In the Spotlight ~ "Rogues Under the Covers"

This week I am excited to have Lisa from Rogues Under the Covers here "In the Spotlight".  I met Lisa in goodreads, it seems our taste are similar when it came to reading romance books. I am on a historical romance kick and it seems that Lisa is too!! If you haven't had a chance to catch her reviews at goodreads, don't miss out on her wonderful blog!!!


Well on with the interview, welcome Lisa!!

Thanks again for asking me to participate!! Looking forward to the other posts :)
Lisa

When and how did you decide to become a book blogger?
I started by blog about three years ago because I was home with my two sons and when they would nap I had a bit of free time so I thought 'why not try writing up reviews?' (Looking back, I really don't know what I was thinking, lol)

What’s the hardest part of being a book blogger?
For me it is just trying to keep up. My work and kids don't allow me to post as much as I would like as they don't allow me as much time as I would like to read and write up reviews :)

Love on Landing Tour ~ Guest Post, Review and Giveaway ~ Heather Thurmeier


Today we're welcoming author Heather Thurmeier to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the contemporary romantic novel being released today by Silver Publishing.

To celebrate the release of her amazing new book, Heather will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops), the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. See below for more information on the giveaway.

Ten things I Wish I’d Known About Being An Author

1. That it could take many, many rewrites to get the story just right. And some of those rewrites might be huge, gigantic beasts, but they will also make your book stronger.

2. That I had a lot to learn about...everything. Characters, settings, plot, conflict, emotion, editing, revisions, submitting, and—OMG!—rejection all come with a steep learning curve.

3. That writing isn’t the only job an author does. Oh, if only it were that simple! LOL. We also edit, network, book-keep and promote.

4. That even if you “tell” people that you have office hours (aka uninterrupted writing time) they won’t really believe you because your “office hours” take place on a couch or at the kitchen table. Don’t make me screen your call… You’ve been warned.

5. That yes, I’m working even though I haven’t gotten “paid” yet. Generally speaking you don’t sell the book until you’ve written it. But let me assure you, that click-y thing I do with my fingers on the laptop keyboard is still work.

6. That people would look at you a little different when you tell them you're a writer—of romance. (Yep, I write romance-y stuff while the kids are at school. Some times that includes a sexytime scene. Don’t fall over fainting. It’ll be okay.) I’m not sure if authors of other genres get The Look when you tell them what you write, but if you write romance, you get The Look.

7. That people would constantly ask me how my books are selling. Oh man! If only I knew. Most of us don’t know our numbers until months later when we see a royalty statement. Not to mention those sales numbers are in constant motion, never staying the same for long. Lots of sales or little sales, I’m just happy that people are picking up my book and taking this ride with me.

8. I wish I’d known just how much “information” is out there once you start looking. Seems like everyone has an opinion on publishing, writing, promo, social networking... The list goes on and on. It can be very daunting and overwhelming once you start wading through all that info. I wish I’d know that I didn’t have to try and listen to every piece of advice written. It’s impossible since most of it contradicts the rest anyways.

9. I wish I’d know just how important it was to connect with other writers right off the start. I was lucky and happened to find my critique partner fairly quickly. But even still I had already been writing my first novel for a few months. Once I started chatting with her and then joining RWA groups, a whole new world opened up to me!

10. I wish I’d known how fulfilling it would be to actually be an author. A real paid author. With books for sale and everything. LOL. Coming up with ideas, writing them down, manipulating the words until they feel just right, and then sending the book out to get contracted all felt amazing. But once I saw my first book for sale…well, I’m a writer and I still have no words for how truly awesome that felt.



“Gavin, can I get your help in here for a minute?”

She heard a loud groan and the chair in the waiting room squeaked as he stood. Her door clicked open and Gavin peeked his head inside the tiny room. His tired eyes instantly lit up at the sight of her reflection in the mirror. Exactly the kind of reaction she hoped an outfit like this would stir in someone. Especially someone as hot as Gavin.

“Can you lace up the back for me? It’s a bit tricky to reach.”

“Um—sure,” he said quietly, taking the edges of the material from her hands. His gaze shifted to her back and she was suddenly aware of the lack of clothing between her skin and his fingers.

Apparently he was aware of her naked flesh too.

His large fingers fumbled with the laces almost letting them slip. She quickly held the top tight against her stomach so it wouldn’t fall to the ground. Not that a situation like that would be completely unwelcome with a guy like Gavin, but she’d prefer not to have it happen in a changing room if possible. Her hotel room?

Well, that was different.

Why was she so attracted to him?

‘Cause he’s hot. And fights back. And hot.

I enjoyed this book, and I know you won't be disappointed either. The heroine, Tali was complex, on the outside she appeared to be a self centered spoiled brat, but on the inside, once you start peeling back the layers she is funny, kind and very insecure. She has always placed her families needs before her own. So much that she found herself in a relationship that was one side, he was with her so he could worm himself up the corporate ladder in her family's business. Tali, simply wanted to be loved for who she is, problem was she just forgot who that really was.

Enter Gavin, the sexy pilot who saw the real Tali, he knew there was something more than the outside layers, but could he chisel away to get her to see her inner beauty? She had all the traits to make him dislike her, she was a shopaholic, living off daddy's money and bitchy but he also saw a caring, funny, sexy woman. I loved the fact that Gavin didn't give up on her, he was pushing her to be the "real" Tali by constantly giving her pep talks. He kept telling her to stand up for herself, to take life in your own hands, "be who you really are for once and stop hiding and blaming others for her place in life." Sometimes it is hard to hear and accept the truth about oneself but hard love is what she needed to begin to love herself.
“You were right about me. I wasn’t being honest with myself or my family about what I really wanted in life. I tried to live a lie that would never make me truly happy. You—you showed me I can be who I really am and it’s okay. That’s why I’m going to tell my father he needs to find someone to replace me. I won’t be taking over the job of running the company.”

I just loved how they completed one another, it was a cute, romantic tale one that you don't want to miss out on. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating
                

Heather Thurmeier was born and raised in the Canadian prairies, but now she lives in upstate New York with her own personal romance Hero (aka her husband) and their two little princesses. When she's not busy taking care of the kids and an adventurous puppy named Indy, Heather's hard at work on her next romance novel. She loves to hear from readers. Heart, humor, and a happily ever after.

Where you can find Heather:

Here's how you can enter to win a $25 Amazon GC:
  • Leave a comment here today and then comment on each stop of the blog tour to earn additional entries for the $25 GC.  
  • The more you comment (1 entry per blog, multiple comments on one blog doesn't give you an advantage) during the tour, the greater chance you have at the GC.
Rules and disclaimers:
The winner(s) for the $25 GC will be selected randomly from among all of the comments of the blog tour by either the author or by Goddess Fish Promotions who will also be responsible for contacting the winner(s).

Forever Book Lover is not responsible for prizes that are not honored, distributed in a timely manner, lost, stolen, or damaged during transit
All giveaways are subject to change/cancellation without prior written notice.

Margot's Lawman by Debra Kayn

Margot's Lawman (Sisters of McDougal Ranch #3)
by Debra Kayn
Publisher: Carina Press
Published February 13th 2012 

Review courtesy of netGalley


It's hard to keep a secret in the small town of Pike, Montana, but veterinarian Margot McDougal and sheriff Roy Lee Hanson managed to keep their relationship on the sly for months. Margot cares for Roy Lee, but the last thing she needs is to worry about local gossip while she's busy running her clinic and dealing with the loss of her beloved father.

Roy Lee can't wait to tell the world that he loves Margot. He respected her decision to keep their affair quiet until now. It's time for everyone to know Margot is his gal...especially Ryan Martin, her new assistant. He's formed an attachment to Margot and Roy Lee is sure the city boy's unexplained appearance in Pike means he's up to no good.

Margot just wants to help Ryan fit in, and Roy Lee's jealousy soon drives a wedge between them. A wedge that only increases when Margot is roped into Ryan's secret, too..

My Thoughts:

I was looking forward to another visit into the McDougal's family. There are five close knit sisters that make up this family, each coming back to help and deal with their father's recent death. This time it is Margot and her sheriff man, Roy's story.

I didn't like the underlying storyline, if you are desperately in love and this person is your rock, your support when faced with a devastating life event, why would you keep them a secret. Why not celebrate your love with your family!!

Keeper of My Heart Tour ~ Review,Interview and Giveaway ~Darcy Flynn



Today I am welcoming author Darcy Flynn to the blog, she is currently on tour  with Bewitching Book Tours promoting her latest release "Keeper of My Heart".


Darcy is giving away 5 ecopies of Keeper of My Heart to 5 lucky readers, see
Giveaway below. 

Hello Darcy!! Thank you so much for stopping by Forever Book Lover.  We have been waiting for our turn to speak with you on your newest release, "Keeper Of My Heart."


Hi Kat,

Thank you for having me today. I’ve been looking forward to our visit as well.

FBL ♥:Tell us about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?
My heroine, Katie McCullough, must face the death of a dream of owning the town’s lighthouse compound when, my hero, Max Sawyer, a new hotel developer in town outbids her for the property. The fun starts when she wrongly assumes he is turning the property into one of his ‘Serenity Spa Resorts’.


Katie McCullough doesn’t know it, but Max Sawyer, the over confident, insufferable thief who outbid her for the lighthouse property, is none other, than her mystery lighthouse sailor. The one man who captured her heart five years earlier, the one man who has since been the plumb line for every other unsuspecting male who has crossed her path. Unfortunately for Max, he doesn’t measure up either.

Still reeling from losing the property she’d planned to call home, sparks fly when Katie assumes Max is turning her beloved lighthouse compound into one of his ‘Serenity Spa Resorts.” Outraged, Katie sets out on a mission to dismantle the property…and his plans.

Except Max’s plans have absolutely nothing to do with hotels and everything to do with winning Katie’s heart.

I came up with the story simply through my own love of lighthouses and from my girlhood dreams of someday owning a lighthouse and living in the keeper’s house. Right now, I live on a beautiful horse farm in Tennessee but the ocean has always called my name. One can dream, right! J

Giveaway Winner ~ An Unexpected Bride by Shadonna Richards


Thanks to all that have entered a chance to win a copy of Shadonna Richards's An Unexpected Bride, and thanks to all the new followers!! 
Na!!!


Na, I sent you an email, you have 48 hours to reply or I'll have to pick a new winner. 

For everyone that didn’t win this time around, thank you for taking part and remember you can still buy the book at:

In the Spotlight ~ "Reading Romances"

This week I am excited to have Nat from Reading Romances here "In the Spotlight".  It was exactly a year ago that I met Nat, she was hosting a forum for book lovers that I joined. If you keep up with my blog, you would remember that Nat is the one who introduced me to historical romance when she decided to have a reading challenge on her forum. My first historical romance book was Julia Quinn's ~ The Duke and I.

Nat has really exploded in the blogging world, some of you already know her from her wonderful blog hops she hosts. And from time to time I pop over and provide a guest review on her site. 

Well on with the interview, welcome Nat!!

When and how did you decide to become a book blogger?
It started when I was part of a book discussion forum and through them I found out how many cool blogs there are out there. I was fascinated and wanted to give it a go. Turns out I feel in love with blogging and now my blog is nine months old (my baby!).

What’s the hardest part of being a book blogger?
I think that the hardest part is when blogging when you don't feel like it. When you're tired and you have to stay up late finishing a review cause have to post it in the morning! It's a job, and something I LOVE doing, but it's a lot of work.

How many followers do you have? How did your blog get so popular? How long did it take to rise to that level?
I currently have around 1,300 twitter followers. I don't believe my blog is THAT popular (yet), but I work really hard to make it the best it can be and having an event going on every month!

Takes Your Breath Away #4



What better time of the year to showcase love quotes, than on Valentine's Day. 

In this edition, these are some memorable quotes found in our favorite romance books/movies. It is these quotes that can make you swoon, make you tear up and most definitely  Takes Your Breath Away

What quotes make you stop and catch your breath? I would love for you to share them in the comments section. 
“I want to fill every part of you, breathe the air from your lungs and leave my handprints on your soul. I want to give you more pleasure than you can bear.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Winter
"I love you. You... you complete me. And I just… "
"Shut up, just shut up. You had me at "hello"'
― Jerry Maguire (1996)
“I want to talk to you. I want to listen to you. I want to walk with you and, yes, I want you in my bed. That's what I want today. That's what I'll want in a hundred years. If you promise to be my wife forever, I will pledge myself to your happiness.”
― Christina Dodd, Rules of Attraction

Always You Tour ~Spotlight and Review ~ Shilpa Mudiganti

 

Welcome to my stop at the Always You Blog Tour! I want to thank InkSpell Publishing  and author Shilpa Mudiganti for organizing this event. My stop includes a book spotlight and review. The tour runs from February 6th – March 6th.

There's also a Release Day Party on March 6th, there will be a link to a giveaway spread over all the participating blogs, so all visitors from all the blogs are eligible to participate. You will have a chance to win a copy Always You. The contest would also be open internationally.

Book Title: Always You
Author: Shilpa Mudiganti
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: InkSpell Publishing
Publication Date: March 6th 2012
Format: eBook, Paperback, Kindle

Lyla has to move on. She’s been stuck in a rut since her heart was broken five years ago. Trying to decide about life with her fiancé, Nick, she resolves to finish one last project before moving to Spain and starting a new life. That is until she is face to face with the one man who broke her heart all those years ago, Alexander Knight.

Five years ago, when Alex and Lyla meet at his friend, Andrew’s grave, they fall deeply in love. But, Alex is hiding a secret that will destroy his relationship with Lyla and does. What Lyla doesn’t realize is that Alex has changed since their break-up, because of her love, only she still has hate in her heart towards him.

But now, fate has brought them together in such a way that they have no option but to remain dangerously close – dangerous enough for Lyla to fall in love with him again. How can she? Not after what she knows about Alex and what he did to Andrew.

It’s true that love can change people for the better. But is it enough? What will happen when two broken people with a past come together? Can they forgive and heal?

All Things Books….

Last month, I featured public libraries. As I was doing my research I found several unique pictures of bookshelves, and knew that would be my topic for this months feature of "All Things Books…". Whether you own a collection of classic novels, romance novels, or work related books, you need a place to store them. For those who love to read, bookshelves are a common piece of furniture, just like the sofa. Here are just a few images I found, I hope you enjoy them.

Have you found a unique bookshelf that I didn't feature or maybe you have one right in your own home, I would love for you to share them, leave a comment and post a link to the image.
 

                         

An Unexpected Bride Tour ~ Book Spotlight, Review and Giveaway ~ Shadonna Richards

Today I am welcoming author Shadonna Richards to the blog on her tour with Sizzling PR for the contemporary romance/romantic comedy novel 'An Unexpected Bride'. On my stop of the tour, I will be spotlighting the book and providing a review.

Shadonna will be giving away an ebook copy of Unexpected Bride to one randomly drawn commenter.  So remember to comment, see below for more information on the giveaway.


Available at:      Amazon | Barnes and Noble


Emma Wiggins is about to marry her heart-stopping, gorgeous boss, CEO Evan Fletcher, in seven days—too bad he doesn’t know it yet!
Desperate to fulfill her ailing grandfather’s last wish to see her settle down and get married, Emma Wiggins, a 30-year-old, career-focused executive tells him a little white lie on his deathbed that she is in fact engaged--to her boss, deliciously handsome and emotionally unavailable, Evan Fletcher.
The situation takes an unexpected turn when her grandfather's condition improves slightly and to her shock, he goes ahead and arranges a wedding ceremony at his hospital bedside before he passes on. Now, all Emma has to do is convince unsuspecting, commitment-phobic Evan to tie the knot with her in seven days. Can love blossom in the most unlikely situation?

Giveaway Winner ~ How to Dance with a Duke by Manda Collins


Thanks to all that have entered a chance to win a copy of Manda Collins's How to Dance with a Duke, and thanks to all the new followers!! 

Diane 





 Diane, I sent you an email, you have 48 hours to reply or I'll have to pick a new winner. 

For everyone that didn’t win this time around, thank you for taking part and remember you can still buy the book at:

All I Want is You by Sherrill Bodine

All I Want Is You
by Sherrill Bodine
Published January 5th 2012
Publisher: Forever
ISBN: 9780446584357

Review courtesy of netGalley

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble
She's stealing his heart . . .

Vintage boutique owner Venus Smith is stunned to realize her newest acquisition comes with a larcenous legend. Stolen years ago, the antique mermaid brooch belongs to the Clayworth family. The right thing to do would be to return it, but that means facing Connor Clayworth O'Flynn, the sexy department store heir Venus has had an unrequited crush on since childhood-and the man who helped ruin her father.

One kiss at a time

Connor knows that Venus has never forgiven him for what happened between their families. But business isn't personal, even though Venus's father's betrayal still cuts him like a knife. So when Venus proposes a deal-she'll return his family's brooch if he helps clear her father's name-he reluctantly agrees. As action-packed days turn into flirtatious fall nights, it isn't long before old memories resurface . . . and new desires ignite. Can two young lovers leave the past behind? Or must they first admit that all they've ever really wanted . . . is each other?

My Thoughts:

This was an enjoyable read.  A touching tale of a daughter (Venus) to prove her father’s innocence against all odds.  And, a man (Connor) who wants to reunite the two most important people in his life.  For each of them to be successful~ they need each other.    The two have a love hate relationship, until they finally admit their true feelings for one another.

In the Spotlight ~ "Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer"

Thanks for stopping by today, it is another addition of "In the Spotlight", where I invite a fellow blogger over to answer a few questions. Today we are being joined by Kimba from 'Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer'.

Welcome Kimba! I personally want to thank Kimba, she was one of the first GFC friends here at Forever Book Lover. She is always popping in and commenting. I can't tell you what it means to have someone stop by and respond to my posts and share my love of books.  Thank you so much!

Ok, so now let's find out more about Kimba….

When and how did you decide to become a book blogger?
I was posting my reviews on B&N and Goodreads, when a friend online suggested I start a book review blog and begin receiving ARC’s. It was suggested at a perfect time in my life. I have two children in college and one in high school, and my days as a soccer Mom are rapidly coming to a close. I found myself with a lot more free time and to be honest I was a little lonely.

What’s the hardest part of being a book blogger?
Eek! Saying No, to wonderfully promising author’s who want you to review their novel and sending a letter to an author stating you gave their book a two.

This is a multiple question: How many followers do you have? How did your blog get so popular? How long did it take to rise to that level?
If I add all the options to follow me…I have around 1100 followers. I began my blog on August 11, 2011. I had two followers, who told two followers, who told…….you get the point. I set up a Facebook page and twitter account and shared it with my family and friends. They helped me reach my first twenty-five followers and from there it grew. I also follow blogs and comment on them, others see it and stop by my blog. I made friends on Goodreads and shared my skills with them and vice-versa. More importantly, I give the best, honest review that I can. I avoid spoilers and I always take the time to comment back. I never want my blog to become so big that I no longer can connect with my followes. I love books, talking about and sharing them…….I think that comes across on my blog and its help it grow.

I love your blog's name, Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, how and why did you come up with that name? 
Ok, first I wanted something that was a reflection of me. Coffee to me is the nectar of the Gods. I love it, love it, love it!! As for Kimba, I was using it as a user name on B&N and Goodreads, since it was a nickname my father gave me. My first name is Kimberly and he called me, Kimba, after the Golden book with the title Kimba the White Lion. It is also a Japanese Anime cartoon. It’s unique and my followers seem to love that and my coffee cup rating system..LOL

What is your preferred reading device, a Kindle or a Nook (or another electronic book reader), or do you prefer reading a traditional book?
I have a nook original and recently received a Nook Tablet. I absolutely love it. Since I read an awful lot of books and series, and I wanted to be able to carry them everywhere; it was important to me, that it have an expandable memory. I also wanted to be able to get books from the library, goggle and book depository. With nook I am able to do all of it. I can even watch Supernatural and Dr. Who on it. J All of the e-readers on the market today are great, you just need to find the one that works for you.

Who are your three favorite authors?
Only 3 *gasps, and sighs* This is such a tough question for me, since I read so many genres -Kat Richardson author of the Greywalker series, Tahereh Mafi author of Shatter Me and Harper Lee author of To Kill a Mockingbird are on my list of top 100 authors at the moment.

Any words of wisdom to new bloggers?
Review books you enjoy old and new, be honest with your reviews but respectful when giving a bad review. If you do not like something about a book, say so but also say why and if you can, say what would have made it better. Network, and most of all have fun sharing books!

Which author would you most like to meet (dead or alive)? Tell us more..
Wow, you really want to make me think this morning..Hmm Harper Lee for sure. I loved her book and wish she had written more. I’d like to know about her life. I’d also like to meet Jayne Anne Krentz, aka. Amanda Quick, aka. Jayne Castle. She writes the Arcane Society (paranormal series). It is fascinating to me how she writes with three names, each in different period. Her, Amanda Quick novels take place in the past. Krentz is contemporary and Castle is futuristic. The cool thing is that all of these tales tie together.

How big is your TBR pile? How many books do you read/review in a month?
*fidgets in her seat uncomfortably* Do we really have to talk about that..I mean doesn’t everyone have a room full of books, buy a dozen or so a month and have seven hundred or so on their e-reader????

I read/review between 15 and 25 books a month. It depends on how many ARC’s I have accepted.

Finally, if someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be a best seller. I live an ordinary life. I’d like to think a good one. My family is very important to me and that has been the focus of my life. My nest will be empty in a few years as my youngest enters college……..so I will have an opportunity to do more things…who knows maybe I’ll do something interesting! Right now, I guess the title would be She lived, She loved, She Hoped (She read a lot!!)

On a Personal Note:

I have been married for twenty-five years to my best friend who indulges my love of books. He has sat patiently many times, while I finish that last chapter. We have three beautiful children and currently live in the Midwest, USA. I was born in New Jersey and have lived in Florida and Virginia.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Google+ | Twitter  | Goodreads


Kat,

Thanks so much for having me on your site and for making me think. I had a wonderful time. I am off to get another cup of coffee! Have a great day.

Kimba



Thanks Kimba it was a blast.