Monthly Archives: April 2013

Against The Wall (Maverick Montana #1) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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AGAINST THE WALL (Maverick Montana #1) by Rebecca Zanetti-a  review

Agains The Wall

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release March 23, 2013

Never challenge a cowboy in the courtroom…

Surveying the proposed site for a high-end golf course should have been a breeze for spunky Landscape Architect Sophie Smith. But when this born-and-bred city girl is suddenly—and quite literally—swept off her feet by a sexy cowboy on horseback, she realizes that the country life has some serious (and seriously steamy!) possibilities. That is, until she finds out exactly who her smokin’-hot wrangler really is.

Cowboy and Tribal lawyer Jack Lodge is desperately trying to block the development. And if that means playing hardball—and being every inch the shark lawyer—so be it. But Sophie is a distraction he didn’t expect. A distraction that makes his blood burn.

Two different worlds. Two opposing sides. And when they finally give into the exquisite temptation, the consequences will shake the foundations of both of their lives…

********************

REVIEW: AGAINST THE WALL is the first storyline in Rebecca Zanetti’s new Maverick Montana contemporary romance series focusing on the Lodge brothers and, the men and women of the Kooskia Tribe of Montana.

The Charleton Group of investors hires an architectural firm to design and oversee the plans for a golf course surrounding the Native community near Mineral Lake. Sophie Smith is the landscape architect who must present her designs to the local band (tribe) members for final approval, while trying to win the support of the various groups opposed to the development. But convincing the elders was futile when the tribe has plans of their own. And Sophie’s fight was only beginning when vaguely disguised threats begin to surface suggesting she leave town. There was no recourse open to Sophie and failure appeared to be the only option-only failure meant that her uncle’s firm would most likely suffer a terrible financial blow.

Concerned for the environment, the Kooskia Tribe hire one of their own, lawyer Jake Lodge to represent the community in their fight to preserve the natural resources of Mineral Lake. But Jake’s struggles now included his Sophie. Pitted on opposite sides of a debate, Jake knew that to prove his case and win, he may lose Sophie in the process.

Against The Wall is an interesting tale but left a few questions and holes with a number of storyline premises. There is some bad blood between Sophie and her family but it was never fully addressed; a potential suitor from within her uncle’s firm is brought into the storyline but this particular angle ends rather abruptly without explanation; the threats against Sophie are resolved too quickly and rather poorly.  Too many holes and unexplained variables did not sit well with this reader. The storyline had potential but fell short on many levels with what felt like a rush to the finish and in doing so, there was something missing. Everything came to conclusion too quickly; too neatly. There was a definite problem with cohesion.

Overall, AGAINST THE WALL is a fast paced storyline with an interesting premise that can be found in many local headlines wherever the environment, Native communities or land acquisitions are threatened. The love interest and relationship between Jake and Sophie is aided by several well meaning men and women of the community and when things begin to unravel for Sophie, she knows she has the support of Jake and the people she has grown to call family and friends. 

Reviewed by Sandy

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Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves by Kym Grosso-Blog Tour and Giveaway

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Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves by Kym Grosso-Blog Tour and Giveaway

Tristans Lyceum Wolves Button Plain Tour 300 x 225

Trystan’s Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans #3) by Kym Grosso

Tristan's Lyceum Wolves

Order Link: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk Barnes and Noble

An erotic paranormal romance…

Release Date: March 28, 2013

Charismatic and powerful Lyceum Wolves’ Alpha, Tristan Livingston, is out for revenge after a devastating attack on his pack. Not only did he survive a building collapse, he orchestrated the rebuild of his chic, state-of-the-art nightclub within a week. Determined to mete out justice, he rescues a beautiful witness who may be the key to helping him find the perpetrators.

Dr. Kalli Williams, dedicated veterinarian, is hiding a secret that endangers not only her own life but the lives of wolves across the country. After being tortured by a savage vampire, she’s reluctantly agrees to help the sexy Alpha in his quest to identify suspects; ones who’d kill her on the spot if they knew she existed. As Kalli places herself in the hands of the dominant wolf, she soon finds she wants nothing more than to submit.

Tristan, committed to ruling his pack as a lone wolf, is inexplicably drawn to the mysterious and enticing woman, who seems more than human, but not quite supernatural. As he discovers her secret, he teaches her the meaning of trust, helping her learn how to be true to her nature. After living a lifetime alone, will he succumb to the visceral need to claim her, acknowledging the soul binding connection between an Alpha and his mate? And will he prevail against the menacing enemy who threatens to destroy Lyceum Wolves?

Warning: This book contains several erotic love scenes, including m/f/m menage, and is intended for adult readers only.

About The Author Black and Yellow
Follow and {like} Kym at: Goodreads/ Website / Facebook / Twitter

Kym Grosso 3
Kym Grosso is the author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. The series currently includes Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1), Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2) and Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3).

In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She writes autism articles on PsychologyToday.com and AutismInRealLife.com. She also is a contributing essay author in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.

Kym lives with her husband, two children, dog, cat and guinea pig. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba, traveling and spending time with her husband and children. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit. Also, she loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow-covered mountains. On any given night, when not writing her own books, Kym can be found reading her Kindle, which is filled with hundreds of romances.

Blog-Tour-Schedule-blue

April 27-Review
The Reading Cafe and promotion
thereadingcafe.com
April 27 and 28 Interview
April 28 Character Interview (author created)
Grave Tells
April 29 Spotlight and review
April 30 Interview
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
May 1 Spotlight
Fandom Fanatic
May 2 Spotlight and review
Readaholic’s Reviews /
May 2 Spotlight
Share My Destiny
May 3 review all 3
My Home Away From Home –
May 3 Spotlight and review
Barb Hicks
May 5 Interview (review later)
Offbeat Vagabond
May 6 review
A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books
May 7 Spotlight
Cover Reveals
May 7 review
Musings of Mistress of the Dark Path

Giveaway-Black and Yellow

Kym is offering a giveaway for one KINDLE ecopy (winner’s choice) from her IMMORTALS OF NEW ORLEANS series at every blog tour stop including The Reading Cafe. Make sure to enter at every tour stop for your chance to WIN.

WINNER must be 18 years of age or older

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment as twitter, facebook etc do not account for email information.

3. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY

4. Giveaway runs from April 9, to May 7, 2013

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Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans #3) by Kym Grosso-a review

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TRISTAN’S LYCEUM WOLVES (Immortals of New Orleans #3) by Kym Grosso-a review

Tristan's Lyceum Wolves

Order Link: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28, 2013

Charismatic and powerful Lyceum Wolves’ Alpha, Tristan Livingston, is out for revenge after a devastating attack on his pack. Not only did he survive a building collapse, he orchestrated the rebuild of his chic, state-of-the-art nightclub within a week. Determined to mete out justice, he rescues a beautiful witness who may be the key to helping him find the perpetrators.

Dr. Kalli Williams, dedicated veterinarian, is hiding a secret that endangers not only her own life but the lives of wolves across the country. After being tortured by a savage vampire, she’s reluctantly agrees to help the sexy Alpha in his quest to identify suspects; ones who’d kill her on the spot if they knew she existed. As Kalli places herself in the hands of the dominant wolf, she soon finds she wants nothing more than to submit.

Tristan, committed to ruling his pack as a lone wolf, is inexplicably drawn to the mysterious and enticing woman, who seems more than human, but not quite supernatural. As he discovers her secret, he teaches her the meaning of trust, helping her learn how to be true to her nature. After living a lifetime alone, will he succumb to the visceral need to claim her, acknowledging the soul binding connection between an Alpha and his mate? And will he prevail against the menacing enemy who threatens to destroy Lyceum Wolves?

***************

REVIEW: Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves is the third installment in Kym Grosso’s paranormal Immortals of New Orleans series featuring vampires, wolves, witches and more. Tristan’s story is a wonderful storyline filled with romance, betrayal, heartbreak, and love. The reader was first introduced to Tristan in Kade’s Dark Embrace and his story is well worth the price of admission.

Kalli is our heroine who is much more than human, but her presence in Tristan’s life stirs his wolf into a need that cannot and will not be sated until he has claimed both the woman and his mate. His wolf demands Kalli as its mate but something about Kalli is different-she is hiding in plain site but who and what she is hiding is a mystery. When the truth is finally revealed Tristan (the man) has a difficult time knowing that the woman with whom he is falling in love, is not the woman he was led to believe- and Tristan (the wolf) is more than outraged at the secret she is hiding.

Tristan is the alpha who has earned the respect of his pack as well as other alphas. But when tragedy strikes some of the youngest members of his pack, Tristan is an alpha wolf with a need for revenge-a revenge that may come with a price as the woman he has yet to claim is painfully connected to those who have caused so much sorrow for his pack and his new mate.

Tristan’s connection with Logan (his second in command) is both loving and sensual and as his Beta is welcome in the relationship with Kalli. The Lyceum pack must accept Kalli as Tristan’s mate, and so too, must Kalli accept Logan as part of her new life with the pack alpha. Logan and Tristan have been friends for close to a century and have had each other’s back from day one-they have shared pain and sorrow, as well as the women in their lives, but Kalli is a first for them both. Kalli is Tristan’s mate, but she will become part of Tristan’s friendship with Logan on a visceral level of emotions and love. Her connection with Tristan heightens her awareness of Logan, as he becomes a part of her new life with the pack.

Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves is a well-written, fascinating and sensual look at a powerful alpha who earns the respect of his pack and yearns for the love of his mate. But make no mistake, as the alpha his commands are never to be questioned and any attacks against those he loves, will be dealt with expedience and death. Kym Grosso has written a series that will grab you attention from the very first chapter and Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves is no exception.

Reading Order
1. Kade’s Dark Embrace
2. Luca’s Magic Embrace
3. Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

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Cover Reveals April 26, 2013

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Cover Reveals April 26, 2013

Daylighters June 2013

 

TITLE: Daylighters (YA)

AUTHOR: Rachel Caine

SERIES: Morganville Vampires

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

Dark Witch Nov 2013

 

TITLE: Dark Witch

AUTHOR: Nora Roberts

SERIES: The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

 

Chain of Illusions nov 2013

 

TITLE: Chain of Illusions

AUTHOR: Boone Brux

SERIES: Bringer and the Bane

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

 

autumn bones Oct 2013

 

TITLE:  Autumn Bones

AUTHOR:  Jacqueline Carey

SERIES:  Agent of Hell

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

 

 

 

This Is Forever Dec 2013

 

TITLE:  This is Forever

AUTHOR:  S.A. Price

SERIES:  Thirteen Shades of Red

RELEASE DATE: December 2013

 

 

 

First Bite Oct 2013

 

TITLE:  First Bite

AUTHOR:  Dani Harper

SERIES:  Dark Wolf

RELEASE DATE:  October 2013

 

 

 

harbinger.July 2013jpg

 

TITLE:  Harbinger

AUTHOR:  Philippa Ballantine

SERIES: Book of the Order

RELEASE DATE:  July 2013

 

 

 

temptation woman and man

 

TITLE:  All My Life

AUTHOR:  Rucy Ban

SERIES:  N/A

RELEASE DATE:  May 2013

 

 

 

Something ABout Harry Dec 2013

 

TITLE:  Something About Harry

AUTHOR:  Dakota Cassidy

SERIES:  Accidentally Paranormal

RELEASE DATE:   December 2013

 

 

 

Lost Souls June 2013

 

TITLE: Lost Souls

AUTHOR: Delilah Devlin

SERIES: Caitlynn O’Connell

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

Dragon Mine June 2013

 

TITLE: Dragon Mine

AUTHOR: Jaime Rush

SERIES:  The Hidden

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

Dead of Night Sept 2013

 

TITLE: Dead of Night

AUTHOR: Charlaine Harris/Amanda Stevens

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

Spy's Honor Oct 2013

 

TITLE: Spy’s Honor

AUTHOR: Amy Raby

SERIES: Hearts and Honor

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

 

 

 

Pushed-Nov 2013

 

TITLE: Pushed

AUTHOR: Corrine Jackson

SERIES: Sense Thieves

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

 

pile-of-bones-July 2013

 

TITLE:  Pile of Bones

AUTHOR:  Bailey Cunningham

SERIES:  Parallel Parks

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

Horizon Nov 2013

 

TITLE:  Horizon

AUTHOR:  Alyson Noel

SERIES:  The Soul Seekers

RELEASE DATE:  November 2013

 

 

 

Scorched Sep 2013

 

TITLE: Scorched

AUTHOR:  Mari Mancusi

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

dissonance1Oct 2013jpg

 

TITLE: Dissonance

AUTHOR: Erica O’Rourke

SERIES:  Dissonance #1

RELEASE DATE:  October 2013

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Catching Up With Kylie Griffin

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Catching Up With Kylie Griffin

The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome back Kylie Griffin. Kylie recently released her third book in her The Light Blade series. She is here to discuss Allegiance Sworn, as well as what else we may have to look forward to in 2013

Before we start the interview, let’s refresh your memory about Kylie.

Kylie photo

Kylie Griffin’s obsession with all things paranormal/fantasy started at an early age, when she used to imagine the jacaranda tree in her front yard was a spaceship used to defend the world from invading enemies. Writing stories seemed a natural extension to her childhood adventures.

Today, she’s a primary school teacher sharing her love for the written word with young children. In her spare time, she writes and reads all things paranormal.     

Kylie lives in a small rural village in outback New South Wales, Australia, where she volunteers in a number of emergency service organizations in her local community. Visit her website at www.kyliegriffin.com

 

Interview seafoam:blackTRC:  Hi, Kylie.  Thank you for taking the time to revisit us at The Reading Cafe to discuss your new release “Allegiance Sworn”, as well as to give us an update as to what else you may be working on.

Kylie: Hi Barb, thanks for the chance to meet your readers again. I loved visiting The Reading Cafe last time, so it’s great to be back!

TRC: You have just released the 3rd book in your Light Blade series.  For our members who may not have read this series, can you give us a description of the premise of this series? 

Kylie: Without giving away any spoilers, in the Light Blade world there are three different races – the Na’Reish (demons), Na’Chi (hybrid half-breeds, and humans. The Na’Reish outnumber the humans, and the human race is under threat of enslavement. Both races loath the existence of the Na’Chi as neither can tolerate their mixed heritage.

Each story in the series so far has shown the struggle between the races to survive, and a myriad of secrets and power struggles have thrown characters together and driven others apart. All the while demons and humans have been pushed closer to war with one another.

While the series isn’t epic fantasy in its purest form, it does have similar elements. The overarching plots employ typical themes such as a quest, a guiding deity, struggles against an opposing force, the threat of world domination, revenge and redemption, but readers also get to focus on a romance between main characters.

So if readers like this sort of epic-style story with a good romance then the Light Blade series is one to try. There’s enough back sotry in ALLEGIANCE SWORN to get the gist of the series arc, and each book can be read as stand-alone romances, but I’d recommend reading them in sequence for the full impact.


allegiance sworn

 

TRC: Allegiance Sworn was released on April 2, 2013.  Can you please tell us briefly about the book?

Kylie: ALLEGIANCE SWORN is the third book in the Light Blade series and one I was very excited to write as it features Arek, a rather deliciously tormented (yes, I do like torturing my heroes), secondary character, and one of my Light Blade warriors, who appeared in both VENGEANCE BORN (#1) and ALLIANCE FORGED (#2).

 

Links to order Allegiance Sworn:
Amazon / Barnes&Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo

 

vengeance born

Alliance forged

 

Click pictures to link to reviews of each book.

 

 

 

Links to purchase:
Vengeance Born:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo
Alliance Forged: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo

At the end of ALLIANCE FORGED Arek was wounded and captured by demon-slavers. In ALLEGIANCE SWORN he’s claimed by Imhara, a demon Clan leader.

He’s sworn to die fighting before allowing her to enslave him but then discovers she’s been living a double-life; that her Clan don’t enslave humans and accept half-bloods. And more significantly, they have one goal in common – to kill Na’Reish leader Savyr, the demon who murdered their families and destroyed their lives.

I had a LOT of fun making Arek face his greatest fears in this book but what surprised me the most was the way a couple of plot threads within the story ended – I intended the story to finish with the characters achieving certain goals but they refused to take that path and led me down another!

Lives being threatened, fighting, the death of a major character – all of this was supposed to occur, and it did, but not in the manner I expected and it brought about an entirely different conclusion to the story.

TRC: Will there be more books for the Light Blade series, if so, how many?

Kylie: Well, at this stage there are at least three secondary characters with stories demanding to be told. For example, Rissa, a young child introduced in VENGEANCE BORN, and is a character who definitely has a story to be written but as she’s only 10y.o, she has to grow up first. LOL

So it’s lucky there are some other secondary characters clamoring for their stories to be told in the meantime. They’ll keep me busy for a while yet, and give Rissa the time to grow up.

TRC: Would you like to share with us what you are currently working on?

Kylie: What am I up to, besides a manic blog tour to promote ALLEGIANCE SWORN(and the mass market version of Vengeance Born, which was also released on April 2nd)?

Well, I have a few plans I’m juggling. I’m writing books #4 and #5 in the Light Blade series. There’s no release dates yet for them as that depends on whether the book-gods smile on a new publishing contract.

For those who’ve been following the series, books #4 & #5 are characters you’ve met earlier in the series, or will have, once you’ve read ALLEGIANCE SWORN. 🙂

I’m also keen to write a new post-apocalyptic romance, one that’s been mulling in the back my mind for a few years now. A change of genre would be refreshing and I’m quite excited about this one as I’m venturing into new territory. It’s rather more erotic in tone than I anticipated.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Kylie: Two ideas inspired ALLEGIANCE SWORN.

The first was Arek, the hero, and his hatred for all things demon. Throughout the series and of all the characters he’s probably had the toughest time. He’s found out he has a demon half sister. His grandfather not only tried to kill her but he kept the secret that demons and humans once lived harmoniously together and then betrayed the human race by leading a rebellion to keep the war between them going.

In ALLEGIANCE SWORN Arek is confronted by the truth that his whole life and every decision and action he’s made has been based on a lie, one foster by his grandfather’s deception.

And, having been captured by demon-slavers at the end of Alliance Forged, he now faces one of his greatest fears – being the blood-slave of Imhara Kaal, his new owner. Anyone who’s already read the series will know Arek prefers death over serving as a blood-slave, so you can imagine the conflict this is going to create!

The idea of a double agent gave me the plot thread for Imhara Kaal, the heroine, in ALLEGIANCE SWORN. Unlike other demons, Imhara and her people have create a utopia of sorts where human, demon, and half breeds live peacefully and equally in the Old Ways but they’ve had to sacrifice a lot to remain undiscovered. Living a double-life and adopting two separate lifestyles was essential for their survival.

But it puts Imhara and Arek at odds right from the get go because she had to portray her alter-ego in order to claim him as her slave. You can image how well that went down with Arek, and trying to convince him of her other persona is nigh impossible.

I loved being able to throw these two opposing personalities together and watching the sparks fly!

TRC: Thank you, Kylie for giving us an update on Allegiance Sworn, as well as what we can look forward to in the future.   It was a pleasure having you visit us again. 

Kylie: Barb, it’s been a pleasure catching up with you and I look forward to chatting with your readers!

If you want to learn more about Kylie, you can find her at the following links:

Website: http://www.kyliegriffin.com
Blog: www.kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kylie-Griffin-paranormal-romance/152760788151938
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/KylieGriffin1
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4882841.Kylie_Griffin

Giveaway-Black and Seafoam

Kylie has graciously offered to give one member of The Reading Café a prize pack of a signed copy of Vengeance Born (paperback just released April 2nd), as well as an Allegiance Sworn Tote Bag,

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Please post a comment answering the following question:
    What’s your favorite paranormal/sci-fi/fantasy movie, and why?

4.  Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY

5.  Contests runs from April 26 to April 30, 2013

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Allegiance Sworn by Kylie Griffin – a Review

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Allegiance Sworn by Kylie Griffin – a Review

Allegiance Sworn revised

Links to order Allegiance Sworn:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo

Description:
There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not purebred is virtually powerless. Until a demon leader seeks to unify the races…

With the alliance of the humans and the half-blood Na’Chi forged, the demon Na’Reish prepare for war by seizing human blood-slaves. Captured during a rescue mission-gone-wrong, Light Blade warrior Arek Barial finds himself claimed by a Na’Reishi female who offers him an unexpected choice.

Raised in the elite ranks of a society she abhors, Imhara Kaal lives a dangerous double life as a Na’Reish Clan-leader and an advocate for a caste-free life that honors the Old Ways. Openly rebelling against the Na’Reish would mean her death, unless she can find an emissary willing to present her petition to the human Blade council.

But Arek isn’t about to blindly follow a demon—despite the intense attraction growing between them. And while hatred for the Na’Reish is all he has ever known, Arek must learn to trust Imhara, or risk the destruction of all three races

Review:

Allegiance Sworn by Kylie Griffin is the third book in her Light Blade series.  For those of you who may not have read my reviews on the first two books, this is Urban Fantasy Romance.  In this world created by Griffin, we have Humans, Na’Reish (demons), and Na’Chi (half demons). The series premise is built around the Light Blade warriors, and their battle against the Na’Reish demons.  In the first two books, Kalan, the Light Blade Chosen, and his sister, Kymora, who is the Priestess, had their stories told, and we knew Arek, the third member of this close friendship would be next.

Kylie Griffin does a wonderful job continuing this series so smoothly in to the next storyline, where we pick up with Arek now being held by the Na’Reish as a prisoner.  Arek makes such a wonderful and damaged hero, not to mention the hottest one yet.  I loved Arek, with all his hotness, and his issues he must learn to deal with, but more about him later. 

Arek has met his match, when he meets a female Na’Reish leader, Imhara.  As much as I loved Kymora the best female in this series, I totally adored Imhara.  She is a great kickass heroine, who is perfect to battle Arek and his Na’Reish hatred. Imhara, as the Clan leader, is not a true Na’Reish, as she comes from the old ways, believing in the Lady, and helping humans survive against the violent demons.  Imhara has planned for many years to try to form an alliance with the Light Blade humans, and work with them to destroy the leader of the Na’Reish, Savyn. 

It is Imhara’s warriors to rescue Arek, but he is ready to kill Imhara and her warriors, since to him they are demons, and not to be trusted.  What follows is a wonderful story, of Imhara and her people breaking down Arek’s damaged barriers and getting him to learn to trust them.  The chemistry between them was awesome, even if it was a match that could never work, but slowly the barrier and trust between them breaks down.  Arek had to face his own demons of the past, and find a way to help Imhara and her team destroy the enemy. 

This was such an enjoyable read; I could not put the book down.  Besides a great couple like Arek and Imhara, Griffin has created some wonderful secondary characters throughout this series, and in this book, Rassan is excellent.  Watching Imhara work on Arek to open his eyes, and heart, and eventually finding herself totally falling for him, and his fighting off his own attraction was wonderfully done.  The main villain in this series continues to appear, but the new villain, Yur, was despicable. I loved how Imhara handled him and the other Na’Reish warriors who look down on woman, especially a strong and fierce woman like Imhara.  The ensuing battle to attempt to defeat the enemy was filled with excitement, adventure in a dangerous climax. At the end it was great to meet up with Kalan, Annika, Kymora, and Varian. However, Griffin though resolving everything in this story, leaves things open to continue this series, and I for one hope she does.  We need more of this Light Blade series, and the world she has created.  I also love Kylie Griffin’s writing style. I highly recommend that you read this book, but please start with the first book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

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Trapped Under Ice (Rocking Romance #1) by M.J. Schiller-a review

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TRAPPED UNDER ICE (Rocking Romance #1) by M.J.Schiller-a review

Trapped Under Ice

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 2013

Rock star Chad Evans’s tortured past hides just beneath the surface. Even fans screaming out his name in ecstasy can’t drown out the screams of his childhood. He can usually keep it under control, but not always. Tonight the alcohol doesn’t seem to soothe.

Part of the crowd, Beth Donovan smiles, really enjoying herself for a change. But her smile isn’t usually this bright. It is the kind of smile that masks sorrow. Three years just isn’t long enough to get over losing Paul. When a vicious attack behind stage brings this unlikely pair together, something changes inside of them both. But can a jet-setting superstar and a Midwestern lunch lady ever manage a real relationship? And even if they can, will the person sending Chad death threats take it all away? Or is it their fate to remain forever trapped under ice

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TRAPPED UNDER ICE is the first storyline in M.J.Shiller’s new contemporary romance series-Rocking Romance focusing on the lives and loves of the members of the platinum selling group Trapped Under Ice. Although the title references the name of the band, it can also be the philosophical and psychological look at both the hero and heroine’s life-Beth is a widowed mother of a seventeen year old daughter and, has a difficult time letting go of the past; Chad, our rock and roll god, has demons buried so deep, that only the burn of alcohol and his explosive anger, keep the memories at bay. When the two meet, their connection is instant.

Chad has issues with anger. With a family history of abuse, Chad knows he will never be like his father, but his own rage has him sitting on the precipice of personal and professional destruction. Meeting Beth is the best thing that has ever happened to Chad, but the rock and roll life begins to catch up: violent outbursts; fighting with the band; and a stalker threatening to end it all. Believing he is not worthy of Beth’s love, he will push her away at a time when he is most vulnerable.

Beth is our heroine: a devoted mother, hard working lunch lady, part time romance author and Chad Evan’s girlfriend and lover. But Beth will witness Chad’s lifestyle up close and personal and, in time, she will have to decide whether it is worth losing her heart to the man she loves or lose the man to something more evil.

The storyline is slow to build, We follow Chad and Beth as they get to know one another-meeting at the next stop on the tour; booking rooms in out of the way places; and finally an intimate get away for two. But in this build up, we see a different side to the rock and roll hero-we see a more vulnerable Chad-one whose heart weighs heavy with secrets, years of abuse and a family history of violence and death.

I will add, this story is not all hearts and flowers, neither is it all doom and gloom. But the proverbial elephant in the room is not addressed until a fair way into the story. It is then that the most explosive action and revelations take place. There is a build up of a secondary storyline and in the end, the band will lose one of their own; Beth will lose a close friend; and Trapped Under Ice-the band- will become a little more cynical of the world and themselves.

Trapped Under Ice is an interesting look at the lives and loves of the famous and infamous. The façade and glory of making it big covers a multitude of indiscretions and heartbreaking sorrow, from which many will never recover. But for Chad Evans it will take the love and determination of one woman, to set him on the path of self-actualization and free him from the demons knocking at the door. And have no doubt there is definitely a happily ever after, which is always welcome in my little corner of the world.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Behind The Lies Blog Tour & Giveaway – Robin Perini

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Behind The Lies Blog Tour & Giveaway – Robin Perini

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Series Spotlight black and orange

 

In Her Sights
Book 1 – Montgomery Justice Series

In her sightsSWAT Team Sniper Jasmine “Jazz” Parker can thread the eye of a needle with a bullet. As the only female sniper in the state of Colorado, Jazz is unique for more than her extraordinary marksmanship skills and cool head. Jazz Parker and her weapon defend the helpless by exacting swift and uncompromising justice. Not bad for the daughter of the town whore.

After growing up on the seedy side of town, Jazz believed when she’d changed her name and her life at fifteen, she’d buried her past. Two years ago, she even drove away the one man she believed she could love—ex-Army Ranger turned reporter Luke Montgomery—to protect her secret.

Then, in a fleeting second, the time it takes for one clean shot, one perfect hit, to save the life of the Governor’s daughter, Jazz’s world begins to crumble around her. Her past and her present now threaten to destroy the life she has carefully constructed for herself. Her face and name have been splashed across the front page—by none other than Luke Montgomery—and her past has reawakened with a vengeance. A vicious enemy is bent on destroying Jazz’s life, forcing her to turn to the one man she can never have in order to stop a killer before she and everyone she cares about pay with their lives.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Order Now:  Kindle | Paperback | Audible

 

Behind The Lies
Book 2 – Montgomery Justice Series

 

behind the lies

Of the six Montgomery brothers, Zach has always walked on the wild side. He rocketed to fame playing a hero in a movie, but offscreen he’s living in the shadows. Zach’s dark secret: he leads a double life as a CIA operative. When a mission to stalk a terrorist goes horribly wrong, Zach’s cover is blown. He’s on the run and fighting to stay alive long enough to discover whom he can trust—and who betrayed him.

Jenna Walters thought she’d married the perfect man—until she unearthed his terrible secret. Now, desperate to escape his crosshairs, she and her son take refuge in Zach’s secret hideaway. Sparks fly between Zach and Jenna even as danger explodes around them.

From Afghanistan to Turkey to the mountains of Colorado, assassins track them and are closing in. Not only is Zach’s life at stake, but now Jenna and her son are targets in this high stakes game.

Available on April 23, 2013:   Kindle | Paperback | Audible

BEHIND THE LIES TRAILER

http://youtu.be/N9MvUWeavGE

EXCERPT (BEHIND THE LIES)

She’d give the FBI one last chance.

“Fallon.” The crisp voice on the other end of the phone didn’t calm her as it had in the past. In fact, he sounded shaken.

No more out of sorts than she. “He knows.”

“Jenna?”

“One of the bugs is in pieces. I’m telling you, he knows. I’ve got to get out of here. Now. I don’t know why he hasn’t already killed me. Probably because he couldn’t find a babysitter on such short notice.” The forced laugh didn’t hide the panic in her voice.

Who was she kidding? She shoved underwear into the bag and yanked open another drawer.

“Wait a minute, Jenna. Let’s think this through. We can salvage the operation.” He didn’t sound like himself. Something was wrong. The gut instinct that abandoned her when Brad had swept her off her feet revved into overdrive.

For months after her dad had died, she’d survived on the streets, instinct and desperation her only allies. At fourteen she’d kept herself safe by trusting her gut.

Right now, every fiber in her being told her that the man on the other end of the phone was lying to her.

She couldn’t afford to doubt. Besides, why should she be surprised that another person she’d trusted was a liar?

 

About The Author Black and Blue

Robin

National Bestselling and award-winning author Robin Perini sold seven titles to publishers in one year after winning the prestigious Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® award in 2011. Her writing’s motto: “When danger and romance collide, no heart is safe.” An analyst for an advanced technology corporation, Perini is also a nationally acclaimed writing instructor and enjoys competitive small-bore rifle silhouette shooting. She makes her home in the American Southwest.

Connect with Robin:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

Blog-Tour-Schedule-seafoam

 

 

 

4/19 – Curling Up With A Good Book
4/20 – Toot’s Books Reviews
4/21 – Page Flipperz
4/22 – Cocktails and Books
4/23 – Romance Junkies
4/24 – Book Lovin’ Mamas
4/25 – The Reading Café
4/26 – Riverina Romantics
4/27 – Deal Sharing Aunt
4/29 – Book Monster Reviews and LITERAL ADDICTION
4/30 – Alexx Mom Cat’s Gateway
5/01 – Books-N-Kisses
5/02 – Beach Bum Reads
5/03 – Books, Books and More Books
5/04 – Books A La Mode

 

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Robin is giving away the following prizes on the tour:

Grand Prize:  $100.00 gift card to Amazon or B&N

Runners up:  Two (2) Runners-up will each receive a $25.00 gift card to Amazon or B&N

2nd Runner-up:  Runner-up will receive an autographed complete collection of Robin’s books which will include Finding Her Son, Cowboy in the Crossfire (2013 RITA Finalist), Christmas Conspiracy, Undercover Texas (Carder Texas Connections) and In Her Sights and Behind the Lies (first two Montgomery Justice Novels)

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is not responsible for the Rafflecopter Giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the blog tour promoter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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