Gratitude Raffle Winner...

Hey y'all! Sorry it's taken me this long to get this posted. I got home to no internet! *gasps* Can you imagine?? Anyway, going through all the comments to create my list was heartwarming. I just love y'all!! And I *will* get around to commenting back, I promise.

Anyway, you really just want to know who won, right? Here's the list of commenters...

1. Tanya A.
2. Anna
3. Bunnita
4. Sharrice
5. Christy
6. Teresa
7. Nicole
8. Literary Feline
9. Geybie
10. Jackie Nolan
11. Rachael
12. Lorna
13. Shaunesay
14. Michelle P
15. Kristin
16. Nick
17. Grace
18. Danya
19. Lily
20. Melissa (Books & Things)
21. Melanie
22. Tanya (Reading Addict)
23. Kimba
24. Lover of Romance
25. Literary Treasure Chest
26. Charlie
27. Terri M
28. Naomi
29. Sophia Rose
30. Felicia
31. Cindy’s Book Binge
32. Kristen Burns
33. Lola
34. Lexxie
35. Greg Hill
36. Ailyn Koay
37. Braine
38. AngieElle
39. Ashley Montgomery
40. Carey
41. Trish Hannon
42. Diana
43. Jennifer (Bad Bird)
44. Silvia
45. Sandra
46. Jessica (A Great Read)
47. Robyn

And the winner is:

Congrats, Melissa from Books & Things! Please contact me via email (or however you want) so I can get your address and get your mystery box of books on its way to you!

And y'all stay tuned. There'll another raffle at the end of June!

New Release Review ~ Love in Transit ~ Jana Aston (@JanaAston) #2017NewRelease

Love in Transit by Jana Aston, Ainsley Booth, Kitty French, BJ Harvey, Raine Miller, Liv Morris
Release Date: June 1, 2017
Genre: Adult, Anthology, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle 
Rating: 4 Bookworms (overall)
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Find out what happens when you give six authors the SAME blurb and they write their OWN story.

The blurb:

You know those people that have a house full of motivational slogans? Embrace Every Moment, stamped on their coffee mugs. Always Kiss Me Goodnight painted above their perfectly made beds.

I'm not one of those people.

This morning I overslept, then slipped on a stray sock and banged my toe into the nightstand. The elevator in my building broke and I had to run down six flights of stairs. And then my local coffee shop was closed. For health code violations.

What's that? Not the end of the world? You want me to suck it up?

Did I mention I'm wearing a wedding dress... on the subway?

It's a Good Day for a Hot Mess.

Someone embroider that on a pillow.

I don't read anthologies that often but when I pick up one like this one, it makes me wonder why. The idea for Love in Transit was simple - same blurb given to six authors who then write their own stories using said blurb. The results were engaging and entertaining overall and I was able to sample some new-to-me authors as well. 

Times Square by Jana Aston
Max and Lauren's story proved a smile can change lives. This story is my favorite because it had it all - compelling characters and a story that gave me all the feels. I laughed, cried, swooned... it was just excellent!  (5 Bookworms)

St. George Station by Ainsley Booth
Cara and Toby's story was one that had me cheering loudly. I adored the geeky Cara and the techie nerd in Toby. Their story was touching as well as fun.  (4.5 Bookworms)

The Hammersmith and City Line by Kitty French
Connie and Ryan's story revolved around a Survivor-type game show where the contestants were vying for the perfect wedding...in this case, their friends' wedding. While this story was a little far-fetched, it was fun and some steam for good measure.  (3.5 Bookworms)

The Loop by BJ Harvey
Sarah and Cameron's story proved the power of first love and that it's never too late for second chances. I'm a sucker for second chance romances and Harvey delivered on that pulled at my heartstrings.  (4 Bookworms)

Capitol South by Raine Miller
With Reese and Grayson's story, Miller made use of her talent at writing legacy families and delivered a riveting story revolving around famous families. It was compelling and fun...and I fell for Reese and Gray!  (4 Bookworms)

Wall Street Station by Liv Morris
Seraphina and Seth's story captured me at the start. Then it veered a little off-course but eventually got back on track. There were elements that gave me pause, and this story is the most serious in tone, but I liked it overall.  (3 Bookworms)

Each of the novellas was satisfying and I've found some new authors to check out. Love in Transit was so worth the ride!

My TBR List ~ June ~ Polling is Open!

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?!?

***

I'm continuing my quest, and working at one of my Bookish Resolutions to catch up on series (since I'm behind in 148 series) I'm once again having y'all decide which series I'm going to work at catching up on this month! :D

FYI, this will be my theme all year. And since I'm letting random.org choose from the list of series I'm behind in, you might see books show up more than once. ;)


Your Choices Are:


Dance with the Devil
Dark Hunter #3

Synopsis
Zarek's Point of View:

Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Year, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude.

Insanity: A condition many say I suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don't suffer from my insanity - I enjoy every minute of it.

Trust: I can't trust anyone...not even myself. The only thing I trust in is my ability to do the wrong thing in any situation and to hurt anyone who gets in my way.

Truth: I endured a lifetime as a Roman slave, and 900 years as an exiled Dark-Hunter. Now I'm tired of enduring. I want the truth about what happened the night I was exiled - I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Astrid (Greek, meaning star): An exceptional woman who can see straight to the truth. Brave and strong, she is a point of light in the darkness. She touches me and I tremble. She smiles and my cold heart shatters.

Zarek: They say even the most damned man can be forgiven. I never believed that until the night Astrid opened her door to me and made this feral beast want to be human again. Made me want to love and be loved. But how can an ex-slave whose soul is owned by a Greek goddess ever dream of touching, let alone holding, a fiery star?




Carpe Corpus
Morganville Vampires #6

Synopsis
In the small college town of Morganville, vampires and humans lived in (relative) peace-until all the rules got rewritten when the evil vampire Bishop arrived, looking for the lost book of vampire secrets. He's kept a death grip on the town ever since. Now an underground resistance is brewing, and in order to contain it, Bishop must go to even greater lengths. He vows to obliterate the town and all its inhabitants-the living and the undead. Claire Danvers and her friends are the only ones who stand in his way. But even if they defeat Bishop, will the vampires ever be content to go back to the old rules, after having such a taste of power?





World After
Penryn & the End of Days #2

Synopsis
In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.

When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?



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Review ~ And I Darken ~ Kiersten White #2017HW #ShelfLove

And I Darken by Kiersten White
The Conqueror's Saga #1
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Romance
Source: Won paperback from 
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017HW, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
No one expects a princess to be brutal. And Lada Dargwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from the homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.

Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, Radu feels that he's made a true friend--and Lada wonders if she's finally found someone worthy of her passion.

But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against--and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.

This is my 5th HW read of the year and I've discovered something...I have some really outstanding books on my shelves just waiting to be unearthed! ;)

And I Darken is a fabulously written story - historical fiction - that puts an interesting spin on Vlad the Impaler. And y'all, I'm rather fascinated with Vlad so this new "version"...well, I'm tickled. On top of that, this story is set in the Ottoman Empire and THAT is fascinating as well. And then there's Mehmed - the sultan's young son who befriends Lada and her brother, Radu. Well, I was in Portland last week (as y'all know) and therefore in Powell's (I didn't buy anything!). Sky took me to the Rare Book Room where I discovered a book about Mehmed the Conqueror. I don't know if the character is based on this Mehmed but the dates are right, so...

With And I Darken I'm not only learning some history but I'm also reading some thought-provoking things. Lada is my favorite kind of historical character...unconventional. She strains against the conventions towards women for her time. She's strong, cunning, ruthless, smart, and she DOES NOT want to be held back by a pair of breasts. Oh the things she did, choices she made - all so calculated so her weaknesses wouldn't be known, she wouldn't appear weak, in order to save lives or advance others. She's brilliant and I both love her and feel for her living in the 15th century. She broke my heart more than once.

Radu has always been viewed as weak. He is more sensitive and he was definitely treated poorly by their father and older brother. But being abandoned to the sultan changed him in marked ways. As he grew, he learned to use his particular strengths and talents. And he found a place to belong.

Mehmed - I'm not quite sure what to say about him. He's pivotal to be sure and he's important to both Lada and Radu. He's also smart and cunning, as well as ambitious. I'll withhold judgement though until I see what he does next.

I know book two in this series releases this month but I can't decide whether to read it soon and endure a year-long wait for the next one or whether to wait awhile...decisions, decisions. I can say And I Darken is in the top 5 books I've read this year!

Review - Taking Control ~Jen Frederick #BloggerShame #ShelfLove

Taking Control by Jen Frederick
Kerr Chronicles #2
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
I thought I needed only one thing in my life--the money and power to crush one man. But the moment I laid eyes on Victoria Corielli, my thirst for revenge was replaced by my craving for her.

No rule would keep me away; no obstacle too large to overcome. Not her will, not our differing social positions, not my infamous past. When she lost everything, I helped her pick up the pieces. When she trusted me with everything, she sealed her fate.

I've convinced Victoria she can put her heart in my hands. Now I have to protect it--from her shady stepfather and my business rivals, from enemies known and hidden. I'll do anything to keep her. And I might have to prove it, because now Victoria's risking more than her heart to be with me; she's risking her life.

I finished Losing Control and immediately dove into Taking Control. I *had* to know what came next for Tiny and Ian. And I thrilled at Frederick's use of dual POV this time around. Being in Ian's head was fascinating. However, Taking Control wasn't as gripping a read as its predecessor. Here's what worked for me and what could have worked better:

What Worked

• Dual POV - as I said, being in Ian's head, seeing the rationale behind his decisions and getting to see the depth of his feelings for Tiny was fascinating.
• Dynamics between Tiny and Ian - these two work well together even when they don't see eye-to-eye. I liked that there wasn't any unnecessary angst due to lack of communication. There was one instance where Tiny should have shared earlier but they talked things out rationally.
• Tiny blossoming - I enjoyed seeing her find her way in the new world Ian's love came along with. She found something else she enjoyed doing and was brilliant at compensating for her dyslexia. She's so strong and resilient. I admired her!
• Ian overcoming his demons - with Tiny's help. He's such an interesting man and his past absolutely affected who he was but making peace with events and people, letting go - that takes strength...and maybe a good woman by your side.

What Could Have Worked Better

• The threats to Tiny and Ian - I felt like the groundwork could have equaled a lot more suspense but it wasn't capitalized on.
• The showdown and revelations fizzled for me. Again, I felt there was quite a buildup and things could have been much more powerful with these particular plot threads.

Overall though, I liked following Tiny and Ian in their journey. I liked how the title paralleled Tiny and Ian's lives and how they each were approaching things. And I read that Frederick may write more in this world. If she does, I'll happily revisit.

Edit: There is a book 3 in this series focusing on a secondary character from Taking Control. Woohoo!

My TBR List Review ~ May ~ Us ~ Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 



Us by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Him #2
Release Date: March 8, 2016
Genre: Adult, M/M Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads
Challenges: #ShelfLove

Synopsis
Can your favorite hockey players finish their first season together undefeated?

Five months in, NHL forward Ryan Wesley is having a record-breaking rookie season. He's living his dream of playing pro hockey and coming home every night to the man he loves--Jamie Canning, his longtime best friend turned boyfriend. There's just one problem: the most important relationship of his life is one he needs to keep hidden, or else face a media storm that will eclipse his success on the ice.

Jamie loves Wes. He really, truly does. But hiding sucks. It's not the life Jamie envisioned for himself, and the strain of keeping their secret is taking its toll. It doesn't help that his new job isn't going as smoothly as he'd hoped, but he knows he can power through it as long as he has Wes. At least apartment 10B is their retreat, where they can always be themselves.

Or can they?

When Wes's nosiest teammate moves in upstairs, the threads of their carefully woven lie begin to unravel. With the outside world determined to take its best shot at them, can Wes and Jamie develop major-league relationship skills on the fly?

Warning: contains sexual situations, a vibrating chair, long-distance sexytimes and proof that hockey players look hot in any shade of green.

Y'all, I can't get enough of Wes and Jamie! Why can't I have more?!?

Here are a few reasons why I love these guys!

• Wes and Jamie as a couple. These two guys are so in love and good together. They each bring their own positives and negatives to the relationship and that only further enhances them as characters. Their relationship "feels" real. And I just love them!
• The issues - the hurdles Wes and Jamie have to jump, the issues they fave - were also realistic and gave them even more depth. From family strife and personal pride to dealing with illness as well as the media and a bigoted public, they faced so much. And they both grew emotionally - both individually and as a couple.
• Family and friends - y'all know I'm fond of a dynamic supporting cast. That the Canning family was so loving and accepting - it warmed my heart. And that Wes' teammates, for the most part, proved accepting (Jamie's boss too)...well, it restored a little of my faith in humanity.
  I'm also chomping at the bit to dive into the spinoff series featuring some of these characters.

So I not only enjoyed a most excellent sequel - and final book in the duology - but I also get to cross off a series on my "catch up" list! Of course, I'll be adding another series once I start Good Boy (the spinoff series)! LOL

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #63 ~ Blindfolded Innocence by Alessandra Torre

I recently binged on Alessandra Torre's Innocence trilogy. This particular scene is from Blindfolded Innocence, the first in the trilogy. It made me laugh...because I could so relate! *wink* See, Julia doesn't like seafood...

***

The bottom rung of the silver tower was empty when they had delivered it, but was now being filled with the empty lobster and crab claw shells.
Light bulb.
Fifteen minutes later, Brad sat back with a satisfied groan. "I have been dreaming of those claws for weeks." He met my eyes with a Cheshire grin. "Well? Was I right or what?" I smiled at him over the champagne and empty plate.
"It was very good, Brad. Thank you."
"I don't know how you look so put together. I always feel like I need a bath after eating this stuff." He wiped his face with his napkin and pulled at his bib, breaking the plastic tie. "Should we get another or do you want to go ahead and order dinner?"
"Dinner, please," I said quickly. Brad's eyes looked at me for a moments, then he shrugged. "Sounds good to me."
The waiter appeared and began pulling the silver trays off of the tower, starting with the top tray. Uh-oh. I had anticipated them taking the entire tower at one time, as they had brought it to us. My mind raced with something to distract Brad with.
Shrimp platter gone.
"I was thinking Brad..."
Clams and oysters level gone.
"...maybe tonight, after the show..."
Lobster level taken.
"...we could, ahhh..." Don't look down!!
The large silver platter that had housed the tangled pile of Snow and King Crab legs was lifted, exposing the plate of empty shells. Empty shells and expensive meat of crab and lobster I had carefully hidden under the guise of placing my shells in the plate. The meat, which had been strategically hidden from the side view, was now fully-exposed, crab and lobster stretched out like bathing beauties on South Beach.

The One Where I Profess My Undying Gratitude...

If y'all have followed me for awhile you know this but for those of you who are newer followers here's a little tidbit about me...my summers are crazy.*wink* And my "summer" started early this year. Between my kids' activities and the obligations I had for the music program and trying to finish writing the last little bit on my book, it's been busy here. On top of that, I was gone for a week to RT in Atlanta. Then Sky came home...for 8 days. Today, she and I left on a "road trip" heading back to Portland where I'm dropping her off to begin her summer of drum corps. 

It's also a rough summer for me, as a mom, because two of my kiddos are going to be gone. Of course, Berk, James, and I are taking 3 trips in order to see Sky and Jax at competitions but still...

All this is to say that I've been absent from the blogosphere for the last month and a half. And there will be weeks over the summer when I'll be absent. Because I love you all and appreciate you sticking with me and giving me love more than you know, I'm hosting my first Reader Appreciation Raffle of the summer.

Here's the deal:

• Those of you who've left comments in April and May are automatically entered.
• If you're here reading this, let me know your favorite genre in the comments.

That's it. When I get back next week, I'll give those who've commented a number and use random.org to pick the winner. The winner will get a mystery box of books and swag! (if you leave a comment with your favorite genre, I'll do my best to accommodate) I'll announce the winner late next week. And if you don't win, don't worry. You'll have at least 3 more chances over the summer. :D

Thank y'all SO MUCH for continuing to drop by and give me love. I really am so very, very grateful!!  <3