Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 7, 2014

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

We had another good week of traveling although we did have two more tire blowouts. My DH did check the tires and even bought a special pressure gauge to watch them but they are weakened by sitting for the past two years with no travel.

We are now in Savanah and plan to take the Trolley to tour the sights. I hope to taste some honey as well.  I hope everyone else has had a good week and gets some sweetness this weekend. :-)

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the October 31 Pick. There were two automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There were two titles blocked.
Linda K gets She's Got the Look
and
CarolNW gets Pandora's Clock Tapes

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 31 Pick:
Llehn gets a GC

Rubynreba gets True Believer 

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This month I give thanks for books and for followers of my blog. :-)

Image found at Kindles and Wine.

New Book Group #52 October 10, 2014
(Links to be added.)

PAIRS:
Richard Paul Evans, The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Mary Higgins Clark, A Cry In the Night and You Belong to Me
SINGLES
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Range of Motion by Elizabeth Berg
Destiny's Daughter by Rebecca Brandewyne
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
She's Got the Look by Leslie Kelly
Reliquary by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Behind a Mask by May Alcott
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman

New Book Group #51 September 12, 2014
10/10 - I just realized I never posted the image for this group.

PAIRS:
Elysa Hendricks, Star Crash (personally autographed copy) and The Sword and the Pen
Anne Stuart, Hidden Honor and The Devil’s Waltz
SINGLES:

Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley

The Reckoning by Jeanette Baker

Out of This Furnace: A Novel of Immigrant Labor in America by Thomas Bell Reprint Edition

Taylor's Temptation by Suzanne Brockmann

A Painted House A Novel by John Grisham 

Scandalous Virtue Mass by Brenda Hiatt 

Viking Heat by Sandra Hill 

Darkness, Take My Hand (Kenzie and Gennaro Book 2) by Dennis Lehane

Missing Susan by Sharyn Mccrumb

Pandora's Clock by John J. Nance - AUDIO CASSETTES

A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne

The Short Forever (Stone Barrington Novels Book 8) by Stuart Woods - AUDIO CASSETTES

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

PAIRS:
William J. Coughlin: The Court and The Judgment
Phyllis J. Whitney: The Ebony Swan and Woman Without a Past
SINGLES:
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
So Hard to Forget by Evelyn Crowe
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
Whirlwind Affair by Jacquie D'Allessandro
Let Darkness Come by Angela Hunt
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione 
ChiefTain by Nan Ryan
A Place Called Home by Lori Wick
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
True Believer by Nicholas Sparks
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

PAIRS:
Sandra Brown:  The Thrill of Victory and Temperatures Rising
Beverly Barton: The Last to Die and Raintree: Sanctuary
SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
Hawkes Harbor by S.E. Hinton
Savage Thunder by Cassie Edwards
Miracle by Deborah Smith
Desperate Alliances by Cory Daniells
Never Walk Alone by Paula Detmer Riggs
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Running Blind by Lee Child


New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014

SINGLES:
Dangerous by Debra Dier
First to Fight Anthology

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

SINGLES:
Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
Once Upon a Honeymoon by Julie Kistler
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014---(All gone)
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013---(All gone)

New Book Group #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All gone)
New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)
New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012---(All gone)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012--- (All gone)
New book Group #27 April 13, 2012--- (All gone)
New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)
New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)
New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)
May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20---(All gone)
3/25/11 Group #19---(All gone)
2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 727+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown 

List #15---(All gone)
List #14---(All gone)
List #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)
Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)
Pick #3---(All gone)
Pick #4---(All gone)
Pick #5---(All gone)
Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review and Giveaways: Sealing the Deal (The Ladies Who Lunch) by Sandy James

This is a delightful sweet and sensual romance with natural characters.

Sealing the Deal (The Ladies Who Lunch)
by Sandy James

• File Size: 822 KB
• Print Length: 300 pages
• Publisher: Forever Yours (November 4, 2014)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00IRISK6I

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 4, 2014 
(Forever Yours E-Book; $2.99)
After losing her sister, Bethany Rogers needs a shoulder to lean on more than ever-though she never expects that shoulder to belong to her new boss . . .

Bethany has been in love with Robert Ashford since they were teachers at the same high school. After Robert leaves to start his own construction company, Beth puts her feelings aside to focus on her goals. When she finally lands a gig as a part-time designer, she is shocked to find her new boss is none other than Robert . . . and he's hotter than ever. But Bethany's happiness is short-lived when she receives word that her sister has been killed in combat.

With the success of building homes for one happy family after another, Robert is finally ready to settle down. When Beth is left to care for her nine-month-old niece, Robert can't help but step in. And before long, the trio are inseparable. Yet convincing the cautious, bereaved Beth of letting him in proves difficult-but Robert will give everything he's got for the chance at his own happily ever after.

Review:
Beth is a thirty-two year old teacher who has had a secret crush on her part-time boss, Robert, who used to be a teacher too before he started his own construction company. Beth has worked for Robert by putting the important designing touches on his homes. Beth is a buoyant personality but a lot of her bounce is to hide the insecurities that were ground into her by her critical mother. As a comfortable size 14 woman, Beth is convinced that Robert wouldn’t be interested in her since he plays the field with tall, svelte blondes.

Robert is an independent, successful business man and has come to a point where he is ready to settle down. He has often felt unloved even though he overcame a difficult childhood of stuttering. Robert and Beth have been friends for a number of years but he wishes for more.

Beth’s sister is killed in the service and Beth suddenly has to care for her infant niece, Emma. Robert decides that helping with adorable Emma is a good reason to get closer to Beth. He offers them a new home and hopes that now he will have the courage to show her, if not tell her, how he feels.

Beth and Robert are both fragile and reluctant to risk their hearts by expressing their feelings. They grow closer and even begin a sexual relationship but there is much confusion and misunderstanding regarding their motives. They both think that adopting Emma is the real reason for their own affections. When Emma’s natural father seeks full custody Beth and Robert will need to decide if they can accept each other and stand together or if they will separate without realizing the love they could share.

Ms. James does a wonderful job of developing strong, likable characters and setting out a believable, natural story. She succeeds again in this story and I liked that the lead characters are very natural and not perfect. Emma adds a cuddleable interest and Beth’s three friends, the Ladies who Lunch, are good secondary characters. The romance encounters are sensual and bold with a playful and loving bond, even though their feelings are conflicted. The story is engaging and the writing flows for an easy read.

I have enjoyed reading Ms. James before and will be glad to read more in the future. This book is part of a series and made me want to read the stories for the other friends in the ‘ladies who lunch’ group. I recommend this book and this author to readers who enjoy warm, contemporary romance.

I received this title for blog tour participation and an honest review.

Buy Links:

B&N

Kobo 

iBooks 

GooglePlay 

Amazon

About the author:
Sandy James lives in a quiet suburb of Indianapolis with her husband. She's a high school social studies teacher who especially loves psychology and United States history. Since she and her husband own a small stable of harness racehorses, they often spend time together at the two Indiana racetracks.

Social Media Links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Excerpt:

    “Why does everyone think I can’t raise Emma?”
    “Everyone?”
    She looked so damned forlorn. “Jules. My parents. You.”
    With a shake of his head, he tried to set her straight. “First off, I have never—I repeat never—said you can’t raise Emma. In fact, I think you’re doing a fantastic job with her.” He glanced at the munchkin. “Look at her.” Emma smiled on cue, all tiny teeth and drool. “She’s doing really well with you. What did your parents say?”
    Beth’s pouty lips strongly tempted him to kiss her again. “They told me it might be better to put her up for adoption.”
    “Are you serious?” What kind of grandparents would say something so cruel? How could they even consider giving up their only grandchild?
    “Dead serious. They made such a fuss over how much taking care of her while Tiffany was gone inconvenienced them. I was going to take her this summer, maybe even longer.”
    What did a person say to something like that? “That’s cold.”
    “I know, right? Besides that, my folks are really old-fashioned. They think a child should have both a mom and a dad.” A smile threatened. “I think Tiffany had Emma as a way to piss Mom off. Kind of her way of saying, ‘I’m a single mom. Take that, Carol.’ ”
    “They’re wrong. You know they are.”
    Although she glanced away, he saw the hurt in her eyes. “They’ve never really had a lot of confidence in me.”
    Since his parents always encouraged their gaggle of children to reach for the stars and told them they all had the ability to do just that, he had a hard time picturing what it must have been like to grow up with parents like Beth’s. “Then they’re not too smart, ’cause you’re somebody who deserves their confidence. You’re amazing.”
    Her gaze came back to his, but there was disbelief in her eyes.
    “I mean it, B. Look at all you’ve done at school. Everyone admires you.”
    She gave him a small snort.
    One thing he’d have to do when they lived together was help give her more self-esteem. But he had to convince her to move into this house with him first. “What did our ever-tactful Jules have to say?”
    “It was wrong to tell you she said I wasn’t good with Emma.”
    “She didn’t say that?” Robert asked. He still stood in front of Beth, and now he held both her hands in his. It felt so natural. So right. Like two people in love sharing a conversation.
    But Beth didn’t love him, and he was still pretty mixed up about how he felt about her. That was why he thought she and Emma moving in would be so great. He would have Emma in his life, and he and Beth would have time to share their lives, to see if the kisses and caresses led to—or away from—something special.
    Beth shook her head. “She got weird when I asked if her nanny could watch Emma when I go back to work next week.”
    “You’re going back so soon?”
    This time, she nodded. “I’m out of paid time off.”
    “Why not take a leave of absence?”
    Her laugh was always so sweet to his ears. “ ’Cause I like to eat, and I imagine Emma does, too.”
    “Didn’t Tiffany have life insurance? I thought all soldiers did.”
    “I won’t touch that money. Not unless I absolutely have to. It’s a nest egg for Emma. She can pay for college and maybe even buy her first home with it.”
    The response was pure Beth. Always putting others before herself. She was going to raise that baby on a teacher’s salary, a salary that seldom saw increases. She’d have her work cut out for her being a single mom who got paid diddly-squat.
    “Well, then,” Robert said. “That seals the deal. You move in here. There’s one less expense.” She had to agree. She just had to.
    “I’d pay you rent,” she insisted.
    “The hell you will!”
    She jerked her hands free. “I’m not a charity case, Robert. Emma and I aren’t living in a homeless shelter or anything. I already told you Jules is looking for a house for us.”
    Why had everything he said in this conversation come out wrong? After raking his fingers through his hair, he tried again. “B, p-please. Please move in with me. I want Emma here. I want you here.”
    “Why?”
    A man could only take so much provocation. Her belligerent frown that wouldn’t scare a fly. Her brown eyes that flashed with fire. The way she crossed her arms under her full breasts. Everything about her made him want to kiss her.
    So he did.
    Robert grabbed her hand and tugged Beth into his arms. He stopped when his lips were almost touching hers. “Because of… this.”

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
(ends 11/12/14 at 23:00 GMT)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26635ce2122/
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BONUS GIVEAWAY

In addition to the Rafflecopter giveaway I get to give One Winner at this blog an ecopy of Sealing the Deal from the publisher through NetGalley.

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 this review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S Website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) November 14, 2014.
Winners are asked to respond, within 72 hours, by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and eBook Giveaway: Pushing the Limit (Alpha Ops) by Emmy Curtis

This is a very fast paced, high intensity read.
Pushing the Limit (Alpha Ops)
by Emmy Curtis 

• File Size: 929 KB
• Print Length: 304 pages
• Publisher: Forever Yours (November 4, 2014)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00IRISIM4

Genre: Military Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

They're tough. They're brave. And they'll do anything for the women they love. They're the Alpha Ops. In the tradition of Suzanne Brockmann and Julie Ann Walker comes a sizzling new high-octane romantic suspense novel from rising star Emmy Curtis.

PUSHING THE LIMIT

After their one-night fling at a wedding, archaeologist Henrietta "Harry" Markowitz thought she'd never see war hero Matt Stanning again. So when they're paired up to investigate a military plane crash in Iraq, she's not sure if the three-month reunion is serendipitous or cursed. What she does know is this gorgeous man lights her body on fire-and incredible sex is always a welcome distraction.

Air Force Sergeant Matt Stanning has been called a hero, but he feels nothing like one when he realizes the sexy blonde in his bed is the widow of his fallen brother-in-arms. Even worse, he actually has to work with her, and she's unearthed evidence that points to a military conspiracy. If they dig deeper, they'll put their lives in danger. If they don't, they'll never know the truth-not only about the mysterious plane crash, but about each other.

Review:
Henrietta “Harry” is an archaeologist who married her teen sweetheart and then lost him when he died in an explosion that occurred during his specialized service in Iraq. Harry has held him in her heart and buried her need for anything but work and no-commitment relationships. One of those one night encounters occurs at a wedding of a friend when she meets Matt. They didn’t really get a chance to hook up although it was a close thing and both have fantasized about the other. She didn’t expect to ever see Matt again but is pleased to see him arrive as a military liaison on her dig in Iraq.

Matt was with his team of EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) specialists when his friend died. The death sent him into a spiral of guilt where he relieves the pain with quick one night stands. He also shifted divisions so he no longer works in EOD but rather brings home the missing bodies of other servicemen.

Matt has no idea the petite, sexy woman he met a few months before was his friend’s widow or he would never have ended up in bed with her. Now he has to try to resist their combustible attraction while keeping her safe from a growing danger.

Harry and her team have reported finding a piece of metal that may be from a downed aircraft. That is what brought Matt to the site. Now they have located the outlines of a buried box. They have some conjecture of what it might be and, although they are keeping the details secret, Harry has spoken with another colleague who has been engaged to dig in an adjacent sector. When the man ends up dead after leaving dinner with Harry, the danger really revs up.

I liked Harry and Matt although their initial meetings are rather heavy on the sexual side.  I will give warning that there are several graphic and hot sexual encounters. Still, there is good emotional engagement, interesting secondary characters, betrayal and plenty of danger to keep the story interesting and moving quickly.

This is the first story I have read by Ms. Curtis and I enjoyed the intensity and action. Although part of a series this read fine as a stand alone. I recommend this to readers who enjoy fast-paced military romance and don’t mind some steamy scenes.

I received this title from Grand Central/Hachette/Forever Romance through NetGalley for a launch day blitz and honest review.

Buy Links

B&N: http://bit.ly/1096Qrd 

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1wlHZNt 

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/10bneXR 

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1wPmovR 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/10bnjLb 

About Emmy Curtis

Emmy Curtis is an editor and a romance writer. An ex-pat Brit, she quells her homesickness with Cadbury Flakes and Fray Bentos pies. She's lived in London, Paris and New York, and has settled for the time being, in North Carolina. When not writing, Emmy loves to travel with her military husband and take long walks with their Lab. All things considered, her life is chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny. And if you get that reference...well, she already considers you kin.

Social Links

W:http://emmycurtis.com/ 

T:@EmmyCurtis19

F:http://facebook.com/EmmyCurtisAuthor 

GR:http://bit.ly/1096r82

EXCERPT: [Sorry - I have shortened this excerpt as I have a family friendly site. There may be more available at other sites participating in the blitz. :-)]

     Matt heard her sharp intake of breath and wondered if he’d misjudged his attempt at lightening her mood.
     There was a second in which he opened his mouth to explain, when there was a shifting in the air around him, and just as his lightning instinct had him reaching for his weapon, a soft projectile thwomped into his face, knocking him backward and off the bed.
     “No one makes fun of my pain without incurring the wrath of the pillow ninja,” she hissed.
     Relief and outrage vied for pole position as he immediately planned his revenge. He let out an agonized groan.
     “Oh my God.” He heard her scrambling over the bed to the foot where he’d fallen from. “I’m so sorry, did you hurt—”
     He reared up, wrapping his arms around her legs, and launched her back onto the bed. She bounced like a rag doll as he grabbed the cushion he’d taken from the lobby and swiped at her as she tried to right herself.
     “Ooff,” was the only thing she managed to say.
     Victory is mine. “Truce?” he asked from a safe distance.
     “My hand is caught in the headboard.” She giggled. “I swear it’s not a trap. I’m an honorable foe, unlike you. Look, or feel.”
     Still keeping his distance, he put out his hand where he thought her shoulder should be. It was soft. Heat rose in his body.
     “Okay, airman, it’s not my breast that’s trapped, it’s my hand,” she said with a totally audible grin.

GIVEAWAY

One Winner at this blog will get an ecopy of Pushing the Limit from the publisher through NetGalley.

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 this review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S Website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) November 14, 2014.
Winners are asked to respond, within 72 hours, by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Unleashed (Love to the Rescue) by Rachel Lacey

This is a solidly cute romance with lots of animal interest.

Unleashed (Love to the Rescue)

by Rachel Lacey

• File Size: 1224 KB
• Print Length: 400 pages
• Publisher: Forever (October 28, 2014)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00I829RT2

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

What happens when you find the right one at the wrong time?
Cara Medlen has a serious case of animal attraction. And it's not because of all the foster dogs she's rescued. She's got it bad for her incredibly sexy neighbor. Her one rule: Don't get attached. It's served her well with the dogs she's given to good homes and the children she's nannied. Yet the temptation of Matt's sexy smile might just convince her that some rules are made to be broken.

Matt Dumont doesn't need his skills as a private investigator to detect disaster on the horizon. Cara is everything he thought he'd never find-gorgeous, funny, and caring. But there's no way he can start a relationship just as he's about to move to another state. Talk about bad timing. As their attraction sizzles too hot to deny, they'll have to make a decision: forget the consequences and let loose, or forget each other and let go...

Review:
Cara works as a nanny and is fortunate that her job allows time to volunteer at the local pet shelter. She loves dogs and is a foster home for rescued dogs. Unfortunately some of her neighbors have objected to the dogs which growl when they first come home with Cara. Now the homeowners association is asking her to give up the dogs or move.

Cara has noticed the hot looking guy next door but she has remained aloof from all her neighbors due to her policy of holding herself apart because of past illness. She figures there is no reason to get involved with others until she gets a 10 year clearance on her own health situation. That is the same reason she has held off starting her dream career, photography.

Matt has been busy building his PI business but he has noticed his pretty neighbor. Now he is preoccupied with wrapping up his jobs so he can move back to Boston to take care of his sick mother. This is no time to get involved with a woman, no matter how attracted he is.

These are two fun, warm characters and their distinct reasons to avoid relationship make for interesting conflict when it is clear they have wonderful chemistry. The dogs and Cara’s dilemmas are a great element, providing lots of adorable animal interest. I enjoyed the encouraging message of the book and I  liked the clean interactions (although there is plenty of sizzle and some bad words). The dialogue is easy going and the story reads quickly. I recommend this to readers who love animals and a warm romance.

I received this from Forever Romance through NetGalley for tour participation.

Buy Links

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1xxKB94 

Books A Million: http://bit.ly/1v74Mbo 

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1v74QIg 

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1tB2Wmz 

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1yFXRcZ 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1swFvFG 

About Rachel Lacey

Rachel Lacey lives in North Carolina, with her husband, son, and their own rescued pup. She volunteers her spare time with Carolina Boxer Rescue and truly has a passion for helping our furry friends. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America as well as her local Heart of Carolina RWA chapter.

Social Media

http://www.rachellacey.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/RachelLaceyAuthor?fref=ts 

@RachelsLacey

EXCERPT:

    The temperature had indeed begun to fall as they drove home. Matt was glad for the jacket he kept tucked behind the back seat. He shrugged into it, then walked Cara to her front door.
    “Thanks for dinner, and for helping us out. Really, if you get us the evidence to get those dogs seized, I won’t even know how to thank you.” Her warm eyes shone up at him as they stood on her front porch.
    Matt gave her a devilish grin. Seriously, did she say these things just to drive him crazy?
    Cara licked her lips and took a step back toward her front door.
    “No problem.” His gaze slid to her neck, soft skin gleaming white as marble in the silvery light of the moon.
    He saw her pulse pounding there. Her chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. Her eyes met his and held on like a magnet drawing him in.
    Matt tried to resist. He really did.
    And then her lips parted, and his blood turned to steam, and the only thing he could hear was his own pulse hammering away in his ears.
    He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. Cara let out a whimper that caught in his chest and tugged at his restraint. Her lips were soft and warm, tentative as they pressed against his. Her eyes slid shut.
    Matt gave her one more gentle kiss. Just a little goodnight kiss, nothing either of them would regret in the morning. He ran his fingers through her curls, and they were as soft as he’d imagined. Softer.
    She was kissing him back now, her lips pushing against his, asking for more.
    His tongue swept into her mouth. She tasted spicy, like wing sauce and the promise of hot, sweaty sex. The next thing he knew, she was pressed against her front door, Matt’s body crushed against hers. Cara’s arms were around his neck, her tongue tangling with his, her soft moans driving him right out of his mind.
    After a minute, she ripped her mouth from his, gasping for breath. “Damn, what did they put in those wings?”
    All he could do was smile.
    Cara leaned in and brushed her lips against his. Then she winked. “Goodnight, Matt.”
    She slipped inside and shut the door in his face.
    Matt swore under his breath. He was really starting to develop a love-hate relationship with Cara Medlen’s front door.
    ***
    Oh. My. God.
    Cara leaned against the wall, heart flipping in her chest, silly grin on her face. She couldn’t quite believe she’d just been wedged up against her own front door with Matt’s big, hard body pressed against hers while he kissed her like she was a friggin’ Playboy model.
    Okay, now she got the fuss about kissing. With other guys, she’d enjoyed it, but it was nothing she couldn’t live without. She was always worried about where she should put her hands and how quickly he was going to start unbuttoning her blouse.
    She’d have unbuttoned her own blouse if Matt had asked. Good lord. His kiss had heated her blood and curled her toes, all those clichés she’d heard but not experienced. Phew.

GIVEAWAY
(ends 11/3/14 at midnight so Hurry!)

Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mailbox Monday November 3, 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 have three review titles listed today.
I purchased five $.99 kindle titles this week as well as getting many free kindle titles.

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I got this title a week or so ago but failed to list it:

Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery
by Joyce T. Strand
Review and giveaways to post on 11/7.
This book was received from Book Marketing Services
A mystery set in wine country pitting financial exec Brynn Bancroft against a determined stalker, a troubled love interest, and career clashes.





Both of these were received from Hachette/Grand Central Forever Romance line:

Sealing the Deal
by Sandy James
I picked this title for blog tour because I enjoy the author's real to life stories. 
My review will post with giveaway on November 6, 2014.
Can an orphaned child, an insecure Aunt, and a man ready to settle down find a HEA?

Pushing the Limit (Alpha Ops)
by Emmy Curtis 
I picked this sizzling military romance
 up last minute for a launch blitz on November 4. 

They're tough. They're brave. And they'll do anything for the women they love. They're the Alpha Ops. In the tradition of Suzanne Brockmann and Julie Ann Walker comes a sizzling new high-octane romantic suspense novel from rising star Emmy Curtis.

Won

None

Purchased

I did purchase five $.99 Kindle titles this week.

The Briton and the Dane Second Edition
Mary Ann Bernal, WeiEn Chen, Steven Novak

Shifters After Dark Box Set: (6-Book Bundle)

SM Reine, Dannika Dark, Marie Hall, Melissa F. Olson, Kate Danley, Phoenix Sullivan

Tall, Dark and Deadly Books 1 - 4

Lisa Renee Jones

The Sasha McCandless Series: Volume 2 (Books 4-5.5)
Melissa F. Miller

Just Once: Three Complete Historical Romances 

(Crimson Romance)

Elizabeth Boyce

Free

I downloaded another 68 free Kindle titles this week plus several pdf and mobi titles through NoiseTrade. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? November 3, 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.

We enjoyed our relaxing visit with our son and his family. Today we went back on the road to arrive in Williamsburg, VA.

I enjoyed my reading last week and somehow got myself caught in four tour books for this week.  I finished three books and am well into another.  I did post three reviews and I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I did some visiting early in the week but didn't get back later when I hoped 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? October 27, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday October 27, 2014.

• Book Review: Pumpkins in Paradise (Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mysteries Book 1) by Kathi Daley; Cozy Mystery; my rating 3.75.

• Book Review: The Kindness of Neighbors (A Short Story) by Matthew Iden; Mystery; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 31 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 11/6/14.

• Audio Review: Unwritten: A Novel by Charles Martin; Inspirational; my rating 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #175 Comment Giveaway 11/1/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 11/8/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 2, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series)
by Grace Burrowes
I really enjoyed this. I hope to get the review posted sometime this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Unleashed (Love to the Rescue)
by Rachel Lacey
I liked these characters. 
Review and Giveaway to post on 11/3.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Ebook/Kindle

Pushing the Limit (Alpha Ops)
by Emmy Curtis 
I picked this up last minute for a launch blitz. 
Sounded pretty good and it was a fast read. :-)
Launch Blitz, my review and giveaway will post on November 4.
They're tough. They're brave. And they'll do anything for the women they love. They're the Alpha Ops. In the tradition of Suzanne Brockmann and Julie Ann Walker comes a sizzling new high-octane romantic suspense novel from rising star Emmy Curtis.

PUSHING THE LIMIT

After their one-night fling at a wedding, archaeologist Henrietta "Harry" Markowitz thought she'd never see war hero Matt Stanning again. So when they're paired up to investigate a military plane crash in Iraq, she's not sure if the three-month reunion is serendipitous or cursed. What she does know is this gorgeous man lights her body on fire-and incredible sex is always a welcome distraction.

Air Force Sergeant Matt Stanning has been called a hero, but he feels nothing like one when he realizes the sexy blonde in his bed is the widow of his fallen brother-in-arms. Even worse, he actually has to work with her, and she's unearthed evidence that points to a military conspiracy. If they dig deeper, they'll put their lives in danger. If they don't, they'll never know the truth-not only about the mysterious plane crash, but about each other.

eTreasures Publishing:
Two more ebooks still out for updating; to be released soon.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Sealing the Deal
by Sandy James
I picked this title for blog tour too.
I like the author and am enjoying the story.
My review will post 
with giveaway on November 6, 2014.
After losing her sister, Bethany Rogers needs a shoulder to lean on more than ever-though she never expects that shoulder to belong to her new boss . . .

Bethany has been in love with Robert Ashford since they were teachers at the same high school. After Robert leaves to start his own construction company, Beth puts her feelings aside to focus on her goals. When she finally lands a gig as a part-time designer, she is shocked to find her new boss is none other than Robert . . . and he's hotter than ever. But Bethany's happiness is short-lived when she receives word that her sister has been killed in combat.

With the success of building homes for one happy family after another, Robert is finally ready to settle down. When Beth is left to care for her nine-month-old niece, Robert can't help but step in. And before long, the trio are inseparable. Yet convincing the cautious, bereaved Beth of letting him in proves difficult-but Robert will give everything he's got for the chance at his own happily ever after.

2. eBook/Kindle

Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery
by Joyce T. Strand
I am looking forward to reading this.
Review and giveaways to post on 11/7.
This eBook was received from Book Marketing Services
A mystery set in wine country pitting financial exec Brynn Bancroft against a determined stalker, a troubled love interest, and career clashes. Brynn Bancroft learns that a former employee who beat her nearly to death has returned to stalk her and her friend, Jillian Hillcrest, also a former victim. Recently divorced, Brynn turns to a new love interest only to encounter additional unwelcome issues. Meanwhile, short-timer Brynn, who has resigned from her Silicon Valley company, becomes bored fulfilling her remaining responsibilities there. She begins to prefer supporting the launch of her ex-husband's new hilltop winery while waiting to move to her next position. Between her stalker and her new love interest, Brynn faces a series of life-threatening events.

3. Audio/MP3

Ravenhill Court
Written by: David R. Beshears
Narrated by: Karen Krause
I selected this from AudioBook Jukebox 
to listen to for November Sci Fi Month.
Publisher's Summary
Present day... A man returns to a long-abandoned neighborhood. Doors stand ajar, shutters hang open, lawns and landscaping are unkempt. The man sits on the curb and opens a leather-bound journal. Through the journal, he recalls the events that took place in Ravenhill decades earlier.
Journey back to 1964... The man is just a boy. He and his friends find that their neighborhood, a cul-de-sac set into the foothills along the California coast, is not all that it appears. There are strange happenings - some amazing, some terrifying, and all pointing to the fact that this little community of families might just be something other than what the rest of the world perceives it to be.
Thirteen year-old Ben Foster, along with his friends Peter and Louis, and his older sister, Julie, set out to find the secret behind the peculiar events that the outside world doesn't see and that those living in the neighborhood either choose to ignore or are conspiring to keep hidden.
Young Peter will set the tales down in his journal, which years later a grown Ben Foster will clasp as the last surviving corroboration of their adventures and of their astonishing discovery.
©2010, 2014 David R. Beshears (P)2014 David R. Beshears

I am caught up on my daily Bible reading.
I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

Line Edits:
We are still finalizing formatting for two educational, non-fiction ebook releases which we sent back for a bit more polishing. We are also working on releasing several additional novels in print -- also polishing.

November I am participating in Sci Fi Month. The first week is full of tour books then I will switch to Sci Fi.
I have four tour reviews to post this week plus one NetGalley title to stay up to date.

Novenber Scheduled -
11/3 Unleashed w/ ebook GW (read)
11/4 Pushing the Limit w/ ebook GW (read)
11/6 Sealing the Deal w/ ebook GW (reading)
11/7 Hilltop Sunset: A Brynn Bancroft Mystery by Joyce Strand w/ Print GW (reading)
11/12 Peace & Goodwill a Christmas Novella (The Minstrel Series Book 4) by Lee Strauss
11/15 Ladies Book Club - Mystery of the Shemitah w/ Print GW
11/26 Sugar’s Twice as Nice w/ ebook GW

November Sci Fi Month: Some books I will read (*) and others are choices if I get to them.
*Audio: Ravenhill Court by David R. Beshears, Narrated by Karen Krause (listening)
Audio: I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas
Audio: Hours by Falling Up
Audio: The Maze Runner: Maze Runner, Book 1, Written by: James Dashner
*(NG) Exodus 2022, Kenneth G. Bennett
*(NG) The Genome, Sergei Lukyanenko
*(Tour) We Are the Destroyers by D.K. Lindler
(Won Sept?) The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart
Cinder: Book One of the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
The Tube Riders (The Tube Riders Trilogy #1) (free Kindle)
(eTP)The Wonk Decelerator by John Joseph Doody
(eTP)Valstain by R. J. Jerome


From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 2, 2014

This morning we are ready to leave Maryland and travel south to our next stop, Williamsburg, Virginia.  I miss my church family, Sunday school and church time.

Today we read Ezekiel 3-6, Hebrews 4, Psalm 104:24-35 and Proverbs 26:27.  The Lord is directing Ezekiel to deliver a message of judgment against Israel because of her rebellion. It is a message of awful destruction but I find hope for those who recognize God and turn from their wicked ways.
.
As I looked for a song I found this passage reading which I enjoyed with its wonderful images.

Psalm 104

(On YouTube from finalwarningcry)

Verse for Today:
Psalm 104:24 NIV
How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

My heart is sweetly calm and content because I know who orders my path.
I enter another month of November which is always a special extra reminder to give thanks to my creator, healer, comforter and redeemer.
Praise the Lord!

Sharing Beyond Books #175 Comment Giveaway November 1, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

We are sad to be finishing up our visiting with our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. On the other hand we are ready to be moving south toward home and warmer weather. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Ten commenters indicate they don't like to guess endings because they enjoy the twists and surprise endings. Nine readers admitted that they do try to guess or predict endings.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #174 comments is: #10 Sarah who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #175 (One Question.)

Q1. This week Marjorie asks: 1. Do you get a lot of pharmacy, lottery or money request spam mail? How do you handle it?

A: I get plenty of spam mail but thankfully gmail has a pretty good spam filter. I still have to delete the spam folder at the end of each week or so or it is too much. 

Image found at Mosaic Technology.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Marjorie asks: 1. Do you get a lot of pharmacy, lottery or money request spam mail? How do you handle it??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday November 8, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audio Review: Unwritten: A Novel by Charles Martin

If I gushed, I would gush over this audio book.
Unwritten: A Novel
Charles Martin (Author)
Kevin Stillwell (Narrator)

· Listening Length: 10 hours and 24 minutes
· Program Type: Audiobook
· Version: Unabridged
· Publisher: Hachette Audio
· Audible.com Release Date: July 9, 2013
· ASIN: B00DUHT9WK
Genre: Fiction, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
An actress running from her past finds escape with a man hiding from his future.
When someone wants to be lost, a home tucked among the Ten Thousand Islands off the Florida coast is a good place to live. A couple decent boats, and a deep knowledge of fishing and a man can get by without ever having to talk to another soul. It's a nice enough existence, until the one person who ties him to the world of the living, the reason he's still among them even if only on the fringes, asks him for help.

Father Steady Capri knows quite a bit about helping others. But he is afraid Katie Quinn's problems may be beyond his abilities. Katie is a world-famous actress with an all too familiar story. Fame seems to have driven her to self-destruct. Steady knows the true cause of her desire to end her life is buried too deeply for him to reach. But there is one person who still may be able to save her from herself.

He will show her an alternate escape, a way to write a new life. But Katie still must confront her past before she can find peace. Ultimately, he will need to leave his secluded home and sacrifice the serenity he's found to help her. From the Florida coast, they will travel to the French countryside where they will discover the unwritten story of both their pasts and their future.

Review:
Katie is a world famous actress sometimes known as the “ice queen”. She has many fans but few real friends. Father Steady, a Catholic Priest, became her true friend when she was a lonely teen newly arrived in America. Now he is not sure how to help her when he suspects that she has reached a point of no return.

Another of Father Steady’s lonely friends is ‘Sunday’. Sunday dropped out of society nearly ten years before after a shattering loss. He has been living a secluded life on his boats, fishing in the Florida Keys and Everglades. Father Steady hopes that this pair of broken souls might find a way to help each other pull out of their own despairs and return to live productive lives.

Sunday arrives on the scene just in time to help Father Steady ‘rescue’ a reluctant Katie. Sunday offers her the choice of disappearing from society as he did. She accepts but then insists on traveling to her homeland in France. Although Katie is not the easiest person to like, Sunday reluctantly travels with Katie and becomes her support for the ordeal she faces as she tries to make peace with her past.

At first Sunday thinks he has helped pull Katie from the worst of her depression, but when he fears she is still on the edge he realizes he will have to give up his own secrets. Then Sunday will have to face his own demons as well and hope that both he and Katie can return to share peace with their staunch friend, Father Steady, if not to completely release their self-imposed isolations.

The story is a beautifully woven mix of human emotions. The author, Mr. Martin, had me wrapped into the emotions as the painful pasts of these characters is revealed. I found myself sharing the sorrow and small joys but mostly wishing for their recovery as the pair struggle to find meaning in the pain they have experienced. Although most of us will never know the fame that Katie deals with, most readers can relate to a time when we wonder about the purpose of our life. The story also makes us realize how intertwined our lives can be with those we come in contact with, sometimes intimately and sometimes casually without even knowing the impact made.

The writing is wonderfully descriptive with prose that flows and breathes. (I did love the Florida descriptions of areas somewhat familiar to me.) This is one of those stories where I wanted to reach the ending but didn’t really want the story to end. It was the first I have read by this author but will not be the last.

Audio Notes: The narration by Kevin Stillwell was remarkable. He managed the character inflections so well I had to look to make sure there was not a female narrator too. More impressively, he conveyed the emotional depths of the characters with appropriate whispers and sometimes wrenching pain. The narration enhanced an already awesome read.

I feel blessed to have received this audiobook as a free download through NoiseTrade.