Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Happiness Challenge--Day 11--Coffee ice cream, crazy schemes & calling out Debbie (The Reading Frenzy)


  1. The herd pup. My girlie is going to be 15 this next year and is just a sweetie. She loves to smile and give hugs and for the most part is a good girl :) I've had her since she was 2 years old so most of my adult life which is just crazy!
  2. Coffee ice cream. Which is weird since I don't like coffee and shouldn't eat ice cream (hampers breathing most times lol)
  3. knowing who I am, what my beliefs are and not being scared to stand up for them.

Darling Beast (Maiden Lane #7) by Elizabeth Hoyt


Falsely accused of murder and mute from a near-fatal beating, Apollo Greaves, Viscount Kilbourne has escaped from Bedlam. With the Crown's soldiers at his heels, he finds refuge in the ruins of a pleasure garden, toiling as a simple gardener. But when a vivacious young woman moves in, he's quickly driven to distraction . . .

London's premier actress, Lily Stump, is down on her luck when she's forced to move into a scorched theatre with her maid and small son. But she and her tiny family aren't the only inhabitants—a silent, hulking beast of a man also calls the charred ruins home. Yet when she catches him reading her plays, Lily realizes there's more to this man than meets the eye.

Though scorching passion draws them together, Apollo knows that Lily is keeping secrets. When his past catches up with him, he's forced to make a choice: his love for Lily . . . or the explosive truth that will set him free.

Type: Historical Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5--though very limited
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

I'll admit. I get a little giddy picking up one of Hoyt's historicals. They're seductive and enchanting with just a touch of darkness that gives them incredible depth and layers. And, yeah, Darling Beast...I couldn't put it down! It held me in it's grasp from page one and completely consumed my time as a ruined Pleasure Garden brings together two unlikely souls--an escapee from Bedlam and a down on her luck actress--who are both hiding life altering secrets that come crashing down around them.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Quote-tastic/Review--are you wearing a...skirt?--Rules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley


Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another. 

Everyone's welcome to join in. Authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and toss up your post :) 

No blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.
This week is all about Jennifer Ashley and her highlanders. *swoons* Alright so these two are fairly night and day. He's lost his wife a while back and pretty much stopped living at that point and Bertie--his new love interest--is very much a vivacious and lively one and he's desperate to get that feeling. To see what she sees. I loved the final little bit of their exchange. Just made me smile and was so her.

Happiness Challenge--Day 10--lists, awesome grocery stores and calling out...Tracy a book pixie :D

Hrm. I seem to be getting even more behind and I don't know how! lol I could swear I'm posting one a day. *flails* It might turn into a 34 day no fail happiness challenge. lol


  1. Lists--I love making lists. Any kind. I have like 30 lists going for one thing or another. I love crossing things off of them. It's such a power rush that absolute control of marking through one. Gaaaaaahhhh take that! you list item! Yeah. I know. I'm weird.
  2. The perfect office supply. You know when you finally find that favorite pen or notebook or post it note and have to buy like 20 of them because what if they discontinue it?!! You love this X, Y or Z. 
  3. Christmas decorations. I love them. As is evident by the walk in closet crammed full of them. Come on Dec 1! I am ready to pull everything out and make the house look like it barfed the Christmas Spirit!

SIGN UP--Fright Night Blog Hop (Oct 24th-31st)


Hey Guys! Alright everything you need for the Fright Night blog hop is listed on this page!

Blurb

Join us for a little Halloween fun in the Fright Night blog hop! Stop by each blog to check out their favorite paranormal or spooky reads and enter their giveaways!

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Happiness Challenge--Day 9--Donuts, quirky houses and calling our Leah!


1. Living somewhere where pretty much everything I need is in 5 miles of my house. Literally. 5 miles. Maybe not even that. lol
2. My house. It may not be clean all the time. ::snort:: Or the most elegant or fancy place around. But I love my house and all it's quirky bits. From a slightly slanted floor in the guest room to the wall decoupaged with year book pages from the 50s to the wall to wall bookcases and weird and random art--including a Chinese paper chicken "print"--to the dining room with pink paint cat paws running across it and the baseboard with dog nail marks from stretching babies. It's a lived in place that's been a good home for me and the herd the last 10 years and suits us rather well :D
3. a little time to be creative when the urge strikes. This week it's still my nails. I'm having fun with it. This is take two. I went a little fast in my designs and got bubbles in a couple of them. Lesson learned. Slow, Anna. Slow.




Sweeter Than Sin (Secrets & Shadows #2) by Shiloh Walker


It took years for Adam to stop drowning his regrets in alcohol, and running the local bar doesn’t make it any easier—especially not when everyone he knows gathers there to discuss the shocking allegations that have shattered his hometown. When another murder rocks sleepy Madison to its core, it becomes chillingly clear that even more vicious wounds are waiting to be exposed.

Nothing is sacred anymore, and no one is safe, least of all the mystery woman who shows up in town out of the blue, looking like every fantasy Adam’s ever had. She may have her own dangerous secrets, but she can’t ignore the urgent heat between them any more than he can. As a killer’s quest for vengeance explodes into violence, Adam is tempted to lose himself in the delicious promise of her body—until he realizes he’ll risk anything if she’ll give him her heart…in Sweeter than Sin by Shiloh Walker.

Type: Romantic Suspense
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Oh my. Yes. I am totally digging this series from Shiloh Walker. Sweeter Than Sin was one damn sexy romance with a side of suspense that totally messed with my head. Had me fighting mad over a small town and the incredible evil that runs deep into it's roots and hopeful over those that refuse to let it keep destroying lives.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Happiness Challenge--Day 8--books, girly screeching & calling out Tonya Burrows :D

I'm a week in!!! Woots! And a couple days behind. LOL
I keep falling asleep before publishing them at the end of the day. 
But they're all gonna happen! Determined!

And, you know, other than the exercise bit and the meditation--I just suck at it--I'm definitely feeling more "happy" :D

  1. Book club! Woots! Yep Wed--the night this shoulda gone up--was book club night. I ❤ my book club hard. Awesome ladies, fun times and just an easy going group that even if half of us haven't read the book it's no big deal :)
  2. That more and more restaurants are being veggie friendly. 17 years *gulp* ago when I became a vegetarian that just wasn't the case at all. It's nice to be able to go out with friends and have no problem
  3. New book arrivals :)

Randomly Random-- Nail Marbling & #WalmartBeauty Box


So. I was on YouTube.
*nods* Yeah. That's always how it goes. YouTube or Pinterest.
Anyways. Like 2 hours later I saw a vid on nail marbling and decided....
MUST...TRY... and it was pretty awesome :D


Thursday, October 9, 2014

Interview w/ Maya Banks--there...might just be a Kelly brother *nods*


A sizzling story of a woman who risks her life and her heart to find a wealthy man’s missing sister—the first novel in a sexy new romantic suspense series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks

When Caleb Devereaux's younger sister is kidnapped, this scion of a powerful and wealthy family turns to an unlikely source for help: a beautiful and sensitive woman with a gift for finding answers others cannot.

While Ramie can connect to victims and locate them by feeling their pain, her ability comes with a price. Every time she uses it, it costs her a piece of herself. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb successfully find his sister nearly destroys her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.

Deeply remorseful for the pain he’s caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie's vanished forever, she reappears. She’s in trouble and she needs his help. Now, Caleb will do risk everything to protect her—including his heart. . . .

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

*little bloggery pep talk--do not go all fangirl squealy...do not go all fan girl squealy--oh damn! She's here! Eep!* Good morning Maya! Welcome to the blog! *rubs hands together* I cannot wait to hear about the new series! It's gotten a spot cooler here so thought we'd settle in with some blackberry sage tea while we dish some bookish gossip. Oh,there's Nutella hot chocolate too if that's you're thing--it's so so good!
You’re too funny! It’s ME who’s excited to be invited! And just for you, I dragged Garrett and Joe along. Garrett only agreed because it got him out of babysitting duty (the baby is currently teething) and well Joe is the only unmarried brother left, so he was unanimously voted on by the rest to be thrown under the bus and have to be dragged along with me. (he seriously just GROWLED at me!) He forgets that if he doesn’t behave I’ll completely embarrass him when I write his book!

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Happiness Challenge--Day 7

Whew! I got myself a day behind it looks like in posting. I kinda fell asleep before finishing this last night and didn't get to put it up. So a day behind but will catch up eventually :)

  1. Getting to take a little time out during the day to let my creativity flow. Even if it is just on my nails :) 
  2. Candles that smell yummy
  3. The UPS man. Did I mention him before? It's hard resisting the urge to climb and lick him. He brings me so many pretties. 

Broken (The Cavanaugh Brothers #2) by Laura Wright


For years, James Cavanaugh has traveled the world as a horse whisperer, but even the millions he’s earned hasn’t healed the pain he hides behind his stoic exterior. Forced to tackle old demons at the ranch, James throws himself into work to avoid his true feelings. Until he meets a woman who shakes the foundations of his well-built walls…

Sheridan O’Neil’s quiet confidence has served her well, except when it comes to romance. Tired of rejection, she’s ready to swear off men. But after being rescued from a horse stampede by the most beautiful cowboy she’s ever met, her resolve wavers. Only, as Sheridan uncovers James’s belief that no woman is safe with him, she wonders if such a wounded man could ever give in to love, or if some hearts are too broken to be healed…

Type: Contemporary Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Whoboy! Now that is how you write a stellar romance. Sweet, funny mixed with a little spice, enough heart to make a girl swoon, and a horse whisperin' cowboy who'll make you pant and have you begging for a little more. Oh yes. Branded...was a real good time *nods head slowly*

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Promise Me This (Between Breaths #4) by Christina Lee *Pick of the Litter*


Nate has developed quite a playboy reputation around campus. It's not that he doesn't respect or trust women; he doesn't trust himself. The men in Nate’s family are prone to abusive behavior—a dirty secret that Nate’s been running from his entire life—so Nate doesn't do relationships. But he can’t help himself around one girl…

Jessie is strong, independent, and works at a tattoo parlor. Nate can’t resist getting close to her, even if it’s strictly a friendship. But it doesn't take long for Nate to admit that what he wants with Jessie is more than just friendly.

With Jessie, he can be himself and explore what he’s always felt was a terrifying darkness inside him. Even when Nate begins to crave her in a way that both shocks and horrifies him, Jessie still wants to know every part of him. Testing their boundaries together will take a trust that could render them inseparable… or tear them apart.

Type: New Adult
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 5 out of 5-- Pick of the Litter

Amazon | All Romance | Goodreads


So this...was pretty much me the entire time I was reading Promise Me This.

You know how sometimes you read a book and it just takes a hit at your heart and when you turn that last page you're left sitting there just...kind of holding your breath because, whew, yeah....it was that powerful? And you really don't know what to do with yourself next? That was Promise Me This for me. And I don't even know if I can explain why exactly. It just...was.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Happiness Challenge--Day 6

  1. Fresh sheets. Love a newly made bed. And that herd girl Baby G likes to help. She's so cute frisking around under the covers.
  2. a little time spent baking in the kitchen. Always makes me feel better
  3. comfy pajamas. If I could stay in them 24/7....I so would :D

Review/Quote-tastic (74)--You call her what now?! --Reaper's Stand by Joanna Wylde


Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another. 

Everyone's welcome to join in. Authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and toss up your post :) 

No blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.
Ahhh so today...Reaper's Stand. I am freaking loving this series. It's a MC series and gets a bit gritty but is just so so good. Anyways. This is the hero and heroine before they've gotten together. They both want each other but haven't gone there yet and she's just walked in on him having a go with one of the ladies at the club...

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Happiness Challenge--Day 5

  1. Having a working heater. Holy cow it got down to the low 40s today. Burrrrrs
  2. Naps
  3. My mom and grandparents. They all are/were amazing people and gave me a wonderful childhood and even if we don't always have the same opinion they support me and are there when I need them :) 

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Happiness Challenge--Day 4

  1. Good books I can escape into and that let me check out all kinds of lifestyles :)
  2. Flip flops. Couldn't live without em.
  3. Chocolate. Not even gonna lie. It's probably in the top 10 important things.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Spotlight! Perilous Risk (Regency Risks #3) by Natasha Blackthorne + FB Party!



Hey guys! Today doing a quick spotlight for Natasha Blackthorne's Perilous Risk!
 I just love her books :) One of them was on my Must Read Historical list that I shared last month. Woot! Anywho. Check this one out and let me know what you think!

Oh! And yall there's also a FB party happening! Woot!
It started Oct 3rd and ends Oct 4th.
Come join and hang out with us! It's gonna be a fun time :)


Heartbroken and disillusioned, Rebecca Howland is done with all men. Especially noblemen. Past a certain age, she knows her previous life of carnal indulgence and grand adventure is over. Or so she thinks. Back at home, whilst working in her family’s shop, a moment of compassion entangles her in an old battle between two powerful, bitter enemies. A commoner, Rebecca finds herself falsely accused of a heinous act by a vicious member of the aristocracy. In grave peril, she turns to the one man she thinks can help her.

Stephen Drake, now inexplicably Baron Drake, has always desired Rebecca. When she turns to him, he vows to protect her at all costs, especially from the dangerous life he lives. The stakes are high and time is running out for her … and for him as well. Stephen finds himself driven to ruthless actions that threaten to kill the fragile bond between them.

Years ago, Rebecca forbade herself to love Stephen Drake. Now he’s back, no longer the young man she remembers but a dark and dangerous stranger. When he demands a fortnight of her complete submission in return for his protection, his sexual dominance ignites carnal passion that makes her feel alive like never before. But … dare she trust a man with too many secrets?

Amazon | Goodreads | Tour

Happiness Challenge--Day 3

  1. That the fire was only a wee little fire and I didn't have to call the fire department (though yay firemen!) because I forgot the tortilla chip bag in the oven and turned on the broiler. Yeah. 
  2. The word fuck. I just enjoy it so. (this ties in so nicely to #1)
  3. being comfortable with who I am and that I'm not scared to express myself

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Various States of Undress: Virginia (Various States of Undress) by Laura Simcox


If she had it her way, Virginia Fulton—daughter of the President of the United States—would spend more time dancing in Manhattan's nightclubs than working in its skyscrapers. Tired of dodging paparazzi, she needs a change. And a real chance. So when she finds herself in the arms of sexy, persuasive Dexter Cameron, who presents her with the opportunity of a lifetime, Virginia sees it as a sign … but can she take it without losing her heart?

CEO-to-be Dexter Cameron knows he's taking a risk by hiring a stylish party girl to jumpstart his family's legacy department store. But the president's gorgeous daughter has her thumb on the pulse of Manhattan, and the partnership seems like a win-win … until Dex discovers that his goals now include more than securing the corner office—they include Virginia herself. Dex must decide: does he make a move up the ladder? Or on the girl of his dreams?

Type: Contemporary Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Goodreads

Flirty and fun with a side of romance. Various States of Undress: Virginia was a delightful read that left me smiling and put a cheery little kick in my step as media disaster and life of the party Virginia sets up shop with future CEO Dex to revamp his grandmother's department store and bring it back to it's previous glory. Of course it wasn't as easy as all that what with back stabbing family members, stuck in their ways employees and, well, having to deal with the media and Secret Service since Virginia's daddy was the President of the United States. But it made for one hell of a ride.

Happiness Challenge--Day 2

  1. the amazing women I come from who are strong, compassionate and always there for others.

A little Holiday Heat w/ Olivia Miles, Debbie Mason & Katie Lane!

Okay ladies! We've got some HOLIDAY HEAT happening on the blog today with three fabulous authors--I really adore them all--stopping by to help us get ready for Christmas. You know, it's only 84 more days!! Ohs to the em gees! So check out their tips for getting the most out of the holidays and maybe heating things up with your other half ;)    ~Anna

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Happiness Challenge--Day 1

Morning yall! I saw this challenge on Pinterest the other day and thought...why not.
Everyone can use some more Happy in their lives, right?

So I'm starting a happiness challenge today! 
And I figured I'd post it to the blog during the month.

Yall feel free to ignore these 2nd posts each day, or check them out, or join in :)

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