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adult book showcase, Book Review, rachael anderson, the reluctant bachelorette

New Adult Spotlight! The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

Kathryn Cooper

I have my adult blog, Clean Adult Fiction, where I post all of my wonderful clean adult reads, but sometimes a book is so wonderful that I have to share it here on my teen blog too. The main character is 24 so this would be in the “New Adult” genre. I was part of the tour with an AWESOME giveaway so CLICK HERE to see my blog tour post with the giveaway!

Title: The Reluctant Bachelorette
Author: Rachael Anderson
Publisher: HEA Publishing
Release Date: September 2012
Pages: 300
Series: none
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it’s up to the viewers–not her–to decide which bachelors stay or go.

Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke’s an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she’s up to, it means revenge.

But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?

My Thoughts:
Wow I loved this book!! It was the cutest sweetest romance!!! If a clean romance is something you’re interested in (you’re reading my blog so it probably is) then this is the book for you.

Let’s start with the unique story line of the romance. Taycee (I love that name by the way) was twenty-four and an owner of a florist shop in the small Colorado town she grew up in. Luke was her older brothers best friend and her friend too. He left for college when she was 14, and she never seemed to get over her huge crush on the guy. I loved that! How many of us had huge crushes on guys 3 or 4 years older than us when we were 14? I know I did. I didn’t continue the crush after they left high school though, but I wasn’t best friends with the guys like Taycee was with Luke. I just loved how I could really relate to the memories of her youth emotions. So it’s been 10 years since Luke left, and now he’s back in town! Dun dun dun. Hahaha I loved it. I’m sorry if this review is full of giddy-ness. 🙂

The story also revolved around the fact her town was trying to save their farmers. The farmers in their town were losing profit and needed a way to raise money to change their farming methods. The Bachelorette show was a way to earn money for the farmers so there are a lot of emotions Taycee deals with throughout the show. She had a lot of pressure on her for different reasons which I think really added to the depth of the story.

All I can say is I loved this book! I recommend The Reluctant Bachelorette to anyone who loves a unique, beautiful, squeal worthy romance.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

I received the book from Kathy with I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Blog Tours. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction 
and Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!
[ Amazon ]

Other Books By Rachael Anderson

blog tour, Book Review, rachael anderson, the reluctant bachelorette

Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway: The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

Kathryn Cooper

 I am so happy to be a part of The Reluctant Bachelorette Blog Tour today! I LOVED this book!!! CLICK HERE to buy the ebook on Amazon on sale for $.99 throughout the tour. CLICK HERE to visit the Tour Page with I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. I am so happy that she’s hosting blog tours now! I love the books she tours.

Title: The Reluctant Bachelorette
Author: Rachael Anderson
Publisher: HEA Publishing
Release Date: September 2012
Pages: 300
Series: none
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it’s up to the viewers–not her–to decide which bachelors stay or go.

Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke’s an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she’s up to, it means revenge.

But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?

My Thoughts:
Wow I loved this book!! It was the cutest sweetest romance!!! If a clean romance is something you’re interested in (you’re reading my blog so it probably is) then this is the book for you.

Let’s start with the unique story line of the romance. Taycee (I love that name by the way) was twenty-four and an owner of a florist shop in the small Colorado town she grew up in. Luke was her older brothers best friend and her friend too. He left for college when she was 14, and she never seemed to get over her huge crush on the guy. I loved that! How many of us had huge crushes on guys 3 or 4 years older than us when we were 14? I know I did. I didn’t continue the crush after they left high school though, but I wasn’t best friends with the guys like Taycee was with Luke. I just loved how I could really relate to the memories of her youth emotions. So it’s been 10 years since Luke left, and now he’s back in town! Dun dun dun. Hahaha I loved it. I’m sorry if this review is full of giddy-ness. 🙂

The story also revolved around the fact her town was trying to save their farmers. The farmers in their town were losing profit and needed a way to raise money to change their farming methods. The Bachelorette show was a way to earn money for the farmers so there are a lot of emotions Taycee deals with throughout the show. She had a lot of pressure on her for different reasons which I think really added to the depth of the story.

All I can say is I loved this book! I recommend The Reluctant Bachelorette to anyone who loves a unique, beautiful, squeal worthy romance.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: none
Violence: none

I received the book from Kathy with I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Blog Tours. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

About the Author:

Rachael Anderson is the author of four contemporary romances: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She’s the mother of four, can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating. 

Buy it!
[ Amazon ]

Other Books By Rachael Anderson

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for what it's worth, karey white, waiting on wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday: For What It’s Worth by Karey White

Kathryn Cooper

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly post, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine , where we spotlight a book we are anxiously waiting to be published.

For What It’s Worth
By Karey White
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Release Date: December 2012

Twenty-four year-old, Abby Benson has dreams of owning her own wedding cake shop. An inheritance from her aunt gives her the ability to make those dreams come true. She hires Dane, a handsome contractor, to help her get the bakery up and running and soon they’re moving toward their own happy ending.

Unsure what to charge for her cakes, Abby has a crazy idea to let the customers decide what they think their cake is worth. This plan has its ups and downs, but the novelty of the idea makes her a local celebrity. When she is interviewed on television about the unusual idea, business booms and Abby has cake adventures she never dreamed possible. But as her fame grows, Abby is swept up in a whirlwind that threatens everything she values. With the challenges that face her, will she be able to determine what is worth the most?

Does’t this sound super cute?! I love contemporary romances! Plus there will be sweets involved. Oh fun! I’m definitely looking forward to reading this one.

What books are you “Waiting On” today?

Books by Karey White

blog tour, darby karchut, griffin's fire

Blog Tour: Interview and Giveaway: Griffin’s Fire by Darby Karchut

Kathryn Cooper


THIS IS BOOK 2 IN THE SERIES.
Book 1: Griffin Rising ( My Review )
Book 2: Griffin’s Fire ( My Review )

For centuries, there have been rumors about a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, these warriors and their apprentices clandestinely serve as guardians for humans in danger.

Forced to become mortal, ex-teen angel Griffin has been banished from the Terrae Angeli. Struggling to adjust, he enrolls in the heaven-and-hell known as high school. In spite of his friends’ support, Centennial High proves to be a battleground, complete with a malicious math teacher.

And to make matters worse, his Mentor, Basil, has been ordered to take on a new apprentice, the gifted and egotistical seventeen-year-old Sergei, whose covert attacks make Griffin’s home life as bleak as a Siberian winter.

Caught between school, Sergei, and a desperate secret, Griffin is certain of one thing: the only way to fight a Cold War is with Fire.

add to your GoodReads

About you as an author:
Tell us about writing Griffin’s story?
As I have mentioned before, I had never written a thing until I wrote Griffin Rising. The idea simply slammed into my head one day: a coming-of-age story about an apprentice guardian angel and his stalwart mentor. I wrote book one in about four months, and then, re-wrote it about 30 times until I felt like it was ready to be pitched to editors. I learned so much about the craft of writing during those revisions.

Why is Griffin’s story so appealing?
Beside a character you cannot help cheering for, I think the book’s appeal comes from the relationship between Griffin and his mentor, Basil. The father-and-son/master-and-apprentice relationship is rich with great storytelling, addressing the Big Questions of life. I think too many YA novels leave out positive male adult figures, and boys need them. Now, more than ever.

About you as a person:
What books have most influenced your life?
The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. All hail the Great One!

What are you reading right now?
The Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I’m such a tomboy! I enjoy running, mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering, and skiing (downhill and cross country). I live in Colorado, after all.

Thank you for the interview Darby and AToMR Blog Tours!

Books By Darby Karchut (The Griffin ebooks are on sale for $2.99 during the blog tour.)

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Book Review, cassandra rose clarke, the assassin's curse

Book Review: The Assassin’s Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Assassin’s Curse
Author: Cassandra Rose Clarke
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Release Date: October 2012
Pages: 320
Series: The Assassin’s Curse #1
4 Stars: I Really Liked It

Ananna of the Tanarau abandons ship when her parents try to marry her off to an allying pirate clan: she wants to captain her own boat, not serve as second-in-command to her handsome yet clueless fiance. But her escape has dire consequences when she learns the scorned clan has sent an assassin after her.

And when the assassin, Naji, finally catches up with her, things get even worse. Ananna inadvertently triggers a nasty curse — with a life-altering result. Now Ananna and Naji are forced to become uneasy allies as they work together to break the curse and return their lives back to normal. Or at least as normal as the lives of a pirate and an assassin can be.

My Thoughts:
Ananna was 17 and the daughter of pirates. She loved the sea and the pirate life, but her parents tried to marry her off to another pirate clan so she had to leave. It was risky to have the first person voice have Ananna’s accent (improper English with ain’t used throughout). I think it worked pretty well. The voice was definitely unique. Would I want every book I read to talk like that? No, definitely not. It would get old really fast, but for this book it worked. Ananna was so brazen, funny, tomboyish, and tough. She could also be kind and a fiercely loyal friend. She really grew on me.

Naji was interesting and very mysterious, but the romance was painfully slow and aggravating. The swearing annoyed me. I felt like it was frequent, but I guess it could be compared to a PG-13 movie. The ending was frustrating, but honestly I’m hooked.

This was a great book, very unique and exciting. I will definitely be reading book two when it comes out next summer.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( mention of breasts, whores, and lovers )
Language: moderate ( h***-24, d***-22, sh**-10, a**-3, bi***-2, bloody-1, f***-1 )
Violence: moderate ( magic and knife fights, blood, wounds, murder )
Other: mild ( she steals throughout, drinks rum as a teen but not same standards as our culture and time )

I received the book from Strange Chemistry via netGalley. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

Buy it!
[ Amazon / The Book Depository ]

COVER REVEAL FOR BOOK 2!!! 
The publisher emailed this out today! It looks great! The Pirate’s Wish is expected to be released June 2013.
Book Review, teresa mccarthy

Book Review: The Convenient Bride by Teresa McCarthy

Kathryn Cooper

THIS IS BOOK 3 IN A SERIES!
Book 1: The Rejected Suitor ( MY REVIEW )
Book 2: The Wagered Bride ( MY REVIEW )

Title: The Convenient Bride
Author: Teresa McCarthy
Publisher: Signet Regency Romance
Release Date: September 2005
Pages: 224
Series: Clearbrook Regency #3
4 Stars: I Really Liked It

Lord Clayton Clearbrook discovers that he needs to marry quickly in order to secure his inheritance, so he sets his sights on Miss Briana Garland, a bluestocking with a brain most men would envy. Briana has secretly admired the handsome nobleman since she was a child, but because of her past, she is wary of trusting in love. Besides, she has her own plans and they do not include a husband! Yet when the couple is hurled into the middle of an assassination plot involving the Prince Regent, they soon discover that love may be the most important weapon of all…

My Thoughts:
The first book was the story of Emily, the only girl with 4 older brothers. Next was the story of the youngest brother Stephen. Now this book tells the story of Clayton the 3rd of the 4 brothers. At the beginning the story flashes back to six years earlier when Bree was 16 and Clayton was 20 and she had a major crush on him even though he didn’t seem to notice his little sister’s friend. It was a fun way to start the story. A lot had happened over those six years, mostly because of the war. I loved the relationship shown between the siblings. I was able to see more of Emily and Stephen’s stories.

I think Clay was my favorite brother to read about. Bree was great too. I definitely rolled my eyes at their . . . idiot-ness though. They were clueless to the other’s feelings for them because of their own pride and insecurities. This third book followed the same order of things from the first two books, but I didn’t mind. It was such a joy to read!

Another wonderful and clean historical romance!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing, mentioned they had sex after marriage but no details )
Language: mild ( h***-18, a**-1 )
Violence: mild ( carriage accident with some injuries, suicide death )

I received the ebook from Teresa McCarthy. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Teresa McCarthy

Book Review, teresa mccarthy

Book Review: The Wagered Bride by Teresa McCarthy

Kathryn Cooper

THIS IS BOOK 2 IN A SERIES!
Book 1: The Rejected Suitor ( MY REVIEW )

Title: The Wagered Bride
Author: Teresa McCarthy
Publisher: Signet Regency Romance
Release Date: December 2004
Pages: 224
Series: Clearbrook Regency #2
4 Stars: I Really Liked It

Lord Stephen Clearbrook knows one way to clear his gambling debts with a wealthy businessman-by marrying his daughter. But Elizabeth Shelby wants nothing to do with this business arrangement, until she realizes that love may be in the cards after all.



My Thoughts:
Don’t you just love these covers?! Gorgeous. It was so relaxing and entertaining to read a beautiful and clean historical romance. I’m a sucker for historical romance! I dream of going to a ball with my husband where I can dress in a gorgeous ball gown and we can learn the old dances.

The first book told the story of Emily, the sister to four big brothers. This one was the story of the youngest brother Stephen, 24 years old. Stephen had a bit of a gambling problem. When a wealthy businessman had him cornered he was forced to become engaged to the man’s daughter. The story had some funny parts and some really frustrating parts! It was great! It was told from both Stephen and Elizabeth’s point of view. Elizabeth’s younger sister was so funny. She reminded me of the youngest sister in Little Women, so dramatic.

Another very entertaining book in the Clearbrooks series. If you love historical romances you’ll really enjoy this book!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: mild ( h***-23 )
Violence: very mild ( punches )

I received the ebook from Teresa McCarthy. Thank you! I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Adult Fiction

Buy it!

Other Books By Teresa McCarthy

blog tour, darby karchut, griffin rising

Blog Tour with Excerpt: Griffin Rising by Darby Karchut

Kathryn Cooper

Book 1: Griffin Rising ( My Review )
Book 2: Griffin’s Fire ( My Review )

For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever.Taking on the identity of father and son, Griffin and Basil forge a special bond where honesty and trust go hand in hand to secure Griffin’s destiny as a Terrae Angeli. Griffin’s belief in himself and the love of a mortal girl are the perfect combination in overcoming the darkest days of his life. But will it be enough for him to succeed?For Griffin, it’s time to angel up.

I’m happy to be a part of the Griffin Rising blog tour today! The link to my review is above. I really enjoyed this book. Here’s an excerpt:

The desk chair squealed as Griffin rocked back and forth. He sighed, and then leaned over
and snatched a scrap of paper out of the trashcan. Folding it into a compact triangle, he balanced
it on one corner and aimed, punting his paper football with a flick of his fingers. It sailed across
the room, straight toward the fireplace, bursting into flames before landing on the logs.

“No Elements in the house,” murmured Basil, engrossed in his book. He turned another
page and settled more comfortably, hooking a leg over the arm of the old sofa. After a while, the
silence made him look up. He studied Griffin’s face. What is he fretting about now? I swear, the
lad’s going to be the first Terra Angelus in existence with an ulcer.

“Basil?”

“Fin.”

“What happens? When an angel becomes mortal? I mean, does it … hurt?”

The Mentor’s heart twisted. “Yes. Yes, it’s quite painful.” Please don’t ask me anymore.

“Where would I go? To live?” Griffin toyed with a glass paperweight, spinning it around on
the worn surface. “I guess I’d have to get a job. Or go to school or something.”

Basil put down his book. “Thinking about the Proelium?”

Griffin shrugged. “Sixteen in two months, you know.”

“First of all, you’re acting as if you’ve failed already,” he said, “which isn’t going to happen.
Second, you don’t take the Proelium the instant you turn sixteen. Yours will most likely be on
or around the winter solstice. When one of the Senior Mentors is able to administer it. Third, no
matter what happens, this is your home. For as long as you wish.”

Griffin kept his eyes on the paperweight. “Promise?”

“I promise.”

Books By Darby Karchut

Visit the TOUR SITE and other blogs on the tour.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review, teresa mccarthy

The Rejected Suitor by Teresa McCarthy: 5 of 5 STARS Adult Review

Kathryn Cooper

The Rejected Suitor (Clearbrook Regency #1) by Teresa McCarthy. 2004. Goodreads.

A tale of love and intrigue during the era of Jane Austen and Napoleon Bonaparte.

Lady Emily Clearbrook secretly loved Jared, the Earl of Stonebridge, but one day, he left her without a word. Now, years later, Emily’s four brawny brothers have decided she needs to marry. With no idea about Emily’s past love, the Clearbrook brothers ask their friend, Lord Stonebridge, to guard Lady Emily from unfit suitors until they find her a proper husband. With his dangerous past, the last thing Stonebridge needs is to be watchdog to Lady Emily. But he certainly cannot tell her brothers that the person Emily needs the most protection from is himself!

stars5

I love a wonderfully clean historical romance! This book (and whole series) was so pleasant to read. I liked Emily (the Main Character) from the very beginning with her independence and feisty-ness. She was 20, and her 4 older brothers wanted to choose a husband for her so she wouldn’t end up with a gambler or womanizer. Her brothers were so funny. They seriously thought they should and could control Emily.

The brothers sent Lord Stonebridge to watch her while they looked for her a ‘suitable’ husband. Little did they know that Lord Stonebridge and Emily had a past together. Woo! This book had some swoon worthy moments. Oh sigh.

I really enjoyed The Rejected Suitor, full of romance, tension, and even some mystery. I recommend this to anyone who loves a clean historical romance.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: very mild ( h***-9 )
Violence: very mild ( fistfights )

I received this book from Teresa McCarthy. I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.

BOOKS BY TERESA MCCARTHY
As an Amazon Affiliate I receive a small portion of sales when you click then make a purchase from Amazon links on my blog.

stacking the shelves

Stacking The Shelves (9)

Kathryn Cooper

Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tygna’s Reviews, is a weekly post where bloggers list the books they recently acquired. The books can come from anywhere: publisher, author, giveaway, library, bought.

Click the book’s cover to view on Amazon and the title to add to your GoodReads.

For Review:

eARC of Timeless by Michelle Madow (This can’t be ordered yet so clicking the cover won’t take you to Amazon.)

Bought:
Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs (for FREE on Amazon!)

Thank You to Michelle Madow!

MORE Books By Michelle Madow and Tera Lynn Childs