Reading Between the Wines Book Club: 2014

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

#Review: Play of Passion by Nalini Singh - 4.5 Wine Glasses

Title: Play of Passion
Series: Psy-Changeling #9
Author: Nalini Singh
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 321 pages
Published: November 2nd 2010 by Berkley
ISBN: 0425237796
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Author
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 4.5/5

In his position as tracker for the SnowDancer pack, it's up to Drew Kincaid to rein in rogue changelings who have lost control of their animal halves- even if it means killing those who have gone too far. But nothing in his life has prepared him for the battle he must now wage to win the heart of a woman who makes his body ignite... and who threatens to enslave his wolf.

Lieutenant Indigo Riviere doesn't easily allow skin privileges, especially of the sensual kind- and the last person she expects to find herself craving is the most wickedly playful male in the den. Everything she knows tells her to pull back before the flames burn them both to ash... but she hasn't counted on Drew's will.

Now, two of SnowDancer's most stubborn wolves find themselves playing a hot, sexy game even as lethal danger stalks the very place they call home.

Crystal's Thoughts:

Book Selection: Holiday on Ice

By Jaci Burton

Wine Pairing: Ice Wine from Ohio

Lexi: Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a good love story on ice along with a cold glass of Ice Wine. And for those of you who are fans of Jaci Burton you will appreciate this little novella. We have met Stella and Trick, Patrick, before and now we get to see them get their second chance at love. Besides the ice, Burton has a knack for describing hockey that is as smooth as a frozen lake; my favorite part of Holiday on Ice was Trick. How about you?

#Review: Deliverance at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels - 5 Wine Glasses

Title: Deliverance at Cardwell Ranch
Series: Cardwell Cousins #3
Author: B.J. Daniels
Format: Paperback, 224 pages
Published: November 18th 2014 by Harlequin
ISBN: 0373698003
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Author
Reviewer: Linda
Rating: 5/5

New York Times bestselling author B.J. Daniels delivers another Cardwell Ranch keeper with a woman on the run…and the lawman sworn to keep her safe

When deputy sheriff Austin Cardwell rescues a woman in the worst blizzard in years, it's only the beginning. The dark-haired beauty has no memory of who she is and who—or what—she was fleeing. But she's terrified of the stranger who shows up at the hospital, claiming to be her husband.

Convinced that the mystery woman is in grave danger, Austin refuses to let her out of his sight. As desire builds between them, she seems ready to trust him. From Cardwell Ranch to the snowy wilds of Idaho, Austin vows to uncover her identity…before her past destroys any hope of a future.

Linda's Thoughts:
Don't do anything quickly, Tag had told him. And whatever you do, don't hit your brakes. You'll end up in the ditch.

He caught something in his headlights. It took him a moment to realize what he was seeing before his heart took off at a gallop.

A car was upside down in the middle of the highway, its headlights shooting out through the falling snow toward the river, the taillights a dim red against the steep canyon wall. The overturned car had the highway completely blocked.

Hungry Like the Wolf by Paige Tyler (Character #Spotlight & #Giveaway)

Paige Taylor's upcoming release, Hungry Like the Wolf, is a paranormal and suspense melded together for the perfect romance. I rated this book 4.5 wine glasses (review to come). It was my first read from Paige Tyler, but won't be my last!Find out more about this captivating new story below.

SWAT Profiles

Meet the Men of the Dallas PD SWAT Team

Name: Trey Duncan
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Age: 33
Originally From: Fargo, ND
Occupation Before Joining SWAT: U.S. Army Special Forces Medic
SWAT Rank: Senior Corporal
Special Skill/Talent: Medic and Entry
What He Drives: White Chevy Bronco
Years He’s Been a Werewolf: 7
Years in SWAT: 6
One thing he never leaves home without: A piece of frag from an 82mm mortar. He keeps it in a small eyeglass case.
Additional Notes: Really good at digging bullets out of werewolves.

Promotional Post: Make it Last by Megan Erickson (#Giveaway)

Megan Erickson will be releasing the third book in her new adult contemporary romance series, Bowler University next week. But we have a sneak peek for you today!

Make it Last
(Bowler University #3)
by Megan Erickson
ebook, 384 pages
Expected publication: January 6th 2015 by William Morrow Impulse
ISBN 0062353535

After graduating from Bowler University, the last place Cam Ruiz ever expected to find himself is his hometown. A bad job as a bouncer and worry over his mom’s health make living in Paradise anything but. There’s only one thing that can make his return any harder—running into the only girl he’s ever loved.

Tate Ellison made a mistake when she was eighteen, one that cost her the best thing she’s ever had. She’s always hoped the regret of losing Cam would fade over time. Too bad it’s only grown. She took comfort in the fact she’d never have to face him again, so his presence in Paradise throws her for a loop.

The pull between them is instant and when the truth of what happened years ago tumbles out, they share a mind-blowing kiss...which leads to more. But the past has a way of repeating itself. When all the cards are on the table, Cam and Tate must decide what they are willing to do to make it last.

AMAZON | B&N

#Review: Once Upon a Plaid by Mia Marlowe - 3.5 Wine Glasses

Title: Once Upon a Plaid
Series: Spirit of the Highlands #2
Author: Mia Marlowe
Format: Paperback, 352 pages
Published: October 7th 2014 by Zebra
ISBN: 1420135341
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Linda
Rating: 3.5/5

A wife may be courted, too…

Many would count Katherine Douglas fortunate indeed. Laird William Douglas is broad-shouldered, gentle-handed, everything a lass could dream. But after four years of marriage, Katherine still knows little of what goes on in his heart. And she has yet to bear him an heir. The distance between them is too great—and so she flees over the snowy highlands to Glengarry Castle, home of her childhood, to set her husband free.

But William won’t let his wife slip away without a fight. Before long, he’s at her father’s threshold himself, witness to the rumbles of discontent in Glengarry, the bright joy of Yuletide at a family hearth, and the hidden needs of his own beloved…

Linda's Thoughts:
He wanted her to want him. To need him as he needed her. And if God never saw fit to grant them a child, for him to be enough for her without one.

Happy Book Birthday to Robin Covington and Playing With the Drummer (#Giveaway)

Now available, Robin Covington's PLAYING WITH THE DRUMMER!

Friends –

I love a good Hollywood romance. The glamour. The sexy vibe of the opulent life. Add in the edgy, exciting world of rock-n-roll and I jump from “yes, please.” to “gimme, gimme” at the speed of Eddie Van Halen’s guitar riff on “Hot for Teacher”.

So writing about a broody, Alpha, reclusive drummer from the world’s most popular rock band and an entertainment journalist hell bent on getting her own TV show was a ton of fun. Add in the fact that they have a combustible history and you’ve got a story I hope you cannot put down.

Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress
(The Matchmaker Trilogy #3)
by Theresa Romain
Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: January 6th 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1402284055

ONE GOOD PROPOSITION DESERVES ANOTHER…

Heiress Augusta Meredith can’t help herself—she stirs up gossip wherever she goes. A stranger to Bath society, she pretends to be a charming young widow, until sardonic, darkly handsome Joss Everett arrives from London and uncovers her charade.

Now they’ll weave their way through the pitfalls of the polite world only if they’re willing to be true to themselves…and to each other…

AMAZON | B&N

Happy Release Day! Paxton's Promise by L.P. Dover

Happy release day to L.P. Dover and PAXTON'S PROMISE!

Paxton's Promise
(Gloves Off #3)
by L.P. Dover
Paperback, 1, 272 pages
Expected publication: December 29th 2014 by Books by L.P. Dover LLC
ISBN 0990396487

She hates him, yet she can’t get him out of her mind.

Female Bantamweight fighter, Gabriella Reynolds, has a bad habit of falling for forbidden fighters. Enter Paxton Emerson. He’s tall, tattooed, and the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Everyone wants a piece of him, and he only has eyes for her. Through no choice of her own, she’s fallen in his debt and he’s now demanding payment. Too bad it doesn’t involve currency. Gabby’s decision to fulfill her promise to him ultimately brings out her true feelings, but also spurs the unwanted attention of another.

Rage’s fixation on his newest obsession reaches dangerous levels. Unfortunately, Paxton Emerson has become a roadblock to his end goal and needs to be removed from the equation—by any means necessary.

Gabby will do anything to save Pax, but what happens when she’s the one who needs saving?

AMAZON | B&N

#Review: Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren - 5 Wine Glasses

Title: Sweet Filthy Boy
Series: Wild Seasons #1
Author: Christina Lauren
Format: eBook/Paperback, 416 pages
Published: May 13th 2014 by Gallery Books
ISBN: 1476751803
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 5/5

One-night stands are supposed to be with someone convenient, or wickedly persuasive, or regrettable. They aren’t supposed to be with someone like him.

But after a crazy Vegas weekend celebrating her college graduation—and terrified of the future path she knows is a cop-out—Mia Holland makes the wildest decision of her life: follow Ansel Guillaume—her sweet, filthy fling—to France for the summer and just…play.

When feelings begin to develop behind the provocative roles they take on, and their temporary masquerade adventures begin to feel real, Mia will have to decide if she belongs in the life she left because it was all wrong, or in the strange new one that seems worlds away.

Crystal's Thoughts:
Wow! Christina Lauren was a new author to me but after seeing on Facebook that Sweet Filthy Boy was on sale with glowing recommendations I decided to take a chance and purchase the book. Again - wow! I have so much love for this book, even weeks later I'm still blown away by the authors' witty writing and their delightful characters.

Title: Wicked
Series: A Wicked Saga #1
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Format: eBook/Paperback, 371 pages
Published: December 8th 2014
ISBN: 0988982951
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating:4.5/5

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

Crystal's Thoughts:
With a somewhat Hollows (Kim Harrison) feel to Wicked, Jennifer L. Armentrout takes readers on a journey through the Fae filled French Quarter, where the lines between friends and enemies blur and the choice of who to trust can end up being a deadly decision.

Sundays have never been so sexy!

Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. Want to join in? Just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like, and then leave a comment with a link to your post. And don't forget to have a sexy-good time!

The second book in Mary Buckham's Kelly McAllister series is now available at your favorite online retailer!

Invisible Secrets
Book 2: Kelly McAllister
by Mary Buckham
Paperback, 324 pages
Published November 20th 2014 by Cantwell Publishing, LLC
ISBN139781939210272

Kelly McAllister has a chance to uncover her true identity but only if she manages to shield a secret that threatens to destroy her IR team. On a new assignment she and sexy shifter Van Noziak are at cross purposes when Kelly becomes the unwitting protector of a teenage Seer that Noziak has been ordered to capture. Now Kelly faces a choice of protecting Van or stopping a powerful predator determined to manipulate a Seer with the ability to destroy the world.

AMAZON | B&N

Now available!

Death Waltz
(A Praestani Novel Book 2)
by A.M. Hargrove
ebook
Published December 28th 2014 by Smashwords Edition
ISBN139781311956798

Death Waltz (A Praestani Novel, Book 2) is an Adult Romance Novel and is not appropriate for younger readers due to its mature content. This is the sequel and the conclusion to Dark Waltz.

Dark Creatures have descended upon Earth and Abaddon has taken over. He wants Liasare as his own because she is the Key to the Light. With her by his side, he can use her power to unleash his evil across the universe.

Jurek and Liasare will fight to prevent this. But a Praestani traitor resides among them. Can Jurek teach Liasare to wield her power in time to halt the traitor’s plans? Or will they end up in Abaddon’s clutches, waltzing to their death in this stunning conclusion to Dark Waltz.

Dark Waltz and Death Waltz (The Praestani Novels) are spins offs from The Guardians of Vesturon Series.

AMAZON | B&N

#Review: Branded by Laura Wright - 3 Wine Glasses

Title: Branded
Series: The Cavanaugh Brothers #1
Author: Laura Wright
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Published: June 3rd 2014 by Signet
ISBN: 0451464877
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Publisher
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 3 out of 5 Wine Glasses

In the small town of River Black, Texas, sits the Triple C—a working cattle ranch that sustains the town. But it also holds painful memories and shocking secrets for the Cavanaugh brothers...

When the Cavanaugh brothers return home for their father’s funeral, they discover unexpected evidence of the old man’s surprising double life—a son named Blue, who wants the Triple C Ranch as much as they do. The eldest son, Deacon, a wealthy businessman who couldn’t wait to leave the ranch and move on with his life, is looking to use his powerful connections to stop Blue at any cost. He never expected the ranch’s forewoman, Mackenzie Byrd, to get in his way.

Mac knows Deacon means to destroy the ranch and therefore destroy her livelihood. But as the two battle for control, their attraction builds. Now Deacon is faced with the choice of a lifetime: Take down the Triple C to feed his need for revenge, or embrace the love of the one person who has broken down every barrier to his heart.

Crystal's Thoughts:
After the death of his father, Deacon Cavanaugh returns to his family's ranch, the Triple C, only to dismantle it and his father's name. But when he arrives he finds several surprises waiting for him. Not only does he have a half brother that no one knew about, but there is also a new forewoman on the ranch that Deacon can't overlook. Mackenzie Byrd is determined not to let Deacon take away the only home she has ever known and with Blue at her side fighting for the ranch as well she knows they won't fail. But Deacon is one tough nut to crack with a healthy dose of anger. Will his need for vengeance destroy not only her home, but the budding relationship growing between them?

Welcome to Sangria Saturday, where ever Saturday you will find a delicious sangria recipe to go with your weekend reading! Have a recipe of your own? Join the fun and leave us a comment or a link to your own post!

Try a new take on New Year's bubbly by sipping this cocktail, featuring St-Germain-soaked winter fruit and prosecco!

Sparkling Winter Sangria

Yields: 12 cocktails

Total Time: 15 min
Prep Time: 15 min

If you can't get enough historical romance, here is a box set that you won't want to miss!

Forbidden: A Regency Box Set
by Rachel Van Dyken, Kelly Martin, Kristin Vayden, Nadine Millard
Kindle Edition
Published December 25th 2014 by Blue Tulip Publishing
ASINB00RGWJXNK

#1 New York Times Best Selling Author Rachel Van Dyken joins forces with Regencies hottest names to bring you a Regency Holiday Box Set of "Forbidden Love"

A Winter Wish-By Nadine Millard
Mariah Bolton is as headstrong as she is clever, as strong-willed as she is beautiful. She enjoys her life and, apart from a rather snobbish mama, she is happy with her lot.Imagine her consternation then when her world is turned upside down by the brooding and aloof Mr. Brandon Haverton!
Mariah and Brandon are forced to endure each other’s company more than either wants to when a snowstorm traps them in the same house.
They argue, they bang heads and they drive each other insane.
But something precious is blooming beneath the surface of all that ice. Something neither looks for but both need.
Can love melt the snow around Brandon’s cold heart?
Can Mariah be brave enough to take a leap of faith?
And can a Winter Wish help bring two souls together forever?

For the Love of a Lady-By Kristin Vayden
Lady Esther Flanguard is all of the above… but that’s all about to change soon.
Because, Essie has a plan. And it’s sure to work brilliantly.
The only thing standing in her way is trying to convince Cross—her best friend’s brother—to go along with it.
Lord Crossby, Cross to those who know him well, knows that Essie’s plan is not a good idea.
What Essie doesn’t know, is that he’s been in love with her for years. He refuses to leave this second chance left to fate. He lost her once, and plans to never lose her again.
So, knowing he’ll risk his heart, he agrees to play along with her disastrous plan. Silently vowing, that though Essie might be pretending…he isn’t, and this time he’s playing for keeps.

Cloaked in Red:A Shattered Fairy Tale-By Kelly Martin
Frederick Dodsworth has no desire to find love at Anthony Wexley's Christmas gathering. Yet when he lays his eyes on the beautiful Rebecca for the first time, he is beyond smitten.
Lust turns to love. Love turns to jealousy. Jealousy turns to betrayal.
How did Frederick Dodsworth become the most evil man in Darenset? Simple. It started with a kiss.

The Devil Duke Takes a Bride-By Rachel Van Dyken
Who said being bad wasn't oh so good?
Benedict Devlyn, Duke of Banbury, has one thing on his mind and it isn't marriage. But things take a turn for the worse when his menacing aunt throws a hitch in his plans to remain the most sinful and talked about man in the ton. After all, a man cannot keep the reputation of being The Devil Duke when he is leg-shackled to some simpering spinster.
But his aunt, bless her heart, thinks she's dying, and believes her nephew's behavior is the only thing standing in the way between her entrance to heaven or hell. So she very lovingly and selflessly sets him up. With his childhood nemesis.
A young woman who, though she claims it was an accident, has nearly killed him thrice through her lack of grace and manners. It matters not that the minute he sets eyes on her at the Christmas ball, his blood boils with lust. He refuses to allow himself to fall prey to his aunt's ministrations.
That is, until he is compromised and stuck in an engagement to a girl who claims she'd rather jump from a moving carriage than marry him. Funny thing that, for the very minute she says no, he finds his heart very much wants to say yes. When she doesn't leap at the chance to marry him, he sets about to not only prove that he's worthy of her favor, but also worthy of her heart.

Three sultry stories about three royal brother's is now available in Taken by the Sheikh!

Taken by the Sheikh
by Mel Teshco, Christina Phillip, Cathleen Ross
ebook, 220 pages
Published December 25th 2014 by melchristinacathleen
ASINB00R00KM74

Three desert Sheikhs. Three captive brides…

Bound by duty to honor their father’s dying wish, three royal brothers must marry their destined brides… by whatever means necessary…

Book 1: Hostage to the Sheikh ~ Mel Teshco

Sheikh Shahzad Salah al Din doesn’t have time for hearts and flowers, not when his parents’ bodies are barely even cold in their graves and his country, Omana, is on the brink of revolt. He has to secure peace by honoring a long ago arrangement to make English rose, Lexi Galvin, his wife. The trouble is strong-willed Lexi isn’t aware of her royal Arab lineage let alone her destiny. There is only one way Shahzad can guarantee she will be his queen … and he isn’t above using force to get it.

Book 2: The Sheikh’s Mistaken Bride ~ Christina Phillips

In order to secure a powerful alliance for his country, Khalid has no choice but to marry a neighboring princess. It’s not what he wants, but duty must come before pleasure. Yet when he meets the beautiful Sanura he changes his mind… only to discover the virgin in his bed is not his destined bride.

Book 3: Sold to the Sheikh ~ Cathleen Ross

He’d paid a fortune for his bride and he was determined to collect, whether she liked it or not. Rafi Salah al Din doesn’t trust easily. In charge of security for his country Omana, he devotes his life to duty. With his parents murdered it is his duty to stabilize his country by finding his parents’ assassin, marry and produce a son to ensure the Salah al Din line lives on. So why does the wife he bought disagree?

AMAZON | B&N

99 Cents for a limited time!

Debut author Liah Penn's Pure Death & #Giveaway!

It’s not every day we get to celebrate a book’s birthday and the author’s debut...but we do today! Romantic suspense fans let me introduce you to: Liah Penn!

Lexi: Welcome Liah, I have a bottle of bubbly moscato to share in honor of your debut! An exciting day that we are glad you are sharing with us and our readers. Tell us, where did the idea for Pure Death come from?

Liah: Actually, the idea for Pure Death came from a conversation my son and I were having about the future. I read an article about when amniocentesis first became available, and geneticists thought that things like Down Syndrome would be eliminated because parents would chose to terminate their pregnancies. Of course, that hasn't happened. The hadn't taken into account the human element. Many, many parents have chosen to keep their child but have been thankful to amniocentesis because it prepared them for the unexpected. I then did some research into Nazi-era Germany and the unintended consequences of a select group of people trying to create a "master race". People are unpredictable.

Lexi: Human brains are programmed to want answers, that drives us to seek the truth and desire resolution. How has your background prepared you for writing this series?

With well over two hundred book reviews written and posted this year on Reading Between the Wines Book Club (and many, many more books read) we've agonized and deliberated over picking just five books for our BEST OF 2014 list. There may have been a few bottles of wine drank and one or two nails bitten during this process. But we've narrowed a list of hundreds down to one single digit and here they are. Our favorite books of the year! Maybe some of them are your favorites as well, or perhaps they're on your TBR list and this will bump them up to the top! Others might be new to you and we hope to provide you with some new books to read in 2015! What ever books are on your list though we hope that you have had a fantastic year of reading and would like to thank you for joining us on our reading journey. We hope each and every one of you have a wonderfully blessed 2015 filled with lots of great books and of course - wine!

Lexi:

Yeah, I stepped away from straight romance this year and found some amazing fantasy and magical realism books! Don't get me wrong, I do love the action but need a little romance when all is said and done. Variety keeps life interesting, unless it's my wine and then I seem to keep coming back to reds. Crystal help, I need a new wine!

#1: The Mark of the Tala by Jeffe Kennedy
This book has an NA vibe woven into a lush fantasy realm with an irresistible hero.

Merry Christmas from us to you!

Wishing all of our friends a wonderful Holiday filled with warmth, love and laughter! XOXO

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Promotional Post: Playing Doctor by Kate Allure (#Giveaway)

The doctor will see you now…

Playing Doctor
(Meeting Men #1)
by Kate Allure
Paperback, 256 pages
Expected publication: January 6th 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492602329

The doctor will see you now…

Three sizzling-hot erotic romance stories to stoke your mood…

In The Intern, the temperature of Dr. Lauren Marks' office quickly rises when her new medical intern, Courtney, turns out to be a passionate and sexy young man.

Valerie realizes all of her fantasies when her sexy surgeon and her loving husband team up to offer her some extra-special treatment in My Doctor, My Husband, and Me.

Nikki gets more than she bargained for in Seize the Doctor when the hot guy she recently met at a bar walks into her exam room wearing a white coat. Good thing she wore her sexiest lingerie.

AMAZON | B&N

#Review: Cinderella Screwed Me Over by Cindi Madsen - 5 Wine Glasses

Title: Cinderella Screwed Me Over
Author: Cindi Madsen
Format: Paperback, 400 pages
Published: October 22nd 2013 by Entangled Publishing
ISBN: 1622660315
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Reviewer: Linda
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Darby Quinn has a bone to pick with Cinderella. Burned one too many times by ex-boyfriends, Darby has lost all belief in the happily-ever-after that the fairy-tale princess promised her. She's sworn off love, Prince Charmings, and happy endings and she's happy about it. Really. Or at least she was…until she met Jake, her gorgeous neighbor and the manager of her favorite restaurant. But Darby has rules about dating, ones she's culled from her years spent with so-called “princes,” and starting something with Jake would break all of them.

Charming, fun, and unwilling to give up on her, Jake doesn’t fit any of the profiles Darby has created from her case studies of ex-princes-gone-bad. Finally presented with her own Prince Charming, can Darby take a chance on a happily-ever-after?

Full of wit and sarcastic humor, Cinderella Screwed Me Over proves that sometimes the perfect love, like a perfect pair of shoes, is just within your grasp.

Linda's Thoughts:
"Cinderella screwed me over. And really, she doesn't deserve all the blame. Jasmine, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty - whatever her real name was, she had, like three of them - they all added to it. This idea of happily ever after. Of finding Prince Charming. If you re-watch Cinderella now, you'll realize there are some similarities between Prince Charming and the guys you've dated."
---

“You don't even know me," I said.
"And whose fault is that?"
"Cinderella's"
Two creases formed between Jake's eyebrows.
"Cinderella's?"
"Yeah, Cinderella screwed me over." Without any more explanation, I got into my car, pulled the door closed, and fired up the engine.”

I have a confession to make, I turn into a big cookie monster during the holidays! A friend of mine made me these Nutella cookies that were to die for! They were so good that we were sitting at the Italian restaurant, Pomo, when a woman came up and practically accosted us for the recipe! She asked my friend for her secret recipe, and did she tell her? Hell no! She told the woman to Google it. I know it’s not very Christmas-y. But anyway, I finally convinced her to divulge her secret recipe, here it is! I dare you to eat only one!

#Review: Watch Me by Cynthia Eden - 3.5 Wine Glasses

Title: Watch Me
Series: Dark Obsession #1
Author: Cynthia Eden
Format: ebook, 200 pages
Published: December 9th 2014 by Hocus Pocus Publishing
ISBN: 139780991027699
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Watch Me…The first book in New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden’s sexy new romantic suspense series…DARK OBSESSION.

He was hired to protect her.

Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn’t a hard job—but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her—as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard—Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.

He’d never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.

But Chance soon realizes that he isn’t the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won’t rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment…Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can’t unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.

Crystal's Thoughts:

Are you ready for the conclusion to

The Gypsy Brother’s Series?

ONE LOVE IS LIVE!

One Love
(Gypsy Brothers #7)
by Lili St. Germain
Paperback, 122 pages
Published December 14th 2014

*The final book in the #1 iBooks bestselling Gypsy Brothers series*

Will Julz complete her mission for vengeance against the Gypsy Brothers? Or is Dornan still one step ahead?

More shocking secrets will come to light and lives will be lost in this final, devastating instalment of the Gypsy Brothers series.

AMAZON | B&N

Sexy Snippets: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Sundays have never been so sexy!

Sorcha Grace of A FEAST OF YOU Shares a Cocktail Recipe!

In A FEAST OF YOU, Book 3 in my The Epicurean series, Catherine Kelly and her friends Allison and Dana, enjoy a girls’ night out at Hutch Morrison’s signature restaurant, Morrison Hotel. Smokin’ hot, heavily inked ex-rockstar Hutch is now one of the most lauded chefs on the planet, but he’ll never turn his back on his rock-n-roll roots. Morrison Hotel’s menu completely changes a few times a year and each new menu is inspired by a rock album. Sticky Fingers is the current theme and Hutch’s plays on American Southern cuisine and “foods of his youth,” pay homage to the iconic 1971 Rolling Stones album. Allison orders a fancy cocktail called the “Faithfull,” which is named for Marianne Faithfull, who co-wrote “Sister Morphine,” with Keith and Mick. The drink itself is a play on Southern Sweet Tea, with a kick. Bon Appetit!

The Faithfull

Sangria Saturday: Honeycrisp Apple Sangria (#Wine #Sangria #Recipe)

Welcome to Sangria Saturday, where ever Saturday you will find a delicious sangria recipe to go with your weekend reading! Have a recipe of your own? Join the fun and leave us a comment or a link to your own post!

Tomorrow is the first day of Winter! Doesn't a Honeycrisp Apple Sangria sound delicious to kick the season off? Make some for your Winter Solstice get-together!

Honeycrisp Apple Sangria

EXTRA Chapter! "Slowly Unwrapped" by Victoria Vane (#Giveaway)

Victoria Vane has written an extra chapter called “Slowly Unwrapped” starring Wade and Nikki! The Christmas story is below and there is even a giveaway. Enjoy!

SLOWLY UNWRAPPED
By Victoria Vane

Decatur Georgia, Christmas Day

Nikki yanked the handle of the shopping buggy. It stuck. She cursed and gave it another jerk but it remained jammed.

“Use your foot,” Shelby instructed. “Like this.” With one solid kick, Shelby wedged the buggy free. “I still don’t understand why you’re going through all this stress and aggravation, Nik. The man just gave you a ring. Are you really sure you want to risk cooking for him?”

Nikki grimaced. “Thanks a lot, Shel.”

“I’m just sayin’ he has to know by now that you’re no domestic goddess.”

Pages

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Monday, December 29, 2014

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Friday, December 26, 2014

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Monday, December 22, 2014

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Saturday, December 20, 2014