GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY

Hello All My Tasty Readers,

I promised another GIVEAWAY and I think you all will be quite excited, especially my fans of the Scottish Highlanders!!

The Avon Addicts were given numerous copies of A Warrior's Promise by the wonderful, Donna Fletcher.  This is the third book in the Warrior King series, so if you have this on your TBR List or you are just looking for a great historical beach read...Today is your day!!

I am giving away THREE copies of A Warrior's Promise to THREE Lucky Winners.  All you have to do is:

(1) Be a Follower of A Tasty Read

(2) Leave me a VALID Email Address

(3) Tell me your favorite Historical Romance

**The Giveaway is for TODAY ONLY, so make sure you are entered TODAY and share this with friends if you think they will enjoy the read.  US Residents Only.  Winners will be announced tomorrow!!

Congratulations to our winners, Davia, Jen C. and Janie!!  Hope you enjoy the story!!

BLURB:

It has been prophesied that four men, raised as brothers, will bring Scotland back to glory. The third one will first endure a lesson in humility—and passion.

Charlotte is as brave as any Highland warrior, but she can't rescue her father alone. Her sweet face could convince any man to come to her aid, but fate has a funny way of complicating things. For when she is lucky enough to land at the feet of the mighty Bryce MacAlpin, Charlotte is in disguise . . . as Charles.

Bryce can afford no distractions on his vital quest to restore Scotland's true king to the throne. It is madness to instead give his help to this desperate urchin— especially after Charlotte's secret comes to light! Now, caught between a growing passion and his dedication to the king, will Bryce turn away from love in order to fulfill his quest? Or will he discover that promising your heart is the bravest mission of all?

Show More

Show Less

Lucky In Love Blog Tour

I am in LUCK today...Jill Shalvis stopped by on her blog tour to answer a few questions and LUCKY for you....She has offered to giveaway ONE copy of her New Release, LUCKY IN LOVE.  In addition to that...I will ALSO be giving away ONE copy of LUCKY IN LOVE....That's TWO CHANCES TO WIN!!!

So please make sure you read the complete post in order to find out how to win a copy in the AWESOME Giveaway!

I got to ask Jill three questions...here's what she had to say...


A Tasty Read:  Which of the "Lucky" novels have been your favorite to write?

Jill Shalvis: Lucky In Love. There’s just something about a tough, badass, wounded hero …

 

A Tasty Read: What can we expect next in the Harbor?

Jill: After LUCKY IN LOVE comes AT LAST, and FOREVER AND A DAY. The three Chocoholics! J

A Tasty Read: Do you have one memorable HERO who stands out among the rest?

Jill: It changes but right now it’s Ty Garrison from Lucky In Love. The ex Navy SEAL isn’t sure he’s worthy of ER nurse Mallory Quinn and I loved watching him figure out just how good of a guy he really was.

Lucky In Love

Lucky Harbor #4

Jill Shalvis

Released May 22nd, 2012

400 Pages

Grand Central Publishing

Source: NetGalley

Ty Garrison and Mallory Quinn are my new FAVORITE Shalvis Couple...I Simply Adored EVERY part of this book and couldn't put it down. I love when two characters are just so "perfect" for each other and their chemistry is off the charts!! Not only sexual chemistry, but something between them that just clicks, as if they have found the other person that understands them better than anyone. 

But I will tell you, Ty fought his feelings for Mallory every step of the way, but when they were together, joking with each other, sharing with each other, I swear my heart just grew bigger and bigger. With every smile, touch and kiss I enjoyed the book more and more.

Good Girl Mallory who tried to be the peace maker within her family, the caregiver within her town and everyone's sweetheart FINALLY decided to walk on the edge and what an edge she walked. I think we all have been in her shoes, falling for the Bad Boy who isn't looking for anything past a few good rolls in the hay, but this bad boy might have been a bit different than we thought.

I think this may be one of the best books that I have read of 2012 and I think it may just be my favorite by Shalvis...I'll have to see if Amy or Grace, the other chocoholics, can top Lucky in Love, but I think we may just have a winner on our hands. Jill Shalvis simply out did herself with this one. I didn't think she would be able to top the chemistry between Chloe and Sawyer, but she did...and boy did I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!!


GIVEAWAY

In order to be entered into the LUCKY IN LOVE Giveaway, please share with me your FAVORITE Jill Shalvis book.  Please leave a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS so I will be able to contact you if you are chosen as a winner!!  There are TWO chances to win, so make sure you are entered!!  Winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 30th. (US Residents Only)

Congratulations to LITTLE QUEENIE AND QUILT LADY!!  Thank you to ALL of you who entered!!  Please stop back and play again!!

Goat Girl Finds Love in Fools Gold

Summer Days
Fools Gold #7
Susan Mallery
Releasing May 29th, 2012
376 Pages
HQN Books
Source: NetGalley


Rafe Stryker is back in the only place he swore he would never step foot again and this time is no different.  He is still trying to take care of his mother and make sure she doesn't get taken for a fool by Heidi Simpson and her lying grandfather, Glen. 

Heidi knows what Glen did was wrong, but he had good reason.  Now Heidi is facing losing the only home she's ever known, and it's all because Rafe Stryker, handsome, rich, Rafe Stryker.  If only she didn't like his smile and if only he didn't enjoy listening to Heidi laugh, this feud between them would be so much easier.  Will Goat girl finally find true love in Fools Gold, or will she be played for a fool?

I have to say I really did enjoy spending time in Fools Gold with all my old friends, and I think these next three books are going to be a lot of fun, with Heidi, Annabelle and Charlie finding love with the three Stryker brothers. 

Summer Days was an easy read for me, and the story never slowed down, the pages kept turning and I was satisfied with the way it ended.  I will say that I thought the drama was a bit much, and there were so many different people involved in Heidi and Rafe's business, from May and Glen, to Shane, to Annabelle and Charlie, to Rita.  I thought it was a bit much, but like I said, the story never stopped, didn't get boring, but had a few slightly cheesy parts...but that's romance and we all enjoy a good cheesy read every once in a while!!

What you can expect is Susan's classic small-town charm, a host of fun-loving characters and some steamy hot love makin.  I am a true lover of Susan Mallery's romances and I will be reading them for as long as she is writing them.  She has a way of getting into the heart and soul of the hero and heroine and will have you pulling for them page after page. 

I will recommend this newest Fools Gold romance and I have already started the next book, Summer Nights, and I will say....I think Annabelle and Shane are gonna have a Wild Ride!!

Is meeting the right one ever an accident?

Accidental Love
Hot Bods Series #3
Lacey Wolfe
Releasing June 18th, 2012
Novella
Beachwalk Press
Source: Publisher

Another sweet, sexy novella by Lacey Wolfe.  I do have one complaint though...I wanted MORE!!  I always want more from Lacey, especially with the Hot Bods Series. 

I will say, Lacey sure knows how to write a douche bag, excuse my language, but there really is no other way to describe Matt, the ex who Jane is trying to make jealous.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Jane and Ben, the feeling of wanting to rip each others clothes off the second they walk into the door, but I just wished that the story was a bit longer so that I could get a bit more interaction between them, more of a build-up in the relationship. 

I loved the hero, Ben.  The only word I have to describe him was Debonair...and that was just what I kept thinking in my head as I read the scenes with him and Jane.  Could have used a bit more of him helping to train Toby, and maybe getting to know him a bit more, but all in all, I enjoyed the sparks between these two very different people, and I especially loved the way he thought of her when he pictured a wife and kids sharing his home with him.

I like Jane, our heroine.  She reminded me of a friend who was stuck on the guy who was never good for her, but thought he was the cats meow...even though he was a complete jerk!!  Been there...gave a few shoulders to cry on!!  She was real, and sometimes it takes a "fake" boyfriend to show you what a lady should be treated like, especially one that resembles George Clooney.

So even though I was left wanting...I thought it was a cute romance, with some VERY steamy love makin.  I recommend to those of you who have read the series, and if not, why not grab the first two before June 18th.  A little taste of Lacey is NEVER ENOUGH!!

Heather Wells Makes a Comeback

Size 12 Is Not Fat
Size 14 Is Not Fat Either
Big Boned
Meg Cabot
2005, 2006, 2007
Published by Avon Books
Source: Library

Here is the story of how I came about the Heather Wells Mysteries by the very funny author, Meg Cabot. 

As some of you may know, I am one of the Avon Addicts for Avon books, and let me tell you, I am LOVING it!!  This month they sent us a copy of the Upcoming, Size 12 and Ready to Rock, which is the fourth book in the Heather Wells series.  Anyone who knows me as a reader knows that I CANNOT read the fourth book of a series without reading the first three books first...so this was how it came about that I put all other reading to the side and started Size 12 Is Not Fat, followed by Size 14 Is Not Fat Either and Big Boned. 

I will warn you that (1) They are Chick-lit, so NO open door bedroom scenes, (2) They will get you so involved that you will have to read one right after the other, so make sure to have them all before you start, and (3) Be ready to have your family or pets giving you strange looks as you laugh out loud while reading this series.

Coming from a thirty-year old who grew up during the Brittney/Justin, Boy Band Madness, I thought this series was hysterical and I swear, so realistic.  I loved Heather Wells.  She was smart, funny, sarcastic, and most of the time very frustrated with all of the people in her life, well...ok...Only the people in her life that either think she is still in love with Jordan Cartwright, which she IS NOT, or the ones that don't believe her when she is trying to solve the murder...and she is always spot on!!

And Cooper Cartwright....BIG SWOON....I think what kept me reading page after page was, yes, the funny secondary characters, but any small interaction between Heather and Cooper.  I was glued to the pages waiting to see Cooper again, and wanting him to just tell Heather he was crazy about her too!!  I was just as frustrated as Heather!!

So all in all, I now can move on to Size 12 and Ready to Rock knowing all of my characters and I am caught up on what has gone on in the life of Heather Wells, ex-pop star, very cool crime solver!!  I would definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a Very Cool Heroine, a nutty bunch of secondary characters and a funny murder mystery to help solve.  I am not usually a Chick-Lit reader, but I found these books to be A LOT of fun and very quick reads!! 

I Have Been Rescued

Rescue Me
Rachel Gibson
Releasing May 29th, 2012
384 Pages
HarperCollins Publishing
Source: Avon Addicts


Oh Rachel Gibson, how I love yours books so.....

Ladies, get your cowboy boots on and get ready to head back to Lovett, Texas where we meet Mercedes Jo Hollowell, who has come back to town for her cousins wedding.  Let's just say that when she rolls into town, the only person welcoming her to Lovett is a sexy as all getout, Vince Haven, who happens to be stuck on the side of the road on his way into Lovett.

Sadie has plans to get in, out and gone, but then some unfortunate circumstances happen and she is stuck in Lovett a lot longer than anticipated.  So she figures while she's on town, she may as well have a Smokin Hot, Friends-with-benefits affair with a certain, very sexy,  green-eyed man.  Vince has his own reasons for being in Lovett, and getting involved with Sadie Jo was not one of the reasons, but who is he to say no to a beautiful, funny woman who is looking to pass the time with a little fun in the sack.

But can these two just be friends-with-benefits, or will their hearts get in the way?

For anyone that reads my blog, you know that I LOVE Rachel Gibson.  I am a HUGE fan, who even when I met her, I think I scared her with all my fan girl drooling!!  Not only do I recommend her books to ANYONE who asks "What Should I read?", but I even own TWO copies of my favorite books by her, just in case I lend one out and I get the urge to read about Luc, Mark, Sam, Nick or Zack.

Rescue Me is just another Sexy, funny, heartbreaking Rachel Gibson Romance.  There is just something that makes her romances so special, I can't explain it.  It could be the humor she puts into her writing, it could be the bad-ass, yummy heroes, the take-no-crap heroines, or the way she makes you fall in love with each and every story.

Not only did I simply adore Vince in Any Man of Mine, but he was so much more than I imagined and the way he was with Sadie, oh I think I may have melted at certain points, and Sadie....she was hysterical, sarcastic and she thought she had it all figured out until she finds herself in a spot where she didn't know as much as she thought.

These two make quite the pair, and I am giving you my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION on this one.  Rachel knows how to gives us a romance that keeps us wanting more, and I am sitting in anticipation for her next release!!  No pressure!! XOXO

Honoring the "Real" Heroes

For Love and Honor
Cathy Maxwell
Lynne Hinton
Candis Terry
Releasing May 29th, 2012
E-book
Avon Impulse
Source: Avon Addicts







All of these novellas are about the "Real" heroes who fight everyday, and give their lives to keep us safe.  I say that is enough to want to grab this one up, well, the handsome officers in the stories help a little!!


In New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell's The Bookish Miss Nelson, it's the duty of daring Army Captain William Duroy to escort Miss Pippa Nelson through enemy territory, bringing her safely home to England. But can he resist falling in love?

I enjoyed THE BOOKISH MISS NELSON, it had lots of great bantering between Pippa Nelson and Capt. William Duray.  It had a bit of hidden attraction between these two and then it was like wham-bam, and it was over.  I think I would have liked a bit more of an ending, it seemed to be wrapped up quite quickly, but the "meat" of the story I enjoyed very much, and I thought Pippa was a hoot!!


In Lynne Hinton's Letters From Pie Town, a New Mexico town couldn't be prouder of its very own Raymond Twinhorse, injured while fighting in Afghanistan. So Trina Lockhart gathers letters from Raymond's friends and family, hoping their wishes will help to heal the man she loves—and bring him back home.

The concept of the book was very interesting, but I just felt slightly jipped.  I guess I was waiting for something to happen, or for Raymond to write back, I don't know what I wanted, but I guess I just wanted more. 

I know that other people read this and cried, and I wish I could have felt that kind of emotion, but I didn't.  So that is why I say, don't take my word for it, read the whole Anthology, you might be bawling your eyes out at the end. 

 I will say that Lynne did a great job at getting readers interested in Pie Town and her upcoming releases, I know that I am looking forward to finding out what happens when Raymond comes home and if things will work out between him and Trina.  I guess I will just have to wait and see.


In Candis Terry's Home Sweet Home, Lt. Aiden Marshall returns to Sweet, Texas, after facing the devastation of war. With the help of the entire town—and a tail-wagging companion—the woman he's always loved makes her hero's homecoming all the more sweet.

Now, as you all know, I love me some Candis Terry Romances, and this one was no different.  Candis takes us to Sweet, Texas where we meet Aiden Marshall, who has just gotten out of the military and is now back in him hometown.  He goes to see the girl that he left at home waiting for him, Paige Walker.  Paige has been waiting for the day that Aiden would step foot back into her presence again and it was just like seeing that man you love come home from war, so emotional.

But without his best friends, that lost their lives overseas, Aiden feels lost and unworthy of life.  Paige is not having any part of allowing her man to leave her or fall apart, so she gets the whole town together for a big surprise for Aiden. 

Since the story is so short I won't tell you anything else, just know that this one did cause a few tears, so I warn you now, and you will all fall madly in love with not just Aiden and Paige, not just the town of Sweet, but with Rennie....you will just have to read the book to find out who I am talking about.

And for those of you who love the town of Sweet, Texas, Candis has just announced that she has just signed a three book deal with Avon, which will take place in non-other than Sweet!!  I am SOOOOO excited, not just for her, but to get more hunky soldiers!!

YA Wednesday

Something Like Normal
Trish Doller
Releasing June 19th, 2012
224 Pages
Bloomsbury USA Children's
Source: NetGalley


One of the best YA books of 2012.  This is a NEED TO READ for everyone who has ever wanted to get inside the head of a soilder.  WOW!!



Blurb:

When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up.

And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.


Trish Doller is a phenomenal writer and I was blow away by Something Like Normal. To be able to get inside the head of a character is hard enough, but to be able to get into the head of a male teenager who has spent the last year in Afghanistan is true talent. I was blown away.

I finished this book within a few hours, it was that addictive. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I wanted to know what we would see within Travis' head, and I adored the way he felt about Harper Grey...what a GREAT name for a heroine. I loved her!! and I loved the scene where they meet again, face to face. Harper is someone I would definitely be friends with.

Mrs. Stephenson was such a well written character, and the whole family is a true dynamic of what can happen to a family when they begin to fall apart. Travis may not have been the person he should have been for the past year, but he wants to change that and he begins to. He knows what's important now and all the B.S. just isn't so important anymore. The on and off relationship with Paige, his selfish brother, his fathers approval...those things just don't matter anymore.

This is just such an amazingly written YA novel and I give Trish a standing ovation for writing what so many young men needed to say, but maybe didn't have the voice. I simply adored this book and will re-read for years to come. I HIGHLY recommend this book to EVERYONE and I hope you will all Pre-Order this book, you will be simply blown away!!

http://www.amazon.com/Something-Like-Normal-ebook/dp/B007N6JE6K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337134165&sr=8-2

Celebrate Mother's Day with A Mother-to-be

Finding Home
Lacey Wolfe
Published May 11th, 2012
ebook
Ruby Lioness Press
Source: Gifted by Author


The only bad thing I have to say about this book is that I wish it was LONGER!!!  I wanted more of Julie and Mark, and I know you will too. 


Blurb:
An unexpected pregnancy brings Julie Miller home to Clearwater, Wyoming to get guidance from her mother. But when she returns to the home she grew up in, her mother isn’t there.

Instead Julie finds Mark Thomas, who is renting the house while her mom travels the country. If that isn’t bad enough, a blizzard hits the town, keeping her locked in with the hunk who happens to have a secret of his own, which Julie just has to know.

If you are looking for a quick, heart-warming read, pick up Finding Home.  I enjoyed the storyline, and you can't help but put yourself in Julie's shoes when she flees New York and heads home to clear her head in Clearwater. 

The instant chemistry between Mark and Julie is as hot as the chili cooking on the stove.  Not only is Julie trying to keep her hormones in check, but Mark has a secret he is hiding and he is conflicted about starting anything with Julie, especially with her begin pregnant with another man's baby.

Mark was so much more than a "REAL MAN" and I absolutely loved him.  Julie had a hard decision to make and I won't say that I agreed with her every step of the way, but she makes up for it in the end.

I do hope that Lacey plans to revisit Clearwater, Wyoming again.  I would not only love to see Julie and Mark again, but I would love to see Chloe and a few other secondary characters find their special someone!!

As a Special Mother's Day TREAT....Lacey will be Giving Away ONE copy of Finding Home to a Random Commenter.  Since I am a Soon-to-be Mom, and so was Julie, I think we could both use Some MOTHER'S DAY WISDOM!!! 

Winner will be picked tomorrow evening. 

If you like a little English Humor!!!

Nadia Knows Best
Jill Mansell
Reissued May 1st, 2012
440 Pages
Sourcebooks Landmark
Source: NetGalley


Fans of Jane Green will enjoy Jill Mansell. 


When Nadia Kinsella meets Jay Tiernan, she's tempted. Of course she is. Stranded together in a remote Cotswold pub, with a snowstorm raging outside—let’s face it, who would ever know? But Nadia’s already met The One. She and Laurie have been together for years—they’re practically childhood sweethearts, and she still gets goosebumps at the sight of him.

Okay, maybe she doesn’t see that much of him these days, but that’s not Laurie’s fault. She can’t betray him. Besides, when you belong to a family like the Kinsellas—bewitchingly glamorous grandmother Miriam, feckless mother Leonie, stop-at-nothing sister Clare—well, someone has to exercise a bit of self-control, don’t they? I mean, you wouldn’t want to do something that you might later regret.

I will be honest and tell you that I did skim parts of the book, some of it dragged on a bit, and I was able to catch up on what was going on.  I think the ONLY person who thinks that Nadia Knows Best is Nadia.  She was so used to being straight-laced that she didn't listen to her heart when it was telling her that she had "THE ONE" right in front of her, and boy was he adorable.  Jay Tiernan was everything I like in a hero, he was handsome, charming, funny and even when he was in love with the heroine, he didn't act on his feelings since she was still in love with someone else, or so she thought. 

I thought Laurie was an ass, if that's ok to say.  He didn't mean to be an ass, I guess, but he still was.  He just made some moves that weren't so nice...but i guess that was the point, he wasn't supposed to be likable, or we would have wanted Nadia to be with him in the end.

I will say I did enjoy the funny dialogue and the English Humor, but I wasn't CRAZY about the book.  I didn't read the last page wishing that it would go on forever.  So I say give it a try if you are in the mood for some witty, chick-lit, but maybe see if the library has it in stock first!!

YA Wednesday

The Fake Boyfriend Experiment
Stephanie Rowe
Released April 20th, 2012
Kindle Edition
Source: Reviewer Purchased



Rafe Turner has a tattoo running from his wrist to his shoulder. His hair is a little too long. He doesn't need to rebel, because owning his life is already in his blood. He's way out of her league, for sure, but when Lily Gardner accidentally face plants through the window of his band's practice room, a connection is formed between Rafe and Lily that can't be shaken.

When Rafe invites her to jam with his band, Lily knows the mega-talented drummer is exactly what she needs to fix her life. The fact that Rafe already has a girlfriend? No problem. It'll be enough if people simply think she's dating him…won't it? Lily is about to discover that finding her passion is a whole lot more complicated than a fake boyfriend…or two.

I had read this book back when Stephie Davis first published this book as The Boyfriend Trick, which I loved back then, now...I LOVED it even more. 

Stephanie Rowe did a little makeover on the first book, and the outcome is a Fun, Flirty YA book about sometimes telling a few fibs in order to feel "normal", which is exactly what Lily did.  She has always been the "outcast" even among her small group of friends, playing the piano was all the social life she had.  But come the start of High School, Lily wants to fit in with her friends who are talking about "dances" and "boys".  So she tells a small fib that somehow becomes a snowball of lies.  What will happen when the one boy that she really has a connection with realizes that she has been "borrowing" him as her boyfriend?

Oh...young love...never works out the way you were hoping it would.  The boy that you are head over heels for, of course, has a girlfriend.  And then, of course, you seem to get in the middle of their relationship somehow, which makes her hate you, and him avoiding the feelings he has for you because he has a girlfriend.  Ugh....I am tired just thinking about it.

You will get all this and more with The Fake Boyfriend Experiment.  All that teenage angst, takes you back to those high school days!!  I simply adored it, and if you aren't a YA fan, pick up the book for your daughter...she will definitely GET IT!!

Did Somebody Call for a Dr.?

Almost Summer: A Fool's Gold Novella
Fools Gold #6.2
Susan Mallery
Released May 1st, 2012
53 Pages
HQN Books
Source: Reviewer Purchased


This novella has it all: a quirky heroine, a sexy, British hero and an adorable story involving measles, emotional pain and finding love again.

I know this is a very quick read, but for what it was, I LOVED IT!! It could have a lot to do with Alistair Woodbury, our hero, who is actually royalty in England, but works as a doctor over boarders helping children with rare diseases.  He is handsome, intelligent and has been all over the world.  Of course Paige McLean would be attracted to him, even with the measles.

Paige has ALWAYS wanted to travel and had so many plans, but for now is just hovering in Fool's Gold, not wanting to leave the one place that she considers her home.  Alistair reminds her of all the things she had planned for her life, and he starts to bring that dream to life again. 

If you haven't read any of the Fool's Gold books, I suggest starting from the beginning, but if you are looking for a quick romance read with a happy ending, pick up Almost Summer, you won't be disappointed.

The Phanton Hockey Hunks are Back

Her Man Advantage
Double Overtime #2
Joanne Rock
Released April 17th, 2012
224 Pages
Harlequin
Source: Gifted by Author


The sexy men of the Phantoms Hockey Team are at it again.  This time, Axel Rankin is having a hard time keeping his eyes and hands off of the fiery, red-head director, Jennifer Hunter, who is supposed to be documenting the team as they enter the playoffs.  He needs to keep her camera's out of his past and out of his business, but her in his bed. 

I really enjoyed Axel and Jennifer's story, not more than One Man Rush, but just as much.  I really hope Joanne plans to write more of the Phantoms Hockey Team, I know I would enjoy reading about more Hockey Hunks.

Axel was the type of her that you can't help but fall in love with.  He knows what he wants and works hard to get there.  He had a rough childhood but overcame with the help of the Murphy family who took him in as a teen.  I can't help but feel for a little boy who got mixed-up with some very dangerous people and now has the need to protect his "family" from any harm that can be done to them now. 

I think some of my favorite heroines are Fiery Red-heads, Annabelle Granger from Match Me If You Can and Samantha Holland from Fatal Affair, just like Jennifer, they fight for what's right and are sometimes bull-headed when it comes to getting what they want, they will stop at nothing to get it.  Jennifer has all those qualities and more, but she uses them for good or to help the underdog, even when they haven't asked for her help.  She is a riot and with her and Axel together, you can only get sparks that FLY!!!

The small secondary romance between Chelsea and Vinny was freaking adorable and I wished we got just a bit more of them, but it was still enough to have me wishing I had a Vinny all for my own. 

Joanne gives us another kick-ass romance with Her Man Advantage and I definitely recommend this to all of my Hockey-Lovin Readers.  I just hope Joanne will give us more of the Phantoms in the future!!

Unicorn Keep Blog Tour with Angelia Almos

I am honored to be a part of the Unicorn Keep Blog Tour, and to have Angelia Almos here at A Tasty Read for a visit!!  Keep reading past the interview for my review of this magical YA romance.

        
A Tasty Read: So, your newest book, Unicorn Keep, can you tell us a bit about it? Is it your first YA Fantasy Romance?


Angelia Almos: Here's the blurb for Unicorn Keep:

    Jiline of Ainsley is dismayed when her best friend is selected by the mages to become a unicorn keeper at the Keep, an isolated mountain fortress. Especially since Madelen is in love and engaged to the richest boy in the village. Jiline on the other hand has no prospects of marriage or a trade in their small village. So, she comes up with a plan to take Madelen's place at the Keep and hopefully flunk out of unicorn keeper training before the mages can discover the deception. Unfortunately, the unicorns have their own plans for her.

Mage Herrick, son of the Keep Mage, returns home to the Keep as the trainee keepers arrive. A chance encounter with Jiline, who he believes is Madelen, on the trail sparks a magical connection between the two. Knowing he can't feel a magical draw to someone who has no magic, he tries to prove Madelen (Jiline) has magic within her. His attention brings unforeseen complications for both of them.

Unicorn Keep is probably a little more of a romance than Horse Charmer, but there were romantic elements throughout Horse Charmer, my first YA fantasy. I consider both of them a fantasy first and a romance second. The funny thing is I had originally intended for Unicorn Keep to be a middle grade fantasy with no romance, but my book plans often take major turns once I start to write.

A Tasty Read: Where did you come up with the idea for Unicorn Keep?

Angelia: I had been wanting to do a book with unicorns in it for a little while and I also wanted to do a middle grade fantasy. I started brainstorming and after a couple of days the basic idea of unicorn keepers (children "taking care of" unicorns for adults) came to me. After that I sat down and wrote - the story and characters revealed themselves to me as I went.

A Tasty Read: Do you have a favorite amongst your books? And if so, why does it stand out to you?

        
Angelia: My favorite is usually the one I am working on at the time. I have soft spots for all of my different books. Either a particular character or how the book came to be. For Unicorn Keep, I would say it is Herrick. He was originally supposed to be a minor supporting character, but as soon as he walked through those bushes he made it clear that this book was also his story and wasn't going to be a supporting character. I fought him at first since I had a plan for how I wanted the story to go, but it didn't take long for him to convince me to chuck the original plan. It was Herrick who made it clear this book was more young adult than middle grade and would be including a romance.

 

A Tasty Read: The few books that I have read of yours, I have met characters that I wanted to know more about. Do you plan to write sequels to any of your published novels?

Angelia: I tend to write with the idea that my characters always continue to live and have adventures after The End. If those adventures lend themselves to another tale, then yes, I do plan on writing a sequel or series for those books. But as a pantser, I have no idea what the sequels will be or when the characters will start to talk to me again. 

A Tasty Read: Is there any genre that you haven't written yet, that you might want to dabble in?

Angelia: I occasionally get ideas for historical romances, but I don't know if I'll tackle that genre any time soon. Historical readers require a lot of accuracy when it comes to the time period you are setting your story in. Not ready to jump into that type of research.

A Tasty Read: What's next for Angelia Almos?

Angelia: I'm working on a cyberpunk novella and the sequel to Horse Charmer right now. I think the cyberpunk will probably come out first as it is closest to being complete. I had hoped to have the sequel to Horse Charmer done this spring, but that hasn't happened yet.

A Tasty Read: Well...I will be excited to read the sequel and see where these characters are headed.

Thank you so much for hanging out with A Tasty Read today. It was such a pleasure to have you here.

        
Angelia: Thanks, Lisa. It's been fun visiting with you.



About Angelia


Angelia Almos formed a lifelong passion for horses at the age of five when she talked her parents into riding lessons. Horses often play a prominent role in her young adult fantasy books. She also write horsey nonfiction and space opera. She lives in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, two cats, and one pony (she often thinks of bumping that number up to two).






  Excerpt:

 “No, you’ll go with Wilm.” She spoke fast before she could talk herself out of her sudden scheme. “You’ll leave for the Keep just as expected. Wilm can head off for his apprenticeship. You two will meet up and go together.”

    “But they’ll know I didn’t come.”

    “No, they won’t.” She took a deep breath. The plan would not only help her friends, but benefit her family as well. “I’ll go in your place.”

    “The crystal didn’t glow for you.”

    “We’ll just have to hope they don’t have a giant crystal at the entrance or if they do they’ll just assume that I, Madelen, did something between today and then that ruined my soul.”

    Madelen turned her head to stare directly at her. “You’ll go as me?”

    “Of course, I can’t go as me. My name isn’t written on that parchment.” She brushed Madelen’s hair out of her face with her fingertips. “You know how everyone always jokes we look more alike than different. How we could almost be twins?”

    “You’re my best friend, if they discovered our deceit...”

    “They won’t. They won’t remember me from today. I’ll be you and you’ll be me.” The plan solidified in her head and became more possible with each passing second. “I’ll tell my parents I learned of an apprenticeship for myself. They’ll be happy to see me go. Wilm will go to the apprenticeship he’s been waiting on. I’ll travel with him for safety. You’ll go to the Keep. We’ll meet on the trail. You become me and go with Wilm.”


Here are the buy links. Wasn't sure which markets you wanted so I included all of the ones it is live on.

    Print - Create Space - https://www.createspace.com/3840073
Print - Amazon - http://amzn.com/1475222971/thoroughwebpr-20
Ebook - Amazon - http://amzn.com/B007YIWQAS/thoroughwebpr-20
Ebook - Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unicorn-keep-angelia-almos/1110455362
Ebook - Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/156547



Unicorn Keep
Angelia Almos
Released April 30th, 2012
178 Pages
Thoroughweb Press
Source: Gifted By Author

What a magical story, I honestly can't think of any other word to describe this book.  I enjoyed the budding romance between Jiline and Herrick, but I think it was the magic that occurred between the Unicorns and Jiline that had me turning the pages. 

The storyline was amazing and I was mesmerized by what actually went into becoming a Unicorn Keeper.  I was cheering for Jiline throughout the whole book.  I wanted her to find her magic and believe that she held more power than even she believed she did.  With the help of Herrick, I think she will eventually find it...hummm...Can't wait for that sequel!!

The way Angelia created a whole different world within the four walls of the keep was such an amazing concept.  I think being a Unicorn keeper would be awesome, harder work than it might seem, but still awesome. 

The character who stole my heart was definitely Herrick.  His draw to Madelen/Jiline was heartbreaking, since he didn't know if she felt the same for him.  The part of the book when Jiline was working with Eli we got to see Herrick knocked down a bit, almost as if he never had felt jealous before.  So cute!!  He was just a wonderful hero, and I am in his cheering corner all the way.

If you are looking to fall away into another world for a little while, pick up a copy of Unicorn Keep, and then share it with the young adult in your life.  You will both fall in love!!

Chatting with YA Author, Jessi Kirby

I have a special treat today for all of my Tasty Readers, Jessi Kirby is here chatting about her Upcoming Release, In Honor, which is being released on May 8th.  I am so excited to have her at A Tasty Read for a visit, not only because I adore her writing, but I was hoping to get some inside info on Rusty, our hero from In Honor. 

Keep reading past the interview for the blurb about In Honor, and I might just be giving away a copy of the book...so keep reading for details!!

Let's get talking to Jessi....

A Tasty Read: From English Teacher and Librarian to Published Writer, seems as if you are always around the written word. Did you always want to eventually become a writer?

Jessi Kirby: Yes! I've wanted to be a writer since 3rd grade, when I read my first Judy Blume book. But to me it always seemed like a far off thing, like being a rock star or a model. (Of course, to me, writers are as cool as rock stars and super models.) It wasn't until I turned 30, and had done a lot of other things I always wanted to do that I thought I should give writing a real go. And of course, I couldn't be happier that I did!

A Tasty Read: Why YA Drama? What about the Genre inspires your creativity?

Jessi: I never actually sat down and decided "I want to write YA drama." It came pretty naturally to me because that's what I like to read most. I'm inspired by realistic stories about girls I can relate to--stories that also somehow capture those real life magic moments that we all wish we could hold onto forever and ever. So I think when I sit down to write, that's what I'm always aiming for.

A Tasty Read: Do you have any Favorite Books from when you were a teen?

Jessi: My love for Judy Blume spanned my entire childhood, including my teenage years. As a teenager I loved JUST AS LONG AS WE'RE TOGETHER and TIGER EYES. I also had a thing for Christopher Pike's horror novels and Anne Rice's INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE series.

 A Tasty Read: I love the title, In Honor, and the premise of your Upcoming release. Where did the idea for In Honor stem from?

Jessi: Originally, I decided I wanted to write a brother and sister story, and that I wanted it to include a crazy road trip. The idea of Finn's letter precipitating Honor's trip kind of evolved from there. In the beginning, she was going to take the trip alone, but then I thought it'd be more fun if she had a companion--a gruff, sexy kind of companion, and that's where Rusty came in.

A Tasty Read: Can't wait to read about this Infamous Rusty!!

What is next for you? Any other genre you have wanted to explore?

Jessi: Next up I have another contemporary YA called GOLDEN, which will be out in 2013, about a girl who finds the journal of a girl who disappeared--sort of a small town legend, and discovers that maybe she wasn't as golden as everyone thought she was. It's a mystery/romancey/road-trippy kind of story.  

A Tasty Read: Jessi, Thank you so much for hanging out, I had such a great time chatting with you and I wish you all the success with this newest release.

Jessi: Thank YOU so much for having me! It's been my pleasure!


About Author

Jessi Kirby is a former English teacher and librarian. She lives in Orange County, CA with her husband and two kids, where she writes stories and runs the beach every day. Well, almost every day.

You can contact Jessi at jessi@jessikirby.com

Blurb:

Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?


GIVEAWAY:

To be eligable to enter the Giveaway,

(1) Please Be a FOLLOWER of A Tasty Read Blog, through Email or "Join" (both are located on the top right-hand corner of the home page)

(2) Please Tell me your FAVORITE YA book, weither from when you were a kid, or a book you have picked up recently.

(3) Please leave a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS, so that I can contact the winner.

*This Giveaway is for U.S. Residents Only, and will run until Monday, May 7th, 8pm EST, and the winner will be announced on May 8th.

Congratulations Pat L.  winner of the In Honor Giveaway!!

Thank you for entering and Happy Reading!!

A Trip to Virgin River I Enjoyed

Sunrise Point
Virgin River #19
Robyn Carr
Released April 24th, 2012
378 Pages
Mira
Source: NetGalley




Now this visit to Virgin River was such a pleasure, I simply didn't want it to end.  As my loyal readers know, I did not enjoy the last two Virgin River books as much as I wanted to, but Sunrise Point definitely makes up for all the negative thoughts I had.

I vaguely remember Nora from Bring Me Home For Christmas, but I did remember the town coming together to help a woman who was homeless with two children.  What a strong-willed, single-mother Nora is, she is amazing, and she will do ANYTHING it takes to make sure her girls have food and shelter.  I admired her character and I was so happy when Maxie agreed to, more like told Tom that he had to hire her.

Tom Cavanaugh, owner of the Cavanaugh Orchard, meets Nora and is strongly attracted to her, but he tells her that they already hired enough help for the season.  He is told to hire her anyway and he knows that he needs to avoid her so that his attraction for her will not grow more than it already has.  He admires her as a mother and a worker, but he doesn't want to marry into a "FAMILY", he wants a wife that he can start fresh with, someone with class and a career...he is a dumb ass and doesn't know what is right in front of him.

And then comes Darla...ugh...I completely loved the way Robyn wrote Darla and the way she portrayed her...it was hysterical.  I found myself saying, "She did not just say that?" or "She did not just do that?"  I loved her interactions with Maxie, Tom's grandmother, she was hysterical, and I wish I had a Maxie in my life.

The second we meet Coop, a friend of the Riordan's, and he had his interaction with Jack, I SO thought that the woman they were talking about was going to end up being Darla.  I was wrong, but when you read it, you must come back and tell me if you felt the same way. 

The growing relationship between Tom and Nora was slow, but not boring.  I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next and if my heart would be soaring or crushed with Tom's stupidity....haha...men!!

I will definitely recommend this book and I hope you all will enjoy Tom and Nora's story as much as I did.  Happy Reading Ladies!!