole. It had seemed gaping before. Maybe it was just smaller than it seemed.

“There’s nothing there, Duncan ,” Arianna said. “You died. Right there on the floor. We cleaned you up, and put you on the couch. In less than an hour the wound healed and you revivified . You’re alive now, and there’s no hole in your chest because you’re immortal.”

He gaped at her, then stared up at Raven. “I know it’s shocking the first time,” she whispered. “I know how difficult this is for you to believe. But, Duncan, we didn’t mean to. Arianna was aiming at me–”

“Oh, but this is so much better. Really drives the point home.”

Shayne, Maggie (2013-01-10). Eternity: Immortal Witches Book 1 (The Immortal Witches) (pp. 297-298). . Kindle Edition.

This is the novel the tease is from:

Eternity MShayne Three hundred years ago, Raven St. James was accused of witchcraft… Only one man tried to free her from the hangman’s noose–Duncan, the town minister, who died trying to save her. Three hundred years later, the accused witch still lives and longs for her love… At last, after centuries of loneliness, Raven has found her precious Duncan. But as he awakens to the passion of his past life, so too does the evil that tore them apart. Now Raven and Duncan must prove their love for all eternity…

Review: Moonbound by Sylvia Frost

Posted February 9, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Moonbound
Series: Moonfate Serial (book 1)
Author: Sylvia Frost
Genre: Paranormal
Published: September 27, 2014
Source: own – ebook

Story Blurb:

When werebeasts emerged from extinction to attack her family, Artemis Williams ran. From the Federal Bureau of Supernatural Investigation, her nightmares, and most of all her future as the mate of a werewolf. But after seven years of false alarms, Artemis decides to return home.

Unfortunately, that’s when destiny catches up to her and invades her dreams in the form of a dangerously sexy arctic werewolf. Her mate. He can set her curvy body on fire with a single look, claim her soul with a touch and Artemis knows it’s only a matter of time until he hunts her down in reality, too.

But he’s not the only monster lurking in the darkness…

Serials are a fun way to get a relatively short reading fix – always with a cliffhanger – and more to the story yet to come, usually installments a few months apart. Long enough to wait impatiently, short enough to keep the ongoing story interesting… and the reader wanting to know more about that world.

Read on for my thoughts on Moonbound. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The Lady Vanishes by Nichole Camden

Posted February 9, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

When a magician is after your heart is it a trick? Or the experience of a lifetime? Can love thrive in spite of tricks?

Title: The Lady Vanishes
Series: The Billionaire Tricksters of Boston (Book 1)
Author: Nicole Camden
Genre: Erotica, Adult
Published: February 9, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

The first in a brand-new series by erotic romance sensation Nicole Camden, featuring sexy magicians and ladies whose desires tempt them ever deeper into a world they don’t quite understand…

Billionaire tech genius and inventor Milton Shaw never had life easy. Growing up in the foster system, his only escape was into the world of magic, studying Houdini and perfecting the art of sleight of hand. Too smart to fit in, and isolated from his peers, he vowed that one day he would be so powerful that no one could touch him.

Stern doctor Regina Gallows hates nothing more than attention and trickery. In fact, she went into science to feel in control of her world. Yet when her work brings her into contact with the sexy tech superstar Milton Shaw, she finds her body warring with her idealism…and her desires shifting from unlocking the magician’s secrets to unlocking his heart.

*I received an e-ARC of The Lady Vanishes from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange
for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Read on for my thoughts on The Lady Vanishes. No true spoilers, promise.