~ *My Guilty Pleasures* ~

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Renee Vincent

It wasn't long ago that I signed up to do reviews with the blog
Romancing the Book
It was through this new adventure that I was introduced the wonderful works from Renee Vincent.

Way back when (ok, so in the 90's) I found myself working for Books A Million and then Hastings. Having access to so many books, and yet I always seemed to find myself lost in the romance section . . . normally the historical romance.

Time for reading became less, the money for purchasing books became less, and reading sort of just fell to the side. Then last Christmas (2010) I was given the most awesome gift of all, the Nook.

Getting back into the game of reading, I found myself reading book after book . . . about Vampires and Werewolves.
Historical romances weren't even in the mix for me . . until Renee Vincent's book one of The Emerald Trilogy Raeliksen was placed in my hands.

It was a beautifully written story that impressed me greatly. Then I was asked if I would be interested in reading the second book.
Of course!
Mac Liam didn't disappoint either.
I was so ready for the final book and crossing my fingers I would get it for review. I did!
The Fall of Rain, totally blew me away.
It is hands down my all time favorite of this series.

So, Please . . if you enjoy historical romances please pick up this series, you won't regret it.

Below you will find cover pics (drool worthy) as well as links to the review that was written over at Romance the Book. Purchase links are also provided below.

Renee Vincent

The Emerald Trilogy

Raeliksen Review

Amazon/Barnes and Noble

Mac Liam Review

Amazon/Barnes and Noble

The Fall of Rain Review

Amazon/Barnes and Noble

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Severed by Megg Jensen

Severed
by
Megg Jensen

Reychel knows her gift of prophecy will lead to madness and now she is at her most vulnerable. The enemy army will attempt to sever her from everything she's ever known: her homeland, her friends, Mark, and her gift. Even at her weakest, she refuses to give up on her desire to end the war between the Malborn and the Serenians. Reychel would do anything, even come back from the dead, to conquer the enemy and reunite with Mark.
~ BN.com

To say that I am at a loss for words would be a complete understatement. It honestly amazes me that this series almost got away from me. Now it has come to an end, and although I'm a little bit sad for this fact . . the end was done in such a way that I can't help but to smile.

Severed comes out of the gate running for the finish line. Taking you right back to lands far away. Where knowing who you can trust and who you can't isn't as clear as black and white. Severed is packed with suspense, fighting wars, emotional scenes and even a drama princess.

It's now or never for Reychel. All this fighting has to end and she plans to see it through. Even if it means she gives up her very own life for all those she cares most about. Most definitely a book series to be shared.

Now on a personal note: Thank you to Megg Jensen. For taking the time to write wonderful stories for all to enjoy and for taking the time that you do to talk with your "minions". I know for me it means more than I could ever express with just a few words, I'm sure others feel the very same way.

Purchase Links:
Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Smashwords

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Recommended Reads

Friday, November 4, 2011

Madness Under The Mistletoe

Madness Under The Mistletoe
by
Tonya Kappes
D.D. Scott
Talli Roland
Lee Lopez

Welcome to Madness Under The Mistletoe. Amazon best-selling authors D.D Scott, Talli Roland, Tonya Kappes, and debut author Lee Lopez are bringing you a holiday treat with four short stories in one Christmas Anthology. Each one is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit and have you reaching out for your very own sprig of mistletoe.

A Superstitious Christmas
By Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes
Maggie Greenlee can’t wait for the Greenlee traditions to start, especially the annual ornament exchange.
Only things don’t go as planned once Maggie announces to the Greenlee clan that she’s engaged to Grady Cohen, one of the wealthiest bachelors in New York City.
There are two problems. One, Hazel Greenlee, Maggie’s granny and Grandberry Falls’ local matchmaker, has already determined that Maggie is going to marry Mayor Mitch Dozier. And two, Grady thinks the superstitious beliefs that have ruled Maggie’s life, are child like.
With Grady deliberately breaking every superstitious tradition, and Granny Hazel pushing Maggie in the arms of Mitch Dozier, Maggie isn’t sure she’s going to survive Christmas in Grandberry Falls.

Hullabaloo and Holly Too
By Bestselling Author D.D. Scott
Think Will and Kate gone Bond, James Bond in the Grinch’s Who-ville. It’s a for-real Dr. Seuss Who-ville, but one with a cast of characters very Christmas with the Fockers and 007 too. And I know what you’re thinkin’...Extra egg-nog, please. And cheers to that...cause y’all are gonna need it.

It’s all about the Magic
By Lee Lopez
McKenna McKenna is a stripper with two last names looking for a new life away from the pole. When she mysteriously gets a job offer she can’t refuse as the assistant to the lady in red, Mrs. Claus. Madness ensues as she deals with moody elves, Rudolph, Jack Frost, snowstorms and a wounded warrior designing a new sleigh. McKenna discovers there really is a Santa, and family is not what you’re born with, but what you make.

Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts
By Bestselling Author Talli Roland
Chief romantic Rose Delaney scores her dream job at London’s quirkiest new attraction, The Museum of Broken Hearts, she thinks she’s got it made. Sure, it’s a little depressing dealing with relics of failed relationships each day, but Rose is determined not to let it break her ‘love conquers all’ spirit. After discovering the museum’s handsome curator is nursing a broken heart of his own, Rose steps in to fix it. Can Rose heal the rift in time for the holidays, or will this Christmas crush her fantasies forever? ~ Goodreads

Anthologies.
More often than not, there seems to be a story or two that just don't "click". You jump into the book all excited because your favorite author plays a role in the line up, and when it's all said and done . . sometimes you feel so let down.

There is no let down with this group of stories. In fact, this was the absolute best group of short stories I have ever read.

Story 1: A Superstitious Christmas by Tonya Kappes

If you haven't read The Ladybug Jinx or Happy New Life, please do so! A Superstitious Christmas is a prequel to the next Grandberry Falls book. It offers us a glimpse into what is to come for the folks of Grandberry Falls. With the focus being on that of Mitch and Maggie.

There was a part where my heart just stopped when I was reading. It was this very statement that seriously gave my heart an irregular beat: "This is going to have to be the last Christmas Eve we meet."

Story 2: Hullabaloo and Holly Too by D.D. Scott

This one had me laughing out loud! Let me give you an example of what I'm talking about.

As chapter one is ended, we are given this statement: Think of my world as a for-real Dr. Seuss Whoville, but one with the cast of characters makin' it feel very Christmas with the Fockers . . . all year long. After that how could you not be sucked into the story?!?!

This story is a HOOT! Where else can you hear: And just like that, my belief in life feeling oh-so-right took a reindeer-sized cabbage crap on my me and my prince. There is so much fun in this story, and a dash of romance to top it off!

Story 3: Miracle At The Museum Of Broken Hearts by Talli Roland

I unglued myself from Willy Man (really, if you did feel the urge to shove your groin against someone, at least have the decency to ensure it was a respectable size) . . .

Where do you go after that?!?! Well, you fall into a story that is very well written. That also gives one hope that even with all the broken hearts out in the world, it's a beautiful thing when two halves come together and make a whole.

Story 4: It's All About The Magic by Lee Lopez

This was a super cute, super fun read. If you aren't a believer of magic and pixie dust, there is no way to still remain a nonbeliever after reading this story.

"Uh, excuse me. I don't believe we've been introduced." In surprise, I swung around to come fact to face with a large reindeer. . . .

How can you not be excited to dive into a story that has a talking reindeer!

So, on a 5 Star scale I seriously give this book a 6. It was totally amazing! There is just no way for it to disappoint. Grab yourself a copy, a nice mug of hot coco, and your fuzzy comfy blanket. Get ready for some of the best Christmas stories this season.

Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Smashwords

Friday, October 28, 2011

Weaving Destiny

Weaving Destiny
by
G.P. Ching

Malini Gupta thought Jacob Lau was her destiny. But after months of failing to decipher how she fits into the Soulkeepers, frustration threatens to tear their relationship apart. And it doesn't help that a new Soulkeeper named Mara is ready to stop time itself to earn Jacob's love.

When Malini faces her worst fears, and even death, she learns a funny thing about destiny. Fate is a tapestry of choices, and she has the power to weave hers.
~Goodreads

What a way to finish off my week! An awesome book, that grabbed hold and took off running. If you haven't read book one The Soulkeepers, you are so missing out on a wonderful story. You can find my review here.

Now, as for book two . . Weaving Destiny. This book is packed! We have action scenes, drama, romance, and to top it all of the book just sorta ends! Yep, that's right . . the book just comes to an end, so what does that mean . . . well, it means that we get to sit and think about what could possibly be next. We are left with our own thoughts, desires, and hope for what is to come.

I would so highly recommend this series. A truly great read.

Amazon/Barnes and Noble

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Nobody's Angel

Nobody's Angel

by

Kallypso Masters

Marc d'Alessio might own a BDSM club with his fellow military veterans, Adam and Damian, but he keeps all women at a distance. However, when Marc rescues beautiful Angelina Giardano from a disastrous first BDSM experience at the club, an uncharacteristic attraction leaves him torn between his safe, but lonely world, and a possible future with his angel.

Angelina leaves BDSM behind, only to have her dreams plagued by the Italian angel who rescued her at the club. When she meets Marc at a bar in her hometown, she can't shake the feeling she knows him, but has no idea why he reminds her of her angel.

When Marc's search-and-rescue partner, widower Luke Denton, confides he believes Angelina is the angel his wife promised to send him, Marc is convinced she is meant for Luke. A painful incident from his past keeps Marc from letting any woman drive a wedge between him and a friend.

While Luke can provide Angelina with love and stability, Marc knows his friend can't satisfy her submissive needs. Marc offers one night to show her that BDSM is not about pain, but a power exchange with mutual trust and consent. But he knows he can't commit emotionally to anything more.

When the abusive Dom from Angelina's past threatens, Marc's protective instincts kick in; he must keep her safe. Again at the Masters at Arms Club, she turns the tables on him and turns his safe, controlled world upside down. (Book Two in the RESCUE ME series; follows introduction to series, MASTERS AT ARMS.)
~ Goodreads

I loved how this book worked out. As you read along you find yourself feeling as tho you are in Angelina's shoes (or maybe wishing you were in her shoes).

Everyone is back in some form from Masters at Arms, however the focus is on Marc.

Marc is still fighting his own demons. He still can't let it go that he and his brother fought so badly a week before his bothers death on 9/11. Fighting over a chick, seriously isn't worth it. Since then trust with women isn't something Marc is ready for. Needless to say, relationships for Marc don't have long track records. That is until he meets Angelina. What makes her so different? What is it about her that turned on things long ago turned off and forgotten? What do you when your friend is pretty certain she was sent to him by his dead wife?

Settle back and get comfy as you walk along with your favorite Masters as they work together to help their own through this crazy thing we call life.

Amazon

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Happy New Life

Happy New Life
by
Tonya Kappes

There is nothing cozier than winters in Grandberry Falls.

Interior decorator and divorced mom, Liz Day, is living her dream by opening up The Mole Hole Interiors. Life couldn't be better with best friend Jenna Greenlee and boyfriend, Cole Michaels by her side. Until she discovers a deep secret between Jenna and Cole that will change the lives in Grandberry Falls.

Jenna vows to make the new year, the beginning of a NEW LIFE. . .HAPPY NEW LIFE ~ Goodreads

Another wonderful, heart-felt trip through Grandberry Falls.

Recently divorced all Liz wanted was a place to call home, where she could raise her son apart from the life she was leaving behind.

Life was coming together, finally. Every other weekend saw her traveling, taking her son to visit his father. The rest of the time saw her running her business and falling into place perfectly. Still, something was missing . . . or is that someone was missing.

Enter Cole. Sparks fly almost instantly between Cole and Liz, but when Liz sees the reaction her BFF Jenna has to him . . well, things get a bit confusing for Liz. Does she follow her heart and check out this connection with Cole that she can't deny is there? Or does she stay true to her friendship and dis him because her BFF has a problem with him, even if she doesn't understand what that issue is? It also doesn't help matters that when Liz moved to town she was talked into getting a dog and Cole just happens to be the dog trainer and local vet.

I tried really hard to make this book last a few days. I was making sure to only read a little bit each night, and I did good for a few nights. Then last night when I picked up the book, it had other ideas. I started reading and before I knew it, the book was over!

If you haven't had the chance to visit Grandberry Falls, I highly recommend that give it a go . . you won't be disappointed.

Amazon/Barnes and Noble/Smashwords

~ My Guilty Pleasures ~

Favorite Quotes From Books I've Read