Friday, June 5, 2015

Made the Grade: Wicked in Wilder Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 791 KB | Release Date: June 2, 2015 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Roaring for Him" [Wicked in Wilder Series, Book 1] by Celia Kyle (aka Lauren Creed)

Author's Book Description : Can cats and dogs get along? Maybe. What about werelions and werewolves? If it’s Tilly and Mitchell, definitely. Or rather, maybe. If he’d just get his head out of his…

Half-werelion Tilly McBride owns Bless Your Tart, the South’s latest and greatest bakery. Or at least the best one in Georgia. Fine. It’s the best in Wilder, Georgia, mainly because it’s the only one. She manages to balance running the shop, keeping her middle sister in college, and making sure she doesn’t kill her youngest sister before she graduates high school.

She’s a proprietor, an older sister and… a mate? At least that’s what local werewolf alpha Mitchell Blake seems to think. He also assumes she’ll hop on the Bang Town Express the second they meet. Sure, he’s hot. Hotter than hot with his muscles and that smile and the way he growls… Should. Be. Illegal. But is he better than a chocolate cupcake with buttercream icing? That is the question. She’s afraid the answer might be yes.

Werewolf Mitchell Blake thinks the answer to every question should be yes. Yes, he wants Tilly. Yes, he craves Tilly. Yes, he’d like to bend Tilly over the pack’s claiming altar and mate her so everyone will know she’s his. She. Belongs. To. Him. He just has to convince her first. That shouldn’t be a problem. He’s the Wilder alpha. Every woman wants to be with him. Except one curvy, annoying, delicious package named Tilly McBride.

Mitchell will have her. Just as soon as he gets rid of the one trying to end their mating before it has a chance to start. Permanently.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. Tillis (Tilly) is a half-lion shifter who has been raising her younger sisters (a half-tiger shifter & a half-bear shifter) for as long as she can remember. But when she meets her werewolf mate about five years after moving to Wilder she finds her life drastically changing. The big question is, are the changes ones she is willing to accept or not?

I thoroughly enjoyed the first 75% of this novel. I found it witty, fun, flirty, and very entertaining with the characters’ sharp banter and getting to see Tilly & Mitchell come together in their relationship. Yet, after Tilly gets into a big confrontation with her mother and some of the local bear clan over her youngest sister, I found that the novel’s flow slowed down quite a bit which made it hard for me to hold my interest. Nevertheless, I completed this novel because its beginning enticed me and I was curious as to how everything would wrap up. I’m glad I finished it but it was hard to appreciate it as much as I’d have liked to.

I recommend this novel to those who are fans Ms. Kyle and/or like paranormal romances.

-- On a side note --
I didn't really enjoy reading the slight sexual exhibition at the end of the novel either. =0/

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Roaring for Him (Book 1)


My Previous Review(s) for Celia Kyle : Deuces Wild | Whitney | No Ifs, Ands, or Bears About It | Rebecca | Lorelei | Dragon Her Feet

My Previous Mention(s) of Celia Kyle's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015 | Second Sentence Saturday: Dragon Her Feet

Author's Novel Extras : Roaring for Him - Overview & Excerpt

Woo hoo! Roaring for Him (the pearl necklace story--*snort*) is still in edits, but here's a fun quote from the book. Man, I love this chick so hard. Her and the sisters are gonna kick some ass.
Posted by Author Celia Kyle on Thursday, May 21, 2015

ROARING FOR HIM ~ coming soon.
Posted by Author Celia Kyle on Friday, May 29, 2015

Author's Series Extras : Wicked in Wilder Series - Overview

Book Teaser(s) :
Phoebe poked out her lower lip, but Tilly hadn't fallen for that since the girl was three. It was also the same time she began contemplating smothering Phoebe in her sleep. Obviously she hadn't, but she was putting the option back on the table. ~ within Chapter 1

ROARING FOR HIM by Author Celia Kyle -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Friday, June 5, 2015

ROARING FOR HIM by Author Celia Kyle -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Friday, June 5, 2015
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Celia, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Disappointmentville: Color Me Crazy by Carol Pavliska

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 307; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1590 KB | Expected Release Date: May 26, 2015 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select Contemporary | Obtained: NetGalley

"Color Me Crazy" by Carol Pavliska

Author's Book Description : Never fall for a rockstar…

Julian Wheaton views the world through a kaleidoscope of synesthesia, seeing the colors of every sound he hears. His life as an iconic rock guitarist was a stressful psychedelic trip that nearly destroyed him. Now he’s abandoned the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle for the peaceful sanctity of his recording studio, but when fiery Cleo Compton comes to work for him, she brings chaos with her.

Cleo Compton has had her flings with rockstars – and it’s left her wary and bruised. Julian may have those sexy bedroom eyes and drool-worthy tattoos, but Cleo is determined to keep things strictly professional – until Julian turns out to be every dream she’s ever chased. When he risks it all to hit the road with a band again, Cleo fears he’ll return as the one thing she can no longer abide – a rockstar.

    “The characters are so beautifully atypical, the relationships are so breathtakingly flawed, and the journey is so brutally honest that I was caught between never wanting it to end and needing it to just so I could pry the Kindle out of my hand.”- Elizabeth Hayley

    “Author Carol Pavliska’s rock star romance debut stimulates your senses with vibrant characters, witty humor, and sizzling sexual chemistry. Warning: Color Me Crazy is a highly addictive must-read!”- Alison Bliss

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. Cleo’s life is in a rut. She is about to be evicted from her apartment. She’s trying to turn her personal wants into something more mature, like instead of lusting after hot bad boy rock star guitarists (as she’s been doing since she was a teen) she decides to date a starchy young lawyer who works with her father. And she’s hoping to land a job soon. However, by a slight twist of fate she gets a job and a new place to live with a best friend hers brother. A brother who just so happens to be a music studio-owning, guitar playing, ex-rock star, will Cleo be able to keep course on reforming her life or will old ways cause her trouble?

I LOVED its beginning, HATED its middle, and ENJOYED the wrap-up of this novel. Cleo is so hopeful & determined in everything that she did in the beginning that it was easy to want good things to happen for her. I was fascinated reading about Julian’s synesthesia condition (defined: a neurological phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway) from his POV. As it really gave the reader an idea about the obstacles someone who deals with that condition has to deal with on a daily (if not hourly) basis. Together, I found Cleo & Julian very companionable and loved reading about their growing romance. They were just so sweet and I thought Julian being calmed by her was just SOO sweet!

However, the major flaw in this novel and between Julian & Cleo was THEY NEVER REALLY TALKED ABOUT THE IMPORTANT THINGS!! This (as you can tell) annoyed me to know end! I mean, yes, Julian does tell Cleo about his condition and she handles everything quite well while their relationship gets closer because of it. Yet, neither of them talked about their feelings with each other all that much but Julian more so then Cleo was to trapped in his past that he never believes his feelings for her or the feelings she admits to for him. Then to top it off Julian becomes obsessed with the idea that he needs to turn into the rock star again so Cleo will stay with him for good, which turns out to be a complete disaster and the rest of the novel has them resisting their feelings for or trying to make amends with one another. Because of how they both handle the “rock star situation” made me want to give up on them and this book (it was about 74% of the way through). I didn’t give up on it though; and because I stuck with this novel, I got to see how they worked their way back together. The only problem I had with how they got back together is after they both pushed so hard to stay apart I felt like the ending was quite rushed.

Nevertheless, I WOULD STILL RECOMMEND this novel to those looking for a unique rock star romance!

Purchase This Book Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Color Me Crazy


Author's Novel Extras : Color Me Crazy - Overview & Excerpt | It’s Just Me…Naked in the Middle of the Room

ROCKSTAR FRIDAY. It's a thing. Amazon: amzn.to/1Emfzpv B&N: bit.ly/1I0DVYNKobo: bit.ly/1IoQMEl iTunes: apple.co/1duAPAJ
Posted by Author Carol Pavliska on Friday, May 29, 2015

So a little thing happened today. My book was released. I'm just sitting here all relaxed and casual and not even...
Posted by Author Carol Pavliska on Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :
"So," Julian said as he grabbed Addie's arm to steer her clear of a wino. "Tell me about these friends of yours and why I won't be interested in shagging them."
"Real breasts," she replied.
"Come again?"
"Real breasts. They've got them."
"Hey, I've got nothing against natural breasts. They're just usually not attached to women I'm attracted to, is all." That wasn't true, but getting Addie worked up was a habit. ~ within Chapter 1
"Hello, love," Julian said. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"I'm exploring the hotel."
"Lovely, isn't it? You should see the room. Wait, you can't. You don't know where it is."
"You're a hoot."
"We're in 512. Don't be intimidated by the king-size bed. They're bringing up a rollaway for you."
"I'm sleeping in the bed. You can have the rollaway if you're that scared of me."
"I'm fucking terrified of you, but since the room is in my name, I get the bed. You're technically my guest."
"I received my own invitation to this affair, so if I'm anybody's guest, it's Cory Maxwell's. Maybe I should see what kind of bed he has in his room."
Julian stuttered a little before saying, "Fine. You get the bed. And stay away from Maxwell."
"Maybe I will, and maybe I won't." ~ within Chapter 10

COLOR ME CRAZY by Author Carol Pavliska -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Wednesday, June 3, 2015
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Carol, then please check out her website.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Idolizing In: A Will and A Way by Claudia Harbaugh

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 537 KB | Expected Release Date: April 7, 2015 | Publisher: SilkWords, LLC | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Will and A Way" by Claudia Harbaugh

Author's Book Description : When Pippa’s father dies, she learns he was an earl — and that she is illegitimate. Part of her inheritance is a London Season, although she must masquerade as her half sister's cousin. Provincial Pippa knows nothing of rakes and routs, and she fears repercussions should Society discover her deception. In this sweet Regency romance, Pippa must remain faithful to herself as she navigates the ton and seeks a husband. But if she does meet a man she can love, will he be able to overlook the circumstances of her birth?

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! After seventeen years of believing her father was just a traveling sales merchant, Philippa (Pippa) finds out that her father was actually the Earl of Milbank upon his death. In addition, he learns that she is actually a bastard. Approximately a year later, Pippa learns that in her father’s will she and her half-sister, Charlotte (Charlie), are to have a Season in London together without the interference of either of their mothers. During Pippa and Charlie’s time together, they grow close as sisters while trying to navigate the confines of the ton. Yet, Pippa is still uncertain if the ruse to pass off her being there as Charlotte’s cousin is the right one, but is telling the men in her life the truth about her parentage any better?

This fast-paced novella reminded me a bit of Ms. Austen’s "Pride & Prejudice" because of how much Pippa & Lord Trent (James) mimic Elizabeth Bennet & Mr. Darcy’s pride/stubbornness. I liked how nice Charlie is to Pippa and how their relationship grew into an undeniable friendship. In addition, I found Pippa & Lord Trent’s banter fresh and entertaining while making me want them to get together from the beginning.

I recommend this novella to those looking for a fun quick historical romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : A Will and A Way


Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
"I do not think he preferred me to you, just as most parents love all their children equally. But ..." I hesitated, not sure that I could say the words that hung on the veriest tip of my tongue.
"But he preferred your mama to mine," said my sister, speaking my thoughts aloud, sparing me the embarrassment of it.
I nodded and then, despite the rolling carriage, Lady Charlotte managed to gracefully transfer from her seat to mine. She gently took my hand in hers.
"Could we be real sisters, do you think? I would truly love to have a sister."
"Of course. I mean, we are sisters, if only half."
"I have never had anyone to confide in, you see. And sisters must keep each other's confidences."
"I will gladly keep any confidence of yours, Lay Charlotte, sister or no." ~ within Chapter 2
"What should I do if he is there?" she asked.
"You should say 'how do you do,' smile, and move on," I said matter-of-factly.
"I cannot."
"Mama, you have always told me I must face my fears. Now you must do the same."
"It is hard when my only child throws my words back in my face."
"Hard it may be, but still true." ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Claudia, then please check out her website.

Feasted On: Kennedy High Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 201; Kindle Edition - File Size: 4594 KB | Expected Release Date: November 17, 2014 | Publisher: Elliott Books | Obtained: edelweiss

"The Evolution of Emily" [Kennedy High Series, Book 2] by Kate Scott

Author's Book Description : Emily Charles knows how to run away. Away from her overprotective, agoraphobic mother. Away from her biology-obsessed, autistic sister. Away from her quiet sheltered claustrophobic homeschooled life. When Emily's escape plan involves starting her junior year at Kennedy High School, she realizes she's no longer running away. Now she's running towards. Towards her quiet thoughtful cross-country teammate, August. Towards her zany enthusiastic lab partner, Miles. Towards friendship, love, independence, and life.

Thanks to her sister's special interest in biology, Emily knows all about the birds and the bees. Boys are a lot more confusing!

Readers who enjoyed "Counting to D" will won't want to miss Scott's second novel, also set at Kennedy High School.


My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Emily's life has been within the confines of her home. With a mother who fears the outside world and a younger sister with her own special needs, Emily is very lonely. Her only reprieve from her everyday life is running. During one of her running excursions, she runs by the local high school and decides to get paperwork to enroll. After convincing her father that going to high school is what she needs, she begins her new school year that fall. Now Emily is faced with her greatest dream and biggest fear ... socialization. Will it all turn out the way she hopes? Can her family come to terms with the life changes she's throwing their way? And is the cute guy on the cross-country team everything she believes he is?

This was a uniquely intense YA romance that makes the readers think, helps them learn, and gets them addicted to its inspiring characters. I was truly surprised by the direction this novel played out but I couldn't have been happier with its outcome! Emily is a compelling girl who is brave enough to take control of her life and fight for what she wants even if it's hard fighting against a family who doesn't want to change like she does. Then to throw in her new relationship with August (a sweet cross-country star) and her budding friendships with Sam & Miles, just topped off my liking of this novel. Plus, it helped that the chemistry between August and herself is off the charts. While at times August seems to good-to-be-true, he helps Emily more than ever to navigate her new world. August definitely charmed me.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those who are looking for a dynamic YA romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : Counting to D (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Evolution of Emily (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Counting to D (Book 1) | Alibris (Paperback) : Counting to D (Book 1) | Alibris (Paperback) : The Evolution of Emily (Book 2)


Author's Novel Extras : Bootcamp Check-In | Buckle Up for Writing | The Evolution of Kate | The Evolution of Emily - Cover Reveal

The Evolution of Emily is now available. Do you have your copy yet?
Posted by Kate Scott on Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Author's Series Extras : The Dyslexic Brain | Love List | Opening Sentences | 2014 Is Already Looking Good | Spring Writing Boot Camp | Happy New Year

Today is "support teen literature day", what have you done to celebrate? #RockTheDrop
Posted by Kate Scott on Friday, April 17, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :
My dad had always been my ally, when I really needed him. He insisted my mom let me leave the house to go running every day. He set the boundaries, allowing Olivia and me to spend as much time as we wanted outside on the porch. He made sure we were safe every day, even though he left us at home with a crazy person---a crazy person he loved enough to overlook her insanity. ~ within Chapter 2

THE EVOLUTION OF EMILY by Kate Scott -- Read my review here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Monday, June 1, 2015
"Bravery isn't the same as fearlessness. Yes, you're afraid, but you don't let that fear paralyze you. Emily, you forced two very overprotective parents to let you go to public school, participate in extracurricular activities, and start dating. I'm pretty sure you're a superhero."
I looked up at him. "Do you really think that?"
"Absolutely." ~ within Chapter 25
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Kate, then please check out her website.

Disappointmentville: Billionaires and Babies Series & Moonlight Beach Bachelors Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 192; Kindle Edition - File Size: 636 KB | Expected Release Date: July 1, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin : Desire | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Billionaire's Daddy Test" [Billionaires and Babies Series & Moonlight Beach Bachelors Series, Book 2] by Charlene Sands

Author's Book Description : Will a Moonlight Beach bachelor make the grade as a father…and a lover? Find out in this novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Charlene Sands.

Left to care for her late sister's baby, Mia D'Angelo goes on a secret mission to find out if the missing father would make good daddy material. But when she tracks down Adam Chase at his beachfront mansion, her plan spins out of control and they're soon dating!

It isn't long before the reclusive billionaire realizes Mia's keeping a huge secret about the child he never knew he had. Can this guarded man learn to trust Mia after her initial deception…and trust himself around this incredibly sexy woman?

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars. Four months after losing her sister, Mia finally finds the man who fathered her niece and goes about letting him know that he is a father. Yet her way of meeting Adam is a bit unusual, because by the time her reveal about his daughter happens they are halfway through their second date. Opps! From that point on, Adam has a difficult time in trusting Mia, but Mia is an intricate part of Rose’s life so they find a way to all work together, while living under one roof. Will Adam and Mia be able to trust each other enough to make this family setup work for them all or will their trust issues get in the way?

I tried so hard to like this novel but I just couldn’t get a good feel for it. Overall, it was an okay read. However, the pacing was to slow for me, then with Adam and Mia both reluctant with their affections with one another made it difficult for me to finish reading it. Why I did stick with it was because I did like Adam, Mia, and Rose as characters themselves. In addition, I liked that I completed it since the ending was very sweet.

I recommend this novel only to those who are a fan of Ms. Sands and/or her Moonlight Beach Bachelors Series.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : Her Forbidden Cowboy (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Billionaire's Daddy Test (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Her Forbidden Cowboy (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Billionaire's Daddy Test (Book 2) | Alibris (Paperback) : Her Forbidden Cowboy (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : Harlequin Desire February 2015


My Previous Review(s) for the Moonlight Beach Bachelors Series : Book 1

My Previous Review(s) for the Billionaires and Babies Series : The Nanny Bombshell | Baby for Keeps | The Sheikh's Son | Royal Heirs Required | Triple the Fun

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: The Billionaire's Daddy Test | Cover Reveal of The Billionaire's Daddy Test!

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Her Forbidden Cowboy Images | Moonlight Beach Billionaires Giveaway

Book Teaser(s) :
His fingertips simply touched the drawer loaded with shiny pots and pans and it slid open automatically. "There you go."
She stood, astonished. "I've never seen anything like that. You have a bat cave kitchen, too."
"It's automated, that's all. No pulling or yanking required."
"I think I'm in heaven." How wistful she sounded, her voice breathy.
Adam stood close, gazing at her in that way he had, as if trying to figure her out. His eyes were pure silver gray and a smidgen of blue surrounded the rims. They reminded her of a calm sea after a storm. "I think I am, too." ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Charlene, then please check out her website.
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