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Blog Tour & Review: Muffin But Murder by Victoria Hamilton

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Muffins: the Cupcake’s Underappreciated Sister

by Victoria Hamilton

If muffins and cupcakes were characters in a book, they would be the Misses Elinor and Marianne Dashwood in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.  For those who are not Janeites, a brief explanation is in order.  Elinor Dashwood is the ‘Sense’ of the title, while Marianne Dashwood, her younger sister, is the ‘Sensibility’, a word out of favor now but meant to describe someone who is all feeling and showy emotion.

How does that apply to baked goods? Cupcakes are the darling of the media nowadays.  Just look at the TV shows dedicated to them: Cupcake Wars, DC Cupcakes, The Cupcake Girls.  Cupcakes are showy, flamboyant, pretty and much adored.  Muffins…not so much.  Muffins come in sensible flavors like Bran and Banana, and the showiest they get is to be called Morning Glory Muffins, which is a fancy way of saying they have a lot of ingredients that are good for you.  Muffins are wholesome and homely.

But delicious! And simple to make, and bursting with flavor.

I’ve never made cupcakes.  That many empty calories just isn’t my thing.  But muffins…they have always been my go-to baked good.

In Bran New Death, Book #1 of the Merry Muffin Mysteries, my protagonist, Merry Wynter, describing the difference between muffins and cupcakes, has a conversation with Jack McGill, the real estate agent who is trying to help her sell her castle.

Merry says: “It’s easy. Most people think that if it’s frosted or iced, then it’s a cupcake, but that’s not so.  Some muffins can be frosted too.  Instead, think of the difference between a banana cake and a loaf of banana bread.”

“Okay,” he (Jack) said. “I got that.”

“Well, with the batter of a banana cake, you can make cupcakes, and with the batter for banana bread, you can make banana muffins.  You can do the same with any cake batter or quick bread batter.”

“Ah!” he said, his eyes lighting up. “Cakes are to cupcakes as, uh, what did you call it?”

“Quick bread,” Shilo, (Merry’s friend) who had not gone to feed Magic, (her bunny) filled in.

“Right…cakes are to cupcakes as quick breads are to muffins!”

And Merry is right on…of course, I wrote her that way! She manages to carve out a baking niche for herself in Autumn Vale, New York, supplementing her dwindling finances by supplying muffins to the baked good craving population of the town.

So…if you don’t bake, or are intimidated by all those showy frosted cupcakes, give muffin baking a try!  I guarantee, you won’t be disappointed.  Who needs icing when the muffin itself has so much flavor?

And you can start when you get Muffin But Murder, Book #2 of the Merry Muffin Mysteries, because I give you a killer recipe for muffins Fit For The King…I’ll leave you to discover what that means, but they are delicious!

About the Author:

VICTORIA HAMILTON AUTHOR PICVictoria Hamilton, nationally bestselling author of the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series, is the pseudonym of Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of romance and historical mystery novels.

Victoria started reading mystery novels at the age of 12 and devoured Agatha Christie mysteries, as well as those of Dorothy L. Sayers and Ngaio Marsh.  She still adores mysteries, especially the cozy mysteries of Janet Bolin, Krista Davis, and others.

She loves to cook, and collects teapots and teacups, as well as vintage kitchen utensils and bowls. She also enjoys crafts, especially cross-stitching and crocheting, and spends summer days in the garden, drinking tea or wine.  Besides the Merry Muffin Mystery series, Victoria writes two other mystery series for Berkley Prime Crime, the Vintage Kitchen Mystery Series (Book 4, No Mallets Intended debuts November 4th) and the Teapot Collector Mystery series which debuted with Tempest in a Teapot, in June 2014.

Website /Facebook / Twitter

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Muffin maker Merry Wynter hopes to find a buyer for the castle she’s recently inherited. But when she throws a party to draw interest, she finds someone who’s bought the farm instead…

Merry’s career as a New York City stylist has crumbled, but her passion for muffins has helped her rise upstate in Autumn Vale. Everyone in town loves the tasty treats. Still, she would like to return to her glamorous life. Besides, the upkeep of Wynter Castle is expensive, and Merry’s cup isn’t exactly overflowing.

So in order to bring some prospective buyers into the mix, Merry whisks together a spooky soiree and decorates the castle with dashes of fabric and a sprinkling of spider webs. Friends new and old are invited, and everyone has a blast. But as the revelers empty out, Merry notices one partygoer who isn’t leaving—or breathing. Now Merry must hurry to unmask a killer before her perfect plans turn into a recipe for disaster…

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Muffin But Murder

Review (4.5 Stars): This is the second book in the Merry Muffin series and I loved the second installment much better than the first.  This time around, Merry is throwing an extravagent Halloween party to showcase Wynter Castle for prospective buyers.  Everything is going according to plan except for a few uninvited guests and the fact that she finds a dead body in the coffin that she had on display.  Now, Merry must help find the killer to clear a friend’s name and prevent the Wynter Castle from getting a deadly reputation to prospective buyers.

Muffin But Murder had me hooked from the very beginning and I finished this book in one afternoon.  Merry is definitely growing on me as I follow her adventures while she is settling down in Autumn Vale.  I liked her personality and the determination to make things work out in her life even when things were definitely not going the way that she wanted them to.  The mystery aspect was very entertaining and I was having a difficult time putting all the clues together to figure out who was the killer in this one.  Ms. Hamilton has created another delightful mystery with Muffin But Murder and I’m looking forward to seeing what will happen next with Merry and her friends in Autumn Vale.

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Book Spotlight & Giveaway: The City by Dean Koontz

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The city changed my life and showed me that the world is deeply mysterious. I need to tell you about her and some terrible things and wonderful things and amazing things that happened . . . and how I am still haunted by them. Including one night when I died and woke and lived again.

Here is the riveting, soul-stirring story of Jonah Kirk, son of an exceptional singer, grandson of a formidable “piano man,” a musical prodigy beginning to explore his own gifts when he crosses a group of extremely dangerous people, with shattering consequences. Set in a more innocent time not so long ago, The City encompasses a lifetime but unfolds over three extraordinary, heart-racing years of tribulation and triumph, in which Jonah first grasps the electrifying power of music and art, of enduring friendship, of everyday heroes.

The unforgettable saga of a young man coming of age within a remarkable family, and a shimmering portrait of the world that shaped him, The City is a novel that speaks to everyone, a dazzling realization of the evergreen dreams we all share. Brilliantly illumined by magic dark and light, it’s a place where enchantment and malice entwine, courage and honor are found in the most unexpected quarters, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart.

 Amazon/B&N

About the Author:

dean_photo_8When he was a senior in college, Dean Koontz won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition and has been writing ever since. His books are published in 38 languages and he has sold over 450 million copies to date.

Fourteen of his novels have risen to number one on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list (One Door Away From Heaven, From the Corner of His Eye, Midnight, Cold Fire, The Bad Place, Hideaway, Dragon Tears, Intensity, Sole Survivor, The Husband, Odd Hours, Relentless, What the Night Knows, and 77 Shadow Street), making him one of only a dozen writers ever to have achieved that milestone. Sixteen of his books have risen to the number one position in paperback. His books have also been major bestsellers in countries as diverse as Japan and Sweden.

The New York Times has called his writing “psychologically complex, masterly and satisfying.” The New Orleans Times-Picayune said Koontz is, “at times lyrical without ever being naive or romantic. [He creates] a grotesque world, much like that of Flannery O’Conner or Walker Percy … scary, worthwhile reading.” Rolling Stone has hailed him as “America’s most popular suspense novelist.”

Dean Koontz was born and raised in Pennsylvania. He graduated from Shippensburg State College (now Shippensburg University), and his first job after graduation was with the Appalachian Poverty Program, where he was expected to counsel and tutor underprivileged children on a one-to-one basis. His first day on the job, he discovered that the previous occupier of his position had been beaten up by the very kids he had been trying to help and had landed in the hospital for several weeks. The following year was filled with challenge but also tension, and Koontz was more highly motivated than ever to build a career as a writer. He wrote nights and weekends, which he continued to do after leaving the poverty program and going to work as an English teacher in a suburban school district outside Harrisburg. After a year and a half in that position, his wife, Gerda, made him an offer he couldn’t refuse: “I’ll support you for five years,” she said, “and if you can’t make it as a writer in that time, you’ll never make it.” By the end of those five years, Gerda had quit her job to run the business end of her husband’s writing career.

Dean Koontz lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Anna, and the enduring spirit of their golden, Trixie.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of The City

Review (4 Stars): I consider Dean Koontz to be one of my literary idols and some of my favorite books of all time have been written by this talented writer.  In The City, Mr. Koontz steers away from his usual style of writing and presents us with the coming of age story of Jonah Kirk, a young man born into a musically inclined family in the 1960’s.  Jonah is on his own most of the time because his mother works two jobs to make ends meet and The City chronicles his experiences growing up, which eventually leads him to become involved in conspiracy and murder.

The great thing about The City was Mr. Koontz’s ability to write great characters that you instantly become involved with and add so much to the story.  I liked Jonah and enjoyed following his life journey even when he started experiencing terrifying dreams that eventually came true.  Watching Jonah deal with the aftermath of seeing these visions come to life intrigued me and kept me wondering how his story would end.  I will have to say that some parts of The City dragged at times but quickly picked up toward the end of the book. The City was an engaging character driven coming of age story that makes us evaluate the events that ultimately shape our lives.  Dean Koontz is a master and even though this book isn’t his typical fare, it will be enjoyable and powerful nonetheless.

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Launch Day Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Dark Paradise by Angie Sandro

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Dark Paradise cover

DARK LEGACY
Mala LaCroix has spent her whole life trying to escape her destiny. As the last in a long line of “witch women,” she rejects the notion of spirits and hoodoo and instead does her best to blend in. But when she finds a dead body floating in the bayou behind her house, Mala taps into powers she never knew she had. She’s haunted by visions of the dead girl, demanding justice and vengeance.
DEADLY SECRETS
Landry Prince has always had a crush on Mala, but when Mala discovers his sister, murdered and marked in some sort of Satanic ritual, he wonders if all the rumors about the LaCroix family are true. Yet after Mala uses her connection to the spirit world to identify his sister’s killer, he starts to form his own bond to her . . . a very physical one. As they move closer to each other and closer to the truth, Mala and Landry must risk everything-their families, their love, and even their live

Amazon/B&N

*EXCERPT*

Landry’s truck sits in the driveway when I stroll out of the house at a quarter to eight in the morning. I’m in such a glorious mood that I don’t bother trying to sneak off without him catching sight of me. It would’ve been easy, I learn upon climbing on the bumper and sticking my head through the truck’s open window. He has the seat pushed back and his legs stretched out kitty corner across the passenger seat. Snores, loud enough to scare a bear, echo through the cab.

I reach in and poke his shoulder a few times. “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.”

Landry’s thick lashes flutter then open to meet mine. “I’m supposed to be woken with a kiss, not a jab.”

I snort. “I don’t kiss slimy critters. You’re playing double duty as a frog, and I throw them in a frying pan with a little butter and garlic.”

“Oh, so now you’re trying to butter me up?”

The heat of a blush rises. “Saints, boy. You’re fraying my last nerve.” I plant my hands on my hips, toe tapping. “What are you doing here? In case you forgot, I’m mad at you.”

“No you’re not.” He grins and runs his fingers through his thick hair. My breath catches as my brain stutters. I shake my head to dispel the wave of pheromone-induced stupidity that washes over me. My noses twitches. Why does he have to smell so good? Like cinnamon and brown sugar. “Did you forget yester—”

An oily paper bag flies in my direction. I grab it out of the air before it drops to the ground. It’s warm in my hands, and the smell makes my mouth water. “Ooh, cinnamon rolls,” I mumble around the melting mouthful of cinnamon-y goodness. “I love these.”

“I know,” Landry says, throwing open the truck door.

I hop off the bumper with a scowl. The arrogant jerk thinks he has me eating out of his hands; all he has to do is flutter those insanely long eyelashes, smile to show off his pearly whites, and tempt me with fresh, warm buns.

“These are mine?” I clutch the bag to my chest as I eye him in suspicion.

“Yeah, they’re your favorite, right?”

“Mmm hmm.”

Landry props his elbow on the open window and ducks his head. Black hair tangles across his face, hiding his eyes. “I hoped you’d be more accepting of my apology if I bribed you with sweets. Forgive me for being an ass yesterday?”

Lucky guy. He figured out the fastest way to soften my heartstrings—sugar. Wait how does he know they’re my favorite? Stupid question. It’s like him knowing my nickname and my job. He pays way too much attention to me, and I’m kinda scared to ask why. I stare at my sticky fingers, then lick the icing off one by one. Landry’s gaze draws my attention. He’s staring at my mouth. My gut tightens in response, and I slowly lick my lips. Get a grip. Don’t trust him just because he says he’s sorry.

I concentrate on the mouthful of cinnamon roll. Each chew echoes the rapid patter of my heart. God, why does my body react like this when I’m around him? Why? He’s still staring at me. Can’t he tell I’m uncomfortable? Oh, I get it. He’s irritating me on purpose so I can’t totally ignore him.
I pass the empty bag to him. “You’re not going away, are you?”

“Nope.” He smiles.

About the Author:

Angie Sandro Author PhotoAngie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen. Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father’s family in Louisiana inspired this story. Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Dark Paradise

Review (4.25 Stars): Mala LaCroix has always been considered the black sheep of the community because the women in her family have been labeled as witches and she has been fighting this gossip most of her life. One day, Mala finds the body of Lainey Prince in the swamp on her family’s property and her world is suddenly turned upside down when she is pulled into the hunt for the girl’s killer.  Landry Prince, Lainey’s brother, has always been attracted to Mala but has never had the courage to talk to her before Lainey’s death.  The two must now join forces to find Lainey’s killer before the killer takes its next victim.

I couldn’t get through this book fast enough because I was immediately hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t wait to finish it.  Mala was a strong, independent woman who was used to taking care of herself because her mother spent most of her time drinking and chasing men.  I liked her character instantly and sympathized with her as she dealt with the aftermath of finding Lainey’s body. Especially, when she starts experiencing terrifying visions of the dead and finds that the town gossip may actually be true.

Mala had this love/hate relationship with Landry from the beginning because she never knew he had feelings for her and always thought he was just stalking her every time he showed up at her work. Finding the body brought Mala closer to Landry and I’m curious to see how their relationship progresses in the next book.  There is this sense of uncertainty between them and you aren’t quite sure if their relationship has what it takes to survive after this ordeal.

I liked Ms. Sandro’s writing style and enjoyed reading the book from both the viewpoints of Mala and Landry. Dark Paradise was an engaging supernatural mystery that will definitely keep you up at night.  Can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Dark Sacrifice, which will be out later this year.

 

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Yasmine Galenron’s Night’s End Release Day Blast

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Welcome to the Release Day Celebration for the finale of Yasmine Galenorn’s Indigo Court series!! NIGHT’S END releases TODAY, and will conclude our journey with Cicely, Grieve, Rhiannon, and the rest of their friends as they battle to end Myst and defeat her army of vampiric fae.

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Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Now, in a final push, Myst returns with a vengeance to bring the Golden Wood forever under the rule of the Indigo Court.

Newly crowned Fae Queens Cicely and Rhiannon have embraced their destinies and claimed their thrones. But Myst is rising once more, and now, at the helm of her armies, she begins her final assault on the Golden Wood. As Fae, vampires, and magic-born alike fall under the tide of blood, Cicely and her friends must discover a way to destroy the spidery queen before they—and their people—face total annihilation.

Preorder Night's End from Amazon Order Night's End Order Night's End Order Night's End Order Night's End Order Night's End Order Night's End Order Night's End Order Night's End

Check out the playlist and read the first chapter of NIGHT’S END here!

For a chance to win a prize basket including a KINDLE PAPERWHITE and other goodies from Yasmine Galenorn, follow the NIGHT’S END blog tour this week and enter at each tour stop!

Sunday, June 29th

Post: The Qwillery

Review: Fang-Freakin-Tastic Reviews

Monday, June 30th

Post: Books Make Me Happy

Review: Saints & Sinners Books

Tuesday, July 1stNightsEndBlogTourButton

Post: Vampire Book Club

Review: Coffee, Books, Life Blog

Live Chat: Coffee Time Romance

Wednesday, July 2nd

Post: Paranormal Book Club

Review: Little Read Riding Hood

Thursday, July 3rd

Post: Literary Escapism

Review: Books That Hook

Friday, July 4th

Post: Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Review: Kelly Smith Reviews

Saturday, July 5th

Post: Reading Between The Wines Book Club

Review: Indy Book Fairy

Appearance / Booksigning: Seattle Mystery Bookshop 12pm – 1:30pm

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If you’re new to the Indigo Court, you can check out some info about the series at these links:

Indigo Court overview
NIGHT MYST blurb, playlist, 1st chapter
NIGHT VEIL blurb, playlist, 1st chapter
NIGHT SEEKER blurb, playlist, 1st chapter
NIGHT VISION blurb, playlist, 1st chapter

 

 

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Natasha and Kimberly review Then Came You by Jill Shalvis

Then Came YouTITLE: Then Came You
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #5
CHARACTERS: Emily & Wyatt
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship.
Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn’t just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans…

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
This was my first Jill Shalvis book and I loved it! I really was pleased that though this book is a part of a series it could be read as a stand alone for people like me who were late to the game. The interactions between Emily and Wyatt were both electric and comedic gold. I laughed out loud many times, and really enjoyed the whole story. The supporting cast of characters is essential to these stories, and they definitely give the story depth and feeling. I enjoyed them all and really look forward to the next book in this series!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Oh how I loved this story. I read it in one day not being able to put it down. It actually had me smiling from the first chapter and when the text scene happened about halfway through I actually laughed out loud.

Wyatt is just too adorable for words. I mean honestly if there are real men like him in the world women all over would be going crazy. He is sweet, loving, funny as heck and just all around sexy but he also is determined, caring and has a good heart for people and animals. He is perfect. Emily is a crack up. I want to be her friend. She can be sarcastic and speaks out loud without thinking. She is so funny. And I adored her.

Shalvis has written another great story in the series and if you haven’t read her before then go ahead and start with this one because it will have you hooked.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Fire Rising by Donna Grant

fire risingTITLE: Fire Rising
SERIES #: Dark Kings #2
CHARACTERS: Tristan & Samantha “Sammi” Miller
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tristan, the newest Dragon King, is having a tough time fitting in. Despite his ability to transform into a proud, strong dragon at will, no one knows where he came from or how he became a Dragon King, including himself. When trouble arises in the form of the mob, Tristan is going to have to put aside his questions and band with the other Dragon Kings to protect Dreagan. As if things weren’t complicated enough, he is about to find something worth fighting for more important than the Dragon Kings…

Sammie Miller, pub owner in Oban, has been scorned by her business partner—and former lover. Used as a front for money laundering with the mob, Sammie is in great danger once she realizes what has happened. Barely escaping, she plans to rest at Dreagan for only a day before going back on the run. When Tristan swears to protect her, Sammie thinks his efforts will be in vain—the mob is too powerful, and it will take more than the average man’s devotion to keep her safe. But the closer she gets to Tristan, and the more he learns his secrets, Sammie can’t deny that having a Dragon King who worships you, body and soul, isn’t such a bad thing…

REVIEW:
Is it wrong for me to want all the Dark Fae to die horrible slow deaths? I get a huge case of anxiety whenever I read about them. Fire Rising kinds followed a very similar plot line as Darkest Flame yet it was still a good story. I loved Tristan, yet at the same time I want to slap him upside the head. Boy, you need to learn about your past and deal with it in order to have a future. Geesh. Sammi is tough yet at the same time she is not. She has lived through a lot and that has made her harden her heart. Of course it takes a life and death matter to make her open her eyes. Silly girl.

All and all this was a good book. I love all the character that were involved in this mission. And I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I believe Kiril’s books is going to be a wild ride.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martin’s Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Natasha reviews Pia Saves The Day by Thea Harrison

Pia Saves the DayTITLE: Pia Saves the Day
SERIES #: The Elder Races Series
CHARACTERS: Pia & Dragos
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/23/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest story of the Elder Races, two mates face their deadliest challenge yet—each other…
Pia and Dragos’s magical young son Liam (the Peanut), is growing at an unprecedented rate, and if that isn’t enough, he is also exhibiting new, and unpredictable, magical gifts. To protect him, the concerned parents decide to move to upstate New York.
Both Dragos and Pia relish the idea of leaving behind the city. They finally have the space to indulge their Wyr side, and Liam can grow in safety. It’s a breath of fresh air—literally—but their idyllic situation is shattered when Dragos is injured in a freak accident.
Stripped of his memory and bereft of Pia’s taming influence, there’s nothing holding back Dragos’s darkest side. And in order to restore her family and save her mate, Pia must confront the most powerful menace in Elder Races history.
It’s going to take more than a penny to fix this…

REVIEW: Another great novella in the Elder Races Series. Dragos and Pia pretty much have their own mini series inside of this series, and that’s just fine with me. I enjoy them together so much and I was excited that Thea took this story in a new direction to spice things up a bit. It’s a new level drama in the lives of all of our favorite characters, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews Storm Bound by Dani Harper

Storm BoundTITLE: Storm Bound
SERIES #: Grim #2
CHARACTERS: Aidan & Brooke
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: March 18, 2014
AUDIO RELEASE DATE: March 18, 2014
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 25 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible | Brilliance Audio

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the bestselling author of Changeling Moon, this thrilling and sensual novel adds a new chapter to Dani Harper’s Celtic folklore–themed Grim Series.

Kidnapped on his wedding day in the twelfth century and forced into a thousand years of servitude by a cold-hearted faery princess, rugged blacksmith Aidan dreams of nothing but revenge on his captor. Then the spell of a beautiful witch awakens him to the present day—and a passionate desire. But to build a future, he must first confront his past…

Modern witch and magic-shop owner Brooke doesn’t think her life is missing anything, until a wayward enchantment lands a brooding medieval blacksmith in her spell room—and in her arms. Yet even after their passion proves to be truly magical, Aidan’s first commitment is to vengeance. Now Brooke must team up with friends and ancient warriors alike—and push her own powers to their limits—to save her love from the wrath of an evil fae.

REVIEW:
I had the pleasure reading this book and also getting to listen to on audio. I just could not pass up the chance to have Justine Eyre read to me. This was a good second book in Dani’s Grim series. I really enjoyed all the magic and Welsh mythology in the series. But there were parts that were a little slow for me. I felt that the book started off really good then it slowed down a bit. Right up until Brooke meets Aidan.
I really enjoyed Brooke and Aidan’s relationship and the connection that they have. Brooke’s cat’s really tried to steal the show with their demanding ways 🙂 .
All in all this was a good book and I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I wonder who it could be? Maybe a certain Lord of the Hunt?

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Montlake & Brilliance Audio in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kissin’ the week of June 23rd to June 28th Goodbye

6.23.14

Kimberly reviews The Promise by Robyn Carr

Kimberly reviews Up To Me by Christi Barth

6.24.14

Guest blogger Carrie Ann Ryan + a giveaway

Sweet Revenge by Rebecca Zanettie Blitz

Kelly & Kimberly review Until We Touch by Susan Mallery

What releases the week of June 23rd? Check here!

6.25.14

Interview with Jill Shalvis

Kimberly reviews Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne

Kelly reviews Then Came You by Jill Shalvis

6.26.14

Interview with Molly Harper

Cover Reveal of Razed by Shiloh Walker

Kimberly reviews The Tea Shop On Lavender Lane by Sheila Roberts

Thursday’s Thought…

6.27.14

Natasha reviews Fuse by Julianna Baggott

Kimberly reviews Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper

6.28.14

SINsational Saturday Series

Jill Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism series

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Jill Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism Series

Animal Magnetism

Animal Magnetism #1

1

Co-owner of the town’s only kennel, Lilah Young has lived in Sunshine, Idaho, all her life. Pilot-for-hire Brady Miller is just passing through. But he soon has Lilah abandoning her instincts and giving in to a primal desire.

It’s Brady’s nature to resist being tied down, but there’s something about Lilah and her menagerie that keeps him coming back for more.

 *****

Animal Attraction

Animal Magnetism #2

2

Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape her past for the quiet ranching town of Sunshine, Idaho. Plus, there’s nothing like working for veterinarian Dell Connelly. And though Dell has no intention of settling down, Jade’s strength and sass are enticements no red-blooded male can resist.

 *****

Rescue My Heart

Animal Magnetism #3

3

After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.

Holly Reid learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.

 *****

Rumor Has It

Animal Magnetism #4

4

He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn’t exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He’s only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he’s in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he’d expect.

Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science in Sunshine, the place she’s always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she’s desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.

To Griffin, Kate as always been his little sister’s friend, but now he’s finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting…

*****

Then Came You

Animal Magnetism #5

5

Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship.

Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn’t just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans…

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Books-n-Kisses T-Shirts

                    Would you like a Books-n-Kisses T-Shirt? What would you like it to say?
                                        BnK is looking for a saying for their new line of T-shirts.
 Give us an idea of what it should say. Remember to include the wording “Books-n-Kisses” on it.

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