Annaberry Reads: 2017

Forgotten Silence by Quinn Loftis

Title: Forgotten Silence
Series: Grey Wolves, #10.5
Author: Quinn Loftis
Date Published: December 15, 2017

Filthy. Disgusting. Unworthy trash. The same thoughts keep swirling in Sally's mind. She's broken and no one can fix her--not her friends, try as they might, and not her beautiful mate. She'd thought when Costin had rescued her from Jericho's clutches, broken the spell the rogue werewolf had cast on her, and left the cur lying in bloody pieces on the floor of an Ocean Side bar, that one day she might find some peace. Perhaps, with time, she could forget the horrible things she'd done. Perhaps she could forget how she had betrayed her one true mate. Now, several weeks later, the memories and the nightmares have only grown stronger. Unbeknownst to Sally, though the magical bracelet that erased her memories was destroyed, the magical device deposited something sinister within the girl's mind. Now, in a last ditch effort to find some sort of healing, Sally is being shipped off to her hometown--Coldspring, TX. Little does she know that surprises are awaiting her there that will shake the foundations of all she's ever known. Will these new revelations be the key to eradicating the darkness that has taken root in the healer? Or will the secrets that are uncovered be too much for Sally to bear?

Amazon | iBooks | Nook

My Thoughts:

Cover Reveal: The Smallest Thing by Amy Harmon

Today, I am sharing the cover of Amy Harmon's newest book The Smallest Thing, which will be released on February 13, 2018!

Blurb:

“In the end, only three things matter. How much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” - Unknown

It was a big lie. The biggest lie she’d ever told. It reverberated through her head as she said it, ringing eerily, and the girl behind her eyes—the girl who knew the truth—screamed, and her scream echoed along with the lie.
“Are you in love with Noah, Mercedes?” Cora asked. “I mean . . . I know you love him. You've been friends forever. We all have. But are you in love with him?”
If it had been anyone else—anyone—Mercedes would have stuck out her chest, folded her skinny arms, and let her feelings be known. She would have claimed him. But it was Cora. Brave, beautiful, broken Cora, and Cora loved Noah too.
So Mercedes lied.
And with that lie, she lost him. With that lie, she sealed her fate.
She was the best friend, the bridesmaid, the godmother, the glue. She was there for the good times and the bad, the ups and downs, the biggest moments and the smallest parts. And she was there when it all came crashing down.
This is the tale of the girl who didn't get the guy.

Without further delay, here's the cover!

Cover design by Hang Le

Release date: February 13, 2018

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Special pre-order price of $3.99. Price will go up to $5.95 upon release.

Kindle | Kobo | Nook | iBooks

About the author:

Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in eighteen different languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl from Levan, Utah. Amy Harmon has written eleven novels — the USA Today Bestsellers, The Bird and The Sword, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Queen and The Cure, From Sand and Ash, The Law of Moses, The Song of David, Infinity + One, Slow Dance in Purgatory, Prom Night in Purgatory, and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her next novel, The Smallest Part, will be released February 13, 2018.

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Dream So Dark by Quinn Loftis

Title: Dream So Dark
Series: Dream Makers, #2
Author: Quinn Loftis
Date Published: November 7, 2017

**Warning: Dream So Dark is book 2 in this series and darker than book 1. Child trafficking is mentioned though not graphic. No explicit explanations but themes of sexual violence and healing after are explored. Thank you for considering my book for your next read.**

He was created to be a messenger and guider of dreams. He has traveled the earth for centuries upon centuries fulfilling his purpose. Until her. Serenity crept into his existence as seamlessly as the dreams he wove and just as effortlessly, she stole his heart. Their future is still unclear, but Dair knows he doesn't want to spend even another hour without her.
Meanwhile Emma Whitmore, a brilliant young girl whose overcome so much at her tender young age was dropped in both their laps, but for what purpose neither is certain. Taken from the people she's grown to love and put in a home with a man who has no love to give, she fights to survive. She just has to hang on until she can be returned to the adoptive family who has already claimed her.
Three lives, unsure of what is to come, fighting the darkness that is closing in all around them. If they are to have any future together, then evil cannot prevail. But at what cost to them?

Amazon | iBooks | B&N

My Thoughts:

Squeeze Play by Aven Ellis

Title: Squeeze Play
Series: Washington DC Soaring Eagles, #1
Author: Aven Ellis
Date Published: October 25, 2017

Full of enthusiasm, recent college graduate Hayley Carter is thrilled to be working for a non-profit organization in Washington, DC. Having spent most of her life in the background due to family circumstances, Hayley is eager to step up and be heard—and bring much needed change to her new organization. Romance is on the shelf because now is the time to focus on herself and new career. Armed with a self-help book guaranteed to improve her personal and professional life, Hayley is ready to become the best version of herself.

But will a baseball player for the Washington Soaring Eagles challenge her thoughts about dating and the person she thinks she needs to be?

Brody Jensen is the new catcher for the professional team in DC. Baseball means everything to Brody and was his salvation growing up. Brody intends to make the most of his full-time shot behind the plate. Which means no serious relationships.

However, when a chance encounter leads him to Hayley, Brody finds himself wanting to know all about the beautiful blonde who has engaged him from the moment he spotted her. Together, they find themselves questioning the ideals they had set for not only relationships, but themselves, too.

When the cherry blossoms bloom in the nation's capital, Cupid puts a squeeze play on Hayley and Brody. Will they be brave enough to love themselves and each other? Will love be called out? Or will their relationship be safe at home?

Amazon

My Thoughts:

Playing Defense by Aven Ellis

Title: Playing Defense
Series: (Dallas Demons, #5)
Author: Aven Ellis
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing, LLC
Date Published: September 27, 2017

After a string of bad set-ups and boring dates, Reese Brannon is done with men. She’s focused on her job as a fitness model and blogger. Her life in the city is fun. She’s young. There’s no need to look for a man because she doesn’t want one. Especially when relationships usually end in heartbreak.

Jean-Pierre Rochat—known as JP— is done with women. All this Swiss hockey player has ever wanted is to fall in love, but his relationships never end with a happily ever after. Believing he’s always going to be dealt the friend card, JP is over it. If he’s going to be stuck in the friend zone, he’ll keep things casual for his new endgame.

But will one hot Dallas summer night change everything for Reese and JP?

Because when the two meet again when JP returns for hockey season, Reese finds her attraction to him hasn’t waned since their first meeting. Charming and intelligent, JP is different in all the right ways, but Reese realizes letting him in will make her vulnerable, something that terrifies her. JP never forgot Reese from their initial introduction last winter, and the sparks fly for him even more so the second time. But with Reese, his thoughts are anything but casual . . .

Can JP and Reese let their guards down to take a chance on love? Or will this simply be a game of playing defense?

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

I'm not the best at sticking to lists, but these are the books that I am really hoping to read this fall.

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

So, it's probably no secret that I have don't have any problems 'DNF-ing' a book. I feel that life is just too short and there are so many other books out there that I also want to read. I don't want to struggle to 'get through' a book when reading is supposed to be a fun hobby!

However, there have been cases where I did keep reading (for whatever reason) and did struggle to 'get through' the book.

Ten Books That Were A Chore To Get Through

The Alloy Heart by Bo and Quinn Loftis

Title: The Alloy Heart
Author: Bo and Quinn Loftis
Date Published: June 20, 2017

In Victorian London, a mysterious organization known as the Mechanic’s Guild has discovered the secret to create extraordinary engines of war, granting the British Empire unprecedented power. The Guild’s enigmatic founder, Archimedes Tesla, uses this power to become one of the greatest men in the city, creating a kingdom filled with leather, lace, copper, and steel. Meanwhile, two young women are found murdered, each with mechanical hearts implanted in their chests where their natural organs should be. Inspector Thomas Hill, a member of London’s aristocracy, is tasked with finding the killer. Thomas enlists the aid of his childhood friend and now the youngest surgeon in London, Dr. Jackson Elliot, to help him unravel the mystery. Jackson is tragically tormented by his love for Thomas’ sister, Sophia, whose own heart is failing, beyond all medical help. Jackson will do anything in his power to save his precious Sophia. Could finding the killer hold the key to saving the woman he loves?

My Thoughts:

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

There are a lot of series that I would love to start reading. My problem is that I'll start a series, but not finish it. I've told myself that I would not start a new series unless I finished one that I had already begun. We'll see how that goes.

Anyhow, here are just ten new (to me) series that I really want to read!

Is it June already?

Nate by J.B. Morgan

Title: Nate
Series: Texas Jacks Novel, #1
Author: J.B. Morgan
Publisher: J.B. Morgan Publication
Date Published: April 6, 2017

Nate
When Nathan Jackson's world shattered, and fell out from under him, his two best friends were there to help pick up the pieces. There’s nothing that Nate wouldn’t do for them.

It’s been a few years since then, and Nate’s life seems pretty content between his friends, work, and his love of dirt bike racing. When Nate’s out on the track, he can let it all go, be free, and finally feel at peace.

But when it comes to relationships, Nate's not looking for anything long-term. He swears that love isn't worth the risk—until she walks through the doors of Texas Jack's.

Charlie
Charlotte Davenport knows that something has to give, or life will pass her by. It's time to add a little excitement to her routine. Charlie isn't expecting much, but with her friends at her side, she feels ready to break out of her shell. But something’s missing.

When she, and her friends, head out to Texas Jack's for a night of fun, Charlie meets him — Nathan Jackson. He just might be the man to help Charlie overcome her shyness, and shake up her world.

But first, Nate must be willing to let his guard down and take a chance on Charlie. And if that happens, can Charlie open herself up enough to let him in?

My Thoughts:

Coming Soon...

An all new story written by Bo and Quinn Loftis!

Save the Date by Aven Ellis

Title: Save the Date
Series: Chicago On Ice, #3
Author: Aven Ellis
Publisher: Soulmate Publishing
Date Published: May 17, 2017

Chicago event planner Collins Brady knows how to make the magic happen for her clients. From elaborate weddings to cute baby showers, Collins knows what to do to make an experience breathtakingly perfect. In her mind, she adds the sparkle that makes everything shine.
If only she had that same sparkle in her personal life.
While she’s good at her job, her true career dreams lie elsewhere. If she could do anything, it would be to become an equestrian riding instructor. That dream, however, is shelved due to practicality. And that’s not the only thing Collins has shelved. After ending a relationship with her college sweetheart, Collins has taken her heart out of the game, too. She wonders if that magical kind of love can exist. But maybe it’s only a fantasy.
Or is it? All of that changes the night she meets Luca Ballerini, the rookie goalie for the Chicago Buffaloes. Passionate and fiercely determined, Luca has only made time for hockey in his life—until he meets Collins. Her spark hasn’t escaped him, and now Luca wants something other than his hockey career.
But following their dreams and hearts isn’t always easy. Can Collins and Luca find a way to live their dreams with each other?
Will love get past them? Or will this goalie make a perfect save of Collins’ heart?

My Thoughts:

Clean Sweep ARC Challenge

I know what you're probably thinking- Another reading challenge, Anna? But hear me out. The Clean Sweep Challenge is only for the month of May, and it provides another incentive to try and catch up on some of those ARCs that you have received, and just haven't gotten around to reading. I know that I have fallen a bit behind, so I'm hoping this will give me the opportunity to catch up a bit.

This challenge is being hosted by Kimba (Caffeinated Book Reviewer), and if you are interested in joining us, you have until May 10 to sign-up. :)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Today's topic is all about those books that instantly go into the 'Not Happening' category. One thing that you may or not know about me is they I can be kind of ~~picky~~ particular about what I like to read. Fist off- I don't judge others for their reading choices. We should be free to read what we want to read.

Unfortunately, there are just some topics or subjects that I need a break from. There are other topics that don't interest me.

Blah blah blah...okay, here's my list, already.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

Title: Geekerella
Series: (standalone)
Author: Ashley Poston
Publisher: Quirk Books
Date Published: April 4, 2017

Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale.

Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.

My Thoughts:

Unhinged by A.G. Howard

Title: Unhinged
Series: Splintered, #2
Author: A.G. Howard
Publisher: Amulet Books
Date Published: January 7, 2014
Rating: 3.5 Stars

Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she's always dreamed of.

That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland—where she (partly) belongs.

As prom and graduation creep closer, Alyssa juggles Morpheus’s unsettling presence in her real world with trying to tell Jeb the truth about a past he’s forgotten. Glimpses of Wonderland start to bleed through her art and into her world in very disturbing ways, and Morpheus warns that Queen Red won’t be far behind.

If Alyssa stays in the human realm, she could endanger Jeb, her parents, and everyone she loves. But if she steps through the rabbit hole again, she'll face a deadly battle that could cost more than just her head.

My Thoughts and Ramblings:

Today we are revealing the cover to The Queen and the Cure, which is the anticipated sequel in Amy Harmon's The Bird and the Sword Chronicles!

Release Date: May 9, 2017

I love it!

To Pre-order:

Amazon | iTunes | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Blurb:

Last One Home by Debbie Macomber

Title: Last One Home
Series: New Beginnings, #1
Author: Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Date Published: March 10, 2015
Rating: 3 Stars

Growing up, Cassie Carter and her sisters, Karen and Nichole, were incredibly close -- until one fateful event drove them apart. After high school, Cassie ran away from home to marry the wrong man, throwing away a college scholarship and breaking her parents’ hearts. To make matters worse, Cassie had always been their father’s favorite -- a sentiment that weighed heavily on her sisters and made Cassie’s actions even harder to bear.

Now thirty-one, Cassie is back in Washington, living in Seattle with her daughter and hoping to leave her past behind. After ending a difficult marriage, Cassie is back on her own two feet, the pieces of her life slowly but surely coming together. Despite the strides Cassie’s made, she hasn’t been able to make peace with her sisters. Karen, the oldest, is a busy wife and mother, balancing her career with raising her two children. And Nichole, the youngest, is a stay-at-home mom whose husband indulges her every whim. Then one day, Cassie receives a letter from Karen, offering what Cassie thinks may be a chance to reconcile. And as Cassie opens herself up to new possibilities -- making amends with her sisters, finding love once more -- she realizes the power of compassion, and the promise of a fresh start.

Quick Thoughts:

Time for the March update!

I read 8 books in March. Not all of them applied to my reading challenges, but that's ok. I did discover a new favorite! Towards the end of the month, however, I sort of fell into a reading slump.

The Bride by Julie Garwood

Title: The Bride
Series: Lairds' Fiancees, #1
Author: Julie Garwood
Date Published: February 15, 1991
Publisher: Pocket Star
Rating: 3.5 Stars

From New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood, whose novels have enchanted millions of readers worldwide, comes a breathtakingly romantic novel about a mismatched young wife and husband who, despite their differences in background and temperament, fall inexorably in love. The Bride sweeps readers back to the savage beauty of medieval Scotland....

By the king's edict, Alec Kincaid, mightiest of the Scottish lairds, must take an English bride. And Jaime the youngest daughter of Baron Jamison, is his choice. From his first glimpse of the proud and beautiful English lady, Alec felt a burning hunger stir within him. This was a woman worthy of his fearless warrior's spirit. And he aches to touch her, tame her, possess her...forever.

But with the wedding vows, Jamie pledges her own secret oath: She will never surrender her love to this Highland barbarian. He was everything her heart warned her against -- an arrogant, brooding scoundrel whose rough good looks and seductive embrace fire her blood. But when strange accidents begin to threaten Jamie's life and an old rumor that Alec killed his first wife spreads anew, something far more dangerous than desire threatens to conquer her senses.

With all the storytelling power and insight into the human heart that have made her one of the bestselling authors of our time, Julie Garwood takes readers on an unforgettable romantic journey rich in humor, suspense, and historical detail.

My Thoughts:

Title: By Your Side
Series: (standalone)
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: Harper Teen
Date Published: January 31, 2017
Rating: 3.5 Stars

In this irresistible story, Kasie West explores the timeless question of what to do when you fall for the person you least expect. Witty and romantic, this paperback original from a fan favorite is perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Morgan Matson.

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

Quick Thoughts:

Blog Tour, Giveaway & Review: Operation Prom Date by Cindi Madsen

We're celebrating the release of OPERATION PROM DATE by Cindi Madsen!

Title: Operation Prom Date

Author: Cindi Madsen

Age: YA

Genre: Contemporary Romance/RomCom

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Goodreads

Amazon | BN | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo

Blurb:

Kissing practice has never been more fun.
Kate ships tons of fictional couples, but IRL her OTP is her and Mick, the hot quarterback she’s crushed on since, like, forever. With only one semester left of senior year, it’s now or never if she wants to land him in time for prom. Since she’s flirtationally challenged, she enlists Cooper Callihan, the guy who turned popular seemingly overnight but who used to be a good friend.

Cooper lives and breathes rowing, but his partner just broke his wrist. When he remembers Kate’s good with a set of oars, he strikes a deal: help him train, and he’ll make sure her crush notices her. Only he didn’t know how addicting spending time with her would be. Or how the more successful the Operation is, the more jealousy he experiences.

The mission has been set. The troops have their marching orders. But what if the target is the wrong guy all along?

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains stargazing, accidental swimming, and poker swindling. This kissing practice will melt your ereader…and give you a new couple to ship.

My Thoughts:

Title: Caraval
Series: Caraval, #1
Author: Stephanie Garber
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Date Published: January 31, 2017
Rating: 4-4.5 Stars

Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

My Thoughts:

Title: From Sand and Ash
standalone
Author: Amy Harmon
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Date Published: December 1, 2006

Italy, 1943—Germany occupies much of the country, placing the Jewish population in grave danger during World War II.

As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.

Now, more than a decade later, Angelo is a Catholic priest and Eva is a woman with nowhere to turn. With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church.

But Eva can’t quietly hide, waiting for deliverance, while Angelo risks everything to keep her safe. With the world at war and so many in need, Angelo and Eva face trial after trial, choice after agonizing choice, until fate and fortune finally collide, leaving them with the most difficult decision of all.

Amazon | B&N

My Thoughts:

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

It Started With Goodbye

by Christina June

May 9, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Today's topic is somewhat of a freebie, as the creators of the Top Ten Tuesday meme are taking a much needed and deserved break. So, I decided to choose an older topic that I never posted on my blog.

Here are ten books that I absolutely loved, but never wrote a review for (pre blogging days).

Title: The Perfect Kiss
Series: The Merridew Sister, #4
Author: Anne Gracie
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date Published: January 2, 2007
Rating: 2.5-3 Stars

To rescue her friend...

Grace Merridew's childhood has made it hard for her to trust men and in three years on the marriage market, her senses have never been stirred. So she makes plans for a life of adventure instead—to see the moon rise over the pyramids of Egypt and dance amid the marble ruins of Greece. But first she has to help a friend.

She must enter the lair of the Wolfe.

Grace's timid friend is being forced to marry Dominic Wolfe, who stands to inherit a huge estate if he weds. The Wolfes have a terrible reputation, and if there's one thing Grace cannot stand, it's a bully. Her friend begs for help to escape this marriage, so Grace acts as the plain and mousy chaperone on their visit to the groom-to-be. But when they arrive, nothing is as they expect, and Grace is scandalized to find herself being pursued by a big, bad Wolfe with dishonorable intentions.

My Thoughts:

We're already heading into March! Crazy, right?

Here's how I did with my reading challenges in February. I read more historical romances than anything else.

Title: Stranger in My Arms
Series: standalone
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date Published:
Rating: 4 Stars

"Lady Hawksworth, your husband is not dead..."
With these words, Lara's life turned upside down. Hunter, Earl of Hawksworth, had been lost at sea. Or so she'd been told. Their unhappy marriage -- with its cold caresses and passionless kisses -- was over. But now a powerful, virile man stood before her, telling secrets only a husband could know, and vowing she would once again be his wife in every way. While Lara couldn't deny that this man with the smoldering dark eyes resembled Hunter, he was attentive and loving in ways he never was before.

Soon she desperately wanted to believe, with every beat of her heart, that this stranger was truly her husband. But had this rake reformed-- or was Lara being seduced by a cunning stranger?

My Thoughts:

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Today's Top Ten Tuesday is about those certain books that we seemed to like more than other readers did and/or books that we seemed to love more than others.

Loved More ❤❤

All of these have an average rating of lower than 4 Stars, but I rated 5 Stars.

Title: Traveler
Series: Traveler, #1
Author: L.E. DeLano
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Date Published: February 7, 2017

A teen writer discovers that every mirror is a portal into an alternate version of her life in this romantic YA fantasy by author L.E. DeLano.

Jessa has spent her life dreaming of other worlds and writing down stories more interesting than her own, until the day her favorite character, Finn, suddenly shows up and invites her out for coffee. After the requisite nervous breakdown, Jessa learns that she and Finn are Travelers, born with the ability to slide through reflections and dreams into alternate realities. But it’s not all teacakes, pirates and fantasy lifestyles…Jessa is dying over and over again, in every reality, and Finn is determined that this time, he’s going to stop it… this Jessa is going to live.

My Thoughts:

Title: The Perfect Stranger
Series: The Merridew Sisters, #3
Author: Anne Gracie
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Date Published: June 6, 2006
Rating: 4 Stars

They vow to love, honor, cherish...

With her signature spirit, Faith Merridew has left everything she's ever known for the man she thought was the love of her life. Instead he leaves her name—and dreams—in the dust. That is, until she crosses paths with Nicholas Blacklock, a Waterloo veteran, who offers to save her reputation with a marriage of convenience.

...And then get to know one another.

A hardened soldier, Nick hides a deadly secret—and tries to keep Faith at arm's length. But even though Nick can command legions of men with a word, his orders go sweetly ignored by his convenient bride. And as they come to know one another more deeply, she brings out in him things he thought dead: gentleness, laughter...and love.

My Thoughts:

Title: Always With Love
Series: Billy and Me, #2
Author: Giovanna Fletcher
Publisher: Penguin
Date Published: June 2, 2016
Rating: 4.5 Stars

The next much-anticipated romantic chapter in Billy and Sophie's love story from bestselling author Giovanna Fletcher.

Sophie's got used to being the girlfriend of Billy Buskin, the biggest movie star in the world. Sort of.

But when she and Billy take a trip to visit his family in Los Angeles, she quickly discovers she's totally unprepared for the chaos of Hollywood, the paparazzi and Billy's controlling mother.

And when Billy extends his stay in LA, leaving Sophie to fly home to Rosefont Hill alone, it seems there's more than just miles between them.

Now Sophie must decide if they can overcome their differences for good. Because not every love story lasts the distance . . .