Review: Wait for It by M. O'Keefe

I have reviewed M. O'Keefe's work many times on the blog, but I think this book has to rate as one of my favorite reads.  When I decided over the past few days to rekindle the blog, this was the first book out of probably 50 I've read in the past few months that I wanted to tell you about!

From the Publisher:

In a blistering novel of raw emotion and desire, a tormented woman teaches an alpha male that money can’t fix everything . . . but love can.

Tiffany: After fighting for a new life, I don’t want to play the victim anymore. However, with three kids to raise, I’m getting desperate enough to make a deal with the devil. My estranged brother-in-law, Blake, says he just wants to help, but he’s been trouble since I met him. I don’t know if I can believe this kinder, gentler Blake, and there’s a friction between us that has turned into the sweetest chemistry. He could be my salvation . . . or my downfall.

Blake: I haven’t always had Tiffany’s best interests at heart but I’m ready to make up for my sins. Besides, I can’t help admiring her: The girl’s a genuine survivor, tough and lean, with eyes of steel. But the more I get to know Tiffany, the more I want her. Every inch of her. Which means I’m about to make a bad situation a hell of a lot worse.

Book Review: Palmetto Moon, A Lowcountry Novel by Kim Boykin @AuthorKimBoykin #pumpupyourbook

I am so pleased to be part of another Pump Up Your Book tour, especially since Palmetto Moon by Kim Boykin is set in my adopted neck of the woods!  I live half way between the two main settings in the book, Charleston, SC and Round O, SC and that made this book so much more fun to read, but even if you don't live in the South, I am going to recommend you pick it up!  You should also pop back by on October 15th and check out Kim Boykin's guest post "FINDING PALMETTO MOON IN THE ETHER" which will share part of her journey in finding Round O.

From the Publisher:

June, 1947. Charleston is poised to celebrate the biggest wedding in high-society history, the joining of two of the oldest families in the city. Except the bride is nowhere to be found…Unlike the rest of the debs she grew up with, Vada Hadley doesn’t see marrying Justin McLeod as a blessing—she sees it as a life sentence. So when she finds herself one day away from a wedding she doesn’t want, she’s left with no choice but to run away from the future her parents have so carefully planned for her.

In Round O, South Carolina, Vada finds independence in the unexpected friendships she forms at the boarding house where she stays, and a quiet yet fulfilling courtship with the local diner owner, Frank Darling. For the first time in her life, she finally feels like she’s where she’s meant to be. But when her dear friend Darby hunts her down, needing help, Vada will have to confront the life she gave up—and decide where her heart truly belongs.

My Review:

This book conveys both an innocence and a sense of coming of age in a time of bigotry and social expectation, while telling a love story.  I can see Vada, fresh from a liberal college education, being forced into a mold developed by years of segregation and elitism that prevailed in the South, and particularly in Charleston's elite circles for many centuries.  I love that within the first few moments in the book, she breaks free of other peoples expectations and takes a risk to create the life SHE wants, rather than the life her parents expect her to have.

The book draws you in to Vada's time and makes you feel like you have been transported back to the post-war ear.  Youi slip seamlessly into her world and can easily visualize characters like Rosa Lee, Desmond, Justin, the Hadleys, Claire, Frank Darling and even Miss Mamie, who runs the Round O boarding house.

If you like historical fiction, with a good, sweet romantic storyline, than you will enjoy reading Kim Boykin's latest novel; Palmetto Moon

About the Author:

Kim Boykin was raised in her South Carolina home with two girly sisters and great parents. She had a happy, boring childhood, which sucks if you’re a writer because you have to create your own crazy. PLUS after you’re published and you’re being interviewed, it’s very appealing when the author actually lived in Crazy Town or somewhere in the general vicinity.

Almost everything she learned about writing, she learned from her grandpa, an oral storyteller, who was a master teacher of pacing and sensory detail. He held court under an old mimosa tree on the family farm, and people used to come from all around to hear him tell stories about growing up in rural Georgia and share his unique take on the world.

As a stay-at-home mom, Kim started writing, grabbing snip-its of time in the car rider line or on the bleachers at swim practice. After her kids left the nest, she started submitting her work, sold her first novel at 53, and has been writing like crazy ever since.

Thanks to the lessons she learned under that mimosa tree, her books are well reviewed and, according to RT Book Reviews, feel like they’re being told across a kitchen table. She is the author of The Wisdom of Hair from Berkley, Steal Me, Cowboy and Sweet Home Carolina from Tule, and Palmetto Moon, also from Berkley. While her heart is always in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, she lives in Charlotte and has a heart for hairstylist, librarians, and book junkies like herself.

For More Information

• Visit Kim Boykin’s website.
• Connect with Kim on Facebook and Twitter.
• Visit Kim’s blog.
• More books by Kim Boykin.
• Contact Kim.

Get the Book:

• Palmetto Moon is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble or IndieBound.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
• Read Chapter One here.

Three New Fun Summer Romance E-Reads!

I love loading my e-reader up with fun and sexy reads that are just long enough for a good long stretch of watching the kids play or hanging out at the beach and these three just came out today and I think you should check them out too!

Addicted by Tracy Wolff - review and group giveaway!

I was waiting with bated breath for this sequel - I read the first book in the Ethan Frost duo, Ruined (that I reviewed here) and nearly cried when I realized that it was going to be a cliffhanger ending and now that it's here, I am glad to finally have closure.  I received an e-galley from Netgalley to facilitate my review.

From the Publisher:

Ethan Frost returns in the breathtaking conclusion to New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tracy Wolff’s seductive novel Ruined—perfect for fans of Release Me and Bared to You.

As Chloe Girard discovers, there’s love . . . and then there’s addiction.

Ethan Frost is everything a woman could want in a man. He’s rich, gorgeous, powerful, one of the most eligible bachelors in the world.

But that’s not why I’m with him.

I love Ethan for all the things no one else gets to see: his innate kindness, his reckless spontaneity, his unwavering determination to use his brilliance for good. I love the way he looks at me, the way he touches me. The way he makes me forget the wreckage of my past and the twisted fear that still lives inside me.

But sometimes it terrifies me how much I crave him, how much I need him just to breathe. I always thought it would be my past that ruined us, but there’s a darkness in Ethan I never dreamed existed. Can we survive as his secrets surface—threatening to unravel us both?

Get your copy of ADDICTED

Amazon | B&N Nook | ibookstore | Google Play | Kobo | Other retailers

ABOUT TRACY WOLFF

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tracy Wolff lives in Texas and teaches writing at her local community college. She is married and the mother of three young sons.

Connect with Tracy Facebook | Twitter

My Review:

I was really psyched when this e-galley was released!  I had been anticipating it since I finished Ruined and for about three-quarters of the book, I was so happy to be immersed back into the world of Ethan and Chloe - I loved how their characters emerged and you learned more about why they were who they were, but then somewhere in the final stretch, the book started feeling rushed and flat.  I appreciate that loose ends were being tied up, but I felt that it could have kept the tension and flow going better.   That being said - if you too fell in love with Ethan and Chloe in Ruined, you definitely need to get on the pre-order list for Addicted, which is released on July 15th!

You can also try to win your copy from Loveswept!  This is a group giveaway and is in no way affilliated with Acting Balanced and Acting Balanced is not involved in the choosing of winners or distribution of prizes.

ADDICTED GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Review and Interview: Sheila Roberts new book, The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane

My mom (Judy from Retired-Not-Tired) was visiting recently and we got to talking about books and I mentioned that I'd be reviewing another one of Sheila Roberts' books (read about my review of Better than Chocolate here) and she said that she'd be happy to review the latest book, The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane while I took the opportunity to interview the author!  It's all part of her Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour:

Here's what mom had to say:

I finished reading " The Tea shop on Lavender Lane" by Sheila Roberts this afternoon. It was a wonderful summer read. Sheila writes in the same  vein as Debbie Macomber who I love. Sheila tells the story of 3 sisters, 2 who want the same man. The story twists and turns as both sisters figure out what man is their true love. The story has a happy ending and the part I like best is how tea plays a part in solving the issues. Tea is an important part of my life and I see this story  as another way many people come together over a cup of tea.
Sheila's characters seem very real and I can picture them in the small town of Icicle Falls. I look forward to reading more of Sheila Roberts.

Here's what the publisher offers as an overview of The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane:

Book Reviews: The Fifth Avenue Trilogy from @HarlequinBooks

*** I received a gift bag of sponsored products and copies of the following books for participating in this blog tour

If you like to read edgy romance, I have the perfect summer series for you!  Starting with Avenge Me by Maisey Yates, that was released on June 1st and followed by Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews (July 1 and available for pre-order) and Expose Me by Kate Hewitt (Aug 1 and available for pre-order) you will not want to wait to read this exciting series that features three fabulous authors bringing a complex story to life and weaving the pieces of a very bad man's downfall into three distinct and exciting love stories.  You can also start by reading the prequel Take Me, which is a free kindle download right now!

From the Publisher:

Currently ranked as one of the world’s most expensive streets, Fifth Avenue is home to the city’s most prestigious shops and historical buildings. It’s also called home by three of New York City’s sexiest men. A brand-new trilogy from the world’s leading publisher of books for women, Harlequin Presents is excited to launch the Fifth Avenue Trilogy, stories of sex, scandal and the Upper East Side:

Austin, Hunter and Alex were inseparable during their school days, but the sudden death of their good friend Sarah Michaels tore them apart. However, her death was not as it seemed. Under the many falsehoods lies a corruption so sordid that New York’s elite would never believe it.

 Now in positions of wealth and power, these men vow to use their influence to bring down the man responsible—Jason Treffen, an infamous philanthropic billionaire. With a plan in place, Austin, Hunter and Alex are ready for anything—until three very different women enter their lives, making them question their motives for revenge.

My Review:

Whew- for once I am glad that I am a reviewer who doesn't have to wait to read the entire trilogy - because I didn't want to put down my kindle and stop reading these books from the moment I became engaged in the first page of Austin's story...  Luckily I had family visiting and could sneak enough reading time to find out what happens to Austin, Hunter Alex and Jason Treffen and not worry about the kids or dishes... heck, I barely stopped to eat!

Beginning with "It was supposed to be a night of bland conversation...", the entire trilogy sweeps you into a world of billionnaires, guilt, lies and revenge that keeps you looking for just one more page and one more twist!  With the same central scandal being brought out and an overlapping timeline, these three authors have taken the age old story of boy and girl meet under strange circumstances and have lots of baggage to a whole new level that grips the reader and makes you want more and more!

I also appreciate that the female characters - Katy, Zoe and Chelsea are strong women who aren't push overs and hold their own with the strong and charasmatic men.

The only time I was let down is when it ended... and that's because there are so many secondary characters that are interwoven through the book whose stories you want to hear - in particular, a fourth roommate, Jaiven, who is often mentioned and siblings of some of the main characters - Nora & Louise.  I actually felt loss when I knew that these characters who had been residing in my imagination throughout the series were done with me...

I recommend this series for people looking for a suspenseful romance that includes spicy encounters. *Warning - this series also deals with some strong topics - suicide, blackmail, rape, forced prostitution and abuse.

Avenge Me by Maisey Yates, was released on June 1st and followed by Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews (July 1 and available for pre-order) and Expose Me by Kate Hewitt (Aug 1 and available for pre-order) need to be on your summer TBR list!

About the Authors:

Maisey Yates found her very first Harlequin Presents book in a local thrift store. By the time she’d reached the happily ever after, she had fallen in love. She devoured as many as she could get her hands on after that, and she knew that these were the books she wanted to write! At age twenty-three, she sold her first manuscript to the Harlequin Presents line. Maisey lives in Southern Oregon with her husband and three children.

Caitlin Crews discovered her first romance novel at the age of twelve. It involved swashbuckling pirates, grand adventures, a heroine with rustling skirts and a mind of her own, and a seriously mouthwatering and masterful hero. Caitlin has made her home in places as far-flung as York, England, and Atlanta, Georgia. She currently lives in California with her animator/comic book artist husband and their menagerie of animals.

Kate Hewitt discovered her first Harlequin romance novel on a trip to England when she was thirteen, and she’s continued to read them ever since. Kate moved to England with the man of her dreams and sold her first short story to a British magazine. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, traveling and learning to knit. After living in England for six years she now resides in Connecticut with her husband and her three young children.

***I am also grateful that this tour had some amazing sponsors and I received a huge bag of Fifth Avenue themed beauty and health products:

Guest Book Review: The Living Memories Project: Legacies that Last

I am pleased to invite my mom, Judy from Retired-Not-Tired to share another book review with you as part of the Pump Up Your Book Tour for The Living Memories Project: Legacies That Last.

From the Publisher:

Guest Reviewer: Judy reviews Ritual Tea by Mario Zeleny

I am so pleased to have my mom, Judy, reviewing on Acting Balanced again!  Every once in a while, a book crosses my email that just screams - send this one to Mom, and so far I'm two for three in getting it right on the nose... I am so pleased that she agreed to read this one and share it with you!  This article is part of a Pump up your Book Tour and we received a copy of the book at no cost to facilitate the review.  

From the Publisher: 

Media headlines abound these days saying, “Tea is trendy…” and we believe it until we read the first chapter of Ritual Tea: How the 9 Secrets of Tea Can Transform Your Life. Entitled, Tea’s Sordid and Holy Exploits, chapter one is a worldwide, whirlwind tour of tea history that leaves the reader knowing once and for all that tea has always been trendy for very good reasons. Next to water, tea is the world’s most popular drink.

Author Mario Zeleny, lifelong tea lover and personal coach, extracts the magic of tea from its history, uses, and benefits but also from its power to change the world. He brings the secrets of tea into modern light, and makes it accessible for contemporary lifestyles.

“We do not have to be a Buddhist monk, or study The Way of Tea for decades to be your own Tea Master,” says Zeleny, “but you must understand its secrets to reap tea’s transformative qualities in your life.”

Ritual Tea boasts over 30 links to free tea products, ten personal rituals to help with everything from anxiety to sleep, and 10 charts that make crafting our own ritual a breeze.

Discover the transformative power of tea hidden in its history, versatility, and essence through simple, timeless and individualized rituals. To help us on the tea path, the author has made a free Ritual Tea ecourse available through ArtSpellz.com.

Tea has made a 5000 year trek to inhabit the world and in its wake it has altered not only individual lives but cultures and countries. Ritual Tea asks, “Who will we be in tea’s history?” Will we just make tea, or will we allow tea make us?
Judy's Review:

I accepted the book to review because I am a consummate tea drinker. I have been drinking since I was very little. My grandmother always had a cup of tea for me especially when I was in trouble. It is a tradition that has been passed down for generations. I am now as a grandmother introducing my grandchildren to the pleasure of drinking tea.

I found the book fascinating. The history of tea is amazing. Who would have believed that it was the cause of a lot of wars even beyond the "Boston Tea party". Making tea is a very integral part of the enjoyment. Mario takes this to a higher level and tells how it can improve your life.

The book is written in an easy to read manner. Each segment is self contained yet makes you want to read further. I was pleased to find out that the making of tea is well defined and actually enhances the flavours. The reasoning behind the types of tea was important as well.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes drinking tea. Even a coffee drinker could change their minds after reading this book.

About the Author:


Mario Zeleny – Lover of all things tea.  Mario spent 15 years in healthcare and social services in clinical and administrative roles that offered coaching to employees and volunteers.  An artist and entrepreneur from an early age, Mario now brings his love of writing, art, spirit, coaching and ritual together online at his creative living site, Sancti Spiritusand also from his transformational art site, Art Spellz. Mario looks forward to completing his education with Mentor Coach and St. Clement Seminary. He currently resides in Sacramento with his husband of 8 years, their children and their domestic sovereign, a pug named Brigit.

Book Review: Dash of Peril by Lori Foster

I am so pleased to be part of another Blog Tour for Lori Foster and introduce you to Dash of Peril! I have to say that once again I am blown away by the depth and intricacy of this latest installment of the Love Undercover Series that also features Run the Risk, Bare it All and Getting Rowdy

From the Publisher:

To bring down a sleazy abduction ring, Lieutenant Margaret “Margo” Peterson has set herself up as bait. But recruiting Dashiel Riske as her unofficial partner is a whole other kind of danger. Dash is six feet four inches of laid-back masculine charm, a man who loves life—and women—to the limit. Until Margo is threatened, and he reveals a dark side that may just match her own….

Beneath Margo’s tough façade is a slow-burning sexiness that drives Dash crazy. The only way to finish this case is to work together side by side…skin to skin. And as their mission takes a lethal turn, he’ll have to prove he’s all the man she needs—in all the ways that matter….

My review:

E-Book Review: Ruined by Tracy Wolff

**I received an e-ARC of this book from Netgalley to facilitate my review

If you hate cliffhanger endings, then stop reading right here... because Ruined by Tracy Wolff had me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter - and then ended the book with more questions than answers and didn't even answer the question - "When will we get more Ethan?"

From the Publisher:

Fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me will be hooked on Ruined, an electrifying journey of emotional and sexual discovery that pushes two damaged souls to their breaking point—and beyond.He’s the last man Chloe Girard should love . . . but the first she ever could.
Ethan Frost is a visionary, a genius, every woman’s deepest, darkest fantasy—even mine. And, somehow, I am his.
He stole into my life like a dream. Turned my reality upside down and made my every desire come true—especially those I never knew I had. He demanded everything I had to give and gave me everything of himself in return.
But dreams don’t last forever, and ours is no exception. Because my nightmares are darker, and my wounds deeper, than I could ever reveal. And as much as Ethan wants to protect me, the secrets we we share will only tear us apart.

My Take:

I know that it is becoming more commonplace to serialize books again - putting out three parts of a continuing story that finally culminates at some future point and that's all well and good, I suppose, but to be honest, I like to read a book that begins and ends so that I can move on without having to dredge up the memories of books past to put things into context. That being said, for being the first part of a serial - Ruined has me caught - hook, line and sinker - waiting with bated breath for the next installment of Ethan and Chloe!

In Ruined, we learn a lot about Chloe's character and only snippets and conjecture about Ethan's, leaving me wanting more and more! This book is sexy, smart and fast-paced and should appeal to readers who don't mind a little steam with their romance and will certainly help one develop patience once you reach the end of the story...

Ruined is currently available only as an e-book.

***UPDATE*** I just found out that the second part of the series is called Addicted and is due out in June! Now that I know though, it makes the anticipation even stronger - watch for my forthcoming interview with Tracy Wolff - hopefully she'll leak a few key details for us!

Book Review: Cowboys of Chance Creek Series (1-3 & 4)

**I received access to all of these books through Netgalley.com to facilitate my review.  All opinions are my own.

I love being able to get into a book series - it's so much fun to be able to see the characters develop and grow over multiple books - especially the first couple to get together... and the characters who will star in their own books later... so finding the Cowboys of Chance Creek series in the past few weeks has got me wishing I could visit Chance Creek for sure!  I can't lie either.. I've already read the fifth book in the series, but I can't talk about it until closer to the release date, so I will concentrate on bringing you up to speed by introducing you to the first four books in the series! 

Great Romance Novella E-books to add to your reader this New Years!

Whether you are curled up in front of a roaring fire or snuggled into bed with your e-reader and looking for some fun romance reads, I have some great e-novellas for you!  I was able to read all of these novellas as part of the Netgalley E-ARC program and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge (Book 1 and 2 of Sin Bros)

I actually read these books in reverse order because Sweet Revenge was available on eARC first, but even knowing what I knew from Matt's story, I was able to really get into Shanes's story and enjoy them both.  That being said, I recommend finding out all about Shane and his love for Josie before you learn about Matt's relationship with Laney!

From the Publisher:

Forgotten Sins (Book 1) - Currently available in both e-book and paperback

His Secrets Can Destroy Her

From the moment Josie laid eyes on sexy, mysterious Shane Dean, she was in love. Their desire ignited a passionate affair, and within weeks, Shane had slipped a ring on her finger. It seemed her every fantasy was coming true . . . until her new husband disappeared without a trace. Now, two years and one broken heart later, Josie is shocked when the hospital calls: Shane has been found . . . at a crime scene with no memory of how he got there.

Her Love Can Save HimShane can't remember the blue-eyed angel at his bedside-or who he even is-but he knows something isn't right. His hearing is razor sharp, his physical strength incredible, and the urge to protect Josie overwhelming. For powerful enemies are hunting him, and Josie is the key to discovering why. As Shane struggles to unravel his past, dangerous new truths come to light. Can he protect the only woman he's ever loved? And can Josie trust a man she thought she knew-one who carries such a deadly secret? 


Sweet Revenge (Book 2) Currently available on e-book and pre-order paperback

The One Man She Can't Have
Matt Dean was born to fight . . . and kill. A member of a secret black-ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be the perfect soldiers with an expiration date. Now, with time running out, he's gone rogue in a relentless quest for the one person who can save them. His mission leads him to Charmed, Idaho . . . and to a beautiful woman with eyes like emeralds and a body made for pleasure.

The One Woman He Can't Resist

Laney Jacobs knows the mysterious, handsome stranger is trouble from the moment he walks into her bar, looking for a job. She's spent years running from her own past-the last thing she needs is a romantic entanglement. But Matt's strong arms offer her protection and his gentle touch promises passion unlike anything she's ever known. As lethal forces surround them, revealing explosive secrets about Matt's past and putting everything-and everyone-he holds dear in danger, can he save them all before time runs out?

My Reviews:

OMG - these guys are HOT!  If you like military guys, a suspenseful romance or a ton of smart action, you need to read about Shane and Matt - and heck, you need to put your name on the list for books 3 and 4 right now!  

Believe it or not, the action takes a back seat to the love stories for me and the reason is that Rebecca Zanetti paired these two hot hunks with intelligent, strong women who could see beyond the situations they were put in and love the guys - despite the lies, history and current situations they face!

Book 1 starts hot and heavy with the action and brings the love story out as the characters face the challenges of staying alive despite the threats against them.  Book 2 starts out hot and heavy with the romance and leads you into the action in the second half of the book.  

Despite having read the books out of order, I highly recommend reading Forgotten Sins before you read Sweet Revenge!  I am totally ready for the other brother's stories and to see how Ms. Zanetti brings the continuity plotline to fruition!

If you like romance, action, suspense and hot military guys, then you need to add the Sin Bros. series to your TBR Pile!

Book Review: All I Want For Christmas is a Cowboy

**I received this book as an e-ARC at no cost to me, to facilitate my review

With the holidays upon us, it's not always easy to get through a whole novel, so I love that this time of year offers a ton of choice for holiday novellas, wrapped up in cute books or ebooks and one that I want to recommend to all of my readers who love a good Western Romance is All I Want for Christmas Is a Cowboy!

From the Publisher: 

From Emma Cane, Jennifer Ryan, and Katie Lane come three wildly romantic holiday stories featuring snowstorms, proposals, a sleigh ride … and, yes, cowboys.

Book Review: Jet by Jay Crownover (Book 2: Marked Men)

*** I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review

I am so glad that I signed up to read Jet by Jay Crownover, the sequel to Rule (that I reviewed here).  Both of these books are part of her Marked Men series.  This post is part of Jay's TLC Book Tour

Book Review: Rule by Jay Crownover

I am pleased to be part of TLC Book Tour's Rule Tour!  Rule is a New Adult Romance and a book that I just couldn't put down!

From the Publisher:

Opposites in every way . . . except the one that matters

Shaw Landon loved Rule Archer from the moment she laid eyes on him. Rule is everything a straight–A pre-med student like Shaw shouldn’t want–and the only person she’s never tried to please. She isn’t afraid of his scary piercings and tattoos or his wild attitude. Though she knows that Rule is wrong for her, her heart just won’t listen.

To a rebel like Rule Archer, Shaw Landon is a stuck-up, perfect princess-and his dead twin brother’s girl. She lives by other people’s rules; he makes his own. He doesn’t have time for a good girl like Shaw-even if she’s the only one who can see the person he truly is.
But a short skirt, too many birthday cocktails, and spilled secrets lead to a night neither can forget. Now, Shaw and Rule have to figure out how a girl like her and a guy like him are supposed to be together without destroying their love . . . or each other.

The first Marked Men novel in Jay Crownover’s combustible New Adult series.

My Review:

You know that I am a sucker for a good romance and the more developed the characters are, the faster and easier I lose myself in their world - and Rule is definately a book where I lost myself in the characters and their world.  What looked deceptively long, was actually a very quick read for me as I devoured the pages waiting to see what twists and turns would await Shaw and Rule.   I don't always love the "New Adult" genre, but I think this book stands with any good romance series that I've read.

One thing you may notice is that Amazon has a number of older reviews of this book that state that there are editing issues - that is for a previous, self-published version of Rule and the current version doesn't suffer from any editing problems - which made it a very comfortable read!

If you are looking for a great, edgy romantic read, then check out Rule! And stay tuned for my review of the next book in the Marked Men series, Jet - in just a few weeks!
About the Author:

Jay Crownover is the bestselling author of Rule and Jet. Like the characters in her Marked Men series, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she’ll settle for writing stories that have interesting characters and make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

Follow Jay’s musings on her blog and connect with her on Facebook.

Book Review: Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster

I first met Rowdy in the first book of this series, Run the Risk (which I reviewed and posted a excerpt from) and I couldn't wait for him to get his own story and his own happily ever after and now he has it in Getting Rowdy!  I am so pleased to have been asked to review it (and get a copy of the book) as part of the BookTrib tour!

From the Publisher:

An alpha hero's attraction to the one woman he can't have could draw him into a killer's snare in the sizzling new novel from New York Timesbestselling author Lori Foster 

Charismatic bar owner Rowdy Yates isn't the kind of man women say no to. So when he approaches waitress Avery Mullins, he fully expects to get her number. However, the elusive beauty has her reasons for keeping her distance—including a past that might come back to haunt them both. 

Avery spends her nights working for tips…and trying to forget the secret Rowdy is determined to unearth. But when history threatens to repeat itself, Avery grows to rely on Rowdy's protective presence. As the sparks between them ignite, she will be forced to choose between the security she's finally found…and the passion she's always wanted.

And here's the trailer:



My Review:

As I said in the opening, I've been waiting for Rowdy's story since we met him as Pepper's brother in the first book of the Love Undercover series and he's made his presence felt... I love how his character isn't a typical man from this series - all of the others being undercover officers - and that gives him more nooks and crannies to explore in his life and his personality - I love that he's still an Alpha Male with a strong sense of right and wrong, and a great moral compass, but his history and his story create mysteries that have needed exploring!

As for the female lead character - Avery is the perfect foil and her character is also well developed and helps the story hold both it's tension and the passion that Lori Foster is famous for!

I don't recommend this as a stand-alone book - I really think you need to read the entire series to get the depth and breadth of Rowdy's character and the background to understand the relationships of the secondary characters - their strengths and weaknesses.  That being said, if you haven't read the entire Love Undercover series, then what are you waiting for?

Book Review: What the Bride Didn't Know

For those of you who haven't heard of the Harlequin KISS line and like a fun, flirty romance read, you are missing out!  I received a Netgalley.com E-Arc of What the Bride Didn't Know and want to share it with you so you can put it on your wishlist or go ahead and pre-order!  The paperback is available October 22nd and the e-book comes out November 1st!

From the Publisher:

Shh…it's a secret! 

Special ops expert Trig Sinclair is a man's man, and that means he knows the cardinal rule of the bro code—no matter how dynamite Lena West is, as his best friend's younger sister, she's strictly off-limits! 

But when a secret mission to Istanbul sees Lena and Trig pretending to be married (and sharing a bed!), he finds himself in a whole new world of sweet torture…. But if Trig thinks playing the honor-bound hero is tough, it's got nothing on how Lena feels when she discovers what her "groom" is really hiding….

My Review:

Imagine two people who have been tip-toeing around the elephant in the room until circumstances cause the elephant to grow beyond the room... that's what happens to Lena and Trig in this book and I have to say that I loved watching the interplay and the 'dance' as they fight the attraction that has been building for more years than they probably want to admit.  I also love that this book has a little drama and a meaty special ops/spy type story line that adds to the intrigue and creates scenarios that come to life in a unique way!

I love the interplay and character development in this book and can't believe it's packed into such a nice neat package.  It's perfect for a quick weekend read or to keep tucked into your purse to read on your breaks (or in car rider line like me).  If you like a fun, flirty read with a ton of sass and great character development, then  check out What the Bride Didn't Know by Kelly Hunter!

Book Review: Throwing Heat by Jennifer Seasons

I am so pleased to be able to share another book in the A Diamonds and Dugouts series with you, Throwing Heat!  Just in time to coincide with the baseball playoffs, Jennifer Seasons hits a huge home run with this book!  

From the Publisher:


The sexy baseball players of Jennifer Seasons' Diamonds and Dugouts series slide into home with a final fiery romance worthy of a World Series win.

Nightclub manager Leslie Cutter has never been one to back down from a bet. So when Peter Kowalskin, pitcher for the Denver Rush baseball team, bets her that she can't keep her hands off of him, she's not about to let the arrogant, gorgeous playboy win. Especially when the prize could put her business on the map. She's got this in the bag, just so long as she can stay out of his arms … and his bed.

Peter struck out once before with Leslie, but this bet is sure to be the second chance he's been waiting for. Determined to stoke the passion he knows is there, he'll do anything to win-even if it means playing a little dirty.

But as things heat up, this combustible pair will have to decide just how much they're willing to wager on one another … and on a future that just might last forever.

My Review:

I first introduced many of you to Jennifer Seasons with my review of Stealing Home in the spring, and this novel offers you new insights into characters you met in that book.  This is another really fun read that meshes a love of the game with some really strong and exciting characters. I love how they have a history and expectations going into their 'bet' that really heat up the page.  I would totally recommend reading Stealing Home first to get into the flavor of their past relationship, but even as a stand-alone book, you can see that this is a really fun read and a great way to mesh a love of Baseball with a love of romance!  

Even if you're not into the Boys of Summer, you'll still find this novel fun, engaging and sexy and you'll smile your way through this read.  If you're looking for a great weekend escape read or you're heading out for Fall vacation, you'll want to take along Throwing Heat  by Jennifer Seasons.

Book Review: Super Baby Food

I am so pleased to have my friend Annie back on Acting Balanced to share her opinion on Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron.  Annie just had her second child in July and was really happy to check out the all new version of this tried and true classic.

From the Publisher:


Completely Revised and Updated edition of the best-selling Super Baby Food! Parents know that you get only one shot to feed your baby right and Ruth Yaron has been helping parents get it right for over 15 years. Ruth's book, Super Baby Food, is affectionately referred to as the baby food bible by over half a million parents worldwide because it literally contains everything you will ever need to know about feeding a baby and toddler.

It features, for example, a very special type of baby cereal she calls Super Porridge. This is definitely not your mom's powdered white rice baby cereal. We are talking about organic, whole grains and legumes, blended and boiled at home with a bit of nutritional yeast and/or tahini sprinkled in for an extra nutritious touch.

This is the first major revision and highly anticipated update in 10 years and really is a "new" book. The first edition of Super Baby Food sold more than half a million copies. Moms simply LOVE.... Baby Food! It offers them a simple and complete baby and toddler feeding system plus over 350 recipes to choose from!

Within the pages of Super Baby Food parents will find…..

• How to create the perfect vegetable cube, the perfect meal, the perfect, most organic, most nutritious baby bite!
• We are talking about organic, whole grains, legumes and vegetables blended at home with a bit of nutritional yeast and/or tahini sprinkled in for that extra nutritious touch.
• We are talking about organic, fresh avocado, banana, mango, and spirulina, organic brown rice, legumes, and they go crazy for kale, yes, Kale!
• Parents will discover how to create homemade yogurt from one tablespoon of store-bought plain yogurt.
• Parents will learn how to properly store and serve tofu and if they can freeze it.
• Parent will learn about the latest nutritional enhancers like kelp, nutritional yeast, wheat germ…quick and easy ways to boost nutrition in every baby or toddler meal.

Parents want the absolute BEST they can offer their baby. They want their kids to be the brightest, the healthiest, and the happiest kids on the block.  With Super Baby Food, it has never been easier to be sure babies are getting the best nutrition possible.

Annie's Review:

The book Super Baby Food is a large manual about infant feeding, and a very specific plan and schedule for making and feeding homemade baby foods. It contains great information about when to begin feeding your baby, how to follow your baby’s cues, and what you can feed your baby at each age and why. This program relies fairly heavily on grains, or “Super Porridge,” and yogurt, mixed with a variety of different fruits, veggies, nuts, and beans. 

The plan is set up for complete weaning of the infant by age 1, although the author does go on to mention in a later chapter that it is healthy to breastfeed your baby past the age of one. Ms. Yaron explains things like the importance of organic foods, how to prepare foods to maintain maximum nutrient density, why processed, store bought baby foods are not the best choice for feeding your baby, and even how to keep your kitchen and baby’s food sanitary and safe. 

The Super Baby Food plan may not be for every parent - it appears to be very time consuming, relies heavily on grains and dairy foods, and requires the feeding of purees (and thus a great blender or food processor, freezing supplies, storage space, and time at least every other day to make more purees). But, for the parent wanting a wonderful resource on making homemade baby food, this book would be the only book you need, from first foods through great recipes for toddler foods.

I am personally a baby-led weaning advocate (who steers clear of most grains and all dairy products due to food intolerance), but I still believe I will find myself referencing this book fairly frequently as my baby girl grows and begins to eat. Many of the foods can be served in alternate ways, other than pureeing, and it is a really handy guide for maintaining healthy balance and variety for early eaters. There’s a section about finger foods and ways to serve foods that would typically be difficult for a baby or toddler to eat. There is even a chapter full of recipes for toddlers that I may begin using now for my 2 year old to help us get out of his food rut. In all, it is a worthwhile read and a great reference for infant feeding.

Thanks for such a thorough review Annie!  If you're a new mom and considering making your own baby food, then this is a book you should definitely check out!  You can find Super Baby Food online at Amazon.com for just $15.79 and at most major book retailers!