Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: The Mating Game by Melissa Snark | Review & Pendant/Novel Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Melissa Snark, with a review of her latest novel "The Mating Game!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run on June 25, 2014 -- Giveaway will run from June 9 - 29, 2014]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 317; Kindle Edition - File Size: 488 KB | Release Date: June 19, 2014 | Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"The Mating Game" by Melissa Snark

Author's Book Description : Two males...two friends...a competition for the right to claim The Heart of the Iron Stone Pack.

An alpha female at her core, Theresa Sanchez struggles to protect her young daughter, but rivalries and politics create volatility in the pack. As Theresa comes into heat, lust and need rule her body. Her pack demands only the most virile male have her. How can she choose only one mate when her body craves two—the virile beta and the man she loves?

Zachary Hunter will do anything to take Theresa as his mate, even if it means killing his best friend. However, Robert Blane is just as determined to ascend to Alpha. Both their beasts howl to mark her flesh, but only one can survive to claim her.

But with enemies circling, they must fight...for the pack, for Theresa, and for a future together.

Warning: Book contains wolf shifters, pack politics, gritty fight scenes, offbeat humor, and sizzling sexual adventures between a ménage of partners.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, two save their pack three friends join together in a mating but will it be enough for everyone?

This exciting novel keeps you entertained with its off-the-wall humor and intense characters! I really enjoyed reading about Theresa & Zach’s friendship turned romance, it was rushed, but sweet at the same time once you learn about their back-story. In addition, I really liked this novel as a setup for this series, since it makes you curious as to how this novel will end while your reading it yet doesn’t leave you unhappy with how it ends even though there is a slight cliffhanger.

However, with that being said, I really wish Theresa, Zach, & Robert’s relationship was better. I mean yes they are good friends and they become mates. Yet, when I read threesome novels the only way I know I’ll, usually, really like it are when I can read each characters’ POVs and when they all stay in their committed relationship. So, because this novel is set up a bit differently than how I typically like to read threesome novels it was harder for me appreciate it as much as I could have. Now I just hope that the three of them get a closer relationship as this series progresses.

Overall, I recommend this series and novel to those to like erotic ménage and/or paranormal romances!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Probably not PG-13 | State of the Snarkology: Cover Reveal THE MATING GAME, Exchange of Hearts, BATTLE CRY Revisions & a Bathroom Reno | Release Date: THE MATING GAME by Melissa Snark | Paranormal Romance Guild May Giveaway || THE MATING GAME | State of the Snarkology: Writing Goals 2014 | THE MATING GAME available in paperback | Goodreads Book Giveaway: The Mating Game | Release Day: THE MATING GAME

Book Teaser(s) :
As they approached the kindergarten playground, he noticed heads turning in their direction and felt the pressure of prying eyes following their movement. “Has everyone always got their noses in other people’s business here?” he asked Theresa in a hushed whisper.
She glanced at him and grinned. “Yes, absolutely. You made a big impression with the other moms the day you picked up Isabel. I’ve never seen so much speculation. No one wanted to believe that we’re just friends.”
Zach huffed and adopted an expression of mild annoyance. “We’re not just friends.”
She laughed. “Yes, I know that but—”
“We should give them something to talk about.”
Without warning, he spun and pulled Theresa into his arms with a great flourish. A startled cry escaped her, but she offered no resistance when he bent her backward and captured her lips in a marauding kiss. ~ within Chapter 13
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Melissa, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

A friend asked me once how I chose my pen name. I told her the following: “Melissa, because when people mix up my first name, it’s the most common goof up. Snark, because it amuses me. A) I love the word ‘snarky’ and B) I love Lewis Carroll.”

As an individual, I’m sarcastic, stubborn and blunt to a fault. I have a strange sense of humor and I like to laugh (usually at my husband or children), but also at myself. I’m not particularly extroverted, although I do enjoy time with my family and close friends a great deal.

At the moment, I’m a stay at home mom who writes in my spare time. I’ve got a B.S. from Arizona State University in Business, and I’ve worked a variety of different jobs, including as a medical device documentation specialist, a technical writer, and an auto liability adjuster.

I live in the San Francisco East Bay of Northern California with my husband, three kids, and three cats. My hobbies include roleplaying, cooking and reading.

I maintain a blog, which I update regularly at The Snarkology.

I enjoy hearing from my readers, so please drop me a line at MelissaSnark at gmail dot com.




Book Excerpt :

Bright and early Saturday morning, Theresa Sanchez opened her front door to discover Zachary Hunter clad in a bright orange dress on her porch. The loose bodice fell low on his chest, displaying dark blond curls and showcasing his broad shoulders and powerful torso. The neon hemline stopped above the knees, revealing muscular calves, strong ankles, and shapely feet.

It was unusual attire for a dominant male werewolf.

She stepped closer and sniffed, seeking to satisfy the impulses of her she-wolf. The earthy scent of him flooded her nostrils—masculine and potent—inciting the heated ache of arousal between her thighs. She licked her lips, hoping that drool hadn’t dribbled down her chin. The man made her mouth water.

“My eyes are up here, love,” Zach quipped in a crisp British accent. His hand lifted and a long, elegant finger tapped her chin.

“Oh, right. Sorry.” She forced her roaming eyes upward, away from his buff chest, striving to remember that she and Zach didn’t play like that. The man was many things to her: best friend, confidant, and protector. He fixed leaky faucets and kept her ancient car running. But of all the roles he played, he remained “lover” only in her dreams.



Giveaways!! (US ONLY) :

  • A Nordic Lights Dolphin Triskilian Pendant for Guidance and Inner Peace to a randomly drawn winner during the tour
  • A signed paperback copy of "The Mating Game" to 2 randomly drawn winners during the tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post & TWEET on twitter!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Melissa Snark :

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Feasted On: Hometown Heroes Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 905 KB | Expected Release Date: June 16, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Bliss | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Taming the Country Star" [Hometown Heroes Series, Book 1] by Margo Bond Collins

Author's Book Description : He’ll do anything to win her heart. She’ll do anything to keep him away. Country star Cole Grayson is in town, and Kylie Andrews is less than thrilled.

As if months of changing the radio station and tearing down his posters weren’t bad enough, now she has to deal with a town of fans swarming toward the man who deceived her the year before. But when Kylie’s eyes meet Coles again, she cant deny the electric chemistry that drew her to him the first time around. Cole Grayson is on a mission. Ever since Kylie left him, he hasn’t been able to forget her sweet country smile.

After writing a song just for her, he sets off for her hometown to prove he’s not the player she thinks he is. But as much as Cole cant forget her, Kylie wonders if she can forgive him.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Cole & Kylie had a "fling" over a year ago while they were both on vacation, since then they haven't been able to get forget about their time together or how much they wish it could have turned into something more. Therefore, when Cole arrives in Kylie's town for his next performance he makes certain that he'll find a way to get them back together. When he sees her, again their connection is undeniable but will Kylie's past and her fear of repeating history ruin their reunion or will they find a way to overcome her concerns...

Together these two are able to reconnect and deal with their differences in a ways that make for such a fun sweet read. For such a quick read, I loved how this novel was able to fill the reader in about Kylie & Cole's shared past without loosing its flow. In addition, I like how determined Kylie was about not turning into her mother by taking her fears head on and after dealing with her brief panic over her concerns, she finds a way to deal with the rapid changes that go on in her life.

I just couldn't get enough of them. I can't wait to see where this series will go next and maybe (at some point) Kylie's friend LeeAnn will find her own "hometown hero" too!

I recommend this to anyone looking for a fun quick slightly erotic contemporary romance!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Fort Worth, Texas ~ Cowboy Charm: Springtime in the Country Blog Hop Giveaway

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
But her friend was no longer listening. Instead, she stared over Kylie’s shoulder toward the entrance. “It’s almost a hundred degrees outside,” she said. “So why is that guy all wrapped up in a serape?”
Turning to follow LeeAnn’s gaze, Kylie caught sight of a man standing outside the door, peering in. He was draped in a Mexican-style blanket, a dark-brown Stetson pulled low over the sunglasses covering his eyes. He balanced a carryout tray with two Starbucks coffee cups on it.
“Does he think he’s Clint Eastwood?” LeeAnn asked.
“Worse,” Kylie responded with a sigh. “He thinks he’s in disguise.” When her friend shot a puzzled look her direction, Kylie explained. “I’m pretty sure that’s Cole.” ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Margo, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Rumspringa’s Hope by Beth Shriver | Spreading the Word & Kindle Fire Giveaway

"Rumspringa’s Hope"
[The Spirit of the Amish Series, Book 1] by Beth Shriver

Author's Book Description :
    Torn between the affections of two men, will Emma's time away from home help her choose? Although promised to the widowed neighbor Zeb, Emma is considering leaving her Amish community to watch over her younger brother Mark when he leaves for Philadelphia to explore the outside world during his Rumspringa. There, she reconnects with her former beau Caleb, who protects the Amish teens, introducing them to his life evangelizing and helping the homeless. Unbeknownst to Emma, Caleb is glad for the opportunity to spend time with her and hopes to win her back. Struck by the power of evangelism and outreach, Emma begins to feel a draw to Caleb's way of life. When she doesn’t return home when she promised, Zeb goes to the city to find her, forcing Emma to choose in which of their two worlds she really belongs. SERIES DESCRIPTION: Three young Amish women face overwhelming obstacles and must struggle to find out who they are and what they believe. Although each is dealing with her own unique situation, they all must discover how to follow their dreams and stay true to themselves, whether their journeys take them away from--or back to--their Amish communities.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :



** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

Childhood memories of her grandfather’s ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Her parents grew up in the country, so she appreciates pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She visits a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. And on the way home she stops at the community store to get some plum jam!

Beth received a degree in social work and psychology from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a caseworker for Boulder County Department of Social Services before starting a family. Beth and her husband, two children, along with two cats and a beagle live in Texas after moving from their first home in Colorado. She freelances for the local papers in her area and writes columns, devotionals for magazines, and novels in a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction.




Giveaways!! :

Don't miss the first book, "Rumspringa's Hope," book one of Beth Shriver's new Spirit of the Amish series.

Beth is celebrating the series launch with a Kindle Fire Giveaway!

rumspringashope-400-click

One winner will receive :

  • A Kindle Fire
  • A copy of "Rumspringa's Hope" by Beth Shriver

To Enter : Enter today, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 22nd. Winner will be announced June 23rd on Beth's blog.


Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Beth's blog on June 23rd to see if you won.



Find Beth Shriver :

Feasted On: Entwined Realms Series, Book 1.1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 172 KB | Release Date: June 9, 2014 | Publisher: Romantic Geek Publishing | Obtained: Danielle Monsch

"Stone Embrace" [Entwined Realms Series, Book 1.1] by Danielle Monsch

Author's Book Description : In the New Realms, Love can be the Most Dangerous Battle of All...

Terak has fought all enemies to claim Larissa. It does not matter his own Clan looks upon the union with misgivings. It does not matter her family see a monster when they see him.

It does not matter, because Larissa is his.

And any who would try to take her away? They will see what a Gargoyle will do to protect his mate.


*****
NOTE: "Stone Embrace" is not a complete story. It would best be described as an extended 30 page epilogue to the novel "Stone Guardian." You'll probably have the most enjoyment reading this story if you have read "Stone Guardian" and already know the characters and world of the Entwined Realms series.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A wonderful "epilogue" that proved why I love Larissa and Terak so much! It definitely got me excited again to see where this series will take us next!

I would definitely recommend this novella but ONLY if you've read "Stone Guardian," and hopefully liking it as much as I did!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :




My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest - Entwined Realms | Stone Guardian - Overview & Excerpt | COVER REVEAL! Stone Guardian – First book in my Entwined Realms series! | Sneak Peek and First Read – Stone Guardian | What’s next for the Entwined Realms?

Book Teaser(s) :
Even if he believed those two loved each other – and dammit, he did, he really did – that didn’t change the fact this was a bad match. Larissa was in danger by being with Terak, and as much as Larissa pushed to the side any objections to Terak being a gargoyle, that was no small difference.
But before him Jack saw the same look he was sure was on his face when he confronted Bill Campbell about marrying Laura – flinty determination and the willingness to set the world afire if that was what it took to accomplish his objective.
Bill Campbell was probably chortling in heaven even now, looking at his son-in-law being put through the same hell he’d given as a young man. ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Danielle, then please check out her website.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

What was I thinking?: A Marsden Novel, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1215 KB | Release Date: July 17, 2014 | Publisher: Kensington Books : eKensington | Obtained: NetGalley

"Picture This" [A Marsden Novel, Book 2] by Jayne Denker

What was I thinking? : I've been interested in reading about "celebrities" falling in love with "normal people" lately. So, once I read the Author's Book Description I thought this was going to be right up my alley. Yet, even though the plot was what I wanted, in some ways, the main characters were annoying when it came to how they expressed their feelings for each other that after a while they ruined my enjoyment of it.

Author's Book Description : It’s where everyone knows your business—and remembers everything you’d rather forget. But somehow the little Catskills town of Marsden draws the most unlikely people back home, turns their lives every which way, and helps them finally figure out what—and who—they want most...

As a celebrity photographer’s assistant, Celia Marshall is used to seeing all kinds of weird antics. But subbing as the model in irrepressible movie star Niall Crenshaw’s latest endorsement ad—while wearing his silk boxers, no less—is definitely not in her job description. Neither is falling for him, especially since he’s dating his latest co-star. To complicate things further, Celia is returning to Marsden to keep an eye on her eccentric grandmother—and Niall is driving her there, then staying to judge a talent contest...

Soon Celia is pulled in a dozen different directions, trying to get her grandmother to act her age, placating her frantic former boss who’s organizing the contest—and attempting to stay away from funny, sexy Niall. Celia’s always been level headed, but suddenly she’s wishing she could get reckless right along with him. Has the time come for sensible Celia to cut loose?...

My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars. I really tried to like this novel; the beginning was good yet from the halfway point until the end I had to push through it. There were just SOO many second-guesses by Celia and Niall that all I really wanted to do was shake some sense into them most of the way through. Thankfully, some of the secondary characters (like Nora and Holly) and Neil's comedic timing were entertaining.

I couldn't see how this was a Rom-Com, as I found it more to be a Dramedy being heavy on the drama and indecisive characters.

Overall, I wasn't a fan of this novel so I don't recommend it.

Nevertheless, if you were a fan of "Down on Love," book 1 of this series, and/or enjoy Dramedies then you'll like this novel.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Picture This - Marsden, NY | So This Is Happening...Time to Go Back to Marsden!


Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Down on Love | Is It November Yet? | Five Stars from Fab Fan Fic! | Get ‘Down on Love’ Today! | A Little Sumpin’ Extra on My Book Cover | Did Someone Say PIE? | #ChickLitLove, Day 1: Meet the Heroines | #ChickLitLove, Day 2: Excerptapalooza! | #ChickLitLove, Day 3: The Heroes (“Mmm...Heroes...” /Homer) | #ChickLitLove, Day 4: It’s All About the Besties

Book Teaser(s) :
"You mean it's going to take longer than just this weekend?" Niall couldn't keep the disappointment out of his voice.
Celia actually smiled, though her eyes were watery. "Gran's pretty darn stubborn."
"Imagine that."
"What are you implying?"
"Nothing! Nothing. I am saying absolutely nothing about certain traits running in the family. So . . . Vic's okay with it, right?"
She shrugged. "He told me not to expect him to hold my job for me if I'm gone for more than a week."
"Dick."
"He's got a business to run."
"What did you tell him?"
"That if there wasn't a job for me at his place when I got back, I'd get a better job as a leg model."
Niall laughed heartily. "Atta girl." ~ within Chapter 6
"Tell me you love me."
"Dude . . ."
"Say it, or I'm not telling you the good news. Say, 'Trent, I love you. You are the most amazing personal assistant anyone could ever have. I'm doubling your salary.'"
"Trent, you are the most annoying person on the planet, and if you don't tell me right now, you're fired."
"Empty threat. I have the advantage."
"Come on---!" ~ within Chapter 20
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Jayne, then please check out her website.
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