Monthly Archives: November 2013

Down The Aisle (Dare Me 2.5) by Christine Bell-a review

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DOWN THE AISLE (Dare Me #3) by Christine Bell-a review

Down the Aisle

ebook special $1.99  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 28, 2013

Lacey Garrity is about to have the wedding she’s always dreamed of. She and Galen had planned on a big family, but now fertility issues are turning that dream to ashes. When another setback comes to light a week before their wedding day, she wonders how she can marry him knowing that being with her might mean he can never have the life he imagined…

Galen Thomas loves his woman, and whether they have a big family or it’s just the two of them forever, he can’t wait to spend his life with her. With the big day coming, he’ll pull out all the stops to remind her how good it can be between them and that, together, they can do anything…if he can just get her down the aisle.

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DOWN THE AISLE is the third instalment in Christine Bell’s Dare Me contemporary romance series. Down the Aisle is a novella that re-visits Lacey and Galen, our couple from Down for the Count-Dare Me #1.

Down the Aisle focuses on Lacey as she prepares for her upcoming marriage to Galen but not all is well in the relationship department. Our couple have been trying to get pregnant for close to a year, and each day brings the heartbreaking news that they are either not pregnant or the adoption has been turned down.

The reader watches as Lacy and Galen face rejection once again just days before their wedding and we watch as the couple struggle with the intimacy of their relationship.

Down the Aisle is a short story of one couple’s struggles with infertility all the while preparing for their impending nuptials. Lacey’s BFF abducts our heroine for a night on the town and for a few hours she is able to forget about her sorrows, but reality will come crashing back.

The world building is limited in the short storyline but most of the major players have been introduced in previous novels. But there is also the introduction of Galen and Lacey’s friends –Rafe and Courtney- who seem to be heading for a tumultuous and interesting storyline. There appears to be a power struggle with some BDSM play in the future.

Down the Aisle is a novella with a little bit of romance; a little bit of sensual and steamy sex; a little bit of humor and a whole lot of love. You will feel for Lacey and Galen as they struggle with some issues that many couples face in their relationship and in the end, perhaps there is happiness around the corner.

Reading Order
Down For the Count
Down and Dirty
Down The Aisle

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Guardian’s Faith (Guardians of the Race #4) by Jacqueline Rhoades-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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Guardian’s Faith (Guardians of the Race #4) by Jacqueline Rhoades-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

Guardians Faith Banner 2

Guardian’s Faith
Guardians of the Race #4
by Jacqueline Rhoades
Release Date: November 10, 2013

Guardian's Faith cover

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GUARDIAN’S FAITH (Guardians of the Race #4) by Jacqueline Rhoades

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 10, 2013

Physically and emotionally damaged by the horrors of her past, no one is more surprised than meek and silent Faith Parsons when she feels compelled to stow away in the van of the taciturn Liege Lord, Lucien ad Toussaint and travel to his House of Guardians in the faraway Southwest. She’s even more surprised when some of the local women see her as the one who will heal the 160 year old wounds that are destroying their way of life.

Lucien, too, is haunted by his past. He has withdrawn from the world around him and lives a reclusive and duty-bound life. He never expected that a tiny Daughter of Man could open the doors to a heart he’s kept closed for so long.

As the attraction between Faith and Lucien grows, the events of both their pasts begin to replay in the present. Must history repeat itself or can their future be changed?

REVIEW: GUARDIAN’S FAITH is the fourth instalment in Jacqueline Rhoades’s adult contemporary, paranormal Guardians of the Race series. The premise of the series focuses on the Guardians (descendants of the angel Gabriel) and the women they love. The women in the storyline are the Daughters of Man and the descendants of one of the original matings between angels and humans. GUARDIAN’S FAITH is Lucien and Faith’s storyline. Lucien is a Guardian who believes the old ways are best and Faith is the woman to bring him into the future and out of the past.

Faith Parsons is a Daughter of Man whose powers have yet to reach their full potential. Following months of horrific abuse at the hands of a demon, Faith is having a difficult time with her emotional recovery until the day Lucien ad Toussaint pays a visit to Canaan’s House of Guardians where she resides. What follows is a cross country escapade with two rambunctious trainees, a quiet Vigilante and the man who would steal her heart.

Guardian’s Faith focuses on Faith’s recovery and the re-building of Lucien’s House of Guardians. The reader is pulled into Lucien’s world of shape-shifters, demons and vampires; Guardians, family and betrayal; a village mired in secrets and old-world beliefs; and the vendetta of one family to take back their birthright.

The relationship between our leading couple is slow to build but one that will see both Lucien and Faith succumbed to the healing properties of friendship and love. Lucien has long hidden in the shadows and kept to himself but when Faith enters his life with her love of humor, a good joke and pizza, Lucien will find his frozen heart begins to melt. Love will open Lucien’s eyes and his heart to a possible future that involves both his present and his past.

Jacqueline Rhoades pushes the Guardians of the Race series in another direction by breathing life into Lucien’s House of Guardians and the re-establishing of a family home for future Guardians and their mates. We are introduced to several secondary characters including new trainees Adam and Lalo, the members of Lucien’s household and a village of people who are more than they appear to be.

Guardian’s Faith is a story of betrayal and loss; revenge and death; family and friends; healing and love. Jacqueline has written a wonderful and engaging series that will keep your attention from the very start-you will become one with the family of Guardians and Daughters of Man-and experience the emotional high and lows as Jacqueline’s storyline characters come to life on the pages of the Guardians of the Race series.

READING ORDER
Guardian’s Grace
Guardian’s Hope
Guardian’s Joy
Guardian’s Faith

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post beige

Hello Everyone! It’s really great to be here on the Reading Café posting as a guest.

I’m really excited about my release, Guardian’s Faith. It was a tough one to write because Faith is such a damaged character, both physically and emotionally. What she suffered couldn’t be fixed with a single kiss, not even from the luscious Lucien. I needed her growth and healing, which began in Guardian’s Joy, to be as realistic as possible within the realm of fiction, so I researched women who’d suffered similar trauma in the real world.

Wait a minute! I write paranormal romance, which is about as far from reality as you can get! Don’t you just make it up as you do along? Demon hunter? Shifters? Vampires? You can’t get much farther away from the real world than that, and yet…

If my world of the Paenitentia and the Daughters of Man were real, would the beings that populated it be so different from you and me? I don’t think so. They would still have hopes and dreams and feel pain and heartache. They wouldn’t be believable to you, the reader, if they didn’t.

Guardians of the Race

I know my high school teacher, who used the old adage, “Write what you know”, would be turning over in her grave, but if I wrote about only what I know, I wouldn’t have any readers. They all would have been bored to death a long time ago!

So if you don’t know something through your own life experiences what do you do? I suppose some lucky writers have the ability to write purely from their imaginations. I don’t. If I haven’t been there, done that, then I need to learn from the folks who have, before I can imagine what my character feels.

If I wanted my readers to understand Faith’s pain and perspective, I had to have some understanding of it first, so I read case studies and the writings of women who really had been there and had the fortitude to fight their way back. Did I use everything I learned? Of course not, nor was my portrayal entirely accurate, but I hope I gave my readers enough to feel an empathy for Faith.

The Alpha's ChoiceI did the same for the cubs in The Alpha’s Choice. They were secondary characters, but their personalities were based on those typical of children raised in abusive environments. I also researched wolf behavior as I built my wolver world. Pack behavior is different from human and since my wolvers carry the psyche of both inside them, inner conflicts can and do arise.

Is it all heavy duty research on the internet? No, some of it’s face to face. Personally, I have no idea what it’s like to be tall and willowy, or petite. The only way to find out is ask. I’ve talked to friends and yes, complete strangers about the oddest things. I stopped a biker to ask about his Harley. I asked his girlfriend about her leathers.

Research isn’t just about asking questions, either. Most writers are people watchers. We watch how they move, how they gesture when they speak. See that girl who twists her hair when she talks? Watch her face. Is she nervous or is she thinking? See that guy ahead of you in line at Motor Vehicles. He stands with his hands behind his back and feet a comfortable distance apart. Ex-military?

The internet is a huge boon to a writer, but not everything can be learned there. To a writer, everything is research. Everywhere we go, everyone we meet is research which we file away in the drawers of our minds. We try not to be obvious about it, but it’s always there.

So, now that you know, try not to act too self-conscious next time you have lunch with a writer, because they’ll probably file that away as research, too.

Jacqueline

About The Author beige

Jacqueline Rhoades

Follow: Website / Goodreads/ Facebook Twitter/ Pinterest

Jacqueline, known as Jackie to her friends, lives in rural southern Ohio with one lovable husband, one spoiled dog and one disinterested cat. She believes coffee is a food group and therefore necessary to survival. She always has a pot brewing. When not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in someone else’s book or working in her garden. She also spends a great deal of time chasing deer and rabbits who apparently also like gardening.
Jackie loves hearing from her readers and is always willing to chat. She can be reached through her website.

Giveaway beige

Jacqueline is offering TWO giveaways for our members at The Reading Cafe.

FIRST PRIZE: One winner will receive a complete e-set of Guardians of the Race –Books 1-4

SECOND PRIZE: One winner will receive an ecopy of Guardian’s Faith.

1. If you have not registered at The Reading Cafe, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social logins.

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

3. Please comment and tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. Giveaway is open Internationally.

5. Giveaway runs from November 19-23, 2013

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Melissa Foster – Sisters In Bloom/Sisters In White – Reviews

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Melissa Foster – Sisters In Bloom/Sisters In White – Reviews

Melissa Foster’s wonderful contemporary romance series, Love in Bloom continues to keep us entertained, with fast releases.  I really enjoyed the first book, and read the next two, Sisters in Bloom & Sisters in White.    Below is a double review of book 2 and 3 of this series.  Click this link to read the review of the first book, Sisters in Love.

Sisters in Bloom
Love in Bloom series – book 2
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: September 9, 2013

Sisters in Bloom

Links to order Sisters in Bloom:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Kaylie Snow has always been the fun, flirty, pretty sister. Now, her burgeoning baby bump, hormone infused emotions, and faltering singing career are sending her into an unexpected identity crisis. Watching her older sister Danica glide through a major career change and a new relationship with the grace of a ballerina, Kaylie’s insecurities rise to the forefront—and her relationship, with fiancé Chaz Crew, is caught in the crossfire.

Chaz Crew has everything he’s ever wanted: a lovely fiancé, a baby on the way, and soon, the film festival he owns will host its biggest event ever. When he’s called away to woo the festival’s largest sponsor—and the lover he’s never admitted to having—secrets from his past turn his new life upside down.

With her baby shower around the corner, and her fiancé’s big event looming, the pressure is on for Kaylie to pull herself together—and for Chaz to right his wrongs. In a few short weeks, the couple who had it all figured out will learn things about life and love that may change their minds—and their hearts.

SISTERS IN BLOOM is a testament to the bond of sisters, the strength of women, and the pains and delights that accompany motherhood. A book for every mother, sister, and daughter, SISTERS IN BLOOM will resonate with readers who love to explore family dramas.

 

Review:

Sisters in Bloom by Melissa Foster is the 2nd book in her wonderful contemporary romance, Love in Bloom series.  Sisters in Bloom picks up not to long after Sisters in Love.  This book centers mostly on Kaylie, who is very pregnant, and Chaz, her boyfriend, though Danica and Blake, our couple from the first book, have major parts in this story.  What I love about this series is that Foster keeps everything flowing smoothly, with both couples, and we become part of this family.

Kaylie is a bit insecure, especially with her hormones acting up, and she is also getting a number of rejections for her singing career.  Kaylie, who has always been carefree & promiscuous, is also worried about the weight she has put on during her pregnancy.  Chaz is perfect for Kaylie, always assuring her, being such a sweetheart.  But an old flame from his past comes back to cause problems in his relationship with Kaylie.  Chaz loves Kaylie, but her insecurity during these days creates some miscommunications, with Kaylie falling apart. 

It is Danica, who helps Kaylie see that Chaz truly loves only her, and the other was a vengeful person trying to destroy their relationship.  I also loved seeing Danica herself opening up to her love of Blake more and more.  I totally love them together. 

This is a very nice and at times steamy romance, with two wonderful couples.  Foster has created a great group of secondary characters, and this is a such a nice and sweet story of love, friendship, family and finding happiness.  But through it all, this is a wonderful romance that will find a happy ending for both couples.  I really enjoyed reading about Danica and Kaylie, their closeness, their inner emotional turmoil, and the fun of their friends surrounding them.  This is a wonderful  and enjoyable series, and I cannot wait to read Sisters in White. 

Sisters in White
Love in Bloom series – book 3
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: October 9. 2013
Sisters in WhiteLinks to order Sisters in White:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

 Description:
Danica and Kaylie Snow are about to celebrate the biggest day of their lives—their double wedding—on an island in the Bahamas. But no wedding is complete without a little family drama. The two sisters aren’t ready to face the father they haven’t seen since he divorced their mother and moved away to marry his mistress, and live with Lacy, the half sister they’ve never met.

While Danica has exchanged letters and phone calls with Lacy, Kaylie has fervently tried to pretend she doesn’t exist. Lacy is sweet, fun, and nearly a mirror image of Kaylie. To make matters worse, not only is Lacy looking forward to meeting her sisters, but she idolizes them, too. As the countdown to the wedding date ticks on, their parents are playing a devious game of revenge, and there’s a storm brewing over the island, threatening to cancel their perfect wedding. The sisters are about to find out if the bond of sisterhood really trumps all

 

Review:
Sisters in White is the 3rd book in Melissa Foster’s Love in Bloom series.   Sisters in White brings us the third Snow Sister, Lacy, who is a half sister to Danica and Kaylie.  Wheras, the first two books were devoted to Danica (book 1) and Kaylie (book 2), this book is devoted to both happy couples who are heading to their double wedding.  Lacy, who has never met her half sisters, comes to the wedding at a tropical resort, with their father, and Lacy’s mother.  Through out the story, there is much early tension between Danica, Kaylie, their mother, when they meet their father, his wife, and Lacy. 

This was really a fun and very steamy book.  I loved spending time with Danica, Kaylie, Blake and Chaz, not to mention all their cool friends.  The added element was facing their father whom they haven’t seen in many years, and coming face to face with the sister they have never met.  I really loved Lacy, and she makes a great addition to the family. Danica welcomed Lacy with open arms, but Kaylie was distant early on.  Kaylie resented Lacy, especially seeing how much her father adored Lacy.  But in time, Kaylie begins to open up to Lacy, who totally loved being around her sisters. 

There was so much to enjoy in this story.  The wedding preparation, and anything that could go wrong does. The sexual chemistry between Blake and Danica is hot hot hot.  Chaz and Kaylie too, but we got to see more of Blake and Danica.   There also some pretty hilarious scenes throughout the book.  Foster has written some wonderful secondary characters that we get to see more of, and the introduction of the Bradens, who will continue the Love in Bloom series. 

I really enjoy this series, and could not put the book down until I finished it. Foster did a magnificent job in this book bringing the pieces together for the Snow Sisters.  At the same time, we got to see a few very nice peeks at the Braden men (there is one sister).  I would love to see Lacy actually get her own happy ending at some point in this series.  If you enjoy contemporary romance, family atmosphere, some Steamy sex scenes (more in this book), then you need to read this series. Melissa Foster is on my must buy list.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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The Cougar Diaries Parts 1 & 2 by Aoife Brennan-a review

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The Cougar Diaries Part 1 & 2 by Aoife Brennan-a review

THE COUGAR DIARIES Part I by Aoife Brennan

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 2013

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The Cougar Diaries is a year in the life of Aoife Brennan, A newly single woman, Dubliner and mother to two teenage boys – she has to fight for her way of life, overcome the antiquated legal divorce system, secure a fair future from her estranged ex and LIVE! This is about a woman living and loving again, making mistakes, embracing life and giving it lots of welly!

REVIEW: THE COUGAR DIARIES is the first instalment in Aoife Brennan’s fictionalized account of her life following the demise of her marriage. The storyline is a culmination of real life and fantasy adventure of a forty something, newly single mother of two teenage boys and her foray into the world of dating, sex and divorce. The storyline is a sexual mixture erotica, BDSM and MMF situations.

Aoife Brennan pulls the reader into one woman’s struggles as she tries to enter the world of online dating and the reality of the less than honest profiles. She will encounter a long list of men who are more than willing to fulfill every woman and man’s fantasy, and she will be placed in some very precarious situations. And all of this happens as ailing father shows signs of deterioration, her employer seeks to downsize and her ex-husband demands a change in separation agreements. But Aoife has a plan and hopefully everything will work out in the end.

The Cougar Diaries is a story about one woman trying to reclaim what was lost-her identity as a person and not just as someone’s mother and wife. Aoife Brennan takes the reader on a journey that will make you laugh and cry; shutter and sigh; shake your head and wonder why? But in the end, life comes full circle and there will always be a way to find the path you were meant to follow.

Copy supplied by the author.

______________________________________

The Cougar Diaries Pt 2THE COUGAR DIARIES Part II by Aoife Brennan

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2013

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Aoife Brennan, 40-something Dubliner, carries on her madcap year battling the recession in Ireland, trying to find new love in Athens and overcoming austerity in Ireland

 

REVIEW: The Cougar Diaries Part II is the second instalment in Aoife Brennan’s contemporary, fictionalized account of her life and love following her separation and subsequent divorce from her husband. The storyline picks up quickly on the tail of Part I and focuses on Aoife’s struggle to make ends meet when her job and the business she works for become redundant; Ireland and most of Europe enter a recession; and the lawyer to whom she has contracted ensures he will get his revenge in the end. The storyline is set in Ireland and Europe 2013 and comes with all of the social media jargon and headline breaking news of the day.

Aoife Brennan is a strong female who knows what she wants and she wants to wipe the slate clean and start all over. But her lawyer is a shark and when Aoife and her brother George presented the ‘shark’ with his options, Aoife believed she was safe and secure. As the storyline builds, so too does Aoife’s relationship with Chris-the man with whom she will fall in love but Aoife’s personal and professional life begin to spiral out of control just as Ireland’s financial stability begins its’ downward spiral as well.

The Cougar Diaries Part II documents the journey and roller coaster ride of one woman’s fight to save her family, her home, her job and her heart. As the depression deepens in Ireland Aoife will be caught in the melee and subsequent fall out of down sizing; an scheming lawyer; an ex husband who disappears and the love for a man who wants something that Aoife is unable or willing to give. The reader is pulled into the emotional fall out of suicide, depression and loss of support but will also hang tight for the gradual climb out of the dark and into the light.

The secondary characters are numerous, colorful and fill a void in our heroine’s life that was left empty by betrayal and heartbreak at the hands of two men she once trusted; and they will play a significant role in her struggle to save her house, her job and her heart. She is a woman strong in the knowledge that she will survive at the end of the day but knows that she will need the necessary assistance in order to complete her journey.

Aoife Brennan uses the backdrop of a business and country’s struggle to stay solvent all the while watching one woman fight to keep her struggles from destroying everything and everyone she knows. This is also a story of one woman’s adventure and re-entry into the world of online dating and sexual experimentation and, who of us at forty plus years old, would be secure enough to try something new, exciting and different.

Aoife Brennan has written an amazing and heartfelt storyline that will be familiar to many but has added a sexual adventure to keep the romance aspect at the forefront of reader curiousity. Our heroine will face adversity and heartbreak; betrayal and revenge; loss and letting go. She will also fall in love and face the reality that there may not be a happily ever after at the end of the day. We can only hope that Aoife (the author) will allow Aoife (the heroine) to open her heart to the possibility that the man with whom she has fallen in love is worth another chance at love and family.

Copy supplied by the author.

reviewed by Sandy

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LuAnn McLane – Moonlight Kiss – Interview & Review

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LuAnn McLane – Moonlight Kiss – Interview & Review

 

Moonlight Kiss
Cricket Creek series -Book 5
by LuAnn McLaneMoonlight KissLinks to order Moonlight Kiss:
 Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Cricket Creek, Kentucky, is a sweet river town known for its baseball, shopping, and cuisine. After finally rebounding from the recession, the residents are ready to repair their lives—and their hearts…

After two very public broken engagements with two very famous men, Addison Monroe is ready to avoid the spotlight. She decides to put her wedding planning experience to good use by opening a bridal boutique. Setting up shop in small town Kentucky is the perfect way to escape prying eyes and live a quiet, single life.

Investment consultant Reid Greenfield is fed up with weddings—and not his own. He’s certain his sister’s plan to turn their family farm into a wedding reception venue will lead to bankruptcy. Reid hopes that city girl Addison will be an ally in getting his sister to change her mind before she loses her savings. Instead, Addison adores the idea and jumps on board. It’s a risky business—especially once romance gets involved. But sometimes a little risk brings a huge reward…

Review:

Moonlight Kiss by LuAnn McLane is the 5th book in her Cricket Creek series.  I was concerned that not having read the earlier books in this series that it might be difficult to follow, but it had been noted that this could be read as a standalone.  I can safely confirm that is true.  I enjoyed Moonlight Kiss, and at no time did I feel like I was missing anything.  Though some members of the town of Cricket Creek probably had their stories told earlier.  
Moonlight Kiss belongs to Addison and Reid, as our romantic couple in this story.  Addison Monroe has been unlucky in love, having been engaged twice only to see it breakup before she walked down the aisle.  She decides it’s time to get away from Los Angeles to visit her cousin in a small town in Kentucky.. Cricket Creek.  It doesn’t take long for Addison’s cousin Mia to convince her to stay, open up a bridal bouquet shop (she does have experience planning weddings :).

Addison has sworn off men, and is excited to be around friends and family in a small town atmosphere.  But best laid plans do not always work.  She meets Reid Greenfield, who was born in Cricket Creek, but is now a successful Financial consultant.  Reid is home to help his family fix up their place, and then he plans to return to his practice.  He meets Addison, and tries to get her to stop his sister from investing all her money into turning their huge barn into to a wedding site.  Unfortunately for Reid, once Addison meets his sister Sara, she agrees to help with fixing up the barn.  But Reid cannot stay angry for long, as he finds himself becoming attracted to Addison.  She too finds herself attracted, but her past comes back a couple of times to bite her, and Addison is not too happy with Reid’s “jump to conclusion” comments.  Sara and her mother plot in the background to get Reid to go after Addison as they want him to settle down.

What follows is a cute romance, in a small town, where everyone knows each other.  Since this is pure romance, despite some problems, you knew they would eventually move past the issues and fall in love.  It was cute to see some of the things they did to push the two together.  There was also a back story of another older couple, which was nice.  If you like a simple sweet and light romance; with a small town country background, look no further then Moonlight Kiss.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interviewluann mclane 2

 

The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome LuAnne McLane today for an Interview to discuss who newest release, Moonlight Kiss.

Let’s meet LuAnn!

 

 

TRC:  Hi LuAnn and welcome to The Reading Café.  We would like to start with some background information…  Please tell us something about yourself?

LuAnn: I was born and raised in Northern Kentucky just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio so while I’m a small town girl who enjoys all things southern, I also learned to appreciate theater, music and art.  I’m also a diehard fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals but my big obsession is the University of Kentucky Wildcats.  I have four adult children that I love spending time with and two amazing grandchildren and another one on the way!  Yes, I’m that grandma who gets into trouble allowing my grandchildren too much candy and staying up late to read just one more story.

TRC:  Have you always been interested in writing? 

LuAnn: My interest in writing started with my love of books.  My mother will tell you that as a toddler I begged to read to so much that I memorized stories leading people to believe that I could read at the tender age of two.  Going to the library was my favorite outing and required reading in school was never a chore.  Reading one chapter for homework was never enough.  Why stop and not finish the book?

My love of romance began after watching Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella with Lesley Ann Warren and Stuart Damon and I knew at an early age that not only did I want to write but I wanted to write love stories.

TRC:  Is there anything (in general) you find particularly challenging about writing?

LuAnn: The biggest challenge in writing is the amount of time involved.  There aren’t enough hours in the day!

TRC:  You recently released another book in your successful Cricket Creek series.  Can you tell our members, who may not have read the series, the premise?  Also, how many books do you plan for Cricket Creek.

LuAnn: My parents had a vacation home in the panhandle of Florida.  When we would drive there from Kentucky I was always saddened by the small towns that were struggling.  Storefronts boarded up and peeling paint had me longing to see the towns during their heyday.   Small towns are the backbone of our country and I wanted to write about a town struggling but then have everyone band together and save their businesses and homes.  Although Cricket Creek is rural, the town is also known for its shopping, theater and cuisine.  I wanted readers to long to step inside the pages and walk into shops and restaurants in the little town that I’ve come to love so much that at times it does seem real.

Cricket Creek was supposed to be three books but has grown to nine.  My ideas for this town are endless so I will continue write the series as long as readers want to read it.  I keep the stories fresh by going in different directions but also having past characters make appearances so we know where their lives are going.

TRC:  Moonlight Kiss was just released a couple of weeks ago.  Can you please give us a brief description of the book? 

LuAnn: Addison Monroe, my sweet little heroine, has been hurt by two very public engagements to two famous men.  She jokingly tells her cousin Mia (Pitch Perfect) that she has enough experience planning weddings to open her own bridal boutique… and she does so in Wedding Row in Cricket Creek.

Reid Greenfield, my sexy hero, is trying to stop his sister from turning their family farm into a wedding reception venue by hosting barn weddings. (And they are so pretty!  I did the research). Fearing bankruptcy, Reid asks city girl Addison to convince his sister that this is a very bad idea.  But Addison adores the notion and jumps on board much to Reid’s displeasure.   Addison butt heads and fight their attraction… oh and I want to tell so much more but fear spoilers!

The secondary plot is about an aging rock legend and a real estate agent Maggie McMillan (Tristan’s mom from Whisper’s Edge).  I get such a kick out of writing second chance love stories with mature couples!

TRC:  You write romance, and have so many wonderful books.  How do you come up with these ideas for your stories? 

LuAnn: Thank you so much!  I must admit that I’m a people watcher.  Everyday life is my inspiration.  Ever since watching Cinderella dance with the handsome prince I’ve believed in the notion that true love will win against all odds 🙂

TRC:  Do you have a preference between writing Contemporary Romance, Southern Romantic Comedy, and Sensual Romance?  Have you ever thought of writing another genre other then romance?

LuAnn: I enjoy writing all three but the common denominator is definitely laughter.   Whether subtle or full blown I believe that love and laughter go together both in my stories and in my life.

I think that there is a real need for more compelling middle grade stories.  We see lovely picture books and amazing YA but I think there is a gap between the two and we lose readers during those middle grade years.  At some point I’d like the opportunity to write stories or even a series for children in grades four-sixth.

TRC:  What are you working on now, and what we can look forward to in 2014? 

LuAnn:  I just finished up Wildflower Wedding, a Cricket Creek novel that will come out in the spring of 2014.  Right now I’m writing Sweet Harmony and enjoying combining my love of romance and country music!

TRC:  Many author bounce ideas and information between each other and their family and spouses.  With whom do you bounce ideas? 

LuAnn: It’s funny because when I bounce ideas off of my daughter she has trouble figuring out whether I’m talking about real people or fictional.  We will be in a conversation about a scene or conflict and she will suddenly ask, “Wait, are these friends of yours or characters in your story?  I want to answer both but that might scare her…

I chat with my mother about stories and she always tells me that she can’t wait to find out what happens.  But for the most part the characters take over and pretty much write the story for me.

TRC:  Can you please tell us your writing process?  Do you have a favorite spot or specific time to write? 

LuAnn: When I’m on a deadline I write almost every day.  I begin with reading back over the pages written the day before to get my head back into the story.  I edit as I go so when I finish the book it’s pretty polished and ready to turn in.  My best work is done in the morning and into the afternoon.  If I’m in a deadline crunch I’ll write in the evening as well.

I prefer to write near a window where I have light and a view.   Seeing trees, birds, water… nature in general is a calming factor and keeps me in touch with my senses.

TRC:  You are a big Country Music fan.  Who are your favorite singers?

LuAnn: Yes I am!   Country music has had a big influence on my writing.  Many of my chapter titles are based on country music songs and I actually listen to that song and soak up the lyrics.

Oh, I have so many country music artists that I adore for different reasons   Keith Urban is a favorite because he sings with such emotion.  I enjoy Jason Aldean because he sings about small towns, farms and country life.  Fly Over States is a great example.  Toby Keith can make me laugh with songs like Red Solo Cup!  The music of Rascal Flatts has gotten me though some tough times in my life.  Of course I love Wynonna Judd.  Her voice is so pure.  Working with her on Restless Heart was such a thrill!  I could go on and on…

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else? 

LuAnn: The added joy of writing romance novels is the readers and authors I’ve met and become such close friends with over the years.  Romance readers are such loving, loyal people!  And knowing that I can bring the same joy to readers that I’ve gotten from reading is such a wonderful feeling.  If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d still write romance novels.  Writing love stories isn’t a job or even a career.  It’s my passion and I want to share it with readers for as long as they read my stories.


LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food:  A really awesome cheeseburger….the kind that is messy and too big to bite into.  

Favorite Dessert: Red Velvet cake for special occasions but good quality ice cream is my weakness.  

Favorite TV show: I really enjoy Justified.  It’s set in Kentucky and stars Timothy Olyphant. I also love to laugh so I watch Modern Family and The Middle.  

Favorite Movie: Love Actually 

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark!  But I won’t turn down milk chocolate either. 

Favorite Literary Character (male & female) not your own: Jo in Little Women 

Dog or Cat: Dog 

TRC:  LuAnn, thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. The Reading Café wishes you good luck with Moonlight Kiss!

LuAnn: Thank you for having me as your guest!

If you want to learn more about LuAnn, you can find her at the following links:Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

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Lie To Me by Chloe Cox-Review, Blog Tour and Giveaway

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Lie to Me by Chloe Cox-Review, Blog Tour and Giveaway

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Lie To Me
Redemption #1
by Chloe Cox
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: November 2013

Lie to Me

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

LIE TO ME (Redemption #1) by Chloe Cox

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 2013

The man who saved her is also the man who destroyed her… or is he?

Seven years ago, I decided I wanted to be a fighter. Marcus Roma showed me how.

Six years ago, my parents died in a car accident. Marcus Roma picked me up off the ground and held me until I could stand on my own two feet.

Five years ago, I fell in love with him.

And then Marcus Roma disappeared. No warning. No explanation. Just gone.

Yesterday, he came back.

And now I have to decide who’s telling the truth, and who’s lying. Who wants something from me, and who wants…

Me.

If I guess wrong, I could lose everything. I need to think clearly. But Marcus makes that impossible. Marcus makes me weak. Marcus makes me want, in a way I’ve never felt before.

Marcus Roma will make me fall. The only question is—will he be there to catch me this time?

LIE TO ME is a new adult / adult contemporary romance novel about truth, lies, and redemption. It is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LIE TO ME is the first instalment in Chloe Cox’s contemporary, new adult Redemption series. The premise follows our couple Marcus and Hollow as Marcus attempts to re-connect with the woman from whom he walked away-five years earlier.

Lie to Me is a written narrative with much of the storyline focusing on the back history and events leading to the present day. The reader learns how and why Marcus and Hollow met; their family histories and exactly where and when everything changed. But I will add, that the elephant in the room-why Marcus left-is not revealed until the final pages of the book. Because of the style of story telling-there is limited one on one time and conversation, until the story focuses on the present day situation.

Chloe Cox builds a storyline using memories, flashbacks and personal musings as alternating chapters are told from first person POV between Hollow and Marcus. There is definitely a history between our leading couple and one that faced many obstacles including the death of Hollow’s parents and Marcus’s father. But we will learn that not everyone and everything is as they seem, especially when Marcus returns following a five year absence-and the why will follow two paths both leading back to Hollow and her younger brother Dill.

Lie to Me is a story about heartbreak and betrayal; lies and telling the truth; family and friends; forgiveness and love. But it is also a story about one man’s desire to protect the woman that he loves and in doing so discovers that he has caused more pain and heartbreak than he could have possibly imagined.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

____________________________

excerpt

LIE TO ME excerpt  CH 13

“That doesn’t work, Marcus. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t work for the man who’s trying to destroy my home and be my…what? What do you even think you are?”

Marcus puts those big hands on either side of me on the kitchen counter, penning me in, and leans in until his mouth is only inches from mine.

“I’m the guy who’s going to keep you safe,” he says.

I shiver as I feel his breath on my neck, and my heart breaks as he says those words. “Oh. Is that all?” I ask.

His lips graze my ear, my cheek. He rubs his face against my neck, and then licks it, ever so lightly.

“No,” he says in my ear. “That’s not all.”

Oh God. Oh God, oh God, oh God. The physicality of this man, and my attraction to him, removes all sense from my brain. I feel like a zombie, or like I’m hypnotized, like he could tell me to strip and my clothes would be half off before I even knew what was happening. Like I’m drunk on him, drunk and deranged and prone to making bad decisions. This should be illegal. You should not be allowed to drive a human body while under this kind of influence.

“Marcus, I can’t do a repeat of this,” I say, and my breath is already ragged. “Please.”

And I push against his chest, gently.

I can’t look at him when he steps back because I know I’ll be right back there, unable to think clearly through my desire for him. Not just for him, but for everything to be right between us. That was the worst part about sleeping with him again—seeing a glimpse of how it could be. Knowing I love him now more than I ever did, knowing that learning more about the world in the last five years has made me realize just how lucky I was to have him in my life at all. And then the hangover: remembering that it’s not all right. That he still hasn’t explained why he left, that he might do it again at any moment. Remembering what happened to me after he left the first time.

How could I bring him back into my life under those circumstances? How could I ever bring him into Dill’s life under those circumstances?

That’s why I kicked him out. Didn’t seem to do any good, though. He’s still in my life. Even if he weren’t standing in my kitchen, looking down at me with such tender concern that it makes me weak, he’d still be in my life. Because I don’t think he’ll ever be out of my thoughts.

about the author

I love to tell stories. I especially love romance, only with all the good and sexy parts left in, and sometimes with a little kink, too. I cry at the dumbest commercials, I hide behind the nearest person during scary movies (and then make them tell me what’s going on), and I spend way too much money sending my friends gag gifts. (Amazon Prime free shipping is a dangerous, dangerous thing.)

So aside from feeling compelled to sit at my computer and make stuff up all day, I’m an otherwise normal gal navigating life, family, love and the rest. I am also a voracious, omnivorous reader, a disastrous cook (recipes are at best just suggestions), and the human who belongs to two bat%$&! insane cats.

FIVE FUN FACTS

– Number of jars of peanut butter and peanut butter-chocolate consumed while writing (oh god why did I figure this out): 5 and 4, respectively. I started out with just the plain peanut butter, but at some point in the writing process peanut butter just wasn’t cutting it for me anymore. I had developed a peanut butter tolerance. I needed something stronger. And thus I leveled up to this peanut butter chocolate devil mix. It was like a swirl thing? Whole Foods does it. You can get the peanut butter and chocolate mixed together, and it is the laziest snack ever, and it is wonderful. With a spoon, people. I ate it with a spoon.

– Marcus, like one of my previous heroes (what up, Chance fans!), is loosely based on someone I know. Fighter’s hands really are very heavy.

– Actually, I’m just going to throw this out there: boxing is an amazing workout, and the scenery ain’t half bad. You know, if you need to work off 9-10 jars of peanut butter related condiments for some reason.

– Harlow’s never had the time to pursue her own dreams, but she’s actually a very talented self-taught musical composer. Marcus might have plans for her, there…

– I cried like a baby writing the ending.

AUTHOR CONTACT LINKS:

Website – http://chloecoxbooks.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chloe-Cox/403551756383377
Goodreads –  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5392708.Chloe_Cox

rafflecopter giveaway

Chloe is offering the following prizes on her LIE TO ME Blog Tour:

Kindle Fire HDX 7” Tablet (link to tablet specifications http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DOPNO4M/ref=fs_j)

$100 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
5 Ebook Copies
3 Signed Paperbacks

Terms & Conditions

The Kindle Fire HDX giveaway is international unless excluded. If your country is not on the list that Amazon delivers to, you will not be eligible win this prize.

The signed paperbacks are international.

The Reading Cafe  is not responsible for damage to the Kindle in transit. All issues regarding this must be addressed to Amazon.

All accessories for the Kindle Fire HDX must be purchased by the winner – the prize is the Kindle Fire HDX only and does not include the power adaptor.

Entrants must be 18 or over.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown-a review

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The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown-a review

The Cowboy's Christmas Baby

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2013

‘Tis the season for…

A pistol-totin’ woman who’s no angel
A tough rancher who doesn’t believe in miracles
Love that warms the coldest nights

After a year in Kuwait, Lucas Allen can’t wait to get back to his ranch for Christmas and meet his gorgeous Internet pal in person.

When he pulls in, there’s Natalie Clark right in his front yard with a pink pistol in her hand and a dead coyote at her feet.

Lucas is unfazed. But wait…is that a BABY in her arms?

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Ah … what a beautiful story this was. The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown is exactly as the title suggests. One cowboy, one baby and one heck of a Christmas. A contemporary love story, with some hot scenes, amazing comedy and a list of secondary characters that make you want to read more.

What would you do if you were our main man Lucas?? He comes home to his ranch after serving overseas for the past year, all he wants is a good home cooked meal and to anticipate the arrival of a lady (this is our main lady Natalie) that he has been cyber dating during that year away. What he gets and what meets him at his front door is not only Natalie with a pink pistol in her hands, dead coyote at her feet, but a BABY on her hip. WHAT?? A BABY???

Yah that kinda got my attention too! LOL Turns out Natalie was preggers when they were cyber dating (most def it is deceitful, but she is easy to forgive) and she had wanted to show up a few days early to surprise Lucas. Lucas is, rightfully so, SHOCKED. He is okay with her being there early .. but a BABY?? After the initial shock and a few chapters, there is an acceptance (didn’t hurt that the family was completely, excuse the pun, gaga over lil man, and the fact that Natalie grew up on a ranch) Lucas and Natalie settle into really getting to know each other in person. Turns out the chemistry they had over the internet, is doubled face to face. As they ease into a romance, each also deal with the loss of a close friend (you have to read for more on that), and Lucas has trouble with PTSD and reintegrating into his “normal life”.

Natalie is a spitfire and one strong woman. Despite her deceit, she is perfect in all ways. She is so strong and such an asset to Lucas and his family and I couldn’t help but admire her a little. Add in a few more sexy cowboys (this is the second book of this series), some amazing laugh out loud moments and the magic of the Christmas holiday, I found myself feeling so much warmth and love towards these people and anxious to read more!

An absolute great read, but I never felt that WOW factor that I feel with my 5 out of 5 ratings. That will be my only negative (if that can even be considered negative) comment, as it’s a Christmas story and it just doesn’t feel right to nitpick anything Christmas. LOL

If you love some hunky cowboys, one liners, lots of teasing, a romance that comes together against most odds and lots of Christmas love then this book is for you. It’s not a heavy read but one you can enjoy curled up by the fire with the snow falling outside. You do not have to read the first book to appreciate this book, but if you like visits by past characters of a series, then you may want to read the first one before you tackle this one!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Coming Home (Taking A Chance On Love #1) by Misty Matthews-a review

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Coming Home (Taking A Chance On Love #1) by Misty Matthews-a review

Coming Home

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

COMING HOME (Taking a Chance on Love #1) by Misty Matthews

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2013

Motorcycle riding, high-powered attorney Alana Stewart is a far cry from the shy, teenager who left Chance determined never to look back. Family obligations force her to return to the town that only holds bad memories for her. A stop at her former sanctuary brings an unexpected surprise…the new manager just might be what she needs to get her through the holidays.

When sexy, leather-clad Alana walks into the bookstore, Connor Tate, has a feeling he may be in for the ride of his life. Despite the fact that their lives are headed in different directions, they are drawn to one another. Connor is determined to prove to Alana that Chance isn’t the place she remembers, but will his efforts fail when she discovers he hasn’t told her the whole truth about himself?

Can they trust each other enough to take a chance on love?

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

REVIEW: COMING HOME is the first instalment in Misty Matthews’s adult, contemporary romance Taking A Chance On Love series focusing on the people and town of Chance, Arizona. Coming Home and the series is co-written by Misty Cail and Susanne Matthews and you can definitely see two distinct styles of writing in the novel.

The premise finds thirty-something lawyer Alana Stewart returning home for the Christmas holidays to small town Chance, Arizona where she will be re-introduced to Connor Tate-the son of the book shop owner-where she used to hang as a teen. But Alana has some issues of control; issues about Connor; and issues about family. She is also quick to judge; quick to misinterpretation; and refuses to admit that there is life outside of big city living and the bottom line. And when things begin to overwhelm, Alana is quick to run without thinking about where it is she wants to go.

Alana is an independent, successful lawyer in Texas and views life and family in Chance, Arizona as suffocating and controlling. When an opportunity presents itself for Alana to return home on a permanent basis she refuses to accept believing any chance of success remains in a big city environment.

The relationship between Alana and Connor develops slowly. There is a definite attraction to one another and one that will eventually lead to a sexual relationship, but Connor wears his feelings for Alana out in the open and Alana continues to deny that there is any potential beyond her time spent in town.

There are several secondary characters including Alana’s sister and Connor’s best friend who have a history together and one that will probably be addressed in a future storyline. Alana and Connor’s parents play a pivotal role in Coming Home and like most parents, their concerns for their children come across as controlling and over protective. Perhaps this is where Alana’s issues of control and Connor’s current living arrangements are the focus of Alana’s concerns.

Misty Matthews writes a story that will be familiar to many adult children who have a difficult time with parental issues of control and letting go. But sometimes, the bigger picture is not control but concern about the choices in life one makes. We watch as one daughter has a need to run from the family and all of its’ issues and, another daughter whose only option is to remain in the security of family and what it has to offer.

COMING HOME is a story about compromise and love; family and friends. It is also a story about two people who each see something different in the small town of Chance Arizona but something that is familiar all the same.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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