Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of. 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine


"Lord's Fall"
By: Thea Harrison

In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two mates find themselves on different paths, torn between their duty to the Wyr and the passion that binds them...

Before she met Dragos, half-human half-wyr Pia Giovanni was alone and on the run. Now, she's mated, pregnant and heading south to repair the Wyr's frayed relationship with the Elves. Being separated from Dragos is painful, but for the good of the Wyr demesne they need to figure out how to be partners, in more places than just the bedroom. 

In New York to preside over the Sentinel Games, Dragos is worried about his mate, but knows that finding two replacement sentinels is essential to show the rest of the Elder Races just how strong and brutal the Wyr demesne can be. But as the games heat up, Pia's negotiations with the Elves take a turn for the dangerous, straining her bond with Dragos and threatening everything they hold dear..

Expected Publication: November 6, 2012

What are you Waiting for this Wednesday??

"Tall, Dark & Heartless" By: R.L. Mathewson Review

"Tall, Dark & Heartless"

By: R.L. Mathewson

Synopsis from Goodreads:

     He should have left her and never looked back.......
     But, that's not how things played out for Caine, a nearly one thousand year old Pyte, who should have known better. Instead of walking away years ago, he stuck around and watched over the only woman he'd ever cared about. When trouble finds her, he knows that he should just cut his losses and walk away, but there was no fighting the hold that woman had on him and now they were both paying the price.
     Danni didn't care that she wasn't technically a Sentinel and was putting her life in danger every time she went out on patrol, because she had a job to do. It was the only thing that mattered to her anymore and she wasn't going to let it go without a fight. Unfortunately for her, she didn't foresee her ex-boyfriend selling her out to a Master, being captured, locked up and stuck in a room with the cranky Pyte that broke her heart years ago and wouldn't stop glaring at her as if their little predicament was all her fault.

My Thoughts:
    So first off, a confession. This is the third book in the “Pyte” series but its the first book I read. Its about a given when you start in the middle of the series, you will be a little lost, but luckily I was able to find my way around pretty good. I even thought about stopping and starting with the first book, but ultimately was enjoying it so much I forged ahead!
     Caine is a Pyte, pretty much an equivalent of a vampire. He drinks blood, super strength, stays in during the day...the whole deal. Danni is the daughter of a Sentinel, a group of people whose job it is to keep Pytes in control and ensure they don’t kill humans. Can you see where this is going? Of course, Caine and Danni fall for one another!
     Caine is the ultimate stand-offish/loner. He was close to Danni when she was younger but as soon as she became an adult, he knew he couldn’t be around her. He didn’t want to go all toothy on her if you know what I mean. Yet when Danni is abducted by another vampire, who is there to save her? Caine.
      I loooved Caine, I don’t know any other way to put it. He was so solitary but craved attention and just human contact in general. He wanted what was best for everyone, but didn’t know how to go about doing it. To be honest, I don’t know if Danni was a very good match for him. She was oh so whiny at times and seemed to like making him suffer, which quickly began to irritate me.
     All in all, this book is a great addition to the Pyte series. I’m happy to say since I read this, I have went back and read the other two in the series. They are both pretty great too. Quirky and at times a little cheesy, they never are dull and introduce you to an entirely different and new paranormal world. Huzzah R.L. Mathewson! So glad to have found this new author!

Book Details

Publisher: Self Publication

Date of Publication: April 2012

# of Pages: 957

ISBN: 978-0983212584

Be sure to check out the rest of the series!

1. “Tall, Dark, and Lonely”

2. “Without Regret”

3. “Tall, Dark, and Heartless”

"Falling For You" By: Heather Thurmeier Review

Falling For You

By: Heather Thurmeier

Synopsis from Goodreads

Newly single Cassidy Quinn is thrilled to be a contestant on the new reality dating show, The One.

But her excitement turns to horror when the gorgeous bachelor turns out to be her ex-boyfriend. Seeing Brad again makes Cassidy realize she might not be as “over him” as she thought—and then she meets hunky cameraman Evan Burke.

After watching his brother lose his wife in a tragic accident, Evan vows never to fall in love. But following Cassidy around as her personal cameraman makes him question his decision, and resisting her gets harder with every sunbathing, bikini-wearing day.

Cassidy and Evan begin a forbidden affair while her ex-boyfriend tries to win her heart back one groping, awkward moment at a time. If Cassidy can manage to stop falling off horses (literally), stop falling onto her ex-boyfriend, the bachelor (yes, literally), and stop falling in love with backstage playboy Evan, she might still make it through the show without becoming a tabloid sensation.

But soon Cassidy must choose between the ex who broke her heart and the cameraman who might never love her back. For Cassidy, this reality show just got real.

My Thoughts
     Heather Thurmeier has written one of the most original romances I have read in a long, long time. Not your average boy meets girl kind of story, Falling for You is a fun story that actually takes place on a dating show from tv. Trust me, its much better than the actual Bachelor show too!
    Imagine Cassidy’s surprise when she starts out on a dating show and the bachelor all the women are gunning for is...her ex-boyfriend! Someone wasn’t doing their job vetting the single ladies, were they? Brad, the ex-boyfriend, positively broke Cassidy’s heart and she is still getting over him when she is thrown together with the dreaded ex by her meddling sister who signed her up for the show. Add to the mix Evan, a handsome and utterly awesome camera man who finds Cassidy enchanting and you have this incredibly funny and sweet romance.
    Falling for You is a super cute contemporary romance. The characters are funny, realistic, and  I wish I had an Evan for myself. I really loved the point of view of Cassidy and seeing this world of reality TV from the inside out. Perfect for fans of reality romance, I’m excited to read what Heather comes up with next. It looks like its going to be a trilogy, woot woot!

Excerpt

It had been her meddling little sister Keira who’d taken it upon herself to apply to be on a new reality dating show—using Cassidy’s name. To Cassidy’s horror, she’d actually been accepted. When she’d gotten the unexpected call from the show’s producer, she’d wanted to kill her sister. Instead, she’d been convinced to go through with the rest of the audition process and screen tests.

By the time it was all over and she was asked to be on the show, Cassidy had grown used to the idea of having an opportunity to fall in love with some mystery bachelor. Her friends told her to forget the show and take a cruise instead, where she could soak in the sun while “Margaritaville” played over the pool speakers. But did she listen?

Not a chance.

Maybe he’ll be the one. Cassidy searched the room for the bachelor of the show, her stomach twisting into a knot at the thought of being forced to date someone new. She hadn’t been with anyone since Brad chose to leave her and New York behind to go back to California to start pro-surfing again. Maybe coming on the show would force her out of her six-month dating hibernation. Or maybe she’d throw up on the bachelor’s shoes when she finally met him.

Either was a definite possibility.

Book Details

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Date of Publication: August 20, 2012

ISBN: 978-1440552052

Find out more about Heather Thurmeier

Heather Thurmeier’s Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Reality TV Trilogy - What’s coming next?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading??

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.

Guess where I am going this week?

I'm planning on being in St. Louis this weekend for the YALSA Literature Symposium. A little nervous since I won't know anyone, but I'm braving it and going to have an awesome time!

What I read...

"Bettie Page Presents: The Librarian"

By: Logan Belle

Regina Finch, brilliant and bookish, has worked her way up to her dream job as a librarian at the Main Branch of the New York Public Library. But her discovery of the sordid sexual adventures of a rakish, young billionaire among the hallowed halls and sacred stacks of the library unleashes a confusing blend of repulsion and desire that threatens to consume her. It is only through her introduction to the work of Bettie Page—the world’s most popular ingÉnue-turned-fetish-model—and Page’s own sexual awakening that Regina can hope to discover her sexual prowess and seduce the man she loves.

"The Lady Most Willing"

By: Julia Quinn, Eloisa James & Connie Brockway

During their annual Christmas pilgrimage to Scotland to visit their aged uncle in his decrepit castle, the Comte de Rocheforte and his cousin, Earl of Oakley, are presented with unique gifts: their uncle has raided an English lord's Christmas party and kidnapped four lovely would-be brides for his heirs to choose from ...as well as one very angry duke, Lord Bretton. As snow isolates the castle, and as hours grow into days, the most honourable intentions give away to temptations as surprising as they are irresistible.

"Hot Ticket"

By: Olivia Cunning

There are things in bassist Jace Seymour’s past that he is unwilling to share with anyone. To cover his guilt and anguish, he seeks dominatrix Mistress V (Aggie) to temporarily placate his inner turmoil. Aggie doesn’t have much use for men–besides the power rush she gets when they’re begging for mercy at her feet–but Jace isn’t like her usual clients. His cool defiance and unexpected dominance in the bedroom drives her to distraction and quickly steals her heart. When circumstances threaten Jace’s position in Sinners, Aggie must help him regain his rightful place in the band while showing him that time and love can heal all wounds.

What I'm Reading Now...

"The Officer Breaks the Rules"

By: Jeanette Murray

Captain Jeremy Phillips believes in doing his duty...both as a son and as a friend. This means that he should obey the "friend code" and stay away from his best friend's little sister. Too bad Madison O'Shay doesn't believe in his code and is ready to break all of the rules

As a Navy nurse, Madison is finally stationed next to the man she's been dreaming about for years. And she's ready to launch a full-scale attack to show this thoughtful, handsome Marine that they belong together.

Hawloween Blog Hop

Woah! 

What's the deal with all of the Halloween fun stuff going on this week?

Thank you for stopping by! 

Want to win a $5 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble?

Simply leave me a comment with your e-mail and what you are planning on being this Halloween.

 AND none of that, I'm not dressing up stuff! 

Check out the rest of the blogs to stop by!

Moonlight Masquerade Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Brunette Librarian!

Would you like to fall under the spell of a brooding dark vampire and let him sink his fangs into?

I'm a huge fan of J.R. Ward and in the nature of a hottie vampire, I'll be giving away Dark Lover.

Just leave me your e-mail address and your favorite scary monster and you'll be entered!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of. 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine

"Double Time"
By: Olivia Cunning

After falling head over heels in love with Reagan Elliot, the perfect woman for him, Sinners’ rhythm guitarist, Trey Mills, vows to give up his bisexual ways forever.  When an obsessed fan threatens Reagan, she hires her friend, Ethan, to protect her while on tour.  Falling for his girlfriend’s bodyguard,  a guy, was never on Trey's agenda.  Will he have to choose between them, or can he have the best of both worlds?

Releases: November 1, 2012

**Huge fan of the first two books in this series 

and I am so READY for this one!**

What are you Waiting on?

"Bewitching the Faerie" By: Cynthia Rayne - Review and Guest Post

Bewitching the Faerie

By: Cynthia Rayne

Synopsis from Goodreads

Maeve is the most hapless witch in her family. When she cooks up a spell to boost her powers, she accidentally unleashes a powerful fae from his moonstone ring prison. 

Ronan, a fae prince, was imprisoned by Maeve's ancestor and he is bent on revenge. When he sees the beautiful, curvaceous witch, he decides to take his revenge in the most deliciously wicked way possible - seducing her and leaving her brokenhearted. 

Maeve is drawn to Ronan's seduction but she has no desire to become his sexual plaything. When he whisks her away to a Celtic Sea island where time doesn't exist, she soon finds out that there is no resisting Ronan

A Note from Cynthia Rayne

I am fascinated by supernatural men. Vampires. Werewolves. Ghostly lovers. And, yes, Faeries. Always have been a fascination, really. I read paranormal romances before they were kill, even if I had to dig into a book to find a smaller romance plot line. Anne Rice’s Lestat books were among my absolute favorites. 

My obsession with Fae started when I saw Jim Henson’s Labyrinth as a young girl. I fell hard for Jareth, The Goblin King. Tall, blond, arrogant, and dead sexy. The crux of that story was that the king had fallen in love with Sarah and all of this (kidnapping her brother, showing her, her dreams) was a means to draw her in. Albeit, in a sort of scary, pseudo-stalkery way. I always hoped that he would come back for Sarah when she finally grew up and there would be some sort of romantic Labyrinth sequel.

That is part of the inspiration for Bewitching the Faerie. Maeve is a hapless witch who accidently conjures, Ronan, a powerful fae who has been captured and secured into moonstone by her ancestor. Maeve accidently uses the stone to perform a spell and mayhem ensues.

You can find out more information about me, or my books at my blog: http://cynthiarayne1.blogspot.com/ or my following me on Twitter @RayneCynthia. My latest release Howl, also a supernatural romance involving a love triangle between a blood slave, her vampire “owner”, and the werewolf who wants to take her away from her enslavement. It is currently available from Ellora’s Cave. More information is available here: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10363-howl.aspx

My Thoughts
    Cynthia Rayne is an interesting voice in the paranormal romance world. Very different than other authors, I found Ms. Rayne's voice unique with a whole new level of world building. Maeve and Ronan were a fun couple to watch and the passion was unbelievable!
     Maeve is a witch that hasn't had the best luck. Her spells are a little wonky so she is completely stunned when Ronan erupts from a ring she has in her possession. Ronan was imprisoned decades before in said ring and when he finally gains his freedom, he wants revenge on Maeve's entire family line. Instead of revenge though, Ronan finds himself falling for Maeve. Dealing with a troubled past, these two have to find ways to get past what has happened and look to the future.
    There is passion, there is attraction, and of course, how can we not want Maeve to find true love? So many things have went wrong for her and I wanted something to go right. Other reviewers have remarked on how hot the scenes between Maeve and Ronan are and I totally agree. The pages positively burned! The only complaint I have is that I would have actually liked to have spent more time with the couple, which just goes to show how much I enjoyed them. Fast paced, fairly short and ultimately a fun story for any reader! 

Book Details

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Date of Publication: June 13, 2008

ISBN: 978-1419916588

"Seduction and Snacks" By: Tara Sivec Review

"Seduction and Snacks"

By: Tara Sivec

Synopsis from Goodreads

Claire is a twenty-something, single mom that grudgingly helps her best friend sell sex toys while she attempts to make enough money to start her own business to give her foul-mouthed, but extremely loveable (when he's asleep) toddler a better life. 

When Carter, the one-night-stand from her past that changed her life forever, shows up in her hometown bar without any recollection of her besides her unique chocolate scent, Claire will make it a point that he remembers her this time. 

With Carter's undisguised shock at suddenly finding out he has a four-year-old son and Claire's panic that her stretch marks and slim to none bedroom experience will send the man of her dreams heading for the hills, the pair will do whatever they can to get their happily ever after.

My Thoughts
    I am so totally prepared to be boo’d right now, but I just don’t get the appeal of “Seduction and Snacks.” I picked it up on a Monday to read with the Smut Monday book club that is on Goodreads. Everyone on the group was loving the book, so I thought I had better pick it up and try it out too. With 100+ five star reviews and nothing below a three, I figured this was destined to quickly become one of my favorites.
    Maybe it was because I was expecting alot but this is easily one of the worst books I have read this year. I’m going to start off saying I didn’t quit this book because I kept expecting it to get better, so I kept reading and reading. I NEVER do that but I did with this one, trying to figure out the appeal.
      Claire is a single 20-something mother raising her son all alone. She got drunk at a frat party in college, got pretty friendly, and 9 months later is raising her son Gavin, all by herself. Her dad helps at times but mostly it is Claire striking out on her own.
     Enter the absentee father, Conor. He doesn’t remember Claire’s face, he didn’t get her name that fateful night, but he remembers her smell. He’s been searching for her smell for five years and finally finds “that smell” in a bar one night when he is once again, drunk. Cue violins and instant harmonies as these two magically want to be with one another again and everything is forgiven. You don’t remember me except for my smell? That’s ok, because I didn’t even get your name when I took off my pants.
     Really? REALLY? Ugh. Beyond being completely corny and so over the top sometimes it made me want to scratch my eyes out, Gavin and Claire were two terrible characters. When they weren’t whining about how hard their lives were, they were whining that people didn’t truly understand them. Their friends are morons and total caricatures of a "type" instead of being their own person.
       Another thing that really bothered me was the first person narrative carried throughout the story. Claire and Conor both tell the story with I and me’s thrown in there, EVERYWHERE. Think that gets confusing? It totally does and I would find myself flipping to the next page because I didn’t care enough to actually figure out who was talking.
     Finally, the rudeness and crudity of the story can not be overlooked. Lots of reviews rate these as funny and trust me, some of them did make me giggle. Yet, just as in real life, I’m not going around throwing these words out EVEYR SINGLE SENTENCE even with my closest friends. I’m not saying the cursing bothered me, I’m saying it was way too over the top and people just don’t talk that crudely to one another, all the stinkin' time. It made me just roll my eyes as I passed over another penis reference or yet another tired nickname. It took away from the story really, and I didn’t think it was cute or enjoyable at all. Enjoy these gems scattered throughout the story...

“Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do, watcha gonna do when they cut your wiener,” Gavin sang as he pointed his gun at random objects.

“I remember that night fondly. And by fondly, I mean with bitter resentment toward all things alcoholic and with a penis.”

“Oh my God, I sent a picture of my boobs to Jim," I moaned as a fresh wave of nausea rolled through me.

"You also threw up in the emergency room parking lot, called Drew and told him you were the Donkey Punch Queen and filled out a Last Will and Testament on a Burger King napkin and then asked the drive-thru worker to notarize it.”

    “Seduction and Snacks” was going to be my funny book of the year but sadly disappointed me. I finished it but am a little grumpy at myself for even taking the time. The story lacked substance for me, the language confused and disgruntled me, and the characters were flat and caricatures of what the author thought they should be. There are very few books that I truly didn’t like and this falls into that category unfortunately.

Book Details

Date of Publication: June 11, 2012

# of Pages: 286

ISBN: B008AZTUU8

It's Monday! What Are You Reading??

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.






What I read...

"Down to You"

By: M Leighton

Olivia Townsend is nothing special. She’s just a girl working her way through college so she can return home to help her father run his business. She’s determined not to be the second woman in his life to abandon him, even if it means putting her own life on hold. To Olivia, it’s clear what she must do. Plain and simple. Black and white.

But clear becomes complicated when she meets Cash and Nash Davenport. They’re brothers. Twins.
Cash is everything she’s always wanted in a guy. He’s a dangerous, sexy bad boy who wants her in his bed at any cost. He turns her insides to mush and, with just one kiss, makes her forget why he’s no good for her.

Nash is everything she’s ever needed in a guy. He’s successful, responsible and intensely passionate. But he’s taken. Very taken, by none other than Marissa, Liv’s rich, beautiful cousin. That doesn’t stop Olivia from melting every time he looks at her, though. With just one touch, he makes her forget why they can never be together.

Black and white turns to shades of gray when Olivia discovers the boys are hiding something, something that should make her run as far and as fast as she can. But it’s too late to run. Olivia’s already involved. And in love. With both of them.

"Devoured"

By: Emily Snow

Sienna Jensen had no plans to return home when she graduated college last spring—after all, her dreams lie in California. But when she discovers her grandmother’s Nashville home has been foreclosed, and the new owner has started the eviction process, Sienna has no other choice but go back to Music City. And she comes face to face with the flawed, gorgeous man she never thought she’d see again. The man who now holds the deed to her grandma’s estate.

When millionaire rock star Lucas Wolfe finds the outspoken redhead glaring at him from across a courtroom, he’s both infuriated and intrigued. He still can't get the night Sienna almost spent with him out of his mind, and the chemistry between them is as undeniable as it was two years ago. He craves Sienna more than ever. And just like everything Lucas hungers for, he’s determined to have her.

Now, Lucas will do whatever it takes to lure Sienna into his bed, even if that means making a deal with her: ten days with him, playing by his rules, and he’ll hand over the deed to her grandmother’s home. Though she agrees to the arrangement, Sienna is conflicted. Because of her duty to her family. Because of promises she’s made to herself and a past that still haunts her. And as Lucas’s game of seduction continues, and Sienna is introduced to his dark, erotic world and even darker background, she realizes that at any moment, she could be devoured.

"Body Heat"

By: Susan Fox

It’s Getting Hot In Here…
Maura Mahoney expects to spend her thirtieth birthday the way she’s spent so many others. She’ll work at the Cherry Lane retirement community, have a quiet dinner with her parents, and end the evening with a solo hot chocolate before turning in early. Sedate, but safe. Then Jesse Blue turns up at Cherry Lane, ready to do community service to avoid jail time. And suddenly, prim, by-the-books Maura can’t stop thinking about a sexy, motorcycle-riding bad boy who seems wrong for her in almost every way.

But beneath his gruff exterior, Jesse is a man of surprises. He’s filling the once drab community center with color and life. He’s bonding with the residents. And he’s prompting scorching, wild dreams Maura would never be bold enough to act on. Or would she? Because the way Jesse looks at her, Maura could swear that this heated, smoldering attraction runs both ways…

What I'm Reading Now...

"Bettie Page Presents: The Librarian"

By: Logan Belle

Regina Finch, brilliant and bookish, has worked her way up to her dream job as a librarian at the Main Branch of the New York Public Library. But her discovery of the sordid sexual adventures of a rakish, young billionaire among the hallowed halls and sacred stacks of the library unleashes a confusing blend of repulsion and desire that threatens to consume her. It is only through her introduction to the work of Bettie Page—the world’s most popular ingÉnue-turned-fetish-model—and Page’s own sexual awakening that Regina can hope to discover her sexual prowess and seduce the man she loves.

Alpha Hero Blog Hop

Welcome to my little corner of the world! 

When I saw the Alpha Hero Blog Hop, I knew I had to participate. Want to know what I love reading about more than anything? Alpha heroes :) 

I think one of my favorite heroes from this year's new releases would have to be Braden from one of my favorite 2012 releases, On Dublin Street.

   Braden is no stranger to adversity. A distant mother and overly controlling father have ruled his life but when he meets Jocelyn, he sees something different. Overbearing at times, Braden tries to fit Joss, our heroine, into his neatly ordered life but like all things in life, things don’t quite go as planned.

    I loved Jocelyn and Braden individually, but loved them more together. They each were so independent that when they finally decide to be together fireworks erupted. Hilarious, dramatic, emotional and shiver worthy, Joss and Braden were made for one another and I loved it!

Here is my favorite excerpt from this fantastic title -  

“Where are the others?”

Braden flicked me a casual glance as he took a sip from the cold glass of water the waiter had just poured. “What others?”

What others? I gritted my teeth. “You said this was a business meeting.”

“Yes, but I didn’t say what business.”

Oh my God. This was a date! No way. First the bossiness, then the handholding… no. No, no, no. I pushed my chair out, about two seconds from shooting up to my feet when Braden’s next words froze me in place.

“You try to leave, I’ll tackle you.” Even though he wasn’t looking at me when he said it, I could tell he was deadly serious.

So for stopping by today, I am offering an e-copy of one of my favorite alpha heroes and his story.

 Just leave a comment about who YOUR favorite Alpha hero is with your e-mail for your chance to win!

In addition to my prize, you have the chance to win a grand prize! 

The blog hop will have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!

Now what are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!

Book Tour & Review - "Train Station Bride" By: Holly Bush

 

Train Station Bride

By: Holly Bush

Synopsis from Goodreads

1887 Debutante, Julia Crawford endures a lifetime of subtle ridicule as the plump, silly daughter of a premiere Boston family. Julia strikes out on her own to gain independence, traveling to the Midwest to marry an aging shopkeeper and care for his mother. Julia finds her new home rough and uncivilized after the sophistication of a big city, while closely held secrets threaten to ruin Julia’s one chance at love.
Jake Shelling was sixteen and grew up quick when his parents died from influenza on the South Dakota prairie. Left with a half-cleared farm and two young sisters, he spent little time on his own needs . . till now. At thirty-five, he figured it was high time to have some sons and a mail order bride would suit him just fine. No expectations of love, just a helpmate from sturdy stock, ready for farm life.
Will fate and chance play a trick on Julia and Jake?

About the Author
Holly Bush was born in western Pennsylvania to two avid readers. There was not a room in her home that did not hold a full bookcase. She worked in the hospitality industry, owning a restaurant for twenty years and recently worked as the sales and marketing director in the hospitality/tourism industry and is credited with building traffic to capacity for a local farm tour, bringing guests from twenty-two states, booked two years out. Holly has been a marketing consultant to start-up businesses and has done public speaking on the subject.

Holly has been writing all of her life and is a voracious reader of a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, particularly political and historical works. She has written four romance novels, all set in the U.S. West in the mid 1800’s. She frequently attends writing conferences, and has always been a member of a writer’s group.

Holly is a gardener, a news junkie, and vice-president of her local library board and loves to spend time near the ocean. She is the proud mother of two daughters and the wife of a man more than a few years her junior.

Find out more information about Holly Bush 

Holly Bush Books / Holly Bush’s Blog

Twitter / Goodreads

My Thoughts

     Holly Bush has written an enchanting historical romance that I loved getting lost in this past weekend. Who knew a chubby girl from Boston would find love with a farmer in South Dakota and it would be so wonderful? Julia is a lost soul trying to find her way in a world that doesn't fit her and Jake is the tough exterior she falls in love with.
     Julia has been her family's embarrassment for a number of years. Shy, slightly overweight, and fairly insecure, her family has demeaned and discredited her for most of her life. Her sisters are the pretty ones, she’s just the doormat for them to disrespect and make fun of. When she sees an ad in the paper for a mail order bride, she decides that nothing better is coming along and sets up a means to get herself out of her life and into what she hopes is a happy family.
     Jake is your stereotypical grumpy guy living out in the wilderness. He has been taking care of his sisters after his parents deaths and has pretty much sacrificed a large portion of his adulthood to his family. Out of loneliness, and a desire to have a family of his own, Jake advertises for a mail order bride to come to his farm in South Dakota.
      Through a series of twists and turns, Julia and Jake find themselves married, for better or worse. Neither is what the other expected in a spouse but they decide to make it work. I loved how uncomfortable they were at the beginning and by the end they strived to be together. Their growth was fun to watch and I was rooting for them, even through the huge twist that tore them apart.
       I really enjoyed Bush’s writing and her characters. The only thing I could say in the negative was that I would love to know more about the secondary characters. Jake’s sisters were really interesting and I just know they have interesting pasts, but little time is spent with them. Well, I guess I could just say that the time we met them wasn't nearly enough! All in all though, a very sweet romance perfect for someone wanting something simple and just plain nice to enjoy.

Book Details

Publisher: Book Baby

Date of Publication: April 4, 2012

# of Pages: 216

ISBN: 978-1620955277

Excerpt

Jake stopped dead in his tracks at his screen door. Julia stood in front of the sink, hair pulled up except for a few tendrils stuck wet to her back. Her dress was to her waist and she was running a washrag over her neck. Her skin was as pale as the shiny fabric of her underclothes. Julia tilted her head from side to side and hummed softly. Jake turned quickly when he heard his foreman hollering to him. He slammed the kitchen door open prepared to ask his bride what in the hell she thought she was doing standing near naked within a hundred yards of his randy group of farmhands. She turned as the door swung open. He took one fierce, angry step inside even as the sight of her stirred him. 

“What in the hell . . .”

“Be careful,” Julia shouted.
Jake charged into a bucket of water in front of the door. Water sloshed everywhere and the bucket flew end over end hitting a kitchen chair and knocking it over.

Jake grabbed for the door handle as his feet began to go out from under him.

Julia ran to him and kicked an errant potato straight at him. He bent and grabbed his shin where it hit. His muddy boots slipped in the water and sent Jake careening to the floor. He lay still on his back, the wind knocked out of him.

Julia dropped down on her knees beside him.

“Oh, dear. Jake, are you all right?” 

It took a moment to get his breath. He could already feel a knot growing on the back of his head. “Julia, everyman jack could a seen you standing at the sink practically naked.”

 

Check out the other stops on the tour!

October 15:   The Bunny's Review
October 16:  Queen of all She Reads
October 16:  The Romanceaholic
October 17:  Journey of a Bookseller
October 18: The Brunette Librarian
October 19:  It's Raining Books 
October 19:  Bodice Ripper Novels