Tuesday, October 5, 2010
giveaway winners: last to die
Congratulations to the winners of Last to Die: HeadlessFowl, Karen B, Maureen, lag123, and Wanda!
Friday, October 1, 2010
giveaway: simply irresistible
For the tour of Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis, Hachette has allowed me three giveaway copies!
As I said in my review, the book is pretty cute. Below is what Publishers Weekly thought:
"In this heartwarming and sexy contemporary romance from bestseller Shalvis (Instant Temptation), Maddie Moore meets the man of her dreams, but must fight her inner demons to make it work. Maddie, straight out of an abusive relationship and unemployed, is trying to change "from mouse to tough girl." When she arrives at Lucky Harbor, Wash., to reunite with her two half-sisters and inspect the dilapidated inn inherited from their mother, Maddie nearly runs a handsome stranger off the road. Jax Cullen is the town's mayor, a master carpenter, and a passionate lover. He's willing to give Maddie everything if she can overcome her fear of men and vulnerability. A somewhat forced second half and overabundant telepathic eye contact are mitigated by an abundance of chemistry, smoldering romance, and hilarious sisterly antics."
The rules: Enter by leaving a comment to this post with your email (if I can't contact you, you can't win). You can gain additional entries by leaving separate comments letting me know that you're a follower (one extra each for the blog and Twitter) or have posted a link to the giveaway on your site. The deadline to enter is 11:59pm Pacific on October 23. Winners will be selected at random. Since this is from Hachette the winners must have mailing addresses in the US or Canada; no PO Boxes.
As I said in my review, the book is pretty cute. Below is what Publishers Weekly thought:
"In this heartwarming and sexy contemporary romance from bestseller Shalvis (Instant Temptation), Maddie Moore meets the man of her dreams, but must fight her inner demons to make it work. Maddie, straight out of an abusive relationship and unemployed, is trying to change "from mouse to tough girl." When she arrives at Lucky Harbor, Wash., to reunite with her two half-sisters and inspect the dilapidated inn inherited from their mother, Maddie nearly runs a handsome stranger off the road. Jax Cullen is the town's mayor, a master carpenter, and a passionate lover. He's willing to give Maddie everything if she can overcome her fear of men and vulnerability. A somewhat forced second half and overabundant telepathic eye contact are mitigated by an abundance of chemistry, smoldering romance, and hilarious sisterly antics."
The rules: Enter by leaving a comment to this post with your email (if I can't contact you, you can't win). You can gain additional entries by leaving separate comments letting me know that you're a follower (one extra each for the blog and Twitter) or have posted a link to the giveaway on your site. The deadline to enter is 11:59pm Pacific on October 23. Winners will be selected at random. Since this is from Hachette the winners must have mailing addresses in the US or Canada; no PO Boxes.
review and tour: simply irresistible by jill shalvis
This post contains affiliate links.
Simply Irresistible is pretty cute. Upon the death of their mother, three half-sisters come together at the dilapidated inn they inherited. The women’s mom was a little scattered, so the sisters were raised separately—Chloe, the youngest, by their mom; Maddie, the middle child, by her father; and Tara, the oldest, split her time between their mother and her father’s parents (her father traveled a lot). Maddie, who grew up in Los Angeles, was the only to not spend much time in Lucky Harbor, WA (and I just have to mention how amused I always am that all these Washington towns are so close to Seattle, which is frequently mentioned in the book) and is the only one who actually wants to stay. Tara is particularly eager to sell the inn and get on with her life. Maddie, on the other hand, has just broken up with an abusive boyfriend and lost her job; she really has no reason to return home and has even more reason to stay when she almost literally runs into Lucky Harbor’s very attractive bachelor carpenter/mayor/ex-lawyer. Simply Irresistible is a romance with a secondary focus on the relationships between the sisters. They frequently argue, especially regarding what to do with the inn, but it’s clear they love each other. As Maddie explores a relationship with Jax, Chloe and Tara are encouraging while also protective. The balance between the sister story and the romance was terrific. The recipe cards from mom that start each chapter are a nice touch—a great way to get to know more about the woman who played a major part in these women’s lives.
4/5
Review copy provided by the publisher, Forever.
Be sure to check out the giveaway that goes along with this tour!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
review: aching for always by gwyn cready
Aching for Always kicks off with murderous intrigue in the prologue and plunges into steamy romance by the middle of chapter two. It's a great beginning to another stellar time-traveling novel from award-winning Gwyn Cready. Here Joss is all set to marry her new business partner despite knowing him for only a few months (they became close while her father was in the hospital). But then Joss runs into a time-traveler who causes her to doubt everything she's ever trusted regarding her life. Soon Joss faces a major life-altering decision made all the more difficult by the new reality she must contend with.
I particularly enjoyed the way Cready wove the story of the mapmaker into the overall plot. The fairy tale, which Joss's mom told, is revealed at the beginning of certain chapters as other parts come in Joss's reflections on her virginity as well as conversations she has with time-traveling Hugh. At the end comes a nice revelation about the story.
4/5
Review copy provided by the publisher, Pocket Books.
I particularly enjoyed the way Cready wove the story of the mapmaker into the overall plot. The fairy tale, which Joss's mom told, is revealed at the beginning of certain chapters as other parts come in Joss's reflections on her virginity as well as conversations she has with time-traveling Hugh. At the end comes a nice revelation about the story.
4/5
Review copy provided by the publisher, Pocket Books.
a book invasion!
So not that I'm complaining, but books have kind of taken over my home! Although I'm fortunate enough to have some built-ins in the living room, I still need additional storage. So I started browsing the web for some options. There are the traditional shelves of course, but I kind of like console tables since they provide some versatility.
I think I've found the one that I want... It matches fairly well with what I already have and should fit nicely in the dining room. Once I get it, I'll post an update. It'll be nice to finally get the stacks of books organized!
I'll receive a free product for review from CSN Stores for making this post.
I think I've found the one that I want... It matches fairly well with what I already have and should fit nicely in the dining room. Once I get it, I'll post an update. It'll be nice to finally get the stacks of books organized!
I'll receive a free product for review from CSN Stores for making this post.
Monday, September 27, 2010
giveaway winner: the secrets of newberry
Wanda is the lucky winner of The Secrets of Newberry! Congratulations.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
giveaway: september forever romance classics
I am thrilled to host this great giveaway from Hachette. Three people will win the September Forever Romance Classics package of three books! The books are A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore, The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt, and Hot Wheels and High Heels by Jane Graves.
Publishers Weekly about A Hint of Wicked:
"Two devastatingly handsome gentlemen vie for the love of the beautiful Sophie, duchess of Calton, in this debut historical romance, which delivers almost too thoroughly on its heart-tearing premise. Garrett, duke of Calton, returns to England barely recovered from amnesia following the battle of Waterloo and finds that after thinking him dead for eight years, Sophie has married his cousin and best friend, Tristan, now duke in his place. Sophie is torn between her sensual attraction to Tristan and her childhood love for—and legal bond to—Garrett, while the rivalry wrecks the men's lifelong friendship and pulls Sophie's two young children between their warring fathers. Haymore portrays the three so intensely and sympathetically that by the end, all of Sophie's possible choices seem guaranteed to bring misery to the lovers, leaving readers distressed and unsatisfied."
Booklist on The Raven Prince:
"After reviewing her somewhat precarious financial situation, Anna Wren comes to the conclusion that she needs a job. When she discovers that Edward de Raaf, the Earl of Swartingham, requires a new secretary, it seems like the perfect solution to her employment problem. Having already lost two secretaries because of his temper, Edward reluctantly agrees to give Anna a chance. Much to Anna's surprise, she finds she likes working for the often stubborn but unexpectedly kind Edward, and Edward soon realizes that Anna is not only an excellent secretary but also an extraordinarily intriguing woman. Hoyt's superb debut historical romance will dazzle readers with its brilliant blend of exquisitely nuanced characters, splendidly sensual love story, and elegant writing expertly laced with a dash of tart wit."
Publisher description for Hot Wheels and High Heels:
"Trophy wife Darcy McDaniel has just discovered that, thanks to her embezzling husband, her posh, upper-class life is gone for good. Now she's trading her suburban palace for a trailer park and her weekly salon appointments for a job. Darcy needs a new man--fast--one who'll keep her in the manner she darn well deserves. Problem is, the hottest prospect around is the my-way-or-the-highway hunk who's making off with her beloved Mercedes!
"Ex-cop turned repo man John Stark is sure that hiring the furious blonde in his headlights is a colossal mistake. He knows Darcy's high-maintenance, designer-labels-only type--after all, he's used to taking their cars. But he never expected this hellion to have the smarts and the spunk to go from receptionist to repo agent in record time...or to drive him insane with desire. She's the last thing this tall, dark, and dangerous loner needs...and everything he never knew he wanted."
The rules: Enter by leaving a comment to this post with your email (if I can't contact you, you can't win). You can gain additional entries by leaving separate comments letting me know that you're a follower (one extra each for the blog and Twitter) or have posted a link to the giveaway on your site. The deadline to enter is 11:59pm Pacific on October 16. Winners will be selected at random. Since this is from Hachette the winners must have mailing addresses in the US or Canada; no PO Boxes.
Publishers Weekly about A Hint of Wicked:
"Two devastatingly handsome gentlemen vie for the love of the beautiful Sophie, duchess of Calton, in this debut historical romance, which delivers almost too thoroughly on its heart-tearing premise. Garrett, duke of Calton, returns to England barely recovered from amnesia following the battle of Waterloo and finds that after thinking him dead for eight years, Sophie has married his cousin and best friend, Tristan, now duke in his place. Sophie is torn between her sensual attraction to Tristan and her childhood love for—and legal bond to—Garrett, while the rivalry wrecks the men's lifelong friendship and pulls Sophie's two young children between their warring fathers. Haymore portrays the three so intensely and sympathetically that by the end, all of Sophie's possible choices seem guaranteed to bring misery to the lovers, leaving readers distressed and unsatisfied."
Booklist on The Raven Prince:
"After reviewing her somewhat precarious financial situation, Anna Wren comes to the conclusion that she needs a job. When she discovers that Edward de Raaf, the Earl of Swartingham, requires a new secretary, it seems like the perfect solution to her employment problem. Having already lost two secretaries because of his temper, Edward reluctantly agrees to give Anna a chance. Much to Anna's surprise, she finds she likes working for the often stubborn but unexpectedly kind Edward, and Edward soon realizes that Anna is not only an excellent secretary but also an extraordinarily intriguing woman. Hoyt's superb debut historical romance will dazzle readers with its brilliant blend of exquisitely nuanced characters, splendidly sensual love story, and elegant writing expertly laced with a dash of tart wit."
Publisher description for Hot Wheels and High Heels:
"Trophy wife Darcy McDaniel has just discovered that, thanks to her embezzling husband, her posh, upper-class life is gone for good. Now she's trading her suburban palace for a trailer park and her weekly salon appointments for a job. Darcy needs a new man--fast--one who'll keep her in the manner she darn well deserves. Problem is, the hottest prospect around is the my-way-or-the-highway hunk who's making off with her beloved Mercedes!
"Ex-cop turned repo man John Stark is sure that hiring the furious blonde in his headlights is a colossal mistake. He knows Darcy's high-maintenance, designer-labels-only type--after all, he's used to taking their cars. But he never expected this hellion to have the smarts and the spunk to go from receptionist to repo agent in record time...or to drive him insane with desire. She's the last thing this tall, dark, and dangerous loner needs...and everything he never knew he wanted."
The rules: Enter by leaving a comment to this post with your email (if I can't contact you, you can't win). You can gain additional entries by leaving separate comments letting me know that you're a follower (one extra each for the blog and Twitter) or have posted a link to the giveaway on your site. The deadline to enter is 11:59pm Pacific on October 16. Winners will be selected at random. Since this is from Hachette the winners must have mailing addresses in the US or Canada; no PO Boxes.
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