YOU'D BE MINE by Erin Hahn #ARC #Review #NetGalley

YOU'D BE MINE
Release Date: April 2, 2019; Wednesday Books

From Goodreads:
Annie Mathers is America’s sweetheart and heir to a country music legacy full of all the things her Gran warned her about. Superstar Clay Coolidge is most definitely going to end up one of those things. 

But unfortunately for Clay, if he can’t convince Annie to join his summer tour, his music label is going to drop him. That’s what happens when your bad boy image turns into bad boy reality. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after her parents’ tragic death, except on her skyrocketing YouTube channel. Clay’s label wants to land Annie, and Clay has to make it happen. 

Swayed by Clay’s undeniable charm and good looks, Annie and her band agree to join the tour. From the start fans want them to be more than just tour mates, and Annie and Clay can’t help but wonder if the fans are right. But if there’s one part of fame Annie wants nothing to do with, it’s a high-profile relationship.

Can't-Wait' Wednesday: A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY by Brigid Kemmerer #CWW #WoW


'Can't-Wait' Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa of Wishful Endings. It highlights books to be released that readers/bloggers are most excited for. It is based on Jill, from Breaking the Spine's 'Waiting on' Wednesday.

My 'Can't-Wait' Wednesday pick for this week is-

A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY
by Brigid Kemmerer
Publication: January 29, 2019; Bloomsbury

From Goodreads:
Fall in love, break the curse. 

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she’s instead somehow sucked into Rhen’s cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom. 

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn’t know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what’s at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.


What about you? What's your 'Can't-Wait' Wednesday pick for this week?
Share your thoughts below. I'd love to hear from you! =)

Merry Christmas! 12.25.2018


To everyone who celebrates Christmas... I just wanted to stop by and wish you all a very Merry Christmas! And to all of us readers and non-readers alike, I hope you're  having a wonderful, warm, loving, fun and book-filled holiday season! 

Here's to a great day of spending time with loved ones and reading (because it wouldn't be a holiday without a book in our hands, am I right?!?)  =)

THE OTHER SIDE OF LOST by Jessi Kirby #ARC #Review #EdelweissPlus


THE OTHER SIDE OF LOST 
by Jessi Kirby

From Goodreads:
Girl Online meets Wild in this emotionally charged story of girl who takes to the wilderness to rediscover herself and escape the superficial persona she created on social media. 

Mari Turner’s life is perfect. That is, at least to her thousands of followers who have helped her become an internet starlet. But when she breaks down and posts a video confessing she’s been living a lie—that she isn’t the happy, in-love, inspirational online personality she’s been trying so hard to portray—it goes viral and she receives major backlash. To get away from it all, she makes an impulsive decision: to hike the entire John Muir trail. Mari and her late cousin, Bri, were supposed to do it together, to celebrate their shared eighteenth birthday. But that was before Mari got so wrapped up in her online world that she shut anyone out who questioned its worth—like Bri.

With Bri’s boots and trail diary, a heart full of regret, and a group of strangers that she meets along the way, Mari tries to navigate the difficult terrain of the hike. But the true challenge lies within, as she searches for the way back to the girl she fears may be too lost to find: herself.


Rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Other Side of Lost was not how I expected it to be. And honestly I love how much it surprised me and gave me not what I wanted but exactly what I needed.

The story of Mari resonated with me. The ugly truth in the world we live in today where almost everything can be shared, seen and experienced in social media is that sometimes we see our worth in the number of likes, comments and followers we have. I admit I feel this way sometimes. It's sad and depressing. But everytime I see all these bloggers and Youtubers with a huge following, I feel inadequate. And I would compare myself to them and see myself as a failure. It's horrible that I sometimes see my worth in other people's opinion of me. It sucks and it's a hard, ugly truth to swallow. So thank you Jessi Kirby for writing Mari's story. Thank you for sharing her journey with us. It was real and true and heartbreaking. It was beautiful. It touched my heart in ways I didn't expect and I am so utterly grateful for that.

I received an e-arc from the publisher thru Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.

ENLIGHTENMENT: Book One of the Bathala Series (Bathala Proverbs) by Reno Ursal #Excerpt #Promo #BlogTour



ENLIGHTENMENT: Book One of the Bathala Series (Bathala Proverbs)
Release Date: November 20, 2018 
YA Paranormal Romance/Magical Realism 

Set in Las Vegas, 18-year-old Dorothy Dizon's life takes an unexpected turn when the alluring Adrian Rosario peaks her curiosity by his knowledge of obscure Filipino folklore. 

Adrian keeps his Danag secret society hidden knowing she's embarked on a transformational journey tied to her Filipino ancestry. Together, they struggle through a supernatural ride that changes not only their lives, but of everyone they love.


Available anywhere books are sold!

“Moonlight streamed through the uncovered bedroom window, reflecting off the glass and touching my legs. My skin emitted a caramel radiance. I absorbed the warmth and privately thanked Bathala and my ancestors for their guidance.”


Filipino American author and reader on a journey of self-discovery and reflection through the power of storytelling. No history, no self. Know history, know self. 

Author Links:   Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram


Blog tour organized by:

'Can't- Wait' Wednesday: FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN by Emma Mills #CWW #WoW


'Can't-Wait' Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa of Wishful Endings. It highlights books to be released that readers/bloggers are most excited for. It is based on Jill, from Breaking the Spine's 'Waiting on' Wednesday.

My 'Can't-Wait' Wednesday pick for this week is-

FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN
by Emma Mills
Publication: January 15, 2019; Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

From Goodreads:
For Sophie, small-town life has never felt small. She has the Yum Yum Shoppe, with its famous fourteen flavors of ice cream; her beloved marching band, the pride and joy of Acadia High (even if the football team disagrees); and her four best friends, loving and infuriating, wonderfully weird and all she could ever ask for.

Then August moves in next door. A quiet guy with a magnetic smile, August seems determined to keep everyone at arm's length. Sophie in particular.

Country stars, revenge plots, and a few fake kisses (along with some excellent real ones) await Sophie in this hilarious, heartfelt story.


What about you? What's your 'Can't-Wait' Wednesday pick for this week?
Share your thoughts below. I'd love to hear from you! =)

FRACTURED MAGIC by Emily Bybee #Excerpt #Promo #Giveaway #BlogTour




FRACTURED MAGIC
Release Date: October 31, 2018; Wild Rose Press
YA Paranormal Romance
As the world’s worst witch, Maddie is mistreated by her own kind. She was born a Defect. Most of her spells blow up in her face, literally. While witches search for the long-lost power of the earth, Maddie spends her time in the science lab. There, she discovers a clue to the lost power. The only other witness is Jax, a smokin’ hot college bad-boy, who Maddie can’t decide if she wants to kiss or kill.

When she fails her magic final, the council orders her magic stripped. Maddie’s only chance to keep her brain intact is to find the power with the hope that it can fix her. Jax is her one true ally on the journey. The two of them must use their smarts to stay ahead of the witches while they follow a two-hundred-year-old trail to the power of the earth and the truth behind Maddie’s defect.

I pricked my finger and got the slide ready.

He dropped the solution on my blood, and we waited for the cells to start bursting. Nothing happened. Several beats passed.

I glanced up to meet Jax’s confused look. Unsure what to say, I turned back to the microscope. Tiny lights began to appear inside each blood cell. In a matter of seconds, they glowed like miniscule stars flying through the solution. The light intensified, glaring out of the tiny cells.

“What the hell?” Jax asked.

I couldn’t take my eyes off the blood. Finally, I straightened, tears running down my face from the blinding light. I met his wide-eyed gaze over the top of the gleaming scope. The slide cast pink light up to the ceiling, leaving the room in a rosy glow.

“How?” he stammered.

I opened my mouth without a clue as to what to tell Jax. A loud pop saved me the trouble. Smoke curled up from the cracked slide as the light faded. A nasty burned-meat smell wafted up to my nostrils. Only one thought made it through the frozen neurons in my brain.

Get out of here.

Emily grew up loving to read and escape into stories. She began writing her own at the age of twelve. In college she focused on science and graduated with a degree in Environmental Biology. After college she began writing again but quickly realized she had failed to take a single writing or grammar class. Luckily, she’s a quick learner. Emily now lives in Colorado with her wonderful husband, three amazing children, and way too many animals. She still enjoys making up stories and can’t seem to leave out the paranormal elements because they are just too much fun. 

Author Links:   WebsiteGoodreadsTwitterFacebookInstagram



Blog tour organized by:

NAVIGATING THE STARS (Sentinels of the Galaxy #1) by Maria V. Snyder #Review #Giveaway #BlogTour



NAVIGATING THE STARS (Sentinels of the Galaxy #1) 
Release Date: December 1, 2018 (US) 
Formats: Paperback, eBook; Self-published
Navigating the Stars is the first book in a new science fiction series. 

Terra Cotta Warriors have been discovered on other planets in the Milky Way Galaxy. And Lyra Daniels' parents are the archaeological Experts (yes with a capital E) on the Warriors and have dragged her to the various planets to study them despite the time dilation causing havoc with her social life. 

When one of the many Warrior planets goes silent, and looters attack her research base, Lyra becomes involved in discovering why the Warriors were placed on these planets. And, more importantly, by who.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Where to start?

I should probably tell you I've been a huge fan of the author since I've read and LOVED The Healer trilogy. So when the news came out about her new sci-fi series? Saying I was ecstatic is an understatement.

Navigating the Stars is a perfect blend of action, mystery, romance and humor. I admit the beginning was a tad confusing for me. Terracotta Warriors say what now? I had no idea what the heck they were talking about. I mean clay people?! And reading further just proved how much I don't understand. Lol. Kidding. Sort of. No but in all honesty, I really appreciate how the book isn't too heavy on the science. If that makes sense? I mean there was the... science stuff but there were so many more elements that made up the story and I just love how balanced everything was. The history behind the Warriors is one I hope would be explored more in the coming books. And what is up with those shadow thingies?

If I'm not making sense right now it'll probably be true for the rest of this review. I'm horrible at reviewing books I love. But I should tell you just how much I adore Lyra. I love her sass, her sense of loyalty and mindful recklessness. She reminds me of Cat (This Mortal Coil). They have the same tenacity and the natural penchant to get in trouble because of their drive to help and do good. They're also both badass hackers. (Assuming I'm right that worming is not unlike hacking. Otherwise, I'm a really terrible reader.)

I think one of the things readers would very much appreciate is Lyra's relationship with her parents. It was far from perfect. They fight, they argue, they grate on each other's nerves. But always ready to put the other's welfare first. Not so different from real life.

This may sound weird and morbid? But this was the very first note I made for my review and I can't not say it. I really like the idea of the "funerals". It's sad but in a there-are-people-who-would-miss-me-when-I'm-gone way. Knowing you've been appreciated and there are people who genuinely cares for you is a great feeling to have.

Romance lovers like me rejoice! The chemistry between Lyra and Niall felt authentic and believable. The banter was swoony. There were a few super cheesy, cringeworthy lines but not enough to stop my OTP-ing of Lyra and Niall. I also may have pretended those lines didn't exist. To each her own I guess.

Overall, I love the writing. Love the humor. Love the romance. Love the science. Love the twists. Love the worldbuilding.

Looking forward to book 2! It feels like we barely even scratched the surface of what's really going on. The shadow blobs, the Warriors, the looters, DES, everything. It's one huge mystery and I'd love to find out what it is. Can't wait to see where the author takes us next! Must-read!



Maria V. Snyder changed from being a meteorologist to a novelist in 1995, when she began writing to keep her sanity while raising two children. Since then, she has published numerous freelance articles in magazines and newspapers, and teaches fiction-writing classes at the local college and area libraries. The classes give her the wonderful opportunity to encourage fellow writers, and to keep improving her craft. 

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maria always had a fascination with big storms. Dreaming of chasing tornados, Maria earned a bachelors of science degree in meteorology at Penn State University. But she discovered, much to her chagrin, that forecasting the weather wasn't one of her skills. In order to chase tornados you had to predict where they might form. Creating fantasy worlds where she has complete control of the weather was more agreeable to her. 

Maria's research on food-tasting methods with an expert chocolate taster, her husband, turned out to be a delicious bonus while writing Poison Study. 

Maria has a brown belt in Isshinryu Karate, and enjoys playing volleyball and the cello. Traveling in general and via cruise ship in particular are her biggest distractions from writing. Maria has traveled to Belize, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal.

Maria lives with her husband, son, daughter and yellow lab, Hazelnut, in Pennsylvania where she is at work on more LUNA novels. She is also pursuing a master's degree in writing popular fiction from Seton Hill University. 

Readers are welcome to contact Maria at the following email address: maria@mariavsnyder.com.

Author Links:  Website | Blog | Facebook | Goodreads

3 Winners will receive finished copies of NAVIGATING THE STARS, US Only. 
2 Winners will receive finished copies of NAVIGATING THE STARS International.


FOLLOW THE TOUR:
Week One: 
12/3/2018- Moonlight Rendezvous- Review 
12/4/2018- My Bookish EscapadesReview
12/5/2018- Debbie's World of BooksReview
12/6/2018- a GREAT readReview
12/7/2018- Two Chicks on BooksReview

Week Two: 
12/10/2018- Lisa Loves LiteratureReview
12/11/2018- Wishful EndingsReview
12/12/2018- Good Choice Reading- Interview 
12/13/2018- Dani Reviews ThingsReview
12/14/2018- Feed Your Fiction AddictionReview


Blog tour organized by:


*** This post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you make a purchase thru these links.

STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS (Holiday Acres #4) by Noelle Adams #Excerpt #Giveaway #Tour


A snowstorm. 
Her much older business partner. 
A snowstorm changes Laura Holiday and Russ Matheson's relationship forever. 

Contemporary Romance fans will love this sexy holiday romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Noelle Adams!


STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS (Holiday Acres #4)
Release Date: December 4, 2018; Self-published
Format: Digital eBook
Digital ISBN: 9781386913887 
Contemporary Romance
A snowstorm. Her much older business partner. One very hot night. 

Laura Holiday doesn’t believe in romance. Her life revolves around her work and her six-year-old son. The last thing she wants is a fling with her friend and business partner, Russ Matheson, who is emotionally unavailable and thirteen years older than her. But one night in a snowstorm changes their relationship forever.

Kobo 


Copyright © 2018 Stranded for Christmas by Noelle Adams

“The snow is getting bad,” Russ said, turning back to look out the window. 

“Is it?” Laura looked pretty and flustered and breathless. Her shoulder-length brown hair was slipping out of her ponytail, and she must have gotten hot because she’d taken off her sweater. She was wearing a fitted white shirt that gave him a clear view of her slim body, including the luscious curve of her breasts. 

Russ dragged his eyes back up to her face, but that didn’t really help because she looked flushed and tousled, like she might have just gotten out of bed. 

His bed. 
He gulped, remembering how she’d looked that morning in her pajamas. 

He really needed to stop thinking such things. 

Laura would be mad as hell if she found out. 

“Russ?” 

He blinked, trying to refocus on their conversation. “What?” 

“I asked if it was really bad out there.” 

“Oh yeah. Take a look. It looks like the parking lot is mostly empty, so the customers have obviously cleared out. The roads must be pretty bad. You probably should have picked Tommy up early.”

“Shit.” Laura came over to stand beside him so she could look out the window too. “Well, I better go get him now before it gets any worse.” 

“You want me to drive you?” 

She turned her gaze up at him, her brown eyes big and deep. “I’m capable of driving in the snow, you know.” 

“I know you are. It was just an offer.” 

“I’ll be fine. I’ll take the SUV.” She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Olivia and Penny have to go out in this too. And I’ve got to stop by Candy Cane Cottage to assess the damage to the bathroom.” 

“Surely that can wait.” 

“We’ve got someone else renting it this weekend. I need to assess it so Ed has time to fix it tomorrow morning.” 

Russ shook his head. “That driveway to Candy Cane Cottage is steep. You’re never going to get up it in this snow. And if you get up, you won’t be able to get down.” 

“I’ll be fine. I told you I’m taking the SUV.” 

“You’re putting a lot of faith in the powers of an SUV.” 

“Oh shut up.” Her words weren’t sharp. Her expression was almost fond. “I can’t believe this snow. Why couldn’t it wait a few more hours?” 

“The weather isn’t prone to following your timeline.” His voice was dry because she was still standing very close. He could smell the fresh scent of her hair. He wanted to tangle his fingers in it. He wanted to trace the freckles on her face and neck with his tongue. 

“I don’t know why it shouldn’t follow my timeline. My timeline is a good one.” Her voice lilted slightly, and she leaned against the wall as she gazed up at him. 

Russ took a step closer to her so he could smell her again. “I’ll let the weather know it needs to improve its performance to fall in line with your schedule.” 

She took a shaky little breath, and her eyes dropped, causing her thick lashes to spread out against her freckled skin in a way that enchanted him. He edged a little closer, bracing one hand on the wall beside her. 

He had her trapped against the wall now, and he’d completely forgotten the track of their conversation. His breathing had quickened, and his body had tightened, and his mind was buzzing with attraction. Need. 

Something a lot deeper. 

She wasn’t pushing him away. She wasn’t trying to cut the tension. She looked breathless. Excited. 

Like maybe she wanted him to kiss her. 

He wanted to kiss her more than he’d ever wanted to kiss anyone in his forty-five years. He’d assumed that was something she’d never want, but maybe… 

Maybe… 

He leaned forward a little more. He could hear her quick intake of breath. Her eyes darted up to his face and then down again. 

“Russ,” she said, raising a hand to put on his chest the way she had that morning in the kitchen.

“Yes?” His voice was way too husky, but there was nothing he could do about that. She was so close. Almost within reach at last. 

Her fingers fisted in the fabric of his shirt. “Russ.” 

“Yes.” This time it wasn’t a question. It was the pure articulation of his heart. 

She licked her lips, and the small gesture made his groin harden. “Russ, please don’t.” 

He’d been leaning forward even more, but at that he grew very still. “Don’t what?” 

“You know what.” She took another breath—different this time—and looked up to meet his eyes again. “Please don’t.” 

“Laura, I’m not going to do anything you don’t want, but I think maybe you do want—” 

“I don’t—” She broke in, dropping her hand from his shirt. “Please don’t.” 

Russ sighed and took a purposeful step back, feeling like he’d been hit by a truck. 

Laura gave him another quick look and then grabbed her purse and started for the door. 

“Be careful,” Russ said as she left. “The roads are bad out there.” 

“I’m always careful.” 

Don't miss the other books in the Holiday Acres series:
(Click on the book/s for more information)



Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she reads any book she can get her hands on and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
Author Links:   Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

One (1) lucky Grand Prize winner will win a paperback set of her Holiday Acres series containing Stranded on the Beach, Stranded in the Snow, Stranded in the Woods, and Stranded for Christmas!

Two (2) Runner-ups will receive an e-copy of one book from Noelle Adams' backlist titles (winner’s choice). To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:


Tour organized by:

A DUKE CHANGES EVERYTHING (The Duke’s Den #1) by Christy Carlyle #Excerpt #Giveaway #Tour


Perfect for fans of Lorraine Heath and Tessa Dare. The first book in the new Victorian romance series The Duke’s Den, A DUKE CHANGES EVERYTHING, by Christy Carlyle has the romance and brooding hero that readers will fall in love with.


A DUKE CHANGES EVERYTHING (The Duke’s Den #1) 
Release Date: November 27, 2018  
Format: Digital/Paperback; 384 Pages
Victorian Romance

About the book:
In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . . 

Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne. 

When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him. 

With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?

Add it on Goodreads

BUY LINKS:
Kobo 


EXCERPT:
“Your sleep was troubled?” she asked softly. 

“It always is.” 

“I heard you call out. I thought you said my name.” Mina swallowed hard after the admission. She’d probably misheard him, but some rationale felt necessary to explain her presence in his room. 

“Did I? Perhaps you’re haunting me in my sleep.” He did that thing with his thumb again, a seductive slide against her skin. His touch rippled out to spark goose bumps along her arm and heat between her thighs. 

“You don’t remember your dreams?” she asked, her voice trembling like her insides. 

“I try not to.” 

“What troubles you?” 

“Everything.” He let out a low chuckle, like the rusty creak of a door hinge. Lowering his chin, he assessed her. “Especially you.” “I never intended to.” She pulled her hand from the duke’s, ignoring the shiver that spiked up her spine from the friction of his skin sliding against hers. “I’ll leave you so that you can get back to sleep.” 

“Mina, wait.” He reached out, caught the edge of her arm, and a few strands of unpinned hair tangled between his fingers. “There’s something I must say before you go.” 

She moved closer. He was utter temptation, all blazing heat and forest scents, and she felt an odd comfort being near him. She knew she should be scandalized. To be alone with him, a duke of the realm. A gambling club owner. Especially while he wore nothing but trousers and a half-buttoned shirt.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings. 
Follow the author:   Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Amazon

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