Made the Grade: The Duke of Snow and Apples by Elizabeth Vail

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1433 KB | Expected Release Date: August 26, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Duke of Snow and Apples" by Elizabeth Vail

Author's Book Description : Frederick Snow, first footman, is the perfect servant: efficient, hardworking, and completely bereft of emotion. Unbeknownst to his employers, he’s the lost Duke of Snowmont, on the run from a suspicious stepfather and a powerful magic he can only control by burying his passions beneath his frosty demeanor. He’s managed to hide behind his carefully ordered life until an impertinent miss arrives and challenges everything he thought he wanted.

If Charlotte Erlwood wants to land a wealthy, titled husband at her great aunt’s house party, she has to stop losing her temper – especially with inordinately handsome footmen. Perhaps if she recruits Frederick for her matrimonial schemes, she’ll be able to direct her attention toward suitable single noblemen and away from inappropriate dalliances. But Frederick’s frigid control is no match for Charlotte’s irrepressible spirit, and her passionate kiss could summon the darker side of his magic...or wake his heart from its frozen sleep.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, a darker version of the Snow White fairytale with unique twists! Set in a historical feyish world, this dynamic novel gets you hooked from the beginning with its intriguing plot and entertaining characters.

I truly liked the idea of how the roles in this novel were switched from the original story, making Frederick to be "Snow White" and Charlotte to be "the Prince." Yet, even though that is what it seems they both end up saving each other while turning each other’s worlds’ upside-down in the process. Together they prove that you can fall in love no matter what the circumstances, as what is inside you matters more then anything else.

In addition to the main characters, I liked Charlotte's Aunt Hildy and the other "Dowagers/Diamonds." They keep up the humor throughout this novel while giving you different glimpses as to what the rest of society is like for where they live.

The only reason I didn't give this novel a higher rating was because of how much Charlotte and Frederick annoyed me at times with the refusal of their feelings. Also, because of how Frederick seemed to be a bit oblivious as to everyone around him (a little too much in my opinion) when all the pieces of "his mystery" were finally adding up. I guess I just wish it wasn't as dragged out as it was.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy this novel and hope there will be a sequel or another book to turn this into a series!

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading twists on fairytales and/or fantasy romances!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : "The Duke of Snow and Apples" and the End of Aspiration

Book Teaser(s) :

An overpowering urge to laugh rose from his belly, the kind of wild, uninhibited laughter that clenched the body like a fist to wring as much mirth as possible from every pore. He hadn’t laughed that way in such a long time he had a sudden fear he might forget how and end up howling or screaming instead, so when the laughter seized his throat he spat it out as words.
“I’m sorry I kissed you,” he said. Vivid hues bloomed in the air between them, rich, varied shades of longing, most of them his.
Charlotte cocked her head to one side. Her lips bowed into a slow, lopsided smile. “Liar.”
“God help me.” He chuckled weakly. “I’m not very good at being a rapacious footman.”
“True. But I can always use a friend. So could you, it seems.” ~ within Chapter 11

“I see you’ve met Quicksilver,” she said. The mare in question whickered as the lady approached. “Isn’t she fine? When I heard you were coming to hunt today, I knew I couldn’t allow you to ride any other. Smart as a whip, but patient as well, if you’re not sure of your seat. Don’t just stand there gawking, Freddy—mount my grandniece!” She turned to examine her harness, only to be distracted by frantic coughing sounds. “My word, Freddy, whatever is the matter?”
“Nothing,” Frederick wheezed. Charlotte, however, thought she heard, “just swallowed my tongue, is all,” muttered under his breath. She stifled a laugh into the back of her glove. ~ within Chapter 12

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For more information on this book and/or any other books by Elizabeth, then please check out her website.

Teaser Tuesday: It Girl

"It Girl" by Nic Tatano -- MY REVIEW
Book Teaser:

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Made the Grade: The Braddacks Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 420 KB | Expected Release Date: July 3, 2014 | Publisher: Bell Bridge Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Born In Secret" [The Braddacks Series, Book 1] by Susan Kearney

Author's Book Description : BEST MOM EVER.
When a checkup reveals that 5-year-old Skye is not Brooke Evan’s daughter, a heart-broken Brooke hunts down the biological parents. It’s the right thing to do . . . for Skye.

INVENTOR, BUSINESS MAN, DAD?
But when Brooke shows up on Max Braddack’s doorstep, he suspects she has ulterior motives. It’s hard for the laid-back, billionaire, Max to believe that Brooke is simply doing what’s best for her daughter.

A CHILD TO LOVE.
Yet, the more time Max spends with Brooke and Skye, the more he comprehends that other forces besides his growing feelings are in play. The little girl who was born in secret is in terrible danger . . . and she needs Max and Skye to protect her.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This gripping novel keeps you on your toes and in suspense the whole way through! I liked this novel and it’s build-up for this seemingly dynamic series. Typically this isn't usually the type of novel I'd go for but I like reading novels where the premise is about a couple meeting and falling in love because finding out that their child (which they got help in creating through a clinic) isn't really theirs, the only difference about this novel was its darker twists to it.

As a couple I liked Max & Brooke together. Their personalities are very similar and I enjoyed that no matter what was happening Brooke stuck to her convictions. Add Skye into the mix and they make a sweet family. Plus, its sweet how the novel wrapped up their romance.

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary thriller romances!

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

Book Teaser(s) :

While she and Max filled their plates, Red joined them.
Max took a seat beside Skye but spoke to his dad. "Catch anything?"
Red winked at Brooke, his eyes reminding her of Max when he was up to devilment. "Nothing as good as you did."
Brooke fought the heat rising to her cheeks, thankful when Skye piped in, "Max wasn't fishing. The only thing he caught was a mud pie in the face." Brooke admonished Skye with a grin. "That'll be enough sass, young lady. Eat." ~ within Chapter 7

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Susan, then please check out her website.

Feasted On: Love Michaelson Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1093 KB | Expected Release Date: June 20, 2014 | Publisher: Moon Flower Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Homecoming" [Love Michaelson Series, Book 1] by Jackie Sexton

Author's Book Description :

Ariane Michaelson is always the quiet girl in the room, the one that her kooky mother and three sisters lovingly call the wallflower. After graduating from college she finds it more than a little difficult to find the graphic design job of her dream...or any job, really. She’s more than given up on painting, and a terrible run-in with her twin sister’s fiancé makes each day harder to keep a life altering secret.

Liam Ashdown was just the moody small town nobody, with one friend and a busted pickup—until he moved to LA. Spotted by famous actor and producer Michael Jennings during a late night shift at the bar, Liam is transformed seemingly overnight into Tinsel Town’s hottest bad boy. The life Liam once knew is turned upside down with models and mayhem...and there isn’t much down time in-between.

The only thing that keeps him sane is the paintings. Beautiful ocean portraits that remind him of home, painted years ago by some friend of a friend.

What he wouldn’t give to know her. To tell her that her art saves him everyday.

The engagement of his childhood friend, Todd, brings him back home to Craryville, to deal with a drug-addicted mother and an ailing grandmother. But it also brings him hope—somewhere in the bridal party is the woman who has been his calm and respite in the storm of fame.

The only question is, can she save him?

This book contains sexual content, drug abuse, and language. For ages 18 + only!

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This was a dynamically intense novel! About two people who are at impasses in their lives, meeting again after years apart and finding out what their true dreams are while getting to know one another. I really enjoyed this novel. Even though it seems more fantastical then anything with there being a family curse and someone falling in love while not ever meeting the other person, but it was also because of that "imaginary stuff" that made me fall into Liam & Ariane's worlds and like them as a couple. In some ways Liam reminded me of Travis from Jamie McGuire's "Beautiful Disaster" because of both of their intense and possessive nature's, also because they both seem to fall instantly in love with their "girls."

I found Liam & Ariane to really balance each other out, which--in turn--made me root for their relationship no matter what they ended up doing. It also make me curious as to what will come next in this series, as this novel was written (it seemed) like a stand-alone.

I do recommend this novel to those who enjoy contemporary NA romances that have a little fantasy thrown in! =0)

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

Author's Novel Extras : Homecoming is released! Finally!


Book Teaser(s) :

"Are you even listening, Liam?" Mike Jennings asked, taking another shellfish appetizer from a tray. Liam shook his head, and the party staffer left with a courteous nod and smile.
"Sorry. You-know-who is closing in."
"Are you really going to refer to your ex as Voldemort?"
"She does have a very small nose." ~ within Chapter 2

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Jackie, then please check out her website.

Teaser Tuesdays: Wolf Slayer

"Wolf Slayer" [Order of the Wolf Series, Book 2] by Angela Addams -- MY REVIEW will be posted on September 14th 2014!
Book Teaser:

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Feasted On: It Girl by Nic Tatano

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1622 KB | Expected Release Date: June 26, 2014 | Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers : HarperImpulse : RomCom | Obtained: NetGalley

"It Girl" by Nic Tatano

Authors' Book Description : Veronica Summer is stuck in the dream job from hell.

The spunky New York reporter is offered the network's morning anchor position, but she doesn't want it because she's a night person. Then the network plays a trump card, promising her the evening anchor chair in three years. So the fiery redhead takes the plunge, with the ultimate gig waiting down the road.

Problem is, that road is filled with two am wake-up calls and the only social life she has is one with bats and raccoons. She quickly realizes she'll never survive the grind and decides the only way out is to get fired by being her snarky self on live television.

And the ratings skyrocket.

Veronica becomes the nation's It Girl, so the network makes her a celebrity contestant on its most popular nighttime dance competition show, Dance Off. While her journalistic credibility is shot to hell by the show's skimpy costumes, she's thrown into close contact with two incredibly attractive men; her dance partner and the show's sarcastic British judge.

And she soon discovers that love is the ultimate gig.

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!! This fast-paced romantic comedy throws you for more then one major twist and keeps you wanting for more! From Veronica's snarky attitude to her friend's southern "charms" to maneuvering through the conniving world of journalism, this novel is one that keeps pushing you through the paces and doesn't let go till the end.

I loved Veronica and her friends, especially when they talked on their lunch dates. Together they help each other through Veronica's messy "love life" and her personal/professional catastrophes in such humorous ways! I just could not get enough! Then throw in Veronica's "man candy" and how she can't decide between the two men who interest her in such "different" ways--yeah, let's go with that--made this novel hard to resist.

I will say that around the chapter where Veronica has a big journalistic break through, I found the novel to drag a little. Yet, not long after that scene happened the pace picks back up at full throttle and doesn't stop which made me happy to see! I LOVED how it ended!! Especially, I enjoyed how the guy she chooses is one that is so romantic to her; it was just a nice twist in itself to see since Veronica really needed that type of person in her life.

I highly recommend this hilarious contemporary romance!!

Purchase This Book Here :


Author's Novel Extras : It Girl - Overview | How Star Trek and The Fly are helping my work in progress | How we serialized my novel | "I'm not really this snarky, I'm just written this way." (The "meet my main character" blog hop) | It's a book birthday for "It Girl"

Book Teaser(s) :

"Before you started working this shift, what usually helped you get a really good night's sleep?"
"Sex."
He bit his tongue and smiled. "I, uh, don't think your insurance covers that."
"Sure, it'll cover Viagra for guys but when women need some help, nooooo."
He laughed, pulled a pen and prescription pad from his pocket and started writing. "I'm going to prescribe a strong sleep aid. And this one should be more effective than a boyfriend and won't get you pregnant."
"Ooooh, I like a doctor who's a smartass." ~ within Chapter 6

Thirty minutes later I was having another Sally Field moment, but with a small difference.
They like me. Sonofabitch, they really, really like me. The sarcastic, snarky, insulting me. ~ within Chapter 8

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For more information on this book and/or any other books by Nic, then please check out his website.

Made the Grade: Demon Rock Series, Book 3

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 402 KB | Expected Release Date: August 4, 2014 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Ménage with the Muse" [Demon Rock Series, Book 3] by Nico Rosso

Author's Book Description : What happens when two very different satyr rock stars find their Muse...and discover it’s the same woman?

Musician Mia Dillon’s having the week of her life. Sharing the stage with the world’s biggest acts at a hedonistic festival is a rush, but she discovers new thrills as she frees her sensual side. A brief flirtation with sexy drummer Wolfgang quickly escalates as they lose themselves in wild music and the desert heat.

And then there’s Ethan. Silent, almost samurai-like, he’s the best guitarist she’s ever seen. He’s broken out of his quiet reserve just for her.

But Wolfgang and Ethan share two secrets. One: they’re demons. Two: they’re starving. The ancient rules of demons have shifted and if they don’t feed soon, the lights will go out for good. Mia’s energy has marked her as The One...for both of them.

Mia’s never had two men—let alone two demons—at once. Nobody’s heard of demons sharing a Muse, either. But the three of them make a sexual melody unlike anything else. Mia’s never felt so alive, but with the enemy growing closer by the minute, it will take everything Wolfgang and Ethan have to keep her that way.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This is an intense novel about a female musician trying to make a name for herself (and her band) when she falls into a world of magic, intrigue, and into the hearts of two demons.

This is the first novel that I've read from this series and while I liked the characters, what captured me the most about this novel was its overall plot and intrigue. I really liked how Ethan, Wolfgang, and Mia built-up their relationship and made the choice that no matter what fate decided for them they were choosing each other because of how they felt for one another. Like I said before it’s a very intense novel, but I enjoyed how sweet and accepting Ethan & Wolfgang was about everything happening to them.

The only issue I had with this novel was it seemed that the momentum during the last 25% of it gets thrown off a bit as I felt like it dragged a bit while I was reading through it.

Nevertheless, I do recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes paranormal erotic romances, especially if you don't mind reading about threesomes.

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

Author's Novel Extras : Menage with the Muse - Overview & Excerpt

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Demon Rock | Demon Rock Series - Overview | Heavy Metal Heart - Overview & Excerpt | Slam Dance With the Devil - Overview & Excerpt | Music for Heavy Metal Heart | Kent Gaol Needs a Muse | Slam Dance with the Devil Song Lyrics | Writing Process Blog Hop


Book Teaser(s) :

A mortal hadn’t seen this aspect of himself since the time of the Etruscans. He’d expected her to bolt and bang on the metal door below until he could open it for her. Instead she ran toward him.
Mia reached the landing and slowed to cautiously circle him. He maintained the flame in his palm, lighting the animal aspects of himself for her.
He ventured, “This might be the first time a woman’s chased a satyr.” ~ within Chapter 5

He was urged to move, but had to fight through doubt.
“I haven’t...in a long time,” he said.
“How long?” she asked, hooking her fingers in the waistband of his jeans. “You’re a rock guitarist. Two days? A week?”
“Hundred years. More.” The waltz had been a revolution, and very carnal for the time. He expected Wolfgang to laugh and Mia to pull away.
She didn’t, and Wolfgang’s attention was wrapped up in her.
Mia’s fingers curled over the top edge of his jeans, finding the skin of his hip. He stepped forward for more.
She said, “That is a long time.”
“I’ve been concentrating on the music.” And there’d been no inspiration for his body.
“I don’t think much has changed since then.” Her flingers moved along the front of his lower belly.
He put his hand on her hip. It was a test. Could he be bold with her? “Everything changed in the last day.”
This did get a low laugh from Wolfgang, free from malice. It was knowing. ~ within Chapter 9

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Nico, then please check out his website.

Teaser Tuesdays: The Amish Blacksmith

"The Amish Blacksmith" [The Men of Lancaster County Series, Book 2] by Mindy Starns Clark & Susan Meissner -- MY REVIEW
Book Teaser:

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Feasted On: Lake City Stories Series, Prequel

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 124; Kindle Edition - File Size: 2128 KB | Expected Release Date: July 1, 2014 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley

"Ravenous" [Lake City Stories Series, Prequel] by Annie Nicholas

Author's Book Description : Suffer the hunger.

Pia Blyton wants it all. A steady boyfriend, love and her independence. But to ignore her succubus nature is to welcome chaos. Every three days she must orgasm to feed. Bad sex isn’t an option. Stave off the hunger for too long and her demon side peeks out, and its tastes are much less discerning than hers.

One bad day, one wrong decision, and her demon takes control of her libido and kisses all her best intentions goodbye.

Brokenhearted and ashamed, Pia is dragged home to Lake City by Zur-Sin, a vampire her father paid to find her. When Sin tries delivering Pia to her concerned family, her façade cracks. She can’t face them after what she’s done.

Ever the businessman, Sin offers Pia a compromise. She can stay with him, and he will teach her to control her hunger. All he wants is her body, and half of her father’s empire, in return.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! This novella made me fall in love with Zur-Sin (Sin) even more! =0)

I know this is a prequel for the series, but I think it makes you like and understand this novella better if you read "Starved For Love," book 1 of this series, first. This prequel makes you understand how Pia got involved with Sin, Cooper, and John in the first place, which in turn made me like/hope for Sin and Pia's relationship for the future.

Overall, I really liked this novella and it excites me to see where this series will go next!

I recommend this prequel and series to anyone who has an open mind, who likes paranormal erotic dramas that have comedic twists, and are based around a hopeless romantic.

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

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Alpha | Omegas In Love

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Novel Extras : Ravenous - Overview & Excerpt | Suffer the Hunger | May 29th

Author's Series Extras : Starved For Love - Overview & Excerpt | Sinful Cravings - Overview | New Book Coming Soon | Lucky 7 | Starved for Love | A Midsummers Night's Dream-Man Blog Hop | Pia and Sin | Starved for Love | Another Reveal | Progress Report | Hero's Journey

Book Teaser(s) :

"I miss being happy."
"It's a dangerous thing for a succubus to fall in love. I know your parents are unconventional but I would have thought they'd explain that."
"I didn't listen."
He snorted. "How comforting it is to hear that I'm not the only one you ignore." ~ within Chapter 9

"So you help me with feeding and I help you with girly wolves."
"Yes, just don't call them that to their faces. They might eat you."
"I think this a start of a beautiful friendship." ~ within Chapter 10

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Annie, then please check out her website.

Made the Grade: My Fake Summer Boyfriend by Ann Herrick

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 2403 KB | Release Date: May 12, 2014 | Publisher: Books We Love Ltd. | Obtained: Amazon.com

"My Fake Summer Boyfriend" by Ann Herrick

Authors' Book Description : Sun, surf, sand and Alex--Katie was swept away!

Katie eagerly agrees to pretend she is Alex's girlfriend for the summer in order to protect his job. Amid sun drenched waves, they develop a friendship that is on the verge of turning romantic, when who should arrive but Nicole, Alex's old girlfriend. In three days, Nicole ruins Katie's relationship with Alex. So Katie gets involved with Logan, Nicole's handsome older brother, though Alex is the one for her.

Soon enough Katie learns that fake romances can get out of hand and lead to complications she never imagined.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. A true teenybopper romantic novel, about major crushes turning into a good friendship that has the possibility to turn into something more if only others won't get in the way.

It could be because it's been a while since I've read any type of teenage angst romances that a found Katie to be very annoying at the beginning. Yet, I'm happy that I stuck with this novel because, while I wouldn't call this a "true love story," I liked how dynamic this novel is as it makes Katie's struggles with finding love with her "Mr. Right" even more compelling to read.

Together I found Katie and Alex to be a cute work-in-progress because they are still teens learning their likes and dislikes about relationships. In addition, even though I didn't always like him as a character, I enjoyed reading about how Alex and his relationship with Katie grows throughout this novel. I especially enjoyed it because I liked reading/finding out how much integrity Alex has; it was endearing to learn.

Overall, I recommend this novel to YA romance fans.

Purchase This Book Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Farewell Season

Author's Novel Extras : My Fake Summer Boyfriend - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :

"Let's go," Jason said as soon as I'd joined them.
"All right," I said. "Jason, you take the lemonade. Hailey, you take that bag with the paper plates and napkins. Alex, I think it'll take both of us to carry the ice chest."
"Okay," Alex said. "I'm not proud. I can accept help from a woman."
"Good." My spirits rose even higher by Alex's reference to me as a woman.
By the time we reached the dock where we rented the rowboat, I was happy to put down the ice chest. My arm ached. "Oh," I moaned. "My arm."
Alex kneaded my biceps.
"Thanks," I said. "That feels good."
"Don't thank me," Alex said. "You'll need that arm for rowing."
After we'd piled everything in the rowboat and finalized the seating arrangements, with Jason and Hailey together on the front seat, Alex in back and me in the middle with the oars, we were ready to go. I adjusted my life jacket. I was comfortable enough with him not to worry if I looked a little silly. Not that Alex would think a life jacket was silly, and even if he did I have a feeling his mother had probably lectured him on the subject as much as mine had.
Within five minutes I wondered how I would ever make it to the island. The oars rubbed the palms of my hands raw, my arms turned to rubber, and bolts of pain shot through my chest. It didn't help any that Alex sat comfortably with his arms folded, watching every moment of my agony with a broad smile plastered across his face.
"I love to watch you work." Alex grinned.
I smacked an oar on the water and splashed him. "Just wait until it's time for you to row us back!"
"Hmmm. That's better," said Alex. "A little faster and I could water-ski. Don't look now, but we're only a couple hundred yards away."
"Thank good—" ~ within Chapter 7

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Ann, then please check out her website.