Happily Ever After Romance

Review: Amii’s Angel by Natalie-Nicole Bates

Posted March 28, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Ammi's AngelTitle:  Amii’s Angel
Series:
Author:  Natalie-Nicole Bates
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  March 17, 2015
Publisher:  Books To Go Now
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Synopsis:

For years, Amii Sloan has held a burning grudge against Ryan Maine for his cutting cross examination during her sister’s murder trial. Now, a chance encounter brings Ryan back into her life, along with a very interesting proposition—to work as his personal assistant in the idyllic
town of Unity.

Down on her luck, and supporting a mother with early onset dementia, Amii doesn’t have much of a choice but to accept the job Ryan offers. But can she overlook the past, to possibly open the door to a brighter future?

As she spends time with the handsome, successful lawyer, she realizes that maybe first impressions can be wrong, and that just maybe she and Ryan could share a whole lot more than she ever imagined.

Read on for my thoughts on Amii’s Angel.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Taking A Day Off

Posted March 27, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

blue eyesToday has been weird.  Not to bore anyone with non-book blogging stuff – but it’s just been a weepy, world crashing in kinda day.  You ever get those?  I hate them – but have learned to just get through them.

So instead of the million things I “should” be doing on my blogs – I’m going to go play World of Warcraft and crush things for a couple hours.  Get my mind off of everything family and book related.  My non-book version of running away from home for awhile.

The stuff that needs done – for once can wait 24 hours.  It’s the first time I tossed in the towel since restarting this in January.  I need a day off.

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Throwback Thursday Trailers

Posted March 26, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

There are times when words are not the best way to fall into a story.  Sometimes seeing what you’ll be reading teases the mind and the senses.

Enjoy these Throwback Thursday Trailers feature.  And should you have some favorites of your own ~ link them up in the comments.

 

For Maggie Shayne fans, over on my Haunted Bookshelf site is another Throwback Thursday Trailer featuring a montage of her Wings in the Night series.  I personally think if you like Paranormal, you’ll get a chuckle out of that one.  So go on, check it out at Haunted Throwback Thursday Trailers

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Thirsty Thursdays & Hungry Hearts #4

Posted March 26, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

unConventionalBookViews_Meme-ThirstyThursdayHungryHeartsThere is a fun new meme going on over at (un)Conventional  Book Views.  Lexxie is hosting the Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts weekly list of food and drink.  ;)  More specifically what food or drink from a recent read of yours would you like to try or never in a million years touch.  You can find details, sorta rules and the sign up linky by clicking on the graphic or on the bold link above.

I have been trying so hard to be aware of food while reading.  It is turning into a more difficult habit to cultivate than I thought it would.  But, I’m working on it.

“As I sat on the counter watching, Tack slid right into it like we’d known each other years rather than weeks.

Though, he did it while unpacking food and preparing the potatoes, which looked like they were going to be awesome.  Sliced super thin, arranged in a casserole dish, layered with salt, pepper, paprika, pats of butter and minced garlic then smothered in cream and milk before he slid them into the oven. ”  ~Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley

I adore Tack and Tyra as a couple in this novel.  Talk about hot, scary, sexy biker dude… I actually want to find Tack and never let him out of my sight.  If you’ve never read Motorcyle Man — you need to right now.  *fans face and other body parts*

Motorcycle ManGet ready to ride . . .

Tyra Masters has had enough drama to last a lifetime. Now, she’s back on track and looking forward to her new, quiet life. Until she meets the man of her dreams. The tattooed, muscled biker plies her with tequila-and the best sex of her life. She knows it isn’t the tequila and hot sex talking. He’s the kind of man she’s always wanted. Unfortunately, he’s also her new boss . . .

Kane “Tack” Allen has a rule. He doesn’t employ someone he’s slept with. So when he learns he spent last night in bed with his new office manager, he quickly fires Tyra. Yet when Tyra stands up to him and fights for her job, Tack is intrigued. He tells her she can keep her job on one condition: no more sex. Ever. But as things heat up between them, Tack finds that he’ll be the one breaking all the rules…

This novel also includes my favorite quote of all time – one that is written out and taped on my dressing table’s mirror –

”Life’s a roller coaster. Best damn ride in the park. You don’t close your eyes, hold on and wait for it to be over, babe. You keep your eyes open, lift your hands straight up in the air and enjoy the ride for as long as it lasts.”

I cannot say enough good things about this novel – even when posting about hot food creation.  ~ *Grins*

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Goal Met for New Author Challenge 2015

Posted March 25, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

New Authors Reading Challenge 2015 ~~~GOAL MET ON MARCH 25, 2015

New Authors 2015 larger

The New Authors – Seeking New Escapes 2015 Reading Challenge is hosted by Literary Escapism.  The rules, suggestions and signup can be found by following the link, either the written or graphic links above.

I set my goal for 25 New Authors to check out this year.  That was before I was approved for NetGalley.  A fantastic place to begin with and a bonus of having so many debut authors and authors that I haven’t read yet.

I’m not going to change my goal number — but I will continue adding new authors to the sub-page.   Just to find out at the end of the year how many new authors I’ve added.

If you’d like to check out some new authors , here’s the link to the Challenge Post with the listing.  New Author Challenge Page ~ Completed

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Review: Driftwood Cowboy by Lenora Worth

Posted March 25, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

Driftwood CowboyTitle:  Driftwood Cowboy
Series:  Driftwood Bay
Author:   Lenora Worth
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  March 31, 2015
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Synopsis:

Can she heal from a tragedy too great to bear?

When Michelle Lancaster flees her hometown of Spirit, Louisiana to spend time at a beach retreat in Driftwood Bay, Florida, she only wants to run from the tremendous pain of a tragedy that caused her perfect life to shatter into pieces.

But on the day when the memories become too much, a man steps into her path on the beach and causes her beloved horse Coco to almost throw her. Not to mention this is the one man Michelle has tried to avoid. But laid-back boat captain and artist Brodie Stevens has his eye on Michelle and soon, he is pursuing her with a strong-willed determination. He too is haunted, but believes that together they can heal each other. Now the driftwood cowboy must convince Michelle it’s possible to hope… and to love again.

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

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Waiting on Wednesday #9

Posted March 25, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 6 Comments

Print“Waiting on” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating… cannot wait to get our hands on… having hissy fits at having to wait… you know, waiting for the book is exhausting work!

I have made no secret of the fact that Nora Roberts is my favorite author.  Many come in at second place (it seems to rotate through all of my favorites) but I will be waiting in line, in the pouring rain to get my hands on a new release by Nora Roberts.  So my pick for this week should be no surprise.  Since I didn’t get my greedy hands on an ARC – The Liar will be available in a few weeks and I cannot wait.

 

The LiarShelby Foxworth lost her husband. Then she lost her illusions …

The man who took her from Tennessee to an exclusive Philadelphia suburb left her in crippling debt. He was an adulterer and a liar, and when Shelby tracks down his safe-deposit box, she finds multiple IDs. The man she loved wasn’t just dead. He never really existed.

Shelby takes her three-year-old daughter and heads south to seek comfort in her hometown, where she meets someone new: Griff Lott, a successful contractor. But her husband had secrets she has yet to discover. Even in this small town, surrounded by loved ones, danger is closer than she knows—and threatens Griff, as well. And an attempted murder is only the beginning …

My wait will be over on April 14, 2015.

What are you waiting for?

 

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Confessions of a Bookworm #2

Posted March 25, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 5 Comments

 

book confessionI love taking part in features and memes.  It brings us book lovers and book bloggers a bit closer together, if only in our shared love of reading great books.  So today I discovered something new.  :)

There is a new feature over at Parajunkee called Confessions of a Bookworm.  Here’s the link to this week’s post.   And the information about all of this is located at that link.

This week’s question is:  Would you rather go on vacation, or spend the money going to one of your favorite author’s book tour stops?

Hmmmm.

Well I can be quite devious in getting exactly what I want (but shhh.. don’t tell my family).  So what I would do is… search over every single detail of my favorite author’s book tour locations – pick one that I’ve always dreamed of visiting, or at least in an interesting location – and book my ideal vacation with a favorite author.  I get to meet a favorite author (and I’d have bags of their books for signing, just saying since I’m there 🙂  ) and take a fabulous vacation right there after the book tour visit.  Win-Win.

Okay, okay… If I must pick between the two options technically, then there really is no other answer than…going to my favorite author’s book tour stop.  I mean, come on it’s my favorite author!

On a side note.  Thank you Anila!  I actually “squee-ed” when I realized that I had a mention of my bookworm confession in this week’s post.  It made my day.  *huge grin*

An additional confession:  since reading that Vivien pets her books (there is nothing odd in that!) – I have been known to swoop down upon a stack of a new release of an anticipated book, grab one off the stack and tightly hug the book.  Yes, right there in the bookstore with people looking on.  But, they’re book lovers too so they at least “get” it.  🙂

Until next week – happy reading.

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How Have Book Tours or Cover Reveals Helped Your Blog?

Posted March 24, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

book pileNo, seriously, I’d really like to know.

While I’ve been blogging for several years, I’ve really only concentrated on reviews.  I’d like to take the next step and get involved in a Release Blitz or Book Tours or even just a Cover Reveal to start.

And I’m not ashamed to say that I’m still learning about these parts of book blogging.  But, I am starting to get offers and I really don’t want to fall flat on my face.  So, I’m asking anyone who wanders by my blog this simple question.  How have these things helped your book blogging?    And should you feel like giving some tips or additional information… I’m all ears.  🙂

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Cover Characteristic #2

Posted March 24, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 4 Comments

Cover Characteristic memeThe ladies at  Sugar and Snark  are hosting a Cover Characteristic meme.  Weekly a subject will be chosen and we search for book covers related to that week’s pick.  Why not?  I certainly have tons of book covers in my files (and I know how to find more *wink*) so this will be my first week joining in.

This week’s choice is Gardens.  Show off your favorite book covers with Hair…hmmm.  Follow the links above to join in too.

There are so many possibilities – and I toyed with the idea of searching out Fabio’s old book covers *whistles innocently with a wink* – but I was kind.

But I did indeed find some very beautiful covers featuring beautiful, flowing hair.  Check these out.

There are 2 covers here that are due out in April.  But I find it intriguing to see the beauty and artistry of how hair strands can be woven to create something quite beautiful… even fire hair.

hair 1hair 2firehair 3purple hair 4hair 5hair 6hair 7

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Review: Devil’s Moon by Amanda Scott

Posted March 24, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

Devil's MoonTitle:  Devil’s Moon
Series:  Border Nights (Book 2)
Author:  Amanda Scott
Genre:  Historical Romance
Published:  March 31, 2015
Publisher:  Forever
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Synopsis:

A Warrior’s Promise

The last place Sir David “Devil” Ormiston expected his moonlight chase of a horse thief to end was in a lady’s bedchamber. He is shocked to find that the raider he has pursued is no man, but a defiant beauty in disguise—and the woman he’s vowed to protect at all costs. Face to face with a girl Dev thought he knew, the ever confident, marriage-resistant knight may learn that he is defenseless against the desirable woman she has become.

A Lady’s Secret

Lady Robina Gledstanes will do anything to keep her family’s land out of the hands of her greedy kinsmen—except willingly submit to the handsome, cocksure Devil Ormiston. Dev’s help may be just as dangerous as the threats lurking outside her castle. But when enemies scheme to steal the castle’s treasure, Robina must risk losing something even more precious—her heart.

Read on for my thoughts on Devil’s Moon.  No true spoilers, promise.

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