Monthly Archives: September 2013

Scorched by Mari Mancusi – a Review & Guest Post

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Scorched by Mari Mancusi – a Review & Guest Post

Scorched

Links to order Scorched: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Description:
Trinity
Don’t leave me here… It starts with a whisper. At first Trinity thinks she’s going crazy. It wouldn’t be a big surprise—her grandpa firmly believes there’s a genuine dragon egg in their dusty little West Texas town. But this voice is real, and it’s begging for her protection. Even if no one else can hear it…

Connor
He’s come from a future scorched by dragonfire. His mission: Find the girl. Destroy the egg. Save the world.

Caleb
He’s everything his twin brother Connor hates: cocky, undisciplined, and obsessed with saving dragons.

Trinity has no idea which brother to believe. All she has to go by is the voice in her head—a dragon that won’t be tamed

 

Review:

I have been dying to read a dragon-themed book and Mari Mancusi’s Scorched ignited my interest.  Complete with time travel, mystical creatures, opposing missions, and even a bit of YA romance, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope my review encourages you to take flight into this world of fantasy.  

In a last ditch effort to save the waning museum, Foxx’s Fantastical Fossils, an artifact is brought in to attract tourism:

“But what is it?” she asked, reluctantly turning away from the egg and back to her guardian [grandpa], her eyes filled with questions.  “What could it possibly be?”

“Why isn’t it obvious?”  He stepped towards the case, a slow smile spreading across his whiskered face.  “It’s the world’s last dragon egg.”

From 200 years in the future, post-dragon apocalypse, Connor time travels to retrieve the last dragon egg before it hatches and lands in the hands of his twin brother, Caleb, member of the Dracken (dragon sympathizers).  Although incredulous of its existence, 16 year old Trinity cannot deny she hears the dragon’s voice in her mind…who calls out to her and is curiously named after her deceased mother.  Is she NOT supposed to be freaked out?!

Scorched was reminiscent of the Terminator movie:  Trinity is caught between rival factions, conflicting stories, and this is just between the brothers!  Connor’s mission mantra stuns Trinity, “Sacrifice one to save the world”:

“Judging from its transparency, I’d say we have about a week before it hatches,” he told her.  “We’ll need to find a way to destroy it by then.  The sooner the better…

If we succeed, will you start to disappear?

It doesn’t work like that.  My timeline has already been established.  There’s no way to alter that.  But by destroying the egg, we can set your world on an alternate time line.  One that doesn’t end in apocalypse.”

Caleb, meantime, endeavors to dispel all nonsense Connor was spewing.  Caleb spills brotherly vendetta drama about the death of their father and reveals convincing facts that would result in Trinity’s death at the hands of Connor, a dragon hunter, unless she faced the truth.

“The truth?  Trinity repeated with encroaching dread.  She turned to Caleb, trying desperately to swallow down her fear.  “And what truth might that be?”

“That dragons have the power to save our world,” Caleb replied matter-of-factly.  “If only you could first save them.”

Boys…keep it in the family!  Who to trust…who to believe?  Only one thing’s for certain:  Each brother has his own agenda…with startling revelations about Trinity’s true purpose in the dragon movement.

Scorched delivered a fast-paced, engaging style while the storyline developed.  I really enjoyed the formatting of the book; segments divided to delve into and explore each brother and their respective plights, along with Trinity’s own background (a great heroine with an emotional story), and even the pivotal dragon, Emmy.  Based on Ms. Mancusi’s descriptions, these were magnificent beasts resplendent in their graceful flights and afforded, through battles and training, their own honor and loyalty.  It was a joy to read!

I went on to Ms. Mancusi’s webpage, eager for details of a sequel (the open-ended finale leaves you wanting more!), but didn’t reveal more on this particular story.  Whaaat?!  I can only hope she returns to this wonderful cast of characters in the future.  Like I said, Scorched was a great introduction into a genre that eluded me for too long.  I get it…I want it! 

Find out what it means to be Fire Kissed! 

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher


Guest Post

What is your perspective of the difference of YA and New Adult?

New Adult is a new term that has become a kind of catchall for books with protagonists in their late teens (college age) to early twenties. Most of the new adult books currently running up the bestseller lists are contemporary and have more similarities to the romance genre than the YA genre—with a centralized romance as the main plot.

That said, I believe as time goes by the new adult category will widen to include more paranormal and sci-fi/fantasy titles. Just like with the Shomi line that I participated in back when I wrote for Dorchester. Those titles—Razor Girl and Moongazer—were published before the new adult term came around and were designed to “bridge the gap” between YA and adult romance. Now that I have the rights back to these titles I was able to re-release them officially as new adult books. (With new titles: Tomorrow Land and Alternity.) I’m glad there’s now a place where they fit.

Scorched is a Young Adult title. But some of the themes in the book will resonate with older readers as well. The idea of trust, for example. How do you learn to trust again when everyone in your life has let you down? And who is worthy of that precious gift of trust? It’s something Trinity has to decide—and the fate of the world (and the dragon race) depends on her making the right decision.

I think one of the reasons so many adult readers get into the young adult genre is because of the stories themselves. A good story with a good plot and interesting, well-defined characters will appeal, no matter what the biological age of the characters. For Scorched, if you like stories about time travel, dragons, fantasy and adventure then I encourage you to check it out—whether you’re sixteen or sixty. After all, where it’s shelved in the bookstore doesn’t matter in the end.


About the Author yellowMari MancusiMari Mancusi always wanted a dragon as a pet. Unfortunately the fire insurance premiums proved a bit too large and her house a bit too small–so she chose to write about them instead. Today she works as an award-winning young adult author and freelance television producer, for which she has won two Emmys.

When not writing about fanciful creatures of myth and legend, Mari enjoys goth clubbing, cosplay, watching cheesy (and scary) horror movies, and her favorite guilty pleasure—playing videogames. A graduate of Boston University, she lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Jacob, daughter Avalon, and their dog Mesquite. 

Mari is pronounced like the name Mary.
Mancusi is pronounced man-COO-see. 
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Spell of Binding (Dark Caster #2) by Anna Abner-a review

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Spell of Binding (Dark Caster #2) by Anna Abner – a review

Spell of binding

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 15, 2013

Daniela Ferraro can’t touch people without hurting them. So when she wakes up in the Dark Caster’s cell next to the one man guaranteed to mess with her heart, she will risk anything to escape.

David Wilkes has no idea why he’s been abducted and thrown in a locked room with Dani, the woman who jilted him two years ago. But when the Dark Caster threatens David’s four year old son, David will not stop until Ryan is safe and the evil necromancers tormenting him are destroyed.

When Dani’s powers are bound and her necromancer friends are out of commission, the only way to protect the people she cares about and keep the Chaos Gate firmly closed is to trust in David.

But the closer Dani gets to David the more lethal her touch becomes for the only man she’s ever loved.

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

REVIEW: Welcome back to the world of necromancers, witches, spells and a dark caster out to destroy the world complete with a cute love story tied up as a bow on top of the package. The story continues from the first book with Holden and Rebecca where witch Daniela disappears shortly after helping them. It turns out Daniela was abducted by evil casters Carver and Jeff who need her magic for their own selfish needs. The story starts with Daniela and heart throb hero David in captivity at the hands of Carver and Jeff.

David and Daniela do have some kind of romantic history together but it wasn’t a good one so you can imagine how awkward it is to realize you are captured with a person you did have such a history with. Out of desperation, David and Daniela do escape with the price that Daniela’s powers are bounded and hindered. This puts David in the position to tap into his hidden necromancer abilities which he didn’t know he had. In this journey to fight Carver and Jeff’s evil clutches all the while saving Cole who is Daniela’s friend from going insane from a spell, freeing Daniela’s powers, honing David’s necromancer skills, setting a troubled teenage girl straight and protecting David’s four year old son. With all that being said, you would think they have a lot on their plate.

Despite all that, there is a lot of romantic development between the couple that I really enjoyed. At first they are awkward and tense around each other but you see the growing chemistry show itself more and more. If you thought Holden and Rebecca are steamy, David and Daniela take it up another notch more. Yum! What I really appreciate about the couple is that while it is normal to have emotional or romantic baggage and they both had their fair share of baggage, they worked with each other on it. One of the aspects that I really liked about this story was the whole second chance at love facet. I can say I fell in love with David and Daniela, they are such likeable characters! David and Daniela both possess that selflessness and are always ready to help a friend in need. They are also described as one sexy couple that for some reason they remind me of Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum by the way they are physically described. I love the balance of this book where one facet wasn’t skimped whether it was the building love story, the overall story arc of the series, the little cameos of Holden and Rebecca from the first book and the really cool paranormal aspects. There was not a part where I felt like the story dragged but kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

I highly recommend the series to a friend and I look forward to more books in the series.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed Xtina

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An Interview and Giveaway with Rebecca York

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An Interview and Giveaway with Rebecca York

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome Rebecca York as our guest today.  Rebecca has just released, Bad Nights, the first book in her new, Rockfort Security series.

She is here today to discuss her new book, and to tell us a little bit about  herself.

Let’s meet Rebecca.

 

 

 

Interview

TRC: Hi Rebecca.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.

We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book; it is a pleasure to have you here at The Reading Café.

Rebecca: I’m excited to be here.

TRC: Would you please tell us about yourself?

Rebecca: I had kind of a rocky start in school because I’m dyslexic and couldn’t read or spell very well.  In fifth grade something clicked in my brain, and I finally “got” reading.  Spelling, not so much.  I always loved making up stories, but I thought I couldn’t be a writer because of the spelling problem.  However, my husband encouraged me to give it a try and said he’d proofread my work.  I started writing news and feature stories for a local paper and gradually slopped into books.  I spend most of my day in front of the computer, and I even manage to work when we’re traveling.

TRC: When and how did you become interested in writing? 

Rebecca:  I always thought up stories, which I acted out with my doll, but I didn’t start writing until I was a stay-at-home mom with two toddlers.  Writing newspaper articles was something I could do in short spurts between all my other obligations.  I took a seminar at my local community college where people came and read what they were working on.  Sitting and listening to some people read chapters of their novels, made me want to write one of my own.  I had always read fantasy and science fiction as a kid, so I started in that genre.  And I decided to try a children’s book because I knew that would be shorter than an adult novel.  It was Invasion of the Blue Lights, and I sold it to Scholastic.  Recently I reprinted it as an e-book on Amazon.

TRC: You just released your first book in your Rockfort Security Series, Bad Nights.  Can you please tell us the premise of Rockfort Security?  How did you come up with the idea of this series, and how many books are you planning for this series?

Rebecca:  I wanted to do a romantic suspense series focused on the men working for a detective agency and the women who come to love them.  Each hero stars in his own story and appears in the other books to keep the continuity going.  In each novel, the hero of the next book will play a strong secondary role, so that the reader is drawn into the Rockfort community.

All the Rockfort agents are strong, sexy alpha males, formerly in the military or the police.  Each is fighting emotional wounds that only a loving relationship with the right woman can heal.  Each story focuses on how these men learn to let down their guard with a woman who comes to mean more to them than they thought possible.

The agents are:

Jack Brandt, former Navy Seal

Shane Gallagher, former Army MP

Max Lyon, former police detective

The men met when they were swept up in the raid of a Miami nightclub.  They spent the night keeping order among a bunch of tough, dangerous guys in a police holding cell.  When they were released in the morning, they went out for beers and got to talking—and ended up forming the Rockfort Security Agency.

Each book capitalizes on the special talents and background of the hero.  How many books?  Of course I’m hoping that Sourcebooks will want more after the initial three, but we’ll have to see how they do!

Bad NightsTRC: Can you please give us a description about Bad Nights, which was released a couple of days ago? 

Rebecca: This is the story of Jack Brandt and Morgan Rains.  He’s a former Navy SEAL who feels guilty that he was the only man who came back from a mission in Afghanistan.  She’s a widow who can’t imagine falling in love again.  They never would have met if Jack hadn’t escaped from the militia compound where he was being tortured to make him tell who sent him to infiltrate the organization.  He makes it to Morgan’s isolated mountain cabin where she finds him stumbling around naked in the woods.  She takes him in and treats his wounds, but the militia track him to her cabin, and they barely escape with their lives. On the run, they get to know each other a whole lot better.  But can these two people who are so different forge a relationship?  And can Jack and partners save Morgan’s life when the militia leader captures her and gives him twenty-four hours to trade himself for her?

TRC: You also write a series of novellas: A Fantasy & Futuristic Short Story.  Can you tell us a little about this series?

Rebecca: My first passion was science fiction and fantasy, and this series is giving me a chance to write in that genre.  But since I love romance, all of the books are relationship stories.  The first two, Conquest and Hero’s Welcome, deal with men and women from different species falling in love and working out their complicated relationships.

In the third story, I’m having fun writing a guy who’s tough and effective, and also a virgin.  When all-male plague survivors landed on the planet Palomar, no one knew if humans could thrive in the hostile environment. Now it’s twenty years later, and the planetary authority has finally authorized a shipment of brides. Homesteader Caleb Raider has won a wife in the lottery, but he hasn’t seen a woman since childhood—except in a porn vid. His new wife, Beka Gunnarson, knows he’s a virgin. What’s the best way to introduce him to the pleasures of married love, while hiding the secret she thinks will destroy their new relationship? And is she up to living on a nearly lawless planet where savage wildlife roams?  I’m almost finished with this novella and hope to have it out in October.  And I think I will be setting more stories on the planet Palomar.

TRC: You write a few different genres, such as Romance Suspense, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy.  Do you have a preference?  How challenging is it to switch gears when writing another genre?

Rebecca:  I feel sorry for people who are forced by their publishers to write only one kind of book.  I love getting to switch from romantic suspense to paranormal to science fiction.  And I don’t have any trouble doing it.  But I do think the core of my writing is “men and women falling in love against a backdrop of suspense and danger.”

TRC: Would you like to share with us on what else you have planned in 2013/2014?

Rebecca:  I’m currently finishing up the second book in the Rockfort Security Series, Betrayed, which will be out next spring.  It’s Shane Gallagher’s story, and I’m enjoying writing about him and Elena Reyes.  Shane’s working undercover trying to discover who’s stealing company secrets from S&D Systems, and Elena’s his prime suspect; yet at the same time, he’s attracted to her. As I said, I’m also getting Nightfall ready.  And I have two Harlequin Intrigues scheduled for March and April, Bride’s Jeopardy and Urgent.  Both are paranormal romantic suspense, part of my sexually-linked telepaths series, Mindbenders.

TRC: What is your writing process?  Do you have a favorite place or time you like to write?

Rebecca:  I always work on a laptop, and I move around the house frequently.  Right now I’m on the screened porch (or the “catio”) with one of my three cats.  I also like working in the sunroom with my orchids for inspiration and the bedroom, which I’ve decorated like a beach cottage.   I don’t feel comfortable writing a book unless I have a pretty complete outline.  After I know the story, I start writing and get to know the characters better during the first few chapters.  I try to write ten pages a day, and I try to finish a book quickly and put it away while I work on something else.  When I come back to the original project, it’s like someone else wrote it, and I can be very objective about it.  I used to write slowly and then edit a lot.  I figured out I could write fast, then do the same amount of editing.  After I edit on screen, I always have to print out a book so I can see it on paper—where it always looks different.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Rebecca:  I’d like to die at my computer, still working.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food:   Soup (many kinds: Lobster Bisque, Split Pea, Cauliflower and Cheese, Sweet Potato and Peanut).  I often start a pot of soup in the afternoon while I’m working.

Favorite Dessert:  Chocolate soda with vanilla ice cream.  (We always have this on New Year’s Eve.)

Favorite Author: I can’t pick just one.  I like Ken Follett, Clive Cussler, Terry Pratchett

Favorite Movie:  Star Man.  It’s just my kind of thing: paranormal romantic suspense

Favorite TV Show:  The Sopranos

Milk or Dark Chocolate:  Dark

Favorite character (male & female) not written by you:  Michael Gallatin from The Wolf’s Hour, by Robert McCammon.  Women characters don’t stick with me as long as the guys.  I guess a recent woman I’ve liked a lot is Juliette in Hugh Howey’s Wool.

TRC: Thank you, Rebecca, for giving us an update on Bad Nights, as well as what we can look forward to in the future.   It was a pleasure having you visit us, and we hope to do this again in the future.

Rebecca: Thank you for interviewing me.

 

Bad Nights
By Rebecca York
Book #1 – Rockfort Security
Release Date: September 3,.2013

Bad NightsLinks to order Bad Nights: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rebecca York’s newest series will keep you on the edge of your seat

When Professor Morgan Rains goes out to investigate a strange sound coming from her backyard, the last thing she expects to see is a naked man covered with burns and bruises. Jack Brandt is a former Navy SEAL on an undercover mission, and he’s barely managed to escape from a terrorist militia’s torture. Jack and Morgan are thrown into a pressure cooker of danger and intrigue, and they soon find themselves falling in love. When Morgan is captured by the terrorists, Jack must rescue the woman whose life now means more to him than his own.

 

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rebecca York’s writing has been compared to Dick Francis, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Maggie Shayne. Her books have been translated into twenty-two languages and optioned for film. She lives in Maryland, near Washington, D.C., which is often the setting of her romantic suspense novels. Rebecca’s next romantic suspense novel from Sourcebooks Casablanca, Betrayed, will be in stores in July 2014. For more information, please visit http://rebeccayork.com/, Facebook. Twitter, Goodreads



giveaway

Rebecca and her publisher, Sourcebooks have graciously offered one lucky member of The Reading Cafe a copy of her new release, Bad Nights.

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.  Giveaway open  US & Canada Only

4.  Contests runs from September 5 to September 8, 2013

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Bad Nights by Rebecca York – a Review

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Bad Nights by Rebecca York – a Review

Bad NightsLinks to order Bad Nights: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
You Only Get a Second Chance…

Private operative and former Navy SEAL Jack Brandt barely escaped a disastrous undercover assignment, thanks to the most intriguing woman he’s ever met. When his enemies track him to her doorstep, he’ll do anything to protect Morgan from the danger closing in on them both…

If You Stay Alive…

Since her husband’s death, Morgan Rains has only been going through the motions. She didn’t think anything could shock her–until she finds a gorgeous man stumbling naked and injured through the woods behind her house. He’s mysterious, intimidating–and undeniably compelling.

Thrown together into a pressure cooker of danger and intrigue, Jack and Morgan are finding in each other a reason to live–if they can survive

 

Review:

Bad Nights by Rebecca York is the first book in her Rockfort Security series.  We meet our heroine, Morgan Rains, as she is on vacation in her cabin.  Morgan is a professor, and has been running on empty for a year since she lost her husband, who was killed by a burglar.

One night, she hears something outside, and sees a naked man running, or shall we say stumbling, until he collapses.  Morgan goes to his rescue, and though he was somewhat violent before he passed out, she manages to drag him into the cabin.  Jack Brandt is our hero, a former Navy Seal, who was on assignment for his security firm, Rockfort Security.  He wakes up confused, and sees Morgan treating his wounds. After at first not trusting her, or she him; he knew she was in danger because those who hurt him would come looking for him.  He explains that he was doing undercover work and was discovered.  He managed to escape, but not before he was badly tortured. 

What follows is that Morgan and Jack are brought together to run for their lives, as the people trying to kill Jack, will stop at nothing to find him, which includes killing Morgan also.  The time period is only a matter of days, as they do what is necessary to keep themselves from being found.  Jack’s partners eventually will show up to help them and bring them to a safe house. 

Morgan at first wanted nothing more then to go back to her quiet sad life, but since she was in danger, Jack and his partners refused to let her leave, as it was too dangerous.  Morgan finds herself becoming very attracted to Jack.  It’s been a long time that she has even looked at any man.  Morgan herself got hurt a bit during their escape, and Jack has helped treat her.  He too begins to find himself attracted to Morgan.  It doesn’t take long before they act on their sexual desires. 

Sure enough though, the bad people find them and a battle ensues.  A suspenseful exciting last ¼ of the book, as Morgan’s life is in danger.  There are some twists, surprises and betrayals along the way. 

Rebecca York has written a nice romance suspense story. I do feel though that some things were a bit off.  I felt the romance between Jack and Morgan was good, but did not have the spark, or overall sexual chemistry.  Perhaps it was the short time period (days) that they fell in love, which didn’t really give us anytime on building the romance aspect.  I also thought that though the story was exciting, some was redundant, especially during escape and the villains pov.  I did like the men of Rockfort Security, and feel this has excellent potential for a great series.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Family Secrets Trilogy by Lisa Gardner (writing as Alicia Scott)-Promotion and Giveaway

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The Family Secrets Trilogy by Lisa Gardner (Writing as Alicia Scott)- promotion and giveaway

The Family Secrets banner

BACK IN PRINT AND NEWLY REVISED, THREE OF LISA GARDNER’S EARLIEST NOVELS—THE FAMILY SECRETS TRILOGY, WRITTEN AS ALICIA SCOTT

The Family Secrets

 

Fans of Lisa Gardner have come to expect incredibly smart, engaging romantic suspense as evidenced by her bestselling novels including Say Goodbye, Gone, and Touch & Go. Gardner knows how to tell a story well, and keep readers excited for the next chapter in whatever series she has penned, from the FBI Profiler series to Detective D. D. Warren.

Now, Signet is thrilled to introduce a new side of Lisa Gardner to her fans, with the re-release of the Family Secrets Trilogy, originally written under her pseudonym Alicia Scott during the 1990s.  Completely repackaged and revised (and also available for the first time in eBook) are three of these early novels:

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Maggie's man

Release Date:  August 6, 2013

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

MAGGIE’S MAN introduces readers to the shy Maggie Ferringer, who having been called for jury duty, is kidnapped by an escaped convict disguised as a prison guard bent on revenge against the people who put him behind bars. As his hostage, and learning his story as they are on the run, Maggie becomes invested, and sympathetic, to his past. Her attraction to him is undeniable, and she decides to help him fight for justice for himself, and a possible future for them both.

 

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MacNamara's Woman

Release Date: October 1, 2013

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

In MACNAMARA’S WOMAN, a beautiful woman who lost her family and only has herself to rely on finds that she might be in over head in seeking justice against the man who wronged her. Tamara Allistair collides with C. J. MacNamara, a sexy and tough ex-marine with his own troubled past, but is determined to protect Tamara and help her right a wrong ten years in the making.

 

 

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Brandon's Bride

Release Date:  December 3, 2013

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

The final chapter of the trilogy, BRANDON’S BRIDE, Brandon Ferringer rents a room at a local ranch while searching to solve the mysterious disappearance of his father, and discovers more than he bargained for. Impossible to ignore the attraction to the ranch’s owner Victoria Meese, Brandon’s search for answers into his family mystery, and Victoria’s life, are in danger with each new discovery the deeper he gets.

 

 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

About the Author Black and Orange

Lisa Gardner alicia ScottLisa Gardner is the New York Times bestselling author of fifteen previous novels, including her most recent, Touch & Go.  Her Detective D.D. Warren novels include Catch Me, Love You More, and the International Thriller of Year award-winning novel, The Neighbor.  Her FBI profiler novels include Say Goodbye, Gone, The Killing Hour, The Next Accident, and The Third Victim.  She lives with her family in New England, where she is at work on her next novel, Fear Nothing (Dutton, January 2014).  Visit Lisa online at www.lisagardner.com, www.facebook.com/LisaGardnerBks, and www.twitter.com/LisaGardnerBks

Giveaway-Black:Gold

The Penguin Group and Lisa Gardner are offering a copy of MAGGIE’S MAN to five (5) lucky readers at The Reading Cafe. That’s correct -5 winners in total.

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

4. Giveaway runs from September 4 to 11, 2013

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To Wed A Wicked Highlander (Bad Boys of the Highlands #3) by Victoria Roberts-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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To Wed a Wicked Highlander (Bad Boys of the Highlands #3) by Victoria Roberts-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

To Wed A Wicked Highlander Banner

To Wed A Wicked Highlander
Series: Bad Boys of the Highlands #3
by Victoria Roberts
Release Date: September 3, 2013

To Wed a Wicked Highlander

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

Review blue and black

ABOUT THE BOOK: September 3, 2013

Laird Alexander MacDonnell must choose between his duty or
losing his heart forever to the woman who betrayed him—his own wife.

Lady Sybella MacKenzie is forced to search for her clan’s ancient seeing stone under the roof of her father’s enemy. When she finds the precious artifact, will she choose the family who raised her, or will she stand with the man who has captured her soul?

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TO WED A WICKED HIGHLANDER is the third storyline in Victoria Roberts’ Bad Boys of the Highland historical romance series. I was first introduced to this particular series through a giveaway of Temptation in a Kilt and I have loved every storyline in the series. Victoria pulls the reader into a world of Highland warriors, lovers and family betrayal. You will laugh and cry and, your heart will break for the men and women from the Highlands of Scotland.

To Wed a Wicked Highlander focuses on Sybella MacKenzie and her arranged marriage to Laird Alexander MacDonnell. The MacDonell and the MacKenzie clans have been at war for years and with this marriage, it is hoped that the bad blood between the two families can be forgotten. But much to Sybella’s surprise she is a pawn in a much larger game that will find she and her new husband the target of an assassin’s arrow. And to complicate matters, Sybella will discover that someone close is hoping to kill the Laird and his new wife.

The relationship between Sybella and Alexander is one that started years earlier when both were but teenagers. Fast forward five years and Sybella finds herself betrothed to Laird Alexander in exchange for what she believes is a peaceful resolution to war between the clans. Alexander is a man of experience when it comes to the bedroom and he must take his time with his new wife. But it is only a matter of days before betrayal and heartbreak will find Sybella on the run and into the bosom of a not so welcoming family.

Several of the previous storyline characters are welcomed back to give the storyline a cohesive feeling to the series. Our hero and heroine are both likeable and relatable; Alexander is an alpha male who quickly grows to love his young bride; and Sybella is a woman who is not afraid to speak up when the circumstances arise. As a couple Sybella and Alexander are sensual together in the bedroom even though it will take some time for Sybella to warm up to her new husband’s actions. There is no angst or hatred between the couple; they have accepted their position as husband and wife, but betrayal will come from both outside and within.

To Wed a Wicked Highlander is a wonderful story of romance and love; betrayal and heartbreak; friend and foe. If you have not had a chance to read the Bad Boys of the Highlands I would suggest you move the series to the top of your TBR pile. The Highland warriors are sensual and romantic alpha males, who by way of a little trouble and heartbreaking realization, will eventually grow to love the bonnie lasses who have stolen their hearts from the very first meeting.

Reading Order
1. Temptation in a Kilt
2. X Marks the Scot
3. To Wed A Wicked Highlander

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Historical romance. What is it about being swept away by a handsome English lord, a mischievous pirate or a brawny Highland laird that make women swoon? As with any fictional book, I think the main reason is simply escape. In today’s hustling and bustling world, everyone looks to breakout of the mundane. And I’m certainly no exception to that rule. Fortunately, Scottish historical romance provides me with the perfect distraction from everyday life.

Victoria RobertsI didn’t read my first romance until my thirties basically because I was daft. I thought the genre as a whole was nothing but a bunch of bodice rippers and truthfully, porn. One day my phenomenal CP (critique partner) slapped down a Scottish historical romance on my desk and demanded that I read it. I did, and boy was I ever wrong.

Between the rolling hills of the Scottish countryside, the bonny lochs, castles and fierce Highland lairds, I was hooked. I was never so happy to know that I was completely mistaken about the genre. There were actually plots, characterization and development, and darn it if the tales didn’t have me staying up way beyond my bedtime to finish.

As I became more familiar with the genre, I understood there were some historical inaccuracies in the books I read. Most of the time, those historical differences didn’t matter to me. After all, I was reading historical fiction. As a reader, I’m not normally bothered by this as long as I’m not pulled out of the story i.e. woman is wearing jeans in a regency novel. As a writer, I try to be as true to my genre as possible. I want to ensure the MacGregors, bloody Campbells (I couldn’t resist) and MacDonells donned the appropriate tartans. Their battle cries needed to be their own. Gaelic was a must. And although my characters were fictional, the setting was not.

The MacGregors and Campbells were always at odds. We know history tells us the MacGregors were the outlawed clan. While I wrote Temptation in a Kilt, I basically asked myself what would’ve happened if the Campbells were the clan at odds with King James and the MacGregors were seen in a favorable light? Well, this twist of history resulted in Laird Ciaran MacGregor and Lady Rosalia MacGregor finding true love. And in the end, isn’t that what we all secretly desire?

Most writers I know try to be as true to historical accuracy as possible, but remember that historical romance is ultimately fictional. Being engulfed in writing these tales on a daily basis, I’m humbly reminded that most of the swoon-worthy men in my life are fictional characters—well, other than my husband and my father of course.

How important is historical accuracy to you in the books you read? Sourcebooks will give away one copy of To Wed a Wicked Highlander to a lucky commenter.

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Victoria and Sourcebooks is offering a paper copy of TO WED A WICKED HIGHLANDER to one lucky reader at The Reading Cafe.

1. Log-in or please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) 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.

3. Please answer this question: How important is historical accuracy to you in the books you read? Sourcebooks will give away one copy of To Wed a Wicked Highlander to a lucky commenter.

4. Giveaway runs from September 4 to September 7, 2013

5. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only.

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Two Wrongs, One Right (Come Undone #3) by Katee Robert-a review

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TWO WRONGS, ONE RIGHT (Come Undone #3) by Katee Robert-a review

Two Wrongs, One Right

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release August 12, 2013

Eight years ago, former Army sergeant Nathan Schultz let the love of his life disappear without a fight. After watching everyone around him find happiness while he slipped further away, he’s finally ready to fight for Chelsea Callaghan—and he’s not afraid to play dirty.

Chelsea has always followed her conservative family’s rules—with one heartbreaking exception. When she receives an invitation to an old high school friend’s wedding, she knows who’s to blame. Though she goes solely to give Nathan a piece of her mind, he blackmails her into staying the entire week. With him.

There’s no way she’ll bow to Nathan’s will without making him pay. Unfortunately, revenge is a dish best served fully clothed, and they can’t be in the same room without losing theirs. As insatiable, anger-fueled lust shifts into something more, they begin to lose sight of why they can’t be together. But with so many unforgivable wrongs between them, can Nathan and Chelsea ever make things right?

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REVIEW: TWO WRONGS, ONE RIGHT is the third storyline in Katee Robert’s contemporary romance series focusing on the lives and loves of a group of twenty something friends. This is Nathan and Chelsea’s storyline. We were first introduced to Nathan and his brother Gabe in Gabe’s book -Wrong Bed, Right Guy – and this particular storyline comes full circle as the family and friends gather for Gabe and Elle’s wedding celebration. Although this is the third book in the series, Two Wrongs, One Right can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty.

As the family and friends gather for the wedding celebration, Nathan has invited an old flame to his brother’s wedding with an ulterior motive in the plans. Chelsea and Nathan go back eight years and in those ensuing eight years, neither one has forgotten the other. But Chelsea believes Nathan ran those eight years ago and she hasn’t been able to forgive him since.

Nathan is a man whose family life has not always been happy. Following the death of his beloved mother, Nathan was unable to control his grief or anger and decided that the army would be his best recourse to dampen the pain and push aside the memories. But Nathan forgot that there was one person he would be leaving behind and when Chelsea begged him to stay, Nathan walked without looking back.

Two Wrongs, One Right is a story of second chances as Nathan tries to mend the broken fences and bridges that lead back to the only woman he has ever loved. Along the way, Chelsea has discovered that she is an independent woman, in her own right, and Nathan’s presence will affect more than just her personal life but her family’s as well. But Chelsea is defenseless against Nathan’s charms and what took her eight years to forget comes back to her in a matter of a few heartbeats and breaths.

The storyline is fast-paced and predictable with a HEA. The re-building of the relationship will see a few stumbles when Chelsea misreads Nathan’s attempts at making things right. The characters are all relatable in a contemporary romantic storyline where most of the secondary characters could be anyone or someone from our own lives-that is, of course, if we all knew artists, photographers, night club owners and wedding planners.

The relationship between Nathan and Chelsea is palpable: hot, sensual and passionate. You know that there is some major history between the pair, and Nathan makes no apologies for his attempt at trying to win back Chelsea at all costs.

If you like a sweet, contemporary romance storyline with a HEA, Two Wrongs, One Right is the perfect read for a lazy afternoon. And, although I did mention that this particular book can be read as a stand-alone, I would suggest starting at the beginning to get a feel for the build up of the storyline and just where our hero has been.

READING ORDER
1. Wrong Bed, Right Guy
2. Chasing Mr. Right
3. Two Wrongs, One Right

Copy supplied by the Entangled Brazen

Reviewed by Sandy

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Dark Lycan (Dark Carpathian #24) by Christine Feehan – a dual review

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Dark Lycan (Dark Carpathian #24) by Christine Feehan-a dual review

Dark Lycan Cover

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:September 3, 2013

Tatijana of the Dragonseekers spent centuries encased in ice with her sister, trapped in limbo between life and death, never speaking to a soul other than those who tormented her. Now, she has been freed from her frozen prison by an unknown descendent. Awakened in human form, Tatijana yearns to explore the modern world in which she now lives—a world with more mysteries than she is prepared for.

Fenris Dalka has returned to the Carpathian Mountains after a long absence to be with his brother. He is scarred by centuries of battle, and every hard-won victory. But the real reason for his return home could prove deadly if discovered by the wrong man—or woman. Upon his arrival, he is compelled by a beautiful and enigmatic stranger who carries the scent of fresh earth, of forest, of the night itself.

In time Tatijana and Fenris will discover all that unites them—their secrets and pasts, their predators, and the hot flush of passion that stirs their souls. Yet just as surely, seduced into the silvery darkness of a full-moon night, they’ll also discover everything ancient and evil that exists to destroy them

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Barb’s Review

Dark Lycan is the 24th book in Christine Feehan’s wonderful Dark series. The Dark series has always been one of my top favorite series for many years. I would always look forward and anxiously await the next book. However, the three books that followed Dark Slayer were somewhat of a disappointment for me. I thought the three books were ok, but not up to the standard I was used to for Feehan. Well, I must say that in Dark Lycan….CHRISTINE FEEHAN is back. I loved Dark Lycan. It had the same exciting and adventurous storyline we loved, with a wonderful couple; a major villain, and many of our favorite characters from earlier books. It was like a homecoming, and I am happy to say this series is back on the front burner for me.

Dark Lycan is Tatijana Dragonseeker’s story, and I for one have been waiting for her and Bronnie’s story since they were rescued. Fen Dalka, who is Dimitri’s brother, is the hero in this book, and he is awesome. Finally a hero who treats his mate as an equal partner, not just a sex slave. From the start, this story kept my interest, and it was just great to watch both Tatijana and Fen’s romance build.

The crux of the story is a new breed of vampire & wolves, who have mixed blood of both, and are stronger and better then even the Carpathians. The new breed is a mix of vampire (or Carpathian) and werewolves, creating a breed called Sange rau Fen having just recently returned to the Carpathian Mountains to be with Dimitri, is both Carpathian and Werewolf, and hides that he is Sange rau, even from the elite wolves. He knows that the wolves kill the Sange rau, even if some of them are not bad, like Fen. But the wolves fear them as too dangerous, as they are so much stronger then anyone.

While Fen hides what he is, he helps Tatijana, and immediately realizes she is his lifemate. At first Tatijana does not want anyone to control her, as most lifemates will try to do, but she begins to fall hard for Fen. Together, they are in the middle of this fight of the wolves and the Sange rau, against the Carpathians. This new breed has a hidden agenda that threatens them all.

It is an exciting story, filled with action, bloody fights, and danger, with Fen, Tatijana, Dimitri and many of our Carpathians in the middle of this war. The main villain is someone new to us, but another vampire, who is the strongest one yet, with Mikhail constantly in danger.

Dark Lycan was non stop entertainment all the way through. You could not put this book down, as it went from one action packed moment to the next. The romance between Tatijana and Fen was great, and their chemistry was very hot sexually. Again, I absolutely love when Christine brings in many of her other recurring characters that we have come to love, and they play a major role in this book…Mikhail, Gregori, Dimitri, Vikornoff, Natalya, Destiny, Nikolae, Falcon, just to name a few. We get to see an older and stronger Skyler for a short period, but we all know the next book, Dark Wolf belongs to Dimitri & Skyler, as the end of this book leads to that. Can’t wait.

Copy supplied by the publisher

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Sandy’s Review

DARK LYCAN is the 24th installment and the first of a three part trilogy in Christine Feehan’s paranormal Dark Carpathian series focusing on the lives and loves of the supernatural beings known as Carpathians. Dark Lycan advances the series timeline two years.

Some background about the series: All Carpathian males, must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul.

Fenris Dalka knows he has found his lifemate in Tatijana of the Dragonseekers but he also knows that her life is at risk as the lifemate to a Carpthian male who is something much more. Living with the elusive Lycan for centuries, Fenris is hiding in plain site and one wrong move could put him in the path of a hunter who is bound to destroy everything that Fenris has become.

Christine Feehan has gone back to the stylings of some of her original storylines. For those of you who have read Dark Celebration, Dark Demon or Dark Slayer, you know that many of the previous storyline characters played a major role in these three particular novels, and with Dark Lycan, Christine has woven another tale of vampire, Carpathians, Lycans and something new. The secretive Lycans have resurfaced and there is a ‘new species’ of hybrid more powerful than anything the Carpathians have every seen. Looking to the future, there is a definite war on the horizon as the battles have already begun.

The relationship between Fenris and Tatijana is loving and sensual but more of a surprise, there is almost an equal partnership, which is odd, considering the protective alpha that is bred into every Carpathian male. For two ancients, Tatijana and Fenris readily accept the world and all of its’ quirks, but Tatijana is the biggest surprise of all. She is a Dragonseeker female who had been imprisoned for centuries and with her latest bid for freedom she has enmeshed herself into the real world with very little difficulty. She is a proud female of the species and a competent warrior in her own right. After all, she is Dragonseeker and we all know what Natalya is capable of when pushed to her limits.

For those who anticipate Dimitri and Skyler’s story in Dark Wolf, Dimitri is featured prominently alongside his brother Fenris in Dark Lycan and in doing so Christine begins to build on his upcoming story. Although Skyler is not physically present in Dark Lycan, she is with Dimitri, none the less.

If you are a fan of the older Dark Carpathian storylines, Dark Lycan will have a familiar feel. We welcome back many of the previous storyline characters as well as get a glimpse at the next generation of Carpathian warriors and potential mates. Poor Gregori has his hands full.

And of course, I am looking forward to Dark Wolf-Skyler and Dimitri’s storyline-January 2014.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Christine Feehan

Vladimir Dubrinsky shares visions of the future with a Lycan seer he’s never met. Blood, war and something more sinister haunt their visions. With only flashes of the future to help solve the mystery they must learn to trust each other, share their visions and try to find a way to stop what could be the end of their race. But, not everyone wants to see peace between them. And as Vladimir’s son, Draven begins to show signs of madness Vladimir may have to choose between his son and his people.

Before The Dark, a Carpathian video series prequel to the bestselling novel Dark Prince by Christine Feehan.

Watch all 12 episodes which will be released one at a time each month. The Carpathian series trilogy; Dark Lycan, Dark Wolf and Dark Blood tie in to the webisodes so be sure to read the books and watch the series again to help solve the mystery at the end!

Reading Order

Dark Carpathian Series

1. Dark Prince
2. Dark Desire
3. Dark Gold
4. Dark Magic
5. Dark Challenge
6. Dark Fire
7. Dark Dream
8. Dark Legend
9. Dark Guardian
10. Dark Sympathy
11. Dark Descent
12. Dark Melody
13. Dark Destiny
14. Dark Hunger
15. Dark Secret
16. Dark Demon
17. Dark Celebration
18. Dark Possession
19. Dark Curse
20. Dark Slayer
21. Dark Peril
22. Dark Predator
23. Dark Storm
24. Dark Lycan (September 2013)
25. Dark Wolf (January 2014)
26. Dark Blood (September 2014)

About the Author

Christine Feehan and Dog#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

IN HER WORDS:
I am a mother, first and foremost in my life. Family is very important to me. I have several children all of whom drive me crazy on a daily basis. And I have four Maltese that are even worse. LOL! I love living in the country and I find that it continues to inspire my writing.. which is my ultimate passion in life.

I am a writer and have been almost my entire life. I have to write every day or I’ll drive my family crazy. I first became a published author in 1999 with the release of Dark Prince. Before that I had a wide variety of jobs including being a full time mom, a martial arts instructor, a telephone operator, and I even worked for a newspaper. Now I’m able to write full time. I usually have four new books released per year. (www.christinefeehan.com)

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