Book Review and Giveaway: Hard to Handle (Love in the Balance) by Jessica Lemmon

This is sweetly charming even with its consistent, building sensuality.

Hard to Handle (Love in the Balance)

by Jessica Lemmon

• File Size: 438 KB
• Print Length: 305 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1455573787
• Publisher: Forever (October 1, 2013)
• ASIN: B00AG0VMYM

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publication Date: October 1, 2013
ONCE BURNED
Sadie Howard never dates a guy more than once-but Fate has other plans for her when it comes to Aiden Downey, the one that got away. Aiden loved her, left her, and broke her heart. Yet suddenly she's bumping into him at every turn, driven to distraction by his wicked grin and rock-hard body. Now she can't resist finishing what they started-as long as she doesn't let herself fall in love . . .

TWICE AS TEMPTING
Aiden Downey threw away the best thing he ever had when he let Sadie go, and now he's determined to win back the woman he's always wanted. Sadie agrees to let him into her life-and her bed-as long as there are no strings attached. But Aiden's not about to make the same mistake again. Can he convince her to take a second chance on a once-in-a-lifetime love?

Review:
Aiden’s mother was suffering from cancer so he didn’t want to tell her about his failed marriage. He was hurt when his wife had an affair with his best friend and business partner. The business failed too and Aiden was really struggling when his mother decided against chemo treatments and in favor of moving to another state for alternative treatments. Aiden had recently met Sadie and was enchanted with her as they shared time and grew closer over several weeks. But he chose to tell Sadie that their new romance was over when he left to help his mother.

Sadie was planning the marriage of her dreams when she was jilted by her fiancé, Trey. Not only did Trey leave her but he married her younger sister who was light and carefree rather than intense and focused like Sadie. Sadie developed a rule of one date only after losing Trey. Then she met Aiden and let her shields drop. She was excited about the chemistry she had with Aiden and the gentle intimacy they had even without sex. Then he ended their blooming relationship leaving her more heartbroken and angry.

A year later Aiden and Sadie are pushed together at his brother’s wedding to her best friend. Then Sadie discovers that Aiden is the new manager of Axle’s local motorcycle shop, an account she has been pursuing for three years. Sadie gets the account which puts her working closely with Aiden who hopes to buy the chain of shops when Axle retires.

Aiden regrets giving up Sadie and would love to get her back in his arms and life. But Sadie remembers the hurt and wants to protect herself even though the chemistry still runs hot between them. Can Aiden gain his dreams of buying the motorcycle shops and also find a way to gain Sadie’s forgiveness, trust and a commitment beyond the short term?

The attraction between Aiden and Sadie begins quickly and builds through the story. Both characters have flaws and insecurities that are realistic. Sadie is particularly annoying with her wanting to protect herself from any pain when life and love just don't work that way.

I was cautious selecting this title to review as I wasn't sure how sexy it would be and I generally prefer contemporary reads with suspense or mystery plots rather than just romance. This story is definitely all romance and the conflict exists around Aiden's desire for a second chance and Sadie's reluctance to take a risk. This read quickly and the sex is sweet though sensually detailed, but not gritty graphic.  I recommend this to readers who enjoy pure romance and especially like second chance stories.

I received this title from Hachette, through NetGalley, for an honest review.

Hachette/Grand Central Station has allowed me to offer one PRINT Copy for Giveaway.

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 comment on the review, OR

visit the author's website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 25, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after April 25, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Review: Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains by Kyle Pratt

This is a strong 'survivor' story with an engaging protagonist and solid storyline.

Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains
Written by: Kyle Pratt
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-04-13
Publisher: Camden Cascade Publishing
Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Terrorists smuggle a nuclear bomb into Washington D.C. and detonate it during the State of the Union Address. Army veteran and congressional staffer Caden Westmore is in nearby Bethesda and watches as a mushroom cloud grows over the capital. The next day, as he drives away from the still burning city, he learns that another city has been destroyed and then another. America is under siege. Panic ensues and society starts to unravel. Through Many Fires is Kyle Pratt's third novel.
©2013 Kyle Douglas Pratt (P)2013 Kyle Douglas Pratt

Review:
Caden Westmore has a fast paced, politically savvy career path planned out in Washington, DC, along with the high profile, intense, newscaster fiancé, Becky, to make the future even brighter. Then a nuclear bomb hits the Capitol killing most of the top government officials, including Caden’s boss. Caden was lucky to be on the outskirts of the effected area so he is able to head south toward Atlanta to get to Becky.

Caden runs into a road block which delays his journey. He is watching Becky presenting the news when the telecast suddenly goes to static as another bomb hits Atlanta. Caden is stunned and finds himself traveling with a military convoy that is setting up a camp in north Georgia. Along the road Caden rescues an infant who he names Adam. When they are threatened by thieves at the camp, they are saved by Maria, a determined young woman who has lost her family.

Caden has military training and agrees to take a position in security with the Washington State Governor who is the remaining presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. This helps Caden, with Maria and Adam tagging along, get back to his own family who have a small farm in Washington.

Caden discovers himself pulled into service in the National Guards where he faces difficult decisions for safety and survival. Ultimately he has to decide if he will protect the Constitution and American freedom against the orders of the new, successor president who declares marshal law, cancels future elections and makes a surprising and perhaps treacherous deal for aid.

The writing is solid with good action, some surprising twists and strong character development, particularly for Caden. The events are presented from Caden's view with insight to his thoughts and reactions. I was really pulled into Caden’s life and dilemmas. The story moved very quickly and as I became aware that the end was nearing I was saddened as I wanted more. It appears there will be more to the series and I will be watching for the next book.

Audio Notes: Initially I thought the narrating was a little flat. However, I soon was pulled into the story and enjoyed the subtle quirks that Kevin Pierce manages to convey. I can recommend this as a good read and good listening experience.

I received this title from Audible for review through Audiobook Jukebox.

Mailbox Monday April 14, 2014

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
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) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I didn't receive any review titles this week although I am expecting a couple.
I purchased two audible titles with my March credits. 
I have also listed a 2012 free title that I have downloaded to read.
(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

None this week

Won

None.

Purchased

While I'm waiting to receive some audio review titles I selected these two Audios for my March Audible credits:

Judgment in Death: In Death, Book 11
J. D. Robb 
12 hrs and 21 mins

I want to continue this great series.

Monster Hunter Vendetta

Larry Correia
20 hrs and 46 mins

I enjoyed the first book in this series
and wanted the fun and action again.

I thought I had purchased a boxed bundle on Kindle for $.99 but I didn't find it in my list.

 Free

I downloaded one of my free picks from 2012 (TBR) to read as I may want to pick up the sequel for audio review.


Carrots: A Shelby Nichols Adventure
by Colleen Helme

Purchased:	August 14, 2012
Price:	$0.00

Plus I downloaded another 60 or so free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday What are You Reading? April 14, 2014.

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I am so glad that the weather is warming up. I had a busy week and of course had to prepare taxes for filing. Reading has been enjoyable.   I got four reviews posted, one with Print giveaway and the usual memes. :-)

I did spend time early in the week visiting and intended to do more but didn't get to.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? April 7, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday April 7, 2014.

• Audio Book Review: The Protector by Marliss Melton; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.

• Audio Book Review: Witness in Death, In Death Book 10 by J.D. Robb; Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Criminal Thriller; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review, Excerpt and Giveaway: You're Not Safe (Texas Rangers) by Mary Burton; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.  Ends 4/18/14.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 11, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 4/17/14.

• Audible Book Review: Storm Surge, Destroyermen, Book 8, by Taylor Anderson; Alternate World, Action, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #146 Comment Giveaway 4/12/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 4/19/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 13, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio

Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains
Written by: Kyle Pratt
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
A good post apocalyptic story.
Reviewing through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

You're Not Safe (Texas Rangers)
by Mary Burton
I enjoyed this romantic suspense.
Reviewing with Giveaway linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio

Escaping Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 3
Written by: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
This is a good addition to this series. I hope there will be more.
Publisher's Summary
When society ceases to exist, who can you trust?
After the collapse of the nation's power grid, America is under martial law - and safety is an illusion. As violence erupts around him, Morgan Carter faces one of his most difficult decisions yet: whether to stay and defend his home, or move to a more isolated area, away from the prying eyes of the government. He and his family are hesitant to leave their beloved Lake County, but with increasingly suspicious activities happening in a nearby refugee camp, all signs point towards defecting. Morgan and his friends aren't going to leave without a fight, though - and they'll do anything to protect their freedoms.
From the author of the hit survivalist novels Going Home and Surviving Home, Escaping Home describes the struggle to live in a world with no rules, and how, sometimes, the strength of family is the only thing that can pull you through.
©2013 A. American (P)2013 Penguin Audio

eTreasures' New Release:
Working on two re-releases.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
Current giveaway link:  A Ghost Hunt by Jack Horne
Check for the new giveaway every two weeks.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Anointed: The Cantati Chronicles
by Maggie Mae Gallagher
I am enjoying this intense action fantasy which I selected through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio

The Undead Pool: The Hollows, Book 12
Written by: Kim Harrison
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
Rachel Morgan is a great character and I really enjoy listening to this series.
Publisher's Summary
Number-one New York Times best-selling author Kim Harrison returns to the supernatural adventures of Rachel Morgan in the penultimate book of the Hollows series.
Witch and day-walking demon Rachel Morgan knows magic - earth, ley line, even the forbidden demon magic - and that knowledge has saved her life more than once. But now something - or someone - is attacking Cincinnati and the Hollows, causing spells to backfire or go horribly wrong while living vampires attack humans and Inderlanders alike.
The pressures build when the city is quarantined to contain the unreliable magic, and Rachel must stop the attacks before the undead vampire masters who keep the rest of the undead under control are lost and it becomes all-out supernatural war.
The only way to do so is through the ancient elven magic, but that carries its own perils - for magic always has a price, and gods do not come lightly when called.
©2014 Kim Harrison (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

3. eBook/Kindle

Hard to Handle (Love in the Balance)
by Jessica Lemmon
A Second chance at romance.
Review and giveaway to post 4/16.
Click on book title for full description.

I am up to date on my daily Bible reading. :-)

Line Edits: We are now finalizing formatting for two ebook re-releases, as well as working on a new children's release.

This month I have more review books than from my own TBR. :-) I completed four reviews this week so I am down to two. :-)

April Scheduled -
April 16 - Review & Giveaway: Hard to Handle (Love in the Balance) by Jessica 
   Lemmon through Hachette
April 17 - 4th Annual Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop
April 22 - Review & Feature - The Temptations of Anna Jacobs by Robyn DeHart
  through AuthorPal/Penquin Group

NetGalley: I did pick up some more titles for April. 
Anointed: The Cantati Chronicles by Maggie Gallagher (reading)
Fair Play: A Novel by Deeanne Gist
Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig
The Escape (Survivor's Club) by Mary Balogh

Authors
 Many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox (have more to request.)

From TBR Collection - The Seducer by Madeline Hunter (reading)
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 13, 2014

Pastor’s sermon today covered two Bible passages. First is Psalm 42:1 that says: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” (NIV) If you enjoy hunting and had all the latest gear would you go to downtown Atlanta to hunt for deer? Of course not. You go to a habitat where the deer can be found. Do we create a habitat for God? When we pursue Him, we need to be in a mind set to seek His will.

That leads to the second passage: Ephesians 3:20-21: “20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (NIV)

The conditional portion of Verse 20 is that He will do more than we imagine, ‘according to His power...’ Commentator Matthew Henry says, “There is an inexhaustible fulness of grace and mercy in God, which the prayers of all the saints can never draw dry. Whatever we may ask, or think to ask, still God is still able to do more, abundantly more, exceedingly abundantly more."

It is our own expectations that can limit our God. The more we expect the more we can receive.
Pastor encouraged us to seek with eager anticipation and expand our expectations in three areas.
1. Expect more when preparing for church. What were you coming and expecting to receive when you were driving to church? Pray expecting a breakthrough. Think outside the box. Pray for the unsaved to find salvation, for sick to find healing...and more like the courage to share your testimony..
2. What is your expectation for your personal life? Allow God to work through you for His purposes. Allow Him to use you even in what might normally be unexpected circumstances.
3. What is your expectation of grace? Don’t stop praying for salvation of loved ones, and needs of others, personally known and unknown to you.

Listen to the wonderful blend of voices in "Now To Him" performed by Acappella. 

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. 

Lord, I pray that you will strengthen my desire to create a habitat for you. Then I pray that you will give me more boldness to expect more -- according to Your will and power.