Book Review and ARC Giveaway: My Lady Quicksilver by Bev McMaster

This has great, strong characters and wonderful relationship tension.
My Lady Quicksilver
by Bec McMaster

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 1, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 140227033X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270338

Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
"Deftly blends elements of Steampunk and vampire romance with brilliantly successful results...darkly atmospheric and delectably sexy."—Booklist Starred Review for Kiss of Steel
In the mist-shrouded streets of a steam-fueled London, a clockwork army is on the rise, vampire blue bloods rule the streets, and war is brewing...
I Will Come For You...
He will find her no matter what. As a blue-blooded captain of the Nighthawk Guard, his senses are keener than most. Some think he's indestructible. But once he finds the elusive Mercury, what will he do with her?

It's his duty to turn her in—she's a notorious spy and traitor. But after one stolen moment, he can't forget the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her, or the sharp sting of betrayal as she slipped off into the night. Little does Mercury know, no one hunts better than the Nighthawk. And his greatest revenge will be to leave her begging for his touch...

Review:
Mercury is a leader of the humanist rebellion against the powerful, blood sucking Echelon. She was raised to be a spy and an assassin. When her brutal, blue-blood, father slaughtered her beloved husband in front of her she managed to escape his clutches, along with her brothers. Her older brother, Jack, is frail due to the experiments and tortures of their father. Her younger brother, Jeremy, had gotten into the wrong crowd of machinists and has been missing since Mercury foiled the machinists plan to bomb the Echelon leadership.

Mercury has her own mechanical arm that was cut off trying to free her husband. The arm was then replaced by expert biotechs engaged by her father. Although Mercury sympathizes with the machinists, she did not agree they were ready for the all out war that would follow a vicious attack against the Echelon. Still she continues with her plans to face the brutal Coldrush guards of the Echelon. But her activities are being investigated by Lynch, “The Nighthawk” himself, who is the head of the Nighthawks, the rogue, outcast blue-bloods who serve as spies and enforcers for the Echelon along with the guard.

Mercury is distracted from her own revenge efforts while seeking news of the whereabouts of Jeremy. Mercury goes undercover as Rosalind, an able and determined secretarial assistant.  She convinces Lynch to engage her and they begin a careful, but oh-so dangerous, dance. The more Rosalind gets to know Lynch the more she respects him, even knowing he is the enemy. She knows she shouldn’t grow close but this is the first time her senses have been stirred–even her heart– since her husband’s death.
Lynch feels a growing attraction for Rosalind but he is confused by his lustful reaction to the seductive play of Mercury. He is having a hard time keeping his usual cold, controlled demeanor while challenged by two attractive, but both unattainable, women.

Lynch is given an ultimatum by the Prince Consort: he has two weeks to bring in Mercury for execution or submit himself in her place. But how can he turn over a woman who makes him feel alive?

There is plenty of action in addition to the deceptive intrigue as Lynch and his team, with Rosalind in tow to take notes, investigate the sudden rampaging and killing of loved ones and households among several Echelon leaders.  The reader knows that Rosalind is going toeventually get caught and exposed as Mercury. The fun is getting there and learning how Lynch reacts!

I enjoy the steampunk elements in this series and the strong characters. I really loved the intrigue and sensual play throughout this book. It kept my attention riveted waiting to see the next step or play in the game.

Although I recommend this whole series I think this could be read as a stand alone and it is my favorite so far. I read two of the prior books and missed one. I think the background was sufficiently recounted to identify the players and how they got where they are. There are still characters who have stories waiting, and I am especially interested to learn what happens to Barrons and to the ongoing battle between humanists and the Echelon.

I received the ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest reviewing.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

 For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open to those with US address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 18, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after October 18, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review: Color Me Bad, a Novella, by Sharon Sala

This quick, fun novella sets the stage for sassy, feminine mischief in a small town setting.
Color Me Bad: A Novella
by Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall

• File Size: 226 KB
• Print Length: 59 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (September 3, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00DDWIT14

Genre: Contemporary, Women's Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 3, 2013
An original short story by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala links to her full-length contemporary women's fiction novel, The Curl Up and Dye.
The novella centers around the four women who run the Curl Up and Dye hair salon and their relationships with the quirky customers of small-town Blessings, Georgia. Their meddlesome efforts at match-making run awry, but there's always another makeover just around the corner.

Review:
Ruby Dye moved to small-town Blessings, Georgia after the trauma of a divorce. She needed to use her hair stylist skills to support herself and was pleased to discover that the town welcomed the opening of her shop, the Curl Up and Dye hair salon. She works with feisty twin sisters, Vesta and Vera, and manicurist Mabel Jean. As style shops sometimes are, the little shop has become the gossip center of the town. Not only does all the news end up passing along through the shop but one particular day it becomes the scene of quite a spectacle.

Patty June Clymer, a local preacher’s wife, has reached the end of her rope with her cheating husband. When his ‘girlfriend’ comes into the shop for nail repair Patty June attacks her with stylist sheers! The news quickly spreads through town as Patty June goes home and tosses her husband’s belongings on their lawn as she ousts him from her life. Patty June takes a stand against unfaithful men even as the townspeople initially ostracize her for being too pushy, independent and a feminist. Patty June holds her ground, changes her hair color and style with the help of Ruby, and plans a lengthy travel exploration of Italy. 

Soon other women, particularly travel agent, Willa Dean, begin to question the relationships with their spouses. Realizing that many women are not being treated as they should be, Willa gathers  the town women and springs a surprise for Patty June.

The novella introduces the perky, primary characters and some good quirky secondary characters too. Many of the women are wary of men, for good reasons. But it is clear that there is room, and desire, for finding the elusive, faithful and dedicated mate. The writing is straight forward and full of sass as one might expect from a Southern woman.

I have read and enjoyed many Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall romantic suspense novels. She has a strong, easy writing flow that moves well with good combination of action, tension and romance. I was curious to see how this contemporary fiction series would go. Although I probably will steer toward the suspense novels, this series should appeal to many readers who like strong female characters and a well developed writing style that is easy and fun reading.

A statement regarding the strength of Southern women:

Southern women had been feminists a long time before that tag had become a buzzword. They’d hidden the iron in their backbones with a smile and a “bless your heart,” and not a man was the wiser. Location 514.

I received this title from Sourcebooks through NetGalley.

Sourcebooks Wants to See Your Wedding Dress - Chance to Win New Release!

I'm sharing this announcement from the great people at Sourcebooks:

Jade Lee’s anticipated release, What the Bride Wore, a PW Top Ten Romance Pick for Fall 2013, will be released on August 6^th! And we want to know…WHAT DID YOU WEAR? We want to see your wedding dress! We want to see the good, the bad and the questionable… J

On Tuesday August 6^th, please tweet a picture of your wedding dress using the hash tag #WhatTheBrideWore

We will be picking winners every hour and giving away lots of prizes throughout the day! We will also be re-tweeting some of the best ones from the @SourcebooksCasa Twitter account!

This hot new series is set in a daring, high-energy Regency world where deep longings, secret scandals, and the competition for social stature are all set against the glittering weddings of the season. Grant Benton, Earl of Crowle, finally has the funds he always pretended to have, and what he wants now is a woman. That woman is Lady Irene Knopp, who spends her days helping debutantes plan their weddings. A recent widow, Irene longs for love again, but she’s afraid to risk her heart, especially to the notorious Earl.

Sourcebooks and Grace Burrowes eReaders and More Giveaways in August!

I'm sharing this news in from Sourcebooks:

 

All month long, Sourcebooks and Grace Burrowes are going a little crazy with giveaways in honor of her latest Scottish Victorian Romance: ONCE UPON A TARTAN. It officially hits stores next Tuesday, but we’re getting things started August 1, which will start a full month of all things tartan and chances to win some great prizes.

Additionally—this week, The Bridegroom Wore Plaid is FREE in the iBookstore, as Apple’s Book of the Week. This price is also being matched at other online retailers (this is for the eBook only), and will only last until August 5. The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was a PW Best Book of 2012 in the romance category, and is the first book in Grace’s MacGregor Series.

 

THE ONCE UPON A TARTAN eREADER EXTRAVAGANZA!

For the first two weeks of August, Grace Burrowes is giving away one brand new eReader per day! That’s 10 eReaders, 10 Blogs, a different giveaway each day during the work week, August 5-9 and 12-16! Grace is giving away:

·         Four Kindle Paperwhite 3Gs

·         Four Nook HDs

·         One Nook Color

·         One iPad

Check the full schedule below to find out where you can enter to win your very own eReader (Open to US and Canada only)!

THE MACGREGOR SERIES PRINT BOOK GIVEAWAYS

Digital Reading not your thing? For the entire MONTH of August, each day (during the work week) a different blog will host a giveaway of print copies of The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and Once Upon a Tartan! This is a great opportunity for a chance to start the series from the beginning, and win two books (open to US and Canada only). The full schedule is below!

We are so looking forward to celebrating the release of this New York Times and USA Today bestselling author’s new book—we hope to see you along the way!

The Once Upon a Tartan eReader Extravaganza Schedule

8/5 RTBookReviews.com: Kindle Paperwhite

8/6 All About Romance: Nook HD

8/7 Delighted Reader: Kindle Paperwhite

8/8 Night Owl Reviews: Nook HD

8/9 Book Lovers Inc.: Kindle Paperwhite

Weekend

8/12 Discover a New Love: Nook Color

8/13 Book Savvy Babe: Nook HD

8/14 Jaunty Quills: Kindle Paperwhite

8/15 Fresh Fiction: Nook HD

8/16 Her Grace Notes: iPad

The MacGregor Series Print Book Giveaway Schedule

8/1 Book Hounds

8/2 RomFan Reviews     

weekend                             

8/5 In the Hammock

8/6 Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

8/7 Manga Maniac Café

8/8 What's on the Bookshelf

8/9 The Royal Reviews  

weekend                             

8/12 Joan Swan's Blog

8/13 Cocktails and Books

8/14 Romancing the Book

8/15 Ramblings from this Chick

8/16 Books-n-Kisses

weekend                             

8/19 Anna's Book Blog

8/20 The Book Girl

8/21 The Reading Café

8/22 Seductive Musings

8/23 Peeking Between the Pages

weekend                             

8/26 Love Romance Passion

8/27 So Many Precious Books, So Little Time      

8/28 Thoughts in Progress

8/29 Debbie's Book Bag

8/30 Linus' Blanket

ONCE UPON A TARTAN BY GRACE BURROWES – IN STORES AUGUST 2013

Honor or happiness—he can’t have both.

Tiberius Flynn may be every inch an English lord, but smart, headstrong beauty Hester Daniels has no use for his high-handed ways--no matter how handsome, charming, or beguiling he is. They only see eye to eye in caring about the feisty little girl who is under their protection.

Tiberius's haughty insistence that his wealthy estate in England is a better place for the child than her beloved, rundown Scotland home sparks Hester's fierce protectiveness, and the battle lines are drawn.

Praise for Once Upon a Tartan:

“Burrowes creates a powerful story replete with heartfelt emotion and rich characterization... An instant keeper.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ stars, Top Pick of the Month

“Expert prose, likeable characters, realistic relationships, and believable complications create a pleasant and satisfying keeper.” —Publishers Weekly

“Warmth, sensuality, and humor infuse Burrowes’ writing, and fans of Suzanne Enoch and Sarah MacLean should enjoy this series.” —Booklist

“Grace Burrowes weaves her magic with words... a memorable love story—excellent and exquisite.” — A Long and Short Reviews Best Book

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes is the author of the acclaimed Windham Family Series, The MacGregor Trilogy and The Lonely Lords Series. Her debut novel, The Heir (2010), as well as The Bridegroom Wore Plaid (2012) were both included as Publishers Weekly Best Books of their respective years, in the romance category. A practicing attorney specializing in family law, Grace lives in rural Maryland, where she is working on the final book in the Windham series, Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait (October 2013) and third MacGregor story, The MacGregor’s Lady (February 2014), and many more books. Visit her website at www.graceburrowes.com for more information about all of her books, exclusive extras and her lively blog.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: One Day in Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand

This is a sweet, light romance with an adorable puppy.

One Day in Apple Grove 
by C.H. Admirand

Pages: 320
Publisher     Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-10     1402269021
ISBN-13     978-1402269028
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: June 4, 2013
Welcome to Apple Grove, Ohio (pop. 597), a small town with a big heart.
Caitlin Mulcahy loves her family. She really does. But sometimes they can drive her to her last shred of sanity—from her dad ("I'm not meddling, I just want what's best for you") to her eight-months-pregnant older sister to her younger sister, who will do just about anything to avoid real work. Cait just needs to get away, even if for only an hour.

When she sees someone in need of help on the side of the road, of course she's going to pull over. She might even be able to fix his engine—after all, the Mulcahy family is a handy bunch. She's not expecting that former Navy medic Jack Gannon and a little black puppy named Jameson will be the ones who end up rescuing in her.

Review:
Meg is encouraging Caitlin to find a man but not only are the choices limied in their small town, but Cait is overloaded with work. Cait and her two sisters have taken over their father’s ‘handy man’ business. Now older sister, Meg, who has helped raise Cait, is busy with a toddler and a new baby on the way. That leaves Cait covering the jobs for both of them. Meanwhile younger sister Grace manages the office but longs to find adventure in a big city.

One day she is heading home and sees a car that appears stranded. Cait, with her mechanic skills, steps forward to help. She is ‘attacked’ by a little black puppy who is being rescued by Doc Jack  Gannon. Jack is a former Navy medic who has returned to his home town to take over his father’s small town practice.

The stray puppy is enchanted with Cait and Jack asks if she can help him take care of the pup by visiting during the day. Cait and Jack are soon inseparable as they share the joy of training the rascally Jameson. Jack is suffering from PTSD and is reluctant to share his fears and guilt with anyone, including Cait. This causes conflict that has to be resolved to keep their relationship on track.

This is a sweet, sweet story of romance found in a small town. I enjoyed the setting in a charming little town where everyone knows your business. Cait and Jack are really warm characters. Then add their families and Cait’s best friend, Peggy. There are a few struggles and sorrows, especially when the puppy’s real owner shows up a week later to claim him.  If you look at the cover of the book you will see an adorable black pup on the sidewalk. This little character is a star in the book.

This is apparently part of a series set in Apple Grove but this book works fine as a stand alone. I would enjoy reading Ms. Admirand again and am eyeing her Irish Western series. The writing is light and real. All in all this a nice, warm read. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack is difficult but Cait is willing to stick it out:

Going with her gut, she reached for his hand. He stared at it for a momment, as if he weren’t sure he should touch her, but then finally linked fingers with her and let her draw him toward her.... The steady beaat of his heart reassured her–now it was her turn to reassure him. “I’m not going anywhere.” Page 179.

I received this from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THE FORM FOR THIS GIVEAWAY of the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

ONE Winner-
* This contest is open to US or Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on July 5, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on July 6, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book #Review and ARC #Giveaway: The Magic of I Do by Tammy Falkner

A fun read especially for those who like a sensual focus.
The Magic of I Do
by Tammy Falkner

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 4, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402268157
• ISBN-13: 978-1402268151

Genre: Paranormal, Historical Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: June 4, 2013

Desperately Seeking Excitement...

With the temporary prohibition on magic on the land of the Fae, Claire Thorne might as well go back to the Regency world. The haut ton has just as many annoying rules as her world, but at least they have parties and dances. Plus, the roguish Lord Phineas "Finn" Trimble is there...

When the feisty faerie tumbles into his room through a magical portal, Finn can't believe how completely unpredictable she is. Even before the two stumble into a dangerous intrigue that threatens both their worlds, Finn discovers that his hitherto carefree life is about to go up in smoke...

Review:
Claire Thorne is a rather spoiled fairy. She has had an easy life in her fairy world but now that she is struggling with anger at her sister for marrying a human and for learning that her parents abandoned her as an infant and have lived in the human world since then. It doesn’t matter that it wasn’t their fault that they broke the rules with their mixed human to fairy marriage and the fairy authorities took the fae children and wiped their memories. She still blames them for letting her be raised without the full benefit of family.

Her parents and sister’s family are visiting the fairy world and hoping to change the rules regarding the mixed marriage situation. During a temper fit Claire propels herself back to the human world into the bedroom of the handsome rouge, Lord Phineas. They had shared one night of passion when he was supposed to be keeping her safe for his brother, Robin, Claire’s brother-in-law. He should have protected her innocense but compromised her instead. She went along with it willingly enough but warned him that she wouldn’t fall in love with him and he mustn’t fall in love with her.

Well– that night has left its consequences and Claire is scared to tell anyone, fae or human, of her dilemma. But she needs to figure out a solution pretty quickly before her problem becomes obvious. She also needs to stay out of the reach of the smarmy, cruel Earl of Mayden who seeks revenge against Finn and Robin.

I wasn’t enthralled with either Claire or Finn in the early pages of the book as they seemed selfish and self-centered. Fortunately their characters became more complex, softer, more loyal and likeable as the story progressed. I did like Claire’s magical gift through her art and thought that was a good touch.

I have to say though that a big part of this story is the sexual pull and play between Claire and Finn. I waited about half the book hoping there would be a larger plot. There is the danger posed by Mayden and a bit of the history of Claire’s family, but it is the smaller part of the whole presentation. The writing is light and sassy and this is an easy read. There was just too much emphasis on sex for my tastes.

This was the second in a series but read fine without having read the first book. This would be good for readers who like their romance centered on the sensual story of the romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is where the danger begins:

   “What the devil do you think you’re doing?” Finn hissed as he circled around her.
   “Dancing, my lord.”...
   “Don’t play with that man, Claire,” he warned.
   Claire had no intention of playing with the earl. She intended to expose him. To ease some of Finn’s burden, if she could. He deserved a life free of men who wanted to do him harm. She could want to do him harm all day long, but no one else could hurt him, blast it all. Page 158.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form. 

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open to those with US or CANADA address.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on June 30, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on July 1, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Heart of Iron by Bec McMaster

This has strong characters, engaging conflict and fun steampunk elements.
Heart of Iron London Steampunk Book 2
by Bec McMaster

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 7, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402270305
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270307

Genre: Steampunk, Paranormal Romance
My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: May 7, 2013
"Deftly blends elements of Steampunk and vampire romance with brilliantly successful results...darkly atmospheric and delectably sexy."—Booklist Starred Review for Kiss of Steel

In the mist-shrouded streets of London's dreaded Whitechapel district, werewolves, vampires, and a clockwork army are one step away from battle...

No One to Trust

Dangerous. Unpredictable. That's how people know the hulking Will Carver. And those who don't like pretty words just call him The Beat. No matter how hard Will works to suppress his werewulfen side, certain things drive him beyond all control. And saucy Miss Lena Todd tops the list.

Lena makes the perfect spy against the ruling Echelon blue bloods. No one suspects that under the appearance of flirtatious debutante lies a heart of iron. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can't wrap around her finger and the one man whose kiss she can never forget. He's supposed to be protecting her, but he might just be her biggest threat yet...

Review:
Lena is a young woman caught between worlds. Her scientist father died leaving the family in debt. They moved from the aristocratic side of London to Whitechapel Rookery where the working class struggles. While Honoria works her chemical experiments, Lena builds clockwork mechanical toys. Lena did not want to remain in the lower classes so she is living with her Guardian on the edges of the Echelon, the ruling vampire blue bloods. Her position is precarious without a blood protector and more and more she feels she doesn’t belong in either society world.

Will is a werewulfen in a city that has basically banned all of his kind. The only other werewulfen are caged slaves or side-shows. He is unpredictable, even among his friends, and it has taken him years to learn to keep his nature in control – sometimes barely. He is fascinated by the beautiful and intelligent Lena who once had a bit of a crush on him. But he knows that he can have no relations or future with a human.

Lena has become a courier of messages for a rebel group, the Humanists, humans and mechanists (those with metal enhancements) who are seeking release from the oppression by the Echelon and the government-owned blood draining factories. Although she originally thought the communications were mostly innocent it appears that they are being used by a violent faction of the subversive group. Her continued co-operation and participation in their efforts is now being coerced by blackmailed threats to injure her family.

Will serves as Lena’s bodyguard but she even manages to slip away from him and keep secrets. What he does know is that she is in danger. He will fight through mechanical monsters, and jeopardize his own freedom by risking the liaison position with the foreign werewulfen; a position that he has been appointed to by the Prince.

As the days tick down to a precarious peace conference, Lena becomes deathly ill. Will is devastated as danger presses in.

I really enjoyed the mechanical elements and especially the intensity of the danger in the plot. The characters are strong, well developed and there is also intensity in the forbidden attraction between Lena and Will.  Be forewarned that the sexual interaction is on the hot side but I skimmed through that and still enjoyed the story.  This is a good story for those who like intrigue, steampunk and conflicted romance.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Review Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US AND CANADA ONLY.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on June 7, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 8, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

#Book #Review and ARC Giveaway: Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

This is a swashbuckling, spy ‘theatrical performance.’

Jack Absolute
by C.C. Humphreys

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (May 7, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140228070X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402280702

Genre: Historical Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Release date: May 7, 2013

Introducing the unforgettable...Jack Absolute.

The year is 1777. As the war for American independence rages across the sea, London is swept off its feet by Jack Absolute, the dashing rogue in Richard Sheridan's comedy The Rivals. That is, until the real Jack Absolute, former captain of the 16th Light Dragoons, returns after years abroad to discover this slander of his reputation.

Before he can even protest, he is embroiled in a duel over an alluring actress of questionable repute, and his only escape is the one he most dreads: to be pressed again into the King's service—this time, as a spy for the British in the Revolutionary War.

From the streets of London to the bloody battlefields of Saratoga, from the forest fights to the Hudson to the seedy corners of wintry Philadelphia, Jack Absolute marks the exhilarating beginning of an epic historical series and a character you won't soon forget.

"The finest series of historical novels since Patrick O'Brian."—Good Book Guide UK

"An absolute delight! Swashbuckling adventure, eighteenth-century wit, hugely entertaining plots, and one of the most appealing military gentleman every to wear a sword."—Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander and the Lord John Grey series.

"If you like the American Revolution seen from a completely unexpected point of view, plus romance laced with violence and imminent death, this is your kind of book."—Thomas Fleming, author of Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge.

Review:
Jack has returned to England to discover that his past exploits–on the field of battle, as a duelist and as a notorious lover–have been set to theatrical stage. Jack has other plans and doesn’t want to take up his commission again even at the request of his previous commanding officer, General Burgoyne. But circumstances embroil Jack in a duel and force him to take flight with the General. The General wants Jack to rally Native support and spy for the British. They head to Canada to fight the American Rebels in New York.

During the ship voyage Jack becomes friends with a beautiful, spirited young woman, Louisa. Although she is an American, her family are British supporters. Jack hopes to deepen their relationship but they must part ways when the ship docks.

Jack and the General suspect a German Officer, Count von Schlaben, to be a spy promoting take over in the Americas by an organization known as the Illuminati.  It was the Count who encouraged the duel that threatened Jack’s life in London and that is not the last time the Count will try to kill him. The General doesn’t want to kill Von Schlaben until they learn who his connections are as it becomes clear there is a second traitor in their midst.

Jack and Ate, his Iroquois ‘brother’, follow the General’s orders to go inland to gather Indian forces and report to Colonel St. Leger. The plan anticipates a quick battle defeating the Rebels at Fort Stanwix after which they will push east to bring support to General Burgoyne’s forces. Unfortunately the siege on the Fort becomes a debacle under a drunken commander who ignores Jack’s advise and instead takes the twisted advise of Von Schlaben that causes an uprising among the Natives.

Repeatedly Jack faces dangers in battle as well as private attacks, including a rattle snake delivered by Von Schlaben.  Jack is saved from death several times and finally meets up with the General where he runs into Louisa again. The fighting is fierce and Jack is sent as a messenger to seek news of reinforcements. Louisa insists on going to the city and they grow closer as they travel together through the forests. They become separated by Rebel troops and Jack is imprisoned as a spy. He manages a creative escape and returns to the General for more battles and injuries. When the British troops are forced to a conditional retreat Jack is directed to report the situation to General Howe in Philadelphia and to find and eliminate the traitor. 

Jack is surprised but delighted to discover Louisa in town but she is cool towards him and busy with friends, including General Howe’s engaging intelligence officer. Jack believes he has discovered the spy and his suspicions are reinforced when Von Schlaben appears again bringing another attempt on his life. At the last minute there is another treacherous twist of events placing Jack in a precarious position.

Mr. Humphreys' writing is richly descriptive and the story is presented with a wonderfully theatrical flare. The action and intrigue are enhanced by the backdrop of historical detail. Although my sentiments are with the American Rebels, I was completely wrapped up in Jack’s dilemma and trials. If you like swashbuckling action or The Last of the Mohicans I think you would enjoy this book.

Examples of the rich descriptions:

A partial description of the General:

Though his hair was as white as the snow on the ground outside, it was a drift not a scattering. Black sideburns emerged from its banks like curled highlights for the strong, straight jaw; while equally dark, full eyebrows sheltered and set off the deep-set, gray eyes.  Page 7.

A description of the setting and tension:

Beneath the canopy of leaf, the air was thick with insects and the promise of rain. Heads throbbed from the pressure, the yearning for relief. ... Jack felt it like a bearskin robe pressing down, him a fever victim, too weak to throw it aside. ...Above, the clouds loured, so low they seemed tethered to the crowns of beech and elm by strings of smoke.  Page 89.

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Review Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.
For 2 Extra bonus entries comment on the Author Guest Post. (See previous post)
* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May 17, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on May 18, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Giveaway: A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester

A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester Giveaway!

We [Sourcebooks and me too] are really excited about the new Regency trilogy coming from Amanda Forester! The first book, A Wedding in Springtime, comes out next month and has already received TWO STARRED reviews! 

 Thanks to Sourcebooks for this opportunity to share. (I wonder if I can win it at another blog.)

 

Book Description
Release date: May 7, 2013 

Her Timing Couldn't Be Worse...

Miss Eugenia Talbot's presentation to the queen is spoiled by a serious faux pas—the despicable William Grant made her laugh, right in front of Her Majesty. Now Eugenia is ruined and had better marry—someone, anyone—at once...

And His Couldn't Be Better...

Roguish William Grant has never taken anything seriously in his life. Until he meets Eugenia Talbot, who makes him feel and do thing he never thought he would.

Now Eugenia's great sense of humor and kindheartedness may be her undoing, unless William can help her find a husband. To his surprise, that's the last thing he wants to do...

To Enter for a print copy:

Share a brief story of the best, worst, funniest or most embarrassing part of your wedding or one you attended.

ENTRY REQUIRES COMMENT

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 26, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 27, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement. 

Special Spring Offers from Sourcebooks

These special announcements are shared from Beth at Sourcebooks and I'll post a special Springtime romantic Giveaway offer courtesy Sourcebooks on Monday so please check back. :-)

 

Attention Susanna Kearsley Fans!

The Shadowy Horses will be a Kindle Daily Deal TOMORROW (4/13)! It will be $1.99! I wanted to give you a heads up but please don’t post about it until tomorrow. This is great timing because The Shadowy Horses features the character Robbie as a little boy but in Susanna’s upcoming new release, The Firebird, Robbie is all grown up!  

The last installment of the Sinners on Tour series will be here in no time! To celebrate, we are offering another preorder offer!  

The countdown to Wicked Beat by Olivia Cunning! Preorder Offer!

If you pre-order Wicked Beat, we will send you an exclusive Sinners logo tattoo and one sexy Sinners hot pink guitar pick! But you have to hurry because we only have 500 of them available! You have until August 5^th or until quantities run out! Here is what you do:

1.         Pre-order the book (print or eBook) through any retailer (Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Indiebound, BAM, etc.)

2.         Email your proof of purchase (receipt or picture of the receipt) to wickedbeat@sourcebooks.com. Don’t forget to include your home address (US & Canada only please) so we can send you the tattoo and guitar pick! Yes, if you’ve already pre-ordered it months ago, that counts, you just have to show your receipt.

3.         You will get an email back confirming when the items have been sent out.  If you were not one of the first 500 people, you will also be alerted.

4.         Enjoy Wicked Beat when you receive it in August!

Sourcebooks Editors Hit Pinterest!

Sourcebooks has started Pinterest boards that are curated by some of our editors! They will be showcasing the things they love! First to kick it off is Leah Hultenschmidt, our romance/YA Managing Editor! Check out her board here to see what she is loving at the moment!

http://pinterest.com/sourcebooks/editors-picks-leah-ya-and-romance/

Have a great weekend!

Thanks!

Beth

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: A Shot of Sultry by Macy Beckett

This is a steamy, just short of sleazy, make-you grin romance.

A Shot of Sultry
by Macy Beckett

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402270399
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270390

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: March 5, 2013 | Series: Sultry Springs

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where home can be the perfect place for a fresh start.

For West Coast filmmaker Bobbi Gallagher, going back to Sultry Springs is a last resort. But with her career in tatters, a documentary set in her hometown might be just what she needs to salvage her reputation. She just can't let anything distract her again. Not even the gorgeous contractor her brother asked to watch over her. As if she can't handle filming a few rowdy Texans.

Golden boy Trey Lewis, with his blond hair and Technicolor-blue eyes, is a leading man if Bobbi ever saw one. He's strong and confident and—much to her delight—usually shirtless. He thinks keeping his best friend's baby sister out of trouble will be easy. But he has no idea of the trouble in store for him...

Review:
Bobbi Gallagher was a child when her mother moved them away from Sultry Springs, leaving her older brother, Luke, behind. Bobbi struggled all through school as a poor child  but rose above it to become a serious documentary filmmaker. Things were good until some ‘confidential’ information sent a project into trouble, tanking her career and reputation. She is offered a chance to do a rural version of the reality show, Real Life, Real Love. Bobbi needs a place to recoup over the summer and thinks that living with her brother, Luke, in her hometown of Sultry Springs will provide just the right opportunity to film Sex in the Sticks.

No sooner does Bobbi walk into Luke’s bar than she meets the “Golden boy” Trey and the dark, sexy lawman, Colton. She decides these two will be the perfect subjects to help find summer-time love for her documentary project. Trey jumps to the wrong conclusion and tries to oust Bobbi before he learns that she is his best friend’s sister. Now he is roped into her project and, to make matters worse, Luke appoints Trey to be Bobbi’s bodyguard by keeping away the hound-dogs in town.

Trey will be leaving at the end of summer for a contractor job in Dubai as a means of redeeming his less than honorable discharge from the service. He might be interested in a hot summer fling except the only woman he wants is the one he can’t have--Bobbi.  Bobbi knows it is totally wrong to engage in any shenanigans with her film subject but she finds that she is able to open up so comfortably with Trey. One thing sort of leads to another and soon they are hiding their passionate affair from the cameramen and Luke.

These characters are really wonderful together and the story is plain fun. Bobbi is a bit insecure and a lot OCD. When she gets troubled she gets cleaning and sorting... in alphabetically or color coded order from kitchen pantry to work tools. The dialogue and images are sassy and liberally peppered with guy humor that is on the low side but very funny. If you are overly sensitive to sexual innuendos, and pretty steamy lovemaking, this might not be the author or series for you. The premise is just this side of sleazy (really--Sex in the Sticks???) but anyone not grinning by the end of the book could only be a real grump. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bobbi’s reaction to Trey:

Although Bobbi wanted to push him into the path of an oncoming Mack truck, she couldn’t deny he had a face that would tempt a saint and a body made for sinning–tall and lithe and bulky in all the right places. Page 17

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

This story is set in Texas for my 2013 Where Are Your Reading Challenge.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 12, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 13, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.

Book Review and ARC #Giveaway: Free Fall by Catherine Mann

An okay read, but not as good as the other books in the series.
Free Fall (Elite Force)
by Catherine Mann

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402274963
• ISBN-13: 978-1402274961

Genre: Military Romance, Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: March 5, 2013 | Series: Elite Force: That Others May Live

"Catherine Mann writes an amazing combination of keen suspense, unique characters, and heart-stopping romance. I'm a fan!"—Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author of Savor the Danger

On This Mission, There Are No Accidents...

Pararescueman Jose "Cuervo" James is the guy they call for the most dangerous assignments. He lives for his job.

On a high-risk rescue deep in the African jungle, Jose encounters sexy, smart Interpol agent Stella Carson. They'd once had an affair that burned hot and fast, but family is everything to Stella, and Jose just can't go there.

Fate has thrown them into the deadly hot zone together, and sparks will fly...but only if they can live to tell about it.

Review:
Stella is a smart, sexy Interpol agent who specializes in codes. She meets Jose Cuervo pulling him and his PJ team out of the water on a dangerous mission. Jose pretty much sweeps her off her feet but Stella has the white picket fence and family in mind while Jose has hot nights with no kids in mind. Jose has his issues with family, and especially children, because of his own background. Although the two care for each other they split because of their different life goals.

Stella’s mother went off to missions work in Africa leaving the family behind when Stella was a vulnerable teen. Stella is determined to find more about her mother’s death while she is on duty in Africa. Stella is undercover with a group of students who are all caught by brutal warlords.  She is able to get a message out and Jose becomes part of the rescue team. Barely getting out, they stumble on an assassination plot against the First Lady who is about to arrive for a visit. There is a threat of biochemical attack and the author reveals a mole but it takes a while for Stella to uncover him.

The story started with great promise as it jumped right into intense action and then a teasing peek of anticipated romance. A good bit of the romance was told through an interesting technique of flashbacks as the couple thought back to how intense it was yet things didn’t work out.  The romance scenes were rather detailed encounters though not vulgarly graphic. I did like that “the lovemaking [was] a process rather than a goal.”

I have enjoyed other titles by this author but was a little disappointed by this one. The plot line seemed a bit scattered to me with many unrealistic pieces. I figured out the traitors but there was little depth to how the younger one got involved and the primary one was completely lame in the end. It really bothered me that Jose and Stella seemed at times too loose and distracted for their duties in spite of being fiercely dedicated to their intense jobs.  There was too much repetition on Jose’s issues and the difficulties in the relationship. The issues were realistic but the conflict became more annoying than tension building. The warmth of the comradery of the other team members seemed weaker in this book too. The whole book felt a little rushed to me resulting in an okay, but not wonderful, read.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 5, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 6, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Lady Eve's Indiscretion by Grace Burrowes

This is a delightful romance, filled with horse knowledge as a bonus!
Lady Eve's Indiscretion
by Grace Burrowes

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402263805
• ISBN-13: 978-1402263804

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: February 5, 2013
"Burrowes delivers red-hot chemistry with a masterful mix of playfulness and sensuality."—Publishers Weekly Starred Review
Lady Eve's Got The Perfect Plan
Pretty, petite Evie Windham has been more indiscreet than her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Moreland, suspect. Fearing that a wedding night would reveal her past, she's running out of excuses to dodge adoring swains. Lucas Denning, the newly titled Marquis of Deene, has reason of his own for avoiding marriage. So Evie and Deene strike a deal, each agreeing to be the other's decoy. At this rate, matrimony could be avoided indefinitely...until the two are caught in a steamy kiss that no one was supposed to see.

Review:
Lady Eve loved horses and the stable as a young girl. She soaked up knowledge about horses and developed a touch for them. Her family recognized her special gift with the horses but they realize that a scoundrel stablehand was romancing her. The demeaning experience at age sixteen left her feeling ruined. To make matters worse she suffered a terrible tumble from her horse as she escaped the rogue. The doctors said she wouldn’t walk again but Eve proved them wrong. However, she hasn’t touched a horse since and she is determined that she can never marry because of the secret she has never revealed.

Eve’s parents have set their sights to find good mates for Eve and her younger sister. Eve has always had attentive suitors but has managed to dodge them. Now she may have to select an appropriate, suitable, but disinterested mate.

Lucas, the new Marquis of Deene, is the last of his line except for an older cousin who has served as the family steward for years. Neither of them is particularly interested in siring heirs but the duty must be done. Lucas is resigned to marrying but his real interest is on thwarting his low brow, Irish brother-in-law, Dolan, and getting custody of his niece. Lucas believes that his sister was forced into an unwanted marriage and that Dolan is responsible for her death.

Lucas has always been friends with Eve’s brothers and is inclined to keep an eye out for her welfare. He steps in to deflect a few arduous suitors and offers a deal to Eve. He’ll help her find an appropriate mate and she can fill him in on the suitability of the marriageable ladies. They begin to spend time together, both trying to forget, but actually wondering, about the delicious kiss they once shared under the mistletoe.

Surprisingly Lucas abruptly gets Evie to take the reins of his curricle. Then he lures her to his stable to meet his prize stallion. Eve helps to deliver a foal and Lucas’ admiration for the petite, strong woman grows. Eve initially refuses Lucas’ kind proposal of marriage.  She wants a ‘white’ marriage with no intimacy and he needs an heir.

An unexpected visit catches them in a compromising situation and forces marriage on them. Once they are together Eve’s feelings begin to grow but she fears that Lucas will reject her if he discovers her secrets. Meanwhile Lucas is keeping secrets of his own and the discovery will cause trouble for their budding marriage.

I enjoyed the reluctant romance of these two characters. It is hard to fully appreciate Eve’s trauma but it makes sense from her societal view. Lucas is an absolute gem in his handling of Eve. Their biggest obstacle is failing to be truthful as they enter into the marriage. There is a bit of intrigue and wonderful horse racing to flush out the plot. I loved the wealth of horse knowledge shared through the story. Ms. Burrowes’ writing is as lively, warm and delightful as always. If you love horses and are a fan of historical romance I encourage you to read this story and more in the series.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucas is thrilled with Eve’s success:

When she was ebullient, when she was in roaring good spirits with her recent accomplishment, kissing her was... beyond description. Her confidence pulled him in; her joy pulled him under. Page 186.

Eve knows there is trouble in not trusting:

She fell silent. The word trust was too explosive, a Congreve rocket of issues lay therein, and not all on Deene’s side of the marriage.  Page 353.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 22, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on March 23, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Wait Until Dark by M.L. Buchman

This is an author I can trust to deliver entertaining action and romance.
Wait Until Dark
by M.L. Buchman

• File Size: 554 KB
• Print Length: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 5, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B009RXJ2HS

Genre: Military Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: February 5, 2013 | Series: The Night Stalkers
Praise for I Own the Dawn:
"A rousing mix of romance and military action thrills...Buchman blends tender feelings with military politics to keep readers riveted."—Publishers Weekly
"I can't wait for the next book."—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
"Filled with action, adventure, and danger."—Booklist Starred Review
Name: Big John Wallace
Rank: Staff Sergeant, Chief Mechanic and Gunner
Mission: To serve and protect his crew and country.
Name: Connie Davis
Rank: Sergeant, Flight Engineer, Mechanical Wizard
Mission: To be the best...and survive.
Two Crack Mechanics, One Impossible Mission
Being in The Night Stalkers is Connie Davis's way of facing her demons head-on, but mountain-strong John Wallace is a threat on all fronts. Their passion is explosive, but their conflicts are insurmountable. When duty calls them to a mission no one else could survive, they'll fly into the night together—ready or not.

Review:
Connie Davis is a tough SOAR mechanic and technician. Her brain is nearly photographic and she can spin out facts and details as well as think quickly on her feet. She never knew her mother who died when she was three. She grew up as a military ‘brat’ moving from base to base with her father teaching herto work on the big Huey helicopters as a young girl. Then one day when she was 14 her father didn’t return from a mission.  These losses, on top of her ‘geeky’ smarts, created demons that keep her apart from others.  As a SOAR crew member she has earned respect even if she still doesn’t always feel like she fits in. Most importantly, she recognizes that she might not be returning from the next mission so there is no room in her life for romance and commitment.

Big John Wallace has never worked with a mechanic as sharp as Connie. He may not have realized it at first but he soon sees that she has an awesome ability to function, especially under pressure. Then he suddenly sees her as a woman - sexy, brilliant and competent. A combination that is hard to resist as a gentle friendship begins to grow.

The team is being prepared for a secret mission. First they are sent for downtime and John and others are thrilled with the prospect of maybe getting to visit home through Christmas. John asks Connie to join him when he realizes she has no where to go. Connie reluctantly agrees and she finds a whole family of warmth at John’s home farm. In addition to Mom and Paps, there is quiet, comfortable Grumps who lets her tear into his 1938 John Deere tractor. Noreen, John’s sister, isn’t thrilled at first but soon is sharing secrets with Connie.

John and Connie give in to their blazing passion but Connie is still holding back. He has plenty of friends and history; she has none. The warmth of family and a crisis overwhelm her and send her running back to base leaving John to face grief on his own. John is furious but doesn’t have time to try to resolve his anger before they are assembled for their mission.

John and Connie have to work past their emotions to carry out their crucial tasks for the safety of the team.  They have to face a nuclear threat as well as their own emotional turmoil.

I really enjoy the intensity that M.L. Buchman brings to his stories. Although this book in the series seems a bit more focused on the relationship and emotions of the characters, there is still plenty of action and technical details woven in to keep a high pace and interest. I enjoyed the interaction of characters from prior books as they watched the relationship develop, falter and carry through the mission. If you haven’t tried this series yet, I highly recommend it for romance action fans.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Connie has trouble with feeling emotions:

There was no one left alive to care about her feelings, so why did John?
Without feelings, the requirements of performance were much easier.  Page 149.

John is surprised by the impact Connie has on him:

He knew her kiss blew his knees into butter, and her smile blew his brain into next week. Page 166.

I received this books from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

Partially set in Oklahoma for my 2013 Where in the World Are you Reading Challenge.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 1, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on March 2, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Officer Breaks the Rules by Jeanette Murray

This is a fun romance with some interesting conflicts.
The Officer Breaks the Rules (Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful)
by Jeanette Murray

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 8, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402265433
• ISBN-13: 978-1402265433

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Release Date: January 8, 2013 | Series: Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful.

Some Rules Are Meant To Be Broken

He's Ruled by Loyalty...
Every man knows that you don't date your best friend's little sister, but Captain Jeremy Phillips can't seem to be convince Madison O'Shay to stay away. And he can't convince himself to stop thinking about her, either.

She's Ruled by Love...
Madison knows exactly what she wants...and whom. But she won't give up her career in the Navy for any man, not even Jeremy.
They're both about to learn that in the game of love, it's all about breaking the rules.

Review:
Madison is a strong minded, competent, Navy nurse. She’s had a crush on Jeremy for a long time. She’s determined to show him she’s not his best friend’s little sister - she’s his best friend’s all grown up sister who knows her own mind and what she wants--him.

Jeremy sees that Madison is smart, sexy, impressive and awfully hard to resist. He has to remind himself that you don’t mess with your best friend’s little sister. Besides, Jeremy has other problems without the extra temptation of Madison. It’s time for him to sign on for another tour, committing to become a career corpsman just as his father expects of him. But Jeremy has been writing a novel and wonders if there might be another path possible. His father also expects Jeremy to find a nice military wife to wait at home for him and Madison doesn’t fit that bill either.

Madison just won’t quit on her campaign to get Jeremy and finally he caves. He thinks maybe he can keep it as a passing fancy since he’s going to try to hide it from Madison’s brother, Tim (first book), and his father.  Madison doesn’t want a limited affair but she can’t argue when she recognizes that two military careers will make it difficult for a family relationship. The one thing she cares about more than Jeremy is her career.

I had expected some action with the military romance but this story is just a full on romance with characters who happen to be in the military. I did like the characters and their conflicted circumstances. Not only does Jeremy have to decide between his personal desires and his father’s expectations but the story reflects some of the problems that would be faced by a military couple.  There is the added side story of a nice bit of interest developing between Veronica and the third marine buddy, Dwayne.

Ms. Murray infuses the story and romance with lots of humor. The story is well written and if you enjoy pure romance you’ll get one in this read.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Madison's thoughts trying to make sense of Jeremy:

Too bad men were born without a logic gene. That one, she reasoned, must be connected to the second X chromosome.  Location 858.

The passion hits:

And the laughter suddenly evaporated. The atmosphere shifted, morphed, grew into something completely different. Not playful any longer, but almost desperate with need. Location 2897.

I received this for Review from Sourcebooks. 

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 8, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 9, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Sourcebooks Specials Continuing for 12 MORE Days of Christmas -Check rules!!

Happy Holidays Everyone from Sourcebooks!

Sourcebooks will be taking the holiday cheer beyond December 25. After our 25 Days of Christmas eBook Promotion ends, they’ll start the 12 MORE Days of Christmas eBook Promotion!


Things will be a little bit different for the promotion—you MUST sign up for the daily newsletter to find out the deals of that day. You can sign up here: http://books.sourcebooks.com/promos/.

Additionally, these deals will last for ONE DAY ONLY, and all books featured will be 99 cents at all eBook retailers. But JUST FOR ONE DAY!


Just like the Christmas song, “12 Days of Christmas,” each day will feature the corresponding number of books on sale. So 1 book on day 1, 2 books on day 2… all the way up to 12 books on day 12. Some will be by one author, and others will be grouped together around a genre. But remember, to find out which books will be discounted, you should sign up for our newsletter. We’re putting some of our best titles on promotion just for you, so make sure to get them while you can! http://books.sourcebooks.com/promos/

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Deliver Me From Temptation by Tes Hilaire

I really like the heavenly guardians and the action in this series.
Deliver Me From Temptation: A Novel of the Paladin Warriors
Tes Hilaire

• File Size: 552 KB
• Print Length: 354 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1402264372
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (December 4, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 4, 2012
"Dark, sexy, and intense! Hilaire blazes a new path in paranormal romance."—Sophie Jordan, New York Times bestselling author on Deliver Me From Darkness
Logan Screwed Up...Big Time
When things go bump in the night, Logan bumps back. Vampires, demons, succubi—you name it, he's fought it. His job as Paladin angel warrior is to protect humans. Not fall for one.
She Never Believed in Divine Intervention...Until Now
Detective Jessica Waters protects humans too-with her Glock and a good set of handcuffs. She doesn't believe in fate. But if anyone looks like a gift from the gods, it's Logan. And he clearly knows more about her case than he's letting on...

Review:
Jessica is a fierce cop whose driving force is the anger and hate that she carries from the rape and brutal death of her twin sister. She is a good and dedicated cop but sometimes her anger pushes her to take risks like investigating without her partner for backup.  She has been pushing pretty hard on a murder that involved some freakish aspects. High on Jessica’s lists of suspects is Roland, a Paladin Warrior (heavenly protector) who is outcast from the ranks because he is now a vampire.  (See Roland’s story in Deliver Me From Darkness.) Roland is not the murderer, but there are other vampires and dark forces involved in the murder.  They object to Jessica’s snooping and she is now a target.

While investigating, Jessica sees Logan and Alex, two Paladin Warriors, chasing what appears to be an innocent woman. Jessica tries to challenge the men, interfering with their efforts and gaining a memory wipe for her troubles.  Jess doesn’t remember Logan and Alex when she next meets them at the station while they are bailing out Roland. She suspects something isn’t right but doesn’t know what.

Now Logan is set on protecting Jessica as she continues to bump into bad, dark things in the night. Their attraction is intense. She tries to resist as he is a “person of interest” in the case and she can’t really believe in forces he alludes to. Logan realizes that, as the future leader of the warriors, there is no way he should get involved with a human. There union may be beyond their control! But can Logan keep Jessica alive as she is dragged in by enemies to lure him to a trap?

Logan is a great, strong hero who is dedicated to his mission but sometimes challenges the Paladin leader, his father, because of his old-fashioned and limiting methods. Jessica is a wonderfully strong and dedicated officer although her independence and hatred get her into trouble. I really like the action in this series. The book jumps off with a start and never lets up. I also love the fact that the heros are heavenly warriors protecting humans from demons and other evil creatures.  My only hesitation and disappointment in the series is the free use of foul language. Too bad that mars the rest of the great work for me. I did pick this book to review knowing from the last time that it would likely have language. Still - the action and story outweigh the negative language. I’m glad I read this and I recommend the series to those who love strong characters, intense passion and plenty of action.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I agree with Logan’s thoughts on faith and Justice:

[The station house} was more than just a place for the work of law to get done. It was the line between human goodness and evil deeds, a sanctuary to Justice’s warriors. But without faith in...something? Could that line really be held? Could Justice survive.   Page 64.

I really liked this imagery:

She made her way down the side street, the sounds of the investigative team playing like a homicide-cops urban symphony.  The clicking of a camera was the erratic drummer, the scuff of boots on gritty pavement the counter beat and the gruff voices lowered in funeral hall tones claimed the melody.  Page 119.

I received this from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 14, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 15, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.