Book Shout Out: The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

by:  Elin Hilderbrand
published by:  St. Martin's
publish date:  May 30, 2006

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…

At this point I don't know if there's anything else that I can say about how much I love Elin Hilderbrand's book.  I've read almost all of them and except for a couple of little disappointments here and there, I've adored everything about all of her books.

The Blue Bistro is an older book, but it's still super good.  I listened to the audiobook and it was very well done. 

Elin has put it in my head that I WILL go to Nantucket some day.  After reading all these books I can't not go!

2 novellas in 1: Most Likely To Succeed & Cutest Couple by Kate Davies

It's that time again!  Today, I have two novellas from Carina Press.  Most Likely to Succeed and Cutest Couple are the first two books in the "Girl Most Likely Too..." series by Kate Davies.

Publisher: Carina Press
Date of publication: March 25, 2013

Book one in The Girls Most Likely to…

Ten years after being voted Most Likely to Succeed, Kelsey Moore is still living in her hometown, still working in her family's flower shop, and too embarrassed to attend her high school reunion. Only the chance to reconnect with her study buddy—and secret crush—Nathan Barrow tempts her to go.

The series revolves around a ten year high school reunion.  Kelsey, Bree and Tess are  long time friends who graduated together   Kelsey was the brain of the trio.  She had a full ride scholarship to college, but circumstances made her stay home and help her mother out.  Her best guy friend and lab partner, Nathan got out and has been traveling the world.  When Nathan and Kelsey get together, she is reluctant to tell him what she has been up to.

I liked this one the best out of the two.  It was fun to see Kelsey and Nathan look at each other differently after ten year.  The chemistry between them is sizzling.  They really heat up the sheets!  It was nice to see that their friendship was so strong in high school that after so long, it was like no time had passed.  I loved what Nathan does for Kelsey in the end!  While, I'm not a huge fan of HFN endings, this one was pretty satisfying.


Publisher: Carina Press
Date of Publication: April 29, 2013

Book two of Girls Most Likely to…

Ten years ago, Marc and Bree were voted Cutest Couple—until a graduation-night argument destroyed their relationship. Unable to contact him, Bree had no choice but to forget Marc—and raise the son she never got to tell him about.


Out of the two, I think I liked this one the least.  Bree and Mac were high school sweethearts.  He left to join the Army and Bree found herself pregnant.  She makes exactly one attempt to contact him about it and then proceeds to paint him as a deadbeat dad for 10 years!  I kind of lost respect for her there.  I felt so badly for Marc.  

Despite their history, I didn't really feel the attraction between them.  I also didn't hold out too much hope for a HEA.  They spend most of the time in the story fighting with each other.  I understood Bree's reasons for hating the military, but still.  Maybe if the story had been longer, I would have liked it more. 

Both stories take place at the same time.  That was kind of neat.  Throughout both novellas, there are hints to what Tess is up to.  I look forward to reading Life of the Party in May!

Review: Just for the Summer by Jenna Rutland

Author: Jenna Rutland
Publisher: Entangled
Date of Publication: March 11, 2013

Dani Sullivan has come to Lake Bliss to write her latest cookbook and to see if the baby she gave up for adoption eight years ago is happy. When she’s done with her reconnaissance, she plans to return to Detroit without any doubts about past decisions. But when she sees her little boy—indeed happy despite living with his single dad—she finds she can’t keep her promise to stay away from her son or from his flirtatious father, who has no idea of her true identity.

Recently divorced sheriff Matt Reagan is ready for a new relationship, but he doesn’t want short-term—his son needs permanence, and so does Matt’s heart. Unfortunately, it’s the smart-mouthed and sinfully sexy Ms. Sullivan who catches his eye. But when Matt learns Dani’s secrets, will he still want her to stay? Or will her chance for love last just for the summer?

I was so in the mood for a good romance this week and boy I got one with Just for the Summer.     The book is well written and I stayed up late to finish it. The story isn't just a romance; it's about hope and second chances. I loved the flirtation between Dani and Matt.  It was fun and really heated up the passion between the two.  I was really rooting for them and hoping they could work things out.

Along with the romance, there is a very emotional component to the book.  I liked Dani.  As a mother, I can't even imagine what a woman goes through when she decides to give up her child for adoption.  I respected Dani for her decision and the reasons behind it. During the scene when she has to say goodbye to Sam for the second time in her life, I actually cried.  I can't remember the last time that has happened to me while reading a book.  

I definitely think that Entangled Press has found a winner in debut author, Jenna Rutland.  She has a bright future and can't wait to visit Lake Bliss again!  

Lucky Leprechaun Hop

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop 

Co-hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer & Books Complete Me & Author Cindy Thomas

You are at stop #16.  For a full list of participating blogs, go here.

Today we have 3 prize packs to give away.  3 lucky winners will be selected randomly.  Just fill out the rafflecopter below. (US only please)  Good luck!

Prize Pack #1

Prize Pack #2

Prize Pack #3

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Guest Post: In My Sights by LJ Garland & Debbie Gould

Please welcome authors L.J. Garland and Debbie Gould as they promote their latest, In my Sights.  Enjoy their guest post on Sand, Skittles, Snipers & Steamy Sex!

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Date of Publication: December 2012

Six months ago, Siobhan Cantrell’s world was changed forever by a sniper’s bullet. The incident transformed her from a secure confident woman to a recluse, afraid to leave her own home. When her friends urge her to re-enter the world of the living, they suggest Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand dating service. Nervous, she signs up and learns the company is renown for in-depth background checks and safe encounters. So, how dangerous could it be?

Sergeant Bobby Martin has witnessed Madame Eve’s magic firsthand. His teammate found true love through her service. Still a skeptic but giving in to peer pressure, the Air Force Pararescueman signs himself up. When he meets Siobhan, his doubts fly out the window—unfortunately bullets start flying in them. Determined to protect her from a sniper that won’t give up, Bobby vows to keep her safe. As their chemistry ramps up, so does the sniper’s attempts.

 Can Bobby keep Siobhan alive, or will the killer catch them in his sights?

Sand, Skittles, Snipers & Steamy Sex

Debbie: Today, my co-author, Laura Garland (L.J. Garland) and I are in beautiful Destin Beach, Florida, sitting down with Bobby “Bobcat” Martin and Siobhan Cantrell, the hero and heroine of In My Sights.

LJ: Oh, I love them. And by sitting down, you mean kicking back in beach chairs beneath a huge umbrella while we sip drinks, right?

Debbie: Absolutely!

LJ: Mmm…mocha frappaccino.

Debbie: Really, Laura? Frappaccino? I was thinking more along the lines of a frozen Margarita or something along those lines.

LJ: (shrugs) You got your drinks. I got mine. Hey, look! Here they come. Don’t they look great together?

Debbie: Of course they do, we wrote them.

LJ: Hey, guys! Glad you could make it!

DEBBIE: Okay, sorry gotta get this question out of the way. Just what the heck were you two thinking, having sex out on the gun range? All out in the open like that.

LJ: Yeah. Weren’t you afraid of getting you’re a—, I mean butt shot off by some stray bullet?

BOBBY: Uh, it’s not like anyone was around. We had the whole place to ourselves. I’d made sure of it.

SIOBHAN: Yeah, and we were kind of interrupted in our first attempt. Thanks to you two.

BOBBY: That’s right. You two think you can control us? Well, I’ve got news for you. We do what we want, and we wanted to have sex, then and there! Nuff said.

LJ: So, Siobhan, you got to get a hold of his big gun?

BOBBY: (grins) Yes, ma’am, she did.

SIOBHAN: I think she meant your sniper rifle. LOL

BOBBY: Oh, yeah. Well, you got your hands on that, too.

SIOBHAN: (slaps Bobby’s shoulder) Stop. Yes, LJ, Bobby taught me how to shoot his rifle. The experience was quite exhilarating.

BOBBY: I’ll say.

DEBBIE: Okaaay. So, Bobby, what did you think of Siobhan when you first saw her?

BOBBY: Gorgeous. All that blonde hair of hers…really grabbed my attention. I couldn’t look away.

SIOBHAN: And I was pretty much looking everywhere else.

LJ: Really? (eyes Bobby) He’s pretty darn hot. What else were you looking at?

SIOBHAN: The balcony, behind potted plants, where all the other guests were seated, whether our waiter looked shady, where all the exits were located. You know, the usual.

DEBBIE: That doesn’t sound like the usual to me.

LJ: Me neither. Why were you checking all that out.

SIOBHAN: I have my reasons.

BOBBY: But she’s past that now.

SIOBHAN: (grasps Bobby’s hand) Thanks to you.

DEBBIE: (huge eye roll) Okay, Siobhan, what gives?

LJ: (snorts) What, did you think there might be a sniper or something on the balcony?

BOBBY: Let’s just say, some guy tried to kill her and leave it at that.

DEBBIE: Well, what did you think of Bobby when you first saw him?

SIOBHAN: He was big.

LJ: (smirks) Are we back to talking about his gun again?

SIOBHAN: Well, that is big, too. But what I thought was he’s so tall and…big. At first I was a little overwhelmed. But he put me at ease pretty quickly.

DEBBIE: Oh, I just bet he did.

BOBBY: I tried. (glares at Debbie) But I was interrupted.

DEBBIE: Alright already. Enough with the interrupted sex. It is what it is, and you two hooked up. So it’s all good.

BOBBY: (eyes Siobhan) Yes it is.

LJ: Ahem. So, Bobby. Tell us a little about yourself.

BOBBY: What do you want to know?

DEBBIE: What’s up with the Skittles addiction?

BOBBY: What’s not to like?

DEBBIE: Sheesh, like pulling teeth with you today. Would you get over it? You two got it on in the next chapter.

BOBBY: No, I believe it was two chapters away.

DEBBIE: Laura, help!

LJ: One chapter, three chapters. What does it matter? You had hot, sweaty sex!

BOBBY: That we did.

DEBBIE: Okay, maybe a different topic then. Which one of you guys on the team has the Twinkie addition?

BOBBY: That would be Kyle.

DEBBIE: How’s he doing now that Hostess has gone under. Probably having a heck of a time with withdrawal, huh?

BOBBY: Wouldn’t know, would I? (grins) Guess you better finish the next book, so we’ll all know.

DEBBIE: Enough of the attitude, mister. Keep it up and we wont let you be part of the rescue.

BOBBY: Rescue? (narrows eyes) What exactly are you two planning?

LJ: Privileged information.

SIOBHAN: Will it be dangerous?

DEBBIE: It’s us. What do you think?

LJ: Hmm…and what was the title of the next story, Deb?

DEBBIE: I believe it’s Explosive Conditions.

SIOBHAN: Does anyone die?

LJ: Just enjoy your time with your man.

SIOBHAN: (squeezes Bobby’s hand) Maybe you should ease up a bit?

BOBBY: Damn writers.

DEBBIE: (glances at watch) Time’s up.

LJ: Thanks for coming by and chatting! We’ll be looking for you in the next book.

Debbie: Whew! That Bobby is something else.

LJ: Yeah, but we managed to wrangle him into place.

Debbie: Damn characters.

LJ (snort)

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Throwback Thursday: Envy by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown
First published in 2001 by Warner Books

Book editor Maris Matherly-Reed receives a tantalizing partial manuscript submitted by a writer identified only as P.M.E. Curiosity compels her to track down the author, Parker Evans, and work with him to complete the tale. But as the story unfolds, Maris becomes convinced it is more than just fiction. When someone close to her dies, the presence of evil looms even closer

Envy reminded me why I love Sandra Brown.  This book was really enjoyable.  Maris is an editor who reads manuscript that intrigues her.  She seeks out the author to persuade him to sign a contract.  Parker isn't the most cooperative person in the world.  Personally, I thought Parker was a breath of fresh air.  I loved his gruffness.

One of the things that I thought was neat about the book was the story within a story.  As both books progress, the reader begins to wonder how much of the novel within the novel really happened.  It's loaded with so many twists that my head was spinning. But in a good way! My only wish is that there was an epilogue.   I would have loved to see more of Maris and Parker together. If you missed this one, definitely give it a try!

Review: Feedback by Robison Wells

Author: Robison Wells
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date of Publiation: October 2012

Benson Fisher escaped from Maxfield Academy’s deadly rules and brutal gangs.

Or so he thought.

But now Benson is trapped in a different kind of prison.

They are all pawns in the school’s twisted experiment, held captive and controlled by an unseen force. As he searches for answers, Benson discovers that Maxfield Academy’s plans are more sinister than anything he imagined—and they may be impossible to stop.

Let me start by saying, don't read this one if you haven't read the first book, Variant.  Feedback picks up right where Variant left off.  It often refers to things from the first book and it assumes you have the background already.  I enjoyed Variant, so I was looking forward to reading the second book.

This time around,  Benson finds himself outside of Maxfield Academy. He soon finds out that freedom hasn't really been attained and he is a hunted teen.  I liked the town outside of the school.  It was interesting meeting the human versions of the robot counterparts that Benson met in the first book.  The way they would zone out when they were linked with their duplicate was kind of creepy.  

I felt like this book was a little faster paced.  The story moves along pretty quickly.  Some of the questions I had from the first book were answered. However, the ending left me with a bunch more.  The ending was just strange and kind of unsatisfying.  I'm hoping the next book resolves it a bit more.  This is a good YA series and one I definitely think is worth reading.

Guest Post: Secret Desire by Susan D. Taylor

Please welcome author Susan D. Taylor who is promoting her book, Secret Desires.  She joins us today with some thoughts as she answers our questions: "What inspires you to write?" and "How do you write a realistic romance?"  

Susan is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Amazon Gift Card from all the different tour stops.  Check out the raffle copter below!

Publisher: Etopia Press
Date of publication: February 2013

By day, Claire Robertson is a staff writer for a small publication in Seattle. But when the lights go down, she writes sizzling and oh-so-naughty erotica. She keeps these stories safely tucked away, hiding her secret fantasies of her hero, Dustin Murray. The man who stole her heart six years ago. And then jumped into bed with her twin sister.

Dustin never forgot Claire, or her twin sister’s lies that tricked him into sleeping with her. Nor has he forgotten that her sister’s threats have kept him silent for six years and cost him the woman he loved. Now that Claire’s returned home, Dustin isn’t about to lose her again. But it’ll be another thing to convince Claire he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to win her back.

When Claire accidentally sends the wrong story to her editor, things really heat up. With hot the new black in publishing, her editor thinks he’s struck gold and queues the story for publication. The last thing Claire needs is for everyone to learn that she’s got secrets of her own…

Thank you Kari and Autumn for allowing me to visit today. Great questions too. Let me put on my thinking cap. Here goes.

Being from a family of educators, I think we’re pretty curious people. I married an engineer who loves the act of problem solving. For a person with a desire to wonder and ponder, and who has a natural affinity with the written word, writing is the perfect fit. I am that person. There’s always a “what if” roaming around my head and conversation is filled with what-ifism’s and oh-wouldn’t-it-be-funny.

In writing romance, there are countless issues or conflicts present within all love stories. Some are organic or germane to the story and characters. In Secret Desire it became a woman’s quest for self-identify amidst her own expectations and those of her family. Claire Robertson was cast as a journalist (I love picking out a character’s job and lifestyle) so I had to find out about the industry which I (professionally) had not yet become a part of until the actual manuscript was contracted. This was my debut novel so anything I’d written up to that point didn’t help in giving me the information about the publishing industry. Fortunately, I love research and the investigation of information. I taught special education and biology for years. Research a big part of educating children especially those students with individualized learning needs.

Then there was another part of the love story that involved trauma and grief. Polar from a happy, fun sexy read. Right? This became tricky in how to handle the central exterior conflict of Secret Desire. From my education experience in graduate school, I realized it was imperative that the emotional boundaries of Claire be realistically portrayed. I used the ideas of the grief process through which Claire, the heroine was stuck in the initial stage of denial and avoidance. I drew from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, one of the most famous grief counselors. She wrote extensively (On Death & Dying, 1969) about the process outlining steps that we go all through (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). I was acquainted from my own experience with grief, teaching, and reaching students. Teachers receive a lot of trauma counseling in this day and age.

In contemporary romance writing, parts of the story should be factually based and current. I believe authors are charged with bringing to the forefront realistic issues within the scope of their story. It requires balance to embed facts within fiction so it isn’t a dump of information. Whether it’s Pike Market in Seattle or the Interstate going from Columbia to Mill Spring, North Carolina, giving readers a sense of reality and helps ground a story so that the emotional and sensual parts that need to fly, won’t disappear but will resonate within readers.

It was challenging to write Secret Desire, a bit more than some others but that’s why writers draw from reality. This process is cathartic to some degree.

Again, thank you for allowing me to visit and speak about contemporary romance writing today. 

On Death & Dying, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross http://susantaylorauthor.blogspot.com/2013/03/death-and-dying-and-writing-romance.html
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Review: The Turning by Francine Prose

Author: Francine Prose
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date of Publication: September 2012

A dark house.
An isolated island.
Strange dreams 
and even stranger 
visions . . .


The Turning is being touted as a unique take on The Turning of the Screw.  I was looking forward to a good ghost story.  In truth, I'm still not sure what I read.  In the end, I couldn't decide if it was a ghost story or the ravings of a delusional teen.  The book is told through letters.  The majority of which are written by Jack to his girlfriend.  I'm not sure this really worked for me as the letters didn't feel real.  Who recounts entire conversations the writer and reader had with each other?  It just doesn't happen.

Jack has taken a summer job on a remote island to babysit for 2 children.  The kids are a bit odd, but I could understand why.  Not being exposed to the internet or television or even regular society, would make any child strange.  The one thing that was never further explored was why the uncle refuses to have anything to do with his wards.  As well as, why he would agree to hire a 16 YO boy with no child care experience.  The ending was an attempt to leave the reader guessing "did it happen or not?", but it really just  was a big let down.  Throughout the entire book, I kept waiting for a good ghost story  but it never came    

I'd say this was OK for the over 14 crowd.  But honestly, there is better fare out there for them to spend their time on.

The One I Left Behind by Jennifer McMahon

by:  Jennifer McMahon
published by:  William Morrow
publish date:  January 3, 2013

The summer of 1985 changed Reggie's life. Thirteen, awkward, and without a father, she finds herself mixed up with her school's outcasts-Charlie, the local detective's son, and Tara, a goth kid who has a mental hold over Reggie and harbors a dark secret. That same summer a serial killer called Neptune begins kidnapping women. He leaves their severed hands on the police department steps and, five days later, displays their bodies around town. Just when Reggie needs her mother Vera-an ex-model with many "boyfriends" and a thirst for gin-the most, Vera's hand is found on the steps. But after five days, there's no body and Neptune disappears.

I read Jennifer McMahon's Don't Breathe a Word and found that this book was similar to that book.  Both were good books, but I was a little surprised at the repeat of the "formula".  Both books are told in an alternating pattern of past and present.  Also, both books have a story line of female character disappearing then reappearing many years later. 

This book The One I Left Behind tells the story of Reggie and her mother Vera.  When Reggie was 13 a serial killer by the name of Neptune was terrorizing the town they lived in.  Vera disappeared and she was apparently his last victim, but her body was never found.  25 years later, Reggie is a successful architect and her mother shows up in a homeless shelter. 

I liked the story line of this book much better.  As a fan of serial killer books, I found this one to be well written and well laid out.  McMahon keeps the reader guessing throughout the entire book.  This book is one I'll definitely be recommending for the mystery fans.

Review: Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller

Author: Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Harlequin
Date of Publication: December 2012

Sheriff Boone Taylor has his job, friends, a run-down but decent ranch, two faithful dogs and a good horse. He doesn't want romance-the widowed Montanan has loved and lost enough for a lifetime. But when a city woman buys the spread next door, Boone's peace and quiet are in serious jeopardy. 

With a marriage and a career painfully behind her, Tara Kendall is determined to start over in Parable. Reinventing herself and living a girlhood dream is worth the hard work. Sure, she might need help from her handsome, wary neighbor. But life along Big Sky River is full of surprises...like falling for a cowboy-lawman who just might start to believe in second chances.

I have enjoyed this series so far and I was eager to read the third installment.  Big Sky River is Boone and Tara's story.  I wish I could say that I liked this one as much as the first two, but it was a bit disappointing.  The bulk of the book deals with Boone's children coming back to live with him and getting to know him again as their father.  It also involves Tara's step-daughters coming to sty with her for the summer.  I did enjoy those parts. Watching Boone realize it was time to let go and move one was bitter sweet.   

The problem that I had was that Boone and Tara don't get together until the last 1/4 of the book. Once they do they are talking marriage.  It felt forced and a bit rushed.  I wanted more of them together and maybe an epilogue would have helped.  The characters from the previous books show up in this one, so maybe we will see more of Boone and Tara in the next one.    Big Sky Summer comes out in May.  I'm looking forward to reading it.