Monthly Archives: August 2013

The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and Once Upon a Tartan by Grace Burrowes-a review

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The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and Once Upon a Tartan by Grace Burrowes -a review

5 out of 5 for this reader folks! I have to say, I REALLY REALLY love Grace Burrowes writing. She is quickly becoming on of my ABSOLUTE FAVE authors. I am currently on summer vacay and it is killing me that I have to put my book down as often as I am, because she writes page turning stories. These two books are the first two books of her MacGregor Trilogy (note .. there is a novella in between book 1 and 2 but I have yet to read it). Our genre is regency/historical/Victorian romance with a serious dash of yummy “trying to be proper, but serious are so much yummier when they aren’t” highlanders.

The stories revolve around the MacGregor family and the English folk that they seem to hate in one second and take a fancy to the next. These families all seem to link into one another and create hilarious, action packed, angsty, HEA stories full of lust, bad guys, traditions and LOTS OF WIT!

Let’s meet them shall we??

BOOK 1 – THE BRIDEGROOM WORE PLAID
The MacGregor Trilogy #1
by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: December 2012

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The Bridegroom Wore PlaidJPG

DESCRIPTION

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes keeps winning reader awards for her gorgeously imagined books. If you’re already a fan, you’ll devour her new characters and if you haven’t yet discovered the richly drawn worlds of Grace Burrowes, you’re in for a treat….

“Memorable heroes. Intelligent, sensual love stories. This author knows what romance readers adore.”-RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

His Family or His Heart – One of Them Will Be Betrayed…

Ian MacGregor is wooing a woman who’s wrong for him in every way. As the new Earl of Balfour, though, he must marry an English heiress to repair the family fortunes.

But in his intends penniless chaperone, Augusta, Ian is finding everything he’s ever wanted in a wife.

“Historical details enrich Burrowes’s intimate and erotic story, but the real stars are her vibrant characters and her masterful ear for dialogue. Burrowes is superb at creating connections that feel honest and real.”-Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

REVIEW

I swear this book should of been called “The Highland Hookup”! LOL While we do have a main love story, there are quite a few other love stories that are going on that keep it exciting. This is definitely a case of two families made for each other!

Our main character is Ian MacGregor. He is an assumed Earl as his oldest brother has gone MIA and thus declared deceased. With this comes the responsibility of being the head and provider of his family. He is also assuming responsibility of removing the MacGragor family from ruin by agreeing to marry an English heiress.

Enter the Daniels family. Eager to marry his daughter Genie to a titled man, Baron Atstax (AKA CREEPOID) moves his entire family in for a long visit with the MacGregor family. Part of this family is Augusta who is the Baron’s niece and chaperon to Genie. It is Augusta who Ian takes a shine too though. Don’t feel bad for Genie though, she has her eyes set on Ian’s brother Gill. Ian’s other brother is hooking up with another Daniels member as well, and Ian’s sister is falling in love with the Baron’s son. Have you processed all that?? LOL

A slow simmering relationship (which comes to a serious hot, steamy boil), between Augusta and Ian begins. These two are clearly made for each other. They embark in a physical and emotional relationship believing that they only have this short time to treasure before saying goodbye. In the midst of this budding relationship, the ugly Baron Alstax is plotting Augusta’s murder as he is a devious, selfish and harbouring a secret that could land him in some serious hot water. Ian begins to slowly put the pieces together and between his family members, some of the Daniels family and his smart, beautiful Augusta, weave together a terrific climax of this story.

The bad guys NEVER win in a Grace Burrowes novel, but she can seriously make you sweat! LOL

_________________________________________________

BOOK 2 – ONCE UPON A TARTAN
The MacGregor Trilogy #2
by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: August 6, 2013

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Once Upon A TartanJPG

DESCRIPTION

Hester MacDaniel is recovering from an engagement gone awry by summering at her brother’s holding in the Highlands, and looking after her brother’s young step-daughter, Fiona. Tiberius Flynn, heir to the English Marquis of Quinworth, appears on Hester’s doorstep claiming he’s Fee’s paternal uncle, and he’s been sent by her English relations to make the girl’s acquaintance. Tye believes his brother’s dying wishes compel him to take Fee south with him, but he doesn’t plan on Hester capturing his heart, even as she fights him tooth and nail for custody of Fiona

 

REVIEW

This was a fantastic continuation of this trilogy. In the first book we met our heroine of this book. Hester Daniels in book one was a easy going, full of life young lady coming into her own. Between these books, Hester is involved in a scandalous affair that she has taken to heart and has come back to Scotland to take care of her niece and properly hide from society. My heart really broke for Hester in this book.

One day, in trots this English, arrogant, aristocratic, pompous man named Tiberius Flynn (Tye), Earl of Srathroy and future Marquis of Quinworth who is claiming to be a paternal uncle to Hester niece Fiona. Fiona just adores this man from the beginning while Tye is a little taken back by the little girl who one minute has impeccable manners and the next minute can be found singing in tree branches and mucking around horses. However, little Fiona is known to take her Uncles hearts and wrap them around her finger, and soon Uncle Tye is in this position.

Hester and Tye really dislike each other at first and go at it with their words, bantering back and forth. Soon enough though they begin a friendship which develops into a fierce lusty and loving affair. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place though as they stand across from each other on opposite sides of a dilemma. Tye is very much a mutli-layered character and I loved seeing some of these layers peeled back. He is put into a horrible position by his family, to claim custody of a niece the family took no interest in. He is also finding a much needed peace in this country and in Hester’s arms. Hester has issues she is working out and it’s wonderful to see her come back into the strong beautiful woman she is. She is extremely loyal to her niece and she was just overall an easy leading lady to adore.

Like all of Grace Burrowes stories, she develops situations that you know will work out, but shock you with the amount of thought and creativity it takes to get there. I was so happy with this book and while there are some similarities to the first book, there was so much more to be had here! Sorry .. no spoilers .. WINK! LOL

You can read these as stand alones but you would enjoy the second book so much more with the first book read. We see many of the characters return and get a continuation of their story. If you love the highland settings and a good regency romance, I highly recommend this series. Grace Burrowes always delivers a thorough well thought out stories with some depth to her characters. She writes the steamy classy but hot too! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Lick (Stage Dive #1) by Kylie Scott-a review

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LICK (Stage Dive #1) by Kylie Scott – a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 1, 2013

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.

••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LICK is the first installment in Kylie Scott’s contemporary New Adult rockstar series focusing on the lives and loves of the rock band Stage Dive. As the blurb alludes, Evelyn Thomas wakes up the morning after her twenty first birthday party married to the lead singer and guitar player for Stage Dive-David Ferris. The only problem-Evelyn doesn’t remember a thing and it sets into motion a series of events that culminates in an eventual HEA. But before Evelyn and David’s HEA, the duo must outrun the paparazzi, screaming fans, ex lovers, band members, business managers and family who want nothing more than to tear the pair apart.

The storyline’s primary focus is on David and Evelyn as they get to know one another all the while trying to remain sane when everyone is hoping to bring them down. All Evelyn asked was that David always tell the truth and David asked that Evelyn not run when the going gets tough. Over a number of days, Evelyn learns what it is to be the wife of a famous rock star but she wasn’t prepared for the lies and betrayal that presented themself in the back room-David lied and Evelyn ran.

The world of the rock star is gritty and sometimes ugly, and Kylie Scott pulls no punches with her ability to get down and dirty with the innuendos, accusations and jealous friends and lovers. The characters are flawed and emotionally raw but Evelyn brings a balance to David unlike the band has ever seen. David needs to find his balance, his rock and Evelyn is the one to anchor David when the world of the rich and famous begins to overwhelm. David needs a stabilizing influence and if he can get over the past Evelyn will be the one.

The sexual heat between David and Evelyn sparks with new found experiences, emotions and angry make up sex. Their relationship begins as strangers thrown into a situation born out of alcohol and need, but in the end their marriage is one of love and sensuality.

Kylie Scott presents an emotional story about two people destined to be together but the lifestyle threatens to tear them apart. If you are a fan of the rock star storyline, LICK is a wonderful and amazing read that will break your heart when Evelyn realizes that perhaps it was all a mistake and David was never in it for the long haul.

NEW COVER RELEASE: January 2014

Lick

Reviewed by Sandy

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No Romance Required (Love Required #3) by Cari Quinn-a review

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NO ROMANCE REQUIRED (Love Required #3) by Cari Quinn-a review

No Romance required

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ABOUT THE BOOK:  Release Date August 12, 2013

Faking it never felt so good…

Cory Santangelo is used to getting his way, both in the boardroom and the bedroom. Lately he hasn’t had much opportunity to do anything but work, but one unexpectedly sexy night in a gazebo with Victoria, his gorgeous and feisty interior designer, changes all that—especially when they’re caught on camera. Suddenly Cory’s sterling reputation is no longer above reproach. Since his impromptu encounter coincides nicely with his need for a girlfriend to get his well-meaning, meddling parents off his back, he decides to ask his lifelong frenemy for a favor.

To pretend to be his girlfriend for a month. No strings attached.

The only problem? Vicky Townsend wants those strings tied all around her. She’s battled a long-suppressed crush on Cory, and their combative work relationship has only fanned the flames. When he suggests his needs are more than she can handle, she’s ready to up the ante. And her bargaining chip is lots of delicious, inventive sex.

Until they discover nothing feels as good as making it real…

••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: NO ROMANCE REQUIRED is the third storyline in Cari Quinn’s erotic contemporary romance Love Required series. Although it is the third installment in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Some of the previous storyline characters are mentioned but their importance to the current story is connective only. No Romance Required focuses on CEO Cory Santangelo-a man who has no time for anything or anyone in his life except business- and Victoria Townsend-an interior designer who has been in love with Cory all of her life.

The premise of the story finds Cory needing a special someone in his life to keep his parents from hassling him about finding a wife and settling down. Now that his brother is in love, Cory feels the push to find that special someone-if only to please his parents. So, to keep everyone happy, Cory asks a favor of Victoria-pretend to be his girlfriend for a few weeks, to keep his parents happy. What neither one expected that the pretend relationship would become the real deal with broken hearts and painful loss.

The character of Cory was a little difficult to like in the initial stages of the storyline. He was cold; buried himself in work; and refused to acknowledge the pull between himself and the woman he has known most of his life. He was abrupt, condescending and rude but within a few chapters, his character started to turn around when he realized that Victoria Townsend was everything he wanted and needed in his life.

And Victoria was a bit of an enigma. A woman with a previous reputation from high school that the locals refused to let her forget, she is also a daughter and a sister first. And the secrets that she hides will push her over the edge and into Cory’s arms.

The writing style is simple. There are a few references to the previous storyline characters but overall there is no confusion or loss of cohesion in the story. The relationship between Cory and Victoria is both hot and cold; cold when Cory and Victoria continue to push one another about their personal lives and current arrangements; and hot when the faux relationship becomes sensual and sexual in the bedroom-just to keep it believable 😉

NO ROMANCE REQUIRED is a short storyline of frenemies to lovers-a long time in the making. Their relationship was a given by everyone but the two people at the center of the storm and it will take a family to ensure that Cory and Victoria know that they are perfect for each other.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Personal Assets by Kelsey Browning-Interview, Blog Tour and Giveaway

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Personal Asset by Kelsey Browning-Interview, Blog Tour and Giveaway

Personal Assets BlogTourBanner

INTERVIEW with Kelsey Browning

Kelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories full of hot heroes, saucy heroines and spicy romance. Originally from a Texas town smaller than the ones she writes about, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights series and The Granny Series. Give her a shout at Kelsey@KelseyBrowning.com or drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com. For info on her upcoming releases, subscribe to her Sass Kickin’ News.

Interview-RED

TRC: Hi Kelsey and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of PERSONAL ASSETS.

Kelsey: Thanks so much for having me!

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

Kelsey BrowningKelsey: Oh, that’s an open invitation for a girl from Texas who can talk your ear off. I’m a Virgo, have a psychological allergy to green peas and am raising a puppy for Canine Companions for Independence. (How’s that for brevity and sneaking in more than one thing??)

TRC: Your bio states that you have travelled all over the world. Which destination was your favorite ? Which destination was the least attractive or favorite? Why?

Kelsey: Wow – tough question. I tell people the most beautiful place I never knew I wanted to visit is Sri Lanka. The people are incredibly friendly and their country is gorgeous even after the tsunami in 2005. Last summer, we stayed at a guesthouse in Arugam Bay that had been almost wiped out in the storm and then rebuilt after.

Least favorite…probably Kuwait City. We were living in the Middle East at the time and Kuwait City was an even more even more stark landscape than the city where we lived. While in KC, we stayed in a hotel that had been completely bombed out in the first Gulf War. They had a glass case that held a huge shell casing, a melted telephone and other evidence of the bombing. Interesting, but eerie. Very eerie.

TRC: PERSONAL ASSETS is your latest release. Would you please tell us something about the book?

Personal AssetsKelsey: Personal Assets is a contemporary romance about a sex therapist who wants to shake things up around her small Texas town and a man who’s recently returned to his hometown to restore classic cars. Allie propositions Cameron to a no-strings affair, and he can’t believe the town’s princess would stoop to sleeping with the kid of the town drunk. But Allie is trying to find her inner bad girl, and in the process, finds love with a man who has to learn she doesn’t want him to take care of her.

TRC: How many books do you plan for the TEXAS NIGHTS series? Will any or all of the storyline characters interact with each successive novel?

Kelsey: There are four books in the Texas Nights series. I originally planned three, but a new heroine emerged from book two. Readers will be introduced to six of the main characters in Personal Assets. In Running the Red Light, readers will be introduced to Ashton Davenport and her hero. Of course, readers will see all the characters in each book, but the focus will be on the current hero and heroine. Readers can find out more about the other books in the Texas Nights series here.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (e.g. logistical, research etc) did you encounter writing this particular storyline?

Kelsey: The biggest challenge I had at the time I first wrote Personal Assets (several years ago) was I was living out of the US in a Muslim country. If the country’s government considered a website too explicit, it would be blocked/censored from view. That sometimes made it hard to research sexual topics – LOL.

TRC: Are any of the characters or experiences based on events in real life? Or are they an amalgamation of many characters and your imagination?

Kelsey: Oh, I think our subconscious is always collecting and then developing characteristics based on what we’ve seen. We just don’t know it—and can’t always recognize it—on the surface. What I have found, however, is that my books have a common theme around reconciling yourself with home and homecoming. I’m originally from a small town in Texas and I have a real love/hate relationship with the place. I left for college when I was 18, and although I visited, I never lived there again. I think I’ve been trying to reconcile myself with my original home and my adult homes ever since.

TRC: If you could change something about yourself personal or professional, what would it be and why?

Kelsey: I’d wave a magic wand and give myself a big old helping of patience.

TRC: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

Kelsey: Too many people to name, probably. But here are a few:
My mom – everything happens for a reason
My dad – you can do anything you want
My husband – always find a reason to say yes
My sister – we’re stronger than anyone can imagine

TRC: Is there a question that you would like to be asked in an interview, but nobody has asked? If so, ask away!

Kelsey: Yow – I used to ask this all the time when I interviewed people. It’s harder when it’s turned back on you. How about What did you love most about writing the Texas Nights series? Characters, characters, characters! I’m a totally character-driven writer. And shh…don’t tell anyone I said this, but secondary characters are often more fun to write than the hero and heroine because the author doesn’t have to be so darn careful with character arc and relationship arc. It’s easier to just let things fly with the secondaries!

TRC: What five things would you like to accomplish in the next ten years?

Kelsey:
Write and publish another 25+ books
Live overseas again
See my son off into his own fabulous world
Become a better storyteller
Return to public speaking

TRC: What are your thoughts on book reviews-good or bad?

Kelsey: I think reviews allow authors to glean important tidbits about what readers love about their work. They can also discover what’s missing in their writing. But I think an author can’t take every word to heart. Not all books are made for all readers. I have to keep that in mind.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with family and friends, as well as other authors. With whom do you bounce ideas and information?

Kelsey: I have a plotting group—made up of authors Tracey Devlyn, Adrienne Giordano, and editor and all-around-girl-Friday, Theresa Stevens. I’d be lost without them. When I need technical help—like how to get out of a locked storage closet door—I go to my husband, who’s an engineer. He rocks at that kind of stuff.

TRC: If you could be a contestant on a television ‘reality’ program, which show would you like to be a participant and why?

Kelsey: Yikes, is there a reality show about drinking coffee and wearing PJ bottoms? If so, that’s the one I want. Don’t know that I could do it, but Tech Guy (my husband) and Smarty Boy (my son) have a yen to go on Survivor.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Kelsey: I’m currently working on edits for Problems in Paradise—the third book in the Texas Nights series, writing Designs to Die For (#4) and working on the release of In For a Penny, a humorous women’s fiction/cozy suspense I co-wrote with the amazing Nancy Naigle. It’s the first book in The Granny Series and will be out in November. Here’s the tagline, just to give readers a taste of that series: They’re just like Dirty Harry—only over 50, female and from the South!

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Kelsey: I love to hear from readers, so feel free to shoot me a note at Kelsey@KelseyBrowning.com!

LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food – Is Chardonnay a food?
Favorite Dessert – Just one? Fine, tiramisu
Favorite TV Show – Castle
Last Movie You Saw – Despicable Me
Dark or Milk Chocolate – Dark. Oh, who am I kidding?? BOTH!

TRC: Thank you Kelsey for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best with PERSONAL ASSETS.

Kelsey: Thanks so much for y’all’s hospitality!

Sign Up for Kelsey’s Newsletter:


______________________________________________________________

Personal Assets
Texas Nights #1
by Kelsey Browning
Release Date: August 26, 2013

Personal Assets

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Sex therapist Allie Shelby has the professional credentials, but she could use a bit more practical experience. Finding the right man to bring out her inner bad girl is tough in a population-challenged Texas town. So when sinfully sexy Cameron Wright rolls back into Shelbyville, Allie wastes no time inviting him to join her in some hands-on research.
But while her personal life heats up, Allie’s business is about to crash and burn. And she has to convince Cameron that she’s one princess who’s not looking for a prince to ride to her rescue.

giveaway

There are TWO ways to WIN with the PERSONAL ASSETS Blog Tour

Kelsey Browning - Wine CharmsKelsey is offering -1 set of Texas Themed Wine Charms- to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (right hand side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email with your comment

3. Giveaway is open to US and CANADA only

4. Giveaway runs from August 20 to September 1, 2013

Rafflecopter Giveaway White and Red

One lucky person will WIN a Bed Lounge Pillow (US only)

bedlounge pillow

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Time Changes Everything by Melinda Dozier-A Review and Interview with the Author

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Time Changes Everything by Melinda Dozier-A Review and Interview with the Author

LEAD Technologies Inc. V1.01

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2013

Amanda Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn’t want to make time for anything else. Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now he’s a sexy, big shot lawyer.

Jake Edwards isn’t interested in commitment. He’s successful, sexy, and single–and that’s how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might have to rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.

But, is it too late for them? Or can he convince her that he’s ready to give her his heart?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  Times Changes Everything is a great short story.  If you want a romantic story with a happy ending, this is the one for you.  Amanda is an on the rise fashion designer, living her own life and making her own way.  One night, she reunites with Jake, her high school crush.  Jake is a sexy hunk of a man who is a self proclaimed bachelor.  Once reunited, sparks fly and both are swept off their feet.  BUT Amanda is afraid of getting hurt.  Jake kissed her all those years ago then ran off, breaking her heart in the process.  She is scared of getting hurt again.  Plus she wants to focus 100% on her career and getting involved with Jake might derail her plans.   Bachelor Jake is shocked to realize that Amanda is the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with.  He sets out on a mission to win her heart and her love forever.

Don’t let my comment about the book being a “romantic story with a happy ending” leave you to believe the book is boring.  There is just the right mixture of passion, humor and sweetness to make the story a good one.  Amanda and Jake are the type of characters that we all love to read about.  It seems in real life, happy endings can be few and far between so it’s nice to escape into a book and read about one!

 

Copy supplied by the author
Reviewed by Tricia


Interview

melinda dozierTRC: Hi Melinda and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on the release of TIME CHANGES EVERYTHING.

We would like to start with some background information. Please tell us something about yourself?

Melinda: First, thank you so much for hosting me at The Reading Cafe. It’s great to be here.

Being a mom, wife, teacher, blogger, writer and reader keeps me busy. I live in Central America with my family and teach at an American School. I love living overseas and experiencing the life and beauty of another country.

LEAD Technologies Inc. V1.01

 

TRC: TIME CHANGES EVERYTHING is your May 2013 release. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

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Melinda: Time Changes Everything is a friends to lovers story. Jake and Amanda have known each other their whole lives. But when they run into one another in New York City, their teenage crushes turn into something much steamier and they soon realize time changes everything.

 

TRC: There is a prequel novella THE BOY NEXT DOOR-released April 2013. Would you please tell us something this storyline?

The Boy Next Door

 

Melinda: The Boy Next Door takes place seven years before Time Changes Everything when Amanda is still in high school and Jake a college freshman. They both had crushes on each other and Jake comes to the rescue when Amanda’s  Homecoming date dumps her. Sparks fly throughout their date and there may even be a first kiss. What happens after? You’ll have to read to find out!  It’s free at Smashwords and a short read!

 

 

Click HERE to order your FREE copy of THE BOY NEXT DOOR

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Melinda: I’m currently working on the second in the series called New York Minute and hopefully will have it published next year.

TRC: Are any of the characters or situations based on reality or an amalgamation of ideas and information?

Melinda: I think every writer uses some part of their own experiences in some way. For Time Changes Everything, my characters are from Louisiana. Guess where I’m from? Yep! So, their fictional town, Lake Cooley, takes after a town near where my family lives called Lake Charles. As for the New York City setting, I’ve never been, but I dream about it and that’s why I wrote about NYC. I live vicariously through my characters!

TRC: If you could virtually cast the lead characters for this series, which models or actors would be represent your ideal image of Amanda and Jake?

Melinda: Amanda resembles Alexia Bleidel, the girl next door type with good fashion sense. Jake would take after Colin Egglesfield.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Melinda: My characters are definitely in charge! No matter how much planning, they lead the story!

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (historical, research, logistics) did you encounter writing this particular story/series?

Melinda: For Time Changes Everything I had to do a lot of research about New York City and about the character’s professions as a Buyer at Macy’s and a Sports Attorney. I wouldn’t say it’s a difficulty. I love the research part of writing. If someone could read my Google Search History, I might have to hide for a month from embarrassment.

Breaking The Rules

 

TRC: BREAKING THE RULES is your July 2013 release from Crimson Romance. Would you please tell us something about the storyline?

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Melinda: This book is closer to home since it’s about a klutzy middle school principal who always follows the rules. Hope Robinson is very much like me in that sense. She meets Doctor Colin Calaway, a widower and father of a student, who pushes her to break the rules and follow her heart.

 

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Melinda: I have an amazing network of writing friends who I’ve found online or through my publishers. I feel tremendously lucky to have them. They often beta read for me or email back and forth to hash out ideas.

TRC: How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Melinda: I think it has to be a balance of plot and characters. Characters drive a story, so if they are believable, then the overall storyline will be too.

TRC: How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of deadlines while still having time to raise a family?

Melinda: Ha! This is a tricky one! I always have pressure and anxiety, but I’m organized enough to schedule writing time in order to meet deadlines. I’m a stickler on time. I love making calendars, spreadsheets and to-do lists. Being a mother, teacher, wife and writer is hard work, but so worth it!

TRC: What are your thoughts on book reviews-good or bad?

Melinda: I appreciate the good and the bad as long as they are specific enough that I can learn from them. Of course, I’m always grateful for a positive review. My heart swells knowing someone enjoys my words and my creations.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Melinda: I’m happy to announce that I have a new sexy NA novella to be released in October from Swoon Romance. Trouble With Gold is part of a Winter Olympics themed anthology, Love and Other Games. I had the pleasure to work with three other amazing writers: Aria Kane, Ana Blaze and Kara Leigh Miller. Expect my cover reveal on August 23!

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Melinda: I appreciate you having me today! I love to hear from readers. You can find me at: Website/ Goodreads / Blog/ or Twitter (since I’m addicted)

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
New Mexican

Favorite Dessert
Cheesecake

Favorite TV Show
Bachelor (I’m a reality T.V. nerd)

Last Movie You Saw
Despicable Me 2 (or in Spanish, Mi Vilano Favorito)

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Dark Chocolate! Yum!

Favorite Flower
Lily

Last Vacation Destination
Portland, Oregon

Pet Peeve
Not picking up after yourself (I’m a mom of two teenagers and a teacher to twelve year olds!)

Famous Secret Crush
Hey Girl, I love Ryan Gosling, but it’s not much of a secret!

TRC: Thank you Melinda for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the new release. We wish you all the best.

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Omens (Cainsville #1) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

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OMENS (Cainsville #1) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

Omens

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2013

Twenty-four-year-old Olivia Taylor Jones has the perfect life. The only daughter of a wealthy, prominent Chicago family, she has an Ivy League education, pursues volunteerism and philanthropy, and is engaged to a handsome young tech firm CEO with political ambitions.

But Olivia’s world is shattered when she learns that she’s adopted. Her real parents? Todd and Pamela Larsen, notorious serial killers serving a life sentence. When the news brings a maelstrom of unwanted publicity to her adopted family and fiancé, Olivia decides to find out the truth about the Larsens.

Olivia ends up in the small town of Cainsville, Illinois, an old and cloistered community that takes a particular interest in both Olivia and her efforts to uncover her birth parents’ past.

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REVIEW: OMENS is the first storyline in Kelley Armstrong’s new contemporary mystery (slightly paranormal) CAINSVILLE series focusing on Olivia Taylor and her fight to prove, one way or another, that her birth parents Pam and Todd Larsen may or may not be the notorious serial killers who murdered eight people over two decades earlier.

Olivia Taylor-Jones has just discovered that she was adopted as a child and her life is making headline news around the world. Needing to leave town, her parents and her fiancé behind, Olivia, also known as Eden Larsen, finds herself penniless in a small, cloistered town known as Cainsville and things have gone from bad to down right strange. Hoping to uncover the details about the twenty year old murders, Olivia enlists the help of her mother’s former lawyer -Gabriel Walsh-only to discover he is out for one thing and money is the bottom line.

Kelley Armstrong takes the reader on a mysterious journey that will see our heroine Olivia aka Eden on the run and settling in a strange town. ‘Reading’ omens and symbols that give warning of danger and death at every turn, Olivia begins to wonder who or what is determined to keep her from discovering the truth behind her parent’s conviction and the real people behind the murders. With a town full of ‘gifted’ seers and prophetic elders, Cainsville can only be considered a town with a paranormal undertone of Celtic ancestry.

The writing style grabs the reader’s attention and keeps you on the edge. There is the mystery of the crime of murder; a town of strangers who know more about Eden Larsen than does Olivia Jones; and a lawyer whose motives are questionable and the bottom line always reverts back to money. There is intrigue, suspense, mystery and betrayal and when the truth about Olivia’s birth parents is revealed she will discover who are her real friends and just how lonely life can be without the support of parents and family. The storyline is detailed and the premise is intriguing.

Kelley Armstrong is a proven winner with her Women of the Otherworld series and she has introduced another strong female character in Eden Larsen/Olivia Jones that drives the storyline and the series into another dimension of mystery,suspense and the paranormal.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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Cover Reveal-Heating Up The Holidays by Lisa Renee Jones, Mary Ann Rivers and Serena Bell

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Cover Reveal: Heating Up the Holidays by Lisa Renee Jones, Mary Ann Rivers and Serena Bell

Heating Up the Holidays - Final Cover

HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS
3-Story Bundle (Play with Me, Snowfall, After Midnight)
Lisa Renee Jones, Mary Ann Rivers, Serena Bell
Published by Loveswept
On Sale October 28, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-8041-7840-2

HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS features three sexy holiday novellas, each one centered on a different holiday: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. With stories from bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, the popular Mary Ann Rivers, and Loveswept debut author Serena Bell, HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS is the perfect anthology to keep the romance going throughout the holiday season!

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About the author

ABOUT LISA RENEE JONES (Play with Me):
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES which has sold to more than twelve countries for translation with negotiations in process for more, and has now been optioned by STARZ Network for a cable television show, to be produced by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland).

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 30 books with publishers such as Simon and Schuster, Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, NAL, Berkley and Elloras Cave, as well as crafting a successful indie career. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

___________________________

ABOUT MARY ANN RIVERS (Snowfall)
Mary Ann Rivers was an English and music major and went on to earn her MFA in creative writing, publishing poetry in journals and leading creative-writing workshops for at-risk youth. While training for her day job as a nurse practitioner, she rediscovered romance on the bedside tables of her favorite patients. Now she writes smart and emotional contemporary romance, imagining stories featuring the heroes and heroines just ahead of her in the coffee line. Mary Ann Rivers lives in the Midwest with her handsome professor husband and their imaginative school-aged son.

__________________________

ABOUT SERENA BELL (After Midnight)
Serena Bell writes stories about how sex messes with your head, why smart people do stupid things sometimes, and how love can make it all better. She wrote her first steamy romance before she was old enough to understand what all the words meant and has been perfecting the art of hiding pages and screens from curious eyes ever since—a skill that’s particularly useful now that she’s the mother of two school-age children.

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Pre-order HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS ebook: $2.99 or less

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble /

 

Connect with Lisa Renee Jones:
Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/Lisareneejones> |
Twitter<https://twitter.com/lisareneejones> |
Website<http://www.lisareneejones.com/>
Connect with Mary Ann Rivers:
Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/maryannriversromanceauthor> |
Twitter<https://twitter.com/maryann_rivers> |
Website<http://maryannrivers.com/>
Connect with Serena Bell: Facebook<http://facebook.com/serenabellbooks> |
Twitter<http://twitter.com/serenabellbooks> | 
Website<http://serenabell.com>
Connect with Loveswept: Facebook<http://facebook.com/readloveswept> |
Twitter<http://twitter.com/readloveswept> |
Website<http://readloveswept.com>
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In Plain Sight by Susanne Matthews-a review

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In Plain Sight by Susanne Matthews – a review

In Plain Sight

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 12, 2013

In life, you pay a price for everything you do. Widowed, her dream of starring on Broadway in ashes at her feet, Misty Starr yearns for a happy, healthy, normal life for herself and her four-year-old daughter, Debbie. Settled in Pine Falls, NY, a sleepy little town filled with friendly people, she believes she’s found it and feels safe enough to sing in an amateur theater revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. She’ll do anything to keep this life even if it is built on lies, because revealing her secret is impossible. When Nick Anthony joins the cast as music director, Misty is attracted to the man who stirs up feelings she thought long dead, but can love grow on a bed of deceit?

A former concert pianist and secret CIA courier, Nick lives in darkness ever since the accident that killed his wife. The doctors say there’s nothing wrong with his vision, so why can’t he see? Hiding from his former life, he reluctantly agrees to help with the musical and is drawn to the young singer with the voice of an angel. When a mysterious fire destroys her home, Nick vows to keep her and her daughter safe. After one suspicious event leads to another, Nick is determined to protect them from an unknown assassin, but in order to do that, he needs to know her secrets. With his money and connections, he’ll do whatever it takes to save the woman he loves, but does she love him enough to reveal the truth?

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Another wonderful suspenseful romance by Susanne Matthews! If we gave stars, this one would be a 5!

This one begins with Misty Starr our heroine living in Pine Falls a small town, actually Misty and daughter Debbie are in the witness protection program and have been relocated a few times. Misty feels a lot of guilt for the deaths of the U.S. Marshalls that were guarding her. She is being hunted by a specific family of the Irish Mob for her testimony that put them away. This last relocation was done by a retired agent named Amos. Amos and his wife Beryl live in Pine Falls and brought Misty and Debbie there to live, provided her with a cover story as the widow of his son killed overseas. This all began years ago and Misty and Debbie (now four years old) are feeling safer. Amos helped her get a small two story house near his, and a job as the elementary school secretary. Her neighbor is Charlotte, a widow also with a four year old daughter Cassie.

Micah Jones and his doctor-wife Laura, run the Pine Hill Theater Group and are doing a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, a charity production that annually funds improvements for the local clinic. When someone had to be replaced quickly, friends of Misty talked her into joining the group and when she sang, her voice was a huge surprise to everyone. She’s a bit nervous as she doesn’t feel safe to put herself in the spotlight for fear of being discovered. She reluctantly agrees to be in the production, when her widowed neighbor, Charlotte, says she’ll babysit for Debbie while she’s at the theater.

During costuming, she was laughing about the costume they wanted her to wear, saying she looked like a beach cabana. Then Micah and Laura walked in with a stunningly handsome man no one knew. Misty was surprised, but immediately very attracted to him. Micah introduced the man as Nick Anthony and told everyone he was a retired musician and going to help with the music. When she was introduced to him she stuck her hand out but he seemed to just move on and ignored her. She thought him rude, but couldn’t understand why he kept staring at her. Okay, that’s the set up…now comes the truly interesting parts! I don’t do spoilers, because you really need to enjoy reading this wonderfully romantic story. I’ll just give you this: Nick wasn’t rude, he was blind…and yes, he’s also instantly attracted to Misty, by her scent of course, since…he blind! His story is another tragic one that unfolds throughout the telling.

Strange and dangerous things begin to happen, and Nick feels he needs to keep Misty and Debbie safe! And he’s just the guy who can do it! How you ask? Read the story, it’s amazing and so heartwarmingly romantic, not to mention the steamy relationship that’s building. Exciting and twisty plotting are the climax of this wonderfully compelling story. As an added bonus we get a visit from Alexis and Jake McKenzie from Fire Angel another wonderful novel from Susanne Matthews, I loved catching up with them.

Grab a glass of wine (or two..) and get comfortable (you may be up until the wee hours of the morning because you won’t want to put this down), you’re in for a great read! Enjoy, I did!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

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