Book Review of Once Upon A Scandal

Book Review of Once Upon A Scandal

      Sponsored by Enchanted Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

About the Book

Title: Once Upon A Scandal

Author: Julie LeMense

Genre: Regency Era Romance

Caught up in a scandal of her father’s making, Lady Jane Fitzsimmons is now an outcast in the society that once prized her. So when Lord Benjamin Marworth offers to help redeem her good name, she leaps at the chance.

Too bad his plan requires her very public demise.

Marworth, society’s darling, is actually a spy for crown, and important war communiques have been stolen. If Jane can carry off her disguise as the mysterious Madame Lillianne Fauchon, with close ties to Napoleon, she just might tempt the thief out of hiding.

And tempt Marworth into something he has always studiously avoided … at chance at love.

Author Bio

A Georgetown University graduate with a degree in English Literature, I’ve loved the Regency romance genre since my first deliciously bad Barbara Cartland novel. These days, I prefer the complex characterizations and plotting of Julie Anne Long, Sherry Thomas, Meredith Duran, Courtney Milan, and Sarah MacLean. A member of the Romance Writers Association of America, I am currently working on my next novel, as the ghosts who live in my haunted, gilded-age home try to sneak their way into my stories.

Links

Email : julielemense@yahoo.com

www.julielemense.com

Twitter @julielemense

Facebook: www.facebook.com/julielemense   

Amazon author page:

http://www.amazon.com/Julie-LeMense/e/B00JZ2016W/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Amazon Once Upon a Scandal page:

http://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Scandal-Julie-LeMense-ebook/dp/B00YFWHFSE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1433436906&sr=8-2&keywords=julie+lemense

Book Excerpts

Benjamin blinked to clear his vision. This was Jane Fitzsimmons, and yet she was not. This woman had swayed into the room like a seductress, every movement hypnotic. Her features were the same, even if her cheekbones were more pronounced, and her eyes seemed larger, the faintest hint of kohl at their corners. Her new hairstyle framed her face beautifully. But that body. He’d never guessed, and he was a connoisseur of the female form.

“You look … very nice,” he said, his famed wit deserting him.

“You, as well, monsieur le Vicomte,” she replied. There was an artful lilt to her speech, hinting at French shores and exquisite schooling. “But of course, the comtesse told me to expect a handsome man, and I have learned during our short acquaintance she is not given to exaggeration.”

 

He swallowed reflexively. She’d stopped just in front of him, mere inches away. Reaching up, she placed a tentative hand on his shoulder and then leaned in, standing on her toes to place a light kiss first on one cheek and then the other, while he stood utterly still, breathing her in, unable to deny he was lanced with desire.

She pulled back, her hand falling gently to her waist. “That is how I greet my friends in Paris, monsieur, and I’m told we are to be great friends.”

“If that is how the French greet their friends,” he said, fighting to keep his voice light, “I am renouncing my British citizenship.”

Review: 

            Charming romance story.  I did not read the first book about this society, which I will soon remand as this story has convinced me of the writers skill.  I truely enjoyed the story of Jane.  She is that awkward girl that lives inside many women, me in particular.  Yet she is brave and charming as well.  It was a delight to get a peek into her life and loves.  I commend her bravery and tact as I am not sure I could be so kind to some of those she had to deal with.

            I give this story 4 out of 5 clouds.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Book Review of Ana of California

Book Review of Ana of California

Sponsored by Fantastic Flying Book Club and Penguin Books Fantastic Flying Book Club

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

BOOK DETAILS

Ana of California

by Andi Teran

Publisher: Penguin Books

Release Date: June 30th 2015

Genre: Adult, Young Adult crossover, Fiction, Retellings, Coming of Age, Contemporary

Synopsis:

Appropriate for YA audiences.

A modern take on the classic coming-of-age novel, inspired by Anne of Green Gables

In the grand tradition of Anne of Green Gables, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and The Three Weissmanns of Westport, Andi Teran’s captivating debut novel offers a contemporary twist on a beloved classic. Fifteen-year-old orphan Ana Cortez has just blown her last chance with a foster family. It’s a group home next—unless she agrees to leave East Los Angeles for a farm trainee program in Northern California.

When she first arrives, Ana can’t tell a tomato plant from a blackberry bush, and Emmett Garber is skeptical that this slight city girl can be any help on his farm. His sister Abbie, however, thinks Ana might be just what they need. Ana comes to love Garber Farm, and even Emmett has to admit that her hard work is an asset. But when she inadvertently stirs up trouble in town, Ana is afraid she might have ruined her last chance at finding a place to belong.

BOOK LINKS:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23398869-ana-of-california?ac=1

Amazon paperback: http://amzn.to/1HEHYIW

Barnes & Noble (B&N):  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ana-of-california-andi-teran/1120624773?ean=9780143126492

Bookdepository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Ana-California-Andi-Teran/9780143126492

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/es-ES/ebook/ana-of-california

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andi Teran is a writer and performer originally from the deserts of West Texas. She has written about fashion, film, and culture for Vanity Fair, MTV, New York, and Monocle, as well as written and performed for various New York stages. She lives in Los Angeles. Ana of California is her first novel.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://anditeran.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9762028.Andi_Teran

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andi_teran

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiTeran.Author

Instagram: https://instagram.com/andi_teran/

GIVEAWAY:

Details: Win (1) of (5) finished copies of ANA OF CALIFORNIA by Andi Teran (US Only)

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86121/?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Playlist and Author’s Note

Music played an important role in the creation of Ana of California. Before I even began writing, I put together a playlist of songs for each of my characters—soundtracks to their pasts, present, and future that often unlocked the secrets to their histories. I immersed myself in Mexican folk songs, classic American rock from the 1960s and 1970s, hair metal from the 1980s, and further explored my current obsession with modern California girl punk bands. The songs often spoke for my characters when they couldn’t express themselves in words, and the collective sound from the combined lists created the sound of Hadley, California. With these character maps, I was able to find my way home—if I ever got lost—to the place where all of these people lived. I’ve created a playlist that is a sampling of what I listened to while writing. I only wish I could have included a song from the Hex, the only fictional band in the book who were an amalgamation of all of my favorite female-fronted bands from the past to the present. If you substitute your own favorites, you’ll still be able to hear their unique sound. I’m sure you’ll recognize a few familiar songs on this list, but I hope to introduce you to artists you may not have heard before, too. Happy listening…

Link to Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/user/anditeran/playlist/5JDUalfXRpGcknbWEl78Ok

Review: 

Anne of Green Gables was one of my favorite books growing up, so I was concerned about this update.  However, I found it charming.  It was a great book and I enjoyed it very much.

I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Book Review of The Secrets of Yashire

Book Review of The Secrets of Yashire

Sponsored by Enchanted Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

About the Book

 Title: The Secrets of Yashire

Author: Diamante Lavendar

Genre: YA Fantasy

The Secrets of Yashire:

Emerging From the Shadows is a young adult fantasy adventure that occurs within the framework of a young girl’s subconscious mind. The main character, Brianna, finds herself thrown into a world called Yashire where she is forced to deal with circumstances that are threatening Yashire’s existence. Against her will, she is sent on a journey to restore unconditional love back to the land while also contending with the evil force in the land, Zolan. Brianna is sent on her mission by Libban, Keeper of the Land. Along the way, Brianna travels with the mystical tiger, Angelos; a huge, whitish-tan tiger with thick black stripes who sings only the purest songs of love, and the wondrous little one-eyed bird named Abiba. During the journey, Brianna is also preparing to meet her soulmate—the one she longs to be with and the one who will bring complete healing back into her life. Together they travel through fantastic lands filled with magical creatures that could only exist in the wildest of imaginations. Through her treacherous brushes with danger and heartwarming experiences of love and acceptance, Brianna discovers many things. It is here, amidst the powers and phantasms of the mind that Brianna receives life lessons and virtues to help her. Will one of her greatest triumphs be achieved as she learns to believe in herself? For only then can she truly see all of the wondrous things that life has to offer.

 

Author Bio

Diamante Lavendar has been in love with reading since she was a child. She spent many hours listening to her mother read to her when she was young. As she grew older, she enjoyed reading novels of all genres: horror, fantasy and some romance to name a few.

She began writing in college and published some poetry in anthologies over the years. After her kids were older, she wrote as a form of self-expression and decided she wanted to share her stories with others.

Most of her writing is very personal and stems from her own experiences and those of her family and friends. She writes to encourage hope and possibility to those who read her stories.

Diamante believes that everyone should try to leave their own positive mark in the world, to make it a better place for all. Writing is the way that she is attempting to leave her mark—one story at a time.

 

Links

http://diamantelavendar.com/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/107370618346077894159/posts

https://www.facebook.com/diamante.lavendar

Buy the Book:

Amazon

B&N

Review: 

Fantasy and Romance in the same book, happy sigh.  I love both these genres and I enjoyed the mingling.  The author kept enough realism to make this book a good read.  I enjoyed seeing Brianna grow and learn about herself. 

I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Book Review of Angel Lover, The Angel Assassins, Book 2

Book Review of The Angel Assassins, Book 2

Sponsored by Entangled Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

Publication date: June 30^th

ANGEL LOVER BY TRICIA SKINNER

Series Name: The Angel Assassins #2

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Imprint: Select Otherworld

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy Romance

Tagline

There's no danger greater than falling for your enemy…

Cover Quote

"Tricia Skinner's angels make a woman think about sinning. Angel Lover is a great read!" 

-- Jaye Wells, USA Today bestselling urban fantasy author

Book Cover Blurb

The Nephilim are bound. Their powers cursed. But half-angel Kasdeja will do anything to free them from Heaven's tyranny. When Kas is approached by a striking, mysterious woman, she tells him his greatest enemies hold the key to his freedom.

Mariel keeps herself shrouded in secrets, using them to hide her true self. For she is not just employed by the Renegades--enemy fallen angels—she is a double agent, working on the sly for Heaven. Her directive is to seduce the gorgeous Nephilim—despite her insecurity about such sensual acts.

For Mariel is playing a dangerous game, and falling for Kas could only cause trouble; her assignment isn't just seduction. It's destruction.

Short Book Cover Blurb

The Nephilim are bound. Their powers cursed. But half-angel Kasdeja will do anything to free them from Heaven's tyranny. When Kas is approached by a striking, mysterious woman, she tells him his greatest enemies hold the key to his freedom. Mariel’s directive is to seduce the gorgeous Nephilim. But her assignment isn't just seduction. It's destruction.

AUTHOR BIO

Tricia Skinner

Tricia Skinner is an author of passionate dark fantasy. She is a features writer for Fresh Fiction and a project manager for Short Fuse. She began her writing career as a business reporter and wrote forThe Detroit News, Investor’s Business Daily, MSN, and The Houston Chronicle.

Raised in Detroit, Tricia graduated with a BA degree from the nationally acclaimed Journalism Institute for Media Diversity at Wayne State University. She earned a Masters of Liberal Studies – Creative Writing degree from Southern Methodist University and will obtain a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in 2017.

Diversity in genre fiction is dear to Tricia’s heart. She is represented by Laurie McLean, co-founder of Fuse Literary Agency. When not writing, Tricia can be found reading, lifting weights, or geeking out over games, movies, and music. She has a Tom Hiddleston obsession, and she is Team Vader. Her family includes three Great Danes (so far).).

Author Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Info:

http://www.triciaskinner.com

Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20764553-angel-lover

                 

Buy Links

Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1HXpLUy

Amazon Canada - http://bit.ly/AL-AmazonCA

Amazon UK - http://bit.ly/AL-AmazonUK

Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/angel-lover-BarnesNoble

Apple iBooks - http://bit.ly/angel-lover-ibooks

Kobo - http://bit.ly/angel-lover-kobo

Excerpt

He traced his fingers under her tank top and made small circles against her back. A soft sound escaped her lips, then she relaxed.

“Mariel.” He barely recognized his lust-blown voice.

She answered by renewing their passionate kiss, full and open and bone melting. She kissed him thoroughly, drawing the oxygen from his lungs as she twisted her fingers into his long hair.

Kas lowered her on the comforter with care, never breaking their kiss. He eased back, and with his gaze on hers, he pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it.

Mariel’s gaze made several passes over his body.

What did she feel for him? Admiration? Uncertainty? He’d never hurt her. No one would ever hurt her again, not if they expected to live.

Then Mariel’s gaze fell away. “You are...beautiful.” Her shoulders drooped, and she pulled back.

“You don’t believe you are.”

She didn’t reply, except for the stubborn jut of her chin. Kas smoothed his thumb over her cheek then gently raised her head. She wouldn’t look at him. He wouldn’t allow her to withdraw from him, from them.

He touched her shirt at the waist, and her hands clamped over his, her eyes wet. Her fearful expression tore him apart.

“Trust me as I trust you,” he said gently.

Kas waited until her grip loosened, and her hands fell to the side. He infused a smile with warmth and then eased the material up in torturous increments. Time she could use to stop him.

Her flat stomach and tight abs were revealed. He smothered his reaction, afraid Mariel would mistake a groan for disapproval. Smooth, golden skin fed his hunger an appetizer.

“You have control,” he told her. “If you tell me to stop, I’ll stop.”

Mariel peeked through her lashes and nodded.

He lifted the shirt higher, stared at her breasts, and bit back another sound. God of All, they made him salivate, but he tapped more of his self-control.

Finally, the shirt was over her head and joined his on the floor. Mariel’s arms stayed locked at her sides like a soldier at attention.

Kas moved around her and climbed onto the bed next to her. “Lie on your side, facing me.”

“I do not know,” she said, whisper light.

Again his chest felt as if it had crushed inward. No woman should be made to believe she was ugly. None should feel shame about her body. He wanted to beat bloody any man who’d ever looked at her wrong.

Mariel expelled a long breath as if she’d resolved herself to do what he’d asked. She stretched out alongside him, chest to chest, her right arm pillowing her head.

He leaned over and planted a soft kiss on her cheek and lips. “Touch me.”

Review: 

Fun, sexy, filled with twists and turns.  This is a great second book in this series.  I loved the interplay between the characters and how real they seemed.  The fact that it has plausibility due to the characters and their interactions makes this a superb book.

While this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.  This is something I appreciate.  I have fibromyalgia and sometimes my memory is significantly faulty.  When a book is dependent upon the previous book, I end up having to read it again before I can read the book I started to read.  So I love that while things carry over, it is not necessary to read the first book to be able to enjoy this one.

I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds and look forward to more from this author.  The writing just keeps getting better.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.