A Few of My Favorite Things!

With the Christmas season upon us, I'd like to share a few of my favorite things with you (and yes, I always sing that part and think of The Sound of Music, and in case you want to, too, listen to the song above! haha). Books are obviously one of my favorite things, but I don't think you needed to be reminded of that.

1. My kitties! (Romeo, left; Tiger, right) I always wanted a cat growing up, but my older brother was allergic so we couldn't. Then I met my husband and we decided to get two cats. Turns out, I'm allergic to them as well, but I wouldn't trade them for the world :) I still want a puppy though!

2. Yarn/Crochet. I love to crochet, so having tons of yarn in my house is a must! I have 2 plastic bins full and a couple smaller bins in my office. I usually buy it when it's on sale and buy wayyy more than I actually need.

3. Crafts. I've recently started scrapbooking and I've always been really into other crafts, like sewing and painting. I'm hoping to eventually own a house and have my own crafting room!

4. Antiques. I honestly don't own very many, but I really love antiques and vintage pieces. Whether its vintage clothing or knick-knacks, or pieces of furniture. To me, it makes a house feel more like  home.

5. Blankets. I'm always cold in my house, even in the summer. So I love curling up with blankets. I have a favorite blanket that I use in our living room and it was my older brother's comforter from when he was a kid. It's really old and worn down, but it's the comfiest thing ever! The blanket pictured above combines two of my favorite things: blankets and crochet! :)

6. My husband. Last but certainly not least! This guy is my rock and I don't know what I'd do without him! He supports me in everything, and understands my nerdy-ness and obsession with books! 

[Review] A Cowboy's Christmas Promise by Maggie McGinnis

A Cowboy's Christmas Promise by Maggie McGinnis 
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: Nov. 18, 2014
Format: ebook, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

In a captivating novel spiced with holiday magic—perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe—a rugged Montana man mends a Northeast girl’s jaded heart.

Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance.

Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I loved this book! I haven't read anything by Maggie McGinnis before, but I can guarantee you, this won't be my last! I could probably gush about how much I liked this book, but that would get boring :) But... just a little gushing won't hurt! This book drew me in right away and wouldn't let me go. I stayed up way past my bed time to keep reading. These characters were captivating. Haley is a small animal vet who wishes she could spend less with small pets and more time with animals bigger than her head. And Daniel is so busy being a big-animal vet and taking care of his twins, that he doesn't have a lot of time for himself.

This book was really well written and I thought the characters were well-rounded. I felt like I really got to know each of them, as well as some of the supporting characters. And honestly, I'm a sucker for single dads taking care of their kids. Add that to a romance, plus cowboys.... it doesn't take much! I'm addicted and I wouldn't have it any other way. Plus, I've always had this thought and dream about living in Montana - somewhere out in the middle of nowhere on a ranch with a bunch of horses and mountains in the background. I'll probably never live there, but it's a dream. Maybe I should visit the state first...

I really wish I would have known about Kyra and Decker's story before I read this, but it doesn't seem like you necessarily need to read them in order. That being said, I'm still going to grab that copy next!!! And if Jess and Cole are next, I know its going to be a good one. I can't wait to read more from McGinnis! As much as I read a variety of genres, romances are always one of my favorites and I can't give them up. 

Stacking the Shelves! 12.6.14

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews. Its all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether physical or virtual books. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course, ebooks! Tynga posts this meme on Saturdays, but you can post on any day that works best for you! Check out the guidelines by visiting Tynga's blog! 

 

Baby Proof by Emily Giffin 

Hide by Lisa Gardner 

I Do (But I Don't) by Cara Lockwood

Some great books added to my shelves! Can't wait to jump in and read these! I've read books by Gardner and Giffin before, but never Lockwood! :) 

[Review] *Blog Tour* Sweet Cowboy Christmas by Candis Terry

Sweet Cowboy Christmas 

Sweet, Texas #3.5 

by Candis Terry

Released Nov 25, 2014

Avon Impulse

Synopsis 

Mistletoe, holly, and cowboys, oh my! Christmas in Texas has never been sweeter.

Years ago, Chase Morgan traded in his dusty cowboy boots for the shimmering lights of New York City and a fast track up the corporate ladder. But when his shiny life is turned on end just in time for Christmas, Chase knows he needs to reevaluate even if that means going home to Texas to endure his least favorite holiday.

When Mr. Tall, Dark, and Smoking Hot walks through her door at the Magic Box Guest Ranch, Faith Walker sees just another handsome, rich exec looking to play cowboy for a week-at her expense. She’s sure the grumpy, but sexy as hell Scrooge will put a crimp in her holly jolly plans. Until a sizzling kiss has her seeing him in a new light.

Chase is haunted by secrets, and even though it goes entirely against her “hands off the guests” rule Faith is tempted to help him leave the past behind. As the magic of the season swirls around them, she is determined to succeed because now she is certain one sweet, cowboy Christmas will never be enough.

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/10/sweet-cowboy-christmas-sweet-texas-35.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22552585-sweet-cowboy-christmas?from_search=true

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes | iTunes | Kobo

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I seriously love this series and all of Candis Terry's work! Her books are so fun, sweet and full of romance; I just can't get enough! That was no different in this book. I never used to be a huge fan of novellas or short stories, but the more I read, the more I enjoy them. Yes, I still think they're too short and I'd love to read more about these characters, but they work out well and there aren't loose ends hanging around. Faith and Chase are a really cute couple. You can tell there's instant attraction between them, but not instant love, which makes me happy! This story felt genuine and complete. I would absolutely have loved to have a full length novel about them because I liked these two characters, but like I said, I still really enjoyed this one! I also wish the Wilder brothers would have been in here more than a passing mention.... but Chase seems pretty darn hot as well! :) 

About the Author

Candis Terry was born and raised near the sunny beaches of Southern California and now makes her home on an Idaho farm. She’s experienced life in such diverse ways as working in a Hollywood recording studio to chasing down wayward steers. Only one thing has remained the same: her passion for writing stories about relationships, the push and pull in the search for love, and the security one finds in their own happily ever after.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Rafflecopter Giveaway 

(Grand Prize: Print or Digital Set of SWEET, TEXAS Series (Bks 1-3) 

and $25.00 Amazon Gift Card)

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[Review] I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga 
Series: Jasper Dent, #1
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publishing Date: Apr 3, 2012
Format: ebook, ARC
366 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?

Jasper "Jazz" Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say.

But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could—from the criminal's point of view.

And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod.

In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret—could he be more like his father than anyone knows?

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I had been anticipating reading this book since I first heard about it! I love reading these types of books and have a fascination with crimes. I'm addicted to Criminal Minds and love reading mysteries and thrillers, so I figured this would be a great pick for me!

I really did enjoy this book from the moment I started it. It was very entertaining and I really liked Jazz. There were many times I wanted to yell at him and tell him to let the cops do their job because he's just a kid, but it all worked out! I definitely kept flipping the pages to find out what happened at the end. It leaves you hanging a bit, but makes me want to grab the next book in the series to find out!  I thought this author did a great job getting into the mind of a serial killer and what it would be like for that person's family members. Throughout the whole story I felt so bad for Jazz and everything he has gone through. He definitely had my sympathy throughout the book. 

But for some reason, this wasn't exactly what I was expecting it to be. I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting, but as much as I liked this book, it also fell a little flat for me. I feel like there could have been so much more to the story, and it didn't get there for me. That begin said, I still want to read the next book in the series to find out what happens! 

November Wrap-Up!

November 2014 Wrap-Up

Another month come and gone! It's already December!! And staying true to the winter season... I'm starting December with a wicked awful sore throat :( The only good thing is staying home sick from work, but to be honest, I'd trade this awful sore throat for work at this point...

But since that's not going to happen today, it's time to post my November wrap-up! I'm also going to attempt to forget about this sore throat and get some reading and blogging done :)

Book Reviews

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

Second Change at the Sugar Shack by Candis Terry

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

Somebody Like You by Candis Terry

Garrett by Sawyer Bennett


Memes

Stacking the Shelves 11.2.14

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books I Want to Reread!

Stacking the Shelves 11.7.14

Tell Me Something Tuesday 11.11.14

Stacking the Shelves 11.16.14

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books on My Winter TBR List

Wishlist Wednesday 11.26.14


Other Posts

October 2014 Wrap-Up

Book Blast - False Start by Barbara Valentin

My wedding and honeymoon adventures in Italy and Greece!

My Favorite Places to Read!

I'm Addicted to TV!

*Blog Tour and Guest Post* Holding Holly by Julie Brannagh

Holding Holly 

by Julie Brannagh 

Love and Football #4.5

Release Date: Dec 2, 2014

Synopsis 

Holly Reynolds has a secret. Make that two. The first involves upholding her grandmother’s hobby answering Dear Santa letters from dozens of local school children. The second...well, he just came strolling in the door.

For the last two years, Holly has not been able to stop thinking about gorgeous Seattle Shark Derrick Collins. His on-field exploits induce nightmares in quarterbacks across the NFL, but she knows he has a heart of gold.

Derrick has never met a woman he wants to bring home to meet his family, mostly because he keeps picking the wrong ones-until he runs into sweet, shy Holly Reynolds. Different than anyone he’s ever known, Derrick realizes she might just be everything he needs.

When he discovers her holiday letter writing, he is determined to play Santa too. And as the pair team up to bring joy to one little boy very much in need, they discover the most precious Christmas gift of all: love.

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/10/holding-holly-love-and-football-45-by.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21805398-holding-holly?from_search=true

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes | iTunes

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Holding-Holly-Love-Football-Novella-ebook/dp/B00JDKBU0M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414528607&sr=8-1&keywords=Holding+holly

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/holding-holly-julie-brannagh/1119887866?ean=9780062363862

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/holding-holly/id852752781?mt=11

HOLDING HOLLY’S Holly Reynolds Collins: My Top Five Favorite Holiday Movies

Hi!

This is my first Christmas with my husband Derrick, and I am so excited to share some of my favorite holiday traditions with him! There will be a visit to see the Christmas Ships Parade in Kirkland. We’ll get some hot chocolate and enjoy the bonfire on the beach as the on-board choir sings our favorite carols. He’s not so sure about ice skating, but I’ll do my best to coax him into a pair of skates to visit the outdoor ice rink in Bellevue. My biggest tradition, though, is watching a holiday movie at home in front of the fire with a blanket, some more hot chocolate (I’m sensing a trend!) and a big bowl of popcorn.

Here are five of my favorite holiday movies. I hope you’ll share some of your favorites in the comments!

1.     It’s A Wonderful Life

I’ve been watching this movie since I was little every year with my parents, my brother and my grandma. It’s another reminder that every life impacts another, whether we realize it or not. Plus, I have a little crush on George Bailey.

2.     Love Actually

I have seen this movie so many times, and the scene at the end with everyone greeting their loved ones at the airport still makes me cry. Don’t tell anyone, but I’ll bet Derrick gets a little teary, too. Everyone else thinks he’s so scary. He’s actually a big teddy bear!

3.     The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

Derrick told me he loves the Grinch. We’ll be watching it and singing along!

4.     A Christmas Story

I’m a nurse. I don’t recommend putting your tongue on a freezing cold metal pole, but this movie’s hilarious!

5.     12 Men of Christmas

This is a newer movie, but I love it. The New York City girl moves to a small town in Montana for work and ends up falling in love with a guy she initially can’t stand. There are lots of great-looking, heroic men and I’m looking forward to seeing it again with my very own hero!

Again, I’d love to hear about some of your favorite holiday movies. Happy Holidays to you and your family, and I hope you’ll love our love story, which is out on December 2^nd!

About the Author 

Julie Brannagh has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She lives in a small town near Seattle, where she once served as a city council member and owned a yarn shop. She shares her home with a wonderful husband, two uncivilized Maine Coons and a rambunctious chocolate Lab.

When she’s not writing, she’s reading, or armchair-quarterbacking her favorite NFL team from the comfort of the family room couch. Julie is a Golden Heart finalist and the author of contemporary sports romances.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Website: http://www.juliebrannagh.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieBrannagh

Twitter: https://twitter.com/julieinduvall

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7127296.Julie_Brannagh

Rafflecopter Giveaway 

(Digital Set of LOVE & FOOTBALL Series Bks 1-4) 

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