Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Mini Interview with Jill Shalvis


As part of the Lucky in Love Blog Tour, I was able to ask Jill Shalvis three questions. Here is that mini interview!


Where do you usually find the inspirations for your characters' traits, strengths and flaws?

Book, TV, movies, friends, family, life … I’m a sponge.



What is your favorite romance genre to write for? ie sports, contemporary, etc

I usually stick with sexy, fun, contemporaries, sometimes with a suspense, sometimes with a sports hero … always something new and different, I hope.



How often does a story take somewhere you never even intended it to go? Can you give us an example?

Every time.  I’m surprised and taken somewhere new every single time.




Five Fun Facts for LUCKY IN LOVE

1. I wrote the hottest sex scene in this book on a road trip with a full carload of family. Every time someone asked me what I was writing, I said I was writing an article on quantum physics so no one would care enough to try to read over my shoulder.
2. My bad boy hero Ty Garrison is an ex Navy SEAL whose entire life has been one adrenaline rush after another but none of it compares to the adrenaline rush/roller coaster ride of falling in love with good girl Mallory Quinn.
3. My heroine Mallory and her best friends think that they’re the original Chocoholics but they’re not. Me and my best friends are.
4. Ty thinks he’s nothing but a walk on the wild side for Mallory, and is resistant to falling for her. What he doesn’t anticipate is Mallory taking HIM on a walk on the wild side.
5. Mallory loves Ty in his battered Levi’s and t-shirt stretched taut over his broad shoulders, dirty from being beneath his beloved muscle car working with his hands. She could watch him work with his hands all day, and so could I.


Review- Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis


Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she's expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she'd like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he's only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he's gone...

For the first time in his life, Ty can't bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn't -- including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all...anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor.







Lucky Harbor is a small coastal town in Washington. It is a tight small knit community complete with all the characters and personalities that thrive in such small towns. So when a mysterious guy shows up in town, everyone is curious about him. He's labeled Mysterious Cute Guy on the town's Facebook page and kept tabs on. The last thing Ty (MCG) expected was to find solace with Mallory. She didn't expect the town to be so involved in her dalliances with Ty. What could possibly go wrong?! 


I loved this book!! It was sweet, sensual, and funny. I was chuckling and often as I was fanning myself. Jill Shalvis kept the pace moving but still let you get to know all the great characters that reside in small town USA. I fell in love with Ty and Mallory from the beginning and was rooting for them the entire book. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first three books of the Lucky Harbor Series but they are definitely on my list now. 


I am giving Lucky in Love 5/5 stars because it charmed me from the beginning. It let me feel the joy, the sorrow, and the heat! *grinning* 




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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Review- A Night Away by Carrie Ann Ryan

A Night Away
by Carrie Ann Ryan

Kade Jamenson has been mated to Melanie for almost two years. They’ve been through mating circles, battles, loss, misunderstandings, and finally, the birth of their son, Finn. The world is in turmoil around them as the Redwoods engage in war with the Centrals. But for Kade and Melanie, the turmoil is also happening at home. The responsibility of a restless baby and their Pack has taken a toll and they need a break.

Not from each other. But from their Pack. Just for a night.

Kade takes Mel away for a romantic getaway and leaves Uncle Maddox alone with baby Finn. The Omega of the Redwood Pack may be adept at emotions but the idea of a baby may be beyond his immense capabilities. 


Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 3 and 4 to give you a taste of Mel and Kade. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples.







A Night Away was a fun short read to introduce new readers to the Redwood Pack Series. You get a small glimpse into the relationships of the Jamenson family, the Alpha family of the Pack. This novella focuses on Kade and Mel, parents struggling to reconnect after having a baby and fulfilling the needs of their Pack. We get a small idea of Jasper and Reed's lives. While we do not have the stories of Adam and Maddox yet, there are hints of their story. 


I admit, I had not read the previous books when I decided to review this for Carrie Ann Ryan but I am glad I did. I am looking forward to learning more about the Redwood Pack. There is no deep character or plot development, but as stated, this is a novella from the middle of a series and should not be expected.  I am giving A Night Away 4/5 Stars and looking forward to more. 




A Night Away Excerpt

Mel looked into Kade’s green eyes and focused. She needed time with this man. Just the fact that she’d thought for a moment he’d leave her meant she did. And Kade cemented the fact that she was scared. Yes, she could admit that at least to herself. She was scared to death. She was floundering as a mother, as a mate, and a Pack leader. She needed a moment to escape. To sit back and remember why she loved doing all these things. To remember that she loved her mate and needed him more than the air she breathed.
She placed her palm on his face, his unshaved cheek scraping against her skin and she shivered at the thought of where else his five-o’-clock shadow could scrape her. His tanned skin looked like caramel against her pallor. She wanted to see where else they’d contrast when they lay naked in a sweaty pile.
She needed a break. If only for a night.
“Okay,” she finally whispered. “That sounds wonderful.”
Maddox released a sigh, and Kade smiled. “Good.”
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.” Kade gave a smoldering look and Mel melted into a puddle.

Vampires or Werewolves: Guest Post- Carrie Ann Ryan


Vampires or Werewolves: The Debate of an Era
            A choice that hurts my brain. Honestly. Fangs or Hair? Claws or Talons? Blood or um... Blood? You see, I love them all. I can’t choose! If we forget the old versions of both in which they all are evil and blood sucking and gross, we can just look at what we know.
Vampires, sparkly or not, have a sense of old age and wisdom. You see them with their chiseled features and tormented souls and you fall in love. Now, if you think back to the late 90’s, they were just on the cusp of transitioning between soulless creatures and hot heroes who save the world. In essence: Buffy’s Angel. *sigh*
But look at Seth Green’s werewolf in that show? Brainless monsters that were more demonic dog like, rather than the wolves we love today.
Werewolves, to me, are more in tune with the Earth. They are muscled and manly and highly family oriented in Packs. They do have an animalistic side that may cause them to have a short temper and growl more, but I still love them. I love their over protectiveness and hearing them from their wolf counterparts.
Why do I have to chose? Oh, yeah, I kind of did when I wrote A Night Away. LOL In my world there are no vampires. I didn’t see my world with them and their culture. I couldn’t picture it. Maybe it’s because the books I’ve read recently have left me cold towards vampires, while werewolves are earthy and warm, but that is what my brain did.
In my world I also have demons, witches and some other goodies that you will find out later on in the Redwood Pack series. But sorry, no vampires. I love reading the conflict between the two major genres, but I didn’t want to write about what I love to read. I wrote what came to me. I mean, one on my favorite all time characters is Bones from the Night Huntress novels. And Ms. Frost wrote about vampires with no shifters in her world. Love it.
            Now, I made HUGE generalizations here. There are so many different types of each, plus thousands of types of other types of paranormals. But that’s what makes romance novels an amazing idea. You can find what you want, when you want.
            My werewolves are connected to the Earth, but also connected to their human world. Jasper Jamenson and his family are highly loyal and fierce fighters. I love my boys and their mates. I wrote about werewolves now, but who knows, I could chose vampires next.
            I don’t need to chose between the two, I can open a book, or click on a Kindle link, and find my hero. Why chose?
            Now for you guys – Vampires or Werewolves? I’m in a wolfy state so I went with my hairy friends. But what do you like? Why?
Two lucky readers who comment blog will be randomly selected to win signed bookmarks. Good luck! Be sure to leave your email!


Author Bio:
Carrie Ann Ryan is a bestselling paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate - even if its just in her books. Happy endings are always near - even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.
Her first book, An Alpha's Path, is the first in her Redwood Pack series. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She loves meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.
Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:


An Alpha’s Path Amazon  Barnes & Noble ARe
A Taste for a Mate Amazon Barnes & Noble ARe
Trinity Bound Amazon Barnes&Noble ARe  

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Review- Trying to Score by Toni Aleo

Trying to Score
by Toni Aleo




Fallon Parker’s dream was to have her family’s wine company at the top of all wine magazines and to have a cellar of her own. After graduating from college, she has worked hard to make that dream a reality, even if that meant having a nonexistent love life. She had her chance at love and that was a bust, so she put everything into the wine company. After becoming the official sponsor of the Nashville Assassins, Fallon finally feels like everything is falling in place, that is until Lucas Brooks comes back into her life.


Lucas Brooks hates his life. He is lonely, he is sober, and he is angry. On the ice, when he’s not in the sin bin, he the leading scorer in the NHL but off the ice, he is a mess. He threw away the most important person in his life, and has regretted it ever since but when Lucas sees Fallon again after being traded to the Assassins; he is bound and determined to get her back. Even if she wants nothing to do with him.


The sexual tension between Fallon and Lucas is electrifying as Lucas tries to convince Fallon that he is a changed man. Fallon tries to resist Lucas, but it is so hard when all her body wants is his. But when Lucas finds out that Fallon has been keeping a huge secret from him, the game he is playing stops and penalties are called.


With new rules and new players on the ice, will Fallon and Lucas be able to work out their differences and work as a team or will they be left trying to score alone.






Toni Aleo returns with another emotion packed story for her sophomore novel. This review is gonna be difficult to keep spoiler free so be prepared to have a few fall from my fingers...Fallon has spent years believing that Lucas cheated on her. The decisions she has made in her life are all based on that one event. She has closed herself from all males, except one, her son. Aiden is Fallon's reason why for everything she does. For this reason, she refuses to give in to Lucas' charms for fear of him not only breaking her heart but Aiden's as well. Yes, Fallon is very stubborn to the point of want to shake her into submission but her reason's for it are understandable. By Lucas being calm, patient(ok~ so we wasn't always calm & patient, he persevered and never gave up), and persistent, he show Fallon that he IS the man she once believed him to be. Well, the improved Lucas. When they were together, Lucas had an alcohol problem, which lead to the situation that caused the breakup. 


Lucas and Fallon rely on their friends, Shea and Elli Adler, for guidance and support and for a slap upside the head when they're being too stubborn. It is always great to characters from previous books make an appearance. We first met Shea and Elli in Taking Shots. *sighing at the memory* Shea and Elli help Lucas and Fallon on the right path. Over time, Lucas gets a chance to show Fallon the man he is. Eventually, she believes that everything he has ever told her and felt for her is true. 


I have to give Trying to Score 5/5 stars. I loved the story. I loved the characters. I loved the reappearance of past characters. I loved the relationships. I loved... alright, I just loved the whole thing. I hope you will love it as much as I do.


Click here to read my review Toni's debut novel Taking Shots


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Want a free ecopy of Trying to Score?!
All you have to do is comment on my review or Toni's Q&A to enter!
Don't forget to leave your email so we can contact you!
You have until May 9, 2012 to enter.





Q&A with author Toni Aleo



I am so excited to have Toni Aleo stopping by Nose In A Book today! She is one of my favorite authors and, more importantly, a friend. 

Story time~ Toni and I started emailing after I had started the blog and wanted to get the Trying to Score release countdown widget... actually, it was Feb 14, 2012. The same day I started Nose In A Book. We have been going nonstop since!! 
(Much to our husbands' dismay) lol


Karen~I know that many of your character's are based on real people, where do you find the inspiration for the fictional portion of a character?
Toni~Its really weird, it just comes to me. I am seriously standing in the middle of WalMart, and all of a sudden one of my eyes is all half lidded (not in the sexy way) and my mouth is hanging open, while whoever it is playing in my head. Its scary... 
~Trust me on this folks... not pretty... *cringes*


If you could have your readers know just one thing about you, what would it be?
People call me a Shea Weber stalker, but I dont agree with that statement. I just happen to be in love with the sexy hockey player and frequently end up in the same place he is. No big deal.
~Let's just say that Shea has been very understanding and the authorities have yet ot be contacted...



What are your favorite blogs?... ok... you can list more than just one...
I was about to say! Jeez!!! I have a handful of blogs that mean the world to me, Tater's Tail Tails, Insightful minds, The Autumn Review, Dreaming in the Pages, Book Junkie, A Tasty Read, Guilty Pleasures, and of course, Nose in a Book. 
~Yeah... *jumping up & down and clapping like a fan girl*


Which hockey game is the most memorable you have ever attended?... alright... you can put more than one here, too... (goodness, authors can be pushy *winks*)
hehehe, That would have to be the one that you came too. Sitting behind the bench and experiencing that aspect of things was amazing. Now if only that glass wasn't separating Shea from me...lol
~Personally, I think Jackie and I were pleased to have the forced separation otherwise our night might have ended with an escort out of the arena and permanent banishment. lol  You can read my take of the night in the My Assassin Experience post. Click here


Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?
I love you guys! Hope you love my books as much as I do!
~Love you more!




Want a free ecopy of Trying to Score?!
All you have to do is comment on my review or Toni's Q&A to enter!
Don't forget to leave your email so we can contact you!
You have until May 9, 2012 to enter.