Monthly Archives: June 2013

Undertow by S.M. Stelmack – a Review

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Undertow by S.M. Stelmack – a Review

undertowLinks to order Undertow: Amazon

Book Description:
Lindsay Sterling’s niece has gone missing in the New York underground and the cops do nothing except pass along a name. Jack Cole. Twenty years ago they were good buddies but horrors have changed them both. Lindsay lost her entire family except for her niece in a car accident, and Jack was held captive in New York’s underbelly for nearly two years by demented sub-humans. It was a soul-sucking experience that’s left him a shell of a man. He refuses to descend into that hell again, especially for a girl who’s probably dead anyway. But when Lindsay is nearly killed there after going it alone, Jack feels compelled to save her skin. Jack navigates Lindsay through a strange territory, populated with the eccentric, the insane and the desperate. Each encounter takes them closer to Lindsay’s niece but also closer into the clutches of the mad creatures that will enslave them.

Review:
Undertow by S.M. Stelmack was an excellent adventure. I give it a 4/5 rating  This book is full of danger, intrigue and friendships.  Imagine a city under a city, levels of this city divided, until we get to the lowest of the low. Each level has their hierarchy, rules and laws. At the top we have running water and electricity. Each level goes deeper and deeper, until we hit total darkness. And the monsters.

Lindsay once had a friend called Jack, they were inseparable. Jack was the ultimate adventurer, he would travel underground searching for treasures and stories to tell his avid follower.  An incident in their past puts a strain on their friendship. Then Jack and his father have to move away, this is the end of the dynamic duo. But they keep in touch, postcards, letters and birthday phone calls. Then a blow rocks Lindsay’s world, and she cuts Jack out if her life forever…..

We jump ahead eighteen years. Lindsay’s worse nightmare comes true, she loses her remaining family member underground. The police can’t help, due to lack of funds and manpower. She is given a name and number to contact, to her shock, it’s Jack’s name looking back at her. 

Tracking him down, she arrives at a rundown building, where she meets a mountain called Reggie. Getting past Reggie to see Jack is a challenge in it’s self.

Their meeting doesn’t go as planned.  He is cold, distant and totally disinterested in her plight. Undeterred, Lindsay plans to go underground and look for her niece. Packing a rucksack full of things she will need, Lindsay ventures to Grand Central Station, in search of a guide, to take her underground. She meets a bunch of youths who promise to take her to the people she needs to see. Only trouble in the shape of a knife is what she gets. Reggie rescues her, and takes her back to Jack.   Jack relents and tells her that he will take her underground, and to be ready the next morning. 

Along the journey, we meet characters, who know of Jack the legend. (it seems Jack has his own underground story to tell, which we get to see in flash backs)

Jack has loved Lindsay since childhood, but Jack is broken. The moles (who are at the bottom of the underground social network, but are feared by everyone) broke him, tried to remould him into someone else. Jack’s flashbacks are very important to the story, we get to see them try to break him, and all the horrors he was forced to endure. 

The moles want their property back (Jack being theirs), and will do anything to keep him from returning to the surface.  Jack and Lindsay reconnect and their love for one another begins to grow, from the child worship to adult love. The story is fast paced and nail biting, right up to the ending.              

What I liked about this book was the adventure, I could see this as a movie, the monsters scary enough for any horror fan. It flowed really well. And it felt like real time, as there was the sleep, eating, fighting and escape. Do they rescue her niece ? Do they find happiness, or will reality set in ? Well I’m afraid you will have to read this amazing book yourself. 

My only niggle, the end felt a little rushed, I thought there would be a meeting, or a showdown. I see there is another book due out 2013, I will be putting it on my kindle list. I can’t recommend it enough. It really was a ride a minute. 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Author

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The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro-a review

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THE PERFUME COLLECTOR by Kathleen Tessaro-a review

The Perfume Collector

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Released May 2013

London, 1955: Grace Monroe is a young newlywed, eager to make a success of her marriage. However, with her intellectual curiosity and her unladylike talent for advanced mathematics, she finds the routine of elegant luncheons and exclusive parties among post-war London’ s social set more tiresome than exciting.

When Grace receives an unexpected inheritance from a woman she’ s never met, she finds herself suddenly in Paris, embarking upon a journey to discover not only the identity of her mysterious benefactor but also the hidden secrets of her own past.

In a story that takes us from New York in the 1920s to mid-century Monte Carlo, Paris and London, Grace discovers a world filled with the evocative, intoxicating power of perfume; an obsessive, desperate love between muse and artist; and a trail of dark memories that may mean she isn’t the person she thinks she is at all.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE PERFUME COLLECTOR is a fictional storyline that covers a tumultuous time in the lives of two women: Grace Monroe is a newly married woman in the 1950s whose sole purpose is to support her husband at social events and business parties. The other is Eva-a young teen in the 1920s who will learn first hand that there are people willing to take advantage of a naïve and innocent girl. And in the end, lives will be destroyed, reputations ruined and one woman will discover that her entire life has been a lie. Starting over will bring about a new set of ideals and revelations where she will discover the real person inside. The Perfume Collector is one woman’s story of self-discovery and independence brought about by a stranger with a gift and a story that has yet to be told.

We follow Grace as she embarks on a journey that will question the direction of her current life. When an unexpected inheritance from a stranger is thrust into her possession, Grace sets out to uncover the mystery surrounding the money and the woman from whom it was bequeathed. Most of the storyline premise is told in flashbacks and recollections from two specific eras.

The storyline alternates smoothly between the 1920s and 1954; New York to London to Paris. Eva is a young girl, barely a teen, who must grow up quickly when life presents many opportunities and choices. She will find herself in debt to a man who neither loves her nor wants her, but a man who is in desperate need of something only Eva can supply. Hoping to repay the debt, Eva learns that she has lost so much more than her freedom but herself. This particular part of the storyline is darker in content and premise.

The character and world building are fluid and reflects the ideals and beliefs/emotions of the eras. Kathleen Tessaro pulls the reader into a storyline that tantalizes the senses: from sight and sound to the scents of rain and seduction-you can almost smell the very essence of the perfume. We watch as two women grow into themselves but one will eventually lose the battle when the sins of the past catch up rather quickly.

The Perfume Collector is a well-written, colorful storyline with a predictable plot but one that will keep your interest until the very end. The story builds on the premise of Grace’s hunt for information regarding the woman who named her as soul beneficiary and heir to a large estate. Along the way, we are introduced to a number of characters from past and present whose very existence has affected Grace’s life in 1954 and the one woman who is able to connect the timelines and stories together.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Switched Baby Scandal by Theresa Meyers Blog Tour – Review/Giveaway

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The Switched Baby Scandal by Theresa Meyers Blog Tour – Review/Giveaway

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The Switched Baby Scandal
(Scandals of San Sebastian #1)
Theresa Meyers
Release Date: June 10, 2013
Entangled Publishing

the switched baby scandal

Links to order The Switched Baby Scandal:
Purchase from Amazon: 
Purchase from Barnes &Noble:
Add to GoodReads:

His child. Her daughter. One monumental mix-up.

Single mom Taylor Lawrence just discovered that the hospital sent her home with the wrong infant five years ago. Now the headstrong and handsome biological father wants his child back. But Emily has always been her daughter, and Taylor won’t give her up without a fight.

Widower Reece Wallace believed his life was over when a drunk driver killed his wife and daughter. So when he learns of the baby switch, he sees this child as his ultimate salvation. But he never anticipated the fiery woman on the other side of this custody battle or how shed stir feelings in him long dormant.

As the media storm surrounding the hospitals mistake intensifies, Taylor and Reece find there’s more to sort out than custody of Emily they must work together to protect her while grappling with their growing attraction. Can they pick up the pieces of two broken families and meld them into something new?

Review:

The Switched Baby Scandal by Theresa Meyers is Contemporary Romance, with a different theme.  I have never read Meyers, and was pleasantly pleased with this book.  If you read the description above, you know the theme is about a mixup years before with the switching of two babies.

We meet our heroine, Taylor Lawrence, when she is at the hospital trying to get her blood tests for paternity, since she needs these results when she appears in court.  Taylor is fighting her ex-boyfriend, the father of her 4 year old daughter Emily, for childcare support.  He had left her the moment he found out she was pregnant.  But Taylor discovers to her dismay that Emily is not her true daughter.  From that point, the hospital has to uncover what happened, though we do not see this part.

Instead we meet our hero, Reece Wallace, a successful attorney, who is still suffering from the loss of his wife and child in a car crash a year before.  Reece hides his state of depression to his friends and co-workers.  Then he receives the phone call from the hospital, and everything in his life is about to change.

Taylor meets Reece, as the hospital brings them together to settle things.  She resents him, worrying that he will force himself into her daughter’s life, as well as hers.  After her last boyfriend’s domineering ways, she is determined not to become involved again.  All Taylor wants is her life to continue with her daughter, Emily.  It doesn’t matter that genetically Emily is not her daughter, but she brought her up from the beginning and loves her with all her heart.

Reece is determined to become part of Emily’s life, and strangely he feels some attraction to Taylor, which baffles him.  But all he cares about now is getting to know Emily.  Rather then go into detail, this is an excellent story.  What follows is a slow progress of Taylor trying to be more understanding and accepting Reece as Emily’s father; coming to terms herself that her birth daughter is dead, and she never got to know her.  Taylor must also learn to handle Emily already caring about Reece.  Taylor knows despite her misgivings, Reece is not going away, and will be a part of their lives.

Meyers does an excellent job of building up this relationship between Reece and Taylor.  She does this slowly, allowing each to get past their own issues.  Their common bond is Emily, and the sharing of stories of both daughters will bring them together.  There is also the mystery of how this switch happened.

I enjoyed this book very much. I recommend this book, as it was a nice romance; a couple you liked, and rooted for; and the precious child they both loved.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

About The Author Gold and Purple

theres meyersTheresa Meyers | Raised by a bibliophile who made the dining room into a library, Theresa has always been a lover of books and stories despite dyslexia that made it difficult for her to write and read until the fourth grade. First a writer for newspapers, then for national magazines, she started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer’s Digest course and putting the book under the bed until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993. In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books.

She is married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and her brother sit between them in the backseat of the car. They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their two children, two cats, an old chestnut Arabian gelding, an energetic mini-Aussie shepherd dog, a parakeet and an out-of-control herb garden.

She collects teapots, teddy bears and steampunk gadgetry, and when not writing can be found sewing, painting, canning, baking, or hiding out in a comfy chair reading a wonderful book. On occasion, you might find her scuba diving or riding her white quad with hot pink flames on the sand dunes. Her favorite television shows are Supernatural (Dean Girl), The Vampire Diaries, Once Upon a Time and Grimm (is it any wonder she writes fiction?). You can find her online at her Web site www.Theresameyers.com or frequently on Twitter @Theresa_Meyers.

Author Website: http://www.theresameyers.com
Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/TheresaMeyersAuthor
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/Theresa_Meyers

 

Giveaway-gold/purple

Theresa will be hosting a tour wide giveaway and one lucky reader will win a Scandalous Bliss Bath Experience, featuring a set of four bath bombs and bubble bars from LUSH, chocolates and  candles to make their reading bliss complete! Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on 7/7.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog-Tour-Schedule-fuscia

 

 

 

June 18 –Read Your Writes

June 18 –Ex Libris

June 19 – Love Romance Passion

June 20 –That’s What I’m Talking About

June 21 –The Romanceaholic

June 24 –Book Sniffer’s Anonymous

June 25 –Ramblings From This Chick

June 26 –Harlequin Junkie

June 27 –The Reading Café

July 5 –Manga Maniac Cafe

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Avoiding Mr. Right Book Tour: Guest Post with C.J.Ellisson

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Avoiding Mr.Right Book Tour: Guest Post with C.J.Ellisson

CJ 2

 

Black and pink Guest post

 

Thanks for having me on the blog today, Sandy! You always do a great job and I’m thrilled to be here.

 
I read all the time and I’m not sure I can list my top ten favorite books, so how about I list my top ten favorite series? These are authors I have followed for years and in most cases have probably bought everything they’ve ever written.
 
1) Zoe Sharp’s Charlie Fox series. The first book is the bloody and fast-paced Killer Instinct, where we first meet Charlie. I can attest each subsequent book gets better and better. Her writing is smooth, the action and fight scenes are stellar, and I have to force myself to put the books down and go to bed at night.
 
2) Charlaine Harris. Yes, we all know her True Blood series, but I’ve read everything she’s written, including her single titles. She’s a fantastic storyteller.
 
3) Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series. Shapeshifters at their best! I love that she married the hero and heroine and still wrote adventures for them. The trend to screw up the heroine’s love life gets really old after awhile, trust me.
 
4) Jim Butcher. His Harry Dresden books appeal to me more than his high fantasy stuff, but I love his humor and his characters.
 
5) Janet Evanovich. I lived in Jersey for twenty years, do I need to say anything else? Yes, I wish Stephanie would pick a man and settle down (I still think she could have adventures), but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every book Evanovich has done in this series. 
 
6) Katherine Kerr, Land of Devvry series. High/epic fantasy at its best. Check them out if you enjoyed Tolkien’s LotR or Boone Brux’s Bringer and the Bane series.
 
7) Kim Harrison’s Hollow series. She killed off people I would have rater still lived, but her plots are always fresh and fast paced. I’ve enjoyed watching the characters evolve and think she’s done a fantastic job on the books.
 
8) Emma Holly. I’m pretty sure I’ve read over twenty titles of hers. She is the author that inspired me to write graphic sex scenes. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story from her that I didn’t like. From contemporary to fantasy, she delivers a hot read that leaves you gasping for more.
 
9) Laurell K Hamilton — despite my dislike of half a dozen or so of the later Anita Blake books, there is no denying this woman can weave a captivating tale. I’ve read her Merry Gentry and Nightseer books as well. She may not be an auto-buy for me anymore, but I still enjoy her writing.
 
10) P.N. Elrod. I haven’t seen anything new from her in a while, but her Vampire Files stories were unique and well done. An excellent paranormal mystery with great characters and terrific setting.
What are some of your favorite series? And don’t be afraid to dig deep and name some old ones, I sure did!

 

C.J. Ellisson USA Today bestselling author &
author of the New York Times bestselling book Vanilla on Top
Book Two in the Wild Side series, Avoiding Mr. Right, is now out!
Speaker at RWA Nationals in Atlanta, GA, July 17-21, 2013
Vampire Vacation ~ The Hunt ~ Big Game ~ Death’s Servant

About the Author silver

C.J.Ellisson
C.J. Ellisson is the USA Today Bestselling author of the NYT Bestselling book, Vanilla on Top, the bestselling V V Inn series, and several erotica shorts. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze. Unlike most full-time authors, she’s also battling a severe chronic illness.

C.J. works daily to put her Lupus into remission and continues to fight numerous bacterial infections while her immune system slowly attacks her body. She turned to writing when she could no longer work outside the home and claims the escape of penning contemporary fantasy, erotica, and erotic romance has helped save her sanity.

Follow CJ: Website / Facebook/ Goodreads / Twitter

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Avoiding Mr. Right (Walk on The Wild Side #2) by C.J.Ellisson-a review

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AVOIDING MR. RIGHT (Walk on The Wild Side #2) by C.J.Ellisson-a review

Avoiding Mr. Right

Order Links: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: June 3, 2013

Carla Johnson thinks issuing orders to a lover will keep her heart safe and leave her in charge of her own destiny. Afraid for Carla’s future, her best friend Heather implores her to change her self-centered ways, handing her a list of love life mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Casual Sex
2. Friends with Benefits
3. Avoidance of Intimacy

Carla ignores the list—unwilling to face she might have a commitment problem. Until she invites a co-worker to her place one night. She instantly regrets the hum-drum sexual encounter and discourages the accountant from pursuing her.

Andy Shea refuses to become another lover the feisty blonde dumps. It’ll take a patient man with a strong hand to unlock Carla’s sexual awareness and win her heart. He’s up for the challenge to convince her he’s the one—and eager to prove this number cruncher won’t make a boring bedmate.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: AVOIDING MR. RIGHT is the second storyline in C.J. Ellisson’s WALK ON THE WILD SIDE contemporary romance series. Following a few weeks after the end of Vanilla on Top (Book #1), this is Carla and Andy’s story. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.

Carla has some issues of control. She refuses to be tied down to any man and although she is attracted to her co-worker Andy, a one night stand, that she claimed not to remember, was more than she wanted and barely tolerated. But Carla’s emotional and personal issues stem from a dysfunctional family upbringing and no man is worth the hassle- in her opinion. When Andy begins to push all of her proverbial buttons, Carla soon realizes that Andy may just be what she has wanted (and needed) all along.

C.J. Ellisson pulls the reader into a story of one woman’s indiscretions and her search for something or someone in her life. Carla’s emotional well being is not centered on her need for a man, but some stability in her life will go a long way to easing the pain and heartbreak of an early childhood betrayal.

AVOIDING MR. RIGHT is C.J.’s latest foray into the contemporary romance genre bordering on the erotic genre. Her female characters are willing to skirt the edge between naughty and nice; sexy and siren; sultry and romantic. The characters are real; their emotions are palpable; and the sex is hot and steamy. When was the last time you visited the stairwell for a quickie ??

Reading Order
1. Vanilla on Top
2. Avoiding Mr. Right

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Monica Murphy-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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Monica Murphy – Interview and Giveaway with the Author

I recently experienced the emotional ride that is Drew + Fable and wanted to get to know the person behind the author Monica Murphy. One Week Girlfriend pulled at my heart; dragged several tears and tissues out of hiding; and had me wondering how many young men and women may be caught in the same horrifying nightmare.

Second Chance Boyfriend was released in April 2013 (the sequel to Drew + Fable) and with that the realization that ‘Karma is truly a b*tch’. The Reading Cafe would like to introduce MONICA MURPHY-the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

FOLLOW Monica: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Amazon/Goodreads /

Monica Murphy:Karen Erickson

TRC: Hi Monica and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the success of ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND and SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND.

Monica: Thank you so much! And thanks for having me. I’m excited to be here. 🙂

 

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Monica: Well, I grew up in Northern California, I now live in central California and I’m a wife of one, mom of three. When I’m not writing (ha ha), I’m spending time with my family, reading or wishing I was traveling. Preferably to Hawaii. 😉

TRC: You also write as Karen Erickson. Would you please tell us what is upcoming for Karen in 2013?

FOLLOW Karen: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon

Monica: I do! In fact, I wrote as Karen first and have been published since 2006. I have plenty coming out this year as Karen – the “teaser” in my new series The Renaldis, TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT is available for FREE.

ORDER your FREE ‘teaser’ of TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT:
Amazon.com/ Amazon.ca /Barnes and Noble / KOBO

It’s a short story that is a kickoff for the full length book, TEMPTED BY HER BOSS, which comes out July 2nd. The second book KIDNAPPING HIS BRIDE comes out in October.

The Renaldis

I also will be finishing out my series Game for It series from Entangled’s Brazen line. GAME FOR MARRIAGE was out in January, GAME FOR TROUBLE will be out in September and the third as yet untitled book will be out in December. Sexy football players for the win. 😉

Links to Order Links: GAME FOR MARRIAGE: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

Game for Marriage
Click HERE for our review of GAME FOR MARRIAGE

TRC: You write under several different genres including New Adult, Contemporary Romance and Historical Romance. Which genre do you prefer to write and why?

Monica: I love writing all of them! What I like about writing in different subgenres is that I don’t get bored. I like changing it up. It’s fun. I haven’t written a historical in quite a while and I’m starting to miss it. I hope to get back to working on one next year.

 

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of your highly successful ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND and SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND novels?

Monica: A hot football player asks a down on her luck townie to go to his parents’ house for Thanksgiving week and pretend to be his girlfriend for cash. But once they spend time together, they realize they have a lot more in common than they thought. And are soon falling for each other…completely.

TRC: The novels are a roller coaster of emotions, especially One Week Girlfriend with the traumatic revelations and Drew’s family disfunctionality. What or who influenced the storyline premise?

Drew and Fable

Links to Order ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Links to Order SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Monica: I saw a report on my local news about an attractive, young female teacher who was arrested for having sex with her student. Her excuse? She thought the 17 year old was really 18. It got me thinking, if that had been a male teacher and female student, she would’ve been treated as a victim who’d been completely violated by a trusted adult. When it comes to a male 17 year old who’s having sex with a teacher? It’s treated more like a notch on his bedpost. Like, ooh, he’s getting some with the hot teacher.

I hate that double standard. I wanted to create a male victim who doesn’t know how to react to what happened to him. That victim became Drew.

Fable’s been in my head since 2009. I tried to write a YA with her as the main character (a completely different version of Fable by the way) but it bombed spectacularly. She’s been lingering in my brain ever since. I knew she was the perfect match for Drew.

TRC: What challenges did you face (logistically, psychologically, research) in writing this series?

Monica: Drew’s story is tragically sad so that was hard at times. This is not a light and fluffy story but I did want to have as much hope infused in the book as possible. So that was difficult, trying to find that balance. Not to make it too heavy or too light. I didn’t want to make light of the subject matter either. I hope I didn’t. That was my biggest fear.

And I wanted to show that despite what a person has been through, ultimately, everyone deserves love and acceptance.

Logistically I’ve been to Carmel and the Monterey Bay (where Drew is from) many times. It’s truly one of my favorite places to go. It’s so beautiful and I guess I wanted to show that even in the beautiful places there’s ugliness.

The town where Fable lives and where Drew goes to college? I never name it but it’s totally based on where I lived and went to college, Chico, CA. In fact, I’ve had quite a few astute readers email me asking if I based it on Chico. Yep, I sure did.

TRC: Is there a message in the novel that you would like the readers to understand?

Monica: I try not to write a book with a message per say because I don’t want anyone to think I’m preaching at them. I will say that in regards to OWG and SCB, appearances are not always as they seem. Everyone thinks Drew’s life is perfect? Not even close.

TRC: Are the experiences in the book based on someone you know or events in your own life?

Monica: No, I made this entire story up in my head! I don’t know what that says about me but…LOL.

TRC: What part of the book(s) was the most difficult for you to write?

Monica: It was hard writing the reveal in OWG. The scene where Drew tells Fable what happened even though Fable pretty much already had it figured out. Heck, so did the readers but I wanted it to be that way. I wanted readers to know what happened but not want to face it you know? Like a bad car wreck you shouldn’t look at but do anyway.

TRC: Will we see more of Drew and Fable in upcoming storylines?

Monica: Absolutely! They’re appearing in the next two books of the (unnamed) series, especially FOUR YEARS LATER, which is Owen’s book. They’ll play a huge part in his book since they’re the ones who took over raising Owen once their mom took off.

TRC: Would you please tell us how you deal with the stress and anxiety of deadlines while trying to balance family life and writing?

Monica: Um, I freak out on occasion? LOL It’s so hard. I took on too much this year – writing as Monica was an unexpected experiment that turned into this amazing thing that completely changed my career. I’m still blown away by everything that’s happened!

My husband is a huge help. He stays at home and helps take care of the kids and the house. I couldn’t do this without him. He makes my life a LOT easier. I love that guy. 😉

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Monica: Currently I’m writing THREE BROKEN PROMISES, which is Jen and Colin’s story (Jen is Fable’s friend, Colin is Fable’s boss). It’s exciting to be back in this world but also nerve wracking. I hope readers respond as well to Jen and Colin as they did to Drew + Fable.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Monica: I’m thrilled that so many readers enjoy Drew + Fable’s story and I hope they love my new series I’m writing for Avon as well – the Billionaire Bachelors Club. The first book, CRAVE comes out in August.

I also want to thank all the readers, reviewers and bloggers for their continued support. I couldn’t do this writing thing without you all!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – sushi

Favorite Dessert – chocolate cake

Favorite TV Show – Big Brother (it’s coming on soon whoo hoo!)

Last Movie You Saw – The Vow with Channing Tatum on HBO. Meh. But hey, Channing was in it. 😉

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Milk chocolate!

Favorite Flower – Peony.

TRC: Thank you Monica for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your success both as Monica Murphy and Karen Erickson. We wish you all the best.

Monica:  Thank you so much for having me and for the kind words! I appreciate it. 🙂

Giveaway-Black and Fuscia

Monica is offering an ecopy (Kindle or Nook) of ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND to one lucky reader.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page of 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.

3. Giveaway is open internationally

4. Giveaway runs from June 26-29, 2013

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Second Chance Boyfriend (Drew + Fable #2) by Monica Murphy-a review

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SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND ( Drew + Fable #2) by Monica Murphy-a review

Second Chance Boyfriend

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2013

**Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual content and language, mature subject matter**

New Adult Contemporary

Lost. That one single word best describes my life at this very moment. I lost the last games of the season and both my team and my coach blame me. I lost the last two months because I drowned in my own despair like a complete loser. And I lost the only girl who ever mattered because I was afraid being with me would destroy her.

But now I realize how truly lost I am without her. She has become my story…and even though she acts like she’s moved on, I know she still thinks about me just as much as I think about her. She’s beautiful, sweet—and so damn vulnerable, all I want to do is help her. Be there for her.

Love her…

If only I could convince Fable to give me a second chance. Then I wouldn’t feel so lost anymore, and neither would she. We could be found together.

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND is the second storyline in Monica Murphy’s contemporary New Adult romance series Drew + Fable. For me, this particular novel was not as emotionally strong as ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND because many of the heartbreaking scenes and gut wrenching revelations had already been revealed in the first book.

Second Chance Boyfriend follows Drew and Fable approximately two months after One Week Girlfriend. With the shocking revelations about his past, Drew walks away from Fable believing he is not worthy of her love or her support, but a chance meeting will find Drew and Fable together again, with the realization that both have been miserable without the other. Wounded souls and broken hearts have a way of finding each other and Drew and Fable needed each other just to breathe.

Part of this particular storyline will focus on Drew’s withdrawal into himself; Fable’s new place of employment and a developing new friendship; the dissolution of a family; and the declaration of love between two emotionally broken souls who want to be loved for themselves. But the mind and the body remember and it is difficult to forget the tumultuous childhood and betrayal by those who were meant to protect you. In order for Fable to keep her younger brother safe there is only one option but fate had a way of interfering before it all began. And for Drew to move on, he would have to face the demons head on but not before the woman he loves is threatened.

If you believe karma is a b*tch then she definitely had it coming. When the past and the truth are finally revealed to everyone concerned, the wall between father and son will begin to crumble and a new beginning is on the horizon.

SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND is the final story for Drew and Fable in this particular ARC but Monica will be continuing the series with future books focusing on different characters we have met before. I highly recommend reading ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND before SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND-so much of the second storyline is dependent on the first and it would be impossible to not to feel the emotional turmoil and heartbreaking sorrow of betrayal at the hands of someone you trust. Too much information is revealed in book one.

Second Chance Boyfriends is an emotional and thought-provoking storyline of overcoming the odds when the people you trust most fail you at every turn. Monica Murphy writes from the heart and pulls the reader in so that you feel the angst, the betrayal, the sorrow and the pain, but above all else, you will cheer for two people, who at the end of the day deserve happiness and love, above all else.

Reviewed by Sandy

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One Week Girlfriend (Drew + Fable #1) by Monica Murphy-a review

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One Week Girlfriend (Drew + Fable #1) by Monica Murphy-a review

One Week Girlfriend

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ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND (Drew + Fable #1) by Monica Murphy

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release January 2013

Temporary. That one single word best describes my life these last few years. I’m working at a temporary job until I can finally break free. I’m my little brother’s temporary mother since our mom doesn’t give a crap about either of us. And I’m that temporary girl all the guys want to get with because I give it up so easily. According to the rumors, at least.

But now I’m the temporary girlfriend of Drew Callahan, college football legend and all around golden guy. He’s beautiful, sweet—and he’s hiding way more secrets than I am. He’s brought me into this fake life where everyone seems to hate me. And everyone seems to want something from him. The only thing he seems to want though is…

Me.

I don’t know what to believe anymore. All I know is, I think Drew needs me. And I want to be there for him.

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REVIEW: ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND is the first storyline in Monica Murphy’s new contemporary romance New Adult series focusing on star football player Drew Callahan and bartender Fable-another young woman trying to raise her teenaged brother while her alcoholic mother drinks herself into oblivion. The storyline, told from two first-person points of view, focuses on seven days in the life-seven days that Drew asks Fable (a girl he knows only by reputation) to pretend to be his girlfriend while he confronts the demons back home. What starts out as a friend for hire, will soon turn into something much more. Drew offers to pay Fable to pretend to be his girlfriend suspecting the money is something the young woman may need.

Drew must go home during Thanksgiving break but facing his father and step-mother is not high on his priorities of things to do. The idea actually sickens him to the point he needs someone to anchor him; someone to calm the thoughts and emotions that threaten to explode. Enter Fable- a young bartender with a reputation of putting out for the team, only the reputation far exceeds the truth of what has actually happened. Fable will become the air he breathes and calm the nerves as well as the pent up anger that threatens to destroy Drew every time he is confronted at home.

The relationship between Drew and Fable, as you can guess, goes from a job, to friendship to the beginnings of love. When the demons from his past become overwhelming, Fable will be the one to help Drew confront the person responsible. But when the entire truth is revealed, Drew knows that to save his soul, his must run from his family home and never look back. Pulling Fable into the family mix was a mistake but her presence is the only thing that saved Drew from going over the edge.

ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND is an emotional and heartbreaking storyline that will brings tears to your eyes; flood your mind with revulsion and hate; and take comfort in the fact that Drew could depend on the one person he never thought possible. When Drew hired Fable to be his One Week Girlfriend, their emotional connection is something he never expected but will be necessary to keep him sane. Monica Murphy pulls the reader in and won’t let go. We are caught like a deer in the headlights, not knowing which way to turn, go back from where we came or push forward and hope everything works out in the end.

Review by Sandy.

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