Friday, March 30, 2012

Book Sale Find Friday

Hey My Trusty Tasty Readers....

Since moving to North Carolina, I have been to THREE Big Book Sales at the local library and I have found some AMAZING paperbacks to add to my ever-growing collection.  So I've decided to start a weekly post dedicated to the Awesome Book Sale Finds that I have acquired this past year.  I won't be posting a review with them, since I have quite a few books to finish before I start on my book sale finds, but I wanted to share a few of the oldies but goodies with you, my fellow readers, who might have a bit more time on their hands to start these books now, or may be looking for a great BEACH WEEKEND READ!!



And Then Came You: Sam's Story
Marconi Sister's #1
Maureen Child
Published July 11th, 2004
335 Pages
St. Martins


Nine years ago, Samantha Marconi was swept away in a whirlwind wedding...even though she'd only known her new husband for a month. When Jeff left her just weeks after the wedding-she found out she was pregnant and had nowhere to turn. So Sam did the only thing she thought she could do. She placed her daughter up for adoption and tried to forget the past-until her past came knocking on her door...

Jeff never received Sam's letters, nor did he know she had their child-until after the little girl was put up for adoption. Jeff managed to find their daughter, Emma, and lovingly raised her on his own. He's about to remarry-but his divorce from Sam never went through. Jeff needs Sam's help to get "unmarried," and quick. Yet when Jeff shows up on Sam's doorstep, he's shocked to find the sparks that once flew between them are still burning strong. Can he let Sam go again? Especially when the truth about what really happened nine years ago is finally revealed...



This book has been on my mind a lot lately.  After reading the back cover blurb I was very intrigued by this book and I actually just ordered the next two of the series, Turn My World Upside Down and A Crazy Kind of Love.  I know its a sickness, but I HATE just reading ONE book of a SERIES...I need to read them all.  For any of my TASTY READER'S who have READ this book, please share in the comments section what you thought.  I'd love to hear feedback on the book!!






Thursday, March 29, 2012

Coming in with a Bang.....

The Cowboy Takes a Bride
Jubilee, Texas #1
Lori Wilde
Released March 27th, 2012
348 Pages
Avon
Source: Avon-Addict


Good sense comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from actin' like a damn fool.

-Dutch Callahan





In the first book of Lori Wilde's New Series, Jubilee, Texas, we meet Ex-champion bull rider-turned-cutting-horse cowboy, Joe Daniels, who wakes up to see this little blond spit-fire staring down at him while he is lying half-naked in a horse trough.  Talk about a HELLO!!

Mariah Callahan has nothing left, no job, no money, no home in Chicago and her mother is a newlywed living in Argentina with Iggy, the love of her life.  What else is Mariah to do but head to Jubilee and claim the Ranch that her estranged has left her.  She plans to sell the property as soon as she can and finally get her own Wedding Planning business off the ground, but how can she think about anything but a certain emotionally wounded, hard-living cowboy who stirs her guilt, her heartstrings, and her long-burned cowgirl roots.

OH BOY.....did Lori Wilde start out with a bang in Jubilee, Texas.....You know its the Horse Cutting Heartland....haha....you will get it once you read it.  I was tearing up within the first few chapters, maybe even the first few pages.  I FLEW through this book, page after page, wanting to know what would happen next.  This book touched my heart and held on tight.  I would definitely compare this book to a Kristan Higgins Novel, which ALWAYS has me bawling like a baby.

I think Joe Daniels has crawled into a little spot of my heart and I'm not sure that I'll ever let him go.  I think I'll remember Joe and Mariah for a long, long time.  If you have ever lost a loved one, or have lost the one that you loved more than anything, then you will be able to relate to Joe and what he is going through.  I was in love the second that Mariah started to worm her way into that hole left in Joe's chest where his heart used to be.  The build-up of the romance between them was sweet, and sexy, and sometimes STEAMY...like those hidden kisses against.....oh wait...sorry...almost gave it away.

I have to say that I did LOVE Mariah Callahan from the start.  She was vulnerable, sweet, at times a spit-fire and she never backed down when it came to Joe Daniels and his grief, but she wasn't going to be a replacement for what he lost and she wasn't going to be with someone who would just leave her, just the way her father did all those years ago.

Oh...SO MUCH EMOTION, so much pain and grief, so much regret and sorrow, you can't help but feel for these two, who if they just let go of all the pain could really love each other and love each other good!!

So my recommendation is to READ THIS BOOK!!  I adored it!!  I couldn't put it down and for that to happen...you know its GOOD!!!

If you haven't read anything by Lori Wilde, try The Cowboy Takes a Bride....you wont be sorry!!!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

I LOVE HENRY BECK

hot under pressure
Rising Star Chef #3
Louisa Edwards
Released March 27th, 2012
309 Pages
St. Martins Press
Source: Publisher









"This dish is all about opposites attracting, " Beck said.  "A Good pairing, to me, isn't about putting the obvious things together.  It's about finding two flavors that bring out the best in each other-maybe bring out elements in each other that don't exist when those flavors are on their own."


If you don't think your face will be a fountain of tears while reading this book, you are VERY WRONG!! 

Warning:  Tissues are required

I have been waiting to read more about Henry Beck since book one, when he was just known as "Beck".  I FINALLY got all I wanted and SO MUCH MORE!!

If you have been keeping up with the Rising Star series by Louisa Edwards, you already know from book two that Beck's team, the East Coast team from Lunden's Tavern, has been picked as one of the last three teams along with the West Coast team from Queenie Pie, which is owned by Skye Gladwell, who just happens to be Beck's Ex-Wife, or not so EX, since they are officially still married.  But not for long, if Skye has anything to say about it.  Unfortunately, Beck isn't giving up as easily as he did the first time, he has a proposition of his own, but will Skye give Beck another chance to break her heart?

One of the things I adore most about Louisa's books, especially the Rising Star Series is that we get so much of the reality of life for them.  She takes us into the kitchen and has a way of describing the cooking style, the food creation that makes you feel as if you have been transported right into the kitchen with Beck and Skye. 

"Can't fool me," Beck said, the words sounding bitten off and odd.  "You just want to get close to this hot bod."

     A wave of amusement briefly overwhelmed the concern rising in her chest.  "You caught me, " she said, proving he wasn't the only one who could do deadpan.  "Let's throw our clothes off and get down, oh baby, oh baby.  Because what could be sexier than pretending we've both been buried alive in a cozy two-person coffin with no view?"

This is just one example of the back and forth banter we get between Beck and Skye.  The emotion between these two is still so alive after all the years they had been apart.  The anger, the pain and everything else mixed in makes this book a crazy, emotional roller coaster of a relationship that you can't help but want them to find a way to be together again. I'm a sucker for a love story where the hero and heroine have a lot of baggage between them, and we get that with the final book of the Rising Star Series. 

Not only do we get our Skye/Beck romance, but we get more Kane and Claire, which I LOVED!!  I was thrilled that some of my questions about these two had been answered, and they will always be two of my favorite characters in this series.  And Win....he really stepped up when it came to being a friend to Beck and having his back.  You can't help but LOVE Win and his cheerful nature, but when it comes to being serious, he is right there, helping Beck share his life with everyone.....OH....I Love Win!! 

And yes ladies....we FINALLY find out about Henry Beck....and yes....you will just be more and more in love with him than you were in the last two books....Oh boy!!

So my recommendations is to READ THIS BOOK, especially if you have read the complete series, and if you haven't read the complete series, then you need to, especially Some Like It Hot, which is my FAVORITE of the series.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Tracers Are Back

Unstoppable
Laura Griffin
Released March 27th, 2012
Kindle Edition
Released Sept 28th, 2010
Deadly Promises Anthology
Pocket Star
Source: Reviewer Purchased






A forensic anthropologist and a Navy SEAL find love and danger in this sexy novella, from Laura Griffin’s bestselling Tracers series!


For all my Tracer Fans out there, Laura Griffin has released UNSTOPPABLE as a stand alone novella for all you E-Book Lovers!!  I own the paperback version of Deadly Promises, which features UNSTOPPABLE as part of the Anthology. 

Whichever copy you choose, just choose ONE!!  This sexy novella introduces us to Kelsey Quinn and Gage Brewer, who are getting their full-length book with SCORCHED, coming this fall.

This is a very quick read, so I won't be giving anything away, but just know that if you found yourself caught where Kelsey finds herself caught, you would definitely want Gage as your HERO *swoon* Love me some Navy SEAL Boys!!

I am warning you that you will be left with a big "?"  and a loud "NOOOOO" ...I know people, I know, How do you think the rest of us feel.  We have been waiting FOREVER to see what FINALLY happens between these two...their chemistry practically jumps off the pages.  Just keep telling yourself...they are coming...we will FINALLY get more Kelsey and Gage...and I CAN'T WAIT to find out where their relationship has ended up.



Monday, March 26, 2012

HELLO...Hockey Hotties

One Man Rush
Joanne Rock
Releasing April 1st, 2012
224 Pages
Harlequin
Source: Author Gifted


Matchmaking Case File #114

Requested Match: Kyle Murphy, pro hockey player. (This guy can score.)

Challenge: Not looking for anything serious (yet).

Notes: Ridiculously attractive, sexy, irresistible …and I want him for myself!


For fans of Rachel Gibson's Seattle Chinook's Hockey Series, you will LOVE One Man Rush by Joanne Rock.  Kyle and Marissa reminded me a lot of Luc and Jane, who are my favorite Hero and Heroine of the series.

Marissa Collins needs to get her matchmaking business off the ground, if she wants to keep the home that might help with her mother's rehabilitation after an accident that caused her serious brain damage.  She needs to make a match between Kyle Murphy, the best shot on the Philadelphia Phantoms, and rich, socialite, Stacy Goodwell.  Unfortunately for Marissa, the moment she meets Kyle Murphy the last thing she is thinking about is matching him with someone else.

Kyle Murphy has always had one rule, No Women In Playoff Season, but for some reason, Marissa Collins has his head in the clouds and not focused on the game he needs to be playing.  What can he do but make an exception with this woman that he can't stop thinking about.  He just has to convince her that being with him is the right thing for her also, even if it means having to give up the biggest MATCH of her career.

I love watching a big, strong Hockey Player brought to his knees, which is one of the best things about this quick, fun read, and the small, secondary romance between an unlikely pair.

The chemistry between Marissa and Kyle was undeniable and I think Joanne did an amazing job with showing the progression of their feelings for each other, without making if feel rushed. 

And for me to compare ANY book to my absolute FAVORITE, that is a high compliment in itself.  I know you will enjoy this read if you like a smoking, hot sports romance, and If you enjoy this book, you will have to put Her Man Advantage on you TBR List, which is Joanne's Upcoming release staring Axel, the sexy adopted brother of Kyle Murphy which you will meet and fall in love with in One Man Rush.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Mistress Jaye Hijacks A Tasty Read…


 Today I’m taking you into A Tasty Read’s darker side, the side that loves a good paranormal with dark themes, adventure, and of course, hot, hot sex. Are you ready? Well if you are, read on…


Assassin's Honor
Order of the Sicari #1
Monica Burns
Released June 1st, 2010
342 Pages
Penguin/Berkley
Source: Reviewer Purchased
Reviewed by: Jaye Shields


Confession #1: I’m a suck for a paranormal or an urban fantasy, so when the title has the word Assassin, the book grabs me by the bra strap and doesn’t let go.

Assassin’s Honor, an Order of the Sicari novel, by Monica Burns, had me at hello. Or should I say, Burns had me at a woman running for her life in the first couple pages of the novel. And not the kind of frantic chase that the heroine eventually realizes was nothing, we’re talking full-on drama. Enter dark hero, is he a sexy villain with a wicked sword, or is he her smoldering knight in shining armor? Well, let’s just say you find out how smoldering in the first couple chapters.

Confession #2: Since I’m a sucker for archaeology, she pretty much had me at “ancient tomb” in the second sentence.

I couldn’t get enough of the ancient conspiracies embedded in the archaeology in the beginning of the book. Our heroine, Emma Zale, is a master archaeologist, but she soon realizes, that the ancient myths are very real. Real enough that she finds herself in the middle of a war between two brands of ancient warriors. Pepper in the fact that Emma gets visions when she touched artifacts, and we’ve got an incredible adventure with danger and historical intrigue.

Evidence #1: Our hero, Ares DeLuca is descended from a group of ancient warriors known as the Sicari. Their mission is justice, divvied out on their own violent terms. Ares is brutal in his quest for justice and vengeance, but he’s equally devoted to keeping Emma safe…and pleasured. *sigh* I heart Ares.

I’m not going to say anything else, because Burns does a great job keeping readers in suspense throughout the novel. I read all 342 pages in one day. That’s how “unputdownable” it is.

Parting words: Readers will love both Emma and Ares, and love them even more together!

Caution!!! Love scenes will have you squealing, so make sure you read them alone. Burns mixes both hot and heartfelt with ease.

I’m already dying for the next book in the Sicari series. As a matter of fact, I’m ordering it the minute I finish typing. After you read Assassin’s Honor, you too will be sucked in by the courageous, endearing characters featured in the follow up novel.



And now…drum roll please…Monica Burns in her own words!



Jaye Shields: Okay, so I'll keep it short and sweet since your a busy woman. P.S. I am sooo excited for Lysander's book! *excitedly claps hands together for Assassin’s Heart*

Monica Burns: I'm glad you're excited about Lysander. He's got to be my favorite heroes of all I've ever written.

Jaye: From what I know of the Sicari historically, their work as assassins went hand-in-hand with religion. You took the Sicari Assassins in a whole new direction, which I loved!

Monica: The interesting thing about the Sicari is that it's a Latin word that means assassin. The info on the web makes it sound like they were a particular sect or group of people. They weren't really; they just did work for anyone willing to pay them. :lol: I used that feature as a way to make my heroes have a "race." They took on the name Sicari because the Praetorian's (originally from the Praetorian Guard that protected the Caesars) forced them into become assassins.

Jaye: I’d love to know what inspired you to create this new brand of smoldering, psychically-gifted Sicari.

Monica: I got the idea for the series when I was watching Ciaran Hinds playing Caesar in ROME the HBO mini-series. While watching, the DH hollered at me from downstairs. I looked for the remote to pause the DVD. It was on my desk, which meant I had to get up. I'm lazy and thought if only I was telekinetic. I looked at the screen and James Purefoy as Marc Antony and I had the series.

Jaye: You’re love scenes are absolutely steamy in the best way. So I have to ask, when you’re writing love scenes, do you often listen to a particular type of music? Do you write in the dark? I’d love to know what kind of ambiance helps give birth to such sinfully beautiful sexy-time.

Monica: I don't have any particular modus operandi for when I write sex scenes. Sometimes I listen to music. Other times, I write in silence. The truth is I HATE writing sex/love scenes. They're exhausting to write. They have so much emotion in them so that they don't go stale and read like a been there, read that type of scene. Sometimes their easy. What I find easy to write is the foreplay. That's the easiest, sexiest thing to me.

Jaye: Foreplay! Yes, gotta love it! Thank you so much, Monica, for stopping by and giving this fan some insight into a really, really great book. I’m already stoked about Assassin’s Heart and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.




 
Jaye: Monica, you mentioned that Assassin’s Heart is your favorite in the series. I’m already dying to get my hands on that one because Lysander and Ares’ sister Phae stole my heart! What aspects of Assassin’s Heart make it your favorite. Besides sexy tormented Lysander I mean…

Monica: The action and the past life story intertwined with the present day story. I loved Cassiopeia and Maximus so much, and seeing them live again in Lysander and Phae was wonderful. Below is my favorite scene in the entire book in everything I've ever written. It's an action scene from ancient Rome where Cassiopeia and Maximus 's story takes place. The battle really happened, but the villian and heroes in the book are fictional. However, when I wrote this, I was there. I think it's why I love it so...I feel like I'm really with Maximus

October 28th, 312 A.D.
Tiber River, Italy
The screams of dying men filled his ears as Maximus wheeled his horse about on its haunches and raced along the rear line of the Praetorians he commanded. His men were being slaughtered, and with their backs to the Tiber River, there were few options to choose from when it came to saving them.          
Damn Maxentius to Tartarus for destroying the Pontis Milvian. He’d told the bastardo they’d need the bridge if something went wrong. But the incompetent fool had been so confident of a victory he’d refused to listen. The Emperor had ordered the stone bridge destroyed and next to the remains, he’d built a flimsy wooden structure that was unlikely to hold up under the weight of the men, let along the ration wagons.
As Maximus raced toward the nearest cohort, an image of Cass filled his head. Jupiter’s Stone, she was going to be a widow despite his promises to her. No. He wasn’t ready to give up that easily. He wasn’t going to leave Cass or Demetri to the likes of that treacherous fuck, Octavian. He tugged on the reins and the animal carrying him slid to a halt at the rear of the first company in the cohort.
“Retreat,” he shouted as his Prefect turned toward him. A split-second later, the man sank to his knees with an arrow jutting out of his throat. The soft whistle accompanying the deadly shaft said there was more on the way. Cak.
“Testudo. Now.”
The minute he roared the command, the men threw up their shields and moved quickly into formation, their armor creating a tortoise-like shell to protect them. The whistling sound grew louder, and Maximus growled with anger at the arrows flying towards his men. Just before the projectiles reached him, he threw up an invisible shield to block the arrows from touching him or his horse. In front of him, several missiles found targets through cracks in turtle-like formation, filling the air with more screams of pain, but most of the men had survived.
“Where’s the Centurion?” The din of the ongoing battle was so loud Maximus wasn’t sure any of the men had heard his shout. A soldier pushed his way out of the small company to slam a fist against his chest before flinging his arm outward in a salute.
“The Centurion is dead, Legatus.”
“Not any more he’s not. You’re promoted to the rank of Centurion,” Maximus roared. “Now get these men down to the riverbank and get across the Tiber the best way you can. Regroup at the Porta Flaminia.”
Maximus didn’t wait for the man to answer as he urged his horse forward to the next small company. At each group of soldiers, he ordered retreat. The air was thick with dust and smoke the closer he got to the bridge. Constantine had closed the gap between his army and Maxentius’s Second Legion, positioning catapults within striking distance of the front line.
Flaming missiles from the massive weapons sent men scattering like roaches exposed to light as the deadly balls of fire fell from the sky. With the line broken, it was impossible to hold off the advancing army. The fighting had not yet reached the river, and Maximus saw two of his Tribunes directing the retreat across the makeshift structure that barely passed for a bridge.
Men staggered their way across the less than sturdy planks, while horses, some with riders, swam against the strong current in their effort to reach the opposite shore. Carefully, Maximus negotiated his way through the carnage to where his Tribunes were shouting orders in first one direction and then another. Quinton was the first to see him.
“Fuck, what are you still doing here! You said you were going to cross more than an hour ago.”
“I was detained. How many have crossed?”Maximus snarled.
“Two cohorts.”
“Two,” he exclaimed as his gut twisted. Less than a thousand men out of almost fifty.
“Maximus , you must cross the river now. The Praetorian Guard won’t follow anyone but you. And you need to ensure the Tyet of Isis doesn’t fall into Octavian’s traitorous hands.”
“Maxentius—”
“The Emperor is dead,” Quinton shouted, his horse rearing up as a ball of fire hit the ground near the bridge. “The battle is lost. You must go now. Crispian and I shall meet you at the Porta Flaminia as planned.”
He hesitated and looked over his shoulder at the chaos behind him. The cohorts he’d ordered to fall back and cross the river were doing just as he’d instructed. But in all the chaos that reigned, Maximus doubted many of them would survive the crossing. With a sharp nod at the Tribune, he steered his horse down the riverbank and into the water. The Tyet of Isis was the last thing he was worried about at the moment. Praise the gods he’d convinced Maxentius to let him hide the precious box. At least it was safe for the moment.
Another fireball shot through the air to land directly on the rickety bridge. The sickly smell of burning flesh and death clung to him like sweat. Steeling himself to look back in Quinton’s direction, he saw his young Tribune’s horse without its rider. He started to go back, when another fireball landed directly on top of the animal.
Too late to help his friend. The only thing Maximus could do was reach the south bank and retreat to the Porta Flaminia. From there he’d be able to take stock of what was left of Maxentius’s army and what sort of terms he could secure for the men. Shrieks of agony and terror filled the air as he urged his stallion into deeper water. All around him, men struggled to swim their way to the opposite shore amidst a growing number of bodies in the water.
Although tired, Maximus's large horse carried him safely to the south bank of the river. Here the chaos was muted. Whether out of years of habit or orders, the men who’d survived the crossing had fallen into rows of four men across as they trudged their way along the Via Flaminia back to Rome.
The road that led to Cass and Demetri. They were his sanctuary from all this death and destruction. Vesta help him if anything happened to either of them. A shout off to his left made him turn his head, and he saw Crispian riding toward him. The man saluted as he pulled his horse to a halt then grasped his arm in greeting.
“Praise the gods you’re still alive. When I saw Quinton fall, I was certain you had joined him in the Elysium Fields.”
“I am apparently harder to kill than most.” They were words he’d repeated to Cass time and again, but this would be the last time he intended to say them to her.
This was his last battle. He was through. It wasn’t just the defeat they’d suffered here, it was the unnecessary carnage.

Alrighty folks, that’s it. Go forth and grab Assassin’s Honor by Monica Burns. You won’t be disappointed. And if you don’t have time to read it just yet, buy it, display it on your bookshelf, and drool at the handsome half-naked man on the front.
Until Next Time,
Jaye Shields

About Jaye
Jaye holds a degree in Anthropology from San Fransisco State University with an emphasis in archaeology. Her previous accolades include being a bass player for grunge band, the Hymens, being mistaken for Britney Spears while in Tokyo, and commercial model for Volkswagen and Hyundai. By the way, she insists the commercial still counts even though her lines were cut. Now days she spends her time writing sensual paranormal romance and urban fantasy.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Throwback Thursday

The Blue Bistro
Elin Hilderbrand
Released May 30th, 2006
384 Pages
St. Martin's Press
Source: Reviewer Owned





Adrienne Dealey has spent the past six years working for hotels in exotic resort towns. This summer she has decided to make Nantucket home. Left flat broke by her ex-boyfriend, she is desperate to earn some fast money. When the desirable Thatcher Smith, owner of Nantucket's hottest restaurant, is the only one to offer her a job, she wonders if she can get by with no restaurant experience. Thatcher gives Adrienne a crash course in the business...and they share an instant attraction.

But there is a mystery about their situation: What is it about Fiona, the Blue Bistro's chef, who captures Thatcher's attention again and again? And why does such a successful restaurant seem to be in its final season before closing its doors for good? Despite her uncertainty, Adrienne must decide whether she'll move on, as she always does--or finally open her heart…


I LOVE this book!!  I have not read any of Elin's other books, but this one is one of my FAVORITES!!  I got back into reading a few years back after college and I used to go to the library and borrow whatever I could get my hands on, this was one of those books.

I was sucked in from the first few pages, and I fell in love with the storyline and the characters, not just the hero and heroine, but every one of the secondary players.

This is not like your typical romance novel, some may even say it is more 'Women's Fiction", and there are no bedroom scenes, well they are closed-door bedroom scenes, but I didn't care.  The EMOTION of the book, in the book, holds more of the impact.  I didn't even need the love scenes, I had all I needed, and I know you will feel the same way.

Adrienne Dealey has been ALL OF US...In LOVE, frustrated and confused.  That was what I adored about her, she was REAL, her feelings were real and I actually hurt for her, and for Thatcher Smith, our handsome hero.  Though, sometimes I wanted to punch him in the face, I could see exactly where he was coming from, with everything that was going on.

The Nantucket Island setting of the blue bistro was romantic and fun-filled.  One of those small Islands where EVERYONE knows each other's business....and the restaurant setting was exciting and fast paced, learning the In's and out's of the business was also new at the time, and I was captured by the "family" that worked at the blue bistro, especially Mario...hee hee.

I just adored this story and I know you will too.  So grab it, borrow it, buy it, READ IT!! 

Be swept away for the day to Nantucket Island and watch the drama unfold!!


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Marriage of Convenience

Crossfire of Love
Ella Jade
Released Mar 19th, 2012
132 Pages
Beachwalk Press
Source: Publisher
Author's Website


Can an arranged marriage lead to love?


Gabriella has lived on the Martinez estate since she was a young girl, and has had a crush on their oldest son, Lorenzo for just as long.  Now twenty-four, she is being forced to marry Lorenzo in return for her father's gambling debt to Carlo Martinez, Lorenzo's father.

Gabriella doesn't want to marry Lorenzo since she thinks he is only marrying her to fulfill his father's wishes, but as they begin spending every day together in their new home, Gabby is finding it harder and harder to not make this marriage more than just a convenience.

Lorenzo has wanted a chance to get to know Gabby better for years, and now that she is his wife he is having a hard time keeping his hands off of her.  But he won't be the one to make the first move, unless provoked.

When things finally start looking up for the couple, trouble starts brewing between Carlo and the son of another "FAMILY".  Can Lorenzo protect his wife and himself from being caught in the crossfires?


This was a quick read for me, and an enjoyable one at that.  We dive right into the marriage and get to see how the Hero and heroine met through flashbacks.

I loved the sparks of chemistry that ignited any time these two were around each other, and there are some VERY HOT love scenes......thank God.....after all that sexual tension, i think we were all excited for the release!!

The great things about this book is that it had me on my toes.  I had NO idea what was going  to happen next and whatever I thought was going to happen, was completely wrong.  In this case....I love to be wrong. 

So if you are in the mood for a little fun with the "FAMILY" and some Smokin' Sex in the living room, by the fire, in the shower.....then you NEED to read this book!!



Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Surprise Bride

Brodie's Bride
Amie Louellen
Released Jun 2nd, 2011
241 Pages
The Wild Rose Press
Source: Contest Judge



Brodie Harper wakes up next to a screaming, sexy blond, in a seedy hotel room the night after his best friend, Jackson's Vegas wedding.  He chalks it all up to a lot of tequila mixed with a side of self-pity, but neither of those things can change the fact that this woman is not just a One-Night Stand, but Brodie's Bride.

Savanna Morgan just wanted to catch her soon to be husband cheating, so her father would change his mind about Savanna having to marry him.  Instead, she wakes up married to another man, and now she is cut off from the life of luxury and forced to rely on her new "husband" until they can get an annulment. 

I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book as much as I did.  I ended up really falling for our hero, Brodie Harper, with his crooked smile and his un-ruly hair.  As you read on, and find out more about the kind of man Brodie is, you will find yourself falling for him too.  Especially when he interacts with Nan, who cracked me up by the way, and her twin sister...I loved their meddling ways.

Our Heroine, Savanna Morgan, is also so much more than she seems.  She's had a lonely life and just wants to finally feel accepted, and the funny thing is, that with Brodie, she does.  I really liked her as a person, and I enjoyed the scenes between her and Brodie when they were trying their hardest to keep their hands off of each other....so much sexual tension...haha!

I truly enjoyed this read and hope that you will give it a chance.  The only thing that I am upset about is that Ms. Louellen didn't write a book about Jackson and Gina, two of our secondary characters.  I wish we could have read their love story before getting to this one!!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Definitely Worth the Kisses

Kiss Me, I'm Irish
Roxanne St. Claire
Jill Shalvis
Maureen Child
Released Feb 21st, 2012
512 Pages
HQN Books
Source: NetGalley







I enjoyed this Anthology SO much that I actually bought a few of the books that are connected to the stories in Kiss Me, I'm Irish.


The Sins of His Past by Roxanne St. Claire I have to be honest, was my favorite of the three, I think because it was the most emotional and I love a reunion romance. Deuce Monroe comes home, after making a stupid mistake with his career, to find his father's bar turned into an Internet Cafe, and the woman managing the cafe is non other than Kendra Locke, his best-friends little sister, well...more than that, but he screwed that up years ago.

Kendra Locke can't believe that Deuce is back to ruin her life one more time, as if he didn't do enough of that the last time he came home. Kendra has plans, but so does Deuce, and getting Kendra back in his arms is part of his plan.

Let me just say that I did tear up a bit while reading this story. It just hits a spot within your chest and keeps on digging, until you feel ripped open, like Kendra. This was a great addition to the anthology and I think you will all love it as much as I did.


Tangling with Ty by Jill Shalvis is a quick read, but it packs a big punch, especially with the chemistry building between Dr. Nicole Mann and Ty Patrick O' Grady. Both are attracted to another, but neither is looking for anything past a quick romp in the bedroom. He never knows how long he will stay in one place and she is a very, busy Dr. who has trouble forming personal relationships.
You will get a kick out of this story and especially the scenes where Nicole and Ty are fighting their attraction to another, and you will be cheering for them the entire time.


Whatever Reilly Wants by Maureen Child is also a quick, fun read, with slightly more emotion and great for anyone who loves reading about a big, tough Marine being brought to his knees by the woman he used to only see as his Best Friend.

Emma Jacobsen is tired of her best friend, Conner, looking at her as if she is Just One of the Guys because she wears Coveralls at the Garage she owns and works as a Mechanic. She wants to teach him a lesson, and he certain learns NEVER to mistake Emma as one of the guys, especially when all he wants to do is get her in his bed.


My recommendation is to READ THIS BOOK, especially if you like to read a few short romances in one sitting, and If you like some VERY SEXY IRISHMEN!! You won't be bored!!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day, to all of my Irish and Non-Irish Friends...

I used to have a tradition with my Portuguese Mother-In-Law, she would make corned-beef and cabbage, and the two of us would have a St. Patty's Day celebration, Irish Soda Bread and all.  Now I live in another state, which has killed our bonding celebration, but still whenever I come to visit, she always surprises me with a delicious loaf of Irish Soda Bread.

Unfortunately, I hadn't put too much thought into Irish Soda Bread this year, so my hubby, being the wonderful man he is, is running out to the local bakery to pick me up a loaf that I plan to devour when I get home from work today. 

Me, a stick of butter and warm Irish Soda Bread....yeah....Sounds like heaven!!

 Oh, and I am planning to finish this wonderful Anthology that I started yesterday, by THREE wonderful authors, Kiss Me, I'm Irish...I thought it appropriate for this weekend!!



What are you planning today??  Do you have any Traditions for the holiday??

For any of my friends looking for a quick and easy recipe for some YUMMY Irish Soda Bread, here is one I stole from the Internet, and it had pictures, which I happen to like while baking bread.  If you have a BETTER recipe for me, that maybe has been pased down from your grandmother's mother...PLEASE SHARE!!  Those are ALWAYS the best kind of recipes.


 Irish Soda Bread Recipe

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Method

1 Preheat oven to 425°. Whisk together 4 cups of flour, the sugar, salt, and baking soda into a large mixing bowl.

2 Using your (clean) fingers (or two knives or a pastry cutter), work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal, then add in the raisins.
irish-soda-bread-1.jpg irish-soda-bread-2.jpg
irish-soda-bread-3.jpg irish-soda-bread-4.jpg
3 Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add beaten egg and buttermilk to well and mix in with a wooden spoon until dough is too stiff to stir. Dust hands with a little flour, then gently knead dough in the bowl just long enough to form a rough ball. If the dough is too sticky to work with, add in a little more flour. Do not over-knead! Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf. Note that the dough will be a little sticky, and quite shaggy (a little like a shortcake biscuit dough). You want to work it just enough so that the flour is just moistened and the dough just barely comes together. Shaggy is good. If you over-knead, the bread will end up tough.

irish-soda-bread-5.jpg irish-soda-bread-6.jpg
4 Transfer dough to a large, lightly greased cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet (it will flatten out a bit in the pan or on the baking sheet). Using a serrated knife, score top of dough about an inch and a half deep in an "X" shape. The purpose of the scoring is to help heat get into the center of the dough while it cooks. Transfer to oven and bake until bread is golden and bottom sounds hollow when tapped, about 35-45 minutes. (If you use a cast iron pan, it may take a little longer as it takes longer for the pan to heat up than a baking sheet.) Check for doneness also by inserting a long, thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done.

Hint 1: If the top is getting too dark while baking, tent the bread with some aluminum foil.
Hint 2: If you use a cast iron skillet to cook the bread in the oven, be very careful when you take the pan out. It's easy to forget that the handle is extremely hot. Cool the handle with an ice cube, or put a pot holder over it.

Remove pan or sheet from oven, let bread sit in the pan or on the sheet for 5-10 minutes, then remove to a rack to cool briefly. Serve bread warm, at room temperature, or sliced and toasted. Best when eaten warm and just baked.

Yield: Makes one loaf.

Friday, March 16, 2012

100/200 GIVEAWAY

Congratulations to Di and Karen L, who are the winners of the 100/200 Giveaway.  I didn't make the numbers I was looking for, oh well...I'll just have to keep on hosting giveaway's!

I'll be emailing both ladies for address information!!



Hello to All My Tasty Readers,


For anyone who didn't hear, I was one of the LUCKY 25 to be chosen as an AVON ADDICT for the next Six Months....I know, Lucky Me!!

Any who...In the First box of Wonderful Goodness, I received FIVE COPIES of Sophia Nash's New Release, Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea, which is the first book in her new Royal Entourage Series. 



So I decided to do a FUN GIVEAWAY for not just YOU, my trusty friends, but for any NEW Members I can acquire for My Blog and Facebook page.

So I give you.........

100/200 GIVEAWAY

As of this moment I have:

65 Members or Followers on My Blog  

161 "LIKES" on A Tasty Read's Facebook page

I am looking to bump both numbers up by 40, which in turn is why this is the 100/200 GIVEAWAY!!

I will do TWO Drawings of TWO books each, One for my Facebook Followers and One for my Blog Followers. (If you are a Follower of Both, then you have TWO chances to win)

All you have to do is THREE things:

(1) Be a FOLLOWER of A Tasty Read Blog, either by Joining the Site, Following by Email or Following through NetBlogger

(2) Be a FOLLOWER of A Tasty Reads Facebook Page

(3) Leave a Comment with a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS, letting me know that you are a Follower or Have become a Follower.

Additional:

If you could also SHARE this post on YOUR FACEBOOK PAGES or TWITTER to help A Tasty Read make her Goals of 100/200 !!

Giveaway will run until Sunday Night (Eastern Time), The winners will be announced on Monday Morning.  This Giveaway is for US Residents Only.  Thank you so much and I look forward to a GREAT success!!



Thursday, March 15, 2012

Back to Gansett Island

Hoping for Love
The McCarthy's of Gansett Island #5
Marie Force
Released March 6th, 2012
E-Book
Published by HTJB, Inc.
Source: Reviewer Purchased


Oh how I love being back on Gansett Island with all my old friends, and some new ones as well.  I might even say that Hoping for Love, the fifth book in the series, might just be my favorite so far, but I know there are more to come, so I wont make any promises.


In Hoping for Love, baby brother, Evan McCarthy, gets a small taste of what it might be like to fall for the perfect woman and he does not take it so well.  More like he is fighting it with every fiber of his being, even go as far as escaping after a mind-blowing night with Grace, our heroine.

Now Grace is just not havin it!  If Evan doesn't want to pursue anything further with her, relationship wise, then she will just move on.  She did not come to the Island in pursuit of him, well maybe a little, but she came to start a new life for herself.  Somewhere she is not known as "The Whale".  She has made numerous friends in just the few hours that she has been on the island, especially one very handsome Irishman.  She doesn't NEED Evan, especially if he is not interested in her, even if she wants him...A LOT!!

I won't give any hints about what happens between Evan and Grace, but I will tell you that there is one scene where Evan gets good and drunk, and might I say, he is so incredibly adorable, you wont be able to resist his drunken charms!!

Not only did I love the romance brewing between Evan and Grace, but we get to see more of our old friends, and we get a small spark that might be igniting soon between Owen and Laura, which I am so excited about.  And my girl Tiffany is FINALLY getting what I always thought she needed, a good lay in the hay, well not hay, but does a Kitchen counter count?  HEE HEE, and I am so thrilled at who her Hero will be, even if he has no plans on helping another woman in need....OH BOY....CANT WAIT!!

Ok people, if you have not yet read The McCarthy's of Gansett Island Series, then you need to get on it!!  You can read them separately if you want to, but my suggestion would be to read the complete series, which are NOW on PAPERBACK through Amazon.  So if you don't have an e-reader, don't fret!!

Start NOW and by Saturday, you should be done and chatting with all the GREAT ladies of the Marie Force Book Talk on Facebook, where we chat about her numerous releases and post pics of who we believe should play these handsome men if Gansett was made into a movie!!  Come join us: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/MarieForceBookTalk/

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Hanging out with Linda Kage and New Release Giveaway

I have a special treat for you today, Author Linda Kage is chatting with me about her Newest Release, The Best Mistake, and also hosting a Fantastic Giveaway.   Keep reading past the Interview for a Great Review and make sure to enter the Giveaway!!




A Tasty Read: Welcome Linda Kage.  So great to have you here today!

 


Linda Kage: Hi! Thanks so much for letting me stop by to visit. These muffins are mmmlmph...excellent. Thank you!

A Tasty Read: Thank you!  I am always proud of my Tasty Treats.

So, The Best Mistake has released today, do you want to tell us a bit about it??

 
Linda: Sure. The Best Mistake is my first shorty-short story. It's roughly 35,000 words...or in page years, that's 137. This story is what I'd call a true romantic comedy; I could actually envision Sandra Bullock playing in the movie of it!! So if you enjoy shows like While You Were Sleeping, Miss Congeniality, Two Weeks Notice, or Love Potion Number Nine, where the heroine is quirky, clumsy, yet lovable almost to the point of not being very realistic then I could see you maybe possibly getting into this book as well.

A Tasty Read: Well, I really enjoyed the story, but I'll get into that later. 

Linda, which do you enjoy writing more, Contemporary Romance or YA?
Linda: I find it's easier for me to pen contemporary adult romance, but I like them both equally for different reasons. My YA stories seem to be a little bit more in-depth and while they don't go as smoothly as an adult story, I feel a greater accomplishment after finishing them. In an adult story, I just sit back and enjoy the ride of creating it.

A Tasty Read: I have read a few of your books and enjoyed them all, so I guess you are doing something right!

 The Right to Remain Mine, released last month, can you tell us a bit about it?
Linda: To me, The Right to Remain Mine feels like a constant battle. The hero and heroine never seem to get along, even when they're, ahem, "getting along!" But that's the kind of relationship that gets their motors running. So if you're into those macho, big, tough, jerk cop heroes and heroines that can take their prickly attitudes and spit it right back, then that may be the story for you!

A Tasty Read: Sounds like I'll have to pick up that one next!

What's next for Linda Kage? Are you currently working on something and if so, can you tell us about it?

 
Linda: Oh, I'm always working on a couple of somethings. But I'm really excited for September to get here when my second YA story finally releases from Whiskey Creek Press. The Color of Grace was one of those difficult to write down stories that felt really rewarding after I finished it. I also finished a WIP I'm calling Farm Boys Have all the Fun. It's actually a prequel to an older story of mine called The Trouble with Tomboys. Fingers crossed I can sell it so I can share it with the world!

A Tasty Read: I'll keep them all crossed for you.  I for one enjoyed The Trouble with Tomboys and I'd love to read a prequel.

Is there any other genre of writing that you would like to try?

 

Linda: I'd like to try all of them...well, all the romance sub genres! If it doesn't have a romantic happily ever after, then I'm not interested. But I love to read historical, paranormal, suspenseful, erotic, you-name-it romance. So, I'd love to be able to write them as well. The only problem is, I have a bad feeling I'd suck with something that required too much research. I mean, seriously, have you ever noticed non-fiction research books rarely have romantic happily ever after endings. It's just so hard for me to get into them!

A Tasty Read: As the Giveaway Host, you have to choose the Giveaway question and then answer the questions yourself?

 
Linda: Okay, umm...giveaway question. Giveaway question. All right, I got one. Here goes. If you lived in a world where there was only chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry ice cream, which would you settle for? Me? I'd take all three and have myself a banana split sans the banana (I'm not such a banana fan). Thanks for having me here. I have an ice cream split calling my name.

A Tasty Read:  Thank you so much for hanging out today and for the Fantastic Giveaway!!  And for me...I'm a chocolate fan all the way, but I'm gonna have to throw some Peanut butter Cups in there!!


GIVEAWAY QUESTION:  Linda wants to know, in a world of ONLY Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry, which would you settle for?? 

Leave a comment to be entered to win an E-book Copy of The Best Mistake.  Please leave a valid EMAIL address so I can contact the winner.

**Giveaway will run until Friday March 16th, US and Canada Residents Only


**Congratulations to BookAttict for being the winner of Linda's New Release, The Best Mistake.  I will be forwarding your email address to Linda and she will be in contact with you.**



The Best Mistake
Linda Kage
Released March 14th, 2012
Ebook
139 Pages
The Wild Rose Press
Source: Gifted by Author








 Deri "The Mistake" Crandall wants nothing more than the love and acceptance from a family. After her mother dies, she finally discovers who her father is—except he and his family aren't exactly everything she's dreamed of. Not about to let a little thing like that bother her, she strives her hardest to fit in. Though honest to a fault, she even lies to gain their affection. But who could have predicted the one man with whom she immediately clicks is the very millionaire her grandfather orders her to betray?

Cole Harrety’s life is all about work and ignoring play, until a petite, curvy bundle of quirky woman literally tumbles into his lap. From the moment he loses a staring contest with her, he knows Deri is exactly what's been missing from his mundane life and no other woman will ever compete with her.

With a web of deception already woven, can their new bond survive a shattered trust?



I really enjoyed this quick read more than I thought I would.  I usually don't enjoy short, quicky romances because I feel some authors don't give me enough to convince me that the Hero and Heroine have made any kind of connection, or they rush the end, so that we are left wondering, "But What??".  

That is SO not the case with The Best Mistake, the new release from Linda Kage.  As she mentioned in the earlier interview that she is reminded of a Romantic Comedy with this book, and I really could see this myself.

The heroine is completely likable from page one, I found myself cracking up because we have all been in her shoes.  And then when she meet the Hero.....I absolutely adored the way they meet and what happens after that.  It was like being swept up in a fairytale.  I wanted to know what would happen between these two, and when the "thing" between them would come out, and what would happen when it did.  I may have even cried a bit, and for a short story to make me cry...well that just doesn't happen.

And our Hero, Cole Harrety....can I say...Yes Please!!

My recommendation would be to Definitely Purchase this book today.   It will leave you feeling light-hearted and just plain Happy....who couldn't use that in their life? Or, enter the giveaway...take a chance!!  I added the link to Wild Rose Press just in case!!


About the Author

I grew up on a dairy farm in the Midwest as the youngest of eight children. Now I live in Kansas with my husband, daughter, and our nine cuckoo clocks. My life's been blessed with lots of people to learn from and love. Writing's always been a major part my world, and I'm so happy to finally share some of my stories with other romance lovers.

I'm a member of Romance Writers of America and a local chapter, Midwest Romance Writers, who meets monthly in the Kansas City area. I’ve been through a writing correspondence class in children’s literature from The Institute of Children's Literarture, and then I continued my writing lessons by majoring in English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.