Dreamwalker (Persephone's League of Immortals #1) by Andrea Heltsley ~ Book Review

Book Summary:

Noel Kennedy lost her boyfriend, her job, and her dignity all in one week and then gained an entirely new life. Hunted by a mysterious league of immortals, Noel must rediscover her forgotten past while uncovering the truth behind the two men who battle for her heart, both in dreams and in reality.

Entranced, she slowly unravels a world she was meant to stay out of, one filled with creatures she once thought to be myth and dangers that threaten her very soul. Now Noel begins the fight for her life and must choose between two men who call to her heart. Can she escape a life of servitude or immortality for a chance at love?Purchase an e-copy on Amazon. 

About the Author:

Andrea Heltsley is a new adult and young adult author. She started writing in 2012 and hasn’t stopped since. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and two Italian Greyhounds. Ice cream, coffee and candy are always necessities. When writing, Andrea loves to listen to all kinds of music and always has a candle burning. When she’s not writing, you can find her nose in a book. Her favorite forms of entertainment are reading, Shakira and The Vampire Diaries.

Connect: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Blog |

My Thoughts:

This is the first book I have read of Andrea Heltsley, it is part of the Reader Rater program I am involved with (see badges on right side of blog). Lately I haven't been reading to many supernatural books but I was looking forward to reading this book. The book starts out with a quick intro about Noel and her love life or well lack of, we then met Autumn who is Noel's best friend. I found the beginning of the book jumped right into the story and didn't really give a great description of the storyline or characters. The writing style was a bit choppy but once I got used to it I enjoyed the story.

To be really honest I didn't like the main character, Noel, I found her very boy crazy and not as freaked out with what was happening to her as I would expect. I did like Autumn and I really like Boone. Boone was a very mysterious guy and emotional with a bad boy cover.

The concept of a Dreamwalker was a nice and refreshing story as most of the books I have read in the last year usually have to do with witches, vampires or shape shifters. This book had a little of those minus the shape shifter and lots about dreamwalker/clairvoyants.

The story moved at a fast pace and kept with that pace throughout the book. It kept me wondering what was going to happen next and if Noel would learn to use her new powers. This book would be okay for young adults, it did have sex scenes but nothing to erotic and only a couple swear words (the B word). I hope to have a chance at reading the rest of the series in 2014.

I give this book a 3.5 stars out of 5.   


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose and part of the Reader Rater Program. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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The Golden Locket (Book #2 Unbreakable Trilogy) by Primula Bond ~ Book Review

Book Summary:

Temptation would test them…

The second novel in the Unbreakable Trilogy, The Golden Locket follows Gustav and Serena to New York.

Ensconced in their Manhattan penthouse, all seems blissfully happy for Gustav and Serena. Still in the first flush of love, they have every satisfaction they could need.

But as they enjoy their New York pleasure ground, ghosts start to emerge from Gustav’s past, and when his damaged younger brother, Pierre, comes back into his life, he brings with him a dangerous threat…

With temptation waiting at every turn, can Gustav and Serena survive all the excitement that the Big Apple holds?

The sexy sequel to Primula Bond’s Sunday Times Top 20 bestseller, The Silver Chain. Perfect for fans of erotic romance.

Purchase on Amazon Kindle or iTunes. Don't forget to add The Golden Locket to your Goodreads shelf!

About the Author: 

Oxford educated mother of three boys masquerading as respectable pillar of society but harbouring secret ambition to be considered a MILF. Writer of freelance features on single motherhood, older parenthood, MS and erotica. Published erotica author of 'Country Pleasures' 'Club Creme' and 'Behind the Curtain' for Black Lace; 'Random Acts of Lust' and 'Out of Focus' for Xcite Books'; and 'Sisters in Sin' for Mischief. First part of trilogy 'The Silver Chain' out in August 2013 for Mischief/Avon.
 
Connect: Goodreads | Blog  

My Thoughts: 

I have really have had a love/hate relationship with this series. I love how Primula Bond is a fabulous story teller. Bond grabs you right from the beginning and hooks you for the rest of the book even if it isn't really something that you think is "real" life. This book was WAY out there for myself but I continued to read on and really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the final installment of the Unbreakable Trilogy now that I am fully invested in the story line and I want to know what happens to Gustav & Serena. Bond really makes you feel part of the action and you feel for the characters. Gustav in this book is opening up more to the relationship with Serena but still is very mysterious and handsome.

This book picks up from where we left off in book one learning about the Levi brothers dark secrets and is very dark and heavy. The beginning has a lot of dialog but you learn all about Gustav's brother Pierre who we met at the end of book #1. I did find this a bit long and was starting to think this book was going to be more dialog than story but it got moving and had me interested in seeing where it was heading. 

Serena and Gustav take their relationship to a whole new level and learn about trusting each other while Gustav gave Serena the okay to explore her sexuality. It seemed like everywhere Serena turned she was met with temptation, exploration and lust. Pierre wasn't my favorite character in this book and I was hoping to see a happy ending for Gustav and Serena. This is definitely a roller coaster storyline but it is heavy on the sexual exploring, along with deception and manipulation. To be able to follow this storyline you do need to read the first book as they are not stand alone.

I give this book 3 stars out of 5.

Read my review on Book #1 The Silver Chain.  


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of this book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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12 Days of Christmas Books ~ Mistletoe for Christmas by Ashley Monahan ~ Review

Book Summary: A Novella

Christmas. Good thing it only comes around one time a year. Joanna Bryne has gone far in her life. All the way from the backwoods of Maine to being a national TV news correspondent based out of New York City. When not on the road, her life is spent with boyfriend Will Currier, a man who could pass for a Calvin Klein model.

She seems to have it all. The perfect job, perfect home, perfect man. But all of that would become unsettled when she returns home for the holidays without Will, who was, as usual, strapped down with work.

Joanna returns to Maine to her overbearing family, all of whom are wondering where her longtime boyfriend is. After all, Joanna and Will have been dating for four years and they’ve yet to meet mysterious Will due to his inflexible schedule.

And into the picture comes an old boyfriend, Jackson Montagne, who moved back to Whiting Valley to raise his family in the recent years. With Jackson back in the picture, what Joanna thought to be her perfect life all of a sudden doesn't seem so perfect anymore.

Purchase a e-copy today for less than $1 on Amazon Kindle. 

Don't forget to add this title to your Goodreads shelf!

About the Author: 

Born and raised in Maine's North Woods, Monahan spent the greater portion of her life writing fiction as a hobby, but did not embark on publishing her work until 2013. Monahan has since published three novels and four novellas, ranging in topic from mystery, to drama, to romance. She currently spends her time divided between working full-time as an Emergency Communications Officer and writing.

Connect: Facebook | Amazon |

My Thoughts:  Review coming soon.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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12 Days of Christmas Books ~ Home for the Holidys by Roxy Boroughs

If you are still in the mood for Christmas books today I will post a couple more ones to read over the Holidays.

Add to Goodreads shelf

Book Summary:

This holiday season, April Rochester must decide if her first love is merely “Home for Christmas” – or home for good.

James Frost, the black sheep of the family, is back in Carol Falls, Vermont, to build a big box store and prove he’s a success. His plans derail when he learns his high school sweetheart has moved back to town also, along with her autistic son, Marcus.

Ten years ago Jimmy and April eloped, only to be torn apart when April’s parents insisted on an annulment. Their love for each other never died, however, and this could be their second chance.
But James has been hiding behind a mountain of secrets, one of them involving baby Holly, the abandoned child recently found at the family farm.

And all of James’ well-kept secrets are about to come tumbling down.

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, a 40,000 word sweet romance novella, is Book Two of ‘A Frost Family Christmas’ trilogy. Each novella is a complete romance with a linking mystery connecting the three books.

The three titles in this series are:

Book 1 = WHAT CHILD IS THIS by C.J. Carmichael  

Book 2 = HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Roxy Boroughs

Book 3 = THE HOLLY & THE IVY by Brenda M. Collins  

About the Author:

Before turning her attention to fiction, Roxy appeared in numerous TV commercials and movies, and ‘tread the boards’ in theaters from New York to Newfoundland.

In addition to HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, and the free short story LETTING GO, she’s also published two romantic suspense titles, the award-winning A STRANGER’S TOUCH and its sequel, a romantic comedy called CRAZY FOR COWBOY and the sweet romance anthology  STORIES OF CHANCE ROMANCE with Brenda M. Collins.

Check them all out on her Amazon Page.

Connect: Literary Addicts | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

My Review: Coming soon.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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12 Days of Christmas Books ~ Wishing Upon a Star by Trisha Ashley

Book Summary:

The perfect gift isn’t always under the tree…

Single mum Cally’s life is all about her little girl Stella. She’s resigned to the fact that the only romance she’s going to get is from the rom-coms she watches, and with her busy job and her daughter, she doesn’t have time to even think about love.

But life gets very tough when Stella gets sick. Balancing her job as a recipe writer and looking after Stella is all consuming, so when Cally meets handsome baker Jago the last thing she wants to do is fall in love, especially when she’s been badly burned by a Prince Charming from her past. Can laid-back, charming Jago unlock Cally’s frozen heart and help her find true love and magic under the mistletoe?

Purchase a copy on Amazon Kindle

Add to your Goodreads shelf.

About the Author:

Trisha Ashley is now a full-time novelist, but she has been known to work for stained glass makers and/or plumbers. She likes to paint, eat, drink, and read literary biographies. Her previous hobbies included getting divorced and packing to move. She claims to have once actually eaten Bronte burgers at the Branwell café, but her publisher declines to verify this. She lives in North Wales.

Connect: Goodreads | Website | Amazon | Twitter | 

Review to come soon.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Chryss. I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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12 Days of Christmas Books (Kids) ~ SANTA!

Book Summary:

Santa Claus is going to town! Marrying the magic of Scanimation with the universally beloved figure of Santa Claus, Santa! is a holiday book unlike any other.

It presents a Santa that readers have never seen before—acrobatic, playful, a little mischievous, filled with joyful energy. Here’s Santa hula-hooping. Santa juggling. Santa doing cartwheels and Santa on a unicycle. Children, as they did with Gallop!, will want to imitate Santa’s irresistibly happy motions. The grown-ups will be unable to stop smiling—it’s hard to imagine a cooler character than this jolly St. Nick as he runs, spins, gyrates, backflips, and blows big bubbles.

Scanimation is the technology behind the instant New York Times best-selling series that started with Gallop!, to most recently The Wizard of Oz. Author and inventor Rufus Butler Seder continues to refine the Scanimations, with ever more smooth-flowing and detailed moving images—perfectly applied, in this case, to the irresistible figure of Santa Claus.

Visit Thomas Allen & Son Ltd to purchase a copy.

About the Author:

Rufus Butler Seder is an optical genius whose first significant invention was Lifetiles, glass-walled murals that appear to come to life when the viewer walks by. He’s installed them at the Smithsonian, SeaWorld, Union Station, and other museums, aquariums, train stations, and ocean liners around the world. Next came Scanimation, and his company EyeThink, Inc., a business that produces a line of toys and gifts using technologies he’s invented. Mr. Seder lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Our Thoughts:

The kids loved that this book was easy for them to read and also that Santa moves throughout the book. Be prepared to spend a lot of time on each page moving Santa, twirling, hula-hooping, unicycling, and so much more. It is a great children's Christmas book.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Thomas Allen & Son Ltd. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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The Scents of the Season with Glade Wax Melts Winter Collection

With the holidays fast approaching we have been enjoying the beautiful scents of the season with the new Glade Wax Melts Winter Collection. Each year we make memories with our loved ones and one of the things that will trigger our memories are scents. Maybe the scent of pine reminds you of going out into the Christmas tree fields and coming home with that perfect Christmas tree or the scent of vanilla or apple cinnamon reminds you of visiting Grandmas house. Glade has brought four fabulous scents out for a limited Winter Collection to help make memories for this Holiday season. 

• Apple Cinnamon Cheer: Red apples and spicy cinnamon create a warm holiday homecoming 
• Sparkling Spruce: Fresh balsam and crisp cypress bring a shimmering winter scene indoors 
• Frosted Berry Kiss: A frosted sweet-tart blend of winter berries & greenery create a fresh holiday impression  
• Pure Vanilla Joy: Let the sweet and comforting fragrance of rich vanilla soothe you into ultimate holiday relaxation  

Each package of Wax melts include 8 single wax melts that are made from pressed (not poured) wax and contain high quality essential oils. Each individual wax melt last up to 12 hours of fragrance, which is 96 hours for the whole package! My favorite scent is the Frosted Berry Kiss. They all are great for the holidays and fill our whole house with their beautiful scents. I totally forgot I had melted some before heading out and came back to a sparkling spruce scented house. Great for having family over and setting the holiday mood. 



Pop over to the Glade website to download a mp3 copy of this beautiful Christmas song by Jordin Sparks called This is my Wish.  This Free download is only available until December 31st,2013. Join in the conversations on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtags #bestfeelings and #mywish

Don't forget to "Like" Glade on Facebook and Follow on Twitter @Glade


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Wordless Wednesday ~ Christmas Nails

All ready for the Holidays! Candy Cane Jamberry nail wraps and Lil' Santa & His Reindeer!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Stocking Stuffers ~ New Released Disney Movies!

Are you looking for a couple stocking stuffers or a couple more presents for under the tree? Disney has some new releases this month that I am sure will be a big hit with the family! 

IRON MAN & HULK: HEROES UNITED
Available on Blu-ray combo pack on December 3rd! 

Marvel makes history again with one of the greatest Heroic team ups in the universe. Hulk’s brute strength and Tony Stark’s high-tech intellect come together to create a powerful duo necessary to face off against one of the most dangerous enemies.  
When “Zzzax,” a seemingly invincible, energy devouring monster threatens to destroy the planet, these two Avengers are mankind’s only hope. Alone, neither can defeat the awesome power of Zzzax. As a team, they just might have a chance – if they can find a way to work together without smashing heads before time runs out!

Packed with explosive action, loaded with bonus features and presented in groundbreaking Marvel CG Animation, Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United is a must-own movie event that will blow you away! 

When I asked my son which part he liked best about this new movie he said "All of it of course Mommy!" Why would I think anything different. He has watched it a few times since getting it and I am sure if you have a Marvel fan they will love it also!

THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER & MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND – 2 MOVIE COLLECTION
Available on Blu-ray Combo Pack December 10^th  

 

A treasure trove of hearty laughs is yours when two of the funniest, most action-packed Muppet movies of all time make their Disney Blu-ray debut in a 2-Movie Collection. From the special star-studded lunacy in Muppet Treasure Island to the jewel-heist hilarity of The Great Muppet Caper, these two classic comedy-adventures are packed with mirth, mayhem and, of course, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, Fozzie, Gonzo and all your Muppet favorites.

Jim Henson’s whodunit heist-movie The Great Muppet Caper and the silly and swashbuckling high-seas adventure, Muppet Treasure Island, both restored and remastered, are loaded with unforgettable music and sparkling special effects. Two great movies plus a treasure trove of bonus features make the Collection the perfect holiday gift for Muppet fans and the entire family on December 10, 2013.

This has been on replay with my daughter she loves Miss Piggy! Both of these films are great for the whole family and would make a great movie time over the holidays. Brings back tons of memories of being a kid myself and watching the Muppets!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above movies for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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12 Days of Christmas Books ~ Take a Look at Me Now by Miranda Dickinson ~ Review

Book Summary:

How far would you go to make a new start?

When Nell’s on-off boyfriend Aidan calls her into his office, losing her job is the last thing she expects.

Heartbroken and unemployed to boot, she makes a radical decision to blow her redundancy cheque and escape to the untested waters of San Francisco.

But is the glamour of the city too good to be true? And can Nell leave her past behind?

Purchase a copy on Amazon Kindle

Add to Goodreads shelf.

About the Author:

Miranda Dickinson has always had a head full of stories. Coming from a creative family where stories and songs were always present, it was perhaps inevitable that she would end up adoring words. A songwriter for over 15 years, Miranda has successfully penned over thirty songs, delivering both live and recorded performances in a range of venues across the UK and Europe. 

Miranda began writing in earnest four years ago with her first novel, Coffee at Kowalski's - a romantic comedy set in New York's Upper West Side. This was spotted on HarperCollins' site for unpublished authors, Authonomy.com at the end of 2008 and was released by Avon (part of HC) as Fairytale of New York on 12th November 2009. She has also written several short stories, scripts and novel excerpts, many of which are published on Helium.com. Miranda is also a regular contributor for www.myvillage.com writing a range of local interest articles for the Birmingham area and national film and festival reviews.

Connect: Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Website |

My Review:

I. Loved. This. Book.

I wasn’t expecting to – when I started, I thought, “Oh goody...a romance. Yawn,” but I quickly realized that Take a Look at Me Now was something completely different.

The writing was excellent – the book started off at a leisurely pace and then accelerated, moving faster and faster to match the pace of Nell’s journey of self-discovery. What seemed like a simple romance novel quickly revealed itself to be so much more, with multiple layers deftly interwoven to fit together seamlessly. The author’s careful research and attention to detail is evident throughout the novel, especially in her descriptions of San Francisco from both the tourist and the local point of view. Email exchanges between Nell and Vicky were an entertaining shift in perspective. To make things even more interesting, the author collaborated with fans on Twitter and Facebook with a contest that allowed fans to name characters and suggest recipes and decor details, adding an extra layer of authenticity and originality. And of course, nothing is ever what you expect – there were enough plot twists and surprises to keep you guessing until the very last chapter!

Much more than simply, “girl loses job, takes trip, meets boy,” Take a Look at Me Now is a love story about Nell and Max, Nell and Aidan, Nell and San Francisco, and Nell and her newfound possibilities. I look forward to reading more by Miranda Dickinson.  

Five out of five stars

Posted by Karyn
 
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Karyn. I received a copy of the above book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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12 Days of Christmas Books ~ Feature ~ Teach Me Under the Mistletoe by Kay Springsteen

Just released this month! 

Book Summary:

According to Caroline "Kitty" Tyndall's friends, a young lady who's gone two seasons in London with nary a nibble from a prospective suitor is well on the way to spinsterhood. But what's a girl to do when she's never been kissed, and the worldly man she wants regards her as a child?
 

Hugh McCollum spends his days as a stable hand staying out of trouble and saving for his planned emigration to America. When Lady Caroline asks him to teach her how to kiss so the man she's set her cap for will find her more sophisticated, he knows he should run in the other direction. But when a pretty young woman falls into his arms and begs for his help, what's a red-blooded man to do but oblige?
 

If learning to kiss leads Kitty to love, will the man of her dreams be the man of her heart?

Purchase an e-copy for .99 on Amazon. 

About the Author:

Kay grew up in Michigan but moved to Annapolis, Maryland in the late 1990s, and from there came to reside in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia. When she is not writing, Kay can be found hiking in the mountains with one or more of her rescue dogs and a camera – and even sometimes her family. When Kay is writing, she will often look out the window into her garden hoping for (and often finding) inspiration.  

Connect: Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Twitter |


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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12 Days of Christmas Books ~ Melting Ms Frost by Kat Black ~ Review

Book Summary: 

When Aidan Flynn walks into Cluny’s Restaurant, he can’t take his eyes off his new flame haired boss, Annabel Frost. With his heart set on seducing her, Aidan can think of nothing but getting beneath her cold exterior.
Known as one of the toughest women in the business, Annabel is impervious to Aidan’s many charms, and his sultry-eyed looks and lilting Irish accent do anything but captivate her.
But Aidan knows there’s more to Annabel than meets the eye. And he’s not going to stop until she reveals all…

Purchase an e-copy on Amazon Kindle.

Add to your Goodreads shelf! 

About the Author:

Kat Black is the author of prize-winning, pulse-pounding, romantic fiction. Born and raised in Australia, Kat was labelled a daydreamer from a young age – but never quite understood why that was considered to be a bad thing.

At eighteen she donned her backpack in typical Aussie fashion and set out to see the world. She got as far as London (her very first port of call) before running into a six-foot-one, solid British obstacle that stopped her in her tracks. Years later she’s still in England, penning steamy tales to help counteract the effects of the infamous weather, and enjoying plenty of adventures with her husband and children.

Connect: Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Twitter

My Review:   

Melting Ms. Frost stars the young career driven Anabel Frost, a restaurant manager who runs a very well organised restaurant. She is a women who doesn’t feel she has much time for anything but work, and very recently her mother’s dramatic divorce from an dead beat husband, who was only ever after her mother for her money. She now only has time for work, and helping her mother pick up the pieces of what is left of her life. Anabel who thrives best while maintaining full control of her restaurant is surprised by a newly hired barman that was approved by the owner. Aiden Flynn, a handsome Irishman. He sees Anabels passion, and desires her to share some with him… However Anabel is far from interested. 

Enjoyed reading the erotic story of Anabel and Aiden`s love affair, once Annabel stops running and see`s Aiden is interested in far more than just sex, her character changes and things heat up, cool down, and heat up again quickly.

I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

~*Posted by Cheryl

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Cheryl. I received a copy of the above book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Holiday Gift Ideas ~ Kre-O CityVille Skyscraper Mayhem Set

Calling all builders!! Here is a great gift idea for your lil builders on your list! Who doesn't love putting together a building and cars and then having hours of fun playing with it? My guy loves to build. That really is all he has on his Christmas list this year and of course a new family computer.

The Kre-O CityVille Skyscraper Mayhem set is a great set for builders ages 7 years old and up. This set includes 431 pieces! Build a skyscraper and 3 vehicles and have Vance Valor battle Dr. Mayhem (figures) for control of the city! Will your Zoey Zookeeper be able to stop your Smasher Kreon from climbing a skyscraper? Get your Max Peeler, TN Teeter, Colonel Bullet figures into the action! Who will your mystery Kreon figure turn out to be?

This kit does require 3 AAA batteries (not included). Sonic Motion brick makes real city sounds! There are 5 motion bricks that make your Kreon figures move. Get building with the Skyscraper Mayhem set! The Kreons included are Vance Valor, Dr. Mayhem, Zoey Zookeeper, Max Peeler, TN Teeter, Colonel Bullet and Smasher Kreon and 1 mystery Kreon figure!

Head over to the Hasbro website for more information about this set and other Kre-O sets, videos and games. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Hasbro. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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12 Days of Christmas Books ~ Mary's Christmas Knight by Moriah Densley

Book Summary:

Could a rogue be her knight in shining armor?

Mary Cavendish’s corset is already too tight. All the lovely Christmas food is tempting her, and that’s bad news for her dream of attracting a “knight on a white charger” — not that volunteering at the parish hospital is how she expects to meet him. Enter a mysterious Christmas Eve patient, who is none other than the famous Shakespearean actor Sir Wesley Samuel Darcy. Mary finds him arrogant, too forward… and maddeningly handsome.

When Mary learns Sir Wesley has been invited to spend Christmas with her family at Rougemont, she vows to resist the charming London rogue. Wesley thinks finding the perfect present for Miss Cavendish will tempt her — she’s not as prim as she pretends to be. Mary turned down six proposals last Season, and she’s not about to give in to a rake. But if Mary can’t resist the sugarplums, how can she resist the dashing Sir Wesley?

Purchase an e-copy for .99! 

About the Author: 

Moriah Densley sees nothing odd at all about keeping both a violin case and a range bag stuffed with pistols in the back seat of her car. They hold up the stack of books in the middle, of course. She enjoys writing about Victorians, assassins, and geeks. Her muses are summoned by the smell of chocolate, usually at odd hours of the night. By day her alter ego is your friendly neighborhood music teacher. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, four children, and two possibly brain-damaged cats. Published in historical and paranormal romance, Moriah has a Master's degree in music, is a 2012 RWA Golden Heart finalist, 2012 National Reader's Choice Award winner in historical romance and '12 NRCA "Best First Book" finalist.

Connect: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

My Review:

This is a Christmas Novella, so it was a very quick read. I love how the author gets right into the story from the beginning, we learn about Mary on Christmas eve and how she is a nurse and crushing on the doctor. Mary is a very likable character and you feel sad about the doctor is totally oblivious to Mary liking him. Sir Wesley on the other hand took some getting used to especially as this is a regency novella I wasn't expecting Sir Wesley to be so forward towards Mary, he really was a bit of an a#@. By the end of the novella I was finding it hard to resist Sir Wesley and hoping that Mary would give him a chance and see where things could go with him. I found myself wishing the book was a bit longer and we could see more of a romantic relationship develop between Mary and Sir Wesley. One thing I wasn't a fan of was the beginning of each chapter there was a quote, excerpt from history. I am not really a history buff or poetry. Other than that I give this book a 3.75 out of 5 stars. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Holiday Gift Ideas ~ My Little Pony Equestria Girls Sunset Shimmer & Twilight Sparkle Figures

If you have a My Little Pony fan on your Christmas list like I do, I am sure you have heard of these fun Equestria Girls from the newest My Little Pony Movie. My daughter has been begging for a Pony girl and I am super happy to be putting this fun set under the tree this year.

The My Little Pony Equestria Girls Sunset Shimmer & Twilight Sparkle Figures include: earrings, brushes, wings, stickers and a crown. Which one of the Equestria girls will win the crown will if be Sunset Shimmer with striking sense of fashion or will it be Twilight Sparkle with her matching fashion flair? Hours of fun will be had with the My Little Pony Equestria Girls!

Pop on over to the Hasbro website to find out where to purchase near you, play games, watch videos and more. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Hasbro Canada. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Secrets and Lies by Christine Amsden Book Review

Cassie Scot,still stinging from her parents’ betrayal, wants out of the magical world. But it isn’t letting her go. Her family is falling apart and despite everything, it looks like she may be the only one who can save them. To complicate matters, Cassie owes Evan her life, making it difficult for her to deny him anything he really wants. And he wants her. Sparks fly when they team up to find two girls missing from summer camp, but long-buried secrets may ruin their hopes for happiness. 

About the author:

Christine Amsden has been writing science fiction and fantasy for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone. At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams. (You can learn more here.) In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work. Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children, Drake and Celeste. 

Find Christine on Facebook, Twitter, Blog, or her Website.

Secrets and Lies may be purchased on Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

My review:

The first thing I did after reading this novel was take a visit to Christine's website to make sure there was going to be a third installment. Was so happy there was, and thankful she wasn't going to leave me hanging like that. Then I verbally let out a very audible 'yes' of anticipation to see there was a fourth to be expected. I loved it, the storyline, the characters, everything. I was given both the first novel, Cassie Scot: Normal Detective, and Secrets and Lies to read, and it didn't take me long to get through either. 

Cassie Scot is a young women who is struggling to make her own name for herself, she has always been in the shadow of her parent's name, two very powerful sorcerers, but is the only child of seven to not hold any magical power of her own. She has been disowned by her parent's. She no longer has the shelter of their roof to call home, and has no idea the value of money, but she is strong and proud (and stubborn). She continues to do the thing that she does best, investigate. She is a private detective and although her desire was to stay away from the 'paranormal' cases, she is well known in the community as the best for the job. Her newest investigation is to find two young girls who disappear from their summer camp, both her and Evan have a family link to each girl that is missing, so it's personal for both them and their families. 

Cassie finds it difficult to resume her best friend loyalty to Evan when she owes him quite literally, her life. In the magical community a life debt is the most powerful of all, and Evan has made it clear to the other suitors he owns Cassie. He's in love with her, but thinks that telling her will only push her away from him further. He wants her to find her love for him on her own, but must also maintain the powerful sorcerer he has always been known as. Cassie was always able to see through him but this new debt has made it hard for her to know if it's the Evan she's known since preschool, or the man who the town knows can have whatever he wants, including her. 

I strongly suggest reading the first book before beginning the second, they are definitely made to be read in order. The relationship between Evan and Cassie is one i loved following, and i had my hopes, but it turns out we will just have to wait. The story has such a perfect amount of climax, and even with a teething 6 month old i continued through my lack of sleep to find out more. I have to be honest i may have judged this book by it's cover, but don't be fooled, you will love the story, i am sure of it! 

Great Job Christine, you get my two thumbs up!

Posted by Cheryl.



  ~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Cheryl. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Fighting for the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux Book Tour & Giveaway!

Tour Schedule

Fighting for the Edge Two friends. Two dreams. One night that changes everything… Ice dancer Aubrey London scoffs at romance. She’s focused on winning a medal at the upcoming Olympics and uses that as her excuse to avoid serious relationships. But when she and longtime friend Chris Grayden are thrown together by unforeseen circumstances, Aubrey finds herself questioning everything she's ever known about love, complicating her life both on and off the ice. Pairs skater Emily Petrov embraces romance. She and her husband Sergei still act like honeymooners two years after their wedding. As Emily’s coach, Sergei provides constant support while she prepares to challenge for gold at the Olympics. But Sergei’s support might not be enough to help Emily overcome the one challenge she never saw coming. With the Games only weeks away, Emily and Aubrey are on the verge of realizing their dreams. But one snowy, stormy night sets in motion a series of events that will test them in ways they never imagined, giving them more to fight for than Olympic medals.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Praise for Fighting for the Edge "Emily and Aubrey's final challenge is Jennifer Comeaux's greatest victory. Both touching and suspenseful, Fighting for the Edge is a game changer that will have fans of the series giving both the characters and the author a standing ovation once they've turned the last page. If I could pass out medals, Jennifer would earn gold for writing my favorite romance of all time." - Jenna at Jenna Does Books "Jennifer Comeaux puts you in the action, makes you smell the ice and hear the roar of the crowd during the nail-biting competitions, and she's a master at creating first love jitters in your stomach from the steamy scenes that are so hot without being explicit." - Christina Jean Michaels, author of Epiphany  

Life on the Edge (Book 1) Nineteen-year-old Emily is new to pairs skating, but she and her partner Chris have a big dream–to be the first American team to win Olympic gold. Their young coach Sergei, who left Russia after a mysterious end to his skating career, believes they can break through and make history. Emily and Chris are on track to be top contenders at the 2002 Winter Games. But when forbidden feelings spark between Emily and Sergei, broken trust and an unexpected enemy threaten to derail Emily’s dreams of gold.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

 

Edge of the Past (Book 2) Summary: Emily's skating career and personal life have never been more golden. She and her partner Chris have won every competition they've entered this season, and she's found the man of her dreams in her coach Sergei. But when one of the biggest competitions of the year takes Emily and Sergei to Russia, Sergei's past explodes into the present and makes Emily doubt everything in their future.  

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

 

Author Jennifer Comeaux

Jennifer Comeaux is a tax accountant by day, writer by night. There aren't any ice rinks near her home in south Louisiana, but she's a diehard figure skating fan and loves to write stories of romance set in the world of competitive skating. One of her favorite pastimes is travelling to competitions, where she can experience all the glitz and drama that inspire her writing.

When not working or writing, she is an avid follower of the sport of figure skating, travelling to competitions around the country. Those experiences allow her to see another side of the sport and serve as an inspiration for her writing. Jennifer is blessed with a wonderful family and many friends who have encouraged her to pursue her dream of being a published author.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Pinterest

My Thoughts:

I absolutely love this series! I grew up eating, drinking and sleeping figure skating. I also had a brother that did pairs and dance and went to nationals. I love reading a great figure skating series especially one that is meant for adults with a little romance and drama thrown in.


The characters in this series are very easy to love and I love that in this book we get to know Aubrey and Chris more and see their relationship develop. Chris is really such a caring, and gentle soul. Such a good guy. I love the relationship that has formed between Em, Sergei & his daughter and ex.

The author makes the book flow smoothly even between going back and forth from Em & Sergei to Chris and Aubrey. I was hooked and couldn't put this book down. I really feel that you get to know each character throughout the series. The become very realistic with real problems. Throw in some sweet romance and this is a great series for any figure skating fan. 

I am really sad to see this series come to an end. I know I will read this one again and I look forward to reading more from Jennifer Comeaux. 


I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 12/19/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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The Harder I Fall by Jessica Gibson ~ Cover Reveal!

Book Summary:
Becca Langer was not a normal girl, she didn't have normal girl problems. For most of her life, she’s had to take care of herself, her younger brother Chad, and her drunk mother. She’s lived under the shadow of what her father did when she was ten years old. Forever branded by his actions.

College was her escape, she could get away and finally live. Her dream was to make it in the New York Ballet Company one day. That for her meant a long road full of hard work and dedication. She didn't have time for distractions, and Levi Klein was definitely a distraction.

Will Levi be able to crack through her tough exterior and really see the wounded soul underneath? Becca needs to be loved, but the question is, will she let Levi love her?

Date of release to be announced.

About the Author:

Jessica Gibson is a recovering bookaholic, she's down from four books a week to a more reasonable one. It was that love of words and creativity that made her dream about writing her first book. That dream was hidden for years, always put on the back burner, filed away in the "someday" section, until her husband Matt gave her the kick in the pants she needed to actually get off her butt and write.
Jessica and Matt live in Southern California and have a serious addiction to reality tv shows like Pawn Stars and American Restoration. They have one son and hope to add to the family in the near future.
Aside from writing, she runs an online event planning business called the Release Day Diva. In addition to novels, Jessica writes and maintains the blog Book on the Bright Side. Keep up with Jessica and her latest releases and events on her blog.
 

 
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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12 Days of Christmas Books ~ The Duke of Christmas Past by Kim Bowman ~ Review

Book Summary: 

Living in the present is impossible when your heart is stuck in the past.

The only thing Donovan Ellis, Seventh Duke of Gatewood, wants for Christmas is for it to be over. Too much sadness surrounds the holiday. Horrors he'd just as soon forget. Oh, there's one present he yearns for with all his heart, but he can't have her. His foolishness pushed her into the arms of another. So if he can't have the one thing he truly desires, then he just wants to be left alone to drown in his own misery.

But when a ghostly apparition visits him, claiming things can be set right, can Donovan believe? Can he trust the duke of Christmas past? Or will meddling in the past bring more heartache than he already has to bear?

Purchase a copy on Amazon Kindle for less than $1! Don't forget to add this title to your Goodreads shelf.

About the Author:

Kim Bowman lives in Indiana, where she was born and raised. For the past twelve years, she has been married to her best friend, Tony. She has four wonderful, awesome children. Three she was lucky enough to inherit from her husband and one she was given by the grace of God. They live on a small farm with two of their four kids, five horses, Possum the wonder cat, and Lex the lovable pit bull.

Although she has notebooks full of songs, poems, and short stories she has composed, it wasn't until she started doing technical writing for her job that she really got the bug and decided to take her English professor's advice and write novels for a living.

She is proudest of the tribute song she wrote for her parents' twenty-fifth wedding anniversary and, of course, of this true tall tale about her parents' wedding. And also of the eulogy she, her cousin Julie, and Aunt Sue penned for the funeral of her grandmother, Jewel Lawson, the bravest person she ever knew.

Connect: Website | Goodreads | Twitter |

My Thoughts:

The Duke of Christmas Past is quick moving novella about a Duke Donovan that has made some mistakes 8 years ago. I found the story picks up right from the beginning. We are shown a glimpse of Donovan's past and then head into current time with Donovan sitting miserable thinking about Christmas past and his horrible life. 

Donovan has been given a second chance at fixing the past. I found each character to be very likeable and even though Donovan was miserable and had a huge chip on his shoulder at the beginning I was hoping for a good ending for him. This is a sweet regency love story with a thick Christmas present, think Christmas Carol but only with ghost of Christmas past that was also Donovan. He was visited by himself of the past. It was a really fun Christmas idea and a great book to curl up on the couch with. 

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of the above book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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