Showing posts with label avon impulse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label avon impulse. Show all posts

Friday, October 10, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway: Caught in the Act by Sara Jane Stone

Posted on 8:47 PMby with 1 comment

 Title: Caught in the Act
Author: Sara Jane Stone
Publisher: Avon (HarperCollins)
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble  |  Google Play  |  iTunes
Rating: 4 stars


From the book:

Falling for his rivals' little sister could cost him everything … 

 For Liam Trulane, failure is not an option. He is determined to win a place in Katie Summers' life before she leaves Independence Falls for good. But first, he needs to make amends for the last time they got down and dirty. 

 Only problem? 

 His professional success hinges on striking a deal to buy Katie's family business. And after Liam's relationship with their Katie went south years ago, the Summers brothers are more enemy than friend. If both parties agree to set the past aside, they can reach an understanding. But when Katie welcomes him back into her bed, Liam risks everything to make her his. 

 After Liam betrayed her trust, Katie Summers will do anything to keep him from walking away with the family business. She decides to seduce him, knowing that when her brothers find out, they will back off from the deal. And she'll finally have her revenge. But when her plan spirals out of control, Katie learns that payback may come at too high a price …

My review:

The second book of the Independence Falls series (which can be read as a stand-alone novel) was a fun story about a scorned woman who really wanted revenge, but she simply couldn't make it happen no matter how hard she tried. The problem? Her own sweet nature and a true love's calling...

 Liam and Katie have a bad past. After seemingly getting what he wanted from her, Liam left her in the dust and broken her heart. Now, seven or so years later, Katie's convinced herself she's moved on, yet Liam knows she's the one for him.

 Watching Katie and Liam struggle - Katie with attempting her revenge plots that always seem to backfire in the best possible way and Liam with trying to convince Katie that he's changed for the better - was definitely the escape I needed this week! Katie's a spitfire and Liam is cool, calm and collected. The two of them burned up my Kindle with chemistry and sizzle, and I loved meeting everyone in Independence Falls. I can't wait to go back and read FULL EXPOSURE, the first in the series, and I'll definitely be picking up the next one!

 Four stars.

(Disclaimer: I was provided a digital Advanced Reader Copy (e-ARC) from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.)



About the Author


After several years on the other side of the publishing industry, Sara Jane Stone bid goodbye to her sales career to pursue her dream-writing romance novels. Sara Jane currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children and a lazy Burmese cat. Join Sara Jane’s newsletter to receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and more! To subscribe, visit www.sarajanestone.com and look for her newsletter entry form.


Contact Sara:

Website |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads


Giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway




Monday, September 29, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway: WHAT A WALLFLOWER WANTS by Maya Rodale

Posted on 9:16 AMby with 1 comment
 
Title: What a Wallflower Wants
Author: Maya Rodale
Publisher: Avon (HarperCollins)
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes
Rating: 5 stars


From the book:

In the third novel in Maya Rodale’s charming Wallflower series, London’s Least Likely to Be Caught in a Compromising Position finds temptation in a devilishly handsome stranger...

 Miss Prudence Merryweather Payton has a secret.

 Everyone knows that she’s the only graduate from her finishing school to remain unwed on her fourth season-but no one knows why. With her romantic illusions shattered after being compromised against her will, Prudence accepts a proposal even though her betrothed is not exactly a knight in shining armor. When he cowardly pushes her out of their stagecoach to divert a highwayman, she vows never to trust another man again.

 John Roark, Viscount Castleton, is nobody’s hero. 

 He’s a blue-eyed charmer with a mysterious past and ambitious plans for his future-that do not include a wife. When he finds himself stranded at a country inn with a captivating young woman, a delicate dance of seduction ensues. He knows he should keep his distance. And he definitely shouldn’t start falling in love with her.

 When Prudence’s dark past comes back to haunt her, John must protect her-even though he risks revealing his own secrets that could destroy his future.


My review:

The third and final book in the Wallflower series has a darker bent to it than the previous novels. Rodale has masterfully brought to light the silent side of rape within the confines of a strict society, and in doing so, has created one of the strongest female historical romance characters I've had the pleasure of reading. 

 Pru's discovery of herself throughout her journey is methodical instead of slow; her natural progression from "wallflower" to strong, fight-back-no-longer-a-victim heroine is nothing short of heartwarming and hope-inducing.

 John is quite possibly the most perfect imperfect hero to ever grace the pages of a Regency. He's fighting the good fight for his family, himself - and, once he discovers her secret - Pru. He is all that is good in the world.

 Born outside the ton, yet needing to break into their circle to save his family, John holds a secret of his own that, once revealed, pushes Pru further from the boundaries of the ton (and everything she has been raised to believe). 

 This story is a must-read for historical romance lovers. It shows a darker side of the ton we all love to love (or hate, depending on the story!), the deep connections of female friendship, and redemption of a woman's once-bent (but never fully broken) spirit.

Five stars.

 (Disclaimer: I was provided a digital Advanced Reader Copy (e-ARC) from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.)

About the Author


Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence and it wasn’t long before she was writing her own. Maya is now the author of multiple Regency historical romances. She lives in New York City with her darling dog and a rogue of her own.


Contact Maya:

Website |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads


Giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Friday, September 26, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway: When the Rancher Came to Town by Emma Cane

Posted on 5:00 AMby with 1 comment

Title: When the Rancher Came to Town
Author: Emma Cane
Publisher: Avon Impulse (HarperCollins)
Release Date: September 23, 2014
Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars



From the book:


 Emma Cane returns to the amazing and romantic town for the latest installment in her sparkling series. When and ex-Rodeo star falls in love with the agoraphobic B&B owner, he must pull out all the stops to get her out of her shell. 

Welcome to Valentine Valley!

The Silver Creek Rodeo is in full swing and everyone’s talking about the rancher who came to town…

Bed & Breakfast owner Amanda Cramer wants nothing more than a quiet, private life. Well, she wants guests too, but after her share of unwanted notoriety she’s gotten comfortable hiding out in her inn…perhaps a little too comfortable. When her newest guest arrives, tall, dark and breathtaking…Amanda begins to question her self-imposed exile.

Ex-rodeo star Mason Lopez knows all about the limelight. He’d avoid it if he could, but since one last ride could mean saving his family’s ranch, he’ll go all in. When he gets to Valentine Valley for the Silver Creek Rodeo, Mason checks into Connections B&B and finds himself immediately drawn to the beautiful, reserved woman who owns it.

Mason only has three days in town…can he convince Amanda to open her heart to him and welcome the world back in?



My review:

Emma Cane adds another story to her Valentine Valley series with this novella. Mason, a rodeo star, and Amanda, a former-lawyer-turned-B&B-owner, are an unlikely couple who finds solace in each other's arms. Amanda is trying to heal herself from her agoraphobia (anxiety disorder) and Mason is trying to be in the limelight one final time to save his family's ranching business. 

 As this is a novella, there wasn't much room for character development. Cane paints a beautiful picture of Valentine Valley, and the welcoming feel of the town that's woven throughout the series is very much present here. It's hard for me to believe two people can fall in love in only three days, but I was willing to suspend my belief because I did enjoy other books in the series.

 This read was an easy one - a single sitting and it was through (I call these a lunchtime read - I can finish it in a lunch hour). While I do wish she'd spent a little less time on Amanda's background and a little more time on the romance, there's only so many pages available. That's just the way novellas tend to go; just as you're getting into it, it ends! The writing was, as it usually is with Cane, descriptive and emotive. I felt the B&B (named Connections), loved the history she poured into it, and could see the gardens in my mind. Cane's settings are always lovely and are almost a character of the story itself - she's a master at creating rich, dimensional places where you'd want to live.

 Although I didn't love When the Rancher Came to Town as much as the other Valentine Valley novels, I wasn't disappointed with this read despite it's lack of character development and conflict. In fact, it left me wondering how they'll make it as a couple. I hope Cane revisits Amanda and Mason in a future Valentine Valley novel; a glimpse into their forever happiness would provide me with that happy sigh I'm always seeking.

Three and a half stars.
(Disclaimer: I was provided a digital Advanced Reader Copy (e-ARC) from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.)

About the Author


Emma Cane grew up reading and soon discovered that she liked to write passionate stories of teenagers in space. Her love of “passionate stories” has never gone away, although today she concentrates on the heartwarming characters of Valentine, her fictional small town in the Colorado Rockies. 

 Now that her three children are grown, Emma loves spending time crocheting and singing (although not necessarily at the same time), and hiking and snowshoeing alongside her husband Jim and two rambunctious dogs Apollo and Uma.

Contact Emma:

Website|  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads


Giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Click here to follow the Tasty Book Tour for more chances to win!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway: RUSHING AMY by Julie Brannagh

Posted on 12:30 AMby with No comments
Title: Rushing Amy
Author: Julie Brannagh
Publisher: Avon (HarperCollins)
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

From the book:

Julie Brannagh's sparkling and romantic Love and Football series continues!

For Amy Hamilton, only three Fs matter: Family, Football, and Flowers. It might be nice to find someone to share Forever with, too, but right now she's working double overtime while she gets her flower shop off the ground. The last thing she needs or wants is a distraction … or help, for that matter. Especially in the form of gorgeous and aggravatingly arrogant ex-NFL star Matt Stephens.


Matt lives by a playbook—his playbook. He never thought his toughest opponent would come in the form of a stunning florist with a stubborn streak to match his own. Since meeting her in the bar after her sister's wedding, he's known there's something between them. After she refuses—again and again—to go out with him, Matt will do anything to win her heart … But will Amy, who has everything to lose, let the clock run out on the one-yard line? 

My review:


 Amy Hamilton feels she lived in her sister's shadow for too long, and she realizes that she's only been there because of herself; no one put her there, or treated her as though she wasn't any less than her sister. But the fact remains that Emily was always - is still - the more talented of the two.

Amy's made something of herself by opening a small business - a flower shop in Seattle. It's hard work, the hours are long, and her nails will never be manicured again, but she's finally at a place where she's happy with herself and her choices. She has recently got out of a long-term relationship (ok...she was dumped, unceremoniously, by a crap boyfriend), and she's just not interested in starting anything again for a good long while.

 Matt Stephens is just the opposite. He wants something real and lasting - something that's eluded him for so long, he isn't sure it exists. When he meets Amy after Emily and Brandon's wedding, he sees something in her that he likes, and isn't afraid to go after it.

 Matt understands Amy from the beginning - he asks her out until she can't say no any longer. His intuition about Amy doesn't feel forced or unnatural in the story; he seems to really get her. He's willing to work hard at the chance to date her, see if he can turn his attraction into something more than a notch on the bedpost, and his perseverance pays off when she finally says yes. And I loved watching her mind change! Her thought process was so much fun (...and very much an insight into the way some women's minds work).

 I enjoyed RUSHING AMY even more than the first novel, BLITZING EMILY. The best part about this story wasn't the story itself. It was the writing - I saw, from BLITZING EMILY to this one, a transformation. The writing was tighter, the characters had a bit more depth to their overall back story, and the secondary characters (especially Matt's daughter and ex-wife) gave the entire plot a better flow than BLITZING EMILY. 

 I didn't realize these things when I read Emily's story, but now that I've read RUSHING AMY, I can see how the author's style is growing, evolving, and getting better with each book. The only thing I didn't like was lack of introduction of the next book's characters in the previous book (I don't recall Matt Stephens in BE, and I didn't notice Cameron in RA). However, that minor point aside, I can't wait to read CATCHING CAMERON.

Four and a half stars.

About the Author

Julie Brannagh has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She lives in a small town near Seattle, where she once served as a city council member and owned a yarn shop. She shares her home with a wonderful husband, two uncivilized Maine Coons and a rambunctious chocolate Lab.

Julie hasn't quite achieved the goal of owning a pro football team, so she created a fictional one: The Seattle Sharks. When she's not writing, she's reading, or armchair-quarterbacking her favorite NFL team from the comfort of the family room couch. Julie is a Golden Heart finalist and the author of four contemporary sports romances.

Website: http://www.juliebrannagh.com
Facebook: Julie Brannagh
Twitter: @JulieDuvall

Julie Brannagh on Goodreads




GIVEAWAY

Two digital copies of BLITZING EMILY - one for you and one for a friend!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 Follow this tour for more chances to win!
Feb 10th- Book Reviews and More by Kathy- Promo
Feb 10th - At the Corner of First and Romance- Review
Feb 11th - Insightful Minds Reviews- Review
Feb 11th - Save Your Money For Books- Review
Feb 12th- Book Mama Blog- Guest Post
Feb 13th- Chicklit Pad- Guest Post
Feb 14th- Romancing the Readers- Review

Feb 17th- We're Jumpin' Books - Review
Feb 18th- Words with Leti Del Mar- Guest Post
Feb 19th-A Tasty Read Book Reviews- Promo/Guest Post
Feb 20th-Crystal Blogs Books - Review
Feb 20th- Harlequin Junkie- Guest Post
Feb 21st- My Written Romance- Review/Promo

Feb 24th- Girl Meet Books- Guest Post/Review
Feb 25th- Escaping Reality One Book at a Time- Review
Feb 26th- Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears- Review
Feb 27th- Snarky Mom Reads...- Review
Feb 28th- Storm Goddess Book Reviews- Review



(Disclaimer: I was provided a digital Advanced Reader Copy (e-ARC) from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.)

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway: BLITZING EMILY by Julie Brannagh

Posted on 10:08 AMby with 1 comment
Title: Blitzing Emily
Author: Julie Brannagh
Publisher: Avon (HarperCollins)
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

From the book:

All's fair in Love and Football . . .

 Emily Hamilton doesn't trust men. She's much more comfortable playing the romantic lead in front of a packed house onstage than in her own life. So when NFL star and alluring ladies' man Brandon McKenna acts as her personal white knight, she has no illusions that he'll stick around. However, a misunderstanding with the press throws them together in a fake engagement that yields unexpected (and breathtaking) benefits.

 Every time Brandon calls her "Sugar," Emily almost believes he's playing for keeps—not just to score. Can she let down her defenses and get her own happily ever after?


My review:

BLITZING EMILY is a fast, fun read for a winter day - the witty dialogue, unexpected character development and happily-ever-after combine to make this story a definite pick-me-up story.

 Emily Hamilton isn't a huge fan of relationships. She's failed at her own and her parents' divorce was a mess. As she was the one to break the news to her mom that her dad was cheating, it took a serious emotional toll on Emily.

 Fast-forward to the present day, and Emily is a successful opera singer. She loves performing and everything that goes along with it, but she works hard to be the exact opposite of a diva; she's trying to repair the damage to her reputation caused by a nasty ex, and doing a fairly good job at it.

 She runs a simple errand for her sister - deliver a bouquet of balloons and some chocolates to a guy at the football stadium. She slips on the ice and gives herself a significant concussion...and she's brought to the hospital by the balloon recipient, Brandon McKenna. As Emily doesn't follow sports, it's funny to watch the way the two of them interact. 

 Brandon's used to females fawning all over him, but hedoesn't have a big head about it. He's tired of the one-night stands, vapid arm-candy girlfriends, and the fast life. With the end of his football career approaching, he's looking to the future - a wife, family, and perhaps a picket fence.

 I loved Emily's ignorance about football (I admit to my own!) and how she comes to understand what it is that Brandon loves about the game (not the plays, but more the cheering crowd and euphoria that comes along with it). I really enjoyed how Brannagh broke the stereotype of dumb jock. If there were any idiots on the football team, she (thankfully) didn't give them much page space. She also created an alpha male who was protective in the sweetest, most relaxed way, and that was a pleasure to see. Also, Emily's influence over the guys on the team, getting them to listen to opera? Brilliant - and gave depth to a slew of secondary characters that I wasn't expecting, but was pleasantly surprised to find.

 The most moving part of this story was Emily's own transformation, which I refuse to spoil for you. It involves an ex-girlfriend, a whole bunch of rumors, so overly gossipy sports casters and...well, read it. You'll see. :)

 Four and a half stars - I look forward to more from this author, and her next book, RUSHING AMY, will be an automatic pre-order for me.

About the Author

Julie Brannagh has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She completed her first novel in 2006. Julie lives in a small town thirty miles east of Seattle with a wonderful husband, two uncivilized Maine Coons (Mojo and Oscar) and a rambunctious chocolate Lab named Moose. She loves to write, but she loves books even more.

Julie is represented by Sarah E. Younger of Nancy Yost Literary Agency. Sarah sold Julie’s Seattle Sharks series to Amanda Bergeron of Avon Impulse in November of 2012. BLITZING EMILY (first book of the series) will make its debut in January of 2014. RUSHING AMY will follow on February 11, 2014, and CATCHING CAMERON will be published on May 6, 2014.

When Julie’s not writing or reading, she enjoys the same things everyone else does: Sports, music, movies, visiting with friends, and the occasional cupcake.

Website: http://www.juliebrannagh.com
Facebook: Julie Brannagh
Twitter: @JulieDuvall

Julie Brannagh on Goodreads



Click here to follow the BLITZING EMILY tour.



GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway



(Disclaimer: I was provided an digital copy from Tasty Book Tours for an honest and unbiased review.)

Monday, November 4, 2013

Preview: Once Upon a Highland Summer by Lecia Cornwall

Posted on 9:10 AMby with No comments
A new book is up for sale today from Avon Impulse, and it was such a fun read that I have to recommend it to you. If you enjoy regencies (even if you don't, it's not set in the ballrooms of England!), if you love the lush setting of Scotland, and if you enjoy a bit of midsummer magic and paranormal matchmaking (gotta love those meddlesome specters!), I think you'll really love Lucia Cornwall's ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER. I couldn't put it down!



From the book:

An ancient curse, a pair of meddlesome ghosts, a girl on the run, and a fateful misunderstanding make for the perfect chance at true love. 

Lady Caroline Forrester is on the run from her brother’s scheme to marry her off to the highest bidder. An escape to Scotland offers a chance at employment as a governess and freedom from an unhappy marriage-it’s the perfect solution. But Caroline wasn’t prepared for the feelings that her new employer brings out in her.

Alec McNabb, the reluctant Earl of Glenorne, never expected to return home to Scotland. But now that he’s there, he realizes he has obligations that he cannot escape. Alec needs to marry well, and quickly.

When a case of mistaken identity-coupled with the sensual, magical atmosphere of Glenorne castle-results in a passionate encounter, Caroline and Alec must decide whether their attraction is enough to overcome the problems of their pasts, or whether this one chance at true love was over before it began …

Where to Buy:


Follow the Blog Tour for a Chance to Win!


Follow Lecia Cornwall this week as she takes readers on a tour of her lush Scottish historical e-original, ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER, on sale from Avon Impulse TODAY, November 5! All week, you’ll find out about the romantic setting, the lively characters (both alive and…otherworldly), and the Scottish romance genre in general!

Visit each blog on its designated day to get the full behind the scenes picture of ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND SUMMER, and to enter for a chance to win a signed book by Lecia Cornwall:

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)