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Sunday 30 October 2016

Book Musings - Cinderella Had it Easy by Jennifer Conner

Title : Cinderella Had it Easy
Author : Jennifer Conner
Series : The Cinderella Body Club, Book 1
Genre : Contemporary, Romance
Source : Free copy from Netgalley

Blurb :

Story one from the a new romance series of the timeless Cinderella story re imagined where four girlfriends make a wish on a locket. They all wish they were beautiful, and look like the girls they've always wanted to be. The belle of the ball.

Cami works in the basement of a television station which airs history documentaries. With scars on her face that she acquired in a car accident as a child, Cami finds it easier to be by herself. She gets into a heated debate with the handsome new host of the show she’ll be working on. Is Lance the knight in shining armor who can drag Cami out of her safe zone? With no carriage and no helpful mice, she has to rely on the magic from her grandmother’s locket.

Cami only has 24 hours in her Cinderella body, what will she do with it? Will she keep hiding or can she learn how to live life?

My Musings :

I received a free e-book from the Netgalley for an honest review.

I have always loved fairy tale re-tellings and Cinderella remains close to my heart. I can empathize with her situation. So when I got a look at this book, I knew that I had to read it. The book's name drew me in and the blurb hooked me with the intriguing plot-line. 

The book is very short and to the point. But the author has given the necessary details to get invested in the protagonists. Cami is actually a survivor but the world has made me afraid to get attached and Lance is a handsome guy who can see beyond the outer beauty. I loved Lance because of his realistic view and Cami because I can totally relate to her. 

The plot of the heroine getting a magical makeover for a day and the events leading to finding her Prince Charming is both entertaining and heart touching. The dialogue is engaging and we have a very fast read in our hands. I loved the author's writing style and the twist at the end had me smiling in delight and realization. The author sure knows how to deliver an engaging read with a few lessons strewn in.

I am looking for to reading the other friends' stories too!

My rating : 5/5

Floryie

Saturday 29 October 2016

Book Musings - Winters Rising by Shannyn Leah

Title : Winters Rising
Author : Shannyn Leah
Series : Lexcon Time Travel, Book 1
Genre : Fantasy, Sci Fi
Source : Free copy 

Blurb :

Brea was born a Second, a lowly class of people in the Lexcon society. But she also bore the birthmark that destined her to marry a Gatekeeper, the “superheroes” of their world. Some called her destiny a great privilege. She called it doomed to a cage with no key.

Gatekeepers were born and raised to ensure time remained untainted and unchanged, but Brea saw them as overlords who looked down on her kind… on Seconds.

Forced to marry Gatekeeper Jax Winters, Brea vows not to complete the ritual bonding with him until she can talk with council about how Seconds are treated. She plans to use her newfound status to help the plight of those born like her.

But she never dreams of the twist her life will take, moving her into a higher position than she’d ever dreamed. Will she and Jax always be at odds, or will their hearts bond together as their souls already have? Will Brea change the future of Lexcon, or will she be forever doomed to live life in the dark?

My Musings :

I received an ebook free of charge from the author for an honest review.

I have always loved time travel themed books and so when I came across this book's blurb, I was interested to read it. The author is new to me so I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it. The book cover is clean and attractive but I feel it doesn't make any connection with the plot.

The starting had me energised. I was intrigued with Brea's life and her thoughts. But it quickly turned to mostly whining on her part. Though she is strong she doesn't let out that strength for everyone to see till the near end. She is headstrong and very stubborn in her views. Nothing short of disaster slows her down. Jax is pretty good in his role as the Gatekeeper but he vacillates a lot in regard with Brea. Most times I felt he could have just shown his feelings which would have reduced half the conflict.

The side characters were a selective lot. There weren't that many to get confused. The Winters' family had me liking and disliking them in turns. I loved Eva though! She was my favourite because of her down to earth nature. Victor and Declan, both ended up on my hitlist with their attitudes. I feel more information could have been given about the council and the Elders. It felt lacking in that area.

The world building was unique and interesting enough to make me continue the read. The concept of time travel in terms of Gatekeepers is pretty well established in the story. The plot and the pace were well suited to each other. There were few twists and turns to keep the tale intriguing. The dialogue was natural in most parts. The banter between Jax and Brea, at times, felt like the squabbling between kids.

As a fantasy book, it created a different world to get lost in easily while the romance part was given enough importance but it felt lukewarm sometimes. The ending was pretty good. It has me all excited for the next book. All in all, it was a good tale.

My rating : 3.5/5

Floryie

Book Musings - Obsidian Music by Scarlett Dawn

Title : Obsidian Music
Author : Scarlett Dawn
Series : Lion Security, Book 3
Genre : Romance, Contemporary
Source : Free copy

Blurb :

Beth and Daniil's passionate love story reaches its ultimate struggle when Beth is kidnapped by Daniil's enemies. Dark and dangerous killers hold her captive, but the Russian mafia will stop at nothing for her return. With the whole world searching for the mafia boss' lover, her safety is paramount, and it's only a matter of time before she is found.
But will it be too late?
Can Beth return whole from her traumatic fight for survival?
Or will she be irreversibly damaged?

My Musings :

I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.

The story started off where the previous book ended. Boy Oh Boy, does the author deliver! I have to say though that I was a tiny bit disappointed. 

The author did the sassy and flirty with major heat in the previous books. So I was expecting more of the forbidden love and the family dynamics. What I wasn't prepared for was Beth's ordeal. The scenes were heart wrenching especially the day she stays kind of focused on the babies. This part gave me major feels. 

The book has more focus on the family and the different pairs than the spotlight being only on Beth and Daniil. I was disappointed first in not having more of the hot and heavy between the protagonists and then the hardening of Beth's character. Yeah, that is to be predicted because of the ordeal she had gone through but I thought she might retain a part of her which was one of her main attractions to me.

You might say that the plot was pretty straight forward but there were a couple of twists which had me surprised like hell. Maybe I was blinded to the hints but the author managed to get my breath hitching in shock. That's another aspect of the author's writing which has be hanging onto her words. 

Overall, it was a very satisfying conclusion to the romance between Beth and Daniil and I would love to read more about the other characters! 

My rating : 4/5

Floryie

Friday 28 October 2016

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Seducing the Marquess by Callie Hutton




Seducing the Marquess


by Callie Hutton
Lords and Ladies in Love, #1
Publication Date: October 17, 2016
Genres: Adult, Entangled: Scandalous, Historical Romance


BUY:

Richard, Marquess of Devon is satisfied with his ton marriage. His wife of five months, Lady Eugenia Devon, thought she was, too, until she found the book. Their marriage is one of respect and affection, with no messy entanglements such as love. Devon’s upbringing impressed upon him that gentlemen slake their baser needs on a mistress, not their gently bred wives. However, once married, he was no longer comfortable bedding a woman other than Eugenia. When she stumbles onto a naughty book, she begins a campaign to change the rules.Lady Eugenia wants her very proper husband to fall in love with her. But her much changed and undeniably wicked behavior might inadvertently drive her confused husband to ponder the unthinkable—his perfect Lady has taken a lover. But the only man Eugenia only wants is her husband. The book can bring sizzling desire to the marriage or it might cause an explosion.



My Musings :

I received the ebook free of charge for an honest review.

The first thing which caught my attention was the blurb and then the author's name made me pick up the book. The author is a repeat one for me and she is on my favourites' list so I was pretty sure she will hit the spot with the story.

I love regency romances especially the Ton and the society and its rules. I also love how the protagonists try to stay true to their society yet fall in love and live life happily. This specific book has already seen the protagonists, Richard and Eugenia married for a few months. What forms the bulk of the tale is how Eugenia tries to get her husband to fall in love with her and not stray as per their society norms.

A marriage of convenience tale is always on my top 5 list and couple it with the heroine's antics to get the hero's attention and you have got a favourite according to me. I loved Eugenia's actions. It had me giggling at her innocent seduction wiles and feeling sad at the way she has to go to outrageous heights to get Richard to focus on her. But I think that Richard was half way in love with her unconsciously while Eugenia was in love with Richard knowingly. The manner in which they find their way to each other makes for a lovable tale.

The description and language was spot on and conducive in forming the imagery to follow the story. The banter between the protagonists was fun and humorous. The pace was finely tuned to the plot and the characters.

I loved Eugenia's courage to go after what she wanted inspite of the ideas firmly planted in her mind. I believe Richard could have been more receptive to her advances. He was vacillating a lot with his actions. That kept being repetitive in terms of Eugenia donning dresses to get his attention and Richard nearly giving in to the heat but again retreating. It was a bit irritating and boring.

The romance was super hot and sexy and I loved the heat between them. The secondary characters weren't that much in the limelight comparatively. The author delivers another good book. I for one would recommend this story to who love regency romances for all seasons.

My rating : 4/5


ABOUT CALLIE HUTTON

Callie Hutton, USA Today bestselling author writes both Western Historical and Regency romance with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews).

Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs, two adult children, a daughter-in-law, twin grandsons and her top cheerleader husband (although thankfully not all in the same home!). Living in the Midwest provides plenty of opportunities for Callie do pursue her interests: researching history, meeting readers, spending time with her adorable two year old twin grandsons, and discovering new adventures.

Callie loves to hear from readers and welcomes the opportunity to become friends, both in person or virtually.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

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Thursday 27 October 2016

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Sweetly, Deeply , Absolutely by Kira Archer


Their fun and games just got extremely complicated.


SWEETLY, DEEPLY, ABSOLUTELY
Sweet Love #3
Kira Archer
Releasing Oct 17th, 2016
Entangled Lovestruck


Hello, Mr. Right...for Now.

With a month off from culinary school, Jenny Boyd has some serious party plans. Especially when the hottest guy in the club literally lands in her lap.  He’s 6’2” of cocky, sexy, man-candy, and just as commitment-phobic as she is. 

She’s definitely off limits…

Graphic designer Jared Crew is shocked when his best friend's sister-in-law doesn’t remember him right away. Luckily, she is more than willing to let him jog her memory, no complications required.

It’s all fun and games...until the condom breaks.

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My Musings :

 I received an ebook free of charge for honest review.

The blurb attracted me with its best friend's sister in law part and the cover too made me feel like taking the risk with a new author. I have been entertained well though I have a few points which I feel made the book a less than 5 star read.

The setting was perfect. I am a foodie and I have always loved stories revolving around food. The description was very well done by the author. The imagery made for easy imagining of the setting and the bakery. The writing appealed to me with the authentic and realistic plot line. The scare which sobers up the protagonists is real enough and the interaction between them is genuine and fun to read.

The story is well plotted and the pace was perfectly set. The protagonists made me feel old with their carefree nature in the beginning. I felt that they were too party oriented and I didn't feel their characters till into the waiting part of their story.

Jenny is strong and not afraid to go for what she wants while Jared is fun and flirty. Both seem immature at times but I was able to like them as the story progressed. One thing was I didn't fall in love with them totally. The secondary characters were more colourful and added depth to the story. I believe that the protagonists could have been more loveable.

But the overall story was a good weekend read. It was a fun and light and sexy story which could have had been more.

My rating : 3.5/5 


About the Author :


Kira Archer resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kiddos, and far too many animals in the house. She tends to laugh at inappropriate moments, break all the rules she gives her kids (but only when they aren't looking), and would rather be reading a book than doing almost anything else. She has odd, eclectic tastes in just about everything and often lets her imagination run away with her. She loves her romances a little playful, a lot sexy, and always with a happily ever after.



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Wednesday 26 October 2016

Book Musings - Mistletoe Cottage by Debbie Mason






Title: MISTLETOE COTTAGE

Author: Debbie Mason

Series: Harmony Harbor, #1

On Sale: October 25, 2016

Publisher: Forever

Mass Market: $5.99 USD

eBook: $5.99 USD

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Blurb :
The first novel in a brand new series from USA Today bestselling author Debbie Mason! The series will appeal to fans of feel-good romances by New York Times bestselling authors Brenda Novak, Robyn Carr, and RaeAnne Thayne.

'Tis the season for love…

Sophie DiRossi loved growing up in Harmony Harbor. But after fleeing in disgrace many years ago, it is the last place she wants to be. Left homeless by a fire, she's forced to go back to the small coastal town that harbors a million secrets, including her own. Sophie sees this secret reflected every day in her daughter's blue eyes—and she must keep it hidden from the only man she has ever loved.

Sophie's return is a shock for everyone…especially Liam Gallagher. The firefighter had some serious feelings for Sophie-and seeing her again sparks a desire so fierce it takes his breath away. Now Liam will do whatever it takes to show Sophie that they deserve a second chance at love, even if everything they've concealed threatens to keep them apart. In this special town at this special time of the year, Sophie and Liam can only hope for a little holiday magic...

BUY THE BOOK HERE

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PLAYLIST :

Top 5 songs that inspire you to write

1)The Tenors’ “Who Wants to Live Forever” with Lindsey Stirling is one of the songs I listened to every morning before sitting down to write Mistletoe Cottage. It fits the book perfectly, and not only because Liam and Sophie’s story opens on Halloween.

2)It doesn’t matter which book I’m writing; I listen to “Fight Song” by Rachel Patten. It’s like the anthem for all my heroines and Sophie’s no exception.

3)Gerard Butler singing “Galway Girl” in P.S. I Love You inspired the win-the-girl scene at the Salty Dog in which Liam performs for Sophie.

4)Sophie sang and Mia mimed “Let it Go” from Frozen in one of my favorite scenes in Mistletoe Cottage. Letting it go was also something Sophie had to do if she and Liam were going to get their second chance.

5)I don’t want to give anything away, but one of the songs I listened to while writing the end of Mistletoe Cottage was “Marry Me” by Train.

MY MUSINGS :

I received the ebook from the publisher free of charge.

There are times when an author's name makes me interested in a book. This time, it was the blurb pulling my attention towards the book along with the author's name. I have enjoyed it as much as her other stories.

The starting was intriguing and had quite a backstory to get to know before being able to completely connect with the protagonists. Before fully understanding their situation, it was still easy to relate to them. Sophie is both strong and vulnerable. She has a spine of steel to go through what she had to and come out on top. Liam is such a sweetheart. I seriously felt for him. I loved his character and I believe I might be a tad more on his side than Sophie's in the tale.

Though the protagonists are clearly characterised and are crisp in their roles, I felt the secondary set of characters were slightly blurred. At times, I felt there were too many persons involved. Most times, though, they did do their roles perfectly and they were colourful too to add to the flow of the novel.

It wasn't  a smooth ride in terms of surprises. The biggest shock was totally out of the blue. I really didn't see it coming though there were subtle hints. And add the layer of supernatural activity it was a winner for me!

The romance was sweet and heartwarming. The pace was perfect for a romance and I loved the read. It engaged all my emotions and had me feeling empty and full at the same time at the end. I look forward to reading more of Colleen's machinations.

My rating : 5/5


THE HARMONY HARBOR SERIES

MISTLETOE COTTAGE, #1

CHRISTMAS WITH AN ANGEL, #1.5

STARLIGHT BRIDGE, #2

Series Page on Goodreads






ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Debbie Mason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series. Her books have been praised for their "likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots" (RT Book Reviews). When she isn't writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, their four wonderful children, an adorable grandbaby, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella.

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Friday 21 October 2016

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Right Billionaire, Wrong Wedding by Victoria Davies




Right Billionaire, Wrong Wedding

by Victoria Davies

Sexy Billionaires #1 

Publication Date: October 10, 2016 

Genres: Adult, Entangled: Indulgence, Contemporary Romance 





BUY: 












Blurb :


 Darian King has never met a challenge he couldn’t handle. Running a billion-dollar corporation? Piece of cake. Hostile takeovers? A walk in the park. But when his little sister begs him to plan her wedding, Darian finds himself less than prepared for the task. Luckily, he knows just who to ask for help.Allison Reed wants nothing more than to leave King Enterprises behind. Being the personal assistant to a man like Darian is a 24/7 job. Asking her to help plan a wedding is simply the icing on the stress-filled cake but to leave she needs a glowing reference and will do anything to get it. Even plan a wedding with the man of her dreams. Stepping outside the office has unexpected consequences. Darian doesn’t believe in relationships, yet he’s starting to see Allison in a whole new light. But he doesn’t know her secret, and she fears that by the time the vows are exchanged, she won’t just be leaving her job behind but her heart as well.





My Musings :

I received a free copy from the author.

Another new author who just might end up on my To be read list. I keep finding authors to read right and left nowadays. I wish I had more than 24 hours in a day!!! I usually pick a book based on the blurb. And this book appealed to me because of one of my favourite themes - Boss/Secretary. I love a good romance between them and this story has it in spades.

From the beginning of the book it was apparent to me how much they love each other. How they realise it is the story in a nutshell. It was a fun and engaging read with the various situations surrounding their journey.

I really really liked the heroine a lot in the beginning because of her decision to get over her boss. But as she bowed to the pressure to help Darian with the wedding plans, I felt the respect for Allison lessen . But the feeling with Darian was just the opposite. I really didn't like him but as the story progressed I was able to see the real man. Allison gained back my heart easily though with her strength to stand for her values in the other half. Finally I ended up loving the couple and their story.

The tale was easy to read and the romance was entrancing. The pace was perfectly set for a romance story and the ending really got me  mushy with the romantic gesture. All in all it was a light and sassy read. I can easily see myself rereading it when I need a dash of romance.

My rating : 5/5

Meet the Author :



Victoria Davies’s passion for writing started young. Luckily she had a family who encouraged believing in magic and embracing imagination. From stories quickly scribbled in diaries, her love of storytelling developed. Since then her characters may have evolved and her plots may have grown decidedly more steamy but she never lost her love of the written word. Writing is not only a way to silence the wonderful voices in her head, but it also allows her to share her passions with her readers. Currently she writes from Toronto, Canada. While she has a healthy love for the unknown, this corner of the world will always be her home.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Profile

Thursday 13 October 2016

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Making the Play by T J Kline



An NFL player who finds love when he least expects it…


MAKING THE PLAY
Hidden Falls #1
T.J. Kline
Released Sept 27th, 2016
Avon Impulse


T.J. Kline launches a brand new series with the charming story of an NFL player who finds love when he least expects it…

Grant McQuaid has dedicated his entire life to his football career. Now an injury threatens his place on the team and he’s forced to return home to rehabilitate. But when he meets his “biggest fan,” a precocious, blue-eyed, hearing impaired boy named James—and his beautiful mother, Bethany—Grant begins to question whether football is the future he still wants.

Bethany Mills has been doing just fine since her husband walked out on them… and she definitely doesn’t need another man to disappoint her—or her son. But when James runs into his hero at the park, Bethany admits there is a void in her son’s life that she just can’t fill. Her attraction to the handsome football star is undeniable, but a man in the limelight is the last thing she wants for herself, or James.

Grant doesn’t want to subject Bethany to the chaos of dating a professional athlete. But the more time he spends with her and James, the harder it is to resist making a play for her heart…

BUY NOW
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My Musings :

I have received free book from the author.

Another new author to add to my TBR and favourite lists. I have always loved sports based romances and I am always for a lookout for authors in that genre. And this author gives a very good start to a new series. She is new to me so this is my debut read of her books. I can say without hesitation that I loved the characters and the story.

The protagonists, Bethany and Grant tug on the heartstrings without any effort. Bethany is a single mother with a special needs kid, James. And Grant is a popular football player. Bethany is disillusioned because of her ex-husband and she is afraid to live again. She shields herself and James from people and situations, good and bad. I could relate to her struggle because it is a default reaction of a person who has been hurt too much and couple it with a mother's protective instincts, it makes sense completely.

Grant isn't a typical jock. He feels too much with respect to his personal and professional lives. I loved the way he interacts with James. And as for James, he stole my heart in the beginning with his strength and courage. All the other characters filled up the story with ease. I loved reading about Grant's family dynamics. I hope they each get a separate book in this series.

The story was at a good pace and it was a very fast read. This is a wholesome romantic entertainer which made me run the gamut of emotions. The author sure does know how to engage a reader and I look forward to reading her other books.

My rating : 5/5



T. J. Kline was raised competing in rodeos and Rodeo Queen competitions since the age of 14 and has thorough knowledge of the sport as well as the culture involved. She writes contemporary western romance for Avon Romance, including the Rodeo series and the Healing Harts series. She has published a nonfiction health book and two inspirational fiction titles under the name Tina Klinesmith. In her very limited spare time, T.J. can be found laughing hysterically with her husband, children, and their menagerie of pets in Northern California.



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Wednesday 12 October 2016

Blog Tour / Book Musings - When a Marquess Loves a Woman by Vivienne Lorret



When a Marquess Loves a Woman
Season's Original #3
By: Vivienne Lorret
Released Oct 4th, 2016
Avon Impulse


Blurb

As a young, penniless gentleman, Maxwell Harwick knew he had little to offer Juliet White—the most beautiful debutante of the season—except his love, and one thoroughly scandalous kiss. But when they were discovered in a compromising position, a nearly ruined Juliet fled into the arms of a rich, older lord... taking Max’s heart with her.

Now a widow, Lady Juliet Granworth intends to use the fortune she inherited from her odious husband to build a new life in London. Five years have passed, but she’s never forgotten Max… or his soul-searing kiss. Yet it’s clear the newly-minted Marquess of Thayne has not forgiven her—after all, the infuriating man can barely stand the sight of her. But Juliet has endured far too much to give up without a fight and if it’s a battle of wills he wants, it’s a battle he’ll get.

He hates her for breaking his heart. She detests him for destroying her future. But beneath all the loathing, simmers an intoxicating passion that neither can ignore… and the harder they resist, the harder they will inevitably fall.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28510811-when-a-marquess-loves-a-woman

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/157217-season-s-original

Buy Links: Amazon | B& N | Google | iTunes | Kobo


Teaser :

Some days Juliet wanted to fling open the nearest window sash and scream.

And it was all Max’s fault.

“Good evening, Saunders.” A familiar baritone called from the foyer and drifted in through the open parlor door. Max.

Drat it all! He was a veritable devil. Only she didn’t have to speak his name, but simply think it for him to appear. She should have known better than to allow her thoughts to roam without a leash to tug them back to heel.

“I did not realize Lord Thayne would be attending dinner this evening,” Zinnia said, her spine rigid as she perched on the edge of her cushion and darted a quick, concerned glance toward Juliet.

Marjorie looked to the open door, her brows knitted. “I did not realize it either. He said that he was attending—”

“Lord Fernwold’s,” Max supplied as he strode into the room, his dark blue coat parting to reveal a gray waistcoat and fitted blue trousers. He paused long enough to bow his dark head in greeting—at least to his mother and Zinnia. To Juliet, he offered no more than perfunctory scrutiny before heading to the sideboard where a collection of crystal decanters waited. “The guests were turned away at the door. His lordship’s mother is suffering a fever.”

Juliet felt the flesh of her eyelids pucker slightly, her lashes drawing together. It was as close as she could come to glaring at him while still leaving her countenance unmoved. The last thing she wanted was for him, or anyone, to know how much his slight bothered her.

Marjorie tutted. “Again? Agnes seemed quite hale this afternoon in the park. Suspiciously, this has happened thrice before on the evenings of her daughter-in-law’s parties. I tell you, Max, I would never do such a thing to your bride.”

Max turned and ambled toward them, the stems of three sherry glasses in one large hand, and a whiskey in the other. He stopped at the settee first, offering one to his mother and another to Zinnia. “Nor would you need to, for I would never marry a woman who would tolerate the manipulation.” Then he moved around the table and extended a glass to Juliet, lowering his voice as he made one final comment. “Nor one whose slippers trod only the easiest path.”

She scoffed. If marriage to Lord Granworth had been easy, then she would hate to know the alternative.

“I would not care for sherry this evening,” Juliet said. And in retaliation against Max’s rudeness, she reached out and curled her fingers around his whiskey.

Their fingers collided before she slipped the glass free. If she hadn’t taken him off guard, he might have held fast. As it was, he opened his hand instantly as if scalded by her touch. But she knew that wasn’t true because the heat of his skin nearly blistered her. The shock of it left the underside of her fingers prickly and somewhat raw.

To soothe it, she swirled the cool, golden liquor in the glass. Then, before lifting it to her lips, she met his gaze. His irises were a mixture of earthy brown and cloud gray. Years ago, those eyes were friendly and welcoming, but now had turned cold, like puddles reflecting a winter sky. And because it pleased her to think of his eyes as mud puddles, that was what she thought of when she took a sip. Unfortunately, she didn’t particularly care for whiskey, and fought to hide a shudder as the sour liquid coated her tongue.

Max mocked her with a salute of his dainty goblet and tossed back the sherry in one swallow. Then the corner of his mouth flicked up in a smirk.

She knew that mouth intimately—the firm warm pressure of those lips, the exciting scrape of his teeth, the mesmeric skill of his tongue...

Unbidden warmth simmered beneath her skin as she recalled the kiss that had ruined her life.


My Musings :

I received a copy from the author.

This series was my introduction to this author and I totally loved the previous books. I would never have thought that I could fall in love with an author more. But that's what is happening. I keep falling deeper as I read each book of hers.

I was always intrigued by the passionate rivalry between Max and Juliet and this book has gone beyond satisfying my curiosity. The beginning was good starting off with the 'flashback' of their shared history. Even in those scenes, I could feel their love for each other, especially Max's regard. Then the story continues in the present scenario, with changed circumstances in both of their lives.

It's rare that an author to get the right percentage of emotions, sensuality, romance and humour in a book. This story has it all, according to me. Being a regency romance genre lover, I have binge read many authors and I can say that this book kept my attention without any deviation at all points while reading. The pace was perfect to get the story flowing without any tension or hindrance. The scenes correlated easily and I fell in love with the characters in each depiction.

The characters themselves add a lot of colour to the tale. Max and Juliet, both taken for granted by the Ton and family, get together in this touching story. Both are strong characters, Max being stoic with his brother's preferential treatment and Juliet being wiser because of her bad marriage. The romance was at once sweet and swoony with the right touch of heat. The scenes between them either made me hot with their passion or laugh under my breath with their dueling in words. I haven't had this much fun with the banter between the protagonists.

Though the outcome was known and assured, the journey it took me on was a very pleasant one. I rate this book high on a reader's pleasure and it can be reread without any boredom again. And that's what makes an author a favourite with me!

My rating : 5/5

Author Info



USA Today bestselling author, VIVIENNE LORRET loves romance novels, her pink laptop, her husband, and her two sons (not necessarily in that order … but there are days). Transforming copious amounts of tea into words, she is an Avon Impulse author of works including: Tempting Mr. Weatherstone, The Wallflower Wedding Series, The Rakes of Fallow Hall Series, The Duke’s Christmas Wish, and the Season’s Original Series.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

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Monday 10 October 2016

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Chasing Truth by Julie Cross





Link to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28220973-chasing-truth


Purchase Links:
Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.ca | IndieBound | BAM | TBD


Chasing Truth (Eleanor Ames #1)


by Julie Cross

Publication Date: September 27, 2016

Publisher: Entangled TEEN


At Holden Prep, the rich and powerful rule the school—and they’ll do just about anything to keep their dirty little secrets hidden.

When former con artist Eleanor Ames’s homecoming date commits suicide, she’s positive there’s something more going on. The more questions she asks, though, the more she crosses paths with Miles Beckett. He’s sexy, mysterious, arrogant…and he’s asking all the same questions.

Eleanor might not trust him—she doesn’t even like him—but they can’t keep their hands off of each other. Fighting the infuriating attraction is almost as hard as ignoring the fact that Miles isn’t telling her the truth…and that there’s a good chance he thinks she’s the killer.

My Musings :

I received the book from the author.

The blurb totally caught my attention more than the cover. And the author kept it with her writing till the end.

The characters were sketched out well. Eleanor was a hard person to like. There is her background or back story to consider, being  a con artist. Usually the leads in a book are trustworthy and charming with their straight characters. It takes guts to do a story based on an imperfect protagonist who  deals dishonestly. But I liked her bit by bit as the story progressed. Miles was  an easy person to like with the strong hero vibe. Both were crafted well and they totally were made for each other.

The romance part was done with a light hand which goes well with the story. The writing was good and had me engaged with the situation and the characters. There was a small snag. I felt it was a bit slow in pace at times. The suspense part, though, was nearly perfect and had me guessing about the identity of the antagonist.

This is the first book I have read by the author but I sure will give her books a second glance in the future.

My rating : 4/5

Meet the Author :
Julie Cross is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult and Young Adult fiction, including the Tempest series, a young adult science fiction trilogy which includes Tempest, Vortex, Timestorm (St. Martin’s Press).

She’s also the author of the Letters to Nowhere series, Whatever Life Throws at You, Third Degree, Halfway Perfect, and many more to come!

Julie lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children. She’s a former gymnast, longtime gymnastics fan, coach, and former Gymnastics Program Director with the YMCA.

She’s a lover of books, devouring several novels a week, especially in the young adult and new adult genres.

Outside of her reading and writing cred, Julie Cross is a committed–but not talented–long distance runner, creator of imaginary beach vacations, Midwest bipolar weather survivor, expired CPR certification card holder, as well as a ponytail and gym shoe addict.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway:
$50 Amazon Gift Card + a paperback copy of Whatever Life Throws at You (INT)
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Friday 7 October 2016

Release Blitz - Belakane by Angela Carling and Anna Taylor



Creating an enchantment to protect her friends is risky but so is having faith in mortals!


IT’S HERE! Finally the origin of The Secret Keeper Curse is told! BELAKANE, The Origin of the Curse is a novella.The book may be a little shorter, but the story  is big on paranormal drama!

Here's the blurb you'll find on the back of the book:

Belakane lives during the terrifying age of the Salem Witch trials. And, unlike the women around her, she actually is a witch. When Belakane’s magic gets her best friend Martha accused of witchcraft, the powerful sorceress creates a risky enchantment to protect what’s left of the small group of friends that hide her secret.


Will Belakane’s power save her friends or will it be the demise of all she holds dear?


If you’ve already read The Secret Keeper you know that an ancient spell has the power to erase a mistake, making it like it never happened. In Book 1, that’s how Winter Merrill erases a choice that she regrets. But...she can’t imagine how her bargain with The Secret Keeper will change her life, especially when under the rules of the curse, she cannot tell her next secret AND IT’S A DOOZY THAT MUST BE TOLD TO SAVE THOSE SHE LOVES!

 Here are the links to learn more about or purchase The Secret Keeper and In The Dying Light


Now for a fun little quiz: Which of these things was most likely to get you accused of being a witch in 1692?

a.      You are a woman
b.      You are close to an animal
c.      You are middle aged
d.      You talk to yourself
e.      Milk or buttermilk spoiled while in your cooler
f.       You have moles or scars
g.      Or you were in a low social position
Okay...so it was trick question. All of these things could get you accused of being a witch in Salem 1692. Would you have been in trouble? I would!!







In Books 1 and 2 of the series we learn about how the secret keeper curse affects the characters that live in our day, but in Belakane we get to go back in time to 1692 in Salem Massachusetts, a very hostile time and place for a real witch like Belakane.
 
You can pick up Belakane, The Origin of the Curse on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, I-books, and Kobo for only 1.99! Here are the links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo

Discover the Secret Keeper series with Belakane or finally learn who created the powerful secret keeper curse and why it lives on in 2016! Thanks for stopping by and may  you never need a secret keeper!