Sunday, December 30, 2012

The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda by Sophie Barnes


Lucy Blackwell is desperate, reckless, and maybe a little bit crazy. That's the only possible explanation for tricking a man she doesn't know into a dance, a kiss, and an engagement - all in the middle of the biggest ball of the year! But Lord William Summersby is the final piece of her grand plan, and she'll do what it takes to make this marriage of convenience work - as long as it's convenient for her. She just never counted on falling in love...

**************

The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda is the third book in Sophie Barnes' Summersby series. It's a charming, romantic, sexy story full of mystery, adventure, humor, and some burn up the sheets lovin'.

Lady Lucinda Blackwell has a secret - and a mission - and she'll do whatever it takes to see it through, even if it means tricking the only man who can help her into marriage - which she does! Afterall, as Lucy surmises, it's not like they'll have to stay married for long, because if they just refrain from consummation, their marriage can be annulled. Simple as that, that!

Lord William Summersby has decided it's time to take a bride and the woman he's chosen will make him the perfect wife. Lady Annabelle Forthright is proper, intelligent but unassuming, pretty, healthy...  surely she'll provide him with plenty of good looking heirs. His life will be as it should be - quiet and uncomplicated. But when William finds that he has compromised a woman he's never laid eyes on before, he does what he and his family believe is the right thing to do - he marries her instead, turning his well ordered life into one of chaos and intrigue.  As the days pass and he gets to know his new wife better, William starts to think that maybe Lucy really is the best match for him - and she thinks to avoid the marriage bed? Not likely!

From the very first page when it grabbed hold and broke my heart, to the very last when I was left smiling from ear to ear, I absolutely enjoyed this story. The close knit - albeit unorthodox - Summersby family made for some great times with their teasing banter and obvious love for one another. While Lucy's plan to ensnare William was rather silly, given the time period it was also ingenious, and had me giggling from the irony of it all.

The bottom line: Sophie Barnes writes witty, romantic and sexy tales that are sure you leave you with a smile on your face, too. If you like your historical romance to be on the lighter side, but with an interesting plot and  loaded with passion, then you simply must read Ms. Barnes' stories, and the Summersby series is a great place to start!

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this story for review. It was such a pleasure!

Friday, December 28, 2012

The Lass Wore Black by Karen Ranney



Catriona Cameron was once famed for her seductive beauty and charm. Now she saw no one, hiding from the world...and no one dared break through her self-imposed exile.

No one, that is, until Mark Thorburn burst into her home, and Catriona's darkened world began to have color again. Thorburn, secretly the heir to an Earldom, claimed he was a footman. But Catriona didn't care about the scandal their passion could cause...for this very touch sparked her back to a life of sensuality, one she thought she'd never have again.

Little does she know that Mark is part of masquerade. One that will end when they become the target of a madman set on revenge. Mark realizes he will have to do more than win her love...he will have to save her life as well.

**********

In a genre saturated with the usual plot props – tales of the ton, seasons, heirs, peerage – it’s always a treat to read a story that can tackle those elements and make them unique. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the traditional historical romance novels, too, but The Lass Wore Black brings something different to the mix, and I can’t tell you how refreshing that is!
Karen Ranney is an author who’s been around for awhile, and despite my love of historical romance, I hadn’t yet read any of her books. I was pleased to find that her writing is engaging and her characters are interesting people whose stories are worth telling.

Well, truth be told, I had a problem with Catriona for the first half of the book, but if I had started reading with the understanding that it’s a Beauty and the Beast meets The Ugly Duckling type tale, I’d have been better prepared for her shallow, bitter disposition. That said, there did come a point when she began to see that the woman she had been and the woman she had the potential to be were worlds apart. When she finally cast off her veil, so-to-speak, and allowed herself an honest view of the world around her, she became a truly compelling heroine, one whom I could cheer for.

Mark isn’t your run-of-the-mill historical romance hero. He’s part of a distinguished family, that’s true, but he’s also a doctor, someone who understands the adage, “Where much is given, much is expected.” He’s a wealthy man, thanks to his grandmother, and he could have easily used that wealth to pay others to care for the needy, but he doesn’t. He’s a man who puts himself right into the thick of things and uses his medical training to help those people who can’t afford doctors and medicines. He teaches them about ways to improve their health and circumstances, and it’s clear he truly cares for those less fortunate than himself. I easily invested in Mark from the start and found him to be an honorable, passionate and very sexy man.

The story itself is intriguing, though not without some minor flaws - I do wish the dialog had felt and sounded more authentic. There was no indication of the Scottish brogue I would have expected, and I missed that.  It was Catriona's journey from a bleak existence to a life worth living that made this such a compelling read, and that wouldn't have happened without Mark at her side, sometimes gently guiding her forward while other times prodding, but always loving, and never giving up.

The bottom line: The Lass Wore Black is an emotional, romantic, sexy tale. It’s entertaining, engaging, unique, and a story I won’t soon forget!

My thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this book for review. It’s been such a pleasure!

One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean


 Lady Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant fourth daughter of the Marquess of Needham and Dolby cares more for books than balls, flora than fashion and science than the season. Nearly engaged to Lord Castleton, Pippa wants to explore the scandalous parts of London she's never seen before marriage. And she knows just who to ask: the tall, charming, quick-witted bookkeeper of The Fallen Angel, London's most notorious and coveted gaming hell, known only as Cross.

Like any good scientist, Pippa's done her research and Cross's reputation makes him perfect for her scheme. She wants science without emotion - the experience of ruination without the repercussions of ruination. And who better to provide her with the experience than this legendary man? But when this odd, unexpected female propositions Cross, it's more than tempting . . . and it will take everything he has to resist following his instincts - and giving the lady precisely what she wants.

********

One Good Earl Deserves a Lover is the second book in Sarah MacLean’s The Rules of Scoundrels and from the first page to the last, simply wonderful! It’s witty, poignant, romantic, and sexy, and a story I simply couldn’t put down!
I don’t know where to begin when sharing with you the many things I love about this book! The story is amazing - fast paced, sensual, deliciously sexy and very romantic. It's the perfect backdrop for our hero and heroine who are also amazing. They are vulnerable yet strong, stubborn but yielding, flawed yet in a word, perfect!

Lady Phillipa Marbury, with her black and white, scientific way of thinking, drew me in and had me loving her early on. At times I laughed at how naive her ideas were, and at other times, I almost cried because of the same. I wanted to protect her from the harsh world of The Fallen Angel and Cross's life, and at other times I wanted to push her right into the middle of it - right into his arms! Pippa, like all of Sarah MacLean's heroines, is wonderful! The kind of woman I would like to be if I were living in her era.

And then there's Cross. Cross is such an interesting character! A man of many contradictions. He's got secrets, demons that torment and eat away at him. At times he's oppressive and bleak, yet at other times he's compassionate and determined to protect those he loves. He's devoted, exciting, sexy... a truly perfect hero!

And as if all that weren't enough, toss in an incredible supporting cast of characters, people whose stories I want to learn and whose lives I wish I had a place in... there's nothing more I can ask for.

The bottom line: This book has everything I look for in my historical romance reads. It’s funny, romantic, heartwarming, sexy… indeed, it has everything I want, everything I’ve come to expect from Sarah MacLean’s stories.

Many thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a paperback ARC of this story. It was a true pleasure to read!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Deck the Halls With Love by Lorraine Heath




Lorraine Heath is one of my favorite historical romance authors so I’m not sure why I haven’t yet read the Lost Lords of Pembrook series. Well, after this delightful holiday novella, I assure you, I’m going to remedy that right away!
Christmas is a time for miracles … and second chances at love.
In her dazzling first Season, Lady Meredith Hargreaves gave her heart to Alistair Wakefield, the Marquess of Chetwyn, only to have it shattered when he proposed to another. And now that he's free to pursue her? It matters little, because she's on her way to the altar, heartbreak be damned.

Chetwyn once set aside his dreams in favor of duty and honor. But as Christmas approaches, he is determined to put his own desires first and lure Lady Meredith back into his arms, where she's always belonged.

First he steals a dance; then he steals a kiss. But when they find themselves alone in an abandoned castle during a snowstorm, reignited passion consumes them both. And Chetwyn will have one last chance to steal back Meredith's heart, once and for all.
This is such a wonderful story! It has all the things I hope for in my holiday reading; romance, passion, humor, redemption… and most important of all, that special kind of magic found only at Christmas.

I’m so looking forward to reading this series, start to finish!

Many thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this book for review. It’s a lovely story and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Avon Addict Blog Hop - Day 24



Welcome to my blog, home of the 24th and final day of the Avon Addict Blog Hop! I hope you’ve had the chance to visit the blogs of my fellow Addicts. I’ve loved reading their posts - be they reviews, giveaways or reminiscing about their favorite Avon reads. It’s been fun!

Now, a little about me!

Who am I?  I’m a wife, a mother, a grandmother. A daughter, a sister, an aunt. Friend, neighbor and community volunteer. My name is Ruth, and I’m an addict. 

An Avon Addict.

You might be wondering what exactly an Avon Addict is. Well, Avon Addicts are ambassadors, of sorts. We were chosen - and what an incredible honor it is - because of our love of Avon books! We share our love of Avon’s authors and their stories by spreading the word and introducing people to the amazing worlds created by these incredibly talented writers. It’s fun, exciting, rewarding, and we take great joy in spreading the Avon love – and the addiction! 

For years I’ve been unabashedly addicted to reading. Addicted to stories that take me to faraway places in the long ago past, or not so faraway places in the here and now. Stories that sweep me off my feet, leave me breathless and satisfied, and yet, leave me wanting for more. No matter the genre, Avon books have been a huge part of feeding that addiction, an addiction I’ll never even try to kick!

Because Avon books have given me hours upon hours of reading pleasure, and because I want others to experience that pleasure, too, I’m giving away a bundle of goodies to one lucky winner!  The package will include: Caroline Linden’s The Way to a Duke’s Heart, Julie Ann Long’s A Notorious Countess Confesses,  Lecia Cornwall’s How to Deceive a Duke and Sandra Hill’s The Viking Takes a Knight!  (Sorry, bows not included.)

To enter this giveaway, fill out the Rafflecopter widget below. The more you do, the more chances you have to win! 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, December 22, 2012

A Kiss For Midwinter by Courtney MIlan


Miss Lydia Charingford is always cheerful, and never more so than at Christmas time. But no matter how hard she smiles, she can't forget the youthful mistake that could have ruined her reputation. Even though the worst of her indiscretion was kept secret, one other person knows the truth of those dark days: the sarcastic Doctor Jonas Grantham. She wants nothing to do with him...or the butterflies that take flight in her stomach every time he looks her way.

Jonas Grantham has a secret, too: He's been in love with Lydia for more than a year. This winter, he's determined to conquer her dislike and win her for his own. It all starts with a wager and a kiss...

***** 

A Kiss for Midwinter is Miss Lydia Charingford's story, a sometimes sweet, sometimes heartbreaking novella from the Brothers Sinister series.
Well, I guess honesty is the best policy, right? I have to admit then that I wasn't a fan of Lydia's when we met her in The Duchess War, but I also have to admit that she won me over, totally, in this story. Her heartbreaking tale is... well... heartbreaking, and so her treatment of Minnie in The Duchess War was, in my opinion, forgivable. Part of her problem is that she's a woman who believes she has no chance for a happy life - especially when Jonas Grantham, the most annoying man she's ever met, decides that it's time for him to take a wife, and Lydia is the one he wants.

Now, he just has to convince her to have him!

Honestly, I laughed and cried and came away loving both Jonas and Lydia, not just for who they are, but also for who they are not. Both tortured souls striving to live with their "demons" and to do the right thing, always. Apart they were splendid people, but together - they are perfect!

The bottom line: This is, as are all Courtney Milan's stories, a delightful, witty, heartfelt, romantic and sexy tale, and works very well as a standalone. If you're looking for a short holiday story sure to leave you with a smile on your face, then look no further. A Kiss For Midwinter is a story I'll be reading again and again, and I'm sure you will, too.

My thanks to Ms. Milan for providing me with a copy of this novella! It was such a wonderful holiday treat!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Killing Time by Cindy Gerard



Fast paced, action packed and very sexy, Killing Time is the perfect start to Cindy Gerard’s new One Eyed Jacks series! This spinoff of the Black Ops Inc. series opens with Mike “Primetime” Brown’s anxiously awaited story.

Still tortured by the deaths of his team members during a mission dubbed Operation Slam Dunk - a mission gone horribly wrong - Mike is physically scarred and mentally tormented. The memories of that clusterfuck, and his guilt over the decisions he made, haunt Mike every day of his life, but the anniversary of the horrific event is the worse, one, even eight years later, Mike spends trying to drink away the memories.

CIA Attorney Eva Salinas lost her husband in Afghanistan, a casualty of that same OSD clusterfuck. The military trial ended before it even got started when one of the surviving team members accepted full responsibility. Eva has tried to put it all behind her, but after receiving a file from an anonymous source, Eva is wondering if justice has truly been served. Armed with this new information, she is more determined than ever to find out what really happened, and what better place to start than with Mike Brown, the man thought to be responsible for her husband's death?

Though some of their questions are answered, more are being raised, and Mike and Eva find they have a common enemy. With their passion for one another growing, they work together to bring down the bad guys and avenge the men who died in the crossfire of arrogance, greed and ambition.

The bottom line: Time and time again Cindy Gerard delivers romantic suspense the way it should be written - with the perfect balance of action, excitement, romance and steamy goodness! Her characters are people we can't help but connect with and care about, and their happily ever afters are sweet, satisfying and well deserved! Killing Time truly is a great start to this new series, one I'll definitely be following, start to finish!

5 stars!

My thanks to Pocket Books, a division of Simon Schuster Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. It was such a pleasure!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Duchess War by Courtney Milan

Sometimes love is an accident.

This time, it’s a strategy.
Miss Minerva Lane is a quiet, bespectacled wallflower, and she wants to keep it that way. After all, the last time she was the center of attention, it ended badly--so badly that she changed her name to escape her scandalous past. Wallflowers may not be the prettiest of blooms, but at least they don't get trampled. So when a handsome duke comes to town, the last thing she wants is his attention.

But that is precisely what she gets.

Because Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont, is not fooled. When Minnie figures out what he's up to, he realizes there is more to than her spectacles and her quiet ways. And he's determined to lay her every secret bare before she can discover his. But this time, one shy miss may prove to be more than his match…

*******

The Duchess War is the first full length novel in Courtney Milan’s Brothers Sinister series, and a story that I've been looking forward to. Having read The Governess Affair, the prequel to this story, and having read the epilogue that sets up this book, I knew that what was to come would be an wonderful, emotional read, but this... it was so much more than I had hoped for.
Let me get this said right up front. This book is brilliant. The way Ms. Milan writes historical romances, the way she uses the ridiculous social standards of the times to not only hinder her characters but to make them triumphant – yes. Brilliant.

When I first began reading historical romances, I thought things like the ton, peerage, seasons, the need to marry well… I thought they were all silly things, a bunch of hogwash made up by authors to flesh out their stories. But then, as I did more research of this on my own, I discovered that not only was it not hogwash, it was often far worse than historical romance portrays it. So when I read books like The Governess Affair and The Duchess War, and knowing that this was a reality of the times, I find I become very emotionally attached to the… lessers. The Underdogs. Those who don’t fit and will never fit regardless of the kinds of people they are. It doesn’t matter how much good they do, how many lives they might save, or how they treat others. They would never fit. And yet there were those who took up more space than they were worth, but were welcomed wherever they went… it all seemed so unfair. So hopeless.

But not the way Ms. Milan tells the story.

The Duchess War is a story of right and wrong. Of honor - and not just honor when it’s convenient. It’s being a person of high integrity, no matter the cost. It’s also a beautiful romance. And not just about discovering love and holding on to it with every single thing you are - more importantly, it’s about being worthy of that love.

Robert and Minnie are such compelling characters, and had they been real people, I would truly believe that their chance meeting was destiny giving them a hand. They’re so very opposite from one another, but alike in the ways that matter. Both flawed, emotionally scarred people who recognized that in one another, and that's what drew them together. Were they perfect? No! They were human! There were times I was angry with Robert, times I was livid with Minnie, but in the end, I came to adore them both. And that's all that matters.

The bottom line: Courtney Milan never ceases to amaze me with her stories that are witty, clever, intelligent, sexy and so very romantic. She’s one of very few auto-buy authors on my list, one of the few whose stories I am guaranteed to love, and books like those found in The Brothers Sinister series are why.

So do yourself a favor and pick up the novella, The Governess Affair and this story, The Duchess War and settle in for two of the most delightful, poignant, lovely romances you’ll likely ever read.

My sincerest thanks to Ms. Milan for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for sharing my honest thoughts with you. It was a true pleasure, start to finish.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift by Jennifer Ashley


 The Mackenzies gather for a clan Christmas and New Year's in Scotland. In the chaos of preparations for the celebration--the first of Hart and Eleanor's married life--one of Ian's Ming bowls gets broken, and the family scrambles to save the day. Daniel busily runs a betting ring for everything from the time Eleanor's baby will arrive to whether Mac's former-pugilist valet can win a boxing match to who will be the first of the many guests to be caught under the mistletoe. Ian begins a new obsession, and Beth fears the loss of one of his precious bowls has made him withdraw once more into his private world. 

***************


5 brilliant stars!!!

A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift is an amazing Christmas novella that wasn't too short, wasn't too long - in fact it is perfect in every way!
I can't seem to find the right words to express how much I loved this story! And how could I not? Spending the Christmas with the Mackenzies is pure bliss! This holiday tale is delightful, romantic, heartwarming, sexy... all the things we've come to love about those Mackenzies, and then some!

Seeing the family and how their love for one another just keeps growing warmed my heart. There's nothing they wouldn't do for each other and I adore that about them. Hart and El, Cam and Ainsley, Mac and Izzy and of course, Ian and Beth... spending this time with them was a perfect addition to my holiday reading and I loved every word, every sentence, every page...

And then there's Daniel! The boy we all fell in love with is growing into quite the man, one whose story is sure to be every bit as exciting as his father's! Inspector Fellows, the illegitimate Mackenzie, every time I see him I love him more! And the McBride brothers... wow. There are some great stories there, and I can't wait to read them!

See? I can't find the words to tell you, coherently, how wonderful The Perfect Gift is! But trust me on this - if you're a fan of those Mackenzies, don't waste a single moment thinking about whether or not to buy this book - just do it. You'll be so glad that you did!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Five Golden Rings - A Christmas Anthology





Five Golden Rings is a collection of short love stories made all the more special for their Chistmastime magic. I enjoyed these sweet, sexy, romantic tales, each a delightful read.

Mistletoe Magic by Sophie Barnes: What better way for Connor Talbot, Earl of Redfirn, to spend the holidays than convincing Leonora Compton that the only match she needs to make is with him!
***This is my first taste of Sophie Barnes’ writing and I enjoyed it. It was sweet, steamy, funny… a charming holiday tale!
His Perfect Gift by Karen Erickson: The Duke of Ashton has had three years to plan for his perfect Christmas present—the Lady Eleanor Fitzsimmons as his wife. Now, all he has to do is convince the reluctant lady …
***Oh, this was such a fun story! Again, Karen Erickson is a new-to-me author and I enjoyed her writing. Sexy, romantic… truly entertaining!
War of the Magi by Rena Gregory: Phin Baldwin does not believe in Christmas magic … until the clever and beautiful Ginny Overton gets it into her head to show him how wonderful it can be when wishes come true.
***This story has a decidedly Christmas feel to it and I loved it! A turn of the century, old west story that left me with a smile on my face and a contended sigh in my heart! Rena Gregory is an author whose writing I can’t wait to read more of!
Her Christmas Knight by Sandra Jones: Just returned from the Crusades, marriage is the last thing on Sir Caerwyn's mind. But will he be able to resist Lady Nia, the thief of his boyhood heart, when she tempts him yet again?
***I absolutely adore medieval era stories and this one was such a great read. Short, entertaining, and sexy, Sandra Jones knows how to tell a story!
Tempting Mr. Weatherstone by Vivienne Lorret: Responsible Ethan Weatherstone is determined to save Penelope Rutledge—and her reputation—from her silly scheme, but can he save himself from the temptation of her lips?
***I loved this one! What a sweet "friends to lovers" tale. Emotional, charming, sexy... another great addition to this anthology, and I can add Vivienne Lorret to my list of new-to-me authors to read in the New Year!
The bottom line: Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year and so I devote a good deal of my reading time during December to Christmas themed books. I often find anthologies will have at least one story that doesn't work for me, but this delightful Christmas collection of five stories was a joy to read, start to finish! Each and every story, in some way, touched me and brought to my heart that magical feeling of Christmas.

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this wonderful collection for review. It was such a pleasure!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Dangerous Waters by Toni Anderson


Sergeant Holly Rudd arrives in the coastal community of Bamfield after local divers discover a body with a knife jutting from its chest in the waters of Barkley Sound. As she investigates the crime, Holly soon realizes the sleepy town is rife with secrets. But what unsettles her most is the residents’ insistence that she bears a striking resemblance to the victim of a murder from three decades earlier. She shrugs off the uncanny likeness as a coincidence. But her simmering attraction to Finn Carver, one of the divers who discovered the corpse, isn’t so easy to ignore.

Finn, a former Special Forces soldier, knows it’s best to keep his distance from Holly. Yet it isn’t long before they both give in to the consuming desire they share. And as the danger escalates, Finn and Holly must rely on each other to thwart the plans of a cold-blooded killer who’s intent on keeping the past buried.

*****

Dangerous Waters by Toni Anderson is a fast paced, exciting, romantic suspense-slash-mystery set in Bamfield, British Columbia. It’s an intriguing tale of murder, cover-ups, and a community either too scared or too complacent to get involved in any of it.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them both! Toni Anderson is a former marine biologist and so she brings a level of knowledge to her stories that we don’t often find in books like this, taking place in and around the water. She’s a gifted writer who shares that information with us in a way that’s never text-bookish, but makes it interesting, and even beautiful.

I enjoyed this story a lot! The murder had enough possible suspects to keep me guessing right until it was revealed at the end, and I have to say – I never saw that coming! Our hero and heroine were great! Honorable, intelligent, interesting – compelling people whose backgrounds fit the story well. Though I have to admit, I do wish there had been more to their romance earlier in the book.

The bottom line: Dangerous Waters is an entertaining story written by a very talented author. Ms. Anderson’s descriptions of the people and areas of Bamfield made it come alive for me and that’s a huge part of why I enjoyed this tale so much. I could see what she was describing and felt like I was there, and that was great!

Sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, this romantic mystery is not to be missed!

My thanks to Ms. Anderson for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Under The Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis


 Just one more kiss….

There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime.

*****

Romantic, sexy, sweet… Under the Mistletoe is a Christmas novella from the Lucky Harbor series and, like everything Jill Shalvis writes, is a very charming story. And, it's the perfect way to kick off my holiday reading!
I truly enjoyed this book, but I wish it had been longer. It takes place five years in the future and Mia – Tara and Ford’s daughter from The Sweetest Thing – has been away at college, growing up and falling in love. It would have been nice to have a deeper glimpse into this part of her life, but all-in-all, it’s a great story. It’s a happy for now tale with the promise of a beautiful happily ever after down the road, and because Mia and Nick are young and just starting their lives and careers, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This novella took no more than an hour to read, so if you're looking for a Jill Shalvis fix, or needing something quick to read for a Christmas themed challenge, then this is a great book to choose!

My thanks to netgalley.com and Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, for giving me a copy of this story for review. It was such a pleasure!


Saturday, December 1, 2012

Avon Addict Blog Hop!



I'm so excited to announce that I've finally joined a Blog Hop! That's right, I'll be a Blog Hop Virgin no more! 


How did this happen, you ask? Well, I'll tell you! A few months ago I had the incredible honor of being chosen as one of 25 new Avon Addicts - an Avon Books ambassador of sorts. Anyway, chitting and chatting in our Facebook group, Jena mentioned that it would be fun to do a blog hop. Well, one thing led to another and next thing I knew, here I am!   

Disclaimer: The internet might not survive my efforts, but I'm sure to have a blast!

Anyway, here is the schedule. Be sure and stop by each blog and check out their offering for the day, and then on the 24th, I'll have a giveaway, too!