My TBR List Reviews ~ #OctobeRecFest Edition

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

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This month's choices, an #OctobeRecFest edition, are thanks to: Michelle@Because Reading, and Melanie@Rabid Reads. Check back on October 31 to see what I thought of these recs! Ladies, I sincerely thank you for the recs! I enjoyed both these reads immensely!


Michelle Recommends Staci Hart

Deer in Headlights
Good Gods #1

Synopsis
Lex is everything Dean needs -- but he can't ever have her.

It doesn't matter that she's beautiful or that her art and poetry speak to his shredded heart. She's the new drummer's girlfriend, the latest in a long line of drummers past. He promised the band he'd stay away to protect their record deal, so he's left with no choice but to deny his heart for the sake of their music.

Dean is everything Lex wants -- but she can't take the risk.

When Lex meets Dean, she's sure it's only attraction that has her so hung up on the dark, damaged lead singer, but the more she learns about him, the more she wants him. Love has never been worth the sacrifice, until now. But she can't put her heart on the line -- she won't -- even though she wants to for the first time.

If only they knew they were just pawns in a much bigger game. And in this game of love, Aphrodite never loses.

Deer in Headlights is an entertaining introduction to an incredible concept for a series! Greek gods battling against one another in a game of love - with humans as pawns?!? Score!

There's so much going on in this book - a story within a story with so many plot threads. It's told over the course of 3 weeks using multiple POVs and this format works so well! In this installment, Aphrodite and Apollo are pitted against one another. Apollo is trying to prevent the love match between Dean and Lex while Dita is, of course, doing everything she can to ensure it. There is much at stake for both the gods as they're still embroiled in a centuries-old feud over Adonis and Daphne.

Seeing Dita and Apollo match wits as well as witnessing how their feud has affected them both was riveting. Watching their efforts and the effects on Dean and Lex, two people so broken, with so many issues only they could fit together perfectly, even more so. Deer in Headlights tugged on my heartstrings and it made me laugh, too. It's so unique - the story, the characters. I'm completely enamored.

I know I'm not saying much beyond how I enjoyed this story. Hopefully my feelings will prompt you to one-click this one. Hart had me engaged from page 1 and I hope I can get further into the series soon.

Melanie Recommends Eve Langlais

A Demon and His Witch
Welcome to Hell #1

Synopsis
Burning alive is nothing compared to the heat of his touch.

There are better ways to break up with a girl than having her roasted at the stake as a witch. Is it any wonder Ysabel has trust issues? She got her revenge, though, and it only cost her a slightly tarnished soul.

Working for Lucifer isn't all bad, until her ex-boyfriend escapes the bowels of Hell and she's forced to team up with the womanizing demon to fetch the jerk back.

As a minion in Lucifer's legion, Remy's seen a lot of things, but nothing can prepare him for the witch with the acerbic tongue - and voluptuous figure. The more she pushes him away, the more determined he becomes to seduce her. However, what's a poor demon to do when he accidentally falls in love and wants to keep her forever?

Welcome to Hell where you're screwed if you do and damned if you don't. And just so you know, Lucifer has a special spot reserved for you...

A Demon and His Witch was a sexy, fun romp and an addicting introduction to Langlais' Welcome to Hell series. There was just enough substance combined with her signature humor and seam to keep me reading as well as excited for the next in the series.

So what do you get when you throw a woman burned by love, literally, together with a womanizer of unequal measure? An explosive combination, for sure. Ysabel, who has trusted no man with her heart for 500 years, is understandably gun-shy when it comes to sharing her heart with a man. Remy has never seen any need to settle for one woman when variety is the spice of life. But when these two meet, begin getting acquainted, they both realize that real love is worth risking everything.

The playful banter between these two made for a lot of wicked fun. And then there was a wickedly funny Lucifer added to the mix. I really enjoyed being along for the ride as Ysabel and Remy worked at recapturing the escaped souls Lucifer tasked them with finding, as well as learning the lengths they'd go to for love.

Fast-paced, hilarious, and smexy, A Demon and His Witch was enchanting. I look forward to continuing the series. Thanks for the rec, Melanie!

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged #74

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged (gifted or won) plus a recap of the previous week's reviews, upcoming reviews, and any other bookishness I want to share. :)

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I apologize for my absence from the blogosphere this week. After getting home from the band competition, I promptly got sick! I'm feeling better and trying to get caught up. I'm beginning to believe I'm perpetually behind. Oh well! I hope y'all had a great week!

Since I've been sick, I haven't purchased anything...but I *did* receive my preordered copy of Walk Through Fire by Kristen Ashley!

Bought

Bagged

I won Jennifer Dawson's The Name of the Game giveaway. Since I'd won it once already, she kindly sent me the first book in her A Something New series, Take a Chance on Me. Thanks, Jennifer!!



Last Week's Reviews

What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
A Winter Wedding by Brenda Novak
Masters for Hire by Ginger Voight
A Demon and His Witch by Eve Langlais
Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart

Upcoming Reviews

Six Months by Dannika Dark
For the Record by KA Linde
Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley

New Release Review ~ Masters for Hire ~ Ginger Voight

Masters for Hire by Ginger Voight
Masters Saga #1
Release Date: October 9, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
By all appearances, Coralie Cabot seems to have it all. Pedigree? Check. Money? Check. The right boyfriend, a 'nice' guy hand-picked by her father? Check. Everything is going along according to plan.

There's only one problem.

It's not her plan.

Coralie's safe, predictable life has all but been decided for her, and that leaves her itching to take a walk on the wild side.

Enter Devlin Masters, an elite male escort whose sole purpose is giving Coralie whatever her heart desires. As though he knows her down to her core, Devlin says and does all the right things--far better than her so-called Mr. Right back home. Hello, Mr. Wrong!

For a price, she can sow her wilder oats with this sexy 'bad boy', so strings attached.

Pretty soon the question isn't, "Should a good girl have sex with a naughty hottie for hire..."

It's "Will she ever want to stop?"

In Book One of a sizzling new saga from author Ginger Voight, Masters for Hire blurs the line between fantasy and reality with all the drama, angst, sex, and romance that made The Groupie and Fullerton Family Sagas beloved amongst her fans.

Intended for readers 18+ for graphic sexual content.

Ms. Voight has made the unconventional heroine a star! In Masters for Hire, she wrapped a compelling story around two characters who'd likely never have met if not for one wanting to shake things up a bit. And that meeting created quite a stir!

Coralie Cabot doesn't fit the mold of society's ideal when it comes to her body and fashion which is a source of constant consternation for her and her father since the Cabot family owns the upscale Cabot's Department Store. Since she doesn't fit in body-wise, she makes an art out of fitting in - not making waves - everywhere else. When she decided she'd had enough of nice and acting on everyone else's wishes but her own, I cheered. Because Coralie is just like us, even if she is wealthy. She wants to feel good about herself...she wants to be liked and desired for who she is just as she is. And I think most of us can identify with that. So her character resonated strongly with me.

Devlin Masters is a high-priced escort. He knows just how to give his clients exactly what they want. And when Coralie hires him, he thinks it'll be business as usual. But she's different - makes him feel different. Suddenly it's feeling like anything but business as usual between them.

Masters for Hire is kinda like Pretty Woman in reverse. Devlin pulls at your heartstrings despite being paid to have a silver tongue. I, like Coralie, found myself drinking in his every word even though we both question them. And of course we're pulling for Coralie and Devlin because they both deserve happiness. Right? I won't lie though - the deck is stacked against them. It remains to be seen if the feelings that result from their whirlwind courtship can sustain them.

Ms. Voight surrounded Coralie and Devlin with a strong couple in Lucy and Gus. I love Lucy's brashness in particular. The other cast members have strong foundations and I look forward to seeing them better fleshed out.

A minor issue I had with the story is all the champagne drinking that occurred along with references to smoking pot. It's a minor complaint and it's not that I'm opposed to either of these things but it seemed immature and irresponsible - and not quite in character for Coralie. (Note: I read an ARC. This may have been changed and/or removed in the final edit.)

Overall, I'm once again impressed with Ms. Voight's storytelling. She masterfully weaves together a captivating story with characters to fall for and wraps in relevant social subtext. I'm eager to see how Coralie and Devlin make their relationship work. Bring it on, Ms. Voight!

2015 Bookish Resolutions Challenge Update ~ October

Laura @Trips Down Imagination Lane and Michelle @Because Reading are the lovely hosts of this challenge. You can click the button above for all the details.

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My 2015 Bookish Resolutions are:

• Improve my Netgalley Rating (started at 15.2%)
• Listen to one audio book per quarter.
• Write more discussion posts and/or create some fun features for my blog.

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This month, I only made progress on one of my resolutions. :( But I'm not going to beat myself up about it because I did make progress on so many things...like other challenges, and craft time! ;)  (that's a topic for a different post) I still have 2 more months to get my Netgalley rating a bit higher. That's the one goal I'll focus on for the rest of the year.

The audio book portion of my resolutions challenge is FINISHED! In October, I didn't listen to any audio books. But I plan to binge on the Stage Dive series over the next two months. :D

As for discussion posts/fun features, I continued posting my monthly Travel by the Book post as well as my Beyond the Books posts. I've also continued my Brandee's Bookish Babble posts. My OctobeRec Fest posts were a lot of fun (for me anyway) and I got 12 or 13 books read! Be on the lookout for a new feature coming in November and December. 

No progress to report on my Netgalley rating this month. As it stands, my rating is 18%. Not stellar...yet. ;) But I'm working on it.

Despite not making any progress on my Netgalley rating, I think I can *still* feel good about my accomplishments with this challenge. And I know where I will focus for the rest of the year. How did y'all do in October?

That's What HE Said #42 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #21

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Masters for Hire by Ginger Voight

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"You don't know what it means to be desired, and that's a goddamned shame. But by the end of this week, you'll never question it again."

And...

"You are a wonder to me, Coralie. More than anything I could have ever thought I wanted or needed."

And because I just can't help myself...

"I'm ready to make every promise and break every rule because it's all meaningless if you're not at my side. You're mine. And I never want to let you go."

*~*~*~*~*~*

Coralie and Devlin do a lot of champagne drinking but this is their first glass and first toast. It made me think of the first (and only) time I shared a really nice champagne with a special someone. It wasn't romantic at all but it sure was a lot of fun, wasn't it Lexxie?!? Was there singing involved?? I can't wait til next year! *bwahahaha*

"Nice dress," he commented as he motioned to the wine-colored number that lovingly hugged my curves.
"You should think so," I quipped. "You picked it."
The grin broadened. "So I did."
A waiter joined us, carrying a tray filled with flutes of bubbly champagne. Devlin snagged two and handed one to me. "To a wonderful night," he toasted. His eyes remained locked with mine as he drank. There I saw every promise of every romance novel I had ever read come to life.

New Release Review ~ A Winter Wedding ~ Brenda Novak

A Winter Wedding by Brenda Novak
Whiskey Creek #9
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
One Christmas can change your life...

Kyle Houseman believes he'll never find anyone he could love as much as Olivia Arnold, who's now married to his stepbrother. Not only did he lose her, he's been through one divorce and has no desire to go through another. He's determined to be extra careful about the next woman he gets involved with--which is why he fights his attraction to the beautiful stranger who rents his farmhouse for the Christmas holiday.

Lourdes Bennett is a country music artist. She's only planning to stay in Whiskey Creek long enough to write the songs for her next album--the album that's going to put her back on top. Her dreams don't include settling in a town even smaller than the one she escaped. But as she comes to know Kyle, she begins to wonder if she'd be making a terrible mistake to leave him behind.

Picking up the latest installment of Whiskey Creek is always like sitting down to coffee with old friends. A Winter Wedding was no exception. And despite the tension and angst, it left me feeling warm, cozy, and comfortable...and all caught up with my gang.

Kyle is such an upstanding, good guy. He's always there for his friends and he even continues being there for his ex-wife, Noelle, despite all her manipulations and machinations. So I was thrilled at the prospect of him finally finding that special someone.

Lourdes finds herself in Whiskey Creek under different circumstances than she had planned. After things going south in her professional and personal lives, she's in town to lie low, regroup, and work on a new album. She also find herself on the receiving end of Kyle's hospitality and generosity.

Novak did a fine job of creating the scenario whereby Kyle and Lourdes met. I thoroughly enjoyed watching as they got to know one another. They had an instant chemistry but became friends first before realizing what they were both feeling might be a little more than friendly. Even though they knew each other for a short amount of time and were both essentially hung up on others, their attraction was strong. Maybe things happened at a rapid speed but I felt like it was organic between them.

I appreciated how Kyle and Lourdes dealt with the trouble they were each experiencing in their private lives. They were both mature and gracious, for the most part, in the face of the turmoil it was causing. Those making the waves, Noelle and Derrick, needed to take serious stock of their lives and do some growing up. They both behaved immaturely, although Noelle's behavior was extreme.

I always adore getting to spend time with my friends in Whiskey Creek and being there as Riley and Phoenix planned their wedding was a delight. I love the special bond between this group and that I get to be a part of it. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.

Beyond the Books ~ Inspiration...

Welcome to Beyond the Books. This post was inspired by Lexxie @Unconventional Bookviews' Up Close and (Un)conventional, who was inspired by Cuddlebuggery. It's meant to be a way for y'all to get to know me better on a personal level ~ Beyond the Books. ;)

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Here's something about me some of you may not know...I'm a writer. I've always been a writer. I remember writing screen plays in elementary school, that my best friend and I would perform. For Christmas, when I was in fourth grade, I asked for a typewriter (which I still have) so that I could type my stories...like a real writer. In my teen years, I broke into writing poetry. I was a technical writer, in my previous life, because it enabled me to write for a living even if it wasn't the kind of writing I really wanted to do. But when the kids started coming, I stopped writing. Oh, I put together interviews and articles for the school newsletter, and I eventually began blogging...but I didn't really write anymore. Then, in 2012, inspiration struck and I had the sudden need to write. I began hearing voices in my head (the jury's still out on my sanity) and I started writing again. 

I'm not a diligent writer - it's always difficult to find time to dedicate to writing. And then there's all the books I want to read. :) I have several projects in progress. But I *am* working on them.

Last week, I attended the Emerald City Writer's Conference hosted by the Greater Seattle chapter of Romance Writers of America. There I met and listened to some fabulous authors (Elizabeth Hoyt, Sabrina Jeffries, and Margaret Mallory to name a few) and aspiring writers. I learned so much and gained so much inspiration. I took workshops on everything from POV to writing smarter/writing faster. I was able to chat with writers who were self-pubbed as well as those published traditionally, and even those who, like me, aren't to the point where they're considering publishing at all. 

I came home pumped! I have a vision and a plan. I knew this past week wouldn't allow me to put my plan into action because of the kids' activities, but this week, it's a go! I'll keep you posted...

#OctobeRecFest Review #10 ~ What the Duke Desires ~ Sabrina Jeffries

What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
The Duke's Men #1
Release Date: June 18, 2013
Genre: Adult, Historical Romance
Source: Purchased on nook
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Goodreads
Recommended by: Sabrina Jeffries is an author Lexxie @(un)Conventional Book Views has been trying to get me to read almost as long as we've been friends

Synopsis
Maximilian Cale, the Duke of Lyons, long ago buried his grief for his missing elder brother, Peter, who was presumed dead after being kidnapped. When a mysterious note arrives from Tristan Bonnaud asserting that the Duke's brother is alive, it leads Max straight to the winsome Lisette Bonnaud, illegitimate daughter of a viscount and Tristan's sister. Soon he and Lisette are traveling to Paris posting as husband and wife, in search of Tristan, who has disappeared. And the longer he spends with Lisette, the easier it is for Max to see that the line between dukedom and desire is easier to cross than he imagined...

*This author comes recommended by Lexxie @(un)Conventional Book Views. *

I was immediately sucked in to What the Duke Desires, knowing my emotions were going to be toyed with after finishing just the prologue. Oh my! To think of living during this era when your life could change at the whim of one person...gah!

Jeffries deftly wove together a fascinating story with a fiery heroine and a slightly tortured hero. Getting each of their perspectives, even at their first meeting, was a delight and provided so much insight into who they truly were - their feelings. Their chemistry was immediately obvious and it made for hearty entertainment in their banter and actions as neither was interested in falling for the other. Their interplay reminded me of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. The backstory for them both also provided for more depth in their characters. And I adore them both!

The mystery, while not the focus of the story, is also well-done. It simultaneously created suspense in this story and laid brilliant groundwork for the subsequent stories in this series. Jeffries kept the flow perfect with the blend of humor, action, intrigue, and romance. Ah, the romance.

Jeffries' details of the period felt spot on. Oh the power the aristocracy could wield - at least in England. I admit to being delighted to find notes on all the historical research regrading events and people as well as diseases at the end of the book. I admire Jeffries' commitment to accuracy.

That said, the characters were the biggest draw here. I can't say that enough. And if you are a fan of historical romance and haven't read Jeffries, don't wait! *wink*

Lexxie has been recommending Jeffries almost as long as we've been friends. After this introduction, I wholeheartedly agree with her recommendation. I'm anxious to begin the next book in the series and hope to seem more of Max and Lisette.

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged #73

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged (gifted or won) plus a recap of the previous week's reviews, upcoming reviews, and any other bookishness I want to share. :)

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I hope y'all have had a great two weeks! We're in the final stretch of the marching band season, so it's busy here. But the State competition is this Monday, so after that it's all over. Oh, and we had SNOW this week! Yay!

I skipped last week because I was gone to a writer's conference. This week, you're getting to see what I received/won while I was there. Yep, it was a writer's conference and I *still* managed to bring home books! (I even left 3 with Robyn to be shipped to me!)

Bought

I one-clicked Slow Ride after reading a review of Wild Ride, #4 in the Playing for Keeps series, over at Herding Cats & Burning Soup. It was only 99 cents. Thanks, Anna! ;) I grabbed Relentless because it was a *freebie*. And don't you just love it when you turn on your kindle and a new book has arrived...especially one that you'd forgotten you pre-ordered? Yep, me too! And that's what happened with Blue Blooded. I can't wait to read it.

Bagged

This is my haul from Emerald City Writer's Conference. Notice there are TWO copies of Darling Beast. I'll be doing a giveaway soon... :D



Last Two Weeks' Reviews

Reaper's Property by Joanna Wylde
Easy by Tammara Webber
Silver Wolf Clan by Tera Shanley
Wrong by Jana Aston
Close Enough to Touch by Victoria Dahl

Upcoming Reviews

What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
A Demon and His Witch by Eve Langlais
Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart

#OctobeRecFest Review #9 ~ Close Enough to Touch ~ Victoria Dahl

Close Enough to Touch by Victoria Dahl
Jackson Hole #1
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Borrowed paperback from Robyn
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Goodreads
Recommended by: Victoria Dahl comes highly recommended by Lexxie @(un)Conventional Book Views...and Robyn @Robgirlbooks adores this series so she lent it to me :)

Synopsis
Can a city girl make it in the wild, wild West?

For makeup artist Grace Barrett, Hollywood isn't the land of golden opportunity. It's the land of difficult divas, cheating boyfriends and unemployment. So when her great-aunt offers her a free place to stay in Jackson Hole, Grace thinks she'll spend a little time in the sticks to figure out her life, and then move somewhere exciting to live out her dreams. But it turns out that there are a few more thrills in this small town than Grace was expecting...

Cole Rawlins is a rugged Wyoming cowboy born and bred. Yet he can't help but be drawn to the fascinating big-city girl who moves in across from him. He wants to get close enough to Grace to see past her tough facade, but if he does, she might see the real Cole. The one with a Hollywood history gone bad. As they discover a sizzling attraction, it becomes harder for him to keep his demons at bay-and those fires from long ago may burn them both.

They'll need more than a scorching-hot passion to make this opposites-attract affair work. But if they can learn to trust one another enough to reveal their secrets, they just might have a chance at forever.

*This author comes recommended by Lexxie @(un)Conventional Book Views. But Robyn @Robgirlbooks happens to adore this series and lent it to me in paperback.*

It's been a long while since I read Victoria Dahl and reading Close Enough to Touch reminded me why I like her so much. She spins a fun tale, that also deals with some serious, and wraps it around a full-color cast of characters in a setting you can clearly see in your mind.

Grace has come to Jackson Hole to escape and possibly make a fresh start. This girl, with her purple-streaked hair and prickly demeanor, is absolutely a survivor. She prides herself on being tough and never letting anyone close enough to hurt her. I admired Grace and her tenacity. Anything she accomplished she did all on her own. However, it was ironic that she never gave of herself to anyone but she did take. Still, I wanted her to figure it out and realize she had a lot to offer people.

Cole is rather down on his luck, having suffered an injury that might keep him from living his dream. He's a cowboy, born and raised in Jackson Hole, and his future lies with the ranch he works. When Grace arrives in town, he's immediately drawn to her. I think he saw her as a puzzle - a challenge and something to work out. I adored Cole and all his cowboy manners and the ways he tried to get under Grace's skin, But for as much as he wanted her to share a piece of herself with him, he refused to share a certain piece of himself with her.

Things I most enjoyed:

• Jackson Hole - having spent a little time there this past summer, I can say Dahl nailed this picturesque little town at the base of the mountains
• Supporting cast - I fell for everyone I met from cranky Raylene to charming Shane and everyone in between. I'm excited at the prospect of spending more time with them
• The conflict and its resolutions were very realistic

I think what I loved most about Close Enough to Touch was this: Grace has some baggage - some emotional scars - that's she very aware of. Cole saw these and wanted to be a part of healing her. Cole has physical scars. What he didn't realize was that he had some emotional scars of his own. When he had his aha moment, it became apparent that he and Grace could be a part of healing each other. It was a beautiful thing.

After reading Close Enough to Touch, I can guarantee I won't wait so long to read Dahl again. Especially since I already have the next two in the series lined up. I'm eager to spend more time in Jackson Hole. :)

That's What HE Said #41 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #20

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Close Enough to Touch by Victoria Dahl

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"It is because of who you are. But not the way you mean. It's because you're beautiful and wild and brave and strong. It's because you seem invulnerable, but you melt for me. It's because I want you so damn much I feel like I need to bite down on a belt when you're close by. Sometimes I can't get deep enough or close enough. But other times...other times I want to touch you softly and you won't let me, Grace."

*~*~*~*~*~*

Cole is doing his darnedest to get Grace to spend time with him...when food doesn't work, he goes with the next best thing...

"What about coffee" He seemed to remember of coffee drinking in Hollywood. And smoking. And there were always calories available for martinis.
"Um. Not yet."
"I've got a pot on now. Want some?"
Oh, he had her number. She didn't want to say yes. Her mouth, so wide and full and pink, had pressed itself into a flat line. But her eyes were sharp with interest. He had something she wanted, and the price for that was time.

#OctobeRecFest Review #8 ~ Wrong ~ Jana Aston

Wrong by Jana Aston
Release Date: October 7, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved it so much I bought my own copy!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Goodreads
Recommended by: Okay, so technically I got this book for review BUT Naomi @Naomi's Reading Palace AND Lexxie @(un)Conventional Book Views both recommend it! ;)

Synopsis
I have a history of picking the wrong guy. Gay? Player? Momma's boy? Check, check and check.

Now I can't stop fantasizing about one of the customers at the coffee shop I work at between classes. It's just a harmless crush, right? It's not like I ever see this guy outside of the coffee shop. It's not like I'm going to see him while attempting to get birth control at the student clinic. While wearing a paper gown. While sitting on an exam table. Because he's the doctor. Shoot. Me.

But what if, for once, the man I've had the dirtiest, most scandalous fantasies about turned out to be everything but wrong?

Wrong is a full-length, standalone novel by Jana Aston.

*This book was first recommended by Naomi @Naomi's Reading Palace. Then, Lexxie @(un)Conventional Book Views also gave it a great review!*

Oh, what to say about Wrong?!? Maybe that it felt wrong to enjoy it so much? But I got over it...quickly! This book had me laughing hysterically, swooning, and blushing like a 12 year old girl. It's witty and fast-paced, snarky and sweet. And just so much dang fun!

Sophie is your typical college girl. She's near graduation, has a boyfriend, a hot crush, oh, and her v-card. Now, I like this sort of virgin heroine. Sophie has a very valid reason for hanging on to it for so long and she is no shrinking violet. This girl is honest and rather outspoken. She's someone you can look up to.

Luke, Sophie's hot crush, is, well...HOT. He's sophisticated, dresses well, and he just happens to end up examining Sophie when she decides it's time for some birth control. *cue mortified face*

I liked the backstory Aston gave both Sophie and Luke. It provided them depth and complexity. I also liked that Luke went all alpha on Sophie but she didn't become some meek girl. The banter between them was sharp and witty. And the supporting cast was fleshed out just enough to make them interesting.

I do wish the end had been expanded a little more. It felt a little rushed because it wasn't but I'm not complaining...really. I couldn't be happier with this delightful debut. I hope to see more from Aston soon!

Cover Reveal ~ Marked by an Assassin ~ Felicity Heaton

It’s time for the cover reveal of the next Eternal Mates series book, Marked by an Assassin. And y'all, I can't wait for this one! If you haven’t had a chance to step into this passionate and action-packed world of dark elves, fae, demons, vampires, shifters and hunters, then you can take the leap with the first book in the series, Kissed by a Dark Prince, which is only 99c / 99p right now. Find the links to your favourite retailers at: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/kissed-by-a-dark-prince-paranormal-romance-novel.php


Here’s more about the next book in the series, due for release on October 31st!

Marked by an Assassin (Eternal Mates Romance Series Book 8)
Felicity Heaton

A snow leopard shifter exiled from his pride twenty years ago, Harbin treads the dark path of life as an assassin, driven by a hunger for vengeance, mercilessly hunting the Archangel members who attacked his kin, murdering his mother and sister.


When a new contract comes in and the mark is a snow leopard shifter, he can’t resist venturing into the mortal world on a personal mission to find out why one from a normally peaceful species now has a price on their head. What he finds in a rundown nightclub isn’t quite what he expects—a beautiful snow leopard female that awakens a fierce hunger inside him.


Aya has spent seventeen years living in London, immersed in the underbelly of the fae world, keeping her head down and her tail out of trouble. But when trouble walks right into her life in the form of a sinfully handsome, dangerous assassin, she is pulled into a whirlwind of events that stir up the nightmares of her past but might just give her a shot at putting those ghosts to rest—if she can resist the dark allure of a male she knows is her fated mate.


Can Harbin and Aya resist the passionate fire that blazes between them as they chase the vengeance they both crave? Or will they surrender to their deepest desires?

Pre-order links and a first chapter preview of Marked by an Assassin are available at: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/marked-by-an-assassin-paranormal-romance-novel.php


Marked by an Assassin is due for release in ebook and paperback on October 31st 2015 and will be available from all major online book retailers.


Join Felicity’s mailing list to receive a notification when Marked by an Assassin is released, PLUS a sneak preview of the first 4 chapters of the book and chances to win a signed paperback copy: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/newsletter.php


Add the book to your Goodreads shelf at: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26248692-marked-by-an-assassin


Books in the Eternal Mates paranormal romance series:

• Book 1: Kissed by a Dark Prince
• Book 2: Claimed by a Demon King
• Book 3: Tempted by a Rogue Prince
• Book 4: Hunted by a Jaguar
• Book 5: Craved by an Alpha
• Book 6: Bitten by a Hellcat
• Book 7: Taken by a Dragon
• Book 8: Marked by an Assassin – Coming October 31st
• Book 9: Possessed by a Dark Warrior – coming soon

Author Bio Felicity Heaton is a New York Times and USA Today international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books, she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you're a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too. If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series. If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places: FelicityHeaton.co.uk | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

#OctobeRecFest Review #7 ~ Silver Wolf Clan ~ Tera Shanley

Silver Wolf Clan by Tera Shanley
Silver Wolf Clan #1
Release Date: August 4, 2014
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Kindle freebie
Rating: 4 Stars
Goodreads
Recommended by: Lorna @Rabid Reads AND Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Synopsis
What happens when monsters turn out to be real? One summer night while camping in the woods, Morgan Carter finds out in a big way. A tall mysterious stranger, Greyson Crawford, risks his life to try and save her sister from the vicious wolf attacking their camp. When he's bitten and disappears into the night, Morgan can only assume the worst.

Greyson shows up a year later, and he's a different animal altogether. His eye color shifts constantly and the rumble in his throat sounds more animal than human. She hasn't any idea where he's been all this time, but a good guess as to what he's become.

Grey is determined not to let the darkness of his new existence affect Morgan and the little girl in her care. He hasn't been able to stop thinking about Morgan but knows he should stay away and let her live a normal life. That's easier said than done, though. A new danger pulls him from the shadows to keep her safe, and he's no wolf in sheep's clothing.

Can she accept what lurks just below his surface? More importantly, can she survive him?

*This book was first recommended by Lorna @Rabid Reads. Then, Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer also gave it a great review!*

Silver Wolf Clan is a nice introduction to the Silver Wolf Clan series. Shanley immediately pulled me into the story and I enjoyed her werewolf lore.

The story begins with a nail biting scene that set the tone for the story. The blend of action and character development, along with just enough reveal of werewolf mythology was spot on and has me wanting more. Silver Wolf Clan is told in dual POV from both Grey's and Morgan's perspectives. I like this format and it worked well for the story.

Grey, once a rather broken man, is now a strong alpha who is struggling with his new life. Shanley did will in conveying both his struggle with what he's become and his struggle with his desire to keep Morgan save from himself. Morgan is resilient and feisty, two qualities I like in a heroine. She's had to do some growing since the first night she met Grey. I'm eager to see both these characters fleshed out even more. The members of the Dallas pack added depth to the story. I liked the dynamics between them and Grey. And there was certainly some added drama.

Typically with novellas I'm left feeling gypped. With Silver Wolf Clan, even though I'm eager for more back story for Grey and Morgan, and even the Dallas pack, I felt Shanley doled out just enough information to really hook me. All the elements for a great series are there and I think it's a great foundation to build on. I'm excited for more of the werewolf mythology - the silver wolf mythology in particular - as well as all the characters. Overall, this was a great little novella!