Clean Romance Reviews

Counterfeit Love

2012-02-29T07:50:00.000-06:00

Elysia Hendricks
Contemporary Romance
E-Book

"No aging, high school teaching lothario was going to sidetrack her."

Maggie has a job to do. Working in security is not always a pleasant job, but posing as a high school student to check out leads in a corporate hacking job might be taking things a bit too far. Especially when the oh-so-cute Jared Blake is her teacher, and one of her suspects. But as she gets to know the man, she begins to think of him more as a man and less as a job. But her feelings can't change what she must do, however much she might want them to. Jared Blake was burned years ago when a student claimed he had made inappropriate advances - a situation that lost him his job, his marriage and his home. Back home with his daughter to raise alone, he wants nothing to do with the provocative Maggie McCade. But common sense fights with attraction as he tries to do what is right - for his job and for his heart.

My Opinion: This was a cute, sweet and light romance. The story was fun and easy to read. Maggie is a good character, who learns to open up and search out a place she can call home. Her internal struggle to do her job versus protect the man she is falling in love with is great. Jared is a strong character who is figuring out how to fight for what he wants. Their interaction is good and well written. Few side characters makes this book focus on the two main characters and how they react to each other. My only two points are that its a little creepy for a thirty-something-year-old to fall in love with someone he thinks is eighteen. And, it seems a little far fetched for a twenty-nine year old woman to pass for eighteen. Otherwise, it's a good read that I enjoyed a lot.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

Leap Into Books Hop: Lady Caroline and the Egotistical Earl

2012-02-29T00:01:00.000-06:00

Well, it's time for another giveaway, and a giveaway hop! Awesome! Today we have the talented Terry Spear giving away an e-copy of her book Lady Caroline and the Egotistical Earl. This is a great medieval romance you don't want to miss!

For my summary and review, please click here.

So, how do you enter to win? Easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below. Then you can check out all the other giveaways in the hop!

Official Rules: Entrants must be 18 years or older. This giveaway is open to internationally. This contest will end at 11:59 EST on Mar 5, 2012. All entries must be submitted before then. The winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There Your Heart Will Be Also

2012-02-28T07:05:00.000-06:00

Felicia Rogers
Medieval Romance

"A nagging wife was worse than constant dripping, or so he'd heard."

Since the death of her father, Sarra has been plagued with men the king has sent to marry her - and take her lands. But Sarra isn't interested in sharing her life with any of the greedy men who enter her keep. Scaring them off seems to be the best solution. That is, until one refused to be scared. But how does she go about convincing him that he could come to love her for herself if she won't tell him who she really is? And what will happen when she doesn't want him to leave at all? Cedric left Scotland and his clan to chase his dream. Now he has won favor with the English king and the right to gain land. But he must marry the mistress of Greenbriar first. But how can he win said lady's heart when he keeps being distracted by the alluring maid, Sarra. Will he be forced to decide between the woman and his dreams?

My Opinion: This was a great book! I loved being pulled into the story of love, land and pride. Sarra was a strong character with enough realism to make her very easy to relate to. She seemed a bit old for the time period, but that's alright. Cedric was a wonderful character - mixing goals and desires as he falls in love with the "wrong" woman. The side characters made for a full story and brings you into the world the characters are living in. I especially liked Duncan's character. The action was good and the plot went well. A light dash of Christian slant, while not overpowering seems a bit out of place. Altogether it was a fun book that I enjoyed reading and would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

Giveaway!!! The Crown of Anavrea

2012-02-27T06:26:00.001-06:00

Well, we seem to have a ton of giveaways lately - how awesome is that? I love being able to help authors get known and for all of you to have a chance to win great clean romances. Here today we have author Rachel Rossano giving away an eBook copy of her newest book, The Crown of Anavrea. This is book one in her new series and you don't want to miss out.

For my summary and review, click here.

So, how do you enter to win? It's easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below.

Official Rules: Entrants must be 18 years or older. This giveaway is open internationally. This contest will end at 11:59 EST on Mar 7, 2012. All entries must be submitted before then. The winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

ga Rafflecopter giveaway

The Boyfriend Thief

2012-02-24T08:15:00.000-06:00

Shana Norris
Contemporary Romance
Young Adult
E-Book

" When you were forced to live far away from Disney World or Six Flags or any place that might have cute and cuddly mascots walking around, a giant hot dog worked to fill the void"

Ever since her mother walked out on them four years ago, Avery has done everything she could to keep order in her life - and her family's. Everything has her place and her future is set - including a summer trip to Costa Rica. The problem is, she doesn't have the money for it yet, and even her hours at her after school job won't make enough. What she needs is a miracle. What she gets is Hannah Cohen offering money to make her boyfriend break up with her. Avery doesn't understand why Hannah can't do it herself, but she needs the money more than an explanation. Zac Greeley is laid back, goofy and altogether not the kind of boy Avery would normally hang out with. But perhaps there is more to Zac than meets the eye. And more to life than Avery had realized.

My Opinion: This was a great, well-written young adult novel. Full of teenage hormones, misunderstandings and personal growth. The author really pulls you into the world of teenagers being pulled in several different directions by their parents, their friends and their own desires. Avery is a wonderfully written character, full of hidden pain and fighting for control in her life. Zac is a laid back kid who is sweet and kind. Their romance is cute and fun as they struggle against what they should do and what they want to do. The whole story was cute and fun, while still feeling like the characters were, in fact, teenagers and not just misunderstood adults. It was a good story that I would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

Southern Superstitions

2012-02-22T07:22:00.000-06:00

BJ Robinson
Christian Romance
Love
E-Book

"I do believe in the good Lord, but that black cat was a warning."

In Louisiana, faith and superstition have both played a large part in June's life. But which one is stronger - faith in God or dangers from bad omens? As long as June and Andy have been together they have had to fight to make a balance between the two, in their hearts and in the heart of her mother. Their love has seen them through good times and bad. The ultimate test comes when Andy disappears on a hunting trip, leaving June to wonder and wait to see if he'll ever return to her. Should she move on or keep having faith? They have tested the bounds of ignoring superstitions, and it may just have caught up with them. But surely faith is stronger, isn't it?

My Opinion: This book was heavily focused on it's Christian slant, almost to the exclusion of anything else. Much of the beginning of the book went quickly, which made sense once one realizes that it's laying back story, but seems to be going at lightning speed until then. The main characters, though in love, focus much of their conversations and actions on relying on faith and less on superstitions, though almost no focus is put on their own actions. June is an independent woman, constantly fighting between being independent and winning approval. Andy is a sweet boy, though a bit of a push over at times. Myrtle is a crazy old lady, which is a little endearing, but is a very overpowering character. Overall, not what I would consider a good romance, though there is a lot of focus on love and faith getting you through hard times.

I was given a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

Giveaway!! Fall For You

2012-02-21T07:26:00.001-06:00

Today I have another great giveaway for all of you! YAY! Debuting on Valentine's Day, we have a brand new book for you entitled Fall For You: a Jane Austen academy novel, by Cecelia Gray. This modern Pride and Prejudice re-telling is one that I am looking forward to reading and am so happy to be able to host a giveaway for. There are TWO copies being given away. Since it's an e-book, this is open internationally. Woo-Hoo!

For Amazon's page for this book, please click here.

So how do you enter to win? Easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Official Rules: Entrants must be 18 years or older. This giveaway is open to internationally. This contest will end at 11:59 EST on Feb 29, 2012. All entries must be submitted before then. The winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes

2012-02-20T07:47:00.015-06:00

Denise Grover Swank
A Rose Gardner Mystery: Book One
Contemporary Romance

"I knew I was acting like a petulant child putting it off, but Rome wasn't built in a day and a sourdough starter took a week to create."

Rose Gardner, in all her twenty-four years, had never really lived. Always listening to what her mother or sister told her to do, she had never branched out and done her own thing. It all boils out one day after she has a vision - a vision of her own death. Rose decides to stop living under her cruel mother's thumb and after their first argument ever, she finds herself making a list of things to do - twenty-eight things. But when her mother ends up dead and she is the prime suspect, things start to heat up. Especially with her new neighbor, Joe. But as things continue to heat up it seems that her vision just might come true. What should she do with her last week of life? And why is Joe being so protective of her? Does he like her, or is he using her for his own ends?

My Opinion: This book was simply fantastic! The story drags you in from the first line and never lets you go. My adrenaline got going with this one and didn't stop until the very end. The excitement and plot twists are well made so that they are fun and exhilarating. Rose is a fabulous character - a mixture of the innocence of a young girl with the maturity of an adult. She is sweet, naive and determined to break free from her past. Joe is an enigma and you go back and forth with Rose and if you should trust him or not (though you want to). Their interaction, though a bit steamy at one point, is wonderful and sweet and curls your toes. there were so many great lines and expressions that I was laughing half the time at the quirkiness of the writing. A great mystery, romance and adventure all rolled into one. I highly recommend this one.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

Interesting Online Interactive Romance Story

2012-02-18T08:11:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! I have something kind of different for you all today. I recently "met" Chris Gregoria online and was introduced to a project he is trying with his new blog as a project in college. Now, as you may not know I have exactly two soft spots: one is for kids and the other is for college students. If I can help, I will. So, anyway, back to Chris's project.

His project involves three separate blogs (all linked together) that chronicle an online story of two college freshman who are starting their first year of school - Kurt and Roslyn. What each didn't realize signing up for their English course is that they were agreeing to a social experiment where they would be housed in co-ed dorms....meaning they would be roommates. There is one blog for Kurt, one for Roslyn and one for a third-person narration. As the story will progress, the readers and followers are needed to leave comments, advice or suggestions for the characters to do in the story.

I thought this was an interesting idea and so I am passing the information on to all of you. If you are interested, I have included links to the three blog pages. I'm sure each of you will have great advice to give to the characters as their story plays out. :)

College Love Story 3rd Person Blog
Kurt's Character Blog
Roslyn's Character Blog

Klaus

2012-02-17T07:32:00.001-06:00

Michelle Erickson
Fantasy Romance

"The Priest waited until the door banged shut and he turned to Klaus, his thin lips pinched together as if he had eaten something as vile as he acted."

In the forest of Everaude, immortals live and play with little concern for the humans in the village of Kringle. Eralee doesn't fit in with her immortal peers, proving this once again when she doesn't kill the human who invades their forest. Instead she is intrigued by him, determined to become closer to him. Eralee has no desire to marry Tymmer, her fiance, but rather finds herself drawn to the human named Klaus. But what does she know about caring for a human? Klaus is amazed that someone like Eralee wanted anything to do with a poor outcast like him. But he wants to find a way for them to be together. But the truth of his past comes as a surprise to them both, and with the interference of the winter witch, they may find it harder than ever to find a way to be together. Can love overcome all obstacles, or are there some things that simply cannot be spanned by desires of the heart?

My Opinion: This was an interesting book, full of a new mythical world of fairies, elves, river lords, witches and more. It felt like a magical world that really could have created Santa from it's depths. Of course, there were times it got a little cheesy fitting in all the various components of the Santa stories, but in general it worked. Eralee and Klaus were both good characters as were the many, many side characters. The romance was quick and underlined the rest of the storyline which made it more of an eternal love story - something I hope Santa really has with his wife...:) The plot did seems to slow down in order to describe people, places or things in an abundance, then speed up with sudden plot twists. This made it a long read, but still a fun twist of Christmas stories.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

CLOSED Giveaway!!! The Guardian Duke

2012-02-16T07:58:00.003-06:00

Hello again. We have another wonderful giveaway for you! Yay!! Today, author Jamie Carie has graciously offered to give away two copies of her book, The Guardian Duke. One will be a print copy to one lucky winner! This is a great book that I am looking forward to reading myself and I'm sure you will enjoy.

For the Amazon description of this book, please click here.

So how do you enter to win this great book? It's easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below!

Official Rules: Entrants must be 18 years or older. This giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only. This contest will end at 11:59 EST on Feb 24, 2012. All entries must be submitted before then. The winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hauntings of the Heart

2012-02-13T07:40:00.001-06:00

Joselyn Vaughn
Contemporary Romance
E-Book

"Minnie had been his oxygen once, and losing her had been like living in a backwards Claritin commercial."

Minnie and Gordon were in love. Their lives were just beginning and both marriage and adventure awaiting them. But things went wrong and they never saw each other again. Until now, fifty years later, when a mother's wish, leaky pipes and paranormal investigators throw them together once again. Gordon has returned to town to purchase back the home his mother lost after his father's death. Minnie, however, is struggling to turn that very building into a profitable Bed and Breakfast. But when memories of the past re-surface, will they be able to save what they once had, or will everything that has happened since pull them further apart?

My Opinion: This book was a roller coaster of witty comments, painful memories and a splash of hope. Finally,one of the Ladies' Night Out who gets her own love story. Minnie, a favorite side character of mind from past books, is independent and strong despite her vulnerable heart. Having felt betrayed once, she is hesitant to let anyone see her weakness again. Gordon is a bit of a shy character, but he has great interplay with the other characters. Together they produce sparks, happy memories and painful pasts. Despite the slow unfolding of a tragic past, the humor and wit on every page kept me laughing and smiling through out. The author pulls you in so well that in the end you feel every emotion the main characters are feeling - with a bittersweet but happy ending. Well written and well made book.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

Something Witchy This Way Comes

2012-02-10T08:25:00.001-06:00

Veronica Blade
Paranormal Romance
Young Adult
Book 1 of Series

"Of course, when a guy looked like Hayden, girls could be pretty stupid with forgiveness."

Tessa has enough to deal with between her little sister and her completely detached parents. What she doesn't need is the school player to be assigned as her bodyguard to protect her from unknown evil. She's not special, is she? Apparently she is - because Tessa is a witch. While learning of her powers, she will be faced with choosing sides among her sorcerer peers. But Tessa keeps getting distracted by the ever-hot Hayden. Hayden has never seen a need to commit to one girl, and despite accepting this babysitting job - he doesn't see any reason for that to change. That is, until Tessa starts invading his every thought. Why can't he get her out of his mind? And what will happen when he gets sucked into her world in a way he had never imagined? Can he commit to just one girl? And will they survive long enough to find out?

My Opinion: This was a well written, good young adult book. Delving into the world of teenagers, it brought on feelings of teenage frustrations and hormones despite the forced maturity of the characters. The paranormal world of witches and sorcerers were believable and well thought out. Tessa was a fabulous character who played a good balance between excited teenager and newly discovered witch. Hayden's character showed great growth and development. Their romance was hot and heavy without going over the line - which left you with a heady blush, but without any embarrassment. Good side characters flushed out the story with interactions and thickening the plot. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

CLOSED Giveaway!!! Hidden in the Heart: an LDS Novel

2012-02-10T07:50:00.002-06:00

Welcome back and we have another wonderful giveaway for you today. Isn't this a great month? You get to celebrate love and have a chance to win a bunch of great romance books! Today we have another giveaway by the talented author, Roseanne Evans Wilkins, featuring her book, Hidden in the Heart: an LDS Novel. Roseanne is graciously giving away a paperback copy to one lucky winner!

For the Amazon description of this book, please click here.

So, how do you enter to win this book? It's easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below!

Official Rules: Entrants must be 18 years or older. This giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only. This contest will end at 11:59 EST on Feb 20, 2012. All entries must be submitted before then. The winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Crown of Anavrea

2012-02-08T08:17:00.000-06:00

Rachel Rossano
Fantasy Romance
Medieval Romance
Book 1 of Theodoric Saga

"It was difficult to stare down a man when one had to glare up to meet his eye."

Labren has been on the run for years. When he is wounded, left for dead, he almost wishes for such an end. But being rescued by the beautiful Eve changes things. She saves his life, and in return he offers to free her from slavery - through marriage. Though unsure of how to provide for her, he is drawn to return her kindness. But soon he may find himself drawn to do more than that. Eve is unsure if she can trust this stranger - but surely he must be better than her abusive master. Can she trust him to help her? And what will he want in return?

My Opinion: This was an interesting read, full of twist and turns. However, with the quick plot changes I felt a bit lost at times. The author created a fantasy world, though without magic and wizards, that resembles medieval times, but with new places and people so that I felt like I was thrown into a new world that should make sense but didn't quite. The story of Labren and Eve itself was cute and sweet. I loved their romance and falling in love. It was everything else that seemed to distract rather than to build up the story. The side characters were well written and I enjoyed the interactions everyone had. I enjoyed the human aspect of this book, but the background information didn't pull me into the new world. I would have enjoyed more build up, but for a quick read it was fun and I would assume that more information may come in the next book of the saga.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

CLOSED Giveaway!!! Dangerous Favor

2012-02-07T07:42:00.001-06:00

We have another wonderful giveaway for you today, from author Joyce DiPastena. Joyce has recently published her third medieval romance novel, Dangerous Favor. This is the third in a series, but I doubt you'd be lost if you picked it up on its own. (Or go ahead and buy the first two since they are simply fabulous!). Today Joyce is giving away a paperback copy of her newest book to one lucky winner!

For my review, please click here.

So how do you enter to win? It's easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below!

Official Rules: Entrants must be 18 years or older. This giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only. This contest will end at 11:59 EST on Feb 16, 2012. All entries must be submitted before then. The winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lady Caroline and the Egotistical Earl

2012-02-06T08:09:00.001-06:00

Terry Spear
Medieval Romance
E-Book

"Not that he had a whole lot of interest in whatever small difficulty the mother most likely faced, but he was determined to find out more about the daughter."

Caroline wants nothing more than to stop the men who are attacking her mother's lands, killing livestock and endangering her people. But when her mother approaches John, Earl of Ipswich for help, Caroline is disgusted with his arrogance and lack of concern. But John is not indifferent - to their plight nor her beauty. No, he wants to be with Caroline as much as he can. But Caroline won't sit back and watch others take the lead. Wishing to prove her independence she sets out to solve the mystery of the attacks. As things heat up and Caroline's life becomes in danger, the stakes are raised. John wishes to protect her at all costs, something her strong will makes difficult. Can he prove that he wants to protect her out of love, or will he lose her forever?

My Opinion: I thought that this was a great book. Well written and with enough excitement and fun events to offset the slightly predictable story. Caroline is spunky, headstrong and independent. Though a bit unconventional for the time period, she makes it work. John is a great leader and a nice mix of tender protector and aristocrat. I loved their interplay and how their relationship developed. With well written side characters and subplots, the story really pulled you in. I got so caught up in the excitement and love story that I could barely put it down. I would highly recommend this one.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

CLOSED Giveaway!!! Marina's Tales Books #1-3

2012-02-03T07:53:00.004-06:00

We have yet another wonderful giveaway for all of you today. Author Derrolyn Anderson has generously offered one winner copies of all three of her books in the Marina's Tales series: Between the Land and the Sea, The Tide and the Moon, and, The Fate of the Muse. This is a great paranormal young adult series - and book #4 is on its way, so don't miss out! Click on the titles below to read my reviews. Prizes will be given in the form of smashwords coupons.

Between the Land and the Sea

The Moon and the Tide

The Fate of the Muse

So how do you enter to win? Easy! Just use the Rafflecopter form below!

Official Rules: Entrants must be 18 years or older. This giveaway is open internationally. This contest will end at 11:59 EST on Feb 16, 2012. All entries must be submitted before then. The winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February Sponsors!

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, yesterday was a little crazy for me. For some reason there was a break down in communication between my head, my fingers and my computer. It took me a while to get my new sponsor ads up and running - so my introductions are a day late. But this month I am happy to present a new bunch of wonderful sponsors and their great books.

We start off with Pamela Thibeaux and her novel, The Visionary - a contemporary women's lit book you must check out.

Next we have Jamie Carie and her book, The Guardian Duke - book one of the Forgotten Castles series. I'm looking forward to reading this one soon!

After that we have Joselyn Vaughn and her latest book, Hauntings of the Heart. It's time for one of the Ladies' Night Out club to find love of their own. Look for my review later this month.

Next is Bella Street with her wonderful time-travel novel, Kiss Me, I'm Irish. Don't miss out on this one!

After that is Joyce DiPastena and the third installment of her medieval series, Dangerous Favor. Wonderful series you don't want to miss! If you get this, make sure to check out the back cover for a quote by yours truly!

Marti Talbot is after that, with her e-book The Highlander Series. Fabulous strings of shorter stories all connected together and inter-played. Don't miss out!

Next Grace Green has returned to us with two of her wonderful books. Beach Rental and her new book Kincaid's Hope are both being featured this month.

Up next is Aris Wittier and her novel, Across Eternity. Jump into the world of soulmates, and finding each other once again.

Carol Ann Erhardt is featured next with her book, Trapped. This is book one of the Havens Creek series - a book full of suspense, inspirations, and of course, love. Also featured is her book, Joshua's Hope, another great contemporary romance.

Rachel Van Dyken joins us next with her book, The Seduction of Sebastian St James. This is a fabulous regency romance that I am looking forward to reading too.

Next up is Rachel Rossano with her two books. The Crown of Anavrea begins her new series - look for my review soon! The Mercenary's Marriage is also being featured - a great fantasy book about love and trust.

Our last sponsor is Jennifer Comeaux and her book, Life on the Edge. Mixing ice skating, competition, and forbidden sparks - you shouldn't miss this one!

Thanks to all my sponsors. Check them out and see if you can find some new books and authors! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please visit my sponsor page.

Renegade Hearts

2012-02-01T07:45:00.002-06:00

Anne Patrick
Contemporary Romance
Christian Romance
E-Book

"Gil thought over their plan again and hoped Jenny didn't learn of it. Not only would their jobs be on the line, she was liable to wring their necks"

Jenny has about all she can handle on her plate right now. Between a large cattle ranch, dealing with the death of her husband and raising her son, there is no time for romance. There is barely time to find a new ranch hand. So when her foreman's son is in need of work after returning from the war, she hires him. Little did she know just how complicated her life could get. Gil is running from the memories of that terrible day that got him sent home from the war. But what he finds is a woman who entrances him, his old friend's widow. But how can he convince her that he's not going anywhere, or that it just might be worth the risk to open her heart again?

My Opinion: Although it was a well researched book with a lot of potential with plot and development, I felt that this book kinda fell flat in the excitement department. Conflicts were resolved too quickly and easily for there to be any real build up of tense emotions or problems. Jenny was very strong, though still attached to the memory of her husband and didn't seem ready to jump into a new relationship. Gil was a perfect hero, always having the answers and never making a mistake. Zach was a great character. The romance was a bit underdeveloped for me without a lot of back and forth. I felt that there was little obstacle with them falling in love and little conversation between the two in order to develop any. It was a well written book, it just didn't seem to have the fun and drama that I normally look for in a romance novel.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

Giveaway!!! A Christmas Diamond for Merry & $10 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

2012-01-31T07:37:00.006-06:00

Welcome, welcome to another wonderful giveaway! Yay! Today we have a wonderful author, Ginger Hanson who has generously offered up two prizes for one lucky winner. First, an e-copy of her Christmas book, A Christmas Diamond for Merry. And, so that you can go pick up one of her other great books, a $10 Barnes & Noble gift card. I have reviewed two of her other books, Feather's Last Dance and Ellie's Song and recommend both!

So, how do you win this fabulous prize? It's easy, just use the Rafflecopter form below! Good luck and happy reading!

Official Rules: Entrants must be 18 years or older. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian mailing addresses only. This contest will end at 11:59 EST on Feb 12, 2012. All entries must be submitted before then. The winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Fate of the Muse

2012-01-30T08:06:00.000-06:00

Derrolyn Anderson
Paranormal Romance
Young Adult
E-Book
Book 3 of Marina's Tales
Between the Land and the Sea, The Moon and the Tide, The Fate of the Muse

"Sometimes the situation seemed comically surreal, and I had to laugh at myself, realizing that seventeen was a weird age for an existential crisis."

Marina must face big changes for her life. As she and her friends near graduation, real life is about to begin. While Marina is happy for her friends' new-found successes, she has mixed feelings about what her part as a muse might be playing with each of their lives. Especially Ethan. Is she inadvertently amplifying their traits, even if it's not what's best for them? And there is the council she must face as well and hidden dangers from those who know her secret. But at the heart of it all is still the pull between her sisters in the water and her love on land. Ethan is pressing for more commitment from her, anxious to keep her on land. But can she make him understand her other life? Or would it make everyone's life easier if she returned to the sea?

My Opinion: This next chapter of Marina's Tales is just as exciting and enthralling as the first two. The author sucks you back into the world of mermaids, young love and evil plots. Marina is still the same bouncy teenager who is faced with fantastical forces pulling on her with only Ethan as a rock to ground her. Ethan is a strong character, though a bit silent. I was happy to see him get a stronger voice in this book. Their love is sweet, but still rocked with the natural problems on young love. The side characters continue to fill in the story well. I will note that there is a male side character with a boyfriend - nothing is detailed at all, but it's there. Altogether I got completely re-absorbed into this book and would definitely recommend this whole series.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

Ellie's Song

2012-01-27T10:09:00.000-06:00

Ginger Hanson
Contemporary Romance

"I know you read it, you know you read it. You wouldn't be making cinnamon bread if you hadn't read it."

Four years ago, Ellie had her heart broken by Lane Walker. Unable to deal with the tabloids and public exposure his new-found fame involved, she left. But she left without telling him she was pregnant. When he didn't come after her, she believed she had made the right choice. But now the tabloids have Lane engaged, the same day he shows up on her doorstep. How will he react when he finds out he has a daughter? And will she have the willpower to stay away from him? Lane Walker never fell out of love with Ellie, even after she had abandoned him. He wants to have her back, and is taken aback at the existence of his daughter. Perhaps they can be a family - but only if he can convince Ellie to trust him. If not, will he lose her again?

My Opinion: It thought this was a good read, though a bit unexpected. Without a ton of action in the book, the author still maintains much of the momentum by expertly reliving the past and keeping their struggles current and interesting. There was no boring repetition, but rather a more mature look back on past mistakes and the realization that they must try to forgive and move on. Ellie was a good character, torn by love and abandonment. Lane was sensitive and caring, though determined to make her trust him. Their love is sweet and fun, with enough other characters and twists to keep things interesting. Overall, a good book.

I received a free copy of this book to review. No other compensation was given. The summary and review are 100% my own.

Romance at Random Feature

2012-01-25T09:56:00.000-06:00

I was recently contacted by the wonderful people over at Random House publishing about being a guest blogger for their romance blog, Romance at Random. As a large publisher, they obviously publish both clean and non-clean romance, but I thought it was a great opportunity to reach out to readers and bring a little spotlight onto the cleaner side of romance novels. I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you'll hop on over to check it out. Discussion is always welcome, so feel free to leave a comment too (or come back here and let me know what you think.) And apparently they do a random drawing from the comments for the week to get free books. I have no idea what books they are giving away, but thought I would share.

Check it out and see what I have to say about why we all love reading romance books so much. :)

CLICK HERE TO READ MY GUEST POST

Editorial Review

2012-01-23T09:10:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been reviewing for a little over a year now and I am so thankful for all my readers, authors, publishers and fans that have made this site what it is. I am happy to announce that my first "official" review has been published.....and by that I mean that my review of the book has been quoted as an editorial review (the ones written on the back of a book)! Yay! A special thanks to Joyce DiPastena and Brigham Publishing. So, want to check it out?

Dangerous Favor is a wonderful medieval romance novel set in France. It is technically the third book in a series which includes Loyalty's Web and Illuminations of the Heart (but I think you'd be fine reading it as a stand-alone if you'd like). You can see my full review here.

It's a good book and just became available ... and don't forget to check out yours truly in the reviews!