Sunday, December 31, 2017

2017 Favorites!


2017 was an amazing year for books! I laughed.. I cried.. I got so angry I wanted to throw my kindle across the room.. I let out a lot of dreamy sighs.. and I loved every minute of it! I found new authors that I absolutely adore and wait with great anticipation for their next book baby to be released! I was able to read over 100 books!

Before I look ahead to the New Year and new books, I thought I would pay tribute to some of these favorites that I fell in love with in 2017. I will tell you that my list is not in any particular order. I absolutely LOVED all these books and there is NO WAY I'll be able to choose a ranking for them! It just is NOT possible! So don't even ask!

So... without further adieu... here are my TOP 17 of 2017!!



















What are some of your favorites from 2017?

Swoon Worthy Spotlights #12


Welcome to Swoon Worthy Spotlights hosted by Bookworm NationKatie's Clean Book Collection and KJ's Book Nook! Once a month we will feature 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!

For this month's Swoon Worthy Spotlights I am going to choose...


Jailbird by Taylor Dean


Sawdust and Mistletoe by Michelle Pennington

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

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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!

Happy reading my fellow bookworms!
Saturday, December 30, 2017

2018 Reading Challenge

Since I really enjoyed making and doing my 2017 Reading Challenge, I thought I would keep it going and do a new one for 2018! 

I didn't see any 2018 Reading Challenges that I would enjoy so I made my own again! Hehe.

Allow me to share with you KJ's Book Nook 2018 Reading Challenge!


1. Start a new series: The Sidelined Wife by Jennifer Peel
2. A book with a title that makes you go Hmmm..: A Madness Most Discreet by Nichole Van
3. A book you own but have never read: All By My Selfie by Jo Noelle
4. A book published this year: Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean
5. Reread a favorite book from 2017: Pianos and Promises Collection by Jennifer Peel
6. Reread a favorite book from 2016: Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt
7. Reread a favorite book from 2015: Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson
8. A book based on its cover: Silver Star by Lisa Swinton
9. A fairytale retelling: Finding Beauty in the Beast by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
10. A book by an author's pen name: Stone Silence by Taylor Dean
11. A steampunk novel: Kiss of the Spindle by Nancy Campbell Allen
12. A book with an ocean, lake or sea on the cover: Bargaining with the Boss by Jennifer Shirk
13. A book with over 300 pages: #Starstruck by Sariah Wilson
14. A book with less than 150 pages: The Unwanted Suitor by Michelle Pennington
15. A book that has been on your TBR list forever: Jade's Cowboy Crush by Kimberly Krey
16. A book with one of the four seasons in the title: Autumn's Embrace by Laura D. Bastian
17. A book WITHOUT people on the cover: Written in Blood by Rebecca Deel
18. A book with food in the title: The Cupcake Dilemma by Jennifer Rodewald
19. A book that a movie is based on: Christmas in Homestead by Kara Tate
20. A book with magic or angels: Cupid Misses the Mark by Heather Horrocks

Does this challenge sound like one you would love and could accomplish? Then feel free to join me!

2018 Reading Challenge Participants:

Katie

Happy reading my fellow bookworms!
Sunday, December 24, 2017

A Fine Gentleman by Sarah M. Eden


Synopsis:

London barrister Jason Jonquil has spent his entire life working to establish his identity as a gentleman, a man of refinement like his father and brothers. But when fiery Spanish beauty Mariposa Thornton walks into his office, he finds himself losing his grasp on his dignified character. The woman is infuriating, pushing him to the limit of his legendary patience. However, her case seems simple enough—a small matter of inheritance. Or so he believes.Once a well-born lady, Mariposa fought to survive the brutalities of Napoleon’s war on Spain. She braved horrific perils and undertook dangerous missions on behalf of those fighting against the invading French army. But her greatest battle still lies ahead: after being separated from her family, Mariposa sets in motion a plan to reunite with her loved ones in England. To avoid drawing the attention of the French, Mariposa dons a carefully crafted persona to conceal her true purpose. As Jason and Mariposa are drawn together by the case, they come to know the people beneath the masks they both wear. When the truth of Mariposa’s quest is revealed, the couple is pulled into a mystery that will test the limits of their courage—and expose the true desire of their hearts.

My Review: 4 Stars

Mariposa is in desperate need of help. She can only think of one person to turn to. Jason Jonquil. He has come highly recommended by his brother and she knows that if anyone can uncover the truth it will be him. But she must take heed to not give too much away. Her life and her family's lives depend on his utmost discretion. She does not like deceiving him, but she must keep her family safe!

Jason cannot believe the nerve of Mariposa! How dare she insult his intelligence and character! He has never met someone so condescending in his life! He will do his best to help her with her dilemma as quickly as possible so he can get the infuriating woman out of his life! 

But the more time he spends with her, the more intrigued he becomes. There is definitely more to the story than she is telling and slowly, he sees her firmly placed mask slipping. This spitfire of a woman is going to be the death of him. But heaven help him, he just can't walk away. Somewhere along the way, he has fallen in love with her and can no longer picture his life without her in it. He will help her solve her mystery and then he will do whatever it takes to keep this fiery Spanish beauty in his life for good. 

While I really enjoyed this book, I didn't love it like I have the others in the Jonquil Brothers series. I had a hard time connecting with Mariposa. I get why she did what she did, but at times I think she went way overboard. There were times during the story that I was willing Jason to just run far away! But, being a Jonquil, he saw past her faults and fell in love with the person she truly is. I did end up liking her more in the end but the beginning was definitely rough for me.

I absolutely love the Jonquil brothers! I have enjoyed all of their stories so far. Years ago, I read one too many regency/historical romances in a short period of time and got burned out on them. I have avoided them ever since. BUT I am happy to announce that rereading this series has made me fall in love with this genre all over again! I can't wait to reread more of Ms. Eden's books!

And speaking of Ms. Eden, from the moment I read my first book by her, I knew she would always be a favorite of mine. I have adored all her books. I know I will be reading and rereading her books years from now! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! If you haven't read anything by her then you are definitely missing out!

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.* 

2017 Reading Challenge

**UPDATE**

And I am finished! YAY! I have completed both of my Reading Challenges for 2017! I can't WAIT to start my 2018 Reading Challenge! It's going to be SO much fun! 😊

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I thought it was time to do an update on my reading challenge. I've actually been doing pretty good this year! On my below challenge I have 5 books left! WAHOOOOO! On my Goodreads reading challenge I have read 66 of my 100 books goal, I am more than halfway there! Which is amazing considering the last couple of years I struggled and kept getting into reading ruts. Gotta love when you can find amazing books and authors! 😉

What about you? Did you decide to do a reading challenge this year? If so, how's it going for you? If not, you know... it's not too late! Come join me! 😉 Hehe.

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Since I really enjoyed doing the 2016 Reading Challenge, I decided that I would do it again for 2017! After checking out some of the reading challenges going around, I knew there was no way I would accomplish even half of the list.

So, what's a girl to do when she really wants to do another challenge?! Why make her own of course!

Allow me to share with you KJ's Book Nook 2017 Reading Challenge!


1. A book by an author you have never read: Hidden Moon by K.R. Thompson
2. A book with a pretty cover: Hit and Run Love by Jennifer Peel
3. A trilogy: My One and Only, Free Fallin' and At Last by Shannon Guymon
4. A book by your favorite author: Paige's Turn by Jennifer Peel
5. A book by a friend's favorite author: I'm going to be a bit ambitious for this one. I have three friends that I always talk books with. So I am going to read a book from each of their favorite authors.. ;) Hehe. 1. How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison (Kathy), 2. Mergers & Acquisitions by Jennifer Griffith (Katie), and 3. Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen (Heidi). 
6. A book you have read before: Be Mine by Shannon Guymon (The above mentioned book buddies will know why this one is going to be tough!)
7. A book with a billionaire in it: The Daring One by Cami Checketts
8. A book with a one word title: Obsidian by Kimberly Loth  No review on my blog. Posted on Goodreads only.
9. A book that takes place on an island: Begin Again by Crystal Walton
10. A book with a topic you dislike: Lancaster House by Taylor Dean. I am so NOT a ghost person! Eeeeeek!
11. A book that "everyone" has read but you: A Fine Gentleman by Sarah M. Eden
12. A YA best seller: A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest
13. A favorite book from your childhood: The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
14. A book with a bad review from a Goodreads friend: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain  DNF at 50%.
15. Reread a favorite book from 2016: A Season to Love by Nicole Deese
16. A book with a hero/heroine's name that you love: Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson
17. A book with your favorite color on the cover: Georgie on His Mind by Jennifer Shirk
18. A book set in a place you would like to visit: Never Trust the Rain by Laura D. Bastian

Now, I can't take all the credit for coming up with the above choices. My good friend Katie over at Katie's Clean Book Collection helped come up with the various options. We had a list of about 40ish options... I just narrowed it down to 18. ;) Hehe. You can see her 2017 Reading Challenge list here.

Does this challenge sound like one you would love and could accomplish? Then feel free to join me! Happy reading my fellow bookworms!
Saturday, December 16, 2017

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas - Reviews!


We hope you have enjoyed our Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas hosted by KJ's Book Nook, Bookworm Nation, and Katie's Clean Book Collection!

We would like to thank everyone who has participated in our Christmas Swoon Fest! We had SO much fun doing this! We will definitely be doing another Swoon Fest again! Not sure when but we'll scream it from the rooftops when we do! 

But... until then... please enjoy all these Swoony reviews we received this month! Hopefully you have found new authors to try and new books to read!


Marrying Miss Kringle: Lux by Lucy McConnell: 


The Christmas Groom by Taylor Hart: 


A Lawman for Christmas by Karen Kirst


How to Kiss a Billionaire by Cami Checketts: 


Honeymoon for One in Christmas Falls by Jennifer Peel:


Hot Cocoa Wars by Christene Houston:


The Christmas Boyfriend by Taylor Hart:


The Lumberjack's Yuletide Bride by Kimberly Krey:


A Christmas Kiss by Susan Hatler: 


Home For Christmas by Melissa McClone: 


The Bookworm and the Beast by Charlee James: 


A Gift for Santa by Beth Carpenter: 


More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel: 


Christmas Secrets by Donna Hatch: 


Christmas Grace by Jennifer Moore, Krista Lynn Jensen, Anita Stansfield & Chalon Linton: 


Mistletoe Wedding by Melissa McClone: 


One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg: 


A Christmas Seduction by Kristin Vayden, Nadine Millard and Rachel VanDyken:

Kathy

Sawdust and Mistletoe by Michelle Pennington:

Kathy
Jackie
KJ
Katie

The Object of His Affection by Marcia Lynn McClure:

Kathy

Forever Yours in Christmas Falls by Susan Hatler:

Kathy

Operation: Married by Christmas by Debra Clopton:

Kathy

Oh, Come On, Be Faithful by Cami Checketts:

Kathy

Under the Mistletoe Collection: 

Heidi

Eve's Christmas Wedding by Caroline Mickelson:

Ria

His Frontier Christmas Family by Regina Scott:

Heidi

A Convenient Christmas Wedding by Regina Scott:

Kathy

Forever Yours in Christmas Falls by Susan Hatler:

KJ

One Enchanted Eve by Melissa Tagg:

KJ
Heidi

One Enchanted Noël by Melissa Tagg:

KJ

My Fair Aussie by Jennifer Griffith: 

Katie

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT! 

12 Days of Clean Romance – Day 12 – December 16th – Cami Checketts

   

 

How to Kiss a Billionaire by Cami Checketts 

  Sassy meets swoon-worthy in this fast-paced contemporary romance. 

 Miriam Salisbury escapes to Oregon to avoid a boyfriend who won't take no for an answer, killing her beloved cat to prove it. When her father sends Clay Browning to protect her, she's certain he's lost his mind. As far as she's concerned Clay's experience is limited to posing for the camera, charming women, and making fun of her. He's been teasing her since they were children and she's never gotten over the way he threw crawdads at her at church picnics. Clay retired from the military and entered the world of private security. When he gets the call to protect Miriam he's excited to be around his lifelong crush. As expected, he teases her nonstop and the only thing he takes seriously is her security. He knows she'd never give him a chance and he can't help but give her a hard time. After Miriam is dumped in the freezing ocean on a crabbing expedition and Clay saves her from drowning and freezing to death, she takes a second look at her hired gun. But opening up to him is more terrifying than facing her stalker. As events escalate to a frenzied climax, Miriam and Clay must put aside past grudges in the hope of finding a lasting love for their future.

 

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Praise for series:

 "Cami Checketts is an expert at sending a flurry of butterflies straight to the heart! If you love the beach, a dash of suspense, and some toe-curling, swoony romance, then the Billionaire Beach Romance series is definitely for you.” Katie Watkins, Book Reviewer, Katie’s Clean Book Collection

"I LOVE these sweet romances! I love that each of them is a mini escape. You almost feel as though you've traveled to a warm destination even though it's cold and snowy where you live. I love that I can pass them to either my daughter or my grandma and never have any concern about the content. And the characters in these are amazing! I love them all!” Cathy Jeppsen, Book Reviewer, My Book a Day

 

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Miriam closed her eyes as Clay’s arms came around her and held her tight. “Whoa, darling, if I would’ve known I’d get this reception, I would’ve broken into your house years ago.” Miriam pushed away from him, stumbling from the realization that he hadn’t changed. Clay was a vicious flirt and never took anything seriously. She shoved at his chest, but he didn’t budge. He was real and he was here, and unfortunately for her unsteady nerves, it didn’t look like he was going away. “What are you doing here?” she demanded. “Your daddy hired me.” “My daddy … hired you?” She glared at him. “For what? A pinup model?” He smiled and tilted his head to the side. “I know I look good, but I actually have a few skills in protection too.” “You do not. All you’ve ever been good at is spending your billions of dollars and getting women to simper at your feet.” She knew he’d been in the military for four years after high school, but after that, he appeared to be the ultimate player. At least, it looked that way in the online photos she’d seen, when she’d googled him. Okay, it was pathetic that she’d googled him, but he was Clay Browning, a.k.a. Miriam’s dream man. He spread his arms, and she couldn’t help but notice the definition from his forearms and biceps up through his shoulders and chest. Maybe he should find a shirt that wasn’t so … form-fitting. “Hey, I’ve got lots of talents. What can I say?” Miriam pushed out a huffy breath. “You are not here. This is all some kind of crazy fantasy.” “I know I’m the stuff fantasies are made of, but I really am here.” He sauntered a step closer, and that spicy cologne made her stomach heat up. “You want to enact some of those fantasies you’ve been having about me?” She put a hand on his chest to keep him from coming any closer. Those muscles were real. Yikes. She dropped her hand and stepped back. “For one second, just for one, be serious. Why are you here, and how did you get in my house?” Clay rolled his eyes and folded his arms across his chest. Sheesh. What did he do with biceps that defined? Wrestle bulls? Focus, Miriam! “Your daddy called me, said Greg was threatening and stalking you and I had to find you. So I found you, and now I’m here to watch over you.” Watch over you? She would not survive with this man in the same town, let alone the same house. Her throat was dry and all those daydreams she used to have about him rotated through her mind. “How did you get in?” she demanded. “I told you: I have skills.” He smiled and finally admitted, “I was special ops in the Army and I’ve worked in private security since then.” “You’re being serious now? This isn’t some bull crap line that Clay Browning is giving me?” He smirked. “You can believe whatever you want, sweetheart.” He took a step closer, and her legs betrayed her by not backing up. “But do believe that I’m here and you I and are going to get real cozy.” Miriam looked over his gorgeous face. She clenched her trembling hands together and swallowed hard. “I’m not one of your flavors of the week, Clay.” He leaned in and sniffed her. “Ah. Yeah, I think you are. Vanilla with a hint of chocolate. My favorite flavor this week.”  

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Author Cami Checketts Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction. Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.  


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Also by Cami Checketts


Don't miss the rest of the Billionaire Beach Romances: Shadows in the Curtain Caribbean Rescue Cozumel Escape Cancun Getaway Trusting the Billionaire Onboard for Love


 
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Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 12/31/17
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Festivity Friday - Week 4



We are so excited for our first annual 

Have Yourself a Very Swoony Christmas event,






Festivity Friday is our fabulous cap of the week!
  This is our final week and we'd love to 
thank each and every one of you who 
have participated for your support!
We wish you all a very 
Merry Christmas!
(Winners will be contacted by email)


And the winners are...

Christmas Treat Prize Pack  --  Janie McGaugh
$5 Amazon Gift Card  --  Martha Peace
An ebook of winner's choice by Christene Houston  --  April Bentley
$5 Amazon Gift Card  --  Darla C

12 Days of Clean Romance – Day 11 – December 15th – Lucy McConnell

 

 

Marrying Miss Kringle: Lux by Lucy McConnell 

  Christmas Magic is changing and the Kringle Family scrambles to keep up in this fun and entertaining, sweet Christmas romance from Author Lucy McConnell. 

 A normal electrical substation takes two years to build; but, Lux has 365 days to install one at the North Pole or Christmas Magic will overload the factory and send them back to the Dark Ages. The one man on the planet with the know-how, the education, and the time to help Lux finish the substation before her Noel deadline, is also the one man who sends sparks through her heart and surges through the power system. If Lux kisses Matthew Quik—again!—she could blow up Santa’s workshop before she has a chance to save it. If she doesn't kiss him, she may lose him forever.  

     

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  Praise for the book: "For getting me in the mood for Christmas, and the romantic aspect of this holiday even before Thanksgiving, I’m happy to give Ms. McConnell the 5 STARS I’ve given her book." "Marrying Miss Kringle: Lux is a funny, tender, magical adventure into the sparkles of Christmas Magic and the sparks of human love."

  

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Lux’s cheeks dusted pink. With her red hair and fair skin, she should have flushed bright red, but only this sprinkling of pink appeared, like she’d been dusted with pink powdered sugar. Why did this woman bring to mind sweet things like powdered sugar and chocolate and kisses at sunset? He gave his head a mighty shake. “You fell in the water.” “I know.” At least, he thought he knew. Everything had happened so fast. He’d fallen asleep and woken up when the ice cracked. He plopped his feet to the floor only to have them land in several inches of water. His stove had tipped over and the hot metal had melted clear through the ice. There must have been a crack in the ice nearby. “We pulled you out.” “We?” Quik adjusted the blankets over his arms. He could only imagine Lux and Ginger and Frost tearing his clothes off. Lux made to adjust her glasses, but they weren’t there. She looked around like they’d fallen off and she didn’t know how. So he wasn’t the only one thrown off by all this. Quik’s eyes traveled lower to find her bare shoulders and her skintight tank top. He jerked his eyes back up to her face, hoping she hadn’t caught his wandering eye. “Me and Dunder.” She chewed her lip. “My reindeer.” “Of course.” The situation was going up in weirdness. Having used up all his ability to care about propriety, Quik leaned back against the seat. He was in the bottom of a fancy velvet-lined sled. Yep. Weird. His eyes dropped shut. “You cut my pants?” he asked. “I’ll get you new ones,” offered Lux. “Did you cut my shirt too?” “No!” She was offended. That was kind of cute. “Too bad. I needed a new shirt.” He half smiled.  

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Author Lucy McConnell 

Award-winning author, Lucy McConnell, loves Christmas, romance, chocolate and Elvis. She started out as an editor at an advertising agency before moving on to teach in the marketing department of the local community college. She loved teaching and often misses the academic environment. Lucy retired from teaching and began to write articles and sweet romance novels. She has been published in national magazines, newspapers, short story compilations, and she writes cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock. If she's not at the computer, you can find her trying to keep up with her husband and four kids on the ski slopes, in a boat, in the kitchen, or on a horse.


 
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Also by Lucy McConnell


 
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Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 12/30/17
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.