Saturday, May 31, 2014

Jumping Genres in June Giveaway Hop


Welcome to Jumping Genres in June Giveaway Hop!

This hop is about trying a book outside your normal ones.


I have two giveaways for you - both outside my normal genres.

First one is INTERNATIONAL and for an eBook of THIS!

Yes, it is still romance but I don't read enough suspense/thriller kinda  books.


Her job is to stay hidden.
Too bad he can’t take his eyes off her.


Soldier-for-hire Ethan Hayes is the youngest member of an elite mercenary team. While he may be affectionately nicknamed the rookie, the skills Ethan honed as a Marine make him seriously dangerous. But when a sudden distress call puts him in close quarters with a rival, he finds more than his field skills being put to the test.

Juliet Mason stands out as the master thief in a covert group of assassins and spies. Her latest mission is personal—and it’s gone horribly wrong. Juliet may prefer to work alone, but when the rookie comes to her aid in snowy Eastern Europe, she can’t deny they make a good team. But even up against a powerful enemy, their most challenging task yet may be fighting the passion between them...


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18141688-midnight-pursuits?from_search=true

http://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Pursuits-Killer-Instincts-Novel-ebook/dp/B00F9EZBKQhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/midnight-pursuits-elle-kennedy/1116934299?ean=9780451465696&itm=1&usri=9780451465696&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&r=1,%201


a Rafflecopter giveaway


This book is a genre that I just don't read much of at all.  It's epic fantasy.  



Egypt, 1400s BC. The pharaoh’s pampered second daughter, lively, intelligent Hatshepsut, delights in racing her chariot through the marketplace and testing her archery skills in the Nile’s marshlands. But the death of her elder sister, Neferubity, in a gruesome accident arising from Hatshepsut’s games forces her to confront her guilt...and sets her on a profoundly changed course.

Hatshepsut enters a loveless marriage with her half brother, Thut, to secure his claim to the Horus Throne and produce a male heir. But it is another of Thut’s wives, the commoner Aset, who bears him a son, while Hatshepsut develops a searing attraction for his brilliant adviser Senenmut. And when Thut suddenly dies, Hatshepsut becomes de facto ruler, as regent to her two-year-old nephew.

Once, Hatshepsut anticipated being free to live and love as she chose. Now she must put Egypt first. Ever daring, she will lead a vast army and build great temples, but always she will be torn between the demands of leadership and the desires of her heart. And even as she makes her boldest move of all, her enemies will plot her downfall....

Once again, Stephanie Thornton brings to life a remarkable woman from the distant past whose willingness to defy tradition changed the course of history.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18667964-daughter-of-the-gods?from_search=true

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451417798/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451417798&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daughter-of-the-gods-stephanie-thornton/1117163920?ean=9780451417794&itm=1&usri=9780451417794&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&r=1,%201

The publisher sent me this paperback copy.

US only on this one. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now hop along to the next blog... 

Book Boyfriend #44 & Review


Join the Book Boyfriend meme
  • Pick your book boyfriend for the week
  • Current read or not
  • Tease us with something about your boy
  • Don't spoil the book
  • Link up with us
  • Visit the other book boyfriend posts








So my book boyfriend for the week is

Jagger!



A Connection Series Novella featuring Aerie Daniels and Jagger Kennedy (River Wilde's cousin)

Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He needs to make a change, and the last thing he’s looking for is love…

Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her stunned, and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about him that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.

To keep from losing the one woman he can’t bear to be without, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19187334-dazed?from_search=true

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HFXK4W4/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HFXK4W4&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dazed-kim-karr/1117792755?ean=9780698172494

 Why?


He's a cupcake thief!


The corners of the cupcake thief's mouth lift up when he looks in my direction and a low chuckle leaves his throat.  "Alice?"

I can feel heat rising up my body and would venture to guess that my skin color almost matches my dress.  At the same moment that the flush is creeping up my throat, his pure steady gaze somehow sets me at ease.

 He asks forgiveness! 


He puts his hand over mine and again I shiver.  "Hey, I didn't know when I bought those that you were upset, but I know now.  So, Alice, please forgive me for stealing your cupcakes."

Oh my God.  The things his touch does to me.  I don't know if I should melt away out of embarrassment or jump for joy out of elation.

He smells good


He leans down and braces his hands on the door.  Again he is so close, I can smell his unbelievable scent.  I can see how his dark hair shines in the moonlight.  I notice the fullness of his lips -- I could kiss him if I wanted.

He knows how to greet a women

"Hi, he says, his voice as smooth as molasses. His tone sends electricity through me in bolts.

"Hello," I say back. My voice sounds high, almost squeaky. He doesn't move. He doesn't say another word and neither do I. Hours of flirting and dancing around this seduction have left me unprepared to face him now. My pulse races out of control as he steps toward me. I take a deep breath and the moment his lavender and sage scent graces my senses, I begin to tremble. Our eyes share a silent conversation and then his mouth is on mine in a heartbeat. And this, our second kiss, is just as satisfying as the first. No, it's so much more.

He's interested in pleasing

"What do you like?  he asks.
I stop breathing.  "I don't know."
I can feel the corners of him mouth curve upwards as he moves to kiss my stomach.
"Well let's find out," he smirks.

His kisses are not patient


The deserted winding canyon road seems to go on for miles before he suddenly pulls the car off to the side.
"Everything okay?" I ask, somewhat alarmed.
With the car in park, he leans over the console and presses his hard body against mine.  His soft lips kiss along the tender skin of my neck and once they find my lips, our tongues entwine in the most erotic dance.  Breathless, he sits back in his seat.  "Everything is fine.  I just realized I hadn't kissed you in a a while."


Mini Review


I have loved this series.  River and Dahlia's story was so satisfying.  I was excited to see more.  When I met Jagger in the epilogue to Torn, I liked him right away.  So reading his story was a given.

And I love Jagger.  Falling into being a model was a given considering just how sexy gorgeous he is.  Dating the actress brought him pain and getting out of New York was his solution.  He's trying his hand at acting while he stays with is cousin, River, in California.    But what I love about his has nothing to do with any of that.  I love that he brings Aerie out of her shell.  He gets her to try new foods and explore new places.  He teaches her to enjoy her life and do accept herself.  He brings the best out of her and she him.  They were adorable together.

I do like Aerie even if she come to some strange conclusions at times.  I get it but I wanted to smack her twice.  Luckily, she figures it out too and then I just smiled.

Love this series?  Don't miss this one.  Can't wait for more.




Have a book boyfriend?  Link up with us...



Friday, May 30, 2014

The Recruit by Fiona Palmer ~ Review

Source:  Received eBook from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

From one of Australia’s Queens of Romance comes the debut in a brand new YA series about secrets, strengths, and what lies beneath the surface.

Jasmine Thomas may not be completely normal, but she’s a pretty typical seventeen-year-old girl. She hates the rich mean kids, loves her best friends, and can’t wait to get out of school each day. Her spare time is spent at The Ring — a boxing gym where she practically grew up — learning karate, boxing and street fighting. So, yeah, Jaz can kick some major butt.

Life seems pretty normal until the day Ryan Fletcher enters her gym…mysterious and hot with heaps of bad boy charm. Sure, she checks him out. Who wouldn’t? But what doesn’t show on his gorgeous abs are secrets and lies that dominate his very grown-up world. Now Jaz has to figure out just how far she is willing to go to know more. Could Ryan really be offering the life-fulfilling life path she’s always dreamed of?


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21419593-the-recruit?ac=1

http://www.amazon.com/Recruit-Fiona-Palmer-ebook/dp/B00JD7EYTO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1400689416&sr=1-1&keywords=9780857991577http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-recruit-diana-palmer/1116106064?ean=9780857991577&itm=1&usri=9780857991577

My Thoughts:

 

3 stars - I expected to like this one more

This book gave me a lot of mixed messages.  The cover, to me, screams adult book.  The blurb says YA.  The story had me confused between middle grade and adult.  Why?  I'll tell ya.


The book is set in Australia and I will admit to cultural differences.   Not so much that I didn't get things, just enough to give me pause a few times.  It might explain my biggest issue with the book.  I'm not sure what high school students are like at a private school in Australia but I do know what high school students from a public school are like in the US.  And this isn't like it.  The relationships screamed middle grade to me.  Yet at the same time, Jaz is dealing with adult issues.   I was just really confused and uncomfortable with it.  


Jaz is a strong girl that kicks behinds and asks questions later.  She brings the hurt.  She's very drawn to weapons and fighting.  She's also in love with her best friend, though he's oblivious.  She's also involved with "running" the ring (a gym) while the owner is out of town.  I found this strange.  She's been working there since she was 10.  It felt too convenient as a plot element. When Ryan shows up at the ring, he gains her attention with his muscles and good looks.  He's in his mid twenties, which didn't go with her age of 17.  Their connection made the book feel like NA.  It was very confusing.


I really liked Taylor and Anna despite their flatness.  There was a lot of potential with them that I don't think every was realized.  


I guess that's how I felt about the whole thing.  There was potential there.  I liked the premise, though I think it should have been NA through and through.  But the whole thing just didn't satisfy me.  I found myself longing for it to be over and not in a good way.  I just wanted more.


I'm not sure who would enjoy this book.  Perhaps a YA would enjoy it.


About the author:

I was raised in Pingaring. My Dad and Mum are contractors in town who cart grain, spread fertiliser and spray for the farmers.
The majority of my childhood weekends were spent on my Uncle and Aunty’s farm ‘Gumlea’ with my two cousins Tammy and Sandy, and my younger brother Chad.
We attended the Pingaring Primary School which closed its doors a few years later because of small numbers. I went off to Narrogin High School where I boarded at the Narrogin Residential College. I left school after year eleven, itching to start work and begin my life.
I was a third generation speedway driver, racing cars from the age of 16 right up until I was pregnant with my first child.
After doing odd jobs, rouseabouting, tractor driving and working on the CBH bins, where I met my husband-to-be, I went to Alexander College for a secretarial course. (Luckily they taught me how to type really fast, which comes in handy when typing up long stories)
I got a job at the Shire of Lake Grace as a secretary for three years and then changed to a Teachers Assistant before getting married to my husband Darryl and having my daughter Mackenzie and my son, Blake.
It was while running the local shop in Pingaring in 2006, in a partnership with my Mum, that I began writing down a story that was roaming around in my head. Lo and behold, this was the start of my writing career. The Family Farm is my first book followed by Heart of Gold, 2011 and The Road Home 2012.

https://www.facebook.com/FionaPalmerRuralAuthor?ref=hlhttps://twitter.com/fiona_palmerhttp://www.fionapalmer.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3179597.Fiona_Palmer



Thursday, May 29, 2014

Swoon Thursday ~ 5/29/14



The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme.  Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the chicks at YABound!


Misunderstandings (Woodfalls Girls, #2) by Tiffany King

 Just when she thought things were going up…

Two years after a devastating breakup, Brittni Mitchell has moved on from Justin Avery—or so she tells herself. But when she returns to Seattle for her best friend’s engagement party, Brittni finds herself the victim of a disastrously timed elevator breakdown. She’s trapped with the last person she wants to face, and forced to recount the past she desperately wants to forget.

She’s going to have to look back…

When Brittni left her podunk hometown for a big city college experience at the University of Washington, hooking up with a guy like Justin Avery was not part of her plan. Between Justin’s attention-grabbing tattoos, cigarette smoking, and bad boy attitude Brittni quickly chalked him up as �Mr. Wrong.” But his charm was unrelenting, and Brittni’s decision to give Justin a chance quickly turned into the worst choice she ever made.

So that she might be able to move forward.

Now she’s stuck with Justin—literally—and the complicated web of misunderstandings that tied up the truth for two years is about to unravel.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18668065-misunderstandings

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425274799http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/misunderstandings-tiffany-king/1117163985

 Swoons


The instant our lips touched, any doubts about what kind of kisser he would be flew from my mind like a kite caught in a sudden gust of wind.  His lips were every bit as lush and soft as they looked.  I responded to his touch like I had never been touched before.  My lips felt desirable and special as he treated them like a rare delicacy.  His hands found my hips and he pulled me in closer.  My own hands crept up his chest until they were gripping his jacket in knotted fists. 


~~~

My only answer was a nod as I watched his thumb with fascination.  Everything inside me hummed to life.  Slowly, seduced my hand with his touch, running his thumb over each curve.  Desire coursed through my veins and my breathing became labored.  Finally, unable to handle watching his thumb any longer, I looked up to see that his intensity match my own.

Review


I love Tiffany books.  Always sweet stories and characters that I feel strongly for, they are a treat to read.

I so love the idea of being stuck in an elevator with your ex.  Add to that some wild hot attraction that hasn't dissipated despite the misunderstandings and you have a great story. 

Something went down two years ago and we don't know what it is.  We do know that Justin has some serious anger towards Brittni.  The story flips back and forth between the past and present timelines.  Slowly we learn how these two came to be together and the heat that exploded between them.  About a third of the way in, I figured out what the problem was but the details remained unclear.  I was trying to relate to Brittni and some of her bossy ways.  She definitely has the teacher voice down.

I loved Justin in the past so much.  It was hard to understand his anger now but once I was sure I was right about the problem between them, I could see it.  This story isn't about some made-up kinda reason to stay apart but about a real life misunderstanding with real life pain.  Pride got in the way.  Hurt feelings and anger kept them apart.  I did want to smack Brittni for waiting so long to explain.  I get why she didn't at first but two years is a long time to wait.  I guess the pain of his reaction could make a girl avoid, but there was such a strong connection between them that I did want to smack her.

In the end, I was blissfully happy.  It was certainly a great addition to this great series.

If you love a great romance with a side of second chances, then this is a great one to pick up.




About the author:

USA Today Bestselling author Tiffany King is a lifelong reading fanatic who is now living her dream as a writer, weaving Young Adult and New Adult romance tales for others to enjoy. She has a loving husband and two wonderful kids. (Five, if you count her three spoiled cats). Her addictions include: Her iphone and ipad, chocolate, Diet Coke, chocolate, Harry Potter, chocolate, zombies and her favorite TV shows. Want to know what they are? Just ask. 

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTiffanyKinghttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorTiffanyKinghttp://www.authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4719619.Tiffany_King?from_search=true







Capturing the Earl's Love ~ Book Blast

Capturing the Earl's Love photo CapturingtheEarlsLove_zps85bbe9be.jpg  
Title: Capturing the Earl's Love  
Author: Jane Lark  
Genre: Regency Romance (Historical)  
Publish Date: May 29, 2014  
Publisher: HarperImpulse  
Event Organized By: Literati Author Services, Inc.        



 photo CapturingtheEarlsLoveHighRes_zps3b7c55b9.jpg~Synopsis ~

From Kindle bestselling Historical romance author, Jane Lark, comes a brand new FREE novella to accompany her breathtaking Marlow Intrigues series. 

"Pure, unadulterated romance." 
 Best Chick Lit.com 

Don't miss the other novels in the series, The Illicit Love of a Courtesan The Passionate Love of a Rake The Scandalous Love of a Duke and coming soon... The Lost Love of a Soldier

This novella tells the story of secondary characters from The Illicit Love of a Courtesan Rupert Stanforth, Earl of Morton, is exasperated by his sister's choice of friend. Meredith Divine, clings, using Rowena's plain appearance as a foil for her auburn curls and fuller figure. He would break the friendship, but the more he complains the more time the girls spend together. Ceasing his disagreement, he hopes the friendship will die, believing Meredith will take a wrong-step soon... Meredith clings to her only friend, Lady Rowena Stanforth, despite the disgusted looks thrown by Rowena's proud, judgemental brother. Lord Morton cannot abide Meredith because of her low standing but Meredith's heart favours him... then in his single act of kindness, Meredith grasps an opportunity she cannot resist... 



Capturing the Earl’s Love Excerpt
Lord Rupert Stanforth, Earl of Morton, watched his sister, Rowena, approach.
She was smiling, and her friend, Meredith Divine, clung to her arm.
His gaze briefly passed over the other girl. He was increasingly convinced Miss Divine only kept Rowena as a friend because Rowena was the perfect foil to show off Miss Divine’s more striking looks. Her auburn curls glowed in the candlelight beside Rowena’s lacklustre, light-brown locks.
Miss Divine was also slightly taller, and a little fuller in the bust.
While they crossed the room, she appeared to press as close as she could to Rowena’s side, letting Rowena’s less impressionable looks make Miss Divine’s stand out among the white-clad debutantes in the ballroom.
“Rupert...”
His eyes focused on his sister once more. She was out of breath, having just completed a country dance, and her cheeks were flushed, while her eyes glowed, expressing the fun she was having.
“I want to introduce Meredith to Ellen. Will you escort us and do the honours? Meredith is dying to meet her.”
Mmm, now what is this little game? He glanced at Miss Divine only to receive a very bright but subtly restrained smile.
She was trying to win his approval.
He was not interested. He wished nothing to do with the little schemer. Her father was in some sort of trade. Rupert had not even wished Rowena to befriend Miss Divine, let alone become so thick with her. The two of them were inseparable; or rather, Miss Divine hung about Rowena like a moth around a flame. Except Miss Divine was no moth. Her beauty was far too vibrant.
Rupert was Rowena’s guardian. Their father had passed on long ago, so Rupert was responsible for keeping his sister safe. It fell to him to help her choose her friends wisely. Yet the more he disparaged Miss Divine, the more Rowena favoured the girl. He’d ceased his complaints. Their friendship had still blossomed. He’d hoped it would wither and die back. It had not—yet.
He expected Miss Divine to make a wrong step soon though, one which would open his sister’s eyes, and end this arm-in-arm behavior.

FREE Novella

Amazon

   

Marlow Intrigue Series Reading Order

The Illicit Love of a Courtesan photo TheIllicitLoveofaCourtesan_zpsb3afb0e4.jpg 
Title: The Illicit Love of a Courtesan (Marlow Intrigues #1)  
Author: Jane Lark  
Genre: Regency Romance  
First Published: April 15, 2013  
Published by HarperImpulse: October 3, 2013

~Synopsis~
Trapped under the reign of a cruel keeper, Ellen Harding longs to be free. Under his oppression, her soul and conscience have died while her body lives on, fulfilling his dissolute desires. She is empty—a vessel—deaf to the voice of morality and blind to shame. When her eyes are drawn to a beautiful man for no other reason than his looks, she imagines what it would be like to escape her chains for a night by giving her body to him. But Edward Marlow is kind and gentle when he touches her, and her subconscious whispers, this man could be her salvation. Yet how can he help her when she has secrets which prevent her freedom? Edward is restless, lonely, and a little angry with his lot in life—it is his only excuse for being drawn to another man’s mistress. The woman’s dark hair and pale eyes are striking, and he cannot take his gaze off her while she watches him over the top of a fan with an illicit intent in her eyes. Once he’s known her, he cannot forget her, and once he’s seen the evidence of her supposed benefactor’s brutality, he wants to help her. But how can he when she will not run any more than she will speak of her past? When a desperate Ellen finally relents and shocks Edward from his sleep, he doesn’t hesitate, he helps her flee. He just doesn’t know he’s running headlong into the secrets of her past.

Purchase Links


The Passionate Love of a Rake photo 18687792_zps30dfe787.jpg 

Title: The Passionate Love of a Rake (Marlow Intrigues #2)  
Author: Jane Lark 
Genre: Regency Romance  
Published: November 17th, 3013  
Publisher: HarperImpulse

~Synposis~
The only woman who had power over notorious rake Robert Marlow was now walking away from him, again. He'd heard Sutton had died, and known Jane was free, but he'd always thought his desire would only be for revenge, not her. Yet here he was, unable to deny what he felt for her…what he’d never felt for any other woman before…

Purchase Links

A Lord’s Desperate Love #2.5 ~ a Free Fourteen part story posted on Jane’s blog

 photo TheScandalousLoveofaDukeHighRes_zps4221490a.jpg 
Title: The Scandalous Love of a Duke (Marlow Intrigues #3)  
Author: Jane Lark 
Genre: Regency Romance (Historical)  
Publish Date: April 3, 2014  
Publisher: HarperImpulse  

~Synopsis~
Book three in Jane Lark's Kindle best-selling Regency romance series! Isolated by life and choice, John Harding, the Duke of Pembroke, sees an angel in a pale mauve dress across a room and is drawn closer as lust grips firm and hard in his stomach. The wheat-blonde hair escaping her dull dove-grey bonnet and caressing her neck lures his eyes to a spot he'd like to kiss. She speaks with animation her hands moving. Then as if she senses his gaze the stranger turns and looks at him. A rush of pain and longing spilled from Katherine's heart into her limbs. It was so long since she'd seen John but her reaction was the same as it had been more than half-a-dozen years before. She loved him, secretly, without hope, but a chasm of years and status stood between them.

Purchase Links


     photo AdHistoricalv4_zpsbf0f930e.jpg

About the Author

 photo For13_Jane_Lark_Full_Res_zps518c75cf.jpg Jane is a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult Romance, and a Kindle top 25 bestselling author. She began her first historical novel at sixteen, but a life full of adversity derailed her as she lives with the restrictions of Ankylosing Spondylitis. When she finally completed a novel it was because she was determined not to reach forty still saying, I want to write. Now Jane is writing a Regency series and contemporary, new adult, stories and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others' imaginations at last. You might think that Jane was inspired to write by Jane Austen, especially as she lives near Bath in the United Kingdom, but you would be wrong. Jane's favourite author is Anya Seton, and the book which drew her into the bliss of falling into historical imagination was 'Katherine' a story crafted from reality. Jane has drawn on this inspiration to discover other real-life love stories, reading memoirs and letters to capture elements of the past, and she uses them to create more realistic plots. 'Basically I love history and I am sucker for a love story. I love the feeling of falling in love; it's wonderful being able to do it time and time again in fiction.' Jane is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development in the United Kingdom, and uses this specialist understanding of people to bring her characters to life.
Connect with the Author: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website
   

Giveaway

This giveaway, includes an antique English necklace worth £150, plus signed copies of
The Illicit Love of a Courtesan
The Passionate Love of a Rake
And The Scandalous Love of a Duke

Jane Lark Historical Giveaway photo PostcardsHistoricalv2PHOTO1_zps7d520c8b.jpg