Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open to anyone and is a fun way to get a taste of different books. The rules are simple and everyone is welcome to participate.

1. Grab your current read.
2. Open to a random page.
3. Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
4. Be careful NOT to include spoilers (you don’t want to ruin the book for others.)
5. Share the title & author 6. After completing your post, return to A Daily Rhythm and add a link in their “comment” section.

My Teaser:

"His dark eyes shot to hers, and she clamped her mouth. Though he'd told her to call him otherwise, his name stuck in her throat, scraping it raw."
 
The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep Loc 1081
Historical Fiction

Swoon Worthy Spotlights

Welcome to another one of our new Book Blog Memes hosted by Bookworm NationKatie's Clean Book Collection and KJ's Book Nook! Swoon Worthy Spotlights features 1-3 of our favorite books that we have read during the month. We will share the cover(s), our review(s) and a link to each other's post so you can check out which books we have all chosen!

So... without further adieu... our first...

Swoon Worthy Spotlights!


For my first Swoon Worthy Spotlights I am going to choose...

Enclave by Ann Aguire
Razorland, Book One
 
A Christmas Kiss by Susan Hatler
Kissed By The Bay, Book Five
 
So, I had sort of made a goal to read a book a day in January, didn't quite turn out that way (read around seven. Haha, so I didn't even come close, life got in the way. While I enjoyed the books I read, I also didn't have any five star reads (although I'm sure other would have rated them five stars). Here's hoping February will be full of five star reads (already off to a good start).
 
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And don't for get to check Kathy Jo's post here and Katie's post here!
 
Do you have a blog and want to join us for Swoon Worthy Spotlights? Then grab the picture and post with us! We will be posting on the last day of each month. Make sure you share your link with us so we can check out your favorite authors as well! If you don't have a blog, just leave a comment below. I'd love to hear which books we're your favorite for the month!
 

Friday, January 27, 2017

First Line Friday


Welcome to First Line Friday! This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story. Make you want to keep reading. So, my selection for this week is:
 
Lover's Quarrel by Jessica L Randall
 
Synopsis: Lovers’ Quarrel is one of the hottest radio programs around, and Karina Kruz is the reason why. Fueled by her own secrets, Karina has dedicated herself to ridding the city of infidelity one call at a time. But she may have met her match when she crosses Ben Adler, who loses his girlfriend and budding career thanks to the show. When Ben tries to redeem himself, he and Karina make a wager that will end up pitting the two of them against each other over the air in Ben’s own hometown. But with Karina stirring things up, the good people of Willow Grove aren’t the only ones in danger of falling in love.
 
First Line:
 
"Are you there?" Karina held her breath, waiting.
 
So, what's your pick for this week? If you want to participate grab the logo and post your own First Line Friday entry on your blog and then leave your link in the comments below. If you don't have a blog, just leave the title, author and first line in the comment section below. Happy Reading!

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. My choice for this week is:

The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson
Historical Regency Romance
Tanglewood, Book Two
Release Day: February 2017
 
Synopsis: When Miss Coralynn Notley’s father barters her off to the first titled gentleman to come along, she realizes she must flee her home or be forced to wed a despicable man. Driven by desperation, she applies for the position of housekeeper at Tanglewood Manor, the home of the handsome Mr. Jonathan Ludlow. The moment Jonathan sees Miss Notley, he is intrigued. She is far too young and inexperienced, yet there is something about her that that inspires a certain hope within him. Does he dare offer her the position of housekeeper or will doing so result in catastrophe?

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open to anyone and is a fun way to get a taste of different books. The rules are simple and everyone is welcome to participate.

1. Grab your current read.
2. Open to a random page.
3. Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
4. Be careful NOT to include spoilers (you don’t want to ruin the book for others.)
5. Share the title & author 6. After completing your post, return to A Daily Rhythm and add a link in their “comment” section.

My Teaser:

"He winced, waiting for the curse that tore out of his father. "Tell me again...what is she doing here?"
 
Winter Rising by Shannyn Leah
Loc1807
Science Fiction Urban Fantasy
Lexcon Time Travel, Book One
Clean Edition 

Friday, January 20, 2017

First Line Fridays


Welcome to First Line Friday! This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story. Make you want to keep reading. So, my selection for this week is:

Guarding Her Heart by Belle Calhoune
 
Synopsis: When realtor, Marissa Santana, witnesses a murder in the wee hours of the morning, she finds herself suffering post-traumatic stress in the form of amnesia. After two attempts on her life, Marissa realizes she isn’t safe from a killer’s vengeance. Protection arrives in the form of Matt Cruz, Sheriff of Briarwood, who vows to keep her safe. Problem is, Cruz is the last person Marissa wants to give her around the clock protection. Town sheriff, Matt Cruz, is duty bound to protect Marissa Santana from a killer’s revenge, even though he doesn’t think much of the gossipy realtor. Cruz is still stewing over a rumor he believes Marissa spread about him and an elderly resident of Briarwood. But now, with danger looming, he vows to keep her from a killer’s grasp at all costs. As Cruz provides around the clock protection for Marissa, they find themselves growing closer and bridging the wide gap between them. As their feelings turn romantic, a killer is still waiting in the shadows to strike out at Marissa. Will true love prevail?
First Line:
 
"Marissa Santana nursed her Diet Coke and watched from across the courtyard as her sworn enemy chatted up a group of good looking ladies."
 
So, what's your pick for this week? If you want to participate grab the logo and post your own First Line Friday entry on your blog and then leave your link in the comments below. If you don't have a blog, just leave the title, author and first line in the comment section below. Happy Reading!
 

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. My choice for this week is:

Vanguard by Ann Aguirre
YA Dystopian
Companion novel to the Razorland trilogy
Release Date: July 25, 2017
 
Synopsis: The Razorland saga continues. Since the war ended, Tegan has dreamed of an epic journey, so when she has the opportunity to sign on as ship's doctor, she can't wait. It's past time to chart her course. Millie Faraday, the kindest girl in the free territories, also yearns to outrun her reputation, and warrior-poet James Morrow would follow Tegan to the ends of the earth. Their company seems set, but fate brings one more to their number. Tegan will battle incredible odds while aiding Szarok, the Uroch vanguard, who has ventured forth to save his people. Szarok is strange and beautiful, like a flower that blooms only in the dark. She shouldn't allow him close, as such a relationship is both alien and forbidden. But through stormy seas and strange lands, she will become stronger than she ever knew.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open to anyone and is a fun way to get a taste of different books. The rules are simple and everyone is welcome to participate.

1. Grab your current read.
2. Open to a random page.
3. Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
4. Be careful NOT to include spoilers (you don’t want to ruin the book for others.)
5. Share the title & author 6. After completing your post, return to A Daily Rhythm and add a link in their “comment” section.

My Teaser:


He touched my check very lightly. "I have your back. I didn't mean only when it's easy. All the time."
 
-Enclave, Razorland
by Ann Aguirre, Page 76
YA Dystopian, Book One

Friday, January 13, 2017

Author's Corner


Welcome to our newest Book Blog Meme hosted by Bookworm NationKatie's Clean Book Collection and KJ's Book Nook! Once a month Author's Corner will feature either a favorite author or new to us author. We will share the author's bio, one of our favorite books of theirs and a review. Each of us will be featuring a different author each month so there will also be links to each of our posts.

We love finding and sharing amazing authors with others, We thought this would be the perfect way to share the love not only with other bookworms but with the authors that we absolutely adore! So... without further adieu... may we present our first...Author's Corner!


For my first Author's Corner I am going to choose...

Nancy Campbell Allen


"Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of 13 published novels and several novellas, which encompass a variety of genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. Her Civil War series, Faith of our Fathers, won the Utah Best of State award in 2005 and two of her historicals featuring Isabelle Webb, Pinkerton spy, were finalists for the Whitney Award. Her steampunk novel, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, was released August, 2016, through Shadow Mountain. She served on the 2015 LDStorymakers Conference Committee and currently serves as the Teen Committee coordinator for The Teen Writers Conference. She has presented at numerous conferences and events since her initial publication in 1999.

Her formal schooling includes a B.S. in Elementary Education from Weber State University and she has worked as a ghost writer and freelance editor, contributing to the releases, We Knew Howard Hughes, by Jim Whetton, and My Life Encapsulated, by Kenneth Brailsford.

Nancy loves to read, write, travel and research, and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She and her husband have three children, and she lives in Ogden, Utah with her family and one very large Siberian Husky named Thor."
 
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I've been a big fan of Nancy's for a long time. The first book I read of hers was A House Divided, I believe this was around 2003 (before I had Goodreads or my review blog), I was hooked on that series. I quickly looked up anything else she had written and fell in love with her books (I think she had about eight books at that time. She became an autobuy author for me pretty early on, and I always kept an eye out for when she had a new release. It's hard for me to narrow down a favorite book, so I'll pick a random one (seriously, they're all so good)...


Romantic Suspense
Book Two, but can stand on its own
 
Conner O'Brian knows his engagement is a mistake, but before he can take steps to end it, his fiancée is dead and FBI agents are on his doorstep. Then Liz Saxton, a resourceful and self-assured private investigator, shows up looking dangerously like the woman he thought he loved. Conner is hardly looking for a new romance, and the last thing Liz wants is to get involved in a murder investigation with someone as attractive as Conner O'Brian.

Before they know it, Liz and Conner find themselves on a nonstop chase across continents and oceans in a race to find the evidence they need before a bullet finds them.

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And don't for get to check out Kathy Jo's post here and Katie's post here!
 

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Do you have a blog and want to join us for Author's Corner? Then grab the picture and post with us! We will be posting the 2nd Saturday of each month. Make sure you share your link with us so we can check out your favorite authors as well! 

Happy reading my fellow bookworms! 💗

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave (Razorland, #1)Enclave by Ann Aguirre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I remember when this first came out, back in 2011, it catching my eye and being one I wanted to read. I have a personal rule to try and only read series when they're all complete so I set this aside and waited. The trilogy has been done for awhile now and I finally got around to starting it. I'm glad I waited since the first book does end a bit...abruptly. This was really good though, and it sounds like the whole series is pretty consistently good (another good reason to wait for it all to be done, I hate when a series get worse as they go and don't live up to the first book).

I was left with a lot of questions and would have liked a little more background on what happened to cause people to hid out in the subway tunnels and how long they had been surviving down there. (I'm hoping its addressed in future books) Our heroine, Deuce, was born and raised in the tunnels. She is a very strong character, brave and determined. She is also curious and she is quickly realizing that her colony is not all it claims to be. Our hero, Fade, spent his early years living Topside and was forced down tot he tunnels where he met up with Deuces group. They reluctantly took him in, but he's still an outsider. Fade is pretty much doing what he can to survive, while he doesn't agree with how things are run, he knows its better then others. When Deuce and Fade are partnered together a friendship quickly develops. I really liked Deuce and Fade, how they rely on each other and would do anything for each other.

I really enjoyed the setting of this one, first in the tunnels and then as they are forced to move Topside. I especially liked seeing Deuce experience being outside, the vastness of it all and even simple things like seeing the sun for the first time. It was really interesting to read. It is a pretty brutal existence, especially for women. It seems women really got the short end of the stick in this new world. Are really only seen as good for one thing...breeding. Which is another great thing about Deuce, she wants more for herself and is willing to fight for it.

Oh, and I should mention the creatures. Some marked this as a zombie book, I can see where they get that, but the Freaks/Muties/Eaters didn't really seem like your typical zombies, so I'm curious to see what more we learn about them in the next book.

Overall, this was a fun start to a new series. I'm excited to read the next book and see what will happen next.

Content
Romance: Mild, hint of a love triangle
Other: Talk of breeding, rape is alluded too. Nothing overly detailed.
Language: None that I remember
Violence: Mild-moderate, nothing overly descriptive but definitely fighting and bloodshed.
Series: Book 1 of 3, and appears a 4th book (I think a spinoff) is coming out later this year.

Source: Amazon

View all my reviews

First Line Friday


Welcome to First Line Friday! This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story. Make you want to keep reading. So, my selection for this week is:

 
A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England. When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in Kara Isaac’s inspiring and romantic story about second chances.
 
First Line
 
"It was like being in jail."
 
So, what's your pick for this week? If you want to participate grab the logo and post your own First Line Friday entry on your blog and then leave your link in the comments below. If you don't have a blog, just leave the title, author and first line in the comment section below. Happy Reading!
 

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. My choice for this week is:

By Your Side by Kasie West
YA Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 31, 2017
 
Synopsis: When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her. Only he doesn’t come. No one does. Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

2016 Swoony Award Winners

 
2016 was a busy year for me and I wasn't able to spend as much time on the Swoony Awards as I would have liked, add to that a little behind-the-scenes drama and my heart wasn't quite into the awards this year. I still love the Swoony Awards and I'm deciding whether I will continue doing it for 2017. Anyway, I wanted to give the results for 2016 for all those who have participated and we did get a lot of great books on the list (Click here to view the full 2017 list).
 
 
Best Novel of the Year
& Best Regency
The Painters Daughter by Julie Klassen
 
 
Best Contemporary Romance
Her One and Only by Becky Wade
 
Best YA Contemporary Romance
P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
 
Best Novella
One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg
 
Best New Adult Contemporary
Double Play by Ranee S Clark
 
Best Western Historical
 
Best Medieval Romance
Baron of Emberly by Tamara Leigh
 
 
Best High Fantasy
Painting Rain by Annette K Larsen
 
Best Dystopian
Escape to Eden by Rachel McClellan
 
Best Mystery
Always Watching by Lynette Eason
 
Kathy's Choice
The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson
 
Kathy Jo's Choice
A Season to Love by Nicole Deese
 
Katie's Choice
Just a Kiss in the Moonlight by Cindy Roland Anderson
 
Heidi's Choice
My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen
 
 
 
 
 The 2017 Swoony Award list is up and you can start adding books (books published December 1 2016 - November 30 2017) Pease feel free to join our groups (Goodreads and Facebookand follow us on Twitter (@swoonyawards)! Help us spread the word about good, clean, swoony romance books!

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Son of War, Daughter of Chaos

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by A Daily Rhythm. It is open to anyone and is a fun way to get a taste of different books. The rules are simple and everyone is welcome to participate.

1. Grab your current read.
2. Open to a random page.
3. Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
4. Be careful NOT to include spoilers (you don’t want to ruin the book for others.)
5. Share the title & author 6. After completing your post, return to A Daily Rhythm and add a link in their “comment” section.

My Teaser:

 
"So many things about life suddenly made sense. This was why people were willing to change their lives and get married."
 
 by Janette Rallison, Loc 1056
YA Paranormal Romance
Book One

Monday, January 9, 2017

From This Moment On by Debra Clopton

From This Moment On (Windswept Bay #1)From This Moment On by Debra Clopton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cali was deeply hurt by her failed marriage and is trying to get her life back in order by returning to her hometown and help make her family resort a success. One of her plans is to get the famous painter, Grant Ellington, to paint some murals at the hotel. She doesn't plan on how charming Grant is and how persistent he is in tearing down her walls. Grant is going through his own trials and meeting Cali is a breath of fresh air and has given him hope to find his own happiness again.

Overall, this was a pleasant read. I really enjoyed the island setting of this one and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None - mild mention of abuse in previous marriage, no details
Religious: None
Series: Book one, assuming the series will be around 9-10 books (There are nine kids in the Sinclair family and I'm guessing each will get their own book. Five out so far.)

Source: Amazon (currently free!)

View all my reviews

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Shelf Candy Saturday

This meme is hosted by A Night's Dream of Books and focuses on the pretty book covers you come across and want to share with others. Here's my pick of the week:

Regency Historical Romance
 
 
My Thoughts:
Isn't this cover gorgeous??? It's the perfect regency cover, you have the pretty manor house in the background and a regency girl in a pretty dress. I love the lighting and colors. I also think the font and blue colors make it pop. Definitely makes me want to read this and add it to my collection.
 
What about you? What's your favorite book cover you've found recently?
 

 

Friday, January 6, 2017

First Line Friday


Welcome to First Line Friday! This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story. Make you want to keep reading. So, my selection for this week is:
 
When Piper Jensen’s dog has a litter of puppies that aren’t anything like their purebred mother, she immediately suspects the culprit responsible for the mishap is her neighbor’s derelict dog. Seeking restitution, Piper confronts the owner, Gabe Wesson, a single father of two children that likes to keep to himself. She isn’t prepared for Gabe to be so handsome, nor so disagreeable, and is irritated by his demands for a paternity test to prove his dog is the sire. As she and Gabe try to work things out, they both fight a growing attraction neither one of them want. But when Piper finds her heart falling in love with his children, it might be the catalyst that tips the scale towards a destiny she never dreamed possible.
 
 
First Line:
 
"Mutts, her precious new little babies were mutts and her neighbor was going to pay for every single one."
 
So, what's your pick for this week? If you want to participate grab the logo and post your own First Line Friday entry on your blog and then leave your link in the comments below. If you don't have a blog, just leave the title, author and first line in the comment section below. Happy Reading!