A to Z Bookish Survey Tag

It’s Random Friday and since I’m in the middle of reading Kissed at Christmas I decided to do another book tag. This time it is the A to Z Bookish Survey Tag. I discovered this tag on Brin’s Book Blog.

Author you’ve read the most books from:

Darcy Burke. I had to check Goodreads to be sure and it was a close call between her and two other authors.

Best Sequel Ever:

This is a hard one. Let’s go with The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna (The Undaunted Debutantes, #2) by Christina McKnight

Currently Reading:

Kissed at Christmas by Christina McKnight, Ava Stone, and Michelle Willingham

Drink of Choice While Reading:

Either 7UP or Mixed Berry Water. Depends on the time of day.

E-reader or Physical Book?

Physical books! Due to space and price, I have more ebooks and I do love my Kindle.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

Bran from The Untouchables series by Darcy Burke (I loved his quirks, his rule-breaking and how dedicated he was). He pulled me away from the charming bad boy Ethan in the Sins and Scandals series by Darcy Burke.

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

Forever Rose by Carmen Monica Oprea. It was not my typical read because it is a time travel book, but I loved it!!!!

Hidden Gem Book:

Gray Places by Julia Byrd It gave me chills and I loved it even with the romance not being front and center.

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

Discovering the many book groups on Facebook and starting my own blog. There are people like me and we totally understand each other. I was first encouraged to start my blog by readers and authors I know then to start writing my own book by them too.

Just Finished:

I just finished an ARC of A Talent for Temptation by Sabrina Jeffries. A quick amazing read.

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

I’m not a fan of erotica or time travel. I will read the odd one here or there, but I don’t like to books that the story almost never leaves the bedroom or books that spend a lot of time in the present day.

Longest Book You’ve Read:

So far

Drums of Autumn (Outlander #4) by Diana Gabaldon it is 880 pages according to Goodreads.

Major book hangover because of:

There are a few of them that have left me needing a break from them. Pretty much any of Darcy Burke’s books, Ava Stone’s books, Christina McKnight’s and Erica Monroe’s books. I can’t put them down until they are finished and they usually leave me needing to process something.

Number of Bookcases You Own:

Actual bookcases are zero. I have a set cubbies that are full of books and have books piled on top of them.

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

A Dangerous Invitation (The Rookery Rogues #1) by Erica Monroe. It’s a favorite.

Preferred Place To Read:

In my bed or outside in the fall weather.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

“I fell in love with her by word alone. It wouldn’t matter if she were blind, deaf, bald, or broken, I would love her with all that I am.”

Lynn Winchester – The Gentleman’s Heart

Reading Regret:

Not reading the Outlander series earlier. I had stayed away from it because of the size, that it’s time travel, and not really a romance. I didn’t start reading them until after the show aired and I realized they were different from what I thought.

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series):

There are a few, but my top one is The Grooms series by Rose Gordon. I have only Her Sudden Groom and loved Alex like crazy.

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

1. Scoundrel Ever After (Secrets & Scandals #6) by Darcy Burke

2. The Outlaw (Willow Creek #2) by Lily Graison

3.West of Forgotten by Lynda J. Cox 

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

Ava Stone she writes most of the books that give me chills and spook me.

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

The next book in Darcy Burke’s League of Rogues series! I have been waiting for it like crazy.

Worst Bookish Habit:

Ruining the spines of my print books. I try so hard not to bend them back, but when you have small hands it happens. It shows my books are loved though.

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

Never Surrender to a Scoundrel by Lily Dalton

Your latest book purchase:

The Major’s Faux Fiancée (The Dukes of War #4) by Erica Ridley

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

West of Forgotten by Lynda J. Cox

That was so much fun! Let me know your thoughts below.

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ARC Review: A Talent for Temptation (Sinful Suitors #4.5) by Sabrina Jeffries

*This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you buy a book through my link. There is no extra charge and I use these funds to feed my book addiction and keep my dog in sweaters. I only post links for books I love.*

A Talent for Temptation by Sabrina Jeffries

Releasing October 2, 2017

 

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Spice Level: 💋💋

Pre-Order Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

Blurb

Widow Meriel Vyse is stunned speechless when someone tries to abduct her on her way to a ball. Fortunately, Quinn Raines, her secret beau, shows up to foil the attack. Unfortunately, as the two of them are struggling with her abductor, Meriel accidentally stabs Quinn with a knife.

Unbeknownst to Meriel, Quinn set up the fake abduction so he could play the hero and win her hand in marriage. But now that his plan has gone disastrously awry, can he convince her that he’s still the man for her?

My Review

*I received a copy from the author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I normally don’t like this quick of a read, but I loved this! When she stabbed him I knew it was going to be a good read. It’s very fast-paced but has enough about both of them so you understand them and will make you laugh at times. I loved the ending.

Meriel believes she isn’t good enough for him because of her past. I loved that she spoke her mind and when she made up her mind she followed it. I loved her in the end and what she did.

Quinn is worried about why she won’t marry him. I loved how he thought his plan would work until he saw the knife. His past was also one that he worried about. I loved when she told him everything.

Release Blast: The Undaunted Debutantes box set by Christina McKnight

Three innocent debutantes must work to solve the mysterious death of their childhood friend.

Follow the blast and enter to #win a $15.00 Amazon Gift Card

Enter at: a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Title: The Undaunted Debutantes Series (Books 1-3)

Series: The Undaunted Debutantes

Author: Christina McKnight

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency England

Release Date: September 19th

Length: 588 Pages

Three innocent debutantes must work to solve the mysterious death of their childhood friend. With undaunted determination they pledge to not only expose the man responsible for their friend’s tragic death on her wedding night, but to also uncover other unscrupulous men of the ton who would jeopardize the future of other young women. 

The Disappearance of Lady Edith, The Undaunted Debutantes (Book One)
One tragic night changed sensible, proper Lady Edith Pelton’s life: when her best friend fell to her death, pushed down a flight of stairs by a nefarious lord. Now, Edith dedicates her time watching the man she thinks is responsible, while gathering other information to expose other scoundrels posing as gentlemen of honor about London. But when her spying is noticed by a perfect stranger, Edith finds herself with two mysteries—what happened to her friend, and how to win the heart of a brilliantly handsome lord. 

The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna, The Undaunted Debutantes (Book Two)
Lady Lucianna Constantine, a quick-witted hellion, has no doubt who is responsible for the murder of her dear friend—and she will stop at nothing from exposing his transgressions, and those of every despicable man in London. Though her two dearest friends were unwilling to point a finger at the dastardly man, Lucianna has witnessed the cruelty of London’s Beau Monde her entire life…starting with her own father. She is more than willing to singlehandedly take down every vile man that crosses her path. However, what happens when a most honorable man discovers Luci is the abhorrent woman who ruined both his life and stripped him of his rightful future? 

The Misadventures of Lady Ophelia, The Undaunted Debutantes (Book Three)
If only Lady Ophelia Fletcher—quiet, reserved, with her nose always stuck in a book—had witnessed the death of her friend that fateful night. Now she writes a column, Mayfair Confidential, that she uses to expose men with unsavory pasts to make amends for holding her tongue the night her dear friend was murdered. She is more than willing to never call attention to herself. But when a handsome stranger arrives to meet with her father, Ophelia can’t help but do a little investigating for her own benefit. At last, Ophelia has stumbled upon an adventure of her own—but does she possess the skills necessary to solve the mystery without the assistance of her friends? 

Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Author Bio:
Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

You can visit her online at the following places: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Review: Rescued By the Captain by Laura A. Barnes

Rescued By the Captain by Laura A. Barnes

My Rating: ❤❤❤ 1/2

Spice Level: 💋💋💋

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes& Noble | Kobo

Blurb

Abandoned at sea.
When Ivy Mallory awakens; she finds herself on the ship of the man who rejected her love years earlier. While he was away working for the Crown, she embraced the London Seasons trying to forget him. Caught in the middle of a treason plot; she must help save her brother. To do so she needs to put her trust in the one man who can protect her. But can she protect her heart from loving him again?

Found at sea.
Captain Marcus Thornhill never imagined he would find a lady floating unconscious in a lifeboat out in the middle of the open sea. But it wasn’t any lady, it was Ivy. Seven years earlier he rejected her love for a life at sea. As he rescues her he gets involved in a treason plot that will bring the war to their beloved shores of England. As he unravels the plot he is unable to deny his desire for her. Is he too late in saving her and the love he has for her?

My Review

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review

Scandal, threats, and pirates will keep you on your toes in this one. I loved how it started because it was different and hooked me into the mystery of what was happening. It’s clear that they have always loved each other, but there were reasons they were kept apart for so long. I wasn’t for sure what was going to happen when they found her brother and liked the little twist there with the girl. I did really love the ending and the scene with Tommy.

Ivy will do anything to save her brother but jumps before thinking at times. I didn’t really start to like her until over halfway through when she stopped running and started thinking about things first. I did like that she didn’t shrink away in battle.

Marcus has loved her for so long and will do anything to keep her safe. I loved him from the start because he kept his word and didn’t beat around the bush when it comes to anything. I loved what he did in the end with Tommy.

The Secret Life of a Book Blogger Tag

It’s Random Friday and it’s time for another tag! And since it’s my birthday I thought this tag sounded like a lot of fun. I found the tag on Spines & Covers. I wasn’t tagged and won’t tag anyone so if you like this tag consider yourself tagged.

How long have you been a blogger?

Almost two years. I started in December 2015 and originally it was going to be a personal blog, but it quickly turned into a book blog after a few posts. Time really flies when you are doing something you love. My blog has grown and changed in that short time too.

At what point do you think you’ll stop blogging?

I don’t think I ever will. I will probably take breaks, but never fully stop. This blog has opened so many doors for me and I’ve met some great people through blogging. It will always be my baby (my others are too) since it is the first blog that I really put the time into it.

What is the best thing about blogging?

In two word THE PEOPLE! I have met so many people and gotten to know them through this blog. We talk, help each other, and love seeing each other’s opinions on all things books and book related. Even if we don’t always agree we still have fun.

What is the worst thing? What do you do to make it ok?

The drama that comes from one bad apple in the bunch. All it takes is one book blogger to do something to upset someone and it can set off a domino effect for the rest of us. I usually stay away from it, but there are times that I need to defend us bloggers.

How long does it take to make/find pictures to use?

Depending on the post it doesn’t usually take long. If it’s something I have on hand I ask my brother (the photographer) to take pictures for me and then just do quick edits ( sometimes me and sometimes him). When it comes to my graphics it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on the look I’m going for.

What do you wear when you write blog posts?

95% of the time it’s my PJs. I like comfy clothes when typing, but sometimes I have other things to do so I put on normal clothes.

How long does it take to prepare?

I have a schedule for this blog that I don’t always stick to. Mondays are either writing updates or what I’m reading that week, Wednesdays are always book reviews, and Fridays are random days. I sometimes plan out Friday posts if I don’t have another book review for that day or there is something on my mind I want to share. Other times I find random tags that catch my attention like today. Sometimes I have reviews on all three days or reviews on other days of the week due to tours.

How do you feel about the book blogger community?

Every book blogger I have met is amazing! We can refer people to each other and we all understand each other and the book blogger life. There can be a bit of drama and some cliches, but usually, we all get along great.

What do you think one should do to get a successful blog?

Don’t let it become a chore. If you find yourself dreading the work change it up and keep it fun. If you are in a reading slump take a break from accepting requests and read what you want out of your personal collection and slow down.

ARC Review: Third Son’s a Charm (The Survivors #1) by Shana Galen

*This post contains affiliate links which mean I may earn a small commission if you buy a book through my link. There is no extra charge and I use these funds to feed my book addiction and keep my dog in sweaters. I only post links for books I love.*

Third Son’s a Charm by Shana Galen

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Spice Level: 💋💋💋

Releasing November 7, 2017

Pre-Order Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play

Blurb

Ewan Mostyn thinks a job as a duke’s daughter’s bodyguard will be easy―but Lady Lorraine has a few tricks up her sleeve that spark an undeniable passion…

Fiercely loyal to his friends and comrades, Ewan Mostyn is the toughest in a group of younger sons of nobility who met as soldiers and are now trying desperately to settle back into peaceful Society. Ewan trusts his brawn more than his brains, but when he’s offered a job watching the Duke of Ridlington’s stubbornly independent daughter, he finds both are challenged.

Lady Lorraine wants none of her father’s high-handed ways, and she’ll do everything in her power to avoid her distressingly attractive bodyguard―until she lands herself in real trouble. Lorraine begins to see Ewan’s protectiveness in a new light, and she can only hope that her stoic guardian will do for her what he’s always done―fight for what he wants.

My Review

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

An amazing start to a new series! I was hooked from the moment Ewan threw the man out and then once they met I knew it was going to exciting and different with them. I loved how they were together from the start with trying to outsmart each other. I did not expect the trouble she found herself in or how desperate the person was to do that. I actually held my breath when her father told him no because I had no clue what was going to happen. The ending was perfect, especially with his friends. I also loved the story with her parents wondering what happened to them before.

Lorraine is extremely independent and when she sets her mind to something look out. Her way of thinking and doing what she wanted was going to cause some big trouble and scandal. I loved that she was free speaking and determined in helping him. I loved that she wasn’t so stubborn as to completely ignore what she was being told.

Ewan is one of those hero’s that has your heart right away. His past will break your heart and his sense of honor will make you love him. I loved that he took his job so seriously and how he could figure out what she was up to at every turn. When he went back to get her dog it said everything about their love.

I can’t wait for the next book!

Release Day Blast: Lauren Smith’s A Gentleman Never Surrenders

Cover Designer: Elizabeth Turner

Release Date: September 12, 2017

Synopsis

Love is worth a little scandal.

Owen Hadley needs a wife. Preferably a wealthy one. Alas, there aren’t a great number of heiresses willing to marry a rogue of no particular fortune—luckily, if there is ever a gentleman capable of melting a lady’s chilly heart, it’s Owen.

Milly has had enough of the marriage mart. If matrimony means giving up her freedom for a foppish husband, then society can take their idea of marital bliss and toss it. But when the ton’s most notorious rogue mistakenly makes his way into her bedchambers, Milly finds herself unexpectedly and unwillingly at the altar . . .

Yet the more time she spends with her new husband, the more Milly starts to wonder if the marriage she never wanted may be the best thing that’s ever happened to her. Now it’s up to Owen to convince Milly that what started as a mistake is anything but—and that every night with him will be more wonderfully scandalous than the last.

Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2x7DriE

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2vY6SUi

iBooks: http://apple.co/2v0jtcc

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2v0r5eY

Giveaway

$20 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Lauren Smith is an Oklahoma attorney by day, author by night who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.

Connect with Lauren

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2sWrmcF

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2sVVWn0

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2tz3o9D

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2uTXTSa

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2u1mkkn

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2sPc0Mh

BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2vcU36u

What I’m Reading This Week: Shana Galen and Laura A. Barnes

This week I have another ARC to read Third Son’s a Charm by Shana Galen. I will be starting it tonight so look out for the review on Wednesday! Then I am Reading Rescued By the Captain by Laura A. Barnes. She is a new to me author and this is her first book so I can’t wait. I have many favorite author books coming in the coming weeks!

In non-book related news, my birthday is Friday!

ARC Review: Duke of Desire (Maiden Lane #12) by Elizabeth Hoyt

*This post contains affiliate links which mean I may earn a small commission if you buy a book through my link. There is no extra charge and I use these funds to feed my book addiction and keep my dog in sweaters. I only post links for books I love.*

Duke of Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Spice Level: 💋💋💋💋

Releasing October 17, 2017

Pre-Order Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

Blurb

A LADY OF LIGHT

Refined, kind, and intelligent, Lady Iris Jordan finds herself the unlikely target of a diabolical kidnapping. Her captors are the notoriously evil Lords of Chaos. When one of the masked-and nude!-Lords spirits her away to his carriage, she shoots him . . . only to find she may have been a trifle hasty.

A DUKE IN DEEPEST DARKNESS

Cynical, scarred, and brooding, Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, has made it his personal mission to infiltrate the Lords of Chaos and destroy them. Rescuing Lady Jordan was never in his plans. But now with the Lords out to kill them both, he has but one choice: marry the lady in order to keep her safe.

CAUGHT IN A WEB OF DANGER . . . AND DESIRE

Much to Raphael’s irritation, Iris insists on being the sort of duchess who involves herself in his life-and bed. Soon he’s drawn both to her quick wit and her fiery passion. But when Iris discovers that Raphael’s past may be even more dangerous than the present, she falters. Is their love strong enough to withstand not only the Lords of Chaos but also Raphael’s own demons?

My Review

*I received a copy from the author via NetGalley

The shocking opening will make sure you don’t put it down. It’s shocking and thrilling at the same time throughout the book. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time afraid of what would happen next and hoping she could help him get rid of his demons. I loved how the passion between them kept building until it exploded. The mystery of the leader of the Lords of Chaos kept me guessing if who I thought it was was right or not. The ending was another shocker and I loved it.

Iris is not as innocent as she seems and wants passion. I loved her right away because she wasn’t going to wilt away and was going to fight if she had to. She was very caring and understanding even willing to give up what she wanted most for him. Her compassion and strength was amazing.

Raphael is on a suicide mission to kill his demons. His personal demons are some of the most horrible and fuel him to take down the Lord of Chaos. I loved him because he would protect her to no end. He needed her more than he knew to fight his demons and find happiness and passion in his life.

There are many things that will shock you in the book so be prepared.

Review: A Gentleman Never Surrenders (Sins and Scandals #2) by Lauren Smith

*This post contains affiliate links which mean I may earn a small commission if you buy a book through my link. There is no extra charge and I use these funds to feed my book addiction and keep my dog in sweaters. I only post links for books I love.*

A Gentleman Never Surrenders by Lauren Smith

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Spice Level: 💋💋💋

Releasing September 12, 2017

Pre-Order Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

Blurb

Love is worth a little scandal.

Owen Hadley needs a wife. Preferably a wealthy one. Alas, there aren’t a great number of heiresses willing to marry a rogue of no particular fortune—luckily, if there is ever a gentleman capable of melting a lady’s chilly heart, it’s Owen.

Milly has had enough of the marriage mart. If matrimony means giving up her freedom for a foppish husband, then society can take their idea of marital bliss and toss it. But when the ton’s most notorious rogue mistakenly makes his way into her bedchambers, Milly finds herself unexpectedly and unwillingly at the altar . . .

Yet the more time she spends with her new husband, the more Milly starts to wonder if the marriage she never wanted may be the best thing that’s ever happened to her. Now it’s up to Owen to convince Milly that what started as a mistake is anything but—and that every night with him will be more wonderfully scandalous than the last.

My Review

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Wrong directions lead to love! Neither one was what the other wanted, but was what they each needed. I loved how they each thought differently about each other and how they learned about each other. I did not see the twist with his friend coming and almost shot out of my bed when the gun was fired. I didn’t want it to end and wouldn’t mess with her mother.

Milly enjoys her freedom and has done her best to avoid marriage. I loved her from the start because she didn’t hide what she thought about anything. She was so protective of her sister that she didn’t think about herself all the time.

Owen needed money, but his reason was honorable. His past is something he keeps to himself and it haunts him. I loved how always told the truth and that he didn’t think twice about helping his friend.