Temptation Saga Series by Helen Hardt #BookReview #Giveaway

Once again, I am lucky enough to come here, to tell y'all about two really great books. Before I get into the books, I want to make a bit of a confession... I am terrified of writing book reviews. I get so nervous. I feel like I won't say enough, or I will say too much, or I won't make sense. I worry I won't do the book justice, or that I will have loved it and you won't love it, and you won't trust my opinion again. It is really scary, but I also love it. I really love books. Reading is basically my favorite activity, second only to drinking coffee and hanging with Gigi, which are tied for ultimate favorite.

So, I am not sure if you guys like or understand my book reviews. Feel free to give me feedback... positive or negative... and I will do my best to improve. I try to write a review I would like to read, and by that I mean, I try not to give to much information. I am not a fan of reviews that are so detailed, reading the book is nearly pointless. However, if you would like more information, just ask, and I will give you a few more details. 

Now, onto me telling y'all about Taking Catie and Taming Angelina, by Helen Hardt, part of her Temptation Saga Series. When I signed up to write the review, I was able to pick which two books I wanted to read. So, not knowing anything about them, I picked the books based on title alone. I was drawn to the name Catie, and Angelina was immediately following, so that was that. I picked my two books. 

If these two books are any indication of the entire series, I am here to tell you, when you are ready to read them, just pick one and go. You won't be disappointed. I genuinely enjoyed both books. They both had me captivated by the second chapter. The plots are entertaining and fun. They cover the full gamut of emotions. They are realistic with a touch of fairy tale romance. 

Helen Hardt has a true talent for building the characters and the plot simultaneously. You will definitely be drawn to the characters, all the while kept intrigued by the plot. She added some really good twists, and gave plenty of details without being overly verbose. 

Have you read my reviews for Lyz Kelley's Elkridge Series? If you have, you know that one of my favorite things about that series, is how well she builds up the town of Elkridge, the residents, and the events in their lives. Well, Helen Hardt does the same with this series, the town of Bakersville, and its residents. I found myself not only loving the main characters, but also the other people I met along the way. Based on the titles of the remaining books, I know I will get to know several of those other people as I finish reading the series.

I feel like I could have read either of these books, and been completely satisfied. I loved that there were two, and they built on one another. So, I highly recommend reading them all, but if you really only just want one book to read, I honestly think you could just pick one, and be happy in the end. Of the two I read, I think I recommend Taking Catie the most, though that does not mean that Taming Angelina wasn't equally as good.

These two books were so great, that I have added the rest of my series to my Summer Reading list, and I am happy to say I am almost to them. I just need to finish two more books, and I will be begin Tempting Dusty. I am thoroughly excited! 

In Taking Catie, we meet Catie and Chad, and follow them on their journey to happily ever after. There are several bumps on the road. You will laugh and cry and probably get a tad frustrated. Their story is one for the ages. They are one of those almost missed out on love, but got a second chance, but it wasn't totally smooth sailing, but so worth it, love stories, with plenty of passion and laughter mixed in. I think you will most definitely fall in love with them and their story.

In Taming Angelina, we follow Angelina and Rafe on their journey to their happy ending. Now, let me tell you... Their journey is unique and entertaining. Their happy ending was not always a guaranteed thing, but it was magnificent nonetheless. It is complete with a few massive plot twists, and you will definitely keep turning the pages. Now, fair warning, you may not always love Angelina, and Rafe may upset you also, but in the end, I think you will love them both and their story. 

So, yes, I definitely recommend you read these books. Though I have not read the first two books in the series, I actually recommend starting from the beginning. Helen Hardt's writing is so wonderful, that I am confident we will all love the first two. Once you read them, please feel free to let me know what you thought, and discuss the books with me.

They are so easy to read, and will definitely leave you happy.

Read on the find our more about this series, the author, learn where to get copies for yourself, and enter an Amazon gift card giveaway!!! 

The Temptation Saga Series by Helen Hardt Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Available Now!
Series Buy Links Here!
Synopsis Do you like hot cowboys?  Steamy stories that tug at your emotions?  Then dip into the Temptation Saga, a seven book series written by #1 New York Times bestseller Helen Hardt, which follows two families in the fictional town of Bakersville, Colorado.  Though each of the books can be read as a standalone, they are best enjoyed in order.  This series will tempt you, tease you, and take you away as you escape into the lives and loves of the McCray and Bay families.

Meet The Author:
#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.

       

The Temptation Saga Buy Links a Rafflecopter giveaway
Enter the Amazon Gift Card Giveaway HERE!
What I need you to know... I was given a copy of Taking Catie and a copy of Taming Angelina. I was asked to write an honest review about the books. I was not paid to give a good review. The above review is my honest opinion, and had I not thoroughly enjoyed the books, I would have let y'all know! 

Sacred Serenity, #BookReview and #Giveaway

So, as I am sure you have figured out by now, if you have been reading my blog for any length of time, I am an avid reader. I have always been one. I was the kid that got in trouble, for staying up late to read. I would get caught with a flashlight and a book, under my covers, and my dad would get so frustrated. Reading has just always been my thing. I would much rather read than sleep. Of course, once the morning comes and I am exhausted, I feel a bit differently about it, but inevitably, I end up choosing reading over sleep again and again. I am always looking for new books to read, and I am lucky to have some friends who are also avid readers, and they often introduce me to new books or authors.

This is true for my friend Stephanie. She is friends with an author named Audrey Carlan. A few years ago, she started telling me about Audrey's  Calendar Girl series, and how I should read them. I put it on my to read list, but never quite got around to them. They eventually made national headlines, and made it onto the NYT Best Seller's list. How amazing is that? My friend is friends with a best selling author, and long before she was a best selling author, my friend tried to tell me she was a must read author, and well, I should have listened. 

Recently, Stephanie once again brought up Audrey's books to me. She tagged me in a post on Facebook, for advanced release copies of one of her upcoming books. It was for 'Sacred Serenity', Book Two in the Lotus House series. Well, this time when Stephanie told me this was a series I needed in on, I listened. I submitted a request to be considered for an ARC of the book, and crossed my fingers. Well, I owe Stephanie a HUGE thank you, because I was chosen to receive an ARC, and that led me to here. Right now, writing this post for you all to read. 

I was a bit nervous at first. I realized that I was going to be reading a book, written by one of my closest friends good friend. What if I hated it?! Not only would I have to tell my friend, that I thought her friend was a horrible writer, but I would need to tell the author I thought she was horrible, and I did not want to give a review. Then I realized, you don't just become a New York Times Best Selling Author, if you write like a two year old with no grasp of plot structure. So, I dove in headfirst and read the book. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. By the end of the third chapter, I did not want to stop reading it.

Listen, the short of it.... Go out and get this book, and read it. Buy it for your Kindle or Nook. Buy a paperback or hardcover. Whatever your preference is, get this book in that prefered form. Right now, today. Seriously. 

This book was a wonderful book. When I first read it, after receiving my ARC of it, I had not read the first book, and it was fine. I did not have a hard time following along or understanding the story. Now, you may want to get the first book in the series, and then read this one. That is fine. I had no issues by reading them in reversed order, this second book first. 

The story is wonderful. It is wonderfully written. It is different from any other books I have read. I love when I find books that have unique plots, not ones that have been written time and time again, by various different authors, telling the basic same plot in their own words. Now, being an insatiable bookworm, that is fine with me. As long as it isn't boring or horribly written, I will read it, even if it is basically the same plot of three other books. Well, that is not what you get with this book. Audrey is a truly wonderful writer, who writes out a unique story for us to follow. 

She goes so indepth, building the plot, developing the characters. It is a true joy to read. I found myself not only not wanting to put the book down, but not wanting the story to end. I wanted more, more, more. More of the story. More of the characters. More of it all. It was that deliciously captivating. It is genuinely a well written book.

I would also like to add, I am not exactly sure how she did it, but I went from being a person who was vaguely curious about yoga, to a person who absolutely must try yoga, as soon as I am able. How does one do that? I am not sure, but she did it. The way she weaved yoga into the story, so subtle, yet so front and center... Well, it did the job. I am convinced I need yoga in my life. So, be prepared, that this may also be a side effect for you.

You will love the plot. You will enjoy the story. You will fall in love with the characters. You will find yourself wanting more. You will no doubt, find yourself thanking me for telling you about this book. If you have not read anything by Audrey Carlan before, I strongly recommend you add her to your lists of authors to read. She is talented and it shines through in her books.

Now, if you are on the fence about romance novels, I think this is the one for you. She has this way of writing the romance, in a way that it isn't corny or raunchy. It is well balanced. She gives enough details, without giving too many. Plus, yes it is a sexy romance novel, but it is also a novel. It tells a story. It isn't just page after page of sexiness. There is an honest, wonderful story included. I think it is the perfect middle ground for all readers. If you hate raunchy romance novels, you will love this. If you love raunchy romance novels, you will love this. She really balances it all perfectly.

Continue reading to learn more details about the book, the author, and to enter a giveaway!! 

I hope you love this book, as much as I did!! It is definitely a book worth reading!! 

Don't forget to let me know what you think about it, once you have read it!!

Sacred Serenity (A Lotus House Novel)

by Audrey Carlan, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Genre: Erotic Romance

Release Date: 30^th August 2016

Synopsis:

Twenty-two-year old Amber St. James’s focus is on her education. Her plan is clear—finish the elite San Francisco/Berkeley Medical School program early and become a pediatrician. She hasn’t given much thought to dating or to men in general, until she enrolls in the required human sexuality course…a subject foreign to her for religious and personal reasons.

Tantric yoga practitioner Dash Alexander is Lotus House Yoga’s most sought after sensual teacher. Women flock to him for his unique teaching style, calm nature, and wicked hot body. When he hears of Amber’s plight, he offers to help. The condition? Amber must assist in his couples’ Tantra yoga class as his partner. The sizzling attraction between the two of them is beyond anything Dash has ever experienced…spiritually or otherwise.

Through his teachings, Dash makes love to Amber’s mind and merges with her soul. Physically there’s only one problem, a secret that’s sacred. Amber St. James is a virgin…by choice.

Author Bio:

Audrey Carlan is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She writes wicked hot love stories that are designed to give the reader a romantic experience that's sexy, sweet, and so hot your e-reader might melt. Some of her works include the wildly successful Calendar Girl Serial, Falling Series, and the Trinity Trilogy.

She lives in the California Valley where she enjoys her two children and the love of her life. When she's not writing, you can find her teaching yoga, sipping wine with her "soul sisters" or with her nose stuck in a wicked hot romance novel.

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