Monday, June 30, 2014

June Update at Thoughts + Half Year Recap Type Thing


I've decided to do monthly updates instead of weekly updates here at Thoughts. So here's a racap of the month of June for you.

~*Reviews*~

TOTAL: 9

~*Books Finished*~


TOTAL: 14
  • Undeniable (Undeniable #1) by Ashley Simone
  • Beyond Love and Hate (Wardham #3.5) by Zoe York
  • Slade (Walk Of Shame #1) by Victoria Ashley
  • The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  • The Millionaire Affair (Love in the Balance #3) by Jessica Lemmon
  • The Moment We Began (Fairhope #2) by Sarra Cannon
  • The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
  • Blue Sky Days by Marie Landry
  • Relentless (The Marsh Brothers #1) by Anna Wells
  • Sweet Addiction (Sweet Addiction #1) by Jessica Daniels
  • Overexposed by Noelle Adams
  • One Night with her Bodyguard (One Night novellas #3) by Noelle Adams
  • One Night in the Ice Storm (One Night novellas #2) by Noelle Adams
  • One Night with her Best Friend (One Night novellas #1) by Noelle Adams

~*Tours/Blasts/Reveals*~

     ~*Otherwise*~


    ~*Half Year Recap Type Thing*~


    Total book reviews posted so far this year:
    ~41~
     
    Total books read so far this year:
    ~59~

    ~*As for me...*~

    Yet another crazy month that just went by too fast... a lot of work and some hanging out with friends. And also, a lot of plotting for stories and real life. I've been doing a lot of organizing and sorting at my apartment. Well, I STARTED to do this. I had to pause the plan a couple times because of work and other things but I'm going to get back to it soon. I have my reasons for it, which I'll probably go into in another post soon. Let's just say it involves stuff on my bucket list. ;)

    Today, The Rebecca and I did a photo shoot behind my apartment. Nothing fancy, just messing around with my camera. I have this idea for photographs for Etsy, and I'd like to have some people shots instead of just the nature photography I already have. I'll probably do a post on that sometime in the near future as well once I have more photos together and get them printed for Etsy sale, just to show you guys. :)

    And that's about it! I hope everyone's been having a great year, and a great summer so far!

    Jessica

    Review: Improper Proposals by Juliana Ross

    Title: Improper Proposals
    Author: Juliana Ross
    Published: March 24th 2014
    Source: Copy given by author for honest review
    Genre: Historical Romance
    Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
    Add to your Goodreads shelf
    Caution: May contain spoilers
    Berkshire, 1870

    Newly widowed, Caroline Boothroyd passes her days writing a guide for young wives daunted by their housewifely duties. She takes it to publisher Thomas Cathcart-Ross, who makes the outrageous suggestion that Caroline should instead tackle the subject of marital relations—and, even more shocking, that she should tell women that sex with their husbands can be pleasurable and not a shameful necessity.

    Tom's sisters were sent into marriage naive and unworldly. He's willing to risk scandal to help women like them, and Caroline's writing talent provides the means. Remembering her own newlywed nerves, she agrees, despite fears for her reputation.

    As Caroline thinks back on her own sexual awakening, she cannot help imagining a sensual future with her compelling publisher. Tom makes her want to write a second chapter of her sexual life. But lust could lead to love, and Caroline never wishes to feel heartbreak again.

    For more improper lords and ladies, look for Improper Relations and Improper Arrangements!

    My Thoughts:

    This was one of those unexpected stories, and by unexpected I mean one of those unique stories that felt like a blend of more than one genre. It's historical romance, but sometimes it didn't feel like it. Which, to be honest, was pretty cool.

    The relationship between Caroline and Thomas was a bit unusual for the times, but I thought the way it was handled was pretty nice. Caroline was a different heroine, very intelligent and quite brave to step out and write something shocking. I didn't find myself believing the romance, it felt like it was a little bit more lust than love.

    Improper Proposals was a sweet little historical romance. It's a novella, and third in a series, but it can be read by itself. The story may now have pulled me in as much as others, but I am intrigued enough to check out Juliana Ross's other stories, especially in the Improper series!

    My Rating:

    Saturday, June 28, 2014

    Book Blitz: Crossing the Line by Nicola Marsh



    Welcome to the Crossing the Line by Nicola Marsh book blitz!

    ~*~


    Crossing the Line by Nicola Marsh
    (World Apart #1)
    Publication date: May 8th 2014
    Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
    Laying it all on the line for love…

    Mia Cresswell is tired of being good.
    Achieving geek status at college doesn’t equate with fun. So when she heads home to her dad’s tennis academy in Santa Monica on spring break, she’s determined to be bad. And hot Aussie tennis star Kye Sheldon is just the guy to help her do it.

    However, Kye’s troubled past continues to dog him and attending the Cresswell Tennis Academy is his last chance at the big time. He can’t afford to screw up…by screwing the boss’s daughter.
    But Mia and Kye’s relationship is much more than a vacation fling.
    Will it be game, set, match, when the truth is revealed?
    Or will Mia and Kye have a real shot at love all?

    About the Author:

    USA TODAY bestselling author Nicola Marsh writes flirty fiction with flair for adults and spooky, supernatural fiction for young adults.

    She has published 45 books with Harlequin, Entangled Publishing and indie, and sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

    Her first mainstream contemporary romance, BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD (Entangled Publishing) released to rave reviews, including a nomination for RWA's RBY, Romantic Book of the Year 2012.
    Her first indie-pubbed contemporary romance CRAZY LOVE released September 2012, is a Barnes & Noble bestseller, and was nominated for a 2012 ARRA award.

    Her young adult debut, BANISH, a supernatural thriller featuring Wicca, spirits and murder, released August 2013 with Harlequin Teen.
    Her young adult fantasy series with Month9Books launched November 2013 with SCION OF THE SUN.

    Her debut new adult novel BEFORE releases December 2013.

    She's also a Waldenbooks, Bookscan and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, is a multiple finalist for awards including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, Booksellers' Best, Golden Quill, Laurel Wreath, More than Magic and has won several CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Awards.

    Author links: 

    ~*~

    Excerpt:

    KYE

    "Hey."

    I turned toward the girl's voice as she stepped out of the shadows, not sure what annoyed me most. The intrusion or the way she sauntered toward me, all long legs and cocky smile.

    She was just my type: tall, sexy brunette with enough hip sway to make a guy wonder what made her so confident, and bedroom eyes that hinted at sin.

    Sadly, this devil had just landed in the City of Angels and sin was the last thing on my agenda.
    "I'm not in the mood for company," I said, expecting her to head back inside.

    She didn't falter as she strode toward me. "Too bad, because I needed some air and this terrace is big enough for the both of us."

    I could've left but there was something in the way she was staring at me that had me intrigued: like she wanted me but wouldn't have a clue what to do if she got me.

    "Mia." She stuck out her hand. "Pleased to meet you."

    "Kye." I reluctantly shook her hand. "Wish I could say the same."

    "You don't like girls?" She slid her hand out of mine, the insolent quirk of her lips making me want to do something I shouldn't. Like kiss the smirk off her smart mouth.

    "Love women." I took a step back, staring at her feet and slowly sweeping upward in a deliberate perusal meant to make a point. I wanted to make her squirm. It backfired, as I noted red nail polish matching her towering shoes, slim ankles, long legs, tight black dress that ended mid-thigh and hugged her lean bod, and pert tits. The frigging dress had a front zipper that just begged to be undone. Beyond hot.

    By the time I reached her face, she was blushing.

    "So which am I?" She leaned forward, giving me a generous glimpse of cleavage. "Girl or woman?"

    ~*~


    Jessica

    Friday, June 27, 2014

    Book Blitz: Blue Sky Days by Marie Landry #giveaway

    http://sweetmarie-83.blogspot.ca/p/blog-page.html

    Welcome to the Blue Sky Days Relaunch Blitz!

    ~*~


    Blue Sky Days
    by Marie Landry

    Contemporary new adult
    Add on GoodReads
    A year after graduating from high school, nineteen-year-old Emma Ward feels lost. She has spent most of her life trying to please her frigid, miserable mother - studying hard, getting good grades, avoiding the whole teenage rebellion thing - and now she feels she has no identity beyond that. Because she spent so many years working hard and planning every moment of her life, she doesn't have any friends, has never had a boyfriend, and basically doesn't know who she is or what she really wants from life. Working two part-time jobs to save money for college hasn't helped her make decisions about her future, so she decides it's time for a change. She leaves home to live with her free-spirited, slightly eccentric Aunt Daisy in a small town that makes Emma feel like she's stepped back in time.

    When Emma meets Nicholas Shaw, everything changes - he's unlike anyone she's ever met before, the kind of man she didn't even know existed in the 21st century. Carefree and spirited like Daisy, Nicholas teaches Emma to appreciate life, the beauty around her, and to just let go and live. Between Daisy and Nicholas, Emma feels like she belongs somewhere for the first time in her life, and realizes that you don't always need a plan - sometimes life steers you where you're meant to be.

    Life is wonderful, an endless string of blue sky days, until Nicholas is diagnosed with cancer, and life changes once again for Emma in ways she never thought possible. Now it's time for her to help Nicholas the way he's helped her. Emma will have to use her new-found strength, and discover along the way if love really is enough to get you through.


    June 27th is the 20th anniversary of my dad’s death from leukemia. For a long time I’ve wanted to honour him in some way, and I thought having the relaunch of Blue Sky Days, a book that was partly inspired by him, would be the perfect tribute. My dad was a wonderful man—smart, funny, kind, and loyal. He was an amazing father, husband, brother, and friend. Even before he died, I knew I wanted to be a writer, and he would listen to my crazy made-up stories with the patience of a saint.

    From the 27th-30th of June, half the proceeds from all sales of Blue Sky Days will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. If you already own a copy, maybe you’d consider buying the book for a friend or family member? Or buying another copy from a different retailer (like Smashwords, which offers the book in every format)?

    I greatly appreciate the support of the online reading/writing community for helping me honour my dad.



    Thanks to eight incredible sponsors, there's a huge blitz-wide giveaway! There will be three (3) $20 PayPal cash prizes. Three chances to win - not too shabby, huh? This giveaway is open internationally to people aged 18+ who can accept PayPal cash.


    Jessica @ Thoughts at One in the Morning
    Follow Jessica on Twitter

    Author Molli Moran @ Books and Whimsy
    Like Molli's Facebook page

    Patricia Lynne
    Follow Patricia on Twitter

    Mickey @ I’m a Book Shark
    Follow Mickey on Twitter

    Rachelia @ Bookish Comforts
    Follow Bookish Comforts via email or BlogLovin'

    Tana Rae Reads
    Follow Tana's blog

    Tana @ A Diva a Day!
    Follow A Diva a Day!

    Jess @ Jess Time to Read
    Like Jess's Facebook page

    a Rafflecopter giveaway






    Marie has always been a daydreamer; since early childhood she's had a passion for words and a desire to create imaginary worlds, so it only seemed natural for her to become a writer. She resides in Ontario, Canada, and most days you can find her writing, reading, blogging about writing and reading, listening to U2, watching copious amounts of TV on DVD, or having grand adventures with her nephews and niece. She's a hopeless romantic, an unapologetic eavesdropper (occupational hazard), an equally unapologetic squeeing fangirl, and a lover of swoonworthy book and TV characters. For more on Marie and her books please visit http://sweetmarie-83.blogspot.ca. She also loves to chat with fellow book lovers, so feel free to tweet her @SweetMarie83 any time.

    Find Marie online: {Blog || Twitter || Facebook || GoodReads || Instagram}

    ~*~

    And now...

    For a little something I like to call a blast from the past...

    I was updating my status on Goodreads while I was beta reading Blue Sky Days when I noticed something that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.


    Two and a half years later and not only have both Molli and I have read everything she writes, we still feel the same about BSD!

    Jessica

    Thursday, June 26, 2014

    Review: A Night with the Bride by Kate McKinley

    Title: A Night With The Bride
    Author: Kate McKinley
    Published:  March 4th 2014
    Source: Copy given by author for honest review
    Genre: Historical Romance
    Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
    Add to your Goodreads shelf
    Caution: May contain spoilers
    While at a lavish house party, Gabriella Weatherfield confidently bets her friends that she can convince the "unseducible" Duke of Somerset to kiss her. But Gabriella's innocent wager turns wicked when faced with the duke's intense blue eyes and talented hands.

    Nicholas Montgomery usually strives to stay away from society, yet there's no denying Gabriella's wild beauty or the way she makes him want to lose control for once. Will the fire between them burn out when Gabriella uncovers the inner demons haunting Nicholas?

    My Thoughts:

    You know how much I love novellas, right? They're short and sometimes can still be quite sweet. In this one, there could have been more to it, but I felt it was enough to make for a good story.

    The whole idea of Gabriella trying to seduce Nicholas just makes me want to giggle like mad. I love those kind of plots--a woman stepping out of character to be someone more daring. And the characters weren't one-dimensional, they had their faults, and there was depth to go along with their romance. Which is a nice change of pace when it comes to stories that are mostly romantic.

    A Night With the Bride may be short but it is a nice little story. I am intrigued enough to pick up Kate McKinley's other books in this series at some point. Possibly soon!

    My Rating:

    Wednesday, June 25, 2014

    Book Blitz: Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters Collection


    Welcome to the Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters Collection blitz!

    ~*~


    Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters Collection
    Eight Fun Romantic Novels by Eight Bestselling Authors
    Publication date: June 24th 2014
    Genres: Romance
    EIGHT full-length FUN, Romantic Novels by Eight Bestselling Authors

    An all-star collaboration by some of today's most popular New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and B&N bestselling authors. From the funny & sweet to the steamy & heartfelt, this collection has EIGHT full-length FUN, romantic love stories hand-picked to bring a smile to your face this summer. This is a limited edition collection available until July only so get your copy today!

    At just ***99 CENTS*** for over 1,800+ pages, that's a huge SAVINGS of over 95% off retail for the individual novels sold separately!

    THE BOXED SET INCLUDES:
    -- ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE -- USA Today Bestselling Author Marilyn Brant
    -- FINDING THE RIGHT GIRL -- New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Violet Duke
    -- SWEET TO YOU -- B&N, iBooks & Amazon Bestselling Author Jessie Evans
    -- UNAFRAID -- USA Today Bestselling Author Melody Grace
    -- LOVE LOVE -- Amazon Bestselling Author Beth Michele
    -- TEMPTING LOVE -- Amazon Bestselling Author Melanie Shawn
    -- NOT OVER YOU -- New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Marquita Valentine
    -- GETTING OUT OF HAND -- And in her indie debut, Amazon & Samhain bestselling author, Erin Nicholas w/a never before published novel from her brand new Sapphire Falls series

    INDIVIDUAL BOOK DESCRIPTIONS:

    ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAEbyUSA Today Bestselling Author Marilyn Brant--A shy dessert cookbook writer reconnects with her longtime crush--an ex-football star turned businessman--when they run an ice cream shop together. 


    FINDING THE RIGHT GIRLbyNY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Violet Duke--Tessa Daniels has no ideawhyshe told her friend's brother she was some sort of fling expert. She's never been flung before and she sure as heck doesn't know where or how to begin flinging a guy like Brian Sullivan. The man's got the body of a football god straight off a billboard, as many skeletons in the closet as she does, and worst of all, he's got her thinking of the one thing she stopped letting herself hope for years ago. A happily-ever-after. 

    SWEET TO YOUbyiTunes & Barnes and Noble Bestselling Author Jessie Evans--Where there's smoke, there's fire... When s'mores and whiskey shots lead to skinny-dipping at a singles' camping retreat, Maddie Whitehouse knows she won't be able to resist another steamy encounter with the sexy firefighter her childhood friend, Jamison, has become...even if he is off limits. 

    UNAFRAIDbyUSA Today Bestselling Author Melody Grace--Brittany Ray's learned the hard way that some dreams aren't meant for girls like her. Handsome, charming Hunter Covington is one of those dreams. Years ago, they shared one life-changing night together, but Brit walked away before he could break her heart. Now Hunter's back in Beachwood Bay, their reckless passion can't be ignored. But will dark secrets tear apart their new beginning? 

    LOVE LOVEbyAmazon Bestselling Author Beth Michele-- Gabrielle Willis is smart. She's funny. And oh yes, she's a bit klutzy.  But she's also running.  When she meets Brad Dixon, the sweet guy with the crooked smile, can he make her see that the very thing she is trying to run from is the very thing that just may push her to see the light? 

    GETTING OUT OF HAND, the brand new novel bySamhain Bestselling Author Erin Nicholas--Genius scientist Mason Riley can cure world hunger, impress the media and piss off the Vice President of the United States all before breakfast. But he's not sure he can get through his high school class reunion.  Then he meets the new girl in town.  Adrianne Scott loves the sleepy little town of Sapphire Falls--the perfect place to open her candy shop and live a quiet, drama-free life. Until Mason Riley bids four hundred dollars just to dance with her. 

    TEMPTING LOVEbyAmazon Bestselling Author Melanie Shawn-- Haley Sloan knows exactly what she wants out of life. With her designer lingerie business booming, her career is moving forward, but her heart is still in the same place it had been for four long years...hopelessly in love with the former wild boy turned responsible adoring father, Eddie Thomas. Will this self-sacrificing single father finally realize that accepting his love for Haley may be just what his little girl needs to get the family they both deserve?  

    NOT OVER YOUbyNY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Marquita Valentine--Summer Holland is set on one thing--convincing her childhood sweetheart *and* local preacher's son, Gabriel Edwards, to marry her so she can get back the daughter she gave up for adoption. She's always been able to count on him rescuing her when she needed it most, but this time is different... there's a new woman in Gabriel's life. Only, Summer's not going to let that get in her way. 


    CONNECT WITH THE AUTHORS ON FACEBOOK 

    USA Today Bestselling AuthorMarilyn Brant 
    New York Times & USA Today Bestselling AuthorViolet Duke 
    Amazon, iBooks, and B&N Bestselling AuthorJessie Evans 
    USA Today Bestselling AuthorMelody Grace 
    Amazon Bestselling AuthorBeth Michele 
    Amazon & Samhain Bestselling Author Erin Nicholas 
    Amazon Bestselling AuthorMelanie Shawn 
    NY Times & USA Today Bestselling AuthorMarquita Valentine



    Purchase:

    ~*~


    ~*~

    REVIEWS (these are for the 4 books w/ no photo quote – to keep ‘em even): 


    "Violet Duke made me laugh and cry in this incredible romance.  One of the best I've read this year.  Emotionally charged with wonderful characters, I just couldn't stop reading until the very last page!"
     -- New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author J.S. Scotton Violet Duke's FINDING THE RIGHT GIRL  "A refreshing, whimsical voice in romance!" -- New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips on Marquita Valentines's NOT OVER YOU 

    "You'll want to read it for the humor and great characters and a plot that's sure to leave you smiling." -- Romantic Times Book Reviewson Marilyn Brant's ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE   

    "I cannot recommend this book enough. The character interactions are intense, uplifting, and sizzling.Eddie and Haley's chemistry is absolutely through the roof and written to perfection. A truly magnificent read." -- Talking BooksReview Blog on Melanie Shawn's TEMPTING LOVE 
    ~*~

    Giveaway:

    Blitz-wide giveaway

    --Winner's choice between Kindle Fire HD, Nook HD Tablet, or Samsung Galaxy Tab (INTL)
    --8 surprise prizes from each of the authors included in this collection (Some are INTL, some are US only - will be specified on Rafflecopter beside each prize)

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    ~*~

    http://xpressobooktours.com/

    Jessica