Monthly Archives: September 2013

The Untamed Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley – a Review

Posted on by
12

The Untamed Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley – a Review

 

The Untamed Mackenzie
Links to order The Untamed Mackenzie:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
To redeem her family’s disgraced name, Lady Louisa Scranton has decided to acquire a proper husband. He needs to be a man of fortune and highly respectable in order to restore both her family’s lost wealth and reputation. She enters the Marriage Mart with all flags flying, determined to find the right bachelor.

But Louisa’s hopes are dashed when the Bishop of Hargate drops dead at her feet—and she is shockingly accused of murder! Soon, Louisa’s so-called friends begin shunning her, because the company of a suspected killer is never desirable in polite society.

The problem comes to the ears of Detective Inspector Lloyd Fellows, by-blow of the decadent Scottish Mackenzie family and an inspector for Scotland Yard. He has shared two passionate kisses with Lady Louisa–and vows to clear her name. For not only does he know she’s innocent, he recognizes he’s falling for the lovely lady.

Fellows is Louisa’s only hope of restoring her family’s honor—and it is he alone who intrigues Louisa in a way that may be even more scandalous than murder

 

Review:
The Untamed Mackenzie is a novella (book 5.5) in Jennifer Ashley’s Highland Pleasures series based on the fabulous Mackenzie men.  Lloyd Fellows is a half brother to the Mackenzies, as his late father the Old Duke refused to acknowledge him. Lloyd is now a successful Inspector, and despite his uncomfortable feelings, he finds himself constantly being pulled into the Mackenzie family gatherings, as his half brothers and their wives consider him family, It was at one of these events that Lloyd met Isabella’s sister, Louisa, and he immediately found himself attracted to her.  But despite his adopted family’s open arms, he does not feel he is worthy of Louisa, being the illegitimate son of the old Duke.

Louisa, who is looking for a rich husband, finds herself in a predicament.  While trying to force her to accept his proposal of marriage, the Bishop of Hargate drops dead at her feet.  He was poisoned, and since Louisa was the only one in the room with him at the time, she is now the main suspect in a murder investigation. 

The Mackenzies use their power to ensure that Lloyd is put on the case to help save Louisa and find the real murderer.  Lloyd comes to the residence where the body lays, and when he sees Louisa, his heart begins to race, as he has not forgotten how he feels about her.  Knowing that he cannot act on his feelings, especially being the lead investigator where she is the main suspect, Lloyd acts distant.  But as the investigation moves along at a slow pace, both Lloyd and Louisa find themselves unable to control their feelings for each other.  They share a few very passionate kisses, only able to break away at the last minute. 

The investigation becomes very difficult, as Lloyd will do anything to save Louisa, even if it means costing him his job.  With the help of some of the Mackenzie’s; Lloyd and Louisa work together to set a trap for the real killer.

Jennifer Ashley does a wonderful job building this romance of a couple that are so different from each other, but yet fall in love.  This romance was built slowly, and done so well.  The Untamed Mackenzie was a wonderful romance, excellent suspense and murder investigation, but the best part of the book besides the great couple, was being able to see all of the Mackenzies throughout the book.  I really enjoyed this novella, which is a perfect lead in to the next full book, which belongs to Daniel, and will be released in October.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

An Interview with Melissa De La Cruz

Posted on by
31

An Interview with Melissa De La Cruz

Melissa_de_la_Cruz_credit_Denise_Bovee
The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome Melissa De La Cruz as our guest today.

Melissa is here to discuss her book, Frozen, which she co-authored with Michael Johnston.  Frozen was released today, and is the first book in their new Heart of Dread series.

Our review of Frozen is below this post.

Let’s meet Melissa.


Interview orange:black

Hi Melissa.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions. We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book, and it is a pleasure to have you here at The Reading Café.

TRC: Will you please tell us about yourself?

Melissa: I am the author of many series including Blue Bloods, Witches of East End and the co-author of Frozen, the first book in the Heart of Dread series I am writing with my husband.

TRC: When and how did you become interested in writing?  Have you always liked to write?

Melissa: Ever since I was eleven years old, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I grew up reading the Sweet Valley High series, and when I found out the writers of that series were girls in their 20s, I thought, that could be me when I grew up!

TRC: How did you come up with the idea of your new Heart of Dread series?  Can you please tell our readers the premise of this series?

Melissa: It came from wanting to write a "cool" epic fantascy, that had all the grit and military action of our favorite Ridley Scott movies, like Aliens, as well as wanting to write a "futuristic" Generation Kill meets Lord of the Rings. It's a tribute to all the classic sci-fi and fantasy we loved as teenagers – a nod to Dune, Lord of the Rings and Piers Anthony's Xanth.

TRC: How many books are you planning for Heart of Dread?

Melissa: Right now I think we are planning three or four books. Not quite sure how the arcs will play out although we know all the big scenes and our big ending.

Frozen
TRC:  Frozen is the 1st book in your Heart of Dread series.  Can you give us a brief description of the book?

Melissa: It's a post-apocalyptic tale about Nat Kestal,  a 16 year old blackjack dealer in New Vegas who is looking to find the mythical land of the Blue. The world is a frozen wasteland, science and technology have broken down, and something new is coming from the ice. It has romance, magic, adventure, survival, devastation and hope.

 

Links to order Frozen: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

winds of salem
TRC:  Winds of Salem, which is the 3rd book in your Witches of East End was just released last month.  Can you please tell us the premise of this series, for those who may not have started this series?

Melissa: It is about a family of witches in Long Island who are also immortal Norse gods. It's about mothers and sisters, brothers, lost fathers, lost loves, curses and dark and light magic.

Links to order Winds of Salem:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

Witches of East End TV
TRC:  Witches of East End is slated to be on television.  Can you give us a little more information as to when, and where we can watch this?  Is this a TV movie or a series?

Melissa: It is a series that will premiere on Lifetime on October 6th. Julia Ormond, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Rachel Boston, Madchen Amick, Daniel diTomasso and Eric Winter star in it.

It is one of the most wonderful and surreal experiences I've ever had in my life, I'm incredibly excited and proud of the TV show and all the people who have worked so hard to make it. I couldn't be happier or prouder of the show. I'm the fairy godmother of the show and I love it.

TRC:  A wonderful cast. 🙂  Look forward to watching it.

TRC:  You recently ended your Blue Bloods series, but you have a special 4 e-book spinoff from that series.  Can you please tell us about this?

Melissa: Wolf Pact is about Bliss’s journey with the hellhounds.

TRC: What are you working on now?

Melissa: I have a new series, my royal soap opera called THE RING AND THE CROWN coming out in April from Disney Hyperion. Mike and I are working on the second book in the Heart of Dreads series, STOLEN, and I also am working on the spinoff to Blue Bloods called THE VAMPIRES OF MANHATTAN.

We have a bunch more book projects in the works, we're always working on many projects at once.

TRC:  You write a few genres.  Do you have a favorite?

Melissa: I enjoy writing for young adults, whether in contemporary or paranormal or fantasy. I love writing for teenagers.

TRC: What is your writing process? Do you have a favorite spot or time? Do you like to outline your stories or just go with the flow?

Melissa: We outline our stories, we have very detailed outlines that we flesh out. We have an office at home and an office in a building down the street. I also like to go to writer friends' houses and write with them. I can write anywhere, really. I don't have a favorite spot. I often have to write on tour and during book festivals so I have to adapt.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Melissa: Looking forward to seeing our readers on our Frozen tour! Please come and see us!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Filipino

Favorite Dessert: Chocolate anything

Favorite Movie: Moulin Rouge

Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad / Game of Thrones / Walking Dead

Milk or Dark Chocolate: Milk

Favorite character (male & female) not written by you: Aragorn from LOTR

Thank you, Melissa for answering our questions. We look forward to continuing to read your books, and to work with you in the future.  Good luck with Frozen.

 

About the Author Black and Orange

Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.

Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.

She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.

Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).

Melissa lives in Los Angeles and Palm Springs with her family.

 

blueandwhitegiveawayMelissa has graciously offered to give One member of The Reading Café a hard copy of her new release, Frozen.

1.  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 only.

4.  Contests runs from September 17 to September 21, 2013

 

Share

Frozen by Melissa Dela Cruz & Michael Johnston – a Review

Posted on by
11

Frozen by Melissa Dela Cruz & Michael Johnston – a Review

FrozenLinks to order Frozen: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
Release Date: September 17,2013

Description:

Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.

At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she’s heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.

But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

 

Review:

Frozen by Melissa Dela Cruz & Michael Johnston is the first book in their Heart of Dread series.  This is another YA Dystopian story, but very different then what we have been reading lately, as it has some paranormal & fantasy element in it.  Frozen takes place in a world that was destroyed, with some cities around the world livable, but barely.  Our story takes place in New Vegas (old Las Vegas), which is totally covered in ice; food is hard to come by; and yet it is still the place for those to flock to for fun or gambling.

At the start we meet our heroine Natasha Kestal, who is locked up in a special place for those considered ‘marked’.  The marked have special powers, each having different abilities, with those found kept locked up by the government running the prison to use their powers to their advantage.  There are also slavers who hunt the marked, to sell them to the highest bidders.  Nat wears contact lenses to hide her odd colored eyes, which is a giveaway to what she is. Living in fear, she manages to escape, with the help of the voices she constantly hears. 

We pick up a short time later, with Nat now working as a blackjack dealer in New Vegas, hiding that she is one of the marked, and biding her time to find a better life.  She has heard about the fabled ‘Blue’, a land that is beautiful and is not covered in ice…a new beginning.  Nat manages to ‘win’ some money, and hires Ryan (Wes) Weston, a mercenary, to help her find ‘Blue’.

Wes is our hero in this book, and he is an awesome one at that.  He has a makeshift crew, consisting of all young rough tough teenagers, who love adventure.  The original plan is to take Nat to find the fabled paradise, but since they do not believe it exists, take her money and leave her.  

What follows is an exciting adventure of danger, non-stop action, excitement, betrayal and a romance that was slowly built.  Nat and Wes were an awesome couple, whom at first did not trust one another. With so many things against this relationship, you had no idea if they would even survive.  What I loved about this romance was that it was not a major part of the story, yet it such a nice and important part of it. 

I thought that Dela Cruz & Johnston duo did a fabulous job creating these wonderful characters.  Aside from Nat and Wes, the secondary characters were all excellent, including the bad ones. 

This is an intense adventure that has you on the edge of your seat throughout.  So many surprises and twists that had you worried about those you came to care for.  Discovering other ‘marked’ was fun, especially to see their powers, as well as to see what Nat can do.  With a blend of dystopian, paranormal, fantasy, as well as an action packed roller coaster of an adventure, you need to read this book.  The topper is when Nat discovers who she really is, and this is totally awesome.   Frozen is a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Share

The Other C-Word by M.K.Schiller-A Review, Interview and Giveaway with the Author

Posted on by
55

THE OTHER C-WORD by M.K. Schiller-A Review, Interview and Giveaway with the Author

The Other C Word

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ KOBO /

Review

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 2013

Can she overcome her consuming desire for him? Can he make her comfortable with the other C-word…commitment?

Marley Mason is dreading the arrival of the new business consultant. After all, this man will most likely outsource her job to China. The last thing she would expect is a case of mistaken identity, leading to false accusations of kidnapping when she attempts to pick up the wrong man at the airport, or worse…that she would have such a visceral reaction to the right man.

Rick Randy is super sexy, scandalously flirty and perfect masturbation material, but a relationship is out of the question. Rick is contracted on a temporary basis to fix Marley’s ailing company, then pull out, although as he expresses to Marley, pulling out is difficult for him, in more ways than one! Marley’s feelings range from utter confusion to intense contemplation as Rick charms his way into her life. All of those C-words Marley can control, but it’s the other C-word she fears—commitment.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: The Other C-Word is a new adult, contemporary storyline that focuses on one woman’s struggle and desire to be accepted for who and what she is. Marley Mason is a beautiful, young woman with some major demons in her past and it is those demons that control her present life. Enter Rick Randy, the man hired to fix the problems at Marley’s company and the man who is hoping for something more from Marley Mason.

The storyline follows Rick and Marley’s growing relationship with one another but also highlights Marley’s inability to get close to the men in her life. As with many similar storylines in this particular genre, our heroine has some issues of control, both in and out of the bedroom, but her reasons stem from an horrific childhood – as the ghosts continue to haunt her nightly dreams.

The secondary characters are likeable and relatable. We get to meet Marley’s sisters and her extended family. There is plenty of humor; daily ‘dish’ sessions and their mother is a former groupie with the Grateful Dead. But there is also a quiet acknowledgement that all is not well with Marley and with it comes the realization that each member of the family is willing to sacrifice in order for their beautiful sister to have a normal life.

The relationship between Marley and Rick begins at the airport under one of the most humorous circumstances and continues to grow with each day and encounter. Their attraction to one another is immediate; the sex is sensual,desirous, hot and you can feel the need especially during their one week ‘wait and see’. There were definitely some funny moments and plenty of sexual tension. But their relationship is also emotional and complicated as Marley continues to push Rick away at every opportunity, fearing that the truth about her past will show her in a different light.

If you are a fan of the HEA (which I know we are all) THE OTHER C-WORD is a wonderful and fabulous read. There is humor, passion and anger, heartbreak and falling in love. There is also the potential for a few more storylines-let’s hope M.K. has a few ideas for the future.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview

MK Schiller

 

TRC:   Hi MK and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on the release of The Other C-Word. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow: Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

MK: I have been married to a wonderful man for eighteen years and have two angst-ridden teenagers that provide great fodder for my craft. By day, I have a million duties, but at night I sit at the computer trying to compose what I hope are swoon-worthy stories. I’ve been in love with romance since I could spell the word. It’s been surreal to see my first book published and the outpouring of support I’ve received.

TRC:   The Other C-Word is your August 2013 contemporary release. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Order Links: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ KOBO

The Other C WordCover Blurb: Marley Mason is dreading the arrival of the new business consultant. After all, this man will most likely outsource her job to China. The last thing she would expect is a case of mistaken identity, leading to false accusations of kidnapping when she attempts to pick up the wrong man at the airport, or worse…that she would have such a visceral reaction to the right man.

MK: Rick Randy is super sexy, scandalously flirty and perfect masturbation material, but a relationship is out of the question. Rick is contracted on a temporary basis to fix Marley’s ailing company, then pull out, although as he expresses to Marley, pulling out is difficult for him, in more ways than one! Marley’s feelings range from utter confusion to intense contemplation as Rick charms his way into her life. All of those C-words Marley can control, but it’s the other C-word she fears—commitment.

It’s not your typical story. The heroine is not the girl next door. She’s an independent tomboy who is feminine at the same time. Her past has dictated her present. She lives by a rigid set of rules and has many carefully built walls around her. She’s not prepared for Rick, our hero, to bulldoze his way into her life and her heart.

TRC:   Who or what was your influence behind the storyline premise? Are any of the characters based on someone you know or a combination of fiction and reality?

MK: Marley is a composite I think based on women in my life that I admire. She’s my mother, my daughter, my best friend, and me. She also has some traits from other great heroines from movies and television I’ve admired. I think building a character is a lot like making a dish your own. You throw out what you don’t want or need and add in a few more dashes of this or that. In this case, she has a lot of spice. All of the characters were developed this way initially and as the story went on, I tried to make them as relatable as possible.

TRC:   What difficulties or challenges (e.g. logistical, research, etc) did you encounter writing The Other C-Word?

MK: Luckily, their professions and city didn’t require too much research. I did have to look up some information pertaining to medical issues, but I
was able to find it using my best bud, Google.

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

MK: This was hard, because I wanted the reader to find things out about Marley as Rick did, but the story is told from her sassy POV. It was a delicate balance and I hope I achieved it.

TRC:   Do you have plans for a series based on the many secondary characters introduced throughout The Other C-Word? Dillon? Billie?

MK: There is actually talk of that. A few people have asked for it as well, which is very exciting. I don’t have any news to report yet, but stay tuned. I think there are more happily ever afters for the Mason family.

TRC:   Are you a plotter or a panster (write by the seat of your pants)?

MK: I think I’m both. I have the plan in my head and I do a very rough outline to organize it. Mostly though, I just start and sometimes the story changes so much you wouldn’t even recognize it from the outline.

TRC:   The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

MK: This was one of the reasons I wanted Marley’s inner conflicts to be sacred. She doesn’t feel like it defines her so therefore, she doesn’t think about it and since she’s telling you the story, she wouldn’t be constantly hashing over it. I’m certainly no expert on this, but of all the stories I’ve read, my favorites are when the heroines/hero doesn’t berate themselves. I want my characters to be likeable in the sense you would want to befriend them or become an honorary member of the Mason family. It’s only when you truly care about them that you can sympathize. I can’t feel heart-crushing, empathy for someone I don’t care for in real life or in a book.

TRC:   Do you direct the characters or do the characters direct the storyline as you write?

MK: It’s a little of both. Sometimes I have to tell them to shut up so I can just right. Other times, they tell me that what I’m writing makes no sense. It’s a collaboration and there, now I sound a bit crazy. Occupational hazard 🙂

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

MK: My daughter and friends have been a great sounding board for me. Usually if I can get them to laugh, smile, or sigh, I know I’m onto something.

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

MK: It’s not easy, but the ideas are what keeps me going. I feel I need to see them through so I can move on to the next one. My family is very supportive too and I share credit with them for all my work. After all, they had to suffer through take out containers, late appointments, and having to use paper products because I’d keep forgetting the dishes. Now they take care of most of these items for me, so I can write.

TRC:   If you could select one reality TV show to be a contestant, which show would your chose and why?

MK: That’s easy. Big Brother. It’s all about manipulation, scheming, and there are always showmances. What more could a romance writer want?

TRC:   On what are you currently working?

MK: My next book, The Do-Over, comes out with Loose-Id on October 8th. I also have several works in progress that are in various stages.

TRC:   Would you like to add anything else?

MK: Thank you for the interview and reading my book! I know there are many choices out there so I’m honored you took the time to review my work.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: anything chocolate

Favorite Dessert: see last question

Favorite TV Show: Currently it has to be The White Queen

Last Movie you saw: I can’t remember the last time I was in a theatre, but I saw Argo recently and really enjoyed it.

Dark or Milk Chocolate: both and peanut butter too.

Favorite Flower : Hydrangea

Last Vacation Destination: Universal Studios in Florida

Secret Celebrity Crush: It’s no secret, it’s Chris Pine

Pet Peeve: People who talk in the first person. MK hates that!

TRC: 😉

TRC: Thank you MK for taking the time to answer our questions. Once again, Congratulations on the release of The Other C-Word.

Giveaway

MK Schiller is offering one lucky reader at The Reading Cafe a $10 Amazon Gift Card

Amazon $10

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 address with your comment.

3. You must comment to qualify for the giveaway-say hello or tell us what you think about the storyline.

4. Giveaway runs from September 16- 20, 2013.

5. Giveaway is open Internationally.

Share

She Can Scream-Interview, Blog Tour and Giveaway with Melinda Leigh

Posted on by
13

She Can Scream-Interview, Blog Tour and Giveaway with Melinda Leigh

SHECANSCREAM_BANNER

About The author

 Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker. A life-long lover of books, she started writing when her youngest child entered first grade as a way to preserve her sanity. in 2007, she joined Romance Writers of America, learned a few things about writing a book, and decided the process was way more fun than analyzing financial statements. It was time to get serious about making her hobby a career. She began submitting her work in 2008. In 2009 she signed with an agent, who sold Melinda’s debut romantic suspense novel, SHE CAN RUN, in 2010 to Montlake Romance.

SHE CAN RUN released in November 2011 and became the #1 Bestseller in Kindle Romantic Suspense. SHE CAN RUN has been nominated for a 2012 Thriller Award for Best First Novel.

Melinda is also an avid martial artist. She holds a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and teaches women’s self-defense. She lives in a messy house in the suburbs with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs and one neurotic cat with an inexplicable fear of ceiling fans. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark and disturbing nature of her imagination

Interview

TRC: Hi Melinda and welcome to The Reading Café.  We would like to start with some background information.  Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow:  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Melinda LeighMelinda: I’m a mom, a dog lover, a martial artist, a writer, and a complete geek.

TRC: Your bio states you hold a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and teach women’s self-defense. What was the precipitating factor (for you) to study this line of martial arts?

Melinda: I actually started taking karate when my children were small. The karate studio offered a special discount for parents. A decade later, I’m the only person in the family still involved. It’s the best exercise. As a writer, I spend many hours sitting in a chair, and when I finally get up, I can’t get the story and characters out of my head. Karate is mentally and physically demanding. Full concentration is required, which makes it the perfect brain-clearing and stress-relieving exercise.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest mistake women make as it pertains to their personal physical protection?

Melinda: Complacency. Many women believe it can’t happen to them. Women need to be aware of their surroundings at all times and think about their personal security. They must realize that physically, they are the weaker sex. Women of all ages, races, and socio-economic groups are attacked every day all over the world.

She Can ScreamTRC: SHE CAN SCREAM is the latest release in your romantic suspense ‘She Can’ series.  Would you please tell us something about the premise?

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

Melinda: The plot of this book formulated as I scrolled through my Facebook feed and saw person after person “checking in” wherever they were at the moment. I immediately thought of the safety issues with reporting one’s whereabouts on a constant basis or posting personal information on any social media account. How easy does this type of posting make it for a possible attacker to find someone?

TRC: Can the books be read as stand alone storylines or do the plots and premises over lap with each successive installment?

Melinda: Every book in the She Can Series is a stand-alone read. Characters might make cameo appearances, but the plots do not overlap.

She Can HideTRC: SHE CAN HIDE is scheduled for March 2014. Will you please tell us something about the premise?

Melinda: You can’t run from your past without first facing your personal demons.

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

Melinda: I haven’t planned that far into the future, but I have two more books in the back of my head. We’ll see after that.

TRC: Who or what was the influence behind the ‘She Can ‘ series?

Melinda: When I wrote SHE CAN RUN, I hadn’t planned for a series of books. But I loved the characters of this small town and wanted to give them more adventures.

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

Melinda: I’ve always been much more mathematically inclined than verbally gifted. As such, I approach plotting a book as a group of linear equations that must all intersect at the same point. Now everyone can see why I proudly wear my “geek” label.

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

Melinda: I’ve had a number of personal emergencies crop up while in the middle of this last contract. So far, I’ve been lucky and have been able to meet my deadlines by working pretty much nonstop for weeks at a time. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the full support of my husband and kids. Someone has to slip food under the door and remind me to shower.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen?  Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

She Can Series

Melinda: Every character must have a personal stake that readers can identify with, and it’s the writer’s responsibility to see that each character’s arc is developed throughout the course of the story. A writer has to put herself into the character’s position and think hard about how it would feel to experience that particular crisis.

TRC: Do you direct the characters or do the characters direct the storyline as you write?

Melinda: A little of each. I plan the major plot points of my books out before I write them, but sometimes characters have better ideas as the story progresses. I’ve learned not to plot out every little event and not to lock myself into the storyline I’ve plotted. Deviations from the plan are OK and often make the book stronger.

TRC: If you could select one reality TV show to be a contestant, which show would your chose and why?

Melinda: I don’t watch reality TV. I watch very little television, and when I do, I want a story. My latest obsession is Falling Skies.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with other authors, friends and family; with whom do you bounce ideas and why?

Melinda: My fifteen-year-old son has been a great help with several plot issues. I also bounce idea off my husband and my friend, Kendra Elliot, author of The Bone Secrets Novels Hidden, Chilled, and Buried.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Melinda: I’m writing two projects at once, a first for me. I’ve just started a new book starring Conor Sullivan from the Midnight Series. I’m also working on a novella for the She Can series.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: ice cream

Favorite Dessert: ice cream

Favorite TV Show: at the moment, Falling Skies

Last Movie you saw: A movie marathon with the family: Despicable Me 2 & The Sea of Monsters

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Yes

Favorite Flower: Daisy

Last Vacation Destination: The Bahamas

Secret Celebrity Crush: It’s no secret. I’ve had a crush on Tom Selleck since the Magnum PI days.

Pet Peeve: putting dishes in the sink instead of the dishwasher. Seriously, how hard it this?

TRC: Thank you Melinda for taking the time to answer our questions.  Congratulations on the release of She Can Scream.

Series Spotlight

SHE CAN RUN
She Can…#1
by Melinda Leigh
Release Date: November 2011

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

She Can RunElizabeth was a young widow with two small children when she met Congressman Richard Baker. Handsome and wealthy, with a sparkling public image, Richard seemed like the perfect man to provide the security that Beth and her kids were craving. But when she uncovers a dangerous secret about her new husband, Beth realizes he will go to any lengths—even murder—to keep it. After barely escaping with her life, she and her children flee. They eventually make their way to a secluded estate in the Pennsylvania countryside, where Beth dares to hope she has found a safe place at last…

Forced into retirement by an unexpected injury, Philadelphia homicide detective Jack O’Malley is mourning the loss of his career when his uncle abruptly dies, leaving Jack to dispose of his crumbling country house. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle engaged a caretaker just before his death, a mysterious woman with two children and a beautiful face that haunts his dreams. Determined to know her, Jack begins an investigation into Beth’s past. When he uncovers the shocking truth, and a local woman is viciously murdered, Jack puts his own life on the line to keep Beth and her children safe.

She Can Run is a sexy, satisfying debut from award-winning author Melinda Leigh, packed with enough suspense and romance to get even the tamest heart racing!

_____________________________________

SHE CAN TELL
She Can…#2
by Melinda Leigh
Release Date: December 2012

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

She Can TellA horse trainer’s homecoming turns deadly when a vicious stalker, a cold murder case, and a hot police chief threaten to expose family secrets that a killer wants to keep buried.

After a terrible accident ends her riding career, horse trainer Rachel Parker returns to her hometown to a hostile welcome. Her efforts to rebuild the family farm are hampered by her sister’s domestic crisis and a violent vandal who threatens Rachel’s new business and her life. She is also blindsided by the undeniable and unwanted attraction she feels for hot police chief handling her case. Someone is systematically trying to destroy her. Someone who knows private things about her. Someone who’s been watching her…

As his investigation uncovers the turbulent past Rachel keeps carefully hidden, Police Chief Mike O’Connell finds himself with too many suspects and too many feelings for his fiercely independent victim. His desire for Rachel is a conflict of interest that jeopardizes everything he stands for. Long buried family secrets, a skeleton, and a corrupt local official with a grudge against Mike complicate the case, but the escalating violence against Rachel convinces him he doesn’t have much time. Whoever is watching Rachel wants her dead. Mike and Rachel race to untangle a web of deceit and lies that stretches twenty-five years into the past—before her stalker strikes again

_____________________________________

SHE CAN SCREAM
She Can…#3
by Melinda Leigh
Release Date: September 13, 2013

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

She Can ScreamIn one moment, high school teacher and single mother Brooke Davenport interrupts a vicious assault, saves a young woman’s life, and attracts the attention of a serial killer.
Sixteen years ago, Brooke lost her roommate to a brutal murder. Now she teaches women’s self-defense, still trying to heal from the guilt and grief that plague her. Convinced the predator knows his victims and is stalking his prey online, she is determined to find him before he strikes again. Her brother’s friend, Luke has the computer expertise to help. But Brooke’s unexpected desire for Luke complicates her investigation, and her fixation with the case provokes a deadly reaction from the killer.

Injured in terrorist bombing overseas, computer expert Luke Holloway is still haunted by flashbacks of his young assistant’s death in the explosion. But Luke can’t refuse the request of a deployed friend to look after his sister, Brooke. Taking on responsibility for Brooke’s safety threatens Luke’s tenuous recovery, especially after he develops feelings for her that transcend a promise to a friend. When Brooke saves a young girl from a brutal assault and becomes a killer’s obsession, Luke vows to protect her at all costs.

_______________________________________

SHE CAN HIDE
She Can…#4
by Melinda Leigh
Release Date: March 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/

She Can HideFrom the moment Officer Ethan Hale pulls Abby Foster from icy waters, he senses there’s more to her than meets the eye. Abby has no memory of the accident that submerged her car in the frozen river. Three years ago, Abby was kidnapped and abandoned in a well for a week. The botched police investigation nearly killed her. Abby had moved to the mountains of Pennsylvania for a fresh start, but when it becomes clear that this car crash wasn’t an accident, she knows the violence from her past has caught up with her.

But Abby’s former assailant was convicted and imprisoned, so who else wants her dead?

Ethan uncovers a fresh string of murders tied to Abby’s past. Someone is trying to kill her, and this time the stalker seems determined to finish the task. As the killer grows bolder, Abby begins to trust Ethan enough to share the truth, her heart, and her life. But to stop the murders, Ethan must make a decision that could jeopardize it all.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Melinda is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:

GRAND PRIZE: $25 Amazon card, plus a signed copy of SHE CAN SCREAM

RUNNER-UP: a signed cop of either SHE CAN RUN or SHE CAN TELL

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Blog tour Schedule

Click HERE for the complete blog tour schedule.

 

Share

She Can Scream (She Can… #3) by Melinda Leigh-a review

Posted on by
15

She Can Scream (She Can … #3) by Melinda Leigh-a review

She Can Scream

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

About the book: Release Date September 17, 2013

In one moment, high school teacher and single mother Brooke Davenport interrupts a vicious assault, saves a young woman’s life, and attracts the attention of a serial killer.
Sixteen years ago, Brooke lost her roommate to a brutal murder. Now she teaches women’s self-defense, still trying to heal from the guilt and grief that plague her. Convinced the predator knows his victims and is stalking his prey online, she is determined to find him before he strikes again. Her brother’s friend, Luke has the computer expertise to help. But Brooke’s unexpected desire for Luke complicates her investigation, and her fixation with the case provokes a deadly reaction from the killer.

Injured in terrorist bombing overseas, computer expert Luke Holloway is still haunted by flashbacks of his young assistant’s death in the explosion. But Luke can’t refuse the request of a deployed friend to look after his sister, Brooke. Taking on responsibility for Brooke’s safety threatens Luke’s tenuous recovery, especially after he develops feelings for her that transcend a promise to a friend. When Brooke saves a young girl from a brutal assault and becomes a killer’s obsession, Luke vows to protect her at all costs.

Review:

Once Brooke saves a young woman’s life who was being viciously attacked, she knows that her life will never be the same. Her brother is getting ready to be deployed and isn’t happy about leaving her alone. Since the police haven’t caught the attacker, and Brooke’s identity was revealed on the news, her safety is her brother’s number one concern. Thankfully, one of her brother’s best friends is home for a couple of weeks and once her brother asks him to keep an eye on Brooke and her family, Luke agrees to do it, albeit reluctantly. He has his own issues to deal with, but can’t stand the thought of someone going after Brooke. Seems he had a crush on Brooke when he was younger, and, don’t think that Brooke didn’t notice Luke either……….. Once they are reintroduced, they are immediately “smitten” with each other, but both know they can never take it to the next level.

Brooke and Luke fall into an easy routine. Brooke returns to work at the local high school, where she is a teacher, and Luke keeps an eye on things for her and her two children. Through a series of events, they realize that the attacker is now after Brooke. Not only is he after her, turns out that he is a serial killer who will do anything to get to Brooke. Once the killer gets what he needs to draw Brooke in, will Luke be able to save her? Will the two of them finally give into their true feelings for each other? Well, of course they will. This is, after all, a romance novel. But, oh, the route they have to go to be together………..

Melinda Leigh has once again written a very good, suspenseful story. I really liked the chemistry between Brooke and Luke. The suspense build up was great. Of course, there was the “obvious” choice as to who was the serial killer, which I was sure of, but then Leigh threw a curve. I love it when an author surprises me with the big reveal and she did just that. If you’re looking for a good read with suspense and two tortured souls finding each other, this is definitely for you. I can’t wait for the next in this series.

Reading Order
1. She Can Run
2. She Can Tell
3. She Can Scream
4. She Can Hide (March 2014)

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Share

The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo (Love at Stake #14) by Kerrelyn Sparks-a review

Posted on by
23

The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo (Love at Stake #14) by Kerrelyn Sparks- a review

Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo

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

About the book: Release Date August 27, 2013

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he’s ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There’s even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal’s gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

Review:

This entry into the Love at Stake series begins with Dougal having issues with his “bionic” hand. But, those problems pale in comparison to what happens when the beautiful Leah enters the lab and he sees her on one of the security monitors. He is immediately drawn to her, and for some reason, his dragon tattoo reacts as well. Seems Dougal lost a love three hundred years ago and Leah invokes her memory.

Once Leah enters the labs at Romantech, she is ushered into a particular lab and shown slides of samples under microscopes. Leah is renowned geneticist and is immediately curious about what she is seeing. But, once they start to tell her about the existence of vampires and such, she thinks she’s being punked. Once Dougal sees that she’s upset, he intervenes on her behalf. He thinks that the work they ask of her is too dangerous, but, once the others finally get through to her about all of the people she could potentially help, she decides to stick around.

Dougal takes it upon himself to be her friend and protector and hopefully more. Problem is, Leah still isn’t convinced about this whole vampire thing. To top it all off, once she finds out about their death sleep, she is plagued by indecision. How can something or someone be dead one minute, and alive the next? And, the fact that Dougal makes her feel more alive than she has ever felt scares her. Leah is a genius and went to college at fourteen and has been socially awkward ever since. She’s never had a true friend, but that’s about to change…………….

Once things get rolling, Leah is kidnapped by the bad guys and Dougal is furious. He has failed to keep her safe, but once they get her back, she is so devastated by the events that played out, Dougal makes the ultimate sacrifice in order for her to be happy again. What sacrifice you ask? You’ll have to read to find out, but let me tell ya, you may shed a tear or two………….

The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo is a wonderful addition to the Love at Stake series. A lot happens in this book. We get a new species or two introduced into the storyline. Well, not “new”, but new to this particular series. Old threats are taken care of as new ones emerge. I loved that we get to see old friends and make new ones, as always. That’s one of the things that Sparks does that I love. You don’t have to continually wonder what others are up to. Sparks also writes with humor, which is always a plus for me. This is one of my “go to” series. It is such a nice departure from the darker things that I (we) read. I always look forward to the next installment after I finish one of these books. Now, the waiting begins……………

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Share

Good As Gone (Simon Fisk #1) by Douglas Corleone-a review

Posted on by
11

GOOD AS GONE (Simon Fisk #1) by Douglas Corleone-a review

Good as Gone

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2013

Former U.S. Marshal Simon Fisk works as a private contractor, tracking down and recovering children who were kidnapped by their own estranged parents. He only has one rule: he won’t touch stranger abduction cases. He’s still haunted by the disappearance of his own daughter when she was just a child, still unsolved, and stranger kidnappings hit too close to home.

Until, that is, six-year-old Lindsay Sorkin disappears from her parents’ hotel room in Paris, and the French police deliver Simon an ultimatum: he can spend years in a French jail, or he can take the case and recover the missing girl. Simon sets out in pursuit of Lindsay and the truth behind her disappearance. But Lindsay’s captors did not leave an easy trail, and following it will take Simon across the continent, through the ritziest nightclubs and the seediest back alleys, into a terrifying world of international intrigue and dark corners of his past he’d rather leave well alone.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: GOOD AS GONE is the first storyline in Douglas Corleone’s new murder, mystery, thriller, contemporary suspense series aptly named Simon Fisk. Simon Fisk is our ‘reluctant’ hero; a former US Marshall now working as an independent contractor who searches for missing children kidnapped by estranged parents or vengeful family. But Simon also has experience when it comes to missing children, and it will be his most recent assignment that forces Simon to look deep into the eyes of every child and young teen who crosses his path.

The storyline focuses on Simon’s hunt for six year old Lindsay Sorkin-who has disappeared during a family vacation in Paris. Simon is called into investigate the child’s disappearance and the search will take him through the gritty and murderous underbelly of post-communist Russia, Ukraine and Romania and up close and personal with the potential for treason against the US of A.

The storyline reads similar to a Bourne adventure as our hero encounters mobsters, murderers, thieves, drug dealers and corrupted law enforcement and government officials. Yet throughout the story, Simon Fisk has the uncanny ability to find the right people at the right time while stirring up a bee’s nest of murderous and vengeful hit men. He is a man on the hunt and a man who is hunted.

The storyline is fast paced as the reader is taken on a whirlwind tour of the ‘not so glamorous’ side of the former Eastern Bloc and communist countries. At this point I had quite a number of questions with regards to one man’s ability to get in and out of these heavily guarded countries without so much as presenting a pass port or id, but on many occasions his whereabouts and entry points were known to those in charge. Although this is a fictional storyline, the believability of a good portion of the hero’s abilities remain questionable but everyone loves a great hero.

The writing is simple. There is more narration than dialogue as the storyline is told in first person POV from Simon Fisk’s perspective and much of the detail and investigations are wrapped up via Simon’s recounting of the events.

The main characters are likeable. Simon is a man truly possessed by a past mired in the guilt of another missing child and it is with this guilt that he is pushed into uncovering those responsible for the missing and exploited children. A small romance is building between Simon and Ana, a Polish lawyer whom Simon meets while investigating the missing child. But this is not a romantic storyline and their one on one time in the bedroom is glossed over.

The world building includes mention of many of the most famous and infamous missing and exploited children from recent headlines and the news; in this it gives the storyline a more plausible connection in reality but saying that, there is still plenty to question about the hero’s overall ability to find and locate one missing child among millions when the authorities themselves are lost to the investigations-but again, this is a story of fiction, mystery and suspense. At times we have to believe the unbelievable.

Overall, GOOD AS GONE is an interesting storyline; an adventure of one man’s hunt for a missing child among millions and the guilt that drives him forward with every child that is never found. Douglas Corleone has introduced the building blocks to a new series that is sure to please the mystery and suspense lover in everyone.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

About the Author

Follow Douglas: Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Douglas CorleoneDOUGLAS CORLEONE is the author of contemporary crime novels published by St. Martin’s Minotaur.  His debut novel ONE MAN’S PARADISE was a finalist for the 2010 Shamus Award for Best First Novel and won the 2009 Minotaur Books / Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award.  Doug’s third novel LAST LAWYER STANDING is in bookstores now.  His first international thriller GOOD AS GONE, introducing former U.S. Marshal Simon Fisk, will be released on August 20, 2013.

A former New York City criminal defense attorney, Doug now resides in the Hawaiian Islands, where he is currently at work on his next novel.

Share