Monthly Archives: November 2013

Game for Trouble (Game For It #2) by Karen Erickson-a review

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GAME FOR TROUBLE (Game for It #2) by Karen Erickson-a review

Game for Trouble

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 28, 2013

He’ll play dirty to get what he wants… Willow Cavanaugh would be happy if she never saw cocky football star Nick Hamilton again. Sure, their fling was the hottest she’d had, but he’s way too much of a playboy to settle down with one woman. Plus, she’s got her heart set on a piece of real estate for her catering business—and Nick owns that property.

Nick may be at the top of his game, but all he wants is a second chance with Willow. When he offers to sell her his commercial space if she agrees to a series of dates with him, their chemistry is so scintillating that jumping back into bed seems like an inevitability. But Willow’s decided all’s fair in sex and blackmail. Little does she know, Nick’s playing to win…and she’s the prize.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: GAME FOR TROUBLE is the second instalment in Karen Erickson’s Game For It contemporary romance series. This is Willow and Nick’s storyline. Nick is a player for the San Jose Hawks professional football team and we were first introduced to the players in Game for Marriage-book one-Jared and Sheridan’s story.

The premise of Game for Trouble follows Nick as he tries to win back Willow’s heart. Years before Nick and Willow were in a relationship when Nick abruptly ended the couple. Not knowing the ‘what or the why’, Willow has had a difficult time forgiving Nick for abandoning her. Fast forward several years later and Nick wants a second chance but Willow remembers the hurt and the pain.

The relationship between Willow and Nick begins acrimonious at best. Nick offers a deal-Willow wants something from Nick and Nick wants Willow. 8 dates and they call it even. If Willow does not want Nick after the 8 dates, he won’t bother her again. As the storyline unfolds, so too does the relationship until Nick tells her the truth about why he left years before.

The world building continues from the previous storyline in that Sheridan and Jared play a small role in this particular premise. We watch as a second chance at love is destroyed when the truth is finally revealed.

My only complaint is Willow’s almost bi-polar personality. I know I use this term in many reviews, but she pulls and pushes the man that she loves in every direction. She is aggressive and determined, which at times comes across as too strong.

Game for Trouble is another interesting and sweet romantic storyline by Karen Erickson. There is a little bit of football where we are introduced to a fellow player and publicist. It looks like Karen may be setting up for her next story. If you like an uncomplicated story about second chances, Game for Trouble is a wonderful read.

Reading Order
1. Game for Marriage
2. Game for Trouble

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Interview with Jeff Gmerek-Cover Model and Body Builder

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Interview with Jeff Gmerek-Cover Model and Body Builder

March 25, 2014 marks the date of JR Ward’s much anticipated release of The King (Wrath and Beth’s continuing story). The Reading Cafe would like to introduce Jeffrey J. Gmerek -the cover model for The King and the re release of Dark Lover  (Feb 2014)

TRC: Hi Jeff and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on making the cover of J.R.Ward’s THE KING.

Jeff Gmerek 4We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jeff: I have had health problems growing up where I had to give up sports and focus on my heath, which is how I got into the fitness scene 7 years ago. I am a 100% Natural Fitness Model/Bodybuilder from New York. I am a Special Education Teacher. I’ve been signed with a Fitness Modeling agency in NYC for 4 years as well as a Model for Extreme Sun Capsule.

TRC: What type of daily regimen do you follow to stay in shape? Does it change based on cover shoots and job requirements?

Jeff: I wake up at 6am every morning and go to sleep at 10pm. Sleep is very important when trying to build muscle. I designed my own nutrition plan where I follow a High Protein/High Carb Diet. Email me for nutrition plans (serious inquiries only at Juniorizzy@aol.com). I am 6 foot 1 245lbs. Depending on job requirement I have to make sure that I look the part depending what type of build they want for the covers.

Jeff Gmerek 3TRC: There is always a story behind being discovered. Would you please tell us about your foray into the cover model business?

Jeff: I was discovered about 4 years ago by Silver Model Management’s CEO Adam Silver. From there everything fell right into place. I have to give a special thanks to Tony Mauro, one of the best illustrators/graphic artist around.

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality and pornography. What is your opinion about nude modelling?

Jeff: I have never done nude modeling nor will I ever.

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. At times do you feel alone, surround by so many people? What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Jeff: My family, friends and photographers have and always will be very supportive of me. Sometimes is it very stressful, especially when I have to travel and make sure I have everything that I need(especially my meals.)

Jeff Gmerek JR WardTRC: At The Reading Cafe we first became aware of you as a cover model for J.R.Ward’s THE KING (2014). Do you know on how many covers you have appeared? Do you remember your first cover on which your image appeared?

Archangel's Storm-Jeff GmerekJeff: I have been on 12 Book covers, several magazines in the U.S. and one of the best known magazines(Vanity) in the U.K. Last year I won the Best Male Cover of the Year which was Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Storm.

TRC: At times, there has been a stigma surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry. But the popularity of the paranormal romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years with the many vampire, werewolf and fantasy storylines. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the romance cover model?

 

Jeff: That the reader gets involved and can’t put the book down, wanting more.

Reaper's Legacy-Jeff GmerekTRC: What do you feel is the most important or interesting aspect of the romance cover industry?

Jeff: To catch the reader’s eye and get their full attention.

TRC: If you could become a contestant on a reality TV program, which show would you choose and why?

Jeff: Funny your ask this question. Just the other day I got asked to be on The Bacholerette.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about yourself?

Jeff: That people judge me by my looks. I was raised very old school and am very family oriented.

Jeff Gmerek 1

 

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

Jeff: I like to go in my hot tub and turn on the TV or listen to music while I am in it. During the summer I like to go up to my beach house.

 

 

 

LIGHTNING ROUND 

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Dessert: Ice Cream

Favorite Movie: Training Day

Favorite TV Show: The Voice

Last Movie that you Saw: 42

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk

Pet Peeve: People chewing with their mouth open

Secret Celebrity Crush: Vida Guerra

TRC:  Thank you Jeffrey for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the upcoming release of THE KING and your coveted image. We wish you all the best for future covers.

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Colter’s Gift (Colter’s Legacy #5) by Maya Banks-a review

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Colters’ Gift by Maya Banks (Colters’ Legacy Series – Book 5)

Colter's Gift

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About the book: Release Date November 5, 2013 -This is the final books of the series

Lauren Wilder fell for the wrong man, trusted the wrong man, and she paid a very dear price for it. Now broken and wounded, she’s retreated to the bosom of the Colter family and the unshakeable love and support they offer. But the man she once loved and trusted is not without his own power, and he’ll use every bit of his money and resources to make sure he gets Lauren back, no matter whom he destroys doing it.

Liam and Noah were hired by Lauren’s brother to watch over her. But with danger looming, they head to the Colorado mountains—where Lauren has found temporary sanctuary. In her wounded eyes, Liam and Noah see the woman she once was—and could be again. They’re determined to show her everything a man can be—someone who will love her, cherish her, satisfy her, and when the time comes, put their very lives on the line for her.

Review:

Lauren, for the first time since coming to Colorado, is standing on her own. She is working at the diner in town and has her own apartment. She is finally feeling at peace with the decision she made to leave her tortuous relationship behind. Once her brother Max, who is married to Callie Colter, swoops in and brings her home to Colorado with him and the Colters, she can finally start putting herself and her life back together. She was immediately taken in by the entire Colter family, but especially Holly Colter, matriarch of the family, and her three, yes three, husbands. And, once again, the Colters prove that family is everything to them. Mess with one and you mess with them all.

Unbeknownst to Lauren, the two hunky body guards that Max had hired to keep her safe in New York, are still trying to track down the dirt bag that hurt Lauren. While chasing down leads, Liam and Noah discover that Lauren wasn’t totally honest about who and what her ex was. The two of them decide to make a visit to Colorado to question Lauren, and once they arrive, they know that the feelings they had developed for Lauren were real. They’ll do anything to keep her safe and to make her feel loved and protected.

Everyone soon realizes that said dirt bag is still after Lauren, and will do whatever he sees fit to bring her back under his control. While Lauren, Liam and Noah are trying to navigate their way and figure out how to make their relationship work, Lauren is kidnapped by her ex. And what a sick and twisted s.o.b. he is. Will Liam, Noah and the Colters be able to get to Lauren in time and bring her back home? Well, of course. Hello?! Romance novel and all, BUT, the action and suspense in getting to her in time will leave you on the edge of your seat. And, once they get back to Colorado, her HEA doesn’t happen instantaneously. It takes a minute for her to truly over come all that has happened to her and come to grips with her life now.

Colters’ Gift was an amazing last novel in the series. Lauren was a very believable character, albeit a little naïve at first. And Liam and Noah?? Well, to say they’ll leave you swooning is an understatement. Even though parts of this book were hard for me to read personally, (some of what Lauren endured is harsh to say the least), Maya outdid herself with the way she finished their story.

At the end of Colters’ Gift, we get a novella, Colters’ Legacy, which ties everything up. We get to see all of the Colters: Holly and her husbands, Adam, Ryan and Ethan, their three sons and their wife, daughter Callie and her husband Max, and of course Lauren, Liam and Noah. There are babies born and futures decided that are befitting the Colters’ Legacy.

You all know that I worship at the altar that is Maya Banks. The way she tied this series up reiterated, at least for me, that she is one of the absolute best in this genre. I still can’t believe, though, that I won’t be hearing from the Colters down the road. To say I cried like a baby at the end is like saying that Niagara Falls is a stream. If you’re a true fan of this genre, and you’ve not read any of Maya’s series, you have no idea what you’re missing. When I love a book and/or series, I usually end my review with “well done Maya, very well done”, but for some reason that doesn’t seem like high enough praise for me this go around. So, all I can say is that I will miss this group of characters down to my toes, and, thank you Maya Banks for sharing your incredible stories with us. Until next time…………..

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Unbreakable by Stephanie Tyler – a Review

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Unbreakable by Stephanie Tyler – a Review

UnbreakableLinks to order Unbreakable: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
THIS IS SECTION 8.

A cabal of operatives with dangerous pasts teams up to work black ops missions. Their weapon: deception. Can they help one of their own before he goes too far?

When Gunner agreed to help Section 8, he didn’t realize he’d be pulled back into the shadowy world he thought he’d escaped forever. The son of double agents, he was initiated at a young age into the cold world of espionage when his father forced him to work for international smuggler Drew Landon. And when Gunner’s past with Landon threatens the other mercenaries, and, most important, Avery, he makes an impossible choice…and disappears.

Avery’s not willing to give up on Gunner. The attraction between them has been there from the start, and she rallies Section 8 to help him. She knows there’s only one way to keep Gunner safe: fake his death and take him off the grid. But when she finally locates him, Gunner is a changed man, harder, more desperate, and on the edge of self-destruction. And only Avery can find a way to free him from Landon—and from the demons of his past—before it’s too late.

 

Review:

Unbreakable by Stephanie Tyler is her 2nd book in her Section 8 series.  I discovered Tyler when I had read and reviewed the 1st book of the series, Surrender. I loved the book, and noted that I would be adding it to my must buy list.  When Unbreakable was sent to be for an honest review, I was looking forward to see if Tyler can keep this storyline going, and I am thrilled to say…..she does.  Unbreakable, which is romance suspense, was a fantastic story, with many of the characters from the first book playing major parts in this story. 

Our heroine in Unbreakable is Avery, who is Dare’s sister (our hero in the first book), and the person who will help run Section 8.   Gunner is the hero in this storyline, and there is no question that both Avery and Gunner love each other very much, but in this case, nothing is easy.

Unbreakable starts a short time after Surrender left off, with Avery trying to put the pieces of Section 8 back together.  Many of the others were sent to take a vacation break, with Avery, Gunner and Jem hanging back.  Gunner leaves to go back to work for an old boss, Drew Landon, as he feels he is not good enough for Avery, not to mention  putting her life in danger.  But Avery is determined to get Gunner back, and with the help of Jem, she succeeds to kidnap him and bring him home.  What Avery doesn’t realize is that Landon will go to extreme lengths to bring Gunner back to him, including hurting Avery very badly.  At this point, we meet up with a new character, a female doctor named Drea.  I loved this new addition to the group, as she fit in so well.   The team is called back together, while Avery recovers, to plan some way to stop a powerful villain like Drew Landon. 

What follows is an exciting and suspenseful adventure that was a thrilling ride all the way to the electrifying climax.  A few surprises and twists will create a very exciting, and volatile situation at the end.   Though the storyline come to a satisfying conclusion, there is something that is left open ended, and we know who book three will be about.  Darn…I cannot wait for the next book.  Tyler does such a great job with her fabulous characters, such as Avery, Gunner, Dare, Grace, Jem, Key and now Drea.  I guarantee you will love them as much as I did.

If you like adventure, danger, suspense, hot mercenaries, strong women, steamy sex, and a nasty villain, then this series is perfect for you. Even though this is the 2nd book of a series, it can be read as a standalone.  But because of these wonderful characters, I wholly recommend you start with the 1st book to meet them all, and understand more of the storyline and background.  Stephanie Tyler is one of the best authors writing romance/suspense. If you have not read this series, go buy Surrender now, and then read Unbreakable. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by publisher

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The Marriage Wager by Jane Ashford-a review

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The Marriage Wager by Jane Ashford-a review

The Marriage Wager 1

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release Date November 5, 2013

After watching her husband gamble his life away, Lady Emma Tarrant is determined to prevent another young man from meeting a similar fate. So she challenges the scoundrel who holds his debts to another game. Intrigued by the challenge, the scoundrel, Lord Colin Wareham agrees, but if he wins, the lady must give him her heart.

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Another first time author for me in my fave genre. The Marriage Wager by Jane Ashford is a historical regency romance set in London (and surrounding countryside). A beautiful story about a married couple falling in love with a little gambling, action and annoying yet humorous and memorable secondary characters on the side.

We are introduced right away to our heroine Lady Emma, who happens to be at a gambling house with eyes upon her estranged and irresponsible younger brother. Lady Emma has been banished by her father for running away and marrying a scoundrel who was truly only after her fortune. A hard lesson for Emma to learn, as truth became reality when her husband has gambled her entire fortune away and was then found dead. Emma has returned to London and needs to sit at the dreaded gambling tables herself in order to survive. This is when she witnesses her brothers behaviour which seems to be mimicking her late husbands. Taking matters into her own hands, Emma confronts the older gentleman that her brother has lost to, and tries to win the destruction of his debt. What she hasn’t realized is that she has also just begun to gamble away her heart.

Lord Colin is gobsmacked by this beauty who has the nerve to demand a game to clear her brother’s debt. Colin is also an esteemed gentleman who must marry and produce an heir for his title. Having fought in a war, and losing his life love (or at least that is what he thought) Colin’s mother has been pushing superficial ladies his way and quite frankly he has had enough. When Emma walks into his life, he thinks she is a breathe of fresh air. Soon thereafter, Emma’s father (who conveniently opens his arms to his estranged daughter when he realizes Colin has set his eyes on her) has forced both Emma and Colin into marriage.

Emma and Colin marry with a bargain struck between then. Each will serve the other as needed for polite society, remain friends although an heir must be produced, fill the emptiness they both feel but NEVER FALL IN LOVE! Guess what??? YUP you got it … LOL

Through much turmoil, a horrible man from Emma’s past, a family hesitant to accept this marriage, a young woman who believes she has been jilted, a forming bond of siblings and lots of “sassy” in between, Colin and Emma travel down an interesting path. They are well suited and at times I chuckled at their antics. I will say there were some parts of this book that dragged on a little and the stubborn streak Emma has, was downright irritating. Overall, it was a beautiful romantic story. I loved the premise of one falling in love with their husband and wife, usually is historical romance, the marriage comes after a couple falls in love! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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A SEAL Wolf Christmas (Heart of the Wolf #12) by Terry Spear-a review

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A SEAL WOLF CHRISTMAS ( Heart of the Wolf #12) by Terry Spear-a review

A Seal Wolf Christmas

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2013

Navy SEAL Bjornolf Jorgenson and undercover operative Anna Johnson have a rocky beginning at their first meeting all to do with pantyhose and tying her to a bed after some heavy-duty sparring, and him declaring she has mighty fine killer knees. Christmas is coming but thoughts of sugar plum fairies and kissing under the mistletoe isn’t something these two gray werewolves have in mind when they’re tasked to be the newlyweds preparing for Christmas while investigating a SEAL’s murder at a Christmas Tree farm.

Neither care about Christmas, sharing gifts, and all the traditions that go along with the season since neither enjoyed the holiday while growing up. But as they battle each other as to what makes for the perfect newly married couple’s first Christmas, they learn that a little Christmas cheer can become so much more, especially if they can take down a SEAL’s killer before they become his next target.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: A SEAL WOLF CHRISTMAS is the twelfth instalment in Terry Spear’s Heart of the Wolf shifter series. This is Bjornolf and Anna’s storyline and one that takes place in the few days and weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays.

Because it is the twelfth instalment there is plenty of reference to previous storylines including one where Bjornolf and Anna first meet, as well as the inclusion of a supporting cast from the earlier books. Although it can be read as a stand alone, there are many characters, premises and comments that may be lost to readers who have not read any of the previous novels.

The premise follows as Bjornolf and Anna are teamed together to locate and rescue a family held prisoner in the Amazon jungle. As the members of the team search and rescue, it becomes apparent that not everything about the kidnapping is on the level. Once the civilians have been secluded and safe, Bjornolf and Anna will be reassigned together for another mission that includes a young wolf shifter who has scented death on a Christmas tree farm back in the States.

As the story develops, so too does the intimate relationship between our leading couple. One thing I like about most of Terry’s shifter storylines is that there is very little friction or animosity between the couples as their inner beast knows when it has met its’ mate. The sex scenes are sensual and steamy and as with all mates, there is always the possibility of a pup(s) on the horizon.

The world building continues from several of the previous instalments -A SEAL in Wolf’s Clothing #9: To Tempt the Wolf #3: with a little cameo from Leidolf Wildhaven and Cassi from Seduced by the Wolf #5. With the inclusion of several of the previous storyline characters, Terry brings a familiarity to her latest novel. The secondary characters all play a supporting role and are called upon on many occasions to keep the flow of the series smooth.

The premise finds Bjornolf and Anna as they must investigate the possible disappearance of a fellow SEAL shifter and the connection to the family rescued in the Amazon jungle. We also watch as a young shifter discovers that there are consequences to his actions when his inner wolf finds the mate of his heart.

If you like a storyline with action and mystery; shifters and their mates; and of course a happily ever after, Terry Spear write a series that is easy to read and with one you will fall in love especially if you like your romance novels with a peak at the next generation of shifters.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait by Grace Burrowes-a review

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Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait by Grace Burrowes-a review

lady-jenny-s-christmas-portrait

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: September 2013

A freshly wrapped Regency Christmas romance from New York Timesand USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes.

What Lady Jenny wants for Christmas…

For Christmas, soft-spoken Lady Jenny Windham craves the freedom to pursue her artistic ambitions, though it will mean scandalizing her ducal parents and abandoning all hope of a family of her own. She confides her plans to successful artist Elijah Harrison when he’s commissioned to paint a portrait of her small nephews, because assisting Elijah will bring Jenny that much closer to her heart’s desire—won’t it?

…Will break both their hearts.

Elijah Harrison finds in his unlikely assistant not only an inspiring muse and unappreciated talent, but also a lovely and passionate woman. If Elijah supports Jenny’s career, his own professional interests will suffer, but more significantly, he will lose Jenny forever. Both Jenny and Elijah must choose between true love and a lifelong dream.

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Well Grace Burrowes does it again. Another beautiful historical romance (regency) and all set during the holiday season. Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait is another book of her popular Windham Series that centers around a family and their personal journeys to find their one true love. Again I found myself breaking my own rule of not reading a series in order, and this time I really felt it. There were so many characters. You can really feel the bonds among this family, and I sensed that those readers who have read this series in order, really got the feeling of a satisfying continuation of other love stories. I will most definitely will be starting at book one and likely will reread this book at a later date so I too can enjoy an aspect of this book that I feel I missed out on.

So Lady Jenny is the last sibling of this Windham family who is left unmatched. She can be shy and quiet, but seems to be coming into her own without apology and is driven to pursue a future as an artist (as opposed to a married baby making machine). When Elijah arrives at the family home by chance, and later hired to commission a painting of certain family members, the attraction between Jenny and Elijah is instant and a kinship of sorts begins. Both aspiring artists, they use this common ground to spend time together with Elijah often sharing trade secrets. When the romance becomes full bloom, all of a sudden they both feel they have to give up one love to enjoy the other. Elijah has given up a life of privilege to pursue his art and Jenny has stood up to her family and told them exactly what she wants to do with her life. It took guts to go that far, and they both do not want to throw that away for an affair. Well the affair turns to unexpected love and these two have to figure out what they need to do to get on the same page.

This is an honest to goodness love story set during a beautiful, festive, family oriented season. I happen to love all things art and I reveled in Grace Burrowes ability to paint her beautiful story in my mind using only words. Her descriptions of art pieces were stunning, the love explosive and the family as tight knit as they come. My only complaint is the repetitive conflict between Jenny and Elijah with regards to “I can only become an artist if I go to Paris”. I was so sick of hearing that by the end of the book. Honestly this book could of been a little shorter as I found it a little “laggy” (wait is that a word …lol) and again repetitive. However, this is Grace Burrowes I am writing about, and it’s hard for me to really pick apart much of what she writes.

If you want to curl up with a good book this holiday season and have had the pleasure of reading this series, then grab that mug of cocoa, get under that warm blanket, let the Christmas lights set the mood and enjoy!

HAPPY READING!

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Rock The Beat by Michelle Valentine-Blog Tour and Review

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Rock The Beat by Michelle Valentine-Blog Tour and Review

RockTheBeat_BT_Banner

Rock The Beat
Black Falcon #3
by Michelle A. Valentine
Release Date: October 30, 2013
Genre: contemporary,romance, new adult, rock

Rock the Beat

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ROCK THE BEAT (Black Falcon #3) by Michelle A. Valentine

ABOUT THE BOOK: October 30, 2013

Twenty-year-old Holly Pearson never dreamed that while working at her father’s motocross track she’d run into the walking, talking definition of trouble in a sexy, tattooed package—Trip Douglas, the man sent to evaluate the track for a possible investment opportunity. Holly makes no attempt to hide the fact she despises Trip, but she learns to be civil toward him when he offers to help her land the man of her dreams.

Trip needs a break from the crazy rock-and-roll lifestyle he’s been living for the past few years. With his Black Falcon band mates settling down with marriage and babies, Trip peruses an investment opportunity in motocross, something he’s always been passionate about. Hiding his celebrity status, Trip infiltrates the new business posing as a dirt bike rider training for the X-Games. The only obstacle is the owner’s daughter, Holly. She’s a real ball bustin’ Ice Queen, and she’ll do whatever it takes to make the deal fall through. Trip soon discovers that winning over his new enemy is the key to gaining a partnership in Mountain Time Speed Track.

Knowing he’s the expert on getting laid, Trip ropes Holly into becoming his ally by helping her score a date with the man she’s crushing on. The problem is, the more time Trip and Holly spend together, the more they uncover the undeniable attraction between them. Soon they both realize that even the best laid plans go to hell when you find you’re falling in love with the enemy.

**Book THREE in the Black Falcon series. Can also be read as a stand alone novel.**

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ROCK THE BEAT is the October 2013 instalment in Michelle A Valentine’s contemporary rock genre romance series-Black Falcon. Although this is the third full-length storyline, Rock The Beat can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading in order to understand the references and previous storyline characters.

Rock The Beat finds Black Falcon drummer Trip Douglas looking to invest in a moto-cross business during his down time from the band. While Noah and Riff are spending time with their young families, Trip discovers a little gem of a sports venue needing a quick influx of cash and Trip is ready, willing and able. But first, Trip goes in under cover as a representative for the investor hoping to learn the truth behind the business’s current drop in productivity and cash flow. Enter Holly Pearson, the owner’s daughter, and the young woman with whom Trip will fall in love.

The relationship is slow to build as Trip and Holly meet under drunken circumstances and the ensuing days to weeks will find Trip trying to make amends for his initial behavior. But Holly’s heart has been broken by a former love and Trip represents everything that Holly does not want-especially when he has lied about his identity and about whom he actually represents.

The secondary characters are colorful mix including Holly’s best friend Max; her ex boyfriend and her ailing parents. There is definitely a need for a story or novella revolving around Max and one that Michelle has quietly introduced through a letter in the storyline.

There is limited interaction with the previous storyline characters and Black Falcon members until the final few pages of the novel. But saying that, there is also a building story for Trip’s twin Tyke who has been growing restless while the rest of the band members fall in love and take time to smell the roses. If you were looking for a storyline involving music and tours, Rock the Beat takes a different path.

Michelle A Valentine has written a story for Trip that will find the bad boy drummer tamed by a twenty year old woman who has had her fair share of hard times and broken promises. Rock The Beat is a storyline of heartbreak and sorrow; betrayal and redemption; love and letting go. It is also a story with a happily ever after for now and one that I hope will continue into the next instalment.

READING ORDER

Black Falcon series

Rock the Heart
Rock the Band
Rock my Bed
Rock my World
Rock The Beat

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

“I’m Trip Douglas. It looks like you and I will be getting cozy while you show me the ins and outs of this place.”

I stare down at his hand. Ugh. This is so not happening to me. Our family business is going down the freaking toilet and I have to depend on the guy who thinks with his dick to pull us out of the hole? Maybe the investor can send someone else? Anyone else! No way is some rich, old dude relying solely on Trip’s judgments of the place to make a huge financial commitment? This guy can’t be trusted with something so important. This guy can’t stick with the same woman for five minutes, let alone see such a huge business deal through.

Trip wiggles his fingers at me. “Come on. They won’t bite.”

Dad needs this partnership to work for the sake of the track. He told me last week how important it was for this business to get it. If it doesn’t go through, we’re in big trouble.

Reluctantly, I take his hand. It’s warm and rough against my own skin and it’s hard not to think about the way he felt pressed against me last night as he gives it a couple of quick shakes.

“Holly Pearson.”

•TRIP DOUGLAS BIO
■Character Name: Trip Douglas
■Birth Date: October 14th
■Place of Birth: Ashland, Kentucky
■Current Residence: Paintsville, Kentucky
■Height: 6’1”
■Weight: 195
■Hair Color: Black
■Hair Length: Short
■Eye Color: Green
■Tattoos: Sleeves on both arms, back, and chest
■Educational History: High School graduate
■Work History: Drummer of Black Falcon
■Quirks: Wears bandanna on his head, being an identical twin
■Key Adult Experiences: Achieving musical fame
Trip Douglas (born October 14th), is the drummer for the American heavy metal band Black Falcon. Trip is best known for being the crazier of the two Douglas Twins. His triple-thumping foot pedal sound became a trademark for the band.

Trip began playing instruments under the guidance of his musician father along side his twin brother Tyke, but his interest in playing in a band grew once he discovered his love for hard rock music. He joined a band called Dingy while in high school with his brother Tyke and his best friend Zachary ‘Riff’ Oliver. Later the band was renamed to Black Falcon after the addition of the bands new front man, Noel Falcon.

Trip also enjoys extreme spots, such as dirt bike riding, rock climbing, and sky diving, making him the most adventuress member of the band. His dream is to one day climb Mount Everest.

about the author

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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.

 

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