Mailbox Monday ~ January 19

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. Mailbox Monday started with Marcia of To Be Continued and now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.  

I stumbled upon a link on a review website about Katie Macalister's newest novel just by accident last week. As much as I was excited about finding a new book, I was also a little upset that I hadn't been aware of this new release in the first place. Since I no longer work at a bookstore, I find it difficult to keep up with new releases. It makes me wonder how many other great books I might be missing out on!

Another just-by-luck find is Shopaholic on Honeymoon by Sophie Kinsella. I've read all of the Shopaholic series to date. I'm anxiously awaiting the newest novel to be released sometime this year. Somehow, I missed this short story that I found on Kindle. As of last week, it was listed as free!

The Importance of Being Alice by Katie Macalister

First in a new series!

From New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister comes a series about finding your own wonderland—through one roadblock at a time...

Nothing about Alice Wood’s life is normal right now. Her fiancé, Patrick, called off their wedding and relationship only days before their nonrefundable wedding trip. And though a luxurious European river cruise for one is just what she needs, it’s not what she gets...

Due to a horrible misunderstanding, Alice is now cramped in her “romantic” suite with one of Patrick’s friends. Instead of cruising along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers sipping champagne with the love of her life, she’s navigating the waters with a strange—yet mysteriously handsome—British aristocrat.

An author, Elliot is just looking for some alone time to write. But his stodgy, serious self is about to be sidetracked by a woman who seems to have jumped out of the pages of a fairy tale, one who is determined to shake up his life...and include him in her own happily ever after.

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

Published January 6th 2015 by Signet 

Find on Goodreads 



Shopaholic on Honeymoon by Sophie Kinsella

The new Mr and Mrs Brandon are on honeymoon, and Becky has big plans! They’ve got a whole year to explore Venice, learn yoga in India, sleep in little wooden huts in South America… maybe even see penguins in the Arctic. And of course they’ll need to buy just a few essential souvenirs along the way (everyone needs a set of Murano glass goblets, after all).

They’re not just tourists, they’re travellers. Becky is sure it is just the thing that Luke needs – time to unwind. He’ll come back a changed man… with all the good bits still intact of course.

But it soon becomes clear that Luke has different plans entirely. Can Becky help him let go, or will this little disagreement threaten their whole honeymoon?

ebook, 53 pages

Published December 10th 2014 by Transworld Digital 

 

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Amazon

Mailbox Monday ~ January 12

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. Mailbox Monday started with Marcia of To Be Continued and now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.  

I've been a fan of Laurell K. Hamilton for years. Although I hate to admit that I'm not crazy about the direction her Anita Blake series has taken, I still feel compelled to buy them hoping this will be the next great read.

The other 2 books below I acquired this week were part of Amazon's Kindle First. Prime members can download two of the selected early release Kindle First books free and non-Prime members can download two for $1.99 each through January 31, 2015. Learn more here.

And the last 2 books are from Cate Russell-Cole that she graciously gifted to me as a thank you for helping her share her tweets and blog posts. We're both part of Triberr which is fantastic for authors wanting to help other authors spread the word about their blogs to readers.

Jason by Laurell K. Hamilton

"Enjoying pain with your pleasure is something you either get, or you don't. If you get it, then you don't really need it explained, because you know how good it feels, and if you don't get it then no amount of talking is going to convince you it makes sense."

But sometimes you have to explain the unexplainable, especially if the love of your life needs to understand, or she'll leave you. Jason Schuyler is one of Anita Blake's best friends and favorite werewolves, with benefits. J.J. is his lady love, an old flame from childhood who dances at one of the top ballet companies in New York. She's accomplished, beautiful, and she's crazy about him, too. Neither of them wants to be monogamous, so what could go wrong?

J.J. is enthusiastically bisexual, with an emphasis on the female side of things. She plans to keep sleeping with women, because Jason can't meet that need, just like she can't meet Jason's need for rough sex and bondage. J.J. doesn't understand why Jason isn’t content to go elsewhere for a need she can’t fulfil, so Jason asks Anita to help him explain.

Anita is having her own relationship growing pains with her only female lover ever, Jade. Jason suggests that J.J. might be able to help Anita with her girl problem, while she helps him with his kinky explanations. With some encouragement from a few other lovers in Anita's life she reluctantly agrees, and J. J. makes plans to fly into town for an experience that none of them will ever forget.

Paperback, 255 pages

Published December 2nd 2014 by Jove

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Flirting With Felicity by Gerri Russell

Felicity Wright never expected to inherit the hotel where she works as head chef. But now, she’ll do anything to keep the Bancroft Hotel operating—even if that means mixing it up with the late owner’s handsome nephew, Blake Bancroft. He’s here to challenge her unexpected inheritance of the Bancroft Hotel, and there’s no way either of them are walking away without a fight.

When his uncle wills away his family’s oldest property, Blake Bancroft cooks up a plan to get it back. To check out his competition, he’ll need to check in. Too bad his first encounter with Felicity proves to be anything but smooth. As their battle over ownership begins, things begin to heat up between them—and not just in the kitchen. Their attraction may be a recipe for disaster. Yet with the right ingredients, it could turn into a recipe for love…

In her debut contemporary romance, award-winning historical romance author Gerri Russell whips up a sweet, passionate, and unforgettably delectable story.

Kindle Edition, 236 pages

Expected publication: February 1st 2015 by Montlake Romance 

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Amazon Kindle 

Miramont's Ghost by Elizabeth Hall

 Miramont Castle, built in 1897 and mysteriously abandoned three years later, is home to many secrets. Only one person knows the truth: Adrienne Beauvier, granddaughter of the Comte de Challembelles and cousin to the man who built the castle.

Clairvoyant from the time she could talk, Adrienne’s visions show her the secrets of those around her. When her visions begin to reveal dark mysteries of her own aristocratic French family, Adrienne is confronted by her formidable Aunt Marie, who is determined to keep the young woman silent at any cost. Marie wrenches Adrienne from her home in France and takes her to America, to Miramont Castle, where she keeps the girl isolated and imprisoned. Surrounded by eerie premonitions, Adrienne is locked in a life-or-death struggle to learn the truth and escape her torment.

Reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, this hauntingly atmospheric tale is inspired by historical research into the real-life Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs, Colorado.

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Expected publication: February 1st 2015 by Lake Union Publishing 

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Amazon Kindle 



Unleashing Your Creative Spirit by Cate Russell-Cole

This e-book will help you turn your dreams into reality! It explores the process and practical aspects of creativity; and has been written for artists, writers, musicians, dancers, gardeners, cooks, craft lovers: anyone trying to tap into their creative potential. It looks at the mental processing behind creativity; philosophies that drive how we think about and assess our creative worth; creative character traits; historical role models; an extensive bibliography and web link list and more. The content is practical, not just analytical. It will give you ideas on how to move forward in your creative life.

Print Length: 68 pages 
Publisher: Cate Russell-Cole: Artios Communications; Abridged Version edition (April 30, 2012)
Amazon Kindle




Phoenix Rising: Conquering the Stresses of the Writer's Life by Cate Russell-Cole

Phoenix Rising: Conquering the Stresses of the Writer's Life, is a quick-read writer's companion which addresses the challenges and frustrations of writers in the digital age. It has been written for all genres of writers and all forms of publication. If your creative energy is low, your word count flagging or the downsides of being a writer are taking away your joy, this book will give you new strength and hope with which to spread your wings and find new freedom.


Print Length: 40 pages
Publisher: Cate Russell-Cole: Artios Communications (December 6, 2013)

Amazon Kindle

A New Year for Buying Books! Mailbox Monday ~ January 5

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. Mailbox Monday started with Marcia of To Be Continued and now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.  

A brand new year for book buying! No matter how many books I have on my TBR pile it never seems to stop me from buying more. This year will be no different. So avid readers...unite! I'm going to continue sharing my new finds on Mondays.

Both Gayle Wilson and Loretta Chase are two of my favorite authors! I'm still collecting their backlist. 

Echoes in the Dark by Gayle Wilson

Caroline Evans knew that she would never have memories to fill the blankness of her past. Something had happened to her, she'd been told, something so terrible her mind refused to remember.

Nine years ago, Julien Gerrard lost his wife and his sight in one explosive instant. Now into his carefully controlled world walked Caroline Evans, whose every touch, whisper and footstep brought back echoes of the memories he'd tried so hard to put behind him. Now that he'd finally reconciled himself to the loss of his wife...had she returned?

Kindle Edition, 249 pages

Published July 16th 2012 by Harlequin Treasury-Harlequin Intrigue 90s 

(first published October 1995)

Find on Goodreads




Viscount Vagabond by Loretta Chase

FROM DISTRESS TO DISASTER

Catherine Pelliston simply would not abide by her father's wishes and marry the slovenly Lord Browdie. But her escape through the streets of London only seemed to lead her from bad to worse. First, she was robbed. And then, her supposed "rescue" by a kindly old woman stranded Catherine in a bordello -- where the handsome Viscount Rand was intent on sampling her wares! A dire predicament indeed-especially when the dashing aristocrat decided to assume full responsibility for the ravishing runaway by taking her, quite against her will, into his home. But little did Catherine know that her struggle to preserve her virtue had inflamed the debauched gadabout's heart ... and might well net her a husband worth desiring!

Kindle Edition, 228 pages

Published November 9th 2012 by NYLA (first published 1988) 

 

Find on Goodreads 

 

 

What books did you buy last week? 

Mailbox Monday ~ August 18

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. Mailbox Monday started with Marcia of To Be Continued and now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

I bought two books in a new series by Zoë Archer. Yes, I only bought Books #1 & #3. They were the only ones stocked on the store shelf. But, I have #2 on my wishlist. And since I buy faster than I read, I have a little time before I get to this anyway.

And, I bought Pink Jinxed by Sandra Hill! For some reason I thought I already had this book, but last week when I was sorting through my bookshelves, I discovered it was missing. Maybe.

Books rarely go missing in my house. In fact, I've only ever misplaced 3 books and 1 was recently found. Those gremlins haunting my house still haven't given up the first 2! But, in this case, I might have been mistaken. Sometimes during my years working at the bookstore, there were times where I stocked and shelved books I wanted to buy but never did. Then later, I thought I bought them because I remember wanting to buy them.

Does that make any sense at all?

Sweet Revenge by Zoë Archer

The first in a breathtaking new series about the dangerous business of undercover revenge—and the undeniable pleasure of passion…

In the Business of Vengeance

When Jack Dalton escapes from Dunmoor Prison, he has only one thing in mind—finding the nobleman who murdered his sister and making him pay. But when he reaches the inn where the Lord Rockley is rumored to be staying, three well-dressed strangers are there to meet him instead. And the pretty blonde is aiming a pistol right at his head…

Desire Is Always Dangerous

Joining Nemesis, Unlimited has made Eva Warrick much more than the well-mannered lady she appears to be—one who can shoot, fight, and outsmart any man in the quest to right the injustices so often suffered by the innocent. She’s not afraid of the burly escaped convict, but she is startled by their shared attraction. She and her partners need Jack’s help to get to Rockley, but Eva finds she wants Jack for scandalous reasons all her own…

Wicked Temptation by  Zoë Archer
 

FATE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Newly widowed, Bronwyn Parrish’s fortune has been spent settling her late husband’s debts—thanks to an unscrupulous business manager—and now there’s nothing left. Society has no place for a woman without means, and with nowhere to turn, Bronwyn is lost…until, from out of nowhere, a handsome gentleman steps in and makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

WILL DESIRE TEAR THEM APART?

Secrets and subterfuge are in Marco Black’s blood. As one of Nemesis, Unlimited’s most senior agents, Society women aren’t his usual cup of tea. But Marco’s sixth sense tells him that there’s more to Bronwyn than meets the eye…and he wants to help the brazen beauty retrieve her lost fortune. But is his attraction to her worth the risk? His mission will lead him all the way to Les Grillons, France’s most ruthless crime syndicate. Soon, Marco and Bronwyn will find themselves facing a danger that could cost them their lives—and a passion that is priceless.

Pink Jinxed by Sandra Hill

Baited...

Straitlaced Boston lawyer Veronica "Ronnie" Jinkowsky knows something's fishy when her estranged grandfather lures her to his New Jersey treasure-hunting business with woeful tales of old age and bankruptcy. But she never expected the salty old dog to shanghai her into a hunt for pink daimonds with her poker-playing, four-time ex-husband Jake Jensen in tow.

Hooked...

Betting her heart on Jake was always a losing proposition, yet just the sight of his come-hither blue eyes is still enough to melt her steely resolve. Now Ronnie's on a high seas adventure that throws together lost gems, a lost ship, and lost love—not to mention a Mafia widow, her two goons, and an elderly Cajun matchmaker.

And Going Down for the Last Time!

Trapped with t man she could never learn to live with—and was never happy without—is Ronnie fated to be forever jinxed in matters of the heart?

What books did you buy this week?

Mailbox Monday ~ August 11

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. Mailbox Monday started with Marcia of To Be Continued and now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog. 

I stumbled upon this book meme while I was browsing for new books. And since I have a compulsion to buy or borrow books faster than I can possibly read them, I decided it might be a good idea to participate in this since I love talking about books with other readers.

Last week I was lucky enough to stumble upon 2 books that were listed as Bargain Books. I think its because the covers were slightly creased. Although the sight of a creased cover usually disturbs me, the price was too good to resist!

With Seduction in Mind by Laura Lee Guhrke

Her proposition . . .

London Society is harsh for a young woman with no family connections who has to work for a living. But when Daisy Merrick is sacked from yet another job, the feisty and outspoken miss comes up with a plan that could give her a future beyond her wildest dreams. There's only one problem. Her success depends on a man, the most infuriating, impossible, immovable man she's ever met. His resolution...

Sebastian Grant, Earl of Avermore, is England's most infamous author. Known for his notorious reputation, he is more interested in play than work, and has no intention of cooperating when Daisy shows up on his doorstep with a mad plan. The provoking, fire-haired beauty stirs his senses beyond belief, and Sebastian knows he has only one way to stop her. Seduction.

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance...

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing.  A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"--the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war. ...to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

What books did you buy this week?