Beauty for Ashes

‘Beauty for Ashes’  by Dorothy Love is quite a leisurable an inspirational read. It reminds me that to have something better in life, sometimes, we need to leave what we already have behind in order to pursue for something better. We got to be brave, and be willing to leave our comfort zone for that. And sometimes, to get want we want, we need to turn deaf ears towards the scrutinizing society who more often than not, will condemn you for doing something out of ordinary.

The story is quite slow for me, but it’s an okay read. Highly recommended for people who wants an inspirational fiction. This book will remind us all that having faith in God’s plan can’t really be a bad thing as it always turns out better at the end of the day.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher via Booksneeze. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie Daly has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn’t quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff’s kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God’s promise to trade beauty for ashes.

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Forbidden Fantasies

Title: Forbidden Fantasies

Publisher:Carina Press

Pub Date: March 05, 2012

ISBN: 9781426893339

Author:Griffin, Jodie

Never before I’ve read an erotica that made me think. Most are trashy and rather distasteful. ‘Forbidden Fantasies’ by Jodie Griffin is not just your ordinary erotic read. No, not when there’s many issues in a marriage that has been brought up in her book. Definitely not ‘wham-bang and bye bye’ kind of book.

While there’s so many erotic and kinky things were written in this book, I found that I was attracted to the message the author is trying to deliver more than the sensual scenes. She touched quite a lot of things in this book, mainly open communication between spouses and fidelity, and bringing one’s marriage into a much more exciting heights.

How many of us married couples found our sex lives are rather predictable after being married for years to each other? How many of us husband and wives has been really open with each other in regards to sex? And how many of us has been really honest with each other about what we want, what we need, and what we would like to try with each other in bed?

I could completely relate to the heroine. Sometimes sex is quite a touchy subject and we wives are not always open and honest with our husband when it comes to the things we wanted to do in between the sheet. Most of us find it embarrassing to discuss such things with our husbands(or wives) in fear of being rejected, etc, and we could see such thing clearly through the heroine of this story, Jessica.

Many of us are afraid to be open with our spouses when it comes to sex. Most of us wants to bring our marriage to another height where we could be fully open with our spouses but could not bring ourselves to do it, and I suppose, picking up this book gives me some clue on how to start making my own marriage far more exciting than it’s already is.

‘Forbidden Fantasies’ is a dream come true for people like me…who have been married for quite some time and finds my sex life is rather mundane and predictable. Not only this book encourages couples to be more honest with their feelings with each other, but it’s pretty descriptive too. A gem, I must say. This is the first erotica that I’ve read twice… okay, okay… I’ve read it more than twice. I’ve read it three times in one sitting. It is mesmerizing, beautiful, sensual and very inspiring.

Thumbs up to the author for such a wonderful work. And for the first time in my life, I’ll give an erotica a gleaming 5 stars for being such a tasteful and inspiring read. Bravo, Ms. Griffin.

I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book. For more information on this title, please refer to the sites below:

Publisher Website : click here Author Website : click here

Author’s Facebook page: Jodie Griffin

Book description:

After fifteen years of marriage, Jessica Meyers’s sex life is, well, a little predictable. Her handsome husband turns her on, but missionary style once or twice a week? It just can’t compare to the hot new world she discovers in the pages of erotic romances. Her fantasies fuel the fire of her desire, adding a new spark to her and Alex’s lovemaking. But Jess is afraid to tell her husband what she really wants in bed-and her secrets start coming between them.

State trooper Alex Meyers is a master at uncovering the truth-except when it comes to his sweet, shy wife. She’s clearly keeping something from him. An affair? She wants out? When he finally confronts Jess, he’s shocked to learn she wants to turn her forbidden fantasies into nightly realities. But when he takes her to a unique B and B-Bondage and Breakfast-catering to couples and multiples, Alex is about to find out just how far he’ll go.

 

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Spellcaster

Title: Spellcaster

SubTitle:The Spellbound Series: Book 2

Publisher:Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinTEEN

Pub Date: March 27, 2012

ISBN: 9780373210503

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

I’ve been looking forward to this book. It’s the sequel of ‘Spellbound’. I believed I’ve reviewed it not long ago and found it very entertaining. The second book in this installment did not disappoint me and I’m glad that the author decided to write more about the characters. The story enchanted me and bewitched me that I wished that there’s more than just the first book.

I like how the author manipulate emotions and fears in this book. I daresay that in every relationship, couples face loads of issues like distrust and insecurities, and the couple in this story is no exception.

Spellbound is a really dark and yet captivating story that will bring you into the world of dark magic and love.

Wonderfully written, and if you enjoy a paranormal YA fic, this book is definitely for you. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received a digital ARC of this book from HarlequinTEEN via Netgalley. For more information on this book kindly refer to:

Harlequin’s Website : click here

Cara Lynn Shultz’s Website : click here

Book description:

Finding your eternal soul mate — easy.

Stopping a true-love-hungry evil — not so much…

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although…it’s not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a sixteen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain—especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close….

But something dark and hungry is using Emma’s and Brendan’s deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma’s crash course in überspells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own.

She’s found true love…but can she keep it?

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Blue Moon Promise

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble is a very inspiring read. I couldn’t help but admire the heroine’s determination and strength in trying to keep her family together. At some point, I would have thought that she will break down and give up, but she did not, and that, is very admirable.

I did not like the hero in the beginning, but I warmed up to him when he finally accepts his responsibiliy instead of finding his way out of it. You see, I like men who are responsible and is protective of his wife and his family instead of an undependable one.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, and I would recommend this book to those who enjoys a good, inspiring read. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher in exchange of an honest review. I was not required to write a positive erview for this book.

Book description:

Lucy Marsh’s worldly resources are running out, but she’s fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father’s recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Wichita Falls, Texas, where the man she came to marry seems surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to provide for.

Nate Stanton always hoped he’d marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate realizes he’d give anything to protect Lucy and the children he’s grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance and suspense…immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.

 

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Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss

Title:Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss

Publisher:Harlequin

Imprint:Harlequin Desire

Pub Date:March 06, 2012

ISBN:9780373731565

Author:Maya Banks

This book oozed with resentments and unforgiveness, something I find pretty refreshing, and while reading this book is quite a torture, I must say that I admire the heroine’s dynamic and enimagtic nature.

She starts off as a dreamer, who is passionate about everything, but build a wall around herself so that nobody could hurt her ever again when she discovered that she was betrayed in the worst way possible by the person whom she loves dearly.

I love how she makes it hard for the hero to redeem himself, and I love how persistent the hero is in regards of breaking the wall around her heart. A wonderful book to read. Be forewarned, though. This book is not really an easy read, and it will bring you on a emotional roller-coaster ride. I rate this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

No Man’s Bargaining Chip

Devon Carter was her first; now newly wed Ashley wants their passion to last. But her dreams of true love are crushed by the discovery that their marriage is another of Daddy’s business deals. Her strategy: act the part of perfect wife and make Devon love her.

But Devon misses the bubbly, no-holdsbarred woman his wife used to be. Who is this Ashley with the steely demeanor of a society wife? And will he find a way to rekindle the fire in her eyes…especially now that she’s pregnant?

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Goddess Interrupted

Title: Goddess Interrupted

SubTitle:The Goddess Test Series: Book II

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinTEEN

Pub Date:March 27, 2012

ISBN: 9780373210459

Author: Aimee Carter

My God, I can’t believe it! Another cliffhanger at the end of the story. I wish the author had some mercy, but apparently the author is a wicked witch who did nothing but hook me up with her story. I feel as if I was enchanted with an awful spell that does not allow me to put this book down until I’ve devoured every single pages of it til the end. Everyone is miserable, confused and angry in this book, but it didn’t turn me off like other books would have.

Quite a torture to read, but I guess when it comes to reading such an exciting story, I can be quite a sadist.

I wish there’s more in this book. I wish there’s happily ever after for all the miserable and tortured Gods and Goddess in this story… but I don’t think it’s going to happen anytime soon until the next installment of the series.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this book. It’s kinda refreshing. I rate this book 4 out 5 stars, and can’t wait for the next book.

I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

 

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Accidental Bride

Title: The Accidental Bride

Publisher:Thomas Nelson

Pub Date: January 03, 2012

ISBN: 9781595548023

Author: Denise Hunter

The heroine of this story have issues. Trust issues. I think I could relate to the heroine in this story. It is really hard to trust again when the one that you loved betrayed you and humiliate you in the worst way possible. Many would say that the heroine of this story is a stubborn fool for having fears of trusting, but I won’t exactly say that. When you’re hurt by the man that you trusted most and the man that you hoped to protect you from all worldly harm, you’ll do the same thing, you’ll build a wall, a fortress all around you so that you won’t ever get hurt again.It is not easy to trust again, even if you have forgiven their fault.

This book is really close to home, and at some point, I found myself nearly crying, for I could feel the heroine’s pain and distrust.

This book is a very inspirational read. If you ever feel heartbroken and feels as if you couldn’t trust anyone ever again, let this book remind you that even if the whole world has hurt you beyond healing, He is always faithful and by trusting God, you shall heal… in time.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from thomas Nelson Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

When a wedding reenactment turns real, this cowgirl suddenly finds she’s an accidental bride. Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite her hard work, she can’t seem to keep her head above water—and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but. Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high school sweetheart—the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit. Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busy body and an absent minded preacher, the wedding reenactment results in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she’ll lose her home. But if she accepts, she may lose her heart. Shay isn’t sure if the recent events are God’s will or just a preacher’s blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?

 

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I’ve Got Your Number

Title: I’ve Got Your Number

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group

Imprint: The Dial Press

Pub Date: February 14, 2012

ISBN: 9780385342063

I never liked chic-lit. They make me fall asleep, and my friends are definitely suprised when they discovered that I actually read chic-lit books. I was amused…but yes, I do read chic lit, especially Sophie Kinsella’s work whenever I feel stressed up or feels as if the world is crumbling beneath my feet.

Yups, Sophie Kindella’s work is usually the perfect medicine to de-stress; because of the predicament that she usually puts her herione in. Life… can’t get more worst than those situations her heroines are in.

Their life are usually perfectly happy and oblivious towards their problems until they are thrown into a mess and I usually find it amusing on how her heroines perserves throughout the entire ordeal.

I find this work of hers, ‘I’ve Got Your Number’ is not only funny, but I find it ironic and inspirational as well. A good read. I don’t always like Ms. Kinsella’s work, but this one is going to be one of my favourite besides ‘Twenties Girl’.

Would be a perfect and lovely read for the upcoming Valentine’s day. Heartwarming, funny, hillarious…it’s really a charming read. This is the kind of book you wouldn’t mind bringing with you when you’re relaxing in the bathtub, or leisuring by the poolside on a lazy summer day.

I highly recommend this book if you’re feeling down and in need of some heartwarming feelings, or when you feel that nothing in your world has gone right. This book…will embrace you with it’s warmth.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Random House Publishing Group via Netgalley. i was not required to write a positive review for this book, and I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

 

Book description:

I’ve lost it. 🙁 The only thing in the world I wasn’t supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It’s been in Magnus’s family for three generations. And now the very same day his parents are coming, I’ve lost it. The very same day! Do not hyperventilate, Poppy. Stay positive 🙂 !!

Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry her ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her “happily ever after” begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring in a hotel fire drill but in the panic that follows, her phone is stolen. As she paces shakily around the lobby, she spots an abandoned phone in a trash can. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!

Well, perfect except that the phone’s owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesn’t agree. He wants his phone back and doesn’t appreciate Poppy reading his messages and wading into his personal life.

What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other’s lives through emails and text messages. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls, and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents . . . she soon realizes that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.

 

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Stuck With You

Title: Stuck With You

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books

Pub Date: January 01, 2012

ISBN: 9781611940862

Author: Trish Jensen

This is one witty and hillarious read. I love the playful banter, teasing and the sexual tension between the characters in this story. This story may not be so believable if you’re in medical line, but this book is irresistibly funny. I enjoyed reading it very much and by the time I hit last few pages, i wish that the story did not just end there and there’s more of it.

Definitely a keeper, and I highly recommends this book to everyone who had just had a bad day. It will surely brighten up your day.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Bell Bridge Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

As lawyers on opposing sides of a messy divorce case, Paige Hart and Ross Bennett ought to have kept matters purely professional, yet Paige and Ross came to loathe each other with an intensity that was strictly personal. The bad blood between them takes on an unexpected new dimension when the infuriated pair is forced to share a hospital room, when they’re quarantined after being exposed to the rare and highly contagious Tibetan Concupiscence Virus that’s reputed to shift sensual desire into high gear.

When symptoms (which a nonmedical person might mistake for pure and simple lust) start showing up way ahead of schedule, the lawyers’ objections to each other are overruled — and they enjoy every minute of it. But, after the doctors declare that the disease has run its course, Paige and Ross are still feverish with a longing for one another that they hope will never be cured. When the verdict comes in, will they be sentenced to life — in love?

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Liar’s Guide to True Love

Title: Liar’s Guide to True Love

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: November 28, 2011

ISBN: 9781426892721

Author: Chen, Wendy

What I come to learn from this book is that we all should always be true to ourselves instead of going around lying to everyone and try to be what we’re not as at the end of the day, whatever lies you told will be out of the bag. It’s hard to be true to yourself and be yourself in this superficial world as there are many judgmental hypocrites out there who more often than not, judge you for your appearance and financial status.

Being a people pleaser is hard. You can’t please everyone and you might as well do something that will make yourself happy. And that’s something each and every one of us should take note of and keep reminding ourselves every day.

This book is insightful, and a wondeful read. Pure delight if you enjoy good humour and a good love story.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

Wedding planner Cassandra Hanley is in the business of making other people’s dreams come true. But for some reason, whenever she meets a potential mate of her own, she finds herself telling little (and not so little) white lies. She’s not trying to sabotage her relationships on purpose: as a people pleaser, she just naturally tells men what she thinks they want to hear.

When Cassandra meets Nick, she’s determined to be herself this time-until she learns he abhors weddings. So she recasts herself as an advertising exec, and now she’s scrambling to cover up the lie…with more lies.

Into the tangled web wanders Cassandra’s college sweetheart, Kevin. Kevin, the one man who knows the real Cassandra, and loves her anyway. Could he have been The One all along?

Torn between the past and the present, Cassandra is about to learn that you can’t plan the perfect life the way you can plan the perfect wedding.

 

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