Saturday, February 28, 2015

Thoughts on Thoughts (or what would YOU like to see on Thoughts At One In The Morning)


Hello all!

I've been doing some thinking (this place IS called Thoughts At One In The Morning after all), and I'd like to see what YOU guys want to see more of on this blog.

  • Do you enjoy the reviews?
  • Like reading about new releases?
  • Do you like 50+ book deals?
  • Do you want more articles on being a blogger/reviewer?
  • Would you like to see some Top Ten posts related to reading/writing/reviewing?
  • Do you want some fun content?
  • Less of something? More of something? Something else entirely???

I'm just super curious. I haven't really been adding much content in the last couple years due to working full-time, but since my life has changed a little bit with the outside of the home job, I want to start putting forth more of an effort for you guys. What makes you want to come back here? I'd like to expand my postings to a lot more than just blitzes and reviews. I love the blitzes, especially when they feature my favorite authors, but they shouldn't be the only thing holding this blog together.

So let me have it! What do you want to see on Thoughts? Tell me in the comments!!!

Jessica

Friday, February 27, 2015

Write On Review-a-Thon! (Take Six!): Friday - #reviewathon

Write On Review-a-Thon

Hello everybody! I found something AMAZING. It's called the Write On Review-a-thon! It's hosted by Brianna at The Book Vixen.

I'm going to shoot for reviewing EIGHT books altogether. I don't think I have any that need formatting this time around. I've been pretty diligent about keeping up with those. ^_^

* = NetGalley, Edelweiss, or review book
~ = Book that takes priority for posting next month
  = Completed 
Italicized = Books I need to review this time around



REVIEW LIST:

  1. Changing His Game by Justine Elvira
  2. Slade by Victoria Ashley
  3. Seven by Claire Kent ~
  4. Hothouse Flower by Krista & Becca Ritchie
  5. Stripping the Billionaire by Noelle Adams
  6. Wild Temptation by Emma Hart
  7. The Wedding Favor by Cara Connelly
  8. One Night of Scandal (After Hours #2) by Elle Kennedy ~
  9. Playing Doctor by Jan Meredith ~
  10. One Night of Sin (After Hours #1) by Elle Kennedy ~
  11. Taste by Cambria Hebert ~
  12. Being Neighborly: a novella by Carey Heywood ~
  13. Finding Cinderella (Hopeless #2.5) by Colleen Hoover
  14. From Fake to Forever by Kat Cantrell *
  15. Lost and Found by Ember Casey ~
  16. Their Wicked Wedding by Ember Casey * 
  17. Hope Burns (Hope #3) by Jaci Burton
  18. Kiss the Sky by Krista & Becca Ritchie 
  19. Calling California (Hunter Hill University #1) by J.P. Grider *
  20. Mending Michael (Hunter Hill University #2) by J.P. Grider *
  21. Still Me (20Something #3) by Amy Patrick *
  22. Crushed (Redemption #2) by Lauren Layne * 
  23. One Night with her Roommate by Noelle Adams ~
  24. An Indecent Proposal by J.C. Reed and Jackie S. Steele *
  25. Breaking Noah by Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne *

FINISHED:

  1. One Night of Sin (After Hours #1) by Elle Kennedy posted to Goodreads
  2. One Night of Scandal (After Hours #2) by Elle Kennedy posted to Goodreads
  3. Seven by Claire Kent posted to Goodreads
  4. Playing Doctor by Jan Meredith posted to Goodreads


~*~


Of the ones I've done so far, I've posted them to Goodreads, so you can see the review when you click the link next to the book. Most of the reviews will be shared on the blog in the coming weeks.

How's your reviewing going this weekend? How many have you written so far?

Jessica

Tasty Virtual Book Tour and Review: Garrett: Cold Fury # 2 by Sawyer Bennett


Welcome to the Garrett by Sawyer Bennett book tour!

~*~

Title: Garrett
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Published: February 17th 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers
Carolina Cold Fury star Garrett Samuelson never wants to miss out on a single minute of fun. Whether he’s playing hockey, hanging out with friends, or walking the red carpet with a new date on his arm, he lives every day to the fullest. When he meets Olivia Case, he sees someone who’s exactly his type—confident, sexy, smart . . . his next fling. But the more he pursues her, the more Garrett shares a side of himself that other women don’t normally get to see.

Olivia has been keeping a secret. While Garrett lives for the next thrill, Olivia’s not sure she’ll live to see the next day. She’s undergoing treatment for some serious medical issues, and she doesn’t have time for a relationship with no guarantees—especially one with a hot-as-sin womanizer who won’t take no for an answer. But as she gets to know the real Garrett, Olivia can’t help falling for him . . . hard. To reveal the truth would mean risking everything—but you can’t score without taking the tough shots.

My Thoughts:

It is absolutely insane how amazing this book is! I read the first book in the Cold Fury series, Alex, and completely fell for both Alex and Sutton. It was a sweet story... but oh my god... Garrett and Olivia's story was BEAUTIFUL. Beautiful squared times ten and romantic times infinity.

When Garrett first spots Olivia, he's taken by her immediately. She's not one to just fall for his sugared words, though, which is smart considering Garrett's track record. But to him, Olivia is different. He begins wanting more than just one night with her. And since Olivia just got diagnosed with cancer, she thought that maybe she could live in the moment. When Garrett shows her he wants more, it scares her. But he wants to prove to her that it's worth the risk, that no matter what, they need to take this shot.

Garrett was one of the most captivating and emotional books I've read, and I loved every single minute of it. I found myself sucked into this story--the romance, the heartache, the love. I even ended up crying as I neared the end. I was so touched by this story, I could seriously read it ten times and not get sick of it. Sawyer Bennett equals all kinds of awesome and I don't think I'll ever come across a book of hers that I don't like.

My Rating:


~*~




Author Info 
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.
Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series. She will be releasing her second book in the Cold Fury Hockey Series with Random House Loveswept, February 2015.

Excerpt

My eyes scan around, looking for Alex and Sutton, my dirty joke practically burning on the tip of my tongue to get out.

And that’s when I see her.

Holy fuck, is she gorgeous.

Tall and willowy, with long hair in the most unusual shade of caramel I’ve ever seen. I can’t tell what color her eyes are from this distance. She’s standing by herself, delicately sipping a glass of wine, and before I know it . . . my feet are moving and my body is following, in her direction.

She’s glancing around at the other partygoers with interest, a slight smile on her face and her foot tapping on the ground to the beat of the music that is playing in the background. I scan my eyes down her body before she sees me, noting the long white skirt she’s wearing that hangs almost to the ground, with a wide, brown leather belt cinched around a narrow waist. She has on a white shirt that hangs off both of her sun-kissed shoulders, revealing just a tiny shadow of cleavage.

Absolutely beautiful . . . in a fresh, bohemian sort of way.

When I get no more than five feet from her, her eyes slide to mine and she gives me a cautiously welcoming smile.

“I don’t think we’ve met before,” I tell her as I stick my hand out. “I’m Garrett Samuelson.”

She accepts my hand, and although the bones in her hand look fine and delicate, she gives me a firm grip and a tinkling laugh, “Of course I know who you are. Star right winger for the Cold Fury. Everyone who is a hockey fan knows you. I’m Olivia Case.”

Her smile is wide and open, revealing perfectly straight teeth cushioned by lips that would make Angelina Jolie break down in a fit of jealousy. Holy shit . . . they are perfect. Just the most perfect set of lips I think I’ve ever seen.

Now that I’m closer to her, I notice that her hair is an actual riot of colors, with big, thick chunks of amber, honey, and chocolate streaks. Her eyes are a mossy green and she’s sporting the sexiest little diamond pierced through one nostril.

Putting on my most dazzling smile, which I know for a fact pops my killer dimples, I can’t help but hit her with brutal honesty. “I’m sorry . . . but you are one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.”

It’s true. That is not a pickup line, although if it gets her in my bed . . . score!

She chuckles and flutters her lashes at me. “Pretty lame, Samuelson.”

“I’m dead serious,” I tell her in a low voice. “You’re stunning, and I just had to tell you that. But now . . . sadly, since you think that was a cheesy pickup line, I will just be on my way. It was a pleasure to meet you, Olivia.”

I turn away from her, but her hand immediately shoots out and rests on my wrist . . . just as I expected. I can tell she’s not one to turn down a challenge. “Wait a minute, tiger. If that was a true sentiment, then thank you.”

Turning around, I give her a grin. “So, I can stay for a while in your magnificent presence?”

Olivia throws her head back and laughs, her eyes lit from within, and I notice large, sparkling gold hoops in her ears, adding to the overall gypsylike allure of this woman.

“Only if you lay off the cheesy lines,” she says.


Giveaway

Rafflecopter Giveaway ($25.00 eGift Card to Choice Book Seller and Loveswept Mug)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


AND a Cold Fury Hockey Jersey

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Jessica

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Review: Courting Trouble by Kimberly Dean

Title: Courting Trouble
Author: Kimberly Dean
Published: November 27th 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers
When times get tough, how bad does a good girl have to get?

Sienna Blakely is bright, articulate, underemployed and forced to rely on the one asset she vowed never to use – her looks.

With bills piling up, Sienna signs a contract with Luxxor Escort Services. A contract that strictly forbids any sexual contact with clients… And then she’s assigned to companion Jason Sloan. Just meeting the man causes a full-body jolt. Arrogant, powerful, and sexy, he’s trouble. And he can see through the facade she’s erected, right down to the intelligent and sensual woman underneath. He challenges her wits, and he challenges the rules.

My Thoughts:

I was seriously impressed with this book! I wasn't sure what I'd be heading into when I picked it up, if it would be completely ridiculous as some of these tend to be. But by the end I was completely enthralled with Sienna and Jason and their relationship.

The attraction between Sienna and Jason is intense, you can feel it sizzling through the pages as you're reading it. It's not just on the surface or superficial either, it goes deeper than that. Sienna's a smart girl, and it shows, which draws Jason in even more. Even though it's strictly business, the spark is definitely there, and you're pulled in by it just as much as they are. And talk about a steamy first kiss! Yowza!

Courting Trouble is immensely hot and insanely amazing. It was sweet, it was sexy, it was captivating. I had trouble staying away for too long. I am very interested in reading more of what Kimberly Dean has to offer!

My Rating:

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Release Day Blitz: An Indecent Proposal by J.C. Reed and Jackie S. Steele


Welcome to the Release Day Blitz for An Indecent Proposal by J.C. Reed and Jackie S. Steele!


An Indecent Proposal
by 
J.C. Reed & Jackie Steele

Release date: February 23rd, 2015
It was supposed to be easy.

Hire a professional actor to play my fake fiancé.

But when he steps in front of my door to pick me up for The Interview, my heart stops. Chase Wright is perfect. And hot. I mean like, burn up your dress hot. However, Chase isn't professional at all. I hate what he does to me with his sinfully sexy blue eyes. I hate that he wants me in his bed.

One month…that’s all I need him for. All I have to do is stay out of his bed. But the rules slowly begin to change. My fake fiancé suddenly becomes my fake husband. When Chase offers me an indecent proposal, it's too late to fire him. It's too late to decline.

Full-length novel. Includes free prequel novella THAT GUY.

Buy An Indecent Proposal:

Connect with J.C. Reed:
  Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Connect with Jackie Steele
  Website | Facebook | Twitter

455d6-goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47



GIVEAWAY (open worldwide)

$50 Amazon Gift Card & signed print copy


a Rafflecopter giveaway



EXCERPT

Worldwide, print and ebook

Jessica

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

More Than 50 Awesome Book Deals under $5! #bookdeals #NAlit #newreleases (Take 2)


I've decided to start up the 50 book deals under $5 again! Well... it's more than 50, but that's still okay with you, right? I thought so. :) Anyways, I'm going to make this a regular thing on the blog, try to do it once a month if I can. Because who doesn't love a good deal?

Please note: These books are the prices as listed at the time this post is published. Prices are subject to change at any given time, so please double check that the price is the same before you one-click. ^_^


So, have at it, party people!

~*~


FREE











$0.99















$1.99









$2.99










$3.49-$3.99









$4.99




~*~

Disclaimer: Thoughts At One In The Morning is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Jessica

Review: The Millionaire's Deception by Wendy Byrne

Title: The Millionaire's Deception
Author: Wendy Byrne
Published: February 23rd 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers
He always wins. And she never gives up...
Rafe McCall has a reputation as the Closer. He rakes in serious cash to make deals happen. Convincing small restaurant owner Frankie Ritacco to sell his business for property development should have been a piece of cake. So Rafe blows into Wilcox, Iowa on his Harley, convinced the deal is all but done. But he is so, so wrong...
For starters, “Frankie” is a woman. A stunning, stubborn woman who wants to preserve her idyllic small town. The Crossroads Café is a family legacy Frankie plans to leave to her future children, and there is no way she's selling—even to a sexy millionaire who makes her heart race. But her café is in serious trouble, and Rafe must decide if he can close the deal...or if he's found the deal breaker of a lifetime.

My Thoughts:

The Indulgence line at Entanged always has very interesting stories. This little tale from Wendy Byrne took a little bit for me to get into, but by the end I did enjoy it.

Rafe and Frankie start out as friends and it slowly develops into more. At first it's all about getting the deal done, but as time goes on it's hard for Rafe to finish the job. He's gotten himself so invested in what he has with Frankie. Unfortunately, the reason why he's there will make all the difference when Frankie finds out. Will she be able to forgive him?

The Millionaire's Deception was a sweetie of a story. You can really get a sense of their feelings for each other the further you get into the story. I loved all of Frankie's friends--they were awesome! Rafe and Frankie together was a wonderful combination--their friendship and when they were more than friends.

My Rating:

Monday, February 23, 2015

Write On Review-a-Thon! (Take Six!) #reviewathon

Write On Review-a-Thon

Hello everybody! I found something AMAZING. It's called the Write On Review-a-thon! It's hosted by Brianna at The Book Vixen. You know you're probably in the same boat--behind on reviews--so you should sign up with me here and we can do a nice little review blitz this coming weekend together.

I'm going to shoot for reviewing EIGHT books altogether. I don't think I have any that need formatting this time around. I've been pretty diligent about keeping up with those. ^_^

* = NetGalley, Edelweiss, or review book
~ = Book that takes priority for posting next month
Italicized = Books I need to review this time around


REVIEW LIST:

  1. Changing His Game by Justine Elvira
  2. Slade by Victoria Ashley
  3. Seven by Claire Kent ~
  4. Hothouse Flower by Krista & Becca Ritchie
  5. Stripping the Billionaire by Noelle Adams
  6. Wild Temptation by Emma Hart
  7. The Wedding Favor by Cara Connelly
  8. One Night of Scandal (After Hours #2) by Elle Kennedy ~
  9. Playing Doctor by Jan Meredith ~
  10. One Night of Sin (After Hours #1) by Elle Kennedy ~
  11. Taste by Cambria Hebert ~
  12. Being Neighborly: a novella by Carey Heywood ~
  13. Finding Cinderella (Hopeless #2.5) by Colleen Hoover
  14. From Fake to Forever by Kat Cantrell *
  15. Lost and Found by Ember Casey ~
  16. Their Wicked Wedding by Ember Casey * 
  17. Hope Burns (Hope #3) by Jaci Burton
  18. Kiss the Sky by Krista & Becca Ritchie 
  19. Calling California (Hunter Hill University #1) by J.P. Grider *
  20. Mending Michael (Hunter Hill University #2) by J.P. Grider *
  21. Still Me (20Something #3) by Amy Patrick *
  22. Crushed (Redemption #2) by Lauren Layne * 
  23. One Night with her Roommate by Noelle Adams ~
  24. An Indecent Proposal by J.C. Reed and Jackie S. Steele *
  25. Breaking Noah by Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne *


So, are you going to join me? You totally should! Because... it's the perfect motivational tool to get the reviews done... seriously. JOIN ME TODAY....

Jessica