Monthly Archives: May 2014

Undercover In The CEO’s Bed by Coleen Kwan-a review

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Undercover In The CEO’s Bed by Coleen Kwan-a review

Undercover In The CEOs Bed

.99¢ ebook at the time of posting: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 26, 2014

Billionaire Lex Rochester has a problem. Someone is trying to sabotage the family company, but the investigation needs to be highly discreet because Lex suspects it’s one of his own relatives. His solution—hire IT security specialist Jacinta Greene, who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. With Jacinta posing as his newly reconciled girlfriend, the other Rochesters won’t suspect they’re being monitored.

The last thing Jacinta wants is to see Lex again. Their breakup still tortures her, but she’ll do just about anything to help her kid brother, even pretend to reunite with Lex. But the more time she spends with Lex, the more she realizes she’s never gotten over him. Which is bad news, because she and Lex are fatally incompatible.

The fire that still burns between them is as hot and irresistible as ever. Can Jacinta remember what’s real and what’s fake, or will she be hurt by Lex all over again?

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: UNDERCOVER IN THE CEO’S BED is a stand alone, contemporary, adult storyline from author Coleen Kwan. The premise is a second chance at love for two people whose relationship had collapsed ten months earlier when betrayal turned to heartbreak, harsh words were exchanged and bitter memories ensued.

The focus of the storyline is billionaire Lex Rochester’s need to uncover the person(s) responsible for leaking private information about his family’s company to the media. His first thought is to search out his ex girlfriend-IT specialist Jacinta Greene-who would be the perfect foil to hunt for the person responsible. Lex suspects a family member but Jacinta isn’t so sure.

The relationship between Lex and Jacinta is tense. Lex wants Jacinta to pose as his girlfriend but Jacinta wants something in exchange. From business meetings, to late night affairs and finally a family reunion, Jacinta and Lex must keep the truth about their fake relationship a secret while Jacinta searches for the person sabotaging the company from within. But a lack of trust and their inability to let go of the past has our couple continually fighting with one another-getting no where fast.

The secondary characters include an eclectic mixture of the Rochester family; friends and co-workers; and Jacinta’s younger brother. We are introduced to the family matriarch who is ready for her grandson to finally settle down and an assortment of cousins who are all too willing to reveal private information to Jacinta about the man with whom she is still in love.

The world building focuses on family, business and the past. We are privy to both Jacinta’s and Lex’s prior history as well as their own dysfunctional family secrets. The skeleton’s run deep in the Rochester family closet and perhaps one has come back to even the score.

Coleen Kwan pulls the reader into a story of trust and betrayal; family and friends; finding love and letting go. If you like a romantic story with a bit of mystery and a happily ever after, UNDERCOVER IN THE CEO’s BED is a quick read for a lazy afternoon.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Dante’s Poison (Mark Angelotti Novel #2) by Lynne Raimondo-a review

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DANTE’S POISON ( A Mark Angelotti Novel #2) by Lynne Raimondo-a review

Dante's Poison

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: May 6, 2014

Blind psychiatrist Mark Angelotti has just enrolled in a drug trial that holds out hope of restoring his eyesight when he again becomes entangled in a case that is rocking the Chicago legal community.

After defending the manufacturer of the powerful antipsychotic drug Lucitrol against product-liability claims, attorney Jane Barrett has become somewhat of an expert on the controversial medication. So when her lover, investigative journalist Rory Gallagher, collapses from a fatal dose of the same drug, it falls to Hallie Sanchez, Barrett’s oldest friend, to defend her on murder charges.

Amid growing doubts about her friend’s innocence, Hallie recruits Mark Angelotti to help her discredit the testimony of a crucial eyewitness. The pair succeeds in obtaining Barrett’s release, but at a dreadful price.

Mark sets out to investigate who else may have wanted the journalist out of the way. As he gets closer to the truth, he realizes the killer is still on the loose. But two questions remain for Mark: Will the drug trial succeed in restoring his eyesight? More important, will he live long enough to see this case to its end?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: DANTE’S POISON is the second instalment in Lynne Raimondo’s contemporary, mystery Mark Angelotti suspense series focusing on sight impaired Chicago psychiatrist and amateur investigator Mark Angelotti. Although this is the second book in the series, each book focuses on a different investigation and case with some of the characters over lapping between the stories.

The premise follows Mark as he investigates the murder of the Chicago Sun Times sleaze ball reporter Rory Gallagher and his connections to a controversial antipsychotic drug known as Lucitrol. When power attorney Jane Barrett (and Rory’s lover) is fingered and charged with the murder, Mark’s path of clues will find him the subject of an attack that will leave his friend Hallie in a coma and Mark setting his sights on a billion dollar drug company with too many secrets to hide. Add unethical and questionable sales reps and, Mark will soon discover that he is closer to the truth than he had ever surmised.

Our hero Mark Angelotti is a man who is mired in guilt-struggling with the demise of his marriage, a son he barely knows, the loss of his eye sight and a guilt so dark he will never be able to forgive or forget.

Lynne Raimondo pulls the reader into a storyline that is richly detailed in psychiatric and medical terminology-from bio medical ethics to prescription side effects; from diagnostics to treatment DANTE’S POISON is a storyline that focuses on corporate greed, big pharma, psychotic killers, jilted lovers, betrayal and revenge. The Windy City of Chicago is not one to play second fiddle and positions itself-front and center-in a storyline that will find our intrepid sleuth making his way through the sights and sounds of a city where he loves to live.

The secondary characters are an eclectic mix of friends from both the medical and legal fields. The world building finds Mark taking small steps towards a potential future all the while focusing on what he has lost and why.

DANTE’S POISON is a remarkable storyline that looks at the controversial side of prescription medications and medical ethics; an imaginative tale about a sociopathic mind and the lengths one will go to to avenge the past; and an intimate look at a man whose own past is darker than the world in which he now lives.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Road to Comfort by Becky Lower – a Review

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The Road to Comfort by Becky Lower – a Review

 

The Road to ComfortLink to order The Road to Comfort: Amazon

DESCRIPTION:
Juliette St.James has only done two impetuous things in her life, and the first resulted in her becoming a single parent at age 18. Now, she’s embarking on a cross-country trip to celebrate becoming an empty-nester. Not sure of what she will do now that she’s flying solo, she comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare—a cowboy.

Cyclone Kelley is a former rodeo cowboy who has broken one too many body parts to continue on the rodeo circuit. But the one body part that can’t be fixed by putting it into a cast is his heart, which was broken when his wife died. He wasn’t home to save her, and feels he’s unworthy for any kind of lasting relationship with a woman, so his life has been a meaningless string of one-nighters.

One broken car and an equally broken cowboy later, they are forced to decide if love is worth gambling on what could be. Or if tornadoes, and Cyclones, are better left alone.

 

REVIEW
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

So I have decided I want my car to break down in the middle of tornado valley right when a storm is brewing, decide I might as well eat Cheetos and read my kindle while waiting it out but instead get rescued by a yummy cowboy on a horse that I know will be rocking my world in the near future. Did I get your attention?? WINK!

Oh Becky … Becky Lower … one of my fave authors who delivers again and again! I loved The Road to Comfort, it was an endearing and smoky read.   The words flowed, the pages swiped and before I knew it, this book was done and I was believing in love at first sight! I have to say your heroine really started to tick me off there for a bit, but then again, someone is always ticking me off in your books and I keep coming back for more! Hook, line and sinker! LOL

Juliette St James is throwing caution to the wind. She has raised her son as a single parent, seen him educated and married off and now it’s time for her to let her hair down. She decides to drive cross country with no destination in mind. The car is packed with junk food, her kindle, the windows are down, her arm is hanging out the window and she is taking it all in. Then the clouds darken and her car breaks down in the middle of cornfield country.

Cyclone Kelley (yup that is his name) see the smoke billowing through the corn fields and hops on is horse to rescue the unfortunate soul. Well when Juliette steps out of her car, WHAMO, he is captivated. After losing his beloved wife a few years ago, one night stands are all he has allowed, but this beauty he has decided will be a keeper. Juliette comes with a guarded heart, but Cy comes on full force and even the most leery cannot resist him. While love is for the reaching, there are a few bumps along the way. Will one college professor who is trying to LIVE for once take a chance on a true cowboy?? You’ll have to read to find out. Great, shorter read one can enjoy while relaxing this summer! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

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Deadly Bloodlines by Elke Feuer – a Review

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Deadly Bloodlines by Elke Feuer – a Review

 

Deadly BloodlinesAmazon / Barnes & Noble

Description:
A serial killer determined to repeat a murderous pattern that started twenty years ago.

Years after leaving Cayman because of her notorious serial killer mother, Angel Mason returns as an inspector on the police force. On the twentieth anniversary of her mother’s capture, someone is murdered in the same manner as her mother’s victims.

To complicate matters more, Angel’s old flame, Bren McDougal, is assigned to help her with capturing the killer, and it’s soon undeniably clear that the passion between them is hotter than ever.

As the killer repeats her mother’s deadly pattern, Angel must face the terrifying truth she’s been hiding for twenty years.


Review:

Deadly Bloodlines is the first book in Elke Feuer’s new Deadly Series. I was very excited when asked to read and review this book, because after reading Elke’s first book For the Love of Jazz, I knew I’d discovered a new favourite author.  I just want to say, I think Miss Feuer has another hit on her hands with her new Deadly series.  I was not disappointed at all with this latest book by Elke Feuer.

In Deadly Bloodlines, Miss Feuer sets the tone for the storyline right from the first chapter.  She hooks you from there and there’s no going back.  Deadly Bloodlines is a fast-paced, exciting read with a ‘who done it’ mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the entire story.  Just when you think you may be getting closer to solving the mystery, she throws another bread crumb that gets you thinking in another direction.  There’s never a boring moment in this one people, it’s the type of book you just can’t put down once you’ve started until you get to the end and find out ‘who done it’.  When we finally get to that scene, I think my jaw dropped, because I never suspected the turn of events, or that person, not even for a second.  Now you know me, I’m not a spoil sport, so if you want to find out ‘who done it’, then you will have to read Deadly Bloodlines. 

On top of a nail biting mystery that’s full of suspense, second guessing of character’s motives, pulling your hair out over the fact that you think you know who the killer is, but then you turn the page and you think it’s someone entirely different, Ms. Feuer adds the element of romance to the story which only adds to an already action filled, tense story.  The romance between Angel and Bren is nicely balanced with the murder mystery and Angel’s past/present demons.  We get to explore both Bren and Angel’s personalities, learn of their past, and see how they navigate the current situation they are in. I like that their romance isn’t hurried, but instead is explored from their past and brought front and center with their present,  and with the possibility of a future if they can solve this mystery.   Both love each other very much and never stopped loving each other over the years they were apart.  Now if only they can overcome the obstacle in their path and find their way to their HEA. 

As I said earlier, Deadly Bloodlines is a fast paced, exciting yet nail biting read.  It will keep you guessing from beginning to end, making you turn page after page not wanting to stop till you get to the end.  Both the murder mystery and romance are well written and nicely balanced throughout the book.  Ms. Feuer has another hit on her hands with Deadly Bloodlines and I feel the hits will just keep coming for her. She has a talent for storytelling, world and character building and keeping her reader engrossed throughout the book.  For anyone looking for a ‘who done it’ type story with romance on the side, then look no further because Ms. Feuer delivers what you are looking for. 

Until next time, Happy Reading everyone! 

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

 

About the author
elke feuer Elke was born and raised on Grand Cayman and lives there with her husband and two kids who keep her on her toes. She has a sarcastic, quirky sense of humor not everyone gets, and is in a race to become the first Caymanian in space. When not writing, she’s helping other writers in Cayman through her organization CayWriters.

The author of For the Love of Jazz and Deadly Bloodlines, book one in her Deadly Series. She stumbled into writing romantic suspense because of her fascination with serial killers, but writes other genres because characters keep telling her their stories and she’s a sucker for a crazy story.

Connect with Elke: Website |Twitter|Facebook|Amazon|Goodreads

 

 

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Wild About Her Wingman by Robin Bielman – a Review

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Wild About Her Wingman by Robin Bielman – a Review

Wild About Her WingmanAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Playing it safe never felt so risky.

Erin Watters is her small town’s resident wild child—she doesn’t do boring, and after having her heart annihilated, she definitely doesn’t do relationships. Her friends have other ideas, though, and when they throw down a matchmaking challenge, impulsive Erin can’t ignore it. Even when the annoyingly hot Troy Strieber accepts the matchmaker role…

As a rescue paramedic, Troy’s used to watching out for people. Never mind the bet he made with his buddy to play Erin’s wingman. But the more time he spends with the sexy, charismatic woman, the more he discovers a side of her she doesn’t let many see. Soon what started as an innocent game of matchmaking has them both thinking about the person right under their nose. But Troy’s a play-it-safe guy, and he won’t let a woman who lives for risk ever steal his heart.

Review:

When Troy’s reputation as matchmaker extraordinaire extends to Erin, a gal whose wild streak is out of his comfort level, the challenge becomes unique.  Erin’s been burned by love, so she’s a bit jaded; he’s got to figure her out.  But the real problem is that TROY has to step out of the way.  Now, what happens when you set up friends?  You try to find common interests, similarities.  Before long, Troy believes HE’s Erin’s perfect match.  Delish or what?!  Robin Bielman tells just this story in Wild About Her Wingman, an entertaining read that is perfectly timed for summer reading!

“All I’ve got to do is find her a guy she wants a second date with.  This challenge has nothing to do with getting her to fall for someone.”…

“I said find Erin’s dream guy, but you know, I’m feeling generous so let’s just say a guy she wants to keep dating.”

Shit.  He had said that, hadn’t he?

Before wingman duties go into overdrive, Troy has to face personal demons of his own.  While he may have a flare for pairing up people, his own bachelor status stems from his girlfriend’s fatal hiking accident.  When his captain at the firehouse encourages Troy to pursue “exposure therapy” to rid him of his acrophobia (fear of heights), Troy never expected Erin to be his therapist (she’s a grad student).  Their connection was already forming pursuant to the dating challenge, so you can imagine how attuned they were.  Before long, Troy and Erin are collaborating and more interested in each other than any of the wingman set-ups.  Unfortunately, Troy and Erin get in the way.  Now that he’s her thesis subject, and they both believe they’re too different for each other, distance becomes necessary.

If she were ever dumb enough to act on her attraction, and it got out, his squeaky-clean image would ruin the carefree, hasty reputation she’d spent years nurturing, and no way could she have that.  And no way could she trust herself not to let her heart get involved.  Because Troy was just the type to make her woozy with affection and attachment.

A few critiques, if I may.  I couldn’t quite get into the rhythm Ms. Bielman set.  Erin was reputed to be the “bad girl”, but I didn’t read about reckless behavior (adolescent mischief more accurately).  Scenes would flow then segue rather abruptly.  It also got interrupted by a change of writing styles; as if the author included all her thoughts instead of filtering some out.  It led to a crammed, “don’t let me forget this detail” read.  And treating Troy’s phobia, while she suffers from one herself…it didn’t lend itself to credibility of her own profession.  In the end, it’s about healing body and soul and this couple would offer the other no less.  Don’t expect steam here, however.  It heads that way, but you’re left *gasping* to vivid imaginations…

All in all, this was a sweet story of overcoming adversity with the one you love.  A plot like this never goes out of style. 

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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This Time (Moments #3) by Marie Hall-Review and Blog Tour

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This Time (Moments #3) by Marie Hall-Review and Blog Tour

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This Time
Moments #3
by Marie Hall
Genre: Adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: May 15, 2014

This Time

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

A phone call that changed our lives…

I’ve lived my life in a daze, trying to save someone hell bent on destruction. But when my phone rings and I’m told that Angel, my on again off again boyfriend has OD’d for the second time in two years, I’m so numb. So tired. So when Tor Boler, the sexy Norwegian and drummer of Fok asks me to stay with him, I stay. We were friends and I needed to be held. To be loved. It was just supposed to be one night of reckless passion. One night where I could forget how screwed up my life had become.

…a night of passion with far reaching consequences

I’ve wanted Jamie Sullivan since the day she walked through my tattoo shop eight years ago. There’s a soulfulness to her blue eyes that reminds me of the arctic fjords of home. She calls to me. There’s only one problem standing in our way- Angel Romero. I want her, and she wants me too, she just doesn’t realize it yet.

This time… we’ll get it right.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THIS TIME is the third instalment in Marie Hall’s contemporary, adult Moments romance series. This is tattoo artist Tor Boler and twenty three year old book editor Jamie Sullivan’s story. Although this is the third in the series This Moment can be read as a stand alone. Some of the previous storyline characters play a small role in the story but their history does not affect the premise. Tor and Jamie were first introduced in book two-RIGHT NOW-as Lili’s coworker and her best friend.

Told from alternating first person POV (Jamie and Tor) the focus of the story is Jamie Sullivan. Angel is the boy she once loved but years of addiction, whoring and abuse have finally taken their toll on both Jamie and Angel. When Jamie is forced to walk away one final time she finds herself in the arms of Tor Boler-a Viking of a man- who calls to her heart and her soul. Following a night of sexual passion Jamie will walk away knowing that she is too broken for any man to put back together.

THIS TIME follows Jamie and Tor as they traverse a path where a friends to lovers relationship ends with a happily ever after but not before Jamie’s not so distant past threatens the couple on more than one occasion. Life as they know it is about to change for Tor and Jamie, and Angel is determined to make sure Jamie is his forever.

The relationship between Jamie and Tor is sensual, erotic, loving and committed. Tor has been in love with Jamie for years but believed her heart belonged to someone else. Little did he know that Jamie had been struggling to break herself free of the toxic hold that Angel and his family had on her. Hoping that one day Angel would once again become the boy she had loved, Jamie held on until the bitter end.

The secondary characters are colorful, familiar and add an edge to the story. Guilt plays a major role in the storyline-a role many people will find all too familiar. There are times when one must walk away from the people and places that slowly eat away at your heart and your mind and, in this, Jamie should have walked away years before. Tor is Jamie’s other half and it will take a shocking surprise to open Jamie’ s eye to the possibility of a future with her Norwegian Viking.

MARIE HALL writes a captivating and intense storyline about two people who have loved and lost. There is heartbreak and sorrow; controversy and guilt; love and letting go. THIS TIME is a passionate story where one moment in time can change everything and everyone-a decision, a choice, a path not yet taken-but a chance meeting with you future may all happen-this time!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight Black and Yellow

A Moment
Moments #1
by Marie Hall
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Genre: contemporary, adult, romance

A Moment

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

A MOMENT (Moments #1) by Marie Hall

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2013

Click HERE for our review of A MOMENT

Ryan Cosgrove and Liliana Delgado are on a collision course with destiny. They don’t know it yet, but before the night is over their lives will be forever changed.

Spending Valentine’s Day at a burlesque bar hadn’t been Liliana’s ideal way of spending a Friday night. She’d much rather be back on campus doing homework… until she meets Ryan. Tall, athletic, and gorgeous, Lili can’t keep her eyes off him, and despite his gruff manners and drunken disposition she’s intrigued.

Ryan’s got demons, and they’re deep, dark, and eating him alive. Regardless of his attraction to the petite brunette he’s tired of fighting, of pretending the last fifteen years haven’t been a daily struggle just to get out of bed every morning. That night he decides to end his pain, to leave it all behind and float away into the blessed darkness of oblivion. But fate has other plans for him, Lily finds and rescues Ryan, determined she’ll not only save his body, but his soul too.

This is their moment…

____________________________

Right NowRight Now
Moments #2
by Marie Hall
Genre: contemporary, adult, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 15, 2013

Click HERE for our review of RIGHT NOW

Sometimes in life….

Things were supposed to get better when Ryan met Lili. I was supposed to move on, get a life… but I’m stuck and lost. Things with my father are not good. There are demons in our closet, big ones. Ones I want to kill him for, I’m seeing a shrink, I’m trying to get better… but my life feels out of control, like I’m a raft adrift on the sea. I don’t know where to look, how to get anchored again, and then I meet Zoe Stone. Something about her draws me out of my rut, makes me laugh for real, smile, and for the first time in years I want to be more. But what will she think when she discovers who I really am?

…all we have…Is Right Now

When Alexander Donovan, aka The Golden Adonis, walks into my tattoo parlor, I know I’ll do anything to make that man mine. There’s an instant connection, a need to know more about him. Everything about him. But there’s also a mystery surrounding the guy, when people look at him they only see the man that laughs, that cracks jokes and makes the world think that everything’s okay, but I see the truth… I see the darkness that lurks so deep inside few would ever recognize it. I want to help him, I want to be with him, now I just have to make him trust me enough to let me in.

 

About The Author Black and Yellow

Marie Hall is a New York Times Bestselling author who has always held a dangerous fascination for creatures that go bump in the night. And mermaids. And of course fairies. Trolls. Unicorns. Shapeshifters. Vampires.

Scottish brogues. Kilts. Beefy arms. Ummm… Bad boys! Especially the sexy ones.

Then the day came she realized apart from the sexy bad boy she married, there’d be no vampires/shapeshifters/mermaids/fairies/or even stinky trolls in her future unless she wrote about them. More often than not she can be found roaming the wild, lush tropical forest she calls her backyard (a.k.a. Hawaii) and day dreaming constantly about her latest project.

Blog http://mariehallwrites.blogspot.com ~
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MarieHallAuthor~
Twitter https://twitter.com/mariehallwrites ~
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/MarieHall~

 

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Nauti Enchantress (Nauti Girls #2) by Lora Leigh-Review and Giveaway

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NAUTI ENCHANTRESS (Nauti Girls #2) by Lora Leigh-Review and Giveaway

Nauti Enchantress Banner

Nauti Enchantress
Nauti Girls #2
by Lora Leigh
Genre: contemporary, adult, erotic, romance, suspense

Nauti Enchantress

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 3, 2014

When Dawg Mackay made his four half-sisters part of his family, he vowed that he would care for and protect them with everything he had. But what happens now that the girls are all grown up? The Mackay girls are on the loose, and Somerset County will never be the same…

Lyrica Mackay has wanted tall, handsome Marine Graham Brock for as long as she can remember. Unfortunately, Graham only sees her as his friend Dawg Mackay’s “baby sister.” Or so she believes. The truth is, the fiery party girl stirs something in Graham no female ever has. But Graham, like everyone in Somerset County, knows that trouble stalks the Mackays like bears track honey, and when a Mackay runs as hot as Lyrica does, someone’s bound to get burned.

Then Graham discovers that Lyrica’s wild side is just a cover for a frightened and vulnerable woman who needs something true and genuine, something only Graham can offer. But surrendering his heart to Lyrica exposes them both to her shocking past—and a sinister secret that, once exposed, could destroy their only chance at happiness and shake the Mackay family to its core.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: NAUTI ENCHANTRESS is the second storyline in Lora Leigh’s contemporary, adult Nauti Girls erotic romance series-a spinoff from her successful Nauti Boys series. Some background: Six years earlier Dawg Mackay (Nauti Boys) discovered his father had another family who were suffering because of his father’s past. Enter-four half sisters and their mother-and Dawg and his cousins have a new family of women to dominate and protect. This is twenty four year old Lyrica Mackay and Marine Graham Brock’s story. The Nauti Girls series fast forwards Lora Leigh’s NAUTI BOYS series several years with the introduction of Dawg’s extended family.

The storyline follows Graham and Lyrica as they dance around one another-the attraction between our couple is palpable but Graham has been ‘threatened’ by the Mackay boys if he ever touches a single hair on Lyrica’s head. And it is becoming more difficult as Lyrica is Graham’s sister’s best friend and always at his house, and someone is now taking care to stalk and take down Lyrica. Graham is a man-whore; his parade of monthly ‘flavors’ threatens his future with the woman who calls to his heart and Lyrica isn’t willing to become the next flavor in Graham’s parlor of women and sex.

The premise follows Graham and the Mackay cousins (Rowdy, Dawg and Natches) as well as the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) as they try to uncover the people threatening Lyrica Mackay. Lyrica is in a continuous battle for her life, and her safety whenever she leaves the protective confines of the Mackay family or Graham’s house. Our intrepid group of former marines and military personnel know that Graham is in love with Lyrica and ensures that Graham is the first line of defense when it comes to Lyrica’s protection. As the Mackay’s and the DHS dig deeper it will be Lyrica who recognizes one of the people under suspicion and Graham begins to link everything back to his time in the Middle East war.

The relationship between Graham and Lyrica is tempestuous; fraught with heartbreak and betrayal as Lyrica watches the continuous stream of women in and out of Graham’s bed; and yet, Graham and the Mackay boys refuse to allow Lyrica any sense of freedom or explore a love life of her very own. Dawg and his cousins know that Lyrica and Graham are in love with one another but the Mackay boys protective nature ensures that Graham will be in no position to hurt one of their own.

Lora Leigh pulls the reader into an erotic storyline with overprotective alpha males who know a thing or two about falling in love. All of the Mackay cousins-Dawg, Natches and Rowdy play a significant role as well as Alex Jansen and Timothy Cranston (former agent of the DHS). The inclusion of the Nauti Mackay boys lends familiarity and a connection to the Nauti Girls series. As with all of Lora’s books, the sex is erotic, steamy, seduction and imaginative. The males are uber alpha, uber protective and only one woman will ever own each of their hearts.

NAUTI ENCHANTRESS follows another Mackay sibling and their journey of love and romance. There is always a former ally or nemesis waiting to attack and take down the Mackay cousins and their extended collection of family and friends, and in this, Lora Leigh writes another seductive chapter in the Nauti series of erotic stories of romance and love.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author Black and Blue

Lora LeighFOLLOW Lora: Website/Goodreads/Facebook/

Lora Leigh lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky, often found absorbing the ambience of this peaceful setting. She dreams in bright, vivid images of the characters intent on taking over her writing life, and fights a constant battle to put them on the hard drive of her computer before they can disappear as fast as they appeared. Lora’s family, and her writing life co-exist, if not in harmony, in relative peace with each other. Surrounded by a menagerie of pets, friends, and a teenage son who keeps her quick wit engaged, Lora’s life is filled with joys, aided by her fans whose hearts remind her daily why she writes.

Giveaway-Black and Deep Blue

Lora and her publisher Berkley are offering a paper copy of NAUTI ENCHANTRESS to one (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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 USA only.

6. Giveaway runs from May 29 to June 3, , 2014

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Secrets and Sins: Raphael by Naima Simone-Review and Interview with the Author

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SECRETS AND SINS: RAPHAEL by Naima Simone-Review and Interview with the Author.

Secrets and Sins Raphael

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 28, 2014

When Greer Addison finds her future husband in bed with another woman, she runs…right into the arms of dark and dangerous Raphael Marcel. Angry and hurt, she throws caution to the wind and spends a hot night with the sexy security specialist. But when her fiancé is found dead, Greer becomes the main suspect of a crime she can’t remember.

Raphael is stunned and suspicious when Greer shows up on his doorstep claiming she’s carrying his baby. Worse, she’s the target of a stalker bent on making her pay for a murder she doesn’t recall. As Raphael begins to trust Greer, they must race against the clock to uncover a killer…..because Greer’s memory is returning.

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REVIEW: SECRETS AND SINS: RAPHAEL is the third instalment in Naima Simone’s contemporary, adult, erotic Secrets and Sins romance series but can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. This is Raphael Marcel and Greer Addison’s story. Raphael is the tatted and pierced bad boy and co-owner of Liberty Security Services and Greer has been targeted by an unknown source.

The focus of the storyline is Greer’s protection and the building relationship between Greer and Raphael. Following a one night stand with the sexy Raphael, Greer walked into a gruesome murder scene-her ex fiancé was dead and she was the prime suspect. Four months later, Greer broke down and hired Raphael as her personal security guard but many things had changed for Greer in the ensuing months and Raphael soon learns that Greer is pregnant and he is the father.

Naima Simone pulls the reader into a storyline of murder, mystery, suspense and romance. The world building continues throughout the series with the inclusion of Raphael’s three brothers in arms (or a family of love) including Malachim, Gabriel and Chay. The four best friends are connected by a past mired in abuse and revenge but throughout their lives they have always had one another’s backs and hearts.

The relationship between Raphael and Greer is a not quite friends to lovers storyline that is overshadowed by numerous death threats and abduction attempts on both Raphael and Greer. Someone wants Greer dead and the list of possibilities continues to grow-from her ex fiancé’s family to someone close, Raphael can’t deny that someone Greer knows has targeted her for destruction. Greer comes from wealth but her dysfunctional family dynamics finds Greer alone and struggling without emotional or financial support.

SECRETS AND SINS: RAPHAEL is a fast paced, intriguing and compelling storyline. The intimacy between our leading couple is sexual, sensual and passionate. As Raphael works to uncover the who and why behind the threats against Greer, Greer will discover that the only people she can depend upon are those that have been there for her from the very start and the man with whom she has fallen in love.

Secrets and Sins series.

Reading Order
1. Gabriel
2. Malachim
3. Raphael

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview yellow:black

TRC: Hi Naima and welcome to The Reading Café.

Naima: Thank you so much for having me here today!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow: Website / Facebook /Twitter

Naima SimoneNaima: Sure thing! I’m a domestically-challenged wife and mother of long-suffering husband and two children. I’m an identical twin—the nicer half—and a preacher’s kid. A Yankee transplant to the south, Vin Diesel’s DL lover, a destroyer of Cherry Cokes and Symphony chocolate bars, and a devout Nalini Singh worshipper. And oh yes! A romance author! ☺

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Naima: 16 Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, St. Elmo’s Fire, Oxford Blues—every 80s movie that made me believe happily-ever-afters aren’t just for pretty, popular, skinny cheerleaders. Made me believe shy, nerdy, curvy, slightly awkward girls like me can have the hot, desired, cool guys they dream of. And how cool is it that I can give them the HEAs? On paper at least. LOL!

TRC: When not writing, what do you do to relax?

Naima: I love to veg out in front of the television, watching hours of ID Discovery and reading. With a ridiculously huge, you-oughtta-be-ashamed-of-yo’self bag of sour cream ‘n onion potato chips. And yes, I can do all three at the same time.

Secrets and Sins RaphaelTRC: RAPHAEL is the latest release in your SECRETS AND SINS adult contemporary series focusing on four friends who share a dark past. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Naima: Absolutely! A socialite spends a hot night with a sexy security specialist after she finds her fiancé in bed with another woman, and now she’s pregnant, suspected of her ex’s death, possessing no memory of the crime, and stalked by a vengeful assailant who desires retribution…and her life. That was my elevator pitch. ☺

TRC: Are any of the characters or the premise based in reality or a combination of reality and fiction?

Naima: Actually, Raphael Marcel, the hero in my newest release SECRETS AND SINS: RAPHAEL, is based on a real person. When I was in the middle of writing the first book in the series, GABRIEL, my father told me about this young guy he knew at the gym where he worked out. The guy was tall, ripped, wore a black skully, had tattoos all over his arms and chest…just looked like a thug. One day, while my father was lifting weights, the FBI came in looking for him—the other guy, not my dad. ☺ Later on, when he arrived to work out, Daddy informed him the Feds had been there asking about him. My father said, the guy grinned and confessed he might be in trouble because of some illegal hacking. I thought that was AWESOME! I mean, come on. Looks like a thug but is freakin’ brilliant? What an interesting character. And sexy, too. I love a skully on a man. LOL! So I went back to my book and completely changed Raphael’s character to reflect this man from the gym.

TRC: If you could virtually cast your four leading men which actors or models would best represent your ideal image?

Secrets and Sins series.

Naima: Oooh. *rubbing hands together gleefully* I love casting my heroes! Let’s see… For Gabriel, Sebastian Stan. Y’know, the guy who played Bucky Barnes on Captain America? Sigh. For Malachim, Gabriel Aubry—before he got lumped up by Halle Berry’s current man. Henry Cavill for Raphael. And Travis Fimmel for Chay. Yes! An award winning cast here!

Secrets and Sins Cast

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Naima: There are four books in the series. One book for each friend. I confess, I’m going to miss them when I’m finished. *sniff sniff*

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular story and series?

Naima: The most time-consuming challenge—but by no means was it a hardship—was researching the city of Boston. The series takes place there, but there are so many neighborhoods that make up this beautiful city. And each one has its own characteristics, personality, and flavor. So I spent a lot of time making sure I was as accurate as possible. Several of the authors I’m friends with live there, so they helped tremendously with my questions. And thank goodness my editor used to live there, too! She corrected me a couple of times. ☺

TRC: How do you keep your plot unpredictable without sacrificing content or believability?

Naima: ID Discovery and Criminal Minds. LOL!! Seriously though, writing romantic suspense allows me to play with some seriously disturbed characters. Imagining their motives, actions, and personalities kept the plot unpredictable…because they are.

TRC: What are your thoughts on writing a series and ending an installment with a major cliff hanger?

Naima: I love writing series, because even if it’s just cameos, I get to continue the story of the previous characters. As well as give the secondary characters, who I’ve come to love just as much, their HEAs. I’m not a huge fan of ending an installment with a major cliff hanger…I think those cliff hangers from Dallas back in the day might’ve traumatized me. Do you know how long I had to wait to find out who shot J.R.??

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

Naima: It’s definitely a collaboration. I love characterization, and by the time I start a book, I know them, their history, their issues, their flaws and strengths. So when the book starts to veer off the plotted plan, I trust it because more often than not, that detour will stay true to the character and end up in a great scene that I didn’t see coming. Afterward, I’ll have a celebratory cup of coffee, sit back, and go, daaay-aaam. That’s good. LOL!!

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

Naima: We have to let go and become totally immersed in the character—their fears, joys, and sorrows. No, I may not have ever been abandoned by a parent, but I do know what it feels like to not be accepted, to need affirmation, to have self-esteem issues and doubts. I can tap into that pain, longing, and anger, draw on it, and pour it into the book. It’s about letting go and not being afraid to re-experience emotions that lifted us to the very heights of happiness and then turned around and ripped us to shreds. Our first crush or love. Our first heart break. The first rejection. The loss of a loved one. Even the elation and victory of selling a first book after laboring so hard. I think as long as we’re not afraid to feel, we can write deep emotion.

TRC: Writers Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writers block?

Naima: Boy, do I know how real it is. LOL! Sometimes I just have to power through. An author once told me, You can edit s**t, but you can’t edit nothing. LOL! So true, so true. If I’m not on a deadline, and the words just aren’t coming, I step away from the computer, go take a nap, read a book, or watch ID Discovery. Just step back, gain some perspective and space, and then go back and try again. Usually, it works. Oh! And pray. ☺

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Naima: I am so blessed to have two of the absolute best critique partners evah! Debra Glass and Jessica Lee. Between the two of them, I can always work out a plot or snafu. They are my literary angels! LOL!

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Naima: My pastor would be appalled right now, because he had us write this out about a year ago. And, yeah, I didn’t. *grin* Let’s see… Meet Nalini Singh. Take a family vacation overseas—I’ve been out of the country, but not with my husband or kids. And be successful and comfortable in a career I adore.

TRC: What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Naima: When I was ten, I ate a worm on a dare after my sister, cousins, and I read the book, How to Eat Fried Worms. No, it didn’t taste like chicken…

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Naima: Well, the fourth book in the Secrets and Sins series, CHAYOT, is in editing. Yay! And I’m my current WIP is a contemporary romance involving blackmail, revenge, and a marriage of convenience. And sex. LOL!

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Naima: Yes! Thank you so much for the opportunity to visit with The Reading Café! And thank you to every reader who has supported me with buying my books, funny comments on Facebook, tweets, and emails. Not only has it been a total ride writing for you, it’s been a blast getting to know you! Love you! Huge tackle hug!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Shrimp egg foo yung and hubby’s stuffed mushrooms

Favorite Dessert
Strawberry cake

Favorite TV Show
Modern Family

Last Movie You Saw
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Awesoooome!!)

Favorite Song
Come Up Here by Jason Upton

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Milk…especially if it’s a Symphony chocolate bar!

Secret Celebrity Crush
Can’t use Vin, because he’s not a secret. Umm…Charlize Theron. She’s gorgeous. I love my husband and aaaalll that he has to offer me, but yeah, she’s gaw-geous!

Last Vacation Destination
Cork City, Ireland

Pet Peeve
Off the top of my head, my pet peeve is when a certain person who shall remain nameless *cough* husband *cough* comes home with the Tupperware said person carried to work and drops it in some obscure place that I don’t find until days later. And by then it’s growing something that looks like it belongs in a Hogwarts laboratory and smells like it could make me invisible to zombies. That’s off the top of my head. Other than that? Smacking. Just put me in a room with a recording of someone smacking and I will tell you my social security number, bra size, and age!

TRC: Thank you Naima for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulation on the release of RAPHAEL: Secrets and Sins. We are
looking forward to reading CHAY’s storyline next.

Naima: Thank you! I’ve had a ball! ☺

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