Second Anniversary Celebration-Julie Cross Prize Package

Second Anniversary Celebration-Julie Cross Prize Package

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Today’s second SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION prize package giveaway is generously donated by the amazing Julie Cross. Julie is offering paper copies of the first three books in her Tempest series (Tempest, Vortex, Timestorm) and a copy of Letters to Nowhere (Letters to Nowhere #1).

 There will be one (1) winner.

Review blue and black

time StormDescription: The battle between the Tempest division and Eyewall comes to a shocking conclusion in this final installment of the Tempest trilogy, where the need for survival stretches the boundaries of history, both past and future, and the world Jackson once knew is a place forever marked by the detrimental effects of time travel.

As Jackson recovers from his brush with death, he’s surrounded not only by the people he loves most—his dad, Courtney, and Holly—he’s also amongst a few of the original time travelers. As he learns more about their life and how this world began, it becomes apparent that they need to put a stop to Thomas and Doctor Ludwig’s experimenting at Eyewall Headquarters. What starts out as an escape plan becomes a war between time and humanity, between freewill and peace. It’s the battle Jackson was born to fight and he’s not about to back down. Not for anything. Not for anyone.

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Timestorm by Julie Cross is the 3rd and final book in her Tempest series.  Timestorm is an exciting and mind boggling climatic finish to this time-travel series.  Jackson wakes up as he is recovering from his brush with death and finds himself surrounded by many people who we have met throughout this series.  They are all trapped in the future within an area run by the enemy, Eyewall, where there is no escape.  Many of our main characters besides Jackson, play important parts in this finale, such as, Holly, Emily, Courtney, Jackson’s Dad, Jenni, Mason, Marshall, Thomas, Adam and Blake.

In first half of the book, Blake was an important character, as we learn a lot about the original time travelers, and how both Tempest and Eyewall were created, as well as how dangerous Eyewall truly is.  This is a difficult review to do, as you need to understand about the time travel history in this world building that Julie has created, to totally understand this book.  It is an amazing and different storyline, and as I said earlier, mind-boggling.   All the pieces do fall into place, with all the characters at one point or another, having had contact with Jackson during the time jumps. Timestorm is an elaborate story, with the needed history to help tie the pieces, and if you read too fast or skip anything, you will lose so much. 

I came away from this series in awe of what a fantastic job Julie Cross did to write this complicated theme, and at the same time create a nice romance.  You can tell how much research Julie had to have done, and the planning in creating this for the story to flow so well.  Even for those who have read the entire series, it can be confusing at times.  But it is a well thought, brilliant, and different time travel story, which was an amazing feat for Julie Cross.

Reviewed by Barb

 

Click HERE for a link to Julie’s website.

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Julie Cross prize package

REMINDER: ALL giveaways require a comment to be eligible for the prize.

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

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

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK for an additional entry.

5. Giveaway is open to US only and will be gifted from Amazon.

6. Giveaway runs from February 12 to February 28, 2014

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Second Anniversary Celebration: Jesse Hayworth Prize Package

Second Anniversary Celebrations:  Jesse Hayworth Prize Package

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Today’s SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION prize package has been graciously donated by the fabulous Jesse Hayworth. Jesse has donated a signed paper copy of SUMMER AT MUSTANG RIDGE and WINTER AT MUSTANG RIDGE (Feb 2014) plus a box of chocolate for ONE (1) lucky commenter.

There will be one (1) winner.

FOLLOW Jesse: Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Jesse Hayworth prize package

REMINDER: ALL giveaways require a comment to be eligible for the prize.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by 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 tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK for an additional entry.

5. Giveaway is open to US / CANADA only

6. Giveaway runs from February 12 to February 28, 2014

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Winter at Mustang Ridge by Jesse Hayworth – a Review

Winter at Mustang Ridge by Jesse Hayworth

 

Winter at Mustang Ridge
Mustang Ridge series – book #2
by Jesse Hayworth
Release Date: February 4, 2014

winter at mustang ridgeLinks to order Winter at Mustang Ridge:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Grateful to her twin for keeping Mustang Ridge in the family, Jenny Skye agrees to return home for a month so her sister can get away. It’s the middle of winter, and only a few year-round staffers, her family, and the animals will be there. But the globe-trotting videographer is soon in way over her head at the dude ranch dealing with reservations, her redecorating-obsessed mother, and the town’s hunky new veterinarian.

 
Despite his adventurous past, Nick Masterson is putting down roots in Mustang Ridge. When a stray dog, a missing family member and a snowstorm conspire to throw him and Jenny together, there’s no denying the blaze of attraction. But can a relationship that began in the heat of the moment turn into something more for a woman who’s always been eager to put her hometown behind her?  

 

Review:

Winter at Mustang Ridge by Jesse Hayworth is the second book in her Mustang Ridge series, and there is also a novella.  Mustang Ridge is a great place to spend on vacation, and for us readers, it is a perfect place to spend your free time imagining yourself at the dude ranch.  I know I would personally love to go to Mustang Ridge, but maybe not in the harsh winter. 

Jenny Skye is our heroine in this book.  Jenny is a photographer, who works on various video and reality television projects.  Jenny loves what she does, but decides to come home to Mustang Ridge to allow her twin sister, Krista to take her version of a vacation, a 6 week training class to learn more about making Mustang Ridge a success. As soon as Krista has left, she calls Jenny to rescue a stray dog that they saw while driving away.  Jenny finds the dog, who gets hurt during the rescue attempt, and takes him to the vet.  There she meets the new vet, Nick Masterson, our hero.

There is an immediate attraction, between Nick and Jenny, and of course the dog, named Rex (nicknamed Sexy Rexy).  What follows is a cute slow build relationship that starts out as a friendship.  It was a lot of fun watching the two of them enjoy their no commitment relationship as friends, and eventually as lovers.  Jenny isn’t staying, as she loves her career; and Nick having had a relationship go south after he moved to a small town like Mustang Ridge to help his family, doesn’t want commitment either, since he knows where Jenny’s heart is.  For the majority of the story, we just get to enjoy the two of them, and their families, as we get to see more of our favorite characters, such as Gran, who is still cooking up great food; Foster, Shelby, Krista, and the rest of the group.  It was nice to see the ranch in the slower winter months, even with the harsh snowy weather.  I love Krista, though she wasn’t in this story a lot, but I am happy to see she will be having her own story in the next book.

We totally fall in love with Rex, as does everyone in the family. It was such a heartwarming story throughout the book, and then nearer to the end some sad moments that kind of bring tears.  No, nothing really bad.  One of the best things I love about Jesses Hayworth’s writing is how she can personalize things.  You hear Rex’s exuberant thoughts, or even between Jenny and Nick.  Hayworth has a knack for making you feel comfortable with those loud thoughts, and it flows so nicely and makes it feel more personal.  

Jesse Hayworth has created a wonderful, sweet, and fun series in Mustang Ridge, and Winter at Mustang Ridge was a delightful and fabulous relaxing romantic read.  Jenny and Nick were a great couple, who were a joy to read, as well as having great chemistry. If you love a simple and sweet contemporary romance; a great couple; a family atmosphere; a fun loving dog, a small town; and the setting in a dude ranch, you need to read this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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A Million Guilty Pleasures by CL Parker-a review

A Million Guilty Pleasures by CL Parker-a review

A Million Guilty Pleasures

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2014

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes a tempting new novel of secrets, lies, and redeeming passion.

Two million dollars secured Noah Crawford the most enticing woman he has ever known. Initiating Delaine Talbot into a sensuous world of pleasure took them both to the brink—again and again. But when Noah discovers why the beautiful innocent sold her body to the highest bidder, he’s faced with the hardest thing he ever had to do: Set her free.

Lanie can’t believe Noah would let her go. Doesn’t he know they share a bond deeper than sex—a connection too powerful to sever? Not even a treacherous enemy out to destroy Noah or the dark secret haunting the multimillionaire can keep them apart. But first Lanie has to show him that he belongs to her, even if it means risking everything for a love that can never be bought or sold.

A Million Guilty Pleasures is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

A Million Guilty Pleasures by C.L. Parker is the second and final book of “Million Dollar Duet” series. Most definitely an erotic romance novel that is full of smutty pages and a story of a guy and a girl trying to conquer a love that seemed doomed to fail. The first book left us with a bit of a cliffhanger so I was pleased that that C.L. picked up right where she left off.

Lanie was purchased for two million dollars by Noah in the first book. A contract was drawn up and signed stating that Lanie will be Noah’s “sex slave” for the duration of two years. All Noah wanted was a beautiful woman available for his insatiable appetite, and he comes to learn he got a whole lot more than he bargained for. Noah came to realize at the end of the first book that Lanie only became a slave to get the money to pay for her mother’s heart transplant. Noah (who by this point has come to terms with his feelings for Lanie), instantly feels guilty about the contract and he releases Lanie from her obligation, and tells her to keep the money. Noah also recruits the top heart surgeon and after telling Lanie he loves her, begins to put much energy into making this relationship work!

Lanie, absolutely heartbroken after Noah ripped up the contract, is relieved that Noah has come back and shares the same feeling for her. Throughout this entire novel, these two try to iron out all the creases of their relationship. With the help of some wacky friends (seriously, I wish I had a Dez in my life ..lol) Lanie and Noah confront an enemy that is doing all he can to bring public embarrassment and disgrace to Noah’s name. David is a callous, out of control jerk face that made my skin crawl and I wish I could jump through the pages and knocked him out.

This was a great conclusion to Noah and Lanie’s story. I am hoping that maybe we’ll get a book with some of the secondary characters taking the lead. C.L. writes some colourful personalities that provided a tension breaker among all the crazy that was happening. I can’t believe I am going to write this, but I thought there was TOO MUCH sex in this book. It took away from the story a little bit and I found I was speed reading through many of these scenes. I did however love that we got both Lanie and Noah’s POV throughout the book and once all was said and done, all the loose ends were tied up leaving me satisfied with the conclusion of this story.

So if you like a smutty read with some colourful people, this may be the book for you. 🙂

Click HERE for our review of A MILLION DIRTY SECRETS (Books 1)

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Second Anniversary Celebration-Entangled™ Prize Package

Second Anniversary Celebration-Entangled™ Prize Package

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Today’s SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS prize package has been graciously donated by Entangled Publishing. ENTANGLED Publishing is offering two (2) ebook prize packages.

There will be two (2) winners.

PRIZE PACKAGE #1

Entangled prize 1

PRIZE PACKAGE #2

Entangled Prize 2

REMINDER: ALL giveaways require a comment to be eligible for the prize.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by 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 tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK for an additional entry.

5. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

6. Giveaway runs from February 11 to February 14, 2014

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Jaded by Anne Calhoun – a Review

Jaded by Anne Calhoun – a Review

 

Jaded

Links to order Jaded: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
After life as a cop in Denver leaves him burned-out, Lucas Ridgeway returns to Walkers Ford, South Dakota, to serve as their chief of police. He’s hoping to start over with a clean slate and avoid any emotional entanglements—even after his next-door neighbor kisses him senseless. Alana is passionate, dedicated, and most importantly leaving town soon. So why not have some fun?

Alana Wentworth comes from a larger-than-life political family, yet all she wanted was to be a librarian. Then after an embarrassing marriage proposal from Mr. Not-For-Her, she jumps at the chance to live her dream for a few months. She wasn’t supposed to get involved with the community—or sexy, troubled Lucas. But when the time comes for Alana to put Walkers Ford behind her, she’s not ready. And Lucas may not be ready for her to go…


Review:

Jaded by Anne Calhoun is a wonderful romance, with an interesting and sweet storyline.  Alana Wentworth comes from a high profile family, with political backgrounds.  Alana helps her older sister, as she specializes in research.  But when an unwanted proposal causes embarrassment, Alana decides to take a consulting job in Walkers Ford, South Dakota.  He r job is work up a proposal to revamp the town library, which is something Alana excels in.  What she doesn’t plan on, is falling for her landlord, Lucas Ridgeway, the towns chief of police. 

Alana doesn’t want commitment, as she knows she will only be in Walkers Ford for a few months, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to attract the attention of the hot Lucas.  Of course, Lucas, who himself isn’t interested in any kind of entanglement is no match for from Alana’s attempt to get his attention.  Their romance, which begins fast, with each claiming no commitments, just for their fun; but it becomes a very sensual, scorching hot affair.  Jaded is also a story of how many people become involved working with Alana, and she changes and affects their lives; from the local teenage bad boy; the elderly lady who works with Alana; Lucas’s sister & Duke the dog; and of course, Lucas.  He knows he is falling in love with Alana, but understands that she has commitments and he will lose her. 

 Alana finds Walkers Ford feels more like home, then her own world she lives in.  It is a beautiful story, with Alana being an important part of helping people rise above their issues, and change; as well as opening Lucas and her own heart.  Will Alana go home?  Will Lucas express his love to Alana to keep her? Will Cody, the teenage bad boy revert back to his bad ways?  You need to read this book to find the answers.  Anne Calhoun has weaved a wonderful story, in a small town; with a hot steamy couple.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Second Anniversary Celebration: Cynthia Eden Prize Package

Second Anniversary Celebration:  Cynthia Eden Prize Package

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Today’s SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION prize package has been graciously donated by the fabulous Cynthia Eden. Cynthia is offering a paper copy of her latest release SCREAM FOR ME (Feb 2014) to Three (3) lucky commenters.

There will be three (3) winners

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Cynthia Eden giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK: Nothing is deeper than the desire they can’t fight—or deadlier than the evil they can’t escape.

They were only supposed to have a professional relationship, but FBI agent Kyle McKenzie has been fantasizing about his sexy partner, Cadence Hollow, from the moment they first moment. It takes the darkest case of their careers to finally bring their hidden desire bubbling to the surface. Once they’re in each other’s arms, though, they swear that nothing short of death will part them. The Night Hunter—a cunning stalker whose four-state, fifteen-year abduction spree began in Paradox, Alabama, with Kyle’s sister—may be only too happy to oblige.

In the small town, Kyle must confront the painful past he’s been hiding from Cadence. Kyle vows to put the Hunter behind bars…or in the ground. But the one thing that obsesses Kyle more than his sister’s grim fate—his furious love for Cadence—is the weapon the Hunter will use to lure his pursuers into the mouth of a murderous trap.

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REMINDER: ALL giveaways require a comment to be eligible for the prize.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by 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 tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK for an additional entry.

5. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

6. Giveaway runs from February 10 to February 14, 2014

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Sour (Bitten #2) by Uzuri M. Wilkerson-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

Sour (Bitten #2) by Uzuri M. Wilkerson-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

Sour Banner

Sour
The Bitten #2
by Uzuri M. Wilkerson
Genre: paranormal,romance, erotic, vampires
Release Date: November 17, 2013

Sour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Sharing blood with a vampire can be exhilarating. You experience a high like no other. You feel invincible. The encounter changes your world.

It can also be deadly.

After a traumatic incident with the rogue vampire Milo, Celia agrees to let Victor taste her. They enter into a bond like no other. When their connection allows her to witness things that she wouldn’t normally see, Celia begins to doubt her decision to share his blood. Victor has never seen Celia’s uncanny gift in another human, prompting him to search for a way to harness her abilities. In the meantime, Celia finds herself watching her back for dangerous vampires hungry for her scent; her cousin’s arrival in town begs many questions; a badly-injured newborn vampire and a pushy new coworker cause her to question her relationship with Victor.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Talk about starting out with a bang………….. Sour begins with Celia being summoned by Milo, the rogue vampire who had taken blood from her in Sweet, (book one in this series), and the result of said summoning is not a pleasant one. And, once Victor discovers what has transpired, he vows to do everything in his power to keep Celia safe. When Celia agrees, finally, to exchange blood with Victor in order to erase Milo’s powers over her, the results are astounding. To everyone. Blood exchanges allow both parties to stay connected to each other, but no one expected Celia to demonstrate the kind of power that keeps growing stronger.

After a trip to her aunt’s house, she discovers that her cousin has unexpectedly come home and something is definitely up with him, which causes her some concern. Add the fact that her pushy new coworker is nosing around, AND, top all of that off with questions she has about her mother and you have quite an interesting mix of events presenting themselves. Poor Celia just does not seem to be able to catch a break, but that’s just the kind of thing that keeps a reader reading…………

Sour is a great follow up to Sweet. I absolutely love Celia. She’s tough and quirky and vulnerable all at the same time. And, even though she loves Victor, she’s not completely “enthralled” with him. They have their relationship ups and downs, which adds texture to the story. Not only do we get to see our old friends, and enemies, but she also introduces a new species or two, and some new characters. And I love the way she introduced them. They’re eased into the story in a way that doesn’t make it feel forced, rather it just continues the storyline. There is a lot going on in this book, but it was easy to keep up. All in all, a great read and I can’t wait for the next one. I just hope she doesn’t make me wait too long………….. 😉

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Guest post-Black and White

Writer’s Block
by Uzuri M. Wilkerson

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It is rather timely that I am writing a post about writer’s block, as I am currently afflicted by this maddening nuisance. There just always seems to be a point where I have been writing and writing and then suddenly… nothing. I stare at the screen, willing inspiration. Everyone has experienced this—from the avid blogger to the high school teenager.

Uzuri WilkersonFor me, the most recent bout came when I was working on book four of my Bitten series. It’s an adult paranormal series that follows a young woman as she navigates her relationship with her vampire boyfriend and figures out why and how her mysterious abilities are surfacing. I had so much fun writing the first one that I wanted to continue with the characters. Unfortunately, by the time I made it to book four, I found I didn’t know where to go next.

It is easy to see why some of my favorite TV shows could go astray in later seasons. You come up with this great, exciting premise that, regrettably, has to be sustained when you have an audience. My favorite example of a show that gets it right is Breaking Bad. Admittedly, I got onto that bandwagon extremely late but I will still count myself as a fanatic. It had such tight, impressive writing that they obviously knew where they were going from very early on.

So, my dilemma was clear. I did not want a rambling series, one where we followed the main characters to baby showers and weddings and shopping. That’s boring. I needed to have an endgame.

Calvin and HobbesThe first time this became an actual notion for me (this endgame business) was with the show LOST. I was a ravenous fan in the beginning but toward the middle there… it was losing its appeal. The show runners admitted publicly that they needed an endgame. Forward motion is always the right direction for any plot, serial or not. Now, whether you agreed with their endgame or not is another discussion. (Not)

So I sat down and figured out my conclusion. Once I realized where I wanted my characters to end up, I then was able to focus on the events leading up to that conclusion. It was kind of freeing, to be honest, having an endgame. Of course, I still suffer from a block or two now and then, but it isn’t as drastic as before.

Now… to keep myself from another nuisance: procrastination (I’ve checked Facebook at least three times while typing this missive).

Giveaway -black and white

Uzuri is offering an ecopy of SWEET and an ecopy of SOUR to two (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe. 2 winners will each received an ecopy of both books in Uzuri’s BITTEN series.

Sweet Sour

1. If you have not registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by 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. Giveaway is open internationally.

5. Giveaway runs from February 9-12, 2014

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