Sunday, September 30, 2018

Swoon Worthy Spotlights

Welcome to Swoon Worthy Spotlights,
Swoon Worthy Spotlights features 1-3 of our favorite books that we have read during the month.
We will share the cover(s), our review(s)
and a link to each other's posts
so you can check out which books we have all chosen!

  I read some fun ones this month!
What are some books that made you swoon?

**************************************************************



http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/2018/09/charming-mountain-man-by-jeanette-lewis.html




http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/2018/09/rule-3-you-cant-kiss-your-best-friend.html



http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/2018/09/love-for-keeps-by-maria-hoagland-review.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Be sure to check out some other choices from




and

Bookworm Nation

 
Happy Reading!!

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Grand Finale: Political Parties by Rachel Magee

On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Grand Finale for
Political Parties
By Rachel Magee
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Hello and welcome! I’m so excited you decided to stop by the blog tour for Political Parties. This book is so much fun, and I can’t wait to bring it to you. There are swanky parties, midnight flights on private planes, hot air balloon festivals and a feisty heroine you are going to love. Sound exciting? That’s only the beginning...

underneath the covers - Guest Post

Party Planning 101: Five Tips from the Pros

Who doesn’t love a great party, right? Just the word conjures up thoughts of friends, laughter, good food and possibly distant memories of pin the tail on the donkey. My new book, Political Parties, is all about planning an epic party. The heroine, event planner Reece Ryan, has to work with hotshot lawyer Griffith Brighton to pull off a career changing event that is out of both of their leagues. It’s a fun story full of laughter, love and plenty of party-planning drama...

Remembrancy - Review

"While parts of the book were a little predictable, especially near the end, those same things are what made this read completely worth the investment. Political Parties is thoroughly enjoyable if you’re looking for a contemporary romance with some heart and depth."

Colorimetry - Guest Post

Party Planning 101: Quiz – What kind of partier are you?

Everyone loves a good party, but what kind of shindig is your favorite? Take this fun quiz to find out what kind of partier you are!...


The important thing was to stay calm. Although at this exact moment, Reece Ryan felt anything but calm. So what if this was a minor—okay, major problem? Every problem had a solution. Even major ones.

“We can fix it,” Reece said, her eyes glued to the bridal bouquet in her hand.

“Fix it?” Bella glared wide-eyed at the offending flowers as if Reece were holding roadkill.


"...This opposites-attract story really exuded a strong chemistry, which stemmed from dislike, but quickly escalated into something tangible and sweet.

...This sweet, clean romance delivers an impactful story that made me self-reflect on what is really important in life and what I do to accomplish my goals."


Party Planning 101: Easy Fall Entertaining

I love fall. I love the crispness in the air, the beauty of the changing leaves and the thrill of football season. It’s a season to gather together which means it’s time to plan a party.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Brushing off her skirt, she looked up. “I’m so sorr…” When she looked at his face, she stopped. “You?”

She propped her fists on her hips and flipped her head so the brown curls swung over her shoulder. “Twice in one night? Friend, you need to watch where you’re going.”

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review & Excerpt

"This is a great story. I love a good romance and this story has one, with a lot of other things happening."

“I’m sorry. Do we know each other?” Griffith said.

She let out an exasperated sigh, which was probably meant to display her irritation but only highlighted her cute sweetheart mouth. “You tripped me before the wedding.”

Her tone hinted at the absurdity that he could forget her. At least they could agree on that. She had a certain unforgettable quality, and for a moment, he stood mesmerized by her.

Heidi Reads... - Guest Post

Party Planning 101: DIY Photo Booth

My newest book, Political Parties, is about planning a couple big, flashy events. The first party, the one the cover is based on, is over the top in almost every aspect. Crystal chandeliers hanging from oak trees, a five course menu prepared by an award winning chef, live music. Of course, it has an over-the-top price tag to go along with it...


"Rachel Magee’s writing style was entertaining and bubbly- her attention to building lovable characters made the story flow perfectly. A clean, funny romance while snuggled in a fuzzy blanket is exactly what this girl needed after a long day at work, and let’s face it, sometimes a movie just doesn’t do it the same way an adorable novel like this does. I fell in love with all the exciting twists and turns in this delightful book; this is a love story I’ll be sure to recommend."

Rainy Day Reviews - Review & Excerpt

"This was such a fun and in-depth read, different from my typical reading choice. The book as a whole was enjoyable but there were moments that I specifically enjoyed..."

“Riiiight.” Bella’s eyes were wide. “And we think we can do this because…”

Reece brightened her smile. “Because we’re us. And this is what we do.”

Except this wasn’t what they did. When Lester offered to let her handle the next couple of corporate events, she assumed they would be more along the lines of a company Christmas party or fundraising gala. She was not expecting something this big. Or this quick. Reece should have been nervous, but there wasn’t time for that.

Oh Hey Books - Guest Post

Party Planning 101: Taking your Party to the Outdoor Festival

One of my favorite parts of my new book Political Parties is when Griffith and Reece head to the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the hot air balloons and the crisp fall air, things between them really start to heat up...


“Ms. Ryan, I presume,” the strong voice called from behind her.

Reece scrambled to her feet to greet the owner of the voice. As she turned, her eyes met his and she stopped short.

The man standing behind her was not what she was expecting. He wasn’t silver-haired with a stout frame. This guy was young, maybe thirty, with the kind of naturally perfect hair and build that could pass for a model. All he was missing was a smile.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"I enjoyed the moments in this book. It takes place in a short period of time, but the characters are able to get to know each other. The romance didn't feel rushed to me. Not everything works out perfectly, but I loved how the characters were able to resolve their trials."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Political Parties
Rachel Magee
Contemporary Sweet Romance
Paperback & ebook, 246 pages
September 25th 2018 by Clean Reads


Planning one amazing party is more complicated than it sounds.



Reece Ryan is known as the best wedding planner in town, but it’s time to take her company to the next level. Getting the contract from a prestigious law firm to plan their upcoming political related events is just the break she needs to prove that she can put together more than just the perfect nuptials. Sure, these events which will receive national coverage might be slightly out of her league, but it’s nothing she can’t handle. Managing the hotshot lawyer the firm has tasked as their liaison for the project is a whole other story.



Griffith Brighton always thought the start of his political career would come from hard work and his brilliant legal mind, not throwing some fancy party. But when the firm’s managing partner asks him to work with the event coordinator to organize a fundraiser dinner for the presidential candidate, he knows it’s the opportunity he’s been waiting for to get in front of some major political players. After years of goal setting and career planning, his future finally seems to be coming together …until two weeks of working with Reece make him reconsider everything he thought to be true about life and falling in love.




About the Author



Rachel wrote her first novel when she was twelve and entered it into a contest for young author/illustrators. Unfortunately, the judges weren’t impressed with her stick figures. So she dropped the dream of becoming a world famous illustrator and stuck to spinning stories. When she’s not busy working on her latest book, she loves to travel with her family and friends. By far, her favorite destination is the beach, which tends to work its way into most of her stories. Between vacations, you can find her at home in The Woodlands, TX with her wonderful husband, their two adventurous kids and a couple of spirited pets, all of whom share Rachel’s love of the ocean. Well, except the cat and dog. They’re both afraid of water. Find out more about what Rachel has been up to at rachelmageebooks.com.

Tour Giveaway



Prize Party Pack (US residents only):

Everything you need to throw your own party and gather your people:
· Pillow with "gather"

· Decorative Fall Scented Candle
· Brownie Truffle Baking Mix

· English Butter Fudge

$25 Amazon e-gift card (US and International residents)
Giveaway ends October 3rd

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grab Our Button!

#FallingIntoBooks Reading Challenge: #Unforgettable

http://www.iamareader.com/2018/08/fall-into-books-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html

http://www.iamareader.com/2018/08/fall-into-books-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html

Amy Harmon isn't a squeaky clean author, but she's moderately clean and her book, Making Faces, is one of the most powerful books I've read and it's definitely stayed with me.

 

What books are #Unforgettable to you?
 


http://www.iamareader.com/2018/08/fall-into-books-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html

Friday, September 28, 2018

Love for Keeps by Maria Hoagland {Review}


https://amzn.to/2xZ8VZM

Love for Keeps (Sports Moms and Romance) by Maria Hoagland
Kindle Edition, 232 pages
Published September 9th 2018 by Gelato Publishing LLC 
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
 
 https://amzn.to/2xZ8VZM   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41797387-love-for-keeps
 
City home inspector Kendall Nomellini follows rules to a fault. As a single mom of a high school soccer player, she has no choice but to plan her time to the minute—fitting her work, education, and future goals into a tidy, no-surprises schedule. What’s not in her plan? Falling for the worst soccer referee in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Why would she when she knows from experience that the perfect man doesn’t exist?

Between owning a successful business and running a fulfilling charity, former MLS goalkeeper Zeke Hartford’s life is working out just fine. Except time and again, he crosses paths with the spitfire club coach who has no problem telling him exactly where he falls short. And while the beautiful home inspector could easily throw a wrench into his professional life, he’s intrigued enough to win her over.

Can Zeke change her scowls to smiles and her criticism to compliments? It’s a challenge he’s willing to take—on the pitch and off—but is Kendall willing to play his game?
 
My Review: 5 Stars
 
So. Cute! The witty banter and zingy dialogue really made this one entertaining. Kendall is a spitfire soccer mom/coach and her small size can't quite contain her larger-than-life personality and attitude. So when Zeke gets on her wrong side, the sparks fly. 
 
Only one of my sons was into soccer for a short time, but I can definitely appreciate the sport and the intense emotions that sports bring out, especially for moms. I loved the backgrounds of these characters and how they each carry their persistence and dedication over into their day jobs. And what a tangle of relationships that was!
 
This story really engaged me and kept me flipping through the pages as much as time would allow for today. Kendall and Zeke both had such large, generous hearts and I loved watching that aspect develop. I also loved the sweet romance so much, but the zings are what drew me in, especially as they started to melt into something more.
 
Great story, great characters. This one is a keeper!
 
Content: mild romance

Rule #2: You Can't Crush on Your Sworn Enemy by Anne-Marie Meyer {Review}

https://amzn.to/2QT8vwo
Rule #2: You Can't Crush on Your Sworn Enemy (Rules of Love Series) by Anne-Marie Meyer
Kindle Edition, 178 pages
Published August 22nd 2018 
Source: Kindle Unlimited
 https://amzn.to/2QT8vwo   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41029928-rule-2?ac=1&from_search=true
He was my enemy, but my heart had other ideas.

I live by three rules.

One: I never get lower than an A in any class.
Two: I never lose a cross-country race.
And Three: I never talk to Cade Kelley

Well, number three came crashing down the moment Principal Connell asks me to guide Cade back onto the right path. Something about helping him turn his life around. If only Principal Connell knew our history, he’d understand just what he’s asking.

But, I have an incessant need to please all adults, so of course I say yes.

When Cade seems pleased as well, I can’t help but wonder if this is part of some scheme. A plan he’s worked up to finish me once and for all. Apparently, what he did in junior high wasn’t enough.

Just when I think I have everything figured out, my life spirals out of control. Suddenly, adults suck—especially parents—and pleasing them becomes the last thing I want to do. What confuses me even more is in the moment I choose to run away, the first person I go to is the one guy I swore I would never get close to.

Hopefully, the Cade I’ve uncovered won’t hurt me because I’m so close to breaking.
My Review: 4 Stars

Enemies to lovers. Sometimes our enemies are simply misunderstood and that may be the case with Cade. He doesn't take anything seriously and when he needs help getting back on the right path, serious Penny enters the picture.   

Yes, the relationship moved fast, but that's the way with first love, young love, especially when everything is dramatic. They each need someone to count on, and who better than the one you're attracted to? It's so tough at this age to figure out who you are and who you are meant to become.

I loved how each of them had something to offer the other that really brought balance to their lives. It's so easy to look at someone and think you know why they do what they do, but until you dig deeper than that superficial mask that everyone puts on, you have no idea what motivates them. It was enjoyable to discover their stories.

This story had a slightly edgy feel, meaning that there was a rebellious vibe in some spots, but that only served to make the book more viable and the characters became more life-like to me.

The series is delivering some favorite tropes so far and I hope to discover more of my favorites in the future.

Content: mild romance; talk of affairs; mild illegal activity; underage drinking/partying

#FallIntoBooks Reading Challenge: #FavoriteGenre

http://www.iamareader.com/2018/08/fall-into-books-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html

http://www.iamareader.com/2018/08/fall-into-books-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html 

I love several different genres and rotate through. My current #FavoriteGenre is Young Adult (clean) romance. Clean romance is always my favorite, but Fall/Autumn takes me back to my teen years and I'm loving the clean teens stories at the moment. But ask me again next month and it will probably be different.

What is your #FavoriteGenre?
 
http://www.iamareader.com/2018/08/fall-into-books-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Love Unscripted by Tiffany Odekirk {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}


https://amzn.to/2QTp9fn
Love Unscripted by Tiffany Odekirk
Paperback, 333 pages
Published September 1st 2018 by Covenant Communications 
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
 https://amzn.to/2QTp9fn   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40962836-love-unscripted
Evie Jennings doesn't believe in happily ever after—it's been a year since moving home to Los Angeles to gather the pieces of her broken heart after her divorce, but she is only going through the motions. That is, until a chance encounter on her college campus brings about an unexpected turn of events: Evie finds herself face-to-face with the heartthrob whose poster decorated the wall of her teenage bedroom. And he's desperate for her help.

Hollywood sensation Ridge Dashly is facing a career crisis—a bad review threatens his A-list status. Desperate to win back the favor of the media and his fans, Ridge reluctantly agrees to enroll in college, never dreaming he'll meet someone who can see past his fame to his true self.

As their paths continue to cross, Evie's seeming disinterest intrigues Ridge, and the pair form a tentative friendship that slowly grows into something more. But when confronted with the unrelenting paparazzi and the nagging shadows of their pasts, will they follow everyone else's script or fight for their own happy ending?

My Review: 4 Stars

What a perfect title for this story! Love never goes as planned, and adding an actor into the mix makes it ideal, especially that first encounter.

I've been curious about Evie since reading Love on Pointe, as she is twins with the main character from that book. Evie is very endearing, from her vulnerability to her quick wit. In an effort to move on with her life and find the peace she craves, she isn't one to back down to anyone, and yet, who can control love?

I've always had a fascination with celebrities and Evie's run-in with Ridge was utterly adorable, but it's the way she treated him--separates him, if that makes sense--that hooked my heart. 

This story offers so many wonderful and compelling emotions. Evie has a very loving and supporting family, and she needs it because she cannot get over her past mistakes and move on with life, but it's not just her who needs love. These characters are deep and complex, with many layers to unravel and this author does a great job of revealing their true selves in a swirl of hope, forgiveness, and love. And of course, there are challenges, because every good story has them.

Content: mild+ romance (only kissing, but vague talk of immorality before marriage); talk of addictions (pills and porn); moderate+ religious aspect (the references are specific to the LDS church and are relevant to the story (repenting, forgiving, praying, etc).  


Schedule:
*Sept. 28th: https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#FallIntoBooks Reading Challenge: #Wishlist

http://www.iamareader.com/2018/08/fall-into-books-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html 

http://www.iamareader.com/2018/08/fall-into-books-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html

I mentioned earlier that my #TBR includes a long Amazon #Wishlist. Two of the books on my list are:


What's on your #Wishlist?
 
http://www.iamareader.com/2018/08/fall-into-books-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Seeking Mr Dependable by Cami Checketts {Review}


https://amzn.to/2xD1ZSJ

Seeking Mr. Dependable (The Jane Austen Pact) by Cami Checketts
Kindle Edition, 147 pages
Published September 1st 2018 by Birch River Publishing 
Source: I purchased on Kindle
 
 https://amzn.to/2xD1ZSJ  
 
A broken-hearted Romeo. A wrongly-accused woman. Can he keep her safe if she puts her life in his hands?
 
Brooke Isaacson's ex-fiancé pulls a gun on her and she has no choice but to run. When she runs straight to Wyoming and into the arms of Ryker Redland, she's not sure if she's found her Mr. Dependable or found the biggest heartbreak of her life.
 
A deserted cabin and a territorial grizzly tracking them will either bring them together or be their death sentence.
 
My Review: 4 Stars
 
This author always does a great job of incorporating a sweet romance with a big dose of suspense. I was kind of taken by surprise at how intense some scenes were.
 
Brooke finds herself in a dangerous situation and runs to her childhood friend, Harley, only to discover her dashing brother instead. You see, Brooke and Harley were part of a group of girls at summer camp who made a pact to marry men with Jane Austen's hero's characteristics. Brooke chose "dependable" and Ryker is exactly the type of guy she can depend on to keep her safe, but maybe not with her heart.
 
Brooke has to face a couple of her biggest fears. I had to admire her strength in getting through these challenging times. And yes! Raise your hand if as a teenager, you ever went along with something that your friends were passionate about just because. It's true--Brooke isn't a big Jane Austen fan, but her friends were. As for Ryker, he's a big, tough, strong manly man, and a playboy--with good reason--but he's got a soft spot in his heart. I loved watching these two morph.
 
This one is adorable, with fabulous chemistry and some great swoony kisses. Oh! It was fun to see more of Crew and Harley, too (from Seeking Mr. Debonair).

Content: mild-moderate violence (bear attack, shootings); mild, swoony romance; mild religion

Falling in Love: Author Jennifer Griffith







My 90's Boy Band Boyfriend by Jennifer Griffith

Teenage singer Oakley Marsden is having a rough week. Pop-star Hudson’s rough week is twenty-three years long

Sixteen-year-old Oakley just wants to win a spot on TV’s The Next Radio Star. But when her bad audition goes viral, going back to school is a nightmare.

Even more humiliating, she discovers her own mother was a boy band groupie. Cringe. And Mom still has a thing for a nineties boy band killed in the tragic plane crash twenty years ago.

When things can’t get worse, a strange beggar guy ends up carrying Oakley home—and Oakley’s mom loses her mind. She’s convinced he’s the long-dead popstar Hudson Oaks, frontman for Girl Crazy and Mom’s long-lost love.

And the guy isn’t denying it. Curse him.

Oakley has to save her mom from this impostor before Mom does something insane—and before Oakley starts falling for his charm too.


Get your copy now for just 99 cents!
Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Add to your Goodreads Shelf












Mom’s voice got that suppressed squealing quality again. “Don’t you know who that is?”

“Who who is?” Oakley refused to believe her mom knew the seventeen/forty-year-old currently in her master bathroom shower. “That guy? He’s probably a drug addict, Mom. Believe me, I see a lot more of them at high school than you see in kindergarten. They’re actually pretty easy to spot: lack of self-care, bad personal hygiene, general disorientation, smell of smoke.”

“Sweetheart.” Mom looked more serious than she had in days, and she grabbed both of Oakley’s hands again for emphasis. “That guy who is now showering in our house is Hudson Oaks.”

The housing development guy from the boy band two decades ago?

“Mom.” Oakley wondered how many times she was going to have to call her mom out today for making wildly ridiculous statements. It was climbing into the dozens category now. “I think you and I both know that’s impossible.”

“He sounds like him, walks like him, says his name is Hudson Oaks. All the reasons. Trust me, I’m probably the greatest living expert on Hudson Oaks besides the man himself.”

That guy in her shower couldn’t be more than seventeen, and therefore not, legally, a man. Her mom should stay right away from that jailbait. Weren’t school teachers specifically trained on stuff like this? Apparently Mom had shelved all that based on seeing a … what?

Oakley’s world shifted on sands she hadn’t even known she’d been standing on. This new version of her life contained a mom who might just run off with a minor.

“Did you look at him, Mom? He’s, like, a seventeen-year-old kid. This whole incident happened over two decades ago. Don’t tell me you can explain that.”

“Of course I can.”

Of course she could. Oakley swallowed all the acid-tinged words and asked, “How?”

“Obvious. Time travel.”

A tiny explosion detonated in Oakley’s brain, but before she could react, a soft knock came at Oakley’s door. Mom hadn’t heard it, too enthralled in her moment of brilliant discovery. But Oakley had.

She looked over.

There in the doorframe, lit from the hall light behind, stood a dripping wet, formerly dirty boy, clad in just a towel at his waist. His hair was combed, and he had a definite young Tom Cruise quality about him—dark hair, charming smile, and those shoulders. Great Gatsby, those shoulders! Oakley caught her breath and had to swallow hard. The way he held his mouth, like he expected every woman to want to kiss it, made a little muscle tremble at the back of Oakley’s stomach.

She immediately tightened the muscle to put a halt to that nonsense.









Loved it! Fun and witty and had enough twists to keep me guessing. The hero was totally swoony and I really identified with the heroine. It had a perfect ending! ~Donna H



Time for a blast from the past! I had a lot of fun reading this book. I loved all the references to 90s music and culture. I had some pretty good laughs every time I came across a reference from that time. ~Julie C



Fun, fun read! Between a time-traveling rock star who looks like Tom Cruise, finding out about her mother’s teenaged craziness, learning to give her stepfather the credit he deserves, and coming to terms with her own insecurities and talent, Oakley has a lot on her plate! Let the fun and games begin! ~Traci A



This brought back a lot of memories as I was a teen in the 80's. I loved this story. Sweet read & definitely good for teens & pre-teens or adults looking for a clean, fun story with a little romance, a little mystery & feel good ending! ~Rose D





Author Jennifer Griffith

Jennifer Griffith writes light, sweet romances she calls Cotton Candy for the Soul. Her Legally in Love Collection stems from the fact she fell in love with a handsome law school student who now serves as a judge--as well as her muse. She also writes the Millionaire Makeover Romances, millionaires and makeovers being some things with which she has less experience.

Jennifer loves old cars, landscape paintings, fresh bread with raspberry jam, and reading. She lived in Japan during college, where she once ate a cricket on a dare. She also traveled through Europe, where she slept a night in a castle on the Rhine. Jennifer worked summers in a cookie factory, and she spent a few years working for the U.S. Congress before becoming a wife, a mom and an author.





















Giveaway Details

Ends 10/12/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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