Before You Break (Between Breaths #2) by Christina Lee

The star catcher of the college baseball team isn't supposed to have skeletons in his closet. But Daniel Quinn is hiding a guilty past so dark he refuses to let anyone get close. Except there’s something about gorgeous, studious Ella Abrams that goes beyond the electric attraction between them—something that makes him want to open up.

Ella has suffered enough heartache and guilt to fill one of her psychology textbooks, but she keeps that part of herself hidden behind a bubbly exterior. Until she receives an anonymous call while working the suicide helpline and the voice on the other end touches something inside of her that she can’t ignore.

Soon Ella and Quinn’s physical connection heats up, even as their deep and revealing hotline talks intensify. But by the time Ella realizes that her seductive jock and her sensitive caller are the same guy, it might be too late to save him—or to stop herself from falling too far.

Type: New Adult
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Whew! Before You Break was quite the read. It's not all smiles and roses but a powerful journey of two individuals whose lives were shattered by loss and are trying to come to grips with it. With the guilt, fear and heartache that's been a constant companion. And with finding a bit of peace, light and hope with someone they never expected.

The Monthly Herd: September Recap!

Once again...omg where did the month go?! Blows me away it's October already. Whew!

I had a couple big things happen with the blog this month that had me all nervous but excited too. I love starting new adventures :) And so far everything is going great with them. Yay!

2014 Historical Romance Reading Challenge--October LINK UP!

Welcome to October!! Link Up below!

2014 Erotic Romance Reading Challenge--October LINK UP!

Happy October!! Leave your October reviews in the Linky Below!!

Review/Quote-tastic (73)-- omg it's Frankenstein!-- Hope Burns by Jaci Burton

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another. 

Everyone's welcome to join in. Authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and toss up your post :) 

No blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.

This week is all about Jaci Burton and Hope Burns which is out tomorrow. It was a pretty great second chance romance and this scene just had me chuckling. It's Halloween and things have gotten a little steamy after everyone left the big party...

The Bucket List (4)--Concerts and Pumpkins!

A Bucket List with a herding cats twist. lol

Each month I'm going to pick out...something to do or try and then give myself the entire month to make it happen. It's not going to be the typical "bucket list" kinda things but still in that spirit.

They won't all be big things.

Some will be fun, some serious, some easy or a little more complex. 

Things I've wanted to see or do, projects around the house, things on the blog, etc.

Everyone is welcome to join in if they'd like!

Create a blog post or add what you're doing in the comments!

Last month's "thing" was to go to our town's music in the park event.
It's a free event held in downtown on a grassy lot right near the library and arts center.

My mom was originally going to be here that weekend but her visit was moved so she couldn't go. But! Two of my friends ended up going with me.

SIGN UP--Christmas Recipe Exchange!

A twist on the traditional Christmas Card Exchange! This time we'll be sending recipes (in the mail) instead of just cards. Recipes that are old favorites, or special to your family. Maybe one you've seen and thought looked amazing but haven't had a chance to try yet. Snacks, main dishes, side dishes or desserts...

They can be on recipe cards, in handwriting or typed out, decorated or left plain and simple. Include notes on why you love it or just go for the straight recipe. It's really up to yall however you'd like to make it special for your recipient. You can include a Christmas card as well or just send the recipe.

**Feel free to invite your friends or blog followers! If you'd like to post about it or add the button to your side boards please do!**

I love Christmas. And I love cooking! So figured I'd smoosh the two together and invite yall to join in too! This is open to readers, authors and bloggers!

Must Reads! Historical Romance

A bit back I was asked about doing some favorites lists. 

Books or authors I think should be on everyone's tbr pile.

And so... Herding Cats & Burning Soup Must Reads! 

For today...Historical Romances.  ❤

Oh my word. I have a lot. I'm a total historical romance junkie.

And dang a LOT of them turned out to be Pick of the Litter reads--aka 5 stars

I really don't give these out often but looking at this list you'd never know! lol

These are in no particular order. Just the one Blogger decided to put the name images in.

It Happened at the Fair (It Happened at the Fair #1) by Deeanne Gist

Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.

The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?

Type: Historical Fiction
Heat: 1 out of 5
Rating: 4.5-5 out of 5

Amazon | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Gist is one of those authors that just leaves me rather speechless--in an absolutely amazing and astonishing way. Blows me away and leaves me a whole bundle of emotions. And I love it! It Happened at the Fair was no different as two young individuals put everything they have on the line during the Chicago World's Fair in hopes of changing both their own futures and the lives of others.

Deeper Than Need (Secrets & Shadows #1) by Shiloh Walker

Eager to put a dark, troubled past behind her, Trinity Ewing buys an old house that will make the perfect refuge for her and her young son once renovations are complete. The last thing on her mind is finding someone new…but the contractor she’s hired is an irresistible distraction—and Trinity can’t help but fantasize about all the business they could be doing behind closed doors.

Noah Benningfield thought he’d put his demons behind him. But the moment he lays eyes on Trinity, the temptation he feels is too powerful to deny. Soon the attraction between them explodes into something neither of them could have imagined. But their desire will be put to the test when a shocking local murder has them dodging danger at every turn. Can the beautiful and damaged Trinity trust someone like Noah, whose own past is as haunted as her own? The only thing she knows for sure is that she can’t live without a man who makes her feel this good—over and over again…

Type: Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Heat: 2.5 out of 5--very limited
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Well now. Deeper Than Need was a fascinating read that held me in it's grip from start to finish as a small town's dirty secrets are ripped from their roots and love finds two damaged souls--hurt badly by love in the past--and sets them to healing. Yeah. It was pretty dang good.


Trinity and her son are needing a do-over and they've moved to a small town and bought an old house in dire need of fixing up. Which brings Noah into their lives and a murder/disappearance mystery from 20 years ago back to the surface when a body is found buried under the floorboard. Rocking the town and Noah since his girlfriend from all those years ago was one of the missing people involved with the case. Que the big owly eyes. Can you imagine?! I would have flipped the feck out over finding a body in my house like that. #ThingsNightmaresAreMadeOf

Tuesday Jams--Magic!

Sooo. The ladies over at Brazen Babe Reviews do this Meme-- Tuesday Jams-- where you share a song or band or what-have-you that's been on your LOVE list lately. If you want to join in check out their blog! Everyone's welcome :)

I'm a bit eclectic with my listens. Just like I am with pretty much everything else.
So it'll be an odd mix of things here. lol

Review/Quote-tastic (72)--You're gonna kick me..where?!--Moonlight On My Mind by Jennifer McQuiston

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another. 

Everyone's welcome to join in. Authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and toss up your post :) 

No blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.

Okay! This week's quote is from Moonlight on my Mind. I ended up enjoying this one quite a bit but oh lordy it made me rant too. As you'll see in my review. lol But all turned out okay in the end. Woot! Anyways. I thought this quote was pretty funny. The two...had to work pretty dang hard for their happily ever after.

The Unsuitable Secretary (Ladies Unlaced #4) by Maggie Robinson

Harriet Benson takes her work at the Evensong Agency seriously, but lately, between convalescing from an illness and tending to her father and two young brothers, she’s had to shorten her hours. So when a promising position opens up for part time work, she immediately accepts, despite the fact that her new boss is scandalously indecent—and dangerously appealing.

Though his reputation paints him as a scoundrel, Sir Thomas Featherstone is more proper than anyone would guess. But Harriet’s wit and luscious curves are driving him to distraction. She’s the perfect woman to fill his office requirements, and other desperate needs he’s been ignoring…

Harriet has always held firm to the rule that a secretary must never fall in love with her employer. Only Thomas is determined to win her affections—and he’s willing to risk any cost to make her his…

Type: Historical Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Goodreads

Annnd Maggie Robinson is totally winning me over to her smart, sassy and sexy romances! The Unsuitable Secretary was the second I've read from Robinson and it was such a fun little jaunt as proper Harriet takes on the task of being "playboy" Thomas's secretary and getting the brilliant but scattered man all in order as he organizes an artists commune. And...while things are all coming together...maybe falls in love in the process too. *dreamy sigh*

Tasty Delights--Chocolate Muffins + review (The Homesick Texan)

There are few things finer than a delicious, homemade meal shared with family and friends. Take it from Lisa Fain, a seventh-generation Texan who loves to cook and serve up the best dishes her home state has to offer—even though she now lives half a country away.

The Homesick Texan’s Family Table showcases more than 100 of Lisa’s best and most-loved recipes, ranging from down-home standards (think cheesy nachos, comforting chicken and dumplings, and fiery wings) to contemporary riffs on the classics (who knew adding Mexican spices to a German chocolate cake would taste so good?).

All of Lisa’s recipes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, yet still packed with real Texas flavor that will make your grandmother smile. Whether you’re looking for a party-friendly snack like Pigs in Jalapeño Blankets, a Mustard Coleslaw to bring as a side to your next potluck, a weeknight- and family-friendly meal like Steak Fingers with Cream Gravy, or a mouthwatering dessert like Ruby Red Grapefruit and Pecan Sheet Cake, The Homesick Texan’s Family Table has you covered. After all, with some mighty fine food and mighty fine people to enjoy it, any meal can be cause for celebration.

Type: Cookbook
Difficulty of Recipe: Easy to Mid
Rating: 4.5 stars

Amazon | Goodreads

So. I pretty much loved The Homesick Texan. It's a beautiful cookbook and even though I can't really cook most of the recipes--unless there are guests visiting--since I'm a vegetarian I loved it none-the-less. It had an amazing feel to it that made me think of home and loved ones and, yes, had me tearing up just a wee bit as I read Fain's intro and little notes throughout the book. She really captured family and friends so well and the wonderful way food can be used to create memories. The recipes were lovely, hearty and easy. The photos abundant and comfortable. Very much a cookbookish win and worth every penny of the price.

Randomly Random--Tell me SOMETHING...Anything! Yes you. Over there. I wanna hear from you too!

So. I didn't feel like putting up a review today. Or anything serious. I know! Bad blogger! I just wanted a fun silly post for the day. And I want yall to play along! Don't be shy! Your comments do matter! No matter if you visit every day or just lurk. I want to hear from all of you <3 So today...Tell Me Something Random! I don't care what it is. Leave a photo, or a meme, or some great news, or what you're making for dinner. If the herd babes have done something goofy. Or if you're struggling with something and just need to get it off your chest. Just say hello or tell me about a book or author you're loving. Share a story. Anything at all. I wanna here it. See it. And with that...here's a bit of randomness from my files and a story if you will...

SIGN UP--Perilous Risk Release Tour (Oct 3-6th) & FB party invite

Hey guys! Alright so real quick. There's a FB party Oct 3rd.You're all invited. There will be lots of authors and prizes and fun. Go HERE to join! Come on out and play!

Annnnnd....Bloggers! We've got a new tour open for sign-ups!
Plus if you'd like to be notified of future tours I help with you can sign up HERE.

Perilous Risk by Natasha Blackthorne

Afternoon Delight by Anne Calhoun

Sarah McCall, food truck co-owner and recent Manhattan transplant, savors each moment of her new job—whether it’s refining the truck's menu, learning the city, or spending afternoons in bed with the hot paramedic who's fast becoming her favorite customer.

Tim Cannon spends his days sprinting from one emergency to the next. He eats like he works—at top speed—somewhere along the line he lost his ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures. Hooking up with Sarah is just another way to cope with the stress of his job, until their afternoon trysts coax Tim into enjoying everything he's avoided. Can Tim learn to balance his job saving lives with the everyday delights that make life worth living? If anyone can teach him, it’s Sarah.

Type: Erotica, Novella
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 3 out of 5
Cover: meh not sure what that has to do with the book

Amazon | All Romance | Goodreads

Well. I liked it. *nods* I did. Afternoon Delight was a quickie read with a hefty does of steam as paramedic Tim stumbles across a food truck and it's captivating cook one afternoon and the two immediately hit it off and start a...competition of sorts.

Cat Thursday-- Human. You shall PAY!

Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats!

Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of kitteh!

Okay so I've had to bathe my fair share of cats since I do rescue. Plus herd babe Mo. Lord help me. When he was young (and I'm talking until like 5 months ago and he's near 6) he had to have baths like every day. That boy was such a hot mess and could get himself all nasty like you wouldn't believe. So. Yeah. We've done these. Often. lol

Scandal And The Duchess (Highland Pleasures #6.5) by Jennifer Ashley

Scandal follows Rose Barclay, young widow of the Duke of Southdown, wherever she goes. It's never her fault - honor bright - but newspapers love to write about the young woman from Scotland, and the much older duke she married, who died on their honeymoon. The duke left her with a large widow's portion, now contested by his younger brother, who kicks Rose out of the estate's dower house and uses it to kennel his dogs.

Rose does *not* need to be found with a large, handsome Scot passed out at her feet, fueling gossips and giving her brother-in-law more ammunition. The Scot is Steven McBride - a decorated soldier who is notorious for heavy gambling and womanizing during his leave time. Steven is happy to open his eyes and find the beautiful woman standing over him, and happy to help spirit her away. But the journalists get wind and start a campaign to couple Rose with the scandalous Steven McBride.

Type: Historical Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Goodreads

Oh that was lovely! I adore Ashley's Shifters Unbound series but had yet to make it to her historicals so Scandal and the Duchess was my first taste of her Highlanders and oh my yum!

"Are you certain you wish to be hampered by a fiancee?"

Steven's look softened, as it had earlier in his bedroom, the hard man becoming a gentle one. "No man could be hampered by you, Rose."

Kitten Confessions w/ Lark (The Bookwyrm's Hoard)

Kitten Confessions! That's right. I'm putting blog followers on the hot seat and getting them to dish all their readery secrets! Bwaha...

Goooood morning Lark! *waves madly* Welcome to herding cats! Ready to dish all your readery secrets? lol

Thanks for having me over, Anna! Sure thing – ask away!

Bwaha oh that is a dangerous thing giving me free range. lol Alright to kick things off can you tell us 3 funny/neat/quirky things about yourself?

• I love reading aloud in different accents, especially various British accents. (To other people, of course – I don’t read aloud to myself!)

Review/Quote-tastic (71)--wait, what's freezing?! Forever Starts Tonight by Roni Loren

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another. 

Everyone's welcome to join in. Authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and toss up your post :) 

No blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.

Eep! This week is one of my favorite authors...Roni Loren. Who just writes glorious erotic romances. This is from a novella out tomorrow that's kind of a catch up "what are they doing now" kinda thing on the "couple" from book two of the series. It's m/f/m with some m/m elements to it as well. And I loved it! Anyways. Review is below if yall wanna check it out and a couple quotes too. This first one just made me giggle. I loved his reasoning for heading back inside...

Fairy Tale Magic Blog Hop! $100 Amazon Gift Card

Love...All things Fairy Tale? We're celebrating them in all their forms...originals, adaptations, twists and retellings. Sweet or steamy or a little bit twisted! Hop through all the blogs for giveaways at each stop! And don't forget to enter for the $100 Amazon gift card grand prize drawing too!

The Accidental Abduction by Darcie Wilde

After having his proposal rejected by a beautiful but flighty woman, Harry vows he is done with unpredictable and impetuous women for good. Until beautiful and fierce Leannah Wakefield barrels into his life, inadvertently kidnapping him while on a wild carriage ride and leaving him all too eager to get back in the saddle…

Leannah would sacrifice everything to protect her family. So upon hearing of her sister’s intended elopement, she races across London to stop the ill-advised ceremony before it can happen. However, when her mad journey picks her up an unlikely stowaway, one who ignites her desire beyond all reason, she’s the one who ends up hastily wedding a handsome and secretive stranger.

But as Leannah and Harry immediately encounter opposition, jealousy, and suspicion of their hurried nuptials, they begin to doubt that their unquenchable passion can truly lead to a happy marriage—especially when both the bride and groom have devastating secrets to hide…

Type: Historical Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Runaway carriages, accidental abductions, quickie marriages and all sorts of scheming! Oh yes. The Accidental Abduction was a very interesting introduction to Darcie Wilde and a delightful historical ride!

Blogger to Author (2)--making an interview/guest post shine

Blogger to Author is a bit of an advice column for authors with tips and suggestions about working with bloggers, blogging in general and making the most of the platform.

Am I the be all and end all of bloggers? ::snort:: Hell no. But after near 3 years of blogging I've noticed trends and methods I think can help or harm authors and their goals and wanted to put something together to hopefully create better author/blogger relations and help authors who may not be bloggers present themselves if ways that may show them off better. It's all based on interactions that have happened here on herding cats & burning soup over the years. From sending requests to guest posting and what works best on the blogger side of things with this or that. While it might not all apply to every author/blogger it will hopefully give a bit of a starting point for discussions. 

Annnnd we're back with our second Blogger to Author chat! This time it's all about guest posts and interviews. Posts that can totally charm the reader or wind up being a little bit flat. I read somewhere that the average blog visit lasts less than a minute with people deciding if they're going to stick around and read the post within 10 seconds. That's...a lot of pressure. And how you start out a post/reply to questions can have a lot to do with keeping people on that page to see what you have to say.
.
I'm going to focus on those being interviewed for this post but a lot of this applies to those interviewing as well. And while I think these are good universal rules there are also, of course, exceptions to the "rules".

Jumping in...Obviously you don't want things to be flat. Just like in books...in interviews or guest posts if it's flat...it's gonna make eyes glaze over and not grab anyone's attention. You want to get people engaged, interacting and wanting to read more from you and the best way to do that is to snag their attention and make them comfortable. Where they finish the interview or guest post and instantly want to grab up the book or whatever it is because you've made such an impression on them.

No Limits (Ultimate #1) by Lori Foster

Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He's also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she's older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon.

Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather's legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette's scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he'll break all the rules to do it…

Type: Contemporary Romance--Light Suspense
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Well dammit. If you want to render me an absolutely useless grown up...hand me one of Lori Fosters books. Was it over 400 pages? Hmm...yep. Did I read it in less than a day? *looks around innocently* Yeah...yeah...pretty much. No Limits totally had me in it's clutches as Cannon and Yvette are brought back home and thrown into each other's lives once again and brought face to face with the past, some crazy and a whole bunch of hinky happening around them.

Interview w/ Kimberly Kincaid--cookies, man candy, mayo & awwwws

Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she's running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves. Until she finds herself spending too much time with a way-too-hot contractor whose rugged good looks melt her like butter...

Jackson Carter wasn't looking for love. But he's not the kind of man to walk away from a worksite—or from a fiery beauty whose passionate nature provides some irresistible on-the-job benefits...

It's the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes, except that Jackson and Carly keep coming back for seconds... and thirds... and fourths...

***ON SALE*** Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Kiiiiimmmmmberly!!!! Welcome back to the herd! *squee* So nice to have you dropping by this mornin. I might have gotten a wee bit excited and made cookies. Lots of cookies *whispers those heath bar crunch ones are real good*

You're a girl after my own heart! I made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies this morning. They go over really well with my kids!

I don't know about that pumpkin but yums to the chocolate chips! lol Alright, I'm ready for some juicy gossip about Gimme Some Sugar! If you had 10 seconds to hook someone what would you tell them?

Tag: The Cat Herder (edition 3)

I get tagged, tweeted, private messaged all the time with variations of... "omg this so reminded me of you!" or that book you're reading! which...okay...at this point...kinda makes me nervous. lol

And I thought it might be fun to start putting those random and wonderfully weird things people think just scream...me. This one won't always be, erm, family friendly. Heh.

Whew it has been a LONG time since I've done one of these and I had so many pics/websites/videos I'm going to have to do 2 or 3 posts to catch up. So...here's the first of a few :D

And just gotta say. Yall are awesome. These so made me laugh.

A Rogue by Any Other Name (The Rules of Scoundrels #1) by Sarah MacLean

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London’s underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them... even her heart.

Type: Historical Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Oh, man. I've never wanted to de-ball a hero quite as much as Michael Lawler. Holy hell. A Rogue by Any Other Name was...quite the experience as a ruthless and determined Bourne makes a play to get back something he lost...and uses his former best friends as a means to an end to get what he thinks he needs and wants.