Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Book Review - Bad Boy Rancher by Karen Rock + Giveaway



Photo Source - Amazon
Justin Cade is in a downward spiral after his twin died from his drug addiction. He lives life dangerously and is addicted to the thrill. Army chaplain Brielle Thomspon is trying to get a hold of her PTSD and heal from the horrors of Afghanistan. Brielle is trying to avoid the wonders and the heartache of life by spending most of her time in solitude.  While the last thing the two of them want to deal with each other and their own demons, could be the very thing they need?

The heartwarming novel was classified as a clean romance which had romance without the overly steamy parts. I found the main characters to be enjoyable and realistic. Both Justin and Brielle are flawed and want each other but try to overcome the obstacles in their "relationship". I enjoyed that this novel didn't have the type of drama where one person pushes the other person away but rants about why that person doesn't come back to them. A very enjoyable read for anyone who loves romance novels or a fan of this series.

**Disclosure - I receieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**




Bad Boy Rancher
(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #3)
by Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
April 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He’s not the only one who needs saving…

But maybe they can save each other?

Dark, brooding, dangerous…and possibly suicidal. Renegade rancher Justin Cade was exactly the kind of man former army chaplain Brielle Thompson needed to avoid after escaping the horrors of Afghanistan with an honorable discharge—and PTSD. The whole point of moving to the remote Rocky Mountains of Colorado was to leave the darkness behind, not fall back into it. But falling she is…



About the Author



Award-winning author Karen Rock is both sweet and spicy—at least when it comes to her writing! The author of both YA and adult contemporary books writes sexy suspense novels and small-town romances for Harlequin and Kensington publishing. A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile. When she’s not writing, Karen is an avid reader who also loves cooking her grandmother’s Italian recipes, baking and having the Adirondack Park wilderness as her backyard, where she lives with her husband, daughter, dog and cat who keep her life interesting and complete. Learn more about her at http://www.karenrock.com or follow her on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5.

 

Tour Giveaway




1 winner will receive print copies of CHRISTMAS AT CADE RANCH and FALLING FOR A COWBOY by Karen Rock, WISHES AT FIRST LIGHT by Joanne Rock, A SKY FULL OF STARS by Samantha Chase, WHAT IT TAKES by Shanon Stacey, and FAMILY TREE by Susan Wiggs (US only)
1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)
- Ends April 11th

 



Monday, April 2, 2018

Book Review - The Heart's Appeal by Jennifer Delamere + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon
Fiercely independent Julia Bernay arrives in London to study medicine and become a doctor. The profession was only recently allowed women to participate. On her way to a lecture, the train is on is derailed causing serious injuries to some of the riders. She rushes to save the life of a young barrister, Michael Stephenson from bleeding out.

Micheal came from a family that lost its money and title due to his father's actions. Michael and his sister, Corinna, try to work together to build up the family name and regain what was lost. However, even with their best-laid plans, things have started to derail. Will Julia and Michael be able to love each despite their conflicting personalities?

I found the novel to be quite an enjoyable and fun read. I like how each character was well developed and continue to grow.  However, I am a bit confused on what drew the two main characters other than the time they spent together learning Latin especially since they had conflicting religious viewpoints. Overall, the book was a good read and I look forward to reading more from the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

About the Book

Book Title: The Heart’s Appeal
Author: Jennifer Delamere
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future.
Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. But Julia may be hiding her own motivations. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their own goals be too much to overcome?

About the Book

Delamere_Jennifer 
Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.


Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a grand prize package of that includes All four March Bethany House historical releases (The Heart’s Appeal, plus A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason, A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears, In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson) and a $20 Starbucks gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cacd

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Book Review - The Tempering Agent by Victoria Pitts Caine


Photo Source - Amazon
Three years after her fiancé, Trey Whittington's death, Dr. Priscilla Hackling is still struggling to move on. Things become harder for her when his case is reopened. Priscilla is working with the police to uncover the murderer who they suspect is Zarka El-Din. She travels to Siwa with Agent Donnie Barnes to perform a sting operation to catch the criminals, but she finds herself drawn to Donnie. However, she is unable to overcome her personal past experience. Will Donnie, and Priscilla be able to find a happily ever after?


I found the novel to be an interesting read but I found the story to be a bit rushed. The main characters fell in love so quickly after a few back and forth of not trusting each other. I also found that Priscilla's character to be a bit annoying that she wants Donnie but pushes him away but then expects to follow around like a lost puppy even though she doesn't want a relationship. I thought that the story would be more focused on finding the killer and having actual detective work involved but it was mostly focused on their relationship while the hunt for the killer was more of an afterthought. I would read the second novel if the plot was a bit more developed along with strong character developments.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book


Book Title: The Tempering Agent
Author: Victoria Pitts Caine
Release Date: February 14, 2014
Dr. Priscilla Hackling finds herself thrown back into the murder investigation of her fiancé, Trey Whittington. While she was a suspect three years ago, she’s now working with the police to find the murderer, Egyptian artifact trafficker, Zarka El-Din. During a sting operation in Siwa, she and Agent Donnie Barnes are drawn to each other but Priscilla, overcome by personal ghosts from her past, decides a relationship isn’t possible. Priscilla realizes she’s the bait in the ruse and uncovers others involved with El-Din. Will she and Donnie reconcile and unravel the reason behind Trey’s death before El-Din kills her, too?

About the Author

Victoria Pitts Caine Head Shot
Victoria Pitts Caine is a native Californian and lives in the central portion of the state. Her varied interests include genealogy and exotic gemstone collecting both of which she’s incorporated into her novels.

The author has received recognition in both fiction and nonfiction from: Enduring Romance top 10 picks for 2008, William Saroyan Writing Conference, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Journal Magazine, Holt International Children’s Services Magazine, and The Southern California Genealogical Society. Her first novel was published in 2007 followed by two more as well as novellas and short stories in anthologies.

Victoria is a former staff technician in air pollution control. She is the mother of two daughters. Now retired from the work force, Victoria and her husband enjoy travel, cooking, and are self-appointed “foodies”.

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away
Grand prize: Murano type heart necklace with lampwork bracelet and $25.00 Amazon gift certificate
1st Place: Green and white lampwork pendant and earrings
2nd Place: Set of three lampwork earrings
3rd place: Set of three holiday themed earrings
4th place: One ten $10 Amazon gift card
5th place: One ten $10 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e1

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Colourpop Super Shock Eyeshadow - Arrow











Colourpop is known for their creme to powder formula which has a slight bouncy texture. The red eye shadow is topped with pink and copper fine glitter. I personally thought this was more a dull rust color than the vibrant red Colourpop lists it as. However, it goes on smoothly and lasts all day but like with the eyeshadow I tried, you will hit pan very quickly, especially if you use everyday or a lot at a time.