The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake

Posted January 3, 2019 by Marsha in Regency Romance, Series / 0 Comments

For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her aging parents and the children of her siblings. Now, eager to make her own life, she takes a position as a governess on the neighboring estate. It shouldn’t matter that her absentee employer is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, the infamous rake who once broke her youthful heart. Surely he’s forgotten her, for he hasn’t set foot on his estate for fifteen years. At least, that is, until he arrives unexpectedly.

Max is incensed to meet his sister’s new governess. But why does Abby appear just as displeased to see him when it was she who’d rejected him all those years ago? Why is he so drawn to the independent spinster she has become? And why is there a sparkle in her beautiful blue eyes that suggests they might have a second chance at love?

Titles in the Unlikely Duchesses series include — The Duke I Once Knew –

Preorder Gems: Secret Millionaire for the Surrogate by Donna Alward

Posted January 1, 2019 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

Preorder Gems is a feature at Keeper Bookshelf to showcase those titles I wanted enough to preorder them instead of waiting to see if there is a special price during publication week. 🙂

The first day of 2019 saw Donna Alward’s Secret Millionaire for the Surrogate delivered to my Kindle. This one will be read in the next week, and cross-posted over to my Romance Is Ageless blog in about two weeks.

It’s wedding photographer Harper’s job to capture other people’s happy ever afters, but she doesn’t believe in one for herself. Until she meets ruggedly gorgeous best man Drew. Having offered to be a surrogate for her best friend, Harper tries to fight their instant chemistry, until Drew sneaks past her defenses. But she’s about to learn this extraordinary man has an extraordinary secret!

This is the second part of the duet, Marrying A Millionaire. I don’t know if there will be more but I’ve learned to never say never. I’m ready to dive into this one since I enjoyed Best Man for the Wedding Planner so much. (and yes, the cover is an affiliate link to Amazon)

Challenges for 2019

Posted December 31, 2018 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

I love seeing the new book related Challenges begin to show up around the beginning of December. It usually gets me revved up for the coming year – but come June I’m shaking my head at myself and wondering how to get caught up on them. It’s not that I don’t read the books for any of the Challenges I joined in back in December… it’s that I didn’t keep up with the link to the Linky thing, or update my Challenge post (or page). Life happens and I give up trying to keep track. Please tell me I’m not alone in this! Please.

This year I’m going to divide and conquer those Challenges in a different fashion.

As some of you may know, Keeper Bookshelf is my main book review/book-related blog. But it’s not the only blog I work on each week (or day, sometimes). I have several other genres specific blogs that are smaller, by definition, but they showcase my other reading loves. When I’m in the mood for a new book to pick up I visit the blogs that I know of that specifically talk about those books. Often in a wide general fashion like Romance or Mystery… but still specific to what I’m in the mood for. (If you’d like to visit any of my other blogs the links are in the sidebar.)

This year my accepted Challenges are going to be talked about on and linked to the specific blog of mine that they most are relevant to… and perhaps ensure that I actually officially finish these Challenges this time around.

Stacking the Shelves (#7)

Posted December 29, 2018 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 5 Comments

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Reading Reality. If you’d like to take part simply click on those links or the graphic to discover what this fun event is all about.

Revisiting ~ Wild Man by Kristen Ashley

Posted December 28, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

While filling the display case in her bakery, the bell over the door sounds and Tessa O’Hara looks up to see the man of her dreams. Within thirty seconds he asks her out for a beer. But after four months of dating, she discovers he’s an undercover DEA agent-and he’s investigating her possible role in her ex-husband’s drug business. For Tess, this means their relationship is over.

Brock disagrees. He’s committed to his anti-drug mission, but he’s fallen in love with the beautiful woman who’s as sweet as her cupcakes-and he’ll do anything to win her back. Standing between Tess and Brock are their own exes, one of them a drug lord who’s determined to get what he wants. Now as danger threatens, can Brock break the rules he’s lived by and let loose his wild side to protect the woman he loves?

Titles in The Dream Man series include — Mystery Man – Wild Man – Law Man – Motorcycle Man –

The Dream Man series also has connections with the Rock Chick and Chaos series. For further information about titles in these amazing series and more please visit the Kristen Ashley page.

As part of a new feature here at Keeper Bookshelf, I’m taking a look back each Friday at a series that I’ve absolutely loved and continue to re-read to this day … that Keeper in my blog’s name refers to the books that stay on a keeper shelf to be re-read at my pleasure. I’m calling this new feature Revisiting A Series or simply Revisiting. I hope you’ll enjoy this look back, and maybe find some authors or titles that you’ve yet to discover. Enjoy. ?

Can’t Wait Wednesday – I Need This Book Now! #2

Posted December 26, 2018 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

When I began blogging years ago, there was an awesome weekly book blogging event called ‘Waiting on Wednesday’ that gave me so many amazing book ideas and authors that I’d never read yet to look up. Sadly, WoW is no longer being hosted by Breaking the Spine, so I let that weekly event fall by the side.

Recently I discovered that Tressa at Wishful Endings has picked up the mantle with Can’t Wait Wednesday. So let’s get started and find some amazing new books to read at:

My reading tastes are quite varied. I love Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance and Mysteries… for the most part but I’m always up to try something new.

This last week of 2018 I’m waiting for a Paranormal Romance title by Terry Spear. “You Had Me At Jaguar” is the first title in the sub-series entitled Heart of the Shifter. It’s not due out until February 26, 2019, but I can wait, impatiently, for that long. I have loved every title in Ms. Spear’s various series, and since this one starts a new one I’m even more intrigued to discover it’s secrets.

They’re not the only ones on the prowl…but they’re the most dangerous…

The United Shifter Force gives jaguar agent Howard Armstrong an impossible task—to protect fierce she-jaguar Valerie Chambers, when the last thing she wants is protecting. They’re going international to take down a killer and he can guard Valerie all day long. But guard his heart? He doesn’t stand a chance.

Yeah. That cover alone has me itching to get my hands on this book. I love a good Shifter Paranormal Romance, and Terry Spear always delivers. So, can’t wait.

What’s on your Can’t Wait List?

Merry Christmas!

Posted December 25, 2018 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 3 Comments

I hope all your Christmas wishes came true, but more importantly that you are surrounded by those you love today and every other day of the year.

Weekly Wrap-Up and the Sunday Post #1 ~ Merry Christmas Week Book Lovers!

Posted December 23, 2018 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 2 Comments

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a place where we can share news, showoff that book haul or just get caught up on what’s happening on our blogs and/or our lives… we do have a life away from the keyboard, right? Just checking, sometimes I wonder about myself. 🙂

If you’d like to join in or just figure what this is all about click on either the “Sunday Post” graphic or the link above.

Revisiting ~ Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley

Posted December 21, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Series / 0 Comments

Night time is the right time…

Gwendolyn Kidd has met the man of her dreams. He’s hot, he’s sexy, and what started as a no-names-exchanged night of passion has blossomed into a year and a half-long pleasure fest. Sure, it’s a little strange that he only appears in her bed at night, but Gwen is so sure he’s the one, she just can’t turn him away…

Hawk Delgado knows more about Gwen than she could ever imagine. She’s gorgeous, headstrong, and skittish about relationships. But Hawk is facing his own demons, demons that keep him from connecting with anyone. Yet when Gwen is drawn into Denver’s lethal underground scene, Hawk’s protective nature comes out full force. The problem is, when Gwen gets a dose of Hawk’s Alpha attitude in the daylight, she’s not so sure he’s the one anymore….

Titles in The Dream Man series include: Mystery Man – Wild Man – Law Man – Motorcycle Man –

The Dream Man series also has connections with the Rock Chick and Chaos series. For further information about titles in these amazing series and more please visit the Kristen Ashley page.

2019 Bookish Resolutions Challenge

Posted December 21, 2018 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 2 Comments

I decided to get involved in the 2019 Bookish Resolutions Challenge this year because there are behind the scene things for the blog(s) that I really want to accomplish in the coming year. Honestly, I’m banking on publically announcing my intentions to the world at large will motivate me to do some butt kicking around here.

Because this Challenge is a year-long event the goals have to be a longer vision. It’s too easy to say that I’ll read five books in January… but what about the rest of the year? See my point? Think long term for this one.

So here is my list of things I want to accomplish for the blog(s) in 2019. Listed in no particular importance level, simply as I’ve thought about them for this list. (I may add a few over the year, but that’s between me and my notebooks) 🙂

Once Upon a Romance by Alex Bailey

Posted December 19, 2018 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Christmas. Disney. Romance. No greater magic.

When Sophie’s eight-year-old niece, Ariel, asks Santa Claus for a single wish to honor her mom’s memory, Sophie knows she must grant it. Unfortunately for Sophie, Ariel’s wish is to ride her mom’s favorite ride on Christmas day, and it’s at the last place on earth Sophie wants to visit—Walt Disney World. It will be the first Christmas without her sister, and reliving childhood memories of her best friend is not how she wants to spend her holiday. Sophie’s only desire is to spend Christmas on the slopes with her reliable and stable beau, Darren, who has reluctantly agreed to postpone their trip until the day after Christmas.

But when Sophie runs into a charming stranger, who offers up his extensive Disney knowledge, he instantly becomes her hero. A wave of relief washes over Sophie—he may just be the one to give Ariel the magical experience she desires. And, even though Sophie doesn’t realize it, he may be exactly what she needs too.

Can a bit of Christmas magic help this ruggedly-attractive stranger win Sophie’s heart when she believes it already belongs to Darren? And will Sophie continue to allow her painful past to haunt her, or will she let it go?

Titles in the A Dream Come True series include: Once Upon A Romance –

Blackberry Cove by Roxanne Snopek

Posted December 18, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Amid the wildly beautiful beaches of Sunset Bay, Oregon, lies Sanctuary Ranch, a refuge for strays, both human and animal. A place where love and healing go hand-in-hand . . .

When journalist Jonathan Byers leaves L.A. with his career in tatters, he heads to Sanctuary Ranch, determined to settle some of his personal affairs by putting his aging father in a seniors’ home. But his father stubbornly refuses to leave his secluded retreat–and has even rallied Sanctuary Ranch’s beautiful gardener to his cause. Something about sexy, mysterious Abby Warren piques the rugged reporter’s investigative instincts–and his interest–luring Jonathan to stay a little longer . . .

Having found her own healing at Sanctuary Ranch, Abby knows Jonathan’s hard-headedness hides a wound that needs mending. Believing a time-out in nature will help father and son see eye-to-eye, she welcomes Jonathan into the only haven she has ever known. But Abby never expects to find herself so drawn to him–or that he will uncover devastating secrets she’d hoped to keep long buried. Will their deepening connection be enough to steer them through the darkness ahead, and toward a bright future for everyone?

Titles in the Sunset Bay series include: Sunset Bay Sanctuary – Driftwood Creek – Blackberry Cove –

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson

Posted December 18, 2018 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Modern Western Romance, Series / 0 Comments

When bullfighter Tucker McGrath’s mom suffers a minor heart attack just before Christmas, he decides it’s time to redeem himself from the Ghost of Christmas Failures Past. Knowing how much his mom loves the town’s annual Christmas pageant, he agrees to take her place as director even though he has zero experience wrangling kids. That’s not the only complication with taking on the pageant, either. There’s also the tempting but off limits local music teacher Kenna Hart.

A year after her husband’s scandalous betrayal and their divorce, Kenna is doing her best to move forward and give her two boys a magical Christmas. When she volunteers to help with the pageant, she doesn’t expect to reconnect with her old high school heartthrob. Tucker McGrath has always been Mr. No-Strings-Attached, so he’s definitely not one to fall for…or is he? The more time she spends with him, the more Kenna realizes Tucker has changed. And now he might just be the cowboy who can make all of her Christmas wishes come true.

Titles in the Rocky Mountain Riders series include: Hometown Cowboy – Comeback Cowboy – Renegade Cowboy – True Blue Cowboy – Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas novella –

Home to Wind River by Lindsay McKenna

Posted December 18, 2018 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Modern Western Romance, Series / 0 Comments

For some, love is the only medicine . . .

After a harrowing tour of duty in Afghanistan, Army nurse Lily Thompson escapes to Wind River Ranch to find herself once more. Working as a caregiver to foreman Jake Murdoch’s elderly mother, Lily almost feels at peace—except for the unsettling presence of Jake, a tight-lipped, intimidating man everyone calls Bear. But one look in the powerful ex-Marine’s eyes and Lily glimpses a vulnerability that shakes her soul: a hurt she understands all too well—and longs to heal . . .

Jake is ready to rail at the fates when Lily moves into his home. Everything about this captivating woman calls to him, demanding that he abandon his solitary stance and start to live again. But Jake is a man who knows that no one can save him from the past that stalks his heart and mind. Not even sweet, achingly beautiful Lily. Still, that doesn’t stop his longing to pull her into his arms—and keep her there forever. Will time, and patience, bring them the courage to make their connection real?

Titles in the Wind River Valley series include: Wind River Wrangler – Wind River Rancher – Wind River Cowboy – Wrangler’s Challenge – Lone Rider – Wind River Lawman – Home to Wind River – Wind River Protector –

What a Widow Wants by Jenna Jaxon

Posted December 18, 2018 by Marsha in Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Fanny, the widowed Lady Tarkington, has finished mourning her cad of a husband and is ready to enjoy her freedom. The kind of freedom neither a gently bred miss nor a close-watched wife is permitted: dressing up as Aphrodite for a masquerade, drawing gentlemen away from the party, and hinting at late-night assignations with her dance partners. All is going pleasurably according to plan—until the Roman warrior Fanny kisses during a masque turns out to be Matthew, Lord Lathbury, whose proposal she refused years ago.

Lathbury is charming, passionate, inventive, everything Fanny wants in a lover—but unfortunately, he’s on the hunt for a wife. He’s more than willing to use all his wicked skills to persuade her back to the altar, but he can’t wait forever. And now Fanny’s position is more precarious than she once thought. If the tongues of the ton set to wagging, it’s possible no offer in the world will save her from ruin. But does she want to be saved?

Titles in The Widow’s Club series include: To Woo A Wicked Widow – Wedding the Widow – What A Widow Wants