Review: The Art of Sinning by Sabrina Jeffries

Posted July 21, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: The Art of Sinning
Series: Sinful Suitors #1
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Genre: Historical Romance
Published: July 21, 2015
Publisher: Pocket Books
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

American artist Jeremy Keane refuses to return home and take over his father’s business. He’d much rather sample bevvies of beauties abroad, in search of a model for the provocative masterpiece he’s driven to paint. When he meets Lady Yvette Barlow at a London wedding, he realizes she’s perfect for his work—and determines to capture the young heiress’s defiant spirit and breathtaking sensuality on canvas.

No stranger to scandal, Yvette agrees to be Keane’s subject—in exchange for his help gaining entry to the city’s brothels he knows intimately, so she can track a missing woman and solve a family mystery. But when their practical partnership leads to lessons in the art of sinning, can they find a bold and lasting love?

Read on for my thoughts on The Art of Sinning. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The Billionaire’s Dance by Melody Anne

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

Title: The Billionaire’s Dance
Series: Billionaire Bachelors #2
Author: Melody Anne
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: Reissue July 2012
Publisher: Gossamer Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Joseph Anderson has decided it is time his three successful sons find brides. Joseph wants grandchildren to fill his huge mansion, and he wants them immediately. He was successful in his eldest son’s match, and in this book, his scheming brings Alex and Jessica together.

Alex is a confirmed bachelor who loves to travel all around the globe and romance as many women as possible. That is until he meets Jessica Sanders. One night with her and he is changing his views of bachelorhood and starting to think that married life is the new way for him. Jessica comes from a wealthy family, and has had one too many good looking men take advantage of her family’s money. When she meets confirmed bachelor and known playboy Alex Anderson, she is distrustful of his flirting, and tries to avoid him at all costs. That is until they end up trapped in an elevator, and her fear of the dark, tight space is greater than her fear of the man she is trapped with. Alex comforts her by making steamy love in the elevator, and when she runs away once they are free, he walks away wanting more.

One year later he finds out he is a father, and he makes sure Jessica has no other choice than to let him do the honorable thing. They have passion, romance, love and family to help guide them through the chaos.

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

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.