October Blog Ahead Wrap Up

Posted November 2, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

Blog Ahead Oct 15 Well, the October Blog Ahead event is over for 2015. And it wasn’t a bad result for Keeper Bookshelf – although it could have been better if a family emergency hadn’t happened right in the middle. But, life happens, ya know?

In total I managed to get 47 posts scheduled during this event. Less than I was shooting for, but still not a bad number at all. Most of my scheduled posts are for the Christmas Daily Romance reviews that I’m planning for the Holiday Season. The rest were to get a bit ahead on my NetGalley reviews.

Actually the numbers aren’t the important part of the Blog Ahead Event – getting into the habit of scheduling posts for those times when life just gets in the way of blogging. And we all know that happens to us all, far too often. So just making a habit of taking a day or two a week and writing up posts, reviews, meme basics and such is simply a good tool for any type of blogging that we do. Knowing that even if we can’t be at the computer, but the posts will still drop on the right day is such a stress reliever, ya know. 🙂

Anyway, I had fun, was productive and I’m looking forward to the Spring of 2016 when the next Blog Ahead comes around. Thanks to Anna of Herding Cats & Burning Soup and Kimberly of Caffeinated Book Reviewer for hosting and encouraging us all.

Wrong Number, Right Guy by Elle Casey

Posted October 31, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Wrong Number, Right Guy
Series: The Bourbon Street Boys #1
Author: Elle Casey
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 22, 2015
Publisher: Montlake Romance
My Rating: 2 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

When a mysterious text message summons May Wexler to a biker bar in downtown New Orleans, she knows something is very wrong. Her sister has sent out an SOS, but when May gets there, she’s nowhere to be found and May is the one in trouble—she’s wearing pink espadrilles, she’s got a Chihuahua in her purse, and she’s in the middle of a shootout.

After tall, muscular Ozzie comes to her rescue, May has no choice but to follow him to safety. At the headquarters of his private security firm, the Bourbon Street Boys, she finds a refuge for the night—and the offer of a job. But it’s not long before a gun-toting stalker isn’t the only complication in May’s life: the more time she spends with Ozzie, the less she can deny that they’ve got some serious chemistry. A wrong number got her into this mess…Will it also get her the right guy?

Read on for my thoughts on Wrong Number, Right Guy. No true spoilers, promise.

You For Christmas by Madeline Ash

Posted October 30, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: You For Christmas
Series:
Author: Madeline Ash
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 29, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Regan Case wouldn’t know the right side of the tracks if they ran her out of town. She’s lived hard since she ran away at sixteen, but eight years later, an accident has terrified her into pulling her life together. And that means finally going home for Christmas.

Taking her return one step at a time, she ends up on the doorstep of her sister’s best friend, Felix Nickson. The man indebted to her after she jammed ten grand down in trousers in high school and enabled him to escape his own demons. Felix agrees to let her stay, but doesn’t count on the chemistry that burns hot between them.

As they get into the Christmas spirit, he watches Regan’s shadows fade away and discovers that beneath her careless attitude, she is by far the bravest woman he’s ever met. He falls for her, fast and hard, but she fears she doesn’t deserve such a good man. A black sheep cannot change her colors.

Can Felix forgive her past or would asking for his love be one too many miracles this Christmas?

Read on for my thoughts on You For Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

Snowflakes on Silver Cove by Holly Martin

Posted October 30, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Snowflakes on Silver Cove
Series: White Cliff Bay #2
Author: Holly Martin
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 30, 2015
Publisher: Bookouture
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself…

Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance.

As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George.

But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Read on for my thoughts on Snowflakes on Silver Cove. No true spoilers, promise.

Christmas at Coorah Creek by Janet Gover

Posted October 30, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

Title: Christmas at Coorah Creek
Series:
Author: Janet Gover
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 30, 2015
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

What if you don’t want to be home for Christmas?

Spending Christmas away from home is one thing but English nurse Katie Brooks is spending hers in Coorah Creek; a small town in the Australian outback. Katie was certain leaving London was the right decision, but her new job in the outback is more challenging than she could have ever imagined.

Scott Collins rescued Katie on her first day in Coorah Creek and has been a source of comfort ever since. But Scott no longer calls the town home – it’s too full of bad memories and he doesn’t plan on sticking around for long.

Scott needs to leave. Katie needs to stay. They have until Christmas to decide their future.

Read on for my thoughts on Christmas at Coorah Creek. No true spoilers, promise.

Distiller’s Choice by Jennifer Bramseth

Posted October 30, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Distiller’s Choice
Series: Bourbon Springs #4
Author: Jennifer Bramseth
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 28, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

CiCi Summers, the local court clerk, knows all and sees all all when it comes to Bourbon Springs gossip. She doesn’t fancy herself becoming a news item on the local grapevine but finds herself falling for the new master distiller at Old Garnet Distillery.

Walker Cain is handsome, polite, professional, and a little nerdy. But he’s also divorced, and even though he claims it was amicable and no kids were involved, CiCi has a rule: she doesn’t date divorced guys, due to her own painful history stretching back to her childhood.

CiCi happily discovers she can’t resist Walker’s sweetly nerdly charms as well as his more sensual skills. But their relationship is quickly tested when Walker’s ex-wife is hired by Old Garnet as the distillery’s new heritage director, a newly-created position to help the distillery achieve coveted National Historic Landmark status and promote the venerable bourbon brand.

Walker knows it is completely over with his ex-wife. What she did destroyed his trust and their marriage. But how can he convince CiCi he’s made his choice—and that it’s her?

Read on for my thoughts on Distiller’s Choice. No true spoilers, promise.

The Moonshadow’s Daughter by Kaylie Newell

Posted October 29, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: The Moonshadow’s Daughter
Series: Wolfe Creek #3
Author: Kaylie Newell
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: October 26, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Covet
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

To the citizens of Wolfe Creek, Aimee Styles is dead. What they don’t know is she’s alive…and a werewolf. After she was bitten two years ago, Aimee isolated herself away from the town, determined to keep them safe. But all it takes is an icy winter evening—and an incredibly virulent flu—to interrupt her self-imposed exile.

Nothing prepared doctor and single dad Jake Blackstock for the sight of Wolfe Creek’s missing girl, or her delicate beauty. He’s instantly and fiercely attracted to her, despite her secrets and the shadows in her near-black eyes. Jake’s falling hard. He knows nothing about Aimee…or what she really is.

But something else lurks in Wolfe Creek’s shadows. Something malevolent. Something that won’t hesitate to rip apart their life and new love.

Read on for my thoughts on The Moonshadow’s Daughter. No true spoilers, promise.

Every Little Kiss by Kim Amos

Posted October 27, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Every Little Kiss
Series: White Pines #3
Author: Kim Amos
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 27, 2015
Publisher: Forever
My Rating: 4 star
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

TURN ON THE CHARM

Eternal good girl Casey Tanner moved to White Pine for a fresh start. Her mission: to finally have fun. And a fling with a reckless bad boy is the very first item on the to-do list she pretended not to make. After one long, lingering look at a sexy firefighter, Casey has found her man.

…AND TURN UP THE HEAT

Getting women into his bed has never been a problem for Abe Cameron. Letting one into his heart is an entirely different matter. But just one kiss, just one touch, just one smile from beautiful Casey has this lifelong bachelor flirting with the idea of forever. And Casey’s refusal to settle down only makes Abe more determined than ever to win her heart. Now the one woman who can’t be caught is the only one Abe can’t live without.

Read on for my thoughts on Every Little Kiss. No true spoilers, promise.

Some Guys Need A Lot Of Lovin’ by Amy Andrews

Posted October 27, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Some Guys Need A Lot Of Lovin’
Series: Outback Heat #3
Author: Amy Andrews
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 27, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Paramedic Marcus Weston is losing it. The loveable larrikin of Jumbuck Springs is battling PTSD after a horrific incident during recent bushfires. He thought he had a handle on it but not even boozing, partying and wild women are helping this Casanova get outside his head anymore.

Psychologist Juanita Slattery is looking for a sexy distraction. The long, tall stranger in a pair of Wranglers with his big old flirty smile and rugged country looks is just the ticket. And he doesn’t disappoint as they burn up the sheets together in an unforgettable one night stand.

Fast forward a few days and they come face-to-face again. But this time Juanita is in Jumbuck Springs as part of the post-fire counselling team and Marcus is sitting on the other side of her desk. He just wants to get back to work. She knows he needs help. Professional boundaries dictate that they keep their distance, but intense physical attraction rarely follows reason.

Read on for my thoughts on Some Guys Need A Lot Of Lovin’. No true spoilers, promise.

Jace by Alisa Woods

Posted October 25, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Jace
Series: River Pack Wolves #2
Author: Alisa Woods
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: October 5, 2015
Publisher: Sworn Secrets Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited & Author Gift
Cover Description:

Ex-Army Specialist Jace River has a lock on his bedroom door, but it’s not to keep anyone out; it’s to keep his nightmares from breaking loose. His wolf is an out-of-control killer, which means he can never risk shifting, never truly be part of his pack, and definitely never take a mate.

Piper Wilding works for the Army as a civilian, traveling the world for her work in counterintelligence and fighting the bad guys while bedding down the good ones. The best part? It keeps her far from her asshole father in Seattle, the rest of the Wilding pack, and the pressure to take a mate. Settling down isn’t her thing, and after what happened to her mother, Piper vowed she would never be tied down by magic or men again.

While Jace’s wolf keeps him Sleepless in Seattle, Piper returns home to find her missing kid brother. When she breaks into the River brother’s safehouse, sparks fly and claws come out. Her sexy skills threaten to bring out Jace’s wolf, and Jace’s good-guy hotness reminds Piper how tempting shifter men can be. They’re like fire and gasoline, and as they race to find Piper’s brother, the heat threatens to burn down all their carefully constructed walls. But falling in love has never been so dangerous—and being together means taking risks that neither might survive.

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

Crazy For Her by Sandra Owens

Posted October 25, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 5 Comments

Title: Crazy For Her
Series: K2 Team #1
Author: Sandra Owens
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 1, 2014
Publisher: Montlake Romance
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

When his best friend and fellow Navy SEAL, Evan Prescott, died in his arms on the battlefield, Logan Kincaid gave his word to watch over Evan’s widow. But for two years he kept his distance…torn between honoring his solemn vow and succumbing to his secret love for his fallen comrade’s wife. But when Dani Prescott desperately reaches out to Logan for the help only he can give, he rushes to her side—determined to fight for her safety as fiercely as he fights against his own buried desire.

Someone claiming to be her husband is stalking Dani and her infant daughter, making them virtually prisoners in their remote country home. Logan’s elite military training and high-risk security expertise have outmatched more dangerous enemies. But the real challenge will be the burning temptation that threatens to overcome Logan whenever Dani is near…especially when she reveals her own hidden passion.

Read on for my thoughts on Crazy For Her. No true spoilers, promise.

Her Secret Christmas Hero by Mallory Kane

Posted October 22, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Her Secret Christmas Hero
Series: Secrets of Cherry Lake, Cherry Lake Christmas
Author: Mallory Kane
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 22, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Allie McHale is spending this brutal Christmas Eve snowstorm in a barn in Cherry Lake, Montana when suddenly she hears a horrible crash on the freeway near her ranch. She discovers a handsome lone survivor, a prisoner in handcuffs, and despite her apprehension about harboring a criminal, she rescues him anyway.

Jacob Reeves, on his way to Seattle to testify against his organized crime family, is miraculously saved by the most beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes on, who has every reason not to trust him, but getting through a freezing Christmas Eve forces them to work together to survive.

During the long night, their chemistry is off the charts and Jake realizes that Allie could be the love of his life. But as soon as the storm is over, he’ll be gone. Is Jake destined to break both of their hearts, or will a Christmas tragedy end in a miracle?

Read on for my thoughts on Her Secret Christmas Hero. No true spoilers, promise.

Down The Rabbit Hole by J. D. Robb and various authors

Posted October 21, 2015 by Marsha in Mystery / 0 Comments

Title: Down The Rabbit Hole
Series:
Author: J. D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, R. C. Ryan
Genre: Romantic Mystery & Thriller
Published: September 28, 2015
Publisher: Jove
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

Some of your favorite New York Times bestselling authors present five all-new stories told through the looking glass—including a new Eve Dallas novella!

You’re late for a very important date…

Enter a wonderland of mesmerizing tales. It’s a place that’s neither here nor there, where things are never quite as they seem. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s whimsical masterpiece, ranging from the impossible to the mad to the curiouser, these stories will have you absolutely off your head.

Don’t be afraid to follow them…

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

Contains

Wonderment in Death by J. D. Robb
Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney
iLove by Elaine Fox
A True Heart by Mary Kay McComas
Fallen by R. C. Ryan

Read on for my thoughts on Down The Rabbit Hole. No true spoilers, promise.

Choose Me, Cowboy by Barbara Ankrum

Posted October 21, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

Title: Choose Me, Cowboy
Series: Montana Born Rodeo 2015 # 4
Author: Barbara Ankrum
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 9, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Marietta Kindergarten teacher, Kate Canaday, is doing perfectly well without the ex-love of her life mucking up her intention to stay gloriously uncommitted. So what if she’s become—according to her sisters—a serial dater? If pro-bull rider Finn Scott’s untimely defection six years ago taught her anything, it was that men come with an expiration date. And she’s more than happy to oblige them.

Trouble is, the sexier-than-ever Finn, now a devoted single father, has just moved to Marietta with his adorable five-year-old twins. He’s in an unexpected custody battle with his ex and too proud to ask Kate for help in making his crazy life look stable. But Kate sees helping him as a way of sealing off the hurt from her past once and for all. If they can just keep their hands off each other. After all…expiration date, right?

Not if Finn has anything to say about it…

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

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses by Jenny Hale

Posted October 21, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses
Series:
Author: Jenny Hale
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 18, 2015
Publisher: Bookouture
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

An uplifting, beautiful story about never letting go of your dreams, the special magic of a family Christmas… and the rush of falling in love under the mistletoe.

Single mother Abbey Fuller loves her family more than anything, and doesn’t regret for a moment having had to put her dreams of being an interior designer on hold. But with her son, Max, growing up, when a friend recommends her for a small design job she jumps at the chance. How hard can it be?

Nick Sinclair needs his house decorated in time for his family’s festive visit – and money is no object. What he doesn’t need is to be distracted from his multi-million dollar business – even if it is Christmas.

When Abbey pulls up to the huge Sinclair mansion, she has a feeling she might be out of her depth. And when she meets the gorgeous, brooding Nicholas Sinclair, she knows that she’s in real trouble…

With the snow falling all around, can Abbey take the chance to make her dreams of being a designer come true? And can she help Nick to finally enjoy the magic of Christmas?

Read on for my thoughts on Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses. No true spoilers, promise.