Monthly Archives: September 2013

The Tempestuous Debutante (The Cotillion Ball #4) by Becky Lower-a review

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The Tempestuous Debutante (The Cotillion Ball #4) by Becky Lower-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 9, 2013

It’s Jasmine Fitzpatrick’s year to shine at this season’s Cotillion and men will be throwing themselves at her. But she sets her sights on a man she’s never met, the Viscount of Foxborough. He’s wealthy and has an English title. Only a few things stand in her way: a wealthy, young, beautiful widow who captures the viscount’s attention immediately, her fear of riding horses when he owns a breeding stable and racetrack, and the viscount’s stableboy, Parr.

Parr O’Shaughnessy loses his heart to Jasmine the moment he meets her. However, he has no title to interest her. He left behind an impoverished existence in Ireland when the viscount offered to bring him and his famous horse to America to build a dynasty together. He believes Jasmine barely noticed him when she was introduced–she only had eyes for the viscount. He struggles with his loyalty to the viscount and his love for Jasmine. But winning her love might mean losing all he has worked for.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH YEAH! Becky Lower is back with her fourth book of her Cotillion Series and she hits a home run. I LOVED this book!

We first met Jasmine Fitzspatrick in the previous books as the spoiled brat, manipulative twin sister of Heather, and overall hard character to embrace and feel sorry for. As her season was ruined the previous year due to an injury (and her own stupidity), Jasmine is like a starving lion ready to pounce and capture her prey .. AKA a husband. LOL Little does she realize she is about to get a real life shaking and everything she once stood, longed for and loved is all about to change. *RUBS HANDS*

The books opens with Jasmine acting like her bratty selfish self. She has been told that times are tough and daddy will not be providing a new wardrobe for her upcoming season (she had a new one made last season and has never worn it) and she is not pleased. She also has learned that her father is about to enter into business with an English Viscount and has decided that this is the man for her as he has a title and money .. who needs love and admiration … *SHAKES HEAD*

Enter Parr O’Shaughnessy. He appears to be ONLY a stable boy in Jasmine’s eye and certainly beneath her. In truth, Parr is beneath Jasmine in social standing, but not by much. Parr has been afforded opportunity to leave his homeland of Ireland, moving to The States and entering a partnership with our much sought after Viscount. It is at Parr’s request that he sleep in the stables so he can be close to his animals. What is a high standing member of society to think??

Parr is instantly attracted and taken back by Jasmine (he is also quick to figure out that she has her sights on his partner). Jasmine is at first repulsed then intrigued by Parr, although she could never imagine getting scandalously involved with Parr, let alone marrying him. However, these two are completely drawn to one another and offer each other support and kindness when truely needed. They are complete opposites in many ways, but both seem to be driven and that common trait makes them a wonderful match .. well that and serious chemistry! LOL

Okay .. Becky Lower can write. She can take a character that I absolutely have no time for and dread reading about and make me adore her. She completely redeemed Jasmine in my eyes and did it so fluently I had no idea it was happening. One minute I was rolling my eyes at this brat, praying she was going to get what was coming to her, and the next minute I was sympathizing and encouraging her development in business ventures. What growth Jasmine goes through. What maturity. ENDEARING!

Becky Lower also didn’t make this book easy for her readers. SHAME BECKY .. making me worry right to the end. I think you should NEVER NEVER (Please do it again 😉 write a last 1/4 of a book like that again. I was second guessing, taken on twists and turns and left to wonder “Has Jasmine really changed?”

As I have mentioned in my prior reviews, one of the things I love the best about this series, is that it is located in the USA just as the civil war is about to really get nasty. So many historical romance authors take me to Europe, and as am a civil war era lover, it is refreshing to be located elsewhere.

If you are a historical romance fan, love multi-layered characters and enjoy a great story, please read this series. All I have left t0 say is WELL DONE Becky Lower. I know there is more to come, and I cannot wait to pick up your next book.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Catching Up With Erin Knightley

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Catching Up With Erin Knightley

Erin-Knightley2

 

The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome back Erin Knightley. Erin is here today to talk about her just released book, Flirting With Fortune, which is her 3rd book in her Sealed With a Kiss series. She will also tell us what she has in store for  2013/2014.

Let’s talk to Erin.

 

 

TRC: Hi, Erin.  Thank you for taking the time to visit us at The Reading Cafe, to discuss your new release “Flirting with Fortune”, as well as to talk about what you have planned in 2014.

Erin: Hello! Thanks so much for inviting me to join you  🙂

TRC: You have just released Flirting with Fortune, which is the 3rd book in your Sealed with a Kiss series.  For those who may not have read this series, would you please give us a brief description of the premise of the series?

Erin:  Absolutely! The Sealed with a Kiss series follows three of the Moore siblings – children of the Marquis of Granville. Each book features letters that are important to the storyline—which is where the Sealed with a Kiss title came from. Someday I hope to return to the series and give the youngest two siblings, twins Carolyn and Jocelyn, their happily ever afters, too!

FINAL Ruined by a Rake Cover CroppedTRC: Earlier this year you published a novella, Ruined by a Rake.  Can you give us a brief description of this novella?  How different was it writing a short story in comparision to your three full length books?

Erin:  The novella was created in good fun—I wanted a good old fashioned love/hate relationship. Out of that idea grew Eleanor and Nick’s story. Here’s the elevator pitch: When the only way to save the woman he loves from being forced into the wrong marriage is to ruin her, what’s a rake to do?

For the full blurb and to read an excerpt, check out my “Books” page on my website 🙂

Miss Mistletoe

 

As for the writing, it’s both freeing and constricting to write a novella, lol. It’s nice not to agonize over a long, involved plot, but it still has to have enough going on to be interesting! This was actually my second novella (MISS MISTLETOE was my first, which was actually connected to the Sealed with a Kiss novels), so I had already learned a few lessons 😉

 

 

 

flirting with fortune

 

TRC: Will you please tell us a bit about Flirting with Fortune, which was released over a week ago?

Erin:  Oh, my, can I start with how darn sexy Colin’s half-Scottish accent is? His voice is crystal clear in my head, and I really hope I captured that for the reader! Colin is a barrister-in-training who recently inherited a title—along with an unexpected avalanche of debt. Now he’s forced to become the one thing he never imagined in order to save his family’s home and future: a fortune hunter.

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Beatrice is an accomplished painter, a bit of a snoop, and an heiress who has come to despise the fortune hunters who circle like vultures. She’s learned a thing or two about how to spot them in her six months since debuting, but all bets are off when she meets the son of Britain’s most famous painter.

I have had so many people ask me about Beatrice getting her own story (she was prominent in both of the first two books), that I was a nervous wreck about getting her story right! I hope I succeeded – y’all will have to let me know what you think!

TRC: What are you currently working on, and what do you have planned for 2014?

Erin: I’ve just turned in the first book in my new series titled THE BARON NEXT DOOR. The series is tentatively named Prelude to a Kiss, and it follows a trio of young female musicians who have converged on Bath for the first annual Summer Serenade in Somerset music festival. Anyone who read A Taste for Scandal will recognize my heroine, pianoforte player Charity. This book comes out in late spring 2014, and I believe the second book in the series will be out in winter 2014.

A fun little fact: of all people, Charity was actually loosely based on my brother! Like him, she is a gifted musician who hears music in her head and composes on the fly. If you want to hear a piece he conducted that I listened to while writing one of the emotional scenes in the book, check this out: Click here.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Erin: If any of your readers would like to try one of my stories, I am offering RUINED BY A RAKE free for a limited time! Available wherever e-books are sold 🙂 Also, I love chatting with readers, writers, and fans alike. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, and I even occasionally blog on my website. Lastly, to stay up-to-date on giveaways and releases, please feel free to sign up for my newsletter  🙂

TRC:  TRC members, don’t miss Erin’s limited time offer of a free copy of Ruined by a Rake.  It was a fun enjoyable read.

TRC:Thank you, Erin for giving us an update on Flirting With Fortune, as well as what we can look forward to in the future.  It was a pleasure talking with you again.  We hope to catch up again in the future.

Erin: Thanks so much for having me here!

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Flirting with Fortune by Erin Knightley

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Flirting with Fortune by Erin Knightley

flirting with fortuneLinks to order Flirting With Fortune:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
An Honest Deception

Sir Colin Tate has never imagined marrying for money. But debts left by his artist father have put his siblings’ futures in danger. To wed an eligible heiress, this independent-minded Scot must play by restrictive rules—until an irresistible lady dares to pursue her passion for art…and him.

An Unexpected Desire

Lady Beatrice Moore can spy a fortune hunter as expertly as she captures subjects on canvas. But when she meets the striking son of Britain’s most celebrated painter, the attraction is instantaneous—blinding her to the possibility that he could ever be one of those schemers…

An Unthinkable Dilemma

Then the truth comes out, shattering Lady Beatrice’s faith in the mischievous yet kind man who has captured her heart. With reputations and fortunes hanging in the balance, Colin and she must find a way to trust in a love that cannot be proven—or face an unfathomable loss.

Review:

Flirting with Fortune is the 3rd book in Erin Knightley’s Sealed With a Kiss series.  This series concentrates on the wealthy and powerful Moore children, as they each find their destined mates.  The first two wonderful books in this series belonged to Evie and Benedict, then Richard with Jane.   In Flirting with Fortune, it is Bea’s turn, and her parents are pushing her hard to find a husband before she gets much older.  But Bea, who is an artist, is much like Evie was; she isn’t interested in the men she must face at the coming out balls.  As far as Bea is concerned, they are all Fortune Hunters, looking only for the dowry that comes with picking a bride.  She is determined to never marry a fortune hunter.  Bea’s only interest is her art, which gives her so much joy, and the late famous artist, Sir Frederick Tate is her idol.

We meet our hero, Colin Tate, who is the late artist’s son, before the ball, where he will be introduced.  While waiting in the study, he spots someone looking at all the art work of his father.  Both Colin and Bea meet here, and they find themselves intrigued and attracted to each other fairly quickly.  But it isn’t until Bea finds out Colin is her idol’s son that she makes her mother officially introduce her.

What follows is an wonderful romance, as both Colin and Bea find themselves falling in love.  The relationship between them was so much fun to watch, as they had such great chemistry; easygoing camaraderie, cute banter between them, and they were just simply irresistible together. 

Colin knew that Bea was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, he was hopelessly in love.  But he worried, as he had a secret that could destroy his relationship with Bea.  Colin’s father left the family deep in debt, and Colin having his family depend on him as the eldest son, to find a way to save his home in Scotland.  This was the real reason he was forced to come to England to find a wife with a dowry to help him pay off those debts.  But Colin truly loves Bea, and he is afraid she will think he wants her only for the money, as she is obsessed with hating Fortune Hunters.  When he meets Richard (Bea’s brother) to ask for her hand in marriage, Colin tells him the truth and explains a solution that Richard finds acceptable and proves his love to Bea.

Unfortunately, we knew Bea would learn the truth of Colin’s debt.  What happens next is a very painful period that had me somewhat unhappy with Bea’s behavior.   I loved Colin and his determination to prove his love, at the same time I wanted to smack Bea a few times.  Will Colin win Bea’s forgiveness?   Well this is pure romance, so you pick the answer.  As I have mentioned in previous reviews, Erin Knightley has a wonderful voice, and her romances are fun and enjoyable to read, as well as having some great characters in this series.  I suggest you start with the first book (More Than a Stranger) before you read Flirting with Fortune.  You won’t be sorry, as Sealed With a Kiss is a wonderful series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Beaumont Series by Heidi McLaughlin-reviews

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The Beaumont Series (#1, #1.5, #2) by Katie McLaughlin-reviews

NOTE: I highly recommend reading this series in order.

Forever My GirlFOREVER MY GIRL (Beaumont #1) by Heidi McLaughlin

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2012

I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I’m going back.

After ten years.

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FOREVER MY GIRL is the first storyline in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary new adult series about the lives and loves of the people of Beaumont and the rock band 4225 West. This is Liam and Josie’s storyline.

The premise follows Liam’s return to Beaumont upon the death of his life long best friend-but a best friend he has not seen since he left town to pursue a college football career. But football was not Liam’s lifelong passion, and when an opportunity presented itself Liam jumped and went to California where he made it big as a musician and rock star. Ten years later, Liam knows he must return home to say goodbye to his best friend but Liam also left someone else behind when he fled all those years ago-the love of his life; the woman he has never stopped loving and the soul mate who appears to have moved on with her life.

Forever My Girl is a story of second chances; and the heartbreaking knowledge that in an instant, one spur of the moment decision can change your life forever. What Liam discovers is that while he chose a different path, the life he left behind went on without him.

This is also a story of one woman’s need to overcome the past but a past that will forever be her present and future. Although Josie believes she has moved she has never made that final step to close the door on the man to whom she had lost her heart. His reappearance in her life with change everything and everyone.

The relationship between Liam and Josie is fraught with denial, hunger, heartbreaking sorrow and the pain of knowing you can never go back. Liam left without a word; no explanation and in this Josie had to deal with her future alone. Although this is a contemporary romantic new adult storyline, the sex is limited to one of the final chapters. The relationship is sensual and grows with every encounter.

The secondary characters are an eclectic mix of friends, former friends, frenemies and family. Josie and Liam’s attempts to rekindle what they had will push some people away and bring others closer together. You know there are more stories to tell and two in particular are building throughout the novel. There are moments of flashback and memories of what was but in the end, it is the present that counts for everything.

FOREVER MY GIRL is also a story about the death of a friend; the death of a friendship and the start of a new life that began over a decade earlier. Heidi McLaughlin weaves a tale of second chances wherein the heart has always known where it belongs, and it belongs where ever his forever is.

Reviewed by Sandy.

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Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00071]MY EVERYTHING (Beaumont 1.5) by Heidi McLaughlin

ebook Special Deal at Amazon and KOBO: .99cents at time of posting. Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 2013

When Nick Ashford lost his friend, Mason, he didn’t realize he was going to lose his family as well, but that’s exactly what happened. Alone and in a foreign country, Nick is working on rebuilding his life one patient at a time, that is, until a striking volunteer makes her presence known.

Can Nick finish his year in Africa without risking his heart being broken again, or is he willing to start a new chapter in his life before his return to Beaumont?

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MY EVERYTHING is the second storyline in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary new adult Beaumont series. This is a short story-basically 60 virtual pages in length and follows the story of Nick Ashford, whom we met in Forever My Girl.

Without revealing too much of the connection between Nick and the first storyline, My Everything follows Nick as he embarks on a year working for Doctors Without Borders. As a family physician Nick left the town of Beaumont without so much as a goodbye. Leaving his busy practice to a replacement Nick finds himself in Africa where his heart is heavy with the knowledge that everyone he loved has moved on with their lives. But Africa will open up the possibility of a future for Nick –one that will rival any relationship from his past.

My Everything is a quick read that begins several months following the end of Forever My Girl and advances the series by one year. It is also a story of reflection as Nick reminisces about the how and why of his life; Nick had endured heartbreaking sorrow when the love of his life found a second chance at happiness, and in My Everything, Nick Ashford will get his ‘second chance at happiness’ with his ‘Everything’. My Everything crosses the timeline in the third instalment of The Beaumont Series of My Unexpected Forever

Reviewed by Sandy

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My Unexpected ForeverMY UNEXPECTED FOREVER (Beaumont #2) by Heidi McLaughlin

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 3, 2013

I expected a life of music.

I expected to raise my son.

It took one look to make everything change.

I never expected happiness.

I never expected to find her.

I never expected to feel desire.

I never expected I’d be a family man.

I never expected to be loved.

I never expected to fall in love.

They say you should expect the unexpected, I didn’t realize my unexpected would be the forever kind.

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REVIEW: MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER is the third storyline (second full length novel) in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary new adult series focusing on the members of the rock band 4225 West and the small town of Beaumont. This is Katelyn Powell and Harrison James’s storyline. Harrison is the drummer for 4225 West and Katelyn is a woman afraid to move on following the tragic death of her husband.

We first met Katelyn and Harrison in FOREVER MY GIRL. Katelyn’s husband was killed in an accident leaving her a widow with five year old twin girls. And, in this, the storyline premise unfolds. Katelyn is having a difficult time opening up to the possibility of moving on. She never wants to forget her first love and in doing so, closes down.

Harrison is the tattooed and pierced drummer for 4225 West and a single father. But the instant he meets Katelyn Powell his heart and soul is drawn to the young widow. Knowing she needs time to grieve, Harrison keeps his distance but the pull between he and Katelyn grows. The storyline begins approximately ten months after Forever My Girl and to say that Harrison has a difficult road ahead is an understatement.

The relationship between Harrison and Katelyn is rocky and tenuous. You can feel their attraction; their desire for one another but Katelyn continues to push Harrison away whenever she believes he is getting too close. And the constant reminders and memories of her first love, are forever interfering with her ability to open her heart to a potential new love. The story is filled with flashbacks, memories and dreams.

The character of Katelyn is difficult to like because of her constant back and forth. One moment she wants Harrison and the next she is pushing him away. She teases then runs; she kisses then walks ; she wants then remembers everything she had with her husband. This part of the storyline (which is a good portion) was continuous right up until the final 2 chapters.And she misinterprets everything and everyone’s intentions and, refuses to listen to the truth. And of course, no man would put up with her almost schizophrenic personality –Harrison will finally walk away and Katelyn is left trying to pick up the pieces once again.

The sexual tension is high as the couple dance around each other for a good portion of the book. Little touches, side long glances, dreams, yearnings and out right arousal. It is enough to send the reader into a cold shower. 😉

MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER is a wonderful but frustrating storyline. Heidi McLaughlin pulls the reader into a story of heartbreak and pain; sorrow and guilt; temptation and denial. If you are a fan of the rock star genre and new adult storyline The Beaumont series is the series for you.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Dead by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Dead by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

Ashes, AshesLinks to order Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Dead:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
What she doesn’t remember … will kill her.

One by one the letters arrive at the FBI office in Savannah, Georgia. Inside, each bears a name—a victim of a twisted crime—and the singsong phrase Ashes, ashes, they all fall dead. Special Agent Tessa James becomes obsessed with finding the killer whose victims are crying out to her for justice.

When sexy, brilliant consultant Matt Buchanan is paired with Tessa to discover who’s sending the “Ashes” letters, he discovers a serial arsonist who is leaving nothing but murder in his wake. Inexplicably, the clues point to Tessa herself, forcing her to realize that if she can’t remember the forgotten years of her past, the name on the next letter will be hers


Review:

I’m usually very resistant to take on an entire series for review, but starting out with the latest installment is SO out of my comfort zone, thank goodness Lena Diaz writes incredibly intriguing books!  Ashes, Ashes, They all Fall Dead, book 3 in the Nursery Rhyme series, was so thrilling, I propose to think outside the box more often.  In fact, I intend to retrace my steps and start at the beginning.  I will delight in every delicious detail of suspense Ms. Diaz supplies.  Oh, yeah…I’m a fan (of alliteration, too!).

“I’ll give you one week, seven days, to prove this isn’t a hoax and develop at least one solid lead – and I do mean solid, like granite.  If at the end of the week you can’t convince me this isn’t a hoax, then you agree to drop this and never bring the letters up again.”

The 3 year hunt for a serial arsonist has resulted in unsolved, cold cases.  A fierce determination to bring closure to families and a niggling, unswerving desire to decipher the taunting, sing-song nursery rhyme “Ashes, ashes…” (included in letters found at the crime scenes) forces Special Agent Tessa James of the FBI to work alongside P.I./consultant, Matt Buchanan.  Ms. Diaz had me swooning pretty early on over the physical attraction and seductive banter between Matt and Tessa (their 6 year age difference was a modern-day nod), but once they displayed their expertise, their unique abilities contributing/flowing seamlessly together, you recognize their compatibility.  These two worked together before on the “Simon Says Die” investigation (Top of my To-Be-Read list!) and the bickering didn’t bode well for this current assignment.  But differences (denials of attraction) aside, two heads are better than one to track a killer. 

Matt’s customized software and state-of-the-art equipment, that gives Quantico a run for their money (add genius innovator right after swoon-worthy), begins to transmit more data than ever and they hit the ground running.  When Tessa’s own name pops up as a match from partial fingerprints found on the most recent letter, the investigation (and Tessa’s back story) goes into overdrive.  As does their attraction for one another.  Matt silently fantasizes during a pause in their research:

If she’d just get past her silly hang-up about their age difference and let that luscious hair of hers down out of the tight braid she wore, he could show her the advantages of making love with a younger, more energetic, enthusiastic man.  There was something to be said for stamina in the bedroom.           

I know you’re swooning.  I swooned just now in solidarity!  🙂  I thoroughly enjoyed being a fly on the wall during their investigation/brainstorm sessions; two brilliant minds collaborating to bring resolution to the murders. Of course believing myself to be Tessa, particularly during flirtier, more sensuous moments made a great book even more delicious! 

The scenes provided by Ms. Diaz to depict an arsonist’s compulsion were disturbingly fascinating.  Comparing living room wooden floor planks to matchsticks waiting to be lit…*shudders* This, and more, is what will grip you in Ashes, Ashes…An underground enclosure had me gasping in oxygen with empathetic gulps!  The overwhelming darkness pervading every possible angle…Ms. Diaz’s descriptive writing thrills the senses.

I hope you can tell I really enjoyed this book.  Ms. Diaz’s website referred to this book as her “newest” and “third installment”.  Do you think that means there’s more to come?  I’ll despair if she planned to end the series here! 

Ms. Diaz even interspersed Star Wars references throughout the book for a little levity!  I’m obsessed.  🙂    Get ready to readjust your mountain of TBR – this one deserves to be devoured!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Cake by Lauren Dane- a review

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CAKE by Lauren Dane-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 15, 2013

She won’t be satisfied with just one bite….
Art student-slash-bike messenger Wren Davis pursues what she wants. And what she wants now is Gregori Ivanov, rock star of the Seattle art scene. With his tattoos, piercings and sensual sneer, Gregori is the ultimate bad boy. Wren’s gotten to know the man beneath the body art, too—and it only makes her crave him more.
But Gregori loves women like he loves cake and champagne—intensely, but only for the moment. And after Wren experiences just how scorching sex with Gregori is, she’s determined to show him that just one taste won’t be enough…

••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: CAKE by Lauren Dane is her latest contemporary romance storyline. CAKE is a stand alone novella and is a welcome addition to your reading library.

Wren Davis has been attracted to Gregori Ivanov for a very long time and knows that Gregori feels something for her in return. Their relationship is friendly, flirty and never crosses the line from friendship to sex. But Wren wants something more from Gregori and she refuses to be pushed aside.

Gregori’s failed marriage and subsequent relationship disasters have all amounted to one night stands and drunken parties. As a world renowned artist he is in demand. But Wren Davis tugs at his heart and his soul. When he finally comes to the realization that Wren wants something more from Gregori than friendship, he treads into dangerous waters fearing his friendship with Wren will be lost for all time. Gregori begins to push the proverbial buttons hoping to push Wren from bed but not his heart.

CAKE is a fast paced, short story with a predictable HEA about two people perfectly suited for each other, who have danced around the elephant in the room for far too long. Their sexual relationship is hot, sensual and steamy. Because it is a novella, most of the storyline is character driven as we learn about Gregori’s background from conversations and reflections. There is also some established history and details which helps with the world building and character development.

If you like a quick read, with a dark, sexy and brooding hero who falls for the ‘little bird’ in his life, CAKE is the perfect read for a sunny or rainy afternoon.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Cover Reveal-Forgotten in Darkness by Zoe Forward

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Cover Reveal-Forgotten in Darkness by Zoe Forward

COVER REVEAL BUTTON_FORGOTTENINDARKNESS

FORGOTTEN IN DARKNESS
Series: Scimitar Magi, Book 2
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Release Date: 1/03/14
ISBN(s):
978-1-62830-118-2 Paperback
978-1-62830-119-9 Digital
Page Count: 356
Genre: Paranormal Romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 3, 2014

After an unjustified two-century stint in purgatory, Scimitar Magus Dakar returns to the human realm, renewing his eons-old curse. Once again he must murder the woman he loves. To break the vicious cycle, he must kill her before she strikes her deathblow, something he’s never done in the past.

Archaeology grad student, Shay McGinnis, suffers a near-death attack in pursuit of a piece of Scimitar Magi lore. But did the magnificent warrior who pinned her to the wall injure her or the daemon he fought? In her search for answers, she draws the attention of both an ancient evil sorcerer and the warrior Dakar. The attraction between her and Dakar is instant, and for Shay confusing. She wants to be with him, but intuition equates him with death. Not random death. Hers.

Will this be the lifetime they break the curse before they are murdered by an age old enemy or worse kill each other yet again?

_____________________________________________

excerpt

Shay’s brain ordered her body to make a break for it, or at least let loose a scream to draw attention, but she stood there, dazed and staring. It was the throw-your-panties-off-gorgeous bad boy from her hotel room.

My God, this guy was a brick shithouse oozing don’t-screw-with-me vibes. And didn’t that just make her knees weak. She was so not a swooning type of girl.

Despite the warmth of the day, he wore a knee-length black leather jacket. No doubt, he was armed out the wazoo beneath it.

He subjected her to a scrutinizing once-over. A swirling black substance in his irises mesmerized her. She hadn’t noticed that last night.

What was this guy? Definitely not completely human. A month ago, she would’ve rationalized the sludgy black substance obscuring the real color of his irises into normalcy and remained in complete denial of anything amiss.

She wondered if this guy might just be the real deal–one of those mythical, sorcerer-like immortals obligated to fight daemons for all eternity. A Scimitar Magus. Shouldn’t he be a good guy? A hero figure? Why then did her intuition demand immediate evasion? For some reason, her gut equated this guy with death, but not random death. Hers.

______________________________________________________

About the Author 2

Zoe ForwardZoe Forward lives in the South with her supportive family and an assortment of pets. She has a special love for archaeology, especially anything Egyptian. A deep part of her wishes she had a career that would have her at a dig site in a sandy country. But she is a small animal veterinarian, caring for everything from chinchillas to dogs…and there was even one hermit crab in there.

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Dead Sexy Dragon (The Dragon Heat Series #1) by Lolita Lopez-a review

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DEAD SEXY DRAGON (Dragon Heat #1) by Lolita Lopez-a review

Dead Sexy Dragon

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE August 6, 2013

The last thing dragon shifter Stig Wyvern needs is his dead friend’s kid sister showing up on his doorstep. He’s just minutes away from entering a mating phase. Sharing his isolated house with the young woman he’s desperately lusted after for quite some time is a recipe for disaster.

But Cora Cardenas has nowhere else to go. She’s in deep trouble with some really nasty people and Stig is the only one who can protect her. That he’s deliciously sexy and makes her tingle with the simplest of smiles is just a bonus.

Cora quickly realizes Stig is hiding something from her. To make matters worse, she’s plagued with breathtakingly naughty dreams starring a shadowed lover who bears a startling resemblance to her host. And just what the hell is going on down in the basement at night?

Stig needs to get Cora out of his house but his inner beast has other ideas. He’s found his mate and she’s not going anywhere…

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DEAD SEXY DRAGON is the first storyline in Lolita Lopez’s new paranormal dragon shifter Dragon Heat series of novellas. This is Stig and Cora’s storyline and because it is a novella, the world and character building are limited but the information revealed is enough for an introductory novel.

Stig is entering his mating cycle and the last things he needs is the woman who has called to his heart for the last number of years. As the sister of his deceased best friend, Stig has always kept a hands off policy with regards to Cora, but on this night, his heart as well as his dragon know only one thing-that Cora will be his.

But to add complication to the scenario, Cora is basically on the run. Following the death of her brother and her grandmother, in a short time span, Cora found herself facing a few problems including a large amount of debt and some nasty people willing to make her work to pay off the money that she owed. Running to Stig seemed like the only viable option and Cora would discover that there is more to the man that she loves than the mysterious and guarded former soldier.

Dead Sexy Dragon is a fast paced, introductory storyline that reveals some of the background information about the dragon history and the Knights trying to end their lives. At war for centuries, the Knights are closing in on the few remaining dragons and Stig and Cora are their latest targets.

We are quickly introduced to a few other dragons including the leader Ignatius, Madoc and Grif who will each have a story of their own to tell.

The sexual tension is high as Stig refuses to allow his dragon the need to mate. But something inside Cora calls to Stig and not only do they dance around each other but their nightly psychic visits are as real as any fantasy can get. The sex scenes are hot and steamy and, in the end, you will discover that Cora and Stig were made for each other.

Lolita Lopez blends the paranormal with the contemporary and allows the reader to experience the terror of losing one’s mate all in the name of a war fought to keep the memory of a forbidden love alive.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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