Review: Christmas at Waratah Bay by Marion Lennox

Posted February 11, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Christmas stories, I can read Christmas stories all year long – and often do. Why? Because it’s hard to find one that you really don’t like.

Title: Christmas at Waratah Bay
Series: Christmas Around The World
Author: Marion Lennox
Genre: Contemporary Romace
Published: October 21, 2014
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Sarah’s committed to her stellar modelling career in New York, but there’s an obligation she needs to fulfil. Harold was a Grandpa to her when she needed him most. Now all Harold wants is one last Christmas in his beloved Waratah Bay Homestead. Sarah’s not that so hot on baking and Christmas seems a bit… challenging… but she’s prepared to fly half way round the world to give it a try.

The only problem is, Harold no longer owns Waratah Bay Homestead. Farming tycoon Max Ramsey owns it now and he doesn’t like company, he doesn’t like Christmas and most of all, he doesn’t like Sarah.

When the two clash, enough sparks ensue to light a Christmas tree. How many enemies does it take to cook one Christmas turkey?

*I received an e-ARC of Christmas at Waratah Bay from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange
for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Read on for my thoughts on Christmas at Waratah Bay. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Die For Me by Cynthia Eden

Posted February 11, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

She thought her fiance was the perfect man—until he turned out to be the perfect killer…

Title: Die For Me
Series:
Author: Cynthia Eden
Genre: Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Published: February 12,2013
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Katherine Cole is running for her life, desperate to escape the Valentine Killer—so-called because he stabs his victims through the heart and leaves them holding a telltale single red rose. Still he tracks her to New Orleans and begins carving a bloody path to her door. But this time, Katherine refuses to run any farther. This time, she’ll do anything to stop the madman she once loved, even trust the sexy cop promising to keep her safe…

Detective Dane Black never lets his emotions interfere with his job, even as the Valentine Killer surfaces in New Orleans to stalk his prey. But when Dane agrees to protect the killer’s ex-fiancee, Katherine Cole, he can’t ignore the passion kindling between them. After a single unforgettable night binds them body and soul, Dane knows he won’t rest until Katherine is safe in his arms—and the Valentine Killer is dead. Dark and intensely sexy, this romantic suspense novel from USA Today bestselling author Cynthia Eden is sure to leave readers breathless.

*I received an e-ARC of Die For Me from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange
for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

I can’t imagine how it would feel to love a man enough to be ready to marry him, only to discover that he is killing other women.

Read on for my thoughts on Die For Me. No true spoilers, promise.

Waiting on Wednesday #4

Posted February 11, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 12 Comments

“Waiting on” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I’m waiting for the second installment of Silver Wolf Clan to be released next week.

Black Wolf's Revenge Morgan Carter witnessed her sister’s murder, has been turned into a werewolf and is now raising her young niece. Then her fiance, Greyson Crawford, proves he wants to be with her for the wrong reasons, and she knows her life couldn’t be any stranger. Devastated, she retreats to her cozy house in the city with her sister’s little girl, Lana. There, they’ll have normalcy, and maybe eventually, even happiness.

But Morgan’s the only living silver wolf. Her uniqueness—the ability to produce werewolf offspring—means, without Grey’s protection, she’s unknowingly put herself and Lana in deadly danger. Other werewolves want to claim her for their pack, and she’s the easiest, most tempting prey ever.

When they strike, Grey has to find her and rescue her before it’s too late. Not so simple a task; he has only the uncontrollable beast inside him, Wolf, and an unlikely pack of allies he’s forced to rely on. Can he get to her in time? And if he does, can he convince her he’s there for the right reasons, saving them both?

I love a good werewolf story. How about you? What are you dying to get your hands on soon?

Teaser Tuesday #4

Posted February 10, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 6 Comments

teaser tuesday One of the fun parts of taking part in blog hops (aside from getting to visit new to me blogs) is finding great ways to interact with other book lovers. This is one:

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

(I know, it’s longer than two sentences – but it’s so worth it Forgive this one? 😉 )

And then he frowned , because there was no pulsing warmth oozing now. No sticky residue on his skin. His fingers probed, and then he bowed his head, staring at his bared chest. His clean bared chest.

No blood . No wound. He blinked, pressing both hands to his chest now, moving them, pressing again, searching for the bullet hole. It had seemed gaping before. Maybe it was just smaller than it seemed.

“There’s nothing there, Duncan ,” Arianna said. “You died. Right there on the floor. We cleaned you up, and put you on the couch. In less than an hour the wound healed and you revivified . You’re alive now, and there’s no hole in your chest because you’re immortal.”

He gaped at her, then stared up at Raven. “I know it’s shocking the first time,” she whispered. “I know how difficult this is for you to believe. But, Duncan, we didn’t mean to. Arianna was aiming at me–”

“Oh, but this is so much better. Really drives the point home.”

Shayne, Maggie (2013-01-10). Eternity: Immortal Witches Book 1 (The Immortal Witches) (pp. 297-298). . Kindle Edition.

This is the novel the tease is from:

Eternity MShayne Three hundred years ago, Raven St. James was accused of witchcraft… Only one man tried to free her from the hangman’s noose–Duncan, the town minister, who died trying to save her. Three hundred years later, the accused witch still lives and longs for her love… At last, after centuries of loneliness, Raven has found her precious Duncan. But as he awakens to the passion of his past life, so too does the evil that tore them apart. Now Raven and Duncan must prove their love for all eternity…

Review: Moonbound by Sylvia Frost

Posted February 9, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Moonbound
Series: Moonfate Serial (book 1)
Author: Sylvia Frost
Genre: Paranormal
Published: September 27, 2014
Source: own – ebook

Story Blurb:

When werebeasts emerged from extinction to attack her family, Artemis Williams ran. From the Federal Bureau of Supernatural Investigation, her nightmares, and most of all her future as the mate of a werewolf. But after seven years of false alarms, Artemis decides to return home.

Unfortunately, that’s when destiny catches up to her and invades her dreams in the form of a dangerously sexy arctic werewolf. Her mate. He can set her curvy body on fire with a single look, claim her soul with a touch and Artemis knows it’s only a matter of time until he hunts her down in reality, too.

But he’s not the only monster lurking in the darkness…

Serials are a fun way to get a relatively short reading fix – always with a cliffhanger – and more to the story yet to come, usually installments a few months apart. Long enough to wait impatiently, short enough to keep the ongoing story interesting… and the reader wanting to know more about that world.

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

Review: Bridged by Kendra Elliot

Posted February 9, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Mystery / 0 Comments

Can two people who live, almost daily, with the results of the actions of crazed killers find the way to keep their own romantic relationship growing strong? Let’s find out.

Bridged Title: Bridged
Series: a Callahan and McLane mystery
Author: Kendra Elliot
Genre: Romance, Mystery
Published: February 10, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Cover Blurb:

After a congressman’s tortured body is found dangling from a Portland bridge, the FBI joins the Oregon State Police to investigate the case—and FBI Special Agent Ava McLane, still recovering from a bullet wound, hunts the twisted killer alongside the man who captured her heart, police detective Mason Callahan.

But once a third body appears and all evidence points to a serial killer, the public furiously clamors for answers—and the couple’s relationship grows fractured under the pressure. Ava and Mason search in the past for clues that predict the future. And when Ava’s mentally ill twin spins out of control, the FBI agent who battles monsters every day wonders if she shares her sister’s self-destructive streak…

In the latest thrilling romantic suspense novel from award-winning author Kendra Elliot, the past and the present violently collide…and the fallout can be deadly.

*I received an e-ARC of Bridged from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange
for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

I have not read the previous novel Vanished. In Bridged, the relationship between Mason and Ava has already been established. I was a bit concerned as I started this novel, but it soon became apparent that I could fall into this story without having to read the previous one.

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

Review: The Lady Vanishes by Nichole Camden

Posted February 9, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

When a magician is after your heart is it a trick? Or the experience of a lifetime? Can love thrive in spite of tricks?

Title: The Lady Vanishes
Series: The Billionaire Tricksters of Boston (Book 1)
Author: Nicole Camden
Genre: Erotica, Adult
Published: February 9, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

The first in a brand-new series by erotic romance sensation Nicole Camden, featuring sexy magicians and ladies whose desires tempt them ever deeper into a world they don’t quite understand…

Billionaire tech genius and inventor Milton Shaw never had life easy. Growing up in the foster system, his only escape was into the world of magic, studying Houdini and perfecting the art of sleight of hand. Too smart to fit in, and isolated from his peers, he vowed that one day he would be so powerful that no one could touch him.

Stern doctor Regina Gallows hates nothing more than attention and trickery. In fact, she went into science to feel in control of her world. Yet when her work brings her into contact with the sexy tech superstar Milton Shaw, she finds her body warring with her idealism…and her desires shifting from unlocking the magician’s secrets to unlocking his heart.

*I received an e-ARC of The Lady Vanishes from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange
for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Read on for my thoughts on The Lady Vanishes. No true spoilers, promise.

Stacking the Shelves #5

Posted February 8, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 4 Comments

StackingTheShelves Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Hosted at Tynga’s Reviews If you want to find out more about Stacking The Shelves, please visit the official launch page!

This past week I gave into temptation. I used up my Amazon Gift Cards from Christmas and indulged in getting some current series that I really want to read… now.

I know, I’m certifiable – but really so tired of not reading series in order… so I gave in. But I’m a happy reader for indulging in the book binge. 😉

Now, I must not one click, I must not one click, I must not one click…. yeah, right.

Review: Never Smile At Strangers by Jennifer Jaynes

Posted February 7, 2015 by Marsha in Mystery / 2 Comments

Sleepy Southern towns hold secrets. Long-past history secrets and deadly secrets. But nothing stays buried forever, especially in small, sleepy Southern town.

Title: Never Smile at Strangers
Series:
Author: Jennifer Jaynes
Genre: Mystery
Published: January 27, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

When nineteen-year-old Tiffany Perron vanishes without a trace, the residents of rural Grand Trespass, Louisiana, launch a desperate search to find her. But few clues are unearthed, and before long another young woman disappears.

As locals continue to vanish, residents begin to discover that they might not know those closest to them as well as they had thought. Lies and insecurities quickly surface, leading everyone to question one another…and their involvement in the disappearances.

Meanwhile, an unstable, twisted killer is hiding quietly in their midst. Ever since his mother’s murder four years earlier, he’s been forced to raise his disturbed teenage sister. He’s terrified of her—and of women in general—and his world revolves around his fear of and obsession over them.

Before you go any further in reading this review. Know right now that in this novel there is mention of implied sexual abuse from the “killer’s” memories. If this type of content bothers you then don’t go any further. This is the only mention of these parts of the novel you will read here – my review centers on the mystery. But know what you may read before picking up this book.

Knowing that – Read on for my thoughts on Never Smile At Strangers. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The End of All Things by Lissa Bryan

Posted February 7, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 4 Comments

How would you survive should a virus wipe out most of humanity? Would you curl up in a corner and wait for the end? Or would you fight every single day for one more hour of life at any cost?

Title: The End of All Things
Series: End of All Things
Author: Lissa Bryan
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian
Published: January 24, 2013
Source: NetGalley

Cover Blurb:

After a terrible virus ravages the planet, Carly Daniels, one of the few survivors, hides in her apartment in Juneau trying to survive the best she can with only occasional forays to gather food. With her is Sam, a wolf puppy she found starving on the streets. He becomes her companion and a reason to continue when giving up sometimes seems like the more attractive option. Still dazed with shock and grief, she hopes for the world to go back to normal soon.

She is discovered by Justin, an ex-soldier who is intent on making his way to Florida before the winter sets in. Justin coaxes her out of her hiding place and convinces her to join him on his journey, because a warmer climate will be their best chance against the extremes of Mother Nature.

Together, they begin a perilous journey through a nation laid to waste by the disaster. Challenges abound along the way. The weather, injury, and shortage of supplies all help to slow them down. In time, they discover that they aren’t the only survivors. Some are friendly but some have had their minds destroyed by the high fever. Then there are those who simply take what they want, leaving Carly and Justin with no choice but to defend what is theirs.

But their journey is not without joy and love. Together, they face every struggle, including an unplanned pregnancy. Despite the perils of bringing a child into a world of chaos, their baby is a new beginning for themselves and a symbol of hope for the other survivors they find along the way.

This is the story of their journey to find a place to begin a new life, and a home in each other.

I am a huge, huge fan of The Walking Dead. While I would never want to live in a zombie filled world, how people survive is a fascinating journey to follow.

*I received an e-ARC of The End of All Things from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange
for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

While The End of All Things does not have zombies – it does have other kinds of monsters. There is no need for rotting flesh to bring out the monster in humans, just a situation where they can flourish.

Read on for my thoughts on The End of All Things. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

Posted February 7, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

To be a Seeker was an honorable dream. To right wrongs, defend the innocent and protect the defenseless that was what this is all about — isn’t it?
Title: Seeker
Series:
Author: Arwen Elys Dayton
Genre: Fantasy
Published: February 10, 2015
Source: NetGalley

The night Quin Kincaid takes her Oath, she will become what she has trained to be her entire life. She will become a Seeker. This is her legacy, and it is an honor.

As a Seeker, Quin will fight beside her two closest companions, Shinobu and John, to protect the weak and the wronged. Together they will stand for light in a shadowy world.

And she’ll be with the boy she loves–who’s also her best friend.

But the night Quin takes her Oath, everything changes.

Being a Seeker is not what she thought. Her family is not what she thought. Even the boy she loves is not who she thought.

And now it’s too late to walk away.

*I received an e-ARC of Seeker from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange
for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.

Can you imagine at the age of 8 to have your future mapped out for you? To know what you will do, must do at such an early age? And by the age of 15 be fully trained to .. change the future?

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

Feature & Follow #4

Posted February 6, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 22 Comments

FeatureFollowParaAlison The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!

This week’s feature blog is: My Bookish Itinerary

Today’s Question up for discussion is:

Do you read more than 1 book at a time, and if so, how, like a certain amount of pages per book before moving on to the next one in the queue? – via Words I Write Crazy

My Answer: I usually have 3 books going. One on my Kindle, which is usually e-ARCs. One on my Kindle App for the PC because I have tons of Kindle free books on that app that thankfully did not load over on my new Kindle…gotta get that TBR of Kindle books cleared up. And I always have one book, real physical book to hold and read. They are never the same genre though. I love so many different styles of novels. So I will have a Contemporary on one, a Historical on another and a Paranormal/Fantasy/YA on the other. How much do I read of each? It totally depends on my mood (or a review deadline). I might start out in old time London, spinning through a young woman’s First Season and in the evening be deep in the darkest night with a vampire hunter hot on my trail. Mood reading is my downfall.

Now it’s time to get following – hope you find awesome new blogs today.

Because this blog cannot use GFC – I prefer Bloglovin’ please.

Review: Echo Lake by Carla Neggers

Posted February 6, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

I fell in love with Rohan, let’s call it “puppy love”.

Title: Echo Lake
Series: Swift River Valley
Author: Carla Neggers
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 27, 2015
Source: NetGalley

In snowy Swift River Valley, unexpected romance is just around the corner…

Heather Sloan has landed her dream job—the renovation of Vic Scarlatti’s stately 1912 country home overlooking the icy waters of Echo Lake in Knights Bridge, Massachusetts. It’s the perfect project for the family business, but for once, Heather is in charge.

Diplomatic Security Service agent Brody Hancock left Knights Bridge at eighteen, a few steps ahead of arrest and the wrath of Heather’s older brothers. Though Brody had never planned to return, Vic, a retired diplomat and friend, needs his help.

Staying at Vic’s guest house makes it impossible to avoid running into a Sloan at every turn—especially Heather. Seeing her again has affected Brody more than he wants to admit. But Heather is wary of Brody’s sudden interest in her, and she suspects there’s more to his homecoming than he’s letting on….

Set against the scenic backdrop of a New England winter, Echo Lake is a captivating tale of family, friends and the possibility of new love…

It’s hard not to fall in love with Rohan right at the first page. Really. Who can resist a frisky Golden Retriever puppy leading humans on a merry chase through the snow?

*I received an e-ARC of Echo Lake from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange
for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Read on for my thoughts on Echo Lake. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The Highlander’s Folly By Barbara Longley

Posted February 5, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

The Highlander’s Folly is book 3 of The Novels of Loch Moigh series

Title: The Highlander’s Folly
Series: The Novels of Loch Moigh series
Author: Barbara Longley
Genre: Paranormal, Time-Travel, Historical
Published: February 3, 2015
Source: NetGalley

A brave fifteenth-century Highlander fiercely devoted to his foster family, Hunter of clan MacKintosh can defeat any man in battle. Thanks to his fae gifts, he can read the intent of his opponents and guess their next moves. But when the faerie Madame Giselle sends Hunter to the present day, he stumbles into a staged battle and rescues a young knight—only to discover that the knight is a woman, and she’s anything but a damsel in distress.

Meghan McGladrey learned martial arts and sword fighting from her father, a time-traveling Highlander himself. To Hunter’s surprise, Meghan is as skilled as any knight. When both of them are pulled back to the fifteenth century, Meghan becomes desperate to return to her time. Hunter, who is pledged to another, begins to fall for the beautiful, brave warrior as they fight side by side against a common enemy. Now, he must decide which matters more: his honor, or following his heart.

Exciting battles and intoxicating passion reunite in the third Novel of Loch Moigh from award-winning author Barbara Longley.

*I received an e-ARC of The Highlander’s Folly from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

A fierce Highlander from the fifteenth-century, a faerie’s plot and a modern day time-traveling maiden. What’s not to love in that combination?

Read on for my thoughts on The Highlander’s Folly. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Fool’s Paradise by Jo Ann Ferguson

Posted February 5, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

A Lady Priscilla Flanders Mystery

Title: Fool’s Paradise
Series: A Lady Priscilla Flanders Mystery
Author: Jo Ann Ferguson
Genre: Historical
Published: January 2, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Something is rotten in the Lake District . . . and the Prince Regent has asked Lord Neville Hathaway to investigate. But in order to ensure success, he asks his wife—and intrepid partner in crime-solving—Lady Priscilla, to join him.
When they learn that a young woman of the Beau Monde has vanished in the area, they can’t help wondering if that disappearance is connected to tales of a strange new settlement being created by a half-mad lord. Drawn into the madness against their wills, Priscilla and Neville go undercover as willing citizens in Novum Arce, the utopian recreation of Roman Britain, but it quickly becomes obvious that the person behind the kidnapping and insanity may have a very real ulterior motive—one that could change the future of the war against Napoleon.
Now they have to do more than save a missing lady—they have to stop an invasion! And there’s even more at stake! Priscilla has just discovered she’s going to have a child. And Neville has to decide: just how much is he willing to sacrifice for King and country?

*I received an e-ARC of Fool’s Paradise by Jo Ann Ferguson from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

This was the first of the ongoing series “A Lady Priscilla Flanders Mystery” that I have read. While it might have helped to have a bit more background – the opening chapters filled me in on the basics enough to dive right into the story with comfort.

Read on for my thoughts on Fool’s Paradise. No true spoilers, promise.