While the Duke Was Sleeping Review & Giveaway

Title: While the Duke Was Sleeping

Author: Sophie Jordan

Genre: Historical Romance

Goodreads Summary: 
Sometimes the man of your dreams . . .

        Shop girl Poppy Fairchurch knows it’s pointless fantasizing about the Duke of Autenberry. Still, dreams can’t hurt anyone . . . unlike the carriage Poppy spies bearing down upon the unsuspecting duke. After she pulls him to safety, the duke lapses into a coma and Poppy is mistaken for his fiancée. But one person isn’t fooled: his arrogant and much too handsome half-brother, Struan Mackenzie. Soon Poppy isn’t sure what she wants more . . . the fantasy of her duke or the reality of one smoldering Scot who challenges her at every turn.

. . . is not who you think.

        An illegitimate second son, Struan may have built an empire and established himself as one of the wealthiest men in Britain, but he knows he will always be an outsider among the ton. Just like he knows the infuriating Poppy is a liar. There’s no way the haughty Duke of Autenberry would deign to wed a working class girl. It doesn’t matter how charming she is. Or tempting. Or how much Struan wants her for himself.

Gabrielle's 5 ***** Review:
         In the beginning, I did something terribly wrong... I didn't judge the book by its cover BUT I did judge it by its name. It kind of rubbed me the wrong way. BUT I love all Sophie Jordan books so I knew I'd read it anyway... And I LOVED IT. Every single second of it.
It starts off with Poppy working in a flower shop, admiring the Duke of Autenberry. He never leads her on but he's kind to her even though she's just the flower shop worker and she creates this fantasy in her mind that leaves her infatuated with him.
        One day, while leaving the shop, she watches him walk down the street... But is then stopped by a stranger, a rough looking stranger... And they get into a fight. When Poppy saves the Duke's life, she is sent to the Duke's home to make sure he is cared for. But then there is a miscommunication and everyone in the family believes her to be the Duke's betrothed... Everyone except Struan, the duke's bastard brother.
        Struan is alone, completely alone... And when he went to find his father after his father turned him down as a boy, he found him to be dead. So, he tried to talk to the next duke so perhaps he could have a family again. But the Duke of Autenberry doesn't want to believe his father cheated on his mother and shuns him out of the family. (Even though the rest of the family welcomes him)
         While the duke was sleeping, Struan and Poppy immediately are drawn to each other. At first, it starts as a game. Their banter is amusing and entertaining. Struan wants to see if he can please her more than his brother but both Struan and Poppy start to feel something more for each other. Something stronger than the cat and mouse game they started with.
        While The Duke Was Sleeping is definitely my favorite historical romance by Sophie Jordan. Perhaps even my favorite by ANY author. I love how Poppy is a dreamer. How even though she got the bad end of the stick, she still believed in something more. She gave up her whole life to take care of her sister and to make sure she was safe and she never felt too jaded by that fact. Most people are too selfish to do that.
        Struan starts out wanting revenge on his family but slowly begins to find peace and a home filled with a welcoming family. And as both of them heal and evolve, they find love in each other... But when the duke wakes up, Struan leaves. Leaving a broken hearted Poppy behind. And then I hate Struan because a man should fight for what he wants.
        Overall, I loved, loved, loved this book. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't eat, sleep, or even go to the bathroom before I finished the book. I recommend this to anyone who loves a great historical romance or just a good romance in general. I'll always be a Sophie Jordan fan. She never disappoints me!

!!!!GIVEAWAY!!!!

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Midnight Hour Review

Midnight Hour

By C.C. Hunter

YA Paranormal Romance

Goodreads Summary:
After captivating millions across the globe, the Shadow Falls saga reaches its final—and most unforgettable—chapter yet! Prepare to fall in love all over again...

Being a dyslexic witch is a curse in itself, but Miranda Kane’s time at Shadow Falls has helped her harness her magical powers. Now, just as she’s finally mastered them and is preparing to graduate with her friends, a near-death experience threatens to ruin it all.

Miranda awakens in the hospital with a mysterious tattoo that no one can explain. As she struggles to make sense of it – and questions her feelings for a certain irresistible shape-shifter and a hot new guy – the strange markings begin to spread all over her body, leaving her desperate to find answers. But before she can solve that problem, a new one arises: her sister is missing.

Has her sister been kidnapped? Miranda will risk her life to find out. Will she live to share the day she’s worked so hard for with her friends? When the clock strikes midnight, will Miranda make it to her graduation at Shadow Falls?

C.C. Hunter brings The Shadow Falls saga to a spectacular conclusion in this thrilling finale: Midnight Hour!


Gabrielle's 5 ***** Review:
I started reading C.C Hunter's books back when Kylie first started at Shadow Falls and was a total misfit. But then she met her two best friends: Della and Miranda. They were a balanced trio, always keeping each other in line.

I was SO excited to finally get into Miranda's head. Her and her pinky swingy head. :D The book starts out with Miranda and Tabitha (sisters) going to a cabin to get their fortunes told because Tabitha wants to know if what she has with her boyfriend is real. But things go to hell before they can find anything out. The building explodes and they barely get out with their lives.

Tabitha's boyfriend keeps looking guiltier and guiltier as the book goes on but Tabitha insists he's innocent. Miranda tries to take her sister's side but when the evidence builds up more, Miranda is starting to think maybe Tabitha's blinded by love and that maybe Anthony is guilty.

Then, there's a point of view for Perry. He found his family and is trying to find evidence to bring their gang down but not everyone trusts him so they keep a close eye on him. 

In the middle of everything Miranda is trying to figure out if she wants to stay with Shawn (her new boyfriend) or go back with Perry (Does he deserve her after everything he put her through?) But I kinda started to dislike Shawn because he doesn't always seem to be too loyal.

Tabitha disappears and they can't figure out if she's kidnapped or if she left on her own free will. But the longer they take the more danger they could be putting her in... Especially when there are gangs out there willing to kill anyone in their path to have both the sisters.

I am sad Miranda only gets one book but C.C Hunter made this book worth it. I couldn't stop reading it. I needed to know where Tabitha was and why she was missing. Miranda really stepped up to the plate and gave her all to get her sister back which I think is awesome. It gives young girls someone to look up to because Miranda isn't normally the type to stand up and do whatever it takes. It shows anyone can do it and not just the tough ones like Della.

I'm sad Shadow Falls is over but this was a great conclusion! Definitely a 5 star read for me. I can't wait for more from C.C Hunter. (Even though it won't be more Shadow Falls!)

There are two series before this book (but you can read it as a standalone):
Shadow Falls series AND Shadow Falls: After Dark! Check those out if you haven't yet.

Midnight Hour Trailer: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdCkKyDDjVw&feature=youtu.be

Hard to Serve (Hard Ink Novella) Review

Hard to Serve (Hard Ink #4.7)

By Laura Kaye

Erotic Romance

In celebration of Laura Kaye's release of Bound to Submit, I read and reviewed Hard to Serve. It is the novella leading into the Blasphemy series.

Goodreads Summary:
To protect and serve is all Detective Kyler Vance ever wanted to do, so when Internal Affairs investigates him as part of the new police commissioner’s bid to oust corruption, everything is on the line. Which makes meeting a smart, gorgeous submissive at an exclusive play club the perfect distraction…

The director of the city’s hottest art gallery, Mia Breslin’s career is golden. Now if only she could find a man to dominate her nights and set her body—and her heart—on fire. When a scorching scene with a hard-bodied, brooding Dom at Blasphemy promises just that, Mia is lured to serve Kyler again and again.

Then, as their relationship burns hotter, Kyler learns that he’s been dominating the daughter of the hard-ass boss who has it in for him. Now Kyler must choose between life-long duty and forbidden desire before Mia finds another who’s not so hard to serve.

Gabrielle's 4 **** Review:
         The book starts out with Detective Kyler Vance being investigated. He did do some sketchy things (in the other hard ink novels) but it was all for good. His godfather, Miguel, was murdered so he did want revenge but he ended up helping the men of hard ink because that was what Miguel was doing.
         Mia Breslin is an artist and nothing is really wrong with her life... Except for the fact that she's kind of lonely and can't find a man who likes to dominate in the bedroom. Most men who tried to, in order to please her, didn't do it up to her standards.
         So, finally, after months of researching the BDSM club, Blasphemy, she decides to go with a temporary membership. The Masters there are nice and welcoming and definitely interested in Mia...          But Kyler pretty much tell the others to get lost because for some reason, Mia has grabbed his attention. After months of not having any sex because of an injury, he is ready to dive back in, with Mia.
        The attraction between the two is instant and every time she visits, she only does "scenes" with Master Kyler. Then they run into Kyler's boss or more accurately Mia's father and suddenly everything they started to build up between the two of them, it all disappears. Kyler avoids Mia. He's already under investigation. He didn't want to add "dating the boss' daughter" to his already big stack of problems.
        I love how Mia steps out of her comfort zone and decides to go to Blasphemy. She makes friends with some of the other Masters. Kyler on the other hand, really made me angry every time I was inside his head. Yes, I understand you don't want a relationship... You don't gotta keep saying/thinking it. Then suddenly, he can't live without her? He was really unstable in my mind.
I did enjoy this ending to the Hard Ink Series, especially since Laura brought a few of them into the story. And it was an interesting lead into the Blasphemy series. I want to find out more about the other Masters.

Do You Want To Start A Scandal Review

Do You Want To Start A Scandal (Spindle Cove #5)

By Tessa Dare

Historical Romance

Goodreads Summary:

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library.
•Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan?
•Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall?
•Perhaps the butler did it.

All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: it wasn’t her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers’ true identity, she’ll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville—the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she’s ever had the misfortune to embrace. When it comes to emotion, the man hasn’t got a clue.

But as they set about finding the mystery lovers, Piers reveals a few secrets of his own. The oh-so-proper marquess can pick locks, land punches, tease with sly wit … and melt a woman’s knees with a single kiss. The only thing he guards more fiercely than Charlotte’s safety is the truth about his dark past.

Their passion is intense. The danger is real. Soon Charlotte’s feeling torn. Will she risk all to prove her innocence? Or surrender it to a man who’s sworn to never love?

Gabrielle's 3.5 star Review:

I'm going to start this out with the fact that this is the FIRST book I have by Tessa Dare (which means I haven't read Spindle Cove 1-4). I enjoyed it enough that I want to read the other books in the series but this time IN THE RIGHT ORDER.

The book starts off with Charlotte finding Piers Brandon, Lord Granville in a private library. She warns him that her mother turned her into the "desperate debutante" and to stay away from her... Even though she went in search of him... Two "mystery lovers" go into the library and Charlotte and Piers hide and then the mystery people have a quick romp on the desk. Attention is brought to Charlotte and Piers so he accepts the obligation of marrying her so he doesn't "ruin" her.

As the book progresses, they find out that they don't want to avoid each other and that even though they were forced into an engagement, they actually found they worked well together. Charlotte swears to stay and help melt the ice around Piers' heart because she can't enter a loveless union. But it proves harder than she thought... 

I read this book in a day. Even though I only gave it 3.5 stars, I still really enjoyed it and wanted to find out what happened. I wanted to find out who the "mystery lovers" were and if Charlotte could truly help Piers feel something, anything...  Charlotte and Piers sparked a flame almost too big to contain. I also like how her older sisters were brought into the story (even though I haven't read their books yet). It made me look forward to reading their stories!

Good job, Tessa! I really enjoyed this book.

P.S I like you Review

P.S I Like You

By Kasie West

YA Contemporary Romance

Goodreads Summary:

Signed, sealed, delivered…

While spacing out in chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds thatsomeone has continued the lyrics on the desk and added a message to her. Intrigue!

Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters—sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she’s kind of falling for this letter writer. Only, who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can’t always be spelled out…

Gabrielle's 5***** Review

Lily, bored in Chemistry, writes a line of one of her favorite songs by an Indie band that no one really knows BUT her. Then the next day in Chemistry, someone replied, with the next line and she couldn't believe she found someone who enjoys the same music as she does. As time goes on, she realizes her penpal is a boy...

Lily is kind of a loner. She only has one friend, Iz, who keeps trying to set her up with guys but Lily's awkward personality isn't one most people take to. Also, she doesn't want to admit that she is falling for her penpal... Finally, Lily starts making a list of potential guys. Part way through, she figures out who it really is (OMG I WONT SAY WHO) and freaks out.

They are two totally different people in real life but on paper they are so similar and help each other through their personal problems that they can't help but feel a connection.

The beginning is kind of slow and boring but once she starts exchanging notes, it's really great. I read P.S I like you in on sitting. I enjoyed this book more than expected. It's cute and funny and even a bit deep.

This is my first Kasie West book but now I'm thinking of picking up her other books because this one was... wonderful. cute. perfect. Definitely a wonderful surprise.

Cover Reveal for Cursed by the Fountain of Youth

Don't Miss the Rafflecopter Giveaway at the End of the Post for a chance to win a Signed Paperback copy of any of Holly Kelly's other books, a $25.00 Gift Card, Ebooks, and Many Other Prizes!

Cursed by the Fountain of Youth

By Holly Kelly

Blurb:

For centuries, countless adventurers have searched for the Fountain of Youth. Those who found it thought they would gain eternal life. Instead, they find themselves murdered by its guardians. There was, however, one, lone survivor—Fae Miller. As an infant, she not only survived the Fountain, she took its power.

Twenty-two years later, Fae is hiding in plain sight at a local college. She’s is determined to leave the past behind her and live a normal life. But for one dying man, the search for the Fountain of Youth continues, and he is leaving a trail of blood and mutilated bodies in his wake. Unfortunately, that trail leads directly to Fae. Her only hope is a young, new college professor, also known as Special Agent Nick Chase of the FBI. Nick is determined to do two things: keep Fae alive, and keep his relationship with his student professional. Both of these jobs prove difficult—especially when love and magic get involved.

Excerpt:

They ate their dinner in silence. Fae realized in those quiet moments that she had a major problem.

She’d not only kissed her professor, she desperately wanted to kiss him again. No. Desperate was not a strong enough word. It took supreme effort not to jump out of her seat and throw her arms around him.

“Um,” she said and cleared her throat, “that probably shouldn’t happen again.”

Nick didn’t answer. A scowl settled on his face.

“I mean,” Fae continued, “This could complicate things. I don’t want you to feel you need to give me a good grade, just because you might…”

“Might what?” he asked when she didn’t’ continue.

“I don’t want to put words in your mouth,” she said.

“Right,” he said. He seemed want to say something, but paused to consider his words. “How about I tell you how I feel? That way you won’t be putting words into my mouth.”

“Okay.”

He looked her direct in the eyes. “I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. So it goes without saying that I’m attracted to you. And I’ve had enough experience with women to know you’ve had little experience with men. Rules aside, I’d still move slowly with you.”

Fae swallowed and gave a shaky nod.

“But the truth is I am your professor. So this relationship cannot move further than what it is now. That is until the end of the term. And no, I won’t be giving you any grade you don’t deserve.”

“But, once the term ends,” he continued, “all bets are off. I intend to pursue a relationship with you. I expect keeping my hands off you will be difficult in the meantime. I think we are both reasonable adults and have enough self-control to keep things at a professional level. Right?”

Fae nodded, feeling a bit relieved. “I do have one question,” she said.

“Yes?”

“You said our relationship couldn’t go farther than it is.”

“Right,” he said.

“And we’ve already kissed.”

A frown settled on his face. It looked like he could guess what she was about to say. Warmth flooded her cheeks. She asked in a small voice, “So, can I kiss you again?”

He closed his eyes and shook his head as he groaned and gave a weak chuckle. “You’re going to make things difficult, aren’t you?” When he opened his eyes, he stood up, pulled her out of her seat, and wrapped his arms around her. Her eyes widened and heart pounded as her body melded against his. He looked down and gave her a smoldering look as the scent of his cologne teased her senses and made her mouth water.

 “I can’t think of any alternate reality where I would ever say no when you ask me that question.” With that said, he leaned forward and kissed her so thoroughly, she could scarcely remember her own name.

Holly's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorhollykelly/

About the Author:

Holly Kelly is a mom who writes books in her spare time: translation--she hides in the bathroom with her laptop and locks the door while the kids destroy the house and smear peanut butter on the walls. She was born in Utah but moved around a bit, living in Kansas, Texas, and Hawaii where she studied marine biology. She's now back in Utah--"happy valley". She's married to a wonderful husband, James, and they are currently raising 6 rambunctious children. Her interests are reading, writing (or course), martial arts, visual arts, creating Halloween props, and spending time with family.

Holly's website: AuthorHollyKelly.com

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All the Broken Pieces Release Blitz

RELEASE BLITZ

Title: All the Broken Pieces

Series: Broken #3

Author: Anna Paige

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Release Date: September 19, 2016

BLURB:

How far would you be willing to go for someone you love?

For Lauren Caldwell, the answer was: as far as necessary. She had done what she had to do to protect the one person who meant the most to her in the world—her uncle. She wasn’t proud of herself, but in the end, she had protected him just as he’d always protected her. A year later, a year of being ostracized in the small Virginia town she called home, she found herself helplessly watching her worst nightmare unfold. 

She was alone. 

Until a stranger became a friend who became the glue that might finally piece together the jagged fragments of her life, of her heart.

How far would you be willing to go for someone you love?

Brant Matthews never wanted to fall in love again; he had worked diligently to avoid emotional entanglements at all costs. He knew what it was to lose the one you loved, to fail them so irrevocably that the entire trajectory of your life shifted. But seeing the broken look in Lauren’s crystal-blue eyes, feeling that old pain flare anew and knowing from experience exactly how much she was hurting… he never stood a chance. She had him, whether she was ready to accept that or not. 

And when her childhood tormentor set his sights on her once more, Brant knew exactly how far he would go to keep her safe. 

He would die for her or kill for her. 

There would be no middle ground. 

GOODREADS LINK:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31350984-all-the-broken-pieces

PURCHASE LINKS:

US: http://amzn.to/2aAZZMF

UK: http://amzn.to/2aWQ3Ox

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE BROKEN SERIES

#1 Broken Ground

US: http://amzn.to/2aHFjWg

UK: http://amzn.to/2aVsPKv

#2 Flawlessly Broken

US: http://amzn.to/2b4eLk0

UK: http://amzn.to/2b4eJsz

AUTHOR LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annapaigewrites

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaPaigeWrites

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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Paige/e/B0164RNBSK/

Newsletter: http://goo.gl/OQK58K

Email: annapaigewrites@gmail.com

ABOUT ANNA PAIGE:

Anna Paige is the author of Broken Ground and Flawlessly Broken, the first two installments in the Broken series. Each title in the series is an interconnected standalone. Anna is currently working on the third book in the series.

She lives in a rural town in North Carolina where the only activity is the rhythmic color change of the solitary stoplight and a very real threat of being carried away by mosquitoes. The only alternative to terminal boredom is writing, making life interesting if only on the page. 

Anna is happily married, with one amazing son and a pair of hilarious pets. When she’s not writing, she’s trying to make a dent in her TBR pile. Given that she’s constantly adding new titles to the list, the chances of her ever finishing are slim. 

And she’s completely fine with that.

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