The Sinners Club Series by Kate Pearce-a review

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Sandy

The Sinners Club Series (The First Sinners/The Sinners Club) by Kate Pearce-a review

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Those that are familiar with Kate Pearce’s House of Pleasure Series will likely recognize this brand new spin of series called The Sinners Club. Kate Pearce merges two of my favourite genres together (historical romance and erotica) and provides page after page of lords and ladies, rakes and spinsters, proper vs improper, a little mystery to solve and LOTS OF HOT SMUT!

I will tell you though, you will find detailed scenes of menage, a little taboo and some same sex, so if you like your erotica on the lighter side, this may not be for you. I happen to love the way Kate Pearce writes and I always anticipate her latest release knowing I am going to get a great story supported by some smokin’ … well you get the picture! LOL

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BOOK 0.5 – The First Sinners (Novella)
Release Date: November 26, 2013

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DESCRIPTION

Their identities a secret, they are men of mystery with hidden pasts and dark passions. Welcome to the Sinners Club…

Secret Desires

Faith Pelly is tired of being the responsible daughter. She longs for adventure with a man who will introduce her to the secrets of carnal desire. But she never dreams she will meet the Savage Rake who flirts with her, seduces her and takes her as his own…

Dark Secrets

Asked to investigate charges of treason, the Earl of Westbrook attends a house party determined to discover the truth. That includes using all his sensual wiles on the lovely Miss Pelly, a beguiling young woman eager for erotic excitement with a man who will fulfill all her secret fantasies. And he plans on being that man…

REVIEW

A short introduction and back story of how The Sinners Club was founded.

The Earl of Westbrook has been tasked with a mission. An act of treason is suspected and Westbrook much attend a house party to determine if treason is in fact occurring, and, if so, learn all the details without revealing his purpose of being there. What our Earl gets is a whole lot more than he bargained for.

Faith Pelly is the responsible “go to” daughter who lives at this suspected manor. Tired of being a good girl and craving things she cannot understand, Faith is discovered with some naughty material by Westbrook. Deciding to be forward, Faith embarks on one sexual experience after another with Westbrook, learning that her body is fine tuned instrument that likes to be played.

Westbrook is completely captivated by Faith and soon realizes that his mission can compromise the treasured connection he has found with her. But danger lurks at every corner, and someone knows a little too much for their own good. Will Faith protect her home, or will she take a chance with this man who has opened a whole new way of life???

Reviewed by Rachel

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BOOK 1 – The Sinners Club
Release Date: December 31, 2013

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DESCRIPTION

Total Pleasure

Unsure of his reception, Jack Lennox adopts the guise of his own secretary upon returning to his ancestral home to claim his father’s earldom. When he arrives, he’s stunned to discover the previous earl’s lovely young widow, a woman of beguiling curves and sensual smiles, warming the bed…

Absolute Surrender

Mary Lennox is determined to remain in Pinchbeck Hall and a mere secretary isn’t going to tell her otherwise. But Jack Smith is a man of many talents and soon she’s succumbing to his erotic games of pleasure. Only Mary may have underestimated the intensity of her wanton longings and the depths of Jack’s dark desires…

Note: This book is about Jack Lennox who you met first in SIMPLY SCANDALOUS.

REVIEW

Well hi again Jack! 🙂

Jack Lennox was first introduced to us in Simply Scandalous (9th and final book of The House of Pleasure series). I was so pleased he was the lead in this new spin off. Jack returns to his ancestral home to properly claim his father’s earldom. However, he doesn’t expect to encounter his father’s beautiful young widow Mary Lennox … who just may be pregnant and full of secrets. Deciding to pose as his own secretary, Jack knows for certain that something is not quite right with this young lady and her live in brother. Determined to find the truth, Jack indulges in seducing both brother and sister. Jack also returns to “The Sinners Club” in hopes of finding out more information about Mary and where she came from.

The Sinners Club was founded by the Earl of Westbrook and his wife Faith many years back. It is a club that has been designed for members who serve the crown privately .. AKA, spies! If ever caught by the enemy, the crown will deny any existence of a spy therefore turning their backs on those that risk their lives daily. The Sinners Club provides a haven for these members and is a central safe place to hide, exchange information and indulge in some fancy!

As the truth begins to surface, and the layers peel back, Jack discovers not all is as it seems with regards to Mary and her brother. While deflecting danger after danger, Jack begins to realize that he has feelings for these two, and that revealing his own identity may be more harmful than first thought. With the help of good friends, Jack uncovers an awful truth and betrayal that can be the defining moment on whether he gets his chance at love.

A wonderful start to this series and I love that some of the House of Pleasure characters made cameo appearances. Katie Pearce writes one HOT INTRIGUING story and her style is recognizable by the first chapter. If you love the historical erotica, then this will be the book for you!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy Supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Emma Cane-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Sandy

Emma Cane-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

With the recent release of THE COWBOY OF VALENTINE VALLEY and A PROMISE AT BLUEBELL HILL The Reading Cafe would like to welcome author Emma Cane.

Interview 1

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TRC: Hi Emma and welcome to The Reading Café.

Emma Cane Emma: Thank you so much for having me!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Please tell us something about yourself.

Emma: I write the contemporary small-town series Valentine Valley for Avon Books. I sold my first book back in 1998, after thirteen years of trying and three completed books. That was my first historical romance, written as Gayle Callen. I just finished writing my 32nd book, somed of them still historicals as Gayle. I’m married, with three grown kids and two adorable dogs. I love to read (of course), watch TV, crochet, travel, and snowshoe and hike with my husband and dogs.

TRC: What or who influenced your foray into writing?

Emma: I went to Catholic school as a kid, and I had a great English teacher, Marilyn Reiser, who started me on my writing journey. But Star Trek was really influenced me. I loved the idea of outer space and alien worlds so much that I wanted to try my hand at it. The first stories I wrote were about teenagers in space, and my high school friends passed them around to read. And then I read my first historical romance, and that was just it. I fell deeply in love with romance, and my first high school attempt at one was a Western historical romance. I find it funny that now I write modern day books set in the west, since all the historicals I publish are about England.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of:

Click HERE for our reviews of THE COWBOY OF VALENTINE VALLEY and A PROMISE AT BLUEBELL HILL

THE COWBOY OF VALENTINE VALLEY

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Emma: THE COWBOY OF VALENTINE VALLEY is the third book in my Valentine Valley series—but you definitely don’t need to read them in any order. Josh Thalberg, a cowboy and leather craftsman, thinks his world is dandy—until he meets reformed Hollywood bad girl, Whitney Winslow, who’s opening a branch of her upscale lingerie store, Leather and Lace, in Valentine Valley and thinks leather necklaces created by Josh will wow her customers. She keeps pushing her advice about promoting his work—until a publicity photo she insisted he take goes viral and Josh becomes the most desired cowboy in America.

A PROMISE AT BLUEBELL HILL

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Emma: Secret Service agent Travis Beaumont is supposed to be preparing for the wedding of the president’s son in Valentine Valley, but flower shop owner and activist Monica Shaw has a secret that might jeopardize his assignment. In her heyday, she was an activist. It seems the widows of the Widows’ Boardinghouse think a presidential wedding is the perfect time for another protest—putting Monica squarely between them and hunky Travis, who has a job to do.

TRC: What was the inspiration behind the fictional town of Valentine Valley?

Emma: First of all, I really wanted to do a small town where everyone knew each other. Next I chose to set it in Colorado ranching country because of my son, as I mentioned above, but also because I’d visited the area and knew how gorgeous it was. And of course I wanted cowboys! Not that all my heroes are cowboys… 😉 But I really wanted a town known for romance, where people fell in love or renewed their vows or came there specifically to propose or get married. And the name Valentine Valley was born!

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the Valentine Valley series and can each of the novels be read as a stand-alone?

Emma: Yes, each novel has its own main characters and can be read alone. You’ll meet characters from other books, but I hope that just makes you want to read about them. Right now I’m under contract for two more, SLEIGH BELLS ON MAIN STREET, which comes out in November, and another to be published in spring 2015. I hope to keep going after that, as long as the readers enjoy them.

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Emma: Good question! As someone said, there’s not a plot that hasn’t been done before. BUT, it’s the author’s style of writing that makes each book different. And of course, the characters. I spend a lot of time figuring out their backgrounds and flaws, coming up with several goals and conflicts for each of them, and making sure those goals clash. If they’re happy and nothing stands in their way, the book is over in Chapter One. Characters that feel real make you, the reader, believe in the world I’ve created.

TRC: You also write historical romance novels under the name Gayle Callen. Do you have any plans for a new release in 2014?

Emma: The newest book, REDEMPTION OF THE DUKE, publishing in May, is about Adam, the unexpected Duke of Rothford, who feels the need to make up for the mistakes he made during the war. He discovers that the sister of a man who died under his command is working as a lady’s companion. Surely he can improve her life. But Miss Faith Cooper wants nothing to do with him, until Adam is forced to take matters into his own hands.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Emma: I’m a plotter, which means I figure out much of the plot before I begin to write the book. As I mentioned above, I know everything about the characters, and I usually know all the main scenes. So most of the time, I’m the director. 😉 But when I’m writing, and those characters come to life, sometimes they make me realize they would never act the way I have planned in a certain scene, or they want to do something completely different. I usually can’t plan love scenes—they tend to happen because of what’s going on in the book, not advance planning. I don’t fight those instincts. I figure it’s my subconscious trying to get the book right.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s block?

Emma: After fifteen years of writing professionally, I still have days when the scenes won’t come to me. That’s the signal that something is wrong, and my subconscious is letting me know it. I have to put aside anxiety and trust myself. Staring at the screen usually doesn’t work. I think about the problem, and then I go do something else, housework, reading, exercising, anything. Eventually, my mind solves the problem without me even realizing it’s been working in the background the whole time.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Emma: I just finished writing the fifth book in the Valentine Valley series, SLEIGH BELLS ON MAIN STREET (November 2014), where single-dad Tony, who owns a popular tavern, discovers that his ex-wife has dropped back into town for the holidays and drives him crazy. Next I’ll start plotting and writing the sixth book of the series, due to be published next spring.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – ice cream

Favorite Dessert – and also chocolate. 😉

Favorite TV Show – Scandal

Last Movie You Saw – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Milk Chocolate

Secret Celebrity Crush – Liam Neeson. He became a big star after the movie “Taken,” but I fell in love with him during the Scottish historical movie, “Rob Roy.” Yes, he was wearing a kilt…

Last Vacation Destination – England, to visit my daughter as she studied during her semester abroad, and of course, to research!

TRC: Thank you Emma for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of THE COWBOY OF VALENTINE VALLEY and A PROMISE AT BLUEBELL HILL. We wish you all the best.

giveaway

Emma Cane and Harper Collins are offering a paper copy of the first book in the Valentine Valley series A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE to ONE (1) lucky commenter.

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. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Giveaway is open to US / CANADA only

6. Giveaway runs from March 28 to April 1, 2014

The Cowboy of Valentine Valley / A Promise at Bluebell Hill by Emma Cane-reviews

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Sandy

The Cowboy of Valentine Valley / A Promise at Bluebell Hill by Emma Cane – reviews

Valentine Valley Series

The Valentine Valley series by Emma Cane

THE COWBOY OF VALENTINE VALLEY (Valentine Valley #3) by Emma Cane

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2014

Welcome to Valentine Valley, where the cowboys have many talents and love is waiting around every corner . . .

Ever since a heated late-night kiss—that absolutely should not have happened—cowboy Josh Thalberg makes former Hollywood bad girl Whitney Winslow’s pulse beat faster. But when she decides to use his gorgeous leatherwork in her new upscale lingerie shop, Leather & Lace, she’s determined to keep their relationship strictly professional . . . even if she wants so much more.

Josh has never met a challenge he isn’t up for. Which is probably why he allowed Whitney to persuade him to take the sexy publicity photo that went viral—and now has every woman in America knocking down his door . . . every woman except the one he can’t get out of his head.

But how to convince a reformed bad girl that some rules are worth breaking?

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REVIEW: THE COWBOY OF VALENTINE VALLEY is the third full length storyline (fifth story) in Emma Cane’s Valentine Valley adult, western romance series. This is cowboy/leather designer Josh Thalberg and lingerie business owner Whitney Winslow’s story. Whitney has returned to Valentine Valley eight months after approaching the town people about her desire to open up her third ‘Leather and Lace’ lingerie boutique and eight months following the kiss that has turned her dreams upside down. Although this is the third full length story it can be read as a standalone without too much difficulty. Many of the previous storyline characters play an integral role in THE COWBOY OF VALENTINE VALLEY. The story is told from third person POV.

The focus of THE COWBOY OF VALENTINE VALLEY is Josh and Whitney’s building relationship and the drama surrounding small town mentality with the hopes of keeping the riff-raff at bay. When Whitney approached Josh about a designer line of leather collars for her shop, she had no idea the media fall-out that would occur when a few pictures of Josh showing his leather goods went viral on the social media networks. Add some enterprising ‘grandmas’ and the tabloid paparazzi and, Josh and Whitney will find themselves front and center in a small town scandal. Hoping to track down the people responsible, Whitney is surprised when the source of the problem is someone very close.

The relationship between Whitney and Josh is a second chance at love between two people who are perfect for one another but from different lifestyles and financial backgrounds. The romance is sensual and slow to build as our couple take the time to discover one another.

Emma Cane pulls the reader into a romantic tale set in a picturesque world where friends meet and fall deeply in love. It is a story (and series) where romance fuels the senses and love deepens the plot. The characters are colorful and approachable-they are people with hopes and dreams; heartbreak and sorrow; loves and dislikes. The world building continues as the Valentine Valley regulars draw in the reader for a peek at the past and the future storylines that have yet to be told.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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A PROMISE AT BLUEBELL HILL (Valentine Valley #4) by Emma Cane

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About the book: Release Date February 25, 2014

Welcome to Valentine Valley, where romance blooms and love captivates even the most guarded of hearts . . .

From the moment Secret Service agent Travis Beaumont strides into the town and through the door of Monica Shaw’s flower shop, she feels a sizzle of attraction. After years of putting everyone else’s needs first, Monica is ready to grab hold of life. If she can just persuade the ultimate protector to let his own walls down for once . . .

The President’s son is getting married in Valentine Valley, and Travis should be avoiding all distractions . . . not fantasizing about a forthright, sexy-as-hell florist. Especially when she’s keeping secrets that could jeopardize his assignment. But just this once, Travis is tempted to put down the rulebook and follow his heart—right to Monica’s door.

Roses are red, violets are blue, and in Valentine Valley, love will always find you.

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REVIEW: A PROMISE AT BLUEBELL HILL is the fourth full-length instalment in Emma Cane’s Valentine Valley series focusing on a tight knit group of friends and family in and around Valentine Valley, Colorado. This is florist Monica Shaw and Secret Service agent Travis Beaumont’s story. Although this is the fourth instalment, it can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty although I would suggest for your complete enjoyment, reading the series from the beginning as many of the references are interconnected from previous storylines. A Promise At Blue Bell Hill fast forwards the series approximately six to seven months.

The focus of the storyline is on the impending nuptials of the US President’s son with one of Valentine Valley’s own. Travis is the lead agent preparing for the president’s visit and must be on guard for any and all potential threats to the first family. Travis finds himself irrevocably drawn to Monica once he has entered her shop and their mutual attraction fuels the gossip in the small town of Valentine Valley. As the storyline builds, so too, do the secrets between our couple-Monica’s past and Travis’s true intent.

As the town of Valentine Valley prepares for the upcoming visit of the president and the wedding of the year, the reader is re-introduced to many of the previous storyline characters. We get another glimpse at the Valentine Valley’s feisty Widow’s Boarding house ladies; the gang at Tony’s Tavern; and all of the couples who fell in love in Valentine Valley.

Emma Cane writes a wonderful storyline about two people who met under auspicious circumstances-they were obviously destined to meet-but life and everything it has to offer will ensure that what they have is only a temporary thing. As the date nears for the president’s arrival, the ladies of the Widow’s Boarding house have other plans for welcoming the president and her family. Plans will be made, lines will be drawn and family will be pitted against one another.

The relationship between Monica and Travis is slow to build as they play around one another throughout most of the storyline. In this, I did not feel the connection between our leading couple. There was something missing in the ‘love’ department-perhaps it was Travis’s cold, brooding, dark Secret Service exterior –or Monica’s ‘laissez faire’ attitude about the entire relationship. The relationship took second place to the secondary storyline regarding the upcoming presidential visit and the plans the elder members of Valentine Valley had put into motion.

A PROMISE AT BLUEBELL HILL is a story that pulls together all of Valentine Valley’s lovers and friends. It is a story about a building romance between two people from different walks of life; a story about family, discovering the truth and, knowing when to let go. The world building continues throughout each instalment with the re-introduction of old friends, new lovers and future stories. Emma Cane weaves a story about a small town in Valentine Valley, Colorado and all of the romance it has to offer.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Beautiful Bastard Series by Christina Lauren-A Series Review

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Sandy

Beautiful Bastard Series by Christina Lauren- A Series Review

Beautiful Bastard Series

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

This is a great series. This is an aggravating series. This is a hot series. This is a series that made my toes curl one minute, and then want to throw my e-reader against the wall the next. This is a must read series if you are into a group of young men and young women finding their BEAUTIFUL OTHER, and the twists and turns, at times stupidity, and perfect moments of self discovery that assist them to finding each other. This series is an oxymoron … and the title BEAUTIFUL BASTARD … is perfectly proper!

The Beautiful Bastard series by Christina Lauren falls into the contemporary erotica genre. It consists of 6 books total, 3 full novels and 3 novellas in between. While it has some similar markers as the whole billionaire tortured man and his innocent sweet woman formula, it strays away just enough to make it it’s own. We have powerful men, and powerful ladies, great friendships that are laced with pranks, humour and absolute honesty, and some mind blowing sex that borders on complete obsession. What I loved the most was that you got to see this group grow up as a whole and after reading the last novella, I felt sad and content. Sad to say good bye, but content that their lives are in the right direction.

Keep in mind that the further the reviews go into this series, I have no choice but to reveal a few spoilers. Hate that I have to do that. I am going to try and keep each review short and sweet though, so please keep in mind that there is always so much more to the story than what I am giving you here. This is just a small taste to a BIG flavour! 😉

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Book 1 – Beautiful Bastard

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DESCRIPTION-February 12, 2013

An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling.

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate–and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative–completely infuriating–creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules–or outright smash them–if it means he can have her. All over the office.

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other.

Originally only available online as The Office by tby789–and garnering over 2 million reads on fanfiction sites–Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

REVIEW

Ah the power couple that starts it all off. Chloe Mills is one smart cookie, hard working and not afraid of any challenge. She shoots from the hip and can deflect an insult with class and sass. She is also working as an intern for Bennett Ryan. Bennett is a also a hard worker and demands perfection from his staff. Well when these two strong willed personalities clash it sets off some serious fireworks and smokin’ panty ripping. Bennett cannot stop this aggravating attraction he has for Chloe and her smart mouth. When they act upon it, suddenly they find themselves opening a can of worms they are not ready to deal with. Chloe can’t believe the nerve of this beautiful bastard, and will not be bullied into submission. Bennett can’t believe he has met a woman who doesn’t take his crap or bow down. Both take as well as they give. At first a game played like chess between these two, soon turns into a game of their hearts. Can they stop fighting each other long enough to reveal their stripped away true selves and feelings??

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BOOK 1.5 – Beautiful Bitch (Novella)

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DESCRIPTION-July 9, 2013

Picking up where Beautiful Bastard left off, Chloe Mills and Bennett Ryan continue their steamy, combative relationship.

Just when Chloe’s career starts to take off, Bennett wishes it would all slow down long enough to spend a wild night alone with his girlfriend. But after he refuses to take no for an answer, Chloe and Bennett find themselves with two plane tickets, one French Villa, and a surprising conversation that, predictably, leaves them wrestling under the covers.

REVIEW

Willing to make a go of their relationship, Bennett and Chloe carry on with their busy lives. Somehow, quickies in the office and late night trysts just are not cutting it. Bennett wants some one on one romantic time alone with his girlfriend. Seeing no other way, he high handedly (yup typical Bennett) decides to whisk Chloe away across the ocean for some one on one. He may have a surprise or two up his sleeve as well. When things do not go his way however, Bennett is forced to spend some time reflecting and questioning all with regards to his beautiful bitch. Can this time alone be more harmful than good to their relationship or will they finally face a question that both have been avoiding?

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BOOK 2 – Beautiful Stranger

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DESCRIPTION-April 16, 2013

Escaping a cheating ex, finance whiz Sara Dillon’s moved to New York City and is looking for excitement and passion without a lot of strings attached. So meeting the irresistible, sexy Brit at a dance club should have meant nothing more than a night’s fun. But the manner—and speed—with which he melts her inhibitions turns him from a one-time hookup and into her Beautiful Stranger.

The whole city knows that Max Stella loves women, not that he’s ever found one he particularly wants to keep around. Despite pulling in plenty with his Wall Street bad boy charm, it’s not until Sara—and the wild photos she lets him take of her—that he starts wondering if there’s someone for him outside of the bedroom.

Hooking up in places where anybody could catch them, the only thing scarier for Sara than getting caught in public is having Max get too close in private.

REVIEW

Sara Dillon is Chloe’s best friend. She also has finally broken up with her jerkface boyfriend and made a big move to New York to start her life over. She is sweet and kind and breaking free from a shell that has suffocated her for years. When she comes across Max Stella, the sexy Brit in a dance club, she thinks … “Why not?”. Max is one of Bennett’s best friends, and he is a first class lady’s man. When he meets this sweet girl named Sara who seductively dances for him and agrees to a rock his world, he is completely gobsmacked. As the two agree to some naughty future encounters (that may just include a camera .. lol) they find they are revealing their vulnerable sides. With vulnerability comes truth however, and suddenly this relationship develops into more than a friend with benefits. Turmoil is ahead however that will define where their path travels, but can these two get out of their own way to realize they have a great thing??

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BOOK 2.5 – Beautiful Bombshell (Novella)

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DESCRIPTION-September 3, 2013

The gentlemen from Beautiful Bastard, Beautiful Stranger, and Beautiful Player are out for a wild night on The Strip.

When Max, Henry, and Will steal Bennett away for a weekend of shenanigans and strippers in Vegas, the first stop of the night doesn’t go at all as planned. With their scheme for a Guys Weekend completely derailed anyway, Max and Bennett begin to play a wild game of stealth and secrecy in order to have their bombshells all over Sin City

REVIEW

Oh man .. what do you get when you take hot men to Vegas for a bachelor party? You wouldn’t think, brooding men who want their ladies. LOL Well that is what happens. Determined to see their buddy have a good time before getting hitched the boys have it all planned out. Little does Bennett realize though, that Chloe has something up her own sleeve with the help of his friends. Not intending to ruin their party, Chloe comes in for a quick prank and then carries on with her own girl weekend in Vegas away from the men. Max knows his Sara is in Vegas, and if he has to steal a car or two between bathroom breaks to see his girl, well so be it. Will, thinks his friends are ridiculous, and after a chance encounter with a drag queen decides … GAME ON!

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BOOK 3 – Beautiful Player

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DESCRIPTION-October 29, 2013

A bombshell bookworm. A chronic Casanova. And a lesson in chemistry too scandalous for school.

When Hanna Bergstrom receives a lecture from her overprotective brother about neglecting her social life and burying herself in grad school, she’s determined to tackle his implied assignment: get out, make friends, start dating. And who better to turn her into the sultry siren every man wants than her brother’s gorgeous best friend, Will Sumner, venture capitalist and unapologetic playboy?

Will takes risks for a living, but he’s skeptical about this challenge of Hanna’s…until the wild night his innocently seductive pupil tempts him into bed- and teaches him a thing or two about being with a woman he can’t forget. Now that Hanna’s discovered the power of her own sex appeal, it’s up to Will to prove he’s the only man she’ll ever need.

REVIEW

THIS WAS MY FAVE! Will .. you had it coming buddy! LOL Will Sumner is the ultimate playboy. He has regular hook ups (with no strings attached of course) planned certain days of the week. He works hard and he plays hard. Determined never to fall under a female grasp they way his best pals have, he sticks to his own set of rules. When he receives a call from his college best friend’s sister, he agrees to help her break out of her workaholic tendancies. Hanna is sweet and super smart, spending all her time in lab. Deciding she needs to get a life, she recruits Will to help make her over. Well suddenly Hanna is no longer the kid sister, and Will is a playboy no matter how wrong it is to hook up with your buddies sister. Hanna through her innocent and naturally curious mind throws Will off his game. A thrown Will is a confused and taken back Will. Sexy confident Hanna is not going to wait for Will to make up his mind however, and while she is living her life, Will is questioning his own! Will these two finally get on the same page or will they be doomed to remain family friends … without benefits?

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BOOK 3.5 – Beautiful Beginning (Novella)

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DESCRIPTION-November 19, 2013

Back when not being able to stand each other also meant not being able to keep their hands off each other in Beautiful Bastard, neither Bennett nor Chloe could have seen this day coming.

An exasperated bride who just wants to elope. A determined groom whose only focus is getting to the wedding night. And—of course—a whole lot of name calling.

REVIEW

This is the book that ties it all together. It’s called Beautiful Beginning, but to me it’s Beautiful Goodbye. Chloe and Bennett are getting married. Bennett however has decided to place a “no sex until the wedding night” rule on their relationship. Chloe is not having any of that, and goes about trying to seduce her man with action, naughty words and shock value. Bennett is at his wits end trying to fight off Chloe and making sure she gets her dream wedding. Chloe is done with folding invites and all the wedding crap .. she wants to run away and just get married so she can have her man proper. After Bennett
convinces Chloe that they will have their traditional wedding, he begins to wish he hadn’t. Disaster after disaster, prank after prank, loud mouth family members and sexual frustration begin to wear on their nerves causing their typical Chloe and Bennett blow ups. With the help of Max, Sara, Will, Hanna, cougar aunts, mom’s and dad’s etc .. these two wrap up this entire series in the best way possible. I do, with a side of naughty! 😉

An incredible rowdy bunch that provided pages of entertainment. The writing style was easy and flowed naturally. If you are looking for a new group of friends to make you laugh, get you hot under the collar, aggravate the crap out of you and still manage to give you warm and fuzzies, the you have to check out this series!

Reviews by Rachel T.

Hope Ignites by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Barb

Hope Ignites by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

Hope 2

Hope Ingites
Hope Series – Book #2
by Jaci Burton
Release Date: March 25, 2014 Hope Ignites

Links to order Hope Ignites: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository
Description:

Logan McCormack likes his isolated life on the ranch, until a movie crew starts filming there. When actress Desiree Jenkins blows into his life, she wrecks it harder than the Oklahoma winds with her brutal honesty and soft touch. Des knows this is a temporary stay, but she loves the open freedom of the land, and for the first time in her life, Des feels like she might have found a place she can call home, with a man she might be falling in love with. But Logan’s heart is tougher than the soil beneath them—can she convince him that they belong together?

Review:

Hope Ignites is the 2^nd book in Jaci Burton’s Hope series. I loved the first book in this series, Hope Flames and couldn’t wait to read this book. I have to say after reading Hope Ignites, that Jaci Burton is quickly rising on my must read list. This was a wonderful book, and a fabulous couple. Logan is our hero, as we met him in the first book, being Luke’s brother. Logan is not interested in anything but taking care of his ranch. He is not interested in woman or relationships, other than a one night stand. Logan has a long memory of the mother who left them, and refuses to allow himself to suffer like his father did. He has no intention of allowing any woman into his life.

When he agrees to let a film production use part of his huge property to film a movie, he has no idea that his life is about to change. We meet our fabulous heroine, Desiree Jenkins (Des), a famous actress, who is the star of the movie. She is an awesome heroine; strong, confident, refreshingly honest, and fun loving. It doesn’t take long for Des to notice the hot ranch owner, and once she does, Logan doesn’t stand a chance when he is caught up in the whirlwind called Des. Martha, who is Logan’s housekeeper is a big fan of Des and her leading man, Colt; and that opens the door, as she enlists Logan’s aid to visit the set and meet the cast.

What follows is a fantastic hot steamy romance of a couple, who are enjoying the moment, knowing there is no future for them. Logan becomes obsessed with Des, but knows she has her career, and loves what she is doing. He loves his ranch, and has no thought of becoming part of the wild world of the film industry. Des, in between her filming, learns all about the small town of Hope, and Logan’s ranch. She dreams of having a place of her own, away from the glare of the public, but at the same time loves her career. But for the couple of months in Hope, Logan and Des become totally involved and it’s fun to get to see some of the characters we met in the first book. I really enjoyed the buildup of this romance, and Burton has quite a few sizzling sex scenes that truly will steam up your kindle (if you have paper, then your mirror will steam up). 🙂

They made such a great fun couple, though at times I wanted to smack Logan for being so nasty to Des, letting his past (the mother who left them) effect his thinking.

I loved Des’s relationship with her leading man, Colt, who is her best friend. Colt is gay, and is still in the closet; as he hides his relationship with Tony, his boyfriend. Many people, including Logan, at first, think of Des and Colt as having a relationship, which helps Colt hide the truth. But Des tries to convince him not to hide and to come out and live openly. Nice friendship between them, very well done.

Hope Ignites was a wonderful fun and sexy romance that pulls you totally in. Des was absolutely wonderful, and she is perfect for Logan. Will they find a way to get past the major obstacles stand in their way? Will Logan ever get past his thinking all woman are like his mother, and trust Des? Will Colt find his happy ending? You will have to read this fabulous book to find out. I will say that Jaci Burton gives us a wonderful and uplifting climax that rivals some great movies that we have seen. Wonderful!

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Giveaway-Green/Gold Berkley/NAL has graciously offered to give a member of The Reading Café a chance to win a paper copy of Jaci Burton‘s Hope Ignites.

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The Duke’s Quandary by Callie Hutton – a Review

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Barb

The Duke’s Quandary by Callie Hutton – a Review

The Duke's Quandary Links to order The Duke’s Quandary:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
This is the first sequel to The Elusive Wife. In the Duke’s Quandary, we are re-introduced to Jason’s best friend, Drake, who is now the Duke of Manchester. Drake, duke of Manchester has always known he would one day step into his father’s shoes. However, the older man took the family by surprise when he died in a riding accident. Not feeling ready for the responsibilities, Drake decides marrying a perfect woman will assure him, as well as the ton, that he is, indeed, up to the job. Miss Penelope Clayton, a shy and somewhat clumsy botanist, intends to spend her life as a spinster, crawling around in the dirt pursuing her work. That all changes when her aunt insists she travel from her home in the country to London and present herself to the dowager duchess of Manchester who will guide Penelope through a Season. The first meeting between Drake and Penelope is a disaster, and he resents his mother’s request that he help keep their houseguest’s dance card filled with eligible gentlemen. He wants to spend the time this season looking for the perfect wife. Penelope doesn’t want a husband, and Drake surely doesn’t want her for a wife. But things change when they’re caught together in a compromising situation. Will he have his perfect duchess?

Review;

Having recently become a fan of historical romances, this one did not disappoint me one bit. I’ve never read anything before by Callie Hutton, but let me just say this won’t be the last for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The Duke’s Quandry is a short and fast paced read and many times had me chuckling out loud at the antics of one Penelope Clayton.

I would have to say that the reason I enjoyed this read so much would be because of our unlikely heroine, Penelope Clayton. Her whole persona appealed to me and many times had me thinking, yup that would so be me in that situation at a coming out ball. You see Penelope is not your typical lady of the ton in a society where ladies are to present themselves in just such a way. No, not at all, she’s shy, clumsy, introverted and a tad on the geeky side, and just wants to be left to her botany pursuits. I don’t know how many times I laughed out loud at something that happened to poor Penelope. Whether she was bumping into pieces of furniture because her aunt convinced her she’d never find a husband wearing her glasses, or knocking drinks over, or crawling around in the dirt digging up flowers while catching her night gown on fire, and causing our poor Duke to wring his hands over her, she just brought the story to life for me. Penelope was a like a breath of fresh air in a stuck up society where ‘perfection’ in a wife is what the men are looking for.

Which leads me to our hero, Drake the Duke of Manchester. Having decided in order to show he is ready to truly take up the mantle of Duke of Manchester after their father perished in a riding accident he decides it’s time to find a wife amongst the ladies of the ton. Looking for the ‘perfect’ lady doesn’t go quite as he thought it would. For some reason there’s just something about Penelope that keeps drawing Drake to her, and causing him to loose all control and reason around her. Even though she’s constantly causing him grief with her awkwardness in society, and pretty much driving him batty, he’s drawn to her like a moth to a flame, and he can’t quite figure out why. I got such a kick out of watching Drake flounder around where Penelope was concerned, and convince himself that there were no feelings of love developing towards her on his part. There were times he seemed completely clueless where he and Penelope were concerned, but then the more time he spent with her, and the more he got to see just who Penelope really is, we get to see a transformation in Drake as he begins to realize maybe he doesn’t need the ‘perfect’ wife, but a wife who’s perfect for him.

I would have to say that Ms. Hutton has another hit on her hands with The Duke’s Quandry. It’s a fresh and witty story, with plenty of comical scenes that will have you chuckling to yourself many times. Penelope is the type of heroine that you can really identify with, and come to adore. You want to see her succeed in both her botany pursuits and finding love. I really enjoyed the way Ms. Hutton slowly built up the romance between these two characters and allowed the reader to come to know both and see how each see themselves in society and in a relationship. The descriptions of the balls, ballrooms and gowns transports the reader back in time to a place where the girls had coming out balls to be presented to available suitors. I felt like I was right there with Penelope worrying about how I was going to do at the latest ball I was being dragged too. For anyone who is a fan of historical romances, then I highly recommend this one and trust me you won’t be disappointed.

Until next time, happy reading!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by publisher

Sinful Seconds-Book Blast and Giveaway

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Sandy

Sinful Seconds-Book Blast and Giveaway

SINFUL SECONDS

Publication Date: March 17, 2014

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

From the six USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors who brought you WICKED FIRSTS, comes an all new contemporary set of six sexy, suspenseful and very SINFUL SECONDS.

SINFUL SURRENDER by Elisabeth Naughton
SINFUL RAPTURE by Alexandra Ivy
SINFUL SECRETS by Cynthia Eden
SINFUL IN SPURS by Laura Wright
SINFUL SEDUCTION by Katie Reus
SINFULLY SCANDALOUS by Joan Swan

••••••••••••••••••••

His eyes ran the length of her, and his jaw tightened. “It’s time to go home, Keel.”
“I agree.”
His eyes nearly disintegrated her they were so hot and intense. “Then tell Mr. Clean to get back in here so I can get these cuffs off, and we can get the hell out of here.”
It was the first time she’d noticed that his hands were behind his back. Restrained. Something stirred inside of her at the thought, but she pushed it away. No. She hadn’t come here to work out her fantasies about Sawyer Black WITH Sawyer Black.
“I’ll go and get him, but only with the understanding that you’re walking out of here and heading home. Alone.”
His eyes narrowed and his lip curled. “Keely, I’ve had enough of this horseshit. You’re going home and there’s nothing else to say about it.”
Reasoning with Sawyer Black had always been a pointless pursuit. There was no one more stubborn or pig headed.
“How old do you think I am?” she asked him.
“Call the asshole back, Keel.”
“How old, Sawyer?” she pressed. Tossing off her embarrassment, she walked toward him, knowing how the movement accentuated her body in the dress she had on.
His gaze raked her before he tore it away and cursed. “I don’t fucking know.”
“Twenty-one.”
“I don’t care. Shit, I don’t care if you’re forty-fucking-five. You don’t belong here. You belong at home, in your room, studying and staying out of trouble.”

SINFUL SURRENDER by Elisabeth Naughton
He’s been watching her, and now he’s here, in the dimly lit bar of the swanky Vail resort, pretending not to notice her. Songwriter Grace Ryder has never liked the spotlight, but her skin tingles whenever his sexy gaze drifts her way. Only one night will prove whether he’s safety or sin.

Aegis operative Brian Walker’s orders are clear: observe, but don’t touch. Things change, though, the moment the leggy brunette makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Desire leads to seduction, but it comes at a price. Because someone wants her dead, and if Brian’s not careful, his obsession for a woman he never should have touched could get them both killed.
Visit Elisabeth’s website to find more of her incredible books.

http://www.elisabethnaughton.com/

SINFUL RAPTURE by Alexandra Ivy
Holly Sullivan has always been the good girl, but when her fiancé jilts her at the altar she spends her non-wedding night at The Playhouse indulging her deepest desires.

Liam fell in love with Holly at first glance. Unfortunately, she hates him for buying her father’s business. Following her to The Playhouse, he devotes the night to fulfilling her fantasies. But will she forgive him when his secret is revealed?

Visit Alexandra’s website to find more of her incredible books.
http://www.alexandraivy.com/

SINFUL SECRETS by Cynthia Eden
One year ago, Catherine Donnelly spent a wild night in a stranger’s arms. Sexy and mysterious, Jason August broke through all of Cat’s defenses. But when dawn came, she ran from his bed, and she never looked back. Until now…

Catherine vanished from Jason’s life before, and he isn’t about to let her escape again. Cat will discover that the only man who can truly keep her safe in a world gone mad…well, that would be the man she married a year ago, on one hot Vegas night…

Visit Cynthia’s website to find more of her incredible books.

http://www.cynthiaeden.com/
SINFUL IN SPURS by Laura Wright
Champion bull rider, Sawyer Black has one goal when he isn’t competing in the arena: watch out for his best friend’s little sister. But Keely is turning out to be anything but cooperative. The once shy, small town girl has turned into a gorgeous and very stubborn hellcat with big city excitement on her mind. And when Sawyer returns from a rodeo to find her gone, he knows he will do anything it takes to bring her home.

Keely O’Hare is sick and tired of her brother’s best friend babysitting her. It’s her final year of college and she’s ready to explore the dark sexual needs she’s been keeping secret in her heart. So when Sawyer goes away for work, Keely escapes to the city and to the notorious sex club, The Playhouse. But when Sawyer finds her there, unexpected and explosive sexual tension flares hot and heavy between them–and Keely refuses to return home with him until he spends two nights in The Playhouse with her. If he wants to bring along his bull rope? Even better.

Visit Laura’s website to find more of her incredible books
http://laurawright.com/

SINFUL SEDUCTION by Katie Reus
As an heiress from a prominent family, Mina knows the pain of living under a microscope. Which is why she loves her sleepy Key West home where nobody knows her name. She’s determined to make her way without being coddled–and no mugging is going to change that.

Former Marine Alexander Blue has seen enough bloodshed to last a lifetime. When he sees a mysterious brunette attacked by a mugger, his need to protect kicks into overdrive. Mina brings him home and bandages him up, but her gaze cuts clear to his soul. An intense connection isn’t all Blue feels–he’s convinced Mina needs his protection. Just one problem: Mina doesn’t want saving.

Visit Katie’s website to find more of her incredible books

http://katiereus.com/

SINFUL DECEPTION by Joan Swan
In need of fast cash to help her brother sneak into the US, Tova Sorenson takes a job as a sexcam operator, sparking an unlikely friendship with her very first customer. When Marcus Lucero’s border patrol teammate suggests a sexcam site for female companionship without heartache, Marcus figures he’s got nothing to lose.

While danger from Tova’s dark side brings them together in the flesh where their chemistry burns hotter than hell, it also exposes their divergent loyalties which could end not only their desires, but their lives

Visit Joan’s website to find more of her incredible books
http://joanswan.com/

___________________

WICKED FIRSTS

Release date: August 19, 2013

Six all-new super sexy suspense stories of first loves, first attractions, first temptations, first times and first obsessions.

.99cents for a limited time: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /
FIRST EXPOSURE by Elisabeth Naughton
FIRST RAPTURE by Alexandra Ivy
FIRST TASTE OF DARKNESS by Cynthia Eden
FIRST INK by Laura Wright
FIRST SURRENDER by Katie Reus
FIRST TEMPTATION by Joan Swan

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Love Lines by S. Walden-Blog Tour and Giveaway

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Sandy

Love Lines by S. Walden-Blog Tour and Giveaway

Love Lines Banner

Love Lines
The Wilmington Saga #1
by S. Walden
Release Date: March 25, 2014
Genre: Adult, contemporary, romance

Love Lines

Amazon.com / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble

Arrive at work at 7:58 A.M. sharp. Check. Count forty-seven steps to cubicle. Check. Arrange pens in their red-blue-black-green-purple order of importance. Check. Apply hand sanitizer before opening email. Double check.

And that’s just the first few minutes of her work day.

Thirty-one-year-old proofreader Bailey Mitchell is a slave to her tics. She inherited Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from her father, and it’s done nothing but inhibit her love life. She’s run the gamut of boyfriends—none of them willing or able to cope with her condition.

Enter 32-year-old Reece Powell, her new coworker at Beach Elite Marketing Firm. He’s more than willing to cope. He finds her habits cute and quirky . . . for now. Reece wins her over, and life coasts along for them until Bailey experiences a devastating blow. Tragedy exacerbates her OCD, and Reece realizes her tics aren’t so cute and quirky anymore. Just like all the others, he has the choice to leave.

But Reece isn’t like all the others.

“Annie!” I squealed, running and scooping her up before she
had the chance to escape. I rained kisses all over her face. She was clearly
confused, but she seemed to like it. The evidence? She dropped her doll and
squeezed my neck.
Erica stared at me through narrowed eyes. “No one, including
me, likes my children that much. What is going on?”
Annie giggled on cue, like she understood her mother’s
words. I laughed outright.
“Your momma’s silly, isn’t she? Isn’t she?” I asked, poking
Annie’s sides.
“Oh my God, who are you?” Erica demanded. “Where’s my BFF
who promised me she’d never have children so I could live vicariously through
her? I swear to God if you’re pregnant…”
“Calm down,” I said over the top of Annie’s head. She
twisted in my arms signaling she was over my show of affection. I placed her on
the floor beside her discarded doll. “How would I even be pregnant?”
“Sex. It’s called sex,” Erica replied. She finished folding
the last of Little Noah’s shirts, then tossed it in the laundry basket.
“Don’t say s-e-x in front of the baby!” I chided.
“B, she doesn’t know what sex is.”
“She’ll repeat it.”
“Who cares?”
“Oh, so you want to be the mother with the kid who knows the
bad words?” I asked.
“Bad word?” Erica asked, laughing.
“You know what I mean,” I said. “You want to be the mother
who all the other mothers gossip about? Like about how bad your parenting
skills are?”
Erica placed her hand on her hip. “Yeah, I do. Fuck ‘em.
Fuck all those mothers. Fuck their playdates and mommy groups and fucking
Melissa and Doug puzzles. Fuck their running strollers and baby couture and
breastfeeding advice. Fuck their—”
“ERICA!”
“What?”
I looked down at the floor, but Annie was gone. She’d walked away
somewhere, no doubt the kitchen since that seemed to be her favorite place to
play.

S. Walden used to teach English before making the best decision of her life by becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Georgia with her very supportive husband, who prefers physics textbooks over fiction and has a difficult time understanding why her characters must have personality flaws. She is wary of small children, so she has a Westie instead. She is the USA Today bestselling author of Going Under. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about it.

She loves her fans and loves to hear from them. Email her at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com and follow her twitter feed at @swaldenauthor.

Website: http://www.swaldenauthor.com
Blog: http://swaldenauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/swaldenauthor
Twitter: @swaldenauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/swaldenauthor

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The Reading Cafe

One stop pertaining to books and more

Monthly Archives: March 2014

The Sinners Club Series by Kate Pearce-a review

Emma Cane-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

Emma Cane-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

The Cowboy of Valentine Valley / A Promise at Bluebell Hill by Emma Cane-reviews

The Cowboy of Valentine Valley / A Promise at Bluebell Hill by Emma Cane – reviews

Beautiful Bastard Series by Christina Lauren-A Series Review

Beautiful Bastard Series by Christina Lauren- A Series Review

Hope Ignites by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

Hope Ignites by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

The Duke’s Quandary by Callie Hutton – a Review

The Duke’s Quandary by Callie Hutton – a Review

Sinful Seconds-Book Blast and Giveaway

Sinful Seconds-Book Blast and Giveaway

Love Lines by S. Walden-Blog Tour and Giveaway