Review: Picture Perfect by Kate Forster

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

Title: Picture Perfect
Series:
Author: Kate Forster
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 17, 2015
Publisher: Harlequin (UK) Limited, Mira
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Movie stars aren’t always picture perfect, especially when it comes to secrets from their past…

Zoe Greene manages the careers of Hollywood’s biggest stars. She’ll do anything to help them – and herself – get ahead.

Actress Maggie Hall has been America’s sweetheart for nearly twenty years. And she’s about to learn that there are two things in life you just can’t fight: growing older and falling in love.

Dylan Mercer – young, beautiful and defiant – has run away from New York to try her luck in Hollywood. She’s not after fame and fortune, though. Dylan’s on a quest to find her birth mother.

All three women are swept up in the search for the actress who will score the role of a lifetime. But ambition and desire can bring out the worst in people. And in a town built on illusions, believing you can escape your past might just be the biggest deception of all.

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

Review: My Stepbrother the Groom by Lexi Maxxwell

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

Title: My Stepbrother the Groom
Series:
Author: Lexi Maxxwell
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 23, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

He’d be perfect if he wasn’t getting married … and if he wasn’t about to become her stepbrother.

Romantic humor has never been so deliciously tempting.

It’s been a rough day for Ella Roberts.

First, her social-climbing mother Valerie dragged her to yet another wedding — something that always reminds Ella that real life offers few happily-ever-afters.

Second, Valerie’s goal isn’t to have fun at the event, but to schmooze clients for the family wedding business that Ella’s hated forever.

And third (after too much wine, and being mocked by her black sheep sister for “letting Mom bind you with her bitch chains”), Ella gets a text from her latest disposable boyfriend, Chase:NOT WORKING OUT. SORRY. I HAVE YOUR GYM SHOES.

But things are finally looking up. The handsome, charming, successful man Ella meets at the bar fills her with flutters and makes everything better. Gazing into Nathan Hayes’s kind blue eyes, Ella can almost believe that love at first sight is true after all.

It’s too bad that in just two months, Ella’s mother will be marrying Nathan’s father … in a double wedding with Nathan and his fiancée Natasha.

She should run from her feelings for Nathan. She should back away and find a new mediocre man to amuse her. But Ella’s been unlucky in love too many times to ignore what she feels … and so for Ella, “taboo” turns to “game on” instead.

Read on for my thoughts on My Stepbrother the Groom. No true spoilers, promise.

Musing Mondays #6

Posted July 20, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

Musing Monday is hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I’m currently reading…
Up next I think I’ll read…
I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
I can’t wait to get a copy of…
I wish I could read ___, but…
I blogged about ____ this past week…

My prompt for this week is: I bought the following book(s) in the past week…

For some reason Christmas in July was on my mind a lot last week. Thinking about the Christmas novels I’ve loved and read again every Christmas season – and deciding how I’m going to put together my Christmas reading and reviewing for this year. I have a small bookcase full of past Christmas seasonal stories. Yes, I tend to collect them and re-read favorites as time allows. How many of those older, beloved stories do I review or simply read for myself is one thought that keeps going through my mind.

Of course when books come to mind I head over to Amazon and on a lark looked for 1-Click “free” or Kindle Unlimited novels… holy candy canes, Batman there’s a ton of them. I picked out ten that sound promising. I really do need to come up with a plan now, ‘cos time will fly by and I’d like to get those reviews in “saved” mode at least. Because I know me – I’ll be on the lookout for new Christmas novels as soon as Halloween is past.

Hmmm… Halloween. Now where did I store those themed novels? *sheepish grin*

Are favorite Christmas / Seasonal stories part of your traditions?

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: Are you able to read while in a vehicle (in motion)? Have you always been this way?

Yes. For over 15 years I worked in downtown Pittsburgh and lived in a suburb about half an hour out… and we all know that morning or evening rush hour adds on considerable time to that commute. So I’m an old pro at reading in motion. I don’t like sitting on the bus or trolley sideways, but even in that uncomfortable situation it never slowed down my reading. At that time my main time for reading was on the commute and lunch hours. The things we do to continue a good story. 🙂

Review: His Captive Mortal by Renee Rose

Posted July 19, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

Title: His Captive Mortal
Series:
Author: Renee Rose
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Erotica
Published: July 16, 2015
Publisher: Baronet Press
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

When a young special education teacher unwittingly attracts the attention of a strange man on her late night walk home, she winds up with a supernatural guest she can’t evict. For some reason, Charlie, the dominant immortal believes she is of fairy descent and has magical powers. He demands her complete submission and cooperation, refusing to free her until she promises to help him.

Charlie sees the power in Sasha and believes she has the ability to undo the curse placed on him by a jealous lover one hundred years before. He also loves toying with the feisty mortal, doling out humiliating punishments while arousing a lust in her that leaves them both hungry for satisfaction.

His habit of emotional detachment crumbles as he falls for Sasha, yet when he discovers she carries a secret that relates to his past, the betrayal nearly destroys him. He must decide whether he can ever trust a woman, or give into instinct and walk away from what might be his only chance at love and redemption.

Publishers Note: This book contains elements of BDSM including spanking, bondage and erotic sex scenes. 18+ reader, adult content.

Read on for my thoughts on His Captive Mortal. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The Billionaire Wins The Game by Melody Anne

Posted July 19, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Billionaire Wins The Game
Series: Billionaire Bachelors
Author: Melody Anne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 28, 2012
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle Edition
Cover Description:

Joseph Anderson has decided it’s time for his three successful sons to find brides. Joseph wants grandchildren to fill his mansion, and he wants them immediately. His eldest son, Lucas, is successful in all areas of his life, except love, and Joseph begins matchmaking. He finds Amy Harper and deems her the perfect daughter-in-law. He just needs to get her and Lucas to both realize they’re made for each other.

Lucas Anderson is wealthy, sexy, and stubborn. He has no desire to have any woman enter his life, causing chaos, or using his family’s name. Many women have tried, and he’s been successful in finding out who they are beneath their false smiles.

Amy Harper was raised in tragic circumstances and doesn’t like pampered, rich men who have been handed everything with a silver spoon. She spent years finishing her education and then received a job with the Anderson Corporation. She instantly doesn’t like her incredibly sexy boss, who is arrogant and thinks every woman should fall at his feet.

When Amy becomes pregnant after one reckless night of passion, she’s scared he’ll take the baby and run. Lucas is demanding, and used to getting his way, but Amy has just the right amount of spark to ignite his fuse, and challenges him each step of the way.

Lucas’s father, Joseph, and his brothers Alex and Mark, offer laughter, love, and support. With the love of Lucas’s family, who aren’t only rich and successful, but also kind and giving, Amy starts to realize that being wealthy doesn’t make or break a man, and starts to picture the happily ever after she never believed in for herself.

Read on for my thoughts on The Billionaire Wins The Game. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Writing the Bestseller II: Romance and Commercial Fiction

Posted July 19, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Writing the Bestseller II: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Series:
Author:
Genre: Non-Fiction
Published: July 17, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Writing romance and commercial fiction means knowing the rules, and this book will help you learn them and get there. If you’re wondering where to start, what to do, what not to do, how to find your author brand… this book has it all and more. Just take it from the 12 bestselling authors who wrote it!

Experiencing all the ups and downs of the publishing industry isn’t easy, so Writing the Bestseller II will help you not only handle the work involved, but handle it well. Learning from authors who have been in your shoes, who understand the market and genre, willingly share their tips, wisdom, and encouragement so you can also succeed.

What are you waiting for? Get started on your writing career today!

Read on for my thoughts on Writing the Bestseller II: Romantic and Commercial Fiction (non-fiction)

Review: Killing Casanova by Kary Rader

Posted July 19, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Killing Casanova
Series: DataMatch #4
Author: Kary Rader
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 30, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

When Violet Murphy’s boss begs her to convince his dying mother that they’re getting married, the pretty wallflower finds that being trapped in a pretend relationship with a sexy playboy leaves her with two choices: kill the handsome Casanova…or fall in love with him.

A MODERN-DAY ROGUE
A smooth-talking negotiator, Jared Cassidy does multimillion-dollar deals for breakfast…and any number of women in between. What he can’t handle? His mother. And in a moment of insanity he told her he’s finally found a bride.

AND AN OLD-FASHIONED WALLFLOWER
More than anyone, romance-novel addict Violet Murphy knows where her rakish boss has been. That’s why she’s steered clear. But now, having accepted a proposal that’s only moderately less indecent than usual, she has two choices: Spend two steamy and lavishly paid weeks as the pretend fiancée of a playboy no woman has truly ever understood, or use the time in Palm Beach to kill the image and reveal the man. In doing the latter, she’ll find paradise, passion, and the promise of a future she’s only ever imagined.

Read on for my thoughts on Killing Casanova. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection

Posted July 19, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The 12 Brides of Christmas Collectio
Series:
Author: Various
Genre: Christmas Historical Romance
Published: October 1, 2015
Publisher: Barbour Books
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley

Cover Description:

Christmas is the time for love—and weddings—and twelve historical women are on their way to the altar, whether they know it or not. In Nineteenth Century settings across the heartland of America, readers will experience heartfelt gifts, old-fashioned Christmas traditions, sweet romance, and inspiring faith from twelve acclaimed Christian authors, including Mary Connealy, Margaret Brownley, Pam Hillman, Maureen Lang, Michele Ule, Amy Lillard, Miralee Ferrell, Susan Page Davis, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Davalynn Spencer, and Vickie McDonough.

Read on for my thoughts on The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection.

Review: The Bride Who Wouldn’t by Carol Marinelli

Posted July 19, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: The Bride Who Wouldn’t
Series: The Honeymoon #1
Author: Carol Marinelli
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 16, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

A romantic honeymoon in Paris, with a sexy billionaire Russian groom….

There are only two problems. It’s a marriage of convenience. And, the virgin bride is frigid.

Kate Edwards has never embraced her sensuality, is terrified of intimacy, and the wedding night is a disaster. Instead of calling the whole thing off, Isaak Zaretsky listens to her and challenges her using his unashamedly sensual nature and superb bedroom skills. But can Kate really give herself without love?

Read on for my thoughts on The Bride Who Wouldn’t. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Born To Be Bad by Carol Marinelli

Posted July 18, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Born To Be Bad
Series: International Bad Boys #3
Author: Carol Marinelli
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 1, 2014
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Innocent Milly Harper knows that it would be foolish at best to get involved with billionaire bad boy, Roman Zaretsky. He’s a guest at the hotel where she works, so she knows his reputation only too well.

One night, when all the other guests have left, Milly finds herself dancing with the Devil himself. His touch, his kiss, even his words seduce.

Being in his arms is pure passion and delight, but she’d never anticipated the shame of being paid.

Read on for my thoughts on Born To Be Bad. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Wife by Wednesday by Catherine Bybee

Posted July 18, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Wed by Wednesday
Series: The Weekday Brides #1
Author: Catherine Bybee
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 5, 2011
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Blake Harrison:
Rich, titled, and charming…and in need of a wife by Wednesday. Blake turns to Sam Elliot, who isn’t the businessman he expected. Instead, Blake is faced with Samantha Elliot, beautiful and feisty with a voice men call 1-900 numbers to hear.

Samantha Elliot:
Owner of matchmaking firm Alliance and not on the marital menu…that is, until Blake offers her ten million dollars for a one-year contract. And there’s nothing indecent about this proposal. The money will really help with her family’s medical bills. All Samantha will need to do is keep her attraction to her new husband to herself and avoid his bed.

But Blake’s toe-curling kisses and sexy charm prove too difficult for Sam to resist. It was a marriage contract that planned for everything…except falling in love.

Read on for my thoughts on Wed by Wednesday. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Death Sentence by Sheryl Browne

Posted July 17, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

Title: Death Sentence
Series:
Author: Sheryl Browne
Genre: Thriller, Crime
Published: June 1, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would you do?

Detective Inspector Matthew Adams and Patrick Sullivan, drug dealer, pimp, murderer: two men on opposite sides of the law. A history that goes way back. A bully even in his youth, Sullivan had made it his mission in life to make the goody-two-shoes copper’s life a misery. Now Matthew has made it his mission in life to make sure the pimping scum responsible for prostituting young girls, abusing them, and beating them to death, is locked up for life.

When Matthew’s child becomes a casualty of the war between them, does Matthew want justice? Or does he want retribution? When Patrick’s brother is shot down like a dog in a drug bust gone wrong, Patrick wants payback. He wants Matthew. Or the copper loses his pretty, pregnant wife. As far as Patrick is concerned, it’s quid pro quo.

Read on for my thoughts on Death Sentence. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Snow Prints by May Willians

Posted July 17, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Snow Prints
Series: Michigan Moonlight #2
Author: May Williams
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 13, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

With a successful career, and his dream house under construction, the only thing missing from Adrien Peterson’s life is love. Since high school, Adrien’s heart has belonged to the irresistible Gracie Sinclair. If only he could make the her see it…

Single mother Gracie’s worked hard for everything she’s got. Between her son, her nursing job, and violin playing, she’s built a life that, if not a dream, is something she can be proud of. She’s had enough lovers and family walk out on her to know not to want more. But then Adrien moves next door while his house is being built, bringing with him a tempting charm she remembers all too well.

Adrien is determined to break down the walls around Gracie’s heart. When she reluctantly agrees to a six-week trial relationship, he has one shot to show her just what a dream love can be.

Read on for my thoughts on Snow Prints. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Terms of Surrender by Sheila Seabrook

Posted July 16, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 3 Comments

Title: Terms of Surrender
Series: Rocky Mountain Romance #2
Author: Sheila Seabrook
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 2, 2013
Publisher:
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

A woman in need…
ER nurse Harley Jane Davis has dedicated her life to helping others. Now she’s the one in trouble, and the only person she can rely on is Gage Toryn—the man she’s secretly been in love with for years.

A man on the edge…
Gage would do anything for Harley, except give in to the hungry passion that sparks between them. He’s hiding a terrible secret, one guaranteed to destroy any chance at a relationship. And even though Harley haunts his dreams and makes him want to be a better man, he knows she could never love him if she learned about his ugly past.

Family, future, forever…
When a situation with Gage’s brother endangers Harley and his nieces, Gage offers them refuge in his home—and the battered pieces of his heart. But can he overcome his fear of commitment and open up about the past? Or will his secret destroy his last chance to have a relationship—and a real family—with the only woman he’s ever loved?

Read on for my thoughts on Terms of Surrender. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Barefoot in White by Roxanne St. Claire

Posted July 16, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Barefoot in White
Series: Barefoot Bay Brides #1
Author: Roxanne St. Claire
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 2014
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Owned
From the Cover:

Destination wedding consultant Willow Ambrose has fought a battle with the scale for much of her life, but she has finally won the war. By putting her past behind her and cutting off all contact with anyone who knew her before and, of course, controlling everything she can, Willow has carved out a new body and a new life. But when she comes face to face with someone who left an indelible mark on her heart years before, all that threatens to crumble.

Navy SEAL Nick Hershey is on medical leave, doing a friend a favor as a stand in “man of honor” at a beach wedding. He might not be that interested in the nuptials, but the wedding planner catches his eye the minute they meet. When he realizes Willow is really a girl he knew in college—and a girl he unintentionally hurt to the core—he knows he has some making up to do.

Willow has learned how to beat every temptation…but Nick’s sweet-as-candy kisses just might be the one thing she can’t resist. But the closer they get, the more the past threatens to tear them apart. Can they finally let go of a painful past in order to find a forever future?

Read on for my thoughts on Barefoot in White. No true spoilers, promise.