TBR: 2013 Releases

I can't wait to read these upcoming releases. While waiting I can tackle my already huge TBR pile.

The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio

Genre: General Fiction

On the eve of the Second World War, the last surviving specimen of a camellia plant known as the Middlebury Pink lies secreted away on an English country estate. Flora, an amateur American botanist, is contracted by an international ring of flower thieves to infiltrate the household and acquire the coveted bloom. Her search is at once brightened by new love and threatened by her discovery of a series of ghastly crimes.

More than half a century later, garden designer Addison takes up residence at the manor, now owned by the family of her husband, Rex. The couple’s shared passion for mysteries is fueled by the enchanting camellia orchard and an old gardener’s notebook. Yet its pages hint at dark acts ingeniously concealed. If the danger that Flora once faced remains very much alive, will Addison share her fate?

________________

 Fly Away by Kristin Hannah                   The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs

 Genre: Women's Fiction                                    Genre: Women's Fiction

                            

Review: Lethal by Sandra Brown

The action is there practically from the start and doesn't really let up until the end. Loved that! I like Honor who came across as strong and protective of her daughter. She's not helpless but able to hold her own. Considering the life threatening situation she finds herself in she definitely needs her smarts with her. Then there's Lee who like many of Brown's heroes is dark and mysterious. I found him intriguing because of all his secrets. It was obvious he was hiding something and just like Honor I was looking forward to finding the truth behind him and about the people in Honor's lives. She's in danger and needs someone to trust, but who? I read through this pretty quickly and it was a thrilling ride. In this story there is a nice combination of action and romance, mainly action which kept me reading on.

Lethal by Sandra Brown
Genre: Suspense

When her four year old daughter informs her a sick man is in their yard, Honor Gillette rushes out to help him. But that "sick" man turns out to be Lee Coburn, the man accused of murdering seven people the night before. Dangerous, desperate, and armed, he promises Honor that she and her daughter won't be hurt as long as she does everything he asks. She has no choice but to accept him at his word.

But Honor soon discovers that even those close to her can't be trusted. Coburn claims that her beloved late husband possessed something extremely valuable that places Honor and her daughter in grave danger. Coburn is there to retrieve it -- at any cost. From FBI offices in Washington, D.C., to a rundown shrimp boat in coastal Louisiana, Coburn and Honor run for their lives from the very people sworn to protect them, and unravel a web of corruption and depravity that threatens not only them, but the fabric of our society.

Winners

The winner from the Happy Endings Giveaway Hop has been randomly selected and contacted.

Congratulations,  

Katie Amanda, you've won Tucker's Crossing by Marina Adair

The winner from the random giveaway has been randomly selected and contacted.

Congratulations,  

Lily B, you've won Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Neggers

Review: Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

I think I would like to live in a town like Friday Harbor because it's a small island full of magical and sweet things. There is everything from the picturesque sights, the waters, a bit of magic and a toy shop. Everything is quaint and welcoming. It's the perfect place to fall in love, the perfect place to heal the soul. That is exactly what Lucy and Sam find there. I liked the first book in this series, Christmas at Friday Harbor but I liked this book even better. Lucy has such a unique occupation and the way it's described throughout the story is stunning. It's more than art because there is a bit of magic involved. It was semi-believable and not intrusive on the story. The way the romance started out was a bit unconventional and I wasn't sure I would like it (Lucy's ex asks his friend to romance her) but their relationship worked out nicely. It's a tender romance in a beautiful town.

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Friday Harbor #2

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancé Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy’s own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.

Winners

The winners from the Bad Boy Rehab Hop have been randomly selected and contacted.

Congratulations,  

GABY, you've won Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry 

and
  

Erika, you've won Crush by Lacey Weatherford

Happy Endings Giveaway Hop - INT #Hegiveaway

This giveaway hop is perfect for romantics and is hosted by reading-romances.com. I love books with happy endings! My giveaway is a choice of either Sugar Springs by Kim Law or Tucker's Crossing by Marina Adair. Both are second chance stories and feature a hero named Cody :) Or Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis. I will be gifting this from Amazon.com and this is open to anyone who can accept a Kindle book.

Sugar Springs by Kim Law
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Lee Ann London once had big plans…scholarship, college, love. Then she found herself raising her deceased sister’s twin girls when their father disappeared. Now, with her beautiful girls, a community that depends on her, and her photography studio finally taking off, Lee Ann may not have the life she’d imagined, but it’s definitely where she wants it. Until Cody, her bad-boy ex, returns to Sugar Springs.

Cody’s childhood put a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. Bouncing around the foster care system, he was always the one to leave before anyone left him first. Then he found a place he wanted to stick. Lee Ann was the best thing that ever happened to him. Only, he hurt her. Bad. He’s back now, and determined to earn her forgiveness…and maybe win back her love while he’s at it.

OR

Tucker's Crossing by Marina Adair
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Sweet Plains #1

Sweet Plains, Texas, wasn't so sweet to Cody, Noah, and Beau Tucker. But now the Tucker boys are men, ready to take on the questions that have haunted them since they left home. . .

Cody Tucker shook the dust of his two-bit hometown off his boots ten years ago--right about the time his college sweetheart, Shelby Lynn Harris, married his so-called best friend. But when his dad dies, Cody finds himself home again and knee deep in the past. Except now his rowdy beer buddy is the sheriff, his housekeeper is a blue-ribbon chili chef, and the family ranch is in the red. The only thing that hasn't changed is Shelby Lynn. . .

Shelby Lynn has gone through a lot of heartache thanks to Cody. But that's all over now. She just wants a chance to live the life she's made for herself in peace. The trouble is, the Sweet Plains chili cook off is heating up, the Ladies of Sweet are as riled as hornets, and as soon as Cody gets near, she's forgets all about peace. Cody is pure temptation--and she knows just how good it feels to give in. . .

OR

Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Wilder #1

The first in a sensational new series, Jill Shalvis introduces Cameron, Stone, and T.J. Wilder--three bad-boy heroes who effortlessly mix breathtaking adventure and scorching sex appeal. . .

Get Wild. . .And Then Get Wilder. . .

Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl--working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn't fit in anywhere. That's all she wants. Well, that--and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she's crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed--that part defies explanation. . .

To enter the giveaway, please comment once telling me the book you want to win along with your:

- GFC follower name (required) 
- Email if it's not already located in your profile
- I will use random.org to select the winner. Good luck!

I have a random giveaway going for Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Neggers over here.

Check out the other blogs!

Upcoming: Own the Wind by Kristen Ashley

I'm a huge fan of Kristen Ashely's books. I like that they are long, have alpha men like no other and have a wonderful romance to boot! I'm pretty excited to read her upcoming Own the Wind. It will be her first traditionally published new work and I'm curious to see how her voice stays the same, or changes - hopefully all for the better!

One thing I noticed on Amazon is that the pre-order for digital version will be avilable in April and the print copy all the way in June! That seems like a long time but I'm used to reading her books in digital format so April doesn't seem too bad. I haven't read all of her books yet so I can read those in the meanwhile.

What do you guys think? Does this sound good?

Own the Wind by Kristen Ashley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Chaos #1

Too hot to handle . . .

Tabitha Allen grew up in the thick of Chaos-the Chaos Motorcycle Club, that is. Her father is Chaos' leader, and the club has always had her back. But one rider was different from the start. When Tabby was running wild, Shy Cage was there. When tragedy tore her life apart, he helped her piece it back together. And now, Tabby's thinking about much more than friendship . . .

Tabby is everything Shy's ever wanted, but everything he thinks he can't have. She's beautiful, smart, and as his friend's daughter, untouchable. Shy never expected more than friendship, so when Tabby indicates she wants more-much more-he feels like the luckiest man alive. But even lucky men can crash and burn . . . 

 Other books by this author:

Review: My One and Only by Kristan Higgins

I think this was my second book by Kristan Higgins and My One and Only is one of my favorite contemporary romances. It's sweet, funny and entertaining, which sums up all of Higgins's books. I especially adored this one because of Harper and Nick. They had their chance at love, it didn't work and now in this story it's their second chance. I definitely wanted them to find their happily ever after. Harper seems so cynical when it comes to love, whereas Nick easily expresses his love. He needs her and lets her know it. He also gets her and that scares her. Despite their imperfections I did see them being right for each other and enjoyed their journey towards love. Expect fun moments and lots of cool characters.

My One and Only by Kristan Higgins

Genre: Contemporary Romance


Divorce attorney Harper James can't catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister's destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she's being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.

 Harper can't help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick's eyes, Harper's always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting—just around the bend.

A Random Giveaway

Happy Monday!

I know a new year started two weeks ago but already it feels like it's flying by. That's a scary thought! So, I woke up today, found some pretty good deals that I picked up (can't resist those) and wanted to share them with my followers. Normally, when it comes to buying books I try to stick to a budget. I regularly check out books from the library, try to buy used and refrain from buying books that I won't read in the near future. But when I see a good deal I have to snatch them up and the deals I found today is one of the best ones I can recall.

Have you guys heard about Harlequin's new imprint? The Harlequin Kiss line? I love the covers. They are so vibrant, fresh and evoke the Summer season. They are category romances which tend to be on the price-friendly side but I think the publisher is having a promotion with this new line because the prices are really, really good. And these are for print copies!

You can pre-order them from The Book Depository and shipping is free worldwide.

The One that Got Away

How To Get Over Your Ex

The Downfall of a Good Girl

Hitched

 

They all sound sweet and romantic but the one that caught my interest the most is The One That Got Away by Kelly Hunter. I'm a fan of second chance stories. 

Giveaway

Speaking of budget, deals and giveaways...I will be giving giving away a Kindle copy of Secrets of a Lost Summer by Carla Neggers. This is open to anyone who can receive a Kindle version. I have read many books by Carla Neggers and she is one of my favorite authors. She writes great mysteries with some romance. I find them really atmospheric because she creates such good settings. Want to win it?

To enter, follow my blog and leave a comment one telling me if you have read Carla Neggers's books before or if she is a new author for you. 

- Please leave your GFC name and email address if it's not already located in your profile. 

- I will use random.org to select a winner. Good luck!

Review: Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson

Annie's Song was my first book by Catherine Anderson and it is one of my favorite written by her. The story was so sweet and at times, sad. It is about Annie, a deaf girl who lives a simple and lonely life. She comes across gentle and almost fragile but instead of feeling sorry for her, I was inspired. Especially since she is assaulted and as a result becomes pregnant. She finds her knight in shining armor in Alex. He was a wonderful hero. Usually I like alpha heroes but he was a beta whose traits made him likeable and perfect for Annie. They both brought something to the relationship. She taught him how to look at life differently, to appreciate the simple and meaningful things. He teaches her to face her fears and take on challenges. They were a couple I wanted to make it from the start. Their journey is so beautiful and in the end it did leave me satisfied and very happy.

Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson

Genre: Historical Romance

The Gift Annie Trimble lives in a solitary world that no one enters or understands. As delicate and beautiful as the tender blossoms of the Oregon spring, she is shunned by a town that misinterprets her affliction. But cruelty cannot destroy the love Annie holds in her heart.

Alex Montgomery is horrified to learn his wild younger brother forced himself on a helpless "idiot girl." Tormented by guilt, Alex agrees to marry her and raise the babe she carries as his own. But he never dreams he will grow to cherish his lovely, mute, misjudged Annie--her childlike innocence, her womanly charms and the wondrous way she views her world. And he becomes determined to break through the wall of silence surrounding her--to heal...and to healed by Annie's sweet song of love.

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Other books by this author:

Giveaway: Bad Boy Rehab Hop

Runs from January 10 to midnight January 17

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not a Writer and The Book Hookup

Welcome! *waves* I'm a new blog on the block so feel free to take a look around. I'm excited to participate in this hop. I've read my fair share of bad boys in books and realize bad guys made pretty good heroes. My giveaway for this blog hop will be a Kindle copy of Crush by Lacey Weatherford and Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry where you can meet bad boy Hunter Wilder or Noah Hutchins if you haven't already :) I will be sending them via Amazon.com so this giveaway is open to anyone who can accept a Kindle book. 

Who is your favorite fictional bad boy?

Crush by Lacey Weatherford

Cami Wimberley has a plan, and that plan includes no room for boys—especially the big time party animal, Hunter Wilder, no matter how handsome and charismatic he is. She’s beautiful, a senior, extremely talented, gets good grades, and is working her way toward her dream college to be a musical theater major. Everything is perfect.

Hunter Wilder does not want a girlfriend—that would complicate his life way too much right now. He especially doesn’t want this girl, Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes, so how come he can’t keep his eyes off her? He tries to keep her at arms length, but fate seems to keep pushing them together. Before long, it’s obvious to everyone they’re crushing on each other.

As sparks begin to fly, Hunter finds himself sinking deeper and deeper into hot water. Soon he’s scrambling to keep Cami from discovering his dark secret—one that can destroy their entire relationship.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

To enter the giveaway, please comment once with the title(s) you want to win, and your:

- GFC follower name (required)
- Leave your email if it's not already located in your blogger profile
- There will be two winners, which I will use random.org to select. Good luck!

Check out the other blogs!

Review: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Catching Jordan was such a fun book! I'm not much of a football fan so I was a bit wary of reading a story that centered on football players in high school, but I can safely say I am a fan of Jordan and her friends after reading this. Jordan is a typical tomboy almost to the point of not being girly. She's focused on the sport and not much else, especially not boys until Ty comes along. I really liked her relationship with her best friend, a guy. They have amazing chemistry not just as best friends but for the potential for something else. A minor con for me was that there seemed to be a lot of sex in the story. Everyone seemed to be sleeping with everyone which I found not quite realistic. What was realistic was seeing Jordan struggle to deal with family, with relationships, with fitting in with the girls, and the pressure to get a scholarship to realize her dreams of playing football. Her life definitely isn't boring here. It's the first book in the Hundred Oaks series, which I believe can be read as a standalone.

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Genre: Young Adult
Series: Hundred Oaks #1

ONE OF THE BOYS

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university.

But everything she's ever worked for is threatened when Ty Green moves to her school. Not only is he an amazing QB, but he's also amazingly hot. And for the first time, Jordan's feeling vulnerable. Can she keep her head in the game while her heart's on the line?

Other books in the series:

Free Books

* Update: I went though the original list and removed the books that were no longer freebies. Most freebies are time-sensitive but they are great while they last so I will try to post a list every once in a while :)

I love finding great deals on books. Enjoy!