Review: Christmas in Venice by Joanne Walsh

Posted February 14, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

Title: Christmas in Venice
Series: Christmas Around the World
Author: Joanne Walsh
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 28, 2014
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Let it snow…?

Wasn’t she supposed to dream of a white Christmas? Right now, Ashlynne wishes the blizzards, ice and fog that have left her stranded in Venice would melt away. She’s facing a dreary holiday stuck at the airport—and she’s also run into her ex-husband.

Lorenzo di Grechi insists Ashlynne stay with him at his sumptuous palazzo apartment. He’s also promising her Christmas Venetian-style: eating, drinking, and visiting the seasonal markets and musical concerts that make the city so enchanting at this time of year.

She thought she’d moved on: laid the ghosts of their marriage which had ended so sadly and badly to rest, along with how passionately she’d loved him. But the sexual attraction between them is still as potent as ever, and he seems to have changed for the better, forcing her to question her belief that he’d cheated on her at a time when she’d needed him most.

Is this just some sort of Christmas magic at work? Or a real chance to forgive and rediscover her love for Lorenzo?

*I received an e-ARC of Christmas in Venice 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 in Venice. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Christmas With The Laird by Scarlet Wilson

Posted February 13, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

Title: Christmas with the Laird
Series: Christmas Around the World
Author: Scarlet Wilson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 28, 2014
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

It’s official – for Juliette Connolly Christmas is a bust and she’s definitely not in the Christmas spirit. She’s been dumped by her boyfriend and replaced by a younger model. Then a clause in her contract means she and a mysterious colleague have to work over Christmas. But there’s much more to Andrew Campbell than meets the eye. Especially when it turns out he’s the Scottish Laird of the haunted house they’re filming in.

And it seems like there’s magic in the air in the remote snow-filled setting. The local village contains a cast of Christmas characters and even though the boiler in the drafty house is broken the temperature is definitely rising.

Maybe Andrew and Juliette are about to be sprinkled with a little Christmas fairy dust?

*I received an e-ARC of Christmas with the Laird 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 with the Laird. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Enchanter’s Echo by Anise Rae

Posted February 13, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Enchanter's Echo Title: Enchanter’s Echo
Series: Mayflower Mages Book 2
Author: Anise Rae
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Published: February 17, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Aurora Firenze lives a quiet life hiding in a junkyard. Her repair shop is the last hope for gadgets and gizmos before they get tossed onto the trash towers. Fortunately, Aurora can fix almost anything, including mages, though repairing people with metal enchantments is highly illegal.

Edmund Rallis, heir to the Rallis senate seat, has spent months hunting down his errant enchantress. He’ll play every game he knows to win her back and entice her to share the secrets she hides. But he’s inadvertently put her on the frontlines of a new game, one with an opponent who’s determined to destroy Rallis Territory and drive the Republic toward war. If the new enemy isn’t stopped in time, Edmund will lose his enchantress again—and this time there won’t be another chance.

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

Enchanter’s Echo is the second book in the Mayflower Mages series. The first was Syphon’s Song.

Read on for my thoughts on Enchenter’s Echo. No true spoilers, promise.

Feature & Follow #5

Posted February 13, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 20 Comments

FeatureFollowParaAlison Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers — but you have to know — the point of this hop is to follow other bloggers also. I follow you, you follow me.

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!

The two Feature blogs this week are; The Macabre Masquerade and Rabbit Ears Book Blog

This weeks Question:

Do you use the # FF on twitter on Fridays? If you do, are you afraid you’ll forget someone and they’ll be sad?

My Answer:

I am not on Twitter – yet. I know, I know. I have been working on this blog to get it into shape. I have a list of things I still have to do, but Twitter has not been on the top of that list. Well, it is almost the weekend, so I guess it’s time to get that to-do list finished up!

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: Cinderella and the Ghost by Marina Myles

Posted February 12, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Cinderella and the Ghost
Series: The Cursed Princes (Book 6)
Author: Marina Myles
Genre: Romance, Paranormal
Published: February 17, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

When her demanding stepmother died, Ella Benoit knew just how far their fortunes had fallen, unlike her spoiled stepsisters. So she never expected the bequest from her late father. A chateau in France and the freedom to live her own life, all at once!

The chateau has seen better days, but Ella knows she can put the ruined house to rights. The life-size portrait of its first owner, Jean-Daniel Girard, seems to watch her work with approval, even pleasure. With bright blue eyes, strong features, and an athlete’s body, the viscount is a tempting sight even now, more than three hundred years after his tragic death. But the more she looks at the portrait, the more convinced Ella is that she’s met Jean-Daniel before. In another life, perhaps—or maybe, as the form who haunts the halls at night, invading Ella’s dreams…

*I received an e-ARC of Cinderella and the Ghost 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 Cinderella and the Ghost. No true spoilers, promise.

I absolutely loved Cinderella and the Ghost. Some might call it a retelling novel, but it was so much more than just putting Cinderella in a different time period. I find I really don’t want to tell too much of this story. You have the blurb above to give you the basic premise – after that I’d love for you to just dive into it.

The author, Marina Myles, has managed to bring us to an amazing woman, Ella in the present time… and pair her up with a handsome ghost who needs a bit of help in order to claim his lady-love.

The journey for Jean-Daniel and Ella to finally get to their happily ever after is as simple as falling in love – and as complicated as time travel. The blending of a contemporary love story with a time travel epic, mixed liberally with a haunting ghost story is simply amazing. Oh, don’t forget to toss the step-sisters (please toss the step-sisters down a staircase)!

Not everyone is going to enjoy every novel. Some will want just a historical romance, others will be content with a modern day telling and others will go wild for the possibility of time traveling. No matter which genre you enjoy the most, please give Cinderella and the Ghost a chance to win your heart. I do not think you’ll be disappointed.

I would recommend this one to anyone who just wants to fall in love.

Review: Black Wolf’s Revenge by Tera Shanley

Posted February 12, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Black Wolf's Revenge
Title: Black Wolf’s Revenge (book 2)
Series: Silver Wolf Clan
Author: Tera Shanley
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Published: February 17, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

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 received an e-ARC of Black Wolf’s Revenge 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 Black Wolf’s Revenge. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: A Yorkshire Christmas by Kate Hewitt

Posted February 12, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Christmas finds even the lost – often before they dream it’s possible they can be found.

Title: A Yorkshire Christmas
Series: Christmas Around the World
Author: Kate Hewitt
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 28, 2014
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Wealthy New York City girl Claire Lindell isn’t looking for a Christmas miracle or happiness when she abruptly decides to hole up for the holiday at her godmother’s cottage in a little Yorkshire village, and lick her wounds from a near disastrous romantic decision.

After her car skids into a snow bank, Claire may have accidentally found her perfect Christmas and the family and love she’s craved when she offers Noah Bradford of Ayesgill Farm help to push the back end of one of his sheep out of the icy mud, even if she’s going to ruin a brand new pair of Prada boots during the rescue.

What’s a little leather when love’s on the line?

*I received an e-ARC of A Yorkshire Christmas 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 A Yorkshire Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

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.

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.