Witch Weigh by Caroline Mickelson

Posted October 1, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Witch Weigh
Series:
Author: Caroline Mickelson
Genre: Halloween Romance, Paranormal
Published: October 23, 2012
Publisher: Bon Accord Press
My Rating: 4 spooky stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Tessa Von Hellengaard is a real witch. Magical spells aside, she’s snarky and selfish, and the other witches in her silent spell coven are fed up with her. Their plan to reform Tessa involves taking away her magic, saddling her with one hundred extra pounds and sending her to a weight loss spa. For good measure they call in Liam Kennedy, a charming and sexy fairy godfather, to teach her some manners.

Desperate to regain her magic and determined to shed the weight, Tessa soon realizes that protecting her heart from Liam will prove to be her greatest challenge.

Read on for my thoughts on Witch Weigh. No true spoilers, promise.

Halloween Romance Month

Posted October 1, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

cat n pumpkins It’s almost time for witches and goblins and things that go bump in the night to show up at our front doors with pillowcases, fancy bags and containers held high for Halloween goodies.

I don’t “celebrate” Halloween – but I certainly do enjoy the fun, silly and spooky parts of this whole month leading up to Trick or Treat night.

This year I’m giving myself – and hopefully, you – a month long Halloween reading treat. Since I love Paranormal Romance novels it’s not unusual to find those types of book reviews here. So, I went looking for fun, quirky, silly at times but alway entertaining Halloween stories. I found a lot that I will be using my Kindle Unlimited plan on (the author still gets paid for my completing the story to the 100% mark) – as well as some that are on my own keeper bookshelves from years gone by.

So look for a daily dose of Halloween Romance from today until Halloween. If you have any favorites that you always enjoy this time of the year, please let me know in the comments so I can check them out. I always love finding new things to read.

For now, Happy Fall and here’s to a Spooky, Safe Halloween… and reading tons of fun stories.

October’s Blog Ahead Starts – Now

Posted October 1, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 2 Comments

It’s time again for the Blog Ahead Challenge from herding cats & burning soup and Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

Yep, and it starts today. I have a particular plan for this October Blog Ahead event. I am a huge Christmas story junkie. Yes, I will read the side of a Christmas Card box, so I think I qualify as officially addicted. 🙂

Because I have so many favorites that I re-read during the days from Thanksgiving onward I decided to use the Blog Ahead challenge to get some of those posts and reviews ready now. That leaves more time to find new to me stories or new releases. Wicked mind here, folks. 😉

I also do a Halloween Romance category during October with a Halloween-ish story review daily. Since I love paranormal and read it all year long, for this one I try to simply find some fun and quirky Halloween styled stories to give myself and hopefully you a chuckle. So, I’m hoping to get at least a week of those done to give me some space without feeling rushed.

So, with my October Blog Ahead 2015 plan in place — I wish you fun and success. And if you have no clue what I’m talking about then visit the linked sites in the first line of this post to join in.

Okay, off to get some work done. Have Fun with it.

Long, Tall Christmas by Janet Dailey

Posted September 26, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Long, Tall Christmas
Series:
Author: Janet Dailey
Genre: Christmas Romance
Published: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Kensington Books
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Facing foreclosure on her California home, widowed Kylie Wayne is grateful to accept her aging aunt Muriel’s offer to come back to small-town Branding Iron, Texas, and help out on the ranch. But when an early storm rolls in, Kylie’s dream of a perfect Christmas for her kids is blown away with the unexpected snow. Comfort and joy seem unlikely, unless a certain long, tall Texan with a bad boy’s charm can rope some holiday cheer…

No one imagined restless, independent Shane Taggart would work his parents’ ranch all these years. But with his father gone, Shane is ready to sell his land and see the world—until sweet, sexy Kylie shows up. The dutiful good girl he remembers has turned into a spirited woman, and Shane wants to give her the warm family future she longs for, puppy and all. One kiss under the mistletoe may not convince her, but Shane knows that love is a gift that will last forever.

Read on for my thoughts on Long, Tall Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

Christmas Chocolat by Kate Defrise

Posted September 26, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Women's Fiction / 0 Comments

Title: Christmas Chocolat
Series:
Author: Kate Defrise
Genre: Christmas, Women’s Fiction
Published: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Kensington Books
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

In this warm, engaging debut novel, four siblings make their way home, where their father, the memory of their mother, and long-held family secrets all collide just in time for Christmas.

For Maggie Arnaud and her siblings, childhood Christmases meant lavish feasts and beloved rituals. The day began with hot chocolate and cougnolle de Noel —the sweet, rich bread traditional in their parents’ native Belgium. Those special holidays ended with their mother’s death, and their father has grown more distant each year. But now, he has summoned his grown children once again. And none of them is eager to expose their imperfect lives to his scrutiny…

Jacqueline is an opera singer living in Brussels—outwardly successful but yearning for a deeper fulfillment. Near Philadelphia, cookbook writer Maggie’s career and marriage are in turmoil. Colette, an aspiring clothing designer in California, lost her boyfriend and her savings in one blow. And roving younger brother Art is still searching for something—or someone. Armed with their insecurities, rivalries—and their mother’s most delicious recipes—the Arnauds gather in Pennsylvania. But a good meal does more than feed the body—it awakens memories, nurtures bonds, and might even bring a family back together.

Includes classic Belgian recipes.

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

The Last Chance Christmas Ball

Posted September 26, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Last Chance Christmas Ball
Series: Anthology
Author: Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne, Patricia Rice, Nicola Cornick, Cara Elliott, Anne Gracie, Susan King
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance
Published: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Kensington Books
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Christmas 1815. Upstairs and downstairs, Holbourne Hall is abuzz with preparations for a grand ball to celebrate the year’s most festive—and romantic—holiday. For at the top of each guest’s wish list is a last chance to find true love before the New Year…

A chance meeting beneath the mistletoe, a stolen glance across the dance floor—amid the sumptuous delicacies, glittering decorations, and swell of the orchestra, every duchess and debutante, lord and lackey has a hopeful heart. There’s the headstrong heiress who must win back her beloved by midnight—or be wed to another….the spinster whose fateful choice to relinquish love may hold one more surprise for her…a widow yearning to glimpse her long-lost love for even one sweet, fleeting interlude …a charming rake who finds far more than he bargained for. And many other dazzling, romantic tales in this star-studded collection that will fill your heart and spice up your holidays.

Read on for my thoughts on The Last Chance Christmas Ball. No true spoilers, promise.

Love Somebody Like You by Susan Fox

Posted September 26, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series, Women's Fiction / 0 Comments

Title: Love Somebody Like You
Series: Caribou Crossing #5
Author: Susan Fox
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Kensington Books, Zebra
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Since the death of her husband three years ago, young widow Sally Ryland has kept to herself and focused on her struggling business, Ryland Riding. Folks assume she’s still grieving, because Sally has never shared the truth about her abusive marriage, or the trust issues that remain. But when a sexy rodeo rider from her past turns up for a visit, he’s a reminder of the feisty woman she once was—and maybe still could be…

Ben Traynor was always attracted to Sally, but he didn’t move fast enough. Now what Sally needs is patience and gentleness. With an injury keeping him from his next rodeo, Ben has the perfect excuse to stick around and help with her chores—and her healing. And as Sally finds the courage to face her demons and open her heart again, she’ll have to decide if what she has with Ben is more than safety, gratitude, and short-term passion, but a forever love.

Read on for my thoughts on Love Somebody Like You. No true spoilers, promise.

Hold Me, Cowboy by Alissa Callen

Posted September 25, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Hold Me, Cowboy
Series: Montana Born Rodeo 2015 #2 & Wildflower Ranch #5
Author: Alissa Callen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 25, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Marietta home town girl Kendall Dixon knows who she is and what she wants, even if the stubborn and slow-smiling cowboy who owns her heart is long gone from Montana.

Rancher Brent Ashton returns to Marietta to care for his sick mother. Haunted by the death of his father, he must save his derelict home and resist rekindling the romance with the only girl he’s ever loved. He can’t let her sacrifice her dreams for him.

But the shy and sweet Kendall he left behind has become a strong and determined woman. A woman who won’t let her cowboy walk away for a second time.

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

Wrecked by Sinclair Jayne

Posted September 25, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Wrecked
Series: Sons of San Clemente #2
Author: Sinclair Jayne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 1, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Hollis Remington is slinking home to San Clemente, California. Needing to hide out at her grandmother’s beach cottage to lick the wounds from her latest professional failure, she’s stunned to find her ex lover and professional surf god, Kadan Carson, lounging in the only bed. Naked. Hollis can’t afford a hotel, and no way will she let her family or friends know she’s broke, but Kadan’s refusing to leave. He does, however, agree to share…

Professional surfer Kadan Carson is recuperating after his third ankle and foot surgery, and while it’s highly possible his professional career may be over on the brink of his most lucrative corporate sponsorship deal, he’s determined to fight the inevitable effects of age, gravity, and injury on his body in private. No fans. No nurses. No distractions. Until Hollis shows up, who has always been one hell of a distraction. Six years after she walked out for the last time accusing him of infidelity, she’s still the one woman he hasn’t been able to exorcise from his heart, head or body. And he doesn’t really want to.

There’s no way Hollis can forgive, but she also can’t forget. Kadan was and is her first and only love. Can she help him to heal without losing her heart again?

Read on for my thoughts on Wrecked. No true spoilers, promise. Read More

Blood Dark by Lindsay J. Pryor

Posted September 25, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 3 Comments

Title: Blood Dark
Series: Blackthorn #5
Author: Lindsay J. Pryor
Genre: Paranormal
Published: September 23, 2015
Publisher: Bookouture
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

‘There are guardian angels, and there are monsters with wings’

Caitlin Parish should have been the last person to fall for a vampire. A member of the Vampire Control Unit, her relationship with master vampire Kane Malloy had explosive consequences. Caitlin’s colleagues count her as the enemy. And now she’s going back.

Kane has made powerful enemies of his own – and is being targeted by the head of the Global Council, Sirius Throme. With the stakes higher than ever before, Kane knows caring for Caitlin makes him vulnerable. Worse, her decision to return to VCU feels like betrayal.

With Throme threatening to tear Blackthorn apart, and the prophesied vampire leader finally revealed, Kane and Caitlin must both fight with everything they have to stop an all out war. But they’re fighting on opposite sides…

Right when she needs him most, Caitlin makes a shocking discovery about Kane. Has he been playing her all along? And can she trust him with her life when he won’t even trust her with the truth?

The choice Caitlin makes will change the game in Blackthorn forever.

Read on for my thoughts on Blood Dark. No true spoilers, promise.

Crushed by Katherine Garbera

Posted September 24, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Crushed
Series: Sons of San Clemente #1
Author: Katherine Garbera
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 22, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Heath “Con” Connelly is back in San Clemente after three stints in the Middle East with the Navy SEALS. Despite the fact that he’s known to his “brothers” at Preach’s Place for being better with his hands and dangerous when angered, he’s trying to turn over a new leaf. And that’s going…well, not great when he bumps into Mia Santos and notices someone has been beating up the beauty who was always the woman he could never have.

Mia Santos, daughter of one of the most dangerous drug lords, finds herself in the cross-hairs of a turf war. Knowing she put herself there by making bad decisions when deep in a tequila bottle has sharpened her resolve to keep anyone—especially Con—from getting involved in the bloody and dangerous world that is her own. But Con’s not walking away and danger is like a second skin to him. He intends to protect his “family” and claim Mia, unless he gets crushed beneath the dual instincts of lust and rage.

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

Some Girls Do by Amy Andrews

Posted September 24, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Some Girls Do
Series: Outback Heat #1
Author: Amy Andrews
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 22, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Fashion student Lacey Weston is desperate to leave the city and go home to Jumbuck Springs. Her three older brothers are adamant she’s not. They made a deathbed promise to their mother that Lacey would stay the distance at design school and Ethan, the oldest, takes this responsibility very seriously. But Lacey is deeply homesick and determined not to be dissuaded again. She’s also impulsive enough to try anything – even faking a pregnancy.

Ex-cop turned mechanic, Cooper Grainger – one of Ethan’s oldest friends – agrees to watch out for Lacey in the city even though he has a history with her he’d rather forget. How hard could it be, right? But a couple of years later, Coop is over pulling Lacey out of scrapes and cleaning up her messes as she tries to outrun her grief and sense of dislocation. He takes her back to Jumbuck Springs so she can persuade her brothers to let her come home. But things don’t go according to plan. Before Coop knows it Lacey’s pregnant and he’s putting his hand up as the fake baby daddy, filling in for the town mechanic and moving in with her at the local pub.

Lacey is thrilled to have won a reprieve but nothing about the situation sits well with Coop. Least of all having sweet little Lacey Weston as his new roomie.

Read on for my thoughts on Some Girls Do. No true spoilers, promise.

The Billionaire’s Charade by Eve Gaddy

Posted September 23, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: The Billionaire’s Charade
Series: Amalfi Night Billionaires #5
Author: Eve Gaddy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 21, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Summer St. Croix hates weddings. But when she meets hot-as-sin Luke Vanetti at her oldest friend’s ceremony, he promises to give her a reason to like them.

It’s all sexy fun and games until Summer realizes that Luke is none other than her new boss. Summer refuses to continue to have a fling with her superior, even though the passion between them still runs wildfire hot. But the billionaire private investigator doesn’t see the problem, especially since he knows that one night with Summer won’t be enough.

When Luke’s cousin sends an SOS asking for help in stopping a ring of jewel thieves from robbing his luxury hotel on the Amalfi Coast, Luke agrees. And Summer’s first assignment will be posing as his very sexy, rich, and bejeweled fiancée at the Hotel dei Fiori Isola del Sole.

Playing the happy couple is hard enough during the day, but the nights… will those romantic Amalfi nights turn the charade into more than just a job for both Summer and Luke… for good?

Read on for my thoughts on The Billionaire’s Charade. No true spoilers, promise.

Ghost of You by Kelly Moran

Posted September 23, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Ghost of You
Series: Phantoms #3
Author: Kelly Moran
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: September 21, 2015
Publisher: Entangled, Covet
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The safest place is with the guy she doesn’t trust…

It’s no secret amongst the Phantoms crew that lead investigator Sammy Hanesworth pretty much hates psychologist Cain McClutchen. The tension between them is taut with dislike…and unexpected attraction. Cain knows full well that something about him rubs Sammy the wrong way. But now they’re on a terrifying case-with orders from the network to get along or else.

Filled with past horrors, the Nebraskan site is more than creepy. And Sammy knows it all too well. It’s her hometown and near the place where her mother was killed. As the sinister presence makes itself known, Sammy finds herself turning to the last person she ever expected-Cain. Even as darkness surrounds them, tensions gives way to something bright and unexpectedly intimate. But nothing will prepare them for the evil they are about to face.

Read on for my thoughts on Ghost of You. No true spoilers, promise.

Marrying Mister Perfect by Lizzie Shane

Posted September 20, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Marrying Mister Perfect
Series: Reality Romance #1
Author: Lizzie Shane
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 5, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

Sometimes it takes a reality television show to show you the love that’s right in front of you…

To Louisa Tanner, Jack Doyle is perfect—heart surgeon, loving single father, and best friend a girl could have—so it’s no surprise when he’s tapped as the next Mister Perfect for the reality dating series Marrying Mister Perfect. But watching her secret crush romancing gorgeous women on national television? That flat out sucks—even if he will never see her as more than a pal.

Jack is skeptical of reality shows as a path to love, but drastic measures are needed to shake him and Lou out of their rut. His friend deserves better than being his live-in nanny and will never chase her dreams if she is busy taking care of him and his kids, so he vows to take the show seriously and find a new wife.

But the more stunning women he woos on command, the more he begins to realize the only woman he wants just might be the one he left back home. How can he seduce his best friend without jeopardizing their friendship? Especially when the cameras are always rolling.

Read on for my thoughts on Marrying Mister Perfect. No true spoilers, promise.