Theme Song: Brighter Than the Sun (KGI #11) by Maya Banks

Release: March 7th, 2017
Romance Subgenre: Romantic Suspense
Series: KGI #11

Searing action and passion ignite the latest KGI novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Darkest Before Dawn.

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering.
Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t...

As the last unattached member of the Kelly clan, Joe is more than ready to risk life and limb on any mission he’s assigned to, but when it comes to love, he’ll keep his distance. He’s content to watch his brothers become thoroughly domesticated.

Zoe’s had nothing but heartbreak in her life, and she’s determined to start over with a completely new identity, thanks to her college friend, Rusty Kelly. But it’s the gorgeous smile and tender words of Joe Kelly that begin to weaken her resolve to never risk her heart again. And Joe will have to put everything on the line to save Zoe, when secrets of her past resurface—and threaten to tear them apart…

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Theme Song

I finished Maya Banks' forthcoming KGI novel, Brighter Than the Sun this past weekend and whenever I think of the book one song keeps popping in my head. Of course, I knew I had to create a theme song post for the book. I've held off though because the song doesn't make 100% sense for the book. There is one particular line that just DOES NOT in any way shape or form make sense with Joe and Zoe's story! Brains guys, they are strange.

Anywho, 95% of this song is just perfect for Joe's feelings when he meets Zoe so I'm running with the theme song anyway. As soon as Joe talks with Zoe he pictures forever, he pictures marriage and babies and a HEA. It shocks him, but (as a Kelly does) he goes into a protective mode and claims Zoe as his. Gah...this series is just so great!

I have a full review of Brighter Than the Sun coming out release week on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews. Until then though, here's a little sneak peek into Joe's world. Less than two weeks until release day!

“From The Ground Up” by Dan + Shay
And we'll build this love from the ground up
For worse or for better
And I will be all you need
Beside you I'll stand through the good and the bad
We'll give all that we have
And we'll build this love from the ground upt

Anyone else excited to dive back into the Kelly world?

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About Maya Banks

Maya Banks is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today and international bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas.

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Spurred On (Stripped Down #3) by Sabrina York

Release: January 17th, 2017
Romance Subgenre: Cowboy Romance, Contemporary Romance
Series: Stripped Down #3

From the author of Cowboy to Command and Stud for Hire comes the third deliciously sexy Stripped Down novel.

Just south of Fort Worth, Texas, you’ll find a little ranch where the hot, toned cowboys are ready and eager to take it all off and make your naughtiest fantasies come true...

As the owner of the Double S Ranch, Cody Silver knows what women want—all except the one that got away. So when his high school girlfriend Sidney Stevens comes back to town for her sister’s wedding, Cody will do whatever it takes to prove that he’s a changed man.

After their explosive breakup, it took a long time for Sidney’s broken heart to heal—and she’s not about to risk it again. She’ll tangle with Cody and live out her simmering fantasies, but when the time comes she’s going to walk away satisfied.

But love has a way of ruining the best laid plans, and Cody and Sidney are about to learn that what you want isn’t always what you need...

Buy On Amazon

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Theme Song

Based on the epilogue, I'm guessing Spurred On is going to be the last of the Stripped Down novels and that's certainly a shame. I've loved every word of this series. The three prequels partnered with the three full-length novels have been a joy to read.

Although the premise of the books initially drew me to the series, the characters set the books apart. And of all the characters featured in Stripped Down, I certainly couldn't wait for Cody to meet his match. In Spurred On Sidney's personality and relationship with Cody not only met my expectations, they exceeded them. Cody and Sidney's journey was emotional, sweet and sexy all at the same time. This second-chance romance focused on redemption. Cody needed to not only atone for his previous sins but he also had a reputation to discredit/overcome. Now I'm not generally a fan of playboy romances, but York did a great job of focusing on Cody's cowboy/business man image rather than his past sexual encounters. This book is a must-read in my book!

For the Spurred On theme song I picked a song in the country music genre (because...duh) that fit with the redemption concept that figured so heavily into Cody and Sidney's journey. Enjoy!

“Love You Like That” by Canaan Smith
When I'm with you I can see down the road girl Not just the gravel one we're travelin' on girl
And I'm bettin' that it's gonna be a wild ride
But I promise that I'm gonna be there by your side
I think we got another memory in the makin'
So baby let's take it, take it
Slow as the Mississippi
Strong as a fifth of whiskey
Steady as a Tom Petty track
I wanna love, wanna love you like that
Deeper than a sunset sky
Sweeter than muscadine wine
All night 'til the sun comes back
I wanna love, wanna love, wanna love you like that

What did you think of Spurred On?
Are there any songs that remind you of Cody, Sidney and their HEA?

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About Sabrina York

Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York, is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of hot, humorous stories for smart and sexy readers. With over 25 titles her books range from sweet & snarky to scorching romance. Visit her webpage at www.sabrinayork.com to check out her books, excerpts and contests. Represented by Lane Heymont with the Seymour Agency.

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Love For All Seasons: Four Inspirational Historical Romance Novellas by Stacy Henrie

Love For All Seasons

Release: November 9th, 2016
Romance Subgenre: Historical Romance, Inspirational Romance

If you like the inspirational historical romances of Deanne Gist and Lauraine Snelling, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie! With four novellas—one for each season of the year—you’ll find a heartwarming collection of couples from a simpler time in America who discover the redeeming powers of faith and love.

A Long Winter Kiss
As Samantha and Rex’s childhood friendship matured into young love, they promised their hearts to one another, even as Rex headed off to war. But their hope for a bright future was shattered when Rex succumbed to his belief that the horrors of war had made him a man no woman could love. Now he has returned, and Samantha must help Rex see that he still has much to give—and much more to gain—by replacing fear with faith and opening himself to love.

An Unlikely Spring Courtship
Tempest worked hard to secure her independence as a woman running her own mercantile, so when Bram has the audacity to open a competing shop in a town with only enough room for one, Tempest is driven to despair. And then to retaliation. But when tragedy strikes their community and threatens everything they both hold dear, will they be able to recognize that what they share is far more important than what separates them?

A Summer for Love
Loralee’s life has changed dramatically in the eight years since she’s last seen the resort town of Bayocean, but one thing that has never changed is her feelings for Wyatt, a man she promised to meet at the resort on a specific day if they were both still unattached. When Wyatt appears on that date, as hopeful and uncertain as Loralee, the two must see if an old and abiding love has outlasted the changes wrought by time—and begin to build a new life together.

Romance in Autumn
Phoebe and James grew up together but apart in the same beautiful mansion, he as the son of the owners, she as the daughter of a servant. In the years since Phoebe’s fortunes have changed dramatically, and she carries the dream of one day owning the mansion that is still close to her heart. Until James—now a deeply compelling man—delivers the bad news that securing the purchase will be all but impossible. As Phoebe reluctantly relinquishes her dream, she will also look deep into her soul to learn that a true home might exist in her budding love for James.

Buy Love for All Seasons: Four Inspirational Historical Romance Novellas on Amazon

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Theme Songs

Does anyone else just adore a good anthology? They are so satisfying and the HEA’s just make such an impact when they are lined up in quick succession. When I heard that Stacy Henrie was releasing an anthology in November I quickly added it to my Goodreads list. I knew I had to pick up this book! Henrie’s work has been pivotal to me as a romance reader. Her book Hope at Dawnintroduced me to inspirational, historical romance and opened up an entirely new sub-genre to my romance reading tastes. I found Hope at Dawn and the entire Love & War series at Christmastime last year and I’ve been an avid inspirational historical reader ever since.

Love For All Seasons is an anthology in which there are four stories (one for each season). They are all inspirational and historical, but the time periods and characters in each story are not linked at all. I’ve chosen a historically accurate song, or work, for each of Henrie’s seasonal novellas.

A Long Winter's Kiss
Set in post-Civil War Michigan in 1861, A Long Winter’s Kiss is the story of Samantha and Rex. This second-chance romance takes place primarily over the Christmas season and involves some Christmas cheer and gift delivery. For A Long Winter’s Kiss, I’ve chosen the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” because it’s specifically mentioned at one point in the story.






“We Wish You a Merry Christmas" from An English Folk Christmas











An Unlikely Spring Courtship
This novella was SO GOOD guys! Set in 1867 Idaho, Tempest and Bram’s story was funny, and cute and altogether very charming. These two are both mercantile owners and they are duking it out in business full tilt. However, they just can’t help but fall in love with each other’s ingenuity and work ethic. An Unlikely Spring Courtship is a bit of opposites attract romance in terms of personalities so that hooked me right from the beginning. I chose Carmen’s "Bizet" for this novella since Bram took Tempest to the opera at one point. "Bizet" was a popular opera post-Civil War and there were several companies that toured the US via the railroad system performing works (such as "Bizet"). You can read more about opera in America after the civil war here.






“Bizet: Carmen"












A Summer for Love
Oh, Lorealee and Wyatt! Also a second-chance romance A Summer for Love is set in Oregon in 1922. Loralee is a singer and Wyatt owns a successful logging company, but they knew each other and fell in love years earlier when Loralee was a servant at a resort in which Wyatt was staying. Break out the tissues for this one, it’s certainly an emotional endeavor! For A Summer of Love I’ve chosen Marion Harris’ “Look for the Silver Lining”. Marion Harris was a popular singer in the early 1920’s and this song is something that Loralee would have, perhaps, sung as she toured the US and Europe.






“Look for the Silver Lining" by Marion Harris












Romance in Autumn
Yet another second-chance romance (are you sensing a theme) Romance in Autumn is Phoebe and James’ story. This novella is set in Rhode Island in 1905. A bit like A Summer for Love, Phoebe used to be a servant for James’ family. Now, years later, she is attempting to make a life for her mother and herself by buying the home in which they once lived and served. For Romance in Autumn, I chose a waltz. Waltzes were immensely popular in the late 1800s for big, ballroom parties (like James’ family would have held). As such, I’ve chosen “Die Schönbrunner” a waltz by Joseph Lanner. Lanner was an Austrian composer whose work helped propel the Viennese waltz to popularity in America (along with Johann Strauss). More information on Waltzes in the early 1900s can be found here.






“Die Schönbrunner” by Joseph Lanner

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About Stacy Henrie

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids. You can learn more about Stacy and her books by visiting her website at stacyhenrie.com.

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Ink Exposed (Montgomery Ink #6) by Carrie Ann Ryan

Ink Exposed by Carrie Ann Ryan

Release: November 29th, 2016
Romance Subgenre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Montgomery Ink #6

The Montgomery Ink series continues with the brother that deserves a second chance, and the woman who has always loved him.

Alex Montgomery lost his first love and then proceeded to leave himself in the bottle. Only he and his ex-wife truly know why he fell so hard and so fast down a path he never thought he’d take. Now he’s clean, out of rehab, and learning how to be a Montgomery once again—a task that isn’t quite as easy as some of his family assumes.

Tabby Collins is an honorary Montgomery and the organizational mastermind behind Montgomery Inc., the family’s construction company. She loves her planners, friends, and a certain dark-haired man who’s never given her a second glance.

Alex is slowly re-immersing himself back into the world, but the demons he faced before aren’t out of the picture, and he’ll have to learn to rely on others to make it out whole. When Alex discovers that Tabby’s life is in danger, he not only finds a way to help her but also learns the true woman behind the soft smiles he’s always seen. Their romance won’t be an easy one, but nothing this passionate and heart-pounding ever is.

Buy On Amazon

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Theme Song

Alex and Tabby’s story is finally here!

For those of us immersed in the Montgomery Ink world created by Carrie Ann Ryan Alex’s journey has presented some problems. His demons have clearly been plentiful but he’s been presented in such a way that it’s hard not to root for him. Alex has the backing of his family though and by the end of Ink Enduring it looked like Alex had conquered his addiction and was cautiously diving back into the real world.

Tabby has worked for Storm and Wes for quite some time and she’s been worming her way into my heart since she first stepped on the page. She’s loyal to the Montgomerys but she doesn’t seem like a pushover. She’s almost cautiously enamored with the crew (and I love that about her).

So, in the timeline of the Montgomery Ink world, it’s been a year since Ink Enduring ended. Alex is back on track and he’s finally beginning to trust himself again. He doesn’t feel worthy of his family’s love and devotion, but he’s getting there. But when Tabby and Alex finally face up to the feelings that have been growing for quite some time things seem to shift all over again. She’s the addiction he doesn’t know if he’ll recover from. Tabby, on the other hand, has loved Alex for a lot longer than she should. She knows him and she knows he’s worthy of her love and her trust. And sheesh, when Alex finally proves to himself that he is gonna protect Tabby he does it ALL THE WAY.

This book did seem a bit more complicated than the previous Montgomery Ink books in terms of the baggage that Alex and Tabby brought to the page. Perhaps that’s since we’ve watched both these characters grow and change and develop over the course of a few books. Before Alex and Tabby even took a good long look at one another we, the readers, know that this could end really really poorly for the entire Montgomery crew. Luckily it doesn’t and the romance between Tabby and Alex is spectacular.

Also…
Tabby’s brothers...swoon
Storm...OMG
Everly...OMG
Jillian...OMG

Side Note: I’m very, very, very nervous about Storm’s book y’all. However, Carrie Ann Ryan has said there will be NO cheating and that Storm and his lady’s journey will be hard. I’m hoping it proves worth it in the end since I have a pit in my stomach when I think about it. I almost put Ink Exposed down and DNF’d it since I began to think ahead and worry about Storm but I’m trusting in Ryan to make it all better. IT BETTER BE OK in the end!

So, the song I choose for Alex and Tabby may seem cliché. It seems like an easy choice since Alex is a photographer. However, this song wasn't really an easy choice since I specifically wanted to avoid cliché for Alex and Tabby it at all costs (they deserve more, ya know!?!). After searching high and low for the perfect lyrics for Alex and Tabby though I just couldn't compare any song to "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran. The lyrics are so haunting and so perfect for Alex and Tabby's mutual brokenness that, alas, this is the one for them.






“Photograph" by Ed Sheeran

Loving can heal, loving can mend your soul
And it's the only thing that I know, know
I swear it will get easier,
Remember that with every piece of you
Hm, and it's the only thing we take with us when we die

What did you think of Ink Exposed?
Are there any songs that remind you of Alex, Tabby and their HEA?

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About Carrie Ann Ryan

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan never thought she’d be a writer. Not really. No, she loved math and science and even went on to graduate school in chemistry. Yes, she read as a kid and devoured teen fiction and Harry Potter, but it wasn’t until someone handed her a romance book in her late teens that she realized that there was something out there just for her. When another author suggested she use the voices in her head for good and not evil, The Redwood Pack and all her other stories were born.

Carrie Ann is a bestselling author of over twenty novels and novellas and has so much more on her mind (and on her spreadsheets *grins*) that she isn’t planning on giving up her dream anytime soon.

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Sapphire Falls: Going Haywire (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Rachelle Ayala

Sapphire Falls: Going Haywire by Rachelle Ayala

Release: October 23rd, 2016
Romance Subgenre: Contemporary Romance
Kindle Worlds Novella

Giving up sugar right before Halloween. Brilliant.

Going on vacation with an ex. Not so bright.

Honey and her ex-husband, Max, travel to Sapphire Falls to give their two young children the perfect Halloween treat. Max wants Honey back, and he’s counting on the magic of Sapphire Falls to seduce her into a second chance.

Honey is leery of Max and his tricks, but when he woos her with a Halloween romance complete with bonfires, hayrides, parties, and paintball, Honey warms to the idea of a new beginning.

Unfortunately, there's something off about Max that Honey can't put her finger on. When their vacation goes haywire, Honey must decide whether the treat of true love is worth all the terrible tricks life can play.

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Full of twists and turns, Going Haywire is a sexy and romantic romp by Rachelle Ayala, writing in Erin Nicholas’ Sapphire Falls Kindle World.

Buy On Amazon

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Theme Song

Going on a vacation with your ex...yeah, not a great idea. Especially when you’ve just given up sugar, you have two small children and you are secretly still in love with the man you used to be married to.

Let’s just give mad props to Rachelle Ayala for writing this book. It’s got some super tough themes all mixed in with a small-town setting and a holiday. Sure, it’s only Halloween but in Sapphire Falls it’s not ONLY Halloween. It’s entire celebration with zombies and haunted houses and paintball and a petting zoo and monster food trucks. Seriously, is anything really an ONLY in Sapphire Falls?

I thought long and hard about the perfect soundtrack for Max and Honey’s story and I kept coming back to one song. “Come Back Song” by Darius Rucker not only has a meandering, comfortable vibe like the book but it is also done by an artist I can imagine Honey turning up the radio dial for.

If you have time to check out the Sapphire Falls novellas I would highly recommend it. I’ve read a few of them and I’m sure I won’t stop one-clicking them anytime soon!






“Come Back Song" by Darius Rucker

'Cause I didn't know I needed you so
And letting you go was wrong
And baby I know you got your radio on
So this is my my bad, come back song

What did you think of Going Haywire?
Are there any songs that remind you of Max, Honey and their HEA?

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About Rachelle Ayala

Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling Asian American author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous, sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Rachelle is the founder of an online writing group, Romance in a Month, an active member of the California Writer’s Club, Fremont Chapter, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has won awards in multicultural and historical romance.

Amazon Author Page / Website

Christmas in America: Historical Romance Anthology by Holly Bush, Piper Huguley, Joanna Shupe and Donna Thorland

Christmas in America

Release: September 27th, 2016
Romance Subgenre: Historical Romance

The celebration of Christmas is a magical time for love. A new anthology filled with America's rich history and Christmas traditions from four of your favorite historical romance authors.

“Christmas at Mount Holly” by Donna Thorland

The Jerseys, December 23rd, 1776 - The American Revolution is on the brink of total collapse. The Rebels have lost New York, the Continental Army has endured a disastrous retreat through New Jersey, and Washington is about to lose what remains when enlistments expire on New Year’s Eve. The cause needs a miracle, but Christmas is a time for wonders: as Angela Ferrers—the woman known to history as the Widow of Mount Holly—will discover when she sets a honey trap for Hessian Colonel Count Carl Emil Urich von Donop, only to find herself ensnared in mutual attraction.

“Miracle on Ladies’ Mile” by Joanna Shupe

New York, 1895 - After losing his beloved wife, department store owner Alexander Armstrong seems incapable of anything other than work, despite his ache to be a better father to his daughter. When the pair encounters Grace, a charming shop girl designing the store’s Christmas window displays, he struggles to accept that perhaps miracles do happen in the most unlikely of places…

“The Cowboy’s Christmas” by Piper Huguley

Smithson, Oklahoma Territory, 1893 - Postponing her missionary trip to Africa, apprentice teacher Serena Newcomb must travel west to face the unrequited love of her past -- rebel cowboy Baxter Smithson. Banished from his Georgia home for the crime of falling in love with the wrong woman, Baxter is surprised that his Christmas gift is a grown-up Serena, ready to confront him for ignoring his duty and to show him that the true meaning of Christmas is love.

“Into the Evermore” by Holly Bush

Virginia, 1842 - Eleanor McManus, upright daughter of a minister, is rescued from kidnappers somewhere in the deep forest wilderness by a rough and tumble fur trader, Beauregard Gentry. With his help, Eleanor makes her way back to her intended groom who declares her soiled, and she finds herself alone, pressured to make life decisions without benefit of family or others she can trust. Beauregard and Eleanor agree to begin a life together, build their legacy together, and their growing devotion to each other is witnessed one cold, crisp Christmas morning.

Buy on Amazon

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Theme Songs

After reading "Christmas in America: Historical Romance Anthology" I couldn't resist picking one song for each novella. I began by choosing historically accurate pieces for each story but I just couldn't get the thought of focusing on our character's motivations and feelings instead. I quickly found a song perfect for Huguley's "The Cowboy's Christmas" and almost everything else fell into place. I couldn't give up my classical piece for Thorland's "Christmas at Mount Holly" though. Admittedly, this playlist is a bit unusual since it's a mix of different styles and genres in relation to historical romance. It is seriously good listening though!

“Into the Evermore” by Holly Bush
More heroes like Beauregard Gentry please! Seriously, what’s not to love about Beau? He was strong, and brave and he fought for Eleanor’s love and honor. And Eleanor, geez girlfriend, you got yourself in a pickle. Good thing Beau is here to save you...actually they kinda saved each other and that made this little Christmas novella all the better.






“I Do" by Holley Maher
Let's chase all our big dreams
Through open fields and over seas
Where you are is where I wanna be
Forever isn't too long







“The Cowboy’s Christmas” by Piper Huguley
I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I was lost for a good part of this novella. Ella what? Milford where? For some reasons the pieces just weren’t coming together for me. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like the novella, it just took me a long time to catch up. In the end I kept reflecting upon "The Cowboy’s Christmas" over and over again. I’m finding new morsels to nibble on and savor still. The gist of my noodling? Serena was just so darn good and sweet that it hurt my heart that Baxter didn’t see her as his own personal angel for most of the story. Their HEA was especially sweet since it brought Serena joy and it, thankfully, got Baxter’s own head out of his a**.

The song I chose for "The Cowboy's Christmas" is based solely on Serena's feelings for Baxter. The lyrics just fit so well that I had to go with this contemporary tune instead of something historically accurate. I decided that all the other theme songs should have a contemporary vibe to match after nailing down this initial song.






“Waiting for you" by Isobel Anderson
But you can't help who you love
And boy it's always been you
So now I'm here all alone waiting for you








“Miracle on Ladies’ Mile” by Joanna Shupe
Shupe’s The Knickerbocker Club books are some of my favorite historicals of 2016. I love the Gilded Age setting and the characters, but most of all I love Shupe’s intense, almost lyrical, writing style. Until Shupe's next The Knickerbocker Club release, "Baron", "Miracle on Ladies’ Mile" held me over. It was the perfect little Christmas novella. If you read this book and don’t fall head over heels in love with Grace, Alex and Sarah I would be supremely shocked. Alex was a particularly interesting character due to his previous loss, his deception and his unavoidable, all-out attraction to Grace.

For Alex and Grace I decided to pick a song in which the lyrics matched Alex’s feelings. My heart hurt for Alex when he described his feelings for his wife, Mary, and yet it was so easy to see that Grace could complete him in a new and different way.






“Waiting for you" by Isobel Anderson
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand,
Take my whole life, too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you



“Christmas at Mount Holly” by Donna Thorland
Donna Thorland’s Revolutionary War novella had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Donop and Angela just didn’t seem like good bet for most of this novella, but never fear romance fans, "Christmas at Mount Holly" does have a HEA. Our heroine, Angela, was so unexpected that I found it hard not to root for her both in love and in her mission. I haven’t read a lot of Revolutionary War romance but I think I’ll add Thorland’s Renegades of the Revolution series to my TBR list for the future.

The song I chose for “Christmas at Mount Holly” is a bit different from the other songs on this playlist since Thorland gave me such great inspiration. In the novella it’s mentioned that Angela plays the harpsichord and in once scene she even plays one of Donop’s favorite tunes, Handels’ Sarabande. I mean, how could I pass up the chance to have Handel on the playlist? I chose a souped-up rendition of the classic for this playlist, but there are so many great versions out there.






“Sarabande" by George Frideric Handel and Escala

My Fair Princess (The Improper Princesses #1) by Vanessa Kelly

My Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly

Release: August 30th, 2016
Romance Subgenre: Historical Romance
Series: The Improper Princesses #1

First, Vanessa Kelly brought readers The Renegade Royals. Now, in a delightfully witty new series, she introduces The Improper Princesses—three young women descended from royalty, each bound for her own thrilling adventure . . .

Despite being the illegitimate daughter of a prince, Gillian Dryden is happily ignorant of all social graces. After growing up wild in Italy, Gillian has been ordered home to England to find a suitable husband. And Charles Valentine Penley, the excessively proper, distractingly handsome Duke of Leverton, has agreed to help transform her from a willful tomboy to a blushing debutante.

Powerful and sophisticated, Charles can make or break reputations with a well-placed word. But his new protégée, with her habit of hunting bandits and punching earls, is a walking scandal. The ton is aghast . . . but Charles is thoroughly intrigued. Tasked with taking the hoyden in hand, he longs to take her in his arms instead. Can such an outrageous attraction possibly lead to a fairytale ending?

Buy On Amazon

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Theme Song

Hello music loving romance readers! Welcome to September/Pumpkin Spice Season/Fall! Now that the craziness that is late August is over at my day job (higher ed professionals what what) I’m looking forward to reading more and more books between now and the end of the year.

The one book I did manage to squeeze into my late August reading calendar was My Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly. I gotta be honest, there isn’t much to dislike about this book. My Fair Princess is truly lovely. Cranky hero, check. Witty/sassy heroine, check. Sexual tension, check. Opposites attract, HUGE CHECK. For a good chunk of the beginning of this book I kept thinking that Charles and Gillian couldn’t possibly be our hero and heroine. They just seemed so far apart in what they wanted, and in their motivations that my brain couldn’t wrap around them together. Of course that just made their HEA even better and more satisfying. I highly recommend this book for historical romance readers. It’s so good y’all!

When thinking about a playlist for these two I just kept coming back to the waltz. Charles and Gillian dance the waltz together in a few scenes and the image of them dancing together really help me captive while I was trying to put this book to music. The waltz was quite new in Regency ballrooms and was almost scandalous since the two dancers needed to “embrace” each other to complete the movements. Although the waltz arrived in England around 1810 it wasn’t commonplace or socially acceptable for quite a few years. In 1816 (when My Fair Princess takes place) the waltz was certainly beginning to be allowable but a debate about its morality did continue still. Charles and Gillian waltzing together would have certainly created gossip and rumors. Since I just love the scandalous side of Charles I chose a Mozart waltz for My Fair Princess’ theme song.






“Michael Turner's Waltz” by Mozart from the Far from the Madding Crown Soundtrack

What did you think of My Fair Princess?
Are there any songs that remind you of Charles, Gillian and their HEA?

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About Vanessa Kelly

Savage Urges (The Phoenix Pack #5) by Suzanne Wright

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Savage Urges by Suzanna Wright

Release: May 3rd, 2016
Romance Subgenre: Paranormal Romance
Series: The Phoenix Pack #5

She’s a lone wolf with a cause.

As a volunteer at a shelter for lone shifters—the same one that rescued her—Makenna Wray has dedicated her life to finding homes for its residents. And when she discovers that a teen in her care is related to Ryan Conner, the broody, handsome-as-sin enforcer of the Phoenix Pack, she’s eager to help connect the two. She just wasn’t prepared to feel a connection of her own.

Lone wolves are loners for a reason—and most of them bad. Or so Ryan assumes until he meets the mysterious Makenna. Quirky and sensual, she seems to enjoy riling him, especially when she refuses to discuss her past. Although there is no mating bond, he’s sure she’s the one. All he has to do is be patient and wait. But when another pack’s sinister Alpha comes sniffing around, threatening Makenna and her shelter, this enforcer is ready to let his wolf off the leash…

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Theme Song
I adore Suzanne Wright's books and her world. If you have Kindle Unlimited you can get the Phoenix Pack books for free on Amazon. I HIGHLY recommend them if you are a fan of shifter romances! Savage Urges might just be my favorite Phoenix Pack book. Nick and Shaya will always have a special place in my heart since I love submissive females matched up with super-alpha males, but Ryan and Makenna's story was really sweet and pretty perfect. It's no secret that I do have a weak spot for secret babies in romances, but I also like caregivers and ready-made families. In Savage Urges Makenna is looking after Zac, Ryan's relative. Ohhh it was so dang good guys! I also really liked that took some serious work for Ryan and Makenna to get their HEA. They had to open up to each other, step outside of their comfort zone and change up their lives. Even though Ryan suspected Makenna was his true mate early on, they didn't settle into their bond until late in the book which I liked since the way the story progressed put so much power into Makenna's hands.

The theme song I choose for this book has a pretty excellent set of lyrics for Ryan and Makenna. The lyrics mention "give into me" (which is also the title of the song) several times and those lyrics work for Ryan and Makenna since Ryan is so sure of their bond. Also, he's definitely dominant...so the "give into me" lyrics can also be echoed in their bedroom escapade scenes ;)







“Give into Me" by Devin Dygert
I remember the part first glance captured my heart,
and I don´t know how so quickly you got a hold of me.
Why is it that everything, that´s good always leaves.
But I won´t be a victim to the fear inside of me.
And when you start to feel it let it go, no matter how
the story unfolds If you never try you´ll never know.

Give into me baby ´cuz it´s right and you feel it.
I wanna go oh oh oh can you go oh oh oh when you dealing, oh.

What did you think of Savage Urges?
Are there any songs that remind you of Ryan, Makenna and their HEA?

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