Thursday, July 26, 2012

Review: Persuade Me by Juliet Archer


From the Publisher:
When do you let your heart rule your head?
When it comes to love, Anna Elliot is stuck in the past. No one can compare to Rick Wentworth, the man she gave up ten years ago at the insistence of her disapproving family. What if she’s missed her only chance for real happiness?
Since Anna broke his heart, Rick has moved on – or so he thinks. Out in Australia, he’s worked hard to build a successful career – and a solid wall around his feelings.
The words ‘forgive and forget’ aren’t in Rick's vocabulary. The word ‘regret’ is definitely in Anna’s. So, when they meet again on his book tour of England, it’s an opportunity for closure.
But memories intrude – the pure sensuality of what they once shared, the pain of parting … And she has to deal with another man from her past, while his celebrity status makes him the focus of unwanted attention.
With Anna’s image-obsessed family still ready to interfere and Rick poised to return to Australia, can she persuade him to risk his heart again?

“Never forgive, never forget” has been Dr. Rick Wentworth’s mantra for the last ten years. However, after a decade, Rick believes it’s time to forget the past. And what better way to do that than to meet it head on? After publishing his first book, Sex in the Sea, Rick Wentworth decides to return to England promoting his book, and proving to himself that he is capable of forgetting the past.

Upon hearing that Rick Wentworth is back in town, Anna Elliot’s mind is aflutter. She has not forgotten Rick these ten years. Yet, unlike Rick who holds onto the past with bitterness, Anna holds onto it with something like regret. What will their first encounter be like? What will they say to each other? Anna is all anticipation and fear at their imminent meeting.

Their reunion goes worse than Anna expected. Gone are Rick’s chocolate fudge-cake eyes, dark and delicious, and so deadly to Anna. Instead, they’re replaced with coolness and distance, and manners leaving Anna feeling anything but wanted. Can Anna convince Rick she regrets her decision and that she still is the one for him? Or has Rick moved on to more lively women? The varying emotions and thoughts each character has are tangible.

Ms. Archer writes not only an amazing modern adaptation of Persuasion, but she also writes a to-die-for Rick Wentworth! As I read, I could feel all of his conflicting emotions. Wentworth shows a more competitive side when he believes Charles Musgrove is Anna’s husband, eager to prove he is the better man…in all regards. Yet, unable to let go of the heartache Anna caused, Rick uses their intimate past to say some pretty hurtful things to Anna, even I was feeling the full force of his words. However, try as he may to remain angry and bitter, Wentworth finds himself showing unexpected kindness to Anna at various times. With all of these differing emotions, which one will win out in the end? Jealousy, anger, or something deeper?

Persuade Me is a fast-paced, emotion-filled, humor-laden modern Persuasion adaptation that I could not put down, a must read for any Persuasion lover. 

Connect with Juliet Archer

Read it Now!
Kindle | Nook

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Winner: Mercy's Embrace, The Lady Must Decide by Laura Hile


Monica P!!


Congratulations Monica P!! I am hope you enjoy the book!


Thank you, Laura Hile for generously giving away three copies of Mercy's Embrace throughout the series' reviews and vlogs! I cannot forget to thank everyone who left comments! I really enjoy our conversations! :) You all are so wonderful and have so much to offer to our discussions!
If you did not win one of the three copies given away, you can purchase Mercy's Embrace on Amazon or Wytherngate Press
I truly had an enjoyable time reading, reviewing, and vlogging this series. I hope you too come to love Admiral McGillvary and Elizabeth's story!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Vlog: Mercy's Embrace: The Lady Must Decide by Laura Hile +GIVEAWAY!!!


What Will Be Her Decision?
We know Elizabeth Elliot suffers from much gossip and a damaged reputation. How is she ever going to put the past events and scandal behind her? Her cousin, Mr. Elliot seems to have the perfect answer.


Listen in to the proposal Mr. Elliot has to alleviate Elizabeth’s troubles. 




Well, now, becoming the next Lady Elliot doesn’t seem half bad? But can Elizabeth accept her cousin who once turned her down? Another frightful thought Elizabeth has is whether or not there will be any more proposals from other men? What is a girl in her predicament to do?

If you were Elizabeth, and know what you do about Mr. Elliot’s past and what he has to offer for her future, would you accept? 



***GIVEAWAY***
Laura Hile is graciously donating ONE PAPERBACK copy of Mercy's Embrace BOOK 1, 2, OR 3 (Winner's choice) to Leatherbound Reviews to GIVEAWAY (US Only)! 
To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form below for each entry! GOOD LUCK!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

WINNER: Mercy's Embrace So Lively A Chase Giveaway!!



Monica P!!!

Congratulations Monica P!! I am hope you enjoy the book!

Thank you, Laura Hile for your gracious giveaway, and to everyone who left comments! I really enjoy our conversations! :)  If you still wish to win a copy of Mercy's Embrace, then you are in luck! Leatherbound Reviews is currently holding another giveaway, thanks to Laura Hile, for either Book 1, Book 2 OR Book 3 of Mercy's Embrace! You can click HERE to enter, using the Rafflecopter form! Good Luck! :)

**Stop by tomorrow to watch my vlog for Mercy's Embrace: The Lady Must Decide! (And another opportunity to enter the current giveaway)!**

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Review: Mercy's Embrace: The Lady Must Decide by Laura Hile +GIVEAWAY!!!


What is Elizabeth Elliot to do when she realizes Mr. Gill, the man who has stolen her heart, is none other than the revolting Admiral Patrick McGillvary? Elizabeth’s head is spinning with many questions: how does Admiral McGillvary really feel about her? What if he loses interest in her like other men have? Or worse, given his past, what if he cheats on Elizabeth? This cannot be happening. With his good looks, money, and heir to Kellynch and the Baronetcy, William Elliot seems the more reasonable match. Elizabeth would be crazy to pass up the opportunity to become the next Lady Elliot. After all, this has been her dream. Will Elizabeth choose the seemingly safe and secure path with her cousin or take a chance on getting her heart thoroughly shattered?

After breaking off one apparent engagement, and given her father’s precarious state, Elizabeth’s reputation is hanging on by a thread. Now, the gossips’ tongues are wagging with rumors of Elizabeth being Admiral McGillvary’s latest flirt. Elizabeth’s mind is left whirling with much confusion. Was this all a game? She is unsure whom to trust, and her only friend she can trust, just maybe the biggest player of them all. Elizabeth must finally discover her true self and what she really wants in life before she can make the biggest decision of her life.

It was enjoyable watching Elizabeth change throughout this series. While some of her characteristics stayed the same, like her ability to deliver a proper set-down, those that changed- how she views herself as well as others, was refreshing. Even though McGillvary knows the changed Elizabeth rather well, I wish Wentworth, Charles Musgrove, or her sisters could see this gentler side. Yet, they are too busy with their own lives and dealing with Sir Walter’s disappearance to take a step back and see events through Elizabeth’s eyes. Plus, they do not realize the disparity of Elizabeth’s situation. She is living on the charity of her relations, all of whom seem to be drawing straws for the “privilege” of having Elizabeth live with them.

I have said it before, I enjoy it when secondary characters are further developed. In Mercy’s Embrace, Elizabeth’s sister, Mary Musgrove is in high dudgeon. Between her self-pity, self-importance, and “ailments,” there is plenty of entertainment to be had at Mary’s expense.

Mercy’s Embrace is a delightful romp, and has left many readers begging for more from Miss Elliot and Admiral McGillvary. Personally, I hope Ms. Hile publishes Book 4 sooner than later, as I am dying to see what happens next!

***Don't forget to stop by on Thursday to watch my vlog for The Lady Must Decide! You will also have extra opportunities to enter the giveaway!***


Connect with Laura Hile
Read it Now!
Amazon | B&N


***GIVEAWAY***
Laura Hile is graciously donating ONE PAPERBACK copy of Mercy's Embrace BOOK 1, 2, OR 3 (Winner's choice) to Leatherbound Reviews to GIVEAWAY (US Only)! 
To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form below for each entry! GOOD LUCK!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Vlog: Mercy's Embrace: So Lively A Chase by Laura Hile +GIVEAWAY!


Mr. Rushworth vs. Mr. Gill, who is the unsuitable suitor?

As Elizabeth refuses to end this Season without an engagement, she is on the hunt for the perfect suitor. There are several men who may or may not fit the bill, Mr. Rushworth, Mr. Elliot, Mr. Farely, and Mr. Gill. While each may think he is a likely contender, this particular scene has Elizabeth comparing the merits of Mr. Rushworth and Mr. Gill.





Hmm. Which man will Elizabeth choose? Maybe she pulls a wild card and goes with her cousin? What are your thoughts? Who would you choose? 

***GIVEAWAY*** 
Laura Hile is graciously donating ONE PAPERBACK copy of Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course (or So Lively A Chase. Winner's choice) to Leatherbound Reviews to GIVEAWAY (US Only)! To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form below for each entry! GOOD LUCK!!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

WINNER of Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course by Laura Hile!!


ANNA!!!

Congratulations Anna!! I am hope you enjoy the book!

Thank you, Laura Hile for your gracious giveaway, and for the wonderful conversations we are having in the comments section! I also want to thank the readers for all of their comments and entries! You all are wonderful, and I can see Ms Hile has a devoted following! If you still wish to win a copy of Mercy's Embrace, then you are in luck! Leatherbound Reviews is currently holding another giveaway, thanks to Laura Hile, for either Book 1 or Book 2 of Mercy's Embrace! You can click HERE to enter, using the Rafflecopter form! Good Luck! :)

**Stop by tomorrow to watch my vlog for Mercy's Embrace: So Lively A Chase! (And another opportunity to enter the current giveaway)!**

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Review: Mercy's Embrace: So Lively A Chase by Laura Hile +GIVEAWAY!!!


From the Publisher:
Twelve-thousand a year and an extensive estate can gild a sow's ear, or so Elizabeth Elliot has always supposed. But now that she's fallen for the dashing Patrick Gill, Elizabeth is almost ready to give up Mr Rushworth's fortune. Painfully aware of her bruised pride and vulnerable heart, Elizabeth can only despise herself for loving so common a man. But it has never occurred to her that darling Mr Gill guards a secret of his own--and that he might be responsible for her father's disappearance. So Lively a Chase is book 2 of Laura Hile's delightful series Mercy's Embrace: Elizabeth Elliot's story based on Jane Austen's Persuasion.


As Sir Walter Elliot gets even deeper in financial trouble, his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, feels it is up to her to save him. After all, it was she who encouraged him to purchase items beyond their means. Yet, when Captain Wentworth refuses to settle her father’s debts, Elizabeth is left with few options. How can a gentlewoman raise that kind of money? Sell one’s jewelry? Possibly, but that will not cover the vast sums her father owes. Marriage, it seems, is the only answer, but to whom? With Sir Walter willing to sell his daughter in the marriage market, ensuring a settlement that will alleviate his financial burden, will Elizabeth have much say in the matter?

At every turn, Elizabeth Elliot finds herself surrounded by possible suitors. Her cousin, William Elliot, is in need of a woman who will be a credit to him, one who is both beautiful and accomplished. With twelve thousand a year, Mr. Rushworth looks even more enticing. But can either of these men touch her heart as deeply as Mr. Gill, a man with no title, connection, or money? Can Elizabeth afford to follow her heart while still managing to save her father?

I enjoy watching characters like Elizabeth change and develop as a story progresses. I am always amazed when an author can take one of Austen’s secondary characters, and an unpleasant one at that, and make me like and empathize with them. As Jennifer Becton did with Caroline Bingley, Laura Hile does with Elizabeth Elliot, who moves from being a vain, snobby, self-important lady into one who is kind. We see this as she befriends the lowly clerk Mr. Gill as well as Miss Winnie Owen, the neighbor’s cousin and housekeeper.

Whether it is Austen’s characters or her own, Hile’s characterizations are wonderful. They are so well developed, leaving me feeling empathy, dislike, disgust, annoyance, or disbelief with each of them. While some are dynamic, others remain static creating a great comparison, especially between the Elliot siblings.

At the end of So Lively A Chase, I was left with an array of emotions. It was a good thing I had the final book in the trilogy, The Lady Must Decide, in my possession, as I picked it up immediately! And that would be my advice to you: have book three on hand when you finish So Lively A Chase.


Connect with Laura Hile
Read it Now!
Amazon | B&N


***GIVEAWAY***
Laura Hile is graciously donating ONE PAPERBACK copy of Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course to Leatherbound Reviews to GIVEAWAY (US Only)! 
To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form below for each entry! GOOD LUCK!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Vlog: Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course +GIVEAWAY!!!


Admiral Patrick McGillvary is a man used to getting what he wants. Elizabeth Elliot is not one to notice those beneath her station in life.

Here we are at the jewelers in Bath where McGillvary is purchasing his daughter a present when in walks the beautiful Miss Elliot.



Being one to love the chase, is McGillvary going to forget Elizabeth or rise to the challenge of getting her to notice him? Will Elizabeth allow herself to be seen with such a man? 



***GIVEAWAY***
Laura Hile is graciously donating ONE PAPERBACK copy of Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course to Leatherbound Reviews to GIVEAWAY! This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY!!! 
To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form below for each entry! GOOD LUCK!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Review: Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course by Laura Hile +GIVEAWAY!!

Discover Austen's "other" Elizabeth!
From the Publisher:
Elizabeth Elliot is as beautiful as ever, yet no gentleman of proper stature has requested her hand. Lady Russell claims she is too particular, but Elizabeth begs to differ. She is not about to settle for a gentleman of no distinction like her sister Mary. Nor will she follow her heart and marry a commoner with no title but Captain—that was Anne’s mistake. As for romance and the tender stirrings of the heart, why, only a simpleton would fall prey to such foolishness!
 But when the proud Miss Elliot encounters a pair of smiling Irish eyes in a most unsuitable man of vulgar connections, she is tempted to change her opinion. Almost.

According to Elizabeth Elliot, a man must possess three qualities in order to be considered eligible: good breeding, good looks, and a good income. As her thirtieth birthday draws near, Elizabeth is beginning to wonder if a man can truly possess all three qualities. Surely two out of three isn’t bad…right? As for matters of the heart, one must be a simpleton, indeed, to believe there is a chance of falling in love with a man who bears all of these.

Beautiful as ever, Elizabeth Elliot is determined to end this Season with a secure future. But to whom does she set her cap? Her very rich, yet disreputable cousin, William Elliot, who will make her the next Lady Elliot? The foolish and portly Mr. Rushworth with his large fortune and extensive estate? She can’t possibly consider clerk Patrick Gill a suitable match, even with his captivating conversation, and ability to make Elizabeth smile while also properly humbling her, for he has no title or money. Well! Elizabeth’s options are dreadfully limited as Bath is teeming with more vulgar seaman like Admiral Patrick McGillvary than eligible bachelors. And Elizabeth refuses to make the same mistake her sisters have in marrying a plain gentleman, who will one day become a country squire, or a common sailor with no title besides Captain.

Similar to Admiral McGillvary, I enjoy the chase. For a man whose smile gets him nearly everything he wants, McGillvary accepts the beautiful Miss Elliot’s snub as a challenge. However, being a lowly sailor with a reputation might not get him the reception he desires with the oh-so-proper Miss Elliot. But never one to back down, McGillvary faces this challenge, though not in the way originally planned.

I thoroughly enjoyed Hile’s writing. Using Austen’s Persuasion as a backdrop, as well as bringing in the infamous Caroline Bingley, gave the story a sense of familiarity, yet with her original characters, writing style, and humor, Hile was able to keep me on my toes for what was to come next.

I am curious to see where Hile takes her readers in Book Two, So Lively A Chase. While Sir Walter is still a narcissist, his financial troubles are even more severe, the stress of which is causing him several health problems. With the help of his new doctor friend, Mr. Savoy, Sir Walter appears to be on the mend. Yet, something just isn’t sitting right with Mr. Savoy. What is he really up to? As for Elizabeth’s matrimonial prospects, will she keep her promise to one man, or end up the victim of her heart?

Connect with Laura Hile
Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Twitter
Read it Now!
Amazon | B&N


***GIVEAWAY***
Laura Hile is graciously donating ONE PAPERBACK copy of Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course to Leatherbound Reviews to GIVEAWAY! This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY!!! 
To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form below for each entry! GOOD LUCK!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, July 2, 2012

Three's A Crowd Giveaway WINNER!!!



JUNE!!!

Cyn209 was the original winner, but since she already owns a copy, Cyn209 said to pick a new name. Thank you, Cyn209! Congratulations, JuneI hope you enjoy your ebook copy of Three's A Crowd. Thank you everyone who left comments. I want to give a special thanks to Mary Simonsen for kindly donating a copy of her debut mystery, Three's A Crowd
If you didn't' win and wish to read this great whodunit, you can purchase Three's A Crowd in ebook or paperback on Amazon