Book #Review: Naughty and Nice ( A Christmas Anthology)

Book Title: Naughty and Nice (Three Holiday Treats)
Author: Ruthie Knox, Molly O'Keefe, Stefanie Sloane

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Genre: Erotic Romance
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Format: ebook

Pages: 233

How I got it: Pubisher via NetGalley

Publication Date: November 2012
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Synopsis:

’Tis the season for romance with three original holiday-themed novellas! Unwrap this festive eBook bundle and discover why these authors are quickly becoming the biggest names in the genre. Ruthie Knox tells a heartwarming contemporary story of first loves given the gift of a second chance; Molly O’Keefe releases the ghosts of Christmas past with a prequel to her novel Crazy Thing Called Love; and Stefanie Sloane weaves an irresistible Regency tale of fiery passion that burns deep on a cold winter’s night. ROOM AT THE INN by Ruthie Knox Carson Vance couldn’t wait to get out of Potter Falls, but now that he’s back to spend Christmas with his ailing father, he must face all the people he left behind . . . like Julie Long, whose heart he broke once upon a time. Now the proprietor of the local inn, Julie is a successful, seductive, independent woman—everything that Carson’s looking for. But despite several steamy encounters under the mistletoe, Julie refuses to believe in happily ever after. Now Carson must prove to Julie that he’s back for good—and that he wants her in his life for all the holidays to come. ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU by Molly O’Keefe Maddy Baumgarten and Billy Wilkins are spontaneous, in love, and prepared to elope the day after Christmas—that is, if Maddy’s family doesn’t throw a wrench in their plans. After all, Maddy’s barely out of high school and Billy’s a notorious bad boy. Maddy doesn’t care about Billy’s rough past—all she cares about is living in the here and now. But after Maddy’s mother stops speaking to her in protest, and a Christmas Eve heart-to-heart with her father leaves her with butterflies, Maddy starts to get cold feet. She loves Billy, but is she taking this big step too soon? ONE PERFECT CHRISTMAS by Stephanie Sloane After being jilted by her fiancé, Jane Merriweather turns to her dear childhood friend, the Honorable Lucas Cavanaugh, for support—and unlocks the smoldering desire simmering in the man’s troubled heart. Frightened by his newfound feelings, Lucas flees to Scotland. But when the Christmas season brings them together again, one glance is all that’s needed to reignite his yearning. If Lucas can convince Jane that his intentions are as pure as the falling snow, they’ll turn a dreary December into a joyous Yuletide affair.

I gave the book an overall 3 stars.  Cute stories, great for Christmas. I liked it, especially Molly's story.  Really enjoying this so far. The stories were quick and

Story 1 Room At The Inn ( A Contemporary) 3 Stars
Julie moved to town even though her relationship with Carson had imploded, she created a profitable life for herself there. She waits for Carson who is the love of her life to wake up and realize his life is with her. Carson is on effing idiot, yep and Julie should have moved on.  How would have that felt for 16 years??? To wait, to be lonely, to know that he is out there loving someone else?? Hell no. I would not have given this man 16 years of my life.  I would have moved on. He kept coming back home and using her, then would leave with another piece of her heart. Great grand gesture but too little too late Sir.  Julie is way too forgiving he was reckless with your heart way too much. Way too often.   It's a good Christmas story about forgiveness and the miracle of love. However I'm too much of a pessimistic to ever wait that long for one person to realize you are worth so much more than he thought.

Story 2: All I Want For Christmas is You (A Contemporary) 3 1/2 Stars
Cute I wish she'd done an epilogue letting us know what happens to them.  Hopefully they have made it.  I'm rooting for them even if her mama isn't.  After this was posted I realized that this was actually the beginning of a story.  I'm going to check them out in the next one.

Story 3 One Perfect Christmas (Historical)  3 Stars
Why she gotta be horsefaced though?? Clearly she had something he wanted because he dropped the "pretty girl" for horseface.  This was however the most Christmas like of all the stories and it was my introduction to the authors work.  Cute story even if it's physically impossible to do what she does in the end.  No really try it.  Still cute though.


I really enjoyed the stories presented, it's why I love anthologies, you get a few good stories and get a chance to be introduced to new authors without having to do too much to get it.  Christmas stories always put me in the mood as well for Yule and I'm totally pumped I got to read this one.

 ★★★☆☆

Happy Christmas/ Yule and Happy Reading

Book #Review: Keep Me Safe (Slow Burn 1) by Maya Banks

Book Title: Keep Me Safe (Slow Burn 1)
Author:  Maya Banks |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Avon Trade
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series/Standalone: Series Book 1
Format: Trade Paperback

Cost: $14.99

Pages: 302

How I got it: Publisher

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Author Links
Publication Date:  October 7, 2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

A sizzling story of a woman who risks her life and her heart to find a wealthy man’s missing sister — the first novel in a sexy new romantic suspense series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks.

When Caleb Devereaux's younger sister is kidnapped, this scion of a powerful and wealthy family turns to an unlikely source for help: a beautiful and sensitive woman with a gift for finding answers others cannot.

While Ramie can connect to victims and locate them by feeling their pain, her ability comes with a price. Every time she uses it, it costs her a piece of herself. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb successfully find his sister nearly destroys her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.

Deeply remorseful for the pain he’s caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie's vanished forever, she reappears. She’s in trouble and she needs his help. Now, Caleb will risk everything to protect her — including his heart....

When I got the email about this book I totally freaked. I have been a huge Maya Banks fan for years. When I got the book in the mail??!! I fell in love, the cover is amazing I loved it and of course the story sounds intriguing.  When I got this it as listed a romantic suspense without letting me know there is a hint of paranormal/ psychic mystery involved and when I read that I was even more hooked. 

As I was reading I kept looking at the few pages left and started freaking out. Like OMiGawd nooo I can't wait for the second book to come out *which is in January 2015* to know what happens.  I do want to know more about the brothers, Eliza & Dean, I could really love more from them.

The story was action packed and moved quickly.  From the beginning we knew once Caleb found her he unleashed something he had no idea was out there.  The story resolved well but man I was wondering how long each person will take to know what was happening.  The thing that bugged me was why no one else asked who the heck was filming.  Simple question right??

There are a few loose ends but I figure the next two books will answer those questions.  And I can't wait to see what happens then.  I do give trigger warnings for those who need it.  I do wish the side characters were more developed and fleshed out, as I'm sure they are going to be integral to the other stories.  Even though I loved the story it felt like for a while the main characters weren't completely fleshed out.  Things were stated like we knew the characters from other books but since this is a new series that's not possible. 

I loved the action and the twists and turns Maya took us on and I can't wait to read the others in the series. This flew by and I enjoyed everything. I don't want to give too detailed a review because anything can be a spoiler, but just know the characters were wonderful, I loved Ramie, she was hurt and hiding from the world and what her powers could do, but she couldn't leave someone else in the kind of hell that she had known. Caleb at first was ruthless simply because he couldn't believe that someone who had her talents would seclude themselves when people needed her. As they grew and learnt more from each other and about each other Caleb began to understand the cost of Ramie's "gift". 

★★★★☆

It's a fantastic fast paced read and I highly recommend it my loves and of course, 
Happy Reading

Where Have I been?? What's going on??

Well I kinda quit without notice didn't I??  Believe me it wasn't intentional, I kept saying I would come back and write a post, but the words wouldn't come and the longer it went the worse it got. My sister is in her final year of college and had to take a step back because well crunch time, she's got a job, internship and school, books have taken a backseat.  She hasn't read anymore books since August.

After the summer I felt burnt out. Seriously I haven't even been on my computer since August. Yes I said August,  I avoided email, i forgot about Netgalley and goodreads and I stayed far away from my feeds. I was burnt out. I was so done with books, book reviews, book tours, unsuccessful giveaways and just feeling really blue that a personal (unrelated to blogging) goal was once again unaccomplished.   I needed a mental health break.

So I stopped reading, and i focused on my life, I tried vlogging everyday in august, then in october and now I'm trying to do Vlogidays, But really I was unmotivated, I didn't see my books as fun stories I wanted to enjoy but as obligations I needed to accomplish and I felt burdened.

So I changed around my room, I changed my work schedule, my thoughts about books and my goals.  I began to refocus on my hobbies again, bringing back my love of the craft and crafting as a way to find myself back in the grove. I gave up my book buying ban because it really felt like I was suffocating; part of the joy I gain in being a book lover is the hunt for good books, the journey of finding a new author to fall in love with.

Part of the reason I was struggling was the desire to read more diversely and discovering that my genres are very monotone.  How many new adult authors of color do you know?? Please for the love of the Goddess share down below with me because I'm desperate.  Looking at my bookshelves and realizing I have less than a dozen authors of  colors works was very depressing.  I love romance, but five or six authors is pretty effing abysmal.  I wasn't prepared for the serious lack of representation and it only depressed me more to realize how truly sad my shelves looked.  At the same time I felt guilty, I'm asking for more authors of color but I wasn't reading the authors that are being published because they aren't in my genre and I really hate swerving from my lane. I don't read christian fiction, I'm not a church goerer so I dislike stories with church as a big part in it, religion doesn't bother me in books unless it becomes like a huge battering ram they keep shoving at you, and unfortunately a lot of the romance for black women has church and religion as part of the huge focus. We aren't all christians you know.

It's taken years to find my niche and to have to leave it to find authors of color was annoying, sad and even more depressing when I realized there were fewer than half a dozen who wrote anything I would be interested in. Even worse was reading some of their works and realizing I oculdn't deal with the religion aspect.   I found myself dreading reading and feeling guilty because I wasn't reading diversely.  Anyone can tell when you feel obligated and resentful towards something you aren't going to enjoy it so, I decided that a break was in order.  For me not to lose my love of books and the written word, I needed a step back.

I have journeyed back to reading but I have now really clearly defined for myself what I will be reading and for the most part it hasn't changed and it other ways it has.  I'm going to finish out the year, finish reading the books I have and the ones I'm required to read.  Mostly I'm going to stay within my narrowly defined genres.  But I'm also branching out. I'm not a huge young adult reader, but I will read certain books like the ones by Mallory Blackman, those I won't necessarily review, but I'm going back to my personal loves, erotica, paranornal, but mostly romance.  I'm checking out authors I have never read before and I'm doing my best to expand, but I'm staying in my lane, no more reading to please others and show them how well versed I am based on the NYTimes list of books everyone should read,I'm reading what brings me joy, makes me happy and gives me a thrill.  I'm reading diversly, but it's going to be books and genres and things I care about.

One of the things I let slip was my love of non fiction books written about and by authors of color.  I loved reading books about religion and it's place in peoples lives, I loved reading about the immigrant struggles and expereiences, i loved reading about other religions, about health and medicine, about history and midwifery. About herbs, and naturpathic medicine, about living, being and eating clean green and healthy.  Green archetucutre, whole living, being pagan, Buddhist and being an empath.  All of these I have left behind in the cycle of reading the latest and greatest books coming out ( hey if it works for others cool, but it clearly wasn't working for me anymore).  This desire to keep up with the joneses and be reading and reviewing all the newest books, it was a struggle and made reading not fun anymore, so now i'm stepping back and I'm doing what makes me happy.

 For the authors out there, I'm sorry but I won't be accepting anymore review requests, I have a huge pile to clean up first, then maybe by march I can look to other books.  Thanks for considering me though.

Please know that from now on the books reviewed are going to be books I genui ely love and wanted to read, not just the ones I thought you wanted to hear about.  I have a lot of books I promised to read, so those will be up on goodreads and amazon, but fortunely for me even in my craziest requesting blitzes I stayed within my genres and I have a few I'm dying to get into.  I can't wait to share them with you.

If that seems like something you would love to see, stick around, I have a bunch of books to share with you, maybe even a few giveaways. If not, then thanks for stopping by and have a great life.

Book #Review: Rowdy ( A Marked Men Novel # 5) by Jay Crownover .@JayCrownover .@WmMorrowBks

Book Title: Rowdy ( A Marked Men Novel #5)
Author:  Jay Crownover |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone:  Series Book 5
Format: Trade paperback

Cost: $13.99

Pages: 400

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks
Publication Date: October 21st, 2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling Marked Men series continues with this sizzling, sexy story of love, heartbreak, fate, and second chances. After the only girl he ever loved told him that he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and set out to live up to his nickname. A good ol’ boy looking for good times and good friends, Rowdy refuses to take anything too seriously, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Burned by love once, he isn’t going to let himself trust a woman again. But that’s before his new co-worker arrives, a ghost from the past who’s suddenly making him question every lesson he ever learned. Salem Cruz grew up in house with too many rules and too little fun—a world of unhappiness she couldn’t wait to forget. But one nice thing from childhood has stayed with her; the memory of the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been head over heels in love with her little sister. Now, fate and an old friend have brought her and Rowdy together, and Salem is determined to show him that once upon a time he picked the wrong sister. A mission that is working perfectly—until the one person that ties them together appears, threatening to tear them apart for good.

This is the story of Rowdy and Salem, she's the sister of the woman who let Rowdy down horribly and sent him on the run.  Back when they were kids, Salem tried to be the good girl her family required she be and just couldn't quite pull it off, she loved the boy next door but he loved her sister and when it came time for her to grow up, she runs away and leaves Rowdy and her sister in the dust. Salem came back into Rowdy's life after Nash's dad pulls a stunt and tells Cora to hire her for the new downtown shop, this was his last gift to the two people he loved.  His intervention helps the story to unfold and I loved that this was his last act for them.

Rowdy is hanging onto the past and refuses to see that just because one woman hurt you doesn't mean you can't fall in love again, I loved the conversations he has with the men and how they school him on his stupidity.

“You're a dumb shit. There's a million first girls for a million different first things.There's the first girl you slow-dance with, and the first girl you go to bed with. There's the first girl to give you a kiss, and then the first one you take home to mama." His amber eyes lit up with humor.
"There's the first girl you fight with and the first girl you fight for. There's also the first girl you have to let go of. There's the first girl you love, obviously, and the first girl to break your heart.There's always a first girl, Rowdy, but there is also the girl that is going to come after her until you get to the last girl.  The last girl is the one that really matters.” 

Salem has her own hangups, her parents where strict and he dad was a bit of a jacka** when it came to his beliefs and their mother wasn't one to stand up to him.  Salem had to learn to not let the past be the reason she moved on so quickly and yet it helped to shape her into a pretty kicka** young woman who does what she wants and has embraced a lifestyle that makes her happy.  While she has always missed Rowdy and was ready to win him, she wasn't completely lonely, she wanted love but she wasn't unhappy with her life (which I absolutely loved).  I loved that even though they had different life paths, they ended up at the same place and had fallen in love with tattooing an it's 'alternative' lifestyle.    Salem has a habit of cutting and running when things don't work out for her and when she relocated here, Rowdy doesn't expect her to stay long and so he isn't willing to let her in because he's afraid she'll abandon him like before.

I did feel at times, like Salem just took it too hard, so what if they were strict, hating on religion shouldn't be answer. However I totally got her reasoning, I just wish she didn't relate it so often. Rowdy had a few moments that made me want to push him in front of a bus like Sir stop being such a punk and man up!!  I did love the meandering road that leads them back to each other and that they have to learn to forgive each other and their parts in their pasts.  I loved that this one took a little longer to get there, as Salem and Rowdy had to meet each other as they were now, and not who they used to be.  They also had to confront the past in the form of Salem's sister when she comes to visit of course throwing a wrench in the blooming relationship of Salem and Rowdy.

I loved how the relationship blooms despite both of their shields being up in some regards.  I of course really loved meeting the other characters, and seeing some of my favorite coming back, Cora of course is always there making life awesome.  I loved that the shop was doing so well and seeing the foundation being laid for the new series coming up.  I can't wait to meet those new tattoo artist and see their lives unfold.

I loved when Rowdy finally gets it:

“I always thought it was the firsts that matter, but now I know that it’s the lasts that stay with you.”

& I loved the final few chapters, when Rowdy asks Salem to meet his mama, and even when Salem confronts her past before returning to Rowdy. I just loved those moments, as they allowed both characters to open up and allow the past to go back where it belonged.

 ★★★★☆

I can't wait to see how Jay redeems Asa, which comes out in 2015 (oh gawd that's so damn far away). Have you started the journey with the marked Men??  If not I suggest you do!!
Happy Reading

Waiting On Wednesday: October Edition (1)

Hosted by: Jill over at Breaking The Spines.  This is a weekly book lust prompt, asking for us to share our absolute can't wait to get our hands on a copy books. Swing on over to find out how to participate and to see what others are sharing.  This is by no means an exhaustive list of the books coming out thismonth, but these are the ones I have 1) pre-ordered b) can't wait to read~~~

Young Adult

Talon (Talon 1) Julie Kagawa (Receieved at BEA 2014, pre-ordered a physical copy anyway)

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser. Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George. Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons

Due Date: Oct 26,2014

Print: Hardcover

Pages: 400

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Sublime Christina Lauren

True love may mean certain death in a ghostly affair of risk and passion from New York Times bestselling duo Christina Lauren, authors of Beautiful Bastard. Tahereh Mafi, New York Times bestselling author of Shatter Me calls Sublime “a beautiful, haunting read". When Lucy walks out of a frozen forest, wearing only a silk dress and sandals, she isn’t sure how she got there. But when she sees Colin, she knows for sure that she’s here for him. Colin has never been captivated by a girl the way he is by Lucy. With each passing day their lives intertwine, and even as Lucy begins to remember more of her life—and her death—neither of them is willing to give up what they have, no matter how impossible it is. And when Colin finds a way to physically be with Lucy, taking himself to the brink of death where his reality an

Due Date: October 14, 2014

Print: Hardcover

Pages: 336

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

New Adult

Rowdy (Marked Men 5) Jay Crownover (already pre-ordered this baby!!)

After the only girl he ever loved told him he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and decided he was going to do everything in his power to live up to his nickname. Life was all about a good time, good friends and never taking much too seriously. Rowdy learned his lesson early on, when you care that much about anything it can destroy you, and he never wants to risk feeling like that again. Only now he has a new coworker, a ghost from the past who’s making him question every lesson he ever learned. Salem Cruz grew up in a house with too many rules, too many regulations, and no fun allowed. That never worked for her so she left it all behind as soon as she could, but she never forgot the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been in love with her little sister. Fate and good intentions from an old friend have placed her right in Rowdy’s path and she’s determined to show him he picked the wrong sister all those years ago. A mission that is going along perfectly until the one person that ties them together shows up and could very well tear them back

Due Date: Oct 21, 2014

Print: Trade Paperback

Pages:400 

Publisher: William Murrow Paperback


These are the first few I'm looking forward to. I promise as the month goes along I'm going to find more to lust over!! How about you, find any you need to have in your hands??  Share down in the comments below and let's fawn over them together.

Happy Lusting

Waiting On Wednesday: Spetember (1):

Hosted by: Jill over at Breaking The Spines.  This is a weekly book lust prompt, asking for us to share our absolute can't wait to get our hands on a copy books. Swing on over to find out how to participate and to see what others are sharing.  

Adult Fiction
Captivated by You Sylvia Day No Cover Yet
The release date will be announced and pre-ordering will become available once the book reaches the final stages of production. Now the #1 international bestselling author returns. The new Crossfire novel by Sylvia Day. Gideon calls me his angel, but he's the miracle in my life. My gorgeous, wounded warrior, so determined to slay my demons while refusing to face his own. The vows we'd exchanged should have bound us tighter than blood and flesh. Instead they opened old wounds, exposed pain and insecurities, and lured bitter enemies out of the shadows. I felt him slipping from my grasp, my greatest fears becoming my reality, my love tested in ways I wasn't sure I was strong enough to bear. At the brightest time in our lives, the darkness of his past encroached and threatened everything we'd worked so hard for. We faced a terrible choice: the familiar safety of the lives we'd had before each other or the fight for a future that suddenly seemed an impossible and hopeless dream...

Due Date: TBA And because of that I'm slowly dying

Print: Trade Paperback

Pages:TBD

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Romance/Erotica

Since I Saw You (Because You Are Mine 4) Beth Kery

When enigmatic billionaire Ian Noble sets Lin the task of “taming” his brilliant yet half-savage brother Kam Reardon, she eagerly accepts. She’s more than curious about the solitary genius and everything she’s heard about him. During their electric first meeting, her fascination increases a hundredfold. Kam practically oozes raw sex appeal. Lin is interested...very interested. But does her intense attraction and willingness to go places with him she’s never gone before in the bedroom really have to do with Kam? Or is her carefully hidden desire to blame for wanting a man she knows she can never have? An elusive outsider, Kam avoids intimacy, yet never shies away from satisfying his erotic appetites. But there’s something different about Lin—a reserve he’s anxious to break. She’s a woman he’s eager to take his time with…and possess completely. A sophisticated beauty like her would never want him anywhere but in bed, but he finds himself unable to resist her. Immediately Lin’s smooth facade is undone by Kam’s overwhelming masculinity and by his irresistible erotic demands—a lesson in subjugation that leaves Lin confused, reeling, and open to things she never thought possible. Now, as the unpredictable nights between them grow darker, Lin and Kam are certain of only one thing: they’re made for each other.

Due Date: May 6th 2014

Print: Trade Paperback

Pages:352

Publisher: Berkeley 

If I don't find out about Captivated soon I might scream. OMGawds what's taking so long??!!! Are you getting any of these?? What's on your book lust list?? Share in the comments down below!!

Happy Lusting

My Favorite Reads for: Halloween/Samhain (VEDA 31, 2014)

And it all comes to an end. I did pretty good actually. I did vlog almost every day and I'm happy with the vlogs I did manage to accomplish.  Now I know what you're thinking it's only the end of August beginning of September, but I prep for Samhain as early as November 1st the year before, I hunt down decorations on half or seventy percent sale and stock up for next year. I'm always on the hunt for great deals when it comes to Halloween, that way each year my collection will grow and be better than the year before.  And that takes planning, while I like to plan and prep one of the ways I get into the mood of the season is to read Halloween and Samhain-themed books.  Samhain being the nonfiction books and Halloween being the fictions books.

Here are a few of my favorite and a few authors to check out for your selves, as well as a few more recommendations than in the video:

For Non Fiction :

For Reference, at times I turn to Halloween by Silver Ravenwolf.  It has some great fall recipes to try and a few places listed so you can find other resources.  There are many who take issue with the book, however, I feel it's like anything, take what works and leave the fluff or incorrect information behind.


For Fiction:

Anything Maggie Shayne and Heather Graham works for me.  For Maggie I especially love her Portal Series which included:  (my review is on the title, the portal series brings you to Maggie page where you can see all the series and the goodies)

• Prequel *which is Free * Legacy of the Witch
• Mark of the Witch
• Daughter of a Spellcaster
• Blood of the Sorceress

Witch Moon Rising Witch Moon Waning by Maggie Shayne & Lorna Tedder Although not a part of the series by Maggie Shayne I love reading this one, it's the first time I read her writing and I have loved it ever since.

I also picked up Lorna Tedder's other work including Flying By Night which is perfect for Halloween. 

Another adult favorite of mine is Goddess of Spring by P.C. Cast, now I know what you're thinking, however, this is a Persephone retelling, and if you know anything about the myth you know it is perfect for this season.

Heather Graham's Krewe of Hunters series features quite a few books set in New Orleans and even a few set around Halloween.  (she however writes way too many for me to list here, we might be here all day).

My Favorite Anthologies:

• Trick or Treat by Lark Eden, Lori Handeland, Stobie Piel and Lynda Trent
• Bewitched by Susan Krinard, Maggie Shayne, Lisa Higdon, & Amy Elizabeth Saunders
• When Darkness Falls by Susan Krinard, Tanith lee & Evelyn Vaughn
• How to be a Wicked Woman by Mary Janice Davidson, Jamie Denton, & Susan Carr

For Young Adult:

• Valiant by Holly Black  This entire Modern Faerie Tale Series is awesome.  
• Atone by Jessica Grey 

Goddess Series by Aimee Carter *another Persephone retelling*  Click the titles to see my reviews

• The Goddess Test
• The Goddess Interrupted
• The Goddess Inheritance

and of course, I love Croak which is the grim reaper series by Gina D'amico.  I also have another Persephone retelling which is Love Underground by Alicia Fields.  And last but not least is the witch series Circle of Three by Isobel Bird.

And there you have it folks, these are the books that get me in the mood for Fall, Samhain and Halloween. I'll be sharing my list of to be read books that I wish to read soon.  Do you have any favorites?? Share down in the comments below and we can discuss and gush about our favorite parts of Halloween.

Austen In August 2014: Modern Adaptations: Books & Movies

This Austen In August Read a Long and monthly feature is hosted by Misty over at The Book Rat blog. She's been doing this for a few years now and this year I've decided to be apart of the festivities instead of just watching from the sidelines.

My Austen In August TBR is here and below I have my participation for this year with my collection of modern adaptations of Austen, a few I own and a few I have discovered online and love!!

You can watch the video and scroll down to find all the information in more details here as well as a few more links:

Movies:

Based On Pride & Prejudice:

My absolute favorite is Bride & Prejudice featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and a whole cast of amazing characters that just make you love them!!   This is a Bollywood adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. I absolutely love this movie!!!! The cinematography and the music just blow you away and make you love the story. You must watch if you're a lover of Jane Austen.

Bridget Jones Diary based on the book by Helen Fielding which is based on Pride & Prejudice.

Lost In Austen Featuring Jemima who is a huge Janeit, and she gets sucking into her favorite book. I loved this BBC adaptation that made me re-fall for Mr. Darcy (because Colin Firth is too awesome but man listen this Mr. Darcy?? Yasss!!)  Where To Watch

Death Comes to Pemberley  a BBC adaptation coming in the Fall of 2014. Based on the book by P.D. James, this is supposed to be a what happens after the end of Pride and Prejudice. I haven't read the book but I plan to before the show comes out.

Lizzie Bennett Diaries a youtube adaptation, that is done Vlog style and is absolutely wonderful!!! I really enjoyed watching this and I marathoned the entire series in a few days (I had vacation time so yep enjoyed it)  (Watch the Playlist )

Based on Emma

Clueless a real modern adaptation, and perhaps one of the best version but least known as an adaptation.  This had a wonderful movie and a spin off show ( i never watched the spin off but hey, it lasted a while so it might have been good).

Emma Approved  (another from the Pemberley Digital Group)

Based On Persuasion:

Bridget Jones and the Edge of Reason the follow up to the first book and movie is apparently based on Persuasion.

Books

Young Adult Persuasion Adaptation

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Perterfruend

Adult Adaptation :

Bridget Jones the Edge of Reason by Helen Fielding

Pride & Prejudice Adaptations:

Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding

The Jane Austen Marriage Manual by Kim Izzo

Me & Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter

Using Jane Austen for Inspiration:

Austenland Shannon Hale

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

Haven't Seen Yet and Will be watching

• Pride Prejudice and Zombies by Quirk Books  (Doesn't come out until 2015) 
• Jane Austen Book Club
• Emma Approved
• Becoming Jane Austen
• From Mansfield Park with Love
• Welcome to Sandtion
• Miss Austen Regrets
• Austenland
• Aisha (From Bollywood)
• Sense & Sensibilities the BBC version

So there you have it my loves.  What are you doing for Austen In August?? Have you seen any of these movies, loved any of these books, have any good recommendations??  Leave it in the comments, and I'll add it into the growing list of ways to become a better Janeit!!

Thanks for stopping by

Book #Review: Bachelor Unclaimed by Brenda Jackson | Bewitching Bibliophile

Book Title: Bachelor Unclaimed (Bachelors In Demand)
Author:  Brenda Jackson |Website| Twitter| Facebook|

Publisher: Harlequin Kimani Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 4
Format: ebook, Mass Market

Cost: $3.99, $6.25

Pages: 224

How I got it: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: Jan 2013
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Are his playboy days over for good? In the wake of political defeat, former mayoral candidate Ainsley St. James does something totally out of character-she has a one-night stand with a seductive stranger. Never expecting to see him again, she accepts a job covering a breaking story in Hilton Head, South Carolina...only to discover that the island's most desirable recluse is the lover she has yet to forget. Winston Coltrane can't get that incredible night-or the sexy, sophisticated beauty-out of his mind. The marine biologist is developing a secret formula that could be a major medical breakthrough. But there's something Winston is keeping from Ainsley: his feelings for her have grown beyond the bedroom. Kiss by breathtaking kiss, Ainsley is transforming his oceanside sanctuary into a sensual retreat. Will they be able to turn a passionate fling into forever in each other's arms?

I always enjoy Brenda's writing and this one was of course another great addition to the read pile.  I did take away a star because of some of the thoughts the male protagonist had; they were kinda creepy and I really didn't feel like they went along with the characterization she had been giving us up until that point.  Other than that creepy moment, this story was a wonderful quick romantic, sensual read that I gobbled up really quickly, because I didn't want to leave until I saw how it all panned out.

I found the characters to be awesome,  Brenda gave us a believable story that was steamy hot and they just clicked together so well.  I loved that the characters believed that they were here for one story and totally walked away with something different.

I loved how spunky and tenacious Ainsley was and it's so funky that her town was so stupid.  I really liked Ainsley because she reminded me of me, she was a modern, fun, funky and happy woman. I want to meet the woman who decided doing what she did to Ainsley was smart or even really the way other women should be done  and just pop her in the mouth.  Ainsley was my favorite character because she didn't let Winston intimidate her and I loved how she handled him once they confronted the elephant in the room.

" Love didn't hurt you, someone who claimed to love you did" I say this on facebook the other day and this was perfect for the book. I just loved it.  This is a lesson both Winston and his cousin Virgil need to learn,. I can't wait to read the other god-brothers stories and enjoy the fullness of their fall.  I especially want to read Z's and Virgils' tales.

I really loved that Brenda dropped some serious history within the story.  Especially about the Civil War, Robert Small, the Gullah people and islands, and Mitchellville.  It all so awesome to read a story that discusses my history without making it a trite piece or somehow lessening the impact and the power of the tale. Also I totally love the little tidbits about marine biology that she interspersed within the story.

I loved that Winston's a cook, low country boil indeed, yes sir, I need the universe to send me one of these!!  Winston was a good character to read, he was educated, fun, funny and so smart, but yet, he wasn't as smart as he thought.

A definite must read and going on my faves of 2014 because it was humorous and sensual and I love Ainsley she deserves all the happiness. I can't wait to read the other stories. Brenda sure knows how to spin a tale . Now I want to go down south again.

 ★★★★☆

I hope you enjoy Ainsley and Winston as much as I did.  Happy Reading

Austen In August 2014 TBR @thebookrat

Hey everybody, I don't know if you are aware of Misty at the Book Rat who has a Austen In August read a long in August. It happens every year but this is the first year I will be participating.

I've mentioned before that I grew up on a all women's college campus, my mother was a Linguistics professor, I spent many a childhood afternoon hanging out in the English Department and because of it my mother kept me occupied each summer with reading of 2-3 classics per summer month and I had to write a report for her sharing my interpretation of the story and what lessons were to be learnt.  I was in the 6th grade when I read about Mr, Darcy for the first time and I can't help but to think he's why I was ruined for men for all time, I mean him, and Ossie Davis, Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Bob Marley and Dr. King (before I heard a rumor that he cheated on Coretta), with those beautiful specimens of male ideal what real man can hope to compete?? I'm willing to admit I'm not a hardcore Janeite, but I'm at a time in my life where I believe I would love to be one.  I'll also admit that I love Sense and Sensibility just a little bit more than Pride and Prejudice (because as a teen drama is what I wanted and Marianne was my kind of girl, willing to give up on life for love?? Be still my 15 year old heart), but not too much because after all P&P has Darcy.

 Here are the books I'm reading:

In my pile is:  ( I have an actual list on Goodreads as well, on there I have books I'm going to be pulling from).

Emma by Jane Austen and I'm going to re-read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Death Comes to Pemberley PD James  (This is going to be made into a show that will air on BBC/PBS in October 2014.)

The Jane Austen Marriage Manual by Kim Izzo

Me and Mr.Darcy by Alexandra Potter

In Movies:

I'm going to watch the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice, from BBC.and the Keira Knightley one, because well Keira Knightley!! 

I'm also going to watch Austenland  which Priscilla over at the Readables just gave a great star rating. I'm excited especially because Keri Russell is in it!!

and I'm re watching Lost In Austen which  I LOVE SO MUCH!!!! Which can be found on HULU 

I also plan to watch Emma, Sense and Sensibility and the modern adaptations which I will be sharing in a separate post!!!

What are you reading and watching to get your Jane Austen Fix?? Share down in the comments below my loves and I'm going to catch up with Mr. Darcy.

What is Romance?? A Definition & Example Post

Recently when deciding to clarify what I was going to be doing on my Booktube channel, I came to the decision to create a video about what romance was. What I was going to read, review and share. I wanted to clarify for those who didn't know that Romance is an overarching umbrella under which many sub genres exist.  This is my idea of romance is., If you have something else in mind please do share.

There are many sub genres including

Romantic Suspense  with authors like Heather Graham, Linda Howard, Maggie Shayne, Lora Leigh, and Julie Garwood

Paranormal Romance: Charlaine Harris, Laurell K Hamilton, Cheyenne McCray, Tanya Huff, Katie MacAlister, just to name a few.

Erotica Romance which has several different sub genres of it's own. Some of my favorite authors are Sylvia Day, Maya Banks, Tiffany Reisz, Lily Harlem, Jory Strong, Zane, Shayla Black just to name a few.  Their categories vary but include:

• Big Beautiful Women, 
• Interracial Erotica,
• Polyamouros Romance (romance with more than one love interest NOT CHEATING, but consensual multiple and multifaceted relationships) , 
• BDSM themed novels, 
• paranormal Erotica: Shapeshifters, and Witchs abound!!
• Contemporary Erotica (happening in current time with mention of most of social media, or well known and understood vernacular being used as well) , 
• Science Fiction Erotica (featuring time travel, alien planets, futuristic Earth and even other planets).  

Historical Romance which includes the sub genre of Steampunk Romance.  A few authors include Amanda Quick, Julia Quinn, and Elisabeth Lowell,

Dystopian Romance: These tend to be more of a sub category of SciFi Romance,   JD Robb

Christian Romance: This romance is categorized with having the main protagonists wait until marriage to consummate their relationships, Amish Romance stories and books with a strong Church focus within them.

New Adult Romance:  This subcategory is a new one; it's been gaining popularity recently even though before it was just considered regular romance and only broken down by it's content instead of the age of the characters, and it age of it's target audience.  It's mostly written with readers being between the age of 21-35, they tend to have characters who have recently graduated from college or are in their last year, attempting to find their way in the world.  Some characters haven't gone to college but the basic demographic is women and men who are trying to figure out what they want to really do with their lives.    Authors include: Erin McCarthy, Jay Crownover, Cora Cormack, J Lynn, Elisa Dane and many more.

Contemporary Romance hot men and even better women, struggling to figure out their romance lives while juggling their expectations for life and how to make it in this modern world.  This is the broadest category and it even has it own sub genres including cowboy romance, men in uniform romance, 'paranormal' romance where psychics and witches exist along with ghosts.  Heather Graham, Brenda Jackson, Lynn Emery, Sandra Kitt, Robyn Carr, Brenda Novak, Nora Roberts are some of the few who are well known for these books.

Interracial/African American/Native American Romance:  There are many book written that include interracial romance, including those by JJ Murray, Eric Jerome Dickey and many more.
African American romance has it's own category and it's own sub-genres as well.  Brenda Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, Sandra Kitt, Lynn Emery, Zuri Day, Omar Tyree, Eric Jerome Dickey, Kinberla Lawson Roby, Terry Macmillan are just a few of the greats.

The sub genres in AA Romance are vast and I'm only just beginning to explore, so I'm sorry that I don't have authors to recommend, but in 2015 that's going to change so be on the lookout for other videos and more discussion posts.

These are just some of the categories and some of the authors in each.  Do you have some favorites?? Please share as I'm always looking for new authors.

What do you think romance is?? Share in the comments and let me know.

Completing My Collections otherwise known as Book Haulin':: (VEDA Day 4)

Here is today's vlog for VEDA otherwise known as Vlog Every Day In August.  I wanted to share some of the books that have been finding their way into my home and joining my read bookshelves. I love completing my collections.





I mentioned before that I am a book collector. I have entire series by authors that I love. If I love them, then they are on the autobuy lists (this especially worked well because for years I worked in WaldenBooks *until they closed* and I used to get my books on great discount).


Since I no longer work for a bookstore I keep a running lists of books missing from my catalog that I wish to get, and each year I try to get them.  I've promised myself that 2015 will be the year that I really collect as many of the missing books from my collection as possible.  We'll see how that goes.  Recently thanks to the vlogger The Girly Girl Bookworm I've found a source for getting these books for cheap.  Thriftbooks (I'm NOT sponsored or receiving anything in exchange this is an honest review of the service and a chance to share about my finds).

I got the following from them recently and I am extremely excited by the condition of the books and the fact that shipping is free in the US. After the video was filmed I tried to clean off those tags on the side and it actually ripped a bit of the cover art off. I'm NOT happy about that and want them to put the tags on the back, no one gives a damn about the back barcode bar, the spines are for showing off. If I ruin my book spine that's ok, but you shouldn't do that for me.  UGHHHH that was so frustrating, considering the books came in such pristine condition. (this has since happened on several other books so it's the stickers not the books)

Paperbackswap is a company I have been using for a few years now and they ave a really great system, you list books you wish to unhaul, you ship them media mail, then when the person receives them they click they have received and you get a point (which has a monetary value of $3.50), each point can then be used to get a book for yourself (you can purchase points however that kinda defeats the purpose of swapping books) .  I have used this system successfully and the books are always in great condition especially because you can specify what covers you want, and even the condition of the book you wish to receive (like from a non smoking household, or without animals things like that).  (I ALSO AM NOT SPONSORED BY PAPERBACKSWAP)

That's it, I'm so happy with my purchases.  What about you?? Have you ever used either services?? Share down below you experiences.

Thanks for stopping by

Guest Post: Christina Hoffman @choffmanbooks

Title: Invitation
Author: Christina Hoffman
Publisher: Christina Hoffman
Pages: 187
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Format: Paperback/Kindle
Synopsis:

Madison Spencer is a serious medical student, focused only on work and hiding her beauty and her once-passionate spirit behind a quiet plain-Jane facade. Since she was drugged, stripped, assaulted and photographed by a vengeful ex, she has stayed away from men and kept her heart and body safe. But when heart-stoppingly gorgeous Dr. Liam Mason walks into her world, she knows she’s in trouble. After finding out about her devastating past, Liam offers to bring her back to life with physical passion. Madison thinks she should be repelled, but she’s intrigued and can’t turn him away. Together they explore days and nights of pleasure, and slowly develop into something more than bedmates. Deep inside they each wonder if they’ve found their perfect match. But with Liam’s fear of being dragged down by commitment, and Madison’s fear of being hurt by another man threatening to destroy the world they’ve built together, will they each be strong enough and brave enough to risk their hearts to have it all? 

Christina Hoffman was born in London, England. She moved with her family throughout Canada and the US, and has finally put down her suitcase, for now, in San Francisco.
She believes that everyone has the right to feel both smart and sexy. We don't have to be one or the other! She writes stories about characters who live in the real world and who, somehow, still believe in love.
She's starting a mini-revolution. She writes sexy stories, but hasn't lost the romance from her Romances. Enough with whips -- back to lips!
She hopes you enjoy her stories and see yourself in her characters. After all, they are based on smart and sexy people, just like you.
Christina’s latest book is the contemporary romance, Invitation.
Visit her on the interwebs:

 WEBSITE.| TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADSCheck out The Chapter Reveal

Hello Beloved Readers!

I am Christina Hoffman.

I was born in England and later hop-scotched across the globe (or, rather, I was exposed to multiple wonderful cultures and adventures!) with my family until we finally settled in the United States.

I have put my suitcase down, for now at least, in blissful San Francisco.

If that wasn't good fortune enough, I am finally making my dream of writing meaningful romances come true. I love sexy stories with heart, relationships that are sweet and insanely erotic. Enough with the chains and the degradation. I need some romance in my Romance!

I have known so many intelligent and driven men and women who have felt they could be smart OR sexy. Seriously, my when my best girlfriend, who is gorgeous, was in medical school, the women were beautiful. But they didn't know it. Or they suspected they might be, and worked extra hard to cover it up. They had to take on the role of serious grown-up, and acting like sensual beings was practically a career ender.

Okay, well, we can't change the world overnight! But after-hours, we can do what we like with our minds AND our bodies. Why not have some amazing adventures? That's what I write about in my books, and I hope you'll see yourselves in my heroines or my heroes, and know that you, too, are allowed to feel amazing.

Welcome to the world of smart and sexy. I'm so glad you're here!!