Review and Giveaway: Connected

Connected (Connections - Book 1) by Kim Karr

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: New American Library
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 368
ISBN-10: 0451468279
ISBN-13: 978-0451468277

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Sensation)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Kim Karr on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Excerpt from, Connected, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

What if a “Once in a Lifetime” could happen twice?

In Dahlia London’s world, happily ever after is a far cry from reality. Her soul has been left completely shattered by tragedy. But a surprising reunion with someone from her past is about to give her a reason to love again…

When rock star River Wilde comes back into Dahlia’s life, their super-charged connection runs deeper than either of them ever expected. The more time they spend together, the more intense their relationship becomes, and Dahlia believes at last she has found her soul mate.

But as old bonds fade and Dahlia’s grief begins to lift, her guilt and confusion remain. River desperately wants to be the one who mends what’s been broken—but with a past that refuses to stay buried, is it possible for their future to begin?

Thoughts:

The first book in Kim Karr's Connections series, Connected features the romance of of young woman whose life is marred by tragedy and a rock star she has a connection with. Karr throws readers head first into Dahlia's life and the life of rock star River Wilde. Every girls dream to meet and fall for a rock star. If readers are looking for a book that ties everything up in a neat little package, this isn't it. If readers are looking for a book featuring a soulful connection between two people from two different walks of life, this is it.

What I liked:

I knew going into reading this book that I might have an issue with it. I don't think this happens very often, if ever in real life. How many rock stars even have the time to talk to someone off the street so to speak, not many if any. So I was bound and determined that this book would an unrealistic read at best and one I probably wouldn't like. I would have to say that Karr really changed my opinion of what I thought rock star romances were all about. She gives readers a couple that have this uncanny relationship. They just get each other. They are so soulful and right for each other that the reader can easily forget that they probably would never meet in the real world. It just doesn't even matter.

River was certainly not your average hero. He has a few moments where he lets it go to his head a little bit... who wouldn't? He could have any woman he wants, but when he meets Dahlia, it's all over. She ruined for anyone else. They have this instant vibe between them. It's like they are held in this bubble and the world keeps on going around them, but they are somehow suspended in time. Dahlia knows she can't act on these feelings because she has someone and she really does love Ben in a sense it just isn't the same with River.

Years later they meet again. Dahlia has suffered some pretty profound tragedy by this time and River only wants to take the pain away. The way that he gives her the time she needs to grieve would make anyone's heart flutter. Rock stars are cast as materialistic and superficial, well somebody forgot to tell this character, because he is anything but... Karr does such a great job of making this connection apparent to everyone who comes in contact with these two characters. They were made for each other, no doubt about it.

I kept waiting for the conflict. For that thing that happens to drive them apart. I had no idea this one ended in a cliffhanger until the end and I was basically stunned by how quickly things take turn. Karr certainly wasn't scared off by the fact that some readers don't like cliffhangers. I will admit that I am one of those readers. But this one might have changed my mind a little bit. The cliffhanger made sense, there I said it. I thought the cliffhanger actually worked in this case and it totally made me want to jump into the second book. 

What I didn't like:

I still have issues with the rock star meets regular girl theme, but I was able to suspend that attitude for this book, because Kim Karr was able to make me believe it could work if you have the right connection. Most readers are thinking... I want to connect with a rock star! LOL.

Bottom Line:

This a really special relationship. These characters will speak to anyone who thinks love at first sight is possible. That there is just one true love for each person in the world. It's perfect for those readers who know, that connections that are unexplained happen every day. A great read!

Connected is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Kim Karr lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She’s always had a love for books and recently decided to embrace one of her biggest passions—writing.  Connected is her first novel and the first in her Connected series, followed by Torn. 

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Connected by Kim Karr.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 14th.

1. Please leave a comment about what you think of rock stars or celebrities as the main characters in romances?
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review and Giveaway: Winter at Mustang Ridge

Winter at Mustang Ridge (Mustang Ridge - Book 2) by Jesse Hayworth

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 0451419154
ISBN-13: 978-0451419156

(Received for an honest review from Signet Eclipse)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Jesse Hayworth on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Summer at Mustang Ridge (2013), Winter at Mustang Ridge (2014)

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, Winter at Mustang Ridge, courtesy of 

Synopsis:

The Skye family rebel never wanted to be a cowgirl ... and she sure didn't plan on coming home for good.
 
Grateful to her twin for keeping Mustang Ridge in the family, Jenny Skye agrees to return home for a month so her sister can get away. It’s the middle of winter, and only a few year-round staffers, her family, and the animals will be there. But the globe-trotting videographer is soon in way over her head at the dude ranch dealing with reservations, her redecorating-obsessed mother, and the town's hunky new veterinarian.
 
Despite his adventurous past, Nick Masterson is putting down roots in Mustang Ridge. When a stray dog, a missing family member and a snowstorm conspire to throw him and Jenny together, there's no denying the blaze of attraction. But can a relationship that began in the heat of the moment turn into something more for a woman who's always been eager to put her hometown behind her?  

Thoughts:

Jesse Hayworth brings readers the second book in her Mustang Ridge series, Winter at Mustang Ridge. This is a great character driven series that features a family owned dude ranch. Readers who have heard about dude ranches or watched movies like City Slickers will have an idea of what they are in for with this series. Hayworth has created engaging, realistic characters and her use of humor is fun and entertaining. This is a great book for those cold winter nights. A cup of cocoa and a heart warming romance.

What I liked:

This is one of those series' that just warms your heart. I was somewhat skeptical about a modern day dude ranch, but the idea quickly grew on me when I read the first book in the series, Summer at Mustang Ridge. I immediately fell in love with the Skye family and their business. In the second book, Winter at Mustang Ridge I was looking forward to meeting one of the wayward members of the family, who found her fulfillment in life, off the ranch... far, far, away. I 

Jenny was certainly worth the wait. She is girl with an itch for a warmer climate, for the far flung jungles and her work on the film crew of a reality television series. I thought she had tenacity and spunk. But she also had a deep sense of family and when Krista needs a break from the ranch for 6 months, Jenny goes home. I loved the whole idea of the dark sheep returning to the fold. She was different from the rest of the family and that was ok. She was just like them in all the ways that counted. I loved her caring spirit and her love of animals. Rex was one lucky dog!

And so was the new Vet in town, Nick. He was handsome and strong and he loved animals. How could she go wrong? The problem was, he was ready to settle down in Mustang Ridge and she still had the urge to pick up and travel around the world. Nick was so calm and reassuring most of the time. I thought he was the ultimate good guy. I'm glad he didn't finish last. It took some time for him to understand Jenny and that she was worth his time to compromise. I thought he made a great hero.

The romance between these two was sweet. It wasn't saccharine sweet, but just enough to make me feel all warm and fuzzy. There was a little spice here and there, but it wasn't out of place and felt like it belonged to the story and to these passionate characters. It wasn't forced nor did feel contrived. The romance was just what I wanted to relax with.

What I didn't like:

There were several comedic moments in this book that were absolutely a joy to read. My only qualm with this book was that there wasn't more of them! I truly enjoyed this one and can't wait to read the next.

Bottom Line:

A modern day dude ranch is a far cry from what one might expect. I loved the idea and thought it was original and refreshing. The characters were exactly what I wanted. Realistic, easy to relate to and all around good people. This a great series, give it a try.

Winter at Mustang Ridge is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Jesse Hayworth is the author of Summer at Mustang Ridge and the novella Sunset at Keyhole Canyon. She is a farm girl from way back, complete with tractors and livestock. Now farmless and driving a Subaru named Roo, Jesse lives on the East Coast with a cranky tabby she rescued from an auto shop and a beloved husband, who rescued her from Match.com. She loves writing about wide-open spaces, animals, and true love, and she hopes you’ll come along for the ride! 

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Winter at Mustang Ridge by Jesse Hayworth.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 14th.

1. Please leave a comment about what you like about contemporary western romances.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review and Giveaway: Jaded

Jaded (Walker's Ford - Book 2) by Anne Calhoun

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Sensation
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0425265129
ISBN-13: 978-0425265123

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Sensation)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Anne Calhoun on the WEB: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Books in the series:

Unforgiven (2013), Jaded (2014)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

WARNING: The content of this excerpt and the book may be inappropriate for readers under 18 years.

Excerpt from Jaded, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

They can’t hide from desire…

After life as a cop in Denver leaves him burned-out, Lucas Ridgeway returns to Walkers Ford, South Dakota, to serve as their chief of police. He’s hoping to start over with a clean slate and avoid any emotional entanglements—even after his next-door neighbor kisses him senseless. Alana is passionate, dedicated, and most importantly leaving town soon. So why not have some fun?

Alana Wentworth comes from a larger-than-life political family, yet all she wanted was to be a librarian. Then after an embarrassing marriage proposal from Mr. Not-For-Her, she jumps at the chance to live her dream for a few months. She wasn't supposed to get involved with the community—or sexy, troubled Lucas. But when the time comes for Alana to put Walkers Ford behind her, she’s not ready. And Lucas may not be ready for her to go…

Thoughts:

Author Anne Calhoun continues her Walkers Ford series with Jaded, the story of a big city cop who returns to his small hometown to become sheriff and a pretty young librarian who is about to leave town for good. Readers who haven't read Calhoun's other books will be surprised by her expertise with setting. Walkers Ford gives readers an enchanting small town feel with engaging, reoccurring, characters and plenty of spice. A great feel good story that will leave readers wanting more.

What I liked:

There were plenty of things to like about this book, which happened to be my first from Anne Calhoun. Walkers Ford is the kind of small mid-western town that many readers would like to live in. The community is close and everyone knows everyone. Unfortunately that means everyone knows your business too. LOL! I thought the author did a great job of showing what life is like in a small town. There was definitely a lot of realism in this story and I liked this town.

Heroine Alana Wentworth isn't exactly a part of the town of Walkers Ford. Shes only in town in order to save the local library and ends up showing everyone what the library means to them. I loved this plot line. I am a library reader. The library changed my life and showed me that I could go anywhere in the world in the pages of a book. So Alana's cause was one after my own heart. I loved the fact that not only did she show real heart by trying to save the library, but she also tried to help others as well. A great lead character, who wanted to have a little fun with no strings attached.

Lucas Ridgeway has been a cop in Denver for far too long. He's become jaded and wants a change so her returns to his hometown, he puts me in mind of another cop who became police chief, Jesse Stone, I'm sure many of you are familiar with Robert Parker's Paradise chief. Lucas has some issues and wants some peace of mind and a little affair with the chick next door wouldn't hurt. I thought Lucas was a bit hard in the beginning, but he needed to be to pull off the whole idea of a jaded cop. I loved the way he began to open up when his relationship with Alana got more serious. He did a 180 not only with her but in the way he dealt with his cousin and everyone else in his life. He turned out to be quite a good hero.

The chemistry between these two was electric. It obvious when they meet that sparks will fly. It's just a matter of whether it will stay fling or whether it will become more. At first their sexual relationship reminded me of a 'friends with benefits' kind of thing, but it quickly heated up to something a whole lot more complicated. Out of frying pan and into the fire as far as Lucas is concerned. In end it comes down to whether Alana will return to her wealthy family in Chicago or whether she will stay in Walkers Ford. 

What I didn't like:

There were a few moments where Lucas comes across as a self serving egotist. But like I said I think that had to be the way he was portrayed. Maybe he could have come around a little sooner and not been so abrasive for so long. 

Bottom Line:

I definitely want to go back and read book one and I want to read other books by this author. I loved the setting and the whole sex with no strings fling grew on me. I think readers will fall in love with Walkers Ford and the people who live there. 

Jaded is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

After doing time at Fortune 500 companies on both coasts, Anne Calhoun landed in a flyover state, where she traded business casual for yoga pants and decided to write down all the lively story ideas that got her through years of monotonous corporate meetings. Her first novel won the EPIC Award for Contemporary Erotic Romance. 

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Jaded by Anne Calhoun.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 14th.

1. Please leave a comment about another great hero who happens to be a cop.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review and Giveaway: Beewitched

Beewitched (Queen Bee Mystery - Book 5) by Hannah Reed

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Cozy
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0425261611
ISBN-13: 978-0425261613

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Prime Crime)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Hannah Reed on the WEB: website, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Buzz Off (2010), Mind Your Own Beeswax (2011), Plan Bee (2012), Beeline to Trouble (2012), Beewitched (2014)

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, Beewitched, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

The latest Queen Bee Mystery in a series that's "a sweet treat for cozy mystery fans." (Fresh Fiction)

Beekeeper Story Fischer has stocked the shelves of her market, The Wild Clover, in preparation for the influx of produce-crazy tourists about to invade Moraine, Wisconsin. In fact, with the apple cider and caramel apple stand on Main Street and the corn maze out at Country Delight Farm, the whole town is ready for the swarm.

But when a self-proclaimed witch moves into town, the neighbors are all abuzz with questions. Is the quirky newcomer a good witch or a bad one? Story thinks Dyanna Crane is perfectly nice, albeit a little eccentric. But after an entire coven shows up for a new moon ritual—and one of the witches ends up dead in the corn maze—Story must comb through both fact and fiction, before anyone else is murdered under the cover of magic…

Thoughts:

Author Hannah Reed delivers with her latest book in the Queen Bee mystery series, Beewitched. Witches and bees and honey... oh my! Reed has a little magic up her sleeve in this one and readers will love the addition of several witchy secondary characters. It's almost tourist season in Moraine, Wisconsin and Story Fischer is ready for it. Fans of the series with love the over-the-top humor and comical situations and new readers will fall in love with the small town setting. Beewitched might just bespell readers into reading it again and again.

What I liked:

I have always enjoyed the premise of this series. Story is not only the owner of the local market, The Wild Clover, but also keeps bee's and there is always a lot of information about beekeeping, from how to start a hive to details about honey production. I think that behind the scenes look at a hobby than can actually sell, is what makes this series so popular. Along with the realism of the small town setting and the authors great sense of humor it all adds up to great series based on an interesting profession or hobby.

Story is a great heroine as well. She knows what she wants and how to get it. I liked the fact that she isn't skeptical of her new neighbor who is a self-proclaimed witch. She just goes with the flow and gives Dyanna the benefit of the doubt. Of course when one of Dyanna's coven members ends up dead, Story can't help but wonder if it was magic or just plain old revenge. I think Reed does a great job of making Story so easy to relate to. She can be very inquisitive, almost too curious and very forthright and clear about what she thinks, she is a great cozy heroine. 

The humor has always been one of the things that drew me to this series. Reed knows what readers will find funny. Story's neighbor Patty provides a ton of comic relief especially in this book. Murder can be a really heavy subject, so a good dose of humor lightens the mood and gives the reader a breather from some of the more gruesome details of a murder. When an author understands humor is makes for a great read and Reed has it in the bag.

I enjoyed the witch angle a lot. It certainly took the series in an unexpected direction with this book and I thought Reed pulled if off well. The misconceptions about Story's new neighbor, had some townspeople paranoid. But when one witch ends up dead, it's up to Story to figure out whodunit. I thought the mystery elements were well written and believable. That's exactly how my neighbors would react to a witch in the neighborhood. Story is so good at getting to the truth. 

What I didn't like:

Though I enjoyed all of the details surrounding Story's mother's wedding. I was still a little baffled at why the author chooses to completely leave Story out of the planning. Her sis is the wedding planner, but Story has no real role until the big day. I could feel Story's pain at the slight she was experiencing, but that's one of those things that is the author's perspective. Other's might like that part, me, not so much.

Bottom Line:

I love the bee keeping aspects of the book as well as the magical aspects in this one. Reed certainly knows how to add a little piazz to town, just throw in some witches and no telling what might happen. The humor had me in stitches and readers will love the small town charm of Moraine and the camaraderie of the townsfolk.

Beewitched is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Hannah Reed lives on a high ridge in southern Wisconsin in a community much like the one she writes about. She is busy writing the next book in the Queen Bee mystery series (Beeline to Trouble, Plan Bee, Mind Your Own Beeswax, Buzz Off).

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Beewitched by Hannah Reed.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 14th.

1. Please leave a comment describing any experiences you may have with bee keeping or a good story involving honey.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review and Giveaway: The Countess Confessions

The Countess Confessions (Boscastle Affairs - Book 2) by Jillian Hunter

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Signet Eclipses
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 352
ISBN-10: 0451415337
ISBN-13: 978-0451415332

(Received for an honest review from Signet Eclipse)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Jillian Hunter on the WEB: website, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

The Mistress Memoirs (2013), The Countess Confessions (2014)

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, The Countess Confessions, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Jillian Hunter has charmed readers with her “sizzling sexual chemistry and rapier wit"(Booklist). Now she returns to the scandalous Boscastle family…

All Emily Selwick wanted was to convince the man she had adored for years that she was the woman he ought to marry. She never expected that her ill-fated deception at a party would uncover a scheme against the Crown and ensnare her in the sensual trap of an enigmatic stranger.

Damien Boscastle, the Earl of Shalcross, knows he must marry Emily to defend her honor and keep his mission secret. But, by saving her reputation, he will draw her into his arms as well as a dangerous intrigue.

After a whirlwind courtship that leaves her breathless, Emily finds herself wed to a husband who vows not only to protect her from his menacing world—but to train his wife in the pleasures of passion.

Thoughts:

Jillian Hunter brings readers the second book in her spin-off Boscastle Affairs series, The Countess Confessions. This a sexy romp through the ton, with a bit of fortune telling, a smidgen of espionage and a big dose of romance. Hunter fans will love revisiting the Boscastle family with Damien being the hero for this novel. Hunter's sharp wit is amazing during the banter between hero and heroine and her trademark ability to write captivating characters was at it's best. Damien's protective nature comes out when Emily is in danger both in body and in reputation. Readers will love this addition to the series.

What I liked:

This book is the second in a spin off series featuring the Boscastle family. It also considered book 14 in the original series, but I think it fits well in either category. Jillian Hunter is a old pro at writing historical romance and her experience really shows in her latest book, The Countess Confessions. She uses several plot devices that give this story an originality that is sometimes missing in the genre. Yes, it is set in the Regency era, but it is distinctly outside the norm. It features a young woman, who essentially ends up in the wrong place, at the wrong time and finds herself in a mountain of trouble.

Emily had in a mind a simple little scheme to get a man she was interested in's attention. But she ends up in the middle of a plot against the crown. I loved the way the author used the Gypsy girl scenario as a catalyst for the hero and heroine to meet. I thought it was both cute and something I hadn't seen before. Readers will find it a fresh and interesting plot line that will have them wondering exactly what is going to happen next.

Many Regency romances focus on a woman's reputation being put in danger by her actions with a man. This story also leans that way, but it is a bit more complicated than the typical plot line. Not only is Emily in danger of losing her reputation, but her life is on the line as well, when she stumbles into Damien mission to find a group of anarchists. This also showed a lot of originality. It works from a tried and true theme and adds a new dimension, making it much more interesting than the normal set up.

Damien was a fantastic hero. Not only does he show loyalty to his country but he also shows loyalty to Emily throughout the story. He is passionate and full of surprises, in the bedroom and out of it. When he realizes that he must propose to Emily to keep her safe he doesn't want a marriage in name only, he wants her as his wife and he intends to show her everything about love and being intimate. I loved the way he was so accepting of her and how he only wanted the best for her. I felt like he was a very worthy character and that he had is priorities in the right place making him the ultimate hero.

Hunter has created a very intriguing novel and I think readers will really enjoy the spy angle, as well as, the love story. If definitely has it's place, but the romance is where it's at in this novel. The chemistry between main characters is scorching. I loved their interactions together throughout the book whether is was bantering back and forth or in the midst of love making they always respected each other and made each moment matter. Hunter wrote them very sensuously but also very emotionally mature.

What I didn't like:

Not much of a criticism, but I wanted more spy stuff. More intrigue and danger. I loved the romance but I think the story would have benefited with a little more attention to the conflict in the story. Still a wonderful book with great characters and a very romantic lead couple.

Bottom Line:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next adventure with the Boscastle's they are some kind of family. The romance was the central crux of the story but that little added benefit of the espionage gave it interest and originality. Loved it!

The Countess Confessions is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Jillian Hunter is the author of more than twenty critically acclaimed novels, including the Bridal Pleasures series: The Duchess Diaries, A Bride Unveiled, and A Duke's Temptation. The Countess Confessions marks the thirteenth Boscastle Regency romance, following The Mistress Memoirs. Jillian's  The Wicked Duke Takes a Wife and A Wicked Lord at the Wedding are New York Times bestsellers. She has received several awards, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She lives in Southern California with her husband and three daughters.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of The Countess Confessions by Jillian Hunter.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 13th.

1. Please leave a comment about whether you have read any of the other Boscastle books, in this spin off collection or the original series?
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review: The Dream Dress

The Dream Dress (Weddings by Design - Book 3) by Janice Thompson

Publication Date:  02/18/2014
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Imprint: Revell Books
Genre: Christian/Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Pages: 336
ISBN-10: 0800721543
ISBN-13: 978-0800721541

(Received for an honest review from Revell Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, ChristianBook, Indiebound

Janice Thompson on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Books in the series: 

Picture Perfect (2013), The Icing on the Cake (2013), The Dream Dress (2014)

Coverart: Click the Image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from, The Dream Dress, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature. 

Synopsis:

A seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. When Jordan Spencer, the editor of Texas Bride magazine visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is devastated to lose her job in his very influential presence. Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well. Could it be that she'll have to design her own wedding dress soon?

As always, Janice Thompson delivers fun, laughter, and romance as she takes readers back to Galveston, Texas, to spend more time with their favorite quirky characters along with fabulous new ones.

Thoughts:

Inspirational author Janice Thompson returns with the third book in her, Weddings by Design series, The Dream Dress. When it comes to Weddings, Thompson knows what she's talking about. Having been a former Wedding planner herself gives her stories an authenticity that is missing from other books of this kind. Thompson uses over-the-top situations to create humor in her writing and readers will find themselves smiling often when reading her books. Thompson's inspirational message is weaved throughout the story assuring that readers not only entertained but have the opportunity to grow spiritually as well.

What I liked:

Every time I pick up a book by Janice Thompson I know a few things already. One, it will be a fun read, with lots of humor and two, it will have a clear cut message. In her latest book, The Dream Dress, Thompson again goes back to her roots as a wedding planner and brings readers a story about a young woman with a dream. A dream of being a wedding gown designer. Unfortunately, Gabi doesn't understand her own worth and can't believe that she will ever attain her goal. The messes she finds herself in as she works at hemming and stitching gowns designed by others is often enough to make readers laugh out loud, but it is clearly the underlying message of faith that is the love story of this novel.

Don't get me wrong, Gabi's Mr. Right comes in the form of a reporter from Texas Bride magazine, named Jordan. And these two make a wonderful couple. They are sweet together, supportive of each other and ultimately they find their way together. But the story of how Gabi comes to the realization of God's love in her own life is the back bone of the book. I could see a lot of myself in Gabi's character and I believe other readers will as well. She is easy to relate to because we have all had moments of low self esteem in our lives and this is a character that will speak to others. I loved the fact that Thompson didn't try to water down her story to make it fit into a certain kind of mold. She told it with simplicity and clarity and I loved the way it turned out.

I also enjoyed the characters from Thompson's other series, Weddings by Bella making an appearance as well. It was nice to see them again and gave readers who follow the author a chance to catch up with some old favorites. Also I think it provided some page time to the relationships between women that can be so special. All of the women in this series are inter-related in some way and I loved seeing them interact and draw strength from each other. I think writing about friendships is so meaningful. I often find myself wishing for that special "girlfriend" that has been missing in my own life and seeing these characters interact makes me determined to find that again. Another pleasant surprise from this book.

Love is certainly in the air with this series and I think Thompson does a fantastic job with all of the wedding aspects of the story. It provides a lot of necessary structure for the story and weddings are such a wonderful and joyful experience to write about. I loved all of the behind the scenes information about the wedding business and it makes me wish I could do that for a living.

What I didn't like:

Some of the situations that Thompson writes about are a little too over the top for me. Not that they couldn't happen in real life, it's just that the possibility of so many of them happening to the same set of characters seems a bit far fetched once in a while. But if I just let myself go and enjoy the read no matter what happens, little things like that, just kind of fade into the background.

Bottom Line:

This story made me laugh. It made me nostalgic for a close female friend. It made me think about God's love in my own life and how having confidence is so important. In other words, it touched me on many levels and it definitely tickled my funny bone. A very good book by an exceptional inspirational author.

The Dream Dress is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect and The Icing on the Cake. She lives in Texas. Visit www.janiceathompson.com for more information.

Review and Giveaway: Lord of the Rakes

Lord of the Rakes by Darcie Wilde

Publication Date: 02/04/2014
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkeley Sensation
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 0425265552
ISBN-13: 978-0425265550

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Sensation)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Indiebound

Darcie Wilde on the WEB: website, blog, twitter, facebook, goodreads

Excerpt from, Lord of the Rakes, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

All of London knows Phillip Montcalm’s name. It’s on the lips of a different lady every night…
 
So it’s no wonder he’s called the Lord of the Rakes. Rumor has it he’s the most dangerous seducer in the city, with quite the extensive list of conquests. Talk of his prowess as a lover and his ingenuity in the bedroom are enough to make even the most prudish of ladies succumb to temptation. But as of late, Phillip has found himself a bit bored. Until he sets his eyes on a fiery newcomer.
 
New to independence and London, gorgeous heiress Lady Caroline Delamarre wants to make the most of her life. And when Phillip meets her gaze, she knows the perfect place to start: in his arms…and in his bed. But what begins as a long night of breathtaking passion leads to more than the two bargained for. Haunted by troubled pasts and inescapable family entanglements, each of them must decide if they can risk a gamble on what might be true love.

Thoughts:

Darcie Wildes new romance, Lord of the Rakes is set in the Regency era and adheres to some rules of the ton, while flouting others. Readers who are looking for a steamy romance between a sheltered young woman, gaining her independence and a man who is known for his sexual exploits will find this one right up their alley. Wilde uses beautiful prose and elaborate descriptions to engage the reader and keep them turning the pages. Her characters are fiery and full of surprises, but will Caroline let Phillip be her master or is their dalliance only a passing fling?

What I liked:

When I started reading this book, I was fully expecting a regular Regency romance. But I was quite surprised to find that Darcie Wilde had different ideas for this book. I loved the overall premise of the book, sheltered young woman finally gets her independence and decides to have some fun. Disenchanted rake is bored with his life of gaming and women and wants to find a purpose in his life. I could definitely see where this one was going and I liked the direction. Imagine my surprise when said rake asks said young woman to call him master. Was this a Regency or a master/sub relationship gearing up here? I would have to say it was a bit of both.

Wilde sets the reader up with the idea that heroine, Caroline has been kept away from London by her father and her brother possibly because of a trust fund she has only recently become away of. Caroline is young and beautiful and she has lived on mother's stories of her social life in London and she wants to experience it for herself. In the process she intends to leave for France and never marry if she can help it. In the ton, reputation means everything but to Caroline is means very little, so the idea of taking a lover doesn't bother her. In fact she wants it very much. I thought maybe the fact that an innocent would choose to take a lover almost on a whim was perhaps a little far fetched but I went with it and found that Wilde made it seem more realistic the more I read.

Phillip is widely known as a rake. He spends every night with a different woman. I could totally understand why he might be bored after a while. It might be a different woman, but it was still the same game. It was sort of expected from a second son, but it was getting out of hand and Phillip was beginning to think his life had become quite meaningless. I thought Wilde did an exceptional job with this character. His dominant behavior was certainly a surprise but not unbelievable. He was in a sense looking for something in his life he could control and his pleasure became that thing. 

Once I got over the initial shock of finding a wee bit of dominant/submissive behavior in this book, I enjoyed where the author took it. She didn't add so much of it that it could be termed erotica, but she kind of whetted the appetite of the reader. Readers who are not used to that sort of thing may have found it uncharacteristic for the genre, but it may certainly have opened their eyes to the possibilities. I liked the brush with BDSM without all the entanglements. 

This romance kind of started backwards, but realistically that's how most of them do in the real world. Sex first, questions later. I thought the fact that they couldn't seem to stay away from each other was very telling. Obviously both of them had something the other craved or needed. They satisfied each other and in turn I think they satisfied the reader as a couple. Wilde does good job with this one and I am interested to see where she might take readers next.

What I didn't like:

I liked this book, there were parts of it that were intriguing and thought provoking, but there were also parts where I felt the story was a little unrealistic to be set in the Regency period. The ton is very rigid and those who did not adhere to the unspoken rules were often ostracized. I just felt that Caroline's lack of concern over her reputation was not in keeping with the rules of the game for this kind of book. Might just be a personal thing, some movement within the confines of the Regency period is fine. 

Bottom Line:

This was a surprising novel and it was well written. Just a minor issue that is probably just a peeve of mine, doesn't take away from the overall enjoyment of this book. It will certainly open up the eyes of some readers and perhaps help them broaden their reading horizons. A good book, from an author I want to read again.

Lord of the Rakes is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

A longtime resident of the Great Lakes State, Darcie Wilde writes her sizzling-hot romances in Ann Arbor, Michigan. When not actually writing, she lives out her own happily-ever-afters with her husband of fifteen years, one rapidly growing son, one cat, and one writer’s group of infinite patience.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Lord of the Rakes by Darcie Wilde.

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~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, March 12th.

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