A Kowalski Double Play

All He Ever Needed
Kowalski Family #4
Shannon Stacey
Released Sept 10th, 2012
Carina Press-Ebook
Releasing Dec 18th, 2012
HQN- Paperback
Source: NetGalley

"Men are a luxury, not a necessity."

Great mantra for Paige Sullivan to live by, if only she hadn't ever met Mitch "Never Settle-Down" Kowalski.  Mitch comes back to his hometown to help his younger brother, Josh, get the family business back together, little does he know the new owner at the town diner might just keep him coming back for more...pie...hee hee.

Unfortunately for Paige, who has finally settled down with her life, her new business and her small, but homey trailer, she finds herself falling for the one man who likes to be on the go, never owning anyone explanations.  They both agreed to a fling, but when your heart gets involved, that's when things get really complicated.

I LOVE the Kowalski Family and all the books in the series so far, but I think for me, Mitch takes the cake.  I loved the dialogue between Mitch and Paige, I loved the start of their affair and I LOVED the end.  Paige and Mitch are what romance novels are all about. 

This is a NEED-TO-READ for all my Tasty Readers, as well as, the rest of the Kowalski Family Series. 

All He Ever Desired
Kowalski Family#5
Shannon Stacey
Releasing Nov 19th, 2012
Carina Press- Ebook
Releasing Feb 26th, 2013
HQN- Paperback
Source: NetGalley

Ryan Kowalski is back in town, and trying his best to stop running into the one woman that he always wanted and never had, Lauren Carpenter.  Lauren can't forget that "what-if" moment in her life with Ryan years ago, but now she may have a second chance with him and she plans to take full advantage.  But for two people who's lives are so far apart, can a romance work between them, or will they just crash and burn?

The fifth book in the Kowalski Series was so much fun!  Not only did we have a steamy, sexy romance brewing between Ryan and Lauren, but we got to see all our old Kowalski relatives.  And what I still want to know is, "What is going to happen between a certain couple that disappeared during a certain event at the lodge?"  I hope Shannon doesn't keep me waiting too long to find out!!

These Kowalski brothers just can't get it together...and I can only imagine what a trip baby-brother, Josh will be in the next installment, All He Ever Dreamed.  I really enjoyed the romance between Ryan and Lauren and all the "real-issues" they had to face, with ex-husbands and sixteen year-old sons, that might have been my favorite part.  I really liked Nick, and I thought Shannon did an excellent job with portraying a sixteen year-old, and the trouble that they can get into when dealing with their issues.

This was another fun, sexy, romantic read and I hope with all hope that Shannon continues to write more of the Kowalski Family, cause I sure do love them!!

Make sure this Upcoming Release is on your Pre-Order list!!

SPARKLING NEW RELEASE

Secrets of the Fog
Immortals in Alameda Series
Jaye Shields
Released Oct 29th, 2012
173 Pages
Crimson Romance
Source: Gifted by Author

Jaye Shields brings us another Paranormal Romance that reaches to the furthest corners of our imagination and introduces us to some half-naked Knights!

Blurb

When the dryad Tera’s friends inform her that the portal on Alcatraz Island is buzzing with an arrival, she thinks her goddess mother has come to visit. When Tera arrives at the portal to welcome her, she doesn’t find her mother, she finds a gigantic otherworldly warrior causing mass destruction among the San Francisco tourists. Being a forest dryad born from the Goddess of the Hunt has its perks, and kicking ass is one of them.

Sabin is six-feet-six of hard-bodied soldier, used to subduing demons twice his size. One day after chasing an elusive smoke demon through a portal into the human realm, Sabin is brought to his knees by a beautiful woman, literally. After arriving at a pier full of dead bodies, Tera issues a passionate smack-down before Sabin can explain that he’s the good guy.

He’s just in time: an an ancient grudge has come to life. Eris, the Goddess of Chaos, has held a bitter hatred for Tera’s mother, Artemis, for over 400 years – and now she’s ready to destroy all dryads – including Tera.

If Secrets of the Fog is Jaye Shields baby, then call me Auntie Lisa.  I can't express how proud I am to see Jaye's first Paranormal Romance finally published, and knowing that her fans are going to enjoy the story makes it all the more satisfying.  Tera, Sabin and the whole Alameda crew have come a long way and I can't wait to hear what all of you think!

Secrets of the Fog follows along Tera on a journey of not only self-discovery, but of falling in love...and falling into bed with a very sexy, very seductive Knight of the Fog, Sabin.  Sabin, following a smoke demon into the human realm, practically falls into Tera's arms, or into her fist, depending on who is telling the story.  With these two, it is love at first, or maybe second sight, but the connection throws both of them for a loop. 

Aside from working together, along with Sparrow, The Knights and a few Wiccan's, to rid San Francisco of invading demons, Tera and Sabin are also trying to find a way to navigate these new feelings that have come between them. 

This is not your typical cookie-cutter romance.  This Paranormal Romance takes you to places that you could never have thought up on your own.  One minute you will be cheering on Tera and Sabin in battle and then waiting until they are together again, engaged in a deep kiss.  I found myself cheering for these two until the very end, I just wanted them to find a way to their Happily-Ever-After.

Within Secrets of the Fog, we get a menagerie of secondary characters which you can't help wishing they were your friends.  Many of them will make appearances in the next two books of the series, so know that it's not the end.  There are many more adventures ahead for the Immortals of Alameda.  Oh...and more half-naked Knights!!

I recommend this romance to anyone looking for something new, something fresh and something where you get to visit other realms!!  Open your imagination and give Secrets of the Fog a try!!

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-of-the-Fog-ebook/dp/B009LQH5HU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351374298&sr=8-1&keywords=secrets+of+the+fog

From Pom Pom's to Pistols

Mafia Secret
Angie Derek
Released Oct 13th, 2012
196 Pages
Tell-Tale Publishing
Source: Gifted by Publisher

If you are looking for a romance that has the drama and flare of The Sopranos, then you have found the right book. 




Blurb

Lessa Noelle grew up never knowing she was the illegitimate daughter of a mafia king pin. After his murder, she finds herself a surprise heiress immersed in the dangerous world of organized crime with only the guidance of Marco Santo her father’s second in command to help her.

Marco searches for her father’s killer and tries to keep the realities of his life from touching her. An uneasy attraction blossoms between the two. An already dangerous situation turns volatile when a killer turns his attention to Lessa.

 

Well, HELLLLLLOOOOOO Marco Santo!!  That is how you will feel about this mysterious, dangerous, very sexy man who walks into Lessa's life, announcing that she is a mafia princess.  His job is to get her to her "father's" funeral and introduce her to her "family", who don't welcome her with open arms.  Marco has a few secrets of his own, which Lessa begins to discover, while also falling for his charms.

 

We are definitely kept in suspense, and I honestly had no idea who the killer was until the very end.  The romance between Marco and Lessa is slow forming, but when these two finally get together, it's exactly what you are hoping for from the moment Marco walks into her life.  Angie Derek gives us a very exciting, on the seat of your pants thriller with MAFIA SECRET. Takes you right into the action from the start and never lets you go.

 

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a different kind of romance, one with a little suspense, a lot of sparks and a really smokin hot hero with a dangerous side.

A Cowboy for Christmas? Yes, please!

A Cowboy for Christmas
Jubilee, Texas Series
Lori Wilde
Releasing Oct 30th, 2012
384 Pages
Avon Romance
Source: Gifted by Publisher

Can't help but love me some Rafferty Jones...oh baby!!  This book should come with a warning label, "Will Fall For Hero".

Blurb

It's Christmastime in Jubilee, Texas, but Lissette Moncrief is having a hard time celebrating . . .

Especially after she accidentally smashes her car into Rafferty Jones's pick-up truck. Yes, he's a whole lot of handsome—from the tips of his boots to the top of his Stetson. But he's no Christmas present. Lissy's not about to let herself get whisked away by his charming ways and words . . . only to watch him drive away in the end.

But what Lissy doesn't know is Rafferty's in town just to meet her—and to give her a share in a windfall that doesn't rightly belong to him. At first, he just wants to do his good deed and get out. But one look at this green-eyed beauty has him deciding to turn this into a Christmas to remember . . . making promises he's determined to keep—whether she believes in them or not.

Lori Wilde does it AGAIN!!  She always manages to grab my heart and play with it for a while, taunting and teasing, and then she gives it back whole again...I don't know if I can take it anymore.  I loved the first two books in the Jubilee, Texas series, but I think A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS has some stiff competition for them...no pun intended...hee hee!

I simply adored this book from page one, getting sucked into Lisette Moncrief's grief and sorrow, falling in love with little Kyle and wanting to bring Jake back from the dead so that I could kill him again.  But then Rafferty Jones walks, well saunters, into her life and somehow the sun is shining again.  You will literally fall in love with Rafferty the moment he opens his mouth...he is everything Lisette needs and wants but doesn't think she can have. 

I loved this book from start to finish, wishing that it would never end.  The relationship that builds between these two is electric and I literally sat on the edge of my chair waiting for the tension to explode!! 

This is a TO-READ, as well as, the other two books in the series, THE COWBOY TAKES A BRIDE and THE COWBOY AND THE PRINCESS.  They will have you feeling joy and pain, will have you laughing and then crying, but isn't that what we love best about romance, the way a book can pull you so far into the story that you feel as if you are standing right there, feeling emotions right along with the characters...Lori Wilde does it to me EVERY TIME!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

WHERE ARE MY KGI FANS?

Special Treat today ladies...especially for my Maya Banks/KGI Fans!  After my review of SOFTLY AT SUNRISE, make sure to keep reading for a chance to win a DIGITAL copy of this KGI Novella featuring one of Maya's most beloved couples, Rachel and Ethan Kelly, from the first KGI Book, THE DARKEST HOUR.

Softly at Sunrise
KGI #5.5
Maya Banks
Released Aug 21st, 2012
132 Pages
Digital Copy
Source: Gifted by Author

Rachel and Ethan Kelly have finally got their life back together after all the past trauma they endured.  But now Rachel is ready to go back to work teaching and the couple is planning to move into a new home behind the gates at the Kelly compound, but Ethan is still nervous about Rachel going back to work, and throw in a bundle of drama, and we have ourselves a novella about this beloved couple from THE DARKEST HOUR, the first KGI romance from Maya Banks.

I actually had to go back to THE DARKEST HOUR and re-read about Ethan and Rachel Kelly, yes another heartbreaking time...swoon!!  Those Kelly brothers are quite the protective men, especially when it comes to the woman they love. 

SOFTLY AT SUNRISE gives us a glimpse into the lives of Rachel and Ethan, how they are handling life without all the drama, well, they intended to have no more drama, but sometimes life surprises you.  The book is only a novella, so I don't want to give anything away, but for all of you KGI fans, you will by truly happy when you finish SOFTLY, you will be left light-hearted and full of smiles...I love a happily-ever-after!!

I would suggest getting your hands on a copy of THE DARKEST HOUR, if you have not yet read it, before you read SOFTLY AT SUNRISE, only because you will be more emotionally invested in Ethan and Rachel's relationship, as well as, many of the other secondary characters.  But don't let me stop you at just Ethan and Rachel's romance, you still have Sam and Sophie, Garrett and Sarah, Nathan and Shea and Rio and Grace.  So I say, if you haven't read the KGI series, get started today!!

For all my Maya and KGI fans, Maya is offering a FREE digital copy to ONE LUCKY WINNER!! 

All you have to do is name who you would choose to play Ethan and Rachel Kelly in the movie?

We need a blue-eyed Ex-Navy SEAL and a brown-eyed beauty with long strands.
 
 (If you haven't read the books, take a wild guess, that's the fun part)

Winner will be announced on Wednesday, October 24th. 

RACY RED PANTIES WEEK

A Heart's Endeavor
Mary Wehr
Releasing Nov 19th, 2012
ebook
Beachwalk Press
Source: Gifted by Publisher

There are times when it's best to allow your heart to overrule your head.

Being diagnosed with depression not only messed up Melanie Manning's life, but her marriage as well. Her husband made it very clear that he considered her "damaged goods" and he didn't have time to coddle a mentally ill wife. After his sudden death, Melanie knew she was destined to be alone. Loneliness sounded a hell of a lot better than exposing her illness to another man. Her self-esteem couldn't survive another blow.

When state trooper Jack Horan meets Melanie, the attraction is immediate. Her deep blue eyes make him weak in the knees, but those eyes also hold a hint of sadness. Jack is determined to wipe away her pain, but how can he do that when Melanie refuses to let him get close to her?

Can Melanie learn to face her fears and trust her heart in the hands of another man?

First time author, Mary Wehr shows off her writing talents with A HEART'S ENDEAVOR.  No Melanie Manning does not run a lingerie shop, but I thought this book would go well with Racy Red Panties Week because for one, Jack is an officer, and for two, he likes to tear off panties to get to the good stuff.

She threw back her head and asked innocently, "Is there a problem, officer?"
Jack narrowed his eyes. "You know damn well there’s a problem, young lady." He pushed her gently in front of him and smacked her on the ass. "That’s for teasing me." They reached the front door and he drew her to a stop. He cupped her jaw and kissed her mouth. "Hmm, you taste like vanilla." He licked her throat and nibbled at her ear. "All over."

I personally wasn't blown away with this romance.  I am not sure if I didn't relate to the characters because they are in their mid-forties, or because some of the language used by Jack was a slight turn-off, or it could have been the fact that Jack brings a piece of fruit into the bedroom, and that was also a turn-off for me.  I couldn't stop thinking, "What if a piece of it breaks off?" Just not my cup of tea, I guess.

As for heroines, I really liked Melanie.  Some writers take insecure heroine and tend to make them quite whiny and annoying, obsessing over and over about their flaws, but not Melanie, she made a few comments about her aging body, but never harped on it for too long, and never harped on her depression either, this I appreciate.  I hate reading a romance where the heroine is such a downer, even I wonder why the hero is with her!

Jack did make quite the handsome hero, but like I mentioned before, sometimes the things that came out of his mouth just turned me off.  I guess "spanking" or being "thrown over one's knee" doesn't do it for me, but hey...Some of you ladies might enjoy that!!

So I say, give it a shot!  We all have very different taste's in romance and what we like and don't like.  If you do decide to grab this one up, come back and let me know what you thought!

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

RACY RED PANTIES WEEK

Bare Necessities
Brookfield Series
Lacey Wolfe
Released Oct 1st, 2012
ebook
Source: Gifted by Author

After years of bad relationships, Ava Miller is finally living life for herself and isn’t going to let anyone get in the way. Her dream is to open a lingerie shop, and she has chosen Brookfield, Wyoming as her new home, where her dreams might just come true. Once she meets the town sheriff, though, she’s suddenly involved in a flirtatious battle for the right to open her store.

Seth Hampton is the town’s sheriff, and when Ava shows up, he’s not sure what hits him. He craves her, yet he can’t stand to allow that type of shop to open in his small town. However, he isn’t alone. Someone else wants Ava to leave town. Things take a turn when her shop is vandalized, and all evidence points to Seth.

Ava isn’t sure what to think. While Seth seems to be the only one with motives, something inside her believes he would never do it. Can Ava and Seth figure it out before one of them gets hurt?

BARE NECESSITIES, the newest release from author Lacey Wolfe, takes us back to Brookfield, Wyoming, for another romance and maybe a little trouble.  This time we meet Julie's cousin, Ava, a hot-tempered Italian who comes head to head with the town's Sheriff over the opening of her new store called, Bare Necessities.  Let's just say that these two don't agree on anything, except maybe their mutual attraction to one another.

Ok, I did like the storyline of this romance, and I did enjoy the build-up in suspense, as well as, the build-up of sexual tension, BUT...It was missing something.  I think it had to do with the fact that the first time they meet feels a bit rushed, and then they have a few awkward moments together, and then they are "in love".  I didn't feel as if they had gotten a chance to really get to know each other.  Could just be me, every reader is different, but I like when the hero and heroine have a few choice meetings before he insults her...haha...nice going Officer!

There were some great scene's between Ava and Seth that had me cracking up, when that fiery Italian temper came lashing out,

"Listen here, you're not going to stop me from opening my shop. It isn't against the law. There will always be prude people, but I never expected you to be one of them. My store isn't just dildos and vibrators. It's mainly going to be sleepwear for women and, yes, lingerie. Do you have a problem with pretty panties?"
He was still taking quick glimpses at the pair she wore.
"It looks like you like the ones I'm wearing. You keep looking at them. Should I take them off?" Her finger lingered at the top.
Seth's Adam's apple bounced. She could see she might have taken it a bit too far, but she enjoyed pushing this man's buttons.
"No, leave them on." He managed to spit out.
She stepped closer and let her fingers dance along the edges of the lace. "What's the matter, officer? Do I make you nervous?" she whispered. 

I always enjoy Lacey's romances, so I was a bit sad that this one didn't hold my absolute attention, but I would still recommend it to all my Tasty Readers, especially if you are enjoying the Racy Red Panties Romances this week.  Come back and let me know what you think!! 

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

RACY RED PANTIES WEEK

Return to You
Laurel Heights #3
Kate Perry
Published April 15th, 2012
197 Pages
Kindle Edition
Source: Reviewer Purchased

That rat bastard Michael Wallace is back.

The last person Olivia Parker expects to walk into her lingerie shop is her high school sweetheart. She's so over him. Mostly. Except that he's hotter than ever and still knows her better than she knows herself. But how can she risk her heart when she knows he's just going to leave again?

It's a simple plan: return home, shoot the movie, and leave emancipated from the contract he signed eleven years before. But Michael's plan gets blown away the moment he sees Olivia again. Smart, sexy, and successful, Olivia is distraction personified. Only worse than that—Michael fears Olivia may be his heart and soul…

RETURN TO YOU was a kindle-freebie that I picked up a while back and ran across this weekend.  Funny enough, I was reading a bunch of books where the heroine owned a lingerie shop, and this one fit the bill for my Racy Red Panties Week. 

From the first page I was invested in Olivia and Michael, their past, their present and their future, if they even had one together.  There was a lot of pain and mistrust on Olivia's end, and a lot of regret on Michael's, but the attraction was still burning as strong as ever, maybe even stronger.

She jumped. "What are you doing?"
Snaring a g-string from behind her, he dangled it from the tip of his index finger. "Do you wear stuff like this?"
She grabbed the scrap of lace from him. "Don't touch my underwear."
His gaze dropped to her lips. An irrational need to see how badly he could smear her dark lipstick spurred him on. "You didn't used to mind."
"My standards were lower then."
"Ouch."

There is also a secondary romance between Olivia's father, and his assistant, which I found to be endearing and fun to read.  I liked that we get to meet some characters from previous books and future books, but they don't takeover the story, they are just there as supporting characters, but you are also intrigued enough to want to pick up their romances to find out what might have happened or what might be happening, especially with Gwen and Rick.

To be honest, I plowed through about fifty percent of this story until it dies down a bit.  I am not sure if I would have liked a bit more information about the movie that Parker and Michael were filming, a bit more of Parker and Lanie's romance, or a bit more about Olivia and Michael, and the progress of their romance.  I felt a bit rushed towards the end, and felt slightly lost, but still the story went on.  I think the "black moment" could have used some work, or at least the few scenes leading up to it, but the story went on and I did enjoy where it took us.

This was a very cute read and I would recommend this book and the rest of the series to all my Tasty Readers.  I now have Kate Perry on my Authors to watch list and I hope to see much more from her in the future.

Hope you are enjoying Racy Red Panties Week....and if you have a romance that involves a lingerie shop...share with us...who doesn't love a Racy Romance!

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

RACY RED PANTIES WEEK

Longing For Love
The McCarthy's of Gansett Island #7
Marie Force
Released Oct 2nd, 2012
368 Pages
HTJB, Inc.
Source: Purchased by Reviewer


Marie brings Naughty to Gansett Island!!

Series favorite Tiffany Sturgil steals the spotlight in Longing for Love as her new boutique Naughty & Nice opens in downtown Gansett, right in time for the annual spring Race Week festivities. Finally divorced and ready for a new beginning, Tiffany wonders if sexy Police Chief Blaine Taylor thinks of her as often as she thinks of him since their explosive encounter last fall.

Back then he directed her to call him the second she was officially divorced, but the opening of her store and her unconventional advertising "campaign" have put the island's lingerie queen at odds with the town's top cop. Despite their clashes, when these two finally get together after months of steamy build up, readers will need to keep a fire extinguisher close at hand!

 
I for one was THRILLED when Marie announced that Tiffany was going to get her own book.  I had been sayin that Tiffany needed a good "Schtuping" since book one of the series, and she was still married then, but I didn't think she was going to be married for long.

If you are a reader of the Gansett Series, you know that in the last book, Tiffany and Blaine shared a wildly sexy encounter on her kitchen counter that set us up for what was to come when these two FINALLY got together, and boy, oh boy, Marie NEVER disappoints!!

"Is there something in particular I can show you?" She asked, glancing at him
His grin was nothing short of predatory.
"Anything in the store, that is."
"I have this friend, " he said. "About your height and size.  I'd like to get something for her.  Something special."
Playing along, Tiffany said, "Is this a new friend or an old friend?"
"Newish."
"So you don't want anything too racy."
"On the contrary.  The racier the better."
 

LONGING FOR LOVE was Naughty, Nice and Everything Right!! Marie took us to the edge of the line with some steamy hot sex scenes that will have you looking for the closest freezer! I for one, simply loved the romance between Tiffany and Blaine. He comes to find that she is someone who can stand on her own two feet and someone that he wants to stand next to, and she comes to find him to be more than just a pretty face and a oh so sexy body, (and a kinky mind), but a man that she wouldn't mind having in her life when things get tough, and he is even wild about her daughter...I know...SWOON!!

Like all the other Gansett Island romances, we also get to see what some of our other Gansett couples have been up to, and a few new romances have blossomed in LONGING.  Kara and Dan finally take the next step in their relationship (I LOVE these two), and Semus makes an announcement that not only shakes up the island but Carolines whole world.  There is much romance and a bit of kink coming to Gansett in LONGING FOR LOVE, so I say, if you are not on the Island...Get started today!! 

MAID FOR LOVE, the first book of the Gansett Series, is still FREE on Amazon, pick it up today and fall in love with the McCarthy's of Gansett Island, http://www.amazon.com/Maid-McCarthys-Gansett-Island-ebook/dp/B004YKZIGI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1350390738&sr=1-1&keywords=maid+for+love

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY

Since the Season of Giving is upon us, the very wonderful, Marina Adair, author of the Upcoming Release, KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE, has asked A Tasty Read if she could offer a Giveaway of the book...and who doesn't LOVE Giveaway's!!

So Thank You to Marina, and to all of you who will enter this Giveaway. 

Blurb

Regan Martin stopped believing in Christmas miracles six years ago when she lost everything—her house, her job, and her impeccable reputation in the wine industry—after she fell in love with a man she had no idea was married. Then Regan gets a chance for a fresh start in the Napa Valley. With her dream job, dream home, and her daughter enrolled in a wonderful new school, she starts wondering if holiday wishes really do come true.

But she soon tumbles back down to earth when she learns that her new boss is none other than Gabe DeLuca, the scorned wife’s brother. Gabe wants nothing more than home-wrecking Regan Martin out of his life, his sister’s world, and his family’s business. Mostly, he wants the lush beauty out of his head. Yet his attempts to run her out of town have him thinking twice, especially when he sees that Regan may hold the key to tracking down his sister’s stolen start-up capital. Even worse for Gabe, Regan might just be his Christmas wish and hold the key to his heart.

To Enter:

(1) Leave a comment about your FAVORITE Holiday Tradition

(2) Leave a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS


This Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents Only.  Giveaway will run until Sunday Evening, October 14th, EST.

Looking for More

Until There Was You
Coming Home #2
Jessica Scott
Released Oct 8th, 2012
230 Pages
Loveswept
Source: NetGalley

He plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed army captains will prove that opposites attract . . .
 
Blurb

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Captain Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. From that moment on, though, Evan has been at odds with her, through two deployments to Iraq and back again. But when he is asked to train a team prepping for combat alongside Claire, battle-worn Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to earn the rank on her chest. In Evan, Claire sees a rigid officer who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. When the mission forces them together, Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye.

He’s more than the rank on his chest; he’s a man with dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.


In all honesty, I liked UNTIL THERE WAS YOU, the sophomore romance from Jessica Scott, but I didn't LOVE it!  It was a bit different from BECAUSE OF YOU, Jessica's first romance that came out last November, which I truly enjoyed.  Maybe I was looking for that same kind of deep emotion that I got with BECAUSE OF YOU, and when I didn't feel as strongly towards Evan and Claire, my heart was slightly disappointed.

The storyline was well though out and the story flowed nicely, I guess I just never felt that connection with Evan or Claire.  The love/hate romance had been building between them for years, but we didn't get to see that, so when they fall in love, I felt it was a bit rushed.  But ladies, this is all MY opinion only, please don't shy away from reading the romance, especially if you are a fan of Jessica's.  Evan and Claire might just steal your heart!!

Jessica Scott still writes Army Romances like no one else can.  The descriptions are amazing, making you feel as if you are right there with the characters, at the honky-tonk bar, or on base waiting for assignment.  She took experience and went with it, and now has two published romances.  I'd say she is a rising star in the Romance Writing field!!

I would still recommend this romance to fans of a realistic portrayal of an Army Romance, and fans, or To-Be fans of Jessica Scott.  The romance is worth the read, and at only $2.99, you really can't go wrong.

GET SCORCHED, WIN SCORCHED

SCORCHED
Tracers #6
Laura Griffin
Releasing Oct 30th, 2012
416 Pages
Pocket Books
Source: Gifted by Author

Blurb:

Kelsey Quinn set out to trace a murder victim. Now she may become one. The dead don’t speak, but Kelsey knows their secrets. As a forensic anthropologist at the Delphi Center crime lab, Kelsey makes it her mission to identify bodies using no more than shards of bone, and her find at a remote Philippines dig hints at a sinister story. When Kelsey’s search for answers puts her at the scene of her exfiancé’s murder, only one man can help her. The same man who broke her heart just months before, and who is also a prime suspect.

 Faced with an ultimatum— Kelsey or his job—Gage Brewer did the only thing a Navy SEAL could . . . but that doesn’t mean he stopped wanting Kelsey. Now Kelsey is running for her life and Gage is her last line of defense. As the threats escalate, Kelsey realizes this conspiracy goes deeper and higher than they could have guessed. With the clock ticking down on a madman’s plot, the slightest misstep will have unthinkable consequences. . . .

If you haven't started the Tracer Series by Laura Griffin, well all I can say is "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?"  Laura writes one of the BEST Romance Suspense Series on the Market and I HIGHLY recommend starting the series now, that way you will be ready for SCORCHED at the end of this month.

SCORCHED centers around Kelsey Quinn and Gage Brewer, who you would have met if you read UNSTOPPABLE, the novella where their relationship first began.  I for one, was so psyched when I found out that SCORCHED was going to be about Kelsey and Gage, and I will be honest, I think Kelsey and Gage are my new Favorite Tracer Couple, well...ok....I'll put them in a tie with Alex and Nathan...but Kelsey and Gage...boy did they put my heart in knots.

"It can be anything?" His voice was low and dangerous as he searched her face.

"Anything."

He kissed her on the mouth and her skin started to tingle.  "Any fantasy at all?"

"Yes," she whispered.

He leaned down and his breath was warm against her ear.  "Give us another chance."
 

SERIOUSLY...did your heart not just SWOON...I could just read this book over and over again and still never get sick of Kelsey and Gage.  Between Kelsey trying to stay alive, keeping her heart out of the equation and Gage trying to be her white-knight while breaking down the walls that she is trying to build, it makes for one emotional romance, with a wild ride suspense plot that will have you saying, "OMG!"

Laura Griffin captivates me EVERY SINGLE TIME with her imaginative story lines and amazingly descriptive scenes that put you right in the middle of the action.  I simply LOVE what she does!!

Maybe thirty or so pages into this book, I actually had to email Laura and ask her if we would be seeing two of the secondary characters again, and if they would have their own romance, because I was not only taken by what was happening between Kelsey and Gage, but I wanted to know where the flirty banter between Gage's friend, Derek Vaughn and Agent Elizabeth LeBlanc would be going, and I needed to make sure that we would see them again. 

SCORCHED kicks major butt.  If you are looking for a thrilling suspense that will keep you reading late into the night, and a romance that burns up the sheets, then pre-order your copy of SCORCHED today!!  Definitely one of The Best Romances of 2012.

Highly recommended read, as well as, the rest of the TRACERS Series, which you can learn about here, http://www.lauragriffin.com/tracers.php#order

And if you want to Pre-Order,

http://www.amazon.com/Scorched-ebook/dp/B007EDYU9I/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1349704011&sr=1-1&keywords=scorched

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/scorched-laura-griffin?keyword=scorched+laura+griffin&store=allproducts

GIVEAWAY

Laura, being as awesome as she is, has a ARC of SCORCHED up for grabs, and I for one would enter this Giveaway if I were you. 

To enter:

(1) Leave a comment sharing your FAVORITE Tracer Couple

(2) Leave a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS, without an email address you will not be entered

Giveaway winner will be announced on Friday, Oct 12th.  Only Valid to U.S. Residents.

Congratulations to Lisarenee, who is the winner, chosen by Random.org, of SCORCHED by Laura Griffin.  I will be in contact with you today!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY

I can't believe it has been over a year that I started A Tasty Read Review Blog.  I just wanted to take a moment to Thank, firstly, ALL OF YOU...my loyal Tasty Readers, cause without you...I'd just be talking to myself!!  Secondly, to all the wonderful Authors who have taken the time to come by the blog and chat or host a Giveaway...I really appreciate all the support, since without you...I'd have nothing to write about.  Finally, to sites such as NetGalley, Edelweiss and Publishers who send me some AMAZING romances to review, I thank you...cause without you...I'd be BROKE!!

Ok...enough with the mushy stuff...Let's get to the GIVEAWAYS!!!

**GIVEAWAY WINNERS ANNOUNCED, PLEASE CHECK BELOW**

Here is how today is going to work...I have TWELVE books up for grabs...They are a mix of Contemporary Romance, Historical, and Paranormal. 

Each hour, starting at 9AM...I will be GIVING AWAY ONE OF THE FABULOUS READS to ONE OF MY FABULOUS READERS. 

All you have to do is LEAVE A COMMENT WITH A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS...BUT TO BE ENTERED FOR EACH GIVEAWAY...YOU WILL NEED TO COMMENT EVERY HOUR!!!

But...you will not be told WHICH book is up for grabs...so the MORE you comment, the better a chance you have of winning!! 

Here is a sample of the AMAZING reads I have up for grabs today...

 

*Autographed by Candis Terry

 

 

 

 

 

*Digital Copy (Releasing 10/8/12)

 

 

*Autographed by Candis Terry

 

 

 

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY COMMENTING!!!

 

 

*And the winners are...

 

 

Lessons from a Scandelous Bride- Jen C.

 

The Girl Most Likely To- Amanda G.

 

Until There Was You- Jaclyn

 

Second Chance at the Sugar Shack- Amanda G.

 

Tarnished- Pat L.

 

Tall, Dark and Deadly- Cindy

 

The Lady Risks All- Na

 

Tarnished- Kristy

 

Tarnished- Jane

 

For Love and Honor- Na

 

Naughty or Nice- Jaye

 

Tarnished- Amanda G.

 

 

*All winners and book order chosen by Random.org*

 

I will be contacting the winners sometime today for your mailing information, Thank you to ALL of you who entered, it was so nice hearing from you throughout the day!!!

 

 

Winter Romance to Warm your Heart

When Snow Falls
Whiskey Creek #2
Brenda Novak
Releasing Oct 23rd, 2012
448 Pages
Harlequin MIRA
Source: NetGalley

Blurb:

After growing up in cheap motels, moving from town to town with her sister and mother, Cheyenne Christensen is grateful to be on her own. She's grateful, too, for the friends she found once her family settled in California. But she's troubled by the mystery of her earliest memories, most of which feature a smiling blonde woman. A woman who isn't her mother.Although Cheyenne has repeatedly asked for explanations, the people who could help aren't talking. Cheyenne is set on finding answers, but without so much as a birth certificate, it won't be easy.

Things get even more complicated when her closest friend is attracted to the man Cheyenne has secretly loved for years. For Eve's sake, she decides to step aside—which lands her right in the arms of Dylan Amos, oldest and baddest of the hell-raising Amos brothers. He's the kind of guy she's sworn to avoid. She can't afford to make a mistake, not when she finally has a chance to learn who she really is and change her life for the better. But…maybe there's more to Dylan than she thought. Maybe letting him go would be a bigger mistake.

Simply ADORED this book...there are only few words needed to describe it...Wonderful, Charming, and Heartwarming.  Following Cheyenne on her journey of self-discovery was a ride of a lifetime and I would have only wanted one man by my side...Dylan Amos.  

Yes, you do need to read a good ways into the book until you meet Dylan, but there is so much you need to learn about Chey and the women that she "thought" were her family, but maybe she has been lied to all along.  We get to know Cheyenne, what kind of daughter she is, what kind of friend she is, what kind of career-minded woman she is...She is simply someone that has never really walked on the wild side and once she meets Dylan Amos...oh boy does she want to walk on the wild side with him.

Dylan Amos is...just an amazing hero.  I fell in love at first sight and never looked back.  He is supposed to be this bad-ass hell raiser, but he is really just the man who held his family together when they could have fallen apart, he worked hard to raise his three younger brothers and he unfortunately carries a bad reputation from his younger days around with him.  I love the dynamic between Dylan and Chey, the sparks, the magic, and then the words get lost in translation...I was so frustrated but yet it was so real to me.  I just loved them together, and I was miserable when they were apart.

When Snow Falls tells a story of friendship, family loyalty, and finding the one person who loves you no matter what.  You will fall in love with this story, so make room on your Keeper Shelf for this one.  I honestly would recommend reading the series in order, starting with When Lightening Strikes, but if you are looking to snuggle up with a wonderful romance one a cool, fall night, I'd pick this one hands down!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

NEW RELEASE

Justice at Cardwell Ranch
Montana Mystique #4
B.J. Daniels
Released Oct 2nd, 2012
224 Pages
Harlequin
Source: Little Bird Publicity

Six years ago, Dana Cardwell found her mother's will in a cookbook and became sole owner of the Cardwell Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. Now happily married, Dana is surprised when her siblings, Stacy and Jordan, show up on the ranch …and trouble isn't too far behind.As danger draws closer to the ranch, deputy marshal Liza Turner quickly realizes that Jordan Cardwell isn't the man the town made him out to be.


Justice at Cardwell Ranch is the highly anticipated sequel of Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch, which I was lucky enough to find at my local library's book sale, so I was able to find out what went on with the Cardwell family six years ago, and I would highly recommend reading it first, especially if you are like me and need to be in "The Know" when it comes to sequels.

Justice at Cardwell Ranch is what I call Romance-lite...which is not my normal type of read, but the suspense was really intriguing and kept you hanging on until almost the last page.  I am also not one to read  a lot of westerns or Ranching-Romances, but I did enjoy the wonderfully descriptive setting and the different story lines that we have weaving in and out of each other.  Never a dull moment at the Cardwell Ranch.

You get a brewing romance between Jordan Cardwell and Deputy Liza Turner, a few family secrets from the other Cardwell siblings and a long ago buried secret that comes to light when old friends return for a high school reunion. 

This was a thrilling read and I would recommend to those who are looking for a different kind of suspense.

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

The Color of Grace Blog Tour

Hey Guys...So excited for today, which is the first day of The Color of Grace Book Tour.  Linda Kage is a very talented writer and I am so honored to be a part of the tour introducing her new YA release, The Color of Grace. 

Not only is Linda hosting a e-book Giveaway of the book here at A Tasty Read, but she is also offering a $30.00 AMAZON Gift card to one lucky commenter for the ENTIRE Blog Tour.  Check here for the other blog stops: http://lindakage.com/

To enter The Color of Grace Giveaway here at A Tasty Read, leave a comment for Linda and a VALID EMAIL address, winner will be announced tomorrow!!

Who is ready to hear more about this great YA release?


Who knew becoming lost in a new life could help a girl find her true colors?

When sixteen-year old Grace Indigo’s mother remarries after thirteen years of being a widow, Grace has to move to a new town and enroll in a new school. There, she finds herself thrust into a whole different life where she’s surrounded by a crowd totally opposite of her old nerd herd.

What’s worse, Ryder Yates, the boy who flirted with her and she turned down when they were attending separate schools, is a part of her new group. But he has a girlfriend, and Grace somehow ends up paired with his best friend. Yet after her relationship with her mother deteriorates and her old friends suddenly become incommunicado, Ryder is the only person she can rely on when her world goes haywire.
EXCERPT

“I’m Ryder.”

Startled because he hadn’t shrugged me off for a loser and left, I jolted and glanced up to take in his purple and white Southeast uniform. He was number forty-two. I had no idea why that detail stuck in my head but it seemed easier to focus on his jersey than to look back into his too-beautiful-for-his-Southeast-jersey green eyes.

He flashed his pearly whites with a knowing grin as if he realized exactly how awestruck I felt. “And you are…?” he prompted.

My mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again. Not a word came out. My vocal chords had failed me. The most handsome boy I’d ever seen wanted to know my name.

As my brain wrapped around that fact, my thoughts fizzled and spurted out.

Run.

That was the only word to flash in bright neon lights through my head. I needed to get out of there before he realized I was a nobody.

“Not interested,” I blurted, more in a mummy trance than from actually thinking my answer through, because why, oh heavens, why I said not interested I still don’t know.

I have to say, Linda Kage kinda blew me away with this one.  Grace is every girl in your High School who goes home to the unknown, and feels as if she can't tell anyone about her hidden troubles.  Linda writes such a true depiction of the loneliness one would feel if they walked in Grace's shoes, but with the one light at the end of the tunnel, named Ryder Yates.

I love a hero like Ryder, so true to who he is and battling with the feelings he has inside, oh...I loved Ryder Yates and those peridot green eyes.

The Color of Grace touches on some very serious subjects, along with the strains of being a teenager, wanting a boy you can't have, dating a boy you aren't really into, and the loss and gain of old and new friends and the hardships along the way.  This book really took me back to my high school days.

I truly enjoyed The Color of Grace, and I would highly recommend to everyone, but especially a teen in your life who is dealing with these struggles and maybe needs to know that everyone goes through the same issues, even Grace Indigo!!

Thank you to Linda for allowing me to be part of this amazing Blog Tour and don't forget to enter to win an e-book copy of this awesome YA!!