Saturday, January 6, 2018

The Sheriff's Bride by Kimberly Krey


Synopsis:


Trent Lockheart might be the new sheriff in town, but he can’t stop Jessie Jean from stealing his heart.

Sheriff Trent Lockheart knew he’d be in for a challenge when he moved from the big city and a large police force to the small Wyoming town of Cobble Creek. But at least he’d be able to stick to his bachelor ways without temptation. So he thought. Cobble Creek isn’t overflowing with young, single ladies, but Jessie Jean—the gorgeous brunette who runs the Country Quilt Inn—proves more tempting than any woman he’s known.

Jessie doesn’t care much for the new sheriff in town. After an explosive first meeting that almost ends in Jessie’s arrest, she’s even more determined to plan on dinner for one for the rest of her life. Sure, the new sheriff is seriously attractive, and after a second, much less dangerous run-in, he might not be that bad, but Jessie has no plan to marry, date, or even let a man into her life. Still, as the days pass, Trent’s surprising charm works past Jessie’s determination, and she finds promise in their budding relationship.

After opening up about the difficulties in her past, Jessie finds that Trent is guarding a dark tragedy of his own, one that might threaten their chance at a future together.

My Review: 5 Stars

After seeing her mother jump from one abusive relationship to the next, Jessie swore that she would never date, let alone get married. She knows that not all men are like her mother's boyfriends, but she just can't take the chance that she'll end up hurt and broken. It's safer for her to just stay far away. 

Trent's life hasn't been the easiest. Not since the accident. There's a reason he is the way he is and there's a reason why he keeps people at arms length. Allowing them to get too close can be disastrous. He's sworn off relationships and marriage because he can't face the past. It's safer for him to just stay far away. 

Both have sworn off the opposite sex, but that doesn't stop fate from getting involved. After a pretty explosive meeting, these two try their best to fight against their attraction, fight against fate. But they soon realize that there's more to the other than meets the eye. The more time the spend together, the closer they become. Just as they realize their feelings have grown into love, the past comes back to haunt Trent. 

He can't allow his love for Jessie to grow any more. If she knows what he did, she'll leave him for sure. It's better that he breaks it off before she finds out. He'll just go back to life as it was before she came along. She'll be better off without him. 

But when the truth finally comes to light, Jessie and Trent have a decision to make. Do they stay apart? Both going their own separate ways and living miserable lives? Or do they face the past together and fight for the future they both deserve?

*dreamy sigh* 

Have you ever picked up and book and started reading it without reading the synopsis? Well, that's exactly what I did with The Sheriff's Bride! And all I can say is wow! Just wow! I had no clue what I was getting into but I will say I loved every minute of it! I laughed out loud, growled in frustration, got teary-eyed, and let out little dreamy sighs while reading this book! It was the perfect Saturday read for me! 

Every time I read one of Ms. Krey's books I always seem to ask myself, "why in the world have I waited so long to read her books?!" I have gone and added several to my TBR list and will probably be reading more sooner rather than later. An author who can suck me in from the very beginning and make me forget about reality is one that I definitely need to be reading more by! I can't wait to see what journey her books will lead me on next! 

And of course we cannot forget about my casting! What do you think?! 

Monday, January 1, 2018

**Book Blast** Hothouse Flowers by Taylor Dean

BOOK THREE IN THE SOUND OF SILENCE SERIES IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!


Did you miss Book One, STONE SILENCE?
No worries. It’s FREE for five days, Jan. 1-5!!!
Grab it on AMAZON
 

HOTHOUSE FLOWER
by
TAYLOR DEAN


Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean
I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart.
I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever.
Until it wasn’t.
He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it.
But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world.
Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence.
I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly.
To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less.
However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us.
The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart.
Absolutely nothing.
Dear Reader: This book deals with a sensitive issue.

 

The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series.
Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story
Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story
Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story
Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers. They are not standalones and should be read in order.
Read an excerpt from HOTHOUSE FLOWER:

I’LL BE RIGHT down to help with dinner, Mom,” I holler. It will just be a few minutes because I’m busy staring out the window at the man I’ve loved nearly all my life.
He’s home. He’s actually home—just across the street from me, only yards away. I swear I can physically feel his presence and it’s killing me.
Jace Faraday. The love of my youth.
He just arrived at his mother’s house across the street. It’s early evening and I’m watching from my upstairs bedroom window just like I used to do as a teenager. All those old feelings I had for him are rushing over me just as strong as ever. Except now I’m a twenty-six year old woman and, sadly, I feel as though I’m too old to feel giddy over a man.
He is the one man in my life that I have ever truly loved. I loved everything about him from his huge smile to his soft voice to his fabulous laugh. I loved his brawny physique, yet the fact that he had such a gentle touch.
I loved his sense of humor the most of all. When we first started to say I love you to each other, they were serious moments and I knew he meant it as much as I did. As time went by, I would whisper I love you to him and he’d respond in a silly voice, “And I’ve grown fond of you.” It reduced me to a writhing mass of giggles every time.
I was young when I first met him. His family moved in across the street when I was in kindergarten. By the time I was in fifth grade, I was sure he was the man I would marry. I was just a little girl with stars in her eyes, someone who was in love with love. By then Jace was in the eighth grade and seemed larger than life to me.
That feeling of hero worship I felt as a little girl has never left me.
    

   

 Stone Silence by Taylor Dean

Great big beautiful love.
Does it really exist?
Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.”
I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.
I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.
Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.
That’s when I meet Stony by chance.
He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it.
That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.
But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past.
I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.
My only hope is . . . he does.
   

Catch Book Two, JAILBIRD.


  

Jailbird by Taylor Dean
My hometown decided to rename me Jailbird.
Every day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake.
And yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything.
I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia.
But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past.
When I meet Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. He makes me want to live again.
But I don’t love me right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on redemption. I want it. I need it.
Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye.
After all, who could ever love a jailbird?
    

Praise for JAILBIRD:
Mia’s story about forgiveness and redemption is packed with emotion and will leave you wanting more! -Jana, Amazon Review
An adventure from start to finish, a wonderful sequel to Stone Silence. -atvtnv, Amazon Review
Once I started reading, I just couldn’t stop! It has been a LONG time since a book has kept me up WAY past my bedtime! -KJ’s Book Nook
 

Author Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

 

Blast Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/21/18
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.
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 Nation, Katie'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!