FDA Has Approved A Drug To Treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Posted December 23, 2016 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 4 Comments

I do not normally put a lot of my personal life on this blog – it’s all about the books. But right now I need to make an exception to that rule.

You see my son, who is 36, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy – if you’ve ever watched the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon in the past, SMA is one of those diseases..

On December 23, 2016 (hours ago) the FDA approved Spinraza as a treatment drug for patients of all ages who suffer with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. What that means to us out here in the world is a drug that will be taken every day for the rest of the patient’s life… that has the ability to reverse the affects of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It’s a treatment. Is it a cure? Depends on your interpretation of that word… to me the answer is YES.

For millions of people around the world – today is a very, very good day.

I’ve never sobbed such happy tears in my life as I am right now, even as I’m writing this.

Here is a link to the breaking news announcement that explains just why we’re so excited about this… FDA Approves Spinraza for SMA

I do not have adequate words to express my emotions right now. Unbelievable joy and thankfulness is as close as I can get.

The Montana Bride by Jeannie Watt

Posted December 22, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: The Montana Bride
Series: Marvells of Montana #1
Author: Jeannie Watt
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: December 13, 2016 – ORIGINAL under different title September 15, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

After a decade away, Jacie Rose has returned with her daughter to Sweetheart to renovate a historic hotel…and to lay some ghosts to rest. She knows she’ll have to confront mistakes she made in the past, but she didn’t expect to be living right next door to the guy she once asked to be her husband.

When Brett Starr was approached ten years ago by Jacie Rose with the wild scheme of marrying her to help her out of a jam, his white knight instincts kicked in and he agreed to be her emergency groom. The only problem was that the bride didn’t show up for the wedding. How’s he supposed to get used to seeing the woman he’s never forgotten every day now that she’s his neighbor?

Determined to provide the secure home life for her daughter that she never had, Jacie is not about to bring a man into her life—even one that she sometimes thinks should have been there all along. But Brett and Jacie soon discover the spark between them is even stronger than before… Now that their paths have crossed again, will they lead them back to the wedding that almost was?

Titles in this series include: The Montana Bride – The Christmas Secret – Catch Me, Cowboy

Seducing The Bachelor by Sinclair Jayne

Posted December 21, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Seducing The Bachelor
Series: The Wilder Brothers #1 and The Bachelor Auction Returns #3
Author: Sinclair Jayne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 19, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Own Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

Single mom and veterinary student Talon Reese thinks she is volunteering her time, not her heart or her body, for Marietta Montana’s second annual Bachelor Auction. But when Bachelor number 3 hits the stage, igniting every hormone she forgot she possessed, she’s questioning her vow of no more men. With a man this drool worthy, some fun doesn’t have to be off the table, even if she’s not looking for a relationship.

Special Forces sniper Colt Ewing blew out of Marietta on graduation day and never looked back, until his former football coach asked for his help. Standing on the auction block is a tough mission for Colt until he meets his winning bidder, a woman who’s as warm and friendly as he is aloof and silent. All night her mouth has been creating sexual fantasies, so when she opens it to boldly proposition him, there’s no way in hell he’s going to say no.

But as Colt and Talon burn up the sheets, he begins to forget why he hates this town, and Talon wonders if she can learn to trust enough to fall in love. But will that be enough to convince him to stay?

Titles in this series include: Seducing The Bachelor – Want Me, Cowboy – The Christmas Challenge (THE WILDER BROTHERS – Tule often has titles in more than one series or grouping… this title is also part of the BACHELOR AUCTION RETURNS series which includes these titles: Bachelor for Hire by Charlene Sands – Falling for Her Bachelor by Robin Bielman – Seducing the Bachelor by Sinclair Jayne – Weekend with Her Bachelor by Jeannie Moon

NetGalley Wrap Up For 2016

Posted December 13, 2016 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 2 Comments

…and… that’s a wrap.

The last of the reviews I’d committed to for 2016 from NetGalley has been published, and now I can sit back for the first time in months knowing that I’m done and on time. I still have a few review requests to put the finishing touches on but I think I can safely say that I accomplished what I intended to.

I love NetGalley. I enjoy having the chance to read authors that I don’t know yet. But I’ve also learned that it’s so very easy to bite off more than I should. I’m going to be rethinking how I utilize NetGalley in 2017. I know I do not want the forced massive readings I felt I had to do in order to accomplish this wrap up of commitments ever again. I run Keeper Bookshelf – and my other genre specific book review blogs – because I love to read, to discover new authors and make some new friends along the way. I don’t want to lose that, and I was in serious danger of closing down the blogs. This is a hobby, an enjoyment and when that changes I need to rethink what I’m doing.

I’m going to take some time to enjoy “this most wonderful time of year”, do some reading (for pure enjoyment), post a few reviews, work on my holiday blog and wrap up on the other bogs for 2016. Keeper Bookshelf and Shifter Haven will always be my babies, my review blog babies, but I may do some streamlining and revising on the others. And to be honest, not feeling that I simply have to get reviews up because I made a commitment will give me the breathing room I need to make those other decisions. In any event I’m going to keep a much tighter rein on my NetGalley requests in 2017 – I can always add more if time permits, it’s not possible to give them back when I’ve got too much on the plate. And this year has proven to me that indeed “Life Happens” and it doesn’t care one little bit about what other plans you’ve made, ya know?

So – I’m proud of getting the NetGalley books read and reviewed. It was an adventure, that’s for sure. I’ll be around, maybe just a little less in these last days of 2016. It’s been one helluva year. *smile*

The Christmas Challenge by Sinclair Jayne

Posted December 13, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: The Christmas Challenge
Series: The Wilder Brothers #3
Author: Sinclair Jayne
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: November 15, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Prodigal daughter, infamous flirt and fiery-haired champion barrel racer Tucker McTavish blazes back home to Marietta with both a secret, and a personal challenge. She will keep a low profile at her twin sister’s Christmas wedding. Which means no whiskey. No kissing. No scandals. No fun. What she needs is a miracle, so it’s too bad when she visits the legendary Miracle Lake to plead for inner strength: a tall, dark, and handsome bad boy is waiting with a challenge of his own.

Extreme sports guide Laird Hunter doesn’t do boring. And he thought he didn’t have secrets. He thrives in carving his own trail through tight and dangerous spots, but when he finds out his entire life has been built on a lie, he heads to Marietta for answers. But when he meets the redhead with the killer smile, laughing eyes and body with more curves than a mountain road, he finds himself asking a whole new set of questions.

Will these two daredevils – with more than a few secrets between them – find the one person from whom they don’t need to hide ?

Titles in this series include: Seducing The Bachelor – Want Me, Cowboy – The Christmas Challenge

Bearly in Control by Milly Taiden

Posted December 13, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Title: Bearly In Control
Series: Shifter Undercover #1
Author: Milly Taiden
Genre: Paranormal Romance Shifter
Published: December 13, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

For vet and animal whisperer Charli Avers, talking to bears is all in a day’s work. But when she finds a man—a very sexy, very alpha man—where a bear ought to be, the wild comes close to home. Charli is drawn to this mysterious stranger. She wants to help him piece together the past he can’t remember—even if that means shedding her human misgivings and embracing her more carnal desires.

After shifting from bear to man, Barry believes he’s finally found his mate. Now he just needs to find himself. He doesn’t know much about the animal within him, but his human heart aches for Charli. She ignites his instincts to protect her from all danger—including their electric attraction.

The stakes climb as Charli investigates the mystery behind Barry’s memory loss and how it may relate to strange sightings and thefts in this little corner of Oregon. Without answers, she may lose Barry—and herself—to the wild side forever.

Titles in this series include: Bearly In Control

Could’ve Said Yes by Tracy March

Posted December 13, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Could’ve Said Yes
Series: Thistle Bend #3
Author: Tracy March
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: December 13, 2016
Publisher: Random House Publishing – Loveswept
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Having recently returned to Thistle Bend, Colorado, Ellie London is working hard to make a living as an artist, and to get over her broken engagement. She’s focused only on guarding her heart and healing her mind . . . until a cocky, undeniably sexy out-of-towner rides in on his motorcycle. Turns out, Ellie might have just found the perfect opportunity to prove to herself that she’s over her cheating fiancé.

After his own engagement falls through, EPA Inspector Collin Cooper is eager for a change of scenery in Thistle Bend. His principle rule of the road is not to get too involved with a new woman—and yet he can’t resist beautiful, outdoorsy Ellie. But when a local river becomes polluted under Collin’s supervision, resentment floods the entire town, running even deeper with Ellie’s family. With his job on the line, Collin needs to find a way to set things right—and hold on to the woman who has captured his heart.

Titles in this series include: Ask Me Again – Should’ve Said No – Just Say Maybe – Could’ve Said Yes

The Den of Iniquity by Anabelle Bryant – Cover Reveal! New Series!

Posted December 13, 2016 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

If you love Historical Romance and have enjoyed Anabelle Bryant’s previous series Regency Rogues and Regency Charms – then the wait for the newest series to appear is over. Today the cover for The Den of Iniquity (which releases January 11, 2017) was revealed – and it certainly is beautiful and intriguing.

It is a striking cover and it whispers intrigue, danger and mystery.

Since I’ve just downloaded my NetGalley copy, I’ll be diving into this one in the next few days (previous commitments prevent any sooner – *sigh*) I can’t wait to begin – and the wait until it’s available is only a very short time. So, keep a watch out for your next favorite Historical Romance series to begin.

Cover description for The Den of Iniquity:

Welcome to the most notorious address in London…

Beneath the airs and graces of the Ton lies The Underworld – London’s most scandalous gambling hall.

The only thing darker and more debauched that the hall itself? The proprietor, Max Sinclair. As mysterious as the corners of the city he stalks, Max has vowed to take revenge against the men who murdered his mother. And The Underworld attracts London’s darkest characters – the perfect partners in crime.

But when Lady Vivienne Beaumont enters The Underworld, Max’s life becomes more dangerous than he ever thought possible.

Enter a world of lust, lawlessness and obsession with The Den of Iniquity, the first in Anabelle Bryant’s Bastards of London series.

Force of Temptation by Suzanne Wright

Posted December 13, 2016 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Title: Force of Temptation
Series: Mercury Pack #2
Author: Suzanne Wright
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance
Published: December 13, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Harley Vincent is resigned to life in the human world. Sure, being a margay shifter is half her nature, but life among humans gives her the freedom to roam and do as she pleases. That is, until anti-shifter extremists target her, putting her life in immediate danger.

When an old acquaintance and onetime fling, Jesse Dalton, shows up to offer the protection of his pack, Harley hesitates. She may have feelings for Jesse that go beyond their one-night stand, but life among shifters means giving over her independence to the needs of pack. Plus Mercury Pack has its own threat to face: a rich half-shifter is determined to claim their territory at any cost.

Jesse, who lost his true mate as a child, has wanted Harley since their night together, and he’s not letting her go again. They may not be destined for each other, but he knows she belongs to him and with his pack. Even if he can convince her to join him now, can he convince her to stay?

Titles in this series include: Spiral of Need – Force of Temptation

Read The Books You Buy 2017 Challenge

Posted December 11, 2016 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

Yes, the 2017 Challenges are firing up and we all know that I suck at Challenges… or rather, at reporting and recording Challenges. I have no idea if I’ll do better this year but I’ll certainty give it my best shot.

There is a fun looking Challenge over at Book Date that is something many of us truly need – especially if you review books. A vow to actually read the books we purchase for ourselves in the coming year. I buy books with great intentions of reading them right away… but review requests or review commitments on NetGalley often will have me putting aside my own pure reading pleasure in favor of doing what I’m supposed to do. And, honestly, it sucks at times. Not because the books I was committed to read were bad, they mostly were wonderful… but the books I bought with my hard earned cash are sitting in a TBR pile – and that was not my intent.

In the brand new year of 2017 I would like to change that track record of mine to something more reasonable than 10% of purchased books actually read. That’s not good by any stretch of the imagination. And I’ve got an amazing imagination.

So to keep it truly short and simple, the Read the Books You Buy Reading Challenge 2017 simply asks that you make the decision to do just that, then list the books you have purchased (you can start as early as July 2016 and add them to the list as you purchase them) to your joining post – then figure a way to mark them as read, cross-through or list the review you did… on that joining post. Nothing new to do throughout the year just add to your existing list. How easy is that. A check-in for July and again in December and you’re done.

I think this one is easy enough for me to accomplish. (read above – I suck at Challenges). Interested? Then follow the graphic link or the written one to the Book Date blog and check it out for yourself to see just how easy it truly can be.

Definitely looking forward to this… and I believe I’m going to go back to July, 2016 as my starting place. I need to take a little time to go over my Amazon purchase records for all the books — yes, I’ve forgotten some I’m sure. *hangs head*

Get all the detains in this blog post – Read The Books You Buy Reading Challenge 2017 hosted by Book Date

Happy reading everyone – and good luck.

Texas Rose Always by Katie Graykowski

Posted December 9, 2016 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Texas Rose Always
Series: Texas Rose Ranch #2
Author: Katie Graykowski
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 29, 2016
Publisher: Montlake Romance
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Justus Jacobi loves three things: her seven-year-old son, landscape design, and the man she sees only once a year. For the past twelve years, they’ve spent a surreal week together, but Justus has never considered their relationship anything but a dream—especially since they’ve never exchanged their real names. But when Justus comes to the Texas Rose Ranch to work, fantasy becomes reality fast…

Houston “Rowdy” Rose is an award-winning vintner, the second son in the Texas Rose Ranch dynasty…and the keeper of a secret that, if discovered, would make him an outsider in his own family. If they knew where he went the first week of every September, it would throw into question his reputation—reserved, cautious—revealing an unbridled artistic side he’d rather keep hidden.

But that side of Rowdy is all Justus knows—until now. As they rekindle their passionate relationship in the real world, they learn what their lives look like outside of a once-a-year romance—and whether love can survive a reality check.

Titles in this series include: Texas Rose Forever – Texas Rose Always (so far)

Her Christmas Cowboy by Katherine Garbera

Posted December 9, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Her Christmas Cowboy
Series: The Scott Brothers of Montana #5
Author: Katherine Garbera
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

There’s no place like Marietta, Montana for the holidays, and retired Marine Lane Scott has finally, reluctantly, returned home…

…only to run into a sweet and sexy woman from his past, Felicity Danvers, who is running away from her Christmas loving momma.

Lane can’t resist playing the hero and sweeping Felicity out of town. He vows he’ll do everything he can to make this holiday special for her. And as Christmas approaches, they discover that their love can conquer and overcome any obstacle—but can they both trust that it’s not just Christmas magic bringing them together?

Titles in this series include: A Cowboy For Christmas – Her Summer Cowboy – The Cowboy’s Reluctant Bride – Cowboy It’s Cold Outside – Her Christmas Cowboy

A Second Christmas Wish by Kathryn Freeman

Posted December 9, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

Title: A Second Christmas Wish
Series:
Author: Kathryn Freeman
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Do you believe in Father Christmas?

For Melissa, Christmas has always been overrated. From her cold, distant parents to her manipulative ex-husband, Lawrence, she’s never experienced the warmth and contentment of the festive season with a big, happy family sitting around the table.

And Melissa has learned to live with it, but it breaks her heart that her seven-year-old son, William, has had to live with it too. Whilst most little boys wait with excitement for the big day, William finds it difficult to believe that Father Christmas even exists.

But then Daniel McCormick comes into their lives. And with his help, Melissa and William might just be able to find their festive spirit, and finally have a Christmas where all of their wishes come true.

Stand Alone Title

When Snowflakes Fall by Tara Wyatt

Posted December 8, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: When Snowflakes Fall
Series: The Graysons #1
Author: Tara Wyatt
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 25, 2016
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

When Dr. Christie Harmon up and moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming to escape a vicious scandal, she expected a quiet, lonely Christmas on-call as a pediatrician at the local hospital. But when she’s treating a little boy with a bump on the head, she doesn’t expect his dad to be so distractingly handsome…or single.

In the wake of his ex-wife’s abandonment five years ago, Luke Grayson has been focused on raising his son Ethan. The scars from the split run deep, and Luke hasn’t trusted another woman to come into their lives. But there’s something about the sweet—and sexy—Christie that has him wondering if something’s been missing.

Can new love help lonely hearts find a way? After all, Christmas is a time for magic.

Titles in this series include: When Snowflakes Fall – Like Fresh Fallen Snow

A Royal Christmas Princess by Scarlet Wilson

Posted December 8, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: A Royal Christmas Princess
Series:
Author: Scarlet Wilson
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 11, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

After a tough year losing her mom and bills mounting, Holly Yates is in for a lonely Christmas. But when she hears a news report that the small principality of Coronia is looking for their lost princess, she recognizes her baby photo on the news and is astounded. Felix – the could-be Prince – is delighted to find her and whips her off to a snow-covered Coronia to meet her real-life ailing father where he persuades her to fall in love with the people and the place.

Holly is so shell shocked by everything that she agrees – as long as they keep her identity secret until she makes up her mind. But can a shy girl from Baltimore really become a fairy tale princess?

Stand Alone Title