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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis

Ms. Shalvis delivers romance with charming characters, fun humor and real life emotions.
Lucky in Love (A Lucky Harbor Novel)
by Jill Shalvis 
  • Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Forever (May 22, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 145550372X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1455503728
Available in ebook and soon in Audio.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0



Book Description
Publication Date: May 22, 2012 | Series: A Lucky Harbor Novel (Book 4)
Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she's expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she'd like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he's only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he's gone . . .
For the first time in his life, Ty can't bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn?t?including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all . . . anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor.


Review:
Mallory has always been the “good girl.”  Even more so since she was 16 and her 18 year old sister went off track and died of an overdose. Mallory sees failure to save as her fault as she continues to try to save everyone around her.  Her “chocoholic”  friends, Amy and Grace, encourage Mallory to break out and take a walk on the wild side. They begin with a list of Mr. Wrongs and end up with a prime candidate in the“mysterious cute guy” as identified on the town’s facebook page.

Ty Garrison is a former Seal, private sector, dangerous missions guy. Of course no one in town knows that background except for the Doctor who is monitoring his recovery from the injuries that have Ty out of action. The town folks see him as mysterious and a seriously fine auto mechanic.

Mallory wheedles a date out of Ty while he is suffering a concussion from a storm. Mallory is in charge of the hospital auction designed to raise money for a community clinic that she is set on getting funding and approval for. She figures Ty has stood her up until he shows up and realizes he is late for a date he didn’t remember. That’s okay... he is willing to help out as long as Mallory is willing to accept it’s a one night deal with “no regrets.”  Mallory agrees but they soon find that a one night fling isn’t enough for either of them.

Mallory knows she shouldn’t fall for the guy who is just waiting to leave town. Ty doesn’t want to hurt her but he can’t seem to pull himself away, even when he finally gets cleared to return to work. By then Ty is invested in Mallory and the town. But that isn’t his thing...he needs to get back to the adrenaline of his dangerous job. Or is that where he really belongs now that Mallory has broken through his shell and shown him changes that could be?

These two are really great characters. Everyone in town, including her mom, her bosses and the angry, elderly, sour biddy (albeit secretly), loves Mallory. They are all concerned about her feelings and “relationship” with the “mysterious cute guy.” And of course there are few secrets in a town like Lucky Harbor.  Ty is actually a very nice guy hiding in a “bad boy” persona. It is part of his sexy, mysterious aura.

The romance plot isn't exactly new but it is delivered with charm, lots of humor and plenty of anticipation waiting to discover when and how the couple will get together. The cheerful writing flows quickly and I loved the chocolate quotes at the beginning of each chapter. This is a warm, fun start to a new trilogy by Ms. Shalvis and can easily be read as a standalone if you have not read the first trilogy. I admit that I was a bit disappointed that the earlier characters were only mere mentions as I would have liked to see more of them. It seems to me if you want a charming, fun and sexy (but not graphic) read you can’t go wrong with a Lucky Harbor Novel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some fine, fun quotes to ponder:
    Somehow in spite of himself and his reclusiveness, he'd managed to find celebrity status in this crazy-ass, one-horse town, and even worse, there was Mallory, wanting him to take her for a walk on the wild side. Page 89.
    At some point, when he'd been busy resenting like hell this slow-paced, sleepy little town and everyone in it, something had happened.
    He'd made ties, strings on the heart he wasn't even sure he had. Page 261.

Thank you to Forever Romance at Hachette for providing this book for fun reading and review.
This is set in Washington State for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC challenge list.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Review Copy:
1. Tell me what you like about romances set it small towns. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Two total entries possible.)

CymLowell* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on June 1, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 2. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Book Review: Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena

Once again Ms. DiPastena has created a medieval story rich in romance and intrigue.

by Joyce DiPastena
  • File Size: 1563 KB
  • Print Length: 372 pages
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B007IX6UVA
Available in print format as well.
Genre:  Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0
  

Book Description
Publication Date: January 17, 2012
Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.

Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?


Review: 

The story is set in 1181 in the periphery of the ever present Plantagenet jealousies, including power struggles between the brothers, Young King Henry and Richard, Duke of Aquitaine. The rising figure of William Marshall plays a part of the back drop for this tale.

Mathilde’s father has been accused of stealing from the Royal Wardrobe. Not only has his reputation been disgraced but he has lost most of his holdings over the years to a ruthless and ambitious neighbor, who was once betrothed to Mathilde. Mathilde has come into society with the goal of marrying a man who will help her prove her father’s innocence.  Of course it would be lovely if her hero is dashingly handsome and wealthy.

Etienne is the younger son of a father who was deemed a traitor. Etienne could serve his brother who has married a woman of wealth and lands (Illuminations of the Heart) but he is intent on making his own way and not being beholden to his brother. Etienne has only the winnings from tournaments unless he gains the hand and suitable dowry of a wealthy lady.

Etienne is smitten by Mathilde when they meet but unfortunately she has eyes only for Etienne’s best friend, Therri, a too handsome fellow whom Mathilde dubs “the Vision.” Etienne coaxes a satin ribbon from Mathilde to wear as a favor during the tournament. She didn’t mean to give up the token as it was lent by her brother who is absolutely furious that she has allowed a champion to claim it when she doesn’t even know his name!

Etienne is doing well during the tournament melee until he is attacked by three masked opponents demanding that he give up the ribbon. Although Etienne can’t understand why they are making a fuss over the token he refuses to let it go but holds fast to the ribbon even when he is beaten and shot.

Therri, who has a reputation as a womanizer is thwarted in his efforts to win the hand of Violette who is hosting the tournament to choose a husband. Violette’s spoiled stepdaughter has her mind set on Etienne even though he is not interested in her charms. The personality misunderstandings and conflict between the couples is frustrating but well played.

Ms. DiPastena has woven a romance that grows from gentle to fervent (passionate in a clean way) while danger and intrigue, as well as obstacles of practicality, circle the young couple.  This is the sort of story one expects to be song as a ballad of medieval intrigue, chivalry and love. The plot is extremely well crafted with likeable and annoying characters, and a mad, obsessed villain. There is plenty of action that keeps the story moving along at a good pace. I enjoyed the medieval setting and detail that intertwined the historical backdrop with the personal drama of the hero and heroine. If you like medieval romance with plenty of intrigue this is an author you shouldn’t miss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A couple of lovely quotes for you to enjoy:
Of all the erratic sensations he had thus far stirred in her, none of them prepared her of the scorching conflagration that exploded through her at his kiss. Location 1570.
It had been an empty, dangerous dream to expect Etienne or any man to come riding to her aid and restore her father’s honor. ...
[s]he had learned that in real life, sometimes the villain won. And sometimes the hero died.  Location 3125.
I received this from the author and her publisher, Leatherwood Press. Thank you.
I will include this on my ARC challenge list.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Audible Book Review: River Marked, Mercy Thompson Book 6, by Patricia Briggs

This is a full and fast paced story.

River Marked Mercy Thompson Book 6
Available in print and eBook as well as Audio.
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0



Blurb from Audible.com: Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.
An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River - one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help....



Review: This is Book 6 in this enjoyable series and if you haven’t read them I highly recommend that you do! I have listened to all of them through Audible library and I really like the narration as well as the characters, plot and action.

Mercy Thompson is a  “walker” who shape shifts as a coyote. Her gifts include a resistance to most magic, like mesmerizing Vampires, and seeing ghosts.  Mercy has never met others like herself but she was raised in one of the strongest werewolf packs in North America. In this world, werewolves and some fae have been revealed to the public although Vampires are not yet exposed as “real.” Mercy has made Vampire and Fae friends and enemies. There are many wonderful characters in the series who are less visible in this story which gives time to Mercy and Adam.


Adam is the sexy, Alpha leader of the local werewolf pack and Mercy’s neighbor. Adam is divorced and raising his bright and outgoing teenage daughter, Jesse. Adam has been wooing, and at times he and his pack have been rescuing, Mercy through the stories.

Book 6 starts off with a delightful and beautifully choreographed elopement/wedding for Adam and Mercy. (Their marriage is not a spoiler since it is disclosed in the book blurb.)  Adam and Mercy head off for private honeymoon time.  They set up their borrowed motor coach at a park along the Columbia River.  Unfortunately it soon becomes apparent that Adam and Mercy have been directed to this spot for reasons beyond a simple honeymoon. 

Their romantic time together is interrupted by an injured man and a trail of dead and missing people.  Mercy gets to meet a very nasty  River Demon and some Fae otters up close and more personally than she would like.  The River Demon threatens to continue luring and eating anyone who nears the river unless it can be defeated.  It looks like Mercy, being immune to the magic, may be the only one who has a chance of killing the beast.  She and Adam team up with some other “walkers”, including Old Man Coyote, who knew or may be her father. Even with all of these skilled warriors the battle is far from certain and many expect to die.

Like the other books, this is full of action, magic and warm emotion in the relationships of the characters.  The narrator does a great job with the character voices and emotions. Although I have to say that I tend to get caught up with the story so that I barely notice the narrator...and isn’t that the way a good audio book should be?

The author manages to give enough backstory to fill in the important elements in case a reader has not read/listened to prior books but I recommend enjoying them all in order! I am looking forward to the next installment and only sorry that it isn’t scheduled until 2013.

 I read this from my own TBR Audible Library.
This is set in Washington for my Where are Your Reading challenge. This is a Just For Fun book this month and I will also add it to my TBR and Audio challenges.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Forever Blog Tour Announcement: Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis

Stop by May 24 for my Review and ARC giveaway of Lucky in Love.
And check the Blog Tour list below for fun and lucky reading. :-)


BLOG TOUR URL    POSTING DATE    Tour Participation
http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspot.ca/    5/20/2012    Review
http://hangingwithbells.blogspot.com/    5/20/2012    Review
http://puretextuality.com    5/20/2012    Interview
http://puretextuality.com    5/20/2012    Giveaway
http://www.gonewiththewords.com/    5/20/2012    Review
http://romancingrakes4theluvofromance.blogspot.com    5/20/2012    Interview
www.lovetoreadforfun.com    5/20/2012    Review
http://maryinhb.blogspot.com    5/20/2012    Giveaway
http://cheekyreads.blogspot.com    5/20/2012    Giveaway
http://theromancereviews.blogspot.com    5/21/2012    Giveaway
http://www.romancing-the-book.com    5/21/2012    Interview
http://keriford.com/blog    5/21/2012    Giveaway
www.sosaloha.blogspot.com    5/21/2012    Giveaway
http://mamakittyreviews.com    5/21/2012    Review
http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com/    5/21/2012    Review
http://nikkibrandyberry.wordpress.com/    5/21/2012    Review
www.crazybookslut.blogspot.com    5/21/2012    Review
http://www.thebookgirl.net    5/22/2012    Review
http://asthepagesturn.blogspot.com/    5/22/2012    Review
http://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com    5/22/2012    Review
www.seductivemusings.blogspot.com    5/23/2012    Interview
ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com    5/23/2012    Giveaway
http://readingwithstyle.blogspot.com    5/23/2012    Review
http://www.findthetimetoread.net    5/23/2012    Review
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bluegrass-state-of-mind-kathleen-brooks/1104012690    5/23/2012    Review
http://liviaquinn.com    5/23/2012    Interview
marygramlich.blogspot.com    5/23/2012    Giveaway
http://brokenteepee.com    5/23/2012    Giveaway
http://krazybooklady.blogspot.com    5/23/2012    Review
http://www.csmaxwell.blogspot.com    5/23/2012    Giveaway
http://dreyslibrary.com    5/24/2012    Giveaway
www.mariankrick.blogspot.com    5/24/2012    Review
http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/    5/24/2012    Review
Chicklitthenewblack.blogspot.com    5/25/2012    Review
http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com    5/25/2012    Review
www.happilyeverafter-reads.blogspot.com    5/25/2012    Review
my-book-views.blogspot.com    5/25/2012    Review
thelovestrucknovice.blogspot.com    5/25/2012    Interview
http://teddyrose.blogspot.ca/    5/25/2012    Giveaway
www.boekiesbookreviews.com    5/25/2012    Review
http://www.kittycrochettwo.blogspot.com    5/26/2012    Review
karalovesreading.blogspot.com    5/26/2012    Giveaway
OV_099@yahoo.com    5/26/2012    Review
http://www.froggaritasbookcase.net/    5/27/2012    Review
http://reviewsbymolly.com    5/27/2012    Review
http://www.sarahsblogoffun.com    5/27/2012    Review
http://buriedbybooks.blogspot.com/    5/28/2012    Review
http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com    5/28/2012    Review
Www.thebookgirl.net    5/28/2012    Review
www.fictionenthusiast.com    5/28/2012    Review
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com/    5/28/2012    Giveaway
http://www.justanothernewblog.com    5/28/2012    Giveaway
http://atastyread.blogspot.com    5/28/2012    Giveaway
http://ov099.wordpress.com/    5/28/2012    Review
www.bibliojunkies.blogspot.com    5/28/2012    Interview
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com    5/28/2012    Giveaway
http://www.urbangirlreader.com    5/28/2012    Review
http://bodicerippernovels.wordpress.com    5/28/2012    Giveaway
www.seductivemusings.blogspot.com    5/29/2012    Interview
http://rrahnovelthoughts.com    5/29/2012    Giveaway
www.noseinabookblog.blogspot.com    5/29/2012    Interview
foreverbklover.blogspot.com    5/29/2012    Review
Www.paperbackdolls.com    5/29/2012    Interview
http://lizasblog-liza.blogspot.com/    5/29/2012    Giveaway
http://makaylasbookreviews.blogspot.com/    5/29/2012    Review
http://www.cafeofdreamsbookreviews.com/    5/30/2012    Review
www.tarmyblospot.blogspot.com    5/30/2012    Review
http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/    5/30/2012    Review
http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/    5/30/2012    Review
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/    5/30/2012    Giveaway
Lushbookreviewss.blogspot.com    5/30/2012    Giveaway
http://bookslikebreathing.blogspot.com    5/30/2012    Review
http://manicreaders.com/blog/index.php/guest-authors/    5/30/2012    Giveaway
http://www.rexrobotreviews.com    5/30/2012    Giveaway
http://lindasangels.net    5/30/2012    Review
http://lizasblog-liza.blogspot.com/    5/30/2012    Giveaway
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com    5/30/2012    Interview
http://www.book-obsessed.com    5/30/2012    Giveaway
http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com    6/8/2012    Giveaway

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Monday Mailbox May 21, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday which I am hosting for May 2012.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 


Wow - Unexpectedly my book garden is growing - see below! How is your book garden growing?

I didn't get any NetGalley Books this past week but I did receive two print review books:
This is for Hachette Forever Blog Tour Review and Giveaway May 24, 2012
This is for Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour in early July


Now for the FUN! I had some lovely wins last week.

First I won $15.00 from Wednesday's Book Review Party May 9, 2012 Hosted each Wednesday by author Cym Lowell.
Thank you Cym!

Then I received notice that I won the "Motherload" at The Mother's Day Book Giveaway hosted by Quickie Book Reviews!!

From that win I received these eBooks:


Thank you authors William G. Jones, Larry Enright, Valerie Douglas, Libby Fisher Hellmann, Carolyn Nash, Faith Mortimer

and this print Book:
Thank you author Libby Fischer Hellmann

Since I won such a nice bunch of books I didn't pick up any "envy loot" although I did spend Friday night scarfing up a large group of free Kindle offerings!

So, Please share: what's in Your Mailbox?

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