I Think About You by K.S. Thomas...

...Ever since I started writing, I've kind of slacked on this blog, mainly just doing product reviews and doing quick picture recaps of fun events, holidays, and such. My author blog is where I post most of my book reviews these days but I started thinking about it and feeling guilty because I'm not sharing these awesome books I'm reading with you! So, I'm going to do my best to post book reviews here. Luckily, the first one is by an author that I absolutely LOVE and you'll probably end up seeing a lot of my reviews on her books. So here goes, I Think About You by K.S. Thomas!

Synopsis
One's dream can be a funny thing. A collection of random thoughts. A compilation of your deepest fears and desires. A sign? 

Most days, Marissa leaves dream interpretation to the psychologists and psychics, but when her subconscious churns out a vision of her first love so real it jars her from her sleep, she can't help but wish she knew what it meant. Or at the very least, what the lingering feelings still present long after she's awake, mean. 

Drew isn't looking for signs. Mostly, he's just trying to avoid them. Like the street sign that marks the turn to her old house. Or the stop sign at the edge of town, reminding him where he belongs and what else is out there. Her. Marissa. She's out there. But that doesn't matter anymore. Until...

Review
This is a sweet story about first loves being reunited. I totally related to Marissa and the life of a mom of a toddler. I love that she put her daughter first but that didn't stop her from finding her own happiness. I loved Drew-hot, sexy country boy, what's not to like? This story makes you realize that you should speak your heart and not hide your true feelings.

Save the Date Book Review by K.S. Thomas...

I recently finished reading Save the Date by K.S. Thomas. I met K.S. in our Romance in a Month class and she's quickly become my late night brainstorming, bounce-ideas-off-each-other, venting about anything and everything friend! I love her almost as much as I loved this book and her soon to released book Saving Avalon. 

Summary

Calista Luvalle has mixed feelings when it comes to love. On the one hand, working in the bridal business means she’s basically dedicating her life to love and the dream of happy ever after. On the other, she’s a jaded, love hating cynic who isn’t about to fall for any of that crap herself.

Except of course, she already did. When she was six.

Emerson Barrett isn’t worried about finding the right woman. After a tumultuous past, he’s happy just dedicating his life to his work. Content in knowing what to expect day in and day out, he’s thrown for a loop when he’s suddenly standing face to face with little Lissy Luvalle again.

Only now she’s not so little anymore… 

 

Review

This is a real story of soulmates! Despite planning weddings for a living, Lissy Luvalle is skeptical of love. When a family wedding emergency evolves, Lissy joins her family in Kentucky where her path crosses again with the hot, hunky cowboy Emerson Barrett. When she was only six, Emerson who was 16 at the time, spent the summer looking out and taking care of her. Almost twenty years later, he picks up right where their relationship left off. It's obvious to everyone except Lissy and Emerson that the two were meant to be together. It's a modern day Romeo & Juliet when you toss in the "other side of the tracks" drama. Their budding relationship and emotions kept me turning the page wanting to know when they'd finally get it together. As a sentimental person, I loved all the ties back to their childhood and adult life. This is a sweet story that will make you want to find the one to save the date with!

Razor's Edge Book Review...

...Today is the day! Razor's Edge by Racquel Reck is released! I met Racquel through our #romancineamonth class. Lucky me got to read this book before it was released.

 

Summary

Escaping the evil man of her past…
With a tattoo gun, Shay Kelly tries to color a better future for herself and her son. When her abusive ex is paroled this proves to be a difficult task. All her clients used to be his and he’s taking them back. But that’s not the only thing he wants.

Screaming his way to the top…
No one can change the visions of Morgan Desario’s past, or what he saw the night his dad died. Marijuana helps the pain his singing can’t numb. When his heavy metal band gets signed, he’s flying high. But fame and fortune do nothing to take away the humiliation he faces every time he gets stuck in a memory.
　
When their morals slip and their sins collide…
They share the same lifestyle, but couldn't be more different. She's anti-drug and he's all for smoking pot. A night of passion bonds them together, but their connection is strained when their pasts are unleashed. On tour, Morgan’s sins flourish. At home, Shay's morals bend. A sharp line separates what's right and wrong that both are afraid to cross.

Will they be cut walking the Razor’s Edge?

Review

Wow! This book will not disappoint. You get to hear the story from both Shay and Morgan's perspective. Morgan is totally dreamy (and I get to interview him on my other blog tomorrow morning!) and such a family guy it makes him swoonworthy. Shay on the other hand is very determined and a great mom, she'd do anything for her son which makes me love her too. The two of them have a rocky past but when they get together, nothing in the past matters. This book is deep...it tackles domestic violence, drug use, and so much more. To say it's a page turner is an understatement. I took every free minute I had to read this book. Racquel made me fall in love with Shay and Morgan, be mad at them, scared for them, and then relieved when it was over. She totally left us with a storyline that makes me wish the sequel was finished and I've even heard that there might be a novella for Morgan and Shay in the future to find out what happens after happily ever after...

 

What are you waiting for? Hope over to Amazon or Barnes & Noble to get your own copy!

"Why My Dad?"...

...Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! I hope that you are all celebrating with your favorite dads out there. There are some kiddos whose fathers are serving our country and unable to celebrate with their family. Ms. Lisa Bottorff is a USAF Veteran who has written a book that is designed to help military children understand why mommy or daddy is gone. It is titled Why My Dad? She is planning on this to be the first in a long series that addresses the difficult issues our little military members face.

Lisa Bottorff, author of "Why My Dad?", is a United States Air Force Veteran who is from the St. Louis, Missouri area.  Lisa comes from a military family, following her brother, Steve, who also served and retired from the Air Force.  Even before our current state of war, military members are often gone for long periods of time due to missions, deployments, TDY's, etc.  Our children are left behind to deal with the pain and confusion of loss. 

Lisa's inspiration for "Why My Dad?" came from her lifetime desire to not only write and publish a book, but to publish a book that had meaning. "Why My Dad?" does just that.  Its goal is to provide a source to assist military parents help their children not only deal with the emotional issues surrounding an absent parent but try and help them understand and make sense of it.  If it makes a difference in at least one child's life then it has met its goal.  

*I received a copy of this in exchange for this blog post.

Protecting his Wolfe Book Review by Melissa Keir...

...Melissa Keir is back at it again! I love her writing and this time she roped me into the story of Betsie Wolfe and Jonah Pigg in Protecting His Wolfe.

Summary
Betsie Wolfe was a small town girl who left her cozy little life for a job in the big city, but she never expected to become a witness to a murder or face vicious threats. Detective Jonah Pigg was immediately attracted to Betsie’s lavender eyes and small frame huddled in the gray wool blanket when he arrived on the scene of the murder. When threats on her life begin, he takes her into his home under the protection of the three Pigg’s who own the Pigg Agency. It will take all his detective work to keep her safe from the killer. Passion has a way of igniting when people are under stressful situations and lust leads Betsie and Jonah into each other’s arms. But is their relationship only a matter of desire or is it something more?

Review
This story has it all...the sweet innocent woman, the strong protective man, drama, suspense, love...I couldn't put it down! It was the perfect summer read that had me wondering when Betsie and Jonah will recognize their true feelings for each other. Melissa has a great way of making you connect with the characters and wanting the best for them. Definite must read!

Whole Latte Love Book Review...

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

...Rachelle Ayala has published yet another book: Whole Latte Love. I seriously have no idea how she writes and publishes her books so quickly. She's a romance writing superhero!

Summary
Investment banking intern Carina Chen doesn’t need any distractions—especially the sexy, guitar-playing barista she rooms with for the summer.

Free spirit Dylan Jewell appreciates the delightful universe of women who vie for his attention. His goal in life is to do good, make happy coffee, and help the homeless.

When Carina moves in, she insists on rules of conduct to quell her instant attraction to Dylan. But when her boss asks her to turn Dylan into a businessman, she can’t think of a reason not to take advantage of his hospitality.

Their chemistry is white hot, but Dylan refuses to play Carina’s game, unable to understand how he can fall in love with a woman who puts profits in front of people. When Carina realizes Dylan isn’t budging, she risks all to gain a single night with him. Will her gambit backfire or will Dylan discover Carina’s true heart before she runs away with his?

Review
As always, Rachelle roped me in with her stellar writing skills. From the first intro of Dylan, I was a swooning fan like the rest of the women in his life. Dylan's love for everyone and everything around him made him even more of a heartthrob aside from his gorgeous looks.

However, it took me awhile to warm-up to Carina. Her goody-two shoes attitude and constantly ruining the moment drove me mad! But hey, it's good when an author can get a character to make you feel real emotions.

I feared for Carina when she was on the mean streets of Berkley, but knew that Dylan would come to her rescue. Rachelle did a great job of really describing the environment and even though I've never been to Berkley, I felt like I was right there! I wished Rebecca would get out of the picture, but alas, there's always got to be drama, right? Two thumbs up, go read it now!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Second Shield Book Review...

...I have finally finished Stacy Eaton's Romance Behind the Badge. The last book in the series was Second Shield. The first was Garda: Welcome to the Realm and the second was Liveon: No Evil. I really enjoyed the first two books and Second Shield did not let me down.

Summary

Detective Sergeant Mackenzie McAllister leads a team of police investigators. When the new kid, Drew Bradley, joins the squad Mack is bound by duty to show him the ropes. The chemistry between them is immediate, but with Mack being twelve years older, she fights becoming entangled with the young sexy detective.

Drew enters the unit, not only to help with the investigation they are conducting, but to find out what is really going on inside the walls of the unit. Working with the intense and strict Sergeant Mack is invigorating, but between the need to protect her and his second shield, he is at a loss and falling hard.

Together they will uncover the evil from within, and try to deny the passions that rage between them. Who in her unit is trying to keep her from finding out the truth? Who will take a life that will draw them closer? And what are the secrets hidden behind the shield?

 

Review

Stacy Eaton delivered the action and romance in this book from page one. Each turn of the page brought on excitement and uncertainty. I'm not a fan of long, drawn-out should I/shouldn't I drama so I'm glad that Mack and Drew didn't fight their chemistry too long. However, on the action page, sometimes it's easily spelled out from the very beginning. While it was pretty obvious who all was involved, I still didn't have the mystery solved until the book told me what was going on! Well done, Stacy!

 

I have to admit, I was not a fan of the ending. Specially, the last few pages. That was a bit obvious and with the book ending the way it did, I really feel like there should be a follow-up book to let us know how things work out. I did love the romantic gestures Drew left for Mack in the end though, if only all men were that thoughtful! If you're looking for a book with mystery and romance, this is definitely the book for you.

The Impaler Legacy: Interview with Character Maximilien Hess...

...I'm extremely grateful that author Ioana Visan's blog tour is stopping by here TWICE this week! As stated before, I've read the entire Impaler Legacy Omnibus. You can read my reviews here: The Impaler's Revenge, A Victory That Counts, and Order Restored. The stores make me want to keep turning page after page so you'll have to go check it out yourself. Today, I'm Mr. Maximilien Hess has decided to grace his presence on my blog and answer a few questions I had. Read on to see how the interview with a 1,000+ year old vampire went...

First, in case you missed it on Tuesday, here's a summary of the series.

"In a world crawling with vampires, Romania is the safest place left on earth. Thanks to the Little Council, there hasn't been a vampire on Romanian ground in over five centuries, until one day when Liana Cantacuzino is ordered to bring one in, covertly.

Enter Maximilien Hess, a thousand-year-old vampire determined to ruin the existing order of things. When all is reveals, Hess's secret changes everything, and a reluctant alliance is formed because of the alternative is much worse."

The Impaler Legacy Omnibus, a vampire series like no other, includes:
The Impaler's Revenge (novella)
Sweet Surrender (short story)
A Victory that Counts (novella)
Causalities of War (short story)
Order Restored (novella)
The Third Wheel (short story)

Hello, everyone! We have the honor of being in Maximilien Hess’s company today, a one-thousand-year-old vampire. May I call you Max?

Maximilien Hess: I prefer Maximilien if you don’t mind.

Very well. How is life treating you these days, Maximilien?

Same old, same old.

You’re over a thousand years old. Can life still surprise you?

It can, and it does.

Are those good or bad surprises?

The new breeds were an unfortunate surprise. The collaboration with Miss Cantacuzino, however, fell in the opposite category.

I take it you are contented with the way things turned out?

It could have been better, many lives were lost, but it could have been much worse, too. We learn as we live.

Even you?

Even me.

I’m sorry if it looks like I’m staring. I’m just thinking about what to ask you next. Interviewing people is not exactly my area of expertise.

You’re a writer. How hard can it be?

You’re obviously not one. Things don’t work that way. We’re used to making things up, not dragging information out of people … And I know exactly what you’re doing. You’re trying to switch the focus of the conversation on me rather than talk about you. Smart.

Thank you. It usually works. People love to talk about themselves, and I’m genuinely interested in listening. It’s a win-win situation.

Only that writers are used to talking about other people. Even when they talk about themselves, they make things up more often than not. That would be of no use to you.

So I’m stuck with this interview. Very well. It won’t hurt more than a new breed bite.

You make it sound so tedious. How do you know what a new breed bite feels like?

I was there when the new breeds attacked and then at the lab. I fought along our joined armies. Of course I know what a new breed bite feels like.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you. It’s just that, given the way they talk about you, it sounds as if you walk on water or something. The enemies drop dead just by looking at you.

I wish it were that easy! Unfortunately, it’s not. I fought along their side, and of course I got injured not just once. It hurts like hell, but other than that … What most people don’t get is that it’s not about being invincible. It’s about survival. You should be able to understand the concept.

I’m sure many of us do. But how important is one’s survival?

It ranks as high as protecting the ones you love. Or it should.

Not higher?

Ideally not.

Still, there must be a balance. There must be a limit.

Like saving the world? We achieved that, didn’t we?

Like a side effect? Is that how it’s supposed to work?

Does it matter the reason behind it as long as it gets you the desired result?

The problem with that logic is that there are a lot of paths on the way from A to Z. Lots of things can go wrong. There can be many unexpected casualties.

You sound like Liana.

Thank you, though I’m not sure it’s a compliment.

She survived the war, didn’t she?

So she’s a survivor.

And a fine leader too.

You sound impressed. Were you surprised to discover she’s a good leader?

When I came to Romania, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I was flying in blind so to speak.  I hate doing that.

Because it’s not safe?

Safety and Romania don’t belong in the same sentence when it comes to vampires. I’ve had pandurs assigned to protect me from their own people. That was all kinds of messed up.

But you survived.

Lucky for me, there’s corruption everywhere. But I must admit there were several moments when I wished I were anywhere else.

Like that episode in Sibiu?

The worst blood I’ve ever tasted! It nearly did me in.

I don’t buy that.

Maybe not, but you would believe it rather than accept the idea that I could be lying to you. Humans tend to dismiss threats too big for them to control.

And vampires don’t?

We’re more proactive than that. We did take action as soon as the first signs of new breeds appeared.

I suppose we should thank you for alerting us about the threat. And fighting next to us.

It was a big risk, but it was worth taking. It affected us too so the sooner we put an end to the threat the better.

Why are you smiling?

You got me talking.

Not about specifics…

It’s still more than others have succeeded doing.

Then I’m not that bad at this after all. I’d pat myself on the back, but I reckon it’s better if I wait until we’re done here.

Yes, you do that… I’m sorry I have to cut our meeting short, but we have tickets to the opera this evening. You’re welcome to give it another try next time.

Is that a challenge?

Take it any way you like

Thank you for your time, Maximilien.

The pleasure was all mine.

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The Impaler Legacy Blog Tour: Author Ioana Visan...

...I'm pleased to announce that my blog is a part of The Impaler Legacy Omnibus Blog Tour! I've read every book in the series and you can read my reviews here: The Impaler's Revenge, A Victory That Counts, and Order Restored. As part of the blog tour, keep reading for my interview with author Ioana Visan, but first here's a little bit about the series:

In a world crawling with vampires, Romania is the safest place left on earth. Thanks to the Little Council, there hasn't been a vampire on Romanian ground in over five centuries, until one day when Liana Cantacuzino is ordered to bring one in, covertly.  

Enter Maximilien Hess, a thousand-year-old vampire determined to ruin the existing order of things. When all is revealed, Hess's secret changes everything, and a reluctant alliance is formed because the alternative is much worse. 

The Impaler Legacy Omnibus, a vampire saga like no other, includes:

The Impaler’s Revenge (novella)

Sweet Surrender (short story)

A Victory that Counts (novella)

Casualties of War (short story)

Order Restored (novella)

The Third Wheel (short story)

Ioana Visan is the author of The Impaler Legacy Omnibus. A big thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! Here's a little bit about her:

Award-winning writer Ioana Visan has always dreamed about reaching the stars, but since she can't, she writes about it.

After fighting the apocalypse aftermath in "Human Instincts", she played with shapeshifters in “Blue Moon Café Series: Where Shifters Meet for Drinks”, and then she dealt with vampires in “The Impaler Legacy” series, before tackling longer works like a fantasy trilogy and a science fiction series.

Aside from publishing short stories in various Romanian magazines and anthologies, she published a short story collection "Efectul de nautil" and the Romanian edition of "Human Instincts".

She was awarded the Encouragement Award by The European Science Fiction Society at Eurocon 2013.

First of all, tell me, what has inspired you to write this book? 

 

Let’s say The Impaler Legacy series is my answer to all of the vampire books out there. Whenever someone mentions vampires, people tend to think of Dracula and Transylvania. Having spent my childhood in Transylvania, I know firsthand there are no vampires there, and they’re not that much featured in our stories either. So I came up with this alternate reality in which Romania is the only vampire-free country left in the world. Unlike the most popular vampire books, The Impaler Legacy is not aimed at a teenage audience, it’s not erotica, and it’s not paranormal romance. If you like politics and action, though, this might be the book for you. 
 

Could you tell us a bit about your previously published work? 
 

Before The Impaler Legacy came out, I self-published an apocalyptic novella, Human Instincts, and a paranormal short story collection, Blue Moon Café Series: Where Shifters Meet for Drinks. I also have a short story included in Evolution: Vol. 2, published by Evolved Publishing. My Romanian readers can find my stories in several Romanian magazines and anthologies, and the Romanian edition of Human Instincts and the short story collection Efectul de nautil (The Nautilus Effect) were published by Millennium Books in 2013. 

 

 

What genres do you read mostly and what are you reading now? 
 

I mostly read science fiction and fantasy. At the time I’m writing this, I struggle with Stephen King’s Wolves of Calla. It doesn’t quite work for me, although I’ve enjoyed the previous books in The Dark Tower series. Lois McMaster Bujold is on the list next. 
 

Tell us about your website. What will readers find there? 
 

They’ll find announcements regarding new releases, my author bio, a list of books and short stories I’ve published, interviews and articles, and ways to connect with me on social media. Since I’m managing the website myself, it gets a new layout with each new release. 
 

What are you working on at the moment? Tell us a little about your current project(s).
 

I’m working on a novel in the Broken People series. It’s a science fiction novel, dealing with a heist and a very unusual type of circus. 
 

Do you have any advice for other indie authors? 
 

As long as they enjoy what they’re doing, they shouldn’t give up. At the end of the day, even if you don’t make it as a best-selling author, you still had fun, and that’s what matters the most. 
 

Do you plot your novels beforehand or do your stories unfold gradually as you write?
 

It’s a bit of both. I know what the story is about, the beginning and the end long before I get to the actual writing part. Figuring out the entire journey, it’s where the fun comes in. 
 

Do you relate to any of your characters or do any of your characters represent anyone in your life? 
 

It’s funny, but whenever I get asked this question, I can’t help feeling that I might be doing something wrong. Yes, I need to be able to relate to my characters in order to enjoy writing about them, but I never base them on people I know. It doesn’t seem fair somehow, and they wouldn’t fit the part well. My stories are more twisted than real life, I’m afraid. :)
 

 

Thanks for your time, Ioana! Be sure to hook up with Ioana to stay posted on her Broken People series.

 

Website:    http://www.ioanavisan.tk

Blog:          http://weirdvision2001.blogspot.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorIoanaVisan

Twitter:       https://twitter.com/weirdvision

Amazon:     http://amazon.com/author/ioanavisan

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ioanavisan

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Liveon: No Evil Book Review...

...After I finished Garda by Stacy Eaton, I couldn't wait to get started on the next book which happened to be Liveon: No Evil.

Summary
Jacquelyn Liveon is a small time detective who loves her job, but hates attention. When she steps in front of heartthrob silver screen actor, Ryan Palmer, to stop a gunman, she finds herself dangling in to the public spotlight. Ryan can’t believe a woman would save him and not want more from his glamorous life. Could the words “I Fear No Evil” that are printed on her shirt be more correct than he thought?

When Jacquelyn goes undercover, she gets submerged into a world she never wanted to understand. How does she deal with the threats against Ryan? What happens with a major event flips the movie set upside down and injures people that they care about?

Review
First off, I love when books tie into each other so I loved that the movie Ryan was acting in was Garda. Stacy even managed to squeeze herself in as a character. Now I really want to see the "movie!"

Okay, so I finished this book in one weekend. I probably could have finished it sooner but chasing around a toddler means naptime is the only time I can squeeze in reading. I could not put this thing down and I was anxious to know what happened next. No matter where I left off, it was always an intense moment.

I really liked that she writes from both the main characters perspective but it's not in third person. Huh? She titles whose narrating Ryan/Jacquelyn and then it's in first-person. It's a unique way to write, she even does the same scene in both views but it's not redundant and you pick up on pieces that were missing from the other person's narration. I loved it!

I have to admit that while I loved the story, I didn't love the characters. Well, I take that back, I did love Troy, and for some reason I really liked Jimmy...neither were main characters but I think I liked them because they both looked out for either Ryan or Jacquelyn and genuinely had their best interest at heart. Okay, now for my thoughts on the main characters, I just never fell in love with Jacquelyn. I think she was great at her job and heck yes, I'd want her to protect me, but the way she was described conflicted with her actions and Ryan's thoughts for her in my mind. Now, for Ryan, he seemed, well, he seemed like what I'd picture a hot, spoiled celebrity to be like...he wanted what was his when he wanted it and he pouted, geez, he pouted a lot! I understood the attraction from Jackie to Ryan because yeah, he sounded hot, but 1. I don't think Ryan would ever long-term be interested in Jackie and 2. I don't think Jackie would put up with his $*&%.

All that being said, the story was great, I didn't want to put it down, and it made me feel the both excitement and sadness between the two of them. Be prepared though, there's a major shock right in the middle that will break your heart!

P.S.
Rabbit, rabbit!

Garda: Welcome to the Realm Book Review...

…Back in January, I won a copy of the Garda Series by Stacy Eaton. With my busy season at work along with starting to teach, not to mention chasing around a crazy two-year-old, I’ve just now got to sit down and read it the first book, Garda: Welcome to the Realm! The second I started it though, I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what was going to happen with the different relationships. I’m excited to start the next book in the series and I’ll be sure to post a review of it, too.



 

 

Summary

“He is my destiny."

There is a place that lies between heaven and Earth, it is called The Realm. Within this place, the Guards of Peace, known as Garda Síochána, learn to guide and protect the ones that live below until they are called home.

Officer Corey Hamilton is dedicated to being the best that she can be, in uniform and out. Her loving nature, compassionate thoughts, and warrior strength make her the perfect candidate to join the Garda Síochána and spend her eternity protecting and guiding others.

Just before Corey dies in a line-of-duty accident, she meets Officer Mitchell O’Reilly. Her feelings for him may change her destiny, but not for the better, as she falls in love with this married man. Brock, Corey’s personal Garda, will bring her home to The Realm and attempt to train her for her future, even while she still fights for her past.

Will Brock be able to direct Corey down the right path, or will she cross the line and fall from grace? Join Corey, Mitchell, and Brock for an emotional and heart-pounding adventure that is sure to make you wonder if angels are really guiding us in our everyday lives.

Review

This book definitely kept me on my toes because secrets were being revealed all over the place! And when the secrets were revealed, it totally changed your opinion on the characters. For instance, when Mitch started to fall in love with Corey, I was almost mad at him because he was married. But then a huge secret was revealed that immediately made me feel sorry for him and begin rooting for him. While I’m not normally into “other worlds,” I found myself interested and wanting to know more about The Realm. While the book ended “happily ever after,” I’m not sure that I’m satisfied with the ending. I found myself still feeling sorry for Mitch that he was having to “settle” with what he had because I just wasn’t convinced that he was okay with the decision. Also, Corey completely reminded me of a police officer that I work with…looks, actions, everything. It was crazy!

Side note: I did NOT like the first name for the baby girl. Isn’t it awkward who she was named after? Now you’ll have to read to see what I mean. J Still, it was a good, easy, fun read that I would recommend.

"Taming Romeo" Book Review...

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
...My favorite author, Rachelle Ayala, just published another book titled Taming Romeo. It was different than her other books but I still absolutely loved it!

Summary
Evie Sanchez is recovering from heartbreak by working at her parents’ Filipino restaurant when in walks Romeo Garcia, the boy she left behind. Only now, he’s a hot movie star surrounded by gorgeous actresses and adoring fans.

Bad boy Romeo Garcia never understood why Evie stood him up at the prom. When he rescues her from a flying coconut in the dumpster, he is determined to dig into her heart for the reason. Their mutual attraction and unresolved feelings ignite in a scintillating night of daring ***, and Romeo shows Evie what she’ll miss the rest of her life if she walks away again.

Evie lands a part as Romeo’s co-star and falls into her role, totally in love. He plays his part, too, with his romantic gestures and skillful lovemaking. But is the fantasy real or revenge? Evie and Romeo are about to discover if their buried feelings will explode in pure delight or utter disaster.

Review
This story was quite different than her Chance for Love series, but I still loved it. I especially enjoyed that Evie and Romeo weren't kept apart the entire book and the major conflict was where their long-term relationship stood. Don't worry, there was still plenty of twists and turns along the way. However, I feel like the book should have been called Taming Evie, not Romeo. Although he was a "bad boy," he was still incredibly sweet and you could tell how much he truly loved Evie. We all need a Romeo in our lives.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

"Heather, The Scared Tooth Fairy" Book Review...

...AR and I recently read "Heather, the Scared Tooth Fairy." It was a sweet book and I loved that the mother and daughter wrote it together. Maybe when AR is older, we can do the same thing. The book was written by Jeannie Dowling and her daughter Jasmin. Here's some her take on the story and why she wrote it:

"I wanted to have a fun project for my daughter Jasmin (9 years at the time) and I to do together, so I thought that creating a book together would be fun.

 

I’ve always wondered what it was like for tooth fairies.  Did they have to go to school?  How long did they have to go to school…was it one year, or the same as us, 12 years?  So I let my imagination run free. 

 

Hoping to help my daughter and others with their fears, we thought of something that made me scared when I was in elementary school.  I remembered getting a new teacher in the middle of the year in elementary school.  I had so many worries of what the new teacher was like and what she expected. 

 

I would write a couple pages and read them to Jasmin and she would help me come up with some rhymes and other ideas that could come up in the lives of a tooth fairy.  With each page that I made Jasmin would draw some pictures on what she thought everything looked like.  Both of our pictures ended up in the book. 

 

To make the story extra fun, Jasmin added her hamster Nibbles into the story.  In real life, Nibbles was always checking things out, so in the story he is always checking things out."

 

This book was self published on Amazon and you can find it here. Jeannine also created a website called www.toothfairywisdom.com that has all kinds of fun games and activities for the kiddos.

There isn't anything I don't love about this book. It was written with love by a mother and daughter. Jasmin did an awesome job of illustrating and Jeannine did a great job telling the story. Definitely a story my daughter and I will read throughout the years.  

 

 

*I received a free copy of this book from Pollen-8.

"Wedding Dreams: Motivational E-Book" Review...

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Wedding Dreams: Motivational Photography Book is the e-book of it's kind that I've read. I imagined it was going to just be full of various wedding photographers, which is was, but I was shocked and excited to see inspiring quotes along that way. One of my favorites was:

Live without pretending

Love without depending

Listen without defending

Speak without offending

 

I wish this book came as an actual coffee table book. It would be perfect to give to the newlyweds and an excellent reminder for those of us who are already married.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

"Three's a Crowd" Book Review...

...After I finished Melissa Keir's "Second Time's the Charm" I rushed on to "Three's a Crowd" so I could find out what happens between Lissa, Alex, and Chloe. I can tell you, I wasn't disappointed!

Summary
Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.

When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?

Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.

Review
While this book was short, it definitely was a page turner. "Three's a Crowd' picked up where "Second Time's a Charm," Alex and Lissa married and tried to blend their families. Unfortunately, Chloe isn't failing in the love department with her marriage so trying to be a good friend, Lissa invites Chloe to live with her which equals D-R-A-M-A! Chloe tries to steal Alex back. In the end, everyone does what is best for the kids. All I have to say is that Lissa is WAY to good of a friend. Alex and Lissa's marriage stood the a true test of love.

"Second Time's the Charm" Book Review...

...I was thrilled when Melissa Keir asked me to read another one of her books! "Second Time's the Charm" is the first book in a series so I sped through this short story so I could find out what happens next.

Summary
A middle aged divorcee with two children must find her way back to love after a devastating divorce leaves her with no self confidence in herself or even in love. Lissa's ex-husband has shredded her self esteem, so she has thrown herself into her children and job. An emergency life threatening illness of her best friend's son puts her on the path to romance. Lissa finds her new love in an unexpected way...introduced by his ex-wife. 

Who knew that first time loves could lead to second chances?

Review
This was a very quick read. It proves that you can find love when you're least looking for it. The real conflict seemed to be Lissa's ex and the grief he gave her for dating again. As a grown "child of divorce," it's important for a parent to move on and be happy which is what Lissa did. A happy mom, makes a happy family, right?  Knowing that this is a series, I think Melissa did a great job laying the ground work for drama to occur in future books in this series. I can't write too much because I'm anxious to get on to the next book "Three's a Crowd!"

"The Iron Duke" Book Review...

...I finished up the audio version of "The Iron Duke" by L. Ron Hubbard.

Description
Meet Blacky Lee, ruggedly handsome with a quick wit and a roguish charm. Think Clark Gable with larceny in his heart and a price on his head. A price put there by the German Gestapo. But Blacky's always got an angle, and this time it s as audacious as they come. He'll hide in plain sight, impersonating the crowned head of a Balkan kingdom. He'll become The Iron Duke.

Can he pull it off? Win the love of a country...and of a beautiful woman? All Blacky has to do is risk everything and, for once in his life, find a way to do the right thing. Get in on the deception as the audio version of The Iron Duke puts you in the middle of the royal con game.

Review

I think I would have enjoyed this book better if I had read the book first!  I had to restart it several times to get all the characters straight in my mind.  I did enjoy the different voices and the actual taping was nice and clear so if I’d been more familiar with the story line, I could have imagined it better in my mind.

The story was suspenseful and I love a book when you can’t figure out the ending. Book was witty and contained lots of good humor.  Book has a little of everything, romance, thrill, mystery, adventure….should meet everyone’s approval.

"Come to Me" Book Review...

...I entered a giveaway and won a copy of the book "Come to Me" by Laverne Thompson. I read the description and couldn't wait to start reading it. I knew it would be the perfect book to read while in Florida and I was right. Too bad it took me less than a day to finish it because I still have two more full days in Florida plus a plane ride back!

 

Summary

Confirmed bachelor Baron Munro doesn't believe in love, much less love at first sight. But what about love at first sound? It wasn't until he heard Jasmine Sandler's voice that he realized his life was missing something.

Jasmine didn't know what to make of the man who haunted her days and invaded her nights. She knew the sound of his voice as intimately as she knew her own.

But...they've never actually met. Dare she take the risk of a lifetime?

 

Review

As I started reading this book, it jumped right into Baron and Jasmine meeting. At first, I was like, what the heck, but then the major plot twists happens. I seriously could not put the book down! Jasmine moves to D.C. to be with Baron and ends up in a car accident leaving her with no memory and no hearing. She wakes up thinking that Baron's best friend is who she's with, not Baron. Laverne did an awesome job setting the scenes and making me feel what the characters did. I was rooting for Baron, hoping Jasmine could remember him. I loved the story and the concept, that you can fall in love with all five senses and if one sense fails, you have four other to trigger memories. I feel like the book could have been drawn out a bit longer to expand on the characters and plot but Laverne did a great job telling a story. Definitely a must read!

"Chalkboard Romance" Book Review...

...Another new author I've discovered has won my reading heart! Melissa Keir is the author of the book I recently read Chalkboard Romance. Melissa writes a series of books called Sexy Between the Covers. Her books are full of romance and oh so spicy! Check her out on Facebook, her website or her blog.

Summary

 

Lauren Walsh, a divorcee and elementary teacher, wanted to feel sexy again, after her ex tossed her aside for a younger woman. Her teaching partner and best friend encouraged her to sign up for The Playhouse--a renowned dating agency.

Mac Thomas remained trapped in a marriage to a money grubbing socialite. Forced to stay away from his young son, Mac lost the ability to trust. After the death of his wife, he returned to care for his son but his sister wants more for him. She sets him up with The Playhouse.

Passion ignites but Mac’s a parent of one of Lauren’s students. A teacher and a parent dating could cost Lauren her job and her chance at happiness. Will Mac be able to convince the school and Lauren, that love is the most important thing?

 

Review

This was a quick, easy read which as a working mom is all I have time for any more. I loved how quickly the story moved along and how well the characters were described and developed. I instantly was cheering for Lauren and Mac to work out and I really wasn't a fan of Melanie. I know that her and Lauren were supposed to be good friends but it was obvious who her mystery guy was which made me cautious of her.

 

While the book had a great ending, I wanted to know more about the parent that ratted Lauren out. Also, I wanted to know more about Draikoh San. She could write a whole series about clients of The Playhouse. Excellent work by Melissa! I look forward to reading more of her stories.

"If I Were You" Book Review...

Summary
Does size matter?  Is bigger better? That’s no small question to Tom Little—the circus midget with giant dreams. 

Tom may be king of the midgets, but he’s got far grander ambitions—to become the muscleman at the top, the ringmaster.  Now, drawing on some dark ancient secrets and mystic texts, he’s about to get his wish.  Imagine a pint-sized Mickey Rooney on steroids, trading up into a body like Burt Lancaster’s.  Then imagine paying the biggest price of all…. 

Assuming another man’s identity, Tom discovers he must also take on his sins, debts, and enemies.  He may be living large—but now there are those who want to make him pay for the big man’s sins.

Throughout his young life Hubbard was fascinated and intrigued by mysticism and magic.  From an old Blackfoot Indian medicine man in Montana to the last living magician descendant of Kublai Khan in China, from the Chamorro natives of Guam to voodoo displays in Haiti, he absorbed information and insight wherever he could—putting it all to marvelous use in stories like this.

Also includes The Last Drop, an astounding tale of a New York bartender who mixes some very magical drinks—to amazing effect.

Review

Very suspenseful story.  Wasn’t sure I would enjoy because I’m not a big circus fan, but Hubbard made the characters all come alive and the sound effects and music definitely held my attention!

My mom listened with me and she said as a retired school librarian, I think this would be a good story to share with middle school students because of the moral of the story….the size of your character is way more important than your actual physical size.

I enjoyed the short story, The Last Drop, better.  It was hilarious!

*I received an audio book at no charge in exchange for my honest opinion.