Blogger Girl - New Cover & Review

 BOOK BLURB

What happens when your high school nemesis becomes the shining star in a universe you pretty much saved? Book blogger Kimberly Long is about to find out.

A chick lit enthusiast since the first time she read Bridget Jones's Diary, Kim, with her blog, "Pastel is the New Black," has worked tirelessly by night to keep the genre alive, and help squash the claim that "chick lit is dead" once and for all. Not bad for a woman who by day ekes out a meager living as a pretty, and pretty-much-nameless, legal secretary in a Manhattan law firm.

While Kim's day job holds no passion for her, the handsome (and shaving challenged) associate down the hall is another story. Yet another story is that Hannah Marshak, one of her most hated high school classmates, has now popped onto the chick lit scene with a hot new book that's turning heads--and pages--a cross the land. It's also popped into Kim's inbox--for review. With their ten-year high school reunion drawing near, Kim's coming close to combustion over the hype about Hannah's book. And as everyone around her seems to be moving on and up, she begins to question whether being a "blogger girl" makes the grade in her off-line life.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon US * Amazok UK * B&N * iTunes

Review by Marlene Engel

Kim Long is a legal secretary at a Manhattan law firm, but her true passion is being a blogger for her book blog, Pastel Is The New Black.  Any free moment she gets, you can find Kim reading a book or writing up a review.  She loves the benefit of reading books before they’re published and regularly gets e-mails requesting that she review a book.  When she receives a message requesting a review for a book by new author, Hannah Marshak, Kim is less than eager to not only respond, let alone review the book.  Kim has known Hannah since they were kids and Hannah has always been less than kind to Kim.  Their ten year high school reunion is coming up.  Is it a coincidence that she received this request now?  Kim thinks not!

As if dealing with the drama that is sure to come with seeing Hannah at the reunion isn’t enough, Kim is also battling her own inner struggle at work.  Every time she is near Nicholas, an attorney at the law firm, her cheeks begin to flush and her heart does a little flutter.  The mixed signals that she gets from him doesn’t help the matter.  One minute she spies him out to lunch with a beautiful co-worker and the next minute he’s asking her if she would like to meet up for drinks.  Kim is so taken by Nicholas that she’s even willing to give up her ex-boyfriend/bootie call, Jonathan, for a chance at seeing what could possibly be with Nicholas.  Come join Kim and her fun group of friends as they band together over bullies from the past and potential new loves of the future!

Blogger Girl is such a fun book.  Being a book blogger myself, I can relate to Kim, her passion for chick lit and the perks that come with owning your own blog.  I just loved her fun group of friends too and the bond that they share.  I think everyone should have a core group of friends that you can always turn to no matter what.  I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others.  It’s a book that many can relate to (even if you aren’t a blogger).  

About the Author:

A born and bred New Yorker, Meredith Schorr discovered her passion for writing when she began to enjoy drafting work-related emails way more than she was probably supposed to, and was famous among her friends for writing witty birthday cards. After trying her hand writing children’s stories and blogging her personal experiences, Meredith found her calling writing “real” chick lit for real women.  When she is not hard at work on her next novel, Meredith spends her days as a trademark paralegal.  She is a loyal New York Yankees fan and an avid runner. Meredith is the author of three published novels, Just Friends with Benefits, A State of Jane and Blogger Girl as well as the Real Chick Lit for Real Chicks Box Set. Her fourth novel will be published in late 2014. To learn more, visit her at www.meredithschorr.com.

 Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Taken By Love - Review & Giveaway

Taken By Love

The Braden’s Series Book 7

By: Melissa Foster

Releasing June 9^th, 2014

Blurb

TAKEN BY LOVE is the first of six hot, wealthy, and wickedly naughty Braden cousins, and the newest additions to the BRADEN series by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster.

Daisy Honey fled Trusty, Colorado, after years of battling rumors sparked by her gorgeous looks and lust-inducing name. Now a physician on the brink of a promising career, she reluctantly returns home when her father is injured in a farming accident. Daisy expects the small-town girls who hurt her in the past to take cheap shots again—but she’s completely unprepared for a run-in with tall, dark, and wickedly sexy Luke Braden, the only man who has ever stood up for her—and the man she’s never forgotten.

Luke Braden is handsome, wealthy, and the best damn gypsy horse breeder in the Midwest. After a restless youth, he’s finally ready to settle down—only connecting with women is nothing like connecting with horses, and he’s never met a woman worth the energy. After an arrest in a neighboring town, Luke’s past comes back to haunt him, and he realizes that his inability to find love runs deeper than he ever imagined.

A chance encounter sweeps Luke and Daisy into a world of passion. For the first time ever, Luke feels a connection, but Daisy’s life in Trusty is anything but permanent, and Luke can’t manage a future until he puts his past to rest.

Purchase the book at:

Amazon * B&N * iTunes

Review by Marlene Engel

For Dr. Daisy Honey, growing up in Trusty, Colorado was a time that she’s more than happy to put behind her.  Because of her unique name and gorgeous looks, she became the target of vicious rumors.  So it’s no surprise that she took the first opportunity she could to move away from the town that had caused so much pain.  But when her father gets hurt, she is forced to return to Trusty and the people she was hoping to leave behind.   

While in town, she bumps into tall, dark and sexy Luke Braden.  He has never been far from her mind and she has fond memories of the way he stood up for her when no one else would.  But his checkered past and recent run in with the law has her seeing yellow!  She knows that her time in Trusty is limited and getting too close to Luke may not be the best decision to make.  Not to mention it will only fuel the rumors that she worked so hard to extinguish. 

But the longer she stays in town, the more she realizes how dire Trusty is in need of a town physician.  When she discovers that many people are driving almost an hour away to see a doctor, and some patients are skipping appointments altogether, she’s torn between leaving town and staying to help the people who made her childhood a living hell.

What I love about this book is that it wasn’t your typical romance novel.  It had deeper elements about bullying and domestic abuse that was brilliantly incorporated into the story.  It had you rooting for Daisy one minute and then swooning over Luke the next.  This is one of those books that you won’t be able to put down and you will be thinking about long after you finish the last page.

About the Author:

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"-- Bestselling Author Jennie Shortridge

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately. This is psychological suspense at its most chilling. I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked."  International bestseller, M.J. Rose 

Melissa Foster is an award-winning, International bestselling author. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * My social network for women * World Literary Café * Fostering Success * Facebook (Fanpage) * Goodreads 

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Crazy In Love Series - Book Cover Re-Reveal & Giveaway

Jennifer Zane -
Crazy In Love Series Book Cover Re-Reveal

Book Blurbs:

Waiting: Crazy In Love Series - Book 1

Once you get the zing you can't go back.

Jane West has everything a woman could want. A job in a small Montana town's only adult store, two busy young boys and one dead husband. She's been waiting--for a little zing. That all changes one summer morning at a garage sale with her kids.

Now someone wants their garage sale find and will let nothing get in their way. Including Jane. This new excitement for Jane spells trouble for a relationship with new neighbor--and hot fireman--Ty Strickland. Can Jane and Ty handle a relationship meddling mother-in-law, crazy kids, and stay alive while trying to solve the garage sale mystery? Will their love be worth the wait?

Wanting - Crazy In Love Series – Book 2

Now on sale for .99!

Veronica Miller is a plumber on a mission—buy out her dad and the family business is finally hers. One big, handsome problem stands in her way. And it's not a clogged toilet.

Jack Reid is the boy she mooned over in high school. He's back in town, but he's no longer a boy. Ten years ago he broke her heart, skipped town and never came back. Now he's a big shot lawyer in Florida whose uncle feigned a health crisis to trick Jack into coming back into town.  Upon arrival Jack finds his uncle is gone, he's homeless, and forced to be roommates with the one woman he could never resist.

Jack discovers his lust hasn't cooled for the sexy Veronica, but neither has her heart forgiven him.  A sex-toy educational party, romance novel writing gone awry, Goldie's meddling, an escape artist snake, a strange stalker in a fluffy pink coat, a house fire, plumbing gone awry, bitter cold, and a smart-faced garden gnome all conspire to force Jack and Veronica to work through a decade of baggage, disappointment, wanting and unrequited lust while figuring out the mystery behind the stalker. 

Wondering – Crazy In Love Series – Book 3

Emma Hardy hasn’t been able to forget Sam Carter, or his incredible kiss in the elevator. Sadly, he rocked her world (and her libido), then calmly walked away, quit his job, and disappeared for two months. Not exactly the hot kiss follow-up she’d been hoping for. But Sam was busy making plans. And now, thanks to a glued-together gnome name George, a set of handcuffs, mistletoe, and a meddling adult store cupid disguised as aneccentric but innocent grandmother, Emma’s about to get the greatest Christmas gift of all…true love.

Wishing – Crazy In Love Series – Book 4 

Violet Miller is a teacher savoring her summer break until she’s been called in as emergency reinforcements—of the dating kind. She volunteers to help an old flame by pretending to be his girlfriend. In Alaska. At a family reunion. Since the guy is a handsome, lumberjack-sized doctor she’s never quite forgotten, faking a relationship won’t be hard work—while wishing for more.

Mike Ostranski is a desperate man on vacation. His mother wants grandchildren and sees a crazy Alaskan woman as a candidate for daughter-in-law. Mike needs Violet by his side to deflect the lady’s advances.

A week in Alaska as boyfriend and girlfriend should be easy for them. They grew up together, even had a brief fling. What could go wrong?

Everything.

Buy Links:

Waiting * Wanting Now on sale for .99! * Wondering * Wishing

About the Author:
Jennifer Zane has lived all over the country--from Georgia to Maryland, New York to Colorado. including an exciting five years in Montana. Her time in Big Sky country was the basis for this book. When she's not writing, she savors the insanity of raising two boys, is figuring out how many meals she can make with a pressure cooker, and teaches a pretty mean karate class. She currently lives with her family in Colorado.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * RomCom Promotions

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Cure For The Common Breakup - Review

About the book:

Flight attendant Summer Benson lives by two rules: Don’t stay with the same man for too long and never stay in one place. She’s about to break rule number one by considering accepting her boyfriend’s proposal—then disaster strikes and her world is shattered in an instant. Summer heads to Black Dog Bay, where the locals welcome her. Even Hattie Huntington, the town’s oldest, richest, and meanest resident, likes her enough to give her a job. Then there’s Dutch Jansen, the rugged, stoic mayor, who’s the opposite of her type. She probably shouldn't be kissing him. She definitely shouldn't be falling in love. After a lifetime of globe-trotting, Summer has finally found a home. But Hattie has old scores to settle and a hidden agenda for her newest employee. Summer finds herself faced with an impossible choice: Leave Black Dog Bay behind forever, or stay with the ones she loves and cost them everything...

Praise for the book:

“Beth Kendrick has reminded me once again exactly why I love her books so much. Cure for the Common Breakup is packed with humor, wit and a lot of heart.  A charming and exceptionally entertaining story!  I can’t recommend this book highly enough.”--Jane Porter, national bestselling author of The Good Wife

“Beth Kendrick has written a sharp, sassy, surprisingly emotional story that will make readers laugh out loud from page one and sigh from the heart at the end.  Light and lovely perfection!"--Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times bestselling author of The Barefoot Bay Series

“Utterly delightful! Summer Benson will charm and disarm her way into the hearts of readers as easily as she does the residents of Black Dog Bay.”--Meg Donohue, USA Today bestselling author of All the Summer Girls

  Amazon for Kindle *  Amazon for paperback

       Review by Marlene Engel

      As a flight attendant, Summer Benson is used to traveling the world.  She lives by the rules:  don’t stay with the same person or in the same place for too long.  However, she was considering breaking the first rule when her boyfriend unexpectedly breaks up with her and her world (literally) comes crashing down.  

      Needing to mend her broken spirit, Summer decides to hang up her wings and head to Black Dog Bay.  Known as the breakup mecca, Summer feels that it’s the perfect place to sit around eating ice cream and watching sappy movies.  What she doesn’t expect is to fall for the handsome and emotionally unavailable mayor, Dutch Jansen.  Many women in Black Dog Bay have tried to capture his heart, but no one has succeeded.  Until now? 

      Come take a ride with Summer as she discovers new places, people and herself!  So, sit back and buckle up.  You may be in for a bumpy ride!

      What I’ve always loved about Beth Kendrick’s books is that they never disappoint.  You know when you buy the book that it’s going to not only be worth every penny spent, but also a great read!  I have been anticipating the release of Cure For The Common Breakup and can honestly say that it was worth the wait.  Fun, flirty and fabulous!  This book is the perfect Summer read! 

About the author:

Beth Kendrick is the author of The Week Before the Wedding, The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service, and Nearlyweds, which was turned into a Hallmark Channel original movie. She lives in Arizona with her two rescue dogs, but she loves to vacation at the Delaware shore, where she goes to Funland, eats boardwalk fries, and wishes that the Whinery really existed.

Connect with the author

Facebook *  Twitter *  Website * Goodreads

BookBuzz, BEA & Giveaway

I had the pleasure of attending BookBuzz last week in New York City.  For those of you who are not familiar, BookBuzz is an event that allows readers to meet some of the hottest names in women’s fiction and is put together by Francine LaSala, Samantha Stroh Bailey and Meredith Schorr.  What excited me the most about attending was finally being able to meet several of the women that have become my close friends through our shared love of books.  It was a laid back atmosphere with old friends, new friends, books, food and drinks.  What was originally scheduled as a two hour event became more of a five hour party!  The time just flew by and we were all sad when it ended.  It’s an event that I won’t soon forget and look forward to attending next year!  And, of course, I made sure to pick up some books to giveaway here at Book Mama Blog!

The next day I attended BEA (BookExpo America).  Being my first time attending, I had no clue what to expect!  There were rows upon rows of everything books!  As a self-proclaimed book nerd (and lover of free things), I was beyond excited to snag a bunch of free books and swag!  When I say a bunch, it was literally two duffle bags full!  But don’t fret!  I am good at sharing and will be giving some of it away to you lucky people!

Another highlight of my time at BEA was when I was casually strolling along and what do I see?  Some larger than life, muscle clad, male romance book cover models.  Now, what kind of blogger would I be if I didn’t stop by, say hello and ask to take some pictures?  Of course this was not for my own pleasure but for the sake of the blog.  Okay, who am I kidding?  I was 100% thinking of myself and myself only when I stopped by their booth!  However, I am in the works of possibly having one of the alpha hunks stop by the blog and say hello!  And, who knows, we may just have a giveaway along with it!

Overall, my time in NYC for BookBuzz and BEA was a huge success.  It was a great time with amazing people.  I can’t express enough how much I love being a book blogger.  The people I’ve met are amazing, I have developed lifelong friendships and I love being able to share it all with you!

BookBuzz/BEA Giveaway!!!

Enter to win a bunch of books and swag from BookBuzz and BEA
(Open Internationally!!!)

Included are: Pecan Pie and Deadly Lies by Nancy Naigle (signed)

Finding Lucas by Samantha Stroh Bailey (signed)

A Kind of Mad Courage (Anthology) signed by KC Wilder, Samantha Stroh Bailey, Francine LaSala, Sheryn MacMunn, Julie Valerie and Diana Shafter Gliedman.

Between by Megan Whitmer (signed)

Love Struck by Chantel Guertin

This Is How I’d Love You by Hazel Woods

Paper Airplanes by Dawn O’Porter

The Fire Artist by Daisy Whitney

Plus a bunch of fun swag!!!

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Slope of Love - Review & Giveaway

SLOPE OF LOVE

Book Four, The Remingtons

Olympic gold medalist skiers Jayla Stone and Rush Remington have been best friends for years. They’ve seen each other at their best and worst and have kept each other’s secrets without fail.  Only there’s one secret Rush has kept close to his chest. After months of introspection, Rush realizes he’s been filling his bed but not tending to his heart. He’s changed his womanizing ways, and the only woman who can fill his heart has been right by his side all this time.

Years of intimate conversations and the sharing of hopes and dreams collide when Rush reveals his secret, and one toe-curling kiss changes everything between Rush and Jayla. They’re no match for the passion that kiss ignites, or the pull of true love. But being Rush’s best friend means knowing all about his revolving bedroom door—and Jayla has a secret of her own that could jeopardize her career and her relationship with Rush. Even their love may not be enough to overcome Rush’s past or secure Jayla’s future.

Purchase the book at:

iTunes * Smashwords * B&N

Review by Marlene Engel

Rush and Jayla, both competitive skiers, have been best friends for years.  But when Rush realizes that his feelings for Jayla have changed and sharing his bed with random women is no longer what he desires, he knows that he needs to confess his feelings to her.  But as his best friend, she also knows Rush’s history with women.  Will she be able to look beyond his past and see herself in his future?

But Jayla has a secret of her own.  A secret that could change the course of her future forever!  Although Rush suspects something, Jayla isn’t ready to open up about it to him … or anyone for that matter!  But will she confide in him before it’s too late?

Slope of love is the 13^th book in the Love in Bloom series.  Although it can be read as a stand-alone book, I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series to get the full appreciation of the characters and story.  I loved this book, but that should come as no surprise to anyone who follows my reviews/blog.  Melissa Foster is one of my all-time favorite authors.  Her books/characters/stories pull you in from the first page and holds you in until the end.  I highly recommend this book and all of the books in the Love in Bloom series.  If you are like me, you will leave each book with another “book boyfriend”.

About the Author:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Author Links

Website * Facebook * Twitter * My social network for women * World Literary Café * Fostering Success * Facebook (Fanpage) * Goodreads 

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The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe - Review

Review by Deb Czajkowski

Ellen’s grandmother has one dying request: Will Ellen personally deliver Gran’s handwritten letter to Chet?  For her beloved Gran, of course she will!  But who’s Chet?

Even when Ellen can’t locate Chet at the address Gran so helpfully provided, Ellen remains resolute in her commitment to Gran to personally hand the letter to Chet.  Mailing it to MIA Chet simply won’t do.

Thus begins Ellen’s journey of discovery.  Discoveries, actually.  Where is Chet?  Who really is he, and why has he been so important to Gran to prompt this eleventh-hour letter?  Who is Ruth Goddard, the youthful Gran with surprising secrets?  And how well does Ellen really know herself, including a family connection that goes far deeper than Ellen ever imagined?

The dramatic first chapter is enough to get you into the book.  Then the real mysteries start to surface, bit by bit, pulling you continuously farther into Ellen’s journey and into the book.  I couldn’t wait to read each new chapter, always eager to learn more about Gran and the secret life she took with her to the grave.  And with each new finding, to watch Ellen’s own life unfold, a story as sweet as, well, a handful of blueberries.

The author, Mary Simses, skillfully unfolds Gran’s story, and Ellen’s, while making you feel like you are along for the ride and a part of each conversation and discovery.  This book is both an easy and satisfying read.  I highly recommend it.

 Purchase the book at:

Amazon * Barnes&Noble

 About the Author:

I grew up in Darien, Connecticut and started writing stories when I was eight. I always loved to write but was too afraid I could never make a living as a fiction writer, so in college I majored in journalism. I worked in magazine publishing for a few years and then went back to school to become a lawyer. After I graduated from law school and began working as an attorney, I enrolled in an evening fiction writing class at a university in Connecticut, not far from where I was living. From then on, I was hooked. I wrote a lot "on the side," at night and on weekends, and managed to get several short stories published in literary magazines. Finally, I took the big leap and wrote a novel. I now live in South Florida with my husband, who is also my law partner, and our fifteen-year-old daughter, who is quite a writer herself.

Connect with the author at:

Website * Facebook * Goodreads