Southern Fried Blues by Jamie Farrell – a Review

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Barb

Southern Fried Blues by Jamie Farrell – a Review

Links to order Southern Fried Blues:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
A Yankee Lady Stuck in the South
Divorced wasn’t a label Anna Martin ever wanted. Now she’s a thousand miles from home, underemployed, and lonely, but she’s squeezing this lemon life gave her and turning it into lemon meringue pie. Never again will she let any man—especially another military man—get in the way of her career.

A Southern Gentleman Military Officer  Jackson Davis believes in family, football, and Uncle Sam. He treats ladies right, takes his uniform seriously, and he loves his dog, but he doesn’t reckon he’s built for true love. After all, if a man good as his daddy couldn’t do it right, what chance does Jackson have?

One Undeniable Attraction  These two vulnerable souls are as different as cornbread and ketchup, but they fit together like sweet butter on hot biscuits. Short-term, they’re exactly what the other needs. But when their hearts get involved, they’re both gonna end up with a big ol’ case of Southern Fried Blues.

Review:

I absolutely loved this book. Jamie Farrell’s debut novel Southern Fried Blues couldn’t have been any better. It had everything a contemporary romance needs; well written characters, believable plotline, personal struggles, falling in love and in this case, good ol’ southern charm and humour. Being Canadian I couldn’t be any further away from the Southern states where this story is set, but I completely fell in love with the good ol’ southern charm that shines through in every single one of her characters. Her writing is fresh, witty, sassy, as well as humourous. Southern Fried Blues grabs your interest from the get go and takes you on a fun filled journey with Anna and Jackson leading the way.

Anna, or Anna Grace as Jackson likes to call her, is a wonderfully written heroine. You can’t help but love her from the very beginning. She’s funny, quirky, strong minded, very independent, and loves her label maker. 😉 Even a little pest problem like fire ants doesn’t stop Anna from trying to solve her own problems. Even though she’s sworn off love and military men after what happened between her and her ex, she can’t help but be attracted to Jackson. So when they decide to play a little redneck golf and Anna loses the bet, you can pretty much figure out where things are headed. As much as she keeps saying she’s only in the relationship for the perks it has to offer, it becomes evident that she is slowly loosing that battle. Watching Anna slowly fall for Jackson and see just how perfect he is for her was a lot of fun to read. The banter between the two of them was clever and witty. I enjoyed watching Jackson drive Anna Grace crazy whenever he’d go into stupid redneck mode as she would call it, but when Jackson turns on his southern charm, with sexy southern drawl to boot, watchout Anna Grace. Even my toes where curling as I swooned along with Anna Grace as Jackson charmed his way into her life and heart.

Jackson, Jackson, Jackson, what can I say about our hero other then, smooth and sexy, toe curling, swoon worthy man. He’s just a good ol’ boy and made me thing of my childhood watching the Dukes of Hazard, with Bo and Luke Duke. Everytime Jackson entered a scene and started talking, I swear I started drooling. 😉 He truly is a good ol’ southern boy with a heart of gold and charm just oozing out of every pore. There was no way poor Anna Grace was going to win her battle of never falling for a uniform again with Jackson. Ms. Farrell hit the nail on the head when she wrote Jackson’s country boy character. His stupid redneck act had me laughing out loud many times, but when that southern, good boy charm came out…fans self, oh boy let me tell you he’s one smooth talking hottie who knows how to love a woman right. 😉 I’ll tell you, Jackson makes me want to move down to the south and find my own smooth talking good ol’ boy. As much fun as it was to watch Anna Grace slowly fall in love with Jackson, it’s just as fun watching him realize what’s happened to him in regards to Anna Grace. Once he realizes he’s fallen, and fallen hard, he hasn’t a clue what to do, cause love was never on the table for him. Watching him figure it out is pretty entertaining.

Southern Fried Blues is filled with good ol’ southern charm and takes you on a fun filled ride right to the very end. It’s the type of book that makes you want to find out what’s happening next, but at the same time not wanting the book to end. The characters are charming, witty, and real. You can’t help but want to see Anna Grace and Jackson finally admit that they have fallen in love with eachother. Their romance is slow and sweet and allows the reader to really get to know these two characters. The supporting cast of characters are also well written, especially Mamie and her crew. They steal the show at times and I absolutely loved every scene with them and Jackson. If you are looking for something fun and flirty, then Southern Fried Blues is just the book for you. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. I’m looking forward to more entertaining writing from Ms. Farrell.

Until next time, Happy Reading y’all!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

Read Pink® in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Barb

Read Pink® in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

What’s black and white and pink all over? The initiative by the Penguin Group (USA) called Read Pink® in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)!

This literary embrace of a life-saving cause last year resulted in more than 400,000 best-selling romances shipped with Read Pink seals and information about the charity it supports – The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). Penguin is thrilled to partner once again this year with BCRF, as 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF is directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs.

The $25,000 donation that Penguin Group USA contributes, regardless of sales, provides vital funds to support the mission of BCRF.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Penguin Group (USA)’s Read Pink® editions, we are featuring a few participating authors and what Read Pink® means to them…

Karen White (2013 Read Pink® Spokesperson), The Beach Tree
“To all of those who have fought the fight, or are in the middle of the battle, here’s a two-thumbs up for you. You are not alone. We are all in this together.”

Erika Robuck, Hemingway’s Girl
“As one whose life has felt the shadow of breast cancer through two friends’ illnesses this year, it is an honor to be included in Penguin’s READ PINK campaign. It is my greatest hope that this contribution may be a part of raising awareness and finding a cure.” ~Erika Robuck”

Jodi Thomas, Just Down the Road
“Breast Cancer is something all women fear. I’ve walked with two dear friends through the battlefield and both survived. We all must fight until the day comes when no one knows anyone who has had breast cancer.”

Carly Phillips, Perfect Fit
“So many of us have been touched by cancer, either personally, or through a family member or a friend’s diagnosis. I’m honored to be part of the Read Pink! program. Purchasing a Pink book donates money to the The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Buy and Read Pink! and together we can do our part to eliminate this dreaded disease.”

Catherine Anderson, Lucky Penny
“Breast cancer is a killer that robbed me of one friend and threatened the life of another. One out of four women may get this dreaded disease. I am honored that this is my fourth title to be featured in the READ PINK campaign, and I am proud to be writing for a publishing house willing to engage, year after year, in the battle to save the lives of women.”

LuAnn McLane, Pitch Perfect
“Shortly after my mother’s diagnosis with breast cancer, I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child, a risky pregnancy that wasn’t supposed to happen. I believe that during the treatments my mother drew strength from the determination to see her granddaughter born. That was twenty-two years ago and my mother still refers to Cara as ‘her gift’. Cara’s birthday is a lovely reminder that my mother is cancer free. I am thrilled to have Pitch Perfect as part of the Read Pink program. Any small part I can play in the fight against cancer is a huge honor for me.”

Liane Moriarty, What Alice Forgot
“The last three generations of my family have been affected by breast cancer. We, like so many other families, understand all too well the importance of research.

So I feel very moved and privileged to be a part of such a wonderful initiative as Read Pink.”

Alyson Richman, The Lost Wife
“My own life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer just before the publication of “The Lost Wife” in 2011, so it is incredibly meaningful that the book is now helping to find a cure for other women who have been afflicted with breast cancer. Read Pink is helping to unite readers and authors for an extremely important cause. Please buy a book for a mother, a daughter, or a friend to show your support for this disease that takes too many lives. My children lost their grandmother to breast cancer, so I know I’ll be buying the other books included in the program, to honor this woman we all loved.”

Sarah Jio, The Last Camellia
“Breast cancer is a villain more sinister than any shadowy figure in my stories. I know someone with an advanced case of the disease, a woman who is bravely fighting, but who has been given a short time to live. She will leave behind three children, a husband and a truly beautiful life. All I can says is that if there is hope to end this horrific disease, to bring this villain to justice, I want to be part of it. And I’m so very honored that The Last Camellia was chosen to be a part of Penguin’s Read Pink campaign. Together, we can help write a new story for breast cancer and hopefully give more women the happy endings they deserve.”

Full List of 2013 Participating Authors:
Karen White, The Beach Trees
Nora Roberts, Chasing Fire
Erika Robuck, Hemingway’s Girl
Jodi Thomas, Just Down the Road
Carly Phillips, Perfect Fit
JoAnn Ross, Sea Glass Winter
Karen Rose, Did You Miss Me?
Catherine Anderson, Lucky Penny
Kate Jacobs, The Friday Night Knitting Club
LuAnn McLane, Pitch Perfect
Liane Moriarty, What Alice Forgot
Alyson Richman, The Lost Wife
Sarah Jio, The Last Camellia
Penelope Lively, How It All Began

Mark your calendars and remember to join in the conversation with @BerkleyRomance and @PenguinGroupUSA on Twitter in October. Make sure to use the hashtag #ReadPink!

For more information follow @BerkleyRomance and @PenguinGroupUSA, and visit www.us.penguingroup.com/readpink.

Read Pink®
Blog Tour Schedule
Please support the blogs taking part in this special, Read Pink® Spotlight Tour!

October 1 – Guest post by spokesperson Karen White on Chick Lit Is Not Dead

Malachim (Secrets and Sins #2) by Naima Simone-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Sandy

Malachim (Secrets and Sins #2) by Naima Simone-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Malachim
Secrets and Sins #2
by Naima Simone
Release Date: September 23, 2013
Publisher: Entangled Ignite

Malachim

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 23, 2013

Looking like sin and smelling like trouble… Boston attorney Malachim Jerrod doesn’t trust anyone. His father and his ex-fiancé taught him that hard lesson. So when a beautiful stranger arrives on his doorstep his first reaction is to back away—far away. Danielle Warren wants a job, but his law business is falling apart, and her credentials are bare-bones at best. Still, there’s something about her that, try as he might, he’s unable to resist. The vulnerability in her soft voice? The way she flinches when he gets too close? The yearning he sees mirrored in her eyes when she looks at him? She’s the last thing he needs… Two years ago, Danielle barely escaped alive from her powerful and abusive ex-husband. Now her ex is out of prison, and he’s coming for her. She knows she must leave her new job and run. Disappear—to keep herself and those she loves safe. Including her sexy boss, who has sparked feelings in her heart she never thought she’d feel again. Yet, she can’t help but wonder…should she let down her guard and trust Malachim with the truth? But the only one he desires. Working together brings them closer than ever—but reveals secrets and sins best left buried in the past. Their lives and their passionate love at stake, Danielle and Malachim must fight to survive to grasp the future of their dreams.

••••••••••••••••

SECRETS AND SIN: MALACHIM is the 2nd novel in a series written by Naima Simone. It is a book that can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I wish that I have read the first book before reading this one. This novel might be Malachim’s but his leading lady steals the storyline!

Danielle Warren is on the run. The first chapter portrays her abusive marriage so perfectly and with such emotional detail that I got the chills. Books about emotional and physical abuse are not ones that scream: READ ME!! I am glad that I read this one, because I really admire the heroine. She was smart, strong and courageous.

Danielle shows up at Malachim’s law practice late one night, because she really needs the paralegal job that his firm has advertised. She was a lawyer in her “former life” and knows the law. Malachim hires her on the spot and sparks are already flying!! There is an immediate connection. This book is about trust and learning to live again. Malachim has his own secrets that are destroying him inside and Danielle, well……she is full of dark secrets. Can they pull their barriers down for each other?

Big, bad, abusive ex-husband is out on probation and Danielle’s life is threatened. Has he found her already? Danielle knows that he will kill her if he finds her again. She is ready to uproot her new life and go on the run again, but there is Malachim. He is ready to save this woman with her dark secrets. This novel is an emotional rollercoaster. There are so many twists and turns! The ending was so unexpected and left me reeling! Why didn’t I see that twist coming? Yes, my friends, my lips are sealed! You will have to read it for yourselves. I enjoyed the novel and would recommend it to all. It’s a great suspense filled contemporary romance set in Boston, MA.

Reviewed by Jules

Copy supplied by publisher.

About the Author yellow

Naima Simone

Naima Simone is a multi-published author in contemporary and erotic romance. She’s a member of RWA’s Southern Magic chapter, mother of the Dynamic Duo, lover of everything Vin Diesel and wife to the fabulous husband who tolerates this affair. Come visit Naima on her Website, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

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Found Innocent by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Barb

Found Innocent by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Links to order Found Innocent: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / ITunes

Description:
There’s one code when it comes to the wall of blue…and Madison Knight may have to cross it.

Any good cop knows you never report a brother for mishandling a case or accuse him of misconduct, but in order to find justice, Madison may not have a choice.

Lacy Rose had one goal for her twentieth birthday—to be found innocent of past sins—but her life is cut short.

When Lacy’s remains are found in a garden and the investigation becomes connected to a closed case, Madison must face her past. The lead detective on that case was Madison’s ex-fiancé. At the risk of jeopardizing departmental relationships, and churning up the attention of an old flame at the same time, Madison must push hard before the guilty are found innocent.

Review:
Found Innocent by Carolyn Arnold is the 4^th book in her Madison Knight series. For those who have not read this series, Madison is a great heroine, and this series is a wonderful suspenseful crime thriller.

Madison is a detective in the major crimes division; she is an extremely tough no nonsense cop, who usually solves her cases. Madison doesn’t care if she comes across as rude or abrupt; her main focus is finding the killer, even if she has so many obstacles along the way, including her own boss. Madison also has very little support, with a select few that she considers friends. Beneath her tough exterior, Madison is lonely, having had two recent ruined relationships, but she does have her dog, Hershey to keep her company at nights. 🙂

Madison becomes embroiled in a strange case, that involves the apparent suicide of a young hooker, who supposedly shot herself. When Madison investigates, she knows that not all is what it looks like. This case has so many plots and twists, with Madison discovering another suicide case that is similar and she suspects is another related murder. Her main suspects are a pimp, a druggie, a good Samaritan, and the list keeps getting bigger. As is Arnold’s trademark, there are many suspects, intense action, and you truly cannot blink or you will miss another twist.

Complicating Madison’s life is her ex comes back on the scene, as he is also a detective, and he wants her back. Will Madison give in to her heart?

I have said this before in other reviews for this series, but Arnold does a masterful job putting the pieces together in a complex murder case. Her knowledge of how the criminal procedurals work is fantastic. She has us unsuccessfully trying to solve this crime; as we follow Madison through every step, looking at all the clues, forensic reports, twists, suspects; but Madison is great and she will solve it. Good thing I am not a detective. Lol

The only thing I would like to see in future books is a better support team for Madison. I’m not a Terry fan (her partner), and the sergeant, who is her boss, is not supportive for a great cop like Madison. What makes the In Death series so great, is the support team that surrounds Eve, to help her solve the cases. Madison Knight stands alone, which doesn’t sit well with me. She does have a friend, who is ok, but could be even more supportive.

Found Innocent is another gripping thriller by Arnold, with non stop action throughout. If you love crime dramas, mysteries, and a tough female cop, this series is not to be missed

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

Everything You Need to Know by Helenkay Dimon-a review

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Sandy

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW by Helenkay Dimon-a review

Everything You Need to Know

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2013

Welcome to Need to Know—Because a Woman Can’t Be Too Informed

Dating in D.C. is like navigating an apocalyptic wasteland populated by men in expensive suits with zero mating potential. Need to Know provides all the information a savvy single woman like you needs to avoid dating disasters.

By night, Jordan McAdam is the proprietor of a popular website that rates D.C.’s hottest bachelors—everything from how quick they are email you back to their skills in the sack. She’s been burned once too often to accept any man at face value. By day, her job as an office temp puts her in the perfect position to do a little fact checking on her rich and powerful subjects. When her latest assignment brings her face to face with the sexy but mysterious Forest Redder, Jordan decides to do a little “hands on” research of her own. To Jordan, he seems like the perfect man – but she knows there is no such thing. Moreover, there’s a big problem: Forest knows Jordan’s the woman behind the scandalous site—and Jordan knows he knows. Will he expose her secret—or find his own posted on Need to Know?

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

REVIEW: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW is the latest contemporary romance stand-alone storyline from author Helenkay Dimon and Cosmo Red Hot Reads. I am not sure if Helenkay has plans for any more books surrounding the premise of this particular storyline, but there are plenty more stories to tell.

The premise focuses on Jordan McAdam and her website for single women hoping to uncover the truth behind some of Washington DC’s most eligible bachelors. Need To Know is a website where members post about their experiences with the men in the Washington DC area and women looking for information only need to ask a question and it will be answered. And of course, the bachelors are not too impressed with what is being said when the comments and revelations begin to affect their personal, private and corporate lives.

Jordan is currently working for a temp agency and her latest assignment will find her face to face with Forest Redder- a man whose dating history remains a secret and one that Need To Know and Jordan are desperate to uncover.

The relationship between Forest and Jordan begins as a business arrangement but soon becomes something much more and Forest begins to suspect that Jordan is hiding a secret and knows much more about the Need To Know website than she is letting on. As Forest begins to uncover the who and what of the site, Jordan knows that once the truth is revealed their relationship will never be the same.

Helenkay Dimon invites the reader into a world of what ifs and whys. Each chapter begins with a request for information about a bachelor and a response from someone who has had experience with the man. It is really quite intriguing especially when you read the questions and answers.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW is a fast-paced novella with an interesting twist on the rich man/young woman scenario. The characters are relatable. Forest’s friend and VP Wen is a great equalizer to Forest’s uptight personality and cold façade; and Jordan’s BFF and co-owner on the website Elle is the perfect foil for Jordan’s anxiety. Here is where I hope that Helenkay Dimon will continue the series as each of these characters has a prior history that is waiting to be told.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

The Training (The Submissive #3) by Tara Sue Me- Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Sandy

THE TRAINING (The Submissive Trilogy #3) by Tara Sue Me-Review, Guest post and Giveaway

The Training
The Submissive Trilogy #3
by Tara Sue Me
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Genre: Erotic, Adult, Romance

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

Review

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 1, 2013

It started with a hidden desire.

Millionaire CEO Nathaniel West has always played by his own strict set of rules, ones he expects everyone to follow—especially the women he’s dominated in his bedroom. But his newest lover is breaking down all his boundaries and rewriting his rule book.

Abby King never imagined that she would capture the heart of Nathaniel West, one of New York City’s most eligible bachelors—and its most desirable dominant. What began as a weekend arrangement of pleasure has become a passionate romance with a man who knows every inch of her body and her soul – yet remains an enigmatic lover. Though he is tender and caring, his painful past remains a wall between them.

Abby knows the only way to truly earn his trust is to submit to him fully and let go of all of her lingering inhibitions. Because to lead Nathaniel on a path to greater intimacy, she must first let him deeper into her world than anyone has ever gone before…

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE TRAINING is the third and final installment in Tara Sue Me’s The Submissive Trilogy. Originally written as a work of fan fiction based on the Twilight series, there are definite and parallel similarities to FSOG and many similar series of the same genre.

The Training is as the title implies. The storyline focuses on the training of Abby King to be Nathaniel West’s submissive but it is also the training of a man to become a lover and protector. Throughout the series the building relationship between Abby and Nathaniel has gone from Dom and sub to friends and lovers, but it is the lovers aspect that has thrown Nathaniel’s life into turmoil. His relationship with all of his former subs has always been about business and sex but somewhere along the way, Nathaniel lost his heart to Abby King and he was looking forward to a HEA and a forever.

The sexuality aspect of the storyline followed two distinctly different paths. One ventured into a sensual yet erotic fairy tale of a building love between two people destined to become a couple; the other focused on a definitive Dom/sub relationship where at times the dominant in Nathaniel West was in opposition to the man with whom Abby had fallen in love. And herein lies the issue-where does a Dom/sub relationship end and a friends to lover relationship begin?

If you are a fan of FSOG, there is no denying the similarities but The Training is a more explicit storyline with a BDSM backdrop. Where FSOG skimmed the lifestyle, The Submissive Trilogy and The Training brings the reader into the underground world of a Dom/sub lifestyle.

The writing style, once again, is simple. Some readers may question the heroine’s (Abby King) decision to become a sub especially when she readily accepts everything that is requested and demanded (with no prior training, experience or desire). The storyline does not cross into hardcore BDSM (unless nipple clamps and suspension ropes are not your thing) but saying that, each reader will take away a different aspect to the storyline premise and the lifestyle of which is represents.

And as I have said in a prior review for FSOG, who are we to judge a lifestyle that is different from our own. This is after all a story of fiction that will make you think about what actually goes on behind the scenes of some of the most rich and powerful people in the world

Reading Order and links to our reviews
1. The Submissive
2. The Dominant
3. The Training

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post

The Things No One Tells You

American Author Tara Sue Me There’s a strange mixture of things involved in being an author. Many of these I gave no thought to when I started writing. I think when a lot of people imagine the day of an author, they think of someone sitting by himself or herself for hours at a time with a notebook and pen or a laptop. I won’t say those times don’t exist, I’ll just say it’s not the usual.

I’m an introvert by nature and I could spend hours in a room, by myself, working on a manuscript or plotting my next novel. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I don’t like people, it’s just that I’m perfectly content spending the day with my characters. I do wonder what it’s like for the extroverted author, is it hard for them to spend time alone, writing?

But writing is just one part of the picture. These days with social media being what it is, most authors have various online hangouts. I have both a Facebook and Twitter I’m active on (well, I’m a lot more active on Twitter than I am Facebook). I enjoy Twitter. I’ve heard it described as a never-ending cocktail party you can jump in and out of. With Twitter you can connect with and have instant conversations with people. Facebook, for me, feels different. I always feel as if I’m posting, “LET’S TALK ABOUT ME!” when I write something.

There’s a balance you have to find in what you share online. My husband is in law enforcement, so we’re a bit on the conservative side. I only call my children Oldest and Youngest, and even my dogs have aliases (no, their names really aren’t Fifi and Pierre). But at the same time you want to share part of your life with your followers.

One of my most favorite things to do as an author is meet my readers. I may be a bit (okay, a lot) on the quiet side, but I can go on and on and on about my books. Seriously, just ask my husband. In fact, I like to talk all things books, be that reading or writing.

Recently, Oldest’s teacher asked me to talk to his class about being an author. I won’t lie, I was worried. Not because I was afraid they’d throw things or fall asleep, but because I didn’t want them to pick on Oldest for his mom being a dork. I’m happy to say the talk went well and I don’t think I came across too dorkish. Again, it’s just another aspect of being an author you don’t think about.

All things considered, though, I love what I do and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Tara Sue Me

FOLLOW: Website / Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway

Penguin Publishing is offering a paper copy of either THE SUBMISSIVE (book 1) or THE DOMINANT (book 2) to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

The Submissive Trilogy

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. Please comment telling us which book you would like to win: The Submissive OR The Dominant.

4. The giveaway is open to USA only.

5. The giveaway runs from October 15 to October 18, 2013

Elite Invitation by Michelle A.Valentine-Cover Reveal

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Sandy

Elite Invitation by Michelle A Valentine-Cover Reveal

Elite Invitation

Elite Invitation
by Michelle A. Valentine
Release Date: 2014

Elite Invitation Cover_Full Jacket

No names.

No faces.

No identities.

That’s the rules at Elite.

Just as nineteen-year-old Carly Hutchinson’s life falls on hard times, she’s offered a job at Elite, a secret organization that provides beautiful women to wealthy men with no strings attached. With an ill mother, and a special needs little sister to look after, she’ll do whatever it takes to keep them from losing their home and keep their heads above water, even if that means auctioning off her most prized commodity—her virginity.

Doctor Gabriel Jenson is a hungry medical school student ready to play ball in the big leagues. Power, money and success drive him to accomplish things that most men would never dare go after. When Gabriel receives an invitation to join the city’s most exclusive gentleman’s club, he can’t pass up the opportunity to prove he belongs.

When Gabriel wins Carly’s virginity as the highest bidder, he can’t help to be taken with the young woman and finds himself at a crossroads. Even though both of their identities remain hidden, he can’t close the deal and take his prize. He needs her to submit for more reasons than just money. Sex alone with this woman isn’t going to be enough and he’s willing to break all the rules to claim her.

About the Author

Michelle Valentine

Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of erotic and New Adult romance. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos, and sexy musicians inspired her erotic BLACK FALCON series.

Follow: Blog / Facebook /Twitter / Goodreads

A Terrible Love (Terrible Love #1) by Marata Eros-a review

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Sandy

A TERRIBLE LOVE (A Terrible love #1) by Marata Eros-a review

A Terrible Love

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2013

Jess Mackey is living a meticulously fabricated lie of necessity. She’s left the secret tragedy of her past behind along with who she was and is forging ahead with a clean slate. But Jess soon discovers that passion can’t be left behind—neither her own, nor that of the one man who sees who she really is…and whose unexpected presence may breach the peaceful life Jess has painstakingly created for herself.

Devin Castile didn’t expect to meet a young woman who may be the missing puzzle piece to his existence…and who is also the victim of a heinous crime. Devin convinces himself that he can remain emotionally distant even while indulging his physical desire for her. But when Jess’s lies begin to crumble in the face of their undeniable attraction and the truth is revealed, one of them might pay with their life.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: A TERRIBLE LOVE is the first storyline in Marata Eros (aka Tamara Rose Blodgett) contemporary new adult series-A Terrible Love. A companion novel -A Brutal Tenderness –that parallels the timeline in A Terrible Love was released in August 2013, written in the hero’s POV. It is the same story, but told from Devin Castile’s point of view and much of the storyline overlaps.

The premise of A Terrible Love follows university sophomore Jess Mackey, who for the previous two years, has hidden a secret and her true identity from everyone at school. A former ballet student who once had aspirations of a dancing career, Jess is on the run, hiding in the halls of a post secondary institution, hoping that her past and her family do not uncover her whereabouts. But fate has not been kind to Jess, now that two men are vying for her affection. And in the end, her secrets will place everyone she knows and loves in danger and some of them will not survive.

A Terrible Love is a story of mystery, suspense and a building relationship. The reader is taken on a roller coaster ride of one woman’s indecision that threatens to destroy them all and the past that comes full circle.

The storyline also features a love triangle that set my anxiety radar into over drive. Although this isn’t a young adult storyline-the heroine’s attitude as it pertained to her safety; the men in her life; and the potential for a very bad outcome was immature and ill conceived. Jess instinctively wants both men-one is safe (as far as she knows) and one is the epitome of the bad boy-tattoos, leather and foul language. And to add more mystery, there is a serial killer on the loose on campus, and the killer has recently upped his body count and his intent.

What ensues is a bitter and ugly battle for Jess Mackey’s affections and one that disguises a deadly intent. The relationship between Jess and Devin is one of forbidden love and sensuality; Devin wants the one woman he has sworn to protect and their antics will become fuel for those hoping to bring them down.

A Terrible Love is an interesting storyline about a woman with a secret past, who is desperately trying to remain hidden behind the façade of someone else. But her past will eventually catch up, and when it does, no one is safe from its’ deadly reach.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

The Reading Cafe

One stop pertaining to books and more

Monthly Archives: October 2013

Southern Fried Blues by Jamie Farrell – a Review

Southern Fried Blues by Jamie Farrell – a Review

Read Pink® in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

Read Pink® in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

Malachim (Secrets and Sins #2) by Naima Simone-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Malachim (Secrets and Sins #2) by Naima Simone-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Found Innocent by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Found Innocent by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Everything You Need to Know by Helenkay Dimon-a review

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW by Helenkay Dimon-a review

The Training (The Submissive #3) by Tara Sue Me- Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

THE TRAINING (The Submissive Trilogy #3) by Tara Sue Me-Review, Guest post and Giveaway

Elite Invitation by Michelle A.Valentine-Cover Reveal

Elite Invitation by Michelle A Valentine-Cover Reveal

A Terrible Love (Terrible Love #1) by Marata Eros-a review

A TERRIBLE LOVE (A Terrible love #1) by Marata Eros-a review