Misadventures of a City Girl #BookReview

I had the pleasure of reading a book from the Misadventures Series. This one was written by Chelle Bliss and Meredith Wild. Have you been able to read any of their books? I highly recommend you check them out, after you read this one. I was actually really excited when I discovered they teamed up to write this book, because I love their individual books. I had high expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint.

I loved everything about this book. I love the plot, the ending, and the characters. I also loved that it takes place in my backyard. I do love books a bit extra, when they take place in California (or one of the other places I have lived). The authors did an amazing job developing the characters. I love when an author enables you to fall for the characters in their books. When characters aren't developed well, I always feel empty at the end. Good character development really adds to the story.

This story was unique and entertaining. It was also steamy. So, if you love entertaining romances, with happy endings, steamy middles, and great characters... You need to read this book. I highly recommend it. This book left me excited for the rest of the series. I have a great feeling about this series. 

Keep reading for a synopsis of the story, information on how to get a copy of your own, information about the authors, and a link for the giveaway!! 

Check out the Misadventures Series here: http://www.misadventures.com/

Book:  Misadventures of a City Girl

Authors: Meredith Wild & Chelle Bliss

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Buy Links for all Platforms

Synopsis:

Fresh off a divorce from a Hollywood hotshot, Madison Atwood needs an escape. With the paparazzi fresh on her heels and her love life splashed on every tabloid, she runs away to a swanky retreat in Northern California. Avalon Springs is the mountainside haven she needs to find herself again. Luke Dawson lives off the grid, preferring solitude to society. When he finds a beautiful woman soaking in the hot springs on his property, he can’t stop himself from watching her. She captures his attention, but she’s just a city girl—a beautiful distraction disturbing the peace he’s settled here to find. When Madison discovers Luke’s secluded cabin, he can’t turn her away again. They make no promises. Madison needs to feel wanted again, and Luke misses the touch of a woman. But when mother nature has other plans, they’re forced to spend more than a night of passion together. Can Luke say goodbye to the only woman who’s made him feel anything in years, and can Madison leave behind the man who brought her back to life?

Amazon       Amazon UK      iBooks     Barnes&Noble      Kobo Audio

Meet the Authors

Meredith Wild is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of romance. Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast with her husband and three children, she refers to herself as a techie, whiskey-appreciator, and hopeless romantic. She has been featured on CBS This Morning, The Today Show, the New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Publishers Weekly, and The Examiner. When she isn’t living in the fantasy world of her characters, she can usually be found at:

Facebook.  Instagram  Twitter

USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico. She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and coffee fiend. She's written over ten books and has two series available. She loves spending her free time with her boyfriend, 2 cats, and her hamster.  Before becoming a writer, Chelle taught high school history for over ten years. She holds a master's degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor's in History. Although history is her first love, writing has become her dream job and she can't imagine doing anything else. 

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Buy Links for all Platforms

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What I need you to know...

I received an ARC of Misadventures of a City Girl to read, and given an honest review of. Thankfully, I loved it, and so here we are. Had I not loved it, I would have said as much. So, do yourself a favor, and read this book. 

Rescued by Lyz Kelley #BookReview #Giveaway

The time has come. The Elkridge series by Lyz Kelley has come to a close. Rescued was just released, and finally our questions have been answered. I will not be giving any spoilers, but if you want to discuss it, message me! 

Just like all the books before it, this book is amazing. It is well written, and will keep you satisfied and yet leave you wanting more. I am not even kidding. This entire series, each book has been written so well, and complete, that at the end I feel like that part of the story is finished. Yet, I still want more. More, more, more. More Elkridge. More citizens lives told. More updates on the citizens we know and love. More. 

Lyz Kelley is a truly wonderful writer. She has this amazing ability to tell great stories. She has built this entire community within these books, and she has develops the characters so well, that it almost feels like we really know them. Each book, on its own, is a complete and satisfying story, but combined they created a wonderfully suspenseful tale. 

Now, I say that this is the last book, because that is what I have been told from the beginning. However, two things you NEED to know.... At the end of Rescued, I was given the impression there will be more. (Fingers crossed and happy dance) Rescued gives us all the answers to the mystery surrounding Sheriff Sam's murder, so obvious that story line is over, but I am certain that Lyz will be able to continue the story of the lives and times of the Elkridge community, and keep us satisfied. You should also know, if you sign up for her newsletter, you will receive a novella, that is the perfect companion to the Elkridge series. I strongly recommend signing up, and enjoying the extra story! 

Now, I will admit... I was not completely successful at solving Sheriff Sam's murder. However, I did have quite a bit correct. It was way more intense and deeper that I ever knew. Lyz really wrote an intense, thrilling tale. Also, I will say, that there was one person who I was POSITIVE was involved, and apparently he was not involved. Most of my suspicions were correct. 

So, what are you waiting for?! READ IT, and let me know if your suspicions were correct, or if you were way off. Prepare yourself, because it is a wild ride. Of course, along with all the intense drama, you will get plenty of romance, happiness, hope, and passion. I think you will absolutely fall in love with Karly and Thad. Their love story is a beautiful one. It is full of sadness and hope and fate. 

Keep reading to read a synopsis of Rescued, get to know the author, find our where to get your own copy, and enter a giveaway!! 

Rescued by Lyz Kelley (An Elkridge Series Novel) Release Date: 12th September Genre: Contemporary Romance  #RescuedTour

Synopsis

What happens when you realize too late that you’re in love?

Karly’s animal shelter business is failing. Right now, she has too many animals, and not enough foster parents, trainers, or adopters to keep food in the bowls, and she’s desperate to find options. When her first love returns home from Afghanistan wounded and alone, she offers Thad a win-win situation—a job in exchange for training a special needs dog.

Thad wants to be left alone. He feels responsible for not spotting the IED before it killed his friends and his war dog. When Karly drops off a dog for him to train, memories of their deaths swamp him with guilt.

Corruption is tearing the small town of Elkridge apart. Thad is brave enough to give his life to save Karly, but is he brave enough to live? Will she be strong enough to survive? Will fate allow them a happily ever after?

RESCUED is a sensual, contemporary romance about a brave woman and a heroic man who fulfill their dreams. If you like heartfelt characters, deep topics with powerful emotional cores, and happy endings, then you’ll love this sixth book in Lyz Kelley’s tales of strength, love, and survival. Buy RESCUED to unlock the emotional tale today!

Buy The Book

Meet the Author

Award-winning author Lyz Kelley resides in a small community in Colorado with her husband and several four-legged family members. She’s a lover of board games, gardening, and painting, a disaster in the kitchen, a compulsive neat freak, and tea snob. She loves writing about strong women who have endured challenges and the men who enrich their lives.

A healing love is at the heart of her book series. Creating wounded yet amazing characters—discovering what drives them, frightens them, heals them, makes them laugh—is what gives her joy. Lyz is pleased to share that joy through her masterfully written stories.

To keep tabs on her award-winning novels, connect with Lyz by signing up for her newsletter at LyzKelley.com. Members receive an exclusive copy of Regrets, (the prequel to the Elkridge Series), learn about thoughtful giveaways, and get a sneak peek at upcoming releases. Members may even get the opportunity to receive advanced reader copies. Check out LyzKelley.com for more information.

Website: www.LyzKelley.com

Newsletter Sign Up: www.LyzKelley.com

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Why would I want to read the Elkridge Series?  Each book in the Elkridge series is a piece to a puzzle—a suspenseful mystery involving the murder of a small-town sheriff. You get six contemporary romance books to figure out the mystery and a bunch of happy ever after (HEA) endings. Two novels in this fiction series—Blinded and Orphaned—are award-winning romance books.

Where is Elkridge, Colorado?  Elkridge exists only in my mind. On any given day, I can stop at River Creek Café for Jenna's fresh baked cinnamon rolls, or shop for a birthday present at Mara's Blooms, or get my nails done at Kym’s nail salon. Sitting in the park eating lunch, I can watch the kids play and hear the latest gossip from neighbors. Later, if I want, I can stop at Mad Jack’s to hear a local band play and get some dinner. Elkridge is a great small town where the sun shines 360 days a year and people do their best to make ends meet.

Would you tell us about your writing process?  It takes me awhile to write each stand-alone story because I am passionate about creating the very best stories for my readers. These contemporary romance books have complex plots and sub-plots and include suspense romance threads, with deep emotional women’s fiction elements, humor and even a bit of quirkiness. I’m so excited to see the 5-star ratings because it means I’ve created the ideal mix to provide readers with a few hours of enjoyment.  

RESCUED: Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ)

Many of your books have challenging topics. Why?

The easiest explanation is that I believe everyone can be honorable, brave and loved no matter the circumstances. Blindness, domestic violence, and abuse can create fear and insecurities, yet each situation can be overcome with a gentle, patient, and healing love. In my heart, love begins with respect and the willingness to listen to gain mutual understanding. Without those two components, a relationship filled with love is hard to build.

How did the Elkridge story line develop?

I don’t want to spoil the series ending, but the series story arc started with Colorado legalizing marijuana, then it went from there. Question after question started popping into my head. The first question was, “How will the illegal drug trade change?” I started researching news articles on drug trafficking to find answers. Then one day a story formed. I’m glad I had my research notes when I talked to an FBI agent to nail down technical aspects of the story. Otherwise, he might have been a little more curious about why I was asking such in-depth questions. There is a saying, “Don’t judge me by my search engine history, I’m a writer.” {grin}

You say you write about honorable men and brave women, but your characters are so flawed.

Everyone can be a hero just by offering a smile, holding a door for another, or opening a medicine bottle for a person with arthritis. Heroes aren’t only those individuals who accomplish grand gestures. We may feel a smile is insignificant, but to the person on the receiving end, we might just have made that person’s day. Being a hero isn’t always about rescuing a child, or stopping a bank robbery, it can also be about the little things in life that bring joy.

Would you ever do a spin off of the other characters introduced in the Elkridge series?

I love this question! What a great way to introduce the Lonely Ridge spin-off series. I chose to differentiate the Lonely Ridge series from the Elkridge set because this group of books will not have the mystery thread included in the Elkridge series. Each new book will be a stand-alone love story and will include the quirky characters from the town I’ve come to love. I’m hoping to have the first book in this new series out in time for Christmas.

GIVEAWAY

Head to Lyz's website to enter the giveaway - http://lyzkelley.com/elkridge-series.html

Other Books in The Series

Blinded - Buy Here

Spurned - Buy Here

Abandoned - Buy Here

Orphaned - Buy Here

Exposed - Buy Here

What I Need You To Know: 

I was given an ARC of Rescued, to read, and share my honest opinion with y'all. That is exactly what this is.... my honest opinion. Had I not liked this book, I would have told you. Gratefully, I loved it, and I genuinely think you will too!! 

What's in a name? #SecretSubjectSwap

Welcome to September's Secret Subject Swap. This week ten brave bloggers submitted a secret subject for someone else and were assigned a secret subject to interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our topics and submitting our posts.

My “Secret Subject” is:

Do you have a unique name? Were you named for someone? Who? Why? What does the name mean?

It was submitted by: Dawn of https://cognitivescript.blogspot.com//

Is my name unique? Julie? I don't think it is all that unique. It isn't extremely common either. I think it is a name everyone knows. Many people know or know of at least one Julie. I have met a handful of other women named Julie over the years. My middle name is Marie. It is definitely not unique or uncommon. My nickname is Jules. My mom started calling me Jules the moment I was born. Sometimes, I genuinely think she should have just named me Jules. I did not embrace Jules until I was into my teenage years. Prior to embracing it, I would correct people regularly, saying that my name was Julie. The nickname I tended to go by was J/Jay. Now, I am called Jules. So much so, that when called Julie, I tend to not even realize people are speaking to me. 

I wish I had some magnificent story about my name. I don't. I have one, that I do not feel comfortable telling y'all.... No offense. I have another, that I will say.... I need to preface this with the fact that I do not know if this is completely true... I was told that I was named after my dad's ex. I also know that my mom was the one who named me, as my father was not present at my birth. So, I am not entirely sure that my mom would name me after his ex. Though, maybe she did not know. I was also told that my dad chose my name. My mom wanted to name me Gertrude Irene or Irene Gertrude. My dad wanted me to be named Julietta Marie. So, here I am.

I place huge importance on names, and that is why there is absolute meaning in my childrens' names. Albeit, the least meaning in Gigi's name, but still meaning there. Plus, for what it lacks in meaning, she does have an interesting tale in how she was named. Like me, she was named by her father. I wanted with every fiber of my being for her to be named Marlee. I still feel the name Marlee suits her. However, I also feel she fits her name, so it is okay. However, Chad HATES the name Marlee. He could not get past the movie Marley and Me. Which is ironic, because Embee's real name is one of the most popular names of dogs, cats, and cows. So, when we could not agree on a name, we put 'first' on a piece of paper, and 'middle' on a piece of paper, and drew from a hat. I thought fate would let me name her, but nope. I got middle. So, she has two middle names, and her first name was chosen by her father. 

I think, now that I am older, I may talk to my mom again about my name. She what she says, and if I can get anymore details out of her. My name means youthful, soft-haired, vivacious, and beautiful. Sadly, I don't think any of those apply to me. I think having Gigi has helped in the youthful department, somewhat. I don't feel like I have an inner-child. Though, as the years pass, I feel more and more of my inner-child returning. If nothing else, I have grown fonder of kid movies. Which is a good thing, because we watch quite a few of them. 

What about you?! How did you get your name?! Any interesting meanings or stories behind it?! 

Here are links to all the sites now featuring Secret Subject Swap posts.  Sit back, grab a drink, and check them all out. See you there:

Baking In A Tornado

Cognitive Script

The Blogging 911

The Lieber Family Blog

Southern Belle Charm

Bookworm in the Kitchen

Never Ever Give Up Hope       

Part-time Working Hockey Mom

Climaxed

Fate by Audrey Carlan #BookReview

There are not many authors in this world, that I give blanket recommendations for. Very few indeed. Audrey Carlan has become one of the authors on that list. I read Fate the fifth book in her Trinity Series, and it just solidified my love for her work. This series is fantastic. Her books are fantastic. 

I loved Fate so much! In fact, when I was done reading it, I simply needed more of Audrey's writing, so I decided to finally read her Calendar Girl series. 

You need to read Fate. You truly do. You need to know Kat and Carson's story. You need to know so much more than that, so read the entire series. Start at book one and read them all. I know you will thank me later.

Audrey has this amazing way of building entire worlds with her books. Worlds full of amazing people, drama, romance, suspense, humor, happiness, sadness, and every other emotion. She tells complete stories, and her series are full of books that build perfectly on each other.

Read on for a synopsis of Fate, information on how to buy a copy, information on Audrey Carlan, and a link to a giveaway!!

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Fate (Trinity Series #5)

by Audrey Carlan

Release Date: 22nd August

Buy Today: Fate: https://audreycarlan.com/fate

Genre: Contemporary Romance #FateReleaseBlitz

Synopsis

Fate (Trinity Series #5)

Not many can say they were burned by fate. I’m the exception.

Scalded figuratively, emotionally, and physically… I have the scars running down my arm, ribs, and side to prove it.

The doctors have done what they can to heal me by smoothing the abraded skin using other parts of my body. But they can only do so much. Sometimes, what can’t be seen can’t be healed.

The fire that night took more than a pound of flesh. It obliterated my talent, beauty, and most importantly, seared the connection I had with the man I loved. Sure, it was me who pushed him away, but I had my reasons. I did what any woman would do in my situation. I gave up everything so that one day he’d find happiness and peace.

Now I’ve healed a bit on the outside, and on the inside, but I still crave the one I let go. To this day he looks at me with fire in his eyes, a heat so bright in his being he glows with it. I fear the light, the flames that could consume me whole. The problem now is, he’s not mine anymore. I just may have waited too long to fight for him, for us, for a future together.

There’s only one thing I can do. Let fate decide.

Buy Today: https://audreycarlan.com/fate

Meet The Author

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 ereader 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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a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is what I need you to know... I was given an ARC of Fate, to read and give an honest review of. I read the book and loved it. Had I not loved it, I would have told you that. Thankfully for us all, it is an excellent book. So, go read it!! 

Miracle Mike #FunnyFriday

Welcome to August’s Funny Friday, a regular feature published on the last Friday of every month. Funny Friday is a collaborative project. Each month one of the participants submits a picture, then we all write five captions or thoughts inspired by that month’s picture. Links to the other bloggers’ posts are below, click on them and see what they have come up with. I hope we bring a smile to your face as you start your weekend.

Here’s today’s picture. It was submitted by Minette of Southern Belle Charm.

1. Minette waiting for Mike to admit she was right.

2. Mike: What are you doing?

Minette: Decorating.

Mike: For?

Minette: Halloween.

Mike: But it is August.

Minette: I know. In about a week, Christmas will take over everything. I am just making sure that Halloween gets a fair amount of time.

3. Minette waiting for Mike to admit she is the better driver.

4. Minette: You're sure this will keep the possums away?

Mike: Of course.

Minette: If you say so.

(Having lived in NC, I can tell you, nearly nothing will scare the possums away, but we sure did have fun trying to find ways to scare them away!

P.S. You should be extra careful with fireworks)

5. Do you follow Southern Belle Charm?! You should!! Minette is amazing. This picture mostly just makes me so dang happy. Minette's husband has been through a lot this past year, and he is truly #MiracleMike. So, that is my reaction to this picture.... Huge smiles.

I hope you enjoyed this month's picture!! Make sure you check out the other Funny Friday posts, to see what laughs my fellow bloggers have for you!!

Click on the links below and let some other bloggers make you smile:

Southern Belle Charm
Bookworm in the Kitchen
Baking In A Tornado
Cognitive Script

Pucker Up by Sara Hubbard #BookReview

It is time for my most recent book review. My first of two this week. I had never heard of Sara Hubbard, but I love find new authors and new books, so I was excited to read this book. My excitement was worth it. This book was excellent. I definitely love Sara Hubbard's writing style. She definitely builds characters well, formulates thorough plots, and keeps you interested. 

This story was great. It kept my interest. It had drama, romance, and humor. It was very well written. The characters were ones we can easily relate to. It was set in college, and had me missing my college days by the end. I think most of us, when heading to college, wonder if we will meet our soul mate while there. I would have been happy to meet an Ozzie of my own in college. 

I found myself relating to Charlie. She is a bit OCD, and I am a lot OCD. I think it helped me understand her. She also has a good moral compass, but struggles to make decisions. She doesn't want to hurt others, but she also doesn't want to hurt herself. I think she handled things well, considering. 

If you love happy endings, this book will not disappoint you, but it will take you on one wild ride getting there. I highly recommend this book. It is a good, easy read. Entertaining and will leave you happy. 

Continue reading for a synopsis of the book, links to buy the book for yourself, information on the author, and a Giveaway link!! Enjoy!!

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Book: Pucker Up

Author: Sara Hubbard

Release Date: 25th August 2017

Genre: Contemporary Romance/New Adult

Goodreads Giveaway

Synopsis

His name was Ozzie. He was the college hockey star every girl wanted a piece of and who every guy wanted to be. But I didn’t know he existed. Not until the editor of the school paper agreed to give me a position in exchange for writing an article about him and his private life. I want the position. More than anything. It’s been part of my plan for as long as I can remember. But associating with jocks isn’t something I’m comfortable with given how unpopular and awkward I was in high school. I can’t let that stand in my way, though. I’m too stubborn for that. I devise a plan to meet him and it works better than I thought it would. I don’t tell him what I’m up to, and by the time I start to realize what all the fuss is about, it’s too late. My lie threatens to expose his darkest secrets and also break my heart.

Buy the Book

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Meet The Author

Sara Hubbard is an author of romantic fiction. Her debut novel BLOOD, SHE READ released fall 2012 and was a NEORWA Cleveland Rocks winner and a RCRW Duel on the Delta finalist. Her first contemporary novel, Beautiful and Broken was an Amazon bestseller. Sara lives in Nova Scotia, Canada with her two children (four if you count her husband and her needy labradoodle) and works as a registered nurse.

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Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/245139-pucker-up