One Perfect Night is the Perfect Read

One Perfect Night
Rachael Johns
Releasing Dec 19th, 2011
eBook
Carina Press
Source: NetGalley





Even thought this book was slightly predictable, I LOVED It!  I loved Cameron, I loved Peppa, and I just loved One Perfect Night!  Rachael Johns definitely hits the nail on the head with this one.

Cameron and Peppa decide to continue a One Night Stand affair, even after he finds out that she actually works for his company.  He is tempted by her amazing curves, but also her smile.  Peppa had been though a bad break up and Cameron had lost his wife, so here we are with two people who are both cautious to get serious about anything but what happens between the sheets.

Well, its hard not to fall in love when you spend every night with a handsome, funny, amazing guy...That is the predicament Peppa finds herself in...among "Other" things.  But will Cameron stick around when faced with the exact thing he has said he wasn't looking for from the beginning?  Oh boy...do you have to read this amazing book to find out what happens!!

I had such a fun time reading One Perfect Night.  I enjoyed the flirty banter between Peppa and Cameron.  I was intrigued from page one and the speed kept up so nicely throughout the entire book, I never got bored!!  And with chemistry that sizzled on every page between these two...No wonder I couldn't put it down!!  I really, truly LOVED Peppa and Cameron.  Two lost, broken souls, who find one another and continue to lie to themselves that they are "Just having fun", when they are really "Falling In Love".  Ahhhhh....Loved it!!  And Cameron made me proud...love the little fairy costume....ohhh....Ok...Don't want to tear up again!!

Just READ IT!!

Guest Blog by The Very Talented Stephanie Rowe

Today, A Tasty Read is Celebrating with Stephanie Rowe, who's FANTASTIC series, The Girlfriend's Guide to Boys, has been released as eBooks.  (The books originally published under pen name Stephie Davis)   Personally I am thrilled, as this is one of MY FAVORITE YA Series. 

So to Celebrate the Release and upcoming Holiday's, Stephanie has put together a laugh-out-loud Blog with advice for The Young Adult in your Life, who may need some Gift Giving Ideas for Family and Friends (or maybe her Crush).   


A Completely Serious, Entirely Altruistic Gift-Giving Guide for Teens

By: Stephanie Rowe

 Okay, it's the holidays. You know what that means? Christmas vacation. Sleeping in. Eating frosting out of the bowl when making Christmas cookies. And what else does it mean? Presents and gifts galore! But wait, you say, it's too much. It's too overwhelming. There are so many choices, I don't know where to begin!

 As, yes, this is true. That is one of the perils of December: gift idea overload. It can happen when buying gifts for others, when responding to queries about what you want, or when simply walking into a store and seeing all the frenzied shoppers running around with seventeen shopping bags, two carts, and a small wagon full of gifts.

 Fear no more! Your problems are solved! Panic begone! Why? Because today, my friends, you are going to be the oh-so-lucky recipients of the most amazing Top Eight Gift-Giving Guide for Teens. See below for a host of brilliant, creative and fantastically amazing gift ideas as generated by one of your most favorite authors ever… no… Stephenie Meyer didn't write the list. I did. But thanks, my ego is feeling great now.

 Okay, so here it is, some great gift ideas for others, so you can enjoy the spirit of giving on the holidays:

1)      Tell every author you meet in person, friend on Facebook or follow on twitter that they are your most favorite author ever. You will make their day and most likely prompt them to send you several boxes of free books and name the main character in their next book after you. Seriously. We authors are like that. So, go ahead. Practice on me.  Tell me I'm the best ever. I don't mind. I'm here to help.
 

2)      Tell your parents that you've decided to date only boys who are straight A students, love their parents and weed organic gardens every Friday night instead of going to parties. This will make their day, and you will have the joy of watching your parents make total idiots of themselves while they do the Snoopy happy dance. And then, as an added bonus, they will decide that you're such a great kid that you deserve to have your curfew eliminated and your own personal credit card with no spending limit. See how well it works when you give to others in a display of pure altruism?

3)      To everyone in your family, give a recording of the song, Grandma Got Run Over by a  Reindeer. It will be a lovely reminder to all of them about what will happen if they forget to treat you like the awesome rock star you are. Hoof prints on the forehead, anyone?

4)      Give a Kindle to your grandparents, especially if they still use a rotary phone. They will spend the rest of the night smiling because their hip, young granddaughter thought they were cool enough to own a Kindle. And in mid-February, when they've finally concluded that they prefer paper books to that high tech gadget, you can be nice enough to say yes when they ask you if you would like to have it. See? That gift gives you the chance to spread good will twice. Wow. Such a bonus.

5)      Give six copies of the ebook  PUTTING BOYS ON THE LEDGE to each person in your email address book.  They will love you for it. Seriously. You'll become the most popular person in your whole social circle, and what's better than popularity? And no, of course I didn't pick that book because I wrote it. I would never do that. *Stephanie blinks innocently.*

6)      Foster a litter of puppies for the Christmas holidays for an animal rescue group. The soft fur, little noses and oversized paws will make your heart dance every time you sit down in the living room. You will be giving those puppies the gift of life, and all the puppy-loving hot guys in your class will want to come over and see them. Your mom will be really, really appreciative of the cheerful barking filling the house as she bustles about getting ready for the holiday. And when the pups finally go off to their new homes, the house will seem so quiet and neat that you'll be able to rock your music as much as you want. Your parents won't bug you to quiet down, because even with all your noise, it'll still be like a peaceful meditation room in comparison to puppy central. You could get at least a month of chaos-making out of a litter of ten puppies. Plus, they're so cute!!! Me love puppies.

7)      Hot caramel apple cider from Starbucks. 'Nuff said.

8)      Give the cold shoulder to the guy in your class who you've been crushing on. See, here's the thing with guys. They just don't know how to handle girls, you know? They try to understand us, and they fail, then then spend hours lying in bed at night, staring at the ceiling, wishing they knew how to tap into our mysteries. It's when they are in that state of utter confusion, disorientation and insecurity that they're finally able to appreciate us and treat us the way we deserve (like the goddesses we are). If you're nice to him, then he thinks that he's got it all under control, and that annoying male ego kicks in. The one where he doesn't call when he says he will, when he forgets to compliment you on your new haircut. Urgh. But when you blow him off, everything changes for him. He gets insecure and wobbly, which makes him remember why he must work hard to be worthy of you. Put that guy on the Ledge. Seriously. Guys want to feel insecure enough to treat us well. You'll be doing him a favor, because you're just that kind of girl.

There we go. A super fantastic head start toward holiday shopping designed to bright light and love into the hearts of those you love. What cool gift ideas do you have this year? Let's share ideas and get some shopping done!

Thanks Stephanie...I am still laughing!!  I hope everyone will share this blog with the Young Adult in their life.  Speaking of those WONDERFUL (cranky, moody, broody) Young Adults in your life...Here is a list of some FABULOUS YA Authors, (aside from the fantastic Guest Blogger today) that have made a permanent home on our Favorites Shelf!  Books make great gifts for any Teen or Young Adult....and even make for a Fun Read for YOU!!

Older YA Authors to Check Out

Hannah Harrington (Saving June)

Kody Keplinger (The Duff)

Lauren Barnholdt (Two Way Street)

Simone Elkeles (Perfect Chemistry)

Kieran Scott (He's So/She's So)

Stephanie Perkins (Anna and the French Kiss)

Elizabeth Scott (Perfect You)

Elizabeth Eulberg (The Lonely Hearts Club)

Jennifer Echols (The One That I Want)

Miranda Kenneally (Catching Jordan)

Gayle Forman (Where She Went)

Susane Colasanti (When It Happens)

Sarah Dessen (This Lullaby)

Kristen Cast (House of Night Series)

P.C. Cast (House of Night)

Gena Showalter (Intertwined Series)

Meg Cabot (Underworld)

**There are SOOOO many more AMAZING YA Authors....these are just the few that came to the top of my head!!  If you know of ANY FABULOUS, NEED-TO-READ YA Books, please leave a comment with your suggestions!!  I ALWAYS need more recommendations!

Guest Blogger

 

Four-time RITA® Award nominee and Golden Heart® Award winner Stephanie Rowe is the nationally bestselling author of more than twenty published books with major New York publishers, including HarperCollins, Grand Center and Harlequin. Stephanie has received starred reviews from Booklist and high praise from Publisher's Weekly. In addition to her teen series, she is also published in romance (paranormal, contemporary and suspense), teen fiction, middle grade fiction and inspirational non-fiction. A former attorney, Stephanie lives in Boston where she is actively working on her next project. For more information on Stephanie, visit www.stephanierowe.com.

 

**Other Great Reads from Stephanie

THE FEEL GOOD LIFE: witty, heartfelt & honest essays about getting thru the tough times in life

THE GIRLFRIEND’S GUIDE TO BOYS: teen romance “girl power” series

PENELOPE MOONSWOGGLE, THE GIRL WHO COULD NOT RIDE A DRAGON: fun, pre-teen fantasy

HOLD ME IF YOU CAN, Jan 2012: dark & sexy paranormal romance

 

 

Hannah Harrington talks Music, Roadtrips and Saving June

A Tasty Read is thrilled to be able to Interview Hannah Harrington, Author of the AMAZING YA Release, Saving June.  Released just last month, Saving June and it's Debut Author are making a BIG Splash!  Hannah takes us on a magical journey of great music and such huge emotions, that they span cross country.  A Tasty Read says's Saving June is a MUST READ!!

A Tasty Read: I am going to take a few seconds to be a Fan Girl and tell you how much Saving June Rocked! Especially the Music... How did you select the songs that would be featured throughout the book? Are you a music buff like Jake Tolan?

Hannah Harrington: Thank you so much! As for the music-- I'm definitely not quite the obsessive Jake is, but I'm a fan. A lot of the music included are songs and artists I grew up with or discovered as a teen and other favorites of mine. But I didn't want to just shoehorn any specific songs in, I wanted them to be relevant and organic to the story, so I tried to be careful about that.

A Tasty Read: So many of the songs reminded me of my childhood.  It was a nice experience to be taken back.  So, speaking of Jake.....(Swoon....the seventeen year old girl inside me has a MEGA CRUSH), He takes Harper and Laney on a Road Trip across the country. have you ever done anything so CRAZY??

Hannah: Nothing that crazy! The closest I came as a teenager was when I was seventeen, a bunch of friends and I rented a van and drove from Michigan to New York City for a political protest. It was a sort of spur-of-the-moment decision for me to go, and I think I had maybe twenty dollars for the whole trip. It was my first time being in a big city like that too, which made it extra exciting. Of course, for my road trip I did have parental permission, unlike Harper and Laney!

A Tasty Read: Sounds like a great trip, slightly responsible, but still rebellious.  I like it!  As a fellow writer, I know about finding a great story in anything and everything, so where did the idea for Saving June come from?


Hannah: It didn't really come from one place. Some of my personal experiences informed the story, some of it was inspired by music I love. Using a road trip as a literal and figurative journey for characters isn't new, but it's one of my favorite tropes, and it felt fitting for the story!

A Tasty Read:  Believe me, whatever you did, WORKED!  I got choked up so many times reading Saving June.   The emotions we follow Harper through were so real. How was the writing process for you?   Was it a roller coaster of emotions everyday, or were you able to separate yourself from the characters pain?

Hannah: I didn't get too emotional while actually writing the story, and I love writing the heavy emotional stuff, so it wasn't a drain for me. The hardest scenes were probably the scattering of the ashes and June's letter, since they're two of the most important parts of the story and I really wanted them to live up to everything that came before. Actually, the most emotional I got was after I turned in the final version to my editor, after rounds of revisions-- just knowing it was officially out of my hands and letting those characters go after I'd spent so much time with the story. It was sort of sad and wonderful at the same time.

A Tasty Read: I can only imagine.  Are you able to tell me about your next book, Speechless?

Hannah: Yes! SPEECHLESS will be published by Harlequin Teen in September 2012. It's the story of a girl named Chelsea Knot who takes a vow of silence after her gossip-mongering ways yield unexpected consequences. There's another romance involved with that one too, of course!

A Tasty Read: Of course...we have to have our romance, especially in a YA!  Hannah, Thank You so much for chatting with me today. Saving June was such a Kick Ass book, and I will be recommending it to everyone. I will keep my eyes peeled for Speechless in 2012, and you will have to come back to chat with me about it!!

Hannah: Absolutely! Thank you so much for having me!


Delectable Guest

"I don't like Pina Coladas, but I do enjoy getting caught in the rain."





Saving June won Gold in the Young Adult-Mature Issues Category at the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards.  Visit Hannah's Blog to Read More.

'A Tasty Reader' Reviews

Take Me Home Tonight
Welcome to Paradise Book #2
Elle Kennedy
Released Oct 11th, 2011
E-Book
Samhain Publishing
Source: Borrowed
Reviewed by: Rach Thielen


Take me Home Tonight is the sequel to the book Welcome to Paradise. 



Maddie has been in love with her boss, Owen Bishop, for the past three years.  But because she is just "one of the guys" nobody, especially her boss, even notices that she is a woman instead of the tough tomboy she portrays.

So, Maddie takes matters into her own hands and "reinvents" herself with new sexy clothes.  But sexy clothes mixed with Maddie's spunky, take no-crap attitude, can only lead to dangerous things!

Will Maddie get the man of her dreams???

To what lengths will Maddie go to get what she wants?? 

You will just have to read this story to find the answers!!

I have to say, I didn't like this book as much as Welcome to Paradise, but I would still recommend it, especially if you have already read the first book in the series, and because I really liked Maddie and her "take no crap" attitude!!

Warning: This book does have quite a bit of explicit language in it that could be offensive to some readers.

Rach Thielen and I share a love of Marie Force and Romance Books in general.  Rach lives in Minnesota and in between running a Day Care to pay for her Romance habit, and keeping her husband and three beautiful daughters happy, she loves to chat with All the other "Forcers" on Facebook!!

Tis' the Season of Giving

Mark you Calendar's Ladies

From Dec 19th thru Dec 23rd,

A Tasty Read will be hosting a Week of Giveaway's

My Favorite Books Giveaway

Each day a NEW Giveaway Question will be asked,

Just leave a comment, and you will be entered into the

Drawing to win

ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS!!

You will be able to choose which of my Favorite books you will be receiving. 
(The List will be posted on Dec 19th)

That's FIVE chances to WIN!!

You can comment each day,

 (but can't win twice)

 

Wishing Everyone A Very Merry Christmas

And

A Healthy and Wealthy New Year!

For further Information on My Giveaway's
please check the Free Treats Page.

 

Man Candy Monday

After watching the wonderful ABC Family Channel's 12 Dates of Christmas, I was brought back to my childhood with a glimpse of MEGA HOTTIE, Mark-Paul Gosselaar.  YOWZA!!  He is still kick ass HOT, so I thought that today I would dedicate Man Candy Monday to the man who shares my Birthday...Yes, its true, don't be jealous ladies!!

I can't decide which Mark is my favorite?

Short Hair

Slightly Longer

Oh....Very long Hair

Um....drool....No hair! (chest that is)

Scruffy Hair

Who could resist that Smile?

Do you have a Favorite Ladies??

Marking Time ...Hits It's Mark

Marking Time
Treading Water Series #2
Marie Force
Released Nov 28th, 2011
E-Book
Source: Reviewer Purchased



In this Continuation of Treading Water, we follow Clare Harrington while she tries to find her place in the world after missing the last three years of her life.  She heads to Stowe, Vermont in hopes that some time away from "her home", will help her with her recovery, mind, body and soul.  What she doesn't expect is to meet Aiden O'Malley, the handsome man she hired to restore her bothers vacation home.  While Clare and Aiden learn more about each other, her middle daughter Kate heads to Nashville, Tennessee to try and "Make it Big" in the music industry.  While living in Nashville, Kate falls hard for Reid Matthews, who was supposed to be looking out for her, instead of trying to keep his eyes off of her.  But when their secret relationship is ripped wide open, will Kate be strong enough to stick up for what she believes is true, or will other Oppourtunities arise that will tear them further apart.

WOW...is all I have to say.  Marking Time is a Kick Butt sequel to Treading Water.  Just like with Treading Water, Marie creates a story that not only takes on through a sea of emotions but on an adventure from Stowe, Vermont to Nashville, Tennessee, back to Rhode Island. 

I really enjoyed getting to know Clare as a person, and not just the girls mother.  She needed to find herself again, not as Jack's wife, not as a mother, but as Clare, the woman.  And boy...did Aiden help!!  hehe!  I liked their flirty banter, I liked to see Clare making a life for just "herself", where before, she was more involved in everyone elses life.  She was able to heal and with the healing, find LOVE again, with a great man, who was lonely for way too long.

The book travels back and forth between Clare and Kate.  Kate is starting her own adventure in Nashville, where she wants to be discovered.  I really liked Kate, even from Treading Water.  I loved the relationship she formed with Andi towards the end, always thinking she was very loyal.  I have to say, the relationship between Kate and Reid was sweet, and you could tell that he really was in love with her.  I don't want to give anything away, but I have to be honest and say that I think things between them happened for a reason, and you were able to tell the difference in maturity level between the two.  Once you read the book, you might agree!!

Marking Time was a beautifly written book that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions.  I was sad, happy, laughing than Angry....I have to say I was angry A LOT, haha!!  I say angry, but on more of an Empathetic level.....I was angry for the characters and angry at certain characters.  But all in all....Marking Time hits the Mark, and will touch your heart.

Marie Force has created a world with these characters that we will all be asking for more of.  The third book, Starting Over, will be released late December, and I have a feeling that it might just be my favorite, yet!!

Treading Water Rocks the Boat

Treading Water
Marie Force
Released Oct 25th, 2011
E-Book
Source: Reviewer Purchased







First things first, I want to take a minute to Congratulate Marie Force on Finally being able to publish this Trilogy.  If you have visited Marie's Website, you would have read all about the Treading Water Trilogy and how they have been put on the back burner for long enough, and let me just say how excited I am to be able to get my hands on the first two books!


If you are a Marie Force lover like me, you must have already read all of her other series and stand alone books, so I wanted to give a fair warning that this Trilogy is a bit different from the usual Force book.  They touch on some sensitive subject manner that many of you may not agree with, and they are just more "REAL" or "True to Life", meaning that you might know someone who has gone through the same situations happening  or have read something like it happening. 

They aren't your typical Romance where Two people meet, fall in love, break-up and then find each other again...ohhhh NO.....these are definitely not that...They are So, so much more!!


Treading Water starts with a horrible accident that changes the lives of Jack Harrington and his three daughters, Jill, Kate and Maggie.  After a year passes, with his wife still in a coma, Jack knows he needs to get his family back together and start living again.  Finally back to work, Jack meets Andi Walsh, a colleague working with his firm on a large Hotel project.  Jack is not looking for love when he meets Andi, but that is exactly what he finds.  Will Jack and Andi get their second chance at love or will surprising events tear them apart?


I can't give anymore away....I am going to leave you with only your wild imagination and the need to purchase this book the second you finish reading this blog.  But, I will tell you that this book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions from feeling warm and fuzzy to your chest tightening over the pain and heartbreak. 

The one thing that Marie never fails to do, is to bring us these beautiful "Worlds", or settings.  They are so well described that you can almost feel the breeze of the ocean blowing across your face.  After reading Treading Water I was ready to pack a bag and head to Newport for the weekend! 

Everyone is going to have their own opinions about this book, it has be getting some "controversial reviews".  I think everyone has the right to their own opinions, BUT don't let bad reviews that go on and on and on, keep you from enjoying an AMAZING book.  When you are finished you will have your opinions too, but like me, when I really LOVE a book, that's when I have A LOT to say about it. 

Um...can you tell I liked the book!!  haha

Get it, Read it, Enjoy it and Review it!! 

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow where I will be reviewing the second book in the Trilogy, Marking Time.  You won't want to miss it!!

Saltine Break Up

Not only is this easy to make treat Delicious...but it makes a GREAT GIFT for Teachers, Neighbors or anyone you want to impress with your AMAZING Culinary Skills!!

Preheat Oven to 375 degrees

Ingredients:

40 Saltine Crackers
1 c. Butter
1/2 c. Packed Brown Sugar
1/4 tsp. Baking Soda
12 oz. Chocolate Chips

Add your favorite nut for an added crunch!

Directions:

1. Line baking sheet with foil, arrange the Saltines in a single layer, they can be touching.

2. In a small sauce pan, bring butter and brown sugar to a boil.  Remove from heat, stir in baking soda

3. Pour over crackers, then bake for 6-8 minutes, until bubbling.

4. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with Chocolate Chips. Spread with a spoon or spatula, allow them to melt.  Sprinkle with nuts before chocolate is set.

5. Let cool completely, then break into chunks.  Store covered at room temperature.

** Hint: Grab some fun Holiday tins from your local dollar store and fill with the Saltine Break Up for a Fast and Easy gift, or a last minute invite gift!!

Throwback Thursday

Sugar Daddy
Lisa Kleypas
Released Mar 6th, 2007
384 Pages
St. Martin Press
Source: Reviewer Purchased

SHE'S FROM THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS

Liberty Jones has dreams and determination that will take her far away from Welcome, Texas---if she can keep her wild heart from ruling her mind. Hardy Cates sees Liberty as completely off-limits. His own ambitions are bigger than Welcome, and Liberty Jones is a complication he doesn't need. But something magical and potent draws them to each other, in a dangerous attraction that is stronger than both of them.

HE'S THE ONE MAN SHE CAN'T HAVE

When Hardy leaves town to pursue his plans, Liberty finds herself alone with a young sister to raise. Soon Liberty finds herself under the spell of a billionaire tycoon---a Sugar Daddy, one might say. But the relationship goes deeper than people think, and Liberty begins to discover secrets about her own family's past.

WILL THEY FIND THEIR HEARTS' DESIRES OR WILL HEARTBREAK TEAR THEM APART?

Two men. One woman. A choice that can make her or break her. A woman you'll root for every step of the way. A love story you'll never forget.

The blurb wasn't kidding when it said "A love story you'll never forget" because I have NEVER forgot this story...It is one of the best books I have ever read...as is the rest of the series.  (Smooth Talking Stranger being my favorite...I know...but Jack Travis is just dreamy....swoon)

I was reminded of Sugar Daddy this morning after lending it to a co-worker who finished it in a day and then told me how much she LOVED IT!!  Which always puts a huge smile on my face.  I love when I recommend a book to someone and they fall in love with it as much as I had!!

"Sometimes life has a cruel sense of humor, giving you the thing you always wanted at the worst time possible."

Sugar Daddy starts a lot different from most romance books.  Some may be turned off by the beginning, which is full of A LOT of back story.  I was almost turned off the first time I read the book, but I tell you .....KEEP READING!!  The book is SO MUCH more than what you can imagine, with a fun, supportive cast of characters!!

Liberty is SUCH a strong heroine, you can't help but feel for her from the start.  She is just amazing and so deserves EVERYTHING that she had coming to her.  You will follow her through the trenches of life, love and heartbreak, and you won't stop reading until THE END!!

 "But I think if it's the right person, you wouldn't have to work so hard at intimacy.  I think..hope that it would just happen naturally.  Otherwise, opening up to the wrong person..."  I made a face.

"Like putting ammo in their hands." 

I don't like to give too much away when I review because I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but Gage Travis with the flu has to be the cutest, grumpiest, most adorable hero EVER!!

WARNING:  You will need to just purchase the whole series at once because when you finish Sugar Daddy...You are going to have to find out what happens with the rest of this amazing cast of characters!!  And Don't fret ladies...this is not the last you will see of Sexy, Hardy Cates.