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Brazen Military Men Blog Tour

Hey guys! So today, it is the Brazen Military Men Blog Tour. There are 3 books up for tour today! They are, Marine for Hire by Tauna Fenske, Temporarily Yours by Jen McLaughlin and Staking His Claim by Tessa Bailey.

First up, Marine for Hire.





Marine for Hire

Genre: Romance
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Pages: 196

She thought she’d sworn off military men for good…
Sam Kercher is every inch a wickedly hot Marine. Tall. Sexy. Lethal. When his best friends call in a favor, Sam is forced to face an entirely new line of duty—playing nanny for their newly divorced sister and her squirming seven-month-old twin boys. If Sam can dissemble an M16 in his sleep, diaper duty should be a cakewalk…right?
Unfortunately, Operation Nanny isn’t quite that simple. Sheridan has sworn off overbearing military men, so Sam must protect her from her dirtbag ex without revealing just how much he has in common with her brothers. Or that he’s been ordered not to touch her. Ever. Problem is, Sheri’s one hell of a gorgeous woman, capable of making this hard-bodied Marine even harder. And Sam wants her bad.
Protect the girl. Care for the babies. Hide his identity. And keep his hands off. But even the most disciplined Marine has weaknesses…and Sheridan is one Sam might not be able to resist.


Check it out at Amazon


Tauna Fenske


When I was six, my mom caught me thumbing through The Joy of Sex while watching Saturday morning cartoons.
When I was ten, I got summoned to the principal’s office for making anatomically-correct clay models of Huck Finn and Jim during a unit on Mark Twain.
When I was 22, I celebrated my English Lit degree by filling a giant black trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until I’d read them all.
When I was 32, my cat died, my publisher canceled the line scheduled to release my debut novel, and my employer threatened to fire me for refusing to wear pantyhose—all on my birthday—and I sat down on my back deck with a glass of wine, smiled at the sunset, and thought, “if I can find the humor in this, I can find it in damn near anything.”
In a nutshell, that’s how I became an author of quirky romantic comedy.
I traveled a career path that meandered from newspaper reporter to English teacher in Venezuela to medical marketing geek to PR manager for my city’s tourism bureau.
I have a degree in English Lit, a membership in Romance Writers of America, and a habit of spilling food on my boobs. When I’m not writing, I’m usually busy sipping wine, reading, experimenting in my kitchen (either on gourmet meals or as research for one of my risqué scenes), hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, or contorting myself into odd positions (either for yoga or for the aforementioned research).
An avid globetrotter and social media fiend, I blog at Don’t Pet Me, I’m Writing, routinely overshare on Facebook, and can be found making tasteless jokes in 140 characters or less on Twitter.
My debut romantic comedy with Sourcebooks, Making Waves, was nominated for Best Contemporary Romance in the 2011 RT Book Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and the Chicago Tribune noted, “Fenske’s wildly inventive plot and wonderfully quirky characters provide the perfect literary antidote to any romance reader’s summer reading doldrums.”
My second romantic comedy, Believe it or Not, prompted Library Journal to write, “Fenske’s sophomore effort…is another riotous trip down funny bone lane, with a detour to slightly askew goings on and a quick u-ey to out-of-this-world romance. Readers will be enchanted by this bewitching fable from a wickedly wise author.” Naturally, that prompted me to hug the reviewer until she peed.
In addition to my romantic comedies, I write novellas and novels for Entangled Publishing, as well as a series of interactive romantic capers for Coliloquy (think choose-your-own-adventure meets romantic comedy).
I currently live in Bend, Oregon with my fiancé, his offspring, and more pets than I can admit to without frightening my neighbors.




Now, check out my review of this book!

Finished Date: 4 Feb 2014

My Rating

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My Review

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me free for a honest review. All views expressed here are my own.

Marine for Hire was a fun read. It was a pleasant way to pass the time, with a smoking hot Marine as one of the main characters. Sheridan was another amazing main, and I found her really interesting and fun to read about.

I enjoyed the plot and the pacing of the book. I did want to see more of how Sheri handled the kids though. I did admire her because while she had all those insecurities, she nevertheless took care of her kids to the best of her abilities. And the way she handled her ex husband at the end? What’s his name, Jonathan? (Sorry, I’m horrible with names, plus I read this book, what a week ago? Add short term memory to that haha) But yes, the way she handled him at the end? It was fantastic. And she was so cool omg. But yes, I really did enjoy her character and the way she just wasn’t afraid of things, especially that between her and Sam.

I really did enjoy seeing how the characters fell in love. I wish it was shown more explicitly? Rather than just, they keep sleeping together then suddenly realize that “hey, he means so much to me” or “I can’t live without her”. Still, it doesn’t take away from the fact that you know they’re in love, and you know that they’re really right for each other. Personally, I would have preferred more angst during the conflict? Still, I think the fact that she was willing to accept him and he so willing to make amends just shows the depth of their love.

One thing that I’m really excited for though, is Mac’s story. I am just so intrigued by him already! And yes, I think Kelli would be great for him. I’m certainly looking forward to that book when it comes!


But yes, all in all, this was a really good book. It was simple, fun and easy to read, and the plot never hit a dry and boring spot. This is simply romance, and maybe that’s just what is so addictive about it. Plus point, there were funny bits in it too!



Temporarily Yours

Genre: Romance
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Pages: 174


This soldier’s the perfect hoax…if she doesn’t fall for him first.
Stats whiz Kayla Moriarity knows her way around numbers and algorithms. Men, on the other hand, are unsolvable equations. Now Kayla’s en route to her sister’s wedding—without the fictional boyfriend she invented for her family. Fortunately, her plane comes complete with complimentary cocktails and a ridiculously hot ex-marine in the seat beside her. And that’s all it takes for Kayla’s inhibitions to go sailing out the airlock…
Cooper Shillings has soft spot for people in trouble, but he certainly wasn’t expecting to land in it himself—and definitely not while getting naughty mid-air with a sexy southern belle. When he hears Kayla’s predicament, however, he offers his services as a stand-in boyfriend. After all, he’s heading overseas soon…and how could he refuse a little no-strings wickedness?
It’s the perfect plan. And all Kayla has to do is ensure her family falls for the ultimate bluff, without falling for it—and Cooper—in the process…


Check it out at Amazon


Jen McLaughlin (Diane Alberts)


Diane Alberts is a multi-published, bestselling contemporary romance author with Entangled Publishing. She also writes New York Times and USA Today bestselling new adult books under the name Jen McLaughlin. ON ONE CONDITION hit #18 on the Barnes and Noble bestseller list, and TRY ME hit #76 on Amazon. CAPTIVATED BY YOU hit #31 on the Barnes and Noble bestseller list. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.



Now, check out my review of this book!

Finished Date: 6 Feb 2014

My Rating

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My Review

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me free for a honest review. All views expressed here are my own.


Temporarily Yours was another fun read. Sure, the setup was crazy. I mean, honestly, what are the chances of such thing happening? Yet, it did.

The characters in the book were alright I guess, I mean, they were nice characters, just not memorable. As for the pace, maybe I felt that fell in love a bit too fast? But who am I to say that? I mean, love just happens right? But oh man, why must Cooper be so hot? Haha, okay sorry a little bit shallow here oops. But I must say Kayla’s magic with numbers is crazy. I mean, how can anyone know so many stats just off the top of her head? But she can, so she’s cool.

One thing I really liked was how he faced his fears for her. Sure, he was scared, but I love the fact that he considered her more important than himself to actually be able to face a fear impeding him for so long, an irrational one at that. I know, because I have the same fear haha. I loved how they acted in front of her family, and I must say, I thought they acted really well indeed.


All in all, this book was just alright. It’s a pretty good read and I did enjoy it. The book was relatively fast-paced and it was a joy watching them fall in love.




Staking His Claim

Genre: Romance
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Pages: 176


He wants her. All of her.
NYPD sniper Matt Donovan is in Hell. Instead of driving his best friend’s little sister home from college, he’s stuck with her roommate—a fresh-faced ray-of-sunshine with a body that makes grown men weep. There’s no way he’ll allow himself to taint the little vixen, no matter how hard she tries to tempt him, so he resigns himself to the longest—and hardest—drive of his life.
Matt’s obvious attraction suits grad student Lucy Mason just fine. She had no idea her brother’s best friend was so deliciously hot. Knowing he’d never have his wicked way with his buddy’s sister, she lies about her identity and seduces him. But Matt’s no fumbling college boy. His desires run deep—and dark—and he wants to teach Lucy what wicked really means.
Matt’s demanding appetites only make Lucy want more. But when her cover’s blown, he’s furious—even as his hunger for her becomes insatiable. Matt can’t trust anyone, least of all himself. And he knows all too well that darkness always destroys the light…


Check it out at Amazon


Tessa Bailey


Tessa lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and young daughter. When she isn’t writing or reading romance, Tessa enjoys a good argument and thirty-minute recipes.



Now, check out my review of this book!

Finished Date: 8 Feb 2014

My Rating

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My Review

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me free for a honest review. All views expressed here are my own.

Staking His Claim was a rather nice book. I like the plot, even though where the conflict would lie was rather obvious from the start.

I liked the obvious chemistry from the start, and I did enjoy how they fell in love, even though initially it was all lust. Still, I could tell that they did care for each other from the start and that did make me happy.

One thing I really liked though, was watching how even though Matt tried to stay away from her, he just couldn’t. I loved the whole message that showed how love heals, which was displayed rather well in this book. He didn’t want to want her and vice versa, but somehow they just came to be unable to live without the other. And I think that was one of the most beautiful things ever.


I really did like how as angry as Matt was with Lucy, he never did let her go. I mean, of course he was going to be angry she lied, but I think the fact that he couldn’t stay away to save himself just spoke wonders about love. Maybe not love exactly, but the spark that turned into love.

All in all, I did enjoy reading this book and it was a good read to pass the time.





So yep, that's about it for today! Go here to check out the other tour stops! You'll find loads of awesome stuff on the other tour sites too! :D

Review Tour: The Seers by Julianna Scott




Hey guys! Welcome to today's blog tour! This is my review of The Seers by Julianna Scott. It is the 2nd book in the Holders series.




The Seers

First Published: 4 Feb 2014
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Genres: Fantasy, YA

Synopsis:
After nearly being drained of her ability and betrayed by a man her father trusted, Becca Ingle was left with one clue — Ciaran Shea. He holds the key to the downfall of the power-mad Holder, Darragh, and can ensure the safety of both Holder and Human kind alike… but is he willing to help?

Becca, Alex, Jocelyn, and Cormac set out for Adare Manor to meet with the Bhunaidh, an aristocratic group of pure blooded Holders of whom Ciaran is a rumored member. However, when Becca discovers that they might not be the only ones after the information Ciaran has, everyone begins to wonder if Bhunaidh might not be as uninvolved with Darragh as they claim.

A race to uncover Ciaran’s secrets begins, where the line between friend and foe is blurred, and everyone seems to have their own agenda. Becca will have to call on every ability at her disposal to uncover the truth, all the while knowing that sometimes the answer is more dangerous than the question.

Check it out at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads



Julianna Scott


Julianna was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and spent the majority of her educational career convinced she would be a musician. However, after receiving her music degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, she realized that she’d been born in the wrong era for her dreams of singing jazz to adoring fans clad in zoot-suits and flapper dresses to come true, and began to wonder if her true calling might be elsewhere.

While Julianna had always excelled in writing throughout school, she’d never considered it a career possibility until about three years ago, when she’d gotten her first story idea and decided to go for it. She grabbed her laptop, started typing away, and has never looked back.



And now, check out my review of this book!

Finished Date: 16 Jan 2014

My Rating

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My Review

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are mine alone.

The Seers was a rather good book. It was a good continuation from the first book and I did enjoy reading it. It picks up rather soon after The Holders and the transition was rather smooth.

I enjoyed this book's plot, though it was a little simplistic for my tastes. Still, I liked that it showed us more of this world. I feel that the author balanced the action and story really well. It was certainly an engaging read! Haha I think I more or less finished it in a sitting or two!

I didnt really like the character development here as I felt that Alex became rather one-dimensional. In The Holders, Alex had a lot more personality, but here, he just felt like a weak, jealous guy who didnt do anything to clear up the air. I mean, he generally isnt like that, but I feel that in trying to develop other characters, Alexs character became really weak here.

I would really love to see more of this world and personally, I would like to see more of the romance between Becca and Alex and not for it to be thrown to a side, only to be called up once in a blue moon. I did like how the supporting characters were developed though, I just wish it was done more for both the main characters (Alex) too.

I loved the abilities that I saw here. I think the whole idea about Holders are really cool. Perhaps not entirely unique, but still, it feels very original and I really did enjoy discovering more about it. From the start, I was really sucked into the book and the lessons that Becca had to learn how to use her abilities, were certainly interesting. I may even have cheered along when she mastered it. On the other hand though, I would personally have preferred her to have had a bit more difficulty mastering the abilities. Still, this is my own personal preference. She did feel a little bit arrogant about her abilities towards the middle part of the book which was kinda grating. But that could also have been due to my mood.

All in all, I enjoyed The Seers, and am certainly looking forward to more books in this series. In my opinion, Julianna Scott has done a rather good job of taking a unique concept and developing it into a realistic world, with an engaging plot. 


So yep, that's about it for today! Go here to check out the other tour stops! You'll find loads of awesome stuff on the other tour sites too! :D

Waterproof by Amber Garr

First Published: 19 Sept 2013
Publisher: Self
Pages: 256
Format: Ebook
Finished Date: 18 Jan 2014

Synopsis

Dying of thirst is the new reality.

Five years after the last drop of clean water disappeared, global societies collapsed and nuclear war shattered all hope of recovery. In a place now only a skeleton of its former self, survivors fight to avoid capture by the government. Forced to work in factories that produce the only drinking water available, those who go in, never come out.

Zach and Vivienne have lived as deserters since they were teenagers. Fighting amongst their own and scrounging for the necessities of life, they’ve learned to rely on each other in every way. Yet when tragedy strikes and the true objectives of the government facility are revealed, their world is ripped apart. A fate once thought to hold their demise may be the sole answer to their survival. Who can they trust? Who can they believe?

In this life, it pays to be waterproof.

Disclaimer: Waterproof is a new adult dystopian with sex, violence, and language that may not be suitable for a younger audience.

My Rating
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My Review

Disclaimer:I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed here are my own.

This book had a very interesting set up. A world where there wasn't enough water for everyone is rather unfathomable. At the same time, it is very unique and felt realistic. I mean, wars will cause some sort of fallout. Many books merely talk about the fallout to the environment, but not about the water. While I did enjoy the concept and world, I must say Waterproof didn't captivate as much as I expected it to.

Perhaps it was the characters that I did not like that much. I must say though, they were realistic because of how they reacted to situations. Yet, they felt a little one dimensional and as a reader, I was never interested in understanding more about them. Maybe I didn't really enjoy being in Zach's and Vivienne's heads. I mean, I just never felt they acted their age. I do actually like the supporting characters a little bit more though, especially Jackson (ahhh now that's one guy I like) and Sasha.

But to be honest, I hated the romance. I just couldn't get into it. And while reading, I felt there was a whole book prior to this that I had missed out. I was thrown into the world, with references to history which weren't clearly explained. It kinda did detract from the enjoyment of the book. I would have appreciated a short prequel, honestly.

I did really enjoy being thrown into action from the start though, it captured my attention and drew me in. And I really liked that there wasn't unnecessary description and words to fill up the space. It was to the point, which brought across the story in a clear method that I did like.

One thing I really enjoyed about the book was the whole concept. It was well laid out and even if the history was a little sketchy, I am actually very curious to see how the story works out. And yeah, I was rather drawn in by the story towards the end of the book, when everything started falling into place and making sense.

Some parts did feel a little bit unrealistic, like the whole secret of the factories. I won't go into that because I think that was actually a major plot line of the story. But albeit a little unrealistic, the concept was interesting.

Still, Waterproof was rather disappointing all in all. I didn't enjoy the fact that there was hardly any character development. On the other hand, I do think the sequel can be better. So I do hope that in future books, if she decides to write more books, I would enjoy it more! I really do like the premise of the books, and I sincerely would not want it to stop here.

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