Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy ~ My Review

Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy 

Publication Date: December 31, 2013 
Publisher: Bantam 
Pages: 304 
Received: E-copy from publisher via NetGalley 
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

I was super excited to read Three Broken Promises! I read the first two of the Drew and Fable series and LOVED them! This book is Jen and Colin's story, who we first met in Second Chance Boyfriend.

After the death of her brother, Danny, Jen runs away from home. Jen hits rock bottom when she is living out of her car, doing what she has to do to get by. That’s where Colin (Danny’s best friend) finds her. Colin made a promise to Danny to watch over Jen, so he takes her home and gives her a job at his restaurant. Now, a year has gone by, and they are still living together, and the sexual tension is getting thick. Both have feelings for the other but neither will act on those feelings. Fear, secrets, and broken promises are keeping them apart.

I felt this story dragged a little in the beginning (most of the first half). It spent too much time with the “She’ll never forgive me...” and “he’ll never forgive me...” It was getting very redundant. For me, I didn't begin to enjoy the story until the last quarter. Then I really got into it. For those of you who like explicit sex, you will enjoy the story much sooner than I did. 

I loved that Fable is in this story, and for more than just a passing appearance. She is still working at the restaurant and is Jen’s best friend. I love how she still says what’s on her mind, without pulling any punches. When something needs to be said, she doesn’t hesitate! 

Three Broken Promises was okay, but not my favorite of the three.  I think I set my expectations too high. I definitely would recommend reading One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend. I am looking forward to reading Murphy’s short story Drew + Fable FOREVER and then Murphy wraps up her series with Four Years Later which is Owen’s story (Fable’s brother).

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.

Buy a copy: Amazon

Add to goodreads.

Connect with Monica Murphy

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Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Undressing Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos ~ Review and GIVEAWAY!

Undressing Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos 

Publication Date: December 3rd, 2013 
Publisher: Berkley Trade 
Pages: 369 
Received: paperback from the author 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


"Everybody needs a little Mr. Darcy in their lives..." p. 12

Book Blurb: 

Taking it off in the name of history…
Thirty-five-year-old American social media master Vanessa Roberts lives her thoroughly modern life with aplomb. So when her elderly Jane Austen–centric aunt needs her to take on the public relations for Julian Chancellor, a very private man from England who’s written a book called My Year as Mr. Darcy, Vanessa agrees. But she’s not “excessively diverted,” as Jane Austen would say.

Hardbound books, teacups, and quill pens fly in the face of her e-reader, coffee, and smartphone…

…Until she sees Julian take his tight breeches off for his Undressing Mr. Darcy show, an educational “striptease” down to his drawers to promote his book and help save his crumbling estate. The public relations expert suddenly realizes things have gotten…personal. But can this old-fashioned man claim her heart without so much as a GPS? It will take three festivals filled with Austen fans, a trip to England, an old frenemy, and a flirtatious pirate re-enactor to find out…

I really loved this story! Right from the beginning when Vanessa picks up Mr. Darcy, AKA Julian Chancellor, at the airport for the annual Jane Austen Convention being held in Chicago, where Mr. Darcy is a keynote speaker. Julian (author of the book My Year as Mr. Darcy) is traveling to various Jane Austen Festivals to promote his book and to raise funds for all the restorations needed to be done on his ancestral estate in England. Vanessa is doing his P.R. for the weekend at the convention, and she is also taking him to the festival being held in Louisville the following weekend, then he’s on to Bath. Not a Janeite herself, Vanessa is doing all this as a favor to her Aunt Ella, who is a lifetime member of JASNA. Vanessa has always avoided anything to do with Jane Austen, but after this weekend things are going to change!

Julian is definitely swoon worthy. He is always in Mr. Darcy mode. He dresses like Mr. Darcy, always wearing regency clothing. He speaks like Mr. Darcy and is always the gentleman. Rarely breaking away from character. His presentation as keynote speaker is about clothing of a Regency gentleman, describing each piece as he simultaneously removes it from his body. Creating a very informative and sensual show!

Vanessa starts falling for Julian but tries hard not to because he is her client, and she wants to keep everything very professional. Plus, he lives in England, and long distance relationship never work out, do they? Soon she finds herself on a plane headed to Bath to find out. When she gets there, will she find happiness with her Mr. Darcy?

I also really liked the pirate dressing Chase MacClane. He’s a sweet guy, almost to good to be true. I couldn’t help but think of Mr. Wickham. “Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his MAKING friends...” ~ Pride and Prejudice. Chase is also interested in Vanessa and is always ready to lend her a hand. 

Part of Vanessa’s job is to be very involved on social media. I really enjoyed the tweets Vanessa was posting throughout the story, to promote all of Mr. Darcy’s events. It was cleverly done!

There is so much I loved about this book! I loved that it took me back to the Jane Austen conventions that I’ve attended. I love all the Jane Austen quotes and history written throughout the story! Loved Vanessa's new (and old) friends. Loved the exciting sword fights, treasure hunt, and romance... Undressing Mr. Darcy has it all!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for my honest review.

Buy a copy: Amazon • B&N

Add to goodreads.

Connect with Karen Doornebos

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~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Karen Doornebos has graciously offer to giveaway a paperback copy of 
Undressing Mr. Darcy! 
To enter fill out the Rafflecopter below.

• One winner will be chosen.
• US only
• Last day to enter: December 31, 2013.

Good luck, Everyone!

Thank you, Karen!

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Comments are always welcome! 
Remember you MUST fill out the Rafflecopter above to enter the giveaway.

Carol Cromlin ~ The Yule Log ~ Guest Post & GIVEAWAY

Today, it's my pleasure to celebrate with Carol Cromlin! She has been named one of the 

BEST BOOKS of 2013 by KIRKUS REVIEWS! 

Congratulations, Carol!!

As part of the celebration, Carol Cromlin has provided us with an excerpt from Fitzwilliam Darcy such I was! She has also offered to giveaway two e-copies of her book. See details below!


The Yule Log

In Jane Austen's day, the celebration of Christmas was a season long event that began with the exchange of gifts on St. Nicholas' Day (December 6^th) and continued right through till 12^th night (January 6^th). Family often travelled many miles to gather; homes were adorned with greenery of all sorts and foods particular to the season were served in great abundance. 

One of the most cherished customs (one that remains today) was the burning of the Yule log. Tradition has it that the burning of the log was a harbinger of what was to be in the coming year. If it burned warm and bright, well past midnight and into Christmas day, it signaled good fortune for the coming year. For a continuous flow of good fortune, the brand, which was a piece of soundly charred wood from the current year's fire would be saved and placed with the kindling the following year.

In this excerpt from Fitzwilliam Darcy such I was, the Yule log is at the centre of the family gathering on Christmas Eve night. Five Christmases have passed since the loss of our hero's mother. During that time, the family has gathered for Christmas at the Fitzwilliam estate. Now it is time the festivities return to Pemberley and you are invited to attend the Darcy family Christmas Eve party. I hope you enjoy it!

The next se’nnight past pleasantly by and on Christmas Eve the Wickhams and a few friends from neighboring estates were invited to attend the festivities, which began just after supper. To allow for the keeping of tradition, the Fitzwilliams had carried with them from Greystone, the brand saved from last year’s Yule fire. Earlier in the day, this had been placed as kindling in the great hearth of the saloon and two footmen had labored to haul in the enormous, rooted oaken stump that was to be this year’s Yule log. Now a roaring blaze brightly illuminated the hearth.

His Uncle's Favorite by Lory Lilian ~ GIVEAWAY!

Hey Everyone! I have great news! Lory Lilian is generously offering to giveaway a paperback copy of her book 

His Uncle's Favorite! 

Since I didn't have a giveaway the first time I posted my review (posted on 7/15/13), I am rerunning it. 

To enter fill out the Rafflecopter below!

His Uncle’s Favorite by Lory Lilian 

Publication Date: June 23rd, 2013 
Publisher: Meryton Press 
Pages: 453 
Received: E-copy from the publisher 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

Lory Lilian has done it again! I love His Uncle’s Favorite! It is now up there among my favorite Pride and Prejudice variations! I loved the new twist, and the new spins she puts on some of the original characters. 

His Uncle’s Favorite is a very interesting title! After reading the book, I feel it could refer to many people; Darcy, Elizabeth or even Wickham! I’m assuming - no, I know - the Uncle is Lord Matlock, and he seems to have many favorites. He is such an unusual, quirky gentleman. He loves to tease people, say what’s on his mind, and sometimes says the most improper things at the most inopportune times.

The story begins about a month after the Netherfield ball, and the Bingleys and Darcy have all left for London. Mrs. Gardiner invites both Jane and Elizabeth to London to visit her for the winter. Mrs Gardiner has been a widow for about two years now. She still feels the loss of Mr. Gardiner deeply. The Gardiners were well liked among the ton, and as a result, they were invited to social events most people of trade were not. Mrs. Gardiner is still regarded highly by the upper class. She is also close friends with the Matlocks. I love this Mrs. Gardiner!

There is a new character to dislike, Lady Sinclair! Miss Bingley is also around to be irritating. And, of course, Mr. Wickham is causing trouble here too.

My one complaint was at the end of the story. After Darcy and Elizabeth are married, there are some sex scenes. After becoming so emotionally involved in a relationship, moments like these feel natural, but there comes a point when it becomes too much, which I feel happened here. Personally, I don't need to know every time they enjoyed one another. That said, I still LOVED the story!

There is so much I could say about this story - so many great scenes - but I won’t for spoiler reasons. If you are a fan of P&P spin offs, I highly recommend reading His Uncle’s Favorite!

Warning: Mature rating for strong sexual content.

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the book for my honest review.

Buy a copy at Amazon.

Read a fun wintery excerpt from His Uncle's Favorite at Leatherbound Reviews! 

Connect with Lory Lilian

twitter • facebook • Website • Meryton Press

~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Thank you to Lory Lilian and Meryton Press! 

• Open Internationally.
• Last day to enter: December 17th, 2013.
• One winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments are always welcome! Remember to enter the giveaway you MUST fill out the Rafflecopter above!

All I Ever Wanted ~ Cover Reveal ~ Xpresso Book Tours

Woot! I'm happy to be part of the Xpresso Book Tours Cover Reveal of All I Ever Wanted! I'm also excited about this book! It's an anthology and all the stories are intertwined. Pretty cool!  

Without further ado....**drum roll**

All I Ever Wanted 

Authors: Lexi Ryan, Rhonda Helms, Marilyn Brant, and Caisey Quinn

Publication date: January 13th, 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Synopsis:

Winterfest is heating up in Abbott Springs…

As the town’s yearly festival kicks off, cold days turn into steamy nights, new flames will be ignited, and old romances will be rekindled.

All About Us by Marilyn Brant—All Sami Abbott ever wanted was permission to be herself. At home, she aims to be the perfect daughter but never measures up. At college, she’s the bold girl who had a one-night stand with sexy musician, Alex Hamilton. When he arrives unexpectedly in Abbott Springs, her worlds collide and she must reconcile the girl she tries to be with the person she really is.

All I Need by Caisey Quinn–All pink-haired rocker chick Everly Abbott thought she wanted was acceptance in her straight-laced hometown. But her best friend and bandmate Justin Cohen is about to show her that what she thinks she wants isn’t necessarily what she needs.

All for Love by Rhonda Helms–All Maya Monterey ever wanted was to belong. Happiest with the Abbott family, Maya’s been secretly in love with sexy pastry chef Oliver Abbott for years. With a flirty new look, she’ll pull out all the stops to get him to notice her. And if her plan fails, she’ll walk away from the only home she’s ever known–and Oliver–for good.

All or Nothing by Lexi Ryan—After years of placing the wrong bets, all Aubree Baxter wanted was someone to take a chance on her. Golden boy Kennedy Hale plays it safe in life and love, but to keep Bree in Abbott Springs, he’ll have to go all in.

Cover Reveal brought to you by:

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

W... W... W... Wednesdays ~ December 4, 2013

W... W... W... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. To play along, just answer the following questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading? I am currently reading Undressing Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos. I love that it begins at a Jane Austen Conference and goes on to other Jane Austen festivals. So fun! And the show Mr. Darcy does at the festivals as he describes a gentleman's regency wear is very educational! ;) I am definitely enjoying this story! 




What did I recently finish reading? The last book I finished is A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson. As I said last week, I loved it. I had company over the long holiday weekend and didn't get much reading done. 






What do I think I'll be reading next?  I think I'll be reading The Holiday Gig by Erin Brady. Something fun for this holiday season! I have more company coming this weekend, so, again, I probably won't get much reading done. 


I'm also behind on writing my reviews again. :( How about you? Are you keeping up with all that needs to be done? It's a busy time of the year! 



What are you reading?

Winners of the ALMOST PERSUADED Giveaway!

Hey Everyone! We have our winners!

But first I would like to say 

THANK YOU!

to 

P.O. Dixon

for generously offering to giveaway two e-copies of 

Almost Persuaded: Miss Mary King

Without further ado! Rafflecopter has picked...

Katrin W.

and 

Maria!

Thanks so much to all who entered! I do appreciate that you took the time to stop by, and I enjoy all your comments!

I have emailed the winners.

Against His Will By Nancy Kelley ~ My Review

Against His Will (Brides of Pemberley #3) by Nancy Kelley 

Publication Date: October 22, 2013 
Publisher: Smokey Rose Press 
Pages: 381 
Received: E-copy from the author 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 


Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed Against His Will! This story flowed well, and I was drawn in from the beginning and it kept my attention all the way to the end! This is the third of Kelley’s Brides of Pemberley series. After meeting Sebastian in Loving Miss Darcy (my review), I couldn’t wait to read his story in Against His Will, and I was not disappointed!

Sebastian Montgomery has never cared for those of society, but when his grandfather and uncle are killed in a carriage accident he suddenly becomes the new Earl of Lisle, something he never expected or wanted. As the details of the accident become known to Sebastian he begins to suspect foul play, especially after being attacked himself. His service to his country as a spy has trained Sebastian well, and he uncovers many clues as to what happen and who may be responsible. Is someone after his title or are they just out to destroy his family?

Not only is there a mystery to be solved, but there are other matters at hand now that Sebastian is an Earl. He needs to find a wife and produce an heir. His mother has given him an ultimatum, find a wife himself or she will find one for him. Knowing his mother would not give up on this point, he chooses the only lady whom he doesn’t find boring, Kitty Bennet. After spending more time with Kitty, he realizes how well suited to him she is, although he may not love her; he can tolerate her. But after someone uses Kitty to get to Sebastian, he understands he could do more than tolerate her ... he loves her.

I truly loved Kitty in this story! She has improved so much since she is no longer under Lydia’s influence. Sadly, she undervalues herself, and her father’s words “the silliest girl in the kingdom” weighs her down. At one point in the story,  I was crying with Kitty when she thinks she is unworthy of an Earl’s love.

I loved Against His Will! A Regency Romance and a great mystery. I think it’s Nancy Kelley’s best work yet!


Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the book for my honest review.

Buy: Amazon • B&N

Add to goodreads. 

Connent with Nancy Kelley

twitter • website • Indie Jane

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

W... W... W... Wednesdays ~ November 27, 2013

W... W... W... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should by Reading. To play along, just answer the following questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading? I am currently in between books right now because I just finished my last book shortly before writing this post. :) I have to put some of my thoughts down on paper before starting a new book...more like a rough draft. 

What did I recently finish reading? I just finished reading A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson, and I loved it! Hopefully I can get a review up soon! Not sure how much time I'll get to write with the holidays coming up. 

I also finished reading Snow Fence Road by Phyllis Edgerly Ring. It was a good read. It's a sweet, inspirational  romance. I enjoyed it. 

What do I think I'll be reading next? Up next is Undressing Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos. Super excited to read this! What can I say? With a title like that, you have to love it! Am I right?? ;) Beautiful cover, too! 

So, what are you reading?  

Winners of the The Subsequent Proposal Giveaway!

Hey Everyone! We have our winners!

But first I would like to say

THANK YOU!

to

Joana Starnes

for generously offering to giveaway two copies of 

The Subsequent Proposal

Without further ado! Rafflecopter has picked...

For the paperback:

Warmisunqu Austen!

and

For the e-copy:

Luthien84!

Thanks so much to all who entered! I do appreciate that you took the time to stop by, and I enjoy your comments!

I have emailed the winners. 

Almost Persuaded by P.O. Dixon ~ Review and GIVEAWAY!

Almost Persuaded: Miss Mary King by P.O. Dixon 

Publication Date: October 17, 2013 
Publisher: Regents and Cotswold Book Group 
Pages: 48 
Received: E-copy from the author 
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


A Pride and Prejudice Short Story

 

In Pride and Prejudice, there is a lady, named Mary King, who, for a short period of time, gains the attention of Mr. Wickham. We really only know a few things about her, but it’s fascinating to think about whom she is. What kind of person is she? And what could have been going through her mind in regards to Mr. Wickham?  Dixon delves into Mary’s story and takes us on a little side trip into Mary’s life. We learn how Mary was “almost persuaded”.

Poor Mary, she thinks she has no chance of gaining a husband when she has to compete against the five Bennet girls. Jane is known for her beauty, and Elizabeth is known as “the brightest jewel of the country”.  Mary feels as if she doesn’t stand a chance. She is taken with Mr. Wickham, but he is always occupied with either Elizabeth or Lydia! When Mary’s grandfather dies leaving her a considerable sum of money, Mary finds herself suddenly capturing the attention of Mr. Wickham.

I found Mary rather naive. She is so focused in trying to secure Wickham she doesn’t listen to the wise advice of her companion, Miss Heston. Of course, what girl does at that age? She is so taken with Mr. Wickham that she believes his lies, causing her to make some bad choices, and soon finds herself in a compromising position. Will Miss King regret or rejoice in escaping such a man?

I really enjoyed Almost Persuaded! This is a short story, and perfect if you need a quick read, perhaps while soaking in a hot tub!

Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy of the story for my honest review.

Buy: Amazon

Add to goodreads.

Connect with P.O. Dixon

twitter  • facebook  • website • blog

~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

P.O. Dixon has offered to give away two e-copies (kindle version only) of 

Almost Persuaded! 

Thank you, Ms Dixon!

• Two winners will be chosen. 
• Kindle version only (one per winner).
• Open Internationally.
• Last day to enter: December 2, 2013.
• To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter below! 

GOOD LUCK!

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Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!
*Remember you MUST fill out the Rafflecopter above to ENTER the giveaway. :)