Monthly Archives: February 2014

Second Anniversary Celebration: Laura Kaye Giveaway Prize Package

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Second Anniversary Celebration: Laura Kaye Giveaway Prize Package

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Today’s SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION giveaway prize package has been graciously donated by the amazing LAURA KAYE. Laura is offering a paper copy (and swag) of HARD AS IT GETS (Hard Ink #1) to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

Click HERE for the link to Laura Kaye’s website.

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Laura Kaye giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK: Tall, dark, and lethal…

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey’s tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome–pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He’s left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander’s daughter. Loyalty won’t let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn’t expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge..

________________________________________

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 9 to February 14, 2014

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A Wicked Pursuit by Isabella Bradford-a review

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A Wicked Pursuit by Isabella Bradford-a review

A Wicked Pursuit

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 24, 2014

In Isabella Bradford’s enthralling new trilogy, three noble brothers—London’s most scandalous rakes—are about to do the unthinkable: settle down. Harry Fitzroy, Earl of Hargreave, is the first to meet his match and lose his heart . . . to a lady he least expected.

As the eldest son of the Duke of Breconridge, Harry Fitzroy is duty-bound to marry—and marry well. Giving up his rakish ways for the pleasures of a bride’s bed becomes a delightful prospect when Harry chooses beautiful Lady Julia Barclay, the catch of the season. But a fall from his horse puts a serious crimp in his plans. Abandoned by Julia before he can propose, the unlucky bachelor finds himself trapped in the country in the care of Julia’s younger sister.

Harry has never met a woman like Lady Augusta. Utterly without artifice, Gus is clever and capable, and seems to care not a fig for society. After a taboo kiss awakens passion that takes them both by surprise, Harry realizes he’d almost given his heart to the wrong sister. While London tongues wag, he’ll use his most seductive powers of persuasion to convince the reluctant Gus that she belongs with him—as his equal, his love, his wife.

REVIEW

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

EEEEE …. First book in a planned trilogy, hot smexy Dukes and Earls, underdog heroine, historical romance and a couple that has broken all the proper rules, to be each other’s “somebody”! YUP .. my kind of book! 🙂

A Wicked Pursuit by Isabella Bradford is the first book in her trilogy called Breconridge Brothers. The oldest son of a Duke, Harry Fitzroy has come to terms that it is time to settle down, get married and produce an heir. He also has found, what he believes to be “the perfect future Duchess” in Lady Julia. Her beauty is unlike any other, and she is quick to play flirtatious games with her suitors. Determined to make her his one and for all, Harry shows up at Julia’s country estate with plans to propose. Julia, being foolish ends up causing Harry serious injury. Too overwhelmed (in other words, too selfish) to try and deal with Harry’s injury, she leaves the estate for London, to continue on her “season”.

Lady Augusta “Gus” is Julia’s younger sister. She is not as beautiful as Julia however her personality and traits are quite remarkable. She is kind, caring, wants to provide comforts to her guests and she can run and manage an estate like she born to do so her whole life. She also has taken to nursing Harry back to health despite many times when she would like to strangle him for his pompous ways.

Truly taken back from this Lady Augusta, Harry begins to realize that Gus is his guardian angel and good luck charm all wrapped in one. He remembers seeing and hearing Gus by his side during his worst moments, and needs her more than he ever though possible. Despite worry of being “ruined”, Gus continues to be by Harry’s side and an inevitable love begins.

Such a beautiful couple! Swoon worthy moments for sure, but this is simply two souls that are meant to be together. They balance each other perfectly. I was impressed how their story unfolded and have to admit I anticipated trouble to come knocking. I held back .5 of my rating just because I found at times I was thinking “Ok enter trouble already, enough of the falling in love part!” Knowing the formula to a good historical romance novel, I was a little apprehensive every time something went “right”. Maybe that is a sign of a great author, that they can keep the reader guessing .. not so predictable. LOL

So ….. do Gus and Harry figure all out? Will Gus be able to live a life as a Duchess, under the scrutiny of London society when all she has known is country living? Will their love be enough to survive their future?? Read on! 😉

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Desire (The Seductors #1) by B.L. Wilde-a review

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Desire (The Seductors #1)  by B.L. Wilde-a review

Desire

ebook only .99cents at Amazon.com and Amazon.ca:

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

About the Book: Release Date December 2013

Jade has worked as a Seductor in a secret organization for five years now. Her main job? To earn the trust of her targets and secure the object or information her company was hired to steal—by any means necessary. She’s damn good at it, too.

With five years left on her contract, she is handed an assignment that turns her world upside down.

Oliver Kirkham is the attractive, young CEO of Kirkham Industries, a weapons manufacturing company, and is currently in possession of some very important blueprints—blueprints that could change the way war, as we know it, works. He’s extremely focused and doesn’t have time to date, at least until he comes to the rescue of a shy but very alluring Jade Gibbs.

What happens when one night of passion turns into more? Will Jade allow her feelings for Oliver to get in the way of her mission? Or will she do what she was hired to do and secure the steal?

REVIEW
4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOW .. well that was a totally different (in a great way) and SUPER HOT read.  Desire by B.L. Wilde is most definitely classified as an erotic novel.  While the smut was yummy and plentiful, I have to say the actual storyline was quite unique and not something I have come across before (not that I can think of right now anyway …lol).

Meet sexy, strong minded, nothing gets in her way, Jade.  Jade is an employee to a company called “The Seductors”.  These are men and woman who are trained in the art of seduction in order to manipulate a “target”.  Clients hire a seductor for many reasons.  A seductor is trained to be the best, and not just the best at seduction.  A seductor is held to a high standard of fitness, personal image, special ops,  and yes .. SEX!  Jade is considered to be a top seductor within the company.  She can manipulate and distance herself from any target she has been given, and ALWAYS gets the job done!

Jade’s latest target is Oliver, the CEO of a company that  specializes on nuclear weapons.  Jade’s mission is simple … seduce Oliver and get close enough to extract essential files on his computer.  Easy enough for the top seductor right???  Ya … not so much! 😉  What Jade doesn’t expect, is to have her mind blown by this wicked and wonderful man.  For the first time, Jade is somewhat feeling a little trumped and is experiencing feelings that have no business in surfacing.  Oliver rocks her world in ways that make him the hardest target she has ever had.

So much more to this story .. I am not giving you any more goodies.  LOL  I will say, I was captivated by the story, and the smut made my toes curl in the best way ever.  These two lit my e-reader on fire! 😉  It was intense at times, especially reading how Jade lowers her walls and let’s Oliver see her vulnerable side.  Lines get blurred as the relationship progresses, leaving Jade to question if a mission is in fact worth it.

The writing was excellent.  I was completely drawn in.  My only negative remarks will be about the cover and the ending.  The cover needs to match this amazing book, and right now it looks a little on the cheap side.  The ending .. hard to comment on this without giving much away, so all I’ll say is that I was a little confused if I was left with a cliffhanger or a true ending.  I guess I’ll find out when her next book in this series is released! 😉

HAPPY READING!
Reviewed by Rachel T.

Copy supplied by the author.

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Second Anniversary Celebration: J.T.Geissinger Giveaway Prize Package

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Second Anniversary Celebration:  J.T. Geissinger Giveaway Prize Package

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Today’s SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION prize package giveaway is generously donated by the fabulous J.T.Geissinger. J.T. is offering a paper copy (US/Canada only) of EDGE OF DARKNESS (Night Prowler #4) and ecopies of books 1-3 in her Night Prowler Series.

There will be TWO (2) winners:

FIRST PLACE (US/Canada only): A signed paper copy of EDGE OF DARKNESS (Night Prowler #4) 

SECOND PLACE (International): Night Prowler Series Vol 1-3 (Shadows Edge, Edge of Oblivion, Rapture’s Edge)

Click HERE for the link to J.T.Geissinger’s website.

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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 (ebooks) and US /CANADA only (paper book).

6. Giveaway runs from February 8 to February 14, 2014

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When A Lord Needs a Lady by Jane Goodger-A Review and Giveaway

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When A Lord Needs A Lady by Jane Goodger-A Review and Giveaway

When A Lord Needs A Lady

When A Lord Needs A Lady
by Jane Goodger
Genre: historical, romance
Release Date: February 6, 2014

When a Lord Needs a Lady

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 6, 2014

Lord Graham Spencer needs a wife.

But not just any girl will do. She must have the money to save his dilapidated estate and desperate tenants. So when he meets a charming American lady’s maid on the beach at Brighton, the last thing he ought to do is kiss her.

Katherine Wright is hunting a titled husband.

Or at least her mother is. But Katherine can’t get the memory of a most inappropriate kiss out of her mind. The handsome stranger who took her in his arms in Brighton was only a valet, but even if she is an heiress, she’d rather spend her life with him than some stiff British aristocrat.

Can true love survive two false identities, two scheming mamas, and two lavish house parties where all is revealed? It can…When A Lord Needs A Lady.

••••••••••••••••••••••••

If you like historical romance stories, this is a must read. Jane Goodger has given us a story that is both romantic in every possible way and incredibly well written. The story is basically simple, but with such feeling and wonderful characters it’s quite compelling.

So to begin, we have Katherine Wright, daughter of Elizabeth and Bartholomew. The Wrights are a wealthy American family, although not as wealthy as the elite of society, but just below the elite. Elizabeth, wanting her daughter to have an English title to her name in order to upgrade their standing in American society; has taken Katherine to England for the season to try to marry her off to a titled gentleman.

Katherine is a lovely girl who really doesn’t care about titles, a bit pampered as most wealthy girls were, but not a complete spoiled brat. She was actually quite an adventurous and spirited young lady. While in England they were to spend some time in Brighton Beach, ‘ the place to be’. While there her mother claimed to have horrendous headaches and she was pretty much left to herself. With the aid of her maid she dressed down in the common clothes of her maid and took walks. It was on such a walk, while reading a letter from her younger sister, that she met Gray, valet to the Marquess of Avonleigh.

Okay, Katy was not the maid, and Gray was not a valet…but it made for such a wonderfully imaginative start. Gray was actually Graham Spencer, the Marquess of Avonleigh. Who reluctantly needed a wealthy bride, to enable him to help his people. His father had lost most of the family fortune and died leaving him so young and inexperienced. Due to a bad or inexperienced investment, he had lost all the remaining funds.

So, they fell wonderfully for each other as maid and valet, and the experiences are really quite sweet, unique and according to the period. However, the week goes without the truth coming out and Katherine is swept on to the next “house party”. Of course she meets the actual Graham Spencer, and they have a great laugh, except it’s know he’s about to be engaged to another American girl with a much bigger dowry, but not nearly as wonderful.

What follows is heartbreaking, breathtaking and simply marvelous! This was one of those that kept me up late, because I just couldn’t wait to find out…so I didn’t. Morning found me smiling and wanting so much for this wonderful story not to end! You really must read this for yourselves, I promise, you won’t regret a minute of it! Enjoy everyone, I did!

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna

About the Author

Follow: Goodreads / Website/ Twitter/

Jane GoodgerI grew up in western Massachusetts and have lived most my adult life in New England. Thanks to my adventurous husband, I’ve also done brief stints in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Naples, Italy. Although I’ve written four contemporary romances under the name Jane Blackwood, my first love is historical romances. I’ve written seven of those with more on the way.

I have three kids, one who is in competitive gymnastics, another who’s just starting out; the oldest is a Kung Foo fanatic. I love the Red Sox and the New England Patriots. Still can’t believe my beloved Sox have won two World Series in my life time.

I have two Christmas historicals coming out soon, one in October ’08 and one in ’09. Above the desk in my office is this sign: “And They All Lived Happily Ever After.” It may not be reality, but it’s real nice to think about…

giveaway

e-Kensington Publishers and Jane Goodger are offering an ecopy of WHEN A LORD NEEDS A LADY to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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

3. Giveaway is open to USA only.

4. Giveaway runs from February 7 to February 10, 2014

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Second Anniversary Celebration: Beth Watson Giveaway Prize Package

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Second Anniversary Celebration:  Beth Watson Giveaway Prize Package

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Today’s SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION prize package is graciously donated by the fabulous Beth Watson/Eliza Watson/Eliza Daly. Beth is offering an ebook (International) or paper copy (US/Canada) of KISSING MY OLD LIFE AU REVOIR and GETTING A LIFE, EVEN IF YOU’RE DEAD.

ONE (1) winner will receive both copies.

Click HERE for a link to Beth Watson’s website

Click HERE for the link to Eliza Daly/Eliza Watson’s website

Beth Watson giveaway

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 (ebook) or US/CANADA only (paper books).

6. Giveaway runs from February 7 to February 14, 2014

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Perfect Together by Carly Phillips – a Review

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Perfect Together by Carly Phillips – a Review

perfect together_front mech.inddLinks to order Perfect Together:
 Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  The Book Depository

Description:
In the picturesque town of Serendipity, New York, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity’s finest?

Tired of being the easygoing daughter, always ignored in favor of her high-maintenance sister, and no longer interested in being her fiancé’s trophy wife, Nicole Farnsworth calls off her wedding. All she wants is to be herself. And where better to find her destiny than Serendipity? The place where she met the one man who made her heart beat faster, and gave her the courage to reinvent her life—even if he doesn’t know it.

Officer Sam Marsden calls Serendipity home and he loves it there—even though his childhood sweetheart was stolen by his best friend. After such heartbreak, Sam fears he can’t trust his instincts when it comes to love. Yet he’s so tempted by Nicole, a woman he met only briefly but who has starred in his dreams ever since. For Nicole and Sam, opening their hearts one more time could change their lives forever. But who’ll be the first to take that chance?

 

Review:

Perfect Together by Carly Phillips is a wonderful romance that takes place in a small town called Serendipity.  This is not the first book in this series, but it can very well be read as standalone.  We meet our hero, detective Sam Marsden.  While Sam’s family all around him are happy, being engaged or married, Sam doesn’t want any commitments.   He however can’t seem to forget a girl he met during a case a few months before. Nicole Farnsworth has just broken up with her fiancée, since she knows that what they feel for each other is that of a lifelong friend.  She too, remembers Sam, enough to know that is what she wants to feel about someone she will marry.  Nicole leaves her distant and cold family, and moves to Serendipity.

Nicole has never known what family love is about; just to do what is expected of her. But the minute she arrives in Serendipity, and sees Sam, she feels the chemistry immediately.  Nicole also meets Macy, who becomes a good friend, and in time she learns what family is all about when she meets the Mardens.  What follows is a beautiful romance, with some suspense throughout the story.  Seems another reason Nicole lefe home, is she overheard her ex fiancee’s father talking to the Russian mob.  Not thinking anyone knew she overheard, she decided to keep quiet and move on with her life.  Tyler her ex, and long time friend tries to win her back, though he knows its hopeless  but he too is following what his father wants.  Macy takes Tyler under her wing, and slowly changes him to loosen up.  Besides watching the relationship build between Nicole and Sam, we get to see Tyler and Macy start something on their own, though this is very slowly done. 

Sam has his issues being dumped by his ex fiancée years before, but he knows how much he has begun to care for Nicole.  He uses his police connections to help both Nicole and Tyler get past the danger that could be life threatening.  This was suspenseful and well done.  But it is the romance between Nicole and Sam that made this book so much fun to read.  Their chemistry was very sensual, and hot. I loved watching Nicole learn to care about the friends she found in Serendipity, as well as Sam’s family; especially after we got to meet her horrible mother, father, sister.  She loved Sam, but will Sam get past his major stumbling block?  Read this book, you will really enjoy it.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Avenger’s Heat (Moon Shifter #4) by Katie Reus-a review

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Avenger’s Heat (Moon Shifter #4) by Katie Reus-a review

Avenger's Heat FEb 14

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2014

To truly have her, he must free her from her dark secret…

Enforcer Erin Flynn has dedicated her life to protecting her kind. But keeping her heart safe from Noah Campbell, the smoking-hot shifter who saved her life last year, is more difficult. The deadly beauty would love to sink into his arms and become his mate, but she knows she can’t—he must never know about her dark past.

When Erin is sent to investigate the disappearances of pregnant shifters in New Orleans, Erin and Noah find themselves involved in a mystery more sinister than anyone expected. And as Erin delves further into the crimes, chilling information about her own past is revealed. The people who wanted her dead in the first place are trying to finish the job, and Noah wants nothing more than to shield her from harm. But can Erin truly trust Noah and let him see the wounded beast she’s hidden for so long?

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: AVENGER’S HEAT is the fourth full length storyline in Katie Reus’s contemporary, romance Moon Shifter paranormal series. The premise follows Erin Flynn and Noah Campbell-enforcers for the North American Council of Lupine Shifters-as they are sent to investigate a series of missing pregnant shifters. With the discovery of a dead female whose body appears to have been attacked by vampires, Erin and Noah soon realize that there is more to the missing women than anyone knows.

Katie Reus takes the reader on a tour of New Orleans where the rich and uber-rich of the paranormal realm play a game of power and control. As Erin digs deeper with her first solo mission as lead enforcer, she will discover that the trail begins to lead back to an all too familiar nightmare.

The relationship between Erin and Noah began in a previous storyline where Noah soon realized that Erin was his mate. As the relationship continues to build, so too does the sexual heat and need between shifters. Noah’s inner wolf knows that Erin is their mate, but convincing Erin may be another matter all together.

The world building continues with its connections to the Armstrong-Cordona pack referencing several previous storyline characters as well as developing upon a few secondary stories. There is little to no mention of the Antiparanormal league as Katie takes the series in another direction where fear of retribution and attack against the paranormal species comes from their very own.

Katie Reus continues to write an incredible series with action, suspense, romance and little bit of steamy sex. Her characters are passionate in their need; sensual in their love; and seductive in their heat. Katie pulls the reader into a world of imagination where the lines between reality and fantasy meet.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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