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Review: Rock Chick Reawakening by Kristen Ashley

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daisy
Daisy and Marcus are proof that fairytales do come true and princes are real.

When I think of Rock Chicks, most people would think of Indy or Alli, but I think of Daisy. She was the original, even before Rock Chicks were Rock Chicks. Even before we had her story, I knew it was going to be just as emotional and heart squeezing as the others. And I was sooo right.

This will be spoiler free, so no worries.

If you’ve read the Rock Chicks books, you know all about Daisy. The sweet tinkling bell laugh, the Dolly Parton physique and her love of all things sparkly, are the first things you think of. You know some of her past and know that her husband, Marcus, loves her more than life itself, but that’s just the tip of what makes her her.

Daisy hasn’t had a very good life. In fact, I want to cry for what this poor girl lived with. She was a southern princess just waiting for her prince to rescue her. She suffered over and over, just waiting for him, but she eventually gave up. Little did she know that her prince was looking for her as well.

“You’re the dream a girl like me never thought she could dream.”

From the very first moment Marcus laid eyes on Daisy, he was hooked. And not just on her looks. Daisy has a aura about her and he realizes that that’s what’s been missing in his life. The best part is, Daisy disagrees. She’s a stubborn princess. That’s what makes this story so great. He slowly chips away and heals her of all her past hurts and makes her realize that there is nothing wrong with her. She has done everything right in her life and he’s determined to make the rest of her life easier. There will still be heartaches and troubles, but with Marcus by her side, she can get through anything.

“You know every step of your life was leading you right here. You’re the woman for me, which means, darling, I’m the man for you. And you didn’t tell me to leave because you know that just the same as me.”

I loved seeing glimpses of the Hot Bunch before the Rock Chicks came into their lives. I knew they were friends with Marcus before, but I never knew how it happened. They’re complete opposites, but they’re really not. And of course, in true KA fashion, she had me crying as I read that darn epilogue. It’s not as if I wasn’t crying already, but she saves it up and blasts us with full on emotions, right at the very end. Gah! I still get choked up when I think if it. This series was so much fun and anytime KA takes us back to them, I am so there.

~Melpomene

Grab Rock Chick Reawakening HERE.

Read about all the Rock Chicks HERE.

Review and Giveaway: For All The Evers by Debra Anastasia

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for-all-the-evers-ebook-cover For those who know me well, know that I don’t normally read blurbs of books. I feel it gives too much away, so I stay away. But when I saw this cover and heard snippets of what the story was about, I had to read the blurb, and once I did, I knew this book was going to be a winner. And I was right. See for yourself.

Synopsis
Fallen Billow should be in college like most of her friends, but instead she’s raising her brother and working as a housekeeper at a vintage local hotel. It’s back-breaking work, but not nearly as challenging as fending off unwanted advances from the hotel’s owner.

Thomas McHugh is fighting for our country, across the globe and decades before Fallen Billow was even born. So there’s no way they’re soul mates. There’s no way he can be desperate to see her, hold her, kiss her. Except there is.

Is it a dream when he inks his name on her skin? Is it a delusion when she puts her hands on his face and says she loves him? Nothing has ever felt more real.

Fate has etched paths for Thomas and Fallen that even time cannot touch. A Purple Heart proclaims Thomas’ valor and bravery. And his death. But Fallen dares to dream of the impossible. She wants Thomas to stay. Just stay.

A tribute to all who have served our country, this novel honors the impossible beauty of love and the endless power of hope. Come open your heart and celebrate the many facets of bravery with Fallen and Thomas.

This book I picked up and read in one sitting. I was completely sucked in from the very first chapter. For all the Evers held my attention and completely had me on pins and needles the entire time. It has a fantasy feel at times, but yet it was so real. It was very tense and heart twisting, and breaking, all at the same time. There were times I needed to step away and get control over myself. I was a mess. A full range of emotions ran through me. And I loved every moment of it. In fact, as I reread my notes, I’m getting all choked up again. So emotional.

“If you loved me, you’d stay.”

“Dream girl…I love you enough to die for you.”

The connection between Fallen and Thomas was instant and addicting. I never wanted to look away. Fallen has had such a hard time lately and seeing her find a bit of happiness in Thomas, even if it was only in her dreams. She needed those moments to get her through her real life.

Debra wrote this book in honor of her late great Uncle Thomas, who died in WWII and I think she did a magnificent job. It’s been a while since she dragged these emotions out of me. I think she’s been saving up all the tension and let it all loose on this story.

~Melpomene

By For All The Evers HERE

Enter the giveaway HERE

Excerpt:
“I bet you were adorable.” He put his knuckle under her chin and encouraged her to lift her head. She rolled back over and settled against his shoulder.

“I don’t want to be adorable. I want to be impossible.”

“How do you mean?” He kissed her forehead.

“I want to be impossible for you to forget, impossible for you to keep your hands off of.” She leaned up for a kiss.

“You’re my impossible then. Have no fear.” He tenderly reminded her he was her impossible, too, with his lips.

She put her hand against his stomach and snuggled in. “This is my spot. Right here. With you—it’s home.”

He swallowed before talking to the ceiling. “My heart was like a fist. Where I am? It’s not a place you plan to survive. I’ve been there for years, and it’s not about skill; it’s not even about luck. You get strapped into a machine, and fate’s driving. You can’t get out even if you want to. So you submit to it. You harden your soul. You get ready to die.”

He shifted, rolling on top of her. She sighed in contentment. Being beneath him made her feel safe and secure.

He kissed her lips, then the tip of her nose, before continuing. “But with you, it’s like my heart’s opening up, and I’m terrified to feel, after all this time. Yet I don’t have a choice. No matter where I am, I draw your face whenever I get a scrap of paper.”

He laughed a little. “We found a puppy, and I named it Fallen, just so I could say your name over and over. The guys think I’m crazy—such a strange name for a dog. But I don’t care. I’m gasping for you every moment I’m awake. And I’m making choices to keep me alive through the week.”

His eyes searched hers. “What if I’m not as tough as I was in the beginning? God, I hope no one is affected by my distraction with this. But in the end there’s you. Only you. Do what you have to to get back to me when you’re awake. You have to. I need you more than air, more than life right now. The softness of you, the tenderness in your eyes when you see me. I’m trying to force fate to throw me in your direction. To hurl me at you somehow. I don’t know if it will work. But I’m praying for it.”

Fallen touched his face, then his neck. “I will do everything I can to find you.”

Review: Womanizer by Katy Evans

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womanizer-v2-ebook “I’m the millionth woman in the universe who’s found her flame and realized she’s just this tiny, fragile little moth, helpless to fly away from it.”

SYNOPSIS
You’ve seen the headlines: Womanizing billionaire player! Watch out! Stay away!

We were just two strangers. Facing a forbidden attraction, a chemical connection. Neither of us expected or wanted it to amount to more.
But I had never been drawn to a guy the way I was drawn to this one: my brother’s best friend, and CEO of the company where I interned.
Even knowing I should stay away, I proved to be too human, after all.
The chemistry was amazing.
The laughs were incredible.
I opened up to him in more ways than I’d opened up to anyone before.
But sex was as far as I’d go.
Just sex because he was too irresistible.
Just sex because I wouldn’t be falling for him.
Just sex because I’d leave in three months, and I’d like for my brother not to kill me, and for nobody to find out he was my wicked little secret.
He wasn’t the One.
He was just a womanizer.
But for a time, he would be mine.

Sexy and romantic. That’s all you need to know. I had a few preconceived idea as to how I thought this book was going to be. I mean, c’mon, with the title like that, you have a few ideas, right? I was so wrong. Womanizer was so much more than I could imagine.

Olivia was going to do a three month internship and then go back home and find a job. Easy, right? The only thing she had to remember was to stay away from her bother’s best friend. That’s it. Easier said than done. A chance meeting turns into a whirlwind romance that she doesn’t want to end, but she knows it must.

Callan falling for his friend’s sister was not in his plans. He was happy with the multitude of unattached women parading in and out of his bedroom. But once he sets his eyes on this woman on the rooftop garden, his entire world shifted. Gone was the womanizer.

I adored this story. Watching these two fight their connection and lose the battle was super fun. Their chemistry was magnetic. For me, I was quite happy that this book didn’t have the same ending as so many other “womanizer” type books have. You know what I’m talking about. The 75-80% where the unnecessary actions happen. Those always make me mad. I know I’m clear as mud, but trust me. Katy Evans knows how to write romance. She knows how to write heroes that get under your skin and makes you wish for one of your own.

Womanizer is part of the Manwhore series but can be read as a standalone.

~Melpomene

Buy Womanizer http://amzn.to/2gZjGSV

Review: The Hero by Donna Grant

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hero What an exciting start to this new series!

Usually when I read a second chance love story, one of the participants is a little slow to embrace the re-connection. In The Hero, it seems that both really want a second chance. While it may not be the best of times, with a kidnapping, attempted murders and government conspiracies, but the heart doesn’t listen to anyone’s timeline.

Owen and his three brothers haven’t been home in over a decade, and when they do it’s to find their aunt and uncle murdered and their dad kidnapped. So now they must come together and put aside all their past feelings and find their dad and figure out what kind of trouble he’s gotten himself into. What it didn’t anticipate was seeing his one and only love after 14 years. How’s he supposed to keep his eye on the prize when he can’t take his eyes off of her?

Even though Owen shattered Natalie’s heart 14 years ago, seeing him again brought all those past feelings right up to the surface. She’s been dragged into the family drama and now must rely on Owen to keep her safe. Too bad he didn’t keep heart heart safe all those years ago. Kinda hard to trust him this time around too.

Donna Grant steps away from her usual paranormal stories to bring us a new romantic suspense series. This installment was non stop action and intrigue mixed in with a nice dose of romance. I am so very curious to see where this series is headed. I can’t until the next book!

~Melpomene

Book Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28220643-the-hero

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2faUBSm
BN: http://bit.ly/1WiqBWU
Nook: http://bit.ly/1YIv2cC
BAM: http://bit.ly/1Tjsx1V
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1TuprXe
iBooks: http://apple.co/1WGpiSy
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1WGjJUX
Tantor Audio: http://bit.ly/2cIuTar

Pre-Order Incentive Information:
There are TWO pre-order incentives going on now for Donna’s new military romance series!!

If you pre-order THE HERO you will be entered for some seriously cool prizes including the **entire** Dragon King series (Dark Heat – Smoke and Fire – including novellas) signed to you, winner’s choice of a bundle of books, Darkest Flame (signed) and some swag, and swag and a coveted DK t-shirt!

But to be entered, you MUST FILL OUT THE FORM. All pre-orders are acceptable as long as you have an order number from the retailer you purchased from.

Pre-order form to THE HERO: http://bit.ly/TheHeroPO

If you pre-order THE PROTECTOR you will receive a bonus scene that features Owen and Natalie from THE HERO. The scene will NOT be shared anywhere else. It will be exclusive to those who pre-order THE PROTECTOR and fill out this form:

Pre-order form to THE PROTECTOR: http://bit.ly/TheProtectorPO

Links for THE PROTECTOR:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29875933-the-protector
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2g57DS7
BN: http://bit.ly/2d49mro
Nook: http://bit.ly/2cG4Ld5
BAM: http://bit.ly/2dmIe9e
iBooks: http://apple.co/2cUHbL7
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2d4a34e
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2cG4ozv
Powells: http://bit.ly/2d49NSv
Tantor Audio: http://bit.ly/2d7g7Md

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Date: Thurs., 12/1/2016
Time: 7pm CST / 8pm EST
Link to the FB Event is https://www.facebook.com/events/267169100347430
Hash Tag: #TheHeroDG

Review: Fablehaven Book of Imagination by Brandon Mull

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15135731_1299809816725483_7146308628241356337_n This isn’t my usual review. In fact, this was probably my least stressful review ever. A book of activities. No thought required. Easy peasy. Well, some did require thought, but don’t tell my kids. They may yell at me that they’re “learning” something instead of it being all about playing. When I first saw this Book of Imagination, I knew this would be perfect excuse to have fun and learn at the same time.

My kids have wanted fantasy books, that aren’t fill with romance, so when I stumbled upon the Fablehaven series, I knew this would be a hit. So far, I’m right. My daughter is reading book one right now and she is liking it. That’s huge in my house. We struggle to find books that they like, so we don’t have to force them to read.
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If you have tweens, or young teens, and you’re looking for something to give them a little escape from the real world, I recommend this activity book. Even if they haven’t read the series, they can still do activities. So add this to their stockings and make them happy. There’s recipes and activities to cure boredom and make the holidays run smoother. In fact, I brought this book with us when we went out to eat and it made the time pass much faster and there was no fighting. We all worked on a page and it was fun. We did one of the “How many words can you find?” pages and the next thing we knew, our food was arriving. Working your brain makes time fly. 🙂

This is my favorite page, as I was scrolling through. That girl of mine is such a stinker. 🙂
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~Melpomene

Grab the Fablehaven Book of Imagination http://amzn.to/2g7rvr5

Check out Sadie Mull’s video on how to make the wizard’s slime from one of the recipes in the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruaUdPKNmBY&t=6s

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Review: The Lost Codex by Heather Lyons

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codex I can’t believe this series is over. I just can’t. I’ve enjoyed watching these characters for so long and it’s very bittersweet to realize there’s no more to come. I may wallow in the depths of despair for a while.

There will be no spoilers in this review, so don’t worry. But make sure you’ve read the first three books before you read this.

The Lost Codex takes place immediately after The Forgotten Mountain. And we all remember how that one ended, right? It ended with lots of screaming and gasping and yelling. Or maybe that was just me. Well, anyways, I was anxious to start this book. My heart was racing and I could barely sit still. I needed Alice’s world put back the way it was. But in order to do that, she needed to take control and decide what’s best for her.

Without saying spoilers, all I will tell you is that this book caused tears, tears and more tears. I actually had to read a few scenes over and over again just to make myself comprehend what I just read. I couldn’t believe what happened. If I was Wonderlandian, my shirt would’ve been stained red from my broken heart.

The Collectors’ Society is in the battle of its life. This is what they’ve trained for. This final battle will ask more from them than ever before. Some lives will be lost while others will be changed forever.

Can Alice and Finn’s love hold them together? Will there ever be peace? Who is that blasted Librarian? So many questions will be answered, even if not in the way we want, they will be answered.

~Melpomene

Buy The Lost Codex HERE.

Purchase previous books in this series:
The Collectors’ Society
The Hidden Library
The Forgotten Mountian

Review: Mr. President by Katy Evans

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pres Matt Hamilton for President. That is all. Really. I wish I could just leave it at that, but that would be a crazy review, right?

Matt Hamilton never wanted to run for president. But life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to. So when he finds himself running, he remembers receiving an intriguing letter from a girl eleven years ago and her promise to help him win if he ran. Little did he know this girl would have him questioning everything he believed.

Charlotte has zero desire for the spotlight of politics. She prefers working behind the scenes and living a quiet life. But when she receives an invitation to work for Matt Hamilton, she really wants to say, but something has her changing her mind. That something is Matt himself. He is powerful and he can win and she wants to help him do just that.

Matt remembers when his dad was president and how his job came before his family, so he is determined to run and win and not have one. Charlotte is the wrench in his plan. Their chemistry is combustible. No matter how hard they try, they can’t stay away from each other. But will his feelings of family keep them from being together? If he wins, what will happen to them? Will he let her go?

We’re a perfect couple, in the most imperfect situation.

I will admit, my nerves were twisting throughout this story. I wanted them together, but I knew they couldn’t be. Watching them sneak around had me on his alert. His passion for this job was noble. I would vote for him in heartbeat. No joke. I can’t wait for the next installment. I need to know what happens with these two!

~Melpomene

Buy Mr. President HERE

Review and Giveaway: The Bachelor Auction by Rachel VanDyken

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bach I always look forward to Rachel’s releases. When life gets to be a little too serious I can count on her to bring out the funny and make me smile. This newest book is no exception.

Blurb
Jane isn’t entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn’t she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes—or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire—maybe do exist.

Except Brock Wellington isn’t anyone’s dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk—even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it’s karmic retribution that he’s tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can’t have. But while they can’t have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . .

When I think of Cinderella, I definitely think of Jane. She gives and gives and never receives. This girl can never catch a break. She works tirelessly just to make ends meet, with zero help. I just kept waiting for her prince to come. At first I was irritated with her, for taking so much from her sisters and not giving it back to them, but then I knew there would be a breaking point. I just had to hold on and be patient.

Brock is a complex guy. He has a pain deep inside that he tries to hide. He’s afraid to say no, so he finds himself in a life that wasn’t of his choosing. And now he finds himself being auctioned off like a piece of art. But what he really wants is to take his Cinderella and live happily ever after.

The tension between Brock and Jane was off the charts. I was one very happy girl. And when you toss in Brock’s brothers, this book had everything I like. It had my emotions all over the place. I was happy, then angry, then I was swooning. So many feels. A great way to start this series. I can’t wait to read the brothers’ books.

~Melpomene

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you ready to Meet Brock Wellington?
Order your copy today!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2dZElHD
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2casLH2
iBooks: http://apple.co/2c4SmQS
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Kobo: http://bit.ly/2bgINiM
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/2bNZuQE

Review: The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden

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01 aa What a fun book! This is not your usual damsel in distress story. Quite the opposite. This story is about a girl who believes a girl can do anything a man can do, and she’s out to prove it.

Cade O’Brien is done with the loud and crazy towns. He wants peace and quiet and a new start. So he sets off to Savage Wells in hopes of becoming their new sheriff. But what he doesn’t expect is a woman already doing the job, and quite well, if he must admit. This spit fire of a woman gets his blood boiling in more ways than one, so he needs to keep a clear head whenever she’s around.

Paisley Bell has been acting sheriff for quite some time now and she’s not happy that the town is determined to fill the position with a man, instead of her. But when Cade comes into town, she knows that her work is cut out for her. He knows what he’s doing, but he doesn’t know this town better than her. But she’s not giving up. She knows she can do this job just as good as anyone else.

I must admit, I fell in love with this town and all it’s quirky, but lovable characters. I wish I lived there. They care a great deal about each other. Watching Cade and Paisley both interact with them, made me smile. They knew how to help everyone in very unconventional ways. It made my heart squeeze.

Watching Cade and Paisley banter made me smile. He’s not used to a woman in this position, so he’s a little slow in accepting. They go at each other quite often and I found myself giggling. As with many relationships, once the bantering starts, it’s over. They’re sunk. They learn to help each other out and in the midst of that, they start to grow closer and soon find themselves completely smitten. When he calls her love, I swoon. Let me tell you, butterflies were fluttering in my belly. Such a sweet romance.

This story is another in the The Proper Romance family and I know you’ll love it just as much as I did.

~Melpomene

Buy The Sheriffs of Savage Wells HERE

Review: Just Friends by Monica Murphy

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just-friends-amazon Have you ever read a book so crazy insane with angst that you wanna set it down and walk away, but you JUST CAN’T DO IT? Well, that is how I felt read Just Friends. My word… Teenage drama to the nth degree. Seriously.

Just Friends is about…well, friends. Friends and enemies. Frenemies really. The characters were so insane with teenage drama and feelings, I thought my head was going to explode. At one point I hated every single character. None of them were making good choices. They only cared about hooking up, which is true for most teenagers, but my word… Selfish, emotional and so over the top wishy washy. He likes her, but she doesn’t know if she likes him. But the he hooks up with someone else. But he really likes her, even though she doesn’t know if she can be with him. All of that and more. Teenage drama.

Now I say all of that, but in reality, I was sucked in from the very first chapter. I couldn’t take my eyes off the page. I needed to know what happens and who “really” like who, and why is she acting this way. GAH!!!!

If you stepped into your local high school, you would probably hear lots of the same conversations that were in the book. Ms. Murphy nailed the inner feelings and actions of teenage girls. Supremely. Not to mention that the boys were realistically stupid as always. Sex and sports.

I haven’t read an angst filled NA book in quite some time, so I wasn’t sure what my reactions were going to be. But it’s safe to say, there was a lot of yelling and “What are thinking?’ being shouted.Again, teenage drama. I know the characters are in high school, but they are doing lots of grown up things that I can’t label YA. This book will get your heart racing and tugging. Your heart will hurt and twist at the same time. So much fun.

And that ending? I need more NOW.

~Melpomene
Buy Just Friends HERE

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