Review: The Jade Lioness by Christina Courtenay

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

The Jade LionessTitle:  The Jade Lioness
Series:  Kumashiro Saga #3
Author:  Christina Courtenay
Genre:  Historical Romance
Published:  May 15, 2015
Publisher:  Choc Lit
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Synopsis:

Nagasaki, 1648

Temperance Marston longs to escape war-torn England and explore the exotic empire of Japan. When offered the chance to accompany her cousin and Captain Noordholt on a trading expedition to Nagasaki, she jumps at the opportunity. However, she soon finds the country’s strict laws for foreigners curtail her freedom.

On a dangerous and foolhardy venture she meets Kazuo, a ronin. Kazuo is fascinated by her blonde hair and blue eyes, but he has a mission to complete and he cannot be distracted. Long ago, his father was accused of a crime he didn’t commit – stealing a valuable jade lioness ornament from the Shogun – and Kazuo must restore his family’s honour.



But when Temperance is kidnapped and sold as a concubine, he has to make a decision – can he save her and keep the promise he made to his father?

Read on for my thoughts on The Jade Lioness.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Review: Welcome to Temptation by Charlotte Hughes

Posted May 13, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Welcome to TemptationTitle:  Welcome To Temptation
Series:  
Author:  Charlotte Hughes
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  May 14, 2015
Publisher:  Authorfriendly
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Synopsis:

Reckless, bad boy Cajun . . .

With a hurricane closing in on Temptation, Louisiana, Michelle Thurston fails to convince her stubborn grandmother to leave her home on the bayou. Sheriff Gator Landry arrives by boat, hell-bent on forcing the elderly recluse to evacuate. He is stunned to find Michelle, who was just 16 years old when he courted her one steamy summer.

Now, at 32, Michelle comes face-to-face with the man whose kisses tempted her to lose control, only this time there is no place to run. Although Gator is not about to leave the two women defenseless, Michelle can’t help but wonder if he is more dangerous to her than anything the storm can do.

Read on for my thoughts on Welcome to Temptation.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Review: Where There’s A Will by Katherine Garbera & Eve Gaddy

Posted May 13, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Where There's A Will

Title:  Where There’s A Will
Series:  Whiskey River #1
Author:  Katherine Garbera & Eve Gaddy
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  May 13, 2015
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Synopsis:

Where There’s A Will…
Sexy attorney Ryder Ford always knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. But Addison Wells, his gorgeous secretary, is one woman he wants but can’t have. Or can he? One scorching, unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe is all that either have allowed. Addison is focused on her studies and becoming a lawyer herself and she plans to leave the dust of Whiskey River behind. Unless…

There’s A Way…
Addison has mastered ignoring her hotter than sin boss until one stormy day when a threatening tornado forces them to find shelter from the storm. Despite the fact that Addison is weeks from moving to another city, she finds herself breaking her own “no office romance” rule. She’s not meant to settle down—but how can she resist someone as persuasive and tempting as Ryder? She’s determined that he should be her going away present but will Ryder let her go that easily?

Read on for my thoughts on Where There’s A Will.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Waiting on Wednesday #14

Posted May 13, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 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 am a huge paranormal fan, so it should be no surprise that I am looking forward to the next book in The Gates Legacy series – Reckoning which releases June 4, 2015

 

Reckoning - the gates legacyThe vampires of New York City are breathing easier after the demise of the tyrannical former head of the Vampire Council, Goran. Under Rohnert, the revered and newly ascended leader, their future looks promising. However, an unknown enemy is manipulating events, killing humans and vampires alike, and exposing their secrets to the human world.

This is bad news for new vampire Cyrus and his band of fighters at Tack Enterprises. Events derail his plans to find Zane, the sadistic vampire who tortured Cyrus and forced immortality on him. Armed with hatred deep in his bones, all Cyrus cares about is getting even, and Zane has it coming. Cyrus soon finds himself torn between the crippling desire for revenge and his responsibility to his friends. When he begins to spend time in the company of the beautiful and pureblooded vampire, Isidora, her presence in his life makes him rethink his priorities.

Isidora is able to read minds. The thoughts she hears from the respected and irresistible vampire, Cyrus, are filled with both anger towards Zane and a deep admiration for her. Being closeted all her life, Issy has no idea what to do in the face of the outside world’s war, death, and challenges. One thing is clear. She craves Cyrus, but his need for vengeance is clouding his mind. After discovering a previously hidden family member and being called to serve the Council, Issy is at a crossroads in her life and struggles to find the right path.

Both vampires face tough choices. Should Issy pursue her feelings for Cyrus or wait until he can return her affection? Will Cyrus deny his attraction to Isidora so he can kill the man who made his life a living hell on earth? Every decision leads to a reckoning.

 

So, what are you waiting impatiently for?

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Review: No Gentleman for Georginia by Jess Michaels

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

No Gentleman for GeorginaTitle:  No Gentleman for Georginia
Series:  The Notorious Flynns #4
Author:  Jess Michaels
Genre:  Regency Romance, Historical Romance
Published:  May 12, 2015
Publisher:  The Passionate Pen
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Synopsis:

Georgina Hickson has lived her life doing everything she is supposed to do in order to land the titled husband her family requires. When she met Paul Abbot at a gathering at a friend’s, it was the first time she ever wanted more. But more is something she knows she cannot have.

Paul has been in love with Georgina since the moment he laid eyes on her two years before, but he knows he isn’t good enough for her and it can never be. But when he finds out she desperately wants to see a special exhibit in London, he agrees to take her. But can a stolen moment, a stolen kiss and a whispered confession lead to happiness or heartache?

Read on for my thoughts on No Gentleman for Georginia.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Teaser Tuesday #11

Posted May 12, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 13 Comments

teaser tuesdayOne 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 A Daily Rhythm.

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 seem to be on an Historical Romance slant recently for my non-review planned reading.  This is from the book currently on my reading table.

The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor“Abby came awake abruptly with a yank on her hair, and a hand over her mouth.  She had no time to cry out before another hand fell over her throat and dragged her into the shadows. ~ The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor.”

A LADY’S MISSION…
Known for her beauty and boldness, Abigail MacGregor must preserve her clan’s dangerous secret: that her mother is the true heir to the English Crown. If the wrong people find out, it will mean war for her beloved Scotland. To keep peace, she embarks for London, unprepared for the treachery that awaits—especially from her wickedly handsome escort. He is the enemy, but his slow, sensuous kisses entice her beyond reason…

A WARRIOR’S TEMPTATION
General Daniel Marlow, loyal knight and the kingdom’s most desirable hero, would rather be on the battlefield than transporting a spoiled Highland lass. But Abby MacGregor is unlike any woman he’s ever met, in a ballroom or in his bedroom. Captivated by her daring spirit and seduced by her lovely innocence, Daniel must choose between betraying his queen or giving up the woman who would steal his country—and his traitorous heart.

 

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Review: His Blushing Bride by Dani Collins

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

His Blushing BrideTitle:  His Blushing Bride
Series:  Montana Born Brides #2
Author:  Dani Collins
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  May 11, 2015
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Synopsis:

Wedding fever has hit the little town of Marietta…

Piper Tierney is busy wrapping up the school year and planning the music for Marietta’s Wedding Of The Century. She does not need one of her parents’ backpacking hippies under foot. Except the guy they let stay in their house is so much more than the California couch-surfer he resembles. Before she knows it, she’s making time to make time, even though he’s only in town for a couple of weeks.

Taking a break from working on his doctorate in political science, Sebastian Bloom wants to reassure himself his sister isn’t making another mistake with her upcoming wedding to a Marietta rancher. He’s definitely not looking for a bride for himself. Marriage and family are a trap. But Piper is cute, funny, and wants to move on from her ex.

They agree to a no strings affair, but will they wind up tying the knot?

Read on for my thoughts on His Blushing Bride.  No true spoilers, promise.

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A Monday’s Pick Review – Be My Love by Lucy Kevin

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

Be My Love“A Monday’s Pick Review of Be My Love by Lucy Kevin”

Be My Love was a free novella that I picked up at Amazon.  Just because a story is short, don’t think that those styles of tales don’t give a full, satisfying story.  This one certainly did, as well as being the opening story in the series, Walker Island.

Here’s the cover blurb for Be My Love:

Come for a visit to Walker Island where you’ll find stunning Pacific Northwest ocean views, men too intriguing to resist…and five beautiful, close-knit sisters who are each about to find their one true love.

After four years on the Seattle mainland, when Hanna Walker returns to Walker Island to make a documentary about the infamous Peterson-Walker feud from the early 1950s, she’s shocked to realize that passions still run high. Especially when it comes to Joel Peterson, the one man who is totally off-limits…but that she’s never been able to stop dreaming about.

The last thing Joel wants is for Hanna to dredge up the past, but when he realizes she’s determined to follow through with her documentary no matter what, he knows he has no choice but to join her. But despite vowing to hold back his growing feelings for her, as Joel works with Hanna to unravel the mystery of what really happened between their two families, he soon begins to see that love is an unstoppable force…and that sometimes two people are meant to be.

This one was enjoyable, so read on for my thoughts on Be My Love. Read More

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Monday’s Pick #4 ~ Wyoming Wildflowers: the beginning

Posted May 11, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Wyoming Wildflowers the beginning“Monday’s Pick” is a feature here at Keeper Bookshelf that showcases a novel I picked up for free.  This week’s pick was found at Amazon’s Free Kindle Books offerings.

Look for a “Free” novel to be picked each Monday and the review to appear on the following Monday.   There are some really good “free” novels available (and some not so great too).  Let’s weed them out.  If this sounds like something you might like to take part in — awesome, just leave a link with your Free Monday Pick in the comment section and let us go check it out.

Blurb:

One look, a passionate love . . . and then they part . . . Forever?

Before the bestselling and award-winning Wyoming Wildflowers series, there was another love story, one that laid the foundation for all those that came after.

Ed Currick’s and Donna Roberts’ worlds couldn’t have been any more different – a rancher from Wyoming and an up-and-coming Broadway musical actress on a national tour. What could have been a momentary encounter sparks desire . . . and more. But can there be anything but heartbreak ahead when they have only days before their dreams pull them apart?

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Review: When The Chips Are Down by Beth Rinyu

Posted May 10, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

When The Chips Are DownTitle:  When The Chips Are Down
Series:  Three of a Kind #1
Author:  Beth Rinyu
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  April 30, 2015
Publisher:  Book Enthusiast Promotions
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Synopsis:

Melanie Hanson’s life didn’t go quite the way she had planned. Her cheating ex-husband traded her in for a newer model and she’s in over her head dealing with the drama that comes along with raising her twin teenage daughters.

The last thing she is looking for or needs in her life is a man – or is it?

Ben Wilder is the boy that Melanie loved to hate throughout high school, the boy that all the girls loved and the boy that didn’t give Melanie the time of day, unless it was to tease her. When she runs into him once again she realizes…he’s not a boy anymore. Older and wiser, she’s determined not to fall for her secret crush from all those years ago. But sometimes our heart has different plans than our head. Will she finally get her happily ever after with the man she least expected to have it with?

Take a humorous journey with Melanie and her daughters as their lives begin to parallel and they discover that although they may be separated by a generation their struggles are still the same.

Read on for my thoughts on When The Chips Are Down.  No true spoilers, promise.

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