Through the Veil by Colleen Halverson ~ Review and Giveaway

Where the fairy tale ends, destiny begins.

Elizabeth Tanner is no Tinkerbell, and her life is no fairy tale. Broke and drowning in student loans, the one thing she wants more than anything is a scholarship from the Trinity Foundation. But after the ancient Irish text she's studying turns out to be more than just a book, she becomes their prisoner instead. And when Trinity reveals Elizabeth is half-Fae, she finds herself at the center of a plot to save the magical races of Ireland from a brutal civil war.

As Commander of Trinity's elite warriors, Finn O'Connell isn't used to having his authority challenged. He doesn't know whether to punish or protect the infuriating young woman in his custody. When he discovers the Dark Fae want to use Elizabeth's abilities to control the source of all power in the universe, he'll risk everything to help her.

At the mercy of Trinity and enslaved to the Dark Fae, Elizabeth finds herself alone on the wrong side of an Irish myth thousands of years in the making. Refusing to be a pawn in their game, Elizabeth has to fight her way back to the man she loves, but to do so, she must wage her own war against the magic that binds her.

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My Review:

Elizabeth seems to be your typical awkward yet attractive graduate student, but suddenly the world of legends comes bursting into her master's thesis and all hell breaks loose. Elizabeth finds herself swept away to a far away place - well just Chicago to start with, but that's just a little baby step for what's to come. Elizabeth is about to take the trip of a lifetime.

As Elizabeth begins to learn more of her family history, lots of other secrets start crawling out of the woodwork. There were times I didn't know who were the good guys and who were the bad. But they all want to use Elizabeth and her unpracticed powers for their own needs. Finn is at the heart of this conflict and does a great job of totally confusing me emotionally. I loved him, I hated him, I thought he needed to die a slow painful death, and then I wanted to smother him with love. 

Through the Veil is quite an epic adventure with some really amazing characters and creatures. I couldn't put it down for anything! And now I have to wait for book two - I'm not sure how I'm going to manage that.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

**********

About the author: 

As a child, Colleen Halverson used to play in the woods imagining worlds and telling stories to herself. Growing up on military bases, she found solace in her local library and later decided to make a living sharing the wonders of literature to poor, unsuspecting college freshman. After backpacking through Ireland and singing in a traditional Irish music band, she earned a PhD in English with a specialization in Irish literature. When she’s not making up stories or teaching, she can be found hiking the rolling hills of the Driftless area of Wisconsin with her husband and two children.

Connect with Colleen Halverson

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Book Tour: Him, Her, Them Series by Elizabeth Lynx

Grading Him: Book 1 Josephine Powell is an intelligent assistant professor of
Psychology. She is a woman who knows what she wants, a man she would be happy giving a grade A to in the bedroom. Unfortunately, she has yet to meet a man that even comes close. She’s tired of dealing with men who just don’t try; she needs a man who can handle her and her needs.

Pierce Carver is a smart man. So, smart he got out of the slums of Baltimore to go to MIT and make a lot of money so he never has to visit his old neighborhood ever again. He’s not interested in making money anymore; he’s interested in only two things, his charity to help inner city youth and woman. The later he prefers variety, as in one good lay and then out the door you go. Women are for sex and nothing more.

Josephine, meet Pierce.

Pierce, meet Josephine.

Can they handle what each wants and needs?

Book one introduces Pierce and Jos - a very cool couple and I loved getting to know them.  Jos is an amazing character and I love how she can steal a scene and totally make it her own.  Her grading system is fun and she has some very strict requirements for each level.  They are exactly what the other has been looking for, but Jos is going to make Pierce really work for it.  I loved it all.

Reaching Her: Book 2


Josephine Powell is an intelligent assistant professor of Psychology. She is a woman who knows what she wants: a man who can earn a grade "A" in the bedroom, but is smart enough to earn an "A" in romance as well. After last night with Pierce Carver she thinks she found her first-ever A-man, but will he be able to capture her heart in the daytime?

Pierce Carver has, between hard work and brains, achieved everything he's set his eye on. A serial entrepreneur, now independently wealthy, his sexual prowess has always kept women from leaving after the deed was done, much to his chagrin. Until the night Josephine comes into his life, that is: the one woman he wanted to stay through the next morning! It’s the morning after the best sex of his life, when he wakes to find neither her nor her number, only an enigmatic note. Will he even be able to find her? If he does, will she even want a man who has no idea how to woo a woman?

All Pierce needs to do to win Jos is to find her - but they may be a little hard when he doesn't know where she lives or have her phone number.  All he's left with is a cryptic note.  While this was fun, it was quite unrealistic.  Quite a few coincidences line up just right so that they run into each other again.

Becoming Them: Book 3

Josephine Powell has a Grade A man in Pierce. She has a great career as Assistant Professor of Psychology with a chance for a full professorship. Even her friend Luna has found love in Pierce’s friend Corbin. So why is her world starting to turn upside down. Her co-worker treats her as if there is a serious joke she isn’t getting and Pierce keeps pulling away. Is everything good in her straight A life or is something very dark lurking in the shadows waiting to destroy everything?

Pierce Carver has the most beautiful girlfriend in the world. He would do anything for her, except tell her the truth. He knows that will destroy them and possibly her too. Can he hang on to Josephine or will his past be the cancer that kills all that he loves?

This book has a little bit of excitement in it - a bit of an attack and a lot of recovery and realizing who you can trust and what you really need.  It was a great ending to Jos and Pierce's story.  This short serial romance was very nice and fun.  Once in awhile the dialog got to be just a tad forced and some of the scenes were a little beyond belief - but hey - if that isn't what fantasy is for then what is?

Surprise Extra!!! Luna & Corbin

Luna Baxter had the dream life: a great job, amazing friends and a gorgeous boyfriend, until it all came crashing down when her father got sick. She had to say goodbye to her friends, her job and the love of her life to move half way across the country and be with her family.

It’s a year and a half later, her father has passed and she just wants to return to her old life in Baltimore. But when she comes home, nothing is the same. Her best friend is pregnant and very, very hormonal. Her new job is not at all what she experienced before, and her old flame has a new girlfriend.

Corbin Medina is “Just okay.” He started his own successful app business. His girlfriend is beautiful and caring. Despite his best friend whining about the fear of fatherhood, he couldn’t be happier for him.

So, why is he just okay? Because his one true love isn’t there to share it all with him – until she walks through the door on Thanksgiving.

I really enjoyed Luna and Corbin's story.  Not only was it a fantastic romance on its own, but we also get to see how Jos and Pierce are doing.  This boxed set is a great little romance with a ton of really good elements and a great HEA.

Elizabeth Lynx is not a robot, that’s for sure. At least she says she’s not. She is also not a space alien. How do I know this, because she was born in Baltimore Maryland in the 1970’s when no one wanted to be in Baltimore Maryland so why would her parents say that if it weren't true. Of course she has had her suspicions growing up and is still in a continual search for evidence that backs up her space age theories. To bide her time she writes about ‘normal’ people and their sexy romantic lives. Her husband chooses to put up with her theories and paranoid musings. Her two little boys help her see that perhaps she isn't an alien but more of a climbing rock. This theory is new, so she needs more time to develop it further.

 

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Release Tour Interview and Giveaway: Unwrapping Tess by Krystal Shannan

Time for a holiday interview with author Krystal Shannon.  I reviewed her latest book, Unwrapping Tess, and loved it!  I jumped at the chance to ask her a little more about the holidays and her newest book.

What is your favorite holiday tradition or memory?

Favorite Holiday tradition is getting the Christmas tree out the day after Thanksgiving and decorating it together as a family. So much fun going through all the ornaments we’ve collected through the years and the history behind them. We always tag our ornaments with the year we got them.

Tess falls in love with the country and wide open spaces, but her sister is a city girl at heart.  If you had to choose just one or the other - which would you choose? 

So hard!!! I think in my heart I would love to live in the country. Life is slower and calmer, but I really do like being close to shopping and groceries when I need them. The traffic in the city drives me bananas and I have been know to cuss like a sailor in the car ---something I’ve had to curb since having a child, did you know they repeat everything you say??? LOL

A lot of people make New Year's resolutions during the holidays.  Do you make one every year?  If you do, what is your's for 2015? 

I try not to make a resolution, instead I look at the accomplishments I made over the past year and think what I can do or how I can achieve more in the year ahead. 

I personally avoid leaving my house whenever possible Black Friday and the following weekend.  I do get on board with cyber Monday from the comfort of my desk chair.  Do you venture into the shopping chaos the weekend after Thanksgiving? 

I have been known to shop on Black Friday, but the last few years I have ordered more and more online to avoid the crazy. So much easier.

Quickfire Questions:

Pumpkin pie or apple? Apple!

Turkey or ham? Ham!

Favorite reindeer? Rudolf

Favorite cookie? Girl Scout Thin Mints!


Title: Unwrapping Tess: Christmas Encounters (Vegas Mates #5)
Author: Krystal Shannan
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: November 25, 2014

Tess Demakis loves the city life. The noise, the lights, the people. Everything about the rush feels like home. The only thing missing is a spark with any of the pack males. After her and her twin sister's twenty-fifth birthday passes, she'd thought for sure one of the handsome men in her aunt's pack might've been meant for her.

 - No. Such. Luck. -

 Patrick O'Hearn just got back home from a long tour overseas with his SEAL unit. The big grizzly is ready to lie back and enjoy the snowy mountain inn retreat his brother renovated last year, meet his brother's wife and some of her family, enjoy good food, etc. The last thing he ever expected was to find a mate, especially not his sister-in-law.

 Now he can't think of anything but unwrapping the gorgeous sassy blonde and making her his forever.

 - Best. Christmas. Ever. -

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Excerpt from Unwrapping Tess:

Tess turned to see a giant of a man filling the front doorway. His piney scent filled her lungs and her magick prickled with excitement.

“Patrick!” Scott walked to the doorway and embraced the newcomer. Margaret waddled her way over as well and was instantly enveloped into the two grizzly bears’ arms.

“Another bear?” Hallie whispered into her ear.

“I bet it’s his brother,” Tess said.

“Patrick, this is my wife, Margaret. And that crowd of friends in the great room,” Scott gestured to the group, “is part of the Vegas and New York Demakis wolf packs.”

“Good to meet you, Margaret.” Patrick’s voice carried through the room. “Scott can’t ever stop talking about you when I call home.”

Patrick gave Margaret a quick kiss on the forehead and the three of them moved together toward the great room.

“Everyone, this is my brother, Patrick. I didn’t say anything before, because we weren’t sure if he’d get his discharge papers before or after Christmas.” Scott proceeded to introduce him to each person in the room.

Tess followed his every movement and drank in his tantalizing scent. When Scott introduced her, Patrick’s beautiful blue eyes settled on her and all processing capabilities fled her body. All she managed was a squeaked “hi” and a lame wave.

Moisture pooled between her legs and her mouth went dry. Visions of them naked and entwined in sheets danced through her head. OMG! What was wrong with her?

“It’s him,” her wolf whispered.

Author Bio:

Krystal Shannan goes to sleep every night dreaming of mythical realms with werewolves, vampires,
fae, and dragons. Occasional a fabulous, completely human story slips into the mix, but powers and abilities usually crop up without fail, twisting reality into whatever her mind can conceive.

As a child, her parents encouraged her interests in Ancient Greek and Roman mythology and all things historical and magickal. As an adult the interests only grew. She is a child of Neverland and refuses to ever stop believing in fairies.

She is guilty of indulging and being a Buffy the Vampire Slayer groupie as well as an Angel fan. For those of you unfamiliar with the world of Joss Whedon, you are missing out! She also makes sure to watch as many action and adventure movies as possible. The more exciting the better. Yippee-Ki-Yay..... If you don't know the end of that phrase, then you probably don't like the same movies.

She writes stories full of action, snark, magick, and heart-felt emotion. If you are looking for leisurely paced sweet romance, her books are probably not for you. But, for those looking for a magical ride, filled with adventure, passion, and just a hint of humor. Welcome home.

Krystal Shannan

Putting Magick in Romance one Soul Mate at a Time.

___________________________________ 

~NEWSLETTER~ 

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Book Tour: Review and Giveaway: Righting a Wrong (Ripple Effect Romance #3) by Rachael Anderson

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Title: Righting a Wrong (Ripple Effect Romance #3)

Author: Rachael Anderson
Source: I am a Reader
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: April 7, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 1

Seven years ago, Cambri Blaine fled her small hometown of Bridger, Colorado after her
senior year of high school ended in a fiasco. But now her father needs help, and Cambri has no choice but to return home. So with trepidation, she takes a leave of absence from the landscape architecture firm where she works and heads home, hoping against hope that Jace Sutton is no longer around and that the past can stay where it belongs—in the past.

If only life worked that way.

Jace never expected to see Cambri again. After she walked out of his life without a backward glance, he was left with no choice but to try to forget her and move on. But now that Cambri is back and looking more beautiful and sophisticated than ever, some of those old feelings resurface, and Jace instinctively knows, for the sake of his heart, that he needs to avoid her at all costs. If only it were that easy.

Book One: Home Matters - Review
Book Two: Silver Linings - Review

At the end of book two we feel like Jace really got the short end of the stick.  He seems to have lost everything, but maybe that's what it takes to set him up for his own happily ever after when his past comes back to town.  Cambri had left long ago (without saying goodbye) and never really looked back.  When her crotchety old father has a heart attack she finally comes home to take care of him.

Cambri's father was a great character.  He was ornery, grumpy, stubborn, and hard headed.  But I loved him.  He becomes a big catalyst for some of my favorite scenes.  In such a small town Cambri was bound to run into her old best friend, Jace, and that is where the romance begins.

Both Cambri and Jace are dealing with broken hearts and broken dreams.  Their story starts off small and simple but grows quickly and you realize just how perfect they are for each other.  Now they just need to try and get over the past and try to move on.  Unlike some books that can repeatedly smash you in the face with their problems, Righting a Wrong was much more subtle and gentle.  It made the special moments that much more touching and memorable.  I love the history brought up in this novella - both with the characters and the town.  It sort of makes me wish I had the small town history and relationships that the book shows.

This can be read as a stand alone, but you will miss out on the "ripple effect" of events that these amazing novellas are showing.  I love how one couldn't have happened without the one before it.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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This excerpt from Righting a Wrong shows a little of Cambri and her father's great dialog and personalities:

Her father eyed her hand with disdain. “I feel fine. I don’t need a bunch of medication to mess that all up.”

“No medication, no breakfast.” Cambri wriggled her palm.

“What’s for breakfast?”

Her eyebrow lifted. “I can tell you it’s not the fatted calf.” Although he harrumphed, a twinkle of humor appeared. “I almost forgot how cheeky you could be.”

“And I almost forgot how ornery you could be.”

He rolled his eyes, but grudgingly accepted the pills, swallowing them with a sip of water. Then he settled back against his pillow. “I always have sausage, eggs, and hash browns on Saturdays.”

“Believe it or not, I remember.” Cambri retrieved a breakfast tray from the kitchen and set it on his lap, mentally preparing herself for what would come.

“What’s that supposed to be?” Her father stared at the food in disgust.

“Oatmeal, whole wheat toast, and freshly squeezed OJ,” said Cambri smoothly. “Try it. You might like it.”

“Why isn’t there butter on this toast? Where’s my sausage and hash browns?”

“Your heart doesn’t want bacon and hash browns. It wants oatmeal.”

“Bullwinkle.”

Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

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The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors. "Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."

Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford 

Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin 

Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson 

Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White 

Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver 

Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith

Tour Giveaway

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Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin

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Title: Silver Linings (Ripple Effect #2)

Author: Kaylee Baldwin

Source: I Am a Reader

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Clean

Length: Novella

Release Date: March 24, 2014

Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4

Sexual - 1

A Ripple Effect Romance Novella

Drew Westfall wants nothing more than to forget what he had to do in the name of "smart" business. Cutting off all ties with his parents—including handing over the entire contents of his trust fund to a charity—he takes off for Bridger, Colorado where his best friend has an extra room for him. It doesn't take long for him to realize that his business degree won’t do him much good in a town as small as Bridger, but he's broke and has nowhere else to go.

Eden Torresi has every reason to wallow. Not only did she have to sell her house to pay for her mother’s medical expenses, but she had to drop out of school and is in a relationship with a guy unwilling to commit. But Eden isn't the wallowing type. Instead, she spends most of her time taking care of the seniors at Silver Linings Assisted Living. When she learns that her boyfriend's new roommate is down on his luck, she reaches out to offer what help she can. But the more time they spend together, the more complicated things get, especially when the seniors of Silver Linings decide to play matchmaker.

Silver Linings is a great follow up to Home Matters.  It stays with the pattern good clean romance between two amazing characters.  Eden Torresi seems to be the perfect person - but her refusal to accept help may be her downfall.  Drew doesn't know what it's like to do a good deed until he meets Eden, but once he sees what it can do to other's lives and even his own, he's on board to find out more.

The people that live at Silver Linings Assisted Living really helped make this book memorable.  They were sneaky little busy bodies that couldn't keep their noses in their own business - and it's fantastic!!  They really are a major catalyst to everything coming together.  On the downside, the other catalyst is Eden's mother - a woman who is very ill but determined to see her daughter happy and living her own life.

This was a very quick and sweet read.  Lots of romance, lots of great characters and a story that doesn't let you down.

Author Kaylee Baldwin When Kaylee Baldwin isn’t writing, she’s usually chasing after her four children, checking her email, trying to get motivated to train for that race she shouldn’t have signed up for, hanging out with her pretty awesome husband, and reading whatever good book she can find. She graduated from Arizona State with degree in English Lit. Her published books are Meg’s Melody, Six Days of Christmas (part of the All I Want collection) and Silver Linings.

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The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors. "Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love." Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith

Tour Giveaway

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Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: Lover, Divine by A. Star

Title: Lover, Divine (Mythos: Gods & Lovers #1)

Author: A. Star
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

For fans of the Oracle of Delphi series...and for those who aren't...

Born into one of the wealthiest families in Ireland, Siobhan Law has status, privilege, and a secret: The Greek gods of Olympus and their kingdom in the clouds are real, and her family acts as one of their agents on Earth.

When the beautiful immortal celeste Liam Argyros shows up claiming to have come to Earth to deal in the affairs of the divine, Siobhan finds herself unable to resist his charms. New to the game of passion and seduction, she quickly ends up in over her head, sinking deeper with every attempt Liam makes to win her over.

But Liam’s divine mission is far more complex than she ever imagined and nothing is truly as it seems. Because Liam has a secret of his own: He is Apollo, Olympian god of the Sun, and his mission will never be complete until he has claimed Siobhan’s heart forever.

WARNING: For readers 18+ only. Contains adult language and sexual situations.

The Greek gods are real - living in a realm called Myth.  They have human agents on Earth, families that help them do their business in the "real" world.  The members of these families are called Influentials; they have power, pretige, and loads of wealth.  Siobhan Law is the daughter of one of these families.  Protected and cherished, it is her destiny to marry the son of a family and run their household.  Too bad, Siobhan has more modern ideas of how she wants to live her life.

While attending a practice for the orchestra (she's first chair violin), a new musician shows up and challenges her for her place.  Liam Argyros is beautiful - too beautiful and Siobhan instantly knows that he's not an ordinary mortal.  What she doesn't know is that he's really the god Apollo come to earth to win her heart.

Their relationship is a strained one.  Siobhan hates that he lied to her about who is, and it repeatedly come up (a little too much).  They are on agian and off again throughout the book, but their feelings for eash other always seem to trump their problems.  Parts of their relationship were very touching and sweet, and parts were very overbearing and I was surprised Siobhan put up with any of it.

It ends with a bit of action that was very nicely placed and wrapped up many of the loose ends in the story and brings in some more of the mythology.  With a happy for now ending, it still had enough resolution to leave me satisfied, but enough untold to keep me wondering "what next".

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March 17th

-Bookfever

-Romance Schmomance

-Book Cracker Caroline 

-Mrs Brown’s books

March 18th

-Tower of Babel

-Book briefs

-Two Ends of a Bookshelf 

-Love. Life. Read

-Kitty Kats Crazy About Books

-We Luv Books

March 19th

-Simplistic Reviews 

-Booksane

-Cometbabesbooks

-purpinkrosesbookcorner

-The Book Slut Society

March 20th

-Angelic Book Reviews

-Shattering-Words 

-Book Bird Reviews

-Bitten by Romance

-Trinas Tantilising Tidbits

-Starry Night Book Reviews 

-alwaysjoart

March 21st

-Future Slayer Girls butt-kicking reviews

-Whispered Thoughts 

-Froggarita’s Bookcase

-Between fantasy and reality

-Two Ends of the Pen 

-ReadingDiva’s Blog

-Just a Booklover 

-Book- Marks The Spot

March 22nd

-All in One Place 

-A Book Addict’s Bookshelves

-My Favorite Things

-Been There, Read That, Reviewed The Book

-TNT Reviews

-Fallen For Books

-Pink Fluffy Hearts

Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

Title: Home Matters (Ripple Effect Romance #1)

Author: Julie N. Ford
Source: I Am a Reader
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: March 10, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 1

A Ripple Effect Romance Novella

According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach.

When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.

 We don't review too many clean romances here, but I really enjoy them once in a while.  Home Matters is a fun, clean romance that really concentrates on the character development of our stars.  Olivia has always dreamed of being a famous actress and dating the really hot host of a reality home improvement show.  When all her dreams seem to be coming true she finds out it's not all it's cut out to be.  People aren't who they seem when they're on screen, and in some cases completely different.

But all is not a total disappointment.  She meets the ridiculously annoying, but still charming, Pete.  He's everything she never wanted, but she keeps getting thrown together with him.  I loved the comparison between him and our host.  It made things very clear on who was the better man, and we just hope all along that Olivia can figure it out in time.

There is a little bit of celebrity intrigue and a lot of self-discovery.  This was a really great book.  My only complaint was that Pete was a little to good at times.  He needed to have a little more of a bad boy side for me to totally fall for him.

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Author Julie N. Ford Julie is a forty-something, dangerously close to becoming a fifty-something, graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama, which has only made her better able to recognize the unhealthy, codependent relationship she has with writing. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a marriage and family counselor. She is the author of four women’s fiction novels, including Count Down to Love, a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she entertains delusions of being a master gardener, that is, when she’s not killing the unsuspecting plants in her yard with her good intentions. She lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two daughters, a Betta named Bob, and a Scottish fold kitten, Ardweal.

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The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors. "Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love." Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith

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Book Tour Review and Giveaway: No Ordinary Mistree by Robyn DeHart

Title: No Ordinary Mistress (Masquerading Mistresses #1)

Author: Robin DeHart
Source: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: March 10, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 2

London, 1814

Remington Hawthorne, Earl of Latham, has spent his life protecting the Crown. When he's assigned to play the part of lover to Emma Masterson, one of the few female spies in England and the one woman he can't forget, he'll have to risk his heart as well as his life.

It isn't easy being an independent woman, much less a spy. Perpetually tasked with proving she is as valuable as any man in her profession, the last thing Emma needs is to be reunited with the one man who makes her want to forget her duties and get lost in passion.

Pretending to be his mistress isn't difficult—remembering that it is all a charade is a challenge. With every glance, every touch, every kiss, she is drawn deeper under his spell and pulled further from her goals. She refused him once, but it will take every ounce of strength to not give in to the passion that still burns strong....

There were several parts to this quick read and each had their strong and weak points.  As spies, the mystery and finding out who is selling state secrets is a very large part of the story.  I wish there had been a little more background as to what led Remington and Emma to be spying on their marks, but with a novella sometimes something has to go, and the background was it in this one.  Since we don't get much backstory on the marks, I found it hard to relate to this aspect of the story and settle into the intrigue.

The second part is the romance.  This one was pretty good.  Emma was warned that it would be difficult working with a male partner.  Close proximity can sometimes mimic intimate feelings, and that's just what they both think at first.  But when they separate and still can't keep their minds off each other, they know it may have been more - but now it may be too late.

There was also a bit about women's rights of all things - after all how many female spies were there in the 1800's, and were they respected.  The author did a good job of throwing the thought out there, beating it around, and then letting it lie for awhile.  Overall this was a fun read, I just wish I could have gotten more into the actual spy part of the story.

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